《Livid Guardian's Endless Coddling》


 Foreword - Please read! ^?^

    Foreword - Please read! ^?^


    Hi! Munchkin here, author of this novel, <strong>Livid Guardian''s Endless Codling.</strong>


    Thank you amazing readers for giving it a try. If you any questions to ask, drop ament, I will answer. I have also created a discord server and Instagram ount for those who are interested to chat.


    ---


    Works:


    1. <strong>Aloof CEO''s; Charming Secretary</strong><em> (Completed)</em>


    <em>[<strong>Synopsis</strong>: Sky, a boisterous girl who lived with her family. She just wanted a simple life but her real identity made her life into aplete mess.</em>


    <em>She disliked being around rich but she had to be <strong>the President and CEO of </strong></em><em><strong>Harley corporation</strong> which was one of the top multinationalpanies in </em><em>Country A and she was the sole heiress of Harley.</em>


    <em>In the process of epting and solving her own life, she loses some people </em><em>and loses herself in the mess. Then she earns some who helps her to find </em><em>herself back.</em>


    <em>To be with her family, she didn''t care about Love but she would be forced to m</em><em>arry her <strong>Secretary</strong>.</em>


    <em>Will thatplexes her life or simplifies it?]</em>


    2. <strong>Livid Guardian''s Endless Codling</strong> <em>(Ongoing)</em>


    <em>Aria Cooper  n Morgan</em>


    3. <strong>The Traps of ck Swan</strong> (Ongoing)


    Aarvi Evans  Aaron Rivas


    <em>[Synopsis:</em>


    <em>''Each betrayal begins with trust''</em>


    <em>~~~</em>


    <em>''Endure a while'' was what her grandfather said.</em>


    <em>She endured the curses.</em>


    <em>She endured the pain.</em>


    <em>She endured the unfairness.</em>


    <em>She endured the behest.</em>


    <em>She endured the down heart.</em>


    <em>She endured many things but what did she get in return?</em>


    <em>Betrayal from her own people.</em>


    <em>''This cruel world is not for innocents.'' She had to learn it forcefullyying on the deathbed wishing to leave the world forever.</em>


    <em>But fate ys cruelly.</em>


    <em>Now she is back to the same world to stand strong and smile at the evil.]</em>


    -------


    Do vote to support the novel. Drop paragraph and chapterments so I know that you are reading my work. I always appreciate all my readers and I hope to talk to you all even for a Hi.


    Thanks for the continued support!


    Join the story discord server if you want to talk to me or other fellow readers, to check out about the announcement, reference pictures of my any chapters: https://discord.gg/<strong>QhhXXWq</strong>


    Instagram: <strong>auth_munchkin</strong>


    Happy reading ^^

 Chapter 1: Seized his attention

    Chapter 1: Seized his attention


    A tall young man exited the study room stretching his neck, flexing his back after a long video conference with a foreign client. His few unbuttoned white-shirt showed off his well maintained athletic body.


    His features were sharp and prominent as if sculpted every inch carefully with great care. But his brows furrowed instantly when his eyes fell on the room door which was ajar and lights were on.


    He checked his wristwatch to see <em>''Half-past two''</em> in the night.


    Instead of entering his room, he walked towards the room opposite his bedroom. His brows knitted tightly when he saw the untouched bed.


    He pushed open the door to enter to see apletely vacant vast room.


    His face darkened thinking Aria Cooper went out at night. He clenched his fist tight thinking she must have left the house at night. He was ready to go out to ask the security but he heard sobbing which paused his movements.


    After going towards the bathroom he pushed the door which wasn''t locked to see a tiny trembling body on the floor hugging her legs, burying her face between her knees.


    Young man''s hand subconsciously raised up towards Aria Cooper and he felt like somebody tugged at his heart.


    He couldn''t understand why Aria Cooper always influences him so much disregarding the fact that he never spoke to her in the past or after she started living in their family mansion.


    He wanted to leave but he was rooted looking at her.


    n Morgan, President, and CEO of Morgan Industries. He was the youngest businessman who was the cover page of numerous business magazines and talk of country A from the time he overtook his father''s position. It may be looks or wittiness, he was finest in all.


    He never cared about any females but Aria Cooper always seized his attention doing anything or nothing.


    Her image in his heart was confident, brave, intelligent, lively, happy with a hint of arrogance whenever required.


    But from the time she had to move to the Morgan mansion, she was none of that. She wasn''t even raising her eyes to look at anybody. It was always a nod or shake of her head when anybody asked anything.


    He never took care of anybody so he wasn''t sure what to do looking at her who was crying. After some time he knocked on the door, "Ms.Cooper!"


    His masculine and attractive voice made Aria Cooper freeze.


    She didn''t make a single sound after hearing him and wiped her red cheeks with the long sleeves of her T-shirt. She tried to stand up but she was too weak crying for hours.


    n kept his eyes on her. Her movements were vulnerable yet it carried off gracefully. Her gaze stayed on the floor. He could see her face red, tear-stained cheeks, swollen eyes, quivering pale lips.


    Seeing her taking wall support, he instinctively stepped inside the bathroom. Her first step made her fall back due to weakness.


    He reacted very quickly and held her in his arms. He could feel her trembling. His gaze was on her face. To him, none of the faces were pretty and attractive as her.


    But he never noticed her looking at him even once. Maybe in the past or being next to him orying in his arms.


    When Aria Cooper tried to stand, she slipped again which made his brows furrowed. He carried her without letting her fall on the floor or letting her take another step.


    She looked very tiny and fragile in his strong arms and weighed nothingpared to the weights he carried in his gym every day.


    Heid her on the bed. His actions weren''t so smoothcking the awareness in looking after anybody as he lived alone for a very long time.


    His action scraped her leg when he swiftly moved his hand from her leg.


    He felt his watch scratch her thigh and noticed her scrunched brows as their eyes met for the first time.


    For a few seconds, he was nk looking at her moistened eyes glistening. His heart seemed to beat faster and he felt like time had stopped.


    He took the time to divert his gaze. He had noticed her eyes never left his eyes unlike how other females swoon at his handsome face and blush.


    He held her pearly white slender leg to check but Aria retracted her leg making him hold tighter. But she didn''t let a single sound skip from her lips which were sealed all the time.


    n saw the skin scraped with red light dots of blood. He turned around and checked a few drawers for the first aid kit. He took a band-aid and returned to the bed to see her sitting clutching the bed sheet tight looking down.


    When his eyes fell on her leg, it made him realize that he had held her with a force that left a circr red mark on her wless smooth skin.


    He took a deep breath and proceeded to put the band-aid. His action turned a lot gentler like he was taking care of a small child.


    He againid her on the bed and pulled the quilt up for her. He turned on the nightmp as he turned off the main bright lights before leaving the room.


    The whole time none of them spoke.


    As soon as he left, Aria''s eyes filled up again looking at the dark sky full of twinkling stars through the bay window. The tears started to flow uncontrobly but she didn''t make any sound thinking the Young master Morgan would enter again.


    She had seen him in a magazine. Other than that, that was the first time she saw him in the eye even though he was next to her numerous times.


    When she felt the door opening, she wiped her tears swiftly and closed her eyes to seem like asleep.


    Her movements were still caught by n Morgan who entered with a bottle of water. After going out, he had realized she was crying for a long time hence he brought water as all maids were asleep.


    His footsteps halted for a few seconds before proceeding inside to keep the bottle on the bedside table. He turned around to leave but stopped. He understood she would start crying as soon as he leaves.


    He poured water to a ss and remembered to be gentle before helping her to sit.


    He extended his hand holding the ss of water without uttering a word. Seeing her shivering hand, his brows creased, his hold on the ss tightened tremendously to the state ss could break anytime.

 Chapter 2: Innocent young girl

    Chapter 2: Innocent young girl


    n Morgan reacted when Aria Cooper looked up as he didn''t leave the ss making her confused about why he extended the ss to her.


    He bent a little to hold the ss near her lips as they looked at each other. Aria lowered her gaze soon when n moved the ss to make her drink.


    Her throat was dry but it didn''t cross her mind even once to drink water. After drinking, she moved her head away and he kept the ss back on the table beforeying her on the bed.


    Aria Cooper was silent so was n Morgan. Thetter pulled the study table chair next to her bed and sat elegantly crossing his legs taking his mobile to go through the mails.


    He knew she wouldn''t cry in front of him so easily hence he sat down leaving her no option other than sleeping.


    He wasn''t sure if he was doing it for himself or for her or for his parents who were looking after her. He had returned to the family mansion from his private vi on his parents'' request who went aboard to look after his grandfather who fell ill.


    When he turned to Aria Cooper who was trying to stop her tears, he saw tears stained her face. Suddenly it dawned him that he saw her room the previous day while passing by around one in the night and lights were still on.


    <em>''Was she crying that time too?''</em>


    His emotions were on a roller coaster. He didn''t know what to feel because her current self was stark opposite to when he first saw her.


    ...


    It was a banquet arranged by Morgan Industries after he sessfully became President and CEO of Morgan Industries. He was greeting the guests with his father when he heard a girl''s voice talking in a foreignnguage fluently about the business cooperation between Dpany of country X and Skyline Industries of country A.


    Her tone sounded adolescent but her way of talking and convincing the businessmen made him turn to the source of the voice. As he expected she was a teenage girl in a simple evening gown which made her look exquisite to the eyes.


    Her presence was hard to neglect.


    Ignoring her age, she was confidently talking between four middle-aged foreign men. He was captivated by her simple smile which made his lips slightly turn up.


    His father, Rowan Morgan had to tap his shoulder to get his attention.


    He realized he smiled looking at a little girl. He quicklyposed before responding to the guests with a poker face.


    A light chuckle made him turn his attention back to the girl who shook her hand with men before asking another man to lead them to a table for further process.


    He was really surprised how the little girl got clients to Skyline Industries.


    <em>''Skyline? Uncle Oliver Cooper''spany.''</em> He thought and turned his attention to Oliver Cooper who was Rowan Morgan''s best friend.


    His brows furrowed by thinking why was he suddenly interested in a girl that he almost wanted to ask about her to Oliver Cooper.


    He was dispersing his thoughts but the same girl was beaming standing next to Oliver holding his arm.


    Just a few seconds back he had seen her seriously talk about business cooperation and now she just looked like a pure innocent young girl.


    "Dad! We got three clients tonight. They will meet you tomorrow in the office. Your assistant will get back to you about itter."


    n Morgan''s heart skipped a beat hearing her mellifluous voice which was very pleasant to hear and he had to clench his fist to divert his eyes to another side forcefully feeling his heart race without his control.


    He knew the girl''s name without an introduction after hearing how she addressed Oliver Cooper.


    She was Aria Cooper, the only daughter of Oliver Cooper who was her single parent. She was seventeen years as his younger brother Rian Morgan who was studying in the same ss as her.


    But their maturity was a stark contrast. His little brother was unruly and always enjoyed with his group of friends all the time.


    Oliver rubbed her head dotingly, "Silly girl! Was that required? By the way, why are you here?"


    Rowan patted her shoulder gently, "Oliver! One day I will abduct your darling daughter... Aria! How about I exchange you for my dumb son? He just knows to spend money whereas you are getting millions to billions worth of projects for your father."


    Both their voices said how proud they were about Aria Cooper.


    n never mingled much with his family, rtives, and family friends. He started to live separately from the time he was in senior high school. Even though Coopers were very close to the Morgan family, It was the first time he saw Aria after nearly ten years.


    At that time he was in early teens and Aria was a cute adorable chubby girl who was loved by all but his younger brother always fought with her. He was seeing her after ten years who was a youngdy.


    She was very pretty, slender unlike how she looked like a meatball a long time ago.


    Her skin was glowing under light, her long soft hair moved as she was moving her head. Her soft pink lips moved as she answered both men.


    "Uncle Rowan! How about you abduct me with Dad? I will stay happily bullying Rian." She stuck her tongue out, making Rowanugh before she asked Oliver, "Dad! Shall we go home soon? I didn''t want to stay alone at home so I came to fetch you."


    n was ignored the whole time as they cared andughed with Aria. Thetter eyes were only on Rowan and Oliver all the time as he tried his best not to look at her but he would still see her giggling happily.


    As an infection, his corners of lip were high for the second time due to Aria.


    Both friends didn''t care to introduce them and the father-daughter duo left the party soon apologizing to Rowan for leaving early.


    Rowan still had a smile seeing them off and saw n looking at his wine ss as he swirled the wine in it. "n! Let''s meet the other guests." He hummed and met all before reaching a table where his mother was sitting.


    He was surprised to hear Aria''s name first. "Darling! Call Arrie! We will have dinner. She can''t hold her hunger for a long time."


    Rowan sat down as he responded, "Aria left with Oliver. He hadn''t spent much time with her this week due tote-night work hence she came to take her father."


    Amelia Gray, Madam Morgan adored Aria. She always worried about Aria whose mother wasn''t with her, who took herst breath many years back due to terminal illness.


    "Honey! Did you talk to Brother Oliver? Will they move in with us?" Amelia asked as she ted Rowan.

 Chapter 3: Inefficient to get attention

    Chapter 3: Inefficient to get attention


    Rowan Morgan shook his head and sighed. "He was very thankful for us but we are friends, not rtives. If he moves in with us to give family affection for Aria, people and society will look down on Aria asking her rtionship with our sons. He doesn''t want to trouble her in the future."


    Amelia Gray didn''t like the reason, "Society talks thousands of things, we shouldn''t care. I will try and talk to Brother Oliver when he is free."


    Rowan didn''t rebuff and they had dinner talking about business.


    Oliver Cooper never agreed to move into the Morgan mansion and stayed with his daughter in a vi near the school which made her convenient to cycle every day as she wasn''t ready to take the car from their Cooper mansion which was far from the school.


    ...


    n looked at Aria''s dainty red face and sighed. He precisely remembers, after that day he smiled when he saw her in the Morgan mansion while she was dancing with her friends on the dance floor on Rian''s birthday.


    n wasn''t interested to go to the party and was going to bed after a long day when his grandfather called him and ordered him to attend the birthday party.


    Half-heartedly he got ready and drove to the family mansion. He passed the key fob to the servant and was going in, he saw Rian reasoning furiously with a girl.


    "... Did youe here in school uniform to grab all the attention from me? Get out. You are not weed here."


    n moved towards the door as he saw the side profile of the girl and identified her as Aria Cooper who was in school uniform and her hair was tied up in a high ponytail which swayed continuously.


    "Beauty! Are you saying you are inefficient to get attention even getting surrounded by girls all the time? <em>(Grin)</em> Do you want me to tell Aunty Amelia that you are asking me to leave?"


    She continued seeing Rian''s face turn dark, "Since it''s your birthday, I will let you off." She gave him a cheeky flying kiss irritating Rian Morgan to the core.


    n ignored as he knew Rian and Aria always fought for silly things and Aria always won with her words infuriating Rian.


    n had only taken a few steps inside when a girl called her aloud looking towards him, "Arrie!"


    He was turning his head when Aria passed next to him saying, "Coming!"


    He saw her entering the dance floor with her friends, moved to the music as sheughed talking with her friends. That''s when his lips tilted up.


    He was rooted looking at her until the housekeeper shook his hand without getting a response. "Young master! Old master is waiting for you in his room."


    He nodded and left taking a nce at Aria who was jumping on her toes asking DJ to increase the volume and bass.


    He saw her many times at the party until the end. He got to know how close his mother was with Aria at the party. He noticed his grandfather who was a stern old man giving her a gift and a red pocket before she left.


    Even though he stayed away from his family, he never felt left out. Seeing Aria warm with his family, he felt like he was in the Cooper mansion than in his family mansion.


    ...


    Next time n saw Aria in the hospital.


    When he entered the Intensive Care Unit hurriedly he heard her asking his father who wasying on the bed heavily wounded, "Dad! Are you also leaving me alone?" She was holding his hand tight as tears continuously poured down.


    Doctors had said Oliver Cooper couldn''t be saved as his injuries were too serious.


    Oliver didn''t respond to Aria as his tears flowed down. He handed her hand to Rowan as he tried to say something but his voice failed and only lips weakly moved.


    Rowan Morgan knew what he was trying to say, "Aria is our responsibility. She is my daughter. We will look after her well."


    A long beep suddenly sounded and everything went to deathly silence.


    Oliver''s hand which was holding Aria''s tiny palm fell on the bed. Aria didn''t make a single sound or continued to cry. She held her tears looking down, clenching her fist as she looked at Oliver''s face.


    Amelia started crying hugging her and urging her to cry it out but he didn''t see a single drop out of her eyes after her father''s hands left her hand.


    She didn''t react to anybody and followed the Morgan family when Oliver Cooper''s body moved towards the cemetery who took hisst breath right in front of her in the hospital due to a car ident.


    She had only his father other than her grandfather. Nobody knew where her grandfather was present either.


    Thest words everyone heard from Aria was, <em>''Dad! Are you also leaving me alone?''</em>


    She had be a lifeless body without talking, smiling, or crying...


    She was still a minor hence the power of attorney was signed to n Morgan''s name.


    He became the CEO of Skyline Industries. His workload increased greatly. He didn''t want his father to worry hence he managed bothpanies and all the paperwork of transferring from Oliver to Aria was carried out under n''s guidance.


    Amelia always wanted Aria to grow up in their house, fate brought her to their ce but nobody was happy with the reason.


    Whenever he would take the papers for Aria''s sign, she never spoke a word and signed wherever the Attorney pointed to her for her sign. Then she would quietly return back to her room.


    Rian hadined to him numerous times as ''Amelia always took care of Aria without leaving her out of sight'' and ''she would sit next to Aria until she fell asleep.''


    He didn''t think too much about it as Rian always fought with Aria.


    When his parents had to go abroad, they asked him to stay in the family mansion until they return. He didn''t say or ask anything back to them and returned.


    He saw Aria going to the dining table, she would keep her head low, eat a little, and return to her room. It was the same for lunch and dinner even though only two were sitting in the dining hall.


    Rian was pissed off about Aria hence he had stayed at his best friend''s ce for more than ten days.


    After seeing her cry alone, he understood why Amelia didn''t leave her alone and sat in her bedroom.


    Sensing Aria taking long steady breaths, he got up and kept the chair back to its ce. After contemting, he went to the bathroom and brought a warm towel to wipe her face. He remembered how his mother took care of him when he was ill and followed the same.


    When he saw her brows tightening, he realized to be gentle and carefully wiped as he saw her brows settling and her curled longshes casting a shadow.


    He wasn''t sure if she sleeps in a dark room or nightmp required hence he left it lighted before exiting the room.


    n flipped on the bed for some time thinking about her before falling asleep in his room.

 Chapter 4: His heart was aching for her

    Chapter 4: His heart was aching for her


    n woke up early morning for a workout and checked on Aria who was still on the bed but curled up into a ball.


    He never liked to enter anybody''s room but he had to enter her room again to see if she was crying. He sighed since there were no wet patches or her tear-stained face.


    Seeing her furrowed brows, he didn''t know what to do hence he left the room.


    He saw Rianzily walking inside the mansion. His hair was ruffled and unruly. Even in his leisurewear, he looked dashing.


    "Hey Bro!" He greeted n but thetter twisted his left hand roughly to his back, "I heard you aren''t submitting any paintings to the studio. Do you want me to block your cards?"


    Rian was an Artist who was recognized at the national level. His paintings sold at a very good price in the studio which was under Morgan Industries. He was one of five artists under thepany.


    Rian''s hand ached greatly in a matter of seconds and whined loudly. "Brother n! I willplete it and send it soon. Because of that Little Devil, I had no mood for painting. If she stays like this... I will move out and stay alone like you."


    n froze for a few seconds. He knew <em>Little Devil</em> was Aria Cooper. He quickly recovered and threatened, "Thinking about leaving, I will take you to my vi."


    Rian''s mood instantly soured.


    Going to prison was far better than going to his vi. n would break his bones if he messes in that vi and he couldn''t exit as he wants either. His vi was built outside the city near ake which had a beautiful view and all the amenities.


    Rian always called it <strong>a luxurious Prison</strong>.


    "No thanks, Brother n! I will handle that Little Devil and finish my painting by the end of the week" Rian was still continuing, n left with a frown.


    n''s threat wasn''t because Rian wanted to stay alone. It was because he didn''t want Aria to be affected by his brother''s nonsense.


    Even though he knew very least about her, he knew her father meant everything to her. After losing him, she was depressed and had no hopes for herself.


    Rowan Morgan had told him that Aria started to help Oliver Cooper in Skyline so that Oliver could spend quality time with her. Now she had nobody to even cry her pain out.


    He assumed as he was pitying Aria hence his heart was aching for her.


    He jogged, worked out, got fresh, and went to the dining table. He had sat down when a maid descended stairs and Aria followed her keeping her gaze on the floor.


    n furrowed his brows when Rian knocked on her head, "Little Devil! Are youing to school today?"


    Aria who always threw a punch on him as payback bit her lips and walked with a nk face. She didn''t retort nor showed the difort which actually pained her.


    Rian didn''t wait for her answer either but he was perplexed by her behavior and reached the dining table before sitting next to his brother.


    A maid pulled a chair for Aria and she sat down.


    n who was filling his ss and Rian''s ss with fresh fruit juice filled her ss too to which Rian rebuffed, "Bro! Why are you serving her? You aren''t her"


    Rian didn''t dare to continue seeing n''s face turn dark.


    Aria''s eyes were on the table and didn''t look at Rian or n. Seeing brothers start eating, she raised her hand to pick toast but Rian hit her backhand. "That''s mine."


    n''s left hand clenched into a tight fist seeing her retracting hand which had turned red instantly when Rian''s spoon hit her hand.


    Aria didn''t flinch at the pain. She remembered Amelia asked her to have food on time else she would be worried. She bit her lip and moved her hand to pancake. Rian repeated the same, "I want the pancake."


    Aria almost cried when the spoon hit her knuckles. She bit her lip hard to control herself. She got up and left silently.


    Rian was baffled. "What''s wrong with her?" If it was past, she would have choked him until he apologized to her.


    Rian wasn''t in the home from the time she was moved in so he had no idea about her psychological state hence he still behaved as he used to in the past.


    n retracted his gaze from Aria and looked at his brother who was scratching his head looking towards the stairs.


    Rian was about to call the housekeeper to ask about Aria but n called her.


    "Aunty Lilly! Our Second master Morgan will be fasting today. Take all the food back to the kitchen."


    Rian was bewildered. "Crap! Brother n! When did I say that? How can you do this to your brother?"


    He protested but a few maids took everything inside excluding the te n was eating and his juice ss.


    Aria couldn''t control herself after going to her room. She wasn''t crying because of Rian. She remembered her father who would always feed her running behind her hearing her nonsense or letting her get ready.


    She didn''t want to stay in the Morgan mansion. Since her father chose it, she didn''t say anything when they moved her things there.


    After thinking for a while, she wiped her cheeks as she packed some of her clothes and heard a knock. She didn''t have the habit of locking the door in their vi hence while the door was opening, she wiped her cheeks clean.


    The housekeeper entered with a te of food. "Young Miss! Here is your breakfast."


    Aria didn''t react.


    The housekeeper thought Aria was still unpacking her luggage and started to keep the clothes back in the wardrobe.


    Aria didn''t react to that either.


    A maid entered with Aria''s school uniform, "Young miss! Here is your uniform. Please change and get ready soon. Young master is dropping you and Second young master to school... Young miss, if you need anything, please let us know."


    Aria saw her stretched hands towards her to give her the uniform. She took them and the maid sent her to the bathroom to change.


    She washed her face and changed beforebing her hair. She decided to go to her vi from school. The same maid took her school bag downstairs hence she followed her out without eating.


    By the time Aunty Lilly noticed, Aria was downstairs.


    n who went downstairs noticed the untouched breakfast te in the housekeeper''s hand. He frowned looking at the slender figure in uniform exiting the main door.

 Chapter 5: About Aria

    Chapter 5: About Aria


    n exited the mansion to see Rian shaking Aria holding her shoulder, "What the hell is going on in your head? Did you perhaps forget you are the Little Devil? Don''t even dream that you are the Goddess Aria just because the whole school calls it? You"


    Rian left her arms when n stood behind Aira who didn''t open her mouth even once.


    Rian was about to sneak inside the backseat, n effortlessly pulled him by the cor before making Rian face him, "Do I have to teach you the manners?"


    Rian red at Aria before sitting on the shotgun seat. A maid asked Aira to sit, handed her bag, and closed the door. n sat next to Aria.


    Rian kept bbering to n''s assistant who was driving. n worked on hisptop asionally ncing at Aria who was looking outside lost in thoughts.


    He paused for a few seconds when his eyes fell on her right backhand which was still bright red. He red at Rian''s side profile chattering and he hit him rolling the file which was next to him.


    Rian spat at him, "<strong>Hitler</strong>! I will sit quiet." But it was for only a few minutes before he started to talk again. n didn''t hit him for talking hence he didn''t react.


    Soon they reached the Elite school of City B. Aria alighted with the trio. She went towards her ssroom hearing Rian going on talking about her changes.


    n looked at them until both took stairs to go upstairs. He understood one thing about the duo. How much ever Aria changed, it was most impactful on Rian who always engaged in fights with her. So the one who would miss Aria''s former self was Rian than anybody else.


    He went with his assistant to meet the principal. Thetter weed him respectfully. "President Morgan! What a pleasant surprise. Please have a seat."


    n studied in the same school who was a ranked student. He had won in national level chess while studying which brought a good name to the school.


    Now being President and Morgan industry funding the school every year, Principal had to be obsequious of him willingly or unwillingly.


    n rejected the water when the principal was passing it to him. "I''m here to talk about Aria Cooper. I will be her guardian from now on. Anything rted to Ms.Cooper and Rian should be directed to me."


    The principal knew both Aria and Rian. "My condolences to Mr.Cooper. But how do you know Aria?"


    n raised his brow indifferently and the principal understood he shouldn''t poke his nose. "President Morgan! Don''t worry, we will look after both students. I will inform their home teacher to direct Aria''s notification to you with Rian''s."


    n nodded and got up from his seat. Both shook their hands before n left the office. When his eyes fell on the canteen direction board, he frowned, remembering what Amelia once told Rowan about Aria.


    He entered inside the canteen and brought two sandwiches before going towards the Senior high ss-two science room.


    Before he reached the room, his presence was known to senior high students and all were peeking at him as girls were blushing heavily. n didn''t bat an eyelid and walked as his assistant stopped everyone who tried to approach him.


    Aria who was nodding and shaking her head made Rian piss off. He held her zer cor and made her face him. He wanted to scold but words didn''te out looking at her helpless eyes. They were clear. He could see the moisture which made him scared thinking she would break down any moment.


    He left her cor immediately and tidied before holding her shoulder to face her. Her gaze was back on the floor giving an illusion that she was closing her eyes.


    "Arrie! Look at me." He said firmly, shaking her shoulder lightly.


    Aria raised her eyes and looked at him passively but to Rian, she looked like a weakly, powerless broken girl who looked the same on the death of Oliver Cooper. He didn''t know how to face her hence he threw a fit in the Morgan mansion thinking she might rile up but she was quiet as a mouse.


    So he had left the mansion thinking she might get fine as days passed but he didn''t expect her still in the same state even after fifteen days.


    He took a deep breath and spoke, "World is not ending and the sky is not falling down. Life on earth starts and ends every second. You have to be strong to move on... ... Crying doesn''t make you weak... You don''t have to be a tough girl all the time... I can''t see you like this... ... How long are you nning to look depressed?... Speak up damn it."


    He left her shoulder and stood in front of her not knowing how else to make her react. Her gaze went back on the floor making him feel helpless.


    He saw many students surrounding them hence he glowered, "F**k off." All immediately dispersed to be safe from the hooligan Rian who beats up without care.


    He saw Aria jerking when he suddenly shouted. He clenched his fist and hit the wall in rage before calming up, "If you don''t speak now, I will throw you out of the home."


    He lowered his head near her seeing her lips move, "I I''m sorry for troubling you. I... I will move out... today."


    Rian didn''t know she didn''t speak for fifteen days. Hearing her hoarse voice, he felt a lump in his throat. If she was a boy he would have rained a few punches and if she was her former self, they would have quarreled but he didn''t know what to do.


    He roared, "If you think about moving out, I will break your leg."


    Somebody kept a hand on his shoulder making him move his fist at their face in frustration. "Get lost"


    But before his hand could reach them, that man held the fist, moving his head sideways to look at his younger brother.


    Rian took his hand back, "Brother n, I will break this Little Devil''s legs if she pisses me off. She is such a headache for me." He was huffing, ring at Aria who still stood silently.


    n cued his assistant to hand the sandwiches to them. Both took but only Rian started to eat who was very angry and hungry. Aria wanted to go to her ss but three were standing in front of her.


    n turned around and moved towards the elevator. Aria followed them to go to her ss. She had just reached in front of the ssroom she heard Rian say, "Little Devil if you are not eating, give it to me."


    If it was past, she would snatch and finish his sandwiches first before eating her sandwich but she turned around and extended her hand to give it to Rian. Thetter gritted his teeth and his hand itched too much to punch her face.


    Before he could react, Aria was spun around by a big strong hand.

 Chapter 6: Lonely around known

    Chapter 6: Lonely around known


    n frowned and exited the elevator seeing Noah Wood taking the sandwiches from Aria. Noah wood was a best friend of Rian Morgan, he was also close to Aria.


    Before Noah could eat or say anything, n easily took the sandwiches and held Aria''s hand, and pulled her towards him who was entering the ssroom.


    The entire ss gasped when Aria spun around and stood very close to the Prince of the school who ruled hisbel for many years even after leaving the school.


    But n''s gaze darkened looking at Aria who didn''t raise her head to even see him or question him anything.


    Rian who was about to punch Noah for stealing Aria''s sandwich froze.


    n never had so much patience. He rubbed his forehead and tried his best to remain calm before pulling her out. He unwrapped quickly and held the sandwich near her mouth that was when she raised her head to look at n.


    Aria just wanted to go and sit in the ssroom. She wasn''t thinking anything, she waspletely nk about what to do. Whatever she was doing before her father expired seemed meaningless to her.


    She was feeling lost between many people.


    She felt lonely around known people who seemed like unknown.


    She let others do whatever they want.


    When n held sandwiches near her mouth, it reminded her of her father, and raised her head to n who had a cold expression. Feeling her eyes filling up for not seeing her father, she lowered her head again.


    Rian spoke before Aria could say anything or n could lose his patience and force her to eat. "Little Devil! My brother has zero patience, if you don''t eat, he will throw you down." He said and took a big bite of his sandwich.


    Noah didn''t know what to do, "Hello Brother n! Arrie! Eat fast. We have only five minutes to ss." He took her bag and went inside.


    Seeing everyone''s curious gazes in the ss towards Aria and n, he yelled, "Peek out, I will graze your eyes." All quieted down hearing the ss representative voice.


    Aria took the sandwich to her hand and ate standing in front of n who had crossed his arms and waited till she ate blocking her path to enter the ssroom.


    The teachers who were passing by greeted n as President Morgan but he didn''t care to reply to them who were also teaching him when he was studying in the school.


    When she finished eating, n''s assistant who was standing silently holding a water bottle handed it to Aria who bowed her head to both men before Rian pulled her inside the ssroom where the teacher was taking the presence of the students.


    "Aria Cooper" When the teacher called her name, n paused to hear her voice but Noah spoke.


    "Miss, Arrie ising to school from today."


    n furrowed his brow when he saw Noah raising her hand and speaking for her.


    n''s assistant spoke, "President Morgan, all are waiting in the meeting hall. We should leave quickly."


    He nced at Aria who was keeping her head low and nodded to the deskmate. He didn''t know he also wanted to see her get back to the former self soon just like Rian or maybe more than him.


    He thought he was pitying her state.


    He left with his assistant soon to attend the back to back meetings of twopanies


    Aria sat with her best friend Eva Miller. Thetter always stayed by her and it would be better to say they grew up together. Both were foodies but Aria was svelte due to her interest in aerial hammock sport and Eva was slightly chubbier and cute.


    "Arrie! Are you alright?" Eva''s worried tone sounded.


    Aria nodded and opened her physics book.


    "Noah, Rian, and I havepleted all your home works and notes. You can go through them when you are free."


    Aria nodded again. They never said thank you between them hence she didn''t tell.


    "Chemistry... They havepleted quite a lot. Do you want me to teach you?"


    The entire ss knew Aria hated chemistry and she never understood anything in the ss which would be eventually taught by her father. But her father


    Aria clenched her fist tight and shook her head.


    It continued for a few more minutes until their teacher started their ss.


    Eva who always stayed with her knew she wasn''t normal. She wrote a chit and passed back to Noah.


    <em>''Arrie isn''t talking. She isn''t even listening to ss, she is nkly scribbling whatever the teacher is writing on board. I can''t see her like this. What to do?''</em>


    Rian snatched the chit to see it and kicked Aria''s chair but there was no response from her. He crumpled the chit and aimed the dustbin fuming inside.


    The duo sighed deeply and as the ss continued.


    When the mathematics ss started, Noah spoke while the teacher passed surprise test papers to students, "Teacher Bell, Arrie ising from today to school. We haven''t informed her. Can she skip the test?"


    Teacher Bell smirked and increased his volume, "Skip? Wasn''t she too prideful by picking on me? If she ising today, she should have prepared ande. All are writing it."


    All looked at Aria and shook their heads resignedly.


    None in their ss hated her. One with whom she always argued or fought was Rian. She was a ss representative too. She took care of everyone and everyone would ask her to teach particr topics if they didn''t understand the teacher.


    She was liked yet most hated student by teachers as all other students went to her than to meet the teachers for doubts or anything. Many times those teachers even heard students giving credits to Aria if they were scoring well. Her home teacher adored her as their ss ranking scores were on top because of Aria.


    Aria kept looking outside the entire time hence she didn''t know there was talk about her.


    Eva nudged Aria to tell her to copy from her but teacher Bell roared, "Eva!"


    Aria didn''t respond and Eva had no choice. Teacher Bell made Aria sit at thest empty row alone.


    Aria attended the surprise test before nkly looking outside.


    Teacher Bell was gloating thinking he finally got a chance to get back from Aria who always found mistakes in his solutions insulting him in front of all.


    The first half sses were over and it was lunchtime when she was dragged to the canteen. They had finished lunch only half when a student informed Teacher Bell calling Aria to the staff room immediately.


    The other three were rmed and followed her but teacher Bell made them wait outside the office room till the bell rang. The whole time all tried to talk to her but Aria still nodded and shook her head all the time.


    Noah, Eva, and Rian were sent to the ssroom before Aria entered the teachers'' office room. She silently went and stood in front of the Teacher Bell''s desk. He was fuming in rage and he had influenced other teachers who didn''t like Aria.

 Chapter 7: Cant find Arrie

    Chapter 7: Can''t find Arrie


    "Aria Cooper! How dare you steal the test papers? You didn''t even attend any sses and you didn''t know what I taught in the ss, how can you answer all the questions?"


    Aria didn''t respond.


    Teacher Bell banged a book on the table making her jerk, Aria opened her mouth to speak, "I didn''t" She was cut off.


    "Don''t even dare to refuse! Your audacity was high when you didn''t have a mother. Now you have crossed your line after your father''s death. Is this the upbringing of your parents? Just because I made small mistakes, weren''t you insulting me in front of all? Now you have stolen the paper, what should we do? Speak."


    Aria bit her lips before speaking, "Since my response doesn''t matter as you have already decided I have stolen. Do you have any proof to prove it? And importantly, <strong>YOU</strong> have no right to talk about my personal life. Mind your business."


    Aria wouldn''t have spoken but she couldn''t take it when he spoke about her parents. She took a deep breath and continued.


    "If you are incapable of epting the fact that you don''t know, you feel it like an insult. If you ept it, you will learn from it. If nothing, I have a ss to attend and I would like to leave."


    What she said, enraged Teacher Bell and he fumed looking at teachers who heard Aria giving him judgemental looks. He raised his hand and pped her who had kept her gaze down all the time.


    "You! Daughter of a bitch. I dare you to say it again. If you are so proud of your nasty parents! Go and get your parents or else you are not allowed to attend any ss. Get out."


    Aria who had fallen on the floor due to the p stood back on her foot clenching her fist tight. She took steps towards the exit but went back in front of the teacher who spat at her instantly, "What?"


    She flung her hand violently than him and with all her might. "This is for dissing my parents." Her words were icy cold.


    All froze in the office. Nobody stopped him when he hit her but they tried to stop her but she didn''t hear them.


    Since her p was fierce, Teacher Bell''s skin got cut inside his mouth and blood oozed out making him go crazy tasting the blood, "How dare"


    She flung her hand on another side with much force ignoring the sharp pain which she felt. "This is for pping a student which is illegal."


    The office room went to silent mode until Teacher Bellposed himself to stand breathing heavy. "You"


    She again flung her hand brutally, "This is to tell you that you are just a pile of muck." Finally, Teacher Bell couldn''t bnce and fell on the floor.


    After finishing, she walked out clenching her jaw, eyes bloodshot to hold her pain from her right palm, and exited the school.


    She didn''t see anything anywhere and walked. She didn''t respond to anyone who ever tried to talk looking at her swollen cheek and blood on her lips corner.


    She just walked, walked alone looking ahead. Only one line rang in her mind, <em>''Get your parents.''</em>


    She had walked for more than six miles to reach the cemetery above the uphill and slumped on the ground in front of her parents'' tomb. "Mom! Dad! I''m sorry I let you down Dad! You know I don''t steal papers, right? I really didn''t do it... Dad! Why did you leave me?... Why did you leave me alone here? Dad"


    Aria kept on repeating <em>''Dad! Why did you leave me?''</em> numerous times as she cried on and on...


    --


    Soon, Aria hit Teacher Bell spread like wildfire in the school which was heard by the principal too. When the principal asked the teacher Bell, he med everything on Aria and mentioned that she stole test papers and cheated. She should be expelled immediately was the conclusion by the teacher.


    Eva, Noah, and Rian checked theplete school and didn''t find Aria. Seeing Rian charging towards Teacher Bell, Eva and Noah tried to stop him but he shrugged their hands and held the teacher''s cor.


    "What nonsense did you tell Arrie? Speak before I crush your bones."


    His voice was piercingly harsh. Luckily, their home teacher returned to the office room and stopped Rian. Thetter respected the home teacher a lot hence he left Teacher Bell still fuming.


    Teacher Bell was bullshitting saying the students in their ss were impudent which nobody cared to hear.


    Noah who was panicked told to Rian, "Call Brother n. If Arrie left school to somewhere else, we can''t find her."


    Rian did as he said and exited the office to call n. Thetter paused his meeting to receive the call as Rian called to his private number instead of a personal number. The private number was for emergency purposes hence he didn''t think twice and received.


    "Brother n, we can''t find Arrie in school. We had a surprise test today which was based on thest two weeks'' portions. Noah asked the teacher to let Arrie off but he hates Arrie hence she had to attend the test. Maybe she must have left the paper nk so Teacher Bell called her to the office but he didn''t allow us to be with her. After that, we didn''t see her. There are rumors in school that Arrie pped the teacher. She never hits for no reason but she is nowhere avable. That teacher is spouting nonsense and telling Arrie will be rusticated. We are scared that she may be left school alone after it. Her wallet, mobile, bag everything is in the ss. We don''t know what to do. The security department didn''t allow us to check the surveince footage and the principal isn''t meeting us saying he is busy. Brother n, what to do?"


    As soon as n heard, <em>''We can''t find Arrie in school.''</em> he had stopped and left the meeting hall dismissing as he heard Rian going downstairs. He hopped in his car with his assistant. "Drive to school" He instructed his assistant.


    "Rian, I''ming. Rx." He finished and hung up the call.


    He quickly called a number and spoke, "I''m sending you a picture, check all the bus, railway station immediately and other ces."


    He hung up after hearing the response.


    He dialed to call the school principal, his assistant asked. "President Morgan, what happened at school? Is Second young master in the problem again?"

 Chapter 8: He didnt judge her

    Chapter 8: He didn''t judge her


    n''s assistant, Nathan was older than n. He was trained under Rowan before n joined thepany. So he knew about Rian very well who had hit quite a few students whenever they misbehaved badly with females in the school especially with Aria Cooper.


    "Ms. Cooper is missing from the school." n responded to his assistant and told the principal at the same time.


    Nathan waited for him to end the call before speaking.


    n''s voice turned icy cold hearing Principal, "If I don''t get her or if I know your staff hurt her, I will make sure whoever is involved will pay for it."


    Nathan checked the rearview mirror and tightened his grip on the steering wheel. He took a deep breath before speaking, "President Morgan, Ms.Cooper is a very responsible girl. She wouldn''t leave the city because of trivial things even though she is depressed."


    n didn''t respond to him.


    The drive to school from his office was only ten minutes. They reached and saw Noah, Eva, and Rian anxiously waiting for his arrival.


    nmanded coldly, "Go back to your ss."


    Eva and Noah gulped looking at n''s darkened grim face. Only Rian dared to speak. "Our whole ss is not letting teachers take the ss. We wille with you."


    n grunted as he walked ahead, "Scat!"


    The trio couldn''t do anything other than watching the towering figure enter the Principal''s office room.


    n ignored the principal''s greeting and stood in front of Teacher Bell whose cheeks were a light shade of red with slender fingers imprinted on it.


    "President Morgan" Teacher Bell greeted enthusiastically and he didn''t know n Morgan was Aria Cooper''s guardian.


    Seeing him extended his hand to greet, n one side lip curved high up and held his hand.


    The principal was confused. Nathan felt rmed. The home teacher who knew n was Aria''s guardian, just prayed for Teacher Bell''s safe hand.


    The teacher Bell who was beaming realized n''s grip on his hand tightening every second. He panicked as his pain greatly increased and felt his bones would crush any time soon as the pain made him go pale, "Pre President! My My Hand."


    n left his hand. "Why did Ms.Cooper hit you?" His voice was cold and emotionless.


    Teacher Bell didn''t expect that question. "That That student stole papers. I scolded her and she hit me."


    The home teacher spoke right after him, "President Morgan, Arrie will ept to lose more pridefully than stealing papers. She scored full marks on the test. My analysis is that Teacher Bell didn''t get the chance to get back at her hence he is using her. As for why she hit him is still unknown to me, I''m sorry about that."


    n intently heard about Aria. He didn''t know much about her hence he didn''t judge her.


    When the home teacher addressed Aria with her nickname, he understood, Aria was a good student. When he heard Rian say the whole ss was suspending other teachers to enter, he understood she had good rtions with all and she couldn''t steal anything seeing their support.


    As for how she scored full marks without cheating or attending ss or studying was still a question.


    "Thank you, Ms.Hudson." He thanked and heard his assistant speak.


    n took the tab from Nathan, "President Morgan, Ms.Cooper left school a long back. By these pictures, you can see her red swollen cheek and blood which means" He didn''t finish and turned to Teacher Bell who was pale hearing him.


    n brushed his gaze on Teacher Bell before he stopped at the Principal who was sweating profusely thinking about how to solve. "What do you think will happen if Iin and inform the media that the heiress of The Cooper family and President of Skyline Industries was beaten by a mere imbecile teacher?"


    "The... The heiress of the Cooper family and President of Skyline Industries?" The principal widened his eyes in shock. So as Teacher Bell.


    The home teacher knew about it as she met Oliver Cooper in the parents-teachers meet. Other than her, Noah and Eva knew about her


    Nathan informed n, "President Morgan, only a few know about Ms.Cooperpletely. She always stayed low profile. Others think as she is from a normal background whose family name is Cooper."


    n furrowed his brows. <em>''No doubt she was treated poorly by a stupid teacher.''</em>


    "Both Morgan and Skyline will be pulling out our funds from the school." He announced and left with Nathan. Both went to the Cooper vi.


    The Principal reprimanded Teacher Bell in the staff room in front of all teachers for all the reasons. He never wanted to offend the ruthless President Morgan.


    n asked the maid in the Cooper vi and got to know Aria wasn''t there. They were leaving when Nathan suggested, "President Morgan, how about we check inside once? What If maids were doing work and didn''t notice Ms.Cooper?" Nathan thought Aria might not announce her arrival to them.


    n nodded and both went inside. They went upstairs and checked all the rooms. When he saw Aria''s room which had her pictures with Oliver, Noah, Eva, and Rian. In every picture, she had a beautiful smile that was lost. He sighed and checked thest floor before checking the ground floor.


    When he entered the study, he saw a huge two-floor bookshelf with two desks and chairs. Nathan went to check around when his eyes fell on university advanced mathematical, physics, and other books.


    When he went ahead and checked them before furrowing his brows. He checked numerous worksheets. He knew Aria''s handwriting so he identified immediately and everything was written by her.


    He understood how Aria scored full marks in the test. Compared to the solutions to the problems he had in his hands, what she wrote that day in the test was very basic.


    The housekeeper who entered was immediately questioned by n, "Who wrote all these?"


    The housekeeper respectfully replied, "Young Master Morgan, Those are Young miss''s worksheets." She had to continue seeing n waiting for her exnation.


    "Young miss was apanying Master while he was working at home. She always finished her school studies sitting in the study room waiting for the Master to finish his work. Since she was learning faster, Master always brought her books to work so that she shouldn''t worry about business but Young miss still kept track of the business stuff too.<em> (Deep sigh)</em>"


    The housekeeper loved Aria as her own daughter and she witnessed her growing up to a young finedy but it was tragic that she lost her father who she loved dearly.


    n understood there were many things many people didn''t know about Aria.

 Chapter 9: You have such a beautiful smile

    Chapter 9: You have such a beautiful smile


    n nodded at the housekeeper and went to check other rooms. He entered the Aerial Hammock activity room and he saw a big picture where she was hanging reverse as she held her father''s hand smiling at him.


    He wanted to ask more about Aria cooper to the housekeeper but he had no time hence he left for the Cooper mansion which was vacant for many years. It was out of the city vicinity and the guard informed him that Aria didn''t go there for months.


    They checked all the major ces with another group searching in the city but it wasn''t fruitful.


    While he was returning to the city, he got a call from the home teacher Emma, "Yes?"


    "President Morgan! Teachers who were in the office room when Arrie met Mr.Bell told me that he kept using her and looked down on Arrie''s parents hence she defended and gave him advice which made Mr.Bell work up and he... he hit her. Arrie hit him back before leaving the office. Mr.Bell He He had told Arrie to get her parents if she wants to attend school even though he knew she doesn''t have parents anymore."


    n''s clutch on mobile increased greatly until his palm turned red. He took a deep breath, "Thank you, Ms. Hudson."


    He hung up and immediately his mobile rang showing his brother''s name. He answered to hear, "Brother n! We checked all the ces where she used to go and eat or hang out. We didn''t find her. She didn''te home too. Did you get her?"


    n calmly replied, "I know where she is. I will get her." He hung up the call and instructed his assistant Nathan. "Drive to the Cemetery."


    "Roger that!" The assistant replied and sped off on the ring road towards the destination.


    n still didn''t get an answer to why he was so worried about Aria Cooper.


    But he was sure he wasn''t doing out of pity. He knew if it was a pity, he wouldn''t want to know about her more. He wouldn''t have the urge to protect her. He wouldn''t want to stand by her.


    When the car stopped, he bolted out holding a water bottle as he instructed, "Ask the security about Arrie."


    He paused suddenly remembering how he addressed Aria Cooper. <em>''Is it because I kept hearing that nickname?''</em>


    He shook his head and climbed the hill faster.


    After five minutes he reached and saw towards the tombs of Emily Parker and Oliver Cooper but he didn''t see anybody sitting or standing there.


    His pace naturally lowered and changed to slow steps thinking where she could go.


    When his eyes fell on the slender fair leg under dim light between two tombs, he ran swiftly to see Aria weaklyying on the ground.


    He could see dried blood near her lips, four-finger imprints were obvious on her left swollen cheek, tears stain didn''t make her look ugly either.


    He sat down and pulled her on hisp before cleaning her right cheek which was on the ground and dried blood.


    He wanted to reproach her for not being afraid of walking alone in such ces andying there weakly but he couldn''t get to do any of those.


    He sprinkled water on her face to wake her up. She moved her head lightly as she slowly opened her eyes saying, "Dad!"


    Her voice was very hoarse and low which n heard in the deathly silent cemetery. He didn''t react to it and understood how much she was missing her father.


    Aria realized she had fainted, n woke her not her father and she had a dream. She sat up lowering her gaze. She wanted to apologize, "I''m so"


    n held the water bottle to her lips and made her drink without letting her talk. Aria drank and stopped by moving her head away. n urately threw the bottle to the dustbin and helped her to get up.


    "Pres" She tried again to speak but n removed his zer and covered her making her look at her shoulders. Before she could again react, he briskly scooped her and started walking towards the foot of the mountain.


    n knew Aria had walked a long way and she was weak.


    Aria clenched her fist tight looking at n''s side profile. She couldn''t read anything looking at him. She didn''t tell anything or inform anybody before going there hence she knew she made everyone panic.


    "President Morgan, I can walk." Her voice was meek.


    n furrowed his brows hearing <em>''President Morgan''</em>. He didn''t respond, he didn''t see her face and he didn''t leave her either.


    Aria sensed the air around him changing very cold. She bit her lip, "I''m sorry President Morgan for troubling you."


    n again ignored whatever she said. She became quiet and didn''t talk anymore.


    He was relieved thinking that she at least started to talk but he didn''t like how she addressed him.


    After making her sit in the back seat, he sat on another side before Nathan drove them to the Morgan family mansion inplete silence.


    As soon as Aria alighted from the car, Noah checked on her if she was hurt and wrapped his hands around her, "Arrie, you scared us."


    n gritted his teeth seeing Noah hugging her.


    Rian pulled Noah back by the cor, "Little Devil, how dare you leave me and beat that teacher alone?"


    n held Aria''s small wrist and took her inside ignoring the other two outside. Aria had to jog behind n who was taking quick long strides.


    n had heard Aria''s stomach grumble many times in the car. He pulled a chair for her to sit before he sat down.


    Rian red at two as he sat down for dinner. He couldn''t understand why n was fuming and he didn''t like the marks on Aria''s cheek.


    Noah reported to Eva before he sat next to Aria and served her te. He would asionally keep her favorite foods in her bowl. It was his habit whenever he had food with her which wasmon to Rian but n''s face was turning darker.


    Noah and Rian kept chattering throughout the dinner trying to make Aria smile and atst, they saw Aria faintly smile when Rian was saying vividly how he would break each bone of Teacher Bell''s hands.


    "Hey, Little Devil! That smile wasn''t enough. You are such a niggard." Rian snorted.


    Noah was already happy that there was a smile.


    The housekeeper who saw itmented, "Young miss, you have such a beautiful smile. You should be happy like before."


    Aria nodded in response. She was trying for a very long time but she couldn''t make it.

 Chapter 10: The villain of my life

    Chapter 10: The viin of my life


    n whose eyes were on his te didn''t notice even a small curve of her lips. He finished his dinner first and left for his room withplicated thoughts.


    Noah returned to his home which was next to Morgan estate. Rian left Aria to her room before going to the next room which was his room.


    Aria took a bath and sat on the day bed looking outside. She always cried remembering her father wasn''t with her anymore. She remembered an olddy who tried to convince her to stop crying in the cemetery but failed. Her lines still affected Aria.


    <em>''When someone you love dies you never quite get over it even if you cry all your life. You just slowly learn how to go on without them by always keeping them tucked safely in your heart.''</em>


    <em>''Move on. It doesn''t mean you forget about them. It just means you have to ept what happened and continue living.''</em>


    <em>''Child! You are very young. ept the new beginning, learn from the past. Don''t lose yourself in the process other than changing for the better.''</em>


    Lost in thoughts she didn''t realize when n knocked and entered with an ice pack. When he kept the ice pack on her cheek, she got scared and jerked which made her fall back.


    n was quick hence he held her in his arms at the right time. He looked at her clean and clear face. Her spotless skin was glowing and looked very delicate. Her lips were pursed, eyes were widened looking at him.


    He reacted when the towel which was wrapped to her wet long hair slid down making her hair roll down touching the floor. He made her sit and again held the ice pack.


    Aira spoke, "Thank you, President Morgan. I will do it."


    n furrowed his brows and gave the ice pack.


    Aira''s stiff body rxed seeing him leave. She numerous times heard about n Morgan in school, Rian, Amelia, Rowan, and Oliver speaking about him.


    It was about how good he was with studies and business. If it was about personality, she heard him as Cold, unapproachable, Isted, and Misogyny(dislikes being around women).


    So she thought he was doing everything because of Amelia and he dislikes to even stay around her seeing his grim face.


    Her habit of keeping her room door open in the Cooper vi also followed in the Morgan mansion which made him enter to check on her.


    She doesn''t like to cry in front of anybody other than her father who was no more. Hence she had quickly stopped crying and thought he would leave but her weakened body made him tend to her.


    She didn''t expect her to sit and cry so long in front of her parents'' tomb either. After hearing Noah, she understood from the hour she left, the trio was panicked with the whole ss and n searched her everywhere before reaching the cemetery and bringing her to the Morgan mansion at seven.


    She turned around when she heard the hairdryer switched on. She bit her lip seeing n with a nk face whose hand was in the air due to her sudden movement.


    She couldn''t understand why she couldn''t read anything on his face or eyes. "President Morgan, I will do it. I''m sorry I have dyed your whole day''s work. You should rest."


    She stretched her hand to receive the hairdryer but saw his gaze turned sharp. She felt like his light brown iris were turning dark.


    She didn''t know what she said made him angered hence she lowered her gaze. Since he was misogyny, she thought he didn''t like her talking and turned outside.


    After a few seconds, he sted the hot air on her hair making her clutch her fist tight. Her hair was tangling and the heat setting was on high which made her want him to stop but thinking he would get angry, she bit her lip hard and squeezed her eyes which were moistened thinking how Oliver took care of her.


    Rian who wanted to check on her, entered her room seeing the door open. He turned off the switch of the hairdryer before reprimanding n. "Bro, if you don''t know, don''t do it."


    He snatched the hairdryer and touched her hair which was very hot. "Crap! Bro, are you crazy?... Arrie! What the hell is wrong with you? Why didn''t you stop him?"


    Aria quickly wiped the corner of her eye, "I will do it. You two should rest." Even though she tried to sound normal, Rian understood she was on the verge of tears.


    n furrowed his brow not really understanding what happened. He saw Rian flicking on her head and turned her head to make her face outside before changing the setting to cold and cooling her hair carefully upside down motion as his finger gentlybed her silky long brown hair.


    Then Rian changed the setting to a little warm and went over again lightly before turning it off. "Little Devil, were you nning to get your hair burnt by my brother?"


    Aria didn''t reply and stood up. "Thank you, President Morgan." Then she faintly smiled at Rian, "Go to bed, it''ste."


    n''s expression was stony.


    Rian sighed, "Little Devil, I wanted to break your leg hearing you say thank you to me. Missed it. Anyway, Mom told me to make sure you sleep before I go to bed Bro! Good night."


    Rian pushed her towards the bed and asked her toy down first then, "Hey, are you expecting me to stand and wait? shift, shift..."


    Aria was about to speak, the housekeeper brought her milk entering after a knock, "Young miss, your milk."


    Aria couldn''t understand how she got to know she drinks milk at night. She slowly took her ss looking at her.


    The housekeeper smiled as she spoke, "We didn''t know you drink milk before sleeping. Young master told us a few minutes back. Starting tomorrow, I will get it regrly. Young miss, let us know if anything as such is there, we will do it."


    She lightly nodded at the housekeeper and looked at n whose face was dark. She didn''t know the reason for it but she still thanked him for it, "Thank you, President Morgan."


    She turned to Rian who was sitting next to her. He was giving a distasteful look to the milk ss. "Rian! I"


    Her mouth fell open seeing n holding Rian''s cor and dragging him out, "If Second young master is so free, I will increase the number painting per month to be delivered to the studio."


    Rian tried to release from his clutch all the time saying, "Brother n, stop being the viin of my life. Leave me, leave."


    <em>''Do siblings behave like this?''</em> Aria thought to herself.


    The housekeeper was smiling looking at them as if it was normal.


    Aria didn''t hear anything and drank milk quickly to give the ss to the housekeeper who was waiting. She was leaving wishing her goodnight when n entered inside confusing Aria.


    n turned off bright lights and turned onmps before sitting on the daybed in poise checking his mails.


    Aria didn''t hear a word from him to her.


    <em>''How can anybody hate the opposite gender so much?''</em> She thought to herself and slid under the duvet. She was physically exhausted walking too much and crying long hence she soon dozed off holding a pillow.


    n left after seeing her asleep.<ol><li>n just dislikes being around women. He doesn''t hold any prejudice against women.</li></ol>

 Chapter 11: Her guardian

    Chapter 11: Her guardian


    nid on his bed as he thought about his conversation with Rian


    <em>''Why should I have a girlfriend to know how to take care of girls? It''s justmon sense Bro."</em>


    <em>''Which dumb said I hate that little Devil? Bro! You can not understand us with your philomath''s brain.''</em>


    <em>''Fine! We kind of have a care-hate friendship. She or I may say hundreds of thousands screwing up words to each other but she always cared about me. Never mind, it''s not your cup of coffee''</em>


    <em>...</em>


    He flipped on the bed for sometime before falling asleep.


    ---


    Next day


    n saw Rian in uniform and Aria in casuals sitting at the dining table when he went down after getting ready. He didn''t speak and started to eat hearing Rian chatter and Aria''s hums.


    When he heard Rian ask, "Aren''t youing to school? Go and change." He raised his head to see Aria shaking her head.


    Rian was going on about how she wouldn''t be rusticated but n held her hand and walked towards the exit. Aria looked at n as she jogged. She couldn''t understand what''s wrong with n or his misogyny was too serious.


    Rian thought that they might have other work hence she wasn''ting. "Bro! Do you think Little Devil has long legs like you to take long strides?"


    Aria helplessly turned to Rian but n suddenly stopped and turned to her which made her bump into him.


    Rianughed at them, "Bro, you will die single." he held Aria''s shoulder and took her out as n followed them. Thetter thought his younger brother was a womanizer hence he was good with girls which he never cared about.


    Nathan drove them to school. Aria was sitting in the car when n opened the door and took her to the teacher''s office room holding a book.


    Aria felt her head throb seeing n doing things without telling her anything and dragging her all the time.


    Rian noticed it and paused to go with them. "Bro! What''s going on?"


    n didn''t speak and he kicked open the office room door before entering. Rian instantly enraged seeing Teacher Bell and charged towards him but n held his cor, "You will get that chance. Have patience."


    Rian''s lips tilted up hearing n''s sinister tone.


    Nathan brought the principal to the office room while all the teachers greeted n. Teacher Bell was shivering at his ce.


    n went ahead holding Aria''s wrist and spoke, "Mr.Bell! I heard you asked Ms.Cooper to get her parents. I''m her guardian. So speak the reason. Let me know."


    Rian was enjoying n''s domination. Aria looked at n nkly. She didn''t know n was her guardian. She thought Rowan was the one


    n looked at her and his hand subconsciously rubbed her head. He was actually proud to call himself her guardian.


    Teacher Bell stuttered but he couldn''t make himself say anything.


    n called, "Ms. Hudson"


    Aria''s home teacher went ahead as she heard n, "I''m sure, this man doesn''t have any proof of his fake allegation. If I prove, Aria didn''t copy, will that satisfy all the teachers?"


    The principal stuttered, "President Morgan! That''s not required. Let''s leave this. I have already reprimanded the teacher."


    n red at the principal before handing the advanced university mathematical book to Mr.Bell. "Choose a question." He ordered.


    Aria looked at n again. She had solved that book a year back and only Oliver knew about it. She understood n had checked her study in the vi.


    n pulled a chair for Aria and made her sit.


    Teacher Bell didn''t dare to dy. He randomly opened the book and kept it on the table. n quickly scribbled the same question on two papers and handed one to Aria with a pen and stuffed another one to the Teacher Bell telling him, "Solve! Now."


    Nobody dared to speak in the oppressing atmosphere excluding Rian. He tugged n, "How can Arrie solve it?"


    n didn''t respond anything to Rian. He handed the pen to Aria who was looking at him in perplex. She started to solve but Teacher Bell nkly looked at the beautiful handwriting on the paper as he didn''t understand the question itself.


    His mouth was wide open in shock seeing Aria Cooper solving effortlessly. It wasn''t only him, all had simr expressions excluding n. Nathan remembered n checking worksheets hence his doubt was solved instantly.


    Less than five minutes, Aria finished and looked at n. Thetter was surprised by her speed. He took the paper and book before cing it in the principal''s hand, "Check!"


    By their confidence, the Principal was sure Aria''s answer was correct but he couldn''t help but follow n''s order. Then he said loudly, "It''s perfect."


    Rian was praising Aira while n continued his business.


    n nodded at the principal. "So how are we handling this? False usation, hitting a student, defaming President Cooper. Nathan, if wein, Won''t he be imprisoned for a few years with a huge fine?"


    Nathan responded as he added one more, "Yes President Morgan. It will also unveil the poor education quality of the school and its reputation will be tarnished."


    The principal panicked, "No, No President Morgan, let this be under wrap. I" The principal knew he had to solve it without enraging n hence he decided to give up the teacher, "I will fire and cklist this teacher. He won''t be able to continue his career. No need to involve cops and the media. You studied here, how"


    While the principal continued, Teacher Bell was enraged hearing the principal and lunged on Aria, "You! Bitch, this all because of you."


    "Ahh..." Aria screamed trying to back off but a big palm pulled her around.


    Her heartbeats were quickened afraid of being hit but she realized she was in somebody''s embrace who held her close as if they were protecting her from everything.


    Rian mercilessly beat the teacher, "You still dare to touch Arrie. I haven''t paid back for yesterday yet."


    n held Aria who had started trembling. He rubbed her back head as he said in a gentle voice, "I''m here for you."


    Aria froze realizing it was n. She clutched her skirt and raised her head to see his face. His line made her feel warm from which her lips were slightly up.


    Infectiously his lips tilted up seeing her. Both were in the same position for quite a few seconds until the Home teacher shouted, "Rian! Stop."


    Aria turned around and went towards Rian releasing herself from n. Nathan was trying to stop Rian but thetter didn''t stop.


    All were thinking Rian would push Aria away too hence they anxiously looked at them.

 Chapter 12: Live your dreams

    Chapter 12: Live your dreams


    Aria held Rian''s ear and pulled him back to stop him from beating the teacher Bell.


    "Little Devil!" Rian screamed. He might push away anybody but he never did that to Aria.


    n was surprised to see how obedient Rian was with Aria.


    Aria smacked Rian''s head before checking his right backhand. "How many times do I have to tell you not to hurt your right hand?"


    She took his handkerchief and dabbed on his knuckle which had bloodstain. It wasmon for Rian but others were bbergasted knowing why she stopped Rian.


    Teacher Bell was groaning in pain having nobody to tend to him.


    Rian tried to loosen his hand from her clutch, "Little Devil, how else can I beat him without using my hands? Your palm was swollen yesterday. Leave me, I will break his bones."


    Aria stretched his fingers to make sure he hadn''t fractured himself. She looked at him pointing his legs, "You have the other two limbs. You are wearing boots and you will not get hurt using them."


    Many wanted to puke blood hearing her.


    All heard n chuckle hearing her which surprised everyone. nposed himself soon in surprise by his own reaction. He understood their care-hate rtionship and he felt it was crazy.


    Rian''s mood quickly changed and pinched her cheeks hard making it turn red, "My little Devil is back."


    Aria stomped her foot on his boots making him scream which amused everyone, "Crap, Little Devil."


    Aria didn''t respond to him and pulled him out following n but she spoiled n''s mood right after exiting the office room, "President Morgan! Thank you so much for today."


    n held her hand and took her out as he coldly instructed Rian, "Go to your ss."


    Rian sighed looking at Aira jogging behind n, <em>''Bro! Now I understand why you are single till now with your handsome face, toned physique, and such job.''</em>


    He quickly went to his ss and narrated everything to his fellow ssmates proudly. Noah and Eva chided him for not calling them to watch the live show.


    Aria had to sit in the car again. <em>''Did I anger President Morgan?''</em> She thought to herself ncing at n who was attending a video conference.


    She got to know they weren''t going to the Morgan mansion or Cooper mansion. Their route won''t take them to Skyline or Morgan Industries which were present on the same road with just half kilometer distance. She nced at n who was instructing some tasks to his employees and sat quietly without asking.


    Nathan quietly drove the car to the outskirts for an hour before stopping in front of <em><strong>Aan Orphanage</strong></em>.


    ''<strong>Aan</strong>'' was an acronym of ''<strong>ARia aLAn riAN</strong>.'' It was started by the joint venture of Morgan and Skyline Industries.


    Aria couldn''t understand why n brought her to the orphanage in his tight schedule. She alighted with them and saw Nathan getting a carton out from the car trunk.


    It had been a long time hence she was looking around checking the changes when n held her hand and walked in his long strides making her jog again.


    Nathan pursed his lips thinking n was hopeless with girls. He coughed lightly before speaking, "President Morgan, Ms.Cooper can not keep up with your walking speed."


    n shot daggers at Nathan making him look ahead and walk then he slowed down for Aria and heard her sigh. Aria wasn''t short but n was tall and his speed was too much.


    The orphanage chief greeted both, "President Morgan, Ms.Cooper."


    n strode in without giving a response. Aria nodded at the chief. She wanted to tell n that she can walk and holding her wrist wasn''t required but knowing his misogyny personality she gave up.


    Both men asked her to distribute choctes and snacks to nearly fifty kids in which only a few kids remembered her, greeted her, and told other kids.


    "Sister Aria?... Hey, Dancing sister is here."


    "Painting teacher sister is here."


    Aria smiled at them as she gave them the choctes. Then all surrounded her as they spoke to her, poked her, and theyughedmenting.


    "Sister Hair is so long as in the stories of Rapunzel."


    "Mini! This is Sister Rapunzel."


    "No No, Sister looks like my doll. She is sister Barbie."


    "Kooky! Sister is pretty. She is Sister Cindere."


    Kids continued as Aria''s face turned red hearing everyone adding new names to her. Every time she came with Noah, Eva, and Rian to y. Since she was the only one with kids as other men sat away looking at them, all kids interacted with her.


    Aria couldn''t control herughter when she heard, "Sister''s cheeks are red. She is Sister Red Cheeks."


    n who worked on hisptop kept his attention on Aria. He saw her smiling looking at kids, as it continued, the pain in her eyes dissipated and she talked,ughed and yed with them. When he heard all the nicknames, his lips tilted up looking Aria.


    All the kids went to the ground and yed with Aria, screaming, cheering all the time. When it was time for lunch, all the kids were taken inside by caretakers to eat.


    Aria sat down outside still smiling when n walked behind her and sat down on a different stair before speaking. "So it''s true."


    Aria turned to see n for making sure he told her. n continued, "If you are sad, y with kids. That smile will heal your pain."


    Aria smiled and turned to look at the dining hall where kids had started their lunch. "True"


    n spoke mildly, "Sometimes our life imposes with inescapable agony which we have to endure. We call it experience. We have to learn from it and move on epting the changes."


    He paused and nced at Aria before continuing, "If you focus on the hurt you will continue to suffer. If you focus on the lesson, you will continue to grow."


    Aria turned to him hearing him speak so much gently to her but his face didn''t show any emotions.


    n continued, "You may be broken but you are still alive. Live your dreams, not in agony."


    Aria nodded as a smile appeared on her face, "Slowly but surely, I will make my way back to myself."


    n was relieved hearing her answer and sat next to her.


    Aria stiffened instantly and damn confused when he took her hand. He put on a bracelet as he asked, "I heard, Uncle Oliver gave a personalized design to prepare this. Who designed?"


    Aria caressed the vibrant colored butterfly on a thin chain bracelet as she replied, "Dad exined the design and I sketched."


    n saw her smile looking at the butterfly. "Do you like butterflies?"

 Chapter 13: Bliss and Endeavor

    Chapter 13: Bliss and Endeavor


    Aria didn''t expect n to be interested in talking about her. She lightly shook her head, "Dad told me that the butterflies are one of the most magical and cherished creatures. It symbolizes metamorphosis and creativity."


    n continued right after her looking ahead, "It also symbolizes endurance, change, hope, and joy. Uncle Oliver is referring to <strong>YOU</strong> as a <strong>Butterfly</strong>."


    Aria nodded lightly and analyzed, "So President Morgan is telling me to endure the pain, change for the better, have hopes, and enjoy life."


    n''s face turned rigid. "Are you my employee or stranger?"


    n''s lips twitched hearing her response which was "We are more like a stranger but not really a stranger."


    "Don''t address me as President." He said passively and walked off.


    Aria didn''t really understand why n asked his previous question. She got up and followed him. That day was the first day he opened his mouth to talk to her.


    <em>Aren''t they strangers?</em>


    The trio had lunch in the orphanage before leaving. Nathan drove them to Skyline where Aria had no work other than sitting in n''s office.


    n noticed many executives greeting Aria as President who knew her position and spoke amiably to her as if they meet daily.


    n and Aria didn''t talk to each other again which almost made her feel like the one who spoke to her in the orphanage was a different person.


    She was bored hence she went behind n''s desk before pulling a drawer and taking her design book. It was Oliver''s office in the past and she had many of her things there.


    Even though n was curious, he didn''t react and saw her from his corner of his eyes taking all the sketching supplies before sitting opposite to him to use the desk.


    n finished a few files before he went to meetings leaving her alone


    When he returned after three hours, Aria was asleep on the desk holding a pencil in her hand as a few colored pencils were stuck on her hair purposefully and one was on her ear.


    His lips tilted up looking at her who looked adorably cute. His train of thought stopped when he heard a knock and he proceeded to his seat.


    Aria woke up by the knocks on the door and saw n pursing his lips. <em>''Did I anger him again?''</em>


    The secretary kept a few files on the desk and when she was leaving Aria stopped, "Secretary Kent, Is fashion chief designer in the office?"


    "I will check it and let you know President Cooper." The secretary respectfully replied and went out.


    n took her book without asking and saw her designs. There were five designs and all looked exceptional but not a single word left from his mouth. Aria didn''t care either.


    The secretary had called the designer to the CEO''s office directly who happily went to meet Aria knowing the reason. "Ms.Cooper, President Morgan." She greeted and smiled at Aria before removing the pencils from her hair. That''s when Aria remembered it.


    She passed her designs to the chief designer who liked all designs beforementing, "Ms. Cooper, Shall we release these under yourbel?"


    Aria was about to nod but paused, "Since the acting CEO is President Morgan, You can go with the approval of Director and President Morgan before deciding." If it was during her father, she wouldn''t have said it but now it was President Morgan...


    n furrowed his brows and coldly said, "No need for the approval of President Cooper''s design. It''s herpany."


    The chief designer rubbed Aria''s head before taking the design sheets and leaving.


    When n noticed Aria''s gaze on him for a long time, he spoke, "President Cooper! How can I help you?" Since he got annoyed hearing her say, President Morgan, he started to address her as President Cooper considering themselves as strangers.


    "Presi Young master Morgan, if you are irritated by my presence, why did you ask me to sit here? I know the way to the Morgan Mansion." Aria remembered n saying not to address him as President Morgan.


    n furrowed his brows hearing <em>''Young Master Morgan''</em> even though numerous people address him that way, he didn''t like it from Aria. "Do you call your employees by their names? Or as a Young Master?"


    Aria couldn''t understand why he was asking such questions. "I will address them by their position as Director, secretary, assistant etcetera."


    n was at a loss again and red at her.


    Aria again didn''t understand why he was angered.


    She stood up and tidied her desk part as she said without any emotion, "Young master Morgan, except for anger, why don''t you show any other emotion in your eyes or face? And why do you get angry at me all the time? If I''m wrong about anything, correct me, I will learn. Getting angry on me doesn''t get you anything."


    n was surprised hearing her say about him and his anger. Aria didn''t receive any response and walked towards the exit but she heard, "Where are you going?"


    "Waiting area."


    "Why?"


    "To let you work peacefully."


    There was a long pause. Aria again turned to leave, n spoke, "Get in." He wasn''t sure of himself what he wanted either but he didn''t think his behavior could affect Aria.


    Aria pursed her lips as she went near the couch and sat down.


    <em>''Do guardians are domineering? Or is this misogyny only?''</em>


    Both didn''t speak again and silence killed Aria to sleep again. She decided on one thing before falling asleep that was to keep her mouth shut when she had to be with n burying her all questions and curiosities.


    ---


    A week passed. Aria slowly got along with everyone back to almost normal without letting anybody worry about her unnecessarily but there were still some changes that were obvious to only the trio. Noah, Eva, and Rian but they didn''tin.


    After that day in Skyline, She didn''t talk to n again. He would check on her after work to make sure she was sleeping. He would drop them at school and the driver would pick them back at the Morgan mansion.


    When n received pictures of Rian''s paintings, he saw two paintings of Aria. One was while she was sleeping in her room balcony. There was a subtle smile on her half-visible face which was very pleasant to see calming the nerves.


    Another one was her back. She was in the air jumping to pluck a flower from the tree.


    He quickly called the studio and instructed swiftly, "I want Rian''s two new paintings. Bliss and Endeavor. Bill in my name and send it to my office."


    "Alright!" He hung up the call and rubbed his forehead realizing he just bought two paintings of his own younger brother because of Aria.


    He couldn''t understand what was going on in his mind. He quickly called his parents and got to know they would reach on Monday morning. He rxed knowing he could return to his former life living alone peacefully.

 Chapter 14: I stole President Cooper

    Chapter 14: I stole President Cooper


    n had lots of work on Sunday hence he kept himself busy in the study room as two girls and two boys created a hell lot of mess in the living hall fighting with each other to decide the pic spot for next weekend followed by Aria teaching them a few subjects clearing their doubts.


    When n went downstairs, Aria was beating Rian for not understanding a simple problem even after the eighth time because his mood was on his mobile flirting with a girl.


    All greeted n and Aria treated him as invisible like previous days.


    When Aria wasn''t there, Noah pushed a school gossip to n when he sat down holding a tab. "Brother n, from the day you took care of Arrie in front of all, there are rumors in school that the Prince stole our Goddess."


    Aria was drinking water from the bottle walking towards the living hall, choked on it, and coughed very badly until she ended up moistening her eyes.


    Eva tended to her controlling her smile, n kept his eyes on Aria''s red face until she calmed down and chased Noah for tittle-tattling.


    "Noah, are you a man? Why are you gossipping nonsense?"


    Eva and Rian were rolling on the floor hearing Noah but all froze hearing n''s question even though he knew the answer, "Who are the prince and the goddess?"


    Aria coughed lightly and took a vase to her hand threatening her friends to keep their mouth shut which was sessful but n answered his question making three to roll on the floor.


    "I''m the prince and President Cooper is the goddess. So I stole President Cooper."


    Aria gritted her teeth but didn''t care to look at him whose gaze was on her. "You three, don''te to me asking for my help. Go to your Livid Prince. Hmph."


    Rian was the only one who dared to continueughing even after seeing dark-faced n. The other two lowered their heads and sat quietly.


    Fuming n left for the study room soon.


    After dinner, Noah and Eva left soon. Tired Rian went to his room. Aria sat in her room trying to learn Chemistry equations and forme...


    When n exited study around half-past ten, he saw her room lights brightly lit hence went ahead and knocked on the door to see theplete bed had many books and worksheets.


    Aria was sitting and bent forward keeping her head on the bed. "Aunty Lilly! I will flunk in chemistry. Do you know chemistry? Dumb Rian can''t" Aria who spoke and raised her head thinking the housekeeper entered to give her warm milk paused seeing n who was crossing his arms looking at her state.


    It was difficult for her to identify what he was thinking. She sat straight and ignored him continuing to understand chemical forme.


    n thought she would ask him but she didn''t. <em>''I''m her guardian.''</em> He told himself and tidied her bed before sitting next to her. "Which one aren''t you understanding?"


    Aria didn''t want to talk but she had to respond to send him off, "Young master Morgan, I will manage. You have worked all day, you should go and rest."


    n remained calm, "I meant it when I said I''m there for you." He paused purposefully seeing her change in expression before continuing, "Which one are you facing difficulties?"


    Aria bit her lip and handed the chemistry book, "Dad had taught me the first chapter. After that, I don''t understand anything."


    n peeked at her before breaking into a smile, "So your weak subject is chemistry."


    Aria nodded.


    n started from the second chapter and taught her patiently answering all questions and doubts.


    He had taught Rian a few times but he never got any questions or doubts as he only read for writing exams whereas he got numerous questions from her which he had to note down aside if he didn''t know the answer.


    Seeing him write questions aside, Aria rified, "I didn''t mean to question your intelligence by my questions. They are just my doubts." She didn''t want n to get offended like teacher Bell.


    He rubbed her head fondly as he responded, "I know. Now do this."


    Aria nodded and continued to study. She was understanding easily when n exined which almost made her ask him to teach her chemistry whenever he could but she didn''t say.


    n didn''t feel bored or irritated teaching her as she understood quickly. Instead, he was enjoying teaching her.


    Both didn''t notice the time until Aria had yawned a few times and said drowsily, "I''m sleepy."


    Seeing her half-closed eyes, he hummed and took books and worksheets to keep on the study table. He arranged the books neatly taking his own time. When he turned to see Aria, she was leaning on the headrest and dozed off waiting for him to leave.


    He checked the time to realize it was two. Heid her down carefully and tucked in before he turned off the lights and went to his room.


    He found the solution to her question before he slept.


    ***


    The trio was having breakfast when Amelia and Rowan entered the mansion calling Aria, "Arrie Arrie..."


    Aria dabbed her lips before giving a cheeky smile to Rian to tease him. She went ahead and hugged Amelia who was happy seeing her smiling. Rowan hugged her by the shoulder as they exchanged pleasantries.


    Rian grimly looked at his parents, "Do you guys even know you have sons? Now I doubt that you must have picked me from somewhere."


    Amelia, Rowan, and Ariaughed looking at jealous Rian. Aria suggested, "Uncle Rowan, how about throwing your sons out? We three can have fun."


    n knew she was joking so he didn''t take it seriously but what Amelia said made him think what Rian said, "n is running away from here. This crazy son can be thrown out, don''t worry."


    Aria wasughing when Rian twisted her hand back without really using any strength, "Little Devil, I will teach you a lesson today." He pushed her out as they bid them and hopped in the car.


    Amelia and Rowan settled on the couch sighing themselves. "I was very scared about Arrie, now we can be worry-free. This child! I hope she isn''t hiding her pain under her smiles."


    Rowan patted his wife''s shoulder. "Let''s see how it goes on."


    Amelia nodded, "When are you nning to ask Arrie about what Dad told us?"


    "Not so soon. She is still very young." Rowan brushed off the topic. They had breakfast and went to bed due to exhaustion.


    In the car, Aria felt like n had split personality disorder. Because he was gentle and amiable while teaching, from the time she thanked him in the morning when he gave her the answers to the questions, he was grim.


    <em>''Thank you so much Young master Morgan for teaching me.''</em>was what she said after seeing him in the morning.

 Chapter 15: The worst livid guardian (2)

    Chapter 15: The worst livid guardian (2)


    ''If I am friendly once and stranger another time like him, I''ll go mad soon. Good that I won''t see him after today.'' Aria thought to herself ncing at n before alighting the car.


    n looked at the departing figures. He wanted to leave the Morgan mansion soon but he kind of started to miss just by thinking he won''t be sending them off to school the next day.


    Nathan drove towards the Morgan Industries after hearing n''s order...


    Aria spoke to Rian as they walked in, "Beauty! Does your Brother have any illness? Hmmm... rted to the brain?"


    Rian tried to knock on her head for calling Beauty but she held it and twisted. "Little Devil! one day I break your leg."


    After releasing his hands, he wounded his hand around her neck as they walked, "Why? Are you interested in my bro?"


    After receiving a hard punch he answered, "My bro is a misanthrope or maybe not. He likes to be alone... I''ll see you in ss, I''ll meet Mian."


    Aria didn''t get to react to it and he fled to the Art department belle who he had started to get close to.


    Aria was going upstairs when she heard a scornfulugh, "Aria Cooper! Since you failed to get your hands on Rian, are you trying on his brother?"


    Aria identified the tone without turning, "Ms. Heartthrob of the nation, you can continue to woo your President. I don''t have any interest in him."


    I Turner, Country A''s new singing and acting sensation. She was under Morgan Entertainmentand she likes n was old news in the school.


    She had dropped school for two years and returned toplete it in the same year as Rian so that she could get a chance to get along with him and to create chances to meet n who she had seen only once till that day.


    Her stream was liberal arts hence she hardly gets a chance to see Rian and thetter never gave her face for using n''s name in the school forum to get more attention.


    Her family business was in Construction, Real estate, and logistics business. She was haughty as she could be considering herself as a perfect match to n Morgan.


    I smirked, "Good for you else I would have made sure to show your ce."


    Aria''s lips slightly turned up and patted her cheek, "I know my ce." but she didn''t give time to I and made a disgusting face, "Ms. Turner, how manyyers of the mask have you applied?"


    Aria wiped her palm with a tissue seeing enraged I. Thetter couldn''t react as her fans were looking towards her in awe.


    After tossing the tissue in front of I to a bin, Aria strode off.


    I fumed forcing an enchanting smile at her fans to maintain her Nation goddess image.


    Aria had the School goddess title because of her grades, sports, and extracurricr activities including her looks which actually irked I which she couldn''t take.


    By the looks, I maintained a superstar figure where boys would swoon at her. In them, many would stare at her huge bust which she shows off pridefully wearing bodycon dresses or off-shoulder Sweetheart neckline dresses everywhere.


    In school, she wore a size smaller shirt which tightly hugged her curves making her look sexy. Many girls usually call her uniform a cosy dress feeling disgusted.


    Aria entered to hear lots of doubts about subjects topics from her ssmates. Since the formative assessment was at the end of the week all were studious.


    Aria announced, "How about I solve your doubts after ss? I will ask Ms.Emma''s permission for using the ssroom. We will do a few subjects today and the rest of the subjects tomorrow."


    "Great." Many said in unison.


    A few asked her to teach in the afternoon who couldn''t stay. Aria agreed to them before going to her desk.


    Eva was about to ask something, Aria''s face turned grim looking at her seat. Eva startedughing and kept the gift box on the desk to let her sit.


    The gift was from Jake Davis who was pursuing Aria even after multiple rejections. He was handsome and was about her height. He was pursuing her for two years ignoring his admirers.


    After Arrie started attending school, he started to send gifts every day with a card. He was writing beautiful lines promising her to keep her safe and happy as her father if she epts him.


    Aria''s ssmates found it romantic and caring but she felt torture and clingy.


    She took the gift box with the card before going to the Studentmittee office because he was vice president of the Students'' Committee.


    She had lectured himst week hence she didn''t care to spare a word this time. She opened the door of the room and threw the gift towards him which he caught on time.


    She was leaving, Jake followed her with a sweet smile. "Arrie! You shouldn''t return the gifts. Anyway, did you eat breakfast? Shall I get you something?"


    Aria didn''t care to respond and strode off before closing the ssroom door on his face which he was already used to.


    He peeked in by the window, "Goddess Aria! How about a movie tonight?" His captivating voice sounded in the ssroom making the whole ss cheer.


    Jake sweetly smiled looking at Aria. Thetter was clenching her teeth, "How about I dump you in a garbage vehicle tonight?"


    When the whole ssughed, Jake confusedly replied with a wink, "Is there any movie as such?"


    "You..." Aria didn''t have to finish.


    Noah stood behind him and smacked his head, "Scram"


    Jake red at Noah before telling Aria, "Arrie! Unblock my number in messenger and I''ll be waiting for your message."


    After that, he left happily ruining Aria''s mood. Noah teased her for sometime before their sses started.


    During mathematics, a new young temporary teacher came, spoke to them, and time passed keeping ss lively for his first day. All the students liked his easy-going personality.


    Before leaving, he asked ss representatives to meet him in the office room before they start their lunch.


    Noah and Aria went to the office room asking Eva and Rian to get their lunch. "Teacher Reed." Both said in unison.


    Jade Reed looked at both breaking into a smile. "Aria Cooper, Noah woods! As you know, I''m new and I may take little time to get adjusted, I hope you guys take care of me till then."


    Aria and Noah looked at each other before saying, "Sure Teacher Reed."


    Jade smiled, "Aria! I heard you took mathematics ssst week, do I have to teach them to students again? Or just brushing up on those topics is enough?"


    Noah responded, "It''s not required, Teacher Reed. You can continue after those chapters. Arrie is excellent aaa..."


    Aria pinched his waist, "Teacher Reed! Please choose, however you feel suitable. I just engaged them in ss instead of wasting time."


    Noah could only stand looking at Aria who inly spoke without any emotions. It confirmed to him that she was distancing herself from Jade due to the previous teacher''s fiasco.


    Jade slightly nodded, "Arrie? Your nickname?"


    Aria curtly replied, "Yes"


    Jade continued in a surprised tone, "So it was you who solved university level questions to prove that you didn''t cheat in the surprise test."


    Aria''s face turned grim and she didn''t respond to Jade.

 Chapter 16: The worst livid guardian (1)

    Chapter 16: The worst livid guardian (1)


    Noahughed awkwardly scratching his head sensing Aria''s mood change, "Teacher Reed, let''s not talk about it."


    Aria continued, "Teacher Reed, Is there anything else?"


    Noah squeezed her hand to indicate her to remain calm.


    Jade noticed the changes but didn''t say anything as he already knew what happened. He thought it was normal for Aria to react that way. "Aria! you have to help me when I''m wrong or stuck. I may disturb you to teach me if I don''t know."


    Aria''s expression rxed a little, "Teacher Reed, you are thinking too highly about me. I''m just a student. If nothing, you should have your lunch."


    Jade knew she was being reserved hence he didn''t say anything else, "Alright! Tomorrow I''ll give a unit test on the topics which Aria taught to students. Inform it in the ss. You two can leave now."


    Jade looked at Aria who smiled sweetly greeting Ms.Emma Hudson and thetter rubbed her head fondly when she was leaving the office room.


    Jade went near Emma holding his bento box. He leaned on her desk as he ate and asked. "Ms. Hudson, you are the home teacher of Section two science. How is Aria Cooper? She seemed to be too reserved with me."


    Emma faintly smiled, "Mr.Reed, you must be knowing what happened with her. Give her time, she will be fine with you if you are a good teacher."


    He just nodded as his eyes fell on score sheets of students. He leisurely took Aria''s sheets. "Your student seems to be talented... Why is her chemistry score low as other subject scores are perfect?"


    Emma who was eating nced at him once before speaking, "Arrie is weak in chemistry."


    Jade faintly smiled before going to his desk.


    <em></em>


    <em>''Arrie!''</em> He shook his head to disperse his thoughts. Her smiles at others and her pretty face seemed to affect him.


    While having lunch with the whole ss, Jake showed up near Aria and kept Tiramisu next to her te giving a subtle smile at her.


    Her ssmates <em>''Oh''</em> loudly which got everyone''s attention. She shot daggers at Jake who waved his hand from his seat.


    His smile made her fume but she suddenly smiled giving creeps to Noah. "Arrie! What''s cooking in your head?"


    "Elita! Can you help me write a few words by seeing handwriting?" Aria asked her ssmate who was good at forging handwriting.


    Hearing yes, she borrowed another ssmate''s book who had brought a book to the canteen and handed it to Elita. She quickly opened a picture on her mobile from the history of sent pictures to her Dad''s number and passed it to Elita.


    "Please write, ''Dessert for my sweet baby La. From your Jake. XOXO''"


    Other ssmatesughed hearing her. La was Jake''s ssmate who follows Jake like a crazy one-sided lover.


    Elita analyzed the handwriting and quickly wrote it as asked by Aria. Thetter instructed the little boy after giving him chocte and sent him to the table where La was sitting.


    The little boy pointed towards Aria when he was asked who sent but that time, Aria looked at Jake who smiled sweetly at Aria but La saw Jake smiling towards her as Aria''s back was facing her.


    The little boy left soon. La skipped towards Jake and sat next to Jake holding the tiramisu and flirted with him without letting him leave.


    Aria''s ssmates burst intoughter looking at La wrapping her hands around Jake''s shoulder.


    Aria went to them after her lunch, "I''m sorry La that I had to divert the dessert to you which was from the Vice president, Please teach your boyfriend to stay away from me. And yeah! You guys make a great couple."


    La smiled sweetly and Jake understood who sent the tiramisu to La. "Arrie! You can''t do this to me."


    He shouted in vain as allughed seeing La hugging his arm and following him.


    Rian was having lunch with Mian Walker, understood from afar, and smiled to himself. <em>''Little Devil''</em>


    The sses continued, Aria taught three subjects before leaving school. Rian had left as he knew those topics.


    Aria tried to g a taxi but she couldn''t get one. She walked towards the bus stop when Jade stopped his car next to her. Aria''s face turned nk seeing him approach her.


    "Aria! What are you doing thiste here? Shall I drop you somewhere?"


    n was on his way to the vi passing by the school identified her instantly. He couldn''t understand why she was still at school at thiste hour.


    Aria replied as she looked ahead for a taxi. "Teacher Reed! I was helping a few students hence gotte and..."


    n didn''t see any students around either. He hopped off to cross the road to reach Aria but...


    She raised her hand and stopped a taxi, "I got a taxi. Thank you." Without waiting for Jade''s reply, she left.


    Jade looked at the taxi speeding off and sighed. He got into his car and left.


    n gritted his teeth and got back in his car before following the taxi and sessfully stopped it after three junctions.


    Aria who was looking at her mobile thought it was a traffic signal but hearing Driver curse another driver, she raised her head to see n in a crisp white shirt and grey pants wearing dress shoes alighting from his ck Lamborghini sports car.


    She couldn''t understand why he always stays grim.


    n opened the back door and pulled her out forcefully and kept a few bills on the front seat which shut the driver.


    Aria frowned harder as his clutch on her arm was very tight and she was holding her zer in hand which made noyer of cloth under his clutch.


    n didn''t notice her and opened the shotgun seat door before forcing her to sit inside. He went around and sat on the driver seat before speeding towards the Morgan mansion.


    Aria red at n for a few seconds before turning towards the road rubbing her arm. She wanted to shout in frustration.


    n sped crazily on the road. He didn''t know whether he should appreciate her boldness to hail a taxi at thete time alone or scold her for being off guard all the time ignoring her identity.


    One was fuming, another one was annoyed thinking she got the worst livid guardian.


    Twenty minutes of silence was weird in the car. n always stayed silent hence he didn''t feel anything but Aria who always engaged in light talk if the person was known felt like torture to sit with him.


    As soon as n stopped the car, she bolted inside the mansion after getting down. She greeted Rowan and Amelia before going upstairs but n held her hand and dragged her to face his parents, making her lose her patiencepletely.

 Chapter 17: Rebuking Alan

    Chapter 17: Rebuking n


    Rowan and Amelia confusedly looked at the duo.


    n started to speak coldly pointing at Aria, "Don''t we have cars and drivers? Why the hell was this troublesome girl hailing a taxi to return home? Give her some knowledge that it''s not safe to walk around alone as she pleases. Last time she walked up to the cemetery alone andid there till I got her. Now! was she waiting to get kidnapped ignoring her identity? Don''t expect me to solve this brainless girl''s stupid things every week."


    Aria pursed her lips as she heard him, she was sad and also annoyed.


    Rian left his game hearing n''s reprimanding voice for long to check-in the living hall.


    Amelia and Rowan understood Aria came with n.


    The housekeeper''s eyes fell on Aria''s hand, "Young miss! Is it painful? Did anybody really try to abduct you?"


    Everyone''s expression changed. n realized he had held her arm while changing cars.


    Aria faintly smiled at all to say she was fine before her gaze stopping at n, "Aunty Lilly! My arm was held tightly by a man who has a pea-sized brain and still audacious to call me brainless."


    Rian understood who the man was and startedughing. Rowan and Amelia looked at n whose face was indecipherable.


    Not even the Morgan parents dare to scold<em>''The n Morgan.''</em>


    The housekeeper tried to change the atmosphere and whispered, "Young miss! Young master''s temper isn''t good. You shouldn''t have said it."


    Aria always buried her frustration about how n treated her hence she didn''t listen to the housekeeper and replied in a normal tone which raised as she went on.


    "Temper? Aunty Lilly, your young master doesn''t have any temper. I always see him fuming for everything... No no, no he was amiable when he taught me and advised me... I''m sorry Uncle and aunty to say this but your son has a dual personality or maybe multiple personality disorder."


    There was pin-drop silence when she finished. Rian sensed n reached his limit and would burst anytime soon hence he silently slipped.


    Amelia and Rowan knew well about n who would only talk if there were important things to speak, misunderstanding him was easier hence they didn''t feel bad for what Aria said instead they were shocked to see Aria losing her temperament which meant she was pushed to the extreme until she couldn''t hold on to it.


    The housekeeper couldn''t stand in the atrocious atmosphere. "Young miss! you must have some misunderstanding. Young master is a very good man."


    Aria bit her lip. She had forgotten for a few minutes she was standing in the Morgan mansion and lectured the first young master Morgan who always got praised by everyone.


    She lowered her gaze and apologized, "I''m sorry Aunty, Uncle, and President Morgan for my rude behavior. I''m really thankful for President Morgan for being there for me and standing by me during this time period. I''ll not be troublesome for you anymore."


    She finished and walked towards the main door. By the time they realized what she meant, she was near the door.


    Amelia called her as she ran towards the door, "Arrie... Arrie..."


    Rowan wasn''t in a position to scold n, "You shouldn''t have distressed her." He went out after saying it.


    The housekeeper who looked after n from the child and saw Aria growing up couldn''t help but say, "Girls aren''t strong-hearted as you Young master. Upon that Young miss lost her father and she is psychologically weak even though she shows herself as strong."


    n clenched his fist tight as he analyzed what just happened.


    He was worried about her but he reproached using the wrong way of using words. His mood would ruin because of how she addresses him and it wasn''t her mistake.


    He would talk if he wanted else he never opened his mouth even to reply, so she misunderstood his personality making her difficult to understand him.


    He went out to look for Aria regretting his actions.


    Aria who went out met Noah who came to return her book. Seeing her keeping her gaze down, clutching her skort hem tight, he held her arms, "Arrie! What''s wrong? Did anybody tell you anything? Why are youing outside?"


    Aria controlled herself from shedding tears. She took a few deep breaths before she could manage to say, "I want to go home."


    Amelia froze hearing her. She thought Aria considers the Morgan mansion as home after staying there for weeks but...


    Noah nced at Amelia before speaking, "Arrie! You are at home."


    Rowan and the housekeeper had reached by that time to see her shaking her head.


    n reached to hear her say, "I want to go to my ce. Can... Can you take me home? it''s... it''s far from here."


    Amelia called her heartbrokenly, "Arrie!"


    Rowan nced at n who went ahead and held Aria''s hand before taking long strides inside the mansion.


    Aria who had to jog behind him frowned harder. "Leave me... Leave." She shrugged her hand hard to release herself.


    All went inside behind them.


    Rian heard from the maid and went back downstairs to see n taking Aria inside.


    "Do I look like a nonliving thing to you? President Morgan! For your kind information, I''m a living person. I''m not an object to be dragged around all the time as you please. Let me give you a piece of advice even if you mind, Learn to talk and don''t treat people like things. You may not be a bad person but don''t let your actions speak wrong about you. I... I may be weak and alone but my father taught me to stand for myself."


    She turned towards Amelia and Rowan, "Uncle, I hope you allow me to stay in my vi. I don''t want to be anybody''s trouble or burden. Please consider your children more than me."


    Aria waited for a few seconds and spoke, "Aunty Lilly, please don''t disturb me tonight." After finishing she ran towards her room upstairs.


    "Arrie..." Noah and Rian called in unison.


    Aria released her hand from Rian''s hand before going to her room and locking the room door.


    She wasn''t sure why she was feeling so low but she remembered every little thing and started to cry in the darkroom.


    She missed her father as she remembered how he always took care of her, taught her, stayed with her without letting her get hurt for anything. She was so close to her father that she would even send him the pictures of the love letters she was getting before crumpling them and throwing them into the bin.


    Now she could only open their chat and look through the chat history or remember the happy movements and cry for losing her father.<ol><li>A skort is a skirt with a pair of integral shorts hidden underneath.</li></ol>

 Chapter 18: I will not disturb you

    Chapter 18: I will not disturb you


    Rowan consoled Amelia who had broken into tears.


    Rian wanted to screw up his brother but he also knew it would only make things worse and n should learn himself.


    Noah handed Aria''s book to the housekeeper who was sighing and he left quietly.


    n had clutched his fist tight and stood rooted for some time before exiting the mansion to leave but he mmed on the brakes after going a little distance looking at Aria''s room bay window.


    He never wanted to hurt her but hisplex ununderstandable thoughts broke her again. He wanted to leave soon and live alone in istion but he also wanted to look for Aria whose tears started rolling on her cheeks right after she finished saying to the housekeeper.


    He felt his head throb as he continued to think about Aria. He alighted and went aside holding a cigarette pack. He leaned on a tree and his eyes didn''t leave her room. He smoked which he rarely did.


    His packet of cigarettes finished but the room light never lit. He didn''t even see her shadow moving. He felt his heart weighing heavier as time passed. Those feelings were very new to him which made him difficult to understand.


    By the time he could decide to look for her, it was eleven at night. The entire mansion was dimly lit as all went to bed. He met a maid while ascending stairs, "Did Aria eat anything?"


    "Young master! Young miss isn''t opening the door." She replied respectfully bowing her head.


    n never saw her locking the door. "Get me the spare key."


    "Right away, Young master." That maid ran downstairs to get the keys. She quickly returned and handed it to n, "Leave!" He ordered and went in front of Aria''s room.


    He hesitated and opened the lock. When he pushed the left side of the door, he felt the obstruction to open it. He pushed the right side to see Aria curled up on the floor next to the door.


    He felt suffocated and hard to breath looking at her. He had to look aside topose himself. He pushed the door close before sitting down to hold her.


    Aria reacted as soon as he touched her, "Leave..." Her voice was very hoarse.


    She tried to move away but n held her in arms and hugged her tiny trembling body.


    Aria understood him as n Morgan as he didn''t talk. "Please leave. Don''t bother about me. Please leave." Her strength wasn''t enough to move him by her push.


    n didn''t leave her and his arms became firm around her, "I''m sorry." His voice was low, deep, and clear to hear.


    Aria had stopped crying but she started weeping after hearing him. n rubbed her back realizing she started crying when he felt his shirt was getting wet.


    She tried for a long time to speak before she could be able to say in her hoarse voice stuttering. n had to keep his ear near her lips to hear that.


    "I know you were worried about me so you got angry. I''m sorry I shouldn''t have scolded you."


    He froze for a few seconds knowing she understood his intention even though she was hurt in the process.


    Aria knew whatever he did, he had a reason behind it. Given his misogyny personality, she felt it was natural for him to get angry being around her but he still bore with her.


    When she was crying, he tended to her.


    He searched her in the whole city when she was in the cemetery.


    He stood by her side to clear her name from the cheating usation.


    He took her to the orphanage to get her hopes back.


    Even though he could have ignored her taking a taxi, he brought her to the morgan mansion.


    Hearing her say she wants to leave, he took her inside the mansion.


    Even though he was angry, he didn''t show it on her directly.


    Rest of the time both didn''t say anything. Aria didn''t have the strength to move after crying for some time in his arms, she was calming herself when she drifted off to sleep feeling her head heavy.


    n who was caressing her head gently to calm her realized she fell asleep. He carefully carried her to bed andid her down before turning on the nightmp.


    He saw her swollen eyes and red nose as he moved her hair strands away from her face. He untied her tie carefully and shoes before tucking her under the nket. He softly wiped her face and neck with a warm towel and sat on the bed next to her for a very long time.


    He didn''t get an answer to his questions even after thinking so long.


    He pecked on her forehead and said, "I will not disturb you until I resolve my thoughts." He lightly caressed her cheek before exiting her room.


    It was three at dawn when he left the Morgan mansion and went to his private vi to iste himself.


    --


    When Aria woke up in the morning, she felt her head heavy due to a stuffed nose. She was leaning on the headrest of the bed when Amelia entered her room worriedly.


    "Aunty!" she greeted with a faint smile.


    Amelia sighed and hugged her sitting on the bed. She asked a maid to get a steamer and made Aria take hot steam to clear her nose.


    "I''m sorry Aunty Amelia for my behavior yesterday. I will not repeat again." Aria apologized sincerely.


    Amelia turned grim, "Yes! you better not repeat it." She held Aria''s ear as she asked, "Who said you are not my child? If you say again such things again, I will really get angry at you. Understand?"


    Aria nodded before hugging her. It wasn''t long, Rian entered rubbing his eyes. Seeing her awake, he went to her and twisted her ear letting her scream, "Rian!... It''s painful... Rian... Aunty, ask him to leave... Ahhh"


    Amelia didn''t stop him and Rian was grim-faced for sometime before leaving her ear. "If you speak about leaving here, forget about living too."


    Aria rubbed her ear pouting at Rian, Amelia wasughing looking at them. Next to enter was Rowan who was very serious unlike how he always faced Aria.


    Aria apologized, "I''m sorry Uncle about yesterday."


    He grunted before speaking, "You better be sorry. Aria, if you again talk about leaving here..."


    The trio who was on the bed looked at Rowan to hear what he might tell. Rowan scanned their faces before breaking into a smile, "...We wille with you wherever you go."


    All chuckled hearing him and talked for sometime before dispersing to their rooms to get freshen up and went to the dining table.


    After starting breakfast, she looked upstairs before asking, "President Morgan?"


    Rian replied, "Brother n left after you locked yourself in the room."


    Aria was confused hearing it, "Then he... Never mind."


    <em>''I couldn''t be dreaming. He came to the room and the room door wasn''t locked in the morning.''</em> She thought to herself and heard Amelia speak about n.


    "Arrie! n isn''t bad. He prefers to stay silent and is very responsible. He never really interacted with females hence he is little off in that. Don''t misunderstand him and don''t worry, he will stay in his vi. He hardlyes home."


    Aria bit her lip and nodded, "I''m sorry, I spouted nonsense yesterday night."


    Aria was quick and escaped from Rian''s hit, "Seventh time you apologized. Say it again, I will beat you up. At least because of you, Bro will learn to treat females well. He should thank you for that."


    Aria pouted as she heard Amelia and Rowan chuckling for it.


    Aria asked if she could put on the aerial hammock in the backyard and asked the housekeeper to keep an eye on workers who would install it in the afternoon. She left with Rian for school.

 Chapter 19: Alan was livid

    Chapter 19: n was livid


    Aria again received Jake Davis''s gift which she returned again before the ss. As sses went on, Aria was answering the chemistry questions when the teacher asked the students. All were surprised to hear her including the teacher.


    Seeing everyone amusing and the teacher appreciating her, she remembered n and smiled.


    In the mathematics ss, all wrote a unit test. Noah and Aria were called again to the office room to help Jade to correct papers quickly so that he could prepare a question paper for formative assessment.


    Jade was impressed by the scores of the students. He thanked them and let them go to PE ss.


    After teaching a few topics of two subjects, Rian, Noah, and Aria left together. Eva left with her father.


    Aria sighed seeing the hammock in the backyard. She had started to learn it due to her interest in it after her Dad introduced it to her. As she followed, it became her habit to use from which her confidence improved, her body bncing and calmness enhanced including other physical traits. She had dinner and studied a little while before sleeping.


    It followed on for a full week peacefullypleting her formative assessment.


    --


    n would go to his office and return to his private vi keeping himself busy with twopanies'' work.


    His tendency to check on Aria before sleeping and after waking up made him think about her. His day would start with her thoughts and end with her thoughts.


    When he went to Skyline, he was remembering her ce where she had slept and smiled to himself regretting his behavior with her.


    Rowan met him twice a week in the office. He felt n turned even cold after leaving the Morgan mansion that day. He wanted to speak for Aria but he couldn''t make himself speak in front of n who would give him his indecipherable face.


    Rowan called n''s friend who was on good terms with him.


    "Hello, Uncle Morgan. What''s special today?" A young man''s voice sounded groggy.


    Rowan responded, "Isaac! Where are you? Why do you sound sleepy?"


    "Uncle! I''m in country S with the filming crew."


    It was night time in country S hence Rowan apologized, "Oh! I''m sorry, I didn''t know. I''ll call you some other time, Sleep."


    Rowan was about to hang up, Isaac spoke, "No no, Uncle it''s ok. Tell me what happened?"


    "n''s mood isn''t good and you know how hard it is to interact with him. I thought you could talk to him."


    Isaac''s reply was quick, "Don''t worry Uncle. I will meet him as soon as I return."


    Rowan sighed, "Sorry for troubling Isaac. Meet him when you are free. You don''t have to cancel your shoot for that."


    "Oh Uncle, stop worrying about everyone. I''ll manage it." After a light talk, they ended the call.


    Isaac Ross was a country A''s A-list Actor who was under Morgan Entertainment. He was n''s ssmate and friend who could tolerate n''s cold shoulder.


    ...


    Days passed by and n still couldn''t stop having thoughts about Aria. He was thinking after leaving and not seeing her, he could forget about her but that wasn''t the case. He would even turn towards school if in case he could get a glimpse of her.


    After about eleven days he left Morgan mansion, he got a message to his number from Emma for the parent-teachers meet of Rian and Aria. It was to check on the progress of the students.


    After finishing the work soon, he went to meet Emma in the Elite school. When he was walking towards the administrative block, he saw Aria on the groundughing holding her stomach as she heard other students. His lips subconsciously tilted up as his walking pace lowered.


    Heposed when a few female students asked, "Aren''t you n Morgan?... He is so handsome."


    He quickened his pace and strode off.


    Aria was hearing an explicit narration of how La proposed to Jake in front of the whole ss and kissed him forcing herself on to him. Thetter had shrugged her twice before she again pinned him down and kissed to which Jake surrendered to the temptation.


    After Jake realized what he had done, he had no other option but to be her boyfriend with a darkened face.


    Seeing his handsome dark face, his ssmates uploaded his picture in the school forum as ''Rented Boyfriend. Payment is three kisses.''


    A student called Aria from far, "Arrie! The principal is looking for you."


    Aria excused herself and left towards the principal office. She was about to knock on the opened door, she saw Emma, Principal, Rian, and a man''s back was facing her. She knew it was n from the first nce.


    Rian saw her first and spoke sarcastically, "Little Devil! Do I have to give an invitation for you to enter?"


    n turned around to see her ring at Rian and a faint smile appeared seeing him. n''s heart skipped a beat and he clenched his fist and diverted his attention as he turned back to the principal when Aria entered.


    Aria stomped on Rian''s foot and stood next to him. Principal awkwardly smiled at her, "President Cooper, Have a seat."


    Aria and Rian looked at each other. She raised her brows asking what''s going on but Rian gave an evil grin.


    The Principal had asked Emma to inform him when Aria''s and Rian''s guardian reaches school. He personally weed n to his room after knowing his arrival.


    After pleasantries, he spoke about his intention that was, not to cut off the funds to school from Morgan and Skyline Industries. Since n outright rejected, he thought Aria could be easily convinced.


    Aria didn''t sit, "Principal, I''m still a student. You don''t have to give me such respect. If you have any request for my identity, state it."


    Rian burst intoughter and pinched her cheek "Little Devil, you are smarty pants."


    Aria pulled his hand away from her cheek. She wasn''t dumb to think the principal giving so much respect for nothing. She understood well about the human tendency to be good for their work. She had learned it when she was visiting the Skyline with her father and now in school.


    n''s lips were slightly up hearing her and nced towards her whose face was grim looking at the principal.


    Emma pursued her lips to control herughter.


    The principal''s expression couldn''t be uglier. He thought Aria was just a student, easier to handle and she would give a face to him considering him as the principal of the school.


    He nced at the duo President and buried his rage. "Aria! You are a student at our school. One of the best students. You should also think about the school. President Morgan canceled the funds to our school from bothpanies. So I thought you could convince him and grant the funds from Skyline."


    Aria understood when n canceled the funds. n didn''t turn to face her but waited for her reply to know how she would manage it. The other three''s eyes were on her.


    "Principal, just because I''m a student and President Morgan is an alumnus of this school doesn''t mean that we or ourpanies are obliged to fund the school. I will not object to any decision taken by President Morgan rted to Skyline Industries. May I help you with anything else?"


    Her emotionless voice poured a bucket of icy cold water on the Principal''s expectation. Seeing both presidents on the same wavelength, he couldn''t help but give a nod.


    "Anyway, it''s a pity that your batch couldn''t go on yourst excursion without funds." The principal said as he took his water ss to drink water and watched Aria and Rian''s expression.


    He thought Aria would give into him due to the excursion with everyone since every student always liked outings.


    Emma understood why the Principal said it.


    n was livid.

 Chapter 20: Hide behind her smile

    Chapter 20: Hide behind her smile


    Aria broke into a smile which meant for Rian that Little devil was ready with her sweet reply.


    "No problem Principal, I have enough bnce in my ount to take my whole ss for better excursion ces. I think you forgot that I''m Aria Cooper and my guardian is n Morgan."


    The first time she showed off and used her identity.


    n broke into a smile hearing her get back sweetly and he felt <em>''n''</em> sounded more pleasing to hear from her than <em>President Morgan</em> or <em>Young master Morgan</em>.


    They saw the principal choking on water hearing her. Emma let out augh before controlling.


    Rian rested his elbow on her shoulder smiling proudly, "That''s the best thing. How about we go to some ind? Or to the northern mountain for skiing. Little devil, you are a genius."


    The principal took his own time to recover. "Thank you, President Morgan, for sparing time here... You two can go to your sses."


    Rian and Aria left first. Emma followed them. n warned him and went out to hear Aria talking with Emma.


    "Teacher Emma, was I too rude to the principal?"


    Emma patted her shoulder, "It''s good that you don''t let others take advantage of you. Don''t worry, you are right at your position."


    Rian added, "How dare that Principal threaten you indirectly? By the way Little devil, I am in love with your domineering side."


    Aria coughed lightly, "How about I whinge what you said to your Mian?" Rian''s face instantly darkened.


    n who heard the entire conversation didn''t know who was Rian''s Mian. "Mian? Who is that?"


    Rian quickly covered Aria''s mouth first and forced a smile at n, "Bro, it''s nobody."


    Emma chuckled before asking them to follow her to the office room.


    n sat in front of Emma as the other two stood behind him. Emma passed two sets of scores to n. "President Morgan, Rian is improving so there is nothing to worry. He is just a little naughty but isn''t out of hand. And Arrie is the best student. Her scores in chemistry... You may not know that Arrie isn''t good at chemistrypared to other subjects. This time she scored really well and I got the chemistry teacher''s feedback about her improving. By the way, Arrie! Who taught you chemistry this time?"


    Aria pointed her forefinger at n and moved it a few times which made Emma smile looking at her adorable gesture.


    n didn''t hear her response hence he turned to her who looked cute with her slightly pouted lips and raised brows. He smiled to himself and faced Emma.


    Emma continued, "No doubt you ranked first this time in the school. President Morgan, due to chemistry scores, Arrie was losing the first rank, you should help her when you are free."


    Aria didn''t respond so as n. Rian had yawned a few times, "Miss, we will leave."


    Emma nodded. Rian pulled her out and bid her, "See youter."


    Aria looked at her hand in the air while Rian ran away. "Quarrel with Mian ande to me. I''ll teach you a lesson." She muttered to herself and was going towards the ground, Jake stopped her and introduced her to his mom.


    "Mom, she is Aria. First rank student. Arrie, my mom."


    Aria felt he was proud of her rank which she didn''t care about. His mom sweetly smiled at her "Hello Aria." and Aria greeted back politely, "Hello Mrs.Davis"


    She was leaving, Jake held her hand which made Aria grit her teeth.


    "Mom, go and meet the teacher. I''ll be here." Jake''s mom nodded with a smile and left.


    "Arrie, did you see? my mom is so nice. She will look after you well like her own daughter. Why aren''t you considering me?" Jake whined atst.


    "Leave my hand." Aria said grimly but Jake made a puppy face which irritated her.


    Aria twisted his hand back and pinned him to the wall, "Don''t you have a girlfriend? Vice president Davis, If youe behind me again, don''t call me heartless forining to my Home Teacher."


    Her voice was low but she used her force on his hands making him go red in pain.


    "Aria!"


    She bit her lip hearing n''s voice. Even though she was reprimanding Jake, their position was still not good. She left Jake''s hand, turned to n whose face was unreadable.


    n wasn''t sure what to think about looking at them.


    Jake stretched his hand painfully, "Arrie! My hand is... President Morgan? I heard you are Arrie''s guardian. Hello, I''m Jake Davis."


    n didn''t spare a nce at him and kept his eyes on a slightly blushing girl due to awkwardness.


    Aria tried to lighten the atmosphere, "He is a renting boyfriend for three kisses. So I was trying."


    "What?" n was shocked to hear that.


    Jake was confused without understanding when she tried to kiss him.


    Aria pursed her lips seeing the widened eyes of n, "So Young master Morgan knows to give a shocking expression too."


    n recovered instantly hearing her. Aria continued, "I was kidding. I rejected him numerous times till now, he is torturing and clinging on to me. Now he has a girlfriend but he again asked me saying his mom is sweet and will look after me well. So I was telling him to stay away or else I''llin."


    n inwardly sighed and heard Jake telling Aria, "Hey, you have the right to reject but you can''t stop me. And about La, you may know already what happened. I saw youughing hearing that."


    His face was red in embarrassment as his voice faded saying about La.


    Aria''s face darkened, "So? Are you expecting me to ept you who has no self-control and give in to your desire when any girl throws herself on you? What if you do the same after being with me? Jake Davis, get off my face before I lose patience."


    Jake was trying to speak, n tilted his head, "Scat."


    Jake ran towards the teacher''s room to save his life hearing n''s sharp tone and piercing gaze.


    <em>''Didn''t I ask him to leave? One word from President Morgan, he ran away with the tail between his legs. Hmph.''</em> She thought to herself and faced n.


    He rubbed her head as he moved. Aria quietly followed him till the exit of the administrative block. He went towards his sports car, Aria ran towards the ground.


    n looked towards Aria as he walked. He was thinking of what to do about Emma''s suggestion about Aria. He didn''t expect Aria to hide behind her smile to make others worry-free.


    <em>''Arrie''s scores are good but she isn''t back to herself yet. She was confident and bold in whatever she did but she is very insecure now. I spoke to Eva, Rian, and Noah, they are finding the difference too but we didn''t tell Arrie as it might affect her negatively. Since you are her guardian, I thought to inform you. I hope you could help her.''</em>

 Chapter 21: Relationship and marriage

    Chapter 21: Rtionship and marriage


    n was leaning on his car looking at Aria who was learning to shoot the basketball to the basket as a few were trying to give her tips. His lips tilted up seeing her jumping on her toes happily celebrating for the first basket after three tries.


    But that smile didn''tst long because somebody called coquettishly, "President Morgan"


    He turned to see the girl who looked elder to be studying in the school. Her make-up face made him feel disgusted. Since he didn''t know her and seeing her swoon on his face blushing heavily, he sat in his car and drove off to his private vi.


    I Turner gritted her teeth and diverted her rage looking towards Aria.


    As soon as she got to know, n was present on the school campus, she went to the administrative block to meet n. She saw him rubbing Aria''s head and thetter following him out. She couldn''t hear them as she was far.


    Later she saw n smiling which made her heart skip a beat as she never saw him smiling in pictures either but seeing his line of sight, she interrupted him but she didn''t expect n to give her indifferent face and leave without responding.


    She stomped her foot towards Aria but the bell rang and all dispersed to leave to their home. Her vicious eye traced Aria until she was out of her sight. ''You! Bitch. You are no match for me. Be it looks or family.''


    She called her manager and instructed hearing the response, "I want every detail about Aria Cooper."


    Her face was ugly responding to the question, "A student in Elite school. Senior high, science ss two."


    She hung up and she had to give a smile when few student fans waved their hands at her. ''You stupid brainless fans.'' she cursed under her smile.


    Her one ssmate brought her bag to her and she went towards the gate to hop on her car. She saw Rian and Aria taking the same car and an evil smirk appeared on her face.


    She got into her car and left.


    Aria and Rian left as Noah was in the studentmittee office discussing few things. Eva had left a very long back with her father.


    As nned before a week, all packed to go to the resort which was under Wood''spany. Due to Noah, Rian and Aria, Resort was restricted to limited the visitor.


    Eva''s father was a government employee at higher-level management. Her identity wasn''t sensitive as the trio''s identity. Aria''s identity was always secret but after her father, her name came up as heiress hence she had to be cautious too which she didn''t like yet she had no other option.


    Four reached the resort at nine at night with the security Wood''s and Morgan''s arranged for them. Four went to their rooms and got fresh before enjoying the night with beers in the sky lounge.


    ...


    n received a call from Amelia and Rowan to visit them. The former gave in to their request and went on Sunday morning knowing Aria and Rian were out.


    During breakfast, Amelia brought a topic with lots of difficulties, "n! What are your ns for rtionship and marriage? Why are you letting media andizens continue their spection about your interest in men?"


    n Morgan''s secretaries and assistant, executives of every department were men. Nobody ever saw him interacting with women excluding the interviewers. So the media started to hype that news from the past a few months.


    n never answered those rumors hence it would be brought up every now and then. Especially with Isaac and Nathan. Whenever Morgan Entertainment''s female celebrities get questions about n, they would give ambiguous replies to the question which n didn''t care.


    "Mom! It''s been just a year I took over the position. I''m not interested in any rtionship."


    Rowan continued, "What about the rumors?"


    n took his time to respond, "It isn''t affecting thepany."


    Rowan knew that but he thought it would affect n''s image. Seeing his nonchnce, he gave up about it.


    After finishing the breakfast, the trio was sitting in the living hall when Amelia brought up Aria''s topic, "n! Don''t mind about what Arrie told youst week..."


    n cut in saying inly, "I already met her. Don''t worry."


    Amelia and Rowan didn''t know that. Thetter still continued, "Treat Aria like stranger or friend which she wouldn''t mind. Don''t treat her as both. We know you but she doesn''t."


    n just hummed so that they could stop talking about Aria. He spent time with them till lunch and returned to his vi.


    He never talked much hence his short reply didn''t affect his parents but he hadplex thoughts in his mind.


    He didn''t know how to solve his thoughts, he didn''t know how to alleviate Aria''s insecurity.


    The more if he tries to disperse his thoughts about her, it increased more even though he didn''t contact her, see her or chat with her.


    ...


    After eating, ying and enjoying at the resort till evening, four were dead tired. After dinner, they slept in the car on the way home. They dropped Eva first before Noah, Rian and Aria reached their ce at half-past ten.


    They didn''t stay long with Amelia and Rowan as they were tired and had school the next day.


    When Aria and Rian reached school and walked towards the ssroom, they were getting weird nces from students. Initially, Rian roared at them to keep their eyes check but when it continued, Aria felt something was off.


    Eva and Noah ran towards them and pulled them to the ssroom before breaking the news. "Somebody called FairyPrincess user named student wrote a post about you two in the school forum yesterday."


    Aria and Rian looked at each other before opening the school forum on their mobile. The previous day, they didn''t even think about mobile whole day hence they had no idea about anything or what''s going on in the school forum.


    Aria who used mobile as she went to her desk, froze. She bit her lip, what her father didn''t want to happen was happening. She sat down and threw the mobile in the bag without checking anyments.


    She looked outside and took a few deep breaths before calming herself and seeing Rian''s darkened face as he went through thements.

 Chapter 22: Look for her

    Chapter 22: Look for her


    Aria poked Rian to tease, "Beauty! When did I be your kept woman? You didn''t even give me any money or house. So mean."


    Noah and Eva furrowed their brows. Rian spat at her, "Little devil! Don''t you think you should keep me, you are richer than me? Wait let me add ament."


    "Sure Beauty Rian! Call me hubby, I will give akeside vi to you." Aria finished and startedughing. Actually, she was scared about thinking Rian might st and take things seriously.


    Eva and Noah were confused as hell. As soon as they reached, they got to know about a post in the school forum which their ssmates asked to confirm.


    The post was simple. "Skivvy trying to be Princess." With pictures of her riding a bicycle on the road and hopping on the car with Rian.


    The firstment was, "Aria who always ran behind Rian found her chance to be with rich Rian Morgan after her father died. Is she a kept woman? Despicable!"


    "Goddess Aria! I''m rich too. How about a night with me tonight?"


    "We thought Goddess was with Prince, were you thrown out by him that you adjusting with a little prince?"


    "Are you a shared b*tch? Who satisfies you better?"


    .


    .


    Rianmented, "Hey there, there... How can I keep the Goddess? She offered me akeside vi to be her kept man. No jealousy, please, please. Thank you FairyPrincess for the idea, I got a vi. oh ho."


    It wasn''t even ten minutes, hisment got hundreds of replies including their ssmates who hadn''tmented to the post respecting Aria and their good rtion with her.


    Aria and Rian were having fun impressing everyone with their coordination.


    News anyhow spread to teachers and called them the office room. Rian and Aria were bantering with each other on their way without getting affected by the post.


    I Turner who had managed with great difficulty to get the photo of Aria cycling by paying huge sum was fuming red seeing Aria and Rianughing at their own remarks as they walked.


    She didn''t expect them to be so shameless. But she didn''t know they grew up together and know each other well than anybody else.


    She was so mad that she broke her mobile on the ground to control her rage without showing on the face.


    Rian and Aria entered as Rian asked, "Little devil! I don''t want that."


    "Get lost! I''m not giving that vi."


    Both paused looking at all teachers watching them. "What happened?" Rian asked thinking there might be one more big news.


    Emma controlled herself and curiously asked, "What were you talking now?"


    "Oh! Teacher Emma, Rian asked he wants my beach house instead of thekeside vi. I''m not giving him that. Hmph!" She moved her shoulder to let him lose bnce who was resting his elbow on her shoulder.


    All teachers were bbergasted. Jade looked at the duo in amusement. Emma burst intoughter.


    "Little devil! My brother already has akeside vi. I don''t want ake. I want a beach. You better give it to me... Teacher Emma! I had been there once and it is on the cliff with a scenic view. It''s arge estate with a beautiful vi." Rian started daydreaming after saying it amorously.


    Aria smacked on his head seeing his hazy face, "Don''t even dream about it... Hmm, I can lend you that house for a month to your honeymoon with your wife. If you follow polygamy, then forget about it."


    Emma coughed lightly to get their attention as other teachers didn''t know how to react for that.


    "Yes, Teacher Emma! you called us here for?"


    Only Aria and Rian were active as all looked at them like aliens. Rian''sment brought everyone back to reality, "Are you all so impressed by my handsomeness that you are also nning to keep me too? I''m very poor, I don''t mind a few more vis... I don''t mind to take sports cars too."


    Aria chuckled as she low fived Rian, "You are so shameless."


    "You two... Leave leave... I thought you two will be sad but... Are you two here to make us feel poor? Leave." Emma thought Aria would be depressed and couldn''t take it but thanks to humorous Rian, they were enjoying it another way around.


    For a safer side, Emma informed everything to n so that if the matter esctes, he could handle it. She didn''t hear any reply other than ''Thank you Ms.Husdon'' before they ended the call.


    The sses went on peacefully. Rian and Aria got weird looks when they went to the canteen which they ignored. After returning to their ss, Noah and Rian who were outside called her and Eva out holding a coto.


    Both skipped out to eat and realized n brought them. n was leaning on the railing looking at his mobile making the things around him look dull and faded. His assistant, Nathan stood aside.


    She unwrapped her icecream as she heard Noah, "Brother n knows about the school forum post. He came to check on you guys. Rian..."


    "I''m done! He is actually here for you." Rian replied savoring his ice cream.


    Aria saw many people around them and other students peeking at them from different ssrooms. Eating her ice cream she went towards n.


    Thetter, how much ever he tried to stay away or ignore her after hearing it, couldn''t help but look for her to make sure she was really fine.


    "Thank you for the ice cream, Young master Morgan." She didn''t know how else to initiate the conversation.


    n locked the phone screen in which he was checking an email. He nodded at her and asked gently in low voice, "How are you?"


    "About the post in the school forum, it didn''t affect us much. We are fine."


    n lightly flicked on her head, "I asked about you. Are you really not affected by it?... You don''t have to lie to me."


    Aria was surprised by the gentle flick, so as n but thetter didn''t show it on his face.


    "To be frank, I expected such a post. It just arrived early than I thought. So I was mentally prepared for that. After reading the post, Yes! I felt bad. Thanks to Beauty... I mean Rian, he didn''t take seriously too."


    Seeing her smile, n''s lips slightly titled up. "Don''t you think, your maturity is above your age? If it was somebody else, they would be crying if I''m not wrong or they would fight with the other one."

 Chapter 23: Prince Alan and Goddess Aria

    Chapter 23: Prince n and Goddess Aria


    Aria''s smile widened as her eyes formed like two crescent moons which made his heart beat a little faster. As he heard her, his hand subconsciously raised to efface ice cream on her cheek.


    "Exactly! That''s what that user who posted must have wanted but we ruined their n. So they failed in their own n and we beautifully won showing off our bond."


    n let out a chuckle, "Seems like Uncle Oliver prepared you well for the business."


    Aria pouted and objected, "Nope! He always kept me away from the business. I saw and learned from Dad and Uncle Rowan."


    He nodded, "So I will wait for you to take your position soon and show off your skills."


    Aria was surprised to know n was so good with talk but it''s a pity that he didn''t like to talk. She humorously replied, "Oh! I thought to let Almighty President run business so that I can squander all the money."


    n knew Aria''s expenses weren''t even fifty percent of what Rian spends in a month. She had her ownbel fashion line in Skyline Industries and a perfume production line in Morgan industries. Her personal ount bnce was in eight digits but still, her ount statements were only credits and there were only a few debits.


    "So you could do that too?" n asked. His captivating smile stayed on his face all the time surprising Nathan who was looking at him.


    "Of course! If we make our mind, we can do anything." Aria proudly replied before chuckling.


    n wanted to ask why she was still insecure having them around but let it off so that not to ruin her mood who looked happy talking with him...


    n realized even he spoke a lot which he hadn''t done with any female and he didn''t feel boring or irritated talking with her. In fact, he found it interesting, fun and rxing to have a conversation with Aria Cooper.


    They continued to talk till she finished the ice cream. "Call me if anything... Do you have my number?"


    Aria shook her head. Instead of giving his card, he extended his hand, "Mobile?"


    "It''s inside!" Aria pointed inside the ssroom. "I will tell my number, you can ping me. I will save it."


    n took out his mobile and dialed her number, "I have your number."


    Aria nodded and saw him dialing twice. n continued, "The first number is my personal num..."


    Aria cut in, "If an emergency, I have to call your private number and I shouldn''t share it with anybody. The first-number missed call is for general and non-emergency things. I had heard about it from Rian a long back."


    He rubbed her head adoringly, "Go in."


    Aria nodded and was leaving but tugged his zer. n who had turned around looked at his zer hem where she was holding with her slender fingers and faced her raising his brow.


    Aria said straightforwardly "Keep smiling! It suits you... Bye."


    n looked at her entering inside the ssroom and he left smiling. n''s smile soon reced with a poker face noticing Nathan peeking at him frequently. He got back to work soon.


    Without Aria in front of him or without her thoughts, he couldn''t and didn''t smile for anything else which he realized soon.


    At the end of the school time, Aria cried invisible tears due to a new post in the school forum. It was about shipping Prince n and goddess Aria. Many supported them, many were envious, many were cursing Aria for stealing their prince.


    Yes! Their Prince.


    She didn''t mind aboutments and students'' views on her but she was attracting too much attention. Upon that, Rian teased her all the way to the morgan mansion and showed the picture to everyone. In that picture, n was pinching her cheek hearing herment about business rivals.


    She didn''t think too much about it when n did but Amelia and Rian were partying with wine toasting to Aria for scolding n which made him realize to treat females well.


    When she tried to stop them and ask Rowan for help, he added a line, "Aria, convince him to date too. Then I and your auntie will be worry-free." They were being tortured asking if their son was ''gay'' due to rumors.


    Aria: "..."


    Aria wasn''t even sure if she would meet n again. She was also doubtful if he would talk to her or his other personality of treating her like stranger starts. Hearing them, she drowned her wine and smiled awkwardly at them.


    She saw them going on with quite a few bottles. Her tolerance wasn''t that high hence she just watched them as she finished a big fruit tter.


    Rowan had to take his drunk wife to their room. The housekeeper and Aria took Rian to his room before they went to their room to rest.


    Afterying on the bed, Aria gave it a thought who wants her and Rian to have a fight but she couldn''t guess anybody on the list. She thought who could gain an advantage by defaming her but she didn''t find the answer either. Having no answer, she thought to take it slowly and slept.


    --


    Aria who woke up and finished her Aerial Hammock exercise, kicked Rian to wake him who was flipping on the bed hugging a pillow whenever she tried to wake him up.


    "Little Devil! How dare you?" He sat up and yelled keeping his eyes closed holding his head.


    Aria stood in akimbo and threatened, "Did you forget you have to practice ser from today at the school? Sleep again if you dare."


    "Yeah yeah fine! I will not sleep." Rian said in an annoyed tone. He had hangover which made her sigh. She understood why the housekeeper gave her soup which was for the hangover, "Open your mouth."


    Rian obediently drank as she fed him full bowl before He pinched her cheeks and entered the bathroom, "Hey cheer girl, Go and get ready."


    Aria pouted and went to her room. She was forced to be part of a cheerleading group by Noah and Rian. Eva had secretly written her name on the list.


    In the selection process, the studentmittee didn''t even check Aria''s flexibility or participated in the test to check her moves but her name was on the final list.


    Yes! Credit goes to Jake Davis.


    Both got ready and left after eating a very light breakfast. After reaching, both started their own practice.


    The PE teacher who went to check on the eleven cheerleaders frowned looking at I who was wearing a cheerleader outfit that looked more like cosy dress whereas others were wearing school gym wear.


    "I! Don''t you know what to wear for training?" PE teacher grimly asked.

 Chapter 24: You are quite scary

    Chapter 24: You are quite scary


    I shyly replied making others roll their eyes, "Teacher! since I will be the lead. I thought to be different."


    Different? Many boys were staring at her fair legs, curvy butt and bust letting their imagination run wild.


    The teacher grunted, "I will decide that. Not you." That teacher was famous for being strict.


    I''s face fell but she soon smiled giving goosebumps to other girls. "Teacher, I don''t think anybody could be better than me. You can test us."


    Aria felt her headache hearing I. She gritted her teeth seeing Noah and Rian giving her flying kisses to irritate her. She red at them and stepped ahead, "Teacher, shall I show you some moves so that you can correct me if I''m wrong?"


    I thought she was trying to show off hence stepped ahead, "I will join Ms.Cooper."


    The teacher liked the spirit and spoke, "Good good. Start now. Let me see what you girls got."


    Aria started and was very amiable, "I will mention the move name and do it. Ms.Turner. Please teach me if I go wrong."


    I beamed hearing her. Aria''s ssmate chuckled because they knew Aria never steps ahead unnecessarily if she did then opposition don''t stand a chance.


    "sp... High V... T-motion... Cone... Daggers... Right punch up... Touch down... Right bow and arrow..." Until this, both did properly and the teacher started to get bored.


    Aria continued, "Let''s move to motions, Toe touch..." She jumped high spreading her legs and touching her toes with her fingers beforending gracefully.


    All burst intoughter seeing I bend to touch her toes. The teacher joined too. "Ms.Nation goddess, Did you go through the video we sent to you?"


    I''s face turned green, "I... I was confused. I will do toe touch now."


    Aria waited for her. I tried her best but she couldn''t touch her toes.


    Aria didn''t let anybodyugh and spoke, "Next one, Spread eagle..." Both sessfully done.


    "Tuck Jump." Both did.


    "Pike... Hurdle..." Only Aria did and all cheered her with a round of apuse. Aria whispered to I who was green in envy ring at Aria, "You dug your own grave."


    Aria wanted to leave soon hence she stepped ahead. I came by herself with overconfidence. Aria''s aerial hammock had tough motions hence cheerleading moves which she received were easier for her as she had higher flexibility.


    Aria looked at the teacher, "Teacher, do I have to improve in any moves?"


    He patted on her shoulder, "All were perfect. Are you interested in the national cheerleading championship?"


    "Sorry sir, I''m not interested. I hope my request isn''t absurd. Since this week is only about learning moves and I have done it, may I leave for today?" She gave proper respect and asked permission which the teacher naturally liked.


    "Sure! Let me tell you, you will be leading the group in all ser matches. You can rest."


    Aria didn''t like leading but she didn''t voice it. As she was freed, she smiled, "Thank you, Teacher." After replying, she left.


    The rest of the team members followed intense training as I gritted her teeth looking at Aria who was having fun whereas she sweated in her little outfit under heryers of makeup.


    Aria chased after Rian and Noah as she kicked the ball at them until it was their turn in the practice. She was resting aside with irregr breathing when Jade passed her small carton of juice.


    "Teacher Reed! Thank you but no thanks." Aria was reserved.


    Jade chuckled, "Aria, I''m bribing you to help me in algebra. No other intention. Don''t worry, I haven''t spiked the drink."


    She felt he was sincere hence she took it, "Thank you teacher Reed but it''s not necessary from next time."


    Jade nodded and drank his energy drink as he nced at Aria every now and then who was looking at Noah and Rian who were practicing.


    "Aria! Are you perhaps thinking I might hurt you like Mr.Bell?"


    Aria furrowed her brows, "Teacher Reed! Sorry, I might sound too straightforward. May I know why you are asking me this question? What is your intention behind asking it?"


    Jade was taken aback but he tried to lighten up. "Oh! Did I offed President Cooper?" He chuckled and continued, "You are quite scary for me to ask you my questions and doubts unlike how you are with Ms.Hudson. So I asked."


    Aria rxed a bit, "I know Ms. Emma for a long time and about asking your doubts and questions rted to mathematics, you can ask me anytime and I will help you if I know."


    Jade nodded, "Thank you in advance then. I will leave."


    "No problem Teacher Reed." She saw him leaving and took a deep breath. Jade walked quite far before turning to look at her.


    After a few teachers got to know she was the heiress of Cooper family, she had seen them being careful and annoyingly respectful which she didn''t like and also a few asking her if there were any vacancies in herpany for their rtives or friends. So if anybody gets nice to her, her mind wanders to that side.


    Knowing there were only twenty minutes, she bought three sets of heavy nutritious breakfasts to the field and had with Noah and Rian before attending the sses.


    There morning training continued in the following week. Aria would go but time pass walking around or reading. Eva who got to know that starteding early to spend time with her.


    Jade didn''t meet her on the ground. He would ask her to help him solve his master''s program mathematics problems which were veryplex and tricky. They sometimes would discuss the solution together before finding the answer.


    The ny percent of their talk was about mathematics and rest they would talk about general things while taking a break or leaving. But still, Aria wasn''t close to him as she was with Emma. She maintained a good distance.


    I many times tried to get Aria alone to rebuke her but she didn''t get to meet her alone anywhere.


    --


    n who met Aria on Monday didn''t meet or spoke to her again in the same week.


    Isaac returned to the country and waited near n''s private vi on Saturday evening for n who had gone to the office due to work.


    n instinctively furrowed his brows as he entered his private vi yard and saw Isaac swimming in the pool.


    He had instructed the security to allow only the Morgan family members, Isaac, and Nathan. Others couldn''t enter the yard. Inside the vi, Only n and Rowan could enter with their biometric scan.


    Isaac got out pool revealing his well-toned lean body. He rubbed his dripping wispy hair leaving the water droplets to trace his body down. His features were sharp and illustrious. His look was enough to give nosebleeds to his female fans.

 Chapter 25: You like President Cooper

    Chapter 25: You like President Cooper


    Isaac wrapped a robe and followed n inside the vi. Thetter settled himself on the couch throwing the removed zer and waistcoat aside on the couch.


    Isaac teased seeing the top few opened buttons of his crisp white shirt revealing his firm chest, "President Morgan! Are you tempting me? If I was a girl, I would have pounced on you by now. Your bad luck."


    n rolled his eyes. "How was your shoot?"


    Isaac instantly showed a displeased look. "I hate this actress. How can anybody act like a demuredy in real life? Won''t they be tired of acting all the time?"


    n sarcastically remarked, "Enjoy your showbiz." He got up and went upstairs to get fresh. "Dinner is on you. Cook."


    Isaac shouted, "Shouldn''t you treat me well as I''m the guest? Why am I the one to cook?" He didn''t get any response.


    It wasn''t new for him either. He took his clothes before entering the guest room which was on the ground floor. More appropriate to say would be his room as nobody else used that room and wardrobe had his clothes.


    The first one to return to the living hall was Isaac who went to the open kitchen to cook some light dishes.


    n who descended stairsmented seeing Isaac in an apron, efficiently moving around as he cooked, "You can be a good house husband."


    Isaac shed him a signature teasing smile, "I don''t mind to be your house husband. Let''s make the rumors into fact. Wifey! When are you marrying me?"


    n showed him a finger before pushing him away who had reached near him.


    Isaac continued to tease n who sat on barstool facing kitchen as he drank his wine nonchntly.


    Isaac was a good cook so as n. They had dinner talking with each other about business and other rted things.


    n kept his reply short and precise unless he had to borate.


    Both sat outside facing theke with their third bottle of wine keeping the fourth bottle aside. Isaac finally came down to the topic of n. "So President Morgan, Anything special in your life?"


    n nced at him but didn''t reply. Isaac continued, "Uncle Rowan called mest week. He was worried about you... Did anything happen in the home?"


    n paused for a second before he took a sip. Isaac noticed it, "Spill it. What happened?" Isaac was the only one who n cared to have a general talk.


    n wanted to ignore but Isaac started chanting, "Say it, n... Mr.Morgan speak off... Oh President Morgan, How can you ignore the sexist man of county A?... Oh my Almighty President Morgan, You are... Sh*t I saw you smile."


    n had smiled hearing ''Almighty President'' which was called by Aria once.


    Isaac rubbed his eyes twice, "Am I drunk that I started to imagine things? You never smiled at my dirty joke either. I must be drunk..."


    He started bbering for sometime before asking again, "... What happened at home?"


    n nced at Isaac before speaking, "I''m the guardian of Aria Cooper."


    "Girl? Aria Coop... President Cooper? I heard she is just 17/18. Did uncle Morgan really brought her home after the former president Cooper expired?"


    n hummed but couldn''t continue as Isaac cut in. "That poor girl! She may be rich but she has nobody."


    n''s face darkened hearing Aria has nobody. "I am her guardian and she is living with my parents and Rian. Don''t she have us?"


    Isaacughed hearing him. "Buddy, having you all around doesn''t mean you are her family. She will have numerous people around her, does that mean they are her family?"


    n furrowed his brows and drowned his wine without responding.


    Isaac analyzed and asked in dilemma, "So your mood isn''t off because uncle brought her home or you had to be her guardian or look after herpany... n! you are worried about that girl. A GIRL." Atst, he had bewildered expression.


    n didn''t reply and Isaac still understood. Thetter thought for a while before turning n to face him.


    "Did you perhaps got angry or irritated on her?... Did you treat her badly?... Don''t tell me you screwed her when she liked your looks and stroke a conversation with you?... She is just a little girl, infatuation ismon..."


    n flung his hand from his shoulder. "Shut your spection. I will tell..."


    n briefed till Aria scolding him in the Morgan mansion.


    Isaac who intently heard him controlled hisughter to be safe from n, "I feel sorry for President Cooper having a heartless guardian... n, everyone can not handle your personality. Do you know that?"


    n didn''t reply. Isaac unscrewed the rubber cork from the fourth wine bottle. "I think you should apologize to her and you will feel better."


    n took his own time to reply, "I did."


    Unscrewed wine bottle slipped from Isaac''s hand hearing him. He doubted again if he was drunk. He quickly picked the bottle after losing quarter wine from the bottle. He had thought n wouldn''t reply to him as he never heard him apologize to anybody.


    n continued, "She apologized for reproaching me too by understanding why I did all that."


    Isaac went to silent mode for some time, "Why do I feel like you missed some detail while briefing? Why were you getting annoyed even when she was thanking you for your help?"


    n knew why he was getting annoyed but he didn''t tell him.


    Isaac who waited for his response changed his question, "Did you meet her again?"


    n nodded, "Twice in school... PTM and..."


    "And?" Isaac looked at him to hear who had paused.


    "There was a post in school forum saying she is using Rian to be rich as his keep. So I went to have a talk."


    Isaac burst intoughter, "Why will sole heiress of Skyline industry need a rich man? Anyway, was she affected too much?"


    n''s lips again tilted up remember his conversation as swirled the wine ss in his hand.


    Isaac''s mouth was wide open in shock looking at him. He didn''t disturb him until heposed himself and replied nonchntly, "No!"


    "You..." Isaac''s lips tilted up as a mischievous glint passed his eyes. He kept his eyes on n''s face as he spoke, "Rian and Aria grew up together. They didn''t mind because they are in love with each other."


    n''s face became indecipherable in an instant from his calmness.


    Isaac pursed his lips to a thin line. He smacked n''s head infuriating him, "Dumb President Morgan, You like President Cooper. You are fighting with your own thoughts sitting in your private vi and avoiding to look for her so that you can suppress your feelings. Don''t you?"

 Chapter 26: You are a smart cookie

    Chapter 26: You are a smart cookie


    n''s face turned dark as coal. His gaze was sharp on Isaac who gulped his wine looking at n''s face. He knew if he stayed, he would die in his hands. "I''m off. Good night."


    He entered the vi but paused, "n! What I said is the truth. Give it a thought." He ran away and locked the bedroom door before breathing a sigh of relief.


    n was a ck belt in taekwondo, judo and mixed martial arts. Isaac had to visit orthopedic twice when he tried to set n with girls thinking he might change his behavior towards the opposite gender.


    With his movie shooting going on, he couldn''t take that chance. He was sure n likes or probably already in love with the teenager President Cooper whose face was still unknown to media and public.


    He really wanted to meet Aria Cooper who was capable to put The n Morgan''s thoughts in a frenzy and managed to get his attention. He had many more questions to ask n but he let him analyze.


    He hummed a song as he went to bed and updated his social media profile, "We fall in love with the most unexpected person at a most unexpected time."


    It received millions of likes, thousands ofments with numerous shares by his fans. He didn''t care to reply anything and dozed off messing his friend''s thought.


    n wasn''t ready to ept his feelings. He always convinced himself as he was her guardian and he was just worried about her.


    After hearing Isaac who deduced without even asking how he felt around Aria, n tried to think he was bluffing but he also knew Isaac was right.


    He repeatedly thought she was just a school going girl and he shouldn''t have such thoughts. He assumed he was her guardian only who he has to protect from everything and help her out till she stands by on her own independently.


    He finished the fourth bottle of wine thinking about Aria and went to his room. He always got sleep soon due to a full day of exhaustion but he kept flipping on the bed repeating a question in his mind.


    ''Do I really like Aria Cooper?''


    He opened the messenger application in his mobile and checked Aria''s profile picture which was a candid picture. She was looking away from the camera smiling at something or someone.


    Her smile always brought a smile on his face.


    He was keeping his mobile away but decided to check what Rian had sent him for many days. Rian''s habit of sending corny jokes made n mute his chat and he rarely checks.


    He read a few jokes which failed to get a smile on his face but when he downloaded the received image, his lips tilted up.


    While talking outside the ssroom he had asked ''What will you do if your rival knows your weakness?''


    She had grinned before replying, ''Our strength can only be a weakness. We just have show off our strength without being weak at the movement.''


    He had pinched her cheekplimenting her, ''You are a smart cookie.''


    He rubbed his fingertips remembering the smoothness of her skin. There wasn''t a speck of cream or anything on her face, she looked beautiful in her wless skin.


    He checked the below messages of Rian. ''I''m shipping the Prince and Goddess (Evil grin)''


    Below that was a link to the school forum. He opened the link and understood where the picture came from. He checked a fewments before closing the browser.


    Below it was a few pictures of Rian and Amelia with wine. And a message saying he has a ser match against City B''s another school on Thursday and a few more stupid jokes.


    He kept the mobile aside andid on bed looking at the ceiling. He thought he wouldplicate things if he really takes the things ahead.


    Trying to stop his train of thoughts, he fell asleep...


    Due to the loud music from the ground floor, Sunday''s peaceful sleep of n was ruined. Cursing Isaac, he got fresh and saw a table full of varieties of breakfast for only two.


    Isaac saw him and wished flirtatiously, "Good morning President Morgan."


    n shook his head resignedly, "Are you here to eat me poor?"


    Isaac kept their coffee on the table and burst into rabidughter, "You are The Young Master of the Morgan family and If I marry you off to The Cooper, you have two rich families in hands. Even if I squander your money all my life, I can''t finish."


    Isaac then raised his head feeling cold gaze on him. He awkwardly smiled remembering he said about marriage. "I said If okay. Stop giving me that look."


    He left a chair between them and sighed.


    n started his breakfast as he heard the business news. Isaac was soon bored and turned off. "We hardly meet, why do you still care about business on Sunday? Let''s go to your mansion. I haven''t met Aunty and Uncle for a long time."


    n leisurely nced at him, "I will not take you to meet Aria. Kill your wish."


    Isaac may know well about n. Nobody knows Isaac better than n.


    "Such a killjoy!... Hey Since Coopers and Morgans are family friends, you also grew up with President Cooper. How was she and how is she?"


    n red at Isaac who was very interested in his love life. Isaac wanted to threaten him but wanting to keep his bones safe, he changed his way, "It isn''t like I will tell your parents or President Cooper, what are you afraid of. Spill the beans."


    n took his own time annoying Isaac. "Eleven years back, she was roly-poly..."


    Isaac burst intoughter, "So you like pulp and chubby woman and I was setting you up with model figured girls."


    n stopped telling and Isaac controlled hisughter. "Sorry Sorry... Go on."


    n started to clean and nced at the pleading look of Isaac. "After that, I saw her at the congrattory banquetst year..."


    Isaac opened his mouth in shock. Morgans and Coopers were always talk-of the town due to their strong friendship bond but his friend saw Aria after ten long years.


    "She fluently convinced Dpany executives, President and Vice president to cooperate with Skyline. That was the second time I saw her..."


    Isaac couldn''t hold his curiosity. "But media is saying President Cooper is school going girl. Is it a false statement?"


    n leaned on the cab to face Isaac, "Do you think everyone is dumb like you during teenage? Aria and Rian are ssmates."


    Isaac digested the taunt soon ring at n''s smirk. "Aren''t you too proud of Aria?"

 Chapter 27: Steal her away

    Chapter 27: Steal her away


    n turned around and continued his work as he responded passively, "I''m her guardian. What do you think?"


    Isaac wanted to whack his head on the marble top. "Brainless man! Stop assuming yourself as her guardian for everything. She will be major soon. Will you also say yourself as her guardian then? Put away your business and philomath brain. There is nothing wrong with liking or loving somebody."


    Isaac understood where the problem lies but he didn''t know how to solve it. He didn''t let n rebuff and asked, "When did you meet her third time?"


    n didn''t speak again and finished the kitchen work before turning on the business news.


    It infuriated Isaac, "Fine, be her guardian. Since I''m good at picking up on girls, I don''t think she will say no to me. Die alone watching me take your girl away."


    Isaac got up and moved towards the exit but stumbled due to n who stretched his long leg, "She doesn''t need a yboy like you."


    Isaac threw the jacket on the couch, "n Morgan! Do you know the cost of my face? I have millions of fans and a few uing movies, how dare you trip me? What if it ruined my face?"


    n brushed his eyes on him who was huffing. He turned off the television before answering him, "Mypany can build a new artist for your fans and movies."


    The disimed actor sat on the couch having such a friend. His expression was grave cursing his own life.


    n smacked his head, "Then I saw Aria in Rian''s birthday party..."


    n sighed looking at Isaac cheering up instantly. "After that, in the hospital... She moved to the mansion. Anything else Actor Ross?"


    Isaaczied on the couch for some time and walked around beforeing to the conclusion and said excitedly, "n! It was Love At Sight. You liked her from the time you saw her at your banquet. Don''t you?"


    n ignored him but he also knew he was right. He pulled hisptop out to work but Isaac kept hisptop away and sat with him.


    "I don''t mind even if you break my bone, I will say it. You are Aria Cooper''s legal guardian because she is minor that''s it. You liking her and your responsibility doesn''t collide. Don''t bury your feelings just because you are her legal guardian. Maybe because of you, she will get a family and she will feel at home in your mansion. You said she understood you despite you treated her badly. Given your personality, you will not get better than her. I know you don''t like dating multiple women to choose one. Since you like her, give yourself a chance to explore a new rtionship, you may fall for her eventually."


    n heard him but didn''t respond. He didn''t want to step ahead if it''s for only making her feel at home or alleviate the insecurity because the rtionship doesn''t stand on that...


    Isaac who waited pretty long saw his expressionless face only. Controlling himself from beating him, he asked, "For god''s sake, say something."


    n reacted by moving his eyes, "She is just a little girl."


    Isaac burst intoughter rolling on the couch, "Don''t tell me you think yourself as an old uncle just because you managing twopanies. You are just 22 and she will be eighteen soon. Four damn years. Buddy! wake up fast. You have to pursue her as a young man not as the CEO of twopanies."


    n pushed him away and went out.


    Isaac understood he was thinking about giving it a try hence started giving tips seeing n removing dried fallen leaves from the pool.


    "It isn''t difficult to woo a girl... Hmm, It is difficult for you though. Since your girl is super rich and very young, you just have to be there for her when she needs..."


    n nced at Isaac and continued his work remembering her reaction when he had said ''I''m there for you.''


    "Pamper her... Cajole her... Help her when she needs... Be protective... Know her likes and dislikes... Don''t force her... Defend her in public, correct her in private... Trust her... ... ..."


    Isaac went on and on with his advice as he followed him everywhere in the mansion who was cleaning up. n heard him all the time and handed a cloth to clean which Isaac did as he continued.


    When Isaac stopped they had cleaned the entire vi and settled on the couch. n passed him a ss of water, "You talk too much."


    Isaac gritted his teeth and gulped down the entire ss of water, "I..."


    n cut in, "What if she likes somebody else? Or... my brother?"


    Isaac scratched his head. He didn''t think that way even once. Seeing n leave, he thought he was dispirited. He got up and shot behind him towards the kitchen.


    "If your brother! I can''t say anything. If others, Steal her away man. Who can say no to your face and physique even though you are little off about girls."


    n handed him vegetables from the refrigerator to wash. "So! Do I have to be with a girl who likes my face and physique?"


    Isaac''s lips twitched. After remembering about whatever he heard about Aria, he spoke, "If President Cooper was somebody going behind face and physique, she would have proposed or clingy on you by now. She has hell lots of money so money doesn''t matter. So I think she just needs somebody who loves her unconditionally... Even if she stays with you for your face and body, isn''t that easier for you to woo her. Stop asking such questions. Be optimistic."


    n pursed his lips looking at annoyed Isaac. He just asked two questions and he was annoyed. "You put your diploma in psychology to good use." n started to cook with his help.


    Isaac shot him daggers, "If not, how could I even be with you and understand you?"


    n didn''t respond to it and Isaac continued to torture him with Aria''s name even after lunch followed by dinner. n couldn''t kick him out and he stayed over until the next day both dispersed towards their workces.


    --


    Eva, Rian, Noah, Aria went on shopping, movie, lunch, and yed in the arcade until they were tired. For dinner, they went to Eva''s ce whose mother had invited them for dinner.


    Four always liked Eva''s mother''s authentic Cantonese cuisine than in the restaurant. Hence they filled their stomach full before all shamelesslyying in the living hall.


    Noah and Rian went to a clubter for partying and drinking with other friends. A driver picked Aria back to the Morgan mansion.

 Chapter 28: I will be cheering for you

    Chapter 28: I will be cheering for you


    Aria again had to kick Rian to wake up as maids were scared to try to wake him up the second time. maids chuckled looking at Rian who was fuming yet drank the soup quietly.


    From that day, Aria had to practice with all cheer girls holding pom-poms which were attracting everybody''s attention including yers.


    Seeing Rian and Noah roll on the ground looking at Aria were beaten upter before attending the ss.


    In the afternoon, after lunch, Aria''s desk waspletely filled with soft drinks, choctes, gifts etcetera.


    Rian captured the picture and uploaded it to the forum, "Oh Goddess Aria! Show some mercy and divert some blessings to us."


    Aria gave him a flying kiss before shifting all to his desk. "Take my all blessings Artist Rian." She uploaded another pic in which Rian had all things on hisp and desk with his darkened face.


    They were ying around but I was fuming checking all those. She was getting them daily from her fans which decreased greatly from that day due to Aria being the leader of the group.


    While practicing, Aria didn''t want to take chance with I being next to her while the supporters had to hold Aria and help her to jump high in which Aria would have to spin and do some postures and the same supports had to catch her helping tond safely on the ground. Hence while formation, she moved I away from her which made I stand in the corner.


    I felt like her nation goddess title was being snatched by a mere school goddess. She was fuming mad. With that, they showed off in the school forum which added fuel to fire. She teamed with her wicked friends and nned out how to get back from Aria.


    Days passed by but they failed to get the chance.


    The practice continued, Aria getting lots of things continued which she was distributing in the ss.


    n didn''t go back to the Morgan mansion and didn''t contact her either. He still had to make his mind to decide anything rted to Aria.


    It was Thursday soon and they finished half a day sses before they got ready for the match.


    Aria was enraged after wearing the dress and looking at everyone''s dress. Their cheerleading dresses were given by the school which was decided by the studentmittee. Many liked the dress, many disliked it.


    I obviously disliked as it wasn''t the smaller size as she wanted. She also disliked because Aria looked captivating and her slim waist showing off her well-maintained body which was hard to see in school uniform as she always wore a zer.


    Others disliked because the T-shirt was short and their waist would be visible during the stretch, jump, and movements.


    Aria and the other two went towards the office room toin and saw boys drooling at them. All cheer girls were tall, slim and good looking. With the dress, they looked even slender and attractive.


    They ignored and entered the office to see the President sitting with the vice president and the other three students. Aria straight went to the point, "Who the hell chose this dress and how dare you guys to give shorter measurements to what we gave?"


    "Arrie! You look stunning." Jake had stood up as soon as she entered and scanned her multiple times from head to toe which naturally disgusted Aria.


    "Bugger off" Aria didn''t think twice to shut him up.


    President spoke, "Aria! We sent the measurements which you guys gave us. Wait..." She searched the ordered receipt and handed it to Aria.


    Aria just checked her measurement details and it was correct. The other two checked and they confirmed it was correct.


    "It''s correct but I can''t wear this and cheer." Aria''s tone rxed knowing it wasn''t their mistake.


    President spoke, "Aria, You are all looking great and we don''t have time to change now. I can manage to get a new set for the next match but now..."


    Aria and others looked at each other feeling frustrated. "Can we wear our school tracksuit?"


    President was at a difficult spot and with great difficulty, she shook her head. The trio left the office room and furrowing their brows.


    Jake peeked out of the room andmented, "Arrie! You should wear a simr dress frequently."


    Aria gritted her teeth looking at a closed door. Jake knew she would screw him hence he escaped.


    While passing by the sports room, Aria knocked on the door and called Rian and Noah out. Rian wasn''t surprised by how she looked because he had seen her in her hammock gym wear which hugs her curves.


    Noahmented, "Somebody is hot. Uff!"


    Aria raised her leg to kick but stopped since they had a match. "I can''t wear this and cheer. Shall I drop out?"


    "Goddess Aria! We didn''t know you were breathtaking. You don''t have a boyfriend, Do you? (cough) Are you free for dinner?"


    Aria''s face darkened hearing a yer say it. Whoever heard him looked at her eximing until Rian roared flexing his fingers, "Are you sure about keeping your eyes safe? Piss off."


    Aria twisted his ear, "How many mouths can you shut if I go and cheerlead?"


    "Little devil! Leave my ear. We wanted you to cheer for us. How can we know they will get you such clothes?"


    Noah continued, "Arrie! If you don''t like it, don''t do it. You can still cheer in uniform."


    Aria felt like yanking her hair. If she leaves, PE teacher would give her scores zero and she was the lead and all the formations were concentrated to her.


    She was thinking who cares about scores but the trio heard a scornfulugh followed by ament. "Are you insecure about your own body? I understand everyone can''t be confident like me..." She then changed her tone to flirty, "Hey, second young master Rian. I will be cheering for you."


    Noah and Aria burst intoughter as soon as I left. Rian''s face was dark as coal. "This b*tch!"


    Aria pursed her lips and tried to be flirty, "Hey Beauty Rian! I will be cheering for you."


    Noah and Rian were stunned. Thetter held her arms after a few seconds and coldly ordered, "Who taught you all this? If you go around and flirt, I will tell mom."


    It was Aria''s turn to be speechless.


    She just did it to make themugh, why did it turn so serious?


    Noah and Rian were still in shock knowing how Aria''s voice sounded when she tried to be sweet. Their heartbeats had raised hearing her.


    It was canorous.


    Both entered inside waving their hands at Aria. Thetter didn''t know what to do other than returning towards the dressing room.


    All had left to the ground hence she had to get the pom pom and leave. She tried to remain calm and manage this match so that she could decide about the rest of the matchester.


    When Aria entered the corridor, it waspletely deserted. She wasn''t scared to walk around alone but she felt something wasn''t right.

 Chapter 29: You arent disturbing

    Chapter 29: You aren''t disturbing


    Aria quickly typed a message to Eva to be safe and moved ahead. She felt somebodying behind her and turned but nobody was present.


    It repeated twice and the room which she had to enter was atst and more than ten footsteps away. She didn''t want to get on nerves and panic running around.


    She quickly opened the settings in her mobile and turned off the sh before holding the mobile carefully clicking on the video record button.


    She was about to open the door when the next room door opened and pushed her inside the dressing room snatching her mobile and locked the door before she heard multiple evilughter.


    It happened so quickly that Aria didn''t get any time to react other than locking the mobile screen before she fell on the floor.


    Theughter she heard were only girls but she couldn''t identify anyone. She got up and went near the mirror tob her hair and got ready calmly. After getting ready she was time passing when Eva opened the door apanied by other ssmates.


    "Arrie!" The scared one was Eva who checked on her and hugged.


    "I''m fine... Eva rx..." Aria patted on Eva to calm her.


    Aria''s message to Eva was, ''If I don''t reach the ground in ten minutes, Come near the dressing room. Don''te alone. If you don''t get me then inform Rian and Noah.''


    Those ten minutes for Eva was like hell. She was pacing putting on a timer and after time up, she ran upstairs taking a girl and two boys from their ss.


    The other three sighed seeing Aria safe. Later they found Aria''s mobile which screen was damaged.


    "Arrie! Did you see them? Who did this to you?" Eva asked and simr questions from the other three were at Aria.


    "No idea!" Aria didn''t really have any idea.


    Even though it was time, Aria and others went to the office room but Emma wasn''t present. They were leaving, Jade entered. Aria asked, "Teacher Reed, may I borrow yourptop for five minutes?"


    Jade recovered from his daze very quickly looking at Aria. He strode towards the table as he replied, "Sure!"


    "Thank you, Teacher Reed."


    She took hisptop and connected her mobile. She soon extracted the video and saw a girl in cheerleader dress peeking continuously at her from the corner of the corridor but it was far and couldn''t identify the person. When she was being pushed inside, it had captured the two girls below their waist before Screen went nk.


    Aria''s concentration was on theptop and didn''t notice Jade looking at her in awestruck.


    She reyed andst part multiple times before stopping at a hand that had a pearl bracelet. "Which cheer girl is wearing this bracelet?"


    Aria leaned back on the chair staring at the screen then she felt a gaze on her and looked up to see Jade who instantly asked, "I think wee dance by cheerlead team is over. Why are you still here?"


    Only Eva noticed the difference in his gaze on Aria but she didn''t butt in.


    Aria''s ssmate replied, "Arrie was locked in the dressing room by somebody by nabbing her phone. They even ruined the mobile screen. Luckily Arrie is smart enough to notice the changes and had dropped a message to Eva hence we brought her out. Now we are checking who did it. Arrie had recorded the video."


    Jade was shocked and looked at Aria. His panicked voice was very notable, "Aria! Are you fine? Did you get hurt?"


    Aria slightly moved back to release his hold on her arms, "Teacher Reed, I''m perfectly alright. Thank you for theptop."


    She got up and turned around, his ssmate spoke, "Arrie, it''s I''s bracelet. Look."


    Aria saw the social media picture of I who uploaded quite a few pictures in that one picture clearly showed her bracelet.


    Aria smiled to which the trioughed. Jade was confused but followed them out as he heard Aria telling her ssmate. "I thought she will hurt me if she stays near and kept her away. Ms.Heart throb must have thought I stole her fans. I will show her how to steal the limelight."


    Aria soon reached the ground and exined what happened to Emma and PE teacher but she didn''t tell who it was. She borrowed Emma''s mobile and called n.


    n who was in a meeting, received the call since it was from Emma. "Yes!"


    Aria spoke hearing his voice, "President Morgan, Aria here. I hope I''m not disturbing your work."


    n furrowed his brows not understanding why Aria called from Emma''s mobile. "You aren''t disturbing. What''s wrong?"


    The executives who heard him were bbergasted in the meeting.


    Aria continued, "If I ruin face or break a bone of an actress who is under your entertainment industry, will that be okay?"


    Eva found it hard to controlughter and went aside.


    n heard her serious voice. Even though he didn''t know why she asked, he agreed as she wasn''t the one do something like that without a reason, "No problem but you don''t get hurt."


    "Thank you! I don''t have time now. I will let you know about itter. Go to go." Aria hung up without hearing the response.


    She passed the mobile back and sent Eva to her seat before going towards the cheer girls'' section where the lead I''s face was dark as coal.


    I didn''t expect Aria toe out so soon. She had taken everyone''s attention and was enjoying it to the core. If Aria goes, she would be sidelined again. She was thinking of possibilities to stop her but was shocked to see even the yers getting distracted seeing Aria walk around the ground tossing the full white pom-pom in her hand.


    She looked very graceful in her every step and was delighting to the eyes with her subtle smile. Even I found it hard to retract her gaze.


    Aria nced at the score and was very pleased to know Elite school was leading. She saw the darkened face of Rian and Noah looking at her. She knew it was because of her mischievous smile.


    After reaching the cheer girls, Aria apologized, "Sorry girls! I''mte. How about the second set of cheers?"


    All agreed as she was the lead. I gritted her teeth and went to the corner. Aria purposefully turned to the rest of the girls and stretched as she checked who was looking at I who apanied her in the n.


    She easily identified two. In that one was Aria''s supporter in the fourth set of cheers. But what she didn''t expect was her simple side stretches to get ''Oh'' for her.


    She calmed down and turned front as she tightened her pony from which her snowy fair waist peeked a little which made I go green in envy.


    "Start!" Ariamanded and started their moves effortlessly.


    More than half of the audience''s eyes were at the cheer girls of Elite school than the match.

 Chapter 30: Acting like a perve

    Chapter 30: Acting like a perve


    n who hung up the call dismissed the meeting and exited as he instructed Nathan, "Be on call to manage anything I instruct."


    "Roger that." Nathan saw him entering the elevator and left.


    n hopped in his sports car and left towards the school. He knew Rian had a ser match at that time. As per his knowledge, Aria would be around the ground to cheer Rian and Noah with Eva.


    n couldn''t understand how any actress offended Aria. Either they should have nned something on her or her friends. So he left to see if they weren''t in trouble or appropriate to say if she wasn''t in trouble.


    It was a very short distance hence he reached soon.


    He parked his car and went towards the ser ground. From far, he saw the scores to know Elite school was leading. As he went near, he noticed numerous students'' line of sight wasn''t on the ser instead...


    He froze. He forgot to breathe looking at Aria spun in the air when three girls threw her up in the air.


    She was wearing a two-piece dress. The sleeveless top was white, blue and red with Elite print on it. Her skort was in navy blue with two stripes of red and white near the hem. Wearing the white ankle-length shoes, her pearly slender leg looked very long.


    Her skirt of skort and long hair spun with her giving a breathtaking view holding whiterge pom-poms that looked big than her.


    His face darkened when he heard boysment, "Why was goddess Aria hiding her figure till now?"


    "I always thought she is just pretty-faced with good academics. God! She rules her title."


    "She is prettier than that actress. Look at that actress''s clumsy moves. National goddess title is ruined."


    .


    .


    n''s mood was sour hearing boys making remarks on Aria.


    Suddenly all the audience said, "Hooo..." A girl had fallen on the ground on her face very roughly.


    He didn''t move as he heard boys and girlsments, "That actress! Hahahaha she asked for it."


    "What was she thinking? She couldn''t match to our talented goddess."


    "Wasn''t she haughty about her fame? She ruined herself."


    .


    .


    n''s lips turned up understanding Aria was the one who did it but nobody could say she was behind it. Probably only I knew Aria did it excluding Aria''s friends.


    n''s eyes fell on a group of students who wereughing their hearts out and identified Eva in them which made him understand Eva and their ssmates knew about it.


    Aria helped I with others and whispered to her. "y with me again to see hell."


    Other students helped her letting the cheer girls continue their dance. I''s right cheek was bleeding with scratches on her face and her forehead was bright red. Her nose... ahem.


    Aria couldn''t understand Why I didn''t use her hands which would have stopped from getting hurt more.


    The Elite school concluded the first match with win letting cheer girls enter the ground and entertain the audience during yers'' break. But Aria had ignored the fact that I''s other two allies were in the group.


    Eva exined about Aria''s incident to Rian and Noah. n heard her too.


    When n heard, there were other two girls with I who they didn''t know, he walked towards the center of the ground ignoring others trying to stop him. n strode watching Aria dance, move around and jumping effortlessly.


    He didn''t know Aria was so flexible with difficult moves, after remembering her aerial Hammock he realized her graceful moves and flexibility were because of that.


    Aria was atst aerial jump before giving a finishing pose. Whilending, she realized only one girl was ready while the other one smirking at her. One girl couldn''t hold Aria.


    Aria took a deep breath and was prepared to roll on the ground to steady herself but she fell into somebody''s arms. Aria held her breath and quickly wrapped her hands around the neck of the one who held her to bnce herself.


    Her eyes were wide open in shock and her heartbeats were very high looking at the man.


    When the group posed, Aria was in a princess carry by n in the center. Only cheer girls, Eva and group, PE teacher, Emma knew what happened but the rest of the viewers thought it was a fabulous end.


    A delicate girl in the arms of a tall, debonair man made a perfect picture.


    Aria came out of a daze when n asked, "Are you alright?"


    She quickly unwrapped her hands and nodded with a hum.


    n walked towards outside the ground ignoring the loud exmation. He was d that he chose to go near her. When he noticed the girl who had to hold Aria standing and looking above without preparing to hold her, he quickened his pace, reached on time to the position and held her.


    Aria bit her lips as her cheeks started to turn red hearing, ''Prince is stealing our goddess.''


    "I can walk! I''m not hurt." She managed to say it but heard, ''Oh'' in reply.


    Aria was preparing her mind to get teased, cursed and shipped to n for theing days.


    She looked at n who was nonchnt about his surroundings as he walked. There wasn''t even a small flinch carrying her.


    n sensed her gaze for quite a few seconds and said, "Ask!"


    "How did you get to know I might fall?"


    They were in the center of the field. n wasn''t a superhero to jump from outside to near her so quickly. So she understood he purposefully walked in and reached on time.


    n made her sit next to Eva who left the crowded ce and was sitting aside where yers had kept their energy drinks and other things.


    Eva, Rian, and Noah bombarded Aria with questions thinking she was hurt. n''s single nce on them was enough to shut them to let Aria answer.


    "I''m perfectly fine. I''m not hurt." Then she turned to Rian, "Hey! Beauty Rian, I''m..." She bit her tongue remembering n was next to her and stopped her sweet tone.


    n turned to her when he heard her enticing tone but seeing her look at another side by stopping what she wanted to say, he spoke, "Continue!"


    The trio chuckled and Rian spoke, "Little Devil! Tease me with that tone. Let Bro also know how mischievous you are."


    Aria pouted looking at Rian and said in a normal tone. "Go to your fangirl. She must be crying her eyes out."


    n shook his head resignedly and remained quiet.


    Rian took revenge twisting her ear, "Be vampish again, I will kick you out of here. No need for being a cheer girl. Those yers are asking about you instead of ying. Crap, we made a mistake writing your name on the list."


    Aria chuckled, "I had told you I don''t want to be a cheer girl and this dress..." She remembered how she pissed off I by showing off.


    Eva pinched her waist, "You showed it off well."


    Noah and Rian saw it and returned to match hearing Aria andughing, "Eva! Stop acting like a perve."


    Eva continued to poke her waist as she shamelesslymented, "If your skort was little low, all would have got nosebleed by your tummy button. A!"


    Eva''s poke on Aria''s skin was making her waist twitch, "Sicko"


    Eva chuckled enjoying Aria turn red, "Don''t you think your waist too tiny? How would it feel to hold?"


    "Dirty girl!" Aria closed her ears tight to stop herself from hearing her.


    Eva wasughing but she froze with Aria when a zernded on Aria''s shoulder.

 Chapter 31: Dad cant buy me

    Chapter 31: Dad can''t buy me


    Aria and Eva wanted to dig a grave when they hesitatingly turned to n who was trying his best not to react looking at the field.


    Eva wasn''t whispering and her low voice reached n''s sharp ears.


    Aria covered both burning cheeks and watched the match without saying a single word or cheering.


    Eva had straightened her back and sat like a soulless robot till the second match finished with Elite school winning the match.


    n would asionally nce at Aria who was blushing and trying to maintain a poker face. He understood naive looking girl Eva was slightly perve. Bold and tough behaving Aria was demure.


    Soon grim-faced Rian and Noah arrived and flicked on heads of Aria and Eva who didn''t give any reaction from the beginning to the end of the match. "What the hell is wrong with you two? You two would shout on top of your lungs to cheer us in practice matches. Here you two..."


    Eva and Aria forced a smile at them making them confused.


    Eva cut in, "I will see you all tomorrow." She ran away saving herself. She was used to teasing Aria in front of Rian and Noah but after knowing n heard her explicitments, she couldn''t face him or stay around.


    The duo looked at Aria whose face was slightly red glowing under sunsetting rays.


    Aria was thinking what to do, A yer from another school approached her. "Hey! May I cut in?"


    n didn''t care to raise his head. The trio looked at the source of the voice.


    A refined and poised boy kept his eyes on Aria and smiled endearingly, "Hi! I''m Finn Stanley."


    n''s brows twitched hearing the name. Finn Stanley was an heir of Stanley''s family whose entire family served in the military in different fields. They hold quite a power in B city.


    Aria looked at him and hesitatingly shook her hand. "Can we help you with something?"


    Noah and Rian alternated their gaze between two expecting some sparks and fire. n clenched his fist tight and waited to hear them.


    Finn smiled again, "Aria right? You are beautiful so as your dance moves."


    Aria didn''t reply and her face turned cold not understanding his intention.


    Finn didn''t miss the changes. "Don''t worry! I''m not here to steal you from President Morgan. Take care." He left lightly rubbing her head in adoration.


    Pfft -


    Rian and Noah burst intoughter and repeated the same line in unison, "I''m not here to steal you from President Morgan. Bye."


    Aria: "..."


    <em>''Can somebody tell me what to do?''</em> Aria thought to herself not daring to look at n. She gritted her teeth remembering the trio left her just like that.


    n saw her turning a bright shade of red ying with her diamond bracelet. He waited patiently until she could manage to speak.


    He had no intention to watch ser, he thought to watch since he was already present. But he enjoyed Aria''s reaction to everything instead of the game.


    Aria got up and removed the zer, "Thank you Young master Morgan for today. I will..."


    n cut in, "I will drop you home! Go and change."


    Rian and Noah were going with other yers to the party which he knew. He leisurely got up and again draped the jacket over her shoulder who was thinking how to reject his offer.


    <em>''I can go? I will take a taxi? I will ask to send a car? Perfect.''</em>


    "Thank you but it''s not required. I will ask Uncle Rowan to send a car." Aria looked at her shoulder and looked at him.


    "Are you perhaps scared I will kidnap... steal you?" n raised his brows as he asked curiously reading her face.


    Aria: "..."


    She turned around and walked biting her lips. She wept mentally and was entering the block, n stopped holding her hand, "Will you be fine going alone? That incident."


    Aria didn''t have the answer to that. ''Will they attack me again?''


    Seeing her nk face, n took her inside. His pace was matching hers as he walked ahead. After reaching the corridor, he spoke, "Call me if anything."


    Aria nodded obediently and walked into the room where all had already left. She quickly changed and kept the dress in the locker before leaving.


    n turned to her from his mobile. Compared to her perfect fitted cheer girl outfit, her uniform was a size bigger to her and wearing the zer, her curves were looking just like any normal girl. Other than uniform, he only saw her in full sleeve T-shirts and shorts or jeans so he never thought she had maintained a good physique.


    Seeing her holding his zer in her forearm, his lips tilted up thinking how would it look to see her next to him daily holding his zer in one hand and the other hand holding his arm standing close to him.


    He was amazed by his own thoughts and turned away thinking when did he change so much.


    After Aria reached him, he walked slowly so that Aria doesn''t have to run behind him. n didn''t care what people around them were talking but Aria''s face was turning red again.


    After sitting in the car, Aria carefully spoke, "Can we stop by the mobile store?"


    n already knew about her mobile hence he nodded for it, "Are you letting them off so easily?"


    Aria nced at him before replying, "Even though she was sessful in pushing me in the room, I wasn''t panicked or scared and what she wanted also didn''t happen. I ruined her face for breaking the mobile which Dad bought for me. If there weren''t anybody else around the ground, I would have broken her bone too... (cough) I mean I would have tried to break but it is still difficult."


    n was actually surprised knowing the reason behind her requite. "So you avenged for the mobile, not for their wicked n."


    Aria hummed nonchntly, "It may be a thing which I can buy how many ever I want. But my Dad can''t buy me anymore and I can''t use this either." Aria traced the cracks on the mobile screen as she said.


    n was taken aback. He didn''t expect her to be emotional. He rubbed her head gently and became quiet until she asked.


    "I Turner is an actress under yourpany. What I have done will take time to recover, aren''t you mad at me for spoiling the face of Nation goddess whichpany trained her to create?"


    n nced at her before replying, "Exactly! Thepany trained her to reach the highest level. We can also create a new one."


    Aria hummed, "But that consumes a lot of resources and time. And how did you agree to me so easily over a call without asking me anything? Now probably, her manager and Managing director of Morgan Entertainment brainstorming to get back at me."


    n chuckled lightly hearing her think about everything, "Why do you give so much work to your little head?"


    Aria didn''t reply. Even though she got evidence to know I did push her to the room, it wasn''t enough to prove what they did to her.


    Aria had kicked her ankle while she stretched her legs on the ground which was too quick to notice through eyes but a slow-motion video would be sufficient to know. Even with that, Aria could say I was being clumsy which she actually was and she was too near to get spotlight forgetting Aria''s moves.


    Aria didn''t expect n to be so cool about it when she called and asked him or when I Turner ended up on the ground.


    If it was her father or Rowan, she wouldn''t have asked, she wasn''t close with n and she didn''t wanted n to get pissed off if he knew about itter.

 Chapter 32: Are you so scared of me?

    Chapter 32: Are you so scared of me?


    n continued, "I already instructed Managing Director to keep things about the under wrap stating it as ident and that actress was out off beat the whole time."


    Aria didn''t expect him to do so much for her. She informed him only because she was under theirpany and it would make thepany lose some profits.


    "Thank you Young..."


    n cut in before she could finish, "No need of formalities with me."


    Aria hummed and alighted the car with n. Both entered the store. Aria didn''t want to waste n''s time and asked, "Get me iPhone new model in white. Thank you."


    n silently stood behind her thinking ''Don''t people go through features and choose?'' Realizing even he does the same thing as the features in new models would always be better than previous.


    He was speechless seeing her extend her card for payment. ''This girl...''


    He moved his card ahead and his domineering tone sounded, "Swipe this."


    Aria saw the ck card between two slender fingers before the shopkeeper took the card in awe ignoring her card.


    She turned around to face n, "I have bnce in my ount. You don''t have to pay for my things."


    ''This position...'' Aria turned aside.


    Aria was between the cash counter and n with a very small distance between them. Since n''s one hand was on the counter, it looked like he cornered her.


    After hearing ''Prince is stealing our goddess'' many times, she felt awkward in that position.


    n saw her blush which gave him urge to caress her cheek but he controlled. "Ms.Richie! I know you are rich."


    Aria was surprised. ''He doesn''t like to talk, howe he is so good with it.''


    n collected the mobile and card before taking her out as he spoke. "It''s good to be independent. Depend on me when I''m around. You don''t have to be strong and tough around me."


    He heard her vaguely humming.


    Aria didn''t actually hear him. She couldn''t understand why n was wrapping his hand around her shoulder making her feel like Prince actually stealing the Goddess.


    ''Aria! You have lost your mind hearing all teases.'' she thought to herself and sat in the car when n opened the door for her.


    They spoke very lightly before they reached the Morgan mansion.


    n was leaving but seeing Amelia near the garden who was waving her hand at him to call, he alighted to go to them.


    A maid took Aria''s bag, "Young miss! Both Master and Madam are on thewn."


    Aria nodded and went towards them. She saw n sitting with them on a single-seater. Amelia called her near and made her sit between her and Rowan.


    She took a bite when Amelia fed her cookie and asked, "Did you guys win?"


    Aria hummed, "Elite team won first two matches and concluding with entry to next round."


    n who was talking with Rowan stood up, "I''ll juste."


    Rowan had told him to stay over as he was already there. After n left, Aria exined both Amelia and Rowan about match and Rian''s game.


    Rian and n never told anything to them much. They would run away to their room most of the time hence hearing Aria every day was making them feel like they have one normal child and they loved to hear her.


    n stood by the bay window of his room looking at Aria making all sorts of actions as she exined. She was making two eldersugh and she would chuckle with them.


    Looking at her chirpy side with his parents, he understood there was a vast distance between him and Aria.


    When n reached thewn, Aria had finished saying about the match and telling about her performance.


    "... I totally forgot about two allies of that actress when I was celebrating the win of Elite. I noticed one of the backing-off from holding, another girl can''t hold me alone. So for not to hurt that girl, I decided to dodge her andnd on the ground. If I would roll, I wouldn''t have got hurt much other than being... sore..."


    She noticed n sitting on the chair in casual clothes with a young master''s charming vibe instead of a President''s domineering aura.


    Amelia and Rowan were waiting for her to continue thinking she must have got hurt.


    n sipped his coffee waiting with them. Aria sat down on different single-seater and her tone went back to normal from her childlike tone.


    "... I didn''t fall on the ground. Young master Morgan caught me on time."


    Amelia and Rowan were shocked. They looked at their son who had no expression. They turned back to Aria, "Arrie! You informed him that you were avenging then when did hee? And how did he reach near you on time?"


    Aria pursed her lips as she shook her head lightly. She didn''t get an answer when she asked.


    The duo eyed n but thetter behaved like he had no idea about what they were talking.


    Both looked at each other and pulled Aria next to them. Amelia started whispering, "He treats you better now, isn''t it?"


    Aria was confused but she still hummed, "Yes Aunty."


    Amelia continued, "He helped you and brought you home."


    Aria nced at Rowan before humming. Amelia was grinning looking at Rowan.


    n wasn''t sure what was cooking between three but he didn''t hear anything other than seeing happy faces of his parents and confused expression on Aria.


    Rowan coughed light before trying to ask in a low voice, "Does he listen to whatever you say instead of walking away?"


    Aria again hummed, "Uncle Why..."


    She was cut in by Amelia, "Arrie! Help Aunty and Uncle to convince n for dating."


    Aria: "..."


    Amelia didn''t give her time to react. She kissed her head and got up with Rowan. Thetter spoke, "n! Aria has something to say to you."


    Aria: "..."


    n nced at his father and looked at Aria in curiosity. He somehow knew she didn''t want to talk instead his parents didn''t dare to bring up some matter by themselves and asking Aria to speak for them as they understood he was treating Aria well.


    Aria looked at the departing figures who were almost running instead of walking gracefully.


    She turned to n who was looking at her. She forced a smile at him and took a cookie to her hand. She started taking tiny bites thinking whether she should drop the topic and run away or help Rowan and Amelia.


    n saw her nibbling looking nkly at the coffee table. After a few seconds, he called her gently, "Aria!"


    Even though he sounded soft, Aria dropped her cookie and was extremely clumsy cleaning her school skort until she regained herposure and coughed lightly.


    n looked at her in amusement, "Are you so scared of me?" To his shock, he heard her hum.


    n: _

 Chapter 33: Matchmaker

    Chapter 33: Matchmaker


    Aria saw his raised brows, "Aunty and Uncle told me to talk to you about a matter. I don''t know how you will react to it so yeah! Little afraid."


    n''s tensed shoulder rxed a little knowing why she was scared. "Try it. Go on."


    Aria took a few deep breaths thinking, ''Aria! Where is your level-headedness? Rx, rx...''


    "Aunty and Uncle are very worried about your future rting to a life partner. They want you to start dating and mingle with more people to know about females. It wasn''t only because of the rumors, it was for you and your life... You possibly can''t live alone all your life... Aunty got quite a few proposals from affluent families and girls are very beautiful. So they want you to meet them. If you like any, you can date or get engaged. About Marriage, you can decide it slowly. If not, Aunty and Uncle will look for more suitable girls for you."


    Aria finished and breathed a sigh of relief forpleting her mission. When she turned to face n it was dark unlike how he looked before she started speaking.


    "I... I know I am young to say all this to you. Aunty and Uncle asked me so I just said. I''m sorry if I sounded nonsensical."


    n didn''t expect his parents to receive pictures of girls and show it to Aria. Upon that they were asking her to convince him.


    Aria got up to leave but heard, "Sit"


    "Will I be screwed for it?" Aria mumbled and sat down.


    n couldn''t catch her words. He was watching her silently who was looking in front of her thinking god knows what. His lips tilted up thinking of a n.


    "Do I have to like them just because you all found them beautiful?"


    Aria shook her head, "If you choose who you want to meet, aunty will arrange for you to meet them. You can talk to them and decide after your dates."


    n''s reply came instantly, "Then you are going to help me choose." That way he could spend time with her without thinking about weird ns.


    Aria pointed at herself and spoke in perplex, "Me? I think you should ask your friends or family for that."


    n''s face fell hearing ''Your family'' in which she didn''t include herself yet. He shook his head resignedly while sighing.


    Aria thought he was changing his mind seeing him shake his head hence she tried to be reasonable, "I don''t know your preferences so I may not be helpful."


    n buried his smile hearing her, "Then know my preference."


    Aria: "..."


    "I heard girls can judge girls better and I don''t know anybody else other than you. So you are helping me or I will not see anyone."


    Aria: "..."


    She saw him walk off saying it. ''Why am I getting involved in this?... Like parents like son. Rian is the best. Beauty! Where are you? Help me out of this.''


    She took lots of deep breaths, "You just have to select a few pictures and done. You can do this, Aria." She encouraged herself and went inside.


    Even though n was sitting in the living hall, Amelia and Rowan went to her to ask. n nced at them and continued his work on hisptop.


    "Arrie! What did n say? Did he scold you? Did he agree? He didn''t treat you bad, did he?" Amelia shot rows of questions.


    "Young master agreed. He asked..." She couldn''t finish as Amelia started celebrating with Rowan.


    "That''s great... That''s great. Arrie! You are our lucky charm." She kissed Aria''s forehead and she took Rowan upstairs. Rowan had no choice but to follow her.


    Aria: "..."


    n looked at bewildered Aria and pursed lips before going back to hisptop.


    The housekeeper had to shook Aria''s arm to get her back to reality. She smiled bitterly and went upstairs.


    She was thinking how happy Amelia and Rowan looked just by hearing n agreed, how would have her parents reacted in that position went on in her mind.


    She took an early shower due to her physical exhaustion andpleted some school work before going down for dinner.


    As soon as she entered the dining hall, Amelia pulled Aria next to her, "You said n agreed, Why isn''t he responding to us and he isn''t even checking the picture. See! The tab isying there."


    Aria understood why Amelia ran upstairs as soon as she heard n agreed. She rubbed her own forehead as she nced at n who behaved as if he didn''t hear.


    "Aunty! Young master Morgan asked me to help him in selecting the girls then he will meet them."


    "Oh!" Amelia said as she exchanged a nce with Rowan unsure about n''s request.


    Rowan continued, "That''s fantastic! Aria! Help us by helping him. He is hopeless when ites to girls."


    Aria: "..."


    ''Am I matchmaker?'' Aria thought to herself and had her dinner as Amelia loaded her bowl with vegetables and meat with her rain ofpliments.


    n would nce at Aria''s helpless smiles whenever Ameliaplimented her. Aria thought to escape right after dinner and quickly ate hearing them...


    Amelia turned from her te to her son, "n! When are you free for the first date?"


    Young master Morgan took his own bloody time until Amelia loses her patience and he spoke, "Whenever Aria is free."


    Pfft-


    Aria took a napkin and dabbed her lips and chin. ''Why did it feel like I''m his first date?''


    ''Aria! You really lost your mind.'' Sheposed herself soon.


    Amelia and Rowan looked at each other and at n who was looking at Aria. Thetter had a troubled face.


    "Young master Morgan! Why am Iing to your dates? I can only provide my opinions looking at their profile."


    Rowan and Amelia understood after Aria spoke but n actually meant what Aria thought to herself. He even felt she deciphered what he meant hence her reaction was too good to watch.


    "Oh!" n took his dessert bowl andmented leisurely, "Are you a face reader to be so sure whether they are good or bad just by their profile? There may be false information too. You can only get to know after meeting them."


    Aria: "..."


    ''How can I be face reader? Like hell... And why do I have to know your dates? We are choosing a girl for you not a man for me... Hmph!'' She thought to herself.


    n continued after a pause, "If you can''t, I will not see anyone." He got up and left.


    Aria: "..."


    ''Please help me to beat this man.''

 Chapter 34: Im the scapegoat.

    Chapter 34: I''m the scapegoat.


    Amelia and Rowan turned to Aria. Thetter got up and tried to run away but Rowan''s long legs were faster than her short steps and she had to pass through them to go to her room.


    Aria thought poised, sophisticated family members were changed to crazy because they thought n listens to her.


    Amelia and Rowan made her sit between them on the three-seater luxurious couch. Amelia started to feed her fruit ignoring her say she would eat herself. She loved to pamper Aria and with that, she needed her work to be done.


    "Arrie! You just have to sit and listen to them. We trust your judgment."


    Aria wanted to cry, "I don''t want... to be the third wheel." Amelia stuffed a fruit slice making her half of the sentence to muffle.


    Rowan rubbed her backhead, "Aria! You will be called the third wheel when they really start dating. The first date will be just for a small introduction so it won''t be awkward."


    Aria opened her mouth to rebuff but Amelia stuffed her mouth. After finishing, she tried again, Amelia put one again. Aria covered her mouth and wailed, "Auntie!"


    n found it hard to controlughter seeing puffed red cheeks of Aria. His face turned red controlling theughter and continued his work as his ears were on the trio.


    The housekeeper was enjoying it silently chuckling.


    "Uncle Rowan! The date is a date. First or second or hundredth date, I will be the third wheel."


    Aria sighed after rebuffing, Amelia fed her again giving her a sweet smile.


    Rowan thought for second and rebuffed, "Then let''s call it lunch or dinner instead of date."


    Aria choked on her fruit and coughed. Both Amelia and Rowan tended to her carefully.


    Aria looked at two and pouted, "Uncle Rowan! Lunch or Dinner, it''s still called a Lunch date or dinner date. Why are you two trying to fool a little girl?"


    "Aaa..." Amelia said which confused Aria "Huh?" It was to feed her fruit.


    Aria brainstormed, "Aunty Amelia, Young master morgan said, girls judges girls better and you are more experienced. How about you go with him?"


    n was speechless. He was thinking about whether to poke in or not, Amelia spoke.


    "Youngsters won''t befortable around elders. You are a perfect match. If n behaves like a mouse, you can add your touch of cheer to them."


    Rowan didn''t give his opinion.


    Aria silently sat and continued to eat whenever Amelia fed her. After a long time, she spoke excitedly, "Yes! No girl will like her date bringing another girl. So it isn''t a good choice for me to go."


    Amelia, Rowan and the housekeeper burst intoughter. n was amused.


    Aria thought about what she said and there was nothing weird about it. She couldn''t understand why they wereughing at her.


    Amelia asked her politely, "Arrie! Were you thinking of a reason from so long time?"


    Aria promptly replied, "Yes!"


    "You got excited just by finding an excuse. You are so sweet."


    Aria: "..."


    ''Excuse? It''s a fact.'' Aria didn''t know any more reasons or excuses.


    "So do I have to go?"


    The duo replied in unison, "Yes!"


    "Do I have any other choice?"


    The duo replied in unison, "No!"


    "So I''m the scapegoat."


    The duo replied in unison, "Yes!.... No, No..."


    Aria chuckled seeing their panic-stricken face. "Alright, I will go." She didn''t want to trouble them more.


    n smiled to himself and was very grateful for his parents who convinced her for him. But hemented differently, "Aria! Don''t you think your appetite is too big? You alone finished a big fruit tter."


    Aria checked the tter and asked Amelia in low voice, "Aunty! Did I really eat everything alone?"


    Amelia pursed her lips and nodded. She was actually furious with n for saying it and was thinking Aria might feel bad. Aria didn''t notice she ate so much because she was fed.


    She put on an indifferent face and responded, "Aunty loves me more than you so she fed only to me and I ate it to make her happy. If you are jealous, be a good son to your parents. Hmph."


    Amelia burst intoughter hearing Aria and seeing n who couldn''t rebuff to her. Rowan just smiled.


    After speaking for some time, Aria was leaving toplete her work and go to bed, Amelia asked, "Arrie! Have you nned anything on Sunday?"


    Aria turned around and replied nonchntly, "Nope aunty! Need me for anything?"


    Aria was at a loss for words hearing her reply, "Then I will arrange the first girl on Sunday. When are you two selecting? If you tell me by morning, we can give heads up to them soon."


    n behaved dumb waiting for Aria''s response.


    After which felt like eternity and Aria epted her fate, she responded, "I have homework to finish now."


    Amelia nodded which made Aria almost smile but it evaporated when she heard, "After your homework, sit with n and decide. Hurry up! Finish your homework."


    Aria forced a smile. She turned around and left. ''Aria cooper! Soon set up a girl for President Morgan and live freely.''


    She finished her homework with Rian''s homework before cleaning up her desk. She was thinking to configure her mobile, the housekeeper entered after a knock with milk ss and a tab.


    "Young Miss! Here is your milk. Madam asked me to give this to you. The young master is in his room."


    Aria nodded and kept her new phone back without configuring. She went out to the opposite room and knocked on the door. The housekeeper left downstairs as Aria didn''t drink and held her ss.


    n opened the door to see Aria looking at another side drinking milk and holding a tab. In her shorts and an oversized T-shirt, she looked warm andfy.


    Aria turned to see n holding a toothbrush. He pointed her toward armchairs inside his room and left to the bathroom.


    Aria thought they would go to study. She resignedly went side and was overwhelmed by the size of the room. She could easily say a wall between two vast rooms was removed to make it a single room. She felt like it as a separate house.


    It was a sleek, elegant Italian decor room. It had a living hall section, Piano, Firece, mini bar, sleeping bed, Study section. Due to minimal furniture, the room looked evenrger.


    Even though her room in the Cooper mansion wasrge, it was just seventy percent of that room. She stood by the bay window and finished her milk looking outside. She felt like he had the best view of the estate from his room but she couldn''t see anything due to darkness.


    Hearing the door unlocking sound she went back to armchair and opened the tab to see thirty girls'' names folder. She looked at ning towards her and understood the reason.


    n always carried an aristocratic vibe with refined elegance.


    ''No doubt so many families are in a queue.'' She thought to herself.

 Chapter 35: Three husbands died

    Chapter 35: Three husbands died


    Since the distance between armchairs was wide, Aria pointed the smart television, "Shall I connect the tab to it?"


    n nodded and turned it on picking the remote. Aria connected and opened the first folder. The first picture had information about the girl.


    Aria pursed her lips to control herughter right after reading the name. ''Belle O''Donnaugh''


    n was looking at her hence he noticed it and asked, "Why are you controlling yourughter?"


    Aria coughed lightly to clear her throat and spoke, "Belle O''Donnaugh described as a woman whosest three husbands died under mysterious circumstances... I''m... sorry!" Aria burst intoughter after saying.


    n checked the name and his lips twitched hearing her. But herughter brought a smile on his face. "Are you killing me before marriage?"


    Aria controlled and spoke, "If you choose her, ask her to change her family name to yours. Simple." She smiled and continued to see the profile but the young master Morgan was looking at her seeing her all expressions.


    "So what do you think without checking picture?"


    n passed the question back, "You say it."


    Aria nodded and spoke, "She will be a housewife. Good to look after you."


    "Oh!" n wasn''t interested in any of the information on television. He just responded to her.


    "I will put pictures in a slideshow. There are twenty number of pictures so."


    n hummed and Aria put it on and saw the girl. She was very beautiful and her smile was enchanting. Aria was looking at television whereas n didn''t even see Belle once.


    They continued to watch and as profiles passed, Aria was very bored and started yawning as she gave him reviews like,


    ''Since she is working as an executive director, she can help you in the business.''


    ''She can cook and feed you well.''


    ''Dietician! Good to have for good health.''


    ''Military! She will be disciplined with high morals.''


    "Doctor in a family is beneficial.''


    All in all, Aria was only picking positives and there was no single negative word she said.


    When a model and actress photo slides started, there were many pictures that made her lose all interest. She left her home slippers and folded her legs making herselffortable.


    As her yawning increased, she slightly tilted her head and rested it on backrest...


    "President Morgan! You are in high demand. Why there are so many pictures to impress you? Do you want to see her more? or Shall I go to the next one?"


    "Go next!" n replied knowing she was bored and sleepy.


    Aria hummed and changed the profile keeping the tab on herp. After seeing the information, "She is of my and Rian''s age. Why will they check so early for marriage?"


    n turned to television hearing her. Indeed, the year of birth was the same. He gingerly asked, "Shouldn''t I go for that age gap girls?"


    Aria turned to n, "She isn''t that younger than you. You are four years elder than Rian so the age difference is four. It is quite good too."


    It piqued his interest to know her views, "How?"


    Aria turned herselfplete towards him leaning her knees on the backrest of the chair and her shoulder leaned on it. "The divorce rates in this generation is very high. One of the reasons is the girl and boy of the same age or a year or two difference. Since everyone has their own views about things, they push their viewpoint on another one after deciding that creates disputes more. I heard from Dad that the wavelength of a girl is equal to the wavelength of a boy who is more than three-year older. Our parent''s age difference is more than five. If I''m not wrong, aunty and uncle''s age difference is seven. My parent''s age difference is six. Simrly, I have seen many such couples who are living happily keeping the small fights aside. In them, one or the other one gives in during disputes. But that doesn''t mean every couple of the same age will separate. So you can choose her too."


    Aria looked at n whose sharp features were softened with his alluring smile. Seeing him not talk for long, she bit her lip and spoke, "Did I talk too much? If you get irritated, you can stop there itself. You don''t have to listen to my nonsense."


    n''s smile widened and stretched his hand to pinch her cheek, "That wasn''t nonsense and I wasn''t irritated. President Cooper is very insightful."


    "Oh!" Aria was about to continue the pictures slideshow, n asked, "I heard you receive lots of proposals at school. You are mature and at the age to date. Why didn''t you ept any yet?"


    "Huh?" Aria awkwardly smiled, "You willugh if I say."


    "Try me." He said seriously.


    Seeing his expectant look, Aria spoke, "Proposals I get in schools are because of looks or that goddess title. As per my understanding, they are attracted or infatuated. I don''t want anybody to show me off saying they are dating a school goddess because they will date for time pass and move on to another girl. I''m not a thing to let them use me before they search for another thing... (Grin) Tomorrow my desk will be filled up with gifts, eatables, and letters because of today''s performance, why should I ept such boys'' proposals?"


    n nodded in admiration, "Shrewd!"


    Aria just smiled and started the slideshow of pictures...


    They had continued till the seventeenth girl when Aria fell asleep on the chair. n had told her to go to bed. Amelia had asked them to choose at least one to arrange a date on Sunday hence Aria tried to pull off.


    He carefully took the tab from her and mailed the girls'' information to somebody adding, ''Investigate, Rank them ording to their negatives. Need it by morning.''


    He looked at Aria who was frowning in sleep. Not exactly knowing what to do, he rubbed very gently between her brows and saw it was settling. His smile was very tender looking at her. He understood it wasn''t difficult to take care of a girl if you like her.


    He could sit and watch her but seeing her sleeping in sitting position, he carefully carried her to her room and tucked her without disturbing her sleep.


    The little uneasiness he had thinking about age was resolved by Aria. Since he knew she wasn''t dating anybody, he thought to get along with her first before he could talk to her.


    He pecked on her forehead affectionately before leaving the room. He quickly finished his some office work before going to bed.

 Chapter 36: Two timing with brothers

    Chapter 36: Two timing with brothers


    Aria who woke up by an rm bolted up on her bed. She knew she was drowsy in n''s room and she didn''t remember walking into her room.


    She hit her forehead, ''How dare you to sleep off in another''s room?''


    She wasn''t also sure if n selected anybody. Thinking she would get to know at breakfast time, she changed to gym wear and went to her Aerial Hammock.


    After finishing the stretching on the ground, she started her exercises and motions on Hammock...


    n who finished his jog and gym saw Aria from the bay window of the gym. Her calmness and patience in every move were very obvious. When she rolled herself up and left the hammock hold to roll down, he felt like his heart was in the throat.


    He thought she was falling down but her leg and hand were locked to Hammock. He watched a few more minutes from upstairs before going to thewn.


    Aria had just finished and was rxing her muscles when he passed her water bottle. She looked up to see n agaisnt sun and took the bottle. "Good morning Young Master Morgan."


    n smiled as he wished, "Good morning." He checked the Hammock as he asked, "Can I learn this too? Is it difficult?"


    Aria nced at him as she replied, "Yeah you can learn. Since your arm strength is good, you can doplex ones easily."


    n hummed and went towards her, "My arm strength?"


    Aria told her analysis, "You carried me off the hill and caught me when I was falling down which needs quite a good arm strength to do without even a small flinch on the face. This Aerial activity needs arm strength and bnce."


    Both walked towards the entrance as n asked, "So does that mean you have good arm strength too?" For him, she just looked too delicate.


    Aria shook her head, "I can''t do long if I have to control whole body weight by my arms. So my time on Hammock is just fifteen to twenty minutes."


    n furrowed his brows, "If you can''t, why are you getting sore? Why do you still do it?"


    Aria nced at him to see his ununderstandable expression, "Mr. Bean taught us one main thing in life, enjoy your ownpany instead of expecting someone else to make you happy. I enjoy being in the air and I don''t want to give up. And there are many benefits from Aerial Hammock, importantly, peace of mind and patience."


    n leaned on the wall next to his room before asking, "Are you always informational about everything like this?"


    Aria shook her head promptly, "I only know what I do. Compared to me, Rian, Noah, and Eva are much more informational. They know hell lots of stuff..."


    "To tease you." n interjected.


    Aria fiddly replied remembering Eva''sments, "Kind of and many other things too."


    n saw her cheeks turn pink looking down and changed the topic, "You aren''t the same with everyone as you are with your friends and my parents. Why is that?"


    Aria couldn''t understand he actually meant to ask for himself. "Are you the same with everyone?... I don''t think so. Simrly, Me too."


    He nodded in understanding and both saw a maid exiting from Rian''s room looking troubled. Before n, Aria spoke, "What''s wrong? Was he drunkst night?"


    The maid found her savior, "Young miss, only you can help us out. Second young master scolded everyone who went in."


    Aria nodded and went towards Rian''s room. n furrowed as he followed her.


    Aria first tried to wake up normally, "Rian! we have to go to school. It''s time, wake up and get ready."


    Rian realized it was Aria hence he covered himself under the duvet, "Little Devil! I''m noting today. Leave me alone, I want to sleep."


    Aria removed the duvet which he covered again, "Get lost, I don''t want to talk."


    Aria threatened, "Can''t you wake up when we ask politely? Do you want me to pour cold water so badly? Get your ass off the bed."


    Rian was vexed, "My home my room. I will sleep however long I want. Who the hell do you think you are?"


    n grunted, "RIAN"


    Aria stopped n who was ready to teach his brother. Aria knew something wasn''t right and he wasn''t angry at her.


    She signaled maid to leave before sitting next to Rian, "Rian! What happened? Did something happen with your friends or did anybody told you something?"


    n couldn''t understand why she was concerned even when she got scolded by him like an outsider.


    Rian held the pillow on his head to cover his head to stop hearing her.


    Aria was sure something''s up. She forcefully snatched the pillow and threw the duvet from his face. She pulled him to sit and face her, "Are you going to tell me or do you want me to ask somebody and teach them a lesson? Later don''t stop me saying I will hurt myself."


    Rian shrugged her hands off, "How many are you going to teach? Aria! it is not easy to change what people think."


    ''Aria?'' Aria furrowed her brows. "Is it about me? And why are cared about what people think?"


    He knocked her head opening his eyes. "I didn''t even tell you, how did you get to know?"


    Aria rubbed her head pouting, "That was a hard one."


    Rian smiled resignedly looking at her. He knew she was doing it on purpose. He took a deep breath and spilled, "Even though nobody is talking in the school forum or telling us, many or maybe all are thinking about you as... as..."


    He couldn''t say it. Aria continued, "B*tch who is two-timing with brothers?... I know that."


    Two brothers looked at her nonchnce in amusement.


    "You... You..." Rian didn''t know what to say.


    Aria smiled and teased, "So Beauty Rian is tongued tied by the goddess!"


    "Crap!" Rian didn''t know what to say.


    While drinking, he wasn''t drunk yet as his other friends. They suddenly took Aria''s name and spoke nasty about her asking him: Is she good on the bed? why both brothers are running around her? how many times did you guys do it? who she wants more, you or your brother? simr things...


    Noah and Rian had beat them up before leaving the club. He thought for a very long time about how to solve it but didn''t get any answer.


    Aria asked as she pulled him off the bed and made his bed. "Am I two-timing?"


    "Nooo"


    "Do you, Eva, Noah think the same?"


    "Nooo Little Devil."


    "Why are you caring about others?"


    "They are spouting nonsense about you."


    "Oh!" She finished her work and turned to him for whispering, "There are also rumors about your brother saying he is interested in men, is it possible to publish a statement to resolve it?"


    Rian grinned looking at n and answered, "How can that prove?"


    Aria smiled, "Exactly! We can''t say anything about it as nobody will be ready to ept it. So ignorance is the best choice."


    He nodded in approval. Aria asked, "Still feeling down? If yes, I will..."


    Rian cut in seeing her stand-in akimbo, "We will let them make in their own assumptions and we will enjoy as we do." He happily entered the bathroom after saying it.


    Aria sighed and went out as n followed her. "You understand him well."


    Aria hummed.


    "Does that really not affecting you?"

 Chapter 37: Evil things behind the back

    Chapter 37: Evil things behind the back


    Aria sighed. "It does." She didn''t want to talk about it to anybody hence she closed the door entering her room.


    n understood she was upfront strong for others. He didn''t poke about it and went to his room.


    Aria wiped her cheeks and got ready to go to school.


    Even if she says hundreds of words to deny, nobody would believe her. All she could do was trying to be strong for the ones who worry about her.


    She couldn''t understand society. If a man does double-timing and even sleeps with many, he would be called as stud and Romeo. If a girl just talks to a few boys, she would be entitled as a sl*t, wh*re, or b*tch.


    With all that, she was staying with Morgans'' including the fact one had to be her guardian and the other one was her childhood friend.


    However, she tried to be strong, at the end of the day she was just a normal girl with a sensitive heart.


    She went to the breakfast table and saw Amelia and Rowan looking at her earnestly. "Good morning Aunty, Uncle."


    Both nodded. Before they could bring up, she spoke, "I was sleepy and dozed off halfway. I''m not sure if Young master continued to check or not..." Seeing their bitter smile, she spoke, "We will ask Young master now if he chose any, If not, I will help him today after school if he is free."


    n entered to hear herst part. He was nning to tell the girl''s name who had top worst remarks by his team but hearing Aria, he changed his n.


    He sat down ying dumb. Rian enteredst. All started breakfast and the housekeeper informed Rian about n agreeing to date after Aria convinced him.


    Rian grinned and high fived with his mother. "That''s great news for us to party."


    Amelia chuckled and nodded, "You are my true son."


    Rowan and n had no reaction. Aria''s lips twitched. "You! mother and son! Do you guys know anything other than partying and drinking?"


    Rowan chuckled hearing her. Amelia and Rian didn''t mind. Thetter shamelessly asked Aria, "Hey matchmaker! Get me a girl too."


    Aria flexed her fingers, "How about me to break your bones daily?"


    Amelia, Rowan, and housekeeper burst intoughter seeing Rian''s dark face. "I want a girl. Not a devil. Spare me, Ms. Aria Cooper."


    Aria smiled, "Since your nning polygamy, I will spare you."


    Rian got weird looks from everyone and yelled. "Little devil! I was kidding alright. Why are you whinging?" He quickly changed the topic to divert, "Little devil! Aren''t you creative? Let me check it. Tell me a theme for partying on the first step of Bro''s life to hell."


    All chuckled hearing him. n gave a death re to Rian. Aria took her own time before replying. "Theme HELL! with those red light horn on the head..."


    Rian cut in, "That''s cool. Continue, continue..."


    Aria finished her mouthful and continued, "We can call all the evil souls to party for your brother to meet in the hell."


    n''s face was undecipherable looking at Aria. He was thinking about spending time with her and she was setting him up with girls.


    Others tried to controlughing but eventuallyughed hard than ever.


    All maids in the mansion surprisedly looked at the dining hall leaving all their work. For unknown reasons, they all liked Aria who never ordered them around.


    Later they finished the breakfast with a general talk not to provoke Young Master Morgan.


    Amelia poked Aria to speak n. Aria nodded and asked, "Young master, Did you select anyone for meeting on Sunday?"


    n was thinking to spend some time with her but after hearing her party n, he thought if he says no, he would die of anger standing between annoying flies. hence went by his first n, "I don''t remember the name. I will send it to you Mom."


    Aria sighed. Amelia enfolded her palms, "That''s fantastic."


    n left in his sports car first. Aria left with Rian. She asked in perplex, "Your brother is just 22, why are aunty and uncle starting all these so soon? If you guys give him some time, he may like somebody in a few years. Won''t that be good?"


    Rian grinned, "Ask Mom and Dad." ''If he stays single, how am I allowed to date? Hehehe''


    Aria rolled her eyes at him. She had already asked. They had told her she couldn''t understand the elder''s worries and she was still young to understand those things.


    Aria saw a loaded desk and clenched her fist. She wanted to beat every single one''s face who kept those things at her ce. She went near Diaz and announced, "Everyone! Quickly take whichever you like from my desk and enjoy it. Since we have time, you can read out letters and have fun. I will not mind."


    All cheered as theyughed. Everyone took whatever they liked and cleared her desk for her. A few started to read the letter dramatically and make everyoneugh. Only a few had written names on it which none of them read aloud.


    sses finished calmly before they dispersed to their ces.


    n''s table was loaded with files and the day was filled with meetings. He finished all the meetings and took many files back to his vi toplete.


    Saturday, It wasn''t even two sses, Aria was called to the Principal''s office.


    She entered to see I wearing an inexpensive branded dress, her manager, two more women in them one looked like an assistant and the other one''s facial features were the same as I. Aria thought her as a mother.


    She ignored them and greeted, "Principal!"


    "Aria, Ms.Turner has aint against you." The principal wasn''t reckless to get angry at Aria or defend I.


    Aria didn''t react. I''s manager voice raised high, "Principal! You don''t have to respect this no-name girl... You! dumb girl, how dare you hit our I?"


    The principal wanted tough hearing ''no-name girl''. Turners were nothing in front of The Cooper. With that, Aria had the Morgan family.


    Aria frowned covering her ear, "Miss, whoever you are. If you don''t like your throat, go to the ground and shout. I love my ears and eardrums."


    "You..." The manager was fuming.


    I''s face turned dark but tried her best to maintain her image in front of the Principal.


    Her Mom charged towards Aria, "How dare you hurt my daughter?"


    Aria released herself from her grip, "Mrs.Turner I presume. Have some elegance of Madam and stop being uncivilized. Is this how you treat girls who are younger? No doubt, your daughter learned well from you plotting evil things behind the back."


    One more enraged.

 Chapter 38: Again plotted against you

    Chapter 38: Again plotted against you


    The principal who had already tasted Aria''s words didn''t find it anything special. "Mrs. Turner, Manager, please have a seat... Ms.Turner, can you exin why you are using Aria and do you have any proof?"


    Mrs.Turner spat at him, "My daughter''s nose crossed, She has so many scratches on her face. Isn''t this the proof in itself."


    Yes! She had a white bandage around her nose and bandaids on the forehead and cheek.


    The principal forced a smile, "I Turner fell down while dancing. How can that have anything to do with Aria? Mrs.Turner, we want proof for your usation to state Aria was behind it."


    Mrs.Turner tried to be reasonable but failed. I''s manager spoke, "I knows that this b*tch did it. What else do you need more?"


    The principal felt his head throb and looked at Aria. Thetter spoke, "So does that mean If Principal says I Turner was behind his wounds after he runs into the wall, you don''t need any proof?"


    Pfft~


    Principal choked on her words, ''Who gives such example?''


    The manager gritted her teeth. She had tried to talk to the Managing Director of theirpany but he outrightly turned down saying I fell down by ident, why were they putting it on an innocent girl.


    So they brought I to school to make Aria ept her mistake and get lots of money from her in the name of treatment.


    But by the looks, Aria was a tough nut.


    They started to me Aria to which thetter yawned. "Are you done? I have a ss to attend."


    All four females'' faces were red in anger when Aria said it. The principal didn''t know whether to cry orugh.


    I spoke for the first time gritting her teeth. "Aria, you did it on purpose, didn''t you?"


    Aria smiled and turned on the television for connecting her mobile. She yed a video that was recorded by Aria''s mobile.


    I''s eyes were wide in shock. She didn''t expect Aria to record.


    Aria paused when a tattoo was showing near the ankle, "May I know who has this tattoo?"


    I stuttered, "That''s... That''s not me, That''s Cindy."


    Aria smiled, "Correct... She pushed me to the dressing room with her friends and ruined my mobile, locking me inside when I had to go and cheer."


    I did fall into Aria''s trap. "Oh!" She thought to push me on Cindy. "She is wicked. She must have done it. Then why did you take it out on me? You should have done it to her."


    Her voice raised atst. Aria nodded and continued the video, "Whose bracelet is this?"


    I''s face turned dark as others. The principal understood Aria made I agree before showing the proof.


    The manager spoke, "Our I was behind you that doesn''t mean she did anything to you." She was a manager from the Morgan industries, so she had many tricks and a brain.


    Aria nodded, "Alright"


    She changed the video and yed it in slow motion. In that, it was clearly visible, Aria was spinning her legs on the ground and it kicked I''s leg and she fell on the face.


    "Principal... Here is the proof... You b*tch, How dare you to do it."


    Rian had collected the main camera video without letting anybody reach the tape.


    Aria paused the video, "Principal, let me analyze it for you about the position of cheer girls... As you can see, my left side cheer girl, two cheer girls behind me are five feet away and my legs didn''t reach them. Whereas, This actress was just two feet near to me for the limelight. I was just doing my moves. I didn''t go to her. What do you expect me to do at that time? Keep looking at Ms.Turner and Stop dancing being a leader?"


    The principal understood I went to the center. "Aria! You are right. Mrs.Turner, since we already know what happened, you should drop it here."


    In the meantime, Aria clicked on the delete button and erased the video. Mrs.Turner lunged at Aria who sleekly escaped making her fall on the ground. "Oops"


    "Madam!" The manager helped Mrs.Turner.


    Aria looked at I as she sat on the couch, "Don''t you remember what I said? Don''t y with me... Did you think I was kidding? I will give you little taste of it now."


    All looked at each other and the managerughed, "You! What possibly can you do?"


    I tugged her manager and spoke, "She has the Morgan family."


    The principal bitterly smiled. "Ms.Turner, You don''t know Aria. Without them and their support, Aria is capable enough."


    Only I took him seriously but othersughed and heard Ariamand, "Change the brand ambassador today for offending me. That manager should receive a call in two minutes. Your time starts now."


    Aria hung up and leaned back leisurely. Even after getting threatened by I many times because of n and I plotting against her, she didn''t mind it. But she didn''t want I to continue her stupid ns.


    I was the brand ambassador of seven different fields. The manager was thinking of Aria was kidding or will really anybody would cancel it.


    It was just one minute ten seconds, Manager''s mobile rang. She hesitatingly received. Her face fell as she heard, "But...But... Hello, Hello..."


    "I, Skyline''s organic industry changing the brand ambassador."


    Yes! Aria had called the Managing director of the Organic Industry which was under Skyline.


    The principal shook his head resignedly. ''You asked for it Ms.Turner.''


    Mrs.Turner was fuming and Manager wanted to speak but Aria''s mobile rang.


    She knew n would get to know but she didn''t think he would call her so quick. She turned on the speaker on purpose, "Aria! What''s wrong? Did that actress again plotted against you?"


    "She is in school with her manager, mother, and assistant. I''m in the Principal office and had to clear their mind till now. I thought to teach her where she belongs so that she doesn''t continue to torture me. Probably they are here to extract money from me."


    There was a long silence before the response, "What you have done isn''t enough. I let it offst time for you. Ask her to start her count down."


    Aria hummed and both hung up.


    Nobody knew who she spoke with because n was gentle with his tone unlike how he speaks with others.


    "I wish you the best for offending my guardian. Got to go. I have a ss." Aria left promptly.


    I turned to Principal and frantically asked. "Who is her guardian? Principal! who is her guardian? Speak up... It... It... can''t be Morgan''s right? Hahaha... Why will they be the guardian of Aria? She is just Rian''s friend... Then why n came on PTM? Hahaha, I''m going nuts..."


    I started behaving like manic which scared the shit out of the principal. Three women tried to calm her and take her away saying Morgans weren''t the guardian of Aria.


    Unfortunately, It didn''t stop there. Before Aria could leave the school, somebody shared a social media link in school forum and they got to know an anti-fan of I turner had uploaded a video of cheerleading in social media.

 Chapter 39: Be arrogant or humble

    Chapter 39: Be arrogant or humble


    The tag line of the post, "National goddess is envious of our school goddess."


    In that, allmented against I Turner and were curious about Aria. It had uploaded in the morning and was on social media for a long time. A rival actress''s Fanclub shared on their page to look down on I Turner which made the video go viral.


    Comments were like: "National goddess? Does she even know to dance? Look at her ungracefulness. Let me worship the main cheerleader..."


    "School goddess is so cute. Her smile made me a fanboy."


    "National goddess is sidelined? (Evil grin) Suits you @ITurner. What is the school goddess''s name? Can anybody share her handle?"


    "@ITurner is from Elite. So the school goddess is the Elite school goddess. Anybody studying in that school? Come up."


    .


    .


    Aria cried invisible tears checking them. While exiting the lecture block, she saw the crowd at the gate to know about the school goddess. "Holyness! They aren''t here for me. Please say no."


    Eva took a selfie pouting near Aria''s cheek, "School Goddess! Don''t forget us after getting famous. I can sell this picture when you get super famous." She grinned.


    Noah and Rian stood in front of her and started cheering loudly, "We will be your die-hard fans. Aria... Aria... Aria... Aria..."


    Aria''s face was dark as coal. She was thinking what to do, n''s sports car pulled in between crowds. Their car was outside the campus which wasn''t allowed inside. n''s car had permission.


    Eva spotted the car first and ran away saying loudly enough to be heard by Aria and n who was alighting. "Prince is stealing our Goddess."


    Aria face palmed herself.


    Noah and Rian looked at each other understanding tactfully, "We will not steal you from President Morgan. Bye." Both left leaving her to stand alone when n almost reached her.


    Many students greeted n as ''Senior'' on their way out. Aria didn''t know what to say other than looking at him.


    n saw her nkly looking at him, "What''s wrong?"


    Aria pointed at the gate, "They possibly can''t be here for me. The car is outside to pick me. I can''t go out."


    "Don''t you like the attention of so many people?... Fans."


    She promptly shook her head, "That''s too troublesome... Wait, I call the PR department to remove the video and rted post."


    n''s lips twitched. "Do you know how to depend on anybody?" He couldn''t understand why she couldn''t ask him when he was standing right in front of her.


    Aria stopped in tracks. "Huh?"


    n led her towards his car. "I already asked to remove it. About these people, they won''t be present on Monday. Don''t worry."


    "Oh! Thank you..." She sat in the shotgun seat and continued after he sat down, "The car must be outside, I will take it. You don''t have to drop me." She thought it would be troublesome for him to drop her and goto his vi.


    "Oh!" Was his reply and drove her to the Morgan mansion.


    After contemting, she spoke cautiously, "I didn''t know somebody would post video and cause so much trouble. I''m sorry."


    n nced at her and asked, "Why is that actress behind you?"


    Aria pursed her lips to control her smile, "She loves you. She doesn''t like you helping me out. She doesn''t like whenever there is any post in the school forum about You shipping to... Me. She warned me to stay away from you numerous times."


    n furrowed his brows. "You are basically in problem because of me and being bad-mouthed because of me and Rian."


    Aria who was refreshing the social media pages saw all deleted posts as she responded to him, "People will talk however you are. Be rich or poor. Be arrogant or humble, they will talk about you. We can''t escape from their mouths. We can''t sit and please each and everyone."


    She locked her mobile and slid in her pockets before looking at n who was speechlessly looking at her in the traffic red signal. "What''s wrong?"


    n faced the road, "Can''t you be like a little girl of your age? I sometimes feel like I''m talking with an elderlydy."


    Aria chuckled hearing him. "Of course! I''m a little girl of my age if you see me with my friends or aunty and uncle. You don''t talk with anyone and I have never seen you being casual or friendly. We hardly know about each other so if I start joking around, you will throw me under the bus or... throw me down the bridge." She pointed the nearest bus and the dam which was present after the junction.


    n cleared his throat awkwardly knowing about his image in her mind, "Don''t worry! I will not throw you anywhere." He said as he drove away from the junction.


    "So you are asking me to be troublesome, naughty, annoying. You always got angry in the beginning whenever I spoke. Can you really handle me like that?"


    "Try me."


    Aria nodded in amusement, "Then don''t me meter."


    n lightly chuckled, "Sure!"


    Their way of talking from formal to informal was greatly improved on their way to the Morgan mansion.


    n left for his vi after Aria alighted. Thetter chased around both Noah and Rian for leaving her awkward every time around n then the trio sat andpleted all the weekend homework.


    The next day was n''s first date with the first girl or could be said as ''the first date with Aria''.


    Amelia informed her during breakfast to be ready by half-past ten and n was picking her. Aria nodded and time passed with them till ten before going to change.


    When she came down, Amelia hit her own forehead looking at Aria wearing denim shorts and a T-shirt. "Arrie! Aren''t youfortable with dresses? Why do you always wear shorts and a T-shirt to look simple?"


    Aria looked at herself, "I''m not going on date. Should third-wheel look pretty too? Aunty, are you saying I''m not looking good?"


    Rowan pursed his lips waiting to hear Amelia. Thetter was veryposed, "You are Young Miss Cooper. Our darling. You look great in every dress but put some changes Sweetheart. Go and wear some pretty dress. Quick!"


    Aria looked at Rowan for help who shook his head stating he couldn''t help. Aria turned around and went to her room.


    She returned soon and twirled standing in front of Amelia and Rowan when n was leaning on the door frame looking at her from the time she descended the stairs.

 Chapter 40: Girlfriend

    Chapter 40: Girlfriend


    Aria was in a floral short circr skirt, off-white knitted top whose sleeves were pulled up. She wore a simple diamond chain with matching teardrop earrings.


    A high heel made her look taller and svelte. Her slightly curled hair was bouncing as she descended gracefully. He could make out a light shade of pink lipstick on her soft lips.


    She looked pure, young and innocent.


    Aria asked cutely, melting both Amelia and Rowan, "How do I look?"


    "Very Pretty!" Rowanplimented.


    "That''s like my girl! Stop using those boring shorts and a T-shirt." Ameliained and was satisfied by asking her to change.


    Aria smiled, "I will think about it." She checked the time on her wristwatch. "Aunty! Do I have to go out and wait? It''s already time."


    A maid who saw n, announced to the rest, "Young Master is here."


    Aria waved at the duo and left towards the main door. After nearing n, she turned to Amelia, "Aunty! I think you should also ask your son to change his formals."


    He was wearing a crisp white diamond cuffed shirt, blue waistcoat, and same colored pants with ck dress shoes. Aria knew his zer would be in the car. The tie was missing which he hardly wears and keeps his shirt top buttons open most of the time she saw him.


    n didn''t expect thatment. He also understood Amelia made Aria choose a different outfit.


    Amelia turned to them from the couch, "He is a boring man. Do you think he will listen to me as you do?... You can ask him though."


    Aria smiled awkwardly. She couldn''t understand why Amelia and Rowan pull her for everything whenever n''s rted matterse up.


    She pointed herself with her forefinger and chided as she went out.


    n couldn''t understand why she was looking at her forefinger. "What happened to your finger?"


    Aria shook her head, "I''m scolding myself formenting on your outfit."


    n pursed his lips to a straight line and opened the shotgun seat door for her. When he could speak without smiling, he said, "You are effervescent."


    Aria proudly answered just like how she responds to Rian, "I know."


    He couldn''t control his chuckle and closed the door. He knew if it was a day before she would have said, <em>''Thank you Young Master Morgan.''</em>


    They soon left without noticing the duo peeking by the window in amusement.


    As they spoke, n asked, "Isn''t a suit appropriate for a date?"


    Aria gave it a thought and spoke, "Do you think you are going on a business deal wearing your dark-colored Italian suit?... You have to make some effort on dressing up at least on dates... Anyway, it''s not required for you as those families girls are already <strong>INSPIRED</strong> and <strong>IMPRESSED</strong> by you." She purposefully exaggerated.


    "Oh!" He didn''t talk until he stopped at a traffic signal, "I heard you have done a crash course on fashion designing. So what do you suggest for me to wear for the first date?" Instead of asking directly, he used his brain to reason.


    Aria had done a fashion design course known to only a few. Thinking Rian or chief designer of Skyline fashion must have told him Aria gave it a thought, "Semi formals... Hmm... A white and ck t-shirt, ck slim-fit zer... Dark blue ripped jeans and white shoes." She chose those colors because she never saw him wearing other colors.


    "Then let''s shop."


    Aria: "..."


    She nced at him and looked front. <em>''Aria! Think straight.''</em>


    She started to feel like she was going on a date instead of apanying him to his lunch date.


    After it felt like an eternity, she spoke, "Your date will be waiting for you. It''s not good to bete or make her wait."


    n secretly smiled because that girl was going to take a very long time to reach because of his men. "We will go to the mall near to the restaurant." He nonchntly replied.


    <em>''This man keeps a reply to everything.''</em> She thought to herself and used her mobile for some time before sliding it back to her white mini sling.


    Both reached the mall and went in. Aria who had thought for some time again tried to reason, "Young Master Morgan, have you ever worn such clothes? If you aren''tfortable, you shouldn''t force yourself. I simply suggested."


    n was calm, "No problem! I can try."


    Aria: "..."


    After sometime Aria realized they were attracting too much attention. She nced at the debonair and herself. To everyone''s eyes, they were looking like a couple.


    <em>''Aria! At this rate, you will die single. Nobody will pursue you with this man around. Set him up soon.''</em>


    She encouraged herself and entered a shop. n motioned for her to go in and choose. "Go on"


    Aria: "..."


    <em>''President Morgan! You are nuts.''</em>


    She realized if she says anything, he would rebuff and she would only have to do hence she saved her energy.


    As they went in, a salesgirl weed and asked her who was ahead, "Miss. Are you looking for you or your boyfriend?"


    Aria gritted her teeth and strode in. n was delighted to hear it but nothing showed on his face.


    After going through a few collections, She chose a full sleeve simple white T-shirt with horizontal ck stripes. After asking the size, she stuffed it to his hands.


    She moved ahead to the jeans section and checked quite a few patterns before picking one and stuffed him again ignoring the sales girl''s hand for the second time.


    When she was checking through zers, the salesgirl who was mesmerized by n''s look, struck up a conversation, "Sir, your girlfriend seems to be angry."


    He knew that.


    <em>''Girlfriend''</em> sounded pleasing to his ear but a cold nce at the salesgirl made her look away from him and did her work.


    Aria went to him and spoke, "I didn''t like any zer or jacket style."


    Even though she didn''t like to shop for him, she did her work promptly instead of randomly picking up what they have.


    n nodded and led her towards the cash counter as he said, "We will check in other shops."


    Aria hummed and went to the next famous branded shoe shop. She picked a White shoe and left to another shop for a zer.


    After going through a few, Aria liked one and passed it to him, "Change... If you don''t like, Wear your formals back."


    Even though he never tried thatbination, he was ready to add on some changes to his wardrobe for Aria.


    When he went in to change, Aria was going around. She saw the Sunss Hut and went in. She bought a wayfarer and returned back to the opposite shop by the time n changed and exited.


    When n exited, Aria turned to see theplete whole new look of n. She subconsciously stood up as she looked at him. He was very striking to the eyes. He looked phenomenal making the salesgirls leave their customers and look at him in wonder.


    n liked Aria''s reaction and saw her lips curling up. He went to her and spoke expecting somepliments, "So?"


    "Am I not skilled in choosing the outfit? I can think about being a stylist." She looked at n expectantly to know whether he liked or not.


    n''s lips twitched uncontrobly. <em>''This girl!''</em>

 Chapter 41: Why do Misogyny need to date?

    Chapter 41: Why do Misogyny need to date?


    "Yes! you can be my stylist." n said coldly and strode aside.


    Aria: "..."


    ''Did I anger him? Why will I be his stylist?''


    "Hey!" She went behind him and poked his arm to get his attention.


    He paid and collected bags that had his suit. Seeing him go out, she followed him as she asked, "Did I say something wrong? What happened? Didn''t you like this outfit? You are looking ster than in your boring suits. Why are you getting..."


    Satisfied with thepliments, he turned to her saying softly, "Yes! You are very skilled."


    Aria: "..."


    She was speechless seeing his hand rubbing her head gently. She controlled the urge to toss his hand away and passed the small paper bag. "This will look good with the outfit."


    He hadn''t taken the bag yet, they heard a girl''s voice. "Are you guys on a date?"


    The voice was known to Aria but her lips twitched as she turned to her. So as n. Thetter''s face darkened soon as the girl continued to talk.


    "Arrie! I know you are dumb when ites to boys or a rtionship but are you out of your mind to call me to your date?"


    Aria gritted her teeth, "Eva! I''m not dating him. What''s wrong with you? Didn''t I say he has an arranged lunch date today?"


    Eva flicked on her head, "Exactly! You two are on a date and you muddle-headed! why did you call me?"


    n didn''t think Aria could call somebody else to apany her on ''his date''.


    Aria took a deep breath. "Young master Morgan has arranged a lunch date with somebody else. He asked... No! The whole Morgan family wants me to be the third wheel on his lunch date to help him to choose a girl."


    Eva understood the whole thing. She had got a message from Aria to meet at the mall and they will have lunch. Hence she got ready and went.


    Eva''s face turned red controlling herself fromughing at Aria''s fate. "Young master Morgan! I suggest you leave my wifey... I mean Arrie out of your lunch date because all your dates will get insecure seeing my goddess next to you. And my poor girl, never..."


    Aria covered her mouth quickly. "Sell me off! I will kill you."


    n knew many would obviously step back from their dream of getting him if Aria was next to him.


    Eva peeled Aria''s hands-off and flirted, "Sweetheart! Are you abandoning me after getting a handsome man? And look at you! You even got ready for the handsome man. Didn''t I love you enough? My poor heart. How can you hurt my fragile heart? Hottie! Come back to me."


    Aria''s face flushed red by the end of her sentence. "Did you forget who is standing behind me? I will die of embarrassment."


    Her voice was too meek which heard only by Eva. Thetter always enjoyed teasing her. Since she was already caught once to n, she didn''t feel like the second time would make some changes in opinion.


    Eva looked at the duo alternatively and said excitedly, "Undoubtedly! You two look great together."


    "Eva!" Aria grunted with a grim face.


    n liked what Eva said but he frowned hearing Aria.


    Eva didn''t expect that reaction either. "I..."


    Aria felt bad for shouting at her hence she cut in, "Of course! Whoever I stand with, they will look great with me."


    Even though she got teased by his name many times, Aria didn''t like to be shipped in front of n. She didn''t want him to misunderstand their jokes and teases by taking it seriously.


    Eva rxed a bit. She and n knew why Aria said it.


    Aria held Eva''s hand and turned to n, "Eva will be with me in the next table to yours."


    n''s face was dark. He wasn''t ready to sit with a stranger girl and hear nonsense. "You guys enjoy! I will leave." He promptly left.


    Aria felt like crying. "This man is such a child. Eva! I will die soon in annoyance." She started hitting her forehead on Eva''s shoulder.


    Eva looked at the departing figure. She felt like things weren''t as simple as Aria said. She thought there must be a reason why the Morgan family or n were being unreasonable. But her dumb friend wasn''t understanding.


    "Arrie! Go with the Young Master. I will go home or call anybody to apany me."


    Seeing Aria''s troubled face, Eva assured again, "I''m fine! Don''t worry about me... I will let you off if you give me a full updateter."


    Aria hugged her, "I will call when this date trouble gets over."


    "Darling! I''m giving you my full strength. Mwa" Eva lightened her mood before sending her.


    If Aria wasn''t staying with the Morgan family and if n wasn''t her guardian who helped her out so many times, she would have ignored him without thinking. But...


    ''Why do misogyny need to date?'' She took a deep breath and strode faster as she tried to call him.


    Eva took out her mobile and called Rian looking at departing Aria...


    Aria didn''t receive any response when n answered the call. "Where are you? I''ming."


    There was an annoying long silence till she reached the esctor. Then she heard, "Towards the exit."


    She turned towards the exit and spotted him, "I saw you! I''ming."


    She hung up the call. She looked at him who was stationary as the people around him passed. She felt like, the time had stopped for him seeing him not move a little.


    Her mobile diverted her attention from him and saw the caller before answering it. "Aunty!"


    "Arrie! What are you guys doing?"


    Aria responded, "Finished shopping for Young master, now we will go to the restaurant."


    There was a weird silence then Amelia continued, "See! I told you, you are our lucky charm. Now send me a picture of n. Let me see him."


    Aria didn''t get time to react and heard a beep sound. She opened the camera and took n''s picture as she walked towards him and sent it before putting it back to her bag.


    After she reached, both didn''t speak and went to his car. n opened the door for her before keeping bags in the car trunk and driving out of parking.


    Aria gave full grades for her patience. Seeing him driving towards the Morgan mansion. "Restaurant is that side, why are you driving this side?"


    n nced at her frown, "You don''t like toe so don''t force yourself."


    Aria rested her head on headrest looking towards him, "Will you go without me?"


    He didn''t reply and the answer was obvious.


    "It''s true that I don''t like to go to somebody''s date. But I have already told you that I will help you, so I''ll help you till the end or till you don''t require me. Drive to the restaurant now."


    n nced at her passively. "You shouldn''t do it halfheartedly in a hurry to escape from these, you will review everyone as good."


    Aria''s expression turned cold and looked ahead. "I don''t like it doesn''t mean I will do it halfheartedly. If you doubt me, I don''t have toe. Stop the car."

 Chapter 42: Scarcity of resources

    Chapter 42: Scarcity of resources


    n was calm. He didn''t stop the car and asked, "Why?"


    Aria clenched her fist and decided to be straight to n. "I don''t want to help someone who doesn''t trust me. Stop. Now."


    When n stopped at the traffic signal, he turned off manual unlocking. "Why are you angry?"


    Aria tried to unlock the door but couldn''t do it and responded to him. "Young master Morgan! It''s not about anger. It''s about <strong>TRUST</strong>. Auntie and uncle trust me so they sent me. It may be any rtionship, trust is very important. Even with this car, you trust the manufacturer hence you dare to drive it. If there is any news saying, a moving car caught fire unexpectedly due to manufacturing defects, you will not touch it. Basically, Everything stands on trust and you don''t trust me so there is no meaning in me helping you out."


    She didn''t expect him to doubt her. After finishing she tried to unlock but she couldn''t. "Unlock the door." She more like ordered.


    n came out of his daze. He didn''t expect he would touch her sensitive line. "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to say I distrust you. I didn''t want to force you further..." He took U-turn as he continued.


    Aria calmed down and continued to hear.


    "If you sit in a different table, what''s the use of evening? Can you tell by their bodynguage? I don''t think I will ask or talk with that girl. So I thought to drop off... Is it really that difficult to be in other''s date?"


    This time Aria took her own time which made n think she was angry. "It''s not about the difficulty. No girl will like her date to bring somebody else..." She saw Isaac''s flex, "Even if I have a date with actor Isaac and if he brings another girl, I will not like it. And it also gives the wrong impression."


    Instead of focusing on why she said, he asked, "Do you like Isaac?"


    Aria wanted to smack his head but didn''t, "I gave an instance. And what''s so good about him other than being shirtless in every shoot and movies. I saw his ad flex so just took his name as an example."


    n was happy with her review of Isaac.


    Aria rolled her eyes seeing him smile,<em> ''Like seriously! we were talking about issue alright.''</em>


    n spoke after driving the car to the restaurant premises, "Don''t worry, we will give a good impression on the girl."


    Aria: "..."


    It was after about ten minutes he responded to it.


    Aria alighted when valet opened the door. n passed the key before reaching her. Aria saw him wearing sunss which she bought for him andmented to rx the mood between them.


    "Why do you make yourself look likete twenties man wearing suits everywhere? Now you look like your age. Young and dynamic."


    The restaurant manager personally tended to ''The n Morgan'' and took them towards the private room.


    n responded after exiting the elevator, "Just like how you try to look simple choosing in clothes."


    Aria didn''t respond. She didn''t expect him to notice it.


    The manager waited till n pulled a chair for Aria and he sat down. "President Morgan! Here is the menu." He handed the digital menu and left the room.


    n continued after he left, "Today you are like your age, Young and refreshing."


    Aria didn''t expect that at all. She raised her brows and rebuffed, "I look even younger in those clothes whereas you make yourself look like an uncle, Cold and livid Prince."


    He smiled and passed the menu. "Order!"


    Aria checked time, "How can you order before your date arrives?... I mean you should wait for your date. It''s time, she will be here soon."


    n looked away pursing his lips.


    That girl''s car bumped into another car on the road. The other car driver was creating a huge fuss on-road keeping her hell busy.


    By the time, shees, his n was to finish lunch with Aria.


    Both talked leisurely for nearly half an hour but the girl was nowhere. n had asked Aria to order twice but thetter had asked to wait.


    n asked when Aria''s stomach grumbled the second time, "Are you still going to deny you aren''t hungry? Let''s start, she will join us when shees."


    Aria was hungry but... "How about you wait for your date and I''ll eat?"


    n purposefully showed dissatisfaction, "Just because my stomach didn''t make some noise, are you thinking I''m not hungry?"


    He didn''t know he could be so unreasonable one day.


    "Will you choose for you? Or shall I do it for you?" He clicked a few dishes and asked.


    Aria extended her hand for the menu and chose before clicking on confirm. Aria then called Amelia to know about the girl. Amelia hung up the call to ask the girl before diverting the status.


    Both started and Aria got a call from Amelia saying she would reach soon but she didn''t reach even after their lunch was over and the table was cleaned.


    n tried to raise a negative point about the girl so that they could leave, "Aria, are you expecting me to date the girl who has no timing sense?"


    Aria leisurely responded, "You shouldn''t judge without knowing the reason."


    "Sure President Cooper..."


    Aria giggled and n continued, "Can''t you be like a little girl who loses patience and gets irritated?"


    Aria giggled and said the fact, "If it was me at your ce, I would have tried to get to know whether she ising or not... and probably, get pissed off by now. Teehee."


    n red at her.


    Aria ignored and continued, "Man shouldn''t bete and make the girl wait but he should wait. The girl can take her time."


    n was at a loss of words which made Ariaugh. It was difficult to see that expression on his face.


    "What kind of logic is that? Are you saying our time isn''t worth?"


    Aria controlledughing again and spoke, "I had heard that in my ss or read some quotes as such... I think it''s reasonable. The poption of Single men is 60 percent and women are 40 percent in our country. So the effort of men should be high because of the scarcity of resources... But you don''t worry, your current demand is 30, if Aunty uses her method, she can add up to an extra 30 or 40. If you announce in your social media page writing as ''Looking for a girl to get married'', you will get hundreds of proposals. But that will make it difficult for me to be the third wheel on all dates. We can filter them first then we will rank or choose one by one. What do you think? Do you have a better idea?"


    n gave up, "You win! I have nothing to say."


    Aria burst intoughter seeing his both hands in the air to surrender.


    n smiled seeing herugh heartily. He controlled himself from pinching her pink cheeks.


    He soon distracted himself from looking at her when she was stopping her chortle and rubbed her head fondly, "I will juste. Stay here."


    Aria hummed with a nod. Bored, she ordered a lemonade and yed on her mobile.


    n called his men to let go of the girl who had a headache arguing with the driver. Thetter wasn''t ready to ept damage charges or let her leave. She couldn''t understand why cops didn''t reach them either which would have made things easier.

 Chapter 43: Alan was dumbstruck

    Chapter 43: n was dumbstruck


    Aria who had seen ice cream vors ordered it and was drinking lemonade when n entered the private room. He stood by her near the window as they spoke to each other until the Ice cream was brought in.


    n looked at her in amusement. She had said she was full when he asked. Seeing her finish lemonade and enjoying ice, he understood she was a foodie.


    Aria asked if she should order for him something but he turned down and saw her enjoying ice cream sundae.


    She had finished that too and was thinking what to do, their private room door opened after a knock and they heard a manager''s voice, "Miss! It''s this room."


    Thedy politely thanked and entered inside.


    Aria liked her at first sight. She felt like she was a perfect match for n by the looks.


    She was wearing apletely in white shirt tucked in the front to dark blue jeans. She had matched with rose gold heels and a blush pink clutch. Her hair was swept to one side with a delicate makeup on her face. She looked sleek and elegant.


    Thedy apologized immediately, "I had stuck in some issues. I''m really sorry President Morgan and... Aria right?" Amelia had already informed her a girl would be apanying n saying he was an introvert.


    Aria nodded lightly with a smile back. Thedy gently rubbed her head making her feel like a small kid, ''Like! Seriously?''


    "Aria! You are very cute and adorbs."


    ''I''m not your date! Compliment him.''


    She smiled andplimented back to be polite, "You are beautiful."


    She nodded and introduced herself to n, "J Miley! Marketing director at Miley Corporation. Pleased to meet you, President Morgan."


    Aria''s brows twitched. ''Can''t he even shake his hand?'' She pursed her lips and pushed his elbow up which gave the illusion of he raised his hand for a handshake.


    n''s grim face turned to Aria who was looking at the table. J looked at the duo not understanding what happened. She shook his hand.


    Aria knew n was a gentleman and he knows full etiquettes and manners but seeing him sit idle without pulling a chair for J, Aria lost all hopes of J liking him.


    J pulled a chair herself andplimented, "I didn''t know President Morgan has different clothing choices too. You are looking magnificent."


    ''Heh! Hello! Credit goes to me.'' Aria saw n not reacting and she couldn''t say ''thank you'' for n either.


    Aria took the digital menu but J spoke, "I hope you guys didn''t wait for me till now without eating."


    Aria nced at n before speaking, "Ms.Miley! I hope you don''t mind about it. I was hungry and President Morgan apanied me... Shall I help you order?"


    J declined with a smile, "No! I don''t eat at a random time."


    Aria nodded, "How about a drink then?"


    J replied sweetly, "Hurricane. Thank you!"


    Aria nodded and looked at n who didn''t respond. ''If I was J! I would have punched you on your face. Hmph''.


    She forced a smile, "Young Master Morgan! What would you like to take?"


    n turned to Aria and rejected but his actions were like he was thinking which one to choose, "No, Thank you."


    Aria ordered and poured water to his ss, ''You only deserve this. Livid Guardian.''


    Since there was weird silence, Aria spoke, "Ms.Miley, President Morgan is a little shy to open up to new people as he hardly interacts with females. I hope it isn''t irksome to you."


    ''Shy!'' n felt like it was a p on his face for ignoring Aria who cued him many times to talk.


    J again smiled sweetly, "No problem Aria!"


    Aria sucked a deep breath and spoke, "If I talk behalf of President Morgan! I hope you don''t mind. He will answer you if you have any questions to him."


    Aria saw bitterness in her eyes before she smiled and nodded. "Are you here on family pressure or on your own will? And why?"


    Aria lowered her head, ''Sh*t! Why am I feeling like I''m taking the interview?'' She didn''t see furrowed brows of J but n didn''t care.


    "Family notified me and I have the independence to choose whether toe here or not. Why? Why not? The Miley family and the Morgan family have good standards."


    "So you are here for the Morgan family standards."


    "Kind of! And President Morgan is handsome and talented who is handling twopanies. So yes!"


    "What if bothpanies go bankrupt tonight and will you say the same tomorrow? I hope you are straight forward." J didn''t know Aria was President Cooper.


    n liked how Aria took control over the subject of J''s thinking.


    J clenched her fist under the table, "What you said is illogical. If he could handle Morgan Industries and still get the Skyline Industries back on track after former President''s death, he will not let thepany go bankrupt either."


    Aria nodded but that didn''t answer the question. "I understand you are inspired by President Morgan''s intellect. But I''m sorry, that didn''t answer my question. I mean to ask, will you still stand by the Morgans family if they have nothing?"


    J smiled sweetly but she was gritting her teeth. "I think you are trying to find love in arranged dates. Aria, you are still young to understand but let me tell you, Love doesn''t get you Food."


    Aria who was serious till that smiled. "Right! Love doesn''t get us food and I''m still young." She wasn''t finding ''Love'', she wanted ''Loyal''.


    Even though she sounded agreed to J, J and n felt like she was looking down on J.


    Aria turned to n, "Young Master Morgan! Do you want to ask anything?"


    n shook his head lightly. Aria stood up, "It was nice to meet you. Ms.Miley. Aunty Amelia will get back to your family."


    n too stood up to leave, J spoke, "What is the meaning of this? And Aria! You are adolescent, why are you deciding for President Morgan? Who are you to decide for President Morgan? Let us talk and decide."


    "Oh!" Aria turned back, "I''m sorry! I will ask President Morgan in front of you!" She turned to n whose face had darkened when he heard J speaking harshly with Aria.


    "President Morgan! Will you say with your words to make it clear for Ms.Miley? Do you want to talk with Ms.Miley?"


    n''s words were icy cold, "Not interested."


    Aria nodded and looked at J. "I agree I''m young but that doesn''t give you the right to raise your voice at me. Who am I? You can think of me as President Morgan''s manager so I can decide. Since President Morgan isn''t interested to talk, do you have anything to rify?"


    J''s sweet girl''s behavior was nowhere to be seen. She red at Aria, "Is your president is interested in men hence he is letting you talk?"


    "Well" Aria looked at n pursing her lips before responding, "As a Marketing Director and educated woman, you know that can''t be proved by words. When he gets married and has his baby, it will rify. Don''t expect him to go for a test tube just because you want to know. Anything else?"


    n was dumbstruck.

 Chapter 44: The more you care, the more it hurts.

    Chapter 44: The more you care, the more it hurts.


    J didn''t expect such a response. She didn''t get anything to rebuff and asked straight, "Then why are you rejecting without even knowing about me?"


    Aria had to respond as n wouldn''t separate his pursed lips, "Ms.Miley! You are a strong woman. It may be your looks or your standpoint about marriage. But the Morgan industries or family doesn''t need yourpany or family to boost themselves. We are looking life partner for President Morgan. Not a business deal between two families. Our morals arepletely different. I hope you understand now."


    J didn''t reply. n held Aria and took her out.


    n knew numerous dating history, problems of J and her viewpoint of rtionship by the investigation. Given Aria''s thoughts and morals about families, he was sure Aria would reject.


    He loved the way she domineeringly overtook everything and how she handled ignoring the fact that she was the youngest between the trio.


    "President Cooper is very Overbearing and Autocratic." He spoke after entering the elevator.


    Aria red at n, "Are you a scaredy-cat? Your date! And I have to speak." After a pause, she realized she just called n as timid.


    "I didn''t mean to say, you are sissy. I just said it since you didn''t talk. I know you don''t like to talk." She awkwardly smiled and bit her tongue.


    n had already felt scaredy-cat was a critical hit, she even said sissy.


    Feeling the unpleasant silence, Aria spoke again, "I didn''t ask you whether you liked her or not. If you are interested in J Miley, I can still manage the situation."


    He paid and moved towards the exit as he responded, "I don''t like her. By the way, your views about marriage are impressive." He quickly changed the topic away from J.


    Aria nodded, "But why do some families look at marriage as a business deal between two families? Are family status, stock rates, and business tie-ups are so important? Why can''t they be happy with what they have and grow it by themselves?"


    n opened the car door for her and he took his seat. He flicked on her nose, "Don''t you think you are still young to think about this?"


    Aria hummed and med him. "Because of you, it came to mind. Instead of worrying about my school works, here I''m thinking about marriage." She pouted looking away.


    n chuckled and drove out of the restaurant...


    He dropped her and left to his vi.


    Aria exined whatever happened and asked Amelia to make sure, she was right and the Morgan family or business doesn''t require any family for business tie-ups.


    Aria was again teased by Rian, Noah, and Eva. Aria then spoke to Eva for hours before hanging up and stuffing her head in chemistry.


    She couldn''t understand why chemistry doesn''t go to her head. She closed the books and went to bed soon.


    --


    In the following week, Elite won the second match. Rian and Noah didn''t let Aria cheer as a cheerleader. I wasn''t present.


    On Saturday, they had the third match in a different city and they had to leave on Friday afternoon. Since the amodation was done by the school, they didn''t allow Aria or Eva or other non-yers except the cheer girls.


    Aria was informed that n had a lunch date on Saturday and Dinner date on Sunday. Having no choice she could only nod.


    After sending Rian and Noah, Aria was on the way to ss, she received a call from Rowan. Thetter doesn''t call for simple talk hence she quickly answered, "Uncle?"


    "Aria! Where is Rian? His number is not reachable."


    Aria frowned hearing Rowan''s hurried voice. "Uncle! he just now left with the team. What''s wrong? Shall I ask the teacher to drop Rian back?"


    There was silence for a few seconds. Aria heard the housekeeper voice and started to get worried but Rowan spoke. "Aria! I and Amelia are going to check on Dad. He got a heart attack and admitted to the hospital, we just got a call. We wanted to take Rian and n but n is busy with the office work. Rian left... No need to inform about this to Rian. Let him y. If anything urgent, I will ask him toe in a different jet with n. Aria! Will you be fine alone at home until we return?"


    Aria wasn''t in a position to ask, ''shall Ie?'' as Rowan said they wanted to take Rian and n. So she replied as, "Don''t worry about me, Uncle. I will be fine. You take care."


    Rowan hung up after bidding her.


    Eva approached Aria looking at her gazing at a distance lost in thoughts. "Arrie! Let''s go."


    Aria nodded, "Eva, want to a sleepover today?"


    Eva didn''t take it seriously and teased, "Oh ho! Are you sure you are calling me tonight? Aren''t you scared I will eat you up?"


    Aria covered her mouth, "You will die single if you flirt around so much and importantly, I will die single as boys will think you and me as... Somebody, please help this imbecile child."


    She dragged Eva hearing her chuckles.


    Aria many times stayed alone in her vi whenever Oliver was going on business trips. She was fine staying alone but after talking with Rowan, she felt bad for his father but she felt worse for herself.


    She didn''t want to stay alone thinking she might start crying so she asked Eva as Aria wasn''t still allowed to go and stay over at other ces because the reason behind her father, Oliver''s car crash was still unknown.


    She finished her ss and went to the Morgan mansion. She had her dinner early before locking herself in her room. She finished her homework and tried to study chemistry but her mood didn''t even let her understand a simple topic even after a very long time.


    Failing many times, she took her sketchbook and tried to design. She left nearly fifteen sheets half done and threw away everything feeling her head heavy, sheid down before falling asleep in tears.


    She knew Amelia and Rowan treated her like a daughter. But there was always a difference between being a daughter and being treated as a daughter. So even if she tried to feel the Morgan mansion-like home, it didn''t be one and her vi where she stayed with Oliver felt like home as she lived there and had memories.


    She had only two things in mind. ''Keep your emotions in check. The more you care, the more it hurts.''


    --


    Aria woke up early and cleaned her room first. She went for a jog instead of Aerial Hammock.


    n had reached the Morgan mansionte night finishing his work on Rowan''s request as Aria was alone. He finished his jog and was going inside when he saw Aria jogging in the estate.


    He finished his forty-five minutes of workout in the gym and saw Aria still running around. He furrowed his brows not understanding why she was jogging so long.


    He went downstairs and asked housekeeper, "Aunty Lilly! Does Aria jogs for more than an hour?"

 Chapter 45: Something different

    Chapter 45: Something different


    The housekeeper shook her head, "Young master! I have never seen Young miss jog. Young Miss only uses hammock and she does stretching."


    n left outside ignoring the housekeeper ask about Aria. He called Aria out but she was wearing headphones. He jogged behind her and held her hand.


    Her face looked terrifyingly calm. Aria removed her headphones and faintly smiled to know why he stopped her.


    n couldn''t understand what was going on in her head. "How are you doing?"


    She could have said, broken, alone, clueless, confused, fragile, on the verge of tears, depressed, anxious, about to breakdown, pathetic, annoying, distant, bitter, empty, feel like going to just fall apart at any moment but she chose, "I''m fine."


    His tone slightly changed and seriously asked, "Then why are you running around for so long?"


    Aria released her hand from his hold and walked towards the mansion as she replied without looking him in the eye, "I had eaten too much yesterday."


    n furrowed his brows and held her hand again, "What are you hiding? Did anything happen?"


    Aria tried to release her hand but failed, "Young Master Morgan! You are overthinking."


    "Who do you think you are lying?" His voice turned awfully cold.


    Aria made sure to look calm, "Nothing happened is the fact. Leave my hand."


    The more she tried to release her hand, he held tighter. n was sure, she had cried by her swollen eyes and her words didn''t match her eyes.


    He took her inside keeping hold of her hand, he made sure she could manage his pace.


    The housekeeper ran behind them seeing n''s dark face. Two maids went behind thinking Aria was hurt.


    n grunted when the housekeeper and others were entering the room, "Scat."


    "What''s wrong with you? Did your other personality wake up again? Leave." Aria spoke but n made her face the mirror.


    "Look at yourself! And speak. Don''t dare to lie." n coldly ordered.


    Aria didn''t expect her face to look so pale and eyes to be still swollen. Since he said ''don''t lie'', she didn''t make up a lie and didn''t speak either.


    n waited long enough before making her face him. "Aria"


    Aria''s clenched fist got tighter digging her nails to her palms. Aria thought given his temper, he would leave soon but n didn''t move an inch.


    When he noticed her fists, he released it to see her palmspletely red, "What''s wrong?"


    Aria sucked a deep breath, "Sometimes you have to stay silent because no word can exin what''s going on with you... I''m fine! You should carry on your work." There was no emotion in her tone.


    She tried to go washroom but he didn''t let her enter. "Missing your father?"


    Aria didn''t reply.


    "Insecurity?"


    Aria didn''t reply.


    "Uncertainty?... Vulnerability?... Scared?... lonesome?... ..." n didn''t get any reaction.


    "All of them?" n asked and felt her fingers tremble which was in his hand before she controlled.


    He didn''t even think she would be crying previous night else he would have checked on her.


    He again pulled her to face him, "Sometimes you hurt yourself more than anyone can hurt you just by keeping your feelings hidden."


    Her eyshes fluttered a little hearing him.


    n continued, "Build trust with one person and start sharing your feelings with them to stop feeling alone."


    He held her ear gently and made her face him, "A life spent being fearful of showing yourself is a life not worth living."


    Aria nkly looked at him until he asked, "You have never shown yourself as weak to anyone, isn''t it? Excluding your Dad and... I caught you multiple times."


    Aria''s nod was very faint after a few seconds looking at his expectant gaze.


    He sighed in resignation, "Get fresh! We will have breakfast." He rubbed her hair gently before leaving but he paused hearing Aria.


    "Have you shared your hidden feelings?"


    She didn''t get a reply. "Showing your inner self? Have you tried it?"


    n turned to her but there was no reply.


    "Do you trust anybody so much that you shared your true feelings?"


    n waited for her to finish. Aria continued after a brief pause, "If you never did! How can you expect it to be easy for others?"


    n went next to her and smiled softly, "I got one for all that."


    Aria didn''t continue and understood he was telling her to at least trust somebody to the extent she could share everything.


    Eva? Rian? Noah?


    She didn''t want to say them. Because, once she shares, they would be sympathetic for her more and the least need was sympathy. She didn''t want to ruin their jovial friendship for her life''s mess.


    n saw her looking at air nkly thinking about something. He didn''t force her to tell anything. He turned her and sent her to the washroom. "Take a shower ande, we will go out."


    He pulled the door to close and went out of the room. He rearranged his few meetings before getting fresh and going downstairs.


    Aria remembered he had lunch date but she couldn''t understand why he said about going out in the morning.


    She got fresh soon and checked the mirror to see her face and eyes looked a lot better. She thought to get ready after breakfast and went downstairs.


    The housekeeper checked on her before asking, "Young Miss, are you hurt? What happened just then? Why young master took you like that? Did he scold you? Don''t take it to heart. The young master must be concerned about you. He usually wouldn''t do anything as such. Was young master too much..."


    n coughed lightly passing by them. Aria who tried to cut in from beginning calling aunty, spoke, "Aunty Lilly, I''m fine. Young master wasn''t angry at me. Everything is alright."


    The housekeeper sighed a breath of relief.


    Aria and n had breakfast in silence. n spoke when he was done, "Get ready! We will go to the office first then date."


    Aria nodded with a hum.


    n was thinking about how to make her talk normal paused before leaving the dining area, "Aria! Can you pick an outfit that could go with both? We will not have time to shop."


    Aria tried to make out a few styles of outfits in mind and nodded. After finishing breakfast she had to enter n''s walk-in and dumbfounded.


    She didn''t get words to say looking at n who was leaning on the door frame. Thetter thought she was thinking outfit looking at him then realized, she was speechless.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Aria crossed her arms, "Are you really twenty-two? Why do I feel like you are too old looking at your choice of clothes? Did you perhaps forget your age handlingpanies? Uncle Rowan still could manage thepany for some years, how about you remind yourself that you are a young man, not an old uncle?"


    n had nothing to rebuff.


    He never liked to shop hence he would enter and pick dark solid unpatterned colors. So his wardrobe had all white shirts, Dark blues, ck suits with dark-colored ties.


    Aria rolled her eyes and took a white shirt and dark blue suit but passed pants without a zer. "Don''t you have any pullover? Were you wearing these types of clothes to college?"


    n felt like she was looking down on him but he couldn''t say anything either. "We gave off all those clothes."


    Aria shook her head resignedly and checked the shoe cab, seeing brown loafers she picked them, "Wow! you have these. Finally, something different."


    n gritted his teeth hearing her sarcastic remarks.


    ''Should I toss her out from the balcony?''

 Chapter 46: Aria stupefied and Nathan in shock

    Chapter 46: Aria stupefied and Nathan in shock


    Aria took out a brown leather belt and wristwatch. "I thought you will throw me out after hearing all myments. Not bad, you can handle them."


    n didn''t know how to react to it. If she was somebody else, then he would have really kicked them out.


    Aria exited the walk-in as she spoke, "You don''t have a different type of jacket, so it''s not required."


    n never got humiliated so much but thankfully there wasn''t anybody else. He liked how Aria pointed to the required changes instead of didn''t caring about it.


    <em>''This girl is very likable.''</em> He thought to himself and got ready.


    Aria too wore semi-formal and took a wide clutch. Since her foot and ankle were painful running too long, she didn''t wear heels and chose a ballerina. Tied her hair in a messy bun and excited to see ning out making himself look like an interview candidate or new job trainee.


    She bit her lip to controlughing and stopped him. "Cuff your sleeves."


    She looked away for a few seconds to control her emotions so that n wouldn''t feel irritated. She took his hand to cuff the sleeves because he was doing a clean cuff so she did messy cuffs to give an informal look.


    n looked at her multiple colored half sleeve top in-shirted to formal shorts. Paired with diamond studs, ballerina and hair tied in a bun with a few curled strands on her slender neck. She looked aloof and fresh.


    After shepleted folding the sleeves, she looked up pointing shirt buttons, "You can open one or two as per your preference. And... Do you know a different hairstyle than this sleek side part?"


    Hearing no reply, she went to Rian''s walk-in wardrobe. n wasn''t sure what she was up to. Aria brought a brown leather essory for his hand and hairstyling gel.


    After putting on the leather hand band, she made him sit on the couch before she changed his hairstyle to stylish.


    n''s ear started to turn pink seeing her standing close in front of him as her fingers yed with his hair.


    The maids who were cleaning looked at them in amusement thinking when Young master Morgan changed to be so obedient and even letting Young miss Cooper touch him.


    Yes! He never let anybody near him, not even his own brother.


    Aria was satisfied by the look and asked him to check out in his room before she went to her room to wash her hands.


    n felt like his world changed upside down. ssy elegance was now ssy yet fashionable. His hairstyle highlighted his facial features. The messier cuff showed off his muscly forearm.


    He looked younger and energetic than the Cold and Domineering.


    He didn''t expect small changes in dressing could give different vibes.


    The duo left the mansion after informing the housekeeper. Both spoke to Amelia and Rowan to know the health condition of his grandfather. The old master Morgan was out of danger but lots of rest required.


    Only Aria spoke to the grandfather whose voice was ailing before she asked him to rest and hung up the call.


    The duo reached Morgan Industries when Rian video called Aria.


    n noticed the hint of sadness had disappeared when she started talking in the video conference with Rian, Noah, and Eva. Many times he had to controlughing by hearing them. Three would tease one and it would be a cycle.


    n exited the elevator with her. Nathan widened his eyes in shock.


    It wasn''t because of Aria or Ariaing with n. It was because of n.


    Nathan asked the secretary next to him, "Am I dreaming as President Morgan is walking towards us in a changed style looking cool?"


    That secretary was in the same state and stuttered, "How can we have the same dream?"


    Aria lowered her mobile to see frozen secretaries and Nathan. n noticed and understood their reaction.


    They were still stunned when n entered his room, Aria paused and flicked her finger in front of Nathan to get his attention, "What''s wrong?"


    "President Cooper! Did President Morgan just enter with you?"


    The trio in the video call heard him, "Arrie, what''s up?"


    Aria looked at Nathan, "Young master Morgan just entered with me. What happened? Did you guys forget to finish any work?"


    A secretary poked in, "No! we all imagined President Morgan in semi-formals looking dashing."


    Aria''s lips twitched, "Well, he actually isn''t in a formal suit."


    She left them and asked Rian, "Beauty! Why is your brother''s image so deadly? Nobody believing their own eyesight and the security rubbed their eyes to confirm him as <strong>PRESIDENT MORGAN</strong>."


    Rian and Noah burst intoughter. Eva and Aria didn''t know much about n.


    Eva spoke, "Guys! On the first date of Prince, I even became a fangirl of him. He was so sporty and attractive."


    Noah spoke, "Eva, how about we set your date with Brother n?"


    Rian hummed, "Good idea. This flirty can impress my bro as he doesn''t talk. Perfectbination."


    Eva rebuffed, "I am alreadymitted to my goddess. How dare you pull up a prince? I''m the God to my Goddess."


    Hearing her dreamy exaggerating words, the other three burst intoughter. "My lord Eva! I''ll be at your service all the time."


    Eva instantly changed, "My goddess! Since I missed yesterday''s invite to your ce, How about making out tonight?"


    n and Nathan who were going to the meeting heard Eva. Thetter coughed on his spit getting four''s attention on the two men.


    Aria''s face was red hearing Eva which turned scarlet seeing two men. She chided, clenching her teeth, "You dirty shameless girl."


    Noah and Rian were rolling on the floor in the green room.


    Eva hit her own forehead, "You are all dirty-minded people. Making out also means progressing. I meant it for studies. Aria! you have the dirtiest mind. I''m straight... Stay away from me. God! save me from these people." She hung up escaping nimbly.


    Aria: "..."


    "Sweetie! Stop blushing! I can''t see anymore." Noah teased Aria.


    Aria: "..."


    "Little devil! I thought you are naive. My God! you called her home yesterday knowing nobody was there."


    Aria: "..."


    "We are off! The match is going to start." Both waved their hands and hung up the call leaving Aria frozen in awkwardness.


    ''What did I do? Why did I be dirty when I''m the victim of your dirtiness?'' Aria didn''t dare to look at two men and gritted her teeth.


    n said with a poker face without showing any emotions, "Aria! Don''t sit alone. Attend the meeting with me."


    He didn''t want her to sit and overthink. That was the reason to bring her with him.


    She nodded and followed him. In the elevator, she saw him trying his best and she spoke, "Fine! Laugh it off."


    Hearing her, n couldn''t control and chuckled leaving Aria stupefied and Nathan in shock.

 Chapter 47: Self-obsessed and inconsiderate

    Chapter 47: Self-obsessed and inconsiderate


    nposed soon, "You always win in fights. You always lose when they tease you. Isn''t it?"


    Aria pouted but didn''t reply. She couldn''t understand why n arrives at her embarrassing moments


    n rubbed her head adoringly as he led her to the meeting.


    Nathan had already asked to arrange a chair for Aria next to n, so she sat down and heard the meeting rather attentively giving attention to how n handled things.


    The meeting attendees were executives of departments who already knew Aria as she attended quite a few conferences with Rowan. A few knew her identity and few thought her as Morgans'' rtive.


    After finishing back to back two meetings, n and Aria went to the nearest restaurant where n''s date was arranged.


    This time lunch didn''t even start, n''s date left.


    n and Aria reached the Private room and the girl in the knee-length dress was very elegant but her facial expression was off. She came direct to point as soon as she saw them.


    "President Morgan! I''m sorry for wasting your time today. I''m here due to my family pressure and I love my boyfriend. I tried to get your contact to cancel the date beforehand but I didn''t get. No offense but I hope you understand my situation and reject the proposal." It sounded more like pleading.


    Aria who was standing next to n looked at him. She didn''t know whether he was angry or didn''t matter to him hence she spoke, "Miss! No worries. Madam Morgan will reject the offer from our side. Thank you for being blunt."


    Aria saw a beautiful smile on her face feeling rxed. She thanked them, "Thank you so much for understanding. I will take leave." She bowed her head and walked towards the exit.


    Aria checked the time and spoke, "Why don''t you have lunch and leave?"


    Aria was little startled when the girl cupped half of her face, "You are so sweet. Thank you but I have to calm my boyfriend."


    Aria hummed and saw the girl walk off faster.


    She sat down with n and realized, she was practically having dates with n whereas his first date waste, the second date slipped off for her boyfriend.


    n tapped her nose and passed the menu, "Don''t you give too much of work to your brain? What are you thinking and smiling?"


    Aria chuckled lightly and chose two dishes and a mocktail before confirming. "You shouldn''t get offended... Your first date was damnte and your second date ran away to her boyfriend. I''m thinking what will be like your third date, will she bring her boyfriend for dinner? Or will she stand you up? and you will end up having dinner with me."


    n knew the second date girl was madly in love with a man who was second generation heir. So he had chosen her. Third date... He smiled andmented, "I will not get offended for that also."


    "You should get annoyed about that. They are wasting your time. Instead..." She bent her head and peeked at his face, "You look happy even though you aren''t smiling, your eyes are d to know about it."


    n didn''t expect it to be obvious to her. "She didn''t waste our time and she was straightforward about her opinion, shouldn''t we be happy about it?"


    Aria nodded in agreement but paused, "You aren''t someone to get happy for such things. You are a type who gets pissed off on their whole family for sending their profile to Aunty Amelia and for making you go through about it."


    n: "..."


    He was actually like that but he didn''t expect her to have only a bad opinion about him.


    All dishes were served and they started eating when n finally responded, "So do you want me to revenge on the family?"


    Aria''s reply was instant, "No! No! Poor girl! She must have used all her confidence to tell you so that their parent''s let her off-hook. Don''t do it."


    Herst three words were like order which n didn''t mind, "I will not."


    Their lunch continued with light talks and n took her to the mall in the name of shopping.


    Aria already epted her fate to be called as somebody''s girlfriend to whom she ying the role of a matchmaker.


    "Just agree, you want your wardrobe change." Aria said entering the mall.


    "Oh!" Was his reply before adding a line after about five minutes. "Let''s shop for you."


    Aria was already used to histe responses. "I hardly go out. I have lots of clothes. I don''t need anymore."


    n who had heard about typical girls love to shop all the time, spoke about it, "Doesn''t every girl like to shop without reason?"


    Aria teased, "Two dates and you are already improved about girls. Good progress... At this rate, you don''t need me after a few dates."


    He gently bopped her head leaving her at loss of words. ''Can you stop giving the impression of we are on a date to the people around us? They are adoring us.''


    Aria could see many people fangirling on n or on them and even heard, ''They are such a picturesque couple.''


    Aria declined his offer about her shopping and focused on his shopping.


    At the end of three hours, n''s hands had fifteen bags and a few small bags which were insiderge ones.


    She had chosen a few T-shirts, pullovers, different types of jackets, footwear, and jeans. She was again entering another shop, he helplessly called, "Aria! What''s going on in your little head of yours?"


    Aria chuckled holding her clutch, "I am trying to annoy you and shopped different style clothes for you. Little wardrobe makeover."


    n''s lips twitched hearing the first part.


    He couldn''t respond and heard a middle-aged man say, "Little girl or old wife, they always shop like this. Get used to this young man."


    Aria interjected with a sweet smile, "Uncle! They aren''t my stuff. They are his. He didn''t even get me one and stopped me from checking that skirt." she was actually entering that shop to check the dark-colored sequin mini skirt which was on disy.


    n''s lips twitched again hearing ''Uncle''. She addresses every unknown man as Mister or Sir so he understood, she was up to something. After hearingplete, he didn''t know how to react.


    The middle-aged man got friendly with Aria hearing her sweet voice and ''Uncle'', "Your boyfriend is self-obsessed and inconsiderate. Young Man! You should concentrate on your girl too. She is soo pretty, somebody will take her away if you don''t treat her well."


    Aria wasughing without making sound standing behind the middle-aged man. Aria who knew n doesn''t talk to strangers took the use of it and made him hear from the unknown.


    n''s face turned grim. Aria spoke, "Uncle! I will teach him. Thank you."


    Aria went inside after seeing that man give dirty look to n who entered the shop behind her. But he took revenge for thatter.


    Aria took her size mini skirt and a ck full sleeve top before going for trial.

 Chapter 48: Nervous breakdown patient

    Chapter 48: Nervous breakdown patient


    After changing, Aria came out as she always does to ask her friends who always shopped with her. She was going back realizing it was n, Thetter asked, "Why are you going back?"


    Aria turned to n who was sitting, "How is it looking?"


    n saw her wearing a miniskirt which was filled with a different type of sequins horizontally and she had matched with a ck full sleeve thin wide-necked pullover whose hem was in a slope.


    "Impressive." She looked spunky.


    Aria nodded and asked the salesgirl, "Do you have nude colored pumps in size five?"


    "Yes, miss! I will get it to you right away."


    She got them in a minute and wore them sitting next to n. She checked in the mirror opposite to them. n looked away from the mirror controlling his emotions.


    Aria slipped after a step who was held by the salesgirl, "Miss, careful." She helped Aria to sit.


    n asked worriedly, "What happened?"


    "My feet are hurting. The pain increased wearing high heels." Aria responded to him and wore her ballerina.


    n furrowed his brows. He analyzed to understand she had feet pain from morning due to running, they strolled in the mall for more than three hours and she didn''t show anything on her face till then.


    He held her arm to face him, "Is it fun to hide the pain?"


    Aria was taken aback. "It isn''t paining wearing these shoes. Heels and stairs are a little difficult. I''m really fine... I''m not lying."


    n rxed a little after that. Aria breathed a sigh of relief.


    The salesgirl smiled hearing them, "Your boyfriend looks after you well Miss."


    n responded to it, "Shouldn''t Boyfriend treat his girlfriend well?" He didn''t mention himself as he was Aria''s boyfriend.


    n was satisfied with Aria''s annoyed face hearing it. He took his childish revenge.


    Aria entered the trial room and changed cursing n in mind. She didn''t say herself as the girlfriend of n to that middleaged man. He assumed himself andmented.


    <em>''Who the hell wants to be your girlfriend? Hmph.''</em>


    n didn''t let her pay for her dress and shoes. He paid and ordered her to stop the shopping.


    After contemting, Aria asked gingerly in the car, "Are you free in the evening to help me with chemistry?"


    n hummed and nced at her, "You don''t have to think too much to tell and ask anything to me. Alright?"


    Aria who was affected by his way of responses, answered, "Oh"


    n waited for a few seconds before asking, "What does ''oh'' mean?"


    Aria looked at him and chuckled, "Oh! You are the one who always uses it. So please broaden my views by telling what it means."


    n: "..."


    He didn''t rebuff. After some time, he got a call from Nathan which he received on his Bluetooth earphones. Aria just heard hums three times before saying, "Arranging conference after an hour."


    He nced at Aria, "Aria! Do you need some change over from the mansion?"


    "Huh?" Aria didn''t understand him.


    n patiently responded, "I have a file in my vi which I have to use for the urgent video conference. If you are fine, I will take you there... If I leave you alone, you will start overthinking again and I don''t want to leave you alone at the mansion."


    "Aunty Lilly will..." ''be present.''


    n cut in, "Oh yes! She was present yesterday too. But you still ended up..." n didn''t continue.


    Aria who heard ''an urgent video conference'' agreed, "Alright!"


    n deviated towards his vi and increased the car speed. Aria understood he was in a hurry and some problems arose. "Did anything happen at work?"


    n nced at her, "Don''t worry about thepanies."


    Her dad always said the same to her. She could only nod and remain quiet as he sped past on the highway.


    Even after half an hour and a high speed, they were still on the road. "Why do you stay so far?"


    He replied after a few seconds, "Peaceful surrounding, fresh air, no trespassers, no disturbance, nature..."


    "Do you have any serious mental condition or any illness? Why do you sound like you are living in a recuperation center? Morgan estate is huge, out of the city and all those amenities are present there too."


    n knew Aria was always straightforward but... "Aria! Can you carefully choose your words? Why are you making me sound like a nervous breakdown patient?"


    Aria pursed her lips and controlled, "I''m sorry! I didn''t mean to say that. I will go around the mountain from next time instead of being blunt."


    n''s lips twitch and saw her giggling. What she meant was she would say it in a different way instead of saying it directly.


    "Okay! Out of Cooper mansion and Morgan mansion, which is beautiful by surrounding and everything."


    Aria replied, "Cooper mansion."


    "Why? Doesn''t the Morgan mansion has everything too?"


    Aria nodded and seriously replied, "Cooper mansion is on uphill andplete surrounding belongs to us. since we have preserved it, Keeping the scenic views aside, the air freshness is very good. we could see many types of birds and hear their chirping. we could watch the sunrise and sunset which is hard to get in the Morgan mansion and there is a stream too."


    n parked the car in the vi garage and turned to her, "You just described what I said in a single word."


    Aria bit her tongue and alighted making him chuckle.


    Aria froze after looking at the vi. She tugged n''s sleeve when he was passing by, "This vi..."


    "What''s wrong?" He saw her in shock.


    "This vi design draft was mine which was improved by the architects. Is this constructed by Skyline Constructions?"


    n was surprised too. He had got ten architectures from which he chose one and that was Aria''s design. "Ms.Architect! May I know what and all you are talented in? There is too much to know about you."


    Aria shook her head as n led her ahead, "That draft was my imagination in the painting ss at school. Dad liked it and asked me if he can use it. That''s how it reached Skyline. I don''t even know A from Architecture."


    n pressed digits on the digital lock which opened the small screen to a biometric machine, After scanning, he took her inside seeing her shocked expression.


    <em>''Is this a bank or something?''</em>


    n didn''t respond to her shock. "Make your self home. I will be upstairs. If you need anything,e upstairs, don''t hesitate. Alright?"


    "Okay! I will look around." Aria pointed stairs to him so that he could carry on his work.


    n rubbed her head gently before going upstairs.


    Aria was stuck on the bay window looking at the amazingke view. She saw she could go near theke descending the stairs.


    Feeling thirsty, she went to the open kitchen and checked the refrigerator for some fruits. She prepared juice for herself before calling the housekeeper Lilly to ask about n.


    After her instructions, she searched the coffee beans and filled the coffee maker with beans and water before grounding and brewing as per n''s taste.


    She hesitatingly went upstairs to see a single room on the vast floor simr to n''s room in the Morgan mansion. She raised the cup at n when he looked at her. She quietly kept it on his table and left without saying anything.


    Overseas managing director of Skyline branch and other executives were stunned on the screen seeing n''s rapturous smile.

 Chapter 49: Do we have any misunderstanding?

    Chapter 49: Do we have any misunderstanding?


    Always stayed alone and liked to be alone, n was used to his life and never really felt he need somebody to be around him or somebody to look after him.


    He unusual got along well with Aria. He didn''t feel the repulsiveness to stay away with Aria as he feels around others. Instead, he felt content staying with her, seeing her, talking to her even if she makes fun of him.


    He felt everything about her as amusing and interesting.


    Seeing her bringing coffee for him which she didn''t really have to do made him feel warm. He realized what was missing in his life -


    Happiness.


    And his happiness was Aria.


    Aria who returned downstairs picked her ss and went near theke. Even though it was summer, it was cold near theke. She suspended her legs in the water and sat on the wooden walkover watching the sunset.


    She had very conflicted thoughts. She was sad due to her life which changedpletely, She was happy having the Morgan family with her at such a critical time.


    She wanted to live alone yet she didn''t want to stay alone.


    She epted the reality but it didn''t stop her from feeling the pain.


    Only she knew how it feels having nobody to call as a family and hearing people say she doesn''t have anybody.


    She never liked to depend or being a burden on anybody yet she had no choice but to be troublesome for the Morgan family to look after her.


    She was lost in thoughts that were broke by a mobile ringtone. It was a call from Noah. After receiving she heard three voices greeting her, "Hey Third wheel!"


    Aria pouted in annoyance and started to chat with them.


    Elite had won the match and the team was moving to another city to y quarter-finale which was on Monday.


    After about a half an hour, they hung up the call.


    Aria realized her feet were too cold. She quickly went back to the vi and checked in the guest room for a fresh towel and washed her feet in hot water before exiting.


    She didn''t know how long n''s meeting would continue hence she was watching a random channel until the doorbell rang.


    She knew only people who n permitted could enter the main gate hence she opened the door to see a man wearing shades at dark time. He was in a partywear shimmering to the eyes.


    "aaan..." That man rubbed his eyes under his ss before speaking excitedly.


    He didn''t rub his eyes to confirm he was at the right ce it was for identifying Aria as a school goddess.


    "SCHOOL GODDESS! You are soo cuteee..."


    Aria stepped back to escape his slender fingers which were about to pinch her cheek and asked, "Do we know each other?"


    "Hey! Don''t you know ME?" He removed his shades to show his alluring face but he had displeased expression.


    Aria identified after he removed sunsses, "Mr.Ross! Enter in. President Morgan is in his room attending a meeting."


    Aria knew Isaac and n were friends but she wasn''t friendly and treated him as a stranger.


    Isaac was surprised but his head was filled with School goddess''s video. "You beat the National goddess beautifully. Are you interested in showbiz? I can make you famous. You are so very pretty."


    Aria was waiting to close the door but Isaac bluffed and tried to pinch her cheek again. Aria avoided and coldly said, "hands away."


    While moving back, she bumped to n who excused himself from meeting to see who came as he had guessed who could it be.


    Aria raised her head to see n up close and stood aside quickly.


    Isaac excitedly punched his fist to n''s shoulder, "You are an amazing man. I called you to get School goddess information and you brought her home directly."


    Aria furrowed her brows.


    Isaac was the one who had called and informed n that there was a video in which Nation goddess was brutally defeated but a cutie school goddess. He had exaggerated to the extent he would marry her if he gets her and asked him to get her information.


    n checked the video because of the words <em>''School Goddess''</em> and ordered his team to clean up. His order wasn''t because Aria didn''t want it, it was for attracting too much attention.


    So Isaac thought n brought her for him.


    Before n could speak, he circled n, "Man! look at you. I almost died many times asking you to change a little. You... you... are you nning toe to the Entertainment industry?" There were always such gossips in the Entertainment industry.


    Aria felt like Isaac was just a body with toned muscles and there was nothing in his head, "Why? Are you scared President Morgan will take your sexiest man title away?"


    She went back to the couch and sat down ignoring them.


    n''s lips tilted up, Isaac stuttered looking at Aria, "Why did she sound like an anti-fan? How can she be mean to me? ME! Isaac Ross."


    He turned back to n to tease, "n! when did you start bringing girls home? What''s up?"


    n replied one word looking at Aria, "Aria"


    Isaac''s mouth was wide open in shock. He took two steps towards Aria but n pulled him back by his cor but he couldn''t get to speak.


    "Wow! You are too fast! Are you two living together already?"


    n red at him as he spoke, "I haven''t told her anything and you aren''t saying her anything. Do I have to use a differentnguage to make you understand?"


    The differentnguage was beating him up.


    Isaac rolled his eyes, "Why does my cutie school goddess have to be your Aria Cooper?" He went to the living hall and sat on the couch.


    n went back to his room for the meeting knowing Isaac wouldn''t open his mouth about him.


    Isaac thought given his superstar image, Aria would talk but thetter didn''t care to spare a nce. He gave up soon and introduced himself, "Hey! Isaac Ross. n''s friend."


    Aria looked at him and nodded, "Aria Cooper."


    Isaac''s mood dampened hearing nothing about him, "Aren''t you a fan of me? Haven''t you seen my movies?"


    Aria took her time to reply, "I have seen your recent movie in which you are great at flirting with a female lead and her friend yet you got the female lead. And I''m not your fan."


    What Aria meant was, your taste of choosing such roles was pathetic. Isaac understood it too but it was the trend.


    "Do we have any misunderstanding? Why are you so mean?" Isaac asked as he thought if he had offended her anytime.


    "We don''t know each other to have any misunderstanding. Mean? If you keep your self-centered attitude away, I may respond to you considering you as a friend of President Morgan." She didn''t like it when he proudly asked ''Aren''t you a fan of me?'' It was more like ''I''m the superstar, everyone likes me''.

 Chapter 50: Help your hubby to clean

    Chapter 50: Help your hubby to clean


    Isaac''s superstar arrogant attitude was in an entertainment circle only so he soon became normal, "Okay okay! I''m sorry... I have heard a little about you. You stay in the Morgan mansion, howe I''m seeing you here?"


    Aria heard a normal tone without superstar ego hence she answered amiably, "We had gone out and Young master Morgan got a call for an urgent meeting. The required documents were here so."


    .


    .


    As they continued to talk generally for some time, they got along really well.


    n wrapped up his meeting and returned stretching his neck and flexing his back which both Aria and Isaac saw.


    n was worn out but by the time he reached them, he looked unaffected. "Aria! Let''s leave."


    Before her, Isaac spoke, "Here, here, can''t you see me? I came for you and you are saying about leaving. And you are damn tired so stop showing off."


    n''s face turned dark, "Aria won''t befortable here."


    Aria was caught off guard. She didn''t know what to say. If she says, ''let''s leave'', she would be shown as a heartless. If she agrees to Isaac, she would have to be with them in a new ce.


    Isaac pleading eyes at Aria turned mischief, "Why? Don''t you trust n?"


    Aria''s lips twitched. n was livid for using such pressure on Aria but he also wanted to know the answer to Isaac''s question so he didn''t react.


    "Why will I not trust my guardian? I don''t trust you." Aria coldly replied ring at Isaac.


    Isaac''s expression was ugly and regretted asking that question.


    n was satisfied with the reply. "Aria, you don''t have to listen to him."


    Isaac glowered instantly, "Are you even my friend?"


    Aria again gave it a thought for a few seconds. "It''s alright! I will stay. You are tired."


    n had sped for nearly forty minutes to reach, way back on normal speed would be more than an hour. He was considerate of her so she didn''t want to tire him more.


    n smacked Isaac''s head for forcing her to stay. "Cook! I''m tired."


    Aria was surprised, "Mr.Ross, Do you know to cook?" She knew n was a good cook as he always stayed alone.


    Isaac fifth time reminded her, "Isaac. Isaac. Isaac. Aria, It''s so simple. Why are you making me feel like an uncle."


    Aria threw his jacket on his face, "Fine! Isaac.... Do you know to cook?"


    n was struck dumb knowing it was so easy and he still hears as ''Young Master Morgan''.


    "I always cook whenever Ie here. But today..." Rest of the words he announced loudly standing on the couch, "Aria is cooking."


    "Aria, show off your culinary skills." Isaac told and looked at two poker faces.


    Aria knew to cook but... "Isaac Ross, are you sure asking me to cook for you so boldly? Do you want your current movie shooting to stop?"


    n understood where she wasing. Isaac frowned. "Are you going to ask n to stop my movie shoot?"


    Aria shook her head, "You! Go and cook. Keep your movie investor happy else I will pull away investments from uing movies too. Be good and please your investor with your culinary skills." Aria had ess to all the information about Skyline Industries so she knew Skyline investments.


    Isaac understood, "Mean-spirited capitalists". n chuckled looking at Isaac''s sour face and his fate.


    Isaac threw his stylish jacket on the couch showing as if he was discontent and went to the kitchen.


    He usually prepares himself to be ready to cook for two whenever he goes to n''s vi because he disliked to eat alone in his penthouse, so he didn''t mind them. Instead, he was happy for getting one more who talks to him as amon man ignoring his identity.


    He would nce at n and Aria''s back every now and then as he cooked. He didn''t expect to seeplete new side n who was a gentle, hearty, attentive, happy man.


    ...


    n suggested to Aria when Isaac went to the kitchen, "Didn''t you want to study chemistry? Let''s do it."


    Aria faced him, "You are tired, you should rx."


    n knew she decided to stay seeing him tired but he didn''t expect her to worry about him. "I just have to sit and teach you, it''s no big deal. Send me the digital file, I will get the printout."


    Aria hummed and shared the file with n who brought printout from his room before sitting with her to teach.


    They continued from the topic where they had left...


    When Aria''s felt hungry, she helplessly looked behind to see Isaac supporting his head and looking at them after finishing cooking.


    n who noticed her gaze and turned to see Isaac who waved his hand giving a naughty smile.


    Aria asked n in a low voice, "Young master Morgan, is there a problem with your friend? What is he doing instead of calling us for dinner?"


    n knew why Isaac didn''t disturb them but how was he going to tell Aria. He didn''t reply to her. He stood up and pulled her up seeing her having aplicated expression looking at Isaac who was smiling way too much.


    The trio sat on the barstools and had dinner as Aria and Isaac spoke. n rarely would respond...


    Isaac was perplexed at the end of the dinner, "Aria! Did you like my cooking skills so much that you forgot to eat limited?"


    Aria sipped her juice and responded, "Your skills are pretty good and this is my normal appetite. Why?"


    n knew about Aria hence he didn''t find anything different.


    Isaac was surprised, "Do you work out in the gym to maintain your physique at such a young age? n had said you were meatball a few years back."


    Isaac always saw girls eating sds and greens to maintain their figure in the entertainment circle. Aria''s appetite was normal butpared to those women, her appetite lookedrge.


    n wanted to smack Isaac''s head for telling about what he had told him. Aria nced at n, she couldn''t remember meeting him during or before her teens.


    "Nope! why do I have to maintain? Isaac, I don''t have to impress anyone showing off. I''m not an actress... There there, stop eating fried food, eat baked."


    Isaac bopped her head to which he got a punch in reverse and received a question, "If I upload a picture of you two together, will theizens like you or Young master Morgan?"


    n''s verified social media ount had nearly the same number followers as Isaac but n never updated it.


    Isaac smiled sweetly, "They will think rumors are true and we are a couple. Isn''t it wifey? Hehehe."


    Aria pursed her lips which made her face turn red controllingughter looking at n. Thetter red at Isaac before ncing at Aria. "Bring it on."


    Aria burst intoughter. She didn''t expect the tyrant president and the superstar to behave like her and Eva. And ''The n Morgan'' was a wife.


    Isaac was smiling looking at herugh heartily.


    n had to stop her, "Okay okay, That''s too much."


    "Mrs.Ross, help your hubby to clean. I will not disturb you guys..."


    Pfft -


    Isaac choked on his wine. Even though he always teased n, he never used such words,<em> ''Mrs.Ross''</em>


    n tried his best to remain calm and held her ear which made her turn and face him when she was giggling, "How about I tease you taking what Ms.Miller said in the morning?"

 Chapter 51: Call for disaster

    Chapter 51: Call for disaster


    Aria coughed lightly and ran away, "I have to study."


    Isaac didn''t understand and didn''t get to know either after asking n. The two men cleaned before settling on the couch.


    n again taught Aria till she yawned...


    "That''s enough for today, we will continue tomorrow," n said collecting the papers from the center table.


    Isaac yawnedzily andmented, "You guys are so boring."


    Aria rolled her eyes and was entering the guest room, Isaac shot from his ce and blocked her quickly. "This is my room. Don''t even think about using it."


    Aria furrowed her brows. The vi had only two bedrooms, <em>''Where am I going to stay?''</em>


    n didn''t get time to react.


    "You can stay with Young Master Morgan... or sleep on the couch."


    Isaac pointed couch, "Can that fit my height? Ask your guardian to leave his room for you."


    Aria stood on toes and knocked his head, "He is tall too and he is tired. What''s wrong in you guys sharing a bed?... I am not busybody to take a picture and upload what you guys do on the bed."


    Aria pursed her lips after saying, n understood first, "Aria"


    Isaac red at her after understanding, "What the hell do you mean by what we guys do on the bed?"


    Aria innocently looked at him and sounded guileless, "How can I know what goes between wifey and hubby? I''m just a school going-girl."


    Aria saw Isaac getting enraged and went away as she chuckled.


    "After saying this, don''t even dream about getting my room." Isaac thought Aria would request but she questioned their... (ahem)


    Aria calmly replied, "I''m short, I can use the couch. Keep your room... your room? Do you guys live together? Am I dist... Ahhh..."


    Aria ran around the couch as Isaac chased after her. "What goes in your mischievous brain?... How dare you bully men?... You should be scared of us instead."


    Aria stopped abruptly and stopped him too, "Wait wait, one of your movies where you are a President of apany and you were forced to marry the female lead who likes you but you hated her. You abused her yet you fell in love with her. She forgave you and epted your love. Are you like that?"


    Aria had given his movie synopsis and teased him many times and used the same method again.


    Isaac was bewildered.


    Aria continued with pause, "If not, why should I be scared... If yes, I''m not your female lead. I''ll be the viin of your life. You! Here, here yeah! go to bed. Sweet boy."


    Isaac took his time from bewilderment. "Teasing to threatening? President Cooper! I''m no match for you."


    Aria chuckled settling on the couch, "Actually, I am no match to you in..."


    n cut in. He couldn''t understand how two got along so well in the shortest amount of time.


    "Flirting, being shameless."


    Aria wanted to say, <em>''Acting skills''</em> in which Isaac was extraordinary.


    Isaac started to scold n for trying to ruin his image in front of Aria but got no response and settled between them on the couch thinking of a n to make him riled up.


    "Sweetie! You can share the bed with me though. I will not mind."


    n''s face darkened.


    Aria''s lips twitched, "How about me take your picture with Young Master Morgan and sell you off?"


    Isaac shot up and pushed her next to n before sitting and sighing. "You are like a torment. Aria! I want to find a girlfriend, marry her and live my life. Can you stop threatening me?"


    Aria chuckled at his over-exaggeration. "If I share a bed with you, your fans will think I took your advantage..."


    She couldn''tplete as Isaac cut in, "I don''t mind being taken advantage by you."


    Aria rolled her eyes, "Technically, I will be taken advantage of by you. Isaac, my worth is far higher than you."


    n chuckled before controlling it. Isaac didn''t expect that attack.


    "I''m the sexiest man in country A."


    Aria nodded, "I''m famous without my face."


    After a pause, she justified, "What do you think will happen if my face goes public?... Leave the looks. Without looking at me, Skyline industry reception and Cooper mansion receiving hell lots of gifts and proposals in my name for marriage whereas you are getting proposals too, too many of them... But they all want to sleep with you as you were voted highest this year for <em><strong>''Dream man to have one-night stand''</strong></em>. So I''m at a disadvantage even with or without looks."


    n was used to her reasoning hence he nced at Isaac who was trying to retort.


    "You should be an advocate. I don''t even know how to rebuff. He doesn''t talk and makes me speechless. You talk and make me speechless. You guys are different yet the same."


    n who had heard so long, rolled his eyes, "Are you guys done? Is it time to go to bed?"


    Aria and Isaac low-fived each other beforeughing looking at n. "Your wifey got annoyed keeping you busy in our nonsense. Go, go apany him."


    Isaac yed along, "My wifey loves me a lot." He gave some flying kisses to n to annoy him more.


    "You two together is a call for disaster..."


    Aria cut in, "We will proudly ept that as apliment. Thank you, President Morgan."


    Isaac burst into rabidughter seeing n speechless. He felt only Aria could tame n and she was a perfect match for him.


    n couldn''t take it anymore and stood up, "Young master Ross! Do you want me to show your way to the room or exit?"


    Isaac shot up and walked towards the room. He and Rian knew well if n gives too much respect and says Young master, you would be dead if you don''t hear him.


    Aria couldn''t understand why Isaac turned so obedient.


    n pulled her up, "Use my room for tonight."


    Isaac became all ears and his speed was like a snail to eavesdrop.


    "No, it''s okay. Just give me a nket, I can fit on the couch."


    "Nope"


    "I''m really alright sleeping here." She didn''t want n to adjust on the couch and get strained more.


    n couldn''t understand when she was ready to throw Isaac out, why she wasn''t ready to use his room. "It isn''t like you didn''t sleep in my room. Why are you being overly formal?"


    Aria: "..."


    She had dozed off on the chair and he had taken her to her room but it was different.<em> ''President Morgan, do you know to use words properly?''</em>


    Isaac who partly heard n was shocked, "You guys slept together? n, for god''s sake, Aria is still a minor. Where are your moral values?"


    n gave him <em>''You fool''</em> look.


    Aria: "..."


    <em>''Am I safe here?''</em>

 Chapter 52: Nobody will kidnap you

    Chapter 52: Nobody will kidnap you


    Isaac didn''t notice Aria hurling a cushion at him which hit when he was ring at n, "Stop using your dirty mind. Did he say we slept together? I had dozed off while helping him and I slept in my room."


    Thinking both would start again, n carried her briskly leaving two stunned.


    ''Why are you giving the wrong impression? I just solved one now.'' Aria felt like crying.


    Isaac sang and dragged each word, "Long night... Beautiful dreams..."


    Isaac knew n didn''t want them to continue talking hence he took Aria upstairs but he didn''t expect him to carry her effortlessly without her permission.


    "Isaac... find yourself one soon..." He mumbled before entering his room and locking the door.


    The woman he meets were ones who go behind him for name and fame hence even if wants one in his life, he didn''t want any of them. Since he was still young, he focused on his career.


    Aria said more than thrice to put her down but n didn''t leave her and left her at the door of the bathroom. He went inside and took out a new set of toiletries for her and exited the door after turning on the tap to fill the bathtub, "Get fresh..."


    He turned around to remember that she didn''t have clothes. "Shall I give you my new set of clothes to manage for tonight?"


    Aria''s hum was too low.


    n quickly took out a new set of nightwear and handed her. While she went in, npleted some office work.


    Aria first kept her clothes for washing in the washing machine, cleaned herself, and exited soon.


    n who subconsciously nced at hearing the door unlocking wanted tough very badly. Aria''s frame looked tinier in his clothes. The pants hems were folded and they looked like pzzo on her. The shirt reached her thighs giving the feeling of a child stole her parent''s clothes.


    Seeing her trying to fold sleeves which were falling off, he went to her and helped quietly. Her slender fingers and palm looked dinky next to his arm.


    After finishing cuffing it, he pointed to the bed. "Sleep! It''ste."


    Aria was walking around in the room when npleted his unfinished work on theptop. He again asked her to sleep before entering the bathroom.


    Aria took the new set of duvet and pillow from the bed to the daybed and kept the other set on the bed before sleeping on the daybed.


    By the time, n exited, Aria was asleep. ''This girl!'' He made her sleep on the bed and he took the daybed...


    "Ahhhh...." n was used to loud music early morning by Isaac but Aria got scared and let out a scream.


    n who was awake went up to her to see her trembling profusely. "Aria! What''s wrong?"


    When he tried to hold her but she avoided his hand moved away before sheposed herself and sighed realizing she was fine.


    n looked at his hands in the air and was perplexed.


    Aria''s eyes were already wet remember her past incident which n noticed.


    He sat on the bed and checked her temperature as he asked, "Did you get scared of loud music or nightmare?"


    "A nightmare." A Real-life nightmare. "I''m sorry, I frightened you... Who puts loud music at this hour?" she patted on her chest but her tremble was still present.


    "What nightmare was it that you are still shivering?" He helped her out of bed as he asked.


    "Getting kidnapped and the car ying loud music." She didn''t tell him that it was her past incident.


    n sighed and pinched her cheeks, "Until I''m there, nobody can kidnap you. Don''t worry."


    She looked at n who assured her. She lightly hummed with a smile before entering the bathroom and calming her heart.


    When she heard loud music she thought she was kidnapped again and got conscious back in the car to hear the music.


    She showered quickly and wore the previous day''s clothes which were washed. n knew it was washed but he suggested, "Why don''t you wear the clothes which we bought yesterday?"


    They weren''t leaving so early back home. Aria didn''t want to wear a mini skirt all day. An idea clicked her mind and walked towards the room exit as she replied, "I will use yours."


    n was confused. It wasn''t because she shouldn''t take his clothes, it was because his clothes would be too loose.


    Aria went downstairs and beat up Isaac for loud music ignoring him say he wanted to wake them up.


    Then she brought all the shopping bags inside from the car truck which made Isaac''s jaw drop, "Aria! I didn''t know you are such a high maintenance girl."


    Aria rolled her eyes, "These are Young Master Morgan''s clothes which we shopped yesterday."


    Curious Isaac, checked a bag and raised it high, "Where will he wear this?"


    Aria snatched her mini skirt, "That''s mine. This bag is mine." Aria''s face was red in awkwardness. Her skirt looked too small in his hands upon that he was holding it high scanning it in the baffle.


    Isaac didn''t tease her knowing when he shouldn''t. Isaac appreciated Aria for starting to change n''s wardrobe and his style after seeing many clothes and shoes.


    Aria went upstairs to keep the bags but turned away after taking some steps seeing n shirtless facing his back and rubbing his wet hair.


    She kept all the bags down quietly and ran away which n noticed when she was taking stairs.


    ''I tainted my eyes.'' Aria thought to herself.


    Aria always heard Eva dramatically describe men and she had watched Isaac''s movies too. So she could say n''s irresistible V back was enough to ruin the sexist man title from Isaac who most of the time had to be shirtless showing his abs in many movies.


    She helped Isaac in the kitchen until n returned. He didn''t bring it up and Aria was d.


    She went upstairs and changed her top to n''s new ck and grey ombre shaded pullover. She shifted the neckline to make a single cold shoulder and crossed the hem after shirting to the same shorts. Satisfied with the look, she went downstairs.


    n knew it was his pullover but it didn''t feel like one due to her style. Isaacplimented her during breakfast and again offered if she was interested in showbiz which was obviously a rejection.


    The trio spent time till evening and Aria alone cooked lunch for them leaving them to talk and have their private time...


    She peeked at the balcony, "Lunch is ready."


    Isaac bolted inside to check the table first to know whether she could really cook as a rich heiress. "Wow! Aria, your table arranging skills are amazing." He saw three types of pasta, fries, and brownie.


    Aria just gave a faint smile. "Your favorite spicy red pasta." She turned to n, "Young master Morgan! Your Pesto pasta with grilled chicken... Let me know if it is as per your taste."


    Isaac poked her, "You said you aren''t my fan. How do you know I like this pasta and that too with mushrooms?"


    Aria took her mobile and opened Isaac''s recent social media post where she hadmented asking, ''Which dish is our idol''s favorite dish?''


    "Sharp-witted... How about n''s? You knew about his favorite with grilled chicken?" Isaac was curious to know whether n told her or other sources.


    Aria started her lunch as she answered to which n was also waiting to hear, "I asked Aunty Lilly... The morgan mansion housekeeper."


    Isaac rolled his eyes thinking, ''So boring''


    n understood why his ck coffee was as per his taste.


    Two men liked what she cooked, They enjoyed their lunch and time passed till it was time for n to leave for his date.

 Chapter 53: Prince will eat you up

    Chapter 53: Prince will eat you up


    Isaac had thought they were going to the Morgan mansion and was irritating n to stay until Aria got ready and went downstairs wearing the clothes she brought the previous day.


    n had seen her the previous day, seeing her in a loose hair wearing the same, he still felt hard to divert his attention.


    Isaac''s mouth was wide open before hemented in low voice to n, "n! When did you hit the jackpot? It may be formals or casuals or party dress, she looks amazing in everything. She carries it off like a pro. Shoot!"


    Aria reached them and spoke, "Young Master Morgan! I have kept your date attire on the bed."


    Pfft -


    Isaac looked at n in disbelief. Thetter ignored him and was going upstairs, Isaac asked Aria, "Are you guys going on a date?"


    Aria hummed then quickly rified to avoid misunderstanding, "Young master Morgan has a dinner date with some girl. After that, we will go to the Morgan mansion."


    Isaac: "..."


    He ran upstairs passing by Aria startling her. He bolted inside and forcefully turned n to face him, "Do you have a date with somebody else?"


    n tried to shrug his hand but the hold was too strong. Isaac''s face was dark as coal. Unsure what''s wrong with n that he was going on date with somebody else.


    n felt like Isaac''s face might catch fire anytime soon. "Aria thinks like that! It''s dinner with her." His voice was calm.


    Isaac loudly sighed a breath of relief and sat on the bed, "I almost thought you have gone crazy. I think you should confess. Why are you dragging? Are you waiting for someone to take her away?"


    n got ready as he unhurriedly responded, "I don''t want her to reject telling me as ''Guardian''. Three months, then I will not be her legal guardian other than having the power of attorney."


    Isaac knew changing n''s mind was difficult hence he said, "I hope you won''t regret waiting so long."


    n didn''t respond.


    Isaac who was racking his brain to make him confess soon to Aria, went near the stairs and spoke, "How about I try? Who knows if she agrees to date?"


    n''s reaction was very mild, "Don''te crying to me."


    Isaac was surprised by his reaction. He thought n would threaten him or get pissed off. Being curious he went downstairs and sat on the couch. He generally spoke for sometime beforeing to the point.


    "You are the school goddess. Receives lots of proposals. Why are you single? Didn''t you like anyone?"


    Aria who was chatting with Eva, passed her mobile to him, "Can you help me take a picture? I want to share it."


    Isaac quickly captured her picture and waited for her response.


    Aria spoke after sharing the picture with Eva who had asked her to send it. "They propose to me because I''m the school goddess. What if I was ugly and muddled? Will theye to me? I don''t want any insincere people in my life."


    Isaac was nodding when she diverted the question to him, "Aren''t you single because of the same reason? You don''t want anybody toe to you for money or looks or fame."


    Isaac was impressed by her analysis but he stuck to his n, "Right! We reject others for the same reason. What do you think about we try getting to know each other?"


    Aria raised her head to see him asking seriously. Isaac was serious to know her response but not about dating her. He didn''t have any death wish.


    n reached downstairs when she started responding, "You are a good man even though you flirt around a little. But we aren''t suitable, you can''t handle me... You should get a hyperactive girl to keep you in ce or a very soft natured girl who can keep your heart."


    n who was used to her matured side talk didn''t give any reactions as Isaac. Thetter looked at her in a daze. He felt like he was talking to a well-experienceddy.


    n spoke, "Let''s go!"


    Aria nodded and took the paper bag which had her chemistry work pages, and dress. n eventually took the bag from her and they exited.


    Isaac reacted. "Aria! You are right." ''I can''t handle you.''


    He continued, "So how should be your man?" He was asking it for n.


    n heard him while keeping the bag in the car trunk. Aria wasn''t sure about the answer, "I know what isn''t suitable. I don''t know how I want. Either I have to fall in love or someone should pursue me sincerely."


    n shook his head resignation and opened the door for her when Isaac whined, "Hey! That''s not fair. When you can say about me, why can''t you tell me about yourself? Speak it off or I will call and irritate you."


    n frowned.


    Aria remembered what others told her, "As per my Dad, I should get a mature man who has lots of patience with me. ording to Eva in hernguage, domineering. ording to Noah and Rian, One who can handle my tantrums."


    n was amused and understood.


    Isaac didn''t but he understood she wasn''t someone who blindly follow good looking or rich man, "You want three men? Anyway, you find one sweet girl, introduce her to me... Have a good time." He hopped on his eye-catchy ming red Ferrari and left.


    Aria: "..."


    ''Three men?''


    n looked at her who was nkly watching the car disappear on the road, He tapped her shoulder, "Sit!"


    She nodded and took the seat. She quickly typed a message to Eva about what happened and received a reply soon.


    ''My wifey! Other than me who can be all those to you? Forget about getting a boyfriend. I''m there for you. Mwa''


    Aria was giggling as she continued to chat. n noticed a lot of times after his call and asked, "Who is making you so happy?"


    "Eva" She nonchntly replied.


    n understood what was going on, "Is she flirting with you?"


    Aria subconsciously hummed and replied opposite biting her tongue, "No! We are just chatting."


    n knew she made up realizing she said the truth. He teased with a straight face, "Yesterday you had to be in my vi. Call her home tonight to make out... Your studies."


    He got teased by her yesterday but he didn''t tease her back because there was another man and he didn''t want her to feel awkward or ufortable. Now he didn''t care about it.


    Aria who had turned to look at him when he started talking turned away as she flushed.


    n saw her mobile beep continuously and she was looking out of the window. He took it without caring what she would think and saw the notification was from Eva.


    "Hey! That''s my mobile... How can you see it? Young Master Morgan!"


    He returned her mobile and recited what he read, "Sweetheart... Baby! did you forget your honey?... Hey! Did you get BUSY with Prince in the CAR?... Goddess, It''s a sports CAR... Darling?... Wifey!... Be safe or else Prince will" He didn''t continue that line. ''Prince will eat you up.''


    He always thought Isaac was a flirty tongued rascal. Now he felt, Eva, was above him.

 Chapter 54: Self-centered and egoistic

    Chapter 54: Self-centered and egoistic


    Aria pouted looking outside the window. ''President Morgan! I didn''t know you are a grant man. You are avenging me, aren''t you? I didn''t know you want me to sell you off to a random girl.''


    Aria replied to Eva typing ''We got caught by the shameless Prince who took my mobile without permission''.


    Eva didn''t care about n as she wasn''t in front of him and replied to her, ''So you will get eaten up by Prince for sure. Give me a full update on how he eats you... Yum! (lip-smacking emojis) Hehehe.''


    Aria''s lips twitched, ''I''m not fruit or vegetable. Get lost."


    Eva who was in her room rolled on her bed remembering Aria''s state in the car. ''Sweety! You are raw tender tasty yummy meat. Tastier than those useless fruits or vegetables. Ask Prince if you want.''


    ''You are imusible! I''m dying of embarrassment.''


    Eva couldn''t understand how could n tolerate all these given his temper. She didn''t get much information from Rian when she asked why Aria had to tag along and why the whole family was asking her to be the third wheel. Rian had repeated what Aria had told her.


    She thought to wait for the third date situation and decide if n or the Morgan family was doing it on purpose or it was just a coincidence. If n just has dinner with Aria, then she was going to break the news to Aria.


    She teased Aria for sometime before stopping. She was going out to dinner with her family.


    Aria sighed and raised her head slowly checking his expression. n purposefully didn''t poke in between giving her time to rx because they weren''t that close.


    Later they generally spoke and reached the restaurant. Both were on time and his date entered after five minutes.


    Aria turned to see the girl who was her age. She was an example of high maintenance, self-obsessed, pampered, and spoiled kid.


    "Hey! President Morgan... And you?" She looked at Aria who was sitting and looking at her.


    "You must be another girl on the date. You should back off now itself. You don''t suit the n Morgan. Even though you are good to look, your dressing sense is a little poor. Are you from a middle-ss family? Anyway, none of my business. I have given you a heads up..."


    Bewilderment etched on Aria''s face seeing her going on and on. She didn''t get a chance to say anything. n yed dumb and deaf other than looking at Aria asionally.


    "Did I introduce myself? I''m Pinto Lincoln. Beloved and only Daughter of President Lincoln. We manufacture the famous cosmetic brand and Perfume..."


    The Lincolnpany was nothing in front of the Cooper empire. ''Ms. Lincoln, who are you calling poor?''


    "... President Morgan, I like your outfit. You are very attractive in real than in pictures. I liked you when I first time saw your picture in the magazine. My favorite actor, Isaac Ross is your friend, isn''t he? Can you introduce him to me? Do you know? I have watched all his movies twice. Can you let me debut with Isaac Ross? It will be very easy for you, isn''t it? I know you are very workaholic and powerful in the business circle. It''s hard to get the young man in such a good position with bewitching looks..."


    She carried on and on...


    Aria''s lips had formed a small O hearing her. She didn''t even touch the menu and passed it to n.


    n knew Aria waspletely out of sorts hearing Pinto Lincoln chatter alone and she was nk hearing Pinto. He cut the steak he ordered for her and even-handed her the fork. He controlled hisughter seeing her keeping an empty fork into her mouth a few times.


    Pinto ate her sd and continued. She appreciated it when n attentively cut Aria''s steak for being a gentleman and told about her diet n.


    Aria didn''t even notice she drank two sses of juice in which one ss was n''s. She turned to n feeling breathless, "I need to go out for fresh air. I... I''m feeling suffocated."


    She got up and went before taking long deep breaths. She couldn''t understand how could anybody talk nonstop with unknowns. n followed her out ignoring Pinto Lincoln asking ''What happened? Are you going to use the restroom?...'' etcetera.


    n dabbed his handkerchief on Aria''s forehead and heard her, "Was she a robot? I never saw anybody talking so much. I felt like there was a race going on and she had to finish talking in the specified time reaching the final line as a winner. I''m still feeling dizzy remembering her."


    n had dabbed his handkerchief on her neck which had precipitation. He removed strands of hair off from her face as he asked, "Are you alright?"


    Aria nodded with hum and raised her head a little to face him to tease. "Young master Morgan! you don''t talk and she talks to everyone. Do you want to go for the second date? You can listen to her every single minute changing your silent life as a race of words. She will also spend your money well on all the high brands. She just wants a private jet, gift it to her at your wedding instead of a diamond wedding ring."


    Aria finished and giggled.


    n just smiled, "I didn''t know you want me to turn deaf first then die soon."


    Aria smiled and took him inside the private room, she didn''t let Pinto Lincoln speak and started, "Ms. Lincoln, We hope you finished your dinner. President Morgan is tired and wishes to rest at home. The Morgan family will contact your family about President Morgan''s decision. Have..."


    Pinto cut in, "Are you President Morgan''s assistant or secretary?" She thought Aria was working under n hence she was speaking for him.


    "No!... Thank you, Ms. Lincoln. We will be leaving now."


    Aria saw Pinto Lincoln opening her mouth hence she dragged n out taking long strides that speed was nothing to n''s long legs. He saw her holding his arm as she yammered, "Fast fast fast..."


    She breathed a sigh of relief after entering the elevator and left his hand. "I hope I don''t get a fever tonight. Pinto Lincoln is so scary."


    n caressed her hair adoringly.


    Pinto Lincoln wasn''t so much talkative. She was self-centered and egoistic who took what she wanted by hook or by crook. She had heard n doesn''t like to talk hence she assumed that he likes who talks a lot. But she kept everything about herself for thirty-plus minutes and answered her questions herself.


    n drove Aria to the Morgan mansion with light talk.


    Aria got fresh before calling Eva to report. n was leaning on her room door frame when she was rolling on the bedughing, telling about Pinto Lincoln, and mimicked her a few times.


    He wanted to ask if she wants to study chemistry hence he had gone to her room since she was busy on a call, he went to his study taking hisptop to do some work, and checked on Aria before going to the bed.

 Chapter 55: Dont touch me

    Chapter 55: Don''t touch me


    n dropped Aria to school and picked from school on Monday.


    Noah and Rian returned to B city in the early morning of Tuesday winning the quarterfinals and semi-finals was after two weeks.


    Rowan and Amelia informed them that they would decide after a week about whether to stay with Old master Morgan or return. Until they return, n stayed in the Morgan mansion and there was no date arranged until Amelia would return.


    Their days were passing joyfully but ruined on Friday.


    Aria was in the ssroom when she was called to the Principal office.


    She thought that I turner shouldn''t be there to cling on to her apologizing for offending n who canceled all her advertisements and reced her in all hering movies making her drop down below to B grade actress.


    Her manager was trying her best to get some work to I but nothing worked out. I hadn''t attended school after that day taking sick leave.


    Aria passed by the corridor to see two muscr middle-aged men having belly and looked too rough and the cigarette smell made her frown.


    She couldn''t understand why such people were present outside the Principal office. She entered inside after a knock to see a grey-haired man sitting opposite to the Principal facing his back against the door.


    Her breath twitched hoping he shouldn''t be the one who she was thinking. She clenched her fist tight and greeted the Principal, "Principal"


    The principal looked at Aria with a smile which she couldn''t understand why he was happy. "Aria, get in. Mr.Cooper! Here is your granddaughter."


    Aria''s breath turned shallow and retracted back hearing ''Mr. Cooper'' and ''Granddaughter''


    The Principal seemed not to notice her changes.


    Old master Cooper turned around to see Aria and smiled sweetly, "My lovely granddaughter! Look at you all grown up... I''m sorry I couldn''t be there for you when you lost your father."


    He stood up to go near her but Aria retracted back trembling, her teeth started to chatter and eyes filled up seeing him walking towards her.


    The principal thought she was too emotional to see her only family and started to praise Old master Cooper. "Aria, your grandfather is sponsoring all students excursion this year. You have a very kind-hearted Grandfather. He missed you all... these... years"


    The Principal''s eyes became wide open looking at Aria holding a vase to stop her grandfather from going near her. He could see her trembling hands and pouring tears. He instantly felt something amiss and called security on thendline.


    Aria tried to say, ''Stay away'' but the words didn''te out. She took the ss vase in both hands pointing at the man and retreating back to the exit.


    Old master Cooper smirked and continued his sweet talk, "I know my darling, you missed me and you are angry on me. See, I''m here for you. I will never leave you again so stop crying. Come to me, be good,e here..."


    Aria who reached the door was about to run away, Old master Cooper shouted hoarsely, "Stop her."


    The two men who were outside held her arms harshly which made Aria start to yell, "Leave me... leave me... I don''t want to go with you. Leave me... Let me go, I will note with you..."


    She tried her all to escape but two men held her in the air making her cry louder and helpless.


    Her grandfather was alive or not was unknown to her. Even if he was the only one left in her whole family excluding rtives, the least she wanted in her life was her grandfather.


    Her past with him was worse than a nightmare to her.


    Six years back, her father had told her that Old master Cooper wouldn''t meet her anymore but...


    After that experience, she had no confidence and was fear-filled. Her father took a long time to make her trust people. That''s when he introduced Aerial Hammock to her to divert her mind and learn it.


    How much ever it gave her confidence, Her past started to sh again making her lose all the hopes by looking at her grandfather.


    Old master Cooper wasn''t there to meet his granddaughter because he wasn''t missing her or cared for her. He was a man who didn''t care that she was his own granddaughter who was a very young and guileless girl when he cruelly used his evil mind to get what he wanted.


    She numerous times got her past events to repeat in her dreams but she never thought he would actually return at a time when she didn''t have her father.


    Just anybody couldn''t enter the school but he used Skyline Industries and Cooper as his identity and got all the information. After he impressed the school principal with a big cheque he easily got her to his hands.


    Old master Cooper had tried to get hold of her from a few days but she never exited the school main gates on feet. She was picked and dropped in cars.


    Thest time when he saw her, she was a chubby, short, cute little girl who always believed him whatever he was saying anything and blindly followed him. But she had changed to a beautiful youngdy which made him surprised and he didn''t expect her to remember the past and start crying.


    Given her state of being alone, he thought she would go to him, forgetting the past as he was the only one she had as a family.


    He knew if he misses this chance, then it would be difficult to even reach her. So he tried to coax her.


    "Arrie! why are you running away from your grandfather? You know I don''t have anybody other than you. Don''t you know how much your grandfather loves you? How can you run away from me? Come, we will sit and talk. These will not do anything to you if you are obedient. Come to me,e...e..."


    Aria saw two securitying and thought she could go and lowered her cries. But it didn''t go as she wanted.


    Those two muscr men kicked the security who held their stomach groaning on the floor.


    She started sobbing, ''Find a way out of the problem instead of getting worked up.'' She remembered her father say it when she was learning aboutputers and software.


    She stopped struggling which made the two men slowly release her and her grandfather pointed her inside the principal office where the principal''s back was wet looking at what was happening.


    The principal had called Emma and instructed her to call n in a very low voice for not to offend three men.


    Aria avoided her grandfather''s touch and hold as she entered the office room. She was trembling very badly and tripped at the edge of the couch and fell down.


    When her grandfather tried to hold her, she cried loudly and crawled away, "Don''t touch me... stay away... Don''te to me..."


    "Okay okay... Look at your clumsiness, you are still the same. Get up from the floor."

 Chapter 56: Arent you dead yet?

    Chapter 56: Aren''t you dead yet?


    Aria who realized the principal''s resting room was behind her, stood up holding the wall and bolted in quickly. Shetched all locks of the door in her trembling hands as she sobbed. She tried to be calm but she couldn''t make herself collect from the shock.


    Old master Cooper didn''t expect Aria to y smart and enter inside. He tried to bury his rage and continued to coax, "Arrie! How can you lock me outside? Come out soon... We will sit and talk. How long will be angry at me? Come out soon..."


    He waited for some seconds and banged on the door as his voice increased greatly, "Aria! Get the hell out of the room. Is this the way you treat your grandfather? Is this what your father and mother taught you? You have turned unfilial. I have to teach you well. Get out of there."


    Aria was frightened to the stage she fell back and yelped. She pulled out her mobile and failed to dial a proper number in her trembling hands.


    It took her time to remember n had set his both numbers in speed dials and clicked on it. But she slipped the mobile when she heard ''I am breaking the door.''


    She crawled back as she repeatedly mumbled in her cry, "I don''t want to go with you..." She didn''t hear the voice from the mobile...


    ---


    The issue near the principal office spread quickly. Only Aria''s ss knew Aria had gone there. Noah, Rian, and Eva ran towards the principal office ignoring the teacher in the ss.


    When they reached near, the trio was blocked by the burly men. Emma quickly reached there and took trio aside as security was already beaten up. She tried to convince them but they weren''t ready to hear a single word.


    Since Aria didn''t respond when they shouted her name and security got beaten, they were sure Aria was in a problem.


    ---


    n was in his office when he received the call from Emma. He had just answered the call, Emma anxiously spoke, "President Morgan! Come to school now. Arrie... Arrie is in trouble... I got a call from the principal to inform you. Reach immediately."


    Emma''s voice was shaky hence he had already stood up thinking there must be a problem. As soon as he heard ''Come to school now'' followed by Aria was in trouble, he ran towards the elevator exiting his room.


    Nathan tried to speak but n had entered the elevator saying, "I''ming."


    He skipped two signals and drove fast overtaking every car on the road. When he got the call from Aria''s number to his private number, he understood the sensitivity.


    He received but he couldn''t hear anything other than loud thumps and a cry. He couldn''t make out what was happening yet he spoke, "Aria... Aria, I''ming... Aria..."


    He didn''t cut the call and reached the school. He repeated her name multiple times yet there was no reply.


    He couldn''t think what could be the problem in which Aria could lose her calmness and even cry in front of the principal. It had nearly been a week she had cried and he stayed with her and checked on her every time to make sure she was fine.


    He knew academics couldn''t make her weak. But he couldn''t put finger on the problem which broke her into tears.


    When he ran towards the principal office, he saw two security personnel groaning and frowned. He nced at two men stopping the trio.


    When he went near, one man pushed Eva roughly losing her bnce, He reached on time to hold her.


    Eva was taken aback looking at n.


    Noah and Rian saw him but didn''t dare to speak a word.


    His eyes were dark as rainy clouds. He looked frighteningly cold clenching his jaw and his sharp eye brushed on them before looking at blurry men.


    "Aria?"


    Rian stuttered to respond looking at n. He never saw him so much angered and cold. "In... Inside."


    "Go to your ss."


    They wanted to rebuff but they didn''t. Emma yed mute all the time.


    When n went ahead to enter the office, A man held his shoulder to stop, "Out!"


    n held his hand twisted until he heard bones cracking with the same man''s groaning.


    It was the first time he used his fighting skills seriously other than beating Isaac to teach him lessons.


    Old master Cooper who had almost broken the door lock turned to see n raising his leg and kicking his ally''s knee and broke his arm before pushing him away.


    Another man who was held away by n''s hand rained three sharp attacks on the abdomen, rib, and chest which made the man short in-breath and fell down holding his chest and coughing badly.


    Rian and Noah''s mouth was wide open in shock. They knew n had learned the different fighting skills when he was aboard to study for three years. But they didn''t expect him to be so brutal with the attacks.


    Emma and Eva''s reactions were to stumble back and gulp their saliva.


    They were d n could take Aria out but they didn''t know what was the situation and who they were and why they were keeping Aria inside.


    Emma was the one whoposed herself first and asked the trio to leave and she would tell them what happened. Those three didn''t want to offend n hence unwillingly left worrying about Aria.


    The principal finally found his voice seeing n and pointed the room, "Aria... Aria is in there."


    n went ahead ncing at Old master Cooper who he didn''t know. He saw half-broken lock and paused when he heard, "President Morgan! I''m Aria''s grandfather. Lucas Cooper"


    If Aria locked herself in and avoiding him even though he was her grandfather, n could understand there was something he doesn''t know. So he used his mean tongue, "Aren''t you dead yet?"


    Lucas was taken aback. He wasn''t sure if n knew about him or he was just taking Aria''s side.


    n ignored him and knocked on the door. His voice turned gentle, "Aria! Open the door... Aria, it''s me, n..."


    He remembered she had fainted from crying in cemetery hence he broke the door and entered to see Aria hurled up in the corner next to bed burying her face in knees and trembling as she mumbled. He couldn''t make out what she was saying but her state was miserable than whenever he saw her crying.


    n turned around and shook his forefinger at Lucas Cooper as a warning to stop him from entering inside then he went towards Aria as he announced his presence for not to scare her.


    "Aria! Calm down... It''s me, n... You are safe, alright?"

 Chapter 57: Slit her throat

    Chapter 57: Slit her throat


    Aria heard n. She couldn''t talk to him on phone call hence she thought she started to expect his presence since he used to be there whenever she was down and cried.


    Hearing him call her name repeatedly, she stopped crying but was scared to raise her head to see Lucas Cooper instead of n. Because she had seen locks getting broken when Lucas Cooper was demanding her to go out.


    n reached her and rubbed her head gently who had stopped crying and mumbling. "Aria! I''m here."


    Aria loosened her grip on her legs and raised her head to see n who was extremely concerned and gently wiped her cheeks, "Don''t cry! I''m here. Nothing will happen to you."


    Aria''s tears started to flow again, she clutched his shirt sleeve tight and pleaded in a hoarse voice, "I... I don''t.... want to go with him. I... I... I don''t want to go with him. Take me from here else... else he will take me away. I don''t want to go with him."


    n noticed Aria didn''t address Lucas Cooper as a grandfather and just used pronouns. He continued to wipe her tears as he assured, "No one will take you away from me. I''m here, I will not let anybody reach you... Can you walk?"


    Aria nodded. n helped her to stand and held her shoulder to help her walk if in case she couldn''t walk then he could be there for her but Aria went behind him clutching his waistcoat.


    n looked at the door where Lucas Cooper was standing after seeing her reaction as she again started to tremble and took shallow breaths. He turned to Aria and cupped her face raising her head to face him, "Trust me! I will not let anything happen to you."


    Hearing his certainty Aria nodded and followed him holding his arm tight.


    Lucas Cooper realized Aria''s confidence was n now.


    He knew Aria had taken quite a few days when he hadst met her and Oliver had to keep her around him during those times. He knew Oliver and Rowan were best friends but he didn''t expect them to care about Aria so much.


    But he wasn''t ready to let the chance go, "President Morgan! As I''m here, I will look after my granddaughter. You don''t have to worry about..."


    ''Pak''


    He couldn''t finish and looked at Aria in bloodshot eyes.


    After hearing n, Aria knew he wouldn''t let other''s hurt her. So hearing ''Granddaughter'', she pped him ignoring his age and rtion. "You... You were dead to me six years back. Don''t call me your granddaughter with your filthy mouth."


    "Aria" Lucas yelled at her. He didn''t expect her to trust n to the extent she dared to raise her hand disregarding theirst encounter and her fear.


    n easily shielded her and looked at the principal, "If you don''t want me to ruin the school reputation and close down it in the near future, keep the grime away."


    He took Aria out ignoring the fuming Lucas Cooper in the office. Both didn''t talk and left school. He passed her water and drove.


    He wanted to ask what happened six-year back that she was so scared of Lucas Cooper and disgusted by hearing him call her granddaughter.


    But he didn''t ask her who was still trembling looking outside.


    ---


    Lucas Cooper left the school taking his useless allies. The principal breathed a sigh of relief after they left. He didn''t know what was going on and didn''t know what to do. He just understood he shouldn''t let anybody meet Aria just because they say it.


    Emma who saw Aria leaving with n sighed a breath of relief and dropped a message to the trio who were waiting to know about Aria.


    The trio decided to meet Aria after the school.


    ---


    n took Aria to her room before sending her to get fresh firmly saying her ''I will be waiting for you outside'' so that she shouldn''t cry inside.


    He had lunch with her in her room before asking her to sleep even if she didn''t want to. After making sure she fell asleep, he moved to the day bed and made a call to Rowan.


    "Dad!" He greeted him and waited for the response until he asked his question.


    "Dad! What had happened between Aria and her grandfather?" His voice was void of emotions but he heard a panicked voice.


    "n, why are you asking about that man? Did hee back? Don''t let Aria see him. Don''t let him near her."


    n nced at Aria. Rowan wasn''t the one who would say ''That man'' to anybody and that too for an elderly man.


    "Dad, Lucas Cooper went to school and met Aria. I brought her home. He is her grandfather after all. What happened six years back that traumatized her?"


    Rowan snorted, "Do you call him grandfather if you know he kidnapped his own granddaughter twice to threaten his own son? Do you call him grandfather if you know he almost slit her throat for mere shares and money?"


    n felt hard to breathe hearing Rowan looking at Aria. He couldn''t believe she had gone through so much at such a young age and even lost her father.


    n heard Rowan brief about Aria''s incidents before hanging up the call. He sat next to her and caressed her head.


    --- Six years back ---


    Aria was an early teenager who was adored by many. She didn''t have her mother from a very young age and grew up under father''s love and care.


    Lucas Cooper would asionally visit them at the Cooper mansion.


    Lucas Cooper had started thepany in clothing when he was in the thirties and had a mistress who he loved dearly despite having a wife. That mistress was very demanding and spent his money like water and stole quite a lot of capital before she ran away with her lover.


    Hispany went bankrupt and closed down hence he started to visit his son Oliver asking money in millions every time.


    The cooper mansion and Skyline Industries was built from scratch by Oliver. Lucas Cooper had no right on anything.


    Oliver gave him money considering he was his father. It continued for many more months and his demands started to increase. He asked for vis, plots, shares, billions of money, Chairman or President or Vice President position in Skyline Industries.


    Oliver investigated him and got to know Lucas Cooper was addicted to gambling and sold all his properties and a vi that Oliver had given him to stay put.


    Lucas Cooper forced Oliver to take him to the Cooper mansion but Oliver never allowed him to stay after one or two days because he would steal expensive things from the mansion every day.


    Aria who was an innocent kid didn''t know anything about all those things other than hearing her father and grandfather shouting at each other in the study room asionally.


    One day, Lucas Cooper visited Aria at the school and took her with him saying Oliver sent him to pick her up. Aria happily went with him after informing the Home teacher while taking her bag. Her home teacher had called and informed Oliver that Aria left with her grandfather.


    Oliver quickly acted and traced him down soon before taking Aria with him after warning.


    But what he made a mistake was he never tried to exin it to Aria thinking she was very young.

 Chapter 58: Fallen from grace

    Chapter 58: Fallen from grace


    Next time, Aria was kidnapped without letting school people get to know.


    Aria who was fainted due to suffocation woke up soon in the car to hear loud music and unknown men around her. She started to cry immediately asking to take her to Oliver.


    Not being able to control or coax her, they had hit her until she ate her pain and sat silently weeping in the car.


    Lucas Cooper didn''t know Oliver had kept people around Aria for her safety. As soon as they got to know, they locked down in the old factory and brought Aria back to Oliver.


    Aria had seen Lucas Cooper with the men who looked scary in the second kidnap hence she was reserved when he went to the Cooper mansion.


    He had coaxed her saying they were ying hide and seek with Oliver which Aria believed it and sat with him until Oliver returned home after work.


    Oliver couldn''t get time to react as Lucas pulled a dagger out and pointed it on Aria''s neck clutching her hair tight, "Oliver, don''t you love your daughter? Let me see whether you need money mansion andpany or your muddled daughter?"


    Even though Aria was little she could understand Lucas Cooper was threatening her father about killing her for money. She started crying due to a painful clutch on her hair.


    When Lucas moved, he dragged her by the hair and moved the knife near her throat which slit a fewyers of skin panicking Oliver.


    Oliver kept all the money which was at home and quite a few vis, shares papers, vehicles, and some other property papers which were in the mansion. The mansion and many properties were in Aria''s name so he couldn''t do anything until she reaches the legal age.


    While escaping Lucas Cooper noticed Aria wasn''t crying or moving. He was dreaded and ran away. Oliver quickly admitted her and got to know it was due to blood loss and shock.


    Aria hadn''t let anybody touch her excluding Oliver for quite a few days. He had to make her realize and understand things before she could start to mingle back with everyone.


    ----


    After that day, Aria saw Lucas Cooper in the school. Her father had assured her Lucas Cooper wouldn''t meet her anymore and no other information about him was known to her.


    n understood she had to be mature due to all the things and it wasn''t because she wanted to be mature. He sat next to her for sometime before getting up to use the bathroom in his room.


    He returned back and was going towards day bed, Aria screamed as she sat up and started checking her neck in her trembling hands breathing heavy.


    n quickly tended to her knowing what must be her dream. It dawned on him that she had said nightmare saying she was getting kidnapped in a car when she was in his vi, he understood it wasn''t just a random dream.


    "It''s alright... You are in your room. Nothing happened to you."


    Aria felt her head throb and realized she was in the Morgan mansion. "I''m sorry, I''m such a troublesome."


    n made her drink water and pulled tissues from the bedside drawer before dabbing on her precipitation, "You aren''t... Don''t think all that. Sleep for a little longer, I will wake you up."


    Aria couldn''t stop him who held her both palms in one hand.


    She felt like she was being treasured by him. She shook her head, "I don''t want to sleep." she wasn''t ready to get a dream again.


    She paused before speaking, "Thank you Young Master Morgan for everything today. That man... he is factually my... my grandfather in rtion but he had~"


    n cut in, "I got to know everything. Dad told me. You just rx and stop thinking about him. I will manage the rest."


    Aria pursed her lips and hummed. n wiped her corner of eyes as he asked, "You like my grandfather, don''t you? Shall we visit him this weekend?"


    He thought to change the surroundings for her.


    Aria spoke knowing why he asked, "It''s okay. I don''t want to increase your workload." He was with her for half of the working hours stopping him from working, so she didn''t want to trouble him more.


    He very gently flicked on her nose, "Haven''t I told you not to worry about my work andpany?... We will leave after dinner with your three friends... President Cooper! Can we use your private jet?"


    Aria smiled hearing him give respect as if she was his boss, "Hmmm! CEO Morgan, we will do as you say."


    n sighed inwardly seeing her faint smile. He dropped a message to Rian about their n. Aria followed him to the study and randomly studied a book before she designed a few outfits in her sketchbook.


    The trio teenagers bolted inside the study and checked on Aria before sighing. Eva asked her carefully, "Who was that?"


    Aria replied bitterly. "Lucas Cooper"


    The trio looked at each other before Eva hugged her tight. "Don''t worry!"


    The trio knew about Lucas Cooper hence they didn''t ask further. After asking n, they brought her out and time passed with her as they yed, talked andughed.


    Eva helped her to pack as her bag was already sent from home. Noah''s clothes were sent by his family, Rian and n had their clothes in their grandfather''s vi.


    After dinner, they all left county A and returned Monday morning.


    ---


    Lucas Cooper returned to an old unmaintained vi away from the city. He was fuming in anger remembering Aria pping him and running away from him.


    He wanted to get hold of Aria before she could be at the legal age. He didn''t want to hurt her. He wanted to look after her so well that he wanted her to trust him blindly to the state she could sign on any papers he would give her. That way he could have theplete assets andpany under him.


    About Aria? He didn''t really care about her.


    He just wanted what was valuable.


    Or he just valued the things that he could price them.


    He smoked as he thought about how to control Aria and keep the Morgans away. He knew Morgan''s power in the B city increased greatly after n took over the CEO position in Skyline Industries and became the legal guardian of Aria.


    n held high power in many fields by twopanies which made it difficult for many small scalepanies to survive. The fields he couldn''t control was the government,w, and public.


    Lucas Cooper dialed a string of numbers and heard, "Mr.Cooper?" It was a middleaged man''s rigid voice.


    Lucas Cooper came to the point directly, "I want my grandaughter''s legal guardianship and power of attorney at any cost."


    There was a long silence before a response could be heard, "It isn''t impossible. Ms.Cooper has the right to choose her guardian and to whom to give her power of attorney. So we have to create a bunch of lies leaving her no choice but give her power of attorney and you be her guardian."


    Lucas Cooper''s wicked smile appeared on his face hearing the advocate. "Then what are you waiting for? Go ahead. I have to teach that little bitch a lesson soon."


    Lucas''s expression didn''t stay long and heard a scornfulugh through the speaker. Advocate mocked after controlling himself, "Mr.Lucas Cooper, I think you forgot, you have nothing now and you are asking one of the elitewyers to stand for you. (Smirked) You are fallen from grace a long time back. Mr.Cooper."


    The advocate hung up the call without letting him continue.


    Lucas Cooper was fuming stubbing the cigarette on the ashtray. He clearly understood the advocate could get him what he wanted but Lucas Cooper couldn''t afford him.


    He needs wads and wads of cash...

 Chapter 59: Little young lady

    Chapter 59: Little youngdy


    n saw Aria clutching her fists tight looking at it sitting in the car backseat. He had already spoken to her and she had said she was fine to go to school.


    Thinking she was still scared, he spoke, "Aria!" She turned to n to hear, "Fear will stop your growth. The world can only support you, you have to walk."


    Aria understood what he meant but Rian peeked back, "Oh ho Little devil! That''s why you didn''t grow as tall as me."


    Aria and n gave him a ''You Muddled headed fool'' look which made him continue his chatter with Nathan.


    Aria looked at two brothers who werepletely opposite excluding their urge to protect what they want and what they should. She smiled to herself and remained silent.


    n who nced at her in between his work couldn''t help but ask, "What''s wrong? Why are you so serious?"


    "Huh?" Aria thought to tell what was going on in her head and opened both palms which had a small circr bottle. "I''m thinking whether it works effectively or not."


    For n, it looked like a pocket perfume. He couldn''t understand why would Aria think about it. "Is it a new perfume form you prepared?" He could onlye up with that.


    Aria shook her head, "Pepper spray! Grandfather Morgan gave me before we left."


    n: "..."


    How to test the Pepper spray now? Smell? Taste? Eyes? No way.


    Aria saw him looking at her for quite a few seconds in his poker face hence she spoke, "Don''t worry, I will not try on you." She pursed her lips to controlughing but her lips were high up.


    He cleared his throat and went back to work...


    After alighting the car, n took Aria to the Principal''s office to have a good talk.


    After greetings, both sat opposite to him and n came to the main point, "Without my permission, keep all the new people away, don''t call Aria and let her meet them."


    Aria: "..."


    The Principal agreed.


    "Aria is the President Cooper matter shouldn''t leak."


    Aria: "..."


    The Principal agreed.


    "Friday''s things should be under wrap."


    The Principal agreed...


    Aria felt like the Principal was n''s extremely obedient student as they continued. After five minutes, Aria poked n''s arm and said in a very low voice.


    "Fear will stop your growth and why are you talking so much? I am really fine."


    n paused his instructions and turned to Aria whose face was next to his ear to whisper. Thetter quickly created distance once he turned which had made their face at a rather close distance.


    n had asked his people to investigate Lucas Cooper and didn''t find anything about him in the past six years. There was no record about him anywhere, he wanted to make sure about her safety in the school excluding the fact that there were a few non-teaching staff in school for her safety.


    He nodded and was bidding, the Principal spoke taking out a cheque, "Mr.Cooper had given us this on Friday, President Morgan, what to do with this?"


    Aria spoke before n, "Weren''t you too impressed by him for this cheque? Use it. If this cheque is the payment for YOU from him, be ready to ept police investigation if anything happens to me in the school by outsiders."


    n controlled his facial expression. He was ordering him but Aria directly threatened to make him do whatever he said without wasting too many words.


    The principal had to drink water topose himself. "Aria, he gave this for school. I will add on security measures so don''t worry, you will be safe."


    Aria nodded, "If it''s for school, I think you should use the cheque faster. If the amount transferred then well and good. If not, let that man visit the Police station."


    The principal agreed to her eating the threats before bidding them wiping his sweat.


    n spoke aftering out. "Are you sure about threatening the Principal? He is Principal and could easily manipte your scores." He knew the principal won''t do any such things given their identities.


    Aria walked towards her ss with him as she responded, "Principal will not dare to do that, and I never really cared about scoring high or getting first. It may be anything, I make sure to do my best and unfortunately I get high attracting unnecessary attention towards me."


    n rubbed her head lightly in adoration. Excluding Lucas Cooper, Aria was confident in the rest.


    I Turner who entered the administration block was weed by that scene. n''s smile was captivating and beautiful as soft and pleasant early morning sun rays but it was only directed to Aria.


    Aria who paused for few seconds advised him, "You are a man of few words and you are good that way. You don''t have to change worrying about my safety."


    n wasn''t expecting anything like that from her. He nodded and asked curiously, "So are you asking me to talk less with you?"


    Aria shook her head, "I told it for strangers... You are okay with others judging you. You stand by yourself. You stand tall." Aria always liked how he controls everything in his presence.


    n smiled hearing her. It wasn''t the first time he heard her praise him but he was always amused by how fluently she says it simr to how she remarks about what was bad in him.


    "Are you always so straight whenplimenting?"


    Aria hummed looking ahead as she walked and didn''t see any of his reactions and expression which were very affectionate and gentle as a blooming tree.


    n spoke after a long minute. "Okay! Enough of mature talk." He liked her all forms but he liked her childlike heart and mind more.


    Jade who was walking ahead of Aria and n turned to see n pinching her cheek fondly and Aria giggling.


    It had been a month but he couldn''t make a normal hearty conversation and Aria would always leave finishing their work. It was also over from the time n dropped and picked her from school daily.


    The duo reached near the ss and Aria was entering, n held her hand and said when she turned, "I''m just..."


    Aria knew he was worried so she cut in, "A call away."


    He hummed, "Don''t..."


    "I will not worry unnecessarily, I''ll not overthink, I''ll live as a teenage spoiled girl to let you clean up after me." Ariaughed at her own sentence.


    n had tried to make her understand she doesn''t have to be mature and strong just because of her past experience. She should enjoy her life even though she had to be under security personnel.


    n wanted to say the same but in a different way. He pinched her pink cheeks, "So you don''t even let me talk and finish my sentence too."


    Aria didn''t get time to react and heard a teasing tone, "So did Prince really steal my wife?"


    Who else could it be other than Eva?


    n had thought Eva was an innocent girl, which changed to flirting and teasing queen but it changed again when he saw how she looked after Aria from Friday to Sunday which was no less than mother.


    He numerous times saw her feeding Aria with lots of food on dining tables and other snack times. He had seen Aria resting her head on herp while talking, falling asleep hearing her, and many more such things. So his opinion about her greatly improved knowing she was a very kind-hearted girl.


    n saw Aria''s cheeks which were flushed red hearing Eva. He bid them and left.


    Eva was a hundred percent sure n likes Aria as a little youngdy and he wasn''t doing all that for the ''guardian'' rtion. But Rian pushed it off and Aria had knocked her on the head saying, ''He is just being responsible and taking care of me for his parents and to keep them worry-free.''


    She couldn''t understand the change in behavior of n with Aria was so obvious, why couldn''t the Morgan family see it and Aria had a greater tendency to think ''He changed after I scolded him and said I wanted to leave the Morgan mansion''. She even assumed he was nice so that she shouldn''t leave or talk about leaving due to his behavior.


    Eva felt like she was living between dumb people. She took her ring sweet wife inside the ss. "My goddess! How can you give me that look? Let''s get in."

 Chapter 60: I will sell you off

    Chapter 60: I will sell you off


    There wasn''t much going on for more than a week at Aria''s end. But n still couldn''t get hold of any information about what Lucas Cooper did and where he was in the past six-year.


    He didn''t know whether Lucas Cooper was powerful or powerless. He didn''t know what was his ns. He didn''t know whether he would try to kidnap or meet Aria but nothing seemed to sink.


    But n didn''t let his guard down. He kept people around Aria whenever she went out to eat and y.


    He was tortured by his mother again to go on date with a girl on the weekend and passed the message through Aria atst when he rejected it. He asked Nathan to send a name to his mother and went on date with Aria.


    Aria wanted to eat barbecue hence he had booked a private room in a Barbecue restaurant for dinner. She wanted to call the trio friends but n had given her brooding look as a response.


    Both entered inside to see a girl in a white floral knee-length dress looking outside. Aria thought like she would be a graceful, mature, beautiful woman. She knocked on the door as she entered to get the attention of the girl.


    They were greeted with an enchanting smile and face but Aria felt like the earth rotated around once in a second making her root in her ce.


    The look in the girl''s eyes changed ever so slightly and greeted them, "President Morgan! Aria Cooper!"


    Aria turned to n who was next to her. She badly wanted to knock him down but she knew it was impossible.


    n''s brows twitched looking at the girl too. His first reaction was to look at Aria who was already looking at him and ready to beat him if she could.


    n didn''t know the girl''s name and entered thinking Aria would anyway reject after talking with pretending haughty socialites. But after seeing the girl, he felt like Aria was going to flee or put him in difficulty.


    Yes! he was right, Aria actually thought to put him in difficulty by fleeing away.


    Aria suddenly smiled sweetly at n and looked I turner. "Ms.Turner, I had already told President Morgan that you love him with all your heart. You guys enjoy the dinner with pleasant talk. I will be off."


    She turned to n whose face was dark and she was ultra sweet him, "President Morgan! I am just a call away. Call me if you need anything."


    Then she walked towards the private room exit as she easily escaped his hand and asked the manager, "Is there another private room?"


    The manager nced at the cold face of n before speaking, "This way, Miss."


    Only one was glee about the whole situation but it didn''t stay long. "President Morgan! Please have a seat."


    Her mother had told her that she got a call from Madam Morgan''s housekeeper saying about the date. Her mom had sent the proposal to the Morgan family when she had got to know quite a few families were already trying to set the rtionship.


    But after she fell from her title of National Goddess, she never thought she would get a call but it surprised her and thought she was thinking too much about Aria. She even started to assume, n might like her too hence he asked to cancel her movies and ads so that she could be with him or he might don''t like her to be in the showbiz.


    Hearing Aria had already told about her love, she was kind of looking forward to having a talk with him.


    n was initially angered thinking Nathan was a fool. After hearing Aria, he understood she purposefully made him look like a man who was there to hear I Turner confess to him directly.


    n''s eyes narrowed at I and smirked, "It''s good that I''m meeting you personally. Keep your dirty mind and hands away from Aria if you and your family want to continue living in B city in elegance and smoothness."


    He turned around to leave, I felt like somebody poured a bucket of icy cold water on her and she cried, "President Morgan! You were the one who called me for a date. How can you leave me alone here?"


    n leisurely turned around to face her. "Since you love me... No! you love my looks and my status, let me tell you a secret. The one I love and came on a date is Aria. The one who picked your profile was my assistant, you can go to him. I have no objection."


    I froze.


    She couldn''t believe her own ears. "You... you..." She wanted to say ''you are her guardian'' but knew it doesn''t really make sense as he wasn''t a natural guardian.


    n left the private and asked the restaurant manager who was near the reception before going to Aria''s room where she had ordered and was ready to start dinner.


    He wanted to reproach her for leaving but didn''t after seeing another set of cutlery and she was pouring the wine for a ss gracefully and attentively.


    Aria knew he woulde sooner orter hence she was prepared. Hearing the door open and closing, she spoke without raising her head, "President Morgan! It''s a pleasure meeting you. Have a seat. I hope you like the menu I have ordered for you."


    Even though her hospitality was high ss, he knew it was a sarcastic remark. "Aria! You..."


    He didn''t find the right word and Aria spoke leaning on the table, "I''m d you are speechless. How dare you tag me along to have dinner with that actress? Be happy with the fact that I can''t beat you up. Eat now, I''m hungry."


    n was amused and delighted to hear her. Aria heard him chuckle when she was going to her chair. "I will sell you off one day to a random girl to save myself."


    Pfft-


    n who had just taken a sip of the wine choked on it and red at Aria who was chuckling.


    ''Dumb girl! Little longer! you will know who will be sold to whom.''


    They had dinner before going to the Morgan mansion.


    ----


    I''s hatred towards Aria increased significantly. She broke a few things in the room before leaving for her home fuming in rage.


    She swore to herself not to let Aria off the hook for ying with her feelings. She thought Aria purposefully created their encounter to show off her rtionship.


    She racked her brain for days until she got a way to keep n Morgan away from Aria Cooper.


    ----


    Since there was no move from Lucas Cooper, n returned back to his vi and didn''t let Aria and Rian drive the car without a driver when they requested.


    Four friends had applied and learned driving right after Noah, the youngest one in the group had celebrated his sixteenth birthday.


    Rian was always restricted by his parents saying he was allowed after school. Aria was cycling as school was near to her vi, now she couldn''t hence she asked but n tly refused.


    Eva''s parents didn''t allow her and her father dropped her daily if not, his government vehicle would be there for her requirements.


    Noah''s parents didn''t want him to worry about driving. They looked after him like a delicate doll who would break if he carries even a little weight on his hands. He was getting spoiled to that extent.

 Chapter 61: Aria! You are so dead

    Chapter 61: Aria! You are so dead


    When Aria and the Morgan family could take a breath, the morgan family received a notice from the court ofw to attend trials with Aria.


    It was to use the Morgan family, for not letting Lucas Cooper meet his granddaughter and since he was back to the country, Aria''s guardianship and power of attorney should be shifted to him but the Morgan''s were taking advantage of the Cooper family situation to get hold of the Skyline Industries by indoctrinating Aria to believe them and hate Lucas Cooper just because he was away.


    Aria who read the notice clenched her fist tight and spoke, "He is biting more than he can chew."


    n had reached mansion after knowing about it and brought the Morgan''s advocate with him. He was the same advocate who had came with n in beginning days to get Aria''s sign. He had thought Aria was a simple guileless girl but after hearing her, he was rather surprised.


    He responded, "President Cooper! I don''t know about your grandfather. I think..."


    Aria said between clenched teeth looking on the floor, "Lucas Cooper! He has a name. He is wicked but not crafty."


    The advocate was taken aback. "President Cooper! Are you sure you don''t want to go with Lucas Cooper? You have the right to choose who should be your guardian and who you want to give your power of attorney."


    Aria furrowed her brows, "I don''t have death wish yet and no ns to go to prison either. Can we talk something fruitful which will help the Morgan familye up clean before this news breaks to the public? If I''m not wrong, the n of this all is to ruin the Morgan empire''s reputation and taking me away is still a little difficult but I couldn''t think what would be their n."


    The advocate was taken aback again.


    n bopped her head. He couldn''t understand how she goes in-depth in just a few minutes.


    Amelia found very hard to manage herposure and chuckled. Sheplimented Aria, "My skilled youngdy. Let these men worry about it. Let us sit back and enjoy the show."


    Rowan was speechless seeing Amelia''s nonchnce.


    Aria pouted and rubbed her head which made Advocate Tetley sigh thinking she was still a teenager.


    Aria didn''t want the Morgan family or Morgan Industries to be badmouthed because of her. She felt bad seeing n and others worry for one or the other matter because of her.


    The advocate spoke after a pause, "President Cooper! Your g... Lucas Cooper and his team may create a huge emotional drama in the courtroom to get you on his side. You couldn''t melt and change your statements which would put the Morgan family in difficulty. After all, Blood is thicker than water."


    Rian who was kicked to his room was eavesdropping and heard advocate. Before Aria could rebuke, he poked, "Advocate Tetley! You are right, blood is thicker than water. Do you want to drink your own blood? How dare you doubt my Little devil?... Dad! We should find another advocate."


    n and his parents looked at Hooligan brother and son respectively in dispirit hearing ''Do you want to drink your own blood?''


    Aria gave him thumbs up and low-fived with him before he sat next to her.


    The housekeeper who kept drinks on the table smiled at the teenagers and handed them juice ss before leaving. They showed off nking their ss and sipped leaving others at loss of words.


    Amelia felt like Aria really took her words, ''Let''s sit back and enjoy the show.'' to full consideration.


    Rowan coughed lightly after some time and spoke, "Advocate Tetley! Aria will not fall for his cheap tricks. Lucas Cooper had..." He quickly briefed the past events to advocate.


    Advocate Tetley looked at Aria in admiration who was ready to fight against her grandfather instead of going and killing him. "We can change the nature of the case if we get any proof of all those incidents? So is there anything that could prove it?"


    Aria shook her head, "If there was any such proof to prove, wouldn''t my Dad sent him to prison long back?"


    ''Sh*t! Why does this girl open mouth to insult me?'' Advocate Tetley thought to himself.


    "Advocate Davis is the opposition prosecutor. He is sly and would have many tricks up by his sleeves. President Cooper you would have to stand by your words how tricky he asks a question."


    Aria nodded, "Don''t worry! My IQ is good and if it turns out very tricky I will make sure to sound like the Advocate Davis is bullying me."


    ''President Cooper! Please don''t open your mouth to talk to me.'' He thought to himself.


    Rian burst intoughter as the other three shook their heads resignedly. Just then Aria''s mobile rang showing Eva. Aria quickly picked up to hear, "Arrie! Check the news. Quick. Call me when you are free."


    Eva was a smart girl and she knew well when to talk and when it should be avoided.


    Aria replied, "Sure! Call youter." She picked the remote and turned on the television to the news channel before sitting back.


    ''The Morgan family''s facade fallen. To have the Skyline Industries under them, they aren''t letting President Cooper meet her grandfather.''


    It happened exactly what Aria thought, "See! I knew it. They want the public opinion to turn opposite to the Morgan industries and the family. Then they will use their dirty tricks to get me. Importantly who is helping Lucas Cooper and their aim behind all these."


    n bobbed her head again. Aria who was thinking seriously who could get advantage from all these didn''t think too much and punched on the stomach from her backhand like how she does to Rian.


    Feeling gazes on her and seeing wide-opened mouth of Advocate Tetley she looked at her left hand and turned towards her right side where Rian was sitting and grinning. She ran away and sat between Amelia and Rowan realizing her left hand punched n who was on her left side.


    ''Aria! You are so dead.''


    Rian wasughing his heart out. n still had stunned eyes on Aria. Rowan and Amelia tried their best to keep their poker faces. Rowan was sessful but Amelia''s face had turned red.


    They were very happy thinking there was somebody who could beat n.


    Rian who gave a teasing smile at n got a strong one on his arms which made his arm turn red. "Little devil! look here. Come on, take revenge."


    Aria awkwardly smiled and signaled with hands, ''I don''t have a death wish.'' which made Rian snort.


    It wasn''t that n didn''t think about all the possible things but he didn''t like her thinking too much and analyze everything herself without depending on anybody.


    Aria spoke like a little girl, "Rian! How can I take revenge? He is my guardian. He has my power of attorney who can literally sell me off. So let me be on the good side by depending on him."


    She purposefully stressed ''depending on him'' to sound helpless then she continued respectfully, "President Morgan, haven''t you heard ''A trouble shared is a trouble halved''? As a responsible kid, I have to share the trouble. Shouldn''t I?"


    He didn''t react much other than giving her an indifferent face. Aria tried again, "Two heads are better than one."


    After it felt like an eternity he responded, "Oh" when all were watching the news.


    Aria looked at Rowan and Amelia and spoke in a low voice, "Is he really your son? He responds for my yesterday''s question now. I salute you guys for tolerating him."


    Both lightlyughed. n who had gone in front of her took the trio''s attention including everyone''s attention in the mansion.


    Aria forced a smile, "You..." ''aren''t going to take revenge on me for punch. Are you?'' but she couldn''t finish and n knocked on her head.


    "Do you think I need your little head?"

 Chapter 62: Aria was purposefully provoking

    Chapter 62: Aria was purposefully provoking


    Aria rubbed her head ring at n who started walking towards the main door.


    Rian also didn''t want Aria to think a lot hence he wrapped his hand around her neck after pulling her up, "I need this little head to teach me mathematics." He took her towards upstairs.


    Aria held his hand turned towards n, "You! Big-head! If we reach at disadvantage by this high drama, I will make you agree you are hare-brained. Hmph."


    Rian was proud of her and followed Aria upstairs.


    Aria and n always exchanged suchments and remarks when they were together but it was the first time in front of everyone which made them look at n who was smiling at Aria then exiting.


    Advocate Tetley was dumbfounded.


    Amelia and Rowan looked at each other in shock hearing Aria and seeing n''s expression.


    They couldn''t believe Aria threatened and n smiled for it instead of lecturing or educating her.


    Once Amelia had threatened him saying she would fast and die if he leaves home and stays away alone when he was in senior high school. To which n had crossed his arms and looked at her as if she was a fool before saying nonchntly, ''Humans can live up to twenty-one days without food. Mom! I don''t think you can fast for even one day. If you sessfully fast for five days, do call me?''


    Amelia had thought if she fasts for five days by hook or crook, he woulde back hence she had asked him, ''Will youe back at that time?''


    n had nonchntly responded which almost gave strokes to Amelia. ''Police will detain you for having suicidal thoughts and send you for treatment.''


    Rowan never really threatened him instead he had indirectly supported him knowing n wanted to live a non-luxurious life alone avoiding all the facilities and worked parttime for his expenses but on the outer surface, he acted like he supports his wife by secretly appreciating his son and asking him not to push himself too hard.


    Whoever threatened him including his brother, friend or business rivals always ended painfully excluding Aria who many times threatened him for silly things.


    Theplete morgan family was chilling about the first court session as they weren''t sure what the other prosecutor was up to and what were their supports and ideas.


    Their aim was to be spontaneous.


    n left his people around Lucas Cooper and Advocate Davis so that they don''t divert everybody''s attention and n something else which could hurt Aria. His other team still worked to find what Lucas did for six years.


    --


    Soon it was the first court session and they were ready to leave, Rian tortured them and the whole Morgan family left with Aria to check out the drama.


    Five entered looking confident, smart and professional.


    The reporters were blocked by the cops due to their high social status but they were low profile unlike what reporters expected.


    Aria ignored the elite criminalwyer of country A and Lucas Cooper when thetter greeted her sweetly. The rest of the family also didn''t care about them.


    The duo thought Aria was an arrogant haughty brainless girl like any other heiress who enjoys life.


    They sat down and Aria heard Amelia and Rowan continuously boosting her confidence which she was responding by small nods until two young masters snickered.


    "Dad! Mom! That''s enough." Rian rolled his eyes.


    "Aria looks more confident than you guys." n couldn''t take their chatter.


    Aria saw Amelia and Rowan''s face fall a little hence she spoke, "Your sons are jealous of me. Don''t worry! I''m there for you guys."


    When two sons rolled their eyes, Rowan and Amelia were happy to hear it.


    Lucas Cooper noticed them clenching his fist tight. He just wanted Aria''s custody then he would...


    It took about five minutes for all the court staff to settle in. The main judge spoke, "I''m starting with the guardianship matters of case number xxxxxx. Identify yourself for the record."


    Advocate Davis stood up and started, "Good morning, Your honor. Carter Davis on behalf of the petitioner Lucas Cooper."


    Advocate Tetley stood up and spoke, "Good morning, Your honor. Harper Tetley on behalf of n Morgan."


    Aria nced at her right where n was sitting straight looking front. ''If I wasn''t present won''t they be living a peaceful life?'' Aria sighed and looked towards the main judge and two attorneys.


    After the main judge asked Advocate Davis to start and he continued to note the main points. "Your honor! Currently, the guardianship of Aria Cooper is under n Morgan. When the former President Cooper expired my client was in country Y and wasn''t vary about the events in country A. He immediately returned to take his responsibility but the Morgan family and President Morgan isn''t allowing my client to meet his granddaughter. Thew prefers to ce a minor child under the guardianship of an immediate rtive, such as a grandparent. So my client requests to transfer the guardianship of Aria Cooper."


    Aria poked n and whispered, "How to sit so long seriously? Rian and I are finding it difficult. Look at Rian."


    Rian''s face was bright red pursing his lips. n looked at the two teenagers and shook his head resignedly, "Shhh" Aria pouted and sat quietly.


    Advocate Tetley objected and started his opposition, "In this case, We have not been able to find any family or immediate rtives during the process of legal guardianship of the ward, Aria Cooper. Lucas Cooper was not in contact with anybody from the past six years and nobody knew whether he was alive or dead. How canw trust a person who suddenly came and ask for the guardianship of Aria Cooper..."


    Both prosecutors continued their fierce confrontation but Aria yawned twice hearing them.


    Slowly case turned about Skyline Industry and power of attorney making the case look ugly. Aria wanted to go and punch each and every one of the men talking.


    Advocate Davis asked permission to call Aria Cooper to the deck. Aria silently walked up without really worrying.


    n had told her simple two words, "Be you."


    Carter Davis asked her to introduce herself. Aria didn''t like nonsense questions if it wasn''t with the people she likes to be around. "Aria Cooper. President of Skyline Industries. Studying in Second year senior high... Your honor, I have a request."


    n and Rian broke into a smile knowing what she was up to. The rest were waiting expectantly to know.


    "Go ahead!" The judge gave a green signal.


    Aria spoke in her emotionless voice, "As I said, I am in second year senior high. The year is really important for a student. I hope I don''t get nonsense questions from the prosecution and finish the session soon so that I can go to school."


    Many startedughing before maintaining the silence. Carter Davis''s face was dark as coal. He wanted to retort to maintain the court decorum, "Ms.Cooper, that''s..."


    "Shouldn''t that be President Cooper! Do I have to teach the prosecution about how to address me?"


    Rian burst intoughter giving no face to the courtroom. Rian knew Aria was purposefully provoking Carter Davis.


    As a fact, he started to work up by her arrogance yet he couldn''t rebuff. It took nearly a minute to get back the silence.

 Chapter 63: If youre in a hole, stop digging

    Chapter 63: If you''re in a hole, stop digging


    Carter Davis tried to be calm and pointed to Lucas Cooper, "Do you recognize that person?"


    Aria nced at Lucas Cooper who had a forced smile on his face. "I have met him once in school."


    Carter Davis understood she wasn''t easy. He was nk about what to ask until the judge asked him and he saw Aria smile at him mockingly.


    Harper Tetley was d he wasn''t against Aria else he would have gone mad.


    "Are Morgan family and n Morgan... President Morgan asking you not to identify your grandfather?" Carter Davis wasn''t ready to get corrected by her.


    Aria replied rxedly, "About the Morgan family and my guardian, they are morally upright. About my grandfather? I am not sure whether he is alive or dead. It''s been nearly six years since I have seen him."


    Carter Davis realized the case is turning against the identity of Lucas Cooper which shouldn''t be dug deeper hence he asked differently. "Are you saying this man, Lucas Cooper isn''t your grandfather?"


    Aria didn''t reply straightforwardly, "My father! Oliver Cooper''s biological father''s name is Lucas Cooper. This man? He had introduced himself as Lucas Cooper to my school principal. But that doesn''t mean I have to agree with whoever pops up out of nowhere and say that name. Do I have to agree on him as my grandfather due to the name? If you tell me your introduction as Lucas Cooper, don''t expect me to call you grandfather. I''m young, I''m not an idiot."


    Carter Davis''s first time was facing such a speaker who infuriated him without giving him any loopholes. Whoever was bored initially enjoyed it whenever Aria gave the response.


    Lucas Cooper''s face was ugly as a scarecrow. He or Carter Davis didn''t expect the case to have this turn. He didn''t expect Aria to y smart at critical times.


    Carter Davis asked the next question, "Don''t you remember how your grandfather looked six years back, or are you ying dumb?"


    Aria raised her brows, "Let me educate you. It is proven from studies that it takes a maximum of eighteen months for a person topletely forget another person without their pictures or memories. As much as I remember, my grandfather never stayed with me and my father. Six years back I was very young at that time. So are you expecting me to remember each and every person from that age? Do you remember your first case intiff or defendant of six years back? Isn''t it quite absurd?"


    The main judge wasn''t sure whom to warn. Since whatever Aria said was very convincing, he couldn''t say anything. "Prosecution! Be precise with your questions. Stop wasting court time."


    Carter Davis responded gritting his teeth at Aria, "Yes your honor!"


    In between that Aria turned to the Morgan family members who were smiling. n smiled when she looked at him. Rian gave two thumbs up and gestured, ''Little Devil''


    Aria still had a smile when she turned to Carter Davis whose face was dark as a dungeon. Carter Davis turned back to judge, "Your honor! I request for a DNA test of Lucas Cooper and President Cooper to confirm the doubts about the rtionship."


    The judge looked at Harper Tetley, "Do we have any objection from the defendant side?"


