Chapter twelve
726 Words
Aria adjusted the strap of her bag as she stepped out of the office building, exhaling sharply. The workday had been exhausting, but the real challenge was just beginning.
Adrian stood a few feet away, hands in his pockets, watching her. His presence was always overwhelming, his gaze unreadable yet intense.
"I’ll drop you off," he said. It wasn’t a question.
She shook her head. "That won’t be necessary. I have plans."
Adrian arched a brow. "Plans? With who?"
Aria crossed her arms. "I don’t see how that’s relevant."
Adrian’s jaw tensed, and for a moment, she thought he’d argue. But instead, he let out a short breath, nodding toward his car. "At least let me drop you at a safe spot."
She hesitated, but there was no point in refusing. He was persistent. Too persistent.
"Fine," she muttered.
The car ride was silent. Adrian didn’t pry further, but his grip on the steering wheel tightened every time she checked her phone. He finally pulled over near a cozy restaurant, a few blocks from her apartment.
"You can manage from here, right?" His voice was calm, but his eyes held something else.
"Yes. Thanks for the ride." She quickly stepped out before the atmosphere got any heavier.
At home, Aria freshened up and slipped into a soft beige dress that hugged her just right. She applied light makeup, added a touch of perfume, and sent Noah a quick message.
Aria: I’m ready. See you soon.
Fifteen minutes later, they met at the restaurant. Noah looked effortlessly handsome in a crisp shirt and jeans, his easygoing smile putting her at ease.
"You look beautiful," he said, pulling out a chair for her.
"Thanks," she replied, settling in.
As their orders arrived, they eased into casual conversation.
"So, what actually brought you back to town?" Aria asked.
Noah leaned back, sipping his drink. "Work. My company transferred me here for a project. I figured it was time for a fresh start." He looked at her. "And you? How’s work treating you?"
She sighed. "Busy, demanding, but… fulfilling, I guess."
"Is your boss the strict type or the friendly one?"
Aria hesitated, then smirked. "Let’s just say he’s… complicated."
Noah chuckled. "Sounds like a handful."
"You have no idea."
There was a comfortable pause before he asked, "So… have you thought about us?"
Aria traced the rim of her glass. "Noah, what exactly do you want?"
His expression grew serious. "Another chance. I know we didn’t work out before, but I don’t want to keep wondering what could’ve been."
She sighed. "We broke up because we drifted. You were always busy, and I felt… neglected."
"I know," he admitted. "And I should have done better. But I’m here now, and I want to prove I can be different."
Aria studied him. "Are we really ready to try again? Or are we just holding on to something familiar?"
Noah reached for her hand. "I don’t have all the answers, Aria. But I know I want you in my life."
Her heart tightened at his sincerity.
"I’ll think about it," she said finally. "I owe myself that much."
Noah smiled, though there was a hint of nervousness in his eyes. "Fair enough. I’ll wait."
As the night went on, they talked about everything—work, their past, their dreams. And for the first time in a while, Aria felt lighter.
But at the back of her mind, Adrian’s presence still lingered.
After their dinner date, Noah drove Aria home. The ride was quiet but comfortable, with soft music playing in the background. When he pulled up outside her apartment, he turned to her.
"I meant what I said, Aria. I’ll wait for your answer," he said gently.
She offered a small smile. "Goodnight, Noah."
"Goodnight."
She stepped out, watching as he drove off before heading inside.
Aria slipped out of her dress, reaching for her nightwear when her phone buzzed. She frowned. It was late—who could be calling?
Adrian.
Her stomach twisted. What does he want at this hour?
She hesitated but answered. "Hello?"
"Come outside," his deep voice commanded.
"What? Adrian, it’s late—"
"I’m outside your apartment. I won’t leave until you come down."
Her breath hitched. Was he serious? She quickly peeked through her window and, sure enough, his sleek black car was parked outside.
- Writer