    Aria shook her head so as n to the advocate. "No your honor."


    "Permission granted." Judge just finished, Aria spoke, "Your honor, I have a request too."


    Two men tightened their fists tight waiting for her to speak. The rest was curious but not n.


    "With the DNA report, I want theplete past six-year information of this man Lucas Cooper with the original proof."


    n''s lips titled up. Because he and Aria were sure, he would produce wrong proof as everything about him was secret which meant it couldn''t possibly be good things about him.


    The main reason she declined to identify Lucas Cooper was to put on request without objection.


    Amelia, Rowan or Rian, and even Harper Tetley were kept in dark about a few things. Aria and n''s n was to send Lucas Cooper to prison if everything goes by their n else keeping him as far away as possible from Aria.


    Lucas Cooper''s face was darker than his dark history. Carter Davis didn''t want to break his record of winning streaks just by a mere girl.


    The main judge asked to produce the required information to the court in the next session. Aria was dismissed and the school Principal was called to dock.


    Aria clenched her fist. She knew why the principal was called but she wanted to see if Carter Davis going to make a statement as ''n had asked to hit Lucas Cooper or she was mentally challenged.''


    Carter Davis''s question was straightforward, "Please tell us about how President Cooper reacted seeing Lucas Cooper and how she reacted after President Morgan reached school."


    The principalpletely exined whatever happened except how two men held Aria in the air which he didn''t see.


    Atst, Carter Davis concluded whatever Principal said, "So your honor, President Cooper is psychologically challenged. She started crying and then she pped after meeting President Morgan. She is being manipted by the Morgan family and she is speaking what they have taught..."


    "I object your honor, the prosecution is making up. Which girl won''t be scared when a stranger approaches saying her as a grandfather?" Harper Tetley protested but it was overruled.


    "Thank you, your honor! Considering President cooper''s mental state, I request the guardianship to be given to Lucas cooper."


    n held Aria''s small fist and smiled lightly, "As you expected."


    Even though she acted cool about it, he was sure she was hurt thinking about having such a grandfather who didn''t care about her even a tiny bit and was ready to ruin her image.


    Aria smiled back. n and Aria had talked a long time whatever they could do and while guestimating, she had told him they would say that.


    The judge objected, "You can''t prove by few actions and say the ward is mentally challenged. The ward will have to go through the test and it will decide the mental state. DNA report, Six years past information of Lucas Cooper should be submitted to the court. The ward will continue living with the current guardian till the next session on theing Wednesday. The court is adjourned."


    All stood up when the judge got up and exited then they left. Aria was again ignoring the duo men but they blocked her path.


    "President Cooper!" Carter Davis smirked. "Or Psycho Cooper"


    Lucas Cooper didn''t care about it hence he started moving aside. Aria flicked her fingers and the duo turned to her subconsciously.


    "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. I will make you eat your own shit."


    Carter Davis didn''t take her seriously and snickered. Aria''s smiled, "We are opening your failure counts. Wait for it."


    Then her eyesnded on Lucas Cooper, "You are a perfect example for ''There is no fool like an old fool''. Did you think just because you are a fool and muddled, I and my dad are fools too? Let me advise you, If you''re in a hole, stop digging deeper."


    Aria and the other four didn''t wait for their response and left. The duo was trembling in anger looking at departing figures.


    "Release her picture to media. She should really go psychotic by all the pressure. And you! prepare the information for past years, If I lose, I will make sure you die a horrible death. F**k off."


    "You..." Lucas Cooper was angered to the state he wanted to peel Carter Davis''s skin.


    "Heh!" He gave a disgusting look at Lucas Cooper and left with his three assistants.

 Chapter 64: The beautiful bride

    Chapter 64: The beautiful bride


    Theplete family and Aria returned to the Morgan mansion and they sat on the couch to rx. Aria had kept a backrest against Rian''s legs and wasying on the couch.


    Amelia coughed to clear her throat and spoke, "Arrie, didn''t you want to go to school? Why are you here?"


    Rian was busy updating Eva and Noah on messager when he heard Amelia, he started chuckling poking her arm. Aria made a tongue out and remained quiet.


    Rowan spoke after sometime, "Aria, how are you so sure we will win the case?" He had sensed the certainty was too high and Aria wouldn''t bluff for no reason.


    Aria nced at n and said cheekily, "Your big head son will save us. Don''t worry uncle."


    n red at Aria and told them about the proof they had. The other three were dumbfounded.


    "Hey, You and You! We could have solved the case today. What the hell are you doing?" Rian knocked her forehead and received a pinch on his hand.


    Rowan understood Aria and n''s n without telling. Amelia was a little confused.


    "Auntie and Beauty, if Lucas Cooper creates lies nest and if it is proven wrong, we can sue him for defaming President Morgan, the Morgan family, and President Cooper. We can also charge for cheating and lying to get hold of me, Skyline Industries, and the Cooper family assets which are in my name."


    They continued to talk until Aria asked n, "Young master Morgan! Did you get any information about Dad''s personal advocate and the properties which Dad gave to that man?"


    n stood up leisurely from his seat and held her ear which made her scream in pain, "Ahhhh! What''s wrong?.... Young master... Aunty... Ahhhh... Fine I will not worry about all that. Leave now. I will not ask about it again... You heartless man. Detach my ear, I will kick you out of here."


    The other three had started to enjoy Aria scolding and threatening n for nearly a week. So whenever Aria would talk maturely, she would screw nter as he would knock on her head or twist her ear.


    n left her ear after hearing her threat and sat back on the opposite couch looking at her rub her ear andin to Rian making the other twough.


    n went to the study room and worked. Rian and Aria didn''t have a mood for studying hence they watched a movie in the theater at Morgan mansion. Rowan and Amelia rested after lunch.


    By the time, all went to the dining hall, Aria was extremely famous with her picture in country A. She changed her verified ount profile picture to her beautiful picture as confirmation to the media.


    n didn''t like news channels saying Aria was mentally challenged hence he made a few calls and stopped news in major news channels.


    ''Cutie School goddess is President Cooper'' became the top search ruining the main aim of the Carter Davis.


    Businesswise! Skyline and Morgan industries had problems that n had left a few and he was solving a few.


    Aria got a fan page too.


    They were having dinner as they talked. Seeing n''s dark face, Aria couldn''t help but ask, "Young master Morgan! What''s wrong? Is there a... Never mind, I will not ask."


    Seeing her rubbing her ear, the other three started chuckling. n just smiled seeing her pout but he didn''t respond.


    He had seenments like, ''What if our goddess has a little problem? I am ready to marry her. Goddess! Don''t worry.''


    ''If she really has a problem, how can she dance so well? Goddess! I love you as you are."


    ''Our goddess is lovely. Will you marry me?''


    Simrments showing their admiration for her looks and dance which he didn''t like. He knew after Aria''s next day move, she would receive more.


    Even he started to think waiting could also be disadvantageous.


    They were almost done, when Amelia suggested enthusiastically, "Arrie! How about you call me Mom and Rowan as Dad just like my sons? It sounds intimate than Aunty and uncle." She had heard people saying they couldn''t be parents to Aria just because Aria was staying with them.


    Rowan agreed too.


    n looked forward to listening to her answer as he ate.


    Rian was in his own world holding his mobile. God knows who he was flirting with.


    Aria never really thought about calling them like her parents. Hearing Amelia, she genuinely felt warm but she wasn''t sure if she should address them like that.


    When she looked at the table, she saw Rian wasn''t concentrating on dinner hence she spoke to him, "You! there, there! yeah. Call me sister Aria and I will call... you... Cutiepie."


    Pfft -


    She wasn''t even finished, four choked on their food, water.


    n controlled himself well and red at Aria gritting his teeth without caring why his parents reacted the same way.


    He understood time could also create different problems and Aria would soon call him ''Brother n'' if she was given a chance.


    Rian looked at his useless brother before snapping out, "You! Little devil! Don''t even dream about controlling me as my sister."


    Aria was happy for getting the response of what she expected.


    Amelia and Rowan regretted saying it. They didn''t expect that kind of reply from Aria at all.


    Amelia spoke afterposing, "Arrie! Mom can also be called for mom-inw. Isn''t it?"


    Rowan rxed hearing Amelia.


    Aria understood in her own way, "Mmmm... will you adopt the one who I marry? or Should I marry your son? Beauty will piss in his pants tonight just by the thought of it."


    Rian almost smashed the water ss in his hand on the dining table. "Crap. Why will I piss in my pants? I will be haunted by lots of devils in my dream. Who wants to marry you? Get lost."


    Amelia and Rowan were at a loss for words.


    n''s clutch on the spoon was so tight that, it looked like he was trying to bend it.


    Aria who finished her dinner leaned back and offered, "Beauty! How about the beach house as a dowry? I can buy your cars too. Anyway, What''s mine will be yours too."


    Amelia and Rowan awkwardly smiled hearing her and encouraged Rian to know how they would react. "Rian, you can party all your life, and Aria will work. Isn''t it a good n?"


    ''Wait! What? I was teasing him. Aunty, why are you making it sound like I proposed Rian?'' Aria''s face turned unexinable.


    n who initially thought they were joking around became serious. He really wanted to know Rian''s response before he could make Aria learn a lesson.


    Rian jerked up, "Mom! What''s wrong with you? How can you ask your own little son to jump from a cliff? I want a sweet little wife not a little devil who drinks my blood. And You. Little devil! stop joking around about it. My mom will make us get married at this rate."


    Aria was embarrassed to death. He made it sound like she was a viin vampire... Sob, sob.


    ''Dad, your dream to see me as the beautiful bride can''t be fulfilled. Sob sob sob'' Aria thought to herself.

 Chapter 65: Stealing Arias first kiss

    Chapter 65: Stealing Aria''s first kiss


    Amelia hit her own forehead hearing Rian. Rowan wanted to smack Rian''s head.


    n felt rxed after hearing Rian.


    Rian crossed his arms and eyed Aria, "Prince stealing our goddess is good. What do you think Little devil?"


    Aria''s lips twitched uncontrobly.


    Rian continued, "You can only be tamed by him. Why don''t you give it a try? Offer your mansion as dowry, he may agree to you."


    Amelia and Rowan''s smile was wide waiting for Aria''s response.


    n kept his straight face to others as if he wasn''t interested in the conversation and he wasn''t ''the Prince'' Rian said about. But in reality, he was eager than anyone of them.


    Aria forced a smile before finding how to respond. "Beauty Rian! Are you selling off your brother for my mansion? So that''s the price of your brother... On his next date, I will ask the girl to buy him a mansion..."


    Everyone''s face turned to pitch dark.


    Aria who was looking at Rian thought he wants her response, "Anyway, why will I marry a misogynist? I don''t have suicidal thoughts yet."


    Rian burst intoughter and patted n, "Bro, you will die single."


    Amelia and Rowan looked at the two sons in disappointment. Both got up and left for their rooms.


    The confused Aria joked scratching her head, "Don''t worry, I will sell him off at a good price."


    Rian continuedughing as he went upstairs. Amelia and Rowan just gave her a faint smile.


    n and Aria were still at the table. Thetter apologized, "Young Master Morgan, don''t take it to the heart. We were kidding. And sorry, I was too straightforward."


    n''s face was indecipherable.


    Aria got up and went to her room. She wasn''t sleepy hence she was watching television in her room leaning on the headrest when she heard a knock on the door.


    Aria thought as the housekeeper but n leaned on the door frame looking at her. He wasn''t ready to let her think about him as she wants.


    Aria spoke as she got down from the bed and went towards him, "Young master, is there anything you want to talk about?" She thought there was something about thepany or case that he went to meet her.


    n pushed the door close and went towards her, "Right, I have to open your little head today."


    "Huh?" Aria couldn''t understand and saw him taking steps near her instead of standing and talking.


    She started to take steps back and frowned, "Why are youing near me?"


    She was about to fall on the day bed, n wrapped his hand around her waist making her jump in fright, "What the hell are you doing?"


    Anyhow before she could react more, n had pulled her to his arms and pinned her to the bay window holding her hands in ce.


    Aria was hell scared of being cornered. His faint smile reminded her of an evil grin of a CEO. "Did you perhaps forgot to take your medicines? Are you drunk? Why are doing this? Young master Morgan, Leave me now. Do you even know what you are..."


    Aria froze.


    She could feel her heart thumping rapidly. His slender finger was ced on her lips to stop her from talking.


    She gulped looking at his eyes. She could make out the changes in gaze from past to now. There was a tinge of wickedness and lots of affection in his eyes. She felt like his eyes were smiling looking at her.


    Her body looked tiny against his slender muscr body. That was the first time she was being so close to a man physically. She wasn''t sure what to do and what he was up to.


    She moved her head a little aside to escape from his touch on her lips. She tried to reason but her voice had turned too soft giving him ripples of reaction to do something to her.


    "Young master Morgan, you... you aren''t here to take revenge on me for whatever I said at the dining table. You aren''t petty, right? Can you leave me? You shouldn''t do all this."


    n pulled her to him and spoke near her ear seductively and unhurriedly, "I''m that petty. I and Rian aren''t your brother and did you say I''m a misogynist?"


    He rubbed his nose on her ear which made her trembling lightly when his chin stroked her neck. He could feel her hot breath on his neck as she tried to calm her rapidly beating heart.


    Since she was pressed to him, he knew the struggles of her due to fright and he knew how his body reacting for the first time in his life.


    For not to scare her more, he decided to leave soon. "Am I not talking to you well? I am no misogynist. I just don''t like to talk with others."


    He moved his head away and saw her ring at him. His lips subconsciously tilted up and Aria burst out.


    "You! Psycho President. You can tell that normally. Let me go."


    Aria widened her eyes in shock from his next move. She could see his longshes cast a shadow on his skin. His skin looked clean and fair. His brows were arced beautifully as he intently sucked her lower lip.


    n wanted to tease her but it made him difficult to leave her soft lip which was sweet. He longed to go on and kiss her.


    His one hand was subconsciously held near her neck holding her chin up with the thumb. His longing for moving his hand on her and deepening the kiss was intensifying rapidly.


    He never thought such a simple thing could make him hooked and could give him an urge to continue.


    That was his first kiss stealing Aria''s first kiss without her permission.


    With great endurance, he left her lower lip which had turned deliciously red. He wanted to do the same to the upper lip looking at it.


    Aria ordered holding her tears due to pain from the lips. He had sucked too hard. "President Morgan! You have crossed your line. Let me go."


    But she again froze. n took her upper lip between his lips. He gently caressed and sucked for a long time than the lower lip before unwillingly leave her.


    He had controlled himself to kiss her deeply other than tasting her lips. He wanted to continue only when she bes his.


    "n Morgan! You jerk. I thought you were a good man. How can you do this to me?"


    n smiled hearing his name which made her even more confused.

 Chapter 66: It wasnt a dream

    Chapter 66: It wasn''t a dream


    n smiled hearing his name ignoring the rest of her words. He caressed her cheek smoothly, "Call me n."


    Aria badly wanted to punch his face till it goes unrecognizable. she wished she had a superpower to throw him and rain punches until he begs for mercy.


    She had tried to free from his embrace from the beginning but she felt like their body was rubbing on each other by her tries hence she had stopped.


    "You are a jerk, scoundrel! let me go."


    n smiled and walked towards bed holding her in his embrace. He had to control his urge to kiss her looking at her fuming.


    "What the hell do you think you are doing? Let me go. Leave. You bastard, why are you taking advantage of me? Leave me."


    n didn''t mind any of that. Heid her on the bed which made her shout at top of her lungs. He didn''t have anything in mind to do but he didn''t know whether to cry orugh at her reaction.


    He covered her with a duvet and gently pecked her forehead which made her stop screaming and look him in the eye.


    "Why are you doing all these? Do you really have any illness and you forget it by tomorrow or after some time?"


    "I''ll tell you tomorrow." His voice was gentle as spring with his alluring smile.


    Before she could process, He rolled her on the duvet making her into an egg roll.


    He slightly lowered the duvet near her face and pecked on her forehead fondly. He wanted to keep looking at her and pamper her all the time.


    Aria''s head was in mess. She was really frightened when heid her on the bed hence she started shouting ''Aunty'' ''Uncle'' ''Rian'' and ''Help'' but nobody came. She didn''t know, her room was soundproof.


    Seeing n cover her, she understood he wasn''t going to do anything to her, and internally sighing as she was thinking to stop screaming, he gently kissed her forehead.


    She wasn''t sure why she felt so calm suddenly forgetting whatever he did. Even after he did all that, she still trusted n. Even though she had said ''I thought you were a good man'' she still had his good image.


    She wanted to ask, ''Do you like me?'' but she mocked herself thinking if he liked her why would he go on dates with other girls. Hence she asked why he was doing all that. Hearing him he would say the next day, it vexed her more.


    But another forehead kiss instantly calmed her. She couldn''t understand what was going on, "What do you want?" ''Stop ying with me, I''m not understanding and I don''t know what to do. I will start crying in the confusion.''


    n said what he wanted. "I want to kiss you until your heart is racing, you are out of breath and I''m all you can think of."


    Aria was dazed hearing his amorous tone and what he said. She could feel her heartbeats definitely and loudly looking at her own silhouette in his eyes.


    n lightly pecked on her lips and left her room satisfied by her reaction.


    He never thought one day even he would have desires like kissing, nibbling, biting, hugging, and do every sort of mischievous thing with a girl.


    That girl was Aria for him.


    Heid on his bed feeling the lingering sensation of her lips between his.


    Aria who snapped out of her daze hearing the door close tried to get up but fell on the floor rolled-up in the duvet.


    She threw the duvet and went out. She whammed on n''s room door loudly fuming in rage.


    Rian''s room door wasn''t closed hence he heard and came out to see her banging the door for the second time.


    Before Rian could say anything, Rowan and Amelia came out of their room and n opened the door expecting her arrival.


    Aria punched him hard which wasn''t anything on him but he looked like the wronged one.


    "You jerk, how dare you? Just because you are my guardian and I have nobody to ask, did you think, you can take advantage of me? I thought you stand on high morals..."


    Rian turned her towards him not quietly understanding what was going on. Amelia and Rowan were in the same state.


    "Arrie, What happened? Did brother do something? Why are you angered so much?" He was very concerned.


    n leaned on his room door frame thinking what would be her answer.


    Aria told off in anger without really caring, "Your brother is a jerk. A big jerk. He kissed me in my room without my permission."


    All froze hearing her.


    n couldn''t believe she said it just like that. He maintained his cool as his business mind started working.


    "Young miss Cooper! I am in my room. You came, knocked on my room door, and telling me all this. Were you perhaps dreaming and thought it as real?"


    Rian found it convincing. he went near her room and looked inside to see the duvet on the floor at the side of the bed.


    Amelia and Rowan weren''t sure what to do.


    Aria''s mouth was wide open in shock. ''Sh*t! This man really has a mental illness. How can he forget so soon?''


    It vexed her more and wrung her hand to punch but n held her hand twirled her before pressing her back on him.


    "Young Miss Cooper, Mind your hand." He said loudly and whispered, "If you wanted more, you should have asked me."


    Aria realized he was doing it on purpose. She looked at the trio who were bewildered and she was sure they didn''t believe her.


    She pushed him and stood away, "It wasn''t a dream. This bastard was in my room."


    Rian patted her back, "Bro, don''t mind. She was watching Rom on her television and got the dream. She will be fine."


    "Little devil, stop watching television when you go to bed." Rian really thought it was because of a dream.


    Aria suddenly screamed and said, "Ahhhh... It wasn''t a dream."


    She understood they wouldn''t believe her taken n''s personality with others. She strode to her room fuming and didn''t forget to lock it


    Rian quickly said there was a rom web series ying on television and she must have fallen down from bed too after dream hence the duvet was on the floor.


    Amelia and Rian convinced n saying she was just a teenage girl after all and got influenced by the drama scenes.


    Rowan highly doubted his elder son but he didn''t speak.


    n just nodded at them before closing his room door and smiling.


    Aria was frustrated. she cursed n loudly for a long time before falling asleep.

 Chapter 67: Dont you like me?

    Chapter 67: Don''t you like me?


    Aria and n finished their morning exercises. n looked at her who was rolling, ying, hanging on an Aerial hammock as he worked out.


    When Aria was entering her room, she heard, "Water?"


    She turned to see n who had a faint smile looking at her and passing the water bottle.


    Her calmness started to lose slightly. She took the bottle, unscrewed the lid, and started pouring water on his head.


    n had thought she would start scolding him but she didn''t and she surprised him.


    He stretched his hand to her waist and pulled her next to him before making the waterfall on her too.


    A maid who had exited the study room after cleaning froze. Her face blushed looking at Young master Morgan holding Young Miss Cooper by her waist and another hand moved the water bottle to let the water pour on her. Her heartbeats were increasing looking at the enchanting couple and the scene.


    Both of their heads and faces were dripping wet. One red, the other one had a doting gaze as he removed her wet hair strands away from her face carefully.


    When his finger started to glide her cheek, she threw the bottle and pushed him before entering her room with a straight face.


    n smiled and entered his room without noticing Rowan at his room door who clearly saw everything in astonishment.


    He wasn''t sure how to react to his son. It confirmed to him whatever Aria said was the truth and his doubt was right. He wanted to go and ask n that what he was up to but he didn''t and went to get fresh before going for breakfast.


    The dining table was silent as grave other than spoons clinking sound due to Aria who was fuming and was very cold in her replies.


    Amelia who always served her as she sits next to her, gulped her saliva many times thinking what to speak.


    Rian peeked at her face who had her gaze on her te. "Little devil"


    Aria grunted.


    "We will not mind about yesterday. Don''t worry."


    "Heh?" Aria smirked but didn''t say anything.


    ''I was the one who was forced, why will you guys mind?''


    Aria finished too fast and got up from her seat. She didn''t care to bid because she was very angry with everyone who didn''t believe her.


    She was moving towards the exit when she heard a maid say, "Young Master, your new car key."


    Aria snatched the key and walked towards the exit leaving all speechless and n pursed his lips to control his smile.


    They didn''t react until it dawned to Rian, "Little devil is driving your new car to school." He got up in fluster and went upstairs to get his bag to go with Aria but he waste.


    n stood outside and saw her effortlessly sitting inside his brand new Bugatti sports car keeping her bag on another seat and closed the door.


    Nathan reached on time to see Aria drove the car out. n and Rian hopped on the Rolls Royce.


    Thetter kept telling Nathan to drive faster to reach Aria who was at a very good speed.


    n checked his mails as he watched his car smoothly driving away. He thought Aria would be a noob on the road, he was satisfied by her driving skills.


    Aria cursed n in mind as she drove and was entering the school, she realized that her identity and face was out and known by all. She saw many reporters near the gate and she drove in after security saw her face.


    It was toote by the time reporters saw her and identified her. The sports car naturally got everyone''s attention and many started to video record and take pictures.


    If it was earlier days, all would have thought that the car belongs to the Morgan family. Now, the car actually n''s but everyone was thinking it was her car.


    She turned off the engine and got down with her bag before closing the door.


    It was a sight to see not only for students even for the passengers who were in the Rolls Royce. She took all the limelight from the car right after she stepped out.


    Aria heard students who started to remarks but she didn''t care. All started to chat as she was so low profile and they thought of her as poor to the middle ss. Since her identity was known, she doesn''t have to be a low profile anymore.


    She heard only admiration which didn''t really matter to her. n alighted and walked towards her to talk but Aria threw the key at him and walked away purposefully.


    n thought to talk in the evening and saw her disappear between the crowd of boys who were greeting and smiling at her.


    He thought he made the right decision to tell her soon else somebody would have really taken her away.


    There were numerous posts about Aria in the school forum and social media with the news channel airing how President Cooper entered the school.


    Rian squeezed near Aria and wrapped his hand around her shoulder, "Look and torture my Little devil, I will graze your eyes and break your bones. Scram."


    His roar worked and Aria hit her forehead on Rian''s shoulder, "Beauty, why am I so unlucky? I feel like I will die soon with all these."


    Rian knew she didn''t like any of these to happen. She was happy to be called poor than seeing people butter up knowing she was rich.


    Rian moved her head to the wall, "Hit harder!"


    Aria was bbergasted. She chased after him as she screwed and hit him.


    For onlookers, she was now super-rich and President of Skyline, heiress of the Cooper family. The whole school knew her IQ and scores so they didn''t believe the news. Seeing her still the same with her friends, their admiration was at a peak.


    After entering her ss, Aria realized all were being reserved with her. So she announced, "Guys, stop caring about I''m being President. I''m the same Arrie for guys. So chill up. Please!"


    Getting no response, she pulled her sleeves up, "Fine! I will beat you guys up until you get to know I''m the same Arrie."


    All burst intoughter and went back to normal.


    Aria got teased by Noah before she took Eva out to the Students union office. She got the person she wanted to meet outside the office.


    "Arrie, you turned out to be a billionaire. Oh my god, I was so shocked to know that." Jake Davis eximed.


    Aria smiled surprising him, "Why? Don''t you like me anymore after knowing I''m a billionaire?"


    Aria had to squeeze Eva''s hand who was finding it hard to control herughter hearing her flirt.


    Aria could make out small hearts floating around Jake who was infatuated looking at her and hearing her.


    Well! He was feeling like he was really floating and it was a dream.

 Chapter 68: Learn to kiss

    Chapter 68: Learn to kiss


    Jake replied after a long time and said, "Of course I do... Of course, I do. Come in, we will sit and talk."


    Aria nodded and took Eva with her. Jake gave her water and sat down staring at her making it hard for Aria to continue her act.


    "Actually I came here to meet you and president. I think only you can help me out now. Will you do me a small favor? Will you?"


    Aria stepped in Eva''s feet whose face was bright red controlling herughter.


    Jake subconsciously said floating with clouds, "I can do anything for you. Order me, I will do it for you."


    Aria clutched her fist tight and spoke like a wrong child, "These media and all making me as a mentally challenged kid. Do you know how much it hurts?. If you or the president updates my IQ test scores, I thought it may help to get my image back. Else how can I go out hearing thosements? I didn''t dare to step out yesterday because of it. Will you help me? Please!"


    Eva wanted to p her hands for Aria''s best acting to date which melted Jake instantly.


    He patted Aria''s shoulder, "Don''t worry! I''m there for you. I will do it right now."


    Aria looked very gratified, "Thank you, Jake! Thank you so much." It was the first time she took his first name which made him feel ted.


    He quickly took Aria''s IQ test scores from the system and transferred it to his mobile before updating it in his ount. ''Our Goddess is best in all. You guys will know after seeing it. Goddess we are there for you.'' He attached the picture of the scores and updated it.


    Aria gave him a gratified smile. She was thankful for Jake for helping her to teach his father a lesson for calling her mentally challenged.


    She could have done it by herself but it would sound like boasting herself. Her friends doing it would be the same thing hence she wanted to use Jake''s ount to hit Carter Davis to let him taste the pain.


    Aria walked with Jake towards his ss as she spoke amiably. When she was near his ss, she asked his mobile, "Jake! Can I check the post? I didn''t bring my mobile."


    Jake immediately agreed and handed his mobile to her. Aria kept talking with him as she edited the post. She tagged top news agency, Skyline industry, Elite school and importantly, Carter Davis.


    When the bell rang, she turned on flight mode on his mobile and returned the mobile, "Thank you, Jake. If you need my help anytime, do tell me. Bye."


    Jake waved his hand and entered inside hearing his ssmate exim at him for getting the Goddess. He was on could nine hence he didn''t notice his mobile and didn''t care about what others said. He knew they just spoke, he helped her and there was nothing else between them. He hoped it would get better.


    Evaughed her heart out even after sitting in the ssroom and made Rian and Noah listen to the recording to know how flirty Aria was.


    ''Aria Cooper''s IQ 120'' was soon ranked top in search engines killing down all the rumors about her. Skyline Industries stocks skyrocketed and solved many problems. Morgan Industries'' problem solved automatically as the clientspromised themselves.


    Carter Davis was face pped by his own son and he understood why Aria said she would make him eat his own shit.'' He called Jake numerous times to remove the post but it spread like wildfire in all news channels and Jake didn''t know his mobile was in flight mode till evening.


    When the post was shared by Skyline Industry ount, brand ambassadors tried to suck up and praised Aria. Isaac messaged Aria before he shared and he made n share the post too. It was the first post in n''s social media ount.


    Once President Morgan shared, all the actors and actresses sucked up to him by sharing the post making the whole country turn towards Aria Cooper.


    The followers count for Aria''s verified profile increased steeply crossing most of the A list superstars of country A.


    Aria was kept updated about public by Isaac and she saw n''s message, ''Congrattions on your first step to sess President Cooper.''


    Her reply was, ''Jerk''


    Eva noticed it and was dumb stricken. She tried a long time but couldn''t speak. The teacher arrived in ss hence she wrote on paper and passed her. ''Why the hell did you call Prince as Jerk? Arrie! What''s going on?''


    ''I will tell you on the ground after this ss.'' She wrote back before they concentrated back on the ss.


    After the ss, Eva dragged her to the ground and waited for her to speak. Aria broke the news, "n Morgan kissed me... Forced a kiss."


    Eva was slightly shocked but didn''t find it unbelievable, "Wow! You got your first kiss from PRINCE without even dating. Here I am, dying single."


    Aria''s lips twitched. ''There is nothing to be happy about it alright''


    Eva came out of her daze imagining how good Aria and n would look kissing.


    "How was it? Was he a good kisser? Tell me, tell me, tell me..." She yammered which left Aria speechless.


    ''Is anybody worried about me? He forced a kiss.'' She felt like yanking her hair.


    She closed Eva''s mouth and lightly briefed what happened at the dining table and followed by her room. She skipped the part where n had said, ''I want to kiss you...'' Just by remembering it, she started to blush.


    Eva coughed lightly, "Stop blushing and are you sure you call that a kiss? If you really get kissed, you would die instead of briefing it to me... Did you dream?... I think you dreamed as you don''t even know how to kiss. I thought you gonna tell real-life incident but you are telling me about the dream. Go get a boyfriend and learn to kiss..." Suddenly her voice changed to flirty dragging each word tracing her jawline with her fingertip, "Or... How about I teach you?"


    Aria flung her hand away. "So that wasn''t a kiss? Then what was it?"


    Eva rolled her eyes and sat next to her, "That was a dream. I feel like you have zero IQ, how did you score 120? Did you cheat?"


    Aria was vexed. She hit her and told what n did when she went to ask. Eva burst intoughter.


    Aria pouted and was leaving, Eva pulled her back, "High IQ people don''t know how to kiss. I will make sure to search the one who knows to kiss."


    "Get lost!" She was again leaving, Eva pulled her back, "He just teased your lips. It must be quite a good scene to watch but... you guys don''t know to kiss."


    Eva rolled holding her stomach andughing.


    Aria wanted to cry. The important thing was he forced her, but her best friend was concerned about they don''t know to kiss.

 Chapter 69: I dont go with a rogue

    Chapter 69: I don''t go with a rogue


    Eva''s face was bright red by the time she stopped. "Arrie! If he again kisses like that, let me know I will give you a verbal exnation and you can try on him. Still, I don''t think Prince can be that dumb not to know how to kiss, he must have thought you will get scared of him."


    Aria couldn''t take it anymore and smacked her head, "Are you really my friend? For god''s sake, can you concentrate on the important thing? He is my guardian and he forced it on me."


    She quickly added, "If youugh again, I''m leaving."


    Eva sighed and spoke, "He is your legal guardian for just three more months. Why are you making it sound like he is your father?" Eva bopped her head to hear her say, "I know that."


    Eva was happy Aria understood n could have other rtionships with her. "He forced on you because he didn''t want you to think of him as a brother. Haven''t I told you Prince likes you hence he treats you well? You were the one who wasn''t ready to believe me."


    Until yesterday, Yes! she didn''t believe what Eva had told her. "Then why does he go on date with so many girls? Why didn''t he tell me?"


    Eva smiled, "Wifey! Improve your EQ too. Let me check your IQ. Consider Prince liked you all along and remember whatever happened till now and tell me."


    Aria was quick at analyzing that way. "So he was actually on dates with me making me reject all the girls by me. It was just a reason for him to spend time with me."


    Eva dramaticallyughed, "Less than five seconds you got to know. My goddess didn''t lose her brain." She kissed her head imagining she was kissing Aria''s brain.


    Aria thought, ''Is he going to tell me today that he likes me? Or are we overthinking things?''


    Eva looked at herplex thoughts, "What''s wrong?"


    Aria leaned on her, "What if he is pitying me? What if he did for Skyline even though chances about this is less, I feel like, he is pitying me. And he never mingled much with females, what if... I don''t know... Leave, I don''t want to think. Let him confess then I will think. Ahhh My head is throbbing."


    Eva just smiled, "Take it slowly. Don''t think too much."


    Aria hummed and Eva was back on teasing mode, "By the way, when you were leaning on Prince, how did you feel?" She moved her hand around Aria''s waist, "How did he feel wrapping his muscr arm here?..."


    She continued on until Aria forgot about her confusion and turned scarlet by hearing her...


    sses ended and she was on the way out with Eva and Noah, Jake went behind her and made her turn to face him, "Arrie! You did it on purpose, didn''t you? You avenged my father through me... I know whatever my father did was wrong, but why did you use me? Aria Cooper! You are heartless."


    Aria went behind Jake as she tried to talk, "Jake! Jake... I''m sorry! My intention wasn''t to hurt you. Jake..." She couldn''t take it and pulled his hand to face her, "I''m really sorry. I mean it. If your father is angry with you, I will talk to him."


    Jake released his hand from her clutch and took a few seconds before nodding and looking at her, "Do you know? I would have still helped you if you told me the truth. Anyway, I hope you had reason to do this, let me hear it."


    Aria bit her lip. What he said created a lump in her throat making her difficult to speak. If Jake got angry, she wouldn''t have minded. She didn''t expect him to feel so bad.


    It took her time to react but before that, a voice sounded behind her, "Your father took the case of Lucas Cooper for her custody. Do you know that man almost killed her? Your fatherpletely knows about it, still, he is supporting that man and called her mentally challenged just to win the case and maintain his winning streak. Do you think anybody could still manage toe to school after hearing such news all over?..." Noah hugged Aria who had turned to him as he continued to speak to Jake.


    "...Go and ask your father, what else he is nned to hurt Arrie. She just tried to teach him a small lesson and you are calling her heartless. What should we call your father who is helping a man who is ready to kill Arrie?"


    Jake just got to know his father''s reputation dropped to a certain level because he called mentally ill and he proved Aria was better than the good. He didn''t know his father was fighting against Aria till he spoke to Carter Davis.


    Jake felt bad for Aria after hearing Noah, "I''m sorry..."


    Arria released herself and cut him, "You don''t have to apologize. It wasn''t your mistake. I''m sorry. I will help you back when you need it... Shall I talk to your father? He must be angry with you. me everything on me. I am ok with that."


    Jake shook his head, "My ount or somebody''s ount, the effect would be the same. My father should learn his lesson too."


    Aria nodded, "If you don''t mind, pass on a message to your father from me, ''A wise man changes his mind sometimes, a fool never.'' Thank you."


    Jake nodded and left. Aria turned to Eva who was patting her back, "I have turned heartless."


    Eva sighed and rubbed her back hugging her.


    Rian who exited saw them and ran towards them in panic. He peeled two girls and checked on Aria, "Little Devil! Did anybody say something?"


    Before Aria, Eva spoke pulling Aria back to her, "How dare you take my wife away?... Baby! I need a hug."


    Aria hit her forehead and ran away for some distance, "Eva! Stop flirting with me. People will think about us as something else."


    Eva pointed her chin behind Aria but she didn''t understand her sign and Aria heard a voice, "Oh! I never thought like that."


    Aria who heard the voice next to her ear jerked aside to see n and ran away to Eva. "I will give your hug, I don''t want to go with him." She whispered to Eva standing next to her.


    Noah and Rian repeated their act, "We are not here to steal Goddess from President Morgan. Bye"


    Aria gritted her teeth, "How dare you guys abandon me?"


    Both turned around made a heart shape with their palm at Aria and ran away.


    Eva turned to Aria and patted her cheek, "I love you! You know it right? But my love for you shouldn''t stop you from getting a man for yourself." She quickly gave a hug and ran away making her tongue out.


    Aria kept her poker face and started walking towards the exit. n pursed his lips and saw her passing by him without talking or looking at him.


    He followed her and saw her walking away from the car. He took long strides and held her hand before pulling her to him. "Where are you going?"


    "None of your business." She tried to move away, he pulled her back, "I will take you somewhere, let''s go."


    Aria raised her head and red at him, "I don''t go with a rogue."


    Aria shrugged her hands and walked ahead.

 Chapter 70: Man of a few words

    Chapter 70: Man of a few words


    n faintly smiled looking at her run for life. He took steps faster before scooping her up effortlessly.


    Aria almost shouted but remembering they were in school, she kept her voice low, "Let me go. Stop creating a scene here."


    "Didn''t you call me rogue? I''m proving it." He said nonchntly and made her sit on the shotgun seat. He closed the door and locked it knowing she would run away. He went around seeing her puffed red cheeks.


    Aria was ready to open the door as soon as he unlocks. She opened and her one leg stepped out but n pulled her in and closed the door.


    Aria pushed him to his seat and she sat properly, "I don''t want to go anywhere with you. I will hail... I will go by car, you hail a taxi and go home."


    She had just finished, n went near her making her widen her eyes in shock then she covered her face quickly scaring he was up to something.


    She heard a light chuckle and realized he was putting on the seat belt.


    Her face flushed in embarrassment and sat quietly until n was on the way of the Morgan mansion.


    When he changed the way towards the ring road. Aria started to fish her mobile as she asked frantically.


    "Where are you taking me? This is not the way to the Morgan mansion. I don''t want to go with you. Stop the car. I will go by myself." She almost dialed Amelia''s number when n stopped the car with a frown.


    He hung up the call and asked directly, "Do you trust me?"


    "Huh?" Aria looked at her mobile in his hand and then his tensed brows. She felt like crying, "I trusted you for everything but after what you did yesterday, how can you ask me that question? You even denied to ept it in front of your parents and they must be thinking I''m kind of wanton. How else do you expect me to react?"


    n sighed. He had an urge to hug her and console but he didn''t. "Don''t worry, I will not do anything without your permission. Alright?"


    Aria rxed after hearing him and nodded.


    Both didn''t talk. Aria didn''t know what to talk about. n knew it was very important for her to know yesterday''s behavior hence he didn''t talk until they reached the foot of the uphill.


    Aria was the first to break the silence, "Why are we here?"


    n didn''t reply and alighted.


    Aria took a deep breath to control her tears and alighted the car. They were near her parent''s cemetery.


    n took out two white Lilly banquet from the car trunk. He held them in one hand and held Aria''s palm in another as he entered the cemetery and climbed the stairs.


    Aria looked at her hand in his palm holding gently as he walked without talking. She looked above to control her tears remembering her father and climbed a step behind him.


    She only remembers her mother by a picture so she was more attached to Oliver. As soon as she saw the tomb, tears rolled down making her wipe with her zer sleeves. She repeated in her mind, ''Don''t cry... Don''t cry...''


    n knew she would be emotional after seeing her parents but he wanted to propose her in front of them knowing their importance to her.


    He left her hand and kept a banquet on each tomb. He nced at Aria next to him who was looking at Oliver''s picture. He spoke turning to Oliver Cooper and Emily Parker tombs. "Dad! Mom!..."


    Aria froze hearing how he addressed her parents.


    n continued after holding her hand, "I''m n Morgan. I wanted to ask your permission to take care of your daughter for the rest of my life by loving her unconditionally, standing by her at every up and down of her life. I will be there for her all the time without letting her get hurt."


    Aria bit her lip looking at n who sincerely spoke looking at the tombs just like how he would speak if they were alive. She couldn''t put in words how she felt hearing him talking to her parents.


    She was missing her father and whatever n said also touched her deepest parts.


    n then turned to Aria whose eyes were filled. He held both of her palms in his hands firmly and spoke looking her in the eye.


    He knew she just wanted sincerity in whatever he would say. He didn''t want to make cheesy or dramatic hence he kept it sensible.


    Aria looked at him as the sunset rays made his eyes glitter. His sharp features looked soft so as his gaze on her.


    "You are the only one who I wouldn''t mind losing sleep for, the only one who I can never get tired of talking to, the only one who crosses my mind constantly throughout the day. You''re the only one who can make me smile without trying, bring down my mood without the intention and affect my emotions with every action of yours. I can''t exin with just words how much you mean to me but you are the one I''m afraid of losing and the one I want to keep in my life."


    Aria got many proposals from her school seniors and her batch students. She always had a reason to reject them politely but now she didn''t know how to respond.


    It would be a lie if she says she wasn''t moved by his honesty, by choosing to tell her parents and by telling her how he felt sincerely.


    She would always hear others say they would do anything for her, she was their world, they wouldn''t let her shed a single tear, they will always keep her happy without making her sad and other illogical things dramatically.


    But n didn''t say anything as such. The first line he had told her was, ''I''m there for you.'' and the same thing he said to her parents ''I will be there for her''.


    She knew n was a man of a few words but he always spoke to her. She knew n was a man who shows by action rather than words so whatever he said was only for her so that she could understand him, she shouldn''t run away or throw a fit.


    n who waited for her response didn''t get anything to hear. "Aria... Say something."

 Chapter 71: He doesnt suit me

    Chapter 71: He doesn''t suit me


    "Huh?" Aria realized she was thinking a lot, "You are blushing." She saw his face under faint light which was slightly red.


    n looked away from her controlling his facial expression. Aria craned her head and looked at him which made him put on a poker face that made Aria smile.


    "Let''s go. I''m hungry." Aria said pulling her hand but n held tighter.


    Aria turned back to him, "Are you doing all this out of pity on me?"


    "Nope." His reply was quick not understanding what was going on in her head.


    Aria was still nk. so again she asked a question, "So you want to date me?"


    "Nope." He was straight and swift again.


    Aria was stupified. ''Sh*t! Am I again thinking too much? What the hell is going on? Is it possible I''m dreaming all these after talking with Eva? I don''t love him, why will I get a dream?''


    "Were you saying all these to be my guardian? but why will..."


    He bopped her head, "I want to marry you."


    ''Swoosh''


    Aria froze. Other than wind sound, there was pin-drop silence.


    Aria looked at him nkly for more than half a minute and pointed her hand for him to leave her hand. She took a step back and tried to run away but n had expected it and held her back.


    "Like hell! I''m not even eighteen yet. Are you asking me to think about marriage now? Get lost, I''m going."


    n bopped her head vexing her, "Ms.High IQ! You just have to ept me now."


    Aria red at him for a few seconds, "I will think about it. Let''s go."


    n didn''t leave her hand and didn''t even move.


    Aria sighed and held his arm as she dragged him. "Just now you told me." She nced at the tombs one more time.


    n knew she would start thinking about lots of reasons to reject. He could only wait for her response. He pulled her back and carried her in his arms ignoring her protests.


    Both again didn''t talk in the car until they reached the Morgan mansion right at dinner time.


    Amelia saw them going upstairs, "Arrie, n, have dinner first."


    Both silently went and sat down. The first one to notice their weird behavior was Rowan. The other two were talking about the weekend trip after Aria''s custody case.


    When they almost finished, Aria opened her mouth, "Uncle Rowan, may I ask you a question which I would have asked my Dad?"


    Rowan looked at Amelia. He had already told his wife about what happened in the morning between Aria and n. Rowan and Amelia didn''t want Aria to ask them about living alone.


    Rowan replied, "Sure."


    n who finished his dinner was leaving but heard, "Young Master Morgan. please have a seat. You should listen too." Aria didn''t let him leave.


    n understood what she wanted to talk to his parents.


    Rian chewed his spoon looking at the duo alternatively.


    Amelia spoke feeling tensed, "Arrie, you haven''t taken any stupid decisions. Have you?"


    Aria shook her head, "I wanted to ask, is it okay if I am in a rtionship? The proposal rates are increasing for me."


    Rian sighed loudly, "Little devil! I almost thought you want to live alone looking at your seriousness... Dad, it took two sses to clear her table full of gifts and food. The letters were uncountable. Little devil heard all year proposal today itself. She is in high demand like Sky-high."


    n who heard him nced at Aria. Thetter didn''t even nce at him and rolled her eyes at Rian.


    Amelia and Rowan started to educate Aria about people who go behind her for money, infatuation and looks so she should choose wisely and they would support her.


    Aria kept humming and nodding until she asked, "So how should be the guy who I fall in love?"


    Amelia and Rowan chuckled lightly. Both started to tell small yet important things.


    "Fall in love with someone who loves the way youugh and would do absolutely anything to hear it." Amelia said.


    "Fall in love with someone who kisses you in public and is proud to show you off to anyone they know." Rowan said proudly looking at his wife which naturally brought a smile on Amelia''s face.


    "Fall in love with someone who makes you question why you were afraid to fall in love in the first ce." Amelia continued after Rowan giving him a sweet smile.


    "Fall in love with someone who would never ever want to hurt you." Rowan looked at Aria and said firmly.


    "Fall in love with someone who falls in love with your ws and thinks you are perfect just the way you are." Amelia pinched Aria''s cheek as she said.


    "Fall in love with someone who thinks that you are the ONE they would love to wake up to each day." Rowan finished with a blissful smile.


    Before Aria, Rian spoke, "Are you guys a young couple? Oh god! your PDA is killing me."


    Aria kicked his leg under the table before looking at Rowan and Amelia who were embarrassed by their son. "You guys are so much in love after so long years."


    Rowan and Amelia saw Aria''s infatuated eyes and chuckled.


    Aria turned to n who was ying dumb heard everything. "Young Master Morgan, are you really fine with thest two whatever Aunty and Uncle said?"


    Rian, Amelia, and Rowan looked at each other.


    Aria saw n ring at her and his ears slightly turning pink, "Fine, I understood. Don''t start blushing." Aria embarrassed him before breaking the news.


    "Out in all the proposal, there is one which I thought to tell you guys."


    Rian''s smile widened. Rowan asked to confirm, "Who?"


    Everyone''s eyes were on Aria whose right-hand forefinger pointed n.


    The trio sighed and sat back baffling Aria. That wasn''t the reaction she expected.


    Rian patted n, "I thought you will make yourself call brother by realizing toote. From the looks, my Little devil hasn''t said yes! try harder."


    Aria saw him get up and going to his room. ''Wasn''t that too mild? Like really? One is your best friend and the other one is your elder brother.''


    Aria turned to Amelia and Rowan. She was expecting some serious scolding, talking and any one of them not like them to be together but...


    "n, work harder for yes. I have to inform to your grandfather." Rowan said as he stood up then walked towards stairs.


    Amelia joined him saying, "So our high drama of sending them on dates worked. I thought my muddled son will take years toe to his senses."


    Aria''s mouth was wide open in shock seeing their reaction and hearing them talk.


    n knew his parents'' purpose behind the dates after the second date so their reaction wasn''t shocking to him. He looked at Aria who was looking at stairs in bewilderment.


    ''Is there anybody who could say he doesn''t suit me?''


    ''Is there anyone who can help me find a reason to reject him?''

 Chapter 72: Arrie! My love

    Chapter 72: Arrie! My love


    Aria nced at n and went towards the stairs to go to her room. Thetter followed her and scooped her up before she could take a step on stairs.


    "Young Master Morgan, put me down. I have legs too." Aria couldn''t understand why he always carries her.


    "I know." n''s reply made her dumbfounded.


    He left her near her room door and went to his room. He got fresh and racked his brain before going to her. Without knowing if it''s yes or no, he had no mood to work or sleep or do anything.


    Like every time, her every action affected him.


    Aria was in her armchair after getting fresh. She was thinking about what to do or should she call Eva but she heard a knock and n entered.


    "Why are you here? I haven''t decided yet." Aria stood up going far thinking he might do like the previous day.


    n easily pulled her to his arms and kissed her forehead affectionately.


    Aria couldn''t understand why she bes obedient and feels calm as soon as he kisses her forehead.


    She raised her head a little and spoke looking at him, She didn''t get angry nor annoyed. Her pleasant yet feeble voice sounded. "I haven''t said yes yet."


    n pecked on her cheek gently, "You haven''t said no either." His stolid tone sounded clear.


    n saw her turning pink and pecked on the other cheek making her slowly melt in his arms.


    Aria couldn''t push him to break free and again spoke, "That doesn''t mean Yes."


    He kissed on her eyelids and replied, "That doesn''t mean ''No'' either."


    He caressed her head and continued looking at her, "If you stay with me, I promise to make you smile every day with my random kisses. I promise to hold your hand when you need someone to walk through the storm. I promise to share my food with you andugh at your stupid jokes. I will listen when you tell me about how horrible your day was when youe home from work or school or college. I promise to hold you in my arms when you feel like your whole world is crashing down... I''ll make you see that there are a million reasons why you should stay with me."


    n kissed on her nose looking at her dazed face. From near he could see her supple skin shimmering brightly under the light. Her long curledshes batted asionally giving him an urge to touch them.


    His voice was mesmeric and alluring with his gentle and soft kisses. His words touched her inner self. She felt the time had stopped looking at him who was looking at her as he caressed her hair.


    After a long time, she spoke about her worry, "Nothing scares me more than someone loving me one day and deciding they don''t want me the next. Nothing terrifies me more than being close to someone and then watching them be a stranger again... Having nobody means having no one to lose. I already lostpletely, I don''t think I will have the strength to stand up again."


    n rubbed her back lightly hearing her choke on words and seeing her eyes filling up.


    "You will have me and I have no intention to leave you." His voice carried a cidness to Aria.


    She wanted to flee when she heard ''Marry me'' in the cemetery but she really felt warm hearing it and knowing he didn''t want to date for few years to think whether to marry her or not. She was the only one he wanted in his life from dating to marriage to'' until death.


    "l am not perfect. I say stupid things sometimes. Iugh when I''m not supposed to. I''m a little crazy and probably won''t change. Love me or not. But I make one promise that if I say yes, I do it with my full heart."


    She finished saying and stood straight leaning on him as she raised her hand and held his shirt resting her head on his chest calming herself.


    She had got many proposals but the one which took her time to think of a reason for rejection was his proposal, one that touched her soul was his proposal, one that felt sincere, honest and heart touching was his proposal.


    n''s smile was very tender and his crazy scared heartbeats calmed down. He wrapped his hands around her and kissed her head.


    He thought he might need too many days to hear her response. He was proud of himself for deciding to talk with her.


    Aria tried to release herself but he didn''t leave instead he tightened which made Aria grin mischievously and say, "Young Master Morgan, I haven''t said yes yet. You should leave me now."


    n''s hands loosened hearing her, "Aria?"


    "I said If I say yes, when did I agree to you?"


    n repeated whatever she said in his head and realized she was right verbally, "Then why did you hug me?"


    Aria was very calm, "Weren''t you kissing me without permission? I hugged you, simple. How can that mean yes?"


    n''s face turned grim. "Who hugs just like that?"


    Aria controlled her smile, "Who kisses just like that?"


    "Aria!"


    "Young Master Morgan, ''It''s a yes'' after I go on dates with a few boys as you had gone with some too. I will think about tagging you along."


    n''s face started to turn dark then realized she said yes. He pinched her cheeks before pulling her to embrace.


    Aria giggled and was about to wrap her hands, her mobile rang. Seeing him not leave, she punched him before picking her mobile to see Eva face-timing.


    "You, go to your room. I need to talk."


    n started chuckling hearing her causal tone leaving the hint of elderly respect she was giving for his age and position. He ignored her and answered the call.


    Aria hit her forehead and faced Eva waving her hand, "Eva, Young..." She couldn''t finish, ''Young master Morgan is here.''


    "Hush! My wifey is safe and sound. I almost thought you were eaten up by Prince. So what happened after I left? Is my goddess ditching me? Sob, sob... What will I do without you? I''m going to beat up the prince. How dare he take my wife away?... By the way! I didn''t even start properly, why are you already blushing?"


    Aria moved her hand away to show n who just stoppedughing and waved his hand at Eva whose eyes were wide open with her mouth in shock.


    n helped Aria to hold mobile so that two can fit on the screen.


    Eva pointed at the screen moving her finger seeing n keep his elbow on Aria''s shoulder and he was elbowed by Aria eventually.


    "Eva!"


    "Evvie!"


    "Young Miss Miller" Aria couldn''t make her talk and she didn''t know whether tough or not.


    "Ms.Miller! Don''t worry. I will not take your wife away... We can share." n said in a straight face with a convincing tone.


    Pfft -


    Aria looked at n in horror. Eva wasughing her ass off.


    n moved Aria''s head to face Eva. Thetter excitedly announced, "Arrie! My love! You can''t escape me. Even Prince is on my side..."

 Chapter 73: Its too late to regret

    Chapter 73: It''s toote to regret


    "Hey! Wait, I am adding Noah and Rian." Eva quickly got into action.


    "<strong>Eva Miller</strong><strong>!</strong>" Aria knew all would start teasing her. She red at n, "Talk to them yourself! I''m going"


    n easily pulled her to him wrapping his hand around her waist which wasn''t visible to Eva. Aria felt her waist too small held by his big palm. She held his palm to escape from his touch which made n intertwine their fingers.


    Eva coughed, "Arrie, I can see all your facial expressions. Control control."


    Noah stared at the screen, "Am I seeing things? Our goddess is blushing and standing with <strong>PRINCE</strong> at <strong>THIS TIME</strong> in <strong>HER ROOM</strong>. Guys, what''s going on?"


    Rian snorted, "Little devil! How can you say Yes so soon? You could have yed my brother for at least six months given your demand."


    "Oh! Second young master! I will remember that."


    Noah chuckled, "Rian. Congrattions on provoking President Morgan. And Our Goddess is taken. Should we call Brother n as Brother-inw?"


    "Hey!..." Aria was cut in.


    "Sister-inw!" Rian dramatically addressed Aria leaving her speechless.


    "Wifey, How should I address my love rival?"


    ... ... ...


    Aria was tongue-tied in the whole conversation. n enjoyed her every expression. They ended the call after deciding to party next weekend on the trip which was n''s treat.


    Aria looked like a red apple when they hung up the call. n poked her cheek, "I have got your friends'' permission too."


    Aria rolled her eyes, "Had fun seeing me getting teased?"


    n promptly responded, "Certainly! We can do it weekly once with all. I didn''t know having friends is fun too." But he had fun only looking at her.


    Aria: "..."


    n chuckled seeing her pout in anger and embraced her kissing her forehead. An angered Aria looked too cute to him.


    ''<em>Did I make a mistake saying yes? Isn''t he aloof? Why did he join this crazy trio to tease me?</em>''


    "Okay! Okay! Leave now. I''m sleepy." Aria was pushing n out but he turned around holding her hands.


    "Heartless girl! How can you throw me out of the room on our first day itself?"


    "Hey! Eva was kidding. Go to your room." Aria went far from him making him chuckle.


    ''<em>Spend the night together... We will not disturb.</em>'' Eva had said it with a wink at Aria.


    ''<em>Dirty Eva! I''m going to kill you.</em>'' Aria thought to herself and n reached her. He bobbed her head. "Dummy"


    Even though he does gently, Aria still pouted and punched him. "Young Master Morgan, it''ste. You should also rest. Good night."


    He bent and bit her cheek. Aria was about to punch, he left her and said, "n!" He gently rubbed her soft cheek with his finger seeing his teeth mark.


    "Huh? I know your name...Oooh, you want me to call you by your name. Were you getting vexed in the past because I was calling you President Morgan?"


    n hummed and carried her towards the bed. Aria was already used to him carrying her around. "Young master Morgan sounds good."


    She finished and tried to run away from bed seeing him sit on the bed, "What are you doing?"


    n sighed resignedly, "Nothing happens as your friend says. I will leave after you fall asleep. Come here."


    He didn''t know whether tough at her behavior or scold her for taking Eva''s teasing seriously. He leaned on the headrest and pulled her to him. "Stop overthinking."


    Aria thought not to go by whatever Eva says and she decided to put her whole trust on him.


    She was pulled to his arms. His one hand wrapped her shoulder as her cheek rested on his chest making her feel like a small kid.


    n smiled seeing her curled up lips as she snuggled closing her eyes. "Good night"


    Aria''s smile widened hearing his voice, "I''m having one."


    <em>Who will not like to get pampered?</em> She was enjoying his full attention.


    n was happy hearing her. His n was to spoil her rotten and be her everything to make her stop feeling insecure.


    He was surprised to see her fall asleep faster. He carefullyid her on the bed and tucked her in before leaving for his room.


    --


    The two woke up after their good night''s sleep. Finishing their exercises, Aria went downstairs for breakfast in white shorts and full sleeves pullover.


    Rian went behind her in uniform, "Little devil, don''t waste your blood for the DNA tests." He plucked a single strand of hair and handed her, "Give this."


    Aria chuckled, "As My Beauty wishes." Aria had to give a sample for the DNA test and go through some psychological tests to prove she was fine.


    Amelia, Rowan, and n were already sitting when they entered. Aria was going next to Amelia, as usual, but she was pulled back by her pullover from Rian, "That''s my ce now."


    He left her near n, "Bro! Take care of your <strong>Young Lady</strong>."


    Aria: "..."


    n stood up and pulled a chair for her next to him. Seeing her re Rian, he moved her and made her sit then he sat down.


    Amelia and Rowan looked at the new couple in admiration. Aria couldn''t take their gaze with her poker face and covered her face with the te.


    Rian burst intoughter, "Little Devil... Even you know to be a shy little girl. It''s toote to regret now."


    n pulled her te away with impassive expression and served her. Aria gritted her teeth, "I have my hands."


    n finished serving and said, "I know."


    Aria: "..."


    Rian chuckled, "Arrie, hadn''t I told you? Only my brother can tame you... Yeah yeah, only you can tame him too."


    Rowan coughed lightly, "Can anyone of you say what is the status? Pursuing or ''<strong>It''s a yes</strong>''"


    Aria took a mouthful and behaved dumb and deaf. n ignored them.


    Rian rolled his eyes at the new couple and answered his parents who were eagerly waiting to hear without eating. "Little Devil was too easy on Bro. It was yes yesterday night. Isn''t it? <strong>Sister-inw</strong>"


    Aria choked on her mouthful and coughed very badly. n who was next to her naturally tended to her giving a feast to his parent''s eyes.


    Ariaposed and chased after Rian in the living hall beating him. She let him off-hook after they heard they would gette.


    The housekeeper who heard everything was very happy for them. While talking she said ''<strong>Young Madam</strong>'' from which Aria spat out milk which she was drinking.


    "Aunty Lilly, it''s Young Miss. Young Miss Cooper. You can call me Aria also."


    The housekeeper just smiled.


    Amelia brought the topic again, "Arrie! Address me as Mom. Come on, try it."


    Amelia was over moon from the time she got to know Aria said yes that made her feed Rowan more than usual. Thetter didn''t mind at all.


    n who didn''t respond to anything till that turned to Aria after hearing Amelia.


    Aria knew he was expecting her to call Mom and Dad too. She felt everything new and too quick. She wanted it toe naturally.


    She wanted to ept her and n''s new rtionship slowly falling in love, not just because of the confession. She wanted to know him and understand him. Simrly, he should know about her too so that she does everything wholeheartedly but not by anybody''s wish.


    <em>''Am I wishing too much?''</em> Aria thought to herself ncing at Amelia who was very happy and expectant.

 Chapter 74: President Cooper is getting angry

    Chapter 74: President Cooper is getting angry


    n rubbed her head, "Give her some time." He didn''t want to force her.


    Aria''s lips slightly tilted up hearing him understanding her which made her feel like she should also address how he addressed her parents.


    Before Amelia could respond, Aria spoke, "How about Mum and Pop? I will be more special than your dumb sons."


    n was surprised along with others too. Amelia who initially felt low brightened up instantly, "That sounds fun. I have boring sons." She smacked Rian who was giving thumbs up to Aria.


    Aria giggled seeing Rian''s dark face. "I might take a little time. I will get adjusted to it soon."


    Rowan and Amelia were very happy to hear that. Rian red at his parents, "You two! Better pamper me alone. Now My Little devil has one to overly overindulge her."


    All smiled at Rian. He left soon to school with the driver. Aria was leaving with n but Amelia stopped.


    "Arrie, are you going like this?"


    "Yep!" Aria thought getting ready wasn''t required.


    Amelia shook her head, "What if reporters are present?"


    "I don''t care... Aunt... Mum, you want me to get ready for your son. Don''t you?"


    Amelia grinned getting caught. Aria continued, "Is it so important to get dressed?"


    Amelia was thinking a crafty reply, n carried her upstairs leaving his parents astounded.


    n left her near her room ignoring her re whole time, "Let me see how you can look on our official first date."


    Aria breathed through her mouth to remain calm, "Why don''t I know we are going on date? I have other things to do."


    n nodded but added, "That was a great excuse. I will be waiting." He pecked on her cheek quickly and escaped.


    ''<em>Fine! I fulfill your request. Just wait.</em>'' Aria thought to herself rubbing her cheek and got ready quickly.


    The sporty lookpletely changed to the sweet little girl''s look when she descended stairs.


    Amelia looked at the stairs opening her mouth wide, "Oh! God. This girl... Honey! Is there a way for me to change to a young man? A she looks so cute and pretty... Dainty, sweet and adorable."


    Rowan didn''t know what to say to his wife.


    n didn''t want to take Aria out anymore. He didn''t want anybody to see her. He was cent percent sure, she was doing it to teach him not to challenge her without thinking.


    Aria was wearing off-shoulder full sleeve ck and white striped top in-shirted in brown short high waist circr skirt showing off her wless pearly slender legs. She matched with ck ankle straps high heels, ck sling bag, loose curls, and baby pink lips.


    A Delicate doll.


    n felt his heartbeats were crazily high as she went closer to him. She gave him a beautiful smile making his heart skip a beat. The impassive expression was changing greatly on his face without his control.


    Aria stood in front of Amelia, "Now?"


    Amelia kept both palms on her heart, "Arrie! I think I born at the wrong time. I am in love with you."


    Aria chuckled lightly and flicked her fingers in front of n, "President Morgan, where have you lost?"


    Rowan shook his head resignedly. Amelia burst intoughter. "Our dumb son is head over heels in love with Arrie."


    Aria controlled her expression and repeated n''s dialogue, "I know."


    n stood up and walked towards exit holding her hand. Aria was chuckling following him but n pinned her on the car making her eyes wide open.


    "Seems like Young Miss Cooper enjoys embarrassing me."


    Aria''s heartbeats raised quickly as his slender finger slowly traced her neck till corbone and hearing his bewitching tone. "You... You..."


    She regretted wearing the off-shoulder top feeling his finger damn slowing moving down her corbone.


    n''s lips raised high seeing her blush and at a loss of words. He didn''t continue to tease her seeing a gardener nearby. He opened the car door for her and saw her swiftly move in before breathing a sigh.


    He just smiled and took the driver seat as Aria started chiding him. He didn''t mind and changed the topic soon to talk.


    They reached the governmentb. Aria did as Rian told and made Lucas Cooper fume in anger. Then she spoke to a psychiatrist before leaving.


    n led her out as he asked, "What did that doctor say?"


    Aria controlled her smile andmented, "She said that I have lost my mind to say yes to you."


    n nced at her and pinched her cheek, "Then you don''t need to have a brain."


    Aria removed his hand and rubbed her cheek. She tried to pinch his cheek but she didn''t get to touch either as he held her hand.


    Aria pouted and was exiting the building, they heard Lucas Cooper''s voice who watched their interactionpletely.


    "President Morgan, a man with a hustle needs a woman with a vision, not a little girl who likes to party."


    Then he snorted looking at Aria, "Sold yourself."


    Aria held n''s arm as she replied, "I think Mr.Lucas Cooper referring himself. I must say your mistress had a great vision. And Sold? At least, I get the love and care in return which you will never understand."


    Aria turned to n, "Let''s go. It''s very dirty here. I feel nauseous just by standing."


    n narrowed his eyes at Lucas Cooper and went with Aria whose mood had naturally dampened.


    Lucas Cooper clenched his fist and looked at the departing figures. He hadn''t thought much when he saw Aria and n together. But after seeing them today, he was sure they weren''t just a guardian and ward.


    He called a number on his mobile as he exited. He spoke right after he heard the response, "Did you know Aria and n Morgan are in a rtionship?"


    "Why the hell didn''t you tell me? Even if I win the case, they can re-appeal and push it for a few months every time. Do you... Hello... Hello..."


    He hung up and was fuming when he hopped in his car to follow n''s car.


    n had sessfully cheered her and drove towards the Morgan Industries. He quickly noticed the car following and made Lucas Cooper get stuck in a traffic signal easily.


    Lucas Cooper''s car was a normal sedan and n was driving a hybrid sports car. There was no match in the cars or the driving skills.


    Aria entered Morgan industries with n as she spoke, "Didn''t you say we are going on a date? All go around to different ces or malls, movies, shopping or other fun activities. What are we doing? First, we went to the state administration office thening to your office to attend a meeting. Wow! You have such a unique taste. I''m greatly impressed."


    n smiled hearing herin like a little girlfriend and took her towards his office, "What to do? I have to work overtime because of President Cooper."


    Aria elbowed him, "You dare toin to President Cooper about herself. Do you want me to demote you?"


    "President Cooper is getting angry." He poked her cheek as they entered his office.


    Nathan''s eyes and mouth were wide open in shock with the rest of the secretaries.

 Chapter 75: Beloved!

    Chapter 75: Beloved!


    The first reason was looking at n in a maroon color pullover, trendy jacket, and jeans. The second was seeing his smile. The third was seeing his various expressions. The fourth was n''s wounded hand around Aria''s shoulder. The fifth was Aria hitting n and thetter didn''t even get angry. They could sit and list more all day.


    They doubted if the entered man was President Morgan or his replica.


    Aria was weed by Isaac who was waiting for them. "Hey Superstar!" She went towards the couch where Isaac threw the magazine and n went towards his desk.


    "Hey, Beautiful! How about lunch today? I really want to steal you away." Isaac red at n for stealing his cutie Goddess, "Is he again going on date with somebody?"


    Aria realized n hadn''t told him about them. She hummed. "Isn''t my fate cruel? (sigh)"


    Isaac hummed feeling bad for her, "Shall I take you out somewhere? Let him go alone and meet the girl."


    Aria nodded, "Ask him."


    n who heard them, saw Isaac going to him in the grim face, "n, stop torturing Aria. If you want, you go on date. I will take Aria out."


    n nced at Aria who was controlling her smile. "Ask your Investor who is my date."


    Isaac was vexed, "How does that matter?" He turned to Aria, "Aria, Who is she?"


    Aria nonchntly replied, "Your investor."


    He nodded and turned back to n, "I asked. Now I will... My investor?... Aria is your date?" Nobody they mention as his investor other than Aria.


    n didn''t respond. Aria who had reached them patted on his shoulder, "Not bad. You are sharp."


    Isaac digested what he got to know before he could open his mouth, "n, you said you will confess Aria after her birthday."


    It was Aria''s turn to be stunned.


    She didn''t expect Amelia and Rowan to n about dates. She didn''t expect Rian to be so very chilled about them. She never thought Isaac knew about n and what he had nned.


    n moved her chin up to close her mouth. Aria moved his hand away seeing him purse his lips to controlughing at her.


    "President Morgan, Go andplete your meeting. I''m noting with you."


    She abandoned him to know about him.


    She held Isaac''s jacket and pulled him towards the couch. Isaac wasn''t sure what was going on. He followed her in perplex and sat down.


    "Isaac, now tell me from beginning to end what you know about. Miss a single detail, I will sell you off."


    Isaac was in dilemma and asked cautiously, "Why are you on a date with him?"


    Aria said straightaway, "He confessed me."


    Isaac breathed a sigh of relief. He almost thought he let out n''s secret. Later Isaac told her everything he knew about n rted to her.


    Aria heard everything intently from the beginning to the end which also made her understand n rather better.


    n went alone to the meeting and finished. When he returned, Isaac was telling Aria about n''s school stories.


    "... Everyone thought he would say yes seeing her announce in front of everyone but he had just walked away throwing the banquet to bin wiping his hand with a tissue. He didn''t even turn when she was crying."


    "Such a heartless man." Aria said and nced at n who was going towards them.


    "Ms. Heartless, let''s go for lunch." He pulled her up keeping the cushion aside from herp.


    "Come on" Aria called Isaac as she went with n.


    In the elevator, Aria saw Isaac angrily staring at n who didn''t care to ask him for lunch.


    A mischievous glint shed in her eyes. She patted his arm, "Don''t worry! I will not take your wifey away. We can share him happily..."


    n''s lips twitched and he remembered what he had told Eva.


    Isaac was baffled beforeposing hearing her chuckle looking at both men''s faces. "Sure! My wife''s half sry belongs to me. You can keep him all days, I will not disturb you guys..."


    He continued to offer as they went to the nearest restaurant by walk.


    Aria wasughing at his dramatics and spoke to him during lunch. Isaac also wished to join in their weekend trip which Aria agreed instantly.


    After lunch, Isaac left and n finished some work before taking Aria out.


    They just walked around before going for dinner near the riverside restaurant. Later both watched the musical water fountain till dark.


    Aria was sitting on the car bo eating her icecream when n asked, "Did My little President like our first date?"


    Aria bobbed her head and gave a sweet smile before continuing to eat.


    n''s lips tilted up knowing she liked and took her ice cream before feeding her as they spoke...


    Aria was asleep in the car by the time they reached the Morgan mansion around half-past twelve. n didn''t know whether her smile was because of their day or she was dreaming, still, his lips curled up looking at her.


    He carried her to her room asking her to sleep when she woke up. After tucking her in and making sure she was sleeping, he went to his room.


    He never thought just talking and strolling could also make one happy.


    One who always went to bed tiring himself at work had a smile going to bed from the previous day. He didn''t miss to notice those changes either.


    ----


    The next day was Sunday ditch, Aria informed the maid that she won''t be going down for breakfast and she was sleeping a little longer.


    Rian did the same but Aria was woken up by n after his breakfast.


    She wasn''t woken up by kisses orpliments or concerned filled words or coax.


    He chided her. "I didn''t know you are sozy and dirty. Do you remember when you took a bath? Do you remember brushing your teeth yesterday night? Ms.President, for your kind information, you didn''t bathe or brush yesterday night. Will you wake up or shall I throw you in the bathtub?"


    Aria''s eyes were wide open leaning on the headrest. "Do I have to teach you how to wake me up? Who wakes up their... ..."


    n saw her darting eyes and poked in to know whether she would say ward or girlfriend or something else, "Their...?"


    "<strong>Beloved!</strong>" She stuck her tongue out and giggled.


    n was greatly impressed by her choice of the word. He pulled her and kissed her on the cheek making her go pink, "I will wake you up like this."


    Aria wasn''t sure what to tell and escaped to the bathroom. She wasn''t expecting a kiss, she thought to teach him how to coax.


    Amelia who was eavesdropping from the beginning coughed lightly near the door to get n''s attention.


    n nced at her with an indifferent face and made Aria''s bed as he heard Amelia.


    "I thought you don''t know anything but it seems like you are better than your father. A it was so cute... If you want tips,e to me. Now I have to teach your father first."


    She left adoring what she saw just now.

 Chapter 76: Excellent house husband

    Chapter 76: Excellent house husband


    n looked at his mother leaving and at the room door. He was thinking whether he should change the door to auto-locking or should he lock every time he enters because his mother loved to snoop on his son and daughter-inw to be.


    Aria''s hands were held by n''s hand the whole time when he fed her breakfast in her room. Aria who initially protested ate responding to his silly questions before he left her to go to Noah''s house with Rian and Eva. They had a school project work toplete.


    n went to meet Oliver Cooper''s advocate to get some information about six years back. He got some explosive news that could put Lucas Cooper behind bars with his first session lies.


    It also made n feel rxed knowing Aria wouldn''t have to live in fear.


    Aria and all quickly started their project as they yed around teasing each other. Eva and Aria noticed Noah''s sister Zara crying when she entered the mansion and ran upstairs.


    "Noah, why sister Zara is crying? What happened?"


    Noah sighed as he traced his elder sister running and enter her room. "Boyfriend problems... They were very close and Sis used to be very happy from the past six months but I don''t know what happened suddenly fromst week, I always saw her swollen eyes. I think he is avoiding her or some other problems. She didn''t tell me when I asked, she was mumbling like she is useless, unattractive and all."


    Aria and Eva looked at each other. Noah''s sister was very beautiful and too innocent. She was innocent to the level where she even believed their jokes. She always pampered Eva and Aria like her own sisters.


    Aria and Eva''s deduction was Noah''s sister Zara gave too much to the rtionship getting nothing in return making her feel all that.


    The two girls wanted to talk to Zara but Noah stopped them, "Sis doesn''t like to share her sad feelings unless she feels like to do. So let''s give her time."


    Aria and Eva could only nod. They continued their work and y.


    Rian soon absconded to meet Mian at a cafe. Rian and Mian were shipped in the school forum due to their name. That''s how both got to know each other.


    Mian was a sweet and understanding girl. She never doubted on Aria and Rian when they were shipped or by seeing him having a good rtionship with Aria or knowing Aria staying in the Morgan mansion.


    That was on the surface to be on the good side of Rian. Thetter believed her and was thinking about dating her instead of being friends knowing Mian had a crush on him.


    Rian entered the cafe to see I Turner sitting with Mian. Rian felt like his stomach turn and had the urge to puke.


    He tried his best not to break her face, "Mian, what is she doing here?"


    I Turner gave him an alluring smile, "Second young master Morgan seems to be displeased with my presence."


    Mian showed dissatisfaction, "Have a seat first... Rian, she is my friend. How can you say that?"


    Rian smirked, "When did that happen? Mian, stay away from her."


    I and Mian looked at each other. Rian didn''t know those two were friends for a very long time. I wanted to get close to Rian Morgan to reach n Morgan.


    "Rian, why do I have to stay away from her? Why are saying all these? Can you not be like this? please."


    She was pleading making Rian feel helpless and fume at the same time. "Mian, she tried to hurt Arrie and she wants my bro. What else do you need?"


    Mian held his hand which was on the table and spoke convincingly, "Rian, can you stop getting influenced by your friend? I tried to hurt her is what you are saying but your friend hurt I is the fact. Not the other way around. And what''s wrong in liking somebody? Doesn''t she have the right to like? Please, don''t be so innocent to believe just anybody."


    Rian knew whatever she said was the truth. Aria didn''t get hurt even once but she always told negatives about I''s doing. I loves n but Aria told her off to n which ruined I''s career.


    "So you mean Arrie is manipting all the time to get all our sympathy." Rian analyzed.


    I Turner''s lips turned up slightly celebrating inside.


    Mian continued being a good girl, "I don''t know all that. I have only heard from you and I. You know her better than us. I just want to say, don''t follow anybody blindly and please stop treating my friends with animosity. It hurts."


    Rian smiled bitterly and patted her backhand. "I understand... Let''s order something."


    They had coffee and continued to talk for a long time before they dispersed. Rian returned to the Woods mansion for dinner.


    Eva and Aria didn''t notice Rian''s foul mood as they were thinking about Noah''s sister Zara.


    After dinner, Rian and Aria were picked by n and Eva was picked by her driver.


    Aria was trying to convince Rian that Eva and she wants to watch their semifinals in the capital city. But Rian gave indifferent face, "Why do you want to ruin your throat? Stay here."


    "Beauty..." Aria called him but he entered his room and shut the door.


    Aria wanted to convince but n held her back, "Get fresh. I have something to tell you."


    Aria nodded and went to her room thinking to convince Rian the next day.


    n entered her room when she was drying her hair. As soon as Aria saw him, she hugged the hairdryer and pointed him at the daybed to sit. "Sit there. Five minutes, I wille."


    n remembered what he had done seeing her hold the hairdryer tight. "Aria!"


    "No! I''m not giving you this. n... Leave... you will burn my hair... n." Aria couldn''t fight anymore seeing hairdryer in his hand.


    "You are really pathetic. Do you know how much it pains when such hot hair sts on hair roots... Leave, I will not dry my hair anymore."


    Aria was going away, he pulled her back on the chair. "I am sorry... My hairdryer has only hot or cold. Why do you have so many temperature options in yours? and yeah, if you teach me, I will learn. How can I know if you run away." he spoke looking at her through the mirror.


    Aria rxed knowing he wants to learn instead of putting her hair on fire. She taught him about temperature settings, how to use and when to use. n heard and learned including how to curl using tong and using curling brush.


    After an hour, Aria was impressed by his speed of learning and how her hair looked, "You can be an excellent house husband. Hehehehe."


    n smiled seeing her beaming. He carried her to the daybed as he responded, "Why not? I have My little president to earn for us."

 Chapter 77: Attempted to kill

    Chapter 77: Attempted to kill


    Aria chuckled as he made her sit and pulled her to lean on him. He mentioned where was Lucas Cooper for six years.


    "I met Dad Oliver''s advocate today. Lucas cooper was in prison for six years. He was released a month and ten days back. He was prisoned for the attempt to murder and threaten."


    Aria turned around to face him, "Did Dad do it for me?"


    n hummed.


    She didn''t even think that way because Lucas Cooper was his father. Sending him to prison would hurt him too but he had to be strong for her and manage everything alone without letting anybody know it so that family name shouldn''t be affected.


    "Don''t think too much." He saw her mood dampen thinking about her father.


    He caressed her head as he continued, "The butler had recorded from his mobile. That was used as proof and advocate said that Dad knew it would affect the family name hence he managed to keep under wrap and didn''t mention to anybody... When you were unconscious, Lucas Cooper was frightened hence he had left everything Dad gave him so he basically took nothing and ran away."


    Aria nodded and leaned on him looking outside. n didn''t want to make her sad but he had to tell her before the next session so she should be aware.


    "Aria." She hummed looking at him. "Dad started to prepare his will and testament fromst year. Even though police closed the ident case I don''t think it''s an unexpected car ident..."


    Aria cut in as her eyes turned red, "Somebody was nning against him and... and he was prepared. If... if he knew why wasn''t he on guards?"


    n felt helpless seeing her tears. He gently wiped her cheeks as he responded, "We are still investigating it. That is just spection... If you cry like this, how do you expect me to tell these types of matters?"


    Aria pursed her lips and became quite. n sighed, "Okay Okay I will tell you but you have to promise me that you will not sit and cry alone."


    Aria hummed and didn''t cry for a long time. n coaxed her and mentioned, "As we don''t know the person behind this, you should avoid going out alone. Alright?"


    Aria hummed again.


    They spoke for some time until she fell asleep in his arms. Heid her on the bed and wiped her face with a warm towel before he went to his room.


    n''s people who were trying to get information were reaching a dead end and there was no clue who could n against Oliver''s life.


    He initially thought Lucas Cooper must be behind it but nobody visited him and he couldn''t contact anybody from inside unless he used one of the early released prisoners.


    He wanted to clear up the path for Aria before she takes over thepany so that nobody should hurt her.


    ----


    Aria attended sses on Monday and Tuesday normally as n picked and dropped her.


    She waspletely confused about why Rian was running away from her and their conversation was getting weird.


    Noah and Eva convinced her as she was overthinking.


    Rian who created fuss to take him to the courtroom for the first session didn''t care on the second. He just got ready and left for school without telling anything to Aria.


    Aria was rooted in the living hall looking at the main door when n went behind her and rubbed her head, "What''s wrong?"


    Aria shook her head and was leaving, he held her back, "If not me, who are you going to tell?"


    Aria bit her lip unsure of whether to tell him or not. She didn''t want to sound likeining.


    "You just have to listen and drop it." Aria continued after seeing him nod, "I feel like Rian is avoiding me. I initially thought I might be overthinking. Even Eva and Noah said the same but it is getting obvious that he is avoiding me or he is trying to hide something by avoiding me. I''m not sure either... Anyway, I will solve it, you don''t interfere."


    n understood she didn''t want to create misunderstanding between brothers hence she didn''t want to tell him.


    He took a step to hug her but Amelia grinneding behind Aria. "I would have loved to watch but we will gette. How about after returning? I will not disturb, I promise."


    Aria was confused about why Amelia said it. She hadn''t noticed n as her gaze was on the door thinking about Rian. "Mum, what do you want to watch? Is there a movie you are interested in?"


    n and Amelia looked at each other. Thetter burst intoughter pinching her cheeks. The former removed her hands off and took confused Aria out.


    n didn''t respond to Aria''s questions and got few punches for not responding and took her to the courthouse. Amelia and Rowan were in a different car with security.


    The reports who thought they would be low profile again were dumbstruck to see six cars entering.


    Aria and n were in his sports car led and followed by a ck Bentley security car. Amelia and Rowan were in Mercedes Maybach between two security cars.


    Excluding Aria, others were in formals. Aria purposefully wore short dungaree making herself looking like a junior school girl.


    In the second session, Aria didn''t have anything to speak. The session started off with submitting a DNA report that matched which was enough to say Lucas Cooper had a blood rtionship with Aria and her test reports also submitted saying she had no problem.


    Then Advocate Davis submitted the six years record of Lucas Cooper staying in Country Y.


    "Your honor, with your permission, I would like to call prison Warden Goody on deck for a few questions."


    Lucas Cooper''s expression was ugly so as Advocate Davis. They hadn''t found Oliver''s advocate before they filed hence they had thought it couldn''t be out and nobody knew but...


    Oliver''s advocate was retired and was living away from the city hence it was difficult to get his track.


    Both checked in the courtroom but they didn''t find Mr.Goody.


    Main judge: "Permission granted."


    A man in mid-forties wearing suit entered the courtroom when his name called.


    A mocking smile appeared on Advocate Davis''s face. He had guessed Aria and the Morgan''s had something to win the case but he thought to prove it false but now given the history of Lucas Cooper, thew would never agree for Aria''s guardianship upon that Lucas Cooper was on the way to prison for lying and creating fake proofs.


    Mr.Goody introduced himself before answering Advocate Tetley''s question, "Mr.Goody, do you know this man?"


    Goody responded, "Yes! He was in prison for six years on the criminal record."


    Advocate Tetley took the case result papers and passed it to the main judge, "Your Honor, I don''t understand when Mr.Cooper was in prison for six years, how he lived in Country Y. These are the result of case number XXXX XXXX which clearly states that Mr.Cooper had attempted to kill President Cooper when she was just thirteen. He had threatened his own son for money and property holding Aria as a hostage. Mr.Cooper was imprisoned for it and he is here again lying and asking for guardianship of President Cooper which clearly says he isn''t here to take care of President Cooper but he wants what is in her name. How can we give guardianship to such person?..."


    All thought Advocate Davis would object and try to reason saying six years were enough for a man to change for good and would ask Mr.Goody about Lucas Cooper''s behavior to make him state as good but he was sitting passively.

 Chapter 78: True colors

    Chapter 78: True colors


    Advocate Tetley continued after taking Oliver''s will and testament from his assistant, "Before the former President Cooper took hisst breath he had asked the Morgan''s to be the guardian of his daughter and it is also clearly mentioned in his the will that the president Cooper''s guardianship should be under the Morgan family until President Cooper marries so under the nned Guardianship section, Oliver Cooper chose the guardian for President Cooper in the event when he passed away and the ward also wishes to be under Morgan''s care. I hope your honor goes through the proof and also consider about Lucas Cooper lying, creating fake proofs, defaming the Morgan family, President Morgan, President Cooper. If Mr.Lucas Cooper walks around freely it would be a threat to President Cooper''s life. That''s all your honor."


    The main judge had noted the main points and was silent for sometime before asking, "Any objection from the intiff side?"


    Advocate Davis stood up looking at Lucas Cooper who had hopes on Carter Davis at least to let him off the hook of imprisonment but...


    "No your honor." Carter Davis sat down elegantly.


    Lucas Cooper was called on the deck and he was handed over to the police for investigation for creating a bunch of fake reports. the session was dismissed after stating Aria''s guardianship won''t be changed.


    Lucas Cooper had nobody to cry or help for him anymore. Not even his secret helper...


    Aria who had yawned the whole time hearing them speaking had her both palms in n''s hand to stop her from poking him so that both could concentrate on the case development.


    Amelia and Rowan thought differently. They consoled Aria not to worry. Thetter calmed them saying she was fine.


    While passing by she was stopped by Carter Davis. "President Cooper, aren''t you the same as us? You had said to my son that family hurt you and I was supporting Lucas Cooper but you hurt others by the same rtionship. So what''s the difference between us?"


    Aria faintly smiled, "Nope! We aren''t the same. You are a fool who I thought as intelligent. You did everything for money and fame whereas I did for my self-respect... Congrattions Advocate Davis on opening the first count on losing the case."


    She had sent a message through Jake Davis smartly but Carter Davis turned out to be a fool to understand it.


    Aria left with the Morgan family. She was thinking of school but n took her with him to the Skyline Industries.


    Aria followed him the rest of the day holding her sketchbook, color pencils, pencil. n was surprised to hear her questions and suggestions about the projects in the meetings. Seeing her not showing any dissatisfaction following him and enjoying the day running around him and talking, he felt a sense of fulfillment.


    On the way back to the Morgan mansion n asked, "Aria, how about you self-study from tomorrow? Follow me all day instead of going to school. I will help you if you are stuck."


    Aria smiled, "So that means President Morgan enjoyed full day seeing me all the time. But I want my CEO to work. Being a responsible President, I would like my employees to work instead of getting disturbed."


    n nced at her and pinched her cheek, "Heartless President!" He just wanted to hear what she would say but...


    Aria chuckled removing his slender fingers away from her cheek but suddenly she shouted. "n! Stop the car, stop, stop..."


    n parked aside not quite understanding. He saw her frowning trying to look outside near the club where quite a few people were present.


    Their car had stopped ahead hence it made the view difficult for Aria to identify the girl under dim lights on the other side of the road between the passing by vehicles.


    "Aria, what''s wrong?"


    "Wait..." Aria stopped him bent towards the window shield as she rolled it down.


    n''s breath twitched seeing her face. He wasn''t sure if she subconsciously moved towards his seat or she didn''t care. "Aria!" He called in low voice for not to scare her.


    Aria subconsciously kept her palm on his lips to stop him from speaking as she supported on hand on the car door to bnce.


    Aria''s expression turned cold when she identified the girl who kissed on the lips of a man. Her eyes narrowed and she was thinking how to handle it but a finger tucked her hair behind her ear brushing her cheek softly.


    She turned to n and instantly widened her eyes. She was bent from her seat to the driver seat.


    His warm breath was grazing her skin, her fingers were pressing his soft lips and she could feel her cheeks turn hot looking at him in the eye which was watching her intently.


    She gulped and slowly moved back looking outside before alighting the car.


    n understood she didn''t do on purpose seeing her reaction.


    ''<em>Why sports cars are so congested?... Focus focus focus</em>'' Aria thought to herself and was ready to cross the road n alighted and held her hand as they crossed the road.


    Aria thought he would tease her but he didn''t. They reached the couple and Aria spoke, "Excuse me."


    The girl''s face turned pale looking at Aria. She forced a smile, "Aria"


    "Are you nning to tell me he is your brother or cousin? Or are you thinking to say as a friend? I''m waiting to hear the excuse." Aria crossed her arms staring at the girl.


    That man seemed to identify the man behind Aria, "President Morgan? I''m pleased to meet you. I''m..."


    Aria coldly interjected, "Cut the crap. What is your rtionship with this girl? Is it your girl for tonight?"


    "Aria, mind your words." That girl grunted.


    Aria smiled, "Is it soplicated to tell me your rtionship with this man?"


    n wasn''t sure why Aria was questioning her so he didn''t butt in.


    That girl smirked leaving her true character, "Why? Do you need one more man other than Rian and President Morgan? Weren''t they enough?"


    n understood she was from school.


    Aria''s smile was wider and voice was sweet, "Do you think I will look at the fries being with n? ording to you, I have two. What about you? Daily one or multiple?"


    That girl''s face turned ugly and the man next to her spoke, "Aren''t you the school goddess who rose to fame by a video... You are President of Skyline Industries."


    That girl red at the man before maliciously asking Aria, "Aren''t you ashamed to stand next to your boyfriend and trying on other men?"


    Aria crossed her arms keeping the smile, "Who told you he is my boyfriend?"


    n wasn''t sure what she was up to and he didn''t understand why she was denying their rtionship.


    That girlughed scornfully, "Don''t tell me you will say as guardian. President Morgan, I hope you are seeing the true colors of the one who you are trying to protect."

 Chapter 79: A simple way to escape

    Chapter 79: A simple way to escape


    Aria nonchntly replied, "Why will I say my fianc as guardian only? Do I look like low-ss people like you to keep a lie facade? I will make sure <strong>your</strong> real colors are visible to all."


    Aria didn''t let her continue and turned around. She held n''s hand and crossed the road without looking at him as she thought about how to speak about her.


    n didn''t expect her to call him as fianc instead of a boyfriend or lover. His affectionate gaze didn''t leave her and followed her. She left his hand and was going towards the shotgun seat, n pulled her to embrace.


    Aria''s foul mood was reced by surprise not really understanding why he suddenly hugged. "What''s wrong?"


    n didn''t say anything and tightened his arms around her which irked Mian Walker who was watching them. n left her after some time and led her to the shotgun seat door.


    n bent when she sat down, "I thought you will say boyf. Little President seems to be decided on marrying me."


    Aria moved his head away from her ear, "When did I say I''ll marry you? You were the one who said it."


    n pecked on her cheek, "Then why are you blushing?"


    Aria who thought she managed well flushed hearing him. n smiled resignedly and closed the door. He continued to tease for sometime before asking about the girl Aria spoke.


    When they reached the Morgan mansion, Amelia and Rowan were watching business news. Aria and n went to their rooms. Aria got fresh and searched Rian but he wasn''t home.


    She was sitting with Rowan and Amelia waiting for Rian who wasn''t receiving her calls, wasn''t replying to her messages either.


    Amelia handed her a te of fruits, "Go and eat with n."


    "Huh? n must be working. I don''t think he will eat." Aria replied ncing at the door.


    "That''s why I''m sending you. Go go." Amelia knew if she sends with a maid or if she goes, he would send it back without eating so she asked Aria.


    "Mum, I''m waiting for Rian." Aria was reluctant.


    Amelia rubbed her head dotingly as she said, "I will ask him to see you before he goes to bed. Alright?"


    Aria faintly smiled and went to eat with Young Master Morgan. She knocked on the study room before entering but he wasn''t there. She knocked on his room door and waited but heard, "Yes?"


    Aria pushed open the door to see n working on hisptop. "Young Miss Cooper at your service."


    n''s lips tilted up hearing Aria''s voice. He turned in his swivel chair to see Aria showing the fruit tter. He gestured her to enter.


    Aria entered as she said, "Mum sent fruits for us to eat. Are you busy?"


    "Ms. President, you don''t have to ask permission to enter my room." n fed her as he spoke looking at her.


    "Oh!" She saw him going through Skylines''s overseas report. "You have to work so much because of... n... My ear!... Leave leave... I will not worry... Callous President."


    n left her ear after hearing her chide. He couldn''t understand why she couldn''t live a carefree life.


    Seeing her pout in displeasure rubbing her ear, he smiled resignedly and made her sit on the desk before gently pressing on her ear as he enlightened her to live a blitheful life before she takes over Skyline Industries else she wasn''t allowed to work.


    Aria eyed him suspiciously, "Why do I feel like you are trying to spoil me mollycoddling so that I shouldn''t think about leaving you? What''s going on in the head of yours?"


    n chuckled, "Savvy!" and went back to his work.


    Aria grinned, "What will you do from Monday? I know Pop is kicking you out." She had heard Rowan telling him to go back to his vi as Aria was still young and they shouldn''t live together. asionally exempted.


    n nced at her and continued to type, "Unfeeling girl! Shouldn''t you be sad seeing me leave? Why are you so happy?"


    Aria stuffed apple to his mouth and giggled, "I agreed too soon. Let me see the efforts of n Morgan..." She patted on his shoulder, "... Don''t disappoint me." She giggled and ate mandarin looking at his astonishment.


    Aria continued to pull his leg as she fed him and she ate until she got a call from Eva. n too joined their facetime when Aria wanted to leave him to work.


    Aria added Isaac when Eva mentioned about his new movie that she wants to watch. Aria introduced, "Isaac, she is Eva who I was mentioning while talking."


    Before Eva or Isaac, n spoke, "The God of our Goddess."


    Aria facepalmed herself, Eva was nk. Isaac wasughing, "So My wife''s wifey has a hubby too."


    Eva started chuckling, "So Prince has a husband. Hello Mr.Ross. I''m..."


    Aria cut in, "Hooo! When did Hottie Ross change to Mr.Ross? Eva, don''t tell me you are trying to sound formal. Are you trying to impress Isaac like a demuredy?"


    Eva flushed. Whenever they watched his shirtless scenes of movies in theatres, Eva always said ''Hottie Ross, stop giving us sleepless nights.''


    Isaac wasn''t sure what to say seeing Eva flush. n spoke to manage, "Ms.Miller! Your wife taking revenge for teasing her."


    Aria was dumbfounded, "Are you my... on my side or your love rival''s side? I''m going to Isaac... Isaac, see how your wife abandoned me."


    n saw her blush before changing her own question. He didn''t expect her to be so bashful.


    Isaac took Aria''s side, "I want my investor. Ms.Investor! Are you happy with the new movie''s box office collection? I will not abandon you, I will ask the director to contact you for the next movie investment too."


    They continued to tease each other and talk for sometime before hanging up the call.


    n leisurelymented, "Ms.Miller and Isaac make a good match. Your intention of making them talk before letting them meet on the trip is on point."


    Aria was surprised and bent to his height who was sitting on the chair, "Wow!" She knocked on his head gently, "You turned out to be a smart man. How did you guess what I was thinking?"


    She just wanted to see if they could really work out but she wasn''t serious as matchmaking doesn''t work most of the time.


    She hadn''t told that to anybody because it was just her thought but she was really impressed by how n found out even though their talk never went to that topic.


    n pulled her to him which made her fall on him. Their forehead was touching each other.


    He noticed her holding the breath widening her eyes. A small move of his head made their nose touch making her blush.


    Aria''s heartbeats were rasing as his warm breath grazed her skin. She felt her cheeks burn by looking at n who gazed her lips before looking her in the eye.


    Just by hearing her say as a fiance, he had hugged her on the road for more than a minute. So she knew why he suddenly pulled her to him. When Eva asked what they would do if they didn''t have Oliver''s will and the proof of Lucas Cooper''s imprisonment, Aria had analyzed before replying to her,


    <em>''Since n is 22, Females over 18 years old could marry with their guardians'' consent before turning 20. We would have pushed the court hearing for two and a half months and married. A simple way to escape.''</em>


    She didn''t expect n''s reaction to that extent.


    Aria tried to move back but n pressed her down and their lips touched.

 Chapter 80: Tears rolled on Arias cheeks

    Chapter 80: Tears rolled on Aria''s cheeks


    When n''s hand moved to her neck, Aria subconsciously clutched his shirt falling into the whirlpool of his eyes.


    n didn''t kiss her and spoke as their lips brushed on to each other. "If I knew it, I would have hidden all the proof."


    It wasn''t the first time their lips touched but Aria was angered that time for being forced. Now she couldn''t calm her heart and she was unsure what to do.


    She was bent and only her toes were on the floor bncing her as his hand didn''t leave her arm and he traced her neck making her twitch to escape from the touch.


    Seeing his raised brows waiting for her response, Aria spoke but not about what he said, "I can''t bnce any longer."Her tone had turned very mellifluous and she tried her best to avoid brushing his lips.


    Well! n didn''t expect that kind of response.


    She was either wildly naive or dangerously intelligent.


    Aria was confused seeing his lips curling up and moved her gaze back to his eyes when he lightly pressed her nape as his lips pressed hers freezing her.


    He held her as he stood up and made her sit on the desk without leaving her lips. Aria instinctively held his shoulders when her feet left the floor looking at his eyes.


    His longing was at its peak seeing her clear gaze, rosy cheeks. She sat like a delicate doll not reacting which he considered as eptance and started savoring her lips.


    Her eyes intuitively closed feeling his gentle feathery caresses on her lips. She tried to keep her senses awake but they were drifting leaving her at loss.


    n pressed her lightly getting no response. Unwillingly he stopped and bit her lower lip saying, "Reciprocate!"


    His voice was deep but Aria whined due to twinge and tried to push him. He pulled her closer wrapping her hands around his neck and went for her luscious lips again.


    Aria who had frowned due to pain soon gave in and requited...


    She was stunned when his cool, slithery tongue made its way inside her mouth and sucked her tongue. She was again frozen.


    n pervaded her as his hand tightened around her.


    The little sanity she had wasn''t there anymore. She had surrendered to him for the moment. She had no words to exin how she felt...


    When she was almost breathless, he let go of her willfully yearning for more. Aria was breathing heavily in a stuporous when n pecked on her forehead.


    n couldn''t take off his eyes from her alluringly blushing face and delish lips which were swollen lightly giving him an urge to taste them again.


    He calmed his racing heart and hugged her who was blushing heavily remembering what Eva had said once about the kiss.


    <em>''So this is what the real kiss is...''</em>


    n left her when her crazy heartbeats and breathing became normal. He kept his voice low to speak as his nose rubbed hers. "You better take responsibility for taking my first kiss."


    Aria''s eyes had formed like a crescent as she smiled when their noses were fighting. It was giving her a ticklish sensation.


    n smiled resignedly knowing it was so easy to make her smile. He pinched her nose tip before leaving her and sat on the chair.


    Aria stopped smiling and darted her eyes around. She slid down from the desk to leave silently but n pulled her back which made her sit on hisp frightening her.


    "You... you do your work. I will leave." Aria couldn''t get up as he effortlessly pulled her down twice.


    Seeing her red swollen lips, n gulped before distracting his gaze. "Not now. Finish fruits first." He again made her sit on the desk before handing her the fruit tter.


    He couldn''t believe his body was reacting to continue what he did. He always thought he had great control over his senses as his body never reacted that way and never had such urges even when the annoying actresses had thrown themselves on him.


    He shook off his thoughts to think straight for not to scare his little shy fiancee away.


    Aria saw him nonchntly working putting her on frenzy. She tried to distract herself but her sitting ce was enough to remind her of the kiss and blush.


    She stuffed her mouth with fruit ring at n who was blithe about what he did. ''<em>n Morgan, yes you are sessful inpleting your goal. All I could think is of you.</em>''


    She thought to herself and heard a deep voice, "Why are you blushing again? Am I so attractive?"


    Aria lied, "No" and turned away hearing his chuckle. ''<em>Wasn''t he working? Why is he keeping attention on me? Hmph</em>.''


    After calming herself she nced at him but her gazended on his lips and she felt like crying feeling her cheeks warming up.


    She quickly ate all the fruits to leave thinking he asked her to sit for eating fruits. She didn''t know he asked her to sit because of her swollen red lips.


    n saw her hurriedness not understanding why she was doing it. "Do you have any work?"


    Aria shook her head continuing to eat.


    "Why are you eating so fast to run away?"


    Aria finished herst piece of fruit and got down from the desk showing the tter before taking steps towards the door.


    n was confused and could onlye up with she was shy. He stood up and wrapped his hands around her waist pulling her to him.


    Aria''s puffed cheeks flushed leaning on his body. She couldn''t speak due to fruits in her mouth and stared at him without blinking for not understanding why he was holding her so close.


    n wanted to cover her eyes which were reflecting the lights of his room like stars glistening in the dark sky.


    He caressed her cheek, "Eat..."


    Aria cleared her mouth and as she tried to free her hands but to no avail. n didn''t leave her and pecked on her forehead to calm her which he had learned to make his girl obedient as a puppet.


    "What''s wrong? Why are you running away from me?"


    Aria didn''t reply and looked at him nkly. n caressed her cheek which was again turning red, "To distract yourself?"


    Aria was surprised, "Do you know to read mi...?" she bit her tongue for indirectly answering.


    ''<em>You have be a muddled headed by the kiss.</em>''


    "Little President''s IQ goes down around me." n chuckled seeing her bury her face on his chest to avoid looking at him.


    Aria wounded her hands around him when gently caressed her head, "Don''t you have work?"


    n rested his chin on her head, "Somebody else needs me more now." n knew Aria always enjoyed his cozy hugs.


    After sometime Aria released herself, "Complete your work and go to bed early. I don''t like night owls."


    n smiled resignedly as he nodded. Aria who went out smiling didn''tst long.


    She saw Rian and went to him, "Rian... What''s wrong? Why do you look so gloomy?"


    She worriedly asked but got a question in reply, "Did you meet Mian?"


    Aria hummed, "I wanted to ..."


    ''Pak''


    ''h~ sh''


    The tears rolled on Aria''s cheeks looking at Rian who left after pping her.

 Chapter 81: She fell unconscious now

    Chapter 81: She fell unconscious now


    Aria understood Mian must have said something against her but she never in her dreams expected Rian to raise his hand on her without asking or knowing anything from her.


    She tried to collect herself and went near his room. She knocked multiple times to hear, "Don''t show me your face. Get lost."


    Aria wiped her cheeks and started to collect the pieces of porcin te which had broken slipping from her hand.


    She didn''t stop taking the broken pieces even when she got cut on her fingers.


    A maid who noticed her squatting quickly went to her, "Young miss, I will do it. Leave this type of work to us."


    Aria didn''t want to show her face hence she nodded. She ced the pieces on the floor and left for her room.


    The maid who noticed blood drops threw the pieces and knocked on the door of Aria''s room, "Young miss... Young miss..."


    n who exited his room to give Aria''s mobile saw a maid knocking on the door worriedly. "What''s wrong?"


    The maid heard the cold tone and quickly bowed, "Young master! Young Miss was collecting the broken pieces when I came here. There are blood drops on the floor and Young miss isn''t opening the door."


    n saw the pieces to identify that those were pieces of the fruit tter. He signaled the maid to leave and knocked on the door, "Aria, open the door."


    He had taken her word to open the door without locking herself in. So she obediently opened to see n and forced a faint smile.


    He didn''t ask anything and took her hand from her back looking at her left cheek which was red.


    Aria didn''t want to tell him anything about what happened so she remained silent.


    n made her sit before disinfecting and wrapping bandage on two fingers which had pretty long cut. Since they weren''t deep, he didn''t take her to the hospital.


    He didn''t ask until he cleaned up and kept the first aid box away. "Isn''t it painful?"


    Aria nodded looking down.


    "How did you end up like this in less than a minute?"


    Aria controlled herself and spoke, "That te slipped from my hand and I got cut while collecting the pieces."


    He rubbed her red cheek which looked slightly swollen. He deduced urately to Rian because Rowan and Amelia never would raise their hand at Aria even if she does anything.


    He also guesstimated the reason behind it too. Knowing she wouldn''t tell, he carried her to bed and pulled her to arms as he leaned on the headrest.


    Aria who had controlled her tears let it roll down when she heard him say, "Stop controlling."


    He couldn''t believe the girl who happily embraced him five minutes back was crying in his embrace.


    He wanted to talk to Rian but he also knew it would make thingsplicated between them.


    He coaxed her to sleep beforeying her on the bed and went to his room. He quickly dialed a number and spoke after hearing the response.


    "I want the entrance footage of the Barley Club around eight to half-past eight. Investigate Mian Walker and her today''s activities."


    "Alright." He hung up hearing the response.


    He continued his work and checked on Aria before going to bed.


    -- A few hours back --


    Mian Walker red at the two figures. She didn''t expect to be caught by Aria and seeing her smiling in n''s embrace, her fury aggravated.


    "Baby, do you know both the president? Wow! Why didn''t you tell me you know such high profile people? By the way, President Cooper said President Morgan is her fiance, is it true?"


    "F**k off" She roared seeing the admiring gaze of the man on the duo president.


    She hailed a taxi and called I Turner. She heard a dulcet voice on the other end, "Hey! Mian"


    Mian''s voice was hoarse, "That b*tch saw me with that B-list actor. I think she saw me kissing him too. I so wanted to break her face but President Morgan was with her. That little sl*t made both brothers as her dogs."


    Mian waited for her response which took a long time annoying her. "I."


    "Mind your tone." The response came instantly in a warning tone.


    After about a few seconds, "Reach the wishing pond soon. Oh yeah! Don''t forget to call Rian after reaching there."


    "Why?... Hello!... Hello..." Mian gritted her teeth looking at mobile. She couldn''t do anything other than listening to I thinking she might have a n.


    She needed Rian''s help to enter showbiz and she couldn''t lose the chance just because of Aria. When she tried by outside she always ended up in the smallest roles. She even tried to entice investors but it still didn''t help her.


    After knowing Isaac and n both were going to the ind for the weekend vacation, she had lured Rian to take her so that she could mingle with them. She was in no state to lose the opportunity.


    After about five minutes, Mian told the driver, "Stop the car here."


    She paid through online and reached the wishing pond where very few people were present.


    She dialed Rian''s number as said by I but somebody pped her hard and she fell on the ground. She checked her elbow as tears trickled down her eyes. Her elbow was scratched, red dots of blood started appearing as she tasted blood in her mouth.


    She raised her head to see two ugly looking men. One man held her hair and smashed her head on the ground without really using the full strength just to make her look beaten.


    She felt dizzy and noticed men leaving without caring for her cries. The call had connected to Rian and she heard ''Hello Mian'' repeatedly.


    A passerby picked up the call and informed him, "Excuse me, the owner of the mobile was beaten up and she fell unconscious now. We will admit her to the city hospital, please reach soon."


    Mian was admitted and I entered the hospital a few minutes before Rian. When Rian hurriedly reached the ward, I was crying her eyes out saying, "... Cooper! How can she do this to you? What if she is President of Skyline Industries, doesn''t she have a heart? Didn''t Second young master say that President Morgan and she is in a rtionship? Why is she stopping you from being with Second young master? If she liked him she could have dated him, what right does she have to ask people to beat you up."


    Mian who was awake a long back joined in, "I, stop saying it. Aria is very good. She isn''t like that. I was with my cousin which she misunderstood. This must be somebody else"

 Chapter 82: Are you two lesbo?

    Chapter 82: Are you two lesbo?


    I Turner made sure to avoid ncing at the door the whole time giving an award-winning acting showcase.


    "Somebody? You heard them talking on the phone saying that they havepleted President Cooper''s work. Is there any other President Cooper alive? Stop being naive Mian. First, she ruined my career knowing I liked President Morgan and she didn''t even let me talk with him during our date. Now she is stopping you. She must be behind the Morgan industries. The Morgan family members are so innocent, after her arrival, aren''t they facing back to back problems. I don''t understand why you all taking her side."


    Mian held I''s hand and pleaded, "I please don''t tell anybody that Aria misunderstood my rtionship with my cousin and threatened me to stay away from Rian. Especially Rian. He is very sensitive and he will feel very bad. If he asks President Morgan who will obviously take Aria''s side that will ruin their brotherhood. Please, I, don''t tell anybody."


    I continued, "Threatened? She didn''t just threaten, she used paid thugs to beat you up, Mian... Wake up Mian, you shouldn''t tolerate it as it will ruin the Morgan family too."


    Rian heard everything clearly. He clenched his teeth and went out of the room fishing his mobile.


    I and Mian panicked. Mian asked in a low voice, "Why did he leave? Didn''t he believe us? What to do?"


    They were thinking of different ns, Rian entered and swiftly went to Mian''s side.


    Mian apologized immediately acting weak and tired, "I''m Sorry Rian. I troubled you. I wanted to talk to you but out of nowhere two men came and beat me before they left. They must have misidentified me for somebody else. I''m totally fine, go home and take rest."


    Rian nodded lightly, "Who is behind this attack?"


    "Second you..." Mian squeezed I''s hand visibly to show Rian as she was stopping.


    He sat there and spoke to them for some time but he never heard them taking Aria''s name anymore and they brushed off the topic whenever he asked.


    He dropped Mian to her shared living t then went to the Morgan mansion. He ignored his parents and went upstairs to see Aria. In anger, he pped her to realizeter he actually hit Aria.


    He was confused as hell. He didn''t want to face Aria, he didn''t want to think as Aria did it or he didn''t want to think Mian lied to him so he shut her off.


    He looked at his right palm and hit the wall many times before stopping but he was toote to realize...


    --


    Morning, Aria woke up at a usual time and just sat under Aerial hammock realizing she couldn''t hold the hammock looking at her hand.


    She went upstairs to talk to Rian but stopped before knocking the door.


    She didn''t do anything wrong yet she got punished for it. She took her hand back deciding she shouldn''t give in this time.


    If he didn''t want to trust her, so be it. She still trusted in him making her mind to wait for him to see if their years of knowing each other could be trampled so easily by a girl. If it was easier, then their bond was never strong.


    She turned towards her room where n was leaning on the wall giving her a gentle smile.


    He was encapturing to the eyes. That smile was the icing on the cake which she never saw him giving to anybody other than her.


    Her lips tilted up lightly and went to him. He pinched her nose making it red, "n!"


    She rubbed her nose and tried to reach his cheek but he evaded like every time. Aria showed a displeased face, "Is there a makeup on that you never let me touch?"


    n chuckled and unhurriedly spoke, "That line can''t fool me."


    Aria pouted and entered her room as she heard him say, "Keep the cut dry. Get ready, I will redress it."


    She peeked at him from the bathroom, "n, you should really consider being my house husband. I will bestow you with lots of gifts at that time and keep you hidden."


    She didn''t let him react and entered inside. n smiled hearing her but it vanished seeing Rian exit his room. He ignored him as he always did and entered his room.


    Rian was expecting some serious rebuke from n but nothing happened.


    He contemted and decided to ask the maid to send his breakfast to the room so that he doesn''t have to face Aria.


    He didn''t have the courage to face her.


    Aria and n had breakfast with Amelia and Rowan before they left for the school and office.


    Rian who was on his balcony saw Aria going around n stretching her hand asking something. His lips tilted up seeing her stick on to driver seat door, he understood she was asking n for the fob to drive.


    His smile froze when n raised her right hand to show her saying something. n carried her effortlessly to the shotgun seat before he drove out.


    He bolted out and asked the housekeeper who was taking his breakfast tes back, "Aunty Lilly, what happened to Arrie''s hand?"


    Hearing his panicked voice, she replied quickly, "Second Young Master, Young miss got cut on her fingers when she was picking broken pieces of te. Don''t worry Second Young master, it''s not so serious."


    Rian nodded passively realizing when it should have happened and returned to the room.


    He was pondering to call Aria but his mobile rang disying ''Mian'' on the screen. The concern for Aria instantly disappeared and answered the call...


    Later he got ready and packed a set of clothes and left to the capital city with other yers for semifinals.


    Aria didn''t tell anybody about what happened between her and Rian. In fact, she herself didn''t know what happened.


    Only Noah met Eva and Aria at their ss before he left.


    After lunch, Aria was returning to ss with Eva when I and Mian stopped them. Seeing band-aid on Mian''s forehead, Aria instantly understood what must have happened.


    "President Cooper! How are you?... Oh seems like you have hurt your hand for sympathy." I sounded sarcastic thinking Aria used the same method as them.


    Aria ignored. Eva red at I before looking at Mian, "Mian, what the hell are you doing with this use for nothing actress? Do Rian knows about you two are friends?"


    It dawned on Aria about Rian''s behavior the whole week to analyze Rian knew about them and they started to make them away for a long time.


    Mian yed her good girl role.


    I smirked, "Are you two lesbo? I always see you two together or President Cooper will be with boys. I think she is raunchy that she manages with whoever she gets."

 Chapter 83: White Lotus b*tch

    Chapter 83: White Lotus b*tch


    Eva almost punched I in rage but Aria stopped her and took her away passively. "Ignore."


    Eva cursed them but Aria didn''t say a word...


    n picked her and dropped her both days.


    Friday they got to know, Elite won the ser semifinals and they would return by night.


    Aria helped Jade with his mathematics problem which both failed to solve even after trying to solve a few times.


    n called her waiting outside hence they stopped and went downstairs. She bid Jade and was leaving, he held her hand.


    Aria turned to him in confusion and heard his unemotional tone, "Do you want me to help you with chemistry? I heard you are a little weak in that subject."


    n who noticed them had alighted and reached them to hear Aria, "Nope. Thank you."


    n identified the man. He held Aria''s hand and released from Jade''s hand.


    Jade froze for less than a second before greeting him, "n." He also heard Aria greeting him and looked at her. "n!"


    Jade saw her alluring smile at n and his bag slipped from his hand. Her pink glow seeing n left his heartbeats to speed up.


    n rubbed her head lovingly and didn''t miss the small changes of Jade. He asked dotingly, "Is Jade Reed your temporary mathematics teacher you are helping?"


    Aria hummed, "But we couldn''t solve one problem even after many tries. By the way, do you guys know each other?" She heard Jade taking n''s first name instead of a formal greeting.


    n nodded and asked, "Schoolmate. Do you want to solve that question? Need my help?"


    Aria''s smile was wider as she hummed, "Otherwise I will get mathematics problems in my dream."


    n smiled seeing her cheeky smile. Aria took him to a ssroom and asked Jade to follow who had veryplex thoughts.


    Jade could easily say n and Aria were very close by their interaction. He thought by helping her they might get close to each other but he was rejected.


    Jade heard Aria exining the methods they used to solve the problem. He silently leaned on the desk seeing two solving as they discussed.


    At first try, the duo solved filling three big boards. Aria eximed looking at the solution, "I have a smarty fiance."


    One froze. Another one smiled as heplimented back, "My genius fiancee, Shall we leave now?" It had taken them half an hour to solve it.


    Aria nodded and smiled looking at n who took her bag, he wasn''t any mighty president with her. n just nodded at Jade when Aria bid him.


    Jade knew n was Aria''s guardian but he didn''t expect him to be her fiance. He didn''t lose his hope. He thought they were together due to family.


    He saw from the window when n kissing Aria''s cheek after making her sit in the car. Her smile again made his heart skip a beat. He felt like somebody taking away what he was treasuring.


    He wanted to think they were together because of the family but seeing n''spletely different side, Seeing their affectionate frisky interaction, he was losing hope.


    He took pictures of the solution written on the board before leaving feeling defeated.


    --


    Everyone had finished dinner and packed for the vacation. They were sitting in the living room when Rian entered, he wanted to announce his win but it stuck in his throat seeing Aria.


    Rian''s clothes were packed by Amelia hence he just had to get fresh and leave.


    Amelia and Rowan looked at Rian''s back and turned to Aria, "Arrie, did you guys fight? Why did he ignore us?"


    Aria shook her head, "We didn''t fight. He must be tired."


    Yes! They didn''t fight. He hit her and left without exnation.


    If she goes to him doesn''t that mean she was trying to be the goddess of mercy to herself and goddess of Pretention to him?


    n raised his head from theptop to see her pursed lips. He knew what exactly happened with Mian and why Rian was paranoid but he didn''t want to increase her worry.


    The five left the Morgan mansion in two cars towards the airport. Noah was dropped by his driver. Eva''s Dad dropped her and left after talking with Rowan.


    Isaac reached soon chatted with Amelia ignoring everyone. n expressionlessly sat in the lounge with hisptop. Rian was silent. Noah vividly exined about the match to Aria and Eva.


    Soon it was nearing time to board, Mian, entered the lounge leaving Aria''s face turn poker. Eva shot up from her seat seeing who followed Mian.


    n who had closed hisptop noticed Eva and Aria before turning towards the two new arrivals. He got up, took his and Aria''s luggage and led Aria who pulled Eva with her.


    Rian''s face darkened seeing the trio leave. He didn''t know I wasing but he didn''t like how Aria reacted and took Eva away.


    Noah red at Rian, "Why is I Turnering? I hope you don''t regret." He pulled his luggage ignoring them.


    Amelia and Rowan never saw I and never met the two new girls hence they didn''t react.


    Isaac who noticed I wanted to puke. He was about toment, Aria held his ear pulling him away, "How dare you ignore your investor?"


    Isaac chuckled, "Wow! My investor is jealous." He coughed lightly and greeted Eva, "Hello Ms.Miller"


    Eva vaguely responded as her mind was still around Mian and I.


    Mian immediately apologized to Rian, "Rian, I''m sorry I couldn''t inform you beforehand. My parents weren''t agreeing with me to go alone after that incident on Wednesday hence I had to bring I. I hope it isn''t a problem."


    Amelia and Rowan heard her, "No problem. You girls can join us."


    Mian sweetly smiled, "Hello Auntie! Hello Uncle. I''m Mian Walker. Rian''s friend. She is I Turner."


    I greeted, "Madam Morgan! Chairman Morgan!"


    Amelia smiled back so as Rowan. "Let''s go! It''s time to board."


    Both girls nodded like obedient fes and followed them with Rian. Thetter spoke, "Don''t worry. We will talk with Arrie and clear her misunderstanding."


    His emotionless voice and hearing Aria''s name, both slightly panicked but managed to smile at Rian, "You are so kind."


    Aria, Noah, and Eva were in the four-seater table facing a seat each. n and Isaac settled on the other two seats facing each other.


    If it was an earlier time, Rian would sit with them but he didn''t...


    Amelia and Rowan were on the two-seater and heard Aria, "Mum, you two should rest in the room."


    Isaac poked n hearing how Aria addressed Amelia and he whispered in low voice, "You guys are at a fast pace." n ignored.


    Amelia pinched Aria''s cheek who was kneeling on seat. "We will go when we are sleepy."


    Aria hummed and smiled at Rowan who rubbed her head dotingly.


    I and Mian clearly heard her, "White Lotus b*tch!" Mian muttered.


    I was fuming.

 Chapter 84: Beaten up by a girl

    Chapter 84: Beaten up by a girl


    Isaac saw I and red at n, "What the hell is this Haughty queen doing here? Can''t we have a peaceful vacation?"


    I turner was a female lead in one of his movies. He was fed up with her all-time acting and rejected every movie whenever he had to act opposite her.


    n again ignored him and looked at Aria who sat back quietly.


    Rian was initially thinking to sit with all but seeing how they were sitting, he had to enter inside. He never introduced any of his friends to n who never liked to mingle with others hence he didn''t speak.


    I held back Mian and greeted, "President Morgan! Senior Ross!"


    Both ignored her melodious tone.


    Mian also greeted, "President Morgan! Senior Ross"


    Then they turned to the trio and greeted in unison, "Hey guys!" But they had to stand awkwardly hearing no response and Rian asked them to sit on the two-seater and sat alone on the single-seater.


    Their vacation was basically nned by Amelia, Rian, Aria. Their itinerary was nned by four friends but Rian felt left out after boarding. Feeling heavy and tired, he soon slept on the recliner.


    n would have sat, atst, to let them y but he wanted to finish his work before reaching the ind so that he could spend some quality time with Aria and Isaac so he took tabled seater.


    Amelia and Rowan left when Amelia was sleepy.


    The trio was ying, bored Isaac joined them. Aria teamed Eva and Isaac. Their coordination surprised Noah, Aria, and n.


    Mian nced at Rian and fumed. I wanted to sit in the opposite seat of n but thought to take it slowly.


    They reached the ind by twelve midnight. Aria and Eva were asleep in the car from the airport to the resort. When Noah woke up Eva, n made all others envious by carrying Aria to the beach vi.


    Aria was used to sleep in his arms hence she didn''t wake up as his embrace wasn''t new for her. Eva followed him to the vi since she was sharing the same vi with Aria.


    Amelia poked Rowan to learn from n. Rowan tugged his sleepy wife to their vi hearing her say about how n was detailed in taking care of Aria.


    Isaac smiled and went towards his vi. Noah ignored Rian and went towards his vi. Rian had to arrange a vi for Mian and I before he went towards his vi.


    Eva awkwardly stood in the living hall when n took Aria inside the bedroom. She yawned a few times until n exited the room and left to his vi.


    She quickly skipped to the room after locking the main door. Aria was tucked in and asleep. Her jacket was on the chair, shoes on the floor, her face was wiped with a wet towel and her watch was on the bedside table with her mobile.


    Eva badly wanted to wake her up and tease for getting such services from President Morgan but she didn''t disturb her and slept cursing her single life.


    I clenched her fist and paced in her vi. She thought Aria was acting asleep to show off. She never in her dreams thought n to be so gentle, caring, and attentive towards Aria.


    "What methods did that sl*t use?" She cursed.


    Mian raised her head from the mobile and replied nonchntly, "President Morgan proposed Aria. Not the other way around." Rian had told her. She knewpletely but she only chose particr words to infuriate I.


    I snorted, "Did she get into his pants or what? I''m clearly better looking than her. I will make sure..."


    Seeing her continue, Mian spoke, "I don''t think you want eye bags. You should rest now."


    I paused and nodded to herself thinking something. She removed her makeup before going to bed.


    Mian saw her makeup-free face and controlledughing on I''s face.


    <em>''Better looking than Aria? In your dreams.''</em> Mian thought to herself looking at I''s nd, dull face. She numerous times met Aria so she knew Aria never wore makeup those times and she was a natural beauty.


    --


    Morning all woke up excluding Aria and Eva who cozied up with their pillows. Noah enjoyed the morning beach. Mian apanied Rian who was painting. n and Isaac were working out in the resort gym when I joined them.


    Her constant try in striking conversation with them irritated the duo and left to their vi. I gritted her teeth and went back.


    All went to the restaurant for breakfast but Aria and Eva who were half awake again slept without checking time. Amelia and Rowan were waiting for them hence others had to wait for them too.


    n checked the time and called Aria but it was not reachable. He didn''t have Eva''s number hence he looked at Noah, "Noah, call Ms.Miller."


    "Okay Brother n!" Noah fished his mobile and dialed. He heard the same. "Brother n! I don''t think they have turned off the flight mode. Shall I go and check on them?"


    n kicked Isaac''s chair as he stood up, "You guys start your breakfast. We will take breakfast for them."


    A smile appeared on Isaac''s face who had a grim face after his kick. "Yes! Yes!" He badly wanted to escape from I who had painted her face giving smiles towards n. Thetter didn''t care to look but he felt like puking sitting next to him seeing her face.


    Rian thought that Aria was purposefully avoiding to meet him and see others.


    Amelia poked Rowan, "Tomorrow I will wake upte. You better get me breakfast in the room. Learn from your son. You are so boring."


    Her voice wasn''t low which everyone heard. I''s face darkened.


    Mian controlled herughter looking at I who woke up early for natural makeup-free look makeup and went to the gym to impress n. Later she touched up her makeup and went for breakfast early to impress Madam and Master Morgan but still, Aria got limelight without doing anything.


    n and Isaac took breakfast for the two girls with their breakfast. They knocked on the door but nobody opened the door.


    Isaac suggested checking by room bay window if they were present in the vi or not and went around the vi to see them huddled under the duvet. "Wow! Sleeping beauties."


    n knocked twice which made Eva cover Aria''s ear with her hand and covered her ear with a pillow.


    Isaac burst intoughter. "Affectionate God of our Goddess!"


    n knew how Eva takes care of Aria hence it wasn''t surprising for him. He saw Aria''s smile in sleep and his lips tilted up slightly. He called for the Hotel service and opened their vi door before entering inside.


    n carried Aria to the living room as he tried to wake her up, "You! Wake up Ms.Miller."


    Isaac pointed at himself looking at n, "Hey! Aria is your girl. How can you expect ME to wake up Ms.Miller? Ask Aria to wake her up."


    Aria frowned hearing a loud voice and snuggled to realize she was on the couch. Realizing n had asked Isaac to wake up Eva, she really wanted to see her reaction hence she flipped and slept on n''sp.


    n had seen her opening eyes and got to know why she slept back. "Why? Are you scared to get beaten up by a girl?"


    Isaac never would say yes to it. "This girl is lucky to be woken up by me." He entered the room haughtily.


    n caressed Aria''s head and spoke to her as they waited for Eva but...


    "Ahhhhh..."


    _______ Doest affect the coin value _______


    Drop some chapterments so I know that you are reading my work.


    Thanks for the continued support!


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 Chapter 85: Pre-honeymoon

    Chapter 85: Pre-honeymoon


    Isaac took a water bottle and sprinkled water on Eva''s face to wake her up. Thetter thought Aria was doing it and wanted to tease her hence she held the t-shirt and pulled Isaac down.


    His perfume smell made her open eyes.


    "Ahhh..." She shouted pushing him away and pulling duvet to cover herself.


    Isaac was shocked when he was pulled down and their face was less than a half-foot away. He couldn''t get to react and heard her shout when he stood straight by the push.


    Aria shot towards the room and saw Eva ring at Isaac covering herself. n followed her and leaned on the door frame looking at Isaac''s ear which had turned slightly pink.


    Aria climbed on the bed and hugged Eva as she calmed her, "Where is my brave Evvie gone? I thought you will punch his face unrecognizable." Aria then whispered, "Why are you blushing?"


    Eva whispered back in Aria''s ear, "I thought you were waking me up and pulled him on me keeping my eyes closed. If not I identified his perfume, I would have kissed him on his cheek thinking him as you."


    Aria pursed her lips to controlughing, "You got a chance to kiss your hottie and you missed. Anyway, Wake up." Aria helped her off the bed.


    Eva didn''t dare to look at Isaac andined Aria, "Weren''t you awake? Why didn''t you wake me up?"


    "Nope. n woke me up. They had entered the vi with a master keycard."


    "Wah! How are you so cool about it?" Eva saw her calm even after seeing two men in their vi.


    Aria nonchntly started to reply, "It isn''t new for me. n many times... I will brush." She escaped realizing she almost said about them.


    n smiled resignedly and returned to the living hall dragging flustered Isaac out.


    Eva tried to analyze what Aria said and pounded on the bathroom door. "Wifey! How dare you let Prince enter your room to wake you up? You never let me do it. You are so biased..."


    Aria brushed hearing her and exited, "Ms.Miller, You almost kissed my love rival. Should I be happy about it or sad? Weren''t you being unfair to me?"


    Eva grinned and went inside the bathroom. Aria didn''t miss to notice her flushing face. "Brush ande. We will have breakfast first."


    Aria said and went to the living hall to see two men sitting silently. She hadn''t seen Isaac''s reaction hence she sat next to n and whispered to him. "Did Isaac say anything? Why is he si...lent?"


    n turned before she could finish. Aria flushed when their nose rubbed. n relished her changes and his tone was deep and low, "His reaction was the same as you."


    Aria tried to sit away but she was eventually pulled next to him.


    The four sat and had breakfast in silence.


    Aria and n saw two flirting human beings on mute. The former finallymented, "Did you guys do something you..."


    Eva pulled Aria aside covering her mouth, "President Morgan, we will see you at the beach. Thank you for breakfast."


    Aria peeled her hand away, "Heartless girl! Isaac, thank you for breakfast. We will see you at the beach... Oh yeah, Eva''s photography skills are..."


    Eva covered her mouth again before pulling her to the bedroom. "Fine, I''m telling you. Stop selling me off."


    Eva blushed again which Aria greatly liked. She coughed and revealed theplete story.


    "When I pulled him down, I had wrapped my hands around his neck saying, ''<em>Wifey, That''s nothow you should wake me up. Let me kiss and show.''</em> I almost pulled him down but realized the perfume and... cupped his face to check if it''s you before opening my eyes."


    Aria burst intoughter rolling on the bed. Eva''s face was so red that Aria felt like all the blood was collected there.


    Eva smacked her bum, "How can youugh at my embarrassing moment?"


    Aria controlled, she sat on the bed and cupped her face, "My hubby, how can you find yourself a new wife?... Why didn''t you kiss him? I missed the scene... I will ask him to wake you up again. I promise that I and n will not disturb you guys."


    Eva covered her face and cried, "How am I going to enjoy the vacation seeing him?"


    Aria let her cry and got fresh. She pushed Eva to bathroom handing her swimsuit and beach wrap.


    --


    n wasn''t nosy hence he didn''t ask anything. After asking room service to clean and was exiting the vi, he heard Aria''sughter and left the vi with a smile.


    He changed to swimming trunks and a white shirt before going out.


    Isaac shook his head multiple times to disperse his thoughts about Eva''s pretty face, her flirting tone, and her soft fingers glide on his face but he imagined again and again.


    He had been in more intimate with the actresses for some scenes while shooting but none of them made him feel like a flustered naive boy.


    Somehow he tried to convince himself thinking it was just a movie scene and went out to the beach.


    Aria and Eva first met Amelia and Rowan. Both ignored I Turner who was nearby.


    Aria spun in front of Amelia, "Mum, how do I look?"


    It was amon question to Amelia who always cared how Aria got ready but I Turner smirked looking at her finding it as childish.


    Rowan smiled with Eva.


    Amelia pinched Aria''s cheeks, "My daughter-inw is very beautiful in white..."


    Aria was wearing abohemian off-shoulderlong white beach dress with a simple flipflops. She looked pretty and refreshing to the eyes.


    Amelia continued, "Arrie, how about you hold a beach destination wedding?... Rowan, we can hold multiple different themed weddings like church, beach, mansion, open..."


    Aria waved her palm at Rowan as Amelia continued to n wedding facing him and she escaped with Eva.


    I Turner''s face was dark as coal hearing Amelia. She was determined to get n by hook or by crook before leaving the ind.


    Mian just followed Rian all the time.


    Noah joined two girls soon and heard Eva about how Amelia was nning Aria''s wedding. The duo wasughing when Aria covered her ears.


    "Who wants to marry? Stop teasing me. I''m not marrying anyone."


    She had just finished saying a hand wrapped around her shoulder as n faced her rosy face widened eyes looking at him.


    Eva darted her eyes away from Isaac. Thetter put on a poker face even after seeing her reaction.


    n leisurelymented, "No worries, I''ll give my consent as guardian in the marriage bureau and we will get our marriage certificate on your birthday. Don''t forget you said yes for my marriage proposal."


    "Wow!"


    "Arrie, you just told us as a confession. It was a <strong>Marriage Proposal</strong>!"


    "Wifey! I''ll be your maid of honor at your wedding."


    .


    .


    Aria''s face was bright red hearing their remarks looking at n who stood indifferently wrapping his hand around her shoulder.


    When Isaacmented, all froze before Eva and Noah burst intoughter, "So you guys are on pre-honeymoon."


    Aria shrugged n''s hand and walked away making everyoneugh their hearts out.


    Isaac suggested, "Hey! Aria is in a white dress, Why don''t you guys get engaged formally?"

 Chapter 86: She is enough for me

    Chapter 86: She is enough for me


    Eva rebuked, "No, a ring will put pressure on Arrie and she will be less lively considering herself to be more responsible. A bracelet or neck chain will be better as a souvenir."


    Isaac analyzed and nodded, "Ms.Miller is right. Aria is still a little girl."


    n was amazed by their deduction and coordination. He patted on Isaac''s back. "The most important things in life aren''t things. Aria has me."


    Isaac, Eva, and Noah looked at n who went towards Aria. Noahmented, "That''s so endearing."


    Eva hooked her hand with Noah as she walked and pitied her life, "Arrie is making me go green in envy, sob sob sob. Noah, I will die single..."


    Isaac was astonished by his friend. He always thought n couldn''t take care of Aria well from his past personality but after hearing him, he felt like he doesn''t know anythingpared to n.


    He quickly escaped seeing I Turner. Rian and Mian joined them with I.


    "Aria, aren''t you swimming?" Isaac asked applying sunscreen.


    Aria pointed n next to her, "Your wi... friend is mean. He is saying these cuts will reopen." She didn''t want to say <em>''Your wife''</em> in front of Mian and I.


    "Oh God! When did you be so obedient? Arrie, aren''t you already treating Brother n as your husband?"


    Aria''s hand froze from applying sunscreen on Eva''s back who was wearing a backless boyleg one-piece swimsuit.


    Isaac wasughing. n was nonchnt. I who was gracefully applying sunscreen paused. Rian and Mian just nced at them.


    Aria grinned and stood up, Noah ran far from her as she beat him up. Both were tired soon due to beach sand and stopped.


    Noah then spoke, "Arrie, are you really going to lose in front of I Turner? We all know why she is here."


    Aria pouted in displeasure. "I''m sure she is wearing two-piece and I can''tpete with her in that. These fingers... Get me waterproof bandaids. I will change ande."


    Noah knew Aria was going to make I feel like she was overly exposed whereas Aria and Eva would be more conservative.


    He asked the resort staff to get bandaids and waited for Aria.


    --


    Eva was enjoying her tender coconut on her beach Lounge soaking in sun rays.


    I Turner who saw Aria was nowhere in sight was delighted. She gracefully stood up and removed her breach wrap showing off her beautiful sky blue and white bikini.


    Her skin was bright and had the right curves wherever required. Her body features were greatly highlighted in her swimsuit.


    Eva who casually turned around spat out all the tender coconut water which was in her mouth seeing I bent to apply sunscreen to her legs.


    ''<em>Was so much exposing towards Prince is required?''</em>


    She thought to herself and nced at n who didn''t care to look anywhere. Her eyes fell on Isaac who rolled his eyes before his eyes met hers. Both looked away andid back quietly.


    Isaac poked n and said in low voice, "Don''t you want to look at your sexy pursuer? She is putting on many efforts for you showing off her huge bust."


    n nced at him but his eyes fell the girl who wasing towards them. She was wearing a white printed wrap mini dress. Her round light brown hat was avoiding sun rays on her face yet her smile looked dazzling than the bright sun.


    n pointed his chin behind Isaac. "She is enough for me. You can keep your actress for yourself."


    Isaac looked at Aria and returned his attention back to n whose eyes were still on Aria, "Are you so excited to see her in a bikini that you can''t take your eyes away from her?"


    n rolled his eyes at Isaac, "I will call you father if Aria is wearing such clothes." He had seen her disgusting look at cheer girl outfit so he was sure Aria would cover herself well.


    Isaac didn''t believe him and saw Aria going between Eva and n.


    All this time, everyone ignored I who wasying on the lounge with a great pose. She was looking like a bikini model posing for a photo.


    Mian was in a two-piece high waist swimsuit. She was bored because Rian was silent as a mouse and I was overly seductive with her moves.


    Noah asked before leaving, "Are you guysing to water?"


    Eva replied to him first before teasing Aria in low voice, "Do you want me to open your wrap? Or shall I ask the Prince?"


    Aria pinched her before removing the wrap herself. Eva tried to trace her curves on swimsuit so Aria ran away towards the beach, "Eva, I will kill you if you y around."


    Isaac bowed to n after seeing Aria who was wearing a tankini boyleg swimsuit. n wore his sunsses and closed his eyes.


    Rian was asleep. Mian who could have joined Aria in the past now had to wait for I Turner who was fuming after seeing n and Isaac looking at Aria who was in unexposed swimsuit other than her wless lower back which highlighted her svelte figure.


    Even though Aria had an attractive face and physique, I would attract many men with her sexy curves. But she was in the wrong ce to get attention.


    I Turner calmed down and went toward n.


    Isaac felt his head throb. He removed his shirt and went towards the water. It was difficult for I and Mian to keep their eyes away from his body. It took them time to distract their eyes away from him.


    Iposed and spoke coquettishly, "President Morgan, will you please take me on the ride in water bike? I don''t know to ride it."


    n heard her but pretended to be asleep.


    I sat down on Aria''s lounge pushing her wrap aside. "President Morgan! Don''t you like swimming? I heard that side water is great, shall we go there?"


    No reaction from n.


    "Oh yeah, I heard you were good at swimming other than chess. How about you teach me some techniques?"


    I continued for some time...


    n who thought she would leave if he didn''t reply didn''t expect her to hug his arm swiftly. He swung his hand before she could tighten her arms around his as he stood up.


    "Ahhh..."


    He ignored I who fell on the sand hitting the lounge. He kept his sunsses away and went towards water unbuttoning his shirt.


    I continued to cry in pain, only Mian went to help her but she was dazed seeing n''s back when he flexed dropping the shirt aside on the sand. That irresistible back made her gulp many times forgetting about her friend.


    Mian took a few steps towards the beach and snapped back hearing her name from I. Thetter''s forehead was bright red by hitting the lounge. Mian clearly saw what happened so she didn''t have an ounce of sympathy. She helped her toy back on her lounge and sighed.


    The five were in water until they got tired and walked out.


    Eva nudged Aria''s waist making her twitch, "Look at Prince, I didn''t know he maintained so well."


    Aria knew they were shirtless but she teased Eva, "Why? Don''t you want your hottie anymore? He is looking at you."


    "Really?" Eva turned and realized Aria tricked her. Isaac saw her after feeling her gaze. Aria ran away as Eva chased after her in a flushed face.


    Aria was still teasing Eva when a towelnded on her head. It was Eva''s turn to tease. All soon dispersed to their rooms before the sun hit heights.


    I who used Icepack on the forehead was fine after some time. Thinking she must have taken arge step which irritated n, she decided to apologize to him and went towards his vi from the beachside in her sexy beach dress towards room instead of the main entrance.


    She reached and was about to knock on the bay window but froze. She gritted her teeth fuming in rage, clenching her fist looking at the couple snuggling inside the bedroom.

 Chapter 87: Planned to drug Alan

    Chapter 87: nned to drug n


    Aria and Eva who got fresh up reached the indoor gaming arena. Only Noah and Isaac were present.


    Isaac spoke, "Aria! Get your fiance. Go go."


    Aria stopped ying table tennis, "I''m ying. Go and get him."


    Eva snatched her racket, "Heartless! Prince brings you breakfast. Can''t you get him to y? <strong>GO</strong>."


    Aria had no choice hence she went towards n''s vi. She met Rian at the entrance of the game arena. She thought at least he would react but he ignored her and entered with Mian who purposefully greeted Aria sweetly which Aria ignored.


    Aria could only sigh and wait till how long he takes. She never thought there would be one day they would see each other yet behave like they were strangers.


    She knocked on the door of n''s vi, seeing the door open she entered inside. A mischievous glint shed in her eyes seeing him napping in the bedroom. She tiptoed and lightly blew in his ear and sat on the floor to hide waiting for his reaction.


    Seeing no movements, she was surprised. The door was open and on top of that, he was unaware of her presence in the room. She stood up and was about to wake him up, n''s hand wrapped around her waist pulling her on the bed.


    "Robber!" He was sensitive to sound hence he knew somebody entered. After the blow to his ear, he knew it was Aria as nobody would dare to do that.


    "n!" Aria was freaked.


    She tried to get up but he pulled her to embrace and calmly said, "Five minutes."


    Aria whose head was on his arms under his chin, raised her head to speak. She didn''t feel appropriateying on the bed. Even though she many times fell asleep in his arms, each time he was sitting.


    Now their position was too intimate.


    n sensed her difort hence he pulled duvet on her covering her till neck and again pulled her closer still keeping his eyes closed.


    Aria''s lips turned up feeling blissful. She raised her head to see his slightly curled lips, closed eyes and longshes which could make any girl envious.


    She was really happy knowing he was heedful for her sce.


    n''s lips curled up higher feeling her gaze, "Am I so attractive?"


    Aria hummed as she pointed at his left chest, "Inside"


    n opened his eyes to look at her. He never feltpliments could make him feel content until he heard her but...


    "n!" Aria pulled the duvet up which covered till her nose seeing him get on top of her. She knew he wouldn''t do anything he shouldn''t but she reacted instinctively.


    Both didn''t notice I standing by the ss wall grinding her teeth.


    "When will you stop behaving like an experienced olddy? Are you reincarnated?" n asked pinching her cheek controlling his urge to bite it.


    Aria pouted. She just told how she felt. "You aren''t attractive inside and outside. Get off" She pushed him but ended-up on top of him in his embrace.


    n covered her back with duvet adoring her flushed cheeks and hugged her hearing her cry his name. ''<em>n...</em>''


    ''<em>Aria Cooper! You are pushing me to an extreme.</em>'' I thought to herself and left from there seeing Aria resting her head on n''s chest.


    Aria continued to yammer, "All are waiting for us. Let''s go... Your five minutes over... n..."


    n didn''t know what to do with his fiancee. "Shhh! Five minutes."


    Aria understood she was talking all the time so she hummed and found afortable position for her head to wait for five minutes.


    Two minutes...


    Five minutes...


    Eight minutes...


    Twelve minutes...


    Fifteen minutes...


    n thought she would start asking after five minutes, seeing her silent for soo long, he slowlyid her on the bed to see her asleep. He chuckled lightly and woke her up kissing her cheek.


    "Aria... Aria. Don''t you want to go and y?" His voice was low and gentle not to scare her from sleep.


    Aria hummed and mumbled, "Why did you make me sleep? I''m sleepy now."


    Her groggy voice sounded adorable.


    "You can sleepter. Let''s y and have lunch first."


    Aria opened her eyes feeling awake, "I have never seen you whenever I and Dad were going on vacation past years with Pop, Mum, and Beauty. Why so?"


    n helped her out of the duvet and made her lean on pillows as he replied, "I oddly liked to be alone. So I never joined." He went to the bathroom returning with a wet towel to wipe her face holding her hands.


    "Then why did you join us this time?" Aria let him do as he wants and asked.


    n didn''t reply and asked his own, "Still sleepy?"


    Aria shook her head and flushed when he pecked on her lips before he went to washroom. Aria smiled at herself for getting the answer to her question.


    n joined them for <em><strong>her</strong></em>.


    n took a step back in the bathroom to see her and asked, "Aria, when did you first time see me?"


    Aria answered as she made the bed, "The first time I saw you in B Magazine after you took over CEO position... I think I went to Morgan headquarters quite a few times after it but I always met Assistant Nathan. I never cared to meet you as everyone told you are a Misogynist." She made a tongue out.


    She couldn''t believe she had said it would be suicidal being with him because of his personality and ended up saying yes to his proposal.


    Aria continued, "So the first time I saw you in my room in the Morgan Mansion when you scarped my leg." Sheughed after finishing it.


    n led her out as he asked, "When you attended my congrattory banquet, don''t you think you should wish me before leaving?"


    Aria giggled. She knew n remembers her when she was eight then in his banquet, "I didn''te to see you there. I wanted to get my Dad. After reaching home I had remembered that I didn''t congratte you but I didn''t care."


    n smiled resignedly and heard her asking, "So what was my impression when you saw me in your banquet?"


    n didn''t say anything for long but spoke seeing her expectant gaze, "I was stunned for the first time looking at you so what do you think?"


    Happy with the reply, her smile widened and raised her forefinger, "One more."


    n nodded knowing she was having many questions yet she decided to ask one. Aria asked, "So were you looking after me for Mum & Pop and being a legal guardian? Or because of <strong>ME</strong>?"


    He pinched her cheek with another hand, "I had assumed as I''m doing it for my parents."


    Aria nodded with a smile and entered the gaming arena understanding he was doing for her convincing himself as he was doing out of responsibility.


    All were engaged in different games. The least yed one was I Turner who was ring at Aria most of the time.


    They had lunch and yed for sometime before going on sightseeing with Amelia and Rowan who were back after Spa.


    I Turner failed every single time to get near n who would be with Isaac or Aria.


    After dinner in the resort, Amelia and Rowan also joined the rest in the club.


    I was choosing one dress out of three as she nned to drug n in the club, take him to his vi and y a victim.

 Chapter 88: Bring it on

    Chapter 88: Bring it on


    Mian suggested Is considering Aria''s style, "I! I think you should go for moderate. Didn''t you see Aria always kept everything simple, light and natural? Probably President Morgan likes that style."


    Mian was almost ready in her slip short dress. With a light makeup, she thought she should leave so that she doesn''t have to sit and wait for I Turner.


    I''s eyes twinkled and decided to use Aria''s style and chose a modest one in the dresses she had. It was a long dress with a slit. She carefully did her makeup to the natural look and used pinks to look younger.


    Happy with the look, she smiled looking at the mirror, ''<em>Aria Cooper! y innocent all you want.</em>'' She thought to herself and left her vi atst.


    She entered the club with a sweet smile searching for n. She gracefully walked towards n and Isaac who were in a trendy zer, T-shirt and fashionable jeans looking snazzy and modish.


    When Mian''s eyes fell on I, she almost choked on her drink. I had made herself look like a crowned princess. She had seen Aria when she entered hence she decided to keep a distance from I who would be grumpy after seeing Aria.


    I noticed n and Isaac''s line of sight and froze as the smile disappeared from her face. She saw Aria, Eva, and Noah at the bar counter. The trio drank three shots in a row before turning and stepping onto the dance floor.


    Aria was wearing a bodycon silver short dress, silver-studded high heels, and her hair was styled into wavy. Her usual makeup-free face had a bold look. Glittery smokey eye and dark red lipstick made it hard to look away from her.


    She was swanky, unlike her usual little girl''s look.


    Her eyes fell on Eva who was in bright red Aline off-shoulder cap-sleeved dress. Her look was plush that made I''s look paler and out of ce.


    I again nced at n whose eyes were still on Aria drinking his cocktail. Fuming, she turned around to leave but Amelia came into her sight who looked modest sitting with Rowan and enjoying her drink and the music.


    Thinking her look might appeal to Amelia, she went towards them.


    Isaac who was sitting on the barstool enjoying his drink with n kept him busy in talk. "n, these two cuties turned out to be hotties. You better keep your girl safe."


    n took a sip before saying, "Then take care of Ms.Miller. I''m stealing mine." He finished his drink and left ignoring bewildered Isaac.


    n instructed DJ first before reaching Aria and whirling her to him. Aria was shocked thinking it might be some random man then sighed seeing n. "Stop scaring me."


    Eva and Noah smiled and let them dance moving little aside. When Aria turned to them, they were little away dancing.


    When she was asking n to dance, music changed to duet making all single dancers leave the dance floor or pair up.


    "You... You asked to change. Didn''t you?" Aria asked but got no reply other than she danced as n lead.


    I tried to blend with Amelia who was wonderstruck looking at n and Aria. She excused herself from I and pulled Rowan on the dance floor saying, "Learn from Arrie and n."


    The duo reached the dance floor leaving I with her dark face. Her face was uglier seeing Aria in n''s arms giggling happily. She strode ahead to the bar counter ignoring other men striking a conversation with her.


    After gulping down a few sses she looked at Isaac sitting alone, "Howe there is nobody to ask the sexiest man for dance?"


    Isaac furrowed his brows and left towards the other side. A mocking smile appeared on I''s face looking at his back.


    Noah who was dancing with Eva called him, "Brother Isaac, will you please join Eva? I need to call back home." he waved his mobile which had missed calls


    Isaac nced at Eva who was darting her eyes around and nodded. It was ordered by Rowan not to leave girls alone hence he agreed. But that list always excluded I Turner every time.


    Isaac asked formally, "Ms.Miller, would you like to dance or have a seat?"


    Eva wanted to say ''<em>we will sit''</em> but Aria who had noticed cut in, "Eva loves to dance. Isaac, please dance with her else she will be bored."


    Eva''s lips twitched. Isaac nodded and joined Eva who had no option than dancing with him.


    n nced at them before speaking with Aria, "Cupid?"


    Aria raised her hand to pinch his cheek but he evaded by holding her hand twirling her.


    She rolled her eyes, "Didn''t you do the same in the morning, in-game arena? So Mr.Cupid, What do you think about those two?"


    n and Aria continued to talk for sometime before going off the floor. Later Eva and Noah pulled her on the floor and the trio shouted at DJ for a different song remix and danced.


    After some time, Eva held Aria while dancing and pointed behind her to see Mian getting up from the floor with the help of Rian.


    "Is she drunk?" Aria had just finished asking, Rian dragged her out making her face turn dark.


    Eva, Noah followed them anxiously.


    n who noticed Rian dragging Aria holding her arm followed them. Isaac joined him without knowing the reason.


    While Rian and Mian were on the dance floor, Mian''s ankle got hit and she fell down. After analyzing where she got hit, she faced Aria''s back not quite understanding why Aria kicked her.


    Rian saw her line of sight and dragged Aria out. Thetter understood he was ming Mian''s fall on her but still she let him drag her to know what he was up to.


    Noah tried to stop Rian but thetter didn''t react. Eva repeatedly asked what happened but got no reply.


    Eva had thought Aria wasn''t talking with Rian because of Mian and I.


    After reaching quite a distance, Rian left Aria''s arm and faced her, "How much lower are you going to fall? What happened to your high standards? Was it all fake?"


    Aria clenched her fist tight and didn''t respond.


    Isaac who heard him stopped n. "I don''t think you should interfere."


    n knew that and he hated the fact he couldn''t p his brother for treating Aria that way. If Aria and Rian weren''t childhood friends, he wouldn''t have cared before teaching him a lesson.


    Both stood rooted and watched how it unfolded.


    "Speak up damn it" Rian roared and broke his mobile to control his rage.


    A part of him said, Aria wasn''t like that but he couldn''t understand why everything was pointing her making him hell confused.


    "Speak? What should I speak when I don''t even know what I did?... Your hands must be itching to p me, bring it on. I promise to stand until you are satisfied hitting me."


    Isaac held back n.


    Not far away, I enjoyed her drink watching the show unwinding. A man went to next to her, "Miss, I hope my work was at your expectation."


    I smirked and threw a small wad of cash at the man who tripped Mian on the dance floor.

 Chapter 89: Mr.Morgan believes Ms.Turner

    Chapter 89: Mr.Morgan believes Ms.Turner


    Eva held Aria, "Arrie, what are you talking about?"


    Noah red at Rian, "Arrie wasn''t the reason behind anything you are thinking."


    A self-mocking smile appeared on Rian''s face. "Well done Aria Cooper for using your crafty brain on everyone and making then believe only you by distrusting me. This fool is saying to me every day that you can''t do anything evil. Why don''t you teach me the same with those subjects?"


    He scorned and asked Noah, "Who kicked I Turner while cheer dancing? Didn''t we see the video? What did that girl do? She just liked my brother, is it a mistake? You are still saying she isn''t evil who destroyed somebody''s career."


    He turned to Aria seeing Noah giving him cold shoulder, "See! Nobody believes me... Leave about others. I genuinely wanted you and my brother to get engaged but now I''m doubting, were you purposefully rejecting those dates to keep my brother interested in you so that you could have both thepanies under you? So that you could y your tricks in the Morgan family?"


    Aria looked away to control her emotions and stood without any reaction.


    Eva and Noah were shocked seeing so much bitterness of Rian had towards Aria. The former kept rubbing Aria''s back who had clenched her fist tight.


    Mian realized I could be the reason behind her fall and the reason behind what was happening. She looked around and noticed I standing far. While getting her attention back to Rian, she noticed n and Isaac standing aside.


    Her wicked mind thought if Aria leaves the Morgan family, I would get together with n and also help her to get fame and fortune.


    Aria didn''t respond and stood silently. Mian yed her good girl role, "Rian, didn''t you say President Morgan proposed? Why are you making it sound like Aria yed with your brother''s feelings? It will hurt her."


    n liked Aria from a long time was only known to three; n, Isaac, and Aria


    The rest thought he started to like after she scolded him attracting to the negativity and after she started to spend time with him.


    Mian was sessful in her attempt. Rian scorned, "Mian, she isn''t as simple as us. Don''t you know her IQ." He smirked.


    "She ns and ys. She must have fooled my brother too. Probably he will trust her instead of me when he gets to know all these... What hurt are you talking about? Didn''t she threaten you? Didn''t she pay people to beat you? Didn''t she trip you on the floor to make youughing stock in front of so many?"


    n who heard him turned to Isaac, "Get me the security footage of club when that girl fell."


    Isaac nodded and left quickly.


    Aria smiled after hearing him. She knew defending would make him misunderstand more and she had nothing to defend for herself.


    She didn''t want to pull n to their mess because that would make brothers go against each other.


    <em>Is it important to get hurt when other attacks?</em>


    <em>Should I have kept silent and let I y with me?</em>


    <em>Should I just stand and see my best friend being used by a random girl?</em>


    <em>Was I wrong rejecting those girls on n''s date?</em>


    <em>Eva and Noah stood by me but I never asked them to distrust him, is it my mistake?</em>


    <em>If I defend saying they are by my side because I haven''t done anything, will you believe me?</em>


    <em>If I say Mian isn''t good, will you believe me?</em>


    <em>If I say they are targeting me, will you believe that?</em>


    <em>When you have faith in Mian, why don''t you have the same for me?</em>


    <em>Should I act innocent and weak girl for you to believe me?</em>


    <em>Why didn''t you talk to me the day when you had that doubt?</em>


    <em>Is it what you know about me?</em>


    <em>Is our years of friendship was nothing in front of a girl who you met six months back?</em>


    <em>What if my IQ is high? Do I have to y dirty tricks?</em>


    <em>Why will I go behind the girl you are interested in?</em>


    She had many such questions to ask him but she didn''t ask any of that. It started to hurt her thinking, <em>''Why am I losing one by one?''</em>


    <em>''Dad! Everything was so good when you were there with me. Why did you leave me?''</em>


    <em>''Don''t I deserve to have anybody by my side?''</em>


    She sucked a deep breath from her mouth to control herself. "Alright, Rian, may I know why will I target your friend? Shouldn''t I have a reason to do it all? Let me, Eva and Noah also know it."


    n who had seen her cry and weak many times knew well how hard she was trying herself to stand calmly making herself sound normal. He wanted to go for her, he also didn''t want toplex her problem by his presence.


    Rian saw her poker face and snorted. "You should say it. How can I know your reason?"


    Aria forced a smile to control herself, "You told me I threatened Ms.Walker. You said I hurt her so please enlighten me with the reasons too."


    Rian was annoyed by her in voice where he didn''t find any anger if she was being used and it wasn''t remorseful either if she really did.


    Mian held Rian''s hand, "Rian, please... Don''t ruin your years-long friendship. If Aria doesn''t like me, I may not suitable for you. Don''t get angry at her."


    Eva huffed rolling her eyes at Mian, "So this girl is brainwashing. Rian, wake..."


    Aria held Eva''s hand and shook her head to stop her from saying. She didn''t want Eva to get on wrong terms with Rian.


    "Alright! You want me to ept I wronged your friend or girlfriend or whatever. Fine, I did it. So what? Are you expecting me to apologize? or something else? Let me hear what you have got."


    "You..." Rian clenched his fist.


    He still couldn''t understand why he felt Aria couldn''t do anything even after hearing her agree.


    I stood next to Mian like a concerned girl. "President Cooper, don''t you think you have crossed your line? Why are you behind the Morgan family? Isn''t your Cooper businessrger too? You should let off the Morgan family, let them live in peace."


    Aria looked at Rian who didn''t react for anything I said. Eva charged at I, "You b*tch, how..."


    Aria pulled her back and pointed Rian for her. "Seems like Mr.Morgan believes Ms.Turner seeing him stand silent. Eva, you shouldn''t offend Mr.Morgan or Ms.Turner."


    "Arrie" Noah couldn''t take their nonsense. He held her arms and faced her, "What''s wrong with you? They are ruining him, you should stop it."


    Aria patted his hand, "We will not let anybody ruin his life. Before that, he should learn his lesson too."


    "President Cooper, Enough of your ostentatious. Leave the Morgan family for god''s sake."


    Aria ignored her and faced Rian, "As your friend, I will hear as you want. Is that what you want?"


    n couldn''t believe she decided to leave them just by hearing their nonsense. He wanted to stop but he stood rooted to know what importance he has in her life. He didn''t let Isaac move who had returned with the footage.


    Her decision was costing n.


    Aria didn''t let Eva or Noah speak. I waited for more than ten seconds andmented seeing Rian standing nkly, "President Cooper, you should understand the silence and stop hurting people."


    Aria saw Rian standing still, "Alright." She decided to fulfill the wish.

 Chapter 90: Endanger her life

    Chapter 90: Endanger her life


    Eva and Noah froze.


    "Arrie!" They never in their dreams thought Aria could be so irresponsible.


    I''s smile widened. She knew well Aria gave too much value to friends unlike herself. Using Aria''s weakness, she had decided to manipte Rian.


    Mian was ted to know their n worked and she could get full support from I and Rian in the showbiz.


    Rian still didn''t react anything. He wasn''t sure about himself what he wanted, where it was going wrong and what he should do. If Aria was really wicked, he didn''t want her in the Morgan family but he wasn''t ready to ept the fact Aria could be evil.


    n''s eyes turned dark. He knew Aria gave too much importance to friends because only those were left after losing her parents but he couldn''t believe she wasn''t depending on him and their rtionship.


    Isaac didn''t dare to make a sound next to him seeing the oppressing air around him.


    Aria thought Rian would at least react after hearing her agree. She took a deep breath and turned back to face Rian and the other two girls.


    Eva wanted to talk but seeing Aria frighteningly calm and ring Rian, she understood Aria wasn''t leaving. Noah and Eva looked at each other and stood quietly.


    Isaac only prayed Aria shouldn''t give up else he wasn''t even ready to imagine n''s state.


    I and Mian''s expression changed. The former gulped and stuttered, "Stop being shameless and don''t go back on your words."


    Aria''s faint smile made her take a step back. "Go back on my words? I never do that. I had said as a friend I will listen to him. I heard it."Her line of sight changed to Rian and took a step ahead.


    ''Pak''


    She pped him without mercy, "How dare you hit your sister-inw? Do I have to teach you how to respect and treat me?"


    Isaac rxed hearing her. n''s facial expression softened a little. Eva and Noah sighed knowing she wouldn''t let two girls ruin Rian''s life.


    Rian''s eyes widened. Aria continued, "Do I look like fickle-minded to leave just because you want? You didn''t value our friendship, fine don''t expect it from me too."


    Her eyes shifted to Mian, "And you!" She started taking steps towards her which made Mian take a step back, "Do you think I need to pay for somebody to beat you?"


    Aria flung her hand across her face, "Did you think I let you y with and use my brother-inw?"


    Her voice was very cold and the p was tight which made Mian feel dizzy.


    "Arrie" Rian yelled.


    "Shhh!" Aria turned to him keeping her forefinger in her lips, "Do I have to teach you to keep your voice down at your Sister-inw? Where are your manners?"


    Aria never treated him or anybody so coldly which left Rian in shock.


    Eva and Noah were actually d to see her overbearing. Noah knew everything from the beginning, he had tried to talk out with Rian but it didn''t help. So he knew only the hard way could bring Rian''s mind back.


    Isaac breathed a sigh of relief and rested his elbow on n''s shoulder who was aloof, "President Cooper is absolute autocratic."


    n was cid as a duck pond. He understood she was giving Rian a chance to speak up or at least ask her part of the story. Seeing him silent, she took charge depending on their rtionship.


    His heart ached to see her going through so much one after the other. He felt like he was forcing her to be worry-free whereas her surroundings always made her be serious and be mature eating the pain alone showing herself as strong.


    Rian''s mind was in a mess.


    Aria nced at I, "Ms.Turner, if I have fallen low ss, then you don''t have any ss. If you are maniptive, I''m strong-headed. If you want n, did you think by using these methods you can win him? Don''t just groom your figure, groom your brain too."


    Aria nced at Rian who was looking at her nkly. She clenched her fist and walked towards the beach.


    Eva and Noah ran behind Aria but, "Guys, I want to be alone. Please." Her hoarse voice stopped the duo.


    Noah quickly briefed Eva about whatever Rian did to Aria. Eva strode towards Rian and gave him across the face without lenity.


    "You stood by this girl without doubting her once. Every girl wants a man who trusts her blindly. So you are really a great man. But the worst friend. Did you ask Arrie even once? You believe these two b*tches but not Arrie who grew up with you, who stood by you, who protected you every single time you messed things up. Did you think I''m standing by her because she spoke ill about you? Rian Morgan! If I knew you raised your hand at her, I would have given it back the time I got to know. I always thought you understand Arrie better than me, I always thought you two have the unbreakable bond seeing how you guys handle the problems. Are you sure you are still the same Rian? The same ''Beauty'' who Arrie always trusted and protected?..."


    Noah stopped her because he had already tried his best to talk to him. "Eva, rx. We can''t help if a person prefers to trust somebody else over us. You can''t convince a monkey that honey is sweeter than a banana."


    Eva faintly smiled shaking her head and her voice turned from fury to helpless. "Rian, you aren''t bad. You are innocent that helps other people to manipte you easily. Give it a thought about what you said till now and whatever they told you till now. You will get to know soon."


    She patted on Rian''s arms before leaving with Noah.


    Isaac met them, "n went to Aria. Don''t worry about her and go to your vis."


    The duo nodded and left. Isaac went to the club to send Amelia and Rowan back to their vi.


    I Turner pushed Mian to talk to Rian if in case he changes his mind after hearing them but Mian had no courage to speak.


    I Turner gritted her teeth and spoke, "Mian, is it painful? I can see the finger marks. How can President Cooper hit... you..."


    She didn''t continue seeing Rian walk away. "This witch is a tough nut."


    Mian turned to I, "I, don''t you think you went overboard? The first time I let it slip but how dare you do it again?"


    I rolled her eyes and left. Since her n didn''t work, she had to carry out her n to drug n in his vi itself. She heard Mian shouting at her to which she didn''t stop.


    Mian who let I do as she wants soon realized that I didn''t care about her at all. She started to get scared I might go extreme and it could endanger her life.

 Chapter 91: Aria concerns so much

    Chapter 91: Aria concerns so much


    Aria who left alone towards the beach wasn''t sure where to go. She wiped her cheeks as she walked aimlessly on the beach.


    Her heels made her difficult to walk on the sand hence she removed as she continued barefooted.


    She didn''t know what to do. The more she tried to keep her life normal, problems arose one after the other. She was tired of consoling herself as everything going to be alright and she could also live like a normal person but nothing seemed to support her.


    She felt likeughing at herself thinking she had said they wouldn''t let others ruin Rian''s life but she wasn''t sure if her life could sail on the waves.


    She looked at the dark ocean in her blurry teary eyes and kneeled down before crying loudly thinking she was alone. She had no strength to hide her pain anymore.


    Her yowls were heart-wrenching for n who had quietly followed her at a safe distance. He thought to leave her alone for a few minutes before taking her back but he didn''t expect her to be in so much pain.


    He couldn''t see her alone anymore. He went up to her and pulled her to arms. Aria didn''t make any sound and pushed n to break free from his embrace.


    n gently wiped her tearstained face and heard her ask in hoarse voice seriously, "If you mistrust me even a little, you should leave me. I don''t want pity."


    n again embraced her as he said, "No matter what happens next, I''m not giving up on you..."


    He rubbed her back when she started crying as he continued, "I never gamble but on us, I bet everything I own for you. I risk it all."


    His certainty had no more doubt about them. He was confident and assured.


    Aria heard him, let go of herself and cried like a fragile child in his arms.


    n was helpless. He somehow thought she was missing her father and it wasn''t only because of Rian''s ruckus. Both were kneeling hence he sat down before making her sit to avoid hurting her knees.


    Aria slowly stopped weeping in his embrace. She knew she has to grow strong and crying doesn''t take her anywhere.


    When Oliver was present, she knew he would hold her and he would be there for her for everything. After seeing Rian doubt her, distrust her she felt all other rtionships were too fragile which made her weak.


    Aria left n''s jacket and raised her head to see his worried face under faint light. "Promise me that you will ask my side of the story before judging the situation if anything happens."


    Her meek voice was ailing. n tenderly wiped her teary red cheeks, "I just care about your side of the story. I will stand by you."


    Her tears again started to flow from her eyes, "You have to teach me if I am wrong or stubborn. You have to stop me if I''m taking the wrong path."


    n hummed as he cleaned her nose with a handkerchief he had. To change her mood, he asked humorously, "Are you asking for punishment? I will think of a hard one."


    Aria nkly looked at him before wrapping her hands around his neck. She genuinely felt happy having him around.


    n patted her back, "There, there... stop crying. I forgot to tell that your smudged eye makeup looks scary. Are you nning to frighten me?"


    Aria pinched him and tried to move but n carried her up in his arms. She unwrapped her hands and said helplessly, "I can walk."


    n smiled and put her down as he teased, "You ate too much for dinner. You better walk."


    Aria was speechless. ''<em>Like seriously? who says that to their girl?</em>''


    "n, why are you making it sound like I''m a pig?"


    n chuckled and replied before letting her chase him, "So you do know that you are a pig."


    "You are seeking death. Wait! Why are you running? I will really beat you up today... n..."


    n purposefully said it to cheer her and he enjoyed hearing her curse him.


    Amelia and Rowan who were sitting near their vi pool enjoying their drinks were surprised hearing n''s chuckles running away from Aria who was scolding him.


    "We should have heard Dad long back and made these two meet." Rowan said visibly happy for his son.


    Rowan''s father had told him numerous times from past years saying ''<em>Arrie could make n''s soulless life full of life''.</em> But Amelia and Rowan pushed it off every time saying <em>''Aria is too young''</em> from the time n was in senior high.


    Amelia who had taken steps towards the beach to watch n and Aria called Rowan, "Come here,e here..." Her tone was excited yet low.


    Rowan went and joined his crazy wife to see their son and their daughter-inw-to-be kissing under the moonlight.


    From their ce, they could see the moon and twinkling stars in the dark sky with dark background as two svelte figure kissed under the moonlight.


    Amelia quickly took a picture shrugging off Rowan''s hand who was trying to stop her.


    Rowan pulled his drolling wife away for not to embarrass the couple if they see them.


    Aria felt herself suck into him as n kissed her passionately wrapping a hand around her waist and other hand holdingher chin up caressing her cheek.


    He wished he could always keep her next to him without letting anybody hurt her.


    Safe and hidden.


    He let go of her when she was short of breath. He embraced her to let her breathe normally.


    Seeing her silent, n teased her to stop her thinking about problems, "You taste better than your lipstick. Good that you don''t wear it daily."


    Aria flushed.


    She tried to push him but he tightened and continued, "I will buy for you better-tasted ones so that I can steal some whenever you wear it."


    Aria felt her cheeks burn. "You!... You don''t talk much with anybody, how are you so good at tease? Does anybody know you are talented at flirting too? Probably nobody will believe me if I say it."


    n greatly enjoyed her going red as he continued and took her to the vi she was staying in before he left for his vi.


    Aria calmed Eva who was worried about her. She got fresh before going to bed.


    --


    n who got fresh and sat with hisptop heard a knock on the door. He opened to see a resort staff holding a tray. He hadn''t ordered anything so he looked at him.


    "Sir! Ms.Cooper ordered juice for you." The waiter said respectfully.


    n moved aside for him to enter and keep the ss on the coffee table before leaving.


    n couldn''t understand why Aria concerns so much. He took theptop to continue the work and held juice ss to drink without confirming whether Aria really sent it.

 Chapter 92: People dont want to be changed

    Chapter 92: People don''t want to be changed


    But n kept the ss andptop aside thinking about Aria. He wanted to check on her if she was fine. He never left her alone until she falls asleep especially when she cried so he couldn''t rest at ease without knowing.


    Eva opened the door for him in surprise. n asked emotionlessly, "Aria?"


    Eva moved aside for him to enter as she replied, "She is tossing on the bed."


    n nodded and went to the bedroom to see Aria leaning on headboard using her mobile, "Is it time to y on your mobile?"


    Aria turned to see n leaning on the door frame. She smiled and called, "I''m checking pictures. I have your pictures too, see..."


    n ignored her who wasn''t least bit of sleepy and her swollen eyes were still very obvious. He turned to Eva who was silently smiling looking at them. "Ms.Miller, will you befortable alone in the vi? Or shall I call Noah or Isaac to rest in the living hall?"


    Eva was astounded and looked at Aria. Thetter was confused hence she looked towards n, "What''s wrong?"


    Eva controlled smiling and teasing, "Young Master Morgan, you can take Arrie. I''m fine alone."


    "Wait! What?" Aria bearly finished, n pulled her out of the bed as he instructed Eva, "Ms.Miller, don''t open the door for strangers and lock it properly. Keep your mobile on and call me if anything."


    "Sure, I will be careful." Eva responded and gave flying kisses to Aria who was asking, <em>''n! Where are you taking me? n!''</em>


    n ignored her question and left after Eva locked the main door. Aria pouted in displeasure and followed him. Seeing him take her to his vi, she went in and sat with him on the couch.


    n had to reply to an email hence he continued his work. Aria was bored after five minutes and sipped the juice which was on the table. After a few sips, "Why is this soo sweet?" She kept it back disliking it.


    n asked as he worked, "Why did you order juice at this time?"


    Aria replied nonchntly, "I didn''t order. I don''t drink juice at night."


    n paused and pointed at the ss, "Didn''t you order this juice?"


    "Nope." Aria replied without noticing n''s change in expression.


    She continued to read the file on hisptop which was about the subsidiary clothing brand. "Don''t we have five brands? Why are we opening one more? A newbel would be fine instead of a brand... What''s wrong? n!"


    n didn''t answer and called a number as he took her to the bathroom. Aria didn''t like n taking her here and there without saying why he was doing.


    n instructed on mobile, "Reach my vi now." He hung up and pushed the mobile to his pocket seeing Aria sulking.


    Understanding the reason he exined patiently, "The juice you drank was sent by unknown. The waiter dropped it here in your name. So you have to throw up for the safer side."


    Aria confusedly asked, "Why will anybody send in my name?... Spiked?" She analyzed quickly. n would never say no if she sends and the instigator used her name.


    "Did you drink?" Aria asked right after her previous question.


    n shook his head and asked her to vomit. Aria sent him out first and threw up before going out.


    n sent the juice for testing, asked to send a doctor and investigate it by the time she came out.


    Aria rubbed her belly andid on the couch as she spoke about the juice, "So if I wasn''t here, you would have drunk the juice thinking I sent it. what if the juice was really spiked and it''s noxious? Even though I''m not feeling anything, it may react slowly."


    n pinched her cheek making her whine and spoke, "I''m here. Be good."


    Aria again failed to pinch his cheek for avenging. Then she was reading a file in theptop, n covered her eyes, "Give rest to your brain."


    Aria felt like biting him as punishment. "Empty mind is devil''s workshop."


    n nonchntly replied, "Think about me and sleep."


    Aria turned a shade of pink. She tried to get up but n gently pressed her head back on hisp controlling his curling lip.


    Aria looked at his chiseled jawline and blushed to realize she was actually thinking about him.


    Soon the doctor came and checked on her. He made her take ipecac syrup to clean up her stomach by vomitingpletely making her weak. He administered IV before leaving.


    "President Morgan, the patient ispletely fine. There isn''t any reaction rted to the use of drugs." The doctor wanted to say n must be overreacting but he didn''t dare say seeing his impassive cold face.


    n sent him and went to the bedroom to see paled Aria on the bed. He kissed on her forehead, "I''m sorry, I wasn''t cautious."


    Aria smiled, "It''s good that you brought me here and got to know, else you would have tried it. Am I not fine now? Rx."


    He rubbed her head fondly and heard her say, "Since we are fine, I will go and sleep. You should rest too."


    n rolled her in the duvet, "You are sleeping here."


    Aria didn''t know whether to cry orugh seeing duvet around her. She couldn''t understand how easily he controls her. "The couch isn''t even my height? We can''t sleep on it." She meant to say either she or he can''t sleep.


    n turned on dim light as he turned off the main lights and closed curtains. "Then we will sleep on the bed."


    Aria sat up straight and yelled his name, "n!" The vi had only one room and one bed.


    n pursed his lips to a thin line knowing what she was thinking. He yed along going near her. "Weren''t you asking me if I would love to wake up each day next to you? I''m just doing that."


    Aria widened her eyes in shock, "I... I..." She crawled away as he went near. She knew she had asked it but it would be after marriage which would be after many more years.


    n knocked on her head, "Dummy!"


    "I''m not." Aria rubbed her head looking at him cautiously. She wanted to think as he was pulling her leg but seeing him settle in the room, she knew he was sleeping on the bed.


    n''s soothing voice sounded as heid her on the bed looking at her widened eyes, "Sleeping together doesn''t have to mean I will take you. I meant to be around you for a night. Hold you in my arms when you sleep, cuddle you and atst kiss your forehead when you fall asleep in my arms like a kid."


    He kissed on her forehead and saw her looking rxed and content. Heid down after covering her with the duvet.


    Aria raised her head in his embrace, "Were you really single before me?"


    Her mellifluous tone was very soothing to hear. He hummed closing his eyes.


    After contemting, she covered him with the same duvet before snuggling to his warm embrace.


    n was very much surprised.


    He had heard Isaac say <em>''ept her for where she is on her journey by respecting her choices. People don''t want to be changed, they want to be loved. And that love gives them the strength and support to transform themselves.''</em>


    He felt Isaac was very talented.


    He hugged kissing on her crown fondly and both drifted off to sleep.

 Chapter 93: Benevolent woman to accept a wanton

    Chapter 93: Benevolent woman to ept a wanton


    The more problems they threw at Aria, she was getting more close to n letting others'' ns fail miserably.


    I was celebrating her sess after knowing n took the juice ss inside and shevishly rewarded the man who gave juice to n.


    She got fresh and merrily got ready confusing Mian who had returned to the vi failing to convince Rian to open the door of his vi to have a talk.


    "I, are you sure you are going to hook up somebody for the night here? If President Morgan or somebody else sees you, then you are done." Mian could onlye up with that.


    I didn''t get annoyed instead smiled seductively looking at Mian, "How do I look?"


    If Mian wanted to say it bluntly, she would say as, ''<em>Inviting and sultry</em>'' with heavy makeup. But she forced a smile, "Beautiful."


    I beamed as she finished her touch up before leaving their vi.


    Mian again tried to call Rian but he didn''t answer the call watching nkly outside until Isaac carried a bottle of wine to apany him.


    Isaac had the video proof to prove Aria wasn''t the reason behind Mian''s fall. He also had the video in which Mian kissing a man outside the club and Aria reaching right after it. Even though Aria or Mian''s voice wasn''t present, it was enough to say Mian wasn''t good and he wasn''t her brother or cousin.


    But he didn''t show any of that.


    It was very simple, if Rian gives work to his brain to understand and trusts Aria then they would show it and help him out else they would teach him a hard way.


    Isaac didn''t say anything and both drank silently sitting near the swimming pool. Later Isaac returned to his vi sending Rian back to the vi.


    I Turner who went near n''s vi saw an unknown man entering the vi and Aria opening and closing the door. She froze thinking how could Aria be in n''s vi. She had seen Aria going to her vi before sending the juice.


    She fumed thinking Aria would be with n and her n was failing again. She didn''t want to lose hope so soon as she had seen another man enter the vi.


    <em>''Patience is the key.</em>'' She repeated and waited for nearly forty to fifty minutes. She saw the man leaving and n closing the vi door before the lights went off.


    She stomped her foot on ground cursing Aria in mind. ''<em>Aria Cooper, you are just another b*tch...</em>''


    A man who was passing by saw her and tried, "Hey Sexy! Why are you angered? Are you Dumped by a boyfriend? Why don''t we go to a club and have some drinks?"


    "F**k off" She roared and went towards the beach to check n''s bedroom through the drapes of the ss wall.


    She was trying to think they must be sleeping separate but she saw n''s shadow going near Aria who was crawling back on the bed.


    She walked off to her vi and yelled on top of her lungs scaring Mian who had just fallen asleep. Seeing her break everything in the living hall, it scared the shit out of Mian and tried her best to stay out of I''s line of sight.


    Mian never saw anybody behaving like a maniac and seeing I, her legs gave away and fell on the floor like a lump. She hid aside in the room hearing I cursing Aria and breaking things.


    After she felt like an eternity, it stopped and I didn''te to the bedroom. Mian dozed off hugging her knees leaning on the cold wall. Fainted I was on the couch.


    ---


    n woke up after an hour sensing the vibration from his mobile. He couldn''t help but kiss on Aria''s forehead who was sleeping peacefully in his embrace.


    He picked his mobile from the bedside table and saw the message content, <em>''Found Aphrodisiacs in the test sample.''</em>


    His eyes darkened instantly. He didn''t want to think about the ''<em>IF</em>'' possibility if Aria had drunk itrge quantity or if he hadn''t asked the question.


    Suddenly he realized his lips felt cold against Aria''s forehead. He checked her temperature and realized her body was warmer than usual. He checked the room and living hall for the first aid box and found it. But there was no thermometer.


    He called the doctor again who took fifteen minutes by that time Aria was slightly burning. n ced a wet cloth on her forehead changing it frequently. He kept lightly rubbing between her brows seeing her scrunch them.


    Seeing her curl up he tried to wake her up but heard her mumbling, ''<em>Dad</em>'' in her sleep. He felt like somebody tugging his heart seeing her state.


    The doctor soon reached and got to know the test results of the juice she drank. After checking her, he mentioned it could be a side effect of the drug. He administered the acetaminophen solution into her vein over 15 minutes before he left instructing n to call him if the fever didn''t reside within four hours.


    n didn''t sleep and kept changing the wet towel on her forehead. After about two hours he got a message saying the man who delivered him juice wasn''t the resort worker and they didn''t find any leads about it due to the resort full of guests.


    n rxed after seeing Aria''s fever resided. It was nearly dawn time when he slept holding Aria in his arms.


    --


    Mian Walker who hardly slept quickly got fresh and left their vi. She felt safe outside than being with her friend I Turner.


    Rian, Noah, and Isaac woke up at the usual time and went towards the restaurant for breakfast. Eva had thought Aria woulde but she didn''t.


    I reached next to Amelia and Rowan who had sat down after serving their tes.


    Amelia excitedly asked, "Eva, where is Arrie? And what about n?"


    I sneered, "Must be still busy on the bed." The quantity she used was high and it was a strong drug.


    Amelia furrowed her brows hearing her contemptuous tone and looked at Eva. Thetter didn''t lie, "Arrie''s mood wasn''t good yesterday so Young master Morgan took her to his vi."


    Excluding I, Amelia, and Rowan, others thought Aria was still affected by Rian''s ruckus.


    Amelia and Rowan looked at each other before Amelia asked, "Isaac, did anything happen yesterday? When I saw them on the beach, they were fine."


    Isaac nced at Rian before speaking, "Auntie, don''t worry. They must be oversleeping. They will eatter."


    Rowan patted Amelia and asked her to continue eating.


    I didn''t like the fact Amelia and Rowan were so broad-minded and didn''t get angry even after knowing Aria and n spent a night together in a vi.


    She spoke without being able to control herself, "Madam Morgan, you are really benevolent woman to ept a wanton girl as your daughter-inw."


    ''Pak''

 Chapter 94: Alan abducted Aria

    Chapter 94: n abducted Aria


    I held her cheek and stared at Rian in bloodshot eyes.


    Excluding Mian, all got angry hearing I, but first to react was Rian.


    Eva, Noah smiled knowing Rian was back to his right state of mind. That was Rian who couldn''t hear a word against Aria or his friends.


    "Don''t dare to use your grubby tongue to talk about Arrie. Let me remind you, you are in her resort and she could decide what to do with you." Rian bellowed at I who realized Rian couldn''t be manipted anymore.


    Amelia turned to Eva and asked her long-time doubt, "Eva, is she the actress who tried to hurt Arrie?" She had got to know I was an actress when she heard from resort staff.


    Eva''s smile widened. She wanted to tell at the airport itself but she hadn''t told it because of Rian. "Yes, Aunty Amelia. She is the one."


    Amelia looked at Rian as her cold tone sounded, "I will talk to youter... And Ms.Turner, You surely have the guts."


    Then suddenly her tone changed to affectionate and looked at her husband, "Rowan, I wish our kids are really wanton. We could get grandchildren to look after. Aww, it would be so nice."


    It was a tight p on I Turner''s face.


    Eva chuckled, "Aunty Amelia, I really want mother-inw like you. You are so cute."


    They continued joking around as they continued to eat. I could only sit and pine for sometime before going out. She saw n bringing Aria who looked weak andnguid.


    She paused andmented, "I see you got many tricks up your sleeves."


    Aria paused, n who was holding her hand had to stop. Aria signaled the manager to reach and she stopped I.


    When they exited n''s vi, the resort manager had reported that the vi I Turner and Mian Walker were staying was wreaked havoc which was reported to him by the room service department.


    "Ms.Cooper." He greeted and waited for instruction.


    "I don''t care who will pay, collect each penny of the damage, repair cost andbor charges from Ms.Turner and Ms.Walker. If it''s not paid, hand them to the cops." Even though her voice was meek, it was cold and unyielding.


    Then she turned to I and smiled which gave her goosebumps. "I have many tricks."


    n took her inside ignoring I after hearing the manager say, "We will follow your orders."


    n made her sit next to Amelia before getting breakfast for both ignoring staggered people.


    Aria greeted Amelia and Rowan before waving her hand at rest and resting her head on Amelia''s shoulder and yawned feeling dead sleepy.


    All misunderstood easily. Eva controlled herself very badly. Amelia asked gingerly, "Arrie, when did you sleep?"


    Aria whose eyes were close replied without care, "n said it was nearly dawn I was able to fall asleep." n had told her she kept mumbling <em>''Dad''</em> in her half-conscious mind saying her head was feeling heavy.


    "What?" Many said in unison causing Aria to open her eyes.


    Aria then told why they sleptte without thinking about their reaction, "I got a high fever. I still feel my head heavy, I wanted to sleep but n brought me here."


    What she said now was even more shocking to them. They started throwing numerous questions. Aria then told whatever happened the previous night and whatever n told after he woke her up as she had breakfast.


    n passed medicines to her which she gulped puckering her face showing her dislike. Then she said, "n didn''t say which drug it was."


    Rowan asked him to which n replied inly, "Aphrodisiacs"


    "What?" Isaac was the only one who knew about the drug excluding Mian.


    The rest looked at n and Isaac alternatively to which Isaac replied after seeing n nod, "It is used to increase the... libido."


    All froze.


    They saw Aria and n.


    Aria rubbed her forehead, "Stop giving me that look. Somebody wanted to get on his bed but n outsmarted ruining their n. I''m the victim here."


    All burst intoughter. n leaned towards her and whispered, "Congrattions on sessfully getting on my bed."


    Aria pouted as her face turned a shade of red. She knew n understood what she meant but he used it on her with a poker face.


    <em>Well done Crafty president.</em>


    Rowan warned n to be careful. Eva and Amelia gave them a look of disapproval. "You guys are so boring."


    Amelia continued in discontent, "I was expecting a grandchild."


    Aria smiled awkwardly, "Pop, control Mum. Yesterday she was nning a wedding, today she is talking about a grandchild. Tomorrow she will n school for the kid."


    Aria was dumbfounded when Ameliamented, "We will open a school for my grandchildren."


    They merrily had breakfast and left the restaurant towards their vi to get ready to go for visiting an ind and scuba.


    Isaac, Amelia, and Rowan spoke to n seriously about the previous day''s events and investigation about it when teenagers were left. Then they dispersed.


    Aria had taken the required things in a backpack and was resting when Rian went to their vi. Aria purposefully avoided him and went to the bedroom.


    Eva punched him seeing his puppy eyes, "Repeat again, I will kill you."


    Rian pursed his lips peeked inside the bedroom before bringing Aria out. "I''m sorry... I''m sorry... I''m sorry... Little devil, talk to me."


    Aria didn''t talk and Rian continued, "I will never believe anyone blindly. I''m sorry for raising my hand. I''m sorry for not letting you talk. I''m sorry for doubting you. I''m sorry for yesterday too."


    Noah who was leaning on the door framemented, "That sounded sincere."


    Aria''s eyes moistened as she spoke, "If you repeat, I will break your leg."


    Rian was relieved. He hugged her and apologized again, "I''m really sorry."


    Eva and Noah breathed a sigh of relief before two joining them, "Here! here, we are present too."


    n entered to see Aria between three who were giggling. He coughed lightly, "That''s enough. Stop squeezing my wife."


    Aria''s lips twitched. The other three raised their hand in the air standing away from Aria, "Our goddess is stolen by the prince. We are not stealing her."


    Aria got teased on their way. n didn''t let her y around too much considering her health and didn''t let her go for scuba either.


    They returned back to the main ind. n then sent videos to Rian who screwed up Mian and I. All left them on the ind and returned to the home by their private jet.


    Aria had instructed the resort manager to take care of the safety of I and Mian until they were sent to the airport after making them pay. Mian couldn''t afford so I who broke things paid every penny.


    All were tired by the time they reached their ces at midnight twelve. n abducted Aria to his room.

 Chapter 95: Time for celebration

    Chapter 95: Time for celebration


    Aria fought with n in the car on the way to school saying both were affecting each other negatively because both woke upte missing their morning exercises.


    Aria''s rm was in her room. n woke up on time but didn''t wake her up and again slept holding cozy sleeping Panda in his arms. It was Aria who woke upter and woke him up.


    After some time in the car, Aria burst intoughter, "n, It''s your first time quarreling for a silly reason, Isn''t it? Why do you look so serious convincing me? Rx, I was kidding."


    n really thought Aria was annoyed missing her aerial Hammock. He bopped her head before alighting the car.


    "Bye President Morgan" Aria annoyed him calling President sweetly and was leaving, he held her back. "Call me if anything."


    Aria smiled as she hummed with a nod.


    n said after giving it a thought, "Don''t get close to Jade Reed."


    Aria patted his hand controlling herughter, "Don''t worry I will not think you as petty. Why do you have aplex expression?... Even Eva said the same. If he asks doubt and if I couldn''t solve alone, I will get it to you and we will solve it. Alright?"


    Aria knew if they tell her to stay away from a certain person, she shouldn''t argue because they could sense people''s intentions as she would only care objectively when somebody asks help.


    n rxed and pinched her cheek ignoring curious gazes from other students. Aria saw him still hanging around instead of running to his office. "Don''t tell me you are already missing me? Go to the office... Reticent, aren''t you liking to stay alone anymore?"


    n was going back to his private vi.


    Seeing him ring, Aria stopped pulling his leg, "I will be strong. I''ll not be weak. I will not go around alone. If anything I will call you immediately. And you stop worrying about me and don''t drink or eat whatever people give, keep your assistant Nathan by your side."


    n''s lips twitched seeing her worry about him. "Stop nagging me." Aria chuckled and both left after hearing Rian tease who was waiting aside.


    Noah wasn''t in the school and Eva hadn''t reached.


    Eva and Isaac had to exchange their numbers due to Aria when she had left her mobile with n when they went out for sightseeing on the ind.


    However Aria teased or provoked Eva, she didn''t dare to send a message to Isaac due to their incident in the bedroom.


    Isaac was good at showing he didn''t care about the incident but whenever he remembered, he would open her chat but close it after seeing the disy picture of Eva.


    Eva reached on time but Noah didn''t go to school. His mobile was off and the maid of Wood''s mansion informed them nobody was home. The trio thought to wait for his call and continued to attend the sses.


    Mian and I didn''t show up at school for a few days.


    Seeing Noah''s absence on the second day, the trio went to Wood''s mansion to see doctors exiting the mansion.


    After going inside, they saw Noah looking tired and sighing. When the maid informed him, Noah nced at his sister before going to the trio.


    "Sister Zara attempted suicide on the day before yesterday night. Luckily a maid noticed and we admitted her to hospital. Today we came home a few minutes back."


    Aria and Eva looked at each other before asking, "Boyfriend?"


    Noah nodded as he sat back and rxed. The trio saw Madam and Master Wood who looked haggard.


    Eva turned to Noah, "Sister Zara is very understanding. Why did she end up like this? Did her boyf do something?"


    Noah looked around to check his parents weren''t there and handed a paper to them. It was a letter written to Noah before she attempted.


    It had how she met the man, how they got together and how he was avoiding her after done with his y.


    Eva and Aria were fuming. Rian flexed his knuckles, "Should teach that man a good lesson."


    Aria pulled him down to sit. "Let''s ruin his image first."


    Zara wood was a fan of a celebrity Toby Lewis, a singer, and actor. He was famous in the inner circle as a casanova. She had attended his concert once which was held in Wood''s auditorium. During the show, he had held her hand to get her on stage and dedicated a song for her as a fan.


    Seeing her naive and innocent, he had sweet-talked her out and started dating. Once he got bored, he avoided her which made her fall into despair.


    When she met him on his born day, he was cuddling with another girl. Unable to take the blow, she had cut her wrist in a spur of the moment which she regretted after getting conscious.


    Her parents didn''t get angry instead they med themselves for not teaching her about the cruelty of the world.


    Toby Lewis had no idea Zara Wood was the daughter of Derek Wood. He didn''t know, Zara was the Director Wood at the Woods'' Company. He had just thought he was ying around with his fan.


    Zara had thought he likes her for what she was instead of her identity hence she never cared to say it.


    Noah nodded at Aria in agreement, "Arrie! He is holding a birthday party tomorrow at one of our hotels."


    Aria and Eva looked at each other, "Time for celebration." What they meant was ''Time to ruin the party.''


    Rian''s smile was evil, "I will arrange invitations."


    Aria pulled him back, "Beauty. Woods'' doesn''t need an invite to their hotel. Do Morgan and Cooper need an invitation to ruin a party?"


    Aria smiled thinking of a n. Rian pinched her cheeks, "Those for our hidden dices." His coordination was always there for Aria.


    Eva peeked at them pointing at herself, "Me?"


    Noah hugged her neck sitting aside, "Your father has the authority to even attend President''s banquet. Why do you want an invite?"


    Eva wasughing when Aria spoke, "I will ask Isaac to bring you along as a femalepanion."


    Eva facepalmed herself hearing Isaac''s name.


    They spoke to Zara and convinced her. They spoke with her parents who agreed without hesitation because they knew the four were strong-headed.


    Then the trio left to their homes. Rian arranged his dices to enter the party beforehand. He arranged two guards in Morgan''s gear for him enter and four for Aria.


    Noah would reach as the heir of Woods''pany. Zara would be attending as Director for an inspection with her assistant and in the name of greeting the Second young master Morgan, President Cooper, and Young master Wood.


    Aria asked Isaac if he could take Eva with him to the party. He agreed without a second thought. She asked him to pick Eva from the Woods'' mansion the next day.


    The Fourie attended the school as usual before going to Woods'' mansion.

 Chapter 96: Little devil flirts

    Chapter 96: Little devil flirts


    Eva and Aria helped Zara to get ready.


    Zara always chose simple outfits so Aria and Eva made her look like a high socialite with a semi-formal dress.


    Eva chose herself an evening gown making herself look a little older than a teenager to match as Isaac''spanion at the party.


    Aria was totally offset to them which Zara and Eva fell in love with her instantly.


    Rian and Noah looked like perfect spoiled heirs in their trendy designer outfits.


    Aria hit her own forehead when Isaac rang her mobile. <em>''Don''t you have her number? Duffer.''</em>


    She took Eva out to see Isaac''s stunned face before looking away. Because he always thought they were little girls. Now Eva looked like an elegant youngdy and the other one looked even younger.


    "Hey, Handsome! Be careful about my friend. I will sell you off if anything happens to her."


    Isaac ignored what she said, "Aria, how about you elope with me? That n came out nowhere and took you away."


    He pinched her cheek gently, "Are you alsoing? Why are you dolled up prettily?"


    Aria shook her head, "It''s going to be a special night. Now take care of My Lady."


    Aria handed Eva''s hand to him winking at Eva and went back inside.


    Isaac didn''t know why Eva was joining him. He just thought she must be a fan of Toby.


    Isaac opened the door of the car for her and helped her like a gentleman before sitting on the other side and asking his driver to drive.


    Eva felt awkward seeing the strange silence so she coughed lightly to clear her throat and spoke, "I''m sorry about that day. I thought you were Arrie."


    Isaac remembered their encounter and forced a smile, "No problem."


    Eva fell silent after it. Isaac nced at her before asking, "Are you such a huge fan of Toby that you are attending his birthday bash?"


    Eva smiled thinking about their n, "Mr.Ross, you will get to know that soon."


    "Oh!" He thought she was a huge fan. "You can call me by name. No need for norms."


    Eva nodded, "You too."


    Their reserved conversation was weird until they reached the venue.


    Isaac led her in. Eva heard many greeting him and she felt piercing res of many actresses at her after entering, "Isaac, you better save me from your admirers. They will eat me alive."


    Isaac nced at Eva who gracefully walked with him carrying a subtle smile. "With your two cops as bodyguards, nobody will dare to touch you."


    Eva turned behind to see two men maintaining reasonable distance in casuals, "Oh god Arrie! she even told my dad."


    Isaac understood Aria informed her parents but not Eva hence he smiled and asked, "Does Aria always open to elders?"


    Eva nodded, "What''s done in secret is a mistake is her philosophy." Seeing Isaac''s raised brows she added, "Of course private stuff excluded." then she muttered, "She didn''t even tell me whether she kissed Prince or not."


    Isaac choked on his spit hearing her mutter, "Do you guys share all that?"


    Eva realized he heard her and flushed, "I was teasing her to tell me but no use. She will not share anymore."


    Isaac breathed a sigh of relief and answered, "Taken n''s personality, your friend must have got a few already."


    Eva who was open to such a topic with her friends but she was blushing to hear from Isaac. Later he met a few celebrities before Toby appeared in high fashion with a new girl by his side.


    Isaac thought Eva might rush towards Toby like others but seeing her ignoring him, he curiously asked, "Are you really Toby''s fan? You don''t look like one."


    Eva sipped from her ss, "Do I look like one?" She checked her wristwatch leisurely, "The show begins in five minutes."


    Isaac saw the tinge of wickedness in her eyes. He wanted to ask but an actress interrupted them.


    By the time he excused himself, there was amotion near entrance and Toby personally greeted and weed Noah wood and Rian Morgan.


    The duo merely smiled.


    Many greeted them and they reached near Isaac, "Mr.Lewis, attend your other guests." Noah said through his clenched teeth.


    Toby greeted Isaac and courteously spoke to Eva before asking them about n. Thetter never attended such parties.


    It wasn''t even five minutes, Toby was ted and amazed to hear President Cooper''s arrival.


    Isaac couldn''t control himself anymore, "Guys, what''s going on? Why Aria is also here?" He knew Aria wasn''t one to like celebrities or attend unknown''s parties.


    "We are teaching your casanova actor a lesson tonight." Eva replied gracefully sipping her champagne.


    Isaac felt his head throb between teenagers. He messaged n to ask what those four were up to.


    n who was driving towards his vi took U-turn seeing the message knowing Aria went to the party which was filled with celebs and heirs. He didn''t know she was talking about Toby''s birthday party when they spoke.


    Isaac didn''t receive any reply and cursed everyone in mind.


    Noah and Rian constantly rejected the young newbie celebrities whoever tried to toast with them.


    Aria who was wearing a blush pink short A-line dress intricated withces and detailed designs entered inside with an enchanting smile.


    Toby was stunned when his eyes fell on Aria. He felt like a delicate porcin doll entered and brightened the party hall.


    Looking at the princess, Rian and Noah red at Eva, "If Little devil flirts, I will break her leg here."


    Isaac choked on his drink hearing Rian. Without n, he had to look after four teenagers now who were behaving like little scallywags.


    The whole hall started to talk about Aria Cooper and how she looked but none could reach her due to four tall bouncers around her wearing ck suits which had Skyline Industries logo.


    Toby came out of stupor when his manager nudged him. He tried to get near her but her bodyguards stopped him, "President Cooper, I thought the invitation wouldn''t reach you."


    The invitations were sent to numerous celebrities and high profile people so it was sent in her name which wasying in Skyline Industries headquarters.


    Aria merely smiled. Toby wanted to talk but Finn Stanley extended his hand at Aria as he said, "Hey! I didn''t expect to see you here."


    Aria identified him, "Are we so close for the casual talk?"


    A smile appeared on Finn''s handsome face, "You don''t even know Mr.Lewis." He tilted his head as a faint smile directed at her.


    Aria thought Finn was a unique person. She held his hand for a handshake but left it in a second without letting him hold her hand. "To give you face."


    She strode ahead ncing at the tilted lips of Finn. Thetter attended such parties for years but he never saw her with Rian or Noah. Seeing her how she was reacting to Toby, he was sure she was there for some other reason.


    Toby couldn''t get a handshake even when he tried. "President Cooper, you are really pretty than in the picture."


    "Thank you!" Aria didn''t go near Noah and the rest confusing Isaac.


    Aria didn''t take the juice or champagne which Toby passed. "Mr.Lewis, enjoy your birthday party. No need to bother about me."


    Her tone was reserved which picked his interest more. "President Cooper, if you don''t mind, how about you join me for cutting the cake?"

 Chapter 97: Completely in love with you

    Chapter 97: Completely in love with you


    Aria smiled faintly and nodded, "Sure." She nced at Noah and cued him to call his sister Zara.


    Aria didn''t let Toby get near her because she wasn''t ready to offend Rian who would chop her into pieces. So she also kept her words short and precise.


    All actors were stunned to see Toby beaming as Aria and he went towards the cake. Every circle knew getting Aria means lifetime settlement without working and livingvishly.


    Toby was enjoying the attention of everyone''s enviousness but it didn''tst long. They heard a melodious tone, "President Cooper!"


    Aria''s lips tilted up and turned to the source. Toby who turned froze at the spot. He saw Aria hugging the girl who looked extremely beautiful.


    Aria carried adolescence in her beauty but Zara looked more mature with her looks.


    Toby couldn''t believe Zara could look so beautiful. He heard Aria speak, "Sister Zara, do I have to call you Director Wood or Young miss Wood? Why are you addressing me formally?" she sounded more like a younger sisterining.


    Toby''s eyes widened in shock. His manager had a simr expression.


    Next movement, Noah hugged her as he greeted, "Sister Zara!"


    Zara''s smile was very beautiful which made many men swoon over her.


    Then they met Rian, Eva, and Isaac. Their frisky movement took everyone''s attention away from the party.


    When Aria faced Toby, his eyes met Aria''s eyes and he unknowingly trembled. Her nonchnt eyes were narrowed at him. But that didn''t stop there.


    n who came alone in low profile, reached Aria as his eyes contracted. Her short cold-shoulder dress showed off her svelte figure beautifully. Her skin was glowing under lights and her eyes were sparkling like diamonds.


    His heart skipped a beat when a smile appeared on her face looking at him, "President Morgan!" She teased purposefully.


    Isaac rxed after seeing him, "I almost thought your girl will be kidnapped soon."


    n''s eyes didn''t leave her face and gave a formal hug to whisper, "Sweetheart, you gonna hate me tonight."


    It was already difficult to see away from her, by dolling up, he had nced around many looking at her as prey. Given her identity, many wanted her.


    Aria froze hearing him ignoring his enticing tone. <em>''What did I do?</em>'' She looked at his poker face to read nothing.


    Toby realized something''s up. He wasn''t happy with what was developing.


    Finn Stanley who was standing near clearly saw what was happening and even heard their talk excluding what n told to Aria. "I was right. You are here to ruin the party."


    Many heard and nced at him. Toby and his manager exchanged nces.


    Aria turned to Finn crossing her hands. His smile was still directed at her. "You are interesting."


    One who reacted for it was n, "Really?"


    Isaac and Eva were trying hard to control theirughter hearing jealous tone.


    Aria pursed her lips for a few seconds before remarking, "You are fascinating." She never thought n could also get jealous by merepliments.


    n didn''t react much and saw her holding his arm before turning to Toby, "Mr.Lewis, let''s cut the cake."


    Toby felt like puking. Just now he heard why she came, now she was saying about cutting the cake. But he was in no ce to speak in front of n.


    Finn counted, "Five... four... three... two..." He didn''t finish and a girl came ahead and asked sarcastically.


    "Baby! Don''t you want to cut the cake with me?"


    They were the hidden dices of Rian. Toby''s ex-fans who were his ex-girlfriends.


    Another girl joined, "Sweety! How about I join you?"


    Like ways, nearly ten girls surrounded him as the show started. Many actors and actresses started recording it as Eva and others enjoyed the show.


    Isaac tapped on Aria''s shoulder, "Are you guys marking your properties?" Because many were looking at Aria who was holding n''s arm and thetter had draped his zer on her shoulder keeping her right next to him.


    They hadn''t seen anybody so close to n. All actresses started to lose hope about getting n and other men thought, n beside Aria wouldn''t let them get her.


    Aria whispered to Isaac pulling him lower, "Your wife is pissed off. Inducing."


    Isaac gave thumbs up. "If I was him, I would have abducted you by now."


    "Isaac, when you get a girl, you will let her have her way even if you don''t like it. If you force her then she won''t be the girl for you."


    n who heard her twisted her ear. "Stop giving chicken soup."


    Aria pouted and saw the show was nearing end looking at a paled superstar. "Beauty! Fulfill your wish... Without hurting yourself."


    Zara stepped ahead first and pped across Toby''s face shocking the teenagers because they never thought she could do it.


    "Did you think nobody would be there to teach you a lesson?" Zara''s voice carried a hint of anger.


    She again struck, "I''m sorry to tell but you messed with wrong ones this time."


    Rian pulled his sleeves up and punched, "These girls are somebody''s daughter, sister, friend. Having a sister and mother, how dare you y around with so many? Go to red light areas for your desires instead of ying with innocents."


    Noah and Rian punched a few times before stopping because of Aria and Eva. When other girls tried to beat him, Aria stopped and asked, "Do you know the reason behind your breakups?"


    Nobody spoke and Aria turned to Toby, "You took a step up first and they responded as your fans. You guys became friends. You fall for them and after some time they epted. After some kisses, hugs, and cuddling... They were mad for you...pletely in love with you..."


    Eva continued, "Texting you a whole day tillte at night. After a few days, you think they are mad or what. Do you know why they do that? Because they love you so much that they fail to express it. Because of that, you arepletely frustrated, you start ignoring them."


    Isaac leaned near n, "I thought only Aria is an olddy but Eva isn''t any less."


    n ignored him keeping his eyes on Aria.


    Everybody in the hall was all ears to them.


    Eva continued, "They cried every second but still they love you a lot. Then you came to know they are too emotional and you lose interest deciding to leave. Wow!"


    Eva smirked and kicked him before continuing, "They burst into tears,pletely heartbroken, copsed and shattered. That moment changed their so-called life because the one whom they loved so very much was about to leave. You made her a lifeless creature. Then they decided to end up their life thought of doing suicide goes into their minds. I just want to ask you one thing, Why?"


    Toby didn''t have an answer. Other looked alternatively at Toby and the two girls opposite to him.

 Chapter 98: Take revenge on Aria

    Chapter 98: Take revenge on Aria


    Aria asked, "Have you ever thought, how they have controlled themselves and their feelings?... I think you have never thought of their situation. If you just want kisses and hugs, then there are countless prostitutes who could satisfy you. Then why to damage them, their feelings and their emotions? Just because of your stupid attraction towards the innocent girls?... <strong>Girls aren''t made for fun. If you can''t love them, you don''t have any single right over them.</strong>"


    She turned to the rest of the girls, "And you all! It wasn''t only his mistake for using you all. You all are equally responsible for letting scums like him to y with you. Be heartless! Because this is the wrong generation for the people who have a good heart. Don''t let your innocence taken advantage by others."


    n held her hand and walked towards the exit done with her wisdom to heartless people who wouldn''t care about the emotions and feelings of others.


    Eva stopped herself from punching on Toby''s face and spoke with girls who had lowered their heads, "Stop wasting your time on a person who is not sure about you... Save your feelings, your love and your heart for someone who really cares."


    Noah and Rian gave Toby another one whose face was already swollen. Isaac took Eva out. Noah and Rian brought Zara outside.


    Finn who was enjoying the show drinking his wine patted Toby''s back, "You really messed with the wrong person."


    His friends burst intoughter and left the party hall.


    His friends poked their noses, "Finn, are you sure President Cooper was the one who helped your grandfather to the hospital? She doesn''t seem like she knows you guys."


    Finn didn''t respond. It had been ten months to the incident. His grandfather had fainted during his morning walk and Aria had admitted him to hospital with other''s help.


    Since his grandfather''s mobile was locked, she or the hospital staff couldn''t contact anybody. When Finn had called his grandfather, she had ryed the information and asked to reach soon as she had a winter exam on that day.


    As soon as Finn and his father reached, she hadn''t batted an eyelid at him and left after confirming his father was the son of the patient. When his father was grateful for her help and wanted to return the favor asking about her, she had rejected to even say her name and left.


    Later his family tried to get her information but there was no information. Her sign on the hospital forms wasn''t readable. Her blurry picture of a hospital security camera wasn''t enough to find her.


    Then he had seen her in the Elite school. He had told her beautiful wasn''t because of her outer appearance.


    If she wanted she could have asked anything from them in the hospital but she didn''t. Then he got to know her name from students, seeing her with Rian and n, he analyzed her as President Cooper.


    He wasn''t interested in love or anything. He just admired her. When everyone tried to be acquainted with him and his family, she was ignoring him without care which added his curiosity to know more about her.


    He and his friends saw them all leaving Wood''s hotel. They left for the nearest restaurant and Karaoke club but coincidentally he saw Aria and everyone in the open club instead of a private room in the same restaurant but they went to a private room.


    Aria and others were trying to cheer up Zara. Isaac had a difficult time hiding his celebrity face from all. Rian and Noah sang and danced for Zara. Eva and Aria joined her for drinks before n stopping Aria from getting drunk like Zara.


    Eva was a great boozer like Rian and Noah but three weren''t sober anymore.


    They went to a private room for dinner where non-drunk men and Aria ordered for all choosing many dishes.


    All started to eat. Rian, Eva, and Noah started cracking corny jokes and theyughed themselves with Zara but n held Aria''s hands in one hand and had his dinner ignoring Aria''s murderous re.


    Excluding Isaac, others weren''t on their clear senses. Isaac heard them in astonishment as he ate.


    "n, leave my hands. I''m hungry."


    n didn''t respond.


    Aria continued smacking her lips looking at the variety of dishes. "n, I''m famished."


    n knew the best punishment for foodie was eating without letting them eat.


    Aria tried to free her hands but she couldn''t. She kicked his leg but got no reply in return.


    Aria gave up without listening to Isaac who asked her to request. She was leaning her head on n''s shoulder and whined suddenly making n froze and Isaac dropped his chopstick hearing her cloying tone.


    "I''m hungry... I''m hungry..."


    <em>''Too sweet!''</em> Isaac looked at n thinking how could he punish her.


    n stuffed her mouth after hearing her a few times. He had stuffed her mouth with a spicy chicken dish sprinkled with chili kes which made her teary.


    "Heartless man, many are dying to take care of me and look at you, how are you treating me... Isaac, I will elope with you."


    Isaac choked on his food. Afterposing, he spoke, "I don''t don''t want to die and be headlines so soon."


    n again fed her spicy dish, "You have nobody other than me."


    n had repeatedly fed her with spicy food then Aria didn''t even open her mouth and kept it shut without talking.


    Isaac had a great time seeing n''s childishness.


    Later, however, n tried to speak, Aria refused to talk and didn''t eat anything even after n left her hands. She felt her tongue burning due to spiciness that even her nose and cheeks had turned red.


    n realized he took it to the extreme. They sent everyone before he took her to the Morgan mansion. n prepared soup for her before taking upstairs to her room which was locked.


    He knocked on the door and called but she didn''t open. Amelia greatly enjoyed seeing him stand outside the room coaxing Aria to open the door.


    n anyhow used the spare key to open the door to see Aria on the bed trying to sleep. He coaxed her and fed her soup before she fell asleep in his arms telling why she did it.


    By morning, all social media exploded with the news about how Aria, Eva, Noah, Rian, and Zara stood for the girls to teach Toby Lewis.


    There was an untold rumor from the party saying Aria and n were taken.


    n had greatly avoided many news as their PR department worked overnight and the next day. Aria didn''t care even if anybody writes bad about her but n didn''t want so he kept track of each.


    Toby Lewis lost numerous followers and got cursed by his own fans. He lost many offers, works which put his manager into a frenzy. But these all led I Turner to join hands with Toby Lewis to take revenge on Aria.

 Chapter 99: Worship us

    Chapter 99: Worship us


    A brightly lit extravagant living hall. A girl entered graciously to see broken ss pieces on the floor which created cracking noise announcing her arrival inside.


    <em>''h~ sh''</em>


    One more ss broke on the floor with a man''s hoarse voice sounded, "Get lost! Don''t show me your f**king face."


    The girl didn''t care about any of that as she looked around the room and reached the mini bar in the living hall where a handsome man was drowning alcohol.


    She prepared a ss for herself sitting on a barstool opposite to him seeing him drolling on her bust licking and biting his lips. She didn''t mind and had her drink as she spoke, "Senior Lewis, did you think by doing all this you can get your image back?"


    Her seductive voice made him gulp his drink as he alternated his gaze between her face and bust. His voice was hoarse, "What else do you expect me to do?"


    Because it wasn''t just any family. It was the Morgan and Cooper whosebination was invincible.


    The girl whirled the drink in her ss as she replied unhurriedly, "Aria Cooper. Get her and enjoy living a wealthy life."


    That man drowned the alcohol from his ss andughed mockingly. "Why will shee to me leaving President Morgan?"


    That girlughed suggestively and said, "I will get you a chance, ravish her and get her... Why? Are you incapable of that too?"


    She had an evil smirk and saw Toby''s lips tilting up dangerously. He knew the dispute between Aria Cooper and I Turner and also knew they were studying in the same school. I could use her connections to get Aria into his bed.


    Once Aria in his palms, he could create many proofs and ckmail Aria and the Morgan family making them dance on his fingertips. He hadn''t thought about such a way of revenge.


    He nodded at I as his hands groped her bosom due to her provoke. I didn''t seem to mind his move at all and seeing her nonchnce, he easily pushed his hand under her dress before fondling it.


    "How about you check my capability?"


    He drowned another ss of alcohol and went around the table seeing her proactive smile. He grasped her handful of hair forcefully and pulled her face near him, "I heard Director Robert saying you are splendid on the bed."


    He didn''t wait for her reply and tore her dress and bite her hearing her moan as he continued. The rougher he got, I moaned in satisfaction yearning for more and asking him to go harder...


    Ignoring the outer world, both spent a few days enjoying each other''spanies fulfilling their desires before she left to carry out the n.


    --


    Aria, Eva, and Rian would visit Zara asionally and take her out to distract her whenever Noah found her disturbed.


    Lucas Cooper was again imprisoned for nine years for creating fake documents, for trying to hurt his granddaughter and nning to get her under him for the properties, for defaming President Morgan, the Morgan family, and Aria Cooper. Seeing the proof that Lucas Cooper hired people to expose Aria''s identity and the hearing of the first court trial which put on pressure for Aria, his imprisonment had extended from seven to nine years.


    After hearing it, n had apanied Aria thinking she would be down hearing about it.


    Whenever he was free on weekdays evening, he would take her out for dinner and would n something on weekends if both were free and he would teach her chemistry.


    Ariapletely changed his wardrobe in the Morgan mansion, in his office room, and in his private vi. But she didn''t choose bright colors and kept it to dark or white asking his preference so she chose patterns and styles.


    Since he didn''t like wearing suit zers, she designed many white shirts with minute changes near the cor, cuffs, sleeves, yokes, ckett. Those could be styled without a zer on any trousers.


    n liked all the styles and everyone was impressed by his change in style which soon went viral. n added Aria''sbel in Men''s collection after knowing other brands were copying her styles seeing his pictures.


    Aria didn''t like it because she designed especially for him and had screwed him after knowing about it. n didn''t mind and coaxed her happily knowing she designed exclusively for him <em><strong>ONLY</strong></em>.


    Everyone was oblivious of the schemes behind their back which were failing, again and again, to get Aria to their hands because there would be sentry for her if she was alone or she would be apanied by one or the other one.


    Soon it was Eva''s birthday. Her father made it big by celebrating grandly in their vi.


    Rowan and Amelia had entered the vi together. Noah and Rian had included Isaac with them due to n who kicked him to their car to go alone with Aria who was ready to go with Isaac and him.


    When n alighted and led Aria in, he didn''t forget to tell, "Don''t run around alone!"


    "Oh!" Aria peeked at his face holding his arm who was in an Italian dinner suit. "Are you scared that any state administration men will steal me away?" She giggled after seeing his poker face and hearing no response.


    As soon as they entered, both got theplete limelight.


    One was debonair in his ck Italian suit with an inscrutable face. Another one was smiling looking delicate wearing a prettyyered short ck high-low dress.


    Aria was smiling looking at her ssmates waving their hands at her and few of them keeping their hands-on chest admiring the couple who didn''t know about n and Aria''s rtionship. A few of them made heart shapes with their hands shipping them openly.


    The people from state administration knew the Morgan family and President Morgan. Aria next to him added cream on top for it to mingle with the Morgan family but they weren''t easy to reach as they looked. Everyone was cold for new people unlike how they interact with knowns.


    Since theplete vi was under security by Eva''s father, n hadn''t taken special measures.


    Many wanted to approach Aria too but she would be with the Morgan family or with her friends making it hard to approach her.


    n who noticed her line of sight smiled looking at Aria, "Seems like your all ssmates worship us."

 Chapter 100: He is mine

    Chapter 100: He is mine


    Aria nced at n who had raised his brow arcing beautifully. "They admire you and adore me. So they are wholeheartedly shipping us. Don''t be too proud. Go! Have fun with your hubby."


    Aria pointed him towards Isaac who was talking with Amelia and both wereughing.


    Once theizens had shipped n and Aria saying as a perfect match which n had greatly liked and let them continue that thread without removing it even when the PR department asked.


    n held back her hand when she was going towards her ssmates which got everyone''s attention again. n didn''t care and asked, "Your mobile?"


    Aria removed from her dress pockets and showed it seeing his concerned eyes, "Dresses also have pockets except a few."


    n nodded and left her hand. He never allowed her to keep her mobile here and there or give it to somebody else to keep other than him while she would be with him.


    Eva soon entered with her father and mother from upstairs. Most of them gasped looking at Eva. She was wearing an off-shoulder champagne A-line evening dress. Its corset had detailed design hugging her body and the in skirt had a wide circr hem that swept the stairs. Her single line diamond ne sparkled with her twinkling eyes and a beautiful smile.


    n moved Isaac''s chin up who was greatly surprised looking at Eva.


    Isaac and Eva were kind of good friends who even nned some meals with all whenever Isaac was free. They never flirted with each other but they would flirt with n and Aria in front of each other and even copied each other''s lines.


    Isaac snapped out his daze and avoided looking at n thinking he might tease but thetter didn''t do anything.


    Eva wanted to go towards Aria and others but her father stopped her and the trio started the party.


    Seeing Eva taken away towards guests, Aria, Rian, and Noah went up to her giving her a big hug brightening her smile.


    Her mother and father smiled resignedly so as Rowan and Amelia. They couldn''t believe how those four were still so close for so long years. They adored each one of them.


    The trio soon left her to attend the guests but Noah curiously stopped Aria and Rian to overhear. The duo wasn''t sure and waited for him.


    Noah spoke after sometime, "See my right fourth man in a white suit, he is the youngest diplomat in foreign service. If I''m not wrong, he returned to the country to attend this party. See that man with a cold smile in a wine-colored suit, he has recently been appointed in state administrativew which I overheard..."


    Noah pointed two more as he exined and came to the conclusion, "...There are many more in this party who are here to steal our Eva. Uncle Miller made it huge for engagement I think or many of his friends must have suggested it to him. I don''t think Eva knows..."


    Aria and Rian were inplete shock. The former spoke, "If Eva knows, she never would attend the party." Because she wanted a love marriage unless she couldn''t find one at all.


    They were so young and they couldn''t understand what was going on in elders'' heads.


    The trio stayed together watching them and realized soon that the guest''s family they were meeting had a good looking man if they were talking long. After some time they saw Eva''s change in expression and within a minute she silently argued with her mother before forcing a smile for the guest.


    Aria, Noah, and Rian knew they shouldn''t interfere in family private matters so didn''t poke in. When they finished greeting all, seeing Eva''s fallen face, Aria brought Eva towards Isaac, Rian, and Noah.


    She copied how her father did, "Hello Mr.Ross, she is my best friend Eva Miller. Eva, he is Isaac Ross. You may know about the entertainment industry, he has been working there for the past four years and gained a pretty good name for himself with lots of die-hard fans..."


    Rian and Noah instantly understood what Aria was up to. Eva pouted knowing Aria already got to know what happened with her. Isaac was hell confused.


    Then Aria''s hand moved to Rian, "Eva, you must have heard about the artist Rian Morgan. It''s him. He is a great rising, blooming artist. He is getting pre-order requests and he is that popr."


    Seeing ring Eva, Aria continued, "He... He is mine. I''m not introducing him to you."


    n smiled, rubbing her head. The rest burst intoughter which was what Aria wanted. She stopped and pointed at Noah.


    "Well! You might have heard about the <strong>''Zoah Sports''</strong> which was opened by a teenager whose branches are in seven cities of our country. Young aspiring businessman Noah Wood. That''s him."


    n had understood what was going on so he looked at his muddled friend and internally sighed.


    Eva pinched Aria''s waist making her twitch, "Stop teasing me."


    Aria retorted, "Hey, just because these three aren''t in state administration doesn''t mean they are any less than those. These are more handsome than them. Hmph."


    Seeing n''s raised brows hearing her, she punched him, "But mine stands top." which was true.


    "What''s with your PDA?" Rian rolled his eyes as othersughed, lightening Eva''s mood but one who understood after Aria spoke had forced a smile looking at Eva.


    Isaac liked to talk and chat with Eva but he had yet to feel the urge to take a step ahead. He didn''t understand why he felt bitter knowing her family was arranging a man in state administration.


    Eva treated him as a friend but she wasn''t asfortable as she was with Noah or Rian. She couldn''t understand why she would blush or feel embarrassed whenever they spoke about kisses, dating, or such things around him.


    Aria and n wanted them to get to know each other which they did and didn''t do anythingter. Seeing them in the same state, Aria had given up thinking they didn''t like each other.


    n wasn''t one to poke his nose too much but he thought he should have a talk with Isaac over a drink.

 Chapter 101: Safe from that beast

    Chapter 101: Safe from that beast


    Eva was called again and she cut the cake with her parents and grandparents. Eva saw the gifts pile from those so-called state administration people and frowned. She liked the simple bracelet which the trio gifted her than those piles.


    All had dinner first before all started to drink and socialize. The youngsters were around the pool with loud music dancing and enjoying themselves. The rest were inside as fewworked and some left to their ces.


    Amelia and Rowan had left feeling annoyed when a few struck conversation to build a rtionship.


    n and Isaac were having drinks looking outside. "Isaac, what do you think about Ms.Miller?"


    Isaac drowned his ss, "Nothing!"


    n furrowed his brows. He knew Isaac saying nothing means there was something. He wanted to ask but gave up thinking to ask when they would meet him at his vi.


    Eva fought with her parents for not letting her go to her friends and trying to make her talk to men. Her father agreed to her seeing her cry in disapproval due to his arrangements. Her mother consoled her and sent her to her room for changing the dress.


    She freshened up knowing her ssmates waiting for her and wore a short dress before joining them.


    Slowly everyone started to disperse and Isaac left too when his driver reached to pick him. n was thinking to leave but seeing Ariaughing with all, he thought to let her enjoy and waited for them.


    After some time, Aria excused herself to use the washroom in the guestroom. After washing her hands while leaving she started to feel uncontrobly sleepy making her shake her head and wash her face but nothing affected and her sleepiness was overtaking her.


    She tried to move but couldn''t manage to bnce on her heels. Reaching her mobile she had managed to click on the power button before drifting to sleep...


    ---


    When Aria opened her eyes she was in apletely unknown strange ce on the bed in a bedroom.


    Her head was feeling heavy. Her ankle was paining which was swollen and she didn''t remember getting hurt. If her leg hit on something in her sleep, she would have woken up so her doubt of somebody targeting her confirmed.


    She got her mobile from her pocket and saw it was half-past eleven at night and she remembered seeing the wall clock in the guest room in Miller vi at quarter to eleven.


    <em>''Am I in the miller vi?''</em>


    <em>''Why didn''t n take me back to the Morgan mansion?''</em>


    Holding her head, she tried to lean on the headrest and dialed n''s number to realize there was no telmunication service. She heard a faint voice from outside but she couldn''t hear itpletely.


    She wanted to check outside and got up but she fell down due to pain. While getting up she saw a photo frame on the bedside side table and trembled intuitively.


    It was<strong> Toby Lewis</strong>.


    She tried to remain calm and looked out of the window to realize she was in some apartment on some higher floors around fifteen.


    She knew he was taking revenge but she wasn''t sure what he wanted. If money rted, she wouldn''t care.


    <em>''What if me?''</em>


    Aria gulped and tried to be clear-minded looking at the room door. After removing the heels she limped towards the bathroom and locked it thinking to buy some time if Toby enters inside.


    If it was the first-floor or the ground-level floor, she would have tried to escape from windows but she didn''t have that choice.


    She restarted mobile in her trembling hands but there was nowork. She checked all the settings to confirm there was nothing wrong with the mobile.


    She realized they had used a transmitter for jamming the signals.


    Her ankle swelling was increasing greatly giving her pain but she knew it wasn''t the time to cry for it.


    Thinking she might getwork in the balcony, she limped towards outside and she eagerly tried and saw two dots.


    She dialed n''s private number but before she could make herself say anything or n could receive, Toby entered the room andughed wickedly looking at her limping and seeing her helplessness.


    Aria knew she couldn''t do anything considering their physical strength. She clenched her fist tight seeing him looking at her like prey from top to toe biting his lips which disgusted her.


    She moved away to another corner as she repeated to herself, <em>''Find a way.''</em>


    Toby had almost reached her, Aria held the railing tight and stepped on the gardening shovel which hit between his thighs and he cried in pain.


    Aria quickly tried to limp away seeing him kneeling and groaning in pain but he held her hand roughly which scratched her hands. She yelled as she shrugged his hand away.


    Toby was in pain and was fuming getting yed by a little girl who looked fearful yet managed to use her brain to hurt him painfully.


    He knew he couldn''t have his way to ravish her as per the n and could only use pictures and videos. So he quickly got up eating in his pain and followed her but he didn''t think much of her.


    Aria closed the balcony door on his face forcefully which made his nose bleed instantly and roared, "You b*tch!"


    Aria who was trying to walk faster fell down due to her leg pain and was getting up, Toby reached her and threw her on the bed holding her arm.


    Aria yelled out in pain yet she quickly reacted which made Toby jump to hold her fiercely. His calloused fingertips scratched her back as she slipped away from his hold controlling her pain.


    She could feel skinyers were peeled on her back which was giving her sharp pricking pain. If she wasn''t stubborn and unyielding she would have given up a long back but her pain didn''t stop her and was trying her best.


    Could willpower enough to be safe from that beast?


    When Aria escaped from his hold, Toby fell on the bed and was getting up, Aria smashed the bedsidemp on his head giving him the pain again and again.


    She ran away towards the door to escape but she had underestimated Toby who ignored his pain and again lunged at her, scaring her to core which left her no choice but to enter the bathroom and lock the door.


    She kept repeating <em>''find a way''</em>, breathing heavily, thinking about what she could do but she had the least amount of time because Toby broke the door easily and bellowed at her, "You sl*t!"


    Aria didn''t get anything handy and he pped her which made her lose bnce and fell on the floor giving him the chance to get on top of herughing scornfully.

 Chapter 102: A death penalty

    Chapter 102: A death penalty


    The whole time Aria didn''t cry in front of him intensifying his urge to defile her but remembering his state and pain from his crotch he shouted, "Ahhh"


    Aria whose hands were searching for things to hit him got thevatory hand shower to her hand. As soon as he opened his mouth she shoved into his mouth ignoring how scared she was and wrapped the flexible pipe on his neck before pulling tight to choke him.


    She did in mere four or five seconds without giving him time to react and kicked him aside hearing him who couldn''t even groan and made murmur sound.


    She had entered the room and limped towards the door but...


    ''<em>Bang</em>''


    "Ahhh..." she screamed.


    The room door was broke suddenly scaring her thinking others were present anding inside. Her tears welled up and grabbed the nearest thing in her trembling hands.


    As soon as she saw n hastily entering inside whose eyes were bloodshot, she dropped the vase and ran into his arms ignoring the pain from her leg.


    "n..."


    n wrapped his hands around her, "I''m here... I''m here..."


    He could feel her trembling and her teeth were chattering in fright as she cried tightening her hands around him.


    Aria had clicked the power button thrice which sends her live location to n but thetter took a few minuteste to check due to a work. He had called a country S number and was talking with a managing director looking at the guest room where Aria had gone.


    Seeing her not exiting the room even after five minutes, he went ahead to check and saw the balcony door open and there was nobody in the room.


    He hung up the call to dial Aria''s number but saw her message. Her location wasn''t the Miller vi instead it was moving fastly towards the ring road.


    He left quickly and tracing the location and called the police in chief asking the backup. He could only get location until the car entered the apartment blocks and it stopped.


    When he reached the location there were four twenty-floors apartments and he didn''t know which one Aria was in.


    n''s team came fully equipped and cops tried to check the footage, his group flew the drones around the apartments.


    n''s mobile rang showing <em>''Little President''</em> but it disconnected soon and it was again not reachable making him feel helpless.


    It took nearly ten minutes to identify by both the teams to know Aria''s location.


    His team saw Aria and Toby in the balcony first and n was going towards the apartment cops handed him a tab that had video footage of a man pulling the huge trolley bag and going to the seventeenth floor by elevator who was counting the stack of money in the elevator while leaving.


    The security guards had confirmed them that they weren''t staying in any apartments and they weren''t residents.


    They broke the main door and room door to see Aria holding the vase towards them as she screamed.


    He never thought anything could happen in the state administrative highly secured regency.


    The cops took hold of Toby whose nose, the head was bleeding. They had to forcefully remove the hand shower which made him lose a few teeth and started to bleed from the mouth too.


    n wanted to beat him into the pulp but seeing Aria shivering in his embrace, he didn''t leave her.


    His team and cops had searched the whole t. In the room, Aria was in had the camera which was recording the whole incident. Both teams waited for n and Aria in the living hall.


    n gentlyforted her for a long time before she unwounded her hands and faced him. n saw fingers imprint on her cheek and dried blood drops on her lips and arms from scratch.


    He wiped her cheeks gently as he asked in a low voice, "Is it paining?"


    Aria hummed pointed her leg, "I can''t stand longer." Her voice was barely audible.


    n frowned looking at her swollen bright red ankle and quickly carried her but Aria tapped his arms to leave her down as her eyes filled up again. n made her sit on a chair and patiently asked her, "What happened?"


    Aria wanted to say her back was grazed, seeing bloodstain on his right-hand sleeve, she pointed it first, "When I tried to get away, his nail tips had grazed my back." Her voice sounded feeble again.


    n quickly checked to see three fingers scrape on her delicate skin as he tightened his fist. "Are you hurt anywhere?"


    Aria shook her head leaning on n and sighing thinking that was too close. She understood why n had got angry when they ruined Toby''s birthday party.


    n piggybacked her to the car and to hospital leaving the cops hanging asking them to keep everything under wraps. His team collected the original footage from the time Aria entered to the left.


    n messaged Rowan that Aria would be staying with him for a few days.


    After scanning her ankle, giving a blood sample for testing unsure what must have happened. n personally disinfected her back and arms before the doctor treated her swollen ankle and instructed them to do coldpress and keep it wrapped in pain relief bandage as her bones and nerves had no problem.


    Other than them, n didn''t let anybody know about the incident. He ordered his team to get to the bottom of the incident.


    He took her to his vi and asked her to drop taking a shower due to her wounds before sending her to the bathroom for changing and brushing.


    n checked the video in the camera which had recorded to see how Aria nimbly handled keeping herself strong. His heart ached greatly watching it.


    He called the police in chief who was waiting for n''s call irrespective of the time which was two at dawn. After hearing the response, "Toby Lewis caught inrge-scale drug trafficking or proved to be a member of an illegal armed force or smuggling weapons. Choose whichever you want." All those had a death penalty in country A including molesting underaged girl but he didn''t want Aria to visit court or police station.


    But the chief was hesitating so n''s voice turned sinful, "How about I release your ck money ount details?"


    n smirked hearing him agree instantly in fear and hung up the call.


    n helped Aria when she came out and made her drink juice before heid her on the bed asking her to sleep. He quickly showered andid down on the bed pulling her to embrace who was still recovering from the incident.

 Chapter 103: Enchanting smile to die for

    Chapter 103: Enchanting smile to die for


    After realizing she fell asleep, n breathed a sigh of relief and woke up to do some work.


    n went to bed early morning not to worry Aria if she sees him working.


    --


    I Turner was partying till midnight thinking their n was a sess.


    She paid a huge sum for the worker who was part of the party organizer in the Miller vi and to the ones who drove the car and delivered fainted Aria to Toby''s apartment.


    Thinking Toby must be feasting Aria Cooper, she didn''t call him and went to bed happily for good night''s sleep which was herst good night''s sleep.


    --


    The police in chief arranged weapons and drugs in Toby''s apartment and depicted it as they caught Toby Lewis red-handed with videos and pictures by morning at seven o''clock.


    n''s team locked down three men who took Aria out of vi as luggage and two men who drove the car.


    They were trying to find if there was somebody else included in the ns. A few tried securing proofs as those men blurted all their ns, I''s name, and her past few attempts.


    Such as; trying to spike tetra pack drink in the school canteen which didn''t reach Aria. A few times they drugged food items which Aria had thrown them to the bin feeling suspicious. They had tried to buy the Morgan''s driver who drives Aria to and fro but failed miserably because none of the Morgan''s workers were ready to sell their loyalty. They had tampered elevator in the mall where Aria had stuck but some had saved her, they were Aria''s bodyguards which those men didn''t know. They had failed to tamper car more than thrice.


    There were many such incidents that n''s people heard them in stupor giving them hats off to their guts, consistency. Their unceasing efforts were worth to mention because they had tried nearly forty times to abduct Aria.


    By afternoon they found enough proof against I Turner before reporting everything to n with other information.


    ---


    Aria who woke upte saw n still sleeping on another pillow. She could make out slight dark circles on his handsome aloof face.


    When she slept she was in his embrace unlike how they were sleeping so she could guess he must have worked before sleeping after she slept.


    His regr routine hadpletely changed from the time she entered his life. Her eyes filled up thinking how hard he has to work handling twopanies. Upon that she was worrying him for one or the other thing which he didn''t even me her once.


    She was looking at him thinking how could she alleviate his burden but she was pulled to his embrace and a deep voice sounded above her head, "Hungry?"


    Aria had seen him more than ten minutes and the whole time his eyes were closed, "Weren''t you sleeping?"


    n''s lips tilted up, "Why? Do you want to watch me more?..." He effortlessly pulled her on his pillow, "Sure! Check me out as long as you want."


    Aria flushed seeing his alluring upward arcing lips from near which made her heart beat a little faster.<em> ''Here I''m worrying and he is flirting.''</em>


    His tilted lips were unvarying as hemented, "Sweetie! Breathe."


    Aria then realized she had held her breath and badly wanted to hide under the duvet for getting caught.


    n pecked on her forehead fondly and said, "Go and brush. I will prepare breakfast."


    His cello voice was very pleasant to hear to which she hummed looking at his smiling face and closed eyes. She felt like nobody should have the right to see that smile other than her.


    Fascinating!


    Her ankle pain was a lot better except for little swelling. She brushed and washed her face before going down. Aria sat on a high barstool watching him who was efficiently cooking a western dish by eggs.


    n who almost finished cooking saw her admiring gaze looking impressed which greatly improved his mood that had ruined knowing I Turner targeted Aria for him using Toby Lewis.


    He kept the dishes on the table before starting to eat with her, "So? How is your house husband''s cooking today?"


    Aria grinned stealing his fluffy omelet. She didn''t darement because he would ask for a remunerateter which he would eventually rob from her lips after eating.


    Both finished eating and got ready. Aria was hell embarrassed while n redressed the scrapes on her back unzipping midway because she didn''t have any backless dress in his vi.


    n bopped her head before keeping the medicine kit back to its ce. Aria pped his arm while exiting for revenge forgetting about the embarrassment.


    n smiled resignedly and poked her head again vexing her. "No heels."


    Aria red at him rubbing her head who left downstairs taking hisptop bag. She knew a few dresses were present in his vi but not shoes.


    After checking his walk-in wardrobe, she was dumbfounded to see nearly half of it had girls'' clothes and essories. After checking she got to know they were her size.


    After changing her shoes and a pretty dress, Aria tortured him to tell about it but he didn''t open his mouth and lightly brushed about I Turner and Toby Lewis. He didn''t allow her to go to the Morgan mansion or school and tagged her to the Morgan Industries.


    They had reached at lunchtime when Aria''s mobile rang showing Rian''s name to hear three voices who started to tease her for spending a night with n. Thetter went inside his office pointing inside for her toe.


    After getting teased they asked patiently and Aria only mentioned she was kidnapped and n reached on time. n wasn''t leaving her anywhere out of his sight so she wasn''t attending school.


    After asking them to keep those things to them and talking a few minutes, she hung up and entered the office to see I swooning on n''s cold expressionless face.


    Yes! I Turner


    As soon as she got a call from Nathan, she didn''t care to contact Toby and got ready prettily to meet n. She had thought Aria''s chapter was done and it was her chance.


    Hearing the door open without a knock or permission, I instinctively turned to see Aria''s sweet smile looking at n who had an enchanting smile to die for.


    I froze seeing her safe and sound. She traced her top to toe. She was wearing a full sleeve pretty little dress without any blot on her skin.


    <em>''Wasn''t she defiled?''</em>

 Chapter 104: A piece of priceless treasure

    Chapter 104: A piece of priceless treasure


    I was cent percent sure that Aria was the one she saw after they had opened the trolley bag. She had the urge to call Toby Lewis but controlled looking at Aria who sat next to n and thetter kept his hand on the couch backrest as he caressed her hair asking indulgently.


    "Got teased?"


    Aria hummed pouting her lips and punched him, "Why am I only one to get teased? Even you spent the night with me. Hmph."


    n smiled hearing herin as he handed her ss of juice.


    I''s eyes were wide open in shock hearing Aria. Just a minute back she had tried to brainwash n saying Aria was a wanton and she must have wilfully gone to Toby when n casually mentioned <em>''Toby Lewis met Aria''</em>.


    Her main disadvantage was she had a brain for her evil tricks but not for handling effectively.


    Looking at how n carefully tending to Aria as his one hand fingers yed with her hair lock, she breathed heavily controlling herself from tossing Aria away.


    She always branded n only belonged to him so she couldn''t see anybody next to him.


    She soon realized she was the one who said Aria went to Toby''s ce indirectly saying she was aware of previous day''s incidents.


    After greatly stopping n from making I jealous to an extreme, Aria turned to I whose face was dark as dungeon looking ugly as a pit.


    Aria still had a lovely smile, "Ms. Turner, you sure have guts to show your dirty face to n after your high dramas. Don''t you think you have a greater tendency to think you can get n? Ignoring your dirty games failing one after the other, do you think you can match me in any single aspect?"


    There was a weird silence for long. I had clenched her fist ring at Aria. When she was about to retort, "I..."


    n gently held Aria''s ear, "You can''t match her in a few aspects."


    Aria was surprised to hear him and turned to face him.


    I was on cloud nine thinking n was defending her, "President Cooper, just because you have power doesn''t mean others are worthless."


    Even after seeing n looking at Aria adoringly, <em>how could she think that n was defending her?</em>


    Aria smiled at her as n spoke looking at Aria, "You can''t be fake... You can''t hook up with many men... You can''t look ugly... You can''t kidnap anybody for..."


    Aria was seeing I who was getting pale turned to n and cut in hearing ''<em>kidnap</em>'', "I can kidnap you though."


    n''s lips tilted up and asked in a low tone, "To take advantage of me? Or to let me take advantage of you?"


    Aria instinctively turned a shade of pink but tried her best to be calm, "To keep you hidden."


    I saw them flirting in front of her and fumed. She wanted to talk against Aria but she wasn''t sure how much n knew about Aria''s kidnap.


    n greatly enjoyed seeing Aria''s cheeks turn pink and hearing her mellifluous tone.


    He stopped teasing her and narrowed his eyes at I which made her gulp. "Ms.Turner, would you like to see your bedmate?"


    n''s people had extracted videos from Toby''s mobile which Toby had used to record their intimate moments to have I on his fingertips.


    He led Aria out as I was brought out by two well-built guards and they followed n''s sports car.


    I had tried her best to reach Toby but nobody answered it. She called another number to inform that n was taking her somewhere, "Hello! Al... Hey... Give me back... Ahhhh How dare you throw my mobile? Are you guys kidnapping me? Let me go..."


    A guard had snatched the mobile and threw out before closing the soundproof section separator to avoid hearing her nonsense.


    As soon as they reached the police station, I ran inside shouting n Morgan was kidnapping her but her pace lowered after entering to see there were only five members eagerly waiting for somebody and ignored herpletely as if she was a mosquito.


    They greeted n and Aria, Nathan followed them with two guards.


    Aria didn''t know even police in chief gives so much respect to n. Whereas thetter merely nodded at the chief, deputy chief, and captain.


    Aria didn''t know how to greet them back seeing n who took her inside without letting her response as if it didn''t require.


    I saw everything in bewilderment. She had no choice but to follow them under oppressing air. She still had no idea which bedmate n spoke about other than guessing as Toby Lewis.


    It was Aria''s first time in the detention center. Seeing a few criminals peeking at them, she subconsciously held n''s arm as they reached Toby''s room where he was pacing like a headless chicken.


    There was no more any handsomeness due to the cops who had beaten him when he had shoved them and acted like manic after knowing the cops finding illegal drugs and weapons in his apartment.


    He regretted listening to I Turner because it wasn''t a new thing in the business industry to know that n was merciless and stony when he has to protect his business or when avenging, let alone they nned on the girl who he treasured most out of everything.


    He had contacted his entertainmentpany who raised their hand knowing the reason behind his detention.


    Simrly, many of his high profile contacts who used to run around him behaved as unknown.


    He had called I Turner a few minutes back but it was not reachable. Hearing footsteps he raised his head to see n walking towards him in his aloof face wearing a crisp white shirt and his zer was on a pretty girl who was directing a faint smile at n.


    His eyes were wide open in shock seeing I Turner following them looking nervous. His first thought was he was set up by I Turner.


    I paled seeing Toby in the cell. Thetter instantly enraged, "You bitch! You set me up. Didn''t you?"


    I felt like she was getting strokes hearing him and turned to n who had wounded his one hand around Aria''s shoulder holding her like a piece of priceless treasure.


    Aria who saw four broken teeth asked n curiously, "Did I broke any of his tooth or the cops?"


    The captain answered, "President Cooper, we had to break to remove the hand shower out of his mouth."


    I and Toby looked at them in annoyance.


    <em>''Is that important now?''</em>

 Chapter 105: I want my little wife.

    Chapter 105: I want my little wife.


    Aria pouted in displeasure, "I almost thought I could break somebody''s teeth. Tsk."


    Many wanted to puke blood hearing herin but n responded seriously, "I will teach you if you want to learn."


    I couldn''t take them to behave like others were invisible so cut in thinking they would continue to flirt, "President Morgan, why am I here to meet this person?"


    Nathan had to reply seeing n giving her indifferent look and Aria giggling seeing her still act which made I go green. "Ms.Turner, don''t you know why you are here? Or how about we release some of the proofs to media directly?"


    It wasn''t difficult for I Turner and Toby Lewis to understand the underlying threat but the cops had no idea.


    Aria sternly spoke looking at Nathan, "We shouldn''t release those to media as she is under Morgan Entertainment. It would be a probl... Ahh... n..."


    Aria punched n for twisting her ear when she spoke about thepany.


    It wasmon between both of them and Nathan had seen them many times. To the rest, they didn''t know what had just happened which made Aria give dirty look to n who had a faint smile at her only.


    Nathan nced at bewildered ones and sighed, "Young Madam President, don''t worry about thepany. We will not let it affect."


    n had ordered him to call her <em>''Young madam''</em> when Aria had fought with him in front of Nathan to attend an economic conference with him. Aria had threatened Nathan to beat if he doesn''t call her <em>Ms. or President.</em>


    So to be on good terms with both Presidents, he was addressing her as Young Madam President which made Aria give up.


    The chief, deputy chief, and the captain understood why n was heartless on Toby Lewis.


    Aria nodded at Nathan as a response. "Why are we here then? Are you going to test your all fighting skills on him? I heard you are a ck belt in many forms."


    Many were speechless whereas n started unbuttoning his shirt sleeves and folded as he leisurely said, "If that''s what you want, then I''ll."


    Aria''s lips twitched.<em> ''Livid prince, For your kind information, I was kidding to scare Toby Lewis.''</em> She unfolded and buttoned back ring at n.


    Nathan wanted to roll his eyes seeing n''s lips which were upwards seeing Aria.


    When cops were still in a stupor, I was provoked enough till that. Breathing heavily in rage, she almost reached Aria''s hair to grab but...


    ''<em>Crack</em>''


    "Ahhhh...."


    A sudden loud shriek scared Aria who jerked next to n before looking behind to see I who was crying aloud because a guard had unceremoniously twisted her hand which dislocated her hand.


    The cops behaved like there wasn''t anybody crying. n held Aria behind him before facing I, "Shhhhh!"


    Not only I, everyone went to silence and were ready to hear him.


    "Just for the try, you got yourself a dislocated arm. What do you think I''ll do for each of the things you tried on my girl?"


    His voice was piercingly cold which made her quiver involuntarily.


    When n took a step ahead, I was hell frightened and slipped back falling on the floor clumsily.


    n smirked, "Count your days."


    Excluding Nathan, nobody knew what he was up to. Nathan had warned President Turner when I had created a fuss in school which he didn''t hear and didn''t control I Turner.


    So n had prepared much proof to close down half of the Turner empire and other businesses would be facing hugepetition from every singlepany which wouldpletely ruin the pride of the family leaving I on the road.


    n turned and led Aria out who had numerous questions which n wouldn''t answer. She didn''t even know yet why they didn''t write aint against Toby and why he was detained without herint.


    When they returned, Aria went to the perfume''sboratory to develop a perfume which she had smelled before fainting in the Miller vi.


    n continued his work and he had to visit theboratory to get Aria to take her home but he was dumbfounded to see all the employees in thebughing with her even after working time instead of leaving.


    His light cough made everyone go mute excluding Aria who skipped next to him holding three small perfume bottles. "Try... Try... Try..."


    n resignedly smelled as Aria sprayed on a testing strip and made him try. It had sandalwood perfectly blended withvender and other light fresh floral smell. He liked it and heard her say that the smell was simr to what she had smelled before fainting.


    Then he tried the next one which was jasmine blended withvender and the other one was vani blended withvender.


    He asked the testing department to work on it before taking her out.


    Aria who yed with testing strips in the car again made him try the same strips. It smelled rose fragrance after two hours in his vi.


    n never cared about the development of perfumes. He was greatly impressed by his Little President.


    Since n works after dinner, she asked him to work and she cooked. Both had dinner and Aria cleaned the kitchen kicking n out to finish his work.


    When Aria showered, he redressed the wound before letting her sleep. Before he exited the bathroom, Aria was fast asleep.


    ---


    n sent her to school from the next day but didn''t let her go to the Morgan mansion till her scrapes cleared which just left a mark which was still healing.


    Aria who noticed the mark when she wore a backless romper, changed again before going down to y with Eva, Rian, and Noah on weekend. n and Isaac sat near the pool watching them.


    n worked as he asked, "When is the next movie shoot beginning?"


    Isaac replied leisurely, "Two weekster..." Then he flirted, "Why? Are you already missing me?"


    n merely nced at him, "Aria''s birthday in three weeks."


    Isaac knew n disliked celebrating his birthday and others'' birthday so he was surprised to hear. "How can you only care about your little wife and ignore your sexy hubby? So biased."


    n nced at the four who were weirdly posing for pictures in front of the camera on the tripod and they wouldugh seeing the picture. "I want my little wife."


    Isaac burst intoughter knowing how much n was changed.


    The one who never cared about a girl and love was so much in love with a girl that he was changing himself for her happiness.


    Isaac continued to tease him till n changed the topic about him, "So what do you think about Ms.Miller?"

 Chapter 106: Your son is boring

    Chapter 106: Your son is boring


    n noticed the slight changes in Isaac before heughed, "She is crazy, sensible and an excellent flirty with only Aria."


    n clicked on the enter button before closing theptop and lied. "Mr.Miller chose a guy for her."


    Isaac forced a smile avoiding n''s eyes, "Oh"


    n smacked his file on his head, "Speak Now."


    Isaac gave him a death re, "Why are you only good to my investor? Can''t you ask me amiably?"


    n rolled his eyes at him and Isaac gave in looking at his flexing fingers. "It''s true I felt bad when I got to know Mr.Miller finding a man for Eva. But I''m not sure about my feelings yet. Even though I do feel like having chat with her it isn''t strong as having the urge to keep her next to me."


    n again asked, "Is it because you are from showbiz and her family looking for man in state administration?"


    Isaac grounded his teeth seeing n preparing himself to beat him. "Can''t you talk without using your hands?"


    n raised his brows, "When have spoken truth whenever I don''t beat you?"


    Isaac gave a sheepish smile and tried to escape but heard n cracking his knuckles which made him sit back.


    He cursed n in mind, "Isn''t it the fact that people in state administration always look down on actors and singers?"


    n raised his brow at Isaac before asking, "Do you want Ms.Miller or her father?"


    "Sh*t why will I want her father? He is just a stern old man."


    He had just finished, Aria entered, "Whose father do you want?"


    Aria sat on n''s lounge facing Isaac as she drank water.


    Isaac didn''t open his mouth. n knew what was going on Isaac''s head so he spoke untangling her messed hair due to wind, "Ms.Miller''s father."


    Aria didn''t get a proper grip on the topic. Isaac didn''t expect n to sell him off so easily.


    n continued, "This dumb likes your friend."


    Isaac punched n''s arm, "Aria, he is just kidding. Don''t take him seriously." He awkwardly smiled.


    Aria ignored him and faced n asking seriously, "Like? Love like? Or like as friends, things?"


    Isaac was ring n while thetter answered pinching her nose, "Liking as a young woman. Love like."


    Isaac thought several possibilities of Aria''s reaction except for her excitement, "Wow, that''s great. Isaac, we are supporting you."


    They heard Noah calling her, "Arrie!"


    Aria excused herself taking a water bottle for the trio after assuring the bewildered Isaac that she won''t tell anything to Eva.


    Isaac pointed at Aria as he eximed, "Your girl is too cool."


    n smiled. He told how Aria and he tried to let them know each other which left Issac at a loss of words. He couldn''t believe n did so much for him and even trying to clear his mind.


    "You love me so much. I am feeling blessed today." His over-exaggeration was broke in seconds when n spoke, "I did for Aria."


    Isaac rolled his eyes and became quite. n didn''t want to push him too much so he opened hisptop to work...


    When the sun hit heights, n called everyone under shade before he went towards the kitchen. Anyhow, two girls kicked him out... appropriate to say; Aria kicked him out and two girls cooked for all.


    All enjoyed the feast praising their cooking skills. Aria and Eva had attended cooking sses when they were sixteen so it wasn''t difficult for them to please their stomachs.


    Aria and Eva were dumbfounded seeing Isaac, Noah and Rian ate their stomach full and dozed off sitting here and there. They cleaned and stopped n working to go shopping as the duo had cleared his refrigerator.


    The dinner was by four guys as Eva and Aria were tired after shopping and filling the refrigerator. The duo sat in the living hall facing the open kitchen holding their wine sses teasing four who were preparing a dish each.


    Aria casually asked Eva in a low tone, "What do you think about Isaac?"


    Eva sipped as she spoke, "He isn''t how media says. He enjoys staying with us as we don''t treat him as a star. Poor fellow strives for normal life behind showbiz."


    Aria hummed as she knew all that, "Ms.Miller, let me repeat my question, what do you think about him? Why are you saying how he is with us?"


    Eva swirled her wine ss showing off to Noah and Rian. Aria had stopped them to drink while cooking so they were pissed.


    Aria and Evaughed seeing Noah stuffing the cucumber and carrot to his mouth. Rian eating fruits that he was cutting to which both received a smack on their heads by the other two.


    Eva answered leisurely, "He is mannered, gentleman. He is very heedful and stops when I would feel embarrassed instead of continuing. I never heard him say <strong>No</strong> to any of my requests or anything. He really has a strong bond with Prince."


    Aria smiled behind her ss ncing at Eva who was looking at Isaac attentively when he was arranging the dining table.


    n noticed two girls and rested his eyes on Aria whose lips were high up hence he raised his brows to ask.


    Aria shook her head and yfully offered wine in action but little she expected that he actually reached her elegantly, held her small wrist and chugged winepletely from her ss. He kissed her forehead before returning to the kitchen.


    Aria''s face was red hearing four cheer for it. Eva chuckled as she lowered Aria''s hand which was still in the air holding the ss in astonishment.


    Eva teased Aria making her blush and Isaac teased n who didn''t care.


    Eva changed the topic to Aria staying with n, "Didn''t you guys really did nothing staying together for two weeks?"


    Aria thought about it and realized they actually didn''t do anything. n didn''t kiss her even once other than her forehead rarely. Even though they slept on the same bed, Aria always slept early than n who would be working and both would be on ends of the bed.


    Aria promptly shook her head which Eva didn''t believe. "Wifey, I didn''t even ask details you are already lying. It''s not fair."


    Aria served wine to her ss, "It''s true. Instead of lying I wouldn''t have answered you which you know that about me." She poked Eva''s head and smiled to herself knowing n didn''t want her to misunderstand him by the reason behind why he brought her to his vi.


    All had dinner merrily and teens left after some time.


    Aria was again teased by Amelia in the Morgan mansion to which she replied <em>''Your son is boring who always works.''</em> to escape from her thinking n wouldn''t get to know.


    But she was wrong.

 Chapter 107: My little wife started to miss me

    Chapter 107: My little wife started to miss me


    n and Isaac finished two bottles of wine while talking before going to bed. n who filled the bathtub exited the bathroom saying, "Aria, take..." Then he remembered he sent her back before smiling to himself.


    He took bath and went to bed missing her. He felt his vi suddenly became empty and silent without her presence.


    It was simr on another side too.


    After taking bath, Aria had filled the bathtub out of habit for n and remembered aftering out to see the vacant huge bedroom. She dried her hair which was done by n in the past two weeks.


    She dropped a message to Eva and went to bed holding a cute kawaii cat plushie in her hand which was won by n in the w machine on one of their dates.


    Aria had slept keeping her mobile in silent mode ruining Eva''s sleep. Eva stared at her mobile seeing the message which Aria had sent her, <em>''Are you in love or are you falling in love?''</em>


    Eva had sent her many messages after it asking why was she asking that, she only loves her to tease etcetera but got no reply.


    Aria had sent it because she had seen Eva being attentive to Isaac while dinner simr to how she takes care of Aria. Thetter never saw her that attentiveness to Rian or Noah. Her expression didn''t show anything but her actions were enough for Aria.


    Isaac tossed on the bed for a long time before falling asleep. He wasn''t sure about what to do. He didn''t want to take any step wrong as Eva was Aria''s friend who was n''s girl. If anything goes wrong, he couldn''t face Aria and he might have to avoid n so he was trying to be very careful.


    He also realized advising n was easier than being in that position and n was really daring who proposed without knowing whether Aria likes him or not.


    --


    The next day morning everybody got back to their routine. Eva tortured Aria for sending such a message. Since Eva said she doesn''t like anybody, Aria responded she asked for herself why she was overreacting.


    In the canteen during lunch, all heard amotion and turned towards the entrance to see n entering wearing sunsses looking suave with two guards behind who were holding two big insted cooler boxes


    Aria''s ssmate including Eva, Rian, and Noah cheered loudly saying, <em>''Prince is here to steal our goddess.''</em>


    Aria checked her mobile which had no message or calls. She didn''t know why he came.


    Aria craned her neck when n stood behind her. He couldn''t help let his lips tilt up seeing her nkly look at him asionally batting her lids waiting for him to speak.


    He rubbed her head as his bodyguards kept the box on their table and dispersed other students. n looked at the ss representative Noah wood, "I bought ice cream for you guys. Enjoy."


    Noah checked to see nearly fifty plus icecreams for the whole ss as the whole ss looked at n who took an ice cream cup before taking Aria out holding her hand in front of all.


    Eva nudged Rian in astonishment, "Why were you lying in the past that Prince is Hitler. Even I''m getting envious of my wife. A My Fragile Heart."


    Noah peeked between them, "Evvie, Prince is actually a tyrannical dictator. This is all because of Our goddess."


    Rian held his poor heart, "Guys I need time to digest... Crap... Is he really my brother? No, No there must be some misunderstanding..."


    Rian was the one who was more shocked than Eva. He knew n would dote on Aria but he didn''t know to that extent because he never cared to spend even little time sitting and talking during office hours and would always say as a waste of time, now he left his work and lunchtime to meet Aria.


    The whole ss enjoyed double ice creams as other ss enviously looked at them licking their lips.


    Aria sat on the car bo as he fed her ice cream and she teasingly asked. "Why are you here?"


    n red at her who was controlling herughter.


    Aria took off his sunsses and wore it waiting for the response. Hearing no response and she knew the answer, she changed the question, "Did you eat?"


    Again hearing no response, Aria got down, "Don''t talk. I''m going."


    n gave up and pulled her back before making her sit, "I will, after going back to the office."


    Aria punched him, "Eat on time... Shall we go for dinner? I want to try Mexican cuisine."


    n smiled resignedly and hummed, "Do you know anything other than eating?"


    Aria openly said it, "Of course! You are missing me and I''m making it up with dinner." She giggled pointing at his face which had turned a shade of red.


    n pinched her cheek until she scolded him and rubbed her cheek.


    Aria spoke to lighten his mood, "Yesterday I had filled my bathtub for you after my bath. The morning I was searching for the washing machine in the bathroom to realize I wasn''t in the vi..."


    She said whatever she repeated in the morgan mansion until n chuckled, "So my little wife started to miss me from the night itself."


    Aria pouted pitifully as she hummed seeing n''s smile.


    Both spoke for sometime before he left for office and Aria returned to the ssroom covering her ears as all were singing <em>''Price stole Our Goddess.''</em>


    The school forum was flooded with pictures andments to the extent Aria was called to the office room by Emma on pressure.


    Aria had loudly defended herself and n saying <em>''Why can''t a guardian take care of ward?''</em> then whispered to Emma saying, <em>''Prince and Goddess are actually together.''</em>


    Emma was tongue-tied looking at Aria seeing her sweet smile. She looked around at other teachers and coughed lightly before speaking, "These students do whatever they want. Anyway, Arrie, take care. Don''t take them to heart."


    Emma sounded like the posts were misleading and disturbing Aria so that other teachers don''t create a scene or trouble Aria in the ss.


    Aria smiled at her, "Thank you, Teacher Emma." She nonchntly left to the ss ignoring all others.


    After school, Nathan picked Aria to the Skyline Industries where n was in a meeting. By the time he finished meeting Aria finished her school work in his office.


    Both went to a restaurant and were having dinner, a girl who they were almost forgetting entered hurriedly in a waitress dress.

 Chapter 108: She wasnt you

    Chapter 108: She wasn''t you


    Yes! I Turner


    Aria hadn''t liked how n handled Toby''s case with a lie. n didn''t give in and stood on his point after saying herint and current situation results would be the same. He didn''t want her to go to police station and courthouse which would bring her name up unnecessarily to the media.


    Even though Aria didn''t like it, she knew n did for her sake so she let him do however he wanted about Toby and Turner''s family.


    Nobody took Toby''s case and Toby wasn''t ready to ept the hearing hence court gave him two weeks'' time to prove himself as innocent by hiring an advocate.


    The Turner family business had closed to half after leaking the illegal information about their business.


    Their logistics clients were dispersing to otherpanies especially the ones which Skyline and Morgan Industries invested or supported.


    While theirpanies were earning, Turners'' couldn''t handle the problems. Except inner circle knowing they offended n Morgan and he was the reason behind the downfall of them, no news came out.


    Just two weeks, the goddess of the nation, the heartthrob of the nation had to sell all her expensive things for her day to day luxurious life.


    Her father and mother had reprimanded her cruelly when they got to know what I did to Aria Cooper who was treasured by the whole Morgan family keeping aside the fact that she was president of Skyline Industries.


    President Turner had ordered her to get n''s forgiveness at any cost even if she has to sell herself.


    She had tried to enter Skyline and Morgan industries but she couldn''t reach him. When she got to know n took Aria to the amusement park on their date, she had sneaked in without tickets which made amusement park security to throw her out.


    Her ego stopped her from meeting Aria which she could have done in the school.


    Her manager had notified her saying n''s car was in a high-end restaurant so she had sneaked in like a worker as his bodyguards wouldn''t allow anybody to his private room.


    Aria and n looked at each other and continued to eat ignoring how pitiful she looked and heard I Turner who got to know about Aria''s presence after entering the room.


    "President Morgan, let us off the hook. How can you be so ruthless? Wasn''t me the one behind everything? Direct everything at me. Let my family live in peace."


    n didn''t care, Aria nced at her hearing her pleading. When n noticed her spoon still he fed her which wasn''t new for Aria.


    I grounded her teeth, "I am ready to do anything you say. Let my family go. We can''t handle your wrath."


    Aria pointed the exit and said innocently hearing her say she would do anything, "Get out."


    I clenched her fist standing rooted. She wanted tosh out but she knew that anger couldn''t help her. "President Cooper, I would like to have a word with President Morgan. So please."


    Hearing her sound like Aria was disturbing them and politely asking her to go out, Aria repeated her line sweetly, "Ms.Turner, I would like to have my dinner date peacefully with my fiance. So find your way out."


    "You..." I stopped her enraged voice ncing at n. "President Morgan, since I''m the reason behind everything, I am ready to do anything, even to work as your maid."


    Aria was amid of stealing the chicken from n''s te when she heard her, "I don''t approve that."


    n carefully served Aria''s empty te before serving himself ignoring he was the one being addressed as President Morgan.


    I grounded her teeth, "President Cooper, I''m not talking to you. Stop being a busybody."


    Aria actioned as zipping her lips. n was about to call security, I spoke coquettishly.


    "President Morgan, what happiness can President Cooper give you? I don''t mind to live as your mistress. I can fulfill all your desires."


    ''In your dreams.'' Aria thought to herself.


    <em>''Trn''</em>


    Aria who was calmly eating heard tearing sound and looked up to I who tore off her waitress uniform. I was just standing wearingce undergarments, Aria choked on her food which stuck in her throat coughing profusely.


    She couldn''t gulp nor throw up which filled her eyes. n who didn''t care about I kept his eyes on the te and concentration was on Aria. He quickly helped her to drink water rubbing her back as he grunted, "Guards."


    Aria flung his hands away trying to calm herself, "You... Do women throw themselves on you like this?"


    Aria didn''t let him touch her and stood up to leave feeling disgusted seeing I Turner standing almost nude because herce lingerie served its purpose.


    I who thought n would be like any other man was fuming. She knew n didn''t even look at her once and was concerned about Aria. She thought Aria was doing on purpose for n''s attention.


    His bodyguards quickly entered to see I clumsily picking the torn dress from the floor. It was the third time, the third girl so they didn''t have any reaction. They pulled a curtain from aside effortlessly and threw it on her before violently pulling her out ignoring her cries and ying dead noticing n coaxing Aria.


    "n... leave me."


    "Aria... Rx."


    "Rx for what? I don''t even know how to react. It happened right in front of me. What if I wasn''t there?"


    n pulled her back to him, "Aria, why are you angry? I didn''t see her."


    "Oh, do you want to see her? Call her in, I''m going out."


    He didn''t let her move, "Why will I want to see anybody? She wasn''t you."


    n realized what he just said after seeing her flush. He said generally but at the wrong time. Aria shoved him "You..."


    He didn''t let her finish and pressed on her lips...


    Aria''s strength wasn''t enough to pull away from his domineering kiss in his embrace and requited.


    Due to a hint of anger because of I Turner, Aria bit his tongue and was breaking the kiss soon but n pressed on her lips again, pulled her tongue to his and sucked hard until she felt numb from the pain.


    I who escaped from the guards rushed inside the room to see n kissing Aria who was in his embrace. Ignoring how pleasing they looked to the eyes, she tried to lunge on Aria but a guard covered her mouth and pulled her out forcefully.


    The guards tried their best to keep their eyes away from the presidents who were quite a sight to watch.

 Chapter 109: I will take Aria with me

    Chapter 109: I will take Aria with me


    Aria whined when she couldn''t hold the pain to which she thought he would leave her but he made her sit on the dining table as he gently caressed her until the numbness and pain resided from her tongue.


    He broke the kiss happily by her instinctive reactions while kissing.


    Seeing her red as scarlet he chuckled teasingly and received another shove from her. He didn''t mind and embraced her tightly.


    "I don''t care about anybody. I only want you." He moved his lips near her ear, "For everything."


    Aria blushed when his lips touched her ear but didn''t reply and heard him after a few seconds, "Why were you angry?"


    Aria gave it a thought. She knew I barged in and created high drama. n''splete attention was on their te and on her. She knew n didn''t give damn about I Turner.


    "I don''t know."


    n chuckled again making her push him away, "I heard we can hire a male stripper. Let me see how you will react when it happens in front of me."


    Seeing Aria leave the table n thought she was going towards the door to call for the stripper and held her hand quickly pulling her back to him ring at her gritting his teeth.


    Aria chortled pointing his face, "You can''t even hear me say it and you asking me why I was angry after watching."


    She went ahead and closed the window letting him sigh. Due to curtains, they hadn''t noticed the open window. But Aria returned to him showing a small ck device.


    "n, what is this? I haven''t seen these types of things... It''s looking like a miniature device." Aria handed him to see his face turn cold.


    A bug.


    Aria had to shook his arm to receive any response. He wanted to say it was nothing but remembering her say as a miniature device he whispered, "It''s a bug. Somebody is overhearing us. Don''t react. We will eat normally."


    Aria was smart hence she didn''t panic and nodded hearing n say in a normal tone, "It''s some broken piece. Let''s eat."


    Both sat and ate as they normally talked.


    n messaged his technical team and sent the pictures of it. After about twenty minutes, they silently checked the device in the room before writing on the paper, "Transmitting range is less than two hundred meters. They must be in the restaurant."


    n couldn''t control his smile hearing Aria say "Ice cream" because there was silence for a long time.


    n wrote on paper, <em>"Get me aplete list of restaurant guests if you couldn''t trace."</em> as he responded to Aria, "We will eat at your favorite outlet."


    Aria controlled herughter and hummed eating her ice cream.


    n bit her cheek knowing she wouldn''t shout knowing somebody was hearing them. Aria rubbed her cheek and ate responding to him as she flushed getting kissed on cheeks multiple times.


    n got to know there was an amplifier that could transmit the signal to farther ce leaving them at the dead end.


    After making sure his car wasn''t bugged, he left the restaurant with Aria. Both reached the Morgan mansion soon.


    Amelia and Rian tried their best to put poker face when n went upstairs.


    Then both rolled on the couch leaving Rowan and Aria speechless. Aria numerous times tried to run away but the mother and son teased pulling her back between them by taking n''s name.


    When n returned near the stairs, Aria was looking like a delicious raspberry. He went downstairs and pulled Aria away from the duo. He dotingly said, "Get fresh, I will teach chemistry."


    Aria was about to nod, Amelia and Rian suggestively dragged the subject name, "Chemistry..."


    Aria ran away without responding as the duoughed but n turned cold right after Aria went out of sight, "Rian, back to your room."


    The trio stiffened hearing his overbearing tone. Rian nodded and left obediently knowing there was something serious.


    n then ordered, "My study."


    Rowan and Amelia nkly followed him looking at each other thinking about what they might have done.


    n threw two broken bugs on his desk after both sat down, "Aria''s room was bugged."


    "What?" Amelia and Rowan asked in unison in shock.


    n had purposefully sent Aria to the living hall taking her bag saying ''sit and talk''. He had taken his bug detector and checked her room to find two bugs. Then he checked his study and his bedroom but found none.


    n leisurely spoke, "There is someone who is behind Dad Oliver''s ident or should I say murder? I think the same one keeping eye on Aria too. We have no lead. My team didn''t get to know who supported Lucas Cooper financially during the case. It can be the same person. But the question is how can anybody bug a room in a highly secured mansion?"


    Amelia and Rowan had no answer. With that, they needed time to digest what they heard.


    n was thinking about what to do, Amelia hesitatingly asked, "Arrie... is she in danger?"


    n''s face turned darker hearing her. "Killing her doesn''t get them anything. Kidnapping..." He shook his head having no answer for it. "Unsure. Filter the maids if any. If I see anything like this again, I will take Aria with me."


    He finished saying and exited the room. He asked some to reach the mansion quickly. He got fresh and took Aria and Rian to his room in the name of chemistry as five men thoroughly checked the mansion,wn area, garage for bugs.


    Amelia and Rowan were shocked to see a bug from the living hall which those men destroyed with an amplifier.


    They collected the video footage of three months before leaving the mansion.


    n checked the message from his men and saw Rian cursing him and Aria for being quick with topics. He threw Rian out saying his teacher or Aria would teach himter.


    Aria continued her school studies in his room and he worked near his desk without disturbing each other. When the housekeeper brought milk, Aria was asleep on the couch holding her book.


    The housekeeper delightedly watched n helping Aria to drink who was in the half-asleep state mumbling, <em>''Why are you feeding me like a pig?''</em> and dozed off after drinking and leaning on him without knowing about the housekeeper''s presence.


    n gently wiped her lips and carried her to bed when the housekeeper left. He tucked her in and continued his office work nonchntly.


    After sometime Amelia knocked lightly on the door and peeked in to see them in disappointment. She had heard housekeeper excitedly say about how n took care of Aria. "Arrie was right. My son is very boring who always works."


    n was amused and nced at Aria who was peacefully sleeping on his bed.


    Amelia continued, "In this, your father is better. He cuddles me to sleep."


    n crossed his arms leaning back on the chair, "Mom, do you think I will keep the door unlocked if I cuddle my girl?" He was casual till that and turned cold, "Go to bed. Stop watching those teenagers'' dramas."

 Chapter 110: Does she like me too?

    Chapter 110: Does she like me too?


    Amelia was annoyed and opened door to enter inside as she spoke, "Hey! If not me who will support our... Rowan... leave..." Rowan pulled his wife out as she continued, "... ourpany dramas. You watch them and learn too."


    n smiled resignedly and pushed the door to close. He went next to Aria and scratched her cheek gently to see her scrunching her browns, rubbing her cheek and flipping another side. He kept his voice low and asked near her ear.


    "Am I boring?" His deep maic voice sounded.


    He heard a faint voice indicating no.


    "Interesting?" He heard her hum which brought a smile on his smile, "Fascinating!"


    He heard her hum again and chuckled to try again, "Ugly?"


    He didn''t hear anything and was getting up he heard her groggily say snuggling on the bed, "Nooo"


    He found her fascinating than himself. To let her sleep, he left kissing her forehead seeing her smile in sleep.


    ---


    n who had ordered for checking all the ces got another bug from the CEO office of the Skyline Industries.


    He ordered to tighten and improve the security level which waspleted after a week but they couldn''t identify who was behind everything.


    Aria had many visitors when she moved to the Morgan mansion. So checking each and everyone was stupidity.


    When n casually asked about the visitors, Aria had asked, <em>''Did he/she came to see me?''</em> Taken her condition in the past, n didn''t push her to think.


    Rowan and Amelia were extremely happy with his son. Even though they knew well about him, during the problem, they thought he would get annoyed and wouldn''t treat Aria good but it waspletely contradictory.


    n was very careful without letting her know about theplications and was looked after her rather well.


    While face-timing before sleeping, Aria asked, "Why do you want to stay in your vi? Why can''t you stay in the mansion?"


    n paused typing on the keyboard and intently looked at her, "How about living together after your birthday?"


    Aria grinned beforementing, "Do I look like a sweet littlemb to follow the big bad wolf to its den?"


    n was tongue-tied for a few seconds, "Looks like my love rival taught you too many things to keep you away from me."


    Aria was giggling when n continued, "You are my sweet little wife who actually follows me to my den. You are just being smart sitting there."


    n knew well that her IQ goes to rock bottom around him or about the rtionship and things. Aria retorted, "I''m smart. Why are sounding like I''m only being smart today?"


    While both continued to argue about who was dumb, another side Eva and Isaac were battling in the virtual world as a team.


    Eva had apanied Isaac for shopping to buy a gift for Aria which turned into their movie date.


    They had bought a gift and were leaving, Eva saw the new movie poster of his movie which she couldn''t go for more than a week.


    "Are you free? I want to watch." Eva eventually dragged him seeing him think.


    It was a Romantic Comedy movie, which Eva enjoyed with her popcorn and coke. Isaac watched her in amusement seeing her enjoy because he never liked to watch his movie.


    "Isaac, Is it so easy to tear shirt as in movies? I have seen it in your three movies."


    Eva nonchntly asked looking at the screen and turned to him for a response. Isaac who nced at the screen seeing his dupe kissing scene faced her.


    Eva saw the scene in his eyes where the actress clings on to drunken Isaac forcing a kiss. Eva gulped her saliva and faced the screen.


    She was cursing herself when Isaac saw her turn red. His first reaction was to think of her as unwell. "What''s wrong? Are you fine?... Eva? Are you cold?"


    He kept his backhand on her forehead to realize she was warm but her face turned even red seeing the scene which was two shadows of kissing and the same man next to her.


    Eva knew well they were dupes but her mind kept wandering.


    Isaac panicked getting no response, removed his face mask and shook her to face him, "What''s wrong with you? Why are you turning so red? Are you suffocating here?"


    Seeing his handsome face getting tensed, in a hurry to calm him, Eva blurted out, "No... no... I thought to kiss..."


    Both felt like everything go mute freezing in their position. The first to react was Eva who ran away.


    Ran away as fast as he could.


    Eva couldn''t believe she just sold herself. After exiting the movie hall, she realized that she could have managed to say something stupid instead of running away. By fleeing, she confirmed what she said.


    She was toote and could only run away from him.


    Isaac was stationary seeing her exit letting his brain work harder. He reacted when a neighboring coupleughed at him saying, <em>''His girlfriend must be scared and ran away seeing him trying to kiss.''</em>


    Well, he was sitting on half seat turning towards an empty seat giving them such illusion.


    He quickly wore his mask and bolted out to see the deserted exit area. He had picked her from her home so he called her quickly.


    His call was rejected thrice hence he dropped a message, "How are you going home? I''ll drop you back."


    Eva looked at her mobile in bewilderment in the cab. "Seriously? I almost told I like you and You! Dumb man, you are cared about how I''ll reach home."


    The driver nced at her through the rearview mirror to realize she was talking to herself loudly. "Miss. Were you rejected before proposing?"


    Eva snorted, "You can say that."


    She didn''t reply letting Isaac stand on the floor full of nails.


    He paced for a long time before messaging again, "Eva, are you safe? Did you reach home?"


    Eva gritted her teeth, <em>''Are you getting rid of me? Cool.''</em> She replied, "I reached home."


    Eva who was embarrassed was fuming in rage. She took bath, had dinner being grumpy and went to her room.


    She controlled her urge to call Aria many times and opened a video game. She invited her video game friend to y, she battled against monsters cursing Isaac.


    ...


    Isaac sighed a breath of relief seeing her message and left to the parking. After sitting in the car, he remembered about kiss seeing the shotgun seat where Eva was sitting.


    He had lots of questions and the important one was <em>''Does she like me too?''</em>


    He wanted to ask her but was scared he might be overthinking. He tried himself to bury the incident thinking she was just influenced by the scene and was embarrassed to face him.


    Being well mannered, he didn''t want to put her in a difficult situation by asking.


    <em>''What if she likes me too?''</em> question made him give work to his brain.


    He tried to divert his mind and opened a game to see a message, "Let''s raid a dungeon" from his video game friend.


    Eva and Isaac chatted about the game and gamed tillte night until Isaac bid her and went to bed without knowing about each other.

 Chapter 111: We are losing our flirty

    Chapter 111: We are losing our flirty


    Eva and Isaac didn''t contact each other again until Aria''s birthday in the Cooper mansion.


    Amelia wanted to celebrate grand hence she arranged everything with Rian and Rowan with Eva and Noah''s help keeping everything secret from Aria.


    n had to know since the guest list had to be finalized by him from which he filtered quite a few leaving all ssmates.


    Whenever Amelia and others had to discuss, they would just tell n who would dly pick Aria and spend time with her in his office or on dates if he was free.


    On the way to the Cooper mansion, Aria asked in confusion, "Why are we going this side?"


    n nced at her, "Why do you think?"


    Aria nonchntly deduced, "Either you have nned a surprise or... this way goes to the Cooper mansion too so My birthday party."


    n chuckled, "Be like surprised one to make your Mum happy or else she will chide me thinking I told you."


    Aria made a tongue out, "I would love to see that." Aria never saw anybody scolding or raising their voice at n other than her.


    n was about to pull her cheeks, Aria covered them, "Why should I let you pinch? Hmph." Aria always got pinched on her cheeks and she never got a chance to revenge on him.


    n knew the reason hence he lightly chuckled and rubbed her head.


    He had made sure to make her eat a lot to make her chubby but nothing was fruitful instead her skin was more glowy giving him an impel to enshroud her.


    As they spoke on the way, n answered a phone call. Aria was used to his frigidness with others hence she didn''t bother to ask.


    Whenever Aria was with him, n avoided talking sensitive matters to keep her away for worrying unnecessarily. So he carefully chose words after hearing, "Make sure about the authenticity and evaluate the item before delivering it."


    He hung up the call after knowing the caller understood what he meant. He nced at Aria who was checking the international stock market statistics in his tab.


    "How much have you invested?"


    Aria grinned before speaking, "Three million."


    n shook his head resignedly. While going through Aan orphanage donations he had seen Aria''s name in donors. After checking itpletely, he got to know it wasn''t from thepany or from her domestic bank ount instead she had an international bank ount in swiss. And his dummy president was investing from the past three years.


    "Was it the reason you were assisting Dad and Dad Oliver at the finance and economic conferences?"


    Aria hummed in response trying to read his expression.


    Aria had tortured his father to teach her about the stock exchange and attended numerous finance conference before she was able to sessfully invest and sell stocks at very good prices.


    n knew she was thinking he might scold her but caressed her head fondly. "I''m going to live you off after your education. I don''t mind to have a sugar mommy."


    Aria burst intoughter and patted his arms, "You are so very talented. I don''t mind having you as My Sugar Baby."


    n controlledughing and poked, "How do you know I am so very talented as a sugar baby?..."


    It was toote for Aria to realize what he was about to say. n continued, "... Since you will be eighteen tonight, Let''s have orientation for you to familiarize yourself with my talents."


    n started chuckling seeing her flush. He always doubted if her IQ score was real or fake seeing her always fall into his trap.


    Aria who had thought n as Misogyny and Misanthropist got to know that he wasn''t and he just limited himself. Later she had got to know he was too good at flirting. Recently she also got to know he was shameless too.


    Aria knew well to ruin his mood, "The Sugar mommy is typically wealthier and older. So I will search for sixteen to eighteen years old boys after my education. I can afford multiple sugar babies too, so don''t worry, I will add you in... Ahhh... n..."


    n had stopped the car and climbed on her seat freaking her out. "Handle me first then you can think about multiple."


    Aria immensely deplored about herment as he savored her until he was satisfied looking at her slush under him breathing irregrly.


    He was nibbling her cheeks until her breathing settled, "Your cheeks are getting fleshly. I should continue feeding my little president."


    Aria pouted and tried to push him aside without fruitful results, "I already put on five pounds. Do you want me to look plump?"


    Hearing five, he remarked trying to hold her waist, "Then why everything looks the same?"


    "n!" Aria instinctively twitched making him chuckle. He pecked on her forehead and he went to the driver seat as he asked, "Don''t you think you are too sensitive for touch?"


    Aria beat him as he drove and pulled her leg till they reached the Cooper mansion...


    Isaac and Eva were face-to-face many times while looking at arrangements but both merely nodded at each other behaving like strangers.


    Noah who had noticed their weird behavior pulled Rian aside and both watched them intently. Rianmented soon, "Even though I am not sure about Brother Isaac, we are losing our flirty."


    Noah hummed seeing Eva controlling her facial expression from blushing. "Bro, these two friends stole our friends."


    Rian snorted in displeasure. "I thought these two will die single seeing them boyish. Or they would start dating after ten years. They over crossed us. Damn."


    Noah crossed his arms, "Let''s make those two friends pine together in the party."


    Both bumped their fist in tactic agreement to keep Aria away from n and Eva away from Isaac making the men sit alone and long for their friends.


    "Second young master, your ssmates reached the mansion." A maid informed Rian.


    Noah reced Eva, sending her with Rian to get their ssmate inside and show their shared bedrooms to them for the night. They used six rooms in the outhouse for 18 ssmates.


    Rian, Noah, Eva had their separate rooms in the mansion as they used to stay over many times to have fun. They reserved separate rooms for Isaac, n, and the Morgan parents in the mansion.


    Eva and Noah''s parents only visiting them so there were no rooms for them. If other guests want to stay over, then they would be directed to the outhouse instead of the mansion.


    n had ordered the Morgan security head to tighten security and check each and everyone before letting them enter the mansion area.


    The bus which was used for the ssmates was also thoroughly examined before letting it enter, simrly for the other guest cars too.


    n wanted everyone to enjoy instead of thinking about safety and worrying.

 Chapter 112: Hide and seek

    Chapter 112: Hide and seek


    Aria merrily entered her mansion to see the cooper mansion housekeeper tearing up. "Aunty Sophia, if you cry, I will go back." Aria hugged her.


    Aria many times spoke with her on phone and called her to Morgan mansion but to look after Cooper vi and mansion, she hadn''t gone to the Morgan mansion.


    Sophia smiled seeing Aria pout, "I missed you."


    n was amused to see every Cooper mansion and vi maids talking to her jovially. Isaac who waited for her to speak gave up and took n upstairs to show his room.


    "Don''t you think Aria is loved by each one?" Isaacmented seeing all maidsugh with Aria.


    n smiled seeing her happy.


    Isaac generally teased, "This room is Aria''s room. Too bad you can''t share since your paren..."


    Isaac''s mouth was wide open in shock seeing him enter and close the door. Amelia who had heard hisment while passing by patted on Isaac''s back.


    Isaac quickly made up an excuse, "n wanted to check the arrangements."


    Amelia burst intoughter seeing him defend his friend. "Do you think he is scared of us? He always abducted my weeny daughter inw to his room." She sighed in dismay, "Disappointing is that I always saw him working and Aria resting. Your dumb friend doesn''t even cuddle my little girl to sleep."


    Isaac smiled awkwardly. <em>''Aunty Amelia, why will he do that in front of you?''</em>


    "Aunty Amelia, how about you leaving your muddled son and adopting me as your son? I will follow you around." Isaac loved Amelia who was outgoing and full of fun.


    Amelia nodded in approval, "Then let''s change your surname tomorrow and kick him out."


    The duo continued to joke around until Rowan took his wife to get ready.


    Isaac sent n''s cloth to Aria''s room and was leaving, he saw Eva entering Aria''s room without knock so he quickly stopped, "Eva... n is in the room."


    Eva saw his tensed face and sounded normal trying her best "This is Arrie''s room."


    "The duo shares bedroom whenever they are together." He was nonchnt.


    Eva was surprised forgetting about their awkwardness between them, "Wow! My wife is on fast forward."


    Aria who had met all and checked luxurious arrangements reached her room but got pinned on the wall.


    Isaac looked at two girls in astonishment.


    "My goddess! Why don''t I know you share the bedroom with my love rival? Didn''t you abandon me too soon?"


    Aria nced at Isaac and red at Eva. Isaac spilled the beans, "Aunty Amelia told me."


    Aria was shocked, "Mum knows?"


    Isaac chuckled as he left towards his room.


    Eva controlledughing at her face and leaned on the wall to whisper, "So?"


    "So?"


    Eva hugged the suit bag which she had in her hands and teased, "My wife lost her chastity so soon. My love rival must be in love with you tasting yummy meat."


    Aria''s neck twitched when Eva traced her neckline. Aria snatched the suit bag, "Dirty-minded God."


    Eva made a pitiful face, "Why are you conservative? You are soo orthodox." Eva knew well that her friend was old fashioned.


    Eva continued seeing her blush, "Don''t make prince sleep on the couch. If you can''t..."


    Both heard hum followed by, "Listen to my love rival. She is smarter than you."


    Eva left chuckling seeing Aria ring at n. "Go to your room and sleep on the bed. What are you doing here?"


    She entered inside to see a beautiful blush pink gown forgetting she was angry on n. She couldn''t get to go near the dress because n pushed her to the bathroom. He got ready and saw her taking dress silentlying out wrapped in a bathrobe.


    He didn''t tease her.


    When she changed and returned, he helped her to dry and style hair without caring for the peeking Amelia, Isaac, and Rian.


    The trio near the door looked at each other seeing n help Aria wear her heels. They couldn''t trust their own eyes seeing n do all that.


    After getting ready, Aria chased after n to change his ck zer to bright red one which she had designed. The trio lips twitched looking at them behave like kids.


    Aria had enough and looked grim, "Fine, don''t wear it. I will give it to Isaac. Hmph."


    Isaac''s lips twitched uncontrobly.


    Rian opened the door as he reprimanded, "Little devil! Did you forget me?"


    Amelia and Isaac were toote to hide and smiled awkwardly at them. Rian snatched the zer which was taken by n eventually.


    Aria tried to take back but n grimly spoke, "I will wear."


    He had heard her saying she prepared long back for him and asked Morgan mansion driver to deliver after knowing they were celebrating her birthday. So he wasn''t ready to let anybody else wear it.


    Rian snorted, "Hey! Little Devil, did you forget me as soon as you got my brother?"


    Every year Aria designed his and Noah''s birthday outfit, "Why? Don''t you want your birthday outfit?"


    "But you designed so many things for him." Rian was grim...


    Aria and he continued to banter leaving Isaac and Amelia speechless. Atst, Rian made her say, "Fine, I will enjoy with you guys. Happy?"


    Rian internally celebrated and saw his brother who had changed to the red zer. Aria who saw Amelia, Isaac and Rian''s expression turned around to see n who was chic.


    n smiled looking at her smile ignoring the rest. Aria changed his hairstyle beforeplimenting cheekily, "Sassy!"


    The trio coughed lightly to get their attention, "Fine! We are leaving. Finish being affectionate ande downstairs."


    Aria was perplexed, <em>''I just did his hairstyle. Mum, what affectionate are you talking about?''</em>


    Rian snorted, "Hello! I and Noah will bring her downstairs. Bro, leave."


    Seeing n re, Rian stood on Aria''s words, "Didn''t you hear Arrie saying she will be with us? Leave ... leave."


    n left with his mother and Isaac.


    All guests were already present who was in shock looking at n who looked very young and snazzy. Aria''s ssmate cheered. Eva ignored Isaac''s gaze.


    After two minutes, Aria went downstairs holding Noah and Rian''s arms who were enjoying everyone''s attention.


    Aria was wearing a high-low blush-colored gown. Her dress trail swept the floor showing off her slender wless legs that were delectable. A delicate smile added a perfect touch to her attractive dainty face.


    She looked beyond beautiful as her eyes twinkled with the diamonds on her neck.


    Isaac wasplimenting n for having Aria as he drank but he froze when he saw Aria''s smile at n who was looking at her. He saw a pleasing and ecstatic smile on n''s face seeing her smile.


    He nudged n after recovering, "You guys... are so much in love with each other." He had spent a good quality of time with Aria and toorge time with n so he understood those smiles were only for each other.


    n nced at Isaac beforementing, "How long are you two going to y hide and seek?"


    Isaac started his award-winning acting, "What hide and seek?"


    "Oscar-winning expression." He left towards his parents and Aria to greet some guests so that Aria doesn''t have to drink with them.

 Chapter 113: Do you like Aria Cooper?

    Chapter 113: Do you like Aria Cooper?


    Isaac''s lips twitched hearing n and drowned the drink before taking the new one. He thought he would embarrass Eva if he starts talking but he started to feel like she was avoiding him purposefully or was responding to him like a stranger.


    Hembasted himself for thinking Eva likes him too.


    n didn''t let Aria drink for anyone and drank for her if required. Amelia and Rowan greatly controlledughing looking at n who kept a poker face toasting on behalf of Aria confusing guests.


    Aria knew most of the guest so the introduction wasn''t required and just for formality she was meeting them.


    As they moved ahead, Aria met her uncle, he was the half brother of her mother Amelia parker. "Hello, Uncle Parker."


    He was in histe fifties and likes Aria as his daughter. He rubbed her head adoringly, "My little girl is grown up."


    Aria just smiled as Amelia and Rowan greeted him, "Vice president Parker. Thank you foring."


    n didn''t care so Abel Parker greeted, "President Morgan, Chairman Morgan, Madam Morgan... Aria is very lucky to have you all. Thank you so much for looking after her."


    Abel Parker was a vice president in Skyline industries for five years. Before that he worked as manager and director of a department in the Skyline industries.


    Amelia smiled looking at Aria, "She is my child. No need for gratification."


    They continued to talk. Aria was bored and was about to yawn, n pinched her arm and got elbowed by Aria. Amelia and Rowan were already used to their such interaction. Abel looked at them in amusement but didn''t dare to ask President Morgan.


    They continued to talk and n''s main bodyguard reported something near n''s ear in low pitch. n nodded in return and took Aria''s ss to keep aside.


    "Excuse us..." n emotionlessly said and took her outside.


    Aria was about to punch him, n told the reason, "A surprise!"


    "Oh!" Aria excitedly followed him as she deduced until she reached the main door, "Wow!"


    She left n''s hand and ran towards the gift. n looked at his hand in air and Aria who was running around the brand new Mren P1 hybrid sports car.


    Aria jumped on her toes as she surprisedly asked, "How did you know I like this car? Only Dad knew it."


    Abandoned n sighed and smiled seeing her happy. "It was ordered by Dad Oliver for your eighteenth birthday."


    As he expected, Aria froze, bit her lip and turned away from him. n went to her and hugged to calm her.


    Rian and Noah who went out to check saw the car before announcing to all.


    n kissed her forehead, "I was thinking to let you drive your new car. If you cry now, then forget it."


    Aria left him and excitedly asked, "Am I allowed to drive alone?"


    n pinched her cheek as he hummed, "I will test your skills tomorrow, then yes."


    Aria was sure she could pass his test and was about to go for a test drive, all guests exited the main door eximing loudly because none in the country A had Mren P1 other than Aria.


    All chimed to go with her for a test drive putting Aria in difficulty. She saw everyone and all thought she would choose n but she gave a sheepish smile before picking one, "Mum!"


    Amelia proudly showed off, "My little girl loves me more."


    All burst intoughter seeing Amelia tease n.


    After going around the Cooper mansion and the uphill without exiting the Cooper estate, both returned to see n''s indecipherable face.


    n took her near Harold Stanley and Finn Stanley''s table where Rowan was talking with Harold. Aria had failed to get anything from n and saw grandfather and Grandson sitting elegantly.


    Aria remembered Harold. Seeing him with Finn she deduced correctly to his grandfather. She joined dots and understood why Finn was courteous to her.


    The Morgan or Cooper''s family had no rtion with Stanley. n had got a call from security about their arrival. He didn''t want them to allow as they were uninvited but taken their power, social standing and for respecting Harold, he allowed to know the reason behind their arrival.


    The Stanley family wasn''t somebody to visit random parties and they would always send pleasantries and gifts with their assistants or butlers to the invited party so n was very curious too.


    Finn who saw Aria walking towards them froze for a second before diverting his gaze and furrowing. He was surprised by his own thought. He couldn''t understand why he suddenly feltplimenting her outer look.


    Aria was delightful to the eyes.


    Even though nobody noticed his briefest reaction, his grandfather was aware. Harold nced at the couple and saw the duo smiling at eachother. He had a very basic idea about n.


    Rowan introduced Aria and Amelia to them and conversely. Harold was a stern old man who maintained his fit body irrespective of his old age. A smile appeared on his face hearing Aria greet, "Old master Stanley, Young master Stanley."


    "President Cooper, you are very pleasing to the eyes. Do you remember this old bloke?"


    Amelia, Rowan, and n turned to Aria in surprise. Thetter spoke respectfully, "I do, Old Master Stanley. How is your health now?"


    The trio was even more confused but there was nothing on their face.


    Harold nodded in satisfaction, "I''m fit and fine. We didn''t know about you so we never got a chance to show our gratitude to you."


    n furrowed his brows. Aria inly said, "I helped which I would do to anybody."


    Seeing three nk faces, Aria quickly brushed up the incident for them then stood up, "Please enjoy the party. I will join my friends."


    She left leaving them to talk. Harold spoke, "I''m very sorry about our abrupt visit. The morning I returned so, I didn''t have time to give heads up. This child had rejected to take any favor. If there is anything, anytime and any day, please feel free to ask us. We will be very d to help you."


    Amelia and Rowan looked at n who hadn''t cared to speak. Rowan was about to reject, n spoke, "Sure, If therees a day, we will surely contact you."


    That surprised both Amelia and Rowan who managed to smile amiably.


    Harold was happy hearing that. Rowan spoke, "Old master Stanley, you had a long journey, you should rest. Shall I ask to arrange a room for you?"


    Harold declined, "It''s alright. I will get going... Finn, do you want to enjoy the party?"


    Finn was dead silent for the whole time. He had to tagalong his grandfather hearing his order. He had no friends in the party as it was restricted to the people who Aria knew unlike how rich heirs celebrate calling the whole city.


    "I will go with you, grandpa." He replied as he stood up with Harold. Both bid them and left.


    After getting in the car, Harold asked curiously looking at Finn who was ying with his mobile, "Do you like Aria Cooper?"

 Chapter 114: My little enraged puppy

    Chapter 114: My little enraged puppy


    Finnughed awkwardly, "Come on Grandpa. Why will I like her?"


    "Yeah yeah! Your eyes unnecessarily widened looking at her forgetting to breathe. I understand." Harold teased Finn but both didn''t continue talking about it.


    Finn Stanley was a yboy just like many other heirs.


    He studied in army school and joined the army at the age of sixteen. Losing interest after 3 years, he left and returned to B city.


    He wanted to start a business but thought toplete his studies so he joined a school directly to senior second high after passing the exam of First high school in B city.


    He was well acquainted with many rich heirs including Rian and Noah but his group and those two werepletely different.


    Finn might be morally honest but he also ys around with girls who approach him voluntarily and if he was in the mood. Whereas Rian and Noah would never do that and maximum they would flirt.


    n was just a year older to him but he didn''t know and didn''t care about him.


    Finn dispersed his thoughts about Aria and dropped his grandfather before going out with his friends.


    Aria cut the cake and bid a few guests who were leaving before joining the trio to enjoy with their ssmates.


    As Noah and Rian nned, they didn''t let n to be with Aria and saw him sitting on a barstool looking at them with Isaac.


    Isaac and n who were looking at teenagers saw all cheering Aria to sing. The former asked curiously, "Is your girl really a good singer? Why so many are excited?"


    n saw Aria going ahead to sing for them, "I don''t know."


    Isaac rolled his eyes. n never heard her sing so he said the truth.


    Aria heard Rian mentioning loudly, "Little Devil! sing ''<em>Better</em>''"


    Aria nodded and started in her mellifluous tone getting everyone''s attention.


    "Ten minutes in I''m knees deep


    Remind myself that I got to breathe


    Been talking for hours now


    Can''t get you off my mind


    Could stay for days, just you and me..."


    Aria held Eva''s hand pulling her to center and both danced as Aria sang.


    "...I want to stay all night


    Talk the things we like


    Catching fireflies with you


    Give you all my time


    Just to make you mine


    There''s a reason why you make me


    You make me, you make me. Better


    You make me so much. Better


    You make me so much. Better


    You make me so much. Better


    You make me so much


    Two hours in you are all I see


    Dreaming of everything we could be


    Let''s talk for days and nights


    I don''t want to let you out of sight


    Let''s stay for years, just you and me


    I want to stay all night


    Talk the things we like


    Catching fireflies with you


    Give you all my time


    Just to make you mine


    .


    .


    "


    All gave them loud apuse after finishing. Rowan tried his best to keep his drunk wife from running towards teenagers.


    Isaac nudged n who was mesmerized, "I thought you will be forced to marriage at the age of thirty plus but how did you get your hands on the best?"


    n nced at Isaac peeling his eyes away from Aria''s smile andughter, "Don''t worry you will find yours best too but still, Mine stands Top."


    "Narcissist." Isaac cursed and saw him going upstairs to the bedroom.


    He saw teenagers having fun. After some more performances of teenagers, he was awestruck hearing group song where Eva, Aria, Noah, and Rian sang and danced with great coordination.


    Before he left, he noticed all of them were drunk. He asked bodyguards and the housekeeper to take care of them who were still enjoying...


    Eva left Aria in front of her room and the housekeeper took Eva to her room who was also drunk.


    Aria saw n seriously working keeping theptop on the coffee table. n saw her entering and spoke, "Get fresh and go... to... bed... It''s...te."


    His voice faded seeing her sit on the floor keeping her elbows on table cupping her face and looking at him in awe.


    Seeing her serene asionally batting her eyelids, his Adam''s apple moved as his heartbeats started to raise. "Aria!"


    Aria hummed tilting her head slightly and smiled sweetly.


    Her immacte and gullible gaze was too much to handle. He took a deep breath before asking, "Are you drunk?" because she didn''t seem like a drunk and appeared like a sweet little harmlessmb.


    Aria shook her head like a puppy keeping the smile towards him.


    n gazed at theptop to avoid looking at her thinking he couldn''t control himself if he continues to see her. "Go and sleep." He ordered.


    Aria whined indicating rejection and made herselffortable sitting on the floor between him andptop facing theptop. "I will help you type." She was ready to type keeping her fingers on the keyboard.


    n rubbed between his brows, "Aria! Go to bed."


    He was at loss seeing her type what he said including her name. He tried again calmly, "I''ll do my work."


    He was speechless seeing her type that too.


    Aria waited for a few minutes before turning behind in discontent for not hearing anything. "Why aren''t you saying anything?" She sounded like a wronged one.


    n was seeing her drunk the first time. It would be a lie if he says he didn''t like how she was behaving.


    He tried to close hisptop but Aria held his hand thinking he wanted to type.


    "I will do... I will do... I will do..." She pped his hands many times. n still closed hisptop and said, "There is no wo...rk."


    Aria bit his hand and pouted after snorting. n looked very calm on the exterior seeing her bite, leaving her teeth marks.


    "Aria..."


    Aria snorted and turned aside showing herself as angered.


    n chuckled lightly and scooped her up effortlessly ignoring her scream, "My little enraged puppy, Sleep quietly."


    His husky voice made her quite but when he bent toy her on the bed, Aria cried hugging him, "I don''t want to sleep. I want to help you. I want to help you..."


    n frozen when Aria wrapped him with all her limbs.


    Her wless smooth shoulder was under his chin and her bosom was pressing on his firm chest, her unique smell made him clench his fist tight trying to calm down.


    "I don''t have any work. It''s alreadyte. We will sleep." He gently said so that she could listen to him instead of throwing a fit.


    "Liar!" Aria said loudly near his ear tightening her hands.


    n knew why she said <em>''liar''</em>. Because he always worked after she sleeps which she knew and alwaysined. "So you will not leave me?"


    Aria shook her head, holding him tight thinking he would work if she leaves and she couldn''t help him.


    n smiled wickedly before locking the door and taking her to the bed.


    "Who am I?" n asked seeing her frown who was confused seeing him on top of her as she tried to push him away.


    Aria blinked a few times looking at him before asking back guilelessly, "Who are you?"


    n gritted his teeth controlling his urge to toss her out of the window. He again asked politely, "What is my name?"


    "aaa..."


    She couldn''t get to finish and the rest became only her whimpers in the bedroom...

 Chapter 115: Will you bite me again?

    Chapter 115: Will you bite me again?


    After making sure Aria slept, nid her head on the pillow from his arms seeing her dainty face still carried redness.


    He tenderly wiped her with a warm towel before tucking her in and leave the room after wearing a new set of clothes.


    He went to the study room where Rowan was waiting for him. He leisurely sat and pushed a file to his father.


    Rowan who casually took the file went through it as his expression changed. "Why will Oliver ask so many safety features for Aria''s car?"


    n didn''t reply and yed with crystal paperweight. When he got a call saying a car delivered in Aria''s name to her vi, the first thing he thought was the person who was keeping an eye on Aria and the man who killed Oliver.


    His group checked with the manufactures to get the ordered date and person details. After knowing it was Oliver by seeing the video proof of the office and the authenticated sign, they scrutinized the car properly to find the GPS, bulletproof shields, high-end management system in the car, tamper-proof units and other features which weren''t avable in any normal manufacturing car.


    n came to the conclusion, either Oliver had the idea of the camouged man or that man''s target.


    Rowan thought for a long time but shook his head, "He never told me any problems. Having a business rival ismon but why will anybody go for life?"


    n nodded and left silently without a word. Rowan could only sigh and go to his room.


    n wasn''t sure how long he looked at Aria who was sleeping peacefully before cuddling her to sleep.


    ...


    Eva who woke up in the morning rubbed her head as she went downstairs. "Aunty Sophia... ... Aunty Sophia..."


    She called the housekeeper as went towards the dining hall but bumped into Isaac who exited holding his water bottle.


    "Sorry!" She apologized and raised her head to see Isaac''s mild smile which made her lips tilt up but it soon vanished.


    Isaac knew she was in the hangover. He took her to the kitchen and poured some hangover soup into a bowl which the chef had prepared beforehand inrge quantities for all teenagers on the housekeeper''s instruction.


    Eva''s eyes were wide open when he held the soup spoon near her lips.


    Isaac nonchntly asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Rian who entered inside with Noah was whinging, "Little devil forgot me as soon she got my brother. She always got soup in my room and feed..."


    Both looked at each other, then the other two and absconded, "Sorry Sorry..."


    Isaac and Eva nkly looked at the door, "Why..."


    Isaac didn''t let her finish and fed the spoonful which she gulped looking at him. Both didn''t talk and Eva finished full bowl obediently before following him out.


    Rian and Noah who were talking about losing one more friend smiled brightly at Isaac and Eva and wished them in unison, "Good Morning."


    Before Eva or Isaac could say anything, both entered the kitchen controlling their smiles...


    Aria who woke up first raised her head in n''s embrace to see him still sleeping. She wanted to get off but n pulled her on him smoothly sensing her movements, "Birthday girl! Sleep for some more time..."


    Aria was feeling her head heavy so she hummed and giggled making herselffortable. n curiously asked, "Why are you happy?"


    "When I was little, Dad used to make me sleep like this whenever he was working." Her groggy voice faded as she yawned.


    n smiled resignedly. He had seen her childhood pictures so he knew. He wrapped his hands around her and dozed off too...


    Both woke up post breakfast. Aria who showered and stood in front of the mirror saw reddish to purple marks on her neck and corbone.


    n who was ready saw her confused state. He had realized long back she doesn''t remember anything. He heard her speaking, "n! I never had allerg..."


    Aria who turned towards him widened her eyes and checked again in the mirror. n who had reached her received a hard punch, "How can you take advantage of me when I''m drunk? n! You are... You... you..."


    She didn''t have marks anywhere and she was still on her birthday dress when she woke up.


    <em>''He didn''t take me. Did he?''</em> She thought to herself not knowing how to ask.


    n saw her troubled face unable to speak, so he flicked on her head before pulling her to arms. His enticing tone sounded in the room, "If you are disappointed that I haven''t taken you... I will do it now."


    He had just pecked on her cheek, Aria pushed him away breathing a sigh of relief knowing he didn''t do anything. "But you still took advantage of me. Who does that?"


    n held her small fists which were raining punches on him, "So you are angry that I took advantage of you when you weren''t sober."


    Aria snorted ring at him falling to his ploy. He nonchntly said, "Now you are sober."


    "Al..." Aria was no match to his strength before falling into trance when he kissed, teased, entangled their body as they rolled on the bed.


    Her frequent tries to stop him became whimpers making her blush heavily. She eventually remembered tits and bits of what she had done yesterday night.


    n left her after ten minutes and spoke looking at his little blushing fiancee. "You aren''t allowed to get drunk when I''m not around."


    Aria pursed her lips darting her eyes around. She couldn''t believe herself that she was clinging on to n when she was drunk.


    n controlled his urge and spoke seeing her reaction, "Seems like little president remembered how she seduced me."


    Aria straight objected, "When did I seduce you? I just hug..." She bit her lip sliding slightly down to cover her face with his jacket.


    n chuckled making her blush more. "Aria, I really doubt your IQ. I will arrange for the test again. It should be zero or a maximum of... ten."


    Aria! She herself couldn''t understand where her brain goes off whenever he was near her. She pushed him aside and got off the bed.


    "Yeah! In front of your 130, I''m nothing." She grimly said and started applying concealer on old and new marks.


    n casually asked tidying his crumpled outfit, "How do you know I''m 130?"


    Aria made him sit and applied concealer on his neck. In the night, she had bitten him when he had asked, <em>''Will you bite me again?''</em> that had made him grit his teeth before adding a few more marks on her neck.


    Aria nonchntly replied, "I had hacked our school system when a senior had challenged me that he was better than me and my scores were fake."


    Seeing n''s face go nk, she teased, "Why? Are you thinking I will hack yourptop or Morgan Industrieswork?" She giggled as she went aside.


    n was thinking something but paused hearing her and passed hisptop, "Try if you dare."


    That picked her interest, "If I do it, I will make your wardrobe change again. Deal?"


    n didn''t think much, "Sure! If you lose, you are moving in with me today."


    Aria''s lips twitched. <em>''Crafty businessman! I''m still a little girl.''</em> She thought to herself and sat next to him.


    n was surprised by her finger''s speed. He mentally calcted her APM to be around 350 as he saw her cracking each level which he had built for his ownptop.


    His technical team failed to cross-level five, Aria easily cleared and went on making n sit in amusement.


    At one point Aria whined losing, "My speed isn''t enough... Why didn''t you say it''s your code?"

 Chapter 116: Dont stop me later

    Chapter 116: Don''t stop meter


    n was surprised to hear her. Even his team didn''t know he was the one who updates hisptop.


    After a few more minutes, Aria shook her palms crying in pain, "My fingers are aching."


    He massaged her fingers smiling to himself.


    His dumb little president IQ wasn''t 120, it''s above it. Why her head doesn''t understand chemistry easily was still a question but why her IQ reaches rock bottom was because her brain stops working around him and he loves every bit her innocence with him.


    Aria decoded his password letting him massage her palms, "A N I A R L A... Wow! Our name in reversed and intertwined."


    n froze. <em>''Is it so easy to identify?''</em>


    Aria giggled, "Why are you blushing?"


    n put on a poker face, "Aren''t you sober yet?"


    "Aww, you look so cute blushing..." It was Aria''s turn to tease him until they went downstairs.


    Aria saw her cousin sitting with Rowan and Amelia. He was good looking but forgetful face. Maintained his physique well but wasn''t tall enough.


    Aria wasn''t close to him much but they were on good terms. He was in aboard to study and had been there for three years more before returning.


    "Little sister! Look at you all grown up to be a beautiful youngdy." His joyous tone sounded seeing Aria.


    n didn''t care to greet him who was elder than him and they didn''t know each other personally other than two being an alumnus of the same school.


    n held Aria''s hand when she was moving ahead, "Greet ande for breakfast."


    Aria hummed at n and saw him leave. She diverted her gaze back and greeted, "Brother Calvin! Do you still remember you have a little sister? It''s been three years since I have seen you."


    Both gave a friendly hug before sitting. "How can I forget my little princess?... Here is your birthday gift."


    Aria took it as she responded, "Wow! You have learned manners too." She kept the box on the table.


    Calvin Parker pinched her ear, "Admonishing me already."


    Aria chuckled and stood up, "Brother Calvin! Did you have your breakfast?" Seeing him nod, Aria continued, "I will eat ande."


    "Arrie! Is it breakfast time? What were you doing till now?"


    Aria tried to control but still flushed so she walked ahead as she replied, "Woke upte."


    Eva who saw Aria''s face gave her flying kisses to tease. Aria pouted and sat next to n who fed her hearing herin...


    "I''m full."


    "Little more." n told for the fourth time leaving her speechless.


    Aria poked her plump belly and said through gritted teeth, "You evil businessman! Why do you want me to be fluffy? I''m getting a plump belly and you are maintaining abs."


    n who knew Aria doesn''t keep track of how much she eats when they feed always made use of it. "Last bite."


    Seeing spoon near her lips, she ate it too before ring at n who nonchntly passed juice ss and drank his juice.


    Aria rolled her eyes and drank it before going back to the living hall. She spoke with them for a few minutes until Calvin picked Aria''s topic.


    "Chairman Morgan, we are really grateful that you all looked after Arrie well. Since I wasn''t here, Dad hadn''t thought about bringing her home. Now I can look after Arrie. If she wants to live in her vi or mansion, we will move in with her."


    By the time he could finish, Aria was biting her lip as her clutch on Rowan''s jacket sleeve tightened looking at n who was sitting little away.


    It wasn''t that the Parker family was bad or couldn''t take care of her. Even though they were her mother''s family, she preferred and was close to the Morgan family from the past.


    Amelia''s face turned cold. Rowan who realized Arrie''s changes held her fist between his palms to assure her that they wouldn''t send her.


    Rian who heard him grounded his teeth standing up and walking towards them as he spoke, "Mr.Parker, My little devil will be with us. She will be bored with you guys without me."


    Aria retracted her gaze from n and smiled at Rian who was pinching her cheeks.


    n who had walked up to them inly introduced himself, "Mr. Parker, n Morgan here. Aria''s fiance... She will not move out anywhere other than to my ce."


    While Aria wasining, she had mentioned she doesn''t have anybody to call as guardian anymore and why does legal guardian allow till eighteen years only. He hadn''t thought much about it, but he understood the meaning behind it after looking at Aria''s helpless gaze on him.


    He carried her without care of onlookers as he continued, "I''ll be her guardian for the rest of our life."


    n walked towards the exit as Amelia spoke sounding amiable but carrying no warmth, "My little girl will be with us. Don''t worry Young master Parker, we will look after well."


    The whole time Calvin didn''t get to react which made him awkwardly smile, "Seeing you all protective of my sister, I feel like staying with you guys too... By the way, President Morgan said he is my little sister''s fiance, I must say, my sister, got herself a best man."


    They spoke about Aria and n''s engagement, wedding, her studies rted so Amelia and Rowan were back to normal.


    Rian rxed a little and went out with the other three to check on Aria who was shaking her little head in n''s embrace then she gave a sharp punch on n''s waist pushing him away which made four to sigh a breath of relief.


    They always see n''s childishness and liveliness with Aria so they just stood by the entrance looking at Aria walk away arguing with n who followed her.


    "Aria! I''m moving back to the Morgan mansion is the same as you move in with me."


    "No! I''m not moving in."


    "Do you think your Pop could have a reason to keep me away from you?"


    "I will ask Mum to object."


    "She wouldn''t mind getting a grandchild in a year. Are you sure she will help you?"


    Aria pouted in disappointment then, "I have Beauty."


    n chuckled, "I just have to threaten him then he will personally deliver you to me."


    Aria tried to think of another reason but he twirled her pulling into his arms. He gently asked caressing her head, "What''s going on in your little head of yours?"


    He continued seeing her think about excuse again. "I don''t want your lie."


    Aria''s fingers yed with his zerpel as she responded, "I want to be with all. I always stayed with Dad only. Here Mum, Pop, Beauty sits and talks, have fun, have meals together. I... I..."


    n sighed and embraced her tight. "Then how about adding me in with those three?"


    Aria spoke conflictedly, "But you like to stay in your vi. You shouldn''t change because of my preference."


    n smiled resignedly, "I am happy changing for you, dummy."


    Aria gave a suggestion, "How about you staying in the Morgan family for a few days and take me there when you feel like. That way you will be in your vi and I''ll be at home."


    n''s lips were high up hearing as <em>''home''</em>. "Deal... Don''t stop meter."


    Aria made a tongue out before running towards her new car, "That I''ll do."

 Chapter 117: Lets bash it

    Chapter 117: Let''s bash it


    Later n sat on the shotgun seat of her car when she drove and taught her how to be attentive about others following them, how to escape, maintaining speed and rted things that Aria learned quickly.


    Aria spent her birthday with n, Eva, Rian, and Noah. They dropped Isaac to the airport who was flying off for the movie shoot for a month period.


    After finishing dinner, a driver dropped Eva back to her home. Noah returned to his mansion. n who had pushed the whole day of his work to the next day cuddled Aria to sleep who was dead tired going around all day.


    Rianined to his parents for sometime torturing them for a brand new sports car before going to bed.


    --


    Seemingly everything on surface looked peaceful but n''s team couldn''t get hold of who could bug Aria''s room and who nned against Oliver Cooper.


    n filtered out quite a lot of the employees in the Skyline Industries creating an uproar in Skyline and the business industries. He updated uses, rules of thepany even in the Morgan Industries.


    Aria''s two new perfume lines added which was endorsed by country A''s new supermodel. It also created an uproar in the perfume industries for its uniqueness.


    The effect of two perfumes in the perfume industries was too high attracting too much attention. n kept Aria''s name under wrap knowing Aria didn''t really care about getting fame in those lines.


    As per their deal, Aria remade n''s wardrobe which n happily wore since they were chosen by her or designed by her. Aria realized that he didn''t actually care about color yet she kept it elegant and ssy for the office and business meets.


    Rian was invited to the youth arts festival of country A which he was preparing mindfully. Noah was busy with his business ideas on Zoah sports.


    Eva and Isaac didn''t contact each other. One minded his acting career and the other one was busy learning another newnguage to her fournguage list.


    Calvin invited Aria for dinner in their family vi as their grandfather wanted to see her. Aria agreed as it had been a long time she didn''t meet her mother''s family.


    While driving her car towards Parker Vi, Aria spoke to n who was on a business trip. "Aria, don''t drink tonight. You have to drive back home."


    "Yeah! And you! stop smiling sitting in the restaurant."


    n chuckled, "Why? Are you scared somebody will steal your fiance?"


    "No... I don''t want pretty girls to get hurt unnecessarily." Aria chuckled seeing line go silent imagining his sour face.


    But n''s serious voice sounded, "Aria, do you really have to attend the dinner tonight?"


    Aria furrowed her brows, "What''s wrong? Any problem out there?"


    n again paused before speaking, "Nope. What if somebody is there is steal my little president?"


    Aria breathed a sigh of relief, "You almost scared me with your tone. Dumb." n never sounds serious with Aria unless there was something serious so she had almost panicked.


    They spoke till she reached before they hung up the call. Aria was greeted by the butler before taking her in. She entered inside and gritted her teeth.


    Clenching her fist, she sounded normal, "What''s going on here?"


    There were about fifty people in the living hall excluding the maids who were carrying tray around in the simple party to serve guests.


    n had got to know about it when his team reported. He didn''t want to send her but he didn''t want to restrict her either. Since the reason behind the party was unknown and why Aria was invited as a normal family meet and dinner at such a party was also unknown.


    While talking with her, he had taken the countermeasure so he was a little calm but he regretted going on a business trip leaving her there as he couldn''t stay by her side.


    The butler respectfully responded, "Young miss, Master''s friend had heard that you wereing here. He had spread it to others which made them alle here to see and greet you. Old master and Master were very angered till now, somehow first young master calmed them."


    Aria knew Abel''s friends'' group was toorge so it wasn''t surprising to hear that. She took a deep breath and rxed.


    Abel''s wife, Saira saw her and went to her happily, "Arrie!" Aria smiled as she greeted back, "Auntie Saira." She gave a friendly hug as they spoke generally and entered inside.


    Aria who was the center of attention was grabbing everyone''s eyes. She met her grandfather, uncle, Calvin and his younger sister Kite. The family chatted happily and they apologized to Aria about the sudden party.


    Aria half-heartedly had to meet Abel''s friends and their family. Since it was just a dinner she hadn''t thought much about dressing so she was wearing a high waist nude formal shorts and white slip top and a jacket which she had removed after entering.


    In her simple outfit, she looked a lot younger and naive. Seeing a few heirs and their friends checking her out, again and again, Aria started to feel ufortable just after meeting a few guests who were pouringpliments continuously and were unnecessarily courteous.


    She was thinking of giving them a reason and leave, her trench coatnded on her shoulder as she heard, "Little devil, how could you attend a party without us?"


    Aria''s lips tilted up and turned behind to see Rian, Noah with Amelia and Rowan. "I missed you guys." She told the duo and hugged Amelia who winked at her.


    "Arrie! Need music?" Noah asked pointing the silent music yer far away.


    "Why not! Let''s bash it." Aria fist bumped him and smiled at Rowan who rubbed her head dotingly.


    Noah went to turn on music, Rian smirked at few guys who were eyeing Aria.


    <em>''She is my sister-inw! dream on.''</em>


    He had received a message from n, <em>''Save your sister-inw from a bunch of annoying flies.''</em>


    All heard amotion near the door to see men in ck Morgan Industries gear entering in systematic order carrying gifts.


    Aria knew well it could only be Rian and Amelia''s n to make it big to piss of everyone but she wasn''t sure how they got to know that she was getting a headache between unknown faces and weird gazes.


    Amelia and Rowan greeted Abel and others before Amelia loudly revealing, "We thought you guys knew Arrie well. Don''t you guys know she doesn''t like to meet useless, unconcerned people unnecessarily? Never mind, do ask us if you need to know anything."


    Whoever heard her could only curse them inwardly without having the courage and power to go against the Morgan family to save their small businesses.

 Chapter 118: Kite hated Aria Cooper

    Chapter 118: Kite hated Aria Cooper


    After seeing n''s message, Rian had run upstairs leaving dinner while he said, <em>''Bro asked me to join Arrie. I don''t think she just went for dinner.''</em>


    So they had called n''s number which was busy then they called Nathan and got to know about the party. They left the dinner and got ready for the party arranging everything.


    Amelia sent Aria, Noah, and Rian to enjoy the party saying they would be greeting the guests on behalf of her. But most of the time, Amelia pissed off the guests without letting them rebuff.


    She might look like she was carefree but she always kept track of things which were going in socialite circle so she knew many ways to piss them off. Either their family matters or business matters.


    That left them with a warning to stay away from the Morgan family and Aria cooper.


    Those guests could only see Aria eating, dancing and enjoying with Rian and Noah leaving others really feel like paper flies.


    The morgan family, Noah, and Aria had very little for dinner to give a face to the parker family. The former apologized to the Morgan family and Aria before bidding them and sighing.


    Old master turned to Abel, "Tie your glib tongue and keep your useless friends far. Can''t I have a peaceful dinner with my granddaughter? She isn''t a piece of good to show off. If this repeats again, don''t call me ruthlesster."


    Abel didn''t dare open his mouth to rebuff and nodded, "I''ll be careful Dad."


    Calvin patted his father''s shoulder before exiting the vi. Saira knew Abel was down so she stood by him.


    Kite who was grounding her teeth cursed Aria looking at piles of gifts from the Morgan family, "That bitch, what''s so special about her? Why do you all adore her so much? Just because she doesn''t have a father and mother, she is getting everybody''s love and care. What about me? Am I invisible to...?"


    <em>''Pak''</em>


    Tears welled up in Kite''s eyes.


    Abel had given her across the face. "Arrie is younger than you. Can''t you greet and talk to her properly like an elder sister? What special? Do you know her current personal earning per month while studying? Do you know her academic scores? Do you know how hard she is learning and trying to excel in many fields? Other than squandering my money, what have you done? You want President Morgan, have you thought about improving yourself instead of partying and ying around with other heirs and socialites friends of yours? Reflect on your actions, go to your room... Saira, without my permission, she isn''t allowed to eat or go out. I''m blocking her all cards."


    Kite runaway upstairs as she cried holding her cheek which only intensified her hatred towards Aria.


    Saira made Abel sit and gave him water as she sighed, "Abel, don''t shoot your blood pressure."


    Abel smiled self mockingly. "Due to Kite''s high drama, I couldn''t bring and look after Arrie bing aughing stock in our circle. Except for Brother-inw''s sister and us, is there anybody else for Arrie? Good that she has and trusts the Morgan family who can give her better care than us."


    Saira kept rubbing Abel''s back to calm him as she heard.


    The parker family wanted to look after Aria but Kite had objected and made a fuss in front of many and Oliver''s elder sister who was a scientist working in states. She couldn''t look after and care for Aria due to her tight schedule hence she had thought of the Parker family but seeing Kite, she didn''t stop the Morgan family from carrying out all the rituals and let them take care of Aria.


    Kite hated Aria Cooper from her childhood. Even being a fluffy little girl, Aria was a bright and cute girl who was adored by everyone irrespective of how she looked.


    Kite wasn''t intelligent as Aria but she was very pretty who endorsed many children''s products during her early teens so she was very haughty teasing Aria for being fat.


    After Aria was mentally traumatized due to Lucas Cooper, her food consumption had lowered and she was keeping herself busy with different activities from dancing to cooking including other learning opportunities. Those shaped her well making her look prettier than Kite.


    Kite thought Aria purposefully changed to look down on her so she started to work out to maintain her body, go on diets. But she was teased for eating less yet difficult to manage her figure whereas Aria was back on her foodie mode yet had a lissom and slender figure.


    Being busy with her maintaining body,working with high profile people, she flunked in school. Then she joined Morgan Entertainment but she was still a B list star had a few tens of hundreds of fans.


    She had broken every piece of things in her room when she saw Aria''s hype for her cheerleader dance. Then she had created a huge fuss when she saw millions of fans to Aria when her identity was disclosed.


    She had tried hundreds of times to get near n Morgan from her school time but never got a chance. Standing in the corner of Toby''s birthday celebration, she red at Aria seeing her getting a hug from n, holding his arms, being close to superstar Ross and getting everyone''s attention.


    She also hated how Finn Stanley who never cared for anybody personally greeting her.


    She had followed them to the restaurant to see how n took care of her, stopping her from drinking too much and held her hands while exiting the restaurant.


    Kite''s profile was also sent to the Morgan family for n but she never got a call. Later days she heard rumors in inner circle spreading <em>''n is taken''</em> and <em>''Aria is taken''</em>.


    It confirmed her when she saw n and Aria together enjoying icecream in the same cup. She had thought Rian and Aria should be together but it turned out as n.


    Even though n was always unattainable to her, she couldn''t take it when she got to know Aria was dating him. She couldn''t take it n was very attentive to her.


    She wanted to attend her birthday party knowing n would be present but her father shut her up and went alone.


    Aria never thought much about Kite other than greeting and simple talks. Calvin and Aria were rather close than Aria and Kite. But it wasn''t even five percent of how good she was with the Morgan family or her friends.


    ...


    Ariater got to know n''s men who were Aria''s bodyguards had checked there before she could reach.


    n was tired of seeing her impressed look through video call while he worked, "Aria, that''s enough. If you are so appreciative, I don''t mind getting coddled when I return. You can take initia..."


    "Good night! I''m sleeping." Aria hung up knowing what he was up to.


    n chuckled and continued his work in the Morgan industries branch office.


    n was returning on Sunday and Kite had invited Aria to dinner in a restaurant without letting her reject on the same day.


    Since Aria was free, she reached the airport and honked loudly without care of anything seeing n exit.

 Chapter 119: Despicable Aria

    Chapter 119: Despicable Aria


    n didn''t know Aria was going to pick him so thepany car was present to pick.


    Many were irritated by the continuous honk but they didn''t dare to open mouth seeing the high profile car knowing it could only belong to high-status people who they shouldn''t offend.


    n passed his bags to Nathan instructing him before going near the car and knocking the window of driver seat elegantly.


    When Aria rolled down the window, she grinned, "Uses of letting me drive. You get a free service."


    n spoke formally, "Miss! Who gave you a driving license? This is a non-honking area. I hope you can see the board." He pointed out the signboard of <em>''No honk''</em>.


    Aria''s lips twitched.<em> ''Heartless businessman! Is this how you treat me for giving a surprise?''</em>


    "Handsome, when the cops and the public have no problem..." She pointed mute surroundings, the cops and security who were looking at them in awe. "Do you think I will... care?"


    By the end she could finish, he pecked on her nose making blush. He went around and took a shotgun seat seeing her flushed.


    He didn''t tease her as she was driving and spoke. Both had lunch and Aria informed him she has to attend dinner with Kite Parker who requested her many times.


    n gave her a displeased look before nodding and pulling her cheek, "Why does everyone want you?"


    Aria poked n''s arm instead, "Actually, Sister Kite like you for a long time. Will she think I stole you from her?"


    n furrowed his brows, "Probably she knows we are together. How is she?"


    Aria''s eyes were wide open in shock, "You want to know about my cousin after hearing me say she likes you."


    Jealous Aria made his day.


    n controlledughing at her face which Aria realized and answered, "I don''t think she will hurt me. I''m her younger cousin after all and I didn''t steal anybody anyway."


    n helped her to sit in the Ferris Wheel letting the attendee close the door before pulling her next to him seeing her blush in awkwardness. "Why did you bring me here at this time?"


    Aria had got to know he had never been to an amusement park or sat on any rides. "I will take you on other rides some other day. Today I want to show you something."


    n prepared himself for the third surprise for the day after picking him up from the airport, her self prepared lunch date.


    It took nearly fifteen minutes for them to reach the top at the correct time for sunset.


    "Look look..." Aria pointed the setting sun, river and the city illuminating in reddish-orange color.


    But he was dazzled looking at her and her smile instead of those.


    He was really scared that the business world would take away her innocence when she takes over herpany.


    Aria who noticed his gaze on her turned his head to show the sun, "I said there."


    n watched the sunset with her hearing her say about how she found the ce.


    After alighting, she ran towards free ce holding his hand making him jog. She pointed him the sky as she exined, "It''s a conjunction of mercury and venus appearing above the moon... Conjunction in astronomy means two space objects appearing in the same elliptical longitude. Isn''t it beautiful at dusk?"


    n hummed and smiled resignedly. He didn''t know she got interested in Astronomy also.


    He knew she would have watched it alone from her room balcony or terrace. Just to give him a break from work, she had nned all to make it memorable for them.


    She was exining about the conjunction of others which she had seen pictures leaning in his embrace. Seeing the eye-catchy couple, many couples noticed the sky and watched it for some time.


    Aria giggled when she noticed them and hearing them guessing which stars those were.


    n drove her car to the dinner venue and changed the car asking her to be careful and call him. Aria obediently agreed before entering inside.


    Kite waved her hand at Aria sitting at the corner best table which had a good view. Aria who always saw Kite reserved was surprised to see talking so much about her work, endorsements and her acting gig.


    They had ordered quite a few dishes and ate as they spoke. "Sister Kite, you ordered so much, why are you eating just green sd?"


    Kite was already astonished seeing her enjoy nonvegetarian without worrying about calories. Giving an awkward smile she responded, "I''m on diet. I ordered these for you."


    "Oh! Sister Kite how can I finish seven dishes alone. We are just wasting food." Aria looked pitifully at some dishes. She had already had too much so she stopped and asked of lime juice for easier digestion.


    "Arrie, how do you manage your body? Do you have a special workout routine?" She enviously asked stabbing lettuce in her bowl with a fork.


    Aria lightly shook her head, "I don''t do any such things other than an aerial hammock for fifteen minutes."


    <em>''Heh! Aerial hammock? Such a good lie.''</em> She had tried for a year and didn''t see any improvement so she thought Aria was lying her.


    "Nice! Do you n on entering the showbiz or fashion industry?"


    The main aim of Kite meeting Aria was to get as many as information as possible and convince her to rmend her to the movies Isaac takes or the movies Skyline invests because Abey didn''t like showbiz so didn''t help her either.


    Aria shook her head, "I can''t act. And those areas never made me feel like trying."


    "Oh!" She gave pause and asked curiously, "Arrie! Don''t you think managing twopanies would be difficult for President Morgan? When are you taking over?" So that she could leave n and the Morgan family soon.


    Aria nonchntly responded, "After five or six years. Afterpleting my education. n told me not to worry about thepany, he will manage."


    Kite gritted her teeth. She felt like Aria looking down on her for notpleting her schooling hearing her mention <em>''education''</em>. She purposefully asked to know, " <em>''n?''</em> Are you guys so close? A friend?"


    Aria didn''t hide and hummed, "Fiance."


    Kite widened her eyes in shock and forgot why she was there. She thought they were dating and she still had a chance. "Fiance? Did you propose to him? Arrie, you are very despicable... You knew I always liked him, don''t you? You were present whenever I asked Uncle Oliver to take me to meet him. Why do you always snatch what''s..."


    Aria was shocked seeing her resentful high pitched tone. It wasn''t a private room so that attracted everyone''s attention. "Sister Kite! Mind your tone."

 Chapter 120: Jealous of Aria

    Chapter 120: Jealous of Aria


    What Aria said made Kite raise her tone higher, "Heh? Sister? So you are a younger sister who takes away elder sister''s man. I thought n Morgan was just ying with you but I was wrong. You are a little bitch who seduces rich man..."


    Seeing Aria leave, Kite clutched her arm and pulled Aria to face her forcefully. Aria breathed through the mouth to remain calm.


    "Where are you running away you shameless wench? You..."


    Aria''s bodyguard pped without considering her as a girl which made her cheek swell instantly stumbling on her heels.


    "Young madam. are you fine? Shall we take you to the hospital?"


    Aria shook her head to say she was fine looking at Kite who loathes her too much.


    But how Aria got addressed by her bodyguards enraged Kite Parker more and grabbed the nearest table hot soup bowl and threw at Aria swiftly cursing, "You deserve to die..."


    Aria''s bodyguards were at safe distance to hear Aria''s response so they didn''t notice but a man shielded her quickly making his back getting sshed with burning hotpot soup.


    Aria was in an embrace and she didn''t see who it was. She knew it wasn''t n by the cologne. Before she could raise her head, he turned around and gave another one across Kite''s face which made her dizzy and fell on the floor like a lump.


    He red at the bodyguards, "Can''t you manage one girl? How are you going to protect my little sister this way? A useless bunch."


    Aria identified by the tone that he was Calvin Parker and saw his soaking wet back. She tugged his jacket sleeve, "It wasn''t their mistake. I dyed responding. Brother Calvin, you must be scalded, Let me take you to the hospital."


    Calvin softened seeing her worry. He was sitting upstairs with his date. When he heard themotion, he looked down to see them and went downstairs at the right time. "Arrie, are you fine? I''m sorry about my sister... I''m fine don''t worry about me."


    Aria still insisted and took him to the hospital after Calvin asked a driver to send Kite home. He was getting treated when n reached the hospital to see Aria sitting leisurely in the waiting area.


    n couldn''t believe her cousin was obsessed over him that she tried to hurt Aria. He was thinking about publicizing about their rtionship but he didn''t want to do anymore seeing it attract too much hassle on Aria one after the other.


    n pulled her to embrace and breathed a sigh of relief seeing her fine. Aria raised her head and assured him, "I''m really fine."


    n hummed, "Emotionally?" He had seen her think deeply.


    Aria pouted, "Do you really know to read a mind?" She had to continue seeing him waiting for her response, "Why are the ones who I should call as family detest me so much?"


    Then Lucas Cooper. Now, Kite Parker.


    He gave her a faint smile to make her feel rxed as he spoke, "Because they ain''t be you... So stop thinking negatively about it. Alright?"


    Aria hummed and both heard a teasing tone, "Why are you showing off your affection in the hospital?"


    n released her as he wrapped a hand around her shoulder to let Aria talk.


    "Brother Calvin, what did the doctor say?" She took the medication slip from his hand as she asked.


    "Arrie, it wasn''t anything. zer and shirt had avoided it..." Then his tone became serious and spoke more like ordering looking at n, "President Morgan, you should change Arrie''s bodyguards."


    Aria didn''t like it so she responded before n, "Brother Calvin, those two are elites who handled fifteen''s attack with just single strokes on each. They were considerate thinking Sister Kite as my cousin."


    Aria''s tone was firm and unyielding.


    n was different in his unemotional tone, "Thank you Mr.Parker for saving my fiancee from <strong>YOUR SISTER</strong>."


    Calvin Parker was rendered speechless, "I''m done with your PDA. Good night." He left promptly.


    Calvin Parker understood Aria didn''t like it when he demanded a change of bodyguards and she was protective of n. Thetter didn''t consider Aria was his cousin that gratitude wasn''t required and taunted beautifully reminding him to keep his sister at bay.


    Anyway,ter n still changed Aria''s bodyguards without listening to Aria.


    n drove her to his vi enticing her with handmade chocte which he hadn''t really bought from his business trip to which he got beaten up until her limbs were paining without affecting him.


    n massaged her hands seeing them red as they spoke before she dozed off on hisp. After making hery on the bed properly, he sent an email to the Morgan entertainment managing director to terminate Kite Parker and rece if she was in any gigs which permanently shut her off from the entertainment industry too.


    --


    In Parker Vi


    Kite who reached home didn''t show her face to anybody and locked herself in her room before Calvin broke her room door bringing her out and revealing everything to their family.


    Saira who was always mild couldn''t control herself and pped her, "What your man? Do you even know what you said? Were you dating President Morgan? Were you guys engaged? At least, did you propose to him? There are thousands of girls like you who wish to get him that doesn''t mean he can be yours or he is yours."


    Old master Parker was breathing heavy hearing everything. He just signaled his caretaker to take him away.


    Abel chuckled self-mockingly unknown about how to face Aria and n next time.


    Saira shook her head resignedly, "I have spoiled you too much. It''s my mistake. Step out... Look at me, I don''t think President Morgan will let you continue your showbiz dream. Go to your room. Don''t dare to think about hurting Arrie if you don''t want to be detained." She took Abel to their room.


    Kite''s face was streamed in tears. She had nothing to rebuff. She didn''t think too much when it happened but she regretted right after throwing the hot soup that even burnt her palms which nobody cared.


    Calvin crossed his arms standing in front of her. He knew Kite wasn''t crafty or intelligent but he didn''t expect her to be iniquitous and she was still jealous of Aria.

 Chapter 121: Reasons to beat two brothers

    Chapter 121: Reasons to beat two brothers


    "If you had scalded even a small inch of Arrie''s skin, you wouldn''t be just detained, President Morgan would have shown you hell on earth. Don''t just see an attractive face and money, know about how ruthless and heartless he is... Oh! I forgot to say, Aria is getting trained in martial arts, I heard she had broken hand of that... ... some Lincoln girl who wanted President Morgan."


    When Aria mentioned that her bodyguards took care of fifteen members, he deduced as somebody wanted to harm Aria and got to know after asking around that Pinto Lincoln had taken local thugs to scare Aria but got beaten up instead.


    Pinto Lincoln was detained for three months with arge fine which wasn''t disclosed due to her identity.


    Calvin was happy seeing the frightened face of Kite before he went upstairs. He went to take a shower and realized he couldn''t. Checking his scalded back, he breathed a sigh of relief.


    If he hadn''t gone between them, Aria''s face would have got scalded very badly and n would have made the whole Parker family pay for it till they slowly die.


    Aria had seen Kite taking hot bowl and motion of her hands, She was about to dodge but she was embraced limiting her movements.


    She knew it wasn''t n and was thinking how could her bodyguard be dumb to shield her instead of pulling her away but she heard Calvin''s voice.


    She was getting tortured by n whenever they stayed together. He wasn''t only training her self defense, he was training her reflexes and analytical skills too which only they knew.


    While everyone was thinking n takes Aria to be affectionate with her, only Aria knew why he wanted her to move in with him.


    She always fought with him for forcing her to train and he would eventually coax her to train.


    Since she was young, n concentrated on mental ability than physical.


    The next day, n and Aria were called to Morgan''s mansion after their work and school respectively.


    Abel, Saira, and Calvin were sitting when Rian, Aria, and n entered together.


    Amelia checked on Aria before pping her arm in front of everyone with a grumpy face. "Do I have to know about you from others? I have no hopes on your fiance, is he making you like him? If that''s the case, you better stay here with us. Abandon him."


    Aria bit her lip hard to controlughing and saw n''s darkening face.


    Rian poked n seeing Amelia seriously speaking, "Bro, what happened yesterday? Why is mom stealing your pretty wife?"


    n didn''t respond and mouthed to Aria, <em>''Laugh or agree, I''ll think of punishment.''</em>


    Aria clenched her teeth which made her face turn red controlling herughter. Amelia panicked, "Arrie, what''s wrong? Are you un..."


    Before she could finish, Aria burst intoughter looking away then spoke seeing baffled Parker family, Amelia, Rowan, and Rian.


    "Mum, I''m fine. It wasn''t serious so I didn''t mention..." Then she whispered, "I''ll tell what and all we did yesterday."


    Amelia who knew Aria had gone to pick n was instantly brightened to know about their date forgetting she was angry. "I should know every detail."


    Her whisper was only heard to Aria who just smiled before following her to sit between her and Rowan.


    Abel, Saira, and Calvin didn''t know how close Aria was with the Morgan family. It might be before orter.


    Rian notified before going upstairs seeing everything calm, "Little devil,plete Chemistry assignment and send it to me, I''ll copy."


    Aria objected, "Keep your book in my room, I''ll finish it for you. You better prepare for the art festival if you want your bones safe."


    Rian gave thumbs up and left happily because he hated to finish home works.


    <em>Pfft -</em>


    Calvin who was bored was drinking water when he heard her. He spoke afterposing, "Arrie, if you behave like this, won''t your inws hate you and teach you to be a gracious youngdy?"


    Amelia and Rowan were chuckling when Aria responded, "They will be even happier if I actually beat him up. In fact, Mum even gives me reasons to beat two brothers many times."


    n didn''t care to react and the Parker family was happy seeing Aria being doted on.


    Abel didn''t get to meet n in Skyline Industries so he had gone to apologize in the Morgan mansion.


    "President Morgan, Arrie. I''m really sorry about how Kite reacted and tried to harm. I''ll make sure she wouldn''t try to hurt you again. Forgive us this time." Saira apologized sincerely.


    Abel included Amelia and Rowan while apologizing. Calvin didn''t say anything. He couldn''t understand why Abel brought him.


    Aria was the first to speak. "Auntie Saira, Uncle Abel, It wasn''t your mistake and it''s alright. An apology isn''t required. I should thank Brother Calvin for shielding me."


    Amelia wasn''t as simple as Aria, "Madam Parker, I hope your daughter isn''t a threat to my little girl."


    Rowan hummed grimly, "Since Arrie is fine, we will let it off only this time."


    Aria knew Amelia and Rowan couldn''t see her in the problem but she felt like they were very troubled and frightened by previous day events.


    n didn''t care to respond. In fact, he didn''t want to sit there either. He was just sitting there for Aria.


    Abel and Saira could only nod at them. They spoke for very little time and were leaving when Aria advised Calvin as they walked towards the door.


    "Brother Calvin, If any such situation repeats again to others, don''t shield, pull them aside... How about taking your ss to teach it?" Atst, she asked in a mischievous tone reminding him about their childhood past.


    Once Calvin had fallen down while descending stairs skipping a few stairs in the process. After he was recovered, Aria had seriously taught him how to use steps and had advised him to be careful.


    Calvin was just fifteen years at that time and was totally embarrassed in front of the whole family who wasughing at him.


    He was pissed off then. Thinking back now, he understood Aria was actually concerned and didn''t want him to get hurt again.


    He pinched her ear, "Morgan family is spoiling you too much."


    Aria just giggled and bid them.


    Amelia and Rowan seriously advised her to be careful and asked her to inform them unlike hiding how n does.


    After calming Amelia and Rowan, Aria finished her assignment and copied the same to Rian''s book before checking on him who was practicing and painting.


    n had a meeting so Aria had to take his dinner to his study after her dinner with all. "Ahhh!"


    "Huh?" Confused n looked her and a spoonful entered his mouth.

 Chapter 122: Im not safe anywhere

    Chapter 122: I''m not safe anywhere


    n hadn''t expected thating. He obediently ate as he worked. He had seen her feeding to Rian sometimes especially when he used to be in hangover but he never thought one day she would also feed him.


    <em>''Hmmm... advantages of having fiancee living with me.''</em> He thought to himself and pulled her arm down to kiss her cheek after finishing his dinner but both heard clumsy footsteps near the door.


    Aria jumped down from the desk. Both saw and heard Ameliaughing awkwardly.


    Seeing n roll his eyes getting back on work without kissing, Amelia screwed Rowan, "Rowan, why did you push me? Why do you always interfere? Boring man..."


    Aria facepalmed herself and flicked on n''s head who was working.


    She was leaving seeing him busy but Amelia took her away to the sunroom. Aria didn''t go deep into their date and just briefed.


    Then Aria was extremely embarrassed hearing Amelia say about how she should keep n interested in her.


    "... Arrie, you are so bold and daring. You don''t have to be shy in the rtionship either. You know he is an uninterested man, why don''t you take initiative? There is nothing wrong with a girl leading. Don''t let him work and go to sleep just like that. Ask him to rest with..."


    <em>''Uninterested? He wouldn''t mind eating me alive.''</em> Aria thought to herself and continued to hear Amelia who was indirectly saying her to cuddle, kiss and other things like going on more dates, on outings etcetera.


    "Mum, do you like grandchild so much? Why are you asking me to seduce your son?"


    Amelia paused and asked doubtfully, "Did I sound like that?"


    Aria nodded helplessly thinking Amelia wouldn''t continue but she waspletely wrong.


    "If that happens, then get married next day itself. I love kids."


    Aria''s mouth was wide open looking at Amelia in a stupor.


    Amelia thought otherwise, "If you don''t like before marriage, take him to the marriage bureau soon and then seduce him."


    <em>Pfft-</em>


    Ariaughed awkwardly and left waving her hand. <em>''Wow! I have such an open-minded mother inw.''</em>


    Amelia gave it a thought and mumbled, "Isn''t that''s what they show in drama nowadays? Why do n and Aria aren''t like them?..."


    Amelia didn''t want to be like mother or mother inw as in dramas who opposes everything. And she loved many leads characters of romantic dramas expecting Aria and n to be like them.


    Amelia hit her own forehead, "Why do I have boring people around me?" She went to Rowan andined about the duo who didn''t listen to her.


    Rowan was rendered speechless. After coaxing and cuddling his wife to sleep, he went to meet n who was in the study room.


    Seeing n waiting for him to speak, Rowan was embarrassed. He couldn''t understand how Amelia easily said it to n and Aria.


    Rowan lightly coughed the fourth time to clear his throat before speaking but heard n ask, "Dad, what''s the matter?"


    Rowan put on a straight face, "Aria is very young. Let herplete education and take over Skyline Industries. So don''t listen to your mother."


    n''s brows raised unintentionally. He knew Amelia had taken Aria for some private talk. Hearing ambiguous mentioning of the things, he easily deduced to what Rowan wanted to say.


    n nodded and spoke to let Rowan rx, "Do you think I''ll care about that? There is nothing important than Aria and her future. Dad, stop worrying unnecessarily."


    Rowan breathed a sigh of relief and went to bed peacefully.


    n checked on Aria who was going to bed. He took her to his room as he asked unemotionally, "What were you talking with mom?"


    Aria didn''t hide, "Mum asked me to seduce you."


    nid on the bed and pulled her to his arms, "Then when are you doing it?"


    Aria tried to be calm and raised up from his arms to face him. n''s eyes instantly darkened without understanding what she was up to. Because she was always too shy to get near him.


    Aria was about to kiss and n was about to stop her thinking she was taking his mom seriously but Aria giggled pinching his cheek having no idea what he was thinking.


    n realized she diverted him and he didn''t notice her hand. He was relieved knowing she wasn''t dumb after all to hear and follow his mother''s craziness.


    To know her reaction, he pinned her on the bed going on top of her. His husky voice sounded as he caressed her cheek, "Tempting me?"


    Aria''s eyes were widened and tried to push him off, "n! I was kidding... n."


    n was actually very happy with her reaction. Yet he teased her flushed face for sometime beforeying back on the bed.


    Aria buried her red face to him as she punched him quite a few times. Her muffled voice sounded, "I should move into your vi. You wouldn''t do anything to me. Hmph."


    She had noticed him not getting close to her in his vi and he didn''t care about other ces wherever they stayed with family.


    n licked his lips yearning for more. "Are you asking me to do in my vi too or something more?... Sure. As you wish."


    Aria froze before recovering,<em> ''I''m not safe anywhere.''</em> "I''m leaving."


    She got up but he easily pulled her back and she spoke again, "Why do you always have to win? Why do you have a reply to everything?"


    n chuckled hearing herin and cuddled her sleep.


    --


    Rian had left for capital a day early for the youth festival. Aria, Eva, and Rian were going the next day with Amelia and Rowan.


    First full day four enjoyed the live music of different young artists and tried different cuisines from young chefs and scored them ordingly.


    Rian had met many other artists in his field and he knew a few artists beforehand.


    "Rian Morgan?" A girl''s voice sounded tuneful attracting everyone around Rian.


    Rian casually turned to see a girl in ck tights and leather jackets. Her long curled hair highlighted her soft facial features.


    "Yes?" He was unemotional.


    A beautiful smile appeared on the girl''s face as she extended her hand introducing herself, "Roxy Stephen."


    Many around them started to whisper. Rian also knew who was Roxy Stephen but never had seen her.


    She was a well-known calligrapher and painter whose art bids at a very good price as Rian''s paintings.


    Rian nodded and shook her hand but he frowned seeing her still holding directing a smile at him. He tried to free his hand but Roxy Stephen had no ns to leave.

 Chapter 123: My first kiss

    Chapter 123: My first kiss


    Roxy excused others on behalf of Rian and pulled him out towards her green room.


    Rian didn''t want to create a scene hence he kept his tone low, "Ms.Stephen, Leave my hand. Where are you taking me?"


    Before her response, he was pulled into her room and she locked the door making Rian''s face turn dark.


    Roxy spoke, "Rian Morgan, why is it hard to meet you in B city?" She was an admirer of his arts.


    Rian red at her for a few seconds, "Ms.Stephen, What''s the meaning of this?"


    Roxy removed her leather jacket as she responded, "I want you."


    She was standing in crop top showing her curves in akimbo.


    Rian smirked, "In your dreams."


    He turned to leave but Roxy rolled her eyes before pinning him on the wall stopping him to reach the door.


    Rian couldn''t believe he was pinned by a girl and he realized her strength was too much and he wasn''t able to push her aside easily.


    <em>''What the freaking hell is going on here?''</em> He thought to himself.


    Roxy spoke, "Being an artist, can''t you help another artist?"


    <em>''Help what?''</em> He forgot to voice and thought to himself.


    Roxy left his arms in confusion and dabbed a tissue on his forehead, "Why are you sweating so much? I just asked you to help me with my doubt in my paintings."


    Rian breathed a sigh of relief and flung her hand away. "Who says <em>''I want you''</em> for that?"


    Roxy gave him an indifferent look, "So Mr. Morgan has a dirty mind too."


    She went aside and arranged her three paintings as she heard Rian''s annoyed tone.


    "Dirty? Ms. Stephen, For your better knowledge, you dragged me here and locked the door. By removing the jacket and pinning me on the wall, what else were you directing? That''s not the way to ask help."


    Roxy tied her hair up and pulled him near her paintings. "I feel like these paintings aren''t good. It lookspleted but I am not getting the feel from it."


    Rian shrugged her hand and went through the painting for quite a long without seeing Roxy gazing his serious face.


    She could see his wless skin without pores. Even she became envious of his glossy skin. She felt his asionally batting eyelids were inviting her. His chiseled jawline added masculine touch but it didn''t diminish his beauty.


    Rian spoke after checking her painting style, "Ms.Stephen when you sit to paint, have a proper mood leaving other distracting emotions. You have used different brush strokes in the wrong ce... This part,..."


    Roxy who heard him jolted back to senses and heard him intently for more than half an hour.


    After finishing, Rian grabbed a water bottle from aside and drank it as he turned to her.


    "Will you take any disciplines?"


    <em>Pfft-</em>


    Roxy froze.


    Rian didn''t care about her who he had spat mouthful of water. He dabbed his chin and lips beforeposing.


    "What discipline? Am I looking like an old experienced hag?"


    He rolled his eyes and was leaving but Roxy held him and rubbed her face on his chest leaving him dumbstruck.


    Roxy grimly spoke, "Don''t you have manners?"


    Rian''s lips twitched hearing her, "Ms. Stephen, You are the one who is mannerless. Am I looking like your father or brother to wipe your face on my cloth? Disgusting."


    Roxy was at a loss of words. She wanted to stop him leave and she didn''t want to face him with water on her face so she felt it was easier that way.


    She kicked his leg which made him fall on the floor.


    "Sh*t, What''s f*cking wrong with your brain?" He hadn''t expected that.


    Roxy pulled him up and made him sit on the couch before facing him scanning his face, "Who wants to be your sister or daughter? You are such a rare beauty."


    Rian''s lips twitched. When Aria teased him saying him <em>''Beauty''</em> looking or pinching his skin, he hadn''t felt anything but he couldn''t understand why his heartbeats were high seeing Roxy getting nearer each second.


    Her skin looked very tender. Her makeup was very light and her soft lips were in bold red color. Realizing he was looking at her lips, he quickly diverted his attention to her eyes to avoid giving her the wrong idea.


    He hated that he couldn''t kick her off and his hands were held by her.


    Roxy who was just a few inches away asked, "Do you have a girlfriend?"


    Rian unthinkingly answered like a puppet hearing her, "No!"


    He saw her lips tilt up before pressing on his lips and leave him. "Then who is the girl who you paint her back or half-face in many of your paintings which gets sold so quickly?"


    Rian gritted his teeth. <em>''Was that considered a kiss? Crap. My first kiss.''</em>


    Since he was already forced upon, seething in rage, he forcefully turned her who was untying her hair.


    Roxy was surprised then her eyes widened as soon as their lips touched. The toughness and boldness she had melted instantly under Rian''s domineering kiss as she requited.


    Rian broke after a long time but he red at her flushed face, "Ms.Stephen, you sure are daring to get boy inside and even kiss him."


    Then his hand moved from her back to her lower back grazing her bare skin as he smiled devilishly, "Aren''t you scared to be taken advantage?"


    Hearing no response and seeing the terrific face, he stopped scaring her, "Know your limits."


    He was leaving when he heard Roxy, "Hey, who will take responsibility for taking my first kiss?"


    Rian paused for less than a second before replying, "Prove me it was your first kiss then I''ll take responsibility."


    Seeing her proactive, he didn''t think it was her first kiss too. He left licking his lips.


    Other artists bombarded him with questions to ask about Roxy Stephen as he heard them tell about her.


    He got to know she was a mixed-blood child who was living alone in the capital. Her father was a businessman in a different country where she didn''t like to go. Her mother was in another country who was a professor at a top college. They hardly meet once or maximum twice a year.


    Rian didn''t think too much because he thought she was a spoiled heir.


    He joined his parents and other three for dinner before returning to the hotel which was under thepany of the woods.


    Noah wanted to go to club hence the other three joined them leaving Amelia and Rowan in their suite.


    They were enjoying music when Roxy pulled Rian aside leaving the other three at the utter shock.


    Eva and Aria tortured Noah to know about the girl who had cornered Rian on the couch. But Noah had no idea.


    Three intently watched them without diverting their gaze...

 Chapter 124: Endearment

    Chapter 124: Endearment


    "Rian Morgan, why are you avoiding me? Do I look like I''ll let you y and you can leave?"


    Rian rolled his eyes, "You are the one who started it. There are many more boys out there, I''m not in your reach. Stop dreaming."


    Roxy didn''t leave him and pushed him back on the couch, "Rian Morgan, I''m not one of those."


    "Prove it." Rian again repeated the same and pushed her aside.


    Roxy stomped her feet, <em>''How can I prove all those?''</em>


    <em>How to prove the first kiss?</em>


    <em>How to prove she wasn''t any spoiled or wanton girl?</em>


    She saw Rian getting surrounded by three and she identified the girl after careful observation. She went near them and turned Aria to face her.


    "You are soo pretty than in painting. Are you Rian''s girlfriend?"


    Rian wounded his hand around Aria''s shoulder quickly, "Thank you for thepliment."


    Aria couldn''t understand why Rian was showing her as his girlfriend by actions.


    But Noah kicked Rian''s feet while Eva pulled Aria to her arms, "She is my wife."


    Aria badly wanted to facepalm herself but Noah pulled her next to him, "She is my goddess."


    Aria felt like she was the ball in the <em>''passing the parcel''</em> game.


    Rian gritted his teeth for ruining his n. Roxy scratched her head in confusion without understanding what was going on.


    "Are you two... a couple?"


    Noah and Rian burst intoughter. Aria flushed in embarrassment. Eva felt like Roxy lost her brain because Roxy pointed Eva and Aria while asking the question.


    Aria pulled Rian''s ear who couldn''t stopughing. "Beauty! I''m going to sell you off." Then she turned to Noah, "Sweetpie~ I hope you don''t want me topete with you in your business sector."


    But it didn''t affect them and theyughed more. She pouted and sold Rian, "Miss, Rian Morgan is dead single. He is all yours for the night."


    Rian''s face darkened and stoppedughing. Noah escaped, "I''m taking my girl away." Eva and he ran away. Aria leisurely walked away making her tongue out at Rian.


    "Little Devil!" He called her in a vain.


    Roxy who was intently watching Aria, doubtfully asked, "Isn''t she President Cooper?"


    Rian didn''t reply and slid off when she wasn''t looking at him.


    Roxy''s lips tilted up looking at Aria beating Noah and Eva. "Aria Cooper! Good that we met. Now, Rian will help me reach you very very soon."


    Roxy didn''t go behind Rian and sat at the corner table watching Aria all the time as she drowned quite a few sses of alcohol...


    Being tired, four returned to their suites. Noah bombarded many questions but Rian didn''t say anything other than she was an artist and she was clinging on to him.


    Aria and Eva bid each other and entered their room in their suite but...


    "Ahhhh..." Aria ran out to the living hall as she screamed.


    Eva panicked hearing her and bolted out to see Aria standing on the couch holding a pillow staring at the room.


    Eva pulled her down and calmed, "Arrie, what happened? Rx rx... Tell me what happened?"


    Aria said what she just saw, "There is somebody in my room who is taking bath."


    "Huh?" Eva was confused but she was patient. She gave her a ss of water. "Drink a little. I will check it."


    Aria was sipping when the room door opened.


    <em>Pfft~</em>


    Eva saw a tall, irresistible man standing in a white bathrobe in wet hair looking at them nonchntly. Or appropriate to say, seeing Aria.


    Eva saw Aria ring at the man who looked too seductive in flushed skin due to hot water and wet hairpleted the look.


    She moved near Aria''s ear, "How about I change to a different suite? It won''t be disturbing that way?"


    Aria ignored whatever she said, "I''m sharing the room with you." and walked towards Eva''s room.


    Eva retorted, "I had you for me the whole day. I don''t mind my love rival taking advantage of you at night. You! Don''t step in my room."


    She finished and chuckled seeing n taking Aria to her room ignoring her protest. <em>''My dumb wife, you should be happy about the surprise instead of getting angry.''</em> She returned to her room.


    Aria didn''t get to wig him and was sent into the bathroom. It was veryte and she was tired so she quickly bathed and snuggled up to him and slept without a word.


    n smiled resignedly and continued his work in one hand as the other hand was wrapping around her.


    He had seen the painting Rian was auctioning which he wanted at any cost, so he took Skyline jet and reached after his work in B city.


    He could have taken another suite but the hotel was full due to the event. The Morgan''s reserved suite was used by Amelia and Rowan. Wood''s reserved room was used by Rian and Noah. The Cooper''s reserved was used by Aria and Eva.


    He didn''t want to stay with Rian and Noah. So he reached Aria''s room thinking they would be in the room but got to know they were in the club so he didn''t disturb her. But he didn''t expect her to reach while he was bathing and get scared.


    Their rooms'' key wasn''t allowed to be used by anybody and room service was strict too. Aria had once heard n talking to his men who couldn''t find the leads of people trying to get her. She knew somebody tracking her and keeping an eye on her.


    Aria who could have managed light-headedly was panicked because she thought since that man didn''t leave any traces he must be powerful enough to cross the security.


    n liked how she went to his arms and slept leaning on him without bothering about anything. He quickly finished some of his work beforeying her on the bed and slept next to her.


    --


    The next day in the morning all reached the gallery and checked on all the paintings. Aria was surprised and was blushing after seeing Rian''s painting.


    n rubbed her head seeing her cover her cheeks when others started to tease her.


    Yes! It was her painting.


    It had n too.


    Their noses were touching and their half profile was visible in the painting. Aria was hanging reverse on her hammock letting him hold her hand as he stood on his toes to reach her nose.


    The title was <strong><em>''Endearment''</em></strong>


    Aria understood why Rian had bunked sses on those days giving an absurd reason as stomach pain. He hadn''t exited the room for two days and didn''t show the painting to Aria as hepleted it the whole week.


    It was difficult to identify those two as Aria and n if they didn''t know. Seeing all admire Rian''s painting, Amelia, Rowan, and the trio were very happy.<ol><li>rebuke severely.</li></ol>

 Chapter 125: Ugly little demon

    Chapter 125: Ugly little demon


    Soon all entered the auction hall. While other arts were ranked based on scores and liking, Painting was on the bids. Aria had heard some artists creating fake buyers to increase the price so she wasn''t sure how Rian''s paint bidding would be.


    Seeing Aria holding the buyer number card, n curiously asked, "Are you bidding for anything?"


    Aria hummed and tried to scare him, "I will help all the artist''s paintings price to reach high. Don''t worry, I will not waste my money. I will use your money to buy everything."


    "Let me see how you can squander my money." n knew she wouldn''t do that. He thought she might bid to raise Rian''s painting price.


    The auction soon started. Many bids to their favorite paintings. The highest grossed painting title was <em>''Caged''</em> by an artist Roxy Stephen which was eight hundred thousand.


    The emcee announced Rian''s painting as Rian''s painting disyed on arge screen. The bidding started and the basic price was ten hundred.


    Many in the hall wanted to buy the painting but...


    The first bidder directly rose the price to, "A million."


    The whole hall gasped but Aria and others sat elegantly and looked ahead where the bidder was present.


    Many bidders had to back out due to high cost and all thought painting was sold at the first bid.


    Emcee recovered first and called once, another bidder raised his card which increased the price to ten hundred making it ''A million ten hundred.''


    The first bidder again jumped the price, "A million and a half."


    All started to murmur trying to know about the identity of the bidder. It went on...


    The first bidder was raising half million each time as the second bidder didn''t open his mouth which increased only ten hundred.


    Nobody knew the second bidder was n''s man.


    All were bored seeing twopete reaching it to twenty million. From the looks, not a single party was ready to stop.


    Aria yawned quite a few times. Rowan and Amelia were very proud of Rian. Noah and Eva were already nning a party. n thought the first bidder was Rian''s die-hard fan.


    The emcee was troubled by the situation because there were many more paintings and two bidders weren''t ready to stop.


    Ariazily raised hernd, "Fifty."


    All looked at her in utter shock because she meant to say <em>''Fifty million''</em> and the bid was at <em>''Twenty million''.</em>


    Only one in the whole hall knew why she was holding the bidder card, others thought she was time passing.


    The emcee was stuttering as he called Aria''s number once. n''s man didn''t raise his hand first and the other bidder increased a million instead of half-million making it to <em>''Fifty-one million''</em>.


    Seeing the second bidder just raise his hand, Next Aria raised the price again, "Seventy."


    Eva, Noah, Amelia, Rowan looked at her in amazement. They couldn''t understand why she wants the painting. n asked in a low voice, "Are you buying the painting at any price?"


    Aria nodded ying with the card. n messaged his man to stop bidding. The first bidder again raised it by a million after a second call.


    All looked at Aria who nonchntly raised the price, "Seventy-five."


    While the whole hall murmured that Aria was insane seeing her bid such a high price for the painting but Aria didn''t care.


    She wasn''t buying it to increase the price. She was ready to buy at any cost even if she has to transfer the amount from her swiss bank ount or sell her Skyline shares.


    The first bidder hesitatingly raised his hand when emcee called the second time.


    Aria wasn''t in a mood to raise by a million each time, "One hundred."


    The hall wentpletely mute. Many people''s eyes were on Aria who was in formals wearing her sunsses looking calm as a m.


    The emcee called thrice and nobody raised price making the painting as highest bid making it to all news channels, social media. Rian''s social media ount shot with numerous followers.


    Aria''s name was under wrap which n managed. Aria left with others after payment from her personal ount and painting would be sent to the address she provided.


    Rian almost squeezed her in a hug before pinching her cheeks ignoring her punch. "I had almost thought you forgot your promise."


    When only two men were bidding for a long time, Rian had thought Aria forgot about their promise and was very disappointed even though his painting was at the highest grossing. Even if it was ten hundred, he wanted Aria to buy it.


    n had thought she was buying it for them. Hearing Rian, he clenched his fist, looking down.


    Eva and Noah were in confusion with Rowan. Amelia tried to remember, "Arrie, is it the same promise which you guys made when he drew you as an ugly little demon? I had heard you had said... you will earn and buy with your own money if Rian really makes it big."


    Aria smiled as she nodded and spoke, "And how can I let n run away to somebody''s else house. Let him pine on my room wall itself."


    n''s clutch lightened hearing her and realized he was getting jealous of his brother but nothing much showed on his face.


    "Arrie, you guys were just eleven at that time. You had beaten him for drawing you like that." Amelia had to coax Aria at that time saying Rian would paint her really well when he learns.


    They were eleven but they had IOU for it and which always reminded them about the promise.


    "Little devil! Good that you had earned else that stupid man would have bought it."


    Rowan interjected, "Aria! Did you started working and learning so early was it because of Rian?"


    Aria hummed nonchntly. "Beauty was teasing me for four years when I just had pocket money and he had won the inter-school paintingpetition. Finally, wepleted our promises."


    Aria and Rian bumped their fist but they started to fight saying who was sessful.


    All were surprised and looked at Rian and Aria in admiration.


    Roxy Stephen looked at them standing little away. She wanted the painting. When her assistant first raised, she thought, the painting was hers but she didn''t expect Aria to buy for a hundred times more.


    <em>''Aria Cooper, I haven''t lost anything but I have nothing. How can you have everything even after losing everything?''</em> Her eyes didn''t leave Aria and Rian who were bantering.


    The Fourie, n and the Morgan parents talked and went to the nearest restaurant for lunch. Then to their room to pack.


    n pondered to ask for a long time before he could make himself prepared to hear any response. "Aria!"


    Aria hummed and turned to him from her bag. n asked without looking at her. "Would you have bought the painting if you hadn''t promised Rian?"

 Chapter 126: No one can save you from me

    Chapter 126: No one can save you from me


    Aria smiled. She knew n from a very good period of time so his tone was enough to tell he wasn''t asking nonchntly even though he tried to sound emotionless.


    She climbed on the bed and pulled his cheeks, "Of course. Why? Do you want to hang in another''s house?"


    n smiled hearing her and embraced her kissing her forehead. He had thought Aria and Rian hate each other to even look in the face then he got to know they were very close and know each other well to the extent he regretted not meeting her when they were kids.


    Aria continued in his embrace, "Rian and I are more like brothers. So don''t think too much. Once Dad had told me that he will buy the dress which I design at any cost so I had said the same to Rian to challenge and encourage him even though I or Rian hardly know about promises, encouragement at that time. And he doesn''t even consider me as a girl for your kind information."


    It was n''s turn to ask, "Aria! Do you really read a mind?"


    Aria giggled and took his wallet to take his card, "I''m going to live you off."


    n chuckled but took his card back.


    Aria tried to take back "Hey, My ount bnce..."


    n handed her ck card which was in her name. "President Cooper, what you have spent on the painting isn''t even 10 percent of your ount bnce. Have you ever checked the ount bnce?"


    n knew she didn''t care to check about the sales rate of her designed clothes and perfume sales and its contract amount. He wanted tough hearing her say <em>''ount bnce''</em>.


    Aria pouted instead, "Pinchpenny. What happens if I spend your money? Hmph."


    She was leaving, he pulled her and back hugged, "Ms.Fiancee, my sry reaches your ount every month. So who is pinchpenny here?" She wasn''t taking any pocket money from anybody and n had failed to convince her.


    Aria was stunned. <em>''Livid Prince, why are you behaving like a husband?''</em>


    She never checked her ount credits and debits because it was monitored by n''s team. She fished her mobile and to see ten digits. She smiled awkwardly and shoved the card back to him.


    "I don''t want anything. If I want I will ask you."


    n who was handing the card back to her heard her say, "Money is the root cause of many problems and wrongdoings. I don''t want."


    Anyway, n coaxed her and handed her cards before they all returned to City B back to home.


    Aria smartly transferred back his money saying it was his pocket money. Knowing she would send it back if he transfers, he didn''t send.


    --


    While sitting in the ssroom, Emma entered with a new joining student. The whole ss couldn''t understand why a new student arrived when there were just three months left for the end of academics and school.


    Rian who was sleeping on the desk realized eyes on him and yawned ring Noah, Aria, and Eva alternatively. "What''s wrong with you guys?"


    Aria grinned first pointing ahead, "Beauty, if you aren''t spilling the beans today, I''ll make sure you can''t celebrate your birthday this weekend and curse me in your room when we go on the excursion."


    Rian''s lips twitched and saw the new student in bewilderment. "Crap, what the hell is she doing here?"


    Roxy Stephen who was seeing the trio saw Rian''s face and smiled vividly ignoring his darkened face.


    The trio gave flying kisses toRian to irritate and heard Roxy, "Teacher Hudson, Shall I sit with Aria Cooper?"


    Noah, Eva, and Rian burst intoughter because they were expecting Rian''s name.


    Aria couldn''t understand why she took her name.


    Emma turned to Aria. She knew she shouldn''t allow new people around Aria hence she objected on behalf of Aria.


    "Our Fourie won''t allow that. You can take the empty seat over there." Emma said with a faint smile pointed to another end of the room.


    Hearing Rian, Noah, and Eva teasing, Aria smacked them and concentrated on their ss but Rian badly wanted to punch Roxy seeing her checking him most of the time.


    Noah pushed Aria towards Roxy during lunchtime "Arrie, go take care of your fan."


    Aria had to give her timetable and brushed through about everything and was leaving, Roxy held her hand, "Aria... Can I call you Arrie?"


    Since the whole ss calls Arrie, Aria nodded and turned to leave but Roxy held her back.


    "Arrie, You are a ss representative and topper, I thought you could teach me if I sit with you. Can you help me cope up with studies?"


    Aria furrowed her brows and released her hand, "Ms.Stephen, I don''t think you should act up in front of me. Teacher Emma already told me about you and I organized your documents in the office."


    Roxy was a year younger than them. Her previous school scores were almost perfect in every subject. While sorting out her documents with Emma, Aria had seen her IQ test reports. Her score was 140. Roxy was talented in many other fields too.


    Roxy looked down and said directly, "I''m sorry. I actually want to spend time with you, know about you."


    Aria didn''t think too much about what she said, "Sorry! I already have lots on my te to care about. You started off with a lie and I don''t think I would like to give my time to you anymore." Aria turned to leave but paused and warned, "If you try to trick Rian having negative thoughts, trust me, no one can save you from me. Not even your IQ."


    Roxy regretted lying but it was toote. She didn''t expect Aria to be aware of her details in just half a day.


    "Aria..."


    Aria ignored her calling and went to the ying ground. Rian narrated whatever happened between him and Roxy.


    Noah disclosed his secret rolling on the ground, "She took your first kiss without your permission."


    Aria and Eva tried to look unaffected but burst intoughter making Rian blush. He hadn''t told then that he had forced a kisster because he thought Aria and Eva would kick his ass.


    But Aria and Eva wouldn''t have done it.

 Chapter 127: Little troublemaker

    Chapter 127: Little troublemaker


    Aria pinched Rian''s cheeks which were red in embarrassment, "You look soo pretty."


    Rian snorted and flung her hands.


    He realized when Aria gets near him or even pinches his cheek, he doesn''t feel anything but he still couldn''t understand why his eyes were scanning Roxy''s face when she had pinned him.


    Eva and Noah teased him nonstop leaving Aria rolling holding her stomach. Aria never thought she could get a chance to see flushing Rian one day.


    "Beauty, If I''m a little devil for beating you, will you call Sweetheart to Roxy Stephen for forcing a kiss on you? You wanted a sweet little girl but got a tough little one."


    "Little devil, I don''t think you want me to tell about you and Bro to these two. Do you?" He threatened for teasing.


    Aria zipped her lips and ran away seeing Noah and Eva turned to her.


    Eva chased after Aria to make her spill the beans when Noah got time for the boy talk.


    "If she likes you, why did she take Arrie''s name?"


    Rian shook his head unsurely and sat down leisurely. "I can''t let anybody else y me to hurt Little devil again."


    Expect Noah, nobody knew how much Rian detested himself for doubting Aria due to Mian Walker. Noah patted his back, "Don''t weigh everyone the same. She must be thinking Arrie is close to you and can tell about you. Talk to her if possible."


    Rian didn''t respond and saw Ariaughing while Eva tickled her endlessly.


    Noah saw his line of sight and smiled. "Do you remember how Aria had kicked a senior boy when he had snatched your chocte?"


    Rian chuckled as he nodded.


    --


    Even though Aria and Rian always fought in the ss and whenever they were meeting, Aria who was a chubby fluffy girl around nine years saw Rian crying when his favorite chocte was taken by another ss boy.


    Seeing him, Aria had stood on the desk and kicked that boy on the ground before beating him with lunch bag and took the chocte back for Rian.


    Rian had stopped crying and was scared of Aria who was taller and fatter than him.


    He was moving away from her but Aria handed him chocte and announced, "Make my Little beauty cry, I will... sit on you guys and make you cry." She threatened dumbly.


    She was chubby than anyone in their ss and all got scared and nobody ever bullied him again in junior school.


    From the next day, Rian started to bring two choctes daily and give one to Aria, "Golly molly, Eat more." He wanted to make her even fat so that nobody dares to go near him.


    Aria had beaten him too for calling her fat but she never let anybody else make him sad or cry.


    --


    Noah wasn''t that close to Aria at that time. It was probably after a year,


    --


    When Noah saw Aria crying getting bullied for not having mother and sibling, he had stood by her.


    "Who said Arrie doesn''t have a sibling? I''m her brother from... today."


    Eva who used to sit next to Aria in ss also spoke for her, "And I''m her sister."


    Aria had stopped crying and faced them, "Noah, you are little than me. That means I have to protect you."


    A few who were bullying Aria didn''t know what to do looking at them and had left.


    Noah didn''t know how to respond to it.


    Aria had patted on his shoulder wiping her chubby cheeks, "Dad told me elders have to protect younger ones, so I''ll protect you."


    Noah had scratched his head without understanding whether his parents taught him wrong or Aria''s father taught her wrong.


    His parents had told him boys should always protect girls. Her father had told her, elders should always protect younger ones.


    Eva who knew her birthday was before Aria''s birthday had gingerly said, "Then I have to protect you two."


    --


    Once they entered teenage, their roles reversed by their physical strength still they protected each other every time.


    The duo''s train of thoughts stopped when the bell rang and went with two girls back to ss.


    When Roxy tried to reach Aria in a free ss on the yground, she couldn''t meet her who was ying basketball with the boys'' team easily moving and slipping between them to basket the ball.


    Rian and Aria cursed and bantered who were in the opposite teams which almost made Roxy doubt whether they were friends or enemies.


    Rian ignored Roxy when she tried to talk which made her disappointed. She saw Rian sitting on the shotgun seat when Aria drove her car out of the school leaving the on lookers in awe.


    Roxy could only sigh and go to a meeting rted to her studio...


    Rian made his birthday party huge which he nned himself. Just like a typical heir, all rich heirs and socialites were the guests of the party.


    Aria had just applied a fox printed beauty facemask on Rian in the living hall when n entered the mansion after work. He saw a cute cat mask on Aria, panda on Amelia.


    When a maid announced his arrival. Amelia grinned looking at Aria. Thetter took the cue and chased after n holding a beauty facemask packet.


    n knew well Aria wouldn''t take his objection hence snuck his room and locked. "Aria, do I look like a teenage boyfriend to y around with all those. I''m not wearing it."


    Aria was tired of knocking on the door and cued maid to get her spare keys as she spoke, "n, who said it''s only for the teenagers? Stop your drama alright. Open the door."


    When they continued to argue like kids, Amelia and Rian were betting on them in the living hall.


    "My little girl will seed."


    "Bro never will agree to wear it. Little devil''s strength isn''t enough to force him either."


    "Arrie will use her brain."


    "She is dumb when it''s about Bro and rtionship."


    .


    .


    "Fifty thousand bet." Rian said.


    "A hundred thousand." Amelia raised leaving Rowan speechless.


    "Deal." Rian agreed as he patted on his facemask. Even he didn''t want to wear it but Aria had forced him by threatening that she wouldn''t give him the gift and the birthday outfit.


    Aria rolled room key on her finger opening the door seeing n rub his forehead.


    Thetter felt his head throb. For him, she was looking like a little troublemaker with her mischievously curled lips.


    He didn''t want to attend the party but Aria was attending for Rian and he wasn''t ready to leave her alone in between a bunch of single heirs.


    He tried his all to kick her out of the room but was in utter shock being pinned on the couch and seeing her sit on him to stop him from running away.


    <em>''Young miss Cooper, how should I punish you?''</em>

 Chapter 128: Ill hunt my prey today

    Chapter 128: I''ll hunt my prey today


    n gave up on escaping and controlled himself from pinning her down to do something. He watched her who intently moved her slender fingers smoothly on his face applying tiger printed face mask.


    Happy with the sess, Aria was about to take her mobile from pocket to realize she was sitting on him. She felt extremely awkward by their position.


    n couldn''t see her blush due to her mask but he got to know by her bodynguage. Aria tried to run away after getting off but she was pinned on the couch.


    "So daring." n controlled himself from removing her facemask wishing to see her blushing face.


    Aria forced a smile to remain calm and spoke with restricted movements of lips due to mask, "Don''t talk. Let the mask do the magic... ... You are looking so cute."


    Even though he won''t be cold and stern around her, she sees his expressionless face numerous times so, with the tiger print on the mask, no one could say he was a Hitler President.


    <em>''Cute?''</em> n was at a loss of words hearing her and seeing her infatuated eyes on the mask.


    Having a teenager fiancee, he had to be like a teenager in her all crazy things. He felt like he was living his teenage in his early twenties than during his teen.


    Aria was d he let her off and sat next to him. She made him take selfies and took a few pictures on the timer before letting him leave.


    n regrettedter seeing her new picture post on her social media ount with the tagline, <strong><em>''Cat and it''s cute Tiger.''</em></strong>


    n had restricted her to upload their picture publically so Aria uploaded to take avenge for putting restrictions on her and she liked that picture a lot.


    Even though his face wasn''t visible, whoever knew about their rtionship knew it was n and rest thought it was Rian as she had uploaded quite a few pictures with the Fourie.


    Amelia was on cloud nine almost draining her own younger son''s bank ount and adoring the picture on social media.


    When n was in teens, she was afraid of his personality. The more she tried to make him mingle with people and make him enjoy things, he was getting highly detached.


    She was very much happy seeing Aria making him do every single thing that he didn''t do and enjoy in his teenage.


    Rian wanted to beat n but scolded Aria for being overbearing and left her room seeing herugh her heart out knowing about the bet.


    n who got ready soon saw Aria still in a bathrobe in her room. Without letting her enter the bathroom to change, he pinned her on the bed throwing his jacket away.


    "Cute tiger?" His husky voice sounded as he caressed her lips with his slender finger.


    Aria bit his finger and pushed him on the bed when he was surprised but she couldn''t free her intertwined fingers while running away to the bathroom and ended on top of him making her whine.


    "n, I have to get ready."


    n ignored it, "Do you know the main purpose of Tiger in the ecosystem?"


    Aria pouted failing to get away from his embrace and started to answer his question, "Tigers serve as apex predators. Thergest car..."


    Aria couldn''t continue when n gave her a wet kiss on her neck flipping her down.


    Seeing blush attractively going mute looking at him, he pecked on her cheeks controlling himself. She smelled like a fresh blooming flower which made him hard to stop.


    "Continue."


    Aria was still calming her heart when she heard him. n almost chuckled seeing her think about what she was saying.


    He continued where she had left, "Thergest carnivore in the ecosystem, they control the herbivorous prey poption... Who is my prey?"


    Aria pursed her lips reading his face and threatened sliding down to avoid facing him, "If you don''t leave me now, I''ll tag you in the picture announcing the tiger as you."


    "Sure! I''ll hunt my prey today itself."


    Aria chided herself for losing every single time but froze next second getting bitten by the tiger on the bare shoulder.


    <em>''Meow is a little thing.''</em>


    Aria reminded herself and punched n when he pulled her bathrobe back on the shoulder.


    "Going to bite me again?"


    Aria didn''t respond other than ring at him but...


    ... ...


    The Morgan family with Aria wasst to enter the party hall buoyantly.


    Rian enjoyed everyone''s attention and responding to the guests.


    Nathan who was around n tried his best not tough at his President remembering Aria''s post.


    n knew who and all were having difficulty maintainingposure due to Aria''s post which he decided to ignore ring at Aria who had kicked him out of the bedroom room and avoiding him purposefully.


    Aria didn''t give cold shoulder to Finn Stanley when he greeted her but she didn''t talk anything either.


    Eva who thought Isaac would being didn''t see him. So she casually asked Aria when dancing with her, "Arrie, Where is Isaac?"


    When Aria had asked n about Isaac and Eva, he had told her to let them mend themselves. Too much poking might make them far off or ufortable. So she had no idea what was going on between them.


    "Aren''t you guys in contact?"


    Eva forced a smile, "I was busy."


    Aria didn''t push her to say anything hearing her make an excuse, "Isaac had dyed a week of shoot for my birthday so he can''t return till this weekend."


    Aria added, "Evvie! You can talk to me about anything anytime."


    Eva smiled and nodded.


    Since the whole ss was invited, Roxy was present too. While all were enjoying, Rian noticed the Managing Director of Morgan Arts talking amiably with Roxy.


    Soon he got to know Roxy Stephen was signed artist under Morgan arts leaving Rian fume.


    He greeted many as he reached Roxy and pulled her out of the party hall before pinning her roughly on the wall. "Roxy Stephen, you had your own art independent studio if I am not wrong. Why the hell did youe to B city, join my school, my ss, and the same art studio?"


    Roxy''s eyes filled up due to Rian''s tight clutch and spoke, "Rian, you are hurting me."


    Rian didn''t show mercy and his clutch tightened more.


    Roxy tried to push him away but she couldn''t. She couldn''t stop her tears from falling due to her arm pain.


    Rian who thought she was acting up left her hand instantly. Seeing red around her arm, he wasn''t sure what to do.


    He didn''t apologize but took her to the downstairs. Roxy bit her lips and quietly followed him unsure what he was up to.

 Chapter 129: Arrie is missing

    Chapter 129: Arrie is missing


    Rian asked a waitress to take care of Roxy and was leaving, Roxy held his hand, "Why are you and Aria seeing me as a Villian? Am I not allowed to like you? Am I not allowed to pursue what I like? Why am I not allowed to know Aria? Why do you guys keeping me away?"


    Rian loosened her hold, "Stay away from Arrie. I will not think twice to break your bones if you think about hurting her."


    Hearing his cold tone, the waitress gulped her spit and continued to coldpress Roxy''s arm.


    Roxy furrowed her brows, "Aren''t you guys overprotective about each other? Are you guys in a rtionship?"


    Rian rolled his eyes and left without bothering to answer.


    Aria who was on the dance floor left from there seeing n going towards her.


    Since many people were there, n didn''t want to chase behind her and attract too much attention.


    He was going aside from the bar counter when he saw Aria getting Rian inside pulling his ear without bothering about people.


    n almost chuckled seeing her smack him for pinching on her cheek.


    After cutting the cake, Aria gifted Rian''s favorite hybrid sports car by her and n which he wanted. His dress was as his Little devil and the car as his sister inw which left him on cloud nine.


    Roxy gifted one of her paintings for Rian. Thetter didn''t say no and epted without bothering to check.


    n was tired of trying to get Aria who was running away from him.


    Rian and Noah kicked out Aria and Eva when his birthday party was turning to the booze party.


    n stood outside Aria''s room door in perplex. <em>''Did I take too ahead in the evening?''</em>


    Aria had tied the door handles to avoid opening the door from outside.


    n could only return and sleep alone in his room.


    The next day Aria had left for the excursion before he could be out of the gym. Other than thinking she was angry who left without telling anything to him, he could only wait.


    n had a work trip and he was restless without talking to her for straight two days and no mood to go on work seeing her decline his calls and ignoring his messages.


    He felt like aplete day was torture just thinking about her without talking and without focusing on work.


    All department executives saw him distracted but they still worked attentively. Nathan saw n spinning his mobile and checking whenever his mobile beeped.


    He correctly deduced he was waiting for Aria''s message or call.


    He quickly messaged Aria, "Young Madam President, did anything happen? President Morgan is distracted in all the meetings these days. He just keeps looking at his mobile."


    When he received the reply, he was in utter shock, "I caught him in an action."


    He looked at n unblinkingly, <em>''How can President Morgan have an affair?''</em>


    Nathan tried to ask about what he assumed but failed by having no courage to ask.


    They had only five minutes to board, n, stood up looking like a grim man from the hell, "Nathan. Take the lead and sign with the clients."


    n promptly left leaving baffled Nathan who failed to voice his thoughts.


    <em>''President Morgan, clients need you there not me or my presentation.''</em> Nathan wept mentally and boarded the private jet with the other two managers.


    n arranged another jet in an hour and went to the northern part of the country without bothering to inform anyone.


    He couldn''t believe he can''t go on for more than two days without contacting her. He also couldn''t believe, Aria didn''t care to contact him and was so chill about it.


    He reached their hotel and got to know they went skiing. He didn''t bother to pick winter clothes. and went to the mountains to look for them.


    When he reached he saw the panicked group and Eva crying. Rian, Aria, and Noah weren''t there.


    He strode quickly towards Eva and asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Eva felt like she found the savior hearing the tone and saw n''s aloof face. "Arrie... Arrie is missing."


    n jolted and felt like somebody took his heart away.


    He saw Aria''s one of the bodyguards nearmunicating through walkie.


    All girls around Eva stepped away as they trembled to look at n''s darkening face and cold air around him.


    "Pres..."


    The bodyguard who noticed n was greeting him but n punched him without mercy which instantly turned the bodyguard''s face green.


    If it was somebody else they would have lost consciousness with that punch but the bodyguard wasn''t and apologized as he steadied himself, "We are sorry President Morgan. We failed to protect Young madam."


    The whole students heard and gasped understanding Aria was the <em>''Young madam''.</em>


    Emma and the bodyguard quickly narrated what happened an hour back.


    ...


    All were skiing so as Aria.


    It was a famous skiing terrain hence lots of tourists were present around.


    Aria was skiing behind Noah when Eva, Rian, and other few ssmates chased after her to catch up on her.


    Their eyes were on Aria but suddenly a group passed between them at high speed which lost Aria''s view for a few seconds but next second they couldn''t see her anymore.


    Aria''s speed was moderate and she never skied faster so they got tensed.


    One of the instructors contacted base and got to know Aria didn''t reach there.


    From that time Rian, Noah, their bodyguards, Skiing resort security were searching for Aria but there was no news yet.


    The resort staff was checking each and every person exiting so nobody took Aria out. Hence Aria was still missing on the mountain terrain.


    It was already four in the afternoon and weather might turn colder and bad weather could be expected soon which would put Aria''s life in danger if she was kidnapped, they had no idea where they went.


    "Where did youst time see Aria?" n''s tone sounded hoarse.


    He took a snow bike and went uphill with staff and a student sending the rest of the students back to the hotel due to the announcement of bad weather conditions.


    Roxy who was also present, just watched everything unfolded how everyone was panicked for Aria.


    Seeing all students sitting in reception instead of going to rooms and taking rest, Roxy asked a ssmate, "Meral, you guys seem to like Aria very much. Why are you waiting here?"


    Meral forced a smile at Roxy and turned her attention back to the main door, "Roxie, you are new, you don''t know Arrie. She always looks after us all. You will know soon."


    Roxy didn''tment and went to her room. When so many people were checking on Aria, she couldn''t understand why their ssmates were so anxious.


    <em>''Aria Cooper, you have every single person in your palms.''</em>

 Chapter 130: You are absolutely wrong

    Chapter 130: You are absolutely wrong


    n ordered Rian and Noah to return to the hotel. The duo never dared to disobey n whenever he was livid.


    n checked the map of the location personally and the ce where Aria was thest seen. She was missing right at the ce where there was slightly steep.


    He analyzed to understand, she couldn''t ski there and the only possibility was Aria rolling down in the snow.


    The local cops also soon joined and searched around on the other side of the mountain if in case Aria was kidnapped. They checked all the temporary rest houses in the mountain but didn''t find Aria.


    n soon found Aria skis and sticks but not Aria.


    Time was ticking up slowly worsening the weather but n didn''t stop anywhere.


    He just wanted Aria and didn''t care whether he was feeling hot or cold, he needs water or not. He wanted nothing other than Aria.


    He didn''t expect anything could happen in the school excursion even having the bodyguards around. It was like she disappeared without a trace.


    All the groups which were searching were giving up when it started to darken around half-past five.


    n suddenly paused and turned to Aria''s bodyguard, "What was Aria''s jacket color?"


    "President Morgan, It''s White."


    "Damn" He cursed and rode his snow bike uphill again.


    Whenever they saw anything as white. they didn''t bother to check thinking it as snow.


    n again started from the beginning as he analyzed and soon found Aria who was in a half-consciousness state.


    All were stunned. They had passed by that location twice either above or below.


    Aria had huddled inside the tree trunk facing opposite to which was feeling like snow inside the trunk.


    n pulled her out to see herpletely reddened face due to cold. He kissed her forehead and hugged her as he calmed down.


    Aria who was shivering saw n''s face when he kissed her forehead multiple times. She felt like she was dreaming because she knew he would be on a long flight for the business trip.


    "My... imagination is soo vivid."


    Her tone was too meek which n didn''t really understand. He saw her drifting off andpletely closed her eyes.


    "Aria... Aria..."


    A resort staff noticed dried blood, "President Morgan, Miss is injured. Let''s move quickly."


    n noticed she wasn''t wearing shoes and socks were dripping wet and there was dried blood. He understood why Aria didn''t try to go around.


    Throwing off socks and wrapping a jacket to her legs, he carried her to snow bike and drove unconscious Aria to the resort.


    ...


    When Rian and Noah had reached back all thought Aria was back but seeing them shook their head, Eva sobbed continuously.


    Emma hugged her as she consoled her taking n''s name. It was dark when a doctor and his team arrived at the resort and after about fifteen minutes, n carried Aria inside.


    All sighed a breath of relief seeing Aria. They didn''t block them and let n carry on but thetter paused, "Ms.Miller, Ms.Hudson."


    Both ran behind n so as Noah and Rian. Noah announced to other students, "Go to your rooms, I will update you guys. Nobody is allowed to go out."


    All agreed and went back to their rooms.


    n entered the room which he booked for himself. He quickly and carefully removed the outyer of clothes that were very wet or cold andid her on the bed tucking her under the duvets.


    In the meantime, Rian set the room temperature as the Doctor and his assistant prepared to check on Aria.


    n personally checked on the wound of her leg which wasn''t deep due toyer of clothes. He disinfected and bandaged letting doctors check on her vitals.


    "Blood pressure is a little high due to cold. The patient needs to warm quicker."


    "Hot water bath?" Noah asked.


    The doctor shook his head. "Direct heat contact can damage the skin. It also triggers irregr heartbeats and, potentially, leads to cardiac arrest. Skin to skin heat transfer would be effective."


    All looked at n. Thetter who was rubbing Aria''s palms instructed after a few seconds, "Get heat pads or hot water bottles quick. Rian, Prepare ginger-garlic soup in the restaurant."


    The resort staff brought the hot water bags, Rian personally went to prepare the soup as instructed by n. Eva and Emma changed Aria''s clothes when n took everyone out.


    Due to warm surroundings, Aria''s body temperature was a lot better. They used hot pads, hot water bags to warm her quickly before sighing a breath of relief when the Doctor said her vitals were normal and Aria was sleeping.


    The doctor gave a few medicines before leaving. Emma took everyone out leaving n and Aria inside.


    Rian was hell impressed by his brother who was carefully feeding soup to Aria who was in n''s arms. "Bro, I thought you would take advantage of my Little devil. Not bad, your Little wife taught you well."


    n rolled his eyes at Rian and fed her cold and fever medicine. "When I take advantage, you won''t get to know. Leave now."


    "Be only good to..." Rian saw Aria moving her head on n''s chest, "My Little devil looks so cute snuggling in your..." Rian paused the second time and touched n''s shirt, "Bro, change your clothes first."


    n red at Rian who rolled his eyes and left.


    Rian joined the rest of the students for dinner and was enjoying his dessert atst when Roxy stood next to him.


    "So your friend is your Sister inw."


    Rian didn''t respond. Roxy continued, "Won''t your brother get jealous? Isn''t your brother possessive about Aria? He lets her still y around with you and you even didn''t care to rify if anybody says you are with Aria."


    Rian nced at Roxy who always keeps expectant gaze for her every question from the past weeks. "Aren''t you tired from so long time trying to have a conversation?"


    Roxy shook her head, "Didn''t you respond now? That''s enough."


    Rian leaned on the ss wall and asked curiously, "Are you a saint to be happy even after getting nothing?"


    Roxy nonchntly responded, "Isn''t Aria happy even after losing so many things in her life? Why can''t I be happy with what I get?"


    Rian clenched his fist tight. He couldn''t understand why Roxy always takes Aria''s name whenever she spoke to him.


    "Ms.Stephen, If you are thinking I will be impressed by you taking Arrie''s name for everything, then you are absolutely wrong." Rian kept his dessert bowl aside and strode off.

 Chapter 131: Everything happens for a reason

    Chapter 131: Everything happens for a reason


    n whoid Aria on the bed quickly took shower and wiped her with a hot towel before cuddling her to sleep.


    Aria who woke up in the middle of the night realized, she wasn''t imagining n in the mountain, and n was actually present.


    Seeing his sleeping calm face under dim light, Aria caressed his cheek very gently but n still woke up and kissed her forehead, "Hungry?"


    Aria didn''t respond and asked looking at n whose eyes were still closed, "How do you get to know whenever I''m in trouble?"


    n was very d he went there to look for her ignoring the business deal. He embraced her tight and said in a very low voice that even Aria couldn''t catch, "Because you are my life."


    "Huh?" Aria raised her head but n didn''t repeat. "What am I getting for saving you?"


    n smiled when she kissed his cheek and hugged him back to sleep forgetting she was actually angry on him for seducing her in her bedroom three days back.


    Three days back, seeing her re him, he wanted to tease her but he had lost control of himself and almost opened her bathrobe in the process. He had calmed Aria before he had gone for the cold shower. When he tried to talk to her, she had kicked him out of the room and started ignoring him.


    He felt <strong><em>''EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON</em></strong>'' was true. If they were talking, Aria wouldn''t have allowed him to look for her leaving his work and he would be content talking with her and waiting for her to return.


    --


    In the morning, when n exited the bathroom, he saw Aria huddled with duvet and ring him. He wasn''t sure why she was angry early in the morning. "Good morning my little angry bird."


    Aria quickly created a distance when he sat on the bed to check her temperature. He couldn''t help but ask, "What''s wrong?"


    Aria flushed as she asked, "Who changed my clothes?" In the night, she didn''t check. After waking up she saw she was wearing leisurewear.


    n controlled his expression and nonchntly spoke ying along going towards the dressing table, "Can you see anybody else over here other than me?"


    He saw Aria biting her lips and trying to talk but failed to reason. He chuckled silently.


    Aria Cooper who always reasoned without loopholes didn''t know how to screw n hearing him.


    "n Morgan! You are a jerk." She didn''t know what else to say. "Eva is right, you are a scheming President who ns and hunts. I will not talk to you again. Don''te to me again. Hmph." And she looked away.


    n controlledughing on her face knowing what she was thinking but heard a doorbell and opened the door to see Eva with Aria''s bag which he had asked her to get.


    Eva went up to Aria seeing her awake and hugged her. "We were so scared."


    Aria returned the hug as she consoled and apologized to her for frightening them.


    n coughed lightly, "Wasn''t I saved you? Why is my love rival getting the hug instead of me?"


    Aria''s lips twitched. She knew he said purposefully to make her hear from Eva.


    Eva left Aria as she nced on the couch where another quilt was present. Eva thought n slept separately but it was extra duvet which they had used when Aria was getting treated.


    Eva pointed couch as she spoke, "Arrie, that couch can''t fit Prince. How can you let my love rival sleep on that? I understand you are very conservative bute on, we are living in the twenty-first century. Can''t you share the bed?"


    n pursed his lips to controlughing looking at Aria flush in embarrassment and he spoke after a few seconds, "Never mind. Aria, the bathtub is ready. Take a bath, keep the wound dry, I will get breakfast and redress it."


    He promptly left making Eva lecture Aria continuously even in the bathroom standing aside. Aria gritted her teeth because she was in no ce to tell how n cuddles her to sleep.


    Then Eva told whatever happened the previous day. Aria who was angered got to know how n handled everything.


    "... We all thought, Prince would consider the doctor''s advice but he didn''t. Arrie, you got a good man for yourself."


    Aria smiled at Eva letting her hug. n entered to see Aria sitting and Eva rubbing her head, "Seems like Goddess loves her God more."


    "My love rival is jealous," Eva said in a low tone and sat with them for breakfast.


    Aria froze first and chuckled seeing two hands near her mouth to feed her.


    ''<em>Advantages of being unwell.''</em> Aria enjoyed as the duo fed her alternatively.


    Noah and Rian knocked on the door and entered to see trio eating. "Little Devil! Why are you making us envy?"


    But hisint quickly changed, "Eva, you missed what I saw yesterday. When our goddess was snuggling in the Prince''s arms, she looked soo cute."


    Aria flushed and nced at n who nonchntly fed her. She was speechless seeing Rian give the demo in Noah''s arms.


    <em>''I''ll look very cute in n''s arms than you in Noah''s arms. Hmph.''</em>


    Aria sneakily took their short video which only n noticed, "Sly."


    The other three who heard n noticed Aria holding mobile. Eva burst intoughter understanding why n said<em>''sly''</em> to Aria. Thetter quickly made copies on the mobile.


    Aria gave them flying kisses and kept her mobile in n''s pant pocket where nobody would dare to keep their hand other than her. "Aww! Beauty and Sweetiepie,e on, tease me again. What do you think will happen if I upload the video?"


    Then she happily announced seeing them speechless, "You two will die single."


    Aria yed with them without deleting the video until n asked them to pack their bags because they were leaving early and their excursion was also cut off.


    They were leaving but returned inside, "Arrie, how did you fall down while skiing?"


    Aria went towards the bed as she responded, "Some were too fast next to me and I got scared by their speed." Rian knocked on her head before leaving.


    Aria pouted knowing n was behind shortening of their excursion but she sat quietly and let him redress her wound.


    n spoke once he was done, "You aren''t scolding me that means you already know what happened yesterday."


    Aria nodded slightly and wrapped her hands around his neck making him smile. "Dummy!"


    "I''m not!"


    "You are."


    "I''m not"


    "A big dummy."


    "I''m not."


    Both continued to argue and Aria left him after some time. n held her hands and calmly asked, "Now tell me how did you fall?"


    Aria had forgotten n was very smart. She promptly answered seeing him waiting, "I didn''t fall due to those people''s speed. I didn''t want Rian, Noah, and Eva to worry about me so I lied."


    n nodded, "I know."

 Chapter 132: Somebody who is close yet distant

    Chapter 132: Somebody who is close yet distant


    "Somebody pushed me while passing by me. I wanted to scream to let others know but snow went to my throat and coughed while rolling down.


    By the time I could stop myself on the slope, I got hurt and had reached mid-level of the mountain. Since the blood flow wasn''t stopping, I pressed snow which clotted blood but the pain increased due to cold. Then I shouted loudly if anybody was near and saw three men running towards me but I heard them saying, <em>''Catch her''</em> So I understood they were trying to get me.


    I removed the skis and tied a wooden block to make them think I skied down by the marks and hid in the trunk quickly covering with my jacket. I wanted to exit after they left but I heard wolves howling sound so I didn''te out."


    Aria who inly briefed pinched his cheek who looked worried and saidically, "And you came and got me."


    n smiled and pinched her cheeks back until they turned red. He knew well she would be frightened yet she managed to fool them holding her pain and was exining as if it wasn''t any big deal.


    Rubbing her cheeks, Aria asked, "By the way, why did youe here? You had a very important client meeting today."


    n made her face him and said rather seriously about the purpose behind his visit, "I will not ask every second of your life. But at least I want a proper conversation at the end of the day no matter how small. I will not upy your personal space but at least I want to be a small and irreceable part of your life."


    Aria understood he was missing her but she had thought he would get angry for ignoring him. She couldn''t understand why she was so very important to him and always gives in to her silly tantrums.


    Even though he never said <em>''I love you''</em> he never missed making her feel special and important part of his life. She felt those three words don''t have to say out either.


    n who waited to hear her agree knocked on her head seeing her look at him nkly.


    "Ouch!" Aria rubbed on her head.


    He twisted her ear ignoring her scream. "Why do you always go silent when I say something serious?"


    "n... Leave my ear... Livid Prince, just now you were so sweet. Why the hell did you ruin my moment? Let go..."


    "Oh!" n left and pressed on her ear seeing her re him. He realized, she was smitten by his words and he ruined. He thought about what he said but nothing seemed special.


    <em>''Why was she attracted? Such a simpleton.''</em>


    Aria spoke grimly making him freeze, "You are such a big man, <em>''<strong>President Morgan</strong>''</em> You can''t fit in a small part of my life."


    n badly wanted to knock her head but red at her.


    Aria giggled andpleted stretching her hands in the air, "You are a big part of my life." she finished prolonging the <em>''big</em>'' melting his heart instantly.


    n''s eyes were on her beautiful smile which curled his lips up. He cupped her face as he said, "Your this smile is mine only."


    n again repeated seeing her smile more hearing him, "This one too"


    Aria giggled seeing him happy just by her smile.


    After coddling her more, they soon left in their private jet making sure other students boarded the ne which n had booked tickets instead of speed rail.


    Later the Fourie got to know they were going on vacation to some ind making them all cheer up.


    After about six hours they reached the ind and routed by car. They were weed by a warm and surprised smile at the beach house.


    "Brother Isaac, why didn''t you tell us you had such a beautiful beach vi. Everything looks surreal." Rian eximed as he entered and looked around.


    It was Isaac''s stark white gorgeous ss beach house. All teenagers were stunned looking at it


    Isaac just smiled at him and saw Eva looking at him and smile as a greeting before joining the other two boys to check around.


    "Arrie, why are you two showing off?"


    Aria pouted in n''s arms who carried her in, "Your wife is very naggy and overbearing. I just got a little cut but I started feeling like my leg is cut."


    Aria rubbed her head when n bopped her. Isaac checked on her wound and sent her to the other three who were savoring views outside.


    "I thought only you areing." Isaac only knew n was going when he had received the call.


    n didn''t reply and watched the teenagers ying around.


    Isaac reframed, "How did you end up in the northern region and how did Aria got hurt?"


    n briefed about Aria''s incident, "... How can that man be so powerful and smart to carry out without leaving any evidence?"


    Isaac analyzed and asked doubtfully, "I think somebody who knows Aria or somebody who is close to Aria is doing all these and that is making you guys ignore them. What do you think?"


    n hummed, "That somebody knows her but not really. Somebody who is close yet distant."


    Both men talked for a while until it was dinner time. After dinner, Aria didn''t let n work and made him apany all when they yed and chatted.


    It was half-past eleven. Aria, Eva, Noah were asleep in the living hall seeing Rian, Isaac, and n still facing off.


    Isaac helped Eva to her room who drowsily walked andid on the bed.


    Rian kicked Noah to wake up and those two had to share the room.


    n carried Aria to one of the rooms. After making sure she was asleep, he opened hisptop to work and wanted to work all night to apany Aria during the day but Aria who woke up in the middle of the night pulled him to sleep.


    n''s people who checked every possibility to know about the visitor who harmed Aria were failed to get any proper proof with just color of clothes Aria or other student''s saw.


    n felt he wasn''tpetent enough to protect Aria from them. He decided to tag along if she goes on to such crowded public ces.

 Chapter 133: Confess her before its too late

    Chapter 133: Confess her before it''s toote


    <em>''I''m so very dead.''</em> Aria mumbled to herself hearing giggling sound from the outside.


    n had taken the ground floor room which had a study table which wasn''t present in other rooms expect Isaac''s room which was on the first floor.


    n had just roughly pulled white translucent curtains to cover the floor to ceiling windows so when Rian and Eva were going towards the beach to enjoy the morning breeze and blue water noticed them.


    When Aria heard Rian say about pictures, she tossed towards n as she pulled the duvet up cover her head which reached till n''s neck who woke up by her many movements.


    "Did you catch a cold?" n asked removing the duvet from her head keeping his eyes shut and checking her temperature.


    "I''m caught red-handed." Her nasal tone sounded adorable.


    n realized what she meant and opened his eyes to see her blushing chewing her lip. "Ignore them. Sleep a little more time. Later I will hack Rian''s mobile and erase the pictures or videos."


    He kissed her forehead pulling her closer and both slept again.


    As soon as Eva and Rian saw n''s hand moving and opening his eyes, they had run away knowing he was awake.


    Rian took his painting necessary out to paint. Noah was still snuggling with his pillows. Isaac and Eva who had gone to negative started from zero with light talks.


    Eva helped him in the kitchen to prepare breakfast as they spoke about random things. They called everyone for breakfast.


    Rian and Eva tried to tease Aria but she yed dumb saying they might have dreamed. Rian frantically searched for the pictures but didn''t find any confusing the duo and dropping the topic.


    They spent three days on the ind where only n worked.


    Eva and Isaac voluntarily were taking the kitchen every single time. Noah and Rian didn''t help them to give them private time.


    The waste bodies in them were Aria and Noah who had nothing to do other than ying video games, walking around and discussing Noah''s ns about his Zoah sports.


    On thest day, Aria and Rian were dueling in the game when Isaac and Evapleted the kitchen work and joined them.


    Bored Noah suggested, "How about five raiding a dungeon?"


    All agreed and logged in their mobiles. Aria invited them who had all the four in the friend list. Eva had too but she didn''t know Isaac was her game friend until all epted.


    Eva froze seeing the list. She knew her friend''s user names so she turned to Isaac who was checking on his avatar gear.


    Aria spoke without noticing, "Let Isaac lead the team. His maneuver is top grade and is one of the top 20 yers."


    Rian and Noah checked Isaac''s level and were eximing when Isaac realized Eva looking at him.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Eva didn''t speak and Isaac heard Aria say, "Mighty_Ave, why are you froze?"


    Isaac knew that Game ID well, his hands trembled slightly before quickly checking their game team.


    Isaac too froze remembering what they had chatted a few days back.


    Eva bit her lip and went upstairs to her room as she said, "I''m sleepy."


    Isaac smiled bitterly and left too without saying anything.


    The trio looked at each other without understanding what happened. The three couldn''t win as the two top yers left them so they closed and went to their rooms.


    Aria didn''t think too much about their behavior. She eavesdropped n''s web conference silently before she dozed off on hisp who continued his meeting.


    Eva and Isaac had be night owls thinking about each other.


    -- About fifteen days back --


    Eva had logged in the game and was ying when she got the reply to a message from the game application.


    "Mighty_Ave What''s up? You always stay online nowadays."


    Eva didn''t lie, "Killing monsters to get rid of frustration."


    Isaac had a free day between his shoot. He had no mood to go sightseeing in that country where he visited numerous times. Hence he was time passing and opened the game.


    He replied after seeing the response, "Hahaha, is that that working?"


    The response wasn''t instant and got thete reply, "Yes but the sad part is I''ll feel bad for killing the monster."


    Isaac''s reply was instant who was online, "So you want to kill the person yet you don''t want the person to die."


    "Kind of."


    Their chat stopped and both yed as a team against other opponents to win a tournament.


    After the first round, both won and messaged while waiting for the next round.


    Isaac: "Did you fight with your boyf or husband that you are so much conflicted?" They only knew their gender and other things were unknown to each other.


    Eva sent himughing emojis, "If he was my boyf, I would have kicked his ass and made him listen to me."


    Isaac: "(Laughing emojis)


    Noments if husband."


    Eva''s reply was instant, "What husband? I''m still a schoolgirl."


    Isaac really didn''t think too much about it as most of the people lie and just y games.


    "So little girl has a crush on a boy."


    "That man has lots of admirers."


    "Hooo School girls'' heartthrob! Little girl, you have a long way and you will get a better one."


    Eva saw the message but couldn''t reply as the second round in the game tournament started. Their gaming coordination and fluidity were good which led them to the finale which was after an hour.


    Eva checked the message and smiled. She didn''t feel the necessity to say that she didn''t have a crush on any schoolboy.


    Isaac who thought about Eva and himself sent a message, "Mighty_Ave, you should confess your feelings."


    Eva''s reply took time thinking about Isaac, "Knight_life, he is running away from me and I don''t even know what he thinks about me. How can I confess?"


    Isaac didn''t know his game friend so he wasn''t sure how to respond to that question so he became silent.


    Eva who waited for reply asked, "Have you confessed to anybody? How to handle rejection? I don''t want to make it awkward between us after it."


    Isaac casually replied, "Mine is ignoring me and treating me as a stranger. Well! Even I''m thinking the same as you."


    Eva giggled seeing reply. "Then close the distance and confess her before it''s toote."


    Both continued to chat. Isaac spoke about Eva to Eva. Eva spoke about Isaac to Isaac but both didn''t know who the person was and who was the person they talking about.


    The duo won the game tournament, shared the prize collection and logged off.


    Eva went to bed at dawn time. Isaac hit the gym in the evening.

 Chapter 134: Responsible for his heartache

    Chapter 134: Responsible for his heartache


    Aria who woke up at the usual time with n was surprised to see no breakfast. Isaac and Eva weren''t out of the room either.


    n went to the kitchen to prepare for them so that they could eat and board the jet back home.


    Aria asked Noah and Rian to help n before knocking on Eva''s room door.


    "Eva, why do you have dark circles?... What''s wrong?"


    Aria who concernedly asked Eva checking her sleepless face was worried seeing her hug without a word.


    Aria silently stood patting her back. Eva had left saying she was sleepy so Aria couldn''t understand what was going on.


    Aria made her sit and helped her to drink water before sitting with her.


    "What''s wrong? Did anything happen?... Eva, don''t hide from me else I can''t help you out."


    Eva faintly smiled and moved Aria toy on herp, "I''m sleepy."


    Aria again tried, "Eva?"


    Eva pursed her lips before she could manage to say emotionlessly, "Wifey, I''m fine. I''ll talk to you some other time. Let me nap, please..."


    Aria could only nod and caressed her head gently. Eva soon dozed off letting Aria think of all the possibilities.


    After cooking, Rian went upstairs to call them who was shushed by Aria and she whispered to him, "We two will eat in the car on the way to the airport. You guys carry on."


    Rian nodded in confusion and asked, "What happened to Our flirty?"


    Aria shook her head indicating she doesn''t know. Rian was leaving but Aria held his hand, "Observe Isaac and let me know."


    Rian gave thumbs up in agreement and left that room. He knocked on Isaac''s room door before entering to see filled ashtray which made his brows furrowed instantly.


    "Brother Isaac, you don''t really smoke. Why did you smoke so much?"


    Isaac was leaning on the headrest of the bed using his tab when Rian entered.


    Isaac didn''t reply and Rian continued, "Brother Isaac, don''t smoke." He threw ashes to the bin with the other two unopened imported cigarette packs.


    Isaac didn''tment about it. "Why are you behaving like an elder brother?"


    Rian sat next to him and yed a video that Aria had sent him and Noah when she had got to know Rian and Noah were nning to try smoking.


    Isaac chuckled humorlessly seeing the medical condition of lungs of a man who was smoking from five years.


    "You don''t smoke because of this video?"


    Rian then exined. "No, Little devil and Eva had created artificial lunges and gave us demo how a single cigarette can affect us and the people around us. The smoke has a very minute particte which affects the blood purification process. Oxygen content..."


    Isaac never in his dream thought one day he would hear Rian talk about the blood purification process through respiration and follow up functions of purified blood.


    After that Rian exined how the impure blood which absorbs smoke would affect the cells in the body leaving Isaac at loss.


    Isaac spoke after fifteen minutes when Rian finished, "You are so smart. After hearing from you, I''m feeling like I''mpletely polluted."


    Rian responded seriously, "No, it''s been a long time you stopped smoking so the oxygen rate in the blood..."


    Isaac cut in, "Stop stop stop. Fine, I''ll not smoke again. Stop chivvying me. Stay away from those girls, they are teaching you nonsense."


    Rian rolled his eyes. "Brother Isaac,e downstairs for breakfast."


    Isaac nodded in response, got fresh, and reached the dining hall. He saw both girls weren''t present and the rest were eating.


    n noticed his weird behavior but didn''tment in front of Noah and Rian.


    n sent Rian and Noah to pack thinking to talk to Isaac but thetter spoke first, "I''m noting with you guys." Then he left promptly.


    n wanted to help but he wasn''t the one to poke in unnecessarily to other''s private matters. Seeing him leave, n didn''t follow.


    n packed his and Aria''s clothes before checking on them. Aria had to wake up Eva to get fresh so that they could leave on time.


    Aria was perplexed knowing Isaac wasn''t going with them and he wasn''t even seeing them off.


    Aria looked at Eva who was smiling unnecessarily to herself to make it seem she was fine. Then she looked at Rian raising her brows.


    Rian pulled her aside, "Brother Isaac had smoked too much and I don''t think he had rested properlyst night. He was quiet as a mouse at the dining table too and didn''t even ask about you or Eva once."


    Aria nodded and went inside to meet Isaac. She sounded normal, "How dare you ignore your investor and stay in your room?"


    Isaac acted well, "So my investor came in search of me."


    "Sh*t" Isaac held his stomach where Aria punched and saw her grim face.


    "I don''t care if you think of me as nosy or busybody. What''s going on with you?"


    Aria who asked saw Isaac contemting, "If you showcase your acting skills then forget you have somebody to call as little sister too."


    Aria waited for nearly a minute looking at his poker face then sighed. "Alright. I''ll not ask. Take care."


    Even though she wouldn''t mind being called a busybody, she never liked to force them.


    She left and almost reached the door, Isaac spoke, "Eva likes somebody in your school."


    Aria froze.


    <em>Does Eva like somebody in our school?</em>


    <em>Eva doesn''t like Isaac?</em>


    <em>Isaac is down because of that?</em>


    She turned to face Isaac whose face was indecipherable.


    <em>Then why is Eva depressed?</em>


    Aria wanted to ask how he got to know but heard, "Who is a popr boy in your school?"


    Aria was confused but still answered promptly, "Rian and Noah. Why..."


    Isaac clenched his fist and forced a smile. He cut in, "Don''t tell anything to your friend... Stop running around and be safe. Take n if you want to go anywhere..."


    He rubbed her head led her out of the vi as he nagged her. Aria held his shirt and asked, "You mean Eva likes Noah or Rian?"


    Isaac didn''t reply. He waved his hand and left.


    Rian, Noah, and Eva were in the first car that left. n saw Aria distracted looking outside.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Aria shook her head and rested her head on his shoulder. She really felt bad for Isaac. She felt responsible for his heartache.


    n who had continued to work couldn''t help but hug her. "Will you tell me what''s going on?"


    She thought for long before being able to ask him, "Did I make mistake about Eva and Isaac?"

 Chapter 135: I dont want anybody else.

    Chapter 135: I don''t want anybody else.


    n made her face him to see her remorseful eyes, "If you cry now, I will make them regret."


    Aria pouted shrugging his hands and heard him. "You didn''t push any one of them to like the other one. You just let them spend time together. If one has feeling and other isn''t then that''s not your mistake. Whether to get what they love will depend on them. So..."


    Aria cut in, "Is this the reason you asked me to let them handle?"


    n promptly responded even though he knew it would make her feel worse. "Hmm"


    "Okay, I''ll not do it again." A dejected tone sounded.


    n knocked on her head, "You are looking like your love is in love with somebody else."


    <em>''Livid Prince, can''t you give a better instance?''</em>


    "For that, I should get the one." She told it to piss him off but she was pinned on hisp in split second.


    <em>''Where did thatptop go?''</em> She thought to herself and saw his raised brows and his eyes on eyeing her intently.


    Aria thought he wouldn''t do anything as there was a driver but she was extremely wrong.


    "You should get one?"


    Aria awkwardly smiled hearing his interrogating tone, "No. I don''t want one."


    "Oh!"


    She tried to push him but he started to tease her lips making her yearn for his kiss and taste of his lips.


    Aria was at loss. She couldn''t push him then when she stopped pushing him, her urge for the kiss increased but she didn''t get one.


    When she opened her eyes, n left her, "Since you don''t want one, no need."


    n saw her alluringly blushing and slightly parted soft red lips which were making him hard control too but he controlled.


    He had really thought Aria would kiss him for his tease but she didn''t which made him think she didn''t ept himpletely even after so long.


    It was always him who took initiative in their rtionship. So he wasn''t sure if she was still considering him or likes him too.


    He dispersed his thoughts and made her sit back on the seat.


    Aria sat still feeling her cheeks burn licking her own lips feeling like a wronged one. Seeing him get back on work without talking or teasing her, she wasn''t sure what just happened.


    <em>''Shouldn''t I be the one to be angry for getting bullied?''</em>


    n didn''t talk again. Aria never usually speaks first whenever he gets intimate so she remained quiet too.


    Aria apanied Eva seeing her down. n didn''t mind it but his hearty conversation with Aria turned to hums and single word responses.


    Aria didn''t notice the changes worrying about Eva and Isaac.


    Eva didn''t tell anything to Aria and thetter thought Eva must be conflicted to say she likes one of the friends hence she didn''t force her either.


    After returning, tired Noah went to his home, Eva was picked by her father from the Airport. Rian and Aria to the Morgan mansion.


    n didn''t go to the Morgan mansion and left for his vi. Aria had thought n would stay with her but could only see him leave in a different car.


    Isaac''s break time had be his istion time andzed on the bed most of the time thinking about Eva.


    Eva didn''t talk much with anybody and stayed silent.


    After the second day of school and her weird short video call at night to n made her realize n and Eva weren''t themselves with her.


    She could wait for Eva to make her mind but n...


    The previous day, she had thought he must be really busy with work so she didn''t think much since it repeated again, she was feeling very uneasy and emptiness.


    After tossing on the bed feeling restless for some time, she knocked on Amelia and Rowan''s bedroom door.


    Rowan opened the door and called her in. Amelia spoke seeing Aria''s troubled expression, "Arrie, what happened?"


    Aria gingerly spoke looking down, "I want to go near n... Now."


    Amelia and Rowan looked at each other before thetter responded, "Shall I ask a driver to drop you?"


    Aria had thought they wouldn''t agree thinking it was ate night.


    Hearing Rowan, she smiled and shook her head before running out, "I''ll drive. I''ll be careful too."


    Amelia smiled looking at Aria''s hurriedness. "Arrie is very fond of n."


    Rowan hummed and saw outside from the bay window. Seeing Aria exiting in her sleepwear and home slipper without changing even to her leisurewear, he couldn''t help but chuckle.


    "Very much indeed. These two finally found their love."


    He cuddled his wife on the bed to sleep falling into deep slumber happy for their kids.


    Aria sped on the highway and reached the vi in less than forty minutes. n was sleeping when she entered his room.


    She knew he had be a very important part of her life a very long back.


    She feltplete seeing his calm sleeping face. She had thought toin to him about himself for taking her fun remarks seriously but she didn''t.


    She climbed on the bed to sleep next to him but n woke up by the movements on the bed.


    His first reaction was to think of her as an intruder going into defense and saw Aria.


    The best intruder he could wish for.


    But he got up turning on nightmp worried about her, "Aria, what happened?"


    He didn''t get a response and received a tight embrace of his little woman.


    n didn''t want his mood to affect Aria hence he hadn''t talked much the whole day. He embraced her tiny body and asked.


    "Missed me?"


    Aria hummed and didn''t leave him. Aria didn''tin and held his face gently with both hands as her nose rubbed his making him smile.


    "I don''t want anybody else."


    "Only me?"


    Aria hummed without hesitation.


    n saw her determined eyes and kissed her forehead fondly.


    Both continued to talk for a long time in a low voice about each other, looking at each other in the dimly lighted room.


    n who was leaning on headboard still had a blissful smile seeing Aria who was asleep in his embrace wrapping her hands around him.


    Even though Aria never confessed him but she never lied about her feelings whenever n asked anything.


    So he understood how to know about her instead of thinking too much and his little woman was a too shy and demuredy to give in to any temptation.


    Both were silly enough to argue for stupid reasons and were very mature and sensible to solve their little misunderstandings quickly without any ego.

 Chapter 136: Grudge against Aria

    Chapter 136: Grudge against Aria


    Rian who hadn''t got time to check his birthday gifts after his birthday, leisurely checked when he was free. He liked some but he was in love with a Gouache painting where he, Noah, Aria, and Eva were present. He remembered the instance of the painting.


    They were fighting for thest two pizza slices in the school garden which they had sneakily taken the ordered pizza from the fence. Noah and Rian had tactfully called <strong><em>Isaac</em></strong> and <em><strong>n</strong></em>''s name to divert two girls'' attention and had run away with the slice each.


    Eva and Aria had beaten Noah and Rian for tricking them and eating the pizza. In that painting, four were chuckling when the security caught them and they were being lectured.


    They were very crazy and wanted to try breaking all misceneous rules of the school before the end of the academic. It was one of them.


    Rian checked the artist''s name to realize it was from Roxy Stephen. He had continuously given her cold shoulder whenever she tried to make a conversation so he decided to hear her once.


    He got her number from the ss messenger group and messaged, "Would you like to meet?"


    The response came in half a minute, "Sure. ce? Time?"


    "Art gallery at 3." He replied leisurely before going downstairs for lunch.


    Seeing Amelia and Rowan, Rian asked looking at stairs, "Little devil?"


    Amelia and Rowan chuckled thinking about what they just saw a few minutes back.


    The Housekeeper Lilly responded in an ted voice, "Young master just now abducted Young madam."


    Rian nodded because n only gets the weekend to spend time with Aria but he couldn''t understand why the trio was so happy. "So?"


    Amelia exined, "Arrie has a martial arts test today. She hadn''t practiced and didn''t want to attend. While arguing with your Brother, by mistake she said he doesn''t have stamina and she is super strong..."


    Before she could finish, Rian startedughing, "Little devil touched the pride of a man. She will die in Brother''s hands today."


    Amelia, Rowan and the housekeeper chuckled for it and remembering how Aria had run around everywhere before getting caught by n who carried her out throwing her on the shoulder seeing her trying to escape.


    They really liked how n indulges Aria without caring about others around and without caring about his image.


    Well! Aria would only let him do those in front of the family. Outside for the strangers, she always wanted him to stand tall and authoritative than anybody else.


    Rian drove his car to the Morgan art gallery on time and saw Roxy leaning on her white coupe.


    "What''s up?" Roxy excitedly asked when Rian alighted.


    Rian leisurelymented, "You can afford a better car. This doesn''t suit your personality."


    Roxy was surprised and asked curiously, "So which one suits?"


    Rian walked ahead to which Roxy caught up with him to go inside the gallery. "Bike... a superbike."


    Roxy''s style was usually a tough look than the girl of her age. Jackets, boots, tights, and tops were her clothing collection. She tied her hair in a high pony every time he had seen her.


    "Superbike? I haven''t tried it and I can''t afford either."


    They continued to chat generally as they checked all the paintings.


    Rian couldn''t help but smile seeing the <em>''soldout''</em> sticker below his painting which had Aria.


    Roxy obviously noticed it and couldn''t help but ask, "I know Aria and President Morgan are together. Why do you still paint her? Did you perhaps like Aria and failed to confess?"


    Rian chuckled, "Didn''t you ask me once why paintings which have Arrie sells out as soon as it reaches the gallery? They are bought by my brother."


    Roxy was at a loss of words knowing the elder brother buying his own younger brother''s painting just because it has Aria.


    "Why are you scamming your brother even after knowing it?" She couldn''t help but ask.


    Rian moved on checking other paintings, "To make sure my brother loves my Little devil."


    Roxy still couldn''t get grip on what she heard, "Do you love her so much that you testing your brother''s love for her?"


    Rian knocked on her head gently as he walked, "She is my little devil. My best friend."


    Seeing Roxy breathing a sigh of relief he understood she wasn''t kidding when she said she likes him.


    Both continued general talk before Rianing to his main topic, "Why did youe to B city? Why are interested in Arrie and Me?"


    He paused when a waiter kept coffee on their table.


    "This is the only chance I''m giving you. If you speak the truth, I''ll consider your proposal."


    Roxy smiled and asked excitedly, "Did you read my letter?" It was with the painting.


    Rian nodded and took a sip, "Thank you for the painting. It''s stupendous."


    Roxy sweetly smiled and spoke, "I''m saying the truth. Before meeting you, I hade here quite a few times but I didn''t get your address and contact information. I was just your paintings admirer. I really wanted to keep you when you were with me in the green room. You can say as love at first sight..."


    She continued to confess everything and also told why she wanted to get close to Aria.


    Rian heard her intently as he recorded whatever she said too. After that he didn''t give away any reaction and stood up, "I''ll investigate whatever you said. You have time till nine in the night to confess to me if there is any lie you said. If I find out, I''ll make your life a living hell for sure."


    Roxy didn''t mind and nodded. "If it turned out to be true, will you ept my proposal? Will you be my boyfriend?"


    Rian smiled hearing her so direct. He rubbed her head and left without responding.


    Roxy understood the answer to her question without response and ran out outside, "Rian, I''ll be waiting for your call."


    Rian didn''t turn when he heard her. He had a hunch she wasn''t lying still he sent a few information to Nathan to run a background check on Roxy and to know whatever she said was the truth.


    But he couldn''t understand why Roxy didn''t tell about her to Aria. He also wanted to make sure Roxy doesn''t have any grudge against Aria.

 Chapter 137: Stubborn and strong-headed

    Chapter 137: Stubborn and strong-headed


    Since the investigation of Roxy Stephen included some information rted to Aria, Nathan asked their men to be extra careful which took little more time.


    ---


    However, Aria asked Eva, she didn''t say anything about what had happened. On the surface, she was back to the flirty tongued god of the goddess.


    Eva thought Aria would feel bad for her and might rebuke Isaac hence she decided to keep the things to herself.


    ---


    Aria got to know there was a conference by the Orion who was the youngest phnthropist and an investor. He was called as a Golden mind in the stock market. He never got poached by anybody and donates all his ie from investment in the stock market for the good cause.


    The conference was in a different country and n had already stopped her thrice from attending others'' conference but she wanted to attend this one.


    While having lunch on Sunday, Aria asked Rowan, "Pop, please convince n to let me attend the conference this time."


    Rowan forced a smile, "Arrie, if you can''t convince, it''s impossible for us."


    Seeing Rowan finish lunch, Aria went around him, "You are his father. Order him. It''s that simple."


    Amelia chuckled. "Arrie, do you know n''s reaction if Rowan orders?"


    Aria never heard Rowan order so she curiously shook her head, "Other than me nobody orders him. So I don''t know."


    Rian patted her back, "That''s my Little devil. Admonish him daily. He cut off my monthly expenses for not painting."


    "Check your ount, I sent your allowance many days back." Aria ran next to Amelia waiting for her reply.


    Rian saw the amount of transfer from n''s ount. If it was from Aria ount, he would cent percent return hence she had transferred from n''s ount threatening n if he cancels, she would send to his ount from her ount and from his ount to Rian.


    Amelia acted, "He will look at Rowan like this," Amelia made a straight face seeing Rowan, "Oh"


    Aria rolled on the couch when she finished. "Mum, you look funny acting like n. He looks captivating."


    The trio looked at her in amusement seeing her openly praise her fiance.


    Aria realized what she just did and tried to sneak away but mother and son caught her and teased her endlessly asking her to praise him then listed all adjectives like, <em>''Is he bewitching?''</em>


    <em>''Is he entrancing?''</em>


    <em>''Is he charming?''</em>


    <em>''Is he mesmerizing?''</em>


    ... and so on until she looked like a delish tomato.


    Aria whined, "I will start crying if you two continue."


    The duoughed while Rowan was smiling.


    Aria calmed down brought up the topic again, "Pop, help me out... How about I sneak off without telling n?"


    "No!" The trio said in unison. Amelia continued, "Arrie, he will dump us to the bin if you go alone and something happens."


    Aria pouted, "He will not agree to send me. Pop and Dad always took me with them. Your son is so annoying. He sweet talks me out making me agree before I could even realize. I couldn''t even get angry atst."


    Amelia asked her curiously, "How does he sweet-talk?"


    Aria was staggard, "I''m going."


    Rian wasughing when Amelia tried to stop her to ask about her son. She really wanted to know if n could sweet talk.


    Rowan realized Aria was really annoyed this time. She never brought anything to them asking them to help her out and he also knew she was always interested in the conferences rted to the stock market and investments.


    Seeing the duo making fun of Aria, he didn''t tell them anything and went to Aria''s room who was frustrated and was clicking on herptop buttons hard.


    "Aria"


    Aria kept herptop away and adjusted her mood quickly, "Pop"


    Rowan sat on her study chair making her sit back on the bed, "I know you wanted to learn for Oliver and wanted to do your best. But n doesn''t want you to worry about this earning, business and stuff."


    "I know, Pop." Aria pouted as she responded.


    "Why don''t you live worry-free now? you can always learn itter" Rowan didn''t want Aria and n to fight over it and tried to convince her knowing why n was stopping her.


    "Pop, I know I can learn itter. But I''m quite free now. n is very busy with twopanies. I want to finish the basic learning process quicker before I take over thepany. Hence when I start working, I will not have extra workload and n will not have twopany workloads either so it will let us spend quality time too. If I start learning that time, the current situation will reverse. I will be busy and he will be free. So why not both work hard now and manage easilyter."


    Rowan needed time to digest what she said. He really doubted if she was eighteen.


    Aria saw Rowan emotionless and motionless, "Pop, what happened? Did I say wrong?"


    Rowan shook his head as he sighed, "No, I''m doubting if you are a little school girl or some well-experienceddy. Arrie, you aren''t wrong and n isn''t wrong too. Importantly you two are too stubborn and strong-headed for me to convince."


    Aria smiled to make him rx, "It''s alright Pop, don''t worry. I will talk to n once. Let''s me see how it goes."


    Rowan nodded and got up. He adoringly rubbed her head before leaving. He was actually scared Aria and n might start to fight this time seeing her headstrong.


    Rowan decided to try to talk to n. He got ready quickly and went to the Morgan industries giving some sense to Amelia and Rian to be careful about Aria''s mood and stop making fun each time.


    Seeing Aria''s awful mood, Rian took her out with Noah and Eva while n was irritated knowing Aria didn''t talk to him directly.


    "... n, you are thinking about only Aria whereas she thinking about both of you. How long has it been that you spent rxing and quality time with her without bothering about work? Aria is very understanding never demanded anything thinking you have to work hard because of her. Do you think she will not wish to spend time with you like a normal girl? It''s just a conference for one day and a day to travel, let her go... I will not disturb you anymore."


    Rowan didn''t wait and left his office seeing his cold indifferent face.


    Nathan who entered inside to keep a file on desk gulped seeing n livid before running out.

 Chapter 138: We are together

    Chapter 138: We are together


    Aria was having fun with the trio in the game arcade ying various games. They were nning where to go for dinner, Aria received a call from n.


    "n" Her tone sounded cheery.


    "Where are you?" n sounded cold.


    "Arcade, Avenue 4. Where are you? Are you free..."


    "I will pick you in ten minutes." n hung up withoutwaiting to hear anything.


    Aria realized n''s mood was off. He always asked if she had any ns or should he pick her or should they have dinner but he abruptly said and ended the call.


    Rian and Eva pulled her out, "We will eat Italian."


    Aria stopped them, "Actually n just called and he ising over to pick me. It''s been more than two weeks I had met him, shall I go?"


    She never left abruptly but she knew n''s mood was awful and he might feel bad if she rejects him.


    "These two love birds." Rian rolled his eyes took the other two.


    Aria smiled seeing them understanding. She waited five more minutes and hopped on n''s car passing her car key to her bodyguard.


    "n, Did anything happen? Why is your mood off?" She was concerned.


    "Nothing." He gave a curt reply.


    Aria became mute seeing him grim. She wanted to ask again but she felt ufortable seeing a weird atmosphere in the car.


    After it felt long, Aria spoke, "Did I do anything? Are you angry at me?"


    n didn''t bat an eyelid, "No."


    Aria bit her lips and wasn''t sure what to do.


    Aftering from Isaac''s vi, n had too much workload. She had gone to meet him in the office but he wasn''t out of the meeting room for very long so she had returned home.


    On weekends, whenever she called, he said he was busy. It was only at night they had a little light talk through video calls as he worked.Aria felt like she was useless without being able to help him at work.


    Nearly an hour, both didn''t speak. Aria''s mood turned awful seeing him that way. He drove to his vi and cooked without saying anything.


    Aria again tried, "n, what happened? Why are you like this?"


    "Nothing."


    Aria tried to send him, "I will cook, you finish your work."


    n frowned and took the knife back from her hand, "Am I not doing it? I don''t have any work."


    Aria bit her lip. n never treated her that way and she felt like crying without understanding what was going on. She silently went and sat on the couch.


    To be frank, she wanted to leave the vi seeing him that way but she knew she shouldn''t run from the problem and should face it, only that mends the rtionship and they would get to know each other better.


    n served her, both had dinner in silence other than Aria ncing at him again and again. Seeing him washing the bowls then going towards stairs, Aria couldn''t hold herself.


    "n, What''s wrong with you? Why are you behaving like this? If I have done something, say it and correct me. If you are angry, vent it out. If you are gloomy, share it. Why are you treating me like this? It may be easy for you to treat me like a stranger but I can''t." Atst, she couldn''t control and a tear still rolled on her cheek making her wipe.


    n rubbed his forehead. It was true he was really irritated when he got to know she asked Rowan to talk to him. He thought Aria would ask after seeing him however he had forgotten seeing him that way, she would only worry about him.


    He tried to get near her but Aria pushed him away.


    "n, Just because I''m younger than you, I don''t expect you to treat me well all the time. I understand that you will have different moods too. Get angry, get sad, be whatever your mood is like but least let me know what''s going on so that I can handle it too. So that we can talk, so that we can solve, So that we can understand each other better. I can''t read your mind or analyze when I don''t even know what happened at your end."


    n''s heart ached realizing he effected her emotionally. He hugged her tight without letting her push him away, "Shhh..."


    Aria who had controlled started crying as she punched him a few times before wounding her hands around him as quickened heartbeats started to settle.


    n felt like she was mature in their rtionship and he was too childish. She was thinking about both and he was stubbornly wanted things to be like he decides. She hadn''t told about Rian to him scaring it might hurt their rtionship and he couldn''t understand why did he think Ariained about him to Rowan.


    He left her after a long time and wiped her face gently, "I''m sorry, I will not repeat. Alright?"


    Aria felt her head throb. "n, that''s not the point."


    "I''m telling. Let''s sit there."


    Aria nodded and sat with him on the couch. n told her everything Rowan said and why he had a foul mood.


    Aria heard patiently and understood, "I had thought Pop could convince you so I asked his help, I''m sorry, I shouldn''t have asked Pop. From next time, if there is anything that is between us, I will never bring the third person."


    She continued seeing him nod, "I know you spent time with me on our vacation, which Pop doesn''t know. Seeing me two weeks at home, he must have misunderstood, I will talk to him. And don''t worry, I don''t expect you to leave your work to be with me, I''m happy as we are now."


    She never expected him leave his work and keep tending to her.


    "And about the conference, if you behave like that, how could you expect me to bring it up, leave about the conference, how am I supposed to even talk."


    n heard her seriously exining everything. "Aria, you should be twenty-two and me, eighteen."


    Aria saw his infatuated eyes and punched him, "I''m not grilled chicken, why are you looking at me like that? And I didn''t know, you so badly want to be my sugar baby."


    n chuckled and pulled her to embrace, "It''s good that I got you." and he didn''t dare to think about losing her.


    Aria didn''t reply to it and wrapped her arms around his neck making him wound his arms tighter around her.


    "I know I am not still mature enough to think about everything but I or You are not alone in our rtionship, share what''s going on with you too, not just listening to mine."


    n smiled hearing her. "Yes, we are together."


    Aria left him after some time and smiled faintly, "Go and finish your work."


    "No" n replied and carried her upstairs confusing her.

 Chapter 139: She was overthinking

    Chapter 139: She was overthinking


    n sent her to take a bath and he got fresh.


    Aria who went downstairs to get water saw n had arranged for them to watch a movie. She knocked on his head when he went downstairs.


    "n, you don''t have to do all these. Don''t take whatever Dad said seriously. Every couple doesn''t have to be like another couple."


    n bobbed her head before carrying her to the living hall. "I have shifted my work to tomorrow. I will not sit and work for the whole night. So chill."


    "Oh"


    Aria and n snuggled under the chunky rug and both watched an animated movie that Aria chose knowing n never watched such movies other than sci-fi.


    Aria still had a long list of things to make him do which he had missed in his teenage.


    Before the movie could end, Aria had dozed off in his arms, n turned off the movie and slept there itself holding her in the embrace.


    ----


    The next day, n asked after breakfast, "Whose conference you want to attend this time?"


    "Orion."


    n paused before facing her, "Do you know Orion?"


    "What do you mean by I know?... He was titled as a golden mind in Stock Market, some even call him as Ruler in that field. His profile stayed top consecutively for three years. None could satisfy him and poach to theirpany. When I searched about him, other than articles about him, there is no information avable."


    "Oh, you seem to be very impressed by Orion. Do you want to see him?"


    Aria shook her head, "I want to attend his conference. Why do I have to meet him?"


    "Do you want to poach him to yourpany?"


    Aria gave it a thought but shook her head, "I just want to know how he decides and his thought process."


    n offered, "I can arrange for you to meet him if you want."


    Aria turned behind her to look at him, "Aren''t you scared, I will run away with him?" Ariaughed at her own question and wore her tie before turning to face him.


    n wasn''t expecting that question, "Don''t worry, you will run back to me at the end of the day."


    "Overconfidence." Aria rolled her eyes and walked towards the shoe rack to get her shoes but heard, "I will take you to the conference."


    Aria froze.


    Then she traced back and stood in front of him, "You are allowing me to go and on top of that you will take me." She raised her hand pinched his cheek until it turned red.


    Seeing his cheek red, "I''m not dreaming, n, I didn''t ask you yet and you agreed so easily. What''s up?"


    n rubbed his cheek and was at a loss of words, <em>''Shouldn''t she pinch herself to know it?''</em>


    n lifted her making her hold his shoulder raising her brows. "I thought to confirm if I''m dreaming."


    "Huh?"


    n made her sit on the cab as he savored her lips until she melted in his arms.


    Seeing her red slightly swollen lips and blushing dainty face, "I''m not dreaming. Aria, yes, I told you that I''m taking you to the conference to country E. I will make sure you sit in the front line and hear him."


    Aria realized she had pinched him to see his red cheek and he went for her lips. She punched him and had to sit seeing him make her wear shoes before putting her down and kissed her forehead fondly.


    He dropped her to school hearing her all spection why he agreed to attend the conference.


    Aria didn''t want him to do for their yesterday''s fracas. n assured her it wasn''t because of it and she was overthinking.


    Aria who entered her ss saw whole ss fuming holding their book trying to study."What''s wrong with you all?"


    A few girls quickly circled her and pointed their ssmate Reba, "Rebbie and Tim were on the date yesterday. That b*tch Dilly came and beat Rebbie a few minutes back saying Rebbie seduced Tim. But it was Tim who proposed her."


    Aria crossed her arms as her face darkened, "What were you guys doing instead of stopping her?"


    Tim was a second-generation heir of an investmentpany, he was in a different ss.


    "Arrie, she had brought many girls and boys and blocked us from entering inside."


    "Anybody recorded?"


    Noah tossed his mobile at her. "Saina had recorded."


    "Noah, take her to Principal. Rian..." all turned to Rian who was snoring on his desk.


    "Youzy as*, get up."


    All burst intoughter seeing her pull Rian out holding his ear.


    "Hey Little devil, I''ll chop your fingers to small pieces and make meat soup adding extra pepper."


    "Sure..." Aria smacked on his head, "Why are you in hangover?"


    Noah ran away from her sight. Eva turned away from her gaze. Aria understood the trio was drunk the previous day.


    "Fin, get me a bowl of soup and hangover pill. Thank you." She knew Rian wouldn''t drink hangover soup if she wasn''t there to screw him up.


    She took him to Dilly''s ss, Rian thought about what she could do as he followed. As soon as Aria entered ss two with Rian, all became mute.


    She went straight to Dilly and her voice was loud enough, "Ms. Junior, follow us to the Principal''s office now."


    Dilly smirked and leaned back on her chair, "What if you are senior? Do you think I will listen to you?"


    Aria had expected it. After making sure Rian was recording, she spoke in a low voice to provoke her, "Of course not. I''m here to beat you first, see you cry then taking you there forcefully."


    Dilly stood up in a rage, "You..." andughed scornfully, "President Cooper, you are in my ss and I''m the ss rep here."


    "Oh really? So, you think you can control me? Miss shortie, do you think I''m goddess for namesake?"


    ''<em>Short</em>'' was her weak spot and she flung her hand at Aria, "How dare... Ahhhhhh..."


    Before her hand could touch, Aria held and twisted to her back unceremoniously. "Oh ss rep, you chose the wrong ss to mess with. Haven''t you heard I never let anybody off for touching my ssmates?"


    Dilly cried in pain and shouted at her ssmates, "What f**king wrong with you all? Help me out from this b*tch."


    A boy smirked and lunged towards Aria to grab her hair. Rian was at quite a distance and looked at them as his eyes darkened.

 Chapter 140: My wife is crying

    Chapter 140: My wife is crying


    Aria kicked the boy who had rushed to hold her just the way how n had taught her.


    "Ahhh..." that boy started groaning, holding his stomach.


    The whole ss fell silent when he cried in pain falling on the floor.


    "Little devil, that kick was the best shot." Rian enjoyed it and stopped recording.


    It was to create proof to say Dilly attacking first and asking her ss to take down Aria.


    Rian saw all girls were looking at him and boys were speechless, "Oh, I forgot to say, my Little devil doesn''t use any strength to beat me so I was never hurt or bruised. She can take down you guys easily." It''s just that, she will have sore limbster for days.


    Aria rolled her eyes and dragged Dilly to the Principal''s office without care before pushing her inside and wiping her hands. "Ms. Dilly, your moisturizer is too oily, change it soon."


    Dilly ran over to the principal, "Principal, senior hit me. She twisted my hand, it''s hurting a lot. I told her ragging and bullying aren''t allowed in school but she didn''t listen to me."


    The principal looked at Aria who spoke, "I just spoke and she tried to p me. Principal, I don''t think self-defense is an offense. I have proof too."


    Tim was standing with Reba. He smiled with a slight bow of his head at Aria as thank you. "Principal! Reba and I are dating. I had rejected Dilly but she isn''t listening to me."


    Dilly was screaming at Reba like a shrew in the first video and in Rian''s video, she tried to hit Aria who was calmly looking at her.


    But Dilly started threatening instead of apologizing "You, Reba, how did you seduce my Tim and send that girl to my ss. My sister will teach you all the lessons. How dare you beat me? Goddess my foot, I make sure you will cry for mercy..."


    Aria really had no idea who was her sister. Leave about the sister, she didn''t know her full name either.


    The principal spoke, "Dilly, call your parents. I have already received enoughints against you. And the rest can leave for their sses." Dilly had beaten a few more students who liked Tim.


    Aria and the rest left for their sses without actually bothering about who was her sister.


    ...


    It was afternoon lunchtime, Aria was eating as she read about Orion''s articles for n who was feeding her as he ate.


    Atst, she asked, "Do you know Orion? You were saying you can take me to meet him."


    n had just hummed a helicopter and wasnding on the school''s helipad.


    He quickly covered Aria due to high wind and dust because they were on the terrace. Their lunch wasn''t over yet hence n red at the helicopter for ruining their food.


    His expression changed slightly. He couldn''t understand why a mercenary family helicopter was at school.


    Aria closed their food and kept it away which wasn''t edible anymore. n''s four bodyguards and Aria''s bodyguard reached and stood by them before anybody could alight from the helicopter.


    Confused Aria, corrected n''s hair as she asked, "What''s wrong?"


    "Haven''t you heard about the Fang family?"


    Aria tried to remember and hummed, "That east Asian money-oriented family businesspany who resided in a western country."


    n hummed, "The logo on the helicopter belongs to them. If I''m right, this helicopter will be present on their ships."


    "Ohhhh" Aria checked the logo and nodded but then realized, "Are they here for me?"


    She tried to remember Dilly''s second name but she was at loss.


    n didn''t know whether to cry orugh. "Sweetheart, why will theye for you?"


    Aria never in her dreams thought she could offend mercenaries. "Don''t get angry..." then she exined whatever happened in the morning.


    She finished saying as they looked at four armed men and ady had gone downstairs.


    Aria paced thinking about what she could do and n was at a loss of words looking at her panic instead of talking or asking him what to do.


    He called a string of numbers, "Reach Elite school quick."


    He hung up and called her, "Aria."


    "You know the chief of the police, call them toe here. They will control and won''t kill us."


    n yed along, "But mercenaries don''t care about local power."


    Aria hit her head, "Why am I so dumb? Why didn''t I think?... n, you leave, I will see what I can do."


    n yed well, "Aria, how could you expect me to leave you here for them to kill?"


    Aria again started pacing and received a call from the Principal. "Oh, I''m really dead this time. n, they are really here for me. What am I going to do?"


    She didn''t answer the call and started to cate n to leave but he didn''t leave and after fifteen minutes, they saw another helicopter and Aria started crying.


    "n, why do you want to die with me? I was dumb and created this mess, you leave now..."


    n didn''t expect her to cry hence he rubbed her back, "No one will kill you or me. Dummy."


    "I''m not."


    "You are" He wiped her tears.


    "I''m not."


    "You big dummy, look who will alight from the helicopter."


    This time, theynded on their side helipad. Aria saw the same logo and was on verge of tears again till a man alighted.


    As the man started to walk towards them, Aria identified the man. She ran towards him and eximed, "Wow, you really have blue eyes."


    That man smiled rubbing her head dotingly, "You look so adorable in real."


    While that man''s subordinate looked at him in surprise, n and that man shook their hands.


    Aria snapped out and asked, "Brother Fan, why did youe on Fang''s Helicopter? Do you work for them?"


    Aria saw duo men smiling and deduced, "Fan is short of Fang and you are the mysterious mixed-blood most handsome heir of the Fang family."


    n rxed knowing his dummy little President was back. "Vince, my wife is crying thinking your men will kill me and her." But to be a fact, he actually liked how she innocently thought they were going to kill them.


    Aria: "..."


    ''Who are you calling your wife? Hmph''

 Chapter 141: Is she your sister?

    Chapter 141: Is she your sister?


    Vince Fang, the heir of the Fang family andpany which was spread over in numerous countries and they were famous for mercenary. Even though all Fangpanies were under the same family, the public thinks differently.


    Vince and n were ssmates in university S who had simr personalities and stayed together in country S before even knowing about each other well.


    Once, they were having a video call on some business-rted things about Fangpany when she was in n''s vi. Seeing a girl in n''s room, n had to satisfy bewildered Vince by introducing them.


    "Well, let me see who dares to raise their finger on Little one."


    Aria excitedly went to piss off Dilly and her sister.


    Vince and n saw her and smiled in resignation. n had to tell whatever Aria told him as they reached the Principal office.


    Aria entered first and asked, "What''s up?"


    "Sister, she did this to me. You b*tch, I''ll see how safely you return home."


    Aria saw who her sister was. She was the same supermodel who endorsed the perfume Aria had created and became famous in country A.


    "Your sister? Ms. Brainless, your sister is endorsing mybel designed clothes and the perfume which I introduced. Do you think she could control me?"


    The two sisters started fuming instantly.


    The principal stuttered, "Aria, those men are from mercenary."


    Aria nonchntly asked, "So? Brother Fang is my brother."


    The two women startedughing and the elder one spoke, "My boyfriend doesn''t have any sister and your kindergarten trick is too poor. Apologize to my sister now else you won''t exit the office safe and alive." She thought even if Morgan and Cooper were together, they were nothing in front of the Fang family.


    "Is it so?"


    Vince''s indomitable tone sounded who stood behind Aria gently rubbing her head who made tongue out Dilly whose mouth was wide open in shock while her sister trembled in her ce.


    Dilly never saw Vince before and she was really envious of her sister having such a boyfriend.


    n always liked to see Aria''s carefree spoiled side and saw her ying.


    "Vin... I... I..."


    Vince spoke, "We are done. I''m breaking up."


    Pfft-


    Aria looked at him in horror. She wasn''t expecting that. She had thought they would teach Dilly to behave and leave.


    The four men bowed at Aria, Vince, and n and went behind Vince as the supermodel cried asking for mercy for using his men to scare people.


    Vince just wanted a simple woman in his life but not somebody who shows off and creates trouble for him. He had thought she might have gone for work butter he got to know she took his men and with that, she went to scare the little girl who he treated as a little sister who was the only girl his friend loved and wanted in his life.


    He had dumped lots of women so he didn''t really care about her.


    n heard Aria whisper to him, "Your friend is really scary and heartless."


    He just smiled and all went out letting the Principal take a breather. Thetter informed security to send two sisters out who were tussling on the ground saying why did they have to offend Aria Cooper.


    "I don''t want that woman in fame."


    "Deal."


    Aria looked at two men and sighed. Just like that, they ruined somebody''s career. ''Like seriously?''


    n cleared her mind, "I signed her and gave endorsements because she was Vince''s girlfriend."


    Aria just gave two thumbs to them and pitied the model''s life. She thought it was such a simple matter but it turned out as such a big one.


    "Brother Fan, why are you leaving so soon?"


    "I can''t stay in your country for a long time. We will meet some other time."


    Aria nodded and waited aside as two men talked their business seriously with their poker yet strikingly captivating to the eyes of onlookers.


    Vince reached her after his work was done, "Aria, I''ll see you in the country E."


    Aria smiled understanding he would be in that country when n takes her there.


    The couple bid him before Aria threw herself on n, "You are amazing." She had thought she kept his life at stake.


    n chuckled and held her in his embrace, then he asked her to be calm and not to work her brain up too much.


    All students were locked in the canteen and ssrooms when armed men entered school.


    Once they were left, Rian and their ssmate ran to the terrace to check on Aria and n to see Aria supporting her arms on n''s shoulder who was carrying her and indulging her in a serious talk.


    "Here we are dying of nervousness and they are romancing." Eva sighed before leaving with others.


    ...


    n and Aria went to country E. They were weed and greeted by a female who tried to hug n which he ignored and moved away holding Aria.


    Aria didn''t know her and could only go with n. "I''m not petty. You can hug her and greet her."


    "She isn''t you."


    Aria giggled and sat in the car with him as thedy followed them.


    She sat on the shotgun seat without feeling any embarrassment, "n, you are still the same. Who is this? Your assistant? She is too young to be working, is she your sister?"


    Pfft-


    Aria gritted her teeth, "His fiancee." And turned to n to whisper in anger, "If you update your profile, nobody would ask nonsense questions. I''ll beat you up if I hear somebody saying as a sister. Hmph."


    It wasn''t that she looks like his sister. It was because most of the people who knew him also knew that he doesn''t like to be around women.


    Both didn''t notice thedy''s expression change. "n, you had said that you aren''t interested in a rtionship whenever I had proposed to you so many times."


    Aria sweetly replied, "He didn''t have me that time. And importantly, you aren''t me."


    Well, n liked the pissed off Aria who snuggled near him voluntarily ring at the woman announcing by her gaze, ''He is mine.''


    He felt like she was finally behaving like a normal girl unlike sitting elegantly knowing he didn''t care about other women.


    Thatdy thought n found an ill-mannered childish girl for himself. She haughtily turned around feeling she was the best choice for him.


    n and Aria rested in a hotel before the next day''s conference.


    Sipping her juice, Aria saw thedy swooning on n who was in a suit reading a file that she gave.


    "Miss, is something sticking on n''s face? Why are you watching him so intently for fifteen minutes?"


    The men behind thatdy chuckled before controlling. n nced at Aria before going back to file extending his hand at her to call her near him.


    Aria went to his couch seeing his cue but her expression changed seeing the file content.


    She had thought that thedy and men were his employees but they were from the business institute where they were going to a conference.


    "n, do you know the institute?"


    n promptly replied, "Nope."


    "Then why are you reading a confidential agreement of the institute? And why do you have to sign?"


    n signed and passed the file, "So that; my identity shouldn''t be disclosed."


    Aria didn''t think too much about it as they hid their full identity in many ces.

 Chapter 142: Aria is missing

    Chapter 142: Aria is missing


    Aria and n went with two men and thatdy whose name Aria had yet to know. She noticed that thedy was asionally looking at her enviously whenever n and she were talking.


    Aria felt like she should keep n away from the hungry eyes ofdies. She really wanted to ask her,<em>What''s with your look?</em> It wasn''t like she stole her man.


    After they reached, n made her sit in the first row, "I will see you after the conference."


    Aria held him back, "Why? Aren''t you attending the conference with me?"


    "What?" Thatdy gave her <em>''You fool''</em> look to her.


    Aria frowned and was ready to respond, n spoke, "I have work. Be good. I will pick you right after the conference."


    Hearing work, Aria agreed obediently, "Alright."


    n then left with three and Aria yed on her mobile till the conference started. "Hey"


    Aria faintly smiled seeing who sat next to her with his father and brother, "Tim Goel." Her ssmate Reba''s boyfriend.


    Then both looked at Orion who was sat on a tall barstool in front of a mike in the dark. It was impossible to identify his face which actually no one cared over there. Five hundred audience sat in silence and waited for him to start.


    "Good morning to all..."


    Aria''s mouth was wide open in shock. <em>''That''s n''s voice.''</em>


    She almost stood up to go near but Tim held her back, "What''s wrong? We aren''t allowed to go around. Orion had ordered to follow strict rules."


    Aria nodded with a smile. She yed past few days in her mind and realized, why n was smiling too much whenever she praised about Orion''s investments.


    She attentively heard him, about his journey, his thoughts, and how he decides on investments.


    n kept everything precise so the conference didn''t take long. When it was a question and answer session, Aria raised her hand got the mic.


    "Hello Mr.Orion, I''m Ara. My question is how often do you check your portfolio for its performance? And how do you suggest it to others? Thank you."


    <strong>Orion</strong> was n''s name in the wall street stock market and <strong>Ara</strong> was Aria''s. She couldn''t believe both chose the constetion name coincidentally.


    "Ms.Ara, I checktwice a year or even once a year. It all depends on you. Maybe you get joy from watching the numbers go up but the numbers going down will really stress you out. Sothe frequency is less important than having a set schedule.Set aside time to review your investments regrly, but outside that, don''t look at them. Just do it on your schedule. Thank you for the question."


    Aria could say n was only watching her throughout the conference even when answering other''s questions.


    After some more questions, Aria heard, "Mr.Orion, I heard you have rejected most of the toppanies. Are you working anywhere? Or do you have your ownpany?"


    Aria thought n would decline to answer to the question because question other than topic wasn''t allowed.


    n replied, "I offered a President if she could poach me to theirpany but she had turned it down. So I''m not interested in any otherpanies."


    Aria knew he was telling her. she sealed her lips fromughing out aloud.


    Then the organizer warned to keep the questions about the topic and it continued for half an hour before calling it off.


    Tim bid her and left. Aria was waiting for n as he had said but thatdy reached her, "Miss, n is waiting for you outside."


    Aria didn''t believe it because n wouldn''t leave her and wait outside. Seeing her suspicious, thatdy spoke again, "n is talking with Dean so I came to take you there."


    Aria understood and followed her out. She just stepped out but, "It''s okay, I will wait for n inside."


    She turned back and stepped in but,


    "Ahhh..."


    Somebody hit on her head with quite a force. She felt dizzy and tried to hold the door but she fell unconscious...


    n was irritated seeing the professors surround him. "I''m not interested."


    He firmly said for the third time but seeing them not leaving, he punched a man who lost consciousness instantly.


    All were frightened by the scene and n''s dark face. They made a way out for him as they shivered continuously. They didn''t dare to make noise until n disappeared from the lobby.


    "Call Ellem and admit this man to the hospital."


    "Oh, Jesus! just a punch and he fell unconscious."


    "Orion is too scary."


    "Emy, ask Ellem to send the amount by the end of the day."


    .


    .


    They discussed and left without caring about the professor on the floor.


    n who entered the deserted auditorium audience section didn''t find Aria. He thought she might be ying, "Aria,e out. Don''t y here."


    But his eyes fell on a sparkling charm that was at the door. n remembered that was on Aria''s hair clip. His hand trembled when the red fluid marked on his hand from the charm.


    He ran out as he called a string of numbers, "Aria is missing. I will send the GPS ID."


    Without waiting for the reply, he hung up and send the identification number to track her GPS which she always attaches to her dress. It was specially made for her on n''s order.


    He was running towards the exit when he heard a soft voice, "n"


    "F**k off." It wasn''t Aria''s voice hence he didn''t care.


    Ellem stood their dazed gritting her teeth. Ellem, the samedy who went to pick them, who Aria several times pissed off seeing her swoon on n openly even after knowing he wasn''t avable.


    Ellem was n''s ssmate who was a professor in the same business institute. It was her who pressured the institute and n from the past year to host a conference. n didn''t want to but one of his professors had made a trip to country A to convince him who knew his Orion identity.


    Ellem thought she might get a few chances to spend time with him but she didn''t expect him to bring an annoying girl who embarrassed her so many times in front of her colleagues and n.


    So she just called her brother andined who knew local thugs of that city. The auditorium had a camera hence she brought her out for those men asking her other colleagues to keep n busy for fifteen minutes minimum but they couldn''t stop him for more than five minutes.


    n had to meet his professor so it took five more minutes over there, by that time Aria was kidnapped.


    n realized he was trembling badly when he tried to punch the number on the car GPS. He took a breath andposed as he clicked on it.

 Chapter 143: The rules of legality

    Chapter 143: The rules of legality


    n saw Aria''s GPS traveling too fast away from the city. But It was their bad luck, they were moving towards Vince Fang''s Private mansion. Even if n getste, Vince could reach sooner. But till that Aria must be safe.


    n threw a wad of cash he had exchanged at the airport to the biker and took his bike forcefully throwing his car key at him. He knew he couldn''t drive the car faster in the city traffic hence he geared up and drove fast running off many traffic signals.


    Aria was feeling her head too heavy to move, the pain made her hard to open her eyes when she heard the music.


    She was in the car truck.


    She checked her dress pocket for her mobile. She sent her live location to n for the safer side if GPS wasn''t working.


    She felt her head too painful and drifted off to unconscious again. Since she was forcing her to be awake, she was conscious and unconscious frequently.


    Seeing her motionless, a man carried her inside the car garage and he smoked outside with others.


    When Aria got back her consciousness, she used up all her energy to push the grease can on the ground to spill out all grease.


    She bumped into many things and fell down numerous times searching for anything which could start the fire. After finding the lighter, she waited if n enters but seeing unknown two men enter, she was about to fire to create a fire barrier to keep them away but those men didn''t notice grease and fell on it and the grease caught the fire.


    Aria didn''t want to kill anybody even for self-defense and her tears rolled down seeing them fall back on grease as the fire spreadpletely blocking the path and they caught the fire too.


    There weren''t any mmable things on her side so she knew fire wouldn''t spread but the smoke made her cough and fell unconscious again.


    In less than five minutes, Vince reached to see the smokeing out of the garage.


    His intimidating aura would keep anybody away from him. The genteel look he had around Aria was nowhere to be seen.


    The local gang knew him and started trembling and fell on knees seeing the gun in his hand. They knew well, Vince hardly touches weapons, if he holds, then he wouldn''t leave it without killing.


    "Boss... Boss..."


    <em>''Snap''</em>


    He shot right on his center of the forehead who tried to speak.


    It didn''t stop there. Vince personally shot each and everyone by the time his team shouted, "Boss, Miss is on that side of the fire."


    He had just finished, n who had reached and heard, slide between fire quicker and reached Aria who had got conscious back.


    "n..."


    Her feeble sound fell on his ear when he hugged her before she fell unconscious again.


    Vince''s men quickly extinguished the fire to bring them out and they left in a chopper which had reached after the location confirmed.


    Vince didn''t want to take the chance of those men holding Aria as hostage hence he had reached by road first.


    Nobody had time to talk about anything and everything was happening swiftly without wasting time.


    Aria was taken to the hospital which was under the Fang family business. Vince first time saw n''s every panic and worrying side including the weaker side.


    Aria again got conscious and heard n, "Aria... Aria, Nothing will happen to you. Hang in there with me..."


    Aria tried to hug him back but she didn''t have the energy. She hummed and spoke with a lot of difficulties, "You... ... there... ... will... ...fine."


    n could only make out those words before she drifted off again. Even though they heard incoherent, Vince and n both understood what she said, <em>''You are there, I will be fine.''</em>


    n quickly carried her towards the operation theatre and stared at the door where the red light was on.


    Vince didn''t know how to calm anyone so he just sat.


    Clenching his fist, n turned to Vince, "Investigated?"


    "Ellem Brith."


    n strode out as he called the unknown number he had got a call, "I''ming to your ce. Where are you?"


    Vince cued his men to follow n. Thetter got the address and hopped on the car Vince''s subordinate drove.


    He just spoke the address and sat emotionlessly throughout the journey. The other two men in the car felt hard to breathe in the car under n''s arduous air.


    n snatched the handgun from a man''s back where he was hiding it and entered the apartment.


    Ellem had no idea about how n Morgan really was. She didn''t know the real identity of Vince Fan. She didn''t know Aria Cooper wasn''t just any normal girl.


    She was delusional enough to think that finally, n noticed her knowing Aria left him alone. So she didn''t think twice to give her apartment address.


    She had just wanted her brother to scare Aria but looking at her young and beautiful, his friend''s gang took Aria away


    n pressed on calling bell. Ellem excitedly opened, "Al..."


    n''s hand clutched her neck tight pinning her on the wall as soon as his eyes fell on her. The face which always stayed emotionless most of the time had murderous intent. If a piercing re could cut the flesh, she would be cut into millions of pieces by then.


    Vince''s men quickly closed the door as one of them called his men to take care of security cameras.


    n''s voice was reminded of death call to Ellem who was struggling to breathe, "Were you thinking I will let you off for nning against my girl?"


    He threw her off aside without mercy when she almost lost her breath and was falling unconscious.


    Vince''s men had thought that Vince was heartless and coldblooded but realized his friend was no less than him seeing his terrorizing manner.


    Ellem tried to catch her breath coughing rapidly but n''s shiny ck leather shoes kicked her without an ounce of pity. That made her intensively cough out blood.


    He pointed the gun at her temple who widened her eyes. She always thought n was a sensitive and considerate man. She never in her dreams thought n to be stout-hearted and scary.


    "n, let me go, n... You will go to prison if you kill me, it''s not legal, n..." Ellem yed herst card in her jittery voice.


    "Heh?" n raised his brow, "You are right. Aria shouldn''t marry a murderer. I will not kill you." n sat back on the sofa.


    Ellem breathed a sigh of relief thinking she was safe. Vince''s men were confused without understanding what he was up to.


    When I Turner and Toby Lewis hurt Aria, n had made sure one to beg on the roads for her daily life and another one was sentenced to death.


    He had no time to y by the rules of legality in a different country so how was he going to deal with Ellem <em>who sent Aria to the bunch of beasts to savor her?</em>

 Chapter 144: Little herbivorous animal

    Chapter 144: Little herbivorous animal


    n threw the handgun at Ellem which made the other two men stand pointing their weapons at Ellem instantly. Their duty was to keep n safe even if they have to kill hundreds.


    "Pick up." n said through his teeth.


    Ellem and other men couldn''t understand why n was asking her to take the handgun.


    n growled, "Point at yourself <strong>NOW</strong>."


    Ellem was frightened to the core by his oppressing tone and quickly followed his order in her trembling clumsy hands. Before she could even realize what she was doing n grunted.


    "Shoot."


    <em>''Snap''</em>


    Everything went to silent mode after it.


    Ellem fell on the floor like a lump and red fluid slowly spread on the white floor.


    The two men gulped looking at n''s side profile who didn''t flinch even a little while ordering.


    Ellem had followed his ruthlessmands because he didn''t want to dirty his hands by killing.


    They were trained to be heartless so that they could kill on orders but it wasn''t easy for a normal person to be so heartless.


    They had thought Vince was overreacting for just a girl but they didn''t expect his friend''s life was that girl.


    n didn''t bother about cleaning up or anything and left soon. A man stayed by to clean n''s traces before he left.


    Other than the head, Aria hasn''t hurt anywhere except small bruises. They had to keep her on an oxygen mask due to inhaling smoke for a long time.


    Since the hit was on her hair clip, there wasn''t any bleed inside her head. The doctors made sure to double-check every procedure.


    When n reached back, Aria was shifted to the Intensive care unit.


    n rushed inside to see her on the white bed under an oxygen mask.


    The more he tried to make her carefree, one or the other things made her back to serious. His heart ached to know she always ended getting hurt because of him.


    He thought and he wanted to keep her away from suffering but his presence in her life hurting her more again and again.


    Vince spoke to doctors and shifted Aria to his vi with the oxygen cylinder. It was afternoon four when they settled in the vi.


    "n, rest for some time. Aria will wake up soon."


    n just nodded without bothering to say anything. Vince sighed and dispersed his men away from the mansion before he went to get fresh and get back on work.


    When Aria woke up, she saw n sitting on the couch using his arm to block the light on his eyes.


    "Al... n."


    n reacted instantly and went to her. "Aria, is it paining too much? Are you fine? Do you have a breathing problem? Are you feeling anything abnormal? Shall I call the doctor?..."


    A tear rolled down her eyes seeing him worried. She kept her slender fingers on his lips, "Shhh... I''m just sleepy."


    He gently wiped her tear as he nodded, "Okay okay rest."


    Frequently batting her eyelids due to sleepiness, Aria couldn''t voice and patted on the bed for him. It took time for him to understand that she was asking him to rest.


    Aria again drifted off frowning her brows failing to speak.


    n leaned on the headboard and pulled her to his arms. His lips subconsciously tilted up seeing her settling brows and faint smile as soon as he held her in his embrace.


    If she was somebody else, they might hold him responsible saying<em> ''I was kidnapped because of you.''</em> but he knew well, she never med him and felt safe around him than anybody else.


    It was dinner time when Aria woke up and her stomach growled a few times. She removed her oxygen mask and n woke up by her movements.


    "What happened?"


    After proper rest, Aria was a little better. She pointed on her nose bridge, "It''s paining."


    n smiled faintly seeing her pout. He gently massaged with his finger as they spoke. If not touched on her head near the wound, it wasn''t paining much but she felt her head too heavy.


    Vince who was leaning on door for nearly five minutes failed to get their attention so he coughed lightly.


    "Are you guys going to fill your stomach with sweet talks or need any food?"


    "I''m famished." Aria whined but paused briefly, "Do I have to eat porridge or something? I don''t want that. I''m really hungry."


    Vince just waved his hand calling them out as he left. n carried her to the bathroom to wash her face before taking her out to the dining table.


    Aria licked her lips and dug into the table full of tasty food. n served her whatever she wanted as he ate.


    Vince''s speed was like snail seeing her try all the food except green sd which he had thought she would eat and prepared for her.


    After eating, she had her medicine and saw Vince had just eaten steak. "Brother Fan! is that chicken steak enough?... By the way, you have a good chef."


    n spoke, "Vince prepared dinner."


    Aria was surprised and pointed at the two dishes which she wanted the recipe.


    Vince mechanically answered before turning to n, "I thought your wife is deer but she turned out to be a pig."


    Aria: "..."


    n controlledughing looking at her but he chuckled after getting a punch from Aria.


    "That''s so mean." Aria stood up to leave but n made her sit back and nced at Vince who quickly exined.


    "I mean, seeing you I thought you will just eat sd..."


    "I had chicken sd."


    "I mean a green sd. But you had other dishes."


    "Am I looking like a little herbivorous animal? Why will I eat grass? That looks so unappetizing." She made faces at the untouched bowl.


    Vince wasn''t sure how to react so answered her question, "You actually look like an herbivorousmb... no piglet."


    Aria: "..."


    Vince wasn''t sure why she became expressionless.


    n asked, "Aria, are you full?"


    Aria decided Vince really doesn''t have a heart and she knew he never lies and told what he felt. So she innocently nodded hearing to n.


    "Want ice cream?"


    Aria nodded multiple times thinking she could get ice cream but n asked again, "Chocte?"


    Aria hummed and heard two menughing. She realized that she just proved she was a piglet.


    She ignored them and checked out the magnificent mansion as two men washed dishware before searching her.


    n saw her asleep on the lounge near the pool. Vince spoke seeing n trying to carry, "Let her be in fresh air for some time. It''s better than an oxygen cylinder gas."


    n let her down as he hummed.


    Vince''s vi was away from the city and a single mansion around the uphill so air freshness was good.


    "Why does Aria has a GPS? Was she lost or kidnapped before?"


    n hummed but didn''t go in deep about kidnaps and attempt to kidnap.


    Vince''s grim tone sounded, "Why are letting them live freely?"


    n didn''t reply. Vince understood, "Did your investigation failed to find them?"


    Vince couldn''t believe there was somebody who could outsmart n. "Call me if you need to handle anybody." Because n tries to keep it clean but Vince doesn''t think before cleaning up efficiently.


    n nodded and spoke for sometime before returning to their rooms with sleeping Aria.

 Chapter 145: You will die in my hands

    Chapter 145: You will die in my hands


    The next day, Aria was much better. n lied to her saying they handed the criminals to cops and not to worry about two who had caught fire saying they were saved.


    But he didn''t tell those two were also shot dead including Ellem whose case was closed as a suicide. And whoever helped Ellem in the business institute faced one or other problems.


    Vince was really impressed to know it was Aria who created a fire line to stop those men. He had thought those men wanted to burn her alive...


    "Let''s return." Aria spoke to keep her attention away from the pain.


    "Why? Don''t you like it here?" n disinfected her wound carefully as he asked.


    "Mansion? It''s very beautiful. It''s like a dream mansion and a perfect ce for rxing. But your table will top up with loads of files and your work will dy. I will rest over there itself. Brother Fan must be still here for us, no need to trouble him more."


    n hummed, "If you agree to stay with me until you fully recover, then I will take you back."


    Aria agreed and the duo left on the same day bidding Vince who also left to a different country to carry out his one of mercenary missions.


    Aria followed n the whole two weeks until her wound recovered but pressure on the wound was giving her a lot of pain and she would be dizzy asionally.


    n washed her hair every time those days so that she doesn''t hurt herself.


    On one of the days, Aria stayed in the vi sending n to work. She studied for hering exams as shepleted two sets of school assignments that Rian had called and whined at her...


    n who called Aria during lunchtime to ask her if she ate or not, started to panic because Aria didn''t receive his calls. He continuously rang her mobile and messaged her but there was no response.


    In a panic, he left the office and sped towards vi as he called his vi security. He reassured him that Aria was in the vi and nobody entered or left.


    Other than seeing Aria he had nothing in mind. He reached an hour distance drive in less than forty minutes and bolted in. He ran upstairs and checked his whole room but didn''t find her. he saw in the living hall where her works sheets, mobiles, and assignments were present.


    He picked her mobile to see forty-seven missed calls, and neen messages from him. He checked the gym, terrace, around the pool and near theke but didn''t find her anywhere.


    Then he entered the guest room which she hardly enters but saw Aria had got all the paintings of Rian which he had bought.


    He sighed shaking his head in resignation. He saw a ss of water and the medicine on the bedside table to realize that she was taking a high dosage medicine to recover quicker and that makes her drowsy.


    He couldn''t believe he had forgotten that the past days that Aria always slept in his office resting room after lunch saying she was sleepy.


    After the country E''s incident, he knew he started to worry a lot about her safety even though she had high security in country A.


    He didn''t return to work instead, he removed his vest coat before snuggling her to sleep.


    Aria must have sensed his warmth and presence hence she tossed and went to his embrace before falling into a deep slumber breathing in his scent.


    She had wanted to keep nkets for washing hence she had gone to the guest room to get it and her eyes fell on the boards which were neatly packed and kept safely.


    Curious, she unpacked to see Rian''s paintings. So she checked each and everyone to realize, n had bought Rian every painting in which she was present.


    Watching those paintings, she didn''t realize when she fell asleep.


    On the same day, with n''s help, both cleaned the storage room and bifurcated to seventy percent of the room for making as their gallery.


    n had thought Aria mightugh at him but he was getting pampered the whole time.


    They heard calling bell and Aria was leaving but n suddenly lifted her off the floor.


    Aria was startled and intuitively wrapped her legs around and held him tight to realize what she just did.


    Aria flushed and was about to get down, n sat down on chair locking her movements.


    "n... Rian is at the door."


    "Want to go?"


    Aria nodded as she tried to loosen her legs as her hands created distance between them.


    n saw her flushing sitting on hisp trying to run away. "How are you going to thank me?"


    Aria pointed paintings, "For those?... I don''t know. What do you want? I''ll get you that? Now let me go, Rian is waiting."


    "Kiss"


    Aria: "..."


    Aria looked at him in the freeze. <em>''Crafty president...''</em>


    She felt her headache hearing continuous calling bell sound "I... I will giveter. Let me go."


    Of course, he knew she would escapeter, now for Rian, she had no option other than listening to him.


    "Now."


    Aria: "..."


    She knew why he was doing that. She never initiated and he had failed many times already to make her take a step.


    "Let Rian stand outside."


    n nodded and called Rian on speaker from her mobile.


    "Hey Little devil, are you alive? Open the door now. Eva wants to use the washroom. Get your as* off to the door."


    Aria didn''t know Eva and Noah were there. "Beau..."


    "Rian, ask your Little devil to make it quicker."


    Aria: "..."


    "Little devil, I''ll beat you up if you don''t open door in less than a minute."


    Aria: "..."


    Rian hung up feeling frustrated standing near the door for nearly ten minutes.


    "You scheming President, let me go."


    "Oh"


    Aria gritted her teeth and pecked on his cheek, "Leave."


    "Are you sure, I asked there?"


    Aria felt like crying. She pecked on his lips and heard, "That''s it?"


    She punched his stomach, "Eva wants to use the loo, I''ll giveter, let me go."


    n chuckled and carried her till the door. She was about to open the door, n pressed his lips on her cheeks making her blush before he elegantly went upstairs to work.


    Rian twisted her ear, Eva ran into the guestroom, Noah smacked her head without knowing she had wound.


    Aria whined till Rian left, "Looks like Little devil just needs her fiance. Did you forget school?"


    Aria rubbed her head and ear as she went towards the couch. Eva smacked her bum and started scolding her.


    <em>''n, you will die in my hands today.''</em> Aria thought to herself.


    Later she had bit n''s lips until he frowned harder and she escaped nimbly downstairs to continue her work.


    The other two copied Aria''s book, Rian and Ariapleted Aria''s some notes.


    They were almost done, Rian exploded a bomb, "I am thinking to date... Roxy."


    <em>''Boom''</em>


    And their teasing session started.

 Chapter 146: Permission to bully my wife

    Chapter 146: Permission to bully my wife


    n didn''t send Aria back with Rian and tagged her along for a few more days.


    ...


    After knowing Isaac was back in country A and was at Morgan Entertainment, Aria went to pick him letting n attend the meeting in the Skyline Industries.


    She entered in a low profile in her simple formal dress and ballerina when she entered thepany. She had just asked the reception about Isaac but somebody sneered behind her.


    "These little girls... They just think they can get Senior Ross just because they are young."


    Aria turned to see the celebrity who was raised to fame after I Turner reached the bottomless pit. Aria felt like sess gets inside the head for the celebrities after small-term fame.


    Hearing that, the receptionist didn''t tell which was Isaac''s manager''s office either.


    "Call the security and send her out." That celebrity named Ava ordered and went inside haughtily.


    The security quickly reached near Aria and was about to ask her to leave, he identified her immediately, "President Cooper?"


    Aria merely nodded and spoke when call connected, "Isaac, I''m at the reception."


    The security asked her to have a seat and brought her water which obviously caught the eye of Ava from the first floor.


    Her agent took the cue and howled, "Security, don''t you know, fans aren''t allowed inside."


    Why they are getting offended?


    Because that actress Ava was in love with Isaac. She had purposefully postponed her shoot and reached thepany to meet Isaac.


    Seeing Aria beautiful and elegant, importantly very young, they thought Ava might lose the chance to be with Isaac who might like to meet his pretty fan. But however it might be, Isaac wasn''t least bit interested in anybody.


    Aria saw the troubled face of security and asked him to go back to work without worrying.


    Isaac happened to reach the same floor and waved his hand at her actioning ''I''ming.''


    Aria nodded with a smile back as greeting. The actress who noticed him quickly followed Isaac to the elevator.


    "Senior Ross!"


    Isaac nodded as acknowledgment.


    That actress continued like a demuredy, "Senior Ross, I got a good script. I heard you haven''t taken any drama yet. I think you should go through it once. You will definitely like it."


    Isaac rejected with a straight face and walked towards Aria, "No thanks."


    That actress knew other than acting together, getting Isaac''s time was next to impossible. "Senior Ross, why don''t go through it once? You will really like it. How about I narrate you the story tonight after your work?"


    She quickly signaled her agent to send Aria aside to make space for Isaac.


    "You... Didn''t we ask you to leave? Go..."


    Isaac acted quicker before that agent''s hand reached Aria who was ready to snap the agent''s fingers if he dared to touch her.


    Ava and her agent froze. They heard Isaac''s oppressing tone and his cold eyes made them shiver. "Don''t you dare touch her."


    Aria chuckled returned his friendly hug, "Isaac, the role I chose you will cent percent suits you. Except for Skyline, I''m going to invest too."


    Aria had seen a script of a military officer. When she had heard about the story from a writer and director in a meeting where she was actually time passing, half a way through the story, before the manager, she had agreed to invest seventy percent from her and Skyline Industries suggesting Isaac for the role.


    Isaac showed a displeased look, "It''s just a cold and emotionless character. Why are you so excited about it?"


    Aria pouted, "Fine don''t act. You looked so cool just now. Why do you want to be a man for the girls who just want to have one nightstand? I want to change it to ''Dream husband'' or ''Dream man to marry''."


    Isaac walked out with herughing at her exaggeration. He hadn''t experimented much with roles because he wanted a strong footing in the Entertainment. Now he has it, his agent and he was searching for a challenging role and Aria sent him the perfect script which he liked.


    Both exited ignoring staggered people around them. It was the first time many of them had seen himughing.


    The security didn''t want to offend the agent and the actress Ava hence he apologized to them for not following the order. He also informed them why he didn''t follow their order making the actress stumble and stutter scaring that she couldn''t be like I Turner.


    But to Aria, she was just an insignificant person and even forgot about her. After reaching the restaurant, the duo ordered and they were served by the time n reached.


    Half a way through lunch, Aria received a call from Eva. Aria excused herself out so that Isaac shouldn''t feel awkward.


    "Eva"


    "Arrie,e and pick me."


    Aria furrowed her brows hearing Eva''s hoarse voice. "Stop crying. I''ming."


    Aria hung up hearing her response. She went inside and informed, "Sorry, It''s urgent and I need to go. My friend needs me."


    Only n understood <em>''My friend''</em> was Eva whereas Isaac thought must be some friend. Isaac nodded in understanding, "Don''t drive fast."


    Aria hummed, "I will give you permission to bully your wife today."


    n was speechless.


    Isaac chuckled hearing her and saw her hurriedly leave. "Did anybody tried to harm Aria again?"


    n unhurriedly briefed.


    "What about her defense skills?"


    "Green belt but.."


    "Wow! That..."


    "... Two days her limbs swollen after the test." n finished before Isaac could appreciate Aria.


    Isaac burst intoughter. "Why didn''t you stop her when she couldn''t? That poor little thing. Stop torturing her."


    n didn''t respond. If he knew she was in pain, he wouldn''t have let herplete the test. But his little fool didn''t flinch and gave her all before crying in his arms saying it was so painful.


    Hence he stopped pressuring her to learn too.


    --


    Aria picked Eva whose eyes were swollen. "Where do you want to go?"


    "Far away. I don''t want toe back."


    Aria sighed and handed her water to drink. She drove straight to the Cooper mansion confirming the housekeeper Sophia was present.


    Aria consoled Eva without knowing the reason.

 Chapter 147: Effacing the choco ganache

    Chapter 147: Effacing the choco ganache


    Eva wanted to drink so Aria didn''t stop her but Aria fed her food too so that she doesn''t drink alcohol on her empty stomach.


    The housekeeper stayed nearby if in case Aria and Eva need something.


    Since it was cold, Aria didn''t allow Eva to go to the terrace or outside and both sat near the firece. Aria didn''t drink to take care of Eva who started talking after she was mildly drunk.


    "Arrie, I don''t want to go back home. I will stay with you."


    Aria agreed as she was angry and sad, "Alright. Only we will stay here however long you want."


    "You are so good. You understand me so well. Why Dad doesn''t understand me? I don''t want to get engaged to anybody...."


    She started counting on fingers which Aria didn''t understand, "I am just eighteen." but she showed eight fingers to Aria and continued, "Why can''t they understand it. I just wanted to do graduation in literature in country U so he is asking me to get engaged to some man working as State foreign service who is working in that country. Arrie, I don''t like him, I don''t want him. I don''t want to get engaged..."


    Aria moved next to her as he patted her back hearing her say as she sobbed.


    Aria understood the whole situation.


    The Fourie had long back decided to what to do with their education. Rian was flying to a country A for graduation in art and painting. Aria was flying to country S for her business and financial studies in top one college with full terms schrships. Noah didn''t get a seat in that college so he selected another college which was in Country E.


    Simrly, Eva wanted to do graduation in literature in country U which their parents had agreed too but her father''s urge to protect her made him want her to getting engaged to a state administration man so that she could have one to rely on their absence.


    Eva continued to cry as Aria consoled her saying they could convince her parents. But she suddenly asked, "Eva, don''t you like somebody? Why don''t you propose him and introduce him to your parents?"


    Eva suddenly stopped crying and sat straight like a statue looking at her Aria nkly. Thetter unknowingly got nervous due to her intense gaze.


    Aria felt like Eva was going to hit her due to her alcohol influence and emotional imbnce.


    Aria suddenly widened her eyes when Eva jumped on her but she hugged and cried harder than before."Eva?"


    "That stupid man likes some other woman. How can I propose to him? Arrie, why am I turning into a loser?..."


    Aria didn''t know whether Noah or Rian liking anybody. Noah was hell busy finding a suitable candidate to look after his Zoah sports when he leaves aboard so he had no time to even sit and have chat with them.


    Rian? Other than Roxy nobody was pursuing him sincerely and he wasn''t pursuing anybody.


    Rian?


    Aria cut in, "Eva, do you like Rian?"


    Eva sat back again staring at Aria. "Rian?... Your Beauty?"


    Aria didn''t know how to react other than humming under her gaze.


    Eva tasted pastry, looked at Aria and again burst into tears hugging Aria before revealing whatever happened in the game chat. Meanwhile, Aria used Eva''s mobile and checked their chat.


    Aria badly wanted beat somebody. She peeled Eva away from her and chided, "You muddle-headed, did you ask Isaac whether he likes somebody else or who was that somebody?"


    What she forgot was Eva wasn''t on her senses. Eva had paused crying while talking so she again started crying.


    "Arrie, why are you scolding me? Even you don''t want to understand. I don''t want to get engaged to that state forest man. I rather stay alone than looking at that man cold face all day..."


    Aria almostughed out hearing <em>''Forest''</em> instead of <em>''Foreign''</em> and hugged her, "How can I scold my darling god? How about marrying you off to Isaac? Will you marry him?"


    "No..." Eva replied instantly wiping her face on Aria''s shoulder. "... That dumbass likes somebody else."


    Aria again asked, "How about we two will beat him up till he agrees?"


    Eva paused and spoke, "I will ask Rian and Noah to beat him up then we two will beat him... No... We will ask Prince to break his bones. We will admit him to the hospital only if he begs me. Then I will make him kneel.."


    Aria''s face was bright red controlling herughter hearing Eva going on and on about how to deal with Isaac. She knew Eva will forget everything the next day whatever she was telling.


    Eva cried for a long time and had dinner obediently when Aria fed her.


    The housekeeper Sophia and a few maids wereughing hard when Eva insisted on feeding Aria. But her clumsy hands had made Aria''s half of the face smeared with dessert.


    n entered to see Aria stopping Eva. The housekeeper and maids bowed him with a respectful greet before standing far.


    Aria covered her face as soon as she saw n.


    Eva saw n and smiled trying to stand up stumbling on the ground. "Arrie, I will go and sleep now that Prince is here to take care of you."


    <em>''Who was taking care of whom?''</em>


    Eva made it sound like she was taking care of Aria.


    Aria was surprised how obedient Eva became after seeing n swaying towards stairs.


    Eva climbed two steps and sat down before lying their to sleep searching for a nket.


    "Where is my nket?... I want my nket. nkie... nkie..."


    Aria couldn''t control and burst intoughter.


    n signaled the housekeeper and maids to help Eva and sat right in front of Aria on the floor rug and pulled her to him startling her.


    Aria flushed seeing him at close proximity and their position as she tried to control her heartbeats. His one long leg was around her on the floor and another leg knee was folded locking her between his long legs.


    When the housekeeper and maids tended to Eva, n held Aria''s chin up and tasted the chocte smeared on her face.


    "n" Aria tried to stop him but he pulled her closer hearing her mellifluous tone and continued leaving her to blush heavily clutching his waistcoat tight.


    Aria could only sit and feel his lips effacing the choco ganache from her face.


    n always liked to tease her and getting a new way, he didn''t let go of it cherishing her reactions thoroughly.


    Aria pushed him hard and lowered her head when she heard maids voice.


    n too stopped seeing her embarrassed thinking somebody saw them. He pulled out tissues from the box as he tenderly wiped the leftover smears carefully holding her hands.


    The housekeeper and the maids were awestruck looking at the young couple because of their position which hadn''t changed yet.


    Anybody could say how much n treasures Aria by his every action.

 Chapter 148: Alan will kill me

    Chapter 148: n will kill me


    n''s adam''s apple moved by looking at her gaze as she batted her long curled eyshes asionally, "Stop looking at me."


    His low, deep voice made her blush again and darted her eyes around. She had thought he might think her as dirty hence she had covered her face.


    Little did she expect he had many skills.


    n carried her up in his arms hearing her ask, "Were you really single? You seem like well experienced."


    n leisurely responded with a straight face, "I just love your skin on my lips. Do I need experience for that?"


    Aria blushed involuntarily. <em>''Fine, you win, I lose.''</em> She thought to herself looking at his perfectly sculpted face.


    She got fresh quickly to escape to Eva''s room if in case she needs her or she starts crying in the middle of the night but was pinned on the door before she could leave.


    "n..." She helplessly called.


    He whispered in her ear, "Cheater"


    Aria knew why he said it and heard him, "Sleep soon." He kissed her forehead and let her go reluctantly without troubling her.


    n worked till midnight. He checked on Aria to make sure she was sleeping before going to bed...


    n had restored the gym in the mansion which wasn''t used for a long time. Aria finished her ariel Hammock in the adjacent section before going to him.


    Seeing him carry forty-kilo weight in a hand, Aria tried in both hands and failed which made n chuckle.


    n reced weights with Aria in some of his exercises making her feel like little kid ying small games. Butter he kicked her out as her weight wasn''t enough for his usual weighing exercise.


    "You don''t weigh anything. Just a waste of time."


    "Which idiot told you to make me sit on it? Brainless fool." Aria retorted standing outside the gym.


    n silently chuckled and got back to the workout. Aria received a poke on her shoulder and turned to see Eva'' grinning.


    "Couple exercise!"


    Aria pulled Eva''s cheeks instead, "My Lord Eva if you don''t want me to reveal your drunken state to anybody, be obedient. Mwa~"


    Eva asked, teased, pleaded, threatened but Aria didn''t tell anything and fed her big bowl of soup hearing her spections about herself.


    Aria left her to specte more asking the housekeeper and the maids to keep the things to themselves.


    Eva tried hard to remember but she didn''t remember anything after she had told about her father that he was forcing her to get engaged.


    The trio got fresh and her spection still continued.


    n didn''t know what had happened other than, "Ms.Miller, you had just smeared chocte pastry on your wife''s face. I just had to clean it."


    Aria flushed, <em>''Do you call that cleaning? That''s taking advantage of me.''</em>


    Eva''s eyes were wide open before bursting intoughter. "I never saw her like that. I wish I could remember it."


    "Try now. I don''t mind cleaning again." n said looking at Aria who was gritting her teeth as she blushed.


    "Aunty Sophia, from next time Eva will be sleeping on stairs with her <strong>''nkie''</strong>."


    Eva choked on her food hearing<em> ''nkie''</em> and turned to stairs to remember she was sleeping on the stairs and maids helping her upstairs.


    It was Aria''s turn to gloat and saw her actioning to ask, <em>''Did Prince see me like that?''</em>


    Aria brightly smiled as she nodded.


    Eva covered her half of the face and ate without looking at n in embarrassment.


    n had some work to which Aria gave him a displeased look taking Eva out in her car.


    "Aria" n couldn''t do anything other than seeing her car driving off. He knew Aria didn''t like him to work on Sundays when he wasn''t on business trips and prefers him to rest.


    He could only finish work soon and n dinner with her to coax.


    Aria took Eva to the mall. They shopped, watched a movie before going to a restaurant for lunch.


    Eva was confused thinking why Aria took a private room for them when they could eat in the restaurant. They had ordered food but Aria excused herself to use the restroom.


    Eva was waiting for Aria hence she spoke when the door opened, "Wifey, how long were you nning to take in... rest... room?"


    Eva stared at Isaac and he looked at Eva.


    Aria had called Isaac for lunch or appropriate to say forced him to have lunch with her saying she had a fight with n.


    Both didn''t notice the door locking from outside.


    Isaac thought Aria must have called Eva too. He gave a faint smile, "How are you?"


    Eva nodded, "Good... Did Arrie call you here?"


    Isaac nodded and sat quietly. Both were stealing nces but didn''t dare to speak anything.


    Eva felt somethings off seeing Aria didn''t return even after fifteen minutes, "I will juste."


    Isaac just nodded who was waiting for Aria''s reply to his message asking how long was she going to take.


    Eva pulled the door but she couldn''t open. She tried her all but couldn''t.


    Isaac then noticed and went to her, "What''s wrong?"


    Eva responded as she knocked, "I can''t open the door."


    Isaac too held the same door handle and pulled but no use.


    Eva turned to see Isaac right next to her and involuntarily flushed when her eyes met his but lowered her head and moved aside to let him try.


    Isaac tried his best to be unemotional and knocked on the door but heard no response.


    Aria didn''t let anybody or passing by waiters or her bodyguards to open the lock.


    When the knocks on the door increased, the manager reached there to check.


    "President Cooper?"


    Aria just smiled but didn''t reply and didn''t answer the calls from Eva or Isaac.


    Those two heard voices from outside but they couldn''t understand why they weren''t opening the door.


    Eva and Isaac felt their headache. "Arrie, open the door."


    Both voiced quite a few times but received no response.


    "This stubborn girl... what is she trying to..." Eva paused when her eyes brushed on Isaac.


    <em>''Sh*t... Did I say something yesterday?''</em>


    Isaac didn''t want to stay longer with Eva. He had to be cold to himself to stop bothering about Eva. He couldn''t let his emotional defenses to fall off so easily.


    He messaged Aria again, "Aria, don''t do this. Open the door."


    But he received no reply and grunted, "Aria, stop being unreasonable and open the door."


    Aria controlled herself from opening the door and beat them up. She didn''t want to voice their feelings to another one.


    <em>''Muddle heads, can''t you understand why I am doing this? n will probably kill me if you guys again go north and south pole because of my this n.''</em>


    <em>''Somebody give some sense to these two fools.''</em>

 Chapter 149: Hot combination

    Chapter 149: Hotbination


    Aria quickly replied to Isaac''s message, "Sexist Man is Dumbest man, where did your brain go? Haven''t you given up on Eva already? What happens if you confess her? Won''t it be easier to move on hearing the rejection?"


    Isaac read and understood. He felt Aria had a point.


    If he gets rejected, he wouldn''t have to ignore or avoid her. He didn''t have to regret after some years thinking about why he didn''t confess to Eva.


    To live a regret-free life, he decided to give it a try.


    He turned to Eva who was jabbing her fingers looking nkly towards him.<em>''Why is she tensed so much?''</em>


    "Rx, I won''t do anything to you."


    Eva nodded but asked her own question, "Did you confess to your girl?"


    Isaac was taken aback and sat down. <em>''Doesn''t she knows it is her only?''</em>


    Isaac had messaged her in the game as<em> ''She ran away leaving me alone and now she is ignoring me as a stranger.''</em>


    "Did you confess to that schoolboy?"


    Eva stopped jabbing her nails and looked at him in confusion, "Why will I confess to a schoolboy?"


    <em>''Doesn''t he know I told about him?''</em> Eva thought to herself.


    Isaac clearly remembers when he asked about her crush as schoolboy she hadn''t contradicted and even said he had many admirers. He really thought he must be Rian or Noah.


    There was an awkward silence before both asked at the same time


    "Who is your crush?"


    "Who do you like?"


    "You"


    "You"


    It took them time to analyze what they said and how they had misunderstood each other.


    First to react was Eva, "Am I the one who you liked all this time?"


    Isaac promptly replied, "Yeah... Didn''t you like a famous boy in your school?"


    Eva didn''t reply and gritted her teeth. She took her sling bag and started beating him.


    "Pea brained man, when did I say I like a schoolboy? It was you who assumed. Have you lost your mind? Why didn''t you tell me? Why the hell were you avoiding me?..."


    She continued to beat him as she screwed.


    Isaac tried to speak but he didn''t get a chance. He understood Aria got to know about Eva hence she created a way for them instead of saying them directly.


    He was too happy to bother about getting beaten.


    Another happy one was jumping on her toes hearing Eva screwing Isaac. She sneakily entered and took her bag before standing near the door, "I''m off. Enjoy." She gave them a flying kiss and ran out.


    Eva had frozen hearing Aria which gave Isaac time to seize her and hugged her.


    Eva was panicked and tried to push him, "Isaac, leave me... Who gave you permission to hug me? Leave."


    Isaac smiled, "Shhh..."


    Eva obediently quieted down and stopped beating him too.


    After some time, she smiled realizing they were so dumb and confessed to each other so easily in the state of confusion.


    "Did Aria knew you liked me so she nned all this?"


    Isaac hummed, "You hadn''t told her?"


    Eva shook her head, "Yesterday I must have spilled out when I was drunk."


    Isaac understood who was <em>''My friend''</em> Aria mentioned.


    They sat and spoke as they had their lunch. Both wereughing at each other for their stupidity.


    Aria was dancing in another private room reporting n what had just happened. Thetter had paused his meeting and heard herpletely hearing her ted tone.


    He was happy for Isaac but he was happier to hear Aria and knowing she was happy.


    Aria hung up deciding they would be having dinner with all. Later she told Noah and Rian, they were happy for them too. They were joining them for dinner too.


    Aria strolled in the mall to time pass and saw the new couple. Aria was giggling seeing Eva screwing Isaac and thetter was chuckling under his mask.


    She didn''t disturb them and sat in a cafe. She had just taken a few sips she saw Mian Walker in waitress dress serving a table.


    Mian walker too noticed Aria and smiled bitterly before going to her.


    "Why are you working here?" Aria''s unemotional voice sounded.


    Mian Walker contemted speaking, "I Turner wanted to make use of my dad''s position to help her out but he got caught and lost the job."


    Aria ordered another coffee asking her to sit. She quickly dialed the Managing director of Morgan Entertainment.


    After greeting, she asked directly, "I had heard thepany is recruiting new and young faces. When is the audition?"


    "Mian Walker."


    "Alright. Thank you." Aria hung up to see the surprised face of Mian.


    "There are no shortcuts in life. Shortcuts might take you high but without our capabilities, we can''t stand there long. I have sent you the invite to your number. If you are interested, do participate."


    Aria paid and left promptly without giving her time to respond. She knew I Turner used Mian Walker and thetter wanted to get name and fame leading her to that path. But that doesn''t mean she would let such people near her or Rian.


    Mian sat and cried for some time checking the personal invite card from managing director in her name. She had thought Aria would mock her seeing her state but she didn''t expect the one who would help her at that situation would be the one she tried to malign so many times.


    For dinner, all reached the restaurant which Aria sent them the address. Seeing Eva hiding behind Isaac, the trio teenagers burst intoughter starting their teasing session.


    "My lord Eva, finally you became somebody''s little shy wife." Aria gave a good kick-start.


    Rian fanned himself, "Sexist man and flirty, Hotbination."


    "Look who is blushing red? My wish is finally fulfilled." Noah added.


    ...


    n didn''t give much of a reaction other than serving or feeding Aria when she wasn''t eating.


    Isaac was chuckling from time to time when Eva was trying to run away or cover her face.


    While talking Isaac suddenly asked, "By the way why were you drunk yesterday and spilled out to Aria?"


    Eva punched Isaac for giving one more topic for Aria to narrate and tease her endlessly. Noah and Rian wereughing their a*s off without control hearing Aria''s vivid description.


    Isaac wasn''t sure how to react knowing Eva''s father setting her up with some state administration man.


    n heard Eva was nning to go country U, he knew Rian going to Country A so generally asked, "What about you two? Which college are you guys choosing?"


    Noah said in a displeased tone, "I didn''t get a seat in S university where Aria is going so I''ll be in University E."


    n''s grip on the spoon increased greatly knowing about Aria from Noah as his face darkened.

 Chapter 150: Ignoring her pleas

    Chapter 150: Ignoring her pleas


    n didn''t know Aria was going aboard and was going to the same university where he studied.


    All suddenly sensed the atmosphere tense. n kept his spoon down. He turned to Aria for an exnation but she smiled, "I got all terms schrship too."


    "I''m full." n stood up and left abruptly.


    "n" Aria called out in perplex but he had left.


    Isaac asked, "Arrie, haven''t you told to n about it?"


    Aria realized they never spoke about it. "Nope. I got seatst year itself so I never thought about it and that topic didn''t raise between us."


    Everyone over there knew how protective n was about Aria.


    Eva hit her own forehead, "Go and talk to him. Duffer, you are going for five long years, not just three."


    "Five?" Isaac asked in bewilderment.


    All saw Aria running out and Isaac continued, "n will not allow her to leave his sight and that too so far away country."


    "Why?" Eva asked in confusion. "Aria had worked hard to pass the entrance examination of university S"


    Rian hummed, "It''s her favorite university to study. She will not stay back to study here."


    Noah added, "I had asked her to choose different college so that she won''t be alone but she had rejected me."


    Isaac who knew n''s n which nobody had idea couldn''t help but feel tense.


    Those two were sensible but were strong-headed. He was sure Aria would be getting hurt badly this time or might affect their rtionship too.


    After dinner, Isaac had to drop Eva to the Cooper mansion as she wasn''t ready to go to her ce. Her parents knew she would be with Aria and in the Cooper mansion so they gave her time to analyze and decide.


    Isaac offered to stay behind with her but Eva had kicked him out of the mansion before closing the door.


    Noah returned back to his home and spoke to his family before going to bed.


    Rian reached and reported his parents that n didn''t have any idea Aria was going to study in Country S.


    Both Amelia, Rowan knew when Aria got the seat in that university. Even they had forgotten to bring up that topic to n.


    Both tried to reach Aria and n but the duo didn''t answer the call panicking them and praying one topromise for another one.


    On the other end, n had left before Aria could reach the entrance of the restaurant.


    She tried to call but it wasn''t answered. After trying a few times, it was the same.


    She hopped in her car and left towards n''s vi. She sped on the highway but didn''t find his car because n had sped on the highway too and was in his vi.


    He didn''t know when she had arranged all those but he couldn''t believe she didn''t feel the necessity to talk about it with him even once.


    He was thinking to make her join in the college which was in City B or maximum he would allow her to the neighboring city. He didn''t expect her to decide to go so far away to study.


    He took shower and sat to work but thinking about Aria leaving made him difficult to focus. He had just taken a cigarette out, Aria reached, "n"


    n threw the cigarette away knowing Aria''s rhinitis acts up with the smoke.


    Aria went to him and spoke, "n, it actually went off my mind to tell you about it. I didn''t want to hide from you. Duringst year''s summer break when I had been to Country S, I had..."


    She couldn''t continue and heard, "Aria you aren''t going anywhere. Am I clear? Shower and go to bed."


    n left from there after saying.


    Aria was patient, "n, It''s one of the top colleges, you studied over there and you know better than anybody. I got a seat withplete schrship. I had really worked hard to get there. I want to study over there."


    n clenched his fist to remain calm and spoke without looking at her, "There are colleges here too. Choose one and go."


    Aria had to run behind him downstairs as she tried to justify, "How can wepare University S with colleges over here? These colleges don''t even rank seventy in the world. n, what''s wrong with studying in that college?"


    n held her arm and spoke looking right in the eye, "Aria, you are not leaving here and going anywhere. Do you understand? I will not let you go anywhere. Kill your dream now itself."


    Aria bit her hearing him <em>''Kill your dream.''</em>


    When Oliver had asked where she wanted to do her graduation, she had said she wanted to do it in one of the top universities. Oliver had given her full freedom to choose whichever stream and wherever she wanted to study.


    In fact, Oliver had told her to go for the Fashion industry seeing her y with sketches whenever she was free but it was Aria who wanted to help Oliver in business hence she chose Business and financial management.


    "It isn''t like I''ll leave you. I''ll study there ande back in five years."


    n who was drinking water paused and smiled mockingly. He had thought three but it turned out as five.


    "You are grown-up to decide everything by yourself. Ms.Cooper, it seems like you don''t need me anymore."


    Aria went behind n ignoring his mock but thetter closed the guestroom door on her face.


    Aria never thought n would make her choose between him and her education or career. She wasn''t ready to leave one for the other one.


    Aria bit her lips to control her tears and knocked on the door. "n, let me talk..."


    No response.


    "n, open the door..."


    No response.


    "n, talk to me... n, It''s just five years... n, I will be careful over there... n, listen to me..."


    She tried numerous times that night as she knocked on the door but got no response.


    She hadn''t stopped even when her legs started to cramp standing a very long time, her throat felt dry and her fingers started to sore.


    n didn''t sleep the whole night either. He couldn''t afford to send her to a different country.


    He didn''t want to scold her, he knew she wouldn''t agree if he coaxes her so he wanted her to give up herself and agree to him.


    The knocking stopped when it was dawn. He breathed a sigh and contemted before going out to see Aria sitting on the floor leaning on the wall as she frowned in sleep.


    Seeing tears mark on her face, he sat down and gently caressed her cheek from which Aria woke up with a jerk.


    "Aria..."


    The rest of the words stuck in his throat looking at her gaze. It wasn''t a pleading or shy or loving or surrendering or mischievous gaze.


    It was a disappointment.


    Yes! She was very much disappointed by how he treated her the whole night ignoring her pleas.


    n tried to hold her when she stumbled in her heels due to her ankle pain but Aria pped his hands and left the vi without a word.

 Chapter 151: Grow old with me

    Chapter 151: Grow old with me


    n tried to call Aria''s number but it was switched off due to low battery. He thought to talk to her in the evening and left for his office without having a mood to eat anything.


    Aria straight went to the Cooper mansion knowing Eva was in there. Eva didn''t have her uniform and she wanted to skip her ss.


    Aria didn''t have a mood to do anything so she went straight to her room andid on the bed. Since she hadn''t slept the whole night and was physically tired, she soon dozed off.


    Before sleeping, she had called Isaac to inform him to take Eva out who wasn''t going to school thinking to apany her.


    Eva checked on Aria to make sure she didn''t have a fever or wasn''t crying and just sleeping. After asking the housekeeper Sophia to take care of Aria, she went out with Isaac.


    Rian had thought Aria might go to school but she wasn''t there. Noah and Rian called her but her number was switched off. After knowing from Eva, they went to meet her after school


    The housekeeper Sophia had forced Aria to eat something at two in the afternoon. Seeing Aria againying on the bed, Sophia tried to talk but Aria whined and sent her out.


    Sophia anxiously paced worrying about Aria until Rian and Noah reached.


    Rian filled the bathtub and the duo sent her to the bathroom seeing her still in previous days'' clothes.


    Aria halfheartedly soaked in water. She didn''t expect n to outrightly reject her without properly talking to her. She didn''t cry but she didn''t know what to do.


    She wasn''t ready to back off. She didn''t want to make a choice between them.


    Her train of thoughts broke when she heard a knock on the door followed by, "Hey! Little Devil, did you sleep inside?"


    "Coming," Aria responded and soon exited in leisurewear.


    Two boys knew she wouldn''t agree to drop off the education abroad and they couldn''t talk to n either so they cheered up Aria. Since Eva wasn''t going back home, Aria stayed behind letting the boys leave.


    But her smile didn''t stay long and n grimly entered the mansion.


    "Why is your mobile off?"


    Aria pouted and didn''t reply.


    n checked it to know she hadn''t charged it. He had probably called fifty times to reach her before going there directly after knowing from her bodyguards.


    Seeing her safe he ignored it and kneeled in front of her to talk, "Is it really important to study over there? I''m here if you face any problem during college or work, I will help you out."


    Aria didn''t reply.


    n continued, "I will help you whenever you are stuck. The education here and there doesn''t make much difference."


    Aria contradicted his statement, "n, If education between that university and here doesn''t make much difference then why is every higher-level employee under you have studied in top best universities."


    n wanted to sit and calmly coax her but Aria rejected at the beginning itself.


    "You are heiress of Skyline Industries. How does it matter where you study?"


    Aria''s contemptuous smile appeared on her face. "n, I might be heiress but I never intended to go straight up to the higher position because of it. I will only take over if I''m worth to that position."


    n frowned but didn''t lose his temper. "What do you mean?"


    Aria spoke calmly, "I and Dad had long back decided I start from white-cor employee and make my way up to director before taking over from Dad. I don''t want to sit in that position just because I am the daughter of Oliver Cooper."


    n clenched his left fist tight. He knew it would be hard to convince her so easily but he didn''t expect it to toughen by her every response.


    "Alright, how about I work till you feel as capable? You can go to the business school in the capital city." It was the top business school in the country.


    "Do you mean the business school which gave a fake certificate to its heir who didn''t attend even a single ss? n, that school was never on my list."


    "Aria" n grunted as he stood up. "Can''t you understand my intention? I don''t want to send you to faraway ces."


    Aria who had jerked back when he shouted her name, bit her lip looking down.


    "n, Hadn''t you said your dream is to <strong>''Grow old with me''</strong>? How would it feel for you if I say, <strong>''Kill your dream''</strong>?"


    n''s breath twitched hearing her. He knew he had said <em>''kill your dream''</em> but he didn''t expect her to use it on him about them.


    He threw the thing which was in his hand and pulled her up. Seeing her look aside he held her chin to face him, "Are you saying your studies abroad are more important than us? Aria, you are really heartless."


    The tears rolled down on her cheeks as she responded, "You don''t know how much you mean to me and I can''t exin either. I never had and never will have Love or education as a choice. I want a career with love."


    n left her hand tried to wipe her tears but Aria ran towards the wall and collected the broken pieces of her mobile which n threw.


    n realized he had broken her mobile in anger. He remembered what she had told about the mobile one day, <em>''This is the first thing you bought for me.''</em>


    He felt something tug his heart painfully.


    Aria was leaving upstairs, n called her, "Aria, I will get a new one. Throw them away."


    Aria bit her lip hard controlling her emotions and turned to him, "No Thank you. I can buy it..."


    She paused before continuing, "You know very well, I don''t like to depend on anybody when I do anything. Even with thepany, when I take over, I will work independently without burdening you. For that, I want to and I have to be strong. If you help behind me then there is no meaning whether I''m handling thepany or you."


    After finishing, she ran upstairs and locked herself in the room.


    Isaac and Eva had entered to hear only thest part.


    n was frozen in his ce.


    Of course, he knew very well Aria didn''t and never liked to depend on anybody. The more he tried to make her depend on him, the more she was trying to be independent.


    Even though she shows her weak side only to him, about the rest of the things, she voluntarily and efficiently handled.


    He had thought to spoil her to the extent she couldze her full lifetime letting him look after both thepanies but nothing happened that way.

 Chapter 152: A torch in the dark

    Chapter 152: A torch in the dark


    Isaac and Eva who reached n saw him looking upstairs. Isaac patted n''s shoulder.


    Eva thought to clear Aria''s intention for n, "Young master Morgan, Aria always wanted to lower the burden of Uncle Oliver. It wasn''t only because as she says she doesn''t want to be dependent, it was also because she used to see him tired and worn out. She wanted him to rest so she worked hard. Simrly, she just cares too much about you. Even though this was all decided before you entered her life, the pressure she is giving to herself now is very high because you stand too tall for her. She doesn''t want anybody to say she got lucky just because she is a rich heiress. She just wants to match you to stand next to you."


    Isaac shook his head at Eva because n never liked to listen to anybody. Even he thinks multiple times to talk about sensitive things.


    Eva nodded and left two men. She went upstairs and knocked on Aria''s room door but she didn''t open it. After a few tries, Aria spoke trying to sound normal without knowing Eva had heard her.


    "Eva, I will talk to you tomorrow. I''m very sleepy."


    Eva could only sigh and go to her room. She knew well Aria would neverin about n and never show herself hurt in front of her or others. She knew very well only n could solve.


    Isaac carefully asked n, "Don''t you think you are going hard on Arrie? If you want to look after bothpanies, talk to her, tell her the reason."


    n didn''t react instantly. "Do you think I haven''t asked her that?"


    Isaac could only leave seeing him give a cold shoulder.


    n went upstairs and tried his best to coax Aria to open the door, Aria kept the pillow on her ears long enough but she couldn''t hold herself make him stand outside for more than half an hour.


    She opened the door but went to Eva''s room and slept so that n could sleep in their room.


    Eva stood awkwardly seeing n trying to coax Aria to talk in a low voice. Aria got irritated and sat up, "Go and sleep. I want to be alone."


    "Aria"


    Aria looked at Eva who entered the bathroom to give them time. "n, I couldn''t make myself rest when you were standing at the door. But I waited for more than six-hour for you to open the door to talk to me. Who do you think is heartless? Why am I heartless just because I used a few words? Why am I..."


    "Aria, why can''t you understand that I can''t afford to lose you? We just know each other for less than five months and you are talking about leaving me for five years to a different country."


    Aria held his hands and tried to make him understand, "If you are thinking I might like somebody over there, listen to me, I will never forget you, you are the who came to me with a torch in the dark. So time means nothing, the character does. A person in two months can make you feel what a person in many years couldn''t."


    Seeing him silent Aria didn''t know how else to make him understand. She left his hands, "I don''t want us to fight anymore for this, so, please..."


    n wanted to talk but seeing her look away from him, he could only exit the room. When he was unmindfully keeping the wristwatch on the dressing table, a wooden box caught his attention.


    He opened to see two broken mobiles. One was broken because of him and another one was broken by him. He suddenly felt remorseful looking at it. He soon left the mansion too.


    When n left the room, Aria called Eva out and slept without answering her questions.


    n many times wished Aria should have been a dumb and careless girl which would have made things a lot easier for him.


    --


    n sent her a new mobile but Aria didn''t use it. She didn''t return to the Morgan mansion either.


    Whenever n called her number, it was still switched off. He couldn''t help and think about Amelia.


    He went home the next day evening after work. "Mom, stop her from leaving the country."


    Rowan responded instead, "Arrie had worked really hard to pass the entrance exam."


    n clenched his fist, "You guys knew about it?"


    The duo hummed, "After her exams, she had joined us in Hawaii for vacation. When she got the call from the university, we all heard them together. Arrie was very happy at that time."


    n had thought at least his parents could convince Aria. Hearing them he understood, they weren''t stopping Aria.


    Without a word he left for his vi without knowing what to talk about if he goes to Aria.


    --


    Aria got to know Eva decided to talk to her parents. If they don''t listen to her then she would tell she likes Isaac and she was dating him.


    "Do you want me toe with you?" Aria asked.


    Eva nodded her head rigorously making Isaac smile. "You have to talk about us, why do you want Aria for that?"


    Eva sheepishly smiled, "Argue with Arrie you will be tongue-tied. So if I''m at a losing end, my goddess will save me."


    Isaac already had a taste of it long back. "Arrie, You are ying a major role between us."


    Aria faintly smiled, "You guys better be happy. If anything happens between you two, all will chase me to beat me up."


    They continued to talk for sometime before dispersing.


    Aria didn''t have the courage to turn on mobile. She didn''t want to fight with n again but she also didn''t want to avoid him.


    Feeling her head heavy with the conflicted thoughts, Aria dozed off and didn''t realize when n entered her room.


    n hadn''t talked to or seen her so he couldn''t make himself sleep hence he went to her.


    He gently caressed her head sitting next to her thinking of how to convince her to stay, and she didn''t have to work hard to match him.


    But he left at dawn without letting anybody know.


    ---


    Aria and Eva reached thetter''s home after breakfast before her father leaves for his work.


    Both greeted them and Eva directly came to the point, "Dad, I don''t want to get engaged to anybody. I will finish my studies and return back to the country."


    Eva''s father had thought Eva was taking time to ept but not as reject so obviously he didn''t like what he heard.

 Chapter 153: Counter attack

    Chapter 153: Counter attack


    "Eva, I''m not agreeing to that. I will not leave you to stay alone there."


    Eva nced at her mother who was asking her to ept, "Dad, I can look after myself and I don''t need anybody. Stop giving my studies as a reason for you to set me up."


    Eva''s father didn''t like how Eva''s voice raised to reject. So he said straight, "Yes, I''m taking that as the reason. Eva, we are worried about you and want you to engaged and marry a stable working settled man. What''s wrong with that?"


    Eva rolled her eyes, "If worried about my safety then appoint a bodyguard for me. It doesn''t make sense to getting engaged for that."


    Eva''s father stood up hearing her reject every time, "Then stay here and study. I''ll not send you anywhere."


    Eva pulled Aria''s hand. Thetter patted her backhand and spoke, "Uncle, please tell us what you are actually worried about."


    Eva''s father faintly smiled, "Arrie, make your friend understand it''s not safe to be alone in a different country."


    Aria too stood up to face him, "Uncle, I''m going to country S and Eva is going to Country U. Both countries are famous for education hence the administration over there provides high safety for students especially girls. But the safety of the women ratio in our country is lowpared to those countries. If I''m not wrong, the President held three conferences to talk about this topic and how to manage it in thest year where even you attend each of the meetings. So which country is safer?"


    Eva was controlling her grin. Aria''s important ability was to justify without raising voice which makes the opposition agree or think what she said has a point.


    Eva''s father''s thoughts wavered a little but he still stuck to his n. "Here we are present. There we won''t."


    Aria nodded leisurely, "You are a hundred percent right uncle. But what''s the use of your presence or absence after she goes through the problem? Uncle, if it''s your insecurity, wherever Eva says you will give the same reason. So it doesn''t actually make sense."


    Eva''s father found hard to argue with Aria. Eva''s mother spoke, "Arrie, aren''t you engaged too? You have found a very capable man. What''s wrong in us finding a capable man?"


    "Mom" Eva didn''t think her parents to bring about Aria.


    Aria smiled faintly, "Auntie, my situation and Eva''s situation arepletely different so please don''tpare. About me and n being together, it wasn''t set by the Morgan family or my Dad. I and..."


    Eva cut in, "Young master Morgan and Arrie love each other so they are together."


    "But our Eva doesn''t love anybody."


    "Uncle, Eva is just eighteen. Why are making it sound like she is thirty and should get married soon? There is a long way for her."


    Aria knew Eva wouldn''t tell about her and Isaac if she couldn''t handle her parents. Aria didn''t like her choice but she supported her.


    Eva''s parents went to their elderly role and sat down, "You kids don''t understand our worries."


    Aria scrunched her brows. She really wanted tough at it but she didn''t, "Uncle, please let me know your worries. If Eva is older enough to get engaged, why isn''t she older enough to know your worries? If we are kids to understand your problems, why aren''t we young for the arrange engagement, marriage, and dates?"


    Eva couldn''t take it, "What is your problem? Do you think I will date or get married to a caucasian man? Dad, I am dating and I have no ns to elope with any foreign man."


    Aria smiled patting her back. Eva realized she just told off in anger.


    Eva''s parents shot up from their ce, "When did that happen? Why didn''t you tell us? Is it Noah or Rian?"


    Aria and Eva could see their happiness but they furrowed their brows hearing the name. Eva answered, "Dad, Mom, they are my friends. I like Isaac Ross."


    Aria and Eva saw the disappointed look on their face before they sat back. "That celebrity who came with Rian and Noah."


    Mother hummed and spoke, "President Morgan''s friend."


    Aria and Eva both clutched their fist tight seeing them looking down on Isaac.


    "Eva, aren''t Noah and Rian are good looking too? Why are you dating that actor?"


    Eva said through clenched teeth, "It''s not about the good looks."


    Aria spoke, "Auntie, Uncle, I''m sorry to say but it doesn''t suit yourself to judge Isaac without knowing him."


    Eva''s parents didn''t take them seriously, "These actors and celebrities have no future. Eva, don''t get serious about him. I''ll find a good background, financially stable man for you."


    Eva startedughing sarcastically.


    Aria crossed her arms, "Good background? Financially stable? Uncle, I''ll make sure what you said now will be taken back in just a few hours... Eva, call Isaac here and now."


    Eva stood up, "No, I don''t want my parents to insult him."


    "Insult? Eva, I''m sorry because I''ll not be giving a face to your parents."


    Eva was confused about why Aria said it that way. Her parents heard Aria''s unyielding tone and decided to know what was so good about an actor and reject their rtionship right on their faces.


    Eva went aside to call Is. Aria too went aside to call a number.


    After returning back to the living hall, nobody talked and sat awkwardly for two hours and two cars reached the vi back to back.


    Isaac had brought n hearing Eva say things were taking a huge turn and Aria was standing by Isaac when her parents didn''t like him.


    An unknown man who was wearing a cap entered the hall who nobody knew excluding Aria, "Little miss, The information you asked."


    "Thank you. You can leave now." Aria said amiably and went through the file.


    n tried to know the man in ck who left but he didn''t know. Aria and n looked at each other but didn''t speak.


    Aria dropped a few sets of photographs on the table, "Justify."


    Eva identified the man in the photograph. He was the man her parents were trying to set up. But her smile widened seeing the pictures because it was pictures of that man cuddling a foreign girl in a restaurant.


    n and Isaac were astonished. The former understood Aria wasn''t as simple as she looked and her father trained her rather well.


    Eva''s parents looked at the photographs in bewilderment. "I... I ran an investigation and it was clean."


    All looked at Aria to know her counter attack.

 Chapter 154: Im the least important person

    Chapter 154: I''m the least important person


    Seeing Aria keeping a pen drive they understood she was very well prepared with everything.


    "Uncle this pen drive has those pictures. You can ask the state IT department to know if they were edited and this also has about every single article of Isaac which will also prove the character of the man Eva likes and the man you chose."


    Isaac and Eva felt like apuding for Aria.


    Eva''s parents didn''t know how to react.


    Aria continued, "Finance and family background is nothing in front of the character. Still, I''ll satisfy your needs."


    Aria kept a few papers on the table, "List of Properties under Isaac''s name."


    She kept another set, "His list of investments in different businesses."


    She kept another file, "His father and mother information. Uncle, I''m sure you know his mother."


    Isaac was in utter shock. n was just seeing Aria. He didn''t know Aria''s capabilities yet.


    Eva alternated her gaze between Isaac and Aria because she never cared about what Isaac had and they were yet to talk about their parents.


    Eva''s father stuttered looking at Isaac''s mother''s picture and her working profile, "Sec... Secretariat of state administration."


    Aria continued in her mellow voice, "Uncle, Acting is just a job. Just because some celebrities misuse their appearance and y around doesn''t mean everyone is the same. Just because some will have no jobs and financial safety after a certain age, everyone doesn''t have to be like that. Just because Isaac stayed low profile doesn''t mean he has nothing. I am sorry if I am too harsh and cold but I really hope you understand Eva and stop judging Isaac."


    Aria turned to Isaac and Eva, "Talk to them."


    Both were admiring Aria who left outside to let them talk about their private matters. n too followed her out and saw her pacing near her car.


    "Aria"


    Hearing the gentle voice, Aria didn''t think too much and hugged him silently.


    n realized she was tensed about Eva and Isaac. He didn''t ask anything and embraced her caressing her head gently.


    He knew Eva was leaving too after two months and Isaac was totally fine with long distance even if he was getting just sixty days with her.


    He couldn''t make himself to send Aria so far. He still wanted Aria to stay back with him.


    Both didn''t talk and were standing to wait for Isaac and Eva.


    Inside the vi, Isaac formally introduced himself and asked not to worry about Eva. If her parents weren''t happy with Eva staying in the female dormitory, he could get a t or vi nearby which will have high security. If needed his mother could arrange security for Eva.


    Eva was astonished to see her father hear so obediently without rebuking.


    Then her mother apologized for judging him and asked him to stay for lunch as Eva''s father wasn''t going to work.


    Eva was overjoyed knowing her parents had no problem with Isaac. She ran out calling Aria.


    "Arrie... You are the true goddess. My parents agreed."


    n had to support Aria from falling back when Eva ran to hug her in joy.


    Aria breathed a sigh of relief and apologized, "Sorry, I was rude to your parents."


    Eva giggled hugging her tight, "Wifey, You didn''t even sound rude. Why aren''t you boy? I would have married you... No, why am I not a boy? I would have eaten you by now."


    Isaac and n looked at them speechless.


    <em>''Like seriously? How can you abandon your boyfriend just like that?''</em> Isaac thought to himself.


    "I just treated your girl well and she stood by me. n, why did you steal my cutie school goddess?"


    n was again rendered speechless seeing the new couple eyeing Aria.


    Aria was happy seeing Eva happy and she doesn''t have to do anything against her will.


    Eva asked excitedly, "Are you guys staying for lunch?"


    Aria spoke before n, "No, it''s a wee lunch for Isaac. Our presence isn''t appropriate. Call me if you want me for anything."


    Eva nodded with a hum in understanding.


    Isaac pulled Aria''s cheek, "Thank you."


    Before Aria could do or say anything he asked mischievously, "Were you nning to date me? How do you know so much about me?"


    Eva spoke before Aria, "Isaac, stop dreaming about my goddess. She is just mine."


    n was like, <em>''Am I invisible to you guys?''</em>


    Aria responded bobbing Eva''s head, "I asked two hours back to get your information and got them."


    Isaac gave her two thumbs up, "Getting my mother''s information is damn difficult and the man helped you must be too intelligent."


    Aria didn''t respond to it. She sent them back to the vi. n had to hop into Aria''s car as he had gone in Isaac''s car.


    He spoke seeing Aria drive in silence, "Let''s have lunch first."


    Aria just hummed and drove to a nearby restaurant. n didn''t like the silence between them but he knew if they talk, eventually they would argue about her studies aboard.


    n didn''t talk but held her hand took her upstairs to his office. Aria didn''t object when he took her to the meeting either.


    While returning back to the office from the conference room, Nathan casually spoke to Aria...


    "Young Madam President, you got admission to the fashion college too. I forwarded the mail from your father''s mailbox to you. By the way, Young Madam President, won''t it be too heavy to manage college, fashion designing course, and part-time works?"


    n paused hearing him. He remembered Nathan had gone to Hawaii too with his parents.


    When both Aria and Nathan looked at him, n spoke, "Seems like I''m the least important andst person to know about you."


    Aria clenched her fist to remain emotionless. She had no intention to hide anything from him but hearing him making it as she wasn''t giving him importance, Aria really didn''t know how to convince or tell him his importance for her.


    Nathan realized he took the wrong topic and went ahead excusing himself.


    Aria knew if she talks they would start arguing which she didn''t want to happen. When Aria lowered her gaze, n walked off towards his room. She bit her lip seeing his back.


    Aria didn''t want topromise on her studies. She wanted to do how she had nned with her father. She didn''t want Skyline Industries which Oliver worked so hard to lose its authority and value when she takes over.


    Aria went towards the elevator and left alone.


    n had guessed Aria wouldn''t go to him after hearing hisment.He called Nathan inside and asked, "What''s with that fashion designing and part-time work?"


    Nathan was used to n''s awful moods hence he replied the fact.

 Chapter 155: A love that nourishes my all hidden dreams

    Chapter 155: A love that nourishes my all hidden dreams


    Nathan: "President Morgan, Since I was with Chairman Morgan duringst year''s vacation, I had heard Former President Cooper and young madam President discussing with Chairman Morgan, Madam and Second young master. Young madam President will be studying in college and will be attending the evening college of fashion designing course.


    First two years, she will be doing an internship rted to fashion. During the final year graduation and two-year master''s program, she will start working as a part-timer or an intern in the Skyline branch with the studies. Young Madam President''s n is to work as a normal employee making her way up in three years before taking over here."


    Nathan who thought n might ask about details but heard, "Scat."


    Nathan couldn''t understand why he was angry but he left the office room.


    n couldn''t believe Aria had no n to visit Country A during the holidays either.


    It was like five years she wouldn''t be there in his life.


    He had thought she would return and work in Skyline headquarters before taking over but it wasn''t. She had apletely different n and take over from him when she returns.


    As he got to know one by one, it only made him difficult to agree.


    He tried to disperse his thoughts and worked. Many executives and Nathan got screwed badly for their simple and smallest mistake due to n''s terrible mood.


    n was working overtime when he received a call from Isaac.


    "Alright." He just responded a single word hearing him and left the office.


    ---


    Aria who had left Morgan industries didn''t know where to go.


    She knew Amelia and Rowan would be worried if they hear about them. Since Eva was staying in her home so going to the Cooper mansion wasn''t required.


    While thinking, she got a call from Calvin. Hearing him, Aria agreed and went to meet him at a cafe.


    Aria didn''t show anything on her face and spoke generally. As they continued, he took about her education.


    Aria replied about her n.


    Calvin responded in admiration. "Little sister, it''s hard to get heiress like you. Everybody wants to enjoy what their parents did and hear you are thinking to prove your worth."


    Aria just smiled without response.


    Calvin asked, "Is President Morgan really letting you go for five long years?... I don''t think he will agree."


    Aria looked at him but had no answer, "Why?"


    Calvin nonchntly responded, "Little sister, Long distance rtionship isn''t as easy as it sounds. Upon that my little sister is so beautiful. Many will try to get you."


    "Basically it''s about trust." Aria mumbled before asking, "When girls trust their man, why can''t the man trust too?"


    Calvin chuckled hearing her, "Little sister, you are very innocent. You know, that''s the reason why girls always get cheated on... (ahem) Don''t worry, your man will not do that."


    Aria bitterly smiled. She already told n nobody could take his ce if he still doesn''t trust her, she had no way either.


    They continued to talk for a little more time before dispersing. Aria''s mood was awful hence she entered the nearest karaoke club and took the whole private room for herself.


    She didn''t know how many songs she heard and how much she drank either. She used the washroom and was returning back, she entered the wrong room which was crowded.


    Aria turned to exit, her bodyguard opened the door to bring her out, "Young madam, your room is next door."


    Aria nodded and left.


    Isaac was in the same room which was the celebration dinner of his recent movie. He saw Aria exiting with her bodyguard.


    He bid the Director and left for Aria''s room. Her bodyguards knew Isaac hence they didn''t stop him.


    Isaac saw more than a dozen beer sses on the table and Aria trying to change the song. He had thought she might be with friends but didn''t expect her to be alone.


    He was still digesting what he just saw, Aria saw him, "Isaac, look. I can''t change the song. Change for me please..."


    Isaac smiled seeing her sound adorable. He realized Aria was drunk seeing her being too cute and innocent passing the remote.


    He changed the song and heard Aria pping for it. He couldn''t control it and chuckle.


    Drunk Aria was just a little kid.


    He made her sit and asked the wrong question, "Why are you drinking alone?"


    Aria became quiet. She didn''t open her lips and kept pressing the calling button until a waitress rushed in.


    "I want two... no... five beer."


    The waitress courteously replied and left.


    Isaac tried many times but didn''t get a reply and tried again, "Did you eat anything?"


    Aria shook her head, "Do you distrust Eva for leaving you here and going to Country U?"


    Isaac got the idea of why she was drinking, so he wanted to try to clear her mind. "Arrie, n wants..."


    Aria looked away hearing the name and Isaac couldn''t help but chuckle. He badly wanted to ask, <em>''Are you angry? You look so cute.''</em>


    But he went out seeing her gulp down another big ss of beer.


    "n, Arrie is drunk. Come and pick her, I''ll send the room number and address."


    After hearing the response, he sent the location and room number and entered inside to see Aria finishing the third ss of beer too.


    He tactfully said he wants to drink instead of stopping her directly and took the other two sses away.


    Isaac wasughing hard seeing her increase volume while trying to change the song and cover her own ears as she screamed at the monitor to lower the volume.


    Thinking she would hurt her throat, he quickly lowered the volume and kept the remote of the hi-fi system away from her.


    "Haaa It''s so peaceful now." Aria sat back saying it.


    Drunk Aria actually thought volume lowered because she asked it to lower.


    Isaac''s face was bright redughing too much for a long time. Seeing her sleep on the couch, he made her sit and asked without taking n''s name.


    "What''s going on little head of yours?"


    n entered hurriedly and heard Aria.


    "Isaac... Hmmm... I don''t know whether I should give up or I should wait... Why can''t I have a love that helps me focus on my career? A love that gives me strength when I fall weak. A love that nourishes my all hidden dreams. Otherwise, to the hell with... No no no... I''ll trust him. I know he will understand me. He will..."


    The rest she started mumblingying her head on the table which Isaac didn''t understand and looked at n''s indecipherable face.


    "n, you..."


    "Thank you."


    Isaac understood he was asking him to leave understanding he doesn''t want to talk about them.


    Isaac left their private room and went to his ce.


    n rubbed Aria''s head but her first reaction was to create distance between them.


    Except for n, nobody knew how much Aria was affected after Toby Lewis trying to defile her. The sudden unknown skin contact always freaks her out if she didn''t know who was around her.


    Aria identified him and harmlessly smiled poking his cheek standing on the couch.


    "Are you really here? You know, yesterday I got a dream and you were sitting next to me caressing my hair but when I opened my eyes, <em>boom</em>, you disappeared. See since I didn''t see you, you came in my dream."


    n removed her hair strands away from her face, "Did you eat anything?" because there were only sses on the table.


    Aria blinked a few times looking at him. n realized she got to know he was present and she wasn''t dreaming.

 Chapter 156: Sign a marriage certificate

    Chapter 156: Sign a marriage certificate


    Aria got down from the couch, searched her bag silently, and walked out as if she wasn''t drunk.


    n rubbed between his brows reminding himself that she was drunk. He followed her and saw her paying the bill andter taking the driver''s seat in her car.


    He carried her out before she could close the door.


    "Ahhhh... let me go... let me go..."


    n knew to stop her shouting, "If you don''t want me to eat you up in the car. Be quiet."


    Aria widened her eyes and kept her forefinger on her lips blinking at him.


    n had no mood to smile but he couldn''t help but let his lips curl up looking at her adorable innocent behavior.


    After making her sit on the shotgun seat, he drove her to the Morgan mansion.


    Amelia and the housekeeper Lilly helped Aria to change seeing her drunken state.


    n who showered checked on Aria to hear her mumbling. After knowing she was thirsty, he helped her to drink and sat on the bed pulling her to his arms.


    "Do you really want to study so far?"


    He heard her hum in a half-asleep state.


    "Can''t you stay with me?"


    He saw her snuggling and wrapping her hands around him making him sigh.


    "Aria, can''t you study here staying with me?"


    He didn''t hear any response and soon realized she was weeping when he felt his shirt wet.


    He tried to wake her up to stop her from crying but Aria who wasn''t sober continued crying.


    Rian who heard n''s continuous concerned voice checked Aria''s room to see Aria crying and n coaxing.


    Rian leisurelymented, "Bro this is nothing. When she actually has to leave you for a different country, she will cry for weeks. She is just seeing one side of the coin now."


    Rian raised his hands in the air and left seeing n re. He closed the door while going out.


    n cuddled her to sleep feeling his heart tug uncontrobly seeing her cry on. When she stopped weeping falling into a deep slumber, he wiped her face before going to his room.


    ---


    Rian got to know whatever Roxy told him was the truth. He asked her to talk to Aria but Roxy refused. He didn''t mention Roxy to Aria either.


    Rian sent her the university information where he was joining and didn''t contact her again.


    Rian thought to try if she was willing to join the same art college as him but seeing no reply and her absence in the school, he didn''t think too much.


    ...


    It was about a week, Roxy excitedly went to his desk and kept her admission letter on his desk.


    Aria, Eva, and Noah saw it and gave thumbs up before letting the two have their time.


    Aria and Eva were teasing Noah for sometime before watching the yground as they reminisced their school days.


    "It feels like we grew up too fast."


    Eva hummed to Aria. "I can''t believe we are so grown-up to even have a boyfriend."


    Noah turned to them who was sitting in the front, "Are we still going to be the same even after our graduation?"


    "Of course Little one." Aria tousled his hair as she said.


    "We will have new friends and it''s inevitable. These two boys will be grown-up men. Will that really make no changes between us? Will ''<strong>The Fourie</strong>'' canst long with add on rtionships and responsibilities?"


    Aria didn''t reply thinking about her five years n and they heard Rian''s voice who wounded his hands around both the girls'' necks sitting between them.


    "Flirty, if you forget us getting new friends and boyfriend, I''ll chop your hair short."


    All chuckled hearing Rian.


    They spoke for a long time and decided how they were going to meet during their three years of graduation, promising each other that they would be the same.


    Roxy who was standing at quite a distance was smiling seeing the four hugging. Even though in the shortest amount of time she couldn''t get close to Aria, she was happy that she got to go with Rian.


    Now she could officially say as<em> ''I''m dating Rian.''</em>


    ---


    It had been nearly another week since Aria and n saw each other and spoke.


    The exam was nearing. Since the four weren''t writing the national college entrance exam, there wasn''t necessary for extra preparation.


    Aria still helped all the ssmates in her ss stayingte at school.


    When one of the days she exitedte sending other students, she saw n standing near her car patiently waiting.


    n was passing by and saw Aria''s car so he sent his car back to the office and waited for her.


    He thought she would ignore him but Aria went straight to him without showing any emotions on her face but her eyes were enough and said it all.


    n had missed her too much so he wrapped his hand around her without a word.


    The security had to ask them to leave to close the gates seeing them stand silently for more than fifteen minutes.


    Their way to the Morgan mansion was in silent mode.


    Seeing n enter with Aria, others thought onepromised for the other one.


    "What have you guys decided?" Amelia asked at the dining table.


    Aria''s hand quivered lightly, filling her eyes but didn''t reply. n nced at Aria and didn''t reply.


    The other three understood they were still on negatives so the rest of the time dinnerpleted in silence.


    While entering her room, Aria spoke mildly, "Don''t investigate the man who helped me. Dad had introduced him to me when I wanted to learn hacking and stuff... He treats me as a sister so please."


    n furrowed his brows, "Do you think I don''t trust you so I investigated? Aria, I don''t want anybody to take advantage of you so I investigated." but anyway he got no information.


    Aria asked before entering her room, "Then why didn''t you ask me first about him before investigating?"


    n didn''t have the answer to that.


    He didn''t want to say he wanted to know how well Aria was prepared to run her business and her hidden support system. Because getting Isaac''s information especially about his mother wasn''t as easy as she got in two hours.


    Seeing the distance between them growing gradually with so many misunderstandings, Aria was on the verge of giving up.


    n also knew if the current situation grows, probably Aria leaves and they would have to live like strangers.


    Seeing Aria sitting on the floor looking outside nkly, he bent and scooped her up in his arms.


    Aria was a little startled butposed soon. n had lightened the firece in his room. He sat opposite it on the floor mat leaning on a chair, keeping Aria in his arms.


    Aria gingerly spoke after sometime, "How about we sign a marriage certificate before I leave?"


    "Aria." He wants to marry her but not because of it.


    Aria sat up facing him, "Will you be happy if I drop off going to University S and study here or seeing me happy?"

 Chapter 157: We will marry

    Chapter 157: We will marry


    "Of course I want you to be happy, Little dummy." Else he would have forced her to be in the country itself.


    "Then why aren''t you happy to send me there? Shouldn''t you be happy knowing I got a seat in such a good college?"


    "Aria, you are smart, you could excel in whatever you want studying anywhere."


    "n, I might try my best to excel at this middle level. But I want to reach your level."


    n cupped her face as he spoke "Aria, I''m at no level. I''m just me for you. You don''t have to pressure yourself for what others think."


    Aria shook her head, "I don''t do for others. I want to do it for us. I want to do for myself."


    n patiently exined, "Aria, you were attacked quite a few times and you know that which others don''t. How can you expect me to send you so far away? Do you think I can be at ease here leaving you there?"


    Aria held his hands down from her face, "So it isn''t about trust. It''s about fear."


    Even though n wanted to say no, he said yes. "Yup"


    "n, you had told me not to live in fear. Fear will stop our growth."


    n furrowed his brows and grunted. "Aria."


    Aria jerked back due to his sudden increase in tone.


    Aria took the fruit knife from the fruit basket which was on the coffee table and handed it to him.


    "If it''s about fear, why don''t you end it? I don''t want to give up because of fear, I don''t want you to worry about it either. If I can''t be your strength, I don''t want to be your weakness either. Instead of living in fear ying as the other one wants, end it today."


    n''s eyes were bloodshot hearing her asking him to kill. He controlled himself from giving her across the face clenching his fists tight, "Get out."


    Aria unknowingly shivered as his voice echoed in her ear but she didn''t move.


    He stood up, dragged her to the door, and pushed her out before closing the door.


    He sat on the armchair breathing heavily.


    He knew her who always gives a straight reply with an instance but he couldn''t take it that she dared to say it to him.


    It''s true he didn''t want to live in fear. He also knew Aria didn''t like to live in fear either. He knew Aria never liked to be a weakness of him or y by the rules of a man who was ying behind the scenes.


    Those weren''t the only things stopping him, there were many more things, and ''five long years isn''t a short time''...


    He didn''t know how long he sat and thought about Aria and them but he suddenly remembered Aria had waited outside the room door in his vi and bolted out to see her still standing keeping her gaze down.


    He hugged her tight feeling his heartache, he felt so hard to breathe that his hands tightened around her.


    He didn''t notice his slight tremble remembering how he treated her hours back when she tried to calmly make him understand.


    "You little fool." He understood his importance to her without a need of a word.


    Amelia breathed a sigh of relief when n opened the door.


    When they had heard the door crashing the door frame to close, they had seen Aria stumbling and again standing back near the door wiping her cheeks.


    Rowan had stopped her from going to Aria because Amelia would cent percent chide n for treating Aria that way and the matter wouldn''t resolve between Aria and n.


    If they couldn''t be on positives, Rowan wanted Aria to decide firmly about what she wanted to do to which they were ready to support her even if it was against n''s will.


    The tensed one in them was Amelia who had paced in her room for more than two hours seeing Aria stand like a statue without going to her room.


    Rowan breathed a sigh of relief and forced his wife to bed to rest.


    n was helpless seeing Aria cry. He took her inside the bedroom and tried to coax her to stop crying and he wouldn''t raise his voice again but those were making her cry harder.


    n heard her between broken sobs, "If you don''t want, I will not go anywhere."


    As soon as he pushed her out of the room, she felt she was losing him which she couldn''t afford. She was ready topromise on anything but n wasn''t in it.


    "Will you be happy giving up on that college?"


    Aria didn''t reply and the answer was very obvious.


    n carried her towards the bed as he spoke, "I will allow your five years of education and working ns but for the rest of the things you will do as I say."


    Heid her on the bed when he finished saying it which Aria misunderstood and started crying, "Why do you want to force on me?"


    n was speechless seeing her covered with a duvet. He knocked on her head, "Do I look like an animal to you?"


    Aria sniffed as she thought about it, "Eva said there is nothing like a gentleman. It''s only for outside people."


    <em>''I have to warn Isaac to keep his girlfriend at bay.''</em> n thought to himself looking at Aria.


    Even though he felt like teasing her, he preferred the main issue and embraced her with the duvet leaning on the headboard. "I meant to say, I will arrange rest the things like where you will be staying, your security..."


    He listed quite a lot of things that Aria listened carefully as she stopped crying.


    n pulled out wet tissues and wiped her face gently as he continued every important to misceneous things to her.


    Aria spoke atst, "Is my safety is so much at risk? Are there so many trying to harm me?"


    Seeing her cover him with the same duvet, n pulled her close kissing her forehead. "I don''t care. I just want you to be mine."


    Seeing her wrap her hands around him rubbing her little face on him indicating nobody else can get her other than him but n asked moving her hand to her waist, "Are you seducing me now?"


    "n" Aria screamed hitting him and making him chuckle.


    He left her and cupped her face, "Never talk about harming yourself."


    Aria obediently hummed went to his arms.


    "I will not let you out of sight after five years."


    Aria again obediently hummed.


    n again listed many things and Aria agreed to each one of them as she fell asleep in his warm embrace.


    "We will marry once youe back."


    n heard her hum in sleep.


    "I will eat you up now."


    n chuckled hearing her hum.


    "My Dummy!" He hugged her tight and fell asleep peacefully after many days.


    He had thought to send her while thinking about her before opening the door. Hearing her giving up for him he understood she would give up anything for him.


    So he decided to be her strong support instead of stopping her growth.

 Chapter 158: She was going to kidnap him

    Chapter 158: She was going to kidnap him


    Seeing Aria snuggling in his arms repeating, <em>''Little long''</em> for two hours, he couldn''t help but threaten.


    "If you are not getting up now, I can''t guarantee whether I will be a gentleman."


    Aria didn''t take seriously, "You won''t do any... n!"


    He nibbled on her neck hearing her whimper his name trying to stop him. He continued as he heard her amative tone.


    Aria was bushing heavily when n let go of her. "I like your... voice." He finished it near her ear before pulling her out of the bed.


    It was more like her voice while moaning his name.


    Aria punched him and ran towards the mirror to see marks on her neck and shoulder. <em>''Eva was right. There is nothing as a gentleman. Sob. Sob. Sob...''</em>


    n was chuckling seeing her peeking outside and closing the room door due to a maid. Aria checked again and ran into her room before running into the bathroom.


    He had really missed every small thing between them. He regretted ignoring her and being angry with her for so many days.


    Amelia and Rowan saw Aria happily running around beating Rian for teasing her. They understood n agreed to send her.


    Rian quickly opened the camera and took pictures of embarrassed Aria in n''s arms who carried her to the dining hall without letting her off...


    "Aria will stay with me from today." n informed his parents atst before taking her out.


    "Forget about Little Devil. Bro will not leave her." Rian said looking at Aria going around n asking him hundreds of questions.


    As n said, he didn''t let Aria stay anywhere other than with him. He picked and dropped her to school every day. If she was free he tagged her with him all the time.


    The movie shooting which Aria chose for Isaac had two more month time to start so Isaac didn''t choose much work between that.


    He apanied Eva most of her free time.


    Then the Fourie got busy with their exams.


    ---


    n had asked Nathan to take the appointment of Harold Stanley to which thetter agreed instantly.


    n alone reached the Stanley mansion who was weed by butler before he was led to the backyard where Harold was ying chess with his son.


    "President Morgan, what a pleasant surprise! Please have a seat." Harold was very courteous to n due to Aria.


    His son and n just nodded at each other as greeting. It was same for the Harold too.


    He sat and watched them ying.


    Five minutes...


    Ten minutes...


    n never had such patience hence he moved a chess piece by himself.


    "That''s checkmate. Dad, I won."


    He hadn''t even finished, n spoke, "Shall we talk now?"


    Harold cued at his son who left ncing at n obviously disliking his arrogance.


    But Harold diverted the topic, "President Morgan, let''s y one round."


    n''s eyes narrowed at Harold which didn''t matter to thetter. He arranged quickly, "You go first."


    n started.


    Harold didn''t know n was a champion. Seeing his moves, he thought n was naive but at the tenth move, n ended the game.


    "Now?"


    Harold who was studying the chessboard sat back looking at n. Harold gestured him to talk.


    n directly went to the point, "I want Your Highly Trained Top-notch Confidant for Aria''s safety in Country S for five years who I will test personally."


    n noticed a smile on Harold''s face when he mentioned Aria''s name.


    Harold nodded, "Sure. Young man, I like your attitude but you can''tpete against them."


    n gave him an indifferent face.


    "Alright,e to my base tomorrow at ten."


    n just nodded and left without saying anything.


    Harold curiously looked at n''s back and saw his annoyed face of his son. "Dad, I hate this young man''s guts."


    Harold was actually impressed by n who didn''t care about nonsense or how others think about him.


    "Mysterious man."


    --


    n returned to his office and worked till lunch before apanying the Fourie and Isaac for lunch.


    Isaac and n saw nearly forty shopping bags on the floor while entering the private room and heard themughing.


    "Guys, Isn''t it too much shopping?"


    Three pointed at one indicating all shopping was of a single person.


    Isaac turned to leave but n pulled him back by the cor because those bags belonged to Eva alone.


    "I think I should do three or four movies a year, one or two aren''t enough. I can imagine my ounts draining..."


    Eva pinched his thigh under the table but Isaac let out a sound, "Ahhh... Eva!"


    Excluding n, the other three burst intoughter leaving Eva blush in embarrassment.


    Aria then exined, "The clothes rate, pattern, and designs in country U aren''t good. And it''s a cold country around the year except for two or three months. So winter clothes."


    Eva adored Aria, "My goddess is still the best."


    Isaac understood, "Country A and E are hot countries due to their location near the equatorial region. But Arrie, Country S is even colder. What about your shopping? Tomorrow?"


    Aria shook her head, "Shopping isn''t required for me. n is arranging clothes there itself."


    All teased her before Eva enviously saying, "So Aria will not have much luggage."


    Aria grinned beforementing, "Who said? I will take a big trolley bag, roll him to fit inside and I will take him. Important luggage."


    All burst intoughter imagining n in a big trolley bag.


    n rubbed her head fondly.


    From the time she finished her exams, n heard her mention hundreds of times about how she was going to kidnap him instead of saying she was going to miss him.


    They continued to talk andugh endlessly teasing other one.


    The rest of the day Aria followed n in his office.


    Eva went on date.


    Rian and Noah went to meet his male friends.


    --


    n reached Harlod''s personal base at five minutes to ten. He was escorted by a man who was in uniform.


    Harold checked his watch when n entered the indoor gym. The time was a minute to ten.


    He had thought n wouldn''t be on time but didn''t expect him to be right on time in front of him.


    Harold didn''t waste time and pointed towards the fighting mat section for n who removed his leisurewear jacket and wrapped a hand wrap which he received from a man.


    Harold was very curious looking at n''s nonchnce. He thought n didn''t know the training level of hisrades and couldn''t understand why he was there to get beaten up.


    Three top-ranked men under Harold stood near the mat waiting for orders.


    "Dan" Harold grunted.


    A man went on the mat to fight against n who looked weak in front of a six-foot two-inch tall well-built man.

 Chapter 159: Ideas to seduce you

    Chapter 159: Ideas to seduce you


    Both started a fierce fight.


    Harold had thought n would get beaten up easily and would be down in a maximum of five minutes but everyone in the gym held their breath looking at the amazing moves of two men.


    When their fight got intense even after ten minutes, all thought n was losing but he finished in style and flexed his neck and muscles.


    Everyone in the gym was expecting Dan would get up but were shocked to see him fall back.


    When all were looking at n in astonishment, he grunted, "Next."


    Harold snorted another name who was stronger than the previous, "Kan."


    The man named Kan was nearly double-sized to n. Kan had seen n''s all the moves so everyone was cent percent sure n was at the losing end.


    The duo soon started.


    n was actually at the weaker end because he had used a lot of his energy on the first one. n couldn''t get a hit on his face was his other drawback because he didn''t want Aria to see and worry about him.


    Hence Kan used it well and injured n but that doesn''t mean n didn''t attack, Kan was equally injured in the force.


    To the one point, everyone thought n lost when he fell down but he stood back stronger and his attacks got fiercer which Kan couldn''t hold and coughed blood a few times before epting his defeat.


    n spat mouthful blood. He rinsed his mouth and drank some water.


    Everybody looked at n as if he was a man from another because he had just taken down two strong men in the troop back to back without resting.


    n who stood back on the mat, mocked, "Do you have somebody who has a brain?"


    Everyone gritted their teeth. Harold didn''t send the third man and went aside to take his mobile to make a call, "Thirty minutes. My base. Right now."


    His voice resonated in the whole gym making n understand thirty minutes to the next opponent.


    It would be a lie if he says he was fine. He was feeling pain all over. He sat down where Harold prepared for him to rest.


    Haroldter called a number, "I want every detail of n Morgan by tomorrow." He hung after ordering.


    n very well knew what and all would happen if hepetes with Harold''s men so he was very well prepared.


    He didn''t want to take a chance of hiring anybody for Aria to stay near. He wanted somebody loyal, harmless to Aria and he was ready to go to any extent for it. Harold would hundred percent save his face so he couldn''t get a better choice.


    After some time all were shocked to see n lively chatting on a phone call. Harold widely guessed it as Aria because that''s the only time he had seen n''s smile.


    All heard a roar of a bike outside the gym within half an hour. The troop understood who came and saw a young man quickly striding towards Harold.


    "Grandpa, what''s wrong with you? The route from home to here is fifty minutes. You didn''t even know what I was doing."


    Harold gave him an indifferent face and replied, "Aren''t you here in half an hour?"


    Finn''s lips twitched. He knew it was no use to argue with his grandfather. "What''s up?"


    n''s face was dark, "Old master Stanley, are you sure about your choice? Why do you think I will let your grandson be around my girl?"


    Finn furrowed his brows hearing n and looking at him. "What''s going on here?"


    Harold inly exined what n asked and how n won against strong opposition. Finn heard everything and turned to n, "Why does president Cooper need such high security?"


    n didn''t reply other than giving him a nk face.


    Harold had expected it so he spoke, "Finn, I want to stand by words to pay back, and other than you, I don''t think anybody I knew could match up against President Morgan."


    Finn didn''t want to be anybody''s bodyguard but more than that he didn''t want his grandfather to lose his face.


    Clenching his teeth he agreed, "President Morgan, don''t you trust your girl or have higher faith in me?"


    n smirked and went on the mat wrapping his hand with the hand wrap. Finn patted Harold''s shoulder before going on the mat throwing his jackets away and wrapped his hand in no time.


    n was brutal with his attacks so as Finn. For onlookers, they were looking like a cheetah ready to kill the other one.


    There wasn''t only physical strength, both were analyzing the opposition techniques and attacking their weakest area.


    n who had fought twice had a lower end but he wasn''t ready to lose. Finn was on his full energy so his attack remained strong and vicious.


    After about twenty minutes, Harold stopped them seeing them continuously bruise each other without giving up. "That''s enough."


    Both spat blood aside breathing heavily.


    "President Morgan, do you have a death wish?" Harold called his men to treat Finn and n''s wounds.


    n too didn''t continue, "Are you sure about sending the only heir of Stanley far away for five years? His important period of life to protect somebody''s wife."


    Finn felt like n was pointing something to him but he couldn''t point out.


    Harold knew that. He hated the fact that his men failed to win on a businessman. His eyes brushed on his men before stopping at Finn to know what he would say.


    Finn who faced the challenge wasn''t ready to agree so easily, "University S... Get me a seat for studying in the same college. I will be going." With his average scores, he couldn''t get a seat at that university.


    Harold knew Finn wanted to enter the business world so he thought protecting Aria could also help in finishing his studies too.


    n and Finn stared at each other before thetter saw a mocking smile, "Sure. Next weekend you will have all the information about everything."


    n left aside to let them treat his wounds.


    Finn made faces at his grandfather, "Why do you have a useless bunch under you? and this man... He is too mystical."


    Harold nodded and both looked at n who wasn''t flinching even little and sat ramrod and emotionless till he received a call.


    n pursed his lips hearing Aria sing his name, "What happened now?"


    "I can''t believe Mum is giving me ideas to seduce you. She even collected short videos of many series to show how girls make moves. Did you know Mum was nning to tell me all these?"


    "Well, I had guessed... I don''t mind if you try on me tonight. Which one are you nning to choose?" He nonchntly teased.

 Chapter 160: My muddled fiance茅

    Chapter 160: My muddled fiance¨¦


    "<strong>In. Your. Dreams</strong>." Aria shouted each word clearly then continued, "Shall Ie to the office? We can go together back to the vi."


    n sounded normal, "No, stay over there. I will see you there."


    "Alright... Come soon."


    n hung up the call but he knew well she would call back in fifty to sixty minutes again.


    He hadn''t missed noticing her behavior from the time she finished her exams and she realized she would be soon leaving the country for five whole years.


    Initially, she spoke like she was taking him with her. She followed him all around even though he asked her to rest.


    If he goes offsite work for just some hours, she was calling him once every hour for silly things.


    He wasn''t least bit annoyed by that. But he was sure she would start crying as the day of her departure arrives soon.


    He had purposefully sent Aria to the Morgan mansion so that he could go over Harold''s training base. After hearing Finn, now he had to make a quick trip to country S to pull some strings to get a seat for him.


    Importantly, he didn''t want Aria to notice even single bruises on him. So he was reaching home at dinner time and leave quickly.


    After swiftly finishing his work, he had dinner with all. Aria tortured him to take her with him as she was free but he didn''t agree.


    "I''lle back in two days. Be obedient and stay at home."


    Seeing her pout in displease, he pecked on her lips and threatened, "If you cry now, I''ll toss you out."


    "Fine... Go bye." She went on his bed, snuggled under the nket to fall asleep.


    He just loves how she wasfortable in his room. He checked the time and sat on the bed. He spoke to her in a low tone for some time caressing her head so that she could fall asleep faster.


    He wanted to cuddle but he knew Aria could identify the medicine smell on him if he goes near her.


    After making sure she slept, he left for the airport.


    ...


    Eva and Isaac weren''t an intimate couple yet. They were still understanding each other and their preferences.


    After dinner in a restaurant, both were strolling as Eva mentioned how and when they would be meeting.


    "If youe to nearby country U for shooting, then you can drop by there without worrying about Visa. You will get an arrival on Visa for thirty days... Whenever you want to take a break from your work, you cane there itself. I''lle home twice or thrice a year so you better don''t keep any work during those days... Don''t meet my parents regrly, they will only diss me if I''m not present..."


    Isaac was nodding like an obedient puppet of Eva who was ordering him.


    Eva''s parents were very fond of Isaac after spending little time with him. They even offered him to stay with them as Eva was leaving but he turned down without finding it appropriate.


    Eva was green in envy seeing how well her parents were treating Isaac. She couldn''t believe they were the ones who didn''t want her to date him in the beginning.


    They were so close that they were deciding about everything and inform herter if they nned anything.


    Isaac who heard her for a very long time stopped her to face her. He removed his mask and spoke cupping her face.


    "What are you so worried about? I''m not going to have an affair with anybody. Rx."


    Eva flung his hands away and snorted, "I thought you were going to kiss me and you are talking about an affair."


    Isaac pursed his lips hearing her. He just loves how boldly she speaks about it.


    He didn''t want her to think too much hence he never tried anything for more than a month which had already made her ask <em>''Don''t you know to kiss?''</em>


    Seeing her turn around, he pulled her back and went for her pink soft lips. Instead of getting shy, Eva was excited about getting her first kiss near the wishing pond.


    Eva didn''t want anybody to notice Isaac as they would be attracting too much attention kissing in the public ce so she covered his side face with her palms and requited...


    Even though they attracted too much attention, it was verymon near the wishing pond so nobody cared who they were.


    Isaac broke the kiss and pecked on her forehead before asking, "So do I know?"


    Eva who was blushing smacked her lips and said, "One more..."


    Isaac wanted to chuckle but Eva pulled his hoodie down and initiated making him continue pulling her to his arms.


    Isaac knew Eva was dating the first time and her all first was him. Since she was the author of two bestseller romance books and had a wild imagination, he didn''t hold back and melted her in his arms...


    Well, he couldn''t believe he was also liking her shy side when she hid her face on his chest.


    Eva suddenly remembered something and put on his mask before going back to hug her Hottie.


    Isaac chuckled rubbing her head. So he was actually the type who like hyperactive and a little shy girl.


    Both strolled around for a long time before he dropped her home.


    --


    Noah was busy with his family members who were heartbroken to send him for three years away from them.


    Rian and Roxy were on their boring date visiting an art festival talking about arts and paintings.


    Aria and Eva would have told it as boring but they didn''t feel that way and met quite a few famous artists.


    Aria visited the Cooper mansion and met all maids, the housekeeper, and others before returning to the Morgan mansion after dinner.


    ---


    The next day she spent time with Amelia and Rowan other than rolling on the bed bored as hell.


    When she was pulled to the arms in the dawn, Aria punched and slept on top of him asking for a hug.


    The day and night between the two countries were opposite hence they had hardly spoken which had made the little one angered on the big one.


    When Aria woke up, n who was awake flipped her down. "Two days and you didn''t like it. What will you do for five years?"


    He didn''t expect his question to trigger her and start crying.


    "n, I don''t want to go anywhere..."


    <em>''Can somebody please exin what to do with my muddled fiance?''</em>

 Chapter 161: Will five years of time remain the same?

    Chapter 161: Will five years of time remain the same?


    n tried his all but Aria continued to cry for quite a long time.


    Even though he initially wanted her to study staying beside him, he didn''t want her dream to study in the top university to be unfulfilled.


    He wanted to be her strong support without guiding her wrong way just because she fell weak thinking about leaving him.


    Somehow convincing her, he sent her to get fresh and fed her breakfast in the room seeing her eyes swollen.


    He took her with him to the office and Aria followed him all day long holding his arm in a gloomy mood.


    It repeated for the rest of the days almost making him feel like he was babysitting a crybaby rather than staying with his fiancee.


    He didn''t care about anything other than Aria. He was fine to see her every side with him as she doesn''t show it to anybody.


    He was more than willing to be her confidant for their whole life.


    Isaac and Eva nned dinner for three families with Aria. It was theirst dinner before one by one to leave for a different country.


    The parent''s heart was aching to see them leave but Amelia was double worried seeing the two little ones leaving. Even if she was fine with Rian who would be frequently visiting them, she didn''t want Aria to work and study so hard.


    Isaac and n who stood aside saw teenagers chattering and parents sighing. The formermented, "I don''t think when we left to study abroad our parents worried about us so much. These little ones are stealing all the affection."


    n looked emotionless but was more worried about Aria than anyone in there.


    He was many times on the verge to tell Aria to return after just graduation, post-graduation wasn''t required but he controlled himself to be strong.


    If she says she would like to return after graduation, he was ready to say yes for it without a single thought.


    First to leave was Noah andst to leave was Eva.


    The trio went with Wood''s family to see off Noah who calmed his mother and sister who were crying.


    While dropping Rian, Amelia sobbed in Rowan''s arms without getting affected by Rian joking. He lectured Aria and Eva before bidding his brother.


    Roxy was en routing from her father''s ce so Rian was alone when he left city B.


    ...


    n tenth time tried to pack Aria''s things but she kept them away each time, "I''ll join some college here with the paid seat. I don''t want a schrship."


    n made her stand on the armchair to face him but Aria spoke, "How about you shift Skyline and Morgan Industries headquarters to Country S?"


    n sighed spreading his hands. Aria wrapped her hands around his neck with her legs around his waist, "n, I will miss you there. You alsoe with me."


    n didn''t arrange any work and wasn''t going anywhere that day so he pampered and coaxed her whole day as he packed.


    The next day evening was Aria''s flight.


    n had instructed Nathan to give him a fake emergency call and left her in the morgan mansion after lunch.


    Aria waited for him, called him, and messaged him but got <em>''Busy in an emergency meeting.''</em> message each time.


    He knew well she wouldn''t agree to leave him if he goes to see her off. He didn''t want her to be weak at the airport. So he purposefully avoided knowing she wouldn''t throw such a tantrum to his parents.


    Amelia and Rowan didn''t like how n prioritized work over Aria to which she calmed them saying it wasn''t a problem as he was with her all day on the previous day.


    She bid them and Eva who was already crying but Aria wasn''t showing herself as weak.


    "You better send your drafts of the novel to me first. I''ll feed you to a shark if you forget and get along well with new friends."


    Eva chuckled and flirted a few minutes to lighten their mood.


    Isaac bid Aria saying, "I''ll visit you whenever I can."


    Aria nodded, "You better don''t ignore your investor. I''ll watch your ''<em>Commander</em>'' movie screening from there. Give your best."


    Isaac rubbed her head and let her leave. He hugged his girlfriend who had started missing her Goddess.


    Aria kept turning back to see if n came but he didn''t reach her nor even called.


    She opened her clutched fist to see the couple diamond rings she had bought for them. She wanted to give n before leaving but...


    <em>''Five years will be over soon.''</em>


    She repeated to herself and moved ahead while keeping the rings to her bag but she didn''t notice them falling on the floor and rolled over when it got crowded and she got pushed aside.


    Everyone had forgotten five years weren''t short.


    1185 days...


    43800 hours...


    2628000 minutes...


    Too many things could happen in that period of time.


    Many get new love, many break up.


    Many find new crushes, many forget their old crushes.


    Many get busy with their own life and problems giving less importance to what they had prioritized at first.


    The long-distance wouldn''t only make the couple yearn to be with the other one but it could also create lots of mimunication.


    Seeing some other one close could also make them get jealous. Without seeing the one you loved, you could feel loneliness and find another resort.


    As time flies you could drift apart unknowingly affecting badly to the rtion.


    Even if time means nothing, there are numerous good, kind-hearted people ready to do and sacrifice anything for you.


    Trust could be gained easily but losing it once would always leave the permanent mark on the rtionship.


    <em>Will Aria and n ovee all the difficulties, heartaches, heartbreaks, disappointments, insecurities, longing, distance, differences, new lifestyles, opposite opinions, busy life ns, mistakes, personal goals, overprotectiveness, over-attachment, temptation, new beginnings, heavy schedules, opposite day times, five-year growth, arguments, decision making, unnecessary and change in emotions, new people in their life?</em>


    <em>Will five years of time for them remain the same?</em>


    Aria boarded the ne. She sat in her seat and heard, "Hey!"


    She turned to see Finn Stanley who smiled like a cool breeze extending his hand for a handshake.


    A man in the airport caught two rings which were rolling on the ground...


    The two shook their hands in the flight as it took off...

 Chapter 162: You will die tonight

    Chapter 162: You will die tonight


    <em><strong>Five years two monthster</strong></em>


    --- The international Airport, City B ---


    An eye-catchy couple exited the gate. The man was tall and handsome with a faint smile directed at the girl next to him.


    Her longyered hair was swaying looking for where to collect their bags. "It''s over there. Fourth belt."


    The ted mellifluous tone made people around her smile at the girl who was jumping on her toes telling the man.


    The man obviously knew she was very much happy, "Alia, watch out..."


    Alia mischievously smiled at him who pulled her back when she was about to bump into a stranger, "Finn, we are finally here. Oh god."


    Finn Stanley rubbed her head adoringly and reached the baggage section. Both didn''t have much luggage. He took a trolley and kept three bags on it without letting Alia carry.


    Alia was very much busy checking her mobile and bumped into ady, "Sorry Sorry..."


    She apologized and gave an awkward smile at Finn who gently knocked on her head. "Wait... Sit"


    He helped her to sit on the bags and pushed the trolley making herugh. "Finn, am I looking like a little girl? I''m twenty-three... Even those little tots are getting envious of me."


    An old couple who was passing bymented looking at them, "Keep your love safe... Such an adorable couple."


    Finn just smiled and saw Alia checking her mobile note before announcing, "434th time we got thatpliment."


    Finn always doubted her age if it was really twenty-three. He again doubted seeing her stretch her hands to get her down at a man who was running towards them.


    "Little devil!"


    "I''m back."


    Alia announced hugging back the handsome man who was looking funky and stylish.


    Finn smiled looking at Rian who hugged his childhood friend and circled before leaving her down. He watched Noah, Eva greeting and hugging Alia.


    Yeah! Alia aka Aria Cooper.


    "My Comrade is even more dashing." Aria greeted Isaac Ross who was four times the phoenix golden award winner actor in Country A and nominated in many awards at the international level.


    "I must say, my Little Chief is beyond beautiful." Isaac smiled.


    The <em>''Commander''</em> movie gave him a new breakthrough and he was very d Aria trusted him and chose him for it unconditionally supporting him.


    Rian pulled Aria''s ear, "Little devil, aren''t we supposed to be grown-up? You are acting like a small kid excited at the airport. You are spoiled rotten by somebody." His eyes swept on Finn who had a mild smile.


    Aria was grinning ruining Rian''s hairstyle proving that she was a small excited kid at the airport.


    Noah supported his elbow on her shoulder, "Any secret to travel back in time?"


    "Young businessman, My ssmates asked your number seeing your front cover of magazines. Business suit for receiving me at the airport! Not bad President Wood."


    Aria heard a light cough to see Amelia and Rowan reaching them. She happily skipped towards them who obviously looked very happy. "Mum... Pop."


    Rian and Noah moved next to Finn, "Isn''t my Little Devil behaving like younger than before? Was she the same in college time?"


    Finn nodded looking at Aria. "Except in the beginning. I had thought she would be gloomy but from the time we got along well, she is happy, lively."


    Eva nodded with a hum, "We can see that. Thanks, man, keeping her childlike alive."


    It was more like tolerating her.


    Aria turned to Finn, "Finn, Grandfather Stanley is at Morgan mansion. Even Uncle and auntie are over there. Let''s head there."


    She had just finished, Eva held Aria''s left hand, "My Goddess, you got engaged and you didn''t tell me."


    Aria smiled looking at the ring but froze and she asked gingerly, "I had messaged n but didn''t receive his reply. Does he know I''ming today?"


    Amelia, Rowan, Rian, and Isaac looked at each other.


    Rian spoke carefully, "Brother n didn''t meet anyone of us after he met youst time in the country S. He didn''te home even once or receiving our calls."


    Aria bit her lip and spoke dejectedly, "I called him many times but he didn''t receive my calls even once. I... I will talk to him soon."


    Eva diverted the topic, "Hello hello... When is the party? Don''t even think we will let you off. We will clean your pockets, President Cooper."


    All chuckled hearing her.


    Aria''s mood improved and asked, "Why not a pre-wedding cocktail party or a grand wedding and reception?"


    "Wow..." All eximed.


    Eva chased after Aria, "You little cheater... Why didn''t you tell me? You dared to hide..."


    All wereughing looking at two girls still ying around as they used to.


    Atst, Finn held Aria and stopped them, "You didn''t eat much in flight. You will get tired."


    Aria and Eva made faces at each other and hopped on cars towards the Morgan mansion.


    The Fourie was in Noah''s modified stocked jeep rubicon. After chattering generally, Aria poked Eva and whispered, "Did it?"


    Eva and Isaac were living together from the time she returned afterpleting her graduation.


    Eva had whined at Aria many times saying Isaac doesn''t do anything and just cuddles her to sleep. He always helped himself in the bathroom if she seduces him.


    "I sometimes feel like I''m with an old man. He must be weakling. My goddess, my youth is wasting."


    Aria wanted to p on her mouth.


    Eva realized she said aloud hearing Noah and Rianughing hard in the front seats understanding what she meant.


    "These girls are grown up." Noah tried to be emotionless saying it butughed again.


    Eva snorted and got back from Rian, "Mr.Artist, you think I don''t know you and the tough girl were in live-in for two years before returning. Don''t tell me you are a gentleman?"


    Aria knew that but she hadn''t told anybody.


    Noah spoke, "Taken Roxy Stephen''s personality..." He didn''t continue and all burst intoughter.


    "My Beauty cent percent got beaten on his a*s daily."


    Rian gritted his teeth, "Eva, I will make sure you will die tonight."


    Eva didn''t take it seriously and rolled her eyes.


    Aria and Noah''s eyes met at the rearview mirror understanding Rian''s n and zipped their lips.


    They chatted, teased, and flirted happily how they used to. The differences were that the boys were grown tall into young handsome men and girls were having their unique beauty.


    Aria was weed by many of her ssmates, The morgan family without n, The Miller, Wood, Parker, Gray, Stanley family, and other few families.


    The surprising one for Aria was Grandfather Morgan to whom Aria ran over and gave him a hug ignoring all others.


    "Look at my little girl all grown up to be beautiful. Didn''t you miss me?"


    "Of course I missed you. That''s why I will not go anywhere again."


    Aria left him and greeted all before Eva sent her to get fresh and change to a pretty dress rather than the boring sporty wear.

 Chapter 163: Madly in love

    Chapter 163: Madly in love


    Aria quickly freshened up and got ready before going downstairs.


    Amelia elbowed Rowan and said looking at Aria descending the stairs, "I so badly want to steal Arrie. How to change into a young man? I will kidnap her away. Isn''t she very gorgeous? Aww, I''m falling in love with Arrie."


    Rowan, as usual, didn''t know what to do with his wife.


    Eva stood in akimbo next to Isaac, "My goddess rules her title... I love her small waist. I will definitely be a man in the next life to marry my wife."


    Isaac was speechless. He had forgotten Eva''s first wife and her adoration was back.


    Zara wood who was standing with Noah, "Aww, she is sooo beautiful."


    Noah hummed for her.


    "Wow, I thought my Little devil couldn''t maintain her physique."


    Roxy punched his stomach, "If you feed me like a pig again, I will make you a fatso."


    Roxy was a little chubby than her teenage years.


    Finn saw Aria descending stairs gracefully in an Ice bluece appliqued tulle ovey, short high-low dress.


    Without essories, her wless shoulder was enthralling wearing the off the shoulder neckline dress. Her slender long legs on heels made her look taller than usual.


    He felt hard to distract his eyes and smiled to himself.


    Aria''s homing party started and all were enjoying drinks and food. While Aria was taking some rest, she turned to Isaac and mouthed, <em>''n?''</em>


    Isaac shook his head. Aria could only nod and wait for the party to get over.


    When Aria wanted to use the restroom she went upstairs to her room. Then she tried calling n but it wasn''t answered again.


    ''<em>n</em>'' She just typed his name in the message.


    She waited for five minutes but there was no response. She left her mobile in the room and exited.


    She stood by n''s room door for a few seconds remembering when he threw her out of his room.


    She opened the door to look at an enormous Italian decor room but her eyes fell on the refined silhouette under faint light.


    "n..."


    Finn who had just used a guest room heard Aria''s loud voice and ran in front of the room but didn''t enter.


    He saw Aria running into n''s arms wrapping her hands tight around his neck.


    "n, I''m back... I''m back home." Aria excitedly said.


    n embraced her back tight.


    Yes! His little woman was back to his side.


    Three months back he had gone to bring her back but Aria who was the managing director of the Skyline branch had a very important project in hand. She didn''t want to leave in mid hence she couldn''t return with him.


    n wasn''t angry. In fact, he understood her reason but disliked it. He behaved disappointed so that Aria returns to him finishing her work very quickly.


    Finn felt like the little bird reached the safe nest, to its safe home, to its safe arms.


    Seeing her declining to get off from n''s arms and seeing her mesmeric smile which was only at n, his heart skipped a beat like every single time.


    That smile, her happiest tone was never for him. Her important person was never him.


    He had just gone to look after her and study but he never thought he would eventually fall in love with her stubborn love towards n, fall in love with her smile towards n, fall in love with how she always prioritized n in the whole five years.


    Even though he was sent for her safety, she was very safe and sound without anybody attacking her or harming her.


    Both stayed in neighboring vis, went to college together, spent most of the college time together, she taught him, gave him notes but he never happened to be an important person in her life other than a friend.


    But she became most important for him unknowingly, unintendedly.


    She became the one who took over his heart unintentionally.


    Most of the students thought they were dating except a few of their close ssmates. Aria declined their assumptions if necessary and asked him to stay away else he wouldn''t get a girlfriend but he didn''t care about anybody other than her who wanted nobody other than n.


    The ludicrous thing was that five years back until n said he was a good man, Aria kept him away like a stranger.


    Finn returned to the party without disturbing them...


    Aria rested her hands on n''s shoulder without agreeing for him to put her down, "Are you still angry with me?"


    "What do you think?"


    He didn''t continue seeing her pout in displeasure, "I will not let you go anywhere again."


    Aria giggled and wrapped her hands again, "I don''t have any ns of leaving my handsome alone either."


    Both flirted for sometime before Aria took him downstairs.


    The Morgan family had no idea n was in the home. Seeing Aria walk downstairs holding his arm, they understood, n wasn''t angry anymore.


    Rian snorted near them, "Can you guys stay angry at each other''s face even once?"


    Aria smiled, "Roxy, I think you forgot to beat his a*s today."


    <em>Pfft~</em>


    "Little Devil" Rian gritted his teeth and received a punch on his waist.


    "You! How dare you hit me? Enjoy on top today. I will be at the bottom."


    Roxy rolled her eyes. She had many ways to make him go on top without wasting words.


    Harold patted on Finn''s shoulder when he looked away from the couple. The former felt he was responsible for his heartache.


    "I''m fine, grandpa. I hope we don''t owe anything to Alia anymore."


    Harold nodded heart brokenly, "We don''t. Does Aria know why you went there?"


    Finn shook his head, "It''s not required. I don''t want her to judge my care and concern because of that. Grandpa, I want to stand by her and help her as a friend whenever she needs."


    "That..."


    Finn cut in, "I don''t care." He knew Harold was concerned about him.


    Harold could only hum to his strong-headed son who was madly in love with the girl who was stubbornly in love with another man.


    Rian who saw Evaughing with their ssmates and Aria, moved next to Isaac calling Noah as a backup.


    "Brother Isaac, You are working out from the time you entered showbiz, isn''t it?"


    Isaac hummed without understanding why Rian was asking it. He heard Noah hum before Rian continued.


    "I didn''t know you are weak. Brother Isaac, my mom must be knowing some homemade tonics to increase stamina, do you want to try?"


    Noah and Rian tried their best to look worried about him seeing his darkened face.


    "What the hell do you mean?" Isaac was frighteningly cold.


    Noah looked confused, "Huh? Eva was saying something like an old man, weakling, youth, wasted, or something like that to Arrie... Rian, I think we misunderstood. How can Brother Isaac be weak?"

 Chapter 164: Nourishment soup

    Chapter 164: Nourishment soup


    Rian looked away to control his facial expression. Noah pursed his lips to a thin line looking at Isaac ring Eva.


    Rian shook his head, "I think she was talking about the book. We are such a foo...ool." He finished and broke intougher seeing Isaac going towards Eva.


    Noah low fived Rian and saw Isaac bidding Eva''s parents himself and dragging her out.


    Aria who was confused due to Isaac''s behavior saw twoughing their heart out.


    She went to them, "Sold her out?"


    "We just fulfilled our flirty''s wish."


    Aria facepalmed herself and heard, "How about selling you off?"


    Aria tried to be cool, "n will not believe you."


    "Sweetie, are you sure?" Noah knew well Aria was ying it smart. "Rian..."


    Aria held them instantly, "No, no, no... I still want to live."


    The duo teased her for sometime before letting her off.


    Aria breathed a sigh of relief. She bid all the guests and sat with the family.


    Amelia quickly took the topic, "My youngdy, you can''t ditch me in the next life."


    "Absolutely." Aria agreed while Rian and n looked at them.


    Rowan exined to them, "Your mother wants to be man and Aria as her lover."


    Aria wasughing but Rian and Rowan saw n ring his mother before carrying Aria up in his arms.


    "Stand in line."


    Rian and Rowan burst intoughter.


    Aria blushed in his arms, "Put me down." She said in low voice. She wasn''t eighteen to carry her around.


    Seeing n walk away, Amelia hurriedly asked, "Hey, what about your wedding?"


    n saw Aria before responding, "Let Aria takes over and get stable. I will inform you, mom, very soon. You can start the arrangements."


    Amelia was overjoyed.


    Grandfather Morgan who heard from his room door grunted, "I want a great-grandchild soon."


    Aria covered her face. She thought n wouldn''t reply but, "Ask your Little girl."


    Amelia wanted to run stairs to talk about it but Rowan pulled her back.


    Rian looked at his crazy family and bid them go to his vi which Aria specially built for him after his graduation which had a huge ss painting studio on a hillock.


    He got busy with Roxy who seduced him to take top.


    ...


    Eva was hell confused and angered seeing mild and sweet boyfriend dragging her out and driving his car to his vi where they were living together.


    Isaac didn''t answer her single question and sped towards his vi which wasn''t much far from the Morgan mansion.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Eva asked alighting but was carried upstairs to their master bedroom andid her on the bed.


    "Weren''t you eager to do it? Why are you looking dreaded now?"


    Eva wasn''t conservative but suddenly seeing his desirous gaze, she was panicked.


    "I... I... I''m on periods. Yeah, I''m on periods."


    She said it like it was thest lifeline she could hold.


    "Babe, it was over justst week. Now don''t tell me you get weekly once."


    Eva started jabbing her fingertips finding a reason but didn''t find anything other than, "Are you going to force on me now?"


    "In that case, Indeed." He finished saying and removed her hands between them.


    He made sure she had no strength to move or talk by the time he left her to sleep.


    ...


    Aria was taken inside n''s room. "Did you ask me about the wedding? You decided on yourself."


    n sat down pulling her to his arms. "Do you think we need this wedding? It''s just a formality for society."


    Aria snuggled in his arms, "Then why are you wearing the ring?"


    n rolled on top of her, "Because my sweet little thing bought for us."


    Aria smiled when his nose rubbed hers.


    "You know I had cried the whole day searching the rings when I had reached vi there without getting them. You dumb man, you didn''t even meet me at the airport."


    Both canoodled on the bed as they talked for a long time.


    Aria stopped him after some time, "My dress is entangling... I will change ande. You go and change."


    But n took her to his walk-in wardrobe and put on his t-shirt on her dress confusing her.


    He slowly untied her corset tie-up of dress under the t-shirt making her blush clutching his shirt when his fingers touched her bare skin tracing her curves.


    "n..." Aria leaned her forehead on him feeling her cheeks burn.


    "Heartless girl, I will devour you very soon."


    Aria blushed heavily hearing his seductive tone.


    n changed quickly looking at her back before carrying her to the bed. He didn''t do anything other than cuddling her to sleep...


    Both woke up when a maid knocked on the door.


    n pulled Aria back to his arms. "Why did sunrise soo soon? I don''t want to get up. I just want you."


    Aria smiled in his arms but her eyes fell on the wall clock and bbergasted,"n, it''s eleven..."


    She was on jetg hence she was awake in the middle of the night which had made him wake up and spoke with her till they slept again.


    n woke up and saw Aria peeking outside the door due to his t-shirt on her.


    That naturally brought a smile on his face.


    He felt like he traveled five years back.


    Before she could leave, he embraced her from behind, "Be always like this. Dummy."


    "I''m not."


    "You are"


    "I''m not"


    "You are a big dummy."


    ...


    After some time bothughed. Aria kissed him on the cheek and ran away to her room for a quick shower.


    n had twenty-three missed calls and Aria had fifteen missed calls.


    Seeing n and Aria having brunch, others naturally misunderstood.


    Both had almost finished eating, housekeeper Lilly kept a soup on the table.


    "Young master, Young madam, it''s a nourishment soup. Good for both of you."


    <em>Pfft~</em>


    Aria dabbed napkin on his lips awkwardly.


    She was thinking to leave but n purposefully made her drink locking her on the chair.


    Amelia and Old master Morgan were peeking at the dining hall. The housekeeper Lilly was very happy seeing them.


    Aria cursed n in mind and drank as he blew each spoon and fed her.


    When she finished, n was about to leave enjoying her blush in embarrassment but Aria pushed him on the chair pressing his shoulder.


    She took his warm nourishment soup bowl and made him drink from it directly, forcefully.


    <em>''<strong>n Morgan</strong>, don''t forget that I''m <strong>Aria Cooper</strong>.''</em>

 Chapter 165: Couple bed stories

    Chapter 165: Couple bed stories


    n knew well if he does something, the soup would spill on him or his little woman would purposefully spill on him and he would have to change the suit.


    They were alreadyte to the office and he didn''t want to be extrate.


    So he red at the sweetly smiling girl as he drank and received a flying kiss from her.


    Old master Morgan sat back in elegance seeing how Aria controls n. He was actually very happy to know Aria imposes her authority.


    Aria and n saw three sitting as if they had no idea what just happened in the dining hall.


    Aria asked in confusion, "What''s cooking?"


    Rowan waste to stop his wife, "Arrie, you guys should stay here so that Aunty Lilly could make nutritious food for you two."


    Aria''s mouth was wide open.<em> ''I had almost forgotten I have a little crazy family and apletely crazy Mum.''</em>


    n said with a straight face which almost gave strokes to Aria, "No, My wife is a little shy to do it here. We will stay at my vi."


    <em>''My dear brazen-faced husband, can you give me some face?''</em>


    To her shock, Amelia responded, "You are right."


    "Why don''t you two take a break?" Old master Morgan asked seriously.


    "Madam, Cooper mansion is good if they want to work too." The housekeeper Lilly suggested.


    Aria walked out like a soul lost doll unknown how to react.


    <em>''It hasn''t been twenty-four hours either.''</em>


    n who saw her dazed, hugged her from behind, "My sweet little wife, where do you prefer? If in your mansion, we can use many rooms including those recreational rooms. In our vi, there is only one master bedroom, a gym, a kitchen, a living hall..."


    Aria failed to voice her thoughts,<em> ''When did he turn so brazen?''</em>


    "Who wants to do it with you? Drive the car."


    n didn''t mind at all. He kissed her earlobe and answered her question, "You..."


    Aria blushed and coughed lightly to clear her throat. Her sharine tone sounded to make him agree.


    "My darling hubby, consider me as an eighteen years young little girl."


    n was ted to hear <em>hubby</em>. He decided to arrange the wedding sooner for them.


    "If an eighteen-year-old voice is so mesmeric, I can take her ignoring her age. In fact..."


    He looked at her up and down. "... You look eighteen except something has grown a little bit. Hmmm... They are perfect."


    Aria saw his line of sight and covered her chest with her hands, "Pervert."


    <em>''Oh god! Why did Ie back? It looks like I reached the wolf''s den.''</em>


    n chuckled seeing her snuck in and closed the door before he could do it.


    He couldn''t believe himself he could factually do anything for his little dumb woman. He could beat somebody and he could also sound like a perve...


    "President Cooper iste on her first day itself." n teased her in the elevator.


    "n, I really like the cold livid prince." She was already teased enough in the car so she said it.


    n suddenly turned cold and stood emotionlessly freaking her out. "n!"


    She carefully called but she again called his name amorously when his nose glided on her neck.


    "n"


    Aria realized her hormones easily give in to him, unlike how she was in teenage.


    n poked her who had frozen, "Livid Prince?"


    Aria elbowed him before exiting the elevator, "Important is you so how does it matter?"


    The main base of their rtionship was trust and they were always open to each other about their thoughts and feelings which never let anythinge in between them even in their long distance.


    n faintly smiled entering his office which soon would be her office after he hands over the works.


    n assisted Aria in the meetings then he left for the Morgan Industries to finish work there.


    Aria was already aware of the things in the main headquarters but she never handled alone.


    She had started off as an intern and made her way up promptly as Alia. During her post-graduation internship or onsite experience, she was the only student who worked as a manager and managing director of aplete branch.


    So she had an experience of six months as a managing director of the branch. But as a CEO she was getting other branches and headquarters so n was her moral support until he feels like she was capable enough.


    Aria forgot to keep track of time until n went to her office and carried her out.


    "If you are thinking of overtime, forget about taking over. You are just mine after working time. Get that?"


    Aria kissed him on the cheek and snuggled in his arms to make him happy so that he could forget being angered which actually worked.


    By the time the elevator reached parking and he reached the car, Aria was off leaving n speechless.


    Remembering her jeg, he didn''t wake her up.


    n who was driving wanted to decline the call but it woke Aria up so n answered it for her on speaker.


    Eva cried loudly, "Arrie... I think my waist is detached. I can''t stand, my legs are wobbly..."


    Aria tried her best to snatch the mobile from n but she slipped it which slid to small slot leaving her at a loss.


    "Eva..."


    Aria covered her cheeks failing to cut in when Eva continued to cry on and onining about Isaac.


    Eva didn''t let Aria talk and hung up atst saying, "... Isaac is home."


    Aria didn''t dare to look at n cursing Eva who didn''t care to know who received the call, who was on the other end.


    <em>''Dirty Eva, if he takes me today because of hearing you, I''m definitely going to kill you.''</em>


    After hearing Eva, n thought Isaac had good stamina to leave the hooligan stay on the bed till afternoon.


    He wanted to tease Aria but seeing her already flushing pretending to be asleep, he asked in amazement.


    "Aria, don''t tell me you imagined them and blushing?"


    Aria wanted to show herself as asleep but hearing him she immediately retorted, "Why will I do that? Why did you hear girls'' talk?"


    n sighed knowing she wasn''t imagining another couple.


    "Because of you, I had to hear all that. Aria, I''m only interested in you and your talk. Don''t worry, I will make sure you can''t wake up the whole day and rest in bed. I promise to look after you instead of going to work like Isaac. Oh yeah! I don''t mind if you whine to your friend either."


    Aria wanted to retort but other than flushing and gritting her teeth she didn''t know what to do.


    n badly wanted tough looking at her but he didn''t and spoke like a wronged one.


    "Aria, make sure I don''t listen to all those. I''m not shameless to hear about other couple bed stories."


    Aria punched him and cursed Eva loudly, "Eva, don''t show me your face else I''m going to chop you into pieces."


    n couldn''t hold and broke intoughter looking at Aria seething.

 Chapter 166: Falling in love

    Chapter 166: Falling in love


    Seeing Aria patrolling after getting fresh instead of going to bed, "My little dummy wife..."


    "I''m not." Aria cut in elbowing him.


    "You are. Stop overthinking. A big dummy."


    "I''m not." Both continued their senseless argument as they cuddled to sleep.


    --


    Their routine continued in theing two days.


    Later n left everything under her satisfied by how she took control of everything and nobody dared to oppose her authority...


    Simrly, another couple routine continued making Eva worship her previous lifestyle when Isaac used to just cuddle her treating her like a precious princess.


    She swore at Rian and Noah every day for whinging at Isaac. She badly wanted to see harmless genteel Isaac back...


    Aria''s congrattory banquet was personally arranged by n under Aria''s protest. She greeted and met many clients and business partners with Rowan and n.


    n was speechless seeing her get five projects for thepany in a few minutes talking with each.


    --


    Aria was humming a song and chatting with Eva when n exited the bathroom in a bathrobe. "Who is making my wife happy?"


    "Eva"


    "Whining?"


    Aria hummed but gave a contradictory response raising her head, "Just... chatting... Why are you in a bathrobe outside?"


    Aria had taken steps to run away but got caught, "Smart."


    "No, I''m a dummy. A big dummy."


    n chuckled hearing her.


    He raised her hand to check Eva''s messages hearing the buzzing sound continuously.


    <em>''My goddess, don''t make your wolf hungry for long.''</em>


    <em>''Don''t be conservative.''</em>


    <em>''Are you already getting eaten up?''</em>


    <em>''My sexy goddess.''</em>


    <em>''President Cooper.''</em>


    <em>''My dumb wife.''</em>


    <em>''Arrie, your golden days have started. (Evil grins)''</em>


    n carried his blushing little woman as she tried to find excuses but failed.


    "n, not today." She didn''t order nor asked. She just said.


    n paused and rubbed his forehead on her shoulder, "Heartless."


    Aria was actually surprised seeing himy t on the bed next to her. She had just tried to see his reaction so she spoke near his ear.


    "You turned out to be a gentleman."


    n realized she was ying with him. <em>''Dumb girl, is it fun to say no before saying yes?''</em>


    He went on top of her as he said, "You little rascal... There is nothing as a gentleman. It''s a wolf and a patient wolf."


    Aria quickly covered his mouth with her hands to remind him, "n, wedding, wedding..."


    n peeled her hands away, "I will ask Mom to arrange soon."


    "Al..."


    Aria gave into her patient hungered wolf who devoured her until he was satisfied.


    Even though he thought about letting her off soon, her sensual curves, her soft delicateskin, her enticing voice, her alluringly blushing dainty face, her unique fragrance drove him insane.


    He felt like all his senses were under her control. He was so hooked that he wasn''t ready to let her go.


    Aria knew he always gave in to her preferences. So she indulged herself in their passionate moments.


    When he finished a few times and took her to the bathroom to wash her up, both looked at each other before they lost control again...


    She looked like a red cherry in his arms even after a long time he had finished.


    Since the bed was a mess, he took her on the day bed and was helping her to wear his T-shirt. He heard her mumble in the half-asleep state when his fingers brushed on her waist.


    "I can''t..."


    n gingerly asked, "Are you angry I took you so many times?"


    Aria again mumbledying on him when he pulled her to his arms, "It''s you... I''m yours." She pecked on his lips and hugged him to sleep.


    n''s smile was very tender hearing her. "My dummy wife."


    He kissed on her forehead and rested till she fell into a deep slumber in his embrace. He justy there for some time thinking about their wedding.


    He cleaned their bedroom quickly and prepared breakfast for both.


    He had to help her bathe and breakfast hearing her say <em>''Sleepy''</em> and seeing her weary.


    ...


    In Skyline Industries


    n''s eyes narrowed seeing Calvin and Abel enter Aria''s office without permission thinking Aria must be present.


    He saw father and son looking at each other before apologizing, "We are sorry President Morgan. We thought Aria..."


    "Heh?" n''s voice was cold, "Aria?"


    Calvin''s face turned dark, "We thought President Cooper so we just..."


    n who nodded cut in, "Exactly, <strong>PRESIDENT COOPER</strong>."


    Calvin gritted his teeth clearly understanding what n was implying.


    "We will ask permission before entering."


    n went back to work, "She will be avable from next week. If nothing serious, don''t disturb President Cooper unnecessarily..."


    Then he raised his head, "Do I have to repeat?"


    Abel clenched fist so tight that even his short nails dug his palm. "No, Thank you, President Morgan."


    Both exited ring back at the closing door.


    n didn''t care what they thought. Rowan thinks twice to knock on his office door so he wasn''t ready to let anybody use their rtionship to raid on Aria.


    He quickly finished a meeting and checked on Aria who was sleeping peacefully in the resting bedroom of her office.


    Aria woke up when n was kissing her cheek fondly, "Let''s have lunch."


    Aria raised her forefinger, "Can I sleep for a little more time?"


    "No... President Cooper, don''t be lethargic."


    "Heartless man."


    n pointed at her mobile, "Ms.Miller calling you from the morning."


    Aria saw Eva''s iing call and sat up. "Hey!"


    n was surprised hearing her tireless voice which sounded normal as if she wasn''t the one who was dead sleepy a minute back.


    In the meantime, he carried her out and started feeding her lunch hearing her praise about him while Eva cursed Isaac.


    "Am I so good?" n asked in a perplex but heard.


    "Whatever I told till now was when I was eighteen. Except for treating me like a Princess, He is a wolf. Eva, a hungry wolf, and a wounded lion are scariest and dangerous."


    n: "..."


    He felt like he himself threw a stone at a beautifully built sshouse.


    Aria: "Alright, I will see you on Saturday. Call your hubby, why are you cleaning alone? Ask him to learn from n, He alone cleaned the whole room. My husband is the best. Hehehe Bye."


    Aria said thest sentence purposefully to appease him. "My Prince is the best." Aria rubbed her head on his shoulder and heard.


    "I''m not letting you sleep."


    Aria bit her tongue and sat back.


    "Who taught you cloying?" He asked seriously because she had no idea how his heart stirs seeing her that way.


    Aria turned to him like an abandoned wife and asked tilting her head blinking innocently, "Why? Don''t you like it?"


    Such a bonnie!


    <em>''Will I be called a beast if I eat her now again?''</em> n shook his head to disperse his thoughts.


    Aria pouted seeing him shaking his head.


    n''s Adam''s apple moved by watching her adorbs.


    "Alright alright, if you want to rest, go and sleep."<em> ''Stop pulling my defenses down.''</em>


    n wasn''t sure what was going on with him. He suddenly had an urge to keep her hidden from everyone.


    He could even count his rapidly beating heartbeats without the need to check.


    Aria burst intoughter and kissed his forehead fondly.


    She sat on her chair and started working leaving dazed n on the couch.


    n felt like he was again falling in love with the same girl who was his woman.

 Chapter 167: Make them back to dummies

    Chapter 167: Make them back to dummies


    Seeing Aria ufortable on the chair, n carried her back on the couch and kept pillows making sure she wasfortable.


    Aria smiled and got back to work asking him to go and work but he had no intention to do so.


    He just sat and looked at Aria who was seriously working finishing one file after the other and responding to the emails efficiently.


    After an hour, Aria couldn''t help but ask, "n, you are looking like an infatuated teenager. Haven''t you seen me before?"


    n seriously responded, "I had missed you too much."


    Aria paused her work and pulled him nearer to lean on. "I will never leave again."


    n kissed on her head wrapping his hand around her shoulder.


    He wasn''t going to allow her either.


    ...


    His visit to country S was low. He hadn''t gone to meet her at the beginning of six months, fearing he might bring her back forcefully.


    Because he just remembered her while doing anything or nothing.


    Later he couldn''t help but visit her hearing her ask again and again. She had cried in his arms for a long time asking why he didn''t go sooner on his first visit.


    That was when her ssmates had seen her different expression than her emotionless face.


    When they had surrounded them and asked curiously about him, Aria had two words for them.


    "<strong>My everything</strong>."


    He couldn''t help but fall deeper for her.


    After hearing her ssmates chatter, n had to make her understand and informed her she couldget along with Finn andother ssmates without worrying about her safety.


    Their daily routine used to be mandatory two calls every morning and night which they hardly missed.


    Once he hadn''t informed her and missed her calls. That time Aria couldn''t reach him and Finn had to force her to attend her post-graduation ceremony.


    Half-heartedly sitting in the hall, she had called n seventy-three times, messaged him forty-five times.


    He couldn''t receive the call because he was on the flight to country S then he didn''t answer the call to give her a surprise.


    "Alia, do you know the chief guest of the ceremony?" Finn asked seeing n leave Diaz to reach Aria who hadn''t cared to see anywhere.


    Aria hadn''t cared who was the chief guest of her graduation ceremony and was drowned in her mobile.


    "I don''t give a damn. Nothing is more important than n." She had just finished and heard a deep and clear voice.


    "Really?"


    Since he was the guest, all eyes were towards him to know why he went near a student and saw Aria''s smile before she shot up on her toes and hugged him.


    The whole batch had witnessed them and understood why Aria never cared about anybody and why Finn was just a friend for five years.


    Finn had to hit on her head seeing her cling on to n forgetting the whole world.


    "Alia, there are many single dogs out here. Get off."


    Aria had given him a brooding look before letting n go.


    Finn had to helplessly follow her and sit in the first row because Aria wanted to see n from near.


    Well after that, they had a little argument and he had to return alone.


    ...


    In-office, Aria whined next to him, "Are you a woodpecker?"


    Aria felt hard to focus on work getting kisses on her cheeks continuously.


    "I love your skin on mine."


    Aria blushed and couldn''t help slightly tremble when his lips traced on her nape.


    n saw her flushed just by the brush on her skin. He couldn''t hold his urge anymore and took her to bed ignoring her widened eyes.


    "n... work..."


    "I want you." n said near her ear before facing her.


    Hearing his second confession, Aria flushed and let herself go by kissing him deeply as both started to indulge themselves in each other...


    Aria wasn''t rested well yet so she was drained by the end he finished.


    He bathed her so that she could rest well and went out toplete her work so that work doesn''t increase on her.


    Aria slept through evening and night, waking up fresh early in the morning.


    Seeing her awake, both canoodled since it was the weekend.


    But Aria cried after some time, "You used to be fine when we were cuddling."


    n hadn''t expected his body reaction either, "Do you like barbecued vegetables or meat?"


    Aria answered innocently thinking about tasty food, "Meat."


    "Then why do you think I have to like boring vegetables when I already had the taste of tender meat."


    Aria: _


    <em>''Am I meat now?''</em>Aria thought to herself and sumbed to his seduction.


    n let her off after once so that they could go for their nned lunch. Seeing her trying to sleep, he took her to the bath.


    Aria handed everything to him and just sat on the dressing chair. n didn''t mind and dried her hair, got her ready from top to toe treating her like a priceless gem.


    Aria loves how n tends to her without ignoring her after taking her once or multiple times. If she tries to pamper him, he would just take her to bed hence she skipped that idea and pecked on his cheeks.


    --


    Aria walked on her heels holding his hand as if everything was fine when her legs and waist were crying and screaming inside her.


    "If you do anything to me tonight, I''ll make sure you sleep on the floor for a week."


    "Alright. Then tomorrow morning."


    <em>Pfft-</em>


    <em>''Can my husband be any more brazen?''</em>


    "Is it possible to say <em><strong>No</strong></em> going five and a half years back?"


    "Sweetheart, I would have made sure you say yes even if you had tried to say no. You can enjoy all of me and you are <strong>Only Mine</strong>."


    Aria pouted but there wasn''t a hint disappointment instead n could see her glow of happiness.


    She sat next to Eva who was smiling brightly. Both hugged as she waved her hand at everyone.


    "Hey Noah, why aren''t you dating yet? I heard your secretary is very beautiful."


    "It isn''t even ten days and you know about my secretary. It seems like manypanies'' retribution is going to start."


    "Not so soon. I have to get a hold of the media before I y." Aria chuckled at her own words.


    Noah bowed his head at Aria.


    Isaac grouched, "President Morgan, your wife will bepeting with you. Don''t cut men''s noses."


    n didn''t respond as he had no idea about her business n and he had no ns to stop her in the business world.


    Merrily they had lunch before men went out for their talk and a small break.


    While Noah and Rian were talking about some fun ces, Isaac and n were on a serious topic.


    "Did you get to know who was behind the attack?" Isaac asked about the recent attack on Aria which she didn''t have any idea.


    n''s men were bruised while stopping them, sending her bodyguards behind Aria''s car.


    n responded emotionlessly watching the busy street from the fourth floor of the restaurant, "They slit their own throat in the police station."


    Isaac sighed and didn''tment on it.


    Inside the private room, Roxy was bbergasted seeing Aria and Eva.


    "Guys, what''s wrong with you?"


    Just now they had looked happy and bright but changed to weary and sleepy.


    Eva asked, "It''s good that you are feeding your wolf at such a young age."


    Then she pointed at Aria and herself, "Our wolves were hungry for twenty-seven years. We littlembs can''t handle so easily."


    Aria broke intoughter hearing Eva''s narration.


    Roxy scratched her head, "Eva, I didn''t understand what you just told me now."


    Aria and Eva burst intoughter.


    "Look, IQ really doesn''t matter to understand such topics." Aria justified.


    Thetter gave them a <em>''you dumb''</em> look before she exined to Roxy.


    Rian and n red at Isaac standing at the door indicating <em>''Your wife is such a bad influence on my dummy wife.''</em>


    Noah, The single couldn''t help but burst intoughter getting girls'' attention.


    Isaac dragged his wife out.


    Rian and n were sweet-talking their wife to make them back to dummies.


    Eva tried to put up a fight against the punishment but surrendered to her Hottie''s seduction.


    The singleton, went back to his boring work as two brothers were pampering their wife to no end making everyone envious.

 Chapter 168: You are ever-blooming

    Chapter 168: You are ever-blooming


    Getting back on work, nobody thought Aria to be inflexible when it''s about work.


    It wasn''t fifteen days, <strong>Skyline Industries</strong> and <strong>Aria Cooper</strong> started sounding in major newspapers, magazines, and televisions.


    Aria was working when Finn knocked and entered her office, "Hey President."


    Aria grinned as she waved at him to call inside, "Why didn''t youe to the banquet?"


    Finn was followed by a man who stood emotionlessly behind him.


    Finn kept his mobile on the desk in front of her to read.


    Aria quickly read and cheered. "Wow, my chum is entering the business world."


    Finn smiled seeing her get happy for him and heard about how he should manage the Public Rtions department well in the Entertainment industry and his media publication.


    The man behind Finn was speechless seeing Finn obediently nodding and humming but he didn''t give much of a reaction.


    Aria finished after ten minutes by adding, ".. If you need me for anything, just give me a call."


    "Alia, aren''t you excited than me who should be?"


    "Of course, my assistant who also studied with me is taking the first step in the business world to stand alone starting from scratch. Finn, it needs lots of courage for that one step."


    "I sometimes doubt whether you are at least twenty three or not. And sometimes whether you are an old experienced woman."


    Aria chuckled and continued to talk.


    "By the way, why did my grandpa arrange an ex-military man for your assistance."


    Aria looked at the man behind Finn, "I had asked. n worries about me a lot. Do you remember I had told you about my father?"


    She continued after a nod, "I am starting to investigate it so I might be in danger and I don''t want n or any of you to worry for me."


    Finn paused before asking seriously, "Were you attacked before?"


    Aria hummed, "Three or four times I was hurt, and many times their attacks failed due to my sentry. I have n''s men andpany bodyguards outside in disguise but I''ll be attending conferences, meetings, I thought to have one as an assistant who could work and protect."


    Finn''s face was dark, <em>''No doubt, President Morgan was ready to do anything for you.''</em>


    "Is that the reason behind your change of name to study abroad?"


    Aria hummed.


    Finn controlled his emotions, "Alia... <strong>ALIA!</strong> Aria and n... God! Your name itself was reminding you of President Morgan."


    Aria chuckled seeing him roll his eyes. "Yes, that''s why I chose that name."


    "Dumb"


    ''<em>How can''t I be head over heels for you?''</em>


    Aria retorted, "Hey, why do you two call me a silly?"


    Finn didn''t answer but he knew who else calls her dumb.


    "I want to investigate your father''s case." Because he wanted her to live worry-free.


    Aria straight objected, "No. I want to see yourpany and media at pinnacle so you better worry about it."


    Finn wasn''t at the stage to tell why he wanted to protect her.


    Aria turned to the man, "I''m Aria Cooper. Are you fine following me around for the work and working under me?"


    "Cent percent President Cooper." A clear and crisp voice sounded. He was a tall and handsome man in thete twenties.


    "Do I have to borate on your work profile? For thepany, you are just an assistant but other than the inner circle nobody will know the actual reason behind your presence..."


    "There, there... He knows. Stop roasting your brain." Finn cut in to stop her from being so serious.


    Aria made a face at him and heard, "President Cooper, my name is Owen Brown. I hope my identity stays under the wrap. So my name will be Levi which is my code name."


    Aria furrowed her brows but soon realized who he was, "Owen Brown! The captain of the team who annihted the terrorist group who were hiding out near city F four years back."


    Her mouth was wide open pointing at Owen looking at Finn who was smiling. She hadn''t asked such a high profile man.


    Owen responded, "President Cooper, You are smart. I am sure I will enjoy working with you."


    <em>Pfft-</em>


    <em>''Was this man thinking of me as a dumb?''</em> Aria gritted her teeth ring at Owen.


    Finn burst intoughter surprising Owen. "Alia, Grandpa had tortured him saying you are a little girl who needs utmost care so he had thought he would be going to follow Muddle headed fool."


    Aria: "..."


    After it looked like an eternity, Aria voiced looking at Owen, "Do I really look so gullible?"


    Owen promptly answered, "Yes, President Cooper."


    Aria: "..."


    Finn didn''t want tough but he couldn''t control seeing her speechless.


    Owen got on work leaving Finn and Aria to talk but in five minutes he kept a bug on her desk, "President Cooper, do you need any more proof to know how innocent you are?"


    Finn and Aria''s face was indecipherable looking at the bug.


    Owen continued, "With your permission, I would like to go through about the security of thepany and thoroughly checking your office floor."


    Finn responded first, "Go ahead... Levi, I''ll hold you responsible if Alia gets into even small trouble."


    Aria: "..."


    Levi respectfully replied to him and waited for Aria''s orders, "Alright... Get me a restructure n for my office."


    After Levi left, Aria spoke, "Why are you getting worked up? You know how serious I''m while working."


    Finn didn''t want her to think too much and realize why he was protective of her, "Managing Director Alia, I had suffered a lot as your assistant."


    Aria chuckled and heard, "President Cooper, I would like to personally invite you for the opening ceremony of mypany and to be our first interviewer."


    Aria pointed at herself, "I''m still a bud, you should ask for the blowing flower."


    Finn smiled in a daze, "You are ever-blooming..." After realizing, "No, don''t worry, I''ll kick the bud to wake up so that it can bloom faster."


    <em>Pfft-</em>


    "Fine, leave before I kick you out of here. Run."


    Finn breathed a sigh of relief and chuckled. "I''ll send the invites." He finished saying and left.


    Aria''s casual look turned serious. She understood why n was so very much worried about her.


    <em>''n, I''ll stand strong.''</em>


    ---


    Somewhere in an office, a person was fuming as soon as the bug stopped the voice transmission to the speakers.


    They couldn''t believe her security tightened and she was investigating again. If they couldn''t reach her now, their ns changed again to control her.

 Chapter 169: I can see your wrinkles

    Chapter 169: I can see your wrinkles


    Aria got busy with filtering the employees out as Levi tightened the security and reported to her some employees who need to be reviewed.


    Within two weeks, Skyline Industries headquarters took a whole new look with Levi''s and his hired teammates'' teamwork.


    ---


    n just cared about her safety and her healthy lifestyle.


    So Aria was dropped and picked up daily by him and they were having lunch in the nearest restaurants if both were free at lunchtime.


    Since Skyline and the Morgan Industries headquarters distance was less than a half-mile, he was reaching her office finishing his work quickly.


    "Honey, don''t you think you are quite too free?" Aria asked seeing him adoring her.


    "Sweetheart, you took half of the load. I have no work other than coddling my little wife. Let''s go and try on our wedding outfit."


    Aria was surprised, "They came?"


    n carried her out taking herptop.


    Aria''s secretaries and Levi were used to seeing n carrying her so their reaction wasn''t special. They would be shocked if she walks on her feet instead.


    Aria instructed, "Levi, I''m leaving for the day. Give me a call if anything urgent."


    "You have an appointment with the VP."


    Aria replied, "Reschedule."


    Levi signaled with his fingers indicating <em>''Alright''</em> when the elevator doors were closing. He informed the VP''s secretary and continued his work for another hour.


    Soon Aria and n reached the Bridal shop.


    n went to change into his tux and Aria snuck in the wedding gown which n had ordered from an international top designer paying huge just because she had said his creations were beautiful.


    All helpers looked at Aria in amusement. "President Cooper, you are so beautiful."


    "President Cooper, anybody would love to marry you seeing you like this." Another helper said.


    n entered wearing his tux to see her in a white bridal gown that had a beautiful trail but for him, nothing looked more beautiful than her smile.


    All the helpers left them in privacy.


    "n..." Aria called twirling in front of him showing the perfectly entuated dress on her.


    n didn''t bother to respond and pulled the curtain tie-down before reaching her and pulling her to kiss.


    Aria was surprised and gave it to him who passionately kissed without care of the world.


    When n broke the kiss, Aria was flushed red. He cupped her face caressing her cheeks, "You better say <em>''I do''</em> at the wedding."


    Aria smiled, "Do I have any other option?"


    "No, and never. You are just mine and nobody can take you away from me."


    "Possessive husband." She pecked on his lips before going to change.


    Looking at her back entering the changing room, <em>''We will be together and we must be together at any cost.''</em> And he didn''t care about anything when ites to Aria.


    n informed his mother to send out the wedding invitation to all guests. He wanted to let the whole world know he was with his love.


    Both had dinner outside and Aria was exiting the restroom but somebody bumped into her. Aria excused before her apology and was moving ahead, thatdy held her hand.


    "Aria Cooper, right?"


    Aria didn''t give much of a reaction because she was a public figure.


    That girl continued, "Are you together with President Morgan?"


    "Excuse me?" Aria tried to remember her but she couldn''t.


    "Oh, don''t tell me President Morgan didn''t confess to you? I was asked to leave the date so that you could spend time with President Morgan..."


    Seeing Aria''s unemotional face, she spoke again, "Do you remember I had said I have a boyfriend and my family forced me..."


    Aria nodded remembering it. "You lied?"


    Thatdy hummed nonchntly and asked again, "Are you guys together?"


    Aria hummed with a smile and excused herself, <em>''Dumb husband, you had done too much for me.''</em>


    n was surprised by the sudden hug but he made use of it to take advantage of her before taking back her home.


    Aria''s first new venture after bing CEO and President was to enter fashion industries. Initially, they had only retail fashion but they hadn''t entered high fashion industries.


    An international supermodel who was under Morgan Entertainment was signed as the brand ambassador who agreed to sign knowing the Designer Alia would be working.


    Aria''s other identity was Alia, a young fashion designer who had won an award at the international stage. Designer Alia''s image was secret so nobody knew Aria was Designer Alia. Only those who were close to her knew her identity.


    Alia had worked under a famous designer as an assistant before she made herself to the international stage under his guidance who pushed her ahead to that stage.


    n warned her not to overwork but he didn''t say anything about Skyline which was growing well.


    When n took over Morgan Industries, in a year he had surpassed Skyline Industries. After Aria took over, other businesspanies started to know how they wouldpete with each other.


    But both were inpletely different fields but supporting each other.


    n didn''t attend the opening ceremony of <em>''Starlight Company''</em>.


    Aria was well acquainted with Finn and his family so she was a must to the ceremony. Starlight Entertainment and Morgan entertainment werepetitors so others didn''t join her.


    Most of Finn''s old acquaintances, his old flings, his friend''s girlfriends, and friends were celebrities and B to C list artists who were all poached to hispany. In them, five were under Morgan entertainment


    When it''s about business, Aria didn''t care if they yed well. She just didn''t like underhand and dirty things againstpanies.


    Skyline didn''t have an entertainment sector and investment didn''t object to the boundaries. So practically, Skyline Industries wasn''t against either Morgan Industries or Starlight.


    Aria was exiting the Starlightpany when she went face to face with the Mileypany marketing manager. J Miley harmlessly smiled at her.


    "President Cooper... Sorry, I didn''t know you were the heiress of Skyline back then. I''m sorry I was very rude to you."


    Aria furrowed her brows thinking why she was meeting those date girls out of blue but she didn''t give away any emotion other than nodding.


    She was moving away J stopped irritating Aria and Levi who was giving death re at J.


    "Atst Morgan and Skyline Industries became a business deal marriage to raise your stock price. President Cooper, you are shrewd."


    Aria knew she was mocking but she smiled sweetly, "Thank you, Manager Miley. Why don''t you go for touch up? I can see your wrinkles."


    Levi avoided fuming J from rebuffing and escorted Aria safe to the car.


    Levi contemted before speaking as he drove, "President Cooper, I had received a few investigation reports of your father''s ident."


    Aria had diverted her investigation team to Levi so hearing <em>''I had''</em> she turned livid, "Levi, when were you nning to tell me that?"


    Seeing Levi hesitant who was always direct to her made her realize something''s off.

 Chapter 170: My bride lost in thoughts

    Chapter 170: My bride lost in thoughts


    Levi didn''t speak about it, "I will take you somewhere."


    Aria unmindfully nodded trying to read Levi''s reaction. Soon she realized, Levi diverted her bodyguards away and was taking her to a secluded area.


    "Levi... What the hell do you think you are doing?"


    "Trust me on this. Don''t worry, you are safe."


    Seeing Aria taking her mobile, Levi stopped her making her frown harder.


    "Owen Brown." Even though he was a trusted man of Harold, at the end of the day he was still a man.


    Levi didn''t know how to calm or coax so he directly called Finn on the speaker.


    "Levi? How is Alia?" A worried tone sounded.


    "President Stanley, will you be able to apany President Cooper for about an hour right now?"


    "What the hell is going on?" Aria couldn''t help but ask because they were already out of the city.


    But she was surprised hearing Finn, "Are you going to your hideout ce?"


    "Yes, President Stanley. President Cooper won''t feel safe around me alone at a new ce. So please."


    "Alright, I will reach you soon." Then Finn hung up the call.


    Aria who was analyzing turned to Levi in shock. She didn''t voice but Levi responded, "Yes, your guess is right."


    Aria''s breath twitched and right at the time, she received n''s iing call.


    Levi alighted the car to let her talk. She calmed down before talking. "n."


    "Honey, I will pick you at four. You need a good rest today so don''t worry about pending work." The next day was their wedding.


    Aria looked at her finger ring and smiled, "You better get me a beautiful ring else I will beat you up in front of all."


    n chuckled, "I don''t mind getting beaten up on our wedding night."


    Aria flushed, "Pervert."


    "Wifey, who else can I be shameless? And who else can you hear being shameless?"


    "Don''t you have work in the office that you start being dirty anytime anywhere?"


    "Do you think anything is more important than you? Say yes, I will stand in front of you in five minutes."


    Aria facepalmed and chatted till Finn reached on his bike and took the driver seat in the car.


    Aria''s expression changed after hanging up the call.


    Seeing Finn, "You were in the investigation without my knowledge. And how dare you leave yourpany ceremony?"


    "Nothing is important other than you." He said in a flow as he drove.


    "What?" Aria had just heard it from n and she couldn''t understand why Finn said it.


    He held the steering wheel tight and made an excuse, "I used your fiance''s dialogue, why are you overreacting? Do you think I have nothing else better to do? I''m reminding your fiance. Ungrateful girl, say thank you."


    Aria: "..."


    Finn saw her rolling her eyes and ignoring what he had said. "Dumb"


    Aria punched him and asked, "Is the bodyguard''s car bugged too? Or are they being instructed by somebody else?"


    Finn hummed. "Your car can''t be bugged due to the smart system indication. Did you think your President Morgan dared to let you go alone so easily? Your car is bullet and fireproof too."


    "Then why did n deny it when I had guessed it long back?"


    Finn didn''t answer as he was sure Aria knew the answers to it.


    Aria was very much tensed hence she asked him hundreds of questions that Finn patiently heard. Aria entered the underground hideout and was hell surprised seeing inside.


    "You!"


    "Little miss, It''s been a long time." He was the same man who taught her hacking and using the software.


    She had to tell Finn and Levi about them. Levi turned to her in astonishment, "President Cooper, have you learned it or just timepass?"


    That man replied, "She is better than me."


    Aria ignored them and checked the investigation report as her eyes filled making her bite her lips hard.


    Finn knew about the man but hadn''t told her purposefully. He tried to calm her, "Alia, it''s alright. Don''t hold in."


    "I... I..." She couldn''t make herself speak scaring she would start crying.


    Finn wanted to hug her and console but he knew he didn''t have that liberty. He just rubbed her head and saw her pointing Oliver''s picture where he was sitting with a person just before his car crash.


    She wished she was capable enough five years back to dig out all those. She couldn''t believe who she had to call family ruined her family.


    "I will authenticate..." Aria sniffed saying sternly.


    Levi took her near a fully equipped system.


    Finn and Levi had no idea Aria was good with software until her fingers started dancing on the buttons at high speed leaving them stunned looking at the screen of codes without understanding anything.


    It took her more than an hour to finish checking all the pieces of proof she saw.


    Aria bit her lip hard and turned to behind trying her best to remain calm.


    Finn''s heart ached to see her state. He knew she was broken, she was frightened, she was clueless still she was trying to be strong.


    Finn made her face him, "I''m with you about whatever you decide. You have to be strong. Tomorrow is your wedding so calm down first and think."


    "You know, I don''t remember my mother. I was happy with my father. My grandfather almost killed me for money, assets. Then I lost my Dad because of this person. Sister Kite attacked me because of n. Why do the people who should be my family hate me so much? If he just wanted thepany, I would have given him everything."


    Finn clenched his fist tight to control himself. "Alia"


    Aria bitterly smiled and thanked four men who were inside and exited with Levi and Finn.


    Seeing Aria silently going and sitting on the shotgun seat, Finn couldn''t help but be more worried. "Alia, are you alright? Shall Ie with you? Do you want me to handle it?..."


    Aria knew he was worried about her and heard all his questions before she could respond, "Finn, if I need help, I will definitely ask. Now, this is something I have to face alone."


    Levi drove the car to the Skyline inplete silence. Finn gave quite a few orders before he let them leave.


    "President Cooper, your meeting?"


    "Handle yourself." Aria instructed Levi before entering her office...


    Aria was sitting and watching outside when n entered, "Where is my bride lost in thoughts?"


    Aria didn''t say anything and went to his arms as she started crying and panicked n.

 Chapter 171: Twist: Alan behind everything

    Chapter 171: Twist: n behind everything


    "Aria, what''s wrong? Why are you crying? Did anything happen at work? Did anyone bully you?..."


    He didn''t get a response to any questions as he carried on asking.


    He took Aria out when she lowered her cry.


    Levi passed herptop as he cued her with his hand to Aria. Thetter nodded her head in understanding.


    Aria didn''t speak until they went to bed.


    n wanted to ask her to sleep because the wedding and wedding reception would be very tiring but seeing her mood he answered all her questions, spoke about the wedding, calmed her, coaxed her, and cuddled her to sleep.


    He got up and went aside to make a call after some time, "Where did Aria go today?"


    He heard a response and chided them in low tone clenching his teeth, "When the f**king hell were you thinking to inform me?"


    He continued to talk and didn''t notice Aria was awake whose tears were rolling down. She bit her finger hard to avoid making any sound as she wept.


    --


    n controlled himself from chiding Aria whose eyes were all swollen in the morning. Asking her to rest he drove her to the exorbitantly decorated venue.


    Amelia and Eva were bbergasted looking at dark circles and swollen eyes of Aria.


    Amelia admonished n, "Didn''t you know about the wedding? Why didn''t you let her sleep?"


    n ignored them and turned to Aria, "Are you fine?"


    Aria vaguely nodded and went towards her bride''s room to get ready. Eva and Amelia ran behind her but Aria didn''t speak even once.


    Eva and makeup artists helped her get ready quickly.


    Aria was looking like a lifeless emotionless porcin doll. Exquisite to the eyes but she was mute.


    Her ssmates and rtives met her but she just forced a smile and nodded.


    Eva tried to talk, "Arrie, what happened to you? Why are you like this? Don''t be scared of the wedding. It''s just a custom. Prince will..."


    Aria reacted holding her hand, "n... I want to see n."


    Eva thought Aria was scared of the wedding but she never knew Aria having Gamophobia.


    Aria was somebody whomits herself.


    She nodded and called Isaac quickly. Isaac brought n who was looking like a modern prince in his cold stance.


    "What''s wrong?" There was no gentleness in his tone. Eva furrowed her brows as she exited when Isaac pulled her aside.


    Aria gave him a file and pleaded, "n, please say no to all these. Please."


    All were shocked seeing Aria''s reaction and n whose face was dark.


    Aria shook n''s hand as she again pleaded, "n, You can''t do this to me. Please..."


    n shrugged her hand and clutched her arm pulling her near.


    His tone was frosty ring her in the eye, "Forget about this. You are justing in and doing as I said. Do you get that? Don''t be over smart and do something stupid."


    He pulled her veil on her face before going out ignoring Aria crying his name.


    "n... n..."


    Aria ran into the room inside and locked herself. She cried alone without opening the door.


    She never thought n could be behind everything in the proof they found.


    She wasn''t ready to believe and didn''t believe n could do it even after seeing all the proof but she had talked about every incident with him and found loopholes in everything.


    One of his foreign friend ounts was used to transfer money to Lucas Cooper''s ount which was given as a cheque in the school. He reached on time to get Aria out showing her as he was there for her.


    They found proof that n gave money to Lucas Cooper to file a case on them so that Aria gets close to him during the problem.


    n knew about every piece of news about Lucas Cooper but he had always said he didn''t know anything about him.


    He was behind the fake proof creation of Lucas Cooper and he again sent Lucas to jail.


    They never got proof of somebody bugging their ce because it was n who bugged to keep track of Aria so that he could control her and revealed it to control her.


    Except for I Turner, every his dates were clearly instructed by his subordinates on how to behave so that Aria could reject.


    He knew I Turner behind many of her high dramas but he purposefully let it escte so that he could save Aria every single time to get close. But when it went out of hand, he cleared the ground.


    The person who pushed Aria down the snow was n''s subordinate so that Aria could forget about their fight. She was easily convinced by him. But they hadn''t expected Aria to fool them from getting kidnapped.


    n was actually very panicked because he hadn''t wanted others to kidnap her or even save her.


    Pinto Lincon''s father got a huge sum of money for nning on Aria so that she should be scared and be with the men he appointed for her.


    Every time she faced a problem, he was present because it was created by him.


    He didn''t want Aria to study business either. He wanted to talk to her to study only fashion designing so that he could control the whole business field.


    He wanted both the business under him to stand in pinnacle. The worst part of it was Isaac knew about it.


    When Aria wasn''t ready topromise, he wanted her to study in the city so that she shouldn''t fall in love with anybody.


    Seeing her ignore him, he thought they couldn''t maintain their rtionship and she would really leave hence he hadpromised.


    Well, Finn and Levi might not know the reason behind everything but Aria understood, n eventually fell in love with her and also knew Skyline Industries couldn''t be transferred to him without her marriage.


    If anything happened to her before marriage, everything would belong to the orphanage. He couldn''t get anything so marrying her and keeping her next to him was his n.


    He was reaching the Skyline Industries to pick her up, wasn''t only because he wanted to look after her, it was to make sure she wasn''t investigating him.


    His only weakness throughout his n was he was undoubtedly in love with her and he wasn''t at the stage to hurt her.


    Aria was ready to ignore each one of them because he loved her and she loved him wholeheartedly. But what she got to know about her father and n made her weaker.

 Chapter 172: Twist: You cant do this to me

    Chapter 172: Twist: You can''t do this to me


    n wanted a piece ofnd near ake for his indoor stadium for shooting purposes but Oliver had won the bid.


    Rowan and Oliver had suchpetition too but it was always healthy. If thend was very important for their project, they would have talked and exchanged but n wasn''t the one to request.


    Aria got quite a few reports where Oliver got defamed or lost due to underhand methods in many other projects. All thosepanies were contacted by n or his subordinates.


    Right before Oliver''s car crash, Oliver had met n in a cafe.


    Levi had personally investigated and found the cafe footage missing from that day. They had checked the traffic footage. They had checked fifteen cars and found a dashboard camera footage from an old car that wasn''t used for five years.


    Some employees of the cafe even identified Oliver and n. They told that n was very cold to Oliver when thetter was trying to cate n.


    Oliver wanted Rowan to look after Aria and he was ready to look after Skyline and Aria but n had convinced him to take everything under him letting Rowan look after the farmhouses and their organic farming.


    Even though his initial sole purpose was Skyline, he was undoubtedly in love with Aria Cooper which had made his ns change frequently but he always hated how Aria was independent and smart.


    Levi and his team had done thrice cross-verification about everything due to n Morgan''s presence. Finn and Levi didn''t dare to inform Aria because she was excitedly preparing for the wedding.


    Finn was ready to hide it from Aria permanently knowing how much she loves n but Levi couldn''t take it because the next day was their wedding and Aria knowing it was very important.


    Aria still talked with n about bidding onnd to meet Oliver or any such. Herst hope was to talk to him but failed again.


    Amelia knocked on the door worriedly, "Arrie, It''s time."


    Eva and others didn''t dare to say what had just happened to Amelia.


    Aria stood up and dabbed a tissue and puffed setting powder. She again looked like a soulless doll walking out pulling the veil on her head.


    They left Aria near the main door with a bouquet and others entered inside. Eva tried her best to talk but she gave up eventually.


    Eva had to correct Aria''s long veil and trail as Aria walked gracefully leaving brustling hall onlookers in awe.


    Aria controlled but still, a tear rolled on her cheek.


    Finn worriedly looked at her but he failed to take his eyes away from her. She looked eternally beautiful. He wished and he wanted to be the one Aria loved and would be marrying.


    But the reality was truly bitter.


    Aria loved n who loved her back unconditionally but his ns, ideas, and Oliver made it difficult for Aria. Finn loved her purely but he couldn''t get her.


    He had told her he would support her unquestioningly if she wants to marry n who she loved more than herself or anything. If she doesn''t, he would stand by her.


    Aria had to look above to control her tears hearing her schoolmates saying, <em>''Prince''</em> and <em>''Goddess''</em>


    The hands which she always liked to hold felt unfamiliar. She was nkly looking at n as her eyes filled up.


    She didn''t hear when n said<em> ''I do''</em>, She didn''t hear MC asking her. The whole hall was whispering, many started to panic.


    n''s face turned colder. He squeezed her palms tight enough to bring her out of the daze by the pain.


    "I can''t..." Tears flowed under her veil looking at the man she loved dearly for more than five years.


    Only the nearest ones around them heard her.


    n said through his teeth ring her, "Aria"


    "I can''t..." It took her all to say it and ran out wiping her cheeks.


    n red at Aria''s back till she exited. He ignored uproar in the hall and walked out shrugging Isaac''s arms.


    Finn, Isaac, and three from in the Fourie ran out behind them.


    Rowan asked his father''s nurse to take care of him and went out with Amelia who was anxious. The Parker family, Oliver''s sister''s family, the Gray family, and a few more followed them out leaving guards to send the others out.


    Aria who ran into her bridal room was about to close the room door, n barged in and pinned her to the wall, "Aria, I told you don''t y smart. Can''t you do what I say?"


    "n, you are hurting me." Aria''s arm had started paining from his clutch.


    Finn peeled them away while others entered the hall.


    "Arrie, what happened to you?"


    "What''s wrong with you two?"


    "Are you guys behaving like these small fights? Grow up. It''s a wedding, not a child''s y."


    One by one they started speaking to them but n grunted to stop, "Shut up."


    Aria jerked back due to his sudden scowl. Finn held her in time and heard nugh scornfully.


    "Aria Cooper, why? Are you tired of me that you want new arms to y?"


    Aria looked at him in shock.


    n continued, "Now you want a man who is a year younger than me. Is it Finn Stanley? Who is next?"


    Aria couldn''t believe n was saying all that to her.


    Rowan grunted. "n."


    n didn''t care. He held Aria''s arm again and pulled her to him.


    "I did all those to you, so what? Don''t I love you? Didn''t I look after you well? Didn''t I provide you with everything? All you had to say was <em>''I do''</em>, is it so bloody difficult?"


    Amelia peeled them away and gave across n''s face. "Is this how you treated Arrie? If I knew it, I would have never allowed you guys to be together."


    "Heh?" n pointed at Aria who was standing in front of Finn, "Mom, she is the one who ditched me and why am I getting pped?"


    Aria wanted to leave but n pulled her inside forcefully to which Amelia give one more across his face.


    There was a pin drop silence but they heard a file dropping from Roxy''s hand who had just checked it. Isaac was about to take it away, Rowan snatched it feeling suspicious.


    When he had just checked a few papers, he froze and the file fell spreading the papers all around. Aria just looked at n who was livid.


    Many saw each proof and exchanged and checked to understand what was going on. Their attention turned back to Aria who pleaded to n.


    "n, please say no... Please... you can''t do this to me."


    <em>Two are undoubtedly in love with each other but the proofs?</em>


    <em>Should love win or evil?</em>

 Chapter 173: Twist: Treat me as his replacement

    Chapter 173: Twist: Treat me as his recement


    All understood Aria was ready to ignore everything if he said<strong><em>No</em></strong> but nughed mockingly.


    "Can you be any dumber?"


    The proofs were right over there if she wanted to be dumb, he wasn''t one.


    Rian punched right on his cheek breathing heavily. He hugged Aria who was trying very hard to control her tears.


    Aria pushed him and walked out.


    When n tried to hold her, she pped his hand and left. All ran behind Aria leaving n and Isaac alone.


    "n, we had expected this to happen." Isaac said but n exited the room without responding.


    Aria who took her car key from Levi stepped on the gas and didn''t stop anywhere. The rest of the people had their car keys in their rooms and failed to go behind her.


    Aria just knew she just drove wherever she saw the road but when she stopped she was at the cemetery without herknowledge...


    Except for two, nobody could track her.


    Levi passed his mobile to Finn to show him Aria''s location. The bracelet which Aria was wearing had a tracker but only Aria, Finn, and Levin knew that.


    Finn didn''t allow Levi to give her location to anybody.


    Aria had huddled next to Oliver''s tomb and didn''t dare to cry, scared that she might not stop herself but she wasn''t sure how long she sat there either.


    When she heard shoe sound stopping next to her and sighing, she asked in her hoarse voice, "Should I give up Skyline? I will give it up."


    "Where is your boldness who never yed by opposition terms? <strong>Fight n Morgan</strong>. Let him know what he had and what he lost."


    Aria stood up and went in front of him. She pointed on his heart and poked hard on his chest as she spoke.


    "Only I know how much he hurt me and only I know how much I love him. It''s not as easy as you said <em>''Fight n Morgan.''</em> Love someone deeply, you will know how much I''m hurt."


    Aria left before her tears could fall in front of him.


    She again sped on the road and reached Aan orphanage.


    The chief already knew what had happened at the city''s biggest wedding celebration of the decade. So she quickly arranged a room for Aria to rest. Aria who locked the door cried her heart out all day till she fell asleep on the floor.


    Amelia was crying too, Old master Morgan was admitted to hospital, Rowan had beaten n when he stepped in the mansion without searching Aria and doing all those to her.


    n hadn''t budged an inch till Rowan got tried. Nobody knew why he was standing emotionlessly and got beaten.


    Noah, Rian, Calvin searched the whole city like crazy but didn''t find her.


    Eva had cried a long time at her mother''s ce. She never in her dreams thought something like this would happen to Aria.


    She clearly remembered Aria had asked her that n might be doing it for Skyline, she wished she knew it.


    Roxy wanted everyone to meet her parents on that day but seeing the development, she asked them to return to the hotel and tried to help Rian.


    Many had sleepless nights except two. Aria fell asleep due to her weakness. n who gathered Skyline''s all project information and nned out its fall before he went to sleep.


    In fact, he wanted to look for her but knew it''s of no use as she wouldn''t believe he actually loves her. He wanted to bring down the Skyline to bankruptcy and make her beg him to help her out.


    Both had forgotten to instruct theirpany PR team which escted the matter. Many were happy to know Skyline and Morgan Industries were on negatives because if they shed, they could survive and flourish.


    Levi, Finn waited all day long for Aria to open the door but it never opened. Finn didn''t sleep scaring Aria might leave at midnight but there were no movements.


    He called his mother in the morning to the Orphanage. He knew very well how much his mother liked Aria even though they just met twice a year in the previous five years.


    As soon as Aria opened the door, Madam Stanley hugged and consoled Aria but Finn was frozen.


    He felt like he had traveled back to five years seeing her nk expressionless face. There was not a single expression and no trace if she had cried other than slightly swollen eyes.


    "I''m fine." Aria said and exited the room who was still in a bridal gown.


    She was void of any emotions.


    Finn hesitatingly passed a bag. Aria took the bag and thanked before showering and changing.


    "Mom" Finn was helpless when he saw Aria that way.


    His mother patted his shoulder, "She will be fine. Give her time."


    Aria thanked the matron before exiting. She kept the gown in the car trunk but stood there, looking at it.


    Finn had to shook her shoulder to get a response to his questions for ten minutes but Aria closed the trunk as she said, "This dress will remind me that I''m dumb."


    "Alia..."


    Aria cut in, "You are right. I was all along dumb... Go to yourpany."


    "Alia"


    Aria looked at Levi, "We will have lots of work ining days, are you up for it? If not..."


    "I''ll be 24 hours on call." Levi''s determined tone sounded and took the driver seat when she pointed in.


    "Aunty Stanley, don''t worry about me. Go back to your work."


    She could only nod and hop in her car.


    Aria saw Finn troubled. "Are you still sure about taking my first interview?"


    Finn nodded unsure why she was asking.


    "Then my first interview after running away from my wedding is for you. See you on Saturday."


    She promptly hopped in her car and instructed, "The Morgan mansion."


    Levi wanted to retort because he didn''t want her to see her go weak again but he didn''t. He passed her mobile to her and drove silently.


    Finn looked at the car disappearing.


    "Why can''t I be him for you? Alia, I will live happily with you even if you could treat me as his recement. Why not me?"


    But he didn''t have the courage to tell her directly scaring to lose her.


    Whenever he showed his feelings, he made a joke about himself so that she shouldn''t avoid him and continue to trust and feel safe around him.

 Chapter 174: Twist: Alan was malicious

    Chapter 174: Twist: n was malicious


    When Finn returned back to the country, he tried to go back to his previous lifestyle of a rich heir with lots of flings so that forgetting Aria would be easier but he failed.


    He failed miserably.


    When any girl tried to get near him with other intentions, he was getting irritated just by their presence or their smell or their face.


    At that time too, he wanted to see Aria and talk to her.


    He wished those five years could continue for his lifetime.


    He half-heartedly went to hispany.


    --


    Aria entered the Morgan mansion where n was sitting and having breakfast nonchntly leaving Rian, Amelia, and Rowan to fume in rage.


    The housekeeper who saw Aria first ran near her and checked on her, "Young madam, how are you? Are you hurt? Where were you all day and night? We couldn''t find you anywhere."


    Aria who always replied with a smile was emotionless, "Aunty Lilly, I''m fine."


    As soon others heard <em>''Young madam''</em> They went towards her but n continued his breakfast.


    Rian checked on her and asked rows of questions with Amelia and Rowan but other than seeing her poker face, they didn''t get to hear anything.


    Aria, atst, said three words impassively before going upstairs, "I am fine."


    She knew they were all innocent but she wasn''t at the state to calm them or talk to them when she was still collecting herself from what had happened.


    She wanted a few important files from her locker which she took with other her things ignoring whoever tried to stop her.


    Amelia and Rowan knew she was leaving the mansion, other than being sorry due to their son they were in no ce to say anything.


    Aria pulled her luggage out and was going towards the exit bypletely ignoring n who was in the living hall but heard his snide tone.


    <strong>"President Cooper ran away from her wedding."</strong> It was one of the newspaper headlines.


    He stood up and blocked her path. He tried to caress her cheek but Aria evaded.


    "Why? Don''t you like my touch anymore?"


    Aria''s grip on the handle of the bag increased to control herself.


    "n Morgan, f**k off."


    Rian couldn''t hold it in and pulled Aria behind him ring at n but n peeked at Aria.


    "Seems like you don''t bother about my brother''s touch."


    Rian pushed his fist but n held it and pushed him aside effortlessly.


    Aria was about to help Rian who hit the side table but n wrapped his hand around her waist and pulled her to him.


    Aria red at him which he didn''t care and probed, "How about doing it once before officially bing enemies? You can choose the ce."


    His voice wasn''t low and all were stunned seeing his new side. <em>Or the hidden side?</em>


    Aria pushed him with all her might and struck on his cheek burying the pain she was feeling in her heart.


    That pain, which was burning her.


    That pain, which was suffocating her.


    That pain which she wanted to let go.


    That pain which she wanted to stop but was out of her hands.


    She was leaving but n pulled her back to face him as he scorned, "Did anybody fool you again with sweet talk that you are so eager to go into their arms?"


    "n" Amelia marched towards him but n warned coldly.


    "Mom, It was all over yesterday. Don''t dare to touch me again."


    Aria who didn''t want to talk asked through her clenched teeth, "How much lower are you thinking to fall?"


    Nobody could say what she was feeling hearing her emotionless voice other than n who was gazing her eyes.


    n raised his brows indifferently, "Low? The day I fell in love with an easy girl like you had made me realize I had fallen too low. I thought girls who go behind money were cheap and easy to get but no, you are a better definition of it. I talked sweet and you reached my arms so easily."


    Aria thought she should have expected it from him but she was so hurt hearing him that she felt hard to breathe.


    <em>''Want to be my enemy? I''ll fulfill your wish.''</em> She pushed him on the couch and stepped her leg on the couch pulling his cor up to face him.


    n who never saw hatred in her eyes was surprised. He had thought she loved him to the extent she couldn''t hate him even if he tries to provoke her.


    "<strong>n Morgan</strong>. You have seen my boundless love. From now on, you will have the taste of how vengeful I am. I will make sure <strong>YOU!</strong> hear my name daily and think you shouldn''t have yed me just because I was dumb. <strong>n Morgan! The game is on.</strong>"


    Aria moved her face near his perfectly sculpted face with her sweet smile which n always got mesmerized.


    n''s weakness was Aria which both knew well.


    When she voluntarily moved to kiss but stop, he raised his hand subconsciously to pull her to kiss but Aria smirked and left him and the mansion eventually.


    n''s face was dark getting yed by her and red at her back ignoring the onlookers.


    <em>''Isn''t I am your weakness and strength too? Let me see how long you are going to stand against me.''</em>


    Both were each other''s strength yet the weakness.


    <em>Does Aria''s hatred start toward him? </em>


    <em>Could she stand against him forgetting her love?</em>


    Aria wiped her cheeks before hoping in the car. "Skyline."


    Amelia who was crying roared, "Get the hell out of here. Don''t step in my home ever again. Get out... Rowan, I don''t want this man in my ce. Either he will stay or I will stay here."


    He was her son but she was a woman, a daughter, a wife. Seeing Aria suffer, she was ready to forget she had a son who she used to be proud of.


    n ignored it and left the Morgan mansion. He had hundreds of ways to make them call him back home.


    For Rian, nobody stands as tall as n, not even his father.Hence he never in his dreams thought n was malicious.


    He ignored the bleeding of his forehead and called Noah and Eva to inform them that Aria was fine and she left the mansion saying she was going to fight n.


    The three quickly got fresh and reached the Skyline Industries but Levi didn''t let anybody enter her office saying Aria was busy and he couldn''t let them in.


    Aria who got fresh and heard all the issues at thepany sent them out. Many clients pulled out due to n so she was busy nning the alternate options.


    She wasn''t the one to attack underhandedly but she decided to y well.

 Chapter 175: Twist: My little wife is venomous.

    Chapter 175: Twist: My little wife is venomous.


    As soon as Aria found solutions for the problems raised at the business, she prepared for head-on attacks instead of sneak.


    Skyline investment in Morgan''s many ns was pulled out at the right intervals of time.


    Twenty movies and dramas stopped shooting.


    Their studio construction by the Skyline was kept on hold giving payment as an initial reason but her n was big behind it.


    Skyline retail fashion which uses Morgan textile pulled out and many more.


    The Skyline Industries'' benefit was Aria was a young and beautiful girl at the age of marriage and sole heiress of the Cooper family. Most and many otherpanies voluntarily lowered their price to work for her so that they could meet her.


    It was almost the same for n but he needed more investors.


    The Skyline Industries lost quite a capital but they were more stable than the Morgan Industries.


    n had expected some but he never thought Aria would really take their game seriously without caring about him, Rowan, Amelia.


    Levi and Aria were immensely busy with their executive of all the department which waspletely free from inconspicuous people who were filtered out a long time back as soon as Levi and Aria started working.


    Nathan was going numb hearing n shout and instruct every half an hour whenever Skyline attacked brutally.


    Aria was stepping on n''s nerve each time.


    n was smart but thought Aria was soft. Aria was soft but was very good at leaving him at a frenzy.


    She didn''t start but she was ready to end for him cleanly and beautifully.


    Levi hadn''t informed Aria about three waiting because he didn''t want the crucial time to make her sit and console her friends.


    Aria who hadn''t eaten for more than twenty-four hours felt dizzy when she stood up to fetch water. She wasn''t in the mood to eat but she wasn''t at the state to admit to the hospital either.


    Sheposed herself and went out. Putting on nonchnce fake mood, she whined peeking at Levi, "Levi, I''m hungry."


    Aria always treated her assistant and secretaries well so her real self would be present if not about work or even if her mood was down.


    So hearing her, Levi and all secretaries smiled.


    "I''ll order now."


    "President Cooper, you take a break, we will handle it till that." A secretary said who knew Aria was on call from more than seven hours straight without a break.


    "That''s... Sweet."


    Her eyes fell on the trio. She exited her office but her expression went back to nk thinking they might hate her for troubling the Morgan Industries openly when n sneak attacked which they didn''t know.


    Only the inner circle knew of n''s sneak attacks but the whole business industry, media was going frenzy at Aria''s direct attack.


    Eva ran over and hugged, "Arrie"


    Aria looked at Rian as she patted Eva.


    "Rian, I am not against you or Mom or Pop but I''m sorry, I have self-respect. I''m not going Let President Morgan ruin something where my father worked hard. I''ll make sure he receives the retribution. If you hate me for that, I have no problem."


    Eva who heard Aria''s determined emotionless voice left her and looked at her worn-out face. The charm and brightness of her face had only despair.


    Rian took a step ahead and hugged her, "Little Devil, I will always be your Beauty and support you even if the Morgan Industries go bankrupt... Don''t worry about me, I''ll live you off being kept. I need your sports cars, I don''t mind getting a yearly one."


    Aria held him back as she smiled hearing him, Noah and Eva sighed before joining them.


    Eva announced to lift their mood, "The beauty, the god, and the sweetie will always be with our Goddess."


    Aria finally giggled between them.


    Finn who brought lunch spoke, "Stop squeezing My manager."


    But that unknowingly reminded n to them, The trio looked at Aria who was forcing a smile whose eyes were filled instinctively.


    Noah was quick, "Wow... Is President Stanley getting back to his assistant job? Goddess, how about one more as your assistant?"


    The secretaries were smiling looking at them, Levi asked, "Am I being fired?"


    Even though he asked seriously, the Fourie broke inughter.


    Finn looked at Levi for a few seconds before saying, "Alia ruined you too. I didn''t know you were capable of cracking jokes."


    Aria kicked Finn''s leg before taking the big lunch takeout from his hands.


    Levi scratched his head and said, "You can say that President Stanley."


    Seeing Levi all-time serious, Aria used to make fun of him in her free time.


    Finn shook his head and sent him to lunch knowing he wouldn''t have eaten. He joined the Fourie.


    He had just heard how the Fourie were but seeing them he couldn''t help but say, "You guys together are still the same."


    The Fourie chuckled and thanked him for lunch as five had their lunch at four in the afternoon.


    Aria had to force every one of them to get back to work saying she was fine.


    Levi who kept coffee on the table couldn''t help but say seeing her dolorous, "President Cooper, the more you try to behave normal, the more you will be hurt."


    "Stop behaving as you know me. Go back to work."


    She wasn''t least bit happy by attacking the Morgan Industries which Levi knew well.


    She was the one who always told him to unburden his work but she was trying to push him to the extreme because of the proof that he troubled her father, could be a reason behind her father''s death, and his maliciousments on her.


    She was ready to ept if he yed her because he still loved her but her father?


    Levi sighed resignedly.


    Till she ran away from her wedding he had thought Aria was marrying n ignoring her father. He had almost thought she was just another girl who was a fool madly in love with a man ignoring everything else.


    Seeing her prioritizing her father, his admiration for Aria was at the peak.


    He asked, "VP?"


    Aria looked at Levi before responding, "I''ll meet him after the meeting."


    Levi responded before exiting.


    Aria wasn''t feeling dizzy or weak anymore after lunch so she continued working.


    She hated her current state and life but she knew she couldn''t afford to fall weak.


    She clicked on the speaker when her telephone rang but she paused hearing the flirty tone.


    "My little wife turned out to be venomous."

 Chapter 176: Twist: Im your younger sister

    Chapter 176: Twist: I''m your younger sister


    Aria bit her lips hard before she could make herself to piss him off, "I''m pleased to hear that. Thank you, President Morgan."


    Aria could make out he was fuming, "Ari..." Aria hung up purposefully without letting him continue.


    In the Morgan Industries, n threw the telephone receiver aside. "Aria Cooper, I had thought your love couldn''t let you go against me. A day and here you are."


    "n" Isaac roared.


    "Done with wisdom? Leave. Look for investors yourself."


    Isaac rolled his eyes and left.


    He still had to talk to Eva who was fuming when she had seen him going behind n when Aria wasn''t avable to anybody.


    Eva had moved to her parents'' house the previous day and she was declining every call from Isaac.


    Isaac quickly reached and entered her room.


    Eva thought him as her mother but frowned seeing Isaac. "Why are you here? Mr.Ross, I think President Morgan might need you. Leave."


    "Eva... I wasn''t supporting him." Isaac sat in front of her to convince.


    "You knew about it. Didn''t you?... Isaac, I dare lie on my face." Eva clearly wasn''t at the state to hear him.


    Isaac promptly replied, "I knew. But..."


    "Get out." Eva pushed him and tried to type on herptop ignoring him but Isaac sat back.


    "Eva, listen to me."


    Eva shrugged his hands away from her. "Isaac Ross, Arrie treated you as a brother. Your three year top movies were because of her. Let me tell you on your face, You are <strong>THE SUPERSTAR ROSS</strong> is because of Arrie. I''m with you because of Arrie. But what did you pay her in return? Cheat? Keeping her in the dark? Isaac, I never thought you could be so heartless. Leave about others. Let''s talk about me, have you ever thought how much I will be hurt when this all happens? And guess what, I even started to think you could have a n behind staying with me. Are you nning to ckmail my father? Are you nning to dump me after your desires are fulfilled? Are you nning to make use of my father''s position for anything else?... Oh let me guess, are you nning to use me as your publicity if it dec..."


    Isaac controlled himself from pping her and scowled, "Shut up, Just shut up..."


    "Do you think I never tried to stop n? Do you think he will listen to me? Do you think just because I tell about the problems to Aria in the past she would have believed me? Eva Miller, I have seen them falling in love. I am the living proof who saw how much they suffered in the past six years. Just because Aria showed everything was fine to you doesn''t mean it was. I wanted them to live happily, was I wrong? Now they are apart, you are ming it on me, why? Was I the one who made them together? Why didn''t I get credit whenever I met Aria for n who couldn''t get free in his tight schedule? Eva Miller, if I really had any ns, I wouldn''t have waited for five years. If I had ns, why do you think I will waste my youth behind you? It''s understandable that you get angered by the current situation of Aria and n, why the hell are you bringing it between us?... Alright, Aria is hurt, right? Are you nning to hurt her more? Isn''t Aria the one who stood for us? Do you think she would be happy to know that we are arguing because of them? Eva, think before you speak nonsense."


    Eva realized she was too impulsive. She looked at Isaac who was angered and didn''t seem like lying at all.


    She stood on the bed and wrapped her hands around him hugging him tight scaring that he might toss her away.


    Isaac was still angered and tried to peel her off but couldn''t. "Leave me."


    Eva shook her head tightening her hands. "You look too cute when angered."


    Isaac: "..."


    Well, men never liked to be called cute.


    "Leave."


    That made Eva tighten more. Isaac felt like she was trying to kill him, "Eva, do you want to be a widow before our marriage?"


    Eva realized from his tone that she was choking him, hearing himplete. She left him instantly, "Who is marrying you? Go and marry your wifey. I got my Goddess back, I will marry her."


    His wifey? n Morgan.


    Isaac ignored whatever she said and pulled her back to embrace. He spoke calmly as he caressed her head, "We will help our friends however we can but we aren''t allowed to fight because of their problems in their life. Am I clear?"


    Eva gingerly asked, "Arrie knows you knew about President Morgan''s n. She won''t me me for being with you, will she?"


    Isaac kissed her crown as he responded, "She has a brain. She is angry with me but not on us. I will try to meet her tomorrow... What do you think will happen if I tell her you screwed me and doubted me because of their situation?"


    Eva pulled his ear instantly and kicked his buttock, "I dare you to say her. She will kill me if she gets to know. I''m not ready to hear her scold me."


    Isaac chuckled and embraced her back. Even though he wasn''t at the state to tell her everything about Aria and n, he was happy that Eva understood him.


    He had tried his best to stop n but he had failed. He knew from the uing days those two would get hurt very badly.


    --


    In the Skyline Industries


    Aria had finished her meeting to make sure none of the branches were facing the problem and was going towards her office. She paused seeing Roxy with Scarlett Cooper who was with her husband.


    Aria didn''t greet. "How do you guys know each other?"


    "Arrie, are you alright?" Scarlett Cooper''s husband, Jasper Madison asked.


    "Alive."


    Aria didn''t like her Uncle who used to beat his wife whenever he was drunk. But the time changed, from nine years they were living separately.


    Scarlett was a scientist and professor at one of the top biotech colleges.Jasper Madison was a businessman.


    Roxy snapped out first and spoke, "Arrie, I''m sorry I hid this matter with you. I''m their daughter. Your younger sister."


    Aria remembered now that she wasn''t in n''s protection so all far rtives would pop up.


    But she wasn''t at the state to trust anybody.


    Aria walked towards the office, "In my office."


    "Arrie? She is..." Scarlett Cooper couldn''t digest Aria''s cold behavior.


    Roxy wasn''t close to her family, not even her mother but she still tried to calm her, "Arrie is going through a lot."


    Roxy''s father, Jasper Madison snorted, "To her arrogance, she has to go through even more."

 Chapter 177: Twist: Respect elders

    Chapter 177: Twist: Respect elders


    Scarlett Cooper gave her husband a disdainful look. "Do I have to refresh your memory why your daughter and Arrie hates you? Mind your tongue if not, get lost of my sight."


    Jasper gritted his teeth and followed them.


    They entered to see Abel Parker and Calvin Parker sitting inside.


    Aria who took water mumbled looking at five in her room, "Do I still look gullible after what and all I am doing?"


    Levi hummed promptly, "You also look pitiful."


    "Can''t you make me happy at least once?" Aria pouted at him taking her hot water mug and sat on her seat.


    Seeing Aria and seeing her making faces for little things, he started to feel like he was working under a crazy little sister instead of an emotionless autocratic president which she shows to everybody else.


    "Yes, who is going to speak first?" Aria asked as she continued to work on herptop.


    "Little sister, we know you are hurt but is it necessary to show yourself as cold?" Calvin said heartbrokenly.


    Aria clenched her fist.


    Levi who kept coffee on the table shook his head at her to cue to be calm.


    Aria calmed down instantly.


    "I''m fine... Can you speak off faster? I have more important work."


    Levi had thought she was good at controlling emotions hearing herst line, he hit his forehead as he exited.


    Scarlett spoke, "Arrie if you don''t like to stay here, why don''t you shift the headquarters and move with me?"


    Aria leisurely raised her head as her eyes traced each one of them before stopping Scarlett.


    "Aunty Scarlett, you might me magnanimous to forgive what your family did to you but I''m sorry, I am not. Until I''m satisfied with making them pay back double, I will stay here."


    Jasper Madison gritted his teeth, "Arrie, it was all past."


    Aria nodded, "And your young mistress is your present."


    Roxy''s facial expression changed, "Dad, is it true?"


    Aria didn''t know Roxy had no idea about it. Scarlett had kept it hidden well from Roxy but...


    Roxyughed mockingly, "You aren''t even fit to be anybody''s father."


    Scarlett tried to calm Roxy but Aria cut in, "Roxy, is he the reason behind your hidden identity from me, change in your family name and wanted to get close to me?"


    Even though Aria hardly spoke to Roxy, she had a basic knowledge.


    Roxy bit her lip and nodded. "My intention wasn''t to lie to you on the first day of school."


    Aria nodded, "Rian knows about this?"


    Roxy nodded and saw the faint smile on Aria''s face. "I''m sorry, sorry, I will never lie again."


    Aria nodded and turned to Scarlett, "Aunty Scarlett, I''m happy that you thought about me. I''m not a little girl who needs somebody around. If nothing you guys can carry on your family drama outside of mypany."


    "And you! You are moving in with me." It was for Roxy who stays at her rental apartment or Rian''s vi.


    Roxy happily agreed before leaving. She always wanted Aria to treat her as a younger sister and she loved how Aria ordered instead of asking.


    Scarlett was relieved knowing they were getting along and the purpose of visiting country A was fulfilled. "Arrie, if you need me for anything, drop me a call. Take care of each other."


    Aria just gave a nod and didn''t care to respond to Jasper who wanted to talk to her if she could help him out in his business loss.


    Her eyesnded on Calvin and Abey who were looking at her as if they never saw her once.


    "Yes?"


    Calvin breathed out through his mouth andposed, "Arrie, I don''t think you should stay alone. You know how capable President Morgan is."


    Aria clenched her fist when she heard <em>''President Morgan''</em> from Calvin. "So? Brother Calvin, who do you think knows President Morgan better than me?"


    Her emotionless voice poured a bucket of cold water.


    Abey spoke patting Calvin''s hand who didn''t like how Aria was speaking to them, "Calvin, Arrie couldn''t even recover and she is looking afterpany, understand it."


    <em>''Recover?''</em> She wasn''t sure she could recover or not.


    Abey then spoke to Aria, "Arrie, why don''t you and your cousin move into our vi? It isn''t safe for your two girls to stay in your vi and there should be an elder who could be your strength if anything happens."


    Aria wanted tough hearing about their vi.


    "Uncle Parker, do I look like an idiot? Why will I move into your vi? To let your daughterugh at me? What security are you speaking about? My vi regency has top security in the whole city than the state administration regency. Even the military families stay around there."


    Calvin warned, "Arrie, you might be president, respect elders. Did you forget that?"


    Aria raised her brows indifferently, "For your kind information, you are sitting in the president''s office. Not in your vi or mine. Uncle Parker is the vice president who came to the office just now keeping himself busy with his daughter''s wedding without caring about the status of thepany. Do you even have the idea of the workload I''m having right now? I''m giving respect to him without asking him to work or do overtime doing it all by myself. Before you raise your voice at me, do mind to care where you are sitting."


    She clearly knew well how Abey got the rtionship for his daughter, Kite Parker.


    It was using Skyline and Aria''s name.


    When that man entered her office saying he was her brother-inw, only she knew how she controlled from throwing him out of thepany just to give a face to Abey and the Parker family.


    <em>''Nerve to ask me for respect.''</em> Aria changed her line of sight to theptop.


    "I''m not shifting to your ce and I don''t want anybody to be the strength of anything."


    Calvin wanted to think she was emotionally unstable but he still couldn''t. He could say something was amiss by her behavior with them but he couldn''t put finger on it.


    Abey wasn''t angered. "Alright then, I and aunty will move in with you too. We can''t feel at ease knowing you are alone with maids."


    Aria was about to retort, Calvin rebuffed, "Now don''t tell us you don''t have a room. Value the ones who care about you."


    Aria wasn''t sure whether she was taken away by her emotions or she really wanted to punch Calvin''s face.


    "Alright, My mansion."

 Chapter 178: Twist: My people, my wish

    Chapter 178: Twist: My people, my wish


    Aria who typed two words on herptop paused, "Uncle Parker, I don''t want your annoying friends to fly around my estate. Let me remind you, trespassing my estate causes three to fifteen months'' imprisonment with a huge sum of fine. Importantly, if my maids or housekeeper were ordered around, the one to leave won''t be them but the one who tries to rule. If nothing, you guys carry on."


    "You..." Calvin couldn''t continue and heard Aria saying loudly, "Levi, without my permission, don''t allow anybody inside."


    Abey pulled Calvin out. "Are you nuts? Arrie had just gone through too much. She has nobody to cry about her pain. Can''t you understand by seeing her? As time passes she will be alright. I will look after her and don''t worry. Just concentrate on your startup. Once she is fine, she will be back to normal."


    Calvin nodded in understanding. He remembered their past week''s conversation and calmed down. He felt like n Morgan really hurt her too deep that she wasn''t ready to believe or ept anybody...


    Aria had worked till nine and dozed off on the desk due to tiredness. Finn entered her office with dinner after knowing she was still in office.


    He gently caressed on her head looking at her dainty face but he froze hearing her.


    "n, let me sleep."


    He felt like somebody poked needles to his heart by the sharp pain he felt.


    What Aria said made her jolted awake and turned to Finn quickly thinking it was n but by that time tears had rolled down from her eyes. She turned away from Finn to wipe her cheeks.


    <em>''Aria, gather yourself.''</em> She told herself and joked, "Seems like you want to be my food delivery man."


    Finn had seen her tears but he purposefully didn''t say anything about it.


    "I feel like you will fly off with a small blow of wind. If you keep skipping food then I might have to search you with a magnifying ss."


    Aria chuckled and had dinner with Levi and Finn...


    "Finn, Don''t worry about me and run over here. Work and rest well. I will call you when I want your help." She said when they reached outside.


    Finn couldn''t say anything to it so he vaguely nodded and, "I..." <em>''will drop you.''</em>


    But he saw Rian walking to her and hugged her. He asked gently rubbing her head, "Tired?"


    Aria nodded holding his jacket.


    Rian left her and took her bag from Levi, "I will drop you. That little rascal dumped my vi to stay with you."


    His vi and her mansion were just three miles away.


    "Stay with Pop and Mum. They need you more. Or take Roxy to the Morgan mansion itself."


    Rian knocked on her head, "Just worry about yourself."


    Aria rubbed her head and turned to Levi and Finn.


    "Levi, you don''t have to drive me home. Please rest well and stop whinging Finn about me... And Finn, please stop traveling back and forth so much. I will take care."


    Finn rolled his eyes purposefully and pushed her to the shotgun seat. "Stop chivvying me."


    Rian bid them and drove her car away.


    Levi moved behind Finn and spoke, "President Stanley, I think you should have proposed President Cooper when you guys were in country S."


    Finn instantly recovered and red at Levi who bowed his head and left to keep his bones safe.


    Finn had taken more than two hours to stop himself from going to her, in the end, he couldn''t stop either.


    Other than Levi, nobody noticed n''s car at a distance.


    n couldn''t believe Aria was looking unaffected. But he was fuming seeing Finn follow her around instead of looking after hispany.


    He wanted to follow Aria''s car but he knew if she saw him, she would get a chance tough at him.


    Fuming, he went back to his office to start his web conference with foreign investors. His aim was topletely change the news of the next day and get back firm.


    Well, to be fact, he was a great businessman and he easily found two investors and solved half of his problems.


    The rest of the night, he was insomniac thinking about Aria sleeping peacefully in his arms. He really missed that feeling.


    He just carved for her smile at him the whole night.


    That smile which only belonged to him.


    That smile which he treasured.


    That smile which she lost.


    That smile which he couldn''t get anymore.


    ---


    Rian didn''t stay back and left for the Morgan mansion. Aria who entered saw the housekeeper Sophia standing in the living hall.


    "Arrie." Saira greeted and went to her.


    But Aria walked to Sophia, "Aunty, what happened?"


    Sophia didn''t answer, "Young miss, shall I prepare supper for you?"


    Aria shook her head, "How many times I have told you to sleep on time? Why are you awake?"


    Roxy rubbed her eyes as she went downstairs to reach Aria, "Arrie, why are you sote?"


    "Work."


    Aria still looked at Sophia for her reply and a maid spoke after Aria''s cue, "Young miss, Aunty Sophia is standing there for an hour."


    Saira furrowed her brows, "Arrie, you have given too much liberty to your servants."


    Aria pulled Sophia to sit on the couch and looked at the maid who quickly understood and pressed Sophia''s leg.


    "Aunty Saira, My mansion, my people, my wish. Who gave orders to Aunty Sophia to stand over there? She is elder than you." Her voice was cold and merciless.


    Abey furrowed his brows. "Arrie, is a servant more important than us?"


    Aria promptly replied, "Yes. I don''t care how you guys lived in your vi but this is my mansion. These are my people. They will serve you that doesn''t mean you treat them like a ve. If you have a problem with that, I will ask the driver to send you back to your ce."


    Roxy held Aria''s shoulder, "Arrie, it''s fine. They will know slowly." To change her mood, she quickly added, "I took over Rian''s room. Hehehe."


    Aria gave a faint smile facing her, "Go and sleep. Stop your junk food habit." She poked her belly, "I don''t want to see these in three months."


    Roxy awkwardly smiled. If it was in the past, Aria never cared. Seeing her worrying, Roxy almost squeezed her in a hug before running away.


    She turned to Sophia, "Aunty Sophia if you hide anything from me, I am going to get angry with you. It''ste, you two go and rest."


    Aria knew that they would wake up at dawn to clean and do all the work. So except on special days, she never allowed them to be awakete at night.

 Chapter 179: Twist: Aria wavered seeing Alan

    Chapter 179: Twist: Aria wavered seeing n


    Aria turned to Abey and Saira who had a troubled expression, "Uncle, Aunty, shall I help you with something?"


    Both shook their heads. "Which room are you two staying in? I will take you guys there."


    Saira pointed at the ground floor room which Sophia had called Aria and asked before choosing the room.


    Abey had created a scene with Sophia for not letting them take the room on the above floors which were top-grade, fully modernized, and had a good view.


    But Sophia didn''t allow them and they had ordered her to wait till Ariaes but they didn''t expect Aria to treat Sophia as a family member.


    Except for her father, Aria grew up under Sophia''s care. So naturally, Aria was closer to Sophia who knew everything about her likes and dislikes of her than anybody.


    Probably n knew but <em>does it matter anymore?</em>


    By the time Aria took a bath and went to bed, it was one at midnight. She wanted to sleep but she kept tossing on the bed because she was stopping herself from crying instead of trying to sleep.


    When her eyes fell on the bedside photo frame, she started crying.


    She threw the frame out of the bay window before slumping on the floor.


    She had clearly remembered how she had told n that she wouldn''t be able to collect herself if anything happened between them but it happened to let her collect the pieces herself the whole day and she would eventually lose it when she was alone.


    --


    Next day news was all about Skyline industries and the Morgan industries.


    Aria wasn''t surprised by n''s quick reflexes and finding the investors. She knew he was too smart to be controlled so easily.


    But n tore the business newspapers and threw away reading about Skyline Industries.


    When he was with her, nobody dared to hover around Aria. It was just two days, evenpanies from the capital went up to her.


    All the annoying flies of the city were trying to get her attention.


    As soon as he got to know Aria was going for lunch with a chairman of the fashion industry, he dropped all his work to reach there.


    Aria and Levi entered the Private room for lunch and greeted, "Chairman Baker."


    Aria shook his hand and sat down when Levi pulled a chair for her.


    "President Cooper. It''s a pleasure meeting you." He was a man in his mid-fifties.


    He sat down and introduced the man next to him, "Let me introduce my son, Luke Baker. Designer and CEO of Aida fashion industries."


    Aria hadn''t noticed him thinking he might be an assistant but when Luke and Aria looked at each other, "It''s you."


    "Dad, she is Alia."


    "And you are LAN," Aria said.


    "So President Cooper, It''s a pleasure meeting you." He extended his hand for a handshake with his charming smile.


    Aria had just extended but somebody else held her hand.


    When her eyes fell on the owner of the hand, unthinking her brows furrowed. She tried to pull her hand but it was held tighter.


    "President Baker, it''s a pleasure seeing you." It was a pawky tone of n Morgan who sat next to Aria holding her hand.


    Aria wavered seeing him.


    She really wished nothing happened between them.


    When he turned to her and smiled, she really wanted to smile back but Levi''s nudge pulled her back to reality.


    Aria pulled her hand back and faced ahead, "Chairman Baker, I didn''t know unnecessary people were invited for lunch."


    n''s expression slightly changed, "Sweetheart, why do I need an invite to apany my wife?"


    "Alia, when did you marry?" Luke asked in surprise.


    His father spoke, "President Morgan, you think I don''t know you guys didn''t marry."


    "Oh, See."


    Aria frowned seeing n raise her hand and realized he was showing their finger rings. Aria pulled it out and threw away.


    n''s face turned pitch ck. His cold tone sounded and he pulled her out. "I have to cate my angered wife. Excuse us."


    Aria signaled Levi to tend to them as she tried to break free from n''s grip but failed.


    He entered the next room and locked the door pinning her to the wall.


    "Aria, did you think I will let you off and date somebody else?"


    Aria poked her thigh hard to avoid getting carried away by her emotions.


    n who hugged her, rubbed his nose on her neck as he spoke in his deep voice, "Sweetheart, you can only live in my arms and die in mine. Or else you will die alone. Don''t dare to dream about another man."


    n couldn''t help himself and kiss on her neck but he realized Aria was standing without a reaction.


    She just looked like a wless doll that had no life and emotion looking at him.


    She didn''t push him, she didn''t struggle and she didn''t react. It was like he was holding a lifeless beautiful marite which was breathing.


    Even though he didn''t expect her to ept his behavior, he expected her to struggle, shout at him, push him away, chide him, throw her frustration out, cry out for being forced on her but...


    "What''s wrong with you? Aria..." n immediately tensed and shook her to get a reaction.


    Aria asked emotionlessly, "Are you done? Shall I leave?"


    n''s eyes darkened. He again tried to scare her but Aria stood like a statue.


    When he stopped after biting her shoulder, Aria asked, "Done?"


    n pushed her out of the room and closed the door before punching the wall.


    He had forgotten she never ys by opposition terms. He expected her to struggle so she didn''t.


    Aria who almost lost footing on her heels was held by Levi who passed her handkerchief. "Are you alright?"


    Aria nodded, "I will use the restroom ande."


    Aria washed her face and checked on her thigh where it had started drops of blood due to her nails. She used a paper towel on it and cleaned her pants before exiting like an elegantdy.


    She finished her meeting with sessful cooperation between twopanies before returning to Skyline Industries.


    She was working when Levi asked if she wanted to meet Isaac. Aria tried to be calm and nodded, "Send him in."


    Aria who always excitedly wished him sat indifferently and pointed at the chair without raising her head. "Yes?"


    "Arrie."


    "How can I help you Mr.Ross?"


    "Arrie."


    Aria kept her files away and faced him, "What? You are sorry? Alright. Anything else?"


    "Arrie." He had thought they could sit and talk but seeing her cold, he had nothing to say.


    "I know n Morgan. You don''t have to feel sorry for it. I''m not angry at you. If nothing, please leave. I have lots of work."


    "Is it important for you two to do all these?"


    "I didn''t start"


    "You can stop."


    "I will stop one day."


    "I didn''t mean that way. Stop now."


    Aria didn''t reply and pointed the door for him. Isaac could only leave ncing at her.

 Chapter 180: Twist: Aria fainted

    Chapter 180: Twist: Aria fainted


    Days passed by, Skyline was stable as ever without getting affected by n''s any attack. But n couldn''t help but resort to something he never liked to do.


    Got along with an heiress of apany that led thatpany to help out n as he wanted.


    Everyone might think he was moving on but Aria knew he was trying to provoke her. He wanted to see her react to it.


    But when Aria saw it, she just threw the paper away and got back to work.


    She knew very well, n was just showing to the media he was dating that girl whereas he never would even like to sit next to her or have a proper talk.


    Going on date with somebody else other than Aria wasn''t in his dictionary.


    n was on news every day with that girl but Aria didn''t care. Aria was on news every single day either for business or for her outfit for the day.


    In just a month she was a stylish Youngest woman President. She had fan pages. Her styles sold in Skyline retail-like crazy.


    Many newspapers had a separate column to her outfit for the day that attracted only admiration from all types of people because she never wore exposing or too old fashioned.


    She smartly designed, meticulously chose and styled.


    The attention she was grabbing just by that was soaring leaving n''s articles to move to sides.


    n didn''t like how she didn''t bother to know about his rtionship with that heiress.


    Then there was breakup news but thatpany had no power to pull back from the Morgan Industries.


    n was clueless about Starlight''s first magazine and the live interview was by Aria.


    When everyone was discussing breakup story, Aria was ruling in the front cover.


    <em><strong>''While the groom''s break-up stories started, the bride is sovereign in the media and business''</strong></em> was manyizens'' views.


    The Skyline PR department was very happy with it.


    The issue raised about the construction of the indoor studio which Skyline had halted. They arranged a meeting and Aria went with Levi, department executives, and legal personnel.


    Aria and n were at opposite ends of the long table. The confrontation from both sides started but n''s eyes didn''t move away from Aria whose eyes never fell on n.


    The Skyline had a use that if the payment wasn''t on time, they would have all the rights to withhold the construction and use their workers for other construction.


    Now the Skyline was working on another project, they asked to wait which obviously was dying the ns of the Morgan industries.


    Aria finished working on herptop hearing them. She closed herptop and went to use the restroom.


    n who was sitting motionlessly entered thedies'' restroom without care. Ady ran out giving a disdainful look to n.


    Aria saw him through the mirror while washing her hands. When she turned to leave, he pulled her back cornering her.


    Aria couldn''t believe her defenses get weak even after convincing herself for so long. But she froze when he embraced her without trying to do anything.


    The same warm embrace she yearned every day.


    The same warm embrace she used to feel safe and secure.


    She could feel his body rxing holding her in his embrace. She could feel him rxing.


    But Aria had to dig her nails hard to her palms to remind herself to stay stationary.


    That made n embrace her tight and smile. Even though he didn''t get in return, he was happy with just that.


    Aria decided to be evil, "Done with your fake affection? Didn''t your week-girlfriend hug you? I thought you guys must have shared a bed."


    n gritted his teeth, "If not, are you going to do it?"


    He didn''t want to trouble her but he made her sit on a cab forcefully. He started kissing her but he couldn''t go after just a few seconds seeing her sit like a statue.


    He punched the mirror in frustration and left her.<em> ''Can''t you let me be happy for five minutes?''</em>


    Aria adjusted her zer and top then noticed the blood drops on the floor.


    In a panic, she ran out calling him, "n... n..."


    Levi pulled her to stop.


    "n got hurt. I have..." She suddenly felt hard to breathe and entered the restroom before locking the door.


    n who had entered the conference room, exited the room again hearing Aria''s anxious voice but just got to see Levi''s nk face.


    Levi had passed hisptop to a secretary to continue noting and exited when n followed her out.


    If he had heard Aria''s loud voice he would have bolted in but n exited before Aria who wasn''t hurt physically.


    Aria took a long time topose back after crying out and make herself prepared to be emotionless if she had to look at n.


    Levi patiently waited. He had just heard a woman forget everything when her man was hurt which he witnessed live.


    He took her back inside.


    Nathan asked Aria, "President Cooper, is there..." He unknowingly trembled due to the piercing re of n.


    "Young... Young Madam president, Is there a no way out?" He quickly finished and lowered his head thinking Aria might scold him for hearing <em>''Young Madam President''</em>.


    He couldn''t understand when they broke up, <em>why was n still making him call her young madam?</em>


    It wasn''t only his, many had the same doubt excluding Aria and Levi.


    "Beg."


    "Huh?" All looked at her in confusion.


    "Ask your Mighty President Morgan to beg me." Aria emotionlessly spoke leaving all bbergasted including Levi.


    n got up like a gentleman and walked towards Aria. All were nervous thinking he might hit her but he said something in her ear and left the conference room.


    Aria gritted her teeth because he had said, <em>''Is it like how you used to beg me to stop when you couldn''t take me anymore?''</em>


    All dispersed without any use of the meeting...


    Seeing Aria troubled sitting on her chair in her office, Levi was concerned. "Did President Morgan do something?"


    Aria shook her head "I''m fine. Get me juice or something."


    Levi quickly went out to get it. Aria who took hot water was walking towards her desk but she felt dizzy and fainted.


    Levi being her personal bodyguard was panicked seeing her on the floor when he entered her office with juice.


    He didn''t think anything and directly took her to hospital informing Finn, and calling her personal doctor.


    Aria was paled which kept him on needles thinking he didn''t look after her well.


    He was even preparing himself to get admonished by everyone and he had yet to think what Finn and Harold were going to do with him.

 Chapter 181: Twist: My vengeful wife

    Chapter 181: Twist: My vengeful wife


    Aria woke up after two hours in the hospital. She was shocked to see an unknown ceiling.


    She remembered she was taking water and walking towards her desk but felt dizzy.


    She tried to pull her hand back and realized somebody was holding her hand and he reacted instantly.


    "Aria, are you fine? Are you feeling pain anywhere? How many times have I told you to eat well and drink lots of water during your cycle? Can''t you do that?..."


    n continued without caring about anything.


    Aria had the urge to hug him and say she was fine, it was because of stress and long meeting her body couldn''t take it.


    Rian who was ring at his brother scorned, "Enough of your fake concern. Get out..."


    Aria wanted to stop Rian but words stuck in her throat and eyes filled up. Eva hugged her thinking she might break down.


    Anyhow, Aria controlled herself and realized there were many people and she was in the hospital ward.


    <em>Pfft~</em>


    Aria flushed and went under the duvet cursing Levi in mind.


    <em>''Dumb man, do you have to announce to the whole world that I''m on menstruation?''</em>


    There were n, Eva, Noah, Rian, Finn, Harold, Roxy, Levi, Isaac.


    Levi had called Aria''s doctor and Finn who was with Harold.


    Finn thought he should inform Roxy who was Aria''s sister.


    Roxy informed Rian, Eva, and Noah.


    Eva was with Isaac.


    n had got a call from Aria''s doctor.


    After knowing she was just weak on her cycle, they had breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing Aria''s reaction, they realized how embarrassing it was for her.


    Rian pushed Roxy inside and said, "I have some work, go to go."


    Noah, "Me too."


    "I have to check on uing interview schedules."


    "Old bones need rest."


    "I will go back home." Isaac waved at Eva.


    Eva and Roxy looked at n who didn''t budge.


    Aria thought her image was all spoiled. "Evvie, I''m dying of embarrassment. I don''t want toe out. How can Levi be so dumb to announce to everyone? Ahhh..."


    Aria who was under duvet had no idea n was still present. She had thought he must have left when Rian scolded.


    n controlled his curling lips hearing her whine like a little girl.


    He realized he misses everything about her very badly.


    He desperately wanted to subside her anger and take her back to him. Upon that hearing she fainted, he decided to make it by hook or by crook.


    Aria who thought for a few seconds spoke as she opened the duvet, "Now I''m hungry. Eva, let''s go barbeque and let thepany go to he...ll."


    Aria''s eyes were wide open looking at n still standing.


    "No barbeque. It''s not good in this condition." n coldly ordered.


    "None of your business."


    She stepped out of the bed and walked out. She saw Rianzing with Noah, "Beauty, I want Barbeque."


    "Alright. Don''t drive. I will go and order first."


    n knew if he try to stop her, she would want to do it more so he didn''tment and they all left one after the other.


    As n had told, the same night, Aria had heavy cramps and lost her sleep.


    Sleeping for little time, Aria got ready and left early to the venue of her first fashion show in the country A with joint cooperation with the Aida fashion industry.


    Levi was asking her to sit repeatedly whenever she ran around checking arrangements and dresses.


    Aria wanted to make him understand that she was fine but remembered the previous day , she just flushed in awkwardness and remained quiet.


    It was also Luke''s first fashion show in country A hence he was also running around checking everything.


    When everything was done, She sat with Luke and Levi as she rxed and had lunch.


    When it was time, All models started to get ready with their previously appointed dress.


    They had waited for more than half an hour but the show beginner and the showstopper who was the brand ambassador of the Skyline Industries was nowhere in sight.


    Her manager''s number was off, her number wasn''t answered.


    Aria suddenly realized that the supermodel was under Morgan Industries and n could be behind it.


    She called him directly and heard, "Sweetheart, I thought, I would have to wait a lifetime for your call."


    "n Morgan, Bring it head-on instead of choosing low-ss sneaky attack."


    "My little wife! It needs talent for sneak attacks. Everybody can''t do it. For example, You... Now agree with me I''ll send your brand ambassador."


    Aria smirked and signaled Levi to reach her as she asked n, "Agree for what?"


    "Come back to me." Even though he spoke like ordering, there was a hint of request.


    When her heart said yes, Aria''s mind said, "My love, get yourpany to pay for the losses"


    She turned to Levi without hanging up the call, "Levi, contract breach, I want each penny deposited by three days and cklist her from every possible way... I forgot, Call my teacher and ask him to ck her out. Let me see how long she could say she is an international supermodel."


    Then she told n, "Have a good day President Morgan."


    n was looking at his mobile in astonishment. "My vengeful wife, aren''t you ruthless? You just made a model useless in just mere a few seconds. No problem, tomorrow, you will be back to me."


    His face had a hint of happiness thinking Aria would return to him.


    There were only fifteen minutes to start but there was no model so Levi boldly suggested, "President Cooper, why don''t you try?"


    Aria had a better physique than the many models out there.


    Aria thought it was the best way to provoke n. She stood up to get ready but paused.


    "I don''t look gullible anymore, right?"


    Levi promptly responded, "You do and also helpless."


    Aria pouted at him and quickly got ready with the help of makeup artist.


    None in the audience knew Aria was stepping on in her own creation.


    The show beginner dress was corset tie up hence it fitted her perfectly. Other models looked at Aria in amusement.


    Since she wasn''t apetitor in their field, theyvishlyplimented her and how she had maintained her body.


    Aria raised her brows at Levi, "Am I beautiful?"


    Aria who never heard him say what she wanted so she added a line again, "At least to piss President Morgan."


    Levi smiled seeing her pout, "He will have to control himself from kidnapping you away."


    Aria grinned and asked, "Where is he?"


    "Hiding out, fourth line,st one in the dark."


    <em>''n Morgan, do you want to ruin my show? I''ll ruin your heart and mind.''</em>


    Luke left his show beginner and circled Aria, "Alia, can you be my model? Only once."


    Aria wasn''t sure whether tough or cry seeing his puppy eyes eagerly waiting for her response raising his forefinger at her.

 Chapter 182: Twist: Your ex is the worst man

    Chapter 182: Twist: Your ex is the worst man


    Aria whispered to Luke going near his ear, "How about I whinge that to your boyfriend?"


    Luke''s boyfriend and Aria were under the same teacher, that''s how they knew each other.


    Luke bobbed her head and left behaving like angered one. His boyfriend was a sweetheart but a possessive one.


    The show started and the first entry was Aria.


    She never tried modeling so she was frightened thinking she might make a mistake and be a joke of herself.


    Levi whispered, "To piss off President Morgan."


    Aria smiled and stepped up being confident, bold, and mesmeric.


    The spotlight was on her that left the whole hall stunned.


    Everyone there knew who she was.


    n thought nobody entered the Diaz hence there was pin-drop silence so he didn''t open his eyes but when a reporter snapped out of the daze.


    "That''s President Cooper."


    n shot his eyes open to see Aria''s breathtaking smile and her svelte figure in a gorgeous blue gown.


    He had unknowingly held his breath looking at her moving like gazelle, pose like a professional, and left leaving everyone enthralled by her.


    He felt like a princess or an angel just came out on a stroll. She was stunning which left his heart beat high.


    Harold had to pat Finn to bring him back from the daze.


    Eva, Rian, and Noah came out of daze after Aria disappeared.


    "Our Goddess." They loved how she carried herself.


    Levi and Aria low fived before he helped her towards the dressing room. Aria quickly changed to her showstopper dress.


    Its waist had altered to a size small for her size so it fit her perfectly. They did light touch up to her makeup and waited for her turn.


    Luke took her picture and sent it to his boyfriend, "Your pal turned out to be a supermodel."


    Her presence was no less than a supermodel especially her attitude.


    But Levi wasn''t sure what to say whenever she asked him for a review, "Now?"


    "President Morgan will kill himself or you for stopping that model."


    He was speechless seeing her smile.


    <em>''Is pissing off people is so much fun?''</em> He thought to himself.


    After about fifteen more minutes of Aria''s designs and Luke''s designed clothes were showcased, Aria took lots of deep breaths encouraging herself before stepping up confidently.


    The hall went to mute.


    Everyone always saw Aria in trendy but modest clothes but now, her deep v neck and shortest frontyer skirt showed off her wless glowing skin.


    She was alluring and enticing which made it hard to look away from her.


    Many drooled on her beauty with their mouths open.


    Her expressionless face without a smile with the bold makeup made her look more seductive and mysterious in her red dress.


    Aria purposefully nced at the fuming and infatuated look of n when she was posing for the pictures.


    <em>''y Me, I''ll hit where it hurts.''</em>


    She was walking back as she posed at a regr interval, she heard Eva, "Goddess, I''m going to marry you."


    Isaac who had his eyes on Aria and n thinking how n was going to punish Aria was speechless hearing Eva.


    Aria stood in the center to let all the models enter before Luke entered and led Aria ahead with him.


    Aria subconsciously looked at n when they posed because unintentionally Luke''s hand was on her bareback once and once on her waist for the pictures.


    <em>''Luke and I are dead today.''</em> Aria thought to herself seeing n''s darkening face.


    She felt like, <em>''The devil in the dark.''</em>


    When she went off the limelight she ran away leaving Luke''s hand thinking to lock herself in the green room.


    Luke was confused, Levi guessed but n was quicker than anyone of them who went like a wind.


    Aria cursed under her breath for provoking n when she was pinned on the wall as n locked the door.


    Luke was panicked hence he knocked on the door, "President Morgan, get out of there. I''ll call security if you are noting out now... President Morgan..."


    Levi patted on Luke''s shoulder, "He will not hurt President Cooper. If President Cooper signals, I''ll get her out of there."


    Luke was confused but he stood aside worrying for Aria thinking n was her ex and he would hurt her.


    Aria tried her best to be emotionless when n kissed and traced her back with his lips as he spoke.


    "Seems like you are too close to that man."


    Even though Aria hated him, he was still the man she loves. She didn''t want to but her body was reacting instinctively.


    "Honey, you sure have the guts to wear this dress and walk." His seductive tone continued as he left a few marks on her back.


    Aria was scared she might moan hence she clenched her teeth trying her best control herself.


    She turned and tried to push him away, "Al..."


    But next second she started to retaliate when his hand went under her dress and started kissing her deeply.


    Even though she didn''t want to go weak, she was flushed in his arms as her eyes filled up and had no strength to stop him.


    n knew well about her body hence he left her and kissed her forehead.


    "Leave." Aria said as her tears rolled down trying to push him away.


    n didn''t care and unzipped her red dress.


    Aria wanted to shout at him, yell at him, chide him but the more, she didn''t want anybody to see her in that state.


    She never liked anybody to see her weak side other than n.


    The tears streaked her face soon hitting him but n calmly took her formal dress and helped her wear it.


    He gently wiped her cheeks, changed her six-inch heels to her shoes before hugging her to calm her down.


    When he felt she was fine andposed, looking emotionless, he made her sit on the chair.


    He removed her makeup gently, untied her hair bun, andbed it patiently to untangle.


    "Are you alright?" He asked in concern.


    Aria looked away.


    n asked her to take medicine but Aria refused which he eventually forced it by his mouth having no choice.


    Aria knew it was for her heavy cramps.


    n knew well after her spicy barbecue on her menstrual cycle, she was having stomach pain.


    Upon that her heels were too high to tire her off easily.


    Aria really had thought he forgot about her cycle and forcing her but when his warm hand was ced on her lower abdomen gently rubbing to ease her pain while kissing her, she couldn''t help but tear up.


    <em>How could she hate him even if she wanted to?</em>


    She wished she could really hurt him for making her go through all those.


    n left only when he made sure she was fine. He ignored Levi and Luke as he strode out.


    Luke bolted in and sighed seeing her fine. "Your ex is the worst man. Doesn''t he have manners? Why can''t he move on?"


    Aria gazed outside seeing n''s silhouette, "Move on? I want him to suffer watching me."

 Chapter 183: Twist end: You will kill them

    Chapter 183: Twist end: You will kill them


    Levi saw Luke''s confused face and Aria fuming. He realized love really does too many things.


    Luke passed his mobile to Aria to make her talk to his boyfriend.


    Aria wanted tough hearing the reason behind the call. They wanted her to be a model for Luke''s at least one of the shows.


    Because Luke wished to design a dress for Aria.


    Hence Luke asked his boyfriend to convince her.


    "Luke loves me so much. Darling, how about we get married?"


    Luke rolled his eyes and snatched the mobile. "Don''t go back on your words. I''ll send the themes each time and decide which show you want to choose."


    "What if all?"


    "Really?" Luke''s eyes twinkled.


    Aria chuckled, "Luke, I''m not a professional model."


    "You are talented and more famous than any supermodel."


    "Why me?"


    "You are very amazing, Idiot. You understand the theme and sense of the cloth and design. You give off a perfect vibe and justice to the dress."


    Aria was surprised and turned to Levi, "Do I?"


    Levi had no answer and Aria continued looking at Luke, "But he tells I look gullible. That won''t suit all dress types."


    "That you are."


    Aria: "..."


    He bent and whispered, "My boyfriend..." then he stood straight, "...requested you and you agreed. If we treat you well and you will help all you can. And look wise, you look like a little girl who anybody can trick you easily but sometimes you are way too smart."


    <em>Pfft-</em>


    Aria pointed her finger at him in disbelief failing to get back for what he said.


    Levi who hardlyughs couldn''t help but break intoughter.


    Soon Finn, Rian, Noah, Eva, Roxy joined and agreed to Luke leaving her baffled.


    Aria agreed to Luke because his boyfriend had helped her quite a few times when Aria was running between college and design courses.


    Luke was over the moon knowing Aria would take part in his shows whenever she was free and likes the outfit he sends her.


    Aria was drowsy due to medication hence she left office work to Levi and rested in her mansion unknown of what was happening in the living hall.


    Sophia knew Aria needed rest so she didn''t disturb her. She tried to tell Abey and Saira that Aria wouldn''t like it but they didn''t care.


    Abey and his whole family didn''t know Aria was home. They had called Kite''s inw family to the Cooper mansion who was beyond astounded looking thoroughly at everything.


    "Dad Abey, your niece''s ce is amazing. Are you so close to President Cooper?"


    Kite held her fiance''s hand smiling sweetly, "Of course Jason, we are the only family she has."


    She stated as if Aria was her own younger sister while she cursed Aria in mind.


    Calvin rolled his eyes seeing Jason''s infatuated eyes on the mansion while Kite was adoring the not so handsome face of her fiance.


    He had a headache apanying them. Saira didn''t let him leave to show a happy family to their inw family.


    Sophia was trying to stop them from checking each and every room but they opened Aria''s room before freezing.


    It wasn''t only because of her baroque room, it was seeing Aria sleeping peacefully like a princess on her huge bed.


    Calvin had an urge to punch the face of Jason but controlled even after seeing him drool at sleeping Aria.


    Kite was actually fuming knowing Aria lived such a blissful life whereas she had to adjust in everything.


    Sophia noticed Jason taking a step in hence she didn''t care and pulled him back by his cor and closed the door.


    <em>''Pak''</em>


    Abey pped her in reaction before he could even realize.


    Sophia didn''t make sound thinking Aria might wake up and stood up from the floor with the help of maids. From the time they worked in the Cooper family, they were never treated that way.


    "You mere servants, know your ce. I had enough of you guys. Get out of my sight."


    The maids forcefully took Sophia away.


    Calvin had enough, "That''s enough of seeing. Leave downstairs."


    They continued to talk for some time and Jason''s family put up a request.


    "Dad Abey, you know how our circle is. My friends and Dad''s close friends want to meet Kite. How about you guys arrange a small tea party here? I would be very happy if they are happy because they are my business friends too."


    Calvin said through his teeth, "We will arrange in our vi or party hall."


    Jason''s father spoke, "Why to waste money? It is very nice here. Do it here itself."


    They wanted to show off they were associating with Aria''s close family members.


    Calvin wanted to stop but Kite spoke, "Sure sure. No problem."


    Abey and Saira didn''t get to react as Jason''s family bid them and left.


    Calvin was fuming, "Kite, this is not our ce. How dare you agree?"


    Kite didn''t care, "It isn''t like I am taking her mansion away. Hmph. Mom, I have to prepare for tomorrow, bye."


    She wanted to give the best impression on everyone.


    She left then Calvin left soon feeling his head throb.


    Abey quickly went and warned Sophia and maids to keep their mouths shut.


    They thought, by the time Aria reaches the next day after office, they could wind up their tea party.


    Aria woke up at dinner time when Roxy woke her up. Aria suggested seeing dinner in the room, "Let''s eat in the dining hall itself."


    Roxy helped her out of the bed, "Aunty Sophia told <em>''You sisters have dinner together''</em>."


    Aria smiled, "Don''t you think you get too happy hearing us as sisters?"


    Roxy grinned but didn''t respond to it.


    Both had dinner, walked on the terrace for fresh air as they spoke, and went to bed unknown about anything.


    ---


    The next day


    Aria was in her office when she received a message with a picture. Seeing the message she gritted her teeth and left the office instantly.


    Anybody who sees her might not like to go near her seeing her, exuding frighteningly murderous aura.


    She drove so fast that her bodyguards'' car couldn''t keep up with her. Aria bolted in the mansion fuming ignoring everyone who greeted her.


    She pulled a walking cane that was aside and started beating a woman and a man without bothering to say or ask anything.


    "Ahh... Ahh..."


    The man was good at escaping her strikes but the woman was sustaining rather good bruises.


    And the rest were bbergasted.


    "Arrie, Stop it."


    "Arrie, what''s wrong with you?"


    "President Cooper... let go."


    The women''s cries were louder but Aria didn''t care and attacked the two mercilessly.


    "Were you thinking I''m dead? Were you thinking I''ll let you live as you please?..."


    Aria asked many questions as she beat the two ignoring bewildered onlookers.


    The housekeeper was finding it hard to controlughing looking at Aria who would kill if she was given a knife.


    Roxy ran around Arrie trying to stop her, "Arrie, control... you will kill them this way." She regretted sending the message to Aria.

 Chapter 184: Marriage out of blue

    Chapter 184: Marriage out of blue


    Aria ignored Roxy and asked the man, "Who am I?"


    "President Cooper."


    Aria flung the cane on his leg to hear the required response.


    "My angered little wife."


    "Who is she?"


    "She is iming as my wife by showing a fake marriage certificate to Mom and Dad."


    "Then who is your real wife?"


    "You, sweetheart, It''s you."


    "What are you going to do with her?"


    "I''ll hand her to cops... Security."


    Aria was breathing heavily ring at n.


    All the maids, housekeeper, Amelia, Rowan, Rian, Roxy looked at them in astonishment, confusion, and whatnot.


    The woman was trembling in fright to look at Aria and hearing the conversation.


    She was the same supermodel who n had stopped from attending the show. She had the guts to say n and she had got the marriage certificate and n was ignoring her.


    She knew n wasn''t on good terms with family so she thought she could trick them and be n''s wife making up stories.


    Rowan had called n and asked him to reach home immediately. That model requested them to keep about their marriage a secret from n as he wouldn''t like it and might harm her family.


    Amelia and Rowan had only negative views on n hence they thought it could be possible hence they agreed in understanding but the girl thought they fell for her crocodile tears.


    But as soon as n came Rian had punched his face and told off everything asking why he ruined Aria''s important years which left the model in pricks.


    n had messaged Aria saying there was somebody holding a marriage certificate iming him to be her husband. He had purposefully sent her a picture of the fake marriage certificate that the supermodel had.


    He acted well in front of his parents, Rian and Roxy saying that he was already married to that model and he couldn''t do anything.


    Roxy had sent the video of n epting it when Aria was driving to the Morgan mansion.


    That model was on the verge of tears the whole time but she was trying to think n likes her so he was lying to his parents.


    Then the Morgan mansion security dragged the model out who was crying her eyes out begging for mercy and let her off.


    n pulled Aria on the couch and helped her to drink water before the duo faced the rest who were fuming in rage.


    Amelia asked suppressing herself greatly, "Are you two married?"


    Aria gulped her saliva and snuggled near n as she responded, "Twoyears back."


    Aria had to exin seeing their expectant anticipating and fuming gaze.


    --


    It was n''s birthday.


    Aria wanted to surprise him hence she had reached the city B early morning and reached the Morgan Industries soon.


    n was gloomy thinking why Aria didn''t receive his morning call or responded to his messages.


    When he reached the office, he got the best surprise and the best gift. Aria had hugged him as soon as he had entered his office.


    He wasn''t avable to anybody else that day because Aria was with him and only Nathan knew that.


    While others thought n might be missing Aria so he wasn''t avable but he was actually with Aria walking around the city.


    Aria had forgotten to get the gift in a hurry which she had bought for him hence she had asked, "What do you want? I will get it for you now."


    Only n knew how he was able to make himself say in simple words, "Your sign."


    Aria was confused until he took her to the marriage bureau. "Your sign for our marriage certificate."


    Aria was just twenty-one years old so she was actually scared to say anything.


    n had understood her and dropped the n, "It''s alright. We have a long way."


    It took quite a courage for Aria to say, "Let''s get married."


    n didn''t know how else to show his happiness other than hugging her kissing her forehead without caring about the onlookers.


    The officers had to remind them toplete the procedure seeing them talking and hugging each other forgetting about the surrounding


    They got a marriage certificate in no time which n kept in a safe locker asking an unknown person to set a password. Now it was locked permanently in a high tech locker.


    Aria had flown back to country S on the same night after dinner so she hadn''t met anybody.


    ---


    Aria could make out how many wanted to beat her up that only made her snuggle close to n who had wrapped his hand around her.


    Rian spoke through his gritting teeth, "So he was all along calling you wife wasn''t because you are his fiancee but you are actually his wife."


    Aria nodded covering her face with n''s big palm.


    Rowan asked, "You never hid anything, why did you guys hide it?"


    "I was scared of you guys getting angry that I married without telling. I had told n to inform you all as you all don''t get angry at him."


    Roxy spoke fuming in rage, "Why marriage out of blue? Then that was your marriage ring but not engagement."


    Aria cringed before responding, "It''s a wedding ring."


    Aria then had to exin why it was a wedding ring seeing them ring.


    ---


    Two and a half years back on Aria''s twenty-first birthday.


    n had visited her which everyone knew.


    Aria had bunked college to spend time with n and was strolling in the city.


    They had watched a movie, hadvish lunch with Aria''s few close ssmates then visited a few nearby ces where Aria wanted to visit with n.


    When they were checking out the new mall, Aria liked a short beautiful white dress on the showcase.


    "I like this."


    n always bought her what she liked so he took her in andter she got to know it was a wedding dress.


    Even though she didn''t have the heart to leave that dress, she was leaving the shop but n had stopped her.


    "It''s just a dress. Try on."


    It fitted Aria well and liked it a lot. n had bought her matching heels and took her out.


    If anybody looked at the dress as a wedding gown, it looked like one else it looked like a pretty short white dress.

 Chapter 185: My kept man

    Chapter 185: My kept man


    Aria had thought n just took her to church until the marriage officiant started reading.


    She wanted to run but n held her back before responding to the marriage officiant question, "I do."


    Aria felt her heart was in her throat hearing the marriage officiant and looking at n.


    She was just twenty-one.


    She never thought about marriage. Even though she wanted to be with n, she never in her dreams thought she would get wed at such a young age.


    She said, "I''m scared." Instead of <em>''I do''</em>


    n could understand her anxiety because she was just twenty-one and the wedding was brought up out of blue.


    Even he had no idea he was going to be wedded on that day. After seeing her in a bridal short gown, he thought to give it a try.


    He fished out the rings from his pocket which he had held in the airport two years back.


    Aria was instantly calmed down looking at the ring and identifying them as the rings which she had bought for them and which she had lost in the airport.


    n spoke, "Consider it as engagement."


    Aria shook her head which made n think she didn''t want to do it and was ready to send the marriage officiant away but Aria suddenly said.


    "It''s a Wedding... I do, I do and I do..."


    Before two men could react, Aria had kissed n standing on her toes and slid the ring to his finger then extended her hand for the ring brightly smiling at him.


    The marriage officiant was chuckling when n finished the ring ceremony taking his vow and embraced her.


    They had taken the church wedding certificate before leaving as the husband and wife.


    ---


    "... So ording to country S customs, we are spouses from two and a half years."


    Aria finished and gulped her saliva looking at fuming faces.


    Amelia took the cane to her hand as she spoke, "Wedded two and a half years back. Got the certificate two years back and you guys are telling us now after breaking your own wedding, sitting and snuggling together."


    "Ahhhh..."


    Aria screamed and ran around in the mansion, got beaten by Rian, Roxy, and Amelia...


    Theyid on the couch breathing heavily feeling damn tired after a long time.


    Rowan''s main concern, "What''s going on from these past twenty plus days and aren''t you two angry at each other? Why one more wedding?"


    n hit his own forehead and saw Aria pulling out a fruit knife quickly from the coffee table and kept it on his neck scaring the shit out of everyone.


    "Arrie"


    "Little Devil"


    "Pop, who said I''m not angry? I want to kill your son. Just because, I don''t want your daughter-inw to be a widow and murderer, I''m controlling myself."


    Then she spoke through clenched teeth ring n in the eye.


    "How dare you ask me to y your stupid n? Do you have any idea how it feels to say <strong>No</strong> standing at my own wedding? I just asked for a proper wedding and what you did? n Morgan, I really doubt whether you have a heart. This is the first and thest time, if repeated, trust me, I''ll kill you before going to prison."


    n slowly took the knife and threw away before calming her seeing her seething.


    "You... You are angry with Bro because he nned everything. So you hated him. He purposefully maligned you to anger you... No doubt Bro was speaking too much that day."


    Rian tried to understand.


    n spoke pulling Aria''s ear, "My n was to expose me with the proof in front of all and to hit me before leaving the wedding. Your Little devil is a mouse. She started crying from the time I told her the n."


    Aria punched his stomach as hard she could.


    "Those proofs?" A confused tone heard.


    "Pop, those were the proof we got on our initial investigation."


    Amelia''s face turned dark, "And you forgave him just because you love him?"


    Aria giggled and hugged her jumping towards her, "I love you, Mum."


    n snorted, "Have you told that to me?"


    <em>''My muddled husband, is that required now?''</em>


    Amelia hugged her back making her sit next to her. "Jealous? You should be. Do you think it''s easier to malign the one you love? Try thinking Aria said <em>''I do''</em> and was in front you and you have to say no. You will understand how much it pains."


    n didn''t respond other than looking at Aria whose eyshes fluttered, lips trembled looking away from him.


    He knew he left a deep scar.


    But they had no choice. If Aria had said<em> ''I do''</em>the consequences were dire which nobody knew except him, Aria and Isaac.


    Aria was ready to cancel the wedding a day before because she wasn''t ready to malign n.


    Aria leaned in Amelia''s embrace and heard Roxy ask, "Arrie, didn''t you doubt brother inw even once?"


    Aria smiled.


    n responded, "As soon as she saw the proof, she started beating her investigation team men."


    n pulled Aria back to his arms. He remembered her saying once, <em>''I will trust you wholeheartedly.''</em> But he never thought she wouldn''t doubt him even a little seeing those created fake proof.


    "Can you two make it clear to us?"


    They were extremely confused without being able to process anything.


    Aria sat back straight and exined, "As soon as I got to know n was in every proof of the investigation, I realized people around me are targeting my and n''s rtionship. I and the other two personnel checked those proofs.


    If a video was edited, it always leaves a code of application so it wasn''t difficult for us to know those weren''t actually n.


    When we found the car dashboard video of six years back, it confirmed to us that wherever the proofs were present they reced n there.


    I asked n and his team about their investigation report and found many loopholes.


    The footage which was deleted in the database appeared out of nowhere when my team investigated.


    And those so-called socialites created encounters with me to provoke me on n lying to me and many more.


    Their main stupidity is that they don''t know the extent I trust n so they thought I was digging out about n in his name.


    As of now, our deduction is there are three persons against this conspiracy. It is very important for us to let them know n and I are on negative terms after seeing those proofs.


    I wasn''t ready to ept his n but n didn''t allow me.


    I had cried and pleaded to him to stop hence he changed the n and maligned me to make you guys hate him and repeatedly hurt me purposefully to make me hate him...


    Even though he wanted to show that we hate each other, I was really hurt so I made sure I pushed him to the cliff stabilizing Skyline Industries from his attacks.


    My poor husband is still paying for angering me.


    Sweetheart, anger me more, I''ll make sure I''ll not stop until you go bankrupt and you be my kept man."


    n rubbed her head. He wouldn''t mind that too.


    For him, she was important than anything or anybody else.

 Chapter 186: Entourage in uniform

    Chapter 186: Entourage in uniform


    All burst intoughter hearing Aria''sst few sentences because the Morgan Industries wasn''t strong and stable as it used to due to Aria''s brutal attack. If it was somebody else other than n, they would have lost a long time back.


    "So our attacks were actually real, my hatred for his n, my anger on him was real too."


    "You two are really scary." Roxy said and turned to Rian, "If you try to y, I''ll kill you first before thinking so you better don''t use your brain."


    Rian bobbed her head while others chuckled.


    "Little devil said <em>''I can''t''</em> was for the n but not for the wedding. Now it makes sense."


    Amelia and Rowan were actually rxed and really felt the weight they were carrying was lifted off even though they didn''t like what they did.


    They were ready to support Aria and n because they knew, they were going through in pain than them.


    "You two should have told us and Dad is in the hospital because of you two."


    Aria giggled, "Grandfather is acting. He knew about this a day before the wedding day. After his approval, n carried out his n."


    Amelia and Rowan were speechless.


    Rian gritted his teeth, "Who else knows about the n?"


    He was ready to beat her pulling his sleeves up.


    Aria stood up going away as she responded, "Levi... Grandfather Harold... Finn, Isaaaaaac..."


    Aria was again beaten by Rian who was angered saying when Finn became so close that he knew everything.


    n carried his wife ring at Rian who rolled his eyes and slumped on the couch.


    "Who else can know about this?"


    "Eva, Noah only. Only means only."


    Aria didn''t want what she suffered and how n ruined his own image till that to turn into ashes if others get to know.


    They had found only one man, they still had to find two more in them, one wanted to kill Aria, while the other two wanted Skyline.


    n carried Aria upstairs as he said, "Not a single matter should leak from here."


    Amelia ran behind them, "You guys are married for so long. Where is my grandchild?"


    Amelia was back to her craziness.


    n coldly replied, "We are not yet nning it." He entered the room and closed the door.


    Amelia hit her forehead, <em>''Who wants grandchild?''</em> She wanted to know if Aria was still waiting for the wedding.


    n made Aria sit on the bed and spoke earnestly. "Promise me that you will not get angry at me and hate me. I can''t see you like that."


    Aria went to his arms, "Don''t make me mad and then tell me to calm down. That''s like shooting someone and then wondering why they''re bleeding. Do you have any idea how much I was hurt? How I had cried and had to look fine? Dumb man, how can you show yourself strong all the time?"


    Of course, she knew how much he was hurt too but she wanted him to realize he shouldn''t bring the external things between them and should solve the problem being together.


    "I am sorry. Lets this get over."


    Aria''s eyes filled up feeling her heartache terribly for both, "n, you are so mean."


    n coaxed her and Aria dozed off in his arms. He looked at her dainty flushed face in his arms and smiled.


    He wasn''t able to concentrate on anything thinking about how she was hurt and angered too much.


    Since the opposition didn''t want them married and didn''t know they were already married, she had said many times to call off the wedding itself giving some reason on the night before their wedding because she wasn''t ready to hurt his image which he didn''t care about.


    Since Aria couldn''t go as per his n, n had no choice but to change his n and malign himself.


    Due to the threat she received, she wasn''t at the ce to say <em>''I do''</em> which both knew well so even when she wanted to say <em>''I do''</em> she said <em>''I can''t''</em> for <em>''I can''t nder.''</em>


    Aria was hurt and angered each time because he was lowering himself in front of others but not his words. She knew well he didn''t mean what he was telling.


    After hearing Levi how much she was pushing herself, n had thought to the extent, he nned to get into an ident so that she goes back to him but that model solved it easily.


    He still had to investigate who gave guts to that model and encouragement to do so.


    "Aria, how about I go to your ce every day?" He saw her faint smile snuggling closer to him.


    His eyes fell on her empty finger which was clutching his shirt. He had gone back to get the ring from the restaurant where Aria had thrown but he hadn''t got it.


    As he cuddled her to sleep, the long-chain which was in Aria''s neck moved up due to her movements.


    n curiously pulled it up to know why she was wearing it and hiding under her dress.


    He was surprised to see her ring.


    He kissed on her forehead pulling her closer and rested for some time...


    n woke her up soon due to their work but Aria whined, "I don''t want to go."


    n still made her sit, "A few more days."


    Aria knew he was doing it all because somebody was trying to kill her. If it was Skyline Industries, he wouldn''t have nned all that.


    That was the main reason he wanted to look after both thepanies so that nobody attacks her.


    Her life was very important.


    When both went downstairs, Aria was dumbfounded seeing the red pockets, jewelry, properties, shares, and many other things for her.


    She sat and heard all their reasons. She knew if she said no they wouldn''t take it.


    "I''m taking nearly half of Morgan assets with your son. Mum, I want to change your son''s name to n Cooper."


    n: "..."


    Amelia nodded, "No problem"


    n: "..."


    Aria smiled evilly, "I had told you to change your name on our wedding. You only didn''t change. Let''s change your name today."


    Amelia who yed coolughed awkwardly. <em>''I was kidding... I was kidding.''</em>


    Roxy joined in, "Arrie, I thought only I got the privilege from you to change the family name."


    Aria probed, "How about Beauty''s name too? Rian Cooper!"


    Rian: "..."


    Amelia: "..."


    Rowan: "..."


    n: "..."


    They weren''t sure whether Aria was serious or making fun.


    n had enough, "I''ll let our son take your name and the girl will take my name."


    Aria flushed and stomped on his shiny leather shoes.


    Roxy and Rian wereughing their heart out imagining two in Aria''s arms.


    Amelia spoke shaking her head, "Consider it after some years. I found six amazing honeymoon destinations. Go to all ces and enjoy life. You can''t enjoy much after getting old."


    Rian and Roxy were pointing at Aria''s face as they chuckled.


    Rowan looked at his wife in astonishment. He had thought she might torture them taking grandchild topics.


    Aria really appreciated Amelia for not asking grandchild but she suddenly realized something, "Mum, you didn''t actually want grandchild all along. You just wanted us..." Aria didn''t continue but all understood.


    Rian was happy that their crazy family was back on track.


    Amelia sheepishly grinned getting caught and sat back. "Do I look like a boring Mom-inw asking kids all the time? You are so orthodox and my son had to fast."


    Aria: "..."


    n poked in, "Mom, send those six ces, I''ll start reserving hotels, or how about I buy a vi in all those ces?"


    Aria: "..."


    <em>''My cold prince, don''t talk. I like you mute.''</em>


    "I''m going to the office, You go with your fake wife."


    They continued to tease Aria andugh seeing her blush.


    n was happy bringing the home back to peace and getting her back. He ordered everyone to continue behaving as he wasn''t a good person.


    Aria pampered her husband for some time before she left unwillingly.


    The maids who noticed were astounded seeing Aria treat n like a small kid coddling him and their young master was enjoying it heartily.


    n left to his office to get some files and aptop before nning a surprise.


    Aria was on the way to the office, her mobile buzzed continuously indicating somebody trying to enter her study room in the Cooper mansion.


    Due to password failure, she got the message.


    Aria quickly checked the live footage videos. Her face turned darker the instant she saw unknown men at her study entrance.


    She took a sharp turn and sped on the road towards her mansion as she called the main security head of the mansion.


    Right after knowing they were Abey''s people, she dialed Harold''s number. "Grandfather, I''ll talk sometimeter but I need your urgent help. Is it possible to scare a bunch of annoying people in uniform?"


    "Aria, ask Levi, he is capable of arranging everything."


    Aria smiled, "You are the best. I will see you on theing weekend."


    She heard a response before hanging up and dialing Levi.


    "Levi, I want to scare the bunch of annoying flies at my mansion. They should piss in their pants just by seeing the entourage in uniform."


    "Roger that."


    Aria purposefully exaggerated because she wanted to show who was the head of the home. If not the Morgan family, she never liked anybody leading her.


    If they tried to trade on her, she was ready to show their ce.<ol><li>Taking advantage</li></ol>

 Chapter 187: Book of business history

    Chapter 187: Book of business history


    Levi just sent a message to ex-military men who got ready in just fifteen minutes reaching the assigned pickup ces.


    Levi was in formals and drove his car. For the rest, he arranged hummers.


    It was quite a scene on the street when six hummers followed a sports car...


    Aria entered inside in low profile and saw nearly fifty unknown faces.


    The Morgans and Coopers hated to entertain unknowns in their ces which the whole business world, wealthy families knew including the Parker family.


    She might have agreed if she was informed earlier but she never liked them using her.


    She saw maids were running around them with Sophia.


    Sophia had full freedom under Aria. She had the freedom to say whatever happens but Sophia didn''t want Aria and the Parker family to fall out.


    Aria patted Sophia''s shoulder and threw her tray on the floor to get everybody''s attention.


    Abey and Saira were flustered.


    Calvin who was at the bar was waiting for a good show.


    Kite gritted her teeth seeing everyone run towards Aria.


    But before anybody could get near her, four maids created a reasonable distance between them.


    "President Cooper."


    "President Cooper, I''m from Ruan Publications, If you are free and give me an appointment, I would like to take your interview."


    "President Cooper, I have Organic farms"


    ... ... ...


    Aria didn''t care about anybody or their greeting.


    Aria''s gaze was piercingly cold looking at Abey. "Speak."


    Others gulped and became silent instantly.


    Abey had no idea how Aria was in thepany so he never saw her in that state. "I... I..." He couldn''t make himself say anything.


    Kite snorted, "Arrie, they came to meet me. They are your brother-inw''s friends."


    Aria smirked, "I have only one brother-inw that is Rian Morgan. I don''t remember him having beggars as friends."


    She had seen them gobbling down food and drinks like they hadn''t eaten food from days.


    "Arrie!" Kite howled.


    Aria just hummed and a maid on her right went ahead and pped across Kite''s face without mercy.


    "Kite Parker, this is my mansion. Who the hell do you think you are to shout at me?" Her tone wasn''t high but it was clear and crisp.


    "Arrie, I''m your sister. Are you insane?" Kite criedying on the couch holding her cheek embarrassed and angered because it happened in front of many people.


    Aria just nced at the maid again who gave another one across her face leaving the whole hall to go mute.


    The rest understood that they shouldn''t make a sound until they were asked to speak.


    Aria''s four maids were well trained in fighting skills. Sophia too but she was aged. And they had no idea Aria was trained in some skills.


    "Kite Parker, Weren''t you, my sister when you tried to ruin my face? Aren''t you, my sister when you and your friends are dissing me on social media with your alternate ounts? Aren''t you, my sister when you became the admin of my anti-fan club? So keep your bullshi*t sister rtionship with you."


    Jason stuttered, "Aria, why are you..."


    Aria cut in, "Who the freaking hell do you think to call me by my name?"


    She turned her gaze back on Abey, "Are you mute?"


    Abey never felt suppressing under anybody, not even Oliver Cooper so he started to stutter out. "Aria, Kite''s inws and their friends wanted to meet her here so I..."


    Aria smirked, "I don''t remember permitting you for that."


    She turned to Sophia and her voice sounded amiable, "Aunty Sophia, why are you working as a server? Why don''t I know there is something going on here?"


    Aria waited long enough for Sophia''s response before grunting, "Le."


    A maid stepped ahead and briefed about everything Aria should know from the day before.


    Everyone could feel the icy cold air suppressing everyone to even breathe as Aria''s eyes darkenedpletely changing her demure by the time maid finished talking.


    Sophia tried to calm Aria, "Young miss, it''s fine. I am not hurt."


    Aria ignored and went straight to Abey and pped without a second thought.


    The thing which Sophia didn''t want to happen, happened in front of many people.


    "Aria." Calvin grunted and strode towards her fuming high.


    He was about to pull her arm aside to make her face him but a maid locked him pinning on the ground in a split second and waited for Aria''s order.


    Aria asked to release him and faced Calvin.


    "Why? Got hurt seeing your father getting pped by a young girl? Calvin Parker, Aunty Sophia is older than your father. When you can get angry, are you expecting me to reward your father? Why didn''t you react yesterday? Aren''t you brother to me also? How could you stand and see a random man entering my room when I was asleep?"


    She turned to Abey, "And you, Wasn''t I clear to you on the first day? Who did I say was important between you and Aunty Sophia? This is my ce, who gave you permission to get these annoying people in yesterday? Even when those people came, who the hell gave you permission to take those people upstairs even when Aunty Sophia stopped you all?"


    Calvin, Kite, Saira were fuming.


    Abey couldn''t believe he was pped by his niece just because he hit the housekeeper.


    A servant.


    <em>A servant?</em> Seventeen years Sophia looked after Aria like a mother without making her feel theck of motherly love.


    <em>How could she just be a housekeeper to Aria?</em>


    Suddenly they heard amotion and twenty armed military men entered inside and spread out as the other two and Levi went up to Aria and spoke.


    A loud, clear, and crisp voice sounded.


    "President Cooper, Some tried to enter the restricted area in the mansion. Waiting for orders to take control."


    Aria''s eyes swept on the guests who were trembling sticking to each other.


    She responded, "I don''t know any of them and they dared to enter my ce. Check the security camera and make them pay for it. Whoever dared to enter my study will be sent to the detention center with the ones who stole things from here."


    They all started to panic as soon as they heard ''<em>the detention center</em>''.


    Aria turned to Levi and her unyielding voice sounded, "Whichever the funds Vice President Parker sent without my permission to this man''spany should be returned. File the case against both parties if they couldn''t return. If they did, I want theirpany to go to the book of business history this week. Am I clear?"


    Levi responded as he looked at the man, "Absolutely."


    He took Jason''s picture and sent it to his men to know about him and hispany before making them pay.


    Jason and his family tried to get near Aria pleading for forgiveness but Aria didn''t care, they knew Abel wasn''t capable now so they didn''t ask for it.


    Abel tried to speak for long before he could voice it, "Aria, you knew about it?"


    It was in millions each time. Of course, she knew.


    Aria started to doubt whether she really looks that gullible to people.

 Chapter 188: Do I like a guy?

    Chapter 188: Do I like a guy?


    "Uncle Abel, am I looking like a fool to you? You got this man''s rtionship for your daughter in my name, you got their favor in my family name, you helped theirpany in mypany''s fund without my permission. There is a list of how muchpany money you had used during my father''s time. Just because my dad let you live, I thought to do so thinking you are my mother''s brother... No, it''s a half brother. But there is a limit which you crossed raising your hand on Aunty Sophia. I was ready to ignore everything but this"


    Only a few people knew Sophia was her bottom line, "Hand your resignation gracefully and leave if you don''t want to lose your face by getting fired."


    Abel slumped back on the couch.


    Well, he really didn''t think Oliver and Aria knew. He always thought his n was foolproof because they never asked him which gave him guts to continue.


    It''s like a cat drinking milk closing its eyes thinking nobody could see.


    Calvin realized why Aria''s behavior with Abel was getting worse from a month. It''s just that she got to know everything as soon as she took over and realized Abel was just present for the name''s sake and didn''t really work...


    There was anothermotion going on the other side.


    The stolen things were above seventy in the count which were all expensive stuff. Aria looked at Kite whose cheeks were swollen. She hadn''t dared to move by seeing the maid next to her.


    She saw Jason keeping Rian''s wristwatch on the table. Its cost was a million that was gifted by Roxy.


    "Wow... the parker family started a rtionship with thieves whose friends turned out to be thieves too."


    Except for the Parker family, all were kicked out. They had fallen on knees to let them leave so Levi''s fellow mates had fun punishing them and warned them before letting them off.


    Aria gave her ck card to Levi secretly to get or help whatever those ex-servicemen wanted...


    Aria who was sitting on the couch didn''t care to ask the Parker family to sit. She looked at Le, "I want all maids here now. Call Uncle Cole too."


    Cole, Security head of Cooper mansion and vis.


    Sophia knew Aria was angry with her so she tried to talk, "Young miss, I wasn''t really hurt."


    "Aunty Sophia, have I treated any less than a mother? I thought you loved me as your daughter but what did you do? You started to hide things from me and didn''t even tell me when I asked. I''m very disappointed this time."


    Sophia cated Aria until all gathered inside. "Uncle Cole, excluding permitted vehicles, permitted people, none of the cars should enter the estate without my or Roxy or Aunty Sophia''s permission. And please thoroughly check the estate once if any problem."


    "Alright young miss, I''ll get into work."


    She turned to maids, "If Aunty Sophia doesn''t inform me, whose responsibility is it to mention it to me? Did you forget who is the head of the Cooper family?"


    "Sorry Young miss, We will not repeat and we will take care of Aunty Sophia." All maids said in unison.


    "I don''t want it to repeat. Get back to work."


    All bowed to her and winded the tea party.


    Even though Aria''s reprimanding tone sounded, all maids knew she was in fact very concerned about them for being ordered around by the Parker family.


    Aria turned to the Parker family, "I never want her in my estate or in my any ce if you don''t want me to send her to prison."


    Kite sobbed but her malicious eyes were ring at Aria as she cursed her. She wanted Aria''s power, her fame, her ce.


    But she didn''t think she needed talent and had to work hard for it.


    Saira who was silent as the mouse spoke remorsefully, "Arrie, I failed to teach them well. We shouldn''t have epted that family''s request. We are very sorry."


    Aria just gave a nod and turned to Calvin, "Brother Calvin I don''t think I still have to disy the security around me, Ady was enough to bring you down so theplete strength is far above than a man around for my safety. More than that, after working in the office, I want a peaceful ce. If my home is a war field, I can''t rest. So I don''t need drama here."


    Aria knew Calvin pretty well. He would only get angry if she was in the wrong else he treats well.


    Calvin rubbed her head, "I''ll send them back to the vi. You go and rest."


    Aria nodded and went to her room but was surprised. She forgot about whatever just happened and ran into the arms of the man who was sitting and working.


    n kept hisptop away and embraced her back, "Tired?"


    "They are so annoying." She whined and sat next to him. "You know they had stolen so many things. It had Dad''s favorite wristwatch, his breastpin which I had bought for him..."


    Ariained like a schoolgirl for a long time before stopping.


    n suddenly hugged her and said, "My little wife."


    Aria knew what he didn''t say. He had missed her too much. She sat on hisp hugging him back with all her limbs.


    She had missed him too.


    Aria and n forgot about their work and spent time with each other as they spoke nonsense to important things about the investigation.


    After eating in the room, both cuddled to sleep peacefully after so many days.


    ---


    In the morning,


    n chuckled seeing Aria peek out of the room to check if anybody was present to escort him out unnoticeably.


    "What are youughing at? How did you enter without anybody noticing you?"


    n pulled her to embrace and kissed her. Aria was nk for a few seconds before requiting.


    Both heard the door knock and Aria tried to push him but he pulled closer yearning for more.


    Eva and Noah who had got to know about them had reached to take her ss and Eva opened the door without thinking. Because Aria and n still had to behave like enemies.


    Eva flushed as soon as she saw them kissing. Isaac and Noah saw too but Isaac closed the door quickly and knocked on Eva''s head.


    "My wish is fulfilled. They look so amazing together. Aww..."


    Noah nced at Eva then at Isaac who was speechless seeing her drool on another couple. He saw Isaac pulling Eva to her bedroom.


    So he went downstairs to think <em>why doesn''t he have a girlfriend yet? Why he wasn''t liking any girl?</em>


    Thinking about it, <em>''Do I like a guy? No... I would have liked Rian if that was the case... These three women set high standards that I''m not liking anyone.''</em>


    <em>Three women?</em> Zara wood, Aria Cooper and Eva Miller.

 Chapter 189: Protect Aria from a scumbag

    Chapter 189: Protect Aria from a scumbag


    Aria was flushed and was too shy to go out thinking somebody saw them. n saw her standing and rubbing her little face on his chest.


    "Why are you seducing me? You are still on code red... Why are you behaving as if you got caught in an affair? Rx, I''m your husband."


    <em>''As if I don''t know.''</em>


    "Since I''m already caught..." She stopped saying and pulled his shirt cor down.


    n was surprised and carried her to bed without breaking the kiss.


    n realized how much she had missed him too by their kiss and how much she hated him for the n seeing her bite purposefully yet she didn''t leave him...


    Eva was enjoying under Isaac who was pissed of seeing her drool on another couple kissing.


    Eva smacked her lips saying, "That was best."


    Isaac was flipped down and Eva took top for the next...


    Noah felt like an eternity by the time Aria and the couple went downstairs. He yawned eyeing his friends, "I thought, you guys will be taking hours toe out."


    Aria turned behind and saw Eva running towards her. She ran around everywhere hearing Eva curse her endlessly for hiding it from her. Isaac had to stop her to let Aria rest.


    They had forgotten Noah who locked Aria''s hand making her scream endlessly before letting her off.


    "Arrie, don''t tell me you are still angry at me?"


    "I am" Aria pouted and looked away from him.


    Aria had asked him numerous times to stop everything but n had made him spread out news about it purposefully.


    He was in Aria''s office to ask her to calm down and stop hurting each other. But Aria had rejected him like n.


    "Where is Prince?"


    "Jumped" <em>''out from the balcony.''</em> He had entered a low profile with the security head who helped him again.


    "Jumped?"


    Aria froze hearing Calvin''s tone. She quickly signaled the other three to seal their lips about n.


    "I tried." She had thought Calvin would have gone with his parents.


    Calvin sat on the couch, "Are you unwell?" He checked her temperature, "You didn''te out for dinner and breakfast."


    Eva cupped her face smiling teasingly at Aria. Thetter spoke in poker face, "I''m fine now... I''m gettingte for the office. Brother Calvin, Noah, are you going office or resting?"


    "Going." Noah said depressedly and asked, "Guys, shall we n an outing? I''m bored of working."


    Eva nodded vigorously, "Isaac is free for fifteen days."


    Aria spoke in their signnguage,<em> ''n has a lot of work.''</em> As she said, "I''m very busy this week."


    Eva and Noah understood. Calvin and Isaac thought she was just moving her hands.


    Noah stood up, "We will nter then."


    Aria walked out with him, "Eva, Isaac, continue getting busy in the bedroom, I don''t mind to be godmother in the nearest future. Bye."


    Isaac: "..."


    He saw himself on the front camera of the mobile to see hickey on his neck.


    Calvin wasn''t sure how to react to Aria''sment and went out as he heard Eva telling Isaac.


    "Hey, I have to be careful when you have the shooting. What''s wrong now?"


    The shameless couple bantered as they went upstairs.


    As Aria ordered, Abel resigned and left thepany apologizing to Aria.


    She already had a managing director in mind who was promoted to Vice President position without wasting time.


    Levi closed down three small scalepanies in the week which were under investigation for many reasons.


    Even though Jason was still ready to marry Kite, thetter had practically kicked him out calling him <em>''a beggar''</em>. But she didn''t stay low and started to n against Aria.


    Aria stopped troubling the Morgan Industries and continued the projects which were held by. But still, Morgan Industries had to pay fine legally to Skyline Industries.


    Between all these, a rumor started saying Luke and Aria were together which actually helped n and Aria''s n to show themselves as they were on negatives.


    The celebration for the sess of the first fashion show of Alia and Lan was held in a banquet hall. To add the fuel to fire, n reached purposefully.


    Aria who already forgave him was finding it hard to act but n was determined due to the situation.


    "Hello Darling, how can you forget to inform me about the party?" n behaved like a rascal wrapping his hand around her waist.


    Luke pulled Aria next to him, "President Morgan, stop troubling President Cooper. Move on."


    n who took a sip of his drink leisurelymented, "Why? Are you scared I might steal your girlfriend?"


    Luke didn''t care about rumors and at the time his aim was he should protect Aria from a scumbag.


    "Your dirty tricks won''t work. You are not wee here, get out before I call the security."


    n rolled his eyes before twirling Aria on the dance floor effortlessly. "Al... President Morgan." Aria grunted.


    Luke wanted to get them back but there were many eyes on the couple as Aria tried to push n away.


    "n I can''t act, leave... n let me go..."


    Aria took steps away but n pulled her back, "Sweetheart, it''s been a long time we danced."


    Aria wanted to knock his head, "We will do in the home. Leave..."


    "No... We will do something else on the bed."


    Aria hadn''t given into him even once from a week because he had told her easy woman to make her angry.


    Aria flushed and pushed him away but she still ended up in his arms, "Do you think I forgot what you said in my ear in the conference?"


    "So you want me to beg?"


    "Why not? If President Morganes home, I will make him sleep on the floor. Hmph." She released herself and left the dance floor pushing him.


    n''s face turned coldter and left the dance floor eventually.


    Even though they were arguing about their silly things, to the onlookers he was forcing her.


    Eva rested her elbow in Aria''s shoulder, "Why did you blush? What dirty things were you guys talking about?"


    They continued to tease as Aria blushed.


    Finn who knew Aria for five-plus years knew when she was acting angered and when she was actually angered.


    After knowing Aria forgave n, he thought they couldn''t stay away and eventually heard n was fooling people whoever was trying to get his information.


    Nathan was going to his vi in n''s suit whereas n was reaching Cooper mansion in low profile. Due to Calvin in the mansion, they couldn''t run around in the mansion, and Aria couldn''t go to n''s vi.


    He tried to disperse his thoughts and took Aria to his mansion for dinner with his family.

 Chapter 190: Im getting Muddled

    Chapter 190: I''m getting Muddled


    The Stanley family was very fond of Aria from the time they started to visit Finn in Country S. They liked her to the extent, they started visiting her rather than him.


    Finn was very happy how they liked Aria instead of getting jealous of that attention.


    Aria entered inside the Stanley mansion to see n ying chess with Harold in the living hall. She didn''t know n was invited too.


    "Grandfather Harold" She sat next to him sticking her tongue out at n whose affectionate gaze shifted to her from the chessboard.


    "Aria... What''s so good about your fiance? I always look at his expressionless face."


    Finn interjected, "Husband... They are married." He knew it the day Aria returned to country S seeing her adoring the marriage certificate picture all day.


    His father had a surprised look <em>''She is just twenty-three!''</em>


    Harold wasn''t surprised because he knew about it.


    Aria giggled hearing Finn''s father. "Uncle, he fooled me to say <em><strong>Yes</strong></em> when I was an innocent little girl."


    n didn''t feel the need toment.


    Nobody knew n better than Aria. His weakness to strength, his expressionless face to all expression was only for her including his talks, worries, and happiness.


    They continued to talk and had dinner before Harold came to a serious topic, "How are you two handling Jasper Madison?"


    Yes! one among three was Jasper Madison.


    Roxy''s father.


    Aria''s Uncle.


    The so-called family.


    Aria and n looked at each other before the former started to speak.


    "We had long back started attacking him. He had attended our wedding to ask for my help but I hadn''t let him talk. His major consignment was taken by the rivalpany on n''s interference. He needs capital but n''s men stopping all their paths over there. I still have to talk to Roxy, if she wants hispany then I''ll push him off the ridge else thepany will drown with him."


    "He doesn''t have a reason to attack you in the skiing resort and importantly your location was given to him by his daughter. I don''t think you should be close to her."


    Aria bit her lip before she could be able to respond, "I don''t know if she was with him in the n. After Lucas Cooper, Jasper Madison, Abey Parker, and Kite Parker, I am scared to trust anyone who is called as rtives. Except for a few, it''s difficult for me to trust anyone."


    Everyone who heard her knew what she had gone through. Finn who was sitting next to her rubbed her head. "Don''t worry."


    Aria hummed and faintly smiled at n and the Stanley family members who were worried about her.


    Whoever had to be her support were using her or attacking her.


    Rowan Morgan, Oliver''s best friend, and Finn Stanley who became her friend. They didn''t expect anything in return, they were there for her, helped her, loved her endlessly, and became her family.


    A family, who just wants her safe and happy without any expectation.


    "The reason behind his attack is unknown. Once he bes weak, we will ask him."


    They spoke for sometime before n and Aria left.


    Finn was leaving for his room but heard his grandfather, "Finn, in my study."


    Finn had the idea of why he was being called. Harold sat down before asking, "What''s with the rumors with that actress? Why are letting it escte?"


    Finnzily responded, "I started... Eva Miller doubted me and she is very close to Alia. I had lied so."


    "Aria... Finn, it''s Aria... The more you think as Alia, you couldn''t move on."


    Finn didn''t reply other than ying with his mobile.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t try, It hurt him more calling as Aria. He was ready to think they were still in the country S calling her Alia.


    His illusion world with only Alia.


    Harold had already tried his all to make him understand but nothing helped.


    "Grandpa, if nothing else, go to bed soon. you are leaving early in the morning."


    Finn didn''t wait for his response and went to his room. He drank for a little while before going to bed remembering Alia.


    ...


    n drove her car and entered the mansion normally from the main door with Aria.


    Both heard Calvin''s voice, "Arrie, don''t stay out toote. It''s not safe."


    n lowered his cap and went upstairs as Aria responded, "Alright. Brother Calvin, I''m tired, I''ll go to bed. Rest early."


    Calvin nodded looking at the man''s back. "He? Rian Morgan?"


    Aria saw n''s back. His jacket matches Rian''s style so Aria hummed as she went upstairs.


    Aria went into the bedroom andid on her bed, "Why is he staying here?"


    n kept herptop on the table, removed her earrings and wristwatch as he responded, "Why? Don''t you like him? He wants to protect you."


    "From whom? I feel like he is here to keep an eye on me."


    n slipped her heels off and carried her up making her scream, "n..."


    n paused, "Why is your first reaction to everything is ''<strong>NO</strong>''? I proposed to you and you tried to run away, the same for our wedding and marriage. Even to our first second third fourth..."


    Aria closed his mouth hearing him continue the counts, "Are you saying I shouldn''t have said yester?"


    n felt like he threw himself in the pit.


    Aria pursed her lips to control herughter and continued caressing his handsome face.


    "Sweetheart, you had love at first sight and did so much for me. So who is easy to get?"


    n gritted his teeth and admitted defeat for the time being, "Me."


    "You were the one who proposed, asked me to marry and wed. So who do you think begged?"


    n controlled himself from throwing her out, "Me"


    She pecked on his cheek andplimented, "Smart husband... Bathe me now."


    n had thought she was going to say <strong>NO</strong> to punish him more but hearing her giving permission, "No! Go and take a bath. I''m tired."


    Aria gave him a sweet flying kiss, "Alright, I''ll dump you and find somebody strong and younger than you."


    "You little rascal, I dare you to say it again."


    Aria ended on the bed instead of the bathtub when she was giggling.


    n was toote to realize he was actually too easy and Aria tricked him with just a line...


    <em>''Fine, I''m getting Muddled. Who cares? She is my wife.''</em>


    ...


    Aria was leaning on him tracing his cor bone with her finger when they finished. "n"


    n yed with her hair lock as he hummed.


    "Grandfather Morgan told me that you were in year one Senior high when he spoke to you about me. He told that you agreed to meet me when he asked you. Why didn''t youe and meet me?"


    "Who said I hadn''t?" n asked back.

 Chapter 191: Am I so tasty?

    Chapter 191: Am I so tasty?


    Aria was surprised and turned to him as she heard him, "My grandfather doesn''t appreciate anybody so easily. So I had gone to your ss but you were beating Rian so I had left thinking you were just a rich spoiled hooligan heiress."


    He had seen her back and left thinking she must have changed and lost her innocence and her smiles he had liked.


    Aria giggled before asking, "Do you think we would have had a chance if you hadn''t seen me like that?"


    n hummed again which left Aria too curious. "How?"


    He kissed on her lips and responded, "I remember you when you were eight because I liked your smiles. If you were rolly polly seven years back I would have still liked your smile."


    Aria really felt warm knowing her appearance didn''t matter to him and he loves her in every shape.


    She went on top of him and kissed him deeply before both lost control in each other''s love...


    Aria knew it was a bad idea to bathe together but n didn''t listen to her soaked in hot water with her.


    "I was famous in school as <strong>Prince</strong> and you knew I''m Rian''s brother. Didn''t you feel even once to meet or see me at least for academics?"


    Aria smiled remembering the past.


    "Once I and Rian were ying in the Morgan mansion and we were throwing water paint on each other which had spilled everywhere. Mum, Pop, and Dad, in fact, everyone in the mansion wasughing looking at us ying jovially. Seeing them enjoy we got even more excited about it. But you admonished us badly seeing paint outside your room door and carpet wet. I and Rian didn''t dare to take steps upstairs and had cried together in Mum''sp saying we were just ying and didn''t want to anger you. We weren''t even ten I think."


    n had said he would break their leg andin in school to teach them a lesson adding they had no manners.


    Even though Aria wasn''t sure if they met or saw each other before that, she was purposefully avoiding himter if she knew Rian''s brother was around.


    Because she was always loved by everyone and hardly anybody would raise their voice at her or scolded her.


    The first person to scold in a raised tone that she could remember was n. Even when everybody praised him, she would just remember that and ignore his topics.


    Aria remembered another one of their incidences.


    "Your t was on the 9th floor, Golden high. t number. 903. You weren''t well and refused to return home. Rian and his friend had brought food for you. You had turned away on the bed as soon as you heard another voice and scolded Rian for bringing his friend... That was me."


    That time she didn''t even know she was going to his ce. Rian had forced her into the car then after reaching the apartment, he lied to her saying one of his friends wasn''t well hence they were taking lunch.


    Only after hearing the annoyed tone, she understood where they were. Due to her past image of n as a <strong><em>Livid boy</em></strong>, she didn''t feel like greeting him or seeing him.


    Those were the reasons Aria never wished and never wanted to see him.


    n sighed remembering both the incidence. He had thought Noah was with Rian both the times.


    As far as he knew or remembered, Rian alwaysined to Amelia saying <em>''Little devil hit me or Little devil beats me up.''</em>But he hadn''t noticed Rian never cried for it.


    So for n, they were enemies to each other back then.


    Now thinking about it, Aria was beating Rian when he wasn''t studying, forgetting homework, getting bullied by others, for crying, slow learning, whinging to Amelia unnecessarily, using foulnguage, getting influenced easily.


    Those were the reasons why Amelia and Rowan used to be happy leaving Rian with Aria who was actually molding him to a better person without her knowledge.


    But n thought they couldn''t be friends to help each other or y together. So he had assumed Noah was the one who ys and enjoys with him because whenever he noticed, he saw only Noah but not Aria.


    n wrapped his hands around her, "So what you thought about me?"


    Aria cheekily replied, "Arrogant Prince who deserves to stay alone."


    n chuckled thinking how they had thought about each other. "Then why did you clean my ce?"


    Aria flipped on him which aroused him by her softness and she responded, "<em>The ce where patients stay should be clean and tidy</em> was Rian''s dialogue so I cleaned except your bedroom to let you live in peace. I kicked Rian inside to clean your room and you didn''t even say thank you instead I heard you say, <em>''get out and fight outside.''</em> when I and Rian were arguing about who was going to wash the mop."


    n who had controlled himself, "Then I''ll thank you now." He let himself go and took her like a storm leaving herpletely tired and wearyying in his arms.


    The bathroom was a mess, the bedroom looked even messier. nid her on the couch to clean but, "n..."


    Aria hugged him when he went to her, "Don''t clean alone, we will go to dad''s room."


    n kissed on her forehead, "It''s ok, I''ll do it."


    Aria whined seeing him leave her, "I want you, not the bed."


    n smiled resignedly carrying her out to Oliver''s room. He asked seeing Aria in the pictures with Oliver, "Honey, do you miss Dad?"


    Aria kissed his cheek as she responded, "I have you who is as caring as a father, protective as a sibling, loving as a mother and shameless as a husband. So just a little."


    He kissed her forehead affectionately and coaxed her to sleep.


    He couldn''t have enough of her however long he saw her. It was early morning when he slept holding her in his embrace.


    ---


    The housekeeper Lilly who went to wake up Aria for breakfast was in shock looking at the room.


    Seeing maids enter to clean, she quickly locked the door. She cleaned the room before cleaning the mess in the bathroom.


    Even though she guessed who could be with Aria, she didn''t dare to speak about it.


    After going out she heard from a maid that Oliver''s room was locked from inside to understand where Aria was.


    "Young miss must be missing her father and resting there. Don''t disturb her until shees downstairs."


    The maid responded and got busy with other work.


    At the breakfast table, Sophia stepped aside as Roxy and Calvin started their breakfast.


    Calvin darted eyes towards the stairs as he asked, "Why isn''t Arrieing for breakfast?"


    Sophia responded to him, "Young miss must be tired and she likes to sleep long on Sundays. Young master Parker, I will take breakfast for Young miss. No need to worry."


    Calvin nodded and saw Roxy eating alone without Rian, "Ms.Stephen, Where is Second young master Morgan?"


    Roxy nonchntly replied the fact, "He didn''te."


    Calvin''s expression changed slightly, "I think I saw him with Arrie yesterday night."


    Roxy was about to retort, Sophia spoke smartly trying to get hold of the situation, "Young master Parker, Second young master soon left making sure Second young miss was sleeping."


    Roxy was awake chatting with Rian tillte night so she confusedly looked at Sophia without understanding why she was lying.


    Sophia quickly signaled her to carry off her lie.


    Roxy smiled realizing n might be in the mansion, "Oh! I thought it was a dream when I got kisses. Rian cares for me too much. He is so romantic." Roxy exaggerated.


    Sophia smiled and added, "Second young master loves you, second young miss."


    Calvin just looked at Roxy''s face but didn''t react much.


    After he was done, he told Sophia, "Aunty Sophia, let me know when Arrie wakes up or ask her to see me. I will be in the study on the ground floor."


    Sophia respectfully responded, "I will inform Young Master Parker."


    Roxy waited till Calvin entered the study and pulled Sophia to sit, "Brother-inw came?"


    Sophia saw Roxy''s gossipping mode and chuckled, "I think so Second young miss after seeing their room."


    Roxy served breakfast to Sophia trying to know how they were in their room but got nothing to hear.


    "Aunty Sophia, you are so boring. Brother-inw goes to any length to be with Aria and this Rian ran away to have a party with his friends. I will beat his a*s when hees next time. Hmph."


    Sophia awkwardly smiled and had breakfast apanying Roxy who was praising Aria and n the whole time...


    The sun was high in the blue sky zing brightly. Since Aria was tired and asleep, n didn''t get up and cuddled her.


    Aria eventually woke up by his numerous kisses softly caressing her face which brought a smile on her face. She snuggled closer, "Am I still so tasty?"


    n hummed and saw her smile widen.


    He heard her stomach grumble and her, "I''m hungry."


    Seeing her bury herself in his embrace, "Then why are you sleeping again?"


    "Why do you smell so good? It''s so calming. I''m sleepy... "


    n''s ear instinctively turned pink hearing her say it so openly. He kissed her forehead fondly,"Have something first then sleep."


    As they decided, they returned to the room, had brunch, and Aria slept again as n worked on hisptop.


    Calvin waited till afternoon four before he called somebody.


    "Where was Aria yesterday?" He sounded grave.


    He heard a response before asking, "Why did President Morgan meet her? Where is he right now?"

 Chapter 192: You have been surrounded

    Chapter 192: You have been surrounded


    <em>''President Morgan is in his vi.''</em> was the response Calvin heard.


    Calvin grunted and hung up the call.


    <em>''This man doesn''t live in peace until he ruins Arrie''s life. This way she couldn''t move on.''</em>


    He went upstairs to her room and knocked on the door. "Arrie... Open the door... Arrie, how long are you nning to lock yourself?... Arrie..."


    Aria who was awake felt bad seeing n who had to move into the walk-in wardrobe to let her open the room door.


    n sat down on a chair and realized she followed him. "Honey..."


    Aria sat on hisp and hugged him, "I don''t want to see anybody."


    "Only me?"


    She hummed tightening her arms around him.


    n embraced her back as he coaxed, "Aria if you close yourself from outside, we can''t find who are the other two and their motive behind trying to separate us. What if your cousin is one of them? He will doubt us. The sooner we finish this, we don''t have to hide like this."


    That made Aria tighten her arms around him, "You shouldn''t give up on us at any cost."


    n sighed before responding cupping her face, "Never. It doesn''t matter how rough things get, how much it goes out of hands, I will never leave your side. We are in this together... I will be here, don''t worry about me."


    "Alright." Aria dejectedly answered hugging him tight before going out.


    Calvin was about to give up waiting, Aria opened the door. Since she hadn''t washed her face, Calvin felt she woke up by the knocks on the door.


    "What''s wrong? Arrie, are you unwell?" He kept his backhand on her forehead, "You woke upte and why did you sleep again? You never were so idle in the past."


    Suddenly he realized he shouldn''t have mentioned the past. He continued knowing she was fine, "Get fresh, I will take you out."


    Aria didn''t want to go but she still asked, "Where?"


    "We will just go around and have fun. We will have dinner and return. Don''t stay home all the time. I will wait for you downstairs." Calvin rubbed her head and left.


    Arrie felt tired after he left.


    She locked the door and turned to see n leaning on the wall, "Your cousin is thinking I have made you depressed. He cares for you."


    Aria punched him and soon got fresh. Seeing her mood down, he kissed her forehead, "Where is My Sugar?"


    Aria smiled involuntarily as she blushed and bid him go out with Calvin.


    n, Levi, and Finn, even Aria had thought Calvin was up to something but nothing happened that way.


    Calvin took her to the mall and they strolled around, shopped, and they tried different local cuisine which Aria used to eat with her friends. Then he drove her back to the mansion.


    "Had fun?"


    Aria smacked her lips remembering the chicken dish they ate. "I had almost forgotten that restaurant. They are still so authentic."


    Aria was actually on guard for half of the time until Calvin took her to eat.


    Calvin smiled in satisfaction seeing her happy, "Your taste buds are still the same after five years. How can you eat so spicy?"


    Aria retorted, "No, I and Finn used to cook alternate days and eat. Western food used to be only in the morning and afternoon since we couldn''t cook early in the morning."


    <em>''Finn!''</em>


    Calvin gingerly asked, "Are you close to President Stanley?"


    Aria hummed.


    "Arrie... Don''t get mad, why don''t you try to get along with him and date? He is from a good family, a capable man."


    Aria''s mood instantly soured. She badly wanted to say, <em>''I''m married to n.''</em> But she controlled due to the situation.


    Aria inly replied as she stood up, "Finn is my friend and I''m not interested in dating anybody. I have better and important work in life... I''m off."


    Calvin could only breathe a sigh seeing her walk away. He thought dating others could make her move on and know that there were other men who were good too.


    He went back to his room thinking about how to get his carefree little sister back.


    n had to take care of thezy bum who refused to even take a bath sticking up to him.


    ---


    Days passed by irritating Aria failing repeatedly to track the other two miscreants.


    Aria had to review many projects before approving the investments she had pulled back from many television series and movies whose fans were cursing Skyline, some asked them to get back on good terms with Morgan Industries.


    Hearing secretaries listing the shareholders'' names creating fuss due to negative reviews, Aria approved to arrange the meeting.


    n was still handling his wife''s strikes on him.


    He had arranged three meetings with clients who had pulled back when Skyline attacked but they suddenly canceled the meeting saying they weren''t interested anymore to work with the Morgan industries.


    After his team checked, he got to know Focus International was targeting him checking all the history.


    He didn''t have time to worry about them so he focused on stabilizing.


    One of the days, Aria had lunch with Isaac to talk about a movie she had received which was about a struggling amnesia man finding his lost love with his little bit of memory restored.


    Isaac liked the role when Aria briefed but he needed time to go through the script before agreeing.


    The movie she had already pulled the investment from was reinvested because it was a story written by Eva and produced by Aria, Skyline, and n so she didn''t want it to hang on the thread.


    They had lunch as they spoke and Isaac changed it about theirpanies. "Are you two still going to hurt each other? You know Morgan Industries state."


    Aria nodded, "You know the n and you know your wifey so stubborn. He is ready to suffer but he doesn''t want to take a chance."


    "I know but it''s a very sensitive time for you two. A small mistake, you guys will turn opposite poles."


    Aria was scared of that and a hundred times she had spoken to n who was very confident about them.


    It wasn''t that she wasn''t confident about them, she couldn''t help but scared even by the thought of it.


    "Actually, I have resolved the remaining problems of Morgan Industries but it needs two more days for the results... Don''t tell n."


    Aria quickly mentioned thest part else n would teach her lesson for working behind his back.


    Isaac chuckled, "I heard n couldn''t go to your mansion from the past week due to Calvin Parker."


    Aria''s face fell as she nodded, "Brother Calvin, kept a few men behind n to stop him from reaching me. n was almost got caught once but Levi saved on time."


    Isaac could say Aria was missing n by her voice. He was about toment, Aria''s mobile rang.


    Aria answered it to hear, "President Cooper, your location is disclosed. You have been surrounded all around. It''s impossible to leave easily from there."


    Aria furrowed his brows and realized that the waiters and manager, looking at them without doing anything.

 Chapter 193: Aria is kidnapped

    Chapter 193: Aria is kidnapped


    Isaac realized something was off and raised his brows at her. Aria raised her forefinger indicating, <em>''a minute''</em> to listen to Levi.


    "... Don''te out until I reach."


    "Bodyguards are there. I will handle them."


    "President Cooper, we don''t know if they were paid by anybody to reach there or for some gossip. Stay where you are. Safetyes first."


    When it''s about safety, Levi never listens to her or takes chances.


    Aria hummed, "Alright." and hung up the call.


    "What happened? Media?"


    Aria hummed, "Your fans must be there too."


    She ordered dessert and ignored the restaurant staff''s gaze. Isaac used his mobile to call his security provided by the Morgan entertainment.


    Levi reached soon and Isaac heard Aria say, "Isaac, be strong."


    Levi understood she was going to piss off the media reporters. Isaac just followed them out to see how it goes.


    They didn''t have space to even step out and heard them.


    "President Cooper, what are you doing here?"


    "President Cooper, what is your rtion with Isaac Ross?"


    "Is he the reason why you ran away from your wedding?"


    "Mr.Ross is President Morgan''s friend, were you double-timing with friends?"


    "President Cooper, if you love Isaac Ross, why did you arrange the wedding with President Morgan?"


    "Were you forced to marry President Morgan?"


    "Are you in a rtionship with President Baker or Isaac Ross?"


    "Are you double-timing again?"


    .


    .


    .


    Aria wanted to yawn hearing them making Isaac as her secret lover. Isaac looked at Aria thinking she might feel bad hearing about the wedding.


    Levi spoke, "Let''s not disturb the restaurant business, move aside."


    But it didn''t affect them and the reporter''s sharp voice continued to question her.


    Isaac failed to get hold of the media too and they understood that they were arranged especially for Aria.


    "Quiet..." Aria''s mellow voice silenced every reporter.


    "Ask me one by one else I will not answer any question."


    All reporters looked at each other. They didn''t want to ask together and miss the opportunity to get a response from President Cooper.


    Isaac was amused how silently everyone stood.


    Seeing silence, Levi made way for Aria but a reporter asked quickly, "President Cooper, did you break up with President baker?"


    Aria had a surprised expression, "Skyline Industries and Aida fashion are co-operating very well. You must have heard it wrong."


    Everyone''s lips twitched.


    The reporter who asked her was confused about what question he asked.


    Another one re-questioned it, "President Cooper, aren''t you in a rtionship with President Baker?"


    Aria had an understanding expression, "Yeah!" she gave a pause.


    Levi and Isaac turned to her in shock. The reporters were getting excited thinking they got something juicy to write.


    Aria continued, "... Our business rtionship is very stable."


    <em>pfft-</em>


    Isaac looked away to control hisughter.


    Levi whispered to Aria, "Is it important to piss them off? They will write negatives."


    Aria nonchntly looked at him and asked like a wronged one, "Am I wrong? What other rtionship are they asking?"


    Levi: "..."


    Her voice wasn''t low and reporters heard her. They weren''t sure if they should get angry at Aria or call her an idiot.


    A smart one borated, "President Cooper, there are rumors that you are together with President Baker and your pictures with Luke Baker in states are circting over the inte. Why are you denying your personal rtionship with President Baker?"


    Aria leisurely responded, "Well, I had many guy friends in states but that doesn''t mean I will have other rtionships with them. I and Luke are good friends and business associates."


    "Are you denying because you are with Isaac Ross?" A sharp tone pointed her.


    Aria looked at the reporter and Isaac. She maintained herposure even when insulting reporters.


    "Why will I deny anything just because I''m with Isaac to have lunch?... Why don''t you guys cut to the chase and save my time than standing and bullshitting here, just because you want something entertaining to write on your media?"


    Levi and Isaac tightly sealed their lips seeing Aria''s <em>''I don''t care'' </em>naturetowards the media.


    Aria could literally make out who was fuming in anger.


    "You b*tch, how dare you manipte my idol?" A girl''s voice sounded loud.


    "Are you trying to strike a sword at best friends?"


    "You are a shame on the country."


    .


    .


    Levi quickly covered Aria as their bodyguards covered the three when they started to throw things on them.


    Aria smiled confusing Isaac, "You still have the nerve to smile. You are so daring."


    Aria smiled again at Isaac and pointed at the one who spoke. She was pulled ahead by a bodyguard to stand with them.


    "They are incited to talk against me. They aren''t your fans."


    Levi nodded at Isaac to confirm him and let Aria talk when it got silent.


    "Ms. Fangirl, and the fans over there. You guys will be detained. Why don''t you guys look over there?"


    They saw cops around and tried to run away but cops had already surrounded.


    Aria had held the first girl and spoke, "Your idol? Miss, do you know why we were having lunch? If you are his fan, you would have known... Anyway, I''ll tell you, I''m producing his new movie so I''m here. Visit the police station and don''t forget to call your parents to save you."


    Then her eyes narrowed at the reporters who gulped and one stuttered, "We are from the media, you can''t send us to the police station."


    It confirmed Levi that somebody was targeting Aria''s social life using the media.


    Aria smiled harmlessly, "I never said that. I know what you all want to hear. I will say it, <strong>''I am in a rtionship with Luke, I ran away from my wedding for Isaac, I had a secret lunch date with Isaac.''</strong> Do you need anything else for me to say?"


    The reporters looked at each other while Isaac startedughing looking away.


    Aria waited for more than ten seconds, "Heye on, I already agreed to everything, why aren''t you guys happy?..."


    She turned to Isaac, "Hmmm... Isaac, if President Morgan gets pissed off knowing this and throws you out of thepany, I''ll arrange an independent studio for you. I willvish you lots of gifts like vis, cars, so don''t worry..."


    Seeing bewildered reporters hearing her, Aria continued looking at cameras, "Luke, if you are watching this, don''t worry, I''ll keep our rtionship top secret without letting the media know about it."


    Levi: "..."


    Reporters: "..."


    Isaac burst intoughter and took her to their car leaving the stunned reporters who never faced such a bold speaker.


    The reporters really wanted to call her <em>a brainless woman</em> but they knew Aria made them aughing stock in their own trap.


    Aria sat in her car but Isaac wanted her to change the car from another door hiding from paparazzi and reporters to take her to meet n.


    But...


    In a split second while she was changing cars, a ck Mercedes sprinter car passed by them as somebody pulled Aria inside before speeding off.

 Chapter 194: Attacked Skyline

    Chapter 194: Attacked Skyline


    Aria couldn''t understand why Isaac was asking her to change cars, "What happened?"


    "Just change... Move, move, quick... As you step down, get in the car when it slows downs."


    Aria noticed Isaac''s sports car and alighted unmindfully with lots of questions in mind but in a split second a ck Mercedes sprinter car reached her and somebody pulled her inside before speeding off.


    Levi or Isaac couldn''t get time to react and the car sped away shooking them to the core.


    They never thought somebody wanted to kidnap Aria in broad daylight openly.


    Isaac was about to shout but Levi stopped to keep it under wraps from the media as he started taking actions.


    Aria was panicked but she was determined to escape nimbly.


    She was about to choke the one who was holding her but a big palm held her both the hands and said near her ear.


    "Sugar"


    She involuntarily blushed to hear the deep voice as her actions stopped and looked at the man before throwing herself on him.


    "I missed you."


    Shepletely forgot she was scared to death a few seconds back.


    n smiled caressing her head as his other hand sent a message to Levi and Isaac.


    "I had to stay so far away for five years due to my stubbornness, why are you doing this to me now? I''ll throw Brother Calvin out of the mansion if he tortures us like this."


    n kept his mobile away to return the hug and replied, "I missed you."


    Aria was about to whine but the man in the driver seat spoke after hearing n, "Ahem... Guys, I''m here before you guys do anything else in the car."


    Aria knew that voice. She fondly pecked on n''s cheek before jumping to the shotgun seat.


    "Brother Vince, why didn''t youe to the wedding?"


    Sometimes, n really doubted if Aria knew Vince and Isaac by him or another way around because they really got along well with Aria unlike how they behave with others.


    The most visited person to Aria was Vince thenes Isaac as n used to be very busy with twopanies.


    Only n knew Aria had Vince''s security for five years in country S including the lectures. Vince had arranged by himself without telling n but thetter was very smart and realized on his first visit to country S.


    n also knew why Aria was close to them because n trusted them so she trusted n.


    Since his friends treated her like a young sister, he wasn''t jealous instead, he was happy that Aria got somebody to call as a brother and behave like a spoiled girl.


    "Little one, were you expecting me to see you run away from your wedding?" Vince Fang was always gentle when he talks with Aria instead of oppressing or cold tone.


    Aria shook her head and pointed at n pouting her lips, "To beat him up. He is so cruel."


    n: "..."


    Vince and Aria continued to speak leaving n speechless the whole time making him doubt whether he was married to <em>Aria Cooper</em> or <em>Aria Fang</em>.


    Vince drove them to a vi away from the city.


    Vince had a mission on their wedding day so he hadn''t reached but after knowing what was going on at their end, he cleared out his schedule and reached them.


    Since n and Aria had men following them all the time from quite a few people, n used a bodyguard to rece him in his office and kidnapped Aria.


    Vince''s subordinates made sure nobody could track them before they settled in Vince''s new vi.


    Aria and n didn''t have theirptop so they had to call and ry all the instructions until Vince threw their mobiles to the swimming pool.


    Aria and n looked at each other and then at the ring Vince before Aria burst intoughter.


    "Brother Vince, when did you be narrow-minded to worry about ourpanies? Think about how Morgan Industries and Skyline Industries used to work earlier and how we are working now."


    Vince frowned.


    He had thought n and Aria lost their minds to hurt each other''spanies losing their name and fame.


    If they really fought with each other, Vince was prepared to beat them up until theye back to their senses.


    After hearing from n that they were married long back and that wedding was Aria''s wish to celebrate with family so it doesn''t matter.


    After hearing Aria telling aboutpanies, he gave it a thought.


    From the time bothpanies established and started growing, they supported each other and stood tall.


    Entertainmentpany works were supported by Skyline investments. The textile was supported by Skyline retail fashion. Skyline hardware was supported by Morgan software solutions and so on.


    After they started breaking those ties, even though they lost capital, many others started offering them at low rates for the same quality to both thepanies so they were managing losses from those profits.


    But to the outer world, they were just losing.


    "You two are holding theplete business field in your hands now as manypanies went under you to get into your good terms."


    Aria chuckled leaning on n. Thetter wrapped his hand around her when he smiled at her.


    Yes! Since Skyline and the Morgan Industries supported each other, they didn''t have a hold on otherpanies and their schemes.


    Now their branches were spread out shadowing those secondary levelpanies, they had no option other than hearing to the Skyline and the Morgan Industries to survive because the signed contracts were meticulously prepared under n and Aria''s guidance.


    "Shrewd... I thought you two had gone nuts but husband and wife want to rule over the industry. For the people, you are at a losing end fighting with each other but you almost grabbed the whole situation to your hands without letting your enemy know that you are holding your ground stronger than before and still being there for each other."


    Aria smiled but n, "I didn''t know you talk so much."


    Vince pointed his forefinger at Aria promptly, "Your wife''s talent ruined me. It''s good that I don''t feel like talking other than around her."


    He numerous times got weird gazes from his subordinates whenever he was on phone with her or around her. Aria would cent percent make himugh while talking with him.


    Aria chuckled while n pulled her ear adoringly. She had done the same to Finn and Levi.


    Three continued to talk and cooked leaving Aria to chatter with them.


    ---


    On the other end, theizens who watched the stream of Aria''s interview were praising her for teaching the immoral and hical reporters a lesson.


    Isaac''s fans wanted to stand for the girls thinking they were Isaac''s fans but the fan page admin controlled the situation saying Aria and Isaac had very good rtions from the past many years and they were the invinciblebination in entertainment industries.


    Isaac and Aria''s fans supported Aria for giving the reports a huge face p cursing those girls who were paid to create a drama but they couldn''tplete it because Levi was prepared.


    Isaac was panicked and regretted nning to change cars on the road.


    Levi who was instructing his men to take action checked the notification. Isaac checked his mobile too started fuming.


    They couldn''t believe n kidnapped Aria.


    Isaac cursed him in mind and headed back to Morgan Entertainment.


    Levi who had prepared to search her took back all the orders and went to Skyline knowing Aria cent percent wouldn''t leave n.


    Levi had to behave like Aria was in office whereas Nathan did the same. To the people who kept an eye on the couple thought that both were working overtime in their respective offices.


    Sophia was used to Aria reaching homete working overtime if n couldn''t go so she served dinner to Rian, Roxy, and Calvin.


    After dinner, Calvin called his men and heard the response before he could ask, "Young master, President Morgan is working in his office. ording to sources, a fewpanies gave up at the neck of the time before signing projects."


    Calvin grunted and hung up the call.


    He was trying for a week already to make Aria lively as in the past but she always left as soon as anything that connects to love, rtionship topic opens.


    He called Aria''s number to hear <em>''The number you are trying to reach is unreachable''</em>. It repeated a few times before trying her office number.


    "Arrie?"


    A man''s voice sounded to Calvin, "President''s assistant here, may I know who is calling?"


    Calvin frowned hearing Levi, "Calvin Parker, where is Arrie?"


    "President Cooper is very busy with a client meeting. She informed me to deliver a message that President Cooper''s meeting might take long and she will be resting in the office itself. Thank you."


    Levi hung up purposefully to avoid Calvin if in case he wanted to reach Skyline for Aria. Without ess, nobody could reach thest sixty-fifth floor so Calvin couldn''t reach without his help.


    Levi and his team noticed the Skylinework being attacked in the night. It was the same in the Morgan industries but Levi had no way to contact Aria and n.

 Chapter 195: Focus International

    Chapter 195: Focus International


    But both sides'' attackers were failing due to Aria and n''sbined security code. Except for the duo who knew the security architecture, nobody passed theirwork yet but Levi didn''t let his guard.


    Aria''s team and n''s team both tried to track the attacker who was very intelligent on thework.


    Levi knew well if n and Aria sit together to catch the attacker, they could track him so he tried to record the attackers'' pattern to submit to Aria for her analysis.


    That night many tried to get Aria and n''s state to know why both were staying in office but each one failed.


    ---


    In Vince''s vi


    After dinner, three were resting outside enjoying the cool breeze as Aria spoke to both men.


    "Arrie, did you practice fencing or forgot?"


    Aria was trained by Finn and Vince on self-defense for five years but it was only using props because whenever they taught her hands-on, she would get hurt and even visited the hospital quite a few times to which n had reprimanded both Finn and Vince.


    "Fencing?"


    n didn''t know Aria learned it because he had ordered her to just focus on studies and her work to stop her from tiring herself.


    Vince sold her off, "Aria knows to fence in foil sword and she is good at it. I even taught her shooting and stick fighting. Her marksmanship ismendable. Didn''t she tell you?"


    Aria facepalmed and forced a smile at n, "I was never hurt. Don''t get angry, we met after so long. Please please please..."


    n''s face was grim knowing she hid those but hearing her she was never hurt and tried to learn it for self-defense, he could only nod remembering how fluently she had almost held his neck in the car as soon as he pulled in.


    Aria breathed a sigh and responded Vince who was speechless seeing Aria cate n cloying up to him


    "Brother Vince, Finn is busy and My prince? We don''t even have time for each other, so I never asked."


    Vince nodded. If he knew he would have arranged in the vi. "I will not disturb the couple then."


    "Good night..."


    Vince just waved his hand and went to a room.


    Aria went to n''s arms, "n..."


    n hummed caressing her head on his chest. And the cycle repeated quite a long time.


    Both had missed each other and they needed no words than being together.


    "n, can we show as we are again in a rtionship?"


    "Aria"


    Aria pouted and became quiet. Until they managed to find out who wanted to kill her, he wasn''t going to give up.


    n took her inside after some time. Since there were only men''s clothes, Aria wore a shirt before going to bed with n.


    He didn''t want to do anything but he knew he wouldn''t be able to control her fresh smell and just a thinyer of cloth on her.


    Seeing hery on the bed next to him, he checked the closet and found a hoodie. Aria confusedly let him make her wear before he pulled her to embrace.


    Aria understoodter, "n, It''s okay. You don''t..."


    "I just want to cuddle you." He tightened his arms around her kissing her forehead.


    Nobody knows him better than her, "What if I want?"


    He bit her ear, "I didn''t bring a protector. Be good." And nobody knows her better than him.


    Aria knew n didn''t want her to carry at the age of twenty-three. "I will take the contraceptive."


    "No!" n firmly and instantly responded. "That will have side effects on your health."


    Aria couldn''t argue with her overprotective husband. She kissed on his cheek, "Then sleep, why do you want to torture yourself?"


    But Aria rubbed her head receiving a hard knock. n pulled her back to arms sounding like a wronged one, "I want to hold you."


    Aria smiled, "I love the fact that I''m petite in front of you fitting in your arms so well."


    That made n smile and coaxed her to sleep soon.


    He had really missed her to the level he became an insomniac but he didn''t want topromise now and lose herter.


    If it was just apany, he would never let her stay away, it was her life. ording to his analysis, somebody who wants him was trying to kill her because killing her doesn''t get anything to anybody, not even herpany.


    But he couldn''t understand why they were still waiting instead of going up to him which was leading others trying to get Aria like Focus International who had a crafty CEO, a son of a sly father or they could be behind...


    n stopped his train of thoughts looking at Aria''s faint smile in his arms. He didn''t know how long he looked at her, he kissed her forehead longingly and went out to the study room where Vince was working.


    Vince checked at the door after seeing n sit on the couch, "Little one?"


    "Slept."


    Vince nodded, "Why Focus International people are checking about Little one in the country S?"


    n furrowed his brows.


    The purpose behind n changing her name to study far away was to avoid people to reach her. In the name of Aria Cooper, they couldn''t get any information from the immigration department or any college or country S.


    n had a note that in the five years, nearly forty times <em>''Aria Cooper''</em> details were checked in the B city''s airport.


    Her different name was only known to a handful of people who never used that name anywhere so knowing her location was difficult.


    The only things Aria faced were many trying to get her attention, proposing to her which was eventually solved seeing Finn around her.


    Finn also assisted her in the Skyline branch that avoided other men nearing her and a few had to visit the hospital when Finn had broken their bones when they tried to drug Aria in-office lunch or parties or creating unnecessary encounters with her when she had started as a white-cor employee.


    Once her growth started solving things, getting projects, the sessful client meets, nobody dared to get near her. Her full identity was only known to them when she took over Skyline.


    Vince continued his work as he spoke, "My people stopped them and still it doesn''t matter even if they know now. The question is why Focus International is interested to know about Little one?"

 Chapter 196: Monroe is in love with Alan

    Chapter 196: Monroe is in love with n


    n leisurelymented, "Either they want to stand top or they want Aria so that they could stand top."


    Vince quickly analyzed, "Did they attack you or thepany?"


    n was deep in thought as he responded, "Company."


    "Need any help?"


    Vince nced at his brooding look to understand he doesn''t need help and spoke again, "Make sure Little one is safe."


    n rolled his eyes. More than anybody, he was the one who wanted her safe, and both were suffering because of that.


    They had continued to talk a long time but Aria woke up from her sleep and called n.


    "n"


    She was panicked seeing the bedroom and bathroom empty. She checked in the vi as she called him a few times before n and Vince could hear her.


    "n n"


    n went to her swiftly and saw her teared up eyes before she hugged him tight as if he might disappear at any moment.


    "I''m here... I''m here... Honey, I''m right here..."


    It was the first time Vince saw her emotionally weak in five years. He had seen her nonchnce, confident, bold, strong, and mischief to everything around others but her delicate, fragile side was always reserved for n who smoothly takes care of her.


    n took her back to the bedroom to coax her to sleep. He knew she was scared something might break them apart so he was extra careful in handling things.


    "Aria, we will solve it soon."


    Aria hummed.


    "You have to be strong for us."


    Aria hummed again.


    "Don''t worry, I will meet you often."


    Aria hummed and her muffled tone sounded, "I was strong for five years, I can wait for a little longer. But I will not let anythinge between us."


    "Dummy, nothing cane between us until we trust each other."


    Aria raised her head in his embrace, "What if you read the news as President Cooper and President Baker are in a rtionship?"


    n gave it a thought, "Since he is a homo, you can have an affair with him. I will not mind."


    Aria: "..."


    Seeing her staggered, he wanted to peck on her lips but Aria held him and deepened the kiss with a deep frown. n looked at her closed eyes as her tears flew down kissing him.


    He gently wiped her tears and heard her say, "My need, want and everything, it''s only you." <em>Nobody else.</em>


    She wanted to say, don''t believe any such thing how much ever the media tries to sound it as true. Hearing him making fun of it, she really wanted to beat him.


    n''s smile was very tender and embraced her. Her confession to him every time was <em>''I just want you.'' or ''I need you''</em> He just loves how she always openly says it.


    Even when she was in a different country, her confession used to be, <em>''I want you here and now.'', ''I want to see you.'', ''I want to go there with you.'', ''I want to try that with you.''</em> and so on.


    If not, she would sit and call his name uncountable times just to hear his hum and feel his presence sitting in a faraway country.


    As soon as he was waking up, their video call used to start, he was working out whereas she would do her work. When he takes a bath, she used to finish her bath or would have dinner with Finn.


    Then the video call again would start when he would prepare breakfast, eat it, get ready, drive to office as they would talk, or just look at the other on tab living in their own virtual world.


    It would repeat again during her morning and his night. They rarely broke it and never got bored of each other.


    But now being in the same country, they were failing to give each other time.


    ---


    Aria half-heartedly hopped on a different car to go to the office looking at n who had to take a different car to go to his office. Vince also left to a different country warning them to be careful.


    The trio''s life might seem colorful and easy for outside but only they knew how difficult it was to live such a life and how much they yearned for a simple life unbounded by such things.


    ...


    n was working when his maternal grandfather and his wife''s nephew went to meet him. n had seen them at the wedding and Aria''s homing party.


    Considering his grandfather''s age, he wished, "Grandfather Gray... Second Uncle Grayson."


    Old master Gray, Ford Gray was an amiable old man who was in histe seventies. "n, are you very busy?"


    Jeremy Grayson smiled, "n, you seem tired."


    Ady entered n''s office carrying an alluring smile holding a tray in her hands.


    n''s eyes narrowed at her making her tremble, "I... I brought coffee for grandfather and Dad. President Morgan, I''m sorry, I entered without permission."


    Monroe Grayson, one among nine secretaries of n. Amelia had requested to take her under him and train then eventually Aria convinced him to approve.


    "Moon"


    Monroe ced the coffee on the desk and smiled at Old master and Jeremy, "First Grandfather, Dad."


    n nced at the family and frowned.


    ''<em>Crash</em>''


    "Ahh"


    Monroe jumped on her heel in fright and instantly tears welled up in her eyes due to hot coffee spilled on her foot.


    n had tasted coffee and threw the cup down because it wasn''t as per his taste.


    "Nathan." He grunted coldly.


    Monroe was smart and understood, "President Morgan, If it isn''t as per your taste, I will prepare another cup."


    Nathan entered quickly from the adjacent office room, "President Morgan"


    "Did I ask for coffee? How long is she working here? If she doesn''t even know how to brew coffee, what is she still doing in thispany?"


    Nathan nced at Monroe, "President Morgan, I will teach her."


    Nathan knew Monroe was very talented at work and she always did nearly two secretaries of work alone just for the appreciation from n but thetter never cared about any secretaries.


    If he gets to know they were overworking for thepany, he would scold them for that too, saying just to mind their work.


    ording to Nathan''s analysis, Monroe was in love with n but thetter had his heart only for one.


    "Get out. If it repeats, fire her." The decree from the heartless daemon.


    He warned the Gray family members indirectly to know their ces instead of running to him and sit.


    He could understand his grandfather would want to meet but his nephew Jeremy had no reason to be sitting over there.


    Monroe cued her father and First grandfather that she was fine before leaving looking at n''s captivating yet cold face.

 Chapter 197: A curse in disguise

    Chapter 197: A curse in disguise


    Nathan hurriedly took her out, "Secretary Grayson, if you don''t know, shouldn''t you ask me? I can''t keep shielding your mistakes like this. If it repeats, I will not help you again."


    More than thrice Nathan took her me from n when she tried to outsmart.


    Monroe crossed her arms with a smirk on her face, "Didn''t Uncle Morgan tell you to take care of me? Just do your job." She went to her desk after saying it letting Nathan fume.


    In earlier times, she was very courteous to Nathan but from the time, Aria and n''s unfinished wedding, she was very haughty.


    He wanted her to get fired but thinking n and his family were on negatives, he didn''t want to create more fuss between them.


    Nathan still knew n loves Aria but he couldn''t believe how n could hurt Aria or her father in the past.


    He decided to ignore it and went to his office room.


    Inside the CEO office, Old master Gray coughed lightly, "n, you should control your anger. It isn''t good for your health too."


    n curtly hummed.


    Jeremy forced a smile clenching fist, "n, you should be considerate ofdy employees."


    n''s eyes narrowed at him, "If you have a problem with how I treat employees, take her and leave."


    For him, excluding his mother and wife, there were no women in his life. The rest were just human beings.


    Jeremy frowned but he had no option than being quiet because Monroe wanted to work for n or appropriate to say work with n.


    Old master Gray thought n was affected by Aria Cooper so he changed the topic. "n, we are celebrating O''s seventy-fifth birthday. I came to invite you to the celebration."


    O - Amelia''s mother


    n didn''t think twice and declined, "I''m not interested."


    Old master Gray expected it hence he patiently spoke, "It had been a long time you have met her and she wanted to see you. n, try to take some time out and attend."


    n wanted to reject but thinking he might sound too rude if he rejects his grandfather again hence, "I will see."


    Old master Gray was about to nod but Jeremy poked in, "You attended that girl''s homing party. What''s wrong with attending your grandmother''s birthday?"


    n grounded his teeth hearing <em>''that girl''</em>, "President Cooper. Who is it?"


    Jeremy regretted poking his nose looking at n who was controlling himself from throwing him out. "Pre... President Cooper."


    Old master Gray quickly managed, "That''s enough. n, we are sorry for disturbing your work time. I hope to see you at the celebration."


    n had already lost his cool hence he gave a curt hum and continued his work.


    Both elder men left his office soon and met Monroe. "Moon, why are you working under him? He doesn''t even respect you as a rtive."


    Monroe didn''t mind it, "n isn''t like that. Due to that little b*tch, he has to work hard and suffer. Don''t worry, I''m very happy about working here and I want to help him as much as I can."


    Jeremy asked again, "Is n free on the first aunt''s birthday?"


    Monroe disappointedly spoke, "n''s schedules are maintained by his Assistant. So I have no idea."


    The old master was done with their nonsense, "Go back to work. Jeremy, let''s leave."


    Monroe bid them before getting back on work.


    --


    Aria received the report from Levi rted to hackers and went through it. If the attacks were by a single person, then she was really impressed due to their techniques.


    "Thank you..." Aria thanked and got back to work.


    She got a call from Old master Morgan before lunch hence she left to meet him in the hospital who was very much bored over there acting like a patient.


    "Grandfather, why aren''t you discharged yet? n said you didn''t want to leave?"


    Both had continued to talk having their lunch but Old master Gray and Jeremy Grayson reached there.


    Aria felt like they were angry at her seeing their behavior. She had met them a few times but other than a greeting, they never had any conversation.


    "Elder Gray, Mr.Grayson." She greeted them to be polite but heard a grunt in response from the Old master.


    Jeremy spoke, "Can''t you just mind your business? Why are shing swords between n and his family?"


    Aria was never good with who raises their voice at her unnecessarily, "Mr.Grayson, Let me remind you who I am. President and CEO of Skyline Industries. Your smallpany could just vanish soon if you offend me. Do you want to try?... If not, better mind your tone."


    Old master Morgan always liked strong women so he didn''t butt in and he also didn''t like how Jeremy spoke to his granddaughter-inw.


    "You..."


    Aria just raised her brows, her lips curled up, "Me?"


    Old master Gray was fuming too but he was rational seeing Old master quite without reprimanding her which meant he was supporting Aria.


    Hepletely ignored Aria, "Curtis, how are you? How is your health?"


    Aria wanted to leave them to talk but Curtis held her back because she was more important for him and the morgan family than Ford Gray or Jeremy Grayson.


    "I''m fine. How about you all?"


    Aria awkwardly sat and heard them generally talking ignoring Jeremy''s re. Curtis was invited to O''s birthday.


    When Aria heard the date, she interjected, "Grandfather, we are celebrating your birthday on that day."


    Curtis seventy-fifth birthday wasn''t celebrated grandly because Aria and Rian were in a different country so they had nned to celebrate the eightieth birthday.


    Jeremy scorned, "We? President Cooper, let me remind you, you aren''t the family anymore."


    Aria really wanted to stand up and p that man but controlled due to his age.


    Curtis remembered it was his birthday too. He couldn''t understand why O''s birthday was celebrated after a week of her birthday.


    He affectionately spoke to Aria, "If you want to celebrate, then we will celebrate my birthday. Alright?"


    Aria nodded with a smile like a little girl making Curtis smile.


    Curtis turned to Ford and Jeremy and his face turned cold, "Ford, I''m sorry, I don''t think I could attend. I''ll send my wishes for sure."


    Ford and Jeremy grounded teeth looking at Aria.


    "Curtis, don''t you know why you ended up in the hospital? Don''t you know why Morgan Industries is facing back to back problems? This girl is <strong>a curse in disguise</strong> for your family. n had to work hard for Skyline Industries when she was young and how did she payback? As soon as she took over, she started showing her true colors attacking our grandson. How could you still listen to her?"


    To be fact, his words really hurt Aria.


    <em><strong>''A curse in disguise.''</strong></em>


    She felt he was right even though his context was different. The Morgan family was so peaceful but from the time she entered, she became the curse on the happiness of the family.


    She had nothing to retort. She clenched her teeth to remain unemotional and stopped herself from bing weak.

 Chapter 198: Go to hell

    Chapter 198: Go to hell


    Aria really doubted if she was mentally and emotionally strong or weak by her own behavior getting affected by Ford''s words.


    Curtis never stopped Aria from standing for herself even if the opposition was older. Seeing her quite as a mouse in deep thought, he realized Aria was ming herself for what was happening.


    "Did your old age affect your brain? I understand you don''t know what is going on in business? Don''t you know why Aria left her own wedding? Keep your tongue in check before spouting." Curtis didn''t give a face to Ford who was an inw.


    Ford frowned harder thinking Aria brainwashed everyone and n was suffering. Jeremy wanted to rebuff but Ford stopped him.


    Later Ford skipped the topic about Aria and spoke about O but Curtis wasn''t in a mood to listen to anything. He had thought he could have a good time with Aria but he didn''t expect she could get hurt by the unnecessary visitors and ruin her mood.


    Ford came to a conclusion in his own bber, "I will talk to Amelia and arrange both celebrations together. Curtis, rest well now. I''ll see you soon."


    Curtis grunted in response just like how n does which brought a smile on Aria''s face.


    Curtis was about to calm Aria but heard, "Grandfather, n is like you, isn''t it? Pop and Mom aren''t strong-headed as you and n."


    Curtis smiled as he nodded, "But your husband is detached to the world unlike me."


    Aria giggled hearing that.


    Well, she likes everything about n.


    <em>Curse in disguise?</em> She was prepared to make it to happiness.


    <em>Problems?</em> Bring it on.


    She spoke for some time with Curtis convincing him to discharge as such a long time acting wasn''t required.


    Afterpleting the procedure of discharge she took Curtis and his caretaker to the Morgan mansion.


    ---


    n soon received the news that Curtis was discharged by Aria and she was taking him home.


    He quickly finished the meeting to go and see her.


    ---


    Ford and Jeremy who left the hospital were still fuming. They didn''t like how Curtis favored Aria over them who were inws.


    "First Uncle, why are they blinded by that girl? n expected me to respect her even after she did so much."


    Ford hopped on their car as he analyzed, "Probably, n really did all those things. Otherwise, why would Curtis be in Aria''s favor?"


    Jeremy rolled his eyes, "First Uncle, as a man, of course, I''m ambitious to stand tall above everyone. n is the same. Why is it wrong? That girl should feel happy about getting a skillful man. She is audacious to threaten me. I will teach her a lesson and show all how she is really like."


    Ford didn''t listen to him. If n did hurt Oliver and nned against Aria, he could understand the Morgan family getting angry butpletely ignoring him, being good to Aria and Aria having such a good rtionship with them raised a suspicion.


    He dispersed his thoughts and reached the Morgan mansion soon.


    Amelia happily weed her father and cousin. They merrily spoke with Rowan until Jeremy took Aria''s topic.


    "Amelia, I thought the whole family would be affected by that girl''s blunder. Good that you are all fine."


    Amelia and Rowan forced a smile.


    <em>Why would they be sad when n and Aria were already married and love each other dearly?</em>


    Ford smacked Jeremy and changed the topic, "Amelia, We are nning to celebrate your mother''s birthday. I heard you all celebrating Curtis''s birthday too. Why don''t we celebrate their birthday together? Two families together with guests."


    Amelia liked it. "Sure. What do you think Rowan?"


    "I have no problem." Rowan had just finished, a maid announced.


    "Old master and Young Mad... Miss cooper is home." The maid knew she shouldn''t call Young Madam to Aria in front of others.


    Jeremy grounded his teeth knowing Aria was in the Morgan mansion.


    Amelia and Rowan weed them and helped them to the living hall.


    Seeing Jeremy and Ford, Aria didn''t want to stay. "Grandfather, take lots of rest. Give me a call if you want to go around anywhere."


    Then she turned to Amelia and Rowan who obviously didn''t like seeing her leave so soon


    "Pop, Mum, I will take..."


    Jeremy cut in, "You still have the audacity to call them Mother and father."


    This time Aria didn''t want to hold back but Amelia spoke first, "Jerry, mind your words. She is my little girl." Amelia was always protective of Aria.


    Aria''s eyes were narrowed at Jeremy and reminded, "I had warned you at the hospital. I didn''t know you have such a poor memory. If I could hurt the Morgan Industries, how do you think you could stand against me?"


    Curtis lips tilted up hearing her and also noticed n striding inside looking livid which was obviously fake.


    "Mom, Pop, I''ll meet you some other... time."


    n dragged her upstairs which put on a smile on Jeremy as Ford thought n was going to rebuke Aria for daring to enter the mansion.


    "n" Amelia purposefully sounded dissatisfied with her tone.


    Rowan wasn''t good at acting so he remained quiet.


    Aria realized mother and son were into their characters so, "President Morgan, let me go..."


    n didn''t care and scooped her up in his arms before taking stairs looking at her controlling herughter.


    Aria could say he was certainly dissatisfied with the presence of his grandfather Ford Gray and Uncle Jeremy Grayson.


    Amelia went upstairs as if she was fuming and caught up with them before they could enter n''s room. "My poor kids, wait."


    Aria flushed in n''s arms, "Put me down."


    "No."


    "n, how am I going to talk to Mum like this?" She wanted to hide from Amelia ncing at her who greatly liked Aria flushing in her son''s arms.


    n half-heartedly let her down seeing Amelia''s grin.


    "Dad wants to celebrate Mom and Dad''s birthday together. Is that okay with you two?"


    n had only one rule, <em>''I will attend if Aria attends.''</em> so he was silent.


    Aria held her hands, "Mum, you don''t have to ask us this all. You are thedy of the house. We will do as you say."


    Amelia smiled contently hearing her. Even if Aria and n objected due to circumstances, she wouldn''t have minded but she really felt warm hearing Aria.


    "My youngdy, I will steal you in the next life." She adoringly caressed Aria''s cheek, she left to give them time.


    Aria chuckled and turned to see n hearing him say, "What did you say? Let me go? Okay, leave."


    Aria went behind her husband and started pampering him foring so far just to meet her for a little time.


    n was satisfied with her attention and efforts but he demanded a kiss like a tsundere, "Alright, I need a kiss."


    Even though Aria knows she was a wife, she still flushed hearing him, "Fine, Be angry, I''m going."


    n twirled her before pinning her on the bay window. He couldn''t understand what she was still shy about but he loves it whenever she blushes.


    Aria couldn''t resist like how she was in her teenage years whenever he teases her lips. Yearning for his kiss, she opened her eyes to see him.


    <em>Shyness?</em> Go to hell.


    Aria forcefully pressed on his lips seeing him backing off. By supporting her arms on his shoulder, she pulled him closer.


    n requited happily as he helped her to wrap her slender legs around his waist without noticing somebody witnessing itpletely from outside.

 Chapter 199: One night stand

    Chapter 199: One night stand


    Rian and Roxy were on thewn with their painting supplies. They wereughing when they got a glimpse of Aria running behind n to cate and pamper him.


    Whereas the cold livid prince was haughty to get her more attention.


    Roxy was awestruck at the couple when Aria was pinned on the bay window.


    Rianter noticed her and turned to see them as he heard. "Rian... Do we also look so pleasing?"


    Rian wanted to smack her head looking at her drooling on the couple kissing but he again heard, "I feel like kissing looking at them."


    Rian: "..."


    He decided to have a good talk with his brother to be careful and smacked Roxy''s head, "Don''t even dream that I will carry an elephant baby to kiss. You better concentrate on the painting."


    Roxy''s lips twitched and red at Rian.


    She wanted to say that she lost nearly eight pounds as she had to avoid all junk food staying with Aria. With that Aria wakes her up at least on alternate days to send her on a jog for a total five miles.


    Butparatively, Aria was fit and petite. Even though their heights were the same, she was dainty and prettier pleasing to the eyes calming the nerves.


    Roxy lost her mood to paint after seeing the attractive couple kissing, she dragged Rian towards their room but had to stop hearing Ford''s voice.


    "Rian... "


    Roxy instantly behaved like a well-breddy and went towards Amelia while Rian went towards his grandfather.


    "Hello grandfather Gray, Uncle Grayson." Roxy greeted and smiled at Amelia pointing upstairs to her.


    Amelia raised her brows curiously seeing the mischievous smile.


    While Rian greeted the guests, she whispered, "Brother-inw and Arrie looked very enticing while they were kissing."


    Amelia''s eyes lit up but were again disappointed, "I never got a chance to see them. Rowan always took me away."


    Roxy was extremely influenced by Amelia, she giggled and waited for Rian and took him away.


    Rian could have stopped her but he let her have her way before they went down to their pants in broad daylight without caring they were in the Morgan mansion.


    ---


    n reluctantly broke the kiss longing for more. He didn''t let her down and sat on the daybed as they spoke.


    Aria gently effaced her lipstick marks from his lips as she heard, "Was there any attack on yourwork yesterday?"


    Aria hummed, "I guess three tried to enter thework. If one, then ourwork will fall anytime soon." But both had no time to upgrade it.


    n hummed, "It''s not one. Three are behind it and the chances our mobile numbers tapped are high. Don''t talk important things over the calls."


    Due to that they both rarely spoke on phones so n informed her so that other important stuff could be avoided.


    Aria hummed going to his embrace.


    He really wished they could live a worry-free life looking at her smile wrapping her hands around him even though she knew what situation they were in.


    He kissed her crown, "Do you know Xoan West?"


    Aria felt like she knew the name, "I don''t know him. I must have read or heard his name somewhere."


    n knew she wouldn''t care about people who weren''t concerned, "What about CEO West and President West?"


    Aria many times heard about them, "That father and son of Focus International." It confirmed to n that her brain was still intact.


    "They want you." He bluntly revealed.


    Aria smiled, rubbing her forehead on his chest, "I feel sorry for them."


    n chuckled understanding her and made her sit to face him, "One of the hackers is from Focus International..."


    Aria''s expression changed and cut in as her determined tone sounded, "Then I will make them regret tonight."


    He loved her viinous side sounding inimical.


    He pecked on her lips pinning her down. "You attack, I will keep track. We will finish smoothly and quickly."


    n and Aria were quite the same in some of their nature. They wouldn''t unnecessarily go and create fuss but they would let the opposition have the taste of their own nnding them in a brutal situation.


    They y healthy. If others were provoking them to be wicked, they were ready to show who could be the real evil.


    If both really wanted to ruin each other''spany after their wedding fiasco, it was a piece of cake from them but they just hurt externally so nobody knew how well n and Aria could y other than each other.


    Aria smiled back like a little girl hearing him and pulled his cheeks, "We will do it."


    She wasn''t alone to protect, she had n supporting her endlessly.


    n straightened his clothes and unwillingly left after nning out how they were going to handle the Focus international.


    Curtis, Amelia, Rowan, Ford, and Jeremy saw n striding out without having any expression or a word with them.


    Aria went downstairs after a minute. She bid everyone and left but she couldn''t understand why Jeremy and Ford were looking happy.


    She dispersed her thoughts and soon reached her office. She had lots of work to finish which she continued till the sun went down to let the moonshine in the dark sky and the lights twinkle on the streets


    ...


    n too finished his work quicker and reached a high-end club which wasn''t much far. He took a private room for himself, ordered drinks, and required food making himselffortable.


    ...


    Aria checked time and soon got ready in the bedroom of the office. After making sure how she looked, she exited and heard a confused tone.


    "You... President Cooper?"


    If Levi didn''t know nobody entered her office, he never could have identified her as Aria. She was perfectly looking like a country bumpkin.


    A naive white-cor employee.


    An employee from the vige side who didn''t have much idea about fashion.


    Her make up was so perfect that it was impossible to say her as Aria. Her natural baby pink soft lips were nude and chapped, her glossy bright skin looked dry and dull. There were freckles on her wless smooth skin.


    She was wearing framed reading sses and formal clothes thatplemented well with her disguise. Her silky long hair was just a shoulder-length and curly looking little unkempt.


    One thing that looked the same was her bright mischievous eyes.


    Levi desperately wanted to ask,<em> ''Did you cut your hair?''</em> Instead of <em>''Why are you disguised?''</em>


    "How do I look?" The same yful tone sounded.


    Levi replied very promptly, "Hideous."


    Then he was speechless seeing her smile happily.


    Aria was leaving but Levi panicked and went behind her, "President Cooper, why are you leaving like this? What are you going to do?"


    Aria whispered the reason to rx him but Levi wasn''t convinced, "What if somebody attacks you? I''lle with you."


    "Do you think anybody will identify me like this? Rx, if I need your help, I''ll ping you... You should leave soon and rest too."


    Levi nodded unwillingly looking at the general employee elevator door closing.


    He was still worried so he quickly arranged two men to keep her safe as he couldn''t go because his presence would be an indication that she was Aria Cooper.


    Her presence was ignored by everyone in the elevator and public transport which Aria perfectly achieved. Five more minutes walk she reached a club.


    A bodyguard stopped her at the private room and she was about to speak, a girl''s voice sounded behind her.


    "You... Countrywoman, why are you entering this private room?"


    Aria turned to see Monroe Grayson in a beautiful bodycon multicolored sequin dress sneering at her.


    Monroe had seen n''s car near the club so she had quickly bought a dress in a nearby shoppingplex and got ready before going there.


    "I am here to meet President Morgan."


    Monroe didn''t know she was Aria andughed scornfully, "Do you think President Morgan will like to meet people like you? Get out of here."


    Then Monroe pushed her aside and entered inside. The bodyguards knew Monroe so they didn''t stop.


    Aria looked at bodyguards, "Are you guys sure about stopping me and getting fired?"


    <em>''That tone?''</em>


    "Young madam?"


    Aria hummed but they were still hesitant. She pulled out her mobile which was on flight mode and showed the marriage certificate picture.


    "We are sorry young madam." They quickly bowed in respect and apology


    Aria nodded and entered inside when they opened the door for her.


    Monroe had coquettishlyined to n saying unnecessary people were entering inside hence she stopped them.


    n didn''t bother about Monroe and saw the door open again. When his eyes met the girl''s eyes, he stood up elegantly and went to her.


    Monroe started blushing by thinking n was going near her seeing his enticing face getting nearer but he passed by her and embraced Aria lovingly before pulling her in.


    Monroe: "..."


    <em>Bumpkin?</em>


    She couldn''t believe n''s taste was lowered so much after Aria.


    "President Morgan, you could get a better woman for a one night stand."


    She could only think of that and she felt it was reasonable for a grown-up man to have one night stands for physical desires without a girlfriend or wife.

 Chapter 200: My foxy, deceitful wife

    Chapter 200: My foxy, deceitful wife


    Aria''s lips twitched hearing Monroe Grayson and red at n.


    n doubtfully asked Aria, "Sweetheart, If I have my way down there with you, how could it be called a one night stand?"


    <em>''Brazen man''</em>


    Aria turned to Monroe, "Miss, will you suit President Morgan for one-night stand?"


    n easily understood she was testing Monroe Grayson but he didn''t care to see Monroe and served dinner.


    Monroe blushed heavily looking at n which turned Aria''s face dark.


    If Monroe really could make it to his bed, she would make sure to marry him too.


    <em>How could she be satisfied with just a night with her love?</em>


    Monroe didn''t respond directly, "Compared to bumpkins like you, I''m far better."


    Aria wasn''t dumb so she easily understood n''s secretary was ready to get into her husband''s pants.


    "Miss, n likes bumpkins like me so show yourself out..." Then her voice increased and sounded cold, "Guards."


    Monroe was flustered, "President Morgan, I... I didn''t..."


    "We don''t want any disturbance. Send...."


    Aria couldn''t finish saying it and helplessly looked at n who fed her ignoring what she was ordering.


    The guards still understood and dragged the stunned Monroe Grayson out. She couldn''t believe what she just saw. n had pulled Aria closer to him and fed her with his spoon.


    She knew the guards wouldn''t allow her inside anymore hence she just stood outside at a corner thinking how could n like such girls.


    She looked at herself thinking whether she should change her dressing style too...


    Inside, Aria didn''t touch the food and red at n for a pretty long time as he fed her, controlling his smile from seeing jealous Aria.


    Aria anyway couldn''t continue because she knew n did nothing. She started talking. "How should I control the Focuswork? How about I paralyze the overallwork and keep them wandering in thework to trace us?"


    n carefully fed her as he asked, "Do you want them to run around to find us or just sit in front of the system?"


    Aria smiled with puffed cheeks due to mouthful. Aria would just attack but n gives them hope and destroys them slowly.


    <em><strong>A slow painful death.</strong></em>


    "They should run around everywhere to catch us when we have our good night''s sleep." She joyously said.


    "Stop inviting me." n said, giving her a<em>''You seductress''</em> look.


    Aria: <strong>_</strong>


    <em>''I didn''t mean that. Did I?''</em>


    Aria really doubted her vocabry after hearing him and seeing him nonchntly working on hisptop sending some message from his applications to his men.


    Aria finished their dinner feeding him as she ate. n established awork for her to attack.


    n''sptop was modified which had high-end specification which wasn''t in Aria''sptop.


    Using the high processing power and Aria''s speed she was quicker than usual as she started controlling severalputers in thework fluently.


    n who was supporting his hand watching his serious wife moved next to her making himself a backrest for her to support her sitting posture.


    Aria smiled when a soft peck tenderlynded on her cheek when her fingers were swiftly moving on the keyboard creating a rhythm sound in the private room.


    Aria had connected many small scale business centersputers in thework easily.


    The ones who were still working in offices started facing issues to use theputer. Their restart choice wasn''t helpful either.


    Many started calling the technicians to check on it without understanding what was going on.


    While all the neighboring ces were facing problems over thework, the club which they were in was working rather well without any hitch.


    Aria could say, many had quite good security but they were noob in front of her continuous practices over the years.


    Suddenly n''sptop started beeping alerting her. n''s face darkened hearing it.


    She was very careful over thework and didn''t leave a trace and she couldn''t understand where it went wrong. She was about to check on it but n pulled herptop out from her bag quickly.


    "Morgan Industrieswork is being attacked."


    Aria''s speed on the keyboard swiftly recovered without dy understanding it was an alert message for n from thepany.


    "Freeze him. Unbound the new virus to his system. There is a new one."


    n just hummed and got on with his work as he traced the one who was attacking thework.


    If Aria was sharp and intelligent, n was urate and ingenious.


    Aria never won against him virtually or on real-timeworks.


    His slender fingers moved like lightning on theptop keyboard without bothering about theptop configuration which wasn''t as high as hisptop.


    Both were in sync as they worked to tackle each stage. Anybody could find their harmony in silence or their short words.


    Two rhythmic sounds of the tapping fingers on theptop were tuneful in the private room which continued without a break.


    Both were busy in their work without bothering about the outside frenzy.


    n''s speed didn''t decrease even thoughptop configuration was basic but as he worked he soon found out Aria had updated her software which had a high end set of routines, protocols, and tools.


    They were helping his instruction run faster and the processor wasn''tgging anywhere and matched his speed.


    "Sweetheart, why haven''t you updated the configuration and concentrated on the application program interface?"


    Aria leisurely asked back without losing the attention, "Why do you think?"


    n stole a quick nce at her, "Do you think I have time to think about it now while this hacker is tracing me back?"


    Aria smiled. She knew it would be difficult to think of other things while battling in thework.


    It was just like an online game, a few seconds of distraction can be the reason behind the loss.


    Aria didn''t respond as she knew he was smart to understand it.


    She was amazed by the structure of the firewall of Focus International. She studied the security patch levels as she broke each one of them.


    "Hubby, I think the firewall is built by a hacker. This isn''t by developers and testers. His skills are pretty amazing and there are many traps. Normal testing and maintenance team couldn''t find these loopholes to report it for developers."


    n had a smile hearing her, "But my dummy wife is fantastic than that developer." because she didn''t fall into their trap.


    <em>''Dummy and fantastic?''</em> Aria had no words for her husband.


    n was surprised looking at hisptop screen, "My foxy, deceitful wife, your low configurationptop leads to the instigator falling into your trap. I like it."


    <em>''Foxy and deceitful? Is that apliment or criticism?''</em> She wanted to cry hearing it.


    Soon enough, Aria skillfully broke the outer firewall of Focus Internationally sending the alerts to the Focus department purposefully depicting it as a blunder.


    ---


    On the other end, the department quickly got into action and tried to stop the attacker and they informed Xoan West.


    Xoan West was having dinner in a luxurious restaurant with his family when he answered the call.


    "CEO West, we have been attacked. Our main firewall ispletely broken."


    The evilly handsome man''s face turned darker. "Update it to Xin and stop the attacker before he could cross all security levels."


    "Roger that."


    Xoan hung up the call hearing the response and stood up.


    "Emergency." After saying it, Xoan didn''t wait for any response from anyone and left.


    He had a top-level hacker and programmers under him. He didn''t really take it seriously thinking the attacker might want to show off his skills but he never let anybody y on hispany to disy their skills.


    He quickly hopped on his shy Lamborghini and drove towards hispany...


    Xin had to be immediately notified who was busy tapping on his keyboard in his fully equipped office.


    Xin''s assistant who went in that office felt his head spin seeing the codes run in small to big screens and wires all around him.


    There were only ck screens with neon green codes running on everyputer which were alien to him.


    "Boss Xin, ourwork is attacked."


    Xin''s fingers danced on the keyboard without taking him seriously.


    "Boss?"


    Xin''s thin sharp brows furrowed high hearing the voice again. His lips cared to separate from each other, "So?"


    He thought attacking was normal. With confidence, he frowned and grunted, "Get out."


    "Boss Xin, The firewall is broken. The CEO told us to inform you."


    Xin''s hand froze on the keyboard but his lips were tilting up, confusing the man who was waiting for orders.


    "Boss?"


    Xin faced the man, his ck iris sparkled like rare diamonds. The assistant involuntarily blushed by looking at Xin who was handsome and his smile was unbearably alluring.


    "Seems like I got apetitor." His deep voice was mesmerizing yet cold.


    Xin was the top hacker who won numerouspetitions worldwide. Hence his arrogance suited him.


    Xin stopped ying the noob hacker and aborted his previous work. He started working on catching the attacker who broke the firewall.


    His fluency was top grade hence in less than a minute he identified the location of the attacker.


    Xoan West reached the office and heard Xin''s announcement about the attacker.


    "I got him. He is in the nearest club."

 Chapter 201: I love my sexy bumpkin

    Chapter 201: I love my sexy bumpkin


    "Xin" Xoan''s voice wasn''t domineering taking Xin''s name.


    Xin took hisptop and went to him unhurriedly, "Want to join?" His voice wasn''t cold and it carried a hint of warmth.


    Xoan saw the excitement in Xin''s eyes to catch the little prey to poach him whereas his face didn''t let any emotions out. "My car."


    They were best friends more like brothers. Needed fewer words to speak their mind.


    Even though Xin worked on just the security of thepany, the respect he received was the same as Xoan West, the CEO of the Focus Internationalpany.


    Other than those two, nobody knew how they got to know each other, how they became such close friends, and why they were targeting the Morgan and Skyline Industries.


    Xin''s cold tone sounded when he instructed his assistant as he walked out of his office, "Keep me updated about thework."


    "Yes, Boss Xin." The man responded looking at two men who were a feast to the eyes carrying their own unique charm.


    With his men behind, Xoan left thepany with Xin. Both rarely speak which was the same in the car.


    Complete Silence.


    In just ten minutes, they reached a high-end club and entered inside. The manager had got the news from the security on walkie hence he hurriedly went over to greet them.


    "CEO West..." His eyes widened in surprise looking at Xin who was inscrutable, "Boss Xin!"


    Xoan and Xin didn''t react and went towards stairs while his bodyguards followed them with the manager.


    They weren''t in a hurry and reached the private room checking the location where two guardsmen were standing.


    When they tried to stop, Xin just took a step back looking calm and cool. Xoan''s hand moved at the lightning speed on the critical pressure point at their neck making them fall on the floor instantly.


    There wasn''t a single flinch on Xoan''s face who straightened his sleeves and jacket when his men opened the door.


    His men pulled those bodyguards aside to stop attracting unnecessary attention from other customers.


    Xoan and Xin''s eyes darkened seeing inside.


    They couldn''t believe the couple making out in the private room of the club after attacking theirpany firewall.


    ...


    A few minutes back...


    Aria who had broken the firewall cleanly tackled all the levels.


    n''s lips titled once he controlled the attacker''s system which started working on hismand fluently.


    Aria and n soon realized both were in the samework so Aria''s n quickly changed as they interacted with each other.


    She startedpressing most of the data of theirwork and attached her storage device for a copy.


    n uploaded aputer virus developed by Aria efficiently without leaving any trace or alert.


    Both needed little time toplete their task hence they sat back and looked at each other.


    "You! you didn''t even say how I look?" Aria spread her hands showing her off-style dressing and pointed to her face.


    n nced at theirptop screens before smoothly pinning her on the couch looking at her widened eyes, "I love my sexy bumpkin."


    Aria chuckled, pulling him lower to close the distance between them.


    n thought she would kiss but her soft lips gently caressed his lower lip teasing him with her taste to make him yearn.


    n controlled himself from holding her lips back seeing her looking at him stopping her movements.


    Aria knew well his self-control was too good. Getting no response from him, she blushed deciding to be naughtiest.


    When her lips touched his sealed lips again, her pink tongue tip traced his lips without kissing, provoking his senses.


    n''s self-control lost in seconds looking at her seductive eyes as he urged to hold her tongue between his lips and taste it.


    Aria realized n''s body was getting warmer and it wasn''t a ce. She wanted to stop and ask him to sit but n pressed on her lips as he pervaded her without care of the world.


    Both had almost forgotten what they were doing, indulging themselves in their passionate moment...


    Aria deeply frowned, unwilling to break the kiss when somebody entered the room without permission.


    ...


    While both sides were busy, Calvin was agitated without seeing Aria at the Cooper mansion for another day. He didn''t have appetite hence he soon left the dining table for the study room.


    He quickly dialed a string of numbers and asked as soon as the call was answered, "Where is Arrie? Is she fine? Why isn''t sheing home?"


    There was a little dy on the other end of the call which made the impatient vin snarl, "Have you lost your tongue?"


    Therees the quick reply in a dithering tone, "Sir, President Cooper went to the Regal Hospital to meet Elder Morgan. Then she discharged him from there and took him to the Morgan mansion. Shortly afterward President Morgan also reached in a hurry speeding quickly. Even though they left sooner one after the other, President Cooper didn''t leave thepany after that."


    vin clenched his fist, he knew Aria was still close to the Morgan mansion because she doesn''t me them. He could understand her concern towards Curtis Morgan but <em>n Morgan?</em>


    "Why the hell did President Morgan reach there? Isn''t he a workaholic?"


    <em>''Why can''t he let her live in peace?''</em>


    He was sure Aria was showing herself as strong and she was still soft at heart which she hides well from everyone.


    Even though they used to meet just once or twice a month when they were kids, he knew well she had her own fears but never revealed to anybody keeping it to herself to stop others worrying about her or knowing about her.


    She had lost her mother, gotughed at and bullied by many.


    She lost her father, losing her hopes.


    She was harassed by her grandfather yet she stood strong.


    Even though n helped her with thest two heartaches, when she finally could move on and be happy with the loved one, she had to know that she was in love with a backstabber.


    Seeing her still strong, his heart ached for her. It had been a long time he had seen her innocent hearty smiles.


    "Sir, ording to his call list, President Morgan received a call from Old master Morgan''s doctor." There was a brief pause and continued, "Sir, why don''t you call President Cooper? Or why don''t you go and meet her at the Skyline?"


    Calvin frowned hearing the suggestion. He really wanted to help her but he knew Aria wouldn''t share her pain and would feel irritated if her personal privacy gets invaded.


    He asked a different question in a fret, "Where is President Morgan?"


    "President Morgan is in the Luxure club. Jack saw two women entering his private room."


    Calvin grounded his teeth. He started to feel like his misanthropy was a facade. He hung up the call without saying anything and decided to look for him fuming in rage.

 Chapter 202: Dead and buried

    Chapter 202: Dead and buried


    At one of the high-end clubs of B city.


    Xoan threw a wine bottle on the table scaring the sh*t out of the couple who were on the couch.


    Xin''s lips twitched seeing and identifying them.


    Xoan held the broken ss at the man''s neck effortlessly pulling him away from the youngdy.


    Xoan and Xin both knew who he was but they weren''t in the mood to meet and greet.


    Xoan''s sharp eyes started looking around the room before it stopped at the man again.


    His intimidating tone sounded hoarse, "You dared to touch mypany. How should I make you repay? By bankrupting you?"


    That man was still recovering and analyzing what was happening but the piercing re of Xoan was choking him hard to breathe and understand.


    He wanted to respond but he couldn''t make himself utter a single word due to tyrannized air in the room.


    Thedy was hurriedly and clumsily started tidying her clothes trying to avoid looking at the imposing men regretting getting intimate in the club trusting on the bodyguards.


    Xin had a question: <em>How could a drunk man or the woman hack in their current state?</em>


    They couldn''t hack the firewall.


    Frightened, that man started to stutter trying to loosen Xoan''s hold on him by the sharp ss pieces in Xoan''s hand at his neck, "Who are you two? Why did you barge in? What are you doing here? How did you enter? How..."


    The man''s drunken voice didn''t affect anybody who continued to ask and started calling his bodyguards.


    Xoan''s attention shifted on Xin who ignored them searching the whole room to find the electronic device.


    He soon got a tab that went dark as soon as he clicked ''<strong>O</strong>'' on the screen.


    Xoan was about to p the man hearing his nonsense without identifying who they were due to his state. Thedy wasn''t sure what to do but her eyes kept swooning on Xin''s face which was too irresistible.


    Xin''s eyes were dark as the depth of the abyss looking at the cked-out tab in his hand realizing ''<strong>O</strong>'' was ''<strong>KO</strong>'' in reverse and broke the tab in split-second realizing the attacker yed him.


    He understood the attacker couldn''t be simple to just distract him away.


    Xoan turned to Xin ignoring the other two, "Xin."


    Xin said a word and rushed out, "Company."


    Xoan caught up with his pace and reached the car.


    ---


    At the Luxure club.


    n sat back pulling Aria up seeing her scrunched brows looking at Monroe Grayson who was in shock.


    Monroe couldn''t hold herself for so long just by standing outside letting her mind wander thinking what they were doing. So she walked with a waitress and hustled in swiftly to see n on top of a countrywoman indulging themselves in a passionate kiss.


    She couldn''t believe n was so tacky.


    The bodyguards always left little leeway for a woman due to their gender but whenever they behave rudely, they wouldn''t think to break their bones but...


    "Let her off." Aria''s unemotional tone halted bodyguards who bowed and left silently.


    Since she was the Morgan family''s rtive, Aria didn''t want to be rude.


    n''s mood was sour due to Monroe Grayson so he ignored and checked theptop.


    Aria didn''t bother to say anything to her either and checked whether she got all the data and her fingers rapidly jumped on the keys of the keyboard and clicked enter watching the screen intently.


    The selected data started processing showing it''spletion scale on the screen.


    She again quickly moved her fingers and pulled out confidential employees list and disconnected from thework leaving virtual IP addresses for them at quite a few ces on purpose.


    "Dead and buried." She confidently said.


    As soon as she said, n gave thest touch to Aria''s code which started disrupting the wholeb of Xin who they didn''t know yet.


    Aria wanted to check the data she extracted but n stopped her, "Aren''t your fingers aching?"


    He massaged her fingers grabbing her hands and asked, "Shall we leave? I will check itter."


    Aria rested her head on the table facing him as she said, "I want to see you."


    She thought they might have to go take different paths if they leave.


    n smiled at her. His one hand worked on theptop to check the few data which she had sectioned and another hand caressed her head ever so gently.


    He soon realized, there were no cameras wherever Xoan went, near the private elevator that he uses and twoplete floors in the architecture were free from security cameras.


    So they didn''t get to know about the presence of Xin and his office set up.


    The whole time Monroe Grayson was standing like a scarecrow in the room without moving or speaking.


    She didn''t understand what Aria meant by <em>''Dead and buried.''</em> and heard n''s maic and gentle tone which she never heard till that day.


    She wasn''t envious of eating dog food looking at their affectionate interaction instead she felt her heart tug uncontrobly.


    Monroe Grayson always liked to mingle with n from the tender age whenever she was seeing him in Gray vi or whenever she was visiting the Morgan mansion. But she never had a proper conversation even when he was little.


    n always ignored everyone like mosquitoes other than his family and his grandparents. He never met or spoke to his cousins and not even his uncles or rtives.


    After knowing n was smart and was topper every year in all assessments, she started to study harder that way she could use it as the reason to get close.


    She had even tried to meet him, taking her academic sybus as a reason. Amelia would ask him to help her but n would just see Amelia''s face and bluntly say, <em>''No, I''m busy.''</em> even if he had to just sit and read a sci-fiic in all seriousness.


    Determined, she studied hard, scored well but she never got the one''s attention she wanted.


    She got the seat in the same college in country S and his parents thought she could stay with n so that both could take care of each other when n was in the senior year.


    She had met him in country S when Ford, Jeremy, and her mother went to drop her. n had elegantly sat and had lunch with them in a restaurant without saying a word other than humming to Ford.


    Then Ford Gray had told n to take care of Monroe.

 Chapter 203: Upper hand against Xin

    Chapter 203: Upper hand against Xin


    But n''s response to Ford''s request was, <em>''I''m busy.''</em>


    Monroe had only seen him at a distance in her first year and never got a chance to meet him.


    Whenever she got to know anybody proposing to n, she would try to make her mind to talk but she always trembled after getting his glimpse.


    When she had returned to country A, Aria had shifted to country S to the same college. So she didn''t have much idea about Aria other than hearing from secretaries saying about her, n''s mood and his behavior around her, and how much they were missing Aria''s presence.


    She had gone through Aria''s verified social media ount to see how she looks. She didn''t worry about her presence and tried to get near n without any fruitful results but she didn''t lose hopes.


    Only twice she had got a glimpse of Aria''s back when she had visited country A and took n out for theplete day on his birthday.


    After that, she saw Aria in her homing party. Without seeing n, she thought people were exaggerating about her but when she brought n with her, she saw the whole new n who she never knew.


    After that, she always read articles about Aria in all types of media borating how good she was in everything she was doing.


    She had seen Aria in the Morgan Industry too but Aria never spoke to her and She never greeted Aria either while all others greeted her as President and most of them liked to greet her as <strong>Young Madam President</strong>.


    When Aria ran away from the wedding, she really wanted to beat her up for hurting her love, n Morgan who always and only cared about Aria. She didn''t think much when Ford was saying what n had done to Aria.


    Now she was feeling like Aria left him because of his affair.


    She asked, seeing n shift the bumpkin''s head to hisp who had dozed off looking at n, "President Morgan, did President Cooper leave you because of your affair? Don''t you love President Cooper?"


    n could have ignored the question but he answered looking at Aria''s disguised face as he removed her sses. "I love her and this one too."


    Monroe felt it ludicrous. She never thought n could be like the one having two women.


    n finished his work but found no useful information. His bodyguard took theirptops when n carried Aria to his car.


    He drove his car out of the club premises without bothering about Monroe''s presence.


    Monroe had followed n out seeing him how carefully he took care of the countrywoman.


    She wished she was the one in her ce. She knew well she couldn''t trick him and n against n who was smart and never would fall for it easily.


    She drove her car home with conflicted heavy emotions.


    She reached her home in half an hour. She vaguely greeted her parents before she went upstairs. Jeremy noticed her and followed her upstairs to her room.


    "Moon." He dotingly called her.


    "Dad, Is there anything I could be of any help?"


    Jeremy was very fond of his daughter so he was loving towards her unlike how he treated Aria. He shook his head and cued her to sit.


    "Moon, What''s wrong? Is n too rude to you?" He sounded concerned.


    Monroe shook her head and asked her own question, "Dad, I understand I can''tpare with President Cooper, am I uselesspared to a countrywoman? Don''t I look good? Am I not smart and hardworking?"


    She knew Aria was good at many things so she never tried to excel like her but seeing a tawdry woman with n, she was doubting her own presence.


    Her tone and words were full of despair. Jeremy grounded his teeth hearing Aria''s name. He gently patted Monroe''s back.


    "Moon, you are the best. Why do you want topare yourself with that girl who is an ungrateful brat? Just because she could manage such a big conglomerate doesn''t mean you misvalue yourself. What countrywoman are you talking about? You are a graduate of top business school. Why are you thinking negatively? Is something troubling my girl?"


    Monroe gave it a thought before telling Jeremy, "Dad, I have liked n for a really long time. That''s why I wanted to work with him. Today, I..."


    Jeremy cut in to confirm, "You... Do you really love n?"


    Monroe nodded without an ounce of hesitation but she didn''t get to continue and was amazed by seeing her father excited to know about it.


    "My Moon, why didn''t you tell me sooner? I will talk to Amelia. She loves you like her daughter, she will definitely agree for you to be her daughter-inw. My girl, why are you so slow?... No problem, we will arrange everything now..."


    Seeing him going on and on, Monroe cut in, "Dad, n loves somebody else."


    Jeremy quietened as his eyes darkened, "Aria Cooper? I will remove the thorn for you."


    Monroe shook her head, "There is another girl in his life... Dad, is it really true that some heirs will have two women for business and love as the rumors say?"


    Jeremy sighed and hummed promptly, "Usually the heir of such a family has to listen to elders about marriage to strengthen the business roots. So of course, the girl will be haughty having her own opinions whereas the man wants peace after a long day of work which he couldn''t get by his wife. So they will have their love of life too."


    Monroe was nodding hearing him and asked, "Will you still approve of n if you know he loves somebody else?"


    Jeremy gave it a thought, "If you are the legal wife of n, then I have no problem... Moon, you are such a sweet girl, if you marry n, he will not leave you for another woman. I know you will keep your husband happy."


    Monroe awkwardly smiled hearing her father. She wasn''t sure if she could agree and ept that.


    Jeremy rubbed her head, "Don''t worry. Go to bed. I will see when I could talk to Amelia."


    Monroe nodded and saw him leaving. She got fresh and went to bed trying to hold the stinging pain in her chest.


    ---


    At Focus International


    Xoan and Xin had almost reached the Focus International headquarters, Xin''s mobile rang showing his assistant number.


    Xin answered as they entered the elevator to hear the frantic voice, "Boss Xin, are you the one remotely controlling your systems. I don''t understand why codes are running so swiftly. I can''t make out anything."


    <em>''ck''</em>


    The next second, mobile ended up in hundreds of small scraps on the ground sttering in the elevator.


    Xoan realized something''s up and the attacker took the upper hand against Xin.

 Chapter 204: The game is on

    Chapter 204: The game is on


    Xin understood why he wasn''t able to connect to his system when he tried to establish a remote connection from hisptop while in the car.


    He also discerned why they were diverted to some club purposefully and analyzed his mistake.


    If the attacker was smart enough to break the firewall, the attacker would be smart to leave without a trace. He didn''t realize it earlier and went to catch him.


    That gave an ample and best time to control over their security without giving out any rm to them.


    If he was present when the attacker was attacking, he was sure he could have controlled the potential damage.


    He understood he was overconfident because they always caught the attacker whenever anybody tried to breach.


    Xoan didn''t want to pressure Xin hence he didn''t add more words to him.


    Both rushed in and saw Xin''s wholeb where all the systems were rebooting or failing to configure.


    Xin went ahead and tried to control it but the screen disyed, <strong>''The Game is On.''</strong>


    Xoan and Xin''s lips tilted up reading it as one crossed his arms on his chest and another one''s hands were in his pant pockets ready to face the uing challenge.


    They didn''t think there could be other damages. They thought it would be fun to catch the attacker.


    But their excitement didn''tst long.


    Xoan received a call shortly distracting his thoughts. He answered it to hear, "CEO West, the buffers of both television channels are missing."


    Xoan frowned. "Use the backup."


    His fierce voice diverted Xin''s attention to him.


    The panic-stricken voice heard to Xoan, "CEO West, technicians are checking the backup system. Nearly fifty percent of backup is erased."


    Xoan''s breathing twitched.


    Xin realized the attacker didn''t just attack hisb.


    He tried to make out the pattern.


    At first, the attacker broke their firewall giving them heads up leaving a virtual IP address for them.


    Then they controlled his privatework.


    While they were out there running to catch, they destroyed hisbpletely as they shed the sword on the Focus international.


    "Shrewd." It escaped from his lips unthinkingly.


    Xin was really impressed by the attacker''s n.


    Xoan snarled, "What about the remote server and storage?"


    He heard the caller stuttering, "It... it..."


    Xoan didn''t have patience, "Spout off."


    <em>''Thump''</em>


    Xin''s assistant who was checking the systems was frightened and fell on the floor. He was even scared to move from the floor ncing at Xoan.


    Xoan was ferocious.


    The caller cried out in fright, "It ispletely destroyed."


    Xin saw the darkened face of Xoan facing him. Because hisb wasn''t as important as thepany for him.


    Xoan was breathing heavily, "Air anything avable to the channels, call manager director, and control the situation."


    He couldn''t leave their news and entertainment television channel empty so he took that action first before solving the problem.


    Focus media had efficient teams so they managed in half an hour with a new idea of live interviewing Xoan''s friend who was an international superstar but the fine they had to pay for original airing slot shows was too high.


    That too, he had to pay those fines to Morgan Entertainment and Skyline Investments. Because the drama slot belonged to Morgan Entertainment and nearly half of it was produced by Skyline.


    With that, Focus was answerable to the fans of those dramas.


    Xoan hung up and saw Xin''s darkened eyes, "The attacker destroyed the remote server and storage with the television airing buffer..."


    Xin and Xoan ran towards the elevator as thetter continued, "ording to the technician, fifty percent of backup is destroyed."


    Now their first priority was to get thepany back in shape instead of catching the attacker. They were partly d, it didn''t happen during the day which would affect the employee''s work.


    But they didn''t realize the mistake they were making.


    As soon as they reached the media section, Xin started working to check what he could do.


    Xoan was listening to his employees about the problems, how they could solve, and potential problems that might arise.


    Xin was too quick in finding a clue.


    He had cracked the mac address of the IP address of a system that he tracked.


    He quickly checked thepany device and assets list to know who was using the system of the mac address he found.


    He then checked about the employee to know his designation and work section because the IP address belonged to the Focus International system.


    He and Xoan quickly went to the twenty-third floor from the seventh floor.


    A system was left turned on with a power supply. That was used by the attacker.


    Xoan who received a call went aside to handle it without disturbing Xin.


    Xin found nearly five percent of the backup data checking the system.


    Then again it led him to another IP address that belonged to Focus International.


    The specification on the system was low so it took little time than before to find the next location.


    Xoan went behind Xin to the forty-seventh floor. There he found six percent of thepressed data.


    Those weren''t rted to Focus Media but those were also very important data of different projects.


    It repeated the same in the same building where they were going up and down continuously.


    They knew they were being yed like a mouse but that''s the only way they could get the backup because when Xin checked to restore it but was failing again and again.


    The main n of Aria and n making them run was sessfully carried out.


    If it was just an attack, they would try to track but for the data, they had no choice.


    Soon the Virtual IP address found wasn''t the Focus International location.


    Xin used hisptop to track the IP location. Since thework traffic at midnight wasn''t high, it was very easy for him to locate the 24X7 Inte cafe which wasn''t far.


    Xoan drove Xin as their bodyguards protected them from other threats if present.


    Xoan didn''t like how the attacker was ying them like street dogs running everywhere to save themselves desperately.


    Excluding Xin, nobody would dare to look him in the eye in his brutish state.


    Xin controlled himself from breaking the system for getting the smallest amount of data and another IP address.


    Since the Inte Cafe system was highly equipped with the fast processor, he paralyzed the wholework quickly and tracked the system that was actually less than two hundred meters away.


    He found the data and another IP but while extracting the data a message popped up.


    <strong>''Savvy.''</strong>


    Xin''s eyes widened seeing it and what happened next. He couldn''t believe his own eyes.

 Chapter 205: Rules of the attacker

    Chapter 205: Rules of the attacker


    Xin checked the storage, he easily found the data and another IP address of the next device where he could get another set of data but while extracting the data a message popped up.


    <strong>''Savvy.''</strong>


    Xin''s eyes widened seeing it. He never thought the attackers were well prepared. So well prepared that attackers knew where he would try to hack and where he wouldn''t.


    After that message disyed, the required data destructed itself instead of copying.


    Xin who had felt interesting when he had first read the ''<em>The Game is On</em>.'' was now in the urge to crush the attacker if he finds him.


    The attacker''s aim became very obvious.


    <em><strong>Be a wanderer or a loser.</strong></em>


    That is, <em><strong>Meander for the data or else lose it forever.</strong></em>


    Thepany''s confidential data was very important. Without backup, thepany would face lots of problems and lose its value and state. With all that it would also disrupt the working state of thepany.


    Even though Xoan stopped Xin, thetter didn''t listen to him.


    Xoan didn''t care about the losses because he knew he was capable of restoring thepany back which might take little effort and slight downfall and lose their clients.


    For Xin, he was ready to work hard but he wasn''t ready to let Focus International lose its face or Xoan to work harder because of his short-sightedness.


    They didn''t rest and didn''t care, they just ran everywhere and kept extracting data as Xin had to double-check them if the attacker was imnting any virus secretly without their knowledge.


    And that was their mistake, they thought and tried to be careful at the situation where Aria didn''t y anything.


    She hadn''t touched or edited the data even a bit. She had just split them and stored them in random ces.


    Her intention was never to damage their data but she wanted them to run around and think hundreds of times before trying to breach anybody''swork again.


    She even had a set of copies to return it if they fail.


    Even though she was heartless for the one who tries to hurt her, she didn''t'' wanted that to implicate on others'' life and well being


    Without choice, they roam around the city in the dark of the night till the sunrise for the new day.


    ...


    While that side was chaos, another side was pleasant.


    Aria who woke up in the car whined looking at n, "I want to go with you."


    n held her hand which was poking him, "I''m taking you to our vi."


    Aria instantly cheered up as a bright smile appeared on her face. She rewarded her husband on his cheek and hugged his arm resting her head on his shoulder.


    Aria smiled realizing their situation, "n, isn''t it fun?"


    n wasn''t sure what she was indicating as fun. His hand wrapped around her, "What is fun?"


    Aria stuck her tongue out before saying, "Some will hide from their parents about their rtionship and sneak around to date and romance secretly. And here we are sneaking too."


    n nced at her before shifting his eyes back on the road. He couldn''t believe she was getting excited about the problem, still, he was also happy to hear it.


    That way she wouldn''t be sad and look forward to their next encounter.


    He had thought they could live a happy blissful life after she returns to country A but he didn''t expect they would have to strive harder for that happiness.


    "If you hadn''t told Mom and Dad about my proposal, we would have tried it a very long back."


    Aria shook her head to contradict his statement, "That many do. We arepletely different from all."


    Aria giggled while thinking others sneak out with their boyfriend or girlfriend, they had to sneak after they were married.


    n smiled resignedly and kissed on her head. "Then we will romance secretly too."


    Aria hummed excitedly, "We will experience that too"


    She said and kissed his jawline smiling at him but she froze hearing him.


    "Why are you seducing me now? Hold your horses. Have patience. We will reach home soon. I will let you take the top. Restrain yourself now..."


    He made it sound like she was lustful.


    Aria wanted to retort but n continued, "Don''t tell me you want to go wild in the car?"


    Aria decided to fake her sleep. She closed her eyes and became motionless however she was blushing imagining themselves in the car.


    n chuckled lightly looking at her pink glowing face which her makeup failed to hide. He caressed her head fondly.


    While he thought of it, both were each other''s first, so whatever they experience would only be with each other. Fun, exciting, sweet, or spicy.


    So he thought he shouldn''t make it boring for her who had to marry him at such a young age. Yet she didn''tin about it to him even once.


    His train of thoughts broke and thought to ask her about their marriage, "Sweetheart"


    He nced at her to see the smiling face of sleeping Aria...


    n was removing her makeup when she woke up. She sat up, took the makeup remover wipe from his hand, and pecked on his lips.


    "Stop spoiling me. Take a bath, I''ll do it myself."


    n took back the face wipe and gently wiped her face.


    "I can do it."


    "I''m not wearing makeup for you to do." n nonchntly said as he removed the makeup to see her pretty, gleaming face.


    Aria chuckled and let him do, she started making funny faces at him which brought smiles on his face without his control.


    nid her in the bathtub and he went to shower. Before he could finish, Aria was again asleep in the bathtub.


    n knew she would be on guard all the time excluding with him so he didn''t wake her up and took her to bed drying and putting on her nightdress.


    Aria went to good deep slumber with n breathing in his cologne without bother about anything.


    Aria in his arms rxes him rather than being away so he didn''t think anything and slept well.


    Aria and n were very careful about their n against Focus International so they didn''t worry about them in the night...


    In the morning,


    Aria who woke up didn''t let n leave and whined, "It''s Saturday. Where do you want to go? Stay here."


    n was thinking of working out in the gym, seeing her awake, he decided to work out rather very well with her.


    "Honey!"


    Aria hummed snuggling near to him.


    "Let''s stay on the bed."


    Aria smiled thinking they could cuddle for a long time but next second she was pulled on top of him as he effortlessly pulled off her slip nightdress.


    It didn''t even take five seconds, she was on top of him wearing nothing which was enough to make her flushpletely red.


    n knew the sensitiveness of the early morning and her tender sentient skin. His heart was racing by her reaction when his hands traced on her curves sensually.


    "n..." Her canorous voice was enough to lose his control slowly.


    He gently bit her earlobe, "My wife..."


    A hum escaped from her lips hearing his tantalizing tone.


    n rolled on top, throwing his shirt off before proceeding to indulge themselves in each other''s love and passion...


    ---


    On the other end, Xin found all the data except the one which was destroyed for trying to be smart.


    He started integrating everything back to its ces with the help of other technicians.


    "Xoa, go and rest."


    Xoan didn''t reply to Xin, he didn''t leave and remained quiet.


    Xin sped up his work knowing Xoan wouldn''t leave until he sees him rest but they didn''t think there was something elseing up which wouldn''t let them rest so soon.


    Whatever they cleaned up was only one''s attack yet. Other attack results weren''tpleted yet.


    It took them a really long time to check the sequence of the data, restore the backup, and to stabilize thework.


    --


    In the cybersecurity office, they received fiveints saying somebody disrupted theirwork in the night.


    Cybersecurity quickly took action to find the hacker. Even though their group wasn''t as efficient as Xin or Aria or n, they found the location of the attacker of all theints who were the same.


    They soon collected the warrant from the head office before departing to investigate the attacker.


    --


    Xin breathed a sigh afterpleting the work and reestablishing the firewall.


    He was having breakfast in silence with Xoan when a secretary called Xoan''s desk phone which he answered on speaker.


    "CEO West, Cyber Security is here to investigate with the warrant."


    Xoan''s face darkened.


    Xin''s brows twitched realizing they were yed by the attacker like a puppet. He should have checked thework first but he yed by the rules of the attacker.


    Both lost their appetite with their short time of relief.


    Xoan grunted and asked his secretary to clean up the table. He didn''t allow Xin to join him and went alone to the meeting hall.


    Xin quickly activated the mics of the meeting hall to eavesdrop. Just after they greeted Xoan, Xin''s face started getting darker with each word.

 Chapter 206: Straight kill

    Chapter 206: Straight kill


    Xoan''s face was aloof entering the meeting hall. His demeanorpletely changed which panicked his secretary thinking about the reason behind the visit of the State Cybersecurity team.


    As soon as he entered, five officers could feel the tension in the air as a chill ran down their spine meeting Xoan''s gaze.


    They subconsciously stood up but the chief wasn''t in a good mood, "CEO West, I''m chief Powell. I will cut to the chase. We received fiveints and after investigation, we found out that the system belongs to Focus International. I hope we get full support for further investigation."


    Xoan didn''t speak and checked the warrant and hard copy of the proof. Then he turned to his secretary and nodded.


    The secretary spoke, "Chief Powell, you have ourplete support, I will help you with the investigation."


    Xoan left without a word as a secretary tended to them as per their investigation.


    Xoan called his father as he went inside his office, "Dad, I don''t want these officers in thepany. Pull some strings and send them out now."


    On the other end, President West was irritated by hearing his son ordering him when he doesn''t even know what was going on, "Xoan, what the hell is going on? Which officers are you talking about?"


    Xoan was vexed hearing the question back. Xin noticed Xoan and took his mobile away thinking he might release his frustration on his father.


    "Uncle West, Xin here."


    President West''s voice softened hearing Xin''s calm voice, "What''s wrong with that brat? What happened at thepany?"


    Xin pulled Xoan to sit passing him water as he spoke, "Uncle West, we had a little problem over thework yesterday. It left traces in anotherpanywork so the Chief of Cybersecurity with his team is here for further investigation."


    There was a long pause in the line and Xin heard, "Cybersecurityes under state administration, the mayor can''t help us with it. If you haven''t done anything, why are you worried? let themplete the investigation and leave. Anyway, I will try..."


    "Thank you, Uncle West." Xin politely responded.


    "Why didn''t youe home? Come with that brat. Aunty is missing you."


    "Sure Uncle, when Iplete the work here, I wille and visit you all." Xin was courteous to him before they hung up the call.


    Xoan finally asked, "What the hell is going on?"


    Xin patiently sat on the couch to rx. He leisurely spoke, "Somebody finally made us realize that we are overconfident teaching us a good lesson."


    Xoan''s lips twitched hearing him praise the attacker and pity themselves.


    Xin''s lips slightly tilted up seeing Xoan''s frustrated face. He turned hisptop to him to show a sentence and a warning from the attacker.


    <strong>''Don''t be cocky, There''s always someone better than you.''</strong>


    "Well thought out n. One is aggressive and another one is brainy. Theirbination is invincible."


    Xoan wasn''t sure why he wanted tough and it escaped from his lips. "How did you make sure there were two?"


    Xin was checking hisbwork when that message popped on hisptop.


    After patiently thinking out everything, he realized, two controlled them. One, brainy took over thepany, when brainy was cracking the security levels, the other one controlled hisb.


    One disrupted thepany server whereas the other one uploaded a virus to theb. As soon as brainypleted her work, the other one left hisbwork cleanly.


    Xoan heard his brief and asked, "Who is brainy and who is aggressive?"


    "One who distracted us every time is brainy. Aggressive who controlled myb and sent this message."


    Xoan burst intoughter without really agreeing to him.


    Xoan''s secretaries peeked at the ss wall to check out Xoanughing heartily. Thedy secretaries were mesmerized looking at him.


    They had seen Xoan casual and happy with only Xin, not even his parents.


    Xin knew why he wasughing but he was sure he was cent percent right.


    Xoan controlled after some time and asked, "So who sent the first message yesterday? Aggressive? but it didn''t feel aggressive at all."


    He controlledughing waiting to hear. Xin wasn''t sure of it, "Probably brainy."


    Xoan rolled his eyes and called hiswyer to contact thosepanies and offer littlepensation for the loss of data. If not, convince them else scare them to take back theints.


    After half an hour he noticed Xin asleep. He helped him toy on the couch before getting on work.


    --


    On the other end, Brainy was tired under the aggressive who devoured her without letting her off.


    n nibbled her cheek as he asked seeing her flushed looking like somebody dipped her in the beautiful red color. She looked alluring, hard to take his eyes off.


    "What are you thinking?"


    Aria tried to count but she wasn''t sure, "I lost the count how many times you wolfed me down... Ahhh I''m sore..."


    n chuckled near her ear rubbing his nose.


    Feeling his warm breath and captivating chuckle, her heart raced again. "Sweetheart, stop seducing me already."


    "No..."


    "n..."


    "On one condition." The crafty businessman started his schemes.


    Aria thought she had hopes and turned to him.


    n nonchntly said, "Seduce me tonight."


    Aria wanted to get happy to know she would be with him but knowing what he was nning, she gave up on getting happy.


    "Aren''t you tired? Ahhh... Why did I marry a wolf?" She went under the nket to struggle herself.


    n controlled hisughter, "I can go for a few more times. Do you want to try?"


    Aria cried when he moved his hand on her giving her butterflies in her stomach, "If you do anything, I will not let you touch me again."


    n stopped teasing her, "Good that you agreed." He got up and went towards the bathroom confusing Aria.


    <em>''What did I agree to?''</em>


    He was entering the bathroom when she realized.


    "You sly businessman, My <strong>No</strong> to one thing doesn''t mean <strong>Yes</strong> to another thing."


    n gave her a flying kiss before entering the bathroom.


    Straight kill!


    <em>''A, He is so cute.''</em> Aria forgot what she said, reminiscing his alluring face when he gave her a flying kiss.


    Her brain was screaming at her heart, <em>''You dumb fool, how many times will you fall in his ploy?''</em>


    Her heart kicked her brain out,<em> ''Bog off. You have no work here.''</em>


    She was about to doze off hugging a pillow thinking about n but he carried her up making her scream, "n..."


    "Dummy."


    "I''m not."


    Her brain: <em>''Yes you are''</em>


    "You are"


    "I''m not."


    Her heart: <em>''Maybe I''m.''</em>


    She argued until heid her in the hot water bathtub, "Bath, you will get good rest."


    Aria bit her tongue when he kissed her forehead so she changed the topic, "Fine Fine, Don''t show me your abs now. Go go."


    n wanted to tease but he let her off and showered. Seeing her asleep in the bathtub he treated his queen carefully knowing he had tired her off.


    Aria didn''t know her to wish to spend the whole day peacefully with her husband would be ruined soon.

 Chapter 207: Dog food

    Chapter 207: Dog food


    Xoan''swyer negotiated with thepanies and they took the case back hence the cybersecurity officers had to leave who had evidence to prove who had disrupted otherpanies''works.


    Xoan collected information about the hackers present in country A and City B to know who could provoke them or hold a grudge against them.


    He couldn''t make out hence he kept them away to Xin who was fast asleep for four hours. He wanted to wake him up for lunch but thinking he might again start working on strengthening the firewall, he pushed his lunchtimeter too.


    He took action on some people in the meantime.


    Xin woke up post lunchtime after a good sleep and saw Xoan working.


    "Xoa, did you rest?"


    Xoan didn''t respond and asked his secretary to get lunch for them.


    Both sat and ate in silence until the end. Xin broke the silence at the end, "I need a break."


    Xoan pointed at himself asking excitedly, "Shall Ie?"


    "No."


    Xoan rolled his eyes. Xin doesn''t take breaks, if he does, he doesn''t return for weeks to a month.


    "When are you leaving? Where are you nning this time?"


    "I''ll meet aunty and uncle tonight and leave soon."


    Later Xoan had no choice but to go to his bedroom attached to his office room to rest under Xin''s re. Xin resumed Xoan''s work andpleted most of the work before Xoan could wake up.


    ---


    n had cooked some light dishes for brunch before thinking to wake up Aria but the doorbell rang.


    He opened the door to see nine members standing grimly. His expression changed but he had no option other than letting them in.


    He too went in and sat on the couch as he answered their question if required.


    Aria who woke up heard her stomach grumble reminding her that her stomach was empty.


    She got up wearing her sheath on the nightdress. "n..."


    Nobody heard her low melodious voice.


    She was descending stairs rubbing her eyes, keeping them closed as she called n a few more times unaware of the things happening.


    "n n"


    All turned to her hearing the adorable nasal voice which was groggy. They gasped looking at her.


    She was wearing a white short slip dress showing off her porcin soft skin and the long sheath was sweeping the stairs.


    Her hair was a little messy but it added bloom to her pure beauty. Her hickeys looked like beauty marks making them blush.


    She was looking like a princess waiting to be served.


    Not some unyielding determined CEO of apany. Just a little girl who had no tension in life.


    n reached near the stairs when she went down. Aria hadn''t opened her eyes hence she bumped to him.


    She wounded her hands without knowing nine in the hall were curiously looking at them in shock and astonishment.


    Herplete nonchnce,ziness could only be seen with n.


    n untangled her messy hair wrapping a hand around her, "If you are sleepy, why did you wake up?"


    His low affectionate words still reached the ears of others.


    Aria tightened her arms around his waist, "I am thirsty."


    The nine out there wanted to ask <em>''Why are hugging him if you are thirsty?''</em>


    n saw her barefoot, "Why aren''t you wearing slippers?"


    Aria didn''t bother and stepped on his foot indicating <em>''I have slippers now.''</em>


    If somebody else, they would have reminded their wife about others'' presence in the vi seeing them mute but n didn''t care.


    He took small steps towards the kitchen and helped her drink water silently.


    Aria drank without leaving him and rested her head back on his chest again. Sniffing the aroma of the food, "I''m hungry."


    She had just finished, another envious tone heard, "How many times are you going to eat your husband?"


    Aria: _


    "Here I''m full of your dog food."


    "Little devil, did you forget you are the Little Devil?"


    "My youngdy, we will be more romantic in the next life."


    "Why do you forget about singles out here?"


    "Why do I doubt if I''m in a rtionship or not seeing these two?"


    "I have the same dilemma."


    "Is he President Morgan?"


    "I''m doubting my boss."


    Aria felt like crying from the beginning looking at n who didn''t care and tidied her messy hair keeping his loving gaze on her.


    "I''ll behave like I''m asleep, carry me to the bed."


    Even though her voice was low, it reached the ears of one who was going near them, "Wifey, enough of getting pampered by my love rival. I need a hug. Come here."


    All burst intoughter forgetting their mood seeing Eva chase after Aria continuing to flirt with her.


    "My goddess, why are you scared of me?"


    "Wifey, I will not eat you."


    "Let me hug you. Stop running away."


    Aria was flushed crimson and ran upstairs where Eva eventually followed her in and pinned her to the wardrobe.


    Aria saw her hands on both sides and sighed. "Eva"


    "You do remember me. Great! Come on, I need a hug."


    Aria knew she was ying and she was sessful in holding her waist to hug.


    "It''s so satisfying." Shameless Eva sounded content.


    "Pervert."


    "Me? You are the one who isn''t wearing anything underneath." Eva teased making her flush.


    She understood why Aria didn''t greet anybody and tried to escape from her to go upstairs.


    Aria pushed her away and quickly changed to leisurewear. Shorts and a simple top to be the Arrie everyone knows.


    Comfy and cute.


    "How..."


    Eva cut in, "I missed you."


    Aria smiled and hugged her back, "Me too... I do miss us, our fun, our carefree times. Why did we grow up?"


    Eva didn''t want to disturb Aria in the office so she had hardly met her. On weekends, she wanted her to rest instead of running around with them so she hardly disturbed her thinking to give her time with n if she was actually free.


    Aria asked after breaking their hug, "How did you guys know I''m here? And howe you are all here?..."


    Aria thought it might be an emergency and turned to her from the mirror, "Did anything happen? Is there any news?"


    Eva nodded seriously. She had almost forgotten the reason behind her visit seeing them affectionate.


    "Arrie, you have to be strong. You can''t afford to fall weak now."


    Aria wasn''t sure what wasing up. "Eva, you aren''t trying to fool me, are you?"


    Eva shook her head seriously, "Why is your phone off? Did you see the top search of today? Everything is over the news."


    Aria didn''t expect to be in a problem so soon. She understood why Levi was present with files.

 Chapter 208: Presiden Morgans new love interest

    Chapter 208: Presiden Morgan''s new love interest


    Aria prepared herself for the bad news.


    Eva continued holding her hands tightly, "Prince is having an affair."


    Aria was speechless.


    Eva continued, "It''s all over social media, news."


    Aria was really at a loss of words and couldn''t get herself to speak.


    Eva rubbed her arm to console her looking at her loss. She concernedly spoke so that Aria could understand,


    "Your number is not reachable so I couldn''t control myself and came for Prince''s exnation. When we reached here, Aunty, Uncle also reached here saying his number wasn''t reachable. Roxy and Rian are fuming mad. I didn''t know you were here. We asked Prince and he didn''t deny. He agreed that he was with that woman. Arrie I think, Prince is just distracted due to all this problem, we will take care of that b*tch who seduced him."


    Aria was flushed hearing her best friend calling her as ''<em>a b*tch</em>''.


    She realized n yed them without telling the truth. But Eva thought she was fuming in anger.


    "Arrie, we should talk this out. Don''t take any rash steps." Eva knew Aria loves n and she couldn''t leave him so she thought to teach that woman a lesson.


    Aria patted her back, "First, I want to teach him a lesson."


    She went downstairs and held whatever she got to her hand which was a remote controller of television. She chased after n hence others thought Aria just got to know.


    Levi was rubbing his forehead. He had tried to cut in while they were interrogating n but they didn''t listen to him.


    Even though n didn''t lie to them, he confused them more just by answering the question.


    --


    A few minutes back,


    Rowan smashed newspapers on the coffee table and sounded irked, "Who is this woman? Were you with her yesterday?"


    n hummed nonchntly looking at two pictures.


    In one picture, he was carrying Aria out of the club, and in another one, he had pulled Aria to his arms in the car and he was kissing her forehead.


    Amelia was breathing heavily hearing that, "What is your rtionship with her?"


    "A secret" n leisurely responded sitting on a single-seater armchair elegantly.


    Levi''s lips twitched. He agrees n and Aria''s rtionship was secret to others but not for them.


    Rian gritted his teeth, "Is this how you pay for Arrie for doing so much for you?"


    Levi tried to speak, "Actually that''s..."


    Roxy wasn''t calm hearing his responses and cut in, "Brother-inw, I always gave you an example for Rian to show how a husband should be. I didn''t expect you would do this to my sister."


    Noah and Isaac were clutching Eva''s hand to stop her from beating n.


    The former spoke, "Brother n, You love Arrie, then why are you with that woman? Probably Arrie knows this hence her mobile is off. She isn''t in Skyline and Aunty Sophia said she didn''t go to the mansion either."


    n just answered the question, "Hmmm, I love her."


    Levi was speechless by all the developments and seeing Finn controlling his anger without using his brain losing his rationality thinking n was hurting Aria.


    Levi actually admired Finn. He knew Finn loves Aria unconditionally. Even though his unrequited love was painful, he never tried to take advantage of the situation only because Aria loves n and she would be hurt.


    Levi knew well if n and Aria faced problems with each other, he would still help Aria to get n because she had only n in her heart and she needed nobody else in that ce.


    Isaac trusted n so he asked calmly, "n, are you guys nning anything? This isn''t true. Isn''t it?"


    n saw Isaac pointing at the newspaper.<em> ''Presiden Morgan''s new love interest.''</em> "The pictures? They are true."


    He purposefully mentioned the only pictures of the article thinking they would leave soon getting angry at him so that he could spend time with his wife alone.


    "Will you guys listen to me?" Levi interrupted.


    "n..."


    But everybody''s attention turned to the stairs thinking that the woman from the newspaper was in n''s vi.


    "n... n..."


    Her tuneful tone with a touch of grogginess sounded too sweet to ears as it continued to resonant.


    Before her face could be seen, her slender, lissom figure with clear curves in the white clothes made them stand up subconsciously.


    Levi felt like a rabbit was descending the stairs looking at her.


    Finn''s heartbeats seem to be definite hearing the voice and identifying her as Aria before her face could be even visible.


    The rest thought n was behind another breathtaking beauty until they saw Aria''s sleepy face rubbing her eyes.


    Seeing n and Aria together, they wanted to think what they read and saw was false but n had agreed to it and she wasn''t Aria.


    Since they had called Aria beforehand whose phone was off, they thought Aria had no idea about it.


    They couldn''t help butment on seeing them ignore their presence.


    ---


    Levi thought Aria would personally clear their doubts but seeing her chasing after n, he wasn''t sure what to do.


    "n Morgan, hadn''t I told you to tell me if you have an affair? Why didn''t you tell me?"


    n knew well Aria had learned quite a few skills from Finn and especially Vince. She knew how to bring pain with the slightest force.


    With all that, he knew she was ying along with him.


    "When have I ever stopped you from informing me about anything?"


    "How dare you hide it from me?"


    "If they can''t beat you, did you think you can be safe from my hands?"


    .


    .


    After some time, n stopped and held both of her hands. By turning her around, he locked her hands and stood like hugging her from behind.


    Aria didn''t struggle and asked calmly, "Is she beautiful?"


    "You are the best."


    "Then I will allow you to have an affair with her." Aria permitted and looked at the rest leaning in n''s embrace.


    "Hello..." She sounded very sweet with her smile.


    They were all staggered looking and hearing her.


    Levi rubbed his forehead, "President Cooper, why are you also misleading them? Will you be happy if one gets a heart attack?"


    Aria giggled and Levi continued, "The one in the picture is President Cooper. She had disguised herself to meet President Morgan and to take action against the hackers."


    Eva, Rian pulled their sleeves up and ran towards Aria.


    "Ahhh..." Aria ran around everywhere and Noah also joined the duo.


    "You little fox, how dare you to y us?"


    "Little devil, I will break your leg today."


    "Why are you running away now? See what we will do to you."


    .


    .


    n noticed his parents and Isaac ring at him but he didn''t react and heated up the food.


    Aria cried being caught as one knocked on her head, one pulled her ear and the other one pinched her cheeks until she whined.


    "It hurts... It hurts..."


    They left after seeing her eyes fill up due to pain before they sat down on thewn breathing heavily.


    Aria spoke, "Can you guys trust n like how you trust me? n really doesn''t care about any girls... I will give an example which his friend told me. Once his college mate proposed to n which he didn''t ept. She followed him like crazy, confessing many times yet he never cared. When she threatened him with her life, do you know what he had said?"


    "Go on?" Rian gingerly guessed.


    "Exactly, so trust him. Even if I get second thoughts about n, he would never care for another woman. <strong>It''s me or nobody else for him</strong>."


    She had just finished saying, a kissnded on her head before she was carried up to take her inside the vi.


    "Second thoughts?"


    Aria hummed and whispered in his ear, "I am secretly romancing a handsome man."


    n knew who that handsome man was. If it was her or nobody else for him. For her, <em><strong>it was him and only him</strong></em>.


    Levi wanted to finish his reason for the visit and leave but n made her sit on the dining table without letting her off and fed her treating everyone as invisible.


    "I will eat."


    n didn''t respond and continued to feed her. He knew she would run to her friends or his parents eating just little so he was feeding her well.


    Levi turned to check Finn''s expression who had deliberately diverted his eyes on the phone but kept scrolling the mails list.


    He kept his voice low, "President Stanley, you should stop hurting yourself."


    But Levi earned a cold death re as a response.


    Isaac and Roxy joined the other three on thewn seeing themying down basking the hot sun.


    Amelia and Rowan wanted to beat up n but gave up.


    Aria nced behind her after lunch to make sure nobody was looking at them and quickly pecked on n''s cheek. She took Amelia and Rowan near the pool.


    "Pop, Mum, I''m sorry I couldn''t inform my day to day things because of the problems. I''m really happy and blessed that I have you all in my life. I have only one request. Please don''t ignore or doubt n watching the news or anything just because of me. Even if I doubt him, I want you all to trust him unquestioningly and stand by him at every circumstance and condition. Please..."

 Chapter 209: A disguised villain

    Chapter 209: A disguised viin


    "During the wedding, n purposefully enraged you all so I hadn''t mentioned it. Mum, Pop, your upbringing can never go wrong. Even if I go wrong and do something stupid, n wouldn''t do it. Stand by him even if the media and society talk about hundreds of things. We should be unite at all times."


    Aria knew why they trusted her too much because she was always open to them but n was close to everyone except with her. So she didn''t want them to doubt him again.


    Amelia and Rowan realized their over-protectiveness towards Aria was leading them to ignore their own son.


    They weren''t sure if n felt anything by all that but hearing Aria, they knew she was hurt but she wasn''t showing it and managed it lively to keep everyone''s mood happy.


    Amelia stood up and hugged her ncing at Rowan. They were really happy to have such a daughter-inw and such a caring wife for their misanthropic son.


    Amelia and Rowan assured her they would trust both of them.


    Aria then went to Levi and Finn.


    "Congrattions President Stanley." She wished him because his news channel TRP was higher than any other news channel.


    Finn smiled at her faintly, "Thanks to all your training President Cooper."


    "Very Funny." She knew he said thank you for the days he was working under her.


    Levi passed her a file as he spoke, "The fake fans of Isaac Ross were paid by Kite Parker to attack you. As per your instruction, those girls were sent back to their ces on the same night. These are some proofs where Kite Parker tried to indoctrinate a few against you. And the pictures of your disguise and President Morgan was sent to media by Calvin''s men."


    Aria nodded with a faint smile at him.


    They still weren''t sure if Calvin was a disguised viin in her life or a real protector.


    Sometimes she feels he cares about her a lot but sometimes he gets too overprotective and tries to keep her away from n which was reasonable on the surface.


    But the man who threatened her a day before her wedding and on her wedding day also wanted to separate her from n so theypletely couldn''t trust him or anybody so easily.


    She decided to think about themter and changed the topic, "Want to join me on holiday?"


    Finn smiled looking at her mischievous grin and bright eyes.


    Levi had to speak seeing her waiting for his response, "I will look after work at thepany end, you enjoy your holiday."


    Aria pouted, "You are so boring."


    She then turned to Finn, "What about you? You can join us with your rumored girlfriend."


    Finn''s slight change in expression hearing <em>''your rumored girlfriend''</em> wasn''t noticed by her but Levi knew it would be like a cold dagger to his heart hurting him painfully especially hearing it from Aria.


    Finn knew n would be going so he didn''t worry about her safety and gave a random reason, "If I go on vacation, how am I going to stand on a pinnacle as my manager wished? I''m a very busy person you know."


    Except for Levi, nobody there knew why Finn always said ''My manager'' because he could only use <em>''My''</em> for that.


    Aria poked his head, "Why are you bing like him?..." She pointed to Levi while asking it and continued, "Did you forget the fun we used to have in the country S?... Anyway, let me know if you want to join. It''s next weekend in the suburbs. A small beautiful vige near the northern mountain range."


    Finn didn''t say anything and just smiled hearing country S. He wished he could go back to those carefree days with her.


    Aria didn''t let Finn and Levi leave and cooked for all with Amelia and Eva''s help. Eva and Aria took care in front of the cooktop and oven while Amelia helped them with veggies and ting.


    Roxy was wonderstruck how efficient they were because she had no idea about cooking. It was always Rian who cooked for both if they stayed at his vi.


    Finn and n talked about business for airing new series in his entertainment channel because the top channel, Focus wasn''t on n''s list anymore.


    For to go against them, he anyway had to choose a channel so instead of others, he thought to go for loyal and known which would also encourage Finn''s channel.


    Finn and n were purely businessmen when talking about it without pulling any rtion in-between.


    Isaac and Rowan were having g time hearing Rian tease Noah as he might not be straight for ignoring his such a beautiful secretary and started nning a few things with Noah.


    Levi was busy on hisptop as he heard Roxy going on and on about how Aria and Eva were cooking.


    All enjoyed their favorite dishes excluding n and Aria because both had their brunch. Still, Aria was asionally fed by Eva to try the taste.


    Finn, Levi, Amelia, and Rowan left after lunch. Aria and Eva snuggled with each other on the couch talking andughing leaving rest to clean the kitchen.


    n and Isaac pulled their woman away from each other. n felt Eva took his ce and Isaac red at Eva to remind her who was her boyfriend and he needs to be coddled too.


    Noah saw them and quickly diverted the topic thinking they might take different rooms and leave him outside. "Let''s do something. I''m bored with thispany stuff."


    Aria who was leaning on n spoke, "Didn''t we be too serious with our career? Many out there of our age are still ying around and enjoying life."


    Rian and Evaughed at them, "Finally you two realized it."


    Rian continued, "Leave about Noah, He is still single and could enjoy. Look, we got young aunty over here. Married so early."


    Aria flushed as she gritted her teeth. She took a cushion and started beating as othersughed hearing aunty for Aria.


    She was nowhere looked like an aunty, she still looked like a teenage girl to them.


    Rian held her hand and teased, "Actually, yesterday I didn''t feel like she is an Aunt when she wrapped her legs and dominated the..."


    Aria realized what he was telling and pressed his mouth with the pillow and awkwardlyughed at the rest seeing Roxy''s admiring gaze.


    "That was so enticing."


    While Eva asked Roxy toplete it, Noah panicked after some time, "Arrie, Rian isn''t moving. The cushion is suffocating him."


    Aria froze seeing Rian pale and motionless.

 Chapter 210: They are all yours

    Chapter 210: They are all yours


    Roxy and Eva rushed to them.


    Aria threw the pillow away and shook Rian, "Rian, wake up... Rian, it''s not funny... Rian, stop scaring me... Rian..."


    She kept her trembling finger near his nose and noticed he wasn''t breathing. "Rian..."


    n kicked Rian before pulling Aria to his arms who had started crying.


    Aria then heard Rian and Noahughing. Eva and Roxy had realized it after seeing Noah controlling his smile behind Aria.


    Issac rubbed his forehead looking at Aria''s state.


    "Little Devil, will you y tricks on us again?"


    Aria understood that he was pranking her but she had really thought she suffocated him because the pillow was on his face. Even though she wasn''t pressing hard, it was on his face.


    She tried to calm down but remembering the threat, she started trembling again in n''s embrace.


    Except for n and Isaac, others didn''t know Aria was threatened twice with Rian''s life asking her to back off from marrying n.


    That''s the main reason she was ready to stand strong trying to ept n''s n and that was the reason she asked Roxy to live with her instead of alone with Rian.


    They doubted Roxy when they got to know she was Jasper Madison''s daughter. When Roxy got to know about their marriage they thought the threat might continue hence they increased the security around Rian.


    However, nothing happened.


    n didn''tpletely trust Roxy but Aria started to trust as there were no problems from it.


    But from that time, Aria made sure of Rian''s safety. More than Aria, Rian had thrice the security which he had no idea.


    Rian and Noah realized their prank took the wrong pace. "Arrie..." Rian tried to hold Aria and calm her but n carried her upstairs.


    Seeing her clenching her teeth, n embraced her, "Rian is safe. Nothing will happen to him."


    Aria again let go of her fears with tears...


    Isaac smacked Rian, "Never include life in pranks."


    Rian hummed. "But Little Devil always stays rational. We thought it wouldn''t be possible to prank her."


    Eva hummed standing next to Isaac, "She hardly falls for a prank."


    Isaac knew Aria didn''t want them to know about the troubles.


    "Arrie is going through a lot which you guys have no idea. Be as you guys are but nothing about life."


    All hummed but Roxy kept her eyes on Isaac''s troubled face. Even though Roxy doesn''t care about many things, she always tried to be helpful for Aria.


    She realized that Isaac was hiding something and yed the things happening around Aria in her mind.


    She turned Isaac towards her and was about to ask but stopped seeing others. She signaled Isaac towards the open kitchen and went.


    Isaac was only close to Aria other than his girlfriend. He didn''t like how Roxy behaved yet he followed her to know thinking it might be important.


    "My sister is very practical but just now, it was not like her. What are you guys hiding?"


    Isaac didn''t feel the necessity to say anything. "Nothing. Arrie is just sensitive."


    He was leaving but Roxy pulled him back to face her.


    Isaac gave a dirty re at her hand before looking at her.


    Roxy raised her hands in the air and directly spoke. "Even though I haven''t spent much time with my sister, I always heard from Rian. She never ys by opposition rules but she is ying."


    Roxy hardly could understand anything from Isaac''s face yet she continued, "Is anybody threatening her?... With Rian''s life?"


    Isaac didn''t bother to react and tried to read her. whether she was guessing or she already knew and ying dumb.


    Roxy waited and waited but the response didn''te.


    Eva called Isaac and he left.


    Roxy thought to talk to n or Aria directly and returned to the living hall where they were nning about games to y as soon as Aria''s returns to divert her mind.


    Upstairs, Aria hadn''t cried for long but was in deep thought without leaving n to let go of her.


    n thought to distract her from her thoughts seeing her that way.


    "Honey, if you want to feel my abs, you can say it directly you know. They are all yours to touch."


    Aria''s train of thoughts broke and realized her face was actually on his abs and she had even rubbed her face when wiping her tears.


    <em>''Touch and feel? Why not?''</em> She thought to herself.


    She likes how they feel on her fingers.


    Aria flushed remembering her thoughts and pushed him away but eventually got pinned down on the bed.


    "Why? Don''t you like them?"


    His seductive tone and what her fingers were touching made her eyes widened as pinkness started appearing on her cheeks.


    n moved her hand on his abs reading her face but other than widened eyes in fright due to the open floor bedroom he couldn''t read anything.


    So he gazed deep into her eyes as if he was controlling her whole by his eyes and sounded affirmative.


    "Do you like potbelly? Then I will have..."


    Dummy Aria thought he was getting serious as he always did to her liking so she cut in hurriedly, "No, no, no. I like your abs... and Apollo''s belt too."


    n controlledughing on her face.


    Aria noticed his happy glittering eyes and realized what she just did. She pulled her hands to cover her face and whined.


    "Stop looking at me like that."


    n lightly chuckled and peeled her hands away from her flushed face. "Open your eyes."


    Aria shook her head.


    n teased, "How about I touch and feel what I like?"


    It worked and Aria shot her eyes open thinking where he was going to touch her but n cupped her face gently and pecked on the forehead.


    n saw her satisfied and content smile and eyes. He pulled her off the bed seeing her adoring gaze.


    Aria was praising her husband in her heart, <em>''My prince is the best.''</em> while he wiped her face.


    n was done with her adoration so he whispered the answer to his own question, "Wherever I touched and felt you in the morning."


    Aria: "..."


    Aria gritted her teeth as she flushed because he just said every inch of her skin and ruined her moment.


    n was satisfied with her re and diverted her rage quickly to somebody else, "Are you going to let off your friends so easily?"


    He was sessful as Aria remembered and pulled her sleeves up and went downstairs.


    "Beauty, you are dead today."


    n loves how innocently she falls for his ploys.

 Chapter 211: Were you pretending?

    Chapter 211: Were you pretending?


    <em>''Pfft-''</em>


    Rian: ?


    He couldn''t drink water and started running away as Aria beat him.


    Noah tried to be a cat hiding from her to be unnoticeable but Aria didn''t leave him either for supporting Rian.


    n loves her every bit of innocence with him. He leaned on the wall watching her fluently jump over tables and couch to chase after the two youngest men in them.


    Isaac leaned towards n, "Your wife''s movements are so clean and crisp without getting tired. These two boys are cutting men''s noses. Is she trained?"


    n hummed proudly looking at screaming boys and Aria beating at non-pressure points purposefully.


    Noah and Rian cried invisible tears pressing their sore arms and waist letting Roxy and Eva roll on the floorughing their heart out.


    "I had almost thought I lost my Little devil seeing her in the morning and a few minutes back."


    "Goddess? Sweetie? No, it''s a Demon, She is a big demon."


    Eva low fived Aria andughing looking at them, Roxy joined the duo and said in unison leaving the men Speechless, "Girl power."


    Rian: ~


    Noah: ~


    Isaac: ~


    n: <em>''What power? End of the day you will take the bottom.''</em>


    Aria then announced what they just knew partly, "I can paralyze a man for a few minutes hitting on pressure points. I have advanced level skills in fencing and stick fighting. So My Beauty and Sweetiepie, when are you nning to prank me like dead? I will fulfill your wish."


    Isaac: "...!!"


    Rian: "..."


    Noah: "..."


    Eva and Roxy burst intoughter seeing their dreaded faces. They knew Aria wasn''t lying.


    Isaac: "I will not offend you."


    Noah: "Prank? What does that even mean?"


    Rian: "Pra... Pra... What? I don''t even know how to pronounce it."


    While two men and a youngdy watched, the Fourie created a hell lot of mess, argued endlessly, and had fun to no end.


    n kicked everyone out before dinner time to avoid Aria cooking for them and to spend some time with each other.


    Aria was in n''s embraceying on the lounge near the pool enjoying the dusk, cool breeze of theke, hearing the birds chirping while the sun was setting, painting the sky in shades of yellow and red.


    Aria and n spoke since there was still time for dinner but they were disturbed again displeasing him instantly.


    Aria responded to the security to send Roxy inside and went inside the vi.


    Rian, Amelia, Rowan, Isaac, Nathan had permission to enter. n hadn''t approved for others and Aria respected his opinion.


    "Roxy, what happened? Did you leave anything here?"


    Roxy pulled Aria to sit on the couch and called n who was going upstairs, "Brother-inw, I will not take much time. I need to talk to you both."


    Aria and n looked at each other and sat down waiting to hear her.


    Roxy directly came to the main point, "Afternoon whatever Rian pranked and how Arrie reacted. I am sorry that I''m doubting you guys and it''s just my analysis. Are you guys being threatened with Rian''s life?"


    n''s eyes turned cold as his clutch on Aria''s hand became firm. Aria''s breath twitched as her eyes glistened but nothing much showed on their faces.


    Roxy wasn''t sure about Aria but she realized n didn''t like the topic seeing his piercing re on her which was indicating her <em>''Bug off''</em>.


    "Roxy, you are overthinking. Don''t worry unnecessarily."


    Aria''s unemotional voice sounded but n knew Aria''s mood sharply affects as soon as they talk about Rian''s life or the threat she received.


    "Arrie, I know you are protective of Rian more than me. He is my boyfriend, I have the right to know it and I want to protect him too and help you out if there is any problem."


    Aria didn''t want to give in but n spoke. His words sounded cold and vicious to test her.


    "Why? So that you could put his life in more danger?"


    Aria held his hand to stop him but n didn''t stop and wasn''t ready to listen to her.


    "Brother inw?" Roxy never dares to raise her voice at n or talk back loudly but she couldn''t understand why he said it.


    <em>''Why will I put his life in more danger?''</em>


    "Why?" n smirked, "You don''t remember? I will refresh your memory..."


    Aria shook her head looking at n but he rubbed her head indicating her to stop worrying and asked.


    "Weren''t you one who informed about your school excursion to your father so that he could kidnap Aria?"


    Roxy''s memory didn''t take long to refresh everything and instantly spoke, "Brother inw, I agree I was very envious of Arrie at that time. But My intention behind telling our location to my father wasn''t that. He asked where I was so I had to tell him to end the conversation... Did my father attack Arrie?"


    Aria and n saw her fume analyzing it. Roxy gritted her teeth, "Is he behind everything that''s happening and keeping you two away?"


    Aria shook her head for her second question and nced at n who was a little calm after hearing Roxy. n had checked about Roxy so he thought she would act but nothing seemed so.


    n saw Aria''s worried face thinking if Roxy was innocent, they might hurt her.


    He wanted to knock on her head and say, <em>''Worry about yourself first, not others.''</em> but he wrapped his arms around her shoulder indicating she should talk.


    Aria turned to Roxy, "Roxy, It''s true I fell from the cliff due to Jasper Madison''s men, they pushed me down and tried to take me away. As per our analysis and scrutiny, he got to know my location and schedules by you. But he isn''t behind everything."


    Roxy still felt she was the reason behind what Aria went through, "I''m sorry. I didn''t know my father was plotting against you."


    <em>''What can he get by that?''</em>


    <em>''Skyline? Aria?''</em> But Roxy had no answer.


    Aria faintly smiled and asked, "Does he know that I''m married to n?"


    Roxy shook her head, "When he got to know I am dating Rian, he repeatedly asked me to talk to brother-inw for the help at hispany so I blocked his number."


    Aria again tested instead of asking if she wants hispany. "Shall I help him?"


    Roxy''s reply was instant and cold, "No, I will personally ruin hispany visiting there once."


    Aria and n looked at each other before revealing the truth, "He is in problem because of us."


    Roxy froze realizing why Aria asked her previous question, "You... You don''t trust me?"


    Aria knew it was important to be crystal clear so she didn''t hide anymore.


    "When I got to know Jasper madison behind my fall, you are his daughter and the threat I received, I doubted you. It is also true that I asked you to shift to Cooper mansion because I didn''t want Rian to be alone with you. Only you knew Rian''s activity better than anyone which would be easier for you to manage to threaten me. Initially, I didn''t want my marriage information to be known to you butter there were no threats and nobody stalked Rian so we realized you weren''t behind anything. During that time, I wasn''t ready to trust anybody, n and I investigated everyone around us before you guys got to know we are married.You can hate me for that, I have no objection."


    Before Roxy could respond, n whispered to Aria, "I will cook for us. Wrap up soon."


    Aria nodded with a smile at him.


    Aria noticed Roxy''s eyes lost their charm after hearing her so she spoke again.


    "Roxy, I know you are happy calling me as your family, as a sister. Hence I don''t want to hide it. If I clear everything now, it will not affect uster... Yes, only if you wish to consider me as your sister."


    Roxy spoke after a long gap, "Were you genuine to me all these days? Or... Were you pretending?"


    Aria didn''t feel bad hearing it and she wasn''t remorseful either. For her, Rian''s safety was more important than Roxy''s opinion on her.


    "If you remember how I treated the Parker family and you, you will have your answer. And I am not sorry for anything I have done. I''m true to myself."


    Roxy nodded in understanding. She never felt Aria pretending with her so her view on Aria didn''t change.


    "It''s understandable that you doubted me. Thank you for being so direct... I''m not sure what to do or how to react?"


    Aria could understand her dilemma so she was very calm, "Don''t me yourself due to Jasper Madison. If you are disappointed by me, you don''t have to react to anything. Go home and rest."


    She had just finished, Rian entered grimly shocking both Aria and Roxy who stood up.


    Aria never wanted Rian to know it because he judges too quickly and she didn''t want him to change his opinion of Roxy because of those incidents or her father.

 Chapter 212: To meet little Arrie

    Chapter 212: To meet little Arrie


    Rian flicked on Aria''s head and sounded glum, "Little devil, how dare you hide everything from me? Just because you have your husband, did you forget me?"


    n nced at Rian and continued to work. From the time he stood near the door, he knew his presence.


    n never wanted to hide from Rian but it was Aria who didn''t want to worry him because Rian wouldn''t me her.


    n had tried to make her understand that he wasn''t a kid to keep him away from problems and he should know things around him but Aria had stopped him saying that it was enough two worrying and suffering than dragging others into it.


    Arrie gave a vile look to Rian rubbing her head thinking whether they yed her again.


    But Rian turned to Roxy and twisted her ear, "You rascal, did you think I didn''t notice you distracted the whole afternoon?"


    Roxy had sent him to Noah''s car giving a vague reason and after some distance, she had driven back to the vi.


    Rian had particrly kept an eye on her so he had asked Noah to follow her once she took U-turn. After reaching he had sent Noah back and stood by the door from the beginning.


    Aria understood Rian doubted them from the afternoon but he was good at waiting for it to know. "Ok ok, that''s alright. I want my Beauty back."


    Carefree Rian!


    Rian stopped himself from knocking on her head.


    Roxy spoke to him, "I''m sorry Rian. I didn''t know my father..."


    Aria was scared those two might take a wrong step, "Sorry to interrupt, Beauty if you judge Roxy due to whatever you heard, you will not walk out of here on your feet."


    n sighed resignedly in the kitchen hearing her worry about them.


    Roxy wanted to remind Aria that it was really a serious topic. It wasn''t time for fun.


    Rian grimly looked at Aria, "Wow, Little Devil, You forgot me as soon as you got my brother, then Finn knows about all your ns but not me. Now you are taking Roxy''s side. Do you even remember me?"


    n gritted his teeth. If Rian again gets manipted to stand against Aria, he was really going to beat him without caring if he was his younger brother or if it affects Aria and Rian''s friendship.


    Roxy was shocked by hearing him. She wanted to smack his head but her gaze fell on Aria.


    Aria''s slight tremble wasn''t noticed by anybody. She dug her nails hard to her palms, tightening her fist. She tried to be calm looking at his bleak face.


    She didn''t know Finn was with the investigation team because Levi hadn''t told her. More than Roxy, she was close to Rian.


    Rian red at Aria but she suddenly took the vase from the side table, "I dare you to say it again."


    <em>Pfft-</em>


    Rian ran away from her, "Crap... Little devil, I was kidding... Little Devil... Sh*t... It hurts... Little Devil..."


    Roxy: _


    She couldn''t understand them yet.


    n was d Aria started beating him instead of getting sad.


    Rian snatched the vase from her hands before breathing a sigh. He realized she got really upset and angry which confirmed seeing her ring.


    "Come here..."


    Aria didn''t move and Rian carefully went to her thinking she might hit him and hugged her. "Rx... If we analyze properly, they threatened you with me so that means I''m more important to you than your husband and..."


    Aria rolled her eyes, n stopped his chores and turned to them hearing <em>''Rian was more important than him to Aria''</em>


    Rian continued without bothering, "...and your sister. I should be happy about that. Good... I am not angry with anybody... No, I should be angry with you. Why didn''t you tell me that you are going through all this? I would have tried to help you. You muddle-headed, I''m not a little boy."


    Before Aria, n spoke shooting daggers at his brother, "Done? Leave my wife."


    Aria wanted to tell Rian that he doesn''t have to worry about anything but she controlled herughter hearing n.


    Rian didn''t care about the order and kept his one hand wrapped around Aria''s shoulder facing n, "Bro, she is my Little devil first."


    n rolled his eyes, "Before you, I had seen her in the hospital crib when she was born. You weren''t even born at that time."


    That''s new news.


    Aria instantly abandoned her Beauty and reached her husband who gave a victory smirk to his younger brother.


    Roxy: _


    Rian: _


    Aria:


    "Really?"


    n caressed her head as he hummed.


    He didn''t remember everything perfectly but he could remember he had been to the hospital with his parents to see the newborn baby and he was guessing as Aria because his mother was pregnant at that time.


    "That''s absurd. I don''t believe it. You were just four... No, you were just three and a half, how can you remember it." Rian wasn''t ready to agree.


    Aria looked at n expectantly but he wasn''t sure about himself so, "Call Mom."


    Roxy: "..."


    She was totally confused with the turn of events.


    Aria took n''s mobile and called Amelia on speaker. n was curious too so he stood at the table, lifting Aria to sit on the table as Rian took a seat on a barstool.


    "Is the sun setting in the east? Why am I receiving a call from you?... My youngdy, is that you?"


    Rian and Aria looked at each other and burst intoughter. n who was expressionless red at the duo.


    Amelia continued, "I knew it. Arrie, you can''t ditch me in the next life."


    Aria didn''t get to react. n''s icy cold voice sounded, "<strong>Yeah.</strong> <strong>In Your Dreams</strong>."


    <em>Pfft-</em>


    Aria and Rian could say Amelia was choked on something hearing n''s voice and then she coughed lightly topose herself, "What''s the matter, my children?"


    Rian spoke, "Mom, did brother meet Arrie when she was born?"


    Amelia took the time to remember which almost made Rianugh aloud but paused.


    "Yeah, I had taken him with us. If I''m not wrong, that''s the first time your brother yed with a little baby girl. Arrie was crying in Rowan''s arms so n gave his little finger for her to hold and she had stopped crying blinking her beautiful eyes looking at him in amusement. He didn''t even y with you once seeing you cry all the time but Rowan had to take him to old Cooper''s vi frequently to meet little Arrie..."


    Aria really felt sweet knowing about it.


    All were surprised hearing that and n suddenly asked, "Then why didn''t I continue going to her?" That way he wouldn''t have missed a single year with his love.

 Chapter 213: She became his life

    Chapter 213: She became his life


    Amelia giggled before answering, "You had seen Little Arrie getting twelfth-month vination. Due to pain, she hadn''t stopped crying even after seeing you so you got mad at her and also at the doctor. I think you had said you wanted to be a doctor and you will treat Arrie without paining her to cry. Then somebody told you that you have to study hard to be a good doctor so you became a bookworm."


    Aria giggled pulling his cheeks but n asked another question.


    "Then why did I change my goal to business?"


    He was sure he wanted to start his ownpany from a very young age. Curtis Morgan had ordered him to work in the Morgan Industries but he didn''t want to work under anybody.


    So Curtis asked him to take over Morgan Industries to lower the burden of his father. Then Rowan started his organic farming and supplied it to Skyline Organics.


    Amelia knew n''s curiosity was only about Aria so she continued.


    "I think I had heard you talk with Rowan about it. Isn''t it Honey?"


    Amelia asked Rowan who was listening to only her side conversation. So she turned on the speaker for him,


    "Rowan had said a good businessman will have good control over many things and could afford to have anything and protect the loved ones. You had asked about doctors and businessmen so Rowan had said he could afford the best hospital and doctors for us because he was influential. Doctors are good too for saving the lives of people. You hadn''t slept that day thinking about it trying to understand andter day you had told Rowan that you don''t want to save anybody and will be like Rowan to protect your Sweet Little Bunny Yeah, Sweet Little Bunny is Arrie."


    Aria was adoring her husband.


    Roxy: <strong>_</strong>


    Rian:<strong>_</strong>


    n was very satisfied with himself and his choices. He wished he could have continued meeting her. Yet, he was happy that he didn''t miss his Sweet Little Bunny who became his wife sitting and adoring him.


    Amelia had to distract them to hear anything, "Hello..."


    Rian snapped out, "Bro, it was love at first sight. You have liked Arrie from her first day of birth and you didn''t even know."


    "Wow... That sounds so romantic."


    Amelia realized after Rian said it. "My dumb son had found her bride so long back. No doubt he was flirting with her that time."


    Rian burst intoughter before enlightening Roxy, "Little Bunny was Arrie''s nickname. Brother was calling her Sweet Little Bunny."


    Amelia added, "I think Arrie too liked n. He was the only little one who was ying with her until Rian and Aria could walk around..."


    Amelia continued to narrate tits and bits of how n was ying with Aria.


    While two were adoring the couple, the couple loved the fact that they were so good when they were small.


    Rowan knew many other stories that he briefed some incidence with Amelia for them or appropriate to say would be for n who wanted to know everything about that phase of his life.


    By the time they hung up the call they realized they spoke for two and a half hours. From sunset to till dark of the night.


    Roxy was admiring the couple who were talking with each other carrying their beautiful smiles pleasing to her eyes.


    Rian felt like his friend was taken away from him and turned to Roxy, "You! Why didn''te and see me when I was a kid?"


    Roxy: _


    <em>''Am I older than him?''</em>


    "You dumb man, that''s my dialogue. I was born here only. Why didn''t you visit me?"


    Aria and n noticed them and the former giggled. n went to finish the cooking as it was alreadyte.


    To make Rian happy, Aria went to him, "My little bride,e here. Even you met me but it''s just that you were in Mum''s womb."


    <em>Pfft-</em>


    Roxy grinned while Rian was gritting his teeth for hearing the embarrassing nickname of his childhood by Aria.


    n didn''t bother anymore about Rian and Aria''s first time things because he stood above all in her life.


    Aria exined why he was ''<em>Little Bride</em>'' to Roxy who was eagerly waiting.


    Whenever Rian and Aria were ying home games, Rian who was a cute little boy was dinkier than Aria so he was always the wife of her.


    She had even put on her white dress to him while ying. That''s how the nickname started.


    After a few days during that time, Rian cried his eyes out saying the bride was for girls then Aria changed to ''<strong>Little Beauty</strong>'' saying he was very pretty which was true.


    Rian''s skin was very tender and glossy which was making many girls envious. Only after the adolescence age that his masculine features became sharp and highlighted more but his skin still looked very good which Roxy was very envious of.


    Aria pinched Rian''s flushed cheeks, hearing and reminiscing the past. "That''s why he is my Beauty."


    Roxy pouted at the end in displease, "Why wasn''t I with you guys?"


    Before anybody''s response, n abducted his wife from them with their dinner near theke for moonlight dinner and for privacy.


    Rian and Roxy wereughing seeing Aria on n''s shoulder asking him to let her down.


    The couple noticed n had cooked some light dishes for them too so they ate and upied the guest room without disturbing the other couple.


    After dinner, n was smiling under Aria who had pinned him down. "Logically speaking you were doing everything for me for the whole twenty-three years without your knowledge."


    n just smiled, pinning her strands of hair behind her ear.


    "Instead of thinking about missing years, we should be happy about you finding me."


    n hummed and softlyid her down on the ground before taking the top.


    Aria continued, "So I''m your only love and only girl or girl-friend in your life."


    n hummed gazing at her beautiful eyes which were ecstatic to know about their past.


    Aria pulled him down and kissed him fondly.


    <em>Who wouldn''t be happy to know their man did so much without having an idea one day he would be marrying her?</em>


    She wasn''t sure how they would be if they were talking all their life but she loved how they were together.


    She wished she could remember her first year with him. Yet she was delighted that they had such a sweet past.


    The happiness of n wasn''t any less than Aria. He was content to know she was the only girl he protected and cared all his life.


    <em>He was with her for a year.</em>


    <em>Then seven years of a gap before seeing her again.</em>


    <em>Then nine years'' vast gap before appearing in his life like a gleam of happiness.</em>


    <em>Again a year and she became his life.</em>


    Aria snuggled in his arms and slept with the smile which still glued on to her face without worrying about the next day''s celebration and the problemsing up.

 Chapter 214: Equal and opposite reaction

    Chapter 214: Equal and opposite reaction


    Rian wasn''t angry with Roxy.


    He calmed her first when she started exining then both sat and seriously discussed how they could be helpful to n and Aria without troubling them.


    Before they could sleep, Rian decided Roxy would be helping out Aria and he would decide after discussing theplete matter with Aria and n.


    Other than n, the other three didn''t know two drones were shot to the ground they flew near the private vi.


    Even though n had only bought small piecend near theke for his vi, eventually over past years, Aria had convinced the owner of thend which was around the vi to sell it to her.


    n had failed thrice to negotiate with that stubborn owner who was from country S. Then Aria had visited him many times and bought thend.


    That owner initially used to get irritated whenever Aria visited but Aria''s mannerisms and how she sweetly spoke to him, melted him.


    Even though he was convinced to sell hisnd to her, he hadn''t told to her so that she could continue visiting him.


    It had be a routine for Aria to visit the old man to his office, help him at work, and convince him.


    So therge portion near thekepletely belongs to them which became their private property and trespassing wasn''t allowed.


    So if anybody dares to enter, they would be taken care of by the cops and security. Anotheryer of security keeps note of things extra careful whenever Aria was around.


    ---


    The next day Aria had to leave with Rian and Roxy to attend Curtis''s birthday. n had to attend separately in the evening.


    Rian first drove to Skyline to show as he was there to convince Aria to leave office, then Aria drove her car to the Cooper mansion with Roxy.


    She was talking with Roxy and entered the mansion but,


    <em>''Pak''</em>


    Aria was pped across the face which instantly made her regret for keeping her guards off thinking she was in her ce.


    Her eyes were bloodshot clenching her fist. Even though there was stinging pain on her cheek which was slowly swelling, she ignored it and stood straight.


    She understood the meaning of, <em>''Happiness is short-lived.''</em>


    "You bitch, how dare you hit my sister?" Roxy and thedy started scuffling cursing each other.


    Aria''s eyes fell on mother and father with his son who was deeply frowning.


    The maids weren''t expecting that to happen out of anywhere. They were trying to hold thedy and Roxy but were stopped by Aria.


    "Back off... Roxy, let her go."


    Roxy didn''t listen to Aria.


    Roxy was about to smash thedy''s head on the ground hearing her say,


    "You shameless sluts, After coveting rich men, stop acting mighty. You guys used your body well. Cunning foxes..."


    Aria saw the man trying to hold Roxy who was dominating so Aria didn''t think twice to take action.


    <em>''Swoosh''</em>


    Aria moved like the wind and her hand was like a knife hitting the nerve on the shoulder which numbed the man''s hand.


    "Arrie" Calvin grunted holding in the pain.


    His eyes were bloodshot understanding Aria was no more a helpless girl because he needed time to get life back to his arm.


    The movement of the distraction hearing Calvin resulted in Roxy to lose.


    Kite flung her hand decisively on her face pinning her down.


    Roxy''s hands were under Kite who was sitting on her. So she could only shut her eyes tightly waiting to feel the pain.


    One second...


    Two seconds...


    Three seconds...


    But the stinging pain she was expecting didn''te at all.


    She opened her eyes and was so shocked that she forgot to breathe.


    Roxy realized Aria wasn''t kidding when she said she learned quite a few kills.


    She got really scared of seeing Aria. It wasn''t only her, Sophia, the maids and the other three were so staggered that they couldn''t react.


    After fainting Kite Parker, Aria held her arm as she dragged her away from Roxy and sat on the armchair leaving Kite on the floor.


    Roxy shook her head and tried to remember what Aria did a few seconds back without getting up from the floor.


    Aria''s face was so dark that it made her spine shiver. Her hand held the Kite''s hand and moved urately to right spots sharply without leaving a second gap for Kite to scream.


    Atst, she hit on Kite''s nape and dragged her away from Roxy.


    Roxy came out of her daze when Sophia helped her off the floor.


    "Arrie, you never use any techniques and strength to beat Rian. Isn''t it?" She was really proud of Aria.


    Aria didn''t react.


    Saira and Abel unknowingly trembled continuously.


    They couldn''t take their eyes away from Aria even if they wanted. It was like, if they blink, Aria would take them down in that split second.


    Calvin kept looking at her dark eyes which was telling them that they messed with the wrong person.


    He could say she was highly influenced by a person who was terrific.


    She wasn''t doing a cakewalk in the past five years.


    He could say that was not her real self but she was ready to protect herself and her people who tried to meddle with her.


    She was just a young girl out there but she looked like she didn''t belong to them and was ready to destroy anything she finds dangerous.


    If Aria was on guard, Kite would be crying her eyes out with the dislocated arm but she was sessful in pping Aria. So she wasying on the ground without consciousness.


    Aria wasn''t suited for physical fights hence Finn had taught her human anatomy and the pressure points.


    Vince had taught her to control people psychologically rather than physically.


    n always took care of her mental ability and celerity.


    She wasn''t born as a genius, It was her years of extreme training.


    Sophia patted Roxy and went to Aria, "Young miss, let maids take care of them."


    Aria calmed a little facing Sophia, "Aunty Sophia, It''s time that they should know I''m not an easy target else they will think they could hurt me whenever they want. Tina..."


    A maid quickly went to her and bowed her respectfully. "Young miss?"


    Aria asked, "Did they do or say anything to Aunty Sophia or you guys?"


    Tina promptly replied, "Young miss, only Ms.Parker was shouting on us while others waited for your arrival."


    Aria nodded, "Check if Roxy bruised and treat her."


    "But young miss, your..." Sophia saw her swollen cheek and her right hand turning red but she stopped saying looking at her gaze.


    Sophia nodded and sent Tina to check on Roxy.


    Sophia understood that Aria had techniques but she was still delicate hence her body couldn''t handle. Yet she was sitting as if she wasn''t in pain.


    Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.


    Aria knew her strength and weakness but she never showed it so easily.

 Chapter 215: Unceasingly focused aim

    Chapter 215: Unceasingly focused aim


    Roxy wasn''t hurt hence she didn''t leave and stood by Aria.


    Aria said through clenched teeth at the three, "Care to open your mouth."


    Calvin''s hand was fine from numbness but the nerve Aria hit was still giving him sharp pain.


    Nobody noticed the malicious eyes and gritting teeth of a person.


    Saira stuttered, "Arrie, she is your sister."


    Roxyughed mockingly hearing her, "Why didn''t you remind your beautiful daughter that Arrie is her younger sister?"


    Abel who tried to gather his courage, spoke, "Arrie when you do something, learn to ept it."


    Aria wanted to ask what she did understanding he was telling about the reason behind their visit but Roxy spoke.


    "What''s there to tell? We all saw how my sister protected herself and me."


    Sophia shook her head at Roxy and Aria knew Roxy was trying to talk for her.


    She pulled her down which caused Roxy to sit on the arm of the chair, "Calm down."


    Roxy obediently hummed hearing her cid tone.


    Saira spoke, "Didn''t you upload Kite''s intimate pictures and videos in the media to ruin her reputation just because she hired a few to tarnish your reputation?"


    Aria understood what was going on. Her mobile was still off and she didn''t care to worry about anything so she had no idea what was going on.


    Roxy burst intoughter leaving Aria and Sophia to shake their head in resignation.


    Three were annoyed hearing herughter which Roxy didn''t care at all.


    "She told us sl*t and wh**e which was actually her. Mr. and Mrs. Parker, instead of teaching your daughter a lesson, you came to show your face thinking my sister as weak and alone. Tsk, tsk, she got your brains."


    Roxy chuckled again but the other three were in no position to talk back for that in Aria''s presence.


    Aria spoke, "I was still thinking to take action on whatever your daughter was doing but I didn''t even get a chance... Anyway, you got the guts to say your daughter tried to tarnish my reputation but why wasn''t I allowed to do it? Because she is your daughter and I''m just a piece of good whose name is used to increase your family status."


    Aria wanted tough at her own statement which was the reality but she didn''t.


    "If you think I did everything whatever you said, why didn''t you go to the cops directly?"


    Abel and Saira looked at each other. Calvin''s eyes were fixated on Aria. Nobody could say what he was thinking.


    Abel responded, "You already ruined Kite''s image, how could we ruin yours too?"


    Roxy was about to speak, Aria stopped, "Mr.Parker, why didn''t you stop your darling daughter when she was plotting against me?"


    Aria collected a file from the maid who brought it in from the car. She threw the file on their face.


    "Paid thrice to attack me. Hired thugs twice. Dissed me on social media. She used my name to enter high-end clubs and left without paying. Bought diamond set from Skyline jewelry using my name. tried to covet some heirs using my name to help their family..."


    Aria continued to list some more before stopping. Roxy who saw Kite waking up, pped across her face which made her dizzy and fainted again.


    Abel, Saira, and Calvin were in no position to say anything looking at proofs. If Aria submits it, Kite would be detained for sure.


    Calvin realized he easily believed Kite and his parents when they reasoned as Aria was behind it.


    Aria saw their pale faces and spoke again, "Brother Calvin, I had thought you are a smart man. Call your men and ask them to investigate now."


    Calvin had such a group that wasn''t known to anybody was what he had thought.


    "I have already told them." His unemotional tone sounded reading her face.


    Aria nodded, "Tina, let these be here until the investigation reports are out."


    Tina knew what she actually meant. <em>''They should be here without moving here or there.''</em>


    Aria again turned to Calvin, "If your team fails, I can help you out but I can''t guarantee whether I will send you all to prison was maligning me or beat her to death."


    It wasn''t the first time she warned. She had told long back to keep Kite away from her but Abel and Saira didn''t do it and with that, they were maligning her what she hadn''t done and what she didn''t even know.


    Aria and Roxy went towards stairs but halted hearing Calvin''s mobile ringtone.


    "Speaker" Aria ordered as she walked back to Calvin.


    All heard a man''s voice after the caller heard Calvin''s voice, "Boss, Jason Carroll is behind all this. He had followed your sister for quite a few days. It seems like your sister tried to seduce President Stanley, Second young master Melon, Young master Tin, Vice President Dawson. CEO Stewart, Young master Hayes..."


    Aria was really, really, really wasn''t in a mood tough but Roxy and Aria looked at each other and burst intoughter.


    Roxy low fived her many times andughed till their eyes had tears hearing the list going on and on.


    The other end man was confused while at this end the trio was embarrassed to death.


    Aria controlled but Roxy started listing to Aria again and both held their stomach andughed without giving a face to the Parker family.


    Sophia and maids were happy seeing them but they controlled themselves fromughing aloud.


    Kite''s unceasingly focused aim to get into a rich man''s pants was verymendable.


    Roxy and Aria were tired ofughing and turned to Sophia who handed them water.


    <em>Pfft -</em>


    Roxy remembered the list while drinking water and spat out water as sheughed without caring the water had spat all over Kite.


    Aria whined, "Roxy, my stomach and jaws are paining. Don''t make meugh more."


    However she looked strong or cold or emotionless, she was still a youngdy with all the emotions.


    Roxy greatly controlled herself to let Aria talk but Aria said, "I think Rian, Eva, and Noah should have witnessed it. We would have had great fun."


    Roxy again lost control and rolled on the couchughing her heart out.


    Aria rubbed her head and went in front of the Parker family. Her face turned cold as if she wasn''t the girl who wasughing just a few seconds back.

 Chapter 216: Birthday

    Chapter 216: Birthday


    Aria''s tone was frigid and frosty eyeing Abel and Saira.


    "I, Aria Copper will never refuse what I do and I will never ept what I haven''t done. I''m not Mother Teresa or Mary Sue to care about somebody who schemes behind me all the time. But still, I gave you all face because you belong to my maternal family. If I could send Lucas Cooper to prison, do you think I will tolerate her stupidity and your senselessness all my life?"


    Then she turned to Calvin, "Brother Calvin, I suggest you take your men away from President Morgan. If he strikes at you for whatever you did yesterday and following him daily, your startup will never be able to stand.


    I know you care about me but don''t make me feel suffocated due to your overprotectiveness keeping your men behind me. I know to protect myself. If I need your help, I will definitely ask you."


    Then she faced three again patting Sophia''s hand who wanted to calm her from getting angrier.


    "Very importantly, I''m a girl and I greatly respect and am proud of this fact. Why will I tarnish another girl''s reputation that way? Instead, you should worry about the man who was with Kite Parker in whatever you saw and used me. And stay away from Finn Stanley if you want to live in City B."


    She hadn''t missed hearing<strong> ''President Stanley''</strong>. As a friend, she didn''t want Kite-like girl to be around him even though she never interfered with his life, love, and rumors.


    Aria left with Roxy upstairs as she pointed to the floor for a maid where Kite was leaning on the chair pressing her sore neck, "Clean up..."


    Three maids took care of them, Sophia took an ice pack and quickly reached Aria''s room to see her pressing her right hand.


    "Young miss, don''t hurt yourself. Tina, Le will take care of such things..."


    Sophia continued to nag as she took care of Aria who listened obediently resting her head on herp.


    Aria was always close to Sophia who loved to take care of her so she didn''t stop and didn''t lie either. Later she continued to check her office work.


    Downstairs, Kite stood up feeling dizzy but Calvin gave her across the face.


    "Calvin" Saira grunted while Abel sighed in resignation.


    Calvin didn''t listen to his mother. "Step out of the vi, I will surely break your leg."


    He dragged Kite out as Saira and Abel followed him out ignoring Kite sobbing. He drove straight to their vi and left to his office without bothering them.


    He blocked all Kite''s cards and retracted his men from n and Aria too. He just wanted to protect her, if his protectiveness made her suffocated, he didn''t want to trouble her anymore.


    If Aria knew he had his people to protect her, he understood there were people who were reporting her. Hearing her tell about the previous day events, he also understood Aria knew about n.


    He had thought she would move on knowing about n so he had spread it out but he felt like she was hurt by it.


    He decided to ask his men to keep an eye on Kite at his vi so that if she tries to do something, he could take action.


    Aria, whopleted her work, helped Roxy to get ready before she got fresh and dolled herself like a little girl of Curtis Morgan instead of President of a conglomerate.


    Roxy who entered her room eximed looking at her, "You are very pretty. You still look like a girl from five years ago."


    Aria smiled applying her lipstick. "Are you guys announcing your rtionship or getting engaged today?"


    Roxy blushed which was very rare, "Smartypants. Mom Amelia wants to introduce me as her second daughter inw today."


    Aria had guessed seeing her in a semi-formal evening gown. "Engagement at the age of twenty-three. Not bad. Morgans and Coopers are too quick with nuptial affairs."


    Roxy and Aria giggled and gave a final touch to their look.


    They had just stepped out of the room, Aria''s phone rang showing Eva''s name. "Hey."


    "My Goddess." Eva cried loudly making Aria keep the mobile away from her ear.


    "My dear God, are you trying to bore a hole in my eardrum?"


    Eva didn''t care about herment, "Arrie, I don''t have any proper dress... Oh yeah, why did you guys tell it''s just a simple celebration? Because of that, I hadn''t bought anything."


    Aria responded in confusion as she descended the stairs helping Roxy with her gown.


    "Mom said she is only inviting close ones of two families."


    Amelia didn''t want all the guests to swarm in the Morgan mansion affecting the security and safety of it so she arranged everything in Woods'' hotel with Rowan and Grays'' help.


    Eva startedughing on another side, "My dumb goddess, turn on the news channel, it is broadcasting live."


    Aria''s face turned dark realizing it could be only Grayson''s arrangements.


    It wasn''t difficult for her to think she would be the target of many eyes and schemes that night but she didn''t want to steal any attention from Curtis and Rian and Roxy. Because it was their day.


    Aria turned on the television as she spoke, "Do you want to go shopping?... Or do you want to try Alia''s new trendy collection which isn''t avable to market yet?"


    That instantly cheered the girl on the other end, "That''s great. I love you. I''ll see you at your studio. Mwa Mwa Mwa~."


    Aria just smiled but her eyes turned cold watching television.


    Roxy spoke, "Arrie, what if I embarrass myself in front so many. Be with me, alright? I never faced the media."


    Aria turned off Television to stop frightening her. Aria knew Roxy never agreed to attend press conferences or interviews even when the Managing director forced her to hold one.


    The painter Roxy Stephen''s image wasn''t disclosed much.


    "Roxy, I''m not entering with you. You have to walk down the red carpet. If you don''t want to be interviewed, just give them a simple smile and get inside. Let the media know the elegant second young madam Morgan."


    Roxy wasn''t an idiot not to understand what Aria was trying to do, "Why are you worried about taking our limelight? Rian and I will not me you for that."


    Aria smiled and thought to herself, <em>''It is not as simple as it looks.''</em>

 Chapter 217: Alan and Monroes engagement

    Chapter 217: n and Monroe''s engagement


    Aria smiled as she led her out. She asked a driver to get the Rolls Royce Phantom out. She helped Roxy inside and closed the door.


    "I''ll see you at the venue." She winked at Roxy to calm her.


    She purposefully chose that car which would notify the media that they shouldn''t mess with Roxy and Aria was her backer.


    Aria never acknowledged their rtionship openly so she thought to use this time to let the world know.


    Aria had decided to be the little girl of Curtis Morgan but not President Cooper so she drove her car out alone to the Skyline Industries.


    Aria''s studio was a vi on the terrace of Skyline Industries. Isaac had ess to the elevator to take Eva straight to <em><strong>Alian</strong></em> which was set by n for her.


    Aria wasst to enter the terrace.


    "Little chief, how about eloping with me? Why do you doll up prettily?"


    Aria: <strong>^_^</strong>


    "No... My love, Let''s get into bed. Young, pretty, and tender, I will wear you off tonight."


    Aria: <strong>*_*</strong>


    Aria felt like Eva was getting dirtier day by day staying with Isaac.


    Isaac was immune to Eva''s level of shamelessness with Aria. He was d she didn''t use it in front of other men and only Aria knew that.


    Aria went behind Isaac, "Myrade, save me from your hungry wolf."


    "Hey when you know the wolf is hungry, why aren''t you feeding it?" Eva ran behind Aria trying to get her.


    They teased each other for sometime before entering the Alian and Aria disyed all the dresses which weren''t out to market yet.


    Eva was totally in love with informal trendy yet modest gowns. She saw Aria''s dress was from the same collection.


    She wanted all but chose one reluctantly before standing in front of Isaac.


    It was a knee-length blush pink dress, It was trendy and fashionable. Isaac saw her perfectly fit into the dress giving the mischievous yet covert look to it.


    Aria who noticed the change in air escaped to the living hall to give private time.


    Since Eva was the writer of his new movie, they decided to go together which would also promote their movie so Aria didn''t arrange another car for them.


    Eva didn''t want their rtionship to go public so it was still under wraps.


    After they were done with being affectionate, they left the Skyline Industries.


    ---


    Meanwhile, at the Woods'' luxurious hotel, Cameras kept shuttering onto the guests who were entering the hotel and walking down the red carpet.


    If they were an important public figure they would interview else they would wait for the next guest.


    Amelia and Rowan were grim knowing about the media arranged behind their back. They were also angry with Jeremy because their simple elegant celebration was buoyant that he had rearranged everything.


    Rian didn''t want them to fret over it, "Dad, Mom, it''s already out of hands. Let it off... And Uncle Jeremy, if I see any media rted people inside the hall, I will make you regret your actions."


    Rian felt Jeremy was behind the media gathering so he ignored Jeremy who grunted, "Rian, is this how you give respect to elders?"


    Rowan controlled himself from speaking because it was Amelia''s family. Amelia coldly spoke, "Jeremy Grayson, if I know it was you who was behind these all, I will pull back the help yourpany is getting from Morgan Industries."


    Amelia would have let it slid off but she was really pissed off from Jeremy because,


    -- An hour back --


    Amelia and Rowan were in the Morgan mansion getting ready for the evening. Jeremy had reached there and took Amelia for a private talk.


    Amelia thought he might need help in something so both sat down in the second-floor living area.


    Jeremy hesitantly started, "Amie, you know us from such a long time and you know Moon too. There are so many rumors and false usations over social media on n. I was thinking I could help you clean it up."


    Amelia frowned hearing that because it wasn''t something they needed anybody''s support or help and she couldn''t understand why he took about him and Monroe with that.


    "How could you help us?" Amelia''s tone wasn''t friendly which Jeremy didn''t mind.


    "How about n and Moon getting engaged tonight? Both studied in the same school and college. Highly educated and works in the samepany..."


    Amelia didn''t let him continue to trying to covet her son from her little girl. She wanted to decline but she suddenly felt something amiss.


    <em>''Why would Monroe always try to follow n''s path?''</em>


    <em>''Why would Monroe request her help to work right under him instead of any other department?''</em>


    <em>''Why does Jeremy detest Arrie so much?''</em>


    <em>''Could he be behind Aria and n''s trouble?''</em>


    With those doubts, Amelia thought to get into her role of hating n Morgan, "Nope. I failed to bring him up well. No need to ruin Moon''s life."


    She didn''t want to continue the topic hence she left ignoring Jeremy trying to continue.


    Jeremy thought to talk to Rowan and n directly at the party and left messing Amelia''s mood.


    As soon as Amelia, Rowan''s car entered the hotel, Amelia''s little good mood ruined instantly seeing media live coverage vans and many reporters.


    It was known in B city that except Rian''s birthday, Morgans never liked to hold any celebration or parties grand. Morgans always liked to keep only closed ones near and arrange everything elegant and sophisticated.


    Rowan immediately called the Morgan security department to triple the security.


    It wasn''t new for Amelia or Rowan to face the camera but they weren''t in the mood to answer any questions.


    The Woods'' security and their security helped them to get inside. Amelia and Rowan''s face was dark looking at the arrangements.


    They were celebrating Curtis and O''s birthday. They were in the seventies but the decoration seemed like they were celebrating somebody''s wedding reception.


    Amelia gritted her teeth remembering Jeremy talking about engagement. So she asked Rowan''s assistant to get Jeremy and the manager of the hotel to their room and went upstairs.


    Amelia and Rowan''s mood was lightened seeing a couple of outfits in the room which was arranged by Aria for the party.


    The hotel manager courteously greeted them and answered their question before leaving.


    Jeremy thought they were going to appreciate the preparation but got chided by them.


    Jeremy epted he was behind the decoration change but he didn''t know about the media which was also true but he was partially responsible which he didn''t know.


    He had said in a flow that, <em>''n and Monroe will be engaged if everything goes well.''</em> to his friend who was working as a manager in a mediapany.

 Chapter 218: Playing the lead role

    Chapter 218: ying the lead role


    As the time neared Woods'' hotel entrance started bustling with excitement.


    "Chairman Morgan... Madam Morgan, Here here, Chairman Morgan."


    Hearing the reporters'' voice, Amelia and Rowan went out. Rowan and Amelia just announced the aim of the celebration without caring to respond to their questions.


    "Chairman Morgan, is there any special reason behind grandly throwing the party for Elder Morgan''s birthday?"


    "Madam Morgan, how are you feeling about celebrating your mother and father-inws birthday together?"


    As questions started to pour, Rowan heard, "Madam Morgan, are you announcing President Morgan''s engagement with his secretary Monroe Grayson?"


    Amelia squeezed Rowan''s hand to tell him to remain calm and signaled Rowan''s assistant to quieten the reporters before she spoke.


    "Today we are celebrating my father-inw Curtis Morgan and my Mother, O Gray''s birthday. I hope the media won''t trouble the guests at the celebration. Thank you."


    Both didn''t care to give any reaction about n''s engagement.


    Soon the hot search of the evening became ''President Morgan''s lovey Dovey with his beautiful secretary.''


    Worst of all, what Amelia didn''t want to happen had started.


    Rowan and n''s assistants and secretaries started receiving calls from many wealthy families wishing to witness n''s engagement and share their happiness.


    Rian''s mobile also kept buzzing, irritating him.


    nter got to know what was happening at the venue.


    They could reject most of the families but they might have to allow some families but n doesn''t care about any family so he left the decision to Rowan.


    Amelia was fuming, She strode towards Jeremy.


    "Jeremy Grayson, do you know the reason behind why yourpany never could make it big? Because of your pea-sized brain. Have you left that empty too? Do you know why we stand top? We don''t care about what we have and show off. We care about what we are. Who the freaking hell gave you permission to arrange all these?..."


    Rowan who was tugging his wife pulled her aside forcefully. "Honey..."


    Amelia cut off, "I made a mistake agreeing to my father''s request. They are ruining our reputation."


    Amelia was a woman who respected herself and her family. The familyes to her first then her maternal family. Due to her maternal family, she wasn''t ready to taint Rowan, Aria, and her sons who were at a very high position in society.


    And she always felt she should take care of it as a wife, mother and thedy of the house. She even knew none of them would me her or even tell her anything.


    Rowan tried to calm her, "Sweetheart, calm down. It''s no time to cry over spilled milk."


    Amelia shook her head, "How about I arrange everything back at home and leave here? Our guest will understand ande over there."


    Rowan knew Amelia was worried about the Morgan family but he never let her ignore her maternal family so he wanted to convince.


    And he was the reason why Amelia always kept her family ahead of her maternal family.


    "Our friends and family will understand us however it is. So don''t get on your nerves. Let''s handle this well, alright?"


    Amelia nodded in Rowan''s embrace. She mentally decided to take back the support to teach them a lesson that would be serving a warning that Morgans wouldn''t let anybody off for trying to leech off.


    Rian who went to talk to them smiled before disturbing them, "My eyes... Ugh, my poor eyes... What with your PDA here?"


    Amelia and Rowan smiled looking at Rian who was closing his eyes, "You brat."


    Rian peeked at them before opening his eyes. "Mom, I have an idea to make this party hit."


    Rowan realized Mother and son were going to give no face to Grayson by ruining it. He just stood and heard everything mother and son discussed.


    Rowan had no objection so Amelia and Rowan agreed to call as many guests were willing to attend.


    Amelia went near the Gray family and rtives. "I''m sorry Jeremy for being rude. The sudden turn of events agitated me and chided you." She nced at Rowan and continued, "Let''s celebrate our children''s day grand."


    In just a few seconds everything came to life in the huge party hall. Rowan instructed to add extra tables and informed chefs about the increase in the number of guests.


    Soon the reporters got the wind from inside that there would be engagement today with the birthday celebration.


    Aria and n had no idea what Rian and Amelia were going to explode in the celebration.


    A simple family celebration soon turned into a wealthy society grand party. Luxury cars started to pull up in front of Wood''s hotel. The guests walked the red carpet, gave short interviews, and entered inside.


    To put cream on the top, An Audi pulled in the front. There was a continuous shuttering of the camera at the passenger door.


    A slender woman''s leg stepped out gracefully before showing up clearly. The reporters were stunned looking at the beauty.


    Her hourss figure was worth mentioning which was highlighted in her Mermaid styled whitece evening dress.


    Her dark red lips on fair skin were highlighted with her eyes which had a thin line of eyeliner.They never thought her to look so good.


    Because She always failed to steal the limelight from n and just stayed in the pictures as background whenever the secretaries were captured in the picture with n.


    A reporter who came out the daze said loudly, "Monroe Grayson, Secretary of President Morgan."


    Monroe in a whitece gown looked like a bride which confirmed to all reporters there was indeed an engagement. Herdylikeposure impressed everyone out there.


    Monroe smiled when she heard her name.


    The reporter started throwing questions at her. "Secretary Grayson, do you love President Morgan? Or is it family arrangements?"


    "Are you guys childhood sweethearts?"


    "Are you the reason behind President Cooper running away from her wedding?"


    "When are you nning to get married?"


    .


    .


    Monroe was grabbing everyone''s attention which she actually liked.


    She had always felt she was ying a secondary role in her life. Now, she was finally happily ying the lead role.


    The reporters didn''t care about the passing by guests as the questions poured at her. They wanted answers to every single question but Monroe just smiled without answering.


    Atst, she finally said, "Thank you for your concern, you all will know in the nearest future."


    Even though she didn''t say anything, the reporters were smart to understand the underlying meaning of it.


    She just epted her love indirectly saying she will give an updateter.


    After saying it, Monroe was escorted inside by hotel security.

 Chapter 219: You are hot, she is sexy

    Chapter 219: You are hot, she is sexy


    Soon Noah made a high profile entry in his Mercedes Maybach. Noah was always amiable with reporters hence he was the same.


    When a Rolls Royce Phantom pulled front which had te number 999, all saw it and started gossiping,


    "Isn''t it President Cooper''s car?"


    "President Cooper?"


    "How will she react knowing President Morgan left her for a secretary?"


    "Is she here to break off their engagement?"


    "Will she attack Morgan Industries to bankrupt?"


    It went on till a slender leg stepped out and a bodyguard in Skyline Industries gear helped thedy with the dress from the car.


    Even though she wasn''t breathtaking beauty, her glow and innocent face made it hard for the reporters and onlookers to watch away from her.


    Rian who went out to get thedy froze as a smile crept on his face looking at her. He could see the nervousness of her which she was trying to hide.


    As camera shes continued, the forceful smile on Roxy''s face was fading away and her eyes fell on Rian at the right time, a real smile crept on her face. She wanted to call him near but Rian gestured to her walk the carpet.


    Her navy blue semi-formal A-line evening gown looked like a dark sky where diamond studs were twinkling like stars. Her soft curls were giving her a delicate look with her pleasing smile.


    Roxy stepped ahead thinking to walk off the media section but somebody shouted,


    "They are President Cooper''s main bodyguards."


    That snapped everyone out, "Miss, how do you know President Cooper?"


    "Are you close enough to President Cooper that she is protecting you?"


    But those didn''t stop there, Morgan Security quickly cleared space between the media and Roxy and courteously bowed to her.


    Morgan and Cooper Industries'' bodyguards and security were always upright who doesn''t bow or give a damn about anybody or any wealthy family other than the Morgan family and Cooper family members so seeing how they were treating Roxy, they wanted to know about her.


    In a short amount of time, someone finally identified her, "She is a famous painter and calligrapher, Roxy Stephen."


    All started to doubt Aria and Roxy''s rtionship and a reporter rudely asked, "Ms.Stephen, what is your rtionship with the President? Are you two..."


    Roxy never liked such behavior so she answered confidently, "Arrie is my sister."


    Every media knew Arrie was the nickname of Aria and thetter never allowed just anybody to use that name.


    In the movement of silence, Roxy was escorted inside the hotel. She walked fast and hugged Rian, "My legs are still shivering."


    Rian just smiled hearing her. He knew Roxy was scared thinking the media might get to know about her father and judge her harshly hence she had changed her name and never really used her father and mother''s name anywhere.


    "Arrie chose this car for you?"


    Roxy left him and nodded, "What''s wrong?"


    Rian led her inside as he responded, "Arrie didn''t want anybody to look down on you and made you ept publically that she is your sister. Look back."


    Roxy was surprised and turned behind to see six bodyguards in Skyline Industries gear who were there to protect her. She hadn''t seen them when she walked ahead.


    Rian saw her beaming and pulled her ear, "Stop scaring about the media. Be bold, that suits you."


    Then both continued to flirtplimenting each other.


    Amelia was getting a headache seeing unnecessary people greeting her continuously. Rowan stood by her helping her out if anybody was torturing her.


    Soon a ck Porsche cayenne pulled up on the driveway. Everyone out there knew it was Isaac''s car.


    Isaac stepped out from the other side passenger seat ignoring the exmations on him without any expression on his face whereas Eva who had watched everything live was fuming cursing Monroe Grayson.


    Eva wanted to break her face but she was appearing for the first time in front of the media with Isaac and Aria had lectured her over call to calm her and ignore the matter. So she had to beposed.


    Morgan Industries security quickly went to Isaac as he was n''s friend, Isaac opened the other side door while the reporters continuously snapped pictures and waited to know if Aria was stepping out or any other femalepanion.


    They were expecting to see an elegant woman but were surprised to see a young girl in a trendy short dress.


    It took them time to identify her, "Writer Miller! Eva Miller."


    The simple yet trendy dress looked offset from all the guests they had seen entering yet it didn''t look out of ce.


    She was the author of four bestselling Romance and thriller novels and she had fan groups too so the media knew about her.


    The reporters thought Eva and Isaac were together for the movie promotions. They also knew Eva was Rian and Aria''s friend.


    The Fourie was still famous for giving friendship goals.


    A female reporter who was her fanplimented her, "Ms.Miller, you are looking very pretty. I would love to grab the dress from the same collection."


    Eva excitedly responded, "Thank you. This dress is from the designer Alia. The collection isn''t out yet. Try your luck on limited edition stocks."


    <strong>"ALIA"</strong>


    Many gasped hearing that because, after the first fashion show, they were in very high demand that they were getting pre-orders inrge quantities without knowing the designs. But the designer Alia had her own rules and methods to make it big every time.


    Even though they wanted to ask how Alia looked, remembering President Cooper, they dropped it thinking Aria must have given that dress. Isaac wasn''t in the mood to interview so he took away Eva.


    "My goddess is so cool."


    "What about me?"


    "You are hot. She is sexy."


    Isaac: "..."


    He just asked about him but she added about Aria too. He was d Aria was a girl.


    Aria who was on her way had got the call from Curtis who wanted to go with her so she had gone to pick him.

 Chapter 220: I want to elope with you.

    Chapter 220: I want to elope with you.


    Aria wanted to change the car to match Curtis but he wanted to take her car.


    All maids and the housekeeper wereughing seeing Curtis checking out her car like a kid. It had been a long time since Curtis had driven the car and he hardly sat in modern sports cars other than old Ferrari models.


    Nobody would even think that Curtis would be raiding in a sports car to his birthday celebration.


    n had asked to check on how the media got to know about their celebration before he left the vi and received the reports when he was on his way to the venue.


    After checking the hot search about him and the reports, he instructed Nathan a few tasks as he made sure about the security over the hotel.


    He quickly arranged bodyguards in disguise inside the hall for Aria to be on the safer side because he was sure many would criticize her even though he was showing everyone as he was wrong.


    A woman might be right or not, she always gets despised whereas a man''s image wouldn''t carry a single blot.


    That''s our society even in the twenty-first century striving for equality but it was only judged based on the work, education level but not the way of thinking.


    A ck Bugatti Veyron moved on the driveway beforeing to halt.


    n wanted to call and ask where Aria was but he had to control himself and alighted.


    The most anticipated individuals of that night were n and Aria. They were almost on the verge to think Aria might not be attending.


    So as soon as n''s car halted, everyone''s eyes and camera were pointed at the car without missing a single movement of his actions.


    n''s demeanor to everyone was cold and domineering which was the same and the reporters never dared to create a nuisance in front of him so they were quietly waiting for him to reach them.


    They didn''t miss to notice n''s outfit. Everyone expected him to be in formal wear for the engagement or normally he always wore a suit but he was different.


    He was modish and snazzy in his white slim-fit zer with ckpel. Its pockets had detailed and minute designs in ck. Instead of a shirt, he was in a in T-shirt and jeans that made him look younger which the media never had guessed.


    n who always chose a dark color zer or jacket was in white hence<em> ''President Morgan is matching with Monroe Grayson.''</em> started to travel on the lips of reporters.


    That zer was designed by Aria for casual collection which the media didn''t know.


    n threw his car key fob at a guard and stepped ahead without bothering about the questions being thrown at him continuously when he was passing by.


    But suddenly everything froze. There was a deathly silence.


    The bodyguards bowed at n quickly and ran towards the entrance clearing up the path.


    n unknowing felt his definite heartbeat and leisurely turned behind to see McLaren P1 imperiously making its way to the entrance of the hotel.


    He subconsciously stood rooted to see Aria.


    Aria who drove in didn''t go straight up to the entrance which confused everyone. She took the wrong side of the fountain to circle it so that the shotgun seat could face the entrance of the hotel.


    Curtis and Aria wereughing talking about the live video of the hotel after watching it on the tab.


    "Grandfather, don''t get off. Let me do the honor."


    Curtis smiled and nodded seeing her alight.


    With or without makeup, extravagant and simple, formal or informal, casual or party, day or night, Aria was pleasing and mesmerizing in any ambiance.


    Many had held their breath from the time the car pulled up. Their eyes widened as soon as Aria alighted and turned to them.


    Pure beauty.


    Just by a glimpse of her petite face left them stunned with the raise of their heartbeats seeing her smile.


    Aria who noticed n smiled intuitively forgetting she has to avoid n at the party.


    Curtis noticed her pace and gaze to see n. He just prayed that the person who was trying to kill Aria would get caught soon. His heart ached to see them away.


    n saw her in white off the shoulder A-Line short dress which had asymmetrical hem highlighting her youthfulness.


    Her lips were colored with a beautiful red, her hair was tied up in a messy bun with loose curls giving an appealing look. Her slender legs were gleaming on her high heels.


    She was swanky, exquisite.


    He took steps towards her and realized he couldn''t just casually meet her. He shook his head lightly seeing her mesmeric smile to remind her.


    Aria''s moment of change in her eyes or the smile wasn''t noticed by others. She opened the door and helped Curtis out.


    Uncoincidentally he was in white too with the cream-colored jacket.


    They looked like a granddaughter and grandfather twinning their outfits as they smiled and moved towards the entrance of the hotel.


    The reporters weren''t reckless anymore to ask the nonsense questions to her because Aria would make a joke about them affecting theirpany ratings.


    They were very curious to know about Curtis and Aria being so close to each other.


    "President Cooper... Elder Morgan... President Cooper..."


    They started to call them continuously. Aria only stopped when Curtis took a step towards them. "Yes?"


    "Elder Morgan, First of all, wish you a very happy birthday."


    Curtis nodded with a smile at the reporter.


    "President Cooper and President Morgan are on negatives yet you two are very close to each other. Would you like to say anything about it?"


    Curtis smiled at Aria before speaking, "We know each other from the past twenty years. Why can''t we be close?"


    The reporters courteously smiled and kept eyeing Aria to interview her who didn''t care to spare a nce at them.


    But suddenly all heard, "President Cooper seems to like my grandfather a lot."


    Aria and Curtis smiled behind their aloof faces. n who stood on another side of Curtis looked at Aria. Even though it had only been a few hours, he couldn''t have enough of her.


    The reporters'' camera shed like crazy watching at two presidents looking at each other.


    They were expecting some high rating drama between ex-couple, presidents of conglomerates.


    They suddenly realized n''s outfit was the perfect match for Aria''s dress but not Monroe Grayson.


    The three looked like a perfect family while Curtis was feeling like a third wheel.


    He coughed lightly to get attention, "Arrie, reporters want to take your interview, finish it soon ande in."


    Aria didn''t want to but she didn''t object in front of the media. She turned to a guard who quickly went behind Curtis if in case he needed support.


    The most anticipated individuals of the night were standing together for the interview but the reporters were at loss.


    Aria was lively and n was overbearing.


    Both looked like a match made in heaven.


    They felt like Monroe Grayson doesn''t fit with them.


    n spoke, "President Cooper, aren''t you going to greet me anymore?"


    While reporters looked at each other, Aria actually gave a friendly hug topliment him, "Suave."


    Her tone wasn''t heard by anyone but n was displeased. He wanted a proper hug which he was yearning for from the time he saw her but he knew they couldn''t do that.


    That small interaction left the reporters dumbfounded.


    "President Cooper, aren''t you angry at President Morgan? Are you here to join his engagement ceremony?"


    Aria wasn''t cold, "I''m here for grandfather''s birthday. If there is an engagement, I will congratte the couple wholeheartedly for their happiness."


    When the reporters were zoning out, n led Aria inside and demanded like a tsundere, "I need a hug... a kiss... ... ... No, I need you."


    Aria controlledughing it out and entered the elevator. As soon as the elevator doors closed, she was pulled to n''s embrace.


    Only n knew how content and rxing he feels with Aria next to him and in his embrace.


    "Don''t take anything to heart whatever you hear. If you can''t handle it, leave soon."


    Aria raised her little head to face him, "Sweetheart, don''t take anything to heart whatever you hear about me. If you can''t handle it, leave soon."


    n smiled and kissed on her forehead fondly.


    Aria continued, "I want to leave my lipstick mark on your t-shirt to piss off Monroe Grayson."


    "Go ahead."


    Aria chuckled but didn''t do it on a T-shirt but on his cheek. Both stood back straight to let the bodyguard take a breather but,


    "I want to elope with you."


    n smiled hearing her, "I''m sorry President Cooper, I don''t want to marry a married woman and I''m already married."


    Aria giggled and quickly pecked on lips.


    The bodyguard was crying inside eating too much dog food.


    As soon as Aria and n stepped in the hall, they got everyone''s attention. While the Gray family and rtives gritted their teeth, others started to gossip to know what would happen.


    <em>''Are they getting together again?''</em> became the main question soon for all the guests.


    Rian and Amelia secretly low fived each other looking at the couple.

 Chapter 221: Unnecessary people arent required

    Chapter 221: Unnecessary people aren''t required


    Aria and n brushed their eyes on the crowd.


    Nathan went beside n, "President Morgan, here is the file, is there anything else I have to arrange?"


    n quickly opened the file to read but it was to cover his lips, "Did you pick grandfather because he called you?"


    Aria just hummed and realized there was something cooking between them.


    Without being able to control herself, "So there is really engagement over here today. Ours?"


    n controlled his facial expression and turned to Nathan as if he was speaking to him, "There is too much crowd. Don''t run around unnecessarily. Be in my sight."


    Nathan was so shocked to hear his concerned voice that he felt like his President always cared about him.


    But his happiness was short-lived which ended when he heard Aria hum and went towards Amelia and Rowan.


    Nathan: <strong>-_-</strong>


    <em>''My poor heart...''</em>


    n never liked to mingle with anybody so he just nodded at his parents as a greeting and sat on the couch aside.


    Aria looked at the couples, "I want a family photo tonight."


    Rowan and Amelia were in a couple-outfit, Rian and Roxy were in navy blue and Aria and n were in White with Curtis.


    Aria didn''t know Rian had got to know Aria was in white from Roxy hence he had asked n to wear the same color which Curtis heard changed his suit to twin with Aria.


    Curtis decided to walk with Aria because he wanted everyone to know Aria was a very important part of the Morgan family.


    Getting the family picture in that situation was actually difficult but, "Little Devil, I will make it happen for you, don''t worry. Now join us."


    Rian pulled her to the other two to enjoy the party leaving onlookers confused.


    Isaac went towards n, Roxy apanied Amelia so that she could keep her calm from breaking anybody''s face hearing nonsense.


    "Madam Morgan, President Cooper is stunning. Do you like Monroe Grayson or President Cooper?"


    "Madam Morgan, President Cooper has many tricks up her sleeves. Monroe Grayson suits your family better."


    "Madam Morgan, who is the girl from the previous day''s news? Is it a different girl?"


    "Does your son have a problem? Why are girls leaving him? Is he into men?"


    "I think you should take him to a doctor if that''s the case, sometimes it''s more about psychology than physical."


    Amelia wanted to p each and every mouth of those women.


    Rowan''s side was getting wedding proposals for both the sons hence he had separated from Amelia.


    Aria was having fun with the three and was satisfied with all the pictures. The Fourie uploaded a different picture each to the social mediapeting with each other on who was going to get a high number of likes in five minutes.


    All were speechless whoever noticed them and knew what they were doing.


    Two were presidents of theirpany. One was a famous writer and the other one was a famous artist. They couldn''t understand how they could have fun heartily forgetting everything.


    Suddenly all heard an excited pretty loud voice which was soothing to hear, "Yay! I won."


    Eva pouted looking at a few thousands of likes. Noah and Rian had almost the same number of likes but Aria had a triple of it with shares andments.


    Eva, Noah, and Rian creepily smiled at Aria before taking a flute each to reward her a drink each.


    Aria wasn''t in the mood to drink and she had to be on guard at the party so she rejected.


    Seeing them trying to force her, Aria ran away as three tried to hold her.


    Soon hall heard chortles of the trio and Aria screaming and objecting.


    Morgan, Miller, Woods family always loved the four hence they were happy to see them enjoying themselves.


    Somebody took their short video and uploaded it to make fun of them but it went viral saying <em>''We should be a child at heart to enjoy little things in life.''</em>


    Aria found Levi and stood behind him like a little girl asking her brother''s protection.


    Levi chugged the three sses, "I havepleted for President Cooper."


    Aria was giggling looking at Levi, "Best soul."


    She stood with the three and asked, "How do we look?"


    Aria always liked to tease him with that question which was the same.


    Levi: "..."


    <em>''Why did Ie in sight?''</em>


    Yet, he promptly replied, "The crazy brainless Fourie."


    That ted the Fourie, they thanked him and left leaving him speechless.


    He badly wanted to say <em>''I didn''tpliment.''</em>


    The wealthy families who wanted to meet Aria Cooper didn''t get a chance due to the other three because when they hear like,


    "Excuse me, May we have a minute with President Cooper?"


    Rian or Eva or Noah would say, "Nope..."


    It had repeated quite a few times.


    Aria saw Curtis signaling her to call her, she walked towards him alone.


    Levi was there to keep an eye on her safety, quickly rushed to her, seeing somebody trying to trip her who had her eyes on Curtis without looking on the ground.


    But, Aria stepped on the leg and purposefully moved her heel to turn to the person before lifting her heel.


    "Oops, Miss, you should take care of your extra-long leg if you don''t want me to cut it off."


    Thatdy was Monroe''s friend and she wanted to embarrass Aria in front of many.


    Her eyes teared up because Aria''s heel actually drilled on her leg.


    Aria didn''t care to stand long and turned to see Levi sighing. He couldn''t believe she threatened to cut her leg with a smile.


    For onlookers, she was sweetly talking but she actually threatened without giving her a chance to make an excuse or even cry to me her for being rude.


    n''s eyes shifted to a disguised bodyguard who took care of thatdy without anyone''s knowledge.


    Only a few knew how the disguised bodyguards threw the people out whoever tried to harm Aria.


    The bodyguards didn''t allow anybody to go near n unless they were family or the Fourie or Isaac.


    Jeremy held Rowan and reached n with Monroe. Isaac signaled Eva to reach them.


    The couch main seats were all filled so the Fourie sat on arms on the couch except on n''s side.


    Jeremy gritted his teeth looking at Aria sitting next to Rowan and talking with him heartily.


    Monroe knew the whole time, n''s eyes were on Aria who didn''t look at him even once ording to her.


    "Brother-inw, I wanted to talk something private with you and n. Unnecessary people aren''t required." Jeremy tried to sound upright looking down on Aria ring her.

 Chapter 222: A suicidal fall

    Chapter 222: A suicidal fall


    Rian stood up with a jerk, "What the hell do you mean by unnecessary? I''m the second young master for your kind information."


    He was glum which left Jeremy on a seat full of pricks. He wanted to say, he could stay but Rian sat back and smugly spoke.


    "Arrie and I are families. About Eva and Noah, they will anyway know in the very next minute. And Brother Isaac? Don''t even offend him else Bro will handle you like a mosquito squeezing its life in no seconds."


    Isaac: "..."


    <em>''Really?''</em>


    Others maintained theirposure fromughing it off.


    For onlookers, Aria was now just looking like a little girl who was having fun with her friends.


    Jeremy gritted his teeth and decided to ignore Aria, "Brother-inw, n since there is still time to cut the cake, let''s finish the engagement ceremony."


    He didn''t even care to ask and ordered n.


    Aria was first to react, "Wow, is there an engagement tonight? I didn''t bring any gift."


    n responded, "No worries President Cooper. You can always send itter. Your wishes are all that matters."


    Aria too responded formally, "I will always wish for happiness, President Morgan."


    Aria saw Jeremy smiling vividly and Monroe Grayson blushing attractively so she decided to piss them.


    "Ms.Secretary, was that you from yesterday''s picture?"


    Monroe''s face turned pale. Jeremy growled, "That''s none of your business. Stay out of it."


    Aria raised her hands in the air which were actually telling n to calm down.


    "As a woman, I''m just concerned about Ms. Grayson. Eva, don''t you feel sympathetic towards her. She has to get engaged with a man who has anotherdy in his heart...."


    Aria continued after giving it a thought, "...Oh yeah, he broke with some heiress a few days back ording to rumors, isn''t it?"


    n heard the music change and the dance floor lit up. He gritted his teeth purposefully and spoke before Jeremy who was fuming.


    "President Cooper seems to care about me a lot. Why? Do you want me tonight?"


    Aria''s lips twitched. She hates it whenever he makes himself look like a womanizer which he wasn''t.


    n held her wrist and said, "Sure, I will fulfill your wish."


    For onlookers, he was forcing on her but only Aria knew he wasn''t holding tight.


    Aria ran behind n controlling her smile. Jeremy''s evil smile stayed on his face thinking n was going to teach her a lesson.


    Isaac knew n just acted to get time with Aria. He led Eva on the floor, Rian and Rowan took their partner.


    Noah, the single. went get a drink ignoringdies asking him for dance.


    Everybody''s mouth was wide open seeing n twirl Aria continuously on the dance floor.


    They might be thinking he was punishing her but atst, Aria held her head and reached his embrace.


    She was actually dizzy. She held him from falling and he wrapped his hands around her.


    "Sorry."


    Aria punched him and stayed in his embrace even after she felt fine but acted like she wasn''t.


    Only Monroe, the Morgan family, and friends knew n did it purposefully to hold Aria but Monroe didn''t know Aria was helping him in the act.


    Aria tried to break free and n seemed like he was forcing her which actually he wasn''t and Aria gave up and danced with him was all thought.


    n knew he couldn''t drag it long so his eyes fell on Noah and nodded.


    Noah quickly stepped on the dance floor and n whirled her away from him and left the dance floor seemingly livid.


    Aria was almost scared where he whirled her until Noah held her. "I feel bad for you."


    "Why? But we are enjoying it."


    Noah bopped her head, "What''s there to enjoy?"


    Aria grinned, "He kissed me seven times, noticed?"


    Noah: "..."


    Noah realized they weren''t actually talking all the time.


    "Secretly romancing." Noah gave her thumbs up admiring the couple.


    After some time, both went off the dance floor.


    Monroe went up to her, "President Cooper?"


    Noah wanted to stop her for Aria but Aria stopped him, "How can I help you?"


    Monroe was straight, "Do you love n?"


    Aria nonchntly hummed. "I do."


    Monroe was taken aback. Then she stuttered, "Then why aren''t you together?"


    Aria replied promptly, "There are many things that are keeping us away."


    Monroe thought due to n''s deeds rted to Skyline was keeping them away.


    "Did you leave him because of another woman in his life? Or business? If you marry him, wouldn''t that help you with your business?"


    Aria didn''t consider the first question, "I never liked the marriage deal. Marriage isn''t business."


    "You guys love each other. What else do you need?"


    Monroe wasn''t sure what to do. If Aria had said she hates n she wouldn''t have minded but that wasn''t the case.


    She knew the pain of longing for the person she loves. She felt since Aria and n love each other, they should be together. At the same time but she wanted n for herself too.


    Overall her thoughts were messed.


    "A peaceful simple life."


    Only Noah understood what Aria actually meant.


    Monroe frowned feeling Aria was a difficult woman with her own opinion. She remembered what her father had said on the night of Friday.


    She thought loving each other doesn''t bring happiness. She was a perfect match for n and she could keep him happy living as he wants.


    Monroe wasn''t a wicked girl. She was actually very simple but always got influenced by her father.


    Noah poked his nose to y some fun, "Arrie, how are you sure Brother n loves you. I don''t believe that."


    Aria controlled herself from smacking his head for trying to provoke Monroe.


    Noah continued, "I think he likes his secretary otherwise why would he let a woman be his secretary who always had men in his team."


    That actually influenced too much on Monroe and Aria could feel her haughtiness in mere seconds.


    Monroe said keeping her chin high up behaving Aria was just bluffing, "I think so too."


    Aria was almost feeling bad for Monroe having such a father but it vanished in thin air and decided to show their level of trust and love.


    Noah''s n was sessful.


    "I''ll give a demo, you can try outter."


    Aria walked straight up to n who was leaning on a table checking in his mobile.


    He was surprised thinking why Aria went to him but Aria faced him with a faint smile, didn''t speak a word, and fell back.


    It was no doubt a suicidal fall that would hurt her severely.

 Chapter 223: Monroe Grayson is fired

    Chapter 223: Monroe Grayson is fired


    Noah''s n was sessful. He was provoking Monroe to provoke Aria to know whether she ignores it or prove it.


    "I''ll give a demo, you can try outter. I wish you in advance, all the best." Aria gave her a faint smile but Monroe got goosebumps from it.


    She suddenly felt like she might be hurt if Aria proves her theory.


    Aria walked straight up to n who was leaning on a table checking office emails in his mobile bored from the party without Aria next to him.


    He was surprised thinking why Aria went to him but Aria faced him with a faint smile. She didn''t speak a word and fell back.


    Whoever saw her felt their heart in their throat.


    Noah regretted provoking her.


    If Aria wanted to prove, shouldn''t she fall front so that n could hold her?


    He knew n wouldn''t touch or save anybody even if they towards on him.


    Noah freaked out seeing her fall back. "Arrie"


    He instinctively called in loud pitch running towards her but he was very far to reach and hold her.


    Everyone''s attention turned to Aria unsure how she fell back or what had happened that caused Aria to fall back. but it was no doubt a suicidal fall that would hurt her severely.


    n''s eyes widened as soon as Aria tilted back. He took action swiftly and held her in his arms before she could even touch the ground.


    Aria apologized right away looking at his concerned face, "Sorry."


    n chided her understanding she did it on purpose, "You fool, how many times do I have to tell you not to think about hurting yourself?"


    Aria responded as she stood up with his help. "I trust you stupid."


    n knew she trusts him to the extent she would do anything but he hated how she keeps herself in danger by trusting him.


    He controlled himself from embracing her to calm himself and sighed internally seeing his woman safe and sound.


    Anyhow he couldn''t help himself and pinched her cheeks hard as punishment.


    Noah who went to them, knocked on her head, "Are you freaking nuts? I almost had a heart attack."


    Aria knew she scared most of them. She rubbed her head and nced at the paling Monroe Grayson.


    If nobody understood what she was doing, Monroe knew it. She even felt like Aria was telling her to give up before it''s toote.


    But it was already toote.


    Jeremy took Monroe to the center of the stage to get everyone''s attention.


    "Dad, are you sure n agreed for engagement?"


    n hadn''t epted but nobody even asked him to hear the rejection.


    Jeremy had decided himself that n had agreed because n didn''t react to anything about people talking and rumors in the media.


    Jeremy shushed her. "Shh, just focus on the engagement. I''m fulfilling your dream."


    Her dream? No, he wanted her to marry n so that he could use him for Grayson''s family business.


    Until Monroe gets engaged, he couldn''t p Aria for whatever she was doing so he wanted toplete the engagement ceremony.


    It was his n to celebrate O''s birthday with Curtis. He purposefully talked out with Ford and O for celebrating that Sunday so that they could celebrate grandly.


    As soon as Curtis''s birthday topic raised, he pushed his main intention to Ford''s head.


    Even though his n was sessful, he hated how Aria included everywhere, and also he didn''t like how Amelia reacted when he spoke about engagement, when she saw the arrangements, how Amelia was ignoring his business friends and associates.


    Anyway, his main aim for the day was n and Monroe''s engagement.


    Ford who passed by Aria, "Disgusting."


    Aria ignored what he said and saw him taking n to the center which gave time for Rian to twist her hand to back while Eva twisted her ear.


    Eva said through clenched teeth, "You got the guts."


    "Little devil, if you want to crack open your head, I can help you with that."


    They wouldn''t dare to free fall backside. Leave about back, they wouldn''t try front either.


    Noah didn''t add because she did it because of him.


    Levi had to pull Aria away from the group to save his President whose face had turned red from the pain and gave her water to drink, "Daring."


    Aria grinned at him but made a pitiful face at the other three to let her off and she still has to cate n.


    Eva and Noah noticed n and Monroe standing together. Amelia and Rowan were panicked but nothing much showed on their faces.


    They knew they should trust him unquestioningly.


    The wealthy families thought Aria was scheming to get n back but failed miserably seeing n standing next to Monroe Grayson.


    But n was standing there because Ford took him. He was really impressed by the guts of the Grayson family who were doing everything as they wished without asking him.


    Eva strode front pulling Aria ahead standing in akimbo. If Aria wasn''t holding her, she would have jumped on Monroe for trying to covet her goddess''s husband.


    Panicked Roxy, stood by Aria, "Arrie, I thought I am bold but I''m nothing in front of you. Why did you fall back? What if brother-inw waste to hold you? By the way, why is he getting engaged? What is going on here? I''m not getting anything. Is this engagement required for your act? I think you shouldn''t allow..."


    Aria gulped seeing her continue hence she held her to rx her first.


    Aria wasn''t sure what was going on in n''s mind either but she knew he wouldn''t wear the ring or put on the ring to Monroe and most importantly, he was still wearing the ring from their church wedding.


    Amelia and Rian''s n wasn''t that. They couldn''t understand what was going on.


    Suddenly there was amotion near the entrance of the hall to see the media rushing inside while the security failed to stop.


    Jeremy wickedly smiled thinking reporters were smart and reached at the right time.


    n signaled to let them be at the corner when the mor was too much.


    "President Morgan is really marrying his secretary."


    "If I knew he wanted a simple girl, I would have sent my daughter to work under him."


    "Even though President Cooper has a brain, looks, and money, at the end of the day, she is all alone."


    "Do you think President Cooper will dare to create a scene in front of the media?"


    The gossip was nonstop.


    O was very happy to know Morgan and Grayson were having a close rtionship.


    She knew Aria and she didn''t hate her. So she called her near.


    Aria was perplexed but she still went to her, "Mrs.Gray?"


    She lightly rubbed Aria''s head, "Child, It''s always destiny. Probably you will get a better man who will take care of you well. Don''t be sad."


    Aria smiled amiably, "I already have that man who is better than best. Rest assured."


    O thought Aria loves somebody. "That''s great then."


    Aria smiled and walked back to Eva.


    Isaac, Noah, Eva, Aria, Roxy, and Rian had no idea what was going on.


    Aria raised her brows at Nathan but he just gave a faint smile at her. Only Nathan knew how happy he was when he got to know n and Aria were still together.


    Jeremy started speaking in excitement, "Thank you all foring here to share our happiness. Let''s start the engagement ceremony..."


    n''s confused yet piercingly cold domineering tone sounded, "Who is getting engaged tonight?"


    His voice wasn''t high but clear and audible to maximum people.


    The Gray family members froze but Jeremy turned out to be shameless. He spoke awkwardly but his voice had cracked and trembled under his gaze.


    "Hahaha...n, it isn''t a joking time. Complete the ceremony."


    n saw a Grayson family member holding a Couple rings from the Skyline Jewelry''s new collection at him to take thedy''s ring.


    n looked at Nathan who went ahead and handed an envelope to Monroe Grayson.


    "Secretary Grayson, you are fired."


    Aria''s lips tilted up with the other few. The rest were in shock.


    After a few seconds, Jeremy''s shamelessness reached a little above than the previous time, "n, Moon would have resigned tomorrow if you don''t want her to work."


    n didn''t bother to speak.


    Nathan''s tone was loud, clear, and crisp. "Monroe Grayson is fired for misleading her rtionship with President Morgan without rifying it."


    "President Grayson, Morgan Industry is pulling back our support from yourpany. This the official agreement for ending our contract. You will receive the Lawyer notice tomorrow which will have detailed information about the total fine you will be paying for misusing Morgan Industries resources."


    Nathan had to stuff another envelope to Jeremy who was frozen.


    There was pin-drop silence seeing how things had developed.


    The reporters continuously captured pictures and recorded videos in satisfaction for getting something juicy to write.


    n''s eyes moved towards Aria to see her winking, sending a flying kiss.


    His lips subconsciously tilted up looking at her making adorable faces until Noah smacked her head to stop before anybody sees them.


    Ford stuttered, "Aren''t... Aren''t you getting... engaged?"

 Chapter 224: Mine forever

    Chapter 224: Mine forever


    n''s lips were pursed to thin line ring Jeremy who was reading the contract cancetion papers.


    "I''m engaged."


    He actually wanted to say, <em>''I''m married</em>.''


    His cold tone poured a bucket of icy cold water on the wishes of Jeremy and on the hopes of Monroe.


    The wealthy families froze looking at n''s ring and his nonchnce.


    The media wanted to ask about his fiancee and many more questions but they couldn''t due to their distance.


    Monroe saw Aria talking with Noah without bothering about what was going on. She boldly went ahead and held her hand but found no ring.


    Many''s expressions changed seeing what was unfolding. Aria frowned seeing her grab her hand and Monroe wasn''t smooth at all.


    "Is n engaged to the girl from the previous day?"


    Aria promptly responded to the question, "Yep."


    Then Monroe walked out.


    The dignity she had was lost giving her no face to look at anybody. She ignored the media and left the banquet hall and the hotel eventually.


    She really wanted to ask Aria a few questions,


    ''<em>Why didn''t you tell me that n was already engaged?''</em>


    <em>''How can you still be lively and happy after losing him?''</em>


    <em>''If he loves you so much and when you trust him blindly, why didn''t he engage with you?''</em>


    And many more such questions.


    She also knew Aria wasn''t obliged to tell her anything.


    In fact, Aria had told her about another woman but she hadn''t listened to her and went with the flow as her father arranged.


    She followed the flowing water like a dead fish because she thought if that could get her n, why not?


    Aria really felt bad for Monroe due to Jeremy''s stupidity but that doesn''t mean that she would share n with anybody.


    ''<em>He is mine. Top to toe, he just belongs to me. Hmph.</em>'' Aria thought to herself ignoring the gazes on her.


    The security sent the reporters and Jeremy Grayson''s family out.


    The media roasted Jeremy Grayson and his wife with vicious questions.


    "President Grayson, did you purposefully hiked to get the attention?"


    "We heard Morgan Industries taking back their support, are you capable to stand and manage thepany?"


    "Who gave you the guts to go against President Morgan?"


    "Is this all your ns?"


    "Does your daughter love President Morgan?"


    "Why did you send your daughter to a different country when she could have worked in yourpany?"


    .


    .


    Jeremy wanted to talk negatively about n but his survival source would vanish just like that.


    He wanted to me Aria but he had already lost five clients due to her interference just because he looked down on her even after her warning.


    Whereas inside the banquet hall, the celebration was looking dull. A few asked Amelia and Rowan about what children''s celebrations they were talking about.


    Amelia smiled and pointed at the center, lights turned off falling darkness in the hall and a spotlight fell on a girl and a very low volumed soothing music yed in the background.


    The girl panicked without understanding but tried her best to be unemotional.


    n who was standing aside, bit Aria''s ear going to her, "Don''t even think I''m not angry at you."


    Aria knew that. Thinking to cate himter, she looked ahead holding his hand which was wrapping around her.


    n didn''t care why the spotlight was on Roxy. He just held Aria as his eyes glued on her letting her hold his hand and lean on him in the dark.


    Roxy knew everyone was watching her and her legs started trembling in her gown. She tried to move away but the light just followed her.


    She froze when Rian went with her with a warm smile to calm her. Or maybe himself.


    "What''s going on?" Her soft nervous voice was too low which was even hard to be audible to Rian.


    All the guests were just engrossed earlier about n, Aria, and Monroe so they hadn''t much noticed Roxy who was with Amelia while greeting guests.


    The reason behind why Aria wasn''t with them was Amelia knew Aria would feel bad hearing about n or herself.


    Aria''s eyes twinkled realizing what was happening and turned to n to say something but froze.


    She realized n was just watching her the whole time as if she would disappear any moment out of his sight.


    She subconsciously raised her hands to wrap them around him to hug.


    n carried towards the end of the hall letting her hug.


    When Rian had nned with his mother, he thought that proposing her privately or in front of many wouldn''t matter. But he started to feel uneasy and afraid due to many eyes on him.


    Noah nudged Rian to push ahead and Rian went in front of Roxy.


    There was pin-drop silence other than the breathing sound of guests. Many held their breath to know what was going on even though they had guessed.


    The families which had young daughters started to lose hope on another son of the Morgan family.


    It was more than a minute, Roxy and Rian just looked at each other.


    Eva and Isaac who were searching for Aria finally found her who was whispering to n while he held her in his embrace and Aria supported her arms on his shoulder without getting down from his arms.


    It took time for both to identify them as Aria and n in the dark under faint light.


    Eva pinched her waist to get their attention.


    Aria controlled herself from kicking the culprit and heard a low voice.


    "Instead of boosting him, are you guys romancing here? Arrie, stop making me envious to lose weight. Get off. Where do you learn all these? Aish... Seeing you guys I feel like my life doesn''t have sweet romance at all... I think we belong to hot romance. We two were never in the sweet side..."


    Isaac: "..."


    They went to get Aria but Eva started about them leaving him speechless.


    Aria pointed ahead for Isaac and Eva and she quickly pecked on n''s lips when both weren''t noticing them.


    Before they could say anything, Aria went near the staring couple.


    "My beauty, It''s time to show who is bold and daring. Come on."


    Her mellow low voice made him turn to Aria who held her fists wishing him all the best enthusiastically.


    Roxy was about to go next to Aria, Rian held her hands.


    All expectantly looked at them thinking Rian would start but there was weird silence again.


    "Rian, speak up." Noah said in a low voice but it didn''t affect.


    Eva hit her own forehead seeing them while Aria guessed the problem.


    Aria spoke in a low voice seeing him nk even after holding her hands. "Isn''t it weird to think that so many versions of you exist in other people''s minds?"


    Rian''s starting problem was solved instantly and repeated her line, "Isn''t it weird to think that so many versions of you exist in other people''s minds?"


    Then he continued in his husky deep tone looking at Roxy, "Some people see you as bold and daring who doesn''t care about anything. Some see you as an annoying girl who doesn''t shut her mouth from talking nonsense. While your shyness is rare, A few know you are a kind and caring girl to your loved ones. You are cold and mean to protect us. With all these, I love our crazy side."


    Many were adoring what Rian was saying sincerely.


    Aria remembered n''s confession and a smile broadened on her face.


    Eva cursed Isaac because he hadn''t proposed to her and she never did too.


    Noah, the single was very proud of his friend as he recorded the video.


    Roxy was still nervous under everyone''s gaze but she didn''t miss even a single word that Rian was saying.


    She understood why Amelia didn''t introduce her to anyone because Rian had a different n. She hadn''t expected him to propose to her in front of everyone.


    In fact, she never expected him to propose to her.


    Rian didn''t miss out on a single expression from Roxy''s face for whatever he said so he continued his proposal heartily.


    Rian was proud of himself and continued, "I had given you the cold shoulder and ignored you in the beginning by doubting you and distrusting you yet you didn''t back down but you never flirted with me, neither did you try impressing me with cheesy pickup lines or fake words.


    You were just you whenever you spoke to me. You never portrayed yourself as a perfect girl, you made mistakes, epted it and I loved that. You didn''t hurry up things letting it take its time showing me that true love doesn''t happen instantly. We took the time to understand each other better, we started conversing every day and loved each other''s presence in our life.


    And, today-till-date, I fall for you a little more everyday because You are someone I would never want to lose. Roxy Stephen, will you be mine forever?"

 Chapter 225: Honey trap

    Chapter 225: Honey trap


    Roxy was too emotional hearing him as her tears trickled down on her cheeks.


    All were waiting, holding their breath to hear her ept but she shrugged his hands and wiped her cheeks.


    "My makeup is all ruined."


    All burst intoughter hearing Roxy.


    Romantic Rian was back to his real self, "Hey, is that important now?"


    Noah, Aria, and Eva looked at each other and again startedughing. Only Rian knew how he was able to control his anxiety.


    Eva said between herugh which diverted Roxy''s attention to them, "Oh my crazy couple, we are still waiting for you to finish."


    Aria wasn''t expecting a hug from Roxy at that time. She patted her to calm down.


    Rian growled, "You Little devil, why are you taking my girl?"


    Aria: "..."


    Roxyined, "You didn''t even kneel to propose. Where are roses? Where is the ring?"


    Rian threatened, "Alright, don''t answer, I''ll pick another girl."


    All startedughing again seeing Roxy punch him and hug him tight.


    "You dumb man, I dare you to look at anybody other than me. You only have me now and forever."


    All gave them a round of apuse for the couple. Rian and Roxy exchanged rings and thanked everyone when they were wishing.


    Eva and Aria teased Noah for being single. Noah had to join his family while grim Eva sat next to Isaac.


    Aria stayed with Curtis as they nned how crazily they could torture the new couple.


    Ford understood what Amelia had meant by <em>''Our children celebration''</em>. Nobody could say what was going on in his head.


    He really wanted Jeremy''s daughter to marry n. He didn''t like how things progressed. He was happy for Rian and Roxy but he wanted n and Monroe to get together.


    He felt his eyes sting looking at Aria and Curtisughing.


    When it was time for the birthday celebration, all gathered around, Curtis and O cut different cakes at the same time.


    Curtis had taken Amelia, Aria, and Roxy with him so Rian called his brother and stood behind their woman. Amelia and Rowan stood with Curtis and they got perfect family pictures.


    The guests apuded for them looking at their warm interactions and all felt that''s theplete family.


    But they couldn''t understand why Aria and n weren''t together and they wanted to know Roxy''s identity.


    Rian and Roxy cleared to the family that they weren''t in a hurry to get married or wedded. So their wedding won''t be celebrated soon.


    Aria sent them on holiday arranging everything after Curtis''s order.


    Evained to Isaac that he never proposed to her and their confession was also in a moment of confusion.


    Hence, Isaac had told her, ''Actions are more important than words'' before taking her to bed.


    After dropping Curtis back home, Aria realized n didn''t listen to her. So she quickly nned and sent a maid to Cooper mansion in her car and she reached thekeside vi.


    "n..."


    "Hmmm."


    "Still angry?"


    "Hmmm."


    "Speak to me."


    Aria closed hisptop and sat on hisp. He had just hummed to her even in the banquet hall.


    "Hmmm." n didn''t give in.


    "n, I''ll try not to repeat."


    n''s brow twitched. "Try?"


    Aria grinned, "You know I only do it in front of you and you will never let me get hurt."


    n tried to push her away dissatisfied with the response but Aria didn''t allow.


    "I will not fall backside again."


    n''s lips twitched, "So you will try something else."


    Aria tried to hang in there but n who stood up left her on the floor.


    "n... Okay... What should I do to appease you?" Aria ran behind n who went downstairs to get water for them.


    "Return to Cooper mansion and rest."


    Aria pouted in displeasure but didn''t leave.


    n noticed her standing quietly and went in front of her, "Where is the ring?"


    "Ring?" Aria asked thinking which ring he was asking about.


    n knew she always wore their church wedding ring on her chain instead of a finger because of their problems but he didn''t see it that day.


    "Oh forgot? Or don''t you want it anymore?"


    Aria realized which ring he was talking about. She again ran behind n upstairs.


    "A ring doesn''t guarantee that we will be together forever. It''s only a piece of mental. It takes trust, respect, love, understanding, friendship, and faith to make itst."


    n suddenly stopped which caused her to bump into his back.


    "Alright then, I will throw this off."


    <em>''This man is such a child.''</em> Aria thought to herself and held his hand quickly to stop him.


    n frowned seeing her ce his hand on her waist.


    "Honeytrap to escape. Do you think that will work on me?" He thought she was seducing him hence he sounded very upright and cold as if he wasn''t shameless at all.


    Aria rolled her eyes but didn''t speak.


    n realized there was a circr ring under her dress. Due to her off-shoulder dress, she couldn''t wear that chain on her neck.


    Aria waited for him to realize but n pulled her to embrace and went for her lips.


    Aria thought he didn''t understand and was punishing her so she stopped forcefully, "I have the ring, Seriously. I couldn''t wear it on my neck..."


    n saw her panic-stricken face and closed her lips with his before pulling her dress off effortlessly to see a thin chain on her small waist which had her ring.


    He got envious of the ring and the chain on her porcin skin adorning the sensual curve of her waist.


    He bit her waist removing the chain flinching her, "n..."


    He slid the ring on her finger and took her to bed seeing her flushed scarlet.


    Aria pulled his cor down and spoke looking him in the eye, "n, I will wear the ring daily. But if in case..."


    n cut in as his seductive tone sounded above her lips to tease them, "You are important but not the ring. I have you and your heart. That''s all I need."


    Of course, he knew that.


    It''s just that, he hated when people see her hand and think she wasn''t his woman while he wanted to tell the world that she was his love, she belonged to him. She was his woman, his dearest wife.


    Aria was content that he understood her.


    The situation they were in, the problems they had to face, she couldn''t guarantee how long she could protect the ring hiding from all hence she wanted to exin that to him which wasn''t necessary anymore.


    To make him happy, "Who said my honeytrap doesn''t work on you?"


    She flipped him down to fulfill his wish but heard, "Are you sure?"


    Aria paused and flushed, <em>''Dumb man, was it important to ask now?''</em>


    He nibbled her neck and melted her in his arms.


    n controlledughing seeing her softened and flipped her down.


    His husky voice tantalized near her ear, "My little wife, enjoy your husband''s service tonight."


    ...


    <em>''Enjoy? You just know to wear me off.''</em> Aria could only think of thatying in his arms when he let her off leaving her with no strength to even move.


    n smiled looking at her flushed face on his chest. "Sweetheart, did you ever thought we shouldn''t have married so early?"


    He heard her mellow voice, "Never... Between us, marriage was never an important factor. It was just to tell the world, we are together. In fact, I''m happy that we married so soon. I can legally say you are mine."


    n knew only Aria had the power to soften him and his stubborn heart. And she was sessful.


    "Then why did you want a wedding?"


    Aria smiled but her voice failed to conceal her real emotions, "To be the princess but became a skedaddle bride."


    n wrapped his arms tighter around her. He thought the man behind the scenes appears soon if it happens openly but he didn''t expect to take so long.


    Aria knew n was equally hurt like her so she quickly changed the mncholy, "Are we holding wedding again after all these?"


    n rubbed her nose with his, "I don''t mind holding a wedding every year with you. We can have wedding nights and honeymoons every year."


    Aria: _


    <em>''Wedding nights and honeymoons?''</em>


    Failing to word, she bit his cheek first while he justified, "Who told you to be steaming hot!"


    <em>''Steaming hot? Am I coffee or steamed bun?''</em>


    "Really?... Deal. On theother days, you fast in the guest room."


    n controlled hisughter seeing his dummy wife, "Alright, we will return to the city for the wedding after a year-long honeymoon each time."


    Aria had forgotten she never could win on him. She gave up wiping her invisible tears leaving him tough heartily.


    She wanted to show herself as disappointed but her lips tilted up seeing him happy. If he gets happy over winning on her, she would heartily lose every time.


    She didn''t stop her urge to kiss him went for his curled up lips and ended up going for another round of their steamy session.


    ---


    In a private clubhouse,


    A group of wealthy heirs was enjoying music, drinks, food, and talks.


    <em>''Ding''</em>


    Everyone''s attention went to the owner of the mobile who received notification because it was very rare he received such notifications.


    The mobile user smiled after checking the new post from Aria Cooper on her social media ount.

 Chapter 226: Love her selflessly.

    Chapter 226: Love her selflessly.


    In a private clubhouse,


    A group of wealthy heirs were enjoying music, drinks, food, and talks.


    <em>''Ding''</em>


    Everyone''s attention went to the owner of the mobile who received notification because it was very rare he receives such notifications.


    The mobile user smiled after checking the new post from Aria Cooper on her social media.


    He just loves how she doesn''t care that she was the President of a conglomerate and has to maintain her image.


    She was just her with closed ones having fun like a girl of her age ignoring how others might judge her.


    He sent a private message for that picture, "Here you go, regretting me for skipping the celebration."


    <em>''Ding''</em>


    He soon received a response which he actually wasn''t expecting.


    "Yummy!" with her picture eating his favorite dish.


    <em>''Ding''</em>


    "Regret all night."


    His lips tilted high up. Seeing her picture and message.


    He didn''t reply knowing she was at the celebration. When he sensed his friend trying a sneak peek at his phone, he quickly locked it.


    "Who made our young master smile?"


    "Oh god, that killing smile..."


    "Don''t tell me it was that actress?"


    "Young Master Dames, our President Stanley doesn''t even have her number."


    "So who is that lucky girl?"


    .


    .


    Finn ignored and sipped his drink until somebody took Aria''s name.


    "Young master Stanley, weren''t you invited for Elder Morgan''s birthday? President Cooper is all over the inte."


    "I thought that Morgans and Coopers are low profile but they are making too much noise."


    A few burst intoughter but it died down when they felt the room temperature falling sending shivers down their spine.


    They unknowingly trembled when their eyes met Finn''s sharp cold gaze.


    There was weird silence until one broke the silence, "Tie your tongues. President Cooper is Finn''s friend and Morgan and Starlight will be working together in a few projects."


    Whoeverughed tried to speak, "Hahaha, Young master Stanley, I was just kidding... Hahaha..."


    But the awkwardness increased with it.


    Finn''s friend who was checking his mobile chuckled and passed it to Finn.


    "I must say, this girl has her charms. She is running around like a little girl here. When Dad failed to meet the required deadline, she was a devil who shut his mouth giving thest warning ruthlessly. I didn''t even dare to enter the office room at that time."


    Finn''s sharpness and coldness decreased seeing the video in which the trio chased after Aria who was chuckling and screaming.


    He then tossed his friend''s mobile back as if it was nothing when there was turmoil in his heart.


    Even he had run behind her when she didn''t take her cold medicine.


    Thinking back, he realized his many versions were only with Aria who was oblivious of everything because all her friends treated her really well which always made her put Finn in the same category.


    When many girls wanted him, he was friend-zoned by the girl he loves.


    It wasn''t that he couldn''t confess to her. He was scared she might avoid him and wouldn''t be amiable with him, might not feel safe around him, or doubt his intentions.


    He knew she loved n dearly more than anybody else. He knew she was married but his heart failed to stop loving her even though he tried.


    If confessing her could lead to losing her permanently then he was happy with his unrequited love, unrequited feelings.


    He was ready to love her selflessly.


    Suddenly his train of thought broke by a song that caught his attention and stopped his friend from changing it.


    <em>''Can I tell you something just between you and me?</em>


    <em>When I hear your voice, I know I''m finally free</em>


    <em>Every single word is perfect as it can be</em>


    <em>And I need you here with me''</em>


    "Don''t Let it y." Finn more likely ordered his friend Ceon thinking he would change the song.


    <em>''When you lift me up, I know that I''ll never fall</em>


    <em>I can speak to you by saying nothing at all</em>


    <em>Every single time, I find it harder to breathe</em>


    <em>''Cause I need you here with me</em>


    <em></em>


    <em>Every day</em>


    <em>You''re saying the words that I want you to say</em>


    <em>There''s a pain in my heart and it won''t go away</em>


    <em>Now I know I''m falling in deep</em>


    <em>''Cause I need you here with me''</em>


    It was the first song he had heard Aria sing, it unknowingly made space in his heart after hearing her.


    <em>''I think I see your face in every ce that I go</em>


    <em>I try to hide it, but I know that it''s gonna show</em>


    <em>Every single night, I find it harder to sleep</em>


    <em>''Cause I need you here with me</em>


    <em>.</em>


    <em>.</em>


    <em>Every day</em>


    <em>You''re saying the words that I want you to say</em>


    <em>There''s a pain in my heart and it won''t go away</em>


    <em>Now I know I''m falling in deep</em>


    <em>''Cause I need you here with me</em>


    <em>Can I tell you something just between you and me?</em>


    <em>When I hear your voice, I know I''m finally free</em>


    <em>Every single word is perfect as it can be</em>


    <em>''Cause I need you here with me</em>


    ..''


    --


    Aria was getting ready for her sses while n was preparing histe-night dinner as they were talking through a video call.


    Hearing Aria singing his name <em>''n''</em>, He had asked, "Missing me?"


    Aria whined indicating she was missing a lot so n had suggested, "Which Song will you dedicate now if I ask you?" But in fact, n wanted to hear her sing.


    So Aria had sung it for n which Finn had overheard without her knowing when he had gone for breakfast at her ce.


    Even though she chose that song to tell n how much she was missing him, that song made its ce in Finn''s heart.


    --


    Finn didn''t bother to respond to anybody''s curious gaze who had question marks above their heads to know when Finn became a fan of songs.


    Finn had a few more drinks before exiting the private clubhouse with Ceon.


    Ceon Davies, Second young master of Davies family. He was one of Finn''s close friends.


    "Do you love President Cooper?" Ceon bluntly asked Finn.


    Finn''s small change after hearing him wasn''t noticed by Ceon.


    Ceon was somebody who always stands for his friends. If he knows, Finn was sure, Ceon would tell Aria.

 Chapter 227: I dont love her

    Chapter 227: I don''t love her


    Ceon Davis was a carefree man who liked to enjoy his life but after meeting a girl who hadn''t cared about him, he was totally in love with her but he didn''t know who she was and he was searching for her.


    During this time his father was trying to set him up with Aria Cooper.


    Davies had thergest Textile and fabric manufacturing unit. Ceon''s brother was married and had established his own publishing firm so he wasn''t ready to look after the Davies Textiles and fabric.


    His father was forcing him to take over giving up his hopes on Ceon''s older brother.


    During the time of Aria Cooper and n Morgan fall outs, his father eagerly got the contract from Skyline to meet Aria but hadn''t got the chance to even see her.


    Hence he purposefully dyed the consignment and created some mess so that Aria could visit him because she didn''t meet him at Skyline and other higher-ups handled him every time.


    He was very courteous to get into her good books so that Ceon and Aria could get together.


    But Aria was Aria. She had done the investigation before stepping inside theirpany. She knew his father''s intentions. She didn''t spare a nce and listed the unfollowed uses of their contract and left after warning him sternly.


    Ceon understands Finn to a certain level and he could say Finn wasn''t the same after five years. Even though Finn wasn''t as cheerful as him, he wasn''t living in a shell stopping himself from having fun.


    Finn had firmly stopped any visitors other than his family and Ceon had dropped there without prior notice. Finn had warned him to keep about Aria studying in Country S a secret.


    During his visit, he had seen thepletely new side of Finn with Aria while cooking with her,pleting their college work, talking with her and had even heard him making sillyments.


    Finn''s abrupt n of studying abroad for five years was already shocking. Seeing him with Aria, his doubt had started. But Finn never left a space for him to ask about it.


    "Do you love President Cooper?" Ceon bluntly asked Finn.


    Finn''s brief change in his wasn''t noticed by him. "Are you tired of finding different girls for me that you are taking her name?"


    Ceon''s lips twitched. It was true he tried to set him with many girls of different types seeing him show distaste to everyone.


    "My Dad is trying to set me up with President Cooper."


    Finn nodded indifferently.


    <em>n 1: Failed</em>


    "Were you guys in a rtionship and broke up with her?"


    "Do I look like one to be a friend with an ex?"


    "So you are scared to be her ex."


    "No"


    "Are you scared you will lose her after confessing?"


    Finn had almost hummed. "I have already confessed to her"


    Ceon widened his eyes thinking Aria had rejected Finn but Finn continued, "... That she is crazy."


    <em>Pfft-</em>


    n 2: Failed.


    "Are you keeping that bimbo to hide your feelings from President Cooper?"


    "No."


    "Then why are you letting the rumors escte?"


    Finn was done with his questionnaire and mmed on the brakes. "Get out."


    Ceon chuckled and leaned back on his seat, "Finn, You just had to say No when I asked do you love President Cooper. Why is it hard for you to say it?... Because your conscience wouldn''t let you say it."


    He poked on his chest, "This isn''t letting you say it."


    Finn held the steering wheel tight, "Are you drunk? Why will I love anybody? Find your love, not mine."


    Ceon chuckled again, "I think it''s perfect time you should confess to President Cooper. She doesn''t have anybody now."


    Finn frowned, "I don''t love her. Happy. Now, just shut your mouth and sit else Scram."


    Even though Finn just said it stop Ceon from talking about Aria, he felt a sharp pain in his heart hearing himself.


    Ceon again provoked, "Do you know? You never lost your cool and calmness in front of anybody but Aria Cooper is an exception. Whether your emotions with her or hearing about her ispletely different."


    Finn alighted and went to the shotgun seat. He pulled Ceon out and was returning to the driver seat while Ceon spoke.


    "Are you still going to deny that Aria Cooper doesn''t affect your emotions? Even after throwing me off the car at this hour away from the city where I don''t even get cabs."


    Finn froze.


    His consistent try to keep his secret failed him miserably.


    He had to just say no and move on the topic but


    He turned to see Ceon who was smiling widely indicating he finally caught him.


    <em>n: Sess</em>


    <em></em>


    "Let''s go, you need some more drinks." Ceon hopped in first saying it.


    Finn punched his fist on his car top and got in. They soon reached Finn''s private vi.


    It was a vi specially built for Finn by Skyline Industries. The architecture was based on Finn''s taste. He and Aria both designed interior and exterior while they were in country S.


    Finn had seen Aria studying the basics of Architecture to design a vi for Rian to gift him after his graduation so he had spoken to her and designed with her.


    His requirements were high technological contemporary building with energy-saving high standards, maximumfort, and low costs throughout the four seasons. Other requirements were white, spacious, and minimal with arge pool and patio.


    Aria had teased him saying penny pinch but after they had designed and asked the professional to get them a three-dimensional video and the miniature, She liked it more than him.


    Theplete decor was in white with a long swimming pool and patios. Aria added minute interior decor items in different colors to avoid making in look too pale.


    Ceon went around the vi before settling on the couch where Finn had already drowned a few sses.


    "Skyline built this, isn''t it?"


    Finn just hummed.


    "Bro, ask your fri Your love to build me a unique vi too."


    <em>''Crack''</em>


    Finn crushed the ss which was in his hand.


    Ceon gulped looking at his dark face. It had really been a long time he had seen Finn angered so much.


    He regretted saying <em>''Your love''</em> to Aria.


    They were a typical group of boys having spoiled heirs who used <em>''My love''</em> to flirt any girl which Finn never cared about but hearing the same for Aria, he lost his cool.


    Ceon tried to manage in his panic-stricken tone, "I swear I wasn''t disrespecting your love or President Cooper. I said with good intention."


    Ceon started praying Finn doesn''t break his bones.

 Chapter 228: Her little world

    Chapter 228: Her little world


    Ceon breathed a sigh when he saw Finn cleaning his hands removing the ss specks ignoring the blood and pain.


    That physical pain was nothing to Finn. Compared to that he wanted to numb his heartache.


    "If you don''t beat me up, shall I ask you something?" Ceon was too careful while asking it.


    Finn nced at him and hummed. Ceon was his childhood friend so he didn''t give the cold shoulder.


    "When did you realize you love President Cooper?"


    Finn who prepared two ss of drinks pushed one towards Ceon and leaned back on the couch, "Nine months and 12th day"


    --- Nine months, 12th day in Country S ---


    Aria was rigorously preparing for the project and the presentation skipping her lunch.


    Finn had gone to the canteen and brought some light food for themselves so that she could fill her stomach.


    Aria who saw his hands knew he was bringing for her too and heard her stomach grumble. She smiled sheepishly at him after seeing his hands.


    She just looked like a little school girl happy about seeing a candy but her expression suddenly changed to surprise as a mesmeric smile crept on her face.


    That smile, her sparkling eyes, and her face glowing with happiness froze him.


    The sun looked dim for him looking at her.


    He could feel definitely raising his heartbeats seeing her dropping her things down and running towards him.


    That dainty little girl had a smile to be transfixed on her.


    In those mere ten seconds, he had felt there was nobody in the world other than her and him.


    He had felt time seemed to be slow-moving looking at her.


    He felt weirdly content which he hadn''t felt for anything or anybody.


    He had almost felt like she was going to embrace him but she passed by him saying, "n..."


    He could feel his heart weighing down as his gaze followed her and turned to see the mystic man. That man''s captivating smile appeared when she went to him.


    "n" Aria never had enough of calling his name and jumped on her toes throwing herself on his tall frame.


    n wrapped a hand around her and another gently rubbed her head as he bnced himself pressing his feet on the car behind him when she excitedly hugged him.


    "I missed you." Aria whined in his arms feeling ecstatic to see him.


    Even though that man looked cold to everyone, he was full of warmth to her. Even though she seemed unemotional to many, her every emotion was only for that man.


    That scene was so good to watch but Finn''s heart suddenly feltpletely empty. Like somebody stole a part of him.


    The surrounding which he had felt mute suddenly felt too noisy.


    He felt like he was nobody that he had never felt.


    The pain which he had never felt was rising in his chest.


    ---


    Finn chugged his whiskey down trying to get over the pain he was feeling.


    Ceon sighed looking at him. He really felt bad for Finn.


    Even though Finn was hanging around with girls five years earlier, everyone knew he wasn''t attached to anybody.


    He always listened to his brain to do anything. When he finally heard his heart, he lost it leaving him numb to everything.


    He understood why Finn was feeling disgusted around any girls he arranged for him. Aria and those were trillions of miles apart.


    "First of all, why the hell did you go to that college? Did you perhaps fall in love with her and followed her to country S?"


    Finn smiled bitterly hearing his questions, "Perhaps... Perhaps I was just attracted to her but I wasn''t in love before leaving here."


    "You guys were in country S for five whole years and you are in love for more than four years. Why didn''t you confess to her? Does she know about your feelings? She is single right now, why aren''t you confessing to her? She knows you well, I don''t think she will reject you, talk to her. How about I meet her? No, You should confess to showing your sincerity, I shouldn''t. Since you love her, why don''t you propose to her directly?..."


    Ceon continued his heap of questions.


    Finn leisurely stood up and collected a file from the drawer. He didn''t disturb Ceon who continued for the whole five minutes and asked thest question.


    "... Why aren''t you talking?"


    Finn humorlessly chuckled, "Are you testing my memory?"


    Coen''s lips twitched looking at his fake nonchnce.


    Finn held the file which he took and spoke, "This file information is very important for you. If you want this, agree with me."


    <em>''Important to me?''</em> Ceon frowned.


    "Agree what?"


    Finn didn''t respond and yed dumb drinking his whiskey.


    Ceon was frustrated after some time, "Fine, I''ll do as you say."


    Finn passed the file to him as he spoke, "Nobody should get to know about who I love."


    Ceon who was flipping the file to check, threw it at him, "Keep this. And what the f**k do you mean by nobody should get to know? When are you going to confess to Aria Cooper?"


    Finn rubbed his forehead. He knew Ceon wouldn''t listen to him once he knew about Aria.


    Holding to rationality, he spoke calmly, "I can''t lose her. The day I will confess will be the day she will start staying away from me."


    He knew well, Aria would never let n feel insecure even if he trusts her with all his heart.


    Ceon blurted out in anger, "It isn''t like she is with you. You don''t have her in the first ce to lose."


    He doesn''t have her?


    Of course, he has her as a good friend.


    Finn felt like his friend lost his brain.


    "We are really good friends. I can meet her when I want. If I just call her out, she wille. She doesn''t feel insecure around me. Once I confess, she will keep me away. Probably,pletely shut me from her little world."


    With that, he knew Aria trusted only a handful of people so he didn''t want her to doubt him or his family members'' intentions.


    Ceon never really saw Finn in mncholy. The more he heard Finn, he realized how deeply he was in love with Aria Cooper.


    "Why are you being negative? She will ept you."


    "Ceon, Even if I had a 0.1 percent chance, I would have confessed long back. No more talk about this."


    "She is single." He wasn''t ready to give up.


    Finn breathed long to be calm, "It doesn''t matter. I don''t stand a chance."


    "But..."


    Finn irritatingly grunted, "Ceon."


    His cold fierce tone shut Ceon''s mouth.


    Ceon felt wronged. He felt Aria was too haughty and purposefully ruining Finn''s heart. He decided to talk to her.

 Chapter 229: Incognito person

    Chapter 229: Incognito person


    Ceon didn''t check the file because he knew he couldn''t let Finn suffer.


    Finn asked his mansion driver to pick Ceon from his vi and drop him to his vi and went to bed.


    --


    Aria and n were irritated seeing no attacks or move from the opposition side. Both stabilized both of theirpanies back to the track.


    Focus International received the news Starlight and Morgan''s coboration for uing entertainment ventures dropping them.


    So the Focus International executives tried to reach n after knowing he was the one who ordered his directors.


    Aria was yet to affect Focus International openly because n told her to be low profile against Focus for time being.


    Aria also felt the same as they already yed enough and they weren''t sitting on her nerves yet.


    Aria received the news Calvin was staying in office straight four days without returning to his home. She took the time to decide how to handle it and decided to visit him.


    Aria went to his office after work. She stood at the door and watched him keeping himself busy by burying in the work.


    His dark circles were very obvious on his handsome face due to sleepless nights. She saw the untouched packed lunchying on the coffee table.


    "Chief Parker, Will you mind if I disturb you?"


    Calvin curiously raised his head hearing the mellow voice. He knew the voice without the need to see. His lips subconsciously lifted up seeing her.


    "President Cooper''s arrival to a smallpany. It will be a piece of explosive news." Calvinughed at his own words and he was also surprised to see her.


    Aria shook her head as she entered inside and closed hisptop. "President Cooper kidnapping Chief Parker is fiery."


    She held his hand and took him out confusing him.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Kidnapping you." Aria repeated again and heard him chuckle.


    Calvin sat on the shotgun seat of her car in perplex thinking she might be taking him out for dinner.


    Aria drove her car to Cooper mansion talking about light general topics.


    Calvin had dinner with her and Roxy before finally asking. "Why did you bring me here?"


    Aria sent Roxy to her room before speaking, "Brother Calvin, is there something you are hiding from me?"


    She wasn''t interrogating and she will not force. She wanted to know if he could speak straight to her or not.


    Calvin''s brief change in expression was caught by Aria but he didn''t say anything, "Arrie, what are you talking about? There is nothing as such."


    Aria smiled faintly and nodded. Shepletely changed the topic to rx him seeing his tensed brows with a hint of remorse in his eyes.


    "Then why were you staying in office? If you don''t want to go to Parker vi, why didn''t youe here? I only told you to keep your men away, when did I say that to you?"


    Calvin sighed in relief thinking she asked about his stay. "Look at you standing tall in the business industry and look at me having nothing. Shouldn''t I work hard?"


    He tried to sound humorous but it wasn''t of any use.


    Aria knew he was making up a reason. She could only wait until he could make his mind.


    "We are totally different. You are a self-made man, I''m looking after Dad''spany." His game designingpany was built solely by him without any backers.


    She stood up from the couch as she continued, "Brother Calvin when you find a better reason for my question, do tell me. And till that, you will be staying here."


    She didn''t leave a room for argument and went upstairs, "Rest well."


    Calvin knew she was worried about his health and lifestyle, "Arrie, you are too overbearing."


    "I know..." Aria loudly said before going out of his sight.


    Calvin sighed leaning back on the couch. It wasn''t that he didn''t want to tell the things he was hiding but he wasn''t sure how Aria would react to it.


    Lost in thoughts, he didn''t hear housekeeper Sophia calling him until she shook his arm, "Young master Parker, are you alright?"


    "Huh?" Calvin opened his eyes and sat properly as he nodded.


    "Young master Parker, we have arranged a room for you on the second floor as young miss informed. Your things from the ground floor room are shifted to your room. Please check and let us know if you need anything else."


    Calvin knew the housekeeper and maids of the cooper mansion were very organized and professional so, "Aunty Sophia, if I need, I will ask. It''ste, have dinner and rest soon."


    Sophia faintly smiled and went toplete other work excusing herself.


    Aria had her new custom made mobile for secure usage from tapping and hacking. She called n and was talking with her when he asked.


    "Honey, are you sure about Calvin Parker? You shouldn''t let your guards down."


    Aria who was rolled up in the duvet on the bed responded, "How long are we going to y hide and seek? If he is really the one, let me take head-on and finish it soon. I''m tired of these games."


    n hummed as he continued to type on hisptop. He nced at Aria lost in thoughts. He picked the tab to his hands and asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Aria came out of the daze hearing the worried tone, "n, I feel like he isn''t behind our problem but he is hiding something. I have interacted with him a lot of times, he cares about me, why will he try to kill me? He doesn''t even have a reason to separate us either... Sometimes I feel like the incognito person might be diverting us to him."


    n didn''t really agree, "We both know Calvin Parker met Dad before his ident. If he was in the country, why didn''t he meet you or attend the funeral? and why did he lie to us as he wasn''t in country A?"


    Aria didn''t know why she had a gut feeling Calvin couldn''t be the person to hurt her or Oliver. "I agree he lied but I... I don''t know. That model might be lying to us as Brother Calvin sent her or somebody mimicked him to her... Ahhh, I''ll go crazy at this rate."

 Chapter 230: Faint in rage

    Chapter 230: Faint in rage


    "I agree he lied but I... I don''t know. That model might be lying to us as Brother Calvin sent her or somebody mimicked him to her... Ahhh, I''ll go crazy at this rate."


    n saw Aria rolling on the bed in frustration going off from the screen.


    "Sweetheart!"


    That was enough to bring her in front of him like an eager child waiting to hear.


    n suppressed his lips from tilting up looking at her widened eyes with an anticipating gaze on him. He knew what she wanted to hear but he didn''t say that.


    "Sleep, you are tired. Stop freaking out."


    Aria earnestly asked what she couldn''t hear from him, "Shall Ie to you?" It had been four days they had met.


    n too wanted to meet her but he didn''t want to take the chance, "Be good and go to bed. Anyway, we are going on vacation on Friday."


    Aria pouted in displeasure hearing the rejection. n knew he could only see her and be content for the time being even though he wanted to be with her.


    He took a casual topic and spoke to her till she dozed off. Aria didn''t inform him about her next day''s ns and slept hearing his soothing voice.


    n saw her sleeping face steadily breathing. He took a screenshot of the screen and sighed.


    He didn''t want her to lose herself in the problem and he was d she wasn''t letting it affect her real self and keeps her professional and problems aside from herself.


    But <em>her carefreeness?</em>


    He knew she liked to be carefree and enjoy life.


    He was different from his childhood. He didn''t like much to go out for fun or mingle much with friends so it doesn''t much affect him.


    But Aria wasn''t like him.


    She yearned for freedom, she wishes to live a fulfilling life. She wants to keep people happy around her and live like a girl of her age which she lost as soon as losing her father.


    He knew she hated her current state and she doesn''t like to stay away from him.


    She doesn''t like the sentry, she doesn''t like topromise on her privacy because of people in shadow for her protection.


    She doesn''t like to be on guard all the time.


    She doesn''t like her people being targeted because of her.


    He didn''t want her to keep her bound by these things. He wanted her to live her life as she wants. So if nothing solves sooner, he thought to go by her wish.


    That was staying together and facing it.


    Sometimes he felt she was more daring than him. Because he cared about her life and she cared about their life.


    His train of thoughts and his gaze from her diverted when his mobile went off disying <em>''Rian''</em>


    He again looked at Aria, "Good night my little wife."


    He hung up the video call and answered his mobile at thest ring.


    Rian spoke without bothering about greetings, "How can this man think I could get drunk by just six sses? This man is trying to indoctrinate me against you, Aria, and you guys being together. What will he get from this?"


    n closed hisptop and went towards the ss wall. It waspletely dark outside and the moon was peeking between clouds in the inky sky.


    "Doubting me and my wife?"


    When Rian forced and tortured him that he wanted to help them, Aria tly objected. She didn''t want to pull him to the mess and hurt him or see him go against them by misunderstanding.


    He knew Rian wasn''t strong-hearted. Rian couldn''t control himself if anybody talks rubbish about the ones he likes and it was really difficult to identify real against a fake.


    The blind yet the strong, unbreakable trust as Aria and n had on each other was too difficult to get or expect from others.


    n sometimes thought to let Rian live his life without a problem but it was very important to be independent because he and Aria couldn''t guarantee that they could forever protect them so he had decided to toughen his younger brother.


    Rian smirked looking at himself in the mirror of the men''s restroom of the club, "Of course, if I don''t doubt you guys in front of him, how am I going to know what is there in the bag."


    "So?" n was emotionless.


    Rian continued, "Bro if this financial department director against Arrie, we could say as it might be because of problems. Why is he irritated about you dote on Arrie too much? And what is his problem seeing you guys together?"


    n didn''t answer his question. "Why do you think?"


    Rian was quick, "I want to investigate this man''s background."


    n''s lips slightly curled up knowing his brother might be slow but he was still smart, "Go ahead and..."


    "I will be careful. Good night then." Rian hung up and tried to fix his look like a drunk man.


    Rian felt proud of himself for joining as Assistant managing director. For thepany employees, he fought with n to join thepany whereas it was a y.


    All in thepany was thinking n and Rian were hating each other.


    Roxy too tortured Aria but Aria tly objected to her from joining thepany because her higher-level management was clean and all were investigated thoroughly.


    Hearing her pester, Aria asked her to help her n a theme either her painting or calligraphy, to use it for Alia''s next fashion show. And with that, she was working on finding the loopholes on the firewall of thepany with the solution.


    ---


    Morgan Industries


    The next day, Nathan weed Xoan west and his secretary to the meeting room. Xoan was on time but n purposefully wanted to dy.


    "Greeting to CEO West. This way, please." Nathan greeted formally and motioned his hand towards the meeting room.


    Xoan had expected n wouldn''t be receiving him so he just grunted.


    Nathan was used to the autocracy of n so Xoan''s cold and domineering behavior didn''t affect him even a little.


    "President Morgan is still in the previous meeting, I hope, CEO West understands and waits for a few minutes."


    Nathan politely and professionally spoke and then he rolled his eyes looking away, <em>''If you know he is just adoring Young madam''s picture in his office, you will faint in rage.''</em>

 Chapter 231: Difficult to impossible

    Chapter 231: Difficult to impossible


    Xoan furrowed hearing Nathan. As much as he heard about n, he was highly punctual and workaholic who tries to keep time behind and works ahead.


    He had a little doubt n might be doing it on purpose but he assumed n wasn''t like that given his track record.


    He was meeting n for the first time so he kind of looked forward to knowing how they were going toe to the conclusion.


    Nathan was pacing near the elevator after sending coffee to Xoan and his secretaries. It had been five minutes but n wasn''t in sight and didn''t reply to his messages either.


    <em>[Daemon: President Morgan, CEO West is waiting for you.]</em>


    Nathan wanted to call n to ask when he was starting meeting but he wasn''t ready to look at his brooding fierce eyes.


    He called n''s secretary and directly jumped to the point, "Mayon, check what President Morgan is doing."


    "No way." Mayon''s immediate terror voice sounded.


    Nathan brows twitched and ordered, "Peek at him and tell me now."


    Mayon muttered and went towards n''s office. He creaked open the door to see n standing nkly looking at his tab but next second...


    <em>''Thump''</em>


    Mayon fell back when n''s gaze turned to sharp shifting towards the door due to the creak of the door.


    Mayon knew it, his president was like a wild lion always ready to attack the prey for a simple small movement or mistake.


    He regretted following Nathan''s order. He clumsily stood up andughed awkwardly, "President Morgan... Na..."


    n hated when employees me other employees so he stopped mid-sentence from taking <em>Nathan</em>''s name. He quickly thought about the reason for Nathan''s call.


    n had seen Nathan''s message so he walked towards the door knowing the reason behind Mayon peeking inside.


    When Mayon realized there was a meeting with Xoan West, he raised his head, "Pre..." He gulped seeing n from near but n brushed past him without care.


    Mayon breathed a sigh of relief and kept the mobile back to the ear, "Assistant..."


    "I thought you were dead." Nathan growled at him who was tired of calling his name.


    Mayon gritted his teeth moving his phone a little away from his ear. Nathan was coldhearted which the wholepany knew but he was better than n so Mayon handled it cursing them in mind and spoke.


    "President Morgan will be there in a few seconds."


    Mayon hung up the call before Nathan''s response, "Crazy people..."


    Other secretaries heard him and burst intoughter looking at Mayon''s defeated face.


    n exited the elevator and went towards the meeting room as Nathan trailed behind him praying Xoan shouldn''t be pissed off for waiting fifteen minutes.


    n was emotionless and walked in. All stood up in respect except Xoan who watched him.


    Xoan didn''t expect n''s demeanor to be frosty, chilling the room instantly. He had seen his pictures and interviews where he looked like a naive emotionless alluring man and in reality, he was even more attractive and formidable.


    Xoan felt like n should have tried in the entertainment industries rather than business industries.


    "Greeting to President Morgan." Xoan''s secretary greeted n on behalf of Xoan''s team.


    n didn''t care to react and motioned his hand to start the meeting.


    Xoan who was just two years older than n thought he might greet or give a face to him but got nothing as expected. So he decided to break the ice.


    "President Morgan, I''m pleased to meet you in person."


    One second...


    Two seconds...


    Three seconds...


    Nathan''s lips were twitching uncontrobly.<em> ''Where has the President''s professionalism gone? Why is he acting weird?''</em>


    Nine seconds...


    Ten seconds...


    n''s eyes moved from the file to Xoan carrying no warmth, "I wasted your time CEO West. Let''s get to the point."


    Xoan''s face was dark as coal, cold as an Antarctica iceberg because n taunted in two ways, for not worrying about his time and for greeting friendly.


    Nathan who worked under n for nearly seven years easily understood n didn''t like to see Xoan but he didn''t know the reason.


    Secretary of Xoan who was trembling in her ce couldn''t help but to peek at n, <em>''Doesn''t President Morgan know about CEO West? Why does he want to go to the bad books?''</em>


    In her daze checking out n, she didn''t notice Xoan cueing her to speak.


    Nathan who noticed them pursed his lips to a thin line, <em>''You should just try on your boss. Our Daemon ice king doesn''t care about anybody.''</em>


    Xoan clenched his fist and turned to see the secretary in the haze.


    Secretary was lucky she was a woman else he would have smacked her head on the table.


    He asked through clenched teeth in a low voice, "Is he handsome?"


    "Very much..." Secretary''s dreamy voice choked herself.


    Xoan smirked, "You can apply for his secretary, you are fired. Get out."


    Nathan counted to himself, <em>''Ninth employee.''</em> who got fired or scolded by the employers for forgetting the asion and swooning on n.


    n was checking the file. They were present offering them a lower price and better time slot for the new airing drama of Morgan Entertainment.


    He didn''t care whether they presented or not. He threw the file back on the table andzily said, "I have to turn down this offer. Anyway, I must say you have lowered your values."


    Nathan: "..."


    <em>''President Morgan, that''s ''Price''. Why are you taunting CEO West? You already have enough in your te to clean up and handle.''</em>


    Nathan wanted to weep but he controlled and closed the file which he was checking.


    Xoan''s eyes darkened. He tried to bury his rising anger by gnashing his teeth.


    The lowered price wasn''t much, it was still beneficial to them and he couldn''t understand why n was looking down on him.


    Clenching his fist tight, "As a long time coborator, I think Focus deserves an exnation, President Morgan."


    n brows raised up slightly and gave a single nod, "Nathan, get me the file which is on my desk."


    Xoan''s brows twitched. He was the CEO West who the business industries were scared to mess up but n didn''t give a face to him but his tone sounded quite amiable ordering his mere assistant.


    In fact, n was the same as he works. His unemotional tone was pleasant and deep to hear which wasn''t cold so he felt n was amiable.


    Nathan quickly got into action and excused himself.


    The meeting room was frosty. Another secretary of Xoan and n''s secretary felt it was hard to breathe in such air.


    n nonchntly worked on theptop while Xoan red at n. Xoan had thought if everything goes well, he should have a good chat with n but by the looks of it, it was difficult to impossible.


    He understood that the rumors were right. n didn''t have a heart. He was just a brain and looks.


    Suddenly they heard a chortle and turned to see a youngdy near the ss wall who was on skates.


    Xoan''s jaws almost dropped seeing what happened next.

 Chapter 232: Love-struck fool

    Chapter 232: Love-struck fool


    Aria was working as a high-speed train torturing her secretaries and Levi one after the other file. She preponed two meetings and roasted three managers for ipetence and gobbled lunch in fifteen minutes.


    Levi felt like he was watching a movie at a fast forward pace. He was sure Aria''s mood was fine but he thought a long time before asking.


    "President Cooper, did anything happen?"


    Aria looked up from theptop and grinned like a mischievous girl who was ready to put everyone in danger. That rmed him.


    Levi gingerly asked "Do... I have fake your presence in the office?"


    Aria nodded happily.


    Levi: "..."


    <em>''Can somebody please remind President Cooper that she is president of thispany and I am her assistant for god''s sake.''</em>


    He always thought the CEOs or Presidents of thepany would be cold and heartless to handle thepany affairs but he was working under a president who behaves like a teenager with him.


    He also knew she was like that with him because he was handling work well and she wouldn''t have to worry about it. If he makes a mistake, she might teach him but if he repeats she would kick his ass too.


    Aria quickly changed and exited the room. Levi handed her a low end customized car''s key.


    Aria returned it, "I''m going to walk. And how do I look?"


    That was the most hated question for Levi.


    <em>''President Cooper, you are twenty-three, why do you always forget it?''</em>


    He joined the military at the age of neen and worked for ten years so twenty-three for him was responsibility and matured year but for Aria, it was still the age to live her life without restrictions.


    She was looking like a spoiled teenager.


    "You love to kick up a fuss, don''t you?"


    Aria readily hummed leaving him speechless. She carried five big paper bags out.


    "Jass, this for you. Let me know if your daughter likes it or not. Rose, your favorite limited edition CH purse, I didn''t get in your favorite color so I hope the nude color is okay. Secretary Maddy, I have reserved a table for you, cate your wife soon..."


    She handed two bags and atst, she turned to Levi, "For your mother. She wasining to me that you don''t take her shopping. Make time for her."


    Levi''s lips twitched. He regretted telling his mother about Aria.


    Aria saw all looking at her so she promptly pointed to Rose, "I got to know from Rose. If beating, you can beat her, else if praising, I am all ears."


    All chuckled hearing her. Rose was a new young secretary of Aria who was a packet of an explosion. When Aria generally asked, she had blurted out everything so she shopped ordingly.


    Her secretaries were used to Aria treating them well even though she hardly joins them. They thanked her before Aria left in a general elevator wearing her mask and sunsses.


    She saw skates in the Zoah sports shop while going towards Morgan Industries. Rian had taught her a decade back and she hadn''t used it after that. So she bought one quickly and skated to Morgan Industries.


    She skated inside and security ran behind her, "Miss... Miss... Stop right there..."


    Because she wasn''t an employee as there was no identification card and formals were must in the Morgan Industries unless it''s a visitor.


    The visitors had to register their names before going ahead so they went behind her. Since it wasn''t lunch or office leaving time, there weren''t many people.


    Aria couldn''t show her face hence her speed was high and ced her palm on the scanner for the private elevator ess.


    <strong><em>ess epted</em></strong> hence security froze.


    They tried to identify her but failed. Only a handful of people had private elevator ess which was personally given by n.


    They knew she wasn''t somebody they should touch hence when Aria faced them, five men deep bowed, "We are sorry miss."


    Aria hummed and entered the elevator. The receptionists and security talked with each other but they couldn''t identify her.


    Aria breathed a sigh of relief. Now nobody would stop her or try to know her. She exited thest floor and saw Nathan entering another elevator so she quickly asked, "Where is President Morgan?"


    "Meeting." He said before analyzing that the voice didn''t belong to any secretaries.


    Aria entered the elevator back and went two floors down. She easily took files from Nathan''s hand while skated ahead.


    "Hey, who the hell are you? Give it back." Nathan grimly said running behind her.


    Aria smiled and saw the first two rooms had nobody inside. She skated further and heard Nathan.


    "Stop right there if you want to live in peace." Nathan had no idea she was Aria.


    Aria chuckled and twirled once, "Really?"


    Even though her face was almost covered, he knew that tone and chuckle. "Young madam?"


    Aria realized it wasn''t apany meeting and Xoan was sitting there and their gazes were on her. She was thinking what to do, n stood up in surprise.


    Aria peeked in and said in signnguage at n, <em>''Surprise''</em>


    Xoan read it too and looked at n who had a tiny smile on his face which was enough to keep any girl enthralled by him.


    The room had a mat on the floor where she couldn''t skate and she didn''t want to disturb their meeting more but Nathan opened the doorpletely and n embraced her.


    Nathan smiled resignedly. His boss was still the same. In front of his woman,<strong><em> he needed nothing and cared about nothing.</em></strong>


    Aria smiled under the mask.


    Due to others, she couldn''t return the hug which displeased n even though he knew the reason. Aria never liked anybody questioning his ethics.


    "I will be in your office."


    n shook his head, "It won''t take more than ten minutes." He held her hand to take her inside and realized her skates and pulled her ear.


    "Where is the helmet? Where is the knee guard?"


    Aria hid behind n''s frame before punching him, "I didn''t fall and I didn''t speed either."


    n gave her a disapproval look before carrying her in without a care.


    Xoan controlled himself by questioning. <em>''Which brainless says n Morgan is heartless? He is a love-struck fool for a little girl.''</em>


    Aria sat right opposite Xoan who intently tried to identify her but failed because hardly any skin showed on her face.


    n took the file from Aria and ced it in front of Xoan, "CEO West, I am disappointed to say that the efficiency of your broadcastingwork isn''t suitable for us. Yourpany ipetency cost our extra-human efforts."


    Xoan knew he was talking about failing the airing of an episode of each of two dramas.


    "We already published a statement for it and paid the fine." Xoan was annoyed.


    Nathan looked at n to know if he would respond or he should speak. <em>Or will n cooperate with Xoan?</em>

 Chapter 233: Alans wife

    Chapter 233: n''s wife


    n kept another file in front of Xoan, "What''s done is done. Your ipetence lowered the views of our drama and negative reviews increased even after your statement."


    Nathan continued after him, "We receivedints from the drama leads who were answerable to their fans and there are still negatives saying Focus is covering up for us because there is no proper reason stated for it. How do you expect us to exin it to the public when we don''t even know what had happened?"


    The manager spoke, "President Morgan, The mistake won''t be repeated. I hope you continue to trust us."


    "Trust is won not asked." Aria unmindfullymented looking at the new contract.


    Xoan wanted to shut her thinking she was just a little girl but his face darkened looking at her nonchnce.


    Aria took a pen from n''s zer and wrote some points on the contract without care.


    "On the contrary, this offer is enticing but not useful. Our recent drama started airing in Starlight from eight to nine and if we ept this, we willpete with our own drama for nearly eight episodes. Another peak hour-seven to eight of Focus is used by a returned international superstar... CEO Xoan''s friend I guess, so it isn''t fruitful. Coming to the advertisement section, the afternoon frequency is high which isn''t helpful for us. And the review rate of Focus is decreased to 3.5 and we never worked with any channels who are under four. Importantly there is no statement released regarding the failure of the recent fiasco which you covered up with high ping that returned celebrity so we can''t trust you just because you asked us. This is business, not a friendship."


    Aria twirled the pen and pushed the contract in front of Xoan''s secretary, "I have mentioned the mistakes. It might be helpful for fooling us next time with better ideas."


    Her cold and emotionless tone finally ended and she raised her head to see bewildered secretary and fuming Xoan.


    Xoan couldn''t say <em>it might be by mistake</em> which would look like he wasn''t serious and he couldn''t ept either hearing the blunt and direct face p by a little girl.


    Well, n knew about contract details but he hadn''t checked about channel details.


    Nathan was admiring the couple. Because he hadn''t expected n to be prepared beforehand with the proofs and Aria to be aware of the channel details.


    n pulled Aria''s ear. He can''t change her habit of keeping track of his projects. He had warned her to just worry about Skyline but she keeps worrying because of her attacks the previous times.


    Xoan eyes narrowed at the couple. "And you?"


    Aria smiled under the mask pulling n''s hand from her ear, "Me? n''s wife, n''s manager, Morgan Industries'' consultant, n''s friend. You can consider however you want which is actually none of your concern."


    Xoan didn''t consider her response could be true and he felt she was insulting him. "President Morgan, It''s a business which is all about money and profits. Why do you want to lose investing in other channels? And keep little ones out and we can talk."


    Nathan wanted tough hearing <em>little ones</em>. <em>''CEO West, for your kind information the little one is President of Skyline, not a little girl.''</em>


    n didn''t care to look at Xoan. He loved how Aria talks for him just like five years back following him to meetings and checking the mistakes.


    The difference was that she was asking them five years back to learn but now she points to teaching others.


    His style was to hear thempletely before showing their ces but Aria softly speaks without caring how much she ruins their reputation.


    "What my little one said is final. Meeting adjourned."


    He didn''t care to send Xoan off or check his expression. He scooped Aria effortlessly and walked out eager to open her face mask and sunsses to look at his pretty little wife''s face.


    Nathan was used to his boss. He felt Xoan would lose his teeth by continuously grounding them hard.


    <em>''Bang''</em>


    Xoan mmed both palms on the table which shook by his force. "Who the hell is she?"


    Nathan wasn''t scared, instead, he was very d he didn''t choose the first two meeting rooms where the tabletop was ss.


    "CEO West, I''m not allowed to talk about private matters of thepany. I will guide your way out." He was professional without getting affected by Xoan''s mood.


    "You..." Xoan closed his eyes to control his anger.


    He felt like it was apletely one-sided talk. He or his team didn''t get to negotiate either. He didn''t expect n to be so gutsy to reject him so easily.


    Xin had left on his unnned trip and he could only think about attacking Morgan Industries in different ways, "You guys are wobbling yet daring to talk about our negligible mistake as a crime. You just wait."


    Nathan rolled his eyes at his threat.


    Even though he didn''t know what Aria and n were doing, he knew well the potential of Morgan industries was higher than the previous time. Just by using a small part of his brain, he could say, Morgan and Skyline Industries were prospering coborating with manypanies in hand.


    Once their rtionships publicized, many would think thousands of times to touch them.


    He knew Aria''s potential five years back and her current potential was above par. With his crafty boss, both were stronger to be failed in the business so easily.


    He just wished the over smart man to get caught soon so that he could see n happy in office and stop standing on his nerves.


    Nathan sighed.


    Xoan stormed out in fury towards the elevator. Elevator doors were closing when he saw Aria punching n in his arms while he kissed her forehead fondly.


    Xoan wanted to pull off the mask to know her and teach her lesson but he couldn''t.


    He dialed a number as he entered the elevator. He spoke as soon as the call was answered, "A girl in blue shorts, grey mickey mouse printed t-shirt entered the Morgan headquarters. Track her and give me all the details. Keep men at exits and report as soon as she leaves."


    He decided to tame her in his style and teach her and n a good lesson soon.

 Chapter 234: Gobble you up

    Chapter 234: Gobble you up


    After exiting the meeting room, "Let me see you."


    "Nope..." Aria looked away.


    "Are you asking for punishment?"


    "Yeah, bite me."


    "So eager to taste me."


    Aria flushed and punched him while he kissed her forehead fondly.


    All secretaries were astonished seeing a girl in n''s arms lively talking with him.


    She was looking too young because she was wearing ripped jean shorts and a top which had mickey mouse print with the skates.


    Nobody could think she was the style statement and style icon, President Cooper, in her clothing style with the wheels under her feet.


    n took her in the bedroom leaving her speechless. <em>''My Prince, can you think about something else around me?''</em> She wanted to ask very badly.


    But n just hugged her tightly in his embrace. Aria returned it feeling his body rxing holding her in his embrace. She breathed in his unique scent and rxed his warm embrace.


    Leaving her on the bed, he patiently removed her skates kneeling in front of her, "Why are you skating?"


    "Just like that." Aria responded, pulling his cheeks.


    She always felt like n was her wife seeing him tend to her all the time even though it wasn''t necessary and she never asks.


    He had just stood up, Aria pulled and pinned him on the bed, "What will I do without you, my love?" She flirted.


    Nathan had seen the empty office and entered to keep a file but witnessed that scene before running out without making noise.


    A secretary who saw him amused asked, "Assistant Nathan, who was that girl?"


    Nathan was still thinking about what he had seen, "I didn''t expect my boss to be the bottom. Lady boss rocks."


    He realized after voicing it and turned cold, "Get back to work. Don''t disturb President Morgan."


    That secretary''s mouth was wide open and announced to all the secretaries who started running their imagination wild while the couple romanced inside.


    n took her role as he removed her mask and sunsses, "Does anythinge to your mind other than wolfing me down?"


    Aria: "..."


    She didn''t really think of that. She just wanted to y around because she wasn''t sure if n would allow her to stay with him till the sunrise.


    "Oh yeah! Any problem? President Morgan."


    n controlled his lips from curling up caressing her soft blushing cheeks. He wanted to tease but, "Why are you losing weight? Are you nning to disappear in the air?"


    Aria pouted andid on him making herselffortable wrapping his arms around her, "I don''t feel like eating at all. Can''t we get back together?"


    Glutton skipping food was a major issue.


    n pulled himself back to lean on the headboard holding her in the embrace. He used his mobile as he asked, "Do you have to return to the office or Cooper mansion today?"


    Aria unmindfully responded getting no response to her question, "Not really. Ipleted my work so Levi will manage the rest in the office and I pinged Aunty Sophia that I might not go."


    n whispered to cheer her up, "If you help me out now, I might take you out tonight."


    Aria instantly propped her head up, blinked her beautiful widened eyes, "Really?" She asked like a child asking its parents to confirm whether she was really getting extra candy to eat.


    n knew spending time with him was enough to make her happy. Her glowing face and bright eyes, anticipating gaze to hear a simple <em>''Yes''</em> from him were enough to fall in love with her over and over again.


    Aria didn''t get a response even after a few seconds and shook his arm, "aa..."


    His lips crashed on to her as he tried to position her to avoid hurting her back. Her soft lips were very tender just like every time.


    Aria was caught off guard. She knew it was very easy to please her husband but she didn''t know the current reason. She responded to his soft kiss on her lips as his hand guided her sit on hisp.


    n pulled her closer to cover the distance between them as he coupled their lips tilting his head a little and savored her lips until she wasfortable and bit her lower lip.


    "Nmmm..."


    n easily pushed his tongue in and invaded her every inch. The soft kiss got fiery and intense, robbing her level-headedness yearning for more.


    Aria was a beautiful mess in his arms, losing her sanity to lose herself for him and her moans escaping from her lips which were igniting his urge to possess herpletely.


    He let her take a breath but the moans increased when he bit, kissed, and nibbled her neck down the cor bone. Her heaving chest and whimper stirred him to continue with his hardened friend but he stopped andined leaning back holding her tight in his embrace.


    "Why do you control my senses?" He just wanted to kiss her but his seductress never failed to seduce him.


    Aria was warm herself. She calmed herself ignoring his gaze on her clutching his shirt. <em>''That''s my bleat.''</em>


    n failed to divert his gaze from her flushed face, parted delicious lips, her long slightly curledshes giving him the itch to touch them.


    Aria tried to straighten her legs but got poked and didn''t notice n silently gasping. She almost turned instinctively to check but heard his heavy voice controlling his desire.


    "Eager to greet him?"


    Aria turned scarlet. A part of her said, tease him but she knew the tease would be a reality and he had work toplete so she just buried herself in his embrace.


    He chuckled, flushing her more. "Ms. Goddess, you are my little wife. What''s there to shy away?"


    Right. She knows that but she couldn''t help either.


    She opened her single eye, raising her head and asked curiously, "So do you like the one who leads you on the bed and gobble you up?"


    n gave it a thought to tease. "I don''t mind you dominating me but I wouldn''t get to see you naively blush in my arms... I would love to see when we both go wild on the bed, hmmm I might have to drug you for that."


    Aria: _


    <em>''Drug?''</em>

 Chapter 235: Goddess and God glutton back

    Chapter 235: Goddess and God glutton back


    n bit his lip to control his smile and watched her at loss words gazing nkly at him. He controlledughing out seeing her suffocating herself, "Honey, Breathe... Breathe..."


    She started blinking thinking about drugs because n was too very capable of many things but she didn''t breathe or respond.


    n''s lips twitched. He cupped her face, "Rx..."


    Aria knew she spaced out hearing his explicit wishes. She thought to joke, "What if the bed breaks down? It will be..." <em>''embarrassing.''</em>


    n cut in with a smirk, "Remembrance."


    "Don''t you dare to drug me." she scowled, pinching his waist hard.


    n loved to see her fluster up. Aria''s glower changed to pout in annoyance when he kissed her forehead she chuckled, "Dummy."


    "Birdbrain"


    "Simpleton"


    "Nipoop"


    n: "..."


    "Dum-dum!" Aria said and giggled winning their senseless argument.


    n shook his head in resignation and said, "Currently I am looking like an immoral president taking advantage of a weak little girl. So uwful. Get off."


    Aria: _


    <em>''Uwful? I''m your wife, you dumb man.''</em>


    n gave her a victory smirk and pecked on lips. He straightened their clothes and went out to finish his work soon.


    Aria ran behind him who walked like stretching his legs to miles, "n, do I look so odd? Shouldn''t I wear this type of clothes?"


    n didn''t mean that and he couldn''t understand why she jumped to that conclusion. He turned and flicked on her.


    "You still say you aren''t a dummy. You don''t have to change just because you are the President of apany or you are married. You are amazing as you are and be as you like. Alright?"


    Aria knew many socialite families expect to have a demure, silent, and well-breddy who behaves well and shouldn''t let others point their finger at them.


    She might be a little shy with n and well-bred but her behaviorpletely depends on another party.


    If she wasn''t married, she wouldn''t have asked about her clothing choices but she represents the Morgan family so she wanted to be sure about it.


    Aria smiled brightly at n and nodded, "What about Mom? I think I should ask her once."


    n caressed her cheek and went to his chair, "She wouldn''t mind unless you look pretty. Instead of jeans, she will advise you for pretty skirts or dresses."


    Aria hummed and took the pending file from the desk, "Even you like girly style, don''t you?"


    n saw her seriously looking at the trimester financial stats. He couldn''t help but tease, "Without clothes is better. wless, tender, silky smooth..."


    Aria kicked his swivel chair hard, gritting her teeth. "Shameless man, I''m going back. Die alone here."


    Aria smashed the file on the table and turned to leave flushing scarlet hearing her tant husband reaching new heights in shamelessness on passing days.


    n chuckled heartily moving his chair back to ce. He twirled her pulling her hand and seated her on hisp, "Dummy."


    After a senseless argument, Aria failed to get up from hisp and helped him with his work before he took her out.


    Due to the hickeys on her neck, Aria wore a different top before going out. Since she was with n, Xoan''s men followed them at quite a distance until n''s men called him and gave heads up.


    "Sir, a car is following you. Any orders to take action?"


    Aria raised her brows at n''s weird silence. Thetter smiled at her and spoke to the man, "I will manage, investigate them."


    As soon as n hung up the call, he took consecutive turns and sped off losing the trail behind him easily.


    "What''s wrong?"


    n guesstimated, "I guess, CEO West is pissed off by your directness."


    Aria pouted, "What I said was the truth. On the contrary, he was offering a lot but we were getting nothing by that."


    n pulled her to lean on him and continued to talk. He drove to Noah''s farmhouse away from the city where Noah had prepared for the hotpot with Rian, Isaac, Eva, and Roxy''s help.


    Aria didn''t know they were getting together. n who alighted saw Fourie forgetting their partnerspletely.


    Isaac and n highly doubted whether they were visible to their woman or not.


    Roxy had seen them fighting for pizza slices in school so she felt like they were still the same seeing them fighting for meat in the hotpot.


    "That''s mine."


    "In dreams..."


    "I got it."


    "I ate it...." Eva evillyughed, shoving the hot meat slice.


    Aria and Noah high fived andughed with Rian when Eva was huffing burning her tongue with the spiciness.


    Isaac: "..."


    He calmly tended to her while Eva cried seeing three were feasting.


    There goes another round.


    Isaac couldn''t help but ask, "Guys, we have lots of food to finish. Why are you fighting for each slice of meat?"


    "Because we don''t like the vegetables you are eating." Aria quickly stole Rian''s meat and giggled.


    n responded calmly, "I like the tasty tender meat too."


    <em>Pfft-</em>


    Eva and Aria choked on their food understanding what he actually meant.


    Eva rmingly turned to Isaac who had raised his brow nodding his head slightly in a warning.


    Noah and Rian pushed some towards them, "These are good."


    Aria and Eva sat like well-breddies and gracefully started eating, confusing the other two.


    Rian and Noah looked at each other and their two gobbler friends.


    n smiled at himself and ate. Isaac gave thumbs up to n but their lips twitched the next second.


    "Hey, that''s mine." Aria snarled trying to take back her thin slices of tasty meat from Rian.


    Eva growled at Noah, "You thief, I dare you to touch mine again."


    How much ever n and Isaac controlled their women, Noah and Rian needed a few seconds to get their Goddess and God glutton back.


    Roxy looked at two men chuckled, "This is nothing. You guys should have seen them fighting in a private room of a restaurant. Once Manager had almost called security to control them thinking they were fighting."


    Atst, all meatballs, meat slices, and meat pieces were savored by the Fourie brimming till their throat and sat back caressing their plump belly leaving all the vegetables to the other three.<ol><li>A foolish person.</li></ol>

 Chapter 236: Who is your first love?

    Chapter 236: Who is your first love?


    n was happy after seeing Aria ate well.


    Isaac, "You wild animals, you better clean up."


    Aria and Eva giggled while Noah pped. The butler of the farmhouse came with his wife and cleaned it without a speck.


    Isaac: "..."


    There was nobody when they reached so he thought Noah and Rian were preparing alone.


    Due to the Fourie being crazy, simple half an hour to forty minutes dinner had extended till one hour. So it was already nine.


    "Guys, there are no recreational things in the farmhouse. So what''s the n?"


    "Drink until you lose mind." Eva suggested.


    n''s face turned nk and looked at Aria. Thetter smiled and lightly shook her head. She knew they shouldn''t let their guards down because the security of the farmhouse wasn''t strong and their men were protecting them in the dark.


    Isaac smacked his girlfriend.


    Rian suggested secretly low fiving Aria, "Truth or dare. If failed three shots."


    Aria turned to n who cued her that he was fine with it. Isaac had no problem. Roxy nodded so Rian spun the bottle on the table.


    It stopped at n and Rian asked excitedly, "Bro, truth or dare."


    All had an anticipating gaze on n curious to know which he would pick up.


    "Truth." n wanted to test the water because he had no idea the length they go in the game.


    Rian grinned evilly, "Ever had a wet dream?"


    Isaac: "..."


    Aria burst intoughter and the rest were curious to know about President Morgan which Aria too didn''t know.


    n understood he was sitting with perverts. Being one of them, "Yes" He didn''t lie.


    "Ohhhh..." All said in unison.


    "With whom?" Eva shamelessly asked.


    n''s eyes were on Aria but said, "Isn''t it only one question per turn?"


    Aria flushed instead. After giving them a hint, he was denying to answer. <em>''Shameless man.''</em>


    n twirled the bottle and it stopped at Aria leaving her at loss.


    "President Cooper, truth or dare."


    She never would dare to say dare because her husband was good at leaving her to fluster. She responded, "Truth."


    n knew the rules of the game were never to repeat the question and he thought about what he wanted to know but there was nothing like he didn''t know.


    His dummy wife was always an open book for him.


    "Where do you like to go for a honeymoon?"


    All felt it was too easy a question. Aria facepalmed. <em>''My husband is so naive.''</em>


    "With whom?" Isaac repeated his girlfriend''s question causing others tough.


    "Anywhere with you Sweetheart." Aria promptly responded to her husband.


    "So cheesy." Rian rolled his eyes.


    n smiled and didn''t respond. Aria twirled the bottle and it stopped at Isaac.


    Isaac gave a sheepish smile thinking how could Aria ask. "Myrade, Truth, or dare."


    Eva covered her face thinking Aria would cent percent ask questions tough at her.


    Isaac had no idea how would be her dare so he chose, "Truth."


    Eva pinched his thigh.


    Aria smiled sweetly, "How many times did your girlfriend seduced you before my homing party?"


    Noah and Rian burst intoughter. Eva flushed. Isaac understood why Eva had covered her face. n looked at his shameless wife.


    Isaac promptly responded, "I can''t count because it''s almost every alternate day."


    Four burst intoughter and Eva wanted to hide under the table, n patted Isaac, "I pity your hand."


    That gave two dirty meanings and four couldn''t controlughing till their jaws were paining.


    Isaac gritted his teeth at his friend and growled at four, "Are you four so dirty?"


    Rianmented, "Better than your hand."


    Isaac regretted asking, seeing another round ofughter. n gave him a pitiful look and sipped his beer


    Isaac spun the bottle whenughter decreased hearing Eva curse them. Bottle pointed Roxy who was nonchnt.


    "Truth or dare." Isaac unemotionally asked.


    "Truth." The response was the same.


    Isaac gave it a thought but he couldn''t get something to embarrass Rian. He agrees he never yed such games.


    Thinking Roxy as a feisty woman, "Who is the bottom?" if Rian was the answer, he thought to tease.


    The Fourie rolled their eyes. Eva responded instead of Roxy, "Our tough girl starts and the man ends."


    <em>''Okay fine, You guys have no shame.''</em> Isaac thought to himself.


    Roxy twirled the bottle which stopped at Eva.


    Aria and Rian started saying in unison, "Dare... Dare... Dare..."


    Roxy asked looking at Eva, "Truth or dare."


    Eva knew Roxy was too bold and she would even tell her to french kiss Isaac in front of them so she chose safe one. "Truth"


    "Last time you made out?" Roxy nonchntly asked.


    Eva punched Isaac''s waist hearing him cough and look away. All became even more curious and heard her, "In the bedroom of the vi."


    Aria and Roxy rolled their eyes thinking it might be in their vi but Noah spoke "Woah, That ten minutes of your absence from helping us was to make out. Guys you two live together. My Poor life."


    Aria, Roxy, and Rian burst intoughter high fiving looking at Eva flush under her covered face.


    The game went on. Isaac and n were poor yers to ask any interesting questions.


    When Rian spun and it stopped at Noah, thetter nonchntly said, "Truth."


    Aria and Rian looked at each other before Rian asked, "Who is your first love?"


    The smile on Noah''s face faded. He didn''t want to voice it. He didn''t care about the gazes and drowned the three shots of vodka.


    Aria and Rian sighed in resignation. Eva frowned thinking why Noah wasn''t ready to answer.


    The air around them turned suffocatingly cold. n and Isaac''s faces were indecipherable and dark. Their attention shifted to their woman.<em></em>


    <em></em>


    <em>Why couldn''t Noah say the truth in front of them?</em>


    Rian made fun of Noah to control the mood of everyone, "I knew it. Noah, agree that you are interested in men. Who is he? Say it... Say it..."


    Eva and Aria too teased to lift the moods back, "Cutie, are you at the bottom then?"


    Aria cupped her face and asked humorously, "Elder or younger?"


    Roxy didn''t care what was going on but added herment, "If older then surely bottom."


    But those were darkening the face of two men while Noah''s lips twitched uncontrobly.


    "Heartless people, why are you bullying only single out here?"


    Eva added, "Guys imagine a handsome man next to Our Cutie... They would be a sight to see."

 Chapter 237: Loves to spend time

    Chapter 237: Loves to spend time


    They made fun of Noah for sometime before Isaac spoke, "That''s enough. Let him off."


    Rian and Aria thought to stop the game and nodded at each other. The former spoke, "Bro, take care of your wife."


    Aria: "..."


    Noah spoke, "There are only two bedrooms inside, so arranged a canopy under that tree, no worries, it''s safe and one on the terrace."


    All first looked at n unknowingly to let him choose first.


    n raised his brows at Aria to ask but she mouthed at n, <em>''Your choice.''</em>


    "Terrace."


    Eva jumped, "I want white canopy, It looks romantic."


    "Need a bedroom." Rian said and left with Roxy.


    Noah went to his room wishing them night.


    Aria and Eva stood up to leave but blocked by their men.


    "Who does Noah like? You?"


    Eva poked his head, "Nope stupid."


    Aria understood without asking, "My love, he sees us as sisters. Let''s go."


    Isaac''s lips twitched, "Stupid and My love." He gave thumbs up at n and took his girlfriend.


    n was still in a dilemma, "Are you sure?"


    "Shall we take a small walk? I ate too much."


    n nodded.


    Aria hugged his arm as she walked with him, "Even though I don''t think about what others feel for me, I am always attentive about these three so I can say Noah likes us as a friend, loves to spend time with us as a friend. Sister Zara found him lost in thoughts and speaking on mobile to some girl saying he will take care of her asking her to trust him. Sister Zara had called me and asked about it. Since I didn''t know, I spoke to Rian who also didn''t know so we were trying if he could say it. And you petty man, stop overthinking."


    n finally let his heart at rest.


    After a good walk, both reached the terrace.


    Aria looked at the arrangements and gasped. It was romantic and beautiful. A bed had been arranged with soft tiny lights around.


    n was impressed by the arrangement looking at her happy. <em>''Simpleton''</em> He thought he picked the right choice by choosing the terrace.


    Both cuddled as they spoke before falling asleep.


    Noah had taken the unfinished vodka bottle and drank till the bottoms empty before sleeping.


    He was tired of assuring the girl that he would take care of her, her family, and her problems. He had two choices, either he could try more or give up. He didn''t want to give up but he wasn''t ready to lower himself again and again for her.


    He hadn''t told anybody and he knew his friends would anyway get to know sooner orter. Due to his action, he was sure they would sit on his head from the uing days.


    Rian spooned Roxy as they spoke. "Rian, were you guys teasing Noah? Or is he really into guys?"


    "Just teased..." Rian''s groggy voice sounded in the room.


    "Then why didn''t he tell the name of the girl?"


    "I''m trying to know it but he isn''t telling me. There must be a problem, you don''t worry, we three will help him out."


    Roxy started specting what could be a problem but Rian had dozed off hearing her soft tone. Roxy just smiled and went to deep slumber.


    Inside the white canopy, Isaac thought for a few minutes before asking, "Do you love me?"


    Eva who was checking out the surroundings paused and teased, "No. I''m just having fun with a sexist man."


    Isaac frowned and didn''t speak again. Thinking about themselves, they actually never confessed to each other. Whenever he took the marriage topic, Eva always brushed it off.


    While concentrating on their own career, they took care of each other, worried about each other, got to know about each other well but at some point, he started to feel like they were just friends with benefits.


    Leaving the marriage topic, whenever he tries to talk about their rtionship, Eva always brushes it off or makes fun of themselves.


    <em>''What the hell are we?''</em> This question started haunting him.


    He tried again, "Eva, shall we get engaged?"


    Eva who pulled the nket on them pinched his cheek, "Aren''t we good now? Sleep, it''ste."


    Isaac''s frowns got deepened and closed his eyes to sleep. Eva caressed his face and flipped around.


    Both didn''t talk but both didn''t sleep struggling in their own world.


    ---


    Xoan received the news saying they didn''t find any such girl but there was one with n but they lost the track.


    As soon as he heard it, he broke the mobile crashing aside, scaring the girl next to him who left the private room instantly.


    One who could calm him was Xin but he didn''t want to disturb Xin. He nned a few things out, fulfilled his physical urges, and went back to his home.


    --


    The next day all got back to work. n warned Aria to be careful about her security before letting her go.


    While entering her office Aria noticed Ceon Davies in the waiting area but she wasn''t sure who he was waiting for so she just minded her business.


    Ceon was waiting for Aria but he didn''t identify Aria due to her attire and face mask.


    When Levi went inside the office, Ceon identified him. "Assistant Levi?"


    Levi faced him and remembered he was Finn''s friend, "Yes? How may I help you?"


    Ceon directly went to the point, "I want to meet Aria Cooper."


    Levi didn''t show any emotions on his face, "President Cooper''s schedule is full this week. I can give you an appointment in the next but for that may I know the reason?"


    Ceon didn''t know Levi knew about Finn, "I just need a minute or two. Let me meet her."


    "Sorry Sir, That''s not possible. Excuse me." Levi responded and was ready to leave Ceon interrupted.


    "President Cooper and I have met. She knows me. Why don''t you ask her once?"


    Even though what he said was the truth, there were many like that trying to reach her so Levi wasn''t convinced whether as her assistant or personal bodyguard.


    "Sorry Sir, I can''t help you with this. If you know President Cooper, you can take her appointment directly. Have a good day." Levi didn''t leave any room for further argument and left.


    Ceon cursed under breath walking back and forth until a girl identified him and tried to strike a conversation. He felt annoyed and left Skyline Industries.


    He thought his father might help him reach Aria or get her personal number so he got into another mission.

 Chapter 238: Energy-boosting couple

    Chapter 238: Energy-boosting couple


    On Friday of the week, Aria left with Noah, Rian, Roxy, Isaac, and Eva to a beautiful vige called Ziro.


    It was suggested by Isaac and he had found that ce during one of his movie shootings.


    Ziro was hidden in the hills and was home to all exotic travel creatures and was one of the most beautiful viges due to the untouched beauty of nature.


    They could wind through its expansive rice fields, it was a spot for watching hornbill. Ziro had its own tribal group with their own culture to watch and enjoy.


    First, they went by air and a three-hour road trip to reach the destination.


    All settled in their room of a vi which they rented for the weekend by the head of the vige. It was the same vi where Isaac stayed during the shoot so he hadmunicated.


    Since it was night, all went to bed as n wasing the next day.


    Deep into the night, Aria heard the footsteps around her room. Without n being around or excluding Cooper mansion or Morgan mansion, she naturally bes a light sleeper in defense.


    So hearing the footsteps she wanted to think maybe someone wasn''t getting sleep due to a new ce but steps got nearer and nearer to her room door.


    The vi they were staying in wasn''t a newly built modern house. It was a vige vi built like half a century back. So the footsteps clearly heard.


    Her hands instinctively grabbed the metal while her heartbeat raised. She could hide her tracks but she couldn''t do that for her friends or others so even if she gets into danger she knows she has to handle it.


    Rxing or enjoying the trip without worry was only a dream to her which she realized right after alighting the jet. But she knew she shouldn''t stop living her life in worry.


    She waited for the knock on the door if it was her people but footsteps stopped and it went back to peaceful silence as if it didn''t happen at all.


    Aria was perplexed.<em> ''Am I being paranoid? Aria, what''s wrong with you?''</em>


    She left the metal back and leaned back to drink water but she heard somebody jumping to the balcony. Even though the sound was very low, since she was awake she heard it and saw the silhouette.


    She left the water ss back on the side table and pulled the metal weapon and aimed at the man without an ounce of mercy in her actions.


    It just took a few seconds. Aria who everyone knew was nowhere present. Her eyes sharpened like an eagle ready to kill its prey once insight.


    The balcony had a sliding door that opened and Aria warned, "Freeze." Her voice was deathly cold and heavy with a warning.


    Aria moved to reach the wall end to reach for switches to turn on lights but her eyes didn''t distract even a little from the man or his actions.


    In the darkroom, she couldn''t identify who entered but the man knew who she was and what she was holding but he didn''t expect to scare her.


    "Aria..."


    That deep voice carried a hint of heartache looking at her state under the very faint light from afar through the bay window.


    Aria''s hand hung low instantly and cried, "You scared me..."


    The man took long strides and pulled her to embrace taking her handgun. "I didn''t want to wake you up. I''m sorry, I will never do it again."


    Aria sniffled in his arms for sometime before letting go of him. What she knew was n would reach in the morning but not at midnight.


    n knew well Aria hated to use weapons. It was on continuous pester of Vince that she had to keep one for her safety.


    n never asked her to keep because she never feels at ease carrying such things around. She wanted a simple and normal life but not killing somebody to be safe or struggling.


    n kept rubbing her back to calm her, "I''m..."


    Aria cut in knowing he was going to apologize again, "It''s alright. You should have told me that you will reach soon."


    n turned on lights after searching them on the wall. "Aren''t you angry?"


    Aria pouted and punched him, "If you don''t coax me to sleep now, I will kick you off the bed."


    <em>''Dummy''</em>


    n continuously spoke in a low soft voice to let her rx first before she dozed off in his embrace when it was nearly dawn time.


    Since she sleptte, n didn''t wake her up to watch the sunrise with others and sent them. She only woke up when the sun hit the heights.


    And another couple were in the cold war. Isaac didn''t want to speak about what was going on in his head. Eva was getting back to normal but seeing him give the cold shoulder, she didn''t want to argue with him and ruin their trip thinking to talk after returning home.


    Aria and n quickly got fresh and had brunch before going out to explore with all. Since the vige wasn''t big, they were roaming on their feet.


    Eva, Aria, and Roxy hit the small waterfalls leaving men at loss. Rian and Noah wanted to join but they were sure, those girls would get cold and they couldn''t afford to fall sick.


    Noah still wanted to join but Rian pulled him back. Soon a few kids of the vige joined the girls adding more fun giving a reason for them to stay in the water longer.


    Right after going out of the water, three started sneezing.


    <em>''Achoo''</em>


    <em>''Achoo''</em>


    <em>''Achoo''</em>


    Isaac spoke, "They are reliving their lost five years together."


    n removed his jacket and wrapped Aria, "Why..."


    <em>''Achoo''</em>


    n gave up reprimanding her and rubbed her cold palms as they walked towards the vi.


    Rian knocked on Roxy''s head and wrapped his jacket and her leather jacket rubbing her arms to warm her.


    Aria noticed Isaac just dropping his jacket on Eva''s shoulder and walked without a word. They were the energy-boosting couple bickering all the time so it wasn''t difficult for Aria to identify the problem.


    Even though n doesn''t like her poking in others'' lives, Aria instinctively wants to help them out. So she had two problems to resolve sooner, Noah and Eva.


    She turned to Noah who avoided her eyes purposefully.

 Chapter 239: My goddess is dirty

    Chapter 239: My goddess is dirty


    Noah knew Aria would sooner orter sit and talk to him but he wasn''t at the state to do so. He needed time to make his mind about what to do.


    While averting away from Aria''s gaze, he noticed Isaac and Eva weren''t themselves.


    Rian took Roxy ahead to reach the vi so he didn''t notice the couple.


    Aria and Noah wanted to help but they knew their boundaries so they just wished them to solve it soon.


    n wasn''t one to poke in unnecessarily so he just cared about his wife who was sneezing her lungs out.


    After a hot water bath, three girls ended up with a running nose and went to the dining table.


    Aria poked Isaac who was next to her while eating, "Isaac if you want my help anytime, do ask me."


    Isaac pinched her cheek, "Give rest to your brain." he wasn''t dumb and he could say she had already realized by their behavior.


    Aria pouted but nodded.


    After dinner, Roxy went to bed feeling drowsy due to cold medicines. Isaac and n went for their men''s talk. The three surrounded Noah.


    They didn''t speak other than looking at him. Noah understood the reason but he was reluctant to speak about it.


    "Guys, can''t you let me off?"


    "We aren''t holding you."


    "I need time."


    "So only we are waiting."


    Noah rubbed his forehead, "When I feel like sharing it, I will do so."


    "You can feel it now."


    Noah jerked up almost scaring Aria and grunted, "It''s my private matter. Stay out of it, please."


    Aria shook her head at Rian and held Eva''s hand, "Then you guys have fun. There is Ziro''s special drink downstairs, I heard it''s quite strong alcohol, go and try it. n and Isaac are over there too."


    Aria knew Noah wasn''t feeling good due to the topic so she cued Rian and took Eva to her room balcony.


    "Arrie, who do you think she must be?"


    Aria shook her head. She could have easily investigated it but she didn''t want to invade his privacy. But it was only valid until Noah doesn''t lose his sanity over it.


    "As far as I understood from Sister Zara''s words, she is someone who has a painful past and isn''t ready to trust another man or problem with her family."


    Aria took out the wine she had brought and both wrapped aforter around them sitting together as a soul sister.


    Leaning on Aria''s shoulder, Eva smiled, "Isn''t it been like a really long time we both enjoyed our time and talked? I really miss those days."


    "I''m sorry..." <em>''for staying away for five years, for failing to give you time, for failing to hear your problem by drowning myself in my problems.''</em>


    Eva cut in, "My goddess, we have our whole life, we just lost only five years, that''s negligible."


    "Why didn''t you guys get angry and dragged me back here?"


    Eva pulled her cheek, "My wifey, you gave importance to your goals, it''s very important and I am proud of you for that. If you stayed here burying your goals then that wouldn''t be you."


    Aria smiled. Of course, she knew Eva neverined about it and she was one of them to boost her all the time and never said a negative word.


    They spoke little things before Aria chose Eva''s topic, "Why are you and Isaac aren''t talking well? Did you guys fight?"


    Eva chugged wine from her flute and left her ss aside. She hugged Aria''s arm like a kid and started thinking about how to tell Aria.


    Eva hardly hid anything from Aria and thetter knows her better than her own mother. Aria let her take time and waited patiently.


    After it felt like a really long time, Eva opened her lips, "I''m feeling like I''m tying down Issac. He didn''t tell me but I know he rejected a Hollywood offer."


    Eva knew well, once he entered Hollywood, he could shine brightly at the international level and in-country A too. And shepletely mes herself for telling him once that she loves to stay in country A even if she has to travel to any part of the world.


    For that one wish of hers, he left his goal. And she didn''t want to be the one who stops him.


    And she knew well, if he gets engaged or married to her, his poprity wouldn''t be the same as it was.


    She wanted him to shine in what he does, she wanted him to stand top where nobody could reach him.


    Aria gently cupped her face with a hand patting lightly, "Why are you looking down on yourself? Eva, you left the state administration job which you were preparing for all your teenage years. You wanted to be a foreign delegate and travel the world learning so manynguages. As a girl, when you can change your goal for your man, why can''t Isaac do the same for you?"


    Aria wasn''t sure if Isaac even knew that because Eva only told Aria as others knew as she wanted to be the only writer.


    It was the same as Aria''s goals. Aria was designer Alia like Eva as an author. Aria wanted to lead her father''spany as Eva wanted to travel the world working as a foreign delegate of country A.


    Eva faintly smiled holding her hand, "I wholeheartedly changed to be with Isaac and I have no regrets. As his girlfriend, I want to support him unlike stopping his growth and I don''t even know how we will end up."


    Aria frowned slightly at herst words. She couldn''t see her face due to the sudden change of her seating.


    "Eva, what if Isaac doesn''t want to go Hollywood? What if he is happy staying here with you? First of all, why didn''t you talk to him? Unless youmunicate, you will not get to know."


    Eva bit her lip and turned to her.


    Aria saw her in a dilemma so she continued, "What do you mean by how you guys will end up? You guys love each other. Isaac''s mother is so fond of you and your parents, they will probably disown you to adopt Isaac as a son. So, of course, you guys will get married and live happily ever after."


    "I want to but..."


    Aria knocked on her head.


    <em>''Ouch''</em> Eva rubbed her head and red at Aria pouting in displease.


    Aria ignored her murderous re and started whispering, ignoring her blushing red.


    "My goddess is dirty." Eva shoved her away after she finished.

 Chapter 240: Domestic violence

    Chapter 240: Domestic violence


    "For your kind information, It''s in your R18 fiction."


    Eva widened her eyes in surprise, "When did you get the guts to read it?... Let me guess... With Prince?"


    Eva knew Aria hated to read it. She always reads novels which were published in paperback.


    Aria shoved her and got into her room. She chided n in mind for forcing her to hear him read before proving her practically to show which were wrongly and correctly described in it.


    Eva teased her for sometime before trying out her own fiction.


    ...


    n and Isaac''s conversation was boring on their business whereas Noah was drunk soon due to strong alcohol.


    Rian just heard him say, "I will make my mind and tell you guys soon."


    Rian sighed and helped him to his room before going to his room. Seeing Roxy rolled up, he quickly freshened up and climbed on the bed.


    Before he could pull her to his embrace to keep her warm, Roxy snuggled herself, "Hug me..."


    Rian kissed on her crown and embraced her to sleep.


    n and Isaac were still sober. n went to see his wife who was giggling looking at her mobile.


    "Flirting?"


    "Yep..." She stuck out her tongue at him and giggled.


    "She is right next door." n rolled his eyes before entering the bathroom to shower.


    Aria quickly messaged, <em>[Go My girl.]</em> Then she checked on some office mails before going to sleep.


    n snuggled inside her nket burying his face in the crook of her neck, wrapping her securely in his arms.


    Aria tried to see his face moving a little away but n groaned like a little boy whose chocte was stolen and he pulled her closer.


    Gently massaging his scalp, "n..."


    n hummed and the cycle repeated before both fell asleep with a smile on their faces.


    In her life, if Aria used a word more than any other words was his name. In his life, he never heard his name so many times from anybody else and liked his name only hearing her call.


    He had wished her to call him by his name when they weren''t together. Now she liked his name more than any others.


    In the next room, Isaac leaned on the headrest drinking water as he checked on his mobile. Eva exited the bathroom wearing an almost transparent singleyer top skipping the inline top.


    Isaac subconsciously looked at her when the door opened.


    <em>''Pfft''</em>


    He could see all the right curves of her treasure because her top served as she wanted, serving nothing.


    He wanted to ask what she was doing because even though she used to seduce him before, she was never in such clothes, and nowadays it was usually him who seduces her.


    Now it was too much to handle even though he knew he needed time to settle his thoughts.


    Eva was satisfied that her man was still interested in her and she tried to calm her heart from her nervousness thinking what if he tosses her away and sleeps.


    Isaac felt his heart was speeding at fullest without his control. He tried to conquer with his mind but as she neared he swallowed again and again.


    The little sanity left in him wasn''t letting him make a move on her when every cell of him wanted to take her.


    Eva ignored her fiction and decided to go by instincts and how her heart guides. Caressing his face looking at his anticipating yet confused gaze she sat on hisp.


    Isaac didn''t react. He wasn''t ready to act and hear his body reacting for her.


    Eva buried her hint of disappointment seeing him just sitting and started showering him light pecks on his face as her fingers yed with his hair on the back of his head.


    She was about to kiss his lips but Isaac controlled his urge holding his bottom line of self-control.


    Eva bit her lower lip hard to hide the pain she was feeling. Isaac saw her gaze diverting and cupped her face to gaze at his eyes.


    Eva''s eyes were glistening due to wetness. She couldn''t make herself speak but tried to get away but Isaac secured her position without letting her move.


    Isaac wasn''t sure what she was struggling with but asked, "Do you love me?"


    Eva blinked and a tear rolled down her eyes.


    Isaac panicked, "Why are you crying? If you don''t want to answer, it''s okay. Don''t cry. I will not ask again."


    But saying it, he felt his heartbreaking giving him sharp pain troubling him to even take a breath in.


    Eva wailed, "Why did you stop me? It''s so embarrassing."


    Isaac again tried to voice it, "I thought you don''t love me and we are just..." He stopped midway and wiped her tears, "I will not think any less of you. Don''t feel like that. Alright?"


    Eva frowned still thinking about what he said first, "Why did you think I don''t love you? Do you think I have anybody else other than you to love?"


    Isaac was momentarily at a loss of words, "Wait... Answer me straight, do you love me or not?"


    Eva smacked his head roughly, "You dumb man, I have only loved you, and will you love you in my life."


    Isaac and Eva both realized they again ended up in big confusion. Eva voiced it first furiously, "You all along thought I was just dating you, and I just like you."


    Isaac poked her head hard, "You dumb woman, why were you always saying no whenever I asked whether you love me and even you always brushed off the topic about engagement and wedding."


    Eva gritted her teeth twisting his ear, "Have you ever asked me out properly? You just talk as if asking whether I like to eat or cook."


    Eva wanted to hit herself for expecting the reel to be real life. He acts in movies to show the feeling of those typical proposing and confessing which were all fake and set up where he just portrays.


    Feelings don''t actually need time and asion to be confessed. Those created asions were only because to keep the partner happy.


    She wanted to hit herself because she had clearly told him to never overdo things about them in the public ces.


    "Can you stop domestic violence?" Even though he said like a bullied man, only he knew how content and happy he was.


    She was almost calmed down but hearing domestic violence and a smirk on his handsome face, she left him.


    "Oh really? Alright. Enjoy yourself." She stood up to go to the bathroom but Isaac was baffled.


    Now his heart was happy, <em>how was his brain going to hear his lower part of the body?</em>


    He felt so very wrong seeing her leave. <em>''You muddle-headed fool, you missed such a great chance.''</em>


    "Babe, where are you going after exciting me?" He spoke like a wronged one.

 Chapter 241: Caught using drugs

    Chapter 241: Caught using drugs


    Eva realized why Aria said during weakness, men will speak their heart out. She didn''t expect Isaac to be troubled by all that, <em>''Dumb man.''</em>


    "Babe, where are you going after exciting me?"


    Eva controlledughing, "Help yourself. Hmph."


    But before she could finish saying Isaac pinned her to the cold wall. It was Isaac''s turn to seduce Eva.


    "You... Let me go."


    Her thinyer of cloth wasn''t enough to stop the warm palm caressing her curves sensually.


    "You-" Eva tried to stop him but Isaac captured her lips.


    Tearing the top off easily, he wrapped his muscr arm around her waist to carry her to the bed forgetting they were in an old vi of a vige.


    It was easier for Isaac to tempt his woman knowing her body too well but half a way through their intense love making session both heard creaking noises but they were too busy and engrossed themselves in each other.


    <em>''Crack.''</em>


    Their old bed leg failed to hold their intensity and broke.


    Eva and Isaac looked at each other and burst intoughter. Having no option they ended soon. After washing up Eva snuggled in Isaac''s embrace who had arranged on the floor using the nkets and pillows.


    Eva tried to control but remembered the bed and burst intoughter saying, "We... broke the bed."


    Isaac didn''t interrupt herughter and kept her in his embrace. Eva controlled after sometime before talking about her worries.


    "Isaac, why did you reject the Hollywood offer?"


    Isaac wasn''t expecting that question, "I didn''t like the role so I didn''t go for an audition, and anyway, I never nned to go to international stages. It''s good here with you."


    Eva wanted to smack her own head. "But all dream to go on international stages."


    Isaac hummed, "I might take up a role if I like it. Just because I got an offer from there, if I ignore the role, my image would again fall. And anyway, my manager and Arrie wouldn''t allow me for negligible roles."


    Eva was surprised and turned to him, "Arrie decides?"


    Isaac caressed her head, "After my approval, usually I will sign only after Arrie checks it. n had long back-ordered my manager to coordinate with her. The Hollywood project was straight rejected by my manager and when the Managing director again pushed it to me, I didn''t like it either so we didn''t continue."


    "Wow..." Eva snuggled closer to Isaac beforeing to the conclusion, "So basically Arrie is kind of your secret manager to keep your image strong. And why don''t I know about this?"


    Isaac chuckled, "Because she didn''t like the title <em>''Most desirableman for a one-night stand.''</em> As soon she got to know she could help me out and n didn''t object to her so she got into actions. Hence Arrie or Skyline invested more than fifty percent in all the movies I took part in. When I asked her to stop worrying, she said she was doing it for business so I had no choice. The movies,<em> ''Wanderlust'' ''Blue gxy''</em> which are blockbuster, Arrie didn''t want to invest in them because she wanted me to lead in them but the otherpany and director wanted another lead so she had given them option saying it''s me with investment else no investment. So having no choice, they agreed and the movie script was sent to me."


    Eva''s mouth was wide open in astonishment. "And I don''t know anything about this. I''m so dumb. Arrie is helping you and also earning without giving us a chance to retort. By the way, if Arrie sends you a script, do you have the power to reject or not?"


    Isaac chuckled, "Are you doubting your friend now?"


    Eva punched him before hearing the response, "I haveplete authority to decide for myself. She never ordered me to take up the movie. She always said, <em>''Check it out once.''</em> without telling me whether she argued with the other investors or directors. It was always directors who told me about how Arrie trusted in me even when directors doubted."


    Isaac knew Eva wouldn''t like it if anybody rules on him and he purposefully exined if in case she misunderstands Aria or n.


    Eva adored, "My goddess is the best."


    Both knew well, Aria gives her all oncemitted to doing something.


    "And me?"


    Eva cheekily replied, "You are hot..." She pecked on his lips and continued, "She is sexy."


    Going for another makeout session, both fell asleep.


    --


    The next day, Aria leaned on n who was leaning on the room door of Isaac and Eva.


    While the couple was embarrassed to death, Aria giggled in n''s embrace and whispered to him, "Results of going wild."


    Eva could face Aria but seeing n with her, she could only hide behind Isaac while a carpenter repaired the bed controlling hisughter.


    Isaac had guessed the reactions but seeing Aria giggle talking with n who was giving him a look saying, <em>''Like seriously?''</em>


    n knew the beds were too old present in the vi else <em>why he would have left his seductress to sleep without tiring her off?</em>


    Hearing the hammer sound, Rian, Roxy, and Noah reached too. Aria spoke before anybody, "Bed legs were too weak to handle so it broke off easily. Nothing else."


    Her prolonged <em>''Nothing else''</em> caused a roar ofughter in the room including the carpenter.


    Later, n got a call from Morgan Industries saying <em>''One of the A list actors caught using drugs and the media is in an uproar.''</em>


    He didn''t want to ruin the moods of others so he didn''t inform them and coaxed Aria to enjoy with them until he joined.


    He roughly had the idea who was behind everything because A list of actors under Morgan Industries was trained to be uptight with their schedules. Their managers keep them away from such things to survive in the Morgan entertainment.


    He called his men to investigate quickly and get the proof. Since all the A-listers had to stay in the assigned apartment, n guessed things couldn''t get out of hands.


    He stayed in the room checking on media and continuously instructing the PR department, Nathan and his team but the news was spreading like crazy confirming him somebody was actually behind it.

 Chapter 242: Arrie is missing

    Chapter 242: Arrie is missing


    Xoan was sitting in his office,ughing evilly looking at the news, "There goes my first strike." without caring he was going against n Morgan.


    n always cleaned up without hyping up so the close business circle knew his power but Xoan had no idea and he forgot to know the enemy before striking.


    Xoan had no idea, n had all his details except the picture of Xin who he was close to. n clearly guessed Xin as the hacker because when he tried to know about the hacker, it ended him at a dead end.


    ---


    Ziro vige


    Six strolled in the market of Ziro checking the handicrafts, wild fruits, exotic cuisine, and others.


    Aria''s mobile rang showing Levi''s name on disy. Aria answered, taking a step away from the other five.


    "Hey!"


    Levi''s voice was hoarse, "President Cooper, Morgan Entertainment A list actor is caught doing drugs and our team member by coincidence caught the man after hearing them talk. What do you suggest?"


    "Did you investigate who is behind it?" Aria realized why n sent her out when she wanted to stay with him.


    She couldn''t understand why he hides the problem away from her. She also knew he didn''t want her to worry about hispany problems.


    Levi responded, "We aren''t sure about President Morgan''s n so I thought to talk to you first."


    Aria hummed, "Let me connect n to the call..." In no time she added n to the conference.


    "n, Levi is on the line. My team member coincidentally heard a man talking about framing against the actor. So that man is under control, how do you want to handle it?"


    n was quiet for a few seconds, "Hand him to police and we have the evidence saying the actor was targeted. The rest will be taken care of by my team."


    Levi responded first, "Sure President Morgan."


    "Thank you Levi, And yeah, enjoy your weekend with your fellows. It''s on me."


    "Thank you, President Cooper. Enjoy your holiday."


    Aria hummed and Levi hung up the call. Aria spoke, "n..."


    Her professional to helpless tone caused him to chuckle, "Sweetheart, a few minutes, let me wrap up ande, alright?"


    Aria hummed and hung up the call. She saw Roxy and Eva standing close and watching somebody. She joined them to hear.


    "He is so dashing."


    "Dashing is an understatement. He is dazzling."


    "His sharp jawline, his ck eyes, thin brows, oh god his smile. He is just like in the novels."


    Aria''s lips twitched. She wanted to knock their heads and say that they weren''t singles. Anyway, she saw their line of sight.


    "He is good and can try modeling. But n is better. You just haven''t seen his smile."


    Eva and Roxyughed at her, "Nobody is visible to you other than your husband."


    Aria gritted her teeth, "Are you saying n isn''t good?" She pulled her sleeves up ready to teach them but two girls rolled their eyes.


    "Prince is above the best that doesn''t mean this man isn''t good."


    "This man has his charms. His dazzling ck diamond-like eyes are too attractive."


    Aria was satisfied with Eva''s response and didn''t care about the man. She was about the check on three men, she heard Noah suppressing hisughter behind her and a mischievous smile appeared on her face.


    "Actually, My Beauty, Comrade, and Cutie are better than him."


    "Very funny." Roxy said while Evaughed.


    Rian and Issac gritted their teeth. They clearly heard everything. They badly wanted to knock some sense into their woman and were so jealous of n having Aria as his wife.


    Noah pulled Aria behind and pointed at Rian and Isaac fuming. Both low fived each other and heard the girls.


    "I don''t think he is from the vige."


    "Let''s talk to him. Arrie, do you want toe?"


    "How about I join you Ms.Miller?"


    <em>Pfft -</em>


    "What about me Ms.Stephen?"


    Roxy awkwardlyughed.


    While two were fuming, the other two were gritting teeth at Aria, Thetter wasughing her heart out with Noah.


    Isaac stepped near Eva, "Dazzling?"


    "You like his smile?" Rian crossed his arms ring at Roxy.


    "We... we were just saying it."


    "You- you are the best darling."


    .


    .


    Girls started to cate giving thempliments.


    Aria and Noah couldn''t hold theirughter looking at the dreaded face of Eva and Roxy, jealous faces of Isaac and Rian.


    Not far away, a greek god-like man''s attention moved to the girl''sughter. His eyes slightly widened identifying the girl.


    "Little Bunny!" Escaped from his lips unknowingly.


    He was seeing her directly after nearly eight years. He had thought she lost herself in the business and the photos she had updated were just showing off but she was the same without a hint of haughtiness or pretentiousness.


    He wasn''t sure if she could identify him or not so he just stood and watched herughing as his lips curled up into a beautiful smile that Eva and Roxy missed.


    While they walked ahead, he couldn''t help but trace the path for some distance.


    Unknown about the eyes on her, Aria was happy listening to reprimanding men and the sorry state of girls.


    As they checked out, a little boy from the previous day who yed in the water with the girls, pulled Aria''s jacket down.


    Aria sat down on one knee and received a pink Rosa ''Eden'' flower. She smiled pinching the little boy''s cheek, "Thank you, little boy."


    He clumsily held her face and kissed her cheek before running away.


    The other fiveughed at her seeing that. Eva teased, "That boy must have seen your overflowing motherly love. Wifey, are you pregnant?"


    Aria''s lips twitched.


    "Come to think of it, Arrie, you are married for two-plus years, where is my niece or nephew?"


    "No, no, wait... Goddess, don''t tell me you didn''t let Prince get near you before you came here?"


    Aria gritted her teeth controlling herself from pping Eva''s mouth for telling in front of all.


    "Wow... Little Devil is so good at taming my brother."


    Isaac didn''t let the opportunity go, "Didn''t you guys go on a honeymoon after your church wedding? You sent him off just like that?"


    Noahmented, "Brother Isaac, If we didn''t provoke you, you would have still helped yourself, you aren''t in the ce of teasing our goddess."


    Isaac: _


    <em>''Me again? This Fourie...''</em>


    Aria was flushed scarlet the whole time, "Guys, it''s just a little boy giving me a rose. Stop connecting everything."


    All burst intoughter.


    She pouted as she smelled the rose. It was different from how it used to smell in the city. Due to her interest in perfume, she was peculiar about the smells of different roses but this waspletely different.


    It was very pleasant and calming. She sniffed again and took it near Eva, "Eva, try it. It''s a little different, it will be good for the perfumes."


    Eva chuckled, "Nose block... I think nature here is a little cool, it might be different."


    Aria nodded and let Noah try it when he took. Noah hummed and they walked ahead.


    Aria''s eyes widened and her hands trembled. She regretted smelling the rose.


    Without letting her mind-controlled by the powder she sniffed, she turned to see the boy but he wasn''t in the sight. She tried to see if anybody was following her but failed and stumbled on the ground feeling dizzy.


    She failed to call any of her friends and fell back. She didn''t feel the pain and somebody carried her away.


    Noah and Rian had tried the flower and were passing back to Aria to realize, she wasn''t there.


    It took time to realize <em>''Arrie is missing''</em> until Noah said <em>he was dizzy</em>.

 Chapter 243: Overconfidence kills.

    Chapter 243: Overconfidence kills.


    n had wrapped up his work and exited the vi to quickly reach Aria but received a call from Isaac. He answered to hear, "n, Arrie is missing."


    The mobile slipped from his hand. She hadn''t taken her handgun.


    He reacted quickly and didn''t let the mobile fall on the ground and break by stopping from his foot.


    <em>''Patience... Patience...''</em> He repeated himself and hung up the call.


    He quickly checked the location of her GPS and ran towards the direction.


    He remembered something and called Isaac. He didn''t wait for him to respond, "Meet the head of the vige and ask him if there are any groups who work for the money. Quick."


    n had kept the guards at the vige entrance to know about the arrivals of suspicious men so that Aria could rx better. Now he regretted keeping them far.


    He again checked the location of Aria but it was out of the coverage area.


    They were in a remote vige and it wasn''t surprising for n. On the way to herst coverage location, he met Noah who was in a half-conscious state.


    Rian was visible fine and said, "Bro, it''s like my system is weakening or maybe just sleepy. Little devil had sniffed this rose then Noah and me."


    n didn''t bother, "Keep it in the room."


    Eva was trembling in fear, Roxy was supporting Rian. She wanted to go with n but Isaac spoke, "You two girls, go to the vi and stay there. I have work."


    Eva clutched Isaac''s jacket in nervousness as she bnced Noah.


    Isaac cupped her face, "Be strong. Nothing will happen to Aria. She is trained to control her mind. n will reach her soon."


    Eva bit her lips and nodded.


    There were many things everybody didn''t know about Aria. But it''s just that she couldn''t take physical torture for long.


    n hadn''t reached thest location of her GPS but he had already reached away from the residential area. The path was leading him towards the forest.


    Isaac met the head of the vige, "Vige Chief, we need your help."


    The vige chief was a man in the sixties. He frowned looking at Isaac breathing heavy and his urgency.


    "What happened young man? Take a seat. Rx and tell me."


    Isaac vigorously shook his head, "It''s urgent. My sister is missing. Is there a group of men or a man who works for money in this vige?"


    The vige chief instantly realized the issues. He shook his head too, "We don''t have in our vige but across the hill, Jian has such people."


    He continued after a pause, "Young man, your sister might have lost the route..."


    Isaac denied, "She is good with directions. Do you know where they will be if they kidnap anybody?"


    The vige chief grunted loud enough to nearly deafen Isaac, "Joy..."


    A well-built man entered the house from the backdoor, "Dad..."


    "Take our guest to the old wood factory in the forest."


    "But..."


    Vige chief grunted again, "Do as I say. Leave now."


    Joy bowed to his father and led Isaac towards the forest from the shortcut as he asked the reason.


    n saw handcrafted beads on the path falling at quite a distance each as his path directed to thest location of his mobile.


    He searched the contact and found an unused contact name. As soon as it was received, he asked, "Ms. Miller, did Aria buy anything that has beads?"


    Eva took a few seconds to respond. n frowned hard but controlled himself fromshing out.


    "She didn''t buy it. She had my bracelet in her jacket."


    n hung up without any response and followed the beads fallen path steadily without knowing if he was on the right or wrong path.


    ---


    Aria knew somebody was carrying her and rushing away from the residential area. Her mind was buzzing but she put her whole concentration on her breathing.


    Vince had told her, if she let the drug take control over her, she would y as the drug was prepared. If she forces her mind away from it, she could control it.


    Since it was a vige, she started to think the drug might not be strong enough. She heard water flowing and groaned.


    "Water... Water... Water..."


    Those men were shocked to hear her. They thought she wasn''t in consciousness.


    The man who was caring for her, let her down to see Aria''s half-closed eyes as she continued to groan.


    Aria attentively heard them talking and realized they were local thugs.


    Two things could keep her awake, physical pain or water. But water would only help if the drug was just to make her unconscious.


    So she started saying in a muffled tone, "Water water water..."


    Failing to understand her, a man pped her, "What are you murmuring you b*tch?"


    The best thing they could have done was getting her water. Aria hated men raising their hand at women the most upon that they kidnapped her.


    Her eyes growled with killing intent. She knew she couldn''t go by strength so she decided to y them.


    "Ahhhh... I want water. My throat is dry."


    Four men were shocked to see she was talking normally.


    A man shouted, "Hit her and make her unconscious."


    Aria smirked before controlling, "Nooo..."


    She quickly held the hand of the man and cried like a weak one, "I wille with you silently. I swear. Don''t hit me."


    That man failed to notice her strength and defenses style while stopping his hand or probably he didn''t even know.


    Four men looked at her and hesitatingly nodded. Aria nodded and walked between the two and went into the forest as she continued to leave the clues without their knowledge.


    They walked for nearly twenty minutes inplete silence. They didn''t trust their instincts which were screaming at them not to trust her because they just saw her as a weak little girl.


    Aria entered an old factory, it was a handcrafting factory of woods instead of modernized machinery.


    She heard men talking.


    "I will go first."


    "I will go first."


    "No, My turn is first."


    "Did you forget who found the medicines? I will go first."


    Aria understood easily they wanted to ravish her. She went and sat peacefully looking at them scanning the surroundings carefully.


    At one point, one couldn''t hold his urge and pounced on Aria and pinned her down.


    Aria frowned seeing her both hands in the man''s hand who had average looks.


    She tried to move her legs but failed. She didn''t expect her n to backfire her so easily.


    <em>''Shit, Aria, why were you overconfident? You are so dead."</em>


    She gritted her teeth when the man sniffed her hair fragrance and moved towards her neck but she wasn''t at the ce to avoid him.

 Chapter 244: Who are you?

    Chapter 244: Who are you?


    Aria clenched her teeth and ready to hit his head with hers but another man held his cor and pulled him away from her.


    Aria sighed and sat up thinking she didn''t have to hurt her head or hands or legs.


    "F**k you..." The man who had pinned her scowled at the man who pulled him away.


    Aria smelled so nice, he wanted to have his way first. He wasn''t ready to let that opportunity leave.


    "I want her first."


    "No, I''m going first..."


    Aria probably would haveughed at their naiveness but she wasn''t in that state. She understood they were inexperienced in what they were doing.


    Seeing them argue and fight with each other to decide, she nned to y their mind.


    Vince had told her. If she couldn''t bring them down straight with physical strength, she should weaken them psychologically then attack because her physical strength wasn''t enough to go head-on with bare hands.


    She took out her mobile and set it on the table to record everything.


    Her main advantage, <em>her innocent gullible face.</em>


    Even though she never used it to take advantage of anything that doesn''t mean she wouldn''t use it to protect herself.


    "Peeps, how about I decide who to go first?" Her emotionless voice didn''t show her raising rage in her.


    A man who was handsome in them stepped ahead, "That''s a better idea."


    The man who was muscr in themughed, "I''m the best choice."


    Aria smirked inwardly, <em>''Best? You couldn''t even match the dust of my husband''s shoes, Hmph.''</em>


    A man who was lean looking like malnourished spoke, "We will see that."


    A man who had potbelly scorned, "Like hell."


    Aria ignored them and said, "I don''t have a phone. Can I get a good featured mobile?"


    The malnourished manughed mockingly, "Little girl, you don''t get a connection here to call anyone."


    Aria smirked thinking they had a brain too but she hid her disdain well, "I want to y a song. You four dance and the one who standstill tillst will go first" <em>''And that''s only me.''</em>


    Fourughed thinking she was just a beauty with no brain. Four agreed like sheep falling one behind the other.


    A man yed a song and looked at Aria.


    Aria was speechless hearing a generation old song, "Eww... It''s soo yuck."


    That man wanted to retort because it was his favorite song.


    Another man yed instrumental music that was drums.


    Aria rolled her eyes.


    It continued and Aria rejected many and selected a modern-day song before they could lose patience in her game.


    Four men started dancing weirdly churning Aria''s stomach. If her mood was good, probably she would have puked her guts out.


    She circled around them as she checked for weapons. After pulling wooden rods aside she prepared herself.


    Before the song could end, she smashed a wooden b on the potbelly man who fainted due to sudden shock and pain.


    "You..."


    The handsome looking man in them wanted to curse her but his words gave away looking at her.


    Her eyes had turned dark as a deep abyss. Her legs were positioned to pounce on anybody who tries to hurt her


    There was no warmth on her icy cold face which was thirsting for blood. Her hands were holding the wooden rods ready to rip them apart.


    For an instant, they thought she was possessed because she was nowhere looking like a helpless girl to follow their orders. They realized they followed her orders all these while dancing on her terms.


    "Hey..."


    Well built man pounced on her aggressively. Aria moved her hand effectively on the right sensitive and painful ces of his legs, hands, and neck without letting him touch her.


    "Ahhh..."


    He continuously screamed in pain before falling down on the ground.


    If they had kidnapped her for money, she might have helped them if they needed it. If they wanted to ravish her, she wouldn''t give that chance even over her dead body.


    Her father had taught her that never hurt anybody and never stay silent at the wrong things. Vince and n taught her never to stop fighting to be safe from anybody.


    Curtis had taught her to be strong for her and for her husband to protect themselves.


    She had learned over time that crying or waiting for help in the problem doesn''t take her anywhere other than making her weak.


    She wasn''t ready to fall back just because she didn''t like to hurt people.


    When that man groaned in pain, two men attacked her at once. She knew her left-hand strength wasn''t enough to bring a man down.


    Her advantage, <em>her flexibility.</em>


    She slid down to the other side and mmed the rob on the head of the man who had just stood up after getting consciousness.


    He wasn''t expecting that and again felt dizzy. Aria jumped high to match his height and hit on his neck from which he lost the bnce and fell down.


    She looked at two men thrusting for her blood and a man took a knife out to attack her but Aria chuckled humorlessly.


    "Are you looking down on me? I yed with daggers and butterfly knives."


    "Hey..." He screamed, attacking her.


    Aria purposefully flipped ahead to distract his attention which was sessful and raised her leg to kick his hand which was holding a knife.


    Before that man could react, he lost the hold on the knife. Aria knew the hold on daggers were more effective than on the simple vige prepared knife.


    With another move, she broke the wooden rod hard on the knee of the other man.


    "Ahhh..."


    The force exertion on the hit was too high hence he groaned in pain louder than any of them. She threw the broken wooden piece away and picked the knife.


    When the only man standing in front of her met her sharp cold eyes, a chill ran down his spine.


    He was shocked to see how effortlessly she was ying with the knife in her hand as if it was a toy.


    Aria saw the man''s change in expression and his eyes movement. She held the rod in her right hand and a simple twirl.


    "Ahh..."


    The man who tried to attack her from behind ended up earning a bruise on his head.


    If they were trained, that man wouldn''t have reacted and Aria wouldn''t have got the hint.


    Gulping his spit, that man started running towards the exit near to him but Aria slid aside and took the stone bigger than her palm and aimed to back of his head.


    "Ahhh..."


    He cried in pain and realized the blood staining his hand.


    Aria spoke, "Oops, I didn''t know the rock wasn''t smooth. I will be careful about it in the next one."


    That man''s back stiffened and turned around. Kneeling on the ground, he started crying his eyes out "Who... Who... Who are you?"

 Chapter 245: Goddess of Hell

    Chapter 245: Goddess of Hell


    That man felt his throat dry hearing her say <em>''I will be careful next time.''</em>


    He trembled continuously to turn around. When his eyes met Aria''s ring cold eyes, he burst into tears.


    He stuttered to ask, "Who... who are... are you?"


    Aria''s clutch on the rod increased, "Goddess... of Hell."


    That man continued to wail as he apologized to her again and again, "I''m... Sorry... I''m sorry... Let me go... I''m sorry."


    He kept bowing and apologizing. Other three men who noticed, followed him and apologized to her with deep bows to her sitting on their knees.


    Aria smirked at their state.


    She wasn''t sure whether she should be happy for bringing them on the knees or hate herself even more. Because she hated her current state.


    She wasn''t her. She never liked to hurt anybody but life was teaching her so many things that she was scared to lose herself with it.


    She was so scared to even look at herself in the mirror at that time.


    She loathed herself.


    But she knew she had no option but to strive harder because she had a family. Her husband, a mother, a father, a grandfather, a sister, a best friend.


    And a bunch of friends who worry about her.


    She knew she couldn''t give up even though she started to hate herself. But what scared her the most was <em>what if her family itself detests her? What if n doesn''t like her this side?</em>


    Just those thoughts made her tremble.


    Clutching her fist tight on the knife ignoring the pain from it, she rxed first and roared, "Shut up."


    The four men stopped crying, scared she might beat them up if they don''t listen to her.


    "I just want the truth, Why did you kidnap me?"


    She wanted to make sure whether that was connected to her messy life or just a random kidnap.


    A man quickly pushed his mobile ahead and started stuttering the truth, "I got a call from this number with your photo and wired me a million to kidnap you and do whatever we want."


    Aria''s lips twitched. She took the mobile and quickly dialed that number but it wasn''t in service. She opened his banking application with his ess and sent the ount number to Levi before deleting that message.


    "Did I tell you..." Aria''s eyes widened looking at that man''s gaze and held the knife in position to look who it was.


    The knife fell on the ground, her teeth chattered unknowingly she took a step back looking at n''s indecipherable gaze.


    Unknowingly her scare crept up again without knowing how long he was standing at the door, "I... ... I..."


    Her hands trembled as her eyes filled up seeing no reaction. Then she heard Isaac''s voice from another end, "Arrie..."


    Isaac went to her swiftly and checked on her before breathing a sigh of relief.


    The men who were kneeling crawled up to Joy, "This girl will kill us, Joy help us..."


    They started yammering. Joy clearly didn''t believe them looking at petite girl paling.


    Isaac frowned looking at n deep in thought... or breaking inside?


    Aria clenched her fist tight and went towards those men who kidnapped her. "How did you guess I might smell the flower?"


    Her voice wasn''t as cold as before which gave goosebumps to those men.


    Aria grunted, "I asked something."


    A lean man stuttered, "We... We tried four different times and the fifth time was a sess."


    Aria felt like she wasn''t careful enough yet. Now what''s done was done. she could only handle whates next.


    Aria grabbed her mobile and froze again. Thinking about talkingter, she clenched her teeth and said, "Let''s go."


    She only knew one route from where she and n came from. She was about to pass by n gazing down scared that she might cry off or what if she sees hatred in his eyes but he pulled her to a tight embrace.


    He nodded at Isaac who went out. Joy kicked the rest to take them out.


    n cupped her face gently caressing her swollen cheek with the thumb as he felt her tremble continuously and her eyes desperately waiting for his reaction, "Paining?"


    Aria nodded her head.


    "Aria, don''t detest yourself." n said enunciating each word clearly.


    He had seen her deep in thought hurting her palm with the knife she had. Isaac didn''t see her palm which she was clutching tight right after seeing him.


    Aria burst into tears hearing him. "I didn''t know how else to handle them."


    n embraced her again rubbing her back feeling his heartache for her. He didn''t know whether he should be happy that she can protect herself in a tough situation or sad for seeing her detesting herself for hurting others physically.


    Seeing her cry without stopping for a long time, He seated her on the table and wiped her cheeks as he asked, "Will you hate me if I hurt people to protect myself or you?"


    Aria shook her head.


    n again asked, "Then why are you hating yourself?"


    Aria sniffled as she responded, "I never wanted to be like this... What if... it repeats and you all hate me seeing me like that?"


    n kept wiping her tears but paused hearing her, "My dummy wife, even if you kill a hundred people I will not hate you. However you are, weak or strong, happy or sad, dummy or smart, rich or penniless, young or old, I love you in all the forms."


    Aria wailed, "You aren''t allowed to go back on your words."


    n faintly smiled to rx her, "I will not... And promise me that you don''t hate and hurt yourself."


    He opened her fingers to see her blood collected in the palms dripping on the floor.


    "But-"


    "No buts." n grimly said. "You are only allowed to love yourself. Am I clear?"


    Aria didn''t respond because she knew if therees a simr day, she will again hate herself more.


    n sighed, tying his handkerchief on the pretty long and deep cut of her palm where she had clutched the knife hard.


    He caressed her cheek as he lifted her face to look him in the eye. "I will not leave you alone like this again. We will be together."


    Aria wrapped her arms around him, "I will be strong. I will try to love myself for being strong also."


    n rubbed her head gently, "That''s like my dummy wife."


    "No, strong."


    "No, Shy."


    "No, confident."


    After little of their senseless debate, n ended as, "Okay, everything."


    Aria was about to object but nodded, "Okay, everything only for you."


    n chuckled and wiped her cheeks again before taking her out.

 Chapter 246: Who knew our location?

    Chapter 246: Who knew our location?


    In the vi,


    Noah was fine after Eva wiped his face with a cold wet towel a few times. Rian was ring at the rose.


    Roxy had dusted down the finely grained powder and tried to guess what it could be but Rian didn''t let her smell it or taste it.


    Pacing back and forth, Eva was very nervous about Aria.


    Isaac knew a little about Aria and n. Vince knewpletely because he had trained her to the level she could work in his minor mercenary missions.


    It''s just she couldn''t get physically stronger for head-on fights unless she used martial arts but it wasn''t enough to bring down n or his top-level elite guards.


    Using sticks, fences, or any possible props, she could drain the energy of the opposition.


    Aria was d those men just used unconscious powder, unlike some deadly drugs. That finely powdered drug was very minute to easily travel in the air.


    Joy didn''t believe four men crying out that the girl actually hit them. Isaac was chuckling hearing it until n brought Aria out.


    Isaac had heard her say she knew stick fighting but didn''t expect her to be so good at it that those men of double and triple size of hers were crying their eyes out. He had learnt many forms too which was helpful in movies but he never tried on for real.


    Seeing her swollen eyes and flushed face after crying, Joy scorned at the men looking down on women, "Aren''t you shameless to say that little girl beat you up? How could women be strong?"


    n gritted his teeth hearing him. Aria controlled smacking him, "You think women are useless?"


    Joy indifferently responded, "Isn''t it the fact? Other than cooking and looking after the house, what else can they do?"


    Aria smiled and her left hand sharply moved near his neck and it vanished as if she didn''t move at all.


    Joy felt a sharp pain through a nerve and his hand was numb to move. He looked at Aria in amusement, frowning harder.


    Aria hooked her hand around n''s arm and walked as she spoke, "Yeah right. Because women here are taught to work in the house where the men like you don''t respect their hard work just because they work their ass off inside the four walls to bring you up strong. Try to know how much pain your mother went through to get you on the earth to know the value of women that might knock some sense to your birdbrain... And thank you for guiding Isaac to this ce."


    Five men stood speechless looking at her back.


    n guided her patiently on the path. Isaac was chuckling hearing her. Both knew Aria hated when anybody looked down on females just because of their gender or appearance.


    Joy got a life to his arm and shook them once to check to realize those four men were right.


    He shook his head to disperse his thoughts thinking Aria was an arrogant witch. For him, women should be timid and modest around men keeping their voices and head low with due respect.


    He took those men to their vige andined to the vige chief to keep their men at check if they don''t want to bring cops to the matter.


    "Aria..." n warned looking at her too silent on their way.


    "No no, I''m not overthinking anything. My palm is paining and so I had to clench my teeth." As soon as she voiced it, she bit her tongue.


    n controlled from smacking her head, "You should have thought that before clutching the knife."


    Isaac was bewildered. "Are you nuts to hurt yourself?"


    Aria pouted epting it, "Kind of." and passed her mobile to him ying the video which she had recorded.


    Isaac first burst intoughter watching Aria dance them on fingertips and thought she was enjoying the show.


    But when Aria hit the man''s head brutally, hisughter died down to pin-drop silence.


    Isaac silently watched till the end and asked seriously, "Did Vince train you?"


    Aria didn''t know Isaac knew about Vince. She nced at n in shock and thetter nodded. "Isaac was visiting me in country S."


    Isaac asked because her moves weren''t trained as an academy trainer teaches. He knew the difference between his style and n''s style who learnt with Vince.


    n''s precision was high as Aria''s. Isaac had thought Finn Stanley was training her, now he understood why he always heard from n that <em>''Vince visited Aria''</em> whenever they were talking about Aria.


    Isaac asked curiously, "How is your marksmanship? I want to learn shooting too. Your husband didn''t allow me."


    Aria was surprised to hear, "Aren''t you scared of me? Or might..."


    n twisted her ear before she could ask what she wanted.


    Isaac grinned, "Aria, do you want to act with me in an action movie? I bet it will be super sessful."


    Aria: "..."


    Isaac tried to coax her to enter showbiz but failed like every time.


    "I can try a guest appearance but I''ll not die in it. I should be super stronger than Male lead in it."


    Isaac''s lips twitched. <em>''Where should I find such a movie?''</em>


    Isaac actually admired Aria for standing strong and fighting her way out. There was nothing to be scared or hate about her.


    Aria apologized for everyone for worrying them. All poked her head hard to tell there wasn''t anything to apologize before sending her with n.


    n confirmed to them that the drug was just to make Aria unconscious so that all could rest at ease.


    After washing up, all left towards the airport. Aria and n ordered their men to deliver quite a lot of things for the vige chief for the development of the school and a few things to his home.


    All were asleep excluding Aria, n, and Isaac on their private jet. Aria was safely tucked in n''s arm leaning on him who was working on hisptop.


    Isaac knocked on the door before entering thepact room of a ne. n pulled her closer when she tried to move.


    Isaac directly came to point, "There are hundreds of viges around city S. If they wanted to track any of our mobile locations, they could only reach on Sunday but those men knew before Saturday. Who knew our location?"

 Chapter 247: A big blow

    Chapter 247: A big blow


    Isaac knew n bes overprotective about Aria whenever small mishaps happen with her. So he didn''t tease orment seeing them snuggle.


    He directly came to the point without beating around the bush, "There are hundreds of viges around city S. If they wanted to track any of our mobile locations, they could only reach on Saturday but those men knew it and received payment and pictures on Friday before the work was evenpleted. Who knew our location?"


    Isaac thought such a secluded area couldn''t danger Aria''s stay and he couldn''t understand how she ended up hurt again.


    n had told them to keep the things about them a secret from everyone or lie if required. All understood so they didn''t tell anybody and not even their parents about the actual location.


    Aria bit her lip as she responded to Isaac, "I had told to Brother Calvin"


    Isaac''s face was serene and nced at n but didn''tment.


    Both men knew Aria trusted Calvin Parker even after seeing the proof that he had lied to her. They felt bad for her thinking whoever she had her trust and faith were breaking again and again.


    It was n who told her to mention about their weekend trip to Calvin in a flow while talking with him. Aria generally had mentioned it while talking with Roxy during breakfast on Wednesday.


    She didn''t know when Calvin told her <em>''Be careful''</em> could be a warning but not a care or concern.


    n caressed her head, "It''s alright..."


    Aria nodded but she knew somewhere in her heart, she wasn''t ready to believe because she never felt he could be acting all along.


    <em>''Am I so poor at identifying people? Don''t I know to judge people?''</em> She thought to herself and nced at n''s calm face.


    <em>''I am just a human being. I can go wrong many times too.''</em> She thought to herself and wrapped her hand around n''s waist under the duvet.


    She knew she wasn''t always wrong. She chose the right man for herself who she trusts more than anything.


    Isaac bid them and was leaving but he paused, "What about that actor issue?"


    Isaac had seen many celebrities feeling sorry for that actor once the cops released a statement saying that the actor was framed by a set of people by releasing the videos.


    Isaac sometimes loathed the entertainment industries because they get fans if they have talents, looks, and the right tform. They love you to the extent you get overwhelmed with everything making you feel like you are on the top of the world but if a small issue breaks out, the same fans will curse you endlessly until one could almost go into depression.


    They don''t care what is right or what is wrong. They don''t care if you are the victim and being used or somebody framed you to nder.


    Isaac wasn''t sure how many or who had targeted him but he was thankful to his manager and n who made sure he was alright and nobody could n evil on him.


    Aria hadn''t checked her mobile so she sat straight and guessed, "CEO West?"


    "Why will he do that? Might be that actor''s foe." Isaac was confused by hearing that name.


    Aria gave a sheepish smile before revealing everything in brief, "Focus International''s hacker was trying to break ourpany firewall so I and n had roamed them on city streets like dogs all night. After that, n changed channels of your new drama so he met n where I pointed out all their mistakes so..."


    "Sh*t, why did you let him know that you attacked them?" Isaac thought the couple lost their mind.


    Aria shook her head, "Nope, he doesn''t know it was me and n. He doesn''t know I was the one who pissed him off. Due to change in channels by Morgan entertainment, many are doubting Focus''s performance so he wants Morgan Industries'' support."


    Isaac realized he doesn''t know many small things. He also understood Focus attacked first and couldn''t handle the rejection from the Morgan Industries.


    "Alright alright... so who is behind the current fiasco?"


    Aria and Isaac looked at n. Thetter caressed her cheek as he responded, "You are right. Xoan''s third man contacted the man who is in custody but he doesn''t know that man."


    Isaac became curious than Aria and sat on the edge of the bed, "How are you avenging?"


    Aria turned to n but he shook his head, "I didn''t get time to n anything."


    Isaac rolled his eyes but Aria smiled. "I have a n and we don''t have to do much for it."


    Aria giggled seeing Isaac bing all ears.


    She narrated her n and looked at both men. Isaac nodded being impressed.


    n looked at his wife, "Do you know to attack behind the scenes without letting anybody know? It''s like you are going and pping his face directly."


    Isaac chuckled. He must say, Aria was brave and doesn''t think before offending anybody simrly how she doesn''t give a damn about the media.


    Aria pouted, "It''s just me. I prefer to p across the face instead of smacking the head hiding in the dark. When I''m not wrong, why should I hide?"


    n smiled pulling her closer. Of course, he knew.


    When he sneak attacked Skyline Industries without ruining Morgan Industries'' reputation, she didn''t care to get negative reviews and attacked head-on.


    "So the same n?"


    n pinched Aria''s cheek as he responded, "Yep."


    Isaac gave them thumbs up and went out.


    Aria threw hisptop away and went on to n, "Huggie..."


    n kissed her crown wrapping his arms tight around her.


    "n, You can change the n. You don''t have to go by mine. It is just a suggestion."


    n hummed but he had no ns to change the n.


    "Sweetheart..." He continued after a hum, "Do you want to handle Calvin yourself or me?"


    Aria rubbed her forehead on his warm chest trying to clear her mind. She was forcing herself to agree Calvin was behind her life but she can''t rest at ease.


    She raised her head and cupped his face, "Be with me, I''ll handle..."


    n knew if Calvin was behind it, she needed to remove her frustration out else she wouldn''t be at ease. And his presence would strengthen her more to hear the harsh truth which would be a big blow to her.


    He brushed his nose to her cute nose as he responded, "As my wife wishes."


    Aria smiled and embraced him to sleep preparing for the duel battle.

 Chapter 248: Fallen in love with her

    Chapter 248: Fallen in love with her


    In the Focus International


    Xoan couldn''t believe his underlying men were so useless to get caught easily and he couldn''t get to strike the second attack which was dependent on the first one. He made sure to tie up the mouths of them so that nothing points towards him.


    He was fuming in rage behind the ss table burying himself in the work early in the morning.


    His secretaries cursed him endlessly for ruining their early morning sleep asking them to reach office just because he failed to find a file.


    Xoan got a call which he answered on the speaker to hear a hoarse respectful voice, "CEO West, Morgan Entertainment arranged a press conference to talk about David Mariot."


    Xoan frowned and growled at the man who was on another end of the call, "What the f**k am I going to do with that crap?"


    That man looked at his mobile in bewilderment. Xoan had ordered him to notify him about every detail about the actor David Mariot''s news.


    Feeling wronged, he was about to respond but Xoan hung up the call cursing the caller.


    With the Monday blues, secretaries had to tolerate Xoan''s awful mood whenever they entered his office to divert any information or to drop a file in his office.


    Xoan was about to shout at his one of the secretaries who knocked and pushed the door but paused seeing Xin entering and the secretary closing the door smiling at Xin.


    Xoan was surprised to see Xin happy even though his lips were pursed, he could easily say by his bright eyes.


    "Boss Xin, what a surprise! You returned in a week."


    Xin settled opposite to him, cing breakfast on the table. His unemotional voice didn''t concede the hit of excitement, "I saw Little bunny."


    Xoan''s lips twitched, "Ugh... She has a name. She isn''t a kid. No doubt you are beaming."


    Xin didn''t care about his disgust towards the nickname, "Fine, I saw Aria in Ziro yesterday."


    Xoan confusedly said, "Zero?"


    Xoan was more like, <em>''What the f*ck did that girl do this time that Xin is saying Zero as a ce?''</em>


    Xin knew well that Xoan only knows and loves international destinations. Rolling his eyes, he signaled Xoan to move to the couch for breakfast as he responded.


    "Ziro is a small remote vige, 140 miles away from City S. They have untouched nature, technology isn''t improved and the people over there still follow our traditional approaches."


    Xoan who had a spoonful of congee shook his head, "We were talking about your little what?... bunny, why are you exining those forests to me?"


    Xin: _


    He wanted to tell about Aria since Xoan asked about Ziro so he exined.


    Xin decided to ignore him and concentrated on his breakfast.


    He wanted to follow Aria in Ziro but he had got a call from the office to inform him about Xoan''s rivalry and first move on n. His moment of distraction lost her path and he didn''t get to see her again.


    Xoan who was quiet for some time voiced his thoughts, "Out of all the ce, she reached some stupid Zero forest and out of all the ces you also reached the same forest Zero. Are you perhaps stalking her?"


    <em>Pfft-</em>


    Xin choked on his food.


    Xoan knew Xin could only be flustered by hearing about Aria cooper and he was happy finally forgetting his stupid headache works and failed ns.


    Xin snapped at him, "Am I looking like a stalker?"


    Xoan wasposed and looked tranquil, "But we still checked about her on your wish. You felt bad for her hearing she ran away from her wedding. You sat here and tried to know how she was doing? Aren''t these enough to say you are stalking her?"


    Xin smacked the cushion on his head, "Xoa..."


    Xoan burst intoughter looking at his best friend at a loss of words without knowing what to feel for Aria.


    Xin wanted to leave but Xoan pulled him back on the couch, "Do you perhaps love her?"


    Xin red at him.


    Xoan changed the question, "Do you perhaps like her?"


    Xoan pursed his lips seeing his furrowing brows. He took out his mobile and quickly surfed Aria''s picture which was the talk of the town for quite a long time.


    It was a picture from her first fashion show where she was wearing a show stopper red gown.


    Xoan''s flirty tone sounded in the office room, "Her seductive eyes, her juicy lips, her alluring wless porcin skin, her pretty face. Look at her tempting cleavage, her sexy..."


    Xoan knew Xin had reached his limit from the beginning itself, he wanted to see how he was going to handle the situation.


    Xin unceremoniously twisted his hand to his back and ceased his mobile.


    Xoan doesn''t hit him back but he was in too much pain, "Xin... Xin... Xin... a small move, you will dislocate it. Xin..."


    Xin tightened his grip on his hand to hear the required words.


    Xoan surrendered, "Alright alright, I will not disrespect her. I swear, even if she beats me to death, I will be respectful..."


    Satisfied, Xin left his hand and sat down looking at Aria''s picture.


    Xoan painfully moved his arm as he let Xin rx first. He knew well, Xin respects every woman but Aria always stood top of the list.


    "I don''t think whether I will respect my wife or not, this your Little Bunny is really ying in my life between us."


    Xin rolled his eyes and stressed each word, "Learn to respect Women."


    Xoan awkwardlyughed, waving his hand, "That''s not my cup of coffee."


    Seeing him looking at Aria''s picture, Xoan asked doubtfully, "Don''t tell me you want to take down all the pictures in this dress?"


    Xin was exactly thinking to do that but he also thought if Aria gets to know she will investigate. Even though he wouldn''t leave traces, she would be on alert or might get scared thinking of him as a stalker.


    Xoan interrupted his train of thoughts, "Come on, she is such a pure beauty, why do you want to hide it?..."


    Then a sinister smile appeared on his face and continued, "Her fellow one-sided lovers have only this hot picture to imagine her in their wet dreams and masturbate, why do you want to ruin it?"


    Xoan ran away from his seat andughed seeing the dark face of Xin.


    Xoan hates to admit he never got a chance to sleep with such a beauty who carried herself so well. But he never once thought about Aria Cooper due to Xin.


    He really wanted to meet Aria once to know whether she was the same as Xin told him or just a pretentious bitch of the socialite circle.


    From the time he became CEO, he had never seen n attending any parties and also Aria. He had seen Rian and Noah but never got an interest to strike a conversation with them.


    Suddenly ns popped up in his mind to meet Aria easily and that could also show the real fact about her.


    "X..." He shut his mouth immediately. He thought to give a surprise even if he has to get beaten by Xin for testing her.


    He saw Xin thinking and asked seriously, "Xin, are you sure you haven''t fallen in love with her?"

 Chapter 249: Figure it out

    Chapter 249: Figure it out


    Xin gave it a thought for a few seconds, "I don''t know..."


    Xin never thought like he had to spend time with Aria or share such an intimate bond. He himself was confused about what she was to him that he always goes out of himself whenever he hears about her.


    "... I respect and admire her for what she was and how she treated me. It''s just that she left a strong unerasable impression on me. I don''t remember her all day long, in fact, I don''t care how she looks now, I just remember about her which is in my memory."


    Xoan wanted to smack his head and ask, <em>''Are you sure you don''t call this love?''</em>


    As a person who changed his girlfriends to every full moon and new moon, he had seen many kinds of fake to emotional people.


    For him, Xin''s feelings for Aria were pure love. He couldn''t understand why he never tries to meet her or talk to her.


    Xoan didn''t tell his thoughts to Xin because Xin never wanted toplicate things in life and Xoan thought Aria was aplex woman who doesn''t suit Xin and she might hurt Xin.


    "Okay Fanboy, admire her all you want. Now go and rest." He pushed him inside the room and watched him until he went to bed.


    He really wished Aria was pretentious and fake so that Xin could stop reminiscing about his every encounter with her.


    He quickly called a manager of one of the departments and nned out things to rip off the image Aria had created from herself.


    After arranging it, he sent a message to a group that had many presidents, vice presidents, and CEOs of thepanies.


    <em>''Aria Cooper, let me see how you will handle this time.''</em>


    ----


    Starting off the day looking at her husband''s alluring face, Aria wished everything to be settled down sooner.


    Shortly afterward, Aria regretted hurting her right-hand palm.


    The doctor had told her to keep the wound away from any kind of moisture and she couldn''t hold anything. She doubted if she could sign the files after checking them. At least she was d, she doesn''t have to sign any investment or contract agreements.


    Seeing her circus using her left hand, n brushed her teeth, teased her in the shower, fed her breakfast before letting her leave from the Cooper mansion for work.


    n too left after her to Morgan Industries.


    Nathan went behind n as he informed his schedule, "President Morgan, after the morning meeting you have a meeting with Trientpany''s CEO at ten, afternoon Mr.Ross''s new movie opening ceremony... Young Madam President attends it..."


    Nathan didn''t miss mentioning Aria and stole a quick nce at n whose eyes brightened hearing it.


    n cut in without showing any reaction, "Time?"


    Nathan hid his smile thinking n wouldn''t be a mad whole day after seeing Aria. He didn''t know n was with Aria the whole weekend.


    "It''s after lunch. One o''clock at Elite school. Shall I put aside that time slot?"


    n remembered Aria''s right hand and decided to reach her office for lunch. "Time of press conference?"


    Nathan knew which press conference he was talking about, "President Morgan, it''s at eleven at Morgan entertainment."


    n had already reviewed the Trientpany''s proposal so he knew it wouldn''t take more than half an hour.


    "I am attending the press conference and opening ceremony too. "


    Nathan noted down but said, "President Morgan, your appearance isn''t really necessary. The problem is resolved, the press conference is only..."


    "Did I stutter?" n didn''t bother to nce at Nathan.


    Nathan knew n never interfered in press conferences of the problems, not to mention, the problem was resolved so he voiced his thought. Anyway, he didn''t bother about it and reported a few things before entering his adjacent office room.


    n arranged a media reporter to carry out Aria''s n. Nathan informed the managing director of Morgan Entertainment that n will be personally attending the press conference.


    npleted his morning meeting and signed the sessful coboration between Trient and Morgan Industries before he set off to Morgan Entertainment.


    ---


    At Morgan Entertainment.


    A simple press conference became a huge tension for the managing director. n was a man who wouldn''t think twice to diss the ipetence in front of anybody.


    The managing director informed David Mariot and his manager about n which shifted the tension to the duo with the PR and admin department who were responsible for arranging the conference.


    The news about n attending the press conference spread like wildfire in thepany.


    It had been really very long years, n had stepped inside Morgan Entertainment. Hence everything was double-checked from cleaning to arrangements of the press conference. The guards managed the swarm of reporters to maintain the decorum.


    The reporters were confused about seeing how they were exaggerating for such a simple meeting but still, they tried their best to get a good location.


    The managers and the celebrities who had seen n and who never got a glimpse of n gathered around to check him out as they discussed n''s looks, his wedding, and Aria.


    "Ahhh I am finally going to get a glimpse of my long time crush."


    "Oh my god, is President Morgan really going toe?"


    "He is pretty cool with a straight face, will he talk to me if I try?"


    "Isn''t he single now? We shouldn''t let this chance go."


    "President Cooper must be blind to leave a diamond for coal. I will definitely get his attention today."


    "Talking about President Cooper, Elina is on the road, she isn''t getting any gigs or shows just because she missed ALIA''s show. President Cooper ruined herplete life."


    "Did you forget I Turner''s fate?"


    "That was in the past when President Morgan spoiled her. Now she is ruthless herself."


    "She is just a thankless bitch..."


    Chattering continued until somebody announced, "President Morgan reached."


    Stepping out of the Rolls Royce phantom, n single buttoned his zer and walked unfazed between rows of guards without caring about the exmation or the greetings.


    "President Morgan, everything is arranged and we are ready to start."


    n didn''t respond to the managing director and walked ahead trailed by the Managing director, Nathan, and other executives of Morgan Entertainment.


    Celebrities eximed continuously as they greeted but didn''t see a small reaction either.


    Isaac who waszily standing moved towards him. Every guard knew about him so they didn''t stop as they did for others.


    "President Morgan in action. I thought you would tell the MD to handle it."


    n nced at him but didn''t stop, "Do you think anybody would dare to go against CEO West and your MD will bluff off everything so why not me?"


    Isaac hummed matching his speed, "Let''s have lunch after this."


    n paused causing everyone to freeze in their ce. "My wife didn''t have seafood in a long time. Go to Delmar, lunch for three in her office. I wille there after this."


    Managing director: _


    Others who heard n say ''<em>My wife</em>'': _


    Isaac was envious, "Why didn''t you marry me?"


    n rolled his eyes and was leaving, Isaac spoke after realizing it, "Delmar doesn''t have the take out policy."


    "Figure it out." n said before entering the big hall where the press conference was arranged.


    Isaac: _

 Chapter 250: Fire war

    Chapter 250: Fire war


    Isaac understood n was nning to eat with Aria and he asked so everything went on him. Since he didn''t object to his presence with the couple he decided to call everyone to Aria''s office.


    <em>''Wait, why can''t we take Aria out?''</em> He turned towards the entrance but n wasn''t in sight. He sighed and epted his fate.


    <em>''How am I going to get a take out from Delmar?''</em>He groaned in frustration.


    He looked around to see female celebrities who were swooning on n started drooling on him. He controlled his urge to roll his eyes and spoke to his manager.


    "Brother Miley, I will meet you at school directly, have lunch..."


    Isaac''s manager was a man in his mid-thirties. He trusted Isaac and knew he was responsible unlike absconding without a word but he still asked, "Where are you going?"


    "Lunch with my gang." He smirked at him and left to carry out headache work.


    ---


    Press conference


    All the reporters gasped when n entered the hall.


    "Why aren''t we notified President Morgan attending?"


    "Is there anything else to be addressed to us?"


    "I haven''t prepared questions for him."


    .


    .


    Soon reporters went into a frenzy as the cameramen snapped numerous photos of n continuously.


    n heard David Mariot greeting him with his manager to which he just nodded and took his seat in the center.


    Nathan noticed n''s cue and motioned his hand at the emcee to start the press conference.


    "Good morning gentlemen anddies. As we already notified, the press conference is about the recent activities against one of the celebrities under Morgan Entertainment, David Mariot, who is currently a rising star in both singing and acting which we all know. While thepany and Mr.Mariot are trying hard to achieve sess, we suddenly faced a problem. We all know when somebody climbs up high, there will be hundreds to pull you down, taint your image, nder you. The one who is strong and also morally right would always find a way..."


    n''s brows were twitching uncontrobly hearing the long speech. The reporters were used to it. The Managing Director was satisfied seeing the employee deliver the speech.


    n nced at Nathan who nodded and whispered to emcee. Thetter readily nodded after her long five minutes speech.


    "The Crime department released David Mariot announcing as he was the victim of the case. Behind me are the proofs found to prove that David Mariot was innocent And there is also a medical record of fifteen days back of David Mariot obtained before taking part in the action movie. The second report is by the doctor after referring to the first, which clearly tells us, David Mariot isn''t a drug addict. Thening to the people who framed him on the screen, next is the security camera clips of how the culprit sneakily entered the private room of the restaurant... The next one is the oral statement of the culprit taken by the cops."


    The reporter continued to snap pictures of the proofs and taped the video which was ying on the screen.


    After the end of the video, emcee spoke again, "We have copies of the proof which you can collect if required. If you have questions rted to this, please maintain decorum and go singly."


    A reporter raised his hand and asked, "Are these real proofs? Or created one to save the image of Morgan Industries and the artist?"


    David Mariot''s manager responded calmly, "If you find a proof to prove these are fake, feel free toin."


    Another one asked, "President Morgan, are you here to show your support to the artist under you?"


    All looked at n. Nathan thought n might cue him to speak but n leisurely took the mike and spoke, "No, my presence here isn''t to support anybody."


    All were bewildered.


    David Mariot felt like he will faint anytime soon. He had tried to strike a conversation in the beginning but got a nk face with a raised brow. That was enough to shut his mouth.


    Nathan wanted to speak to n but he knew he should be quiet as a mouse. <em>''Is he here to terminate the contract of the actor?''</em>


    n continued after a few seconds, "The artists who are under Morgan Entertainment will naturally be supported by the Morgan industries. I''m here to warn all the artists that if any illegal activities performed by theme to light, I wouldn''t think twice to ban them from the industry."


    All sighed hearing it.


    A reporter wanted to ask but n continued, "Simrly, Morgan Industries wouldn''t let the instigator go if they frame or target any of the Morgan Entertainment artists."


    The reporters were rather impressed hearing it from President Morgan because those artists don''t mean anything to high-level management.


    There was thunderous apuse from all the artists who were behind the reporters'' section and the ones who were watching live outside the hall on the screen.


    Nathan again became an admirer of his boss and thought to check his social media ount to see new fans count.


    The underlying meaning of what n said was easier to understand to everyone.


    A reporter raised his hand and asked, "President Morgan, it could be possible that the main culprits are still under shadow by using those men."


    n very slightly nodded, "The crime department is investigating it. If any development, it will be announced."


    Another reporter quickly followed by, "There was an inte war saying the international superstar Vincent Scott is better for the movie <em>''Fire War''</em> than David Mariot. Do you find any rtion between both incidences?"


    Vincent Scott, basically a country A actor renowned globally. He was a close friend of Xoan West. Thetter was nning to open an independent studio for him as he was nning to settle down in country A.


    n''s improvised Aria''s n was finally put into action.


    Focus attacked Morgan and Skyline industries so both took revenge. They attacked David Mariot so Aria also suggested attacking an actor but they didn''t frame him for anything using their power, they were just revealing the truth openly which Xoan and Vincent had spent quite a lot to bury the news.


    n loved how Aria chose without wasting resources.


    "Vincent Scott? Is he the same international star who is banned in country S?... I don''t think he is a match to even B list celebrity of country A. And you areparing him to David Mariot who cleared the audition of the <em>''Fire War''.</em>"


    n''s lips sinisterly curled looking at the excitement of the reporters for getting a new and explosive piece of news forgetting about David Mariot''s news.

 Chapter 251: I will toss you out

    Chapter 251: I will toss you out


    Instead of n or Morgan Industries employees, reporters wanted to wrap the meeting to find out about Vincent Scott.


    Emcee spoke, "Any more questions?"


    Some reporters who work for Focus wanted to question back as<em> ''Why are you bluffing?''</em> but everyone out there knew n Morgan was President of Morgan Industries, he had a brain and wouldn''t lie unless he didn''t want to receive severe bacsh.


    The rest of the reporters knew that too so they didn''t ask. n stood up and single buttoned his zer feeling proud of his wife and her attentiveness in country S.


    When Aria was working in country S, she started as an intern and worked her way up. When she had be an assistant manager, she had to meet an actress to negotiate to be a brand ambassador of the Skyline jewelry in country S.


    In the entertainmentpany, while passing by a room she had heard a man intensely requesting for thatpany CEO to let him off for helping anotherpany actor to use the resources of hispany, for holding secrets of other female celebrities to force them to sleep with him or other directors and for using drugs.


    Aria hadn''t seen his face, so she casually asked a new celebrity who was peeking inside. She had told his name and also the reasons thinking Aria was also like her, a new young girl dreaming to be a celebrity.


    Aria didn''t care about it at that time and even after returning to country A because he doesn''t matter to her in any way. But she never expected that could be used in such a critical time.


    The previous day before sleeping, Aria had asked her country S friend who studied with her to confirm with thepany. She had received the news at midnight that it was true but they didn''t bother to collect evidence because they didn''t want to show as they deliberately revealed it.


    After n left, Emcee was about to say, "Lunch is..." <em>''arranged for you all.''</em>


    But all started to run away from the hall leaving them at loss. Morgan Entertainment employees and artists took the time to realize what just happened because they just cared about David Mariot.


    Since the lunch was inrge quantity and most of the celebrities were there to check out n, they ate, enjoying as a party.


    --


    In Focus International


    Xin was helping Xoan with the work when a secretary bolted in after a knock with the PR department director.


    "CEO West... CEO West, there is a problem."


    Xoan frowned seeing their urgency. "Speak"


    "You should watch this..." Secretary passed a tab to Xoan ying the video.


    Xin just heard while Xoan watched. Only thest question and n''s response.


    Xin knew about Vincent Scott so he didn''t feel anything about it. No vengeance on n or no feeling of sorry for Vincent.


    He was more like, <em>''You should pay for your Karma.''</em>


    Xin was thinking why Xoan didn''t break the tab and raised his head to see him smiling evilly. Secretary and PR director were surprised too.


    Even though Vincent wasn''t signed under Focus, they were managing his works externally hence they reported to Xoan.


    Xoan looked at the PR department director but waved his hand for them to leave.


    Xoan knew he couldn''t stop the leaking of news anymore, even if he tries, all media and fans would be going in an uproar so it would be just a waste of resources.


    He connected dots and realized how cops found the guilty person, He understood n and his men were behind finding proof.


    "n Morgan is a wonderful businessman. I didn''t know his wings are so strong and wide. No doubt, he is daringly announcing me directly."


    Xin was amused hearing him agree that there was somebody better than him.


    Both got back to work without really bothering about the current issue until Vincent Scott barged in the room.


    <em>''Bam''</em>


    He banged on the table which irritated both Xoan and Xin.


    He was a man in his mid tote twenties. As his fame ''International superstar'' says, he was good looking maintaining his physique well but carried an awful expression.


    "Xoan, how did n Morgan know about it? Block all the news quickly."


    Xoan cued Xin to calm down hearing Vincent ordering Xoan as if he was right and Xoan was wrong.


    "Sit... And tell me, what do you want me to do? Block the news? How many? One? Two? Five? Ten? Vin, There were nearly 30 plus media who heard it. And do you think we can tie the mouths of your previouspany?"


    Vincent was pissed off and forgot who was the boss, "What the f*ck do you mean by that? Do you want me to be bad mouthed by all?"


    Xoan who gave respect to his friend and exined patiently lost his temper. He stood up but


    <em>''Thud''</em> Vincent reached the floor.


    "Ahhh..."


    Xin had punched him and dislocated his arm without bothering before going back and sitting on the couch ignoring the groaning Vincent.


    Xin only cared about Xoan but not his friends.


    Xoan sat back shaking his head. "Go home and cool your head. I will meet you some other day."


    Saying that he called a secretary through the inte to arrange for Vincent to leave.


    Xoan knew Vincent''s fans were cursing n, that doesn''t mean n''s fans were quiet. There were n''s fans, David Mariot''s fans to stand by n.


    Xoan was sure, once the truth was revealed, Vincent fans would be n''s fans so no water army could help the situation.


    And Vincent''s show TRP would go down affecting his channel and his investment was going to drain.


    Once the news leaks about Xoan or Focus helping Vincent, he was also going to face a huge problem.


    He sighed thinking n wasn''t an easy target and got back to work thinking to nter on n.


    ---


    In Skyline Industries


    Aria had thought n might change his n but he used her n but she had no idea n was personally attending the press meet. She watched live as she worked.


    When the press conference finished, she dialed n''s number.


    n spoke first, "So, how was your husband?"


    The managing director next to n was again dumbfounded thinking when n got married.


    Aria giggled, "My hubby is always best."


    n didn''t like that, "That you always say it."


    Aria thought about a better one to make him happy. <em>''He gets happy if it''s rted to me.''</em> She thought to herself and tried again.


    "My husband is amazing that I will reward him with a big tight hug."


    n hummed at Aria as he signaled Nathan to leave and took his sports car which his bodyguard had driven earlier, "And then?"


    Aria gave it a thought, "And then a kiss probably."


    n again asked but suggestively after sitting inside the car, "And then?"


    Aria pouted but giggled once finding a response, "And then, I will toss you out."


    n mused, "I will see who will toss whom on the bed. See you." He promptly hung up the call and drove towards Skyline.


    Aria: _


    <em>''I didn''t mean that.''</em> She couldn''t get to say it and looked at her mobile in bewilderment.

 Chapter 252: Our teenage plan

    Chapter 252: Our teenage n


    Isaac called Eva after hopping in his car.


    A sweet voice sounded in the car, "Darling?"


    "Babe, do you want to have lunch with your wife?"


    An excited tone sounded, "Wow, what''s special? Venue? Will you pick me up?"


    Isaac smiled hearing her. He could make out she was already storming her wardrobe to change, "Skyline, Ask Rian and Noah too."


    Eva''s reply was instant, "Rian and Roxy are busy even to breathe in rxation. Noah is at his new hotel with ns he can''te."


    Isaac had almost forgotten Fourie always stays updated about each other. "It''s good that we two friends got the god and the goddess."


    Eva giggled hearing him, "By the way what are we eating today?"


    Isaac frowned slightly, "Seafood..."


    Eva cut in, "Yummy, it''s been long I didn''t eat it."


    Isaac knew that. He continued in a somber voice, "... From Delmar."


    Delmar was the five stars Michelin restaurant famous for seafood and costs were sky-high.


    "I will drive to Skyline soon." Eva was hanging up but realized.


    "Take away from Delmar? Isaac, if Arrie arranged, why didn''t she call me directly? I am going to take her ss."


    Isaac''s eyes twinkled, "Can Arrie take away from Delmar? How? I have to take and go."


    Eva giggled, "Arrie is a second-highest shareholder of Delmar, and Woodpany is the third-highest shareholder. I will tell her to inform the manager, don''t worry."


    Isaac was d he called Eva, "Babe, I will serve you better tonight."


    <em>''Thump''</em>


    Isaac burst intoughing realizing Eva fell down.


    "You- I''m not talking to you, bye." Eva started feeling like Isaac was bing more shameless day by day after she confessed.


    Isaac didn''t have to do anything at the restaurant. The restaurant manager personally weed him and took the order with the utmost respect.


    Delmar was also famous for disregarding every celebrity sticking to their professionalism so Isaac was surprised how Aria had control over things.


    He knew Aria''s father, Oliver was an excellent business and he had invested in quite various sectors.


    The manager informed him that they would deliver the lunch to the required location seeing him wait but Isaac thought he was going to Skyline so he turned down.


    --


    In the Skyline


    n directly entered the parking lot and took Aria''s private elevator after his palm scanning and entering the unique passcode.


    He didn''t bother to react to any secretaries'' astonishment seeing him.


    Levi greeted, "President Morgan!"


    n nodded at him and opened the door to see Aria scolding her right hand failing to hold a pen for signing.


    "Now pay for your own stupidity. Who is going to sign the papers? Phew... Why don''t you learn before making a mistake? When will you heal now? You better let me sign the papers..."


    He pursed his lips to controlughing. He entered inside and got herplete, surprised attention.


    She didn''t know he actually meant to see her so soon. She left her work and ran to his arms excitedly. "n..."


    It had just been less than four hours since they had seen each other but her excitement was still the same as if she was meeting him after months.


    <em>''Dummy''</em>


    He slightly lowered to let her wrap her arms on his shoulder before scooping her up for her big tight hug.


    He always felt good to hold herpletely in his arms. He asked shamelessly after it, "And then?"


    Aria giggled and pressed her lips to his cheek to hear, "Seriously?"


    "n..." Aria pulled his cheek but heard another tone.


    "My Goddess, get off. You will break my love rival''s arms."


    Aria flushed but didn''t leave n. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck like a little kid holding his father possessively and turned to Eva.


    "You are just envious of me. Hmph."


    n was about to say something Isaac entered with three guards who were carrying lunch.


    Aria slid off from n''s arms and behaved blind, dumb, and deaf when Eva burst intoughter.


    n''s personal bodyguards were used to see n and Aria pampering each other forgetting them but Aria''s ones were amazed to see her shamelessly cozying a man in front of others.


    Since Aria couldn''t use her right hand, Isaac and Eva immensely ate the dog food with seafood.


    Since Eva and Aria always enjoyed every type of food, men were busy peeling prawns, crayfish, lobsters, and other dishes.


    At the end of the lunch, Eva and Aria high fived sitting on the couch, "We conquered two friends to tend to us."


    Isaac and n curiously looked at them.


    Aria responded, "I am thinking we could double date."


    Eva caressed her plump belly, "Our teenage n to date friends is fulfilled."


    n: ~_~


    Isaac: _


    n knocked on Aria''s head. He took her mobile, carried her up, and left reminding Isaac. "Opening ceremony..."


    Eva was chuckling looking at them. Aria told to another couple, "Double date at our school."


    The secretaries and Levi stood up seeing n carrying Aria and smiled. They were d to see them back to normal and happy just like how they were before the wedding fiasco.


    "Levi, n will be with me at the ceremony so rest in here."


    Levi responded before n strode away, "Alright."


    Inside Aria''s office room, Isaac smacked on Eva''s buttocks. "So Ms.Miller, since you are with me for your teenage n, I''ll teach you new things tonight."


    Eva''s lips twitched but she affectionately pecked on his lips before saying, "My dear stupid, My aunt came today. I don''t think you are a scumbag to ask me this week."


    Eva giggled seeing his face fall. "Let''s leave, Brother Miley will be panicked by now."


    Isaac held her back and asked expectantly, "Shall we tell about our rtionship?"


    Eva normally would have brushed it off but Aria had lectured her saying it was important to have goodmunication.


    She sat back on the couch and spoke, "Nope, our rtionship is about us, our family and friends. So no need to publicize... Importantly, I''m not ready to face your fans yet. Please..."


    Even though Isaac wasn''tpletely satisfied, he was happy to hear her proper response and her worries. "Alright. Then we will continue being acquaintances for the public."


    "Yes, boss." Eva giggled and took him out informing Levi to send somebody to clean up inside.


    ---


    After going downstairs n gave it a thought, "You are driving."


    Aria hummed. She was going towards the driver seat and realized soon what he actually meant, "Are we going together?"


    n nodded, pinching her nose.


    Aria wasn''t convinced, "Like together in my car?"


    Because there will be many reporters and n had rejected every single time whenever she asked about showing up together.


    n smiled resignedly seeing her surprised, "Yes Sweetheart."


    Aria jumped on her toes as she asked excitedly, "So are we finally going public about us and we don''t have to sneak anymore?"


    Aria was fine without telling the public but she never liked to sneak around as if they were doing something wrong.


    Since they were public figures, being together would raise questions hence she asked whether they were going public about it.

 Chapter 253: Lets break a rule

    Chapter 253: Let''s break a rule


    n held her to stop and cupped her face caressing her cheeks with his thumbs.


    Being direct with everything, he knew it was difficult for Aria to go around as if they were criminals even though they were victims of some random nobody.


    "Let''s stall about going public about our rtionship. But there is no need to sneak around. We''ll be together and face everything. And I''m sorry, I didn''t choose this earlier."


    If he knew that random nobody was a mouse to hide and it could drag so long, it wouldn''t have nned this.


    Aria smiled brightly "Don''t feel sorry. You did for our own good thinking we will be free soon. So I never want to hear you apologize for it again and again. And I really don''t care about publicizing. We are together is more than enough."


    n pinched her cheeks, "I have a very understanding wife."


    Aria giggled, pinching his nose, "And I have an extremely sweet wife ve."


    n chuckled and turned her around, "Take me out on a date now."


    Soon they left, as Isaac and Eva followed behind them.


    ---


    Elite school


    Pulling in the campus, security allowed three cars after checking who they were.


    Isaac was entering the school after like a decade, whereas Aria, n, and Eva had visited five years back.


    There were reporters, school students, and movie-rted staff. All were eagerly waiting for Isaac''s arrival.


    When the first car McLaren P1 pulled in, all prepared to get Aria''s picture from the shotgun seat but inside the car, Aria stopped n.


    "I brought you out for a date. I''ll do the honor." Aria grimly spoke.


    n didn''t turn down, "Who am I to say no to President Cooper?"


    Satisfied, "Good boy." Aria alighted elegantly and went around confusing all the reporters.


    They wanted to think of it as Isaac but his car pulled right next to hers and alighted while Aria opened the door for n.


    Isaac was amused, "You two are back on track. Making everyone envious."


    Eva who alighted next to Isaac''s car rolled her eyes, "Oh my dear, dog food is free. And Wifey, if you don''t open the door for me next time, I''ll break your legs."


    Aria chuckled as four ignored grasping crowds and the media.


    Four walked together grabbing away everyone''s attention. n was in a business suit and the rest were in semi-formal wear looking stylish.


    Two rumors started that day.


    <em>Are Aria Cooper and n Morgan back together?</em>


    <em>Does Isaac Ross and Eva Miller have a secret rtionship?</em>


    The female lead felt nobody with the crew due to Aria and Eva''s presence but she was smart enough to bury her irritation down.


    Aria and n were weirdly content standing together in an open after such a long time.


    After the opening ceremony, Isaac didn''t have any scenes on that day. The female lead had quite a few scenes which were open for the media to serve as publicity but the reporters went behind the four but were stopped by guards letting four enter the school.


    As soon as they entered inside, Eva and Aria were back to teens and ran away to their ssroom.


    Isaac nudged n, "Are we on a double date? Or are those two here on a date? They abandoned us just like that."


    While girls took stairs, men took the elevator and reached at the same time.


    Aria and Eva sat at their ce. Rian''s ce was also n''s ce right behind Aria''s seat. Isaac was next to n, behind Eva.


    Four sat and reminisced about their past feeling time really flies off...


    Eva pulled out a small notebook and tore a paper before writing on it.


    <em>''Let''s break a rule.''</em>


    Eva passed to Aria. Thetter smiled and thought which rule they didn''t break in the past.


    A light bulb clicked in her head in no seconds, <em>''Announcement room.''</em>


    She passed back to Eva who smiled and wrote, <em>''Are you guys in?''</em>


    She passed back to Isaac, Isaac chuckled before responding to it by writing, <em>''I''m in.''</em>


    He passed it to n who said, "Childish"


    The trio said in unison, "Boring."


    n was always uninterested in rules, whether following it or unfollowing it.


    "I''m in" n gave in and the trio reached the announcement room.


    Aria and Eva informed n and Isaac what to do before knocking on the door fiercely to show urgency.


    As soon as the door opened, Eva started her act, "Sir, somebody is groaning in pain inside the boys'' washroom calling for help. Can you help them? We can''t go in."


    Right after her panicked voice, Aria continued, "They seemed to be in too much pain. Sir, please check on them soon."


    "What if something happened inside?"


    "Sir, can you make it faster?''


    "Yeah, what if it''s life-threatening?"


    The duo kept on bbering, panicking the mid-thirties man without letting him think straight.


    Atst, both girls wailed hence, "You girls don''t cry, I''ll see it." That man ran towards the boys'' washroom after saying.


    Aria counted till ten before knocking the door fiercely to call out another admin sitting inside.


    n was really feeling too childish. Isaac didn''t care and shut the door of the washroom when the first admin entered it.


    They went towards the announcement room quickly.


    As soon as the announcement door opened, Aria stretched her leg to stop the auto-locking door to close and both girls cried, "Somebody locked admin Kion in the bathroom and he is screaming."


    Isaac reached with n and the second admin quickly identified him. "Something happening there, you should check soon."


    The second admin believed it and quickly ran away thinking the door was locked but it wasn''t.


    Four quickly entered and locked the door from inside before high fiving andughing their heart out.


    "It feels so good." <em>''to be like a teenager.''</em>


    Eva agreed and Isaac enviously asked, "Were you guys enjoying like this while studying?"


    Eva responded excitedly, "We have broken almost all of the rules. We even drank beer in our ss leaving bottles in the other ss."


    Aria chuckled, "Guys, any idea?"


    n was happy seeing her and suggested, "Sing."


    Aria pecked on his cheek and nodded. Eva told Isaac, "You too join us."


    Isaac readily agreed.


    n only sang for Aria and he never liked to sing for others so Aria just raised her brows and n shook his head caressing her hair.


    Soon they heard a knock on the door which they ignored and turned on the microphone.


    Aria spoke first, "Hello everyone! We, Alumni of this school are dedicating a song to all the students of Elite and the rest who were once upon a student. And A very special dedication to Beauty and Sweetie."


    Aria nodded at Eva and Isaac and they started a song titled <em>''Memories''</em> with small changes.


    <em>"Here''s to the ones that we got</em>


    <em>Cheers to the wish you were here, but you''re not</em>


    <em>''Cause the school brings back all the memories</em>


    <em>Of everything we''ve been through</em>


    <em>Toast to the ones here today</em>


    <em>Toast to the ones that we lost on the way</em>


    <em>''Cause the school brings back all the memories</em>


    <em>And the memories bring back, memories bring back you</em>


    <em>There''s a time that I remember when I did not know, no pain</em>


    <em>When I believed in forever and everything would stay the same</em>


    <em>Now my heart feels like December when somebody say your name</em>


    <em>''Cause I can''t reach out to call you, but I know I will one day, yeah</em>


    <em>.</em>


    <em>."</em>

 Chapter 254: You have broken many hearts

    Chapter 254: You have broken many hearts


    Right after they started singing, the two admins who were knocking furiously on the door stopped and heard them singing.


    Both soon realized who were the three with Isaac and chuckled standing silently.


    <em>".</em>


    <em>.</em>


    <em>Everybody hurts sometimes</em>


    <em>Everybody hurts someday, ayy ayy</em>


    <em>But everything gon'' be alright</em>


    <em>Go and raise a ss and say, ayy</em>


    <em>.</em>


    <em>.</em>


    <em>There''s a time that I remember when I never felt so lost</em>


    <em>When I felt all of the hatred was too powerful to stop (ooh, yeah)</em>


    <em>Now my heart feels like an ember and it''s lighting up the dark</em>


    <em>I''ll carry these torches for ya that you know I''ll never drop, yeah</em>


    <em>.</em>


    <em>.</em>


    <em>Memories bring back, memories bring back you."</em>


    Aria and Eva said in unison, "Thank You."


    Aria turned off the microphone and giggled hugging back Eva happily.


    Isaac chuckled, "Why wasn''t I in your ss? And you guys are so mischief."


    Aria and Eva embraced their man without abandoning them.


    Isaac rubbed Eva''s back as he asked, "Weren''t you guys getting caught breaking rules?"


    Eva left him and responded, "Not really. When we got caught, we used to trick them and escape so you can call us smart."


    Aria chortled low fiving Eva, "Today we got caught anyway but they can''t do anything."


    Once they went out, admins greeted them and took them to the Principal''s office promptly.


    The principal was the same man. He didn''t greet, instead, "Aria and Eva, Get your parents or else, you aren''t allowed to attend the sses."


    Controlling herughter, Aria pointed to n, "Sir, My guardian is over here itself."


    Eva chuckled and added pointing Isaac, "Mine too."


    The principal was amused and asked looking at n and Isaac, "What about you two?"


    n saw Aria happy so he didn''t be a spoilsport, "Sir, You can report it to my wife."


    Isaac pointed to Eva, "My wife is right here."


    Excluding n, four burst intoughter while he just smiled lightly.


    Whatever he had missed, he was getting due to Aria, and <em>did he need anything else?</em>


    The principal didn''t poke much about their rtionship and generally spoke before four went out to hear all students cheering at them.


    They took a big group picture before they met a few teachers.


    They were still in touch with Emma Hudson so after a light talk they were moving towards their car, Jade Reed was passing by them.


    Four identified him. Jade greeted first, "Hey guys."


    n just nodded. Isaac greeted back, "Hey Jade, Still a teacher over here?"


    Aria and Eva almost greeted in unison, "Teacher Reed"


    Jade smiled at them which stayed a little longer at Aria which Aria didn''t care about and the other three noticed.


    "Isaac, I''m working at Min University as a professor. Ie here asionally as a guest teacher... And you two can call me Jade now. No need for norms."


    Aria didn''t think she should give a response. Eva just faintly smiled.


    Jade continued checking the time on his wristwatch, "Are you guys nning to attend the reunion? It will be 10 years since we graduated from this school."


    Isaac was contemting, "I have a shoot that day so I am unsure."


    n caressed Aria''s cheek as he asked, "Will youe with me? We can take our partner."


    Aria nodded, "If you want, I''ll join you."


    n hummed pulling her closer wrapping an arm securely around her shoulder.


    Isaac''s lips twitched seeing n possessive in front of Jade. He noticed Jade''s wandering eyes and understood easily. "We two will decide and inform in the group soon. You might have a ss, carry on."


    "Alright. See you then."


    Habitually Aria also hummed with n while the other two, "Bye..."


    As soon as Jade reached quite a distance, Isaac revealed, "Arrie was the schoolgirl who Jade was getting teased in the group five years back. Isn''t it?"


    Eva and Aria were speechless while n responded with a hum.


    Aria: <strong>_</strong>


    Eva burst intoughter, "You have broken many hearts my wifey."


    ---


    Aria dropped n at hispany before going to her office toplete a table full of files and numerous mails.


    Soon another news broke saying President Morgan, President Cooper, Isaac Ross. Eva Miller broke into the announcement room to sing.


    The surprising one was, most of theizens like their candidness while some doubted as hype for the movie.


    Morgan Industries'' side was rather surprised thinking n was capable of something like that too.


    Aria and n didn''t bother about the gossip of their wedding and the couple fans asked eagerly to know about them.


    Eva and Aria were screwed by Noah and Rian for recing them with Isaac and n.


    Aria who was happy the whole day turned somber when it was time to get off work. She was nervous to even think what if Calvin was really behind everything.


    Since she had lots of pending work, she buried herself in it. She knew she was just stalling time which was of no use and she has to face reality sooner orter.


    n who had pending work hadn''t noticed time until Nathan couldn''t help but ask him.


    "President Morgan, If I don''t have any work to be carried out now, shall I take a leave?"


    n checked time to realize it was already seven. He motioned his hand to send Nathan and called Aria without understanding why she didn''t call him before leaving.


    "Honey, where are you?" He grabbed his car key as he left taking a few files and hisptop.


    "Office."


    Hearing her dull tone, n easily understood what was going on in her head so he diverted the topic. "Let''s have dinner. I''ll reach there in five minutes."


    Aria obediently hummed and wrapped for the day.


    After dinner, n spoke, seeing her tense. "If you don''t want to ask today, it''s alright, take your time."


    Determined, Aria shook her head, "We will finish it today."


    He kind of wished, Calvin should have a reason behind his lie and he shouldn''t be the one behind everything so that Aria''s trust shouldn''t break again.


    After the duo reached the Cooper mansion, Calvin went downstairs to meet her but his face sulked as soon as he saw n in the mansion.


    Aria stopped Calvin from using any harsh words on n even if he was acting.


    She went directly to the point, "Brother Calvin if you don''t want to tell your secrets, answer me the truth. Only the truth..."


    She took a deep breath and asked, "Why did you meet My Dad before his ident?"


    Calvin''s eyes widened in shock. He had thought they didn''t know.

 Chapter 255: She hates herself

    Chapter 255: She hates herself


    Aria stopped Calvin from using any harsh words on n even if he was acting.


    "Brother Calvin, n is my husband, I''m married to n two years back and I will tell you about uster but only after knowing the secrets out of you."


    Calvin froze. <em>''Aria is already married?''</em>


    <em>''Isn''t she disappointed by n?''</em>


    <em>''Isn''t she angry at him?''</em> He had many questions.


    n didn''t care about Calvin''s gaze and sat on the couch asking Sophia to leave them for privacy.


    Aria saw Calvin without speaking by looking at n. She pulled him towards the couch and sat next to him going direct to the point.


    "Brother Calvin, if you don''t want to tell your secrets about other things, I don''t need to know but now answer me the truth. I want only the truth..."


    She took a deep breath and asked, "Why did you meet my Dad before his ident?"


    Calvin''s eyes widened in shock.


    Aria waited for a few seconds and threw the next question at him, "When you were in the city that day, why didn''t you meet me?"


    Calvin who noticed her right-hand palm-held it, "What happened to your hand?"


    Aria tried to rx and answered, "I was kidnapped in Ziro..."


    Calvin cut in, "What?"


    "I''m hurt because of me and that''s not important now. Brother Calvin, can you tell me whatever you are hiding rted to me? Even if you are behind Skyline or my life, can you be straight with me?"


    Calvin frowned hearing her. "What the hell are you trying to say?"


    Aria couldn''t understand why she strongly believes he wasn''t acting and he couldn''t hurt her.


    She calmly revealed, "I know you were in city B and met my Dad before he met with an ident. You lied to me saying you never visited the country before my birthday, that''s a different story. A model created a fake marriage certificate and mentioned your name saying you encouraged her to do so. Many such small incidents are there which are pointing at you. What I want to know is, are you really the one who is trying to sabotage my and n''s rtionship? Or do you want to lead Skyline?"


    Calvin stood up creating distance between them. "Wait... wait... So you called me back here to keep an eye on me. All along you were doubting me acting as you were concerned... Here I go, I forgot that you are the president of Skyline who has many tricks up your sleeves."


    n frowned hearing Calvinpletely divert the attention from the main topic to doubting Aria''s intentions.


    Aria clenched her teeth and watched Calvin''s disappointment in her. She knew even if she tells, she trusted him, it doesn''t make sense. Since she already went to the point of discussing and now being maligned by him didn''t really affect her more so Aria thought to ept it.


    "Right. Do you know why I hadn''t asked you till now? Because I wanted to make sure you are trying to hurt me or not. And don''t change the topic now. Why can''t you answer my simple questions? Why did you meet my father at the cafe before his ident? Do you know, if I release this to cops, you will be the prime suspect of an ident? Here I am, as the same president of Skyline, asking you to know it instead of creating a rampage between two families or us."


    Calvin frowned deeply hearing her unemotional cold tone. He didn''t answer her, "I''m not obliged to respond to you. If you want to bring cops to this, go on."


    He turned and left upstairs. Aria squealed, "Brother Calvin."


    But Calvin didn''t turn behind even once and left clenching his fist tight.


    Aria nced at n biting her lip to control her emotions. She had thought he would at least respond to her question unlikepletely disregarding her and leave.


    n walked up to her and embraced her, rubbing her head, "Shhh... It''s alright, everybody wouldn''t speak off just hearing questions. I will handle him..."


    Some don''t understand the simple way of dealing unless pressured and used a hard way.


    Aria wasn''t sure what to feel and for which one to feel. If he wasn''t hiding anything critical, why couldn''t he respond? If he wanted to look after Skyline, why was he so good to her?


    Aria mumbled pressing her dainty face on his chest, "I''m so useless."


    n cupped her face shaking his head, "You aren''t. What I had told you? You are only allowed to love yourself. About Calvin Parker, I will handle it. Now, go take a bath, I will meet him ande."


    Aria didn''t let herself cry and nodded, "You shouldn''t..."


    n cut in as he led her towards stairs, "I''ll not hide anything even if it is too serious. Alright?"


    Aria faintly smiled with a hum. n left her in the bedroom before going upstairs to Calvin''s room.


    The gentle and warm air around Aria which he had was now cold and oppressing. It was hard to say what he was going to do or how he would handle Calvin.


    He just gave a single knock on the door and barged inside. He saw Calvin sitting on the bed rubbing his forehead.


    Calvin furrowed seeing n enter. He clenched his teeth and saw him sitting on a single-seater armchair and pointing opposite bed edge for him to sit in front of him.


    Calvin grounded his teeth seeing him domineering but without his knowledge he had already followed his unspoken order.


    It was as Aria says, He stands so tall that people around him having even little guilt naturally feels inferior and follows him.


    n tossed his mobile at Calvin when he sat down. Calvin yed the video to hear men talking about who to ravish Aria first.


    n sat and watched his reaction very carefully. He saw his expression dark then his lips twitching when four men were dancing without understanding why Aria was doing all that until a wooden b broke on the head of a man.


    His face was indecipherable while watching it and he also understood when she hurt her hand.


    n nowhere felt Calvin wasn''t worrying about Aria. He knew Calvin was concerned about Aria in the whole video.


    n spoke first, "What do you think of Aria after watching this?"


    Calvin''s clutch on mobile tightened, "She hates herself." Both knew why Aria hurts herself.


    n didn''t respond to it.


    Calvin frowned hard seeing n persistent, "What do you think she will go through when she gets to know her father killed himself for his own mistake?"

 Chapter 256: Shady things

    Chapter 256: Shady things


    n didn''t respond to it and said, "We can''t even imagine what she went through till now. The sooner the problem solves getting the person trying to kill her, she will continue to hate herself for hurting others."


    Calvin tried a few seconds before he could be able to tell, "Arrie will be more hurt if she gets to know."


    n didn''t show his dissatisfaction with his attitude and responded, "She will cry a day or a month or a year, I will be right next to her but hiding will slowly kill her daily."


    Calvin frowned hard seeing n persistent, "What do you think she will go through when she gets to know her father killed himself for his own mistake?"


    "What do you think she will go through when she gets to know who she is trying to get justice actuallymitted suicide?"


    "What do you think she will go through whom she loved all her life wronged her?"


    "Do you think she will be able to trust anybody after hearing it? She will doubt her own presence."


    n''s hand trembled hearing him but he sat expressionlessly.


    He knew Calvin was right. Aria was molded by Oliver to what she was. She proudly takes care of things saying <em>''my father''spany''</em> and she shouldn''t bring disgrace.


    Then <em>who is trying to kill her if not Calvin?</em>


    There were many questions to be answered.


    n knew Aria would be hurt but he wasn''t ready to break her trust. "When are you telling everything to Aria?"


    Calvin had thought n was smart and loves Aria but hearing him, he grounded his teeth.


    "Do you even love her? Do you think she could handle these? Geez."


    n''s eyes darkened. For n and Aria, it was always respect and trust stood first and they weren''t ready to break them.


    Love without trust or proper respect for the other one doesn''t have to be called love.


    "If not you, she will know the truth one or the other way, sooner orter. And you are nobody to ask about my love for my wife."


    Calvin clutched the duvet under him controlling his anger, "I''ll not tell anything."


    n smirked, "Calvin Parker, why do you think I''m sitting and talking to you? If not for Aria, you would have stuttered out everything by now."


    "You-" Calvin grounded his teeth.


    <em>How can he not know n''s power? He had seen with his own eyes five years back.</em>


    A very least number of people knew n had Z plus trained private army who could flip the whole city on n''s single flick.


    The Morgan Security solutions had basic bodyguards for the outer world but they had highly trained top-notch men who were practically killing machines if used.


    Even without using them, n could easily press on his nerves to get the truth out.


    Calvin responded through teeth, "I need time."


    n stood up straightening his suit. "The sooner the better if you don''t want one by one to be slowly tortured in the police station."


    Calvin knew well what he meant, once his patience runs out, one by one all his family members would reach the police station with the proof of Stealing money, Kite hiring thugs and he will be there as the prime suspect of Oliver''s ident.


    Calvin saw n leaving and asked, "Who is trying to kill Arrie?"


    n paused for less than a second before picking up his speed back.


    Calvin controlled his urge to throw an ashtray at him breathing heavily.


    On the wedding day, he knew by the photograph that n was photoshopped in his ce and he was engrossed in thinking why he wasn''t in the picture, Aria had left the room.


    He thought the rest of the proofs were correct but seeing Aria protective of n and they were married, he started to think who was behind Aria.


    <em>If Calvin wasn''t the one who hired local thugs to attack Aria, then who is behind it?</em>


    <em>What Calvin was hiding about Oliver from everyone?</em>


    <em>Is he ying mind games?</em>


    <em>Truth prevails sooner orter.</em>


    ---


    n entered the bedroom to see Aria pacing inside like a headless chicken.


    Aria went to him asking the important question that was bugging her, "Did Brother Calvin ept it?"


    n heaved a sigh pinching her cheeks, "My pretty little wife, if you worry so much, you will age soon and get wrinkles all over."


    Aria''s lips twitched, "Like really? n, I''m just twenty-three. Stop making it sound like I''m thirty. Argh... You will be the one who will be thirty first."


    Seeing her walk away, n was at loss, "What do you mean? Do I look so old?"


    Aria giggled going back to him, "No, You look sizzling hot."


    n crossed his arms on his chest as he asked watching her, "Do you want to check who is sizzling hot?"


    Aria: _


    n smiled resignedly once she rxed a little, "Calvin Parker will tell you directly sooner. So stop thinking too much."


    Aria had just nodded as she was carried up, "Dirty President Cooper, take a bath and hit the bed."


    <em>''Pretty little wife to dirty President Cooper </em>_<em>?''</em>


    After bathing, they slept preparing for the emotional battleing up.


    ---


    In a high-end club.


    Finn was with his friends. After dinner, they continued to drink and chat.


    Ceon saw Finn distancing from the female hosts serving them. He wasn''t surprised because it was the same from the time he returned from country S.


    Finnzily asked, "Where did you vanish all these days?"


    "Helping out Dad at work." He would never dare to tell he was helping him to find a way to meet Aria.


    "I didn''t know Sun had started rising from the west nowadays."


    Coen''s lips twitched uncontrobly. "Weren''t you the one always saying do something?"


    Finn continued his sarcasm, "Unruly dog became a loyal dog wagging his tail."


    Ceon: _


    "What was my sin to get you as my friend?" He drowned his wine and sighed.


    When they continued to talk, a breathtaking beauty entered the private room with her beautiful innocent smile.


    All teased in unison, "President Stanley!"


    Finn frowned seeing thedy while Ceon almost spat his drink out. She was the same actress rumored as the girlfriend of Finn Stanley.


    Keeping himself busy with the work, Finn hadn''t cared about gossip. When Harold chided him hearing the news say Finn had gifted her a vi, he wanted to clear the rumors once and for all but his department mentioned it would affect her new uing movie so he let it slide off.


    He hated to even see her face which carries fake stered innocent smiles. Only he knew how she tried to make a move on him after just hearing the rumors.


    Katie Archer, top A list actress under Starlight Entertainment. She was initially under Hit Entertainment when Finn''s team approached her, she readily jumped thepanies bringing her agent and assistant with her.


    After working hard and gaining a pretty good name, she also learnt all the shady things about the entertainment industry.


    She looked at Ceon with a faint smile and nodded as a greeting but it was to cue him to leave them in privacy.


    Ceon gritted his teeth and went aside.

 Chapter 257: You need a doc

    Chapter 257: You need a doc


    Katie Archer had seen Finn from the time he used to hang out six years back. Being too naive, she was scared to even talk to him at that time.


    After working hard and gaining a pretty good name, she also learnt all the shady things about the entertainment industry.


    She ignored drooling of other men and sat next to Finn, "President Stanley, I was nearby so I thought to drop by here."


    She looked at Ceon with a faint smile and nodded as a greeting which in fact was to ask him to leave.


    Ceon gritted his teeth and went away. Ceon wished she was a man and he would have got a chance to knock her down.


    Initial days, he couldn''t understand why she used to smile with a nod. He had just thought that as a greeting. After seeing him without moving, she would purposefully bring up his old self to others as if telling a story but in fact, she was embarrassing him with his past in front of everyone.


    Finn''s nose twitched due to her heavy perfume and reeking of alcohol smell. He was getting up to leave but Katie hooked her arms to his and pulled him down.


    "President Stanley, I am thinking of throwing a party at my new vi as a housewarming. You have to attend, please..."


    She blinked her big beautiful eyes acting pitiful without knowing those tricks don''t work on him.


    Finn tried to move his hand away without using strength but she clutched tighter hugging his arm pressing to her heavy breasts.


    "Leave my hand." Finn tried to handle it silently.


    He was actually guilty for giving her hopes by starting the rumors but he couldn''t understand why she never cleared that they don''t have any such rtionship in so many of her interviews.


    Katie didn''t leave his hand and her eyes filled up. She requested shaking his arm like a kid, "President Stanley, how could I show face to others if my boss doesn''t attend? All willugh at me."


    Finn reached his limits seeing her rub his arm on her bosom.


    The onlookers were intently watching as they murmured.


    "I heard beauty Katie Archer is untouched. President Stanley got his hands to y with a real doll."


    "My blood is rushing down looking at her big ones."


    "President Stanley will be too busy tonight."


    All chortled and watched them. While Ceon wished for the safety of the actress.


    Finn flung his hand roughly causing Katie to fall on the table in the front.


    "Ahhh..." She cried out in pain.


    All gasped seeing Finn''s dark face who bent a little to face Katie who was crying sitting on the floor.


    "Just because I let your petty actions slide in past days, were you thinking it''s easy to get in pants?"


    He looked straight opposite to him and asked looking back at her, "Ms.Archer, you sure are desperate to go on new headlines."


    Finn was in the military and his attentiveness to surroundings was pretty amazing. He went towards a man and twisted his hand back ignoring his groans and gasps of onlookers.


    He was a friend of one of the second generation heirs hence he was able to be present there. After pulling out his mobile, "Password" Finn demanded.


    That man flinched but he gave in due to pain, "Katie"


    All eximed in surprise and waited for uing revtions. Finn pushed him aside and opened the gallery to see the pictures of him and Katie sitting on the couch.


    From the angle of the picture, they really looked like a couple enjoying a conversation snuggling with each other.


    "Ms. Archer, stop messing with me if you want to continue your showbiz dream."


    Katie who looked pitifulying on the floor was actually invoking the protection feel of the men around her. They wanted to go up to her and console but they weren''t ready to stand against Finn Stanley.


    Katie gritted her teeth but acted like crying, "President Stanley, why are you insulting me? I don''t even know him."


    Finnughed humorlessly while the owner of the mobile flinched to the corner because he had their intimate pictures in the gallery and her nudes on his bed which she didn''t know.


    Finn revealed it loud enough to be heard by all, "So you slept with him without your knowledge and sent him your nudes without knowing him. Impressive."


    Finn wasn''t the one to judge by those but that doesn''t mean he would tolerate such petty tricks on him.


    Katie was flustered and red at her ex-boyfriend in annoyance. <em>''Filthy dog, can''t you do a single job properly?''</em>


    "President Stanley, he is threatening me daily to do so."


    That man lost his cool. He wasn''t an idiot to keep quiet after hearing her, "You slutty woman, how dare you to push it over me?"


    Katie Archer was enraged but she stuck to her image and acted weak and drunk trying to get up. "He is my ex. He always beat me for money so I broke up with me. He... He is now ckma... Ahhh..."


    A few chuckled before controlling it looking at her pathetic look.


    While getting up she had pressed the edge of the coffee table hard hence therge beer mugs fell all over her bathing her in beer.


    A few drooled on her seeing her cloth stick to her curvaceous body.


    Katie Archer covered her hands on her chest instinctively as everything was almost visible through her clothes.


    Finn frowned. Even though he hated her, he still removed his zer and covered her ignoring her gaze.


    He went aside to call the Artist manager to send Katie Archer''s manager to pick her while the ex-boyfriend and Katie Archer were arguing with each other.


    "You bitch, when did I ask for money? It was you who dumped me for rich guys. Do you think I don''t know you want President Stanley now?"


    "Why are you bullying me in front of all just because of money? You want money right?"


    She took out her wallet and started throwing the cash and cards she had, "Take this, take this, take this... Get lost now, stop ruining my life..."


    That man kicked her in frustration, "Who wants your dirty money? You bitch, why don''t you die?"


    Katie Archer wailed hearing him and broke the wine bottle all were scared she might stab herself but she attacked that man.


    Finn was standing behind that man talking on the phone without caring whether she stabs herself or not.


    "Finn, watch out."


    Coen''s voice diverted his attention to Ceon and he felt prickling pain on his forearm followed by Katie screaming.


    "Ahhhhhh..."


    Katie had lost bnce slipping on the wet floor and fell front. Her ex-boyfriend didn''t care to hold and moved aside which hurt Finn.


    Finn gritted his teeth but didn''t care to help Katie from the floor because he was sure she was acting like a drunk.


    All murmured seeing Katie didn''t move from the floor. Her manager who was outside rushed in and took Katie out with the help of an assistant while Katie gritted her teeth.


    She had thought Finn might help her off the floor and she could get a chance to seduce him with her body.


    Finn dropped that man''s mobile in a beer mug and exited the private room without caring about the ss pricks and the blood on his arm.


    Ceon followed him out, "You are bleeding, you need a doc." but Finn hopped on his car and left without pause.


    Ceon could only sigh and leave when Finn didn''t answer his calls and messages.

 Chapter 258: Want me to strip you now?

    Chapter 258: Want me to strip you now?


    In the Cooper mansion, Calvin noticed Aria ignoring him hence he didn''t disturb her either. n gave a meaningful look to Calvin before taking her to the office.


    Just by thinking how Aria would react, Calvin felt it hard to make his mind to confess the truth.


    n asked her to stop overthinking and have patience while she assured him before going to her office.


    n informed his men to keep an eye on Calvin if in case he was arranging fake proofs for anything to lie again.


    Aria had finished meetings and entered the office when she overheard Levi talking about Finn getting hurt.


    "What happened to Finn?"


    Levi was facing a coffee maker when he heard Aria. Hanging up the call, he turned around to respond.


    "President Cooper, President Stanley was wounded yesterday. I heard he didn''t visit a doctor. President Stanley''s assistant said it happened yesterday and he isn''t allowing anyone to check on it."


    Levi and Finn''s assistant were fellowrades of the same team.


    Aria checked the time and nodded, "Let''s drop a visit and knock some sense."


    Levi knew probably only Aria was capable of doing it for real too. "Alright, President Cooper."


    She had called Finn before leaving for Ziro but he had declined to join them giving work as a reason.


    ---


    Aria and Levi reached Starlight headquarters after confirming that Finn was in the office.


    Most of the employees there knew Aria was Finn''s friend and he had ordered them, never to stop her from entering inside so all greeted her while she went in.


    Hispany''s female celebrities never really liked her due to her closeness with their President so the matter quickly spread in thepany about her arrival.


    Aria had the same freedom in Woods''pany and Morgan Industries so it didn''t really matter to her.


    Aria asked while in the elevator, "Shall I call doc here or drag him out to hospital?"


    Levi almost chuckled, "President Cooper, If managers hear your hooligan side, they might never dare to speak up in front of you."


    Aria rolled her eyes, "I don''t understand how you guys put on a long face and get engrossed in work that you forget your own self."


    Levi didn''tment. He had seen her forget her lunch and get off time many days until she was notified. It''s just that she looks lively and they look serious.


    Secretaries greeted Aria as she went towards Finn''s office, "Is Finn inside?"


    "Yes, President Cooper."


    Aria nodded and told Levi, "Catch up with your fellows."


    Levi saw her enter before going to get something for them to drink.


    Aria knocked on the door and peeked in to see Finn''s surprised expression sitting on the head sea of the meeting table with a file.


    Finn''s office room also had a long table for the meeting other than his own desk at the floor to ceiling window.


    "Hey President Stanley, mind if I disturb you?"


    "Dumb! Come in..."


    Aria''s lips twitched and flung the door open, "You are the big dumbo..." She shut her lips quickly seeing the five more were sitting at the table.


    All were looking at her in bewilderment. They had just heard Finn and Aria bicker when together but never had heard or seen it live.


    A female manager was swooning on Finn seeing his smile.


    <em>''Dumb man, was it important to call me dumb when you are actually in the meeting?''</em>


    She looked behind in annoyance to see secretaries giggling. <em>''Shouldn''t they give me heads up or ask me to wait when he is in a meeting?''</em>


    The secretaries knew well Finn wouldn''t like it if Aria waits so they didn''t say anything.


    Aria coughed awkwardly, "I will..." <em>''wait outside.''</em>


    "Do you need an invitation to enter inside?"


    Aria was speechless seeing him not giving her a face. <em>''You just wait.''</em>


    She entered inside as she spoke, "President Stanley, do you have any idea about the time? If you want to wither, why are you torturing them?"


    "Do you think you are blooming? Ugh... I see old age is affecting your brain."


    Aria: _


    "Well, I can''t help a man with a half brain to function normally."


    Finn was speechless hearing her call him a half-dead man.


    Aria giggled hearing no response and turned to managers who were suffocating themselves.


    "I feel sorry for you having such a dictator as president. May I be helpful to wind up the meeting quickly?"


    Coen''s mouth was still wide open sitting on the couch. He had reached fifteen minutes earlier and Finn had just pointed him to the couch without a word giving him the look, <em>''Disturbing brat.''</em>


    Aria received a response from the Marketing Manager, "President Cooper, we are discussing the advertisement of Katie Archer''s new movie as President Stanley going to turn down the rumors as false."


    Once the news got out, they knew Katie Archer''s poprity would be affected and the movie box office collection might fluctuate.


    "Is it important to clear the rumors?"


    "Grandpa might kill me if it continues." Finn lied.


    Aria took seriously, "Alright. Turndown the rumors saying it is due to the fans who liked them to be a couple but don''t pull down all the posts because it will seem suspicious as these two fought. And you can give offers like lucky winners or bonanza or choose some lucky viewers and offer them free tickets in your budget. Here you can send out a word as you might pick some viewers for the next movies too in your first movie."


    All looked at her in astonishment for her quickness.


    A manager spoke, "President Stanley, President Cooper''s idea is amazing. We can start a trend of lucky viewers. As we are new and nobody followed this idea, it will also spread a good word about us. Since it''s the social media era, we should choose the viewers who are actively using them and they would excitedly announce it saying they got lucky and the number of viewers would increase too."


    Aria realized Finn had a great team that came up with a real-time session rate.


    Finn stretched his long arm and patted her head, "My manager is still intact."


    "You-" Aria gritted her teeth flinging his handoff.


    Finn continued, "Get me a detailed report on it. Meeting adjourned."


    Aria knocked on his head and turned his swivel chair pushing it towards his desk.


    She nodded at Ceon but continued to speak with Finn, "Stubborn mule, I heard you got hurt and didn''t visit a doctor."


    The managers envied them while going out.


    Finn badly wanted to say, <em>''I''m not a kid or a broken leg patient to wheel me on the chair.''</em>


    Aria continued, "How did you get hurt? Where are you hurt?"


    "Alia, it''s nothing."


    "I will tell you that. Wh..."


    Levi who entered the room with juice and coffeemented. "His left-hand forearm."


    Aria nodded at him and ordered Finn, "Remove your zer."


    Getting no reaction from Finn for quite a few seconds, "Do you want me to strip you now?"

 Chapter 259: Freaks me out

    Chapter 259: Freaks me out


    "Remove your zer."


    Ceon bit his lips to control hisughter hearing her bluntly saying it. Levi kept the tray on the table and left quietly.


    Finn was looking at her right hand. He stretched his hand to check and wanted to ask about it but heard Aria, "Do you want me to strip you now?"


    Ceon tried to bury hisughter but failed.


    Finn''s hand froze as his skin behind his ears turned red, "Alia, filter your words."


    Aria just nced at Ceon but didn''t bother about him and continued looking at Finn, "Actually, you can be a famous stripper if you join any club. Do you want to try?"


    Ceon imagined Finn in strip clubs and continued tough giving no face to Finn.


    Finn gritted his teeth and removed his zer to stop her saying <em>''Strip''</em> again and again.


    Their bickering was always like that. Until the provocation, they would be stubborn to do it.


    Aria just saw cotton under a singleyer bandage on his forearm. She removed to see the wound by the bottle. She was d it wasn''t stabbed in.


    "Have you sold your brain? You areing to the hospital with me right now."


    Ceon almost choked on his spit hearing her order. <em>''Sob, I had to get beaten up just for raising my tone. Sob, sob, heartless friend.''</em>


    Aria didn''t wait for Finn''s response and stood up taking his zer trying to pull him off the chair. "Let''s go."


    Finn pulled her back and held her right hand, "Shouldn''t you clear your mess before checking mine? How the hell did you end up like this?"


    Aria had almost forgotten that. She gave a sheepish smile at him pointing Ceon with her eyes indicating she would tellter.


    Finn understood it was rted to her series of problems. Instead of her, Finn took her out to listen to her soon.


    Ceon: #_#


    <em>''Wait, what just happened? Finn ignored me just like that.''</em>


    He got up and ran out, "Hey you ungrateful dog, did you forget I was sitting there?" He voiced his thoughts without caring if all the secretaries could hear him.


    Aria looked at Finn and burst intoughter while Finn went to Ceon kicked his leg, "Oh really?"


    Ceon realized he got carried away after looking at Aria and Finn together. He nced at Ariaughing and mumbled to Finn standing near him.


    "Can you give me a face in front of President Cooper? I came here to check on you and you are leaving me all alone. I thought about eating with you and I am hungry too. Take me with you, pretty please."


    Finn''s brows twitched hearing him and seeing him behave like a frail youngdy. "I think you need a check than my wound."


    Aria went next to them showing her mobile, "I think, if I sell this picture, that actress'' movie will be a blockbuster due to sympathy, I don''t mind getting a hugemission."


    Levi and Finn''s assistant, Dustin had seen that picture in which it looked like Ceon was kissing Finn. The formermented, "Easier way to gain high without using resources."


    Ceon and Finn shut their mouths and didn''t dy further. Aria drove her car giving her mobile to Finn.


    Dustin and Levi followed them in Finn''s car while abandoned Ceon followed them in his sports car.


    Finn watched the video and remarked, "Why aren''t you training? You are weak. And how did you get hurt?"


    Aria prepared herself for another round of scolding and responded, "Look at my hand before n came."


    Finn controlled from smacking her head after watching it, "Are you freaking out of your mind? Why did you do that?"


    Aria pouted, "You have seen me fighting. I was scared n might not like me or judge me so."


    Finn flicked on her head, "Dumb, you were protecting yourself. And one who loves you will never judge you. If they judge you and change their opinion, then they never loved you wholeheartedly."


    Aria nodded rubbing her head, "I know but just a thought of it, freaks me out."


    Finn sighed and asked about whether they found out who it was or doubting on anybody. Before reaching the hospital, Aria wrapped things rted to it but didn''t tell much about Calvin.


    Finn told about his wound saying that the actress was drunk to stop Aria from worrying.


    After both got treated by doctors, they had lunch with their assistants and Ceon before dispersing.


    Ceon didn''t go to his office and tried to open Finn''s mind."Finn, you talk too much with President Cooper."


    Fin didn''t respond.


    "You guys are close too."


    Finn: "..."


    "I think she likes you. You should confess to her." He said earnestly.


    Finn knew Aria likes him but just as a friend. Probably in that friend list, he couldn''t rank higher than Rian, Noah, and Eva.


    Lost in his thoughts about Aria, he didn''t notice Katie Archer overhearing them at the creak of the door.


    Ceon continued looking at Finn. "She is too candid, you guys will make a great couple. Bickering all the time still caring about each other. Seriously, you should confess to her."


    Katie didn''t hear the name of ''she'' they were talking about. Dustin had gone to a different floor due to work, returned, and saw her.


    "Ms. Archer, May I help you with something?"


    "Who met President Stanley today?"


    Dustin kind of guessed who she was asking about hearing her envious tone but he yed dead, "I''m sorry Ms.Archer, you have to ask President Stanley personally. Anything else I could help you with?"


    She stomped her feet and entered Finn''s office after a knock. Dustin gave full marks to her sudden shift of expression from jealous to guilty.


    "President Stanley, I''m really sorry, I was drunk and I created... I created..."


    Tears rolled on her cheeks as she sobbed choking on her words.


    Dustin rolled his eyes before closing the door. Ceon controlled himself from sshing water on her. Finn ignored itpletely.


    Failing in the first act, she started the second one, "My manager told me what I did, President Stanley, please forgive me. I will never drink so much again..."


    Finn: "..."


    Failing again she went near Finn as she spoke and sobbed, "President Stanley, let me check your hand. Shall I take you to the hospital? <em>(Sob)</em> It might cause infection. <em>(Sob)</em> President Stanley, let me..."


    Finn didn''t let her touch him and grunted harshly at her, "Get out."


    He dialed a number on the inte and ordered his assistant, "I never want this actress step in my office again. Throw her out of here."


    Katie was flustered, "President Stanley, I apologize... Don''t do this to me, President Stanley..."


    Dustin dragged her out without mercy letting Ceon breathe a sigh of relief while Finn didn''t care.


    Ceon again spoke, "See, one side Aria Cooper and on another end, Katie Archer. Be wise and confess dude."


    Finn didn''t feel the necessity to respond to the same thing again and again, "Don''t you want to know your girl?"


    Ceon wanted to know but not at the cost of Finn''s love life to hide it from Aria.

 Chapter 260: They never stalled time

    Chapter 260: They never stalled time


    Katie Archer knew Dustin wouldn''t let her in after Finn''s order hence she went to her agent.


    "Some b*tch is in President Stanley''s life. Find out who she is. I have to clear my path at any cost... And yeah, check about where I can meet Madam Stanley."


    Katie''s manager led her out as she spoke, "I heard President Cooper was in thepany. Your new movie advertisements and publicity idea were given by her ording to Manager Mike... She seems too close to President Stanley and Department managers were praising her."


    Katie grounded her teeth, clenching her fist. She remembered something and asked, "I heard Skyline is checking on a new celeb for Diamond jewelry. How about me?"


    Katie''s manager hesitated before speaking, "President Cooper''s standard for choosing the brand ambassador is too high and..."


    "And what?" She roared.


    "You... You don''t meet the requirements unless President Stanley talks to her."


    Katie sat in herpany carughing mockingly. "I don''t meet the requirements? What the f*ck does she think of herself? Princess? Queen Elizabeth? She is just a runaway bride coveting President Stanley. Her experience in business isn''t even half of my experience in showbiz. I don''t care what you do but at any cost, I want to meet her. Do you get that?"


    She snorted and closed her eyes to control her emotions trying to breathe calmly.


    ---


    After getting off work, n picked Aria from her office.


    Hooking her hands around his neck, "I feel like we are back to our regr routine."


    n hummed and was thinking whether or not to tell her that Calvin was going to disclose the things he was hiding.


    "n, What''s wrong?"


    nposed and shook his head, "Let''s grab dinner before we leave."


    "We can eat at home." Aria said but seeing his expressionless face, she agreed, "We will eat out. Cheer up."


    n took her to a restaurant and had dinner before driving to Cooper mansion. Since he didn''t know what Calvin was going to say about Oliver, he didn''t want her to get sad and skip dinner.


    Since he didn''t get any proof after the investigation, even he started to feel like Oliver might have killed himself.


    Aria entered inside to see nervous Saira and the troubled face of Calvin. Instinctively worrying about them, she asked, "What''s wrong? Auntie Saira, are you alright?"


    n spoke to housekeeper Sophia to send the maids away to leave them in privacy before pulling Aria to sit next to him.


    "What''s happening?"


    n held her hand cueing Calvin toe to the point.


    Saira stuttered exploding the first bomb, "Arrie, Calvin is your half brother, not a cousin."


    Ariaughed mockingly without believing them, "So you want Skyline. Why the drama? Cut to the chase."


    n rubbed her arm, "Shhh... Let''s hear it out first."


    Aria didn''t listen to him, "n, I know my father better than anybody. Why do you want to hear them talk nonsense making up stories just because Dad isn''t here to rify?"


    n knew that after seeing so many fake and real proofs, one or the other day, it was inevitable to distrust the real too.


    He held her and coaxed her, "Just hear it once for me. Alright?"


    Aria frowned looking at n. She couldn''t understand who he was doubting.


    <em>''Is it them or my father?''</em>


    n had guessed there going to be a conflict of words, emotions, and decisions. Even though Aria might fall weak or might not be ready to ept the reality, he was determined to be her support whatever the truth might be.


    Saira kept wiping her tears and continued to speak about things that happened twenty-nine years back.


    --- shback ---


    Saira Hayek and Emily Parker were best friends. They attended the same school, college, and hung out with each other all the time.


    Emily being more beautiful, outgoing, sociable, and rich. She always carried herself graciously which always attracted men at her but she never epted anybody.


    Due to her outgoing personality, many used to getfortable with her very soon and she earned a lot of friends, unlike Saira who was insociable and introverted.


    Even with all those friends, Emily was close to Saira.


    Once Saira had a blind date arranged by her family. She was very scared hence she tagged Emily with her.


    Saira''s blind date was also an introvert hence he brought a bunch of friends who actually upied the next table without disturbing them.


    Emily convinced Saria and changed her table to those friends'' tables. Even though Saira and her date hardly spoke, Emily got along well with those men discussing their business and education.


    There Emily met Oliver Cooper who was handsome, clever, and friendly. They hit off at their first meet, nned dates and soon they were in a rtionship.


    Emily always told everything to Saira so she knew Emily was head over heels in love with Oliver Cooper.


    Those weren''t the days to date for years, propose and get married. Those were the days, if they liked, they never stalled time.


    Oliver met the Parker family. Every Parker family member liked Oliver who was independent at just the age of twenty-five with his ownpany.


    The Parker family was well known in the city A so Lucas cooper and his first wife, mother of Oliver had no objection.


    Everything was set but Emily and Oliver wanted to spend more time together before getting married so Oliver nned her birthday grandly.


    He threw her birthday banquet at a luxurious hotel. They were friends and rtives of Parker and Cooper families to celebrate her birthday and engagement.


    As nned, everything went rather well. Emily and Oliver had to greet everyone. Emily''s alcohol tolerance was very low hence Oliver drank for Emily too in excitement and happiness.


    By the end of the banquet, Oliver was drunk to even hold his senses right. Since Oliver had booked the whole hotel for them, Emily left him in the hotel room before checking on Saira who was tipsy with just a few drinks.


    Emily spoke to her if she could manage to reach the room and gave her a room number 407. Stumbling on the ground, she reached the fourth floor and stood between two rooms.

 Chapter 261: Wanted an heir

    Chapter 261: Wanted an heir


    401 and 407


    Saira looked at both sides in confusion because both looked 407 for her. She wanted to ask somebody for help but nobody was in sight so she tried again to clearly see and entered a room.


    But she had entered room 401 where a man was half asleep mumbling something. In the dark faint lighted room, she had no idea who it was.


    She still helped the man hearing him say water repeatedly. While she was helping out, he puked out all over her and fell asleep.


    Due to the irritation of smell, she didn''t think too much about it and bathed before going to bed without having any idea there was actually a man on the bed.


    She couldn''t understand the man''s mumble but unknowingly she was humming to it but the man suddenly shifted on top of her.


    Her strength wasn''t enough to push him and her tipsy state cooperated with him that night.


    When she woke up naked on the bed feeling sore all over, she noticed Oliver Cooper next to her in utter shock.


    It wasn''t the decade to just be alright with the one night stand but out of all, it was Oliver Cooper, her best friend''s fiance.


    She didn''t dare to stay there for one more minute in the scare Oliver might see her or importantly, she didn''t want to break Emily''s heart.


    She didn''t know what else to do other than running away from there. She never uttered a single word about it to anyone.


    She didn''t meet Emily even once for two days feeling remorse and she didn''t have the courage to face her either.


    During that time she wasn''t sure what happened, Emily and Oliver registered marriage and pulled up the wedding dates.


    Emily was excitedly preparing for the wedding and Saira soon realized Oliver had no inkling that she was the one he spent the night with so she thought to forget about it too.


    While helping her out in the chores, Emily''s half brother Abel Parker proposed to her in front of everyone. All encouraged her to say yes and she desperately wanted to forget the night and move on so that Emily could live happily.


    So Saira said yes and their wedding was also held in the same church and on the same day.


    Within fifteen days after the wedding, Saira conceived. She was excited to announce it to her husband but she realized it was too early to be pregnant with Abel''s child.


    She consulted a Gynecologist and realized it was Oliver''s child. It took her time to make her mind to meet Oliver.


    She met Oliver at hispany and revealed theplete truth because it was his right to know it.


    Oliver was staggered. He loved Emily with all his heart. It never had space for anybody. He wasn''t ready to leave her or get on negatives with Emily at any cost.


    He asked, begged, requested, and did his all to keep it a secret. Saira never wanted to be between the loving couple, she just wanted to tell him the truth, deciding to lie to Abel and the Parker family.


    But Oliver was still scared it might be disclosed to others so he prepared everything in the hospital and called her to there saying it was for check up but after reaching there, she got to know he wanted to abort the innocent child which hadn''t done anything wrong.


    -- Present --


    Aria got up and sshed the ss of water on Saira''s face.


    Aria was trembling in anger. She wasn''t ready to believe it because she knew her father could never do such things.


    Even if he had done the mistake in a drunken state, he was somebody who would take responsibility for everything he did.


    Aria never saw him back off from taking responsibility. Upon that, Oliver would never tell her to abort the innocent child hence she couldn''t control herself.


    "Saira Hayek, you and your son have written a great story but I''m sorry I can''t invest in your movie so get your ass out of here right now."


    Saira continued to sob but Aria still wasn''t ready to ept it. Calvin clenched his fist tight and sat without reacting to anything. He had expected Aria to do something more hence it wasn''t shocking for him.


    Saira apologized, trying her best to be strong, "Arrie, I know I made a mistake. I owe to your mother. Even if you beat me, I wouldn''tin. All I can say is, I''m sorry, I''m sorry I wronged your mother."


    n tried to hold Aria who was trembling in rage or might be because she couldn''t ept it. But Aria flung his hand away.


    "Sorry? Did you think I will believe whatever you say and doubt my father just because those two aren''t here to rify it? How long were you nning all these? If you wanted wealth andpany, you could have asked me directly instead of making up all the stories."


    n turned Aria towards him trying to calm her, "Aria, you have to be calm and strong now. Let''s hear themp..."


    Aria cut him off, shrugged his hands away from her, "Hear them? Hear what? New stories? n, you don''t know my father, don''t just believe them."


    n was still calm and held her tight and firmly said, "Quiet down. Don''t judge too quickly. Listenpletely and then we''ll talk."


    Aria knew he was determined to pull the past out but her mind was already a mess. She had only one thing in mind, <em>''My father isn''t like that.''</em>


    "Don''t judge? Don''t judge them? Are you doubting my father? n, I know my father better than anyone of you here."


    n knew he couldn''t get angry and force her so he softened his voice, "You trust me, right? Do it again. Will you?"


    Aria frowned. Of course, she trusts n and she also trusts her father. Her voice softened too and sounded helpless, "n, listening to them means distrusting my father."


    "No, Listening to them means trying to solve the issue." He watched her calm down and nodded at weeping Saira.


    Saira''s trembling voice sounded, "As soon as I got to know Oliver''s n, I left the hospital and disclosed my pregnancy in the home by hiding my actual number of weeks into pregnancy. Oliver didn''t get a chance to meet me again so Calvin was raised in the Parker family. Once Emily gave birth to you and then she was diagnosed with the terminal disease, he gave the job to Abel in Skyline with a huge pay scale so that we could look after Calvin better. When we lost Emily, Oliver again approached me wishing to look after Calvin by revealing the truth because he didn''t want to marry again and wanted an heir to..."


    Aria was enraged again. "You -" But n pulled her down rubbing her back.


    Oliver never grew her up like a weak girl and he never wished he wanted a boy to look after hispany or continue the family lineage.

 Chapter 262: I will hold you responsible

    Chapter 262: I will hold you responsible


    Saira tried to continue weeping in guilt but failed to continue to speak.


    Calvin continued clutching his fist, "Mom never agreed to send me to Uncle Oliver. But when Ipleted my graduation, he visited me to prove to me he was my biological father."


    Calvin passed an old DNA paternity test report of Calvin and Oliver which mentioned it was a match.


    "As soon as I got the papers, I came to meet Uncle Oliver. I was resolute on my decision. I told him to forget about the past and let me off. He had told me to talk to you and he wanted to make up for me but I didn''t listen to him and again left the country A. I had broken my mobile in frustration and didn''t use another one for two-plus months hence I had no idea whatever happened here. When I returned, I tried to investigate the ident. If it wasn''t an ident, probably, he purposefully did it. Arrie, I wasn''t really behind anything which is yours, I don''t want any of it. I never thought about hurting you, instead, I always felt responsible for not being your side when you needed me the most."


    Calvin finished whatever he had to say which he had hidden from past years.


    n who was holding Aria realized her body had turned too cold and she was taking short shallow breaths continuously looking at the DNA report.


    Aria wasn''t the one to be in need of Skyline or properties. She knew she could stand alone if she wanted. She was ready to ept if Calvin was her brother but she wasn''t ready to ept her father could be like what they said.


    Her father was a man of words and principles. For her, he never could wish to kill an innocent child or he wasn''t in need of a boy for the family lineage. Even if he wanted Calvin back, he could have told her unlike killing himself.


    "Aria..." n lightly shook her arms to get a response but got nothing in return.


    Calvin had noticed Aria''s reaction, went up to her. He kneeled in front of her and wanted to console her saying <em>''nothing will change and he just prevailed the truth for her since she asked. If she doesn''t want to see him, then he wouldn''te into her sight. He was even ready to move to a different country.''</em>


    He held her hand and had just called, "Arrie..."


    Aria flung his hands away with a jerk and moved away from everyone. Her trembling hands pointed at them as she stuttered, "You... You are all lying to me... Just because I look innocent doesn''t mean I will believe everything. My father isn''t like what you all said. He never could do all that. I... I know him... I know him."


    Then her voice increased and cried out, "He isn''t like that. I know him well."


    Sophia who heard her panicked and went out of her room. Aria was running towards stairs wiping her face when she heard Sophia''s worried voice. "Young miss."


    Aria went to her hugged as she cried on and on saying, "Aunty, They are all lying. Dad never could be like that. Dad never will try to hurt a kid. Dad wasn''t self-centered..."


    She continued mumbling without responding to n and without leaving Sophia.


    Sophia gently kept patting her back agreeing with her for everything without knowing what was going on.


    "You are right, young miss... Master will not do. The Master is good..." She kept consoling Aria who was crying like a fragile child.


    n realized he didn''t talk for Oliver or supported her, confusing her that he might be doubting Oliver.


    It wasn''t about trust. He knew he couldn''t investigate such an old matter deeply. He still has to talk to Rowan to know about those days. He decided to investigate the DNA report for fake or real.


    He regretted never mingling with Oliver and he didn''t know anything about him.


    Knowing Aria wouldn''t go with him, he told Sophia to take care of her, sending Aria to her room.


    He returned to the living hall to see mother and son at a different end of the living hall. He knew he couldn''t go for a DNA test for siblings. He started to think of alternatives.


    "If I know anything I heard till now had a lie, I make sure you wish for death every day." His cold tone ended as he took the DNA report upstairs.


    He knew it was toote but he couldn''t rest at ease. He called Rowan who woke up from sleep to answer the call.


    "Dad, I need to discuss a very important matter right now. Shall I see you now?"


    Rowan felt fully awake hearing n''s unyielding unemotional tone. He didn''t dy the response, "I will be waiting for you."


    n just hummed and went to Sophia''s room where Aria was still sobbing in herp. Sophia signaled to him that she will take care of Aria seeing him despair looking at Aria''s state.


    He exited the mansion without caring about the mother and son hearing thetter.


    Calvin warned his mother, "If anything happens to Aria, Mom, I will hold you responsible."


    Calvin wanted to check on Aria but he was scared she might continue crying.


    ---


    Speeding on the road, n soon reached the Morgan mansion.


    Rowan and n sat in n''s study. n asked, "Dad, have you attended Dad Oliver and Mom Emily''s engagement?"


    Rowan wasn''t sure why he was asking, he promptly answered, "Yeah, it was arranged on Sister inw''s birthday at... Old Hotel Empire."


    "Was Dad drunk on that night?"


    Rowan responded remembering that day, "He was very much drunk. Sister inw had to force him to stop and she took him to his room... n, what''s wrong?"


    n asked instead of responding, "Did Dad mention you about a one night stand that day?"


    Rowan frowned as he nodded, "Why are you asking all this?"


    n again ignored his question, "Can you remember what he told you or what you guys did? Or anything rted to it."


    Rowan tried to remember and responded, "He said he didn''t know who it was. Since the whole hotel was booked, we checked on everydy who stayed in the hotel and also the staff but none of them went to his room. Oliver was very upset and was scared to tell the sister inw. After our little push, he went to meet her on the second day to tell her but when he returned, he came back married to her. He told me that he informed everything to the sister inw... n, did anybodye to Arrie saying it?"


    n answered by cing the DNA report on the table, "Calvin Parker seems to be the result of Dad''s One-night stand."


    "What?" Rowan''s eyes widened in shock.


    "Mrs.Parker? She is the best friend of Sister inw. how could she do that?... She had told, she wasn''t the one."


    n asked again in doubt, "Was she drunk that day?"

 Chapter 263: A nightmare

    Chapter 263: A nightmare


    n doubted Saira and asked, "Was she drunk on that day?"


    Rowan tried to remember but shook his head, "I don''t remember seeing her. She always sat in corners and watched us. And I was already married at that time and Amelia never allowed me to drink more other than in the home so I had returned a little sooner to home with her once Oliver left."


    He remembered Aria and asked in a panic, "Does Aria know this?"


    n rubbed his forehead as he spoke, "There are many things to resolve and everything bing a heavy mess. Aria isn''t ready to believe her father could do all this."


    Rowan sighed in resignation, "Actually that was the only time he was drunk and he repented it. At least I had gone through many arranged dates but he was a one-woman man, once he chose Sister inw, he wanted nobody other than her. It''s hard to believe that past and I can understand it is difficult for Aria. That child she is going through a lot one after the other."


    n got up to leave but paused hearing Rowan ask, "Bring her home. We will all cheer her."


    n thought for a second and shook his head. "No, her mood is really sensitive now. A small thing will trigger her. It''s better for her to stay with Aunty Sophia."


    Rowan knew n would do everything best for Aria so he hummed and saw him exit the room.


    ---


    n sent his men to check on DNA reports before going to Cooper mansion. Aria had dozed off in Sophia''s room.


    He knew Aria would ept Calvin as her brother but not what her father did.


    <em>Could Oliver really ask Saira to abort?</em>


    <em>Was he so self-centered that he went to get him after losing Emily?</em>


    <em>Did he really kill himself?</em>


    <em>Or are Saira and Calvin ying a game?</em>


    Seeing her swollen eyes, flushed face, his heart ached for her immensely. He whispered in her ear, "Dummy, I will be with you."


    He didn''t get any reaction which he always got. He wanted to carry her back to their room but scared she might wake up and cry so he didn''t do it.


    Sophia suggested in a low voice, "Young master, why don''t you rest with Young miss here?"


    n shook his head standing up. If she needed Sophia tofort her, he didn''t want to interfere. If she wanted him, he knew she would find him the very next second.


    n went to the bedroom struggling to sleep thinking about Aria and what she was going through. Failing to sleep, he got up and started working.


    Sophia rested next to Aria who was snagged in a nightmare.


    Aria was trying to hold Emily but she vanished in thin air.


    Standing in confusion, she saw Lucas Cooper chasing after her. Her breathing turned heavy as she started running away from him.


    She wasn''t sure how long she was running, then she saw Oliver and ran up to him happily calling ''<em>Dad</em>'' but her father''s face turned dark and tossed her away.


    She cried, fell on the ground running behind him but he didn''t stop. She got up and tried to hold him but he disappeared leaving her in the dark.


    It was so dark that she was scared, she started trembling, her heartbeats were rising higher and higher.


    She desperately searched for the light. She didn''t like the darkness. She screamed on top of her lungs to help her out but nobody helped her.


    She thought it ended, she couldn''t make it. She felt suffocating to breathe andid on the floor trying to breathe.


    Just then she saw a beam of light.


    She tried to get up and walked slowly towards it. She increased her speed and walked faster and ran towards it entering the light to see a soft, mesmerizing smile of a man who was stretching his hand to hold her.


    She hesitated but she still gave her hand because she didn''t want to stay in the haunting darkness.


    She started smiling at the man who gently caressed her head.


    But her smile started to fade seeing the man''s face turn cold looking away from her. She followed his line of sight and turned to see darkness quickly enveloping towards her.


    She turned to her light to realize she lost the hand she was holding and he was fading in the light.


    She trembled continuously as the darkness quickly reached her. She screamed, <em>''n''</em> as darkness covered.


    Aria jerked up on the bed breathing irregrly, sweating all over, reddened eyes, her face streaked with tears, her hands trembling profusely.


    She checked next to her to see Sophia and got down from the bed.


    She wanted to see n and nothing else. She ran upstairs on her barefoot, disheveled hair. She barged in the room to see n working on hisptop.


    n had turned towards the door as soon as it opened. He got up to go near her but Aria ran into his arms wrapping her hands tightly around his waist.


    Seeing her tremble, n held her back and heard her muffle, "I will not let you go... I will not let you go..."


    n cupped her face as he responded, "I''m not going anywhere."


    Wiping her cheeks and helping her to drink water, he calmly asked, "What happened? Why are you scared?"


    Aria tried to speak without stuttering, "I I had a dream. All left me in the dark and I got you but you... You also left me seeing the dark. It was so scary."


    n embraced her seeing her still sniffling, he asked in a gentle mellow voice, "Will I ever leave you?"


    Aria shook her head in response and added. "I will not let you leave either."


    n kissed her on the crown. He was d that she was determined about him in any situation. He was content to hear her say she wouldn''t let him leave her instead of ''<em>Don''t leave me</em>''.


    "Aria! However you are or whatever you are, I just need you. Not the past, not the wealth. It''s always only you. I will be there for you in whatever problems it might be."


    Aria obediently hummed with a nod.


    "Do you want to sleep? Or how about taking a quick shower? You will befortable." She had broken in sweat due to her nightmare so he suggested knowing her difort.


    Aria again nodded and took a hot shower. n closed hisptop and coaxed her to sleep in his arms.


    He whispered in her ear, "We will solve it together."


    Aria lightly hummed in the asleep state clutching his nightshirt tight.

 Chapter 264: You rule your title

    Chapter 264: You rule your title


    In the morning


    Roxy started to doubt what was happening at Cooper mansion. n had asked Rian to take Roxy to the Morgan mansion.


    "I think something''s up. I should go and see Arrie at the office." Roxy said while having breakfast at the table.


    Rowan wasn''t sure what was n''s n so he decided to keep things low.


    Rian knocked on her head, "Can''t you live without seeing your sister? Let Bro and Little Devil have their time. Get that?"


    Roxy gave him a dirty look but still agreed.


    Amelia knew Rowan had left the bedroom for nearly an hour in the night. She wanted to ask in the morning, after hearing Roxy, she was sure something''s going on.


    She decided to tag along with Rowan to their farmhouse so that she could talk to him patiently.


    ---


    On the other end, n woke up Aria who wasn''t ready to wake up and face reality.


    Halfheartedly, she got fresh with n but she didn''t have a mood for anything.


    Aria held his hand, "I need time..."


    n nodded, "Alright, I''ll inform Levi to manage at thepany. Shall I stay with you or take you out somewhere for a little time?"


    Aria shook her head, "I''ll be here. Help me with verifying the DNA report and I am thinking of talking to Pop today."


    n smiled hearing her. The previous night, he was actually scared of what she might do to herself.


    He didn''t hide and repeated whatever Rowan had told him. He also mentioned, he had already sent people to country X to verify the authenticity of the DNA report.


    Aria passively nodded, "If Brother Calvin is actually my half brother, I will ept it. If he wants to look after Dad''spany, I''ll check his performance and let him handle it."


    n sighed and sat on the couch with her, "Let''s not weigh Dad because of that day. You had the best father and you grew up under his care, You know him better. No need to lose faith in him."


    Aria nodded and embraced him, "n, we still have many questions, doubts, and problems to resolve."


    n knew what she was pointing to and what she meant. "Let''s give it a rest for a few days. Everything will be out. If you want to go away from here for some time, do tell me. Talk to me without burying yourself and you are not allowed to question Dad''s upbringing. Trust yourself."


    Aria nodded and pinched his cheek. She was questioning herself was actually true. She knew Oliver kept her away from work to lower her worries but ''<em>why couldn''t it be because he wanted a man to look after hispany?''</em>


    Both went for breakfast and saw an anxious mother and son. Aria met Sophia first and assured her she was fine.


    Calling Saira and Calvin she went to the dining hall, "Brother Calvin, Auntie Saira, have breakfast."


    n felt like everything was too quiet and slow motion. Depressing air was all around that even maids looked lethargic in their work.


    If on the previous days, a small chortle of Aria and her voice could have brought life to everything but he wasn''t sure how long it might take for Aria.


    He noticed Aria''s appetite worsened and she was forcing herself to eat.


    Calvin and Saira weren''t sure how to start a conversation so they kept looking at Aria''s somber face.


    Aria spoke after finishing her fill, "Brother Calvin, it might take time to transfer everything to your name but I want this mansion and Emira Vi where I had my childhood. If you want to take over Skyline, I''ll ess your performance and let you work. If you need anything else, do tell me."


    Saira was d Aria epted Calvin but thetter was grim. "I didn''t reveal this to you because I wanted all this. Arrie, I want nothing. I hope I am clear and no need to transfer anything either."


    Aria didn''t respond to it and patted n''s hand which was holding her fist.


    "If Dad wanted you to look after thepany, you should try."


    Calvin shook his head, "He wanted to make it up for me but that doesn''t mean he looked down on you or wanted me to look after all these. Stop thinking all that. In fact, forget all this."


    Saira patted Calvin''s back but he flung her hand off and concentrated on breakfast. Aria and n purposefully turned blind eye to it.


    Saira returned to the Parker family,Calvin went to work and n nagged her before leaving.


    Aria did nothing the whole day other than sitting in Oliver''s room and watching the photo frames.


    She had missed all the calls and messages that day and she didn''t even know where her mobile was.


    Eva rushed to check on her in the Skyline and reached the Cooper mansion.


    She saw Sophia coaxing Aria to eat hence she sent Sophia and fed her a little around three at the noon.


    "Arrie, What''s going on?"


    Aria lightly briefed and asked her, "Do you also think My dad could be selfish? I never felt he thought any less of me than a man. Even though he stopped me from worrying about thepany, he always taught me how things are. Am I overestimating myself?"


    Eva felt really bad for her. She couldn''t understand why Aria had to go through so many things.


    To lift her mood, "Hey Goddess, why are you underestimating yourself? If so, how about we create a rampage and check it out?"


    Aria smiled resignedly and pulled her on the bed to sit. "Any idea to flip the city upside down? I might feel better after it."


    Eva took it seriously and suggested, "Let''s go downtown and collect all the proofs of evil things and publish everywhere. The city will cent percent go into chaos."


    Aria smiled but didn''tment. It was easy to do but many will thrust for their blood finding them out.


    Aria wasn''t sure what exactly was weighing her down and she wanted to throw it off quickly.


    Eva saw her deep thought and suggested again, "Streetdance? Let''s go to Seven andpete. I''m sure you will forget things over there."


    Aria''s eyes brightened a little. Rian and Noah had introduced that ce to them. Four had even tried to face off random people on the stage.


    "We haven''t practiced anything in like six years."


    Eva pulled her out as she spoke, "We will go for a freestyle and there is nothing to worry about losing."


    Sophia was happy that Eva could bring her out of the down mood. She informed n about Aria to let him take a relief breath.


    Aria changed to some funky style clothes which Eva picked for her.


    Aria whined, "Top is too short."


    Eva looked at Aria in adoration. Ankle length boots, choker, a nose ring, big hoop earrings, shorts, and cropped thin knitted top on trendy sports top.


    "Goddess, you rule your title."


    Eva didn''t let her change the top to cover her waist. She wore red hip hop pants by un-evening the pant hems with a sports top. She checked Aria''s collection for an ovey cropped top which had a full sleeve.


    Due to Isaac, Eva was in great shape too using the gym with him.

 Chapter 265: Forgetting

    Chapter 265: Forgetting


    Sophia was surprised to see them. If she remembers right, she had seen them in those types of clothes before Oliver''s ident.


    "Oh my, you two still look sixteen."


    "It''s sweet sixteen aunty Sophia," Evamented and asked all the maids who could take pictures of them together.


    Aria''s somber mood didn''t let her get a natural smile so Eva matched her expressionless face with alternate poses.


    Their bold look was entric, hot, and seductive.


    Eva updated her social media choosing a picture without Aria''s knowledge. She knew Noah and Rian would reach downtown seeing it.


    They set off in a different sports car than McLaren P1. Aria didn''t want to get on the news headline while she wasn''t at the state to handle anything.


    ---


    Morgan Industries


    n was talking with Rian and Isaac about Calvin and added,


    "DNA Report is valid. Calvin Parker is Aria''s half brother. This might take her time to ept it even though she is forcing herself for it."


    Rian groaned in frustration, "Why does this all have to happen to Little devil?"


    Isaac sighed leaning back on the couch trying to analyze it. He looked at Rian, "How was Aria''s father treating her?"


    "Brother Isaac, Uncle Oliver was somebody who always gave in to her every little tantrum. He loved her and she was his life. Even if she cried for the silliest possible reason, he used to throw all his million to billions worth of work just to be next to her."


    Isaac nodded at him and looked at n. Rian didn''t notice their small interactions.


    They were thinking about how to help Aria out, Isaac and Rian''s mobile beeped.


    Rian shot up looking at the picture, "I''m really going to kick their ass tonight. How the hell can they leave me again?" He was already grim about singing in the announcement room of school without taking him and Noah.


    "Bro, bye..." Rian was running out, Isaac held him back.


    "Wait, what''s up?"


    Rian exined hurriedly, "Little devil and Eva are going to dance face-off at the Seven of the seventh avenue. If you want to watch, dress appropriately ande there. Mobile and camera or any digital devices aren''t allowed in there."


    He was rushing out, Noah called him. "These two are getting on my nerves now."


    "Noah, where are you? Can you make it?"


    "Damn yes..."


    Both agreed to pick outfits in the nearest shopping mall and sped off to the Seven Studio that was famous as <em>''Avenue Seven''</em> which was famous for street dance.


    Since Cooper mansion was far, they were sure they could make it on time.


    n and Isaac looked at each other. They started to feel like they were in a different world than the Fourie.


    "Why do I feel like I was all along living in ck and white life with you? Crap, I''m getting envious of this Fourie."


    Both had just heard about the avenue Seven but knew nothing about it. Isaac studied Eva''s picture to understand informal and stylish clothes were required.


    He was leaving to go and watch but paused, "Do you want toe?"


    n waspletely nk. He wasn''t sure how Aria was handling the mental pressure.


    <em>Did it push her to the extreme that she wanted to escape from everything?</em>


    Because Seven in the avenue street was a ce where nobody cared about the identities of anybody.


    Thinking to go for Aria without knowing anything about avenue Seven, he nodded and left his office canceling a meeting.


    Both grabbed clothes in the nearest shopping mall and reached right behind Rian and Noah.


    Isaac asked two snazzy-looking friends, "Fellows, how dare you guyse here? Have you informed your parents?"


    Noah chuckled, "We first came here at the age of sixteen. Brother Isaac, we are twenty-three for your kind information, what parent''s permission are you talking about?"


    Isaac was speechless because downtown was a ce where young men ordies could divert their mind to hical things.


    n knew <em>''We''</em> had Aria too. "Did Dad agree to send you guys here?"


    Rian rolled his eyes, "Bro, you just know a maximum of fifty percent about us. And yeah, thanks to your wife, she had personally informed all our parents when we thought we were sneaking out."


    Isaac: @_@


    n: _


    They had almost forgotten Aria might break all the rules but never lied to the family.


    n was very proud of Aria.


    Isaac: <em>''Why am I not the one in Fourie?''</em>


    Soon a low key sports car among Aria collection pulled up in front of Seven and two girls alighted to see four men.


    Aria went behind Eva to cover the exposed waist pulling the jacket closer because he doesn''t really like her wearing such dresses.


    Eva went behind Aria seeing Isaac raise his brow looking at her outfit. She had skipped her jacket too.


    Aria: _


    Aria tried to go behind Eva again seeing n cross his arms but Rian held her shoulder and took her in.


    "Are you two dancing? It had been like really long since I danced."


    Noah who took Eva in continued, "Yeah, I am not sure if I could match?"


    Four continued to speak as they went through the security check.


    n and Isaac also cleared their security check hearing them.


    "Do they know how to dance?"


    n hummed faintly.


    He knew Rian was joining one or the other academies on summer breaks of school. He knew Rian had learned many co-curricr activities so he guessed Fourie were together everywhere.


    Rian and Eva made sure to keep Aria''s mind away from the problem. Noah had heard Rian brief it so he too cheered her.


    Watching a while, Aria agreed to Eva but turned to n. She wanted to ask, <em>''Are you angry that Ie to these ces?''</em>


    But n spoke first, grazing his fingertip on her cheek, "I''ll watch you dance."


    Aria hummed and left with the other three. Isaac was a trained dancer too but he didn''t have the coordination with the Fourie.


    Nobody there cared who was in the audience and just watched the dancers.


    To be fact, those four weren''t that good in dance, they were just above average. Deciding on hip hop and freestyle, Eva and Aria entered the floor first.


    Opposite team of five wasplete five boys. The leader of that team identified two girls, "Tiny and Cheeks. Long time... Do you think you could win on us?"


    Aria responded to his extended fist-bumping it back, "I''m here to lose."


    Eva too remembered him. "Finally some muscle to the body."


    He smirked, "Can''t you two... Never mind." He waved his hand and went back to his group who were famous for hip-hopping in the whole country A.


    Music yed and the opposite team started first. Noah and Rian discussed their entry remembering their style.


    The audience kept cheering for the team who had great moves and gave an amazing performance.


    Aria followed Eva''s idea, <em>''Hips don''t lie.''</em>


    Even though their moves weren''t new, their execution was good. Yet, the two men down the stage didn''t move their eyes away from their woman.


    When Rian and Noah joined, they improvised the moves turning, twirling the girls.


    Even though audiences weren''t as loud as other teams, they still enjoyed the fresh faces.


    Forgetting her awful mood due to her parents asking her to marry, Eva enjoyed the dance.


    Forgetting his numbing heart, Noah immersed himself as a teenager.


    Forgetting the troubles of Aria, Rian enjoyed his teenage dream.


    knowing her friends trying to cheer her, Aria danced for them.

 Chapter 266: You are too good to be true

    Chapter 266: You are too good to be true


    Even though they lost the face-off, those four weren''t sad instead they looked happier than the winning team.


    "Hey Teeny weeny, wait..."


    Aria pouted but still turned to see the man. He smiled gently, "I guess, you guys aren''t practicing."


    Aria was the same as him, "Yes Moron."


    <em>Pfft-</em>


    Rian and Noah burst intoughter. It was exactly the name Aria used to call that man.


    But nobody there knew why she uses that name except her and that man.


    Eva grinned at him keeping her elbow on Aria''s shoulder. <em>''That''s like my girl!''</em>


    That man''s lips twitched and said in irk "I''m not Moron."


    Aria crossed her arms and responded, "I''m not Teeny weeny."


    That man''s mood brightened understanding she was annoyed. "Who said you aren''t tiny? Your face is so dainty and petite that I can easily cup it in my hands."


    He cupped his palms in the air seeing Aria''s face through it while his other mates left upstairs signaling him.


    Rian, Noah, Eva knew well he wasn''t flirting instead he loves to annoy Aria like in the past hence they wanted to know Aria''s strike back.


    Before Aria, that man continued as he moved his hand down her body and his gaze stopped at her waist trying to find the right word to piss her off.


    Aria wanted to smack Eva for removing her zer. She flicked her fingers in front of her waist to get the attention of the man and moved her forefinger up to get his gaze back to her eyes.


    That man wanted to say, <em>''Tsk, Tiny, you are a malnourished kid.''</em>


    But as soon as he saw Aria''s eyes, she spoke, "That''s why you are Moron."


    Aria knew nobody dares to call him Moron or use any foulnguage to him other than her.


    n and Isaac reached them. Then the man spoke again ncing at them, "How about I say Morgan as Moron? President Moron Perhaps?"


    Isaac was about to praise Eva but his face turned dark. n didn''t care; instead, he wanted to know whether Aria was getting bullied.


    Aria''s lips twitched and took a step ahead. Her tone turned cold but it was low, "President Hanes, this is between us. I dare you to address my husband like that."


    Moran Hanes, President of Hanes Industries. The Hanes family was famous for staying away from the public image. The Hanes members who were known to the public were in high-level administration of country A.


    They were a wealthy family from generations. Theirpany was so stable and uptight that it was hard to stumble them in the sectors they work in.


    Moran Hanes wanted to continue his career in dancing but due to circumstances, he had to give up. He was once a semifinalist in the world dancepetition.


    Probably out there in avenue Seven, except Aria, nobody knew his real identity.


    Seven years back, Aria had noticed somebody forcing him away from the crowd. Due to her awful control over herself seeing somebody being bullied, she had stopped them and threatened to call police naively at the age of sixteen.


    While nobody cared about him being dragged away and seeing Aria stand for him, Moran Hanes had pinched her cheeks and fondly told about his identity seeing her persistence to stop them. He tried to knock some sense to her head saying she shouldn''t do all those and it wasn''t safe for her.


    Even though they never met outside, Moran liked to rag her saying teeny weeny or tiny for daring to go against his former bodyguard who was triple of her weight.


    Moran''s lips slightly tilted up hearing her secret but he poked her head with a finger feeling wronged, ''<em>if Moran could be Moron, why Morgan can''t be Moron?''</em>


    "That''s not fair."


    "Your name sounds like a girl''s, isn''t it?"


    He couldn''t understand why she always made fun of his name. He turned her and pushed her to n.


    Aria: _


    Aria was practically pressed on n. Moran didn''t leave her until n wrapped his arms around her.


    "Tiny, don''t get lost in the crowd." He said ignoring n''s gaze and left.


    Isaac''s first question, "Who was he? He is very old to be your ssmate."


    Rian responded, "We don''t know him. He loves to annoy Little Devil with words but he never crossed the line. It''s surprising he stilles here and remembers us."


    Eva wore Isaac''s jacket as she spoke, "He is somebody Aria loses her cool just by the nickname."


    Noah red at two girls, "You two should train yourself. What''s with your moves? Pathetic."


    Then two started scolding girls on the way out. They had dinner outside and left for their ces forgetting Roxy didn''t know they were together.


    She was angry at Rian, she pushed him off the bed and slept sending him on the couch.


    It wasn''t that he forgot her but he never liked to bring Roxy between the Fourie and he didn''t want her to stand ufortably with n and Isaac either.


    Aria reminded Eva to see her the next day if nothing was nned. Aria knew Eva had a reason to look for her. Immersed in her own mess, Aria knew she couldn''t help her out so she hadn''t asked.


    Eva was showered with all the love and praises by Isaac till both dozed off.


    Noah went home. He had be very silent for nearly a month already so Zara always found it difficult to pull up a hearty conversation with him and family.


    Zara had received a message from Aria saying, they might have to wait till Noah feels like opening up. She always made sure to watch him go to bed before she was breathing a sigh of relief.


    Aria had firmly told her to keep an eye on him from getting drunk in heartache even though both knew and hoped Noah shouldn''t do all that.


    Noah knew he shouldn''t worry people around him especially his sister so he behaved and controlled his urge to drink too.


    n didn''t tell Aria that Calvin and Oliver''s paternity test papers weren''t forged. Aria didn''t ask anything either and clung on to him all the way to the Cooper mansion and on the bed.


    n always liked her snuggly side so he cuddled her, "What''s special today?"


    Aria''s sleepy tone sounded, "I don''t know... You are too good to be true."


    <em>''Dummy''</em> He thought to himself and cuddled her to sleep.


    n was grateful to Eva for diverting her mind that Aria soon slept without a bother.


    ---


    Standing upstairs, Moran Hanes watched six leave the avenue Seven while Aria pressed her ears hearing Noah and Rian lecture her and Eva.


    He didn''t really know why he always got happy seeing her annoyed face.


    Maybe she just looked too cute.


    Seven years back and in his life, if he ever wished to bring somebody to his life was teeny weeny.

 Chapter 267: They got caught

    Chapter 267: They got caught


    Moran Hanes didn''t know the Teeny weeny who used to be his mood booster was Aria Cooper until her identity was out.


    The Hanes family elders always controlled everything about younger ones. From the clothes they wear, the school they should go to, whom to make friends with, talking in the limit, activities to learn, education line and whom to marry.


    Even though young masters and misses were raised like a prince and princess, they were nothing but puppets in the hands of elders. Even though they could get everything at their fingertips, they didn''t have the liberty to choose as they wanted.


    Hiding from them, Moran mastered dancing and hiding from them, he attended manypetitions and won but he was caught when he had to step on the final stage of the world dancepetition.


    Having no option, he had left it and thought he might have the freedom to do anything he likes after graduating and listening to them but nothing seemed that way.


    He took over Hanespanies after rigorous training for six months and worked his ass off but he was always under the eyes.


    He was faking meetings and going downtown escaping from his bodyguards.


    He saw Aria after seven years and nothing seemed like changed for Aria even though he knew she took over her father''spany, ran away from her wedding, and was shipped to every man she meets.


    Even though he had wished to have Aria in his life to be happy but he never dared to keep that wish. He didn''t want the colorful, cheery life she had to turn ck and white.


    His grandfather would have destroyed the family if he tried to be her friend or even a mere acquaintance but he didn''t know her real identity at that time.


    When he got to know her identity, he had thought his family might not have any problem but he was scared he might like her as a woman if he spends time and changes her life to colorless so he gave up his wishful thoughts.


    It wasn''t that he couldn''t live alone leaving Hanes status that but it was impossible as his family would take him back forcefully.


    He really felt good seeing Aria again for real other than the asional news about her.


    He entered the Hanes Mansion after changing his funky outfit to a business suit. It may be any type of clothes, his tall, defined body and face never failed to get multiple nces.


    "Where were you?" A cold, unemotional, and aged voice paused Moran''s movements and soured his mood.


    His slightly tilted lips formed a straight line and his face turned expressionless just like he was trained.


    "Grandpa, I had a meeting. I have some documents to check and I''m tired. So I will go and rest soon."


    His tone was neutral without showing his annoyance.


    He waited for more than ten seconds to see a small reaction of the waving hand of his grandfather.


    Moran just hated his life as a puppet and overly filial son.


    ---


    The next day, n didn''t force Aria to go to the office. He informed them about DNA reports before leaving for the office asking her to call him if needed anything.


    Eva soon reached the Cooper mansion after sending Isaac for the shoot.


    After generally talking, Aria took the topic, "What happened? Why were you looking for me yesterday?"


    Eva didn''t want to trouble Aria with her problem but she knew Aria wouldn''t let her go without hearing so she asked.


    "Is it important to get married so soon?"


    "No..."


    Eva pinched her cheek, "Then why did you marry Prince so soon?"


    Aria''s brows twitched, "Don''t divert."


    Eva sighed, "I''ll tell you. First, answer me."


    Aria saw her serious so she responded, "Well, I never thought I would marry so soon either but I had no doubt about us. When I heard n, I was too shocked but hearing him understand my anxiety, I wanted to do it for him and us. A few years early didn''t really matter to me."


    Eva nodded in understanding, "If a few years early didn''t matter, do a few yearste matter?"


    Aria shook her head, "If the two love each other dearly, years don''t really matter."


    Eva smiled hearing her and excitedly said what she decided, "Then I don''t want to marry Isaac so soon. I want him to have all his single dog fans until I marry him and announce to them that I have their idol."


    Aria chuckled, "Now tell me, what had happened?"


    Eva took the problem lightly after deciding, "Mom and Dad wanted me to get married. Mom was asking me to propose to Isaac for marriage saying girls can propose too."


    Aria nodded, "Did you speak about this with Isaac? Don''t be the sole person to decide about your rtionship."


    Eva rxed on the couch as she responded, "I''ll talk to him today. I wanted to clear my thoughts first."


    Aria knew she didn''t do anything other than speaking her thoughts. She was d Eva cleared her mind.


    Eva excitedly said after it, "Let''s cook yummy. We will call Rian and Noah."


    Aria wanted to say<em> ''Both are busy, Let''s not disturb them''</em> but Eva continued, "If Noahes, We should y a high drama to get the truth out. If you fake a cry, he will definitely speak off."


    Aria: ?


    She epted her fate so that they could help Noah and both started cooking, sending the pictures to Rian and Noah.


    Failing to control their food cravings, Noah quickly finished urgent files and assigned few works to his assistant, secretary, and manager. Rian easily asked another day out from the vice president.


    By the time, two reached the mansion, the table was filled up with delicious food. After eating the food, all sat in the living hall.


    Eva started poking Aria to cry but she couldn''t bring up fake tears and looked helplessly at Eva.


    Eva gritted her teeth and pinched her waist hard.


    "Ahhhh... Eva..."


    Noah''s attention diverted from files to her while Eva pulled Aria towards her and hugged.


    "Arrie, don''t be sad, everything will pass. If not humans can a rock get problems..."


    While Eva continued, Aria pouted and saw Rian''s confused face who couldn''t understand why Eva was saying all that while Aria looked rather fine.


    Aria had to cue him about Eva''s n so he quickly got into actions and sat next to Eva caressing Aria''s head like a puppy.


    Aria: ?


    "Little Devil, it''s alright... Let''s do something to divert your mood?"


    Aria nodded and wiped her invisible tears, "But I know I''ll not get what I want."


    Noah really thought she was down seeing two consoling her. He went towards her as he spoke, "We will try harder for it. Tell us what it is."


    Aria sniffled trying to act it as real. "Will you tell me why you are sad?"


    Noah froze and saw her worrying instead of sad while the other two had expectant looks.


    Talk about acting, they got caught in no seconds.


    Noah hesitated to tell them about it and asked, "Can''t you guys skip over it?"

 Chapter 268: The Fourie

    Chapter 268: The Fourie


    Aria pulled Noah to sit and spoke, "When you are there for us during our problems, shouldn''t we help you out too? If it is really sensitive for us to help, then chuck it. At least you can share with us and we will help you move on."


    Rian''s grim voice sounded, "Hadn''t we decided to inform our friends about our love and crush? You have already broken it, shouldn''t you at least lighten your heart?"


    Eva and Aria smacked his arm and Eva spoke to Noah, "If you still don''t want to tell us, we will respect your decision."


    "Ugh, why do you guys want me to cry now?" Noah strode away from them.


    Aria pinched Eva, "If forcing him takes U-turn, I''ll send you to Miller vi to get lectured. Be ready."


    Eva winced in pain and prayed Noah to speak out for his good and also for her good.


    Rian tried hard to remember if he ever heard Noah affectionately mentioning any of his female friends'' names but he couldn''t remember it.


    Noah brought a dozen beer tins from the refrigerator and sat down, "It''s long so I''ll brief it up."


    He threw them one tin to each who were in surprise and he started.


    --- Six years back ---


    In the country E, Noah had nned to stay in a college dormitory so that he could make some friends.


    But the roommate he had was aplete jerk named Michael Rickman. Michael smoked and drank in the room a lot, he started to bring girls to the room asking him to go out.


    Noah was in apletely new country and he had to yet to get close to anybody. Sometimes he waited for an hour or two taking walks outside and sometimes it would expand till midnight.


    He asked the dormitory chief for a change of roommate or change in a room in the first week itself. He was even ready to stay in three sharing but unfortunately, he didn''t get a chance to change room.


    He soon got acquainted with country E native people but they always left a good space because he was from a different country.


    He thought after some days, everything would be okay but one day, he caught his roommate hiding drugs to realize soon that Michael does drugs every day.


    Heined to the concerned authority but Michael got the wind of it and brought his friends to beat him before the authority could take action on him.


    Unaware about it, Noah was walking towards a male dormitory from the library when he got surrounded by a few boys at dusk.


    Michael pushed Noah as he said, "You son of a bitch, you are here to study, why the f*ck do you care what I do?"


    Noah didn''t feel the necessity to respond so he tried to go but another man shoved him back between them, "Look at your audacity to ignore us."


    Noah was losing his cool but he tried to speak, "Michael Rickman, it''s illegal to do drugs and you should leave it for your own good."


    Those boys startedughing saying, <em>''Your own fucking good!''</em>


    "I see you don''t have the balls, you m*th*rf***er."


    Noah wanted to ignore even though his blood was boiling because there was no good fighting on the street but Michael punched him right in the face.


    Bncing on the ground, Noah was about to return the punch, somebody held his hand and continued running at a steady pace saying, "Run... We will escape them."


    Unthinkingly, Noah ran a step behind the girl letting her lead him holding his wrist.


    Five boys gritted their teeth and ran behind them while Noah tried to look at the girl.


    She had ck mid-length soft hair which was fluttering in the air. Her long slender fingers tightened around his wrist as she increased the pace of her foot.


    He saw her worry on her half-face and he could make out she was gorgeous and she wasn''t from country E. He tried to guess between country A, Y, P thinking which country she was from.


    After taking multiple turns, both managed to escape the boys breathing heavily. Noah didn''t check on her looking outside the parking until he realized he was standing too close to the girl.


    "Oh... ah... I''m sorry... No, no, thank you... Crap." Noah created a reasonable distance between them while he said nonsense until he realized it.


    That girl giggled very lightly before controlling. Noah felt like a fool and spoke properly, "Thank you for saving me from them and I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to stand close."


    That girl gave a soft smile and nodded, "It''s alright, I know... Ah... You are, Noah Wood, right? I''m Kyle Mason."


    It had just been fifteen days so he couldn''t understand how he got so famous that a beautifuldy knows his name.


    Kyle must have understood his silence hence she continued, "I''m your ssmate."


    Noah felt embarrassed about never seeing her in the ss. "I''m sorry, I hadn''t noticed you in college. Hello, Ms. Mason."


    She didn''t mind about it and checked outside, "I think they left, let''s go."


    Noah nodded and both went out. "Where are you from? Country A?" because both of their ents were the same.


    Noah saw her hesitation hence he continued, "It''s alright. I just normally asked. I will walk you to your dorms and leave."


    Kyle soft giggle left her lips before she responded, "So you are from country A... I''m not using any pickup line but I think I have seen you somewhere before."


    Noah didn''t ask her about her native and responded, "I''m from country A, city B, Elite school. If you aren''t connected to any of these, then it might be social media. I''m one of the <em>''<strong>The Fourie</strong>''</em> friends of four which is famous among youngsters."


    Noah who was watching ahead didn''t notice Kyle''s slight tremble and her breath twitching ncing at him.


    Kyle responded passively, "Oh." She didn''t ept or deny whether she knew him.


    Thinking she was disinterested to talk with him, Noah became silent while Kyle kept stealing nces from him.


    When they reached the female dorms, Noah spoke, "Thank you for today. Let me know if I could be of any help."


    Kyle smiled and entered the dorms but when she turned behind, she noticed Noah wasn''t going towards the male dorms, instead, he was going towards the exit of the gate.


    Kyle hesitated and exited the dorms and called him walking towards him, "Noah..."

 Chapter 269: Flatmates

    Chapter 269: tmates


    Noah turned to see Kyle and she reached soon, "Don''t you stay in the dorms? It''s already dark to go out now. What if those guys try to beat you?"


    Noah couldn''t understand why she was worried about him and why she ignored him when he tried to talk. But still, he responded promptly.


    "One of the guys is a roommate. I''m in no mood to handle him, I will check into a hotel for the night."


    Kyle was surprised by hearing that. "If you avoid today, how will you manage tomorrow?"


    Noah wanted to leave but thinking about how she helped him, he was amiable, "I will get a condo tomorrow if possible. There are new apartment blocks opened recently which are near to the college."


    Kyle''s eyes sparkled hearing that, "Really? I wanted to check it too. I don''t like the food of the dorms'' canteen. If you don''t mind, can you take me to checkout condos too? I''m new here and I have a poor sense of directions."


    Noah responded inly without caring if what she said was true or not, "Sure, We don''t have ss till two at noon, I will see you at the west gate of the university at nine tomorrow."


    Kyle smiled sweetly. Noah saw her pink glowing face and smiled back, "See you then."


    He again turned to leave, Kyle called him, "Noah..."


    Noah again turned to look at her and heard her. "Why don''t you stay in my room tonight? I''m a single upant so you can use another bed."


    Noah felt like she was too daring to call an unknown man into her room.


    His silence led her to talk again cheekily, "I swear, I will not take advantage of you. You can use the hotel money to treat me to avish lunch tomorrow."


    Both let outughter standing on the silent dark street under a faint streetlight.


    Noah didn''t turn down and went to her dorm room which was spick and span. She took out a fresh towel, new toiletries, and handed him.


    She contemted holding herrge size t-shirt, "I think this will fit you, use it if you arefortable but I don''t have any bottoms which could fit you."


    Noah was speechless for some time thinking about how could he fit into a slender girl''s t-shirt. He almost thought she was making fun of him and opened the folded t-shirt to see it was even a sizerge to him.


    He got fresh soon and washed his shirt to wear it the next day.


    Kyle handed him herptop. "This is the website of Newtown you said I guess. I took the appointment from the realtor too. He mailed me the pictures of the different condo. They also have unfurnished to fully furnished condos. Some are for rent and ready to move in, some are for selling. Check out the mail, you will know all the information."


    Noah had thought to do it on his mobile. He understood she was serious about moving out of the dorm too.


    He hummed and heard her continue, "You can sleep there, I have changed the sheets."


    He hummed again and saw her enter the bathroom. He pinched himself once to make sure everything was actually real.


    He checked the mail as he sent a message in the Fourie group,<em> [Will you guys believe me if I say I''m in female dorms with the one I don''t know anything other than the name and met her just a few minutes back.]</em>


    Eva: <em>[The night hase.]</em>


    Rian: <em>[Don''t cut men''s nose.]</em>


    Arrie: <em>[So you are into THAT type of girl... Ohhhoo.]</em>


    He was teased by his friends even though he said there was nothing going to happen.


    Atst, Eva had sent, <em>[What if she is a subus?]</em>


    Aria and Rian had sent <em>[?]</em> ghost emoji before they went offline by kind of freaking out Noah.


    <em>''Out of a hundred plus in the ss, how could Kyle remember my name?''</em>


    <em>''Why didn''t she tell me anything about herself?''</em>


    <em>''Why there is no roommate?''</em>


    <em>''How can she trust me so easily?''</em>


    <em>''Did I make a mistake?''</em>


    With those questions in mind, he checked out the mail and acted like asleep before she exited the bathroom.


    He heard the hairdryer sound for a few minutes before lights turned off and everything went to pin-drop silence.


    After he felt like an eternity, he flipped to see a small bunny nightmp on her side. She was sleeping peacefully without any itch due to his presence.


    He pulled out his mobile and texted in the group, <em>[You assholes.]</em>


    Instead of getting offended by his words, his friends wereughing at him for getting scared.


    And he asked, <em>[Do I look so gentlemanly that she isn''t even scared of me a peck and sleeping without care?]</em>


    Rian sentughing emojis.


    Aria: <em>[Oh Sweetie, Even if that girl stands naked in front of you, you will probably wrap a bed sheet around her and give her mindfulness of wisdom.]</em>


    Eva: <em>[You probably donate your clothes to her. ??]</em>


    Noah: <em>[?]</em>


    He wasn''t sure whether to be happy about it or sad.


    Noah: <em>[I''m off to bed ? scary  dreams my Loonies.]</em>


    Rian: <em>[Wet dreams brother.]</em>


    Eva: <em>[Kyle dreams ?]</em>


    Aria: <em>[Subus Kyle dreams ??]</em>


    Noah epted defeat. Even though he knew his friends just teased him, he somehow didn''t get sleep. He went out to the balcony and called home...


    Kyle who woke up early in the morning found him asleep leaning on the rails in the balcony. Sitting on the floor, Kyle curiously poked his cheek seeing his calm face.


    But Noah jerked up startling her.


    "Sorry! I didn''t mean to scare you. Why were you sleeping here? Next room girls are watching you." Kyle looked at the giggling girls on the balcony next to them.


    Kyle mumbled going inside,<em> ''They must be feeling like I threw him out after calling him to my room. Ugh...''</em>


    Noah ignored those girls and went in. Kyle got fresh before Noah. By the time Noah got fresh, Kyle had brought breakfast for them.


    Compared to the chefs at the male dorms cafeteria, female dorms chefs were terrible.


    After breakfast, both met the realtor and checked on the condos.


    Coincidentally, Noah and Kyle liked the same type of condo which was two bedrooms simple and modern,pletely furnished, ready to move in condos.


    Noah told the Realtor, "I will buy this one. Let''s start the paper process soon."


    The realtor was very happy hearing it while Kyle checked her ount bnce.


    "Sir, are you buying it on loan? It might take time for the bank process. If..."


    Noah interjected, "I will buy in a single payment." then he noticed Kyle biting her lip looking down.


    "Kyle, what''s wrong?"


    Hesitatingly she responded, "It''s out of my budget, I guess I have to manage in the dorms."


    "Why don''t you two be tmates?"

 Chapter 270: Missing you all loonies

    Chapter 270: Missing you all loonies


    The realtor knew that they were from the same ss so he suggested, "Why don''t you two be tmates?"


    Noah responded without hesitation, "Nope."


    The realtor had expected it from Kyle instead of Noah so heughed awkwardly and tried again, "Miss, you can go for the first condo I took you two. You can buy the required things from outside or order online."


    Kylemented unmindfully thinking about if she could ask her brother but she didn''t want to burden her brother and her family wouldn''t allow her to stay alone in a condo.


    "It''s okay, Just carry out his paper works." Kyle sounded normal but the other two knew she was sad.


    "Kyle, why don''t you go for an EMI?"


    Kyle shook her head, "I will stay here for three years. If I increase the EMI price, then I can pay but I will not get anything in hand for my expenses. Selling a condo after half paid EMIs is a hassle."


    The realtor excused himself to go out and to tell his office people to prepare the papers.


    Noah asked how much she could afford per month as EMI. Then his business mind started working. If he had another condo, he could have rent to cover his monthly expenses. A condo rate would obviously increase after three years.


    "I will buy a condo and you can rent it over from me. If you keep a roommate, you can manage the expenses too. What do you say?"


    "Really? Can you do it?" Kyle saw a beam of light hearing him.


    Noah passively hummed, "I will get the rent papers ready from the realtor. Give your details and proof to him."


    Then he walked out hearing her say <em>thank you</em> many times which he ignored.


    After giving their details, the duo went to a restaurant for lunch as the realtor went to his office.


    Noah bought two condos, Kyle signed the tenant agreement. Both attended the ss before going to their dorms.


    Kyle Mason went to the administration department and submitted the proof she had recorded before leaving for the Sunset towers.


    Noah had reached first and was unpacking when his mobile rang with an unknown number. He answered it to hear, "Is Noah Wood hearing me? I''m calling from the Dean''s office. Please reach the office soon."


    Noah frowned. He knew it couldn''t be a good thing to be called to Dean''s office. He left the condo to see Kyle dragging her huge trunks.


    He wanted to leave but he still helped her to get it near the adjacent condo of his and left without a word ignoring her <em>''Thank you.''</em>


    Kyle felt he was avoiding her but she dispersed her thoughts and left her luggage inside. After pondering, she went to the supermarket to get groceries.


    Noah was immediately called inside the office and he saw Michael Rickman and the other four boys inside. He frowned thinking about what they could be doing there and why they called him.


    "Sir, I''m Noah Wood. May I know the reason behind calling me here?"


    Dean stretched his one hand towards him saying, "Why did they surround you yesterday to beat you?"


    Noah watched a short video until Michael punched him, "Sir, I am not sure whether you know this. I hadined yesterday that Michael Rickman smokes and drinks in the Dorm room and also I saw him using prohibited drugs. But thatint was ruled out due to the association of admin employees with Michael Rickman and he attacked me forining."


    Dean looked at his secretary who nodded and ran out to get the required people to the office. Then he called Security and the cops.


    "Mr.Wood, please cooperate with the security and help them to find the drugs from the room. No need to bother about the case that we will handle it."


    Noah was impressed by how calmly Dean was carrying out the works. He apanied the security and pointed him to the ce Micheal was hiding the drugs.


    Security men were careful and collected the evidence carefully retaining the fingerprints.


    By the time he returned to the office room, cops were present and the employees who ignored the drugint were fired before handing them to cops with those five boys.


    Dean showed his appreciation to Noah for boldly going against those.


    "Sir, may I know how you got the video? As I know, there is no security camera around those areas and the video is recorded at five feet above the ground."


    Dean smiled hearing him, "Your way of pointing out the deficiency ismendable. I will look into the security of the campus. And about the video, It''s from a girl named..." He quickly checked theint letter and answered, "... Ms.Mason."


    Noah thanked and left the office.


    Kyle Mason, eighteen-year-old from country P, studying in his ss. Other than that he knew nothing about her.


    He didn''t like how she ignores when there are any simple personal questions about her such as, <em>''Where did you study?''</em>


    <em>''Why did she choose country E university?''</em> and so on.


    He thought they weren''t private questions to keep it well hidden. He didn''t want to keep any association with her other than owner and tenant but after hearing Dean, he wasn''t sure what to do.


    While walking to his condo, he called his friends in a conference who already knew he bought two condos, "I am already missing you all loonies."


    Eva cried, "It''s so cold here. I feel like I will be an Ice block soon."


    Rian whinged, "This Roxy made me aughing stock in front of all."


    "I''m already hating here. I want to go back. I hate these ssmates, I hate the weather, I hate food and I have to keep myself packed in numerous clothes twenty-four seven."


    They cried out their pain,ughed at some topics, and forgot their problems for some time.


    Atst, they nned to go to country E to Noah''s condo after fifteen days. How much ever they got busy with other stuff, they never forgot to keep in touch with each other.


    Noah bought groceries and ordered delivery as he was tired to even cook. He entered the eighth floor and saw a man pressing the calling bell of his condo door.


    "Excuse me? Are you looking for somebody?"


    The delivery man quickly spoke, "I''m here to deliver a present to Noah Wood. Are you Mr.Wood?"


    Noah hummed as he took his identity card out for confirmation and was signing on the delivery receipt thinking who could send him a gift.

 Chapter 271: Mind games

    Chapter 271: Mind games


    Kyle who exited her condo saw Noah and spoke, "Noah, where were you? I have prepared dinner for you too... as a thank you meal."


    Noah nced at her, "I have things to tend to, I will be back to youter."


    Then he turned to the delivery man, "Give me a minute, I will keep these bags inside and check it out."


    "Sure Sir." The delivery man respectfully responded and heard Noah ask, "Why is there no sender information?"


    The delivery man didn''t know how to respond to it.


    Kyle didn''t leave and waited outside asking the delivery man, "What''s wrong? Why didn''t you bring it upstairs if it''s sent to Noah?"


    The delivery man responded, "It''srge. I couldn''t bring it here Miss."


    Kyle tagged with them downstairs scaring those five boys might have pulled up trouble for Noah again.


    Noah didn''t know why she was in the elevator hence he ignored her. Noah opened therge box to see a hybrid bicycle.


    He knew the sender without a word. He called the sender sending the delivery man. "You are such a sweetheart. How did you know I wanted this?"


    Aria answered the call while she was on the video call to n on her iPad. So she turned on the speaker on her mobile so that n could hear Noah.


    "Noah, you are calling n as a sweetheart. He is the one who managed to get your limited edition bicycle in country E. Thank him, he can hear you."


    Noahughed awkwardly, "Thank you, Brother n."


    n had just hummed Noah continued, "You guys carry on, I''m off." He hung up without hearing anything to stop disturbing the couple.


    Kyle spoke, "This must be near 1500$, Your friend seems to be rich too."


    Noah didn''t say anything for it. "Ms. Mason, I met the dean and got to know about the video. Thank you for that. And there is no need to prepare anything for me."


    He took his bicycle out for a ride without caring for confounded Kyle. She couldn''t understand what happened to him again.


    She felt like Noah acted like a switch. Once friendly and another time like aplete stranger.


    She waited at the condo door but Noah just entered his condo without caring about her.


    --


    The next day, Noah continued to ignore Kyle which started to bug her too much.


    When it repeated for other days, she couldn''t hold it and went to his condo.


    She asked right after he opened the door, "Noah, What''s wrong with you? Why are you behaving like a stranger? Do you have any idea how your behavior affects others?"


    Noah was calm and didn''t bother to call her in, "Ms.Mason, I am very grateful when you helped me and I tried my best to help you back when you needed it. And we aren''t really strangers, I''m the owner of the condo you are staying in. So you are my tenant. I don''t understand what''s wrong in that."


    Kyle: "..."


    She didn''t really understand where it went wrong and why Noah was saying all that.


    "Look, I didn''t get you. You were so good and helped me a lot. I started to feel bothered by your sudden change of behavior. So I wanted to ask." She lowered her head, having no words to say.


    Noah had thought Kyle was doing it on purpose. Hearing her sound as if he wronged her, he decided to tell the truth.


    "Alright, I will clear your mind. Ms.mason, I don''t have time to y guessing mind games regarding your intentions about me. Respect me enough to keep it real so that I can decide on how to treat you. If you are friendly about the topics you want and ignore me whenever you don''t want, don''t expect me to treat you well. If you are thinking that you could y <em>''hard to get''</em> with your looks, for your kind information, I am not interested in you. Don''t forget, the behavior of a person depends on how you treat them."


    Kyle: "..."


    Noah saw her nk face for a few seconds and closed the door without caring.


    After that, Kyle and Noah behaved likeplete strangers even when they went face to face. It was only until Kyle got a roommate.


    M Theron, she was funny, outgoing, fun-loving, and very sociable. She and Kyle became good friends and she was from country Y.


    Knowing Noah was next door, she always dropped by with one or the other reason. She didn''t know how to cook and liked his cooking and always asked his help with the studies.


    Noah got along well with Chris Patt. He was loud and noisy, full of energy. He was also from country Y and was M''s friend from school time.


    Chris wished to share t with him but Noah turned down. Noah wasn''t ready to share his personal space with new people.


    How much ever the livelier Chris and M were, Noah wasn''t able to open up with them as much as he was with his three loonies.


    In between the studies and them, one month passed and the three visited his ce excitedly.


    Country U, E, S, and N weren''t that far as much as country A. So it wasn''t that hectic.


    First reached one was Rian followed by Eva and Aria. They had a real st after a long time. Half of the night, they were poking fun andughing their heart out after like real long time.


    Kyle''s room was next to their living hall and she lost her sleep hearing them.


    Nobody knew how she felt hearing them, in fact, nobody knew she sat in her room balcony and heard them smiling to herself and despising her social awkwardness.


    It was three at night all theughter died out. One had turned off the lights and covered everyone with nkets and the Fourie slept in the living hall.


    In the morning around ten, M excitedly pulled Kyle to Noah''s condo to meet his friends.


    The four groaned hearing the calling bell. Pushing one another to check it, Rian frustratedly opened to see two pretty girls.


    One was smiling vividly but she was stunned looking at Rian. Another one didn''t bother to raise her eyes and saw how three were snuggled and asleep.


    While Aria was poking Noah to check at the door, he had held her hand to stop her poking that looked rather intimate to other''s eyes.


    Eva had gone closer to Noah when Rian was pushing her to check at the door.


    It wasn''t odd between the Fourie but it lookedpletely different to Kyle. Her eyes didn''t leave Noah''s handsome face.

 Chapter 272: Labeled as cheap

    Chapter 272: Labeled as cheap


    When Rian flicked his fingers in front of M, she snapped out and blushed, "We are Noah''s friends. We thought we would meet you guys. We stay in..."


    Rian checked behind him to see three were troubled by the sunlight brightening inside and cut in. "We will meet youter. I''ll inform Noah."


    Before there could be any response from them, they heard Aria''s groggy voice sounding like a kid''s whine.


    "Beauty, please close the drapes, it''s too bright."


    Rian ignored the two and walked towards the bay window as he chided, "Who told you to wake up early in the morning?" Aria was awake to talk to n and she had dozed hearing him.


    Feeling wronged, Aria groaned curling away from sunlight but it happened to move closer to Noah.


    M noticed Kyle abruptly leaving so quickly said, "You guys rest. I''ll close the door for you."


    Rian went back to sleep after seeing the door auto-lock.


    They woke up toote and had lunch, it was time for Eva and Aria to leave. Rian had the next morning flight.


    The drama queens started their act saying they couldn''t leave them to make themugh and annoy standing at the door.


    Kyle didn''t go to see them initially. M met the two girls andughed with them for a few minutes hearing them and got envious of the Fourie.


    When Kyle went out, Aria was giggling between three facing Noah in their goodbye hug.


    Seeing two girls leave, M spoke, "Aren''t you two dropping the girls?"


    Noah responded to her, "Arrie drove the car here. So she will drive back as I don''t have a car."


    M was confused and asked Aria, "Do you stay in country E too?"


    Aria shook her head and pointed at herself and Eva, "Country U and Country S."


    M wanted to ask something but Aria and Eva would gette so they left. Kyle who was standing by the door went inside when Noah''s gaze fell on her.


    Noah ignored her without caring about why she was irked. He turned down M''s offer to have dinner together and took Rian out to check out his college and have dinner outside.


    ---


    As days passed by, Chirs and M were nning outings whenever they were free. M would bring Kyle so Noah and Kyle were facing each other frequently.


    Noah felt like Kyle was despising him with her tone whenever the other two spoke about him or whenever she was looking at him.


    He wanted to ignore it but seeing it every day, it started to bother him too. So he asked one day when they were alone at the canteen table.


    "What''s wrong with you? Why do you look at me as if I stole what''s yours? Or are you kind of abnormal?"


    Kyle ignored for a few seconds then spoke mildly, "I think I should have minded my business that day and never met you."


    Noah frowned hearing that. Even if she didn''te that day he would have found a way to escape. It wasn''t that he was crying for help.


    So to help her back, he did his best even when he didn''t like to hang out with aplete stranger.


    <em>What did he get to hear in return?</em>


    Noah stood up as he smirked, "Yeah, right. Why don''t you move out of the condo too? You don''t have to see my face either and live at peace."


    He dumped the food to the bin losing his appetite and kept the te before striding off ignoring both M and Chris.


    Noah straight went to his ce and locked himself for the whole day. He terribly missed his home and the Fourie.


    He realized never help without the request else you wouldn''t be valued


    <strong><em>Easier found things arebeled as cheap.</em></strong>


    The same day night, M rang his doorbell saying loudly, "Noah, what did you say to Kyle? She wants to move out. Noah... Open the door... Noah, Kyle is moving out..."


    Noah opened the door in annoyance, "What''s your problem?"


    M was taken aback by his fierce and stuttered, "It''ste into the night. It wouldn''t be safe and... and she isn''t telling me why she cried either."


    "Doesn''t concern me." Noah shut the door and got back to his studies.


    But soon after he realized she was going alone at night and the dorms would be closed.


    Halfheartedly, he asked M and got to know Kyle really left. He took his bicycle out to check on her once as he called Kyle a few times but no one answered it.


    He thought she might be purposefully avoiding his call and used the apartment security''s phone but it wasn''t answered either.


    The security told him she pulled her luggage and went by walk so he cycled and continued to dial her number to find her mobileying on the ground after just two hundred meters away.


    And not far away, she was arguing with men in ck and she looked disheveled in the clothes.


    "Don''t touch me. Let me go... I don''t want to go with you. Report it however you want. Leave me..."


    Noah reached them and pulled Kyle behind him, "What the hell do you guys want? I have called cops."


    Noah was surprised to see them leaving without a word but he couldn''t make out their expression due to dark.


    Kyle who was sobbing had sat on the floor hugging her knees and mumbling"I don''t want to go with them. I don''t want to go with them..."


    Growing up with his sister, Aria, and Eva, he always tends to have a protective feel towards females. He wrapped his jacket on her and patted her back to calm her.


    "They left. They will not take you."


    Hearing his soothing voice, she sniffled and said, "They will againe back."


    Thinking she was just scared, Noah didn''t take it seriously. "They will not. I will take you back. Let''s go."


    Noah helped her quietly to wear his jacket properly and walked towards the apartment pulling her luggage in a hand and another hand on the cycle while she walked looking nkly ahead.


    Noah was about to ring the doorbell to ask M to take care of her but Kyle held his hand quickly.


    "I... I don''t want M to see me like this. She will ask many questions and I can''t tell the truth."


    <em>''I can''t tell the truth?''</em> Noah frowned hearing that. He wanted to ask <em>''Why?''</em> but he gave up as she was always reserved to talk about herself.


    Thinking she might have a bad past or unsupportive family, he decided to give up asking about her too.


    "Where will you stay then?" Noah asked as he checked the time.


    It was already ten in the night. There was no hotel nearby either. He regretted not buying a car.


    "I will check-in a hotel perhaps."


    Noah didn''t want to but still, he offered help, "If you have no problem, you can use the guest room at my ce for tonight."

 Chapter 273: Vulnerable

    Chapter 273: Vulnerable


    Kyle didn''t have much of a reaction hearing that and asked, "You might not like me staying over at your ce."


    Noah hummed promptly, "But it''s not safe for you to go to the hotel now either."


    Kyle passively nodded and went to his ce. Noah went back to study after sending her to the guest room.


    Kyle got fresh before going to Noah''s open study room in the living hall. "Thank you for today."


    Noah didn''t spare a nce and hummed. "Let''s visit the police station and file aint in the morning."


    Kyle panicked and quickly said, "No, no... That''s not necessary."


    Noah wasn''t sure how to react to it, "You were abused and you are trying to protect them. Do you... Never mind, you aren''t answerable to me. Do as you please."


    Since she never responded to anything properly, he thought she wouldn''t speak it out either. He felt a joke about himself for helping the same person who doesn''t value anything.


    Kyle hesitated for a long time to speak seeing him give the cold shoulder. Noah was annoyed to see her standing and staring at him.


    He thought to wrap his work and stood up to leave, Kyle clutched his T-shirt hem, "I''m sorry."


    Noah shrugged her hand and was leaving again, Kyle continued, "I''m sorry for everything. Actually it''s my mistake all along. I don''t understand why I always get affected by your behavior so much so I was rude to you. And... There is something about me I don''t want to talk about. I didn''t want to lie to you so I always tried to avoid it. I knew this all led you to misunderstand me and your behavior changed with me. But I didn''t realize it and thought you were ying with me. I''m sorry."


    Kyle nervously made eye contact with Noah to make sure he wasn''t angry. Seeing him calm, she continued, "Actually, those men saved me from two men who tried to abuse me away and I don''t want to get into the case trouble. If my parents get to know, they will take me away and might not allow me to study further. So I said no but not to protect anybody."


    Noah sighed hearing her,<em> ''Is her past and parents are so horrible?''</em>


    "Alright. It''ste. Go to bed." Noah said unemotionally and turned to leave but Kyle held him back.


    "Can... Can we be friends? I... I might still avoid some topic about me but I promise, I will never lie to you."


    Noah was kind of curious to know what happened in her life that she avoids talking about her but he didn''t ask.


    "Sure."


    He saw her smile and left for his room, "Go to bed."


    He called Aria before sleeping. He told her about everything that happened and she also suggested waiting for her to speak about it. If memories are dark, she might fall in despair.


    But when Eva was connected to call and got to know Kyle was at his ce, she teased him to lighten his mood.


    He didn''t care if he gets a good friend in country E, he wasn''t going to leave his loonies.


    From the next day, Kyle and Noah got along really well. They got along so well that M started to feel left out if Chris wasn''t present.


    Kyle always preferred to stay silent if it''s about her family or friends or her past. For the rest of the things, she was normal speaking about it.


    Everything was going well for two-plus years but it was soon disrupted when M proposed Noah in front of all the ssmates.


    "Noah Wood, I had seen you the first time when you had stood up to introduce yourself on our orientation day. You were famous between girls from day one due to your genteel look, gentle voice, and your warm smiles. I had tried to talk to you on the same day but I was too scared to reach you because I felt nobody facing you. Since our exams are near, I don''t want to hide it anymore, Noah Wood I love you. Will you be my boyfriend?"


    While all cheered hearing M, two were frozen at their ce and another was holding his breath.


    Noah never felt special for M. Even to think about dating her didn''t fit in his thoughts. He didn''t want to embarrass M so he went to her and called her outside.


    "M, let''s talk outside."


    M didn''t hear him and held his hand, "Noah, don''t say no. We have known each other for so long and you know me too. So please ept it."


    Noah didn''t respond to it and tried to sound soft getting irritated by the ssmates'' cheer. "Let''s talk in private. M let go of my hand."


    M realized soon Noah wasn''t going to say yes. Her eyes suddenly flickered with dangerous glint and eyed Kyle who had lowered her head.


    She strode to her. Noah wasn''t sure what she was up to so he just watched her.


    <em>''Pak.''</em>


    The whole ss gasped seeing M p Kyle who was quiet as a mouse.


    Noah didn''t know the reason but he ran up to them. Before another strikended on Kyle, Noah had instinctively wrapped his hand around shocked Kyle, and earned a hit on his back.


    Mughed sinisterly and said, "Kyle Mason, you seduced Noah, didn''t you? Were you bad-mouthing behind my back? You should have told me you liked Noah, I would have backed off right away for you. Hadn''t I told you that I like him? I thought we were friends."


    Noah had left Kyle but didn''t get a chance to speak. Kyle who heard M felt wrong too.


    Noah knew well Kyle never tried to get close to him. He didn''t know whether she liked him or not but she never badmouthed about anybody to him.


    To add fuel to the fire, Chirs went to M, "M, please calm down. I had told you to confess long back. Look what you got."


    Kyle tried to speak but words failed her.


    Others were shocked to see four friends who used to be close were so easy going on negatives.


    Noah spoke clearly word for a word, "M, I never had any such feeling for you. And my decision has nothing to do with Kyle. Let''s go out and talk calmly."


    "Talk?" Mughed mockingly, "There is nothing left to talk." Then she strode out with Chris giving a disgusted look to Kyle.


    Noah wanted to clear the things out to avoid ruining their friendship when there was just a month left but he saw Kyle trembling under everyone''s gazes.


    After being with her for so long, he knew well how vulnerable she was when ites to emotions and rtionships.

 Chapter 274: Forcing me into marriage

    Chapter 274: Forcing me into marriage


    After being with Kyle for so long, Noah knew well how vulnerable she was when ites to emotions and rtionships.


    "Kyle, don''t take it to heart, we will talk with M and resolve it. Alright?... Kyle..."


    Noah shook her to get any response and saw her tear rolling down on her cheeks.


    From the time they had reconciled back to friends, it was the first time he saw cry. He felt suffocated to see her in that state.


    "I... I..." Kyle stopped saying and lowered her head.


    Noah knew she wanted to justify M''s words so he made her face him, "What is it?... I will trust whatever you say."


    Kyle sniffed hard and responded, "I knew M liked someone but she never told me it was you and... and I never badmouthed her."


    Noah sighed, "I know. It''s alright. It wasn''t your fault. Let''s go and look for them."


    Kyle agreed and both called M and Chris as they searched in the vast campus but didn''t find them. Both returned to their apartment and saw M had packed her things and Chris was helping her.


    "Guys, let''s talk patiently." Noah said but got a dirty stare at them.


    Kyle tried to talk to M, "M, I never seduced Noah. We are just friends like we..."


    M raised her hand and flung at Kyle. Noah was quick and pulled Kyle back.


    "Are you out of your mind? Can''t you talk?"


    M sneered looking at Kyle who was leaning on Noah. "Is this how you seduced? Looking meek to evoke protective and concern instincts towards you?"


    Noah knew it was his pull force that Kyle had leaned on him. He wanted to talk but Chris spoke, "Noah, are you still going to deny your feeling for Kyle holding her in your arms? At least respect our friendship and stop clinging on to us to make us feel bad."


    <em>''Us''</em> Noah didn''t catch the word at that time. He was already pissed off so he pulled Kyle aside to make way for the two to leave.


    Once they left, Noah sent Kyle inside. He was pressing the passcode to enter his ce, he thought M might return and hurt Kyle again.


    He knocked on the door for some time until Kyle opened it. Her eyes were all red so Noah could say she started crying right after entering inside.


    Words stuck in his throat and both stared at each other until they heard Chirsughing at them.


    He didn''t mock, he sounded happy saying, "You should have told us, at least I would have proposed to M instead of trying to soothe my heart."


    Chirs went inside and bought M''s mobile out and strode off saying, "Don''t contact M again and give her hope. I will take care of her even if she doesn''t love me back."


    Noah realized each one hid one or the other thing from him.


    <em>''Were we really friends all these years?''</em>


    He thought to himself and looked at Kyle, he didn''t care about what and all she hid.


    M hid she was in love with Noah and befriended Kyle for Noah, Chris hid he was in love with M and befriended Noah for M.


    <em>''Have I hidden something?... Not really.''</em> He respected himself to be true to them.


    He had many questions to ask Kyle but he gave up. "Finals are near so study well. Don''t take all these to heart." Both went to their rooms.


    After that day nothing was normal for them. They had be new to themselves.


    After a few days, they heard from other students saying, M and Chris were dating.


    There were also rumors that M and Chris were drunk and ended up sharing a bed. M wanted to move on as a one night stand but Chris took the chance and confessed to her.


    After sorting out things between them, they started dating. But they built invisible strong walls between them, Kyle and Noah. A group of friends became a couple and two different persons.


    Kyle didn''t want to end up like a stranger with Noah too so she had decided to at least be normal with Noah.


    Last two weeks and exam time, both almost spent time together while studying, cooking, and going to college.


    After exams, both bid each other on the good note without any regrets was what Noah had thought. Since Kyle was always mysterious, he never cared to ask what she really felt for him.


    Returning back to their countries, both were still in contact with each other. There was hardly a single day they didn''t message each other and on alternate days they would even voice or video call.


    Everything seemed perfect for him. Eva and Rian returned and they had fun like always missing Aria in the picture.


    When he had gone to country P on some work, he had asked Kyle if she could meet and got to know she couldn''t and she was in a different country.


    So other than voice or video call and the message, there was no way for them to meet or see each other. He soon realized he actually didn''t know anything about her personal life but he controlled from asking thinking she might feel bad.


    When he thought everything was fine, Kyle asked him once, "Would you have rejected me if I had proposed to you in country E?"


    That had left him off guard. He was surprised by his own thoughts too. He couldn''t imagine M in the ce of his girlfriend or wife but he had no problem thinking of Kyle in that ce.


    Anyway, since the call line was silent, Kyle hadughed and told him to rx saying she was just making fun of him.


    But he was really surprised by himself. He knew everything about M but she just stayed as a friend. He didn''t know much about Kyle''s personal life but he was okay to spend his life with her.


    That started to doubt him whether he was seeing her just a friend or something more. He knew just by talking and spending time with her on hectic days of studies, he used to still be happy, calm, and peaceful.


    He assumed he was overthinking just by hearing that question and tried to move on but right after hearing her voice, he started to doubt himself and started to avoid her to keep his mind clear.


    It was until one day, he got a call to his number and heard Kyle''s somber voice, "Noah, my parents are forcing me into marriage."

 Chapter 275: Full of negative thoughts

    Chapter 275: Full of negative thoughts


    The call hung up by Kyle but Noah felt like he lost something which was his. That feeling was very unusual and he felt for the first time.


    He knew Aria was married, he had felt he would miss her once she gets busy with work and personal life but it was apletely different feeling for Kyle.


    It took his time to understand his heartache, misery, and helplessness were due to he treasured his rtionship with Kyle without understanding himself.


    He wasn''t only avoiding some topics to keep Kylefortable, he unknowing avoided his feelings too to let Kylefortable with him.


    -- Present --


    "But I am toote to realize it and she will be married soon. I was so dumb. She never lied to me and I didn''t even ask her in the country E if she loves or not when that stupid is in love with me from day one... She is also dumb..."


    Noah was dead drunk and continued mumbling while the other three were still holding the first tin he had given them.


    Eva and Aria went to Noah and shook him hard, "Noah, how did you get to know she loves you?"


    "She isn''t married yet and you two love each other. It can still work out." Aria sprinkled water on his face to wake him up.


    Rian pped his arm in frustration, "You drunkard, how dare you sleep without finishing the story?"


    But Noah held Aria''s hand to stop her from sprinkling water and held Rian''s hand from punching him. He pulled both hands together and mumbled.


    "It''s all over. Everything is over. I lost her... I''m sorry, I didn''t tell you guys. I''m sorry... I''m sorry."


    Eva and Aria started crying and the former said, "Why are you so dumb? Why didn''t you tell us early? You idiot."


    Eva, Aria knew how it feels to lose the one you love and they couldn''t stop themselves from crying seeing him in destion.


    "Noah, we will fight for your love."


    Rian felt bad for his buddy and saw the other two were crying. Since one was sleeping, he went to the girls.


    "How are you going to help him like this? Stop crying." Rian continued to coax them but he badly wanted to ask, <em>''When did you two be crybabies from being strong, tough and shameless?''</em>


    But he knew, they were still the girls with a soft heart which they hide well.


    Rian was still coaxing, Levi entered the Cooper mansion with lots of files in his hands. He furrowed his brows seeing Aria cry.


    He strode faster and saw Aria''s hand was still holding Noah. "What happened to President Wood? Why are you two crying? President Cooper, What''s wrong?"


    Aria saw Levi checking Noah''s pulse hence she pped his hand, "He is alive. He is drunk and asleep."


    Levi sighed a breath of relief, "They why are you two crying in front of him like he is dead?"


    Three red at Levi who quickly apologized, "I''m sorry. I didn''t really mean it... Wait, are you guys drunk too and crying?"


    Aria sniffled and released her hand from Noah. "Nope. Noah drank two dozens of beers. I didn''t even get to finish one."


    Even though Noah wasn''t telling everything about his country E''s friends, Aria many times heard him say about his friends but she never felt Noah had feelings for her.


    Probably if she was with him in that country, she might have noticed the changes but being far away in a different country, she failed. She felt like they weren''t with Noah when he needed the most.


    Then the trio took Noah to his room. Rian helped him with clothes while the other two girls washed their faces and went downstairs.


    Levi saw her somber mood so he didn''t ask the important question and handed files to her. "President Cooper, there are many files that need your attention. These are urgent files so I came by."


    Aria hummed as she went through it, "Thank you."


    Eva peeked at the file for a long time and patted her back, "Your work is so hard. I felt dizzy just seeing four pages. I will go upstairs. Call me once you are done."


    Aria hummed without breaking attention from the files.


    After finishing a few files, Levi passed the next one as he asked, "President Cooper, Why aren''t youing to office? Is there anything I could be of any help."


    Pausing for a second, Aria raised her head, "Will you continue working if the Operational CEO of Skyline changes?"


    Levi answered straightforwardly, "Nope."


    "Why?"


    "I joined Skyline for you on Commander Stanley''s order. I''m working for you and there is no meaning in continuing working if you aren''t there."


    Aria smiled hearing him, "Aww you love me so much."


    Levi gave it a thought, "Actually, we have attended many meetings with different kinds of chiefs of thepany,pared to them, you are the best."


    Aria asked in confusion, "Am I so lenient?"


    Levi''s lips twitched. "Lenient doesn''t exist in your dictionary while working. I told you about work ethics and professionalism."


    Aria shook her head in contradiction, "I''m off from thepany for two days, you are saying professionalism. Are you taunting me?"


    Levi didn''t answer and asked, "President Cooper, why are you pessimist today? What happened?"


    Aria signed the file and faced him, "Calvin Parker is my half brother."


    Levi frowned but didn''t respond to it. He didn''t know anything about Oliver Cooper so without knowing, he wasn''t ready to judge.


    "Is that the reason he is attacking you for Skyline?"


    Aria sighed, "Apparently, he keeps denying that and we don''t have a solid proof."


    Levi silently saw her in solemn. He could say she was deeply affected but he wasn''t sure whether to hear about her half brother all a sudden who would share everything she had or for not knowing about it till that day.


    Levi analyzed Cooper''s assets and thepany was built by Oliver Cooper so there was no ancestral right so everything will be with her.


    "Are you giving up Skyline just because of that?"


    Aria shook her head, "I told Brother Calvin to work there if he wants but he turned down. I need time to ept my father I mean, My father always hid it from me and didn''t trust me."


    Levi understood she was distressed for her father''s way of handling things and keeping her out of important things.


    "President Cooper, I think your father always trusted you else why would he write everything to your name when he knew he had a son? I think you have to change your way of thinking."


    Aria hummed while taking the next file, "It isn''t that I''m not trying but I end up having full of negative thoughts so."


    She hated those <em>''What-ifs''</em> questions she started to get. She also didn''t like how she was starting to doubt her father''s trust in her because of those what-ifs.

 Chapter 276: You love me, Idiot

    Chapter 276: You love me, Idiot


    Levi didn''t continue the topic thinking she would continue being negative. "Why were you crying with Ms.Miller just now?"


    "What?" A deep voice interrupted.


    Aria and Levi''s attention went to n who heard that question. n ignored Levi''s greeting and kneeled in front of Aria.


    Her face was still flushed with the red rims around her eyes. Cupping her face in a hand, he asked worriedly, "What happened?"


    Aria faintly smiled to let him at ease then she pouted, "Noah turned out to be pigheaded and the girl who he loves her actually loves him back but both never confessed until the girl''s family forcing her to marry somebody else. He was drunk and cried saying he lost her and..." She didn''t continue and grinned.


    Levi shook his head in resignation.


    n pinched her cheeks making them red. Thrice she had cried watching sad ending romance movies so it didn''t surprise him.


    "Dummy! I will get fresh ande." He kissed her forehead and went upstairs.


    Levi said, collecting all the files, "You guys aren''t little kids. President Wood can take her to the marriage bureau and clear things."


    "Actually, other than my case, I might ask you guys to work on finding that girl too but it can only be after hearing Noahpletely... Let me give you heads up, other than her name and country P as her address, we know nothing about her."


    Levi: "..."


    Aria didn''t want to tell the whole story so she knew Levi would find it unrealistic.


    Levi finally spoke, "Don''t tell me this is a teenage crush or some telepathic love? President Cooper, If he doesn''t know anything, how can he be in love just by the name?"


    "Telepathic love? I don''t think I told you a fantasy love story here. Levi, you can be a writer too. With the name, we have her picture. Dig the name first andpare the pictures."


    Levi thought to think about it when she would assign it and he soon left thinking the Fourie wasn''t in the right state of mind.


    All had dinner. Isaac had ate-night shift shoot so he didn''t join. Roxy and Amelia had ns to watch a romance series so she didn''t go to Cooper mansion.


    It was still early hence n worked on hisptop wrapping a hand around Aria who had the mood to do nothing other than snuggling in his arms.


    Thinking about Noah, Aria spoke, "If that girl turned out to be a difficult one to get her out of her parent''s ce, Should we go and kidnap her or hire Brother Vince''s team?"


    n asked caressing her head, "Sweetheart if she hid everything about her, why do you think she wouldn''t have a different name as you? If she is a simple girl, why did she hide everything about her?"


    Aria was surprised.


    Yeah! She didn''t think that way even once and understood why Levi was speechless hearing her.


    She kissed his cheek and said, "You are so smart. In that care, I will hire Brother Vince''s team."


    n wasn''t sure what to tell seeing her brush off the main problem purposefully, "Honey, practically speaking, everyone will not have a happy ending. Learn to ept instead of creating trouble for Noahter."


    Aria''s mood soured hearing him. She knew n was just preparing her for the worst-case scenario but she didn''t want to think Noah couldn''t get his love.


    "I will sleep." She left him and slid under the duvet to sleep.


    n sighed in resignation and kept hisptop away. He tried to flip her towards him and heard, "I don''t want to talk to you. Go and sleep with your practicality and work."


    "Aria..."


    She tried to move away but anyway, n pulled her to his arms forcefully, "Shhh, don''t cry... I will support you even if we have to bring her from another. Now stop crying."


    Aria couldn''t push him away and whined, "He isn''t in love with an alien."


    n chuckled lightly hearing her. "Dummy, why are you crying for little things?"


    Aria cried louder, "How can you say little things for Noah losing his girl? n, why are you so heartless? Can''t you see anybody else other than me?"


    n understood his dummy wife threw her brain away. He pulled her to face him and yawped, "Quiet, Calm down. What''s wrong with you?"


    Aria pouted as she sniffed. n almost thought it worked but Aria cried louder, "Why are you shouting at me? Go to study, if I''m disturbing... Okay, I will only leave."


    She got down from the bed and took a step, n embarrassed her tight. He was a littlete to realize, she was still affected due to her father''s decisions which left her too sensitive.


    He wanted to console her but she herself stopped crying, "I''m sorry. I will behave. I will not cry."


    Aria knew she was emotionally imbnced and only taking things negatively. She didn''t want her messed mind to trouble n anymore.


    n pulled her back, "What do you mean by <em>''behave''</em>? When did thate between us? Aria, I only went to work because you wanted me to go. You think I don''t know your struggles. I''m not your husband just to be with you when everything is fine. Now shall we talk about what is going on in your little head."


    Aria couldn''t understand why she turned into such trouble. Standing on the bed, she wrapped her limbs around him.


    "It''s good I have you. If somebody else, they would have tossed me out by now."


    n lightened her mood, "It''s good that you are light else I would have had a sore neck, arms, and waist."


    Aria wanted to get down but anyway, n sat keeping her in his arms.


    "Actually I am not understanding what to do. The more I think to disperse my thoughts, I will get numerous what-ifs until my headaches. One or another thing reminds of Dad and I start doubting all over again. I understand Dad has his reason to hide from mom but why couldn''t he tell me anything? Am I so unvalued or short-sighted to judge him?..."


    Aria slowly told everything to n who patiently heard her. He knew she gave importance to very fewer people. Her father was her source of strength, encouragement, and emotional strength before him.


    So he didn''t feel any odd hearing her. One can''t be strong all the time so he wanted to be there for her at every turn of her life.


    "Do you trust me?" n asked a single question after she said everything.


    Aria nodded without any doubts.


    "Then keep in mind that, you are amazing. You are the capable employers to your employees, a best friend to your friends, a filial and responsible daughter to parents, and my dummy wife. Stop doubting yourself."


    Aria giggled pinching his cheeks, "That''s because you love me, Idiot."


    Promising she would try her best to stop judging herself, she fell asleep with n.

 Chapter 277: She is an Alien

    Chapter 277: She is an Alien


    n stopped Aria from going to the office in the morning, "No need to go to the office. Since your friends are here, have time with them... Does President Cooper like to go on a date with me in the evening?"


    Aria nodded her head like a hen picking grains causing him to chuckle. Aria knew n''s date would be unique instead of just dinner or movie or shopping.


    Seeing him off, Aria grabbed Noah''s jacket quickly who wanted to escape. Rian had told Noah that he sprouted everything out.


    "Sweetie, I have already asked to restock a few dozens of beers and we have a whole wine cer. And the office, Sister Zara will take care and she knows you are here."


    "Where shall we continue?" Eva asked standing next to Aria.


    "Stubborn rude fellows." Noah muttered but hugged two girls.


    After saying everything out to them, he was light-hearted so he was d that he had such stubborn friends with him.


    "What if you two again start crying?"


    Eva responded, "Your wife will pay for it."


    Noah''s mood soured hearing <em>''wife''</em> and left the two girls, "I... I don''t think we can find her."


    Three were shocked.


    All sat back on the chair at the dining table and Noah continued his left out story.


    "I had called her after realizing how I felt but she hadn''t answered the call for a long time. When she answered, I didn''t tell her about me and asked her about the marriage since she doesn''t want the marriage.


    That time she told me that her family isn''t simple. They had no independence to choose the life partner for herself and they wouldn''t listen to her.


    So I asked her whether she loves somebody to which I didn''t get a response. Then I asked if she loves me and I didn''t get a response.


    She avoids responding if she has to lie. Since the answers to it were yes, she didn''t tell no.


    That time I had asked a series of questions from the first time we met. Then I realized she liked me on the day I had helped her with luggage without seeing her and I had helped with some administration work without checking who it was.


    My first time seeing her was when she saved me from Michael Rickman. She liked me so she helped me. She realized it after a few months


    Due to her family problem, she never dared to confess. She had once regretted meeting me because she was getting affected by my every action making her all confused about her own behavior.


    I asked her where she stays in-country P so that I could bring her then I got to know she wasn''t from country P at all but she isn''t revealing anything about her.


    Now she hardly answers my calls and remains quiet by just hearing me."


    First question: "When is her marriage?"


    Noah responded, "Next month, the second Sunday."


    <strong><em>Time: check</em></strong>


    The second question, "Did you confess to her about your feelings?"


    After Aria asked it, the other two realized Noah didn''t mention a single word like that.


    Noah knew he would get scolded but he still said, "She is already down, I didn''t want to add more."


    <strong><em>Confession: Uncheck</em></strong>


    "You pigheaded man." Aria and Eva started raining punches on him while Rian snatched his mobile to call Kyle Mason.


    Rian dialed the number which was under Kyle''s name. All heard the operator''s voice, "The number you are calling doesn''t exist."


    Two girls froze with Rian and shot a deadly re to Noah.


    Noah hated this part, "I know it''s weird but I always gave into her. So we were always Skyping after returning to the country."


    Aria: ?


    Eva: ?


    Rian: ?


    Two girls went back to their seats and weren''t sure whether to cry or beat him up.


    Eva asked, "So we don''t know anything about her."


    Noah nodded. Else he would have searched and brought her with him.


    Rian ignored Noah, "Why do I feel like there is no girl like Kyle? And it is all an illusion."


    Eva added, "What if she is an Alien?"


    While those two continued their imagination, Aria stared at the embarrassed face of Noah.


    Kyle didn''t mind lying about her to others but she didn''t lie to Noah. She hid her address, her ent was a lot more like us. If she doesn''t stay in country P, Country A and X were left.


    Kyle had remembered seeing Noah somewhere when they had met but she hadn''t continued the topic.


    "Kyle is from country A and I don''t think her name is real. I can''t hack the Skypework, if I get caught, I''ll be dead. So picture... Noah, Send me her picture."


    Three froze hearing her without understanding how she came to the conclusion.


    Eva said after some time, "Before that, you muddle-headed dumbest fool, confess to her. You can''t just say you will look after her and keep her safe. You have to confess to her and give her a reason first."


    Rian quickly opened Skype and dialed Kyle. They tried twenty plus times but it wasn''t answered.


    Aria sent Kyle''s picture to Levi to search for her but Levi called Aria. She excused herself from the three to talk to Levi.


    "President Cooper, if you have connections with the chief of police, they could get the information in no time by the picture. As we don''t have any other information, it will take us a long time."


    Aria thought for a second, "Nope, I never got a chance to be acquainted with them... n has. Okay, how about you guys continue and I will check that way?"


    Levi responded and hung up the call.


    Aria knew n would help her but she didn''t want to trouble him when she wasn''t sure Kyle was from country A.


    Seeing her zoned out, Rian asked, "What happened?"


    Aria responded to him as she went back to them. "Our all data like iris scan, fingerprints, facial scan are saved in the state administration highly secured data. It isn''t safe to touch that data from hackers or anybody other than high-level administrative employees. Levi suggested it is an easier way to get information instead of investigating small fragments and joining them for a long time. Chief in the police could help us but I don''t know him."


    Rian suggested, "Jake Davis is a cop."


    Eva rolled her eyes, "Oh please, he isn''t even captain."


    Rian knocked on her head, "We can ask him about who could help us out."


    Aria shook her head, "I will ask n to connect me with the Chief of police."


    Noah shot up, "Guys, aren''t you doing too much without knowing anything? And I don''t want you guys to work up and feel bad if we don''t get to know anything."<ol><li>The Fourie''s schoolmate mentioned in chapter 15</li></ol>

 Chapter 278: Owner of the heart

    Chapter 278: Owner of the heart


    Noah shot up from his seat seeing them contacting all types of people, "Guys, aren''t you doing too much without knowing anything? And I don''t want you guys to work up and feel bad if we don''t get to know anything."


    Aria, Eva, and Rian: ?


    Noah: ?


    Noah sat back like an abandoned puppy. He heard them n and ren out everything.


    Seeing them rigorously nning to find <em>Kyle Mason</em> for him, he had no words describe how content he felt having them.


    He wasn''t sure if he could get <em>Kyle Mason</em> but he was sure, he was never going to leave his loonies who wanted his happiness and nothing else.


    They had nned out everything and turned to Noah who was looking at them nkly while a slight smile hung on his lips.


    Rian rubbed his own arms, "Aish! I''m getting goosebumps. Man, why are you looking at me like that? I have a fiancee, don''t even think about trying on me."


    Noah''s lips twitched, "Let me die instead of thinking that."


    The girls giggled and quickly went upstairs to change and leave.


    Aria was going to Morgan Industries with Rian. Eva and Noah were responsible for getting any information out of Jake Davis.


    --


    Morgan Industries


    Aria and Rian sped towards Morgan Industries. Rian went to talk to the Vice President whose son was working in the civil bureau.


    Aria barged in n''s office. n was on a video conference hence she couldn''t talk aloud. She started dancing in front of the desk raising her forefinger at him asking a minute.


    n had to purse his lips from smiling seeing her make faces requesting his little time. He really doubted if she was back to eighteen.


    He looked at the screen and said, "Let''s take a break."


    He was yet to close theptop screen, Aria jumped near him, "n, help me out."


    Pulling her on hisp, he asked patiently, "And what is it?"


    "I think Kyle Mason is in country A, as you said, her name might not be real so you have to help me contact the chief of the civil bureau."


    n understood their n after hearing her. "What do I get in return?"


    Pecking on n''s lips, Aria cheekily asked, "You have me, what else do you want?"


    "I see, you are turning smart." n took his mobile and dialed a number.


    Aria intently heard one side conversation.


    "Hmmm... President Cooper needs some help to find a person, She will reach your office soon and I hope you could help my wife with her work."


    n again hummed a few times before hanging up the call and telling Aria, "Done."


    Aria was impressed by hearing him, "My husband is so cool..." She continued topliment and pamper him for two more minutes until Rian called her.


    Rian''s end had no news because the Vice President''s son was in a different city.


    ---


    At a restaurant near the civil bureau.


    "Thank you, Jake, for making some time." Eva greeted and tugged Noah to greet him.


    Eva might forget and move on but Noah knew how Jake had annoyed Aria and judged herter.


    "Hey" He halfheartedly said and remained quiet after it.


    "What''s special that you guys remembered me?" Jake was tall and well built with his good looking face.


    Eva found it hard to ask directly so started going around the mountain, "I had thought you would be an advocate like your father. Why this profession?"


    Jake smiled lightly, "Come on, I know you aren''t here to know that. Do you guys need me for anything?"


    Eva felt embarrassed by hearing him. Noah mocked indifferently, "You are sensible now."


    Eva smacked Noahughing awkwardly at Jake who didn''t mind hisment. "Actually you are right. We have to find a girl but other than her picture, we have nothing. So we thought to ask for your suggestion."


    Jake analyzed and asked, "Lodge aint against her and she will be detained soon. By the way, what is her offense?"


    "Lying and hiding. I want to beat her up." Eva didn''t think twice and said it.


    Noah''s lips twitched, "No, we don''t have anyints, we want to know about her and find her. That''s all."


    Jake shook his head after a few seconds, "Then it''s difficult. Without a valid reason, we aren''t allowed to check or share any citizen''s information."


    Eva pouted and spoke for a few minutes until the other two reached the civil bureau entrance.


    Aria and Rian saw Jake. If she didn''t know Eva and Noah went to meet Jake Davis, she wouldn''t have identified him.


    "Hey!" She greeted and turned to the other two, "We have to meet Chief Sood."


    They entered and were about to ask the way to the office room of Chief Sood, Jake spoke reservedly, "I will take you guys there."


    Then the four followed Jake as Eva kept nudging Aria pointing Jake. "Do you think his infatuation is over?"


    Aria shushed her and five went inside. Chief Sood stood up looking at Aria.


    "Hello, Chief Sood, I''m sorry about our sudden request and thank you for taking your time out from your busy schedule." Aria gave the respect he deserves.


    Chief Sood shook her hand and pointed chairs for them to sit.


    Jake was leaving, Eva thanked him, "Thank you, Jake. We will treat you once."


    Jake nodded and turned to leave but was called by Chief Sood, "Jake Davis? President Cooper, do you know him?"


    Aria didn''t lie, "We are from the same batch in school."


    "I see, then Jake, why don''t you stay over and help them out." Chief Sood said to which Jake had no choice but to agree and stand silently.


    Having no idea about the help they needed, Chief Sood asked, "How may I help you, President Cooper?"


    Aria straight came to the point by pushing her mobile ahead. "We want to know about this girl."


    Chief Sood nodded checking the picture, "Write down aint, and I will ask the team to get the information by end of the day."


    Eva and Noah were annoyed by hearing that.


    Aria and Rian looked at each other and Aria pointed Noah asking in a confused tone, "She stole his heart. Can we file like that?"


    Chief Sood, Jake: ?


    Noah: ?


    Eva controlled fromughing out.


    Rian changed the question, "Or can we file like he stole her heart? We should find the owner of the heart, you know."


    Aria and Rian secretly low fived each other but didn''t show anything on their faces.

 Chapter 279: Encouragement for losing

    Chapter 279: Encouragement for losing


    <strong>The Fourie</strong> who stands for each other and goes to any length for them. Jake smiled to himself remembering them.


    Chief Sood took time to react and hesitatingly spoke, "President Cooper, we aren''t allowed to..."


    Aria cut in, "Of course I know. If I could go by rules, I wouldn''t be sitting here asking for help."


    Chief Sood was now in a difficult position. He knew turning down Aria was the same as going against n Morgan, a cold-blooded devil who had all the proof to bring half of the administration employees on the road.


    Half-heartedly, "President Cooper, I will work on it and get you the information soon."


    "We want it before the weekend." Rian said, giving him two days of the deadline.


    Chief Sood wasn''t sure if he could manage it but he still responded, "Alright. I will send the information once we get it."


    Happy with the temporary sess, four stood up and Aria spoke, "Thank you so much, Chief Sood. I will look forward to listening to you <strong>SOONER</strong>. Have a good day."


    They shook their hands and left the office leaving Chief Sood to brainstorm alone.


    If nobody, Chief Sood knew what she actually meant by, <em>''I will look forward to listening to you SOONER.''</em>


    Aria and Rian thanked Jake Davis who was unusually too quiet like he was purposefully distancing himself from them but the Fourie had no time to think about it.


    After going out, Aria mentioned the second mission, "Oh! Our dear President Wood, you will be with any of us until one hears you confess everything to your Ms.Invisible. Then try to talk to her to get information about her."


    Noah tried his best to remain expressionless andmented, "Why do I have to confess in front of anyone of you? I will do it when she answers my call or when she calls me back."


    Rian teased, "Aww look who is shy now? His skin turning red, Noah is blushing."


    They continued to tease him throughout the lunch. Eva went with Noah to his office. Rian went to Skyline to see Roxy. Aria went to n.


    --


    A sports academy


    n took Aria to City B''srgest sports academy. Changing to sportswear, Aria excitedly yed basketball with n.


    n was tall and a very good yer so it was easier for him to use game tricks on Aria and score so she started to cheat by distracting him and she was basketing the ball.


    n was content seeing her happy and mischievous but, "Stop exciting me."


    Aria pecked on his neck and stole the ball like other times again. She giggled heartily looking at n, "I won."


    n raised his brows hearing her. Aria could almost imagine the wolf waking up in him and started running towards the exit seeing him stride faster.


    She knew he would surely punish her for exciting his nerves.


    Without letting her escape, he chased after her and held her easily. Her every technique to escape from him was useless.


    He pressed her on the steel mesh and asked rightfully, "Shouldn''t I get some encouragement for losing?"


    Aria looked around but found none to escape from n. She shook her head but he ignored the response.


    It wasn''t like he wanted the response to that question.


    He captured her lips in his. He was softly teasing and tasting her until she melted in his arms.


    They hadn''t kissed like a long time due to the revtion of Calvin''s new identity so she wasn''t just satisfied with his lips. She yearned for more, removing her hands from his chest, she wrapped them around him longing more of it.


    n knew her mood was down for a long time. Even though he wanted to punish her for seducing him while ying, he didn''t want to force her if she didn''t have the mood.


    Just by her small movement of craving, his kiss turned deep, fierce, and demanding by earning her moansgging to match up with him.


    Wrapping her securely in arms, he wished if he could merge her with him. The first time or anytime. in the room or anywhere, he loves how she gives herself to him without a small doubt.


    Stealing her breath away, he slowed down to let her take a breath but remembered they were in open ground. Even though he had arranged to block the whole club, he couldn''t stop each and everyone so let her off the hook.


    He opened his eyes to see the flushed beauty in his arms. Half dazed, slightly parted reddened delicious lips, breathing irregrly holding him tight.


    He wrapped his hand tighter, kissing her forehead, "My temptress! Liked the date?"


    Aria hummed leaning on him stealing his warmth.


    She had told him like years back that she liked to y basketball, she was naturally happy ying it and ying with n for the first time.


    What she liked more was how she teased him while ying to distract him all the time even though it was dangerous to provoke the big bad wolf.


    After some time, they returned indoors to change their sportswear but Aria''s eyes fell on the direction board for the fencing hall and pointed it for n with puppy eyes.


    "Can you hold the foil? Your hand." n concernedly asked checking her right palm.


    "I think I can. If it pains, I will stop ying. I have never yed with you, please... Hubby please please, please..."


    He didn''t have the heart to turn her down and took her for fencing without noticing sports clubs VIP members entering the private room.


    Both quickly changed to aplete white protective clothing of fencing which had a jacket, gloves, protectors, mask, and others.


    The duo reached the hall and n firmly told her to stop exerting force on her right palm so they were just warming up their moves.


    ---


    Seeing Xin dived in his heaps of ununderstandable codes, Xoan forced him out of the office.


    Xin hardly partied or went to clubs. Since they hadn''t sported for a long time, Xoan wanted to go for off-road car racing but due to the weather, he changed the ns and went to the sports club where they were the thirdrgest shareholder.


    One wanted to y tennis and the other one wanted to fence. While entering inside, they had seen n''s car.


    "This man has time to y but not to meet me." Xoan smirked while hemented. "I should show him who is the boss today."


    Xin rolled his eyes while entering their private room.

 Chapter 280: Broke each and every rule

    Chapter 280: Broke each and every rule


    Xoan dialed the sports club manager''s number and asked, "Where are the attendees? Why is it empty?" But that wasn''t his main reason for the call.


    "CEO West, the whole club is blocked for the public. You are allowed because you are a shareholder."


    Xoan was impressed to know n was capable of that, "Who is in the club? Where are they?"


    "The manager respectfully replied, "CEO West, they are in the fencing hall. They have asked forplete privacy so I guess, it wouldn''t be appropriate to meet and greet."


    Xoan''s lips sinisterly tilted up, "Alright" He hung up the call and eyed Xin, "Xin, I will fence first and join you quickly."


    Xin didn''t want him to go against n, "Xoa, we hardly got to know anything about President Morgan. It''s not the right idea."


    Xoan didn''t agree with him, "We didn''t get to know because there is nothing to know."


    Xin contradicted him, "n Morgan is too mysterious. He is low profile doesn''t mean he is an easy one."


    Xoan changed clothes as he bobbed his head repeating Xin''s old lines, "Yeah yeah, He isn''t naive and has strong force behind him. Staying low doesn''t mean weak. h h h... Come on, I''m not a kid."


    Xin sighed and let him go reluctantly. He too went to the hall but went to the audience section on a higher floor and he stood in an invisible area.


    Xoan and Xin were expecting highly skilled maneuvers by n but seeing them, two felt like they were school kids ying with foil fences.


    n and Aria were in masks and helmets while Xoan entered holding the helmet in hand.


    "President Morgan, What''s the fun in ying with..." He saw the body structure of the opposite yer and continued, "... a noob female yer?"


    Instinctively, n stood next to Aria keeping his hand on her back in a protective stance.


    Aria frowned seeing the third wheel on their date. She didn''t open her helmet and heard him say <em>''noob''</em> to her.


    n opened his helmet with a mask and tousled his hair which even paused Xoan''s action.


    "What made you assume yourself as an expert?"


    Then n turned to Aria, "Shall we leave? Due to the rainy season, annoying flies increase after the sunset."


    Aria smiled under the mask while Xoan grounded his teeth. He couldn''t agree nor deny what n said.


    "I see, President Morgan turned out to be a coward."


    "At least, I''m not self-obsessed and self-acimed."


    Xin was too far to hear them but he could say n was unfazed while Xoan was pissed off even though he was expressionless.


    Xoan hated n''s guts. "Then why don''t you prove it?"


    n smirked, "And why do you think I will listen to your crap?"


    Xoan wasn''t ready to lose, "So you are just a man of words."


    Aria turned to n to listen to his counter. n was watching her while he responded, "You are a man of a nuisance."


    Aria couldn''t control and burst intoughter pissing off Xoan more. She patted n''s arm and spoke to Xoan, "Well, Mister, whoever you are..."


    Xoan enraged instantly hearing her and identified her voice, she was the same girl who rejected to work with hispany.


    "How about facing <strong>A Noob</strong> yer? When you win, I will convince n to y against you. Deal?"


    Aria purposefully mentioned <em>''when''</em> instead of <em>''if''</em> to let his hopes up. When they had collected Xoan''s information, she knew he was a good fencing opponent so she wanted to try.


    "Honey!"


    Aria''s response was indicative which n understood, "I will lose pridefully as <em><strong>A Noob</strong></em>. Watch me..."


    Xoan had seen her using the left hand and moving like a snail. ording to him, a noob was an overstatement for her and he had almost thought he looked better than n for her hence he epted.


    "Alright."


    Aria cloyed n while Xoan wore the helmet in perplex. <em>''Why the hell am I ying against a little girl now?''</em>


    Anyway, his n was to win over n and deal with his arrogance.


    Xin wasn''t sure what was going on. n was worried sick of her right palm.


    Aria passed her foil fence to the right hand and stood in defense position but Xoan thought that she didn''t know anything and gestured to her to attack with his left hand.


    Aria took two steps and attacked which Xoan blocked easily.


    Xin''s lips twitched seeing Xoan stand without foil in the next second. Aria caught Xin''s foil she had tossed away from his grip.


    Xoan''s hands were still in the air when he saw her catch the fence. He tried to remember what she just did.


    Aria had moved her foil around and tossed his foil up. His wrist had turned and he lost the grip on it.


    <em>''Noob?''</em> Xoan felt it was a tight p on his face and her initiation was actually a sarcastic remark.


    Aria tossed the fence at him and cued him to attack which provoked Xoan seeing her stand casually.


    Xin was smiling seeing Xoan frustrated for losing to a girl in a mere three seconds.


    Xoan started attacking fiercely which Aria matched easily. Xoan was taller so his hands were longer than her which was negative to Aria but she was flexible and was escaping from him easily by scoring points.


    When it got intense, Aria started to feel the pain from her palm but Xoan broke the rules and flung the fence on her arm.


    n grunted going towards them, "Xoan West."


    Xin frowned.


    He knew if Xoan couldn''t win straight, he would do it by hook or by crook. If the opponent was a man, he wouldn''t have cared but he hated Xoan attacking a woman for the victory in the mere game.


    Aria raised her left hand at n to stop him. n knew what she was going to do but he didn''t like her stubbornness when her right-hand palm wasn''t healed yet.


    He had watched her y exceptionally more than his expectation so he trusted her abilities but her palm...


    Aria knew to y by rules but she was taught to fight without rules. "Xoan West, you don''t know how to keep things clean. Isn''t it?"


    Xoan smirked under the helmet without caring and saw her cue to attack him. He lunged to attack but Aria spun aside and hit his torso.


    He regained and attacked but Aria broke each and every rule of the game while she saved herself from each strike.


    n chuckled seeing her y Xoan like a mouse while she looked like white wild cat jumping, sliding, stretching, and attacking him fiercely.


    He recorded the video of them to send it to Vince Fang who would be happy about his little apprentice.


    Xin felt bad for Xoan being prey for the little woman. He really liked how the little woman yed following rules and without following the rules.

 Chapter 281: Little girl

    Chapter 281: Little girl


    Xoan wasn''t getting time to clear his mind by continuously trying to defend and fail because if he was defending for one move but her alternate move would hit him.


    He wanted to embarrass n but he was embarrassed to death losing to a girl in front of n.


    <em>''Noob?</em>'' Even his ego was about to die for thedy.


    <em>''Lose pridefully?''</em> He understood she meant to say she wasn''t going to leave little of his pride.


    Aria was done with the y and tossed his fence away before kicking his back of the knee to kneel him on the ground.


    "Xoan West, if the opposition doesn''t y dirty doesn''t mean they don''t know. Why does a female have to be a noob without even knowing her game? I needed just minutes to crush your male ego. Don''t forget to remember today before judging a woman."


    She took steps towards him and raised his head to face her with the fence. Her unyielding tone was intimidating.


    "And about n, Xoan West, you couldn''t match me, so stop dreaming to face n. Before you try to touch him, try to cross me. If you think you can take a step against n, I will stand and push you ten steps back. Before you try to attack him, you will find me first. Now, bog off."


    Xoan grounded his teeth hard but after losing, he wasn''t at any ce to speak. His urge to know the arrogant woman tearing the mask was intensifying but another urge was dominating it.


    Xin wasn''t sure what she told and saw his friend all defeated. If Xoan was lost to n, Xoan wouldn''t have felt his blood boil but Xin was sure, his pride was hurt seriously.


    n loved her ferocious way and solicitous about him. He knew she would even dare to stand against anything for him. The only thing he had seen her weak and couldn''t handle was losing her loved ones or judged by them.


    Anyway, he prioritized her and her wound first.


    Aria almost jogged to n and extended her right hand, "Remove it. It''s paining."


    There she goes as his sweet little wife.


    n bopped her helmet and removed the gloves and bandages to see the cuts open on one edge.


    Xoan who had looked at them before leaving saw a long cut on her palm. He was dazed while he walked out and went to the private room.


    n helped her out of the helmet and mask first and then he twisted her ear, "Do you remember what I had told you?"


    Aria pouted pitifully, "Is my pain important or scolding me?"


    n gave up and took her quickly to the infirmary. He disinfected then applied medicine, and wrapped in bandage before breathing a sigh of relief.


    "Is it still paining?"


    Aria promptly nodded slightly pouting her lips.


    "Is it bearable? Do you want to take a painkiller?"


    Aria gave it a thought and shook her head, "I will distract my mood and I will be fine."


    n cupped her face and said, "Why are you so stubborn?" but he couldn''t bring himself to punish her either.


    Aria smiled for it and went to his arms, "I need a hug..." pouting in his embrace, "Should I attack Focus?"


    "Stay low..." n didn''t want to disrupt much between them and Focus but Xoan was provoking them uselessly.


    "If he tries to reach you again, I will sell hispany data and push him to bankruptcy. Hmph."


    n chuckled. He had thought Focus was behind Aria and he should protect his wife. He couldn''t understand why everything was getting reversed.


    Caressing her head, "What do you want to eat?"


    "I''m open to all types of tasty yummy food."


    n led her out as he responded, "Then you can eat me. Why waste money?"


    Aria: _


    "Braised pork balls in gravy, Peking roasted chicken, Sweet and sour pork, Chow Mein or Yang Chow fried rice."


    n hummed and asked, "Are you gonna try me first and then those? Or overturn?"


    Aria pinched his waist but still, she chose in his choices, "First them and then you."


    "So you mean, I am your dessert."


    Aria flushed and continued to argue while n sessfully diverted her mind away from her wound and pain.


    --


    Xin entered the private room to see zoned out Xoan. He had to shake his shoulder to hear any response.


    "F*ck... I lost to a little girl. Do you know she had a long cut on her right palm? Like this long..."


    He showed on his palm and continued, "How the hell did she y? Who the f*ck n Morgan is dating? She is good at analyzing contract papers and here to fight against me. Crap... What the freaking hell is going on with my life? I have the bloody advanced certification in fencing. I think it''s all fake..."


    Xin was speechless hearing Xoan talk so much and upon that he was totally admiring the girl instead of wanting to skin her alive.


    "Xoa..." Xin couldn''t cut in and heard him going on and on.


    "Never mind, The point is, who is she? She is the perfect material to have in one''s life. Her vigor, braveness, attitude, dainty figure, aggressiveness, everything is so bloody perfect. Why didn''t I find her first? No doubt n Morgan left that little bunny of yours for this one. I had just thought she was just a spoiled girl when I had seen her first. Come to think of it, I lost to her and she has only a bad image of me, even if I find her and woo, will she ept me? It isn''t like I look any less..."


    Xin had checked his temperature once, forced him to drink water but Xoan rambled on and on about the girl.


    Xin even yawned and was preparing himself to take a nap when Xoan stopped and asked, "So?"


    Xin was caught off guard and asked back without knowing what he was asking, "So?"


    Xoan smacked him and repeated hisst question, "Do you think I will have a chance to covet her from n Morgan?"


    "What do you want me to say? You were saying he would teach her a hard way and nowpletely head over heels after losing to her."


    Xoan waved his hand as he responded, "Let bygones be bygones. She is one to be treasured, shall I kidnap her?"


    By whatever Xoan said, Xin could say that the girl was fond of n and very protective towards him. He didn''t want Xoan to get hurt or use evil tricks on them to get the girl.


    "What if she ugly?"


    "I don''t care."


    Xin was inplete shock. Xoan''s one night stand or just a few minutes makeout flings were beauties from head to toe.


    "Xoa, do you have any idea what you are saying? Don''t ruin somebody''s life for your short term attraction."


    Xoan snorted, "What the hell do you mean by attraction? This is the first time I want somebody but not for face or figure. It''s aplete adoration."


    Xin just prayed for Xoan''s safe heart and heard him continue to speak about the girl saying ''<em>Little girl</em>'' repeatedly just because he had seen her in mickey mouse top and skates.

 Chapter 282: Its about us

    Chapter 282: It''s about us


    Unbeknown about the effects of her actions, Aria enjoyed dinner with n before routing to the Morgan mansion.


    Amelia abandoned everyone and spentrge-quality time with Aria. Thetter might be swarmed with any works decreasing her visits, Amelia was still more fond of her than any of her sons.


    It was half-past eleven in the midnight. n and Rowan checked their wristwatch N-th but their woman didn''t seem to be willing to exit Aria''s room.


    Rian and Roxy had long back gone to bed so they were sleeping peacefully.


    nmented so that Rowan could take his cue to separate the twodies off the room. "Dad, it''s been three hours."


    Rowan smiled awkwardly. He knew well if he disturbs Amelia now, she would be grumpy for at least two days straight.


    "Why don''t you ask Arrie to rest? She must be tired." He shifted the hot potato back to n.


    Aria was asking for a few weeks about staying over at Morgan mansion for Amelia so he knew if he pisses her off now, both would end up in different rooms.


    He mulled over Aria''s different room. <em>''Should I ask to shift her things to our room?''</em>


    While two men waited, two were enjoying their talk heartily, almost making their time like a girl''s pajama party.


    It was only when Aria saw Amelia yawn, shemented, "Mum, do you want to sleep over here? Or I will be frequenting here, so we can n this regrly."


    Amelia pondered. She would love to apany Aria but remembering her son''s somber face, she shook her head, "Rowan will be waiting for me and your husband will be cursing me. So let''s wrap up."


    Aria giggled and agreed with her.


    Rowan breathed a sigh of relief seeing Amelia and took her to their room. n saw Aria in her old style nightwear in her room.


    n clutched her oversized t-shirt pulling near him but to see her stand away and tease, "What are you doing in my room? Go to our room and sleep."


    n''s brows twitched, "My room is our room then why can''t your room be our room? It''s not fair."


    Aria nodded, "Exactly, it''s really not fair. I have to be called Mrs. n Morgan while you aren''t called by my name at all. Solve it and ask for fairness. Hmph."


    "Meanie..." n snorted and went to their room.


    Aria had to sort things which both Amelia and she had used so she stayed back and tidied it before going to their room.


    She saw n sulking even while on the call with somebody. She clicked on a button to close the drapes of the bay window.


    n didn''t react when she made herselffortable sitting on hisp. Aria had no idea who he was talking with and started to tease him.


    n froze when Aria blew air gently on his neck to ear. Thinking she was just distracting him, he ignored and tried to concentrate on the call.


    Aria didn''t like the result. She neared to him and started prepping his face with gentle light pecks.


    Slowly and tenderly on his forehead, next on the eyelids then trailed down to his nose tip. While her left-hand sensually trailed on his neck, she continued prepping on his cheeks, teasing at the corner of his lips, down to the chin.


    All the while her right hand was on his chest to know her effects on his heart which was raising its beats making her happy.


    Aria innocently looked at n who was already driven out of the call, clouding by the desire but still trying hard to listen to the caller while all he wanted was her and her attention.


    Vince Fang on the other end of the call, yowled at him, "n Morgan, Where the hell have you lost man?"


    Aria controlled her expression by hearing the voice. n swallowed looking at her in the mischievous eyes and hummed before trying to speak, "Cont..."


    Aria perfectly knew she was ying with zing fire which she ignited but she was having fun locking his lips stopping him from speaking but she didn''t kiss either.


    Subconsciously, n tilted his head coupling their lips as his left hand snaked around her waist waiting for her to continue.


    Aria left his lips when she heard Vince, "Are you asleep? What the f**k is wrong with you?"


    n felt his heart weigh down seeing her stop hearing Vince. To finish the business quickly he started speaking, "Continue the investment. Pioneer and Gremole will... be... having... marriage... alliance... so... the..."


    His voice started trailing off from the mid when Aria continued her tease. She nibbled his chin, tracing her lips on his chiseled jawline, sucking his earlobe and bit the skin under his ear until she heard him hiss.


    n was done with the call and grunted hoarsely, "I can''t talk." He hung up the call and tossed the phone away.


    Aria soothed his skin with her tongue where she had left a mark by the time he pinned her down. He controlled crashing on her lips and asked, "Are you sure? Don''t push yourself and can you handle me with your right-hand state?"


    Aria knew she alwayses first in everything he does. She was more than content hearing him.


    Aria flipped him rolling on top. "What if no?" but her actions were opposite to what she asked.


    n knew the actual answer to his question. Even though he wanted her he didn''t want her to do when her mind was messed up with lots of things. Hence he confirmed.


    Pulling her down on him to stop her putting pressure on her knees and arm, he responded equally letting her lead.


    When she broke their deep kiss, n held her and spoke against her lips, "Mrs.n Morgan, I don''t mind to be called your wife."


    Aria smiled hearing him trying to give fairness against the social unfairness.


    "My young wife, am I enough for a betrothal gift? Or need something more?"


    n relished her smooth skin brushing on his skin as her soft lips and warm breath trailed on his neck by nibbling, kissing, biting.


    "My sexy husband is more than enough."


    Aria felt satisfying to mark him again and again like he always does to her as she tried to lead when his warm palm wandered under her top slowly melting her by his touch.


    n was feeling like she was painting him red seeing her torture him slowly without giving into him.


    His chuckle was deep when he saw her pout failing to pull his T-shirt off.


    Flipping her down, going on her top, he nibbled her neck, "Now!" His voice was deep and mesmeric.


    While she pulled his t-shirt off easily, n effortlessly tossed her pullover away with her movements.


    Aria flushed when his eyes wandered on her. She wanted the night to be about him, so leaving him on top could easily overturn the things so she pushed him down.


    He knew to turn her into a puddle of water easily but he didn''t, he let her continue enjoying in the bottom.


    In hazy, "What do I have in..."


    His voice gave away and he trembled under her but soon he heard her hiss in pain.


    He shot his eyes open to realize she had left pressure on her right palm unknowingly.


    pulling her to his arms, he checked her palm. He stopped her from leading and heard her wronged tone after receiving a bite on his shoulder.


    "I''m fine... It should be about you tonight."


    "It''s about <strong>US</strong>." He said and captured her lips with his when her words had already melted him.


    She surrendered to his intoxicating kiss which she never could match to him.


    It was a very long night for them after many days.

 Chapter 283: To elope with you

    Chapter 283: To elope with you


    Tucking Aria well under the duvet, n unwillingly got ready and left for the office.


    Aria who had slept in the Morgan mansion woke up in Cooper mansion in the afternoon.


    <em>''Lazy pig, how can you sleep without waking up in the car?''</em> Aria chided herself pulling herself to lean on the headrest of the bed.


    She wanted to go to the office and tried to stop n after twice but ended up a few more times until she had no strength to move.


    She was sure she had mumbled, Amelia and Roxy willugh at her if she wakes up weary. So after bathing her, n had brought her to Cooper mansion at five in the morning.


    Thinking of calling n, she picked her mobile to see Finn''s three missed calls and messages.


    First, she messaged n, <em>[Big bad wolf?]</em>


    Then she dialed Finn''s number who answered on the fourth ring.


    "If you hadn''t called me back, I was thinking of filing a missingint."


    Aria chuckled, "Even if I go missing, you will not file aint, instead you will flip the city upside down with n. Private army with Military, I would love to watch it live."


    "Oh please, you think I have nothing else to do than sending my people behind searching a tiny packet."


    Aria snickered, "I would love to watch a different scene too. Can you guess it?... I will answer, I heard many beauties are trying to seduce you including my cousin sister, so how about locking you up with all of them?"


    Finn on the other end had ? bewildered expression. He knew Aria was capable of doing that.


    "I have recorded this. You evildy, if it happens, I''llin against you for molesting an innocent man."


    "Oh please..." Aria burst intoughter, "You and innocence are opposite ends of the world."


    Finn lightly chuckled hearing her and sighed hearing her fine.


    "So virtuous innocent man, What''s up?"


    "Alia, what happened? Why aren''t you going to the office?... Yeah before I forget, I called you to tell, Grandpa sent lobsters for you from country M, they are fresh. so where should I send them?"


    Aria smiled remembering Harold. "I''m in Cooper mansion. Auntie and uncle aren''t at home, right? Why don''t you have dinner here?"


    Finn took a few seconds to decide, "How can I miss your offer? I''ll be there. I need to talk to you about a few things too, I''ll see you there."


    Aria hummed, "Alright. See you soon."


    She kind of knew what he wanted to talk about but didn''t bother about it.


    She had already decided to stop worrying unnecessarily and stop affecting people around her.


    If Oliver was what Saira said, then it was only for Saira and it doesn''t matter to her.


    Oliver looked after her so well that she wanted to ignore if it had really happened, if not, then well and good. Because there was no way to prove anything.


    Aria was dumbfounded looking at n''s art on her checking in the mirror. She checked the unread message received while talking to Finn.


    <em>[It''s a big hungered wolf.? And anything for my sexy wife.]</em>


    She got fresh and had brunch before starting her office work on full vigor.


    If she praised somebody for good work, directed some on the right path, rejected a few proposals, and epted a few meetings to be arranged soon.


    In the office, Levi breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Aria responding to the office mails, clear, crisp, and professional.


    Once she started working all the secretaries got busy carrying out their work. The directors who had thought she might be on vacation got back to work seriously as they prepared well for theing meeting.


    Aria continued her work as she checked the Fourie group too. Eva was pissed off due to Kyle who wasn''t responding to calls or messages and Noah was cool about it because it was happening for many days.


    Rian had messaged Aria privately saying he wasn''t liking how Kyle was treating Noah. His wish to get them together was reced with getting the proper closure to Noah.


    His theory was quite simple. If she really liked Noah and being forced for the marriage, <em>why couldn''t she respond to him when he knew about her feelings?</em>


    Aria tried to settle his thoughts saying Noah hadn''t confessed to her yet and they weren''t in her shoes so they shouldn''t judge so soon as she might be embarrassed or afraid how Noah might react if she talks.


    Aria was happy with how she started handling things. She was happy for clearing her thoughts and getting back to her form.


    Finn reached Cooper mansion around two bringing lobsters. Aria''s mouth was wide open looking at the quantity.


    "Finn, I can arrange a lobster party here. Why did grandfather Harold send so much?"


    Finn acted like searching for her standing in front of her. "Alia... I can''t see you. Are you there?"


    Pouting, she smacked his arm.


    Both spoke about Calvin, worked on theirptops, and discussed a few things until the topic came about their past meeting.


    "My friends were on the knees for your attitude and how you were ignoring me."


    Aria giggled, "What about you? You weren''t any less of a boy at that time. I remember this line in the ser ground, <em>''I''m not here to steal you from President Morgan.''</em> God! I wasn''t with n at that time, My three crazy friends always repeated that line in front of n leaving me all flustered."


    Finn chuckled, pointing at her face, "You are still flushing remembering it."


    Aria covered her cheeks seeing himugh. "What? I was so badly shipped to n those days, I didn''t even know how to face him. Eva hadmented shamelessly and we got caught to n. I was finding a hole to hide and you added some more spices."


    Finn smiled remembering those days, "That time, I never thought we could have a proper convo."


    Aria too never had thought like that so she just smiled. "Hey, Auntie said, you were nning to start a business after school, why did you change ns?"


    Finn froze.


    He kind of wished to tell her the real reason but he was scared she might judge him which was unlikely. He was afraid she might feel in debt knowing he had to waste five years for her but only he knew how much he treasured those five years and wished to live in those five years.


    "To elope with you." Finn responded seriously.

 Chapter 284: Mom wanted a baby boy

    Chapter 284: Mom wanted a baby boy


    "Aww so sweet. Then why didn''t you do it? I would have got a chance to kick your ass until you regretted it."


    Finn rolled his eyes, "Do you think I''ll have a death wish? Who wants to marry a feisty woman? I want a sweet little wife but not a little demon who will drink my blood."


    Aria''s lips twitched but, "Oh please, you think your blood is tasty enough for me... Eww, it sounds so weird."


    Finn chuckled seeing her imagine blood taste and puckering her face.


    He stood up and pulled her off the couch, "That''s enough, now show me your pictures. Let meugh at you as you had done."


    Aria chuckled following him to Oliver''s room. Once Aria, Harold, and Finn''s father had teased Finn to no end checking his childhood pictures.


    Instead ofughing at her pictures, Finn was adoring the chubby little girl.


    "Who is this little one? I am liking her."


    Finn had a reason to check her pictures. He wanted her to forget about Oliver''s that one mistake by remembering all her childhood and Oliver''s pictures.


    And as he expected, Aria had a beautiful smile as she pointed to many pictures and narrated many stories to Finn.


    "... My dad was so sweet you know. Even if he knew I was faking a cry just for his attention, he still used to tend to me wholeheartedly."


    Aria chuckled to herself looking at a picture where Aria wasughing and Oliver had a broad smile tickling her.


    Finn smiled and took all the albums to keep them back. He climbed on a stool and was keeping them in but he pulled out arge old trunk.


    "What is this? There is another one inside."


    Aria shook her head, "I didn''t get the key for unlocking them and I don''t have the heart to break it. So I have never checked."


    "Do you want me to open it? I can give it a try."


    Aria nodded and helped him with both trunks. Leaving them on the floor, Finn stormed Oliver''s room and found a pin which he tried to unlock.


    "You are a thief. You can break the lock so easily. How many times have you robbed ces?"


    Fin bobbed her head seeing her chuckle. Both opened it to see a wedding gown. Aria didn''t have an inkling that Oliver had treasured Emily''s wedding gown. Even though it was old style, it was very beautiful.


    She took it out and noticed there was Oliver''s wedding suit too.


    Finn let her check out and opened another box to see Emily''s few things. "Your mother''s things are here. Her wedding jewelry is also here. Look."


    Ariaid the gown on the bed and sat next to Finn checking the other box. It had Emily''s wedding jewelry, many of her books, diaries, and photo albums which caught their attention.


    Finn opened it to see infant Aria''s picture. "Why is it hidden?... Look at your eyes, they are so beautiful."


    They were ck and white pictures. Aria doesn''t remember seeing those pictures even once.


    Both started to see in amusement and at one point, "He is n. He looks so adorable."


    Finn saw her taking the album to herp and adoring each of n''s pictures.


    That loving gaze was always fixated on n which he yearned.


    Aria''s smile was unvarying and her eyes moistened looking at little n and herself.


    She could say n had met her numerous times during that time seeing his many pictures in different clothes.


    A light chuckle escaped her lips looking at n sitting on Oliver''sp holding her in his little arms carefully.


    They were the core of her world.


    She heard Finn say, "So you know your husband all your life. From puppy love to marriage."


    His voice had a hint of enviousness which Aria didn''t notice immersed herself in the pictures.


    Aria shook her head, "Not really. I hadn''t seen n''s face even once till the day he tended to me seeing me cry in the deep of the night remembering my father."


    Aria caressed a picture as her soft tuneful voice sounded, "He had liked me when I was one. He adored my smiles when I was eight. He fell in love at first sight in his congrattory banquet when I was sixteen plus. He took my heart when he was my livid guardian."


    Finn felt hard to breathe hearing their story in the simplest four lines. He was happy for them but his heart ached for himself.


    He wanted to chide his heart for falling for the one who was in love with somebody else even after knowing it.


    But he didn''t. He knew his heart chose the right one for him but he wasn''t the right man for her.


    He gently rubbed her head, "You two are fated to be together." He knew that and he also prayed for them so that his love could live happily.


    He dried the tears back in his eyes and snatched the album, "God, stop ogling him."


    <em>''Hmph''</em> She let him check the album and saw some of Emily''s books until her hands fell on a diary.


    "Oh God, I had no idea Momma was writing diary daily."


    She read many pages giggling happily. Her mother was a mischievous brat with her husband. She had written how she had teased and troubled Oliver every single day.


    Finn''s attention too changed to her, "Can I check them too?" Since it was a diary he asked permission.


    Aria nodded, "You will understand the difficulties of having a wife."


    Finn''s lips were twitching reading how Emily had pranked her husband, tortured him daily yet Oliver was head over heels in love with her.


    "Your father can be President of Wife''s doting club. My mother is always busy in her experimentbs so I never actually saw them so affectionate."


    Aria knew how Finn grew up. He loves every family member but they never really had much time for him daily.


    Aria poked his arm and said, "You will be a henpecked husband for sure but My husband is the President of Wife''s doting club. No one can match him." She grinned.


    "What about you? A henpecked wife who chants her husband''s name like a treasure... Doesn''t he get irritated?"


    Finn had caught her once and had teased her for many days. Aria pouted but changed about him, "Imagine the girl you love calls your name repeatedly... Like Finn, Finnn, Finn..."


    Aria started calling his name sweetly. Finn didn''t have to imagine when she was the one calling.


    He could feel his heartbeat raise hearing her. He didn''t dare to turn and face her when his lips were uncontrobly tilting up. He quickly changed, "Shit I''m getting goosebumps. That was scary."


    Aria''s lips twitched, "Coldhearted."


    Finn rxed first but saw her smile fade away and was frowning. "Alia, what''s wrong?"


    "Momma wanted a baby boy..."


    Finn wanted her to rx but not go back to that mood. He saw her flipping pages rigorously. "Careful, you will tear it off."


    But Aria shot on her feet and ran towards the door but paused turning back.


    "What''s..." Finn froze when Aria hugged him.

 Chapter 285: Big for your smalls arms

    Chapter 285: Big for your smalls arms


    Finn saw Aria frowning, "What''s wrong?"


    "Mom wanted a baby boy while Dad always wanted a baby girl. Why do Auntie Saira''s words don''t match with this?"


    Finn wanted her to rx but not go back to that mood. "Alia..."


    He saw her flipping pages rigorously checking something. He frowned, trying to take the diary back, "Careful, you will tear it off."


    Aria gave the diary and took another one moving away from his hands and kept checking it.


    "Alia, let go of it. Stop judging past things... Alia..."


    Aria shot on her feet and ran towards the door but she paused and turned to see frightened Finn.


    Finn panicked without knowing what happened. He stood up to follow her, he was scared she might hurt herself.


    "Alia, what''s..." Finn''s words gave away and he froze when Aria hugged him.


    He had always dreamed of holding her in his arms. His heart beats raised and he wanted to hug her back to live one of his negligible yet a treasured dream of his.


    He felt her frame exceptionally small against him while her one hand was wrapped on his shoulder while the other one on his back.


    He could smell her hair carrying a fresh floral fragrance while her slender body was bnced on her toes without leaning on him.


    He wanted to pull her closer and wrap his hands around her but he knew something wasn''t falling in ce.


    <em>''Why did she hug me?''</em>


    He clenched his fist without letting his hand move.


    He knew he wasn''t close to Aria as much as Noah and Rian. He had seen them hugging but she was never so much close to him and maximum she would hold his arms.


    He heard her excitedly say, "Thank you, Finn. You are my savior. Thank you so much."


    He knew he shouldn''t take advantage of her excitement. He took a deep breath and rxed in no time. He unclenched his fists and a slight smile hung on his lips.


    He gently rubbed her back head. "And what did I do?"


    Aria left him in just a few seconds of her hug. Her conscience was pure and smiled at him pulling his cheek.


    "Because you are my friend. Because you are here with me now. Because of everything."


    "Silly." He very gently flicked on her forehead and earned a small giggle from her.


    "Let''s go." She held his wrist and started running downstairs confusing him, yet he followed her.


    "Alia!"


    Aria told Sophia when they reached the living hall, "Aunty, let the things in Dad''s room be there, we are going out."


    She didn''t hear Sophia and grabbed her and Finn''s jacket. She shoved him to the shotgun seat of her car and took the driver seat.


    She excitedly told everything that''s going in her head driving towards the city.


    Finn was happy hearing her, happier seeing her smile, hearing herpliment him all the way to the Morgan Industries.


    Finn asked after reaching, "Alia, you could have called and informed your husband."


    Aria checked time, "He has a meeting in five minutes ording to his arranged schedule."


    The Morgan security guards were surprised seeing Aria. They didn''t stop her and bowed to her as they always did which attracted everyone''s attention.


    Finn followed her smiling to himself without understanding why she couldn''t walk patiently.


    Aria who exited on the conference room floor saw n walking towards her, that''s towards the elevator.


    Without caring who and all were behind him, She ran towards him.


    n was instructing Nathan, "... Send the notice for breaking the uses and check the progress. If we don''t get a proper response, sue them. Investigate why the employees left abruptly too and start the employment process. Since..."


    "Young Madam?" Nathan''s voice was confused looking at Aria running and Finn walking towards them.


    n stopped talking and looked up from the tab. Stuffing the tab to Nathan, he quickened his pace, "Honey?"


    But Aria jumped to his arm wrapping her hands on his broad shoulder. n had to bnce himself taking a step back.


    Wrapping his arms, he smiled to himself. He just loves her hug which was a sign that she was very happy.


    Nathan quickly turned around to keep the directors inside but they were all already out watching them curiously with their mouth wide open.


    Finn sighed looking at them. It was a sky to earth difference between how she embraces n and him or others.


    Aria spoke before n, "n. I saw you, I saw our pictures." She left him as he helped her stand back on the floor and motioned her hands as she continued to talk.


    "You were this small and I was so tiny but I was still big for your smalls arms. We are so cute in those pictures. You know Mom liked photography so there are like a few hundreds of ck and white pictures and some are RGB too... Oh yeah, Mom was writing a diary everyday and she had even written about you. You know, my parents had celebrated my 100th day and you attended too. You had told to mom that you will take care of me so she had told, you have to marry me for that and you agreed to that thinking you can y with me every day..."


    Aria kept on excitedly narrating short stories holding his hands, looking him in the eye. n was hearing her each and every word with all his attention.


    Finn already knew about it but he had thought she would tell the important part of their visit. He also realized the important part of her life was actually n, past or present or future, it was only him.


    Sighing to himself, Finn signaled at Nathan to send the director through another side emergency exit.


    Nathan wanted to continue hearing Aria about n but he knew it was important to send those directors who were staring at them.


    Nodding his head at Finn, he forced them to leave which distracted Aria''s attention.


    "... ... I''ll read those for you. And..." She raised her hand holding a diary. "There is important evidence in this."


    n quickly brainstormed, "Mom is actually the one night stand of Dad so they got married."


    Finn was surprised by n''s precise guess and Aria smiled.


    "Mom was scared of what dad might think because she was also tipsy and she ended up starting everything. Panicked to face him in the morning, she had absconded. When Dad confessed everything, Mom asked him to marry her the same day."


    n led her to the elevator, cuing Finn to join.


    Finn voiced, "If your mom was the one, then Saira Hayek is lying. Is Calvin Parker with her too?"


    "Saira Hayek, a fox in a rabbit appearance. She dug her grave finally." Aria smirked.


    She never in her dreams thought Saira could be one among three.

 Chapter 286: Alan is back with little bitch

    Chapter 286: n is back with little bitch


    In n''s office


    "n, you have a meeting, right? We will talkter, You..."


    n cut in, "I had preponed it to leave early."


    Aria hummed and asked, "If Brother Calvin isn''t the son of Uncle Abel, then who is his father? Or is it Uncle Abel?"


    n fetched a file from his desk, "Calvin Parker had submitted samples and found negative in the DNA report." His team had fetched another copy of the report.


    Finn asked, "Then how can Calvin Parker and Oliver Cooper''s reports turned out to be positive if he isn''t the father?"


    "Ugh... So much confusion. I think we should collect evidence first before I rip Saira Hayek''s true colors. Let''s take this slow, I want to recheck the DNA test of Brother Calvin and Uncle Abel. I''ll get samples for it. n, my team is on Noah''s case so your team has to check on Saira Hayek and her connections. Then we or I will talk with Brother Calvin. Is it alright?"


    n hummed rubbing her head.


    Finn spoke in a dilemma, "I think she has someone''s support. She doesn''t seem to be so smart to outsmart you guys."


    Aria wasn''t sure about it, "Actually the work they had done was all inte handled and they had erased cleanly so we were missing out. And Once I talk with Brother Calvin and bring out the truth..."


    Finn hesitatingly cut in, "Are you still trusting Calvin Parker? What if he faked reports both time and yed it saying your father met him for reports? Your father might have met him for a different reason."


    Aria froze.


    Right. But she couldn''t understand why she felt she could still talk to him and he will respond.


    n wrapped his hand around her shoulder seeing her dampened mood, "It''s alright. We will take a step by step. No need to rush and alert them. And Aria Cooper, don''t forget your acting is pathetic."


    Aria: _


    Finn chuckled while saying, "You might p Saria Hayek once in your sight."


    Aria: -_-


    Aria had no words to defend herself. She might do it for maligning Oliver and trying to manipte her.


    Aria changed the topic, "Grandfather Harold sent so many lobsters. Let''s go and eat."


    n and Finn chuckled making her blush in embarrassment.


    "You guys are so mean." Aria pouted.


    "If you need my help..."


    Aria saw Finn standing up to leave so she cut in, "Oh President Stanley, how dare you ditch my dinner invite? And of course, I need your help. Need your uncle''s help for DNA tests."


    Finn didn''t want to disturb the couple so he thought to leave and anyway his friend was smart to know it.


    Finn''s mother''s family had a chain of hospitals in country A which stands top in the whole country for medical research, top doctors, and excellent treatment and service.


    Imperial hospital''s heir was Finn Stanley as his uncle had no child.


    "Uncle Frank knows you so chill."


    "He was so cold when he treated our wound on Tuesday."


    Finn''s lips twitched hearing that. <em>''Sh*t sh*t sh*t...''</em> He prayed his uncle doesn''t know he loves Aria who loves somebody else.


    nmented, "What? Don''t expect everyone to be warm with you."


    Aria controlled her smile and teased, "But I melted Daemon Ice king doing nothing. A smile and clean bowled."


    Nathan who had taken the files from the table fled off. Aria got to know that nickname by him in a flow of talk.


    Aria sweetly smiled peeking at n''s face.


    Finn coughed lightly, "You guys aren''t teenagers, and don''t forget the single dog out here."


    n, anyway couldn''t help his heart skipping its beat. He covered her dainty face with hisrge palm and took her out hearing her giggle.


    "Finn, let''s go together." She called skipping out with them happily.


    Nathan watched three presidents going out. Two atrocious Presidents with impassive faces walking with domineering and formidable air and one who took whole business Industries on a storm was ying around giggling and talking happily as if she had no worries in life.


    A secretary asked, "Assistant Nathan, Do you know if the secretary post under President Cooper is avable?"


    Nathan saw three expectant gazes on him, "If Young madam President knows you aren''t loyal under President Morgan and asking for a job, she will make sure you don''t get jobs anywhere else. So..."


    The secretaries awkwardly smiled and scurried away quickly.


    ---


    In Parker vi


    Saira got to know Calvin was home. She quickly went to his room.


    "Calvin... Aren''t you eating properly? Why are you losing weight? Doesn''t Arrie treat you well?"


    Saira worriedly asked almost into tears.


    Calvin wanted to pick some clothes and leave but seeing his mother''s state, he sighed and answered, "I''m not staying in Cooper mansion. n Morgan will take care of Arrie. Don''t worry about her."


    Saira sniffled, "Are they back together? Good good. Poor girl, she is going through a lot at such a young age, she should have somebody to lean on."


    Calvin wiped her tears and helped her with water, "Arrie will be fine soon. Stop worrying so much about her, she is strong and she will be fine."


    Saira looked pitiful wiping her cheeks and sobbed hard. "What about you? If you don''t want to stay here, please stay with your sister. Be her moral support. Help her with work so that she could leave freely."


    Calvin shook his head, "Arrie is excellent in her work. Her moral support is n Morgan. If she needs me, she will look for me, stop worrying. You are not young so don''t stress yourself so much."


    Saira clenched her fist hearing <em>''n Morgan''</em> again and again. She had no idea n Morgan would be present on the day she told her story to Aria.


    She hated how Calvin never gave in to her request to be with Aria and take over everything.


    Gritting her teeth lowering her gaze, she could only nod for now. She didn''t feel the necessity to say <em>''Stay home.''</em> and saw him leave after coaxing her.


    She went to her bedroom and saw Abel reading the newspaper calmly. Taking the satellite phone from her cupboard, she entered the bathroom.


    She dialed a string of numbers turning on the shower to mimic as she was showering.


    "Hun, Calvin isn''t listening to me." She softly spoke after hearing another end.


    "I don''t know Hun, I heard n Morgan is back with that little bitch."


    "I don''t understand why you are scared of him. He is just a kidpared to your experience in the business. Can''t you handle him?"


    "But..."


    "Okay. I think if that girl knows Calvin is staying in the office, she will look for him... Hmmm... Alright..."


    Saira hung up the call and deeply sighed.

 Chapter 287: Devoted to a girl

    Chapter 287: Devoted to a girl


    In Cooper mansion


    Aria, n, and Finn reached in Rolls Royce Phantom instead of their sports car.


    Rian who had reached the mansion chased after Aria, "You Little devil, you are dead tonight."


    "Oh sh*t." Aria started running away from him.


    n stood in front of the brand new Bugatti Divo. It was extremely powerful and exclusive for each customer. They are unique pieces of the highest quality with enormous attention to every detail during craftsmanship, development, and manufacturing.


    n hadn''t really taken seriously the previous day when she had told what to do with the gift she bought for him.


    He had wanted to change his car but due to all the wedding, worries, work, he hadn''t checked on it. He also realized she had ordered a long back for him.


    ''Betrothal gift?'' He understood it was a wedding gift.


    Finn was amazed looking at the car and heard Possessive Rian and understood the car was for n from Aria.


    "Little Devil, stop right there. I am really doubting your eyesight and your brain cells... Little devil... Did you forget your friends? You used to get me so many things... Little Devil..."


    Aria went around the vastwn before standing behind n breathing heavily. "Break break. I''m tired... Ahh... n..."


    "You..." Rian snorted seeing n carrying her away.


    Finn patted Rian''s back. "Your brother already stole her."


    "I will kidnap her tonight Hmph." Rian sounded rightful and strode near the new car leaving Finn speechless.


    Aria drank water but swallowed many times looking at n''s intense gaze. She stuttered, "I... I didn''t rob a bank. Why are you giving me that look?"


    "Dummy"


    Aria was d he didn''t scold her. She pulled him closer and asked sweetly, "My Dum-dum, did you like the car?"


    n didn''t care about how much it costs, it was always her thoughts that counted for him. He was content seeing her attentive about him.


    The only thing he arranged for her was a wedding but he failed due to circumstances.


    Aria always took care of his wardrobe, gifted the acres ofnd around the vi for him just because he wanted, secretly convinced investors when she had withdrawn while during their angered fight, now car and many more things.


    But he didn''t consider how much he invested himself in her safety in-country S and A, how carefully he takes care of her all the time.


    Aria saw his nk deep thinking gaze. She knew what was going on in his mind. "My livid guardian, hadn''t I told you I''ll bestow you with lots of gifts? So you just have to coddle me <strong>ENDLESSLY</strong>."


    n pinched her cheeks for hearing prolonged <em>''Endlessly''</em>. "Dummy"


    Aria pecked on his cheek, "Dum-dum" And she ran away to the kitchen.


    Rian rolled his eyes looking at them towards the dining hall sitting in the living hall. Finn had already opened hisptop to work so that he could ignore the excess dog food.


    Soon Isaac, Eva, Roxy, Noah reached Cooper mansion for dinner. Merrily finishing dinner, Finn was ready to leave again.


    "President Stanley, why don''t you stay back tonight?" Eva suggested seeing him pack his things.


    Isaac voiced it, "Yeah! If you don''t have any pre-arranged ns."


    Aria went up to him and spoke, "If you are ufortable, I''ll arrange a driver for you. Or rest in here if you are tired. You drank a lot of wine with us."


    "I will be the odd one out with you guys." Finn voiced his thoughts only to her.


    Aria understood him and nodded, "How about I ask to arrange a room for you? You can work or rest."


    "Mulish."


    Aria grinned and pointed at the couch for him to sit before asking Sophia to arrange a room for Finn with some clothes.


    When she returned to the group, Rian was chiding Kyle Mason. Smacking his head, Aria pulled Finn in the conversation, "How is she? Noah''s girl. We are searching for her."


    Finn hummed as a response. He was returning her mobile but he pulled back and spoke trying to remember, "I think I have seen her a few days back."


    The Fourie looked at each other and three sat around Finn almost scaring him.


    Noah rubbed his forehead, "Guys, don''t scare him." but three ignored him while the other two friends watched.


    "I guess President Stanley doesn''t have the taste of crazy Fourie yet." Isaac said in a low tone to n looking at Finn who became too careful by three.


    n didn''t care about it. "Mom was Dad''s one night stand." n''s voice was low but Isaac analyzed and grunted loud enough to get everyone''s attention, "What?"


    Isaac awkwardly smiled and took n forcefully towards another end of the vast living hall to talk about it.


    Three returned their gaze back on Finn.


    "Was she your fling?"


    Aria''s lips twitched hearing Rian and pinched his waist while Finn was unfazed. "Nope. I think I recently saw her in Skyline jewelry in Ambience Mall. I had gone there with Ceon."


    Eva and Aria high fived and ran towards the jacket stand.


    Noah, Rian, Finn looked at them in amusement. The former spoke, "Loonies, he had seen. She wouldn''t... Is Kyle from city B?"


    Aria and Eva chuckled for his slow brain.


    Finn guessed Aria''s intentions, "Security footage? But I''m not sure if it''s actually her. We had chosen the same ne so only that brief moment I had nced at her."


    Aria went back to him, "Send this picture to Ceon Davies. I''m sure he would have checked her out."


    Finn almost chuckled knowing his friend''s image in Aria''s mind. He shook his head, "He is devoted to a girl and doesn''t care about any other girl."


    Aria pouted but, "No problem. I want to check the footage today itself. If you remember the date and time, ping it to my number."


    She quickly went to n, "n, I am going to Ambience mall to check about Kyle. I will be back soon."


    "I will drive you." n stood up but Aria gently pushed him back on the armchair, "Take rest, I will be back soon."


    n saw her determined hence he nodded.


    Isaac held her back, "Arrie, you can''t run around with office work, Noah, and now Saira Hayek. You have to prioritize and finish one first. Don''t stress yourself."


    n too nodded at her when her eyes met his.


    Aria knew her priority. "Noah first." Her closed ones were always the first priority.


    "Don''t worry Isaac." Then she whispered to n, "We will check out our picturester. I wille soon."


    In no time, Aria, Rian, Noah, and Eva left for the Ambience mall hoping they could find a lead or some clue to reach Kyle Mason.

 Chapter 288: Dreamland

    Chapter 288: Dreand


    In Aria''s absence and for her, n made sure Finn wasfortable in the room before sitting with Isaac in the study.


    ---


    The Ambience mall, Skyline Jewelry.


    The Fourie barged inside and Rian asked, "Where is the manager?"


    The salesgirl was taken by surprise. She brushed her eyes on them as she said, "I will call him. Please have a seat."


    She turned and went inside a small room to call the manager of the outlet.


    The manager thought there might be a problem with the jewelry, the customers might have bought it hence he quickly went to them.


    "Hello, I''m the Manager Wesley here. How can I help... President Cooper?"


    Aria nodded and then received a bow.


    Rian had no time for greeting and jumped to action, "We want to watchst month''s third Saturday''s security footage around four to five."


    The manager nced at Aria before saying, "This way please."


    Manager: <strong>#_#</strong>


    The Fourie quickly went to the office before he could even take a step ahead.


    By that time all the salesgirls identified the Fourie and were gossiping until the manager''s warning gaze went to them.


    Aria seized theputer and flew her fingers on the keyboard and mouse. It didn''t take more than thirty seconds for her to y the required footage.


    At the lowest fast forward pace, four watched the screen intently. Due to the weekend, there were many entering and exiting the shop.


    They watched an hour''s footage but didn''t see Kyle Mason. As time passed, their hope to find her was also losing.


    "Finn Stanley must have misidentified. Let''s go." Noah said dejectedly.


    Rian scratched his head thinking about other possibilities.


    Eva''s light bulb glowed first, "I have an idea. I''ll ask Isaac''s mom if she could send me a letter to permit Chief Sood to check about Kyle Mason for some random reason."


    Rian''s eyes flickered and bopped her head, "Oh Ms.God, where had you left your brain till now? Call now."


    Aria spoke calmly, "Guys, rx. Finn''s memory is good. The chances of misidentifying are low. Don''t forget he was in the military and trained to excel in that."


    "But Arrie we didn''t see Kyle."


    "We didn''t see Finn either." Aria smiled, flicking on his head.


    Eva and Rian looked at each other and concentrated back on the screen.


    Finn had left the office around half past three that day. He had thought he didn''t take much time in the footwear shop but he had reached the jewelry shop at quarter past five.


    Right after five minutes of Finn showing up on the screen, Aria brows started twitching uncontrobly looking at the man next to a slender elegant girl.


    "That''s Kyle. That''s Kyle..." Noah chanted but froze.


    Eva and Rian patted Noah''s back while Aria extracted the footage for them. She also took the customer details of their transaction.


    The other three didn''t identify the man who was affectionate with Kyle. Even thetter was close to the man too.


    Noah checked the customer details to know they had shopped for a couple-rings and some jewelry.


    Aria didn''tment and led them out thinking about how to handle it while Rian and Eva cursed Kyle Mason endlessly in their mind.


    Noah didn''t expect Kyle to be so close with his fiancee.


    After sitting in the car, "Guys, that''s enough. No need to bother her." Noah solemnly said looking out of the window.


    Aria was driving the car who hadn''t drank much wine.


    Evamented patting his arms, "Heye on, it isn''t like we saw her kissing. Let''s not jump to the conclusion."


    Rian saw Aria''s expressionless face and silence to understand they were missing something.


    Noah wished to go to his home but Aria drove back to the cooper mansion.


    Sending Noah to his room, Eva went to the study room. Aria spoke to Rian, "Be with Noah today. All-nighter isn''t good due to his mood."


    Rian didn''t care about his n, "Why are you so down?"


    "They aren''t simple people." Aria said in simple words and continued, "I''ll think of how we could handle them. No need to tell this to Noah."


    Rian understood Aria knew that man or people who were with them. He didn''t poke in too much.


    He gently held her little head raising it to face him, "We will try our best but we will be prepared to ept whatever the oue is. Don''t let it affect you too much. We have to take care of Noah too."


    Aria faintly smiled nodding at him. "Don''t worry I''m fine. I am just thinking about how to handle them. If you have any friends from First high or Baldwin school, reach them to know her name."


    Rian rubbed her head, "Yes Little devil. Let''s wreak havoc from tomorrow."


    Aria chuckled and turned to Finn''s room feeling a gaze. "I''ll thank Finn. You go and rest. And why did Roxy abscond after dinner? Is she fine?"


    "That little rascal was paintingst night forgetting time after I fell asleep. She was just sleepy. She must be snoring now. I''ll check on her and apany Noah."


    Aria sent him and went to Finn who was leaning on the door frame. "Yes Ms.Cooper"


    "I''m thinking of joining the military."


    Finn''s lips twitched and bopped her head.


    "She is Noah''s girl and thank you... You are helping me so much and I don''t know how to pay you back for everything."


    Finn gave it a thought, "How about this? Promise me that you will support me when I ask you. Don''t worry, I''ll be reasonable."


    "I promise." Aria epted right away. "And please do tell me whenever you need my or n''s help."


    Finn didn''t turn down, "You better don''t back down when I ask."


    After making sure he wasfortable and everything was arranged, she left and stole n from Isaac to Oliver''s room.


    They checked many pictures and read numerous pages in a dairy that had about her and n.


    "Mr.Morgan, who gave you permission to kiss and hug me? See, you even cuddled me and slept."


    Aria pointed out a picture where n was asleep on the bed while putting her to sleep.


    "Ms.Cooper, from the looks, you are taking advantage of me while I''m sleeping. You are snuggling me."


    Aria chuckled, "So I''m the only one who took your advantage."


    Aria continued right after it, "Shameless man, how dare you to watch me taking bath?"


    n chuckled, "Are you asking me about watching? Sweetheart, I have bathed you many times."


    Aria flushed, elbowing him still snuggled closer to him.


    Continuing their recreation of the past in their heart, both fell asleep.


    ---


    Rian apanied Noah for a few more drinks in silence. He stayed till he fell asleep before going out of the room.


    Checking time at past one in the midnight, he checked Oliver''s room where lights were still brightly lit.


    A smile appeared looking at the couple. He quickly captured a picture for his next painting.


    He was really d his brother and his little devil were so much in love.


    He never had thought them being together until the day a post popped in the school forum shipping them together.


    That was when he thought, n could protect Aria who could fill his brother''s heart.


    He poked n to wake him up and whispered, "Sleep properly."


    n nodded sliding down from leaning without leaving Aria from his arms.


    Rian helped them with duvet taking albums and dairy aside. He turned off the lights and closed the door.


    Cuddling his sound asleep fiancee, he drifted to his dreand.

 Chapter 289: Barking dogs

    Chapter 289: Barking dogs


    In the morning, everyone left together to do their respective work getting envious of n and his new car which roared on the road overtaking their cars.


    Since Aria decided to handle Saira Hayekter. She concentrated on her work asking her team to investigate the man she had seen with Kyle Mason.


    Aria was dead tired by past noon by continuous meetings due to her absence.


    Levi entered inside her office and dropped some bad news, "We found nothing about him. It''s like white paper. About that girl, her school name is Reese Mason. I don''t think it''s her real name but other than her academic background, we found nothing. The surprising thing is that she was there as an orphan and our team identified people protecting information about her. If we dig deeper, they will surely attack us and you know their untold power. It''s not safe for you."


    Aria knew that. That was the reason she didn''t give away the information to either Rian or Noah.


    "Can Iin saying my life might be in danger if I n to go and meet that man?"


    Levi wasn''t sure if he should suggest that to her, "I''lle with you in that case."


    Aria pouted but agreed. "Then no need to write aint I guess. Will he be in the office today? I''m in no mood to request entry at his mansion."


    "I''ll check it. Five minutes." Levi excused and went out.


    Aria didn''t want to assume anything about Kyle Mason aka Reese Mason and that man. She was on thest line of hope.


    Levi entered office after a knock, "He isn''t in the office. There is a celebration in his mansion ording to sources."


    Aria rubbed her forehead assuming it should just be an engagement. "We will attend the Monday meeting here and meet him. Clear my schedule."


    "Roger that." Levi responded and removed the tab from his zer to note down.


    Seeing Ariay her head on the desk, "President Cooper, shall I drive you home?"


    Aria shook her head, "Go home. n is picking me."


    Levi finished his remaining work and left while Aria went to Alian to finish her two new themed collections in which she had used Roxy''s calligraphy and paintings.


    Brimming Roxy''s bank ount for the hard work, Ariapleted her remaining work and fell asleep waiting for n.


    ---


    n had gone away from the city where the Morgan electronics manufacturing nt had extended. After the inspection, he was on the way to parking and a car rushed towards him at high speed.


    <em>''Screech''</em>


    "Ahhhh..."


    A Lamborghini screeched in front of n to halt.


    n stood unpetrified. Nathan just frowned while all others behind them ran far away to keep themselves safe.


    Nathan had an urge to roll his eyes when Xoan alighted the car.


    Xoan hated n''s face for looking unaffected even though he had almost bumped to him.


    Well to be fact, n had received a message saying Xoan was towards his location and he knew Xoan couldn''t be dumb enough to hit him in broad daylight under surveince area.


    "I see, you aren''t scared of death when I was just a second away to kill you."


    "You wouldn''t have seen today''s sunset either." n''s confident direct threat irked Xoan.


    "Who will dare to touch me?" Xoan smirked.


    n''s lips tilted up saying, "My woman." He continued seeing Xoan''s expression change, "One who yed you like a stinking rat."


    Xoan red right into his eyes. "Protected by a woman."


    n didn''t feel the necessity to object it, "Unlike your women." <em>''Who sleeps around with many.''</em>


    Xoan sneered, "Time will say who will be mine."


    n had thought Xoan was there because of Xoan''s men grounded by his men. He understood Xoan was behind his Lioness.


    He had thought Xoan wanted to shoot her at sight but it turned out as his wife''s every quality has big and bigger fans.


    He wasn''t sure whether he should feel bad or sorry or pity for those one-sided lovers.


    "Unattainable dream."


    Nathan had no idea of what had happened between them, he just knew Xoan wanted hisdy boss.


    "Indeed." It escaped his lips before he could control it. He quickly bowed to n and went a little away.


    Xoan didn''t bother about Nathan and scorned, "Hiding her and assuming."


    "Incapable to even get a glimpse."


    "Provoking me to go extreme."


    "Unless you like to end up like a sewer rat."


    "You have no idea about me."


    "Ants are easier to squish."


    Nathan had the idea what was going on but the rest had unquestionably questions filling up their minds nonstop.


    Nathan checked time to realize they were alreadyte and Young madam President will be waiting.


    "President Morgan, Young Madam wouldn''t like it if you waste your words on barking dogs."


    n understood the underlying meaning too. It was time to reach his wife.


    Xoan felt his blood boil hearing it from the mere assistant. He blurted before n could move, "Dare topete against me."


    n crossed his arms watching Xoan fuming. He understood Xoan didn''t just have the attraction to Aria. It was deeper.


    Nathan frowned, "Young madam isn''t a stake for your stupid games."


    "Shut the f*ck up." Xoan snarled at Nathan.


    "n Morgan, prove you are capable enough to protect her."


    n felt it was a waste of time but he agreed. It wasn''t because of his mindless provocation but to get over his stupidity.


    "I''ll prove you are just a big mouth. Bring it on."


    Nathan wanted to stop him but who was he to stop President Morgan.


    Xoan chose what he was good at, "Race. Who reaches the city checking point first will win. Rest we will talk there."


    n smirked motioning him towards his car while Nathan ran to the parking to get n''s car.


    "I''ll give you the honor to leave first." n confidently pushed him to go first.


    But Xoan''s ear sharped hearing the roar of the sports car. He checked the rearview mirror to see Bugatti Divo imperiously reaching the exit.


    "Your loss." His Lamborghini was modified so he was confident n dug his grave.


    Nathan slid to shotgun opening the door for n. Thetter had just got in, Xoan sped out.


    The manufacturing nt was away from the highway by fifteen miles. And n''s target was just fifteen miles but not the fifty miles away ce.


    Nathan wasn''t sure if n could beat the speed. He always saw him cold and ruthless but never as exciting.


    He knew n won''t make a rash decision without analyzing everything.


    Out of his expectations, Nathan broke into sweat seeing n drive slowly.

 Chapter 290: I like a married woman

    Chapter 290: I like a married woman


    "Pre... President Morgan, what is the n?"


    Nathan wanted to say <em>''You can''t win like this.''</em> but buried it.


    nzily nced at him. Once his car went out of the surveince area, he mmed on the gas pedal and his eyes sharpened ahead like an eagle searching its prey.


    Nathan swallowed again and again and his hands subconsciously held the handle and seat. He never went in half the speed n was speeding.


    He was even scared to open his lips. He had thought he should be around n in case of emergency but he regretted it.


    He tried to calm his heartbeat but they were drumming against his chest due to speed and n''s expressionless face.


    n knew Nathan was staring at him, "Shall I drop you down?"


    There wasn''t a hint of urgency or fright or anxiousness. It was his usually emotionless voice as if he was sitting in his office.


    Nathan stuck with his integrity, "No President Morgan."


    His hurried voice turned n''s eyes on his once, "Daring..."


    After it, the speed of the car was still increasing. Nathan saw Xoan''s car which was half of the speed of them.


    It was the eighth-mile when n sped past Xoan.Thetter was flustered but the car speed wasn''t enough to chase n so winning on him was a dream.


    He quickly checked the GPS and found a cheat route ahead. A sinister smile appeared on his face.


    But that wasn''t fated enough to stay longer.


    Nathan was getting happy thinking n would win but eyes were wide open in shock when the car spun on the road and stood in the opposite direction in the samene.


    "President Morgan, why are we here?" but he wanted to ask <em>''How did you do that?''</em>


    n tossed his mobile at Nathan waiting for Xoan''s car to show up at far.


    Nathan grounded his teeth realizing Xoan had arranged people on the highway to trouble n.


    n felt Xoan wasn''t smart as he thought. As soon as n''s men grounded Xoan''s men who were tracking his movements, n''s men kept an eye on Xoan.


    Entering the highway and speeding wasn''t a big deal for him. Teaching Xoan was a real deal.


    As soon as Xoan''s car came to sight, n drove against his car at high speed.


    Nathan held the mobile tighter in shock. Thinking n was nning to collide, "President Morgan we... We will be injured too and... and... Young madam gifted you this car just yesterday."


    Nathan''s words didn''t affect n.


    Xoan still had to drive three miles for the shortcut but was in utter shock by the speed of n''s car going towards him.


    "Are you freaking nuts? F*ck you n Morgan." He cursed n in the car.


    He had thought n would y by the rules and subconsciously he remembered the girl who won against him in fencing.


    <em>''If the opposition doesn''t y dirty doesn''t mean they don''t know.''</em>


    But Xoan held the steering wheel tighter. His heartbeats were crazily high and hemended n''s daring in mind.


    He knew both would get hurt but he was at the shorter end. He wasn''t ready to lose and thought n would drive aside as the car nears.


    "Move move move move move..." He chanted but n''s car was sturdy on the road.


    Nathan shut his eyes counting the number to hear the collision and his head hitting the airbag and the car flipping multiple times.


    <em>''Screech...''</em>


    Xoan wheeled aside at the neck of the movement and went off-road.


    n smirked and slowed down watching the rearview mirror.


    As soon as Xoan went off-road, he didn''t do anything reckless and tried to control speed and bring the car back on road but it still bumped into a dried lifeless small tree trunk beforeing to halt.


    The smoke covered around the car while n imperiously took U-turn ncing at Nathan who was patting his chest.


    Nathan suddenly remembered something and turned to n, "You... You have raced before and that picture wasn''t posed."


    He had seen a picture in Aria''s mobile where he was leaning on a race car holding a helmet in his clutch, There was another man''s back but he didn''t identify him.


    It was a picture from a year back. n and Vince raced on the real race track while Aria was a viewer. She had taken that picture when Vince was praising n.


    n didn''t feel the necessity to respond and made sure his car hadn''t left a single mark on the road.


    The ce around them was just a barrennd so off the road wasn''t life-threatening. So Xoan''s car or Xoan wouldn''t be hurt much.


    Even if Xoan gets hurt, he didn''t have a single piece of evidence to prove n was behind it. He started off slow while he sped ahead. There were no cameras anywhere. His tires didn''t leave a mark anywhere either.


    The only thing he had to do was steal the memory card from the dashboard camera of Xoan''s car.


    Both men alighted the car to see the bo of the Lamborghini open and smoke increasing. The airbags were ttening when n opened the car door and pulled Xoan out to let him breathe properly.


    Nathan unscrewed the cap and handed a water bottle to Xoan who was coughing hard trying to catch a breath.


    n had thought Xoan would be unconscious but he was quite impressed by his guts.


    n calmly destroyed the memory chip of the dashboard and took his mobile. Before Xoan could realize what was happening, n had unlocked his phone lock with Xoan''s face.


    While n texted Xoan''s men to retreat, Nathan bragged, "CEO West, President Morgan had raced a few times in form one. I haven''t seen his techniques but I''m sure you know noobs can''t enter there. Be a man, don''t be a kid anymore."


    Nathan liked taunting Xoan who acts high and mighty in front of all.


    n broke Xoan''s mobile after sending a message to Xoan''s men to get a car for Xoan.


    n wanted to check if he could get hacker information but he hadn''t checked.


    n asked curiously when Xoan stood up, "I returned back to ask, are you sure you can covet my wife?... Let me clear it better, She is Mrs. n Morgan."


    Xoan''s eyes widened. <em>''Wife? I like a married woman?''</em>


    He understood that the girl wasn''t bluffing as n''s wife and she had cleared their rtionship at the beginning itself.


    n smirked, "By the way, the car features are chosen by my wife so technically you lost to my wife again."


    Nathan saw his boss giving full credits to his wife. Thinking about his own wife, He felt he never reallyplimented her.


    Xoan''s lips twitched again. <em>''Lost to the same girl?''</em>


    n left towards his car and drove away with Nathan.


    Xoan had no means ofmunication and started to think about how to bring n on his knees.


    Soon Xoan''s subordinate reached and drove him in a sedan. Xoan didn''t utter a word to them.


    He knew n could have left without caring if he was alive or dead so he thought n couldn''t drop down to illegal and would bow down in front of power.


    He didn''t utter a single word about what happened to anybody. Not even to Xin who will cent percent stop his next n.


    ---


    n dropped Nathan at his ce before going to Alian vi.


    It wasn''t difficult to know n was still with Aria if they closely observed him. He just stopped his men from hovering around and trouble Aria.


    Entering the passcode, n entered to see Aria resting on the couch peacefully.


    He saw her designs first set of clothes on mannequins. He liked Aria''s designs and how she had used Roxy''s paintings and calligraphy beautifully intricate blending together without fading the other one.


    He kissed her cheek to see her smile. Aria adjusted herself pulling him to her arms. Her adorable voice sounded, "Little time."


    n thought she would be squeezed under him but she adjusted herself on the couch under him and embraced him bncing half his body weight on her and half on the couch.


    Looking at her dainty petite face next to his, he smiled to himself. Prepping her cheek tenderly, "Sweetheart, If we hadn''t married, would you have considered anybody who loves you?"


    He expected yes or no but Aria frowned and pinched his waist hard until she heard the response to his question.


    He hissed and answered to his question lovingly biting her cheek, "You can only be mine."


    Her frown changed to a smile. Without opening eyes, she pecked on his forehead and caressed his head on her shoulder with a hand as another hand soothed his skin where she had pinched.


    <em>''Dummy''</em> How many ever hover around her, his wife just loves him.


    Without leaving much weight on her he wrapped a hand around her. Breathing in her scent burying his face in the crook of her neck, he too rested with her.

 Chapter 291: Unexpected Visitor

    Chapter 291: Unexpected Visitor


    Monday after the meeting, Aria and Levi set off to meet the man who was with Kyle Mason aka Reese Mason.


    Without an appointment, Aria knew she had the least chance to meet him. But for an appointment, she will have to wait for fifteen days minimum and she didn''t have such a long time.


    "President Cooper, what''s the n?" Levi asked entering thepany premises.


    Aria looked around, lowering her sunsses. Since it was working time, there weren''t many walking around.


    "Do you know the art of stealing?"


    Levi brows twitched. He had almost forgotten his President''s crazy side bringing on more troubles.


    "How about you hack the security entry to ess the gates?" Levi suggested.


    Aria leaned on his arm watching six elevators as she spoke, "Dear Levi, how are we handling if anybody tries to hack ourwork to enter inside?"


    "We will let him enter easily and catch him. If he doesn''t fall for that trick, we will get notified without his knowledge... So you mean you don''t want unnecessary attraction here and they might be strong."


    Aria patted him, "You take the first elevator on the left. I will take the third one on the right."


    Levi guessed in confusion, "Is this building built or designed by Skyline?"


    Aria grinned indicating yes, "There are two secret offices but I''m not sure which one he is in. I will send you the path and floor details."


    She had just finished saying, Aria sneakily took the ess card of an employee who was passing by.


    Levi: _


    "That was sleek," Leviplimented in a low voice.


    Aria walked with him as she spoke, "I know this isn''t exciting as your military mission but still I hope we could take him down... Catch..."


    Levi: _


    Levi couldn''t believe sneaking was a piece of cake for Aria.


    As soon as she passed the ess gates, the same ess card reached his hand without anybody''s suspicion because the tag was in her hand and card in his hand.


    The exciting military mission? It was a responsibility. Now returning safely without visiting the police station or grounded by that man was actually the excitement.


    "Dial my number as soon as you confirm." Levi said and heard, "You too."


    Aria sent the message to Levi and got into the elevator. Aria clicked on 24 while Levi clicked on 39.


    Levi had no idea, Aria was going to the twenty-fourth floor and change the elevator at the end of the corridor and take another elevator to reach the forty-fourth floor which was one of the ways to the President''s office.


    Aria had no idea Levi had arranged men around he building who would reach them on his signal by hook or by crook.


    Aria didn''t know whether it was the chairman''s office or President''s office so they had split up.


    Levi reached the 39th floor and was greeted by a receptionist. "Sir, how may I help?"


    Levi professionally responded, "No, Thank you."


    He confidently followed Aria''s path and he had to take open stairs for the upper floor and saw the board, ''Vice President''


    A secretary quickly reached him to stop him from entering, "Sir, do you have an appointment?"


    Levi''s rxed voice sounded, "The President''s secretary mentioned to me to reach here to meet the President. Is he in there?"


    The secretary frowned, "But the Vice President went to the President''s cabin."


    Levi didn''t expect that. "I guess, President Secretary misremembered. Anyway, Thank you."


    Secretary faintly smiled trying to guess who he was. Levi was in a business suit. His tall, wide shoulder, a well-maintained physique with his cold demeanor left her in awe. She thought he might be a high profile man hence the President letting him see the private offices.


    Levi turned to trackback till elevator and message Aria but the secretary stopped, "Sir if you are going to President''s office, This elevator will lead you to the forty-fourth floor."


    Levi forced a faint smile trying to be amiable, "That''s sweet. Thank you for shortening my path. Have a good day."


    The secretary blushed and saw the man entering the elevator introspectively. She could say he was very attentive about his surroundings. She smiled at herself and got back to work amused by Levi.


    Levi understood it was a private elevator that connects only two floors.


    Aria entered the twenty-fourth floor. The receptionist there was busy as hell so didn''t notice Aria. She took consecutive two turns without caring about the employees ncing at her hearing the stilettoes cking on the floor.


    Her semi-formal wear got the same amount of attention because thepany had strict rules to follow about dress code.


    They tried to make out who she was but failed to identify her side profile under the sunsses.


    She reached the forty-fourth floor. She wanted to ignore the assistant but secretaries started to peek at her and a few even identified who she was.


    "Are we coborating with Skyline?"


    "President Cooper is so beautiful."


    "She is very young."


    "She is just 23 I guess."


    "No, she will be twenty-four this year. I have been following her social media ount for seven years."


    Aria heard some too. She didn''t know she was that much known but she wasn''t in the approachable state. She was on high alert if somebody tried to stop her.


    An assistant quickly stopped her before entering. "President Cooper, I am sorry but you haven''t taken an appointment."


    Aria lied sounding upright, "Do you think I need an appointment when I am already standing here without you escorting me to the meeting room?"


    That assistant worked in thepany for six years and he never saw his president meeting others in his office. He always met directly at meeting rooms or managed through video conferences.


    Seeing Aria in front of the room and hearing her, he assumed his president must have directed her.


    He bowed his head and apologized, "I''m sorry again. President Cooper, you might have to wait as an important meeting is going on inside. I hope you understand."


    Aria didn''t make it difficult for the assistant. "If it takes longer, I might have to disturb them." She turned to sit on the couch while a secretary ced a mineral water bottle on the table.


    The assistant''s lips twitched to see the youngest secretary but he responded to Aria, "President Cooper, It will be over in a few minutes."


    The secretary spoke, "Senior, do you remember me? I was a cheer girl under your lead."


    Truthfully, Aria didn''t remember her but she was polite and smiled at her. "Thank you for the water. Get back to work, it''s working time."


    "Yes, Senior." She smiled brightly at Aria and went back to work.


    Levi exited on the forty-fourth floor and got a glimpse of Aria and saw the Vice president exiting the office.


    Aria saw the Vice President giving weird nces at her but she ignored and entered the office.


    Levi was stopped by the Vice President, "Who are you? I never saw you working here and why did you use my elevator?"


    Levi knew that tricking secretaries and assistants wasn''t a big deal but he had to be careful about higher management.


    "I was wrongly directed in this direction." Levi saw Aria''s message which had a path and destination to reach her.


    "Excuse me." He didn''t let the Vice President interject and left.


    Aria entered the office after a single knock. The man behind the ss top desk was surprised by an unexpected visitor.

 Chapter 292: Are we declaring war?

    Chapter 292: Are we dering war?


    Levi was stopped outside by the assistant who identified him easily. "Assistant Levi, you are not allowed inside. Please have a seat."


    Levi didn''t want to create a scene and messaged Aria. Levi knew he could barge in any movement if required.


    Aria strode ahead and greeted, "President Hanes. Pleased to meet you."


    Yes, she was in Hanes Industries. An enigmatic President''s office.


    Moran Hanes looked at her in amusement. He wanted to tease but there was something so he had to hold back.


    He saw her in apletely different mode. She was a girl of her age but she wasn''t the little girl ying there. She was tranquil, confident yet mystic, beautiful yet relentless.


    Her title as style Icon suited her well. Ripped blue jeans on the white blouse. Topped with a long white zer, she looked stylish yet managed to look professional.


    Removing her sunsses, Aria saw Moran''spletely opposite side. In a business suit, he looked little abrasive, officious, and dominating but those had no effect on Aria.


    More than him, n, Vince, and Finn''s presence was stronger. Being with them, she was practically immune to those dominating gazes or oppressing air.


    But that wasn''t what she was expecting from Moran. <em>Why were there no questions?</em>


    His nk gaze on her was clear but not a single word escaped his lips.


    Her mobile beeped disying Levi''s message, [I am right outside. A cue, I will be inside.]


    <em></em>She was meeting Moran Hanes without an appointment, shouldn''t he ask questions or throw her out or call the security to handle her but other than his expressionless face she got nothing to see.


    He didn''t ignore her, he just nkly looked at her waiting for her to speak,


    Aria asked, "Are you for real? I barged into your office and thepany."


    Moran Hanes didn''t react again. Aria smirked, thinking he was in President''s mode.


    President Mode, she knows to y it well.


    "I will jump to the point." She took out a picture from her handbag and kept it in front of Moran Hanes.


    She asked once his eyes fell on the picture "Who is she? And what is your rtionship with her?"


    Aria''s eyes stayed on Moran whose eyes darkened looking at the picture. She could feel he was turned cold when his eyes sharped on her.


    "President Cooper, you shouldn''t test your luck."


    <em>''Time for the business.''</em> Aria was prepared for his behavior. She knew he wouldn''t behave like the Moron of the avenue Seven.


    Aria turned colder and authoritative. She pulled a chair and sat responding to him, "I live in reality." She never depended on luck.


    The one person Moran Hanes always tried to protect was the one who Aria asked about. "I''ll not think twice to bring you down."


    "You know nothing about me." Aria was never scared of such threats. In fact, she would love to test her limits when somebody attacks her.


    Her confidence stopped him from insulting her. "As if you know me."


    "Try me." She wasn''t an idiot to go without a proper investigation about him and the family.


    "Let me hear."


    Moran didn''t actually believe her. It wasn''t easy to get information about the Hanes family members. Even though he wasn''t protecting it, his elders were doing it.


    Aria stood next to the desk and yed with a paperweight, "A puppet of your grandfather."


    First insult which was the fact.


    Moran''s face turned darker than the bottom of the pit and ordered, "Leave before I call the security."


    "And I''m scared." She thought he was trying to frighten her.


    Moran Hanes, clenched his tight to control himself fromshing out, "President Cooper, don''t go to extremes."


    She just asked about his rtionship with Kyle aka Reese mason. She couldn''t understand why can''t he just answer it, "Don''t let me go to extremes."


    Moran saw her fearless. He wasn''t sure if she was dumb about Hanes Industries or just ying dumb about them. "So you are the one who tried to know about her."


    "Absolutely." She expected his people to know who was checking about the girl who had such aplicated background.


    "Mind yourpany and work. Stop meddling in others'' affairs." In fact, he wanted to ask ''why can''t you just mind your work? Why do you search for a disaster?''


    If she gets to know Kyle Mason really wanted to marry somebody else, she wouldn''t say the word and leave. Forcing her was never her goal.


    "I''m just doing what I should," Aria said and threw the paperweight.


    ''Crack''


    The surveince camera broke in no time. Aria saw the change in expression of Moran who rubbed his forehead.


    It didn''t take long for Aria to guess, "Don''t tell me your chairman watches you from that."


    Moran signaled her to sit and two assistants barged inside hearing the sound.


    Aria signaled Levi that she was fine and spoke, "President Hanes is quite boring and I broke the camera." She pointed the broken camera to Levi so that he could rest at ease.


    Levi had already reached and checked on her while Moran signaled his assistant to exit the office.


    "Don''t tell me you gonna change him too." Levi sighed seeing her fine.


    Moran silently watched her giggle to his assistant. He didn''t expect her to be so close to her assistant. He never showed a small curve of his lips to his employees.


    Aria turned back to Moran, "President Hanes, Shall we talk? Or are we dering war against each other?"


    Moran was still serious, "Do you think you can win on me?"


    "You have lost to me already. Shall I remind you?"


    Moran tried to remember but didn''t get it.


    Aria leaned back on the chair, "Administration dam project investment result is out in the morning. And Country S, the film city project was stolen by Managing Director Alia and that''s me."


    Moran was still digesting the first one when he heard the second one. <em>''Managing Director Alia?''</em>, "You are the young dynamite who refused to meet me."


    "And you are the CEO who received the wrath of your uncle."


    Okay, the second insult but it was the fact.


    Moran signaled to send Levi who was standing in confusion thinking when did that all happen.


    Since Aria was fine, Levi was leaving and was near the door when it flung open and four bodyguards entered inside. Two of them held Levi and another two stood next to Aria.


    They bowed to Moran and one spoke, "President Hanes, these two entered here with an employee''s ess card and reached you. Vice President Hanes ordered us to take them to the basement."


    Aria knew things won''t be easy in there even if Moran lets her talk.


    What Moran didn''t want to happen was happening. The vice president was his father and he couldn''t order him either.


    He couldn''t understand why Aria was so daring instead of staying safe and sound.


    Aria ordered two men who were holding Levi. She knew Levi was only controlling because of her, "Leave him now."


    Moran wanted to smack her head and say, <em>''Tiny, it''s not yourpany and they don''t even listen to me.''</em>


    Aria strode ahead and twisted one''s arms who wasn''t expecting her to be strong. In fact, they didn''t even expect her to have some skills.


    Aria aimed the nerve on the nape and pushed him aside.


    Levi punched another''s neck and he was knocked out.


    Moran: _


    He wanted to ask her, ''You got some skills.''


    Moran knew there was going to be a disaster now. He strode towards them when the other two attacked Levi and Aria.


    "I''m not in the mood to fight." Ariained to Levi and kicked the man who was on her side.


    Levi held the hand of the man who wanted to punch him and saw another man holding his crotch and fall on the floor then his eyes shifted to Aria who was pouting in displeasure.


    "President Cooper, we are really seriously in a problem now."


    Levi said it while twisting the arm of the man until he heard a crackling sound of bones.


    "Hey Teeny weeny, are you for real? Why are you creating fuss? Leave before some morees."


    Aria scrunched her brows and spat back, "Hey Moron, I''m just here to know about the girl. You guys are making it a big deal."


    "I''m not Moron. And currently, you are an intruder. Do you know that?"


    "I don''t care. Can''t you see them groaning? I''m not Teeny Weeny."


    Levi had expected a serious fight of words and deration of war between two presidents but it was opposite.


    "You know the consequences of standing here. Don''t you?"


    Aria responded instantly. "I know."


    "Still you are doing it."


    "Yes."


    "Dumb girl, it''s not funny to jump into the fire." Moran really watched to check her brain.


    He had just finished two rows of securities entered with Vice President Hanes, Moran''s father.


    "President Cooper, Follow us quietly."


    Levi and Aria had no choice but to follow him while Moran too followed them in fright what his father might do to Aria.

 Chapter 293: Willingly or unwillingly

    Chapter 293: Willingly or unwillingly


    Aria and Levi entered the meeting hall which was guarded by Hanes security. They understood the vice president wanted to talk and resolve.


    Levi pulled a chair for Aria and sat next to her seeing her cue.


    Moran looked as he was trained, expressionless, and hard to read what was going on in his head. His father Geoff Hanes sat opposite Aria ring at her.


    Aria couldn''t understand why there was a staring game. She knew she wasn''t like an intense CEO and put on a long face and she wasn''t scaredy-cat to get scared by his re either.


    "Vice President Hanes, why are you straining your eyes? I''m not running away."


    Moran & Levi: <em>#_#</em>


    <em>''Can''t help you.''</em>


    Geoff Hanes''s lips twitched. He had thought she would get scared and panic but it didn''t happen.


    "President Cooper, why are you behind my son? You are daring but you are noisy. I can''t ept a daughter inw like you. Give up."


    Moran felt embarrassed by his father''s assumption. Even though his father spoke negatively, he knew his father liked Aria who was nonchntly seeing him in the eye.


    Aria and Levi looked at each other before Aria failed to control herughter.


    "I''m... .... sorry." Aria couldn''t control herughter. She was expecting serious scolding and threats.


    "I''m sorry... I''ll be frank. You said I''m daring so my man should at least stand by me. Your son is chicken and I''m not interested in him. I''m married and I''m not here for your son."


    <em>''I''m not chicken.''</em> Moran wanted to scream.


    He could feel his father''s mood dampen hearing Aria was married.


    Geoff nodded passively, "What is your reason for intruding here?"


    Aria had left the picture in Moran''s office. "I want to talk to Kyle Mason aka Reese Mason."


    Geoff frowned, "And why?"


    "That''s personal." Aria didn''t want to bring other people into the matter.


    "I am eligible to know it."


    "And how?"


    Geoff''s lips twitched. He had met numerous chiefs ofpanies and high profile people and it was Aria who waspletely nonchnt and maintained eye to eye contact talking back for everything.


    "She is my daughter."


    Aria danced in her mind knowing Moran wasn''t a fiance but a brother. She wanted to know her name so she yed dumb.


    "You are Hanes. She is Mason."


    "Norah Hanes is her real name."


    Second sess. But Aria didn''t show it on the face.


    "How about this? You hear it on the call from your daughter directly."


    "I object." Geoff sternly responded.


    "Alright." Aria stood up to leave while Moran and Geoff were confused.


    They thought she would speak the truth to request them to talk but she gave up so easily.


    Aria exactly wanted to increase their curiosity and allow her to talk.


    "You aren''t allowed to leave before telling it."


    "I''m not your employee."


    Aria and Levi almost stepped out, Geoff grunted. "Return in."


    He pulled out his mobile but Aria spoke, "I want to add another person on the call."


    Moran felt like his father was following Aria obediently. <em>''What magic did you do?''</em> He badly wanted to ask.


    Aria dialed Noah''s number, "Sweetie, it''s me. I''ll connect Kyle Mason on the conference call. I want to hear you guys confess first as we don''t have time. Is it alright?"


    Noah was panicked. "Arrie, How did you get Kyle''s number? How can I confess so suddenly? Arrie I don''t..."


    "Rx... Breathe in... Breathe out... You have to make it this time. I am not sure if we can get another chance again."


    "Alright." Noah paced back and forth in his office. Since Aria said they might not get another chance, he decided to keep it simple.


    Aria hummed and handed her mobile to Moran to dial Kyle Mason aka Reese Mason aka Norah Hanes''s number.


    <em>''Confess?''</em> Geoff had no idea but Moran realized Norah''s love who stays in Country A was Aria''s friend.


    He promptly dialed and merged calls putting it on speaker.


    "Hello, may I know who is calling?" A sweet voice silenced them.


    Noah spoke, "Kyle, It''s me, Noah here."


    The line went weirdly silent while Geoff watched Aria who had an anticipating gaze on the mobile. He reallymended Aria''s guts for asking a man to confess his daughter and letting him hear that.


    And upon that, she was going to such length for somebody else.


    He had checked about her before meeting her. She was all alone yet managed everything so well and even won against them on such a big project. He had thought she wanted Moran and tested her extremity but he was disappointed to hear she was married.


    He nced at his son who was passive for everything and sighed internally. He knew Moran was capable but he couldn''t understand why he wasn''t daring enough to take the authority.


    But Geoff had forgotten, it was his father and his treatment that left him passive. Controlling the children all their life would only bury their real selves.


    Norah stuttered, "Noah... Noah... How did you get my number? My grandfather will kill me if he knows."


    Aria''s eyes shifted to Geoff who was actually taken aback by his daughter and Aria''s gaze.


    Noah was confused too, "Why will he do that? Kyle, Why are you so scared?"


    All could feel Kyle was quickly moving and she spoke, "I had told you my family isn''t simple. They monitor me for everything. I don''t even know what to tell if he gets to know."


    Aria double tapped on the table to cue Noah. Thetter understood too.


    "Kyle, I''ll try to help you but before that hear me out and don''t lie to me. I need your response. I know I realized it toote, I know I don''t know anything about you. It is also true, I have no idea about the past and family problems you are facing but I promise to give you a better life. I love you. Do you?"


    Aria bit her lip, crossed her fingers. If Norah said ''No'', she wouldn''t have any base to stand strong for Noah.


    All had held their breath waiting for a response but Norah didn''t respond and they could only hear her breathing.


    "Kyle, don''t be silent." Noah tried again.


    Aria prayed in her mind waiting for Norah to speak. Moran wasn''t sure how she would respond because she was engaged just on Saturday. She was taught to think about only that man, willingly or unwillingly.


    Geoff wasn''t sure what he wanted to hear. He just waited. If he doesn''t hear Kyle''s response, he is sure to throw Aria out with a warning.


    Noah who had expected at least Kyle would answer gave up on it. He felt like Aria gave him onest chance and he failed. He got a little hope but it was snatched again. He decided to ept the reality.


    "Alright. Say no at least. I promise, I''ll not reach you again and this will be ourst time in contact."

 Chapter 294: The best choice

    Chapter 294: The best choice


    Aria put on mute on her side and red at Geoff, "Vice president Hanes, are you happy with your upbringing of your own children? I must say you are a great businessman but a failure as a father who couldn''t teach your children to voice their opinion and feelings."


    "Mind your tone." Moran warned.


    Aria who didn''t hear any response of Norah aka Kyle sneered, "Control your own life, President Hanes."


    Aria was done with Noah suffering so much. She felt bad for giving him hope. She grabbed the mobile to end things between them.


    --


    Geoff frowned hearing Aria. "And is this the upbringing of your father? Ms.Cooper."


    Aria smiled hearing it. She could do all the reasoning he wanted to hear.


    "My father? He taught me to respect who deserves it. He taught me to stand for the right. He taught me to hear opinions but do the right thing. He taught me to stand for myself. He never taught me to y on somebody''s orthodox faith, beliefs, and rules. He never taught me to get abused by my own people. And importantly, he never stopped me from focusing on my dreams."


    Moran knew whatever she said was pointing to his own family and his and Noa''s life.


    Geoff or Moran didn''t get time to react and they heard Kyle crying out.


    "Noah, I don''t want to give you hope when my parents arranged a wedding in two weeks. My engagement was on Saturday. What are you expecting me to say now? It will be unfair for you."


    Aria quickly unmuted and tapped twice on the table controlling herself from speaking.


    Noah wanted to ask and understood Aria''s tap too. "Tell me the truth. That''s it."


    "I do and you already know that."


    Aria sat back on the chair and sighed while Moran''s face was indecipherable watching his father''s dark face.


    Noah too sighed and spoke, "Arrie, what''s the n?"


    Aria spoke, "Norah Hanes is the real name of Kyle Mason. And I have a little business here. I will get back to you guys soon and sorry I''m leaving you on the edge."


    Aria hung up the call and faced Geoff, "This is the reason I am here. The man is Noah Wood, President and Operational CEO of Wood International which works in hotels and resorts. Woods'' has 56 restaurants and hotels, 10 resorts at prime location.


    Noah had established Zoah sports at the age of sixteen which is sessful and open in all the cities of country A with 92 branches all over.


    Ms.Hanes and Noah studied in the same graduation college in country E.


    I know I shouldn''t disrupt the Hanes family untold rules but it''s about my friend and I had no choice. I am here to be their voice respecting their feelings and happiness which you aren''t considering."


    Aria stopped and waited to see any reaction. Geoff gestured her to continue.


    "About Noah''s personal appearance, I didn''t want him to go against Hanes family so I hadn''t told him anything but that doesn''t mean he can''t stand for himself. Whatever your grudge after this, bring it on me.


    Coming to them, I''m sure, as a parent you want your daughter''s happiness. Forcing her to marry some country P''s business tycoon doesn''t bring her happiness other than having unnecessary money.


    They haven''t married and you can break the engagement. You can visit Woods'' family or of course, allow me to tell them to talk to you."


    Aria ended most of the points and shut her lips.


    Levi thought there should be an audience for her. He took the water bottle and unscrewed cap for her.


    "Thank you." Aria drank waiting for the duo to talk who just watched her.


    Aria waited and waited but heard no response. "Shall I give my photo frame for you to watch me? I''m sure Noah and Ms.Hanes will be edgy to hear me."


    "Do you know the consequences of your boldness here?"


    Aria faintly smiled at Geoff, "Threepany closed down for breaking in here. I''m sorry to disappoint, I might not be such an easy target."


    "Your rash decision might affect the woods."


    "Your one wrong step will affect you."


    "As if you could."


    "Try me."


    "Overconfidence."


    "I am not here to impress you."


    "President Cooper, It''s hard to get a bold speaker like you."


    <em>''Why the hell are youplimenting me?''</em> Aria didn''t voice it, "Shall we talk about Ms.Hanes and President Wood?"


    "It''s not easy to convince my father."


    Aria was surprised and tried to guess, "So your love marriage is affecting your children."


    Moran was surprised, "My parents had a love marriage?"


    Levi and Aria''s lips twitched. That''s the basic info they got when trying to collect information about Hanes''s family.


    Geoff nodded at Aria, "We eloped and my father threatened me with my wife''s family asking me to let my children grow under his care."


    Aria nced at Levi and faced Moran Hanes. She never in dreams thought she could bring out buried truth.


    Aria''s voice wasn''t cold and domineering anymore realizing Geoff wasn''t actually against love marriage. She was amiable while asking, "Isn''t it unfair for your children?"


    Geoff''s expression too turned soft which Moran doesn''t even remember seeing.


    "But the lives of my wife''s rtives are important too. I was groomed by my father but I liked Sarah so I had boldly gone ahead thinking to convince him. But my father almost shot Sarah if I hadn''t saved her. Due to my promise, I couldn''t correct my father, and my son turned out to be a chicken as you said. I had thought you could help... Never mind."


    Aria pointed to herself. "I don''t even know you guys. How can I help you?"


    Moran gave voice to his thoughts, "Dad, you are the one who always controlled me and supported grandpa. And Teeny weeny, I''m not chicken."


    Geoff was surprised and looked at Moran who wasn''t passive anymore, <em>''Teeny weeny?''</em>


    Aria was speechless hearing him speak normally unlike the president. "Moron, You are chicken. If your father hadn''t opened up to me, you would still be crying in the corner."


    <em>''Moron?''</em>


    "Teeny weeny and Moron? What''s going on here?"


    Moran boldly spoke, "We have met before in Avenue seven."


    "You still go there?"


    Aria giggled seeing Moran go silent when Geoff turned cold. "You still say you aren''t chicken."


    Geoff shook his head in resignation looking at his son. "You should learn from President Cooper."


    Then he turned to Aria, "Since Norah and your friend love each other, I can entrust you. My father will not allow a love marriage. Eloping is the best choice."


    Aria wanted to think he was kidding.


    Moran silently added, "I can help you to bring her out of the mansion away from bodyguards."

 Chapter 295: Pole dance please

    Chapter 295: Pole dance please


    Aria''s expression turned dark hearing two talking about eloping.


    "Loving a person and wishing them in life doesn''t mean disregarding one''s parents and responsibilities. You have agreed so your wife will give her consent. Let your children and Noah convince your father. Unless we reach thest straw, I will not support eloping."


    Geoff and Moran were momentarily stunned hearing her. Levi was surprised too.


    "Are you for real?" Moran adored Aria.


    Geoff asked, "Are you really married?"


    Moran''s lips twitched. Aria responded straight, "I will be celebrating the third year anniversary soon with my husband n Morgan."


    She couldn''t understand why he was behind her marital status.


    Geoff knew Aria was the right one to stand against his father but she was married. He sighed hearing her.


    "Child marriage is prohibited in country A." Moran tried to guess her age before three years


    "I know, so grow up first." Aria countered back calling him a child.


    Geoff finally let out a chuckle. He had felt like an eternity heughed or heard somebody passing funnyments in front of him.


    "I really appreciate your thinking and values President Cooper... So what''s the n?"


    Aria smiled hearing him. They sat and discussed half an hour beforeing to the conclusion.


    Aria bid them and left the Hanes Industries.


    Levi was very much impressed by Aria. She was alighting at Morgan Industries to have lunch with n when Leviplimented, "You are a strong woman."


    Aria smiled while saying, "Vice President Hanes''s secretary likes you I think." She had seen her eyes glued on Levi when they walked out.


    Levi waved his hand and left to escape from her.


    Aria chuckled and went to n''s office without informing Noah or Norah..


    ---


    In Woods'' Company


    Noah decided to hold the patience but the call he was expecting never came. After a few hours, he called Aria but she didn''t receive and sent a message saying ''Busy in a meeting.''


    As far as he knew, Aria always answered the call about how important things might be. Unsure if Norah Hanes was a young miss of Hanes, he still panicked thinking Aria might be in danger.


    After failing to reach Aria, he dialed n directly, "Brother n, I can''t reach Arrie. She had called me..."


    n cut in unhurriedly, "She is attending a meeting in Skyline. I will inform her to reach you."


    "Oh!" Noah was perplexed due to Aria''s sudden change in behavior. "Thank you, Brother n."


    He hung up the call and went back to work halfheartedly. The least he wanted was Aria to be in a problem due to him.


    ---


    In Hanes Mansion


    Norah Hanes waited and waited for the call and message but didn''t get any. The call she received was a private number so she couldn''t call back either.


    Half-Heartedly, having lunch under the oppressing gaze of her grandfather, she quickly sprinted to her bedroom.


    She controlled herself from calling Noah but she couldn''t hold for long. She had Noah''s number hence she directly called.


    "Yes?"


    Norah heard a neutral unemotional tone of Noah. "Noah!"


    "Kyle?" Noah''s surprised tone let her lips tilt up hearing him easily identifying her.


    "Norah" She had heard Aria telling her name so she decided to clear it to him.


    "Are you really Norah Hanes? Young miss Hanes of Hanes Industries?"


    Norah hummed and heard him say, "Your name is the feminine version of my name."


    Norah hummed again.


    Noah asked in doubt, "Are you shy or hesitant?"


    Norah blushed clutching plushie. Shepletely diverted the topic, "You said Arrie in the call. How did President Cooper get my number and knows my name?"


    Noah again started thinking about Aria and responded, "I don''t know. She is busy. I will let you know once I speak to her."


    Their in talk continued before they hung up the call confirming it was Norah''s personal number.


    Even though he felt weird to suddenly call a different name, he had mentally prepared for it so it didn''t affect him much.


    Hanes Family!


    He decided to talk with his parents first and left home after finishing the work.


    ---


    In woods'' mansion


    Noah frowned looking at the Limousine and Maserati. He never had seen those car models in his known circle. Passing his car key fob to security, he entered inside.


    Noah''s mother who heard his arrival quickly went to him. "Noah, what is all this? Why don''t we know anything about this?"


    "Mom, what are you talking about?"


    Noah went inside with his mother to see a man, a woman, and... "Avenue seven?" He pointed at Moran and said it.


    Upon closer look at Moran''s serious face, "You are the one who was with Kyle in Skyline Jewelry."


    "Young man, have a seat, we need to talk."


    Noah heard the man''s voice and obediently followed and sat with his mother and father.


    "May I know your identity?"


    His father introduced for them, "He is Vice President Hanes, Geoff Hanes, his wife Sarah Hanes and his son Moran Hanes."


    Noah realized Moran and Norah were siblings. Even though he was overjoyed by the news, he was expressionless.


    "The reason behind your presence." Noah asked because he knew Norah wasn''t daring enough to speak to her parents.


    Geoff spoke grimly, "You don''t even know us, and how dare you to indoctrinate my daughter?"


    Noah frowned but didn''t lose his cool, "Vice President Hanes, I don''t have to brainwash anybody."


    "Did you think I would believe that? Who do you think you are?"


    "Well, the man who your daughter is in love with." He said confidently.


    "Do you really think you could go against us?"


    "I don''t think I''m against you or your family." Noah''s calm and collected poise didn''t change even when Goeff tried to hold his ground.


    Aria, Eva, and Rian popped there and got everyone''s attention, "We are here to test the groom and prepare him for the big battle."


    Noah smiled seeing them, "Arrie, you brought them here."


    "I''m sorry President Wood. I''m from the girl''s side now." Aria didn''t join him.


    Noah tried to reach them but Rian pushed him away, "President Wood, it''s test time."


    Hanes family members just looked at them in amusement.


    Eva and Aria sat down like examiners while Rian sat on the arm of the couch next to Aria.


    "Master and Madam Hanes, test time continues," Eva announced.


    "Do you really love my daughter?"


    Noah had no idea what was happening but responded, "I do."


    "Can you face any problem for her?"


    "Yeah!"


    "Will you be able to prioritize her ahead of you?"


    "Certainly."


    "What if we don''t agree?"


    "We will convince you."


    "What if we force her into marrying somebody else?"


    "You wouldn''t be here in that case. For ''if case'', with her consent, we will elope. I am sure my family will support me."


    As a father and mother, they asked many questions.


    Moran warned, "If she cries, I''ll make sure you cry with her."


    Eva asked after him, "Can you dance for Ms.Hanes?"


    Noah''s lips twitched, "Eva."


    "Excuse me? I''ll repeat it for you. Can you dance to entertain Ms.Hanes?"


    Noah responded ring at Eva, "In private."


    "We need a demo." Aria demanded, causing elders to chuckle.


    "Pole dance please." Rian chose the dance form.


    "Guys." Noah was too embarrassed.


    "What?" Aria tilted her head a little and eyed behind Noah, "Ms.Hanes, don''t you like to watch Noah pole dancing?"

 Chapter 296: Life partners

    Chapter 296: Life partners


    Noah instantly turned behind thinking Norah was present but heard allughing because there was nobody behind him.


    "Arrie!" He was embarrassed in front of inws to be.


    Aria chuckled and pointed above where Zara and Norah were standing and watching everything.


    Norah blushed and looked away when their eyes met.


    She was ordered by her father to get ready for dinner. Until she saw Noah''s family she had no idea her parents had already spoken to Aria about everything.


    Noah''s parents had no objection to their rtionship. Silent, gentle and sensible Zara and Norah were already on good terms.


    Geoff and Noah''s father cued among themselves and left the youngsters taking their wife.


    Moran watched the crazy Fourie.


    Noah was going towards stairs but the girls started their act. "Cutie, how can you abandon us so soon?"


    "It''s so unfair."


    Both held his arms and made pitiful faces without letting him move.


    "Guys, let me meet her. It''s been two years."


    "Sweetie, we haven''t met in two days, It''s <strong>TWO DAYS</strong>."


    "I am already missing you."


    Roxy who entered the mansion chuckled looking at Noah in despair.


    Both were torturing Noah until n and Isaac entered the mansion.


    Noah: _


    He was at a loss of words seeing two girls skip over to their man''s arms.


    "Loonies,e to me again, I''ll break your legs." Noah growled and stood grimly while two girls giggled holding their man''s hand.


    Zara patted his back and pointed at Norah, "Talk to her. Go to thewn ande for dinner."


    Aria and Eva tried to scare him, "Noah, we miss you." Then all chuckled seeing him run holding Norah''s hand.


    n and Isaac were used to it while Moran asked Zara curiously, "Are these four always like these?"


    "They are controlling because of you guys. They are capable of behaving like spoiled kids. This is quite a mature side."


    Moran nodded and saw n tenderly talking with Aria who was smiling endlessly.


    "Why did you call us?" n asked, brushing her hair away from her face.


    While the other side Eva spoke to Isaac, Aria briefed n.


    "Dinner with all. Apparently, everyone likes Noah and Norah Hanes together. The only problem is the Elder Hanes. Vice President Hanes will talk to Noah about it after dinner. Uncle Wood asked us to call you all for dinner. Did you see Norah Hanes? Isn''t she pretty in real?"


    n didn''t agree to her, "You are the prettiest." For him, nothing looked better than his beautiful wife.


    Aria smiled pulling his cheek. "Come in, I''ll introduce them."


    "Chicken, meet my Lion. n, he is..."


    n and Moran shook their hands and thetter said, "Long time."


    n hummed but he responded to Aria''s surprised expression, "The same college."


    Aria: ?


    Moran: "Teeny weeny, I''m not chicken."


    Aria stuck her tongue out at him and took n near Geoff and Sarah.


    Eva too introduced her man.


    ---


    Noah sighed after they reached a safe distance from the door. Norah wasn''t sure what to say so she started drawing on the ground with her toes.


    When he faced her, he saw her blushing red. He smiled to himself and extended his hand, "Hey, I''m Noah Wood."


    Norah warmly smiled and introduced herself, "Hi, I''m Norah Hanes. Pleased to meet you."


    Noah smiled, "Ms.Hanes, are you sure about your decision to break off your previous engagement?"


    Norah purposefully gave it a thought, confusing him, and raised her hand, "I have already removed that ring for a better one."


    Noah bobbed her head, "Dumb girl, why didn''t confess sooner? We wasted so much time."


    "All is well when the end is well." Norah smiled harmlessly looking at Noah who seemed to look more handsome than before.


    "I''m sorry for everything." Norah apologized and lowered her head.


    She still couldn''t believe her parents actually agreed to break the engagement and let her be with Noah.


    Noah took a step ahead and wrapped his hands around her. "It''s alright."


    Norah froze for a few seconds. When Noah was about to unwrap, she sensed it and wrapped her hands quickly around his waist.


    "We have taken a step ahead. We have to face everything. No turning back." Norah mumbled but it was loud and clear enough for him to hear.


    "Absolutely." Noah caressed her head letting her hug.


    Norah then exined how she ended in their ce with her family. She told tits and bits of what happened in Hanes Industries which she had heard from Moran.


    "Your friends are amazing. I never really got to make friends due to myplex identities. When I finally thought I got some in the country E, everything changed."


    Noah smiled hearing about his friends and felt sorry for her. "It''s alright. I''ll be with you. Whatever you wish to do, I''ll be there for everything."


    They spoke for some more time until a maid called them inside for dinner.


    Norah held him back and asked an important question that was bugging her, "Do you really love me? Or are you doing it to help me out?"


    Noah saw her anticipated gaze and responded gently. "If I am doing to help you out of your problem m, then I''ll not be happy in my life after it is solved. So Ms. Hanes, do you dare to spend your life with me to check it out?"


    Norah saw his extended palm for her hand and asked in surprise. "Are you proposing to me?"


    Noah smiled as he nodded. "I guess so. I can only give my hand as I don''t have a ring or flowers."


    Norah''s smile broadened, gazing Noah''s sincere eyes and tossed on him excitedly wrapping her arms around Noah''s shoulder.


    Noah wasn''t expecting such an intimate hug. He was happy she found her answer. He had just wrapped a hand around her waist, Norah realized what she did in her joy.


    Unwrapping her hands, Norah blushed to even look him in the eye while his hand was strongly caged her.


    "You are the shy type. Weren''t you too daring to call me to your dorm room?"


    That led her to blush more and tried to break free from his arm which he tightened instead.


    "Noah, somebody wille." Her tone had turned too meek nervously.


    Noah wanted to tease but heard, "Guys, how long should we wait for you guys to kiss?"


    Norah was flustered while Noah cursed them in mind. <em>''Half-witted loonies.''</em>


    Eva, Aria, and Rian chuckled seeing Norah scarlet forcing Noah''s arm to leave her.


    "The single is mingled now." Rian teased.


    Aria crossed her arms, "I didn''t expect you guys to be shy and demure after sharing a room on your first meet."


    "Come on, kiss, kiss..." Eva yammered and Aria and Rian joined too.


    While Norah was at loss, Isaac nudged Eva''s head before wrapping a hand around her shoulder standing behind her.


    Roxy hugged Rian''s arm standing by him and joined to yammer <em>''kiss''</em>


    Aria leaned and held n''s hand when he wrapped his hand around her.


    Zara and her parents smiled looking at Fourie who were happy for each other standing with their life partners.


    The Fourie who they were proud of.

 Chapter 297: A puppet of my grandfather

    Chapter 297: A puppet of my grandfather


    Zara reminisced about Fourie looking at eight, "I still feel like yesterday when they chased each other for a fried chicken drumstick."


    Zara''s mother wiped the corner of her eyes feeling emotional, "They grew up so soon."


    On-demand, Noah held Norah whose eyes were widened thinking Noah was kissing her in front of them but she smiled when he kissed her forehead.


    Geoff and Sarah were happy with Noah, his family and friends circle. He felt assured that he wasn''t supporting the wrong ones.


    Moranined, "Dad, because of you all, I don''t have a close friend and not even a girlfriend."


    While elders chuckled, Zara gave heads up, "This Fourie will not allow anybody between them. You don''t stand a chance. I guess you have to try to befriend Brother n or Brother Isaac."


    He knew he couldn''t befriend the iceberg, n Morgan. Isaac Ross was distant to everyone excluding a few so Moran knew they weren''t going to be easily acquainted. "No worries, Teeny weeny is there for me to annoy."


    Madam Hanes suggested, "Why don''t you two be friends?"


    Zara and Moran chuckled, "We already know each other, we are schoolmates." But they had never really interacted much.


    "Hey little ones, I''m hungry." Zara called them and four gave her OK sign.


    In the split second, Fourie left together leaving their partners. "When are we going on the quadruple date?" Eva excitedly asked the other three and walked ahead.


    Norah slowly walked behind everyone so Roxy spoke to her, "Hey, I''m Roxy. Rian''s fiancee."


    Norah smiled, "I''m Norah Hanes. Noah''s..." She paused without knowing what to say.


    Roxy filled it, "Noah''s love. Don''t be nervous around us. You will slowly get to know us better. And get used to these close friends'' craziness."


    Norah nodded and saw three teasing Noah.


    All had avish dinner together while Fourie entertained everyone. It was a whole new experience for the Hanes family.


    Two couples left while Aria spoke to Goeff seriously for sometime before leaving with n.


    Geoff spoke to Noah which his parents already knew. Later, the family of four bid the Wood family on a good note.


    --


    Hanes Mansion


    By the time Goeff and family reached their mansion, Elder Hanes got the wind where they went for dinner.


    "Stop right there."


    Indomitable tone paused them and the smiles they had vanished too.


    Sarah and Norah unknowingly trembled.


    Geoff had thought the battle might start the next day.


    Moran who got to know it was always his grandfather controlled everyone and his father was also a victim of that thought to be bold instead of making up excuses.


    "How dare you meet a random family?"


    Geoff quickly clutched Moran''s hand to stop him from talking back or talking rashly.


    Geoff lied, "President Wood helped Norah when she was attacked so we had gone to thank them."


    Elder Hanes''s eyes narrowed at Norah who had lowered her gaze, trembling and holding her mother''s hand.


    Elder Hanes cued his assistant and ordered in a low voice, "I want all the details about that man."


    His assistant bowed and went aside to make a call.


    "Who gave you permission to meet them? If I find something fishy, you know the consequences... Geoff!"


    Geoff sighed and sent the other three to their rooms. He went to study to reflect on himself staying up all night under his father''s men.


    Except for Sarah nobody knew how many times he stood up for their children and stayed up the night so that his father could go easy on their children.


    And those nights were always sleepless nights for Sarah.


    Moran realized his grandfather just called his father''s name and everyone dispersed. It had happened before many times but he always thought Goeff spoke to his grandfather about how to discipline them.


    After the mansion fell to silence, he went to the study to see his father simply sitting without doing anything.


    He opened the door, "Dad, why..." he stopped midway seeing Geoff slightly widened eyes and a small shake of his head.


    That''s when he noticed Wilson. His grandfather''s trusted man. He was a middle-aged man who always follows his grandfather''s order like a decree.


    Moran''s voice turned timid as he was taught how to talk to elders of Hanes family, "Dad, why are you awake sote into the night? If there is any work, I''ll do it, go to bed."


    Geoff spoke like a man who controls his child so that Wilson shouldn''t doubt them for now. "Why are you awake? Go to bed. Now."


    Even though Moran knew why his father changed back to authoritative, he didn''t feel suppressed anymore.


    He left knowing his intentions. Suddenly he realized how the Fourie and the family understand small-signal meanings. They were such a warm family whereas his family just looked like paid actors acting in their role.


    He left the room and went to meet his mother. His mother didn''t hide anything like before and didn''t brush off the topic.


    Instead, she told everything how they were against Elder''s strict rules in the home. They had promised the elder that they would never butt in how he brings up Norah and him so they couldn''t actually do anything.


    It was when Aria Cooper questioned Geoff and mentioned he was a failure as a father, he decided to stand for them even if he had to break the promise.


    Geoff was titled as a failure as a son just because he married Sarah against Elder''s wish. For following the elder if he has titled as a failure as a father too, then he felt, he will be aplete failure in his life.


    Moran felt bad for his parents rather than himself. He also regretted never trying to speak to his parents who were suffering silently for them.


    He coaxed his mother to sleep for the first time in his life. He wanted to help his father but after his rejection, he went near Norah to talk but heard her giggling happily.


    A small curve appeared on his face seeing her happy. He didn''t disturb knowing she was talking with Noah


    He knew Norah loved a man before she returned from country E, he wished them to be together but he never tried to stand for her because of Elder Hanes.


    <em>''Am I a failure as a son and brother too?''</em>


    Because of Elder Hanes, all were remorseful and doubting themselves.


    Sarah felt she took the freedom of her husband and couldn''t be a good mother.


    Geoff felt he was a failure as a man who couldn''t keep his wife happy, as a son who failed to appease his father and as a father who couldn''t keep his children happy.


    Moran questioned his own self. <em>''Am I really chicken who couldn''t stand for anybody and myself behaving like a puppet of my grandfather?''</em>


    Norah''s smile vanished after hanging up Noah''s call. She was scared thinking about whose life she was keeping in danger. She didn''t want anybody to get hurt because of her. She wanted to protect her family and Noah too.


    She had heard Noah say he could handle his grandfather''s wrath. His family, friends were with him to support them to stop her from worrying but she couldn''t help herself from the fear of thinking how his grandfather had ruined a family when a boy followed her all the way to her mansion.


    In fright, she sent a message to Aria whose number she had received from Noah.


    <em>[Please don''t let Noah get hurt.]</em>


    She didn''t receive the reply as it waste into the night and tried to fall asleep.

 Chapter 298: Filthy things

    Chapter 298: Filthy things


    In the Morgan mansion.


    n frowned in sleep hearing a beep at midnight. Thinking it might be important, he woke up to check without disturbing the sleeping beauty in his arms.


    He saw Aria received Norah Hanes''s message, <em>[Please don''t let Noah get hurt.]</em>


    He didn''t like how Norah framed it. He felt like Norah was thinking Aria put them in trouble when she was pulling all the troubles on herself to get them together.


    Seeing his dainty woman next to him sleeping peacefully, he wrapped his arms tighter, "I''m there for you dummy."


    He smiled seeing her snuggle. He doesn''t understand how she responds because she wouldn''t remember anything in the morning.


    n was prepared when Aria went to Hanes industries, he had his men around the building. If a small mishap with Geoff or Moran, his team would take down everything to keep her safe.


    Since Aria knew Moran who knew them, he was sure Moran wouldn''t take the risk to go against them. After hearing about the brief about the family situation, he realized his guard should only be against Chairman Hanes who had a heart of stone.


    He had just kissed Aria''s forehead but she woke up. Her groggy, concerned voice sounded as she checked his temperature which was normal.


    "What''s wrong? Why are you awake? Did you have a nightmare? Aren''t you getting sleep?"


    n spoke to let her rx her nerves, "Am I not allowed to kiss you whenever I want?"


    Aria smiled resignedly. "Be good and sleep. Rest is important."


    n obediently hummed but added, "You are not allowed to wake up when I''m stealing a kiss."


    Aria smiled seeing him convincingly making his stand. "My incubus, you can steal how much ever you want."


    "Next time, I''ll be the real incubus and eat you up." He said and gently nibbled her nose tip.


    Aria giggled, "Are you asking me to be a subus and take advantage of you?"


    ...


    Both soon drifted to sleep as they spoke.


    ---


    In the morning, n told her about Norah''s message.


    Aria didn''t like how Norah framed her message. Instead of texting back, she called her number while getting ready for the office.


    "President Cooper?" Norah''s confused voice sounded in the walking closet.


    Aria would have told Norah to call her by name but she didn''t have the mood for it. n thought to stop her from getting angry at Noa.


    Aria ignored his cue and spoke, "Ms.Hanes, self-confidence is very important when you are doing anything and very importantly, please have confidence in Noah. Just because I convinced your father doesn''t mean Noah couldn''t stand for you two. I appreciate that you thought I could protect you guys but right now, you should have faith and confidence in Noah. I hope I am clear and you understood what I am trying to say."


    n looked at her in amazement. He had thought she might be pissed off on Norah for thinking Aria started problems.


    A mischievous glint shed in his eyes and suddenly lifted her to seat her on the ind counter.


    Norah who understood what Aria meant, "I''m sorry, I will trust Noah about everything. And thank you for pointing my wrong."


    Whereas Aria was punching her husband for locking her lips while she was on the call.


    "Hello?" Noah said while there was no response from Aria''s side. She felt like she disappointed Noah''s friend who hasplete trust and confidence in him.


    She didn''t mean to doubt Noah but in the fright, he didn''t know whom to text the message in the night.


    "Hello President Cooper, are you there?"


    Aria pushed n trying to catch his breath. "Ms. Hanes. I am sorry if... Mmm... I was too harsh. Have a good... day."


    n stood as if he didn''t do anything to her and was leaving hearing the voice, "You too... Bye." Norah felt weird by Aria''s response and hung up the call thinking she might be busy.


    Aria gritted her teeth and pulled her man back to her grabbing his tie. n didn''t give in and asked maintaining distance, "Do you think everyone is dummy like you?"


    Aria pouted understanding n pointed about her trust in him and expecting it from others. "Then it''s good that I''m a dummy." Then she bit his lips.


    She left him only after making sure his punch pink lips were delicious red and ran away from him.


    ---


    In the Wood mansion.


    Zara and the parents nagged Noah nonstop before letting him go to the Hanes mansion.


    Noah soon reached the outskirts of City B, in front of the magnificent mansion. Two men in ck stood emotionlessly on either side of the gate.


    He sighed and went towards one end and clicked on themunicating device button under the oppressing gaze of two men.


    A man in his fifties answered Noah, "Yes?"


    Noah presumed him as butler looking at the uniform shirt which was visible on the screen. "I''m Noah Wood. I''m here to meet Elder Hanes."


    Geoff had told him his father would cent percent look into his information before the day so Noah didn''t lie about his visit purpose.


    A small confusion shed on Butler''s face before he formally spoke, "Sir, give me a minute."


    "Sure." Noah responded and took a few steps away and leaned on his car.


    One minute passed...


    Two minutes passed...


    Three minutes passed...


    Noah frowned. He expected response even if it was a rejection.


    Five minutes...


    Ten minutes...


    The mansion''s main gates opened. If he was just amon man, he might have wonderstruck but it wasmon for him.


    Instead of modern style, Oliver Cooper had an interest in dignified, antiquity, and nobel style so Cooper mansion was above par in the whole city B and worth the mention of its architecture in whole country A.


    Whereas his mansion waspletely modernized and Morgan mansion was distinctive and noteworthy concordant to Hanes mansion as he had seen in pictures.


    A Maybach Landaulet imperiously halted in front of him.A window rolled down and Noah noticed an aged man in grey hair sizing him up with a sneer.


    Noah had seen his picture the previous day so he greeted respectfully, "Hello Chairman Hanes."


    But the Elder Hanes turned ahead as the window rolled up while he said in disdain looking down on Noah, "I don''t have time for filthy things."


    Then Maybach Landaulet drove off leaving Noah with a dark face.

 Chapter 299: Drama queens

    Chapter 299: Drama queens


    Standing at the gates of Hanes Mansion, Noah had two options. Wait till evening and meet elder Hanes or go back to work and meet him in the evening.


    Noah chose thetter and left the Hanes mansion entrance to Wood International headquarters.


    The Maybach Landaulet which hadn''t driven off was parked aside. The old man in the car checked the file which had information about Noah wood from his school time to work.


    He soon realized he was the same boy who was the owner of the condo where Norah stubbornly stayed instead of the vi he arranged or dormitory.


    He didn''t care if Noah helped Norah as Geoff said but he was sure Noah''s visit wasn''t simple as it looked. Seeing Noah leave, he sneered in mind.


    Elder''s first impression on Noah was negative thinking he had no sincerity and left without waiting for him.


    As an older generation, he expected Noah to wait at the gates until he returned.


    "Drive." He coldly ordered throwing the file from his hand to his assistant.


    ----


    In Skyline Industries


    Aria exited the meeting room with a frown. After reaching some distance, Levi spoke, "President Cooper, what are you nning to do aboutizens'' opinions?"


    Aria rubbed her head, "I don''t think this is a coincidence. Something''s fishy."


    The Focus channel was hosting a new live show for famous pairs or squads called ''Unbreakable''. Complete show format wasn''t out yet but the theme was each episode will have a well-known pair like siblings, lovers, workers, friends, or any type of partners.


    Focus had started a survey to get famous pairs or quads. After it, they had started a poll forizens to vote. In the poll, The Fourie was in the top 2 after celebrity lovers.


    To Aria''s surprise, ''Aria and Isaac'' was on top nine as top Producer and Actor and to her shock, ''Aria and n'' was also in the list as business foes and ex-couples but both Aria and n''s fans cursed Focus International until they removed it.


    Levi didn''t really agree to her, "You four have so many followers. And your standalone followers are enough to get so many votes."


    Aria shook her head leaning on his desk. "I''m not saying about the votes. I am telling you about the show itself. ording to the yearly schedule of Focus entertainment, this time they have to host the singing reality show."


    She had just finished saying, Rose stood up, "President Cooper, I and my all friends voted for Fouriest night."


    Aria smiled hearing her cheerful. She waved at Levi to continue working and went near Rose''s desk. "Do you like us so much?"


    Rose nodded her head vigorously, "Do you know? Fourie was famous in First high also when you guys were studying. I and my ex-boyfriend had attended the ser match to check on you guys."


    Aria purposefully turned serious and asked in a grim tone, "So you were a student who was bunking school and dating at the age of sixteen."


    Rose froze hearing Aria. She bit her lip thinking Aria doesn''t like who bunks schools. Feeling she dug her own grave, her eyes filled up, "I wasn''t bunking much."


    Other secretaries chuckled hearing Rose''s nervous tone. Rose looked at them and turned to Aria who rubbed her head, "Why do you get scared so much? I was kidding."


    "Oh" Rose pouted pitifully being yed by her President.


    "When will I scold you or get unhappy?" Aria asked to calm her.


    Rose promptly answered, "If I repeat the same mistake more than twice."


    "Have you?"


    Rose shook her head in response, "I haven''t. So I should be brave and bold."


    Aria smiled. She knew Rose was a quick learner. "Do you want Fourie to attend the show?"


    Rose instantly smiled, "Yeah. You guys will steal the show for sure."


    Aria looked at Rose''s small pretty face carrying excitement for the Fourie. She really admired Rose who gets happy just by seeing others happy.


    But her innocence and her soft nature hurt her badly when she kept helping her ex-boyfriend forgetting about herself when she was in a rtionship.


    When Rose joined under her, she was depressed but she was still hopeful to bring her life back on track moving on from her ex.


    Since Aria always does a background check before offering a job, she had taken extra care and asked everyone to treat her ordingly.


    So Rose was back to the packet of energy but somewhere she was still scared to disappoint people around her.


    "If we four are free and Focus requests us, then we will go. Happy?"


    Rose shed her bright smile before Aria went to her office.


    For no particr reason, Aria always feels protective of Rose. Probably because of the feeling of losing herself in the business and problems, she hoped to preserve Rose''s innocence by keeping her strong.


    The three of Fourie received the news of how Elder Hanes treated Noah and he was back to the office to continue his work.


    They boosted Noah without letting him dispirited.


    ---


    In the evening after quickly finishing his work, Noah routed to Hanes mansion.


    And it repeated the same. Noah was asked to wait at the gate.


    He got to know from Norah that her grandfather wasn''t actually in the home. It was ordered by him to butler to ry that instruction.


    "Noah, What to do? I am sure grandfather doing this on purpose." Norah was nervous.


    Noah was calm looking at her. He kind of expected it. He had already tried to take his appointment through his assistant who had told him to wait for a month to meet him.


    "Norah, rx. I will handle him. By the way, my friends suggested eloping next week Friday if your grandfather isn''t ready to meet me."


    Norah flushed but nodded, "Brother Moran was telling me to elope in the morning."


    Noah hummed, "So eloping isn''t a problem. Anyway, My first priority is to convince, eloping is thest recourse."


    Norah curiously asked, "Brother Moran said that President Cooper mentioned the same as you. Are you guys so tuned?"


    "We literally grew up together. If Rian and I were wrong, we were corrected by those drama queens and conversely. So many of our thoughts are alike... Your grandfather ising."


    Noah saw Maybach Landaulet royally entering his sight, "I will call youter and importantly, don''t panic in front of your grandfather."


    Norah obediently agreed and hung up the video call. Noah slid the mobile to his inner pocket of the zer and alighted the car.


    The car halted at Noah while the gates were opening. He knocked on the window and waited for it to roll down.


    Noah had zero expectations about everything rted to Elder Hanes so he wasn''t irritated or ridiculed him.


    Elder Hanes''s assistant was the one who faced Noah while the Elder Hanes pretended to be asleep on the other side.


    "Yes? How may I help you?"


    Noah introduced himself, "I''m Noah Wood. President of Woods International. I would like to have a few words with Chairman Hanes."


    The assistant didn''t bother to check with Elder Hanes and spoke, "President Wood, please make an appointment to meet Chairman Hanes instead of waiting here."


    Noah didn''t miss the hint of mockery in the tone but he was unfazed, "I''m not here for business. It''s personal."


    Noah noticed the slight changes on Elder Hanes''s face but the assistant spoke, "Sorry President Wood. The Hanes family doesn''t keep personal rtions withmon people. "


    He turned ahead and instructed the driver, "Drive."


    That way, Maybach left his sight without letting Noah speak.

 Chapter 300: Boom

    Chapter 300: Boom


    Noah flexed his neck and saw Maserati driving up. Moran alighted the car and shook his hand with Noah without caring about the security cameras at the gates.


    "Why are you persistent about convincing my grandfather? You name a negative, he has that. Ego, uncaring, selfish, arrogance, rudeness, pessimism, dominance, unreliable, self-opinionated.."


    Noah smiled hearing him continue, "So you are saying your grandfather is an old stubborn boor."


    "You got me there. Saying that fact feels so good." Moran eximed.


    He was really happy to work and converse with his father as a son, unlike a trained puppet. He got control over most of the things except the security department which was led by the Elder Hanes.


    "Bro Mo, I never guessed the Moron of Seven could be President Hanes. Two uncanny personalities."


    Moran''s lips twitched, "Moran... Teeny weeny knew me and my name so she was calling me Moron but not because I''m stupid or something... Ugh, now she calls me Chicken."


    Noah chuckled at his despair. Aria had already told about her and Moran''s encounter so he knew it. Both spoke till Geoff reached the mansion. Noah bid them and left.


    He started nning how he could cancel all the ns of Elder Hanes and leave him with no choice but to meet him.


    He had just reached a mile when he mmed on the brakes as a delinquent n popped in his head. He quickly called Rian.


    "Hey bro, I need your help." His yful tone sparked Ryan''s mood. "And it is?"


    "I will see you at our hangout ce." Noah said and heard Rian before hanging up the call.


    Noah borated on his n which Rian loved with add on changes.


    "What if this pisses off Chairman Hanes?" Rian asked after making some calls to arrange a few things.


    "I want to take his permission to convince him. If it goes out of hand, I may have to break his ego. If it turns out hopeless, we will kidnap Norah from his clutch." Noah had finished his dinner and saw Roxy going to them.


    "What''s up guys?" Roxy sat next to Rian and looked at them alternatively.


    Rian gave a quick recap of what they had just discussed which excited her too. Noah shook his head in resignation looking at the couple improvising their part of work joyfully.


    After about half an hour, Rian answered a call and smiled at Noah indicating their work was done.


    Three didn''t sleep the whole night.


    ---


    In the Wood mansion, Zara calmed her parents from worrying about Noah.


    ---


    In the Morgan mansion, Amelia and Rowan checked theirwork to know how they could be helpful for Noah.


    Before they went to bed, they found a solution. Amelia quickly dropped information to Aria so that she could arrange ordingly.


    ---


    In Isaac''s vi.


    Eva was foot massaging Isaac who was tired from the shoot due to fighting scenes as she heard himin about the actress who was failing to do every action scenes. Due to the high number of retakes, he was pissed off.


    Isaac answered Rian''s call on speaker for Eva. Thetter quickly agreed for Rian boosting him and poked Isaac if he could join but he grumbled.


    "I have to knock back... Babe, I love your profession, let''s switch... How about I live you off?"


    Eva giggled and let him wash her hands before cuddling on the bed as they thought what Rian and Noah''s n would result in the end.


    ---


    In Cooper mansion, Aria was coddling n giving him deep tissue massage on his shoulder to relieve tension and stiffness as she heard him giving his reviews on her new business n.


    n and Aria almost received a call at the same time. A managing director called n while Aria answered Rian''s call.


    Aria chuckled hearing Rian while n permitted the managing director about the new proposal and asked PR to work on it carefully.


    n had pulled her on hisp to tell her about the new business n but Aria received another call from Amelia.


    "My youngdy, I''m missing you."


    "I miss you too Mum." Aria responded by turning on the speaker for n who gave her a dirty look hearing her.


    "Did I disturb you guys? It is important so I called."


    "No Mum, you didn''t disturb us. Why are you two awake sote at night? Beauty sleep is very important."


    Amelia smiled on the other end, "Oh my mother, I called you to tell, Dad''s best friend Doctor Wen is Elder Hanes personal doctor and friend. Dad already spoke to Doctor Wen, I have sent you his number. He is in the city for a few days and he will help you guys if anything fluctuates."


    Aria was surprised. "Mum, Elder Doctor Wen is Finn''s maternal grandfather. He hardly meets anybody. Mum, you are so cool."


    If Aria remembers right, it had been more than five years since Finn saw his grandfather who was in anger. He wanted Finn to study medicine so he was ignoring his beloved grandson.


    Aria overloaded Amelia with lots ofpliments before hanging up the call to see her husband sulking.


    Her husband was gullible so she wrapped her arms around him, "I want my husband. Oh yeah, you can continue reviewing the project."


    n''s face softened seeing her nestle against his chest. He couldn''t understand why people say Mother-inw and daughter-inw don''t get along, his mother and wife were close enough to even forget their husbands.


    He continued his analysis of the new project but before he could finish, Aria was asleep on him. "Dummy."


    He heard her mumble, "My love..." and that was enough to put him in a great mood and cuddled her sleep.


    ---


    The next day, early morning, Noah, Rian, and Roxy quickly returned home to get fresh. Noah went to Hanes Mansion after breakfast.


    The same thing repeated again, butler asked him to wait but didn''t contact him back. Noah had to wait at the gate ignoring the judgemental gaze of two guards who were standing outside like a statue.


    Noah had nned to meet Elder Hanes in one way or another. If he doesn''t meet him still, then he would agree to take Geoff''s help to enter the Hanes mansion.


    The only reason he wasn''t ready to take his help because he didn''t want Elder Hanes to release his fury on his own Hanes family members.


    Noah tried to calmly stop the car raising his hand but it drove away.


    Noah counted in his mind, <em>''One... Two... three... ... ... Ten.''</em>


    <em>''Boom''</em>


    There was an ear-piercing sound from about a quarter-mile away.

 Chapter 301: Impudent person

    Chapter 301: Impudent person


    Elder Hanes ignored Noah and didn''t instruct his driver to halt the car.


    His assistant continued to report, "It is confirmed that thedy who broke into the office was President Cooper, Aria Cooper. President and Operational executive officer of Skyline Industries and an orphan who lost her mother at the age of three and lost her father six years back. President Cooper''s..."


    <em>''Boom''</em>


    Ear piercing st panicked the driver.


    <em>''Screech.''</em>


    He mmed on the brakes and broke into sweat unknown about the sound they heard. Clutching the steering wheel tight, he waited for the orders.


    Elder Hanes scrunched his brows due to the sound. His assistant first reaction was to ignore his safety and look at Elder Hanes to make sure he had his seatbelt on and he was fine.


    Grounding his teeth, Elder Hanes mmed his fist on the armrest. "That filthy thing is thinking I will be scared of this petty trick."


    Elder Hanes was smart and quick-witted. He could make out the difference between the noise created by the sound creator and the actual st.


    He grunted at the assistant to continue reporting and said, "Drive"


    "President Cooper was in Morgan''s care then moved abroad for studies. Sources say that she worked in the Skyline branch before taking over here from President Morgan of Morgan Industries. She ran away from her wedding which was with President Morgan. There are rumors that she left him after knowing about President Morgan''s affair but there are some rumors that say President Cooper likes President Baker of Aida or Isaac Ross who is a celebrity and friend of President Morgan. We lost against Skyline on..."


    <em>''Screech''</em>


    The driver mmed on the brakes again and stammered, "Chair... Chairman... Chairman Hanes, the bridge is destroyed."


    Assistant almost choked on his spit hearing him and looked ahead from the tab while the Elder Hanes did the same.


    The trio saw the only connector from the Hanes estate was full of cracks. It was as if there was an earthquake.


    The driver and assistant gulped again and again before gathering the courage to turn to Elder Hanes who was red in furious anger. His widened eyes and heavy breathing shut the mouths of them.


    A wrong word would tend Elder Hanes to release his fury on them so they preferred to be silently praying for the life of Noah Wood.


    "Drive back." Elder Hanes''s voice was awfully cold.


    The driver didn''t dare to dy a second more and quickly reversed and drove towards the mansion.


    Noah counted till fifty and saw the Maybaching to halt voluntarily in front of him. He was peaceful and serene while the Elder Hanes was burning like moltenva.


    Elder Hanes didn''t wait for the driver or assistant to open the door. He alighted and stomped in front of Noah.


    Noah greeted him respectfully even though it was inappropriate at the movement, "Chairman Hanes." Then his words provoked him more, "Finally we meet."


    "How dare you disrupt my properties?"


    Noah said in astonishment, "I didn''t know the road belongs to you."


    "You..." Elder Hanes flung his cane at him.


    If he was his family member, he wouldn''t think about budging. If he had given him proper respect, he wouldn''t have to think about going against him so he held the cane before it could hit him.


    That infuriated Elder Hanes more. He tried to pull the cane back but failed.


    "Chairman Hanes, shall we talk like civilians? Instead of being ruffians." Noah''s voice wasn''t cold but it had no warmth either.


    "Ground him." Elder Hanes roared at the guards.


    His age and vigor werepletely opposite but nobody dared to waste a second and followed his order.


    Noah brows raised in amazement while two guards held his both hands. He was about to retaliate, ten guards from inside came out and stood behind Noah but he didn''t let them kneel him.


    Elder Hanes saw Noah bing silent. "You filthy thing, you think you could go against me. Don''t dream of flying being an ant."


    He chuckled mockingly but it started to fade looking at the apathetic look of Noah who wasn''t only frightened, he was looking down on him.


    Noah calmly said, "Self obsessed. Tsk. I am d I am an earthling. Chairman Hanes, Keep your wings safe."


    He had just finished, six sedans systematically parked on either side of the road. Tall well-built men in ck gear which had Wood''s logo marched towards them scaring the ten guards but they stood unpetrified.


    Wood International had many branches in city B. Numerous high profile people stay at their hotels, high profile parties, gatherings, press conferences conducted in their hotel chains so to provide security, they have strong securitypared to any hotel chains in country A.


    Once the guards neared to them, Hanes guards involuntarily left Noah and maintained a reasonable distance baffling Elder Hanes.


    "Chairman Hanes, How about a good talk like educated people?" Noah asked indifferently.


    Elder Hanes clenched his fist and red him right in the eye. Noah calmly matched him without any faze until he heard him grunt indicating him to enter the mansion.


    Moran and Geoff who were leaving after breakfast reversed their car back to the mansion.


    All guards were on standby at the mansion entrance and all the maids were sent to servant quarters leaving the mansion in grave silence.


    Norah stood with her mother watching men in the living hall sitting on the couch while the air around her was nervous.


    Geoff''s eyes widened when he noticed his father rotating his finger cueing his assistant. He had no choice but to betray his father and sent a message quickly,


    <em>[Foreseen.]</em>


    Elder Hanes''s dreadful tone sounded, "You are audacious."


    Genteel Noah''s tone was pleasant, "Results of your treatment."


    Elder Hanes smirked, "Motive."


    Noah respected his age and spoke, "I''m Noah Wood, I guess you know it. I love Norah. I may not be flying in the sky, rather I''m living with dignity and responsibility in the society on the earth. I heard you are forcing Norah into a marriage with country P''s business tycoon so I''m here to ask her hand and to cancel her wedding."


    "Hahahaha"


    Everybody expected Elder Hanes to explode in anger but he startedughing mockingly pointing at Noah who was unruffled. Noah had mentally decided on every oue.


    "And you think I will permit you. Do you know where we belong and where you belong?..."


    Noah cut in, "Human beings on the earth."


    <em>''Pfft''</em> Norah let out a chuckle but controlled quickly hiding behind her mother whose face turned red too forgetting they were in the problem.


    Moran who was trained to keep his calm at every movement looked at his grandfather controlling his expression. He loves<em> ''the Fourie.''</em>


    Elder Hanes stomped his cane hard on the floor and pointed his trembling hand at Noah in rage, "I will never agree for the impudent person like you to enter my family."

 Chapter 302: Parent-less, spineless girl

    Chapter 302: Parent-less, spineless girl


    Elder Hanes stomped his cane hard on the floor and pointed his trembling hand at Noah in rage, "I will never agree for the impudent person like you to enter my family."


    "Doesn''t the happiness of the grandchildrene before your ego?"


    "What kind of happiness could you give to my granddaughter? Buying a condo? Taking her out on shopping? You lowly businessman just can dream about reaching us."


    "I''m sorry to know about your misconception of happiness." His firm eyes on Elder Hanes were unwavering.


    Elder Hanes sneered, "I have no interest to know your ignoble definition of happiness."


    "We don''t have time for that."


    They were staring at each other and whirling helicopter des created a loud noise. Noah noticed Elder Hanes''s gaze turning sinister.


    "The consequences of your brashness."


    Noah could make out by the strong footsteps who were dominating his men and a series of footsteps entered inside.


    Moran frowned looking at Elder''s top security men standing behind Noah. He turned to his grandfather and was about to speak but his father gripped his hand firmly to stop him.


    Geoff wanted to help Noah and Norah but he wasn''t sure the extent Noah could go in front of his father so he didn''t want his son to oppose his father so early.


    The atmosphere turned tense instantly. Norah was scared her grandfather might do something for Noah. She was about to run towards Elder Hanes to let him off, her mother held her hand ignoring Norah''s pleading gaze.


    "Mom, I can''t..."


    "Shh..."


    Madam Hanes didn''t want to help. She wanted to see if Noah could stand against Elder Hanes and protect her daughter.


    Even though Noah was at a disadvantage, he didn''t show an ounce of anxiety. "Misusing powers."


    Elder Hanes leaned back and simmered, raising his hand and moving it.


    Noah realized those guards were armed and the rumors about the Hanes were right. They had a private secret sentry who was ruthless.


    Noah was targeted by three firearms while they pushed Noah to get up. He just knew they wouldn''t kill him but he wasn''t sure how they would handle it.


    "I see which is your way to climb up." He smirked, irritating Elder Hanes more.


    Were they going to beat him? He felt it was considered an early payment before nning to elope with Norah.


    "Kill his wish." Elder Hanes ordered his men to take Noah away ignoring his remark.


    Moran and Norah couldn''t control themselves and shrugged their parents'' hands. Both went ahead to talk while their parents deeply sighed. They regretted being selfish to protect themselves putting Noah in danger.


    Geoff clutched his mobile tight and decided to take the me hence he pulled Moran behind, "Dad..."


    ''Screech.''


    Before he could continue everyone''s attention shifted towards the door hearing many cars directly halting in front of the Mansion.


    Elder Hanes grounded his teeth for allowing people inside the estate but his temper lowered gazing McLaren P1 exuding threatening aura to his and others'' view.


    Before the door could open, A series of strong footsteps heard all the guards who were outside, started groaning in pain.


    A svelte and lissom alighted the car. She strode in without a flinch in her face looking at the situation.


    A hint of surprise shed on the faces of watchers but her petite face darkened as soon as her eyes fell on the firearms pointing at Noah.


    She strode on her ck and white checkered high heels. She looked fashionable in her white shirt, dark blue jeans, and long yellow zer.


    She ignored each and everyone there and stood directly in front of Elder Hanes.


    While everyone expected her to talk, her slender hand went to her back under her jacket, and when it returned she had wielded a pistol which pointed on the Elder''s forehead without a speck of hesitation.


    The Hanes family members stood up in shock. Even though they knew Aria wasn''t reckless and was warning Elder Hanes to send his men away, they couldn''t help but tremble.


    Noah didn''t want to trouble Aria more. He wanted to solve himself. He couldn''t understand how she got to know the situation.


    "President Cooper!" Elder Hanes''s assistant cried out and jumped in action.


    Before his hand could touch her, Aria jumped to escape his leg attack and twisted his hand. ncing at his face, she pushed him behind her where Levi was grievously standing.


    Elder Hanes had thought she was just a meek girl when she entered and he wasn''t scared of her firearm but her eyes.


    They were terrifying.


    He felt his blood freezing looking at them. He wanted to look away andpose himself but her murderous gaze was torturous.


    It was his first time seeing somebody holding such an oppressing gaze. Everybody bowed him at his sight every single time.


    Manypanies give up just by his name. Many wouldn''t dare to linger in his presence. A lot tries to impress him yet fails.


    Why did it change?


    He thought Noah was audacious but Aria Cooper was fearless and spirited. He didn''t want to surrender but her demeanor, guilty-less eyes had the power to captivate and yield to her voluntarily.


    He wasn''t inexperienced. He had lived more than thrice of her age. So he took control over himself and checked her firearm.


    At first nce, he identified it wasn''t a toy. It was a real ck Glock.


    Her physique or style was no match to her bearing but she stood there without flickering even when a firearm pointed her.


    "President Cooper, do you think we are ying here? Nobody enters the lion''s den to snatch its prey."


    Aria''s voice was frosty, "Stop insulting the lion."


    "You..." Elder Hanes fumed but understood what she meant.


    Lion, the king of the jungle, hunts its prey alone unlike gathering a troop.


    Breathing heavy, he cued his men to exit but they were hesitant looking at Aria.


    Elder Hanes hit the wrong button. "Do you think she would dare to hurt me?" He smirked.


    Aria''s faint smile straightened his back unknowingly. "Chairman Hanes, if I kill or hurt you right now and once news goes out, Hanes Industries goes down in drain while Skyline stocks skyrockets."


    "Bullshit." Elder Hanes instantly roared. "You are just a..." ''Woman'' His eyes flickered and saw his assistant edgy.


    He remembered he didn''t hear everything about Aria so he grunted.


    Elder Hanes'' assistant spoke about what Aria said, "Chairman Hanes, Logically, whatever President Cooper said is the brutal truth. A small scratch on her could cause us a hefty price."


    Every single one was rendered speechless excluding Levi and Noah.


    Elder Hanes growled without believing him because Aria was just a parentless, spineless girl, "borate."

 Chapter 303: Distrust

    Chapter 303: Distrust


    Elder Hanes''s assistant stole a nce at Aria who was still pointing the center of the Elder Hanes''s forehead.


    "Chairman Hanes, there is lots of information that is highly confidential and protected about President Cooper. Three of our men are in detention for digging about President Cooper...


    A small scratch on President Cooper will cost us hefty. ording to the information we got, the insurance amount on her just right hand is a billion..."


    Aria''s lips twitched hearing that. That was highly confidential data and unknowingly a blush crept on her face remembering n on their church wedding day.


    That day, he had forced her to sign many insurance papers without letting her check it by shamelessly adding that her sign was the wedding gift for him while his wedding gift...!!!


    Elder Hanes''s assistant continued his speech while Aria wanted to stop him and throw all the armed guards out. "Even though..."


    Aria cut in, "Cut the cackle. If I see your useless private sentry five more minutes, I will prove it practically."


    Everyone came out of their stupor. Moran and Norah closed their dropped jaws and gulped looking at Aria. Geoff''s admiration was at the peak. He really wanted her as his daughter-inw. Not because of herpany but for her boldness.


    Elder Hanes''s assistant quickly instructed the sentry and checked outside to see fifty men in ck.


    Assistant: O_O


    ''Are they here to destroy the mansion? Did they reach by road? Wasn''t the road destroyed?''


    He looked inside and realized they were fooled by Noah and The Fourie never resorted to illegal means.


    After making sure it was safe for Aria, Levi pointed to the couch for her.


    Aria passed her gun to Levi and sat next to Noah who held her right hand like a treasure and teased, "A billion."


    Aria pouted and punched him. "I''m priceless."


    The grave look on Levi''s face calmed little looking at her back to her real self.


    She was in office when she received the message, [Foreseen] She had thrown everything and ran out making calls.


    The priority she gave for her friends really surprised him. His admiration started on the couple by the trust n had on her when she informed him in the car.


    Even though n could have handled it for her, he let her have her way by just asking her to take his team with hers.


    Elder Hanes red at two who behaved like little ones unlike how they faced him. "Whatever your identity is, I''ll not agree for this impudent to enter my family."


    Aria''s brows twitched. Only Fourie had permission to tease or insult each other.


    Hearing Elder Hanes, she didn''t hold back, "Impudent? I see age affects the brain."


    Elder Hanes felt his bold boil, "Is this how you respect elders?"


    "Earn the respect." Aria didn''t care about offending him. She wanted Noah to have a good rtionship with them and she never cared to have that with them.


    Except for Norah, she doesn''t care about her good rtionship with anybody over there.


    Even though Elder Hanes wanted to throw her out, he didn''t dare to say it or order it. "You are just a rude little girl in the business."


    Noah sneered hearing him. "Really? Who started it?"


    Aria continued, "Noah respected your age, your experience, and also because you are the grandfather of Ms.Hanes. And how did you treat him each time? Chairman Hanes, you are reaping what you sowed."


    Elder Hanes breathed heavily ring at two. "President Cooper, just because you have protection doesn''t mean, I can''t do anything for your brazenness."


    Aria pointed at herself, "Me and brazen?" She nced at Levi with a question mark all over her face then she continued, "Chairman Hanes, I am not into old men to act brazenly in front of you."


    Noah bopped her head.


    Levi shook his head in resignation. His president had the power to infuriate anybody instantly with just a few words.


    Aria didn''t care about the ugly expression of Elder Hanes and her voice turned cold, "And to be fact, you can''t do anything to me. nning to attack Skyline? Bring it on, I would love to ruin the century famedpany into the mud."


    "You..." Elder Hanes was rendered speechless. His hostile gaze carried bitterness. "Seven, I don''t care what you do, Skyline should see it''s ending soon."


    Noah and Aria chuckled. Moran and Geoff''s lips twitched. They had expected that order from the Woods''pany.


    Assistant Seven who was silently standing almost choked on his spit.


    "Ahem... I..." He realized everyone''s gaze was on him so he became professional, "Chairman Hanes, I will carry it out."


    While he moved aside to make calls, Levi handed the tab to Elder Hanes ying a video but spoke to Aria "Congrattions President Cooper, this video is enough to save Skyline."


    Aria giggled watching Elder Hanes''s eyes wide open in shock, "Seven!" He yawped loud enough to bring him back, "Don''t touch Skyline."


    All turned to Aria to know what was going on and how Elder Hanes regretted his own action within just a few seconds.


    Aria gave them an innocent look but didn''t speak. Elder Hanes roared again, "President Cooper, you are crossing the line."


    Aria again pointed at herself, "Me? You are the one who started it, Chairman Hanes."


    Moran got up and took the tab. He yed a video that had his grandfather''s secret sentry who was wielding firearms. In the next video, it had three men pointing their firearm at Noah.


    Those weren''t licensed weapons hence that could put them behind the bars easily and targeting Noah would be an attempt to murder.


    Moran frowned and looked at Aria''s zer. Her zer button had a secret camera that was recording everything.


    "President Cooper, you are cunning." Moran said through his teeth.


    Even though he wanted his grandfather to realize his way of life wasn''t appropriate, he didn''t expect Aria to use it to earn evidence against them.


    Aria clenched her fist hearing Moran''s ridicule. She leaned back on the couch and mocked herself, "I knew blood rtionship is strong."


    Her intention was never to gain evidence against them. She was just prepared for any consequences. She didn''t want to take chances with them about Noah or his life.


    She turned to Noah, "Do what feels right for you. Call me if you need anything."


    Noah knew her presence was to protect him and to help Geoff and his family who had requested her. He didn''t expect Moran to doubt her.


    He knew well what hurts her most, <em>''Distrust''.</em>


    He trusts her hence she goes out of her line to help. He regretted pulling her to his mess from which she entangled with Hanes''s family.


    "Arrie..."

 Chapter 304: Love is a requirement

    Chapter 304: Love is a requirement


    Aria got up and cued Levi to be with Noah. She had just taken a few steps towards the door but she turned around and warned.


    "Chairman Hanes, a single scratch on Noah will cost your everything and I mean it."


    Elder Hanes grounded his teeth ring at her.


    Geoff wasn''t short-sighted to misunderstand Aria. "Aria..."


    He had requested her to help them so that his children could live their life freely even though he knew his father might hurt her. He didn''t expect she would feel bad from his son.


    Elder Hanes and his assistant were astonished and perplexed hearing him call her warmly.


    Aria halted and turned to him who walked towards her. She continued to hear him apologize, "I''m sorry on behalf of my son."


    Aria gave him a faint smile while Moran frowned looking at his father without understanding why his father apologized.


    Aria responded, "Vice President Hanes, I can''t help who doesn''t trust me. I''m really sorry for backing off on my words."


    Her helpless and weak words were jab to him.


    Aria bowed her head slightly, "I will take leave and don''t worry, I will not hurt your family. I only care about Noah''s safety."


    She turned to leave but Geoff held her back and took her inside. He no more cared about how his father would react.


    "Dad, do you know the biggest difference between me and Noah Wood? I decided to elope scaring you might not permit me while Noah wanted to convince you and celebrate with both the family.


    Aria had found out about Norah and reached headquarters. I suggested that to take Norah away without your permission because I knew you will not allow it at any cost. But she told me she will not support eloping. That''s the respect they gave you even though I warned her you will not agree..."


    Madam Hanes panicked and went up to Geoff. She pulled his zer hem down to stop him from speaking but Geoff patted her fist and continued,


    "Dad, your father controlled your life and taught you. So you followed the same by controlling me. I didn''t stop you but sincerely saying, I hated everything you did.


    Dad, you weren''t protecting the family as you thought, instead you were just feeding your ego because you were controlled by your father.


    If he had poisoned you then, would you have done the same to me?


    We are not in grandfather''s age, we are in the twenty-first century. We have to change ordingly. I agree that bringing up children must be strict to discipline but that doesn''t mean that we like to live in the suffocating atmosphere.


    A family is parents and children living together happily. When have you seen us happy? Do you think having money is happiness? Stuffing every emotion inside isn''t a happiness and that''s not life."


    Geoff didn''t hold back and said everything he had shoved in his heart for so long years. Sarah was in tears due to various reasons.


    Norah was sniffling continuously. Moran knew his father was doing everything for them by pulling the old man''s anger on himself without mentioning his or Norah''s name.


    Elder Hanes didn''t expect his son to go against him in front of strangers. He clutched his cane tight, glowering at him.


    Aria didn''t force her hand out of Geoff''s hold. She was d he voiced his inner haunting memories into words. She wasn''t sure how the Hanes family would end up, she just hoped a better life for them.


    She knew Geoff was talking for his children but not for himself. "You are a good father."


    Geoff was caught off guard hearing Aria''s eptable and bonny voice. He turned to see her beautiful smile. His hand subconsciously rubbed her head dotingly but Aria''s face turned cold and held the cane before it touched Geoff.


    Elder Hanes tried to pull it back but failed and gazed her eyes overwhelmed by her strength. "President Cooper, you have no right to indoctrinate my family members."


    Aria crossed her arms swinging the cane back, "Family? Is your son looking like ten years old to beat him? How would you have felt if your father hit you in front of your children? He is speaking up because of you."


    "Family?" Elder Hanes startedughing as he went back to sit. "An orphan is teaching me about family. Ludicrous."


    Aria''s breath twitched. She clenched her fist to remain emotionless ignoring Noah and Levi''s gaze.


    Aria fought back her emotions, "I''m d I don''t have a half-witted, senseless grandfather like you to call as a family."


    "You..." Elder Hanes thought he could break her down but didn''t expect her to stand back stronger.


    Noah''s knuckles turned white as a sheet. Blue veins started popping on his backhand. "Actually I am the fool that I thought I could convince you. Some people are so stubborn that other than themselves they find every other right thing as wrong and that''s exactly you, Chairman Hanes..."


    He strode in front of Norah and spoke decisively, "I know it''s not right to put pressure on you with two choices. If you trust and wish to be with me,e with me. If you want to follow your grandfather, I will respect your decision without a question."


    "How dare you?" Elder Hanes roared on top of his lungs and started coughing hard.


    Assistant Seven quickly supported him and helped him to sit. He quickly fetched water and was handing it to Elder Hanes but he threw it away.


    Norah panicked. She looked at the zing eyes of Elder Hanes and trembled taking steps back shaking her head at Noah.


    Noah felt suffocating looking at her reaction. He didn''t expect her response so soon. He wanted to give her time to think and let him know but...


    He understood she didn''t trust him. His gaze subconsciously went on Aria. He understood how it felt to be distrusted.


    He tried to control his aching heart looking at Norah who was reflexively going away from him but he failed to hide his pain from Aria who patted his back and spoke.


    "Ms.Hanes, take your time but if I hear you got married, that day I will close all the doors that might lead you or Noah to know anything about each other."


    She took a step ahead and said in a low voice, "Love is a requirement but it isn''t enough. Perseverance, trust, courage is also must."


    Norah mumbled and ran away, "No"


    Only Aria heard her. She knew the problems and fears Norah had but it was also important that Norah should learn to stand for herself and Noah. If her fear stops her from supporting Noah,


    Is she worthy of Noah''s love, care, and protection?

 Chapter 305: Starved me all day

    Chapter 305: Starved me all day


    Aria and Eva had thought Noah would have a sweet love story but they didn''t expect him to go through so much.


    She really wished Norah to gather her thoughts soon.


    After sending Noah towards the door, she stood in front of Geoff, "I''m sure you won''t break with your family. If... I''m saying if, if you want to leave Hanes industries, Skyline will wee you wholeheartedly... And yeah, I''m not scared of your father."


    Geoff slightly nodded in response.


    Aria went to Elder Hanes. She took a letter from Levi and ced it in front of him.


    Her voice wasn''t dominating. it was in from any emotions.


    "The road is intact. The st you heard was actually a siren for the marathon which started five miles away from here and ends at the 3D painting spot. This is a permission letter from the administration for organizing a marathon and using the road. I have a license to use the firearm for my protection.


    I might be an orphan but I have the best family who is supporting me endlessly. I might don''t have a father now but his upbringing never proved me wrong."


    She didn''t wait for his response and left with Levi who asked, "Are you alright?"


    Aria just hummed. She didn''t want to leave Noah alone so she sent Levi to Noah''s car calling Noah with her.


    "Let''s hope for the best and I''m sorry, I shouldn''t have treated them rashly."


    Noah faintly smiled rubbing her head, "Thank you for giving me onest chance to try. I will not have any regrets even if her fear dominates her love."


    Hearing his depressed tone. Aria pouted innocently blinking her eyes, "I''m not a puppy."


    Noah smiled resignedly and retracted his hand back. He couldn''t understand how she manages to bring his smile easily.


    Remembering what Elder Hanes said, "Arrie, you have us. Don''t take Chairman Hanes''s words to heart."


    Aria''s tightened her grip on the steering wheel to control the sharp pain in her heart and forced a smile to stop him feeling bad for herself, "Of course. I will break your leg if YOU forget that. Hmph."


    Noah didn''t blow her cover from her fake nonchnce. He was about to change the topic but they reached the 3D painting spot where Rian and Roxy had worked hard the whole night.


    It was a 3D earthquake painting on the road.


    "Hey, n is here... Sister Zara too." Aria purposefully sounded excited parking her car.


    n walked towards them as soon as he got a glimpse of her car. Aria didn''t care about the media around who were covering the artistic painting of the couple. She went to n''s arms.


    Noah slightly bowed his head at n and went ahead towards the other three and Zara who were eager to know what happened in the Hanes mansion.


    n realized Aria was hurt by something just by the way she was hugging him. He caressed her head wrapping his arms around her.


    Levi greeted him with a small bow and sighed looking at Aria who had buried herself in n''s embrace. He created a reasonable distance from them to wait for Aria.


    "Honey, what happened?" n''s deep soothing voice sounded near her ear.


    Aria shook her head and tightened her arms around his waist, "Are we as strong as blood rtionship?"


    "No" n''s response was instant.


    Frowning, Aria punched his waist and heard him continue, "We are stronger than any other rtionship."


    He cupped her somber face gazing at her flickering eyshes which were controlling her tears from her moistened glistening eyes. He felt his heart tug looking at her state, "Missing Dad?"


    Aria nodded promptly while her tears trickled down.


    She wasn''t a child to call her an orphan but it hurt her as if she was a small child who just lost her parents.


    n gently wiped her tears, "Let''s visit Mom and Dad."


    Aria hummed rubbing her little face on his chest to wipe her tears on his clothes.


    n held her head and pecked on her forehead as he heard her ask, "Why are you so good to me?"


    n lightened her mood saying, "Because... You are a dummy."


    Aria chuckled hearing him say it seriously, "Your way of confessing is really unique."


    "Oh." n led her towards his car making sure she was fine as he continued, "Be dummy, why are you getting smart?"


    Aria smiled hearing him and spoke to Levi, "Why don''t you take a day off? I will see you tomorrow."


    Levi: _


    <em>''What can I do by taking a day off?''</em> He had just thought to himself Aria turned to him.


    "Go shopping with your mother. Have a good day." She tossed her car key fob at him with a faint smile.


    Levi: <strong><em>#_#</em></strong>


    <em>''Did you just read my mind?''</em>


    He saw her happily chat for a few minutes with her friends to keep them worry-free, calmed Noah for a few minutes before bidding them.


    It was hard to dislike her and understood why most of her people like to spend time with her and why Finn loves her unconditionally with zero expectations.


    He took her car left after her.


    ---


    Hanes family mansion.


    Geoff sighed once Aria left and walked towards stairs. His father growled at him, "Stop right there..."


    "I don''t have the mood to argue now, Dad." Geoff continued to take stairs holding his wife''s hand.


    "How dare you disobey me?"


    Geoff paused and turned to him, "I had only promised to let you bring up my children and never interfere with it."


    After finishing he left for his room sending his wife to check on Norah.


    As soon as Geoff left, Elder Hanes mmed his cane on the coffee table ss top breaking it into hundreds of pieces.


    "Seven, block all theworks and lock them in the mansion." He ordered and stormed into his study.


    ---


    In Norah''s room


    Norah had curled on the bed crying her eyes out. Madam Hanes caressed her head as she spoke about her experience.


    "Norah, you know in our time love marriage was very rare. My father and grandfather were orthodox. As soon as Ipleted my education, they arranged my marriage. When I tried to talk to my mother, do you know what she did?... (Sigh) She locked me in my bedroom..."


    Norah stopped crying and became attentive to her mother, "... In the name of punishment, she just gave me food in the evening. She starved me all day but that didn''t stop me from contacting Geoff.


    When I did, he managed to take me out of my maternal house and we got married immediately.


    I was adamant to stand for him, with him even when my parents were adamant for separating us..."

 Chapter 306: Clean and square

    Chapter 306: Clean and square


    Norah stopped crying and became attentive to hear her mother, "... In the name of punishment, she just gave me food in the evening. She starved me all day but that didn''t stop me from contacting Geoff.


    When I did, he managed to take me out of my maternal house and we got married immediately.


    I was adamant to stand for him, with him even when my father tried to beat both of us.


    Looking at us stubbornly stand for each other, they agreed but the Elder Hanes didn''t agree. Elder Madam was still alive at that time, she supported us but she failed to voice it.


    By that time, news about Geoff is married spread out so Second Elder master and third elder master convinced Elder master but Geoff who was working as CEO was demoted to a director without giving him any power.


    Even till that, I hadn''t regretted it. When I got to know Geoff wasn''t being treated well, Elders always med him. That time I felt I ruined Geoff''s life.


    But do you know? Geoff wasn''t least bit concerned about those. He protected me from everyone''s me and was very happy to be with me.


    It wasn''t that he couldn''t stand alone and he isn''t a coward, he just protected me all his life.


    Your situation is a lot favorablepared to mine. You exactly know how the Camren family is like and how the Wood family treated us.


    Even if I ignore the fact that you love Noah, the Wood family is still the best.


    I''m not telling you to choose Noah Wood for that. I just want to say listen to yourself. I and your dad will support your choice.


    This will be yourst and only chance."


    Seeing Norah calm, Sarah left her room. She just wished Norah to understand why she told about her past experience.


    Norah justid on the bed without going out. She was scared her grandfather might do anything to Noah so she still wasn''t ready to go against him.


    ---


    Moran stood alone in the living hall for sometime before looking for his father.


    "Dad..." He knocked on the door before entering.


    Geoff was on a rocking chair covering his eyes by his arm. Moran exined what he saw on Levi''s tab, "Dad, President Cooper had recorded armed security and her zer had a mini camera which had recorded everything. She isn''t as simple as she looks. Don''t trust her."


    Geoff sighed in resignation, "What will she get by holding those?"


    Moran''s response was instant, "Ruin our reputation and ckmail us for her work."


    "Why will she do that?"


    Moran frowned and tried to find the answer but could onlye up with, "For more projects to be richer holding a lot of power."


    Geoff nodded, "Are you sure a twenty-three year married girl will have that ambition in life?"


    Moran gave it a thought but couldn''te up with a proper response other than saying, "Probably n Morgan doing this."


    Geoff didn''t know whether tough or cry. He went near the bedside drawer and pulled out a file. He handed it to Moran saying, "Check this and opinionate to me again."


    Moran followed his words and checked the file as he heard his father.


    "She isn''t new in business Industries. Do you remember when you were training for the CEO position, there were rumors saying a young girl got five projects to Skyline in a single business meet and greet conference? Those aren''t rumors. Aria is that girl. Many tried to know her to poach without knowing she is heiress so Oliver Cooper buried every line to protect her.


    I have spoken to her for a long time. She doesn''t care about getting richer, she is just protecting what belongs to her. She is famous in industries for being straight forward but not for backstabbing."


    Moran pointed to the file in his hand as he sat on the bed trying to digest the information. "She... she is the Ara who I tried from three years to poach."


    Geoff knew Moran had tried numerous times to reach her and was kind of a follower of Ara hence he had long back sent his men to know who she was. "I don''t have proof but I''m sure n Morgan is the Orion. So do you think Morgan or Skyline Industries behind Hanes or the projects?"


    "Orion" Moran mumbled, smiling mockingly at himself, "When I am thinking of earning more, both of their ies go to different countries'' Orphanages."


    Geoff patted Moran''s back, "People have different values in their life. Don''t judge everyone narrow-mindedly."


    He couldn''t believe himself he doubted her so easily forgetting she had run up to him to save him from his bodyguards, forgetting she never disclosed his identity for so long years.


    He sighed and said, "She is right. Blood rtionships are stronger. How much ever I may hate grandfather. at the end of the, I stood for him."


    Geoff didn''t speak about it. "Go to work." He had heard his father''s order.


    Moran hummed and left the mansion.


    He got a glimpse of Aria in n''s embrace from afar. He wasn''t sure if he should talk to or not hence he didn''t disturb them. He took the diversion on the temporary path built and went to the office.


    ---


    In the Hanes mansion, Elder Hanes''s Study


    "I want the weakness of that girl, Aria Cooper at any cost."


    His assistant replied seriously, "Her friends. Rian Morgan, Noah Wood, and Eva Miller. Reaching Second young master Morgan and President Wood isn''t easy. Touching Eva Miller is dangerous."


    Elder Hanes knew about Morgan and the Wood family but Miller?


    "Miller? What do you mean by dangerous?"


    The Assistant had gone through Aria''s information so many times that he could speak about them in sleep. "Ms.Miller''s father, Edgar Miller is Mayor''s secretariat, her uncle is a top advocate residing in Capital city. His connections are vast. Touching anyone in four will provoke four families. It''s not safe."


    Elder Hanes clenched his fist. He couldn''t believe he was reaching a dead-end in front of a mere girl. He wouldn''t and couldn''t lose to her.


    <em>''How dare she point at me?''</em>


    Smacking his cane on the floor, "Friends are friends. Nobody is there for her. Just finish that rude girl clean and square."


    Assistant Seven quickly tried to interrupt seeing him leave, "But..." <em>''Somebody is protecting her.''</em>


    "It''s my order." He grunted and left giving no choice for his assistant.

 Chapter 307: Emergency family dinner

    Chapter 307: Emergency family dinner


    Noah didn''t want others to worry so he didn''t tell anything except a few things like Elder Hanes met him but outright rejected.


    He had asked Norah to decide and he wouldn''t do anything anymore. If she is willing to be with him against her grandfather''s wish, he will try to convince himter. If she doesn''t, he will move on.


    Upon that he was sure once Norah agreed to her grandfather, Aria would do every possible thing to keep him busy and shut every possible information about Norah so that he could move on.


    Zara wasn''t satisfied with how Noah avoided speaking about it so she dialed Moran''s number driving her car towards the city.


    "Hey!" Her greeting was a little awkward. Even though she wasn''t unsociable, after her previous rtionship, she seldom avoided meeting new people.


    "Hi! What''s up?" Moran responded without much revealing his emotions.


    "Were you in the home when Noah met Chairman Hanes? I want to know what happened there." Zara directly got to the point.


    The line was silent for a few seconds before Moran spoke, "Didn''t Noah and Tee... President Cooper tell you?"


    Hearing his voice down, she realized Aria and Noah hid things well.<em> ''Why do little ones think I''m a child? Ugh.''</em> She grumbled to herself.


    "These four don''t usually tell sensitive things to others easily..." Then she mumbled, "They think themselves as superheroes. I should take their ss."


    Moran on the other end didn''t clearly catch what she mumbled and he didn''t probe further either. "Where are you? You seem to be driving, drop by around, I''ll tell you about it."


    Zara checked the time and decided to tell her assistant to attend the meeting on her behalf. "I''m four miles away from K junction."


    Moran got to know Zara was at the 3D paint spot which was viral all over the inte. He was at K junction so he decided to be in the cafe nearby, "I will be in Cafe Mounke. See you there." He hung up the call hearing her hum and parked his car.


    Zara sped towards K junction. She and her parents wanted to talk to Elder Hanes and convince him but Geoff and Aria had turned down the very next second.


    She didn''t know the reason but after hearing Moran''s time, she understood there might be something wrong.


    She soon reached and parked her sports car next to Maserati and entered the cafe where Moran was sitting by floor to the ceiling ss wall and sipping his coffee elegantly.


    The cafe was empty but his presence was enough to fill the cafe.


    Moran gentlemanly stood up and pulled the chair for her. Zara faintly smiled as thank you and took the seat hearing him.


    "I didn''t know you are into sports cars."


    Zara nced at the car and just smiled.


    It was a gift from Noah from his own ie so it was close to her heart and she wasn''t really into any cars, she could manage with any car.


    Zara ordered a mocha for herself and asked looking at his expressionless face, "What happened at your ce?"


    Moran and Zara never really spoke during school time and they started talking when Moran visited Woods'' mansion with his parents so they weren''t really close for general talks or a friendly chat.


    Moran who had just taken a sip kept the cup back on the table. He briefed whatever happened at Hanes Mansion.


    Zara had clenched her fist right from the beginning. She didn''t interrupt even once and heard everything.


    Moran could make out every change on her face, unlike his in expressionless face. Her hatred and anger were very evident but she didn''t show it to him.


    After he finished it, Zara called for a cheque and spoke, "Thank you for sparing your time President Hanes."


    She paid before he could react. Seeing Moran''s ck card between his fingers in midair looking at her, she spoke again, "We low-level business people can''t afford your hospitality. Thank you again."


    Moran''s face turned dark. "Get back here." His dominating tone paused Zara.


    She turned around and faced him but she didn''t move.


    Moran subconsciously controlled his temper when his gaze moved to her beautiful yet gloomy face.


    "Have a seat." He motioned his hand for her to sit.


    Zara thought to listen to him and sat down. She didn''t expect Elder Hanes to be ruthless, she was even scared to think what if Geoff didn''t send a message to Aria.


    Her brother was so simple and sweet, she didn''t expect him to encounter such things and fall for a girl for whom he was ready to face so many things.


    Moran spoke, "Will you guys look after Norah well after knowing all this?"


    Zara''s expression softened hearing him worry about his sister. "A daughter inw is a daughter. We will never me others'' mistakes on her."


    "Will your parents still ept her as their daughter inw?"


    Zara nodded slightly, "My parents will support Noah for his every decision."


    Moran breathed a sigh of relief hearing that. Moran didn''t actually want to meet Zara to recall what happened at his ce, he actually wanted to ask those questions for Norah.


    Moran noticed McLaren passing on the road. He knew he was too rash to Aria. He regretted his quick reaction. He had thought he might get along with them but now he was sure, they couldn''t be the same even if Norah marries Noah.


    Zara saw him dazed watching outside. "If nothing, I will make a move."


    Moran came out of his daze and faced Zara, "I''ll contact you or Noah..." He wasn''t sure what he was going to do, "... ... once Norah makes her decision."


    Zara nodded but added, "Tell her to stay away if she couldn''t trust and love Noah as much as he does. She already yed him a lot, I can''t let my brother get hurt over and over again."


    She stood up and added, "Have a good day." Then she graciously left the cafe leaving him alone.


    He watched the slender figure elegantly sitting in the car and leaving. Zara to him before meeting her again was a silent, pretty, gullible, fragile girl. Now she was a beautiful and strong woman.


    He sighed thinking how the time and situation change a person.


    He still thought Norah and Noah should have eloped without meeting his grandfather.


    ---


    Rian saw Roxy running away after seeing media reporters. He caught her so that she could stop scaring away from them and learn to face it.


    He enlightened her, "You are going to be Second young Madam Morgan. Try to learn from Madam Morgan who effortlessly handles them and your sister, Little devil is a firecracker who roasts them back. You shou..."


    Roxy cut in trying to escape, "Mom said I don''t have to do it if I don''t want to."


    Rian halted and red at her, "You and Little Devil, what charm did you guys use on Mom and Dad? I feel like they forgot me and bro... Emergency family dinner tonight."


    Under her protest, Rian still pulled her in front of the cameras.

 Chapter 308: He adores you

    Chapter 308: He adores you


    Rian and Roxy had to give interviews when reporters swarmed them.


    Roxy wanted to leave but Rian held her and faced the media for both. He answered most of the questions without troubling her.


    "Mr.Morgan, what is your inspiration for this piece of art?"


    "Actually this isn''t my idea. It''s Noah''s idea so we decided toe out of doors and ditch the papers."


    "Your art piece is amazing, how many did assist you and how long did you guys take toplete it?"


    Rian had a faint smile when he replied, "Noah assisted us and it took six hours toplete for us two." He smiled at Roxy who forced a smile pinching his palm.


    Another reporter asked, "We never got information about the marathon beforehand and most of the attendees are employees of Morgan and Skyline Industries? Is this meant to be kept a secret?"


    "Nope. ''Save environment'' Marathon is usually arranged on June fifth but this time it''s arranged on the asion of ''International Day of Families''. Employees are also part of the Morgan family so they are participants."


    All heard amotion and turned to see Isaac joining other celebrities who were busy posing with earthquake art on the road while media cameramen captured numerous pictures.


    While reporters continued their interview of Rian and Roxy, Eva puffed her cheeks looking at Isaac far away.


    Noah chuckled and remarked looking at her blown-up cheeks, "Paying for your own conditions."


    Eva snorted and looked away from Isaac who gave her an indifferent concealed smile. "Hey sweetie, stop giving me fake smiles. You or Arrie better tell us what happened... Let''s grab some drinks."


    Noah''s lips twitched, "In the afternoon? Why? To get our ass kicked by Arrie? No thanks."


    Many times Aria had to pick them at clubs after getting dead drunk in the private rooms. They didn''t even have the consciousness to pay the bill or call drivers.


    Thanks to drunken Eva who calls Aria so thetter could save them from embarrassment.


    "Ugh" Eva grumbled for some time and said, "We will hide it from the goddess."


    Noah rolled his eyes, "After your fifth or sixth beer, you will call Arrie yourself and blurt out everything."


    "Uff you are speaking as if you don''t know my goddess. We are going." A decree passed and she pulled him to the car secretly waving at Isaac.


    Noah sighed and didn''t object anymore. They knew Arrie just lectures so that they could be careful.


    Eva sent a message to Rian and Roxy if they wanted to join and left with Noah.


    Isaac cursed his profession standing with other celebrities and gave the shortest interview and left to continue his shoot.


    ---


    Unbeknown about the ns behind her, Aria went to the cemetery with n. Thetter silently apanied her.


    It was near lunchtime, the couple left the cemetery for lunch. After talking with n, Aria went to the Parker vi calling her grandfather.


    ---


    At Parker Vi


    Aria entered inside alone and saw Abel first. He was surprised by her visit. Even though their recent encounters weren''t good, he was still good to her.


    "Arrie! Come in,e in." Abel waved at her calling towards the couch.


    Aria felt bad for Abel who was kept in the dark by his wife. As much as she had heard, his wedding was around the same time as her parent''s wedding and it wasn''t an arranged marriage. Instead, it was a love marriage.


    She handed bags that had gifts and eateries to the butler. "Uncle Abel... How have you been these days?"


    He hummed first followed by he answered mildly, "How will a man lead a retirement life? Either I go out with friends else resting at home."


    Aria nodded in understanding and asked, "Uncle Abel, you could look after publication instead of letting others look after it."


    The Parker family had a publication that publishes magazines and books and had a huge book store. Eva''s first novel''s publication was Parker publication.


    Abel''s expression changed hearing her which he concealed quickly andughed awkwardly, "I''m enjoying my retirement, why do you want to put an old man at work?"


    Aria too chuckled for it without digging about it. After talking a little while, she asked about Saira, "Where is auntie Saria? She always ran up to me knowing my presence."


    She didn''t show her disdain towards Saira.


    Abel responded, "She went to meet her friends. She will be back soon."


    Aria faintly smiled as she typed a message, [Locate Saira Hayek.] She sent it to her team and spoke little time with him before going upstairs.


    While passing by Abel and Saira''s room, she snuck in. She easily found the hair sample on hairbrushes. She carefully kept them in small separate pouches which she had prepared beforehand.


    She wanted to check the room for any clue but she didn''t. She didn''t want to alert Saira so she went towards her grandfather''s room but heard breaking sound from Kite''s room.


    She went in to see the wreaked havoc room.


    Kite threw remote at her without seeing her, "Get lost..."


    Aria easily held the remote hearing the hoarse voice. Kite who raised her head froze.


    Aria too froze.


    She never saw Kite so dispirited and low. Her dark eyebags looked scary. Her lips were chapped as if she was dehydrated from days. Her hair was disheveled and greasy, she wasying on the bed in nightwear looking messy.


    Looking at the bloodstains on the bedsheet, "Sister Kite, are you hurt?" Right after saying it, she realized she had to be angry with her.


    Kite startedughing hysterically and it didn''t stop soon. Aria almost doubted if Kite was mentally stable or not.


    "I''m sure you know why I am in this state? Aria Cooper, you have seeded in ruining me. Are you happy now?"


    Aria wasn''t sure whether to pity at her state or give her the right state of her mind hearing her being sarcastic.


    She did so many things and what Aria did was collecting evidence for that.<em> ''And now I''mbeled as vicious?''</em> Aria chuckled lightly and searched for the first aid box ignoring Kite''s gaze.


    She was checking the drawers when Kite asked in mncholy, "Arrie, You got everything from the birth, you get everything you need. You are smart and learn so fast. You are as beautiful as ever. Why is it only you? Why?"


    Kite cried out asking her. Aria realized Kite couldn''t keep up with herself anymore hence her anger and destion wereing out in words. She looked at Kite who continued.


    "Why can''t I have anything? Do you know, if I behave demurely, I will not get anybody, if I am bold, I still don''t get anybody? But you don''t care what others think yet everyone is in love with you. I had thought you are rich so you get everyone''s adoration but no! Even rich people love you.


    Everyone always said Finn Stanley is heartless but he is so in love with you. Vice President Daves never met you but still, he adores you.


    Whoever I met, they always took your topic as my cousin and ignored me every single time. Your presence is not at all required, yet you get everyone''s attention..."


    Kite continued to speak but Aria was frozen hearing about Finn.

 Chapter 309: Monster

    Chapter 309: Monster


    Kite, atst, ended with, "... Why is it so unfair for me?"


    Kite was crying without caring what Aria might think. Aria knew she was emotionally unstable and it wasn''t the right choice to get near her but she still went to her by taking a tissue box from the side table.


    She tried to hand the tissue but Kite pped her hand away.


    Aria calmly spoke while she carefully wiped her face, "Finn Stanley is my friend and I really don''t know Vice President Daves."


    Kite chuckled lightly without stopping her hands, "Rumors are right. Your EQ isn''t good. Arrie, not everyone who treats you good are friends."


    Aria jerked aside when Kite''s hand moved towards her face. It wasn''t that she was scared of her, she didn''t want to mess her mind more.


    If Kite attacks, she couldn''t just receive it. Even if she does and n gets to know, then he wouldn''t leave the whole Parker family.


    "Why are you scared? I will not do anything." Kite''s voice unknowingly sounded serene and elderly without any pretense. She removed a small feather that was in Aria''s hair.


    "Thank you." Aria didn''t know what else to tell her.


    Kite continued, "Everyone always doubted Rian and you will get together but you were with n. Your friends treat you well because you didn''t have a mother and became friends but that doesn''t mean who treats you well are friends."


    Aria literally had goosebumps hearing her. Always being opposed by her, Kite''s sudden changes felt like she wasying a trap to hurt her.


    Kite didn''t stop Aria when she cleaned her small wounds on her hand.


    She couldn''t believe it, the one who she least expected to care for was sitting right in front of her gently blowing and dabbing disinfectant on her wounds.


    Her father didn''t even go to see her after locking her in the room. Saira always ran away whenever she threw anything on her. She didn''t dare to face her grandfather. She couldn''t understand why Calvin wasn''t staying in the vi for so many days.


    Being locked up in her own room by sending food three times, she felt like she was caged, she was caged for going against Aria, nning against Aria.


    She was very angry at Aria for quite a few days but in the end, that anger just consumed her energy but got nothing.


    That made her realize her anger, her enviousness towards something she doesn''t have just brings her down.


    Looking at Aria attentively tending to her, the first time she felt Aria cared for her. The light traveling from the window paled in front of Aria for her.


    Her hand subconsciously brushed Aria''s cheeks. Aria''s hand froze and her gaze went to Kite''s face being rmed.


    But Kite faintly smiled, "Your skin is so soft and silky." Then her smile widened and poked her cheek, "It really feels good to touch."


    Aria blurted out, "Sister Kite, you are giving me creeps."


    Seeing raised brows of Kite, Aria came to her senses, "No no no I mean, we... You never appreciate anything about me. It''s just a little ufortable suddenly hearing it. I mean you know our recent meetings are awful."


    Kite chuckled seeing her trying to make her understand in fluster. "I know."


    Aria quickly finished treating her wounds hearing Kite softly talking all the time.


    After filling the bathtub, She sent Kite to take a bath asking her to keep the wounds dry.


    She breathed a sigh after standing alone in her room. She asked a maid to clean the room quickly and went to her grandfather''s room where he was ying chess alone.


    "Grandfather!." She warmly greeted sitting next to him.


    Elder Parker always doted on Aria but due to Abel who is a half brother of Emily, he avoided her so that Abel and his family don''t feel like he was biased.


    He smiled and patted her back, "You remembered the old bones finally. Now apany me to y. It is so boring to be alone."


    Aria chuckled and sat opposite him who was very delighted by her presence.


    Both yed generally talking and she used her mobile for a few seconds.


    During their second game, Aria asked about the publication, "Grandfather, why didn''t you let Brother Calvin or Uncle Abel look after publication? I heard, the chief still reports to you."


    Elder Parker snickered remembering it. "Calvin wanted to be independent so I didn''t force him. What is so good about your uncle? Due to that bastard, most of the branches are shut."


    Aria paused hearing that and asked in confusion, "Parker Publication had branches?"


    Elder Parker''s face was dark, remembering the past. "He took over from me but didn''t look after it well. We had 9 branches but all we have now is three. You were still a child at that time. I was so angry that Abel used the maintenance and infrastructure funds for drinking and gambling around taking loans on publications. I had no choice but to sell and feed the loan sharks. I had even thrown him out of the home but your dumb mother and father convinced me then after a year, your father gave him a job seeing him waste time which he exploited all his life. He is just good for nothing."


    Aria heard a whole new story behind Abel getting employed in Skyline. It wasn''t because of Calvin but for her mother.


    <em>''Saira Hayek, your covers are uncovering.''</em>


    She was about to speak about publication but they heard a knock on the door. It was pushed open from the other end.


    Saira graciously and delightedly smiled at Aria, "Arrie!" There wasn''t the least bit of annoyance or frustration looking at Aria.


    She looked at Aria as if her daughter who stays far away from her family was back home to meet her. She looked as if she was pleasantly surprised by her visit.


    Her eyes were bright as if she found her priceless treasure. Her lips were arced as if she could finally let herself at ease seeing Aria fit and fine.


    Aria always believed her in the past, she never could guess there was a monster behind that innocent face always sugar-coating her words.


    Aria had all the urge to go near her and p across her face as many times as she could.

 Chapter 310: Feeling lonely

    Chapter 310: Feeling lonely


    Saira nervously gulped looking at Aria''s intense gaze. Her pace lowered, her clutch on tray increased, her heart was drumming against her chest rapidly. She was at the state, a small move against her from Aria might faint her.


    Seeing Saira''s smile fade away, Aria smiled at her to let her at ease because it wasn''t time to blow up things yet.


    Nobody would believe her if she speaks against the demuredy of the house without proof so she buried her real emotions and behaved as if she knew nothing about Saira.


    "Auntie Saira, I thought you forgot me."


    Her mellow voice instantly put Saira at ease and her acting was back. She smiled sweetly.


    Aria thought Saira could be a good actress who was pretending all her life.


    Saira kept the tray aside and handed them coffee cups saying, "How can I forget you? I was scared I might disturb you. I didn''t want to stress you out more."


    Her subtle way of reminding her about ''Calvin is your half brother'' was sessful but it only enraged Aria.


    Aria kept the coffee cup with Saira''s cup. Even though she knew Saira couldn''t spike her cup, she still didn''t take the chance.


    Next second there was another knock on the door by the butler and behind him were a man and a woman.


    Aria waved at them to allow them inside. The man spoke, "President Cooper, iPad you asked for. I have installed a good amount of games that can be yed by elders."


    Aria checked the iPad as she nodded at the man and said, "Thank you, you can leave now."


    He bowed at her and left.


    Aria saw the former matron of the Aan orphanage before facing Elder Parker, "Grandfather, she will be your caretaker from today. She will be with you all day so you won''t be bored. She knows driving too so she can take you out anywhere you want. And very importantly, your lifestyle will be altered a little for your health. She will report to me daily about your health so no mischief."


    Elder Parker started chuckling hearing her, "Do I look like a baby to you?"


    Aria readily hummed, "The grandparents must be taken care of as a small child." Then she pouted, "I don''t want any rebuff in this... This one time, please..."


    Her prolonged request of ''Please'' brought a pleasing smile on Elder Parker and the caretaker''s face whereas Saira grounded her teeth thinking she was acting to be in good favor of Elder Parker.


    For Saira, the real Aria was the one who looked terrifying when Kite had pped her.


    Saira didn''t want any people rted to Aria in the house, "Arrie, we have maids who also look after Dad. And anyway we can''t afford one more."


    Aria could guess what was going on in her head, "Auntie Saira, you are humorous. The maids are different from the caretaker. The caretaker will not do any house chores unrted to her job. No need to worry about her pay and her expenses here, the caretaker auntie is my employee so she will continue working for me but here."


    Aria could say Saira wasyering her smile and happy face but cursing her inside. Aria didn''t care and continued without letting her make another excuse.


    "If there is no space for her to rest in the vi, I will buy a vi next to this."


    Saira''s lips twitched hearing about the new vi for a mere caretaker. The life which Emily lived and the life which Aria was living, she wanted it all but it was snatched away from Emily which she wanted to take back.


    Elder Parkerughed hearing her, "Look at you making such a big deal for me. There is a room on the second floor, it''s small but good. That can be used."


    Aria was happy Elder Parker agreed to her. "Okay then, Auntie Smither and grandfather, meet and greet. Get along and let me know if any of you are ufortable with each other. And Auntie Smither, please teach how to y iPad games to Grandfather." She passed it to her and stood up.


    "I will check on Sister Kite, you guys carry on." She picked Saira''s untouched coffee cup as if she didn''t know and left the room giving her a sweet smile.


    She usually doesn''t drink coffee so she thought to give it to Kite.


    Saira saw the iPad in the hands of a caretaker. Her breath twitched thinking how easily Aria squandered money while she had to think a hundred times to buy anything.


    For Aria, it wasn''t squandering. She had asked Elder Parker to move in with her but he had turned down so she was doing it to take care of him and nothing else.


    Aftering to the right state of mind and realizing Aria said Kite, Saira got up and bolted out and she still managed to smile at the caretaker.


    Aria saw Kiteying back on the bed so she pulled her up and handed the coffee cup. "Drink while it''s hot."


    Kite looked at her and sipped. Aria asked, seeing her serious, "Aren''t you scared it might be spiked?"


    Kite smiled instead, "I will die soon then."


    Aria''s lips twitched. "I haven''t done anything."


    A nonchnce voice sounded, "I know."


    Aria was amazed by whatever she was hearing from Kite. She took the blow dryer and started drying her wet hair ignoring bewildered Saira at the door.


    Saira''s knuckles turned pale as her nails dug her palm deeper and deeper. She always indoctrinated her daughter against Aria and was sessful every single time from the past twenty years. She couldn''t believe she was getting along with Aria.


    She couldn''t believe her all-time n to divert Aria''s attention to Abel failed and he was apparently treating Aria good. She had indirectly encouraged him to use Skyline money so that anything''s points should diverge Aria''s attention on Abel but failed.


    She thought that Aria held a grudge against Kite and held her responsible if anything happened to her which was also changed.


    She couldn''t believe her high drama to send Calvin to Cooper mansion before she could make her way to bring everything in her favor also ruined.


    Her instincts told her it was time up for her but she ignored and stormed to her room cursing Aria who could get anything and everything in her favor.


    Aria whose attention was on Saira clearly noticed her frustration. She saw Kite in front of her sitting in a depression feeling lonely.

 Chapter 311: Life isnt easy

    Chapter 311: Life isn''t easy


    Aria saw Kite in front of her sitting in a depression feeling lonely and outcast.


    <em>''Could it be that Sister Kite was being provoked against me all this while?''</em> She thought to herself but she wasn''t sure.


    Looking at people acting in front of her, it was difficult for her to reach a conclusion.


    She messaged her main bodyguard to send a female bodyguard in casuals to the mall. Even though she didn''tpletely believe Kite, if she was brainwashed by Saira, she wanted to try to help her clear her mind.


    "Sister Kite, I was thinking of visiting a salon, do you want to apany me? I haven''t done my nails and my hair is a mess. You can be groomed with me."


    Kite was surprised for a few seconds then shook her head, "I''m alright. You don''t have to do all this for me."


    Aria kept the hairdryer away and sat in front of her showing her nails, "See, my nail paint is chipped and the shape looks awful. My hair tips are dry and at the stage of splitting. Now look at your nails, I''m sure you haven''t cared for it like a really long time."


    Seeing Aria persistent and behaving like a little sister grumbling about it, she felt like she really missed a good part of her life. She watched Aria carefully and she didn''t seem like pretending either. In fact, she felt Aria was trying to take her out seeing her caged.


    Even though she didn''t want to go, she still nodded with a simple hum to see Aria storming her closet and took out a short princess seam dress which gave a flowy and fresh look.


    Aria sent her to change and was booking an appointment at the saloon. Her screen went off showing ''Eva'' name.


    She ditched pleasantries and asked, "My God, do you want to pamper yo..."


    Eva didn''t hear her and flirted, "My lovely Goddess, I am missing you. Why don''t you remember your Hot God? Come and apany your hubby."


    Her drunken voice was adorable to which Aria giggled silently and asked, "Where are you, My hottie god?"


    Eva cheered up on the other end and announced to Noah, Rian while Roxy was drunk and asleep, "My pretty Goddess ising for me... Wifey, we are at Luxuria. Do you know Roxy is drunk and she is looking like a ripened tomato."


    Then she giggled while Noah and Rian were speechless. Thettermented, "No doubt Little devil stops this flirty from getting drunk. My wife is better, she sleeps peacefully after drinking."


    Noah wasn''t in the state to eat dog food. He ignored him.


    Aria on the other hand knew what will be the current situation over there. "How are you looking then?"


    "I look like a little fairy." Eva had just finished saying happily, two in the private room, and another one over the phone burst intoughter.


    Eva pouted by beingughed at, "You are so mean."


    Ariaposed and buttered her, "You are a little fairy angel who gives good dreams to everyone."


    "Yeah, you are right... You are the best."


    Noah and Rianughed at how easily Eva changed her opinion. The former called Aria''s number. Aria answered and merged the calls, "Are you also drunk?"


    "Nope. Eva is drunk..."


    "Ahh... I want to talk to my goddess, why are you snooping? Arrie..." Evained about Noah''s tone in the call.


    "Little fairy angel, let me scold him and until that get another drink."


    Eva happily agreed and took her pint ss, letting them talk.


    Noah and Rian were surprised looking at the little fairy angel, "Arrie, you can be a great mother."


    "Little devil, do look after my kids well."


    Aria''s lips twitched, "Really?"


    Noah responded, "Right after knowing the fiasco at Hanes mansion, your god is all out on drinking ss after ss."


    Noah and Aria both sighed. Aria saw Kite was ready, she knew it wouldn''t look good to drop the n so she tried to bnce.


    "Don''t provoke her. Order some sds and chicken dishes, I will tell her to eat. I might reachte. If Isaac calls before me, ask him to pick her. Beauty, take care of them."


    Aria heard them agree and coaxed Eva to eat before hanging up the call.


    Kite voiced when she ended the call, "Arrie if you have other work, you should..."


    "Let''s go." Aria cut in and took her out.


    They visited Elder Parker who was fine with the caretaker and conversely.


    She assured Abel that Kite will be fine with her and took her out without caring to reach Saira but she just added as, ''Give my regards to auntie Saira.''


    --


    In the biggest shopping mall, Aria and Kite went to the third-floor famous celebrity salon. Kite no longer cared about having a connection in showbiz so she ignored a few celebrities present over there who were behaving high and mighty till Aria entered.


    Aria never usually cared about celebrities so she didn''t care about anybody. She just nodded at the one who greeted her on the surface while they sneered inside.


    She felt likeughing at their face hearing them say they got tanned under the sun while taking pictures at Rian''s painting.


    Aria and Kitefortably sat while one washed their hair and another one did manicure and another was busy with the pedicure.


    The celebrities grounded their teeth looking at seven running around the duo.


    A celebrityined loudly calling a manager, "What is the meaning of this? We are here first if you don''t tend to us first, I will withdraw my membership."


    Kite frowned under her face mask hearing that but the manager nced at Aria once and spoke to the celebrity.


    "Ms. Dane, shall I assist you with the formalities of withdrawal of membership?"


    <em>Pfft-</em>


    The non-celebrities who were at the haircut section burst intoughter. "Just because of a few fans they think of themselves as goddesses."


    While they continued to boldlyment, That celebrity shrieked, "How dare you? I will give the worst review to the saloon." She stomped her foot and left with her assistant in fury.


    The manager shook her head and mumbled to herself, "I will delete it. Big deal."


    Aria told Kite who looked ufortable by the eyes towards them, "When I''m around don''t worry about other things. Rx and enjoy."


    A manicuredy spoke to Kite, "Ms. Parker, President Cooper is the owner of the Salon. You rx without worrying about others."


    Kite removed the cucumber from her eyes to see Aria checking mails on her tab holding in a hand. She had thought she was president and didn''t have to work, seeing her still working, she sighed.


    She understood life isn''t easy for Aria just because she is rich. She might live off her parents but Aria had to work.


    She signaled her hair washingdy and bent a little before snatching the tab. "Rx. Work isn''t running away anywhere."

 Chapter 312: Are you in love with me?

    Chapter 312: Are you in love with me?


    Aria''s lips moved for a few seconds but the words didn''te out. She was more like, <em>''What is going on? Who am I? Where am I? Am I dreaming?''</em>


    Her tab was in Kite''s hold who went back to her position. Aria still couldn''t believe Kite just behaved like an elder sister because that reminded her of Zara Wood.


    She hummed after it felt like an eternity. She always went to salons with Eva, rarely Zara joined them. Once twice n had apanied her in the country S.


    She keeps talking and making fun with them but she didn''t know what to talk to Kite so she started working.


    Kite''s hair wasn''t long so she was done with pedicure and hair wash first before going for the haircut.


    Aria asked to quicken and went to Kite wrapping an absorbent towel to her long hair. She contemted whether to suggest, The hairstylist asked her, "President Cooper, how do you suggest hairstyle for Ms.Parker?"


    That avoided the awkwardness, "Go foryers to add texture to the hair and fall around the jawline to widen the face."


    Kite didn''t say anything and agreed to the stylist when she narrated to her. Aria went to the next seat and said a word, "Usual!"


    After they were done, Aria took Kite for shopping only for half an hour before driving her back to the vi.


    Aria advised Kite when they alighted, "Sister Kite, let the bygones be bygones. Start afresh. Don''t do anything looking at somebody who is doing good. Know what you are good at, know what you like to do, learn it and do it. I will help you if you want to do anything. Alright?"


    Kite saw Aria''s dainty face. Even though she advised, there was a tinge of worry-ness in her eyes. "I''m sorry."


    Aria wasn''t expecting an apology at that movement. Kite continued, "And Thank you for today."


    That waspletely out of blue, "You ended up here because of me, aren''t you mad?"


    Aria wasn''t sure she was asking herself or Kite. It was still hard for her to suddenly ept Kite''s behavior. She never let her guard down because she didn''t want to get yed again.


    Kite pursed her lips looking down before she could be able to ept her mistake, "It''s not you, it''s me..."


    "Typical breakup line." Aria subconsciously said and shut her lips quickly.


    Kite chuckled hearing her and continued, "I will not chase unrealistic goals or other''s lifestyle. And I will stay away from this wealthy socialite circle focusing on myself. Alright?"


    Aria faintly nodded hearing her. She still felt like a dream. <em>''Did Sister Kite really change for good? Or is she again acting to fool me?''</em>


    She didn''t have an answer to those questions yet. She bid her and left after making sure Kite went inside the vi.


    In a daze, Aria told everything to n while driving forgetting to ask whether he was in a meeting or not.


    n patiently heard Aria sitting in the conference room while fifteen upper management level employees were staring at him with all their attention.


    n''s low, deep voice was very pleasant, "I guess she isn''t acting. Your instincts might be right, her mother anyway isn''t simple as she looks."


    Aria hummed trying to get a good grip on her thoughts about Kite.


    n continued after hearing nothing understanding she started letting her mind work up too much, "Sweetheart! stop worrying about everything. Are youing here?"


    Excluding Nathan, nobody knew who was n''s sweetheart. The employees were already in shock seeing n''s softened expression during the call,<em> ''Honey'', ''Sweetheart''</em> left them running their imagination wild.


    Some thought Aria while some thought other women and a few even thought as a fling.


    Aria responded to n, "No, I have to check on Eva then I will pick you. Wrap up soon. See you."


    n hummed and kept mobile down when Aria hung up the call.


    More than her instincts, Aria trusted n''s judgment, so she decided to see what Kite will do for theing days.


    While passing by Starlight, Aria took a sharp turn and parked the car in front of the entrance. Kite was sure Finn loves her so she decided to ask directly instead of unnecessary misunderstanding.


    Her main purpose was to check his phone wallpaper. ording to Kite, she had seen Aria and Finn in the picture. She could have asked by a call but Kite words were very strong.


    <em>''Why will a mid-twenties, busy working man keep a girl picture as mobile wallpaper?''</em>


    Aria had countered as ''We are friends.'' and for that Kite had smiled at her, <em>''He is your friend. Are you?''</em>


    If she remembers right, Aria never really treated Finn any special. Except for n, she was close to Rian and then Noah. Even though She had a good rtionship with Isaac and Vince, they treated her like a sister.


    She just prayed Finn shouldn''t be dumb enough to fall for her because from the beginning he knew well about n and her. He was the first person to know her church wedding and marriage.


    She faintly smiled at the receptionist when she greeted and asked, "Finn?"


    "President Cooper, President Stanley is in the office today."


    "Thank you." Aria thanked her ignoring everyone who was giving her weird gazes and soon reached the top floor.


    Finn''s assistant had already received a call from the receptionist so he opened the door for her as he greeted, "President Cooper."


    "Sorry, I didn''t bring your friend this time."


    Dustin smiled hearing it and closed the door behind her.


    Finn was surprised by her sudden visit, "What a surprise!" A handsome curve on his face appeared as soon as he saw her.


    "Nope. I am here to shock you. Are you in love with me?" Her voice was unyielding and demanding for the response.


    Finn froze. The one thing he knew was he should control his expression while Aria''s eyes were on him like an eagle scrutinizing her.


    <em>''Are you in love with me?''</em> He so wanted to tell the truth.


    He many times thought to confess to her before she was married to n but he always stopped himself because if he confessed and she kept him away, he would fail the important agenda of his presence in country S and his grandfather couldn''t keep his words.


    But he never let his feelings affect their friendship and never dared to cross his line.


    He cursed Ceon in mind thinking he must have met her and he decided to tell the truth.

 Chapter 313: You are sweet, chicken is spicy.

    Chapter 313: You are sweet, chicken is spicy.


    "Yep, Let''s get married. Which marriage bureau do you prefer?"


    Aria''s lips twitched seeing his mischievous teasing curve on his face. She threw the file at him which was on the table.


    Finn chuckled, dodging it he bent to take the file as his other hand worked on his mobile screen while Aria spoke, "Finn Stanley, I''m asking seriously. Can''t you answer me straight?"


    Finn pointed to the ss wall for her where Aria''s reflection was visible, "Look at her carefully. I want a caring, adorable, sweet, silly wife. Do you think you fit any criteria? Stop thinking highly of yourself."


    Finn described her but sounded like she wasn''t the one. He also wished her to drop the topic.


    Even though he couldn''t confess, he didn''t want to lie either. So he could only hide it.


    Aria controlled herself from smacking his head, "So you don''t love me?"


    Finn frowned, "Alia!"


    Aria didn''t want to make him ufortable but she asked to make sure. She pouted and extended her hand, "Your mobile."


    Finn nonchntly handed it, "Why? Where is yours?"


    Aria saw the wallpaper chuckled finally resting at ease. She sat down and asked curiously, "Don''t lie, Is this bromance or romance?"


    Aria waved his mobile at him to show, it was a picture of Ceon hugging Finn. From the angle, it was looking very intimate.


    Finn choked on his spit and coughed hard. He hadn''t seen which picture he had chosen while removing Aria''s picture.


    It was a picture from a party where Ceon was dead drunk and hugged Finn when he missed the bnce and Finn was actually peeling him away.


    That picture was sent by somebody in the group which he had downloaded to check ignoring others teasing them. He had even beaten Ceon for that.


    <em>''Why did I choose that?''</em> He cried to himself and heard Aria continue.


    "I heard you have changed after returning to country A from country S. Did you perhaps were in country S because you wanted time to ept yourself?" Aria pursed her lips tightly to control herughter.


    "<strong>ALIA!</strong>" Finn roared at her because she would non stop tease him and he was sure she knew that wasn''t any romance.


    Ariaughed her heart out looking at Finn who was grinding his teeth changing the wallpaper to a different one.


    Even though Finn loved to hear herughter, that was on the wrong topic.


    "Send my condolences to your friend before you beat him to death. I will make sure to send a beautiful wreath."


    Finn snorted and looked away causing her tough again and tease, "I never attended the homo wedding. Don''t forget to call me."


    Finn stood up from his chair in total embarrassment marching towards her, "I will throw you out."


    Aria stood up and ran around in the whole office room continuing to tease him until she was tired and was knocked on the head.


    After rxing, Aria sighed, "Today is a rollercoaster of my emotions. Chairman Hanes called armed guards on Noah, then I met sister Kite and now..."


    Aria againughed while Finn''s face palmed himself. He growled at her remembering an important question, "Which idiot stuffed your brain?"


    Aria then told whatever Kite told her. Finn didn''t deny, "It''s just a wallpaper I keep changing. I must have kept our picture and she might have seen it." Then he bopped her head again, "Dumb."


    Aria gave thumbs up hearing him ept about the wallpaper then she smacked his head, "How dare you ruin my hair? I had gone to the salon."


    Finn: "..."


    It wasn''t even ten minutes she was present there, she left soon bidding him for Eva.


    Finn was finally let his heart at rest but drove towards Ceon''s office for another round of beating.


    ---


    At Luxuria,


    As Aria had mentioned, she was on the emotions roller coaster. As soon as she went, Eva hugged her, "I missed you."


    Noah was still sober which surprised her. Rian was coaxing his wife back to sleep. It was very rare she got to see Rian and Roxy like a sweet couple and she knew they treated each other truly good.


    She sent Noah with his bodyguards. Rian carried Roxy out to the car and went home.


    Aria patted Eva''s back whoined, "Why should little cutie have to go through all this? He even hides his real emotions from everyone. We should have found a girl for him by ourselves. He wouldn''t have fallen for that Hanes Panes."


    "Eva." Aria patted her back to console her.


    Eva wasn''t a weak girl but when it''s about Noah, she was really sensitive. Having no siblings, Noah had be one for her.


    "Everything will be alright soon. Don''t worry. Noah is strong, he will manage it. We are there to help him."


    Eva agreed to her and sniffed her hair, "Your hair smells awful. Why did you change your shampoo? This is not good."


    It wasn''t awful, it''s just she likes the particr brand of shampoo.


    Aria diverted her attention to what she did the whole day until she was fine andposed. She was thinking to drop her home but the duo friends reached the private room.


    Eva pulled Aria for drinks seeing them. "Prince came to take care of you so let''s drink."


    At the end of an hour, Aria was a sweet littlemb adoring n cupping her face with both hands while Isaac was helping his girlfriend who threw up twice.


    n and Isaac were like,<em> ''Shouldn''t the man be a drunkard instead of his woman?''</em>


    "How long are you going to look at me?"


    n couldn''t handle her gaze for a long time. If he was given a chance, he would take her then and there. He was d she doesn''t let others see her adorable side.


    Aria smiled and snuggled up to his arms, "You are so sweet."


    Isaac: <strong>O_O</strong>


    <em>''He is a cold devil.''</em>


    "Babe, Am I sweet?" Isaac asked Eva leaving n speechless.


    Eva shook her head, disappointing him but next second her eyes brightened, "Hot and spicy... Yum."


    Isaac was proud of his girlfriend, he patted her head and helped her to drink lime water.


    n saw him gloating and heard Aria''s question, "Eva, shall I order for you?"


    Both men were confused seeing Eva nod. Aria poked n, "Sweetheart, Eva wants to eat grilled spicy chicken. Order for her pleaseee."


    Eva smiled in satisfaction giving her flying kiss, "My goddess knows me best." She smacked Isaac''s arm, "You don''t understand anything, My wife is so smart."


    n saw Isaac''s face dark, realizing Eva was seeing chicken te and said, <em>''Hot and spicy... yum.''</em>


    n patted Isaac''s shoulder to irritate him. He carried his wife out and shamelessly asked in the car putting on her seat belt. "Am I yummy or chicken?"


    He asked in all seriousness looking her in the eye as if it was an important deal.


    Aria blinked a few times finding it hard to choose one. n was the speechless knowing chicken was inpetition with him.


    He was getting back, Aria saw him disappointed hence she caught him in a deep long kiss then she smiled, "Hmmm... mmm you are sweet and chicken is spicy. Both are yummy."


    <em>''Chicken!''</em> was still in thepetition even after taking advantage of him.


    n: <strong>O_O</strong>

 Chapter 314: Mum will bite you

    Chapter 314: Mum will bite you


    The littlembs didn''t know how much they had provoked their wolf with the chicken.


    Isaac took Eva back home, helped her to clean up, and coaxed her to sleep.


    ....


    Rian''s n of family dinner waspletely ruined. After sending Roxy to the bed, he was sitting with his parents exining the situation Hanes had created.


    Soon he saw Aria skipping over to Amelia and idiotically smiling at them.


    Well! it looked adorable to others. Rowan and Amelia smiled looking at her behave like a little girl.


    "Little bunny, go to bed."


    Aria frowned and whinged pointing Rian, "Hubby, he is shouting at me."


    Rian was speechless and earned a smack on his head from n while Amelia and Rowan broke into a fit ofughter.


    Rian rubbed his head and growled again, "Little devil, I''ll kick your ass when you sober up."


    n calmly looked at Aria who pouted and whinged, "Hubby, he is again..." She giggled before she could finish seeing Rian getting smacked.


    Rian: <strong>~_~</strong>


    <em>''I''m going to kill you tomorrow.''</em>


    Then she grumbled to Amelia in a low voice, "Mum, n is pissed off when I said ''He is sweet and chicken is spicy. Both are yummy.'' You know I can''t leave chicken... in fact, n cooks chicken the best. What should I do now?"


    Amelia caressed Aria''s head on her shoulder controlling herughter.


    She understood n took out his silly frustration on Rian failing to win against his wife''s favorite chicken.


    A mischief glint shed in her eyes and told Aria what to do in a low voice. "Actually your husband tastes like chicken for you, don''t you know?"


    Aria dumbly shook her head. Amelia continued, "Ask him to take you to his room then bite him and taste."


    "Oh" Aria prolonged it slowly nodding her head looking at n''s expressionless face.


    "Go and try. You will get more chicken."


    Aria nodded, "I''ll eat more chicken today." She stood up and went to n, "Hubby, take me to the room."


    n eyed Amelia who was giggling continuously, "What did your Mum teach you?"


    Amelia froze.


    She knew Aria was just a little kid when drunk. She regretted ying her and tugged Rowan, "Ro, let''s go."


    She had just stood up, Littlemb said word for a word, "Mum said you taste like chicken to me so she told me to ask you to take me to the room and bite you to taste and eat more chicken."


    <em>''Chicken?''</em> n didn''t want her to eat chicken anymore.


    Rian burst intoughter hearing her while Amelia covered herself going behind Rowan pushing him towards stairs.


    Rowan wasn''t sure whether tough hearing Aria obediently reporting everything to n ormend his wife for being shameless to drunk Aria.


    n nced at Amelia who was embarrassed to face his sons and saw Aria who was waiting for him. He asked seriously, "Will you bite me?"


    Aria gave it a thought looking at his handsome peaceful face. Her eyes widened and shook her head vigorously, "Oh... Why did mum tell me to hurt you? Did you fight with Mum?"


    Rian held his stomach andughed harder rolling on the couch.


    Amelia was speechless while Rowan couldn''t help butugh out ignoring Amelia pinching him.


    n saw Aria frowning at Rian blinking her eyes in confusion. Unknowingly a smile appeared on his face seeing her as innocent as a child.


    He stood up and rubbed her head in adoration, "Good girl. Let''s go to bed."


    Aria was about to point Rian but he shut his mouth quickly from theughter and said sweetly, "Good night Little bunny." <em>''Please get drunk every now and then. I''m really loving this.''</em>


    Aria smiled at Rian and followed n holding his hand but paused looking at Rowan, she tried to whisper but it was loud, "Pop, don''t fight with Mum."


    Rianpleted the next line, "Else Mum will bite you." Then he burst intoughter while Amelia tried to find a hole bury herself.


    <em>''My youngdy, why are you embarrassing me so much? Oh good lord, is this my punishment?''</em>


    She understood tricking Aria when drunk or sober was impossible.


    Aria pointed at Rian and hummed at Rowan who was speechless for sometime before managing to say, "I will... not fight."


    Aria smiled and saw n happy so she was delighted that he wasn''t pissed off anymore.


    After bathing, both went to bed while Amelia lost her sleep thinking how she was going to face them tomorrow.


    ---


    Early in the morning,


    Eva pressed her forehead leaning on the headboard, she tried to remember but after calling Aria and eating chicken, she couldn''t remember anything. She wanted to call Aria but Isaac woke up.


    "Hangover?" His sexy deep voice sounded.


    Eva smiled and gently massaged his scalp saying "Yeah."


    Isaac probed, "There is a way to get over it without pill or soup."


    "How?" She had just asked curiously, Isaac pulled her on the bed before pressing her down, "I will give you the taste of hot and spicy chicken."


    Eva wanted to speak but everything became whimpers.


    ---


    At the other end, n was awake at his usual time but didn''t go for a jog or gym. He prepared hangover soup and returned to the room by the time Aria was awake.


    Aria silently drank it without knowing anything. She assumed when she was drunk, n must have brought her home, bathed her, and cuddled her to sleep.


    There were a few spoons left when n finally opened his mouth, "Who do you like more? Me or Chicken."


    Aria chuckled hearing him, "Why are youparing yourself with Chicken?"


    "But a certain someone who was drunk yesterday told me that <em>I''m sweet and Chicken is spicy. Both are yummy.</em>"


    <em>Pfft-</em>


    She choked on the soup and started coughing.


    n kept the bowl away asking her in a dangerously sweet tone, "Why? Was the soup I prepared tasteless that you want chicken now?"


    Her husband was in an extreme possessive mode so nothing will sound reasonable to him. She still wrecked her brain but for her every retort, she knew his responses.


    She yawnedzily and tried to slide under the nket saying, "Honey, I''m still sleepy. I will sleep for some more time."


    "Sure." n agreed, surprising her while sheid on the bed voluntarily then he continued, "Exercised one can sleep better. Extreme will be better for good sleep."


    Aria: <strong>@o@</strong>


    n smiled slyly, taking off his nightshirt and going on top of her hearing her say, "n I was drunk."


    n spoke against her lips, tearing the shirt she was wearing, "You can get drunk asionally."


    Aria shook her head but he seized her all sense one after the other.


    Leaving his trail on her blushed tender skin, her soft taste buds flooded with his cool mint taste, his masculine unique scent catching her every irregr breath, his aroused irresistible gaze filled her vision while his deep husky voice kept sounding in her ear.


    ----


    During brunch, Aria''s mobile beeped showing Eva''s number, <em>[My goddess, will you believe me if I say I''m not allowed to eat chicken?]</em>


    The flushed Littlemb didn''t dare to make noise to avoid provoking Rian and Roxy going for another teasing session.


    She silently yet swiftly replied,<em> [My God, will you believe me if I say I''m not allowed to even touch any poultry products?]</em>

 Chapter 315: I am being followed

    Chapter 315: I am being followed


    Even though two girls were meat lovers, they especially liked poultry products.


    Eva woke up to lots of sticky notes in the vi and a good appetizing meal but... vegetarian dish.


    She stormed in the refrigerator and found, ''Love, I threw all the chicken.'' sticky.


    ...


    Aria had taken boiled egg during brunch but n ate it. She took one more but he ate that too and heard, "Not only chicken, no poultry."


    <em>''You petty man, I will make sure you regret soon. Hmph.''</em>


    The very same day evening twombs decided to go on strike against their husband.


    ---


    Noah''s silent unresponsive phase worried everyone. It was getting difficult for everyone to understand him.


    Zara had seen him just go and lock the door in the night, saw him silently leave for the work skipping breakfast.


    She tried to ask him to eat, scolded him, became upset over it but nothing worked out. She didn''t want to trouble Aria or the other two more but seeing him that way she felt her heartbreak.


    But she knew those three would at least convince him to eat so having no choice she called Aria at noon two.


    Aria was in the meeting, she paused it and answered. She or the other two couldn''t get Noah on call who had sent them <em>''busy in a meeting''</em> repeatedly.


    "Sister Zara, is everything alright?"


    "Arrie, are you three busy? I can''t see Noah like this, he isn''t eating anything from yesterday night. I tried my all but he didn''t react."


    Aria cued Levi to continue meeting and left the meeting room, "We will check on Noah. Sister Zara, take care of thepany, Noah might not be able to handle..."


    Zara cut in, "No, he is working like a nonstop robot. He finished all today''s work, pending files, rearranged, and preponing meetings. I''m getting scared looking at him..."


    Aria''s eyes involuntarily filled up. The feeling of desperately keeping busy with work to forget how they were feeling wasn''t new to her.


    Even though how hard we try, the heart would seem to squeeze up every second while working giving sharp pain to remind them they are hurt, they aren''t fine.


    "Sister Zara, take care of yourself. We will look for him." Aria didn''t let her emotions affect anyone and calmed Zara as she left the office.


    She called Rian and asked him to reach Noah quickly.


    She dialed Eva''s number and spoke, "Noah needs us. Can you cook your style of fried rice for him? He hadn''t eaten anything."


    Noah likes Eva''s authentic vegetable and chicken fried rice.


    Eva didn''t want any more exnation about the situation and understood everything by Aria''s tone. She closed herptop and went to the kitchen, "I will rece chicken with prawns... Alright, I wille soon. Don''te to pick me. Go to Noah."


    Aria took a U-turn after hearing her. She hadn''t told her she was going to pick, and she didn''t know how Eva guessed it...


    Aria noticed passengers in ck Sprinter were looking at her behind the tinted ss. She felt suspicious but drove ahead.


    She soon realized they were following her closely. That wasn''t the bodyguard''s car. She quickly brainstormed, "Eva, send me Jake Davies number now. Don''t drive fast."


    Aria hung up and dialed her bodyguard''s number. She skipped waiting for him to greet, "Where are you guys?"


    "President Cooper, all our car tires are t. I''m at the garage. Another team is checking out the security footage."


    Aria smirked and nced at the rearview mirror after taking the right turn, she saw the car following her. She saw Eva''s message popping up with Jake Davis''s number.


    She instructed her bodyguard, "Make sure all our cars in thepany garage go through a <strong>THOROUGH</strong> check."


    The bodyguard already knew it was something major and also realized Aria wasn''t in office, "President Morgan, why didn''t we notified by any? Is Assistant Levi with you? Don''t stop the..."


    "I''m alright. Quicklyplete the work and call me." Aria hung up the call and dialed Jake Davies''s number.


    Jake didn''t have Aria''s private number, "Police lieutenant Davis here. May I know who is calling?"


    Aria didn''t beat around the bush or cared about the awkwardness, "Aria Cooper speaking. I am being followed and I''m not sure the level of threat, is it possible for you to take action immediately?"


    Jake Davis on the other end looked at his mobile in astonishment but it soon reced with responsibility, "Where are you? If you are driving, don''t go to the secluded area. Share your location..."


    Aria cut in and told the n, "I am currently driving towards your police station on Ve road but I will not enter the premises which will alert them. So C junction would be better, I''m driving ck McLaren P1, they are driving ck Benz spinster. Make sure to be a group and armed, I don''t want to take chances about cops or the public. Am I clear?"


    Jake: <strong>O_O</strong>


    <em>''It should be cops work to n out.''</em> He shook his head toe out of the daze and signaled his team to drop all work and move out.


    "Be on ca... Is it alright for you to be on call for live updates?" He wanted to say ''Be on call and keep me updated'' but reframed it. He wasn''t sure if it was due to their past or her position.


    "No problem." Aria responded and could make out they were taking actions quickly without questioning back Jake even once.


    "Where are you right now?"


    "Taking right towards Tank road."


    .


    .


    Simrly, she gave him updates a few times closely watching if that van was following her. She knew n would have got to know from his men who would be waiting for the right time to block them.


    Aria heard the speaker in the car, "Object appeared... Miss, pass the junction."


    "Alright." Aria saw the signal was green and as soon as her car left the zebra cross, it turned red.


    She watched the rear camera view and saw four cops cars locking the Sprinter in four directions like a wind. Aria realized the road she drove had only her and the following van.


    She was impressed by how Jake managed to block other vehicles behind. She didn''t alight and saw cops were armed, asking the passenger and driver to get off.


    But there was no reaction.


    Aria knew it wasn''t the right choice to alight if the followers were armed but seeing cars blocking that Sprinter, she let her guard down and alighted.


    <em>''Snap''</em>

 Chapter 316: Best for you

    Chapter 316: Best for you


    Aria froze, realizing that it was a bullet shot sound.


    Even though themon public couldn''t understand it was bullet fired sound, She was trained to use weapons and she knew how the bullet would sound in different circumstances.


    <em>''Snap''</em>


    The cops quickly called a police technician to unlock the door but the bullet shot sound heard a total of four times.


    Aria exactly knew what was happening inside the van. Her guess turned out on the point. She heard the cops gasps looking inside.


    She couldn''t control herself and ran towards the sprinter. Even though she knew they wanted to hurt her, her breath had already twitched wishing the situation shouldn''t be what she was thinking.


    She had just crossed the junction, her hand was held by someone. She turned to see Finn panicked, "What''s wrong?"


    Finn was on the perpendicr road when he heard bullet sound. He had alighted to check and saw Aria running.


    His eyes froze on her. She was edgy, she was agitated, she was nervous. He could feel her slight tremble.


    Aria tried to rx after seeing Finn and pointed sprinter for him, "They were following me."


    Finn''s face darkened instantly. He pulled her behind him when she moved to check.


    First, he saw inside before it came to Aria''s sight. Her breath twitched again when she saw four dead bodies in the car.


    They had shot themselves on the side of their forehead without any chance of saving them.


    Aria and Finn understood they weren''t following to hurt her or kidnap, they wanted to kill her.


    Getting caught to cops and if they were under detention, they would be tortured for truth due to following and holding weapons so they mercilessly took their life to save their boss.


    Aria stumbled back trying topose. Finn bnced her quickly, "It''s alright. They were bad, they were the reason behind their death. It''s not your fault... Stop looking at them, look at me. Are you hearing? Alia..."


    Aria looked at Finn and her dry hoarse voice sounded, "They shot themselves because I fooled them with a n."


    Finn frowned hearing her ming herself, "They wanted to kill you, you are not responsible for it."


    Aria shook her head but she was spun around by a big hand and the man cupped her face gently. His voice was deep and consoling. His words were clear soothing her nerves.


    "They shot themselves because they feared. Because they failed. Because they chose the wrong path."


    Aria nodded and wrapped her hands around him.


    n sighed internally feeling her rx. He knew she would go to any extent to protect her people even if she has to take somebody''s life but he couldn''t understand why she never gave herself that priority.


    Finn saw Aria fine. He breathed a sigh of relief and also realized only n knows her well what to say and how to calm her.


    On the other side, while a few cops took care of the procedures, a few watched three presidents.


    Nathan went to the Police captain. "This incident should be highly confidential. I have already spoken to the chief so please send a cop with our team to erase all the footage of this area. If you investigate or not, we want you to close the case without Young Madam''s name."


    The police captain agreed because he knew n well. He turned to Jake who was checking the four men for evidence. "Jake, Complete the case and submit the reports."


    "Yes, Captain." Jake replied and mobile in his hand rang.


    Finn spoke, "Jake, Get it here."


    Finn noted the number while n said, "Answer the call."


    Jake followed his order while Finn sent the number for investigation but the caller didn''t speak. Aria who was silently standing pulled rubber gloves from Jake''s hand and wrapped them on the microphone, confusing them.


    Aria tried to voice like a man, "Assistant Seven!"


    Her voice failed and the caller understood the speaker wasn''t his man and hung up the call quickly.


    Aria smirked knowing it was Elder Hanes''s assistant. "Chairman Hanes is behind this."


    Finn asked to confirm, "How are you sure?"


    "His breath twitched hearing me. He wasn''t confused, he was frightened hearing me. Call back, the number will be invalid. And I think I have seen that man." She pointed the man on the shotgun seat.


    She had just finished saying Levi reached them. He regretted listening to her and continuing to the meeting. He had no idea she was leaving thepany until he went to her office room. He got to knowter from her bodyguard and left the office.


    Aria saw him and asked, "Levi, Do you remember any of their faces?"


    Levi slightly bowed to Finn who was giving a dirty re, he quickly took a look inside the van. His memory power at analyzing faces was far better than Aria.


    "All four were there at Hanes mansion. Their faces must be recorded on the dashboard camera of your car President Cooper."


    "Hanes in the sense, Hanes family of Hanes Industries? If you have video evidence, please submit and we will take action now itself with higher priority."


    Since she had promised Geoff Hanes that she wouldn''t use the video she recorded, she didn''t want to use it.


    "Case is solved but you guys can''t touch them. They are too strong to be kept behind the bars even with the proof because they will get an innocent scapegoat for it... Lieutenant Davis, close the case as you got information that four men in the car carrying illegal weapons and you caught them and I am sure I will call you Captain next time if we meet. Thank you."


    Jake: <strong>O_O</strong>


    Other cops: "..."


    <em>''Good to have a high profile connection for promotions.''</em>


    Even though the Davies family had a good reputation, it was nothing in front of Hanes. If he goes against the Hanes family, the probability of losing his job was higher which Jake knew well.


    Finn patted Ceon Davies''s cousin, Jake, "It''s best for you."


    "Yes Brother Finn." Jake could only say that.


    Finn went to the cafe nearby where n and Aria went with Levi while Nathan instructed his team to clear out a few things.


    Finn sat down asking, "What''s the n?"


    Aria was already pouting at n who wanted to get back from Hanes but Aria considered Noah and Norah.

 Chapter 317: Showtime

    Chapter 317: Showtime


    Aria was already pouting at n who wanted to get back from Hanes family but Aria considered Noah and Norah so she just wanted to scare Elder Hanes.


    Finn saw a couple were on the negatives. "What''s going on?"


    Aria spoke, "Only Chairman Hanes is behind this. n''s attack would be onplete family andpany. We are still aren''t sure whether Norah wants to be with Noah or not."


    Finn nodded and asked, "''What''s your n?"


    Aria turned to n who didn''t like how Aria stopped him from teaching Hanes a lesson. He saw Aria''s gaze of plea and unwillingly nodded to hear her.


    Finn: "..."


    <em>''Throwing dog food even when angry. My miserable life.''</em>


    Aria told theplete n to three men including what she will do if Norah marries somebody else due to Elder Hanes.


    Finn and Levi were amazed by hearing that.


    n pronounced, "I wille with you."


    That means he had no objection to her n. Aria grinned, "You should. I want to show you off. How dare he say I''m homeless? Hmph."


    Levi, "Add me in."


    Aria gave him thumbs up while Finn held her head for just a second like scrutinizing her head, "You have little head, how do you manage so much?"


    Aria''s lips twitched.


    n nced at Aria and added, "If it was bigger, you could have learned to sneak attack too."


    Aria: "..."


    Finn smiled. All her ns were direct unlike how others do. "I''ming."


    Aria: <strong>O_O</strong>


    Finn continued, "I will arrange the vehicle too. It''s military, equipped, and bulletproof."


    Aria: O<strong>.</strong>O


    <em>''I haven''t stepped in that pretty.''</em>


    n added, "I will... "


    Aria looked at both men alternatively hearing them improvise and ornate theplete n.


    After fifteen minutes, "I''m suddenly feeling sorry for Chairman Hanes. Guys, bear in mind that he is old and can get a heart attack."


    But two men ignored her and Levi was speechless the whole time.


    Aria who was drowned in her mess remembered suddenly, "Oh sh*t, Noah."


    She stood up habitually nting a goodbye kiss on n''s cheek, "I got to go, you guys carry on."


    "Tsk Alia, once I get a wife, I will feed you vinegar daily."


    Levi couldn''t understand why Finn can''t stay away instead he keeps getting hurt watching them and still be just like a friend.


    Aria who had turned around realized what she did. Even though she flushed, "Tsk Finn Stanley, you will get a husband. No use of vinegar."


    Levi and n looked at Finn involuntarily who grunted, "<strong>ALIA!</strong>"


    Aria giggled running away. Levi followed her leaving Finn in embarrassment.


    n wasn''t interested in his personal life so when Aria left, his tone turned back to cold, "President Stanley, you don''t have to stress yourself to protect my wife."


    Finn knew well n was agreeing to him only because Aria was sitting with them. Seeing n''s cold, indecipherable, oppressing air back, he wasn''t the fun outgoing Finn anymore.


    He looked indifferently at him, "Alia saved my grandfather''s life. It isn''t five years spanned and anyway it isn''t like I''m giving my life. I am just helping my family benefactress and a friend. Is there a problem with that?"


    n didn''t show any reaction to his question. He had observed Finn very carefully for years and knew he never crossed his lines. He knew Finn''s family is fond of Aria who treats her friends really well.


    n stood up and buttoned his zer, "See you then." Then he exited with Nathan who was back.


    Finn sighed once n left. He knew n''s cold, dictator, the stony side was for everyone while all other sides were only for Aria.


    He shook his head to disperse his thoughts and called his grandfather as he left the cafe.


    ---


    The Woods headquarters.


    Aria reachedst when Eva and Rian were forcing Noah to eat.


    Eva saw Aria and asked, "Where were you? Why did you ask Jake''s number? Any problem?"


    Aria shook her head and saw Noah''s troubled face from all the torture. She didn''t speak much and took the te to her hand.


    Scooping a spoonful, she held near his lips, "For us... Please..."


    Rian who had scolded Noah nonstop silently sat in the corner to be safe from the little devil. Eva sighed seeing Noah reluctantly taking the first bite.


    "I''m really not hungry." Noah said, trying to keep the te away from Aria''s hand.


    Aria didn''t allow, "Alright... You are not hungry but who told you that you should be hungry to eat?"


    Noah: "..."


    Eva giggled standing aside. Aria again gave a reason holding the second spoon, "Eva specially prepared it for you. So this is for our chef Eva Miller."


    Noah who nced at Eva, ate the spoonful, "How do you always convince me every single time?"


    Aria patted his head like a puppy, "My Dad used to pamper me all the time so it''s hereditary I guess."


    Rian and Noah were baffled. The formermented, "Your son is so such a big man."


    "Wait, am I looking like a small child to you?"


    Eva enjoyed the conversation while Aria fed Noah more than the usual appetite of Noah as they spoke.


    Levi who was working quietly on the couch, couldn''t help but ask, "How do you guys be mature yet behave like a child? Is it a talent?"


    The Fourie chuckled. Aria went to him and asked, "Shall I teach you? You will get a girlfriend soon?"


    Levi ignored his president and lowered his head to seriously work causing the four tough again.


    Aria continued, "Actually, you don''t need to learn anything. You are handsome, even though you are a bit boring, you give off secure, protective air so you can get one easily. Just learn to smile."


    Eva chimed, "Yeah. Noah wants to see your smile."


    Noah: <strong>O_O</strong>


    Levi: <strong>O_O</strong>


    Rian: <strong>x_x</strong>


    Aria: *_*


    Leviposed first and got up from the couch, "I didn''t know President Wood is into men." He left promptly to save himself from the brainless Fourie.


    "Eva Miller, you are dead tonight." Noah pulled his sleeves up and charged towards her.


    "I didn''t mean that cutiee... Ouch..."


    "You didn''t mean? Let me check if you have a brain?"


    ...


    Rian and Aria sat and watched them bickering forgetting about the problems. Aria informed Rian in low voice, "I have increased security for the time being. You three go to Cooper mansion today, I might reachte."


    Rian hummed and pulled her cheek, "Why do you hide your problems?"


    Aria flung his hand and rubbed her bright red cheek, "I will miss the Beauty so."


    Rian knocked on her head. He knew she didn''t want him to turn into a grim man due to society or problems, "We will be Beauty and Little devil till we ripe to an old age torturing my wife and your husband."


    Aria chuckled hearing him, "Deal."


    Rian excitedly called the two who were cursing each other, "Guys, I have a Little bunny story."


    Aria: <strong>O_O</strong>


    Noah and Eva knew what he meant by <em>''Little bunny story''</em> and heard the storyughing their heart out.


    <em>''Okay, Beauty is back. I asked for it.''</em> Aria covered her face and cried invisible tears until it was time for her to leave to carry out the n.


    Sending the three to Cooper mansion, Levi and Aria left.


    <em><strong>''Showtime Chairman Hanes.''</strong></em>

 Chapter 318: Explode her head

    Chapter 318: Explode her head


    Aria alighted the car and saw Finn too reached. Dustin following him, Finn looked ritzy in his ck shirt, white vest, and stylish yet formal white overcoat.


    Aria always saw him in semi-formal suits if he wore formals, seeing him in aplete set perfectlyplimenting him, as a designer, a smile appeared.


    While Levi greeted Finn, Dustin greeted Aria, Aria teased Finn, "Are you going on a date with Chairman Hanes? He is an old man Finn."


    Finn''s lips twitched, he poked her head, cursing Ceon in his mind as he walked in with her while two assistants who were in business suits silently followed their president.


    Four reached the terrace and Aria saw n already present. "Oh! My Livid guardian." After n got together with Aria, he hardly woreplete set formals.


    Finn saw her mesmerizing smile as soon as her eyes fell on n who was wearing his outfit in shades of ck. His overcoat hem was fluttering in the wind standing in his dark Italian suit.


    n looked majestic and regal.


    His emotionless, cold face softened slightly as soon as Aria entered his sight. While he took a step towards her, she was at the fifth step standing in front of him.


    Aria raised the cor of the overcoat andplimented, "The devil is back."


    Nathan who was behind nmended Aria for telling what he felt.


    n saw her happy instead of serious about the situation. Seeing her kiss in the air at him, he nted on her forehead while four singles ate dog food.


    Nathan had a wife and he was also used to them. "President Morgan, everything is ready."


    Aria who was in white and white formals and blue overcoat felt like little one between two men.


    ---


    In the Hanes Mansion


    Assistant Seven had called Elder Hanes''s doctor because of high blood pressure. While the doctor was chiding the Elder Hanes about health, they heard whirling of des cheating loud noise.


    Seven ran towards the window because their helicopter was at the Hanes Industries but the bright light blinded his eye.


    "What heck is going on?" Elder Hanes asked grimly because he didn''t permit anyone to use the helicopter.


    The elder doctor among the doctor group asked, "What is a military helicopter doing here?"


    Seven''s mobile rang showing the security head''s number. He answered it quickly to know the status, "Assistant Seven, high alert. We are being surrounded. About twenty plus cars reached. They are taking everyone down..."


    Seven froze and turned to Elder Hanes.


    Butler who was in the living hall barged in the master bedroom breathing heavily, "Old master, Many surrounding us and there is amotion outside."


    Elder doctor was sure it was a Military air vehicle by the noise and the blinding light. He eyed Elder Hanes and asked coldly, "When did you start international illegal work?"


    Elder Hanes was red in anger and pped his assistant without mercy. "How many were at security?"


    Assistant Seven stood back straight, "All seven teams are here."


    Elder Hanes''s eyes were bloodshot. He took his cane and strode out while some doctors started trembling after hearing them excluding the elder doctor who instructed his team to stay behind and followed Elder Hanes.


    Elder Hanes wasn''t scared instead he felt his blood boil and had an intent to kill the person. He hadn''t done anything and wanted to rip that man for forcing his entry in.


    Seeing Moran and Geoff, he didn''t react. Seeing Norah and her mother, "Get in." He grunted and went down while his personal bodyguard was at the door to stop the person.


    Moran and Geoff''s eyes widened in shock seeing who entered in.


    Elder Hanes grounded his teeth and ordered, "Take her down."


    Aria''s lips arced up hearing that. She easily kicked the man between thighs who tried to hold her. Another man pulled his handgun out but before he could hold it properly his hand was in the air and a handgun was in Aria''s hand pointing at the man''s forehead.


    While the watchers thought she would shoot him, Aria spun raising her leg and kicked the man to the floor.


    "Amazing..."


    Everyone''s attention went to the man who was on the stairs. Aria walked front throwing the handgun and bullet magazine in the two opposite directions.


    Aria knew that doctor, "Professor Wen?"


    Elder Hanes thought to take advantage of her distracted attention and pointed his handgun at her.


    He was really impressed by how she threw two men down on the floor but the pointed handgun, she had no choice but to surrender.


    Professor Wen''s face darkened seeing the dirty move by Elder Hanes.


    "Dad..."


    "Grandfather..."


    Geoff and Moran cried in fright but froze the very next second.


    Because Elder Hanes''s hand was empty.


    Aria had kicked his wrist without a second dy. She pulled her handgun out and caught his handgun and pointed at two men.


    She knew swiftness is the key.


    Elder Hanes looked at his hand in the air and saw Aria''s murderous gaze. He had yet to recover, he felt the air around him chill instantly.


    Aria saw Elder Hanes''splexion started paling slowing.


    Everything seemed to frozen due to two terrific behind Aria but her hand moved at high speed and knocked the man down throwing the Elder Hanes''s handgun on the forehead of Seven whose hand had gone behind his back.


    Aria knew two men behind her were also pissed off because she had gone inside without their notice so she avoided them and told Levi pointing Seven, "De-weaponize him."


    Then her eyes moved back to Elder Hanes, "Who are you going to send next?"


    Professor Wen descended stairs and got one more questioning greeting from the man behind Aria, "Grandpa Wen?"


    Another right form of greeting, "Chairman Wen."


    Elder Wen, Finn Stanley''s maternal grandfather. Elder Hanes''s friend and personal physician, Curtis Morgan''s friend.


    Elder Wen ignored everyone and also pushed Elder Hanes behind to stand in front of Aria. "So you are the brat who is the reason behind my patient''s high blood pressure."


    His voice was cold and judgemental.


    "Grandpa Wen." Finn''s voice carried no emotions but it sounded more like a warning.


    Elder Wen ignored Finn and noticed n controlling himself because of his friendship with Curtis.


    "He chose the wrong one to mess with."


    Elder Wen smirked and stood his ground. When they were thinking he was going to say something he captured her handgun and pointed right on her forehead.


    Elder Hanes glowed in happiness. Everyone around was his men,


    While seven men were about to react, Elder Wen warned icily, "A small move, I will explode her head."

 Chapter 319: Poisoned him

    Chapter 319: Poisoned him


    Everyone''s expression changed.


    Finn grunted coldly, "Grandpa, don''t even dare." Even though he knew he was disrespectful, he had no choice seeing his stubborn grandfather at the movement.


    n had made a move but Aria raised her left hand to stop and took a step ahead. She ced the nozzle on her forehead, "Shoot."


    Elder Wen''s eyes were right on Aria''s eyes who looked unfazed the whole time even when the men behind her were anxious. He saw her guiltless, determined. He didn''t find her evil instead her eyes were clear from evilness.


    n pulled her to his arms at lightning speed and the next second his handgun nozzle was on Elder Wen''s forehead.


    Elder Wen chuckled without caring about n who was thrusting his blood just for pointing the gun at his wife.


    "That old fart was right. You are tiny but enormous. How dare you hand me the gun instead of dodging?"


    Elder Hanes''s expression turned ugly hearing that.


    Aria patted n''s chest so that he could rx. She turned around in his embrace as she pulled n''s right hand down, "Waste of my energy."


    Finn''s lips twitched. "Why the hell did you hand the gun?" He said it more like <em>''My grandfather is a little psycho.''</em>


    Aria raised her hand showing the bullets magazine suppressing herughter. She didn''t want to fight the old man who wasn''t a real threat.


    Elder Wen flushed in embarrassment and checked to know the magazine slot was empty. <em>''That Mule was right, she is smart.''</em>


    It wasn''t only Elder Wen, Finn and n looked at her in surprise and slightly flustered on missing the detail. Dustin and Nathan''s mouth was wide open in shock while Levi suppressed his smile seeing his president who could fool everyone easily.


    Aria turned to n and said, "This is called a sneak move."


    n''s eyes turned dark seeing her smile after giving him a heart attack. Aria held her ear and pouted pitifully for forgiveness.


    Finn: ?


    <em>''These two will romance on the battlefield too.''</em>


    Elder Wen coughed lightly to get attention and to clear his awkwardness, "How long are you two going to cuddle in front of everyone?"


    The whole time they forgot Hanes family members who were in bewilderment without understanding what was going on.


    Elder Wen passed the handgun back to her and ignored Finn''s gaze again.


    Aria saw Assistant Seven standing up and ring at her. "Assistant Seven of Chairman Hanes aka Omar Everett, head of the wiped out n Septet, I didn''t expect your men to have lousy moves."


    Everyone''s expression over there changed except n. n had received information that Aria had asked Vince''s men to check.


    Aria''s doubt had started when Seven had attacked herst time to hold her handgun and knock her on the ground. That move wasn''t as perfect as Vince exhibits so she had doubtfully sent his picture.


    Aria, n, and Finn sat opposite Elder Hanes on arge luxurious sofa. Elder Hanes''s face was pale looking at her.


    Elder Wen ignored everyone and concentrated on Aria, "How did that old fox manage to get you to his family?"


    Everyone: ?


    n pulled her closer cing his arm on the backrest on the sofa. He just announced without a word, <em>''Don''t even dream about it.''</em>


    Aria didn''t protest instead her shoulder leaned on his chest so that he could feel much calmer keeping her close, "Actually we two had chosen each other before grandfather saw me."


    Then she turned to Elder Hanes who had turned into a mouse grinding his teeth, "Chairman Hanes, meet my husband, n Morgan. President and CEO of Morgan Industries."


    Elder Hanes breathed heavily and shot a nce at his assistant cursing him how he could miss that detail.


    Aria continued, "And he is Finn Stanley, My friend, Professor Wen''s only grandson. Heir of Stanley and Wen family."


    Aria cued Levi to turn on the television as she spoke, "I am not an orphan or spineless as you thought. I''m stronger than what you can think."


    All turned towards the television.<em> ''Caleb Hanes''s house and all properties are raided by the Revenue Ie tax. The ck money found is eighty billion and still counting...''</em>


    Levi turned off the television after Aria''s cue. Aria saw Elder Hanes was pale as a sheet.


    "Were you thinking of his help?... Oops Sorry, I just helped the state to extract people''s hard-earned money."


    Caleb Hanes, Elder Hanes''s nephew, was in State administration and a very good position but he misused it.


    Aria had confirmed with Geoff that hispany has nothing to do with Caleb Hanes before releasing the news to the Revenue Ie service department.


    Elder Wen was confused till that, "Why are you doing this? And why are you here again?" He had already heard everything from Elder Hanes about whatever Aria did.


    Finn started to respond, "Grandpa, he..."


    "Aria Cooper, I asked you."


    Finn grounded his teeth. He knew his grandfather was still angry at him but he expected him to give a face.


    Aria knew their discrepancy, "Professor Wen, I..."


    "Is that how that cunning fox asked you to greet me? That narcissistic fool..." He cursed Curtis again.


    <em>''Is that how you treat friends?''</em> Aria thought to herself and asked, "Do I have to address you as Grandfather?"


    Elder Wen snickered, "You can call me Zeke."


    Finn: ?


    Aria O<strong>.</strong>O


    Zeke Wen saw her in astonishment. "What?"


    Aria shook her head and quicklyposed, "Grandfather Wen, Chairman Hanes had sent four to kill me today. And about Caleb Hanes, I wanted to cut off Elder Hanes''s wings."


    Zeke Wen stood up in fury and spoke, "No doubt security was tight here today. You should have told me before. I would have poisoned him without your high profile show."


    Aria: <strong>O_O</strong>


    Aria pulled n a little down and whispered at his ear, "I had heard Professor Wen as an old, unfriendly, irritable man. What is going on here?"


    n saw her in confusion but just patted her head. That was a big problem.


    Strong men have two main emotions. Love or hate. Most of them love her just knowing little about her. Only some brainless people will hate her.


    Hence it was a little difficult for him to protect his wife from the hungry eyes of others. "Because you are dummy."


    Aria''s lips twitched, "I''m not."


    On the other side, Zeke was screwing Elder Hanes, "Hey pig-headed Jude, don''t you have a brain? How dare you go against Old head''s granddaughter inw? Be happy that she is standing here else her husband would have blown your mansion into the wreckage. Don''t you dare provoke him if you want to live one more day."


    Aria: "..."

 Chapter 320: Show you the end

    Chapter 320: Show you the end


    Aria was speechless hearing Zeke Wen.<em> ''I just wanted to scare Chairman Hanes. How did everything change?''</em>


    She looked at n and Finn. One was sitting like a cold daemon king while the other one looked like a devil from nirvana.


    Both freaked out everyone over there and now, Zeke Wen didn''t care about his friendship with Jude Hanes <em>(Elder Hanes)</em>. Zeke Wen was taking her side due to Curtis Morgan.


    Zeke Wen continued, "I had thought you havemon sense but you just have poop inside your head..."


    Aria covered her mouth tight to control fromughing out hearing Zeke Wen. Finn was amused looking at his grandfather.


    "... Don''t you know to do a background check? More than half of the city B wealthy families are working for Morgan and Skyline Industries. If they stand, were you thinking of flying in the sky?"


    Then he pointed his hand at Finn without looking behind, "That headless brat sitting there, he is the useless grandson of mine. The whole Stanley family adores Aria, General Stanley will chop you into pieces. And this brat can..."


    He paused and turned to Aria asking curiously, giving her goosebumps, "Aria, did Finn study with you?"


    Aria nodded quickly, "Yeah, In the country S."


    Zeke''s attention moved to Finn, "You heartless fool, were you eating grass five years? Don''t you know how to woo a girl? How can such a girl slide off between your fingers? It''s a shame to call you my grandson, learn from Old bones'' grandson. He knows to pick a gem and you die with stone now."


    Aria''s face was red controlling herughter. n had expected such lines. Elder Hanes was in utter embarrassment while his son and grandson stood like a statue looking at them.


    Dustin couldn''t control hisughter and chuckled before shutting his lips. Levi felt like Zeke was the older version of the Fourie. Nathan agreed to Zeke in his head about n.


    Whereas Finn, he tried to speak but failed. Reasoning with his grandfather was useless.


    Zeke turned to Aria who thought he would scold but he asked dotingly, "Aria, are you interested in bing the heiress of Wen family? I will make sure to find a way to adopt you. I have no hopes on this useless grandson of mine or my senseless son."


    Aria: <strong>O_O</strong>


    Everyone: <strong><em>#_#</em></strong>


    Aria slowly turned to n and pointed at herself asking in bafflement, "Did I just earn a new family just sitting here doing nothing?"


    n was like, <em>''Why the hell everyone wants to covet my wife?''</em>


    He looked at Zeke Wen, "Ask your friend." He didn''t want to argue with Zeke.


    Aria again asked in shock before Zeke could speak, "Is he asking for real?"


    Finn knew his grandfather was cent percent serious.


    Zeke snapped at her, "Do I look like I''m joking? That stubborn fellow will curse me to death if I ask."


    Aria awkwardlyughed. <em>''Why was I here? What am I doing? Where is this going? What do I have to do?''</em>


    She snuggled closer to n and sat quietly turning off her brain functionality. She was even ready to take a nap leaning on n.


    Zeke sat back on the armchair and sighed cursing Finn in mind for not wooing Aria and cursing Curtis Morgan for having Aria as his granddaughter inw."


    Aria was about to take a breather, Zeke scolded Jude, "Look at yourself, the Interpol most wanted man is your assistant. Look at those three ex-military men, He is Major Ben Collins aka Nathan. The next one is Captain Owen Brown aka Levi, and this one is Captain Frank Gomez aka Dustin. That''s the difference and how lowly life you are leading."


    Aria turned behind and gave them thumbs up. A smile appeared on their face seeing Aria proud of them.


    Zeke asked calmly, "Are you going to attack the little girl again or do you want me to poison you?"


    "Zek..." Jude grunted at direct threat, "Is she more important than me and our rtionship?"


    Zeke''s lips twitched, "Tsk, how did Hanes Industries grow under you? Can''t you still understand who is important?"


    "You..." His eyes moved to Aria wanting to crush her but he felt a chill run down in his spine and saw six men ring at him while Aria was looking at Zeke in admiration.


    "Fine, I will not bother her but I do not agree for the marriage."


    Zeke rolled his eyes and turned to Aria, "Aria, he will not dare to touch you. If he doesn''t ept the love marriage, you can torture him."


    "Zek..." Jude growled but Zeke Wen didn''t care and looked at Geoff, "Geoff, send my staff safe and sound after these three leaves."


    Geoff responded respectfully, "I will take care of it, Chairman Wen."


    Zeke advised Aria seriously, "Little brat, stop trying to grow moral roots in evil minds. People aren''t simple and innocent like you that you teach them and they will learn. The world is tooplex, lower your tolerance, and protect yourself more."


    Aria nkly looked at him without knowing how to respond. She was pointing her weapon at Jude in front of Zeke, she couldn''t understand why he was still calling her simple and innocent.


    Zeke saw her clear gaze and sighed internally. He invited Aria for dinner at his ce and left the Hanes mansion nning how he could covet Aria as his daughter or granddaughter.


    n knew what was happening in her head. He gently rubbed her head.


    Aria came out of the daze and saw Geoff. She gestured him to sit and asked, "Vice President Hanes, any progress on Norah Hanes''s decision?"


    Jude said through his teeth, "I will not support."


    Aria faced him and said rxedly, "No problem. Noah isn''t marrying you anyway."


    Finn''s hand itched to bop her head. Geoff smiled hearing her. Moran had noticed Aria didn''t spare a nce at him the whole time. He smiled to himself remembering how Aria had stuck her tongue out at him calling him<em> ''Chicken.''</em>


    "Don''t cross your line." Jude roared.


    n''s voice immediately sounded, "<strong>MIND YOUR TONE</strong>."


    Aria almost trembled by hearing his voice near her ear. His threatening, stony voice was just tyrannizing.


    n wrapped his hand around Aria''s shoulder when he realized her changes hearing him.


    Jude involuntarily turned pale without his knowledge. Moran''s gaze was sharp on n while Geoff''s fingers clenched tight because Jude was his father even if he wasn''t right.


    Jude stuttered, "I... I will..."


    Aria gave heads up, "Touch Noah, I will show you the end."


    Jude again lost his temper, "How dare you sit in my ce and threaten?"

 Chapter 321: Shot you to death

    Chapter 321: Shot you to death


    Aria smirked. Finn had thought Jude was a level headed strong man but his view changed. Geoff had thought his father might at least now understand that he wasn''t right but he was wrong.


    "Heh?" n slightly tilted his head, "You dared to assassinate my wife."


    He twirled his handgun, "Pray that you are still alive."


    Finn continued, "You are alive because of her. Do you think we have mercy in your life?"


    Jude breathed heavily and looked at his son, "Can''t you stand for your father?"


    Geoff knew n was there to give ast warning else he wouldn''t have visited and cleaned up. He nced at Aria and sighed.


    "Why should I? Did you stand for me when I needed you? Why are you expecting your own blood to shield you and die for you when you are the one who tried to kill a girl thinking nobody is there for her? Enjoy the special treatment."


    He left taking Moran upstairs.


    Aria smiled resignedly to herself seeing Jude in destion. "Chairman Hanes, Your friend left you, you have a family but you don''t have anybody besides you to take care of you. Who exactly is homeless?"


    Chairman Hanes looked at her passively losing all the aggressiveness.


    "I agree I don''t have my birth mother and father with me right now but do you know? I have so many who take care of me like parents. I have friends who stand for me. I have my husband who will face anything for me and supports me. Who do you think is an orphan? If I get hurt, I have so many to ask, who do you have?"


    "Your bodyguards? Your butler? Your assistant? Your driver? At least have you treated them like a family?"


    Jude Hanes frowned slightly but didn''t speak a word.


    "Your business, your money, your invisible power, your ego, your self-esteem doesn''t get you anything. If you wanted to be treated like a master, be one. If you want to be treated as an elder, be one. If you want respect, earn it. Don''t expect you will get everything because you have seen more decades than us. I know I shouldn''t expect an old tree to grow new roots but it is very essential to live longer."


    Aria stood up, "Before losing your familypletely, realize your mistake, and correct yourself."


    Aria cued two men to leave and walked out. Levi followed her, impressed by his president.


    Finn and n didn''t care about Elder Hanes''s life and how he was living. So they gave thest warning.


    Finn''s face was cold and words were frosty. "I will make sure to use the same helicopter to crush everything to ashes if you dare to hurt her."


    Finn left with Dustin after that while n hadn''t moved from his ce.


    Jude Hanes avoided n''s eyes. It wasn''t his first time meeting n.


    When he had lost a project against n while he was President of Skyline, he had sent a warning to n saying stay out of his way to live peacefully.


    The same day, n had blocked him on the road when he was on the way to Hanes mansion after work.


    He was so enraged that he went out and even tried to beat him when a series of vehicles stopped and surrounded him.


    n hadn''t spoken a word and didn''t leave the ce until he apologized and said he wouldn''t do it again.


    n hadn''t used any wrong way to get the project so he wasn''t an idiot to hear the threat and be quiet letting Jude think there was nobody to stop him.


    n had also checked if Hanes Industries used any underhand methods for administration projects or others but didn''t find any other than threatening a few.


    "I am sorry, I didn''t know she is your wife. I thought she ditched you at the wedding."


    n''s lips tilted dangerously, "I don''t care about your family and decisions. The smallest scratch on my wife by you is the cost of your life."


    Jude Hanes nodded multiple times keeping his gaze down from n.


    He had thought n would be like soft-spoken, mild Rowan Morgan just to mind his work and protect his family, he hadn''t expected n to be stronger and more powerful than his grandfather.


    He wanted a son like Rowan Morgan but Geoff wasn''t so mild. He wanted a grandson like authoritative and regal n but Moran didn''t hold such a presence.


    Now, he was sure, he couldn''t get a daughter inw as straight and upright as Aria who respected everyone around her and stood for her people without caring who she would go against.


    He failed to win against Curtis every single time.


    Once n left, he waved his hand at Seven to leave and dialed a number whose owner and he hadn''t in touch for decades.


    He was silent and the other end growled at him, "You old rascal, tsk my little girl is too softhearted. Why did my grandson let you live? I would have shot you to death if I was there."


    His hand trembled lightly hearing Curtis Morgan. Thetter asked in surprise hearing nothing, "Are you mute? Don''t tell me my grandson cut your tongue?"


    Jude''s low-spirited voice sounded sincere, "I''m sorry, I shouldn''t have raised my hand at you."


    The phone line went silent when Jude apologized. Their past memories shed in their mind as if it happened like yesterday.


    Jude spoke again like a man who was still stuck in that one past incident, "I was flustered, I was scared my father and grandfather might do something to me or you. I didn''t know how else to stop you from talking for me, for standing up for me."


    Jude, Curtis, Zeke weren''t ssmates or family friends or neighbors. They had weirdly met in the club drinking till their throat when they were in their twenties. They had started seeing each other at the same ce every Friday then they started getting along.


    The eldest one was Zeke and the youngest one was Curtis. They shared about each other and Jude had spilled out his real identity when he drank but it didn''t affect them.


    They had helped each other in their problems, got along really well but one day Zeke and Curtis had noticed Jude was severely scolded by two men at the club entrance. They were his grandfather, and father.


    Both friends stood up for Jude and argued rightfully. When Jude had noticed his grandfather ordering his assistant to call the police, he tried to stop the two but they weren''t scared and still took stand for Jude.


    Without being able to stop either side, he had pped Curtis and scolded both men to stay out of his life.


    Curtis had controlled himself from giving him back the p right there and left. He never stepped to the same club again, he had contact with only Zeke Wen who was tired of convincing both the parties.

 Chapter 322: Failing miserably

    Chapter 322: Failing miserably


    Curtis didn''t tell him he forgave him or if he could forgive him. He felt his blood boil for the past and for the present.


    "You are still a filthy thing who is scared of a little girl being righteous. What is the use of your apology when you behave like those dead ancestors of yours?"


    Jude was feeling like he was lectured by his father when he heard Curtis, he snorted, "Who is scared of her?"


    Curtis startedughing hearing him, "Shall I ask her to visit you again? I don''t think she will let you live the third time."


    Jude remembered Aria coughed lightly and sneered, "Your taste is still worse as ever. Who likes a feisty woman or girl?"


    Curtis mocked, "Why? Did you piss in your pants seeing my dear granddaughter-inw?"


    Jude looked at his mobile in bewilderment, "Narcissistic pig."


    "I''m better than you, wild hog."


    Both continued to curse each other over the phone while Curtis bragged about his family and mocked Jude relentlessly throwing off all his frustration.


    Jude failed in words against Curtis but he wasn''t angry instead he childishly retorted everything. He had called only two as friends in his life, Zeke Wen and Curtis Morgan. Circumstances sent them different ends of the city.


    After many years, he had met Zeke in the hospital when his grandfather was on death bed. He got to know Curtis was in contact with him and Zeke had asked him to apologize but his ego had stopped him.


    He just followed what his father and grandfather taught him and did the same thing to his son and grandson. There wasn''t anybody to tell him what he was doing wrong and he just continued thinking he was right all the time.


    As soon as Aria entered their life, everything changed.


    ---


    Aria who had left with Levi first asked him in perplex, "I didn''t n all these. Why did everything change as soon as one after another man entered my n?... Hehehe, Professor Wen was so funny even when scolding."


    Finn flicked on her head seeing herugh remembering his grandfather, "Are you nning to take over my ce everywhere?"


    Even though he sounded grim, he wasn''t angry. He didn''t expect his nasty ill tempted grandfather to like Aria so quickly.


    Aria gave it a thought and patted his head, "You can call me Mom when I take your ce."


    Finn: "..."


    Levi and Dustin controlled but chuckled before controlling seeing Finn''s icy re. Finn locked her hand in a swift heard her hiss, "Do you want a son older than you?"


    Aria clenched her teeth and flipped him with all her strength but Finn easilynded on the ground and locked her back.


    Levi and Dustin and all guards who watched: <strong>O_O</strong>


    "Little girl, that was a good move." He petted her head and twirled her aside.


    Aria puffed her cheeks in fake anger looking at Finn''s smirk. She knew he was way too strong for her to win unless she cheats.


    Even though Finn won, he saw all the adoration towards Aria from the men around her.<em> ''Okay fine.''</em> He understood Aria is adored irrespective of the result.


    Dustin and Levi almost said in unison, "You are amazing."


    Aria didn''t ept thepliments, "That''s him. Hmph." She hopped on the helicopter whose des started whirling and five men hopped on and left while the private sentry took the cars back safe.


    ---


    At Cooper mansion, four were wasting time talking nonsense and heard whirling helicopter des and exited the mansion to see the military helicopter.


    From afar they saw Aria hopping on the ground while five men walked like devils out of hell. Their lips twitched looking at the contrast picturesque.


    Eva and Noah chuckled looking at Aria happy even though they didn''t know where they had gone.


    While Rian was a painter of joy, light, hope, optimism, beauty, Roxy was a painter of bitter but truth realisticity like hatred, the darkness of life, power, cmities. She captured the picture for her next painting.


    Rian understood why Aria had said, ''I will miss Beauty.'' by looking at men behind her. He understood why she wanted to keep him away from problems and wanted him to see a happy life.


    If he remembers right most of his paintings were inspired by the world she always showed him. He nced at Roxy and realized he was the light in her life while Aria was the light in n''s life.


    Dazed, he didn''t realize when Aria reached them and pulled his cheeks getting no response, "Where have you lost? I''m super hungry. Let''s get in."


    "Little devil, you have nails." He rubbed his cheeks taking her in.


    Eva chuckled, "That''s why she used nails." Aria and Eva high fived irritating Rian. He was about to knock her head, n pulled her back.


    Rian rolled his eyes, he showed guest rooms for three assistants, and saw Finn standing, "Don''t you remember where your room is?"


    Aria heard Rian and turned from the stairs. n paused with her. "Finn, Last time where you stayed will be your room. There are clothes in your size too. Get fresh ande for dinner."


    Finn was surprised and saw n taking Aria away. Noah cleared his thoughts.


    "We all have rooms here and that one is yours. It isn''t a guest room." Noah pointed the stairs before going towards the dining hall.


    Finn realized Noah and Eva weren''t guests out there. Everyone was like a family. He smiled to himself thinking he has a room for himself in Cooper mansion and was treated like a family member.


    He saw Isaac enter and wave his hand as a greeting before going upstairs freely. He sighed and went to <strong>''HIS ROOM''</strong> and reached the dining hall soon.


    ---


    At the dining table.


    Aria and Eva smiled at each other and skipped all poultry products. They drank soup and ate a green sd. Even though they craved to take chicken, they controlled themselves.


    Isaac saw Eva skipping many dishes. He also understood why she was doing it but seeing her eat so less, he regretted saying it.


    On the other side, it was simr. n saw her eat what she doesn''t like. He ced vegetables on her te but she ced back on his te, "It is cooked with chicken."


    Aria sounded so rightful like she was an obedient wife who doesn''t cross her husband''s words. n frowned and said, "It''s alright, eat."


    Aria was speechless, seeing him still point at the vegetable. She licked her wounds failing miserably in tricking her husband.


    <em>''I''m sorry my little stomach. Sob, sob...''</em>

 Chapter 323: Unexplainable pain

    Chapter 323: Unexinable pain


    Aria stood up unwillingly feeling sorry for her stomach and the chicken on the dining table. "I''m full. You guys enjoy the dinner."


    Then Eva repeated it and followed her.


    Rian and Noah were baffled looking at two gluttons leave without eating anything.


    Rian realized soon, "Crap! Bro don''t tell me you are still jealous of chicken?"


    Isaac almost choked on his spit hearing him and nced at n who yed cool the previous day was no better than him.


    He tried his best to be invisible but Noah pointed at him, "Brother Isaac, I can''t believe even you are punishing Eva for chicken."


    Four men looked at them in confusion. Sophia was confused too.


    Punishing for chicken? That made no sense to them.


    n checked all the dishes and understood Eva probably purposely asked chefs to prepare only chicken dishes because there was no other meat present. He understood two girls were guilt-tripping them.


    Isaac didn''t look at the big picture and took his te with extra chicken and looked for his girlfriend immediately.


    Rian saw n sitting quietly and left the dining table without eating or taking.


    Roxy pointed at n and revealed her analysis, "Holy, are they going to check who will surrender first? Your brother is cunning."


    They know Aria will not eat if they take any chicken dish to her.


    Finn coughed lightly and asked on behalf of confused assistants and Sophia, "What''s going on?"


    Roxy gave a quickest recap, "Arria and Eva were drunk and chose chicken over their husbands so they are pissed off losing against chicken."


    Sophia chuckled hearing Roxy while four men never expected n to be so petty to evenpete against chicken.


    Noah asked Sophia to prepare anything for Aria without chicken and they continued to eat.


    ---


    In Eva and Isaac''s room


    Eva was beaming as she ate while Isaac fed her attentively, asking her to eat well.


    ---


    In Aria and n''s room,


    Aria''s lips twitched uncontrobly looking at n. ''Dumb man, can''t you y by rules. Ahhh... I will die of hunger.''


    But she smiled, "Why did youe back so soon? Did you eat properly?"


    "Uh!" n knew Aria wasn''t a fool to misunderstand why he returned. He didn''t respond and took hisptop and sat next to her as if everything was cool.


    Aria controlled herself from punching him for changing the game every time. ''I didn''t eat, he didn''t eat. We are equal. Yeah, we are equal...''


    She repeatedly convinced herself to stop thinking he didn''t eat properly.


    n saw her pathetic acting and controlled hisughter. He pulled her to his embrace for her to lean on him and continued to work normally in a hand.


    Aria''s stomach growled loud enough to be heard by two. She awkwardlyughed, "Normal part of digestion, hehehe..." ''Heartless prince.''


    She cried her invisible tears hearing his indifferent hum. She continued to work leaning on him checking lots mail after mail.


    Aria almost groaned hearing her stomach cry again and again. She was about to give up her stupidity, she heard a knock on the door.


    Straightening her back, she said, "Come in..."


    Rian stormed in and pulled Aria away from n, "Eat, it''s prawns porridge."


    Smelling the rich aroma, her stomach growled again. She opened her mouth to eat heartily.


    But when her head moved little towards the spoon, she was forcefully tugged aside by a strong arm.


    Rian was speechless with Roxy who was at the door.


    Aria wailed, "n, I''m hungry. I will soon die from hunger." She felt like crying and punched n in frustration.


    Rian didn''t get time to react and saw n''s closing bothptops and carried Aria out.


    "Ahhh Let me go... n, That wasn''t chicken. n..."


    Rian went out. The couple saw Aria continuously negotiating and getting no response, she bit n at the crook on the neck.


    "Little Devil got her chicken." He chuckled with Roxy.


    Aria saw n still unaffected. Pouting, she rubbed his neck where she had bitten him hard.


    She saw Finn, and the other three in the living hall and spoke, "Assistant Nathan, what are you still doing here? Go to your wife, your car is outside. You single dogs, go and rest if nothing is nned for tonight."


    Nathan sympathetically looked at single dogs and left soon. It waste so the other three stayed.


    Finn looked at Noah, "Aren''t you filled with a lot of dog food?"


    Noah chuckled, "This is nothing. I have be numb to all these."


    Finn felt bad for the only single of the Fourie. He collected hisptop from Dustin and went to his room.


    ---


    In the kitchen


    Aria pouted when n left her on the ind counter. "What do you want to eat?"


    Aria looked away crossing her arms, "Nothing."


    "Aria..." n called her helplessly and saw Rian entering the kitchen.


    Aria took the bowl smiling at him, "Pretty Beauty..." Then she noticed n''s face turn dark seeing her take what Rian brought instead of what he was ready to cook for her.


    She gulped looking at him. If he really gets angry, she would be done. Her soft voice turned firm and spoke to Rian, "What are you still waiting for? Go to your fiancee."


    Rian rolled his eyes, "I will tell grandpa if you sleep empty stomach. Then I will see how you will save your husband."


    Aria stuck her tongue out at Rian and saw him leave. n had just turned around to cook something for her but Aria panicked thinking he was angry.


    She quickly pulled him back wrapped her legs around his waist holding his top tight with her hand, "I didn''t want to waste this."


    n saw her eyes moistened and sighed. He wrapped her tight in his embrace, "Dummy, I was just kidding in the morning and I''m not angry."


    Aria grumbled, "Then why did you keep a vegetable to my te?"


    n didn''t know whether to cry orugh, "Do you remember which vegetable I kept in your te?"


    Aria remembered, "Baby corn... Oh, I like it so you picked it." Then she asked an important question, "Then why didn''t you ask me to eat in the room?"


    "I didn''t know only you are allowed to y dumb."


    Aria awkwardlyughed andplimented him, "Your acting is so good."


    "Yours is pathetic...."


    Aria ignored it and fed him as she also ate. As a punishment, n had to prepare crispy chicken poppers and feed her.


    All had gone to their rooms when they went out. "I will check on Noah ande."


    n hummed but carried her till Noah''s room and waited outside for her. Finn, who had just gotten fresh, saw the couple from the creek of the door.


    He was really happy for Aria seeing her giggling in n''s arms but there was unexinable pain that he buried because he wasn''t and couldn''t be the one next to her.


    He pushed the door shut and went to bed having no mood to work.

 Chapter 324: Suspicious movements

    Chapter 324: Suspicious movements


    Noah was calmly going to bed when Aria went to check on him. Aria spoke, "Let''s hope everything will be alright. I know it''s hard but this is the time you have to be strong."


    Noah pondered and spoke hesitatingly, "Arrie, she couldn''t stand for herself and me when it was needed. Do you think I should wait? What if she backs off again aftering? Suffering the second time will be harder."


    Aria leaned on the armchair opposite to him, "You are pessimistic because of the situation. You know Norah Hanes better than me so I will notment on her. I can only tell, Chairman Hanes'' fright in every member of the Hanes family is high. She didn''t run away at that time because she doesn''t love you, she wanted to protect you from her grandfather."


    Noah hummed but added, "If shees and if I have even a small doubt on her, I will not ept her... Will you guys still support me at that time after going through all these?"


    Aria smiled hearing him, "Cent percent. If you can''t trust her, you have to back off to save both of your lives."


    Noah sighed and nodded, "Go now, I am sleepy."


    Aria left saying, "No cheating on sleep."


    "Yes, President Cooper." Noah promptly went to bed and also slept soon.


    Aria was happy seeing Noah collect himself quickly. She was at a loss of words seeing n waiting at the door. "My dumb prince, why didn''t youe in if you wanted to wait?"


    n ignored herment and scooped her up to take her to their room to rest.


    ---


    In the morning, Aria saw the gym filled up with everyone. She chuckled looking at Rian forcing Roxy to exercise, Isaac was instructing Eva as he worked out. Finn was busy with his workout.


    Dustin and Levi didn''t have gym clothes so they were time passing.


    n returned from the jog and started working out after pecking on her nose tip.


    She went to her Aerial Hammock and started her exercise leaving Dustin and Levi amazed.


    Aria heard them gasps whenever her moves wereplex while others were already used to it.


    "Isn''t hammock used for ying?... Why is President Cooper twisting herselfplexly?... It looks so hard... She will strain her muscle tissues..."


    Levi was annoyed hearing Dustin. He went further inside and heard his mobile beep. His eyes contracted by looking at the mail content.


    "President Cooper, DNA test result is out."


    All fled to him like bees to the flower except n, Isaac, and Finn. Aria rolled down andnded on the floor gracefully.


    Levi handed the mobile to Aria while others asked, "What is the result?"


    Aria responded looking at n, "The Probability of paternity is 0%."


    "What?"


    "Shoot."


    "Crap..."


    "How can that be?"


    But n asked, "Whose samples did you send?"


    Rian rolled his eyes, "Of course, Calvin Parker and Abel Parker."


    He had just finished, Aria answered, "Kite Parker and Abel Parker."


    Nobody knew whose sample she had given. Levi had seen those names on the report and handed his mobile in confusion.


    n knew Aria hadn''te to Cooper mansion for Calvin''s hair sample or toothbrush after she had collected Abel''s hair sample so he guessed it couldn''t be Calvin Parker.


    "Holy mother."


    Finn crossed his arms, "Saira Hayek is ying big."


    Confused, Dustin looked at everyone''s face. He had no idea about anything and he knew he shouldn''t ask as it wasn''t rted to his work or Finn Stanley.


    Roxy asked in a dilemma, "Could my father and Saira Hayek be a team?"


    Aria pursed her lips looking at Roxy. n, Finn, and Isaac went back to their workout. Rian, Noah, and Eva startedughing with Aria looking at Roxy.


    Aria hugged her who had zero faith in her own father. "Shall we send for their paternity check? You will get a beautiful elder sister."


    Roxy shrugged her off and went back to the treadmill, "Fine, I am dumb." Since both wanted Skyline, she thought like that.


    Fourughed again seeing her embarrassed.


    n had checked about it and knew they had no connections.


    ---


    Aria finished her exercise and was around n when Isaac asked in a low voice.


    "Arrie what are the ns if Calvin Parker isn''t the son of Abel Parker?"


    Aria tried to y, "Why do you think I have a n?"


    Isaac was about to pat her head and say, <em>''I''m not seeing you today.''</em> but n pulled her to him, "Germs."


    Isaac grounded his teeth and was about to get back, Aria stood away from both, "You pack of germs, workout."


    Isaac grinned and heard, "I have checked the pregnancy reports of Saira and heard her all the exnation so ording to that, and the number of her pregnancy weeks shows that she had physical contact that week. So Dad is out of the list and she can''t add more lies. So I''m thinking of meeting..."


    Aria told the countern and added, "I know it''s not conventional but I don''t want to leave a loophole when I meet Saira."


    Isaac hummed, "What if he rejects your request? He has that right. And what about the man behind Saira? Could I be of any help?"


    Aria shook her head, "If he rejects, other thanining to police as a fake im over the rtionship, no choice will be left. Saira''s movement in the restaurant was suspicious. She wasn''t just there for lunch with her friends and the bill was paid by the surname who wasn''t in that room. Now background checks on the other five women. Ahhhh... My head will explode anytime soon."


    She just wanted to work and lead a life with n, friends, and family. She couldn''t understand why so many things are gettingplex as hell.


    Even Isaac felt hard to digest just hearing it. She has to n and look for the real culprit so that she doesn''t hurt innocents. So he could say she was having a real hard time getting deeper in the mess.


    n sighed hearing her and carried her out, "Time to clean germs out."


    "Ahh, my poor heart." She couldn''t understand how he manages to give attacks to her heart.


    ---


    In Aria and n''s room.


    Both were ready to leave, Aria tugged n towards her.


    "I want to meet him." Aria asked earnestly.


    n saw her expectant and understood her change of n, "Are you sure? Shall Ie?"


    "I have no objection if you are free."


    Free? He could leave everything for her.


    "I''ll get an appointment. We will go together after the morning meeting."


    Aria hugged his arm and went out fangirling over him. "Aww, my husband sees nothing other than me."


    <em>''Dummy.''</em>

 Chapter 325: Doesnt learn until he dies

    Chapter 325: Doesn''t learn until he dies


    After the meeting, n picked Aria and reached City B''s Penitentiary.


    Aria and n were led inside after security check.


    Sitting in front of an old man, Aria subconsciously clutched n''s hand tighter. n patted her hand gently. He knows her fear was deeply rooted in her teenage years which wouldn''t be easy to erase.


    "Why are you here?" A hoarse voice asked, seeing her.


    Aria went directly to the point, "Who gave you money for filing thewsuit for my custody?"


    Lucas Cooper wasn''t any stubborn, egoistic man. He looked a lot aged and his face was still soft looking at her.


    "I don''t know. It was wired internationally. It was a man who knew about his activity." He pointed at n and continued, "That man didn''t want Morgan''s family to help you. He said he will give Skyline to me and told me to take you away from Morgans."


    Aria slightly quivered without daring to imagine ''if''. Lucas Cooper was just a pawn.


    The main aim wasn''t the Skyline but to separate her from the Morgan family who was the only ones who stood by her with all ups and downs.


    "I''m married. n is my husband."


    n who was thinking who could hold a grudge that they wanted Aria to suffer, saw her unyieldingly saying they failed and she was with the Morgan family.


    Lucas''s expression didn''t change much other than nodding ncing at n who was holding her hand tight.


    "That man knows you two well but he always cursed you and never said a negative about your husband or Morgan family. If he isn''t found, you should be careful."


    Aria nodded but asked, "Why are you telling me all these now?"


    He simpered thinking about the past, "I wanted money but didn''t get. Even if Ie out, I will have no strength to do anything. At least you live your life."


    Aria didn''t give much of a reaction hearing that and she thought the detention center this time must have changed him for good.


    "There is a woman who is telling her son''s father is Dad. She had.."


    Lucas frowned hearing that and said through his teeth, "What nonsense is that? I had died telling him to get another woman for the heir and he objected to me every single time. You and Emily were his life. Where the hell did that bitche from?"


    Aria was cent percent sure Calvin can''t be her half brother but to prove, "I need your hair sample for the DNA test. Siblings test can''t be done."


    Aria had thought Lucas wouldugh at her saying she wanted Skyline so she wasn''t epting the man. Or Lucas might argue to take him so that family lineage could continue but he didn''t, he forcefully pulled his hair and pushed out at the small counter.


    "For blood, you might have to get a permission letter."


    Aria was surprised.


    n didn''t react to it. He ced tissue on the hair and picked it. He dropped it into a small transparent packet.


    n stood up as their work was done, Aria tried to speak, "After... After..."


    "I''ll send a car to pick you when you will be released. Take care of your health." n said indifferently to Lucas Cooper what Aria wanted to say.


    He wrapped his hand around Aria''s shoulder and took her out. Seeing him changed, he knew Aria couldn''t hold her anger. Since Lucas Cooper was her grandfather, he thought to arrange for his stay.


    Lucas Cooper saw the couple leaving and resignedly smiled to himself.


    He heard a Prison warden ask in astonishment, "Aren''t they the famous Presidents of Morgan and Skyline Industries?... Are you really Lucas Cooper, grandfather of President Cooper?"


    Lucas walked out of the room saying, "I wish I was."


    It was the first time he got a visitor even though they needed his help. He wasn''t sure if he would be living three and a half years to release from the prison, he just prayed the couple to live happily.


    Aria asked in the car, "Did I rush about Lucas Cooper? Seeing him changed, I feel like I should have tried to change him."


    n tugged her near, "No, that time, it was the best choice. You weren''t alone behind that. President Cooper, how can you take all the credits?"


    Aria smiled but it didn''t stay long, "n, even before we were together, that man wanted to pull the whole family support from me. You proposed to me on the next day of the first court session."


    n diverted the main topic, "Don''t you think they did right too? Else I would have still waited a long time and the topic wouldn''t havee up."


    Aria chuckled hearing him, "My opinion on you started to change from the time I scolded you... I need a hug."


    Aria promptly inserted herself between the steering wheel and n who was almost shocked and steadied the car on thene.


    "Honey I am driving." He said helplessly pushing the seat slightly back for her to befortable.


    Seeing her manage in a confined ce for the bear hug, he couldn''t help but say, "You are so tiny."


    "I knew the day when you hugged me seeing me cryying on the floor. I felt like Dad was back to protect me from everything."


    n caressed her head hearing that "Hence you continued crying."


    Aria hummed. "Thinking back, probably, I would have still given it a thought if you asked me out sooner but yeah. your n was still good because I got to know you are outgoing too and I was so dumb, even if I knew you treated me special, I thought because I was your ward."


    "Yeah, you are a dummy."


    Aria giggled started teasing him till they reached the restaurant for lunch.


    The restaurant valet''s mouth was wide open seeing two alighting from the driver seat.


    Aria quickly went inside to escape but got punished for seducing n then both got back to finish lots of work.


    ---


    Aria was doing her work when her mobile went off disying Noah''s name. She answered it to hear his anxious tone.


    "Arrie, Chairman Hanes is at Wood mansion with nearly twenty guards. I''m on the way home..."


    Aria pulled her hair in frustration, "This man doesn''t learn until he dies. I''ming."

 Chapter 326: Ill punish him

    Chapter 326: I''ll punish him


    Aria was doing her work when her mobile went off disying Noah''s name. She answered it to hear his anxious tone, "Arrie, Chairman Hanes is at Wood mansion with nearly twenty guards. I''m on the way home..."


    Aria pulled her hair in frustration, "This man doesn''t learn until he dies. I''ming."


    She hung up the call.


    Noah didn''t want her toe instead he just wanted to tell her. He already called his security head to get his people.


    Aria checked her safe drawer but didn''t find her handgun. She called Levi as she took her bag, "Levi...."


    "My handgun."


    Levi quickly gave her from another drawer which was at the bookshelf, "You will run away without telling me so."


    Aria controlled herself from smacking him, "Wood mansion. Quick." Then she ran out as Levi followed her calling the team to get ready.


    Aria took the driver seat and sped towards Woods'' mansion.


    Woods'' headquarters was farpared to Skyline so Aria was ahead with her high speed.


    ---


    At the Woods'' Mansion


    Aria was first surprised by seeing the woods'' main security guard opening the gate as usual greeting her amiably.


    <em>''Shouldn''t Hanes''s people take everyone under control?''</em>


    She saw all gardeners doing their work as she drove in. <em>''Should they be helping out or running away?''</em>


    She saw only two cars in the guest parking space. "Levi, something''s off. Why is everything calm?"


    Levi was in the same state, he called his men not to take action and went inside with Aria.


    Aria was courteously greeted by the maid who helped her with the jacket, as usual, to ce on the stand.


    <em>''What the hell is going on?''</em>


    She heard heartyughter instead of screaming. She quickly went to the main living area to see the Wood parents talking with the Hanes family.


    There were piles of gifts on the side but not the sentry.


    Madam Wood noticed her first went up to her. She hugged Aria happily, "Arrie, you are at the right time. Come sit with us."


    Levi remembered a minute back she was at the stage to kill Jude Hanes and now saw her in confusion. He understood the mimunication. Seeing no threat, he sent his men off.


    Aria quickly held Madam Woods'' hand and asked in a low voice, "Auntie, what is going on here? Where are the twenty-plus guards?"


    Madam Woods took her to the couch as she exined, "Hanes family had brought a big entourage and see over there? They aren''t listening to us even when we are saying those aren''t required."


    All saw Aria in confusion and Geoff asked, "Aria, what happened?"


    Aria flushed in embarrassment as she said, "Noah had called me and said Chairman Hanes is at home with twenty-plus men. He was panicked so I..."


    All were speechless hearing her.


    Master Wood spoke, "That brat didn''t hear mepletely and hung up the call. I thought he was excited but it turned out he ising here to fight. He threw you in a panic too."


    Aria awkwardlyughed while Master Wood rubbed her head.


    Aria took permission in a low tone, "Uncle, I''m going to beat him today. Ahh, he is soo dumb."


    Madam and Master Wood chuckled seeing her flushed.


    She whispered looking at the family of five, "Are they your inws now?"


    "We guess so."


    Aria breathed a sigh of relief resting her head on Madam Woods'' shoulder, "I guess I can breathe now."


    Jude saw her behave spoiled with Woods'' parents, who helped her drink water and asked if she wanted to eat anything.


    He understood what she had meant by she had many who looked after her like parents.


    Suddenly all heard a series of footsteps. Aria shot up quickly grabbing vase from the side table.


    "Boy, you are dead tonight."


    Noah who stood in surprise started running around the living area, anteroom, dining area as Aria cursed and scolded him endlessly.


    "What the hell?"


    "Hell? I''ll show you the one you brainless fool."


    "Arrie... Arrie... That hurts... First, tell me what is going on?"


    "Hurts? You dumb man, you gave me a heart attack and you are saying I''m hurting you. Stop now, I''ll break your leg."


    "Holy, have you gone nuts?"


    "Am I nuts? You are the one who lost the brain? Your screws have all gone loose, I''ll tighten them for you."


    "Arrie, let me take a breather?"


    "Why? To give one more panic attack? Where have you sold your brain? Can''t you know the difference between surprised and frightened? You headlessd, I chop you tonight..."


    Levi held her while she was passing by him. Aria breathed heavily ring at Noah who was at no less state.


    "Thank you, Levi. Your boss is scary." Noah thanked but heard, "President Cooper, remove your heels, it will be easier to chase."


    Noah: _


    The Wood parents who wereughing continued tough more seeing Noah speechless.


    Jude took the time to digest what just happened. He saw Aria who could actually knock Noah down but she didn''t and yed like a spoiled one just because she was misdirected.


    He understood why Curtis treasures her and listens to her more than his own sons.


    Sarah Hanes was smiling while Norah had aplex expression. Moran Hanes watched them enviously.


    Zara who reached saw Noah and Aria catching breath and thetter holding vase.


    She offered, "Do you want me to take him for another round?"


    "Sis, that''s not fair."


    Aria nodded then shook her head, "I''ll punish him more... You there, go open each and every box. I want to see better gifts than them at Hanes mansion when you visit there."


    "Now?" Noah was bewildered and saw nearly fifty gift boxes.


    Aria stood in akimbo ring at him. Noah snorted and went to do it.


    He was scared to death and he could say how much she was panicked so he didn''t argue back.


    While the Hanes family was shocked and thought the Wood family would scold her, they saw themughing.


    Aria went to Norah, "Talk to him. Don''t worry no one can hear you guys from that far or take him out."


    Norah nodded and went to him while Zara stood displeased, "That''s not a punishment."


    "As if I''ll really punish our Cutie."


    Aria smiled when Noah turned to her seeing Norah sitting with him. She was d everything was falling in ce.


    Noah was getting Norah, Aria got to know about Saira Hayek, Jasper Madison wasn''t a threat yet. And Aria could finally lower her burden.

 Chapter 327: Lifetime

    Chapter 327: Lifetime


    "Auntie, Uncle I''ll leave. Have a good evening."


    Aria didn''t wait for the reply and turned to leave but Zara held her back, "Why are you leaving?"


    Madam Wood too reached them, "Elder Hanes said you convinced him, how can you leave just like that?"


    Aria faintly smiled thinking when did she convince him. She had gone to scare him. "It''s family time. I''ll be there to enjoy the functions."


    Madam Wood pped Aria''s arm while Zara twisted her ear.


    "Sister Zara, that hurts... that hurts..."


    "What are you? Outsider? You are family too, you are staying and that''s final."


    Aria knew they treated her like family but she didn''t feel her presence was right. She already went off the line and beat up Noah in front of everyone so she didn''t want to stay.


    "I have lots of work." Aria whined and heard Master Wood''s order.


    "Throw them to the bin. Come here."


    Aria had no choice, hence she asked Levi to take her car and asked a maid to collect her bag.


    She sat with the family silently as the elders spoke.


    ...


    On the other end, Noah yed with a gift box looking at Norah who was seriously opening the boxes.


    Norah saw his gaze and probed, "Open."


    Noah sighed, "Are you thinking Arrie told it for real? She sent us far to talk."


    Norah''s pace of unwrapping gifts lowered hearing him.


    "I... I am sorry."


    Noah frowned, "For?"


    Norah lowered her head, "For breaking my promise."


    "And that is?"


    Norah''s eyes filled up as she said, "I had said there is no stepping back and I backed out."


    Noah nodded, "Okay."


    This time Noah didn''t want to initiate anything. If she really wants to be with him, he wanted her to speak her heart else he wasn''t ready to lose every time for her without knowing if she will be with him.


    He was ready to listen to her for everything but only after knowing she trusts him.


    Norah felt tongue-tied hearing <em>''Okay''</em>. She didn''t know what to say. He didn''t look like the Noah she knew.


    Noah, she knew was the one who understood her without words. The one who always told what was in her mind. The one who never kept her in awkward silence.


    Her hands trembled when she saw him opening the gift box unmindfully. "Noah..."


    Noah hummed after a few seconds hearing her stop after his name.


    "Grandfather permitted us to get married and canceled the previously arranged wedding."


    Noah again hummed. There was no happiness and no other emotions.


    Norah was confused, "Don''t you want to marry me?"


    Noah squeezed the box which was in his hands hearing her. He saw her doubting him. A self-mocking smile appeared on his face, "Good question. Well done."


    He strode out of the mansion after saying it. His head was filled with lots of dilemmas. He knew he loved her but he was scared she might not trust him and their rtionship.


    He was happy that the whole family was ready to ept their rtionship but what if Elder Hanes gets upset about them and asks her to marry somebody? Will she agree to him again? That tortured him.


    He still remembers like yesterday how Elder Hanes''s men pointed their weapons at him. He was already given heads up by Geoff and Aria so he was able to sit patiently at that time but still seeing Norah run away from him, only he knew how much he was hurt, how much he felt suffocated, how he had tried to stay cool that day.


    When he was ready to do anything for her, he expected only little from Norah even though she had hidden many things from him.


    He looked above and took a deep breath thinking whether he was expecting too much. Should he directly speak to her? She is an introvert, will she be able to talk even if she wanted?


    Even though he wanted her to take initiative, in the end, he still understood Norah and decided to talk burying his expectations.


    ...


    Everyone who saw Noah''s going out was confused. Zara and Moran stood up in annoyance seeing Norah sitting alone. Moran clenched his fist in fury thinking Noah hurt his sister.


    Aria spoke before they could react more, "Back to the seat. Do you have any idea what he has gone through? Sister Zara, you know it well. Let them resolve themselves. It''s not always about girls. Boys have a heart too. They don''t carry the stone." Aria knew he was pessimistic which could only be solved by Norah Hanes.


    Moran frowned but he sat back.


    Jude Hanes didn''tment. He didn''t break the wedding because of Noah, he broke it because Norah epted she didn''t want to marry that man. Even if Noah and Norah couldn''t make it, he had no objection.


    Woods'' parents knew Noah was more important for Aria than Norah or Hanes so they didn''t say anything.


    ...


    Norah who saw Noah leave abruptly understood she asked the wrong question.


    Herplex emotions always confused her. She herself was clueless about what to do.


    <em>''Noah always understood me. Why can''t he...''</em> She realized from her own thoughts.


    <em>''Noah always understood me, Do I understand him? He always looked after me, tried harder for me, did I? He took risks for me, did I?''</em>


    <em>''Do I deserve Noah?''</em>


    <em>''There was always a one-sided effort, what did I do?''</em>


    <em>''Silence is not a solution, if not now, when am I going to do it? I can''t be like this, I have to change for the better.''</em>


    <em>''All I have to do now is, never let him regret?''</em>


    Determined, she grabbed something from the gift box and went towards the exit. Her eyes fell on the vase on the wall table.


    She took flowers and noticed Aria smiling while others were looking at her in confusion. "Thank you."


    Then she ran out confusing Aria, "What did I do?" Zara and her parents chuckled hearing Aria.


    Norah ran out and saw Noah looking at the sky. He turned around when she reached him.


    Norah said what she wanted to say. "Noah, I know I am slow, I am always confused, I am not fearless but I want to change for you, I want to change for us.


    I was scared to stand for you but I promise I will face everything and find a solution instead of running away. I will trust you at every point without a word. I will never let you regret whatever you did for me.


    And to make these all happen, I need you. I need you for me to show I am worth your love. Noah Wood, will you ept me as your girlfriend, fiancee, life partner and wife for this lifetime?"

 Chapter 328: You are all bullies.

    Chapter 328: You are all bullies.


    Noah was astonished. He was almost scolding himself for leaving Norah alone inside but after hearing her, he knew he made the right choice.


    He had no doubt about anything seeing her determination which he hardly saw in her.


    But, for the first time, he started behaving like tsundere. He pointed to the ground and sounded grim, "Kneel..."


    "Huh?" Norah was confused. She thought he was angry and obediently kneeled down.


    Noah then ordered, "Raise your hands."


    Norah followed in her confusion and raised both hands thinking he was giving school students punishment to her.


    Noah''s lips twitched seeing her raise hands above her head. He realized his girlfriend was a dummy. He had told her to raise her hand for giving flowers which she was holding.


    His voice softened and said, "Is this how you give flowers?"


    Norah''s slow brain reacted and held flowers toward him and saw him chuckle.


    "You are bullying me." She spoke like a wife bullied by her husband and pouted.


    Noah raised his brows indifferently looking at her, "I can bully you more."


    He kneeled in front of her in a swift way. Norah was startled and about to fall back but Noah wrapped his left hand around her waist and pulled her to him.


    Norah flushed seeing him up so close, she was about to look away, Noah''s right hand moved her nape and kissed her on the lips.


    Norah widened her eyes and her first reaction was to try to push him but it soon stopped when his soft lips gently caressed her lips.


    Noah tightened his arm when Norah started responding, forgetting they were on thewn and it was still dusk.


    He didn''t go further thinking he might scare her and broke the kiss soon. He pinched her bright flushed red cheek and asked, "Got your answer?"


    Norah shyly nodded.


    Noah teased seeing her too quiet, "Where are the flowers?... You threw the flowers you brought here for me."


    Norah panicked, "No no I somehow slipped when kissing."


    Norah flushed more hearing herself and heard Noah, "Oh... I didn''t know."


    She pointed at him in bewilderment, "You... You... You are such a bully."


    Noah stood up and pulled her up, "I have never said I''m not a bully."


    Norah blinked her eyes repeatedly, understanding she will be bullied from that day.


    Noah smiled smugly and was taking her inside, She held him and opened her palm which had two rings. Noah calmly took thedy''s ring and put it on for her and took another one and wore it. "Let''s go."


    Norah smiled and followed him looking at their intertwined fingers.


    Noah saw n taking Aria out. He hadn''t seen n enter and didn''t know when exactly he went in. He didn''t show much of a reaction and asked, "Are you guys leaving?"


    Aria changed questions looking at their hands, "Where are flowers?"


    Norah flushed and Aria got the answer. Noah ignored it because Rian and Eva weren''t there to tease him more, "Stay for dinner."


    Aria teased, "I thought you had your dinner... I will call you tomorrow. See you."


    Aria left with n happily while Norah said in bafflement, "You are all bullies."


    Noah was surprised, "So you understood what Arrie meant by dinner. I was thinking I have a dummy with me."


    Norah: <strong>_</strong>


    She epted her fate and was also happy they weren''t treating her indifferently as a stranger.


    Two families merrily had dinner and decided to talk about engagement and weddingter days before dispersing.


    ---


    Aria who had sent a message to n picked her up without caring to give a reason. Nobody dared to ask why he was taking his wife either.


    Aria was wearing the seat belt when n told her, "Your friend doesn''t know how to kiss."


    "Seriously? That doesn''t concern us and he isn''t Eva."


    n continued, "How can that be a dinner? I will give you starters."


    Before she could know what was the starter he was talking about, he robbed her sanity. Then he ced a big bouquet of red roses on herp.


    Licking his lips, "Our kiss is the best."


    Flushed Aria: "..."


    He kissed her blushing cheek and took her out on a dinner date to rx her.


    But after reaching there both saw Rian and Roxy at one end of the restaurant and Eva and Isaac at another end of the rooftop restaurant.


    Aria had thought to tell them about Noah and Norah after dinner with her husband, sighed seeing them join three tables for a triple dinner date.


    "Guys, our only single got his girl. He might marry soon too." She just had an inkling Hanes wouldn''t allow them to date or just be engaged.


    While three of Fourie and Roxy happily spoke, Isaac saw n''s dark face. He understood n wanted to have dinner only with Aria. n decided to reserve aplete hotel from next time.


    Isaac messaged Aria, <em>[Your husband is pissed off with our presence.]</em>


    Aria saw the message and replied, <em>[Chill. I have my ways.]</em>


    She just sent the message and raised her head, Amelia and Rowan who just entered the roof pointed at them when Aria saw.


    "My little kids, Mind if we join?"


    Aria shook her head with others and the table was rearranged again leaving n at loss. Aria thought it was the end but saw Eva''s parents too.


    Eva, Aria, Roxy, and Ameliaughed their hearts out seeing how older men and younger men chose the same ce on the same day for the dinner.


    Everyone''s date with their partner changed to family dinner. Aria saw n sulking and ced her mobile on the table near him.


    n solemnly checked her mobile screen and his eyes brightened. His wife had booked a yacht for the whole night.


    "We are not taking anybody there." His low deep voice sounded near her ear.


    Aria nodded resignation. They always watched the music fountain on the ground so she nned to watch from the riverside. Since it was their first date ce, it was special for both.


    Simrly, Isaac and Eva had nned to watch outdoor movies in the city outskirts. Rian and Roxy were going on a long drive and they were spending the weekend at the beach.


    Nobody didn''t tell anything to another couple.


    Elders were going back home and resting.


    And another new couple was on the call the whole night. "... By the way, how did your grandfather change all of a sudden?"


    Norah on the other end felt it was still a miracle. "Yesterday, President Cooper, President Morgan, President Stanley were here. Brother Moran said grandfather had sent his men to kill Aria Cooper for pointing her gun at him and for looking down on him..."


    Noah was shocked to hear that and continued to hear. "... Anyway, thankfully she was smart and escaped. Yesterday Grandfather got to know that Aria Cooper is married to n..."


    She briefed what she had got to know and told what happened in the morning, "... Out of everyone''s expectation, Grandfather asked me if I would like to marry that President. I said I will listen to him but he asked me back the same thing amiably..."

 Chapter 329: I have a dummy

    Chapter 329: I have a dummy


    In Hanes Mansion


    After talking with Curtis Morgan, Jude Hanes was calm. He knew exactly how his father and grandfather ordered him around and he followed the same thing.


    He felt Geoff was bolder and stronger than himself that he was able to speak out even though he always terrorized them.


    After a good night''s sleep, he finished his morning exercise of walking and met everyone at the dining table.


    He knew nobody could believe him even if he changes overnight so he ordered but not fiercely, "Find an eligible vice president for thepany..."


    Geoff frowned thinking his father was permanently shutting him from thepany.


    Moran didn''t expect his grandfather to be the same after a day before.


    Jude Hanes continued, "I''m transferring everything to you. I''ll not work anymore. You, father and son, take care of everything."


    Everyone froze in shock. They couldn''t believe they heard him right.


    Seven who was standing behind Jude realized thetter wasn''t the same. He could make out from his voice he had turned a lot gentler but he wasn''t showing it.


    Jude continued, "Moran, arrange shareholders meeting, I''ll announce Geoff will be a new chairman and also new vice president... Norah, do you want to work?"


    Norah unknowing trembled hearing her name but four looked at each other. In the Hanes family, only education waspulsory for the girl and they never liked to send them to work.


    Jude asked again, "Don''t want to work? Why are you mute?"


    Norah stuttered, "I... I... Will do... as you say... grandfather."


    Jude stretched his hand aside and collected his mobile from Seven. "I asked, do <strong><em>YOU</em></strong> want to work?"


    Moran answered seeing her cold sweat scaring she might say something wrong. "She is bored sitting at home. She likes to work. I can teach her but she isn''t capable yet to be the vice president yet. She can be my secretary for now."


    Norah was on the verge of breakdown thinking Jude will scold her for having such wishes but Geoff and Moran looked curiously at Jude while Sarah patted his daughter''s trembling hand.


    Jude hummed, "Then join and learn what you like. Geoff, appoint a new Vice President after a good background check."


    Moran and Geoff looked at each other and thetter responded, "Yes Dad..."


    Jude who had almost dialed a number paused and looked at Norah whose mouth was wide open looking at him.


    "Do you want to marry Jones?"


    Norah felt like he was digging a deep grave for her. She saw Geoff cuing her to say the truth but she burst into tears unknowingly, "I''ll do as you say, grandfather."


    Jude frowned hearing that, "Stop crying."


    Norah froze instantly.


    He asked slowly, clearly, and softly, "Do you like to marry him?"


    Norah was amazed hearing him and subconsciously she said the truth, "No, he looks at me like I''m a pile of shit. I like Noah."


    After saying it, she came out of the daze and shut her mouth. She started weeping and said, "Don''t do anything to Noah..."


    She started yammering but Jude, "Shhh..."


    While Moran and Geoff were curious, Norah and her mother thought Jude was going to order his people to beat up Noah.


    Jude dialed an international number and spoke when the other end answered, "We are breaking the marriage alliance. I don''t care about the project, I''m pulling out my support."


    While Moran, Geoff, and Sarah were happy, Norah removed her ring and threw out as if it was a lump of burning coal.


    Jude saw Norah throwing her five-carat diamond ring worth billions without a second thought, he understood that man didn''t earn an ounce of respect and she wasn''t a fan of expensive things.


    Jude sneered hearing the other end, "Filthy Poop is daring to threaten me. I''m not just a talk when I''m saying I am pulling out our coboration from all the projects."


    Then he hung up the call and ordered, "You two, go and shop lots of gifts for Woods'' family and Geoff, handle at thepany side today itself."


    They looked at each other in astonishment, ''Filthy Poop'' They never expected that word from Jude.


    Moran and Geoff remembered Zeke Wen and understood, Jude was the same as him but he had hidden well.


    "What the hell are you still waiting for?"


    Thinking he might change his opinion, all scurried away quickly.


    At some part, they were still scared of Jude so they didn''t dare toze. Norah and Moran had shopped the whole afternoon, Geoff went to thepany.


    Geoff and Norah thought of calling Aria and Noah multiple times but thinking what if Jude changes his mind in the evening they didn''t call to give any hopes.


    Evening they filled many cars with gifts and reached the Wood'' mansion.


    ---


    Norah finished everything and added, "I overheard Dad when he was on call. Aria Cooper purposefully diverted grandfather''s hatred towards herself so that he doesn''t think of hurting you. He was scolding her never to do it again. In reality, it is Aria Cooper who made this happen."


    He understood why Aria didn''t tell him about Moran after seeing pictures. He understood she knew all the possible problems from the beginning.


    He hummed and looked outside into the dark of the night. All he did was stand against school bullies for her, he didn''t expect her to do so much just because they were treating her well.


    He sighed and changed the topic, "By the way, I want a secretary, do you want to join?"


    Norah tried to be cautious, "Will you bully your employees?"


    Noah''s lips arced up and said, "Employees are employees, you will be my employee."


    Norah believed it, "Okay I will inform it in the home ande tomorrow."


    He understood why Flirty Eva, Goddess Aria, and Fiesty Roxy were dummies to their husbands.


    <em>''I finally have a dummy.''</em> Noah thought to himself and spoke until one realized it was dawn and went to bed waking up with dark circles.


    ---


    Aria didn''t have an office on Saturday and Eva was free so they got to know from Zara that Noah had arranged a meeting and was paying for it in the office.


    Isaac had the shoot, n went to an inspection of Perfume factories so drama queens set off to irritate Noah while R couple were busy at the beach.

 Chapter 330: Shirtless on the desk

    Chapter 330: Shirtless on the desk


    At Woods'' headquarters.


    Noah had just alighted the car when a guard opened the door, he saw ck Bently stopping behind his car.


    He didn''t expect Norah to reach at exactly five minutes to nine.


    She skipped over to him, "Good morning President Wood."


    Noah hummed and led her inside as he instructed the security head who was there to receive him, "Call all the security personnel here in five minutes."


    He got into work while Norah checked out the magnificent interior. "I thought you were simple and sleek. It''s opulent... This chandelier is so big, is this custom made?"


    Noah hummed, "Rian designed it when we were in school. I am thinking of changing it."


    Norah shook her head, "This is beautiful. Just change the corner pendants if you want a new look."


    Noah didn''t know Norah knew about such details. Since it was a Hanes family, she was trained in household chores too.


    "Then that''s your first assignment." Since she liked it, he thought of letting her do what she likes.


    "Really? That''s great." Norah happily took the pictures of it as she thought which designs could be molded without affecting its beauty.


    Soon fifty numbers of men stood and greeted Noah in unison.


    Noah''s face was emotionless as he ordered, "She is the young madam Wood. She should receive the same respect as me. Am I clear?"


    Norah flushed.


    "Yes Sir!" Their voice was loud and clear. Then they bowed to Norah, "Greeting to Young Madam Wood."


    Norah gulped and nodded, "You said I''ll be your secretary."


    Noah hummed at her and said, "Disperse."


    They responded and quickly returned to their respective works.


    Norah realized Noah tricked her again, "I want to work."


    Noah led her to his office, "You will."


    "I don''t want such a high profile employee status."


    "What do you mean?"


    Norah saw him frown and quickly exined, "I mean I don''t have work experience so I want to work as an employee. If everyone knows I''m your would-be wife, they will treat me special without giving me proper work."


    Noah knocked on her head, "You are my secretary to learn a high-level management structure. Other than me, nobody will give any work, And anyway I''m just writing a line for other men to stay away from you."


    He smirked at her and walked holding her hand. Norah gave up. She had thought she would gain experience as a nameless employee but her boyfriend turned out to be a possessive one.


    "Who is she? She is so beautiful." Norah unknowingly held Noah''s arm with the left hand walked next to him.


    Noah heard her envious tone and saw her getting near him. He didn''t want Norah to think otherwise so he introduced them when that secretary greeted him, "She is my secretary, Luna ck. Luna, she is yourdy boss."


    Luna smiled at Norah with a bow and greeted, "Wee to Woods'' International, Young madam Wood. Please let me know what you would like to drink, I''ll get it for you. If you would like to take a tour of the office, please let me know."


    Noah responded, "She likestte. I will take her aroundter, check if we could prepone the meeting and reschedule tomorrow''s meeting to the weekday."


    By the time he finished, Norah and Noah were inside. Luna closed the door as she responded.


    She was very happy for her president who doesn''t have to eat excess dog food from his friends.


    She quickly rearranged the things before calling her husband, "Darling, you wouldn''t believe mydy boss is so pretty. They make such a sweet couple. She is a harmless kitten looking at me curiously..."


    She continued to brag about the couple while the couple sat opposite to each other talking not so business.


    "Where is my desk?"


    Noah hung his zer on a hanger aside and sat on his seat, "In front of me."


    Norah sat down and tried to speak, "Noah, I really want to work."


    Seeing her way too serious, "I will arrange a desk here." He pointed out space next to his desk.


    Norah objected, "I want there." She pointed opposite to him at the floor to the ceiling ss wall.


    Noah saw and didn''t object, "Isn''t the current seat better than sitting far in front of me to look at me?"


    Norah flushed and pointed to the ce next to him, "That ce is alright."


    Noah hummed, "You want to be next to me."


    Norah flushed. "If you continue this, I will sit outside."


    Noah was unperturbed and teased, "Ourpany doesn''t give the independence to employees to choose their own desk location."


    Norah: <strong>O_O</strong>


    She tried her best toe up with a reason, "I''m thedy boss. I can sit anywhere."


    Noah pushed hisptop to her and took the files to check, "Are you asking my seat? Sure."


    Norah pointed her finger at him but no word came out. She took theptop and started working on her first assignment stealing nces at seriously working Noah.


    Noah didn''t want to confine her. He knew her social awkwardness and her unhealthy habit of saying yes to everything so he wanted her to slowly get used to it instead of going all out at once.


    Norah quickly got the idea to revamp the chandelier and reported to Noah. He agreed and told her to wait for Monday to meet the concerned employee.


    ---


    Aria and Eva reached Noah''s office and were greeted by Luna, "President Cooper. Ms.Miller."


    Both smiled and were about to open the door, Luna spoke, "I think you should knock and enter. Young Madam is with President Wood."


    Aria and Eva grinned and pulled Luna to them, "How is yourdy boss?"


    Luna was already used to the Fourie so she responded, "She is really pretty. Her voice is so soft. President Wood got a good one himself."


    Eva and Aria chuckled and pulled her with them, "Let''s catch them red-handed."


    Luna: "..."


    She had no choice and she also curiously peeped in slowly creating a creak at the door but three were disappointed and stood straight.


    Evamented, "Your President is boring. Who looks at a file sitting in front of a beauty?"


    Aria too hummed, "The first date in the office. These working men''s problems. Ugh."


    Luna chuckled and was about to knock the door for them, Aria stopped. "We are sneaking in, bye."


    Luna: "..."


    She saw Aria and Eva enter without making a sound so she went back to her seat.


    Aria and Eva stood behind Norah, cupping their faces like Norah and looked at Noah innocently blinking their eyes


    When Noah felt something standing up behind Norah, he was almost freaked out ready to pull Norah towards him.


    "What the heck? I am getting goosebumps for real, what''s with your look?"


    Norah was confused. She thought it was for her and saw his line of sight to see two friends copying her and flushed.


    The drama queens got into action, "I am imagining my sweetheart. What with your reaction?"


    "Why will I look at you like this? I imagined my hottie shirtless on the desk."


    Noah: "..."


    Norah: "..." <em>''Shirtless on the desk?''</em>


    Aria patted Eva, "Stop freaking out the little girl."

 Chapter 331: Arrogant Princess

    Chapter 331: Arrogant Princess


    Drama queens got into action, "I am imagining my sweetheart. What with your reaction?"


    "Why will I look at you like this? I imagined my hottie shirtless on the desk."


    Noah: "..."


    Norah: "..." <em>''Shirtless on the desk?''</em>


    Aria patted Eva, "Stop freaking out the little girl."


    Noah: "Norah, they are shameless. Don''t take them seriously."


    Aria and Eva started wailing by hugging each other, "Huu Huu, we lost our sweetie..."


    "Such a heartless man tossed us away after getting a wife."


    Norah gave a suspicious look at Noah and actually felt bad for the girls seeing them cry while Noah was speechless.


    "Guys, it''s too much."


    Eva wailed louder saying, "My goddess, he is saying too much to us."


    Luna who brought juice to the two girls, rushed in, "What happened?"


    Two girls quickly jumped to her, "Your president is telling his wife that we are shameless."


    "He also said not to take us seriously."


    "He said we are doing too much."


    "How can he abandon us so soon? He will abandon you too Luna. Don''t trust him."


    Norah felt it was really too much now.


    Noah strode to them and grabbed the juice sses, "This is for me then."


    He was leaving, two girls quickly pulled him and took the ss, "You got the girl and you want our drinks too. Tsk, cold-hearted man."


    Luna realized what was going on hence she left feeling theirdy boss should have a strong heart.


    The two girls wiped invisible tears and continued their overacting. They sobbed and drank juice while Noah wrecked his brain on how to stop their drama.


    "Arrie, do you want to design the wedding gown for Norah? And Eva, I was thinking of a digital invite so how about you write a storyline for it."


    "Really?" The duo girls said in unison but they also knew he purposefully diverted so both looked at each other and held his arm, "Aww, our sweetie doesn''t care even if we ruin it."


    "I will make sure to write a funny storyline that everyone keepsughing their heart out."


    Noah: "..."


    Norah burst intoughter seeing Noah at loss and girls purposefully clinging on to him to tease him.


    Aria and Eva high fived Norah and tortured Noah until they couldn''t hold theirughter looking at his defeated face.


    Noah saw Norah getting along with his loonies instead of getting irritated. So he didn''t buff and flicked on two girl''s heads before going to his seat.


    "Ms.Hanes, I know we are overly dramatized." Aria paused, Eva continued, "You have no choice but the bear with us." Then two girlsughed high fiving each other.


    Noah nodded, "You should get used to us Fourie. We kick up lots of fuss if we want. Our families are used to us."


    Aria and Eva hummed to his line and looked at Norah who was silent as a mouse. Their expression changed seeing her sit silent.


    ''Holy crap, we went overboard.'' was written over Eva and Aria''s face.


    Noah asked, "What''s wrong? They were just making fun."


    Norah shook her head, "You guys... I mean how do you guys manage to enjoy life with all the responsibilities?"


    Aria and Eva held their hearts and went to the couch, "I almost thought I would get a heart attack."


    "I was ready to hear the breaking of my little heart."


    Noah sighed after hearing her, "We almost thought you misunderstood us."


    Norah boldlymented, "You guys are monkeys of the same flock. What''s there to misunderstand?"


    Aria: "..."


    Eva: "..."


    Noah subconsciously looked at two who burst out, "Noah Wood, how dare your wife to bully us?"


    "Do you want my and Goddess''s husband to bully you?"


    Norah was shocked but two girls smiled at her, "Thank you for thepliment Ms.Hanes."


    Noah facepalmed seeing them sending Norah on an emotional roller coaster ride.


    Norah took time to understand and promptly spoke, "Why didn''t I meet you guys sooner? You guys are so funny."


    Eva, Aria, and Noah chuckled hearing that. "You are a quick learner."


    Noah and Aria hummed and stopped their big drama after giving her taste of the Fourie before the four could actually freak her out someday.


    Luna entered inside and told him about the meeting. After knowing it was a long meeting, "President Wood, we will kidnap your wife."


    "Ms.Hanes, we will update you about all the funny stories of your husband. Let''s go."


    Norah promptly stood up taking her bag after hearing Aria. "Let''s go."


    Noah: "..." He saw three girls abandon him just like that.


    He smiled thinking of Norah who was socializing and slowly changing and giving her opinions without the fear of others'' judgment of her.


    ---


    At the mall.


    Instead of just humming or answering, Norah was talking with the girls, asking them questions, opinionated,ughed, shopped, and enjoyed with them.


    Sitting in a cafe to rest, they heard amotion while a few socialites passed nastyments on a girl.


    "Wasn''t she behaving like an arrogant princess? Look at her now. Tsk."


    "What is she wearing? Such a tacky dress."


    "When did security start allowing beggars inside this mall?"


    "Hadn''t you dirtied my clothes once?" Then thatdy threw hot coffee on the dress and all heard a cry.


    Aria cued Eva to be with Norah. She saw the girl identifying her as Kite who was pushed to the ground by a girl. She didn''t think twice and gave across the face of that girl and the one who threw the coffee.


    Aria bodyguards who were in shades quickly stood near.


    "Who the hell... President Cooper, how dare you?"


    Aria carefully helped Kite next to her seeing her skin turn bright red due to coffee. Since her dress material was thick, she wasn''t scalded.


    Aria took the cold coffee and threw it on the face of the girl. "Do you want to see the length I can go?"


    "Who the hell do you think you are?" The girl who pushed Kite tried to p Aria but Aria twisted her hand to her back easily.


    "Me? Do you want to know it?"


    Aria slightly turned and said, "Call the police, Manager, get me the footage."


    Kite tugged Aria''s top, "It''s alright. I''m not hurt."


    Aria was unyielding, "No, these self-named, new money socialites should know their limits." She pushed the girl aside.


    She looked at the girls trembling in anger, "Tacky clothes? At least Kite bought her clothes with her earned money, what about you? Squandering your parent''s hard-earned money.


    Arrogant Princess? She has the right to be one and what about you? Have you looked at your faces? Lips filled with fillers, nose job, jaw correction, and what else? Face packed withyers of creams?" She pointed to the one whose makeup was ruined by the cold coffee.


    She couldn''t understand how those girls warm up to the one who has more money and talk nonsense when they don''t have it.


    If that is what called a socialite, then she didn''t want to be called a socialite.

 Chapter 332: Dance class

    Chapter 332: Dance ss


    Aria saw her bodyguard and sounded calm, "I want Kite''s size branded dresses here in ten minutes."


    Kite saw her once upon a time as friends then at Aria.


    She had used the same friends to ruin Aria''s image but the one who is standing up for her was the same Aria. Her eyes involuntarily filled up and lowered her head biting her lip.


    In no time, the cafe manager gave her a copy of the footage and cops soon reached who were on patrol. Jake was one of them.


    Aria passed the Pendrive, "I don''t care the fine they pay, until their parents release them, keep them detained for creating a nuisance and hurting Kite Parker. They have burned her skin with hot coffee."


    A girl spat at Aria, "You... You threw coffee on my face and my pretty dress is all ruined."


    Aria smirked, "Is it burning? Do I look like a fool to throw a hot coffee on you?"


    She removed cash from her wallet handed to the girl, "For ruining your dress with coffee." Then she kept one more note, "For ruining your makeup. Keep the change. I''m generous to beggars."


    The onlookers burst intoughter hearing Aria. She had taunted back the right words at the right time. Jake and another cop were at loss.


    "Arrie... I''m sorry, President Cooper, this is just a negligible case. They can say sorry and we can close the case."


    Aria knew that. She wasn''t doing it to show her power. She didn''t want those girls to bully Kite ever again. "Then show as they tried to attack me when I saved Kite. Simple."


    All were baffled hearing that. Those girls knew the consequences of attacking the President of Skyline, who was named to be a treasure of the business industries.


    They felt the first me was better than going on the news and bing aughing stock in city B. Soon three trolleys of clothes stood and the managers gave their all to sell their dresses to Aria.


    "Sister Kite, take as many as you want. They are small gifts from me." Aria said and the managers started telling about dresses to Kite who was feeling dizzy hearing them.


    Those socialites enviously looked at dresses and Kite. Those managers wouldn''t care to give them a single look and were actually courteously convincing Kite.


    "Kite tried to ruin your image and you are helping her out. Don''t you think you should send her to jail?"


    "Yes yes, I have the proof. She doesn''t deserve your good treatment."


    "President Cooper, don''t be fooled by her dainty face."


    ...


    Everyone''s lips twitched hearing them.


    Aria''s clear voice sounded innocent, "She is my sister. How does this have anything to do with you? Did you guys try to ruin my image?"


    Those girls: "..." They wouldn''t dare to ept it.


    Norah who was watching from the side couldn''t help butugh with Eva. Kite who was on the verge of tears hearing her old friends then looked at Aria.


    She quickly pulled a dress and went to Aria, "This is enough, I don''t want anything. I already have many dresses at home."


    Aria nodded and looked at Jake who looked troubled. The manager tried to go on good books of Aria and spoke, "Lieutenant Davis, I will lodge aint against these three. Please help me clear the area, it is affecting our business."


    Having no choice, Jake took them out. Aria leaned on Eva and whined, "I''m so tired."


    She quickly straightened her back seeing Eva''s cue and saw managers looking at her, "I will get my friends to shop in a few minutes, thank you so much."


    They left and Kite too changed before sitting with three girls.


    Seeing Aria resting on Eva''s shoulder, Kite spoke, "I''m sorry for the trouble. I was checking on a few requirements and costs. I was pulled inside by those girls, When I turned down and wanted to leave, they started all these."


    Eva asked, "What requirements?"


    Seeing Aria''s expectant gaze, Kite spoke, "I am a trained dancer. Other than that I don''t know anything. So Brother Calvin suggested that I should try dance sses for kids and school children."


    Aria smiled hearing her.


    Eva excitedly spoke, "Hey how about we do a group dance at Noah and Norah''s wedding? Sister Kite can teach us. Her choreography is really top grade."


    Aria hummed, "Sister Kite, you got your first students before opening."


    Kite smiled hearing them, "I will help you guys no need to be a student for that."


    Eva objected, "You should never give your talent for free."


    Kite just faintly smiled. Aria asked, "Found location?"


    Kite shook her head.


    "Do you have the capital?"


    Kite shook her head.


    "Did you buy any required things?"


    Kite shook her head leaving them at a loss of words. She raised her head and saw three looking at her speechlessly, "I don''t have much savings left in my ount. The required things are very costly."


    They understood the problem. Aria spoke, "If you promise me that you will work hard, I will help you. You will manage everything and I will only help you with infrastructure."


    Eva suggested, "You can take dance fitness sses too for women."


    Just like that, they nned everything for Kite. Aria sent Kite with her employee to show some studios'' location for her to choose and n out and send her the list.


    Until Noah came, Norah was with two girls.


    Then girls copsed in a restaurant for lunch until evening their men picked them or appropriate to say carried them out seeing them lethargic to even move.


    ---


    In the Cooper mansion


    Having nothing nned thinking to rest, the couple cuddled all day as they worked on theirptop. It was dusk when Aria''s mobile went off showing Levi''s name.


    n suspiciously looked at Aria thinking she was going to leave him alone and run for some work. Aria chuckled looking at his expression, "Should I skip this call?"


    n wanted to nod but didn''t want to be petty if it was important. He answered the call seeing her giggle.


    His expression turned cold hearing the other end. Aria who wasying on him stopped seeing his face turn darker.


    She got off from him and asked seriously, "What''s wrong?"

 Chapter 333: Unwanted person

    Chapter 333: Unwanted person


    n hummed twice to Levi and said, "Send it to my mail. Thank you."


    He kept the mobile away pulling Aria back to his arms, "Your all guesses are right."


    Aria understood without any exnation. She changed his sour mood, "You have a smart wife. Where is my reward?"


    n saw her palm extended for the reward giggling happily without caring about the problematic people.


    Aria thought he would say he would buy her something or cook for her but the reward was hefty. "n..."


    n pinned her down, "We haven''t tried any new position in the recent days, isn''t it?"


    Aria: "..."


    "Shouldn''t we use your flexibility well? Which one do you want to try?"


    Aria: "..."


    Her acting was pathetic to fool him. So she didn''t know how to escape.


    "I see you want to break my back. Be good, let me go alright. I want to talk to him today."


    n chuckled seeing her flush scarlet while her voice had turned meek. "Dummy"


    Aria: "..."


    She punched him and pushed him aside. Taking her mobile, she still snuggled back to his arms.


    n spoke before she dialed, "This is thest time I am letting you talk to him. If he doesn''t understand and speaks out. I will give no chance."


    Aria handed her mobile to him, "Then you do as you want. I have no objection."


    He shook his head resignedly seeing her easily careless handing it to him. He leaned on the headboard and dialed the number. He spoke first when the call was answered.


    "n here. Come to Cooper mansion now."


    Aria burst intoughter seeing him hang up the call after it. Her husband was the real dictator.


    "Till that, let''s make out." n gave her no time to react this time.


    Aria knew it wasn''t going to be just make out.


    n couldn''t understand how easily she ys with him on the bed and still stays calm whereas he has to keep diverting his mind seeing his careless wife excite him again and again.


    --


    Calvin who reached the mansion quickly had to wait in the living hall for more than half an hour. He saw Aria puffed up descending downstairs while n expressionlessly followed her.


    ''Makeout my head. Hmph.'' Aria red at n and looked ahead.


    Aria sat opposite Calvin, "Brother Calvin, Grandfather said you aren''t going home and practically living in the office."


    "I have lots of work." He unmindfully lied.


    n sat next to Aria who he thought would run away but he was satisfied seeing her calm. He tested water pulling her near but just got a gentle elbow.


    Aria knew n always gives her priority than other things so she wasn''t actually angry. He was just too much for her to handle.


    "Brother Calvin, do you remember I had told you I was kidnapped and I got hurt?" She pointed her right hand at him to remind him.


    Calvin nodded and waited for her to continue.


    "I want to ask some questions rted to it." Aria was careful while speaking and she continued after seeing Calvin nod with a frown.


    "Do you remember telling anybody about my trip? Just by chance or in a flow of talk to anybody."


    Calvin tried to remember but shook his head.


    Aria''s face fell hearing that. n''s expression turned dark. There was no other way to leak her location so soon.


    Aria still had many questions to ask but didn''t expect to fail at first. "Oh."


    Calvin who tried his best to remember still shook his head, "Why will I tell that to anybo... Noo, I had told Mom. She wanted to meet you and she was telling me that our grandfather is asking about you again and again."


    Aria''s lips tilted up and she again became serious. "Brother Calvin, I might ask some irrelevant questions now, will you please answer it without minding? I will tellter why I asked those questions. Please."


    n frowned hearing her request. Calvin nodded thinking it might be important for her.


    Aria asked, "When Dad went to country X for you, can you tell me what happened there in detail?"


    Calvin nodded and started briefing...


    ---


    Calvin hadpleted his education and was working as a chief designer in a famous gamingpany.


    He knew his mother was missing him so he had booked a ticket for her. When he went to pick her, he was shocked rather than surprised to see his uncle Oliver was also with his mother.


    They greeted each other and the trio went to his condo. Calvin could feel something was amiss and elders were tense.


    "Uncle, Mom, what happened? Is anything serious? Uncle, you should have brought Arrie."


    Saira lowered her head without daring to look him the eye. "Mom, what''s wrong?"


    Oliver was slightly embarrassed but spoke, "Your mother is saying that I''m your biological father."


    "What the... Uncle, what''s wrong with you? What the hell is going on?" He knew they weren''t joking.


    Then her mother took him inside the room and told everything that happened. But he didn''t believe anything and exited the room.


    "I''m not your son. Uncle, please leave. I can''t hear the nonsense anymore."


    Oliver didn''t look like he was hurt hearing Calvin. He looked more like he was confused than Calvin.


    Calvin felt like Oliver didn''t care for him when he was in the womb and even at the movement.


    Oliver unmindfully nodded and was leaving without caring about his weeping mother but she spoke, "Why aren''t you two believing me? Am I such a lowly life to you two? Why am I deserving of this treatment? I was drunk too..."


    Oliver stopped in his tracks and spoke firmly, "I have only a daughter. If he is really my blood, I am ready to ept it. What do you expect me to do when there is nothing to prove?"


    Sairaughed mockingly and spoke, "Prove? DNA check will prove, isn''t it? We will do that."


    Calvin who heard Oliver say he had only a daughter and his presence doesn''t matter, his temper worsened, "You guys are nuts. I''m not going to do anything. Get the f**k out of here... No, I will just leave." Then he promptly left and went to the bar.


    He drank a lot trying to digest he was actually a mistake of two adults in a drunken state. His head was filled with negatives. He was worthless to his biological father. He was a toy to her mother and overall he was just a mistake.


    <em>His biological father doesn''t want him.</em>


    <em>Will his father Abel Parker and the Parker family ept him after hearing it?</em>


    <em>Was he just an unwanted person on the earth?</em>

 Chapter 334: Hell broke loose

    Chapter 334: Hell broke loose


    Calvin had many such questions. By the time he went back to his condo, Oliver Cooper had left keeping his hair sample for the paternity test.


    The next day, her mother forced him and took him to the stateboratory. They submitted for the test and he dropped Saira to Airport.


    Calvin had received the DNA reports in three days but he didn''t have the guts to check it for a few days. When he checked it and he got to know Oliver was a biological father so he visited country A.


    ---


    Aria and n looked at each other. Both knew when Oliver''s hair sample was reced. Both didn''t tell, they performed his DNAparison with Abel and Lucas Cooper. It was matched to Abel whereas it was 0% to Lucas Cooper.


    n spoke, "You gave your and Abel Parker''s samples for a Paternity check, why did you try?"


    Calvin responded to what had happened, "After seeing Arrie''s reaction, I wanted to confirm it. So I asked Mom to get it for me."


    Aria face palmed herself. ''Who said I am innocent? Brother Calvin is a big innocent man.''


    She subconsciously stood up feeling sorry for him. She wanted to console him but n pulled her back and whispered.


    "You want to pat his back, you can do that to me. You want to hug him, you can do that to me only."


    Aria: "..."


    Calvin asked in confusion, "Can you guys tell me what is happening here?"


    Aria stopped n who was about to tell the truth. She didn''t want any more drama. "Brother Calvin, One morest work. Don''t ask me why and do as I say. I promise after this I will not do anything like this."


    Calvin couldn''t understand what was going on, "Why are you being so secretive?"


    "Please, onest time." Aria requested.


    Having no choice, Calvin thought to y by her rules, "What do you want me to do?"


    Aria told the n. "This time, don''t tell anyone. Not a single one should know you are again checking the paternity test of yours with Uncle Abel. Personally, go and collect the sample and give it for the test. Last time..."


    "Are you..."


    Aria cut in hurriedly, "No no, let''s not talk or argue anything about it. Onest time."


    Calvin could say she was doubting his mother but he didn''t know she already had the reports. He firmly said, "This is thest time. After this, we will not talk about the past."


    "Cent percent." Aria quickly agreed and breathed a sigh of relief.


    Calvin had dinner with them and left for the Parker family vi to carry out what Aria said.


    Aria happily yed in foam soaking in the water knowing she didn''t trust the wrong person again. She turned to n who was in the shower cube.


    She could see the hot water flowing on his irresistible body while the vapors started to frost the ss wall. She couldn''t understand how he was still able to manage himself so well these years with twopanies'' work.


    She called him with her finger but n repeated the same. He was thinking she was ying but Aria clinked on the ss wall and kissed on it at him.


    Surprised, he pulled her in. He was about to pin her to the ss, she easily climbed on him wrapping her legs around his waist.


    "You know the consequence of your actions."


    "Hence I''m here." She teased proactively.


    n decided to make his wife happy every now and then seeing her indulging happily.


    Seeing her unvarying glow of happiness, he was frozen, unable to take his eyes off her petite face.


    Aria flushed looking him in the eyes. His arced lips said he was really happy while his eyes said he was trying to permanently save her in his memories.


    She covered his eyes and whined, "Why are you looking at me like this?"


    n smiled broadened and took her out. He patiently washed her hair, blew it dry, and took her bed confusing her whole time.


    "What''s wrong?"


    n shook his head and embraced her tight, "Be always happy."


    Aria chuckled hearing him, "My husband loves me so much. Of course, I will be happy... I thought you would eat me up."


    "Who taught you only love making defines how much I love you?"


    Aria buried herself in his embrace, "I Love You."


    n teased, "What did I just hear?" n knew she always flushes scarlet saying, <em>''I love you.''</em>


    If the merging bodies were possible she would be merged to him by now seeing her burying herself. "As if you don''t know."


    "My shy little wife."


    ---


    Calvin submitted the samples the next day for the test.


    Aria''s end was smooth.


    Noah and Norah''s family slowly started to discuss engagement and stuff while whole Woods''pany employees saw sweet and silent young madam Wood but nobody knew her name.


    Rian and Roxy were snoring all day in the home after their weekend trip.


    ---


    The next day Aria decided to wait for Calvin to meet her so she didn''t call even though he was getting the reports.


    But other information reached the new end. Levi reported, "The bill was in the name of Mr.Morse but none of thedies and even Saira Hayek seems to have anymunication with them."


    "Why will any Morse pay the bill of Saira''s lunch with her friends?" Aria asked leaning back on her chair and suddenly sat straight looking at Levi.


    Both said in unison, "Kite Parker''s biological father."


    Levi continued, "He could be the one to encourage Saira Hayek for this all."


    Aria hummed. "But we will get many Morse in the country."


    Levi quickly took his tablet out, flipped through some data, and kept it in front of her, "This card number is a Gold card, not just a random debit card. Like ck cards internationally renowned, the Gold card stands top in the country after ck."


    Aria took out one of her cards, "Is this really called a Gold card? This looks just like other debit cards. tinum version looks eye-catching."


    Levi''s lips twitched. He had thought she had the only ck card but he was on the verge of copsing seeing more than twenty cards.


    "President Cooper, why do you have so many cards?" ''How do you keep track of it?''


    Aria pointed to a card, "This card is for the ount of a cafe I started, This one for the Salon in La Ve road, this one for the Salon at City mall. This card when I opened a florist shop..."


    Levi: O_O


    Aria was still the seventh card, Levi stopped her, "When did you open all those? Why can''t you have one?"


    "School" Aria promptly answered. "If I want to gift any of these, I just have to give them the card."


    "Did your father buy it for you?" Levi didn''t believe her.


    "Levi, I only look innocent but I''m not dumb. My father had given me five million. I had turned it to ten million. In those. five I reinvested and five, I started small scale businesses. Then five doubled once, once it was tripled. Like that, I had earned a billion when I was sixteen years three months, ten days old. Dad had celebrated that day."


    Levi was on the urge of kowtowing to her.


    He numerous times thought she wasn''t much serious with life and enjoys forgetting seriousness. He understood, she well deserves to enjoy her life.


    Aria frowned realizing, "Why are we talking about cards? You mean Gold cardholders are less. So do you have any idea whose card that can be?"


    All hell broke loose after knowing who it was.

 Chapter 335: Ungrateful tag

    Chapter 335: Ungrateful tag


    Levi reported the initial investigation report result, "Morse Industries."


    Aria startedughing. Morse Industries was one of the toppanies in country A. Its headquarters was in the capital city.


    She stoppedughing and was on the verge of weeping by keeping her head on the table, "I thought my life was going to be peaceful soon. I don''t want to start a world war. I am so tired of all these new dramas every day. Do I look like an immortal? Why does god doesn''t have mercy on me? I''m just a little girl in the business..."


    Levi: <em>''President Cooper reached her limit.''</em>


    He quickly recorded a short video of her and sent it to n. Levi knew he couldn''t handle her and he knew except n, nobody can understand her state of mind.


    Aria sent Levi out asking him to confirm the information. She dialed n''s number after a few minutes and said, "n, I will run far away."


    She had just finished saying, the door flung open and n hung up the call rushed to her seeing her sitting on the floor mat near the couch looking like she lost a part of her.


    Aria raised her hands for him to carry her up but he sat down and cupped her face. "What happened? Haven''t I told you don''t push yourself?"


    Aria started crying after seeing him, "I thought everything is resolved and rest will be solved. Why is everything getting messy? What have I done to them? I don''t even know them. They came behind my life then maligned Dad. We just solved it. Just now Noah settled. I had thought now everything was going to be peaceful but this Morse Industries came up. And that stupid Focus is behind us Fourie for the show. Does he think I''m a fool, not to understand why he arranged the reality show? I just got happy but everything is back to one..."


    Aria who always stayed strong threw off everything and voiced it out as she cried on and on.


    n knew she had been buried for long so he didn''t stop her and kept wiping her tears hearing her. He understood she wasn''t doubting herself. She was tired of fighting her way out of every problem and lies.


    She stopped crying when she started hupping, "Why am I <em>(hic)</em> crying so mu <em>(hic)</em> much? Am I <em>(hic)</em> looking like <em>(hic)</em> ugly demon?"


    n cleaned her bright red running nose and helped her to drink water.


    They heard a knock on the door. Aria wiped her face on n''s arm and said without moving away from n, "Come in..."


    Rose hesitatingly entered holding a paper bag. She blushed looking at the couple closely sitting but she cringed seeing n''s gaze who had told nobody should enter inside.


    "Rose?"


    Rose swiftly ran to flushed Aria and ced the bag next to her and ran far before saying, "I heard assistant Levi saying you are sad so I thought this might help you." Then she ran out without wasting a second there.


    Aria pointed to herself, "Do I look so scary? Why was she scared?"


    She checked the bag to see an ice cream small tub, she opened the bag and started eating like a chipmunk as she sniffled continuously.


    n wasn''t sure if his smile suited that time seeing her weakly sitting and savoring the ice cream forgetting everything.


    After finishing the quarter, she looked up at n and fed him. He ate without rejecting her.


    Soon they again heard a knock and Aria frowned, "Why can''t they leave me alone?" She whined but still called them, "Enter."


    She saw Calvin enter inside clutching an envelope. He paused looking at how they were sitting and soon realized she had cried. He forgot how he was feeling and asked. "What happened?"


    Aria ate a spoonful and asked, "What is left to happen?... Someday somebody calling me a mother is left. Probably I have to go for a DNA test even though I will know I am not its mother... What is going on with my life?"


    Calvin was baffled while n filled her mouth with ice cream. "Eat Eat... Don''t think about anything."


    Aria obediently hummed and got back to her ice cream ignoring both men.


    n didn''t leave her side and extended his hand at Calvin who handed the reports which had 99.99%. He ced it on the table understanding Calvin got to know who his parents were.


    Calvin asked, "What''s wrong with her? Why did she cry?"


    Aria raised her head but n sent her attention back to ice cream. "Eat, it will melt soon."


    Aria hummed and got back to her ice cream.


    n gently asked, "We will go out for some days. Where do you want to go?"


    Aria raised her head with a spoon between her lips, "I want to go... hill station, no beach, no, that floating house on the river... actually I just want to sleep all day... No, I want to eat ice cream..." Failing to decide anything, Aria wailed, "I don''t know what to do. When did I stop doing what I like? I don''t even know what to do."


    n regretted asking, "Okay okay, eat ice cream. I will n."


    "Uh" Aria nodded in confusion but asked as she sniffed, "What aboutpanies?"


    "If directors can''t handle without us for some days, then no need to employ them. We will fire them." n carefully said and heard her agree before going back to ice cream.


    Calvin waspletely at loss looking at Aria who was behaving like a little fragile confused child. He again tried, "Is she drunk?"


    n''s face turned grim and responded, "Thanks to your mother''s years of nning."


    Calvin clenched his fist tight. He understood when and all it went wrong and how his mother fooled him and why Aria had asked those questions. "How did you guys know?"


    Aria spoke, "I''m tired of thinking about you all. When I was right all the while why am I being judged every time? Why every time I have to think about how you feel? I get scolded for asking anything, I was judged harshly for trusting my father, I get an ungrateful tag for pointing your wrongs. I still try to help you all but still you judge it and distrust me. Why? Am I so easy that you push all the me on me? Why do I have to fight every time to..."


    n pushed the ice cream tub aside and pulled her to embrace, "Shhh... Stop thinking all that."


    Aria started sniffling harder. n carried her up pointing to the couch for Calvin to be there and entered the bedroom.


    Aria who always buried small hurtful things finally bursts out and cried till she fell asleep while n coaxed her without getting irritated.


    Many times he had thought how easily she used to push off their curses and mes, now he understood she was just trying to ignore it without showing to anybody.

 Chapter 336: What girls like to eat?

    Chapter 336: What girls like to eat?


    After making sure she fell asleep, He wiped her face with a hot towel, changed his crumpled wet shirt, and went out.


    He first took a printout of a mail and threw it on the table in front of Calvin. "Your mother is behind most of the attacks on Aria. If my wife died, she wanted to use that DNA test report to get Skyline to you. Since she was failing, she chose a different n which dug her grave. Mom Emily was actually Dad''s one nightstand."


    Calvin''s hands trembled pointing at papers, "Kite''s biological father isn''t dad."


    n ignored it, "You have two options, support your mother or stand aside."


    Saira was his mother after all, "What if I stand for mom."


    n smirked, "Alert her, You guys can be destroyed by Legally or illegally."


    Calvin knew he wasn''t at the state to do anything and he should look after grandfather, his father, and Kite. He couldn''t believe her mother wasn''t what she looked like.


    He tried to eat the direct threat and asked, "What happened to Arrie?"


    n stood up and went near the desk as he responded, "Tired of fighting her way out of everything. Tired of fighting for her life. Tired of everything. Now, scat."


    Calvin grounded his teeth but he was at no position to talk. He felt he lived a fake life all along. He couldn''t believe his mother was capable of so many things.


    He left to his office without staying longer.


    n saw him leave. He purposefully said a few sensitive things to Calvin to know if he tries to save his mother or alert her or stay low. If he alerts her, his men are there to watch her movements. He instructed Levi and Nathan about work and left carrying sleeping Aria.


    By the time Aria woke up, they were on international waters. "Where are we going?"


    "Why do you want to know when you are with me?"


    Yawning, she tried to understand. She hummed and wrapped her arm around him and slept again.


    She just wanted to turn off her brain function and rest which she could only do with n.


    When she woke up again, n was awake. "Why aren''t you resting? Are you bored?"


    n shook his head and helped her to the washroom and fed her.


    "What are you thinking?"


    Aria asked seriously, "Aren''t you tired of working for so many years with twopanies? And I always irritated you. Why have you never said anything to me?"


    n shook his head, "I used to wait for the night to call you or wait for the evening to see you. How can I be tired of watching you?"


    "So I have to keep these problems away and wait for the time to see you?"


    "That you always do. Dummy." How can he forget how his wife just throws herself at him to hug.


    "Then where am I going wrong? Did I give too much space for the problems?"


    n was patient with her, "Do you know how you always said everything straight forward?"


    Aria nodded and heard him continue.


    "If it''s anything, you just say it off that''s you. Uplicated, honest, and candid...


    Due to the problems, you started to bury things to find a solution instead of going and releasing the frustration. And things about Dad turned you very sensitive. So you are mentally exhausted doing things one after the other by also thinking about how you could not hurt others, how to keep them happy, how you can resolve their problems... You aren''t living for yourself..."


    Aria cut in and pointed at him, "Even you."


    n smiled knowing why she said it. He pinched her cheeks, "You are my life."


    Aria threw herself on him, "Who said you aren''t mine?"


    Then she raised her head and raised her pinkie finger at him, "Promise me you will tell however you feel every time instead of hiding."


    n teased, "Like how I feel under you or how I feel on top?"


    Aria: "..."


    n chuckled and responded, "Alright..." His little finger held hers, "Happy or sad, rxed or tired, confused or calm, angered or pained... I''ll not hide it from you."


    Aria smiled contentedly before going to the next recliner seat.


    n asked expectantly, "Now shall we enjoy our holiday forgetting everything?"


    Aria vigorously nodded her head and started nning the itinerary of their undefined number of days long vacation.


    ---


    Nobody had an inkling where they went, how many days they had left. When they will being back.


    n just dropped an asional message to Rowan saying ''We are safe and sound.'' The rest of the time, both of their mobile phones were off.


    Focus international who tried to reach Aria for the show met the three friends. What they said was simple, ''Aria will decide for them.''


    Since Aria didn''t respond back, they wanted to show as Aria wasn''t what she is showing to the world. She is scared of the reality show but the other three didn''t leave a loophole for them to say nonsense.


    The show ''Unbreakable'' was nearing the end so they desperately searched for the girl because of whom they had started the show.


    While Isaac''s shooting wasing to an end, Eva had finished her other book and sent it for proofreading.


    Rian and Roxy were busy with their uing exhibition.


    Luke Baker tried his best to reach Aria as their next fashion show dates neared. Both had arge set of sponsors whom they haven''t chosen yet.


    The Hanes and the Wood family had left Noah and Norah to get along well as they had stayed away from each other for long.


    Norah''s name was under wraps as Hanes didn''t want too much of public appearance so her name in the office was Mrs. Noah Wood before marriage while all thought they were already married.


    Since Norah was from a business background, she was really quick and soon understood the structure, morals, and ethics of the Woods'' International.


    Noah''s workload gradually lowered and started spending more time with his dummy who easily gets tricked.


    -----------


    At Wen mansion


    Zeke Wen received news from the main entrance security that Finn was at the gate. He got excited thinking Finn brought Aria and permitted him to allow Finn inside.


    Zeke called his butler happily and said, "Cook delicious food which girls like. We are having a pretty guest for dinner today."


    Butler was a man in his forties, he looked at Zeke in astonishment. It was after a really long time he had seen Zeke real happy.


    They hardly had any female guests in the house after Finn''s mother got married. So the important question was <em>''what girls like to eat?''</em>

 Chapter 337: He hates to eat

    Chapter 337: He hates to eat


    "Old Master, different people like different food."


    Zeke paused hearing the butler. He gave it a thought. Aria is slender, she might eat healthy but limited food. "Fat-free, low-calorie food is better. Never mind I will ask her. You can start to prep."


    The butler courteously replied and left to the kitchen ncing at Zeke who was checking if everything was fine in the living area. The butler was really curious about the girl who wasing.


    Zeke personally went to the entrance of the mansion to greet Aria.


    He saw Finn alighting from the driver seat and expected him to go to the other end to open the door for Aria but Finn stood in front of him in astonishment.


    Finn saw his grandfather, ''Am I dreaming?'' He really doubted because Zeke wasn''t actually so friendly.


    "Grandpa Wen, I am already surprised you allowed me in, you even came to greet me." Finn said and was ready to enter inside but Zeke held his cor and pulled him back.


    "Where is Aria Cooper? I had told you to bring her home, who told you toe here alone? Get out."


    Finn: O_O


    "Don''t I have any value?" Finn asked in bafflement seeing his grandfather''s re and stern face.


    He understood why his grandfather was excited a few seconds back.


    Zeke coldly nced at him and scoffed, "I am tired of seeing impotent men around me."


    Finn: O_O


    He nced inside where his uncle was sitting without care. Finn knew his uncle was immune to every cuss of his father.


    Finn slipped in when his grandfather''s attention wasn''t on him. Zeke didn''t care, went inside, and sat down holding a medicine-rted book.


    Finn greeted his uncle, "Uncle Winston."


    Winston Wen nced at him, hummed in response, and went back to his book.


    Finn looked at both sides and felt his head throb. These two knowledge yearning worms are hard to handle for Finn.


    Once he had even thought to study in the medical field hearing Zeke. He had moved to Wen mansion to learn about it. But seeing those two men drowning all the time in big thick books, he was frightened thinking he will have to study his whole life to be a doctor.


    He took Aria''s topic and asked Winston, "Uncle Winston, Alia was saying you were too cold to her while treating her wound. What happened? You aren''t usually cold for your patients."


    That picked Zeke''s interest. "Finn Stanley, is it Aria or Alia? What''s wrong with your head?"


    Finn''s lips twitched ''Can''t you talk without cussing me?''


    "Alia is Aria. She had a different name in country S for the security purpose."


    Zeke acknowledged his response but didn''t respond to him and eyed his son who feigned ignorance on the topic, "How dare you to treat your patiently coldly?"


    Winston raised his headzily, "Does she need a professor to treat her petty wound?"


    Zeke controlled himself from throwing the book on his face. His voice turned cold, "Intern Doctor or surgeon or professors, you are still a doctor. Who treats patients depending on the wound?"


    Finn controlled himself from running away, "Grandpa, it''s alright. Uncle Wen, I was the one who brought her there." ''Importantly my question wasn''t that.''


    He got to know Winston Wen didn''t know he was in love with Aria so he thought to know the reason behind Winston''s behavior.


    Winston ignored them. Zeke pronounced, "From next time, bring her to me."


    Finn was speechless, "Next time? Really? Just because you want to meet her, how can you expect there to be next time? You don''t even stay in city B and why haven''t I received such privilege?"


    Winston''s emotionless voice sounded heavy and pressing, "Dad, why did you meet her?"


    Zeke rolled his eyes, "It wasn''t because of you."


    Finn looked to his right and left, "Why do I feel like I''m missing something?"


    Zeke didn''t care to respond while Winston left the living area to his study. "Grandpa, did you guys know Alia before?"


    Zeke ignored irritating Finn. "Fine, don''t tell me. I will not get her here." He got up to leave provoking Zeke purposefully.


    Zeke hated being threatened. "You brat, stop right there."


    Finn nkly looked behind him without speaking.


    "Are you tired of living?"


    Finn gave a smug smile but didn''t give in. Zeke knew only Finn could bring Aria to meet him. Curtis will curse him to no end if he gets to know he personally called her again.


    "I will tell you if you convince her to be my adopted daughter."


    Finn: -_-


    If Aria bes Zeke''s daughter, then she will be Finn''s aunt. If she bes Zeke''s granddaughter, then she will be his cousin. He would never agree to convince.


    "That you should ask her husband. Not me."


    Zeke leaned back and sighed. "You rascal, if you stay single like your useless uncle, I will kill you before I die."


    ''Single?'' Finn wasn''t sure how he was going to live his life. "Are you a quack? Doctors save humans."


    Zeke changed the topic, "Where is Aria Cooper? I had asked her toe for dinner."


    Finn sat down and responded thinking about Aria, "I don''t know. She has been missing for a week now."


    Zeke''s expression changed hearing him, "What? Who kidnapped her? Is Jude behind"


    Finn quickly responded to calm him, "No, she went with her husband. Nobody knows where they are now."


    Zeke was speechless. ''Who says missing for a week if she goes with her husband?''


    The butler saw no girl in the living hall when he ced snacks on the coffee table. "Young master Stanley."


    He greeted Finn and turned to Zeke."Old master, what shall I instruct the chef to prepare?"


    Zeke pointed at Finn and instructed, "Cook whatever he hates to eat."


    Finn: <em>''Am I really your grandson?''</em>


    Butler: "Yes Old master."


    Finn: O_O


    <em>''Mom, I''m noting here again.''</em> He had told his mother about Zeke and Curtis Morgan so she asked him many times to meet Zeke.


    Finn asked again, "How do you know Alia?"

 Chapter 338: She is mine

    Chapter 338: She is mine


    Finn asked again, "Grandpa Wen, how do you know Alia?"


    Zeke kept his book away and reminisced, "Aria''s mother Emily Parker had cardiovascr disease. She didn''t have strong symptoms so they didn''t know until she reached the terminal stage.


    Aria was less than three years old, she had bruised her fingers trying to peel and cut an apple for her mother. When she was finally sessful, her mother had taken herst breath.


    Aria was trying to wake up her mother holding a peeled apple slice to feed her. There wasn''t any mistake from our side but the nurses were moved to tears seeing Aria.


    It had impacted greatly on Win too so he observed Aria growing up until she vanished five years back so he is little grumpy."


    When Zeke finished speaking both men fell into silence. While one remembered the past, another one imagined little Aria and Emily.


    ...


    Three generation men silentlypleted their dinner and Finn was ready to leave but a beauty appeared in the mansion.


    Zeke introduced them, "Dr.Keton, he is my grandson, Finn Stanley. You two should go out and enjoy it. Get to know each other, I don''t mind even if you return with marriage certificates."


    Finn: "..."


    He never in his dreams thought his grandfather was setting a trap without kicking him out when he entered.


    Ms.Keton awkwardly smiled at Zeke, "Hello President Stanley, I''m Mirana Keton, working as a doctor under Professor Winston Wen in Imperial Hospital.."


    Finn grounded his teeth ring at Zeke who waved his hand and went upstairs.


    Finn directly declined, "I''m sorry about my grandfather. I didn''t know about this blind date else I would have declined."


    He grabbed his zer and started walking towards the exit. Mirana Keton was embarrassed but she had no choice so she also decided to leave.


    Finn who went out clenched his fist looking at the t tires of his car. Controlling his urge to create a fuss, he dialed Ceon''s number.


    "Pick me from Wen mansion. My psycho grandfather ttened my car tires." He blurted out.


    Mirana Keton controlledughing checking ttened tires and offered, "President Stanley, shall I drop you somewhere?"


    Ceon who heard the gentle girl''s voice on the call yed along, "Finn, Sister-inw asked my help, I''m going over there."


    "You"


    Ceon hung up without letting Finn talk.


    Dustin was out of town on work. His mansion drivers were busy, he didn''t want to bother others so his grandfather left no choice for him other than going with Mirana.


    "Sorry for the trouble." Finn said and took the shotgun seat.


    Mirana was surprised but she was calm and collected. She took the driver seat and drove out of the mansion.


    Both were dead mute as if they didn''t know to talk. After exiting the regency, she had only driven a small distance, the road was blocked.


    "I will check." Finn said and alighted to see there was a deep pit in the middle of the road.


    When he went to Wen mansion, that road was fine, he couldn''t understand how the pit came. He went to the cops standing aside, "Excuse me? How long will it take to clear the road?"


    The cop repeated what he had informed others, "Minimum an hour."


    Finn saw he could leave if he got a cab from the other side but since Mirana helped him till there and it waste evening, he didn''t feel safe to leave her alone.


    Annoyed, he tried to speak calmly, "It will take an hour to clear the road. There is a cafe, want to rest there?"


    Mirana''s fingers tapped on the steering wheel looking at the cafe, "I don''t think it''s a coincidence."


    Finn pointed five men around, "He, he, that one, he and that man are Grandfather''s men."


    Of course, he knew his grandfather and well. Simrly, his grandfather cent percent knew he could be stopped by t tires.


    Even if anybody tries to reach him, they have to wait in thenes of the car.


    Mirana smiled and alighted the car. Both ordered coffee and started to wait.


    She decided to talk since there was a long time, "Congrattions on your first movie sess."


    Finn nced at her who was sitting rather seriously. She didn''t look like the one to flirt. She looked mature to the age of twenty-five and was a serious person.


    He hummed and his attention went back to the phone.


    Mirana didn''t expect him to treat her so coldly. "President Stanley, if you are ufortable, please carry on. I will manage here."


    Finn leisurely raised his gaze then lowered back, "Probably my grandfather will chase after me holding a scalpel."


    Mirana gently chuckled hearing him. Seeing him busy typing on his mobile, "President Stanley, may I ask you a personal question?"


    "Nope!" Finn didn''t care to give a face to her and responded giving no space for her to talk.


    Mirana furrowed her brows. She had thought it was just rumored that Finn was a cold-hearted man, she felt it was true hearing him.


    The rest of the time both didn''t talk and waited silently.


    Starlight security picked Finn and Mirana went her way without bothering Finn. She just wanted to give a face to Zeke so she went.


    Zeke received news that two were simply sitting without talking. He could only sigh in resignation and called Harold Stanley to grumble.


    Both old men had nned a few more blind dates but they were disappointed by the first date state.


    --


    It was almost fifteen days, all were about to go to panic mode, Aria and n returned with a beautiful tan exiting the airport happily.


    n who had instructed Morgan mansion driver to pick them had informed Madam, Master, and young master Morgan so there were a bunch of people at the arrival gate.


    Eva counted, "One... Two... Three..."


    Followed by it, Aria screamed and ran everywhere to escape from the three who wanted to beat her up for not contacting them.


    n reached Isaac who was boring a hole through n''s head. Amelia saw Aria fit and fine running around so their negative thoughts erased.


    "Are you guys fine? for real."


    "Yes, Mom."


    Isaac asked in a low voice pulling n aside, "What''s wrong? Levi and Nathan didn''t speak a word out."


    n looked at him indifferently, "We just needed a break without third wheels popping up."


    Isaac''s lips twitched and tried to make sense, "You guys are married. You spend a good time with her and why are you still so possessive?"


    n gave him a <em>''You dumb''</em> look then he replied looking at Aria chuckling, "Because she is mine."


    Isaac: "..."

 Chapter 339: Fourie will win

    Chapter 339: Fourie will win


    Just like a normal couple, n and Aria had hit many ces, enjoyed, and had lots of fun without security being around or hint of worry about safety. Seeing her y around with her friends, n was d he took her out.


    Three didn''t get a chance to abduct their friend and saw Aria taken away by n in a sports car. So they turned to their partners and demanded in unison, "We need a vacation."


    Roxy, Norah, and Isaac rolled their eyes and went to the car while Amelia and Rowan burst intoughter.


    Roxy to Rian: "You vacation all day."


    Norah to Noah: "Dad wanted to talk to you about the engagement ceremony."


    Isaac pulled Eva to his embrace: "Babe, I''m your exotic vacation."


    ---


    In the car


    "Were you thinking of running off?"


    Aria grinned mischievously unbuckling the seatbelt, "I can continue what you were doing in the jet."


    Aria nibbled his cheek. Without getting the required response, her tip of the tongue did the magic.


    "I''m driving." n knew Aria was back to her Goddess Arrie mode. The fire spirit who lightens if needed or burns if angered.


    Aria giggledid down resting her head on hisp and continuing to tease him.


    Now n wanted office work to start soon. His wife was hyperactive.


    ---


    After loading everyone with gifts, Aria filled Rose''s table with many gifts.


    Rose: ?


    Everyone could say there was at least a million worth of gifts just checking the logo on the bags. "Thank you for the ice cream."


    Aria gave a quick hug to her and went to her office hearing her packed schedule from Levi and saw her desk was overflowing with files.


    Levi saw her mouth wide open in shock counting the files. Aria mentally calcted at least she might have hundreds of emails.


    <em>''Goodbye, my lovely vacation.''</em>


    Whole day Aria and n were buried in their heaps of files returning to their usual busy work life.


    Aria arranged lunch with Luke Baker and responded to Focus. She dialed the three who were waiting to talk to her.


    "My honeybees,e to the office at four. Need..."


    Eva spoke, "I aming at three, I want to know your two weeks of juicy details."


    "My dear God, I have work. Even my lunch is a work where I am going now."


    Noah spoke, "Arrie, dinner is at my ce tonight. Norah''s familying and there will be a simple formal engagement."


    "Holy, I have to catch up with so many things." Aria said and added, "Shall I cancel the meeting with the Focus manager?"


    Silent Rian spoke calmly, "Little Devil, will I be the godfather of your child? or Uncle only?"


    Aria: "..."


    Noah cut in, "You are an old uncle. I''m the Godfather."


    Evaughed evilly, "I am mother-inw and Godmother."


    Aria: "..."


    She was speechless in the rest of the conversation sitting on the shotgun seat. Even Levi could hear them fighting over the phone.


    "Guys, which stupid said I''m pregnant or nning a child? You dumb fools, I''m just 23. I will make sure to kick your asses tonight."


    Rian asked in doubt, "Then why did you and bro visit hospital yesterday from the airport? Mom was celebrating at home."


    Aria didn''t know whether to cry or not, "It was just a regr check-up as we have traveled to three countries and tried over fifty new cuisines. We had even gone to the moonlight trek so n wanted to make sure we didn''t get bit by any dangerous insects."


    Another end three startedughing scarily and Rian said, "Little Devil, I will beat up soon." He hung up the call.


    "Goddess, are you boosting your aplishments? You will boast mine today." Eva hung up the call.


    "Oh President Cooper, I will make sure you lose some kilos today? You wish that four o''clock doesn''te."


    Aria looked at her mobile and patted Levi''s arm, "You really really really have to save me in the evening."


    Levi smiled at her to tease more.


    ---


    At Hotel Empire.


    After lunch, Aria was hugging Luke Baker''s design book, "I want all these. They are so ssy and elegant. The hell with the over-exaggerated gowns, I want all these. Pretty please."


    Levi who had thought it was going to be a serious meeting was dumbfounded looking at Aria.


    Luke pinched her cheek, "You haven''t changed from five years... They are wedding gowns, what will you do with them?"


    Luke''s assistant suggested, "President Baker, how about President Cooper as the model for wedding gowns? She will definitely ace the looks."


    Luke readily nodded and looked at Aria who hesitated, "Currently I''m a runaway bride to the public. I don''t want it to affect your brand."


    Luke shook his head, "My customers are high end who already booked my designs without seeing. You just have to be a model for advertisements and my Photobook. I don''t think you care about invisibleizens. Alia, your fans are a thousand times higher than your anti-fans."


    Aria gave it a thought and, "Deal."


    Then both discussed sponsors which could also improve the brand value before returning to the office. They also changed the flow of the fashion show as both of their themes don''t coordinate.


    His designs were elegant and ssy, Aria''s were hot, sexy, and plush.


    --


    At Skyline Industries.


    Aria was stuck in the meeting room, finishing meeting one after the other.


    She was thinking to take a breather, three entered the meeting hall without caring about managers standing next to her.


    "Three countries... Three friendsing..."


    Aria stood behind Levi and cried, "Guys rx, I have to work..."


    "Why should we care?"


    epting fate, Aria got beaten up before all sat down and saw Manager sweating profusely.


    "Pre... President Cooper, are you alright?"


    Aria shook her head, "Call the police and send them to the police station."


    Levi and manager: "..."


    Three smiled widely, "Hey we have never gone behind the bars. Shall we try?"


    Aria with Levi and Manager: _


    Aria coughed lightly waving at the manager to leave and spoke, "Sweetie, you have your engagement tonight. Remember?"


    Levi preferred to stay away from them and left. He weed the Focus entertainment channel manager, his assistant, and Xoan''s secretary.


    The Fourie sat like they were on real business as per Aria''s instructions.


    For the introduction, Aria behaved as usual as she should while others were cold.


    "President Cooper, we had already sent you the statistics of the views requesting us to bring the four friends to the show. We have contacted you from the past month about it. We also hope you could consider your fans and our interest and decide."


    Aria went through the file of data which she had already read in the mail, "What is our use by attending the show?"


    The manager courteously responded, "Your exposure will increase and your fans will know you better."


    Aria''s face was in, "Are we looking like inte celebrities in search of more fans?"


    The assistant and secretaries looked at the manager who tried his best to remain calm. "Company is ready to pay a million each."


    Rian and Eva startedughing while Noah sneered.


    Evamented, "My first book eight years back had earned ten times it."


    "My first auctioned painting was a billion."


    Noah looked at Aria and said for both, "I don''t think we need to tell our per minute ie."


    The manager finally broke into a sweat. He was ordered to say sess after meeting Aria. His job was at stake.


    "What... What do you suggest?" He stuttered.


    Finally, a sly smile appeared on Aria''s face.<em> ''Xoan West, The Fourie will win in your game.''</em>

 Chapter 340: Outrageous

    Chapter 340: Outrageous


    "I will be the only investor for our episode." Aria put up her first condition.


    The manager thought to convince other investors, "No problem." He didn''t know Aria never chose a deal without maximum profit to her.


    Aria nodded and continued, "The profit share is..." She pointed Noah on her right, "Ten..." Pointed Eva and Rian, "Ten... Ten..." Then she pointed to the manager referring to him as Focus, "Ten."


    Levi wanted to apud for her.


    Manager and the other two took time to understand, Noah, Rian, and Eva were getting ten percent each profit.


    <em>''What about Aria?''</em>


    <em>''And why Focus will get only ten percent?''</em>


    The secretary spoke in bewilderment, "President Cooper, you mean, ten percent for us and 90 percent for you."


    The three of Fourie were on cloud nine. They were fine going or not going to the show. Now they felt like, how easily they were going to earn in millions just from an hour show just to be themselves.


    Eva wanted to send a flying kiss to Aria but Rian held her hand.


    "Absolutely." Aria didn''t show a flinch.


    She had the high instincts Xoan wanted her in the show and he could go any length to get her to the reality show to ruin her image.


    "President Cooper, your request is really ..." <em>''onerous.''</em>


    "Request? Who do you think you are?" Aria sneered. "Do I look like I am in need of you?"


    Aria stretched her hand towards Levi and took the file. She slid it towards the manager on the table, "The real statistics. The fifth and seventh show is down in the pit. Am I not daring to risk my cent percent investment?"


    Sitting back, she asked in an unyielding, pressed and cold tone, "In or out?"


    Levi was used to her autocracy. Her friends looked at her in amusement. They had full faith in her skills, seeing it live, they understood how she always handles and earns well at the risk of total rejection.


    The manager stuttered, "We... Can we negotiate?"


    Aria twirled the pen in her hand looking at the manager, "Alright... 5% for you."


    The three employees of Focus were in real shock. Laughing awkwardly at her, they spoke to each other wiping their cold sweat again and again.


    None had given them a hard time except Aria.


    "President Cooper, Can we take a break for ten minutes? We will discuss and get back to you."


    Aria motioned her hand towards exit because she wasn''t going to ask her friends to leave. Levi guided them to a different meeting room.


    Rian repeated his line, "Little Devil, hadn''t I told you? I am in love with your domineering side."


    Eva jumped to her and kissed her cheek hard, "You are sexy." Then she sat on the arm of the chair hearing Aria chuckle.


    Noah spoke business, "What if they agree and our show flops?"


    Aria joked, "Then I will not buy any wedding gift for you."


    Rian bopped Noah, "I am nning, if we go, we should control the show following their format, what say?"


    Eva added, "If we just be the US, The Fourie, show won''t go flop."


    Aria hummed, "Sweetie, don''t you trust us?"


    "Of course I do, I thought about you."


    Aria just smiled at it, "To bring us on the show, they have already created quite a buzz. As I had told, they want to show us as fake and importantly Aria Cooper as fake. So TRP will be high..."


    While they continued to speak, the manager was in utter shock in the next meeting room.


    At the beginning of the meeting, Secretary had called Xoan as per his instructions and thetter had heard everything how Aria had handled.


    He thought to himself, <em>''No doubt Skyline investments stand top.''</em>


    When the manager dialed Xoan''s number, the secretary hung up the call and the manager tried to exin, "CEO West, President Cooper''s has her conditions and they are really outrageous. There will be no use if we shoot and air the show. Most..."


    Xoan spoke cutting in, "We are epting all her conditions. Prepare papers and sign it."


    "Huh?" The manager was shocked. He couldn''t understand why his boss would like to do something without profits.


    "But..." The manager heard a beep sound indicating the call ended. He couldn''t understand what was wrong with CEO West.


    Anyway, he had no choice and saw four sitting silently as if they didn''t know each other. <em>''What the hell? Are they really The Fourie? They look like strangers.''</em>


    He sat down, "President Cooper, we will ept your conditions. I will get the papers by tom..."


    Levi ced papers in front of him, "Manager Rogers, take your time and sign the papers."


    Focus employees looked at Aria: O_O


    Three next to Aria controlledughing. They realized Aria''s analysis of Xoan West was urate.


    Xoan on the other end of the call wasughing his heart out understanding Aria wasn''t a fool but the show rules were set by him was what he was thinking.


    Aria had added a use, the host wasn''t allowed to dig anything deeper about the personal life of them other than about the Fourie.


    The manager didn''t find it odd and he had already heard Xoan say, <em>''We are epting all her conditions.''</em>


    Another condition was, if any use was broken, Skyline will have all the authority to get the invested amount back with 25% fine excluding themission the participants are getting.


    The manager failed to understand it and signed starting with sessful cooperation and left.


    Levi couldn''t help but say, "President Cooper, you are shrewd."


    Aria chuckled. She will y the show without worrying about their dirty games on it. She never asked him to provoke her so she wasn''t going to y by his rules.


    Noah took the report to read and startedughing. "Thank god, I''m not against you."


    Eva and Rian couldn''t understand it so Noah exined it to them in the simplest numbers.


    "Assume 1 is an investment and profit as 10. Then we will get 9 and they will get 1. If Focus breaks any use and tries to y dirty, we will get our 9 with 1 investment and 0.25 fine. So 10.25 for the investment of 1.


    Now rece the single-digit with millions. 10 million investment, we might get 90 million. If they fail, we will get 100.25 million. Profit is there but it''s variable. It can be low or high."


    Aria carefully saw their faces thinking they might not like how she did but they were busy calcting how much they could earn by the hour as if they were poor and in need of money.


    Business is all about timing and profits so Aria knew well to use it.


    ---


    All hell broke loose at Focus International


    "Don''t you have a bloody basicmon sense? ording to this, other than handing our show pattern and getting her permission, we have no other choice. What the f**k were you thinking while signing this?..."


    The Manager could only cringe and stand quietly. He wanted to say, <em>''You were the one who told me to ept it.''</em> but he knew Xoan will scold more for it.

 Chapter 341: You are mine

    Chapter 341: You are mine


    At Morgan mansion.


    After the meeting at Skyline Industries, they quickly dispersed to get ready for the formal evening.


    There weren''t many invited. The Hanes family had called Geoff''s cousin and family. From Woods'' family, They hadn''t invited rtives. Noah''s grandparents, Eva and her family, Aria and Rian''s family were attendees.


    Aria got ready quickly before n reached the Morgan mansion. She was wearing a simple off the shoulder navy blue knee-length dress.


    Pinning her on the wall, n teased her, controlling himself from marking her wless shoulder and asked, "Do you regret having no official party for us?"


    Catching her breath, Aria promptly answered, "It doesn''t matter to me anymore. We are all happy is what is important."


    Taking his movement of distraction to advantage, Aria slipped away, "You are wearing the suit matching to mine. I will be off, see you at the Woods mansion."


    Seeing her runaway, he instinctively peeked out. Aria returned and quickly gave a goodbye kiss and ran away bringing a smile on his face.


    He didn''t care how everything happened, he was content seeing her happy.


    Downstairs, Rian chided Aria for taking too long and took her out asking the rest to reach on time.


    ---


    At Woods'' mansion


    Isaac dropped Eva and went to the Morgan mansion as there was still time.


    The party vibe started as soon as three started running around helping them. Arrangements were by the Woods'' team so they were quick, clean, and specific.


    It was time when everyone went out, Eva''s parents reached followed by the Morgan family and Isaac reached.


    It was dusk and with the lights, everything looked elegant and ssy.


    Soon a limousine pulled in followed by three more cars. While Woods'' family went ahead to wee them, the rest waited for them.


    Two froze when Norah alighted the limousine.


    Norah looked breathtaking and delicate in the pastel-colored gown which had a long trail. She walked holding Moran''s hand with a sweet smile looking at Noah.


    Her gown was intricated with many details highlighting the youthfulness and blooming flowers of spring that sparkled under lights.


    Aria was frozen looking at the gown. Isaac was frozen looking at Aria. n''s eyes stayed on Aria holding her hand.


    Eva excitedly spoke, "I forgot to inform you earlier. I had stolen the best gown in your collection. Arrie, I just love this gown. It looks like it came out of a fairytale."


    Isaac speechlessly looked at Eva. n just brushed his eyes on Eva before looking at Aria.


    Aria took a deep breath clutching n''s hand tighter. She faintly smiled at Eva and nodded.


    Isaac smacked Eva''s head, "Why didn''t you ask Arrie''s permission?"


    Eva gave him dirty re saying, "My Goddess will not say anything to me. What''s your problem?"


    Isaac controlled smacking her again and chided her in a low tone, "Arrie took more than a year toplete that gown. Stupid, that''s your wedding gown."


    Eva looked at the dress again and remembered what she had told Aria two years back, <em>''I don''t want a white gown. It should be multiple colors without gaudiness. Its huge trail should have flowers and minute beautiful works on it. The sleeves must be full but flowy giving off a princess vibe...''</em>


    Rian who was frowning, went next to Aria, "Little Devil, isn''t this the gown which I assisted you for the color strenuousness. I thought you didn''t use it."


    Aria nodded and greeted Geoff when he neared, "Congrattions Chairman Hanes. Sorry for thete wishes."


    Geoff smiled, "You should wear pretty dresses more than the formals."


    Amelia jumped in, "See, I had told you. You don''t listen to me and wear those boring pants."


    Aria nodded and took Amelia back to Rowan, "Mom, let''s not freak them out today. We will be gracious madams of the Morgan family tonight."


    Aria wasn''t angry with Eva but she had given her all to the design losing many nights of sleep and prepared the gown for Eva. Even though Norah will be marrying Noah, she still didn''t like to see that gown on anybody other than Eva.


    Failing to keep it safe, Aria was hurt and was angry with herself.


    Eva''s lips trembled. She understood why that gown had a special room and kept safe. More than the gown, her heart ached knowing Aria spent so much time for her and she gave the gown to Norah just like that only because they didn''t find anything special in the market.


    Isaac sighed looking at her cry. "It''s alright. Let''s not ruin Noah''s engagement. No need to tell him or his fiancee anything... Arrie will not me you... Eva, stop crying."


    He regretted telling her about the dress. "Eva, Noah is important now... Stop now... Shall I call Arrie?"


    Eva shook her head, "I wille in five minutes."


    Isaac nodded and saw her going inside the mansion. He turned to see Aria ring at ady.


    Norah''s cousin sister saw n standing alone while greeting the Wood family. "Hey... n Morgan... It''s been so long since I have seen you. How are you?"


    n saw her but didn''t remember. He turned to leave but thedy held his forearm, "What''s wrong? How..."


    "Leave..." n didn''t want to create a scene and said through his teeth.


    "Huh?" Thatdy was confused without understanding why n was telling her to leave the party.


    "I''m Norah''s cousin. Why should..."


    Aria pulled n''s arm away from her and spoke, "Hello Norah''s cousin sister. I''m Noah''s friend... Yeah, What n meant to say was <em>''Leave his hand and stay away''</em>." Then Aria took n away.


    "Jealous?"


    Aria shook her head. She knew n doesn''t like people touching him other than her.


    n sighed seeing her silence, "It''s alright. The new one was lucky to wear your masterpiece. It''s your friend''s party, don''t ruin your mood. Probably another one crying."


    She nced at Norah dazzling in her best piece of gown she had ever made. "If not for the wedding, I really wanted to give it to Eva."


    n knew that. "You helped Noah and her to be together so think as you and Eva are gifting it to her. Wasn''t the gown called ''Eternity''? Think as you are wishing them Eternal love safe from all the struggles."


    Aria smiled hearing him. It was like the pain she felt was vanishing into thin air. "I will beat them up if they fight unnecessarily."


    Then she sounded like cherishing n, "You are so good..." then her tone was like passing a decree, "You are mine."

 Chapter 342: Karma is a bitch

    Chapter 342: Karma is a bitch


    n kissed Aria''s forehead fondly, "I''m only yours."


    Happy hearing n, Aria quickly went to Eva seeing Isaac standing alone. Isaac went towards n to ask what he told Aria that cheered her up so soon but paused seeing the samedy going to n.


    Aria found Eva in the washroom who was trying to stop her tears but was crying her eyes out. She calmed her down, used n''s line and Eva was alright after that.


    "Will you again design for me?"


    Aria didn''t lie, "No. I won''t be able to manage such a dress with thepany work. I''m sorry."


    Thinking about the gown, Aria had really treasured it. It was really close to heart.


    Eva hugged her and apologized again.


    Aria saw Isaac standing at the door, and ordered him, "She gave the wedding gown and you, I''m taking you away from her too. Let her die alone."


    Eva pulled Isaac behind her, "You already have your eight pack abs husband, why do you want mine?"


    Isaac wanted to strangle her, "Do you know to use the word called <em>''Love''</em>?"


    Aria ignored Isaac''sment, "Oh yeah, Apollo''s belt too."


    Isaac: "..."


    Eva countered, "Don''t say like nobody saw my husband''s Apollo''s belt."


    Isaac: _


    It sounded so gross.


    Aria giggled and held n who just entered, "I''ll treasure you safe. Mwa. Let''s go."


    Eva''s broad smile faded slowly after the couple left, "I really messed up this time. How did you know? How can I just give it to Norah?"


    Isaac pressed a wet towel on her tearstained face as he responded, "I had given her surprise visit while I was on the shoot so I had seen the gown. That day, her teacher visited her and offered to bring it to his show as a show stopper but Arrie didn''t agree. He offered huge like fifty million thinking<em> ''Alia''</em> was just a normal girl might agree for money."


    Eva felt even more down hearing that. Isaac powdered her face lightly and asked, "Arrie is already fine. Why are you looking like this?"


    Eva tousled her hair in frustration, "I''m so annoyed with myself."


    Isaac: "..."


    Her hair looked like a bird''s nest. He patiently tidied it saying, "Ring ceremony is starting soon. Let''s not make them wait. Alright?"


    Eva hummed and went out to see annoyed Aria.


    A few minutes back, Thedy pitied her, "Mrs.Morgan, I really pity how you have to manage with n. Does he even talk to you? I heard you are his brother''s friend, looks and money aren''t important, a good life bnce is crucial you know."


    Aria grounded her teeth, she wanted to p her mouth until she forgets to speak. Controlling herself, "Actually n doesn''t talk, he just kisses me all the time. He uses it for a better purpose than spouting nonsense like you."


    Norah''s cousin: "..."


    n buried his smile hearing her.


    Geoff who was passing by paused and spoke, "Do you know each other?..."


    Getting no response, "Selena, He is n Morgan, President of Morgan Industries, his wife, Aria Cooper, President of Skyline Industries. You should ask her for some tips about business. I think... you lost two projects when she was managing director in country Sst year."


    Aria felt it was a great face p on Selena Hanes, who was the operational managing director of Country S Hanes branch. She also understood Selena was n''s ssmate.


    "Aria, she is my nephew. Selena Hanes."


    Aria greeted sweetly to piss her off, "Hello Ms.Hanes."


    Selena was pale the whole time. She heard Norah say Aria was Noah''s friend married to n whose younger brother was Rian.


    Initially, She felt bad for Aria thinking about how she has to handle n then she felt she must have married for money.


    She stuttered, "Hi, President Cooper."


    Geoff didn''t feel fishy and spoke to Aria, "Aria, Norah said Eva gave that dress from the collection ALIA. Dad said it''s bad luck to use the gift as a ceremony dress, let me know the price, I''ll transfer it to you."


    Aria never thought she would have to price that gown. No price matched her efforts, emotions, and time on it. "Chairman Hanes, it''s alright."


    Eva spoke behind her, "Designer AG had offered 50 million. Chairman Hanes, transfer whatever you feel right."


    Selena couldn''t hold herself, "What so big deal about the dress?"


    Aria frowned, "Chairman Hanes, it''s alright. I am not in need..." ''of money. You can transfer a little amount if it''s bad luck.''


    n cut in, "Many sleepless nights on four hundred days, 11 million material cost, and my wife''s design. Quote yourself and transfer it." n said and took Aria away as he chided, "When did you start a free charity for rich people?"


    Aria argued with n saying, didn''t they decide it as a gift?


    On the other side, Selena eximed, "So they are real diamonds and gemstones. No doubt the sewed threads were shimmering."


    Geoff was in shock realizing ALIA wasn''t just a brand name. Alia was a designer and it was Aria herself.


    He subconsciously asked, "Why didn''t she go with her own name?"


    Eva who heard him responded, "She showcases her creativity and designs but not her name or face."


    Moran announced they were starting the ring ceremony so they gathered together.


    Rian and Aria low fived and sweetly smiled at Noah. Thetter was smart and he quickly checked the rings and found them missing.


    Since he checked them, all saw him and his line of sight. Eva pushed herself between them and asked, "What''s the n?"


    Noah asked, "Speak off."


    Rian said two words, "Propose her."


    Zara had almost thought the party became too boring and simple. She was d the Fourie was the real fun.


    Noah pointed to two girls, "Why do only Me and you have to confess in front of everyone? Rian, they are fooling you."


    It didn''t work on Rian, "They aren''t getting engaged now, don''t dream about tricking me."


    All startedughing hearing them. Noah asked, "Give me her ring to propose."


    Aria quickly handed him and whispered to Norah, "Fulfill all your wishes."


    Noah took a deep breath and was about to speak, Norah innocently asked, "Aren''t you standing on one knee?"


    Noah: "..."


    <em>Karma is a bitch.</em>


    He kneeled for her hearingplete silence around him feeling the anticipating gazes.


    "Meeting you was destiny, Falling for you is love. Wishing to enjoy my future with you is life. I will not promise forever happiness. We will fight but I will never leave you. I will make it a reason to adore you more. Our rtionship will have trust, faith, sweet smiles, snorts for theughter, unnecessary stupid arguments but I will be patient towards it. We will solve the problems, we will share the sorrows andughter, we will create beautiful memories together.


    Ms. Norah Hanes, will you marry me loving my ws and imperfections?"

 Chapter 343: Made you his

    Chapter 343: Made you his


    Norah Hanes was dazed looking at him. The onlookers were adoring the new couple. The cameras shed for sometime before stopping.


    The response everyone expected didn''te.


    Noah who knew Norah waspletely mesmerized hence he mumbled in a very low voice, "My knees are hurting. Are you punishing me?"


    The rest were at a reasonable distance so they didn''t understand.


    Aria looked at n, "What did he say?"


    n shook his head. Isaac who had proposed in movies said, "His knees must be crying."


    Eva, Roxy, and Aria chuckled.


    Norah came out of her daze too and nodded profusely extending her hand for the ring.


    All gave them a round of apuse.


    The couple embraced each other. Rian passed Noah''s ring andpleted the ring ceremony.


    Noah popped champagne and all toasted for the couple for longsting happiness.


    Since there was still time for dinner, music yed and the young to elder couples were pulled to dance.


    Jude Hanes suggested Moran and Zara for dance seeing them standing. Seeing the lively atmosphere, he was d he listened to Curtis Morgan and Aria reprimanded him.


    Eva probed while dancing, "Shall we get engaged too? I don''t mind if you can''t wear the ring daily. Even Mom asked me now."


    Isaac twirled her gracefully before holding her close, "What did Mom say?"


    Eva just briefed, "She was like, Noah is so quick, why are we slow? She had expected me to carry a child in our first year of live-in. She even asked me if I am still a virgin. We were standing right behind Aunty Amelia and Uncle Rowan at that time. I covered Mom''s mouth and threatened her to stop."


    Isaac chuckled, "My Virgin Mary. I am ready to marry you tomorrow. So the decision is on you."


    Eva was nodding, Aria popped up, "Mum said something to me... She told me to inform you... It''s the 21st century."


    Eva: <em>''Please, let me die.''</em> She buried herself in Isaac''s embrace.


    Aria chuckled and moved away with n as they danced.


    Roxy and Rian were debating on whose confession was good and eyed n thinking when they could ask him to propose Aria.


    All had dinner merrily then everyone became a drunkard. Aria wanted to go home and work so she speechlessly looked at everyone drinking happily.


    She noticed Zara and Moran getting along well too. She hadn''t given a chance to Moran to talk to her when he tried.


    It was eleven when all dispersed.


    ---


    The next day,


    Selena Hanes had convinced Norah and took Aria''s designed gown with her.


    Geoff took Aria''s appointment and met her in the evening. He transferred a hundred million asking her to design Norah''s wedding and reception gown.


    The designer <strong>ALIA</strong> never epts such orders but for Noah''s sake, she agreed firmly saying she will design ording to the themes, not to expect an extraordinary as the previous gown.


    Geoff trusted Aria''s professionalism so he didn''t have any objections.


    The top bachelorette finally changed his rtionship status and uploaded his engagement picture by also tagging <strong>ALIA</strong> for his and Norah''s outfit.


    While numerous congratted him, many were in love with gown and <strong>ALIA</strong>''s assistant mailbox, the phone was busy for the whole week rejecting most except some which she reported to Aria.


    As soon as the work was bnced and her runway dresses were ready.


    Aria decided to pay a visit to Calvin Parker who hadn''t gone to Parker Vi even once and was declining to meet his mother or talk to her.


    "Brother Calvin."


    Calvin was surprised but faintly smiled at her calling her in. "I heard you returnedst week."


    Aria nodded with a hum, "Sorry, I wasn''t in the right state of mind when you came with reports."


    Calvin didn''t mind that, "Are you alright now?"


    "I was stressed out and got to know who is helping your mom and everything became a mess."


    Calvin felt ashamed hearing ''your mom.''. "Who is helping her? I didn''t find any clue when I checkedst week."


    Aria revealed the truth, "Morse Industries. The Morse. But I don''t know who exactly is helping your mother."


    "What?" Calvin paled hearing the name.


    Aria felt something wasn''t right. "Brother Calvin, what''s wrong?"


    Calvin ced a set of paper taking out from the locker, "Why do I feel like they are trying to make me the scapegoat of everything? We signed a partnershipst month."


    Aria tried to be calm. ''Is Calvin really innocent? Or is he turning Saira into a scapegoat?''


    Aria clenched her teeth and asked, "Hadn''t I told you to contact me if yourpanies need any kind of support?"


    Calvin''s voice was helpless, "I didn''t want anybody to say I stood by your support."


    Aria asked back, "What do you mean?"


    Calvin revealed some truth, "When the publication was ruined by Dad, our ie had lowered too much to the stage my schooling became difficult. Kite had started her children product modeling so they started to bnce it. Then Uncle Oliver gave a job for Dad and even appointed his trusted employees for the publication for its development. So all these years everyone was saying we are living under the Cooper family. Even though I was old enough to understand what was happening, Kite wasn''t smart or mature. Hence she always hated you. I don''t want to have the same tag all my life."


    Aria understood where it was all started. "Sister Kite is always provoked by your mother against me. She is fine now. Her dance sses have also started. And I could have helped you privately without my name leaking out."


    Then Aria ced a condo key on the table, "This is the key of Isaac''s condo which has been empty for years. It''s only two miles from here. You should take care of your lifestyle, it''s not good to have packed food all the time. Grandfather was saying you aren''t dating and isn''t ready to go on arranged dates so he asked me to convince you."


    Calvin was momentarily stunned. He pressed a number on his inte, "Come in."


    Aria didn''t understand and saw a slender girl standing at the desk raising her brows at Calvin. He introduced, "Rachel, Aria... Arrie, my girlfriend. We have been dating for nine years. She is an orphan from Aan."


    Rachel smiled at Aria, "Hello President Cooper."


    Aria smiled back and greeted as she turned to Calvin, "Hi Sister-inw."


    Calvin nodded at Aria understanding her questioning eyes.


    Aria continued, "You can call me Aria. By the way, when is the wedding?"


    Rachel responded ncing at Calvin, "We were thinking to shift to country X due to all these, now after solving all these I guess..."


    Aria understood what she meant by<em> ''All these...''</em>


    Aria advised, "Problems will never stop. Just because I am President of Skyline doesn''t mean I don''t have problems. Even the President of the country has his own problems like any othermon man. Because of problems, don''t postpone good things in your life by living in the problems. I think you have waited long enough and now, you should get married and lead a happy fulfilling life solving the problems together."


    Calvin and Rachel looked at each other and at Aria. Rachel chuckled and said, "You are right, Your cousin just looks like a tiny packet. I felt like I''m talking to my mother."


    Calvin added, "No doubt n Morgan didn''t wait long and made you his."


    Aria: "..."


    Aria couldn''t understand why everyone makes her older just by hearing her small practical advice.


    <em>''Hmph''</em>

 Chapter 344: You should get her

    Chapter 344: You should get her


    Calvin closed hisptop and stood up, "Let''s go."


    "Huh?" Aria was confused but Rachel understood. Aria still followed their car in confusion and stopped at the Marriage bureau.


    Aria stood there and watched thempleting all the formalities and came to her with a marriage certificate. "Ah... I... You... ... Congrattions on getting married."


    The coupleughed at her seeing her all confused.


    Aria had visited them at lunchtime but saw them getting married. She wasn''t sure how to react to those.


    Aria again stuffed the house keys to Calvin, "This your marriage gift. I will send the transferred papers tomorrow." She covered her ears and walked out saying, "I''m not taking no as a response."


    Calvin helplessly looked at Aria and the key. Rachel patted his back to stop him from thinking too much.


    Calvin was powerless against Aria, "Isaac Ross didn''t live in just a condo. It''s an expensive penthouse with a private infinity pool. This girl is so stubborn."


    Aria who went out was talking to n, "I really can''t believe I just attended the marriage. I was more shocked here than our marriage. I was literally feeling like question marks were popping out of my head. Ting ting ting ting..."


    n had investigated Calvin so he knew who was his girlfriend. "President Cooper, don''t be stingy. Toss your McLaren P1 fob at him ande."


    Aria''s lips twitched, "In your dreams. I have to meet Isaac now."


    "He is with me. Having lunch."


    "Wait, what? I''ming." Aria quickly hung up the call.


    She sent a message from her tab to Calvin. "I have booked a wedding suite for you guys with lunch, dinner and morning breakfast. Bye..." She quickly gave them a hug and fled off to have lunch with her husband.


    Rachel''s hands were still in the air to return the hug when Aria drove out of the premises. "Your young little sister is like the wind. She made me feel cool as if I''m in the summer and left me in turbulence with her swiftness."


    Calvin chuckled and took her towards his car, "You are smart."


    Rachel rolled her eyes, "Now, you better leave sleeping in the office. I got a license to kick your ass."


    Calvin was dumbstruck momentarily, "Why did your tough sidee up? Kicking my ass? Really?"


    Rachel joked, "What? Were you thinking I would be a sweet gentle wife? Calvin Parker, you are so in hell from today."


    ...


    ---


    Aria ate while two men apanied her as they heard her say about the investigation data of Morse Industries and their partnership with Calvin''s gamingpany.


    n turned down Aria''s confusion on Calvin.


    For Isaac''s penthouse, he asked Aria''s team to help him out to get a farmhouse which was on sale at city B outskirts near the river.


    Aria epted happily and even nned out how he can use thend over there.


    --


    Since they didn''t have solid proof, against Morse Industries, Aria and n didn''t take action.


    n''s team assisted Calvin to dissolve partnership without losses. Morgan subsidiarypany invested andpletely restructured thepany without Aria''s known.


    ---


    At Focus.


    It was Saturday, thest episode of<strong><em> ''Unbreakable''</em></strong> will be airing.


    Since Aria or the other three''s personal life couldn''t be dragged in the show, Xoan nned to show there was nothing an Unbreakable friendship between four and it was just a show of rich people.


    Four reached the Focus at different timings in their cars from different ces which gave the total wrong impression of the Fourie to people from the focus.


    Aria had sent her secretary Rose to assist Eva till they reached.


    Rian and Noah went with his bodyguards.


    Aria was nagged by n, Finn, and Isaac due to Xoan West. Then Amelia nagged her long time and was very excited to see the Fourie on screen. After knowing the status at Focus, Levi called her bodyguards.


    The show manager had seen every gueste together for the behind the scenes video and pictures. Seeing the Fourie separately, he decided the show was going to flop.


    Xoan watched their entry with Xin. Thetter looked at Xoan, "What''s cooking?"


    Xoan acted innocent, "What the hell? What am I doing?"


    Xin red at him and announced, "I will not meet her."


    Xoan rolled his eyes, "I am just curious what you said about her is true or not so I am watching. I called you to watch your little bunny''s haughtiness."


    Xin ignored him and was ready to leave, Xoan dragged him to the airing studio to watch. All technicians became very careful thinking they were important guests of Xoan and they should do a good job.


    Out of everyone''s expectations, once entering the green room, four were cheering themselves causing Rose to look at them in amusement. Levi couldn''t understand why they purposefully misdirected everyone.


    When behind the scenes recording camera sneakily entered inside, four wereughing their hearts out astonishing the watchers in the studio screening room.


    Xoan failure count started.


    Then the crew asked them to get ready. Aria and Eva turned down the makeup artists because Aria didn''t want to take chances against them.


    Even though the four were annoyed by the camera while getting ready, they ignored them and the two girls still locked two boys for the ten minutes sheet facemask.


    Rian and Noah cursed them endlessly and checked out themselves to see panda and roon facemask while the girls had a cute cat and puppy facemask.


    Aria and Eva updated their ount reminding their followers to watch the show. They also uploaded a picture in Rian and Noah''s social media.


    <strong>Unbreakable</strong> never got such hearty behind the scenes recordings.


    Xin smacked Xoan when he took a closer look at the screen. "Her skin is practically wless and glowing. Even her friend''s skin is faultless without makeup. I had thought they might look ugly in real skin."


    Xoan failed again.


    Xin rolled his eyes and was ready to leave, Xoan tugged him back, he wasn''t going to lose hope so soon.


    Rian and Noah didn''t wear the semi-formal suit crew had arranged, Instead, they wore what they brought.


    Rian was in tan-colored cargo, a white in t-shirt, and a denim jacket. He was chic and stylish.


    Noah had chosen a white shirt, cream zer with navy blue jeans. He was formal yet trendy with his look.


    Eva tossed the dress they had given and wore the bright yellow dress from ALIA''s collection. It was crisscrossed back with ayered skirt. She looked like a model out of the poster.


    Aria wanted to make Xoan happy for a little time selecting the dress from the collection. She tried on the white off-shoulder dress which had ckce artistically designed on it.


    When she exited the dressing block, all froze holding their breath. Rose and Eva couldn''t take their eyes away either.


    Aria''s milky white skin was glowing in the little dress. She looked pure and innocent looking at them in confusion.


    "I think I should change." Her dress was very short and too much skin was revealing. The material was very silky and light which would blow up by the light wind.


    Importantly, n will eat her up in anger if she attends the show in that dress or he might hack and block the channel globally so that no more could see her.


    Xoan admired the beauty on the screen. He poked Xin who had a faint smile looking at Aria''s troubled face. "Xin, you should get her..."

 Chapter 345: Little bunny is cute

    Chapter 345: Little bunny is cute


    Eva, Rian, and Noah looked at each other. While Noah blocked the camera, Rian and Eva pushed her inside the dressing room and ordered.


    "Change to the dress you brought here."


    Aria saved herself from knocking on the wall. She cursed them in mind and quickly changed to the burlywood brownce sleeveless short dress. She wore the nude pumps, bright red lipstick before going out.


    She went in like a fairy and came out like a mischief girl smiling at them. While onlookers were a little disappointed, the other three gave thumbs up. "Perfect."


    Rose had taken some snaps, she checked Aria''s pictures in a daze. "President Cooper, you are so beautiful."


    Aria chuckled hearing her, "But you are the prettiest girl I have seen."


    Rose unknowingly blushed seeing Aria from near. Eva saw Rose''s reaction and pulled Aria away. "Stop seducing people."


    "Like really? She is a girl."


    Rian, Levi, and Noah: O_O


    It was true three men were dazed too but seeing Rose and the rest of the crew''s eyes following Aria and blushing including women, they quickly evacuated the room for some peace of mind.


    Rian texted n, <em>[Bro, are youing?]</em>


    After a few seconds, <em>[Any problem?]</em>


    <em>''Your wife is a problem. She will turn girls to homo.''</em> Rian saw Aria talking with Eva and replied, <em>[No]</em>


    Rian understood n''s possessiveness, <em>''Nobody can kidnap my sister-inw.''</em>


    ---


    The show started, the host spoke, "Humans are unbreakable. Perhaps they are just rather flexible and adaptable. I''m Fiana, Weing all our viewers to our final episode of the Unbreakable with the special guests who are in buzz for many years from their school time to now. They have earned lots'' of admirers giving friendship goals to everyone with their outstanding professional goals. So let''s wee the country''s renowned artist Rian Morgan..."


    Aria and Rian low fived and the Fourie started their magic. Rian entered stylishly and took the extra mic the host had, "I will do the honor..."


    All panicked the second he took the mic even though he had a separate microphone. The Fourie never had stage fear so they could handle the pressure of limelight without flinching."


    "Everyone of you knows Aria Cooper who is President of Conglomerate. Let me introduce her better. The smarty pants, full-on mischief loaded with tons of craziness is our Arrie. So let''s wee My Little Devil."


    Aria expected him to say something like that.


    While the hall cheered, Xoan was at loss. He now understood the n of the Fourie to control the show and the public opinion.


    His eyes moved to onlinementators. ''Okay fine, guys bring it on.'' His eyes shifted to the number of viewers. "F**k, it''s already higher than other episodes."


    Xin chuckled. He knew something was cooking in Xoan''s mind but he couldn''t point it out. He pulled him back and spoke, "She had cheated in the IQ exam."


    "Really?"


    Xin nodded, "So I had given her a self-prepared test asking her to help me. Her IQ is around 140. You basically can''t win her brain."


    Xoan saw the contract papers in Xin''s hand which the former had hidden from him. He awkwardlyughed.


    Xin continued, "She doesn''t use her brain with her friends so they have stuck together for years. She very well knew this show was going to be a hit so she took the 100% investment. Do you know why?..."


    Xin pointed to Xoan and continued, "You had created a lot of publicity so that she could surrender to you but she used it against you ying you till the end."


    Xin caressed Xoan''s head like an owner to pet.


    Aria walked to the stage and purposefully missed Rian''s high five, sticking her tongue out at him. "Little Devil..."


    Aria giggled took the mic, "The bold and daring, the artistic Rian Morgan isn''t only dashing, he is so very innocent, little dumb and full of charms. This beauty is my partner in crime."


    Rian tried to hold her but Aria slipped off while the studio crew and the viewers wereughing looking at them y wlessly without acting.


    "Alright, let''s not waste time and call a very innocent, sweet, beautiful, talented and kind-hearted girl, Eva Miller."


    Eva stepped on the stage feeling very happy but Rian snatched the mic, "Wait wait, what? Innocent? Little Devil, we shouldn''t lie to the audience, Let''s wee the God of our Goddess who nonstop flirts with her Goddess. Eva Miller."


    Eva flushed and kicked Rian''s legs while all burst intoughter.


    The host was more like, ''please let me sit and watch the show.''


    Eva took the mic next and eyed Noah who wanted to hide somewhere thinking she wasn''t going to give face.


    "Shhh..." Eva silenced everyone and spoke, "The sweetheart, the sweetie, the cutie, cutie pie, every other sweet thing is the next one. I and My goddess loves to irritate him all day. But our poor chap is a helpless kid. Let''s wee Noah Wood."


    Noah stepped up watching carefully but next second he started running, "Guy''s not here. Seriously, Guys, all are watching, Arrie, Eva, I''ll kill you tonight..."


    In the end, Aria and Eva held his arm and pulled him ahead leaving him all blushed pink. The Fourie slightly bowed and sat down handing the mic to the dazed host.


    Seeingplete silence, Aria spoke, "I''m sorry, My Beauty is taken by my little sister."


    The host took her eyes away from them and blushed in embarrassment.


    Eva added after it, "My goddess is mine."


    The host was instructed in her earpiece so quickly sat down and spoke, "I guess, I will lose my job if we have so lively guests. Let''s jump to our first segment directly since The Fourie revealed their thoughts about each other. This is called a warm-up round. We will give you a hand pointing holder and will ask you a question. You have to point who suits that. Clear?"


    "Crystal." Fourie said in unison and took the boards.


    The host asked her first question, "Here goes the first, who is lethargic?"


    Very next second all pointed to Rian who was pointing to himself proudly and said, "Thank you Thank you."


    The hostughed and asked next, "Always ready to drink."


    Eva covered her face while three-pointed her.


    "You guys are so known to each other. Next is the tricky one. Let''s say you guys are attacked, who runs away first?"


    Fourie pointed at the host and giggling happily, "You are next to us so obviously you will run."


    The hostughed awkwardly and continued the show with dumb charades


    Xoan''s mouth was wide open looking at viewers and responses. There were a few who were saying they were little childish but more than ninth five percent liked their candidness.


    He shifted next to Xin who was watching Aria directed camera screen.


    Xoan poked him and asked, pointing to the papers, "Is there a way to cancel the contract and take all the profit?"


    "Unless you want Little Bunny to bring you to the road."


    <em>''F**k''</em> He cursed himself and sat down looking at Aria doing hand action to guess the word ''Phoenix''. "Your Little bunny is cute."


    "Oh, isn''t she haughty?" Xin asked back.


    "She is. With others."


    Xoan looked like a lost puppy looking at the screen.

 Chapter 346: My husband

    Chapter 346: My husband


    The next round was "Let''s bring the secrets out."


    All grinned at each other but paused thinking what others could say.


    "Secret is meant to be a secret." Rian said which increased the curiosity of others.


    The host chuckled and spoke, "Four of you will choose one and tell the secret. Anything which only you four know or only one know. Of course, three can target one."


    The Fourie looked at each other if they should target one.


    "Let''s start with President Cooper."


    Rian closed her mouth shaking his head, "It''s a pass, It''s a pass..."


    Aria bit his hand and said, "I will reveal a photo today but you all have to guess who it is."


    All curiously looked at her mobile but Rian chased after her, "Little Devil, I will break your leg tonight."


    Aria ran away and tossed her mobile at Eva holding Rian. Eva revealed Rian''s childhood picture. He was wearing a white dress and a white veil on the head.


    "Beauty is my little bride. Isn''t he cute?"


    Many in the studio answered in unison, "Yes"


    Rian snorted and sat down.


    Next, it was Noah''s turn who high fived at Rian and disyed Aria''s childhood picture where she was sitting on the floor with a big candy jar, her face smeared with chocte all around the mouth.


    "Where did you get that picture?" Aria was chubby, her forefinger in her mouth, opening her eyes wide at the camera on getting caught. She looked very adorable.


    "Our goddess is a glutton from childhood."


    All were shocked knowing it was Aria. The hostplimented seeing Aria blush, "President Cooper, you are so cute."


    Aria pinched Noah and smiled at the host.


    Next, it was Eva''s turn, who chuckled and revealed a picture, "I don''t know if you guys remember, six years back there was news saying the soapy foam at the Mall''s water fountain."


    Noah shut her mouth but Aria continued, "It was Noah due to our dare."


    Everyone''s mouth was wide open while the threeughed sitting next to Noah who twisted two girls'' ears.


    The host spoke in admiration, "Probably the owner will hunt you today."


    Aria and Rian low fived chuckling, "Skyline and Morgan are thergest shareholders of that mall. So our sweetie is safe."


    "Such a narrow escape. "


    But in the Cooper mansion, n was speechless. He was president at that time and he had no idea about it. It had taken many workers to clean up the liquid detergent to stop the foam from spreading. That time Aria video called him to show it. He understood who had hacked the mall security cameras.


    Next, it was Rian''s turns whoughed evilly looking at girls and showed a picture of Aria and Eva. Two girls instantly turned scarlet and were frozen looking at the picture.


    Eva and Aria wanted to cry looking at the picture because Eva had pinned Aria on the wall.


    Aria mumbled, pushing the microphone away from her face, "Beauty, I''m a runaway bride without a reason. The picture is telling them that we two are lesbos."


    Rian froze and saw everyone''s expression wasn''t funny. <em>''Crap, Bro will kill me today.''</em>


    Xoan looked at Xin who had no expression. "Did n Morgan leave little bunny for the Little girl because of this?"


    Xin gave ''I don''t know'' look and added, "Didn''t Rian Morgan say Miller is a great flirt with Little bunny? It must be just a tease but the wrong time."


    Hitting her own forehead, Amelia groaned in frustration, "My son is really dumb. Ugh."


    n sat silently in Cooper mansion while Isaac was at the fit ofughter watching it feeling sorry for Aria.


    The host recovered and joked, "No doubt Ms.Miller is a good flirt with President Cooper. Now let''s move on to the interesting segment. Dial the recent call history. The condition is that, whoever may be the contact, they have to say ''I love you''. Let me clear it, you aren''t allowed to speak or give heads up before the call."


    Aria and Eva flushed together. Noah was sure Zara would say it. Rian''s lips were twitching because it was Amelia who he had dialedst when they sent their show outfit picture.


    The host started with Rian. He dialed but the call wasn''t picked till thest ring, "I love you, my little youngdy. Visit me soon."


    "Mom, it''s not fair."


    Aria giggled and responded, "I love you, Mum."


    Then the call was hung up. Rian snorted, "Mom said I love you. Since it wasn''t mentioned to whom, I won."


    Aria patted Rian''s back and heard the host, "President Cooper is very close to Madam Morgan."


    Rian remarked, "I''m doubting who is my Mom''s child now."


    Then it was Eva''s turn. She had saved a number as <strong><em>''Hottie''</em></strong> which disyed on-screen causing quite a buzz. Eva flushed darker when Isaac answered it.


    His voice was light and sweet, "I love you, my fairy angel."


    Eva hummed, "Darling, I will see you at home. Bye." She hung up the call.


    The host chuckled seeing Eva quickly stuff her mobile away, "Ms.Miller, may we know who he is?"


    Eva promptly answered, "My boyfriend."


    There was a loud cheer when she finished. They weren''t allowed to dig about it so next, it was Noah.


    The contact name was ''Sis'' so the audience wasn''t excited but Zara followed Amelia, "I love you, my pretty girls."


    Noah: "..."


    Aria and Eva said in unison, "I love you, Sister Zara."


    Noah very much wished hisst caller was Norah, "Sis, you are spoiling these two."


    "Aren''t you spoiling your fiancee?"


    Noah: "..."


    All chuckled and looked at Aria who involuntarily blushed. The contact name was <em><strong>''My love''</strong></em> so all were even more curious.


    n answered the call but he didn''t talk for three whole seconds then all heard the deep, maic voice. "I love you, my wifey."


    <strong><em>''Wifey''</em></strong> causedplete silence for a few seconds before a loud exmation started.


    n spoke again, hearing no response, "Am I getting no response?"


    Aria flushed more and her tone sounded mellow, "My love, cook for me, I will be home soon."


    "Sure." n said and hung up the call seeing her flushed red on the screen.


    "I see, President Cooper loves to feed dog food. I so wish to ask the name, is he your boyfriend?"


    Aria shook her head, "My husband."


    That was the shocking revtion that didn''t only stop the rumors of Aria and Eva but the world got to know Aria wasn''t single.


    Aria knew why n said <em>''Wifey''</em> so she revealed it.


    Xoan looked at Xin whose expression was still serene, in fact, he saw Xin''s smile... A happy smile.


    <em>''Doesn''t Xin love Little bunny?''</em>

 Chapter 347: Little bunny is Little devil

    Chapter 347: Little bunny is Little devil


    <em>''My husband''</em> stirred quite a lot of buzz in both Entertainment and Business Industries.


    Aria''s maternal grandfather was in shock too. "Who is her husband? Did my granddaughter marry a random..."


    Kite cut, "Grandfather, it''s n Morgan. Don''t shoot your blood pressure. They are living happily and she will meet you soon."


    Even after hearing it, he was still conflicted. Abel was surprised but Saira started trembling. She had thought they were just together. She looked at Kite and somehow she could say she was missing something.


    <em>Why didn''t Arrie tell me?</em>


    <em>Am I not the one who is closer to her than Kite?</em>


    <em>Why Calvin isn''t talking to me?</em>


    There was nobody to answer those questions yet.


    ---


    Ceon Davies startedughing hearing that piece of information.


    His father snapped his head, "You are just a waste fellow."


    "Dad, don''t tell me you believe that. The model of tomorrow''s photoshoot is Aria Cooper for wedding gowns. She just created it so that it doesn''t affect the Aida fashions." He assumed to himself over smartly.


    The celebrity photographer Maxion was his friend who had spilled out in theirst get together.


    ---


    At the studio


    Xoan couldn''t help but ask, "Are you sure you are happy to know that piece of information?"


    Xin nced at Xoan and hummed, "She seems to have a good rtionship with her husband. She is happy."


    Xoan: "..."


    <em>''So Aria Cooper left n Morgan for somebody else.''</em> He thought to himself and it became the rumors too.


    The show continued while social media was in uproar soaring the viewers of the show. There were manyments asking the host to ask Aria who was her husband.


    Soon there was a clip of Aria dialing a number followed by the voice and Aria epting as<em> ''My husband.''</em>


    The top search result became, <em>''Aria Cooper''s marital status.''</em>


    <em>''Goddess is taken.''</em>


    <em>''Aria Cooper''s husband.''</em>


    The reporters were swarmed at the Focus entrance waiting for Aria.


    Afterpleting the show, Aria sent Eva, Noah, and Rian together safely. She didn''t want reporters to corner them due to her presence. Since they were sent first, reporters asked a few questions without troubling them.


    Levi rubbed between his brows looking at people outside. "President Cooper, even if we bring twenty bodyguards, it isn''t easy for you to exit. They aren''t leaving the door and your car too."


    Aria who was checking the message smiled. She turned to Rose, "Let''s change your outfit."


    Levi and Rose had no idea what she was nning. Rose still agreed and wore Aria''s dress while Aria wore the dress which she was wearing when she entered the Focus.


    "President Cooper, what''s the n?"


    "Take Rose and Leave. If the crowd is unmanageable, show Rose''s face so they will disperse automatically."


    Levi asked back, "What about you?"


    "n is picking me."


    Since it was n, Levi wasn''t worried. "Drop me a message once you reach safely to President Morgan."


    Aria: <strong>?</strong>


    Aria sent them and watched the basement. As soon as Rose stepped out wearing Aria''s dress and face mask with Levi, the reporters who were in the basement 1 rushed to the entrance.


    Rose was on the verge of tears seeing so many cameras shing at her and sharp voices sounded around her.


    She clutched Levi''s zer, "Assistant Levi, I''m scared."


    Levi saw her trembling and remembered how Aria stands in front of the media. He sighed and led ahead forming a human chain around her. "Don''t worry. You are safe."


    The twenty seconds walk became five minutes but they were still stuck hearing the questions from reporters.


    "President Cooper, are you really married?"


    "President Cooper, who is your husband? Or were you bluffing?"


    "Did you leave President Morgan for another man?"


    "What does your husband do?"


    "Did you make that lie to cover that you are interested in a woman?"


    "Is Eva Miller really has a boyfriend or is that your n?"


    The questions went on until somebody asked, "President Cooper isn''t so short. Doesn''t she reach the shoulder of her assistant?"


    Then reporters tried to peek and started their spection, "President Cooper''s Skinplexion is looking different too."


    "Her hair isn''t so short."


    Levi finally reached the car and to divert the attention of reporters, "Secretary Rose, remove your mask and sunsses."


    Rose followed his orders and forced a smile at reporters, "I''m sorry for fooling you. Please allow us to leave safely."


    The reporters cursed them in mind and ran around to see where Aria was leaving. Only some stayed, "Is President Cooper really married?"


    Rose ignored them and sat in the car and Levi drove the car away before they breathed a sigh. "President Cooper is really brave."


    Levi nced at Rose hearing her mumble. "You have no idea how brave she is."


    ---


    Xoan and Xin watched Aria alone walking in the building boldly. Curious, they followed her activity.


    Xin asked, "Why didn''t you send our security to escort her out?"


    Xoan revealed his intention, "I wanted her toe to me and ask." but failed at it.


    Xin shook his head resignedly and continued to watch Aria on the screen changing the cameras as she walked in the lobbies as if it wasn''t new to her.


    Aria didn''t care even if Focus security or Xoan was watching her through surveince. She saw the basement one which was actually above the ground level.


    After making sure reporters weren''t present, she ran and jumped out of the building wlessly.


    "F**k, It''s nearly fifteen feet. She will break her leg." Xoan shot on his foot watching Xin''sb screen.


    Xin and Xoan raced towards the other end of theb and opened the ss windows to check behind the building.


    Both peeked down from the 17th floor to see Aria running to the arms of a man who was standing a few meters away.


    Xin breathed a sigh of relief seeing her physically active while Xoan''s mouth was wide open.


    They returned to the seats once Aria left in the car, "I had tried to jump over there five years back. I had to limp for two months with a ligament tear and sprain. Your Little bunny is an actual little devil. Who is that man? Don''t we have cameras there?"


    Xin rolled his eyes. If there was any, why would he run to checkout?


    Xoan announced as he walked out, "We are meeting Aria Cooper next week." as his n failed today


    Xin looked behind but Xoan was gone. Xoan wanted to make sure she was married so that he could knock some sense to Xin else try his best to get Aria for Xin.


    Xin ignored him and went back to work.


    ---


    Aria saw the new McLaren model behind n when she fluentlynded on the ground.


    She jumped to his arms happily, "I had told you to cook for me."


    n left her down before opening the car door, "How can I not pick my wife?"


    Aria grumbled after receiving a peck on her cheek, "You should havee in the front."


    "Too crowded. I want you, not that nonsense."


    Aria smiled brushing her nose to his and they set off on a drive in the new car.

 Chapter 348: My son

    Chapter 348: My son


    The couple''s long drive was cut off due to Elder Parker''s call. Aria dialed Calvin''s number asking him to reach the Parker house.


    --


    In the Parker house


    Kite weed the couple with the butler. Behind them, Calvin and Rachel entered too. Kite greeted Calvin, "Brother Calvin, Wee miss..."


    Aria smiled at the couple, "Hello Mr. & Mrs. Parker."


    The Parker family froze hearing Aria. Kite reacted first, "Arrie, what did you say?"


    Aria turned to Calvin, "Didn''t you meet your family after your marriage?"


    Calvin shook his head ncing at Saira. "I didn''t want toe here."


    Aria sighed hearing it, "But you shouldn''t abandon other family members, isn''t it?"


    Calvin took a breath, "Okay My mother. Let''s get inside first."


    Loving, caring mother went towards the four, "Arrie..."


    Aria and n didn''t spare a nce and passed by her. Calvin took Rachel ahead too leaving Saira to stand awkwardly.


    Kite saw their behavior and saw Saira didn''t look sad, instead, she was trembling in fright but ''why?''


    "Mom..."


    Saira easily smiled at Kite, "Go talk with your sister inw. I will get some snacks."


    Kite saw Saira striding towards the kitchen. She wanted to check if she was fine but saw Elder Parker hitting Calvin''s leg.


    Aria introduced formally, "Grandfather, he is your grandson-inw. n..."


    n greeted with a bow, "Grandfather." Then he passed a few bags to the caretaker behind him.


    Elder Parker''s face was dark, "Wasn''t he behind your father''s death? Why did you marry him?"


    Aria sat next to him and spoke, "n is innocent and I knew that from the beginning. It''s a long story that I will tell after a few minutes. Now meet your granddaughter-inw, Rachel. They marriedst Monday. They were in love for nine years, they were very low profile."


    Rachel bowed, "Hello Grandfather. Sorry, we didn''t seek your blessing sooner."


    Elder Parker saw Rachel and nodded in eptance. Then his cane lifted and hit Calvin''s leg, "You brat, Why were you hiding your wife? Why didn''t you tell me?"


    Calvin chuckled hearing him, "You all were busy with Kite so I thought to inform youter."


    Grandfather grunted and thought for a second, "When are you holding a wedding? You brat, skip that and see, I will show who is older to you."


    Calvin stopped his cane from the second strike and went to Abel. He introduced Rachel and they sat down. Saira tried to talk to Calvin but he didn''t speak. She spoke to Rachel who was reserved due to Calvin.


    Elder Parker tapped the cane on the ground to get Aria''s attention from Kite. "Now tell me, why did you marry him?"


    Saira softly chuckled, "Father, how can you treat our son-inw that way?"


    Aria smirked, "Why? Auntie Saira, don''t you know it well?"


    Saira sped her trembling hands and her voice was jittery, "How can I know?"


    Kite sensed Aria''s mockery and her mother wasn''t her usual self, "What''s going on?"


    Aria quickly told them about the proof they had seen against n and the reality behind it. By the end, Saira was trying her hardest to control herself.


    Elder Parker was filled with fury, "Those bastards aren''t only trying to kill you but also trying to sabotage your rtionship with n Morgan. Who are those wicked people? Why didn''t youin to the police?"


    Aria calmly spoke, "Grandfather, I haven''tpleted yet. Hear me out."


    Elder Parker hummed and buried his frustration.


    Abel asked, "Is that the reason you hid about your marriage?"


    Aria nodded and revealed important news, "We aren''t recently married. It will be three years soon."


    "What?" Many said in unison and calcted her age.


    Aria smiled and nodded. "I had returned the same day back to country S so nobody knows we are married. I thought to reveal the truth during the reception but due to threats, everything ruined."


    Elder Parker tapped his cane and asked, "Come to the point."


    Aria smiled at Saira whose head was low and revealed the first truth, "Grandfather, auntie..." she paused to see Saira''s wide-open eyes then continued, "... Scarlett''s husband, Jasper madison once tried to kidnap me but n saved me that time."


    Calvin frowned, "Roxy Stephen''s father?"


    Aria nodded. "Roxy has nothing to do with this. In fact, she hates her father."


    All nodded waiting for her to continue.


    "While all this was happening, attacks on me increased but they failed so I''m safe."


    "Aria" Elder Parker was impatient.


    Aria smiled and revealed, "Auntie Saira said, brother Calvin''s biological father is my father."


    Abel stood up in fury, "What the heck are you telling?"


    "Arrie, what are you bluffing?" Elder Parker too found it unbelievable.


    Kite was frozen looking at Calvin patiently sitting. <em>''Is that the reason Brother Calvin isn''ting home?''</em>


    Aria didn''t freak out. She turned to Calvin who spoke, "Mom told me the same."


    Suddenly, Saira fainted.


    Abel cursed Aria, "Arrie, I am not going to leave you if anything happens to my wife."


    Elder Parker breathed heavily without understanding what was going on.


    Aria looked at Calvin, "At least, do you believe me now?"


    Calvin grunted, "Mom, shut your drama. Please. I''m tired of it."


    n leisurely switched on Television confusing Aria too. He sat next to Aria and yed the video.


    Aria smiled, "I have an intelligent husband." n had recorded the video while Saira confessed.


    "Movie time!" Aria said and all watched the screen.


    Saira had thought they would stop and take her to the hospital which would stall time so that she could n but failed.


    Abel heard each word carefully until he heard she woke up next to Oliver.


    <em>''Pak''</em>


    n paused the video and watched the live drama.


    Abel had pped Saira who was faking her faint. "Who woke up next to you?"


    <em>''Pak''</em>


    Abel gave another across her face, "Speak up, Who was next to you?"


    <em>''Pak''</em>


    Saira''s cheeks started swelling and she cried out in pain. Even though she wanted to lie she was at the dead end.


    <em>''Pak''</em>


    Aria and Kite cringed when Abel pped again. n wrapped his hand around Aria and spoke, "Mr.Parker, be a man. sit back and tell us what you know."


    Abel left Saira and sat on the couch breathing heavily ring at his wife.


    His hoarse voice sounded awful, "I was the one who woke up next to her in the hotel. I took responsibility for her, proposed to her, and got married. Calvin is my son."

 Chapter 349: Taking my Dads life

    Chapter 349: Taking my Dad''s life


    Calvin, n, and Aria had expected that past.


    Elder Parker''s eyes were bloodshot and asked, "Is she behind the attacks on you?"


    Aria nced at Saira and spoke, "Her main aim is Skyline. She wanted to kill me and get Skyline under Brother Calvin with a fake certificate. Since she missed it, she wanted to separate me and n so that she could kill me easily but she didn''t know n was with me all along. Then when n forced brother Calvin to a dead end, she thought she could make me feel guilty due to Dad and leave Skyline and Cooper assets to Brother Calvin. She tricked Brother Calvin for nine years."


    Then she went to Saira, "Seriously? He is your own blood and flesh. Do you have any idea what he has gone through? How can you do that to your own son?"


    "Arrie" Kite shouted when Saira clutched a pocket knife at Aria''s neck twirling her around.


    Aria smiled, "Really?"


    n didn''t move from his ce. He knew Aria let Saira do it because she wanted the family to see the true colors of Saira and don''t believe her tears or made-up stories.


    Saira eerilyughed seeing all panicked but next second.


    "Ahh..."


    Aria twisted her hand away which was holding a knife. "Auntie Saira, thanks to your attacks and ns, it really encouraged me to learn some self-defense. Your poor attack is a piece of cake."


    Then Aria mmed her on the ground hurting her back severely.


    Saira howled in pain but nobody dared to enter between Aria and her.


    n couldn''t understand why Aria couldn''t see others beating anybody but when somebody attacks her or him, she will be more brutal than the other person.


    Aria turned to Abel who initially was furious now frightened seeing how Aria flipped Saira on the ground over her shoulder. "Uncle Abel, I need to check your bedroom."


    Abel nodded profusely to give his consent. n called his men in who went to the room Aria pointed.


    Ignoring the groans, Aria spoke, "Saira Hayek always diverted our teams to suspect Uncle Abel, Brother Calvin, and Sister Kite. You three have straight nature, if you don''t like it, you don''t act so until she disclosed this lie, we suspected everyone but not her."


    Aria pulled Saira to sit and calmly asked, "Will you reveal theplete truth? Or shall I help you?"


    All thought Saira was soft-natured but she smirked at Aria, "You will not live peacefully even if you kill me."


    Elder Parker pointed his cane at her in furry, "Haven''t we looked after you well enough? How can you y with my grandchildren''s life?"


    Soon n''s men returned holding electronic devices, "President Morgan, It''s a satellite phone. Password protected."


    Saira startedughing, "You can''t reach them."


    n ignored her and ordered, "Get ourptops."


    Aria asked Saira, "You are trying to protect that man. Do you think he will protect you if I send you to jail?"


    Saira''s expression changed.


    Aria continued, "If he really wanted you, why would he have left you here instead of keeping you with him."


    Saira avoided Aria''s eyes telling herself, ''She is just provoking me to hear about him.''


    Abel asked, "Who is helping her?"


    Aria went to n, "Unsure." She looked at the caretaker who was standing away, "Please take grandfather to his room."


    "Arrie..."


    Aria spoke, "I''m sorry, grandfather. Saira Hayek will be detained today. I am done with this hide and seek. I can''t put Rian''s life in danger if she targets him again."


    Before Elder Parker, Saira spoke in irritation, "Rian Rian Rian, who the freak is he? Am I an idiot to target nobody?"


    Aria and n looked at each other. They initially knew three were there. Jasper Madison and the other two.


    When Saira Hayek''s name popped, they hadpletely dissolved the third man thinking it waspletely Saira Hayek. They had thought Saira fooled Lucas with Skyline''s name.


    Aria and n said in unison, "The one who helped Lucas Cooper."


    Aria sat down thinking they hadn''tpleted even half of the messy puzzle.


    Calvin asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Aria responded, "There is one more who tried to pull Morgan''s support from me even before n and I were together. When I lost Dad and n became My legal guardian."


    Elder Parker asked, "So these are the reasons why you two hid about your marriage."


    Aria nodded and he continued, "I''m sorry n. I misunderstood you."


    n took theptop as he respectfully replied, "It wasn''t your mistake. I purposefully portrayed it."


    They sent Elder Parker to rest. n started to hack the satellite phone. He calibrated the antenna to point it towards the satellite for the best reception. Since they didn''t know the exact location of the satellite, it took time to which Saira continuedughing at them.


    Calvin and Rachel watched n''s slender fingers dancing on the keyboard. n spoke after ten minutes, "143 degrees east."


    Aria''s fingers swiftly moved and spoke, "Communication and Broadcasting satellite, MBC. Morse Broadcast andmunication from country A of Morse Hitech."


    Saira paled hearing Aria. Thetter asked, "Shall we call the police? Or hear the story?"


    Abel spoke, "I want to know the truth. I had thought she loved me all these while."


    Aria nodded and sat in front of Saira, "I will help you speak."


    Aria held Saira''s soft hand and started twisting her finger with a faint smile on her face. Except for n, nobody could say what exactly she was doing.


    Saira yowled out in pain, "Ah..."


    Aria left her finger and spoke. "I had only Dad. Do you have any idea how it feels to have nobody? You grew up with parents, you have such a good family but that didn''t fill your stomach."


    Aria snapped her finger when Saira lowered her cry. "Ahhh... Let... me... go..."


    Aria didn''t care about her incoherent words, "What had I done to you? I had treated you so well. How did you repay me and my Dad? By taking his life."


    Aria snapped another finger to hear her cry in pain and spoke, "I will tell... I will tell..."


    n took Aria away whose eyes were bloodshot, clenching her teeth to stop feeling the pain of the past. He didn''t know Vince had taught her torture methods too. Her execution was perfect.


    Aria huddled next to n and all heard Saira speak as she sobbed holding her palm.


    "When Emily and I went on my first arranged date..."

 Chapter 350: Am I worthless?

    Chapter 350: Am I worthless?


    --- Past---


    It was Saira''s first date


    Saira had taken Emily with her and her date had brought his friends.


    When five men entered the restaurant, Saira''s eyes fell on a man who was handsome and chivalry. Seeing him, she thought he was her date but he wasn''t.


    Even after sitting with her date, her eyes were subconsciously moving to the man on the next table. She was never in love so she doubted if it was love at first sight.


    She liked him and ignored her datepletely. She saw Emily getting along really well with them. She was thinking to ask about the man she liked but as soon as her date left with his friends Emily started speaking about the man she liked.


    "How was your date?... You know what? That man in a cream color zer, he is Oliver. Isn''t he cool? We spoke for some time and it kicked off really well between us. You ask anything he will give you information about it. We exchanged our number too. I''m thinking of meeting him again. Ahhh I''m feeling like a teenage girl in love..."


    Emily bbered on about Oliver. She wanted to ask Emily to introduce Oliver but before she could say, she confessed she likes Oliver.


    Emily totally consumed herself in Oliver, she didn''t notice Saira''s uneasiness. Since Saira was always a quiet shydy, Emily hadn''t much thought about it either.


    Emily many times tagged Saira to meet Oliver but Saira started feeling like Emily was showing off. Emily always praised Oliver to Saira which increased Saira''s curiosity and she started to feel possessive.


    Saira many times tried to confess to Oliver directly but she didn''t have the courage. Oliver was greeting her when she was meeting him with Emily but he wouldn''t spare a nce at her.


    She tried to change herself, she tried to look outgoing, she changed her look but nothing worked to get Oliver''s attention.


    She had thought the Parker family wouldn''t ept Oliver whose business wasn''t at the good state and his father''spany wasn''t as good as Parker. So she hadn''t left her hope. She still felt she was the right one for Oliver.


    But after the first meeting of Oliver, everyone in the Parker family just loved him. In fact, they urged them to get married soon.


    Saira''s hope waspletely broken. She tried her all to give up on Oliver and went on blind dates her family arranged but nothing worked out.


    Soon she heard Oliver and Emily were nning an engagement. She chose the best dress she could grab in the hope there might be any luck that she could get a chance but she had watched everyone sitting in the corner.


    Emily called Saira as a best friend but Saira felt ''Emily doesn''t notice me, doesn''t care about me'' when she was sitting in the corner gloomy watching everyone happy.


    Saira''s negative thoughts increased, <em>''She isn''t trying to know how I am doing, she isn''t trying to know if I''m happy or not. She is happily enjoying her birthday and engagement. Am I worthless? Why did she even call me to leave me in the corner?...''</em>


    And somehow she got a wicked idea that if she sleeps with Oliver, he can be hers. She knew everyone was staying in the hotel that day so tried to know which was Oliver''s room from the receptionist but due to customer privacy, it wasn''t disclosed.


    She was returning to the party hall but saw Emily was helping Oliver who wasn''t sober. She was quietly following him when Oliver''s friends rushed up to them.


    In a panic, she hid in a corner and waited for them to disperse. When she again peeked out, she saw Emily exiting from room number 407.


    Saira quickly returned to the party hall in case Saira looked for her. She quickly sprinkles some alcohol on her dress and sipped a little. She looked tipsy but she wasn''t.


    "Saira, are you alright? We are sharing a room. I have lots to talk to you about. Let''s go."


    Saira smiled harmlessly and pointed at some friends calling her. "Enjoy your time. I will go to the room. Take your time."


    Emily''s cheeks were flushed due to drinks. She looked alluring when she smiled back to Saira, "Be careful, I wille to you real quick."


    Saira nodded and went to the 407 and locked the door behind her. She heard the man mumbling but she didn''t know she was in the wrong room.


    She didn''t know, after sending Oliver to 401, Emily had checked on her brother in 407.


    In the morning, when she woke up she got to know that she was in Abel''s room but not Oliver''s room. She wasn''t sure what exactly made her sad, she started crying.


    She knew she shouldn''t think of sleeping with her friend''s fiance. She knew she had changed after knowing her feelings for Oliver but how she ended up in another man''s bed. She regretted not turning on the lights to check who was on the bed.


    Abel was very mature at that fact. He made sure she was fine, consoled her, calmed her down, and also came up with the solution of getting married takingplete responsibility without knowing she wasn''t actually drunk.


    He didn''t tell anyone about that night to anybody because he didn''t want anybody to point their finger at Saira and judge her.


    When she returned back to the room where she was sharing a room with Emily, she saw Emily was crying her eyes out.


    As soon as she saw marks on Emily''s body she understood something that happened at night. Since she was crying, it didn''t cross her mind that it could be Oliver.


    It wasn''t the time to take a one night stand so casually. If anybody knows she slept with somebody, nobody would ept her so she quickly helped her out of the hotel to the Parker family.


    Saira kept hearing Emily mumble, <em>''Oliver will hate me.''</em> so she calmed Emily and asked, "Now, tell me what happened. We will find a way out of it."


    Emile briefed while sobbing, "I didn''t mean to end up doing all that. I just wanted to check on him, I couldn''t control myself and kissed him. I thought he was sound asleep and he wouldn''t wake up but now everything is over"


    Saira was thinking who Emily went to check on and she was about to ask, Emily continued to cry saying, "...Oliver will not like me anymore."

 Chapter 351: Our family

    Chapter 351: Our family


    Seeing Emily crying nonstop in the scare Oliver might not like to marry her anymore, Saira didn''t have the heart to rub salt over her wound. She coaxed her to sleep saying she should take time and talk to Oliver.


    When she was leaving the Parker family, she met Abel again. He again reassured her, not to worry about anything and he will handle everything.


    Saira was overwhelmed by how Abel was treating her like a treasure just like Emily always told how Oliver treats her. She hadn''t talked much and left with lots of things messed in her mind.


    The same day evening Oliver''s friends had asked if she had gone to Oliver''s room the previous night, she had declined it without knowing the reason.


    The next day, Abel had taken his mother and father to her family and everything was decided on the same day about marriage. She was very happy with the arrangements but that evening she got to know Emily and Oliver registered their marriage. Somehow she started topare everything she had with everything Emily had. She had thought Emily might suffer in the Cooper family but the Skyline just grew bigger and bigger while Abel started to ruin the Parker family business...


    It was the day before Emily lost her life, Saira asked, "Emily, who was the one who you spent the night with on your engagement?"


    Emily chuckled weakly hearing her, "Didn''t I tell you before? I thought only you knew. It''s Oliv. My stupid husband doesn''t even know it was me. I bullied him a lot. I should tell him the truth."


    She had just finished saying, they heard a little adorable voice from the side, "Momma, Dad is not stupid. He knows to cut apples for you. What does bully mean?"


    The little boy next to her pulled her pigtail and giggled, "This is called bullying."


    While the kids continued to squabble, Saira''s hidden thoughts of Oliver got stronger and stronger.


    That was when she started nning to get Oliver. When he didn''t agree for a second marriage, she wanted Skyline.


    She had tried differently many times but failed many times. She had even thought to sleep with him but Oliver had left drinking the day he thought he had a one night stand.


    -- Present --


    Aria asked, "But Dad was the one who taught me wine etiquette and he drank with me."


    Saira weakly smiled, "Because it''s you."


    n hummed next to Aria, "Dad drank juice in my congrattory banquet and nobody over there probed either. It was like everyone knew."


    Aria''s one of the doubts was resolved so she asked her main question, "So the police report saying Dad must be drunk so the car was swaying is a lie. There must be something in his coffee or..."


    "Tampered AC in the car." She turned to n who finished her words


    Aria nodded and turned to Calvin who gave it a thought and responded, "We didn''t drink coffee. We had ordered it but I was angry so I didn''t touch it while Uncle Oliver had many thoughts and was thinking about you so he didn''t touch either."


    Basically, Oliver never hid anything from anyone and he himself didn''t know his one-night stand was his wife.


    All turned to Saira who was wincing in pain. She forced a fake smile, "Didn''t you two solve yourself? Why do you want confirmation from me?"


    Saira coughed hard pressing her back as she spoke, "A poison which would dissolve in water was breathed in by Oliver. His car trampled over and finally, the truck pushed his car to the water... You know, I actually didn''t love Oliver. I was just obsessed with his looks and then his money. I didn''t feel the tinge of pain when he died."


    Aria''s eyes involuntarily filled up hearing her talk as if Oliver''s life was just a toy. Calvin, Abel, and Kite looked at Saira in shock, they didn''t know her at all. They realized she was pretending her virtuous side all her life.


    n arms tightened around Aria as he asked, "What about Morse?"


    Calvin spoke, "What about Kite? Who is"


    Aria suddenly turned to Calvin and cued him not to speak. She didn''t want Kite who had just collected herself to fall into despair or Abel to fret his frustration over Kite. If Kite was actually the daughter of Morse and if it confirms, they could reveal it to her so that she chooses her life. Aria didn''t feel the time was right for that topic.


    Calvin stopped speaking looking at Aria. He saw her cue to see Abel trembling in rage.


    Kite asked, "What about me?"


    Calvin quickly changed, "What about Kite and me? Didn''t you think about us?"


    "How do you know Morse that you have his card?"


    Saira was drenched in sweat due to the pain. She couldn''t keep herself up and fainted for real.


    "You bitch, how dare you to act again?" Abel raised his hand to p Saira but Aria held him back. "She isn''t acting."


    n''s men quickly carried Saira out while he said, "She will get her treatment and about imprisonment, I will decide on it."


    Another man took the satellite phone and theirptop away.


    Aria turned to Kite, "Sister Kite, take care of Uncle Abel. I will contact you guys once everything is set." Kite nodded and took Abel upstairs who had shot his blood pressure high.


    Calvin sighed and leaned back to take a breather but Aria pulled his hair. "How dare you bully me when I saw so little?"


    n: "..."


    Calvin was feeling down but he wasn''t prepared for it. Aria was relieved bringing the buried truths out. So it unknowingly brought a smile on Calvin''s face but he apologized, "I''m sorry about all these."


    n led her out hearing her say, "If I get a nephew or niece, I will forgive you."


    Rachelle who was quiet as a mouse the whole time blushed hearing Aria. Calvin was partly d it was resolved and Aria doesn''t me him anymore for anything.


    "You are married for three years. Where is my nephew or niece or both?"


    Aria used his line back on him, "Am I not a tiny packet? And you guys have been in love for nine years. You guys first."


    Calvin just smiled and stood at his ce while n drove the car away. Rachelle rubbed his back, "Are you alright?"


    Calvin sighed hearing that. He didn''t know what he was feeling. He didn''t know whether he should be happy for bringing the truth out or seeing his mother''s true nature, "I don''t know. I should be happy for Aria but the one who created all this is my own mother. I always thought Dad wasn''t reliable but he really loved Mom (Sigh) Shall we stay back here for some days to look after Dad and grandfather?"


    Rachelle saw him down with conflict in thoughts. She embraced him and said gently to soothe his heart, "This is our family Calvin. We have to take care of everyone."

 Chapter 352: Love marriage

    Chapter 352: Love marriage


    In the car


    Seeing Aria lost in thoughts, n rubbed her head, "What''s wrong?"


    "If mom had told Dad about their night, Saira Hayek would have still tried to do all these, isn''t it?"


    n understood what was actually going on in her head, "Yes. She just found this convenient. Mom must have tried to tease Dad taking that topic but I guess, Dad must have guessed who was with him else he wouldn''t be confused or out of sorts when he got to know about Calvin or neglected him."


    Aria nodded with a hum and changed the topic about him, "What if you go out and get drunk or somebody spikes your drink and gets on your bed? I don''t think I''m so sweet to let you guys off. I might murder one and beat up another one."


    n''s lips twitched uncontrobly hearing her. "That''s impractical. Even if my drink is spiked, I always have bodyguards in shadow to stop that woman."


    Aria wasn''t satisfied with the answer. She asked again, "Let''s say she is already in your room. Your bodyguards don''t go into the bedroom. Or let''s say it''s a ce bodyguards aren''t allowed."


    n twisted her ear until she whined in pain, "What is the cipher of n and Aria?"


    Aria held his hand away rubbing her ear as she responded, "Since there are two texts, I can go for Polyalphabetic. ACIN is the cipher."


    n nced at her and looked ahead. He thought she might take a few seconds to analyze the Vigenre table but his wife was a robot who didn''t need time. "What is the binary value of 347?"


    Aria rolled her eyes as she answered, "101011011"


    n was proud of his wife who was so quick to answer. "Do you think just anybody could answer my questions like you? I will know even if I will be losing my mind with drugs. So Mrs. n Morgan, are you happy with the response?"


    Aria found it convincing but didn''t get to respond when n''s hand moved on her neck, "I don''t think anybody could have soft and tender meat."


    Aria pped his hand, "Perve"


    "You are shameless."


    "tant man."


    Both bantered who was shameless driving towards the Morgan mansion where Amelia was beating Rian for showing Eva and Aria''s picture.


    Whereas, Isaac wasughing his heart out hearing Madam Miller lecturing Eva thinking she was really interested in Aria and might be lezzy.


    Eva sobbed failing to hang up the call trapped in Isaac''s embrace. She struggled to turn off mute and roared, "Mom, I''m straight. I will eat your lovely son-inw now. You can hear us as much as you want."


    Isaac: "..."


    Eva didn''t let him react and pounced on him pinning him on the couch. Her mother flushed when she heard muffling on the other end hence she immediately hung up the call.


    Eva left as many marks she wanted and bit him forughing at her without caring about him saying ''I have a film shoot tomorrow.''


    Later, Eva med herself for getting too excited because of her mother when Isaac devoured her to show what is actually meant by ''eat''


    ...


    Noah went on a dinner date with his fiancee who was very eager to listen to how he had managed to pour foaming liquid to the fountain and how the Fourie were breaking rules without getting caught.


    ---


    Sunday


    Aria had a photoshoot for the bridal collection of Luke''s designs. She reached the studio on time with n.


    As soon as she entered, Luke was about to ask about her husband but paused looking at n and seeing Aria holding his hand. Aria knew his puzzle so she patiently introduced each other, "Luke, My husband n... n, Luke Baker, President of Aida."


    Aria poked Luke who was still puzzled. "We are married three years back. Yourst meeting problem was actually because I was angry."


    Luke shook his hand with n in amusement trying to analyze and asked, "So whatever he said ''wife and all'' at our lunch is actually true."


    Aria nodded giving him time to digest the matter. Luke whispered, "If he is difficult to you or doesn''t treat you well, you should leave him."


    Aria controlled herself from punching him even though she knew he was just worried about her, "Love marriage, Luke. Rx. I''m totally alright. Due to some issues, we haven''t published about us. Loosen up."


    Lukeposed and greeted n who was checking out the set, "President Morgan, pleased to meet you."


    n saw Aria so he didn''t give him the cold shoulder, "I heard your designs are a marvel. I am looking forward to seeing them."


    Luke saw the couple and suggested, "Why don''t you guys take wedding pictures? Since it''s a bridal collection, I will not use the couple-pictures. You guys collect original copies."


    Aria forced asmile, "That will dy the progress of the shoot."


    Unknowingly, the wedding and wedding pictures became a sensitive topic for Aria. Noah, Rian, Eva, and Isaac had nned many types of couple wedding pictures for them and their pictures with them which were all ruined.


    "It will not."


    n spoke after Luke, "Sure, Thank you, President Baker. I will get someone to bring my tux."


    Luke smiled and took Aria into the green room to get ready while n dialed Rian to send his tuxedo from the Morgan mansion.


    She had just entered, Aria almost got scared seeing Ceon Davies on the couch. She patted on her chest and heard him. "President Cooper."


    Aria faintly smiled, "Mr.Davis."


    Luke looked at both. He had no idea when Ceon had entered the room. "Who allowed you in? Do you guys know each other?" It was a private shoot, no unnecessary people were allowed to be present due to Aria. Luke didn''t study in City B so he waspletely unaware of wealthy peoples of the society.


    Ceon introduced himself, "I''m Ceon Davis, Maxion''s friend. I came with him President Cooper, I need a few minutes. I want to tell you something really important."


    Aria checked the time and spoke, "You have to make it quick, I have to get ready Luke, no need to arrange a different room, he will get ready here itself. Take rest, I wille to you."


    Luke nodded and left after making sure all dresses were present. Ceon excused the makeup artist and hairstylist for a few minutes. Ceon was d he finally got a chance to meet Aria in private and tell her about Finn.


    "I wanted to talk to you about Finn. I have told him many times to talk to you directly but he didn''t."

 Chapter 353: Tantrums from President Cooper

    Chapter 353: Tantrums from President Cooper


    Ceon knew he should use the opportunity and clearly inform Aria, "I wanted to talk to you about Finn. I had told him many times to talk to you directly but he didn''t Finn..."


    Aria looked at Ceon and concernedly asked, "Finn what?" Aria turned behind her to see n checking the bridal gowns. She turned back to Ceon and asked, "Mr.Davis, What happened to Finn? I spoke to him in the morning, he didn''t tell me anything. What''s wrong?"


    Ceon''s eyes just followed n who checked the dresses and sat right next to Aria. Seeing Aria''s no reaction against n, his doubt of Aria is married n started.


    ''Finn didn''t have even a 0.1% chance because Aria is married to n.''


    n knew Ceon was in shock due to his presence


    "Finn!" Ceon saw Finn standing at the door.


    When Finn spoke to Aria in the morning, he understood Ceon was going with Maxion to the studio where Aria was going. He wasn''t sure if he reached on time orte, still he entered inside and got Aria''s attention too.


    "Finn? Come here. What happened to you? He didn''t tell me. What are you hiding from me?"


    Finn gently shook his head and smacked Ceon. He felt really at ease after hearing Aria. He was yet to respond, Maxion entered. Maxion was a celebrity photographer. He was mixed blood, tall and handsome with grey cat eyes.


    Maxion had heard Luke saying he will have to take a couple-pictures too and got to know Aria was with her husband. So he went to see who it was. He waved his hand at Finn and looked at the couple.


    Aria furrowed her brows looking at Maxion checking them out. Before she or n could warn him, he spoke, "Now I understand what is called power couple. Since both of you aren''t models by profession, we might take a long time, get ready quickly so that we could get started."


    Aria nodded, "Sure" And whispered to n cheekily, "I didn''t know we are a power couple. Sounds good, isn''t it?"


    n hummed pinching her nose tip. He stood up and took the first dress when Aria again turned to two men. One was ring and the other one was confused.


    ''Ahem'' "Finn, You know I support homo couples too. You can talk to me if anything."


    "ALIA!" Finn burst out hearing her.


    Aria puffed her cheeks, "You guys are sitting and staring at each other saying there is something about you. What are you guys expecting me to do? Read your mind?"


    Finn wanted to get back for it but n scooped Aria up in his arms saying, "I will help you change."


    Aria: ?


    Ceon & Finn: ?


    Finn understood what n actually meant to them, ''Take your ass out.'' He kicked Ceon out, sending the makeup artist and hairstylist inside.


    "What the f**k were you thinking of doing today? Why weren''t you receiving my call?"


    Ceon ignored his question, "President Cooper went back to her ex. Like really?"


    Finn controlled himself from beating him up, "They never left each other to say ''went back to ex''. They had littleplications so they didn''t finish the wedding. They are married for three years."


    Ceon: ?


    Ceon sat on a chairpletely lost in thoughts feeling really worse for his friend.


    Finn breathed a sigh and sat down to rest. He knew Aria and n were fine if anybody gets to know about their rtionship so he revealed it.


    Inside the dressing room, Aria was flushed red when n left her on the floor. "Do you really think I need your help to wear the gown? Why do you have to tell that in front of other men? Ahh"


    n looked at her indifferently, "You are my wife. It isn''t like they are little kids not to know what we do in private."


    "Don''t y dumb. You know exactly what I meant." n chuckled seeing her blushing red.


    "You"


    n locked her lips for a gently soft kiss melting her in his arms as he undid her dress flushing her scarlet.


    "A wedding kiss is a must before pictures. Isn''t it?"


    "n..." Trying to stop his warm hands on her bare skin, she failed to stop his lips, "If I let you... continue, you willplete our wedding night too n I have to get ready."


    n stopped teasing hearing her enticing tone which actually excited him to continue. He kissed her forehead earning a weak punch on his waist. She leaned on him to rx her nerves, n carefully put on a beautiful full sleeve white A-line bridal gown.


    n saw the gown on her and smiled, "You are right. Gowns are elegant and graceful. Exorbitant gowns look outdated in front of this."


    Aria too smiled hearing him but paused, "How do I look? Am I doing justice to them?"


    n again carried her up, "They look exquisite because they are on you sweetheart... You look sexy in my shirts. You suit every type of clothes"


    Aria covered her cheeks hearing him. She only wears his shirts when he bathes her and she will have no strength to do anything. n controlled his curling lips looking at her pout covering her cheeks closing her eyes to stop looking at him. n whispered, "What are you imagining Ms.Cooper?"


    She wasn''t imagining but hearing his maic voice near her ear, images of them together shed in her mind and flushed scarlet feeling herself warm. n nonchntly left her on the chair and sat on the couch as if he didn''t do or say anything.


    Aria was trying to control her wandering mind but heard, "President Cooper, are you alright? Why are you so red?"


    n gazed at her reflection in the mirror and asked sweetly, "Honey, is everything alright?"


    That sweet voice paused makeup artist and hairstylist who blushed ncing at n but Aria roared hearing his alluring tone, "I am going to kill you if you speak now."


    n looked like a bullied husband of a dominant wife, he silently went back to his mobile while the other two women assumed Aria had an ill temper.


    Aria drank water and cooled down soon distracting herself. The hairstylist hadn''t done much to her hair while the makeup artist enviously looked at her natural skin.


    Since the required make up was natural and nude, Aria didn''t need any makeup or correction of skin tone. So she highlighted lightly, defined her brows, and added fakeshes with light liner.


    When everyone thought it might take an hour for makeup, it was over in ten minutes. "President Cooper, your skin is really soft and wless. Since we need a natural look, this will be enough. Let me know if you need changes."


    She prepared herself for huge tantrums from President Cooper.

 Chapter 354: Dominant - Submissive

    Chapter 354: Dominant - Submissive


    While the makeup artist expected some tantrums, Aria shook her head, "Thank you for your hard work."


    MUA: "..."


    She expected Aria to order them around but that didn''t happen at all. Looking at Aria''s reflection on the mirror, she couldn''t help but smile. Aria looked like a porcin delicate doll that she would even think twice to touch her and the perfectly fitting gown heightened her beauty and sophistication


    Aria was about to go to the shoe rack, n stood on a knee and helped her wear the prearranged white ankle traps on. "Comfortable?"


    Aria hummed while twodies were swooning on the gentle and tender side of n. Aria dusted his knee pulling him up and both went out.


    Aria grabbed everyone''s attention.


    Luke smiled looking at Aria, "Aish, after seeing you wear it, I don''t feel like letting anybody else wear my creation. By the way, Maxion is very demanding and harsh if you fail. I have told him to be considerate, I am just giving you heads up."


    Aria nodded ncing at Maxion. n suggested, "Honey, just look at me for the required expression and pose. You can do it."


    Luke: O_O


    ''Are you going to show how to pose and give expression?'' She badly wanted to ask.


    Ceon pitied Finn, "Dumb man, why didn''t you seal the deal before three years? She looks like a real doll." While looking around he spoke again, "Are those girls blushing by looking at President Morgan or President Cooper?"


    Finn wanted to leave hearing his destion tone. Finn had seen Aria in many types of dresses and he knew she would look mesmeric in white gown much less in designer gowns.


    They went out for the pictures near the railings and greenery where everything was set up.


    Maxion hummed in satisfaction. He knew Aria by the news and by his friends. Initially, he doubted her ability but Ceon had web searched her name to show her images then he wasn''t biased. Now important was to express. "President Cooper, let''s try out some pictures as a warm-up."


    Aria nodded but she was unsure how to pose for the gown. She always yed with poses with her friends, now it waspletely professional so she was frozen.


    Maxion frowned, getting no reaction. He wanted to try if she could bring out any genuine feel but was utterly disappointed. Luke saw her thinking. Finn knew she was confused while the staff cursed the model. The longer the model takes, their shift will continue the whole day.


    Aria wasn''t scared of any judgemental gazes. She didn''t want to give the wrong expression for such an elegant gown. Her eyes went on n who was very calm without any small flinch of doubt in her. He winked and a smile naturally appeared on Aria''s face. ''Aww, he looks so cute.''


    She snapped out of a daze when Maxion said, "That was a good one. Next"


    ''I didn''t even pose.''


    Finn was dazed seeing her smile. That innocent adoring smile was hard to get from her and he knew that smile belonged to whom.


    Aria realized why n actually told her to look at him. It reminded her about her different sides with him because she is his bride and the bride of the photoshoot.


    The rest of the poses and expressions were easily achieved and Maxion was quite happy with the pictures as he instructed and taught her the right angles for it.


    Before they could end, Rian and Roxy reached with the tuxedo. Sending n to change, Rian bombarded Maxion asking for the recreation of the picture in which Rian was in white dress with a veil and Aria standing next to him with a delighted smile.


    Luke arranged the veil and they took pictures. One picture multiplied by five and the Beauty and the little devil yed torturing Maxion''s assistant until n reached and Aria skipped to him abandoning everyone.


    "My prince charming."


    n saw her adoring like a teenage crush so he didn''t dampen her excitement. Caressing her cheeks, "Like in the fantasy?"


    Aria vigorously nodded...


    While the couple started to flirt, Ceon looked at Finn, "Seriously? Why do you go with her to torture yourself? Let''s leave."


    Finn never could get used to them being close. It wouldn''t stop hurting him, he just ignores them. They didn''t leave as they couldn''t get to talk to her.


    Aria asked, "I want pictures with the showbeginner gown. Are we trying it too?"


    Luke responded, "That will be atst due to different style makeup and set. Take a few in this gown. What''s your loss?"


    Maxion''s assistant spoke, "I already got plenty of them."


    Aria: "..."


    ''We didn''t even pose. I was just flirting with him.'' Anyway, she went towards the green room but heard, "Shall I upload our recreated picture?"


    Aria threatened, "Sure, I will remove your brain and hand it to you as soon as you upload it."


    Rian: ?


    Roxy exined, "One, her gowns aren''t allowed to go public yet. Two, she is in a bridal gown, the public will think she is married to you stealing you from her little sister. Until Arrie and brother-inw''s marital rtionship goes out, don''t dare to do it."


    Rian: ?! He hated how much they had to think just for uploading a single picture.


    There wasn''t much change in makeup, her hairstyle was matched with the gowns and Aria soon finished the photoshoot of nearly six gowns.


    After changing to casual clothes, they sat for lunch. "Now tell me, what''s going on?"


    Ceon and Finn looked at each other.


    Aria was about to ship them, Ceon lied, "Finn''s grandfathers are torturing him for blind dates. I heard they listen to you so thought you could help him."


    Finn: ?


    ''Holy God of heaven, please take my life.'' Finn was about to screw him, Rian and Aria burst intoughter.


    Aria asked, "Because you guys are together now?"


    Pfft- Ceon choked on his food.


    Roxy: "Is it true?"


    Luke: "Isn''t your family epting your rtionship?"


    Maxion: "Dude, why don''t I know about this?"


    Aria looked pitifully at Finn who was cursing his half-witted friend.


    Aria and Roxy continued, "Finn is dominant."


    "Mr.Davis is submissive, he can''t dominate his boyfriend."


    "Shall we throw a party?"


    Roxy hummed, "I always wanted to celebrate and encourage homo couples. I wish country A bes open to them."


    Finn and Ceon: ?


    Rian cut in, "Really? I thought it was a slip of tongue... I want to attend your wedding. Arrie will sponsor your wedding."


    Aria was at a loss of words hearing Rian saying she was going to sponsor a wedding that wasn''t going to happen but she yed along, "Including honeymoon."


    Finn knew anything he reacts to would raise more doubts so he revealed the truth.

 Chapter 355: Desire and lust

    Chapter 355: Desire and lust


    "Guys, I''m not interested in this brainless chap who brings me nothing but trouble..."


    Aria cut in mischievously, "Then why did you put your and this chap''s hugging picture on the wallpaper?"


    Ceon widened his eyes and created a distance between him and Finn immediately, "Man, I''m straight. Haven''t I told you about my girl? What''s wrong with your head?"


    Finn couldn''t control his temper and twisted Ceon''s hand grinding his teeth, "Really? Everything is happening because of you and you are entitling me as gay."


    All understood the confusion while Aria giggled continuously leaning on n who was quiet without a reaction to anything other than feeding his wife.


    Finn tossed Ceon away and sat in his chair and warned, "I might flip the table if you continueughing."


    Aria acted like zipping her lips, "Alright, eat... Guys, I was just teasing. Let them eat else Finn will puke on his friend sooner."


    Ceon grounded his teeth, painfully stretching his hand. His intention wasn''t to entitle Finn as gay but he didn''t find any appropriate matter to lie.


    Finn continued what he wanted to speak, "Hadn''t I told you this stupid man loves a girl?"


    Aria hummed. Ceon was clueless why Finn had spoken about him to Aria.


    Finn continued, "She is Zara Wood."


    The smiles on Rian and Aria''s face wiped off. Ceon was over the moon hearing it.


    "So she is Zara Wood. Is she President Wood''s older sister? No doubt she has so much patience and is so beautiful. Now I know her name, I will woo her..."


    Hisst word trailed off and the bright smile started fading, feeling murderous gazes on him. He gulped, raising his head to see Aria and Rian looking like grim reapers out of hell. Unknowingly, he was even afraid to breathe and suffocated himself gulping again and again.


    Rian spoke, "Roxy, call Noah here. It''s been a long time since we haven''t beaten somebody."


    Roxy promptly took her phone and dialed Noah while Aria ate whenever n fed but her gaze didn''t move from Ceon. Ceon felt like Aria was tearing his soul apart. It was difficult to distract his gaze or thoughts looking her in the eye.


    Finn had expected a strong reaction from the Fourie who was overprotective of Zara. Luke and Maxion were confused about what was going on.


    "How many ex-girlfriends do you have?" Aria''s first question.


    "How many have you slept with to fool around?" Rian''s voice was heavy.


    n didn''t expect them to jump to direct questions.


    "Important is, how many girlfriends do you have now?" Roxy who hung up the call asked.


    Ceon promptly answered, "One ex, she is happily married to an old man now. I was flirting around but I haven''t slept with anyone"


    Rian gravely chuckled, "And you think we will believe that."


    Ceon: "..."


    He knew both were younger than him and he couldn''t understand how easily they were controlling him.


    Maxion spoke, "As much as I know he wasted four years to get over his ex. Ande on, how can you expect a grown man to control his physical urges?"


    Ceon''s lips twitched hearing the question. ''Dude, you are misleading.''


    Aria turned to n who was older than everyone over there. n responded to her questioning gaze. "You can''t seduce a man whose brain is dead. Physical desires start with the brain. Itpletely depends on the man whether to control himself or surrender to his desires."


    Aria was proud of her husband. She turned back to Maxion, "You continue hearing your second brain. We are not talking with you here."


    Maxion subconsciously looked down at his second brain before he could even realize: "..."


    A chuckle escaped from Luke, he lightly coughed and controlled himself, "Or else, you have to be with the one you love to have such desires."


    Aria carelessly responded, "I know." Roxy hummed in eptance.


    n eyed his wife, "You know?"


    Rian looked at his fiancee, "Really?"


    ''Crap'' Both girls cursed themselves in their mind and one blushed while Roxy again hummed without care.


    Maxion, Finn, Ceon: "..."


    ''Dog food is free, free, free.''


    Luke''s assistant broke the weird silence, "President Baker, The sets are ready for the next shots, we can start soon."


    Luke waved his hand and turned to Aria who stood up looking at Ceon, "You! stay here. Don''t dare to abscond."


    Ceon: "..."


    Rian spoke, "Don''t worry, I will keep an eye on him."


    Ceon: ''I''m not a criminal.''


    He poked Finn, "Did I fall in love with the wrong girl again?"


    Finn corrected, "Right girl but tough backers."


    "Help me."


    A smug smile appeared on Finn''s face looking at Rian''s gaze on Ceon and Aria walking away, "I''m on the Fourie side."


    "F**k" Ceon cursed seeing Finn walk towards the green room.


    "Why haven''t I seen your desire much?"


    Aria''s lips twitched hearing n, "There is a difference between Desire and Lust." Jumping on her toes, holding his shoulder, she easily wrapped her legs around his waist.


    n was d she wasn''t fluffy else she would really break his back one day. Snaking his hands around her waist, he waited for her to continue.


    Fondly wrapping her arms around his neck, "If I didn''t have the desire, I wouldn''t be snuggling in your arms all the time."


    n smiled hearing her clearly define desire and lust. She hugged his neck and asked, "Why did you always stop without taking me in country S?"


    Aria never stopped him whenever he stayed with her in the country S. Even on their church wedding day, it was always n who was stopping after making out. Even though she knew the response, she wanted to hear it from him.


    Hearing her seriously ask, "I didn''t marry you because I was high on testosterone. I just wanted to make you mine in all the ways before eating you up when youe back to me."


    Aria giggled hearing him.


    After changing to a gown, she went out to see Finn. She knew why he was there. Letting the hairstylist and makeup artist do their job, she spoke.


    "Rx Finn. When President Davis was trying to arrange me with Ceon Davis, I had done the background check of him. Since he didn''t dare to reach me, I know he isn''t behind money or beauty. We Fourie aren''t against love marriage but we aren''t ready to let him think of trying on Sister Zara. If he could stand us and heartfully woo Sister Zara, we have no problem. We will scare him so that he could never think to y."


    Finn rxed hearing her. He knew only this long he could help Ceon. Since Aria knew about Ceon, he didn''t have to speak for him.


    "Then I will get goi..."


    Aria cut in, "Finn, grandfather Harold asked me to convince you for the blind dates"

 Chapter 356: Exorbitant party

    Chapter 356: Exorbitant party


    Finn was d Aria knew about Ceon and he didn''t have to speak for him or make thingsplicated.


    He stood up to leave, "Then I will get going..."


    Aria cut in, "Finn, grandfather Harold asked me to convince you for the blind dates. I told him to give you at least a year so you could find the girl you love. If not a blind date, you should at least date on your own."


    Finn didn''t want to marry somebody he doesn''t love, "What if I don''t like anyone?"


    Aria didn''t have the answer to that so she turned to n who saw her gaze and responded to help her out. "Then marry someone who genuinely cares about you and loves you for who you are. Or marry someone your family selects so that your family members don''t live in worry. Arranged marriages also have a good ending."


    Aria continued that line, "Like Mom and Pop." n hummed.


    Finn knew his grandfathers were worried sick thinking he might follow his Uncle Winston Wen and stay single. He wasn''t sure if he could move on forgetting his love towards Aria. He knew he couldn''t know without trying it but he never felt the need for the love he had for Aria to change or vanish.


    He wanted to ask, ''Is it alright to marry someone while my love for another isn''t faded?'' but he didn''t ask due to n''s presence.


    "I will think about it."


    Aria smiled hearing him, "Good. Don''t worry, I have convinced Grandfather Harold so he will not push you in front of an unknown girl."


    Finn knew she doesn''t blindly support anybody but her every trait just makes him fall for her even more. "Enjoy your shoot." Finn was going towards the door but he turned behind again, "Are you guys attending the Corpus?"


    Corpus was a yearly arranged corporate business ball. It was initiated early this year by Xoan West to bring Aria and n to the party which n never attended, Aria never liked to attend.


    Aria wanted to say ''no'' but Finn continued, "Morse will be Present."


    n spoke right after him, "We are attending."


    ''Oh!'' Aria nced at n and spoke to Finn, "Then I will see you at the ball." Finn had a business trip to the capital city so he was leaving in the evening. He waved his hand and left.


    Ariapleted the photoshoot quickly while Noah and Rian were sitting in front of Ceon who had no idea what was going on.


    Ceon coughed to clear his throat and spoke carefully, "Guys, Just a few minutes back I got to know the girl I like is Zara Wood. I haven''t misbehaved for you guys to give me these looks."


    Rian and Noah had already checked the messages which Aria had sent him about Ceon. Rian asked, "What are your ns?"


    Ceon promptly responded, "First of all, your sister should know my existence."


    "For your kind information, Sister Zara is older than you."


    Ceon asked important questions, "That''s not an issue. Is she single?"


    Noah and Rian looked at each other. They understood Ceon doesn''t know anything about Zara. Roxy yawned looking at them. She knew well what was going on between them. "Then how did you even fall in love?"


    Ceon nced at Noah and hesitated, "First time, I saw her at Wood headquarters during the birthday party."


    Roxy was disappointed by no narration, "I didn''t ask you when did you see her, I asked how did you fall in love? What attracted you to her?"


    Rian knew she was interested in hearing the story behind it. Noah was at a loss of words looking at Roxy. Eva who waste met Aria and reached them, "I met my goddess. My wife is such a beauty."


    Roxy changed the topic, "Check this picture, don''t they look great?"


    Three men: -_-


    Eva excitedly checked a few pictures until she realized her important work. She patted Roxy and faced Ceon. "You? I have seen you flirting with a model... somewhere."


    Ceon: "..."


    Rian and Noah: ?


    Roxy: "When?"


    Eva gave it a thought, "When I went to pick up Isaac from the celebration party... Yes, it''s him."


    Ceon was really at a loss of words. It had been like ages he flirted with anyone.


    Noah''s decree released, "I will not let you near my sister."


    Ceon: "..."


    Roxy understood the need for Aria in the Fourie. "Eva, which party?"


    "Last month at the Empire hotel. ''A lost man'' celebration party."


    Ceon quickly responded, "That actress is my cousin. I went to pick her up." He quickly stormed a family picture in his mobile gallery and pointed at her. "She is the one."


    Eva took his mobile and checked. "Oh." Ceon wasn''t expecting just an ''oh''. If she doesn''t remember, he knows Noah will skin him soon.


    Rian took the mobile and Roxy checked it too. "Yeah, she is the female lead''s sister in the movie. We had seen the premiere show at home."


    Ceon breathed a sigh of relief. He wanted to bow to Eva for putting him on a roller coaster.


    Noahmented to Eva, "You don''t see anybody else in the movie other than your husband, doesn''t it?"


    Eva nodded, "Absolutely."


    All: ?


    Ceon curiously asked connecting ''Isaac'' and ''husband'', "Is your boyfriend Isaac Ross?"


    Eva hummed but jumped to the real topic, "How did you fall in love with our sister Zara? She doesn''t go out much other than work."


    Ceon asked to confirm, "You mean, I have to tell you what happened?"


    Roxy responded, "Yes, we will decide if a grown man is just attracted or infatuated or in love."


    Rian and Noah really wanted to say, ''Stop fooling him, ask the story directly.''


    Thinking they might call him childish, Ceon started to brief his first encounter. "It''s been a year. I was..."


    ''A year!''


    Eva nced at Noah remembering how they had racked their brain for Kyle aka Reese aka Norah. "Really? You took a year to know about sister Zara. We can feel your pain bro." Eva clenched her fist up encouraging Ceon leaving everyone at the loss of words.


    Ceon had seen the Fourie on ''Unbreakable'' show so didn''t find it uneptable. He smiled and briefed.


    --- A year ago ---


    Ceon Davis''s niece, Zoe Davis''s birthday was grandly arranged in the Wood International headquartered hotel.


    Zoe was the princess loved and pampered by both Davis and their inw family but they had ignored the fact that Zoe had never been to the crowded ces and the party they had arranged was too exorbitant for the little girl to handle.


    Many socialite and wealthy families were the guests of the party so it was apletely new experience for Zoe Davis.

 Chapter 357: Just the beginning

    Chapter 357: Just the beginning


    Zoe Davis was a cute little tot of three years old. She had personally selected her birthday dress in her favorite colors, baby pink andvender.


    Wearing the princess gown, she got ready with her mother''s help. She excitedly received everyone''spliments of the family before they went to the party hall.


    Carried inside in the arms of her grandfather, Zoe clutched him tightly looking at the many people. She whined, "Granda, I want to go home Mommy"


    She shrunk in her grandfather''s arms looking at people going towards her. Everyone started wishing them, greeting them which panicked her more. She never interacted with unknowns so it was difficult for her to adjust for so many people.


    Her grandfather thought she would get adjusted to it soon but it didn''t happen. Her eyes filled up and saw her mother at distance. She forced her grandfather to let her down, "I want Mommy, I want Mommy"


    Since she was at a higher height when her grandfather was carrying, she could see her mother easily but after standing on the floor she couldn''t make out where her mother was.


    There were many traveling back and forth in gowns and suits which confused her more.


    Going in one direction, she tried to find her mother but failed. When she turned behind, she couldn''t see anybody she knew. She was frightened by seeing unknown faces and started crying but nobody was there to tend to her. She had tried to ask somebody but she was knocked down on the floor.


    Crying, when she saw the door and the other end didn''t have anybody, she went out to the garden and continued to cry.


    The security over there soon found her but Zoe shrunk in shrubs and wailed seeing unknown people while the family soon found out Zoe wasn''t with any of them.


    They couldn''t hint the guests so everyone in the family started searching for Zoe in the party hall followed by the whole hotel until security head reported Ceon a little girl probably from the party was crying in the garden in the dark.


    He soon reached to see Zoe. Her face was all turned red streaked with tears, her voice had turned hoarse but she didn''t stop crying.


    "Kitten,e here. Look, your Uncle is here. Nobody will take you,e to me. Kitten, look at me"


    He tried many times but Zoe didn''te out of the shrubs. The security was ready to cut down the shrubs around so that they could reach her but was afraid that might scare the little tot.


    Zoe was scared that her uncle and family might take her back to so many people so she didn''t dare to go out of the shrub even though it was poking her soft baby skin.


    Ceon was still trying to call her out when a slender palm patted his shoulder. He turned to the person thinking it was his sister inw but an unknowndy.


    "I will try." That woman''s tone was soft like feathers on his ears.


    Before he could even react, a security man had already helped him aside to give space for thedy. "She doesn''t talk to unknowns." Ceon tried to identify if she was their party guest but she was in formal dress.


    Thatdy ignored himpletely and extended her hand to Zoe with a gentle smile and little worry on her pretty face, "Princess, you are wearing such a beautiful dress. Is it your favorite color?"


    Her soft soothing voice calmed everyone including Zoe. She sniffled and nodded.


    Thedy smiled at Zoe and asked, "You know, my favorite color is pink too. Will you show me your pretty dress?"


    Zoe blinked but didn''t react.


    Thedy continued, "Which is the color with the pink? Why don''t I know it''s color?"


    Zoe replied in her adorable voice, "Mommy says it''svender."


    Thedy gave an astonished expression as she said, "Aish, I don''t even know it. Little Princess is so smart, will you teach me about more colors?"


    Zoe contemted but nodded. When thedy extended her hand further, Zoe held her palm and crawled out.


    Zoe seriously taught about colors to thedy, "You are wearing white and blue. These leaves are green. Thatmp color is yellow"


    She continued to point things around them telling about the colors while thedy gently kept humming to her as she wiped Zoe''s little face, helped her to drink water, dusted her pretty dress, and checked if scratches were deep.


    When Zoe finished every possible color around her, thedy praised the girl, "You are so smart. Did Mommy teach you? Or are you going to school?"


    Zoe seriously responded looking at thedy''s beautiful face, "Mommy said I can go to school from this year. Mommy, Daddy, Granda taught me the colors. They know many colors. I will ask them to teach you too."


    Thedy smiled hearing her, "Sure, now shall we go inside?"


    Just hearing the word, ''inside'' Zoe remembered the party and people so she started crying, "I don''t want to go." Before thedy could react, Zoe wrapped her little arms around thedy''s neck and cried hugging her tight.


    Ceon who was zoned out looking at thedy got back to his senses hearing Zoe cry. "Kitten,e here. Let aunty go."


    But Zoe wrapped her arms tighter and cried harder, "Aunty I don''t want to go"


    Thedy stopped Ceon and carried Zoe up, "Okay we will not go inside, do you want to y with me in the kids'' y area?"


    Zoe nodded, holding her tight afraid the aunty might pass her to Ceon or anybody else who didn''t hear her at the party. Thedy continued to console her and yed as she asked Zoe''s name, why she was scared, and the rest.


    The whole family nkly looked at two for nearly fifteen minutes before Zoe happily agreed to thedy and went over to them.


    While the whole family apologized to the little girl for not concentrating on her, thedy had left. Ceon had searched the hotel and asked the guards who were around them. They just said, ''Miss left a while back."


    Ceon had thought it was just an unexpected event and moved on but it was just the beginning.

 Chapter 358: Moonstone

    Chapter 358: Moonstone


    Looking at anybody who had a slender figure and of thatdy''s height, Ceon started to remember thedy from the birthday night.


    Initially, he thought he couldn''t say <em>''Thank you''</em> so he was remembering her but he never felt he should find somebody to thank them. His longing to see her again was increasing whenever he failed to search her. He many times excused a few females thinking she was thedy but she wasn''t.


    Due to her, he started visiting a restaurant which was in the Wood International headquarter but didn''t get to see her even once. He had asked a few employees at the headquarters but nobody told him anything about thedy.


    The next time he saw her in the shopping mall. He had tried his best to reach her but he again missed her when she took the elevator and left.


    When he was about to give up, he saw her at the airport. Both were in the different waiting rooms separated by two soundproofminated ss with a passage in between. He was in an international flight gateway whereas she was in a domestic flight gateway.


    He had two choices, take the flight which was starting boarding in ten minutes or going to the domestic flight gateway where he needed fifteen minutes to reach. He chose the second choice without knowing the boarding time of thedy''s flight.


    When he finally missed his flight and reached the waiting room, it waspletely empty but the boarding for the flight was still open. He so wished that he could buy a ne ticket then and there but he was very far off from the ticket booking counter and he could book online at thest movement.


    That was the time, Finn returned to the city from country S. He hadpletely told Finn about their encounter.


    Finn knew about her a few days back but he hadn''t got the chance to check the information about her and he revealed it in front of them.


    --- Present ---


    Aria who had heard half of the storymented, "You are actually in love with motherly love of Sister Zara."


    Ceon: ''Because how she calmly handled and convinced my Kitten who chanted about Zara for a few days.''


    Eva was satisfied knowing Ceon didn''t fall for the money or face. "So you want Sister Zara to bear your kids."


    Ceon: "..."


    Noah and Rian coughed lightly topose themselves and to remind Eva to control herself.


    "You are a little dumb." Ariamented. He could have checked the boarding time of the flight before missing the flight but she was happy to know he prioritized Zara over his work and an international trip.


    Roxy added, "You aren''t smart enough to y anybody."


    Ceon: "..." <em>''You sisters are so mean.''</em>


    Even though only Roxy voiced it, others also thought the same. <em>''Ceon doesn''t y mind games and hurt Zara.''</em>


    The Fourie looked at Ceon who was unsure what was going on. The second time he met them together and they left a quite deep impression on him both the times.


    First time at the Toby Lewis birthday party. Five and a half years back.


    The weird silence broke when Isaac reached them, "Why so silent?"


    n cued him and both men left aside after Isaac waved at Aria and Eva as greetings.


    Ceon coughed a third time to clear his throat and spoke, "Guys, why am I getting these looks?"


    "Don''t dare to y around with Sister Zara." Rian warned.


    "If sis says no, then it''s <strong>NO</strong>." Noah knew Zara wasn''t ready to see anyone. If Ceon could change her heart, he didn''t want to stop him.


    Eva grimly told, "If Sister Zara gets hurt even a little because of you, we will make sure you regret all your life."


    Ceon subconsciously turned to Aria to hear her too.


    Aria''s faint smile gave him goosebumps. He spoke, "I will not dare to touch her without her permission." Rian gave her a flying kiss loving her autocracy.


    Roxy advised Ceon, "Be submissive to sister Zara, these four will like you."


    Ceon awkwardly chuckled, "Thank you." <em>''Let me meet her first.''</em>


    Then the Fourie wished him, "All the best."


    They really hoped Ceon could fade the pain Zara went through and she could stop being afraid of the rtionships.


    Ceon: "..." He really didn''t expect that. He realized Fourie wasn''t against love, they were protective of Zara.


    Fourie left for dinner with their partners. Norah joined them at the restaurant directly. Ceon called and bbered everything to Finn until thetter felt his head might explode.


    "I knew the result without your call. Let me warn you, if you aren''t serious about Zara Wood, give up now itself. Zara Wood is the Fourie''s bottom line. Makeup or breakup, keep it healthy and mutual."


    Ceon checked his mobile to make sure he called his friend but not the Fourie and asked in perplex, "Are you doubting me now?"


    Finn responded unhurriedly, "No, I''m asking you to be careful."


    Ceon breathed a sigh of relief, "Alright"


    He spoke for little time before hanging up the call. He nned to meet Zara Wood as he felt bad for Finn who was in love with Aria.


    ---


    On Monday, Xoan forced Xin to the Skyline Industries asking his secretary to take her appointment by hook or by crook.


    Levi reported Aria if she wanted to meet Xoan West while she was swarmed with lots of work to finish. She was leaving in the evening to the capital to attend the Corpus ball with n.


    She wanted to meet him and warn him to stay away but the work was too much with the preponed meeting with clients in different meeting halls.


    "Do you think I have time? We didn''t even eat properly during lunch. By the way, what reason did he give?"


    Levi responded watching his tab, "He didn''t give a reason. He said it''s personal and has a man with him. He doesn''t look like an employee."


    Aria took his tab to watch the waiting room live video. Xin was wearing the hoodie so she couldn''t see his face and she wasn''t interested either.


    She was passing the tab back but retracted it back. She curiously watched Xin''s hand ying with a stone.


    Levi asked, seeing her expression change as he moved next to her to watch the video, "What''s wrong?"


    "I had the same type of moonstone."

 Chapter 359: Sugar Mommy

    Chapter 359: Sugar Mommy


    "I had the same type of moonstone."


    Levi didn''t give much of a reaction, "Are you saying it''s yours?"


    Aria shook her head, "Nope." She knew many would have the same type of stone.


    Levi nodded, "Moonstone jewelry trend was introduced by your father in country A, isn''t it?"


    Aria hummed continuing her work as she responded, "Yeah, that time he had given me that stone saying it is a stone of inner growth and strength. It provides calmness from the emotional instability and stabilizes the emotions. Dad had said moonstone represents ''a new beginning'' so I had given it to my senior when he lost his mother."


    Levi who had taken files from the desk spoke, "Alright. I will ask them to see you next week."


    "Thank you." Aria continued her work.


    --- Waiting room ---


    Levi dropped the message, "Sorry CEO West, President Cooper today''s schedule is very tight. She couldn''t make it. She is free oning Monday, shall I make an appointment for you?"


    Xoan turned to Xin who had said without reason she wouldn''t meet him and it happened the same. But hearing Levi mention he can meet her next week, he asked, "What about on Thursday? It''s a national public holiday."


    Xin yed dumb.


    Levi responded formally without any emotions, "President Cooper will be in the Capital."


    Xoan didn''t expect Aria to really attend the Corpus on Tuesday evening. Since she will be in the capital till Thursday, he thought to meet her in the capital directly either at the party or Wednesday or Thursday."


    "No need for an appointment." Xoan left with Xin without hard feelings.


    Xin spoke after sitting in the car, "I''m noting to the capital."


    Xoan: "..."


    He wanted to lure him without actually telling him but Xin caught him before he could even speak. Xoan didn''t respond and started to think about how he could take Xin with him.


    ---


    At Wood International


    Ceon reached at lunchtime with little tot next to him talking nonstop.


    Zoe looked around and identified the ce, "Uncle, why did you bring me here? Today is not my birthday for the celebration."


    Ceon carried her up in arms and asked, "Do you remember aunty who yed with you on your birthday?"


    Zoe licked her lollipop trying to remember, "Aunty who sat with me in the swing?"


    Ceon nodded and heard Zoe say "I think I remember her."


    "Do you want to meet her?"


    Noah who had finished lunch in the restaurant with Norah coughed lightly standing behind Ceon, "Really? Using a little girl?" ''You are too naive''


    Ceon bit his tongue before facing him, "Hey" He didn''t want Zara to feel awkward if he directly meets her.


    Norah had heard about Ceon but hadn''t seen him. Noah saw Zoe who smiled at him and Norah sweetly. He asked in a gentle voice, "Do you like chocte mousse?"


    Zoe nodded her head vigorously.


    Ceon: "..."


    He couldn''t understand how Zoe got along with Zara and now Noah. He always saw her run away from every other stranger.


    "Shall I take you to eat? I will drop you back at your uncle after eating."


    Zoe excitedly stood up on a chair extending her hands at Noah.


    Ceon: "Do you, siblings know some kind of magic?"


    Zoe''s eyes sparkled hearing ''Magic'', "Uncle, do you know magic? I want to learn."


    Noah pinched her cheek gently and carried her in his arms effortlessly. He informed Ceon "Sister Zara will be here in a few minutes for lunch. Pick your niece from my office."


    Without waiting for Ceon''s response, Noah left with Zoe and Norah to the dessert buffet section.


    They took a dessert and grabbed light lunch for Zoe.


    Norah tried to feed her, "Have some food then you can eat chocte Mousse."


    Norah was soft but Zoe moved closer to Noah, "Uncle will feed me."


    Norah: "..."


    Noah seated Zoe on the table and fed her while Norah and he heard the little tot speaking about her school.


    Ceon took the time to recover from the slight shock by his niece and saw Zara enter the restaurant. He joined her while serving their tes.


    "Hey," Ceon greeted.


    Zara paused to nce at him, "Excuse me?"


    Ceon knew she cent percent doesn''t remember him. He pointed to his niece with his chin as he spoke, "I''m sure you remember my kitten."


    She saw Zoe and identified her immediately. She was surprised to see her with Noah and Norah.


    "Your daughter is really cute." She faintly smiled and continued to serve her te.


    ''Daughter?'' Ceon quickly cleared it, "She is my niece."


    Zara didn''t care if she was his daughter or niece and nodded. She was going towards the same table but Ceon caught up with her, "Wait, can you choose a different table?"


    Zara''s expression was nk. She looked at Noah ying with Zoe and looked at Ceon. She understood something was up. She didn''t want to jump to conclusions so she sat at the nearest table to hear him.


    Ceon was d she heard him and sat opposite to her. He introduced himself, "Ceon Davis."


    Zara saw his hand extended towards her for a handshake and again nced at Noah. She kind of started to feel like she was set up on a blind date. She took the spoon to eat and asked, "What''s going on?"


    Ceon retracted his hand back in disappointment by how she was treating him. "First of all, thank you for helping usst year."


    Zara just nodded with a light hum.


    Ceon''s hand subconsciously started clicking on the te thinking how to handle everything without directly confessing to her to avoid making her ufortable.


    Zara could say he was contemting so she waited but seeing him just jabbing the pasta in his te she spoke, "Look, whatever it is you can say it and don''t spoil the food please." She pointed at his te in the end.


    Ceon stopped his hand and asked, "What is your view about the rtionship between an older woman and a younger man?"


    Zara found the topic funny and couldn''t understand why he asked. "Should I have an opinion about Sugar mommies?"


    <em>''Pfft-''</em>


    Ceon had just taken his first bite when he choked on it.


    Zara pushed water ss ahead for him and continued to eat while Ceonposed himself. He wasn''t looking for a sugar mommy.

 Chapter 360: Are you for real?

    Chapter 360: Are you for real?


    "No, I''m not talking about Sugar Mommy. I am a year and three months younger than you."


    Zara left her spoon down and gracefully dabbed the napkin on her lips looking at Ceon''s expectant gaze. She wasn''t dumb after hearing it. "Mr.Davis is talking about me being in a rtionship with you."


    Ceon smiled hearing her understand perfectly, "Yes."


    Zara''s face turned cold, "Sorry, I''m not interested."


    Ceon expected her to change in reaction and asked, "You mean you don''t want a younger man?"


    Zara could feel the traces of sadness in his tone but her decision didn''t waver. "No, I am not interested in the rtionships itself."


    Ceon got the answer to his question. "No problem, I can wait."


    Zara: "..."


    <em>''Wait till I get the interest?''</em> Zara unknowingly smiled which put Ceon in a great mood.


    "Is this blind date by Noah?"


    Ceon started eating as he responded, "Nope. I got to know you are Zara Wood just yesterday. So I''m here."


    Zara now wanted to know the backstory of what he meant, "What do you mean?"


    Ceon didn''t hide and told the whole thing happily by the time both finished lunch. He had heard Finn say Zara doesn''t like lying so he wanted to keep everything crystal clear.


    Zara didn''t show how she felt hearing him. She was still afraid of being yed by a man. Even though she felt d he wasn''t liking her for the name or how she looks, she couldn''t make her mind to date him or anybody else.


    She asked her first question, "So the Fourie knows about you and allowed you to meet me."


    Ceon nodded, "Yep. But yeah they warned me to skin me alive if you get sad."


    Zara chuckled hearing it. "They will really do it."


    Ceon was very attentive about Zara and her reaction. He knew making her happy was easier and he didn''t have to pretend. He just has to be himself to make her smile.


    Finishing her fruits, Zara stood up, "Mr.Davis, you should move on. I''m really not interested in rtionships."


    Ceon didn''t ept it, "Without trying how can you say it?"


    Zara''s faint smile disappeared, "I don''t want to try either. Excuse me." She turned and walked towards the exit after checking Noah and Norah weren''t there and even Zoe had left with them.


    Ceon quickly drank water and caught up with her, "How about we get to know about each other first?"


    Zara didn''t stop walking, "Waste of time."


    Ceon countered, "I don''t think it''s a waste of my time. If you think spending time with me is a waste of your time, I will meet you whenever you are free or how about I apany you daily and we can talk when you are free?"


    Zara paused and turned to Ceon, "Mr.Davis, don''t you have any other work? Are you jobless?"


    Ceon nonchntly responded, "I am currently working as Vice president of Davis Textile. Most of my work is meeting clients and handling a few projects. That I can manage when you are busy. It''s not a problem."


    Zara''s lips twitched. She meant to say stop having those thoughts. "How did you convince Fourie? Why did they leave you behind me?"


    Ceon gave it a thought and responded, "They said I''m not smart enough to y you."


    Zara controlled herself from smiling but eventually chuckled as she walked towards her office, "Are you really so straight forward or just to impress me?"


    "Most of the time, yes."


    Zara nced at him and thought for a few seconds, "What if I ask you to meet me when you have a client meeting?"


    Ceon got to know Zara was too naive and she couldn''t reject him again and again. He promptly responded, "I left my client in the restaurant and went behind you in the mall before even talking with you so what do you think?"


    "You Did you leave your client to meet me?"


    Ceon nodded, "Yeah, I had gone backter." and he opened the door for her like a gentleman which had her name on it.


    Zara entered her room thinking about how to reject him for a proper reason. Ceon looked at her minimal designed room and sat in front of her waiting for her to speak.


    Both heard a knock on the door and a man entered inside, "Director Wood. These are the resumes President Wood shortlisted."


    Zara nodded and responded, "Thank you." That man left after bowing her.


    Ceon checked the resumes and asked, "Assistant for whom?"


    She responded unmindfully, still thinking about how to turn down Ceon, "For me."


    Ceon offered, "I can be your assistant." Then he kept the file aside, "No need to check these."


    Zara: "..."


    She took the time to digest it and spoke, "Vice President Davis, no need to go beyond the limits."


    Ceon thought Zara didn''t take him seriously. He opened his mobile and quickly found a temte of a resume. Filling the details, he pulled Zara''s card from the holder for the email address and sent her an email.


    The whole time, Zara was looking at him like he was an unearthly creature.


    "I''m serious, I have sent you my job application My current job can be handled as part-time. You can fire me if I don''t work well."


    Zara was really at a loss of reasons to send him out. "Are you for real? How could you neglect yourpany just like that?"


    Ceon didn''t feel like he was neglecting anything. "Actually I can appoint somebody at my ce to join here."


    Zara: "..." She couldn''t believe the Vice President was willing to leave hispany to be a mere assistant of a director.


    She firmly spoke, "Vice President Davis, that''s enough. I don''t know if this could impress other girls but I find this irritating. Please leave."


    Ceon''s intentions were pure. Since Zara wasn''t ready for a rtionship, he wanted her to know him and he wanted to know her better. He wanted to wait and see if she could change her view of rtionships.


    His work at Davis textile wasn''t really hectic. He was just helping his father with the title of Vice President. He stood up looking at her furrowed brows.

 Chapter 361: False hope

    Chapter 361: False hope


    Ceon sincerely spoke, "I''m not trying to impress you. I just want us to spend time together, know each other well. At least give it a month of time. If your opinion doesn''t change, I will respect your decision."


    He went towards the door seeing her silently looking at him. Before exiting, he again spoke, "I''m not asking you to date me this period of time. We can be friends or I can work as your assistant. Give it a thought."


    Then he left her office to Noah''s office. Luna, Noah''s secretary, was already informed about Ceon so she didn''t prevent Ceon from entering office after the knock.


    Ceon saw Zoe sitting on Noah''sp and curiously looking at the file he was holding.


    "A N - an. E N T E R P R I S E - ent, enter, enter" Then she pouted, craning her neck back to see Noah.


    Noah who waved at Ceon to enter inside responded to the little tot, "Enterprise. Zoe, you don''t have to learn such big words so soon."


    Zoe shook her head and saw Ceon. She smiled at him like a well-breddy and looked at the desk, "Uncle Noa, why don''t you have a pink color file? They all are ck. I want to read the pink file, it will have easy words."


    Norah and Noah chuckled hearing her.


    Ceon shook his head resignedly. "Kitten, how long are you going to sit with your new uncle? Don''t you want to go home?"


    Zoe pointed to Noah as she responded, "Uncle Noa said that I can stay as long as I want, and did you meet aunty? I saw her picture, she is pretty as an angel."


    Ceon curiously asked, "I thought your mother is your angel."


    Zoe remembered it and started thinking about it, causing the adults to smile. "Mommy is an old angel, aunty is a new angel."


    Hearing her adorable voice, three chuckled again.


    Ceon tried to change her decision, "Let''s go home. I''ll tell your mommy that you called her old."


    Zoe puffed her cheeks in annoyance.


    Norah pointed her cheeks and remarked, "She does like Aria."


    Noah poked Zoe''s cheeks while she responded, "Good uncle doesn''t tittle-tattle. If you do so then you will be ugly fugly."


    Ceon: "..."


    Noah and Norah burst intoughter looking at uncle and niece.


    unwillingly, soon Zoe left Wood International with her uncle saying she will visit them soon.


    In her office, Zara scrolled Ceon''s job application. He was post-graduate in business management. His scores were pretty good and his job experience even as an intern was better than being her assistant.


    Since the Fourie knew about Ceon she knew he wouldn''t have any motives against Wood International but she couldn''t make her mind to allow him around her.


    She had taken a great effort to stop her parents from arranging a marriage or blind dates. Even though they never forced her, she knew they were worried about her. She wasn''t sure if she was afraid of rtionships or men or afraid of falling in love.


    Staying alone, handling everything on her own she was used to her life with her family. When Noah pushed her to handle the wholepany, she was kind of frightened thinking about a whole lot of attention she would get so she stayed behind the scenes.


    Now thinking somebody is interested in her, wants her and the amount of attention he would give her, she was scared what if she again gets cheated on.


    Withplex thoughts, shepleted her work and went home without disturbing Noah and Norah.


    ...


    Noah saw his sister distracted during dinner so he went to her room after finishing some of his work. Seeing her sitting in the balcony pressing her forehead, he took a cushion and went to her.


    cing it at the foot of the chair, "Sis, sit down."


    "What happened?"


    He held her arms and helped her sit. He sat on the same chair leaning her back on the chair. Zara was about to ask, Noah gently started pressing her head.


    "How sweet!"


    Noah was used to the word sweet, cute to him but still, "Sis, can you not copy the drama queens?"


    Zara chuckled and closed her eyes leaning her head on his knee. She had a faint smile forgetting herplex mood she had a few seconds back.


    "Sis, why are you stressed out?"


    Zara calmly responded without opening her eyes, "You know it. Don''t you?"


    Noah hummed trying to read her expression which was actually serene. "What are you thinking?"


    She spoke about what was happening in her head, "Promptly saying, I''m still not ready to have a man in my life. I feel like I might ruin my peaceful life."


    "Are you nning to stay single?"


    Zara smiled hearing him, "Don''t worry, if you throw me out in my old age, Eva and Aria will look after me."


    Noah didn''t like her joke, "Sis!"


    She took a deep breath before speaking, "I really moved on from that man but I am not able to remove that fear. You know I have tried my best whenever Mom cried but it''s just stronger in me."


    She opened her eyes checking her left-hand wrist where a thin faint line was visible upon closer look. She sighed deeply and closed her eyes.


    Noah knew about her fear. That time there was nobody who actually liked Zara for who she was. Those arranged men were interested in the rtionship due to family status but Ceon was a different case.


    "Sis, you have closed yourself. You aren''t letting anybody break the ice you have built around you. You struggled a lot internally battling yourself, why don''t you try externally too?"


    Zara turned around to face him, "Means?"


    "Means why don''t you make new friends, go out and enjoy. I''m not asking you to date Ceon. At least you can be a friend. You can see if you could get along with him. You..."


    Zara cut in, "I don''t want to give him false hope."


    Noah shook his head, "You can firmly draw the line. I don''t think he will cross it."


    Noah helped Zara to sit on the chair as he continued, "Until you don''t interact with anybody, you will not know yourself too. Don''t do for him or others, do for yourself. Give yourself a chance."

 Chapter 362: Madmen

    Chapter 362: Madmen


    Zara held his ear slightly moving it, "Alright. I need time but I will listen to you. Happy?"


    Noah was finally happy hearing her, "First get along with some other than us then I will be happy."


    Zara smacked his arm, "You are too demanding."


    "Else you will die alone."


    Zara chuckled hearing him. If she remembers, a month back, Noah''s state was miserable. Seeing him advise her, she was d her brother was back, sweet, sensible, and responsible.


    Siblings continued to talk for some more time before going to bed.


    ---


    At Morgan Mansion


    Hearing Aria was nning a road trip to the capital, Roxy and Rian tortured Aria to take them to the Capital. Both wanted to check out a famous art gallery.


    "Little devil, it isn''t like you will carry us and go, why are you objecting?"


    "Why do you want to go on a six-hour road trip? Charter a ne and reach in 2 hours."


    "That we always do and why aren''t you doing the same?"


    Aria looked at n but knew he wouldn''t help in that. "I want to check out that famous midnight cafe on the way."


    She thought they mightugh at her but, "I want to go there too. Rowan, let''s pack."


    Aria: "..."


    n leisurely nced at Aria. He knew she wanted to go on a long drive but now it changed to a family trip due to her awful control over saying no to them.


    Rian excitedly, "We will have a st tonight."


    Since Amelia hadn''t gone on vacation or outing for a long time Rowan had no objection. "I ask the driver to get the Cadic Escde out. What about security?"


    n responded unhurriedly, "I have arranged."


    Aria rushed them, "Go go pack, Or else we will miss the midnight show at the cafe." Leaning on n, "No need to stay at the hotel. We can stay at the vi and drive to the ball. Is it alright?"


    They had booked a suite in the hotel where the Corpus was arranged. She couldn''t get two more rooms in the same hotel so she nned ordingly.


    n hummed closing hisptop pulling her closer hearing her instruct the vi butler to prepare rooms for them. When she hung up the call, n asked, "What are you thinking?"


    Aria responded promptly, "If Morse is really something and they attack or target us, the whole family will be in the problem."


    n bobbed her head, "How many times do you want me to repeat the same?"


    Aria pouted, rubbing her head. How can she not worry when she has no idea what was going to happen?


    "Okay Okay, I will not ruin my mood thinking too much."


    Soon the family of six joyously left the mansion on their long night drive. n took the driver seat. Both sisters sat at the back seats leaving brothers at the front. Amelia and Rowan were in the middle talking and making fun of everyone.


    They reached the Neon midnight cafe at half-past eleven. The cafe was famous for live singing shows of novice to famous singers. Many singers were signed to the entertainment industry after hearing them sing in the cafe or when their singing goes viral on the inte when cafe social media ount releases.


    The cafe doesn''t serve alcohol but many night travelers or visitors would buy from the nearest city and enjoy in the cafe park.


    The family of six got a table and enjoyed the unique menu of the cafe hearing the songs or live music shows. Many identified the Morgan family, Rian, Aria, and Roxy identified some celebrities too.


    Spending nearly an hour, they nned to return. Aria used a washroom and was returning to the parking, she was blocked by an unwanted woman.


    "Hello, President Cooper..." Katie Archer sneered while greeting.


    Normally Aria would nod and move ahead but seeing Katie and her tail, a B list celebrity blocking her path and the stench of alcohol turned her face cold.


    "Excuse me!" She patiently asked for the path but heard themughing at her mockingly.


    "President Cooper, Why don''t you teach me how to impress President Stanley and her mother? Huh?"


    Aria furrowed her brows hearing Katie.


    Another celebrity asked, "You might have skills on the bed but we don''t understand how you got Madam Stanley''s favor."


    Katie Archer had painstakingly created an encounter with Finn''s mother, had tea with her, and tried her all to get on the good side of her.


    While talking Katie had said she was very close to Finn but Finn''s mother had said Finn never mentioned any friends who are girls other than Aria so she doesn''t know Katie Archer.


    Katie had even asked if she watches entertainment news or reads an entertainment newspaper to which she had declined by saying she wasn''t interested in those.


    Katie has pissed off hearing Madam Stanley being affectionate towards Aria while she treated Katie indifferently.


    She had even dared to ask if Aria was Finn''s girlfriend. Even though the response was no, what Madam Stanley said irritated her more. ''She is such a nice girl but we aren''t lucky enough. She is more like a daughter to us.''


    Katie''s manager had pulled many strings to arrange a meet with Aria for Katie but failed each and every time. They had even applied for Skyline jewelry spokesperson but it was rejected before it could even reach Aria.


    So Katie''s fury was extreme on Aria.


    Aria didn''t want to create a scene hence she calmly spoke ignoring them, "That''s none of your concern. Stay away for me. Move aside."


    Both women chuckled hearing Aria and spoke to each other. "She doesn''t socialize."


    "She meets privately to enjoy."


    "She acts innocent. Look at her face."


    "Why don''t we learn from her?"


    "But how?"


    An evil grin appeared on their faces and Katie spoke, "Didn''t those men want new meat? We will learn from watching."


    Aria wasn''t sure whether tough at them or knock them down.


    "Are you sure you are not thinking about thest wish or a death wish?"


    Katie suddenly looked scared, "Oh I''m scared. President Cooper, please don''t do anything to us."


    Aria knew she was acting but she couldn''t understand why they were thinking she was alone at one in the night in an unknown ce.


    Katie smirked looking at Aria''s expressionless face, "Were you expecting this? You are too naive. Bring your invisible husband out, let me see what he got to see."


    Aria controlled her urge to roll her eyes at them.


    Other actress spoke, "Are you going toin to President Stanley? I guess you are toote." She had just finished saying, three men reached who were called by the other girl.


    Aria didn''t know them but they knew her. "Wow, look who we have today."


    Katie saw their desirous gaze on Aria. She didn''t like how easily they liked Aria over her. She grounded her teeth and ordered, "Bring her out. She should forget her name after tonight."


    Before Aria could even react to it, three men pounced on her like madmen. Aria furrowed her brows, her eyes filled up, "Leave me, Let me go."


    She struggled to break free without any fruitful results.


    Katie and her tail startedughing looking at Aria''s pathetic look.

 Chapter 363: Unresolved questions

    Chapter 363: Unresolved questions


    Katie Archer grounded her teeth and ordered, "Bring her out. She should forget her name after tonight."


    Before Aria could even react to it, three men pounced on her like madmen. Aria furrowed her brows, her eyes filled up instantly feeling the pain from her arms. She cried out, "Leave me, Let me go. Don''t dare to touch me? Let me go."


    She struggled to break free without any fruitful results. Katie and her tail startedughing at Aria''s pathetic state.


    Three men dragged her towards the exit but heard a deep voice, "Your acting is still awful."


    All turned to see the source of the voice.


    Aria puffed her cheeks in annoyance, she had tried her best to look like weakling struggling to save herself after seeing n was watching them.


    She wanted to y the damsel in distress but <em>''He never ys by rules. Hmph.''</em>


    n knew Aria had seen him right at the movement he stood at the corner of the lobby and Aria''s style was never to cry or show herself as fragile instead, she will use her brain to n out and use her limbs effectively to bring the other one down.


    Three men who were holding Aria left her instantly seeing n Morganzily leaning on the wall. Katie Archer cringed looking at the disinterested yet the tempting face of n Morgan.


    How much ever enticing he looked, his image was a ruthless cold-blooded heartless businessman to everyone.


    But another new actress had no idea about him due to his low profile. Thinking about Aria and n''s wedding she grumbled to n, "President Morgan, don''t believe this woman. She goes around seducing men and acts innocent like a white lotus. Disgusting woman."


    Aria who walked to n wrapped her hands around his neck. Standing on her toes, she pecked on his lips, "How about seducing you, President Morgan? I''m free tonight."


    Other five: _


    <em>''This woman is looking for death.''</em> They thought to themselves looking at n''s aloof face gazing Aria''s mischievous smile at him.


    Next movement their jaws dropped and eyes widened in shock when n leaned and tenderly kissed Aria''s lips who started blushing. Aria just wanted to piss them off and leave with n without any more drama but <em>yeah, n doesn''t y by her rules.</em>


    n broke the kiss after a minute and pecked on her lips looking at her blushing petite face. Grazing his fingertip on her pink soft cheek, he said, "I didn''t like the coffee I drank."


    Aria: ?


    <em>''So you tasted me?''</em>


    n left her and moved to the three men while Aria stood in front of the actress who whinged n.


    Three men started running inside thedies'' room but n held one''s hoodie and asked, "Are you guys sure about entering in there?"


    His dark heavy voice paused everyone excluding Aria. Three men stared trembling in fear but didn''t dare to move from the ce.


    n''s single punch on each one knocked them to the floor effortlessly. Katie trembled in fear by witnessing it. She wanted to scream but words were frozen in her throat.


    Katie realized who Aria''s husband was without any rification but looking at his dark face, she started taking shallow breaths expecting him to knock her out.


    Whereas Aria asked the other actress, "Do I seduce men?"


    Thatdy almost nodded but shook her head vigorously.


    Satisfied, Aria asked the second question, "Do you seduce men?"


    She thought Aria might be thinking she tried to seduce n, she again shook her head taking a step back, "No, no, I don''t..."


    <em>''Pak''</em>


    Aria gave a sharp one across her face saying, "Liar."


    Aria didn''t let herpose and continued to p the same cheek nearly ten times ignoring her cry as she repeated saying, "Liar"


    That actress couldn''t take it and fell on the floor crying her eyes out covering her cheek.


    While n dialed Finn''s number Aria stood in front of Katie who was scared out of her wits. The alcohol effect had drained out in no time. She looked pale that even her make up failed to hide it.


    Her lips moved but no words escaped her lips, looking Aria in the eye. The mock and the sneers she had were reced with fear and helplessness.


    Aria smiled sweetly and asked, "Do I look like an innocent little girl?"


    Katie wasn''t sure whether to say yes or no but she promptly answered nodding her head, "Yes yes..." She thought if she lied, Aria would hit her.


    Aria raised her hand but


    <em>''Thump''</em>


    Katie fell back on her butt before Aria could even touch her.


    Aria looked at her hand in the air and at trembling Katie whose tears started flowing out of her smokey eyes. Aria really didn''t want to end things like that.


    She gently patted Katie''s head, "Good. You shouldn''t lie." Aria knew Katie''s fate after that night so pping her wouldn''t only hurt Katie, it will also hurt her palms.


    All were dumbfounded including Katie. Thetter was thinking they were going to beat her up.


    Aria heard n, "n speaking. Will you handle yourpany actress? Or I clean it up."


    Aria pursed her lips looking at n. She knew he was doing it for her and it wasn''t n''s style. If n cleans up, Starlight''s image will be affected and Finn was her friend so n left Finn with a choice to keep the starlight image safe.


    Finn who was woken up by the call couldn''t understand who offended nte in the night.


    n saw Aria''s hand extended toward him so he passed his mobile to her and took her out with a grim expression.


    "Finn, sorry we disturbed your sleep. It''s Katie Archer. She wanted to feed me to some men."


    Finn feltpletely awake hearing Aria''s voice. He had warned Katie to stay away from his mother and stop interfering in his personal life. Without any more exnation, he knew why Katie must have done it.


    "How are you? Did they kidnap you? Are you hurt?"


    Aria responded to calm his nerves, "Neon night cafe bar. I''m on the way to Capital with family. I''m totally alright. Sleep now, We will talk tomorrow."


    Finn''s voice sounded hoarse, "I''ll handle. Don''t worry. Safe journey."


    He hung up the call hearing Aria. He dialed a string of numbers and instructed, "Lockdown Katie Archer and herplete group. She is in the cafe."


    Only a few knew the Neon Night cafe owner was Finn. He had opened it when he had decided to enter the entertainment industry to encourage newbies.


    Hearing the response, Finn hung up the call and lost his sleep too. He didn''t expect Aria to be in trouble because of him.


    Aria coaxed n checking his knuckles till they reached the car. Rian voluntarily took the driver seat, Roxy assured them she wouldn''t sleep and apany Rian so the couple sat in thest seats.


    n pulled Aria to his arms and both fell asleep. Even Amelia and Rowan slept for the rest of the journey.


    ---


    The next day.


    At the Wood International Headquarters.


    Zara sat in front of herptop looking at Ceon''s job application which had his email and the phone number. She contemted whether to call Ceon or not thinking about the unresolved questions about herself and about the rtionships.

 Chapter 364: Exclaiming her beauty

    Chapter 364: Eximing her beauty


    The next day.


    At the Wood International Headquarters.


    Zara sat in front of herptop looking at Ceon''s job application which had his email and the phone number.


    She contemted whether to call Ceon or not thinking about the unresolved questions about herself and about the rtionships.


    <em>''Am I overestimating myself?''</em> She asked herself if she was capable of really getting along with strangers.


    Convincing herself, she checked the rest of the job application. Those applicants'' qualifications and Ceon''s qualifications had vast differences and she didn''t want such a highly qualified assistant either.


    With lots of thoughts in mind, she pushed it away to think about itter and continued her work. It was at lunchtime she saw him waiting for her in the restaurant.


    Ceon waved his hand pointing at the table for her which already had two sets of cutleries. She wasn''t sure if she shouldmend him for being so sure she will have lunch with him or diss him for ruining her peace of mind.


    Her eyes fell on Noah and Norah. Taking a deep breath, she encouraged herself, <em>''Okay, I can do this.''</em>


    She sat opposite to Ceon who faintly smiled and started eating without a word. Being a member of the lower chain of socializing, she was out of words what to speak or whether she should quietly eat.


    With her messing mind, she reached the limit at the end of the lunch while Ceon silently enjoyed seeing her troubled the whole time failing to hide them on her face.


    Atst, he spoke first to let her rx, "Hello, how was the lunch?"


    Zara: "..."


    Greetings after half an hour of sitting opposite to each other. This man is too much.


    "Not bad." Zara didn''t reveal her thoughts and stood up to leave without deciding anything about him. <em>''Ugh, why is it so difficult?''</em>


    Ceon silently followed her seeing her scrunched brows then frowning, then pouting which went on and on without realizing Ceon was behind her and her reflection on the ss wall was in front of her.


    Zara mindlessly entered her office thinking whether Ceon was waiting for her to call for an assistant job or waiting for her to agree to be a friend or agree for him to woo her. For her, all three sounded the same with different name roles around her.


    She had just sat on her chair, she noticed Ceon waving his palm at her.


    <em>''Is he saying Hi or bye?... This is so annoying.''</em>


    "What?" Her annoyance left her lips before she could control herself. <em>''Oh, sh*t.''</em>


    Ceon knew she was socially awkward so he waited if she could manage to voice her thoughts but anyway he failed and she won.


    "Have you considered any of the suggestions?" He calmly asked.


    Even though he knew she was older than him, he started to feel like she was actually younger by heart. Other than work, thedy hadn''t done anything and never cared about society to get along with it.


    Only the Fourie was the exception for her. With them, she always showed her real self. Be it strong or weak.


    Zara''s sudden choice for him was her assistant so that she could manage easily if it''s work without feeling anxious or confused. "Once I shortlist the applications, you will get an email for the interview."


    Ceon was happy at least she considered him. The interview was a piece of cake for him. "Shall I apany you for some time? I''m free."


    "Ah?" Zara let out a confused low grunt.


    Ceon purposefully assumed it as ''Yes'', "Great!" He went in and took a seat, "Do you have a meeting? Or shall I help you shortlist applicants?" Without waiting for the response, he gave a pleasant smile and took the file that had an application.


    Zara: "..."


    Ceon continued to check and started to make two sections after analyzing each application. Zara sat with her lips agape looking at him as if watching an alien.


    Ceon seriously asked, "Am I good looking?"


    Zara responded promptly, "I have seen better."


    <em>''Ugh, my poor heart!''</em> Ceon raised his head and saw how serious she looked. He realized she wasn''t kidding when she responded to him. Invisibly wiping his invisible tears, "Then why are you looking at me intently?"


    "You are very dominating." Zara didn''t hold back.


    Ceon''s brows slightly raised before replying, "So you like to dominate."


    Zara rolled her eyes and continued her work without telling him to leave or stop him.


    Ceon understood he should teach her the art of decline without feeling guilt. He shortlisted three from ten. "There you go."


    Zara responded without looking at him, "Thank you."


    Ceon teased, "You arefortable around me. Good."


    Zara crossed her arms and seriously looked at him, "Don''t cross the line. You will regret itter."


    <em>''Confused Zara is cute. Serious mature Zara is scary.''</em> Ceon made note of it mentally.


    "Shall I help you with anything else?"


    Since he wasn''t her assistant yet, "Get me a cup of coffee."


    Ceon readily epted, "How do you like the coffee?"


    Zara had thought he would just exit the office to get it and she could torture him but he turned out as smart and she as naive.


    <em>''Bingo''</em> Ceon smiled to himself and spoke, "I will not give up so easily. Be innocent, I will not take your advantage."


    Zara pursed her lips but didn''t find any proper response to him. She pointed herptop and drowned in work ignoring Ceon who savored the view in front of him silently.


    ---


    In the capital.


    Rowan and Amelia went shopping and met some friends. Roxy and Rian had a full day of rest while the other two cuddled working together till it was time for Corpus.


    n helped her with the ball gown and hairdo without the need for professionals. Aria had chosen slightly offset selecting an off the shoulder, hues of the blue, tulle ball gown.


    n controlled himself from marking her looking at his pretty wife.


    After Levi reached to pick her for the ball, n left first with Nathan to attend separately to take care of Morse before revealing their rtionship.


    When n entered, There was a lot of noise, chatter, and gossip surprised by his presence. Nathan felt bad for a few presidents who tried to introduce their daughter and talk about their business skills.


    While looking around, Nathan stood inplete shock at the bar counter looking at ady.


    Aria entered grabbing everyone''s attention. When most of the attendees were eximing her beauty, Aria was really shocked looking at ady.


    <em>''What the hell is she doing here?''</em>

 Chapter 365: Coddle endlessly

    Chapter 365: Coddle endlessly


    At Corpus Ball


    n stepped in wearing a clean shirt and buttoned it up fully to support the graceful bow tie he was wearing. On top of the shirt he was wearing a trendy vest with five buttons, it had a fairly deep v-line, which causes the vest to line up perfectly with the jacket''s v-line when it''s button-up.


    The jacket was clearly made for him, it was a perfect fit. The single button of his single-breasted jacket was buttoned up, a subtle touch of coldness on his face worked perfectly. He was wearing perfectlyplementing shoes.


    There wasn''t anyone in the hall who didn''t turn to look at the man who paused in nonchnce. Another man at the side wasn''t any less attractive. With his build and style, it was hard to say him as an assistant.


    Nathan took the lead as he spoke, "President Morgan, President Steve is in the right, attending especially for you."


    n merely hummed and while eyes registered where Xoan was standing and saw Finn.


    The jacket was a perfectly tailored fit for Finn. It had a subtle pinstripe pattern which gave him an elegant look. It was simple but the elegant nket id pattern, giving the suit a dignified and royal look.


    When Finn and n''s eyes met, both indistinctly nodded at each other as greeting and thetter went to meet President Steve who was Morse Industriespetitor. As a businessman, n knew well when and where to pull strings in favor.


    n nodded or ignored if anybody forcefully greeted him. Nathan saw a fewpany presidents greeting n with their daughter and suppressed his smirk putting on a professional smile.


    "President Morgan, finally we meet."


    n and a middle-aged man shook their hands. While n was aloof, that man had a smile which was speaking of his experience in the business.


    "President Steve." n greeted and grabbed a champagne flute from the waiter before clinking President Steve''s ss tip and took a sip.


    Nathan was used to the numerous gazes being around n. So he just grabbed a flute for formality making sure there wasn''t any threat when Aria will arrive. It wasn''t even five minutes, he felt like he saw somebody well known.


    He whispered covering his mouth with the backhand, "President Morgan, I need to check on somebody. I will be back."


    n just responded with a single nod and gave his attention back to President Steve who was talking about the cooperation between twopanies.


    Nathan who traced a beige glittering gown had reached the bar counter when he got a glimpse of a morousdy and he was stunned, ''What is she doing here?''


    Just at the movement, all started chewing over thedy who stepped in her unique non-glittering tulle blue hues ball gown.


    The dress had left the top of her shoulders uncovered revealing her fair spotless skin. Her arms werepletely left in and simple, a choice which added to the elegance and grace of the dress.


    The dress'' waist was in a darker hue, a bow was wrapped around her that had artisticyers that were all needed as a perfect adornment. Her strands of curled hair were grazing her shoulder and her rest hair was tied in elegant hairdo.


    In between shimmers, she was a pure beauty grabbing everyone''s exmation in her simplicity and lucidity.


    President Steveplimented to n, "Your wife is exquisite. You are a lucky man."


    n didn''t peel his eyes away from her when he responded proudly, "I know." In eye-blinding gaudy shimmers and glitters, his wife was a bright luminous star for him.


    Finn''s eyes were glued on to Aria''s pretty dainty face which never failed to get his attention amidst anything around.


    Xoan mouth was slightly ajar looking at Aria. There wasn''t any expensive jewelry on her but she was priceless to the eyes. Peeling his eyes away thinking about the<em> ''Little girl''</em>, n''s wife, he suddenly felt n''s wife could be Aria as both are married. He felt it was possible because both of their builds were the same. Without Xin beside, he could only gulp his doubt down to his stomach.


    If n''s appearance was totally unexpected, no one thought the new young sensational President would be attending the ball. A few young heirs and CEOs or presidents were nning to grab the chance to have a talk but the expressionless man behind her left them to think twice.


    The Corpus Ball wasn''t a ce for Levi to rx and enjoy. He was cold, alert, officious, and unapproachable to make sure Aria was safe who attracts attention without doing anything or just by standing.


    Aria was taking a step inside her eyes and fell on ady who was gracefully walking towards her. <em>''Whatis she doing here?''</em> Aria thought to herself without showing much on her face.


    A deep low voice rang in her ear from the small earpiece which was attached to her diamond stud. <em>[Honey, what''s wrong?]</em>


    Aria walked in and turned to Levi responding to n, "Forty five-degree to your right."


    Levi checked who was at n''s 45 degrees and a frown passed swiftly on his face. n casually saw thedy, even though he was conflicted by her presence in the high-end ball, he said something different, "You are the prettiest sweetheart. Ignore the rest."


    Aria involuntarily smiled hearing her husband who keeps the worry with him to make her smile happily.


    President Steve who started to eat dog food looking at the couple drowned his champagne and remarked, "President Morgan treasures his treasure pretty well."


    n''s gentle voice turned void of emotions to respond to him, "My wife is meant to be treasured."


    Aria didn''t want to smile and bring unnecessary trouble but her husband started unting to the middle-aged man, "My love, don''t just treasure, you better coddle me endlessly."


    She had just finished saying that thedy greeted, "President Cooper."


    Aria saw thedy in a blush pink couture dress covering her shoulders and flowing down into a beautiful drape. Monroe Grayson undoubtedly makes sure to look like an innocent princess.


    "Ms.Grayson!" She slightly nodded her head and thought of leaving but Monroe continued to speak, "Why didn''t you bring your husband? Are you ashamed to show him?"


    Aria sweetly smiled, ashamed? She would love to loudly scream to the world about her husband, "Even if I bring him, he wouldn''t spare a nce at you or talk to you. Have a good evening."


    Monroe''s face turned dark and turned around to snap at her but her ball partner gently shook his head to cue her to be inposure.


    Aria who took steps ahead saw Nathan whose hands were slightly fidgety without showing on his face. She followed his line of sight to see a sexydy in a beige glittering gown.


    <em>''What the freaking hell is going on?''</em> This time she took a second topose herself.

 Chapter 366: Vile woman

    Chapter 366: Vile woman


    Aria was still quick topose. Nathan elegantly walked towards n after giving a slight head bow to Aria when their eyes met.


    Dustin bowed his head with a tiny smile at Aria when Finn and Aria met in the center but thetter spoke first, "130 degrees right to n."


    n and Finn both understood and without showing themselves as deliberate, four men looked at thedy and two men''s eyes darkened.


    Finn asked, "Wasn''t she dancing in bars? How does she know Vice President Morse?"


    Aria shook her head. She never in her dreams thought she would see I Turner again in her life and in fact, she didn''t even remember her even once before that day.


    Levi and Nathan almost delivered the news at the same time on either end, "President Cooper, Ms.Grayson is with Director Morse."


    "President Morgan, Ms.Turner is with Vice President Morse and Ms.Grayson is with Director Morse."


    Director Morse, heir of Morse Industries, son of Vice president Morse and nephew of President Morse.


    Pretending to take a champagne flute from a waiter Aria noticed Director Morse flirting with Monroe Grayson wrapping his hand around her waist. "Something big is surfacing against us."


    n hummed at her while Finn and Levi exchanged nces. Dustin was clueless because he didn''t know anything. Xoan had no idea the mess he pulled on Aria and n just to bring them out and his early probing of the party brought up the trouble earlier for the couple.


    Without a second thought, Levi took her champagne flute, "President Cooper, don''t touch anything. The capital city isn''t our turf." Aria didn''t object. She even felt she should think to respire the air.


    Finn lookedposed but he started doubting every businesspany that was cooperating with Morse Industries. "Alia, are they against you or your husband? Why do you attract so many problems?"


    Aria grinned mischievously before saying, "Because my husband is hot, sexy, handsome, and suave. Just too irresistible."


    Finn, Dustin, and Levi: ?


    n: ?


    n knew his wife''s talent to make him the damsel in every distress. If not known, anybody would think everyone wants him but not her.


    Aria giggled looking at them, "So it''s my starving night. n, as soon as the first round of ball overs, we will head out. And you two can also join."


    <em>[Sure Honey]</em> n''s voice sounded in her earpiece.


    Finn, "No, thanks. Your PDA filled my stomach."


    "President Cooper, President Stanely! What an honor to see you two here!" A man who had a business empire in the northern part of country A greeted them.


    Finn saw a businesswoman''s professional smile on Aria''s face and understood she will definitely get a project or invest in northern cities.


    Aria always researched thepanies if she attends any business-rted parties. She might not go involuntarily to meet anyone but if theye, she might entice them with a good deal but she never would lose a penny in anything, not even in the talk.


    Finn excused after greeting as he didn''t have any business with that man. Levi was used to his president so hepelled whenever required and soon a deal closed with a shook of their hand.


    [Shrewd Wife.] n never doubted her capability yet he was amused by how easily she invested in a northern mountain resort just by suggesting some international ces and also got a project to design the resort and build it.


    Investment, with architecture and construction. The billions worth project was under her in no time.


    Just as Aria smiled and turned to leave, Director Morse reached Aria which also paused the other President who greeted him warmly, "Director Morse! I see you know the talented businesswoman too."


    Director Morse was a good-looking man but for Aria, everyone weighs the same except her husband. So his yful smile did nothing on her calm face.


    Director Morse raised his hand for the waiter passing-by, he picked a ss and held white wine flute at Aria confidently.


    Aria Cooper smiled which actually alerted Monroe but Director Morse was an idiot and handed her flute. He clicked his ss and chugged his champagne but saw Aria still standing.


    She slowly cued a waiter to reach and handed him the ss, opening her clutch she ced a few hundred dors on his tray, "Drink and it''s yours."


    The waiter saw his month''s worth sry on the tray so he drank silently and left without caring about the dark-faced Director Morse.


    Another President spoke feeling the tense around, "President Cooper, that was..."


    Aria smiled again, "I kind of have an OCD against filthy people and the things touched by them."


    "You-" Director Morse was enraged but Aria returned with a smile and left gracefully.


    Whoever saw it were amazed but it wasn''t out of their expectation because that was Aria Cooper who doesn''t give a damn or act in front of anybody.


    Another President quickly left aside so that the Skyline investment and business cooperation could be safe.


    Monroe balled her fist and marched towards Aria for insulting her boyfriend without knowing she was just a toy used by the Morse family.


    Monroe was depressed after the birthday party so she had moved to the capital to join some goodpany and she was saved by the director in the Morse Industries when the manager was insulting her for trying to create rumors with President Morgan.


    Then Director Morse''s act of falling in love-at-first-sight clicked hearing him say she should give herself a second chance so she was dating Director Morse.


    n instructed Aria sipping his champagne, "Honey, want a good show?"


    <em>[Why not?]</em>


    "Do as I say. Send Levi aside and walk to the fifth woman who is looking at you."


    Aria obliged without knowing why she had to meet a random actress. She sent Levi to Finn and walked to thedy who wasn''t looking at her but behind her.


    <em>[Alright]</em>


    "Greet"


    Aria spoke inposure, "Hello, I have heard a lot about you. I was..."


    <em>[Jerk aside now.]</em>


    Aria followed blindly and she heard, "You bitch..."


    "Ahhh..." That actress shrieked soaked in wine and Aria saw Monroe shocked after it.


    Aria understood Monroe wanted to teach her lesson but her husband was cunning and brought ex-girlfriend and current girlfriend of Director Morse face to face.


    A woman president who was once dumped by Director Morse held Aria''s arm gently and checked on her saying, "Oh my god! President Cooper, I hope you aren''t hurt by thatdy''s push."


    Aria: "..." She wasn''t pushed by anybody and she wasn''t a damsel to be saved from petty tricks.


    Monroe: "..."


    n''s voice sounded in Aria''s ear, <em>[Enemy''s of an enemy is still useful.]</em> followed by President Steve''s enjoyingughter.


    That Presidentdy poured oil to the fire, "Miss! If you wanted to insult your Boyfriend''s ex, why are you hurting innocent President Cooper? You are such a vile woman."


    --- This doesn''t affect the coin price of the novel ---


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 Chapter 367: Double-crossed

    Chapter 367: Double-crossed


    The uing rest was a disaster for Monroe. That celebrity was jealous earlier seeing her affectionately moving with Director Morse, now her fury exploded and threw her drink on Monroe. As if it wasn''t less, she threw others'' drinks on Monroe.


    While Monroe tried to exin no one was there to hear her. She was thinking her boyfriend could help but he absconded seeing his ex against the current one. He didn''t want to make himself a joke anymore. But he knew well, Aria somehow yed all those.


    The otherdy President smiled at Aria helping her aside from the women, "President Cooper, are you alright?"


    Aria nodded, "I am. And what was that?"


    That womanughed, "I was dumped for that actress and she was ditched when that little sissy came. Why bother getting into their mouth?"


    Aria chuckled and saw thedy gently bow and left. Aria was amazed at how she didn''t take the opportunity to spread thework.


    Somebody called security to throw Monroe and that actress out. Aria nced at n saying, "She is your rtive and you are so crafty."


    n coldly said, remembering how Monroe had grabbed a drink to throw at Aria, "She should be happy that I didn''t throw down from the eighth floor or drowned in alcohol."


    Aria smiled, joining Finn and the rest as she responded to n, "My husband is amazing."


    Finn, Dustin, and Levi: "..."


    Aria couldn''t control her chuckle seeing their faces. Three men had understood why Aria sent Levi when they saw n was coldly ring on Monroe Grayson.


    Levi thought Monroe was never a match against Aria to even stand but he was curious about anotherdy stealing nces at Aria and n standing with a middle-aged man.


    Soon a whistle blew and the music started. Before Aria could react an unknown man asked her for a dance, "President Cooper, may I have the honor to dance with you?"


    "Nope" Left her lips right after he asked and then she continued politely, "I''m sorry."


    That man nodded with a simple smile and left. She wanted to ask n but thetter said, "Honey, we shouldn''t dance at least for now. We don''t know Vice President Monroe''s n yet."


    She hated the fact that she can''t be with n just because of some stupid people. Even though she controlled, her face fell saying, "Alright."


    ying around with him at home was different and dancing was different. She hardly attends parties rted to business having such themes.


    n who noticed her pouting in annoyance, "I''ming."


    "No! Today is thest day I''m doing this so do whatever you want. Hmph." Aria turned away from facing him. She wasn''t angry but she just wanted to dance but those Morse! She was going to teach them a lesson the next day that they would think twice to trouble her.


    Finn flicked on her head and asked, "Let''s dance."


    Aria looked at him carefully, "Do you have any admirers here?" then her tone was cold, "I might break their face if they attack me."


    Finn chuckled hearing her, "Dumb, are youing or not?"


    "You- Is that..." <em>''the way to ask for a dance?''</em>


    Finn held her hand and went to the center without caring for the circr pattern so the first dance of the night was from Aria and Finn.


    Finn gave his reason, "Why should we follow the crowd?"


    Aria chuckled, "I like this attitude." She saw n calm andposed, raising a toast for her. Puffing her cheeks at him, she turned back to Finn. "Let''s ace."


    Both had a gentle smile suiting the dance, Finn ced his hand on her back and started grooving to the music synchronously with Aria. Gracefully swirling her around him, Finn twirled her slightly away which showed off her beautifulyers of the gown.


    Aria smiled when he teased her hand without holding and twirled her away again with a little force, multiple twirls receiving gasps andpliments from the audience. Many even started to think Finn must be Aria''s husband seeing them match perfectly.


    Finn whirled her again towards him and held her basic position, "Missing your husband?"


    Pouting for the tease, she matched steps and she continued to hear n''s voice in her earpiece who was identifying their next moves wlessly but he didn''t notice the conspiracy plotting against him at the same party.


    I Turner who was hooking her arm with a middle-aged man watched Aria while saying viciously, "I want President Stanley too."


    The middle-aged man chuckled and said, "I, y all you want. I don''t care. When you know n Morgan is married to Aria Cooper, why are you targeting Finn Stanley now?"


    I sneered saying, "I want to snatch everyone away from that bitch. She should cry and suffer double the times than me and then I will finish her."


    Terrence Morse, Vice President of Morse Industries and First Master of the Morse family. He was alive due to I Turner.


    Nearly three years back, he was drunk till he lost consciousness and was attacked brutally by a group but was saved by I. Then he faced multiple organs failure as Liver and Kidney. Half of the liver and a kidney were donated by I Turner to save him so Terrence let her do as she wanted which would be easier for him to settle his scores with the Cooper family, especially finishing Aria.


    After the first dance, all other couples grooved to the music while Finn didn''t join the crowd again to avoid if partners were swapped. "Tired?"


    Aria shook her head, "Finn, do you believe in luck?"


    Finn promptly answered, "Sometimes Yes, most of the time No."


    Aria hummed as they continued to dance, "I Turner is very lucky."


    Finn didn''t agree with her, "I haven''t seen anybody unluckier than her."


    That picked Aria''s interest and also heard n say, <em>[Honey, I will be back soon. WC.]</em>


    Aria hummed at n and asked Finn, "How?"


    Finn thought it was obvious and she might know, "She again chose to stand against you when you two are stronger than before."


    Aria epted it, "I love realpliments."


    Finn was momentarily speechless, "Shameless."


    They continued to dance ten more minutes. Aria didn''t hear n''s voice and started looking around. The transmitting range of her ear device was short and she couldn''t hear anything.


    "Finn, something''s up."


    Hearing her grave tone, without a word, Finn quickly led her out of the dance area and two assistant''s reached them.


    "Where is Nathan? Call"


    Levi called Nathan while Aria took her mobile and called n. His number was not reachable and Nathan reached them.


    "President Cooper, are you alright?"


    "Where is n?"


    They couldn''t understand why she was panicked just by not seeing n for ten minutes but they didn''t say anything.


    Nathan responded, "WC. President Cooper..."


    Just then a message popped in Aria''s mobile, <em>[President Steve double-crossed.]</em>


    Aria''s hand tremble went unnoticeable and ordered them, "Search n now."


    All ran in different exits and entrances of therge hall. Seeing Finn follow her, Aria spoke, "Spread out. I''m armed."


    Still hesitant, Finn didn''t trouble her and went in another direction to find n knowing stubborn and armed Aria can''t lose easily.

 Chapter 368: Overdosed with Aphrodisiac

    Chapter 368: Overdosed with Aphrodisiac


    Levi had thought Finn would be with Aria hence he had taken a different path, he had no idea Aria was running around alone in her ball gown searching for n.


    Aria dialed a number as soon as Finn left her side. She spoke right after the call connected, "Brother Vince, ask your men to lock down theplete hotel. I want President Steve captive and check the security camera for n''s locations. He is missing."


    Knowing the critical time, Vince didn''t dy a second and responded, "On it."


    Aria knew attending Corpus wasn''t getting anything good for them. Their security had been sent to protect Amelia & Rowan and Rian & Roxy if in case the threat diverts. Upon that except one partner with the invite, none were allowed inside. n''s men didn''t get the chance to get in secretively either.


    Vince in the capital wasn''t surprising. Aria and n''s trip to the capital was extended to three days because Vince was there on business. They had even nned to have dinner.


    After knowing about the Morse, Vince had purposefully reserved a suite in the same hotel so his men were around for his security.


    Nathan checked WC on two ends of the hall but didn''t find a trace of n. Levi had checked the whole hall and green rooms of that floor but n wasn''t in sight.


    Dustin only knew he should find n so he and Finn continued to check the rooms which were taken by the guests of the ball but Aria went downstairs trying to find any clue by n.


    While running on her heels, she noticed the carpet on the floor showing the sign of retaliation and she was sure n was in that way. n could easily take down a few men at once even if they are armed so she guessed President Steve yed dirty.


    She took consecutive two turns in the lobby and she saw four men dragging drugged n and ady who would be going to wish to die soon and regret thinking she shouldn''t have provoked Aria.


    Removing her heels, Aria aimed and threw in two directions. ''Bullseyes''


    ''Crack''


    Two security cameras reached the ground and Aria got the five''s attention on her.


    The haughty queen smirked and looked at a man who immediately ran towards Aria. The rest three men held n whose punch wasn''t strong enough to knock that man. The queen strutted towards her room.


    "Ahhh..."


    A groan of a man stopped them and turned to see him lying on the floor bleeding the blood like water flowing out of him. His white shirt under the ck zer was soaked in the blood whereas the girl was standing unaffected with a murderous gaze ready to kill them.


    The other difference was she was holding a long flexible stainless thing that looked like a belt.


    A few seconds back,


    Removing the bow which was attacked to her waist, Aria pulled the slick strap hidden inside the waist belt. Other than n nobody knew she was prepared for the worst-case. When the metal detector beeped, she had lied as a dress supporter so nobody had stopped her.


    It was a sword with a flexible, whip-like de which is worn coiled around the waist like a belt. It is usually worn by men with leather holders but Aria had asked Vince to drill holes near the holder to insert fingers so that it couldn''t be snatched away.


    It was the dual-edged, razor-sharp weapon which is the best choice for those looking for power, versatility. The de was bare, having no decorations or engraved patterns.


    Why does the de need decorations? It only needs to be strong and sharp.


    Two shes on the man, Aria walked towards others kicking that man away. Three men and the haughty queen realized it was not just some stupid belt but a weapon.


    But they didn''t take her seriously and two men lunged at her. Aria smirked and attacked the face of both men at once.


    "Ahh..."


    Both men growled covering their faces. When it''s about her people''s safety, Aria was merciless. If it''s about n, she wouldn''t care even if she has to kill anybody.


    She couldn''t save her father and she wasn''t ready to lose anybody, especially n.


    n who was held by only one man, easily knocked him punching his neck by suffocating him.


    Aria kicked both men ignoring their groans in pain and walked imperiously towards the haughty queen paling when n was squeezing her neck.


    "n!" Aria''s face softened seeing him suffering to hold his consciousness.


    She had just held n, Vince and his team reached and saw men growling and the whip de in Aria''s hand, "Little one!" He circled his forefinger on the ground to cue his men to clean up and reached them where the haughty queen was coughing her lungs out copsing on the floor.


    "Brother Vince!" Aria forced a painful smile ncing at him and looked at n who was more in guilt for worrying her.


    Vince saw n''s state removing the de from Aria''s hold carefully and suggested, "President Steve spat everything out at gunpoint. He drugged n with aphrodisiacs so you should help him out. My room is on the floor below." Then his eyes turned darker looking at thedy, "You can take care of these tomorrow."


    Aria nodded and helped n who didn''t allow anybody else to touch him. None thought anybody could be targeting n that night and that to the man n wanted to make use to bring the Morse down.


    Aria paused and said, "President Steve should be overdosed with Aphrodisiac tonight and lock him in the room."


    Vince always likes the evil side of Aria which was rare unless somebody touches her bottom line. "Work will be done."


    Passing her mobile to Vince, "Drop a message to Finn, the same password." Aria locked the door and saw n desperately searching for the bathroom door. "n..."


    "Stay away..." n''s hoarse voice sounded.


    It was apparent that he doesn''t want to touch her under the drugged condition and he couldn''t forgive himself if he hurts her. Aria didn''t care how the drug will react and what happens, she just knew, if it wasn''t treated on time, it would affect the nerve and the hormones.


    Forcefully pulling him back, "Will you also do the same if I was the one drugged?"


    n still argued, "I will harm you... let me go." He shrugged her off.


    She was really amazed at how he was able to think in that state too, "Are you saying your suffering has nothing to do with me?"


    Aria decisively pushed him on the bed without letting him go and removed her corset tie-up of the gown. She easily pinned him on the bed and kissed him forcefully.


    n retaliated initially before letting the drug control him and flipping her down.


    ---


    Finn who received a message from Aria saw ''Mr. Fan'' under it so he understood Vince Fan was in the capital and helped them on time. He then informed all the assistants and settled in the hotel suites thinking what might have happened to them.


    Whereas Vince got the stronger aphrodisiacs he could manage to get in the capital and overdosed President Steve. The haughty queen was locked in her own room confiscating mobile and two Vince''s men stayed in her room to keep her in ce.


    The same night many things started to happen under Nathan and Levi''s instruction without their President''s instructions.

 Chapter 369: Shock and surprise

    Chapter 369: Shock and surprise


    While the business world in the capital was in chaos, Aria had curled up in n''s armste in the morning. She had no strength to even move her pinky and just slept with n.


    As soon as n opened his eyes, his first concern was to check on Aria. Seeing numerous marks on her fair skin, his heart ached but a murderous glint stayed in his eyes.


    He didn''t expect President Steve to be naive enough to go against him without knowing. He hardly believed anybody but to give him a face and to avoid others, he had just apanied him. Embracing the tiny body he picked the bedside telephone.


    He dialed Nathan''s number and spoke, "n here, release all the information against Steve Corporation and..."


    Nathan cut in, [President Morgan, Steve Corporation CEO is under detention. The cops are searching for President Steve. The stock rates are at the lowest possible value. Morse who had invested his money lost everything overnight. You should rest, we will handle it here.]


    n was amused knowing his assistant was right on track without waiting for him but he just hummed and hung up the call.


    Aria groaned opening her eyes and realized n was hugging her. She involuntarily blushed and asked, "Do you have any mercy on my poor back?"


    n was again amused hearing her yful tone instead ofining or cries but he still apologized, "I am sorry, I was careless."


    Aria looked at his somber, remorseful face and internally sighed, she changed her question ring at him, "Are you saying sorry for making love? Say yes, I will throw you out without giving clothes."


    n pinched her cheeks and also heard, "I can drug you every now and then. You looked so cute in the goofy face."


    n: "Pervert."


    Aria: "..."


    Punching his stomach, she argued back, "Why only you are allowed to see me climax? It isn''t like you have somebody else to see you."


    Seeing her iming right, "n... Noo, I..." he gave her the right again leaving some more fresh marks sending her back to sleep at the end.


    Asking for the room cleaning service, he tenderly bathed the sleeping beauty andid her on the bed. He was done ying hide and seek. Now he was going to finish everything before she woke up.


    He didn''t want to leave her alone so tucking her in the bedroom, he stayed in the suite and called others to his ce. n got his mobile from his previous day''s clothes and saw numerous missed calls from parents and brother. After calling he got to know they had received a message from Aria so he called Vince first.


    Seeing President Steve''s state nauseated everyone. Vince spoke, "I followed little one''s order. I don''t think he can ever use his manhood anymore."


    n didn''t find it surprising, he knew his wife would payback with the same but cruelly, "Throw him at the entrance, cops will pick him."


    Then I Turner entered shivering profusely. Vince scanned her up and down, "Lids correction, Jawline, chin, breast transnt..."


    "Do you want to marry her?" n asked without understanding why he was saying all that.


    Vince felt his stomach lurch hearing it, "I am thinking is there anything natural left in her. Oh yeah, Vagina, didn''t you want to sleep with n yesterday? Who do you want today?"


    That daunting voice weakened I Turner''s knees and she tried to run away but a fierce p, she fell on the floor and wailed, "Ahhhh..."


    "Shhhhh..." n silenced her because Aria was sleeping inside.


    I had thought Aria would be a powerless girl like before, she didn''t expect her to be so strong to take down three men. And now looking at men around her, she was sure, she lost everything and they weren''t going to leave her like the previous time.


    "How about selling her to old foreign men?" Vince suggested.


    "Huh?" I wanted to speak but seeing the man ready to hit her, she became mute.


    n wanted her to live in hell but not create a problem for them. n didn''t agree with him, "Deport her. She should leave like departing to a different country but end up where she can''t get to eat anything and suffer daily."


    "No..."


    <em>''Pak''</em>


    Vince''s bodyguard pped her without mercy for trying to shout. I fainted and the bodyguardpleted the n, "We have her apartment under control. We will get her passport and deport her to deserted areas."


    Vince cued him toplete the work. n received a tab from Vince and checked the plummeted stock rates of Steve Corporation and the residential building destroyed by the state administration due to poor quality materials. It was the same project Terrence Morse had invested.


    "This Morse chapter should be closed today itself. I''m done with this y."


    "Wipeout?"


    n: "..."


    n nced at his friend who was ready to clean up all the problems permanently away from their life. "I have to meet President Morse and get her location..."


    Vince nonchntly cut in, "She is at her home. She has no idea what her brother and nephew are doing."


    n knew Vince would have all the information in hand irrespective of whether it''s going to be useful or not. He took the new set of clothes and went to the bedroom. He carefully helped Aria to wear the t-shirt dress and he changed quickly.


    Contemting, he gently woke up Aria who whined and hugged him to sleep. "Honey, I need to go out to meet President Morse. Do you want toe?"


    Aria just wanted to rest and mumbled, "I don''t have the strength... Put me to sleep... and leave. Be here when I wake up... Mwa, bye."


    n followed it and coaxed her to sleep holding her in his embrace before leaving her under high security.


    ---


    At Morse main mansion


    Initially, security didn''t allow them but seeing the entourage behind two men, they had no choice and left them inside informing President Monroe.


    Even though they were uninvited guests and that too so many men were a nuisance, they were treated rather well. They were served with coffee, tea, or juice with other snacks on the table. But none dared to touch the menu. Instead, that irritated them.


    n told the mansion housekeeper, "Call your madam quickly. We don''t have all day time."


    The housekeeper was conflicted hearing his cold order, "Mister, Madam will take little time to reach here. Please wait."


    n shook off his thoughts and decided to wait for a little more time. Vince was bored in five minutes and looked around the magnificent vi. He froze when he went to the dining hall.


    "n" He grunted loudly in astonishment and shock.


    n frowned seeing such expression on Vince''s face. Vince was someone who wouldn''t flutter his eyshes while killing or seeing anybody dying. He quickly rose to his feet and reached him.


    n''s expression wasn''t any different. He was in more shock than Vince.

 Chapter 370: Moonstone

    Chapter 370: Moonstone


    Vince and n heard the housekeeper voice, "Excuse me, Madam is here, please have a seat."


    n turned around and saw the elegantdy on an electric wheelchair carrying a polite smile, he blurted out before he could know, "Mom Emily."


    Excluding the already shocked Vince, everyone''s eyes widened in bewilderment.


    Sending everyone away, two men and thedy sat and spoke for a pretty long time. Even though they weren''t sure how it all ended up that way, at least they were clear who exactly wanted to kill Aria and the possible reason behind it.


    "Get her home once. I would love to meet her."


    n was emotionless but there was still a touch of politeness while responding, "Bringing her here is more of danger. I want to rify a few things then I will talk to my wife."


    Thatdy nodded in understanding as she sighed, "I am d you are protecting her. See you then."


    n slightly bowed his head and left. Vince who was slightly hesitant from the beginning said, "Your daughter is my current girlfriend. She is in my mansion in country E."


    A motherly worry and concerned voice sounded immediately, "Is she safe? How is she doing? That brat ran away from home. Can you bring her home? I exhausted all of my effort to search for her."


    n paused at the door hearing him. He had thought Vince wasn''t going to tell anything about his girlfriend. He didn''t disturb their talk and went out to the car.


    Vince responded truthfully, "She doesn''t want to return and she ispleting her studies over there itself. I will talk to her first."


    Thatdy nodded, powerless against her stubborn daughter. Vince didn''t want to dig anything about his girlfriend without her knowing so he left soon.


    He had unexpectedly seen her in the club dead drunk and thought him as a waiter. Forcing a kiss on him, she ended up in his mansion. They started dating and he took care of her for two years, he knew ''family'' was her untouchable topic.


    Shooking off his thoughts, first he wanted to know how n was going to handle everything, and if Aria would be able to ept the current situation.


    "Are you going to tell little one?" He asked when their car left the Morse mansion.


    n who was in deep thought changed the question, "You seem to be serious about this girlfriend."


    Vince raised his brow which settled seeing him calm, "She is good. She just minds her work without disturbing mine and enjoys life with what she gets. She doesn''t take things for granted so let''s see how it goes. And now..."


    "I won''t tell her until I solve it." n didn''t want Aria to work so much with that tension. He will only talk after finishing the puzzle with all the pieces.


    ---


    Returning back to the hotel, n saw Aria curled up on the bed and frowning. He checked her temperature which was normal and remembered the date to realize her menstrual cycle started.


    Aria groaned in pain when n sat next to her brushing her hair away from her face, "n... I feel like everything is aching. You will not believe me if I say I was ready to sleep in the bathroom. You better be next to me."


    Hearing her, he shifted all his ns toter days to look after her. Aria continued after it, "Mum called me to ask when we will be returning, I chartered a ne for them in the evening. What about us? I am in no condition to go to Morse Industries."


    n responded helping her drink warm water, "Forget about Morse for now. You have the fashion show on Saturday. Take rest, alright? Let''s send four back home, we will stay until Vincepletes his work."


    Aria didn''t have an objection, "Let me hug you." n fulfilled his spoiled wife''s requestying on the bed and embraced her to let her sleep peacefully.


    ...


    As decided, Amelia, Rowan, Rian, and Roxy returned to city B.


    Aria met all assistants and Finn. She just brushed up the topic to Finn and Levi as they had followed the case closely. Since she was fine, Finn was rxed.


    He had finished his work in the capital too so he left with three assistants and n took Aria back to vi and Vince also shifted there.


    ...


    On Thursday morning, n received a call from security mentioning Xoan west was there with another man. Seeing Aria on the bed chuckling looking at Noah''s trying different style tuxedos for the wedding, he thought to meet Xoan andplete the chapter permanently.


    "Send him in." He hung up the call and said, "Honey, breakfast."


    Waving at three friends, Aria raised her hands asking him to carry by pouting pitifully, "My back still hurts."


    Aria had thought she was bullying her husband but n said, "You better don''t act cute when on red. I can''t eat you."


    Aria: "..."


    She hadn''t stepped on the floor since the previous morning asking him to carry every single time. She wanted to see how long he could tolerate her craziness but she failed. ''Are you a human being?''


    Pouting in annoyance for failing, she thought to tease and bit his cheek while he was descending stairs and two men entered the vi to see that sight.


    "We have guests." n saw Xoan and another man and said.


    Aria wasn''t facing front in his arms so she said, "Brother Vince said he will bete for lunch. Are you fooling me now?"


    Just then she heard the vi butler speak, "Please have a seat." Aria turned to see Xoan and didn''t identify Xin. n took her to the couch ignoring bewildered Xoan.


    ''The one I liked, the one Xin admires is the same girl!'' Xoan thought to himself and looked at Xin. Thetter wasposed even after seeing them together. Xin kind of guessed Aria was married to n a long back.


    n sat next to Aria and faced two men. She asked, "I thought you learned your lesson after the Fourie show which is still on trending. I guess, your stubborn brain needs time to understand or a few more rounds of losing against me... How can we help you?"


    Xoan: "..."


    ''President Cooper, can''t you give me a minute to digest the current situation? Two men will beat me up if I act recklessly now. No! Actually, you are a master in beating me up, why do you need men to protect you?''


    Heposed after a few seconds and pointed at Xin who furrowed his brows instantly, "Don''t you remember him?"


    Aria''s lips twitched hearing it. She looked at Xin again and a light bulb clicked, "You-"


    Xoan, Xin anticipated, n was curious. Aria dialed a number quickly and also added one more on the video call, showing Xin to them, "Do you remember him?"


    Eva and Roxy looked confused, Aria refreshed, "Dumb buckets, weren''t you checking him out in Ziro?"


    Xoan''s lips twitched hearing that. He thought she remembers Xin from the past.


    "That novelistic guy!"


    "That dazzling guy!"


    n took his mobile and messaged two men to take care of their wife without letting Aria know while they again took the topic and discussed a few minutes.


    After hanging up the call, Aria said, "Sorry, I don''t know him."


    Xoan grounded his teeth and said, "In the school and..." He pulled a stone out of Xin''s jacket forcefully and said, "You gave him this moonstone."

 Chapter 371: Fat and short

    Chapter 371: Fat and short


    Aria saw Moonstone and asked, "Senior Xin?"


    Xoan breathed a sigh of relief, his goal waspleted. But he was also sad about missing the little girl and missing the ''Little bunny'' of Xin.


    Xin was surprised but he just nodded.


    Just then the butler announced, "Young miss, breakfast is ready including for the guests."


    Aria nodded and turned to the other two, n carried her up swiftly, "Let''s have breakfast first." Aria obliged and peeked behind him where Xoan was speechless and Xin was sitting nkly.


    "Senior Xin, let''s have breakfast. And you! help yourself however you want."


    Xoan: "..."


    The butler controlledughing and asked them for breakfast while n asked, "How do you know him? My junior or senior?"


    Aria demanded, "If you feed me, I will tell the story."


    n pitied two men who were joining for breakfast by agreeing to Aria, "Alright."


    Feeding dog food to the other two men, Aria narrated whatever she remembered.


    -- Twelve years ago --


    Aria was just twelve years then. Her dad waste to pick her from school so she was waiting for him and the school was almost empty as it waste.


    While waiting, she heard a few boys cussing somebody so failing to control herself she quickly went to the school garden and saw three boys kicking and hitting a boy to the ground.


    Even though she was surprised why he wasn''t crying, Little Aria thought about how to save the boy. She ran back a few steps away and shouted, "Miss, Miss, here are the boys. They are hitting a boy. Miss, this way..."


    That panicked the three boys and ran away from the other side hiding in the bushes. Aria reached to see the boy having a lot of wounds on his face, hands. since it was a garden which was watered a few minutes back, his clothes and face were all smeared with wet soil.


    The boy ignored her and got up to leave.


    He suddenly heard the soft voice, "I''m sorry." Then the little fluffy girl held the water pipe bathing him in the middle of the garden to remove the soil leaving the boy in the cold during autumn.


    "Dad says, wounds must be cleaned quickly." She said and tried to check the wound on his back knuckles but he backed off and left leaving her alone.


    Conflicted, she heard her father calling her, she sprinted towards him and told the whole thing. Then he searched the boy and found in the bathroom removing excess water from his uniform with a deadpan face.


    Peeking inside, "Dad, shall I give him my jacket?"


    The boy instantly alerted and growled, "This is the boys'' water closet."


    Aria knew that "I know hence I am standing outside."


    The boy: "..."


    Oliver spoke, "Little bunny, I will give my jacket. you shouldn''t peek inside the boys'' WC."


    She knew that but she was worried about him. she nodded at her father and apologized to the boy, "I''m sorry. You will get cold so you should take my dad''s jacket."


    She went away after it. Her father coaxed him to wear his jacket and even dropped him to his home. The whole time Aria had tried to talk to him in the backseat but he only spoke when he gave directions to his home.


    Aria didn''t see him the next day. On Monday, she went with Eva to every ss and found him sleeping on the table. Poking him to wake up, "Hello Senior. Did you catch a cold on Friday?"


    The boy: "..."


    "Were you really unwell?" Then she pointed at marks on his face and asked, "Are they paining? Shall I take you to the infirmary?"


    The boy yawned, turned aside, and slept.


    Aria and Eva: "..."


    Eva grimly said, "Where are your manners?"


    The boy, "Get out."


    Eva was about to punch him Aria pulled her out and randomly guessed, "He must be bullied every day. What should we do?"


    "Let him die. Who cares!"


    Aria: "..."


    Eva gave in seeing her pouting and went to the home teacher and pointed out the pictures identifying who bullied whom. A word quickly spread saying 5th-year ss girl saved 7th-year ss boy leaving him embarrassed.


    Then he searched her and scolded her nonstop but to see Aria and Eva giggling.


    Flushed in embarrassment, he was leaving when Aria spoke, "Take this." She handed snacks to him and said, "Eat more and be strong. Nobody will beat you. Or...be smart like me, you can escape without hitting anybody." She giggled again.


    He ignored the first part and asked, "Smart? You are dumb."


    Eva countered, "She is first in the ss."


    Azy voice sounded behind the girls, "She is best at beating me."


    Another voice sounded, "She is a ss representative with me."


    The boy was astonished seeing so many supporting her. "Come here."


    He quickly wrote a mathematics question on the board and handed her chalk, "Solve." It was the question he learned that day.


    Aria pointed at the question and said, "We don''t have this question..."


    That boy cut in, "So you are dumb."


    Aria continued, "... But I know." Then she started writing in her chubby hands holding the chalk raising her head high.


    To be the fact, that boy was really surprised. He had thought rich people were all trash but didn''t expect the little girl to be smart to solve his ss problem.


    Aria who answered a question, wrote another geometry question on the board, "Will you help me teach the solution for this?"


    She didn''t know how to solve that and the boy thought she purposefully gave him tough questions tough at him. He epted the unsaid challenge to study hard to beat her in smartness, he snorted and left.


    Aria had no choice but to clean the board and go back to her friends who thought she fooled senior writing a b c d on the board without knowing it as algebra.


    After that, both didn''t meet again till she was in high school and he was in matriction. She was in the staffroom to drop the homework books when she heard teachers talking about a boy and his mother.


    "Xin has only his mother but she has cancer. How is he going to handle it? He might drop out of the school..."


    Anything rted to blood or heart always reminds her about her mother so she had peeked at the boy who was passing a letter with the reason behind his absence.


    She identified the boy immediately and met him outside the teachers'' room. She didn''t know that boy had seen her every day growing up in the school and introduced herself, "I''m Aria... Once I bathed you in cold water. I was fat and short. Do you remember me?"


    Even though he knew her, "No." He didn''t want anybody''s fake sympathy then he strode away.


    Aria: "..."

 Chapter 372: President Devil

    Chapter 372: President Devil


    Aria held the boy''s jacket and pulled him outside the school forcefully without caring about his re or words. She left him only when she reached her father waiting for her, "Dad, can we help his mother? He has only his mother and she has cancer."


    Oliver never said no to Aria and he agreed, "Sure, bunny." Then he held her near him and asked the boy, "Where is your mother? I will talk to her doctor first."


    But the boy coldly said, "I don''t want any donation." Then he turned to leave.


    Aria grimly spoke, "Will you understand the value of mother after losing? Who said we will give money? There is a difference between help and donating money. I thought you are an introvert but no, you are disgusting."


    Oliver held her shoulder shaking his head, "It''s alright little bunny. He has the right to ept or reject the help."


    She nodded and saw the boy''s face puffing her cheeks in anger. She ignored his look and said, "Okay, I''m cycling home, Dad."


    She had just taken a few steps, the boy spoke, "I''m sorry for my behavior."


    She saw him bowing to her father who called her and they left for the boy''s home to take his mother to her doctor. Then the rest took care by Oliver and the boy gradually got along with Aria.


    -- Present --


    "Do you remember me saying I saw your IQ scores in the school system after hacking?"


    n nodded feeding her, Aria continued after gulping, "It was him who challenged me. His mother was at the fourth stage of cancer so by the end he lost his mother. That time I had given that moonstone to him. Dad had offered him to stay with us but he didn''t want to. He attended his exam and vanished without a word. Dad had searched for him and even lodged a missingint. We got to know after three months that he left the country."


    Then she turned to Xin and Xoan who were filled with dog food more than breakfast, "Senior Xin, you look different now."


    Xin nodded without opening his lips and Aria understood he was still the same, no talk, no emotions.


    Xoan spoke instead of him, "Good you remember that." He was really d she didn''t behave like she doesn''t know or forgot Xin that would have really hurt Xin who remembers his every encounter with her.


    "He had joined the same college as mine. After orientation ss, I was running wild to cross the road when a car rushed towards me. He pulled me away but he lost his footing and fell front and the car hit his upper body damaging his face, hands severely. I admitted him to hospital, the treatment took long, and then to remove the ugly mark on the face, I shifted him forcefully to country E. Then we settled there for education."


    Aria nodded in understanding and tried to make out the difference between real skin and the after surgery skin but didn''t find that much difference at least by the look. Xin found it hard to maintain the emotionless face seeing her looking attentively.


    Xoan''s voice rang, "Why are you checking him out now?" He wanted to know if she likes him now.


    Aria rolled her eyes, "My husband looks a lot better so keep your thoughts with you. And yeah, your stupidity brings nuisances to others but you still don''t understand it. Do you?"


    Xoan: "..."


    Aria then asked Xin, "Senior Xin, why did you try to get into ourpanywork?"


    Xin spoke for the first time, "Your skills are good. Who is another one? Your husband?"


    "Yep!" Then she shed a bright smile at her talented husband.


    Xoan: "..."


    ''When did they confirm?''


    Aria realized he must be worried about her and he wouldn''t speak about it so she didn''t pressure him to speak. n too understood without a word and carried Aria back to the living hall.


    Xoan looked at the couple and asked Xin, "Can''t she walk? Why are they showing off?"


    Xin rolled his eyes as he stood up and smacked his head for fooling him that they were meeting his friend.


    Rubbing his head, Xoan asked them curiously, "If you two love each other so much, why did you run away from the wedding? Are you really married or in a rtionship?"


    Aria pointed at him and asked n, "Why is he so much interested in us?"


    n would never tell her that Xoan wants her, he shook his head gently indicating he doesn''t know. Aria said the truth, "Three years happily married." Then her tone turned sarcastic, "Anything else President West?"


    Xoan nced at n and looked away. He couldn''t believe they were married for such a long time and still being lovey-dovey in front of two men.


    Xin didn''t react much. He just wants her to be happy and seeing n treat her better than her father, he didn''t have anything to say or tell.


    Both didn''t sit and Xin spoke, "We will get going."


    Aria nodded, "Aunty Sophia was very worried about you those days. If you have time, talk to her once..." She nced at Xoan and continued, "If you had missed retrieving data, I have the backup in city B." Then her hand pointed to Xoan saying, "If he tries to y me or n, I will ruin hispany before he could think to solve it."


    Xin nced at Xoan who burst out, "How dare you threaten me?"


    Aria sweetly asked n who was ring at Xoan, "Sweetheart, let''s sell hispany data. We can earn a few billion and he will be on-road without anything."


    Xoan: ''I meant to say stop threatening me. President Devil.''


    Xin spoke mildly, "I will take care of him. Bye."


    Aria nodded at him and shot daggers at Xoan who was speechless. He only spoke after going out, "Are you even my friend?"


    Xin rxedly spoke, "They aren''t called Goddess and Prince in school for nothing. They are talented unlike how we work hard. The solution I find thinking 10 seconds, you need in a minute, they get it in a second. Stay away from them. By the time you plot a game against them, they can destroy you sleekly."


    Xoan: "..."


    Momentarily at the loss of words, he spoke, "I thought you don''t know how to talk in front of the little gi... bunny. How dare you look down on me?"


    Shaking his head in resignation, Xin closed his eyes saying, "Wake me up at the airport."


    "I hate your little bunny." He grunted loudly in frustration remembering her threat flirting with her husband.


    Xin calmly said, "She is the same girl you fell in love without looking at the face."


    Xoan: "..."


    ''I am not talking to anyone.'' He felt the word ruthless called to him became aedy after meeting the couple.


    He had thought he was only meeting Aria but didn''t expect n to be there at all. If he knew, he wouldn''t have stepped in to see the mocking look of n.

 Chapter 373: A lady of hundred lies.

    Chapter 373: Ady of hundred lies.


    -- In City B --


    Zara had called Noah to take the interview of Ceon who took it seriously and exceptionally. She really wanted to ask are you an interview candidate for my position or my assistant position?


    Ceon was sipping coffee in the employee cafeteria when Noah joined him, "You really are serious about both the job and my sister."


    Ceon who had met Noah for a few times already knew he was a sweetheart unless you behave well and also understood why others three call him Cutie and Sweetie. "Hiring?"


    Noah hummed and sipped his coffee, "I''m appointing a trainee too so if you guys really could make it, the trainee could take careter."


    Ceon nced at him and remained silent. He had no ns to advance in their so-called employee rtionship. He wanted nature to take his course because Zara didn''t like it when he had visited her the previous day, so working with her, he wants to know her preferences well.


    Noah left after a few words and Ceon too bid Zara and left to wait for the formal mail from thepany.


    Zara could say he was sincere but her fear over chased other thoughts but she still epted him working under her to see how it goes. She also made it clear to Noah if she isn''tfortable working with him, she will terminate his job.


    ...


    Ceon reported her next day. He had already spoken to her previous assistant who informed him about the requirements that were needed andpulsory.


    Before her word, her coffee was on the table, he reported her day''s schedule promptly and also took care of meeting notes. Any work, before Zara could speak he was keeping those ready which was leaving Zara with a lot of free time.


    Both were having lunch together and even shared the evening snacks before departing. Ceon wasn''t disappointed even if they talked about work. He was d she was speaking without any barrier. Zara wasfortable with Ceon who didn''t cross his line or try to get close to her.


    Their Friday was calm and rxed too irrespective of workload.


    ---


    On Saturday


    Aria was back in city B and was running around checking the arrangements when the inte, social media exploded with the news about her. It started off with <em><strong>''Aria used Morgan family.''</strong></em> it was about how the Morgan family took care of her andpany and how she left them as soon as she returned.


    Then it was about <em>''Skedaddle Bride''</em> who ran away from her wedding without a proper reason, then she attacked Morgan Industries and shamelessly tried to ruin reporters'' image.


    <em><strong>''President Cooper, ady of hundred lies.''</strong></em> To clean her image, she lied in front of the International channel so that ALIA shouldn''t face a setback and her celebrity image to be kept safe.


    Aria also heard Luke getting calls from his customers to reject the orders. She knew when the public would get to know about her marriage, she could settle her things but she didn''t want to damage Aida''s fame and professionalism.


    "Luke, we have an hour, I will get a model for you. I might have to check if the dress fits her. I''m sorry, I didn''t expect these all to happen at the neck of the movement." Aria said and sighed.


    Luke nced at n who was instructing on his phone at a distance. He couldn''t understand why they can''t just reveal their marriage even though he guessed they might be facing some problems.


    "I have cklisted the ones who canceled the orders and Alia, you are going on stage. I''m not going to hear no again. Go and get ready."


    The least she wanted was others to face troubles because of her. "But Luke..."


    "I have no problem, what are you scared of? Are you looking down on my designs now?"


    Aria: "..."


    She knows he was stubborn but in business, it was all about profits. "Bear the convinces for yourself." She left for the green room.


    Luke went to n who was trying to control the spreading of the news but it was unstoppable by both thepanies. "President Morgan, how long are you nning to let Alia suffer the mes of nonsense?"


    n''s face was cold ncing at him. If she had followed his n she would be the victim but not him. Whenever he tried to change, she never allowed it to happen. More than others, only he knew how he felt to see her getting ndered and still smile looking at him.


    "Soon." He left towards the green room after it. He was trying to identify who was against this series of posts going against Aria. If it was Terence Morse, he wouldn''t stop until he regrets his own actions.


    Luke can''t understand what Aria liked in n who never talks more than a few words. Knowing she was happy with her life, he let go of his worry and did a double check on his models who were wearing his designs.


    Instead of n, Aria calmed her husband, Amelia, and Rowan. She got ready in the princess styled elegant gown with the beautiful crown. Levi and Nathan who got the news returned to report them but saw over-excited Aria in a bridal gown.


    "I love this gown. Why didn''t we shoot in this gown that day?"


    Makeup artists and helpers chuckled looking at her twirling and checking her out again and again in the mirror.


    "Dummy!" n didn''t know what else to say. "You are an elegant and refined bride today. If you go like this, somebody might try to kidnap you."


    Nathan: ''President Morgan, you can directly say to young Madam President that she shouldn''t be so cute and candid."


    Aria pouted and saw Lukeing to check on her, "Hey, why are you looking good? I want my design to shine."


    Aria shrugged, "Who told you to be such a good designer?... Whoever canceled your designs are going to cry their eyes out." Luke rolled his eyes and left because he was tired of hearing herpliment him for his designs.


    Levi and Nathan reported, "It''s from the socialites who you had sent to the police station for throwing coffee on Kite Parker."


    Aria sighed hearing them. She didn''t think those girls didn''t have the brain but went on ndering her. "How about releasing each one of their hidden secrets? Those little fools should get to know we did this." She hummed in determination and said, "Instruct our team and enjoy the show."


    Nathan saw n''s nod so he and Levi bowed their head and went out. Rose who had checked on the models wearing Alia''s design and ran inside and saying, "President Cooper, Giving a sexy look to floral design is mindblow~..." She cringed when n turned towards her and whispered the rest to Aria, "... mind-blowing... And you look like a real goddess."


    Aria chuckled, pinching her pink cheeks. She couldn''t stop Rose from getting scared of n.


    ...


    The show started with Aria''s designs. Aria watched from her room and noticed the audience concentrating more on the mobile than on designs.


    In less than a minute, Levi reached and reported, "There are lots of people protesting outside saying you shouldn''t wear wedding gowns and you are a disgrace to brides. All are trashing your youth icon image and the picture of President Morgan carrying you out of the hotel is viral."


    Instead of understanding, n was her husband,izens werementing as she was ying with men''s lives.


    Aria''s face fell hearing that. She didn''t want to ruin Aida''s image at any cost.

 Chapter 374: My love, My life

    Chapter 374: My love, My life


    Aria didn''t want to ruin Aida''s image at any cost because of her life''s mess. She wanted to ask the show beginner to be a showstopper but n said, "The show must go on."


    Aria and Levi gave him a questioning look to which he didn''t respond and he called Nathan, "I want those families'' apology tomorrow over the media else pull out everything until they beg on the streets."


    Aria: "..."


    Her husband was a real ruthless man. For one''s mistake, all their family has to pay now. Seeing him dead serious, she didn''t dare to rebuff and sent Levi.


    n left when Luke''s collection started showing up on the ramp walk. Aria asked Luke when it was nearer to her turn, "Is anybody going to throw tomatoes or eggs on me?"


    Luke: "..."


    Only invited were in the hall, he wanted to apud her for thinking all that. Taking her hand, he ced her ring in her palm, "Wear it."


    Aria had given it to n to collect it back after the ram walk but couldn''t understand how Luke got into his hands. Luke didn''t let her speak and yammered, "Wear it, quick... It''s your turn."


    Aria wore the ring and took a deep breath andposed herself. Holding her hands in the front, raising her chin up, straightening her shoulder, she stepped up in her natural elegance, poise. She didn''t carry a yful smile but a faint one that was refined and nimble.


    She was the real princess of the day whose entry silenced everyone even though many over there were disgusted by her image. Most of the magic done by Luke''s design which Aria gave justice.


    Forgetting the high drama she cared about the show and posed for the pictures without a bother. When the show ended and Luke entered and led her ahead, they captured lots of pictures then started throwing questions at them.


    "President Baker, we heard your customers turned down your designs due to President Cooper?"


    "What is the rtionship that you still insisted on President Cooper as your model?


    This was the question even Aida partners and the invited audience in the hall thought about. Even though Aria''s poprity was sky-high than the brand Aida itself, they couldn''t understand why he was degenerating the brand that might affect him for a long time and the growth.


    They saw Aria still lookposed when the questions were directly or indirectly using her, cursing and calling her sickening woman. They couldn''t understand who gave her so much guts to stand in front of them and the media so boldly.


    Wasn''t she scared that someone might attack her or hurt her? Doesn''t she have the shame just because she has nobody to ask? Is she so haughty because she has Skyline Industries?


    In between the unending sea of question a reporter snapped at Luke directly, "Aren''t you disgusted to use this woman as your model?"


    Before any other voice could be heard after it, n''s cold voice rang out, "Sue him! Ban him from the media industry."


    All were stunned.


    While none dared to talk, Luke smiled. His brand poprity was going to hit the clouds. He left his ce passing Aria''s hand to n. Aria didn''t expect n to disclose about them.


    Her smirk of mirth was apparent when her eyes brushed on the reporters. <em>''Have a taste of pping your own faces.''</em>


    n stood by Aria wrapping a hand around her, "How dare you all to bully my wife? You will know the consequences soon."


    All gasped hearing him.


    Aria smiled looking at n whose face softened seeing her happy. While the cameramen continued to snap pictures, some gasped again and the whole hall started to murmur.


    Aria saw everyone shocked than surprised, "What''s..."


    n cut in, "The world got to know you are mine from a long back."


    Aria''s smile was breathtaking looking at her husband forgetting the world, "So no more hiding."


    n gently shook his head, "Nope!"


    Their unting of love was live broadcasted in country A while they were lost in their own world.


    A reporter stuttered to ask, "Are you guys really married for so long? Then why did the wedding..."


    n remarked with a serious face, "I was ugly so."


    Aria chuckled hearing him and spoke, "Our personal life has nothing to do with you. And yeah, the reporters whoever crossed your ethics, I''m not going to be easy on you this time. So let''s see who is stronger this time."


    The reporters broke into cold sweat hearing her say it directly to the camera without care about the backsh.


    Aria continued about the citizens, "Whoever is calling me disgrace? I''m sorry to say but you have achieved nothing by it other than wasting your time, energy on me. Guess what! My poprity is skyrocketing, my ie is unstoppable and very importantly I''m a sessful and happy wife, daughter, friend, and President of Skyline. When you can suppress me, then dare to stand against me. Until then, see you."


    She ended with a smile and left with n who cued Nathan to get hold of reporters who created nonsense.


    It was just a minute, Luke was overwhelmed by the calls, messages, and emails. Their social media got millions of followers including n and Aria''s followers. Aria''s fans who had lost their right to voice started boasting up, kicking the anti-fans to delete their ownments and posts.


    Aria who exited the ramp took n''s mobile from his pocket and checked his social media ount. He had uploaded a picture in which n and Aria were in wedding outfits, n was looking at her and Aria was looking at the camera under white big veil cover over their head to toe spreading on the floor.


    It was dreamlike that captioned as <strong>''My Life''</strong>


    There was a tagged picture which was their marriage certificate uploaded from her ount. The dates were clear and Aria was mischievously smiling in the picture whereas n had a faint smile.


    Both pictures had millions of likes, shares, andments which were going on and on.


    "I will upload one more." Aria announced and took her mobile.


    It was slightly wild instead of romantic. She was in a sexyce mermaid style gown that had a princess outskirt. n was sitting on a royal chair holding a rose with a serious expression looking at her whereas Aria was on the floor spreading her gown drape leaning on his leg propping her head on her hand with a seductive look.


    Her caption was <strong>''My love''</strong>


    While the business world and social media started to explode, the couple started to romance in the green room.

 Chapter 375: Bumfuzzle

    Chapter 375: Bumfuzzle


    While all the worried ones rxed and started nning a party, the ones who were enjoying the short term ndering of Aria Cooper started to think about how to keep themselves safe.


    While some enjoyed Sunday, some waited for the good show to unfold in theing days and some tried to hide their mess to stay away.


    The first people who went down to the knees are the girls and their families for ndering and sending people to stop the show.


    The second was the mediapanies who n had ordered to drop the reporters for trying to malign his wife more.


    The next were thepanies that left Skyline or Morgan Industries and joined thepetitor to hurt them when they were down.


    Coming up next, n had to take care of a few things before they n counters. Aria had lots of work followed by shopping for Noah''s wedding. Noah had bought them dresses personally so they just needed to buy the before wedding party dresses for the destination wedding.


    Aria had designed a cocktail or bachelors party dress for Norah who loved it so the other three girls nned to match her like her girlfriends. Zara joined the group with Ceon tagging along to get teased by the girls more.


    ...


    On the other end, n had purposefully stopped her from thinking about Morse and went to the Parker family to meet Elder Parker who warmly weed him without caring how Saira was doing. Saira was in a mental asylum due to nervous breakdown.


    After the greeting, n asked, "Grandfather Parker, shall we talk in private?"


    Elder Parker was confused but still, he nodded and went to his study room. "n, what happened?"


    n spoke about the reason behind his visit, "I am here to talk about the secret behind Mom Emily."


    Elder parker''s hands trembled and the cane slipped from his hand. He awkwardlyughed saying, "I thought no one will get to know, how did you get that information?"


    n wasn''t in a mood to joke around about serious topics so he just inly looked at Elder Parker who stoppedughing and looked away from n.


    Elder Parker had thought he had buried the information well from everyone and nobody will ever get to know but he was wrong. "Will Arrie ept..."


    n cut in, "I will take care of my wife."


    Elder Parker nodded and narrated everything n wanted to know and should be known for whatever reason he was asking. It wasn''t actually long and finished everything in fifteen minutes.


    Elder Parker asked in the end, "... Are they trying to hurt Arrie?"


    n stood up saying, "You can say that Grandfather Parker. I will tell Aria when I find it suitable. And to the rest, it won''t be out unless it is required.."


    Elder Parker deeply sighed and saw him off. He had thought the truth would be buried with him without expecting such a day.


    --


    n reached homete that day and snuggled Aria on the bed, He mumbled asking her, "Do you miss Mom Emily?"


    Aria was confused suddenly getting such questions but she promptly answered, "No! I don''t remember her." She lost her mother when she was three, other than seeing her pictures she knew nothing. She only got to know little about her after reading her diary.


    n changed the topic, "Do you miss me?"


    Aria chuckled and wrapped her hand around his neck and cried, "n, I miss you so much."


    Knocking on her head, he earned a chuckle and both slept teasing each other and Aria forgot to ask why he asked the first question.


    ---


    All set off to a private ind of Hanes. Both families had called only close friends and rtives so the huge holiday mansion upied without a hitch.


    The Fourie''s mouth was wide open in shock looking at three old friends cursing each other. Curtis Morgan, Jude Hanes, and Zeke Wen.


    "Finally I had to meet this headless chicken."


    "Look who''s talking, old fox."


    "Stubborn boor, you are aged and nearing the forest."


    "Narcissistic fool, are you cursing me to die?"


    While they continued, Isaac looked at the Fourie and chuckled, "Shocked to get yourpetitors?" but the next second he stood and watched without understanding what the Fourie was telling.


    "Bumfuzzle!"


    "Cattywampus!"


    "Gardyloo!"


    "Taradiddle!"


    "Snickersnee!"


    "Widdershins!"


    "Collywobbles!"


    "Gubbins!"


    .


    .


    Isaac turned and left feeling dizzy. The Fourie burst intoughter seeing him run away.


    While the elders decided to rest, the youngster had nned a cocktail pre-wedding party.


    Since the huge mansion had all the facilities, their party didn''t disturb elders.


    The men who got ready had reached the party hall. There were many other early twenties to early thirties men including Noah, n, Isaac, Rian, Moran, Ceon.


    Finn wasn''t close to Noah but he had still invited due to Ceon but he had declined the invite.


    First to enter the hall was Norah who had left with her cousin without the other three girls known. Norah was in Aria''s design.


    A posh golden color gown with a thigh-high slit which had a single shoulder with sweetheart neckline. The waistband clearly defined her curves and her slender neck adorned a single line of the diamond ne. She was the stunning bride-to-be on the night.


    Noah was impressed by her look and weed her personally.


    Next to enter was Zara, who was a sweet girl even though older than all those girls. In white short bodycon dress, it''s cold sleeves were trendy and unique. With beautiful diamond long earrings, her curled hair entangled giving off a mischievous air.


    Ceon fell for the beauty all over again and held her hand to take her in.


    The three were still missing but the Hanes and Wood''s rtives had started the music and were grooving on the floor.


    Missing their woman, three called them but the call wasn''t answered. If they didn''t know the security was high on the ind and mansion, they would have panicked but they didn''t.


    Isaac asked, "Did they perhaps leave their mobile in the room and lose the way to party hall?"


    Two voices sounded one after the other, "My wife is Goddess."


    "My wife''s IQ is 140."


    Isaac: "My wife is smart."


    "Oh!" sounded in unison leaving Isaac speechless.


    Then their eyes fell at the entrance and the ss slipped from their hands in shock. Without a word, three men quickly gave work to their feet.

 Chapter 376: Inferior

    Chapter 376: Inferior


    The three girls wanted to give a grand entry for the bride but she was missing so they went downstairs and entered together. The three men''s eyes glued on them instantly.


    The three girls were wearing different colored same patterned thigh-high slit slip dresses which were dazzling. They wanted to look like the bride''s friends hence they were simple but their look was sultry.


    In the deep V neck and body-hugging dress showed off their beauty beyond words but those brainless girls didn''t know how hot and attractive they looked which lost theposure of their men and got the ogling stare of other single men.


    <em>''Crack''</em> Three ss crashed on the ground one after the other and the girls were dragged out of the party hall in no time.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Isaac, I am wearing heels."


    "Rian, let me go."


    n spoke, "You are looking ugly in this, Change."


    Isaac hissed, "Don''t you have clothes? What are you wearing?"


    Rian said through his teeth, "When did you start wearing these ugly dresses? Your usual style is amazing."


    The girls believed it, "Do I look fat? Did I get a tummy?"


    "I was thinking I look great in this. I like it."


    "What do you mean? I don''t look good in dresses and opt for pants and tops."


    "Change it." Three said in unison and looked at each other. They sent them upstairs before breathing a sigh of relief.


    The Hanes rtives from abroad who didn''t know the three girls started asking around to know but Noah yed along, "They are my friends. Aren''t they gorgeous?"


    "Very much."


    Norah punched his stomach for sounding like three girls were single but Noah didn''t allow her to clear their misunderstanding to have some real fun in the cocktail party.


    The three men returned and waited for the girls to show up. The three girls chose stunning short dresses instead of gowns. After confirming asking each other, they went downstairs to the party hall.


    Rian almost smashed the champagne flute on the counter seeing Roxy in a short bodycon slip dress, "I am going to kill my fiance today."


    Isaac took a deep breath to rx checking out Eva in ck and golden off the shoulder dress, "That was better than this."


    n tilted his head thinking about how a dress could be so short that his wife''s slender long spotless legs were too enticing on her high heels.


    To increase their fury, the other four men went to the girls and the three men lost theirposure.


    "Hi, We are Norah''s cousins. I''m Daniel."


    "I''m Samir."


    "I''m Tommy."


    "I''m Charlie."


    Three girls looked at each other and introduced themselves, "I''m Mrs. n Morgan."


    "I''m Mrs. Isaac Ross."


    "I''m Mrs. Rian Morgan."


    Charlie, Tommy, Samir, and Daniel: "..."


    The three men behind them were cooled down slightly while the rest of the party attendees wereughing looking at them. Rian patted one and got four''s attention. "That''s us."


    The four were embarrassed and saw othersughing. Understanding they were tricked they wanted to clear it but three men pushed them aside and the girls disappeared for more than fifteen minutes beforeing in different dresses with their husband in a grim look.


    Eva and Roxyughed looking at baby pink off the shoulder A-line short dress on Aria making her look like a little girl. Roxy and Aria controlledughing looking at Eva''s one sleeves knee-length blue dress making her look elderly. Roxy''s dress was pretty too but it was full sleeves as if Rian was trying to hide her well.


    Ceon pointed at them and said, "They are too possessive." Zara hummed, "Noah isn''t any less. If Norah''s dress slit was a little high, he would have taken the whole mansion on his head..." Without her knowing, she soon got along well with Ceon. Others purposefully didn''t disturb them to let them have time.


    It was the same for Ceon, he understood Zara trusts people easily hence she purposely avoids people. He didn''t point out which could make her ufortable so he continued to hear, dance, and watched others ying the drinking game.


    The Fourie had nned the drinking challenge which they never have done but Isaac and n and looked at each other and remembered ''<em>Chicken</em>'', so they reced their wife. Other few men willingly joined and all looked at Moran who was deadly silent and Ceon.


    "I''m good." Ceon didn''t participate and saw Aria controlling herughter remembering his and Finn''s picture.


    "My tolerance isn''t good," Moran said and faintly smiled. Fourie looked at each other after seeing him sad. Noah signaled the other three to be calm and started their drinking challenge.


    The rest of the women felt like puking as thepetition went on. By the end, n and Isaac were left and Isaac plopped on the table while Aria curiously watched drunk n whose face was colored red.


    It was two in the night when all went to their room. Eva was excitedly watching obedient Isaac doing everything she said. Roxy had handled drunk Rian many times before so she took him to bed. Aria started asking questions after helping him change. "Do you love me?"


    n hummed.


    "Do you dislike me?"


    n knocked on her head and pulled her to embrace, "Dummy!"


    Aria was momentarily speechless because he had drunk liters of alcohol and he was still the same, "Aren''t you drunk?"


    n handed her an empty packet of pre hangover pill leaving her dumbfounded. "My headaches" nined.


    Aria sighed hearing that. The side effect of that pill was headaches. She gently pressed his head and he peacefully slept in her arms like a man who needed nothing other than his wife.


    ---


    In the morning, Noah met Moran near the beach when he finished morning exercise. "Morning!"


    "Groom is here to meet the bride''s brother. What''s up?"


    Noah passed tender coconut to Moran going towards the lounge, "You say it. You seem to be lost in thoughts around us. What happened?


    Moran shrugged andid on his lounge tossing the coconut away.


    Noah thought he didn''t take him sincerely, "No, it wasn''t only me, my friends noticed too. You are distracted. Is there a problem with thepany?"


    Moran shook his head but gave it a thought and asked, "Don''t you guys feel like you have a loser around you?"


    Noah chuckled hearing him, "Brother Mo, why are you looking down on yourself? And we never assess a person unless somebody behaves like..." The rest he murmured, "Your grandfather."


    Moran and Noah low fived for thest word then Moran spoke, "You Fourie and n, and Isaac are so established and sessful. I feel like I haven''t done anything."


    Noah understood he was feeling inferior around them but he or others never considered Moran Hanes was any less than them.

 Chapter 377: Turmoil

    Chapter 377: Turmoil


    Noah turned to Moran and patiently told, "I know you first as <strong>Moron</strong>, a top hip hop dancer who hit the international stage at a very young age. You are a sessful businessman and you are handling your stubborn grandfather. Don''t feel inferior."


    That line about his grandfather brought a smile on Moran''s face, "Never mind, Yeah I have achieved something too. I''m fine."


    "Sure?"


    "Cent." Moran waved his hand to send him and sunbathed but soon was stuffed with dog food when the couples entered the water and started fighting like kids.


    <em>''This is too injurious to health.''</em> He thought to himself and left quickly.


    ---


    The wedding was at eleven, alldies swarmed in Bride''s room looking at the gown. Norah wanted a baby pink wedding gown but none found it suitable so she asked for a pink princess gown for reception and a wedding gown in white with only a single preference that she likes <strong>''Vine''</strong> pattern.


    So Aria used that pattern in her princess gown. Her crown was specially ordered by Moran which looked splendid. Norah looked gorgeous in her gown.


    The rest of the girls were navy blue different patterned bridesmaid gowns. They kept it simple and elegant topliment the bride. Aria didn''t follow the bridesmaid tasks other than enjoying it.


    All in the venue were in navy blue suits and the groom was in a three-piece tuxedo waiting for his bride. The wedding soon finished happily and sessfully. Since there was time for the reception, all went to rest.


    Soon Aria''s mood ruined when she received a call from her teacher. "Alia, why did your gown showcased in a noob''s fashion show? What is going on?"


    "My gown?" Aria was confused which got the attention of n, Eva, Isaac.


    "The gown I asked you to present in my show. Alia, you bettere here soon."


    "I... teacher... Hello... Hello..." Aria can''t take a chance with her teacher. He was capable of banning her in the fashion industry and she wasn''t ready to lose her hard-earned ''<strong>ALIA</strong>'' so easily.


    Even though she was just known in the inner circle of her teacher and country A, she wanted to enter the international market after increasing the brand value in country A.


    The first thought that came to her mind was a replica piece. If it''s the replica, that can be solved easily as she had proof of the designed date and her eye witness was her teacher.


    Eva asked as soon as Aria lowered her mobile, "What''s wrong?"


    Aria briefed, "It''s about Norah''s engagement gown. A noob designer presented the replica in his show. It must be making too much sound that got the teacher''s eyes so he is angry with me for failing to handle my designs."


    Eva and Isaac were nodding when n quickly searched in hisptop while Aria was preparing the proofs to fly off directly to country U. "n, do you want toe with me? I will fly after the reception. Otherwise, my teacher will take serious actions."


    n''s voice was cold saying, "This is your gown. Not a replica. It''s viral during our night, their day."


    Aria took theptop to her and scrutinized the dress to end up baffled. ''My gown is with Norah, why did it reach country U?''


    n was on call and instructed, "Send me the details of the fashion designer who got fame overnight." He hummed and hung up the call. Aria was calm because she had the proof for everything rted to the gown.


    Eva dialed Norah and turned on the speaker, "Eva? Where are you guys? Everyone..."


    "Norah, where is your engagement gown?" Eva asked directly.


    Norah responded without reading why that topic came up out of nowhere, "My cousin Selena wanted for some party so she took it."


    Eva hung up the call and went out without a word. Her wedding gown became Norah''s engagement gown, she epted it. Now some nobody using her goddess gown for their fame irked her more than Aria.


    Aria ran behind her trying to calm her, "Eva, rx. I will handle it. Eva... Listen to me. Eva, it isn''t time for questioning... Eva..."


    Eva didn''t listen and reached the pool, she held Selena and took her a few steps away from the group but thetter shrugged Eva''s hand. Eva said through her teeth, "If you don''t want me to ruin your professional sweet girl image, shut up ande with me."


    Selena''s voice raised, "Don''t you have manners? Get off my face."


    "You-" Eva had just said, Selena pushed her and turned around to leave.


    Aria lost her cool when she saw Eva lost her footing and fell on the ground.


    ''Pak''


    It was loud enough to get everyone''s attention. Selena''s eyes filled up in pain and her cheeks were imprinted with four fingers. "Ms.Hanes is talking about manners which she doesn''t have."


    "What''s going on?" Jude''s voice sounded.


    Selena cried and fell on the ground by herself, "Grandfather, she hit me. I was sitting with you guys but these two girls brought me here to beat me."


    Curtis who was aside snickered and said, "Little one, show me how you beat her." Curtis wasn''t a fool not to understand Selena was overacting and Aria wouldn''t raise her hand for not a thing.


    The rest: "..."


    Aria smirked and gave another one saying, "This one for stealing my gown."


    n reported, "That man is her boyfriend. They sold to a customer for 25 million."


    Aria controlled herself from giving one more across Selena''s face. If that gown didn''t go to anybody''s hand, nothing would have happened. Now she just has to im that was her design if she wants to survive in the fashion industry else her teacher was going to be a dangerous volcano.


    "Arrie..." Noah called her without understanding what was actually going on.


    Aria nced at n and went to Eva, "We have only an hour for the reception. All should get ready."


    She took Eva away saying, "Why is our Cutie''s important days are turning to disaster for us? I will handle the dress issue, let''s not make them worry."


    Eva nodded and sank in her own thoughts. She regretted choosing that dress without asking Aria. And that dress was creating a lot of turmoil.


    It wasn''t over yet, a new yacht reached the ind and the men were blocked by Hanes security. When n received the call, all got to know there was a delivery to Aria. Thetter was voiceless seeing the same gown sent to her.


    Their location can''t be disclosed so easily yet the dress was right in front of them.

 Chapter 378: Blacklist

    Chapter 378: cklist


    <em>[Don''t tell anyone you are my apprentice and cut my nose.]</em>


    Compared to previous, Aria was down reading that card.


    n who had seen the local yacht asked, "Did your teacher send it?"


    Aria shook her head rolling on the bed in despair, "Don''t you know that handwriting?"


    n coughed lightly because he didn''t know the handwriting. Aria tossed a pillow at him, "That''s brother Vince''s handwriting."


    n retorted, "This is not his handwriting."


    "Heh? He writes in seven types of handwriting. He can forge my sign with his eyes closed. He does your sign in the left hand."


    n: "..."


    Vince was his friend but Aria knew many more things about Vince than himself. He got to know about Vince''s girlfriend by Aria. He started to feel like he became friends with Aria''s brother but not the other way around.


    "Are you unhappy because he is disappointed?"


    Aria sat and spoke, "He meant to say, how can I let my design steal under my nose? And he wants me to teach that man a lesson else he will not ept me as his apprentice anymore."


    n: "..." He didn''t know what else to do other than hugging his wife to calm her down.


    ...


    On the other end, the Hanes family members assembled in Jude''s room and he asked, "What is going on?"


    Selena cried looking pitiful, "Grandfather, that girl hit me for no reason."


    Moran who had checked on her boyfriend after hearing n passed his tab to Jude. Thetter quickly recognized the gown and said, "This is Norah''s dress which Aria designed."


    Moran hummed, "She took it to country U and gave it to her boyfriend. He is famous and also used this opportunity to bring him to thepany. In just a day, three assistants are added to him, am I right Selena?"


    Selena didn''t expect them to be so quick. Her boyfriend was struggling for years to earn the name, She never heard Alia in country U and didn''t think that gown could go viral upon that she didn''t expect them to know about it at all. She particrly chose the wedding time so that nobody notices it. So she advanced her n, hired her boyfriend, andpleted the procedure with her assistant.


    But she didn''t expect that gown to be sold by her boyfriend. "I... I don''t..." She stammered by Jude cut in.


    "Don''t dare to lie" His authoritative domineering cold tone held the power.


    Selena started quivering and blurted out while her tears flew on her cheeks in fright, "There is no Aria designer in country U so I thought I can use it."


    Moran spoke, "Alia is Aria, her teacher is renowned designer AG. Her numerous designs showcased in his shows and she is famous as the Best apprentice of AG. Do you think he will let your boyfriend off? Even Aria is in trouble now."


    Selena''s mother pped her without mercy, "You told me that dress was by your boyfriend you gave to Norah for engagement. I should have attended the engagement, I would have got to know."


    Jude grunted and all became silent. He turned to Moran and instructed, "Since he is hired by Hanes, release a statement saying it isn''t his design and it''s a stolen one. Collect a piece of design evidence from Aria and release it. cklist that man and fire her. Try to contact that customer and get the dress back."


    Moran responded, "Yes, grandfather."


    Selena was about to retort, her mother struck on her mouth while her father sighed in resignation. He had said, if her boyfriend achieves something remarkable, then he will hire her boyfriend, he felt like he pushed them to dead-end causing them to n so much.


    ---


    Eva had exined to Morgan, Mills, and the Wood family about the situation and could only sigh for the human greediness. But nobody let it affect the wedding reception to keep the newly wedded happy.


    Sending the newly wedded couple to honeymoon, Aria and n went to country U, Moran too flew to country U and the rest dispersed to their abode.


    ---


    In the country U


    As soon as Aria and nnded in country U, both got the news Hanes industries handled everything so they just needed to meet her teacher and calm him down.


    When they reached the AG''s home, AG was on fire cussing the noob designer whoined in the fashion association saying it as his design and asking to remove him from the cklist.


    "AG!" Aria sweetly called and AG tranquilized down instantly.


    He was a man in his mid-fifties, he liked Aria as his daughter because he never was satisfied with his students'' talent than hers. "Look at you still smiling. How dare that man say yours is his design?"


    Both gave a formal hug and n and AG shook their hand. Thetter knew from a long time they were married. "I have all the proof needed so it''s just a waste of our emotions. Haven''t you told, a beautiful mind depicts beautiful art?"


    They sat down and AG responded, "Stop exercising my lines back to me. Now tell me how did your dress end up here? It isn''t like youck money."


    Aria nodded and narrated from the beginning to the end to calm AG but he was more frustrated hearing it and disgusted thinking how the people steep so low for sess and fame.


    AG spoke after checking the time, "We will have lunch and leave for the association." AG was a man who doesn''t fret over general talk and decides everything quickly. n didn''t worry and apanied Aria.


    ...


    At the National fashion association,


    Aria entered to see the chairman of the association sitting with directors. It was impossible to meet them and due to the viral gown design, all were present to know who was a real treasure and who was a ck stone.


    Their opinion was already leaned over Aria because she was AG named Best student whose dresses ruled over ramps under AG''s guidance.


    The man who acimed the dress belonged to him and started submitting his drafts and proofs stating it as his and openly used Aria who was ignorantly looking at the show. She knew well he had no idea who was her teacher and why Hanes cklisted him.


    n whispered to her, "Don''t fret over it."


    Aria smiled nodding her head hugging his arm and yawned due to jetg.


    That man sneered looking at her, "Chairman Williams, how can that woman look down on the meeting and disrespect you all?"


    Aria promptly said, "I''m sleepy. How can I control that?"


    AG shook his head in resignation. He wasn''t new to her attitude of provocation and then pping the face with proofs.


    Chairman Williams''s face was dark because that not the way to act in such an important meeting, "Ms.Alia, behave."


    Aria stood up to present her proofs, "This is the line draft of the dress, These fifteen sheets are color correction I did for a month to achieve the consistency. This is the final color correction done with my friend''s help. This is the handicraft designs that I prepared before trying it on the dress."


    She wasn''t finished yet, that man startedughing, "This proves, you tried to replicate my design and failed so many times."


    The board of directors agreed to him. "He has a point. Ms.Alia, I''m sure you know we don''t support giarism. We can also cklist you in country A."


    "Go ahead" Aria calmly spoke and went back to her chair.

 Chapter 379: Major issue

    Chapter 379: Major issue


    AG and everyone''s lips twitched hearing it. They can''t believe she was so cool about it. n gave her his mobile when she asked.


    That man concluded, "Chairman Williams, now we know the truth. Please help me and I will sue her for ndering me."


    Aria smiled at him while her fingers danced on herptop. She hacked smart TV and disyed an image. It was a picture where Aria was asleep on the table and the picture was a screenshot of a video call.


    n asked in surprise, "How do you know I was taking screenshots?"


    Aria revealed his secret, "Just like how you know I have your smiling pictures screenshot." n caressed her head smiling inwardly.


    AG: "..." He couldn''t understand how their brain works.


    The rest was speechless seeing the picture. "What the hell is going on?"


    Aria proudly epted, "I hacked."


    She didn''t let them speak and continued, "These are the screenshots of the video call." Then she disyed the details of the screenshot. It had date and time details.


    "Why the hell are you showing us this?"


    Aria rolled her eyes, "I didn''t know you are blind. Check behind me... In the picture." Aria was quick before he peeked behind her with his no brain head.


    All saw a dress in the initial drafts, then Aria continuously pressed on the pictures which had pictures of the dress from the scratch to thest look. With about over two hundred plus pictures.


    A cold sweat started dripping from the man. He was at the stage, he can''t ept or return back. Doing any of those could destroy his career forever. He wracked his brain and stuttered, "She... She... She just hacked, she could edit all these too."


    All wanted tough at him, but more than that they wanted to smack his head. Aria again yawned uncontrobly, "Oh yeah, I came here in the morning and hadn''t slept from 26 hours because of this stupid man. Coming about the edit, I have one more proof." She yed a video in no time.


    It was a timepse of her designing process. Aria didn''t expect that video could be helpful, Rian had suggested it to show it to Eva when she would give the dress to her.


    Stunned, everyone intently watched how she handled each piece of work personally. Aria, who was waiting for it toplete, kept yawning and fell asleep on n''s shoulder.


    Video hadn''t ended, n carried her up, saying, "If my wife doesn''t get justice, I know to close this association." He had just finished. A man in the seventies entered the hall. He and n nodded at each other, and n left with Aria.


    All others in the hall stood up in respect and gave a ny-degree bowed to him. None dared to raise from their bow until the old man grunted.


    AG courteously spoke, "Teacher Fan, such a pleasant visit. Do you know Alia and her husband?"


    Teacher Fan sat down and cued the rest to sit, "Alia is Aria Cooper, President of Skyline Industries. Do you think she will copy a petty designer? Have you lost your minds?"


    None dared to speak in the oppressing air, and except AG, none dared to even look him in the eye. He was legendary in the fashion world. Even if he designs a rug, that sells in millions.


    Then a row of cops entered and captured that man, "You are under detention for proiming and selling other''s valuable assets."


    "No... I... let me go... I didn''t..." He was forcefully dragged out of the association building.


    Teacher Fan dered, "One more nonsense meeting again, I will reconstruct the board." Then he regally left the hall without another remark.


    All drew a deep breath and leaned back to rx. Chairman Williams inquired, "AG, who exactly is your student? Is she so capable of bringing Teacher Fan out of his adobe? Oh my god! Did we provoke the wrong person?"


    AG chuckled evilly, "When there was proof released, how dare you to undertake the usation from a nameless man?" Then he retired without ncing backward while his assistant gathered Aria''s things from the table.


    Aria woke up when they were in the elevator and got to know Vince''s uncle showed up there. It wasn''t something she couldn''t deal with. Thinking he would reproach her like Vince, she hid behind n after greeting.


    "Come here." That authoritative tone was too extreme to handle. She stood next to n with an awkward smile on her face. This was the second time she was seeing him and she never heard him talk warmly, only listened to his loud grunt giving her heart attack.


    He passed her an envelope and left threatening her, "Fail me, I will close your international exposure permanently." n knows Teacher Fan was a stoic man, and he hadplete confidence in Aria so he just rubbed her back seeing her widened eyes.


    Aria saw the card in the envelope and almost bounced in excitement, but behaved like a poised, elegantdy until Teacher Fan took off in his limousine.


    "n, I can take part in Mn. I was guessing I will need ages to enter the global stages. Yay, I am leading so quickly..." Aria sang in triumph all the way to their vi and fell asleep to rest.


    ---


    Aria''s gown stolen by Selena Hanes, represented by her boyfriend and her tour to country U benefitted her so she wasn''t annoyed at anybody, she shoved all her troubles aside and focused on the Mn fashion show other thanpany, n, and friends.


    She picked out the best designs she had, retouched many dresses, and started creating more to choose the finest one in them. That helped n to concentrate on dealing with the major issue.


    Noah and Norah came back after a week-long honeymoon. Amelia started probing Rian to get wed, and Madam Miller pushed Eva to get married. Zara and Ceon were growing along better than what the Fourie even predicted.


    After a blockbuster movie from the Starlight, they announced that Katie Archer was moving overseas to study, which was a lie. He sessfully employed talented story writers and directors under him. Hispany''s working pace was excellent, defeating the other entertainment industries one after the other.


    ---


    At Morse Industries


    After stabilizing his workload, n left for the capital in the name of business. With no idea, Terence Morse was doing his work when n entered his office.


    "You... Who allowed you to enter my office?" His panicked voice didn''t go unnoticed by n.


    n didn''t pay attention to it and rxed as the owner of the ce and his sarcastic tone was suppressing Terence, "Why do I need the approval to enter my mother-inw''spany? Uncle Morse."


    Terence''s hands were fidgety. The least he wanted was for Cooper and Morgan families to know Emily''s actual identity.

 Chapter 380: She is Morse

    Chapter 380: She is Morse


    Terence''s hands were fidgety hearing n''s rightful words in his indifferent tone which carried a hint of mockery.


    The least Terence wanted anybody to know about Emily''s actual identity was by the Cooper and Morgan family members. He was resolute to hide everything about Emily. "What nonsense are you talking about?"


    He grabbed the inte to call his secretary, but the phone was dead. He frowned and dialed from his mobile but the next movement, his mobile was on the ground and crashed into many pieces.


    Terence''s breath twitched, and he balled his fist, ring at n who sat back like a ruler of the ce and he was his subordinate who should follow his order. "How dare you?.."


    n smirked and snapped his fingers. A man in ck gear dragged a man and threw him on the floor. Terence ran over to his son, whose hands were tied and they had taped his mouth. Even though his dear son wasn''t hurt anywhere from the looks, he couldn''t see him in that state either.


    His first reaction was to remove the tape and asked him worriedly, "Patrick, are you alright? Why are you in this state?" Terrence did notprehend what had happened before they reached his office and just cared about his son''s well being.


    "Dad... Dad, they forced a drink down my throat. They have the antidote to it. Unless you speak the truth, they will not give the antidote."


    Terrence clenched his fists and growled, "What the freaking hell do you think of yourself?"


    n''s lopsided smile left his lips and checked the time on his wristwatch, which pointed out to Patrick that they were running out of time. "Dad, Dad... tell them what you are hiding? Am I important to you or your stupid secret you are hiding from all?"


    n''s first takedown was on Patrick, He did not know why his father was against Cooper''s family, who had done nothing to them as much as he knew. Seeing the beauty with brains, he wanted to show his charms to Aria, but she embarrassed him instead of getting her attention on him.


    So when n asked him to speak everything out, he had told everything and he just wanted Aria on his bed. Then he thought n would leave, but n ordered his man to bring a ss of water. He dropped some white capsule and stirred in front of him before forcing it down his throat.


    He knew his father treasures him more than anything so he wanted his father to tell the truth and get the antidote of the poisonous drink he consumed.


    Terrence didn''t budge. He didn''t want to disclose anything about Emily. He wasn''t ready to lose and cursed himself for not killing Aria quickly. "Tell what? I know nothing. What are you even talking about?... I will call the cops."


    n tossed Patrick''s mobile at him, "Go ahead."


    Patrick snapped at his father, "Dad, do you think he will give antidote for the poison if you call the cops? What is more important to you than me? I might even die before cops reach here. I can feel stomach-churning. Dad, help me out."


    Patrick was on the verge of tears thinking he would die and requested n leaving his ego and pride, "President Morgan, I really know nothing. Please let me go, I will never think about sleeping with your wife again..."


    n raised his brows, "Heh? She is your first cousin, your younger sister."


    "What?" Patrick''s eyes were wide open in confusion. He just knew he had one cousin, Erica Morse who ran away from home when her mother tried to put her under security to keep her safety from his father.


    Before his mind could analyze everything, he blurted out, "Is that a reason Dad wants to kill her?"


    Terrence waste to shut his mouth. That was the only reason he never told him the purpose behind his attempts to kill Aria. Whatever he said was also an oblique eptance of why Erica ran away from country A and he was failing to find her and that dyed his n against Aria.


    "What are you spewing? You don''t have any cousin named ''<em>Aria</em>''."


    Patrick didn''t ept his words, "Now I understand why Erica and Aria Cooper''s features are nearly simr but this Erica doesn''t take care of herself."


    n''s bodyguard controlled himself from smacking his head for talking nonsense, but he stood there as if nothing could change his emotions.


    Terrence nced at n and spluttered as he smacked his head, "You rascal, what are you bluffing..."


    He hadn''t even finished, Patrick felt nauseous and seemed like throwing up. That scared him even more and cried out at his father, "Dad, speak out. I am dying here."


    Terrence kneeled to look at him and shuddered as he stammered, "I... I have nothing to say... President Morgan, what have you fed my son? You better give the antidote, else you will pay the price for it."


    n simpered but didn''t talk. His bodyguard spoke, "Let''s see your son die first."


    Patrick lost his cool thinking he was dying, "Dad, if you will not tell me, I will tell aunty about all your cheating and investments outside of thepany money. When I die, I will haunt you every day..."


    Seeing his father wordless, he begged, "Dad, save me, I am your only son and you don''t have anybody else. Dad, I want to live, Dad, you can''t do this to me."


    <em>''Buh''</em>


    Terrance and Patrick thought thetter threw up blood but nothing came out his mouth but they heard the bodyguard say, "President Morgan, ten minutes more."


    n didn''t react and Patrick urged his father, "Dad, I will listen to you, I will do as you say, Dad, how can you let me die? Dad, please save me. Dad, you can''t have any more children, you are too old for it. You have only me. Dad Please Dad..."


    He proceeded to whine while Terrance knew he was in the dead end. Even though he didn''t know where I Turner was, he was sure they caught her and her life will be miserable. The man who assisted him was in prison, losing his mind every day.


    <em>''What will happen to me if I tell the truth?''</em>


    He stood up and said determinedly to save his son, who was the only one he was doing everything for. He wanted to kill those girls so that his dumb son could inheritplete Morse family assets. "Emily is not Parker. She is Morse."

 Chapter 381: Imagination

    Chapter 381: Imagination


    Patrick asked in disarray, "Who is Emily?"


    n nced at his bodyguard. He took just a few moments to tape Patrick''s mouth forcefully. Terrence grounded his teeth, but he wasn''t at the stage to do anything.


    He began to unfold what had happened when Emily was born.


    --- Past ---


    Terrence was just seven years old when his mother gave birth to twins. He was undoubtedly possessive when all were giving importance to the unborn children ignoring him. Hence, when all were sleeping, he had dropped a baby in the garden near the hospital.


    He returned to pick up another baby to leave it elsewhere, but all were awakened and were searching for the twin baby. He was frightened imagining what they would do if they got to know he ced the baby in the park. He again went to the garden to bring the baby, but it wasn''t there.


    When he came back, he promptly said as he broke down, "I am not finding the baby." But all assumed he was weeping because the baby was lost and didn''t ask him further and calmed him down.


    Then the baby that was in the crib started wailing, missing its twin. It affected that baby psychologically, so the elder''s attention again went to the baby girl and they ignored Terrence. They lodged aint and searched but didn''t find the second baby while he felt all alone, but he never dared to harm the baby again in the scare.


    Melissa Morse was brilliant but prone to diseases, so she was constantly looked after by her parents, which always irked Terrance. Because of all that, his mind switched to boozing, fooling around from a young age as fifteen.


    Hepleted his education on the fifth trial and wished to look after the business but Melissa was remarkably smart for her age and she was learning in the home and attending the exams so by the age of neen shepleted her graduation. The siblings were at the stage to enter thepany.


    Terrence was teased and bullied by his own friends, saying he was just useless and nobody cares about him. His father gave chance to both mentioning the one who was efficient will take his position so Melissa started working, sometimes from home and rarely in the Morse Industries.


    He was plotting how to hold Melissa from taking over the CEO position but she met with an ident hurting her spinal cord permanentlynding her in the wheelchair.


    Delighted by the news, Terrence assumed he could have thepany. However, as soon as Melissa epted her disability to walk, their father appointed her as the CEO whereas Terrence was just a manager of the Human resource department.


    He aimed to kill Melissa many times, but she always won life. Both got married, he had a son and Melissa had a daughter after 7 years of her marriage, but her husband lost his life in the military mission.


    Then their parents passed away and the family advocate read the will which clearly says, everything equally belongs to their grandchildren. Terrence thought if he has more children, he can control Morse Industries and be CEO so despite him and his wife being forty plus, his wife conceived but during birth, he lost both wife and the child.


    Since Melissa wasn''t going to marry again, he was targeting Erica but he met Oliver Cooper at the business party. While talking he had seen Melissa''s picture in his phone and he asked without filters to his mouth, "Do you know my sister?"


    Oliver turned down, "No, I am meeting her tomorrow on a business deal."


    Terrence thought he might be wrongly interrupted and overlooked the topic until Oliver saw Melissa the next day. Just the expression on Oliver''s face rose a doubt in Terrence''s mind. Without letting them talk he purposefully fainted and clutched Oliver''s hand purposefully.


    Having no choice, Oliver went to the hospital. Terrence woke up in the hospital and spoke to Oliver who was curious how Melissa Morse looked like histe wife Emily parker.


    While talking, Terrence spoke about Melissa and Oliver spoke, "President Morse and my wife look more than ny percent the same. I am not understanding how Parker and Morse can have the same looks."


    Without exnation, Terrence knew the real identity of Emily. He sent Oliver and lied to Melissa saying Skyline president tried to use underhand methods with him and they shouldn''t have any projects with them so that permanently avoided Oliver from visiting Melissa.


    Terrenceter got to know Emily died a long back but she has a daughter. He tried to kill her but got caught by Oliver who soon realized Emily was Morse and Aria has the right over Morse.


    While Oliver was busy with Terrence, he noticed Saira Hayek trying to get Oliver so he helped her with a DNA certificate and kept Oliver busy with Calvin.


    When his n was failing to kill Aria, he decided to kill Oliver first so that everything would be charged on Saira or Calvin. He was sessful but the security around Aria increased when she went to Morgan Mansion. He was gathering information from Saira and attacking Aria.


    He also instigated Jasper Madison against Aria but she was safe then she disappeared without a trace. As soon as he got to know she returned and nned to marry n Morgan, he decided to manipte the proofs he had gathered and presumed he was sessful until he got to know Aria and n were married for three years and yed back until he got caught.


    ---


    n rose to his feet and swung his balled fist with all his might right on Terrence''s face.


    "Ahh..." Terrence fell by the single punch and the pain tensed every muscle in his body.


    n couldn''t believe Terrence did all those just for the petty shares and assets. He couldn''t believe he yed everyone around Aria just to kill her or take her under his control. He was d he returned to her life on time and she is safe.


    n couldn''t control himself thinking what Aria went through all these years and raised his hand but the rows of cops entered inside and stopped him.


    Terrence held his jaw and spit a tooth out and incoherently spoke, "Arrest him, he drugged my son with poison and knocked me."


    Deputy police chief bowed his head at n and said, "President Morgan, we will take care from here." They had seen everything live which was ryed through the secret camera.


    They took Terrence who started screaming to let him go. Patrick was shaking his head crawling back thinking they were going to beat him but n''s bodyguard forcefully removed the tape to hear him wincing in pain.


    "Antidote Antidote... Give me..." He almost held n''s leg but thetter kicked his hand away saying, "It was a glucose capsule."


    Then Patrick discerned whatever he felt was his imagination due to fright.

 Chapter 382: Calm before the storm

    Chapter 382: Calm before the storm


    In city B


    n soon returned back and went to Skyline Industries instead of Morgan Industries. Aria was in a meeting when he entered the conference room and drew her to embrace without a word.


    He was finally relieved that his wife doesn''t have to live in fear and could do whatever she likes, go wherever she wishes without worry.


    Levi took clients away who were looking at them in surprise. They had just heard the couple have an immeasurable connection and love each other to no end. They got to witness a little.


    Aria raised her head to face him and asked cheekily, "Missed me?"


    n hummed even though it was just ten hours they were apart. "Let''s go home, I have something to recount to you and others."


    Aria could say he was absolutely delightful looking him in the eye, "Looks like my wife is pregnant, why are you so happy?"


    n hummed while thinking, "Let''s put a bun in your womb soon."


    Aria was really astonished hearing it, "Wow, you really seem to be pleased. Why just three months of freedom? I thought I could get a year or two to romance with you and keep you just for me."


    "As you prefer." He just wants his wife, nothing else mattered. He mentioned it because she took the topic. Carrying her in his arms, he heard her ask, "Do you want a baby boy or baby girl?"


    n didn''t even think before saying, "I just want you."


    She knew well her husband keeps her foremost of everything. Even though she didn''t know what he was actually happy about, she didn''t push him to tell instead both sweet-talked sitting in the back seat of the car letting the driver cry with excess dog food.


    ---


    At Morgan Mansion


    After entering inside, Aria saw Isaac, Levi, and Finn present in the living hall. n had called them because they closely followed the case.


    Rian asked by lifting his brow,<em> ''What is going on Little devil?''</em>


    Aria didn''t know hence she shrugged. She was going to Amelia, n tugged her to him ying a video on the smart television for everyone to watch.


    The calmest among them were Aria and n. In the end, n spoke, "Grandfather Parker''s first wife doesn''t exist. His second wife is the first wife, mother of Abel parker. He created the imaginary first wife so that nobody looks down on Mom Emily or calls her as an adopted child."


    All nodded and looked at Aria. She just knew and wanted to execute the one who is behind her father''s death and nothing else. She doesn''t want the Morse family even if Terrence was in jail. She looked at Curtis and asked, "Grandfather, Will it be alright if I don''t want to take any responsibility for the Morse family and I don''t want to have any association with them either?"


    All had thought she wouldn''t be able to take such huge information, seeing her ept the truth and voicing her opinion, all turned to Curtis.


    If Emily grew up in the Morse family, he might have been disappointed by Aria''s question but now he wasn''t disappointed instead he really pitied she got such rtives and suffered so much. Instead of saying it was alright, he ordered, "You better don''t think about Morse family. I am not sending you to any other family."


    Aria chuckled hearing him, "epted heartily."


    All breathed a sigh of relief but Rian probed, "Little devil, why don''t you take your shares and send the ie to our orphanage? That headless Patrick Morse will ruin it."


    Aria''s lips twitched hearing him, "No... I don''t want my name linking with Morse in any way."


    "Ooookie" He dragged it and rxed.


    Finn sighed a breath of relief inwardly and asked about theing n, "So how are you nning to end all this?"


    All looked at Aria and n. Thetter spoke, "We hadn''t done much to Jasper Madison so we will warn him and leave. Saira Hayek will be fine after the treatment..."


    Aria cut in, "I am hiring the best advocate against Terence Morse for the death penalty. I will not ept lifetime imprisonment."


    All fell silent and Levi voiced another problem, "President Cooper, we didn''t find who ckmailed you to back off the wedding and the father of Kite Parker is unknown."


    n nced at Rian who looked away from him. n somehow knew Rian knew who was behind it but he was waiting for him to speak voluntarily but didn''t expect he was still stalling it.


    Rian wasn''t sure how n or others would react knowing the culprit behind it so he couldn''t make his mind to reveal the truth. He didn''t want to lie so he controlled himself and avoided the topic every time.


    Aria didn''t talk about the first one. She had thought Terrence Morse might be Kite''s father but he wasn''t. He got to know Oliver just ten years back. "I will ask Saira Hayek once she gets her senses back and stable. For now, ask everyone to rest and have fun."


    Levi stood up after it, "Sure President Cooper, I will leave if I don''t have any other instruction."


    Aria nodded, "Thank you."


    Isaac who was silent as the mouse voiced his thoughts, "Did everything finally solve? I feel like something big is going to happen? It''s like a calm before the storm feeling for me."


    Everyone''s lips twitched hearing him, Aria who was rxed straightened her back and pointed him for n like a little girl asking his father to punish her brother. Thetter spoke, "I feel the same for your life."


    Isaac: "..."


    The rest burst intoughter. Finn stayed for dinner with them and Isaac left for his vi. Aria then brushed about the Morse family to Eva and Noah so they could stop worrying about her.


    ...


    upying seventy percent of the bed lying on it haphazardly, Aria was dreaming with her eyes open. If Terrence Morse wasn''t in her life, she would be happy living her life with all, her Dad and n. Nobody would have worried so much about her.


    n who exited the bathroom saw her grinning to herself, going on top of her, he nibbled her lips as he asked, "What''s cooking in your mind, Mrs. n Morgan?"


    Aria rolled on top of him and responded, "If Dad was alive and if you hadn''t be my livid guardian, I was imagining how we would have met and got together."


    "Let me hear it." n started teasing her senses asking for the story.

 Chapter 383: Blackmailing

    Chapter 383: ckmailing


    Aria who had imagined a typical Presidents'' love story thought to tell him brushing her nose on his.


    "Let me hear the story," n asked, kissing, nibbling her neck.


    "How am I going to tell the story if you start teasing me?" She didn''t know what else to say.


    n gave it thought by stopping in action while Aria continued to rain kisses on his face, "It''s your dare."


    Dare! It picked her interest, she added her dare, "Then you aren''t allowed to use your hands." She thought he couldn''t do anything and she could conclude her story.


    n: "..."


    He wasn''t certain if he was capable to do it but still wanted to give it a try as he was just wearing a bathrobe, "I didn''t know you are into hanky panky. I see we have a lot to y around."


    Aria didn''t expect him to ept, she held him, "Talking about the game, I want to y a..."


    n locked her lips and her words died under his demanding, fierce kiss which was passionate melting her under him trying to match his pace. Breaking the kiss, n''s seductive tone sounded in her ear, "Sugar, I am waiting for the story!"


    <em>Story?</em> That had fled her mind long back. All she wanted now was her husband. Her canorous voice was enticing when he continued to nibble her neck, "After you."


    n was pleased to hear her brain losing against her heart but he followed his dare which excited him seeing her crave for the touch of his hands moaning his name repeatedly.


    He wasn''t listening to his brain, he just wanted to make his wife happy by satiating in the end...


    ---


    At Morgan Industries


    The next day afterpleting his office work, n called Rian to his office. Rian knew well why n was calling him. Deciding to face it, Rian reached his brother''s office.


    n was direct without beating around the bush, "Who is behind the ckmail?"


    Rian was deliberating so n continued, "Last time Aria told me that she was ckmailed, what if she hadn''t told me and broke up with me to keep you safe? Or are you waiting for that to happen?"


    Rian knew well that Aria could go to any extent to keep them safe and he didn''t want his brother and Little devil to separate. He clenched his fist tight and told off, "It''s our grandfather, Ford Gray."


    n''s finger slightly trembled. He never in his dream thought even his rtives wanted to separate him from Aria. His voice was awfully bitter, "Purpose."


    Rian and n both knew if the news about Ford Gray goes out, Amelia would be the one who will be more hurt. The deeper the information about it, that will hurt her more.


    Rian knew it a few weeks back when he traced the bank ount details, time and ce, and Ford''s ount transaction. Later he spoke to his grandfather.


    Rian spoke, "It all started when Uncle Oliver rejected our grandfather''s farm products for the organic industry. I have checked the test papers, it is showing they have used chemical fertilizers but Skyline Organics never epts chemically treated goods. That time grandfather had lost quite a lot of capital, failing to export therge quantity of production..."


    Rian then narrated what happened after it.


    When all the vegetables and fruits were rejected, market rates weren''t good and the goods were huge so nearly ny percent of grown products were wasted without getting any order to export anywhere. A lot of savings he had invested was lost so he had even tried to create a stir between the Skyline suppliers.


    Oliver soon got to know about it and spoke to all the suppliers about the situation. Oliver always had good rtions with all the suppliers so they didn''t listen to Ford which increased thetter''s rage. He had never tried to badmouth Oliver in front of Amelia or Rowan because they always had a healthy rtionship.


    When Oliver lost his life, he had even thought Oliver faced his final retribution but when he got to know n was taking care of Skyline Industries and he personally became the legal guardian, he thought to be nice to Aria. Since Aria wasn''t out of her loss yet, she hadn''t responded to him but Ford misunderstood her.


    He felt like Aria was purposefully treating him low to insult him like his father. That time he determined that she shouldn''t have anybody by her side and she should pay for Oliver''s undid sins too. He got along with Morgan Industries'' finance department director who gave information about n thinking n was his grandson. He paid a huge sum to Skyline Industries director''s assistant and nted a mole.


    That way he installed microphones in Morgan mansion, Skyline Industries but failed to install them in Morgan industries. He followed each and every action of Aria. Whenever he heard n closely talking with Aria, his fury rose.


    Then by mistake, he had noticed Lucas Cooper when he was on the way to visit country U to meet Monroe. Thetter had told him that she never got a chance to talk to n and thetter always ignored her even if she went around him. Thinking how n treats Aria and Monroe so adversely, he chose to help Lucas Cooper.


    He faked an emergency, used his old age, and wired the money from a random person''s ount by handing him the foreign cash.


    They were never able to track the money sender because all those times, Ford was in the country U. But what he hadn''t expected was his n to part Aria from the Morgan family brought her even closer and she became n''s fiancee in no time.


    When Ford got to know, the case couldn''t be saved, he dropped helping Lucas Cooper midway. Then Monroe returned back home, Aria left. Monroe failed to get n''s attention and Aria returned.


    He really had thought Aria and n weren''t on good terms when n wasn''t in the homing party of Aria. He thought she would leave them but it was the opposite. It was like five years never existed, they got along extremely stable than before.


    Aria took over herpany, in the shortest amount of time, she made her name huge but what he hated most was n and Aria together. n was dropping her and picking her daily as if there was nothing important left in the world to do.


    When Ford got to know they were going to get married and she tightened her security, he sent the ckmailing text. Seeing her still attending the wedding, he again sent the ckmailing text with Rian''s picture. He had thought the wedding stopped because of him which was partially true but there were many others who wanted to stop it that he didn''t know.


    All that together, Aria and n''s grand wedding was wrecked.

 Chapter 384: Matchmake

    Chapter 384: Matchmake


    Later days Ford Gray had tried to badmouth Aria to Amelia and Rowan but they supported Aria so he controlled himself from saying anything to them. He had even tried to nt another mole but didn''t seed.


    After hearing Jeremy Grayson stating Monroe liked n all these years, Ford encouraged him to talk to Amelia and also thought it was the end of Aria but didn''t expect everything to ruin in the dirt. He was also irked to know that Roxy was Aria''s cousin.


    Rian and Roxy''s doubt on Ford Gray started when he tried to indoctrinate Roxy against Aria. Then Rian investigated Ford and got to know everything. Rian had warned him hence Ford was silent without trying to do anything.


    Now after knowing n and Aria are married a long back and they were just ying to catch the culprit behind everything, he left the country in the name of vacation and stayed on an ind.


    ---


    Rian sighed after telling everything. "I didn''t want to hide it. I don''t want Mom to get hurt in this. She will me herself and it will affect her bond with Arrie."


    n could understand why Rian hid it but he didn''t expect him to take so long to trust him that he wouldn''t let Amelia get hurt for that. He knows only his dummy wife trusts him blindly that even if he shoots her, she would still trust him thinking he might have a reason.


    "Mom will not get know about this. Don''t worry." n told to Rian and got back to work.


    Rian hummed and left bidding him. Since all things were cleared, he didn''t have to work in Morgan industries anymore so he returned to his ss studio where Roxy was busy with her paintings.


    ---


    At Skyline Industries,


    Aria was having lunch with Finn who was there on a business proposal. Hispany was partaking for the first time in the Golden Petal awards so he wanted <strong>ALIA</strong> to design outfits for the top six celebrities of hispany.


    Aria took the offer so that her brand could familiarize more with domestic customers but with a condition of advertising Skyline Jewelry. She would never leave out the business and promotional activity. Finn had no objection as Aria would take care meticulously so he epted.


    Halfway through their lunch, Rose excitedly went in to keep the files saying, "President Cooper, we got the project. Need your-..." She saw Finn too watching her and her voice turned meek but professional, "... Signature."


    Aria saw her blush and looked away from Finn. Thetter nonchntly focused back on lunch. A mischievous smile surfaced on her face and called Rose, "Rose, did you eat?"


    Rose faced Aria and shook her head, "President Cooper, I am going now to the cafeteria."


    Aria mildly smiled, "Eat with us. Come..."


    Rose shook her head pointing Finn indicating he might not like eating with secretaries. Aria asked directly, "Finn, do you hate the pretty girl apanying us to eat?"


    Rose: "..."


    Finn gave her, <em>''You dumb''</em> look shaking his head. Aria continued pointing at him, "See, Finn likes to eat with the pretty girl."


    Finn and Rose: "..."


    Rose badly wanted to say, he didn''t mean it. Finn red at her and sneered, "Did you eat something wrong that your brain is malfunctioning?"


    Aria ignored both of their expressions, "Rose, do you want me to repeat again? Come and eat."


    Rose nodded and sat next to Aria who spoke to Finn, "I really want to fix your defected brain."


    Finn''s lips twitched hearing her. He was about to retort, he noticed Rose watching him with widened eyes so he dropped, "I will discipline youter."


    Aria stuck her tongue out at him and ate watching Rose and Finn. She could clearly say Rose was attracted to Finn and thetter was blind. She thought about what Finn had told her, <em>''caring, adorable, sweet, silly wife''</em> and Rose will love who is responsible, strong, reliable, henpecked husband.


    <em>''Should I try to matchmake them?''</em>


    She started imagining how amazingly Finn could look after Rose and protect her innocence and how Rose would blush getting bullied by Finn then Aria giggled happily.


    "What''s wrong with your head?" Finn''s voice broke her beautiful daydream. Rose was cluelessly watching her President dumbly chuckling looking at the table.


    Aria shrugged their gazed and said, "I was daydreaming and it was so wonderful."


    Finn first time saw somebody shamelessly admitting that they were daydreaming, "Can''t you stop thinking about your husband even for ten minutes?"


    Aria gave him a smile but didn''t reveal about her daydream. Finn could only sigh andplete his lunch before leaving. But Aria didn''t let Rose leave so easily. She put on a grave expression and faced Rose.


    Aria spoke seeing her leave. "Come here."


    Rose tensed seeing Aria''s aloof, cold face. Thetter asked, "How do you know Finn?" She knew Rose and Finn studied in the same school.


    "President Cooper, President Stanley is my senior from school," Rose answered without dy, scared she might make some mistake and disappoint Aria.


    Aria nodded and asked solemnly, "Do you like him?" Then she purposefully paused to see her flush and continued, "Don''t dare to lie."


    Rose was on the verge of tears thinking Aria might have got to know she had a crush on Finn and will fire her. She really liked to work under her. Her meek voice sounded, "I am sorry President Cooper, I will make sure to keep my attention on work. I will not do any..."


    Aria cut in, "That''s not the response to my question."


    Rose cried out, "I do. Only a little. I will not bring trouble for you, President Cooper."


    Aria instantly cheered in her mind and grinned, "I don''t mind if you trouble me every day. You have a crush on Finn so I think you should get along with him and date. I will support you."


    Rose: "..."


    Rose pinched herself to make sure she wasn''t dreaming. She couldn''t believe Aria was ready to help her just for hearing she has a crush. She liked Finn because he was good at what he did and always saw him bantering with Aria like a schoolboy and taking care of her so well.


    His gentleman''s behavior scored her like but she never thought ahead of it because they were from totally different worlds. "President Cooper, I don''t keep unrealistic dreams."


    <em>''Unrealistic?''</em> For Aria, Love never had boundaries.


    She poked her head, "Dumb little girl, Finn and you are human beings on earth. Stop speaking like he is an alien. There is nothing wrong with you dating or loving Finn. I will help you create chances to spend time with him so that you guys can decide."


    Rose was touched by Aria, "Really?"

 Chapter 385: Conflicting opinions

    Chapter 385: Conflicting opinions


    Aria chuckled seeing her astonished, "If you love him, I can also help you kick his ass until he falls for you."


    Rose blushed hearing Aria but she didn''t start dreaming about dating him or marriage. She was really happy to know Aria was so supportive and encouraging. She pointed to the door and said, "I will get back to work."


    Aria nodded smiling resignedly seeing her run away. Thinking about how to give them a chance to spend time with each other, Aria dialed Dustin, Finn''s assistant''s number.


    After hearing his greeting, Aria asked, "Is there a secretary post-free?"


    "President Cooper, there is no vacancy." Dustin responded in confusion.


    Aria re-questioned trying to insinuate to him, "But Finn needs a personal female secretary, doesn''t he?"


    Dustin was smart in that matter, unlike boring Levi, "Ohhh... Personal secretary, Yes president Cooper, she is very much needed."


    Aria smiled hearing him easily switch his statement, "So, you know what to do, don''t you?"


    Dustin chuckled knowing Aria was going to send a girl, "I will inform you about the vacancy by the end of the day, President Cooper."


    "Smart, I will be waiting for your call then." She hung up the call hearing his response but there was something that was stopping her. She didn''t want Rose to fall in love and Finn to reject her. She didn''t want Rose to go through the pain all over again.


    Perplexed, shepleted her work soon and dropped at Morgan Industries. n was distressed and upset after hearing Rian about his grandfather so his mood was off the whole day.


    Unbeknown, Aria greeted him with a sweet smile, "Hello President Morgan."


    n wasn''t expecting her arrival but it wasn''t out of his expectation to see her either. He extended his hand cuing her to reach him. Aria happily skipped towards and sat on his legs. "Do you have lots of work?"


    n rested his head on her shoulder wrapping his hands around her waist pulling her closer, "I kind of feel stressed. Shall we go somewhere?"


    Aria frowned and pinched his cheek, "Why didn''t you call me before? Let''s go. We will do something new to rx you."


    n saw her quickly making calls without knowing he just needs her to rx his mind irrespective of ces. He wrapped up the work and left with her getting exclusive services from President Cooper.


    ---


    Kite''s dance studio


    n asked curiously, "Is this your stress buster?"


    Aria pouted, "Try first, if you don''t like, we can move to the next one."


    n was now surprised, "So there is the next one." Aria hummed and asked back, "Do you want to change to leisurewear?"


    n shook his head as he wasn''t in theplete set of formals, he just pulled his shirt sleeves up looking at her y music. He realized that instead of just dance, it was a progressive music rxation. After setting the music, the dance studio boy left them alone in the hall.


    In the soothing slow music, Aria and n''s moves were slow, steady, and gracious silently enjoying each other''spany. There wasn''t any noise like a cave in the quiet valley. A soft smile hung on Aria''s lips gracefully coordinating with n''s moves as they slow danced.


    Eva and Isaac were peeking at them through the ss. They had unexpectedly seen them at the dance studio so they had gone to see why they were practicing dance or was there a problem but got to witness them silently grooving to the music.


    Eva mumbled pitifully, "I want to dance too."


    Isaac chuckled hearing her and by seeing her make puppy dog eyes. "In the home or here?" He had his own personal studio in his vi.


    Eva grinned pointing inside. She pushed the door open and asked in a sunken voice, "Wifey, mind if we join?"


    Aria nced at n who was calm so she shook her head. Isaac was the surprised one there because he thought n wouldn''t like it. Without checking the time, they danced way too long until Kite and her students started peeping inside the hall.


    Then the couples went for a rxing jacuzzi followed by a sumptuous meal before dispersing to home.


    Aria asked after both finished the rest of their office work and snuggled on the bed, "Now tell me, what happened?"


    n knew she would understand if he says to drop the inquiries against Ford Gray but he felt it would be unfair for her. She hadn''t epted his n because of the fake proof they got, she had epted his n because of Rian''s life in danger.


    Going through so much and asking her to let off the real culprit was something he couldn''t make his mind to tell her. He didn''t want her to misunderstand them either when everything was settled. Even he started to feel like whether this peaceful period of life was calm before the storm. That slight panic wasn''t letting him speak.


    He was ready to lose anything but not her. He wrapped his hand tighter around her and lied, "Nothing." He wasn''t ready yet to handle her reactions.


    Aria wasn''t sure about what was going on in his head, thinking he might tell herter she hummed in eptance. "Alright, sleep now."


    n hummed and cuddled her to sleep but the thought of hiding it from her started eating him. They had sent Lucas Cooper to jail because he tried to take her away but it was started with his grandfather. When they did all that to punish Lucas Cooper, he felt too selfish for trying to save his grandfather.


    He also felt selfish by the thought of telling his mother who wanted nothing but their happiness and how could he even think of hurting her?


    With these conflicting opinions, he didn''t get sleep even after a long time. Laying Aria on the bed, he tucked her in and went to his study room with some files andptop to keep himself distracted. But he couldn''t even manage to concentrate for five minutes thinking about both the women in his life.


    He left theptop and took a file but reading after a few lines, his mind would still go back to the same problem bothering him continuously.

 Chapter 386: Pretty little dummy wife

    Chapter 386: Pretty little dummy wife


    Aria soon woke up when she didn''t find n next to her. Rubbing her eyes, she peeked towards the ensuite but lights were off. Getting off the bed, she noticed n''sptop was missing from the desk so putting on a nightdress sheath, she went to n''s study room thinking there might be an intricacy at thepany end.


    She opened the door to see n sitting on the floor leaning on the bookshelf rubbing between his brows. Many papers were scattered on the floor. She never saw n in so much despondent.


    Hearing the door creak, he raised his head to see Aria and his back unconsciously straightened, "Honey..."


    Aria pushed the door to close. She knew n couldn''t be upset due to office work. She went to him and sat on hisp to face him straight. Cupping his face, "I''m not taking <em>nothing</em> as a response this time." Her gentle concern tone sounded in the room.


    n tried to change the topic, "Why are you awake? Let''s go..."


    Aria cut in securing him to face her from looking away, "n..."


    n saw her determined so he chose to tell even if he sounds selfish, "I will tell but you shouldn''t take any drastic step."


    Aria calmly nodded. n continued watching her intently, "The one who wanted to separate you from us is grandfather Gray."


    Aria''s hand lifted from his face and a frown on her face started jabbing his heart. n tried to calm his raising heartbeats and cupped her face to make her look into his eyes. "I didn''t want to hide it from you but I didn''t know how to tell you and ask you to let my grandfather go..."


    Aria shook her head, removing his hands from her face. n panicked and spoke without letting her speak, "Aria, I didn''t mean to hide it..."


    Aria cut in seeing his anxiousness. She didn''t expect that a few seconds of her silence could affect him so much. "Shhh... Rx, I knew it. I had removed all the pieces of evidence, how did you get to know?"


    n was dazed hearing her. He needed time to understand Aria knew about Ford Gray and purposefully hid from them all.


    Aria had to shake him to get any response and he spoke eagerly, "You knew it? Why didn''t you tell me? And why did you clear the evidence?"


    Aria ced her hand on his lips, "I will tell you, I will tell. You rx first. I''m not going anywhere or I will not misunderstand anything. So rx first."


    n breathed a sigh of relief and embraced her. He calmed down knowing his wife wouldn''t leave him or be disappointed by him.


    Aria spoke rubbing his back to rx him, "When my... Lucas Cooper told us somebody who is close to you and the Morgan family did it, I somehow doubted on Grandfather Gray and Jeremy Grayson. So I started a private investigation on Grandfather Gray and got to know about it. I didn''t want to tell you because I know how it feels to be betrayed by a grandfather so I don''t want you to feel the same. Let''s not talk about this to anyone, Rian and Mum will be hurt."


    n knew his wife was way too sensitive than himself in everything that she was ready to endure alone without letting them suffer.


    Aria continued after a pause, "Next time if anything, talk to me first without thinking so much, alright?"


    n moved and fondly kissed her forehead humming to her. Aria finally smiled seeing him fine, "Why are you looking at me like that? I''m not your crush but your wife."


    n smiled hearing and hummed again, "Yeah, my pretty little dummy wife."


    Aria whined making a face at him, "I''m not a dummy. You are my dummy, a big dummy."


    Both continued to bicker and went back to bed. Afraid that he might put her to sleep and leave again, she hugged his neck, "Sleep."


    n raised his head and smiled resignedly. Pulling her close wrapping his hands around her waist, he didn''t worry her more and soon slept so that she could rest at ease.


    To be the fact, he didn''t care what his grandfather Gray feels/happens, he was just concerned about his mother and wife. And his wife was worried about them getting hurt. He couldn''t exin how content and blissful he felt having his dummy wife.


    ---


    The next day morning,


    Aria remembered about Finn and pulled n towards her sitting in front of the dressing mirror, "What do you think about Finn and Rose? Rose has a crush on him but she isn''t serious because of his status. I want to help her but I''m afraid if she falls in love and he ignores her."


    n flicked on her head, turned her to face the mirror, he brushed her hair as he gave his opinion, "If you want to help your secretary, go on but make sure to inform her that Finn Stanley isn''t interested in her. If she couldn''t handle, tell her to back off sooner so she doesn''t get hurt. And you, my dummy, stop worrying about others."


    She pouted hearing hisst line and soon got ready to leave for their work. As decided, Aria and n didn''t speak anything about Ford Gray to anybody.


    ---


    In Skyline Industries,


    Aria stressed each word clearly while exining Rose to be careful and not to get in deep unless she will be sure Finn could reciprocate her feelings. Rose wasn''t sure what would happen but she didn''t want to lose the chance and regretter.


    "But President Cooper, I want to work under you." Rose said anticipatorily.


    <em>''Oh''</em> Aria tried to tease, "If you start dating Finn, will you tell the same?"


    Rose''s cheeks were slightly pink and she responded decisively, "I don''t want to use any rtionship when it''s about career."


    Aria smiled hearing her, "I will not fill your position here. You are going for temporary, if you want to continue thereafter a month, you can else return here whenever you want. Alright?"


    Rose was surprised how Aria had nned ordingly to her requirement. She was sure none of the employers would be so sweet. She hesitatingly asked, "President Cooper... May... May I call you if I want to ask anything?"


    Aria responded certainly, "Yep!" Then Rose bid everyone to her new job location.


    Aria then called Levi to her office, Thinking she might ask about the project files and the meeting schedule, Levi took them in but saw her pointing chair for him to sit.


    Aria cleared the file and saw him working even in that five minutes of the period. She wasn''t sure how his response would be but she was sure she would miss him if he wanted to leave, "Captain Brown!"


    Levi was confused hearing that, "Are you nning to do anything prankish? President Cooper."


    Aria chuckled, shaking her head. ording to Levi, she was a whole lot of fun and hated boring silent life. He wasn''t irritated by that, instead, he looked forward to what she would be doing.


    "I know you joined here on Grandfather Stanley''s order. The problem is resolved and I never asked what you actually wanted to do after retirement. So do you want to continue working as my assistant? Or If you had nned to do something of your liking, I will help you set it up for you."


    Levi had thought he would be bound by Harold''s word and stuck in there as her assistant, "I wanted to open a custom made superbikes and car showroom."

 Chapter 387: Starlight

    Chapter 387: Starlight


    Levi had thought he would be bound by Harold''s word and would have to work under Aria for long so he never had thought he could get the freedom to choose. "President Cooper, you mean I don''t have to work here anymore if I don''t want to."


    Aria nodded pursing her lips. She didn''t want to tie him down to work what he doesn''t like.


    Levi said what he wanted to do after retirement from the military, "I wanted to open a custom made superbikes and car showroom."


    Aria smiled faintly and asked, "Did you have any strategies for it or you will n now?"


    Levi saw her face fall thinking he was going to leave. He shook his head in resignation. She had the power and authority to stop him but her nature of epting the actuality brought a smile on his face, "But not anymore. I will continue working here only if President Cooper doesn''t fire me."


    Aria learned he wasn''t leaving the job but she was astonished hearing him y with words, "Who taught you talking like this? You always responded to the question."


    Levi chuckled hearing her and stood up, "Probably affected by President Cooper. I will get back to work." He left her cabin seeing her happy and amazed.


    ...


    Aria had contacted the top bestwyer to take the case who responded positively and he will visit her on the weekend regarding the same. She thought about if there were other problems, Kite''s father''s identity, and the rest were only her work-rted.


    Luke Baker''s brand Aida was hit after the fashion show. The customers who had got the chance to wear his creation and rejected were crying missing the chance.


    ---


    At Starlight Entertainment


    Finn was looking at Dustin and Rose alternatively sitting in his chair. One looked professional without revealing his emotions and the other one looked nervous. Dustin had started daydreaming of Finn and Rose together and he felt they would look great.


    "You had just reported to me yesterday that we need a secretary to bnce the workload, and you brought Alia''s secretary."


    Rose was pathetic at lying so Dustin spoke, "President Stanley, I happened to talk to Levi who informed President Cooper. President Cooper suggested as they don''t have much workload and Secretary Rose will help us until we find a suitable personal secretary for you."


    Finn didn''t believe Skyline Industries having no workload. With Aria''s speed of work, even if they add a few more, there will still be work but he believed the second part of Aria suggesting that Rose would help them temporarily.


    "Alright. Don''t assign her fieldwork and make sure no one bullies her or else..." He didn''tplete but Dustin knew, ''Alia will ughter me.''


    Dustin responded, "Sure President Stanley, Secretary Rose will handle your schedule and meetings." In his mind, <em>''I will make sure you only see secretary Rose all around.''</em>


    Finn didn''t find anything unusual and waved his hand to send them. Rose started breathing when they exited but froze when Dustin asked, "Secretary Rose, do you love President Stanley?"


    "Huh?" She didn''t know how to reply looking at his expectant yet grave gaze.


    Dustin thought Aria was trying to bring them together and Rose doesn''t know anything seeing her all disoriented, "Haha, nothing. If you face any difficulties here, ask me anytime, I will help you."


    Rose was quick to respond to this, "Thank you, Assistant Dustin."


    Dustin had arranged everything for her so Rose just needed fifteen minutes to understand everything and started her tasks. She first tranted a foreign movie proposal paperwork and received some files from a director''s secretary for the sign of Finn.


    First, she checked a few files and returned some asking to make some changes. Dustin and other secretaries were impressed by quickness and cleverness. When it was time to take the files in, her hands became fidgety thinking about how she was going to face Finn.


    Dustin, who noticed it, boosted her by saying, "President Stanley isn''t demon to eat you. Go in and submit. Tell him about the reports, he will say whether to wait or leave. Go inside."


    Rose forced a smile at him and took a deep breath before knocking on the door, then she entered and went near Finn''s desk, "President Stanley, this file has the list of candidates chosen for the month-end interview for the show ''Inspiration'', this is the draft copy of the revised magazine..."


    She didn''t notice her voice was shaky while reporting Finn who initially thought her as nervous but then he was irritated by that. He might have scolded her if she was a normal employee but controlled himself.


    "Why is your voice trembling?" His tone sounded cold panicking Rose before she understood what he said.


    "N-No. P-President Stanley" Her voice quivered again.


    Finn: "..."


    He turned to her and faced her petite face, "Do I look scary?"


    "N-No."


    Finn was speechless, he had seen her actively doing work with Aria and couldn''t understand what''s wrong with her in front of him. He saw her again and cued her to continue reporting but while taking his gaze back he noticed her, she was actually shaking as if she was standing arctic or antarctic.


    He motioned his hand towards a chair opposite to him, "Sit."


    "Huh?" She paused reporting and sat obediently.


    Finn thought to take Aria''s topic to rx her first, "Do you like to work under President Cooper? How does she treat you?"


    Rose excitedly spoke, "Working under President Cooper looks tough but it isn''t difficult. It''s fun to work under her, she treats her secretaries really well that we even doubt if she is one among secretaries or if she is President of Skyline Industries."


    Finn was amazed at how fluently and in a breath, she spoke about Aria. "You continue working here calmly. Just do your work, there is nothing to be scared of. If you are ufortable, I will send you back to Skyline."


    Rose nodded and shook her head earning his raised brows. "I will work smart."


    Finn nodded and was d she didn''t quiver her voice again. "You can leave now."


    Rose misunderstood and asked to confirm, "So early? President Stanley, there is still half a day left."


    Finn nced at her to make sure she was confused but not ying, "You can leave my cabin. Go and eat."


    <em>''Oh!''</em> Rose bowed her head and went out quickly before breathing a sigh of rxation. She had thought Finn was like rumors say, he wouldn''t tolerate anybody making mistakes but she felt him as normal.


    Thinking she should be professional, she saw none of the secretaries were there and even Dustin wasn''t there. She didn''t know where the cafeteria was or when she should go out for lunch.


    She sat at her desk and started checking online food delivery service, Finn exited his office room to go out for lunch but paused seeing Rose ying in her mobile instead of lunch, "Did you have lunch?"


    Startled by a sudden voice, she tossed her mobile while standing up.


    <em>''Crack''</em>


    Both saw her mobile fall on the floor and split into two parts. While Finn was thinking she was clumsy, Rose cried inside thinking she couldn''t eat lunch instead of crying for breaking her mobile.


    Then she lifted her gaze to see Finn who was watching her intently. Her legs started shivering and she was at the edge of breaking into tears if he continued to stare at her.

 Chapter 388: I will not bully you

    Chapter 388: I will not bully you


    Finn had worked under Aria for two years as her assistant so he knew well the speed of her work and how he had to be swift with his work to match her speed and stay updated. Observing Rose, he couldn''t understand how she sustained under Aria for so long.


    He went inside his office and Rose invisibly cried on her desk looking at her mobile and hearing her stomach growl.


    <em>''Tap''</em>


    "Here you go." Finn kept a brand new, spare mobile which he had in the office.


    Rose whose head was on the table jumped on her toes and patted her chest,<em> ''Is he a cat or something? Why doesn''t he make any sound before reaching?''</em>


    Finn: "..."


    Now he was extremely curious, "How did you survive under Alia? How did she tolerate you?"


    Rose promptly responded, "Her voice is soft and sweet that brings a smile. Your cold tone scarrr..." Rose''s eyes widened and quickly covered her lips with her hands.


    <em>''President Cooper, President Stanley is kicking me out. I''ming back.''</em> She thought to herself controlling herself from sobbing.


    Finn realized she was pathetic at giving excuses and lying. He cued her to follow him and walked ahead. Rose quickly took the mobile with her bag and ran behind him who was walking steadily at a fast pace without realizing Rose was jogging to catch up with him.


    They reached the entrance, Finn pointed the shotgun seat for her, and took the driver seat of his Pagani. Now Rose was certain Finn was going toin to Aria about her and leave her at Skyline Industries but the car went in the opposite direction and Finn called a number which was disying as Alia on the screen.


    Pouting, she lowered her head ready to hear their conversation.


    "Hello, President Stanley."


    Finn directly moved to the point, "Alia, tell me one thing, Why haven''t you fired Secretary Rose yet? Or are you keeping her because ying with the cat is fun?"


    Rose: <em>''I''m not a cat.''</em>


    Unbeknown Rose was hearing the conversation, Aria responded grimly, "Why will I fire Rose? In my whole group of secretaries, she is the fastest and smartest one. None of your secretaries can match her. How dare you look down on my sweet little employee?"


    Rose shot a nce at Finn but she quickly averted her gaze when he was turning to her. Finn knew Aria doesn''t bluff about talents and he really didn''t expect Rose to be so clever.


    Thinking about Aria and seeing Rose, <em>''Talent in tiny packets.''</em> He thought to himself and heard Aria continue, "Finn, you should know how to get work done. Treat her well, you will never get a loyal one as Rose. My little girl never lies, she is the best."


    Rose smiled staying over the moon hearing Aria. Finn nced at her again internally sighed, "Dumb." The two girl''s lips twitched hearing him but Finn didn''t let Aria speak, "By the way, did you eat or torturing your employees?"


    Aria and Finn spoke a little longer until he drove to a restaurant. Rose understood he wasn''t kicking her out instead brought her for lunch seeing her pathetic situation.


    Both had lunch while Finn asked questions and Rose kept answering them without questioning back anything. As time passed, Finn noticed her rxed around him so he was certain that she would be fine working as his secretary for the time being.


    At the end of dinner, Rose pulled her new mobile out to pay in a flow leaving Finn surprised. "Do you really want to pay for lunch?"


    Rose gluilessly asked, "Shall we split the bill?"


    The manager who was standing there looked at her in surprise but silently took Finn''s card trying to know if Rose was any celebrity or a socialite but failed to identify.


    Rose saw the manager using the card, then he bowed and left seeing Finn''s hand motion. "President Stanley, I will wire you."


    "It''s alright. Let''s leave."


    Rose again had to jog behind him as she said, "I will pay for the mobile."


    Finnzily nced at Rose and unknowingly he smiled. She was the first girl who was desperate to not use his money, Aria excluded who never let him pay for anything.


    "That''s the brand new, customized with top featured mobile. Its cost is ten times the actual rate. Are you willing to pay?"


    Rose took him seriously and started calcting in her mind against her sry, <em>''Half a year sry?''</em> She wanted to weep now. "President Stanley, shall I return this back to you?"


    Finn controlled revealing his real emotion and put on a grave face, "Once you use your card, mobile will not work for other numbers."


    "Huh?" Rose sat in the car when valet opened the door for her. She was only used to taking gifts from Aria. Even if her friends give, she would always give something back. Now she felt the mobile was too heavy in her hands.


    Pursing her lips, controlling her tears, "President Stanley, shall I pay you installment?"


    It was rare he got somebody to make fun of and he was enjoying it. "Do I look like a mobile shop owner?"


    Rose''s face turned red controlling her tears, "I will wire in the evening."


    Finn was surprised to hear that. He could easily guess the number of months sry she would have to spend on it, "Who will give you so much money?"


    Rose sniffled saying, "President Cooper."


    ''Screech''


    Finn mmed on the brakes for two reasons, ''Rose started crying and hearing President Cooper.''


    "Rose, I was just kidding. Mobile will not cost so much. Stop crying."


    Rose sniffled hard and realized Finn was ying her but thinking about six months'' worth of sry, she couldn''t stop herself.


    Finn never took care of the crying girl. Even though he had tried to calm Aria when she was down, he didn''t know what to do with Rose. "I will not bully you anymore. Stop crying. I don''t want any money. Rose, calm down... That mobile is just an ordinary smartphone, there is nothing special in it... Rose, are you listening to me?... You can wire me the cost of the mobile, rx..."


    Rose sniffled, wiping her cheeks, looking at Finn worried and concerned.

 Chapter 389: President of dumbs council

    Chapter 389: President of dumbs'' council


    Finn continued seeing her quieting down, "That''s good. You better don''t tell your President Cooper, she will chop me into pieces."


    Rose faintly smiled hearing that, "Your QR code."


    "Huh?" Finn doesn''t like to take back anything he gave in the form of money, "Do you really want to wire me?"


    Rose''s eyes again filled up, "Is this really so costly?"


    Finn quickly spoke to calm her and stop her tears back, "No, no, no... Don''t start crying. This is your wee gift from Starlight."


    Rose blinked looking at Finn nkly. Thetter thought she was again going to cry but she asked, "Then why didn''t you give me when I came?"


    Finn: "..."


    If he starts giving wee and send-off gifts, then he will have to close hispany and open a gift shop. "Consider this as my favor to you and you return it when I want. Alright?"


    "Oh!" Rose again gave it thought and asked, "How will I get to know you will need a favor? You have everything at your beck and call."


    Finn was now speechless and leaned back on his seat. He understood the main difference between Aria and Rose. Aria was smart, talented, and importantly brave. Rose was smart but very innocent and anybody could con her easily.


    Thinking the topic would drag long, he created a solution, "I need a female partner for an uing banquet,e with me."


    Rose thought about Katie Archer who left the country for studies recently after breaking up with Finn so she thought he needed a partner for the banquet and epted. "I wille."


    Finn internally breathed a sigh of relief and gave her heads up again, "You better don''t tell Alia that I bullied you."


    Rose awkwardly smiled which Finn thought as yes but it wasn''t. She had only Aria to tell about Finn so she was definitely going to whinge her but saying not to tell anything to Finn.


    --- At Starlight --


    Dustin saw Finn and Rose entering together. He quickly updated to Aria about the status of their n.


    Since Finn didn''t get angry when she cried, Rose wasn''t scared of him much andpleted her day asionally ncing at her new smartphone.


    As soon as her work was over for the day, she went to the mobile shop to ask if her mobile had something customized or it was normal. After knowing it was just a normal mobile, she patted her chest feeling relief and dialed Aria to tell everything.


    ---


    Aria was driving her car with n beside her when Rose narrated everything. Aria didn''t tell her anything and she was d Finn wasn''t cold, instead, he was enjoying Rose''spany.


    She assured her, she wouldn''t tell Finn anything before hanging up the call. She nced at n who silently heard everything, "So what do you think?"


    "Your secretary has no brain."


    Aria''s lips twitched hearing that. She pulled his ear to scold but earned a kiss on her cheek.


    <em>''Bye-bye, my little anger.''</em> Her husband knows well to cool her down every time.


    n took the topic which he was contemting, "Honey!" Aria hummed with her eyes on the road then n continued, "Meet President Morse once."


    Aria frowned hearing it. She knows her biological aunt can''t walk and has nobody with her. If she sees her in that state, she would definitely want to help her so she didn''t want to pull up more trouble.


    n saw her silent and her expression grave so he revealed about the mother of Vince''s girlfriend. "Vin''s girlfriend is President Morse''s daughter who ran away from home due to Terrance Morse."


    Aria knew Vince had a girlfriend and she had even seen pictures but didn''t know she was Morse. "Hence our few facial features match."


    n seriously responded, "But you are the prettiest."


    Aria couldn''t help but smile hearing him. For him, no one looks more beautiful than her. "You can''t see me serious for even a second, could you?"


    Then both started flirting with each other on the way to the Cooper mansion.


    ---


    The next day at Starlight Entertainment.


    Rose was extremely famous in thepany from the receptionist to A list artist of thepany to the director. Many assistants of the celebrity were secretly checking her out and spreading the news about her.


    Dustin was sharp and soon reported it to Finn, "President Stanley, everyone is curious about Secretary Rose and that might attract unnecessary trouble for her."


    Finn furrowed his brows remembering it. He couldn''t understand why those mindless actresses were behind him. At any cost, he can''t let anything happen to Rose who was dumb enough to believe everyone. "Call her in."


    Dustin quickly called Rose to the office. Thetter greeted him, "President Stanley!"


    Finn didn''t raise his head and instructed, "Other than my and Dustin''s order, you don''t have to listen to anybody."


    Rose nced at Dustin''s aloof face and then at Finn, "I will follow that, President Stanley."


    Finn hummed and motioned his hand to leave but before Rose could exist, he called her back, "Rose!"


    Dustin exited while Rose stood in front of him, "President Stanley, do I have any instruction?"


    Finn saw her curiously for a few seconds and asked, "What will you do if the Vice President calls you for some work?"


    Rose promptly and seriously responded, "I will go and check."


    Finn controlled himself from facepalming, "What did I just order you a few seconds back?"


    "I should just follow your and assistant Dustin''s order. But the Vice President is a higher-level employee and he might have any work that needs your consent. I will have to look into it to report it to you."


    Finn: "..."


    Rose innocently looked at him waiting for him to speak whereas Finn nkly looked at her thinking if she was real.


    If he orders any other secretary that they don''t have to hear any other higher-level management employees, they will be on cloud nine thinking they will not have anything to do but this secretary was way too loyal to her work that she was even ready to ignore his order without knowing the problem she was in.


    "You are Alia''s favorite employee, aren''t you?"


    Rose promptly responded without caring why he asked, "Yes, she treats me more like a sister than a secretary."


    "Do you know the reason?"


    Rose never thought about it. She answered in confusion, "Because I am good at work."


    Finn instantly responded right after her, "No, because you are the president of dumbs'' council."


    Rose: "..."

 Chapter 390: Attempt to suicide

    Chapter 390: Attempt to suicide


    Rose was pouting when she returned to her seat and sat. <em>''I am not dumb, you are the who is dumb.</em>''


    At the end of the day, Rose had nothing to do other than following Finn to the meetings, making notes, managing his schedules, arranging his meetings, and simr stuff. Those were pieces of cake for her.


    It repeated two more days and Rose was bored as hell at her desk. She doubted if she was on vacation at starlight.


    ---


    At Wood''s International.


    Ceon Davis''s father got to know why Ceon was so punctual for many days and importantly, didn''t see him going for the parties.


    Zara was entering the office when she noticed a middle-aged man arguing with the receptionist, "Excuse me, what is going on here?"


    The receptionist breathed a sigh after seeing Zara, "Director Wood, he is President Davis, father of your assistant, Ceon Davis. He wanted to meet you and was trying to barge in thinking I was bluffing."


    Zara wasfortable with Ceon. They work, have lunch, enjoy shopping and close enough to talk about any topics. But they were like friends and his father''s presence at her workce was uncanny.


    She spoke inposure, "You continue your work. President Davis, I''m Director Wood, if it''s alright, shall we talk in the waiting room?"


    Master Davis was impressed by how Zara handled without ignoring him or raising her voice. He was d Ceon didn''t go around with a random girl and chose a well-mannereddy.


    "Sure." He responded and followed her to the adjacent waiting room of the visitors.


    "Please have a seat. Would you like any refreshments?"


    Master Davis hummed in satisfaction hearing her, "No, thank you. I actually came here to see who my son is chasing after."


    Zara was straightforward to avoid misunderstanding, "President Davis, it''s true I''m the girl your son likes but I haven''t epted or gave my consent yet. So he is currently working as my assistant here."


    Zara expected him to enrage but he smiled and said, "It''s alright. The good thing is because of you, he is leading his life in a better way. If that rascal misbehaves, just give me a call, I will break his leg."


    That was totally unexpected for Zara. Ceon wasn''t working at Davispany and he was running behind her as an assistant in the hopes of getting her consent to date but his father didn''t get angry instead he was d to know that.


    Zara didn''t know how to respond looking at him.


    President Davis initially wanted to try to couple Ceon with Aria. Even though he had liked how Aria looked after herpany, he didn''t actually like her daughter-inw due to her overbearing and domineering side.


    He was d he didn''t overdo with Aria and kept it to himself. Now seeing soft-spoken Zara Wood, he liked her at first meet. He didn''t have any objection to Ceon''s choice.


    He was about to speak, they heard a knock on the door followed by, "Zara, we are gettingte for inspection." That voice trailed off when he saw the middle-aged man turn towards the door.


    Ceon had two thoughts in his head, Zara might be mad at him and called his father toin or his father is against his choices.


    Thinking about how well they were getting along, he cleared the first thought and looked at his father, "Dad, what are you doing here?"


    Master Davis stood up and shook Zara''s hand, "Have a good day. Sorry for bothering you."


    "No problem President Davis."


    While passing by Ceon, Master Davis grunted and left leaving Ceon edgy. Zara noticed that and controlled smile. She yed him to take revenge on his petty games, "I didn''t expect this from you."


    Ceon: "..."


    <em>''What did I do?''</em>


    He went behind Zara trying to fathom the situation but failed, "Zara, what did I do? Did you call Dad? Or did he say anything to you?... Zara, tell me what happened?... Zara, if you don''t tell me, how can I know?"


    Noah who watched Zara smiling and Ceon confused running behind her was really happy for Zara.


    "Noah..."


    Noah turned around to see Norah sitting on the floor with paper flying all around. He couldn''t help but chuckle going towards her. "I had told you to stop wearing those sky-high heels."


    Noah was about to pull her up, Norah pulled him down for daring tough at her, "I had told you to choose better dress shoes."


    "Really? I wouldn''t mind slipping on the floor and capturing you." Noah pinned her on the floor seeing her fluster looking at the door.


    "Noah, we are in the office."


    "Aren''t you the one who wanted me to fall for you?" Noah started teasing, hearing her cry to stop afraid his secretaries were going to enter and see them.


    ---


    Ceon was tired of asking and thinking about what happened and what Zara and his dad spoke with each other. "Let me drive, you rest." Ceon''s voice was down saying it. They were going to a neighboring city for a check on the progress of the interior of their new hotel. He asked thinking Zara won''t befortable driving the curvaceous roads of the mountain.


    "I will drive, the mountainous road is fun to ride. I hardly go out."


    "Then you should visit Trollstigen in Norway, the Stelvio pass in Italy, Los Caracoles pass in Chile, Tian men mountain road in China. They are amazing and have breathtaking views than this... When you are free and need a vacation, tell me, I will take you there."


    Zara had to say a single word that she liked and the whole Wikipedia opens in front of her. She was already used to hearing his record. "But I want to visit Miu Viaduct in France."


    Ceon nodded hearing her, "I have been there. That''s one of the tallest bridges in the world. Instead of just going to France to visit that, there are many interesting stuff and things to do over there."


    "Why do you know so much? I feel like I don''t know anything."


    Ceon chuckled hearing her pitiful voice, "I am a blogger. I will try to gain as much information about things as possible. It helps me to write."


    ''Screech''


    Zara mmed on the brakes and turned to him. She wildly guessed a name to ask, "Are you the famous ''On the Verge'' blogger?"


    Ceon was surprised, "Yeah, have you seen my blog?"


    "Holy! God, You are the ''On the Verge''. I had written you two emails and you had replied to me twice asking me to refer to your two blogs and you visited Miu Viaduct when I suggested you in thements."


    "Wait wait wait... You... are you the ''Blue Lurker''? I thought it''s some guy."


    Zara excitedly responded, "That''s me. I have been following you for six years already. Your blogs are like practically my mood booster after my attempt to suicide."


    "What?" Ceon blurted out in shock.

 Chapter 391: The sunset

    Chapter 391: The sunset


    Zara apprehended she said about her suicide and she became quiet and looked ahead to avoid his gaze. Ceon held her arm and forced her to face him, "Zara, why did you try to kill yourself?"


    Zara frowned, freeing his clutch on her, "It''s nothing."


    Ceon didn''t let her avoid his gaze, his hand moved to her backhead and stopped her head movements, "Tell me what happened."


    She still tried to move away, "Ceon, don''t step out."


    "Zara, you are telling me now."


    "I am not obliged."


    His voice turned gentle saying, "But you are telling why you tried to kill yourself. I know I can''t change the past but I can help you out of it."


    Zara always tried to avoid that topic from everyone but she chose to ept seeing him concerned. She moved his hand away from her head and took a long breath before speaking.


    "I was in a rtionship with Toby Lewis, the singer, and actor who was sentenced to death five and a half years back. I got to know he was just fooling around with me. When he got to know that I perceived everything, he didn''t feel sorry, instead, he hadughed at me when I met him. Those were really painful days and in the spur of movement, I had slit my wrist. Luckily the housekeeper hade to my room to give me a ss of milk and I was admitted to the hospital."


    Ceon could say she still regrets attempting to suicide and she wasn''t depressed any more to try again. He gently wiped her tears understanding why Zara seldom met new people. "You were the reason The Fourie bashed Toby and you pped him."


    Zara nodded with light hum, "Hmm..."


    Ceon knew well why Toby Lewis was sentenced to death and why ny percent of the business family are scared of n Morgan but he didn''t feel the necessity to tell Zara that Aria was kidnapped by Toby.


    "Talking about <em>''Blue Lurker''</em> I have something to show you." Saying it, he alighted the car.


    Zara was perplexed and saw him opening the driver seat door, "Get off, get down..."


    "Huh?" Zara alighted and Ceon pushed her towards the shotgun seat, "I will drive. I will take you somewhere." He opened the door and closed when she satfortably and drove towards the peak of the hills instead of towards the city. "Ceon, we will gette."


    "Don''t worry, we can reach post lunchtime, we will reach back home by nine or ten. The Blue Luker I know will surely enjoy the spot I am taking now."


    "But..."


    Ceon cut in, "You should listen to <strong><em>''On the Verge''</em></strong> sometimes"


    Zara chuckled and sighed inwardly. She nced at Ceon again and looked ahead, she had thought he mightugh or scold or feel disgusted or look down on her but he didn''t. On the contrary, he wanted to cheer her and was excited to know she was the <em>Blue Lurker</em> who followed his every post.


    "If you love blogging and traveling, why did you study Business management?"


    Ceon nced at her and smiled. He had thought Aria and Noah would have given all his information to Zara but they hadn''t. "Ms. Zara Wood, you know nothing about me."


    "Then let me know."


    "I started traveling right after school. Initially, I just enjoyed and then I got the inspiration from a travel blog, so I started too then I added food, ces, hotels etcetera. Initially, I paid for my own expenses. Now I get paid to travel to most of the destinations. I learned Photography so I have..."


    "Royalty picture website?" Zara guessed.


    Ceon nced at her and nodded, "Yeah. I need business skills to negotiate and I have my own small studio likepany managed by professionals. I just travel, take pictures, write the blog, rest of the things will be taken care of by my team."


    Zara''s mouth was wide open in surprise trying to understand everything and mumbled to herself, "No doubt, these four agreed to you so easily." Initially, she was really confused when the Fourie supported Ceon who seemed like he wasn''t serious about his life.


    "What did you say?"


    Zara shook her head and asked, "Why do you have a yboy image? And why haven''t you revealed your face and hardly anybody knows about you?"


    Ceon was amazed but he didn''t show it on his face and responded, "Dad thinks this is a waste of time so I had to hide from him so I concealed my identity. A very few know about it. That little devil cent percent knows everything about..."


    "Don''t you dare say Little Devil to Arrie in front of others. If Rian gets to know, he will ughter you." Zara gave him heads up leaving Ceon astounded.


    Ceon quickly rified, "No, I am not using the nickname. Aria Cooper is an actual Little Devil. You just know the sweet bubble little girl. Even experienced businessmen think hundreds of times to go against her and attending meetings with her is like waiting for a decree from hell."


    Zara chuckled seeing him sigh, remember it, "If she isn''t authoritative, in this man dominating the world, she wouldn''t be standing high. We are proud of her... Coming back to you, why do you have a yboy image?"


    Ceon didn''t want to hide anything from her so he revealed, "I had a girlfriend, she was double-timing and dumped me for the rich old man. Now she is married and has two pigs. So to hide it."


    Zara didn''t want tough but she couldn''t control and burst intoughter, "Pigs? That''s so mean."


    Ceon tried to justify making herugh more, "Hey, it is the truth okay. That man''s business partner''s son is my friend. He had uploaded those kids'' pictures. They weren''t only big fat and ugly, they had no manners to eat."


    "Please, everybody can''t look cute like Zoe."


    "My kitten is cutest."


    Both continued to talk and soon reached the top of the mountain. They had to climb the uneven path to reach its peak. As mentioned by Ceon, Zara loved that ce. They could watch two cities that looked too small from their ce and the surrounding was lush green.


    In the end, Ceon had to pull her to leave the ce so that they shouldn''t gette.


    ---


    After the inspection, both routed back to city B. Zara put up a request when they again reached the mountains, "I want to watch the sunset."


    "We will gette."


    Zara retorted back, "I will ping Noah that we will bete and we will have dinner in a highway restaurant."


    Ceon saw her already messaging Noah. She hardly asks anything so he decided to take her to sunset point. They reached on time of sunset, nobody was present and they silently watched sunset hearing the birds chirping going to their roost.


    Ceon hesitatingly asked, "Would you like to join me on my next tour?"


    He thought she would decline or get ufortable but heard her excited voice, "Really? Can Ie with you?"


    Ceon smiled and hummed, "That''s why I asked. I will let you choose where you want to go."


    Zara started thinking where she would like to go and that ce should be new so that Ceon could write his blog. Thinking she walked back and forth forgetting they were on the cliff.


    "Zara!" Ceon yelled but he waste and Zara lost footing and fell down.

 Chapter 392: Shirtless man

    Chapter 392: Shirtless man


    "Ahh.."


    Ceon knew well the sunset point wasn''t safe especially in the dark due to the unguarded ce and no safety features. But he didn''t expect Zara to be the victim of the site.


    He acted in time as soon as he saw and held her forearm with all his might. Both of their hearts were drumming furiously and before she knew it, tears started to gush out.


    The sharp stone under Ceon started thrusting his waist giving much pain but he didn''t dare to loosen his hold on her hand, "Zara, look at me."


    Zara''s eyes weren''t leaving the depth under her. She was frightened but she was even more scared to put Ceon''s life in danger with hers. "Ceon..."


    "Zara, look at me. Eyes on me, don''t look down."


    Her hand slid from his grip and Zara yelped his name, "Ceon..."


    Ceon clutched tighter than before but he couldn''t pull her up due to sharp pain at his waist. "Zara, don''t look down. Look at me."


    Zara raised her head and said, "Let me go else you fall down too..."


    Ceon growled, "Shut up, give me your other hand."


    Zara heard him this time raised her right hand and held his hand. Ceon wasying t on the ground and had no way to pull her up. She wasn''t a little girl to be weightless and pulled up easily as shown in movies.


    Ignoring the pain, Ceon crawled back as his hands scratched on the stones and the sharp stone stabbing his stomach started pressing him above it.


    Zara pushed herself up stepping on the uneven surface of the ridge that helped Ceon to pull her up safely. Ceon checked on her and breathed a sigh of relief knowing she wasn''t hurt, "You gave me a heart attack."


    Ceon hugged her in the flow movements trying to calm down, Zara didn''t protest but felt her hand wet and warm when she held him. She smelled the blood and panicked, "Ceon... Ceon, you are hurt. Let me check."


    But it was dark and she couldn''t see anything. Ceon''s voice was hoarse saying, "It''s alright. It isn''t big."


    Zara didn''t hear him and searched her mobile to apprehend that it fell down. She held him and ran towards the car which wasn''t far away. Using the car headlight, she saw his white shirt was drenched in blood.


    She started trembling and the first thought that came was first aid. She took the mini first aid box from the car, "Open your shirt..."


    Ceon tried to be calm, "I''m alright, you calm down first."


    Zara ordered, "I said open your shirt." Even though she was frightened, she knew to take action quickly.


    Ceon pulled his in-shirt and unbuttoned. He just prayed she shouldn''t start crying. Zara used all cotton but she couldn''t clean and the blood flow wasn''t stopping. Then she panicked without knowing what to do. They were in the middle of nowhere and they hardly could see anything.


    Ceon noticed she might break down any movement so he held her quickly, "Zara, breathe... There is a small vige nearby. We will get some help for the time being, alright?"


    Zara nodded profusely, "Let''s go fast." She hurried him to the shotgun seat and drove towards the vige Ceon mentioned. Due to the mountainous road, she couldn''t drive faster and it took fifteen minutes for them to reach the vige.


    Luckily, the vigers were very friendly and helped them to the vige doctor who treated Ceon in no time. The doctor spoke to Zara seeing her edgy even after seeing Ceon waspletely treated.


    "Your husband is fine now. The wound wasn''t deep enough to hurt the internal organs so he will recover soon. If you have a doubt, visit the hospital in your city once for the scanning."


    Zara thanked him and went to Ceon, "Is it paining too much? How can you ignore the wound and keep holding me?"


    "I don''t have a death wish yet. If I had left you, your brother would have kicked me in the same ce to send me near you to give youpany."


    Zara''s lips twitched noticing him trying to crack jokes, "That''s not funny."


    Ceon asked a question seriously, "If I was falling and you were holding me, would you have left me to die?"


    Zara frowned hearing him ask a foolish question, "Even If I had held you, you would have still fallen to death."


    Ceon regretted asking her. He knows she couldn''t hold his body weight but, "Could you please not be so practical all the time? You just had to respond, you wouldn''t have left my hand." Then he mumbled, "One day you will kill me by your words."


    Zara didn''t respond to it and saw his shirt soaked in blood. "Can you manage in the jacket? Or do you want to wear this shirt?"


    Since his jacket was a zipper jacket unlike zers, he nodded, "Yep... Let''s leave, else we can''t reach..."


    The doctor who was sitting on his chair cut in, "It''s not safe to drive at this time. And young man, you can''t drive considering your state. You better rest in my clinic and leave in the morning."


    A viger who brought them to the clinic spoke, "Why don''t stay at the vige chief''s ce? He has a guest house. it''s cold here and there is no hotel nearby."


    Ceon didn''t want to take a chance with the safety in the unknown vige, "I''m fine, It''s just a four hours journey, we can manage."


    Zara contemted and decided, "We will rest and leave tomorrow. I will ask Noah to send somebody to drive us back to the city."


    "But Zara..." He saw the doctor and the viger looking at them so he couldn''t voice his thought, "You won''t befortable here."


    Zara rebuffed, "Worry about yourself."


    "Aiaa stop fighting. If you twoe now, I will send you to the chief''s home, else I will leave to my ce."


    Zara hurriedly responded, "We areing." She rushed Ceon and paid the doctor before leaving.


    ---


    Due to the confusion of thinking them as married couples, both were sent to a room after dinner. Now standing in a room with the shirtless man next to her, Zara realized why vigers thought her as his girlfriend or wife.

 Chapter 393: Plagiarised

    Chapter 393: giarised


    While first aid and in the clinic, she had checked on his wound and touched him so many times, she wasn''t sure what he thought about her.


    To break the awkward silence, Ceon spoke, "I will get fresh."


    Zara added, "Keep the wound dry." Ceon hummed and went in.


    Zara looked at a single nket and a single bed. If he was fine, she would have taken both, ''Where am I going to sleep?''


    She quickly called Noah from Ceon''s mobile and informed everything that happened so that he shouldn''t worry. Noah informed her that he will be sending his people early in the morning to get them before hanging up the call.


    Hearing the door open, she looked up and saw shirtless Ceon rubbing his wet hair. He had a well-maintained body suiting with his tall build. The white bandage around his waist defined his narrow waist explicitly.


    Zara grabbed another set of toiletries and silently went into the bathroom realizing she was checking out the shirtless man.


    By the time she went out of the bathroom, Ceon had arranged an extra set of floor mattresses, nket with a pillow. She smiled to herself and she went to bed without distress.


    --


    Early in the morning, they woke up when Ceon''s mobile rang.


    Zara wasying on the bed hearing him responding to the guards who were there to pick them. Her voice was groggy when she said, "I will be your girlfriend."


    She had thought Toby loved her when he was taking advantage of her, seeing Ceon try hard to help her and keep herfortable when he could have easily taken advantage of her, she didn''t want to ignore his feelings.


    Ceon first digested her words as he sat straight. He waved his hand in front of her face and asked, "Are you really awake? Or are you fooling me?... If you are epting because I saved you, you don''t have to do it."


    Zara chuckled and tousled his hair on his head before going to the bathroom to change.


    ----


    In the car


    Zara was tired of Ceon''s gaze on her. He wasn''t ready to ept Zara actually said agreed to date him. He had thought he might have to try for a really long time. He asked in a low voice which was more likely a whisper, "Did you really say yes? Or am I imagining after losing so much blood?"


    Zara wanted to smack his head for asking the same thing in different questions, "Yes, you are imagining. If you stop staring at me, I want to catch some more sleep."


    "Oh my god, I am not imagining..."


    Zara: "..."


    Zara continued to hear his chatter telling about what he had thought. She couldn''t help herself at the end, "Today I got to know you are still a child." She patted his head leaving him speechless and silently leaned back and slept.


    Ceon was too excited to get any sleep. He started poking her arm until she frowned and sat straight, "Ceon, I know you are exci..."


    "Shall we go to France for our first date?" Ceon expectantly asked looking at her with a simr gaze making it tough for her to say no.


    "Dating you is very much expensive. What about the second?"


    Ceon earnestly responded, "Italy to show you the mountainous road."


    Zara''s lips twitched uncontrobly but the fact was she loved to travel and Ceon knew that. Ceon continued, "We don''t have to spend a lot of money. If I check my ''On the Verge'' mailbox, I will get two or three sponsorships so it isn''t actually expensive."


    It wasn''t about expenses. She had enough to go on the world tour a few times. She pointed to his wound, "First we should go to the hospital then you get well..."


    Ceon agreed without a second thought and didn''t let her continue, "Alright. I will book everything for the weekend. It will be for five days and it''s seven days including flight travel time. You don''t have to worry, I will organize everything."


    Zara: "..."


    She was really voiceless but thinking about visiting international destinations in the name of dates was too enticing. She faintly nodded and threatened, "If you don''t let me rest now, I will note anywhere."


    Ceon was delighted, "I will not disturb, you sleep... Sleep well..." He quickly asked the driver, collected the shawl, and draped on her.


    While Zara rested, Ceon quickly nned everything out and sent it to his team to check on hotels and reservations. He was excited like a kid getting permission to go to his nanny ce on vacation.


    He didn''t notice when he slept while daydreaming where he should take Zara. Thetter woke up after entering the city to see him sleeping with a smile on his face. She wasn''t sure where her decision would ce her in the future but she was sure she would not regret it even if they break up soon.


    "Ceon..."


    Ceon snuggled on the seat and turned away from her to continue sleeping.


    "Ceon, wake up."


    Ceon''s groggy voice sounded, "Let me sleep." He had thought he was at home and he still had time for his rm to go off.


    Zara held his ear and pulled up from reclining. Ceon almost cursed but soon remembered where he was, he rubbed his ear looking at Zara and discerned they reached city B and they were in front of Imperial hospital.


    "I can go alone, you don''t have to take the trouble," Ceon said tidying his hairstyle.


    "I am taking my boyfriend to hospital, do you have a problem with that?" Zara asked seriously to see his face brighten up.


    "You should. That''s your duty." He quickly alighted and went around the car by the time Zara had alighted.


    Zara couldn''t help but remark, "First time I''m seeing somebody is getting happy to go to the hospital."


    Ceon shamelesslymented, "How can I keep a somber face when I am going out with my girlfriend for the first time? I will never forget this hospital."


    Zara broke intoughter at his dramatic pping his arm. Well, she was entering the hospital for the first timeughing her heart out.


    After making sure it wasn''t any serious and needed some days to cure, Zara breathed a sigh of relief. She dropped him to his ce asking him to rest before she went to the office.


    In a stupor, he rested till lunchtime and went to meet Finn to deliver the news personally. He was entering his office, he noticed a pretty girl sitting and working seriously.


    Finn had stopped hiring female secretaries to avoid them hovering around him instead of working so he curiously asked Dustin, "Dustin, tell me one thing, why do I feel like that secretary is here for a reason?"


    Dustin didn''t dare to reveal the actual reason, "Vice president Davis, she is President Cooper''s secretary, she is working temporarily here due to the workload."


    Hearing Aria''s name, Ceon didn''t continue asking and went in to meet Finn. Thetter was happy for his friend on a second chance in love.


    It was lunchtime when Rose went in after the knock and kept the files on the table, she reported a few things and pointed to a file, "President Stanely, this movie has many giarised scenes. I requested a check on it but they aren''t epting it."


    Finn frowned hearing it, "How do you know?" He had gone through it and his team too so he couldn''t understand how she was so sure.


    "I had attended a meeting with President Cooper when a new writer narrated the story. President Cooper liked it and discussed it while forming the production team meeting so I remember it. If I''m not wrong, shooting is in progress. The difference is, this story is in modern days and that movie is a Sci-fi high budget movie. If you approve this, shooting and post-production will be over in three to four months and by that time, Skyline invested in the movie will be released..."


    Ceon cut in, "Skyline invested movie never flopped, somebody is trying to ruin you keeping against Skyline."


    Finn couldn''t understand how they got the copyright so easily. "Arrange a meeting in ten minutes and mail Levi regarding the same. Give heads up to the legal team to be prepared."


    "Noted President Stanley." Rose responded and was leaving, Finn said, "By the way, Thank you."


    Rose warmly smiled responding, "It''s my work, President Stanley."


    Finn nodded and dialed his men to get the background of the writer and know the critical details of him. He was sure some entertainment industry was doing it to destroy him or might want to sabotage his rtionship with Aria.


    If it was thetter option, Finn would reallyugh at them. Because Aria and he never me things just checking the vision. They dig up dirt and smear it on who did it. Now it just saved their energy and time on shitty things.


    Ceon''s voice sounded when Rose left, "You are so good to your new secretary."


    Finn responded without thinking, "She is just an innocent girl. She will start crying if I raise my voice and smile innocently for everything else."


    Other than Aria, the first time he heard Finn appreciating and talking positively about a girl.

 Chapter 394: Exploded chemicals

    Chapter 394: Exploded chemicals


    Ceon had nned to have lunch with Finn but seeing him busy he didn''t disturb him and went to the Woods'' headquarters to have lunch with his gorgeous new girlfriend.


    Finn soon got to know that the Miracle entertainmentpany was targeting him. He reported the writer who submitted the fake copyright and story for Starlight and informed Skyline department to give heads-up to the new young writer to be careful.


    It was three in the noon when Finn and Rose solved the critical job which could have been a crisis. Finn was hungry and was going out when he remembered Rose too didn''t eat anything. "Rose, let''s go for lunch."


    "Thank you, President Stanley but I have work to follow up and submit by the end of the day."


    Finn didn''t want to order her and Rose wouldn''t listen to him if he said to ignore it for today so he held her wrist and walked towards the elevator, "You talk too much."


    Rose could only manage to grab her mobile before leaving the desk. She really wanted to tell him to walk slowly but was also frightened to irritate him, "President Stanley..."


    Finn stopped at the elevator and pressed the button as he turned to her, "Where..."


    ''Thap''


    Rose who was jogging bumped to him before she couldn''t stop herself. If she was somebody else, Finn would have warned or taught her lesson but he didn''t say anything to Rose, "What''s wrong? Are you dizzy?"


    Rose''s nostrils filled his perfume that smelled cinnamon fragrance with a nice gourmand scent. Her face blushed as she stepped back and finally gave voice, "President Stanley, could you please walk slowly? I can''t match your speed."


    Finn understood why she bumped to him, "Why didn''t you tell me earlier?"


    Rose followed him to the elevator as she responded, "I thought you will be annoyed."


    Finn resignedly sighed hearing her, "If I get annoyed, will you lengthen your short legs?"


    Rose turned to him and asked in surprise forgetting she was embarrassed a few seconds back, "Is that possible?"


    Finn looked aside to controlughing at her face. Rose then realized he was making fun of her again seeing him silently chuckling. "Why does your brain work for the things you know?"


    Rose promptly replied how she would reply to Aria chiding him in her mind, "There are many things we don''t know. What if somebody invents something for that too and I don''t know it."


    Finn was stunned. Thinking about it, he felt she had a point. "So this secretary is a different kind of dumb."


    Rose''s lips twitched hearing dumb again from him but she didn''t dare to say anything back other than telling herself in her mind, ''You are the big stupid man.''


    Both left thepany in his car without noticing the surprised employees who saw Finn''s happy face walking leisurely with the new secretary.


    ---


    At the airport,


    It was the weekend, Aria leaned on n looking at Zara and Ceon leaving for France together. "Sweetheart, why do I feel like there will be many weddings this year?"


    n warned, "Don''t pull up more work on yourself."


    Aria chuckled and went to their gate to go capital, "I will not design everyone''s dress. I already have many designs, I just have to get it ready by professionals if it''s selected."


    n was already tired of seeing her prepare for the Mn fashion week all the free time just by snuggling with him so he wanted to unload her work.


    Both were heading to the capital to meet the advocate who was going to make sure Terrence Morse will be sentenced to death. With that, n had convinced her to meet President Morse, Melissa Morse, Aria''s biological maternal aunty.


    After checking all the proofs and seeing the video where Terrence had confessed everything, the advocate was a hundred percent sure they could win the case and also achieve what Aria wanted.


    Then n drove Aria to Morse mansion. Thetter''s head was messed up and she was really not ready to face somebody who looks like her mother in the aged role.


    "It''s alright." n wrapped his hand around her shoulder, seeing her tensed as if she was going for an exam without studying.


    Aria suddenly paused and turned to n, "Technically, you and Brother Vince will be marrying sisters if they don''t break up."


    n couldn''t understand why she thought of it out of blue. She continued, "Interesting."


    Both entered inside and saw Patrick ying in his mobile sitting on the couch. The mansion housekeeper was notified earlier about their arrival and the rtionship, "Young miss, Young master, pleasee in. I will call madam quickly."


    Aria nodded in response and saw her quickly run to call Melissa Morse.


    Patrick''s attention shifted to them. He was still pissed off how Aria treated him and how n terrified him with a glucose capsule.


    Aria saw him ring but she didn''t care and sat with nfortably. Patrick who thought she would greet him as a brother got to hear nothing other than her ignorance. "Don''t you know how to greet elders?"


    Ariapletely ignored him as if she didn''t hear and there was nobody in the living hall. To piss him off more, she thanked the maid who gave them refreshments.


    "Aria Cooper, you are..." His words gave away when n''s gazended on him.


    Grounding his teeth, he stood up to go to his room and Melissa exited the elevator on an electric wheelchair. n and Aria stood up in respect, Aria felt like Melissa exactly looked like Emily in the aged form.


    Aria suddenly kind of missed how it would have felt if she had grown up with her mother. That made her look forward to the conversation with Melissa as her clutch on n''s hand increased.


    But Patrick went to Melissa and whined, "Aunty Melissa, she didn''t even greet me. I am her elder brother after all."


    Aria''s lips twitched seeing him behave like a teenager. n and Aria greeted almost in unison, "President Morse."


    Melissa patted Patrick''s arm and pointed him to sit down and smiled at the couple, "Please take a seat. No need to be so formal."


    Aria imagined if Emily''s voice would be the same or different but shook off her thoughts quickly and sat down with n.


    "Aria Cooper, I have heard a lot about you. You have a very strong and bold image in the business field."


    Aria nced at n because she didn''t know what to say. She didn''t know if it was apliment or she was just saying it. It felt quite weird for her.


    n spoke after seeing her gaze, "Yeah, my wife isn''t meek type, she loves to have everything under control."


    Melissa nodded with a smile. When she got to know about Aria''s mother''s identity, she collected much information about her to know her better. "Your IQ can''t be 120."


    Patrick''s eyes widened hearing it, "Did you fake it? Or are you also like aunty Melissa?"


    Aria and n looked at each other and the former asked, "What do you mean?"


    Patrick exined, "My grandmother''s mother was a genius and even grandmother is like aunty Melissa but everyone has different health problems. Maisy Morse is quick-witted too, luckily she didn''t contract such health problems but she iszy as a pig. I heard your mother had a heart problem. So do you have such a problem? And your IQ must be around 145 ording to this family tree."


    The couple understood and n spoke gravely, "My wife is fit and healthy." They had body checkups quite a few times so he was sure.


    Patrick nodded leaning back, "So from our generation, it is stopped. It''s good."


    n asked curiously, "What is your actual IQ score?" Aria snuggled closer to n and whispered "141"


    "Huh?" Patrick didn''t hear.


    Melissa knew Aria wasn''tfortable around them so she spoke, "My IQ was 145, Maisy is 143."


    "130" Aria lied. n bobbed her head, "141" then earned a pinch.


    Patrick startedughing, "I was so right. I heard many presidents saying they can''t beat you in the negotiation whatsoever. No doubt Skyline is doing great."


    Melissa nodded in appreciation, "Then why does the report say it''s 120?"


    n was curious too. Aria said in low voice feeling awkward, "Seeing me learn things faster than the usual kids, Dad had taken me for the test. When I was ten, my mental age was fourteen so Dad started to test my limits using mathematics so when he got to know there was an IQ test, he told me to hold back but unfortunately, I still got 120. When Dad took a private test, I..."


    "You cheated there too, didn''t you?" n knows his wife quite well.


    Aria didn''t want to but she still nodded. "So I got 141."


    n controlled flicking on her head and asked, "What about chemistry?"


    Aria shook her head, "I''m not sure. It might be because I incline towards mathematics seeing equations that I tend to forget chemical reactions."


    n nodded while Melissa chuckled, "Maisy hates Chemistry that she had exploded chemicals in theb and terrified everyone."


    Patrick asked to confirm, "So what is your IQ?"


    "120!" Aria said and chuckled looking at Patrick speechless. "I didn''t test again."


    n added, "No need." He knew she was far above than Melissa.

 Chapter 395: Kidnap

    Chapter 395: Kidnap


    Melissa hummed in affirmation and remarked seeing Patrick amusing himself, "It isn''t the only IQ enough to lead a life, it''s your creativity, presence of mind, and your will that leads to sess. IQ is just a stupid number."


    Aria proudly responded, "Exactly, hence my husband says I have 0 IQ."


    n: "..." He couldn''t understand why she gets happy hearing it.


    Patrick appended, "Your EQ is low too."


    Aria countered with a straight face, "Thank god I have low. Unlike you who uses it in favor and fools as many girls as you want, Director Morse."


    Patrick squeezed his eyes shut holding his head without daring to look at Melissa. After a round of scolding, they had lunch and stayed till evening before the couple left.


    n had bid them saying, they will visit with Vince next time when Melissa asked about it. Aria was d they didn''t ask her to reveal her maternal identity.


    She who was calm andposed in Morse mansion was tense by remembering the hereditary health issues, "n, I think I should once go for aplete body check again. And what if the baby we have will contract such health issues?"


    n had thought she didn''t take seriously when Patrick exined. He pulled her near, "Nothing will happen to you and you are perfectly healthy."


    "But..." Aria tried to retort but n cut in, "If you have such doubts, let''s get another check, alright?"


    "And you are not allowed to hide anything from me." Aria didn''t forget to add. She is very well aware that n always tries to avoid things that will worry her,


    n hummed kissing her forehead but she again started, "What if our baby faces such problems?"


    n twisted her ear, he can''t say what will happen in the future but seeing her worry for the unnned and unborn baby he didn''t know what to say, "Why worry about things that aren''t there yet? Your ''our baby'' is making me think as you are pregnant now. Are you?"


    Aria rolled her eyes, "No, I am not. But I am afraid."


    n threatened which worked, "If you are scared, let''s not have any."


    Aria: "..."


    Aria zipped her lips and dozed off soon giving rest to her brain.


    ---


    To stop Aria from worrying unnecessarily, n took her for aplete body check with numerous kinds of tests which took the whole day toplete.


    Zeke Wen was in the city hence n met him directly along with Aria with the reports and narrated everything. Zeke Wen assured Aria that the chances were very low as it broke at her and she didn''t have any kind of health issues.


    Aria let her worry down after it and started thinking whether they should have a baby soon orter.


    ---


    When the couple felt they could finally let their guards down, there was another problem raising up bold and wildly. Roxy broke her mobile and sat on the chair clutching her hair in frustration in the ss studio.


    Rian who was on the other end, quickly reached her to see her crying, "Roxy, what happened? Why are you crying?"


    Roxy sobbed as she responded, "Mom is hospitalized. I had blocked all the numbers Jasper Madison was contacting me so he started torturing Mom to call me there. Yesterday, he was drunk and hit mom with a chair, now she is in ICU."


    Rian wiped her tears and hugged her, "Let''s go there and check what is happening."


    Roxy nodded, wrapping her hands around him. Rian patted her back gently as he dialed Nathan to arrange the private jet to country X.


    She stopped Rian from informing the real cause to n or Aria not to worry them which was a huge mistake. n and Aria were notified as they were visiting Scarlett Cooper generally.


    ---


    In the country X


    Roxy and Rian left on the same day evening to country X and reached the next day afternoon of country X timings. They didn''t check-in to any hotel and directly went to the hospital without thinking somebody must have faked it to get them to country X.


    Rian and Roxy hurriedly entered the hospital and asked at the reception, "Where is the patient named Scarlett Cooper?"


    Receptionist: "Give me a minute sir, I will check it."


    Rian rubbed Roxy backhand, seeing her tense, "We will handle it. Don''t worry."


    Roxy hummed but she couldn''t control herself. Just the thought of her father still beating her mother boiled her blood. She couldn''t understand why doesn''t her mother divorces him.


    "We don''t have a full day to wait for you?" Roxy bitterly remarked.


    Rian tried to calm her, "Roxy, rx."


    The receptionist who checked the list twice raised her head and responded, "I''m sorry miss, Sir, we don''t have any patient named Scarlett Cooper."


    Roxy spoke as she pulled her mobile out and pointed to the number, "That''s impossible, I got a call yesterday that my mother is admitted in this hospital and you even said she was beaten..." She paused understanding where it went wrong.


    The receptionist checked the number when Rian dialed Scarlett Cooper''s number. The former responded without realizing Roxy was paling, "I am sorry, this is not a hospital number."


    Rian spoke when the call was answered, "Aunty Scarlett?"


    Roxy had heard the caller saying her mother is admitted to the hospital, beaten by her husband. Now she discerned ''how would the hospital know her mother was beaten by her father?''


    Roxy and Rian hadn''t even tried to call Scarlett''s number the previous day.


    <em>[Rian, how are you?]</em> Rian heard Scarlett''s happy voice on the other end and nced at Roxy in confusion.


    Roxy held Rian and started running out as Rian hung up the call, "Rian we should leave here quickly."


    Receptionist: "..." She shook her head thinking somebody must have yed a prank on them.


    Rian held Roxy and asked, "What is going on?"


    Roxy exined, "It was a fake call saying they are from hospital. My mother stays in institute quarters and they will not allow dad to enter there. Somebody wanted to bring me here or..." Her eyes widened stating, "Rian, Dad wanted to bring you here. We should leave quickly..."


    Roxy again pulled him and sat in the first cab, "Airport... Take us to the airport." But Rian ordered differently, "Stop the car... I said stop the car."


    Roxy couldn''t understand why he was stopping the car, "What''s wrong?"


    The divider between the passenger seat and driver seat avoided Rian reaching the driver, the doors of the car were locked and he failed to open the door as the car started moving.


    Roxy realized why Rian asked to stop the car and why the cab driver wasn''t stopping it. It was clear, she just took the cab which was at the entrance, and that cab was prepared to kidnap them.


    She quickly took out her power bank and started hitting the plexiss divider but it was of no use. She couldn''t even make out a scratch on it.


    Rian who noticed the edges of the ss wasn''t clearly attached, he quickly stormed her bag and found nothing useful. "Give me your mobile." Roxy handed him without another word and she broke the car window panel instead of the plexiss.


    While Rian called the cops, Roxy shouted outside, "Help! Help..." The onlookers looked at them confusedly but it wasn''t of any use.


    Rianined to the cops, "Vehicle number, XXXXXX is kidnapping us. we are on the Marshe road heading north."


    The driver hadn''t thought they could have taken the local telmunication card and didn''t expect them to act spontaneously instead of getting scared. He changed the route quickly from the highway to avoid cameras.


    Rian heard the response and hung up the call. The cab driver called somebody and spoke, "These two are over smart. Change the n and send somebody to transfer them to another vehicle."


    Roxy grounded her teeth and pushed her hand out and forcefully hit the window of the driver seat while Rian tried to stop her seeing the ss edges hurting her arm. "Roxy,e to this side, Roxy..."


    He was scared to pull her hand which was already wounded. It will slit her hand if he pulls her forcefully.


    On the third hit, Roxy broke the window and quickly grabbed the ss piece and tried her best to reach the driver but he moved away cursing her continuously.


    Rian grunted loudly to get her attention, "Roxy!"


    Instead of Roxy, the driver got distracted and Roxy poked at the side of the neck.


    "Ahh... You sl*t... Ahh..." He cursed and cried in pain.


    Roxy didn''t care about her hand and again jabbed the side of the neck. It was deeper and the driver yelled in pain. "Ahh..."


    <em>''Screech''</em> the cab moved irregrly on the road.


    <em>''Bum.''</em> then the car hit the roadside divider in no time.


    Rian who noticed what wasing up, wrapped himself around Roxy pulling her inside, protecting her back by the seat and her front by himself and the impact hit him on the plexiss hurting his back and back of the head.


    Since the speed wasn''t high, the car didn''t topple but the driver''s head hit the steering wheel and he lost consciousness.


    Roxy wasn''t hurt by the ident other than her left hand having numerous scratches and wounds. "Rian... Rian..."


    Rian felt dizzy and tried to sit back on the seat. His voice was ailing when he said, "Call... brother... cops..." Then he couldn''t keep himself up and copsed.

 Chapter 396: Payback

    Chapter 396: Payback


    Roxy''s face soon streaked with tears as she tried to wake him up, "Rian, Rian... Rian, wake up..." She med herself for not foreseeing the events that could be caused by hurting the driver. She really had thought the driver would stop the car. She felt solely responsible for Rian''s state.


    The public around soon gathered and helped them out of the car. Roxy sobbed as she dialed n''s number to inform him about what is going on. "Brother-inw..."


    <em>[Where is Rian? Why are you crying?]</em>


    Roxy tried to constrain her emotions and briefed lowering her sobs, "Yesterday I had got a false call saying my mother is heavily injured and hospitalized hence we came here. We left the hospital in a cab to the airport but the cab was arranged to kidnap us. We managed to stop but the car hit the divider and... and Rian is unconscious."


    What she didn''t say was, <em>''I am scared, I don''t know what to do.''</em> Roxy heard him order Nathan, <em>[Nathan! Arrange jet ASAP to country X.]</em>


    Nathan: <em>[Right away.]</em>


    <em>[Share your current location, don''t trust any civilian. Call the police and ask for security in the hospital. Take him to Regal Hospital... I repeat <strong>Regal hospital</strong>. Skyline security will reach you soon. Clear?]</em>


    She could make out he was taking action quickly and running to the elevator, "Yes Brother-inw."


    Roxy hung up the call and ignored a few men trying to pull her off the ground in the name of help. "F*ck off" Even if they were innocent civilians or the ones who wanted to kidnap them, she yelled them away without daring to do anything against what n instructed.


    Roxy noticed cops getting off from their vehicles and heard them saying, "It''s this cab." followed by it, "Did you guys call andin about the kidnapping?"


    Roxy quickly responded, "Yeah yeah... Help him to the hospital now. Regal hospital..."


    "It''s nearby." A cop said and all heard the ambnce''s loud siren. Some civilians must have called so it was there in no time. Taking Rian to the ambnce, another two cops took care of the cab driver.


    Roxy tried to wake up Rian repeatedly but he wasn''t responding. In ten minutes, they reached the hospital. Roxy noticed doctors were ready and realized n must have a connection with the hospital.


    She ran behind the stretcher that was pushed by the ward boys and nurses. When Rian was sent to ICU, Roxy quickly turned to the cops who had followed the ambnce, "We are from country A. Somebody is trying to kidnap and hurt us, I want tight protection until our security arrives."


    The cops nodded at each other especially after hearing <em>''Our security arrives''</em>. A cop went aside to make a call and another one asked Roxy, "Miss, please give us a statement so that we could start our investigation soon."


    Roxy nced at the closed door of the ICU and nodded. She wished she was the one lying inside the ICU instead of Rian. She narrated everything from the day before the call until cops found them.


    "Miss, Do you suspect anybody behind this?"


    Roxy didn''t waste a second or even flutter hershes before stating, "Jasper Madison." Then she briefed their rtionship and possible reason behind the attempt to kidnap.


    "Thank you, miss." He turned off the recorder and raised his head, "We have arranged ten..."


    They heard a series of footsteps and twenty well-built men in ck gear with Skyline logo on the zer reached them and bowed to Roxy, "Young miss, President Cooper is on the call."


    Roxy grabbed the mobile quickly and cried out, "Arrie..."


    Aria''s dead serious tone sounded, <em>[Roxy, they will protect you. Don''t go around without their knowledge, if you want anything, ask them. They will take care of everything so don''t panic. We will reach as soon as possible. You have to be really strong now.]</em>


    "Alright." Roxy managed to answer then she passed the mobile back. She spoke to the cops. "No need for the cops around."


    Another man in ck gear spoke to the cop, "Lieutenant, we are locating the person behind this, I hope we could cooperate and solve this sooner."


    The cop nced at Roxy thinking who she might be and responded to the man, "Then let''s get on work." Soon two men went with the cop.


    Roxy was forced to get the treatment for her left hand and meanwhile, many doctors and specialists reached the hospital to check on Rian.


    She always thought herself as level headed and detached from her parents. Sitting and thinking about the events, she realized she still gets deeply affected by hearing about her parents. She regretted saying no to Aria when she said she will arrange for their trip.


    She was sure it was due to Jasper Madison, "I want aptop... for hacking, high speed, highly optimized fast processor. Memory above 8 GB, Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce 6100, CPU: Intel Core i5-650, operating system: Windows 8 or 10."


    The man standing at the distance was initially surprised yet he responded inpleteposure, "Young miss, we will arrange it now."


    Roxy didn''t expect her father to go to this extent and she didn''t understand why n and Aria left him off the hook. Now she wants to show her father how it feels to lose everything overnight.


    She never wished to live a rich life, so it doesn''t matter to her if Jasper''s Madisonpany progresses or loses everything. Even if he targeted only her, the process hurt Rian and she wasn''t going to sit and let him y anymore.


    If he had targeted Rian, she would do everything to bring him on the road to the state of begging and rot in the prison forever.


    ---


    In city B


    Aria was in her office when n called her and asked to send the Skylineplete security to Regal hospital stating Rian was injured. Even though they didn''t know what happened or what was the status, both were ready to bust everything from the man who tried to touch Rian.


    Without another second, she mobilized herplete team at country X''s branch while n used his connections to send the doctors, surgeons, and specialists irrespective if they were needed or not.


    Both flew off to country X with their assistants tagging along. They didn''t tell Rowan, Amelia, and Curtis to avoid panicking them. n calmed Aria without knowing he was pacifying himself with her.


    ---


    In the country X


    Roxy was tired of asking every doctor and nurse going in and out of ICU and whenever they took Rian for scans, asking her to wait without delivering any news to her.


    Roxy didn''t know, n had instructed the hospital chairman to keep Rian''s condition a secret. If he was in serious condition, he didn''t want Roxy to lose her cool and do something stupid.


    n knew well, being level headed in all the time or facing little problems is totally irrelevant during the crisis. He didn''t expect or knew if Roxy could be able to handle it so he had instructed it even though it might frighten her further.


    Instead of aptop, the skyline X branch security men set up a high-end untraceable minib in the hospital in less than an hour. Roxy started working on it and soon broke the firewall of thepany. Since she was practiced well to look for loopholes in Skyline firewalls, it was a piece of cake to enter her father''spanywork which wasn''t as protected as Skyline or Morgan Industries.


    She didn''t care to create a backup of the data of his father''spany as Aria does. She targeted both backend and frontend storage while she downloaded the malware she had created while working in Skyline Industries.


    The malware is a software deliberately designed to cause damage to aputer, server, client, orwork. Roxy''s built software was the same, it was developed to destroy and malfunction the data.


    She uploaded and executed the software which started to erase the critical and important data of thepany. Roxy didn''t even blink her eye that carried the wickedness to payback for making them go through all that.


    It was evening, employees were off the work when thepany data started destroying and Roxy soonpleted her n but her anger didn''t seem to subside with it and none of the doctors or nurses were saying anything about Rian''s condition.


    She was very restless without knowing what to do pacing in front of the ICU. Rian wasn''t bleeding anywhere, she prayed there should be any internal bleeding in the head damaging the brain.


    ording to her analogy, Rian was hit on the back of the head which would hurt the parietal lobes of the brain. It has two functional regions. One handles the sensation and judgment while the other one is involved with integrating sensory input that receives from the eyes.


    The damage to those parts could affect Rian to a greater extent affecting daily life. She will never be able to forgive herself if Rian faces any problem which affects his career or damages his self-confidence.


    She knew well Rian will cheer everyone if anything happens to him by burying his real emotions deep inside and she didn''t want anything as such to happen. Everyone needed the crazy, wild, happy Rian, and Roxy couldn''t even imagine her life without him. He was so deeply imprinted in her life that she could disregard her every responsibility for Rian.


    She earned to see Rian every second sitting outside the ICU as her tears unstoppably rolled down her eyes.

 Chapter 397: I-dont-care

    Chapter 397: I-don''t-care


    The Skyline security guards tried their best to convince her to eat something but Roxy refused each time. She didn''t want food now, all she needed was to hear Rian is healthy and she craved to see him.


    Soon weakness overtook her body and slipped off to sleep on the chair watching the ICU board remembering many events of their life.


    -- Five years ago --


    At country A


    As much as Roxy was excited about dating Rian, she was also afraid of losing him.


    She was just five years old when she had seen her father beating her mother and thetter got hospitalized. She wasn''t frightened by it, she was upset because her mother tolerated him every time.


    Hence she distanced herself from Jasper and Scarlett who encourages him by being silent. She just waited until sixteen years and moved out. She had managed to change her name and shifted to country A to stay away from her parents.


    She initially wanted to go to her maternal Uncle - Oliver Cooper who had rarely met her when he used to visit country X but she never got a chance to meet Aria after the age of four years.


    But when shended in country A, the first news that hit her was <em>''Oliver met with an ident.''</em> She settled in the capital without going to city B thinking her parents might visit Aria.


    She loved Rian''s designs and visited city B Morgan Gallery but didn''t get a chance to meet him and thought Aria might not like her presence. She was always bullied by her schoolmates in country X due to her mother having scars every time she visited school and Jasper never cared about her.


    These all led her to be insecure and she was afraid to lose Rian. She never had friends because of the same.


    Rian was exactly opposite to her. He had a loving family, amazing friends and he is handsome. She had thought he wouldn''t agree to date her when she exined about her real rtion with Aria but he didn''t judge her and epted.


    Entering the reputed art university, her first ss was the orientation course for the introduction, new environment, and the course. She left her dorm room and Rian was staying in a vi that n had arranged for him.


    She wasn''tte to the orientation hall, she checked out the vast hall where the paintings of university alumnus were on the wall. It was an inspiration and encouragement to watch those paintings and the wall was called a <em><strong>''Wall of fame''</strong></em> given to a very few numbers of students and each one was an exceptional Artist.


    In the vast hall, she found where Rian was sitting but the seats next to him were upied and he was speaking to them. Snorting in mind, she sat down grumpily where she got the ce without knowing Rian was watching her.


    The dean of the university and many senior fellows hosted the wee party with the introduction to the university academic and academic calendar. All were attentive because it wasn''t a normal college where you study and write the exam, it was an Art college especially focused on creativity so the academic waspletely different too.


    Everyone was yawning when the dean''s speech started from the student topic and went to random unrted things which were especially boring. Roxy is hard to get along with new people quickly and her tough look never attracted anybody to initiate the conversation either so her each side girls were talking with another other.


    Whereas Rian had admirers and fans already, it may be his style or outgoing personality, both attracted girls and boys to have a conversation with him.


    After about half an hour, the dean finally left them and the seniors took over the Diaz to entertain the junior and for the introduction. After the two stage performances, they get on the introduction.


    A senior boy excitedly announced, "Let''s move on to the introduction. The microphone will pass from the first row and each one to introduce yourself and feel free to add an interesting and fun fact about yourself. And And And... anybody out there can ask any question to you including us so please be ready for a fun time."


    Most of the students in the hall, cheered loudly while Roxy sat expressionlessly. She wanted to meet Rian and felt the orientation day was nothing but time waste.


    After about twenty minutes, it was Roxy''s turn. She received the microphone from the next girl and spoke coldly, "I am Roxy Stephen and I am from country A. Thank you."


    She was passing the microphone, a senior asked her in amusement because every student over there gave a lengthy speech to impress telling about their aplishments. "Ms.Stephen, what''s the hurry? Tell everyone about yourself more? Are you new to this field?"


    Roxy straightened her back hearing the pleasant tone of the senior. She pointed the fourth row towards a boy and said, "I joined this University for him and I am not a newbie."


    A silence fell over in the hall for a few seconds while Rian wanted to break her forefinger which was pointing at him. He knows he agreed to date her and she joined the university on his word but it wasn''t necessary to announce on their first day.


    A senior spoke on the microphone and all new joiners started chattering about the duo. Some thought she followed him and some were surprised to know it, "Wow, is there a love story behind or ahead?"


    Roxy nonchntly responded, "Ahead."


    "Who wants to hear the backstory of Ms.Stephen and the handsome guy?" Another senior asked the crowd.


    While many students cheered aloud excitedly to hear, Roxy coldly cut off, "Our personal life doesn''t have to be known by all." Then she passed the microphone and sat down without bothering about the dirty stares, exmation, and chattering.


    It was exactly the opposite to Rian, he was impressed by her boldness and I-don''t-care nature of Roxy but he didn''t like others saying mannerless to her. When it was his turn to speak, all were curious and were waiting to ask questions.


    "I am Rian Morgan from country A..."


    He was cut off by a girl who was sitting in a front row, "Do you love that girl Roxy Stephen?" Rian saw all anticipated gazes on him except one.


    "Nope, I don''t love her," Rian responded promptly and the whole hall burst intoughter looking at Roxy.

 Chapter 398: Tolerance

    Chapter 398: Tolerance


    Roxy knew he was telling the truth butughter and the gazes of others undoubtedly trembled her avoiding her eyesnding on anybody''s face trying to hide her difort.


    Rian continued, "Roxy Stephen is my girlfriend."


    Many gasped hearing her and Roxy instinctively turned around to look at him. She had thought he wanted to hide it. Rian continued, "My girlfriend is one of the top young artists in country A and she had her private gallery before joining here."


    Whoever thought she knew nothing and followed Rian like a crazy one-sided lover quietened down. That didn''t stop there because Rian continued, "The painting at the administration block wall is by my girlfriend which most of you admired in the morning before entering inside."


    As soon as those words left, Roxy was surprised because other than the staff of the university nobody knew she was the one who painted the ten feet tall, 16 feet wide wall.


    When Rian asked her to join the same university, the management had closed admission and the only choice she had was impressing the staff so she had painted the wall alone for the whole night. That''s how she got admission to the top art school in the world. Her expenses for education were also covered by the management who wanted to nurture her.


    The rest of the fellows didn''t dare to speak a word against her, and the fes who were sitting around her started bing friendly with her but Roxy wanted to punch their faces.


    Rian didn''t bother to speak about him and passed the microphone to the next one. Everyone thought there won''t be any more drama or juicy gossips but Roxy started fuming when a girl''s sweet mellow voices sounded.


    "I''m Freya Reid from country A. I am a novice artist in my country and joined this university to excel in this field after knowing Rian Morgan joined here."


    "Oh..." All cheered hearing her and were anticipating to witness a triangr love story soon. Rianzily yawned and turned to check who Freya Reid was but he couldn''t remember her face.


    Freya Reid continued as she blushed, "I will follow him whichever teachers he likes to go to." Unlike normal universities, in their college, professors pick the students they like to take as their apprentice.


    Somebody loudlymented on them, "Hahaha, I would love to see who Rian Morgan epts."


    Rian rolled his eyes shaking his head resignedly. He had thought he could have peaceful three years but the trailer started on the first day. Roxy was shooting daggers at Freya Reid who smiled at her provokingly. Roxy clearly understood her deration of the war. That way, three students from country A became well-known to everyone.


    Roxy wasn''t sure whether she should go up to him because she didn''t want him to be annoyed by her presence around him. Rian was yet to leave and Freya went up to him, "Rian Morgan, I am Freya Reid."


    Rian yawned on her face without a bother and respondedzily, "Whatever." He already told all that he has a girlfriend yet he couldn''t understand why she was giving him a flirtatious look, coquettish tone, and blushing excessively.


    Rian skipped over rows of seats instead of going around it and reached Roxy, "Let''s go... I am hungry." Roxy beamed and went with him talking about his stay and rted things in the country.


    Freya Reid''s face fell watching them leave. When he already said he doesn''t love Roxy Stephen, she couldn''t understand why he is in a rtionship with her. She obviously looked better than the boyish girl Roxy Stephen so she wanted Rian and his attention on her.


    ---


    Roxy admired Rian who might look like the spoiled prince of the wealthy family but he had his principles, morals, and values. Even though both were reserved with each other due to the new rtionship and hardly knew each other, both respected each other''s personal space and time.


    Due to her distant nature from all, she didn''t get to make new friends and that became the disadvantage for her when Freya started pulling her petty tricks on her in the dorms.


    After two weeks of sses on the basics and campus tour, programs, and professors, it came to the Selectionpetition. It was more like a test than thepetition where teachers who were also best renown artists would select the apprentice to train them.


    Rian''s first priority was to be an apprentice under <em>''George Sherman''</em> who stands topmost in a different type of painting. He hadn''t asked who Roxy was choosing so he went with his supplies to therge hall where most of the students were present aspiring to be George Sherman''s apprentice.


    Roxy knew Rian wanted to be under George Sherman and she was early to the hall and found a good ce for him and her. "Rian!" Her moderately loud voice echoed in the hall calling Rian who was thinking where to sit.


    Rian sat by the window seat and nced at Roxy who was checking her painting supplies, "Do you like Teacher Sherman too or here due to me?"


    Roxy didn''t hide and told the truth, "I am already an apprentice of Teacher Sherman. He was the one who spoke to the dean for my admission."


    Rian: "..."


    He was still dreaming to be under Teacher Sherman and his girlfriend had already won the teacher''s heart and was sitting next to him brightly smiling. If Roxy wanted to be high profile, she could easily gain it but ording to his analysis from a few days, he was sure she hates attention and prefers limited people around her. "Then why are you here?"


    "To apany you." She straightforwardly answered unlike what Rian always thought girls would do. She wasn''t blushing or using a sharine voice, she was bold, direct, and in. What actually attracted him was her simplicity.


    "You and my little devil are quite simr. I know her reasons but why do you hide from people?" Rian spoke to time pass till the teacher Sherman announces to begin.


    Roxy looked away from him and sighed deeply before responding to his question, "Socializing with people means to tell about myself. Either I have to lie as an orphan or avoid stating about my distorted family. Nobody respects the girl from both backgrounds."


    He had asked Aria about her aunt Scarlett and her husband, so he knew Jasper Madison was a loose man and resorted to physical abuse. Aria had seen Jasper beating his wife and frightened to tears at the age of four so her fatherpletely avoided her from meeting Jasper.


    Whereas Oliver had tried to talk to Scarlett to divorce him and file domestic violence but she wanted to give aplete family to Roxy hence she tolerated everything silently.


    "There is nothing like that. You overthink everything." Rian gently rubbed her head seeing her gloomy face.

 Chapter 399: They tortured me

    Chapter 399: They tortured me


    Roxy didn''t respond other than ncing at Rian. In city B, she was in an Elite school for less than six months. Only that period of time she wasn''t bullied or bad-mouthed by anybody and she respected those ssmates greatly for that. Hence she thought Rian doesn''t know how the world treats people like her.


    Soon enough, Teacher Sherman, a middle-aged man reached the hall and his eyes gazed over the students who were sitting and anxiously waiting for him. He didn''t waste time in the introduction and directly jumped to action ignoring the pleasantries.


    "Guys, it''s 9 in the morning now, I am giving you twelve hours time, you can use itpletely or finish in an hour, that''s your wish, I will check at evening nine. Your first task... Any art style portrait. Get going."


    Many were disappointed immediately whoever expected him to give statues or objects to paint. Whereas Rian closed his eyes to think whom to paint and the first one came to his mind was Roxy''s confused face and he threw his eyelids open in horror, <em>''What the hell!''</em>


    Roxy who saw teacher Sherman leaving was about to turn to Rian but heard a loud voice, "Ms.Stephen! What are you doing here?" The voice carried a hint of surprise.


    Excluding Rian, all were surprised to discover George Sherman knew Roxy''s name. Roxy stood up and responded clearly, "Teacher Sherman, I would like to participate too."


    George nodded and remarked as he moved out, "You don''t have a choice of teacher other than me so don''t stress out." His stern voice faded as he walked further away but the other students started gasping or eximing or speaking about her that raised a frown on her face.


    Rian pulled her down to sit and saw her gaze wandering on the ground, "Don''t bother about others."


    Roxy hummed with faint smiling before picking up the paint palette. She looked at her left and decided who she is going to paint - Rian.


    Whereas Rian smirked remembering Aria''s smile. He was so well adapted to paint Aria that he could easily make out the different expressions of her face.


    Rian soon got to know Roxy was painting him and she got to know he was painting Aria. She wasn''t jealous but she looked forward to seeing if he could really outstand himself without Aria by his side.


    She had once tried to paint Aria but always found ws in her painting so she anticipated how well he could make out and how many trials he needed to perfect his painting.


    ---


    Roxy grabbed lunch for both and ate in the hall taking a short break whereas some ate and finished their painting and a few continued paint without taking a break.


    It was in the evening seven, Rian stretched himselfpleting the painting, and turned to Roxy''s painting. His jaws dropped looking at four portraits of him in a single canvas. There were serious, curious,ughing, and funny faces that he makes around the Fourie. She hadn''t focused on the background focusing on his facial expression.


    Roxy was stunned looking at Rian''spletely detailed painting. Hair, eyebrows, eye, eyshes, or the curve of Aria''s lips felt like Aria was sitting in front of him and smiling instead of thinking of it as a painting.


    She saw him taking pictures and sent it to somebody. She was thinking he might have sent it to his friends but his mobile rang soon and heard him say, "Bro, want it?"


    [Lamborghini''s new edition hybrid sports car.] Roxy heard the faint yet serious tone of n who was ready to get the painting at any cost by pleasing his own younger brother.


    Rian chuckled hearing him, he just loves how his elder brother wants everything rted to his little devil. [You exactly know what I want. I will courier soon.]


    If somebody unknown hears them speaking they might think like Rian pants Aria for getting expensive things or favors but Roxy knew well that wasn''t the case. Rian loves his brother and Aria way too much.


    <em>''Will I be able to get the same importance?''</em> She thought to herself and sighed deeply. Even if she gets ten percent of it, she would be delighted.


    Rian looked at his painting in satisfaction. Before he learned to paint, he was sketching Aria, and after he learned and practiced he still liked to paint her. Aria might have beaten him for drawing her ugly but she never said no whenever he wanted a model to paint. If not his family, the strong unwavering support is his Little Devil.


    ---


    Both had dinner before going to the hall at nine where the teacher Sherman went to check on the paintings. All the paintings were arranged on the wall for easier disy.


    All noticed that the teacher was just sparing a nce at the painting and moved without watching or selecting one. When he saw Roxy''s painting, he paused and checked it without knowing it as Roxy''s painting and cued his assistant to call the artist behind it.


    The assistant checked his entry and called the name "Roxy Stephen." which caused the teacher to turn to her in appreciation. He selected three more in them one was Freya Reid who snorted looking at Roxy standing in the same row.


    Rian was afraid Teacher Sharmon might not react to his painting when George Sharmon was passing nearing his painting, he started to pray so that George Sharmon would take him as his apprentice.


    George Sharmon paused and the painting and a surprising glint passed on his face. He didn''t queue his assistant but said, "Rian Morgan?"


    Including the assistant, all gasped, and turned to Rian who was frozen. There was no name on the painting and he couldn''t understand how George knew his name. Another student pushed him to front, seeing him unreactive.


    George nodded, moving his finger indicating Rian to join the selected students'' group while others were damn curious to know how the top artist knows a novice painter.


    Roxy guessed saying it in low voice to lost Rian, "I think he must have seen your hundred million worth painting." Rian shook his head in denialing out of his daze. George wasn''t somebody who would check on paintings of a young artist who barely made a name nationally.


    Freya who stood on the other side of Rian smiled shyly swaying her body. Rian hated one who tried to act cute to get his attention and Freya was exactly doing it causing him to repel more and more.


    Roxy rolled her eyes and remarked in the lowest voice possible, "I am creeping out now."


    Freya lost her cool in no time mishearing, ''<em>she creeps me out now.</em>'' and her voice raised grabbing everyone''s attention "Who the f**k do you think you are? Just because Teacher Sherman and Rian are good with you doesn''t erase the fact that you are just a stray cat. You are rich parents'' daughter is just a rumor and you think I can''t get it."


    Freya had asked her rich father to gather information about Roxy Stephen when she got to know Rian''s girlfriend is Roxy. Since the report said she doesn''t have rich parents and she is an orphan.


    If she was a boy, Rian would have punched on her face yet he was about to react, <em>''Pak''</em>


    Roxy didn''t hold back and pped her without a second thought when all the students started murmuring about her. She had thought nobody would care about her and she wouldn''t be bullied in the name of parents but when this leaked, she was sure now all will join in soon.


    George who was checking the painting had turned to the trio by Freya''s shrill tone and witnessed everything. "What is going on?" His overbearing tone silenced everyone but Freya started crying, breaking off her zing re at Roxy.


    "Teacher Sherman, she pped me. She is bullying me." Roxy almost rolled her eyes looking at how fluently Freya acted.


    Before George, his assistant spoke, "Ms.Reid, we don''t entertain your loose tongue or act of frail. Mind what you speak and respect others if you don''t want to be expelled from here."


    George understood the situation and warned, "You- whoever you are, this is thest warning. If I get to a singleint, I will make sure none of the teachers consider taking you under them." It was very obvious he was protecting Roxy who pursed her lips and lowered her head.


    Her guardian in country A was George Sherman who knew about her parents and signed the required papers as her guardian for the admission process. But they didn''t reveal it to anybody because society and people easily think of her as his sugar baby or assume as she is giving him physical favors.


    Freya looked at teacher Sherman and red at Roxy before running out in embarrassment. Now, even if she wanted to hurt Roxy, it became difficult to avenge.


    Rian rubbed Roxy''s back looking at her down, "It''s alright. Ignore them. We meet every kind of person but we have to learn to handle it." Then he doubted his own words, <em>''From when did I start talking all these?''</em>


    Amused, he patted her back and stood silently until a total of ten students were selected and the rest left in disappointment.


    When all thought George was going to seriously speak about the uing sses, he asked Roxy pointing to Rian, "Do you love Rian Morgan?"


    Roxy nced at Rian and nodded, "I do."


    George nodded and turned to Rian, "And he loves somebody else."


    Rian''s lips twitched. They were talking about the love between man and woman so he cared to respond, "The girl in the painting is my little devil and my sister-inw. Roxy is my..."


    George brows rose higher hearing Rian and cut in, "No doubt they tortured me for a year now."


    <em>''They?''</em> All were confused after hearing him. Rian and Roxy looked at each other.

 Chapter 400: Lovebirds

    Chapter 400: Lovebirds


    "Teacher Sherman?" Rian spoke in uncertainty but didn''t get to continue speaking.


    "If your paintings weren''t spectacr I would lodge aint against your brother and sister-inw." George grimly stated and strode out announcing to all, "Tomorrow at nine near theke. Be on time. I don''t entertain theters. You will receive all the required information in the messenger group in an hour." Just like that he left.


    George was receiving emails from two emails with the artist information and the painting pictures but he never cared to respond to any even if he knew they wanted him to take the artist directly as a personal apprentice rather than a student in the college.


    All left while Rian stood in front of his painting and dialed Aria''s number preparing himself to chide her. Roxy curiously stood next to him to hear the conversation.


    Rian''s grim voice was hoarse, "Little Devil..." Roxy thought he was really angry and was going to scold Aria just because Aria and n were trying to make George familiar with Rian Morgan.


    But the other end''s voice was sad and whining, "Beauty..."


    Rian''s tone and expression went to concern forgetting he was enraged, "Little Devil, we are only away for two weeks, aren''t we meeting at Noah''s ce? Why are you gloomy?"


    Roxy: "..." <em>''Wasn''t he angry just a second back?''</em>


    She moved her ear slowly next to mobile and heard Aria''s voice with the other two crying out loudly, "We miss you."


    Rian jerked his hand away hearing the high pitched voices and hit Roxy who he hadn''t noticed, "Ouch" Roxy started rubbing her ear, "Ri.." Rian covered Roxy''s mouth with his right hand quickly.


    "O that''s a girl''s voice."


    "You guys hit off so soon?"


    "Hehehe Beauty, what are you guys doing at this hour after your selection sses?"


    Rian lied pressing Roxy''s lips, "I am going to the vi and bumped into somebody."


    Aria giggled teasingly while the other two thought it as real. Rian didn''t notice he had pinned Roxy to the wall covering her lips to stop her talking.


    After talking fifteen minutes, Rian was checking his mobile when Roxy poked his cheek to bring him back to the world from the universe of Fourie. Both weren''t the type to blush or feel embarrassed standing close looking at each other.


    Rian casually rubbed her ear taking his hands off from her lips and questioned, "Did it hurt?"


    Roxy nodded first looking at him then shook her head, "It''s fine now." Roxy felt they were too in for each other and it started feeling like they were more like strangers than a couple who are dating. However, she didn''t say anything thinking of giving him time.


    Rian walked her to the dorm before going to his vi while the college forum exploded with Rian and Roxy''s picture in an angle that seemed like they were kissing. Both beingzy, they didn''t check their mobile and went to bed.


    ---


    The next day,


    Rian and Roxy were going towards theke where George had mentioned, both started hearing the others teasing them. "Were you guys waiting for us to leave?"


    "I wouldn''t have minded if it happened in front of us. It would be such a feast to the eyes."


    "She masters in seduction too." Who else can this be other than Freya?


    "I was itching to paint you guys looking at the picture. Hahaha Rian, next time you two will be my models."


    Rian couldn''t control himself from asking, "What the hell are you guys talking about?" Feast, seduction, picture, nothing was going to their head.


    Freya whinged rightfully giving a dirty stare to Roxy, "She uploaded a picture of you two kissing on the forum."


    Rian and Roxy: "..."


    Roxy turned to Rian and asked in perplex, "When did you kiss me? Why don''t I remember?"


    Freya: "..."


    Rian took another student''s mobile to check the picture beforeughing, "Seriously? You should have checked our shadow to know if we were kissing or not." Rolling his eyes, he held Roxy''s hand and walked ahead before pinning her to the tree away from everyone''s sight.


    The other eight realized they weren''t kissing looking at the shadow on the ground by checking the picture again. Freya ground her teeth as she went with others while Roxy and Rian went out of their sight.


    "You don''t remember?" Rian asked with a dark gaze on Roxy who started thinking what to remember.


    Yes, Rian needed time to be in a rtionship after whatever happened with Mian Walker and he had thought Roxy was bold and outgoing so she might take the lead but she was behaving like a stranger other than gazing his face in silence all the time.


    He couldn''tprehend what was going on in her head. If she could torture him daily going around him when they were in Elite school and be cheerful, <em>''why is she so silent and passive when they are officially dating?''</em>


    Roxy asked back in dilemma, "Is there anything I should remember?"


    Rian gritted his teeth misunderstanding she forgot their first kiss which she had disclosed as her first kiss. His sharp and curt voice sounded, "Yes"


    After it, he crushed on her soft rosy lips as his right hand raised, propped her chin high to wlessly mold their lips, and sucked her lower lip hard receiving no response.


    Roxy who was frozen came out of her daze to realize he was really kissing her. He wasn''t soft but fierce and voracious like venting his disappointment through the kiss. <em>''Why is he frustrated?''</em>


    Her mind still couldn''t focus on the right point which pissed off Rian bit her lower lip until he heard her growl in pain and he left her. Conflicted between his behavior and her unresponsive state, his heart weighed down thinking whether another girl was ying him again.


    Frowning, his sharp gazended on her confused eyes. He didn''t want to assume the conclusion but he started questioning himself if he chose the wrong one to date.


    Roxy felt his gaze piercing through her soul but when she caught the disappointment and uncertainty sh on his face she realized she was lost in her own thoughts and didn''t give the required attention to him.


    Rian turned to leave but Roxy pulled him back and stood on her toes as her right hand went his nape without letting him shrug her off, "Let me differentiate between dream and reality." Her tone had turned lowced with mellowness which he never heard in her tone before.


    He gazed down at her raised brows, determination in her eyes, and slightly parted lips which were red due to his bite. He had questions to ask but he remained silent letting her talk.


    "I was stunned for too long, wasn''t I?" Roxy asked before pressing her lips on his lips. Slowly wrapping her both arms around his neck pulling him closer, she paused and whispered against his lips, "How can I forget my first kiss?"


    She captured his lips again with little more dearness. She never felt shy to do what she likes, as the one who wants to lead her life on her own ord, she was more than willing to lead the kiss.


    She didn''t care whether she was kissing the right way or clumsy, she thought she could only learn after trying so she was patient taking his lower lip between hers and continued sucking on it.


    Lost in her own world kissing the guy she liked, she didn''t notice when a hand snaked around her waist and another held her backhead. Rian wasn''t sure what the future had for him but until he couldn''t step up, he wouldn''t know if he was wrong or right so he let go of his dilemmas and reciprocated.


    Roxy gasped when Rian''s hand gently squeezed her waist. He took a chance and slipped his tongue in her mouth moving against hers. Rian almost groaned remembering his first kiss and how she tasted the same.


    Roxy tightened her arms feeling her knees weaken matching his demanding kiss forgetting they had ss. After it felt like forever, she managed to break the kiss, both were panting heavily pressing their forehead on each other.


    She pointed to his pocket and said breathlessly, "Yours- Your mobile..." She leaned on him with his arm around her while he took his mobile out and saw the contact name ''Zak'' Another student under George Sherman.


    "Crap... We arete to the ss." Rian said and held her hand, "Hurry..."


    Roxy chuckled and ran a step behind him looking at their intertwined fingers. Even if they don''t work out together, she would heartily cherish the memories with him.


    Instead of waiting for him to get along, she decided to talk it out with him about everything, it may be the confusion, questions, worries she had.


    As soon as they reached near theke where the open ss was arranged, George grimly warned, "Lovebirds, this is the first andst chance I am allowing to attend my ss foringte. Keep your puppy dog love away from my sses and your career if you want to grow."


    "We will take care of it, Teacher Sherman," Rian responded before pulling her towards empty chairs. Roxy was trying hard to control her smile and look serious while asking in the lowest possible tone, "What are you going to take care of?"


    Rian twisted her ear and whispered back, "You brat."


    Freya grounded her teeth seeing them happy and glowing. She reverted her gaze back to George who was briefing about how to perceive nature and choose the colors.

 Chapter 401: Overwhelmed

    Chapter 401: Overwhelmed


    Slowly Rian and Roxy warmed up to each other, started having fun, went on dates, explored the city but they didn''t let those affect their progress of learning and expertise their skills better with the help of George Sherman.


    Roxy most of the time ignored Freya Reid''s judgemental gazes or words without thinking too much about it but unfortunately, she didn''t care to get along with anybody else. She was a single upant in her dorm room so she was practically alone when Rian went to country E to meet his friends.


    Rian wanted to take her to meet his friends but Roxy didn''t want to be a third wheel between the best friends. During his day of absence, George Sharmon arranged an activity for them and each team had two members.


    Freya who heard it smiled wickedly and purposefully teamed up with Roxy to trouble her in the absence of Rian. Out of four ces, Roxy and Freya got the abandoned ce location to visit and paint it for the practice.


    Freya excitedly chose the ce for them, "Roxy, you have to teach me this time. I have never tried such a deep theme in my painting."


    Roxy feigned ignorance on her overexcitement and started searching where they could go to get such a location. Freya got the location first and pushed her mobile at her, "This ce has an amazing view beach and old church. Let''s go here." She pointed at a picture and continued, "You take this angle and I will choose a little easier angle which I could manage. Is it alright?"


    Unwillingly, Roxy nodded, and both left in the cab towards the location. It wasn''t far but it wasn''t near either. She kept her silence while Freya kept on bluffing the whole time narrating the ces she had visited in that city.


    After alighting the cab, Roxy realized the whole area is an abandoned ce and they couldn''t get a vehicle anywhere nearby. She looked around and turned to the cab, "Mister, will you be able to wait for three to four hours? I will pay you the waiting charges."


    Freya spoke instead of the driver, "I have already spoken to him, he will wait for us."


    Roxy failed to notice her hidden ns and went with her towards the church which was about a hundred meters away from the main road.


    Undoubtedly, Roxy liked the abandoned church against the blue sky and sea as background. If she wasn''t daring and confident, she would be trembling like Freya.


    Freya watched the church that looked spooky and nced at Roxy''s smirk as she ced her stand and started preparing to start her work. She had no nerve to move away from Roxy and thetter didn''t care to notice what was up to.


    Both silently did their work, Freya managed to be there for an hour and spoke, "Roxy, I need to use the washroom, there seemed to be none here. I will go behind the bush."


    Roxy unmindfully hummed and didn''t notice Freya taking both of their bags and leaving silently. Freya took the cab and soon left the eerie ce which gave her goosebumps all the time.


    As soon as they left Freya started rummaging her bag to take her mobile but didn''t find one. <em>''Holy cow, she will call for help. Ugh.''</em>


    She wanted to return because others will get to know she left Roxy alone in the eerie ce but the thought of Roxy taking revenge on her and she might leave her there and take the cab scared her more. She threw Roxy''s bag out of the cab and returned to the university.


    Roxy hadn''t cared to check anything until her mobile went off. She pulled her mobile out and spoke to Rian for nearly fifteen minutes. Rian asked casually, "Where are you now?"


    "I don''t know. It''s the outskirts near the abandoned church. There are many abandoned houses here. It''s kind of a mysterious ce."


    Rian''s tone turned unpleasant, "You fool, there is an abandoned old administration block, teacher Sherman meant that building for the project. The bridge is at the western gate of the University, the building is at the IT department, theke is on the campus and another arch is our university arch. Why did you go to an unknown ce? Are you nuts?"


    Roxy realized, teacher Sherman didn''t mention exiting the university and it was Freya who checked the choice they got and she just believed it. She turned to the Freya''s painting stand and realized she didn''t return from more than half an hour, she nced down to see that there were no bags.


    "Rian..." Roxy almost told him what was going on but shut her lips. She didn''t want to worry Rian who was out in another country enjoying with his friends.


    She changed her tone and rxed immediately, "Hahaha, I was kidding. I am at university." She disregarded the fact that Rian knew a few friends who could pick her up and there won''t be anything to worry about.


    Rian sighed on the other end and moved on the topic. They spoke a little more time while Roxy started searching around if Freya had really left or fainted somewhere. She saw the cab wasn''t there anymore and realized she finally fell into Freya''s trick.


    By the end she ended the call, her mobile died eventually without letting her check if she could call for any cab. She waited on the main road for more than three hours until one vehicle passed by and waved her hand but she was shocked to see the vehicle take a U-turn and leave from there.


    She wasn''t scared but was mulling over how to reach back the city when a board came to her vision. <em>''No trespassing'' Below it, there were faded words she took time to read. ''Paranormal activity is observed.''</em>


    Roxy wasn''t sure if she should get scared by it or not but realized why the car took U-turn and left before reaching near her. While going the location she had noticed for quite a few miles there was no living habitat around so she had no choice but to start walking even if it takes her more than four hours.


    She started at four in the afternoon and walked alone till nine in the night and fortunately, she got her bag on the way in which she had some snacks and water.


    <em>Was she angry? Nope</em>


    <em>Was she sad? Nope</em>


    She has suffered far more troubles and bullying, she felt nothing by it other than feeling lonely walking alone on the street alone. She had forgotten how it felt to be lonely after she got along well with Rian.


    She wasn''t sure how long she could manage on her feet but she pushed her limits and reached the small town where arge group and men and women were sitting, chatting, andughing heartily.


    She clumsily sat on the empty chair and asked, "Excuse me, I want a cab to reach the city. Please help me with finding one around here."


    A middle-ageddy reached the paled Roxy whose voice was ailing, "How did you reach here?" While removing her strands of wet hair away from her face, thatdy gasped, "Girl, you are burning."


    Roxy shook her head and caught her breath, "I am fine. My mobile is off so I couldn''t call a cab. Is there a way to reach back to the city?"


    A few moredies reached her and helped her drink water, another one took her mobile to keep for charging in their house, another one quickly brought fruits for her to eat.


    Roxy tried to stop them from treating her but they didn''t listen and forced her to eat and take medicine for fever. Assuring her that they will send her back the next day, she was sent a house to take a rest.


    Overwhelmed with their kindness, Roxy cried half of the night before falling asleep. Shouldn''t she be feared one for going to such a ce and being in the unknown''s house? Roxy wasn''t frightened by all that. She usually felt safe around unknowns than around the people like Freya Reid.


    ---


    She had no idea her fever had returned in the early morning and the house owner took care of her while she had no conscious.


    When she woke up in the afternoon, Rian was sitting beside her eagerly waiting for her to wake. Rian had repeatedly called Roxy in the morning afternding the flight but his call was answered by an unknown man who gave him the address to pick Roxy.


    Only he knew how much he was panicked when an unknown voice sounded on the other end of the call.


    "Rian!" She crawled up and encircled her hands when he went near her. Rian caressed her head breathing a sigh of relief, "Stupid girl, why did you lie to me? I would have arranged for someone to pick you."


    Roxy didn''t respond other than wrapping her hands tighter around him. She wanted to say, <em>''Never leave me alone again.''</em> but she buried it. She was afraid Rian mightugh at her making fun of her or might feel her as clingy. "I am fine."


    Rian stood up and helped her wear the jacket as he said, "Time to handle that Freya Reid."

 Chapter 402: Resolute and unemotional

    Chapter 402: Resolute and unemotional


    At the Art University


    Rian and Roxy were on the way to the administration block toin but two boys pounced on Rian and started beating him in the quiet alleyway of the building.


    "Rian!" Roxy yelled when somebody punched his stomach. "Let him go." she tried to push them away but a boy roughly shoved her against the wall.


    <em>''Thump''</em> Her head hit the wall and she started feeling dizzy while Rian continued to persevere with them. She noticed Freya peeking at them in the corner trying to control her body and herself.


    Roxy didn''t need more exnation. In the fear they mightin to the administration and expel her, Freya was physically forcing them to stop. Roxy pressed her head where she felt warm and realized she was bleeding. "Rian!" She shrieked when she saw a boy trying to hurt his right hand.


    For an artist, nothing is more important than the right hand. If anything happens to it, theirplete dream and passion crumble to nothing. Roxy decisively took her bag positioning the paint palette to the corner and smashed on the head of a boy who was adamant about ruining Rian''s hand.


    <em>''Didn''t Freya Reid stated that she likes him? Why isn''t she stopping them from injuring Rian?''</em> Roxy thought to herself without the right response to it.


    Rian took the chance to shove the other one away before kicking his stomach. Roxy wanted to take their picture as they didn''t know their name but they fled quickly.


    Roxy panicked looking at Rian''s right-hand knuckles bleeding and cried out as her tears rolled on her cheeks, "Rian, your... your hand... Doctor... we need to go to the hospital."


    Rian wanted toin first but Roxy pulled him out and drove his car to the hospital. All the way to the hospital, Rian tried to calm Roxy who kept on ming herself for bringing trouble to him.


    After sending Rian for scanning, Roxy was anxiously pacing outside thinking how to handle what to do if Rian''s hand is injured and <em>what if he couldn''t paint again?</em> The more she thought about the possibility, she started trembling with the more and more what-ifs.


    Rian''s mobile went off disying <em>''Little Devil''</em> she answered in worrisome. [Beauty, why aren''t you responding to messages? Did you reach safely?]


    Roxy controlled sobbing, "Arr..." She paused because she didn''t have the liberty to call her Arrie, "Aria..."


    Aria cut her off on the other hand but her tone turned serious, "Roxy? Are you crying? Where is Rian?"


    Roxy told everything because she wanted somebody to me her for being careless and putting Rian at danger but she heard nothing on the other end for a quite few seconds until she realized the car door opening and closing shut. "Aria?"


    "I aming." Then she hung up the call without letting her speak another word.


    Now Roxy started to think whether she made a mistake by briefing everything to Aria and what if she put Aria in danger too if she reaches them.


    When Rian exited the treatment room, he had cast around his palm, and Roxy burst into tears, "I am sorry, I am sorry..."


    The doctor who went out with Rian tried to speak while thetter continuously coaxed her stating nothing happened to him. Then the doctor said, "It is only an outer wound. Your boyfriend can paint after a week. It''s just a precaution and he is perfectly alright."


    Roxy stopped crying and sobbed holding Rian''s right hand, "Then this big cast?"


    The doctor patiently exined, "Even if I warn, I am sure he wouldn''t stop using his right hand and he might hurt his nerves near the wound so this rxes his hand."


    Rian teased after hearing the doctor, "I didn''t know my girlfriend is a crybaby." He patted her head as he and the doctor chuckled looking at the flushed face of Roxy.


    Then the doctor gave her instruction rted to Rian''s other minor wounds before letting them go. All the way to Rian''s vi, he wasughing his heart out while Roxy drove the car with a poker face trying to erase her embarrassment.


    <em>''I was really frightened, alright?''</em> She thought to herself and drove the car to a quiet high-ss regency. With Rian''s directions, she stopped in front of a modern vi.


    "Isn''t it too big for yourself?" Roxy asked as she alighted the car.


    Rian inwardly smiled remembering how Amelia, n, and Aria were discussing and eliminating vis and penthouses being over cautious about his safety. Although they didn''t tell him, he knew well they were afraid if anybody tried to reach him to ckmail n or Aria for their own benefit.


    But his response waspletely contrary to it, "What? I am a party animal, I wanted a mansion, not a little vi."


    Roxy rolled her eyes following him. It had been a month and she didn''t see or hear him saying he partied. The interior of the vi wasplimenting Rian''s style, unique designer lights, posh and sophisticated furniture, and designs. She noticed a pool as she twirled to check around.


    A picture on the wall caught her attention. It was a family picture with Aria. She smiled recorrecting herself, <em>''A family picture!''</em> Aria was a part of the family already or from a very long back.


    Noticing Rian entering the kitchen, she grabbed his hand pulling him back to the living hall. "Don''t dare to do any work for a week." She ordered take away for lunch. After eating, Rian was forced to sleep by Roxy who wasn''t recovered out of her shock yet.


    ---


    It was dinner time when he woke up yawning but the room door flung open without a knock and he saw Aria striding towards him. He quickly hid his hand thinking he forgot to contact her hence she was there.


    "Are you freaking nuts? Who travels between countries to check if I am safe and sound?" Rian roared and his left hand flicked on Aria''s head.


    Aria''s lips twitched and smacked on his head, "You headless fool, thousand times I have told you to use your other bloody limbs, why the hell do you use your hands and hurt yourself."


    Rian: "..."


    He turned and saw Roxy standing at the door, scratching her head for forgetting to inform Rian about Aria. He started his acting, "Ouch... Ouch... Little devil, my head is paining."


    Roxy: "..."


    Aria quickly stood on her knees on the bed and started checking his head. Finding nothing, "let''s go to the hospital. Get up. Rian, get up..."


    Rian regretted worrying her more and called her near, "Come here" He hugged her gently patting her back, "Rx, that stupid girl already drained me out. You can check my scanning reports there."


    Roxy saw Aria pinching him before sitting next to him. Messing her hair, Aria said in tiresome, "I was so scared. Thank god, I didn''t tell n or others." else they would cent percent ran over to country S to check on him.


    <em>''Growl''</em>


    Rian''s stomach rumbled stating he was hungry. Roxy stated, "I will order food delivery." While Aria said, "I will cook."


    Roxy''s face fell, understanding Aria knows to cook and she didn''t. Rian didn''t notice Roxy and grinned at Aria, "I was so bored eating my cooking." Then he gave a big list of whatever he wanted to eat to which Aria agreed to all ignoring how tired she was from two days of continuous travel.


    After cooking andte sumptuous meal, Aria dozed off while talking with n who was grim knowing she was tiring herself and also d his brother was fine.


    Roxy grumbled to Rian who wasn''t sleepy and was watching television, "I don''t know how to cook."


    Rian understood where she wasing from and why was gloomy from the time Aria started cooking, "Don''t you know cooking? Such a simple thing, how can you not know?" He tried to tease.


    Roxy lowered her head assuming he was annoyed and angry, "I will try to learn."


    Rian chuckled hearing her solemn tone and somber face, "I know to cook so I can cook so chill. Nobody is asking you to cook."


    Roxy was surprised hearing it but she still tried to check his reaction, "Arrie knows everything."


    Rian shook his head and turned to face her, "She doesn''t know everything, can she paint like you? Is she sad about that? Simrly, you know a set of things and she knows a set of things. Don''t fret over unnecessary things, alright? Go and sleep now."


    Roxy nced at the stairs once then she pointed to the couch, "I will sleep here." The vi had three rooms, Aria was in the guest room, the cleaner was in his room and another room was Rian''s room. She wasn''t close enough to share the room with Aria so she wanted to sleep on the couch.


    Rian saw her hesitant to share a room with Aria, he took her with him to his room, "Rest!" and threatened, "Don''t dare to move towards me."


    Roxy hmphed and went to bed when Rian went to take a bath. She didn''t think too much because they were already in a rtionship.


    ---


    The next day she woke up to see Rian sleeping on the couch while she had thought he would be sleeping on the other end of the bed.


    Then she heard a knock on the door so she quickly went to the door to see Aria who peeked in to see if Rian was sleeping, "Take me to those who attacked you guys. Let him sleep."


    Roxy shook her head, "They aren''t safe." In other words, what she meant was, Aria can''t face them, they were strong and bully.


    "I said <em>''Take me there.''</em>" Aria''s unyielding voice was resolute and unemotional.


    Roxy didn''t want to pull up trouble on Aria but she felt helpless against her, "Five minutes."

 Chapter 403: Immoral students

    Chapter 403: Immoral students


    At the boys'' dorm


    Roxy tried to convince Aria to stop meeting them but Aria was adamant on it, "Roxy Stephen, you clearly know physical strength isn''t actually important to win anything. Don''t you?"


    Roxy knew she was referring to the time when two boys attacked Rian together and she couldn''t support him in time. "But they are..."


    Aria cut, "1125... This room?"


    Roxy nodded, that was the room other group mates told her, "Aria, you..."


    <em>''Bam''</em>


    Aria kicked open the door to see a girl bbering which the two boys were annoyed hearing her. At the sudden intrusion, the trio turned and saw Roxy and a new unknown... known girl.


    Freya stammered, "You... You are Rian''s sister-inw."


    The two boys gazed at the new girl head to toe. She was wearing denim shorts with an oversized t-shirt that looked like a man''s shirt. Her hair was tied in a high ponytail and she hadpleted her look with white running shoes. Simple yet striking.


    Roxy saw those guys gazing at Aria''s slender wless legs and she panicked without a reason and pulled Aria behind her, "You three, be prepared to pay for your deeds."


    Aria patted her back looking at the boysughing. While a boy closed the door frightening Roxy and a smirk appeared on the girl''s face, Aria started exining to Roxy, "When the opposition is physically stronger than us, we have to choose where the pain hits their brain."


    "Huh?" Roxy was trying to safeguard Aria looking at the two boys and hearing the evilughter of Freya so she didn''t understand what she meant.


    Aria pulled Roxy aside as her leg raised with an angle of hundred-degree dropping Freya and Roxy''s jaws. Aria kicked the chin of the guy who was savoring her legs.


    "Ahhh..." His tongue stuck between his teeth while he was licking his own lips.


    Aria again vocalized, "This move is difficult if you haven''t practiced or don''t have the flexibility that I understand but this kick is easier." She twirled and kicked the groin of another boy who was facing her back looking at his friend groaning in pain. Now it was his turn to hold his crotch and cry in pain.


    Freya and Roxy: "..." They looked alternatively at the groaning big and tall guys on the floor and the slender and petite girl in front of them.


    Roxy gulped looking at Aria who blinked innocently and said, "I am a red belt." She was two-level down the ck belt in martial arts which Roxy understood but Freya didn''t.


    Freya realized they were going toin and the college would cancel her student visa and deport her back to the country so she charged Aria from behind. She bounced to hold Aria''s hair, "You--"


    Aria twisted a little and kicked her stomach flying her to the wall and <em>''Thump''</em> Freya started crying in pain louder than the boys.


    Aria shrugged, "I never said I wouldn''t hit girls." Then she turned to Roxy who didn''t know what to speak. Aria continued, "Boys usually don''t hit the other boy''s sensitive area but that doesn''t mean we shouldn''t use it to protect ourselves. I am not asking you to learn to protect Rian, this is to protect yourself." Then she kicked the potbelly of the boy who was holding his chin in pain.


    Aria nced at the other boys at the door who were amazed just by looking at thest kick. They heard the groaning of the boys and opened the door to witness only thest one, "I need help."


    A boy voluntarily stepped ahead who looked sluggish yet mature, "We will bring them to the dean''s office."


    Aria didn''t show her amusement about how easily he understood the help she needed, "Thank you." She held Roxy''s hand and pulled her out of the room and dorm eventually. The car was already in front of the dorms so she hopped in with Roxy and drove to the administration block while Roxy was looking at her as if she is an alien from another world.


    "What''s wrong?" Aria parked as she asked.


    Roxy asked in hesitation, "Don''t you get scared? What if other boys attacked you?"


    Aria took out a pocket knife which took in Rian''s vi and pepper spray from the pockets of her shorts. "If I hold anybody as a hostage, I can easily escape." Both alighted grabbing medical reports of Rian andptop as she spoke, "Usually people look at me as a green girl which is their problem and assumes I am easy, so I can easily bring the ones down who don''t have a brain."


    "Oh," she followed Aria looking at her and herself. People easily think Roxy is a strong, bold girl but she couldn''t control a boy and Aria looks fragile and delicate but she was flexible and smart enough to react to the situation.


    She had thought Aria looked down on her and purposefully wasn''t meeting her or going to see her in country X during the past fourteen years. The small bitterness she had for Aria started topletely clear.


    Aria asked the attendant outside the dean''s office, "Excuse me, we don''t have an appointment but we need to talk to Dean about an important issue."


    The attendant spoke respectfully, "Let me check with Sir. Please have a seat." He pointed at the waiting area.


    Aria thanked and sat down as she asked Roxy, "Are there any cameras nearby?" Roxy had seen only in a few ces which she exined while Aria heard her and started working on herptop.


    Roxy who knew the hacking saw how smoothly Aria entered the universitywork and extracted the rted videos. After extracting the video, she was sleekly exited thework and heard the attendant, "Dean has a program to attend in fifteen minutes, please make it faster."


    Aria nonchntly responded as she entered, "He might have to skip the program."


    Roxy wasn''t sure what Aria was up to so she just followed her lead. Aria shook her hand with Dean, "Hello, I am Aria Cooper." Dean nodded and pointed seats for them to sit in uncertainty if he was meeting a student from the university or some professional business personnel looking at Aria''s stance.


    "Please have a seat. I heard something important, so please."


    Aria passed him the file which she had in her hands, "I am not a student here. She is Roxy Stephen and this is the report of Rian Morgan. Both are the university students and both are injured by your university students." She pointed the gauze around Roxy''s head as she spoke.


    "To cut everything short, a girl named Freya Reid tricked and left Roxy in a remote ce where there is no transportation facility. Rian brought Roxy back and when they were on the way toin, two boys and Freya Reid attacked the duo. Rian sustained pretty bad injuries. I want you to suspend three students immediately."


    Roxy''s mouth was wide open hearing her directing Dean about what to do instead of justining. Dean understood what happened and why it reached till him looking at the report and analyzed Rian Morgan''s right hand is injured but he was speechless when he heard Aria mentioning about the suspension of the students.


    Just then, the trio heard themotion and three boys brought the groaning girl and the other two boys who were in pain. "What is going on?"


    Aria responded promptly, "I beat them."


    Dean: "..."


    The other students didn''t expect her to openly ept it either including Roxy. Freya started her overacting. "Sir, she kicked my stomach, I might die, it hurts a lot..." She held her head, swayed a few seconds, and fainted falling on the boy.


    The boy who had brought her there was unsure if he should hold her or leave her aside without knowing if she was acting or really fainted.


    Aria turned her swivel chair towards her and spoke looking at the girl, "Roxy, should I kick her again to verify she isn''t acting here? Or how about we ask somebody to tear her clothes to examine where she is hurt?"


    Roxy chuckled understanding she was tricking Freya while others were bewildered. Freya quickly straightened her back and pushed the boy away who wasn''t even holding her, "Get away from me."


    Dean''s face darkened understanding Freya was acting fragile. Aria again faced Dean and turned herptop to Dean. "I don''t have all day time nor you do. These are the initial proof I gathered to prove Rian and Roxy were hurt during the time these three entered and exited. If you want to stand for your immoral students, go ahead however be ready to receive the notice from mywyer tomorrow against the university and those students. I am leaving rest to you."


    Aria stood up and closed theptop. She grabbed medical reports withptop and turned to leave but paused, Her overbearing tone sounded, "I am not bluffing. If I don''t see the result by lunchtime, I will viral all the post ruining your university reputation. Try me if you dare."


    "Wow!" The two boys unknowingly eximed hearing her and controlled themselves from apuding for her while Dean was still digesting the direct threat.


    <em>''What the freaking hell is going on? A little girl is frightening me in my office.''</em> Dean shook his head to remove the thoughts off and concentrate on the problem.

 Chapter 404: I dont babysit

    Chapter 404: I don''t babysit


    "I hope we could consider this meet as pleasant without the need for another one." Aria ended her words and turned to the boys who brought those three to the administration block. Her tone slightly toned down to express the gratefulness for the help. "Thank you so much for your help."


    She pulled her wallet out and took out the country''s currency of a few thousand which would be enough for them to party all night, "I am sorry, I can''t treat you to a meal now. I hope you can ept this and enjoy a meal."


    Before anybody could react, Dean reacted, "Excuse me, who are you? And why are you speaking for Roxy Stephen and Rian Morgan?"


    Aria wasn''t sure if Dean should be intimidated by her to pressurize him or the normal introduction would be fine. She chose the former option because she didn''t want Rian to be in trouble again.


    "Pardon me for the iplete introduction. I am Aria Cooper, President of Skyline Industries. Sister-inw of Rian Morgan and also his friend. Anything else Sir?"


    Aria heard the others gasp while the Dean remembered the important data and asked to confirm, "You- Are you from country Z?" Skyline branch was opened in country A just a half a year earlier by n so most of the influential people were invited hence it wasn''t surprising to hear it. Dean continued, "Twopanies funded us this year, Skyline and Morgan Industries."


    Aria merely nodded and Dean understood Rian Morgan belongs to the family of Morgan Industries. He erased his dilemmas and doubts and courteously responded, "I will make sure to handle the things effectively. Rest assured."


    This is the part Aria hated the most. She couldn''t fathom why they give more importance to wealthy and high profile people. She sighed and responded, "Thank you then."


    She turned to the other three boys and a boy spoke, "No need for money. We will visit Rian."


    Aria''s poker face didn''t change hearing them and questioned Roxy, "Are they your friends?" Roxy promptly answered, "Rian knows them. I don''t know them."


    Aria then responded to those boys, "then please contact Rian for his address. Thank you." Without batting an eyelid and giving an extra nce, Aria left with Roxy to reach the vi before Rian woke up.


    --


    In the vi,


    While cooking for Rian and themselves, Aria had to cook for the other three who wereing. Roxy tried to learn looking at Aria but ended up spilling her blood on the vegetables.


    Rian and Aria looked at each other and burst intoughter when Roxy nonstop apologized to Aria for spoiling the chopped vegetables.


    "I am not going to ughter you. There is nothing to be frightened of me." Aria tried to rx Roxy but she became even more nervous around Aria while thetter cleaned and applied a band-aid around her finger


    Roxy was hiding her real identity from Aria and she was afraid how Aria might react if she knew, hence she didn''t want to get close until she could convince herself to reveal about herself.


    Rian noticed the atmosphere turning awkward between Aria and Roxy so he quickly sent Roxy to the supermarket to get beer for his friends who were joining. Country A didn''t have the wine habit and preferred beer so it was needed too.


    --


    Roxy who bought a beer case remembered Aria didn''t bring clothes in hurry to check on them and was wearing previous day shorts and Rian''s t-shirt. So she quickly picked a few dresses for her by guessing her size then she grabbed two t-shirt dresses for herself.


    ---


    In the vi,


    Ariapleted her cooking and took a bath. Having no clothes, she was roaming around in a bathrobe torturing Rian to know who could deliver clothes in an hour maximum or asking him to go and shop for her.


    Just then three friends entered to see Aria pulling Rian''s ear wearing nothing but a single white bathrobe. "I We Sorry, we willeter." Then they ran out of their sight.


    Rian and Aria looked at each other and controlledughing but started acting, "Hey, you- stay away from me." Aria held her robe tightly ring at Rian.


    "You are the one who is seducing me." Rian countered.


    Roxy who heard the duo shouting inside saw three boys at the gates. "You are at the right address."


    Zak, a tall one coughed awkwardly without knowing what to tell and looked at the other two. A fair one blurted out, "I think you shouldn''t go inside."


    Another one asked, "Are you really Rian''s girlfriend?"


    Roxy shrugged those questions without understanding why they were being so weird, "Let''s go in. Lunch is ready." Scratching their head, they followed Roxy thinking what to do if Rian was cheating on Roxy.


    Aria and Rian were continuing to banter ming each other. "Did you forget I have a fiance?"


    "Wait, I willin to my brother." Rian pulled his mobile out in excitement to continue squabbling with the little devil after so long. <em>''Ahh, I missed my little devil.''</em>


    Aria crossed her arms and smugly said, "Let''s see who he believes."


    "You are in a bathrobe, all will doubt you, not me." Rian gave his point.


    "Dirty mind, lewd thoughts. Hmph." Aria hmphed and ran behind him to take his mobile. "Don''t you dare wake him up from sleep, I will chop you into..."


    Roxy lightly coughed seizing their attention, Rian shot on his feet and stood behind her, "Roxy, she is trying to seduce me." The three boys turned to Aria thinking about how she could do that when Rian''s brother is her fiance.


    Aria pulled Roxy next to her, "Your boyfriend is very loose. You better tame him."


    Rian saw cousins standing together abandoning him, "Hey, she is my girlfriend." Rian pulled Roxy away from Aria iming her as his. Then he imed Aria by pointing his forefinger at Roxy and said, "Don''t you even dare covet my little devil." He went to Aria and hugged her by shoulder hearing Aria chuckle. "She is my little devil, not yours."


    Roxy and other three friends who were confused as hell: "..."


    Roxy controlled going to Rian and smacking his head after looking at three disbelief faces of his friends. She held paper bags up at Aria but her tone turned timid unknowingly, "I I picked dresses for you. I hope you can manage for the time being."


    Aria and Rian were surprised and also grateful. She fist punched Rian, "Your girlfriend is phenomenal." She took bags and went upstairs letting Rian clear the confusion of his friends. Rian was more like a brother and she knew he wouldn''t think otherwise seeing her in any type of clothes but she didn''t want to stand in front of strangers that way.


    Roxy spoke to avoid other''s misunderstanding of Rian, "Guys, she is Rian''s sister-inw. Rian''s brother is better than Rian in every aspect so she won''t cheat him with his brother and they were putting on high drama."


    Rian''s lips twitched uncontrobly how easily she spoke for her sister and brother inw, "You rascal, how dare you to look down on me?" Rian chased after Roxy forgetting there were guests and he didn''t wee or speak to them.


    ---


    Pinning on the bed, Rian pinched her soft cheek, "How are you so sure we weren''t cheating behind the back?" She hardly knows anything about them, if it''s Eva and Noah, they knew them well but he expected a shocked and enraged reaction from Roxy.


    Her reaction was like, it doesn''t matter to her if he cheats or not but he never assumes anything negatively so he preferred asking.


    Roxy''s question waspletely out of the topic, "How is your skin so good?" Her two-finger caressed his cheek blinking innocently waiting for his response to know if he uses any products.


    He didn''t know what to say looking at her fascinated eyes. "I sometimes really doubt" ''If you like me or my skin.'' But didn''t get a chance toplete.


    Another teasing voice sounded, cutting him off, "I sometimes really doubt if you are a boy or a girl. Such soft silky skin." That''s when they remembered they weren''t in the master bedroom.


    Roxy blushed in coyness and embarrassment. She pushed Rian away in an instant and scurried away to get fresh while Aria burst intoughter. "How cute!"


    Then she ran away chased by Rian who was pissed off hearing the tease., "Little Devil, do I look like a girl to you?"Rian''s friends again misunderstood Rian and Aria without believing them as friends.


    When Roxy went downstairs, everything was set at the dining table so she sat with all but Rian started waving his right hand in the air, "Hello...Hello... How am I going to eat?"


    Aria and Roxy continued to eat leaving Rian speechless, "What the hell!"


    Aria pointed to Roxy, "Ask your girlfriend. Why are you looking at me? I don''t babysit."


    Roxy had thought Aria would feed him like the previous night and breakfast. Rian spoke, "Sister-inw is the same as a mother and she will feed me from tomorrow, you are leaving tonight."


    Aria pouted in annoyance but fed him which gained sympathy towards Roxy from the three boys who regretted visiting Rian having to witness all that.


    After lunch, Trey pulled Roxy aside and advised, "Roxy, don''t force yourself into a rtionship. If he doesn''t like you, you should move on, why are you suffering silently? Why don''t you ept y Gibson? He had proposed to you even before you guys were together."

 Chapter 405: Never have I ever...

    Chapter 405: Never have I ever...


    <em>''y Gibson had proposed to her before we were together.''</em> Rian who heard stood silently behind Trey.


    y Gibson, when Roxy was painting the wall to impress and get the admission, he had waited and watched her all night. Before leaving, he had shown interest in her and asked her if they could date. Anyhow, Roxy had turned him down then and there itself. She got to know he was a senior in the same college when he performed on the stage in the Orientation ss.


    Roxy''s in voice sounded firm, "There is nothing like that. They know each other from the crib and understand each other well. You are overthinking and I don''t like any senior. If nothing, please excuse me..."


    She excused and went aside to see Rian standing with a poker face. She started to fluster thinking he might misunderstand.


    Rian spoke, "Trey, thank you for checking on me and there is no need to worry about our rtionship." Roxy sighed a breath of relief while Trey stood in an awkward position.


    "Trey..." Zak called him from inside to drink more so Trey escaped from the scrutinizing gaze of Rian who looked icy cold.


    Roxy threw Rian''s question on him, "How are you so sure I am not double dating?"


    Rian knocked on her head and pulled her hug, "If... If you get even the tiniest doubt on me, we will separate. If we can''t trust each other, no need to be in a burdening rtionship. Alright?"


    Roxy hummed because she felt the same. A small doubt will make a rtionship full of questions. Suspicions on the partner never could lead the rtionship on a smooth sail.


    Wrapping her arms around him, she heard him ask, "Do you want to move in?"


    Roxy stiffened hearing him. Rian was quick to sense and flicked on her head, "You can change the guest room as your room." Pulling her cheek, "Your sister suggested to me so that we could take care of each other."


    Roxy stood straight breaking his hug and asked in amusement, "She trusts me?"


    "What!?" Rian was confused,<em> ''Arrie doesn''t trust Roxy?''</em>


    Roxy bit her tongue asking him for flow without thinking. She was unsure how Rian would react yet she discreetly spoke without hiding it from him, "When I joined Elite school, Aria had warned me thinking I might hurt you. She usually kept a close eye on my actions so that I don''t do anything stupid. Actually, it isn''t her mistake. I had lied to her about my scores and tried to get close to her but she knew my scores. To avoid, you get hurt from me, she was always on high guards."


    Rian sighed leaning on the couch, "Actually there is a truly regretful past so she is afraid somebody might mislead me again."


    "Huh? You were in a rtionship before?" Roxy had never heard about it.


    Rian didn''t know how to put it in a single word so he revealed whatever happened between him, Mian Walker, I Turner, and Aria. Patiently hearing everything, Roxy''s fist punched his stomach where he was already hurt.


    Rian said through his teeth holding the pain, "Roxy."


    "You deserve that," Roxy said, treating Aria poorly believing two bitches blindly. "No doubt Aria is overprotective about you."


    Rian was now jealous hearing her, "You better give me the attention, not my Little devil. She isn''t your sister yet."


    Roxy countered looking at him for asking everyone''s attention, "Hello, why do you want everyone''s attention?"


    "Because of course, I am missing my crazy friends. I love my amazing mother and my sweet dad who is so mild. How can I forget my brother''s stoic face without Little devil and his stupid possessiveness around her? Ahhh I am feeling homesick now."


    Roxy chuckled hearing him but a hint of loneliness stayed with her. Homesick? She doesn''t know how it feels either after being alone for so many years. "I am so envious of you," Roxy said and leaned on him looking outside sighing deeply.


    Rian calmed down and patted her back as he boosted himself, "If you stay with me for a few days and leave, you definitely feel homesick and run back to me."


    Roxy chuckled hearing him and asked, "Are you, my mother? You probably want me as your ve to work for you. I am not moving in."


    "Oops, you found out. I thought I could save money firing the servant. I missed it."


    Both continued to tease and make fun of each other until it was time to see off his friends and drag Aria to cook for them again before letting her leave.


    Roxy watched duo friends unwilling to let go of each other. If she didn''t know about the Fourie, she would have really misunderstood Rian and Aria''s rtionship. "You guys were fighting like archenemies in city B, who would believe you two can''t live without each other?"


    Aria sniggered shooting daggers at Rian, "He wants me here to cook for him. Ask him."


    Rian shrugged, "She wants to be here to fight with me all day long, ask her."


    Rian and Aria looked at each other and burst intoughter watching Roxy voiceless failing to understand how these Fourie''s brains work.


    Aria left when the assigned car and driver reached to drop her to the airport then Roxy announced, "I will move in here. You better cook for me."


    Rian had thought she didn''t want to move in so he spoke seriously, "Alright, let''s talk about the room rent, electricity, water, grocery char-"


    Roxy held the television remote and chased after Rian who wasughing his heart out. Their alone time in the vi or dorms solved getting thepany for each other.


    They got to know Freya and the other two boys who hit Rian were deported back to the country so there was no trouble for Roxy but Rian hated his senior y Gibson whenever he initiated a conversation with Roxy irrespective of how she was giving him a cold shoulder.


    Inspired by Aria, Roxy searched an academy that teaches self-defense. Her quick learning skills helped her to learn faster and smoother than expected. Watching her work so hard, Rian soon joined the same academy gym to tone his body.


    As they lived in, both slowly got along really well to the state Roxy wouldn''t know what to do without Rian around. She met Amelia and Rowan who treated her like a daughter without a hint of distaste or animosity.


    Once she wanted to surprise Rian and woke up early to prepare breakfast to serve him to the bed. She had helped Amelia when she had prepared breakfast to she was confident she could make it and started to prepare wholesome breakfast excitedly.


    Rian woke up to the pleasant smell and went downstairs guessing the breakfast as a croissant but her eyes widened looking at roasted croissants and Roxy trying, again and again, ignoring she had already burnt ten croissants.


    <em>''Boom''</em>


    <em>''Ahhhh!!''</em> Roxy went under the dining table remembering she had forgotten the micro oven which burst out.


    She was about to break into tears, Rian patted her head sitting with her under the table, "Babe... Sweetheart... can you promise me a thing?"


    His voice was so soft and alluring that she subconsciously nodded. Rian continued, "Promise me that you are never ever going to step inside the kitchen ever again."


    Roxy really had thought he was going to coax, spoil and encourage her to learn or he might feel touched looking at her efforts but not to see him flushed bright red controllingughter. "Don''t dare you tough..." She didn''t get to finish and Rian burst intoughter rolling on the floor.


    She flushed in embarrassment and roared "You better be my ve in the kitchen." But it didn''t stop there, Rian fed her the soup she prepared which was filled with salt then she decided never to try to cook again.


    So the whole three years, Rian alone cooked for both every day if they didn''t eat outside. Instead of lovers, they were more like friends enjoying each other''spany for the whole two years until Roxy''s 20th birthday.


    Rian wanted to celebrate her birthday grandly hence he had called his every known and the vi was filled with nearly twenty members. Roxy hardly had spoken to any of them other than a greeting or monosybic responses. Hence the party looked more like Rian''s birthday.


    Decorated vi, loud music, drinks, snacks, and pool, everything was set for the party and all were enjoying it. Roxy didn''t dampen the mood by just tagging along with Rian so she sent him to enjoy with others and spoke to some, danced, drank.


    When most were tired, they wanted to y some fun games. Each one started choosing a game, <em>Truth or dare, Dare or dare, React, and Act, Bite the Bag, Don''t Say Yes, Two Truths and a Lie, Who Am I? and Never have I ever.</em>


    All were excited for the ''<em>Never have I ever</em>'' so Rian and Roxy agreed even though they knew it was going to the naughty adult game. Eight sat on the mat next to the pool while others either enjoyed the music or in the pool or became an audience of the game.


    James: "Okay guys, here are the twisted rules." Many cheered in unison while Rian and Roxy looked at each other.


    James continued, "One person starts by making a statement about something they''ve never done. You will have to answer it with <em>''I have''</em> or <em>''I haven''t''</em>. If you haven''t, then you have to drink beer or wine or whatever you are holding... And And And If you continuously say <em>''I haven''t''</em> for five times, you have to be up for the dirty dare."


    It wasn''t a new game for Rian but his friends'' group had limits and they weren''t at the age of such a dare when they were in city B but here all cheered and started the game.


    He and Roxy could only hope the dirty dare don''t over exaggerate.

 Chapter 406: Brave but foolish

    Chapter 406: Brave but foolish


    The game started with Jenny who was a slender, tall, brown girl, "Never have I ever dressed as the opposite sex."


    All boys sipped their drink with ra, Ang, and Jenny saying, "I haven''t."


    Roxy: "I have." Rian chuckled while others, "Ohh..."


    Then it was Rian''s turn, "Never have I ever googled my own name to see whates up."


    Excluding Roxy and ra, allughed saying, "I have..." Because they were famous in their own cities if not countries.


    Roxy & ra: "I haven''t" Then the former sipped her wine nking her ss tip with Rian.


    Now it was Mike''s turn: "Never have I ever said<em> ''I love you''</em> to someone." He grinned at his girlfriend Jenny who drank with him.


    On the contrary, everyone drank stating, "I haven''t" That''s when Rian and Roxy realized, they never confessed to each other. Roxy had only told him she likes him in the beginning and that was it.


    Shooking their thoughts, next it was Ang''s turn who turned the game slightly deeper, "Never have I ever sexted."


    "I haven''t" Rian, Roxy, and ra''s voice sounded while others wereughing as if it was normal.


    Brad coughed lightly to clear his throat and think what to say, "Never have I ever spied on an ex online."


    "I don''t have an ex to start with." Roxy rolled her eyes and drank with Rian and ra again while other''s responses were<em> ''I have.''</em>


    "You two have such a boring life," Jamesmented on them and reminded ra of her turn.


    ra: "Never have I ever had a friend with benefits."


    "I haven''t," Roxy and Rian sipped with ra.


    Ang pointed Roxy and revealed excitedly, "Roxy said <em>''I haven''t''</em> five times in a row. Dare... dare... dare..."


    Brad stated, "ra got six <em>''I haven''t''</em>"


    Jenny voluntarily chose a dare for ra, "You never had friends with benefit. What if you have to choose one in us?"


    ra had many one nights stands so she was open to all. She looked around and skipped every guy who had a girlfriend and pointed at Brad, "Brad..." She casually chose but Brad suddenly pinned her down and kissed her in front of all.


    Roxy and Rian had thought they were going to have a fun party but not what was going on. Both badly wanted to stop Brad and ra who got more intense.


    Ang rolled her eyes, "Get a room guys." which probed ra and Brad who went to the powder room on the ground floor.


    Rian decided he will never call any of those fellows to his vi or to his home back in the country. He wasn''t conservation but he didn''t like all those in his ce. He didn''t care how they were outside.


    Roxy saw others just eximing but behaving normally, she felt disgusted by each one of them. For her, friends are friends, friends with benefits don''t fit in her dictionary.


    She could feel her heartbeats arising which wasn''t because of anticipation of dare and bing aughing stock. She was frightened that she might lose her cool andsh out at anybody.


    "I will dare Roxy." Ang volunteered and thought for a few seconds. She gulped in nervousness when her eyes met Rian''s cold gaze. So she didn''t go overboard yet dared Roxy, "Your dare is to reveal your first-time love position?"


    Rian knew Roxy was never in a rtionship and just guessed that she was still a virgin even though it didn''t matter to him. He saw her flushed in embarrassment and realized his guess was right.


    Roxy wanted to leave but she didn''t want to disrespect them either, "What if I don''t want toplete the dare?"


    A girl who was an audience chuckled, "Just name it, it isn''t like they are asking you to do it." Then sheughed with others.


    Trey who was in the pool asked in curiosity and disbelief, "Don''t tell you are a virgin." He onlyughed while all turned to Roxy and Rian watching them alternatively. Because they are living together for two years already.


    Rian knew Roxy couldn''t handle judgemental gazes and he regretted agreeing to y the game. He rose and reached Roxy who was frowning hard. Holding her hand, he took her upstairs stating, "We will tell you tomorrow."


    Roxy was d he took her away and her voice followed after him without taking Rian seriously, "No one is allowed to stay in the vi. We don''t have room here." In other words, she meant to say, <em>''Get out of here.''</em>


    All: "..."


    They realized Roxy and Rian were pissed off but they had no other choice either. They time passed till ra and Brad exited holding their hands and announcing, "Meet me new girlfriend ra wright."


    Soon they left letting the servant clean everything while the Roxy was still in disbeliefying on the bed facing Rian who was waiting for the response to his question which was just three words, "Yes or no?"


    Roxy really had thought he just pulled her away so that she could befortable. She rolled him down going atop, "Do you love me?"


    Rian didn''t know how exactly to define whether he loves her. He knew she was more than a friend with whom he could enjoy his life with her silliness, "I think I do."


    Roxy was sure only Rian could pamper and love her as she is without forcing her to do what she doesn''t know. She loves how he epts every w of her without judging. She wanted nobody other than him either.


    Rian was yet to get any reaction Roxy took the lead. The former loves how she doesn''t fake what she isn''t...


    ...


    After half an hour, both were in the middle of intense pleasure, Roxy asked between her moans, "What is this position called?"


    Rian was momentarily at loss before realizing why she asked, "Your mind still got space to think something else."


    Roxy cried his name when Rian increased his sped and bit her neck, "I heard there are sixty-four positions and more with different variations. We can try each one."


    Roxy had already thrown her brain out of her head and didn''t listen to him saying, "It''s Missionary." As he thanked his boys'' chat group in his mind for keeping everything updated about it.


    ---


    Roxy had thought they might feel awkward inter days to live together but they were harmonious and closer than before. They sessfully got the graduation certificate, Rian''s painting reached the wall of fame in the end before the duo returned to the city B.


    She didn''t want to separate Rian from his parents hence she rented a condo for herself whereas Amelia and asked her to move into the morgan mansion.


    She was really happy to get such support and love from them. She had thought one or the other one wouldn''t like her to be with Rian but all weed her warmly. Of course, n never cared to spare a word other than a single hum when Rian introduced her to him.


    She had thought how could Aria like such a serious, unspeaking, and boring businessman until the day she observed him in Morgan mansion how his day starts with her and ends with her irrespective of the distance between them.


    She and Rian''s bonds werepletely different from them yet she loved themselves more than anybody even though she purposefully probes about them to Rian to tease him.


    She got a lovely mother-inw, caring father-inw, dominating yet warm grandfather, protective brother-inw in the Morgan mansion.


    ---


    Roxy woke up from her long dream with her eyes watery. <em>''Everyone looked after her so well but what is she returning to them? Injured Rian?''</em>


    She ran towards ICU and asked the nurse who exited, "Rian? Did he wake up?"


    The nurse let her peek in through the peep window as she spoke, "Miss, the patient isn''t awake yet. Please take a rest, the doctor will talk to you soon."


    Roxy sniffled, controlling herself looking at Rian who was on the white bedsheet wire connecting all over him with an oxygen mask. She could say he was breathing normally and the monitor was showing his normal heartbeat but she couldn''t understand why he isn''t waking up and the doctor isn''t saying anything.


    Feeling intense repulsion towards her father, she wanted to find him and make him pay for every mistake he had done till now. She had tolerated everything Jasper did until that day but not for that.


    He tortured and physically abused her mother, she tolerated it because of her mother. He never cared about her just because she is a girl, she disregarded it. He tried to use her rtionship with Rian to get Morgan Industries to fund for him or help with projects, she excused it. He bugged her every day calling her repeatedly, she avoided it because they didn''t danger life.


    Now, <em>how could she be silent when she knows he wanted to kidnap them and now Rian is hurt in the process?</em>


    She overlooked the fact Aria told her to be with the security and tried to leave the hospital but she was stopped immediately by them. She went to the ward where it was arranged for her to rest. As soon as the guard went out to let her rest, she climbed off the bed and escaped from there.


    Neglecting the problem she was again pulling up on herself thinking her father doesn''t do anything to her, she bravely yet foolishly went to her father''s den where he was fuming in anger for losingpany, the two brats who he wanted to kidnap, and the cops searching for him.


    Roxy who knew the old factory reached there straight to his den as easy prey.

 Chapter 407: Life is in danger

    Chapter 407: Life is in danger


    It was at dawn half-past four when Aria and n reached country X with their assistants by their side. Aria didn''t wait or asked anybody before calling the main head guard of the Skyline by herself.


    "Hello, how..." Aria couldn''t get to speak. n took the mobile and heard from the other end.


    <em>[Pardon me President Copper for cutting in. Mr.Morgan doesn''t have any major issues but the Second young miss is missing. I have sent five guards to search for Young miss and we have the suspicion that she went to meet her father but she isn''t answering our call.]</em>


    n''s brows knitted tightly. He couldn''t understand why people can''t take the warning seriously. He had clearly heard Aria instructing her to be under security and inform them before doing anything foolishly.


    He understood the meaning of what Melissa Morse had told them. IQ doesn''t help to lead a sessful happy life, you need to know how to live life and should be able to discern what to do and whatnot.


    Aria, Nathan, and Levi were alerted as soon as n''s aura turned too cold and distant. She couldn''t help but think about Rian''s health and squeezed the hand she was holding, "n..."


    n''s fury against Roxy increased by the thought of Aria going to danger because of her. He can''t hide the situation from Aria and they weren''t in their country to mobilize the Morgan security team. If he recounts her, she would definitely go to save Roxy irrespective of danger.


    n responded to the call first, "Track her and send the location." He hung up the call and briefed. "Rian''s vitals are functioning normal but he isn''t awake. Roxy went to find Jasper Madison alone tricking the security."


    n always wanted to protect Aria and avoid sending her to dangerous ces but he didn''t voice it and he also knew Aria knew him well without the words just like how he knew her without the word requirement between them.


    Levi couldn''t stop his furrowing brows either, once if he thinks Roxy as dependable and smart, another time she proves him wrong with her rash decision. Whereas Nathan kind of understood her state how desperate she could be to reach her father to p him across his face.


    Aria was very calm as they entered the airport and walked towards the arrival gate. She wouldn''t me Roxy trying to be vengeful. She herself being cruel to the once who touches her husband, she could tell her feelings but the difference was she would be prepared to face anything whereas Roxy went empty-handed with stupid disbelief that nothing will happen to her.


    "Levi..." Aria extended her hand towards him. Levi understood and handed the tab to her hand, guessing what her n was. He hadpletely forgotten that they could get Roxy''s location easily.


    Aria worked on the tab while n noticed her entering aplex string of variables in some kind of application. It didn''t look like the GPS code he and Aria had for each other.


    Levi took the driver seat of the car that was waiting for them, n opened the door for Aria and Nathan opened for n when thetter went around the car to sit beside Aria.


    Aria instructed right after they exited the airport premises. "Levi, take left. Assistant Nathan, please set the location in GPS. n, please call back up to the location,<em> ''Carolina street, warehouse 3081.''</em>"


    As per her instruction, Levi didn''t take the right turn which was the way to enter the city, Nathan heard the location and entered in his tab to guide Levi.


    n nced at her and internally sighed. He had asked Vance to send his men to country X if in case anything gets serious, he didn''t expect Aria to know that he was well prepared without depending on the Skyline guards who didn''t have much experience in such a situation.


    Nathan asked Aria after they fell extremely silent. Roxy''s mobile location wasn''t able to trace because she wasn''t answering the call hence he couldn''t understand how easily she got the location with the tracker, "President Cooper, are you sure the location is right? We have to circle the city to reach there."


    Carolina Street, warehouse 3081 was on the other end of the city. Entering the city would dy their time in traffic hence Aria chose the bypass highway to go around which all surmised without a talk.


    Aria nced at n and Nathan before revealing about a project which nobody knew other than she, Levi, Finn, and Harold Stanley, "We are working on an application for Military service. It is highly confidential. I had installed a mobile application format in her mobile for testing when she went on vacationst time to check the transmitting uracy. She doesn''t know about the application."


    It was specially built to install in the devices as small as a nanochip which doesn''t need a mobilework andmunicates with the satellite to provide the extremely stabilized urate data about the location.


    Nathan turned aside to face Aria, "Do you have ess to Military satellite?" It was hard for even the IT team working for the Military to have ess and know the coordinates of the satellite.


    Aria didn''t want n to scold her after hearing her response, "Yes, at the cost of my head." Even the slightest mishap if she creates, the military of the country beheads her and that was the risk she had in the project.


    Nathan really wanted to kowtow her. If the news leaks about Aria having ess to the military satellite of the country, there are many other countries and terrorists who will want her alive to destroy or to get the information of the country''s security system. In other words, she could keep the whole country in danger if she wants.


    n took the tab from her hand to check the functionality of the under-developed application while Aria was edgy. The problems involving military security are huge. A single illegal work from her or her family or contact with such people would cause them hefty. Not to mention they know the great Fang family and Vance.


    n''s voice was deep and heavy clouded with unambiguous emotion, "What is your demand for such high risk?" n wasn''t dumb to think she just was doing it for helping the military. She wouldn''t just ept such a critical job at the cost of her life, in fact, the whole Morgan family members lives.


    For Aria, nobody and nothing is more important than family and friends. So she would have a huge demand that the military has to provide irrespective of the change in governments.


    "Actually this software I was nning to develop for us using Finn''s Starlight televisionwork satellite. I was discussing this with him when Grandfather Harold heard me. That''s how it reached the military higher-ups."


    n nodded, that he could guess because why the military woulde in search of her? Aria raised her forefinger, "One, after sessfulpletion of the project, I will be awarded a military rank for serving the nation with all the independence to work in mypany."


    <em>''Screech''</em> Levi mmed on the break. He and Nathan turned behind with bewilderment etched on their faces. n was very proud of his wife for getting the lifetime protection from the military with no questioning back. They wouldn''t dare to question what she does yet have the independence to work with the Military IT team to strengthen.


    <em>''What''s with your reactions? It is just a rank, alright? My life is in danger here.''</em>


    Aria raised the middle finger next to the forefinger, "Two. I have theplete independence to share about this work with my husband and he is the co-developer so he will get a military rank too."


    Now Nathan and Levi''s eyes shifted to n. They were thinking about how he could not know when he was the co-developer. Whereas n twisted her ear until it turned red and she screamed in pain. "I am working on those modules for two months which you were asking and I don''t even know they are for this project."


    Nathan tightly shut his lips to avoidughing thinking only Aria could fool n. Levi drove the car back on the road while Aria''s eyes were filled up as she rubbed her ear. <em>''Ah, he really twisted my ear.''</em>


    n could guess why she didn''t mention it to him. It was simple, she didn''t want him to panic and pressure him more with other problems. "Next!?"


    Aria puffed her cheeks and grimly spoke crossing her arms on her chest, "Our identities and rank are secret and they won''t meddle in our daily life unless I ask for Z+ security."


    Nathan, Levi, and n: "..."


    Levi hesitatingly asked which he never thought to ask, "President Cooper, what if they restrict you? Or try to go against you?"


    Aria giggled hearing him, "I yed dumb so they just acknowledge me as a small-time engineer. They still don''t hope that we could develop this. They are waiting to see me fail so that they could use my design and develop with their team. I will submit with some bugs so that they underestimate me." Whereas the fully developed will be with them for their safety.


    Nathan, Levi, and n: "..." They knew she was capable of doing it and what she did was the best.


    ---


    Carolina Street, warehouse 3081


    By the end of the conversation, they had reached the location. n and Aria together, the other two spread out around the warehouse from where they could enter sneakily.


    They saw Roxy sitting on a chair with ugly stares on her from other men whereas her father Jasper Madison was trying to call somebody without caring Roxy was ufortable.


    Only Levi noticed from his angle, Roxy had heavy fingerprints on her cheeks, the dried blood at the corner of her lips, and a heavy bruise on her forehead. He really doubted if he is her father.

 Chapter 408: Mercy and forgiveness

    Chapter 408: Mercy and forgiveness


    "Five plus Jasper Madison." Aria ryed the information she gathered.


    "Ms.Stephen is beaten. She seems to be dizzy." Levi ryed.


    "Local thugs with ordinary daggers." Nathan scanned the warehouse from a higher level without finding much danger.


    n was sure Aria alone could take all of them down but the chances of holding Roxy as a hostage were high hence direct attack was risky.


    "I will go in..." Aria hadn''t finished, two voices sounded cold, "No" Their backup was yet toe, how could Levi, n let her go. Nathan wanted to say, ''Let young madam President talk.''


    Aria breathed in and out slowly and again started exining, "Jasper Madison is calling me but I had blocked his number so I didn''t get the ringtone. He had sent me the location which I checked now. He is asking only my presence so you guys..."


    Aria cleanly exined every move on how to handle the situation which they heardpletely and patiently. The disadvantage of the situation is n and Aria didn''t have their handgun which they could have used for threatening to solve it quickly.


    ---


    After ten minutes,


    All heard a car screeching to stop in front of the warehouse and Jasper startedughing looking at Aria walking towards them alone. "Check if anybody else is around." He ordered while his tone carried a sense of fulfillment.


    Levi flexed his fingers going towards the car while two men ran out to check around. Aria guessed that would happen so it wasn''t surprising.


    Aria''s eyes slowly scanned the huge warehouse filled with an old and worn out pile of boxes as her gaze moved behind Jasper where n sleekly jumped in without much noise. These local thugs were left-hand game for both Levi and Nathan. n could y them like mice. Aria is strong enough to win on them due to her training. Hence they couldn''t understand what gave the guts to Jasper Madison to y this.


    Levi held one''s neck in the dark before twisting his head forcefully which died down any noise he could create. Pulling the body aside. He saw another silhouette checking in the car.


    That man spoke after inspecting the car, "Let''s go" then he turned to go inside. He was right in front of the warehouse which was visible to insiders so Levi couldn''t attack directly.


    Hearing no response from another fe, he called him, "Brawl?"


    Spinning the water bottle he was thrown away by that man while inspecting the car, Levi started pouring on the grass which gave the sound as he was pissing so the man shook his head and went inside as he sneering, "If you can''t hold so much beer, why do you even drink?"


    Levi updated, "Minus one."


    n''s voice sounded, "Position."


    Nathan, "I am ready."


    Aria''s smirk died down on her lips and her poker face didn''t change. One thing was sure, they wouldn''t kill her which would get them nothing. They could only take Roxy as a hostage but they had no idea Roxy was a brown belt in Judo. But the question is, <em>was she beaten down or is she nning something?</em>


    Aria''s emotionless, overbearing tone sounded awfully cold, "Are you really her father?"


    Roxy brows furrowed and she turned around to see Aria walking inside. "Are you out of your mind? What are you doing here?"


    n wanted to go to Roxy and give across her face for raising her tone and for foolishly scolding Aria. Anyway, he controlled it. Nathan''s lips were twitching uncontrobly hearing it. Whereas Aria''s face deadpanned looking at Roxy''s cue.


    Jasper or his men had a handgun hence Roxy was silently sitting. Aria quickly cued in her palm towards Nathan who could see her clearly.


    Nathan: "They have a firearm. Change in ns."


    Levi heard it and quickly sneaked inside if in case they tried to harm Aria. n instructed hiding, being utmost careful to avoid making any noises: "Locate the firearm."


    Aria didn''t y along with Roxy, "This man spammed my inbox and call log to bring me here." Then her eyes moved to Jasper as she tried to find who is having the firearm or where the firearm is but she couldn''t get. "What do you want?"


    Jasper wanted tough at her foring alone and unarmed to save his daughter, "She and daughter? This wretched daughter doesn''t care about her parents. it''s better off dead than seeing her alive."


    Roxy lowered the head biting her lips.


    -- An hour earlier --


    Roxy wanted to let him guard down hence she behaved weak and fragile as if asking his protection and help but she was unaware when to y weak and when to be strong. With the fact that she loathed her father to the core, her acting was worse than what she expected it to be.


    Entering his warehouse, "Dad... Dad..." She was forcefully looking like she was helpless, "Somebody is trying to kidnap us, help us... Dad..."


    Jasper was ted looking at her arrival. He grabbed the fist full-on hair pulling her up from the ground, his hand swung fiercely and pped her harder.


    Due to the strong impact, Roxy was thrown to the ground before she even got a chance to retaliate. Covering her left cheeks, her eyes automatically filled up due to the stinging pain. She couldn''t believe her father wanted her as a money sourcing machine only.


    The little guilt she had for avoiding her father all these years vanished just like that. In a fit of rage, she stood up, used her judo skills, and flipped him on the ground in the blink of an eye.


    <em>''Ahh!''</em> Jasper groaned in painying on the floor. Roxy was quick to grab the knife on the table and she was ready to stab him.


    ''Snap''


    A bullet pierced through in the air. Due to her hand motion, just by a millisecond, the bullet missed her hand and hit the knife causing her to drop it away by the impact.


    She was shaking her palm turning to see who was wielding the handgun but Jasper held her hair and mmed her head on the table.


    Her vision became blurry and her limbs started to miss the bnce. She wanted to hold the table but her pain shot her nerves and she lost consciousness.


    ---


    Roxy woke up before ten minutes to Aria''s arrival and she was nning how to tame Jasper who was stressed out calling Aria again and again just to hear a busy tone because of the number block.


    Now she regretted going alone while Aria was standing alone with her life in danger. The first task is to find who was wielding the gun and she was sure that only one man had a gun.


    Aria walked ahead with her pressing gaze on Jasper who scoffed, "You girls are only useful if I sell you off to a businessman in the name of marriage. This wench boyfriend is rich but she isn''t helping me out. What is the use of growing her so old?"


    Aria chuckled scornfully without a hint of warmth or respect in her eyes. "Why? Didn''t your illegal bastards help you that you need a woman to survive in the world?"


    n''s deep low warning rang in her ear indicating her to stop provoking Jasper, "Aria."


    Jasper rage shot up and mmed his palm on the table, "You loose-tongued rascal, don''t you dare y tricks here."


    Roxy questioned unemotionally, "So how many do I have bastard half brothers?"


    Aria responded ring at Jasper which wasn''t guilty instead, he looked proud for having sons. "Four..." Jasper''s face turned nk thinking how Aria knew about them. Aria continued, "Elder one is in country F flirting with random girls instead of attending college..."


    Aria noticed a slight tremble in Jasper but she didn''t stop as her hands cued to Nathan to watch out every goon''s reaction. "Second one is as the name says, a bastard who is a toy of a sugar mommy."


    "Aria!" Jasper roared but he failed to notice Aria writing on Roxy''s back with her finger. She knew well if she controls Jasper, others will target Roxy so to keep both safe, Roxy must be informed earlier before her move.


    While everyone''s eyes were on Aria and Jasper, Nathan instructed, "Levi, 130 degrees left three foot."


    Levi was like a tiger who got the prey and its position. Right after themand from Nathan, he moved swiftly and locked the voice box of the man to avoid him making noise and pulled him away from the view of everyone.


    Aria heard them but continued to instruct Roxy while her gaze didn''t leave Jasper who was seething in anger so much that he wanted to shred her into pieces for knowing about his sons. Now he was slightly afraid of what if Aria does something to them.


    "Third one is in school who is as stupid as his father and just knows to snore on the desk and get scolded."<em> What does Jasper think of Aria?</em> She and n let him off without hurting him because he was instigated by Terrence Morse and most importantly he was the father of Roxy.


    They didn''t want anything to sound like the Cooper family - Scarlett''s family and Morgan''s family, Roxy''s inw family destroyed the Madison family. Wouldn''t that make it family destroying their rtives?


    Hence they feigned ignorance about Jasper''s attempt to kidnap Aria when she was in school. Now it was negligible and it didn''t matter at all.


    But sometimes fools don''t understand mercy and forgiveness and keep digging the grave deeper and deeper thinking the opposition is an idiot and doesn''t know anything.


    Now it was time to end everything. Clean and tidy.

 Chapter 409: Lost her consciousness

    Chapter 409: Lost her consciousness


    "You bitch, how dare you to check on my sons." Jasper''s enraged voice resonated in the huge hall.


    Roxy corrected him with a smirk, "Bastards. They are your bastards." She stood up next to Aria while Jasper''s hand moved to grab the dagger which was on the table.


    <em>''They are mere girls, they will scared by the dagger.''</em> He thought to himself.


    "Now!" Aria''s loud voice rang cuing three men and Roxy to take action. Aria leaped to another side of the table like a cheetah pressing her palm on the table while another hand grabbed the dagger away from Jasper reach.


    Roxy took advantage of Aria''s jump which attracted attention, gasps, and shock. She held the man who was next to Jasper, in a judo style, she flipped him over her shoulder. She didn''t leave him time to react and kicked the dagger towards n where thetter was standing.


    In the meantime, Nathan jumped from the first storynding right behind a man who was yet to react and understand what was going on looking at Jasper and the girls. Nathan didn''t want to waste time behind fighting hands on even for a minute.


    His sword-like hand sharply hit on the nerve of the neck. He twisted the hand of the man that was bearing the dagger and kicked him to the old goods which wereying on the other side.


    Whereas n grabbed the knife that pushed towards him, he swung his hand aiming to the man''s thighs who wasn''t far off from the girls. Levi who ran out, pierced out the dagger from the man''s thighs without giving him the chance to hold the knife and throw at somebody.


    The five men who were visible to them were down on the ground but they didn''t let their guard down because they didn''t find who was bearing the handgun.


    Roxy kicked the table forming a shield to protect herself if anyone aimed at them while Aria was holding the sharp end of the dagger at the neck of Jasper standing behind him.


    Jasper never in his dreams thought Roxy could be capable of bringing a man down. He was yet to digest, a slender hand''s hold was so tight twisting his arm that he could move even a bit and was frightened that Aria might slit his throat.


    Jasper was thinking she might really kill him or demand something for his life while he soaked in his precipitation and couldn''t help but tremble how his game changed in just a few seconds.


    The speed of Levi and Nathan entering the sight, with the same momentum they hid back to find who was hiding from them.


    Nathan ryed the information: "Upper floor is free." He had checked it first while keeping an eye below.


    Levi: "I will handle left."


    Nathan: "Right."


    n who had scrutinized the area behind Jasper and the girls, "Clear on my side." But he didn''t examine the other side nor hid anywhere. He went to Aria who was saying something.


    Aria snorted near Jasper''s ear before speaking, "Does this look like butter or fruit knife to you? Learn to hold the dagger before wishing to handle it." She was about to torture him to ask the question to know the truth, n held her covering away from the sight so that nobody could point the gun nozzle at her.


    Aria wanted him to hide because her build could easily hide behind Jasper''s frame whereas n was taller, his shoulder was wider than Jasper. Not to mention he keeps his arm out, he could easily be the target and the chances of him getting hurt were high.


    Aria warned sitting next to Roxy protected by the big wooden table, "n Morgan, get hurt even a little, I will chop you into smaller and smaller pieces, fry you in arge pan and feed to the dogs."


    Roxy, Jasper, Levi, and Nathan: "..."


    n smirked hearing her. He understood what she wanted. She needed him to be uninjured at any cost because he wouldn''t agree for her to take charge in the fear of her life or might be even a small drop of her blood.


    n deduced, "I think they had a single bullet or fewer bullets hence that man is hiding in the fear of getting caught." As he guessed, Levi dragged a man out of the wooden trunk ignoring his loud pleas. Levi threw him in the middle, then he tossed the bullet magazine and gun on two ends of the warehouse.


    Nathan walked out and saw two girls peeking as if they were waiting for their protection in the fright. Nobody would believe what they did just a minute back was done by them. He had just heard Aria was good with her defense skills but didn''t expect her to be trained well.


    n threw Jasper on the wooden chair where he was sitting earlier then he pulled his wife up from the ground while his eyes didn''t leave Jasper. Thetter avoided looking at him and wandered his eyes around feeling cold running through his spine just by the oppressing gaze of n.


    n''s aloof face was frightening with his blood-curdling tone, "What did you say?" Lifting his face with from the edge of the dagger, "Girls are meant for selling in the name of marriage. Do you know what they can do?" He paused while saying and cued Roxy to go to the man who had almost shot her hand.


    Aria''s voice sounded more like a whisper, "Me?" It had been a long time she used her skills. She felt like a log and also disappointed when Roxy got the chance to vent her frustration.


    n pointed Jasper to her because Rian was in the hospital due to him and he wanted his wife to vent her rage on the right man before rxing.Aria grinned, "Let''s watch the show."


    Roxy who had walked to the man saw him running away. Nathan and Levi''s didn''t move or tried to stop after seeing n''s cue to let Roxy handle. She leaped and held the hoodie of the man''s jacket.


    Holding her grip tighter on the cloth, she smashed down the man to the ground as if he was a mere flower vase. She didn''t know about Rian''s condition, as much as she feared about his health, she was furious at her father after humiliated, provoked by him. She was hostile towards him but she was his daughter, even if she wants, it will bother to think of hurting him.


    She had seen how fathers look after their son by looking at Rowan, how a father looks after his daughter looking at Norah''s father. She didn''t expect all those from her father, she just wanted him to leave her alone, anyway, she got a father who was greedy to the core.


    She couldn''t understand what her mother liked in him that she loved him and married him wholeheartedly. Now thinking about it, she was sure Jasper married Scarlett due to Skyline Industries but too bad Oliver only helped him till he got to know Jasper was an abuser.


    Her buried frustration was taken out on the man who was groaning in pain; she continued to punch him or m him on the ground over her shoulder.


    Aria''s jaw dropped after seeing the third flip by Roxy. Now, it''s time to correct, Roxy was stronger than her physically but she didn''t have proper training and quick reflexes.


    Jasper was in the worst state. For him, his daughter just looked like his wife, fragile and useless. For n, Levi, and Nathan, what she was doing is stupidity and a waste of energy. <em>How many times can you break the broken bone?</em> It was the same feeling for them.


    All heard the cops'' vehicle siren as usual who reaches after everything is over. Aria first asked n, "What about the backup?"


    n caressed her head while his eyes were on Roxy and the groaning man, "I had told them to return after watching the difficulty level here."


    Jasper who saw them talking tried to sneak away but a hand suddenly held his zer and shirt cor. He raised his head to see Aria''s smirk but he didn''t get to react when Aria shoved his head hard on the wooden table.


    <em>''Crash.''</em> The table was broken in the center.


    <em>''Ahhh...''</em> Jasper whose head stuck between the table wailed in pain grabbing everyone''s attention but their gaze moved to Aria who was jumping on her toes circling in her ce shaking her hand, "Ahh... My wrist... This pig is heavy."


    Levi and Nathan almostughed but they controlled. Roxy came to her senses from the past reminiscence and left the man. She took a step back aside to lean on the pile of boxes watching Aria who kicked Jasper''s bum as she twisted and turned her wrist due to pain.


    n bopped Aria''s head. <em>How can a middle-aged man be weightless?</em> Throwing him by a hand holding the cloth was straining to the joints and nerves which she knew well.


    Nathan who was ready to handle the cops saw Roxy wobbling to even stand straight on the ground. "Ms.Stephen!?" He moved towards her quickly if incase she faints and falls on the ground.


    Nathan reached on time when Roxy cking out hence he quickly held her. "President Cooper, Ms.Stephen lost her consciousness." That''s when they realized, they didn''t ask her if Jasper did anything to her.

 Chapter 410: Birthright

    Chapter 410: Birthright


    Nathan spoke again after checking Roxy''s pulse rate, "Ms. Stephen is weak. We need to go to the hospital."


    Levi took the job, "I will handle here."


    Then three rushed out and saw the cops who were shocked to see Roxy unconscious. Nathan didn''t wait for them to talk and rushed to the car followed by two.


    "President Cooper, President Morgan." The two guards who were with the cops for the investigation greeted them.


    After a nod at the guards, Aria opened the passenger seat door for Nathan toy Roxy inside. n took the shotgun once Aria sat next to Roxy. Nathan drove the car out without bothering about the bewildered cops.


    Levi went to the cops, "Hello, I am Levi, assistant of President Cooper. Roxy Stephen is her sister. I will assist with the investigation as Ms.Stephen needs treatment."


    Already the men behind them confirmed the identity of two presidents hence the cops didn''t object, "Alright, let''s get into work. First of all, how did you guys reach here?" They had taken the whole evening till the dawn to get hold of the location.


    Levi didn''t reveal the application Aria used, instead he mentioned it as GPS and exined everything that happened by the time theynded in country X. After taking Jasper and his people under control, they returned to the city.


    ---


    Regal Hospital


    Roxy was quickly moved to the hospital and kept under IV administrator. Then the doctors told them that she hadn''t eaten properly from 24 hours minimum and lived on the water. Hence she fainted due to tiredness and stress. Aria breathed a sigh of relief after knowing she was fine but she kept pacing in front of the ICU where Rian wasn''t awake yet.


    n was tense too but he didn''t show it out. If Rian''s parietal lobes of the brain were affected, he could never differentiate between colors and control his body which would tremendously affect his career as an artist. n wanted to be a strong and powerful businessman since he was a child hence it was his goal. He didn''t want Rian to be forced into another career due to the unforeseen ident.


    After knowing there is no solution to treat for such damage to the brain, he really wished to ughter Jasper Madison against thew. Probably Aria, Roxy, and n wouldn''t care about thews and rules if Rian couldn''t continue his passion.


    ---


    It was morning in Country X. Soon the patients and rted people started moving around in the hospital. Skyline guards hadpletely blocked the half of the floor where Rian was present hence it waspletely silent as a grave.


    Aria who hadn''t slept in the night wasn''t getting sleep either thinking about every possibility while n tried to hold her in his embrace to coax her sleep but four were wide awake with a pin drop silence.


    It was nine in the morning, Rian wasn''t awake for fifteen hours. All were getting anxious when the nurse who was inside pushed open the door of the ICU. Aria immediately shot on her toes, "How is Rian? Did he wake up?..."


    "Miss, please move aside, let doctors check on him first." The nurse requested as she pointed aside. Aria wanted to ask again, n pulled her to him to let the doctor enter the ICU.


    "What happened to Rian? What''s wrong?" Aria couldn''t help from raising her voice to get the answer but the obtained response was the sound of the ICU door closing shut.


    n''s calm voice sounded but he wasn''t sure he was assuring her or himself, "Honey, Rian will be alright. Nothing will happen to him."


    Aria tried to peek in but the curtains were closed around Rian''s bed hence she could only hum to n and wrap her arms around him. Her grim voice sounded resolute, "If Rian faces any problem, I will abduct Jasper Madison and feed him to the sharks without leaving any clues."


    n was sure his wife was capable of doing what she said but that wasn''t the point. Being Rian unaffected was important, how they will handle Jasper doesn''t matter to the health of Rian.


    n tried to divert her mindpletely to what she said, "After chopping him?" Aria shook her head, "I don''t like blood, we just toss him to the ocean. Clean and tidy."


    n wanted to know if she was trying to make himugh or she was really thinking out of the box, "Do I have tough for that? Or join in and n it further?"


    Aria saw his serious face and sighed. No, she was trying to convince herself nothing is going to happen to Rian. <em>''Ahhh...''</em> she just screamed in her mind and shook her head. "Go and wake up Beauty. I want to whack him for being so careless and hiding things from us."


    Before n''s response, doctors came out and spoke with rxed nerves, "President Morgan, Mr.Morgan is awake. We will take him for the scanning in a few minutes so meet him soon but please don''t put pressure on him."


    <em>''Whoosh.''</em> Aria didn''t care to spare words and rushed inside. She even slightly pushed the nurse aside who was blocking the door.


    The whole night Rian was sleeping on his stomach when she had seen through the peep-hole. Now he was sleeping on his back and turned to see her hurriedly entering inside.


    His voice was groggy instead of tired or raspy, "Little Devil." He wasn''t surprised as he had told Roxy to inform n.


    He was expecting her to run over him and hug but Aria held his right hand and yed his fingers, wrist, elbow. Then shifted to the left hand ignoring himughing and repeated the same. Next, she went to face him and asked, "What is your hair color?"


    Rian''s lips twitched. <em>''What kind of question is that?''</em> He lied, "Grey."


    Aria sighed loudly and announced, "You are perfect."


    n: "..." n had acknowledged the doctors and entered inside after asking about the Rian''s conditions. He heard her ask the question and he gave an incorrect answer yet she was rxed with that. The little Devil and Beauty''s antics are far above his reach.


    "I was so frightened." She pinched his arm and continued, "How dare you hide things from us?"


    <em>''Ouch''</em> Rian rubbed his arm pping her hand, "Doctor said I am fine so you better don''t start crying. Call my wife."


    Aria pointed her hand at him in disbelief. "You-" She tried to get back for it but didn''t know what to say, "You-... I am never going to save your ass again. Hmph." She stomped her heels out grimly caring her fake anger while Levi and Nathan entered inside.


    n walked to the bedside silently. Poured water to the ss ignoring Rian apologizing for frightening them. n held a ss of water in front of Rian, "Drink."


    Rian wasn''t sure what n was doing whereas Nathan and Levi guessed why n was asking him to drink water. "Bro, I already drank water. I don''t..."


    n''s unemotional voice cut in sounding more like an order, "I said drink."


    Rian grabbed the ss, took a sip, and left the ss on the side table rolling his eyes. He didn''t notice the men silently sighing to themself realizing Rian''s sensory inputs were working well. He precisely held the ss and there wasn''t a misbnce of his hand holding the water ss. Even cing the ss down it was urate unlike facing any struggle for it.


    There was still another big challenge. That was to differentiate between the colors and their shades. For an artist like him, it wasn''t only the standard colors but he should be aware of their hues.


    Aria who woke up Roxy, brought her to meet Rian. Roxy rushed to Rian''s side, "Rian..." She slid her hand behind his head seeing no gauge around his head, "Are you in pain? How are you feeling? Do you feel anything odd?..."


    Her questions poured in continuously without listening to Rian who repeatedly asked her to calm down. Nathan and Levi voluntarily exited the room to bring something for their presidents to eat. They hadn''t eaten anything from the time they got to know about Rian.


    Yawning, Aria embraced n who was silently standing. He caressed her head as he asked, ignoring the other couple, "Shall we check into the hotel and rest for some time?"


    Aria shook her head, "I want to check Rian''s visual test." she closed her eyes and yawned again to wait for the couple.


    Rian finally stopped weeping Roxy and hugged her, "Okay Okay, I will never save you again. You better keep me safe."


    Roxy hummed promptly. She was ready to be a housewife if she had to drop her career but she wanted Rian to do whatever he likes. Rian stopped himself from knocking on her head.


    He always thought men should protect women until he saw Aria and Eva. Having the same kind of fiancee, he chuckled thinking how different breed women they have around.


    Roxy sniffled and saw him chuckling, "What''s wrong?"


    Rian shook his head and pointed at another couple for her. He yelled at them for not giving him the attention, "Here I am on the hospital bed, how dare you two romance in front of me? Brazen couple."


    His loud voice woke up Aria who had actually dozed leaning on n in less than five minutes. Her groggy voice sounded, "You are the one who shooed me away for your wife."


    Rian started his overacting creating distance between him and Roxy, "Ahh! Little devil, my head- My head is hurting."


    Roxy and n: "..." They wanted to smack his head and leave the room.


    Ariapiled his unsaid request and gave him a shoulder hug. She whispered gravely, "Beauty, I will make sure you two cry for worrying us. You just wait"


    Rian chuckled hearing it. Of course, he knew she was kidding. He patted her back, "Only you have the right to make me cry. Remember."


    Aria left him flexing her fingers and stated loud enough for others to hear, "Of course, that''s my birthright."


    Roxy wanted to ask what it was but the nurse returned to take him for a scan. All followed him and waited patiently.


    A doctor exited the treatment room and reported in seriousness and worry, "Mr.Morgan is saying all the colors as ck or white or blue."

 Chapter 411: Homely life as husband and wife

    Chapter 411: Homely life as husband and wife


    Aria and n were sure Rian wasn''t just identifying those colors because if he had seen ck and white, he would have immediately told them about it. They weren''t living in a ck and white movie for him to be oblivious of it.


    Aria grabbed the tab from Levi''s zer and rushed inside. n followed her inside in a slight panic. Both didn''t notice Roxy slumping on the chair trembling profusely. The fact was they prioritized Rian, might be the situation or might not be.


    Nathan noticed Roxy but he wasn''t sure what to say so he preferred silence. Levi didn''t know to calm anybody so he stood silently.


    ---


    Inside the testing room, Rianined as soon as Aria entered, "Little devil, do I look like a kindergarten kid. He is showing me <strong>VIBGYOR</strong> colors. I am asking him to show the tones of it."


    Doctor: "..."


    Aria had almost cried if she hadn''t chosen to be positive. Her hand involuntarily pped his head, "Headless fool, you almost made me cry."


    Rian couldn''t understand why she was so serious and nced at his brother who took a deep breath trying to maintain hisposure. "What''s wrong? Why are you guys so nervous?"


    The doctor exined everything about the possibility of the damaging parietal lobe of the brain. Rian realized why the doctors, Aria and n were behaving weirdly. Now, he worried about what if he couldn''t identify the colors.


    He feared the possibilities. He knew about everyone who cares about him irrespective of if they express it or not. Heughed awkwardly and spoke, "I know all the colors." Then he pointed to all the visible colors in the room and named it, "Let''s go." He wanted to check about the hues of different colors when he will be alone.


    The doctor was already sure Rian was fine but Aria pressed his shoulder down, ced the tab on the desk in front of him, and opened a picture which was filled with the hue of blue, "Name it."


    Rian felt it was teal but he was very frightened to name it thinking what if it was wrong. He stood up, "Little devil, I know it, stop overworking your-."


    "Rian." n''s cold, oppressing tone silenced him.


    Rian saw the expectant gaze of Aria who was on the tip of the iceberg while n was hiding his emotions very well. His voice unknowingly trembled, "Te- Teal."


    Aria and n looked at each other gravely before the former slid her finger on the screen, "This?"


    Rian gulped to ask, "Is... Is it wrong?" Nobody answered him, Aria pointed the screen for him, "Try and guess this."


    Rian controlled himself from running out while saying, "Don''t tell these all to Mom and Dad. Not even Roxy."


    n''s warning tone sounded frosty, "Rian."


    Rian squeezed his eyes shut as he said, "Prussian blue."


    "This?" Peeking his eyes open, "Imperial red." Then Aria continued to change colors and Rian kept on saying what he felt the color looked like. "mingo... Salmon... Mint... Olive... Bronze... Tangerine..."


    After a few more colors, Aria cried hugging n, "n, he will not paint me like a demon."


    Rian took time to understand what she said, <em>''I will not paint her like a demon... I will not paint her like an ugly demon.''</em> He was dreaded the whole time while they kept on asking even if he answered all correctly.


    "Little devil, I will break your bones today." He stood up and chased after her while n sighed in relief and looked at the confused doctors who didn''t know those color hues name, "Are you guys painting artists?" they just knew light and dark names of standard colors.


    "Send the reports quickly." n unemotionally said and went out to see the duo screaming and cursing each other while Roxy was hell confused.


    "Brother-inw, Rian..." She couldn''t get toplete it and heard, "He might face headaches frequently. Other than that he is perfectly alright."


    He had just finished saying it, Rian held his head and stopped in tracks feeling hard to maintain his bnce or open his eyes feeling dizzy. His voice ailed calling her, "Little devil..."


    Aria quickly held him and remembered her one of the old incidents. She had taken more than a month to recover from dizziness when she was kidnapped in country E after getting hit on her head. "It''s alright, you are fine."


    Rian hummed keeping his eyes closed while the other two were running towards them. Aria continued, "Rian if you observe any side effects or any problem, you shouldn''t hide from me. Alright?" It was more like a plea unlike how she forces him to do when they are usually fine.


    Roxy held Rian pulling him to lean on her as Rian looked at Aria when he was taken away from her to sit aside. Aria felt quite uncanny and lost looking at Roxy who became overprotective of Rian and took him away forcefully.


    Aria wanted to think as she was overthinking but she became very ufortable when Roxy gazed at her. She repeatedly told herself as <em>Roxy is traumatized due to the incident</em>. She went to n without disturbing them.


    She could only hope everything will be alright and importantly Rian to be healthy and normal so she ignored Roxy''s behavior.


    Soon they checked in the hotel to rest till evening before flying back to the country. n didn''t let his guards down even though the possible threat was lowered.


    Aria started to be very awkward due to Roxy whenever she tried to check on Rian. Roxy''s hostile gaze was intensifying and Aria had no clue why Roxy started to loathe her.


    <em>''For hitting her father? For not supporting her father financially? For troubling her father?''</em> She didn''t have an answer to it.


    ...


    In the jet,


    However she might hide her emotions, n had started noticing her stiff behavior around Rian. "Honey?"


    Aria watched the couple enter the resting room to sleep in the jet, then she moved on n''s recliner as the assistants were sitting in the front and she didn''t worry about being seen either. "I am sleepy."


    n frowned at her reaction but heplied for her need. Keeping hisptop away, he lowered his recliner backrest and embraced her as he covered them with a lightforter. "What happened?"


    Aria shook her head resting her head on his chest, wrapping her arms at the side of his shoulder. She had thought they were going to one big happy family, now she remembered that they can have misunderstandings and problems too. She needed to solve them without making it huge or disturb other family members.


    n didn''t probe her further and let her sleep thinking what might have happened between her and Rian but thetter was talking normally as he used to so the problem is Roxy. He quickly analyzed and checked the petite woman in his arms.


    He didn''t wake her up to ask tenderly smoothing her furrowed brows. The rtionship in the family is strong but they were also very delicate. He would undoubtedly stand by Aria whatever it might be but his parents can''t do that because both are their daughter inw.


    Hence he decided to know the problem and assist her if needed and let her solve it in her own way. He didn''t want Aria to sacrifice or tolerate anything that could hurt her and he didn''t want her to hide it from him either, now he had to find a way to know what happened between them.


    ---


    They reached city B at dawn hence the assistants were routed to their home while the couples went to the Morgan mansion to rest a little time before getting back on work.


    They had decided to hide the incident from the elders to avoid them getting worried hence Amelia and Rowan assumed they went to meet Scarlett Cooper and returned.


    Aria who sat for breakfast looked at Roxy next to Rian but Roxy didn''t care to spare a nce at her. She served Rian and ate as if Aria didn''t exist and just spoke to Amelia whenever she asked anything.


    This confirmed n that the problem wasn''t Rian but Roxy. Whatever Aria did was all in the favor of Roxy and Rian, she wasn''t selfish anywhere, then <em>why is Roxy hostile?</em> He didn''t have a response just like Aria.


    Aria tried to ignore it to give her some time and mentioned about her and n''s n to Amelia and Rowan, "Mum, Pop, we are thinking to shift back to thekeside vi."


    Amelia was immediately worried, "You guys work all day, why do you want to go there? It isn''t only far, you have to cook for yourself."


    Rowan too added, "If not here, stay at Cooper mansion. You will have helping hands at work. Don''t tire yourself out."


    Aria nced at n who was silent as a stone. It wasn''t just her who wished to stay in the vi, he wanted to stay there too along with her unlike maids running around for cleaning or staying in an unnecessarily huge mansion. They wanted a homely life as husband and wife doing their chores by themselves and enjoying the simplicity.


    She pouted her lips and grumbled, "We want to stay there. We will being here frequently."


    As the parents of n, they were well aware that he liked staying alone, once Aria entered his life, he wanted to stay with her. He would work double just to avoid the third person.


    Rowan spoke, "Alright but don''t pull up work more. If it''s unmanageable, shift back to Cooper mansion or here." Amelia hummed in affirmation after him to agree to them.


    They knew well Aria and n had the independence to just move and settle there, since Aria chose to speak to them before doing it, they didn''t want to stop them.


    But this smallest discussion brought a huge scowl on Roxy''s forehead looking at Amelia, Rowan, and Aria.

 Chapter 412: Hiking

    Chapter 412: Hiking


    Aria and n''s decision to return to their small world pulled a huge distance between Aria and Roxy. They literally didn''t contact each other in the following week.


    ---


    It was on Sunday, Ceon and Zara returned jovially after their extended trip. The slow baby steps in the rtionship he had expected from her weren''t really slow. Zara opened up to him pretty quickly and she even started to n if they couldpletely change their career paths as travelers and bloggers.


    "Cooldown... Cooldown..." Ceon stopped Zara who was over excitedly nning everything out without knowing if they could really change the passion into a career.


    Zara looked confused but she shrugged it off quickly, "I will talk to your father so don''t worry. My parents will not have any problem unless I am happy so the problem is solved." She gave a wide smile of sess.


    Ceon chuckled shaking his head. Her initial image for him was mature and stoic but she was no serious person. She gets excited about little things and she decides about her life on her own without letting others conclude for her.


    She hated others controlling her but she considered the other''s opinion. If she liked something she would want to do it like a kid repeatedly eating its favorite chocte without thinking about the cavities.


    He never felt her as elder than him instead she was an excited little kid who ran around everywhere while he took care of her enjoying herpany.


    He didn''t let down her excitement by giving her the reality check. Opening the car door, the driver pulled out her luggage from the truck to pass it to the Wood''s mansion servant. "Alright, we will n things slowly. Before that, take good rest and then talk with your family. Alright?"


    Zara was nodding saying, "I will..." The housekeeper''s voice cut in, "Young miss, master and madam are calling you and sir. They are rxing at the cabana."


    Zara faintly smiled nodding at the housekeeper and looked at the cabana where her mother was waving her hand to call them. "Ceon,e, I will introduce them to you."


    Ceon cued his driver to wait and followed her towards the cabana thinking what to do if Zara speaks to her parents in front of him.


    "Mom, Dad, he is Ceon Davis. Ceon, my parents." Zara introduced them to each other and they didn''t need more to it as Ceon had already spoken to them over the call when they were in France.


    "Aunty Wood, Uncle Wood!" He greeted both and shook his hand with Master Wood before taking the chair with Zara.


    Madam Wood revealed after scrutinizing Ceon a few times, "Zara said her boyfriend isn''t good looking so I was expecting an ugly man. Ceon, you are quite handsome."


    Blushing Zara and shocked Ceon: "..."


    Master Wood startedughing looking at his daughter while Ceon looked at Zara in loss of words. Ceon agrees he wasn''t over the top good looking man but he was nowhere ugly or bad. He was still better than many A list stars.


    Master Wood spoke seeing them quiet, "She was all out exining and borating <em>''On the verge''</em>, so we thought to meet you. You guys must be tired, how was your vacation?"


    Zara who felt Ceon''s gaze on her after her father''s wordsined, "Could you two please give me face?"


    Ceon ignored her for time being and responded politely, carrying the faintest smile, "We didn''t rush to ces and took proper rest so we have only journey tiredness and we will be on jetg. We will be fine uncle after a day''s rest."


    They continued to generally talk for some time, then Jeep rubicon reached the yard, and the couple who alighted saw Zara and Ceon with the parents. They joined four and another round of teasing started by Noah.


    "Sis, why do you look a little fluffy?" Noah raised his brows with a teasing smile and continued, "The people lose weight after traveling so long. What is so special to you?"


    Zara: "..."


    Norah added her part, "Mom, don''t you think sister Zara is happier?"


    Madam Wood, "Happier? She is practically glowing."


    Master Wood didn''t let her daughter off either, "I am thinking when she was so much happyst time?... I can''t even remember it."


    Zara whined while Ceon continued tough with others, "Dad, not you, please. Why are you all bullying me? Shouldn''t you scare him away from me ording to books and dramas?"


    Noah overreacted as a bewildered, "Scare him away?" Norah pped his arms and started chuckling. Madam wood removed her reading sses seriously and asked, "Do I look scary? Why should I scare your boyfriend away?"


    "Mom, and you brat, don''t you dare bully me." Zara wanted to jump at her little brother and cover his mouth to stop him fueling her mother to continue to tease her. All burst intoughter while she blushed in embarrassment and shyness.


    Master Wood checked the time and suggested, "Ceon, why don''t you have dinner before leaving?"


    Ceon was still new to the family hence he was modest, "No need to bother uncle. I will..."


    "Are you waiting for my daughter to invite you?" Madam Wood was really happy because Zara started to date and she was happy with Ceon. She needs nothing more. She had really thought Zara was going to be a spinster, so her worry was erased.


    Ceon smiled ncing at Zara who continued to blush. He had really thought he would have to cross many hurdles of the family but they were very warm and weing.


    Zara now wanted to hide from them, "Mom... Ahh... Ceon, please listen to them else they will continue to tease me."


    Ceon agreed in a flow, "Alright, I will have dinner before leaving."


    Norah eximed, "Mom you are so right. Sister Zara asked and he agreed." She high fived Noah and saw Zara blushing red and Ceon bewildered.


    Zara and Ceon: "..."


    Master Wood stopped them from overdoing it, "Zara, show him the guest room to get fresh. You two brats, go and get fresh. Don''t forget they are still your elders." The duo chuckled and went with Zara and Ceon continuing to tease them.


    Entering the huge mansion, Ceon had expected everything posh and luxuriant but everything was simplistic and elegant. He felt like the people lived there and the mansion harmonized well. All maids were extremely polite like the housekeeper, he smiled to himself and followed Zara to the guest room while the other couple went upstairs.


    "There are new toiletries inside so you can use them. There must be a pair of clothes too if you want to change. There are still fifteen-twenty minutes, so you can rest till that. If you want anything else, you can ask anybody in the mansion, they will help you."


    Ceon was leaning on the door looking at her radiant face. He felt her mother was right. Before their trip to France, he had never seen her as happy as she looked now. If she likes traveling too and if her parents don''t have any problem, he thought of visiting different destinations once a month.


    Zara who waited for his response didn''t get to hear anything other than his gaze on her. She unknowingly blushed when his intense gaze on his poker face didn''t waver. "Ceon!" She called him loud enough to bring him out of the daze.


    But the expected response didn''te again instead Ceon took a step closer to her and wrapped his arms around her. It was the first hug after they had officially be a couple. After knowing her past with Toby Lewis, he didn''t want to force or push anything on her so he hadn''t tried to get near her.


    Zara had almost taken a step back when he moved closer but she didn''t and raised her head to look at his face when he carefully hugged her. She stiffened before she let herself rx. She was able to open up and be her real self around him because he left enough space for her to get along with him unlike rushing to hold her, hug or try to kiss her. He always made sure she wasfortable during theplete trip.


    Ceon wasn''t expecting her to reciprocate but Zara closed the distance between them and embraced him who was hesitant to hug, "Next, we will go for hiking, I never went backpack hiking."


    A content smile soon taped on his lips and nced her little hopeful face, blinking eyshes, His hands involuntarily caressed her head as he responded, "Sure but before that, we will have to get proper rest and train your body for the tedious trekking."


    Breaking their hug, Zara crossed her arms on her chest, "Right. From tomorrow I will jog." Ceon chuckled looking at her how seriously she was deciding to do anything just to enjoy being outdoors.


    He offered after remembering Woods'' headquarters, "How about working out together in Woods'' headquarters'' gym? We can do when we are free or after working time."


    Zara didn''t want to disturb the young couple in the morning who workout in the home gym, "You aren''t stupid as I think." She said tussling his hair and left to her room leaving him puzzled.


    Ceon badly wanted to ask, <em>''Do you still think I am stupid?''</em> But saw her chuckling taking the stairs.

 Chapter 413: Zara fuming red

    Chapter 413: Zara fuming red


    In the Woods mansion


    The six members merrily had dinner conversing with each other warming the environment. Ceon greatly liked how the family interacted without making him feel awkward.


    Zara who heard them talking about the trip spoke her heart, "Dad, I am nning to assist Ceon in his every trip. Domestic or international, I want to go with him to all the trips."


    Suddenly the dining hall fell silent including Noah and Norah who looked at Father and Mother Wood. Even though the elders trusted Ceon who was responsible and polite, Zara and Ceon had just started dating. They were worry-less during the week because Noah had assured them that Ceon wouldn''t be reckless.


    Since it was for France and only once, they didn''t mind it, now Zara waspletely trusting him in just the shortest amount of time that she was practically ready to go to any end of the world.


    Ceon knew the worries of parents especially after what Zara went through and how protective her parents were. So he didn''t expect too much from them but just hoped they shouldn''t restrict Zara and make her sad.


    Noah who sensed the environment tried to bnce it quickly, "Sis, you just came now and you are again nning out a new vacation."


    <em>''Vacation?''</em> Zara shook her head, "No, not as vacations. I want to travel the world and Ceon knows numerous ces and he has a huge list to travel to new ces as a travel blogger so I want to be part of it. I can work in the office when I am free."


    Woods'' wasn''t orthodox but they were scared of Zara going back to the same state after whatever Toby Lewis did. They never restricted her because she never had such a request for them that they might have to say no.


    <em>''Ahem,''</em> Master Wood coughed lightly to clear his throat while ncing at his wife and spoke, "We will talk about itter. Let''s have dinner first."


    Zara was confused about what was there to talk about it. It wasn''t like thepany needed her, Norah was capable enough to handle her work or they could just appoint a capable director to her position. "Dad, wh..."


    Ceon held her hand to stop her and spoke, "Uncle is right. Let''s have dinner."


    Zara nodded but felt their behavior odd. Whereas Master and Madam Wood hoped Ceon wasn''t manipting their daughter. The rest of the dinner became silent each one in their own thoughts.


    Ceon bid them and left to the Davis family vi soon asking Zara to rest in the home and drop going to the office the next day for adjusting to the jetg.


    The over-protectiveness of the parents started doubting Ceon if he was really concerned and cared about Zara or was it just an act to lure their daughter? Master Wood was smart and sensible so he understood what they were expecting from Zara and Ceon for sending Zara with him wherever they wanted to go.


    Zarapleted her night skincare regime and went to bed but she didn''t get sleep thinking about the unresolved questions in her mind. So she went out to meet her parents who were enjoying the cool breeze, sipping the calming tea.


    She heard them talking while she was walking up to them, "But old man I am scared, what if Ceon Davis is ying her and hurt her again? We can''t blindly send them to a faraway country."


    "Didn''t Noah say, Ceon is well mannered and harmless. He had even saved Zara when she had almost knocked on the door of death."


    "What if he is manipting her? I can''t rest at ease if they start traveling away from here."


    "Sigh... What are you expecting them to do? She just found her little happiness, if we stop her, she might listen to us but doesn''t that affect her?"


    They continued to talk without knowing Zara was listening to them. She felt like her parents were extremely worried about her and were treating her like a fragiledy who would be hurt easily. Well, there was a time, she was exactly like that so she doesn''t me them for that.


    Then how to alleviate their worry and do what she likes? She was never the one to disregard her family''s opinion, as much as she respected her opinion, she gave importance to her parent''s view too.


    She didn''t speak to them and returned to her room to think about it. She knew Ceon wasn''t ying her, even if he was doing so, she wasn''t frail anymore to break down and ignore everything. She was sure she would move on if she sees such days again.


    <em>Does she trust Ceon?</em> Of course, she does. A week-long is enough to say if he is serious about her or he was time passing with her. If he was really ying her, his father wouldn''t have tried to reach her to know who Ceon is chasing after. If he wasn''t serious about her, why would he have let her speak to his whole family during the week?


    She had no doubt in Ceon and she also didn''t me her parents for having doubts in him. It was her past that is affecting her present so she wanted a solution to solve it. Thinking about all these, she soon fell asleep whereas Ceon was sleepless in the bedroom thinking about what to do if Zara''s parents don''t misunderstand or mistrust him.


    In Davis vi,


    His father who heard the keyboard tapping sound woke up in the middle of the night and checked on him, "You rascal, what''s wrong with your head?"


    Ceon was drafting his blog when his father settled his sses on the nose bridge standing in pajamas. He asked after thinking for a few seconds, "Dad, what should I do if somebody starts distrusting me?"


    Master Davis blinked a few times staring at his son as if he was seeing an alien. His son never asked such questions to him, he thought about why he was asking him and who distrusted his useless son. His first thought was Zara and his voice slightly raised, "You pig, what did you do that Zara is distrusting you? Did you misbehave with her?"


    He was angered for losing the potential daughter inw. He had really liked Zara Wood who was smart and sensible, perfect for his family and also for the business if she wanted to look after. He was ready to beat his son''s ass if he did something stupid and lost the ideal daughter inw of the family.


    Ceon realized his father likes Zara and forgot the overbearing President Cooper. He quickly cleared the air so that his father doesn''t throw anything at him to break his head, "No, it''s her parents... Zara likes traveling and wants to travel more ces with me but you know parents are overprotective of their daughters..."


    Master Davis immediately hit his head without giving him time to dodge, "Overprotective? It''s protective and concerned, will you send Zoe with any guy if hees and asks you?"


    Ceon was rubbing his head hearing him but stiffened and quickly went to uncle mode hearing Zoe and a guy, "My kitten will not go with any guy."


    Master Davis burst intoughter and sat down next to him on the couch. Zoe''s father (Ceon''s brother) and Ceon were the same, they didn''t let any guy in the school touch or talk to Zoe whenever they went to drop her to school. He hoped his sons wouldn''t make her a spinster in the future.


    Ceon frowned hearing himugh and realized why his father asked about Zoe so he asked himself as he muttered, "Then what should I do?"


    Master Davis sighed hearing and seeing him thinking hard, patting his shoulder, he gave the solution, "Marry her. Simple. Nobody will stop you."


    Instead of being excited or happy, Ceon red at his father. He had no ns to terrify away Zara who was finally close to him. "No! Your idea is just like you, old model." He shut hisptop and stomped away grimly while his father smiled again and went to his room for a peaceful sleep.


    Zara had already informed Master Davis about Ceon''spany and his work when they were talking on the phone. The way she convinced and handled his thoughts weremendable. She didn''t force him to ept Ceon''s passion instead she just patiently exined how much he enjoys his work and how he was also ready to look after thepany so he didn''t speak or object about it when Ceon returned.


    He was ready to meet the Wood family as soon as he gets a green signal. Anyway, he didn''t want to butt in too much andplicate things. He didn''t have any objection with their age difference, in fact, he felt it was good that Zara was elder to tame the unruly Ceon.


    ---


    In the morning, Ceon was still snuggling with hisforter and pillow when he heard a soft voice waking him up. He shrugged, "I want to sleep."


    The girl''s voice continued, "Wake up, I need to talk to you." Ceon pulled a pillow on his head to avoid hearing the voice thinking his sister-inw was waking him up for breakfast.


    Then he heard his father say, "Sean, I had told you to marry Zara."


    Ceon threw the pillow at the source of the voice and yelled, "I am not marrying."


    Pin drop silence.


    Master Davis nced at Zara who was fuming red. He prayed for the health of his son and sneaked out of the room.

 Chapter 414: A complete mess

    Chapter 414: Aplete mess


    After thinking for a really long time, Zara found the solution to the problems and possible doubts on Ceon by her parents. So after breakfast in the morning, she set off to the Davis family house to talk to Ceon whose mobile was dead. She wanted to talk to face to face instead of telmunication anyway.


    She was weed by the butler followed by the cute little tot who hugged her leg smiling at her. Zara craved to y with Zoe but it was her school time hence her father took her out after greeting.


    Master Davis was surprised by her sudden visit, he ignored he had to rush out to his office for the morning meeting for tending to Zara, "Zara,e in, did you have breakfast? What would you like to eat?"


    Zara faintly smiled and jumped to the action, "Uncle Davis, I want to meet Ceon, where is he?"


    Master Davis panicked thinking her parents might be giving her a hard time, "He was awakete into the night working in hisptop so he is still sleeping..." He paused to see her reaction and asked carefully, "Zara, are you parents against you two being together?"


    Zara retracted her eyes away from the stairs and faced master Davis, "Uncle they are not against us. They are just very concerned. I want to talk about it with Ceon." Zara didn''t know Master Davis already knew the situation.


    Master Davis nodded and asked curiously if she would tell him or not, "What are you nning?"


    Zara nonchntly responded as if it was nothing important like it was just the passingment, "They will be happy if we marry."


    Master Davis''s lips opened and closed a few times looking at Zara''s nonchnt face. He tried his all to bury down his overjoy and excitement to lookposed as Zara but the widened lips failed him, "I will guide you to his room."


    Instead of asking a maid or first daughter-inw, he led Zara grinning ear to ear.<em> ''Ah, I will not have any more worries.''</em>


    Zara followed him and entered Ceon''s room to see him cozily sleeping in. He looked too innocent and dumb while sleeping that nobody would believe he was a top traveler and blogger with hell lot of knowledge about many things.


    "Ceon, wake up." Zara''s soft low voice sounded as she tried to shake his arm to wake him up.


    Master Davis started dreaming about the marriage life of Zara and Ceon looking at them. He really looked forward to theing days.


    Ceon flipped aside from facing them and shrugged her hand, "I want to sleep." He pulled theforter up and made himself morefortable to sleep.


    Zara''s voice continued, "Wake up, I need to talk to you." Zara tried again pulling his arm to make him sleep on his back so that if he opens his eyes, he could look at her and sit.


    Ceon pulled a pillow on his ear to avoid hearing the voice thinking his sister-inw was waking him up for breakfast. The overexcited Master Davis failed to stop himself from squealing about what he had heard in the living hall and proudly eximed.


    "Ceon, I had told you to marry Zara."


    Zara nced at Master Davis who was rejoicing in happiness looking forward to the future. She realized he won''t oppose them with whatever decision they might take.


    Ceon threw the pillow at the source of the voice and yelled, "I am not marrying." He felt like his father was forcing him to propose to Zara so he shut him off to continue sleeping.


    Pin drop silence.


    Zara was glowering at Ceon''s back without uttering a word. Master Davis nced at Zara who was fuming red. He prayed for the health of his son and sneaked out of the room.


    Zara didn''t speak and went to the connected bathroom. Ceon thought they finally left and he could have a good sleep. He rxed his body and went back to deep slumber in no time but it wasn''t fated tost for longer.


    <em>''sh''</em> A bucket full of cold water sshed on him without giving him any notion.


    "F**k" Ceon jerked up drenched in the water trying to catch a breath. Wiping the water away from his face, he again cursed without looking at who was in the room, "What the freaking hell dad?"


    Then he heard the threatening tone of the girl who he knows well, "Aren''t you awake yet? Shall I get another bucket of water?"


    Ceon looked at Zara and froze. He rewound whatever he said a few minutes back and realized he pissed offZara. He calmed down slowly and ignored he was soaking wet on his bed, "Mydy, why are you angry early in the morning? How about I get fresh quickly so that we could sit and talk?"


    Zara left the bucket on the floor ring at him without changing from the sweet tender voice he used on her, "What did you respond to your father?"


    Ceonughed awkwardly before countering, "I was sleepy you know."


    Zara nodded as if she understood what happened a minute back but the next second the bucket which was on the floor was thrown at him, "Ceon Davis, do you want somebody in your sleep and another in the real world?"


    Ceon frantically shook his head to stop her assuming anything and run away from him, "No No No... I will brief about it but let me change first." he was trying to get out of the bed but Zara ordered mercilessly.


    "Sit right there. You better don''t move without rifying it." She wasn''t meek Zara Wood to let him say anything and to believe it.


    Ceon wanted to ask her to sit but the whole bed was wet and thanks to Zara and her perfect way to pour water on him. He couldn''t believe instead of scolding the one who threw water on him, he had to coax her and exin everything.


    He exined what he and his father spoke the previous night and why he said he wasn''t going to marry her. Zara understood everything and also understood why Master Davis said, <em>''I had told you to marry Zara.''</em>


    Ceon sighed in relief seeing her calm andposed. He thought he could now go and change but Zara dropped her bomb. "Your father is right. I came here to ask you for marriage."


    <em>''Crack.''</em>


    That was the bedside nightmp crashing on the floor.


    Ceon would havended on his face but he held the side table suddenly in time that wobbled the nightmp and fell down. He realized that he could have just stepped out of bed, <em>''why am I crawling on the bed?''</em>


    <em>''No no... The important thing is marriage. Zara proposed to me to marry her... What!? <strong>ZARA PROPOSED TO ME FOR MARRIAGE.</strong>''</em>


    He strongly suspected that he was sleeping. He nodded to himself and he also epted that he was drenched in the dream. Ignoring the coldforter, he was ready to go back to sleep but Zara shook him seeing him frozen in a doggy style pose.


    "What are you doing?" Zara asked softly, pushing him back on the bed. She had expected the excitement of Ceon just like the day she had epted to date him. <em>''What''s with his reaction?''</em>


    Ceon sat back on the bed and took a few deep long breaths knowing he wasn''t dreaming and Zara is deadly serious. <em>''What the fish! Why did she propose to me out of nowhere?''</em> He knows well she doesn''t love him. In fact, she doesn''t even like him to the extent she likes to travel the world.


    Zara''s face fell seeing such a reaction which was no reaction. She wasn''tpletely sad, if he had no ns to marry her then it was good to move on before getting deep into the rtionship. She wanted to think practically but she was still sad and felt broken like something was cracking inside her and she wasn''t able to stop it.


    She convinced herself she is strong enough to ept the rejection and was about to sigh her hand was yanked and resulting in sitting in front of Ceon who was very serious. She had never seen him so grave in the past month.


    She didn''t know what to anticipate looking at him in the eye who was so calm that it gave her chills. She liked the wild, talking, and fun Ceon Davis but this version is very new to her. She didn''t know to react while he was thinking about how to speak.


    Zara wanted to break the ice but she didn''t know what to say,<em> ''It''s alright?''</em> No, it''s not alright for her. <em>''it''s over?''</em> No, it wasn''t over for her. They had just begun and she really looked forward to her new life with him whether as a boyfriend or his assistant or maybe wife or fiance.


    Another thought of her said, <em>''Why should I back off easily on his decision when I can kick his ass and teach him a lesson?''</em> Now she believed, backing off can also be a weakness. Now she was ready to make everything straight as she wished even if she has to be out of herself and be overbearing.


    But if she forced her decision on him, <em>will they be able to live happily as they did in the past week?</em>


    <em>''Ahh, so much confusion.''</em> Zara''s mind was in aplete mess.

 Chapter 415: Young madam

    Chapter 415: Young madam


    Ceon believes in love and wants to marry the one who he loves and wants the same one to love him back. He can''t bear the one-sided love marriage so he was ready to wait for her until she clears out her feelings.


    He calmly spoke, trying to make some sense so that Zara could understand him without any misunderstandings, "If you want to marry me because you want to travel around, then we shouldn''t marry. We don''t have a strong base, you don''t love me, and a weak foundation rtionship falls sooner orter. We shouldn''t sail in the boat which has holes because that is destined to drown."


    Zara heard him with the same serious he was trying to make her perceive. She realized Ceon misunderstood her. She didn''t ept dating him because he is <em>''On the verge''</em>. She epted to date him because he is Ceon who is patient, fun, honest, and respects her. The one who was ready to put anything behind just for her.


    It was his passion and love to travel around and blog. She also likes it more than her boring job so she was excited that she couldpletely support him with his career and also fulfill her wish to enjoy her life going out of her own small restricted world.


    She agrees they hardly know about each other and she might not love him as much as he did but she knew the pain in her heart. That was because she was afraid of losing him.


    "But..."


    Ceon cut her off without letting her speak, "I really want to marry you but not like this. Take your time, discern what you want. We still have a long way to go and please don''t get pressured by anybody or anything."


    Zara started to feel like she was immature and very childish for directly jumping to the marriage topic whereas Ceon took it maturely. She felt like they bnce each other''s deficiency well without shing it.


    Seeing her too quietly looking at him, he felt she was sad for missing their next yet to be nned outing so he found a solution for that too, "If you want to go on hiking, we can go to mount Bona or mount Ga. We will leave early in the morning and return by night. Alright?"


    He watched her still mute. He took time to realize she was embarrassed and didn''t know what to word out. He didn''t feel the same, he was d that she spoke to him about her decision instead of having an argument with her parents or avoiding him.


    She looked determined to marry him a few minutes back even if it was because of their parent''s trust issue, he was ted to know that she felt him suitable for marrying.


    He didn''t break his eye contact and poked her shoulder and chuckled as soon as she flushed that she was controlling behind her poker face. Zara pped his arms and grumbled, "Shut up..."


    Ceon controlled but he burst intoughter as he asked, "Were you nning a whirlwind wedding? Or getting marriage certificates in the civil bureau?... Now I need to look for a venue for the wedding and decor asap..." He continued to tease while she blushed scarlet covering her face.


    Zara realized she is too bold when the timees and even shameless enough to keep arguing with Ceon who was very mature and foresighted.


    Ceon stopped after some time and was going to the bathroom but he remembered something. He turned to see Zara standing up so he scooped her up in his arms decisively.


    "Ceon!" Zara shrieked in fear as soon as her feet left the floor and clutched his wet nightwear shirt tightly. She missed noticing his mischievous smirk when he took her to the bed.


    Zara was startled and speechless when heid her on the bed. Ceon didn''t leave instead went on top of her, of course leaving enough space between them. "Don''t you know after marriage, the couple consummates their marriage? If you proposed to me so easily, you should have thought about it too, right?"


    She opened her lips to speak but words didn''te out. Well, she didn''t think about it. She wanted her parents to trust him wholeheartedly and she wanted to talk to him about it but nothing else came to her mind. In fact, she didn''t even think if she marries him she will have to stay with him but not at the woods'' mansion.


    She realized how hastily she decided everything without considering so many things.


    While thinking about those gazing at her widened eyes at Ceon, Zara started feeling cold and noticed Ceon controlling hisughter. That''s when she realized he wasn''t going to do anything to her but he was revenging on her for pouring the water on him. She hadn''t even noticed when he had pulled the wetforter on her leaving her sandwiched between wet sheets.


    "Ceon!" She pushed him aside and hastily stood up to see her clothes all wet, especially her back where her clothes were sticking to her, "You fool, I don''t have clothes."


    Ceon loves all her simple to overwhelming expressions on her little face. He pointed towards a door inside the bedroom saying, "Check inside, you might get something." Then he went to the bathroom hearing her chide him, "I am not going to wear your clothes."


    Anyway, she went to his walk-in wardrobe which was no less than a vast big room to live for a few people. What left her dumbfounded was half of the collection was Zoe''s collection. She stormed her clothes which were so cute and pretty.


    Then her eyes fell on a white paper bag and realized it was her dress bag which they had shopped at the airport. Ceon was holding the bag for her with many bags that had gone with him.


    She changed and looked into the mirror. It wasn''t any extraordinary dress, it was a simple white and ck dress. The cold shoulder top had a ckce design and a ck skirt with a waterfall flow pattern. It was simple and pretty giving her an elegant yet yful look.


    She was tying her hair to a messy bun to match her outfit when Ceon entered the walk-in after a knock. He leaned on the ind block looking at her reflection on the mirror. Zara wasn''t able to concentrate on her hair seeing him in a bathrobe while his unwavering gaze didn''t leave her.


    She missed to tie her hair twice and preached, "What are you looking at? Go and wear your clothes."


    Ceon nonchntly started to untie his wrap of the bathrobe saying, "I didn''t know you are fine seeing me nude and wearing clothes."


    Zara flustered when an image of Ceon standing nude in front of her appeared in mind then she yelled, "No, no... wait." Withoutpleting her look, she ran away hurriedly while Ceon burst intoughter. He could have taken clothes and went outside to change but teasing and seeing her flustered reactions were too interesting to watch.


    Zarabed her hair in the room while Ceon got ready and went out to see her sitting on the couch. Sneaking next to her, he suddenly sat down frightening her. "Oh..." Zara patted her right hand on her chest trying to cool down watching his room.


    She had really expected his room to have a hippy style with loud colors but his room looked very warm and cozy. With enough sunlight entering inside, it was bright with uncovered curtains. He had a big ss wall for a fish tank which separates the study room and bedroom. Many small tiny colorful fishes set the tone in the room.


    Then her eyes slowly scanned what''s in the study room, Ceon noticed her peeping inside hence he stood up and took her inside, then he gave a tour of the vi but was speechless seeing her excited in Zoe''s room checking her toys.


    Zara noticed toys in the shape of fruits and remembered Ceon hadn''t eaten anything and took him downstairs for histe breakfast. "Second young master, your breakfast... Second young madam, would like to eat anything?"


    <em>''Pfft,''</em> Zara was d she had just taken a sip of water. She looked at the butler and rified, "My name is Zara Wood." She meant to say, <em>''Please address appropriately.''</em>


    Ceon turned to the butler and instructed seriously, "Please address her as you were instructed by the Master." Of course, he knew well his father was a businessman, an opportunist who would want to keep good things for himself.


    "Ceon Davis!" Zara kicked his leg but soon realized it was her own dug hole when Ceon said, "You proposed to me. If I had agreed, we would be having the celebration lunch you know."


    She pointed her finger at him gritting her teeth but shrugged her hand and ignored him. She brought it upon herself so she has to bear it. <em>''Ahh...I am so dumb.''</em>


    Ceon didn''t provoke her further and coaxed her for a date and had dinner together before letting her go home. He wanted to return home too but remembered he hadn''t contacted or chatted with Finn properly in the past week so he drove towards Finn''s vi after affirming he was in the vi but not in the family mansion.


    Instead of meeting Finn for talking about him, he wanted to know more about Finn and also for the pretty secretary he had seen in Finn''s office. He really wished for Finn to move on from Aria and like just anybody who could love him unconditionally.

 Chapter 416: Edgar proposed Rose

    Chapter 416: Edgar proposed Rose


    In Finn''s vi


    Ceon entered to see Finn havingte-night dinner alone as he had already had dinner with Zara. "Young master Stanley, aren''t you bored of eating alone? Imagine having a sexy girlfriend feeding you dinner every day... Uff, when will I get a chance to watch it?"


    Finnzily nced at him pulling his eyes away from theptop, pausing his right hand in the air, his tone sounded sharp and cold, "Never..." Then his eyes went back to theptop screen ignoring his presence as he resumed eating.


    Ceon: "..."


    He made sure to ask him before visiting him yet Finn was acting as if they weren''t rted to each other. His hand itched to close hisptop and change his line of sight to him but he also wanted his bones safe.


    Resigning, he went to the bar counter and poured himself a red wine and turned to Finn, "Which one do you want? Gin, Vodka, Whiskey, Bourbon, Beer, Rum, Scotch, and Wine or Cocktail?"


    Finn indolently responded, "Wine... White wine." Finn was checking reports on who was attacking Starlight and the artists under him. One after the other, false rumors about the artists were spreading like crazy affecting thepany and TRP of the shows in his channels.


    He knew Media and entertainment are full of scandals, rumors, and attacks yet he chose that as a challenge and tried hard to survive in the critical time.


    He has to determine if he is themon yer in the current trend of somebody exclusively chosen to bring him down. But in the world of numerous virtual IP addresses, it is hard to find who is doing what, why, and when. He was slowly having a better understanding of the power of the Inte and the fingers on the keyboard beyond the screen - The power ofizens.


    When he noticed the flute on the coaster filled, he sipped but didn''t give his full attention to the man who was there for him. "How was your trip?" He asked a general question to keep the man busy while he heard him half and worked half.


    After sometime Ceon realized Finn was troubled by something and he wasn''t truly listening to him. Even his half-eaten dinner had turned cold. Without being able to control himself looking at his awful state, he reheated the food without Finn''s knowledge.


    Ceon closed hisptop and ordered, "You better eat first. What''s wrong with you? Health is important, have looked at yourself? Are you thinking of yourself as an immortal?"


    Finn rxed his tensed shoulder looking at furious Ceon, "Now I realize what I was missing. I am missing your nagging. As soon as you got your girl, you havepletely forgotten me, parties, clubbing, other friends... and the list goes on."


    Finn started eating and continued to hear Ceon nag him for some more time for trying to shift the subject about him. Finn knew Ceon was somebody who would be ready to stand at gunpoint if he has to fill some sense to his head. So he didn''t threaten him to stop andpleted his dinner, cleaned the table, washed the bowls, and was entering the bathroom but halted.


    Finn turned behind to see Ceon still following him, "Do you want to take bath with me? Why are you entering inside?"


    Ceon realized they were in Finn''s room so rolled his eyes, "No thanks..." He went to the guest room seeing Finn smile teasingly.


    After half an hour, in the Study room,


    Ceon couldn''t believe his n to have a rxed conversation changed to scolding Finn all the time. "Finn, you should shift back to Stanley''s mansion. At this rate, you will ruin your health... Actually, a girlfriend can solve this problem."


    Finn opened hisptop again ring at Ceon, "I have work Ceon..." Thetter shut hisptop again, "What were you doing all day?"


    Finn now felt his headache from being stopped repeatedly. "Go and sleep. I have critical work."


    Ceon nonchntly pulled Finn''sptop next to him from another end and said, "I will help, what is it?"


    Finn: "..."


    Breathing through his mouth a few times, Finn promptly spoke his mind, "I want to break your head."


    <em>''Ahem,''</em> Ceon coughed and thought about what to do. Finn looked really irritated and also worn out, if he goes to sleep, he was sure Finn wouldn''t sleep again.


    Pushing his swivel chair a little away, "If you break my head, Zara will be sad, if Zara is sad, Fourie wille behind you and Aria too." Then he grinned. He didn''t want to take Aria''s name but taming Finn is really hard without taking her name.


    Finn was utterly speechless hearing him connect his simple threat to the Fourie and ended up saying Aria''s name. Rubbing his forehead, he pushed hisptop towards Ceon and yawned, "Let me see what you can do."


    Ceon took theptop and snatched the file from Finn''s hand, "Shut up and sit." Then he looked at the data acquired about an investigation.


    "I oddly remember reading or hearing these names somewhere," Ceonmented as he checked each data more curiously than the previous one.


    Finn who was bored yawned repeatedly and was about to doze off, Ceon squealed, "Daves is behind your problem. Those are the water army of Daves Entertainment, when my cousin was trapped in a scandal they used the water army to bring her innocence back as her poprity isn''t good."


    Finn feltpletely awake hearing the ''Daves'', Ceon continued to speak, "But why Edgar is behind you?" Edgar Daves, a friend of Finn and Ceon. They weren''t close but they were good acquaintances.


    Finn revealed another information to Ceon, "Last time his subsidiary entertainmentpany man sent us a giarised story. When I spoke to Edgar directly he said he fired that man..."


    Ceon shut theptop and faced Finn, "Why is he troubling you?" As much as he knew Edgar Daves always respected Finn.


    Ceon wasn''t much close to him because Edgar always had his own circle smartly avoiding others who wouldn''t take up the family business or wasn''t any use to him.


    Ceon didn''t care about those things because he was the least bit interested in such people. One who can''t ept him for what he is, he didn''t want those whoe behind for his family business either.


    Finn was aware of it too. Finn wasn''t only an heir of the Stanley family but also the Wen family. So he was the most wanted heir in the city for every circle of people, one had the military power and the other in the hospital field without losing its shine against any other hospital.


    Opposing him wouldn''t bring any good, especially now who could easily ask Aria to stand by him although Finn wouldn''t do that.


    Finn fell into his train of thought about Edgar Daves. He is well aware that Edgar was a man who looked advantageous in everything he does and that type of man disgusted him. But the fact that they are oddly were in the same school and the group of friends, he was acquainted with him.


    He never allowed him to enter his personal space as Ceon so Finn knew how he treated Ceon and him differently.


    Their first discrepancy started when Edgar got to know Aria who was the sole heiress of a vast empire at such a young age. Finn himself was unknown to her at that time so how could he even introduce her to him when he asked.


    Finn knew well Edgar wanted Aria for his advantage but n was a man of actions who didn''t let any pest hover around Aria, especially those who had the ultimate goal to have her in connection.


    Finn disappeared after it and returned to the city with Aria that undoubtedly reached the ear of Edgar who was already a president. He teased, provoked, asked but Finn never let anybody use him as a bridge to reach Aria.


    Edgar had asked to support him when he had submitted a project for the coboration from Skyline, although Finn didn''t help him, his file was rejected before reaching Aria''s hand.


    Edgar had all reasons to be angry with Finn for not getting Aria irrespective of his try to create rumor as ''Edgar and Aria are more than friends'' with a coincidence picture that went lost on the inte as soon as the Skyline PR team took action.


    "He wanted Aria... No, he wanted Skyline and Copper family wealth. I didn''t help him repeatedly."


    Ceon didn''t know what had happened between them so he found it ridiculous, "What the fish! He should trouble President Morgan and her. She is nothing to you and why is he targeting you? "


    Ceon wanted to cut his tongue when he finished saying it. Coughing awkwardly he re-corrected his line, "She is your friend, it isn''t'' like you have her."


    Finn retracted his gaze away from Ceon after hearing his revised statement. It was already past and Aria is n''s woman so he couldn''t understand why Edgar is targeting Finn now. ''Business?''


    "Oh, Crap..." Finn remembered something and blurted out.


    Ceon who was mulling over the situation turned to him, "What''s wrong?"


    Finn regretted taking the matter lightly, "Edgar proposed Rose."


    "What?!" Ceon uttered out.

 Chapter 417: No hopes

    Chapter 417: No hopes


    ''Rose is asked out by Edgar Daves.'' Ceon wanted tough at this. The man who had only a rich and richer friend circle, liking a simple secretary of Finn Stanley... Alright, Aria Cooper, doesn''t make sense.


    "Why did Aria send you a girl who is dating somebody else?" Of course, his main concern was setting up Finn with a pretty little girl. He was disappointed thinking Aria sent the girl who is engaged.


    Finn''s lips twitched hearing it. He went out of the study as he spoke, "He asked her out two days back right in front of me."


    "What the fish!" Ceon uttered out.


    Finn prepared coffee as he reminisced the incident in his mind.


    ---


    Due to Rose working as the secretary, Dustin took most of the work that might have the fieldwork, like recruiting somebody or checking on the audition or shooting process of any movie that needed attention.


    These work arrangements made Rose follow Finn every day for all the business meetings, client meet-ups, or the formal parties. That day, they had met a client and turndown having lunch with them so Finn took Rose to the rooftop restaurant where they coincidentally met Edgar Daves who was having lunch with his clients.


    Finn and Edgar just nodded at each other before the former went to the table for him and Rose. She casually asked him, "President Stanley, isn''t he Senior Edgar?"


    Both took seats opposite to each other, Finn hummed in affirmation and surprise, "You know the seniors?"


    Rose was prompt like every time, "Yes, not only me, everyone in school knows your batch. You, Senior Edgar, Senior Ceon, Senior Jaydon, Senior... I forgot another name."


    "Zachary, Zachary Hyde... He is settled in country M." Finnpleted the group that used to be together in the school.


    Then both had just ordered food for themselves. It wasn''t even ten minutes, a big bouquet appeared held by a waiter, "Miss. May, these flowers are for you sent by President Daves."


    Rose''s face turned awful hearing her surname. She had removed her surname five years back and hardly anybody remembers it. It was odd to hear that now.


    Finn turned to Rose and uttered, "May?" He didn''t know her full name because she never used anywhere and all her Identity cards had only a single name ''ROSE''. He never cared to dig about her as she is Aria''s trusted, dotted employee.


    Rose nced at Finn but she shifted her gaze back to the waiter and turned down, "I am sorry, I can''t ept it. Thank you."


    Finn: "..."


    Edgar Daves, a sessful businessman who attracts many girls, and many die to get his attention. Yet the girl in front of him was turning down the bouquet sent by him without batting an eyelid. The waiter had no choice but to return to Edgar Daves''s table to ry the status.


    Rose turned to Finn and confessed, "My birth name is Rosie May. I changed it to Rose a few years back."


    Finn nodded and nced towards Edgar who nodded at the waiter and stood up in elegance taking the bouquet. He turned to Rose who was ogling the tasty food on the table being served than the handsome men around her.


    He mulled over if he should leave the table ncing at the man marching towards them but he didn''t. Then he looked at Rose who was licking her lips before digging in.


    Edgar walked up to them, faintly nodded at Finn as a greeting, and spoke, "I hope President Stanley doesn''t mind me if I steal a few minutes from thedy."


    Finn didn''t show his emotions on face hearing the flirtatious, loving tone of him and nced at Rose who paused with a fork near her lips with a spaghetti dangling down that was waiting for her to eat.


    He knew nothing about the personal life of Edgar or Rose so he had to nod so he affirmed. Confused Rose blinked her eyes at Edgar without actually feeling amused but confused.


    He was a businessman and she was a normal little employee, it didn''t fit her thoughts how could President Daves have time to notice her.


    Coming to looks, she has seen n, Finn, Isaac who rules the princely handsomeness title, not to mention Levi was brawny yet stunning, the chocte boy Noah, fun and funky Rian, they get girls hovering on them. ording to her, Edgar looked normal against them.


    "Me?" Her sloppy doubtful tone flopped the amazing mood set by Edgar, which almost caused Finn to smile.


    Edgar still maintained his gentle look for her and extended his hand, "Don''t tell me you forgot your senior?..."


    Rose just blinked at him without understanding why President Daves was near her while she felt her nose itch unbearably. She knows him as her senior but how does it matter for him?


    Edgar who got no response other than her round eyes blinking at him continued his line, "The beautiful roses for the prettydy."


    Rose bluntly asked, "Why?""She grabbed the napkin quickly due to the strong smell, "I don''t like roses. I... I... Achoo..." Rose sniffled behind napkin andpleted her words covering her bright red nose, "I am allergic to artificial scents on the roses."


    <em>''Achoo''</em>


    Edgar: "..."


    Finn pressed his lips tightly shut and looked away from them. Rose never failed to amuse him with her simplicity or dumbness. He found her dumb than innocent.


    <em>''Achoo''</em>


    Edgar took time to ept his lead was turned down by ady so easily without a second look at him. His dumbfounded look was apparent on his face.


    Rose whose eyes teared up by tears had to speak to stop shedding tears without control, "President Daves, please take that bouquet away. I don''t have any medicine now."


    Edgar reacted and pulled his bouquet away standing little away and helplessly told, "I am sorry, I didn''t know that." But he had a confusion if roses had artificial scent on it.


    Edgar then continued, "I recently got to know you changed your name to Rose so I couldn''t find you for so many years..."


    Finn was shocked and astonished why he didn''t know Rose existed in the same school and Edgar was searching for her. He found little fishy but he knew it wasn''t his ce to be opinionated but he didn''t know what to do either.


    He stood up to give them space, "I will juste..." He turned to leave but was stopped by a little force so he turned around to see his shirt sleeves were held by Rose''s hand who looked afraid.


    Rose whispered to Finn when Edgar was standing right behind her, "He looks spooky."


    Finn suddenly felt like a triangle between Edgar, rose and him yet he couldn''t believe Rose felt Edgar weird when the world wanted to know more about him. He wiped his thought off and calmed her, "Don''t worry, he won''t do anything to you."


    Rose tried to say something but bit her lip and nodded leaving his sleeves. Finn knew her hesitation and also noticed her disappointment but how could he be sitting there where Edgar was going all out and Rose kept turning to him in ufortableness.


    He walked away towards the restroom and returned after ten minutes when Rose dialed his number to call him back to have lunch.


    He didn''t show interest in whatever happened between them hence he remained quiet but he had to speak looking at Rose''s awful look and lost appetite, "What''s wrong? Shall I take you to the doctor? Is your allergy to roses that serious?"


    Rose shook her head, "I lied. I am fine..."


    Finn: "..."


    She lied, he couldn''t believe it and she didn''t seem like she lied, her face had turned red and she was on the brink of tears. Finn saw her fallen face so he asked again, "What did you lie?"


    Rose stabbed the noodles as she responded, "It''s that stupid man''s perfume. I can''t offend him so I had to be prepared for that lie."


    Finn nodded, of course, he knew about Edgar''s perfume choice, Edgar selects a strong smell whichsts long. His idea was to leave his trail wherever he goes but probably didn''t expect how some have to lie. "Why are you sad then?"


    Rose''s face suddenly turned out of sorts and Finn thought she was going to cry, "President Cooper didn''t answer my call."


    Finn: "..."


    He understood she had dialed Aria''s number first to talk to her before dialing his number. He decided to be nosy so that she could rx and eat because they still had a long day ahead.


    "Alia must be busy at work, I am sure, she will definitely call you back." He saw her nod and heard her hum pursuing her lips. Finn had an urge to pat her head and calm her but removed it.


    "Now tell me what happened? Did Edgar trouble you? Why do you want Alia for?" Finn questioned her carefully without triggering her to cry. <em>''Such a cry baby.''</em>


    Rose didn''t want to give her honest opinions about Finn''s friend to Finn but seeing him worried about her, she chose to tell him since the duo friends didn''t talk properly, "You shouldn''t get vexed."


    Finn nodded, <em>offended? he thought he mightugh at her reasons.</em>


    Rose nced at Edgar once and summarised, "President Daves asked me out on a date."


    Finn didn''t take it seriously and thought it was prettymon as she was good-looking, "Oookay..."


    Rose continued, "But he lied to me. it isn''t difficult to find me at all from my real name to the current name. I turned him down but he is forcing me to give it another thought and answer himter by giving me his card."


    Finn nodded again and asked, "That''s it?"


    Rose: "..."


    She briefed for his opinion but not<em> ''That''s it?''</em>. She had been around Finn for nearly a month now and she felt the need to return to Skyline because she didn''t have any hopes for him and was scared to hurt herself.

 Chapter 418: Your lost sister

    Chapter 418: Your lost sister


    Rose silently looked at Finn''s stunning but aloof face. The media and rumors stating Finn were overbearing and dominating werepletely true but she didn''t feel it odd because he is president of apany and it''s required. But she liked how well he makes sure she wasfortable if he takes her to any meeting filled with men.


    She sighed to herself and nodded at him indicating that was what she wanted to tell Aria then she got back to lunch until she got a call from Aria. She sprinted away to talk to her and returned with a lot of calmness and confidence.


    Finn hadn''t bothered to ask anything about it and went on with his day without knowing Rose had lost hope day by day and decided to return to Skyline after that week.


    --- Present ---


    Finn and Ceon sat in the patio with their coffee. Ceon spoke his mind while Finn was still mulling over the situation, "What if he is behind your secretary because of you? Did your secretary agree to date him?"


    Sipping his bitter aromatic coffee, Finn shook his head which Ceon thought of as<em> ''Nope''</em> until the former worded, "I don''t know."


    Ceon wasn''t surprised hearing him because Finn wasn''t a man to be interested in the people who aren''t close to him but Ceon felt the need to speak about it, "If she agrees and he uses her to harm you, it isn''t fair for both of you. If that girl falls in love with him, we know well she can''t get him. If you can''t talk to her, tell Aria."


    Finn leaned back on his armchair rubbing his forehead. It wasn''t the first time Rose was targeted by somebody due to him. Dustin had taken care of it since it was in the office andpany people. Now it''s outside thepany and a small mishap would hurt Rose,pany and not to mention Aria who likes Rose and trusted him to take care of her.


    He didn''t want to trouble Aria over this hence he decided to have a chat with Rose once to be careful if anybody has ulterior motives. "Alright."


    Ceon wanted to suggest to him to date Rose if she wasn''t the one going behind the rich. He even had an urge to talk to Aria about it, anyway he chose against all that, love should be in flow and unexpected instead of nned and forced.


    He again looked at Finn''s serious face, if he could go back to the past to set something right, he wanted to stop Finn from going to country S that way he wouldn''t have fallen for Aria.


    Finn who felt a gaze on him for a long time gave him a death re sternly warning, "Don''t forget you have Zara Wood and I am straight."


    Ceon''s lips twitched hearing him but he chose what he thought, "Don''t worry, I can support two wives. I will convince Zara to keep you as her sister."


    Finn: O_O


    It wasn''t actually surprising to hear it from Ceon but Finn didn''t expect to have that image of him in Ceon''s mind.


    Ceon continued, "Why did you make coffee for your husband? Now I am not sleepy."


    Finn: O_O


    Finn had heard n being the wife of Isaac and Aria being the wife of Eva, he had found it childish but he became the wife of Ceon. <em>''I hadn''t expected to see this day.''</em> Finn thought to himself and pointed the way to his gym, "You have to keep your wives happy so go and workout."


    Ceon chuckled and followed him to the gym to tire themselves before going to the bed.


    ---


    The next day, at Starlight entertainment.


    Finn was greeted with another new person who was standing next to Rose, he ignored that man and went to his office followed by Dustin, Rose, and that man as the two updated him about his schedules and thepleted.


    Atst, Dustin delivered the news, "President Stanley, the HR team hired Andrew Hunt as secretary, if you give your permission, he will start working from today." Dustin was disappointed when he got to know Rose wants to return after hearing from Aria who was also not really happy with the state. So the person they had initially chosen for secretary was called to the office.


    Finn knew Dustin would have done a background check before calling that new person so he didn''t ask anything. He subconsciously nced at Rose who had her gaze down sighing silently.


    She is Aria''s secretary and he knew Rose will return to Skyline when he gets a new secretary but he kind of missed the innocent conversation with Rose. Undoubtedly she was very talented in her work that lightened a lot of his and Dustin''s work.


    Dustin wanted to hear at least a word from Finn asking Rose to continue working but heard, "No problem, shift field works on him and you will be following me." There came no word for Rose.


    Then the three went out while Finn thought it was best for Rose and nobody could hurt her around Aria.


    The first day of Andrew was under Rose who taught him and improvised him in the work and encouraged him to handle the works without going to see Finn. Finn''s habit of going out for lunch with Rose, he instinctively turned to her table but found it empty. So he went alone.


    ...


    The next day Andrew followed Dustin to understand field works and the client''s Hence Rose was again around Finn who noticed Rose was behaving too distant from him. Did he have the choice of asking her?


    Probably yes but he chose not to speak about it.


    Slowly Rose distanced herself from Finn by the end of the week. Finn had thought to have dinner with her that day but Rose turned down.


    Rose went to meet him after handing over the work, "President Stanley, I have informed assistant Dustin to contact me if there are any questions or rification that needed my response. It was pleasant working with you and thank you very much for taking care of me during this period of time."


    Finn remembered how she was stuttering in her words on the first day and now, how she wanted to leave quickly by her swift pace of words. "Would you like to have dinner?... A send-off dinner?"


    Rose looked at his face for a few seconds before looking at the desk, "It means a lot but I am sorry I can''t attend. I have ns for tonight."


    Finn wasn''t new to hear her rejection for non-work rted things so he could only nod, "Okay then, take care."


    Rose gave a small bow and left the office. She collected the things she had already packed and left after bidding Dustin.


    Finn who also left the office noticed Aria waiting at the door, she hadn''t called him about her arrival so he was thinking why she was there. Even though he had spoken to Aria over the phone in the week, a faint smile escaped on his lips looking at her.


    He had almost thought Aria was there for him but another slender finger stood in front of her. Finn shook his head resignedly for his expectation and watched Aria helping Rose to handle the bag and sit on the shotgun seat.


    Rose''s n for the night; dinner with Aria. Finn understood and saw them drive away. Now he was ready to wee back his boring work life.


    ---


    On the other end, Aria silently heard Rose rant everything out sitting in a restaurant private room. She had sent n to the vi to apany Rose.


    She had privately taken care of Edgar who had tried to lure Rose to get information about Finn. Edgar was furious and pissed off hearing a direct warning from Aria but thetter had some sensational evidence that could ruin the entire Daves family andpany hence he chose to behave and assured her he wouldn''t reach Rose again.


    Aria could have chosen it to use for Finn too but she didn''t. She was sure Finn was strong enough to handle his things and she didn''t want to meddle in the business of friends.


    She was d Rose knew well to step back sooner when she didn''t have hope and after hearing she was fine and didn''t need a break or vacation away from work, she helped her to rail out so that she doesn''t keep anything stuffed inside and suffer.


    By the end of their dinner, Rose was drunk and she wasn''t able to walk properly either, "President Cooper, why do you help me so much? Am I your lost sister? You treat me so nicely but my parents threw me out of the house... Am I so wrong? Why doesn''t..."


    Rose paused and her eyes widened looking at Aria. Her finger moved in the air pointing at her and wall, "There are two-two President Cooper... One... two..."


    Aria giggled hearing her. Do all drunk women behave like this? She doesn''t know but she loved to hear what they say. "Let''s go home with two presidents..."


    Rose eximed, "Yay!" then wished in mncholy, "President Cooper, can I have one president for myself? I swear I will be a good little sister and listen to you." She raised her right hand three fingers promising her.


    Aria really felt bad for Rose, Thetter was abandoned by her parents when she was a freshman in college.

 Chapter 419: In the middle of dreams

    Chapter 419: In the middle of dreams


    Aria really felt bad for Rose who was abandoned by her parents just because she chose to walk away from her first rtionship after knowing her boyfriend was cheating on her when she was a freshman in college


    Her boyfriend wasn''t particrly rich, his family had a small business and they were Rose''s family friend. When she broke up with him, he had lied to both families as Rose likes somebody else and broke up with him so that his parents don''t me him. His parents believed him and what worse was that her parents believed him too just by seeing his fake sorrowful face.


    They forced her to apologize to him but she turned down trying to make them understand he was the one who cheated but the argument rose and they threw her out of the house.


    Rose stayed at her friend''s ce thinking her parents were just angry but her parents badmouthed about her to her friend''s parents. That way Rose was homeless and roofless again. She rented a room for a month eating cup noodles only twice a day, working multiple part-time jobs but her parents didn''t let her live in peace.


    Without being able to handle it, she changed her name and shooed her parents away stating she doesn''t have any rtionship with them. Then she moved to university dorms, cut off many friends who were rted to her ex-boyfriend, and lived like an orphan.


    Her firstpany was Skyline, Aria knew herplete background and how she had struggled toplete her education before Aria hired her. Now Rose had Aria as her sister figure, elders as other colleagues who looked after her well. However, nobody can fulfill the ce of family.


    Aria many times had thought how it would be if Rose had a family who could look after her just like she had Morgan''s family in her tough period.


    Aria knew that different people have different life and life stories which they have to walk by themselves passing each hurdle.


    Helping Rose to settle down on the shotgun seat, Aria firmly instructed, "Sleep, don''t move a lot."


    Rose promptly nodded and closed her eyes shut like an obedient daughter. Aria whispered, "Good night." She was expecting a response but the girl dozed off just like that causing her to chuckle.


    If she had a brother or if there was another Morgan brother, she would really ship him with Rose. She sighed to herself and took Rose to the apartment owned by Skyline, reserved for Skyline employees.


    Stumbling, swaying, mumbling Rose finally reached her bedroom, Aria was ready to leave tucking her in, Rose held her hand and suddenly started crying, "President Cooper, I don''t want to be alone. Could you please be with me today?"


    Rose was feeling lonely and lost so she didn''t want to stay alone. If she was sober, she might not have asked Aria even if she might cry all night sitting in a corner but her drunken state let out the word she probably didn''t want to say.


    Aria now doubted if she fell for heartless Finn and hiding it from her or Rose might not know herself. "Alright Alright, don''t cry. Look I am here... Rose, see, I am sitting right here..."


    Aria wiped her face sitting next to her but Rose wasn''t at the state to listen to her and cried. Probably she might have buried her feelings for a long time, she finally let it out so she was unable to stop.


    Aria hugged her trying to calm her down thinking about how her parents could abandon their daughter. It was about fifteen minutes Rose was able to control herself. Aria asked, caressing her head, "Do you love Finn?"


    Rose sniffled hard and responded, "I don''t know."


    "Then why are you crying?" Aria again asked for which Rose''s response was the same, "I don''t know." Aria didn''t ask anything again and coaxed her to sleep gently talking to her.


    ...


    Aria''s mobile rang disying n''s name hence thetter tried to leave but Rose tightened her hold on her hand. Having no choice, Aria answered the call next to Rose and whispered, "Hello!"


    The tone of the opposite side turned to panic, [Why are you whispering Where are you? Are you in trouble?]


    Her husband wants nothing other than seeing her safe and sound, it wasn''t new to her, "Honey, rx. I am in Rose''s condo. She was very down and cried until now... I am thinking to stay over for tonight."


    The line was silent for a few seconds. He also knew Rose''s background, how alone and independently she looked after herself for so many years. He might have called her dumb or stupid to Rose but he knew she was very brave in the evil world. He reluctantly agreed to her having no heart to turn down, "Take care..."


    The hesitancy, worry, disappointment in the tone were very obvious for Aria, "Love, tomorrow is weekend, I will be with you all.....ll day so be good and go to bed. Don''t work overnight." She knows well he will work unnecessarily for a long time without being around her.


    n scoffed right after her, "me yourself for that." Then he hung up the call leaving her all baffled. She loves his silly tantrums, no doubt in it but she wasn''t with him to coax. She dropped him a message to remind him to sleep leaving his work aside.


    She was tired due to thest weekday at work, so when Rose fell into a deep slumber and her clutch on her hand loosened, she badly wanted a hot shower before bed. Even though it was her first time in Rose''s condo, it wasn''t difficult for her to get a new set of toiletries.


    After a round of calming tea, she returned to the room to be with Rose if in case she woke up in the middle of the night. Tossing and turning for half an hour more, she pinged her husband, <em>[Are you sleeping?]</em>


    <em>[Yeah! In the middle of dreams.]</em>


    Aria: "..." The message wasn''t only instant but she felt her husband angry instead of funny. She started typing, <em>[What are you dreaming?]</em> Before she could click on the send button on her mobile screen, the doorbell rang.


    Getting off the bed, she went to the living room thinking who could visit Rose at that time. Edgar had tried to impress her by sending expensive gifts, flowers to Rose so Aria was mentally prepared to break his head if he was standing at the door or sent something again even after hearing Rose''s rejection.

 Chapter 420: Unearthly creatures

    Chapter 420: Unearthly creatures


    Aria didn''t worry too much since the locality was very secure and she could call security in limited time, anyway, she is capable enough to handle a few men easily. She clicked on the security tab button to check who was at the door and was dumbfounded seeing n.


    <em>''Is he here to pick me up?''</em> Thinking about it, she opened the door to see him ring. He looked younger andzy in his leisurewear, messy hairstyle, and grumpy charming face. She started to feel like they have reversed the roles, her husband now behaves like a teenager throwing tantrums just like how she used to make a fuss to get his attention to stop him doing work all the time.


    She didn''t let him get inside and leaned on the door frame, "President Morgan, what are you doing at the door of President Cooper''s pretty single secretary? Uhh, are you cheating behind your wife''s back?"


    n flicked on her forehead and entered the condo, "That is none of your concern President Cooper."


    Aria: "..."


    Rubbing her forehead, Aria closed the main door and saw him checking Rose''s room. Her husband hated going to anybody''s ce and here he was peeking in the girl''s room leaving her shocked.


    n turned around and faced his wife who was at a loss of words, "I am tireding all the way for you. Can''t you sleep without me?"


    Aria: "..."


    Her husband redefines his shamelessness every single time. She can clearly tell he couldn''t sleep without her next to him but here he goes shamelessly ming her as if she called him to drive to the city.


    Thinking about it, she didn''t get sleep despite being tired. Aria stood and watched him cing a cushion for pillows on the couch, she felt her dayplete and content only after seeing him around her. She was yet toe out of her stupor, he yanked her to him.


    Before she gets to react, her husbandid her gently on the couch and he adjusted his weight on the couch and her. Then heid his head on her chest and closed his eyes to sleep.


    Aria chuckled and held his face up to see him in the dimly lit living hall, they hadn''t seen each other for twelve plus hours, "Let me see you for a minute... Missed me?"


    n sniffled her clothes and puckered his lips disliking the cologne by Rose''s clothes but he demanded totally different, "Kiss me."


    Aria didn''t know whether to blush orugh at hismand yet gave into desire. Thezy, tantrum helpless husband instantly became a dominant, hungry wolf, just by her single movement of eptance.


    They knew each other for long enough for him to understand his dummy wife. She will pamper boundlessly if he behaves like a spoiled husband and she will kick the ass to tame him if he behaves like a rogue. However he may be, she loves him with all her heart.


    Aria couldn''t believe they were making out in her employee''s condo on the couch of the living hall. She let a moan flushed red "n..." Anyway, her husband still nibbled her neck before he buried his face there.


    She had calmed down when he spoke, "Vince ising next week with his girlfriend." To meet Melissa morse. Aria knew Vince was coaxing his girlfriend to meet her mother so it wasn''t surprising.


    Only Aria and n knew Vince was serious with this girlfriend but she was behaving as if it doesn''t matter to her so it was unknown how they might end up in theing years. n stopped Aria from meddling in their business to let them handle however they want so Aria could only watch or pest Vance to try proposing.


    Their trip to the country could separate them forever or bring them closer so next weekend was very crucial for Vince. "Are we going there?" Aria asked as her fingers yed with his hair., gently massaging his scalp.


    Then she realized, n dozed off bringing a pleasing smile<em>.</em> They felt the same, the emptiness of not having the other one besides at the end of the day wouldn''t let their heart at ease. She was busy with Rose earlier hence she wasn''t able to realize quicker but her husband was missing her from the time he left his office.


    ---


    In the morning,


    Rose woke up in a hangover and faltered towards the kitchen for water but was shocked to the core looking at the couple on the couch. Pressing her hands on her mouth, she didn''t dare to squeal and ran inside the bedroom.


    She tried to remember what happened the previous day but failed thoroughly. Slowly peeking out of the room, she started admiring the couple. Aria was sleeping like a happy child with a smile sticking on her dainty face resting on n''s chest who had wrapped his arms around her securely, with a palm resting on her head.


    The interior of the condo was by thepany and the couch wasrge enough but with those sleeping on it, she felt like it was too small. She couldn''t stop herself from taking their picture sneakily.


    Looking at the pictures, her eyes registered Aria was wearing her nightdress and felt like crying assuming herself she might have puked everything on her.


    <em>''Why am I still alive? President Morgan will ughter me today.''</em> She sniffled to herself and sat on the floor thinking how to face them.


    Aria and n only slept a long time on the weekends shifting their workout to evening or skipping it for the day. So itpletely went off their mind they were in Rose''s ce sleeping on the couch so they continued to sleep.


    ---


    It was around nine, Aria stretched herself and yawning wide ready to flip aside from n when she realized thepact ce by her hand touching the backrest of the couch.


    She whispered to n to wake him up after checking the time, "n, good morning."


    n felt his back and neck ache as he opened his eyes to see his wife and unknown ceiling beforeing to senses. "We will rest in the home." He kissed her forehead before helping her to sit and check on Rose.


    Aria first ran over towards the bedroom and almost stepped on Rose who was asleep on the floor holding her mobile. Chiding herself for not looking after the girl, Aria checked Rose''s temperature first. "Rose! Rose... Why are you sleeping here? Rose."


    Looking at Aria kneeling at the door, n too went ahead to check why Rose was at the door instead of the bed.


    Rose yawned, opening her eyes, feeling sleepy, and next movement she blushed gazing at the couple who were now aloof and elegant as if they were unearthly creatures holds no emotions. She almost felt like she had an illusion early in the morning by looking at them.


    She knew Aria and n''s love had no boundaries and coddled each other limitlessly but she had thought they would be elegant andposed all the time. She understood money, family or status doesn''t matter when the couple in love are together.


    <em>''Will I really get somebody who could love me wholeheartedly?''</em> She asked herself and sighed. She just knew she shouldn''t have any expectations in her life and take it as ites.

 Chapter 421: Joyous lighthearted and fun

    Chapter 421: Joyous lighthearted and fun


    Aria who got no response shook Rose and brought her back from the daze, "Are you unwell? What''s wrong? Are you dizzy? why are you sleeping here?" Then she turned behind to n, "Love, hangover soup."


    n nodded and went to the kitchen so that she could handle Rose who looked out of sorts. Rose''s eyes widened hearing it and seeing n enter the kitchen.


    "President Cooper, I am fine. No need to do all this. I am already embarrassed that I troubled you two. I should be the one serving you two." Rose uttered out in fluster.


    Aria helped her to get up and spoke, "It''s alright, I will help him in the kitchen, you need a shower." Sending her... Nope, forcing her to the bathroom, Aria and n cooked breakfast and soup for Rose. The couple used the powder room before sitting for ate breakfast.


    Rose watched the couple as she silently ate and remarked atst, "I am so envious of you two."


    Aria chuckled while n had a straight face as though it didn''t matter to them. He wanted the whole world to be envious of them anyway.


    "You will get one to pamper you. Then make everyone jealous." Aria tried to cheer her and earned a re from her husband. <em>''Such a baby.''</em> Of course, she wasn''t going to be jealous of another couple, it was just to put some hope in the girl.


    ---


    After making sure Rose was fine, the couple went to the Morgan mansion after like twenty days. "My youngdy,e here,e here..."


    Aria quickly left n''s side and sat next to Amelia who was knitting a scarf, "Mum, teach me, I want to learn..." She just knew the basics of it and Amelia was very good with many patterns.


    Amelia ignored her words because she didn''t want Aria to learn, instead, she wanted her to rest if she got time. Amelia tried the length of the scarf wrapping warmly around her neck, "My youngdy, are you losing weight?"


    Aria pouted and turned to n who nonchntly sat knowing she was going to me him, "Mum, If I gain just a little more weight, I will have to change the whole wardrobe. Your son feeds me like a pig."


    Rowan just smiled, Rian who was drowned in the tab raised his head to watch her, and instructed his brother, "Bro, make your piglet fluffy and round, she is so skinny."


    Aria: "..."


    Roxy who was lively till she came sat emotionlessly ring at Aria. She couldn''t understand how Aria is everyone''s favorite irrespective of whether she spends time with them or not.


    She spends more time with Amelia, Rowan yet as soon as they see Aria, they blossom like a flower that didn''t have the sun to bloom. Even the scarf that was in Amelia''s hand went to Aria who hadn''t met them for so long and she was helping Amelia, apanied her most of the time.


    Roxy had received a call and a few messages from Aria after they had returned to the country but she hadn''t responded to any. Now she felt like Aria reached to steal the show when she was the one who had to be cherished.


    She didn''t realize she was envious of Aria but med thetter for others loving her ignoring Amelia or Rowan wasn''t biased. They knew and grew old as Aria grew up around them and it was how they were with Aria whether in the past or now.


    Other than n, nobody knew Roxy was angered on Aria and she wasn''t talking with her. Thetter had coaxed his wife to give her time so that she doesn''t worry unnecessarily. He didn''t miss to notice how Roxy was behaving.


    Amelia chuckled hearing Aria and pinched her cheeks, "n, feed your beautiful pig more and make her..."


    Rianpleted Amelia''s line, "your sweet Little bunny..." He paused while Aria was speechless thinking why everyone wants her to be fluffy, n thought about feeding her more.


    Rian threw his tablet away and excitedly announced, "Little Devil, I want to recreate our childhood pictures. if not all, most of it. Eva and Noah would love it too."


    Aria liked it too and they hadn''t met for a very long time so she nodded vigorously, "We haven''t met for so long. Are we meeting today?"


    The two austere tones sounded together with different words. Amelia grimly said thinking she was leaving them so soon: "You are staying here tonight."


    n who wanted to stay with her was already annoyed to share her with his parents, now the Fourie caused him to order her, "You are not going anywhere."


    Aria: "..."


    Rian burst intoughter and Rowan chuckled with the housekeeper. Thetter spoke, "Young madam, Madam wasining to the Master that you forgot her and isn''t meeting her. You two should make sometime often."


    Aria nodded when she was dragged away by her husband, "We wille often. I want chicken, lots of chicken for lunch... aan..."


    Allughed looking at n throwing her over his shoulder when taking the stairs, Rian watched Roxy and shook his head. If he does, one, he will lose his hands, two, Roxy will break his bone.


    Amelia grumbled looking at Rian and Roxy, "Look at you guys behave like an old couple. Learn from them." She sounded as if they were sitting and fighting with each other or on bad terms.


    Rian asked directly, "Mom, you want us to romance openly so that you can watch us and enjoy, isn''t it?"


    Amelia grinned ear to ear while Rowan pulled her away from them. Amelia added as she followed her husband, "See my husband is more romantic than you."


    Rowan regretted taking her away from them, he wanted her to stop messing the brains of their son. Given a chance, Amelia would love all the young couples flirting and romancing around her without getting bored.


    ---


    The whole day, Aria and Roxy passed by each other in the mansion but both didn''t bother to spare a word for each other and it was noticed by Rian when they had dinner and nned to watch a movie in the home.


    If it was a time earlier, Roxy would take Aria with her and sit with Amelia to talk about the romantic scenes but the couples sat together to watch a romantic movie. By the end of the movie, Amelia and Aria were asleep leaning on their husband, Roxy was wide awake who didn''t watch the movie instead thought about how to make space in the hearts of the Morgan family.


    Rian who finally got a chance to speak in the bedroom tried to make conversation, "Did you fight with Little devil?"


    Roxy misjudged his question, her anger due to jealousy vented over Rian, "What do you mean? I am one who goes and fights with her. Oh for you all, Aria is a goddess who never makes a mistake and I am the one who creates all the troubles."


    Rian furrowed his brows and also realized Roxy and Aria weren''t on good terms. Roxy never fought or raised her tone and always understood what he actually meant. Her sudden outburst made him realize she was burying too much to herself.


    He knew arguing doesn''t work hence he went to the seething Roxy and embraced her without a word, "Shhh... I didn''t mean that. It''s alright."


    Roxy tried to push him away in anger but he was holding her tighter and she gave up before hugging him back. Rian silently apanied her without a word waiting for her to speak.


    Roxy tried to keep everything to herself but failed after some time and started crying, "You and Arrie have so many promises, memories and grew up together, I don''t have any."


    Rian faintly smiled realizing she was insecure and envious of Aria. He didn''t stop her or spoke, he stood still just embracing her, letting her express everything.


    Roxy sniffled as she continued tightening her arms around him, "I was so scared in country X, she didn''t wake me up to see you, it was the nurse who woke me up. You are so close to her and I don''t have anyone other than you. Wouldn''t I look after you well? Why does she have to check on you repeatedly to make sure you are fine?"


    Roxy released herself from his hug, she wiped her tears taking a tissue, and sat down on the bed as she continued while Rian kept rubbing her back to calm her down, "I was so worried and you were fine and sleeping but they had ordered doctors to keep about your health information to themselves until they came, doesn''t she understand what I go through during that time?"


    Roxy tried to calm herself but she cried on getting an outlet to let off any worries and pain she had in her. Rian wasn''t the type who would tell how he feels or what he wants, He decides what to tell and what not without burdening or hurting himself but he had tried to keep her open to him at least but she wasn''t used to it and never spoke up.


    He many times wanted to talk to her about it but didn''t want to force her either. It was the same with Amelia, Roxy lived independently for many years, they didn''t want to make her feel caged or restricted by them hence they always made sure to keep herfortable and wait till she opens up about herself but she wasn''t that type.


    Roxy continued wiping her face, "Am I hateful? All like Arrie but not me. I do everything yet, there is an invisible line between everyone but when Arrie is around, everything bes joyous, lighthearted, and fun. I also feel like she is taking you away from me and wants the whole family for herself."


    Rian heard her quietly without getting angry or irritated, She wasn''t just envious of Aria because people around her loved her, Roxy was actually jealous of her character which she can''t have it. And he knew it was very important for her to know how they differ from each other without irking her.

 Chapter 422: Stealing my wifey

    Chapter 422: Stealing my wifey


    Rian sat in silence as she calmed down resting her head on hisp, "I am jealous of Arrie. Am I not?"


    Rian still didn''t speak, he didn''t want to speak for or against Aria or Roxy. Both are important for him and he wouldn''t let Roxy think he was talking for Aria or he will hate Aria hearing her. He wanted Roxy to realize herself, else he will help her understand but not talk for them.


    Roxy sighed and remembered what Aria had told her once. When Aria had lost her mother and Oliver had lost his wife, they had nobody other than each other. Aria was too young to understand her mother wasn''ting back to her. Rian who had learned from Amelia had cried with her seeing her weep in front of the tomb when her mother was buried inside without understanding why her father was doing it. Rian had coaxed her asking her to make his mother as hers too.


    Of course, they were too young and innocent to understand it wasn''t possible. Oliver had taught her how to be strong and protect the little ones.


    Roxy understood Rian was always a little one for Aria who she always took care of as a little brother. Hence they had many promises which were only to grow better as a person.


    She asked, looking at Rian''s calm face, "Why did they hide about your health from me?" She wanted to clear her all misunderstanding so that she doesn''t have a doubt and point her finger at Aria again.


    Rian caressed behind her head as he briefed her, "I was hurt here and the CT scan was clear but I wasn''t in a conscious state. This part of the head has parental lobes of the brain which control body bnce, control of our senses, and our eyesight. Doctors themselves didn''t know myplete health status and they didn''t give the partial result that would be shocking for you. What would you have done if you had heard I might have a problem differentiating between colors?"


    Roxy tried to speak, "I... I..." She understood they didn''t want her to take any rash decision, "But I still went out alone and caused trouble."


    Rian calmed her, "It''s alright..." Looking at the regretting of her action he spoke about what happened in the hospital when he woke up, "Arrie didn''t mean to stop you from seeing me. She was panicked my brain might be really affected and that might affect my career."


    Roxy discerned herself, "So I wasn''t sedated but the unconscious whole time." Rian just hummed in response. Roxy didn''t let him down, he knows she was green with the emotions among others but she understands taking the time.


    Roxy wrapped her arms around his waist and confessed, "I know I am envious of Arrie''s character and how amazingly she keeps other things away from family and is happy with all. I will not be jealous of her again, I know everyone loves me too... Excluding your brother."


    Rian chuckled hearing thest three words, "You better be careful else he will toss us out of the mansion if you trouble Little devil."


    Roxy wasn''t new to n''s behavior anyway. He can only see two women in his life, others are equal to invisible creatures. Roxy asked curiously, "Who will your brother support if you fight with Arrie?"


    Rian knocked on her head for still needing to question that, "Of course Little Devil." Roxy countered, "You are his younger brother."


    Rian hummed and added, "Yeah, he supports Little devil hence he has no choice but to support me too else she will kick him out with me."


    Roxy burst intoughter rxing from the deep topic and decided to apologize to Aria the next day.


    ---


    The next day was the photoshoot day in the Morgan mansion. n had to call the creative team and the top photographer on Aria''s pester.


    Aria had sat and filtered her <em>(newborn)</em> and n''s four-year-old pictures and then she went behind n to convince him to try them again but he just covered his ear and went around in their vast bedroom turning down her request.


    Both didn''t hear the knock on the door, Roxy and Rian watched them ying like teenagers arguing with each other. Roxymented, "Don''t you think we look more mature than these two? Who agrees if we say Brother-inw behaves like a child with Arrie?"


    Rian watched his brother who was flushed rather than throwing silly tantrums so he carefully heard what Arrie was saying, "n... It''s just a picture... What''s wrong with wearing dungarees? No one willugh at you. Sweetheart, listen to me..."


    "I said no. I will not wear them." n''s stern voice sounded.


    "How can you decide before trying it? This picture is so cute, I want to recreate this..."


    Rian grinned realizing n had imagined himself in dungarees, funky and colorful clothes hence he wasn''t able to convince himself that he used to wear such clothes. "Bro..."


    n''s embarrassed face erased and put on an indifferentposure as though he wasn''t the one who was throwing fits. Aria bumped to him for his sudden halt and peeked at Rian and Roxy.


    Unknowingly her face lost the brightness it had looking at Roxy. She really didn''t want to fight in front of anybody and make it huge.


    Rian spoke which saved his brother, "I have some important documents that need your attention."


    n quickly left saving himself from his crazy wife who wants him to wear jeans dungaree on a tangerine T-shirt and she wears a little cotton pink dress and sits on hisp to recreate the picture. The picture was really good but as little kids only.


    Aria realized Roxy wants to speak to her hence Rian took n who ran away as if she was going to gobble him up.


    "Arrie..." Roxy went inside once the men left the room and didn''t notice n ncing back at them. He had a simple rule, make my wife unhappy, then you forget about being happy.


    Aria left her tab on the desk and spoke calmly, "Yeah, I am all ears." She didn''t know if Roxy was going to me her for anything or talk about something else.


    Roxy directly apologized, "I am sorry about my behavior."


    Doubt is like a bug that never leaves even if you try to shoo it away, killing it is a choice. So Aria didn''t want her apology but the reason behind it to uproot it permanently.


    "That''s it?" Aria asked thinking if she wanted to speak about it or Rian sent her to apologize.


    Roxy lowered her head and confessed, "You stay level headed and handle things smoothly and I always mess things up. One led to another and I was very envious so these all happened."


    Aria sighed hearing it, "Who said I always stay levelheaded? Nope, I lose my mind a lot of times and I break down too. During those times, I will make sure to talk to n. I make a lot of mistakes however I try to correct them and learn from it or ask somebody to teach me."


    Roxy nodded, "I will talk to Rian from next time without burying it in myself." Of course, she understood why she spoke about herself. Instead of asking her what to do, she lets her decide it by herself when she falls weak or needs to clear her mind.


    Aria smiled and went towards the door patting her shoulder but Roxy held her hand and stopped, "Or I will talk to you."


    Aria chuckled hearing her and epted, "Sure..." Just then a grim yet flirty tone sounded at the door, "Who is stealing my wifey? I am going to cut off their head. Tell me, tell me..."

 Chapter 423: Wild cats to little kittens

    Chapter 423: Wild cats to little kittens


    Eva hugged Aria and whined pitifully, "Wifey, I missed you... My goddess, you are mine, don''t break my sweet lovely heart."


    Isaac stood speechlessly at the door, how much ever he prepared himself to hear his girlfriend flirt with Aria, he couldn''t stop himself being at a loss of words.


    Roxy left Aria''s hand to be safe from Eva''s wrath and chuckled hearing her. "Today is Fourie day."


    Eva readily hummed, "Roxy is right, Today will be titled as <em><strong>''The Fourie </strong><strong>Day''</strong>. </em>We will wreak havoc on the world."


    It had been a long time since Fourie had real fun getting busy with their life, work, and other mess. Oh yeah, Eva published her novel after numerous rounds of editing and re-editing and topped in the country as the best young author bagging an award.


    It was a celebrating night as she will be flying off to the capital the next day with her manager. The Fourie was grim because other than the author and a partner, others can''t attend. It was a high-ss private award function.


    Her signing and reading event was arranged by Skyline on the next day in city B, Aria had arranged it for celebrating Eva''s sess and to spend time together as Eva''s readers. So she had just arranged for fifty members but the request was loaded in and now it was arranged in the biggest hall of city B.


    Since the scale increased, Aria invited many writers, admins, and top book lovers from social media. Isaac invited many film and drama directors who would like to experiment because the book title was <em><strong>''The Fourie''</strong></em>. It was a story of two girls and two boys who fight for the safety of women and girls in the country.


    The story had a few real incidents of the Fourie too so the models of the character were the Fourie themselves hence he would love to watch the Fourie on screen.


    Soon Noah and Norah reached and the other three were dumbfounded looking at Zara and Ceon following them. Then Finn reached, followed by Eva''s parents and a few school friends.


    The Fourie had no idea why they wereing, "What''s going on?"


    "What is happening here?"


    "Eva, are you pregnant?"


    "I think I made my wife pregnant."


    n who heard it furrowed his brows and saw Aria holding her stomach andughing her heart out. If it was possible, he doubted Eva would have done it by now. <em>''My wife only loves me.''</em>


    Isaac and Eva''s parents: "..." They wanted to open her brain out of her head for an examination. How does she even get those things in the head?


    Amelia exited the mansion with Rowan followed by a row of maids carrying refreshments. Eva was quick to flip her side, "Aunty Amelia, you are my true love."


    Aria and Isaac: "..." Both looked at each other for failing to win on tasty food that Amelia arranged.


    Then they got to know Amelia called everyone for early celebrating Eva''s big sess in her career.


    The Fourie entertained everyone while taking pictures as the assistant photographer captured the candidness of everyone other than posed ones.


    Finn was pretty well acquitted with n and Isaac whose wavelength perfectly matched. Ceon quickly acquainted with all the elders and he was busy making themugh.


    Roxy and Norah skipped next to Zara who was chuckling looking at Aria sitting in front of a big jar of cookie smearing crumbs over her mouth.


    Roxy started, "Sister Zara, keep your boyfriend safe."


    Norah hummed, "One who can win over the older generation attracts girls like a ma."


    Zara looked at two seemingly silent girls trying to brainwash her and saw Ceon who wasughing with four elders effortlessly as though they knew from years. "Why? Did you girls fall for him?"


    Norah took a sip of her mocktail drink looking at Noah, "Noah is sweeter than your boyfriend."


    Roxy looked at Rian making faces for pictures with Aria andmented, "Everyone knows Rian is the best."


    Zara: "..."


    She was speechless hearing them. She wasn''t brainwashed hence they ignored Ceon so easily, <em>''then what did they mean by ma attracts girls? Aren''t they girls?''</em>She felt childish to counter it but still said with hesitancy in her voice, "My boyfriend is multi-talented."


    Roxy and Norah high fivedughing at flushed Zara, "Sister Zara, ept it proudly. Your boyfriend will overjoy hearing it and it is a trick to cajole your man."


    Zara realized two girls were teasing her from the beginning, "You brats, wait until I reveal your secrets to your men."


    Roxy and Norah againughed at her and thetter caressed Zara''s head saying, "Sister Zara, you think they don''t know? They know it well."


    Zara: "..."


    ...


    On the other end, the Fourie was enjoying the shoot in their own world. They were done with the Nth set of pictures and Aria saw n watching her while Isaac and Finn were discussing something.


    She teased him sticking her tip of tongue out, closing her eyes, still sitting on the ground with the jar of cookies and crumbs smeared around her lips.


    Aria shot her eyes open when a finger slid on her cheek and saw Eva shamelesslymenting licking her finger, "Sweet... Too sweet..."


    Amelia and other girls wereughing while the men were speechless and Aria roared, "Eva Miller, you are shameless."


    n had to convince himself saying Eva is a girl and she just brushed her finger on his wife''s cheek.


    Eva announced loudly pointed at Aria''s red face, "My wife is blushing."


    Noahmented looking at Eva giggling, "Eva will be punished today."


    Rian added looking at n and Isaac striding towards girls, "Bro will gobble his wife."


    Aria wanted to run but failed to move the big cookie jar by the time he reached her and bent, "n Morgan, don''t you dare do anything."


    n sweetly spoke, luring his prey scooping her in his arms, "Outfit change for next picture."


    On the next side, Eva voluntarily ran away looking at offended Isaac


    Others looked at each other and burst intoughter witnessing how the calm andposed young masters are possessive of their women and the wild cats be little kittens against them.


    Pinning Eva against a tree, Isaac asked, lifting her head to see him, "I thought you like hot and spicy." His deep voice sent shivers down her spine.


    Eva awkwardlyughed trying to create distance between them, "Desserts are tasty too."


    Isaac nodded in affirmation, "Alright then"


    Eva was getting happy hearing the response but Isaac captured her lips and unhurriedly tortured her stopping her advances to kiss him and escape.


    ...


    Aria was about to brush the cookie crumbs off from her face to talk to n when she heard a deathly warning, "Don''t even dare."


    Aria cursed her brainless friend in mind and sweetly smiled, "Cookies aren''t tasty." She tried her best to sound sweet to coax him.


    n looked at her anxious expression and sighed helplessly, "Oh..." cooking up a wicked n in his head.


    Aria: "..."


    Her husband isn''t a man who would sigh helplessly for it. <em>''What is brewing in his head?''</em> Aria started brainstorming.

 Chapter 424: Cold mountain and Crazy Morgan

    Chapter 424: Cold mountain and Crazy Morgan


    Out of her expectation, n left Aria on the dining table and wiped the crumbs with a napkin ever so gently. Aria wasn''t dumb to think he was going to let her off so easily but heard him seriously say, "Go and change."


    She didn''t know what he was up to but she got off from the dining table and flew to the bedroom in a single breath. She had washed her face and entered the walk in closet where n was standing in poise. She had a strong urge to run away yet she still went inside trying her best to be cautious of the man. She felt like she was in a mystery thriller movie due to the weird silence between them.


    Aria''s eyes slightly widened looking at the ice cream on the ind block in the cloakroom. n noticed her line of sight and spoke, "You said you didn''t like cookies. So I brought you ice cream."


    His tone was normal as it used to be with her, gentle and deep. Aria forgot everything hearing his voice and plunged next to him who fed her ice cream watching her enjoying it, "Tasty?"


    "Hmm..." Aria hummed in delight eating another spoon and heard n ask, "I should taste too, shouldn''t I?"


    She had just half hummed when she realized his n but she was toote and the melted cold ice cream traced down her chin and flowed down her cor bone flushing her scarlet right away. Now she felt cookie crumbs were the best choice.


    She tried to leave but n left the ice cream bowl that fell and created light tones bouncing on the floor cracking to pieces meanwhile he held her hand and twirled her to him.


    She was yet to react, she felt her weight leave the floor when his arm wrapped around her waist and lifted her whirling around him with his deep-set of eyes gazing right into her eyes without letting her look away.


    Instinctively grabbing his shoulder, she wanted to voice but it didn''te out looking at him. Her back crashed in the closet and she almost moved her gaze to the closet when his finger moved her chin to keep her gaze on him.


    n loves how she lets him control her in such movements, his husky tone sounded against her lips, "Now it will taste better."


    Aria managed to shake her head but n stated the fact, "Ain''t I the one who should say that?"


    She shook her head again trying to say they should go outside but n didn''t let her speak, "You want Eva Miller to taste?"


    "Nope" She blurted out helpless against her husband''s petty possessiveness. n hid his smile and asked, "So it''s me."


    "Yea..." She paused and chided herself, ''<em>n is right, I am dummy, the biggest dummy ever...''</em>


    "Alright!" He said as though she asked him to taste the ice cream on her when he was the one who tricked her by taking Eva''s name.


    Aria hadn''t even realized when her dress zip went down until she felt his fingers caress her skin stiffening her back. She knew well she couldn''t escape so she didn''t struggle but to her despair, n took his own time slowly torturing her deliberately.


    n watched her gapping her lips when he tasted the ice cream leaving a wet kiss at her jaw. Aria really wanted to say <em>''let me go''</em> but it didn''te out, then she wanted to say, <em>''faster''</em> but it felt her like that might sound encouraging him to go till the end but they had to leave as many were downstairs.


    Soon enough her brain stopped working as she wanted and operated as he wanted until he left her on the edge without reaching the end. After changing the dress, Aria exploded and exited the room, "Don''t dare to touch me for a week. You will sleep in the guest room today onwards."


    n chuckled instead of getting angry or panicked. If he sleeps in the guest room on her outburst she would snuggle to his bed in the middle of the night without getting sleep or knowing he wouldn''t be asleep.


    He followed her asking, "Shall I take you back in the bedroom? You will just miss lunch and photoshoot till evening."


    Puffing her cheeks, she turned and countered back, "Are you calling yourself a monster? Can''t you stop after once?"


    "Oh!" n easily held her hand and said, "Who knows it better than you? Or did you forget? Let''s go, I will prove it true."


    Aria: "..." She pulled her hands out and ran away to save her poor back and merciful legs hearing him chuckle.


    When she reached she saw blushing Eva who was getting teased and slowly stepped back to run away, "Arrie..." Eva sang her name sending everyone''s attention to her.


    "My wife... My goddess... Save me and be a scapegoat." Eva sessfully shifted the attention to her and tried to search if there were any marks on her skin but failed while everyone teased asking what was she doing till now.


    "I can''t see any cream." Eva mumbled and heard the response for it, "Because there aren''t any."


    "So boring!" She rolled her eyes thinking they might have just cuddled and wasted time without noticing blushing Aria who remembered all the hickeys under her dress. <em>''Ugh, such a seducer.''</em>


    --- Before half an hour ---


    Ceon went to Zara who was standing alone watching the swing attached to the big tree, "I had thought Morgans, Millers, and even you guys, woods are totally unapproachable hence you guys stayed away from other families."


    Then his eyes brushed on others and continued, "You all are like one big family and so weing. I liked Aunty Amelia, I can''t believe she is the mother of cold mountain Morgan and crazy Morgan"


    "Aunty?" Zara asked back knowing how well they were acquainted so soon that he was addressing them informally instead of Madam Morgan or Aunty Morgan.


    Ceon hummed and added with a smile, "Aunty Amelia asked me to address that way."


    Zara nodded and tried to praise him directly as mentioned by Norah and Roxy, "Ceon, you..." She didn''t know how exactly topliment or for what. She can''t possibly say, <em>''You are good.''</em> He was a kindergarten kid and she says you are good and he bes happy.


    Ceon faced her and waited for her toplete but the words didn''te out than her mouth opening and closing. Now he was worried, "What''s wrong? Did anything happen? Are you ufortable?"


    <em>''Ufortable?''</em> Morgan mansion is like her second home, why will she be ufortable? She blurted out seeing him concerned, "You are amazing."


    That didn''t sound likepliments but more like she read a line from somewhere. "What?"


    Zara frowned and changed the word, "You are very talented."


    "Excuse me?" Ceon was nowhere understanding what she was trying to say. Instead of getting happy, Ceon felt like his hair raising without understanding why she was saying.

 Chapter 425: Cold demeanor

    Chapter 425: Cold demeanor


    Zara couldn''t understand why herpliments weren''t working. Then she nced at Norah and Noah then at Rian and Roxy.<em> ''Let me try again.''</em>, "I mean you are multi-talented."


    Ceon started to doubt if he did something but couldn''t remember anything. <em>''Talented, multi-talented, amazing, what''s wrong with Zara?''</em> He didn''t know what to say other than, "Thank... you."


    Zara uttered out seeing him confused, "Shouldn''t you get happy hearing mypliments? Why are you confused?"


    <em>''Compliments!?''</em> Ceon raised his forearm, pulled his jacket sleeves, and said, "I am getting goosebumps."


    Zara: "..."


    Then he burst intoughter remembering thepliments that she gave trying to make him happy. Zara saw all nce at them once and continued their talk hence she punched him, "Shut up."


    Ceon controlled but again chuckled looking at her flushed in embarrassment. By the looks, Zara would look like perfect wife material who would know to keep her man happy by the stomach, orpliments or sweet talk but she is nowhere near to those characters.


    Sweet talking doesn''t exist in her dictionary, Noah and Ceon cook better than Zara,pliments? Ceon experienced them with goosebumps.


    Ceon guessed Roxy and Norah must have said something when they were talking hence he wanted to see what Zara will do, "You should ask these little munchkins, they will train you with practicals."


    Zara took him seriously and asked, "Do you also likepliments?"


    Ceon was happy however she is but he wants to witness some fun, "Who doesn''t likepliments? Weren''t you happy when I said you look pretty in this dress?"


    Zara promptly nodded and asked back, "Should I say you look handsome in casuals?"


    Ceon wanted to diss god for giving a very practical mind to Zara, he helplessly nodded and shifted her attention on the girls, "Ask them, they will have amazing ideas."


    He heard her agree, "Alright." and saw her going towards the girls leaving him tough to himself. Finn who was around smacked his head, "Why are youughing at your own girlfriend?"


    Ceon controlled and said, "Okay watch."


    Finn and Ceon saw Zara talking to four girls sending Rian and Noah away. The four girls looked at each other after hearing Zara, then giggled before nodding and dispersing to their men. Finn and Ceon weren''t able to listen to them but carefully watched their interactions and Zara''s amazement watching them one after the other.


    ---


    Norah to Noah, "You look so cute in these bright colors. Now I am afraid I might not look as stunning as you."


    Noah let out a low chuckle seeing her making a sad face for it admiring his look, "My wife is lovely in all the colors."


    ---


    Roxy went to Rian with a determined face, "I have decided."


    Rian was confused, "About?"


    "I am going to take the top from the beginning to the end." She seriously said as though she will reach her goal without letting him end when she begins.


    Rianughed hearing her and epted, "Sure! How about now?"


    ---


    Eva wrapped her arms around Isaac and requested like a fraildy, "I am terribly missing your award-winning smile. Could you please grant one?"


    Isaac involuntarily smiled a charming one rubbing her head.


    ---


    Aria skipped to n who was surprised thinking she calmed down so quickly and reached his arms. Closing her eyes into crescents, she sent a flying kiss by pouting lips and she giggled. She immediately earned a bewitching smile from her husband who cupped her dainty face and fondly pressed his lips on her forehead.


    ---


    Zara who watched four couples was hell surprised seeing the best smiles of four men she had never seen and that too in just a matter of seconds.


    Ceon and Finn were silently chuckling and the formermented, "These four are quite skilled. Especially this president, she didn''t utter a word and seduced her man. I had thought Isaac smiles only on cameras."


    Zara had heard different responses from four girls when she had asked how they make their man happy easily, Norah as happily sad, Roxy as overbold and daring, Eva as a fraildy, and Aria as cute and childish.


    Zara felt like nothing suits her personality and sulked in a grimace but didn''t dare to try again.


    ---


    At the end of the shoot and the fun, it was already evening so they went inside the mansion. Amelia and Eva''s mother went to assist in the kitchen while the men sat with their drinks. Eva and Aria pulled her out to the living hall and clinked the spoon on the flute to get everyone''s attention.


    Eva announced, "Since this celebration is in my name, let''s not make it dull and y something."


    Amelia who was in the dining hall peeked out and asked, "Are you guys dropping me and nning a game?"


    Rowan elegantly stood up without any emotions, while his mind was thinking to stop his wife but Amelia was quicker, "Rowan, you can''t stop me today, sit, sit. I aming there."


    All chuckled hearing her and saw Rowan speechless getting caught so easily. Lying in front of them would only cause them tough more hence he sat back silently letting Master Millerugh at him.


    Eva then announced the bizarre game they never ever dreamed of as a game, "The game is to convince President Stanley getting a girlfriend. I can''t see a handsome man single for so many years."


    Finn: "..."


    Ceon chimed first, "I am in."


    Ameliaing out of the dining hall, "Add me in."


    Aria left n speechless saying, "n is best at it. He is in."


    Eva copied Aria, "Isaac,e on bring out all your actions and dialogues to convince President Stanley."


    Noah and Rian mumbled to each other, "I am feeling sorry for President Stanley."


    "He will not dare to step in here again after Eva''s torture."


    Finn wanted to run away but Amelia and Eva''s mother sat on either side and slowly tried to make him understand the advantages of having a girlfriend or wife and why he should have one. They even pitied themself for not having another child as a daughter


    Aria, Eva, Rian, and Noah held their stomach andughed suppressing their sound seeing Finn flushed hearing the two women leaving no way out.


    The scapegoat Eva chose worked really well and Finn didn''t dare to face anyone and had no choice but to agree to two women and even said he will bring her to meet them.


    Eva had a reason to choose the topic and Finn. Thetter hardly had family time due to his parents in different fields of the military. She wanted him to enjoy and bear all types of experiences.


    Finn was never close to any elder female other than his mother but she is a busy woman, he doesn''t remember his grandmother, and his rtives are apparently in the military sector too. Hearing Amelia and Eva''s mother giving him ideas and suggestions to get a girl made himugh and enjoy too irrespective of how he was disinterested in a rtionship.


    Ceon who had thought Finn never should have met Aria felt opposite to it seeing himughing heartily and blushing in embarrassment leaving his cold demeanor.

 Chapter 426: I was invisible

    Chapter 426: I was invisible


    Eva flew to the capital with her manager and attended the award function on Tuesday bagging the award, interacting with many writers, and her idol writer. At the end of Tuesday, the Fourie and Isaac were pulling their mobile away from their ear hearing Eva squealing in happiness reiterating she got to exchange her contact details with her idol.


    Isaac prepared himself to have a new love rival and he was thankful that the writer is a female at the age ofte thirties. He heard the other three congratting him instead of Eva before hanging up the call.


    Now Eva had a strong fan base of readers too and he was too settled in his career, he wanted to marry her and let the world know he already has his woman but Eva was always hesitant. He knows she loves him and wants to spend the rest of her life with him but he couldn''t understand why she was afraid of the media and his fans unepting their rtionship. Whenever he tried to make her understand, she always avoided it.


    Seeing him distressed, n had suggested him to forget or postpone the wedding and get the marriage certificate to make her his legally too. Isaac had thought of it too but he knew Eva wanted a wedding, not just go and grab a marriage certificate but to celebrate with friends and family.


    Now he again decided to talk to her hoping she could just ignore those unrtable people''s judgment.


    ---


    On Wednesday, everyone pushed their work toter days to attend the book reading and signing event of Eva Miller. Since it was a weekday, the expected audience wasn''t high yet all the seats were filled up and Skyline had to add more seats when school students requested to allow them who had bunked school to attend the event.Aria made sure to pen down the information of those students if in case they cause troubleter.


    In the readers'' section, The Fourie and their whole family were present hence Aria was greeting each one while others were greeting her almost making her think they were present to show their support to Skyline instead of Eva or her book.


    Moran Hanes wanted to attend but he was out of town on a project, his father was busy atpany and Jude was in Wen mansion cursing his friend to take him on vacation to meet Curtis.


    Finn who wanted to skip the event chose to show his support and attended too. He saw Rose who was the main coordinator of the event. She was quick and decisive of any problems arising as she ran around in the hall before the show started.


    "I thought you were busy." Aria remarked as she sat next to Finn.


    Instead of answering her Finn was busy drinking the water, Aria checked his line of sight and was quite surprised to see Rose. She couldn''t fathom what was going on in his head and she didn''t want to ask him and make him ufortable either.


    Finn had numerous times addressed his secretaries and Dustin as Rose and he was confused about how a simple girl who worked as his secretary for less than a month reced all his secretaries and Dustin away from his mind that her namees upon his tongue.


    Not to mention, while going out for lunch, he intuitively checks her table which was upied by another man. And he always frowned looking at the man as though he was upying Rose''s ce. But yeah, he knew he was too used to her presence during those times and he was friendly to keep herfortable.


    Aria was about to poke him, Finn spoke, "How do you manage to find dedicated secretaries? Your every secretary is better than another one."


    Aria internally breathed a sigh realizing he was looking at Rose as an employee, a secretary, and nothing else. "I love them so they work hard. You scare your secretaries hence they work hard. My people don''t want me to be disappointed in them hence they want to prove to me that I didn''t choose the wrong one whereas your people don''t want to get fired or get scolded by you so they work their ass off."


    Finn had just asked a question but he got aplete theory of their work style. Breathing in slowly, he made a point, "If any of the directors of Skyline says you are good-hearted, I will change my work style to yours." Aria giggled but didn''t respond. Finn knew well she has the President Devil title for a reason and her directors panic each time she goes over their work.


    Finn gently flicked on her head and sent her, "Aunty Amelia is calling you. Ceon will be here soon so don''t keep looking behind thinking I am bored."


    Aria bid him and met Amelia''s friends who used to think of Aria as a stain in the family after the wedding broke. Amelia simply wanted to brag to cut their tongue off so that they never speak about the Morgan family again. Aria too yed along to make Amelia happy leaving their husband''s lips to twitch uncontrobly looking at the innocent acting.


    "Your mom doesn''t know how to act."


    "My wife should learn some acting too."


    "Arrie naturally looks innocent."


    n nced at his father and shook his head resignedly. Her petite face looks innocent but only he knows the real innocent expressions of her. ''My little dummy wife!''


    Rian and Roxy were speechless looking at them, they weren''t stopping their wife instead they wanted to mend their acting skills to embarrass others.


    All sat down and Isaac entered as a celebrity guest of the event because Eva didn''t agree to reveal their rtionship again. Many readers out there knew Eva and Isaac were acquainted so they cheered loudly lighting up the atmosphere deafening the soothing music ying in the background.


    Rose ran up to Aria and whispered to her to ask for permission. Aria was surprised by the unexpected arrival of Eva''s idol but they hadn''t arranged a chair for her in the front.


    Rose voluntarily left her ce to the writer and ended up on a chair next to Finn. Compared to the week she had left, she was veryposed while greeting, "President Stanley." Ceon and Zara quickly became attentive to hear Finn''s response.


    Rose had walked next to Finn many times but she was greeting him now so his response was, "I thought I was invisible."


    Ceon brows raised hearing Finn as he nodded at Zara who whispered, "Something''s cooking."

 Chapter 427: Pregnant

    Chapter 427: Pregnant


    <em>''I thought I was invisible.''</em> Ceon felt like Finn expected Rose''s attention which he hadn''t got.


    Rose bit her lips and lowered her head. Of course, she had noticed him but she wanted to concentrate on her work. "I... I was working."


    Finn looked at her for a few seconds and hummed before shifting his gaze on the mobile.


    Zara''s instincts were strongly telling her, "Ceon, Rose likes Finn." She whispered and grimly continued, "Your friend is pig-headed with the faulty brain."


    Ceon''s lips opened in excitement but closed again. He had to suppress his urge to ask Rose for confirmation, "I know he is Buffon, blockheaded dolt. Ugh." But he had no choice to say anything. He was sure Finn had Aria in his heart and telling him about Rose might cause Finn to push her away.


    The program soon started and Eva who used to be unfazed by the crowd was nervous because it was her first signing and reading event. Isaac cued the emcee to begin it for her and sat looking at her.


    n who noticed him pulled Aria''s chair closer to him and leaned her on him, "Why does your friend can''t go public about her rtionship?"


    Aria nced at him realizing Isaac was troubled by it hence n cared to speak about them, "I spoke to her, she is trying to make her mind. She is afraid for Isaac remembering David Watson''s career after he announced his rtionship... She is scared of losing Isaac but she isn''t speaking it out."


    n hummed, he didn''t let her sit away from him and heard Eva reading out the chapter which she likes or her readers most talk about. He had thought either family and the couple responsible for insecurity between them, now he realized, many things affect despite loving each other.


    ...


    The event was arranged in the afternoon hence it was evening when the event sessfullypleted while Eva cried internally signing hundreds of books. She understood the real pain of a celebrity looking at the right hand.


    After making sure, everything was clear, Rose noticed Aria''s numerous calls. She quickly called Aria walking out of the hall and realized she didn''t get her car and had reached there with another colleague who had left.


    "President Cooper, I am sorry, mobile was in silent mode hence I didn''t get to know."


    Aria''s words left her fidgety, <em>[Finn is in the parking, he will drop you home.]</em> Aria wanted to leave a car or wait for her but Finn sent her with n and waited for Rose.


    <em>''Honk''</em>


    Finn who saw hering out drove to the entrance and honked frightening her and the mobile she was holding, <em>''Crack...''</em> It crashed on the road splitting into two rolling on the stairs.


    Finn pursed his lips fromughing at her, he realized he wasn''t missing her but her stupidity and clumsiness around him. "Do you want me to open the door for you?"


    Since Aria arranged and Finn waited for so long, she didn''t want to put on the air of taking a taxi so she shook her head and grabbed her broken mobile before sitting on the shotgun seat of Pagani. "Thank you, President Stanley."


    Finn simply hummed passing his mobile to her to talk to who she was talking to earlier. After rying the information to Aria the car fell silent for a long time. Rose kept her eyes out of the window watching nothing particr. She was totally nk, she wasn''t thinking anything either.


    Finn was used to staying silent but not with Rose so he felt weird looking at her lost in her own world. He spoke when Rose''s stomach growled and she blushed in embarrassment apologizing to him.


    "Dinner?" Without waiting for her response, he took a U-turn to go to the Italian restaurant that was nearby.


    Her lips opened to say <em>''it''s alright''</em> but closed without uttering. She really didn''t want to entangle with Finn.


    At the end of the silent dinner, Finn reminded her, "You don''t have toe to the party."


    That''s when she remembered she had agreed to attend a party with him as a female apanist. She didn''t like to go so she nodded. Finn finally asked, looking at her weird behavior the whole day, "What''s wrong with you? Either you are answering in a word or two else nod or shaking your head."


    Rose stiffened hearing his cold tone and uttered in fluster, "I... I don''t know what to talk about."


    Finn felt irritated and wanted to get rid of her soon so he stood up without caring that she hadn''t finished her dinner and walked out. He wasn''t a babysitter tofort her every single time he meets, he felt his head throb to even think about her.


    Rose followed him quickly, dropping the spoon and fork. Finn sped on the road and dropped her in front of her apartment speaking no word. Rose could feel he was behaving the same as he would be with others so she didn''t bother to say a word.


    She alighted the car and was about to thank him, he drove away without a word or nce at her. She knew Finn treated her better in the past due to Aria but now she felt like Finn won''t meet her again, even if he does, she was sure he wouldn''t treat her the same.


    ---


    It was the weekend, everything was calm and peaceful. Beingzy to drive to the vi, n had taken the route to Cooper mansion to rest and wait for Vince Fang who was in the capital with his girlfriend to meet thetter''s mother.


    Aria was lethargic to leave the bed hence n asked the housekeeper to arrange breakfast in the room. After eating, Aria continued to snuggle in his arms talking about random things or teasing each other.


    Busy in their own world they had forgotten to check their mobiles which were in silent mode. n was cuddling his wife when they heard a loud cry from outside.


    Aria kissed his cheek before going to the door to check. Eva was searching Aria and threw herself on her as soon as she came into her vision. Eva burst into tears without saying anything confusing hell out of Aria. Isaac had followed Eva''s car hence he reached them too.


    Aria took them inside the room where n was leaning on the headrest of the bed looking at the couple in detest. He really wanted to ask whether he has a right to spend the weekend with his wife without sharing her with anybody else.


    While Isaac announced to n, Eva broke the news to Aria while sobbing hard. "I''m... I''m pregnant for nearly 4 weeks already."

 Chapter 428: Babies

    Chapter 428: Babies


    Aria smiled hearing about it but Eva again cried hugging Aria. Thetter coaxed her thinking she was panicked, "Eva, it''s good news. You should be happy about it. Evvie, you are going to be a mother and you shouldn''t cry over like this. What if it affects the baby? Be good and stop crying..."


    n was happy for his friend, "Congrattions..." Then he nced at the sobbing mess on his wife''s shoulder, "But why is your wife crying in my wife''s arms? Anyone of you doesn''t want it?"


    Isaac was in confusion. "It wasn''t nned. We used protection every single time. Who knew we fall in the 0.99% category." If it wasn''t Isaac, Eva wouldn''t have realized she missed her menstrual cycle over ten days. Isaac wanted to take her to the hospital but she bought home testing kits. She started crying right after she got to know the result. Even Isaac didn''t know why she was crying.


    "So you don''t want the child?" n asked without understanding the gist. As much as he knew Eva, he was sure Eva would love kids.


    Isaac''s lips twitched hearing him and retorted the very next moment, "Of course I want." He sighed looking at Eva crying while Aria continuously calmed her down. Isaac continued, "If Eva doesn''t, then I''ll not force her. There is a long way and she is young." She was twenty-four and thought they could decideter if Eva is against having the child.


    n nced at two girls before asking, remembering whatever Aria had told Eva''s problem, "Why do I feel like your wife is worried about you?"


    Isaac was astonished hearing that and he knew n wouldn''t just say it casually about anybody hence he looked at the two women.


    Aria had just heard about hormone imbnce during pregnancy that confirmed her seeing Eva going on and on without listening to her say a word or n sitting right there.


    Since Eva wasn''t ready to stop crying and speak, Aria diverted the topic, "Eva, how about we be inws? We could have great fun giving friends and inws goals."


    Eva actually stopped crying as she nodded, "If I have a boy, I''ll teach him to trick your daughter. If a girl, I''ll teach her to mark her property from a young age." She was Eva after all, even in her down mood she didn''t let go of the chance of coveting her goddess''s children.


    ''Trick? Mark her property?'' Aria badly wanted to say, ''Let''s just be friends.''


    n''s lips twitched hearing it and warned Isaac, "Keep your children away from mine."


    ''Children?'' Isaac was speechless, he wanted to ask ''Are you nning my family? Or do you want children over a child?''


    Aria half-heartedly nodded feeling sorry for her unborn kids. She wiped Eva''s face as she asked, "You like kids undoubtedly. You love Isaac too then why are you crying?"


    Eva subconsciously touched her t stomach as she sniffled, "I... I''ll raise it alone and safe."


    Aria''s face turned to pitch dark. She took the vase from aside and chased after Isaac, "You shameless man, can''t you take responsibility? It''s your baby too. How dare you..."


    Isaac jumped over the sofa and ran, "Aria... Arrie... Listen..."


    n quickly held Aria when she was passing by and pulled her to his arms as he covered her with the duvet. "Rx... Ask Eva why she wants to raise the child alone."


    Aria snapped out and saw Eva silently sitting looking at the floor. She said in a low concerned voice "I never saw her so damn serious thinking."


    Aria pinched n under the duvet seeing him not leave her. Giving him a dirty re she sat next to Eva, "What''s wrong? Why do you want to be a single parent?"


    Eva hesitated by looking at Isaac and n but eventually told, "It isn''t nned. If I marry Isaac, he will lose many of his fans and nobody will go to his movies or watch his dramas. He is still young and I don''t want him to be jobless because of me."


    n had guessed it. Aria and Isaac looked at each other. Thetter was tired of making her understand but he didn''t get angry because he knew it was all because of his career.


    Isaac kneeled in front of Eva and asked, "Darling, were you afraid of all that?"


    Eva nodded like a helpless puppy. She feared Isaac might lose all his work and he will not like to change his career, won''t be the same as he is now, and me her for losing his career.


    Aria who was sitting next to her, hugged her as she spoke, "Dumb Eva, Congrattions, and don''t worry about Isaac. If his fans get to know he is marrying his love, everyone will give blessings not the other way around."


    She left them to talk calmly and jumped to n''s arms visibly happy for them. Snuggling closer while n tightened his arms around her, Aria thought about having their own babies while n saw Isaac beaming.


    The duo faced each other and asked almost in unison, "Should we?" Aria smiled at their synced thoughts. n cleared his throat, "You guys, go to your room."


    <em>''Wait what?''</em> Aria looked at n at a loss of words. <em>''We don''t have to start right away.''</em>


    Isaac knew they shouldn''t have entered their room in the first ce when the couple was still on the bed in nightwear. He quickly scooped his girlfriend and went to their room in the mansion.


    This time Eva patiently sat on the bed and looked at Isaac who kneeled in front of her and firmly and calmly exined that nothing happens as she thinks and atst he mentioned, "... I am ready to leave showbiz so don''t worry. I have enough savings and investments to support us."


    Hearing he was ready to leave his profession for her, Eva threw herself on kneeling Isaac shaking her head, "I want my hottie to make some more noise in showbiz."


    Isaac smiled finally making her understand and asked patting her head, "Let''s get married."


    Eva left him raising her forefinger, "One condition." Isaac''s face stiffened thinking she might ask to hide about them from the public.


    She said in all seriousness, "You should love me more than the baby and I will love you both."


    Isaac wasn''t sure why he felt likeughing hearing her, he pulled her to kiss and said against her lips, "I love you, stupid."

 Chapter 429: Wedding of her dreams

    Chapter 429: Wedding of her dreams


    Isaac and Eva cuddled as they nned about the wedding, her hospital schedule, going public about their rtionship, informing their parents, and other things. Isaac watched her doze off eventually.


    Btedly, he was d to push off the load he was bearing all the year and quickly messaged a few to arrange a few things and cuddled her for a nap after ruining the peaceful mind and weekend of another couple.


    ---


    After the couple left, n easily climbed on top of his wife, "aan... Door." They can''t take the risk if Eva barge in again.


    n hated the door to stopping his flow. Wrapping her limbs around him, Aria asked as he went towards the door carrying her, "How many do you want?"


    n brushed her nose with his as he responded, "We will have only one."


    "Heh?" Aria blinked looking at him in confusion, "Why not two?"


    n locked the door pinning her to the same, his fingers outlined her pink soft lips as his husky tone sounded, "So you want two."


    She was cringing while his left hand traced her curves under her top. n spoke to get her attention from what he was doing to her, "Mrs. n Morgan, are you nning to lose your back? I can work harder for you."


    Aria pouted before fathoming his words and responded, "Grandfather Curtis wants lots of kids and Mum too. Rian yammers always to make him a godfather. Eva, Noah wants to be our inws."


    n controlled himself from biting her and pinched her waist, "Aria Cooper, I am asking about you."


    She hissed before responding in dilemma, "I always wanted a brother or sister." She meant to say two would be good but n mentioned, "Rian''s kids will be your kids too, right?" So their kids will have a brother or sister and they will be sibling love too.


    Aria wanted tough hearing him because he didn''t address his brother''s kids as his but only hers. "Can I bring them to live with us?"


    n instantly retorted because he knew she could really do it so that Rian and Roxy enjoy their life, "Nope if you keep running behind them, what about me?"


    She burst intoughter understanding the real reason behind why he wanted a single child, "Alright, I will listen to you." They could rethink after one baby and her husband is gullible too.


    "Then why are we wasting time?" He said before capturing her lips. That way, Eva''s pregnancy news probed this couple to n their family.


    ---


    Isaac and Eva went to bid the couple but stood in front of the locked door which didn''t open. Eva evillyughed as she pulled Isaac away, "They are busy making our son or daughter''s bride or groom."


    Isaac didn''tment. As much as he knew, n wasn''t really fond of kids and he hates anybody intervening his alone time with Aria, so even Isaac was curious to know when they would n. He didn''t hate the idea of stealing n and Aria''s kids. <em>''They will be cute and smart.''</em>


    They straight went to the hospital Gynaecology department for confirmation before informing their parents who took the chance and ordered them to get married in fifteen days before the baby bump shows up on Eva. Though they sounded grim for pregnancy out of wedlock, the couple knew well they just grabbed the situation to force them to get married.


    Unknown how the fans andizens were going to react after the deration of his wedding, Isaac halted all his work deciding to concentrate more on Eva and wedding preparation to give her the wedding of her dreams.


    Eva''s mother Suggested in concern when Isaac was asking Eva about how and where she would like their wedding. "Isaac, you should wait until your mother and fathere to n the wedding."


    Eva was giggling when Isaac responded, "Mom, they scolded me when I asked if they have any preference. They want everything to be arranged as per your daughter''s taste." Then he sighed thinking how Eva upied their heart being shameless instead of an elegant youngdy.


    Eva''s parents were happy hearing that but they still probed, "It''s not only her wedding but yours too. Don''t spoil her too much." Whereas Eva snorted looking at her parents. Her parents liked him more and his parents coddled her more so she forgave them in her mind.


    Eva who thought about Isaac''s taste and her preference, "Isaac, I want out in nature and you like ake, how about a wedding in front of a waterfall?"


    Isaac imagined and liked the offset idea but Eva''s parents asked in confusion, "What?! We thought it''s a church or indoor. What if she faints in the sun? Isaac, you are a celebrity, won''t your contacts..."


    Isaac cut in a polite voice, "Mom, don''t worry. I will arrange everything...." He took the major role in everything as they nned including the limited guests.


    Eva enjoyed all the services to her ce as she saw them running around. She loved how they prioritized her over everything.


    ---


    On the other end, Aria wanted nothing but to sleep in the bathtub when Sun was zing high in the sky and her stomach was growling but heard n ask, "When will the sperm fertilize with an egg? When do we have to check? How will we get to know you are pregnant? Do we have to go to the doctor? Or do you have to keep testing every day?..." His questions went on and on.


    Aria: <strong>.</strong>


    She watched his face in bewilderment. Alright, she understood he doesn''t know anything, but <em>''what with the eagerness to have a child so soon?''</em>


    She didn''t answer him and pointed to the shower block with a sullen face, "Go and shower. I don''t want to talk to you."


    "What happened?" n was worried about her reactionpletely opposite to him. He didn''t know what he did and he didn'' find anything odd either. He still kissed her head and went to shower while Aria sulked in the bathtub.


    She had forgotten everyone likes kids and they were going to have their own so his excitement is justified. All the movies she watched over the years and the novels she read started to run wildly in her head as she fell asleep due to tiredness.


    <em>''Why am I envious of my own unborn baby?''</em> She didn''t know how her parents changed after she was born so she decided to talk to Amelia if all men are like that or only n.

 Chapter 430: Crafty and unbeatable

    Chapter 430: Crafty and unbeatable


    n saw Aria''s jutted lips and frowns in the sleep when he wrapped her in a bathrobe taking her to bed. He sat and researched about pregnancy and rted things for an hour. After calcting the number of days, he realized Aria was in the ovtion period hence they had high chances and he has to work harder.


    He murmured, poking her soft cheek, "You better don''t forget me after having a baby. Otherwise, I might throw it out." n had to gently rub her cheek seeing her frown snuggling on the pillow but the spoiled wife went to his arms in sleep.


    ---


    Afternoon around three, Aria and n went downstairs as soon as they got to know Vince and his girlfriend aka Aria''s cousin reached the Cooper mansion.


    "Why are you moody?" n couldn''t help asking seeing her in her own thoughts instead of his being his dummy wife chattering with him or cuddling him.


    Aria pouted at him and went to the main door to wee the couple. She saw Vince in his usual semi-formal style carrying the casual yet attractive vibe.


    Wearing a smooth shirt, Vince had buttoned it up leaving the top two buttons undone. On top of the shirt, he was wearing a trendy vest ditching the jacket. His ck reflecting sunsses shone under the sun walking towards them. A smirk appeared on his handsome face when he saw Aria weing with a pleasant smile.


    The girl next to him was stylish in afortable tracksuit perfect for traveling. Her pretty face had simr features to Aria, on closer look one could easily doubt them as siblings. Stuffing her hands in jacket pockets, she walked next to Vince with a stoic face. Anybody could easily say she had tamed her body in the gym looking at her amazing curvaceous which also carried the toughness rather than gracefulness.


    Maisy Morse, Aarvi had spoken to her before she got to know Emily Parker''s real identity is Morse then it was quite awkward between them to have a conversation although Maisy was never socializing. This was the first time she was meeting n and Aria directly.


    "Brother Vince..." Aria beamed hooking her arm to his as she took him inside. Vince rubbed her head as he went in with her after a nod at n as a greet.


    Aria didn''t forget Maisy either, "Maisy,e on in." But other than seeing her expressionless face, Aria got nothing in response. Aria wondered how Vince and Maisymunicated with each other. Vince was a man with limited words and she had never seen him talk with anybody else other than her.


    n and Maisy followed the duo as they heard them talking, "Are weing with you? What is your n?"


    "Little one, nothing is nned other than meeting President Morse," Vince responded and settled on the couch. Aria turned to Maisy to ask her to have a seat but that girl already wandered around to check out the mansion without a bother.


    Aria shook her head in her mind feeling weird and told Vince, "I will show her around. You guys talk."


    Vince who nced at Maisy held Aria''s hand seeing her walk towards Maisy and shook his head, "Leave her alone. She is pissed off, she doesn''t want to meet her mother."


    Aria was ordered to stay out of their rtionship by n but she couldn''t stop herself from asking, "Did you speak to her?"


    Vince shrugged and took a mocktail from the tray when a maid served as he responded to her, "She didn''t speak."


    The weirdest rtionship Aria had seen in her life is Vince and Maisy. They gaveplete independence to each other to the extent they wouldn''t bother probing twice if another one is down or doesn''t want to speak about anything. She couldn''t understand their lifestyle at all.


    Aria knew Vince needed a girl who doesn''t interfere in his work but <em>what''s with their attitude with each other? How could they live like total strangers and still say they are dating?</em>


    Aria sat next to Vince and asked ncing at Maisy, "Brother Vince, what is her favorite dish?"


    Vince kept his mobile away and responded, "She likes everything I cook but not the chef."


    <em>''Okay fine.''</em> Aria thought because Vince was a really good chef. "What she likes to wear?"


    Vince flicked on her head as he responded, "Tracksuit... What she is wearing now, that."


    Aria nodded in understanding yet asked to confirm, "So you guys know each other despite you guys hardly speak to each other."


    Vince realized why she was asking silly questions, "I guess so..." He again nced at Maisy who was checking out an artifact with curiosity and amazement, "Can I take that with me?"


    Aria: "..."


    She saw Maisy, thetter didn''t look excited to see the carved moonstone at all which left her dumbfounded how Vince got to know that she liked it. She raised her thumb up nodding her head but she grinned next movement giving creeps to Vince who sat little away before asking. "What is your little brain thinking?"


    Aria indifferently asked, "I want Imperial jade." Imperial jade is the finest-quality jadeite almost transparent with vibrant emerald-green color. Amelia loves jade more than diamonds and she wanted to gift it to her for a long time but it was hard to find.


    Vince: "..."


    He epts the carved moonstone Maisy was holding was unique andrge. It was hard to find the Moonstone craving master to get such a fine artifact but the Imperial jade wasn''t only expensive it was rare to find and he had only one Imperial jade which he kept as a memory of a mission.


    He whinged to n who was crossing his legs and sitting rxedly surfing in his tab, "n Morgan, your wife looting me in broad daylight." he meant to say stop your wife.


    n had heard their conversation hence his indifference about it was simr to her, "Your little sister after all." Then his head lowered back to the tab.


    Vince: "..."


    He didn''t want to lose so easily but he could easily say Maisy liked it a lot. He squeezed his eyes shut and epted, "Fine, it will be delivered to you little rascal."


    <em>''This husband-wifebo is crafty and unbeatable.''</em> He thought ring at them while another storm was cooking up in Aria''s head.

 Chapter 431: Heartless girl

    Chapter 431: Heartless girl


    Aria smiled while her finger poked Vince''s arm. Vince realized her n and ran away from her, "Little one, you will never get that." He knew Aria had her eyes on the macromineral rare and beautiful multicolor stones from his collection which was next to impossible to get.


    Aria giggled and didn''t force him again, "Alright, I will not ask."


    Vince was breathing a sigh when n spoke in a casual manner, "I was thinking my wife and I could handle Morse so..."


    Vince felt n was weaving the trap yet he fell inside, "Really?"


    "Heh?" Aria shook her head in rejection, "No no, we have too much to handle here."


    That''s when all heard Maisy''s delighted voice, "President Morgan, could you really do that?"


    Aria: "..."


    <em>''Why is n''s EQ too high?''</em> Aria and Vince thought looking at each other.


    Maisy didn''t want to stay in the country and look after thepany but her cousin Patrick was dumb headed and her mother was aging so she was sure Melissa would ask her to look after thepany hence she didn''t want to go and meet her mother.


    n hummed, "Only if my wife gets the sea green, blue and yellow blended mineral stone."


    Aria: "..." She never had told him she wanted that particr stone. And she didn''t really crave for it but looking after thepany is a huge risk.


    She hoped Vince rejected but thetter saw the satisfaction on Maisy''s face and hummed, "It''s just a stone right, I will send it."


    Aria: "..."


    Now she understood the vast difference between love and sister affection. Love could make the man do anything and both men in front of her proved it.


    <em>''n Morgan, I will chop you into pieces if you be CEO or ask me to be one.''</em> They hardly get time to spend with each other on weekdays, anotherpany is a huge deal. She didn''t want topromise on that.


    Aria saw Maisy''s admiration at n for solving her dilemma and Vince''s affectionate gaze on Maisy. Who was Vince fooling? Himself? Aria was sure Vince was head over heels for Maisy but thetter looked uninterested in everything. Maisy was like a puzzle for her to understand even if she wanted to help the duo to break the wall they had built between them.


    "Okay, okay, you two rest till dinner then we can talkter," Aria said as they will be meeting Melissa the next day.


    Vince hummed and went upstairs cuing Maisy to join him. Maisy became a little puppy obediently following him to their room inplete silence. Aria waited till they went out of their sight before going and sitting on her husband''sp throwing his tab away.


    n wrapped his hands pulling her closer as she asked, "How do you know I wanted that colorbination stone?"


    n shrugged indicating he doesn''t really have a particr reason for it, "Why were you angry?"


    Aria pouted in embarrassment and couldn''t believe she was already fine epting the reality, "If you like kids so much, why do you want only one?"


    "Heh?" It wasn''t a response to his question yet he responded in displease, "No, I don''t like kids. They annoy us by crying a lot. Rian used to cry his lungs out."


    Aria unwrapped her hands away from his neck and asked cautiously, "Why do you sound like you will throw our babies out if they cry?..." She felt she should be careful with their babies imagining n holding the baby by cloth and throwing it out of the room mercilessly. A chill ran down her spine just by the thought of it.


    She continued without letting him respond, "And why were so excited in the bathroom? I thought even you are like a man who needs an heir or heiress and forgets about the wife. I wanted to talk to Mum about it."


    n got the response to his question and her moodiness, "My dummy wife, Dad always pampered Mom, and Mom took care of us three and I wasn''t excited but I wanted to know it to take care of you, Dummy."


    Aria was surprised and grinned in embarrassment while n continued, "It needs a minimum of twelve days to know if you are pregnant or not. There are also reports saying a few can''t get pregnant at first try despite being healthy so don''t pressure yourself or wait for it. When you miss your periods, we can check it."


    Aria knew all that but hearing from n she couldn''t help but smile as she nodded, "Hmmm, you better work hard..." <em>''from tomorrow.''</em> She couldn''t get to finish and carried her up, "Alright. Better than in the morning, then we will have to take a break for dinner else you will get tired soon."


    She regretted wishing him and started her acting, "n, I am tired. I am sleepy..."


    n sweetly caught her lie, "Liar." She had the feeling that she will lose her back in two or three days.


    ---


    At dinner, Aria was envious of Maisy whose alcohol capacity was too high whereas she was still twirling a second wine ss. After dinner, with another ss of wine, Aria sat next to Maisy while Vince and n were busy with their talks and ns.


    "Did Brother Vince tell you I am your cousin?" Aria asked to start the conversation.


    Maisy merely hummed and sat expressionlessly. Aria waspletely clueless about her expressions. <em>''Am I getting muddled?''</em> She didn''t know. She tried again, "Do you love brother Vince?"


    This time Aria''s face turned cold when Maisy red at her. There was nothing wrong with what she asked, <em>what''s with the gaze?</em> She lost interest to talk to her and turned away from her with obvious furrows on her face thinking how different sibling she has,


    Maisy cared to open her mouth, "Vin doesn''t like seriousmitments. He wants freedom."


    "Cough, cough.." Aria choked on her drink hearing the totally unexpected voice in mncholy. Maisy watched nkly when Aria left her flute away, drank little water, and dabbed a tissue around her lips.


    If anybody asks Aria who is a heartless girl, she would undoubtedly point to Maisy who didn''t care to give hand sitting right next to her while n ran over to her from the other end of the living hall.


    n wiped her eyes corner to remove the tears as he asked, "Alright?" He continued after her nod, "It''s enough for today, don''t drink more." Aria pushed him to Vince, understanding it was to increase the chances of pregnancy, "Okay, I will not drink."


    n went back towards Vince when Maisymented, "President Morgan loves you so much."


    A pleasant smile naturally appeared on her face while she hummed and returned back to the main topic, "Some men can''tmit seriously until they get the one they could love naively or wildly. Ignorance about his work is what Brother Vince needs from his woman, that doesn''t mean he wasn''t ready tomit."


    Maisy looked at Vince seriously talking about work-rted things with n and turned to Aria taking her by surprise, "Why did you choose President Morgan?"

 Chapter 432: He isnt proposing to me

    Chapter 432: He isn''t proposing to me


    Aria smiled hearing her question, <em>Why did she choose him?</em> She didn''t know if she chose n but remembering the day n took a step to confess irrespective of how her response would be filled, her heart. He chose the vulnerable little Aria to spend his whole life with.


    And <em>why did she choose him?</em> She didn''t have a single line response to it, she might make it years to summarize why she needs him in her life just like the sun in the day and oxygen to living beings, she can''t imagine living her life without him.


    Maisy who didn''t hear the response saw her gazing at n and asked, "You don''t love him?"


    Aria chuckled hearing her, "There is no Aria without n. Even the word love falls behind to define us."


    Maisy looked at her in confusion while Aria responded to her question, "My love showed me I am capable of beating the odds, that I have the potential to turn my losses into lessons, it made me stronger. It gave me the power to find the home for my restless heart. It taught me to love unapologetically and I could ruthlessly believe in one to the depth without fear of getting hurt. It taught me how to trust in the timing of life and be courageous to have faith in the heart of another. My love just proved to me that I didn''t give my heart to the wrong one..."


    Maisy cut in embarrassment, "I... I don''t understand such heavy words. Never mind."


    ''Never mind?'' Aria thought, ''You are weird.''


    Maisy was younger and she was the elder sister yet there was no attachment or connection between them. they were likeplete strangers sitting next to each other. Aria stood up saying, "We are leaving early tomorrow, you should rest, they will bete."


    She was going towards men to bid, Maisy held her hand without notice, "You said some men can''tmit seriously until they get the one they could love wildly, do you think I am the right one for Vin?"


    Aria saw her troubled but wasn''t sure the reason because the one who looked indifferent and uncaring of their rtionship was her but not Vince. One who spent time with Vince could easily say he was really fond of Maisy and thetter looked ignorant.


    <em>Was she hiding her emotions from Vince due to afraid of losing him?</em> Aria felt it was possible because Vince doesn''t like women who poke their nose too much in his life.


    Aria left it to her choice instead of answering directly, "You should take a step to find it out."


    "Oh!" Maisy''s response.


    Aria: "..."


    She really wanted to know if Maisy''s behavior changed after meeting Vince or it was her own behavior. Anyway, she didn''t ask and left to her room after wishing night to Vince and her husband who decided to wrap their talk soon to go to his wife.


    Maisy who waited in the bedroom for Vince had dozed off on the couch when he entered the room. He scooped her toy her on the bed but she woke up by the movements and cuddled to his arms to sleep while her mind mulled over how to know Vince wouldn''t break up with her if she confesses.


    "Vin..." She called looking at his closed eyes on his calm face. Vince hummed in response turning to her, "Jetg?"


    Maisy tugged his shirt cor and requested, "Open your eyes..."


    Taking a deep breath, Vince opened his eyes to look at her round eyes desperately trying to look at him before settling to calmness, "What''s wrong?"


    Maisy gulped and asked without showing her hesitancy, "Do you n on marrying anybody? Or just date all your life?"


    Vince''s brows unintentionally furrowed hearing the topic out of nowhere. Of course, he wants to marry but his life will be on the edge due to his missions and those things are confidential. He could protect the one he loves, but he can''t guarantee whether he will be safe and sound if he goes on difficult missions. Hence he needs somebody who could have the heart to move and live life if he disappears into thin air one day but ''doesn''t that sound unfair for the woman?''


    He left that choice to be chosen by her because none had reached his heart with simplicity. Everyone tried to impress him when he used to date but Maisy was someone who wouldn''t care about it, she was a girl of type, <em>''Do you like me? Then love me as I am.''</em>


    Maisy hid her disappointment and was about to drop the topic, Vince responded, "I will." No word extra.


    Maisy hummed and didn''t ask the next question of hers, she buried herself in his chest breathing in his cologne and slept mumbling, "Good night."


    Vince didn''t think too much about it either but was a little surprised by the question though. <em>''Don''t worry about your Mom orpany.''</em> He thought instead of voicing it and said, "Rest."


    ---


    In the morning, Aria tried her best to avoid beating her husband and rested all the way to the capital from the Cooper mansion.


    Melissa was awake early in the morning waiting for her daughter. Aria, who had thought Maisy didn''t have many emotions in her, saw her crying as soon as she hugged her mother and Patrick kept trying to calm down both women.


    After the emotional greet, they sat around to speak. Patrick asked admiring the handsome man, "What is your rtionship with Mr.Fan?"


    Maisy nonchntly responded, "My boyfriend."


    Melissa nced at the man before turning to her daughter. She hadn''t asked anything during the previous meet because she didn''t want to pressure him and fail to see her daughter. Hoping n''s friend as a gentleman, she had patiently waited. Now she felt the need to know about them.


    "Do you guys have any ns to get married or..." She didn''tplete and looked at the Maisy and Vince who were sitting away from each other. Aria watched the couple to hear a response from one at least.


    Vince didn''t open his mouth again other than sitting elegantly as though they weren''t talking about him and his girlfriend.


    Maisy looked at him for a few seconds hoping to hear <em>''Yes''</em> or<em> ''We will n in theter years.''</em> but nothing sounded from his side.


    Aria thought to settle the situation by saying, <em>''Maisy is still young.''</em> but all heard, "I want to marry him but he isn''t proposing to me."


    Aria and Vince''s jaw dropped hearing herin. n''s gazended on his friend while Patrick was nodding and Melissa was worried.

 Chapter 433: Innocent and apologetic

    Chapter 433: Innocent and apologetic


    Aria really carved for popcorn grinning widely looking at the smug Maisy and shocked Vince. n had to pinch her to remind her about the over-exaggerated expression.


    Vince was wordless, he didn''t know how to respond to her hardly seen outburst and that too about the marriage. He wanted to think as she was trying to escape from her mother but he remembered her question the previous night.


    Maisy didn''t know if she was expecting too much or she could really get the chance to live with him yet she tried. She was cunning too if Vince enrages she was ready to tell him as it was just an excuse for her mother, if he ignores it, she will forget about marriage and live with him until they could continue else if he agrees, she would happily get married as she will be twenty-two soon.


    Melissa who was worried turned to Vince. She pondered to ask, "Mr.Fan, If you are not serious about my daughter, you two should break up sooner before you break my daughter''s heart." She knew Vince was looking after Maisy for three years and it would be selfish to be angry with him without knowing about their rtionship.


    That was a dangerous move which Maisy knew well, if Vince gets irritated, he wouldn''t think twice before saying, <em>''It''s over between us.''</em> And he was such a stone-hearted man and he wouldn''t regret his actions either. All turned to Vince who hadposed from the shock and calmly said, "Maisy is very young. She shouldplete her education first."


    Maisy''s face fell hearing him brush off the topic with her education. Melissa nodded in acknowledgment. Maisy still had a year toplete her education and what Vince said made sense. Aria tossed her invisible popcorn tub away and leaned back to n''s arm who wrapped his arm around her shoulder watching the show unfold.


    Vince noticed Maisy''s sorrowful face and understood what was cooking in her head. He thought they should first talk with each other before openly speaking for others to hear.


    Patrick who was hearing as an elder asked in curiosity, "Mr. Fan, She is a student and you are a businessman so how did you guys meet each other?"


    Maisy said in a line, "I was drinking in a club after breaking up with the spineless ex, then I kissed Vin due to his eyes and ended up in his mansion."


    <em>''Pfft,''</em> Patrick who thought he was going to get an amazing story had started eating the apple and choked on it. It was an extraordinary beginning of the story but didn''t expect her to say it in front of Melissa.


    Aria chuckled and was drinking her mocktail when she heard Maisy state, "But he didn''t touch me knowing I was a virgin."


    <em>''Pfft''</em> Aria badly choked on the drink and coughed until her nose tip became red and her eyes filled up. Melissa flushed in embarrassment due to her straightforward and shameless daughter. Patrick''s apple had fallen down from his hand and rolled on the carpet.


    Maisy just wanted to say Vince wasn''t a man who takes advantage of a drunken woman and she was the one who is careless in them. Well, Vince understood it but it wasn''t required in front of them.


    Melissa coughed lightly and excused herself to go upstairs to let the youngster talk. She knew the young world but she wasn''t that modernized yet.


    Vince asked Maisy in all seriousness, "Where is your room?"


    Maisy pointed to the stairs without questioning back or thinking the reason behind his question, "Upstairs..." The next movement, Vince was next to her, held her hand, and walked away with her.


    Aria kind of hoped the couple would talk it out, it wasn''t something they could understand without speaking. She looked at Patrick, "Young master Good for nothing, aren''t you angry at me?"


    The causal look on his face faded remembering his father, "It isn''t like I can revenge you anyway. It was Dad''s retribution." But little did he know n had kept eyes on him if in case he tried to hurt Aria due to his father.


    Aria didn''t fret over it. She wanted to punish the criminal, if he was rted to her or not didn''t matter to her. "What are your ns for the future?"


    Patrick felt like she was his elder than him, "I am working at thepany, Aunty Melissa is teaching me." Aria nodded and asked to rify, "Monroe Grayson?"


    Patrick shrugged hearing her name, "I wasn''t dating her, she had a crush on me just because I put out on an act of saving her, fickle-minded woman. She hates you a lot, you should be careful around her even if she acts innocent and apologetic."


    Too sweet could be poisonous and Monroe was exactly the same. n had already warned and arranged to keep the Grayson family far away and the Gray family especially Ford Gray, to reflect on his actions.


    Aria faintly smiled with a nod, Patrick didn''t look like he was acting, he sounded genuine even though he had lost the charm in his voice. She could easily guess he was hiding his emotions from Melissa so that she could be worry-free.


    <em>Is it important to go through life-changing situations to be serious about oneself?</em> Patrick had nobody, no parents or grandparents, it was only Melissa and Maisy who he hated to see sad.


    "Do you want to be CEO?"


    Patrickzily responded with a sigh, "Nope, I don''t have such big dreams." His father was ruined because of that position and the Morse family wealth so he felt repulsive to it.


    Aria''s animosity towards the man slowly diminished as they talked, She took a file from her bag and passed it to him, "I think you will like this."


    Patrick couldn''t fathom her gentle smile towards him. As much as he heard in the business world, Aria was hard to handle and you will never know when she will smile and kick your ass before throwing out if a persistent pest goes to trick her.


    Well, he wished what his father did to be over at him without continuing. There will be no end if they continue to dislike each other. Patrick''s eyes widened reading the first page of the file and kept it away, "No way, I''m not doing this."


    Aria debated back, "You like this more than your current job."


    "I''m not so young, I don''t want to be a celebrity." He shook his head vigorously.


    n''s lips twitched hearing him. Aria wanted to smack his head, "You are dreaming too high without starting it."<em> </em>


    <em>''Self-obsessed.''</em>

 Chapter 434: Pain

    Chapter 434: Pain


    "What celebrity are you talking about?" Aria wanted to crack open his head to check if there was a brain or something else.


    Patrick snorted before making his point, "Food bloggers are the same as any other bloggers."


    "Heh?" Aria knows that but to reach the celebrity status, they work hard for years and mend themselves to be able to stand there.


    Patrick was passionate and knows about numerous cuisines in the world. During his world trips, other than enjoying and wasting money, he was trying a wide range of foods and he always craved to try varieties of food every time. If Aria has to mention in digits, she hasn''t eaten five percent of what he has savored in his life.


    Skyline, and Starlight''s joint venture to promote newbies in various fields and give a tform for them to nourish. If they could pass the hurdles, They will be capable of standing alone so Aria thought to give him a chance as a food blogger and vlogger that will be used in Starlight''s appropriate shows.


    Aria didn''t want to enter media entertainment other than investing in them so it was just a hand to help those who couldn''t afford or need a tform. Patrick could get the resources but he was afraid despite having talent in something he didn''t want to use.


    "Firstly, I am not asking to show your face to the world but the food you try, you like, you find fascinating. You don''t have to use your name for it, a pseudonym would be fine too. Importantly, you continue working in thepany, crave for the weekend to arrive, and enjoy tasting various foods."


    Patrick was undoubtedly enticed by the amazing deal. Aria continued if in case he is toozy to read the file, "I will sponsor every penny of what it costs and I will give you a helper to edit the blog on our website. Think of this as a getaway from the whole week ofpany tension... Yeah, you will have to attend the photography ss for three days as it is important to have pictures to attract viewers. Don''t think I will give you a big team to serve you. Unless you permanently want to be a part of our venture and have huge followers, I will provide what you deserve. Nothing more, nothing less."


    Patrick chuckled hearing thest part, "You are ruthless. Don''t you know to sweet talk and hear affirmation before showing reality?" As an heir of thepany, he had time passed in many business parties where everyone entices by just showing happy parts without telling the initial stages of difficulties but this woman cuts off the imagination with reality.


    Aria rolled her eyes before disclosing the fact, "Flirting is only reserved for my husband." The sweet talk with business associates or for the work things doesn''t exist in her dictionary and she wouldn''t let anybody do that with her either. She didn''t get<em> ''President Devil''</em> title for nothing.


    Patrick looked at<em> ''President Icy king''</em> and<em> ''President Devil</em>'', how much ever they looked beautiful to the eyes, he felt his spine shudder. He sat silently and continued to think if he could do it while his cousin was scared to even speak a word out.


    -- In Maisy''s room --


    Leaving her in the bedroom, Vince paced in the room for two minutes in total silence tensing her more and more. She was afraid to say the wrong word.


    He halted to face her and asked in his serious tone, "What was that about?"


    Maisy wasn''t sure what exactly he was asking about. About their extraordinary beginning or what she told to her mother. She chose the former part purposefully, "I just briefed how we met."


    Vince didn''t know and he didn''t care if she knew what he was talking about. He went towards her but Maisy unknowingly took steps until her back crashed to the wall. Her eyes diverted to the wall for a second and Vince was standing right in front of her almost causing her to jump in fear.


    "Are you sure I asked about it?" And he couldn''t understand why she was scared instead of talking it out. He wasn''t ugly nor looked scary to run away from him. He never scolded her whenever she made a mistake or lost her temper.


    Maisy opened her lips to speak but words didn''te out. She wanted him to pick one, get angry, or ept or ignore the marriage topic but not to ask her back. She didn''t want to be an ignorant girlfriend who might get dumped anytime he wanted, she wanted an assurance that she had an irreceable ce in his life.


    "Maisy!" He probed her to speak. He really wanted to hear her ask him to be more than what they were now. As much as he wished to have her in his dangerous life, he also wished she shouldn''t be ignorant about their rtionship but im over him. He wanted her to crave for him as much he did. He had a barrier which he wanted her to cross and ept him despite all the difficulties of his life.


    She was like a bright star in his dark life, he had her as light but he couldn''t embrace it afraid to change her brightness to his darkness. Hence he hoped she could pull him out and get him despite his dark background.


    Maisy failed to voice it thinking he might leave her right there and nevere back so she faked her yful smile, "You know how parents are. What if she wouldn''t let me go to country E? So I made an excuse."


    An enchanting curve appeared on his face but Maisy failed to notice the destion on his face. Now he understood why his grandfather always told him to never fall in love. He can''t leave the family for her and he can''t have her seeing her right in front of him. "Alright..." He said even though both were in pain. "Rest a little while, we are flying back tonight."


    Maisy who was looking at his cor to hide her emotions beamed hearing they were leaving the same day and he wasn''t angry. And that little expression of happiness was enough to put Vince''s heart at ease. She pecked on his chin and embraced him as she hummed in acknowledgment.

 Chapter 435: Possessiveness

    Chapter 435: Possessiveness


    After lunch, n, and Vince spoke to Melissa about letting a man n had chosen for the CEO post to take care of thepany. Melissa was reluctant initially but epted as she will be president and could look at how he works after hearing Aria and n will track if everything is in order at Morse Industries too.


    Whereas Aria was giving her husband a death re warning him not to pull up work on himself and tire himself out. They were nning a baby so she wanted all his time for herself.


    Melissa was worried yet she didn''t stop her daughter who wanted to follow Vince without spending time with her. "Keep calling." She only managed to utter them while they were bidding.


    Vince saw Maisy just nodding without giving her contact information hence he pulled his card out of the wallet and handed it to the housekeeper as he spoke to Melissa, "President Morse, that has my personal contact information. Call me whenever you would like to talk to Maisy."


    Maisy pouted and shoved herself in the car. She doesn''t want to hear her mother pester her asking to return frequently whereas Vince understood Melissa better than Maisy, Melissa wanted her to be safe and happy, nothing else.


    Aria peeked at Patrick who was still thinking from lunchtime to dinner time, "What''s wrong? It''s alright if you are uninterested. I will not do anything to you."


    Patrick hadn''t read the file hence asked, "Do I have to follow your orders?"


    n had thought to make Patrick as a vice president, he doubted if Patrick could even make it after training. Aria slowly breathed to calm herself and responded, "Don''t break uses or usepany resources for personal use. You can go and eat whatever you like. Just make sure to reach the manager if you need anything. Simple?"


    Melissa patted Aria''s arm as she chuckled, "He is a little slow, I will make him understand."


    Aria nodded while Patrick was scratching his head, "Alright, if you want to give it a try,e to city B after a call." He nodded his head with a thumbs-up, "I will. I want to see your mansion." The Cooper mansion was renowned for its architecture and location so it wasn''t surprising to hear.


    Then they left for city B when another couple flew away to country E to their own world.


    --- Cooper Industries ---


    Even after hiring the event managementpany for wedding preparation, Isaac reached Aria for the outfits because it was always Eva''s wish to wear her creation. He entered to see Moran Hanes helpless against Aria''s re when he entered her office.


    "What''s wrong?" He asked sitting next to Moran who nodded at him as a greeting.


    Aria whinged right away without thinking, "He wants to return to dancing for the little girl of his like and she wants a dance partner. He wants me to back him if Elder Hanes goes back to his previous mighty role."


    Moran: "..."


    Isaac chuckled hearing her and remembered how Eva reaches her for everything, "So President Hanes likes a little girl."


    Aria stopped Moran before he rejected it, "That little girl met me at the door of mypany and requested me to talk to him. Apparently, she has been confessing to him for seven years and he ignored her all these years."


    "I don''t like her" Moran again rified but Aria ignored it and continued, "Isaac, who keeps track of a girl''s information and knows she is nning to join thepetition? And he still says he doesn''t like her."


    She hmphed ncing at Morgan who was rubbing his forehead, "Ludicrous thing is that she knows I created a whole big scene for Noah and Norah''s marriage. I almost thought somebody is stalking but she is his stalker. I almost got creeps when I heard her."


    Isaac really didn''t want tough but seeing Aria behave like a little girlining to her brother brought him a round ofughter.


    Moran tried to justify, "She was stalking me hence I kept track of her information if in case she does something harmful. I didn''t even know she knows my real identity. I want to return to dancing because I like it. Aria Cooper, stop assuming yourself."


    Isaac continued tough while two presidents continued to squabble like children leaving all their work. He really wanted to see the girl who was capable of ending up two presidents in meaningless bantering.


    Since it was noon, n reached her office to take her out for lunch and heard them arguing about how a man keeps track of the girl they like and stops the real stalker. He carried his wife leaving two men speechless as he said, "Let''s have lunch."


    Isaac and Moran: "..."


    Moran came out daze when the door closed, "Are these two always like this?"


    Isaac took a deep breath and hummed, "Let''s go for lunch." Both sighed and followed the couple to the nearest restaurant.


    First Aria cleared Isaac that she couldn''t design and personally prepare the dress in such a short time then she showed him some of the designs she had that Eva would like and which suited for their theme. Isaac chose three and asked her to choose one in them.


    Thenes Moran Hanes, n felt like Aria already has many kids to take care of by seeing them all. n asked nonchntly, "President Hanes, Why did you contact my wife?"


    Aria: "..." His tone was like he was interrogating Moran as though he had ulterior motive towards her. Moran felt the same, he briefed everything to avoid misunderstanding, .


    "As Aria has her passion for cloth designing..."


    n coldly cut in, "She has many such passions, for example, the perfume you are using right now is by her collection."


    Isaac knew that but it wasn''t required to state out. "Narcissist."


    Aria stuffed n''s mouth with chicken and sweetly said, "Eat eat eat..." Then turned to Moran and quickly said, "Don''tpare with me. He doesn''t like that."


    Moran really wanted to leave, realizing he was offending n without his knowledge. Taking a deep breath, he again tried, "I like dancing so I want to do it without disclosing my identity. There is a dancepetitioning up where I need a partner and that girl is kind of my stalker so I reached Aria in the morning asking for her help. I want to go but Grandfather doesn''t listen to anybody other than Aria. I need her help."


    n kept his mobile on the table and turned on the speaker of the call which the trio had no idea. Moran felt like he was throwing himself in the deep abyss by talking to n because another end of the call was Jude Hanes, his grandfather.


    n spoke in a formal tone, "Elder Hanes, I really appreciate that you listen to my wife but I don''t like anybody troubling her other than me. So listen to your grandson next time."


    Moran, Isaac, and Jude: "..."


    Aria really felt the need to talk with n for being so possessive towards her. His possessiveness never stopped her from doing anything she wanted to do but it was keeping people away from him and outwardly nobody would dare to go near her afraid of offending him.


    She would never let their love to turn toxic or their rtionships with others to turn foul.

 Chapter 436: Lusty wife

    Chapter 436: Lusty wife


    Aria knew Isaac understands n so she didn''t worry about him, when the friends went out, Aria cleared for Moran, "n is scared I will pull up a lot of work and get stressed so he is concerned about me."


    Moran nodded in understanding, "I heard you are attending Mn this year, no doubt he wants to lower your burden."


    <em>''Mn?''</em> She thought the path of information reached him, Noah to Norah to Moran, <em>''Sigh''</em>. She doesn''t want many people to know about her works.


    Aria nodded, "I was just throwing a tantrum but I really think you have a soft corner to that girl. Anyway, I guess Elder Hanes won''t make it hard for you unless your identity doesn''t disclose and you don''t let it affect the work."


    Moran sighed, leaning back on his seat and shrugged, "You think I didn''t try, he was giving me death re when I casually mentioned." Then both spoke for five minutes before they winded up and went their way.


    Aria first asked her craftsman to start working on Eva''s gown. Since Eva likes long trail and intricatece design, Aria chose ordingly which needed to be worked for a long time so she doubled the pay so that she could get the gown sooner and try on the bride mommy.


    Aria and n were on the way to the vi which was unintentionally mute with the duo in their own thoughts. Aria was afraid of how n might react if she pointed out his possessiveness which he might think as a concern. She was ready to handle his anger but she didn''t want him to misunderstand her.


    If she just let him go as he behaved during lunch, it wouldn''t make much difference for n as others don''t dare to go to him with their problems or casual chat other than Isaac. If everyone gets away from her, then the worldpletely separates from them and they will be the audience, she wanted one of them to be sociable to bnce everything.


    n held her hand seeing her frowning in silence but he didn''t talk. Aria broke the silence watching his poker face, "What do you want to eat? I will cook today. You can rest."


    n nced at her before gazing at the road, "I... We will cook." Aria readily agreed, "Hmmm..." they spoke very lightly without speaking about what was bothering in their mind.


    ---


    With four hands they cooked swiftly and filled their stomach before cuddling on the couch for some rxing music instead of working. She took the topic even though she felt her heart racing in fear, "n, I want to talk about something but you shouldn''t misunderstand."


    Instead of hearing the hum or any kind of acknowledgment for her words, n turned her to face him and apologized sincerely, "I am sorry..."


    "Huh?" Aria wasn''t expecting an apology for anything.


    n continued seeing her confused, "You can tell me directly if any of my actions feel odd to you. I will change it. If you feel like I am being harsh or restricting you in any way, don''t hesitate to point it out right then and there, I wouldn''t mind. I will change for nobody but you."


    Aria smiled in content and threw herself on him, "Why are you so sweet and considerate?" She snuggled wrapping herself tighter around him. Her first priority is to make him feel at ease and stop him from ming himself.


    When n and Isaac were outside, thetter had pointed it out in a concern of Aria thinking she might feel suffocated. It was bugging n from the whole afternoon thinking he might be overdoing things that seemed normal for him.


    "You dummy, get angry sometimes, throw huge ruckus, let me work harder for you." He sighed seeing her snuggling on him smiling brightly.


    <em>''Do they have to fight to spicy up their life?''</em> Aria grinned mischievously, "You anyway work hard daily for me."


    n was seriously talking about his behavior and how she should tame him but there she goes out of the topic, "Lusty wife."


    She was momentarily speechless,<em> ''I am not lusty but naughty.''</em> but she returned the title, "You must be a handsome big beast to leave your beautiful lusty wife with no strength. <em>Sigh</em>."


    n chuckled thinking how she makes it lively before talking about the subject. "Yeah, a beast for my lustful dummy."


    Aria faked a sob correcting him thinking the dummy title won''t leave her, "It''s beauty." then she moved to face him to talk about the serious topic, "Your actions aren''t odd and you don''t have to change anything. I really do love how you are, just like how you steal me away in front of anybody without care. And that''s you. You aren''t restricting me nor being harsh on me. I just want to say we have to consider others too, we are capable of a lot of things but we might someday need others'' help too. If we shun them away now, they wouldn''te to us if we want..."


    n poked her head hearing her mention <em>''We''</em> instead of <em>''You''</em> when he was the one who was doing all that, "You don''t have to take the me for my mistakes."


    Aria poked him back, "It''s <strong>WE</strong>, it will always be we." Then she showed her cheek and demanded, "Kiss me, I will tell something more."


    After obliging to the spoiled wife, n waited for her to continue but saw her grin before speaking, "You continue <strong>coddling</strong> your wife and listen to her while I will manage others. You don''t have to worry about them." She chuckled after imingplete right over him.


    <em>''Ahh, it''s good to have a smart and understanding husband.''</em> She went back to snuggling in his arms while he hugged her with a smile fixing on his lips. Her im is what he is, he would only help others for his wife.


    He was thinking she dozed off but suddenly propped her head up, "Do you like me? I mean sweet little bunny..."


    n shrugged, "Is that even a question?" Of course, he liked his sweet little bunny for whom he studied and became strong although he had forgotten he was doing it for her.


    Aria announced as though they could control nature, "Then we should have a baby girl. I want to see you pampering her and teaching her patiently."


    n: "..." As mature as she was, she never failed to surprise him with her hardly seen naiveness.


    Aria continued, "Daughters are usually close to fathers so I will design lots of outfits for you two and capture lots of memories... You will be a cool dad and all her friends will admire you."


    Rolling her down, n pecked on her forehead, "Then we should have a baby boy, two will love you endlessly."


    Aria''s wish to have a baby girl wavered thinking of pampering big and little n, "That''s attractive... Then we will have two babies."


    n turned down right away, "Nope." Then the rest of the night she spent convincing him while he stubbornly repeated a word, <em>''Nope.''</em>


    <em>''Two babies will be good, won''t they?''</em>

 Chapter 437: A good father

    Chapter 437: A good father


    Eva''s pregnancy was safe and all her health reports were normal without anyplication or issues. Isaac''s parents arrived in city B a week earlier to the wedding and the festive atmosphere had created in Isaac''s vi the whole week with both of their parents talking and having fun.


    To avoid stressing out Eva with more guests, The guests were called for the wedding was very limited. Isaac''s grandparents were from his side without any rtives, Eva''s grandparents with her father and mother''s close friends joined in the list. Isaac''s best friend is only n and he doesn''t really have closer friends in student life, he called his manager and team. Noah and family, Aria, Rian and family were must anyway.


    All set off on Saturday and reached the hotel which was under Woods'' International. The whole hotel was reserved for the guests and security was high too despite locking down the news of Isaac''s wedding and his presence over there.


    Since Eva was pregnant and the wedding was in open, they wanted to finish the wedding ceremony before the sun hit the height and the wedding location was twenty minutes'' drive from the hotel. So all woke up early to get ready.


    Aria and other girls helped the bride first to get into her gown and calmed her nerves before they went to get ready, letting the photographers make her pose for amazing photographs.


    Aria saw her husband still sitting on the bed in the bathrobe after the bath instead of getting ready. "What are you waiting for? I don''t babysit, wear your clothes."


    n kept herptop aside after checking she doesn''t have any urgent matters to tend to and followed her thinking about her words, "Honey, you could try you know. It will also be a practice for you."


    Aria saw him holding the shirt and pant in each hand looking at her to choose one, She grabbed her dress and stood in front of him checking him out top to toe. "What''s the fun in covering you? I like undre... No, tearing your shirt apart."


    n: "..." He started feeling like they were reversing the roles. She was bing shameless, thanks to Eva and he would stand in modesty hearing her. ''Do we have time? I want to bed you now.''


    Aria chuckled before tiptoeing to kiss his cheek, "My big boy, I will help you, wait."


    ''Dummy'' n sighed looking at her entering the bathroom. Since they had time, he again tossed his clothes away or opened hisptop to respond to some emails and give the heads up to the PR department to handle theizens and media once Isaac releases the wedding picture that day.


    To avoid Eva feeling down if anything goes wrong and explodes in the media negatively, Aria had asked her PR department to keep track of the news. So n controlled both sides simultaneously.


    n spoke when the bathroom door opened, "Honey, I have mailed your PR department... Aria..." He was shocked to see her running out without a word. He stepped out and realized his clothes and was grabbing his pants slender fingers wrapped around his wrist and pulled him away.


    Aria who exited rammed on the door of Amelia and Rowan''s suite. "Mum... Mum..." Thetter had just opened the door but she ran back to her suite that was just a few steps away and pulled n out without answering any of the questions.


    "What''s wrong? What happened?" n got no response.


    Rowan and Amelia who noticed her running away followed her thinking something happened to n but stopped at the door looking at them. Aria opened her palm for them to see three white long stic strips to show to them waiting for their reaction watching them alternatively.


    Five minutes back...


    Aria wanted to use a sanitary pad in precaution and thought about how she could miss her periods for two days as she always got on time or a day early. She noticed the pregnancy kits which were with the sanitary napkins weren''t removed from the paper bag.


    Curious, she hesitantly tested one and got a positive, she checked with the other two and got the positive on both. She wanted to deliver news to Amelia and n together but she exited the suite in excitement then she returned to take him, Amelia entered their suite and Aria showed the testing strips for them.


    Aria saw n and Amelia frozen without reacting other than staring at her hand while Rowan smiled just by the thought of bing a grandfather and caressed Aria''s head. "You have to take care of yourself better from now." He said affectionately.


    Aria shed him a bright smile with a nod and hum.


    The next, Amelia stood in akimbo and scolded n, "Hadn''t I told you to enjoy life for a few years? What is your hurry?"


    Aria: "..."


    n spoke in confusion, "It hasn''t been fifteen days since we decided."


    Aria: "..."


    The ones she thought of excited weren''t ying by the rules. "Mum, don''t you like babies? And you Mr. Husband, shouldn''t you be happy that you scored on the first shot?" Then she turned to Rowan making a pitiful face, "Pop, they don''t care about me at all."


    Rowan chuckled and hugged her looking at two who still needed time to digest the situation. "Wait, let them believe."


    Amelia asked, "My youngdy, you aren''t trying to fool us right?"


    "Hmph" She hmphed without leaving Rowan.


    "How did you get pregnancy test kits here?" They were in a remote area so she couldn''t possibly get it.


    Aria: "..."


    She really wanted to scream at him saying, <em>''You are the fool who packed the clothes.''</em> But controlled and looked at Rowan, "Pop, I will not let them touch the baby, only you are allowed."


    n tried to pull her his arms but she didn''t leave Rowan, "I am not talking to you."


    Amelia who calmed down suddenly cheered, "My youngdy came to me first to tell."


    n countered his mother, "No, she came back to me."


    "You are wrong, she wanted to tell me first."


    "It''s our baby, of course, she will tell me first."


    ....


    Aria and Rowan: "..."


    Rowan didn''t know n was capable of making a nonsense argument with others excluding Aria, whereas thetter''s lips were twitching without understanding why they were arguing. If she was in city B, n would have got to know, since Amelia was also there, she wanted to tell them both, there wasn''t first and second there.


    Amelia and Rowan didn''t understand why n was arguing until the suite door was shut leaving them outside. "You... my son, how dare you trick me outside? Let me see my youngdy... n..."


    Aria realized he had diverted the attention, made them take steps back, and shut the door on time. ''Cunning man.'' She thought before he scooped her wrapping an arm around her waist and another on her back.


    Wrapping her arms, she enjoyed his warm embrace while Amelia was knocking on the door nonstop scolding her son. "Happy?"


    n responded promptly, "I don''t know... What if I won''t be a good father? You will be grumpy." He was happy they were going to have a baby, at the same time worried.


    Aria could say he was pressured by thinking everything, She spoke cupping his face, "Even I don''t know how I will be. Let''s take as ites. Mum and Pop will help us so let''s be cool parents." Then she cheekily whispered, "If we can''t, Mum and Pop is there." She totally believes in their upbringing so she would dare to ck off if she gets a chance.


    n''s heart lightened hearing her, "Now meet them else Mom will break my leg."


    While he went to get ready, Amelia squealed in excitement until Rian and Roxy entered. Then the excitement of the young couple reached higher than the elder couple making her confused if she was pregnant or Roxy.

 Chapter 438: Love you and our life

    Chapter 438: Love you and our life


    Isaac left with all to the venue while the bride and team stayed in the hotel. Aria, Roxy, Norah were tired of calming the panicked Eva who was thinking nothing but negative effects.


    Aria stated without being able to stop herself, "I will invest in all his movies even if his fans kick up a fuss, alright? Happy? Now smile?"


    Roxy and Norah prepared themselves with new lines but Eva sat quietly and said, "Okay, you gift me the Cooper mansion, look after our expenses and give pocket money every week."


    Three girls: "..."


    "Oh" Aria didn''t know what to tell seeing her serious face. Then she pulled two girls closer and whispered, "Is she really serious? Isaac will throw me to the river if he gets to know."


    Norah and Roxy shrugged without having any idea when Eva was getting serious or casual.


    <em>''Girl, you have no idea how rich Isaac is.''</em> Aria thought looking at Eva who was lost in her world.


    Aria''s pregnancy was hidden from everyone so that they could celebrate the wedding instead of added other reasons. <em>They could celebrate when they confirm everything is fine, right?</em>


    Soon they set off taking the moody yet beautiful bride towards the venue. Eva who had calmed down from her negative zone saw Aria smiling looking at her mobile, "Stop blushing, I can''t marry you."


    All chuckled getting their Eva back but she cried, "Goddess, I can''t marry you. Why am I a girl? If I was a boy, Isaac would be enjoying his showbiz and I would have married you."


    Aria pointed her finger at Eva, "You..." She controlled on time before countering back but Norah said it off, "Arrie, she wanted to marry you because she wanted her love to enjoy life."


    Eva hummed in response causing Roxy to burst intoughter lowering the car speed, "My Goddess is gullible, I could have an affair with him."


    "Ohhh" Three girls cheered before revealing, "You wanted to be a boy and have an affair with Isaac, Isaac is a homo here and you are bi."


    While Roxy controlled herughter to drive carefully, Norah and Aria burst intoughter and Eva''s lips were twitching uncontrobly thinking of a solution, "My goddess will be a boy, I will be the goddess and I will cheat on her and have an affair with Isaac."


    Aria: "..."


    Then they continued to hear herme jokes from her serious face due to worry about Isaac''s career and his fans'' reaction.


    ....


    After getting off the car, Eva was still jelly hence the girls couldn''t help but advise taking Isaac''s name, "Eva, if Isaac sees you hesitant, you both will not enjoy your own wedding."


    "Do you want him to misunderstand you because you are afraid of what you are expecting?"


    "The true fans will ept the real Isaac and his life. He isn''t doing any sin to be scared so much."


    Eva''s father reached them to walk the aisle with her. Eva who watched his happy face remembered Isaac''s face too, "Alright, I will forget whatizens will think. I will enjoy my day." She stated it maturely inposure.


    She didn''t know if she was calming herself, calming them, or wants to see Isaac happy but she looked alright and the anticipation etched on her face to see the wedding venue decoration and how Isaac looked. <em>''I will kick his ass if he looks boring.''</em> She thought as she hooked her arm with her father.


    Roxy was only the bridesmaid who stood behind them while Aria and Norah quickly went ahead and took their seats next to their husband.


    Eva took a deep breath and walked gracefully with her father. The aisle was long about a hundred meters from the road to the waterfalls. "Anxious?" Her father asked, seeing her grip tighter.


    Eva nodded, "Dad, are you happy with the wedding and Isaac?" She remembered how her father had looked down on Isaac and he looked proud now. "Definitely. He will take care of you better than us, what else do we need?"


    Eva shed him a content smile and walked while Roxy bit her lips hard remembering her father. She was happy with her current life but the parents'' and father''s topic became a taboo in her life. Anyway, she quickly shook off her thoughts and smiled to enjoy the wedding, forgetting the messiness of her life.


    Eva''s jaw dropped looking at the backdrop waterfall behind Isaac. The waterfall wasn''t heavy or too rushed nor too light, it was perfect with less noise by it. Since the water flow direction diverts after hitting the ground, they got the ce right in front of falls for their wedding ceremony.


    The brown seating arrangement matched with the rocks and soil with the tall tree trunks around. The aisle was filled with white roses weing her. There was no priest but an emcee voluntarily taken by Isaac''s father.


    But her gaze was on Isaac who was in brown dress shoes, dark grey trousers, a white shirt with a bow, and ck suspender. She failed to hide her smile looking at him, she didn''t want him to formal three-piece suit which she felt wasmon and outdated but hadn''t told him and he chose the right style that she would like.


    Isaac''s tiny tension about her worries instantly vanished seeing her smiling and happy for whatever it is. He wanted Eva to be in front of him taking the oath but not the Eva who is scared of somebody else.


    Rian was the best man who kept teasing Isaac and tried to stop him from seeing Eva but the groom locked him waiting for his bride ignoring Rian''s cry in pain. All were smiling witnessing how the groom was enchanted by his bride.


    Before Eva''s father could react, Eva left his arm and reached Isaac causing everyone to chuckle looking at father Miller''s hand in the air standing speechless. <em>Hadn''t he epted his daughter as someone''s bride?</em> Yes, instead of longing, he felt his heart light and happy by the thought of seeing her happier.


    The Emcee, Isaac''s father had to pat Isaac looking at them whispering hugging each other, "Shall we start?"


    Isaac''s mother: "My son forgets us as soon as he holds his wife."


    Amelia: "My Beautiful girl is taken away so easily. Who is going to apany me to bully my youngdy?"


    Aria: "..."


    Eva excitedly added unwrapping her arms from Isaac, "Aunty Amelia, we are not changing vi so that I can kidnap your grandchildren."


    "Huh? You..."


    Aria quickly turned to her cuing Eva doesn''t know but casually mentioning it but her husband pulled her closer ring at Isaac signaling to keep his wife''s thoughts in control.


    Eva chuckled looking at their gazes and gave her attention back to Isaac who pulled her to face him. Now the twist in the oath.


    Isaac''s father closed the empty file that was in his hand, "Everyone, Wee to Isaac Ross and Eva Miller''s wedding. The wedding begins with Isaac''s oath."


    Isaac and Eva looked at each other, they weren''t prepared for anything hence Eva voiced, "We should say I do, exchange rings and a wedding kiss pronouncing us as husband and wife."


    Even though her voice was low, the first row and father Miller heard her and chuckled before father Miller pointed to Rian.


    Eva and Isaac peeked at him who threw the torn pieces of paper that had emcee speech then he pointed to Noah. The bride and groom turned to Noah who held the stolen groom''s wedding ring in hand. That''s when Eva''s mother saw the empty case in the ring tray. Noah pointed to Aria who opened her palm that had the bride''s ring and smiled sweetly.


    "I should have expected this." Eva mumbled while her cheeks felt hot thinking they have to take an oath to get the ring from them andplete the wedding. It was more like confessing their love.


    Isaacposed holding her both the hands and vowed by looking at her anticipation, "I vow to love you and our life, to always hold you with tenderness and to have the patience that love demands, to speak when words are needed and to share the silence when they are not, to agree on spicy chicken, and to live within the warmth of your heart and always call it home."


    It was the first time both were formally voicing their feelings together hence Eva sniffled feeling emotional. Isaac took a step and dried her tears lightly dabbing, "Don''t be my cry baby now..."


    Eva cut in with her murmur, "You should always agree with spicy chicken."


    If Isaac didn''t know her well, he would have really believed she was crying for the chicken. The three of the Fourie finally got to see Eva melting for sweet words.


    After a round of apuse, all waited for Eva''s oath but watched her cry and Isaac coaxing her. "Alright alright, now it''s your turn. Don''t cry."


    Eva responded to him between her sniffles, "I don''t know what to say, can''t I just summarize it to ''I do''?" She saw him bing quiet hence she gave in, "I will try."

 Chapter 439: Healthy, bubbly, fluffy

    Chapter 439: Healthy, bubbly, fluffy


    Isaac then took a step back to hear her. The wedding is only once in life hence he wanted to hear her instead of just skipping it.


    Evaposed soon by holding his hand before speaking, "I vow to passionately love you in all your forms, now and forever. I promise to value our differences as much as what we have inmon. I promise to always fill our home with fun andughter. I promise to build a life together that''s far better than either of us could imagine alone and to always know in the deepest part of my soul that no matter what challenges might be thrown at us, we will always solve it to be with each other."


    There was silence with smiles on the faces hearing her. No couple would break up if they follow Eva''s oath.


    Isaac was first to react, he didn''t wait for her father to announce, he grabbed her neck and crashed on her red lips pulling her closer. Eva was a little startled before returning his kiss with the same passion.


    All apuded for the couple continuously while Isaac''s father who wasn''t prepared for it, looked aside, pping for them. He had to cough when they weren''t ready to separate causing most of them tough.


    The bride and groom exchanged the rings and Father Miller pronounced them as Husband and wife, Mr. And Mrs. Ross. Eva smiled looking at everyone happy in joy then at Isaac who was more delighted than he ever was.


    Aria quickly grabbed her mobile for n''s zer and checked thements on the live stream which Eva had no idea. Even Aria got to know after reaching the venue when she had thought they would post a picture.


    <em>''My husband got married.''</em>


    <em>''Isn''t she the famous writer Eva Miller?''</em>


    <em>''I knew that they were a couple but not friends. Finally, my wish came true.''</em>


    <em>''Why am I crying too with the bride? Happy married life my idols.''</em>


    ...


    Out in more than fifty live messages, Aria saw, everything was positive and she was d nothing happened as Eva expected. Of course, out in a hundred, one would be telling Eva to leave Isaac but Isaac and Eva''s fans would spam herment with replies and shut him off.


    Isaac turned to Aria and n raising his brows after meeting their parents, Aria announced, "You two are on trending. All want to know the love story, more pictures, and where you two are going on the honeymoon." Then she giggled happily.


    Eva: "..." She was wordless and looked around. The ones she had thought were photographers, one was recording the video and the file which was in Isaac''s father''s hand had a microphone for the voice. "You guys cheated on me." She pouted in anger for not giving her heads up.


    That was what Isaac wanted, he didn''t want her to glue to the social media when they release a picture. Even though she cried after his oath, it was natural and best.


    All moved under the shade of canopy on the other side while the photoshoot of the couple continued. They had arranged a sumptuous wedding celebration lunch. Eva was toasting with water, Isaac was with champagne which he had popped.


    When it was the Morgan family turn, Eva snorted looking at Aria''s ss, "Aren''t you happy with our wedding? Why are you drinking water? Take champagne and bottoms up for me."


    Aria tried to lie, "Hadn''t I told you we are trying? No alcohol."


    Eva was nodding but saw other family members smiling joyously. She deduced in a go, "Are you pregnant?"


    Aria and others: "..."


    Isaac pointed at n while saying, "I see, I was thinking why n was happy for me so much."


    Eva quickly counted in mind about the number of days and asked seriously hoping to hear yes, "Taking a pregnancy test too early may give inurate results. Are you nauseous?"


    Isaac noticed everyone''s face turn aloof. It hadn''t shed in Amelia''s mind until Eva told about it and thetter is right. She had also forgotten Aria''s mother had taken four years to conceive despite having no issues with her womb and that was simr to Emily''s sister, Melissa Morse. She wouldn''t dare to say it to Aria who might not be able to take it or hide everything in herself.


    Eva watched Aria who smiled back quickly and managed, "Who said I am pregnant? I am totally fine. You talk too much." She grabbed n''s flute which had only a sip or little more champagne and drowned it, "Congrattions..." Then whispered, "Have a healthy, bubbly, fluffy baby."


    Eva grinned and added, "I want fluffy to cuddle. Thank you my goddess." she embraced Aria and they toasted with all and went to another table.


    Aria apologized as she thought about her busy schedule, work and travel could have pushed her period toter days and thete periods might have affected her HCG level which in turn got the positive results in the pregnancy test kits, "I am sorry. I... I was too rash." If she had got one negative out of three, she might not have said it to them to wait for the confirmation.


    In excitement even Amelia forgot n saying they just nned two weeks ago and the rest had no idea how it works so all fell silent excluding n. "ording to studies and reports, if you get positive on the first day of missing periods has high chances that you are pregnant. If you aren''t pregnant, there is nothing to be sad about. Alright?"


    Amelia added in to liven up, "n is right. My youngdy, pull your husband''s ear to make him work hard."


    Aria knew getting pregnant wasn''t so easy, many try for weeks to months to years so she nodded, "Right." But she failed to hide her disappointment in her tone and her forceful expression. She felt bad for giving them hope, making them happy, and snatching it away so soon.


    n held back her hand firmly when her grip tightened on their intertwined finger, he pulled her closer and spoke in a low tone, "We didn''t marry to start a family and have a child."


    Aria smiled with a hum beforepleting his words, "We are married to be happy and love each other deeper."


    Amelia and Roxy admired the couple looking at Aria smiling and n kissing her forehead affectionately shunning all her worries.

 Chapter 440: Long-lasting love

    Chapter 440: Longsting love


    Eva and Isaac stayed behind in their wedding suite to rest well away from city life. The rest returned to their daily routine.


    Curtis Morgan who got to know Eva Miller, Rian''s friend married Isaac Ross, n''s friend started nudging Rian and Roxy to get married. Rowan and Amelia too wanted them to get married as they were already living together and openly had their engagement a long back but they hadn''t forced them without understanding what was going on in the couple''s n.


    As parents, they were sure Rian had no problem in marrying so they realized Roxy needed time. Having no heart to ask her directly, they looked for Aria on that topic.


    Afterpleting their Monday work, n and Aria went to the Morgan mansion. n was grim because Aria didn''t go to the hospital for a checkup to confirm if she was pregnant or not. Whereas Aria wanted to wait for two more days to confirm her period is really missing. She wasn''t ready to give false hope.


    Amelia and Rowan didn''t ask thinking they might have got negative or Aria got her periods otherwise <em>wouldn''t they have told them?</em> And they were d none of them mentioned it to Curtis else his heart would have broken by the news.


    "My youngdy, what a surprise! Your husband let you sit with me." Amelia asked looking at the couple sitting here and there.


    Aria proudly announced, "We are finally in the cold war."


    n, Amelia, and Rowan: "..."


    The housekeeper smiled looking at her, "Young madam, to be angry and then persuading increases love."


    Aria epted her analogy, "I will coax my husbandter."


    Rowan breathed a sigh of relief hearing her. ording to his knowledge, if those two really have a fight, they wouldn''t yield so easily hence he didn''t want them to fight instead he wouldn''t mind if they kept feeding them dog food.


    After a little fun talk, Amelia finally came to the topic, "Arrie, do you know why Rian and Roxy aren''t nning to get married?"


    Aria nodded, "I haven''t asked, I think she is terrified of the marriage concept even if she loves Beauty."


    Rowan and Amelia looked at each other, then at Aria who was munching snacks, "She doesn''t want to marry?" The former asked. Roxy was always a riddle for Rowan to understand so easily.


    Aria stopped eating and exined. She had thought they knew well about Jasper Madison and Scarlett Cooper, "Aunty Scarlet and Jasper madison''s marriage is a love marriage. Apparently, Dad didn''t want aunty to marry him so she got married in country X and stayed with him leaving the Cooper family thinking Dad is against their love whereas he knew Jasper Madison isn''t the right one for Aunty Scarlett who was head over heels in love with the crooked business... n."


    n pulled her to him and handed snacks to eat, "You munch..." He was kind of sure Aria is pregnant looking at her wolfing without bothering about calories or fats.


    Then n continued about it. Both had read about Jasper and Scarlett in the diary of Emily Parker, Aria''s mother, "Jasper Madison wanted a baby boy but had a baby girl, then they got to know Aunty Scarlett can''t conceive again so he brought his wife to meet Dad Oliver. Dad weed and treated them as he should but Jasper Madison started demanding money, shares of Skyline, and other valuable things."


    n nced at Aria thinking she might be sad for further lines but she ate cream rolls looking at him to continue, "It was time when Dad was concentrated on Mom''s health, this little bunny, Cooper mansion, andpany so he didn''t have time to argue with him and gave a vi which they had bought. Within a few days, he sold the vi, hence Dad refused to give anything to him."


    Aria said in a muffled tone, "Jasper Madison never loved Aunty Scarlett, he had thought..."


    "Eat... Eat..." n fed her pineapple pastry to stop her from talking, "Jasper Madison fooled Aunty and married her thinking Skyline belongs to Lucas Cooper and he could take aunty''s part of shares and assets but got to know everything belongs to Dad and this dummy bunny. He had kidnapped her when she was two years old, Dad found her on time but Aunty Scarlett didn''t believe Dad and left the country. After going there, Jasper showed his true colors to her but she was too ashamed to return and ask for help."


    Aria nodded feeling disgusted about Jasper for kidnapping her. She kept her te away and pouted feeling sympathy for herself, "I am so pitiful. Everyone wants to kidnap me."


    Amelia and Rowan were really shocked to know those things happened and they never told them so they weren''t in the mood tough but looking at Aria jutting her lower lips, cupping her face making a cute sorrowful face, both couldn''t help from chuckling.


    Rowan continued while n was speechless looking at his wife, "So Roxy got to know all this and grew up in that environment."


    Amelia hummed and continued, "No doubt she tries her best to get along with us but hesitant that we mightugh at her."


    Aria hummed and came to the main point, "Even though Roxy admires me and n she thinks our rtionship is still raw and anything could happen to us inter years or when we have kids. And the other thing is she thinks I am rich and n is rich so we might not haveplications as the money is the root cause of her parents'' separation."


    Amelia and Rowan hadn''t thought Roxy could think so much, "Hence she used to shoot her anger when anything happened between you two."


    Aria nodded and continued, "Yes, hence Rian brought her here to live with you two because he wanted her to see you two and believe that a happy, longsting love exists irrespective of money or status or work. Mum I am not saying the Gray family is poor, I am just stating it in the hierarchy."


    Amelia nodded in response and sighed, "I know My youngdy. Sigh, did Rian tell you all this? He should have spoken to us directly."


    Aria grinned, shaking her head, "Nope, I know my beauty and I analyzed these in Roxy''s shoes."


    Amelia and Rowan: "..." They really had thought she had spoken to them hence she was certain.


    "n, your wife is unbelievable," Amelia said, giving him thumbs up. The narcissist n responded, "That''s old news."


    Aria: "..."


    "My youngdy, you are amazing." Amelia diverted herpliments to the right person.


    "Mum, you are so sweet." Aria skipped to Amelia and hugged her.


    Rowan took his mobile out saying, "Then I will talk to Dad, let''s not force them."


    "Mum, you have such a thoughtful husband." Ariaplimented Amelia for having Rowan.


    Rowan and n looked at each other and left to their study rooms having no mood to listen to the two women who were continuing to praise each other.

 Chapter 441: Care-hate

    Chapter 441: Care-hate


    The Morgan family epted Roxy and Rian as they were and gave them their freedom to choose how they want to lead their life.


    The next day, Aria and n went to work as usual from the Morgan mansion. Fidgety during work remembering n repeatedly stressing that she should visit a gynecologist, she went alone to confirm her pregnancy so that she doesn''t give false hopes to anybody.


    Unexpectedly she met Winston Wen, Finn''s uncle at the entrance of the hospital. He called the intern doctor who works under him and pointed to Aria, "Make sure President Copper doesn''t have to wait."


    Aria always felt him as cold and unapproachablepared to anybody she met so it was a little surprising to hear it, "Professor Wen, thank you but it''s not required. I have an appointment."


    Winston''s cold gaze moved on her face, he was still for a few seconds before asking, "Which department are you going to?"


    Aria badly wanted to lie but "the Gynecology department." She was expecting him to nod and leave ignoring her but he gave off a freezing air with a hint of anger, "Where is your husband?"


    There are two men who she unknowingly gets afraid of, Vince Fang''s grandfather and Winston Wen. She hadn''t done anything to them but she unintentionally wanted to avoid them.


    "He doesn''t know I am here." She said avoiding his eyes feeling guilty for not calling n.


    Winston watched her in silence trying to discern what was going on in her head before he spoke, "Your mother knew her heart problem when she was pregnant with you. She hid it from her husband misunderstanding your growth will be affected by heart treatment. Are you going to repeat a simr mistake? Good or Bad, your husband has all the right to know it, don''t hide to keep him away from sorrow."


    He strode away right after it without caring how his words affected her. She didn''t know if she should call her mother stupid or me herself. Her eyes filled in and jaws quivered when she tried to control her tears from dropping down.


    Her trembling hands reached her mobile and pressed the first-speed dial and cried out as soon as it was answered, "n..."


    The voice at another end of the call was stiff and she could feel he was already leaving the ce quickly, <em>[Where are you?]</em>


    "Imperial Hospital."


    <em>[Stay right there, I aming.]</em> This was the time n hated staying on the higher floor which consumes more time to go downstairs.


    Aria hummed and hung up the call silently sniffling trying topose herself. If she wasn''t born, wouldn''t her mother get the treatment and be alive? Her mind was a mess she failed to sort out things on her own. The more she tried to clear her thought, it was strangled more.


    She was going aside to sit but the intern doctor spoke, "President Cooper, this way for the Gynec department."


    She nodded and blindly followed him when her head was in aplete mess. Since she had taken an appointment, she went straight to the middle-aged doctor who already knew her appointment.


    "President Cooper." She noticed her lost in thought and pale face, "President Cooper, are you alright?"


    Aria forced a faint smile and spoke, "Hello Doctor, thank you for taking your time out for me."


    The doctor smiled nodding her head and Aria continued, "I missed my periods for four days which hadn''t happened previously. It hasn''t been twenty days since we decided on having a baby. Sunday I got positive when I tested. So I want to confirm."


    The doctor looked behind her and asked, "President Cooper, where is your husband?"


    Aria''s guilt of hiding from n increased again, "He will reach soon." She understood her mistake toote.


    The doctor nodded and opened a file taking a pen, "President Cooper, ording to your data, it''s been only two weeks hence you have to go for a urine pregnancy test. Please confirm if you are facing any of these, Moodiness?"


    Aria thought about how sensitive her mood is and nodded, "Yeah."


    "Nausea or vomiting?" Doctor asked, Aria responded with a word, "Nope." After the Doctor asked a few questions, she sent Aria for blood and Urine tests.


    Afterpleting the procedure, she had just sat in the private waiting room prepared for her when n rushed inside. "Aria..." He had lots of theories in the head from unable to conceive to other health problems when he sped on the road to quickly reach her.


    Aria looked at him and cried apologizing first, "n... I am sorry, I... I should have... came with you... I am sorry."


    "Shhh... It''s alright..." He hugged her, caressing her head. He continued to coax her without knowing the real reason behind it.


    Seeing her still continue after ten minutes, he pulled her away from his embrace and cupped her face, "If we can''t have a baby, we will not have one. Or we can..."


    Aria cut in as she sniffled, "I am two weeks pregnant."


    "Huh?" n was confused and asked back, prioritizing her over pregnancy, "Why are you crying then?"


    She again started weeping, saying between sobs, "I don''t know. I want to cry..." It was her mother''s choice of her life so Aria knew she didn''t do anything but she didn''t know why she was feeling down and crying.


    n thought back to Eva who was crying and saw Aria who continued to cry. He had read the pregnancy woman''s mood will be all over the ce so he hugged her back trying to coax her to stop tiring herself.


    When she had tested in the hotel, she was excited and happy to know about it so things didn''t fall in ce, and n asked, "Honey, did anything happen?"


    Then Aria recounted to him whatever Winston Wen told her, what was happening in her mind and why couldn''t she calm herself. n wanted to search for Winston, break his head, and throw his brain for sharks but coaxed her saying her repeated apologies weren''t required while she went on telling sorry and crying again.


    "Aria, stop crying and listen to me..." He caught her attention and continued wiping her tears away, "If you ask me, Mom took the right decision..."


    Aria cut in feeling helpless, "Can you see anything other than me?"


    n bobbed her head, "Hear me out... 23 years back there was no heart transnt, if she had tried to save herself removing you, she would have gone through many operations, therapies, and more painful days, there was no chance she could have lived more than 5 years. Imagine how she would have felt if she had aborted you and also losing her life? She left behind you for Dad else he would have been all alone having no one."


    "Oh!" Aria eximed and went to his arms, "I don''t like professor Wen. He is so mean to me every time."


    n sounded hesitant when he revealed years old news, "Mom Emily is Professor Wen''s first andst love." He had got to know when he had Aria''s custody and he was trying to know how Aria was.


    Aria: "..." Now she understood the reason behind the care-hate attitude of Winston Wen towards her.

 Chapter 442: 278 days

    Chapter 442: 278 days


    After Aria calmed down and became his little dummy wife, n took her to the Morgan mansion to break the news for all. The celebration of Sunday continued with a big fat lunch and dinner.


    Curtis was also notified who bragged to Jude and Zeke ending up with the spread of news all over thework.


    The next day Aria and n were leaving for work when she stood dumbstruck looking at the Stanley family with Zeke Wen, Hanes family, Woods family with Ceon, and Eva''s parents.


    She was trying to run away, Noah and Rian held her, bringing her back to the living hall where everyone had a huge smile talking and discussing the childhood of their kids.


    "You all are making me tense and afraid. I am only two weeks pregnant and the baby isn''t born yet." She cried out helplessly against the two and looked at n to save her.


    n responded to her with a nod but he knew Curtis was on his way to Morgan mansion so they have to wait for him. After getting all the blessings and wishes, Aria started hearing the demands from Rian, Noah and to her surprise, Finn and Moran added in for the title of Godfather.


    Standing in a difficult position to choose one, she sheepishly said, "My baby will have five godfathers, I like lots of gifts anyway." She didn''t forget to add Isaac, else Eva will kill her.


    They didn''t force her to choose one and decided that the baby will choose itself leaving her jealous. "Why am I feeling like you all are going to ditch me for my baby?"


    Including elders, all looked at each other and chuckled, "Baby is important." One teased.


    Another one, "Arrie is muddled after the news."


    Moran, "I heard pregnant women lose focus due to moodiness, I might win on you and get more projects."


    Aria retorted instantly, "You bet. Hmph."


    A maid announced while they were talking, "Old master Morgan is home."


    Before everyone, Aria quickly went to the door to wee Curtis who was ecstatic about the news, "My little girl is finally grown up and giving me great-grandchild."


    Aria walked inside with him with a pout, "So I am no more your little girl. So mean."


    All chuckled hearing her but it died down quickly when an old man entered the Morgan mansion, even the maid thought twice to announce his arrival, "Old master Cooper is here."


    Everyone''s first reaction was to look at Aria right after seeing Lucas Cooper. She unknowingly took a step ahead in a protective stance as though a threat arrived. <em>''How did he leave prison three years early?''</em> A question in her head watching the old man hesitant to enter.


    Curtis patted her shoulder before he spoke, "I brought him."


    Aria didn''t know how to react, she knows Lucas has changed a lot in the six years when she met in the prison but her hand unintentionally touched her stomach thinking what if he tries to hurt her baby.


    Lucas Cooper stood in front of Aria and saw her palm on her stomach, "I..." He too was nk about what to say. He had no idea till a week back that he will be released due to the efforts of none other but n. Thetter had made sure he was well-taken care of in a vi with servants.


    In the morning, Curtis reached the vi and told him about Aria''s pregnancy and brought him ignoring his reluctance.


    n who reached Aria turned her to face him, "He will not hurt us." He knew she might have grown strong but the fright Lucas Cooper left on her was too huge to ept easily yet he saw her nod standing close to him.


    Curtis uttered, "Amelia..."


    Amelia quickly nodded and faintly smiled to wee Lucas, "Unc... Uncle Cooper, pleasee in. I will introduce everyone to you." Since Curtis brought him back, she gave the respect she should.


    Lucas saw his granddaughter once before walking to the living hall. Noah controlled himself but Rian stormed towards three who were standing with mixed emotions, "Grandfather, what is going on? You know what he did to Arrie, yet you brought him home."


    Curtis red at him to tone down his voice, eventually, Rian snorted and looked away from him like a grumpy kid crossing his arms over chest waiting for a valid reason,


    Curtis ignored him and exined to Aria who was unsure how to react to everything. "Do you remember, you and n had gone to Prison for the DNA sample to test against Calvin parker?" [Chapter 325]


    Aria nodded and he continued, "We all know he was just a pawn and changed over time. n had spoken to me about him so I asked him to bring him out. n used his connections to bring out Lucas Cooper on the President''s day by clearing his sentence and he also asked advocates to begin the process of releasing Lucas Cooper with the license conditions as a prisoner family.


    The condition for release was on house arrest so Lucas declined to leave the prison disliking to live in a confined ce alone."


    Rian and Aria looked at each other in surprise and continued to hear, "Then we got to know everything was yed by Ford Gray, With the help of attorney andw, Ford Gray confessed in front of thew which altered the imprison years of Lucas and he was released just a week ago."


    "Then Grandfather Gray?" Rian and Aria asked in unison feeling tensed for Amelia.


    n rubbed her head responding to them, "We retired theint and case so Grandfather Gray is also free." Then two friends deeply sighed.


    Curtis held her hands and convinced her, "If you think of your Mum, your husband, and Rian, how could we not think about you and let Lucas Cooper bear the punishment of others? You don''t have to ept him so soon, take your time. He won''t stay here but in the vi at Amight Regency. You know your husband better than any of us, do you think he will let others hurt you? So ease up. Alright?"


    Remembering everything happened because of Ford Gray, Rian naturally calmed down, forgiving Lucas Cooper. Aria hummed but didn''t forget to add, "If he does something stupid, I will not spare him."


    Curtis and Rian chuckled hearing her and went to the living hall while Aria shrugged n''s hand and trying to show herself as grim, <em>''How dare he hide it?''</em>


    Anyway, n pulled her back to his arms and tried to exin his actions, "I know I shouldn''t have hidden it from you but..." He didn''t get to finish and her mood took a shift fluidly.


    "I know I would have stopped you so you spoke to Grandfather Curtis." She patted his arms in understanding, "It''s alright." and went to the living hall.


    <em>A second and mood change?!</em>


    n started to think about her mood swings in theing days. <em>''I should be really patient even if she gets angry for nothing or cries over spilled water.''</em> He encouraged himself for the uing battle of 278 days which is 38 weeks of her pregnancy.

 Chapter 443: Levi and Chelsea

    Chapter 443: Levi and Chelsea


    It took time for everyone to get along with Lucas Cooper who was modest to all urately knowing all love Aria and he had hurt her. The judging eyes left him edgy throughout the time and watched the three friends fight and Curtis win every time.


    The repenting days had started a long back which still continued thinking how he would be living if he hadn''t desired more wealth and money. Despite arranging everything for him in the vi, n had given him the bank card but he was afraid to use it that might divert his mind to other things again.


    Aria probably never can be close to Lucas as she is with Curtis but she didn''t keep any hostility either. As days passed, she started to have normal conversations about health and general things. Roxy never had met him so she took the time to ept him as her grandfather and even notified Scarlett Cooper about him.


    Curtis finally agreed to Amelia, Aria''s pester to leave his manor in the country Y and settle in Morgan mansion which wouldn''t only let them look after him but also spend his prime old age with family.


    This gave ample time and reason for the three old friends to frequently hangout, brag, and curse each other.


    ---


    A weekter, Aria and Eva met in the Imperial hospital with their husband. Their Gynec was the same doctor so Eva pestered the doctor to give them the same day appointment every month until the doctor helplessly epted.


    Both of their health and fetus health was fine, yet the Doctor especially told Eva to control her excitement and be careful during the sensitive first trimester. n and Isaac personally took care of their diet without letting them wolf down oily or unhealthy foods.


    Coming to Aria''s work, nobody felt she had any changes in her working style. Levi and her secretaries just took extra care of her.


    At Isaac''s end, he was overwhelmed by the wishes and blessing from the entertainment industry fellows, his fans, andizens. He had expected his demand might lower down as he was married but it wasn''t. He started receiving more mature roles of Male lead and undoubtedly Aria kept track of movies for him like every time.


    Due to all the positive development, Eva was happy she wasn''t a hindrance to him in any way and started teasing Noah proudly saying she was going to steal the Goddess and Prince''s baby.


    Noah and Norah weren''t nning a baby so their life was calm supporting Moran for his passion in the dancepetition while Zara and Ceon worked when resting and roamed the country visiting numerous ces and enjoying life in their own way.


    --- Week 12 pregnancy of Aria ---


    It was Sunday and Aria was pouting her lips cupping her face watching outside the car, "I want Ice cream." She repeated the fifth time asking n who turned her down again, "Nope."


    "Why? You should feed me what I crave." Aria tried to coax taking the pregnancy as a reason.


    n nced at her and turned down again, "Nope, you are gaining weight more than usual."


    Aria burst out without believing him, "Liar... I still fit in my clothes."


    n stopped at the red light of the traffic junction and cupped her face, "You look chubby and cute."


    Her anger dissipated right away smiling at him, "What will you do if I be Little Bunny again? Fluffy and round."


    n pinched her rosy plump cheeks responding to her, "Then I will have a perfect snuggly doll."


    Aria was smiling but it changed to surprise and pointed outside, "Look... Look..." n turned to see Levi''s furrowed brows crossing the road at the zebra cross with his mother and a girl by his mother''s side brightly smiling.


    "Ookay..." He turned back to see her pushing her head out of the window and shout, "Levi..."


    n: "..." <em>''You could have just dialed his number.''</em> His wife started to behave like an excited kid for every little thing.


    Levi''s face turned nk controlling himself from cursing the situation and red at thedy who waved at Aria excitedly. He wanted to avoid but Aria pointed to the cafe asking them to go there and she would join.


    Levi''s mother was a fan of Aria. She readily nodded and crossed the road to go to the cafe with Levi and his prospective girlfriend.


    n understood without a word what he has to do when she turned to him, "Half an hour maximum. We have to visit the doctor and have a scanning appointment."


    Aria was already used to naggy husband, "Alright Alright... We will talk only a little time."


    n shook his head in resignation and took a left turn and parked to go to a cafe. His wife either will be extremely obedient or extremely cute to melt him for her work. "Who is she by the way?" He asked remembering how excited she was looking at Aria.


    "Chairman Hanes''s Secretary. When I and Levi had barged into Hanes Industries, Levi had met her asking about Moran. She was a kind of fangirl admiring Levi every time we went to Hanes Industries but didn''t expect to see this."


    n wrapped his hand around her shoulder taking her inside the cafe guessing what will happen next, "So storytime."


    Aria nodded vigorously and added, "If there is any, then yes. Seeing Chelsea Baker excited, I am expecting at least a short story."


    "President Cooper, President Morgan." Levi greeted them and sat after two. Chelsea greeted them too, "President Cooper, a long time. President Morgan."


    "Aunty Brown." Aria greeted the elderdy and cued the waiter to take their orders. Mother Brown patted Aria''s hand, "You look bright and pretty. Are you pregnant?"


    Aria really appreciates how Levi never discloses anything to anyone, "Yes Aunty. How did you find out?"


    "Really? Congrattions." Chelsea wished the couple and Mother Brown smiled looking at Aria, "Looking at you so happy, I feel you will definitely have a baby boy."


    Aria only chuckled hearing her, "But I am happy seeing Chelsea with you two." She turned to Levi and stuffed his brain, "You shouldn''t say no to a pregnant woman so quickly tell me the backstory."


    Levi never sees her nosy for anything other than a love story and to bring a couple together so he quickly cleared the wrong air in an irritated tone, "President Cooper, she is a stranger and there is no back story."


    Aria hmphed loudly andined, "Aunty Brown if Chelsea is a stranger, wouldn''t Levi mention her as Ms. Baker instead of She? He lied to me on my face."


    Levi: "..."


    Mother Brown chuckled hearing her and seeing Levi wordless. Chelsea who was grimly looking at Levi spoke, "President Cooper, I will tell."


    Aria became all ears with Mother Brown to hear about the encounters of Levi and Chelsea.

 Chapter 444: Chelsea kissed Levi

    Chapter 444: Chelsea kissed Levi


    Chelsea nced at Levi who yearned to toss her out then she turned to Aria who was curious about their story. Thetter looked appealing than the first so she ignored Levi.


    "President Cooper, we first met when you two sneaked to Hanes Industries. I had thought of him as a businessman and he even smiled at me. However,ter I got to know it was a fake smile to trap me. Then we met multiple times when you and Chairman Hanes used to meet but he always behaved as though he doesn''t know me, in fact, he treated me like a wall... No, no, walls are visible to the eyes, he treated me as air."


    Mother Brown and Aria chuckled hearing herining while n and Levi sat as if they weren''t hearing anything.


    "Okay Okay... Coming to the story..."


    -- Two months earlier --


    Chelsea got to know Levi wasn''t a businessman but an assistant of President Cooper. It was hard for anybody to easily forget the brawny, tall man easily, and Chelsea was obviously attracted to him on their first meet.


    Chelsea wasn''t a woman coy at the man''s presence. Since she grew up in western countries where dating and breaking up is casual, she was bold about such situations too. As she was attracted to him at first meet, she wanted to meet him again and also wanted to date him if he is single.


    It wasn''t any love at first sight for her, she wasn''t an immature woman to blindly follow anything so she would date and naturally decide whether to live in or marry or part ways and move on.


    During that time, she saw him in the club with his fellowrades when she was there to party with her friends on a friend''s birthday. She was already tipsy when her gazended on him and identified as Levi. Her natural on-the-go attitude with her drunken boldness ended her up standing in front of six ex-service military men.


    Levi obviously identified her but stared at her when she was idiotically smiling at him and chided him loud enough to be heard by other fes nearby, "How dare you to catch my eyes and hideaway? Who gave you the right to be sexy and tall?..."


    <em>''Pfft-''</em> A man choked on his drink hearing her and seeing Levi''s dark gaze ready to peel her skin off.


    Chelsea turned around patted the one who was coughing but it wasn''t patting but hitting him roughly as she said, "Are you a kid? Don''t you know how to drink properly?" Well, that man was d she was thumping his back but not any sensitive parts else she would be crying on the floor.


    He moved her hand away and asked pointing Levi, "Sister, do you know this man? Why do you find him sexy?" They wanted some fun on the weekend hangout obviously.


    Chelsea grinned ear to ear hearing <em>''Sister.''</em> "Bro, it''s hard to find somebody respecting a woman as a sister. You won my heart."


    He buried his chuckle and responded, "I would love to call you sister-inw."


    All others chuckled hearing him while Levi grounded his teeth wishing to throw her away as quickly as possible.


    Chelsea shed him a big smile, then she pointed to Levi and cried "He fooled me with a smile and didn''t even see me when I saw him again." She pushed the bottles away from the center table and sat down crossing her legs and started crying. "He didn''t smile back at me when I smiled. He didn''t greet me back when I greeted."


    The six men had no idea how to stop her from crying, Levi just grimly watched her while the other five were afraid others might think as they were bullying a drunkdy so they started to coax her, "Sister don''t cry..."


    "Miss, stop crying."


    "Others are thinking we are taking advantage of you."


    "Miss, calm down, we will talk this out."


    "Miss, all are watching us, please stop crying."


    Chelsea stopped crying and looked around, she nodded her head looking at many gazes on her, andstly, she saw furrowed brows and intense gaze of Levi, "Ahhh... he is angry, he will beat me." She screamed and buried her face between her knees as though he was going to beat her up. Her drunken state didn''t realize she was in a short dress and her position gave the live scene to her undergarment.


    Levi''s hand really itched to smack her head while anotherrade wrapped his long jacket on her. Five turned to Levi to ask him to talk to her but Levi''s gaze and grim face were enough to put them at bay.


    Levi took the chance and went to the bar counter when she wasn''t seeing. Chelsea who peeked and looked around didn''t find Levi and dismayed, "See, I told you, he ran away from me again."


    The five men nced at Levi and didn''t dare to point him out for her so they lied, "He felt bad seeing you cry so he went home. Miss, you should go to your friends and go home."


    Unwillingly, Chelsea stood up and bid them, then she swayed towards her friends who wereughing looking at her instead of helping her.


    ---


    Aria didn''t want tough but was chuckling looking at Levi. She could imagine how pissed off Levi would be by Chelsea''s behavior. She saw Chelsea who wasn''t embarrassed but angry at Levi, "Ms. Baker, I am really liking you. After hearing from you, I am craving wine to irritate my husband."


    n: "..."


    Mother Brown nced at n and asked, "Aria, how did you meet your husband? His nonchnce is far beyond my heartless son. You can give tips to Chelsea." It confirmed the couple that she likes Chelsea.


    Aria smiled, shaking her head, "My husband didn''t trouble me and fell for me before I could do anything. Now I want to experience chasing after a man."


    Levi and n: "..."


    Mother Brown and Chelsea chuckled hearing her have different types of cravings. n''s toneless voice sounded, "A man?"


    Aria didn''t have a death wish to say yes, "The man is you, sweetheart. Don''t worry, none can beat you and reach the standards you have raised."


    n just nodded without showing he was content to hear that. His expressions were only when they were together alone and continued his poker look as though he was as everyone said, <em>''Cold mountain.''</em>


    Aria turned back to Chelsea and asked, "Okay okay, next..."


    Chelsea nonchntly stated, "I kissed him when I met next time."


    Levi gnashed his teeth thinking Chelsea was shameless to the core while Aria watched Chelsea in bewilderment without believing her ears. <em>''Chelsea kissed Levi without his permission.''</em> That would be sensational news to all secretaries of Aria.


    Levi didn''t retort yet Aria still couldn''t believe Chelsea kissed Levi and she is still alive with her all bones are safe.

 Chapter 445: Chasing after him

    Chapter 445: Chasing after him


    Aria asked to confirm if Chelsea really kissed Levi, "Ms. Baker, are you sure he is the one who you kissed but not someone else?"


    Chelsea nced at Levi yearning for a different expression and hummed, "Wait, I will show the picture."


    <em>''Picture?!''</em> Aria turned to Levi whose smirk failed to hide away from her "Ms. Baker, you will not get it in the gallery."


    Chelsea who had checked the album where the picture was stored, rummaged it again and again before asking, "President Cooper, how did you know?"


    Aria pointed to Levi as she spoke, "He is not just an ordinary ex-serviceman but a talented ex-military man. He is my assistant and the team under us is far smarter than you could even think of."


    Chelsea wasn''t surprised nor her expression changed while stating, "I heard President Hanes and Chairman Hanes talking about you two, no, about you three... Did he delete it?"


    Aria nced at Levi who was regretting letting Aria and Chelsea talk, "Not exactly but on his instructions."


    Chelsea snorted and continued narrating the next meeting of her with Levi.


    --


    On the day of the sess party of the fashion show of Luke Baker and Alia.


    Since it was the weekend and Chelsea was bored, she pestered Luke Baker, her cousin, to take her to the party as it was a high-end party where only invitees were allowed.


    Since Aria and n''s rtionship was disclosed, many wanted to attend the party to meet them so Luke and his father were busy as hell meeting and greeting everyone but Aria and n had no ns to attend.


    The one who represented then were Levi, Aria''s assistant, and Nathan, n''s assistant. Hence many swarmed around them to confirm they were really a couple for such a long time.


    Curious who the tall men were and how they were in poise facing the crowd of people, she went to them. She saw Nathan and identified him as n''s assistant hence she guessed another man as Levi and excitedly lurked between many men and stood in front of him.


    Levi''s stoic presence turned extremely frosty and deadly when his eyesnded on the woman who waved her hand at him with a mischief smile at him.


    Even though Chelsea was drunk the previous time, she remembers everything that happened so she didn''t feel she has to be reserved.


    Levi had no choice of going while others were asking him questions without leaving space for him to move away from them. If Aria was there and asked him to make way, he wouldn''t have cared before pushing them aside but he was representing Aria so he had to maintain the decorum without revealing his irritating emotions. To top it off, Chelsea was standing there.


    He turned left when a voice sounded on that side, Chelsea moved in front of him when she identified his n which repeated until Levi was annoyed to the core and others started talking about him instead of the couple or designers


    Luke Baker who noticed Levi twirling, asked the helpers to disperse the guest so that Levi and Nathan could rest. That''s when he noticed his crazy cousin torturing Levi.


    Luke reached Levi and gently smacked Chelsea''s head, "What''s wrong with you?"


    Chelsea blurted out when others were still dispersing aside. "Bro, I want to date him."


    Levi and Luke: "..."


    Levi feigned ignorance and was leaving, Chelsea grabbed his wrist quickly and reported to Luke, "Bro, help me out. He runs away from me every time."


    Luke was confused about what to do, he knew Levi was single and as a brother, he also knew Chelsea might not get a better man than him. At the same time, winning on Levi is hard as stone.


    Levi shrugged her hand and told Luke which was more like an order with an underlying meaning, "President Baker, look after your sister."


    Luke wanted to ept it but Chelsea responded to Levi with a naughty smile hanging on her lips, "You can look after me."


    Levi really wished he could crack her head and stuff some sense yet he tried to leave silently but he had really underestimated Chelsea. She pulled him and challenged, "If you can win in a drinking challenge against me, I will listen to you."


    Luke tried to break in, "No no, assistant Levi, please don''t listen to her. She is crazy so ignore her."


    Chelsea burst out without caring about others, "Are you even my brother?"


    Levi who assumed Chelsea would listen to him and will never follow him epted the challenge, "When you lose, you better don''t irritate me and create a scene."


    Luke tried to speak but Chelsea grinned at Levi pressing her palm on Luke''s mouth and pointed at the bar counter for Levi to lead. Thetter walked ahead without noticing Chelsea kicking Luke''s leg when he said, "I very well know you will not listen to him."


    Chelsea smugged, "He doesn''t know."


    At the end of twenty minutes, Chelsea was dead drunk and Levi looked unaffected with his cold expression, "Don''t follow me from now on."


    Chelsea idiotically smiled under the influence of alcohol, "Okay but I have a simple request." She dragged <em>the word ''Simple''</em>sounding it as the simplest.


    Levi didn''t take it seriously and asked, "Go ahead." Then he saw her taking her mobile out as she said pointing at the distance, "Look over there."


    Levi followed it and saw a group of people and found nothing special, "Wha-"


    Chelsea who was taking a selfie trying to kiss his cheek ended up locking his lips when he turned to her to ask what she was pointing at. Chelsea was initially shocked but soon grinned in joy.


    Levi got off from the barstool feeling his blood boil in veins, no he wasn''t excited by her but anger was dancing in his veins roaring to physically punish her.


    Luke who watched thempletely fled between the two to save his sister at the cost of getting beaten by Levi, "She is drunk, she is drunk, she is drunk" He yammered whereas he knew well it was all Chelsea''s n and that woman was capable to drink more wine.


    Levi had to respect Skyline fashions cooperation with Aida fashions hence he stepped back and eventually left the party cursing Chelsea in his mind thinking how could Chairman Hanes have such a secretary.


    ---


    Aria didn''t like the story, "I had expected more of it. Like forcing a kiss on him pinning him to the wall." Then she turned to Levi, "Sigh, you are so naive in the rtionship."


    Mother Brown had to force herself fromughing so that she wouldn''t make her son anger with her.


    Aria shook her head and probed, "Okay okay next Ahhh n" n scooped her up in his arms after checking the time, "We are gettingte"


    Aria scratched her head and looked at three who stood up with them, "I have a doctor appointment now, Levi, we will continue the story next time." n walked towards the door hence Aria peeked behind and continued, "So it''s Monday. Bye."


    Levi didn''t respond looking at the couple leave while Chelsea mumbled, "There is nothing else. I am chasing after him from the next day and he blocked my number in his mobile."


    She coincidentally noticed him and his mother at the hospital for a regr body checkup. She was asking mother Brown to help her with his son as they strolled around.


    While Chelsea and Mother brown continued to talk, Aria was on the verge of tears in the scanning room looking at the doctor''s furrowed brows watching the monitor.

 Chapter 446: Twins

    Chapter 446: Twins


    At Imperial Hospital


    n took Aria to the gynec department where Eva was worried sick without understanding why Aria wasn''t there yet.


    As soon as Eva saw Aria, she was running to her but Isaac pulled her back to the chair, "Rx, she ising here."


    Eva pouted but sat down as she grumbled, "You don''t understand, Aria''s morning sickness is more than me. I am worried about her and her baby."


    Aria who reached them asked Eva, "What did the Doctor say? How is your baby?"


    Eva brushed off about her, "My Baby is fine, it''s your first scanning, go, go No, wait can Ie too?" Since Aria didn''t have any pregnancyplications, the Doctor hadn''t suggested going for an ultrasound at the 8th week and waited for another month to get the sonography.


    Isaac didn''t want Eva to be too excited so objected, "No, stay here and wait."


    Eva retorted back, Aria had seen my scanning, why can''t I?"


    The doctor who exited the room heard them and chuckled, In her whole career she had never seen friends and couples so loving and bantering, and that too the ones who are famed as heartless and ruthless.


    "Mrs. Ross, Mr.Ross is right. Too much excitement isn''t good. Please wait here." Then she turned to Aria and n, "Mr. and Mrs. Morgan, are you two ready for the first scan?"


    Aria nodded at the doctor and looked at Eva''s disappointed face, "Wait for us, we will go out to eat something."


    n and Isaac: "..."


    They really doubt if God and Goddess know anything other than eating whenever they meet. Going out with them, even they have to eat extra meals and workout double to maintain their physique.


    Aria entered the examination room with n and followed the Doctor''s instructions andid on the bed for the scanning. "Nervous?" Doctor asked as she applied gel on the holder.


    Aria nced at silently standing n before humming with the response, "I guess so."


    The doctor gently ced the scanning head on her stomach and slowly started to scan looking at the screen where Aria and n couldn''t understand anything. "Is your morning sicknessing to control?"


    "Yeah, B-betterpared tost week." Aria pulled n in nervousness without understanding anything on the screen and started alternating her gaze between ck and grey screen to the doctor waiting for her to tell something.


    The faint smile which was on the doctor''s face vanished, crunched her brows watching the screen closer with all her attention on it. Aria who watched her reaction couldn''t stop her trembling voice, "W-what''s w-wrong? I-is e-everything a-a-alright?"


    n cupped her face to calm her, "Wait, let her check. Nothing will happen to you."


    Another voice followed by his voice, "Congrattions President Morgan, President Cooper. I am expecting a big gift."


    n''s gentle expression deadpanned yearning to teach the doctor when she started going around the mountain instead of telling the fact when Aria was almost scared to death.


    She didn''t notice n and continued, "You are bearing twins, President Cooper and the fetus are healthy. Look..." She turned the screen towards them and pointed two long bean shapes to them.


    Aria''s face turned disbelief without believing what she heard whereas n stared at the screen for a few seconds then at Aria before realizing her mother''s family has twin genes for the daughter which had skipped at her mother. Unintendently he remembered the health problems faced by the twins and his grip tightened on her hand.


    Aria came out of her daze and shook n''s arm, "n, we are having twins. I had told you I wanted two babies."


    n knew Aria would sooner orter realize it, he didn''t want her to worry so he too brushed off the thought thinking to talk to the doctorter, "Your wish is finally fulfilled." He caressed her cheeks, seeing her beaming.


    "Hear the heartbeats of the fetuses." The doctor passed the earpiece to them and saw them emotional and talking with each other forgetting her whole presence. She let them have their time and went out where another one was waiting anxiously.


    "Congrattions Mrs. Ross, you are getting two baby-inws."


    "Woah!!" Isaac eximed and asked to confirm, "So our presidents are having twins?"


    The doctor chuckled, nodding her head, "Yeah. You might have to be prepared for another baby to steal their baby."


    Eva who came out of her surprise hopped in excitement, "Isaac, my goddess is having twins... We will have one more baby and steal both the babies..."


    Isaac didn''t know whether to celebrate for his friend or take care of his woman who was dancing in joy as though she was bearing twins. "Eva, cool down. You shouldn''t bounce around."


    Eva hugged Isaac and squealed in excitement, "My wifey is having twins. it''s a double celebration."


    ---


    Inside the examination room, Aria''s happy tears changed to sniffling as she requested n, "You aren''t allowed to throw the babies away if they cry."


    n controlledughing hearing what she was thinking, "Then you aren''t allowed to keep running behind them."


    Aria thought he was worried she might ignore him, she hugged him pulling closer, and said between sobs, "I will not cast you aside. I will pamper you more."


    n couldn''t help chuckling, "I want to you take care of yourself when I am not around."


    Aria became grim instantly, "You better be next to me all the time else I will whinge to our babies."


    n: "..."


    <em>''Whinge to our babies.''</em> He knew she is capable of that. He coaxed for little time before taking her out.


    Leaving her with Eva and Isaac who were excited, he went to meet the doctor alone. The doctor passed him the report and sonograph of the twins and saw n still sitting.


    n briefed the family structure, "My wife''s mother side has theplete structure of twin girls. It is repeated for many generations and each woman had health issues. Consequently, my wife''s mother had blood cancer and her aunt''s immunity is more than non-existent. Both gave birth to a single girl child who isn''t facing any health problem."


    After exining the situation, he asked his doubt, "Now Aria is pregnant with twins, is it gics? If it is, will our babies face the same health issues?"


    The doctor who was excited about treating the mother of twins after a long time furrowed her brows. She couldn''t give them a cent percent probability of healthy babies because it is possible.

 Chapter 447: Face it together

    Chapter 447: Face it together


    The doctor hesitated to speak about it, "President Morgan, let''s be positive about it as the mother is healthy. I will talk about this case with the director and get back to you."


    n didn''t favor her response but he nodded in response and left. He just hoped Aria doesn''t realize it soon before he gets an urate answer to their question.


    He returned to the private hall and dumbfounded to see all surrounding his wife. He had thought to disclose it after going to Morgan mansion, he was also sure Aria didn''t call them as her mobile was with him. He urately guessed looking at excited Eva and sighed.


    Sometimes n really doubts if Eva is his wife''s husband or himself. Whenever she gets to know anything about pregnancy or babies, she would contact Aria first and exin everything before telling Isaac.


    Curtis who saw n watching them from the entrance read his aloof face, he went to him and asked instead of congratting, "What''s wrong?"


    n didn''t hide from him, "If Aria''s mother side gics repeats, Aria will be hurt."


    Curtis sighed and turned to Aria who wasughing hearing her friends demanding to steal her babies, "Mother and Babies will be fine. The broken gics never repeats."


    n got hope hearing his grandfather and hummed, "We will go home." Without waiting for a response, he strode ahead and saw her expectant gaze, "You three are healthy."


    Aria beamed, "Oh I am three now."


    All chuckled hearing and seeing her getting surprised for everything every time hearing about twins, "Let''s all go home now. You can talk there."


    ---


    All had the second celebration at the Morgan mansion. Norah who watched Aria being pampered by all poke Noah''s waist standing next to him, "I want a baby too No two Three would be better, right?"


    Noah: "..."


    He had smiled hearing <em>''a baby''</em> then smile wavered hearing twins, now he was bewildered hearing the triplet.


    "My silly wife, how about a baby twice?" He wasn''t an idiot to think they will have twins or triplets.


    Norah hesitantly asked, "Can''t we have twins? You can ask Brother n for tips."


    Noah burst intoughter hearing his wife before he could control, "I am sure you forgot all human biology." He mumbled then tricked her, "You know how Brother n is, why don''t you ask Arrie?"


    Norah bought it and nodded in affirmation, "I will ask when she is free."


    After fifteen minutes, Aria called Noah nearby and flung the backrest pillows on him,ughing her heart out, "How could you to trick your wife?"


    Noah held the pillow and sat next to her watching his wife thinking something looking at her mobile, "Why did you trick her too?" They were the Fourie after all, they knew each other well.


    Aria didn''t respond to it and mentioned, "Please tell her it doesn''t work as we need else she will be disappointed."


    Noah who nodded turned to her, "Wait, what did you tell her?"


    Aria chuckled but didn''t tell him directly, "You need a gym and strong waist." and burst intoughter seeing him wonderstruck guessing what she might have told Norah who looked like a blindly following littlemb to him.


    "Aria Cooper, you hadn''t told her what I am thinking right?"


    Rian peeked between them from behind, almost frightening her, "Little Devil said <em>''Kick your husband to work hard the whole night and also an early morning dose before starting the day. If time permits, then in the office and repeat.''</em> Am I right or perfectly right?"


    Noah: "..."


    Aria gave him thumbs up, "How did you guess?" He wasn''t near them to hear it.


    Rian rolled his eyes saying, "I thought that''s what you and Bro did staying in the vi."


    Now it was Noah and Rian''s turn tough at her while she recovered from her wordless thoughts, "Rian Morgan, Let me see if your wife hears me out and believes my twisted exnation or your textbook exnation."


    Aria threatened and stood up to go near Roxy but he pulled her back to sit, "Noah is anyway losing in theing week, I want to be healthy."


    Eva who watched them quickly joined, "What''s cooking without me?"


    Noah quickly shushed the two and brainwashed Eva, "Evvie, do you want twins too? You can have it if you and Brother Isaac work hard but carefully by following the Doctor''s instructions, you can achieve twins."


    "Really?" Eva threw her brain away and asked as she dreamt of two babies.


    Rian mumbled without believing his ear, "I didn''t know Eva is so muddled." then he motioned his hand towards Isaac, "Go talk to brother Isaac first."


    Aria behaved dumb and deaf drinking water at snails speed stopping herself from smiling waiting for a good show while her other two friendsughed to their heart content looking at Isaac''s darkening face.


    In the next movement, two men ran around while Isaac chased after them for fooling his wife. All heard him curse so they understood two tried to fool Eva and caught by Isaac.


    Eva couldn''t face themughing so buried herself in Amelia''s embrace thinking how could she believe so easily, <em>''Am I really muddled?''</em>


    After fun and rxing, all returned to their abode and Aria entered her much needed hot water bathtub. n washed her hair when she took the topic, "n!"


    "Hmmm..." He asked gently massaging her scalp to relieve her whole day tension and sleep.


    "What is the probability of our babies contracting the Mom''s mother gics?"


    n''s hand froze for a second before returning to calmness, "When did you realize?"


    "When Norah asked me how we had twins so that they could have twins." She had realized that time but purposefully didn''t bring it out.


    "Scared?"


    Aria wasn''t sure of it but calmly responded, closing her eyes to control her stinging eyes to avoid her tears, "Once I feel like gics is broken between mom and me, then it feels like it might again start from me... I- I feel it is so unfair for our babies."


    n gently wiped her tears that trickled down hershes with his dry forearm, "Honey, it''s not time to fall weak. We will face it together."


    ...


    Afraid about the health of the babies, n''s heart ached to watch her limiting her food habits and restricting herself following a strict routine from theing days.


    While the world saw happy parents-to-be of twins, only they knew how worried sick they were without revealing it to anybody.

 Chapter 448: Right to take any decision

    Chapter 448: Right to take any decision


    In Wood''s mansion,


    Noah watched his wife too seriously thinking and making out the n believing whatever Aria said is true. He wanted to tease her more but he didn''t want to give her wrong hopes.


    Looking at her hoping for twins, he really hoped they would fall into the probability of 0.40 percent of having twins without any gics in either of their families.


    "Darling" He called and heard her hum without any attention, he tugged her nightdress, checking her reading about the ovtion period, and calcting the number of days for her periods.


    "Noah, wait..." She shut his silence to concentrate better on her thoughts and calction. Having no choice he saw her understanding each thing that she needs to be aware of before trying for the pregnancy.


    Noah who had yawned slid under the duvet and was ready to sleep but heard her, "Noah, it is only 30 percent chances even if he tries during my ovtion. What if we fall in seventy percent and be hard to conceive? Now I am getting scared."


    She scratched her head keeping the small notebook aside and looked at Noah who had propped his head on his palm keeping his elbow on the pillow. "What?" She asked looking at his nk stare.


    Noah still continued to stare at her round eyes where her longshes were batting frequently in worry thinking negatively. Norah continued without waiting for his response, "You know, Arrie and Brother n decided about having babies when Eva got to know she was pregnant and Arrie is already pregnant on the first try. What about us? Do we have to try many times?"


    Noah''s lips twitched hearing her, "Why are youparing us with Arrie and Brother n?" He sighed deeply and sat down leaning not he head broad, "Firstly, even if numerous healthy couples follow the same routine of another, the chances of each couple are different. Secondly, we are still in our mid-twenties and no hurry for the baby."


    Norah skipped all the words and corrected him, "Babies..." She wanted a minimum of two and she would be happier if it''s three... ''We can have four too.'' She thought without voicing because she knew well all would get worried about her health and Noah would take her ss for many days.


    Noah: "..."


    He took time to voice and asked, "Do you like babies so much?" Norah nodded vigorously. He spoke again, sliding his hand under her slender leg, "Then we will see how many we have to try."


    Then he pulled her leg down and went on top of her hearing her shriek from the sudden slide. His aim for the night is to avoid her brain getting any thoughts until she falls asleeppletely worn out to even lift her pinky.


    ...


    Noah deeply sighed in the middle of the night seeing her doze her after pleading with him to stop asking him to forget about babies.


    He didn''t hate kids and also liked having their own baby but Norah seemed obsessed about it. If having a baby makes her happy, he will obey it but just wished it wouldn''t take a long time that would make her sad and disappointed.


    He decided to make her understand things take time despite being healthy unlike how Aria and n were lucky enough to seed at the first try and even had twins. Of course, he was happy for them but he wanted Norah to understand it too.


    If he couldn''t, he would have asked his mother, or probably the gynecologist will help her topletely understand the things.


    ---


    During all these, the biological father of Kite was still unknown. Saira who had lost her clear head, was cooperating with the doctor and her treatment was dyed. Even though Aria and n had a flicker of doubt, they weren''t able to do anything.


    n didn''t want to overdo anything during the time of Aria''s pregnancy that might attract the evil eyes and hurting Aria this time will be easier than when she wasn''t pregnant.


    Aria wasn''t on any bed rest and her other work routine followed eliminating all the business dinners. n was cent percent made sure topletely keep his schedule during lunch and at get off time of the office to apany his wife.


    To keep Aria''s mind upied without the thoughts of gic problems, they didn''t go to the vi or Cooper mansion. He also asked Rian to stay in the Morgan mansion with Roxy so that Rian could keep Aria''s mood light bantering with her, irritating her and annoying her.


    The Cooper mansion housekeeper Sophia also moved into the Morgan mansion to take care of Aria with others hence the Morgan mansion was filled keeping the joyous movement all the time liven up the atmosphere.


    ---


    Zara who thought everything, again probed but in the family dinner of Woods and Davis family, "Dad, Mom, what are your thoughts about my wedding?"


    ''Pfft,'' Ceon choked on his food and started coughing while all were suppressing their smiles.


    Zara naturally tended to Ceon without understanding why he always gives the wrong reaction. Ceon muttered through his teeth, "Ms. Zara Wood, can''t you speak with me first? You could have proposed to me first? It isn''t like I was going to say No."


    Zara spoke like a wronged one, "You are the one who gave me the right to take any decision about us." She shrugged and looked at her father who was very proud of his daughter.


    Master Wood had thought Zara and Ceon might decide everything and tell them, it wasn''t that he would have objected to it. In fact, he was really expecting them to get married because his daughter was so happy from the time she epted to be Ceon''s girlfriend. He really doubted if they could keep her that happy.


    Simrly, Master Davis was proud of Zara for always being so open about her decision. He was very little proud of his son because ording to him the only good thing Ceon ever did was choosing the right woman to be his wife.


    While all were happy in silence, one was clenching fist trying hard to stay silent looking at Ceon and Zara.

 Chapter 449: The dreamland

    Chapter 449: The dreand


    Noah noticed Norah trying hard to stayposure looking at Zara and Ceon. He opened her curled fingers from the clench and held her hand, he asked in the lowest voice, seeing her slightly tremble, "What''s wrong? Are you unwell?"


    Zoe Davis was sitting next to Noah, she noticed him looking at aunty and peeked at Zara, "Aunty Norah, what happened? Are you feeling hot?" She asked with worry right after looking at Norah''s precipitation.


    As if she was holding her all power in the fist, Norah bolted into the powder room holding her mouth. She had really tried hard to let them celebrate Zara and Ceon''s wedding news without worrying about her ill health but failed.


    Noah quickly followed her and Zoe followed him blindly jumping down from the chair that caused everyone to worry about her. Zara, Zara''s mother, Ceon''s sister-inw followed them quickly while other men patiently waited to peek at the unclosed powder room door.


    Norah puked her guts out while Noah rubbed her back trying to soothe her. Zara quickly grabbed water for her to wash her mouth and drink.


    Noah''s mother was damn worried so she couldn''t wait for Norah to stabilize and asked, "What''s wrong? Why is she suddenly ill?"


    Noah kept his eyes on Norah to tend to her, "She was dehydrated and dizzy in the morning, dehydration was causing her nausea and now it might be severe. She didn''t listen to me to go to the hospital."


    Zara''s voice followed after him, "Can''t you take a good amount of liquid daily?"


    Zoe couldn''t tolerate the smell when Norah vomited, pressed her nose without leaving them when her mother asked her to leave, "Aunty Norah, you should go to the doctor." She genuinely cared remembering how her mother taught her.


    Ceon who saw his sister-inw''s cue went near the powder and called, "Kitten,e here. Let the elders take care of aunty."


    Zoe heard him and hopped to his arms when he stretched his hands to carry her back to the dining hall, "Uncle Ceon, take your car out, we will take Aunty Norah to hospital. She looks sooooo pale." She dragged the ''So'' indicating Norah needs a doctor.


    Whereas Zoe''s mother asked in queasy, "Pardon me if I am taking the wrong topic, are you sure you aren''t pregnant?"


    It had left the minds of Noah and Norah because it''s been more than a month they tried but saw no results. Due to Noah''s continuous pester to remove the thought of pregnancy to let nature take the course, Norah too didn''t think about it.


    Norah promptly responded standing with Noah''s support, "There is still a week for my periods." She meant to say, she was still in the ovtion period and they couldn''t possibly get to know about pregnancy in a week.


    Zara and her mother looked at each other and the former asked in curiosity, "Are you guys already nning a baby?"


    Noah and Zara helped Norah back to the dining area while Noah responded to lighten the mood seeing all worried, "She wants a triplet after hearing Arrie having twins."


    All chuckled hearing him while the pale Norah flushed stomping her husband. She already knows having twins and triplets isn''t like going to the kitchen and cooking picking the right ingredients.


    Whereas master Davies who didn''t know about Aria''s pregnancy eximed loudly, "Twins! The Morgan family is blessed. I wish triplets now, you guys should try harder."


    All again chuckled hearing her while Mother Wood quickly instructed the housekeeper to send someone out to grab some things looking at Norah force Noah to stop taking her to hospital.


    Norah ended up drinking only soup while all had dinner. Zoe who shifted between Noah and Norah kept feeding sd to Norah as thetter helplessly ate hoping she wouldn''t throw up while the little one was working hard to feed her.


    Looking at Zoe, ''I want a girl baby babies.'' She was adamant about having a minimum of two babies and she didn''t think of maximum but hoped to have three babies ying around them.


    ...


    All were in the cabana when the housekeeper whispered in Madam Wood''s ear, thetter whispered back giving some instruction before sending her away.


    It waste in the night when Ceon and Davies'' family left the Wood''s mansion after generally talking about the wedding of Zara and Ceon. Elders left most of the choice for couples to have in their own way impeding no restriction.


    When Noah and Norah entered their bedroom they saw a paper bag on the bed, they checked it to see three different pregnancy test kits. Curious, Noah read the instruction while Norah paced like a headless chicken. ording to what she studies on the inte, if she gets positive on the first day of missed periods, then she is pregnant but it was still a week ahead.


    Noah taught her what he read and pushed the scaredy-cat inside the bathroom.


    1 minute


    3 minutes


    5 minutes


    7 minutes


    Noah was getting anxious without hearing a word from her, "Norah, I aming in" He announced standing at the connected bathroom door.


    "Noahhhh" Norah screamed on top of her lungs causing Noah''s heart to leap, he busted inside the bathroom to check what happened but to see Norah dancing happily.


    He paused thinking she wasn''t this happy when they got married or when she saw him after two long years, he sighed helplessly and held her first before she trips and falls somewhere.


    She threw herself on him in excitement, "I am pregnant I am pregnant Our baby would be in the same ss as Eva and Arrie''s babies. They will be friends"


    Noah: "..."


    He was happy, really happy forpleting her wish to have a baby but he was speechless hearing Eva and Aria''s babies. He couldn''t put a finger on what was going on in her head.


    Norah didn''t noticed his reaction and ran out to master and madam Wood''s room and rammed on the door before announcing excitedly as soon as the door opened, "Mom, Dad, you are going to be grandparents."


    Madam and master Wood were ready to go to bed so they quite got it when she blurted out. Noah''s voice sounded behind Norah, "Your dear daughter-inw is pregnant."


    Master Wood patted Norah''s head while madam Wood took a few seconds to register it and hugged Norah who was grinning ear to ear.


    "Congrattions to you two." Master Wood wished and earned one back, "Congrattions for you too Dad and Mom."


    The husbands waited for their wife to calm down in their excitement before rushing them to rest but Norah again ran to Zara''s room and delivered the good news.


    Noah thought it ended but the news reached all the ears of the Hanes family and all the friends earned a pop of messages about the news before Norahid on the bedpletely tired.


    Noah patiently helped her drink water pulling her up and pulled her cheeks hard to bring her back to earth from the dreand where she was flying around.


    "Ah it hurts, it hurts it hurts" Norahpletely calmed down and faced Noah who was calm,posed, "Am I overexcited?"


    Noah smiled, "Well, yes" Norah puffed her cheeks and he continued, "I expected even more I guess." He was happy seeing her excitedly telling whoever she wanted to inform unlike the ''Kyle Mason'' who was too quiet without reacting much to anything.


    "Now tell, why you hurried about having a baby so soon? What does it have to do with drama queens babies?"


    Norah blinked, blinked, and blinked but didn''t utter a word thinking Noah might go mad hearing her reason.

 Chapter 450: Genetic diseases

    Chapter 450: Gic diseases


    Norah hesitated but responded seeing Noah waiting for her to speak the reason behind why she wanted babies so soon, "I never had friends and don''t know how to teach our babies to make good friends. If our babies are in the same ss as Arrie and Eva''s babies, I don''t have to teach them and just make them friends... And you Fourie could have fun."


    Her tone obviously carried a hint of sorrow about her own childhood which made him realize she wants to live her childhood with their own babies. He wanted to hate Hanes'' family for making Norah introvert in the past but he won''t. There were so many values which he admired in the Hanes family and was content after seeing them change their controlling behavior.


    Norah was expecting displeasure or augh from him but got a hug instead, "Silly Then why didn''t you ask for a baby when we got to know Eva was pregnant?"


    Wrapping her arms, she said with a slight discontent tone, "I didn''t think of it until I realized Eva and Arrie''s babies will be in the same ss." Then her voice cheered as she said, "No issues, we are still on track." Then she giggled.


    ---


    The next day, Aria and Eva were on their scheduled regr checkup and saw Norah while Noah ran behind her trying to calm her.


    Evamented looking at her, "Why am I not excited as her? Will my baby like Norah more? Was my mother so excited for me?"


    Aria continued, "I am getting jealous of their baby now. Will my babies be sad for not having such a cheerful mother?"


    n and Isaac: "..."


    Eva pouted looking at the small bump of Aria, "I want your twin babies. Both."


    n and Isaac quickly distracted them away after coaxing even they were as excited as Norah.


    After torturing the doctor, Norah set her date of a checkup on the same day as the other two causing the doctor to change the appointment of otherdies.


    ...


    While all thought even Rian and Roxy might get motivated looking at them, they just wanted to be godfather and godmother of each baby as they argued they were going to be the best godparent leaving the other three couple spellbound.


    ---


    Soon Aria''s Mn''s fashion week neared and after hearing all the precautions and safety measures, n personally took care of Aria who looked like 7 months pregnant in her 5 month period.


    Sitting cross-legged on the dining table in country E, Aria watched n and Vince cooking in thetter''s mansion, "What are you thinking?" The pleasant and curious voice of Vince sounded when he handed her a warm soup bowl.


    Aria asked right away, "Will you call me little one or the babies?" n smirked hearing her shaking his head.


    Vince: "..."


    It was probably the tenth question. She was asking a simr question from the time he picked her up from the airport. If he answers as babies, she will ask why can''t she be a little one? And if he says her, she would definitely twist the question for the babies.


    Aria waited by sipping her soup but the response didn''te until her third spoon, "You are little one and your little babies or your little ones."


    "Then you won''t pamper them? I am sure they will love you." Aria''s question shot out soon. Vince nced at n who was enjoying clearly knowing Aria will ask every mindless question.


    He was still thinking, his grandfather''s cane sounded resounded in the living hall causing Aria to jump off from the dining table and straighten her dress and behaved like a well-breddy elegantly sitting on the chair and gracefully sipping the soup with a gentle smile on her face.


    Vince: "..." Not even his girlfriend could leave him speechless as Aria always did.


    Her quick actions caught n''s eyes and realized Elder Fang came to the mansion. Elder Fang doesn''t meet or leave his ce unless it was necessary so Vince and n became serious about it while Aria wanted to be invisible to the old man.


    An old man entered the dining hall followed by a man. He was in a warm-colored semi-formal suit carrying himself in a great poise and tranquil. It was hard to say a man in eighties was strong and held a strong demeanor.


    Aria''s actions were refined and polished when she stood up and gave a small bow greeting the old man, "Grandfather Fang." It was repeated by Vince and n without uttering a word.


    Elder Fang grunted in response after he sat at the chair next to Aria causing her the need to jump away and sit farther at the round table. Vince saw how tamed Aria was around his grandfather and remembered how nonchntly Maisy walks around his grandfather. Missing his girlfriend, he silently smiled in mind thinking why did he give her permission to go on a trip with her friends.


    Aria was fidgety whether to sit or follow n to the kitchen when she heard an order, "Sit"


    Vince controlledughing when she sat without wasting a millisecond. He was again curious and asked, "Little one, why do you be a scaredy-cat around my grandfather?"


    Aria, she so wished to pull his ear and scold him for purposefully asking it in front of Elder Fang. n who brought another stakeout responded to him, "ording to the fictional novel experience of my wife, Grandfather looks like a mafia boss whose eyes always carry a bloodlust."


    Vince controlled, he truly tried his best but burst intoughter imagining himself how Aria would have narrated his grandfather to n.


    Elder Fang: "..."


    Aria slowly reached and pinched n''s thigh under the table as soon as he sat down. n cluelessly asked, "Did I lie? Why are you punishing me? Or do you want me to narrate them how you told me?"


    ''Why don''t you kill me then?'' She thought, pouting her lips, then again remembered the old man and put on a gentle wife look, "n, how could I even punish you? Let''s have lunch."


    Vince who had just sat, felt goosebumps rising after hearing her voice and way of talking. He doesn''t know how she is with n when they are alone but this definitely didn''t suit her personality that she has around him.


    "Little one, stop giving me creeps. Look." He held his forearm to show her and prove she was acting causing Elder Fang to clear his throat by a simple throaty cough but it caused her hair rise to bring a smile on n''s face while Vince againughed.


    ...


    After lunch, Elder Fang came to the business he was there for, pushing the big box he instructed n, "These are the health-nutrients for your wife. These don''t have side effects, hence nothing to worry." excluding Aria, the other two men knew those were the medicine in precaution to prevent the gic disease if it still exists.


    Vince had spoken about her condition with his grandfather by keeping Maisy and Aria in mind. It took Elder Fang a lot of time to get the medicine. Even though the growth and heart of babies are normal without a problem, medical science can''t give cent percent assurance about gic diseases.


    n thanked ncing at curious Aria who was trying to peep inside the tightly shut transparent box. She was thinking about what they were when Elder Fang informed his second aim of the visit.


    "Aria Cooper, you are revealing your identity tomorrow."


    Aria nodded like an obedient child before understanding it. Three seconds passed and she asked hysteria, "What?!" She wasn''t ready to reveal herself as ''Alia'' in fact she doesn''t want to.

 Chapter 451: No ifs or what-ifs

    Chapter 451: No ifs or what-ifs


    Elder Fang behaved as though he didn''t notice Aria''s reaction, "Inform your PR department back in the country and here to be on stand by tomorrow."


    n and Vince expected her to meekly agree as a tamed wild cat but her face turned stiff and the obedient sweet little one was nowhere to be found, "No, I am not revealing." Yet she didn''t forget to have a respectful tone.


    Elder Fang hid his faint smirk effectively. He knew she wasn''t just a kitten to follow him but seeing her always agree, he thought she might follow again but the kitten looked like a white tiger cub to him.


    He provoked her further in a cold tone, "You are daring to go against me."


    n''s expression was exchanged while Vince furrowed his brows without knowing why he was asked to reveal her identity when she doesn''t want it.


    Aria countered obviously knowing he wouldn''t hurt her even if she stands with a knife at his neck but she couldn''t understand why he was provoking her. "I never said I will follow you blindly."


    Before her husband loses her cool, Elder Fang extended his hand to his assistant who quickly handed a file from his bag, "Well, it''s the cost of attending the next fashion week and participating in the international stage." And he clearly knows she was going to say yes while cing the file on the coffee table for her.


    n passed the file for her as he checked it too. Sure, he understood Elder Fang was testing Aria a few seconds back to see if she was a follower or a leader before offering her what she craved in the fashion industry.


    Aria fell into the dilemma looking at her little cute baby bump, she didn''t want to tell the world she was pregnant even if she had to reveal her identity as the designer Alia. There is nothing more important than a baby and she was ready to give up at the cost of never getting the chance. "Grandfather Fang, thank you but I will take a break after this fashion week." She has to look after her babies next year so she felt it was the right reason to turn down.


    As though she could read her mind, n fathomed her real reason and he didn''t like it. As much as the babies were important, he gave the same... actually higher priority to her, her dreams and aims.


    "Excuse us" n said and carried her away from the living hall without responding to her question, "What''s wrong?"


    Leaving her on the bed, he faced her confused expression due to his behavior, "Aria, why are you turning down?"


    Aria sighed and pulled him to sit with her hearing his grave tone, "We will have two babies, you can''t alone look after both. What? Are you thinking I will let you do all the work?"


    "Would you have done the same if you weren''t pregnant?" He didn''t turn gentle and demanded a response as she didn''t speak the response straight.


    Aria fell silent hearing him, why would she let go of such an amazing opportunity to seed in the fashion industry which would have been her career if she wasn''t the CEO.


    Her helpless tone sounded with displeasure written on her face, "I don''t want to attract unnecessary attention or anybody plotting against our babies..." Then she mischievously grinned raising her head to face him, "And many women will rush to you to get into your pants... How can I fight them with our little buns inside my womb?"


    She blinked jutting her lips making a cute face causing him to melt soon but he still stood by his point, "Do you think I will let any woman near me other than you?"


    Aria quickly nodded furrowing his brows and she said, "Of course your daughter..."


    n: "..."


    He controlled his urge to facepalm himself and pulled her round chubby cheeks, "Do you want me to throw them away?"


    Aria''s eyes widened just by the imagination of him tossing their babies away to keep her next to him, "No, no... Our baby is your baby girl, she isn''t a woman but a tot."


    Nodding in mild satisfaction, he came to the point, "Honey, you will not do anything that will stop you from your smallest dream." He paused seeing her prepared to counter but he continued, "I will not let you prioritize your dreams and goals tost, definitely not for the babies."


    "But"


    "No buts." n sternly cut her off causing her to pout again and tried, "Whatif ou-"


    "No ifs or what-ifs." n didn''t think twice to shut her negative spections and saw her puffed her cheeks to show her annoyance due to his dominance but it was also a silent agreement to him.


    After a few seconds, she tried to speak, "I"


    "Aria" He cut her off thinking she was again letting her thoughts wander. Aria shut his lips with her palms and stated, "I didn''t bring clothes for me to walk the ramp, atst, I have no mood for shopping. Maternity dresses are ugly."


    She left him and jutted out her lower lips expecting to hear, ''It''s alright.


    But heard a knock on the door and turned to seezy leaning Vance at the door who raised his hand showing two sets of cloth bags, "Grandfather told me to ask, are you confident about your body?"


    Aria didn''t quite get it, "I do I guess."


    Then he entered inside saying, "He ordered me to tell you to wear a simple outfit for a walking on the rampyering this." He handed a bag to let her see the content.


    Aria removed it to check a designer grey color finely knitted jacket whose one side of the hem could be attached to the shoulder that would hide her baby bump easily without any trace.


    Seeing her admiring the jacket, Vince continued cing another bag on the bed, "This is for an evening party."


    As a participant and a brand, she has to and she is throwing a party with a lot of big fishes attending due to her famous gown. She was thinking to wear a maxi gown topped with a formal zer that wouldn''t attract attention on the stomach and she will be representing as President only. If she reveals her identity, she needs to be presentable as a designer.


    Aria pulled the dress out and gasped. It wasn''t any stylish or trendy dress but a short silver sparkly sleeveless dress. The design was made such that the cloth wouldn''t rest on her baby bump but move around in very loose-fitting highlighting her wless shoulder and long legs.


    n disliked the dressmenting, "My shirt looks longer on you than this."


    Aria: "..."


    Vince chuckled, wishing Aria, "I will be looking forward to seeing you in his shirt at the party."


    Aria ignored theirment and asked in curiosity, "These two are designed by Grandfather Fang, right?" There wasn''t abel and he doesn''t design for anybody so she was confused.


    Vince shook his head causing her to sit back in disappointment, till date, she never got a chance to wear the legend''s creation. "They are designed for" He pointed at her little bump.


    Anyhow she still cheered first, "Woah, I''m going to wear his creation." then realized, "You mean Grandfather likes babies."


    Vince walked towards the exit of the room saying, "He already kept three months free for babies on your 8th and 9th month and will be with babies on their first month" He didn''t forget to add, "Grandfather returned to the main mansion so you rest now, you will be tired tomorrow."


    n saw her tense up instead of happy worrying if in case the gic disease affects their babies and all bes gloomy.

 Chapter 452: A man?

    Chapter 452: A man?


    The day of ALIA''s fashion show and the celebration party in the evening. Even though Aria could go around and keep track of things, n had strictly ordered her to conserve her energy at the noon for the night.


    Hence Levi and Rose who hade along made sure to double-check everything and report to Aria when she was busy with checking on other things.


    Since the request to attend her show was huge, the hall was arranged ordingly. n wanted to restrict to inhibited only, then Aria''s teacher had filtered the huge list to hundreds of people and sent the invitations.


    Therge hall had a U shaped ramp, entering at the one end, it goes out at another end. The dazzling lights had focused on the ramp making the rest was highly dark. The media was also chosen wisely to avoid ruckus once Alia''s identity would be released.


    To avoid confusion as Aria Cooper is representing the designer Alia, n made sure to release a statement just before her entry on the ramp. It wasn''t from thepany and n, Finn, Rian, Isaac, Noah, and Eva were also going to congratte her on social media referring to her as Alia back in the country.


    In Country E and at the international stage, Aria''s teacher and Elder Fang were verifying her identity to avoid unnecessary drama if caused by any blockheads.


    Aria had to just watch them while they decided about it without giving her the right of rebuttal. Aria was in the simplest clothes, striking opposite to the dresses she designed for the show.


    An inch heel brown knee light boots, Blue jeans, and a white tank top that hugged her baby bump. Elder Fang''s grey finely knitted full sleeve shrug wasyered on it. The left side hem of it wasrger and attached with tassels. It''s one corner is hooked at the right shoulder causing it to ruffle in the front hiding her baby bump.


    Her half of the long gentle curls were ced on the front of the right shoulder and attacked the eyes on hair, her petite face than her body. Since it is near the autumn season, it well suited for the period.


    Soon the show started with rhythmic music ying in the background and the emcee starting the show. Behind the stage, Aria and Levi were wordless seeing Rose tensed and nervous instead of Aria.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Rose looked at Aria''s hidden baby bump and bit her lips before a voice in a low tone, "President Cooper, what if anybody jumps at you and hurts the baby?... Why don''t you walk with President Morgan? And Assistant Levi too on the other side."


    Levi rubbed his forehead thinking, ''No doubt President Stanley didn''t bother about you.'' Well, he didn''t realize he likes bold and daring women and assumed Finn would also like bold and daring only as Aria.


    Aria patted Rose''s arm and exined, "Only invited are here, those aren''t a threat to me. If there is really one, at regr space, there are men for safety."


    She didn''t feel it necessary to tell it was Vince turf and she is pregnant, n and Vince would leave no leaf unturned for her and babies safety. Despite all those, she was still capable of handling a man''s attack on her and keep her and babies safe until somebody tame that nobody.


    The show started off with a stunning couture dress in beige. The handiwork on the dress was so intricate and artistic, it was hard to just jump the eyes away. The style of the dress was detailed at every nook of the model curves. The cloth was meticulously chosen toplement the design instead of just picking expensive or sparkly ones.


    The specialty of the design and style was, it was a high-end couture party dress with heavenly gorgeous artistic work but the dress seemed very light unlike heavily worked dress weighing a lot hindering the movement.


    The designer or the celebrities or the business brands who were there wanted to take a closer look and feel the design material despite sitting at less than three meters away from the ramp model.


    When the model went out of their sight, they reminisced the design waiting for the next model by turning towards the entry. Some expected to see beautiful dresses and some thought show beginner dress was the best and the rest were going to be simple and calm. When there is a positive view, there will also be negative ones.


    Vince took a note of his grandfather''s expression which was amused, ''What was I expecting to see?'' He thought and responded to Aria''s message, [Aloof] Then he looked at another side and caught the same expression on n''s face, then he looked at himself on his mobile ck screen and it was the same. Now he understood why Aria always tried to bring up expressions on their faces.


    The next model graced the ramp walk swaying her hips dazzling in an eye-catching dress which made her look hot and seductive. The important work of cloth wasn''t to outstand by overlooking the model but to dazzle with the one who wears and the dress made justices better than the best carrying the same theme. All were astonished looking at the dress which outwits their expectation.


    The live show was also being broadcasted on the fashion channels hence Rose who was keeping her eyes on the two screens, Live telecast and social media cheered loud enough to get the attention of everyone behind the screen, "President Cooper, Alia is hit. We are getting requests for the couture dresses."


    Aria faintly smiled before turning to the screen where the fifth model walked the ramp. She wasn''t going to design in the near future to concentrate on her health, babies, andpanies. Of course, she will design in her free time or if she gets good design to her brain out of the blue.


    So far Aria saw a positive reaction from the audience and its showstopper walked the rank in a ck and red fiery dress leaving everyone in awe.


    The emcee took the mike and spoke while strolling on the ramp in an Aliabeled dress. "The show is yet to end. We all have a question, why the Designer Alia never shows herself to the world!? Some guessed as she might be ugly, some stated as scared to face the world and many more which we will ignore because today is the day we will know the master who is a beauty with the brains." She pointed to the entry and announced in excitement, "So let''s wee with a huge round of apuse, Ms. Alia..." Then she slowly faded into the dark while the spotlight focused on the entrance.


    Many held their breath in anticipation and some probably thought if they could poach the designer under their brand without thinking Alia is abel and a brand in itself with a wholeplete independent studio. The celebrities want to request the gowns for their parties and show hence everyone''s eyes were peeled at the entrance.


    A shadow appeared at the entrance and all expected a girl to appear but... but... A man?


    The audience looked at the next one in total confusion, The muttering between the attendees started totally taking out the vibe created by the dresses just a minute back, ''wasn''t the designer is she?'' was the main question traveled on the lips of the audience.


    n subconsciously stood up with Vince watching the entrance without knowing what was going on.

 Chapter 453: Welcome their twin babies

    Chapter 453: Wee their twin babies


    A few minutes back,


    The time was nearing for Aria''s entry, n and Vince got busy with checking the social media reaction after everyone congratted Aria as Alia, the designer of the brand Alia.


    A faint smile appeared on n''s face seeing people break down Alia as Aria and n, calling themselves idiots for not identifying it for so long. Vance was surprised by the couple''s fans and Alia''s fans being so positive and admiring Aria for her works managing thepany.


    Both didn''t notice when Elder Fang stood up and retreated backside to the darkness. It was only when Emcee weed Aria, both men raised their heads to see grim Elder Fang looking right side waiting for Aria to join. Then both understood why Elder Fang didn''t release any statement, instead, he wanted to show to the world he supported the right one.


    "Why little one isn''t joining?" Vince asked, seeing the furrows on his grandfather''s forehead.


    n guessed knowing about Aria well, "She is waiting for grandfather Fang''s response." Vince didn''t understand but kept his eyes at the entrance hoping his grandfather''s temper stay put and answer to whatever she was asking.


    As n guessed, Aria was waiting for Elder Fang''s response to her simple question, "Why do I have this privilege of you walking the ramp with me? Is it because of n and Brother Vince? Or do I hold any talent?"


    She doesn''t want to use thedder to get more famous at the international level. Unless she is capable of it, she was willing to go through all the hardships.


    Aria didn''t react even when Rose hid behind her to avoid Elder Fang''s eyes which were scary and sharp, enough to pierce through the soul. However, Levi was unperturbed knowing Aria''s work ethics well.


    Elder Fang reallymended her, whoever met him asked for a single public appearance to hit the fame but here she was strongly objecting if he was trying to do a favor. He still tested, "Is it necessary? Every designer wants fame to sustain in the industries."


    Aria didn''t show her bulb of anger and threw her counter, "Then walk yourself. Take the fame as Alia." She controlled herself from walking away gazing right into Elder Fang''s eyes which were trying to scare her. She might be afraid of him but she would never leave her principles and way of work.


    Elder Fang smirked, causing astonishment to whoever watched him. His voice turned doting from aloof, "Let me have the honor to walk the designer Alia and introduce her to the world."


    Aria got the answer to her question so naturally, a smile appeared on her face looking at his curled lips that reached his eyes. The first time she saw the gentle side of Elder Fang in more than six and a half years.


    Aria stepped into the spotlight and held the hand of Elder Fang''s who hooked her hand to his arm faced ahead. His assistant took his cane before they walked the ramp where all were astonished beyond measure.


    Many had almost thought of Elder Fang as Alia until the young woman came to their vision. They couldn''t believe she was capable of impressing him to the extent he was walking her to the fashion world.


    Aria had the faint smile speaking of professionalism while Elder Fang''s face had returned to stoic with his sharp eyes recording everyone''s reaction. Now with his unsaid statement, nobody would dare to bully her or think of replicating her designs to im as theirs.


    ...


    After a pretty long interview, Ariaid on the bed of a hotel suite and whined. "I don''t want to attend the party." They hadn''t gone to Vince''s mansion to avoid unnecessary back and forth travel and stayed in the hotel where Levi and Rose had stayed the previous day.


    n quicklypleted some work on hisptop and went to her but to see her dozed off. He gently helped her sleep on her side and covered her with aforter without waking her up.


    ---


    In the evening,


    n helped her get ready in her silver sparkly loose-fitting short dress, blow-dried straight silky long hair and big chunky silver earrings. He saw her pouting while wearing her ankle strap rhinestones t shoes.


    <em>''Ahh, I miss my heels.''</em> She thought and urged n to get ready, "Now please go and get ready."


    n was at a loss for word when she was made sure his finger ring was more obvious on his finger to make sure all others maintain distance from him...


    Soon the couple went to the party hall below the rooftop where most of the guests were already present. Aria saw Vince in her chosen clothes, white shirt, grey id pants, maroon zer, brown loafers matching the zer.


    Aria remarked, seeing his four buttons open showing off his brawny chest, "Somebody is trying to rewrite a sexy style statement."


    Vince smiled for thepliment holding whisky in his hand and pointed at n, "Before that, your husband will chop me into pieces."


    Aria nced at n who was looking at her hearing herpliment a man as sexy when he was standing right there. She continued hooking her arm with his, "My husband is born with sophistication. He will be elegant, refined, charming to sweep all the girls off the floor."


    n was in cocktail navy blue, three-piece tuxedo. The single button of the zer was made of gold with his five buttons vest and cufflinks entuating his V sculpted body. Style, luxury, and grace adorned his aloof face.


    Vince knows she masters in taming n''s every mood so he motioned for her to enter the party hall cuing n that everything is under control.


    Aria was pretty famous after the fashion show so most of the attendees weren''t only aware of Alia, the designer, they were alsopletely aware of Aria Cooper, the ruthless businesswoman who doesn''t think twice to push anybody aside without caring about their name or fame.


    All were expecting her in an oh-so-gorgeous dress by herself but not the simple short dressplimenting her husband wlessly. If anybody had thought she was boring in jeans andyers of clothes in the fashion show, were gulping looking at her slender spotless legs on ballerina ts, impressive on their own. Yet, no dared to hover their eyes on her while the cold demon was right next to her.


    The long party ended with arge connection, numerous invites for fashion weeks, guest appearance requests, plenty of requests for coboration, and many business deals.


    Nobody got the inkling that she was pregnant with twins seeing her professional and untired the whole time when n or Vince meticulously controlled if anybody even tried to scrutinize her from top to toe.


    n finally let out a deep long sigh seeing her reach the peaks in what she loved. Now their next step is to safely wee their twin babies hoping they will be healthy and also prepared mentally to nurse them to health if there''s really a problem.

 Chapter 454: Babies names

    Chapter 454: Babies'' names


    It was the 40th week of Eva''s pregnancy and her due date was in a day. Her family or Isaac didn''t dare to leave her alone even for five minutes causing her to feel like being watched all the time.


    It was Sunday hence Aria went to meet Eva who had whined until Aria agreed to her request. Eva saw Aria''s 32 weeks twin pregnancy belly and looked at herself, "My goddess, I miss your tiny waist." She knew well in two more months, Aria will have an even bigger belly.


    n helped his wife to sit and take her legs up on the bed to rest. Hearing Eva, he looked at Isaac who had just brought the big bowl of fruit sd to pregnantdies and sighed. He was dying in fright thinking about the birth process but his wife was worried about Aria''s small waist


    Isaac and n shook their heads in resignation and went out of the bedroom before their talk went more deeply into it.


    "I know right. I will lose the title goddess. Will I be a fat aunty to your baby? But I want the baby to ditch you ande to me." Aria teased her back.


    Eva grinned evilly saying, "I will teach my baby to be with you and trick your baby get your baby here."


    Both continued to talk about their babies andugh. Soon another two joined and the Fouriepleted. Two months pregnant, Norah was in the Hanes family getting pampered and feed with lots of food.


    Aria was holding her stomach andughing her heart out with three when Eve suddenly paused holding her stomach, "Arrie I think water broke Arrie, what should I do? Water broke"


    Rian was clueless and so was Noah who was still learning about pregnancy so both couldn''t understand what is meant by ''water broke''. Aria quickly tried to calm confused Eva who forgot what she has to do. Rubbing her back, Aria probed, "Beauty, pull the car out, Noah, please call Isaac we need to go to the hospital" Then she shouted to call her husband and Isaac seeing the two still digesting what just happened, "n Isaac"


    <em>''Hospital!?''</em> Only that word registered to Rian and Noah, they shot out to call others and to pull the cars out for all.


    Aria''s scream was enough to bring all the elders inside with n and Isaac. Thetter rushed to his wife who was frightened and crying without hearing Aria, Aria skipped instructing Isaac and spoke to Eva''s mother, "Aunty, please take Eva''s bag, it''s on the table." Isaac carried Eva coaxing Eva that nothing will happen to their baby.


    ---


    At Imperial Hospital, thebor ward


    Isaac was inside and the elders were patiently waiting. It had been more than half an hour, Eva was still in thebor ward waiting for the natural birth of the baby but that freaked the hell out of the three of the Fourie. n was calming Aria but he was frightened thinking what Aria will go through for twin babies when it took so long for a single baby.


    n couldn''t even hug her freely so he kept rubbing her hand looking at Rian and Noah tensed about the flirty in thebor ward. They were in their own thoughts worried about the baby, mother, and their own wife.


    Finally, it was nearly an hour when a loud cry reached the ears perking them up. Within a few more minutes, the doctor and nurse came out with the baby delivering the happy news, "It''s a baby boy. Both mother and baby are healthy."


    First, to carry the baby was Aria, the baby was wrapped in white cloth, it had brown eyes and theshes still had drops of tears blinking them looking at the new world with curiosity. the baby wasn''t very skinny but weighed nothing, he was pale, had dark brown hair, and ragged yet the softest baby skin. "He is so cute" She said and was letting his grandmother carry but he fell asleep causing her to smile again.


    Then she asked n giggling happily, "Will we have cute babies too?" n just hummed as he guided her to sit to wait for Eva who will be shifted to the ward.


    --- After half an hour ---


    The doctor, nurse, and all elders who quickly came to the hospital, the Fourie and their spouses looked at Eva and Isaac speechlessly when they argued about baby names. Isaac wanted the baby''s name to have Eva''s name and Eva wanted a name rted to Isaac''s name.


    Rian poked Aria asking, "Are they showing off how much they love each other?"


    Noah: "I''m strongly feeling like I am eating dog food."


    Aria turned to n, "We will choose names today, for girls twin, for boys twin and for girl and boy." n hummed causing Rian and Noah''s brows to twitch. Both men turned to their women and pulled them to their arms who were smiling dumbly looking at the sweet bantering couple.


    Isaac''s mother had enough hence she went and smacked his son''s head, "Why are you arguing with my daughter-inw?"


    Eva''s mother did the same to Eva, "You are a mother now. Look at your behavior."


    The next voice left all astonished, "How is Ivan?"


    <em>''Isaac and Eva - Ivan''</em> Aria looked at her husband in admiration after ncing at the couple who liked the name.


    Eva''s mother asked mispronouncing the name, "Evan means?"


    All looked at n who knew the meaning, "English meaning is Russian soldier, Hindu meaning is Gift of God or Archer. It is vocalized as <em>Ai. vn</em>."


    Eva''s mother again pronounced the name to correct herself, "Aivn Ivan."


    The nurse asked to confirm, "Mr. and Mrs. Ross, is it the baby name you are choosing? Are you sure?"


    Isaac and Eva looked at each other and agreed together, "Yes" He continued, "It''s Ivan Ross. IVAN ROSS." He spelled the letter to avoid mistakes in the birth certificate.


    Eva mumbled after the nurse went, "Why can''t Ivan Miller?"


    Isaac was even ready to say yes but Eva''s mother poked her head, "Aish, sleep for a min before my grandson wakes up."


    All chuckled and looked at the baby again before letting them rest.


    .


    On the same night, the other two couples were busy choosing names for their babies in advance as they fought with each other to choose the best. Whereas Aria gave the full right to her husband to think and choose babies'' names while she enjoyed the privilege of getting pampered.


    <strong>R</strong>ian and Rox<strong>Y</strong> chose the baby boy''s name as <strong>Rooney</strong> and the girl''s name as <strong>Reya</strong>.


    <strong>N</strong>oah and No<strong>R</strong>ah chose the baby boy''s name as <strong>Norris</strong> and the girl''s name as <strong>Naira</strong>.

 Chapter 455: Early labor

    Chapter 455: Earlybor


    Aria had already crossed the weeks when she could have hidden her baby bump from all. So it was getting more obvious making the couple be more cautious about their public appearance and avoided it 99 percent.


    Aria''s work shifted to the first floor of Skyline Industries so that it could be easy for her to take the elevator for just two floors and get in the parking lot. Despite being on the first floor with her secretaries and Levi, it wasn''t difficult for the higher management employees to identify Aria as pregnant watching her in the video conference daily but none dare to spread the news about it.


    As weeks passed, Aria was getting tired of sitting long and it would easily show on her face with sleepiness overtaking. n had arranged a lounge for her to rest from time to time and he frequently visited her if needed or had lunch at noon.


    On strict orders, she wasn''t allowed to stay alone so Rose''s desk was shifted to her office and Levi would make sure about her liquid intake reminding her repeatedly to avoid her dehydration and to replenish her energy.


    Amelia could only watch the duo getting tired at the end of the day and sleep. She had to stop herself from saying give break to work because she knew they wouldn''t push away their responsibility. Hence Rowan became a tentative CEO in Morgan Industries to lower n''s burden and to let n be with Aria.


    There were still fifteen days left for her due date, Aria was thinking to rest at home, unable to handle things for getting tired easily. She coaxed n when he was feeding her lunch, "Why didn''t you check at the factory? You know we can''t take the risk ifborers go on strike listening to some scumbags, why don''t you drop a visit?"


    "It''s far, I can''t go so far from you." n responded after a few seconds and heard her chuckle, "You don''t want to or you can''t?"


    n didn''t respond while Aria pleaded with him to go without having the mood to see Morgan Industries'' name on the headline with negative views. A worker had injured himself while working and he was still working. It somehow spread out and other employees had started talking negatively saying President Morgan doesn''t care about their employees.


    Halfheartedly, he agreed to her and went to drop a quick visit to warn them to behave which Aria didn''t know.


    After another long meeting, Aria massaged her lower backying in her cushioned lounge chair. Rose suggested looking at the furrowed brows of Aria, "President Cooper, why don''t you rest at home? The work is tiring you out... You look very pale after the meeting."


    Aria mumbled with a thought of nap, "I am thinking the same." Then she thanked Rose when she pulled theforter on her, "Thank you..."


    Rose was thinking to call n or tell Levi looking at Aria pale but thetter shot her eyes open in alertness, "President Cooper, what''s wrong?"


    Aria was about to tell but paused before changing her words and instructed more like an order to avoid her dy, "Call Levi, Quick..."


    Rose immediately ran out while Aria tried to sit to get up. Levi rushed inside hearing Rose say Aria looks pale, "President Cooper..."


    Aria uttered a word, "Hospital..." She was ready to walk when Levi decisively carried her as he instructed Rose, "Open the door and elevator."


    "I can walk..." Aria said but Levi steadily walked saying, "Save your energy."


    Rose didn''t panic, instead, she grabbed Aria''s mobile and ran to the door to open wide. She dialed the driver to get the car at the elevator door of the parking lot as she clicked the elevator button.


    Aria asked Levi in curiosity to divert her attention, "Did you read about pregnancy?"


    To her surprise, "That woman forced me to read in your name." Aria chuckled hearing Chelsa Baker as <em>''that woman''</em>.


    Rose called n and informed him about Aria without a hint of fear or hesitancy. Aria whispered to Levi, "See, my little security is always best."


    Levi responded in a normal voice taking her to the car, "Look at her trembling legs." Aria peeked down and silently chuckled.


    Levi took the driver seat to drive safe, Rose sat behind and dialed Amelia''s number to inform about Aria. Rose was trying to calm down herself however Aria let out a low groan scaring her to wits.


    Levi tried to talk to Aria to divert attention from contractions pain while Rose didn''t know what to do other than dialing Aria''s doctor to be prepared while the tears rolled down.


    Aria who heard the sob couldn''t stop herself from saying, "Rose, why are you crying? Nothing will happen to me." With regr checkups and healthy diets, Aria was at least sure she could deliver babies unless if changed their position in her womb and became stubborn toe outside.


    The response they heard was, "I don''t know." And her sobs became louder as though she was inbor pain instead of Aria whopletely controlled herself from letting out any sound of pain.


    Eva wasn''t in pain when they were on the road for more than fifteen minutes to the hospital but Aria was soaked in sweat due to the pain in just five minutes. Aria repeated to herself that''s because of twins while the pain started to be unbearable.


    At the hospital,


    Levi quicklyid her on the stretcher hearing her ask, "n... Where is n?"


    Rose ran behind the stretcher answering her, "President Cooper, President Morgan didn''t say about how long he was going to take."


    Just then Rian and Roxy who were nearby reached first and followed next to Aria as they calmed her, "Arrie, don''t be scared, you will be fine. Nothing will happen to you."


    "Little Devil, you are strong, aren''t you? I will be waiting to see you and your babies."


    Despite hearing them, Aria''s hand still yearned to hold the one she needed and her eyes looked for the one she urged to see when she was the one who sent him so far from the main city.


    She chided herself when the stretcher was entering thebor ward, <em>''I am dummy... A big dummy...''</em> while her tears finally rolled down in pain but more of missing n, to be alone inside and for missing his chance to behold their babies together.


    If she knew that she would be going on earlybor, she wouldn''t have dared to send him away.

 Chapter 456: Alia and Arlan

    Chapter 456: Alia and An


    Aria almost lost hope of having n by her side but she heard steady yet quick dress shoe footsteps behind her so she mumbled trying to look behind the almost closing door, "n"


    The door again widened and heard a deep sigh as a warm palm enveloped her palm, "Sorry, traffic" n caressed her head.


    Aria started whining, "n, I am scared, will they cut my stomach open? How long will they take? How will the babies be?..." Her questions went on while n tried to calm her knowing she wouldn''t think anything if he is next to her and asks him questions.


    n quickly wore the surgical gown as the ward boy helped him. Aria was in pain and she was wearing a flowy mid-length dress hence she was immediately shifted inside thebor ward without changing to a hospital gown. n didn''t leave her hand as he continued to cool her wiping her tears seeing her in pain,


    The doctor instructed after seeing the baby''s head, "Mr. and Mrs. Morgan give a gently push as the nurse shows."


    After hearing the doctor, n noticed he was actually trembling. Quickly cooling down, He did as the nurse showed once with narration and Aria let out a shriek due to intense pain through her bones digging her finger into n''s arms.


    n didn''t even hiss alternating his gaze at movements at her womb and crying Aria.


    Followed by her wail, a baby cry started instantly deafening Aria''s voice who was red in pain soaked in sweat. Aria and n didn''t dare to move other than looking at each other and then at the doctor who stood up holding a crying baby soaked in blood.


    The other assisting doctor helped her with the baby as she said, "It''s a baby boy." and moved aside to take care of the baby. A nurse who noted down the time recorded the baby''s gender quickly.


    Aria said between her sobs, "I want a baby girl too."


    Her attending doctor cued n and checked but another baby''s head wasn''t near the cervix which was still dted. While all the possibilities ran in her head, she just hoped the baby didn''t change it''sying positing in the womb when the first baby came out.


    n who had pushed only twice for the first baby started to worry but he didn''t want to tense up the doctor he patiently waited doing as instructed. The minutes passed but there was no reaction but Aria was in still pain.


    The doctor decided to make an incision to widen the vaginal opening which was slowly contracting, Aria''s groans increased again and the quietened baby boy started crying again. "Push... Push" The doctor and the nurse said together and n and Aria both tried to push when her contraction started.


    n chided under his breath, "This second one is a brat."


    Aria''s chuckle, cry, and tears mixed up when the little brat came out crying its lungs out leaving its mother pale as a sheet on the bed. While the nurses checked Aria''s condition, the doctor broke the news, "It''s a baby girl."


    Aria smiled before a sigh went out trying to feel her hip. n nced at the baby girl and said, "We got little n and a little bunny. No more babies." Little n was smaller than the fluffy little bunny just like how n and Aria were when they born.


    After the centa pushed out of her womb, babies were also cleaned and brought near the parents. Aria saw them but didn''t have the strength to hold so she smiled thinking they were exactly like n said.


    Aria and n nodded at the doctor to prepare for the babies'' check-up to confirm the babies were healthy without any problem of gic diseases or any other. The doctor just smiled and prepared to shift Aria to the ward that was prepared for her from Zeke Wen.


    ---


    Levi was just standing, when Rose yed with sleeping babies and n was outpleting some formalities when one by one all rushed inside the ward.


    All were excited and happy looking at babies that they eventually carried babies and left without talking to Aria who didn''t know how to react.


    <em>''Ahh, now it''s the new prince and goddess time.''</em> Aria thought was ready to take a nap before the babies cry again.


    n who returned inside saw her frowning on the bed, "Honey"


    Aria mumbled extending her hand at him to hold, "I thought you will go with babies."


    "They went for a check-up and vination." n who respondedid on the bed instead of holding her hand.


    Aria shot her eyes open and yammered trying to make sit, "Get off, get off I stink The doctor said no to the bath saying I might catch a cold. Get off..."


    n ignored her, wrapped a hand around her stomach, buried his face in her neck, "You aren''t sticking" He sniffled again, "It''s actose smell" He had already wiped her with a warm towel knowing her ufortableness.


    cing her hand on his arm over her stomach she mumbled again, "I need time to ept my stomach is lowered and in a weird shape."


    n knew she wouldn''t care about others'' shapes but she preferred to be in shape to be more confident and bold. Strength in the name of the shape, it was about the physical strength that gives her confidence to protect others in every form.


    "Don''t" He didn''t finish sensing her doze off. He would love her however she is but he wouldn''t ignore her preference. He whispered in her ear, "I will help you." and he heard her hum bringing a smile on his lips. He again helped her wipe her body to avoid her feeling smelly,


    It wasn''t fifteen minutes, Aria heard the cries of babies and woke up to see Curtis and Rowan bringing babies.


    "Did you rest or not?" Eva skipped her and pulled her cheeks while n raised the upper bed. Eva continued without waiting for the response, "If one baby cries, another one starts. So you will have many sleepless nights." Then she whispered, "I will steal your Little Cutie for my son."


    Aria too teased, "Do you want me to steal your son?"


    Eva hmphed and stood away because she has no idea why Ivan loves Aria that he cries whenever Eva tries to take him away from Aria.


    Isaac added, "Arrie, Let Levi take care at thepany, you need to replenish back to health and take care of two little devils."


    Rian, who was ying with the little fingers of little n, grinned, "Two more little devils." He was thinking if he could call them little devils too, <em>''Family of little devils.''</em>


    Before drinking milk, two babies again slept leaving Aria clueless, "Aren''t they hungry?"


    Amelia gentlyid babies in the crib without giving them to Aria, "My youngdy, babies were crying due to the syringe. Feed then when they wake up again, now you need lots of rest. Nap whenever babies go to sleep, babies frequently wake up so you won''t get proper rest even at night."


    Aria pouted as she smiled at others who smiled or wished them before leaving the room, "Mum, you are scaring me."


    Amelia chuckled going back to Aria, "We are all here, don''t worry."


    Just then Rian, Noah, and Eva rushed back inside and asked, "Babies names, babies name" Then all returned to the room with much anticipation.


    Aria shrugged promptly when gazes were on her and pointed to n who had chosen names andpleted the procedures.


    Rian raised his hand to stop n from speaking, "Bro, don''t tell me it''s <strong>Alia</strong> and <strong>An</strong>. We might start calling babies as Aria and n itself."


    All chuckled clearly knowing the couple was capable of choosing those names due to their love for each other. Seeing Aria giggling all were shocked having no words to define their emotions.

 Chapter 457: Arsh-Arna

    Chapter 457: Arsh-Arna


    n smacked Rian while passing by him and spoke ncing at all expectant eyes, "Arsh and Arna."


    All uttered under their breath,<em><strong> "Arsh and Arna."</strong></em>


    Aria who repeated the name puffed her cheeks, "Both have my name only." But the response she got was a kiss on her forehead leaving others at a loss of words.


    Elder Fang asked, "Arsh means dominion. What is Arna?" He knew n wouldn''t just blindly pick a name.


    Aria responded leaning her head on n, "Pure, strength."


    All liked the masculine name for baby boy and feminine yet powerful name for baby girl absolutely suiting the parents'' personality.


    Aria who saw Zeke Wen affectionately gazing at babies really felt bad for the old man. His son didn''t marry so he had stubborn grandchild Finn and now missing the great-grandchildren too. "Grandfather Wen, where is Finn?"


    Zeke turned to her andined, "That rascal is rushing from the capital to here. He will be here in three hours. He spammed my call log frightened about the early birth of babies without listening to me that it''smon in twin pregnancy."


    Aria smiled as she responded, "I had said I can''t walk in thest month due to cramp, and he had run over to my office thinking I did something stupid." Her voice faded away as she dozed off due to weakness.


    All left to let her nap peacefully but the two brats cried in less than twenty minutes waking her up. The cycle repeated till night leaving her exhausted.


    Thest one came was Finn who didn''t care to look at Aria and went to the crib, "They are so little and cute." Finn had met and yed with Zoe Davis so he knew how to carry infants so he easily carried Arna and turned to Aria who was having dinner fed by her husband.


    He was immune to the husband and wife so he ignored them and asked Amelia who was cutting fruits, "Aunty Amelia, what are the babies'' names?"


    Amelia asked back first, "First you guess, which one is boy and girl?"


    Finn guessed after a little thought sitting on the couch, "I am carrying a baby girl. Alia''s infant pictures are almost the same but this little tot looks better than her silly mother."


    Aria pointed her finger at Finn to scold but her husband filled her mouthful with light tasted food without letting her utter a word. Finn chuckled, "Eat eat, how are you going to look after my goddaughter?"


    Aria saw her little boy and pouted, "How dare you leave my little sweet boy and only take the brat?"


    Then Finn and Aria bantered for calling Arna a brat while Amelia chuckled and also asked Finn to get married to have his own baby. They next battled for the nicknames for babies.


    Aria: "Cuddlie, Snugglie..." Aria chose by pointing her chin at Arna and Arsh respectively.


    n, Finn: "..." They were sure babies will hate Aria if they have those nicknames.


    Amelia wasughing before saying, "Howe you didn''t keep Chicken and Chocte."


    n and Finn: "..." They wanted to understand how their brain works.


    Aria licked her lips but shook her head, "I might eat them up in my dreams. No no no I can''t take risks..."


    n and Finn were again rendered speechless. <em>''Eat up babies in dreams because of nicknames. Oh God, Aria''s brain isn''t working.''</em> Both men had simr thoughts looking at her in bewilderment.


    Aria again chose by gazing at Arna who was a fair little ball, "Cheese balls, Nugget"


    Amelia understood Aria who had controlled her whole diet was ready to go all out to eat everythingughing her heart out, imagining Arna growing up slender as Aria and then calling her cheese balls, Arsh growing up as cold and officious just like n and calling him Nugget.


    Finn suggested without bearing to call his goddaughter cheeseballs, "Snow? What about Snow?"


    Aria finished her juice and asked in doubt, "Snow as in ice cream?"


    n: ..."


    Amelia really liked the dumb version of Aria while Finn wanted to snap her head, "Snow as in snowkes, white snow in the mountain President Morgan seems like you will have to work hard with a dumb wife."


    n didn''t respond to him and suggested a nickname for Arsh looking at Aria''s puffed red cheeks, "Nemo"


    Aria''s face deadpanned before she scowled, "Nemo means Nobody, No one. How dare you call my son No one?"


    However, Finn was nodding in eptance and Amelia liked the cute Nemo name. n raised his brows and pointed to his son who was awake without making noise.


    That silenced Aria who watched her son in astonishment. Then the four saw Arsh found Nemo suited well for him. Aria mumbled to n, "He is going to be a silent killer. A hidden genius."


    n hummed and Aria continued looking at Arna, "That brat is going to torture us with sleepless nights." There it goes with the second round of banter between the godfather and mother...


    Finn had dinner with them before letting the mother and babies sleep.


    Aria quickly noticed the little brat, Snow always starts crying as soon as she was waking up and Nemo would only cry after hearing Snow else he was like little Buddha in his own world.


    ----


    It took three days for theplete health check of babies and found nothing odd. The doctor assured them the babies are healthy and suggested regr body checkups just like other family members before Mother and babies were discharged.


    n had to calm his crying wife who was delighted knowing there was no gic disease spread...


    After a grand wee for the baby twins, babies slept in their new big crib arranged in the couple''s room. It was so big that Aria could easily curl a little and doze with the babies.


    Levi was promoted to Deputy President in the Skyline which managed most of the work by him. n took care of only the most urgent and high priority work else he would be in-home helping out Aria who will be dead tired the whole day and night without a long proper sleep.


    Little brat Snow troubles a lot and was highly treasured by all while Nemo just needed snuggling in the warm arms of father or cozy chest of mother. Aria always teased her husband whenever Nemo easily slept on her with his little face near her neck.


    Since Curtis, Elder Fang, and Lucas were regr in the home they would y with babies to their heart content giving rest to mother and father.


    The most private ce in the mansion, n and Aria''s bedroom became the most visiting ce giving them zero privacy to even sit and calmly talk for ten minutes.


    Aria obviously noticed n''s displeasure but the babies were too small to separate from them.


    ---


    While the Morgan mansion and Isaac''s vi had filled with babies'' cries, at Wood''s mansion once Norah''s first sensitive trimester passed and her health sounded absolutely fine, Zara and Ceon''s wedding preparation started.

 Chapter 458: Outsmarting to divert the attention

    Chapter 458: Outsmarting to divert the attention


    Snow and Nemo were just two months when Zara and Ceon''s wedding celebration started. Due to breastfeeding, Eva and Aria weren''t allowed to drink alcohol and the duo''s shape had ruined after giving birth.


    Eva wanted to enjoy as she used to before Ivin but after living in amazing shape for more than 2 years, she started disliking wearing dresses and ditched the cocktail party giving Ivin the reason for sending Isaac to visit.


    It was no different in Morgan''s mansion. Aria who thought to drop a visit to congratte the couple, stood looking at the mirror. From the time she started using an Aerial hammock, she was in great condition.


    n who entered the walk-in closet in a bathrobe, saw her checking herself out. He had seen her trying to use a hammock but failed, having no strength to use her arm to pull her body up.


    Her closet full of pretty dresses wasn''t used for a long time and she started using the formal pants and shirt with a zer or overcoat to cover herself whenever she visited Skyline.


    He asked gazing at her through mirror reflection wrapping his arms around her from behind, "Honey" He continued after her hum, "Let''s work out together from tomorrow."


    Aria pouted in annoyance stating, "Why do dramas and movies show female leads still looking hot and sexy even after giving birth?" ''Where is reality?''


    "Because it''s dramas and movies." n knew his wife is capable of asking the silliest questions. Aria stated in displeasure, "I had tried to work out from basic but I got tired easily and babies wake up at irregr times."


    "I will design a workout routine for you and train with you. We can ask Mom to be with babies." He hadn''t even finished speaking and took a breath Aria asked, "Can I share that routine with Eva too? She cries to me every next day saying <em>''What if our husband loses interest?''</em> " Then she giggled rubbing her face on his.


    n guessed in uncertainly giving it a thought, "I think even Isaac likes fluffy softball like me." As he carried her to the ind block in the cloakroom.


    "No, no, n I have to Al" She sumbed to his seduction but had to end up with a quickie hearing the little brat starts crying...


    Watching the little buns drinking milk,<em> ''Should I consider tossing them away?''</em> n thought by seeing somebody''s wife and somebody''s husband in his wife''s arms sucking milk.


    After getting ready, he helped Aria to get ready and left the babies with Amelia before speeding to Club that was under Wood''s. Since Ceon''s acquaintance group was wide and full of heiresses and heirs, he had filtered a lot of people yet there were many who wanted to sneak in.


    Since the wedding was only for invited ones due to Zara''s unlikeness towards the crowd, she asked him to let everyone join for the pre-wedding party. Due to a vast group, news spread wide and a simple party changed to a show of wealthy people.


    Aria was prepared for it, aware of the events. Total low key, the designer Alia or President Cooper was stepping in front of the camera after a very long time. She didn''t want to be a point out criticism wearing unsightly.


    n alighted the Rolls Royce Phantom before going around like an elegant man and extended his hand for Aria when the driver opened the car door. The sea of camera flickered continuously at the couple who were unfazed holding their power couple title with right justice.


    n was in a white in T-shirt and pants topping with a grey id zer hugging his brawny physique highlighting as slender to his tall physique. His cleanly groomed hair and ck loafers perfectlyplimented his look. This style clearly defined them as Aria''s personal style hence they looked forward to seeing what Aria would be wearing.


    First to enter their vision was a fair slender bare arm reaching n''s palm, followed by her right leg out wearing a white pump. Seeing her spotless long legs, they discerned Aria was in a short dress. Then her left clothless leg stepped out before the white train of cloth cascaded from the car falling on the carpet.


    Her long hair was in soft curls, her simple makeup made her look fresh and light just like her dress that was devoid of any bling on it. Her shoulder was left free, the dress wrapped on her chest, and spread out without hugging her waist. It had a long thigh-high slit in the front and a trail in the back.


    They still couldn''t believe those two were married for so long years yet they could beat any younger couple standing next to them in any couple''s outfit.


    The couple had no mood for an interview so they were passing by but the media started asking for photos, "Presidents, one picture, please One photo photos"


    Aria nodded and n halted. Aria had hidden her waist purposefully to avoid media guessing around and say as she is pregnant or already gave birth so Aria facing straight to reporters would give away clues so he faced straight cuing her pose sliding his hand in the pocket, crossing his left foot pointing his toe on the ground.


    Trained as a model for Luke Baker''s designed dresses, Aria knew a lot about posing techniques. Without suspending or cing her hand on her waist, her slender leg moved out stand at an angle away from reporters striking an amazing pose with her husband.


    Within five seconds, n stood straight and took her away without caring about the request for the interview.


    After meeting the bride and groom, n was with Isaac, Aria was with Noah and Rian. Aria noticed an unknown man behaving sneakily for a longtime whose eyes were on the same man, and she quickly took action when he moved.


    n saw her fast movements and noticed her hand cuing him before her hand sleekly pulled Finn away from the group of his friends to the dance floor. "Alia" He uttered in confusion as he avoided stepping on her dress trail.


    Aria had a friendly smile which Finn grabbed quickly and put on a nonchnce. Unsaid rule between them, a simple easy friendly smile for each other was to fake it to others. They danced while her eyes roamed, "Finn, you might need a doctor."


    Finn guessed but didn''t react and heard her continue, "The drink you were taking wasn''t brought by the bartender but a stranger who sneaked away seeing me."


    Finn twirled her when Aria moved her hand up. Three graceful slow twirls, Aria noticed who had eyes on them, then on their mobile searching the hidden man with furrowed brows, "Edgar Daves" It was just a guess without proof so they couldn''t do anything.


    "Why is he behind you?" She asked to ce her hand back on his shoulder.


    Finn was totally calm headed speaking, "Tsk He might be thinking I am an easier target than your husband."


    "Business?"


    Finn hummed and then smiled at her, "My first drink was passed by Noah and it''s been long, so I am fine." He rubbed her head and was about to take her off the dance floor but n joined so the three just moved to the music when n delivered the news,


    "President Dixon was drugged with sleeping pills and taken away." Finn''s face turned dark hearing it which Aria noticed.


    Aria failed to identify who didn''t remember whichpany president he was, "Whichpany?"


    n: "..."


    Finn shook his head resignedly before telling her, "Do you remember you have banned BrightLit Entertainmentpany from Skyline? That one."


    Aria was nodding remembering the unimportantpany when Finn continued, "I guess Edgar Daves is targeting each entertainmentpany" Recent scandal of an actress sleeping with her manager, it was fake and thatpany failed to handle it.


    However, Aria shook her head, "Nope, he is trying to outsmart to divert the attention of his actual target."


    "Who?" Both men asked almost in unison to know who and also how she knows.

 Chapter 459: One-sided love

    Chapter 459: One-sided love


    Aria saw two men''s faces and then checked the time on n''s wristwatch. It was nearing her babies'' dinner time, so "Dinner time of babies in half an hour." She meant to say they can''t discuss it there.


    First to react was Finn who went towards Ceon saying, "Give me a min."


    Aria started a bet with n seeing Finn quick, "I bet he wille with us to see our Snow."


    n twirled her before pulling her to his arms, "I bet he wille with us for his goddaughter."


    Aria chuckled and gave up, "You win!"


    n saw Finn who cued him towards the exist before moving there, "Our rest of the dance in the home."


    Taking him towards Zara to bid her, Aria told his reason behind the dance, "I won''t let you tear off this gown. Hmph." then she thought, <em>''I could easily change off before feeding our babies.''</em>


    ---


    In the Rolls Royce phantom, Finn took a shotgun seat, the couple sat in the back seats. First to speak was Aria, "Finn, first you tell me, how you offended Edgar Daves and why he is keeping track of your details?"


    Finn didn''t ask how she knew that because his and Aria team had close contact due to the military background. However, n''s team was highly inconspicuous. "It started when he got to know I know you."


    He exined how Edgar had behaved to get in contact with Aria and the only bridge between Aria or Morgan circle was Finn. Later Starlight suppressed Daves Entertainment in a month and outstood them in thetter days adding fuel to the fire.


    Aria nodded and summarized, "He was just angry because you didn''t introduce him to me. When the celebrities under him jumped to yourpany, he was pissed off seeing your growth. It''s a business rivalry." She was d she wasn''t the actual reason.


    Finn hummed and heard her mood shift, "Then why are you and n aren''t fighting? You got 4 celebrities from hispany."


    Finn rolled his eyes looking ahead, "B list celebrities, thank you." Many had voluntarily jumped to hispany while some were poached but the A and S list celebrities didn''t budge from Morgan Industries offered whatsoever from the Starlight.


    Aria then continued cheekily, "Then Morgan Industries got two best neers awards and an international model." n had instructed to recruit new ones and they had hit off soon.


    Before two men beat her for a change in topic, Aria quickly jumped back, "n, why did you investigate Daves six years back?"


    n really wanted to ask how she knows but he didn''t ask, "They were suspicious and tried to know about your whereabouts repeatedly."


    Finn countered, "The Skyline Empire is too huge for any otherpanies. The only heiress is Alia without notable kin. She was the whole country''s business families'' most wanted girl. So it wasmon."


    n shook his head in denial with his statement. "They had nted moles in thepany. The Board of members started creating ruckus before Dad''s news was even out. We were busy with the funeral and other things when Chairman Daves had sneaked in the board of members calling everyone for a private meeting."


    Aria had no idea about these things so she listened as she started joining all the dots. n continued, "Chairman Daves indoctrinated everyone believing Aria will be with Parker family due to Abel Parker''s statement to the press."


    Since the guardianship usually handed to kin, all thought Aria would be with Parker''s family when only Aria and the Morgan family knew who would look after her.


    "The weekend stopped the process of guardianship and my team found many suspicions about Dad''s death. Aria''s identity needed to be buried down so we didn''t hold a press conference or released a statement that fueled the fire."


    "As soon as the news was released that I had the authority over Aria''s shares, ny percent of the Board of members quieted because they had thought the Parker family would ruin the empire. Daves lost the tongue to speak and he hid away as a normal shareholder igniting some as I would fail to handle twopanies."


    Aria didn''t want to even think about how n would have run between twopanies at such a young age. <em>''Damn, he was just 22.''</em> She thought and looked at him, "You still had the time in that mess to love me and propose to me. Are you really a human being?"


    n bobbed her head and finished about Daves, "Then I managed to pull back our shares from him with a tight warning."


    Finn really admired n after hearing the back story and seeing Aria happy and safe. He brushed his thought and asked, "Now you tell me, why are you asking all these?"


    Aria revealed in simple words, "Edgar Daves''s targets are you and n."


    Finn and n silently sat and gave the thought about it. Finn was targeted because of Edgar''s ego. Thetter can''t hit him directly so he was putting on an act to distracting then as though he was troubling all.


    n was targeted because when he took the shares back, he had left the Davespanies with greater fall which failed to rise up to its fame again.


    Aria mumbled after five minutes, "Did Edgar forget me? Doesn''t he know I wouldn''t let him touch n? I feel like Edgar thinks of me as a useless wife depending on my husband. Tsk, poor me needs to get back to glory."


    <em>''Poor me?''</em> n and Finn''s lips twitched hearing her. Working from home, she was still beating manypanies to depth and calling herself poor. Looking at her sitting with a pout, nobody could say she was a devil in an innocent-looking body for the work and such a delicate slender woman is a mother of twins.


    ---


    In the Morgan mansion, Aria had to go by turn by turn seeing Finn stubborn to give Snow who was smiling ying with his hand. The obedient little fe went to sleep and the brat yed with Finn without sleeping.


    Aria had sneakily taken a picture of Snow and Finn when they fell asleepte into the night. n carried Snow to her crib and Aria seriously alerted Finn who was yawning walking towards the guest room, "Be ready for blind dates."


    The sleepiness vanished, Finn stood and watched her for her sudden statement. Aria sighed and promptly responded, "Your one year time to decide is over. Grandfather Wen and Grandfather Harold will hold the whip and chase after me soon."


    "But"


    Aria cut him off, "I will not force you to marry anybody but you can''t keep running away from girls... I am definitely going to kick your ass if you start any stupid rumors as you are dating any stupid actresses."


    Finn tried to change her seriousness, "How about you start reverse Harem? I will be first in the line."


    Aria chuckled pping his arm, "Why do you love Snow so much that you are ready to be her second dad and get killed by my husband?"


    Finn sighed, the woman in front of him can see when someone loves the other one but not who loves her. He so wished there was a reverse harem and he could marry her even if it''s one-sided love.


    "Alright but after Iplete this acquisition and branching out." He responded for the blind date. He saw her nod in displeasure for not seeing him happy. "Go and sleep. I am tired too."


    Next all started to make a list of girls for Finn.

 Chapter 460: The new unofficial Fourie

    Chapter 460: The new unofficial Fourie


    Mission bride: Hunt a prospective girl for Finn


    Not one, not two, but many started searching for a girl. Aria, Amelia, Madam Miller, Eva, Harold Stanley, Zeke Wen.


    Finn''s father didn''t bother about it because he had already epted that Finn was going to die single as Winston Wen. Finn''s mother was too soft when Aria asked, she left Aria to decide however she likes and just mentioned a few girls who work with her in the researchb. She wanted Finn to be happy and nothing else.


    Aria didn''t have her biological parents and Finn had but they were too busy with their career all their life and now retirement was nearing. She really felt a little bad for them by the thought of how they don''t get time to spend with each other.


    So she had decided that, how much ever busy they get, she and n should make sure to give good quality time to Snow and Nemo.


    Amelia got a list of 35 girls in the first round of everyone''s hunt. Finn''s condition was he will go on coffee and he will decide in that meeting whether to go on a second date with the same girl or move to the next girl.


    The Morgan mansion became the second home for Finn who became very well acquainted with everyone that the cold, hardly speaking n looked like a guest.


    Days passed by, months passed by all started to lose hopes of seeing Finn with any girl. Aria almost started losing the count of dates Finn had gone to, he rejected each one for one or the other reason.


    Finn was actually serious, not for him but for his family who was worried about him. He didn''t have any standards or type, he didn''tpare anybody with Aria either but he didn''t get the feel of saying ''yes'' to anybody.


    He went to numerous blind dates yet didn''t utter a single word of displeasure asking them to stop and agreed to go on a date each time they managed to set in his free hours.


    .


    Norah''s due date was nearing when Moran Hanes won the dancepetition with his stalker dance partner. Both didn''t show any sign of affection to anybody causing Fourie to feel bad seeing no love story. They were big fans of it anyway.


    ...


    Unlike how Aria controlled putting on unnecessary weight, Norah hadn''t cared about it, With two families'' insane level of pampering, she had gained too much weight causing theplication in the natural birth process.


    The doctor who had repeatedly asked to control the weight couldn''t help but choose the Cesarean section when they noticed the breathing problem of babies during Norah''sbor pain.


    Aria and Eva who had no idea about cesarean were pacing continuously hoping everything to be fine while the parents were sighing regretting feeding her nonstop clearly knowing Norah couldn''t say ''No''.


    Noah knew that and he had warned them to stop feeding her but they had thought he cared about looks andNorah ended up with a C section to get the baby out.


    Norah was on Regional anesthetics which numbs the body from the waist down so Norah was inside the operation theatre seeing her cry thinking the baby was in danger because of her bad habit of saying yes to everything. This made her determined to say no when it is required.


    It took nearly thirty-five minutes when the doctor pulled the baby out. Norah and Noah who saw the baby quietly panicked instantly, "Why isn''t the baby crying? What happened? How is our baby? Doctor, what is going on?"


    Norah cried out but the doctor was still inposure when she held the baby upside down and pped its back.


    Norah and Noah had the urge to kill the doctor thrusting to see her in blood seeing her hit such a little baby. Anyway, before they could word out anything the baby started crying and a nurse finally said, "Congrattions, it''s a baby girl."


    While the doctor continued toplete the C section, the nurse took care of the baby and showed to the parents who felt a deep stone had moved aside from the heart.


    Norah announced to Noah, "I will never gain weight again. I will work out and go back to shape." She couldn''t believe her weight threatened her own baby''s life. In her mind, she already started nning for the next baby and how she should control her diet.


    Noah clearly knew what was going on in her head but he didn''t tell her they weren''t going to n a baby in near three years. As much as he wants to fulfill her all wishes, he wants her to be healthier too.


    The nurse grimly instructed, "Mrs. Wood, you have to wait until your body recovers after the operation, it might take up to a month, don''t recklessly start doing anything."


    The nurse clearly remembers how Norah looked when she went for a checkup for the first time and how she almost looked double the size in eight months. Norah timidly hummed in acknowledgment regretting why she didn''t listen to the doctor.


    Unlike normal delivery, Norah''s post-deliverypletion took a lot of time and the baby was already taken out to show to all.


    Looking at the fair little infant, Ivan pointed at her and tried to speak, "Mama I carry."


    Isaac chuckled but he only let Ivan touch the baby while Nemo gently poked the baby''s cheek and ran to his father with a serious expression of theint, ''Momma asked me to touch a girl.''


    While the elders were chuckling,Snow wanted to kiss the baby just like how her Momma kisses her every time, "Ma... ma Da... Da" Sheined when Madam Wood stopped her from kissing.


    Aria patiently tried to tell her, "Little baby is very small now, we will y once it grows a little bit, alright?"


    Snow blinked her big round eyes without understanding a thing about what she said other than knowing she should listen to her mother. Snow pouted hugging Aria.


    Ivan had started to catch words and talk but Snow and Nemo only knew to use Mama and Dada. Another word was Nana. They recognize each one but Nemo hardly went to anybody other than his sister who was a big bully, his parents, and grandparents.


    Everyone knew Noah and Norah''s baby name as Naira before they even named the baby so the new unofficial Fourie group had Ivan, Arsh, Arna, and Naira.


    Arsh was a serious little guy like his father, Arna was a bully and attention grabber, Ivan was a little gentleman who looked like a replica of his father, Naira was yet to grow up but everyone knew she would be a sweet little girl.


    Roxy who saw the kids walking around had a dilemma, one, to get married and have kids too. Or enjoy life considering the sister''s children as her children too.


    Unfortunately, she still chose the second choice brushing off the marriage topic from her mind.

 Chapter 461: Trickster

    Chapter 461: Trickster


    Rian didn''t want to force Roxy for anything but seeing the little ones he got a sudden thought, ''Wouldn''t it be wonderful if my and Roxy''s baby would be with these lilliputs too?'' But that thought erased as it came.


    He kneeled and called, "Snow..." Arna left her mother and jumped to his arms to y with him because all males spoiled her no end while all females tried to discipline her.


    If Arna has to choose somebody other than her father or family, she spends most of her time with Finn who wouldn''t utter a word even if she ruins his whole office and tears all the papers she gets. Instead of scolding her, Finn would join her in the party and help her tear off all the papers to apany her.


    She was spoiled rotten giving tension to Aria and Amelia without knowing how they would grow up.


    Arsh was an obedient child who would sit next to his mother or father and pay alone silently without disturbing anybody. And he was the second person who could control Arna other than n.


    On the other end, Ivan was everyone''s favorite, male or female, his gentle, outgoing happy side gets everyone''s adoration.


    Between all these, n and Aria still suppressed the news about their babies. Even Noah and Isaac didn''t let the world know and they made sure to be inconspicuous whenever they went out with the babies.


    Edgar Daves realized Finn and n were tracking him so he lowered down nning something big as soon as he found sensitive information. But little did he know there was a woman who was waiting for him to take one wrong step to end his game.


    . Two and a half yearster ...


    It was Levi''s 32nd birthday, Aria who got to know he was going out with his fellowrades didn''t force him to celebrate with them other than letting her three years young babies to wish him in the office. On Arna''s continuous pester and the act of cry, Levi cut the cake and she stole the cake leaving everyone dumbfounded.


    Gobbling half of the cake, Arna sat on Levi''s desk looking at Levi and Chelsea on either end of the desk. "Uncle Levi, why are you so dumb?"


    Chelsea and Arna low fived which obviously Levi knew, "Yeah I am dumb, Snow."


    Chelsea: "..."


    Arna put on a smug smiled and patted his back, "Listen to me since you are dumb, Come with me to the marriage bureau and sign the paper, I will take care of the rest."


    Levi: "..."


    Chelsea burst intoughter looking at the adorable intelligent girl who never failed to surprise her every time.


    Levi who treated Snow as a little girl tried to trick her, "Snow, I am dumb, Aunty is dumb, wouldn''t we be a dumb couple? So we are not suited."


    Chelsea involuntarily turned to Arna who pouted making a crying face, "Are you calling my momma dumb?" Then she turned to adjacent Aria''s office room door and cried, "Mama"


    Levi panicked thinking she was crying for real turned her towards him, "Snow, I didn''t call your Momma dumb. Don''t cry, your mom is a genius."


    Snow faked her sobs wiping her invisible tears, "If you are dumb means you calling my momma dumb for hiring you and letting you work as deputy president. Why are you fooling a little baby?"


    <em>''Little baby!''</em> Chelsea wanted to call her mother witnessing her manipte words and actions.


    Getting off at Levi''sp, Snow hugged Levi continuing to fake her sobs, "Please say yes to aunty. She has been waiting for you for four years."


    Arsh who was standing at the door sighed like an elder looking at his sister acting cute and fooling all men. Then he turned behind to see his mother and father flirting over the phone causing him to shake his head clearly knowing who she got the genes from.


    Yet he returned and climbed on his mother''sp and sat silently looking at what she was doing even though he wasn''t understanding much from it other than simple words.


    At the end of the day, Aria heard Arna cheering loudly, so she rushed out to make sure Arna didn''t turn the office upside down but saw Levi rubbing his forehead looking at Arna who twirling in her pink dress with an over-excitement cheer.


    Chelsea reported to Aria, "President Cooper, your daughter is a trickster."


    Rose who was standing with file chuckled before revealing, "Deputy President was tricked to say yes for the proposal."


    Snow rushed to Aria spreading her arms for a hug, so thetter scooped her up and received a big fat kiss before she hugged her neck pressing her little soft cheek against her mother, "Momma, hadn''t you said you will be happy for Uncle Levi and Aunt Chelsea if they get married? Uncle Levi said yes. Where is my momma''s sweet smile?"


    Levi red at the mother-daughter controlling from facepalming. Chelsea knew Snow forced out yes from Levi so sheughed looking at the little daughter who was holding her mother''s face waiting for the smile.


    Arsh who walked to Levi tugged his pants for attention and said, "Girls are troublesome."


    Levi and Chelsea: "..."


    Levi kneeled and agreed with his line, "I totally ept it."


    Arsh nodded and continued his line, "Uncle Levi, before more girls trouble you, you should get married. Do you want your babies to misidentify you as a grandfather?" He patted Levi and returned to his mother before turning and nodding at dumbstruck Levi as though telling him to ept his fate.


    Chelsea pointed the babies at the door and advised, "They are smarter than you." Then she sighed, taking her bag for wasting her whole day behind Levi, "Why the hell did I even fall for you? Ahh, I will die single with you." Chelsea had tried to date other men for more than a year but ended back at the cold-hearted Levi.


    Levi who had thought she was going to force him for his slip of tongue saw her walk away bidding Arna so he asked, "Won''t you regretter?"


    "Huh?" Chelsea turned around without understanding his words.


    "Dinner?" Levi asked by ditching the friends'' party without a word to them.


    Chelsea stared at Levi without believing her own ears. <em>''Dinner? As in a date? Did he agree to date me? Am I imagining? Nope, I am definitely dreaming...''</em> Her thoughts grew nonstop. The first time, Levi waited patiently letting her digest that her years of hard work were paying off.

 Chapter 462: A villain mother

    Chapter 462: A viin mother


    ''Ding'' An elevator reached the top floor-breaking Chelsea from her thoughts and vigorously nodded at Levi before pouncing on him to hug him giving an amazing wee sight for n who almost doubted Levi as somebody else.


    n remembered Snow asking him whether Levi and Chelsea should be together, so thought his crazy daughter yed some tricks.


    Levi failed to pull Chelsea off seeing n but the woman just clung to him. n didn''t bother and was going to fetch Aria and the babies when two little chubby feet ran over to him, "Dad" while the mother and son walked in poise.


    n still wanted to rece the little one with the big one, he was missing his wife''s run over hugs. He scooped the little one into his arms, and she was about to kiss his lips in happiness, but she paused afraid to make her mother jealous and kissed his cheek.


    n obviously noticed her movement and heard her whisper, "Your wife will throw me out of the home."


    n gently hit her back and she corrected herself, "My sweet little momma will get angry."


    "Little momma?"


    "Yeah, I heard you calling momma a sweet little dummy, She is your little dummy and My little momma." She nonchntly said without realizing her mother was standing right behind her.


    "Who is the dummy?" Aria''s fake grim voice sounded.


    Arna bit her lip before turning and giving a sweet smile to melt her mother. Then her voice coated with extra sweetness, "Momma, Dad called you dummy now so I said you are my Momma, how can you be a dummy?"


    n: "..." He couldn''t believe his daughter lied right in front of him.


    Aria was her mother so could easily see the truth behind the words. Taking Arna from n, she let her down and demanded to n, "You forgot me as soon you got your mischievous daughter, Now carry me."


    "Ahh" Arna wanted the attention and Arsh saw Arna was about to retort for her father''s attention, so he held her hand and walked towards the elevator hearing herin, "Brother Nemo, at this rate they will forget us."


    n followed themand happily because the babies'' room was ready and he was kicking them out of their room finally, "I am always only yours My dear wife."


    Arsh patted her sister looking at her peek behind repeatedly, "Didn''t Dad tell us Mom and Dad also need time for each other? We I will take care of you."


    Arna wasn''t ready to ept it, "Broth"


    Arsh cut in, "Snow, behave."


    Puffing her cheeks, she saw Aria in n''s arms talking with each other all the way to the car until they sat down. "Baby, wear your seat belt."


    "Hmph" Snow looked away grimly for not carrying her.


    Arsh removed his seat belt and tried to put it for her but Snow pushed him away almost causing him to fall from the seat. Aria grimly warned with a frown on the face, "Arna!"


    Arsh sat back properly and smiled at his mother, "Momma, I am fine, don''t be angry."


    Aria didn''t let it slip off, "No Nemo, don''t spoil your sister more. Snow, when you do something wrong, learn to apologize."


    Arna frowned, hearing a soft voice for Arsh and a strict voice to her, "I didn''t do anything." She wanted toin to n but she knew n would take Aria''s side so she crossed her arms and looked out ignoring Aria''s gaze.


    "Arna Morgan, I am repeating again, say sorry to your brother," Aria repeated again but Arna behaved dumb pouting her lips in anger.


    Arsh removed his seat belt and tried to put it on for her but Snow pushed him away almost causing him to fall from the seat. Aria grimly warned with a frown on the face, "Arna!"


    Aria controlled herself from scolding Arna again. n gently patted her legs to let go and drove the car out. Arsh was very smart and behaves like an elder most of the time protecting her which causes Arna to be even more spoiled.


    As much as Arna loved her mother, she also disliked it because she didn''t like to get scolded and she never saw anybody scolding Arsh so she started to think her mother wanted only Arsh.


    n was driving to the Cooper mansion where they started living for a month now after moving out of the Morgan mansion. Arna saw the turn towards the Morgan mansion and asked, "Daddy I want to go to Grandpa today."


    Aria purposefully didn''t respond knowing her no will trigger her more. n turned her down, "Don''t you want to be with me today? Let''s go there some other day."


    Arna muttered which they heard easily, "You be with your wife."


    "Arna!" n grunted to correct her tone and way of addressing.


    He would have lived in the Morgan mansion for more years for their children but all spoiled Arna while Aria alone tried to discipline her wrong behavior causing Arna to mention Aria as ''Your wife'', ''your friend'', ''your sister'' while talking with others.


    Arna spat back rudely at him for the first time, "Isn''t she, your wife? What''s wrong in my words?"


    n lost his cool and mmed on the brakes, He spoke through his teeth controlling his anger, "Arna Morgan" Aria quickly squeezed his hand and changed the meaning. "Am I not your dummy wife? She is jealous that I have a handsome smart husband. Let''s go home soon, I am hungry."


    And his wife never allowed him to get angry with Arna while thetter felt like her mother stopped her father from talking to her looking at them with ugly frowns.


    Arsh noticed it but he didn''t speak other than sitting silently. His great grandfather had taught him that when Snow gets angry with Aria they should talk to her when Snow is cooled down else Snow will think they are taking Aria''s side. So he thought to talk when they go to bed.


    "Momma, may I use your tab?" Arsh asked politely after some time.


    Aria fished it from her bag and gave it to him, catching her daughter''s res. Unsure, she stretched her hands to call Arna if she wanted to sit with her but thetter looked away from her with a big fat pout loudly saying she was waiting for sorry.


    Aria will only say sorry if there is her mistake, else she knows well Arna takes her for granted like others who spoil her.


    n held Aria''s hand while Arsh kept Arna busy with cartoon videos that were teaching about counting numbers. While Arsh watched it silently, Arna was answering swiftly and sniggered thinking the video was slower than her.


    "Who is the narcissist in us?"Aria asked in a low voice to n who pointed to himself and added, "I am a narcissist only about you." causing her to smile.


    <em>''Raising kids is so difficult.''</em> The duo thought and sighed inwardly.


    Aria was anxious if she was going to be a viin mother in Arna''s eyes, but she didn''t want to see Arna bing egoistic either.

 Chapter 463: Self obsession

    Chapter 463: Self obsession


    Arna was still a child so as soon they went home, she obediently sat and let Aria feed her without any anger. The housekeeper enjoyed watching the family of four feeding each other.


    After a spoonful to Arna, she mumbled pointing to n who was watching them, "Dada turn."


    Chuckling, Aria fed her husband too who obediently ate while Arsh taught Arna. "Don''t talk while you have food in your mouth."


    Aria smiled before stuffing his little mouth. She has to teach him once and he would remember it without fail. Arna stopped Aria for the next spoon pointing at her father to feed him and cleared her mouth before speaking, "Brother Arsh, you have to chew well before gulping. Why are you so fast? Do you want stomach pain?"


    Arsh ignored her and took his short spoon and scooped rice and fed her mother, "Momma eat."


    "Me Me Me" Snow shouted and jumped on the dining table to feed Aria but smeared all over her lips in her clumsy chubby palms. Arnaughed looking at her mother and eximed to her father, "Dad, my momma now looks like a real dummy. "


    n''s faint smile escaped patting his daughter''s little head gazing at Aria''s lips, "Now I want a real meal."


    Aria: "..." She understood but her innocent kids started feeding him causing her tough nonstop. She always loved to see n helpless around kids and think a lot of times without daring to turn them down.


    n went for the much needed hot water bath while Aria settled the kids in their joint room. Arnained seeing two beds, "Momma, I want to sleep with Dad."


    Aria was about to agree, Arsh held Arna''s hand and took her to his bed, "We are still small, we two can fit in one so you can sleep with me. Hold my hand if you get scared."


    Aria: "..."


    She wanted to speak but her son left her spellbound. She really doubts if the kids in front of her are really 3 years old. They behaved like six to ten years old for her and Nemo, she doubts him as an adult most of the time other than his appearance.


    Arna suddenly liked the concept of sleeping with her brother and demanded, "Tomorrow, you have to sleep with me on my pink bed." Arsh gave a hum lifting duvet for Arna to snuggle inside.


    Aria who wanted to put them to sleep sat at the edge of the bed looking at two babies in awe and Arsh patted Arna as he started his story, "Snow, do you remember momma taught us weekdays?"


    Arna nodded smiling at her mother and listed the weekdays urately. Then Arsh patted her proudly and started his story in a storytelling pleasant voice, "On a Sunday morning, from an egg perched on the leaf, a caterpir hatches and starts to look for food"


    Aria jaws dropped hearing Arsh tell a story and also teach about the birth cycle of butterflies. If her memory serves right, he had only once watched an animated video exining about butterflies'' birth.


    Arsh slowly ended the story while Arna kept humming even after she slept, "... The caterpir emerges out from the cocoon transformed into a colorful, beautiful butterfly with majestic wings."


    Arna had dozed off so he turned to Aria and shed her a bright smile, "Momma, I will take care of Snow, you also sleep."


    However Aria spread her arms and he quickly hugged her, "My son is so smart."


    Arsh rested his head on her shoulder and said, "Momma, Snow is smart too but but..."


    "But?"


    Arsh tried but he didn''t find an appropriate word so he exined, "She thinks she can do it and she knows everything and all loves her. Hmmm Self"


    "Self-importance?" Aria asked if that was the word he was thinking.


    Arsh nodded and snuggled his little face to her neck, "Momma, you teach me, I will teach her."


    Arsh every reaction and way of behavior reminds her of n including his hum, "Baby, I will not stop you if you want to look after your sister but don''t spoil her too much and you don''t have to grow up so fast, Dad and mom will take care of you two."


    He obediently epted, "Okay...." He paused before telling, "I forgot to tell, Snow bullied Ivan again, He runs away from me too if Snow is together."


    Due to Eva''s teasing to steal Snow, thetter understood Eva''s words faster than Ivan causing Arna to demand him like a girlfriend from which Ivan fights and runs away from the biggest bully.


    Hearing about Ivan, "You like Ivan?"


    Arsh who was slowly drifting to sleep hugging his mother hummed, "Momma, he is good and helps me look for Snow whenever she runs around."


    His voice faded away and his lips moved without voice before his bodypletely rxed in her embrace...


    n entered the room after waiting for about half-hour. He saw Arsh sleeping on Aria who was holding Arna in another arm and sleeping peacefully.


    He didn''t know how long he stood there watching them, yet he couldn''t have enough of them. He likes everything about them but he just wanted Arna to control her self obsession.


    Instead of taking Aria to their bedroom, he snuggled with the little ones before dozing off kissing his wife.


    ----


    In the morning,


    Aria and n were getting ready after the little ones when Aria was informed that she won an award for her design as the best design on the international stage.


    Obviously happy about the news, Aria was celebrating with n when Arna pushed the door open to see Aria in n''s arms wrapping her arms around his neck while he had lifted her off the floor.


    Hearing Aria giggle when n was kissing her cheeks repeatedly, Arna puffed her cheeks thinking they forgot her. She wanted everyone''s attention, not even her mother is allowed to steal so she mmed the door with all her strength so that it could create a loud noise to disturb them then she held her knee and started crying, "Dadda Momma it hurts, it hurts..."


    Aria and n forgot about the good news and ran towards Arna to check while Arsh stood and watched his sister acting and worrying parents unnecessarily.


    Arna continued to rub her eyes to bring tears as she said between cries, "It''s aching."


    n immediately carried her up in princess style while panicked Aria raised her dress to her knee but her knee wasn''t even red even if she had fallen on the carpet.


    n furrowed and nced at his son who was tightly pressing his lips like a grim man thinking if he should speak because if he speaks, Arna would be really mad at them.


    Aria too caught the lie but she didn''t reveal it. She hugged the little girl taking from n''s frozen hand and shaking her head at n to stop him from reacting negatively.


    Aria understood that Arna craves everyone''s attention all the time, when they were in the Morgan mansion either Curtis, Rowan, Rian would always give their most of the attention to her but now they weren''t in the Cooper mansion causing her to yearn for it more.


    Once if they think she was too little to make her understand, on the other end her behaviors weren''t like a three-year-old. She knew how to grab attention by faking things. Teaching her that the world doesn''t revolve around her became very important but Aria didn''t want Arna to revolt more.


    While Aria coaxed the girl who was faking, n''s face darkened hearing the cracks in Aria''s voice. He had told her numerous times that she wasn''t a bad mother but he couldn''t stop her from judging herself helpless against their daughter.

 Chapter 464: Lets get married

    Chapter 464: Let''s get married


    n carried Arna and ced her down, signaling Arsh to go near him before announcing about Aria to divert Arna''s thoughts, "Momma won an award for the dress design at international level. Wish Momma, we will celebrate tonight."


    Arsh who seriously heard smiled at confused Aria stretching his little arms, "Congrattions Momma. You will win more."


    Aria kneeled and returned the smile as Arsh hugged her and pecked her on the cheek, "Thank you, baby."


    Arna smugly cheered, "Oh ho, my momma is champion. I will tell all my ymates."


    Aria chuckled, rubbing her head but n didn''t like her reaction. He felt like she was owning his wife''s victory as hers instead of being happy for her mother.


    "So shall we go out or invite everyone here for dinner?" Aria asked to go by the kids'' wishes.


    Arsh looked at Arna to let her choose as it didn''t matter to him. Arna thought for a long time, causing her parents to grab theirptop and carry little ones downstairs before she asked, "Will my darlinge?"


    n hummed in response and Arna cheered loudly, "Then let''s enjoy it at home. I will stay with my darling."


    Aria sighed and turned to n, "If Snow was an adult or if Finn was a kid, I bet they would be a couple."


    Arna pouted her lips in displeasure, "Brother Arsh told me I can''t marry my darling because he is my godfather and very elder to me. Why aren''t daughters allowed to marry fathers?"


    She cupped her father''s face and continued, "See, my dad is super duper handsome, My darling is attractive. Uncle Isaac is..." She scratched her head for forgetting the word what Eva always told her husband.


    Arshpleted, "Hottie."


    "Ha yeah, Hottie. These little kids are only cute." Arna cupped her face, curling down her lips hoping to hear that she can marry her dad or Finn.


    Aria wanted to chase after Eva and beat her to a pulp for teaching little kids about marriage. n put the seat belt for Arna and responded to her, "Snow, you are also a little kid, and stop scaring Ivan at yschool."


    Aria chuckled knowing Isaacined to n. Arna spoke in her baby voice that brought a round ofughter, "Dad, I''m such a cute little sweet tot. How can I scare big tall Ivan? He always ys with my brother running away from me."


    ''Cute little sweet tot!'' Yes, she was but she was also a devil who forces everyone to do as she likes.


    ---


    In the evening all routed to Cooper mansion to enjoy and have fun. Watching the four little kids y the Fourie looked at each other and sighed, "Guys, didn''t we grow up fast."


    "I can''t believe I am a mother of a boy. I still want to run around to cause chaos."


    "I want to grow small and join them to y colors." Rian was controlling himself from going there and sitting between kids.


    Noah said out of the topic, "I want a lollipop too."


    The other three burst intoughter. They wanted to run and grab the chocte from the kitchen but remembered, they are adults and parents. Anyhow Rian jumped the couch backward and ran causing the three to chase after him without knowing how many lollipops were there.


    Elders who were enjoying by seeing little one''s group, noticed them dumbly in shock looking at their parents who were fighting for left out 2 lollipops by ignoring all other better choctes. Finn, Isaac, and n couldn''t believe those were really parents. They were teens looking at them screaming and snatching the chocte...


    ''These Fourie...!"


    Night arrived, the sky darkened, twinkling the star in the dark endless sky and all became lethargic. Arsh who was watching a video on the tab raised his head and caught her mother''s eyes at the same time.


    Aria saw him trying to get off the armchair he was sitting on so she signaled him to stay put and went to him, "Baby needs my help."


    Arsh turned the tab towards her which had an abacus application. Aria realized he watched a video and tried to learn from it by downloading the application. Arsh asked, "Momma, please teach me 3 digits multiplication."


    "Does my little baby know two digits multiplication?"


    Arsh nodded and moved his little fingers precisely on the screen randomly saying the number, "78 multiplied with 56 is 4368. 63 multiplied with 39 is 2457."


    Aria was surprised at his swiftness. She had only thought them one to twenty and the addition and subtraction so she was surprised to hear him. She taught him three digits twice, he was a little slow in understanding but soon picked up at his own tenth try.


    "Thank you, Momma." He kept the tab away before hugging her neck and kissing her cheeks. He loves his parents who never turn down if he wants to learn anything.


    Roxy watched the whole mother and son interaction and turned to Rian. She went to him and tugged him aside. Rian noticed her line of sight at the cuddling mother and son before it went to him, "I want a baby."


    Rian wanted tough hearing it while so many were around them but he controlled, "Only one? We should have three."


    Roxy red at him before snapping at him, "Don''t you dare trick me. First, we will have one."


    Rian chuckled and nodded, "Sure, as you wish." He pinched her cheeks and was about to return to babies, her hand tugged at his shirt again before pulling him back, "Let''s get married." She knew well Rian was waiting for her to say yes for many years.


    Rian''s expression slightly turned to disbelief. He had epted as they were never going to get married and he was fine with it too for supporting her.


    Roxy continued, "I am not saying this for the baby, I wanted to tell you for a long" Her rest of the words muffled against his lips by the sudden kiss.


    Tears slowly trickled down at the corner of her eyes realizing she had held his happiness for too long. She wasn''t really sorry because she didn''t want to marry when her mind was in chaos about the marriage.


    He proved her love doesn''t need to have a certificate of marriage and she now wanted to be his in every way and have his name with hers. She wanted to be called ''<em>Mrs. Rian Morgan</em>'' and change her name to <em>''Roxy Rian Morgan''</em>


    Nobody had looked at them thinking they needed privacy. Ivan was the first one to see and promptly covered both of his eyes with his little hands andined, "Dad... Mom Look look."


    However, Arna and Naira watched them with their mouths wide open causing Isaac and n to jump and bury the little one''s face to their chest, gritting their teeth.


    Noah was d Isaac took care of Naira and turned to the couple and threw backrest cushion on them, "Get a room, guys. Babies are here. Ugh."


    Amelia and Rowan were angry while Curtis calmly nced at them. Eva grinned watching them thinking why they were kissing.


    Arsh and Aria saw them and looked at each other. Aria had a smile and Arsh urately deciphered what she thought, "Momma, am I going to be the best man?"


    As usual, she was surprised knowing Arsh knew about the best man at the wedding. She hugged him and was happy for her Beauty.

 Chapter 465: Best wedding for Momma

    Chapter 465: Best wedding for Momma


    Everyone expected a shotgun wedding but Rian sat and ordered everyone to do everything for him and Roxy while he nned out.


    Aria had expected Rian might go for an outdoor wedding near her beach vi above the ridge but he chose what nobody had expected, a gothic theme. Amelia and Aria had turned to Curtis because gothic meant choosing total dark especially ck, blood red, maroon and rustic colors.


    To everyone''s surprise, Curtis was excited about a new style he had never attended in his life. Rowan would be happy just seeing their children happy so he was helping them even solidify the gothic style. n didn''t care and Amelia was over cloud nine after knowing they were going to have a baby too.


    Rian took the whole nning on himself excluding the guest list. n also had to arrange and order a few things thinking Aria will pull up work for her Beauty''s wedding.


    It almost took nearly a month to finally gather everything that was needed.


    ---


    On the wedding day


    No one was allowed inside the wedding hall other than in a ck outfit. It was clearly mentioned in the invitation card about the color hence the guards weren''t thinking twice before siding the people away whoever tried to show over smartness.


    The guest list wasrge and the guest started to assemble half an hour prior to their assigned chairs looking at everything in astonishment. The whole hall was in ck and no white lights or daylight was in the huge hall. The golden fairy lights and candle lights were a source of light inside the hall.


    Arsh who was standing next to his father tugged his pants to get attention, "Dad, why didn''t you marry Mom?"


    n scooped him up to face the little man straight, "I married my wife as soon as she was eligible to marry."


    Arsh tried but failed to remember seeing pictures of Aria and n''s wedding. First, he responded to his father''s line, "Were you afraid Momma would like somebody else that you married right after marriage age? And what is the age to get married?"


    n controlled smiling at his son. Arsh was like him, doesn''t mingle with people easily and he was also like Aria who nonstop asks questions for every new thing. "Nope, Momma only loves me. Her heart belongs to me, she is mine but for society andws, weddings and marriage are important so I made her mine in all forms. The martial age for men is 22, for women is 20 in our country whereas it is 18 in country S and it is different in other countries."


    Arsh took time to understand everything looking at his father''s tie before he raised his head and spoke, "Momma loves me and Snow too. Her heart She has us in her heart too. We are hers as soon as we were born, then why can''t I marry Momma when I turn twenty-two?... And"


    He tried to remember what he left, "Why don''t you have wedding pictures? Did you guys elope?"


    n was amused but also a little grim hearing his son wanting to steal his wife, "When you turn 22, Momma will be 46. She will be old."


    "Age is just a number, Dad." Arsh patted his father''s shoulder and the duo heard a melodic chuckle grabbing their attention.


    "Aww, my baby wants to marry me. Why don''t you want to wait and marry a beautiful girl of your age?"


    Arsh moved to Aria''s arms when she neared and responded hugging her neck, "Other girls are troublesome. My momma is beautiful and smart."


    Aria cued n to make her sit on the high stool so he obeyed, he lifted her and made her sit, he stood without unwrapping his arms around Aria to listen to them.


    "Baby, we are a family, we can''t marry with whom we have blood rtions. Just like how you can''t marry your sister, you can''t marry me too."


    n interjected, "Hence she is mine only."


    Arsh pressed his lips tightly wanting to counter but didn''t. He thought if he can''t marry, then he can''t call his mother his.


    Aria noticed him staring at his father and chuckled again, "Baby, Yes, I am your father''s wife and I am also your mother. As much as your father is mine, you and Snow are also mine."


    n interjected, "Nope, he will marry somebody and make her his world."


    Aria couldn''t believe n waspeting with Arsh and thetter butted in, "The mother''s world is her children."


    Aria chuckled hearing her son trying to beat his father but n countered again, "My wife''s world is her husband"


    Aria: "..." She speechlessly sat watching her man and her little man fighting for no reason.


    .


    At the corner, Arna watched her aloof father and cool brother fighting. She turned to Finn who was speechless, "Darling, did you fight with Dad for my momma like this?"


    Finn''s eyes widened hearing her but they soon came back toposure, "Snow, why will I fight for your momma?"


    Arna patted his shoulder and hugged him, "I heard granny say Momma and Dad met when momma was a cutesy baby. Would you and Momma marry if you met her first?"


    Finn always knew Arna was a smart child for her age but this question was what he hadn''t expected, "No, why didn''t you born twenty years early, I would have married you."


    Arna giggled at Finn and revealed holding his face, "I know you love my momma. My Momma is a dummy but... My Dad is the best. You have me so don''t be sad."


    Finn''s smile was bittersweet. How much ever he loves Snow, he always knew her father would stand above all, he understands it but it was still bitter to know n won whether it''s Snow or Aria.


    "Snow, I don''t want your Momma. Let her be with your brother and father, you be with me." Finn jovially said brightening her mood.


    "Yay, let''s go and crash the wedding." Arna cheered and the duo left the corridor.


    ---


    When Aria again left to check on Rian''s wedding tux, Arsh and n red at each other before the little one grimly spoke, "Dad, even Snow wants to have a fairy wedding and you didn''t wed my momma."


    He requested after a thought, "I will arrange a wedding for you two when I start working like you. May I be your best man and Snow as?" He didn''t know what Snow would be however he was sure his father knows what he was trying to say.


    n had asked Aria for a wedding but she had pushed off saying<em> ''it''s alright, what matters is we are together.''</em> He asked, hearing his son say so gravely, "Did you hear momma speak about it?"


    Arsh shook his head and repeated Amelia''s line, "Granny said every girl dreams to have a memorable wedding."


    n was silent looking at Arsh who didn''t evade his gaze even for a second, "Will you help me arrange a surprise and best wedding for Momma?"


    A decisive and determined baby tone sounded, "I will."

 Chapter 466: Without Aria

    Chapter 466: Without Aria


    Soon it was time for the bride and the groom to enter while the venue theme and decoration went viral over the inte due to the pictures updated by the guests.


    The wedding procession was in a traditional wedding style. It started with the Bride''s mother, Scarlett Cooper, who was in a simple ck gown and gentle smile walked the aisle to her front seat.


    Her eyes were filled up feeling emotional for finally having the chance to see her daughter wed. To be frank, she had lost hope of seeing her have a family and cursed herself all these years for being a bad example to her daughter.


    Next to walk on the Aisle was the best man, Arsh Morgan who walked confidently without bothering about the curious gazes on him. Initially, all wanted him to be a flower boy with the flower girl, however, he was adamant about being the best man instead of being called a little boy.


    He was in ck dress shoes, and a back shirt, zer, and pants making him look older than his little age. His aloof uninteresting face had a little excitement, only his father knew the reason behind it.


    Once he stood at his ce all started muttering who he could be but there were none to answer it even though there was a flicker of doubt alternating their gaze between a cold mountain n and a cute boy.


    Then it was time for the groom''s possession. The happy fun loving crazy Rian had a calmness coordinating with the theme. He was in an all back three-piece suit carefully chosen and modified to Rian style.


    He was wearing a standard shirt buttoned all the way up to support the lighter hue of the ck-tie adorning a tie pin. He wasyering a ssy vest that had a fairly deep V line narrow enough for the top to remain visible. He was in a tailored fit zer which gave the suit a more formal and elegant look.


    A boutonniere was in the peephole of the zer invender and dark hue almost making it invisible on the ck. He was wearing pants which was a copy of the zer pattern with a stylish pair of perf toe balmorals.


    Without a word extra, everyone over there knew that it was designed and nned by Aria to make her Beauty look like a cold vampire in his gorgeous supple fair skin.


    The groom enjoyed everyone''s attention and astonishment. There was no wedding in the history of city B using a gothic style and that too for a wedding so he was proud and delighted to leave a mark that wouldn''t be forgotten easily.


    They had invited a legally qualified Wedding Officiant, who walked the aisle after Rian as he nodded at some who he knew and some nodded at him greet. He too was no exception, he was in a ck two-piece formal suit.


    Aria had thought she would be Matron of honor for Roxy but the flower girl stubbornly wanted to be on the same level as her brother and be a maid of honor.


    The princess stepped into the venue adorning a tiara that sparkled causing the guest to grasp. It was the real princess tiara sold for millions made of rare and precious diamonds that endlessly sparkled.


    Many had attended the bid of it so they knew it was won by Rian Morgan and they had expected it to be on the bride but not the little girl, ''Who is the little cute girl?''


    Their brain seemed to run faster and faster trying to analyze ande to the conclusion as the best man and maid of honor are the Morgans but they were unsure if both were n and Aria''s babies or Rian and Roxy had a baby out of wedlock as they had engaged a very long back.


    It was a hot topic with the wedding but they didn''t have time to talk other than admiring the wedding and details with cute little buttons highlighting the vampire cold groom.


    Arna had a pretty smile unlike her brother as she walked holding a little bouquet donning A-line ck dress. The trail of her dress swept the floor making her feel like a real princess.


    Now all waited to see the gorgeous bride expecting her in an amazing ck wedding gown. They felt their imagination would be too small against Aria''s design but had no idea Aria wasn''t the one who designed the wedding gown.


    When all were busy with Arna''s appearance and anticipation of the bride, except two none, noticed ady in ck jumpsuit style gown hurriedly sprint out to through the exit.


    The clock hit the time of the bride''s entry and the eyes widened looking at the wild yet pure side of the bride who had a smile to remember. Roxy wasn''t wearing ck or red for the theme but a pure white wedding gown entirely in contrast to the theme of the wedding.


    Some had almost thought the original dress might have misced it until they noticed the vampire groom''s gentle smile at the human bride who obviously carried the touch of wilderness due to the dress design.


    Roxy was in an A-line sleeveless wedding gown that covered her shoulder with a sharp V neckline giving a glimpse of her cleavage without overdoing it. There was no embellishment of intricatece but artfully designed soft and shiny cuts of the clothes that snug around her waist giving a ssiness. Those uneven geometric cuts had the curves and arc matching the real wilderness of the bride.


    Below the waist, it spread out and reached the floor designed with ated tulle fabric giving a light feel to it. The usual bride''s grace was reced with the boldness yet elegant.


    While the bride and groom were lost in the world, guests were busy capturing the movements, n''s eyes were dark with deep lines on his forehead looking at his mobile. <em>[Suspicious movements. Doubling the security.]</em>


    His fingers sped tightly around the mobile, brows were twitching continuously, eerily alerting him that there was a big disaster on its way. His other hand went to Aria''s empty seat while he suppressed the urge to rush to her, embrace her and keep her safe anyhow his eyes glued on the little ones on either side of his little brother.


    He was worried about the whole family and he was ready to protect them at all costs but he couldn''t rest his heart at ease without Aria right next to him. He couldn''t trust anyone other than himself when ites to Aria''s safety.

 Chapter 467: Will you kiss me?

    Chapter 467: Will you kiss me?


    n, who was uninterested to watch Roxy walking the aisle, noticed Arsh''s face brighten up looking at the entrance. He knew well Arsh''s most of the reactions were due to Aria so he turned to look at the entrance. The guests also noticed the person walking the aisle with the bride isn''t a man who should be her father but it was Aria Cooper.


    Aria wasn''t smiling but anybody could discern she was more than happy just by looking at her eyes and face and she was trying to suppress her presence next to Roxy. Aria was in a stylish half dress styled jumpsuit carrying her noble and elegance naturally.


    n''s fist clenched and unclenched watching Aria feeling twenty-five meters as the longest distance waiting for Aria to reach him quickly.


    How much ever Roxy tried, she was still afraid of crowds and being judged. With that, she kind of missed having a father figure to walk the aisle. She had turned down the suggestion of walking with her mother so she called Aria at the neck of movement and was even ready to plead Aria but she agreed.


    She had long epted the fact that Aria wasn''t only a sister but her whole family hence her happiness doubled to walk with her, as a sister or as her father figure. Hence twodies in total contrasting colors walked the aisle.


    Aria was momentarily confused about whether she should give Roxy''s hand to Rian Or grab her Beauty''s hand and ce it on Roxy''s because she wanted Roxy to pamper her would-be husband. However, the groom grabbed his bride''s hand causing Aria to smile.''


    Arna who was peeking at them murmured knowing she shouldn''t grab attention from the bride and groom, "Little Mom, you look gorgeous."


    Roxy smiled at her and averted her gaze back to the groom, "I love this dress." Yes, it was designed by Rian. He didn''t select the theme because he liked it but it was for her Roxy. He was trying to make her the light in her dark world.


    Arsh sweetly smiled at his mother who smiled back before going to n without revealing what was going on in her head. However, n''s brows slightly raised looking at her face turn aloof as soon as she turned around from Arsh.


    n''s hand naturally raised for her, Aria held his hand and sat next to him before moving closer to his ear. While it looked intimate to others, her voice was grave.


    "Edgar Daves in action. His ways are looking shady. Since the whole area is under control, there is nothing to worry about till the reception."


    Saying it Aria was backing off, n held her nting a kiss on her forehead. "Don''t go around alone."


    Aria hummed as her half of the back leaned on his shoulder as she spoke in the lowest tone that could be heard by n but they looked like they were watching the bride and groom.


    "I mobilized all the groups and also Senior Xin. I don''t care if he seeds or fails, I will make him regret it if we find a single proof of his work against us. I am done with this bug."


    She was calm as a cid summerke doesn''t mean she would let off people bother their safety. Just because she is a mother of two doesn''t mean she lost her vigor.


    Three years they had watched Edgar Daves turning so very silent that it raised their suspicion higher. Now they realized he was waiting for his opportunity until they were distracted without knowing they never left the potential threat away from their ears.


    It wasn''t only the couple, Finn received information from his man and he alerted his whole team to stand by and took control before Edgar could do anything.


    Since they weren''t sure if Edgar knew about the little munchkins, they made sure the hotel was under tight security under four groups who were coordinated by Levi, Nathan, Dustin, and Wood''s security.


    The lively and warmness inside the wedding hall was stark opposite to deathly silence in hotel premises. It was the pure calmness before the storm however the wedding wasn''t disturbed except three on high caution.


    Since Rian had proposed to Roxy in front of all, Eva or Noah didn''t probe about it and the wedding went in smiles, happy tears, apuse, and vows.


    Without adornments, it was a simple oath taken by Rian filled with emotions, "I, Rian Morgan, take you, Roxy Stephen, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, in the presence of family and friends, I make this vow."


    Roxy was all smiles when the wedding officiant asked her to take her oath, "I, Roxy Stephen, take you, Rian Morgan, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part and this is my solemn vow."


    There was thunderous apuse after the oath and all turned to the entrance where a little girl and a boy held a tray each and walked up to the bride and groom right after the officiant announced the ring ceremony.


    The two little ones looked sweet and cute and brought smiles. While the guests were thinking who they were, each one jumped to the arms of their father making them gasp by the realization.


    This wedding was full of surprises from the little ones running around to the wedding decoration and the newly wedded couples.


    When it was the wedding kiss time, Noah buried Naira''s face to his chest, Ivan heard his father and went to Arna who was excited to hear the kiss. Pouting, Arna shrugged Ivan''s hands and peeked to get a good glimpse.


    Ivan flustered for failing to do what his father asked him to do. He was turning to Isaac for help but got the sight of Noah and Naira, Fidgety, he hugged Arna to stop her from seeing the kiss scene as he whispered, "Dad said we shouldn''t watch it until we grow up."


    Initially, Arna puffed her cheeks and was ready to push him away which made Ivan think she was going to push him to the floor in front of all. But she suddenly smiled wrapping her hands around him, "Then will you kiss me, Ivan?"


    She blinked her big beautiful eyes which were full of mischief but Ivan''s face turned red as a cherry. He didn''t know where he found words but he uttered what his father taught, "Snow, we should grow up for that too."


    Arna unwrapped her hand and pointed her cheek, "You know my darling, Dad, Momma, and all kisses my cheek. You can try it too." She turned her cheek to him.


    Ivan blinked looking at her chubby soft cheek. He couldn''t control himself so he lifted his hand and gently nudged her cheek.


    A smile appeared on his face, greatly liking how he felt but he jolted by the thunderous apuse as though he was caught stealing chocte and ran away to his father leaving Arna dumbfounded without knowing whether he kissed her or poked her.


    Arsh had turned to his parents who were sitting together holding their hands tight, he smiled when his mother smiled at him while the couple kissed so the duo didn''t notice two little frame hugging.


    Eva was celebrating and she was cent percent assured that Ivan will definitely like the shameless Snow looking at him burying his face on his father''s shoulder.

 Chapter 468: Alan Morgan is a murderer

    Chapter 468: n Morgan is a murderer


    After the wedding ceremony, all guests were moved from the wedding hall to another big hall where lunch and reception were arranged.


    As an elder daughter-inw and the next matron of the Morgan mansion, Aria had to meet and greet some so n tagged along letting the little ones be with the other two couples even though Arna stubbornly wanted to go to all show her charm. Whereas Arsh was disinterested in the crowd so he sat elegantly on the best man chair after knowing he doesn''t have to meet others.


    This time, Morgan couples didn''t turn down the existence of little munchkins in their life and even revealed they were three years already. But of course, they didn''t fulfill anybody''s requests to meet them or take their pictures.


    Willingly or unwillingly, guests had to be considerate to two Presidents and think they were trying to save the childhood days of their babies away from the unnecessary media attention and hype.


    There were some fun games and activities to let the crowd enjoy. After the first dance by the bride and groom, Finn fulfilled Arna''s request to dance with her carrying the little princesspletely ignoring Rose''s presence.


    The Fourie was on the dance floor too with their spouses. n asked, noticing Aria''s gaze on Rose in mncholy. "She loves Finn?"


    Aria shrugged, "I think yes but she turned down. Manager Rn wooing her but she doesn''t care and turns down his tries every time. She is 25. It''s nearly eight years, she is all alone."


    n caressed her head but didn''tment. Each has to live their own life, each other''s difficulties are different but not a cakewalk.


    For the guests and friends, n and Aria were enjoying but their whole thoughts were running and thinking what Edgar is nning and what he is going to do.


    When it was time to toast for the groom and bride, Aria looked at the two and pouted, "I want little cutesie Beauty. My drink is for my little Beauty."


    Eva and Noah high fived looking at Rian''s lips twitch who had expected sweet lines.


    All looked at n who was standing next to Aria and waited, "Our babies want a little one to y with. This is for your baby."


    Rian finally burst out, "Are you guys really my family? Ugh, wish us first." Roxy chuckled next to him.


    n sat down when Aria winked at the other two and said in unison, "We wish you a healthy chubby baby soon."


    Rian: "..."


    He gave up and went to his parents and Curtis who again wished them for the baby leaving him bbergasted.


    It was at the end, Aria tossed him the keys of a vi he loved, "It''s yours."


    The grim face brightened to a thousand volts for finally getting the vi that was at the ridge of the ocean. "My little devil is the best."


    n watched his little brother over the moon squeezing his wife excitedly. Time ticked for a few seconds before he pulled her to him and said, "Your wife is right there."


    Everyone: "..."


    Aria giggled standing in her husband''s arms before bidding the newly wedding couple to their honeymoon in the vi where Rian always wanted to go.


    All guests were left and the bride and groom also went to the airport under the security but there was no negative news that hit their ears yet.


    Finn, who was carrying tired Snow, spoke as the Morgan parents and Curtis took the car after Lucas Cooper left with Scarlett Cooper. "What''s the n? Shall I take babies to my family mansi.."


    ''Screech.'' A loud screech of tires grabbed everyone''s attention to the entrance of the hotel where the Maybach halted and a van pushed somebody down to the road and sped fast.


    Aria instinctively ran faster than while others were still in the thought. "Momma" Arsh tried to run but Levi scooped him up because Finn and Levi''s position clearly caught the dead body on the road.


    n who ran behind Aria caught up with her and saw what they never even gave a thought to it.


    The millions of things ran in the duo minds, they could already feel the person was dead without getting near and turned to Maybach where Amelia was hell frightened by the sight making it hard for her breathe.


    Rowan was shocked but he wasposed. The driver was emotionless while Curtis patted Amelia''s back with a straight face as he rolled down the window and uttered a single word, "Aria!"


    Before n could react, Aria grabbed the mobile from n''s pockets and ran to the road between cars pressing the Bluetooth button at her ear.


    n knew why Curtis asked Aria but he wasn''t ready to leave her alone especially if the n was to separate them. Curtis coldly ordered before n could take a step behind Aria, "You are staying right here."


    Finn who watched it knew the whole reason but he also didn''t like Aria going alone, he was passing Snow to Levi and thetter wanted to pass Arsh to him to go with Aria.


    Finn who saw Snow tearing up thinking he was leaving her for her mother who carelessly went to the road, embraced her back and carried Nemo who stated, "I want to go." Anyhow Arsh clearly knew there was a problem and they would never put them in danger.


    In a blink of an eye, Levi soon disappeared while Nathan handled the situation caused at the entrance. Dustin quickly called for Harold''s team for military security for the little ones if they are in danger.


    n stood emotionlessly watching the body, grounding his teeth while all he wanted to do was go behind Aria to keep her safe despite knowing she could handle things alone.


    The videos, pictures of weddings quickly surfaced with new ones where Morgan''s Maybach and n''s emotionless face trended with a heated discussion about the dead person.


    The police and ambnce soon reached the spot for examination, statement of investigation. Initial Investigation created news headlines all social media, [n Morgan is a murderer.]


    [Why did President Morgan Kill a nobody?]


    [Mystery behind the Murder.]


    [What could be the motive?]


    [Who revealed the real face of President Morgan?]


    [Are Presidents in this together?]


    .


    .

 Chapter 469: A big disaster

    Chapter 469: A big disaster


    On the other end, Aria, who skipped over the road divider looking at the van, didn''t stop and ran straight. Due to one way routes, it was of no use to take a cab, she nned and calcted the distance and speed after removing her heels.


    Her speed increased without daring to stop, proving n''s innocence was only left in her. Whether her legs bristled or people spoke about her or if she was going to be in danger, nothing was important to her.


    She entered an alleyway and ran towards the nextne main road guessing the van would reach there. To her surprise, the van had taken an alleyway thinking somebody would follow them, and ended up in front of her.


    Aria''s lips tugged before removing the handgun from her waist and pointing at the head of the driver. Except for n, none had noticed when she stole the handgun from Finn who had asked to get in case of emergency.


    The three men inside seemed to be taking her lightly so Aria unlocked the magazine lock and pulled the slider. She didn''t have time to y, "I know, you don''t know" game with them soAria saw a hanging pot on the third floor above the van which she shot decisively.


    ''Thud'' flower pot broke on the car causing the men to take reverse.


    Aria hated this part of Tom and jerry. She noticed a few pieces of building material aside and quickly grabbed and threw with the right force that could break the ss at the driver''s ss.


    Due to the cut edge of the iron, it pierced the ss shield making them realize her strength shouldn''t be underestimated.


    Three men gulped and saw her getting near but didn''t dare to go reverse looking at her dark face, piercing gaze thrusting for the blood. They clearly read her face that she wouldn''t think twice before killing them so they crawled out of the car thinking to surrender.


    "President Cooper, we didn''t kill anybody, we just passed the body here. Don''t do anything to us." A man who was in thete twenties stuttered looking at her close the distance without fear of them.


    Others were trying to sneak away from behind and the man trembled by the sudden thought of hitting her and running away. As soon as Aria went to his reach he pushed his fist to punch her face.


    However, "Ahhh" He screamed the next seconds when she tossed the handgun and held the nozzle side before smashing the hard metal handle on his head with all her force bleeding his head right away.


    Touching n was the same as having a death wish for her. She would go to any extent to protect him. Aria pushed the man aside and was ready to catch the other two, Levi who reached them climbed on top of the car grabbing the broken pot pieces that were on it.


    He slid down, throwing on the head of the man who was holding a mobile at his ear while the other one fell on his face in fear however Levi crashed the broken pot piece on his leg and pestle it on his foot making him cry in pain.


    The whole alleyway was dreaded with the cries with a bloodthirstiness in the air. Aria saw Levi taking care of the phone call and she pressed the handgun point at the throat of the man who was frightened to see her murderous gaze.


    Aria''s voice was cold and emotionless carrying no life in it, "I will give you only one chance. Trust me, I will pull the trigger if I hear a single word of nonsense."


    Even if she hadn''t uttered it, that man already could feel that. He clearly knew she could live on killing him when they idiotically took the alleyway where no one walks or sets a camera.


    Before her question, he revealed, "I- I was ordered by an assistant of the president. H-He knows the name." He pointed at the man who was struggling to walk.


    Aria pressed his throat harder and turned to Levi who had dragged a man and threw to the van trunk like a bag of junk, "Edgar Daves''s assistant Parry." Levi''s grave tone sounded before he went to throw the other man to the truck.


    Aria lifted her handgun and saw the man voluntarily going to sit in the trunk to save his life. She heard police car sirens causing her to tighten the grip on the handgun. She knew what would happen next, n would be interrogated for a murder he didn''t even do.


    Aria who started to join the dots analyzed the n wasn''t just targeting n but to leave her alone and hurt both the business. While she runs behind saving n, he could hit the business.


    ''Was it just that?'' Aria knew there is more she needs to dig deeper but currently, she needs to get n out of being a suspect.


    Aria took the driver''s seat dialing a number. The call was answered immediately and uttered, [Aria] It was pleasant carrying a worrisome.


    "Where is he?"


    [His office.]


    Aria hung up the call without a word knowing he wouldn''t mind and stepped on the elerator instructing Levi, "I want Skyline security team in front of Daves International."


    "Right away." But he arranged double than what they even needed.


    Were they expecting she would take days and weeks to bring n out of police interrogation? She will show what a woman could do and how a wife could break bones for touching her husband.


    She was going to serve an open warning to the ones who even think of touching her family. She didn''t care even if she got a bad image, it''s now or never.


    Due to the other end of the city, it took her forty minutes to reach Daves international where Skyline and private sentry were in the car waiting for her orders.


    Aria, who stepped out, saw Xin and Xoan approaching her. Xin was unfazed while Xoan gulped looking at the fierce look of the little girl. Xoan couldn''t help admiring the furious beauty who was walking barefooted in her ck jumpsuit where the dressyer was pping in the air like the cape of a superhero.


    "Why are you two here?"


    Xin passed her the tab that was ready to unlock the gates which she hadn''t actually required for her, "You two don''t get mingled with these. Leave."


    Still, Xin walked next to her as Xoan followed them like an abandoned puppy, "What are you going to do?"


    "Something nobody couldn''t even think of doing it." Aria''s tone was filled with anger and darkness which the duo men never thought she could possess.


    Levi knew Edgar Daves was in a big disaster.

 Chapter 470: Family drama

    Chapter 470: Family drama


    Aria didn''t bother about telling Xin and Xoan to leave again and entered the Daves International. Edgar Daves and Xoan West were acquainted and the Daves security personnel knew Aria Cooper and Levi so they didn''t stop and voluntarily opened the entry gates.


    While going to the elevator in utter silence Levi noticed the disy of Daves shoes and essories. He went to the ss and kicked, breaking it in a go. Grabbing the boots without caring about the size he returned back to Aria who broke the security code of the CEO designated elevator.


    "President Cooper, wear this."


    Xoan muttered, "They look bigger than her." and immediately shut his mouth when Xin red at him.


    Aria wore them in the elevator ignoring her pricking burning and bleeding feet. "Inform the team to be prepared to buy the shares and acquire the Daves International so soon as possible."


    Xoan watched the President and Vice President work till they reached the forty-fifth, highest floor of the building.


    As usual, Levi shoved the man away who tried to stop Aria. But Aria paused at the door hearing the voiceing from inside when she creaked open the door. "I want him to rot in prison... Hahaha a stone to kill the three birds, this is amazing... Yes, buy as many shares as possible with the funds. We can anyway earn it back... I am enough to tame her... Do you think a military family will help? They would never taint themselves... ..."


    Aria was stone for nearly five minutes until the call hung up while the men behind her too heard it. Aria, Xin, and Levi were thinking about the same question, ''Who are three birds?'' n Morgan, Aria Cooper, who is another one? One who died? But why is that person a target, what is the rtionship between that person and Daves?


    Aria turned to Levi and whispered a few instructions to be ryed to their team to carry out quickly. For some reason, Aria had a strong intuition that the person who Daves killed was the main reason Edgar dared to frame n. He didn''t dare to frame her because he knew well n would destroy the Daves family andpany without thinking if he finds a clue against Daves.


    Aria also knew Edgar thought she would be crying her eyes out running to the police station because most of the men thought women are weak and needed the man to protect her and she wasn''t capable of protecting herself or her man. Edgar is yet to realize she wasn''t just brains in business but more ruthless than what he could think of.


    She entered inside followed by three men who were the only audience at the movement.


    "Speak the deal" Aria uttered straight, shocking the happily working President Daves. Xoan furrowed his brows while Levi and Xin stood like a lifeless rock.


    Edgar saw the group of four and rested his eyes on Aria whose furiousness didn''t hide her unbelievable wlessness and elegance. He started flirting, "President Cooper, seventeen or twenty-seven, you still look sexy."


    Xoan peeked at Xin who smirked. Xoan was d he wasn''t the one to get beaten up this time. While Aria was trying to get back her strength, the couple frequently visited a sports club. Xin and Xoan had witnessed her grow strong each week.


    It was harder to match with her speed than the strength so Xoan was sure provoking Aria is asking for death and she was merciless.


    Edgar didn''t realize the tension created in the room and greeted, "President West, what a surprise!"


    Xoan West sniggered and his usual cool look was back gazing at Edgar as though he was a disgusting piece of trash, "Tsk President Daves, I had thought you were a smart man."


    Edgar''s face turned serious and looked back at Aria''s face instead of her clothes or body. As soon as he met her eyes, he realized something''s off. ''Why is she here? Where is n? She should be running around to release n Morgan, right?''


    Aria''s fingers drummed on the desk, "Sexy!? President Daves, it''s a pity that I wouldn''t look sexy in your eyes anymore."


    "Huh?" A confused word left out of his lips without understanding what she actually meant.


    Aria flicked her fingers and Levi grunted, "Enter"


    After themand, The three men in Skyline uniform brought a young man in the early twenties and Chairman Daves inside the room causing Edgar to squint his eyes trying to analyze what was happening.


    Chairman Daves, Edgar''s father looked at Aria and realized why he was brought to the office forcefully. "President Cooper, what is the meaning of this?"


    Aria pulled a chair and sat looking at Chairman Daves, "Let me start like an elegant woman. Would like to speak everything out or prefer the hard way?"


    The father and son looked at each other without knowing what she got to know that made her so confident. Whatever they did till now was sneaky and framing other people rubbing off all the traces. They were stillposed and didn''t reveal a thing and Chairman Daves spoke, "Aria Cooper, How dare you act recklessly? This is not your office."


    Aria smiled a beautiful smile that didn''t reach her eyes. Xoan gulped, failing to look away. Initially, he had loved the little girl without looking at the face. After knowing it is Aria, he had expected to move on but this woman stubbornly sat in his mind without letting him off.


    Chairman Daves, an experienced businessman, urately knew her smile was a facade before she brings the storm in their life.


    Aria''s sweet voice sounded, "President Daves, will you please turn on the television and tune to the news channel."


    Edgar quickly grabbed the remote thinking how could she change the news standing there when all were throwing dirt on n.


    Levi, who had sent a message as soon as Chairman Daves failed to oblige her question, uttered, "Work done." Xin and Xoan knew what they did because they had heard Aria n out in the elevator.


    On the new channel, <em>[Breaking News: Illegitimate son of Chairman Daves is a driver of the father.]</em>


    The man''s jaw dropped who entered with Chairman Daves while the Chairman and President Daves red at Aria. Matter of fact, even the man didn''t know he was an illegitimate child and had assumed he was being looked after by Daves after finding him on the road.


    "Chairman Daves, am I your son?" He asked frantically demanding a response.


    Aria''s cold voice sounded after him, "Get off my way Mr.Daves. I am not here for your family drama."


    Her words seemed to offend the man who turned to her in anger, "President Cooper, do you even know how it would feel to know I worked as a ve in my own parent''s house? So shut your mouth and stay aside."

 Chapter 471: Kite Parker

    Chapter 471: Kite Parker


    <em>''Shut your mouth and stay aside.''</em> Aria smirked, repeating it in her mind.


    She felt the audacity and half wittedness are in the blood of the Daves family. She had no mood to think in anybody''s shoes when n was being interrogated, "Mr. Daves, shouldn''t you be d and thankful to me for revealing your real identity? I guess some need a harder way."


    Her n wasn''t to get physical but she had no time to sit and debate, she rose to her feet and spun.


    <em>''Thud.''</em>


    That man hadn''t expected thating. Aria spun and gave a perfect roundhouse kick throwing him to the floor before she sat back in poise, "If you can''t be thankful, you need to mind your words, Mr. Daves."


    Her hand waved at the man who held his jaw holding in his piercing pain while tears rolled down looking at Aria. "Bug off Mr. Daves. I am not in a good mood."


    The room fell silent while all the men looked at her with various emotions. Aria took a deep breath and fingers started drumming on the table, "President Daves, who are three birds? Why did you kill her?"


    "I didn''t kill anybody." Edgar immediately retorted as his hands moved to grab the mobile to call for security. However, Aria stretched her hand and pushed his mobile to Edgar giving him a shock.


    "Call, your security? Police? Your low-ss gang? Go ahead. I will give you 5 minutes. Then I will see how you will tame me."


    Edgar didn''t dare to touch mobile even though the mobile was right in front of him.


    Levi, who was clutching him mobile, desperately wanted the required message to reach before Ariapletely loses her cool. He wanted the disaster to end before it could even start. He hoped things end in civil instead of getting physical.


    Aria flicked her fingers after a minute and Levi sent a mail to various mediapanies. Xoan behaved dumb and deaf because he had secretly sent a message to his mediapany to publish all the information received by Levi and verification wasn''t required.


    Hence the Finn and Xoan''s news media headlines had negative headlines on Daves and tried to justify n wasn''t a murderer but used wrongly as being a target of ugly fish.


    Simrly, many mediapanies who had the investments of Morgans and Skyline didn''t dare to go against n or Aria afraid of being shut down inter days if nes out innocent.


    The aim of Edgar Daves to ruin the reputation of Morgan and Skyline were reced with Daves. In less than five minutes, the headline of Illegitimate son, video of Edgar abusing his half brother, news of Chairman Daves had affair with a servant and the result was the illegitimate son and also the spections that Chairman Daves might have silenced his servant in the hospital started spreading out like a wildfire while all Edgar did was frantically order his PR department to control.


    Numerousizens and the couple fans started to analyze the situation and try to link n''s situation with Daves else why would anybody target Daves International out of the blue.


    In the sea of news, n''s news would drown soon but it wasn''t the target.


    In the sixth minute, Levi spoke, "President Cooper, work is done."


    Edgar and Chairman Daves already saw the power of the woman who was sitting holding her boiling anger. They were also sure the Daves international shares would reach rock bottom and Morgan and Skyline would use the situation to end them.


    As soon as Aria heard Levi''s voice and the two men didn''t utter a word, Aria stood up and strode to Edgar Daves who unknowingly took a step behind in fear feeling the murderous air around Aria.


    Aria was in no mood for games. It had been forty minutes since n was in interrogation. ording to her, she was incapable because she failed to resolve in ten minutes that ended him up entering the police station.


    She clutched his hair and pulled him down, throwing him under her feet. Her strength and force of movement were too much to handle for Edgar; he failed to control his body. He wanted to roll aside but a boot ced at his neck and Aria started paddling to choke him.


    "Aria" Xin uttered when her force was too much that could choke him to death but Aria gave enough time to catch him breath and pressed again.


    Levi already knew Aria was trained and she knows to torture just like how he used to torture the criminals to get the truth out. So his reaction was calm as a cidke.


    Xoan squeezed his eyes shut trying to digest the gentlest-looking girl he had ever seen and the toughest girl he hade across had the capability to handle the double weight and tall man under her feet.


    Edgar''s stepbrother was too scared to utter a word so he huddled in the corner regretting his frivolousness in front of the woman.


    Edgar felt his throat burn and crush under her feet. He started seeing the star when he was losing breath but his lung would blow up as soon as she left. He tried to hold her leg to push her away but her hands held his hand, leaving him no chance to hurt her back.


    This time Aria didn''t ask and red at Chairman Daves whose eyes had bulged out looking at the scene in front of him. <em>''Didn''t everyone say Morgan''s daughter-inw is just an elegant woman with brains? How could she be so strong?''</em> He had expected the men to beat his sons to get the news out but the slender woman was dominating them whether it''s her presence or the vibe she gave out.


    Aria, who had thought Chairman Daves would speak the truth for his son, snorted and kicked Edgar Daves away from her feet to let him catch his breath.


    Xoan shuddered by looking at Chairman Daves who still stood silent when Aria tortured his son for five whole minutes. Even though his father was a stern man, Xoan knew his father would do anything to keep him safe unlike the father Daves.


    Aria pressed down her frustration and handed water to Edgar who coughed, drank water, and repeated a few times before ring at his father. Just like others, even Edgar didn''t expect his father''s behavior.


    Aria didn''t ask a question again and Edgar blurted out, "Kite Parker is my step sister."

 Chapter 472: Provoked his wife

    Chapter 472: Provoked his wife


    <em>''Kite Parker is my step sister.''</em> Edgar''s first line left Aria''s whole state of mind as messy as hell. Her eyesnded on Chairman Daves who didn''t dare to look at her darting his eyes around.


    She realized there are a lot of hidden things that they haven''t solved yet because Saira wasn''t directly in contact with Terrence Morse but Chairman Hays and Chairman Hays is the hidden yer who watched everything.


    Xin or Xoan had no idea who Kite Parker was so they watched Aria trying to solve her thoughts. Levi was proud of Aria because she had instructed to send DNA samples of Chairman Daves and Kite Parker for the test when she heard Edgar Daves talking about three birds.


    Due to ack of assurance in it, she hadn''t believed it. However, the confirmation left her thoughts jumbled for a few seconds before she grabbed the situation, "Edgar Daves, who killed Saira Hayek?"


    Yes, the one whose body pushed off the car was Saira Hayek. n was a suspect because Saira was being treated in the Psychiatric hospital under n''s instruction.


    Without n''s permission, Saira wasn''t allowed to leave the hospital. While Aria and n''s team were trying to find the proof of n''s innocence, Aria wanted the criminal to ept without troubling n inter days.


    Edgar didn''t want his father to suffer at this age so he didn''t tell the truth, he gnashed his teeth and lied, "I don''t know."


    Aria grunted as she grabbed a pen from desk, "Levi!"


    Edgar who thought it was the end of the torture widened his eyes in disbelief, he was so scared to breathe that he didn''t dare to tremble or disturb Aria when the pen point was right on his eye ball as close as possible.


    On the other end, Levi lowered the head of the chairman Daves and locked his hand behind him twisting it giving him pain that could be unbearable for his age.


    Aria said through her teeth, "Let me see who loves whom."


    However the response didn''te from any of the two. The trembling man in the corner stuttered, scared Aria might really hurt his stepbrother and father.


    He cried out in fear, "I-I will tell, I-I will tell Let them go Please, I will tell you everything."


    Aria scoffed, "He wants to save you two despite knowing he was treated like a piece of trash." She stood up and kicked Edgar away and Levi too left the groaning man who hadn''t uttered a word.


    Daves didn''t notice Xin starting video recording when Aria asked the man to sit on the chair before speaking without letting him look at Edgar or his father who might try to scare him.


    "Y-Yesterday A woman had called Chairman Daves asking him to take her out of hospital. I-I had gone to give a ss of milk to Chairman Daves when I heard him talk"


    The previous day, as soon as Saira Hayek got her senses back and she remembered everything, the first thing she did was to contact Chairman Daves thinking he would definitely save her from n without knowing Aria would have sent her to the Parker family without any punishments as soon as she recovered.


    Chairman Daves who had thought Saira Hayek could help him get the Skyline was disappointed in her. Since she was of no use for him and the chances of revealing Kite''s biological father increased, he lurked her out of the hospital by saying n would send her to prison and he is waiting for her to get to her senses.


    Blindly believing his words, Saira had smacked the security with a chair in the middle of the night and escaped from the hospital. As she was guided, she had run over a mile to a secluded area where a few men were waiting for her with Chairman Daves.


    Anyhow her life was only fated to be for a few hours before Chairman Daves ordered to silence her permanently. Edgar got to know about Saira when Chairman Daves wanted to bury her and erase all the traces. He long back knew Kite was his stepsister so he wasn''t surprised or shocked. He wanted to use this chance to frame n and trouble Aria.


    Even though Chairman Daves objected to the idea of his son, he was sold out by the thought of more wealth and power hence he agreed to his greed.


    Everything was in ce, they were celebrating and were prepared to hunt the Skyline and Morgan Industries but they could get to take a step ahead.


    ---


    Xin uttered regarding the recording, "Got it."


    Levi: "President Cooper, Tasks are done."


    Aria who was clutching thedesk corner left it and ordered, "Sue the hospital for carelessness."


    Levi took his mobile out to instruct Skyline''s legal team to start the process to sue the hospital as the Morgan Industries team is working on n''s case.


    When Aria''s team found evidence to prove n was in Morgan mansion and in the hotel, n''s team was sessful in gathering proof of Saira calling Chairman Daves, and she escaped after it and found dead.


    Aria turned to the illegitimate son of the Daves family, "Would you like to see your stepbrother and father die or live in prison?"


    He watched Aria clutching the pen back and uttered repeatedly thinking she will really kill them right in front of his eyes. "P-Prison Prison Live in p-prison."


    She signaled him to follow them and turned to two men who were left helpless and Edgar said through his teeth, "You son of a b*tch, you want a throne and you think she will let you enjoy the luxury." He wanted his stepbrother to back off in fear.


    However, Aria tilted her head and smirked, "Mr. Davis, I can give you a throne, let you manage thepany."


    None of the men understood why she was suddenly being sweet but her voice carried traces of cunningness.


    Aria saw his widened eyes, forgetting he was extremely frightened a second back, "Really?"


    Aria nodded, "Remove your leather belt, beat them on the road till you guys reach the police station by walking Don''t worry, theplete Skyline guards will protect you. Deal?"


    "Pfft" Xoan controlled but burst into rabidughter imagining the scene. The men in ck in two rows forming a human barricade while a lean man beating his own father and stepbrother for power and money.


    The little girl is savage!


    There was a flicker of doubt in Levi and Xin which vanished when he stood up and unbuckled his belt.


    Aria asked before he could start beating, "What will you answer if the media asks why you are beating them?"


    The man thought for a few seconds and asked back like a lost child, "What should I answer?"


    Aria uttered each word clear as crystal, "Because they dared to target n Morgan and provoked his WIFE." She paused and asked, "Repeat."


    The man repeated promptly like an obedient student of her, "They dared to target President Morgan and provoked his WIFE."


    Just like that, Aria ruined theplete reputation of Daves in all types of media and she left to the police station in the car where the evidence and advocates would soon reach.

 Chapter 473: Criminal

    Chapter 473: Criminal


    In the police station,


    After sending the body for autopsy in an ambnce, n was requested to go to the police station to report the entire scene after he verified the body belonged to Saira Hayek, daughter-inw of the Parker family.


    The Parker family members were still on the way home from the wedding when they got the call from cops to reach the police station.


    The Morgan parents were sent to the Morgan mansion, Finn took Arsh and Arna to Stanely vi, Rian and Roxy were kept in the dark.


    The friends knew they should let them solve instead of meddling so all waited to know what will be uncovered by the sudden unforeseen events.


    As soon as the Parker family reached, they saw n sitting opposite to the Captain in poise without any expression.


    Kite who had cried all the way was held by Calvin while his wife carried a baby boy going behind Abel who didn''t know how to react and Elder Parker who was weak supporting himself with a cane.


    The basic questions were asked without going to the interrogation room, "Mr.Parker, when did your wife go missing and why didn''t you report it to us?"


    Abel nced at n with mixed emotions, "n Morgan had taken her and we were informed as she was in the hospital for treatment for three years." He just knew that, and he was furious at her, so he hadn''t cared to know about her.


    Calvin spoke after him, "Mother was in Houston Psychiatric hospital, her mental condition wasn''t stable and we had met her justst month."


    Kite vouched for that in a sobbing tone, "I had gone with my brother."


    The cops asked to know why n was the one who admitted her to the hospital and her husband had no idea about the things, "Why did President Morgan take initiative?" He doubted if Abel and Saira were on bad terms and he is hiding his innocence.


    Calvin quickly briefed about whatever his mother did for Skyline, and the cop came to a conclusion as, "So President Morgan and President Copper have the motive to kill her."


    However, Abel scoffed, "They get nothing by killing her. Calvin is my son."


    The cops twisted his response, "So you are mingled with President Cooper to revenge on your wife just by thinking she had contact with another man."


    n looked uninterested the whole time letting them assume whatever they wanted because each cop over there thought multiple times to speak to him while a Captain was purposefully pushing the me on him and dared to pull his wife''s name.


    Abel was pissed off, "Tsk, why will I dirty my hands? It must be her hidden lover."


    Anyhow the cop asked for a DNA test report for Calvin and Abel stating Saira might have found proof to prove Calvin as Oliver Cooper''s son and n and Aria killed her to bury the newspletely ignoring why would n push the body in the middle of the road if he is really the one who killed.


    The cops sent Abel and n to different interrogation rooms asking the family to wait outside. Another cop tried to reach Aria to call her for an investigation but no calls were answered.


    In interrogation room 1,


    n crossed his legs and sat on the wooden chair like a king who owns the ce while the one who was going to the room scratched his head, "President Morgan."


    n saw Jake Davis entering inside and sitting opposite to him without having any ns to brainstorm to get the truth out of n.


    "Jake Davis," n uttered and got the whole attention of Jake who had met and seen n a few times at Zara and Ceon''s wedding.


    n continued, "You had wooed my wife in school, didn''t you?"


    Jake: "..."


    Jake had really thought n doesn''t remember a thing from school ignoring it without knowing n never forgets the one who pesters Aria and not to mention he was wooing her.


    Jake coughed lightly and asked about the case, "President Morgan, do you suspect anybody who might have targeted you?"


    n hadn''t even responded, the captain who was under Jake entered inside with a look of displeasure, "Deputy Chief Davis, he is a prime suspect and we are investigating, you should give the same treatment as we treat others."


    Then he red at n and hissed, "Everyone is the same under thew."


    However, Jake''s lips twitched, "And you forgot how to treat your senior officer. Take your a** out and get me a real proof for your actions."


    n was amused at the control Jake had looking at the captain quickly bow and scurry away. He answered his question, "Why to waste resources! Prepare a team to verify the proof my wife brings."


    Jake: "..."


    He nodded, he didn''t know if n could really kill somebody or not but he was assured that Aria wouldn''t let him be police station for long.


    Asking question is as useless as taking a bucket of water from the sea to dry it.


    He chose to save both of their energy and left the room asking n if he needed something.


    The chief, deputy chief had thought they might get irritated from calls of higher officials but they got none. Jake was surprised too for not getting a single call from family or friends to ask him to treat n better.


    However, Abel was being tortured for his rash response by the captain who wanted to hear n might have killed Saira.


    ---


    At Finn''s end, he failed to coax Arsh who uttered the same thing repeatedly, <em>''I want to meet Dad. I want to see momma.''</em>


    Finn tried to coax him as he will send them to Morgan mansion and Arsh started crying which prompted Arna to cry trying her best to calm his brother.


    Helpless, Finn spoke to Curtis Morgan who surprised Finn saying <em>''Take them to n''</em> knowing Aria would definitely reach there. Under tight protection, Finn had to take Arna and Arsh who sobbed all the way to the police station.


    Finn asked Arsh knowing Arsh was rather too mature for his age to behave that way, "You don''t really cry, why did you cry this time?"


    Snow who was on Finn''sp got from him and took the mobile from Arsh''s pocket, "Dad''s mobile is with Brother Nemo."


    Finn saw Snow unlock the mobile with Arsh''s finger and discerned only Arsh had ess to n''s mobile other than Aria.


    Finn saw an open webpage that had an article stating the chances of ''n Morgan killing Saira Hayek.''


    Finn was surprised to know Aria and n let Arsh use mobile normally without parental guidance or kids mode while the little Arna had permission to use mobile or any electronic gadgets on kids mode only.


    Snow returned to Finn''sp and hugged him thinking he was sad.


    Arsh announced seriously, "Dad isn''t a fool to dump a dead person on the road. Momma will punish the..."


    "Murderer?" Finnpleted thinking that was the word he was searching but Arsh shook his head, "Criminal. He didn''t only kill but also framed my dad and we are not allowed to use the strong offensive words in front of Snow, Uncle Finn."


    Finn: "..."


    He realized why Arsh stopped withoutpeting. ''Like parents, like babies.

 Chapter 474: Mastermind

    Chapter 474: Mastermind


    At the Police station,


    Finn entered with little ones with a military officer and bodyguardspletely avoiding the media who were bombarding outside to know about the case improvement.


    Finn ignored their questions and carried Arna burying her face on him away from the media. Arsh wanted to walk but obediently heard Finn and let Dustin carry him inside the police station.


    Since the Stanley family had a powerful military reputation and the military officer apanied Finn, none dared to stop them until they reached Jake Davis''s office.


    The military officer submitted a letter that clearly stated n had a military rank and he wasn''t allowed to be detained by the local cops. Jake was surprised by the news and heard the officer, "This identity should be under wraps, Deputy chief Davis."


    Jake asked in curiosity looking at Finn, "Brother Finn, how is it possible?"


    One to respond to him was Arna, "Momma and Dad helped the military so. We want to see Dad now." Her order in baby voice sounded sweeter than serious.


    Just then the door pushed open and heard a demand, "Where is n?" They saw Aria and a row of advocates, Levi, and Nathan bringing the files and proofs.


    Arsh who was standing on the floor rushed to Aria, "Momma"


    Aria''s anger faded away looking at Arna and Arsh. Her coldness lowered kneeling to hug Arsh who had tear stains, "Why are you two here? Why did my babies cry?"


    Arsh held her tight before facing her, "Momma, are you hurt?"


    All silently watched the mother and son, while Nathan spread out the proofs on the table. Aria was confused hearing him but she didn''t answer, "Be with Uncle Finn, I want to see Dad. Then we will leave from here."


    Jake spoke hearing,<em> ''Dad''</em>, "Take right, dead-end left side first room." He would have sent somebody to call him, however, he answered her question.


    Aria was ready to leave, Arna called, "Momma, you forgot me."


    Giving little attention to the spoiled daughter, Aria ran out saying, "Complete the procedure."


    Arna grumbled, "Why Momma didn''t take us? Did the police beat Dad like in the movies and he is badly hurt?"


    Finn chuckled hearing her while Arsh kept his finger on his lips indicating her to be silent as he stood on the chair silently watching and hearing what Nathan was exining.


    ---


    In the interrogation room,


    n was sitting on the chair covering his eyes from the light with his forearm. He knew he had no choice to do anything and had to wait until Aria goes to him. He didn''t have any doubt and knew he would be out soon. So he could only hope Aria doesn''t hurt herself in the process.


    When the door of the room opened the second time he moved his hand to see Aria running towards him. "Honey" He stood up and held her as soon as she leaped to hug.


    "Honey, I had missed this hug," n said rubbing her back knowing she was about to break down to tears.


    "n" Aria cried out tightening her arms around him without allowing him to put her down.


    She took time after a long silence, "You were right. The mastermind isn''t really Terrence Morse. He wanted to kill me and killed Dad. Daves helped him to kill Dad and he wanted Skyline. When Edgar showed interest in me, his father told him about Saira and Kite stating he and I are cousins but they don''t know my mom is Morse but not Parker."


    n patted her gently and analyzed, "So it''s Daves family." Aria nodded as she sniffled, finally letting a breath of relief.


    n slowly put her down when she rxed but as soon as her feet touched the ground, she winced in pain realizing she had bruised her feet.


    n quickly lifted her up looking at her boots and the corner of the jumpsuit dressyer dirty. "What happened?"


    Aria bit her lips ready to be scolded, he ced her on the table and wiped her cheeks ever so gently asking, "Removed your heels."


    Aria nodded as he guessed the whole story behind it. He removed her shoes to see the sole of the shoes wet in the blood. "Dummy" He said in frustration looking at the cuts, scratches, dried bloodstain on her milky white skin


    "Let''s go to the hospital." He said leaving the boots on the floor as he carried Aria out.


    Looking at him angered, Aria asked to calm him, "Did you want me to go shopping before going for a hunt?"


    "Aria Cooper, it''s a matter of five minutes." The lines on his forehead didn''t settle leaving her helpless so she just wrapped her arms around him and sulked.


    n entered the deputy chief office to see the chief of police, quickly organize things to release him. Arna was first to see them and squealed happily seeing his father fit and fine, "Dad"


    Aria unwrapped her arms and saw everyone confused looking at Aria in n''s arms. n asked, "Where do I have to sign?"


    Levi remembered Aria''s feet and left the room to get a first aid box. Arsh jumped from the chair to go near then, "Dad." Then he saw her mother''s barefoot before running to check, "Momma, you are hurt." He said worriedly holding her ankle


    Arna who forced Finn to put her down, touched her leg causing Aria to retract them, "Babies, don''t touch, please..."


    n let her sit and quickly signed on the papers while the little ones started tearing up looking at the blood. Finn bopped Aria''s head for hurting herself before carrying Arna, "Snow, Momma will be more worried if you cry."


    "Oh," Arna stopped crying wrapping her arms around his neck without bearing to look at Aria.


    "Momma, I don''t know how to do First Aid." Arsh said without daring to look away from her feet, "Is it paining a lot?"


    n again was ready to carry her, Arsh spoke, "Dad, first aid."


    Levi who reached extended his hand at n holding the kit, thetter saw Arsh on the verge of tears in Aria''sp, "You want to learn?" n asked seriously.


    Everyone: "..."


    ''He is just three.'' All had the same thought.


    However, Arsh nodded vigorously and got off from herp. Aria speechlessly looked at father and son seriously checking her wound transforming the cop''s room into a clinic.


    Advocates left, the military man whispered something in Finn''s ear and left taking a copy that stated n innocent. The chief of police and deputy chief went out to release a statement as ''n Morgan is innocent and the criminal will be caught soon.''


    They didn''t know Nathan and Levi had proof against Daves waiting for two men to reach the station.


    Aria didn''t let her son touch her feet and n neatly wrapped her whole feet in the bandage.<em> ''Why does it look like my feet are totally damaged?''</em> She thought herself looking at Arsh who pointed every nook and cranny for his father toyer the medical gauze.


    <em>''I think nobody will get these masterpieces other than me.''</em> Aria thought, affectionately looking at her son and husband. <em>''Ahh, they are so cute.''</em>

 Chapter 475: Mission Finn-Rose

    Chapter 475: Mission Finn-Rose


    After making sure Aria''s wounds are safe from dry air, n quickly washed his hands and scooped her into his arms. "Let''s go."


    But Arsh returned to Finn who was chuckling with Arna, "Momma, Snow and I will stay with Uncle Finn."


    Finn was surprised to hear Arsh who wanted to stay with him leaving his mother.<em> ''Time to celebrate.''</em> Finn thought.


    Snow cheered loudly "Yaay!" and announced, "We will go to Darling''s vi. He has building blocks. I want to build a castle."


    Aria opened her lips then shut, she repeated twice before she chided, "Finn Stanely, I sometimes doubt Snow as your daughter. Stop spoiling her."


    Finn and Snow high fived causing Aria to sigh but the little man spoke, "No Momma, you need Dad, if we are there, you will run behind us and your wound will not heal."


    Finn: "..."


    Finn''s tiny happy bubble burst out understanding Arsh was still the most obedient and caring son of Aria.


    Aria chuckled heartily giving flying kisses to her son. n inly spoke, "Finn alone won''t be able to handle two. Send Rose to his vi."


    Aria and Finn: "..."


    Arna''s eyes sparkled like a sea of stars and raised her eyebrows at her father. She knew well her father wouldn''t care about anybody and especially when ites to a man and woman. n faintly nodded at her and brought a mischievous smile on her face.


    She first imagined Rose and Finn together and said excitedly, "Haa, Aunty Rose will cook for us and we will y. Shall we pick her from the apartment? Huh? Darling Finn, speak." She cupped his face and shook to get the response.


    Finn saw her brightly lit little face and nced at Aria''s nonchnce to the topic so he could only ept thinking little ones will trouble Aria and her foot might take time to recover. "Alright."


    Levi spoke after him, "President Cooper, I will handle here once the father and son reach, please go and rest."


    Aria turned to Finn but Dustin spoke knowing her worry, "President Cooper, I have arranged to get the car behind, babies will exit safely."


    The Finn continued, "Don''t break your husband''s arms, go, go. I will pick Rose."


    Nathan just bowed his head to n when he turned to him, so the couple left. With the help of cops, n avoided the media and settled her in the back seat of Rolls Royce Phantom before going around to sit.


    Aria noticed Edgar and his father''s embarrassed and pained running towards the police station to avoid getting beaten. n asked, pulling her to his arms, "You did this?"


    Nheless, Aria pouted in extreme displeasure, "Actually I wanted to beat them on the roads." But she chose to be with n. Thetter understood why she didn''t do what she wanted. "Drive." Hemanded as he rested her legs on the seat.


    Aria quickly told the destination, "Morgan mansion." She turned to n and informed, Meet Mum, Pop, and Grandfather. Isaac will be there to meet you."


    Then she took her mobile saying, "I will text Senior Xin, he and Xoan West were with us in Daves International..."


    n watched her taking care of all the post tasks forgetting her foot pain, feeling happy for taking him out before any more damage could be caused.


    Yet, he had only one word for her, "Dummy!"


    ---


    Finn and two little kids picked Rose from her apartment, unable to say no to Arna when she used her baby charm.


    Arna didn''t get off from Finn''sp in the car so Arsh moved to the center without agreeing to sit on Rose''sp. She greeted Finn reservedly, "President Stanley."


    Finn merely hummed without bothering to look at her. Arna the chattering box, looked at them alternatively in deep thought. Matter of fact, she wanted her mother''s duplicate to be Finn''s girlfriend however she knew there can only be one Aria and it''s her mother who is a lovestruck fool for her father.


    So she has to get a soft and sweet girlfriend for her Darling Finn. She wanted a girl to shower all her love for Finn just like her mother goes behind her father.


    Even though she gets angry at her mother frequently for taking her father''s time, she was still a role model for Arna. So in the group of women she knew, only Rose was single and also innocent enough to get bullied by a little girl like her.


    Crossing her arms, she nodded to herself which Finn curiously watched, "What is my Snow dear thinking?"


    Arsh had seen her watching Rose, he nced at Rose who had a soft smile due to the little one''s presence and slight blush due to Finn. He knew what his father and sister were nning but he was not interested in meddling.


    Snow extended her hand and asked in a cute baby voice, "Ahhh, Aunty Rose, I want to hold your hand."


    Rose didn''t think anything and held the little chubby hand of Arna, "Sure."


    Arna pulled Rose''s hand to herp snuggling back to Finn to lean on him. Then she grabbed his hand without permission and held both the adults'' hands together.


    She uttered hazily, "So nice."


    Rose and Finn: "..."


    He couldn''t see Arna''s face and Rose was busy blushing looking at her hand ced in Finn''s palm so she failed to see her mischievous smile and eyes.


    Dustin who nced back realized the father and daughter''s n to set up Finn with Rose so he mentally decided to be unavable the whole weekend and thought about after the days too because he felt like n was going to spend all his time with his wife so that Arna seal the deal.


    "Little master, would you like to sit with me?" Dustin asked Arsh who quickly scurried away to his arms having no heart to sit between them.


    Dustin ced the little man on hisp securing his position by fastening his hands thinking, <em>''How could these lilliputs are so smart?''</em>


    Anyhow, Dustin messaged Aria and confirmed little ones will stay with Finn for two more days so he quickly contacted Finn''s grandfather asking him not to disturb the kids, Finn and Rose to let them be in the vi to see the development.


    Dummy Rose thought Aria''s feet condition was pretty bad so she agreed blindly. Hence Arna''s mission of bringing Finn-Rose started the same night.


    At the night,


    Sleepy Arna clutched her brother''s hand and yawned looking at Rose hoping she should snuggle to Finn''s arms in sleep while the twins left the room.


    ---


    At another end, all breathed a sigh seeing n safe and sound but concerned about Aria''s feet. Curtis had to just see n who said inplete indulgence, "Let''s forget she has limbs, she will use mine."


    Aria looked at her unscatched hands but ignored to calm Amelia who needed time to settle her thoughts. Rowan warned n to be more careful especially regarding Aria and the little ones. He probed n and Curtis to keep the little ones'' identities away from the media as long as possible.


    Of course, he didn''t mean to keep them hidden but avoid media ying with their pictures.


    n and Aria wanted Arsh''s identity low because of his unbelievable smartness. Anyhow he doubted if Arna could stay low looking at her cheerful jolly attitude.


    The next morning, all attend the funeral of Saira Hayek who died due to suffocation. The local thugs who Aria and Levi caught had the fingerprint on the body and they revealed everything causing the case to take a fast forward phase as the whole nation kept their eyes on them.


    Businesswise, Skyline, and Morgan Industries faced nothing and they hunted Daves International. As Aria had promised, she allowed the illegitimate son work but only after his rigorous training.

 Chapter 476: My little lady

    Chapter 476: My littledy


    In Finn''s vi,


    As soon as four entered the vi, Dustin scurried away as fast as he could to avoid hearing Finn ask him to stay in the guest room.


    Arsh had been to Finn''s vi so he was aware of the things, he went inside next to Finn who was carrying Arna listening to her bber like the most precious golden words.


    It was the first time for Rose so she slowly looked around the pure white decors vi which had only colors here and there to avoid making it look pale. Busy looking around, she didn''t notice Finn pause.


    Finn turned to say, <em>''Make yourselffortable.''</em> but she straight bumped to him looking at the swimming pool.


    Arna giggled and Finn controlled from furrowing his brows. Rose quickly stood back and bowed to Finn, "I am sorry, President Stanely, I was a little absent-minded." She saw Finn''s expressionless face and continued, "Your vi is beautiful." She really liked it.


    Arna excitedly asked, "Isn''t it!?" Then patted Finn and continued, "It''s My darling Finn''s taste. And"


    "Snow!" A baby voice called her from the living hall. Arna got off Finn''s arm understanding her brother was summoning her to scold.


    Finn knew the reason so he let them be and looked at Rose who already knew about the vi. He pointed to the hallway and spoke, "Go straight, take left, right side first room. Settle your things there and make yourselffortable." He said looking at her gown.


    He could say, she was glued to television right after hearing the news about Saira Hayek linking to n Morgan so she hadn''t changed.


    Rose wanted little friendliness in his voice but it was void of any possible emotions as though he was talking to the air. She nodded, "Thank you, President Stanely."


    Then she obediently walked towards the guest room without looking here and there.


    On the other end, Arsh crossed his arms looking at Arna who was smiling slyly. Because there was a huge box of toys Finn bought for her.


    Arsh couldn''t understand why she wants so many toys and why Finn gets her whatever she likes. The twins had toy rooms in the Cooper and Morgan mansion, if Aria hadn''t strictly objected, they would have had another toy room in Stanley mansion however she was helpless when it''s Finn who spoils the little brat.


    "Brother Nemo, I want to build a huge castle so it''s the only new one there." Arna tried to reason and saw her brother going and sat on the couch to watch television.


    Finn, who started prepping in the open kitchen for dinner, kept his eyes on the little ones too to make sure they don''t hurt themselves. However, he was speechless seeing news channels instead of cartoons. ording to him, his parents were ruining the childhood of Arsh without knowing it was always him who wanted to watch it unless Snow put kids'' channel.


    Finn too heard how the stepbrother of Edgar confessed and the progress of the case before the news channel shut and Arsh sat with Arna to read the instructions to build the castle.


    Finn really wanted to think they are little kids seeing them y but seeing them slowly decipher the instruction without help, he gave up on his thought. After two minutes, Arsh tugged his pants and pointed to a word, "Uncle Finn, I don''t have a tab to check the dictionary, I don''t know the meaning and pronunciation of this word."


    Finn stood on a knee and saw the word he was pointing, "Anweisung!? It means instructions in the Germannguage. The toy is imported from Germany so they have instruction in twonguages."


    He expected Arsh to nod and leave but thetter thought for a few seconds and asked, "How manynguages are there in the world?"


    Finn remembered Aria''s habit of nonstop questioning and smiled, "There are thousands ofnguages." He meant to say there are numerousnguages.


    But Arsh didn''t move an inch, "How many thousands?"


    Finn: "..." He really didn''t know that and didn''t know Arsh knew the number thousand.


    Rose who watched the duo, kneeled and turned Arsh around so that he could face two, "There are nearly 7 thousandnguages however 40 percent ofnguages are endangered with less number of people using it."


    Arsh nodded at Rose and asked, "How manynguages do you know, Aunty Rose and Uncle Finn?"


    Finn: "Five." Rose, "Six."


    Arsh again nodded and mumbled to himself as he walked away leaving the two speechless, "I will learn ten."


    Arna, who was building saw Rose and Finn standing together, "Aunty Rose, will you please make dessert for us? Pleasee" She dragged her baby voice pleading to Rose who melted right away.


    Rose had to repeatedly ask Finn about ingredients causing her to repeat the same words, ''President Stanley,'' ''Thank you''. The overhearing ears were displeased so she demanded, "Aunty Rose, why don''t you call my Darling by name? Or I will share the name, call him Darling."


    "Darling?" Rose said and flushed, "No, no."


    Arna jumped to Finn''s arms when he kneeled to her height looking at her run to the kitchen, "My Darling Finn won''t mind it. Aunty Rose, I feel like we are in office hearing President President President all the time." Sheined.


    The over smart Rose didn''t want the little one to be sad, "Okay."Arna was excited to hear Darling but, "I will call Young Master Stanley."


    <em>''Thap''</em> Arna literally facepalmed herself hearing her causing Finn to chuckle and instruct, "It''s alright, call me Finn. My littledy won''t leave you easily."


    "My Darling is the best." Arna beamed and turned to Rose to hear her say the name.


    Rose looked at Arna and Finn repeatedly before softly saying, "Okay, I will call Finn."


    Arna controlled her best to avoid face-palming again, "Aunty Rose, are you talking to yourself? Call a little loud but sweetly."


    Finn shook his head resignedly and ced her on the chair at the dining table as he arranged the table. Rose mustered herself and called, "Finn!"


    Finn subconsciously responded to the soft lovely adult voice, "Yeah!" Then he realized she was practicing his name on Arna''s pester.


    Arna triumphantly announced, "Now chant the name."


    Finn helplessly looked at the widely grinning little girl and Rose whose eyes were wide as a saucer causing him to chuckle heartily. He couldn''t believe, even after three years, thisdy was the same, easily fooled by even a little girl.


    On Arna''s continuous chatter, Rose started as she blushed hopelessly, "Finn Finn Finn"


    Finn: "..."


    He had an urge to go near her and flick on the head as hard as he could,<em> ''What in the world is happening?''</em> However, he didn''t realize he was actually giving attention to hear her utter each time.

 Chapter 477: Cuddle

    Chapter 477: Cuddle


    Arna shook her head, hearing a low voice, "Aunty Rose, it''s like this" Then she chanted cheerfully, dancing on the chair extending her hands at Finn, "Darling, Darling, Darling"


    Finn chuckled carrying her, he wasn''t sure if he would like anybody else calling him Darling but this little one always made his day with her cuteness. Snow kissed his cheek and pressed her cheek against his teasing Rose sticking her tongue out.


    Finn tapped her head, "Don''t bully aunty. Did you forget she is your momma''s favorite?"


    Arna widened her eyes and ced her finger on her lips quickly causing the two tough.


    Finn called the little serious man, "Nemo,e for dinner." The little man promptly left the building blocks and sat on a chair Finn pulled for him.


    Arna''s mission to make timid Rose chat cheerfully failed miserably the whole time. She cupped her face and sighed loudly,"Aunty Rose, will you imitate me?"


    Rose, who had justpleted her dinner, asked in confusion, "What should I imitate?"


    Arna extended her hands asking her to carry and kissed her cheek, "Now your turn." She turned her cheek for a kiss.


    Finn and Arsh: "..."


    Rose giggled and nted a gentle kiss on her cheek. Arna continued, "Now say my name, Arna Morgan."


    Rose followed her seeing the expectant gaze, "Arna Morgan."


    Arna pointed at Arsh, "Arsh Morgan."


    To make Arna happy and Rose continued to spoil her by hearing her and repeated after her. Finn was done, he started taking dishes kitchen with the help of the little hands of Arsh. "Uncle Finn, I will help you dry tes."


    Finn didn''t turn down, he helped Arsh sit on a cab and handed him dry cloth before he started washing each dishware and little one dried it and ced it in the next stand hearing and ncing at the two girls.


    Rose was flushed red dancing with Arna, she had tried to turn down but the spoiled brat forced Rose. When Arsh and Finn returned, Arna held Arsh to dance and cried, "Aunty Rose, dance with my Darling."


    Arsh, Finn, and Rose: "..."


    Arna muttered seeing two standing far away, "Please please please"


    Sighing, Arsh spoke, "Uncle Finn, we will see and learn to dance."


    Finn: "..."


    <em>''You are three years only.''</em>


    Then Arna yawned continuously while Finn and Rose danced. Arna felt like punishment for herself seeing Rose and Finn mute without talking with each other. She felt like crying but didn''t give up.


    Rose watched the aloof man smile whenever Arna smiled or turn to him. She doubted if he knew he was holding her by looking at him to give his entire attention to the little ones.


    She had thought she could control herself but she didn''t expect her small crush to be Like which craved so deep into her heart that she wasn''t able to ept anybody wooing her or let go of her feelings and date somebody else.


    Over three years, she had epted the fact that she will be single without daring to confess to anybody. She knew Aria watched over while she hid everything and behaved like she didn''t care about Finn''s presence.


    She never wished bad for Finn, when she got to know Finn was going on blind dates, she wished for him to get a girl who could love him more than what he deserves.


    Now she couldn''t believe it, she was dancing with the same man. She felt bad for not having his attention but also happy for getting a small time to spend with him.


    She was lost in her world when Finn left her without a word went to tend Arna who had tears yawning repeatedly.


    "Enough of dancing, let''s go to bed."


    Rose watched how Finn took care of two, bathed them, changed into their nightwear before he took a quick bath. Since she had taken bath, she was with them till Finn returned in his home clothes rubbing his wet hair.


    "Me me me" Arna chanted and yed with Finn''s hair as sheughed while Finn blow-dried in the cold setting due to her hands.


    Rose really doubted if Arna was his daughter or n and Aria''s daughter looking at them getting along so well. A thought raised in her mind, <em>''If Finn could look after other children so nice, how cool would he be with his own children?''</em>


    She was watching him silently when Arsh went to them and holding Finn''s mobile, "Momma wants to talk." Arsh handed the mobile to Finn while Rose''s eyes didn''t leave his face.


    Rose''s lips opened looking at different kinds of happiness in Finn''s eyes she had never seen. The mirth in his voice or eyes was a totally different kind which she didn''t know how to describe.


    A best friend? She felt it as possible and sighed.


    She was ready to leave the room, seeing Arna climb on Finn''s bed and Finn following behind and carried her to his arms, covering Arsh with a nket when heid down.


    Finn was ready to narrate a story for Arna but thetter said, "I want to hear aunty Rose''s story" Then she turned to Rose who was exiting the room silently, "Aunty Rose, please tell us a story."


    "Snow, let Aunty rest." Finn turned down. He actually didn''t like any woman staying at his vi excluding his mother and Aria was an exception. Now he obviously disliked the thought of Rose sitting on his bed.


    Arna who was sleepy and also herst mission for the day was failing, her eyes easily got wet. "I wanted to hear if Aunty Rose tells us a good story." She sniffled, breaking the stone heart stubborn Finn.


    Arsh yawned but got off from the bed. He shook his head in resignation and pulled an extraforter towards the daybed hearing Finn agrees seeing her tears, "Alright, Alright."


    Arsh spoke after him,"Uncle Finn, I will rest on the daybed." He didn''t wait for the response andy down on it to wait for Arna''s stupid n to get over.


    "Rose," Finn called the frozen Rose. "Could you please narrate a story for Snow? A small one will do."


    Rose couldn''t understand why he is unemotional for her. However, she nodded without a word and Arna didn''t leave Finn''s arms calling Rose near them. "Darling, now close your eyes too. We will sleep hearing the story."


    Finn hummed at the yawning mess little girl. Rose started a kids story that she barely could remember from her childhood...


    Finn dozed off but Arna peeled her eyes open with her all might until Rose yawned and her voice faded slowly before she dozed off.


    Sleepy, Arsh got off from the day bed, held Arna''s leg, and pulled her down the bed. "Brother, I am very sleepy. I am dizzy."


    Arsh turned to leave but sleepy Arna clutched her brother''s hand and yawned looking at Rose hoping she should snuggle to Finn''s arms in sleep. Her innocent brain thought, if they cuddle to sleep, they will like each other and get married.


    Arsh saw her sad so he went near Rose, pulled herforter away, grabbed the air conditioner controller, lowered the temperature. He grabbed Arna''s hand and left the room to the guest room in annoyance thinking he shouldin to Aria or n.


    The human''s instinctive reaction to warmness took Rose near Finn, Thetter thought Arna would be cold and wrapped his arm around to keep her warm without realizing in sleep that it''s Rose but not Arna.

 Chapter 478: Anything for my Darling

    Chapter 478: Anything for my Darling


    In the Morning


    Rose stretched herself as she opened her eyes but was weed to a sight of a broad warm chest. Her face instantly flushed breathing in the cologne identifying the man without the need to see the face.


    It was the first time, she next to a man so close in her whole life. Even though she had a boyfriend seven years back, they were too young to be physically close. She doesn''t even remember giving him a hug.


    However, she didn''t doubt Finn but herself. <em>''How could I sleep next to him?''</em> She cried inwardly raising her head to see his face hoping he must be sleeping and she should leave the bedroom as soon as possible.


    But Finn woke up to her movements and realized the little baby who should be next to him isn''t little but big. His brows involuntarily furrowed before even opening his eyes.


    Right when Rose faced him, Finn too opened his eyes. He saw her afraid of being scolded and embarrassment on her sleepy face. He didn''t know why he trusted her so much, he just knew she wouldn''t have done it on purpose even if she didn''t look frightened.


    The warmth she felt till a few seconds earlier, felt distant and cold. Despiteying next to him, he seemed to be too far from her reach. She didn''t know what she expected to see if he was awake but her eyes filled up without her control.


    She stuttered to apologize as she crawled away, "I- I am Sorry." Her words went unheard that hurt her more.


    Finn rolled off from the bed as soon as she moved and looked around to see no babies in his bedroom. As much as he was proud of the smart kids, he was also afraid they might bring trouble on themselves so he ran towards the bathroom to check without hearing Rose.


    Rose saw him searching and realized about Arna and Arsh. She too got off from the bed and ran behind Finn when he exited the bedroom.


    Anyhow the duo stopped at the next room to see the little ones sleeping under warmforters on the king-size bed without a worry in the world.


    Finn sigh resignedly, he noticed Rose breathing a sigh of relief and a faint smile appeared looking at Arna holding her brother''s hand in sleep. <em>''They look so adorable even in sleep.''</em> She thought.


    Finn had actually noticed her tear up a few seconds before, he didn''t want her to be ufortable the whole day so he patted her head, "Rest a little while. It''s still early for the weekend."


    Rose''s smile brightened forgetting she was sad a few seconds back. Rubbing her own head looking at Finn go to the bay window to close curtains, she asked in hesitation, "Shall I prepare breakfast for you three? If I know your preference, I will do it now."


    Finn was going to workout, kids were aware of his vi so it wasn''t required to be next to them. "We are not picky eaters so prepare whatever you like. Just add a ss of milk for the two and coffee for me."


    He checked on the little ones, adjusted theforter, and turned around, "Babies will wake up together usually, there is still an hour so no hurry."


    Rose, who heard with all her attention, responded, "Okay, I will make it slowly."


    Finn didn''t respond and entered back into his bedroom while Rose skipped to the bathroom for a quick shower.


    ---


    She was going to the kitchen when she noticed Finn in the gym through the see-through ss. After thinking for a while, she remembered he wasn''t a picky eater, she quickly prepared a post-workout smoothie and dwindled for a long time before stepping inside the gym.


    Finn who was expecting Arna saw Rose clutching the blender/Shaker bottle. Rose who always saw him in formals or informal wear saw him in sleeveless gym wear. Due to his style and height, he looks slender, now she realized, he was brawny seeing his fit physique and the forty-kilo weight in a hand.


    She didn''t know why, she blushed hopelessly, blinking her big round eyes trying to be checking out the gym.


    Finn left the weight on the mat and saw her walking slowly. Grabbing an absorbent towel, he pressed around his neck asking, "Are you here to look after the twins or me?"


    Rose paused before reaching Finn, now she wasn''t sure whether she should give the bottle to the man. She was even ready to apologize if he was angry. "I"


    Finn grabbed the bottle as he passed by her, he asked before sipping, "What did you add?"


    Rose smiled a little fool and turned towards him and reported instead of just saying Strawberry Banana smoothie. "Banana, milk, strawberries, low-fat Greek yogurt."


    Finn who sipped was d she didn''t sweeten it. "Hmmm, so I will look after the babies and you will take care of me."


    He was rendered speechless when she hummed. He teased to hear her fluster and say as she was there for babies but she left the gym saying, "No problem."


    <em>''Did you even hear me?''</em> Finn thought, looking at the departing figure in a sky blue t-shirt dress. <em>''I can take care of myself.''</em> He finished his stretching and drank the smoothie before getting fresh.


    He was about to enter the guest room, he saw Arshbing Arna''s hair forcing her to sit on the bed, as he stood on it.<em> ''He is going to be a wife spoiler like his father.''</em> He thought and heard Arna chatter without knowing his presence.


    "So Brother Nemo, you mean it''s no use if they don''t have the feeling? By the way, what is feeling?"


    Arsh untangled her messy hair as he responded, "You are too small to know."


    And the little one agreed obediently, "Aunty Rose is pretty, Why won''t my Darling like her? I want to marry my Darling but he is like a father and Momma said no marriage with Dad. So I want to be maid of honor for my Darling."


    Finn silently chuckled, ignoring the point she wants him to be with Rose.


    Arsh pinched her cheek from behind and taught her second time, "The best man for the groom, the maid of honor for the bride."


    Arna thought for a few seconds and announced, "Okay, I will wear a suit, cut my hair short, and be the best man for My Darling." Then she clutched her fingers into a small fist and encouraged herself, "Anything for my Darling."


    Finn chuckled heartily hearing her and got the duo''s attention. He couldn''t believe his marriage also became a talk for little kids.


    Arna quickly sprinted and posed, showing her new shorts and a T-shirt, "Darling, look, we match."


    Chuckling, he scooped her in his arms and asked, "Snow, do you want me to get wed?"


    Arna silently saw him for a few seconds thinking of a good response while Arsh asked for the mobile to call his parents.


    "Darling, I can''t be with you all the time, right? If you get married, she will look after you, talk to you, feed you, have fun with you." Then she stretched her hands and said, "And she will be with you all the time."


    Finn: "..."


    He really wanted to ask, <em>''Are you really three years old?''</em>

 Chapter 479: Coax Aunty Rose

    Chapter 479: Coax Aunty Rose


    Three sat for breakfast and dug in looking at varieties of dishes on the table. Arsh who had just spoken to his mother and father tugged Arna''s hand, "Dad wants to talk to you."


    Arna grabbed the mobile and showered all her love like here was no tomorrow, "Hello, Dad, Mwa, I miss you Dad, I love you so much. Did you sleep well? Did you eat or run around Momma? Or did Momma feed you miss us? Get pampered by Momma until wee back then I will take you out on a date without Momma. We will eat yummy dishes and send pictures to Momma and tease her..."


    She paused, "No wait, actually momma knows the best ces to take us then you if I go with you, won''t momma enjoy with Brother Nemo"


    Finn, Arsh, and Rose: "..."


    The trio just watched her continuously bber for more than two minutes and to their surprise they didn''t feel like the other end had ns to stop her.


    While the little one continued, Rose tugged Finn''s sleeves, "President Stanley, do little kids are so smart and talkative at such a young age?" She asked in a low voice going near him.


    Finn had to close some more distance to hear her whisper. He shrugged, "I only know these two well. I didn''t meet Zoe much."


    Rose again continued, "I am not sure but I feel like they are too smart for their age."


    Finn wanted tough when he countered without moving from his position, "Yet you get fooled by the little girl and dance on her terms."


    Feeling wronged, she turned to Finn and blurted out, "Even you hear her each word despite knowing she acts cute to get it."


    Hearing a sudden tone change to a little grimdy erasing the respect of the President, he turned to her and both realized their close distance.


    Finn had no changes but Rose blushed bright red. He misidentified as Rose was embarrassed looking at her widened big round eyes.


    Arna pouted at Arsh for reporting everything to n and thetter strictly warned her to just enjoy without doing anything. n didn''t want the babies to be cupid, he just created a chance for Rose after hearing Aria say Rose might be still liking Finn.


    She saw Rose and Finn face each other at a very close distance and cut in her father''s words, "Dad, believe me. Aunty Rose really likes my Darling. If she marries my Darling, then I don''t have to worry about meeting him whenever I want."


    Rose, Finn: "..."


    Arsh had started breakfast without care. Rose sat like she was sitting on a chair full of nails. Finn didn''t know if it was true or Arna was ying them. ''Rose likes me? She cries if I grunt.'' For Finn, Rose is a littlemb who cries out for a small yell at her.


    How smart Arna maybe, she didn''t realize her words'' effect and continued, "Aunty Rose is too shy, shier than my Momma. If she is like me, she would have told my Darling but she blushes red like... " She pointed to the tomato on the table and stated, "Tomato. So I have to help them. Now praise me. Am I not smart? Smarter than brother Nemo?"


    Arna waited for a few seconds but there was no reply before she asked, "Dad, did you hear me? Did you get to know I was going to ask for a remote control car? Dad? Dad, are you there?"


    Finn and Rose: "..."


    Rose couldn''t believe she was sold out for a remote control car. She didn''t dare to turn to Finn having no heart to see the scowl on his face. She was nearly in tears thinking Finn was going to throw her out.


    Finn''s lips opened and closed like a golden fish without knowing what to say or what to even think. But his eyesnded on Rose hoping she shouldn''t start crying if Arna was pranking. As he guessed, she had clutched her dress hem tight, her eyes filled looking at the table.


    Arna was about to hang up the call feeling depressed for missing the remote control car when she heard Aria''s voice, [My baby, my honey, my sweetheart]


    Arna jumped off the chair and looked around in the vi, "Momma, I didn''t bully Aunty Rose... Brother Nemo can vouch for me."


    Arsh nced at her and feigned ignorance indicating he wasn''t going to lie.


    Before Arna start coaxing, Aria chuckled and asked, <em>[Baby you are the smartest of all. If Aunty Rose cries, ask Uncle Finn to coax. No more mischief with them, alright?]</em>


    Arna face fell hearing no word of remote control car, "Momma" She dragged each word sweetly and heard, "If my little baby behaves well, she will get her favorite car soon."


    Then Arna showered all her love on her mother and even whispered that she is better than Dad before hanging up the call to see Rose crying and Finn passing paper towels.


    Finn couldn''t understand why she cries for everything, "She is a kid, don''t take her seriously? Stop crying."


    Rose dabbed the tissue and asked, "Are you kicking me out?"


    Finn: "..."


    Rose saw his nk face and cried, "I- I- I didn''t mean to-"


    Finn passed the tissue pulling two at a time having no words to say.


    Arna saw them and was confused why Aunty Rose was crying and even her mother knew it, She tugged her brother, "Brother Nemo, what happened?"


    Arsh ignored her and continued to eat. Arna sat on her chair without understanding why Rose was crying, "Darling, why did you make Aunty cry? I will notin to Momma, so quickly coax Aunty Rose."


    Finn pointed to himself and asked in bewilderment, "Me?" he was being med for doing nothing. He really wanted to exin to her but how was going to do it.


    If he says, Rose doesn''t like him, Arna would ask, ''Does Aunty Rose hate you?'' and the questions will limitlessly grow and the cryingdy will continue to weep.


    epting the me, he nodded, "Okay Okay" Then he saw Rose who was sniffling in fear about how she was going to walk from the vi to the city. Are there cab services in that area? Should she call for help?


    Arna hit her fist on the table and passed the verdict thinking Finn doesn''t know to coax, "Hug aunty and pat her back."


    To Finn''s bewilderment, he actually moved next to Rose and patted her back leaning her on him.


    Frozen Rose: "..."

 Chapter 480: Rose likes me

    Chapter 480: Rose likes me


    Hand on Rose''s back, disbelief in his eyes, and frozen Rose in the front. Finn couldn''t believe how he was tamed by Arna that he involuntarily moved on to her words.


    He realized why Aria always scolded him or requested him to avoid ying on her terms every time. At this rate, would he jump off the cliff if Arna ordered? Finn eerily found it possible. He might actually jump if Arna lied,<em> ''Momma fell.''</em> and he wouldn''t think before jumping.


    <em>''Am I really spoiling her beyond a limit?''</em> He thought forgetting Rose was leaning on him and his hand was patting her back.


    Arna was grinning while Arsh saw Finn lost in thought. Seems like he has to do something else Uncle Finn wouldn''t take it seriously. He nodded to himself and continued to eat alone.


    Frozen Rose had stopped crying a long back and waited for Finn to leave. Finn sighed clearing his thoughts and saw her quiet. "Do you always cry like this in front of others?"


    Rose promptly shook her head without uttering any word.


    Finn handed her tissue again and sat on the chair looking at her, "Do I look scary?" He asked.


    Arna who wanted to retort as he is very attractive sat back when her brother tugged her hand back cing his finger on his lips shushing her down.


    Rose seriously gave a thought, she was kind of afraid but not by his looks but feared he might scold her and she might do something wrong. She wasn''t actually so easily feared else how she would have been lived alone and brave all these years. When ites to Finn, even she wasn''t sure why bes so unbnced.


    Probably because he kept Finn in a too high position that she assumed he was an unreachable star and she was a nobody. He was so perfect in her eyes that she felt she would definitely make some mistakes and she would disappoint him.


    Rose meekly shook her head, chewing her lower lip without daring to look at him. There was a kind of disappointment knowing Finn didn''t believe Arna''s words when it was actually a fact.


    Finn breathed relief and started ncing at the little one obediently drinking and Arsh silently helping Arna holding her ss to drink milk. He really wanted to go to the future and see if Arsh was going to be a wife''s ve or remain his sister''s ve.


    With light talks of Arna and Finn, they had breakfast and Rose voluntarily chose to do the dishes. Arsh got off from his chair once his sister was done gobbling the food until she was satisfied seeing her plump stomach.


    While passing by Finn, he paused trying to collect words of what to say before he opened his lips seeing Finn''s expectant and curious gaze, "Uncle Finn, have you thought what Snow said might be true?"


    The riddle master walked to the couch to watch the kids'' education channel on the television, leaving Finn all confused.


    Arna pointed to herself and asked Finn with a hint of sadness, "Darling, did I lie? Is Brother angry at me? I didn''t do anything."


    Seeing her eyes turn red, Finn scooped her into his arms and started thinking about everything Arna said and his jaw almost dropped understanding what Arsh meant.


    His eyes went onwards to the kitchen where a slender woman had tied an apron around her waist causing it to look even smaller as she carefully took care of each dishware like a priceless thing.


    "Rose likes me? But she cries seeing me." He mumbled but it caught the ears of the little girl who was hugging him.


    Arna unwrapped her arms and looked at him in surprise, "You got to know? Dad said not to say anything so I didn''t tell."


    Finn''s lips twitched hearing her. Firstly she was the one who told n sitting right in front of him and secondly, n already knows. So Aria too knows? Finn knew those two never hid things from each other so his mind started to work in the round course.


    He carried Arna and paced in the living hall patting her back. After the first analysis, he dialed his assistant Dustin and thetter picked the call at thest ring,<em> [President Stanley]</em>


    Finn who wanted to ask a question directly paused, after giving a thought, he yed, "Come here and drop Rose back to her ce."


    He heard an awkwardugh before the excuse, <em>[President Stanley, I came to my inw''s ce. It''s not- I mean it''s a little difficult.]</em>


    Finn didn''t know if he was really at his inw''s ce but he knew Dustin was giving a reason so that he would get time to spend with Rose.


    Finn''s tone turned cold and domineering for the next question, "Dustin, think very carefully before answering me. Why did Rose work for a month as my secretary?"


    The line fell silent and Finn had the answer. He knew he kept Dustin in a difficult position between him and Aria yet he did and as he expected, Dustin chose him over Aria, <em>[President Cooper and I created it to know if you could like Secretary Rose.]</em>


    Of course, Dustin didn''t entirely me Aria, ''cause he also wanted to see if it could work out. Anyway, he also felt bad for selling off Aria, at the same time his loyalty to Finn isn''t questioned.


    Finn hummed and hung up the call, letting Dustin take a breath. Despite Levi knowing Finn better than Aria, how his loyalty to Aria is never questioned, it was the same for Dustin and Nathan for their presidents.


    Now the main question, <em>''Does Rose really like me?</em> Or Alia wants me to date Rose?'' He thought to himself and realized he patted Arna to sleep.


    Stuffing his mobile into his pocket, he carried her in a princess style without disturbing her nap to see her peaceful sleeping and also drooling. He was sure she would be dreaming of tasty food and drooling over it.


    Tucking her on his bed, he went out thinking about what he was expecting. He didn''t know what to do or how to handle the situation. That finally led him to lean on the kitchen cab looking at Rose who tensed right after seeing him silently stand near her.


    <em>''Seriously? If she likes me, why is she trembling and so careful?''</em> He thought about how to ask or how to know. He didn''t want to ask directly and hear herugh at him. Also, he knew he can''t ask her in a roundabout because she would just answer to what she understands.


    For example, <em>''Why did you work as my secretary?''</em> Her response would be, <em>''President Cooper sent me there and you needed a secretary.''</em>


    Example two, <em>''Why did n and Alia send you here?''</em> The response would be, <em>''To help you look after two babies.''</em>


    Then Finn realized, excluding Aria, Arna, and his mother, Rose was the first woman he knew her responses and reactions without needing to ask anything.


    <em>''When did I give her so much importance and attention?''</em> He asked himself looking at blushing Rose who was drying the washed tes.


    <em>''Is she embarrassed or shy?''</em> He was confused. <em>''Does she like me?''</em> He needed to ask.


    He coughed lightly and inquired, "Rose"

 Chapter 481: Impulsiveness

    Chapter 481: Impulsiveness


    Watching Rose''s flushed face, Finn cleared his throat, "Rose" Then he paused looking at her widened eyes carefully looking at him asionally batting her lids.


    For him, in every aspect, she looked like a scared cat who wanted to run away from him. Even if he considers she is not embarrassed but too shy hence she blushes, who trembles looking at the one they like?


    He felt his whole theory on human psychological is put to test and challenged by her.


    She won''t lie yet he assumed she might lie or make an excuse if he asked directly. Apart from that, he couldn''t understand why Aria didn''t set a date with Rose when he went on numerous blind dates.


    He felt like he was going crazy and on top of it, he couldn''t understand why he was fretting over it instead of ignoring the matterpletely. ''I am not being me.''


    Of course, he didn''t show his confusions, innumerable questions, and dilemmas on his face, and looked cool as ever while the girl in front of him repeatedly gulped her non-existent saliva looking at his emotionless face.


    When she could muster up the courage hoping it''s not about what Arna said, Rose finally stuttered to ask, "P-President Stanley, d-do you need my help with anything? G-give me T-two minutes, I willplete the cleaning here."


    Finn saw her hurriedly turn aside to avoid his gaze and he blurted out, "Let''s date."


    <em>''Crash.''</em>


    Finn wasn''t sure but he really wanted tough. He kind of expected her reaction. He didn''t find dating Rose as repulsive as he felt for others so he thought to give it a try. Was he going to be entertained by her if he dates her? He felt he shouldn''t turn into a man who keepsughing the whole day due to her dumbness.


    <em>''Let''s date!?''</em> Even though she heard him and her instinctive reaction was right in front of her, she oddly felt it as impossible and she misheard or created in her mind due to all the things going in her mind.


    Finn who patiently waited for a response saw her turn to him but she looked too calm to be true. "President Stanely, I am really sorry, I just slipped the te. I will get you a new set."


    Finn: "..."


    Things aren''t falling into ce, he saw her kneel to pick the broken pieces carefully without hurting herself, then she dropped them to the bin, then cleaned the ce to get rid of small minute sharp pieces of porcin.


    Then she turned and walked out carrying such a calmness that he had never seen and could believe Rose had it in her. He didn''t stop her and saw her entering the guest room in utmost silence.


    After giving it a thought, Finn pulled his mobile out and dialed Aria directly. As he had expected, he was greeted in a teasing voice, <em>[Hello President Stanely, how may I help you?]</em>


    However, he went straight to the point, "Alia, I want yes or no. Does she like me?"


    There wasn''t a yes or no but she corrected him, [She has a name, Finn.]


    "Rose."


    [I guess yes...] Aria wanted to continue but Finn hung up the call leaving her bbergasted, "Okay" was all he said without caring about bidding her which he always did.


    In the Cooper mansion, Aria registered first to her brain before excitedly jumping on her husband who was busy nning to take her on an outing where she doesn''t have to walk and he could tend to her 24 hours without the worry of others disturbing them.


    In Finn''s vi, he walked to the guest room guessing she didn''t believe what she heard and it wasn''t a rejection. He also couldn''t believe the first girl who he probed to date ignored him when he actually thought to date after knowing she likes him.


    ''Shouldn''t she be happy, thanking him for helping her take the first step?''


    Arsh who had turned to the kitchen hearing the crashing sound, saw Rose trying to escape while Finn''s aloofness morphed with disbelief. Seeing Finn go towards bedrooms, Arsh shook his head before turning to look at the television.


    Finn creaked open the guest room door to see Rose pacing like headless chicken mumbling something to herself and even asionally smacking her own head.


    <em>''This cat is really entertaining.''</em> He thought before entering inside and purposefully shut the door with a loud noise to get her attention.


    Rose felt her eye bulge out of the socket seeing Finn shut the door. She gulped the non-existent saliva looking at the cool man walking towards her like a predator aiming for its prey.


    She involuntarily took steps away before he could even reach her, thinking of all the possibilities of Finn''s presence over there.


    Squeezing her eyes shut, she blurted out when Finn was just a step away, "Don''t hit me."


    Finn: "..."


    ''Hit, why did it even cross her mind?'' Finn thought and burst intoughter sitting on the bed looking at her waiting for him to hit her.


    "Seriously?" He asked between hisughter looking at her slowly open her lids to see before blushing in embarrassment.


    She really thought he was there to scold her for breaking his expensive dishware or for hearing Arna say she likes him. Since he didn''t speak and continued to close the distance between them, she assumed her punishment was beating. Why did she assume? she didn''t know. It just came to her mind and she said it.


    Seeing himugh heartily, even though he wasughing at her, she smiled in her embarrassment forgetting to ask why he was there.


    Finn spoke after controlling his amusement, "Don''t girls usually think the man will take advantage of them? What''s your reaction? Why will I beat you?"


    She knew he won''t take advantage of her, "I broke your te," Rose responded by tugging her own dress.


    Finn said each word clearly and loudly to tell the te has no importance, "It''s. Just. A. te."


    Then he shook his head, "Never mind." Standing back on his feet, he stood in front of her, "Don''t even think of lying. Else I will toss you out."


    Rose turned to the bay window and said in confusion, "We are on the ground floor, I won''t get hurt."


    Finn: "..."


    ''Why do I want tough again? Ugh, this woman.'' He thought and flicked on her head, "When the hell did I say I want to hurt?"


    Rubbing her head, Rose repeated his line, "You just said you will toss me out."


    Finn: "..."


    This time Finn was truly rendered speechless. She was taking the literal meaning of what he said. He took a step back to think, after getting the right threat, he looked at her again who was watching him intently.


    "I will report to Alia if you lie to me." He didn''t let her speak and continued, "Do you really like me?"


    Now Finn realized why he wanted to get her response. The ones who he went on dates were there because they knew he is Finn Stanley. The heir of two families, his looks, business and to get famous.


    The woman in front of him is selfless, if she likes something, she would never want it for the looks or money. She doesn''t admire Aria because of her smartness or president post or wealth but for the way Aria handles things. Simrly, she wouldn''t like him for superficial things.


    If he wanted somebody to be the daughter-inw of the Stanely family, there wouldn''t be anybody better than her.


    But the realization also hit him, <em>''Isn''t it unfair for her? She likes me and gets nothing but responsibilities and his parent''s love.''</em>


    When she is selfless, he is selfish. He subconsciously took a step back realizing his impulsiveness without thinking about her feelings when she knows he can''t love her.

 Chapter 482: His entertainment

    Chapter 482: His entertainment


    Finn regretted trying to know the answer to his question and probing her directly asking on a date. It''s not so him to say he was kidding if he hears her say yes.


    Now he wanted a rejection, a rejection to impulsivity, and a rejection to his selfishness. He didn''t want to make her a tool to keep his parents worry-free and others relieved.


    Thinking about her, he failed to realize he was caring about her well-being too and there could be a possibility he could move on from first love and love Rose too.


    His gaze didn''t leave her eyes, probably craving to see a mockery or fright to stay away from him.


    <em>''Beep.''</em>


    The mobile in his pocket beeped and he purposefully and quickly pulled his gaze away from her missing to see her meekly nod in eptance.


    Rose didn''t think what would happen if she agreed but she chose to ept it. She didn''t ept by afraid that Finnining to Aria, rather she wanted to know where her feelings and truth would take her.


    She was ready to ept even if its harsh rejection or his scorn. At least, she will live dly without any regrets.


    But her sight back to his face was weed to see him ignoring her presence. Doesn''t her response have value? Probably that was hurtful than the rejection.


    Finn''s brows raised looking at the message from n. He wasn''t sure but strongly felt it was from Aria. He clicked it open to read the message.


    <em>[Each one has a different reaction in self-defense, probably weakness could be one...]</em>


    Finn knew that line was about Rose, does it mean he actually doesn''t know Rose at all? Did he judge a book by its cover?


    If she was just a weak little girl, why would she dare to tell the truth, one should have a strong heart to ept the reality and be ready to face the consequences of the truth.


    Finn nced at the girl in front of him, he saw her hurt but calm, she wasn''t ready to cry but determined to ept what''sing next.


    He didn''t react but continued to read the message. As though the sender could read his mind, the next words were for him.


    [Give it a chance, your selfishness might turn into the best decision and happiness of your life.]


    What is selfishness? If he wasn''t selfish to leave his mark in the business world, how could he have made the Starlight best entertainmentpany grabbing the best resources for his artists? Wasn''t he selfish to drop out of the military to have a life of his own?


    Why can''t he be selfish again for his parents? That could get parents to love the woman in front of him.


    <em>''Why am I so bothered with her feelings? Could my selfishness bring happiness?''</em>


    He knew he was concerned about her but he wasn''t sure if he could have a second chance at love. His thoughts undoubtedly reminded him of Ceon and Zara.


    Ceon was brave enough to pursue Zara despite knowing she doesn''t love him, in fact, she didn''t even know him. However, didn''t she fall in love and kicked his ass to get married?


    In Finn and Rose''s case, Rose didn''t take a step, why? He will only get to know if he spends time with her. Don''t they know each other at least to start from being friends?


    He wasn''t certain if his thoughts cleared reading a message or the thought of Aria sending a message to encourage him to change his decision. It actually didn''t matter to him either other than knowing he was definitely giving it a try, not for Rose''s feelings or his family but for himself.


    Unaware how long he took time to sort out his thoughts, he noticed her still patiently waiting for him. He chose to speak Nope, correction. He chose to propose to her to date him without asking back if she really likes him.


    "I am not the best one out there, definitely not a sweet guy you could expect. I might still be bossy and hard to understand. I might not tell everything I do but I will be honest with you. You might not be my top priority, I definitely push you up in my priority list as we grow together. You might not be my first love but definitely can be my second and also thest. I will try to be your everything if you give a chance and certainly protect your dumb head if we are together... Will you be my girlfriend?"


    His deep resonant tone ended but the girl blinked in disbelief. Finn noticed her pinching her forearm so he added, "And I am asking you for real."


    Rose left her forearm which had turned red and asked him but unknowingly whispered afraid she might ruin the beautiful pleasant air around them. It wasn''t an air filled with love but honesty.


    She moved near him and asked to confirm, "You are not kidding me, right?" She stood back and looked at his face for a response.


    Her soft murmur reached his ear but he didn''t respond, "What do you think?" He asked back curiously to know what she would assume to herself.


    However Rose spoke in newfound excitement, "You said you aren''t sweet, but you are very sweet with your worlds. I had thought you are the type to force somebody to do on your own ord."


    He let out a gentle chuckle in amusement, earning her little braveness to speak with him. Does he look like the type she said? Might be, anyhow he respected rtionships and he wouldn''t do that. "So?"


    Rose bit her lips, a little hesitant. One, it was still unbelievable for her to hear him asking her out formally without blindly pulling her around without rifying anything. Two, she really, never ever thought Finn could be considerate, so amazing that her heart fluttered uncontrobly.


    It was still rming for her with numerous what-ifs. However, she knew she couldn''t get to know unless she tried it. Her voice sounded too low for Finn to even catch it right, "On a condition."


    ''Condition? Tsk tsk, what a fool I am!'' Was he thinking she would follow him blindly?


    "What a brave cat!" He uttered under his breath and cued her to state the condition.


    She said carefully trying to read his attractive but unfathomable face, "You aren''t allowed to scare me."


    As she guessed, he let out a throaty chuckle and asked again to confirm, "So I will be your boyfriend."


    Rose assumed he agreed to her condition and epted, "Hmm, so I am your girlfriend from now."


    Finn smirked and Rose was alerted. He said casually, "You know what Rose, the best part of having you as my girlfriend is to tease and frighten you to see your amazing reactions."


    Rose: "..."


    ''Why didn''t I consider the casual fun side of him?'' She had thought he was going to be the same cold bossy as a boyfriend and she might follow him like a little admirer, ''Why does it look like I am going to be his entertainment channel?''


    He didn''t have a sibling or a cousin so he was ready for having the fun he had missed while growing up. "Are you scared of a cockroach?"


    "What!?" Rose blurted out in horror and saw his line of sight shift to the floor near her legs.


    ''Ahh...'' She screamed and climb on top of the bed causing him tough his heart out. He was really going to have fun.

 Chapter 483: Enjoy with your boyfriend

    Chapter 483: Enjoy with your boyfriend


    Finn was stillughing when Rose covered her eyes with a pillow thinking he was making fun of her for being scared of an insect without thinking there might not be any cockroach at all.


    Finn spoke upon realization, "These movies and dramas are reels, the real one stands on the bed instead of going behind me."


    <em>''Reel- real?!''</em> Rose lowered the pillow to see nothing on the floor and Finn was pranking her. Her hand instinctively moved and threw a pillow on him before she could even realize.


    Finn was swift to hold the pillow before it touched him and looked at her spellbound. Actually now he understood Rose was afraid of him in the past, maybe because of his demeanor with all. And why Aria always told him to treat her good, you might not get a better one than her.


    However, he didn''t show his newfound analysis of his new girlfriend and saw her with his sharp menacing gaze.


    Rose face palmed before she started apologizing, "President Stanley, I didn''t mean to hit you. I don''t know how I reacted... Are you going to hit me back?"


    She was taking steps away to run when Finn thought the pillow wouldn''t hit if he threw softly but his eyesnded on the little girl at the door whose eyes were red and tears were rolling down.


    Rose saw his line of sight and uttered, "Snow"


    Before they could react more, Snow ran away crying loudly. Finn ran out without knowing why she was crying, "Snow Snow"


    Snow shut the door of Finn''s bedroom and pushed the lock quickly and started crying loudly.


    "Snow, please open the door," Finn asked, knocking on the door.


    "Snow, what happened? Snow, open the door and tell us." Rose tried.


    And the cycle repeated till Arsh heard them and reached. "Uncle Finn, what happened?"


    Finn hesitated, thinking him a little one but Rose kneeled and slowly briefed, "I and President Stanley were in the guest room when we saw Snow crying at the door. As soon as we saw her, she locked herself in."


    Arsh nodded and knocked on the door, "Snow, open the door for me."


    Finn was thinking to enter from the bay window but the door unlocked and Snow''s little red face appeared. "Brother Nemo, I want to go home. Darling doesn''t like me anymore."


    Finn saw her very serious and noticed her avoiding seeing him or Rose. He failed to decipher why she assumed he didn''t love her.


    Arsh wiped her tears and wiped his hand on his shirt before speaking, "Snow, I have told you many times, I will repeat it again for you. So stop crying."


    Rose asked in her sweet mellow voice, "What happened, Snow? Your Darling still loves you."


    Arna frowned, taking a step away from her, "Don''t talk to me. You took my Darling away."


    "Snow!" Arsh said coldly.


    Snow pouted and stopped ring at Rose. She didn''t know making Rose Finn''s girlfriend, she would have to hear him say his love would be Rose. So she was very angry thinking now Finn only wants Rose.


    Finn and Rose realized that Snow heard Finn and misunderstood.


    Before Arsh could speak, Finn kneeled and pulled the little frame to his arms. Even though Arna had a big fat pout, she let Finn hold her.


    Arsh spoke seriously trying to make her understand, "Snow, Uncle Finn loves you as a baby, if he loves Aunty Rose, he will love her as a Woman. Just like how Momma and Dad love us and love each other, Uncle and Aunty loves you and loves each other."


    Finn realized Arna is jealous of Rose for taking his attention and got to know how he had spoiled her.


    Arna thought for a while and countered, "But Dad and Mom''s second love is me. Darling said second andst love is aunty. Doesn''t that mean I am not his love at all?"


    Arsh had no counter for it. He had his limitations too and his parents also spoiled her.


    Rose tightly shut her lips controlling herughter. These two little ones never failed to amuse her.


    Finn saw Arsh looking at him for help so he silently sighed and spoke, "But Snow, you are my forever love. They have numbers but you will always be my best love."


    Arsh literally hit his own forehead hearing Finn coax her with flowery words and spoil her more instead of exining while Finn still thought of her as a little girl.


    <em>''Forever and best''</em> were too enticing to hear so Snow calmed down but didn''t forget to demand, "I shoulde first before aunty Rose."


    Rose spoke before Finn could respond, "I will never take Snow and her Darling''s time. Happy?"


    Arna nced at two and hummed. Arsh stood coldly like his father thinking, ''At this rate, nobody can save Snow.''


    "Snow, apologize for your bad behavior at aunty." Arsh patiently instructed looking at Arna''s displeased face.


    However, she left Finn and bowed to Rose, "I am sorry Aunty Rose for my bad behavior. Please don''tin to Momma else she won''t give me choctes."


    The three strongly felt she apologized for choctes instead of her bad behavior. Arsh didn''t say anything as she was sincere.


    Rose quickly straightened the little one''s back and smiled, "Our Snow is well behaved. Of course, your Momma will give you choctes."


    Arsh: "..."


    Arna grinned and heard Rose, "We still have time for lunch, what do you guys want to y?"


    Arna started dancing, "Swimming pool Swimming pool"


    Finn went to the pool with Arna in her swimming suit while Rose became an audience having no swimsuit. Arsh took Finn''s mobile to call her parents to report Finn and Rose are together.


    So Aria arranged to pick up the big brat and little gentleman to the Morgan mansion to go on an outing with grandparents while n was talking to her somewhere she had an idea and he turned her down when she asked to pick up the babies with them.


    In the evening,


    At the mention of vacation, Arna jumped into Rowan''s arms and hurried him to leave thinking her parents will work and she will enjoy it.


    Amelia already knew the rtionship status of the duo, she rummaged through Rose''s handbag and took her apartment keys, "What is your condo unlock code?"


    As obedient as she was, Rose promptly responded, "1013."


    Amelia seriously nodded while Finn clearly understood her n, "Aunty Amelia"


    "Silence!" Amelia ordered and called Rowan''s assistant, "Go to Skyarc, condo number 809, unlock code is 1013. Change to whichever number you like and send me the code." She instructed after greeting and bid before hanging up to see Rose''s jaws dropped deep down.


    She ignored her and faced Finn, "If I get to know that you dare to send her anywhere or if you leave her alone, I will ask Mydy and my son to torture you in the business and make you cry." She seriously threatened.


    "A devil and a daemon will destroy mypany. Aunty Amelia, are you seeking revenge or something?"


    Amelia red at him for changing the topic and Rose noticed Finn turning meek like a wet cat without caring Amelia wanted to leave her with Finn.


    "What if she wants to go?" Finn pushed the hot potato to Rose.


    Ameliaughed animatedly, "My little Rose is a good girl. She listens to me and stays here."


    Finn knows that so he agreed, having no choice, "Alright, I will stay with her."


    Amelia didn''t reveal her little happiness and turned to Rose, "Rose, Mydy gave you two days paid leave so enjoy with your boyfriend. If you would like, I can ask for a week too."


    Rose and Finn: "..."


    The duo stood dumbstruck seeing Amelia grin and leave happily. Amelia really wanted them to talk and understand each other, she wouldn''t mind if they go the next step soon.

 Chapter 484: Make them regret

    Chapter 484: Make them regret


    Finn''s vipletely fell into silence once the little ones left. Finn and Rose were talking the whole day but those just revolved around Arsh and Arna or the food.


    Now suddenly leaving them alone, both were unsure what to talk about and on top of it, they were instructed to stay together in the vi.


    Finn usually works if the little ones aren''t there or workout in the gym a little more. Now he was confused about whether to work or talk. If thetter option, then what to talk about?


    Sitting on the lounge chair on the veranda, he received the teacup as he thought about what to do. He was never in a rtionship so other thanmon sense he was a noob too.


    Rose sat down taking her teacup from the center table. Finn prefers coffee but had tea leaves if in case his guests need so she had asked if he was fine with tea, He had nodded to her surprise so she was surprised to know Finn adjusts with his preferences.


    Since both lounge chairs face thewn towards the clear sky, she had to turn aside to see him in deep thought. As much as she knew, Finn hardly wastes time, else Starlight wouldn''t have reached the pinnacle in three years.


    ''What is he thinking?'' She thought. She grasped as much as he makes herfortable around him, she should also do the same.


    "President Stanley"


    Finn cut in before she could continue, "Finn!" Then he turned to her, "Do you want me to address you as secretary Rose?"


    Rose shook her head and addressed as he wanted, "Finn I need time to get used to it."


    Finn hummed without troubling her more with it, "You obviously used to look frightened, how did you even like me?"


    Rose turned away as her cheeks started to turn pink but she sipped her tea putting on nonchnce. Finn didn''t push her to speak and sipped the tea which he suddenly found calming and good to taste buds.


    Even though she hesitated, she chose to word them, "I wasn''t scared of you, I was afraid I might do something and make you angry."


    Taking her personality and the self-consciousness around the one they like, Finn epted the response and asked next, "Why didn''t you confess then? Did you think it''s forbidden to have a rtionship with a president? Or Thought me as a President who might make you a mistress?"


    Rose giggled hearing his spection, "Preside Finn, you should stop reading the movie or drama storylines." Then she againughed before she revealed, "Once upon a time, you were exactly the same but when I saw you with President Cooper, I was sure you have changed that habit."


    Without a word, Finn knew the effect of Aria on Rose so he didn''t bothermenting on it. "You might as well practice calling Alia No, Aria. If you are not working."


    "Then I should address as sister Aria." She happily corrected him.


    Finn couldn''t help himself from remarking, "You are more excited to call her sister Aria than calling me by my name. If she was a guy, you probably courted her every day."


    Rose continued to giggle seeing him dumbstruck. "Then she might need to open a harem. Many will be in the queue behind me."


    Finn: "..."


    His new girlfriend is head over heels in love with his first love. Sigh, my life will be miserable.


    Rose then answered his question to avoid making him think she diverted the topic, "Not everyone is open like you or President Cooper''s friends. We are poles of the earth in every aspect. I just found it unrealistic toe true."


    Finn rubbed her head seeing her bleak smile. Rose corrected her theory looking at the man sitting next to her and asked him, "You don''t like me, why do you want to date me?"


    Finn didn''t lie but bnced it harmoniously, "Because I am selfish to grab the free gem out here."


    Rose: "..."


    She didn''t know why she was getting the different emotions even though it was just a few hours since she became his girlfriend, her hand really itched to smack him and throw a tantrum.


    "So I am free?" She asked seriously.


    "You know to get angry too." Finn teased her then they continued to squabble over the silly matter forgetting the ufortableness.


    ---


    After dinner prepared by both, they sat to check on the Daves'' case andpany status. Due to the involvement of n, the cops published the video proof and mentioned other proof dering Edgar Daves tried to frame n Morgan and his father killed a mentally imbnced patient.


    Kite asked in confusion, "Why did they try to frame President Morgan?"


    Finn started to feel suspicious about framing n using Saira Hayek. His analysis urately deduced Kite Parker''s father as Chairman Daves hence Edgar always felt disgusted and irritated whenever she used to get near him.


    However, Finn petted Rose''s head to see her speechless. Her expression was clearly telling him her words, ''I am not your pet.''


    "Don''t overwork your brain. Be dumb." Finn didn''t want her to get involved with such matters.


    Rose raised her forefinger folding the rest of the fingers, "One, I am not dumb." She raised her middle finger viewing two, "Two, why do men call women dumb every time?"


    Finn really found her little anger amusing. He had thought she would silently follow everything without retorting back or voicing her opinions. That would be so boring, "Because dumb women are cute and cute are dumb."


    Rose: "..."


    She needs time to recover before asking, "Why aren''t yourpliments aren''t praises? Free Gem, Cute is dumb, Swift but clumsy. I don''t know if you are scolding me ormending me."


    Finn sighed audibly and stated, "I will manage with the dumb girlfriend."


    This time, Rose pulled her backrest cushion and smacked his head but heard himughing holding the cushion.


    After a little more bantering, Finn remembered Edgar Daves. He asked while walking on thewn, "I remember Edgar addressing you as Rosie May, why did you change your name? And Why do you stay alone? What about your parents?"


    Rose bit her lip without knowing what he might think. Finn rxed her nerves, "You can tell me anything."


    Humming, she then told everything, how her parents forced her to be in a rtionship and how they troubled her even when she moved out of her parents'' house. It had been so long that she didn''t actually fret over it, she just felt a little gloominess thinking of her parents.


    Finn didn''t interrupt her and realized why Aria is overprotective about this little woman. And this little woman suffered a lot in life, yet she was ready to fight again and live alone.


    Seeing her mood drastically fallen, he was perplexed before pausing and pulling her to embrace.


    Rose froze by the sudden closeness, her sadness was reced with shyness, and hoped she wasn''t blushing and getughed atter.


    However, she could still feel his hesitancy to hug her. His right hand caressed her head, and his left hand was just on her dress without even cing it on her properly, and she guessed he might be thinking how to coax her.


    Finn knew he needed time with her so he diverted his mood to her parents and said, "Let''s meet your parents."


    Rose backed off instantly, "W-why?" There was a mixture of emotions, disbelief, dilemma, and uncertainty.


    Finn nonchntly responded, "Let''s make them regret."

 Chapter 485: Crush on the same woman

    Chapter 485: Crush on the same woman


    ''Make them regret?'' Rose didn''t know how to react. She never thought she needed to make her parents regret their behavior but she had a different kind of feeling for hearing it from Finn.


    She realized her identity isn''t a trouble for him and he was totally fine with revealing their rtionship to all. If he wanted her to feel good by making them regret their behavior, she was already content just by hearing it.


    Finn saw her silent smile, having no word to speak so he continued, "It''ste tonight," Then he nned to take her inside the vi, "I have a client meeting tomorrow so we will go after it. You are following me tomorrow else Aunty Amelia will take my ss. You just care about looking good, I will arrange rest. If you could look smug, it would be even better but it''s not required."


    When Finn ended, Rose muttered, "I didn''t know you talk so much."


    Finn: "..."


    He felt the need to exin to her. If Aria was in her ce, she could discern the n herself without the need of words so he cared to speak it out, ''Is she looking down on me?'' He paused near the guest room door and red at her.


    Rose awkwardlyughed darting her eyes away from his angry face, "I was kidding." She said before exining, "You don''t have to trouble yourself with your work. I don''t care about my parents anymore."


    Finn asked back as he went towards his room, "Then why are you still calling them your parents?" He paused at the door and turned to her.


    Rose didn''t respond, It was inevitable truth even if they disown her or she stays away from them. Seeing him still standing, she quickly bowed, "Good night president Stanley."


    Finn: "..."


    Finn crossed his arms on his chest and leaned on the door frame, "Back straight, and bow at 90 degrees."


    His lips twitched when she followed his orders in the movement, "Tsk" He went inside the door closing it behind him.


    Rose realized what she did chided him, "Heartless man. Did you forget I am your girlfriend?" However, she didn''t get a response and stormed to the guest room.


    ---


    In the morning,


    Rose pinched her cheeks hard and got fresh before going out. She needed to confirm she didn''t dream of everything. She entered the kitchen to see Finn had already prepared breakfast for two.


    "Good morning" She wished and heard him hum before pointing at the dining table for her to sit as he brewed coffee for both.


    ''How to confirm I was dreaming?'' Rose thought to herself and turned back to him, "What time are we going to my parents'' ce?"


    Finn noticed her being too careful and gazing curiously at him. He yed, "What!? Why do we have to go to your parents'' ce?" He asked coldly.


    Rose''s jaw dropped and turned away from him. She held her head, chiding herself for dreaming such a long one. ''When will you stop fantasizing?'' She scolded herself.


    Finn sat down and saw her pout in displeasure, he didn''t talk and breakfast waspleted in silence. "President Stanley, I will do the dishes."


    However, Finn flicked on her head, "You still say you are smart."


    Instead of getting angry, "You mean I didn''t dream? It was all real."


    Finn just shook his head in resignation to see her instantly brighten up happily. He couldn''t understand why she is happy when she already knows he doesn''t love her.


    He paused in the track and turned to her, "Don''t you want to know who is my first love?"


    Rose saw him before she revealed herself, "President Cooper, everyone knows."


    Finn: "..."


    He was mentally strong enough to keep holding the tes and cups without dropping them. cing them on the kitchen counter, he asked back, "What do you mean by everyone?"


    Rose asked back, "Do you think all are dumb not to realize your feelings towards President Cooper?"


    Finn''s face deadpanned hearing him, "Alia?"


    Rose knew he might misunderstand the Morgan family and Aria but she still spoke, "I think she knows too. President Morgan doesn''t usually hide things for her."


    Finn stormed inside the kitchen and started washing dishes making her sigh. Rose ran behind him, she regretted mentioning ''everyone knows''. She could feel him angry instead of embarrassed to face Aria.


    "Pre Finn, you know them better than me. I am pretty sure no one wants to make you ufortable. In fact, Madam Morgan treats you like a son, they are really fond of you."


    She noticed his poker face didn''t change and his coldness increased. She racked her brain and again tried, "They love you, they don''t pity instead everyone admires your selfless care towards President Cooper."


    "Shhh" Finn shushed her and untangled his messy thoughts. Finn wasn''t a child to misidentify their real concern and care towards him as pity.


    He didn''t know why, he really felt that when Aria must have got to know about it, she would have med herself for bing his unrequited love. But for him, she was the change and the girl who brought him to the track, who showed him how one could love selflessly without changing by the problems or distance. He reallymenced n in mind for still trusting him with his babies or Aria.


    "And you thought, my standard is Alia and I wouldn''t ept you if you proposed," Finn asked out of the blue when Rose was still racking her brain.


    Rose was stunned hearing him. She had expected him to be angered or talking about Aira. She didn''t respond to it but spoke, "You know first love is always beautiful and makes you a better person, gives you goals. You can never forget it, it will always have a special ce in the heart."


    Finn tapped his water dripping finger on her nose, "I am d you too think the same." The more time he spent with her, he was certain he will like Rose, but love? he will slowly take it on.


    "Won''t you get jealous?" He asked.


    Rose giggled, "There is nothing to be jealous of, one, you know your limits else why would President Morgan trust you? Two, President Cooper won''t cheat on her husband."


    Finn: "..."


    Why does it feel like he and his new girlfriend have a crush on the same woman and admires her man?


    He firmly said, "Sometimes it''s good topliment me instead of them. You could have said I won''t cheat." Then he smacked her head.


    Even though she rubbed her head grinning he was expecting the praises on him, "You are really nice."


    Then she went to the living hall remembering Amelia, ''No doubt Madam Morgan wanted to adopt me for you.'' To y with little ones, she had numerous times visited the Morgan mansion so she knows how they were fond of her new boyfriend.


    ---


    At May''s house


    Rose gulped looking at Finn''s arrangements, "Finn, do we really have to enter inside? Don''t you think this is too much? Let''s go back."


    Finn smirked in response.

 Chapter 486: Lusting over money

    Chapter 486: Lusting over money


    At May''s house


    Rose initially felt emotional entering the road where she grew up and spent her childhood. But as soon as her vision fell on the row of cars halting in front of her parents'' house and Dustin alighted from his car, she turned to witness Finn''s extreme nonchnce.


    "Young master Stanley, are you going to gift the whole shopping mall to my parents?" She asked in annoyance because each of the guards held four to five gift boxes of different sizes alighting from the car.


    She counted the number of men and gasped, there weren''t one or two men, she counted it to be fifteen excluding Dustin.


    Finn didn''t respond to her and alighted from the car. Rose got off and saw two rows of men on either side of them. Rose gulped subconsciously looking at Finn''s arrangements, "Finn, do we really have to enter inside? Don''t you think this is too much? Let''s go back. It''s not at all required."


    Finn smirked in response. He turned to Dustin who was silently celebrating in his mind, Dustin had ranted about everything happening between Rose and Finn from the morning to Aria and Harold who were equally happy and heard all his rant.


    As soon as his eyes met with Finn, he nodded and flicked his finger as he entered the duplex independent house.


    Rose''s jaw dropped looking at Dustin walking in poise followed by two lines of men in ck suits carrying many boxes wrapped in a variety of color papers. ''What in the world is happening from yesterday?'' Even though she was getting used to having Finn around her for half a day already, she still found it unbelievable.


    Why would the man ept to date her? And even take the initiative, guessing she might never ask him. She wasn''t forced but asked. The man who trembles others with a sharp gaze was so good with her.


    ''How in the world that can be possible?'' She had to remind herself each time that it was real. Probably that''s how it feels when an unreachable dream bes real and bes too good to be true.


    She subconsciously moved closer to Finn and tugged his arm, "Let''s go back."


    Finn asked to confirm her mixed emotions, "Afraid?"


    Rose vigorously nodded, "I don''t want to see headlines as Mr.May suffered a heart attack upon arrival of President Stanley."


    Finn who had almost thought she was scared of her parents, let out a resonant chuckle and saw all the guards enter inside the house when a woman and man watched the gifts with their mouths wide open.


    "y along as I taught you." Finn reminded her. They weren''t lying but hoped she could act.


    "Huh?" Rose looked at him helplessly. ''y along'' She was too overwhelmed by everything. She muttered as she walked next to Finn who wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "I want to talk to President Cooper and calm my mind."


    Finn knew it was too much for her but it is better for her to get to know his world soon. As much as the simple Stanley family looked busy in their own world, they could cause chaos too. This was just the smallest sample.


    One thing that hemends about her was, she wouldn''t meek down or make a face of innocent attracting a protective feel. Despite her muttering to him and her mind was in mess, she walked without cowering next to him.


    They heard voices from inside, "Who sent all these? Who are you all? Don''t even think I am paying for these." A man''s grim voice sounded hiding the astonishment from it.


    "Omo, we don''t have space in our home to keep these many gifts? Did we earn a jackpot or something?..." A woman''s voice was full of surprise.


    Dustin spoke formally without revealing any reaction, "These are gifts on behalf of Ms. Rose. We sincerely hope you could ept your daughter''s well intention."


    ''Ms. Rose?'' Mother and father pulled their eyes away from gift boxes that had filled their entire living hall.


    The duo gasped looking at Dustin, "I- I have seen you on television."


    Madam May shook her husband and told him, "He is a businessman. I forgot his name."


    Master May traced the man top to toe, well-maintained physique, expensive business suit, millions worth wristwatch, shiny branded dress shoes. He felt he could live for six months by the price tags of clothes and essories Dustin was wearing.


    "Is she your girlfriend?" Master May''s voice was grim as though he was scrutinizing the son-inw to be.


    However, Dustin didn''t miss to notice the greediness in him putting on a rightful air.


    "When did my girlfriend be my assistant''s girlfriend?" Finn''s grave cold voice sounded, catching the attention of the couple.


    The couple couldn''t hold it and covered their mouth when their jaw dropped deep.


    Rose saw their overwhelming feel due to Finn without bothering to spare an extra nce at her. Now she felt Finn was doing right, give them hope, and break them to pieces in seconds.


    When Finn took off his sunsses and looked coldly at the couple for ignoring their daughter. The couple quivered by the sharp piercing gaze and awkwardlyughednding their eyes on their daughter.


    They thought she might throw a fit but she looked calm as though nothing had happened between them so the mother took the chance, "Look who is here, my lovely daughter."


    She sprinted to hold Rose''s hand. She should show Finn as they were a loving family and they missed their daughter else how could they enjoy the blissful treatment. But before her hand could touch Rose, a guard blocked her, "Excuse me, you are not allowed to touch Ms. Rose due to safety."


    Rose''s mother was bbergasted hearing it. Her father was quick topose and continued his rightfulness, "How can we be dangerous to our own daughter?"


    Rose smirked hearing him and Finn spoke in apologies, "Oh my bad. My men doesn''t know you two."


    Rose was impressed by his acting as she silently heard him, "Please ept my apologies and the gifts."


    Finn extended his hand to Dustin who quickly opened the brocade box taking it from the guard. Finn received the jewelry box watching the couple''s expression.


    As he had expected, their eyes shone looking at the expensive jewelry. He remembered Rose''s reaction when he handed the diamond couple set to her.


    Rose had ndly asked,<em> ''Did you buy for your parents? You should go and fetch it if you are gifting them.''</em> She had taught him how he should buy a gift without once thinking it could be for her from him.


    The total opposite reaction was from her parents, especially lusting over the expensive gift speaking of high price really irritated him. However he continued trying to pass it to them, "I hope you could ept this and our rtionship."


    Rose''s father straight pounced on his hand. Their happiness reached the height by looking at an insanely gorgeous bracelet and zer beast pin adorned with diamonds. If they sell it, they were sure that they could live for years with it.


    <em>''Our good days have started.'' Both beamed in excitement.</em>


    <em>''Will President Stanley look after us?''</em>


    <em>''He might take us to his pce. Living in a mansion would be so nice.''</em>


    There were none to stop their happiness by thinking of the future.

 Chapter 487: Your curses are blessings

    Chapter 487: Your curses are blessings


    Rose''s father had just reached Finn''s hand without having any idea he wasn''t seeing his and his wife''s future but he was daydreaming.


    Rose spoke like a wronged one, "Finn!!"


    Just like that, Finn retracted his hand back to hear Rose giving his full attention to the woman. Rose continued in a tone of dissatisfaction, "Why are you giving this to them? They have already disowned me. I only brought you here because you wanted to see them."


    Rose''s father who had grabbed the air instead of the brocade box flustered by hearing Rose. Her mother too became disoriented and stuttered, "I- I- We- D-daughter, how could you say that? H-how can we disown our own daughter? D-do we hqve anybody other than you? Haha"


    Rose''s father tooughed awkwardly alternating his gaze between Rose and Finn as he spoke, "Rosie, why will we abandon you? We were just a little angry. President Stanley, Which house won''t have little shes? She is too stubborn and prideful hence she left the house."


    Finn asked to confirm, "Rose, you were saying you grew up here. Didn''t they bring you home? Did you live alone independently?"


    Rose was about to speak but her father poked in hurriedly, "No, no President Stanley, she wanted to be independent so she didn''te home with us when we pleaded."


    He deeply sighed as though it had happened and she had rejected him too harshly. He could feel Finn treasures Rose so he didn''t want to me her directly and didn''t want to be med either.


    Rose''s mother continued after him, ''S-she just lived to be independent but w-we always looked after her well being. W-we were afraid that s-she might fall ill so I always looked for her. S- She is a good child but -but just a wilful. Please don''t mind her behavior and also forgive her if she makes any mistakes."


    Her father continued after it, "We are a reputed family, how could we do such mean things" He went on and on.


    As the tree of lies grew, her parents fluidly went on a lying spree without caring if Finn was believing or not.


    Rose didn''t find it surprising at all. She was just a little amused at how her parents cared about themselves and kept her low.


    Finn always hated pretentious people to start with, seeing them going on and on, he didn''t care to y his game longer. "Shhhh..." He shushed them to be silent with deep frowns.


    He turned to Rose who had a mocking smile looking at her parents, "Seriously? How did you live with them? Good that you moved out before bing like them."


    Despite hearing his words, Rose''s father still tried, "President Stanley, she is just a little angry so she must have"


    Dustin grunted, "Stay quiet." His cold voice and chilly vibe of Finn crushed them to silence.


    Finn passed the brocade box to Dustin as he spoke, "You want your daughter now because she got a rich boyfriend. Why? You thought I would change your lifestyle? Probably I would have really done it if you had known your duties well."


    Finn was turning to leave feeling irritated to look at their face but Rose''s mother lunged at her, "You unfilial Ahhh" An ear-piercing groan of her continued.


    Finn reacted quickly pulling Rose to his embrace and the guard who has nearby had kicked the woman to avoid her falling on Finn.


    Instead of helping her, Rose''s father chided Rose, "Did you get your boyfriend herr to brag? This just shows we did right by throwing you out before you made my home a whore house. You"


    ''Pooh.''


    Finn wanted to control thinking of him as an elder and Rose''s father but failed. He pulled Rose behind him and punched his face.


    The man fell on the floor next to his wife having all the urge to shout and create a scene but looking at tall and well-built men around, he could only shut his mouth thinking how he could create a fuss in the media.


    Finn nced at Rose who looked sad but not much. Actually, Rose was really hurt hearing her father think she seduced Finn to be his girlfriend. However, she kind of expected the world to say it. Probably most of the people who get to know Finn is with a secretary, everyone would think the same.


    What relieved her was Finn''s actions, how he prioritized her ignoring his morals without doubting her even once when her parents kept repeating she wasn''t good to be his girlfriend.


    "Mr. May, I am really thankful you threw me out of your house. I am living a far better life than you and guess what? I will live an even better life in theing days. Your curses are blessings so keep cursing me."


    Finn wanted to speak, he wanted her parents to regret but not throw dirt on Rose but he didn''t get a chance, Rose held his hand and walked out holding her calmness without getting angry or crying.


    Finn cued Dustin to handle them as he followed her, literally dragged him away by her. Before she leaves his hand or takes him to the driver seat, he pulled her to stop causing her to turn to face him.


    Finn crossed his arms watching her feeling amused, "Ms. Rose, you are a confident woman, then why were you afraid of me?" He gave a thought before discerning himself. "Because you didn''t know me? Or thought of me as a senior influential man?"


    Rose shook her head and promptly responded faintly smiling at him, "Probably because you are too perfect and I was afraid of making mistakes."


    Finn chuckled hearing somebody entitle him as perfect, he flicked his fingers on her head, "There is nothing as perfect. It''s just your thinking."


    "Oh!" Rose said as she subconsciously nced at her parents'' house as both ignored the eyes on them from other homes due to expensive cars.


    Finn diverted her attention after a thought, "Let me take you somewhere. Get in." He opened the car door for her and saw her blush seeing the door and him.


    Finn: "..."


    He couldn''t believe opening the car door for her made her happy instead of expensive diamonds. Life isn''tplicated if they get happy with the smallest things.


    ---


    After an hour, Rose looked at the magnificent mansion and asked Finn, "Where are we?"


    Finn alighted and went around the car by the time she had alighted too. An evil smirk craved his face, "Stanley mansion!"


    Rose: "..."


    Rose tried to run but Finn caught her before she could take the second step. "Finn Stanley, you are crazy." They haven''t been on a proper date yet and here they are meeting each other''s parents.

 Chapter 488: Unfathomable

    Chapter 488: Unfathomable


    Zeke Wen, Harold Stanley were peeking at the entrance but inposure when Master Stanley saw them delighted. They were free and got a message from Finn asking ''Getting my new girlfriend home.''


    Zeke left hospital work and ran over, Harold left the military base and reached home ordering his son and daughter inw to be at home.


    Master Stanley pushed the curtains aside to look outside to know why the two oldmen were watching so eagerly as they were nodding.


    "Dumbheaded" Harold hissed and Zeke closed the curtain before Finn could notice them.


    Master Stanley didn''t mind it, "Dad, what if Finn is fooling us?"


    Zeke patted his back knowing his son inw still had no idea. However, Harold who saw Rose blushing red was sure she was Finn''s girlfriend and was scared to meet them so soon.


    Harold turned around and stomped the cane, "Don''t dare to get friendly with her. We will test her." He walked towards the stair with his head straight without knowing he was failing to hide his delight by the thought of Finn being serious about his new girlfriend.


    Master Stanley to Zeke, "Dad, don''t you think my dad will not follow his own order?"


    Zekeughed devilishly, "Is he nning to take the little sweet girl to his side? I will see how he does that."


    Master Stanley: "..." He could only hope they won''t scare her away.


    ---


    In the living hall,


    Rose just couldn''t stop herself from blushing red due to shyness and fear of how Finn''s parents will react. However, as soon as stepped inside the mansion, ady who was in the maid''s uniform ran inside beaming widely, "Madam, Madam" Rest of the words she didn''t hear.


    Finn said in a low voice, "Don''t be afraid, stay calm, they will not eat you."


    She pouted in anger for pulling her inside the mansion without listening to her. However, Finn had a teasing smile saying, "Wish you the luck."


    ''Luck!?'' Rose widened her eyes feeling like he left her in wondend and he wasn''t going to help her out.


    She wanted to speak but another affectionate voice took their attention, "Ahh Rose"


    Finn and Rose: "..."


    Finn doubted if he would be any more visible to his parents and grandparents. Rose didn''t know how to react and stuttered, "M-Madam S-Stanley."


    Before she could react more, Madam Stanley hugged her warmly with a happy smile. That''s when the old men went downstairs, they saw Madam Stanley brightly smiling hugging Rose.


    "You are more beautiful than in the picture." Madam Stanley watched the red petite face of Rose.


    Rose awkwardlyughed and nced at Finn thinking when did he take her picture. Finn seemed to read her thoughts and promptly answered, "It''s not me. Your president sold you off."


    ''Sold you off?'' Madam Stanley hit his arm and heard Rose, "Madam Stanley, you look too young to have such a big son." She politelyplimented back.


    Madam Stanley heard her soft tone and smiled, "Don''t be afraid" She noticed the three men nearing the couch so she whispered, "If they try to scare you, just answer the question forgetting the rest of the words."


    Rose: "..."


    ''What does that mean?'' She thought as Madam Stanley held her hand taking her to the couch where three men obviously looked grim, pr opposite to Madam Stanley''s reaction.


    She repeated what Madam Stanley said, ''If they try to scare you, just answer the question forgetting the rest of the words.'' Then looked at the men again and ignored the grim expression.


    Rose thought Finn will introduce her but the man went and sat on the couch without a bother so she gulped her non-existent saliva and took a deep breath.


    She didn''t know if there is a way to behave when meeting her boyfriend''s parents so she just went by her instincts, She gave a bow to the three men, "Elder Stanley, Elder Wen, Master Stanley."


    She watched three men and nced at Finn whozily flipped through the magazine, probably to wait how they would react. "I am Rose,..." She paused and blushed craving to strangle the man for purposefully making her say, "Finn''s girlfriend."


    Madam Stanley who was silently smiling standing behind Rose hoped the elder men won''t make it difficult for Rose. Master Stanley really felt they were trying to scare the meek littlemb away. He signaled her to sit and nced at his father and father-inw. He wanted to speak casually without making her ufortable but didn''t want to be a punching bag of oldmen.


    Rose sat down opposite them keeping her back straight without cking. There were many questions in mind like, ''Should I smile? What if they misunderstand? Should I initiate a conversation? What if they find me noisy? Should I apologize for an unforeseen visit? Won''t that make Finn look bad?...'' So on.


    After a minute of grave silence, "What do you do?" Zeke Wen asked despite knowing where she works.


    Rose had a faint professional smile as she answered the question ignoring his cold tone, "Elder Wen, I am working as President Cooper''s secretary in Skyline Industries."


    Harold''s voice followed after hers, "You aren''t allowed to work as somebody''s else secretary while dating my grandson." He passed the decree.


    Rose: "..."


    Zeke continued, "What would people think of us? We brought a secretary home?"


    Rose: "..."


    Harold snorted, "What made you think that you deserve my grandson?"


    Rose: "..."


    Master Stanley knew Harold and Zeke wanted him to ask questions like them but he just couldn''t make himself do so.


    Zeke continued, "You have no family and no qualification to be a daughter inw of Stanley and Wen family."


    Rose''s face had morphed with seriousness hearing each statement but she didn''t react roughly and heard them till they went silent. She didn''t look angry nor sad but only determined. She answered each question looking at the one who asked.


    "Secretary isn''t a menial work as you make it sound, Elder Stanley. I date or not doesn''t change my career goal." Then she shifted her gaze to Zeke Wen, "Elder Wen, people talk however we are, will that stop us from living? Or live to satisfy society?"


    "Elder Stanley, I am sure you might not find any girl suitable for your grandson because you want everything best for your grandson." Then her eyes fell on both old men while saying, "True, I don''t have a prestigious family name nor do I have a big university qualification, you have all the right to whether ept me or reject but you have no right to look down on me."


    When she ended, silence enveloped. Rose''s serious was doubled while the old men''s face had turned unfathomable.

 Chapter 489: Keep her happy

    Chapter 489: Keep her happy


    Rose, who was watching two old men''s grim faces, realized Finn wouldn''t silently sit if his grandparents looked down on her, his girlfriend. Somehow that behavior didn''t suit his personality so she turned to him and noticed... a smug smile.


    Her face flushed red again realizing they were purposefully provoking her just like how Finn teases her. She returned her eyes back to the old men who hadn''t changed their expression.


    She noticed Master Stanley calmly sit through without a bother, then she turned behind to see Madam Stanley forcing an expression to hide her smile. Now she understood why she asked her to just answer the question.


    Harold grunted, "Come here." Zeke furrowed feeling suspicious about his next move.


    Rose elegantly stood up and went around the center table to reach him thinking if she said anything wrong or was she harsh or sounded rude? She was positive because if they had got angry, wouldn''t they throw her out by now?


    She stood a step away watching the old man. Zeke''s jaw dropped when a red envelope appeared in his hand from the formal jacket''s inner pocket. Zeke gritted his teeth realizing Harold tricked him.


    Harold extended his hand to Rose, "This rascal didn''t tell us earlier so I couldn''t prepare any wee gift before. I hope you can ept it." He gently spoke, widening her eyes.


    Zeke Wen interjected, pulling a card out of his purse, "It''s hard to handle cash, it''s easier to carry a card. Take this..."


    Rose: "..."


    It was a contrast reaction, so it wasn''t only shocking but she oddly felt they were giving her millions as a red pocket and the duo men looked like they were going to have a huge war seeing them re at each other.


    "Elder Stanley, Elder Wen, Your thought is what matters, these all" She paused to look who held her hand and noticed a bracelet on her slender fair wrist and Madam Stanley beaming, "I will get you better one next time."


    Rose: "..."


    "Rose, should I buy you another bracelet or are you epting my gift?" Harold demanded coldly.


    Rose: "..."


    Zeke pulled his mobile out, "She is shy to ept money, Let me arrange a good gift."


    Rose: "..."


    Harold turned to Zeke and hissed, "You think I can''t do that?"


    "Yeah Yeah, will you ask yourrades to get a pistol for her?"


    Rose: "..." She actually didn''t want anything. She was still unaware if they would really end up marrying or break up sooner orter so she didn''t feel the right over anything they wanted to give her.


    "Elder Stanley, Elder Wen, I know it''s cliche, but I really don''t need these." She turned to Madam Stanley removing her bracelet, "Thank you Madam Stanley but I can''t take this."


    Finn spoke after her before anybody''s rebuff, "If you don''t take those now, you will end up regrettingter."


    "Huh?" Rose didn''t understand. ''Why will I regret it?'' She thought and saw Madam Stanley turning to her husband and asking, "How about the ne I recently bought? It''s modern and stylish."


    Rose weirdly knew they were talking about a diamond ne. She was yet to recover, she heard Zeke''s tone, "Fetch the new vi papers we bought recently to Stanley mansion now."


    Rose: "..."


    Harold ordered somebody over a phone call, "Buy and deliver the new best hybrid sports car at home."


    Rose: "..."


    She didn''t know why, she remembered Finn saying ''Your President sold you off.'' ''Why are they so excited? I am just his girlfriend, not even his fiancee.''


    She turned to Finn realizing why he said she will regret it. Finn just raised a brow when their eyes met, like challenging her to solve it herself.


    Determined, she took a bracelet, red pocket, and cash card, "I am happy with these. Please, no need for anything." Herst words sounded more like requesting them to stop doing it.


    However, "What will I do with the car? Just keep it."


    "Why worry about living in an apartment? Move to a new vi, I will appoint a helper for cleaning... By the way, do you know how to cook? I will get a chef."


    The one who hadn''t spoken a word out asked in dilemma, "I heard couples living together nowadays, Dad, why do you want to separate them?"


    Finn and Rose: "..."


    As the conversation grew, Rose felt like she was a newly wedded bride, it''s her first day at her inws'' ces and they were taking care of the needs without even letting her speak.


    She initially had thought they were bestowing all expensive gifts due to her identity as Finn''s girlfriend but as she continued to hear them, she genuinely felt they cared for her but it was just that they didn''t care about the prices to bring everything the best for her.


    Finn who saw Rose confused and trying to stop them repeatedly while his grandfathers went on rampagepeting with each other, said, "Rose''s cooking skills are great."


    Rose: "..." She can''t understand why he doesn''t speakpletely and says off the topic.


    Zeke Wen stood up pping his hands, "I will help you cook."


    Harold stood up in poise, he pointed Zeke, "He doesn''t know to chop vegetables. I will help you."


    Madam Stanley, "I will help you fetch the ingredients."


    Master Stanley too stood up, "Let me get fresh vegetables from the greenhouse." which was behind the mansion at a little course of distance.


    Rose didn''t have any problem cooking but she wasughing and smiling sitting in the kitchen eating one or the other snack which was prepared by either the housekeeper or Madam Stanley.


    In the end, the one who cooked for all was Finn while all spoke to her, narrated about Finn or something interesting about the Stanley family.


    Until that she didn''t have any idea, she is Finn''s first and only girlfriend. So she realized everything was rumors about Finn with actresses. Nobody brought up about her parents or fret over her single name without a family name so she was quite happy about it.


    After dinner, they were thrown out of the mansion asking them to return to Finn''s vi to give themplete privacy.


    Rose was giggling on the shotgun seat as she said, "I can''t believe you joined the military school to have a chance to beat others. I had thought there would be an inspirational line as protecting the nation and citizens of the country."


    Finn nced at her and a faint smile tugged his lips. What if he can''t love? He could try to keep her happy.

 Chapter 490: Devising a plan

    Chapter 490: Devising a n


    While Finn and Rose, Chelsea, and Levi were getting along, Aria and n were having their own kind of fight on the trip.


    n had taken Aria to an ind where Amelia had suggested them for a honeymoon. He hadn''t expected his mother to turn out to be a secret businesswoman until he found out she had already brought arge estate that had a vi amidst lush green facing the blue sea.


    After the whole day checking out the ind on a bicycle or the golf car, they watched the sunset and the sky painted in reddish-orange with a cool sea breeze soothing their skin.


    Cuddling close on the bed swing, Aria''s finger scratched tingling his chin for attention and asked sincerely, "Let''s have another baby."


    A straight objection without a second gap, "Nope!"


    Aria jutted her lip showing her big fat pout like her daughter, however, n smirked without falling into her scheme, "Your acting is still pathetic."


    "Who wants to act? I am angry." Aria retorted.


    Pulling her cheeks, "You puff your cheeks, unlike our spoiled brat, poking the lips out." He paused looking at her, "You still look cute." He said amorously and pecked on her lips.


    However he tried to divert her, Aria stuck to her aim, "Why can''t one more? If we have twins again, then we will have four little ones. It would be even amazing." Then she coyedying on him pecking his lips to hear his affirmation.


    Nevertheless, n was adamant. He had three years back decided that they will not have more, he wasn''t ready to see her inbor pain or worry for the whole nine months again thinking what if the gic disease starts.


    He still sees Aria vigorously check yearly health reports of Arsh and Arna hoping no gic problem arising for them, he won''t bear to see her troubled for another child or twins.


    She hadn''t picked the topic of new baby for three years, but hearing Noah and Norah were again nning, he guessed Aria too started craving for more babies. Stopping her from kissing, he wrapped his arms around to rest her watching the sky changing the colors.


    Aria thought he was giving thought to the baby and asked after the sky darkened, "What did you decide?"


    "Honey, two are enough. No more talk of it. We came here to rx and enjoy, not think of another baby." n tried to end it there without telling about his worry.


    "But why?" Aria stressed displeasing him. n got off from the swing and repeated, "Aria, it''s a No." He walked towards the vi thinking to fetch aforter to rest outside for some more time.


    Aria forgot her foot wound and stepped down before hissing. Walking back, n scooped her quickly andid her on the swing bed, "Will you please care about yourself? Instead, you want another baby."


    Aria pursed her lips watching him dust the sand off her feet. "Am I a careless mother?" Even though n didn''t mean that it just slipped her tongue causing him to growl. "Aria Cooper!"


    He breathed through his mouth and asked with an evil grin, "You want another twin baby?"


    Aria felt alerted but she still nodded. What will he do? Make her cry to stop him till morning? ''It''s worth it for babies.'' She thought.


    n again scooped her and strode to the vi without a hint of gentleness on his face. Contemting, controlling her urge to run, "n, you look like you are going to ughter me."


    n''s sharp gaze turned seductive and his smile tempting but his voice was mystic giving her goosebumps, "You will be ecstatic tonight. I will make sure you never forget tonight."


    Aria: "..."


    Rubbing her arms to relieve the goosebumps, "Are you going to break my back for real?" Then she felt her back bounce on the bed before he went to close the door and pull the curtains without taking his eyes off her warning her to stay on the bed.


    He held the corner of the duvet which she had pulled to cover herself, "Honey, we are married for six years now, why are you shy?"


    Aria blurted out failing to hold the duvet that he threw aside, "You look like you are going on a killing spree."


    "So be it" He said tossing his t-shirt off showing off his well-defined abs. "Want a baby?" His maic tone sounded in the room.


    Subduing her strong urge to shake her head, she still hummed trying to sit thinking to behave as she is hurt. However her husband''s abs looked enticing to take her eyes off easily and the man pulled her back on the bed before attacking her lips.


    Her frequent tries to stop the man became whimpers slowly sumbing to his seduction forgetting he was nning to punish her.


    She was on high, every cell of her was screaming for him to enter her when n spread her legs kissing her hard and passionate. Wrapping her arms tighter around his shoulder, she too matched his demanding kiss waiting for him to fill her core but he touched.


    "n" She whimpered against his lips asking for more without wording. She didn''t want his finger but he again used his fingers, touched, rubbed her soft wet folds making her whimper enjoying her enticing moans.


    Seeing her lost in pleasure, he trailed down the kisses to bosoms fingering her hot wet core making her wetter, and moan his name louder, "n"


    She wanted him to enter her and fill her core but her body bowed in intense pleasure feeling the fire pooling in the low abdomen. Her body jerked and mewled, "Faster"


    But n stopped kissing her and pulled his finger out. Aria shot her eyes open which were filled the desire and heat. She saw him suck his finger, tasting her, making her flush scarlet before he walked towards the couch.


    She then noticed his pants were still on and the obvious bulge in his pants visible. She wanted to think he was taking the protection out but he sat on the armchair suppressing his desires.


    "n, what the hell!" She growled for leaving her right on the edge changing his punishment method. Inmed with a strong desire, tears rolled down her eyes craving for a duvet to cover herself as she tried to distract herself to be cool.


    She wasn''t going to beg him for it, never.


    n was no less suffering but he purposefully chose a hard way. His hands trembled craving for a cigarette, he hadn''t smoked in like years from the time Aria returned from country S, so he controlled from two yearnings.


    Aria tried to get off the bed after calming herself devising a n to torture her husband but the man didn''t let her keep the foot on the floor and her feetnded on his palm.

 Chapter 491: The love stories

    Chapter 491: The love stories


    Seeing her feet on n''s palm, how could she be still angry?


    Looking at him worried, thinking she was going to hurt her feet, Aria''s anger softened before heid her back on the bed like a priceless treasure of his.


    She remembered his punishment and scowled pushing him away, "Don''t you dare touch me"


    However, he smirked, "You want twins, how can you have them without me?"


    "Al" He captured her lips before she could retort.


    Her anger against his gentleness failed and she submitted to the temptation yet again. Aria had thought her punishment was over, she failed to unbutton his pants as he trailed down the kisses down her hips and inner thighs making her tremble without giving her a single chance to lead.


    He let out a groan inhaling her musky scent. He was having a harder time than her but he didn''t give in yet. He flicked his tongue before sucking her hard. Aria let out a long pleasured moan.


    He knew to make her feel good and also tormenting too. She trembled whimpering louder and louder making it even harder to control his desire. As soon as her intensity grew high, n unwound his arms from her legs and licked his lips sexily gazing at her eyes filled with desire and hurt.


    He didn''t leave her alone on the bed, instead kissed her tears away as his voice sounded gentle yet helpless, "I can''t see you hurt this much, why do you want me to see you afraid for nine whole months? If- If in case, babies get the gic disease, do you think I will be able to forgive myself seeing you cry every other day?"


    His voice trembled against her skin, "I am sorry, I can''t." He can see her angry and subdue it but he wasn''t capable of seeing her in tears.


    Aria quickly wrapped her arms around him pulling his weight on her trying to soothe him. "I- I thought it wouldn''t continue seeing I am sorry, I won''t ask again." If he was worried, shouldn''t he have told her directly? "You are such a dummy."


    She could understand he didn''t want to remind her about the gic disease of her maternal family, which would obviously hurt her thinking her maternal family gics are stopping them from having more babies. She also can''t stop him from worrying about her.


    However, she punched andined, "What you did isn''t punishment for forgetting what you had told me?" She remembered she had epted his words of no more babies.


    She continued, "It''s abuse. n Morgan, how dare you to abuse your wife?"


    n sleekly escaped her knee before she could kick him between his legs. Gritting teeth, "I am the one who tortured myself, you are punishing me here." He made sure to press her legs down to be on a safer side.


    Aria bit his shoulder and growled at his ear, "That''s what you paid for tormenting me. How dare you leave me like that? It- It''s a weird feeling, I don''t like it." Again bit him until she vented out her frustration but n couldn''t believe he was getting a hard-on for her bite too.


    He breathed slowly before filling her brain, "A quickie is great. Something interesting to spicy up is also required. Let the sensations, pressure build up more and more until I satiate my lustful wife."


    "Pervert!" She hissed and didn''t forget to add, "You are the one who is lustful." When did I be one! Hmph.


    "Let''s see who gets excited first!" n eximed and got into action again to sumb his wife repeatedly.


    After more than an hour, Aria was red like cooked shrimp lost in the spent desire after long torture.


    "Did you feel good?" He asked, kissing her cheeks, once he recovered.


    Burying his face in the crook of her neck, "No more babies, I want only my big Baby."


    n again started nibbling her neck, satisfied for satiating his wife.


    Aria said in determination, "Next time, I will torture you to death and make you cry all night."


    n: "..." He froze.


    "I will prepare handcuffs else you will go rampage."


    n: "..." He gulped hearing it.


    "Should I get a whip? You will be easier to control."


    n: "..." Despite knowing she wanted to frighten him, he couldn''t help imagining getting whipped, almost making him regret torturing her on the bed.


    She continued to scare him for half an hour before dozing off.


    ---


    Eva and Isaac have no siblings, Eva also thought they could have another baby, however, Isaac coaxed her and Eva happily agreed.


    So next the Fourie was expecting another two babies from the newlywed couple and Norah and Noah.


    ---


    The vacation of the Presidents didn''t end soon. As they had gone for fifteen days without revealing their location, the duo circled another continent enjoying their time.


    Without their presence, the orders and works were still going smoothly as nned.


    n''s name cleared, the captain who purposefully med n and released a statement as n is the prime suspect was suspended, Edgar and his father had noeback against the powerful team of advocates who managed to sentence them for long prison years.


    Calvin was notified about the father of Kite but he wasn''t at the state to reveal it to Kite or Abel so he waited for Aria''s return.


    Curtis, Rowan made sure to rx Amelia over the trip. They knew she was just showing as fine when she was still tormented by the scene of seeing Saira''s body being pushed on the street.


    Little ones only cared about enjoying the mini water park created in the manor for them and they would run in the farms curiously asking why some vegetables grow inside the soil, outside, and in the spine.


    When the whole Morgan family returned to the mansion on the same day after twenty-plus days of absolute enjoyment and rest, Roxy gave the good news of pregnancy, Rian chased after his Little Devil for purposefully keeping them in the dark about the case.


    The joy only multiplied as Daves International became the subsidiary under Skyline and Morgan Industries held a good amount of shares conveying the unsaid warning to the business world to stay away from them.


    ----


    At a restaurant for lunch


    Aria cupped her face watching two couples, one had got the marriage certificates before a week and another one was living together.


    "I love all the love stories." She said dreamily while Rose blushed, Chelsea beamed but the two men were speechless.

 Chapter 492: Human trafficker

    Chapter 492: Human trafficker


    Ariained, "I would like to attend the wedding Vice President Levi, lunch isn''t enough. Don''t be a miser."


    Chelsea responded instead of Levi, "President Cooper, it''s me. Why waste money? I wanted a penthouse so we spent all our money on it." Then she triumphantly smiled at Levi who ignored her gaze.


    Aria shifted her gaze to Finn, "Your wedding. A fairy tale wedding would be awesome. Rose loves Disney princess style."


    Finn nced at nonchnt n who was cutting steak for his wife, "President Cooper, we will decide that."


    Aria''s question changed quickly, "Are you guys really going to get married? Wow, 25 days! Wait, I can ask Eva to write your love story for you guys as a memory."


    She was grabbing her mobile but n took it away handing her fork, "Eat..."


    Finn chuckled and said the same, "Eat eat..." He didn''tplete, <em>''There is no love story yet to write.''</em>


    Since the duo works in differentpanies and their schedules are packed to spend time with each other, they found themselves a cozy apartment between Skyline and Starlight for the time being. He still likes to live in his vi that is far from Skyline but adapted for her.


    Aria went to the washroom when Rose and Chelsea chatted outside. As soon as she stepped out, "President Cooper, are you guys nning for another twin?"


    Aria chuckled hearing excited Rose and asked back, "Why does it sound like you and your boyfriend want to steal my babies?"


    Chelsea answered, "Actually I nned to kidnap Snow but Levi smacked my head. He wants Nemo."


    Aria: "..."


    Rose was chuckling looking at Aria freeze in wonderstruck for a few seconds, "You two better stay away from my little babies."


    Chelsea grinned before revealing, "Levi is already 32 so I am nning to go for a baby soon. We can romanceter anyway."


    Aria quickly dried her hands and stated, "If your baby grows up like Levi, I want him to be Nemo''s friend."


    Chelsea pointed her finger at Aria but shrugged and stormed out faking her sobs, "Nobody wants me. Sob, sob..."


    Chuckling, both women followed her. In the age hierarchy, Chelsea was older than everyone and younger than Levi out there but she was cheery and outgoing hence they don''t feel her like an elder at all.


    "So how are you?"


    Rose smiled hearing Aria, she knew what she was trying to ask, "Finn really isn''t as the world says."


    Aria cued her to go on, really enticed to hear good about Finn but, "But he is bossy."


    Ariaughed hearing it and added, "Men like to be bossy. n too... So nothing to be worried about. Just learn to step towards him too, don''t just wait for him to reach you."


    Rose instantly lost in past events, she realized she just agreed to him but never took the initiative to do anything on her own except trying to help with house chores or his office work.


    Aria had casually said so she had no idea she guessed right on point about Rose. They entered the private room and heard Chelsea whinging to Levi that Aria doesn''t want a baby girl like her for Snow.


    Smug Levi: "You think others will tolerate your little version other than me."


    Hyperactive Chelsea: "..."


    Finn, Rose, and Aria spellbound looking at Levi, ''This man has this side too.''


    Love and affection undoubtedly bring out the sides; probably they didn''t know themselves.


    ----


    After work, Rose waved at Aria who hopped to her husband''s car before she snuck inside Finn''s car. "Finn, let''s shift to your vi."


    Finn was slightly surprised but turned down, "My vi is far from your office."


    Rose shook her head, "You don''t have to drop me, that takes a long route so I will pick and drop you." She really liked the concept of picking him after work, ''Why should boyfriends always have to pick up their girlfriends?''


    Finn tried to turn down but the stubborn Rose won this time and she knew well, he likes privacy and doesn''t like bumping into anybody in the apartments.


    After taking necessity, Finn ordered his men to pack and send before they routed to his vi. The apartment they lived in didn''t have a swimming pool nor a gym, so Finn had to visit outside which avoided.


    "I will cook," Rose said, seeing him push her luggage towards the guest room.


    "Vegetables and meat aren''t there." Finn said ncing back but Rose showed him bags which she had bought from the condo, "We can manage for tonight."


    Finn shed a faint smile before going ahead without telling, his father already arranged to deliver fresh vegetables and meat to his vi.


    Finn''splete routine changed unlike how he used to ignore in the past, food on time, resting, and office time without working extra at thepany just so that she won''t be waiting for him.


    To be fact, he initially felt restricted and obliged, almost annoying him making him feel like a puppet who has to follow a timetable.


    Then he forced him to be normal as he used to but thought of Rose would be enough to stop his work and go to her having no heart to make her wait. He took time to understand he has to be a friend now and wait until the things fall in ce.


    He got fresh before going for dinner, "Do you have work toplete now?" Rose asked.


    Finn gave a little thought, "No urgent one, why?"


    "Let''s watch a movie," Rose demanded but cheerfully.


    Finn smirked, "Seems like your President corrupted your brain as soon as she came."


    Rose pouted for the tease, "I always thought I should wait for you. But how can you reach me without my efforts? So I nned a list of things to do whenever we are free."


    Finn didn''t know why wanted to smile at that, "Is this school work to follow it?"


    Unexpected to his thought, Rose hummed, "Let''s think like that, at least we will know whether we will get along and look forward to spending time together or forcing ourselves into it." Then she said fidgeting, "If you find it boring, we don''t need to do it."


    Finn rested his head on knuckles watching her, "Can I choose the activities too?"


    Rose vigorously nodded, it meant that he looked forward to it and had things he wanted to do too. "Saturday, we will go on a date. I will take you somewhere."


    Rose smiled brightly nodding her head repeatedly, "Alright, I will look forward to it." Grabbing bowls, "I will wash the bowls."


    However, Finn flicked on her backhand, "Get fresh by the time I finish cleaning and arrange a movie in the theater room."


    Rose was energized yet again hearing he was going to watch a movie with her. He chuckled looking at her sprinting to the guest room to be on time.


    Finn assumed she would like an emotional love story but both dozed off on the couch before the end of it.


    In the middle of the night, he jerked up to see her reach him for a pillow in the sleep curling herself due to the cold. Leaving her in the guest room, he too rested in his room.


    Simrly, daily they started picking one to do, watching the sunset, ying fun little board games and squabble like children,peting on video games, gym workout together, jogging in the morning, stargazing in the night, and so on.


    Finn had really thought he would be bored but found himself enjoying their little non-tiring activities and he would sit andugh hearing her or making herself a little fool.


    But there was obviously a line between them that both weren''t crossing. They were more like tmates than a couple.


    ---


    On Friday evening, Rose was confused about where he was going to take her with luggage for two days sitting on an international flight.


    "Where are we going?" She asked.


    Finn teased, "I am going to sell you off to a human trafficker."


    Rose: "..."

 Chapter 493: Unconditionally love

    Chapter 493: Unconditionally love


    Rose''s lips twitched hearing Finn say he was going to sell her off to a human trafficker, "Is that how you became rich? No doubt you have so much money." Rose sarcastically remarked rolling her eyes.


    Finn: "..."


    Even though he was rendered speechless for a few seconds, "Then what you had thought? You think I could make Starlight sessful so easily. I have to fool girls and sell them off."


    Rose opened her mouth and shut it, ''Is it possible? Doesn''t she know business is dirtier than it looks? Doesn''t she know Aria always has security? Doesn''t she know Aria hides many confidential matters which only Levi knows? Doesn''t she know the secret team working under Aria?''


    However, she pulled her mobile out and handed him, I might message President Cooper when wend, if you don''t want to get scolded, keep it with you."


    Finn petted the littlemb, he really wanted to tell her that Aria enjoys knowing he teases her unlike how Rose thinks as Aria scolds him.


    --


    The next day morning, Rose''s jaw dropped looking at the castle in front of her. "DISNEYLAND!" She yelled in excitement for fulfilling her little dream to visit there.


    Finn was toote to cover her mouth and didn''t look at anybody''s gaze who was shocked by the sudden scream.


    Rose hooked her hand with his arm and ran inside checking out every little thing and even told Finn stories of her childhood or about the Disney characters. Finn tried his best to throw off the kitty hairband from his head but failed while Rose kept swapping between Minnie or bunny hairband.


    He didn''t expect her to be so excited that she didn''t bother to think about whether she had to be well behaved to impress him. Even though he was dragged to many games, he still apanied her till the end of the day, amused the whole time watching her or running around her.


    Helping the drunk Rose to the suite, Finn continuously heard her repeat how happy she was the whole day and thanked him countless times for taking her there. Leaning her on him, he fetched the suite keycard and scanned when his cheek felt warm.


    Looking through her droopy eyes, Rose kissed Finn''s cheek standing on her toes, and grinned, "Thank you!!!." She said sloppily.


    Finn quickly wrapped his arm around her waist before she could fall down. Rose, who felt like he hugged her, wrapped her arms around his waist and repeated, "Thank you, Finn." She slurred.


    Finn didn''t know why but really felt warm by her hug and words of gratification. "Let me take you inside."


    Rose obediently hummed and tried to stand straight leaving him but stumbled. Finn patiently helped her by hearing her sing thank you frequently.


    First, he gave her some water, then took her to the room inside the suite and helped hery down but she sat up and patted the bed, "Shit" She slurred.


    Finn chuckled, deciphering urately as ''Sit'' and sat opposite to her, "Do you want anything, Ms.Rose?"


    "Oh," She thought for a few seconds and looked excited again, "I want wine."


    "No!" She had lied to him as she has good tolerance and drank more than half a bottle of wine before the alcohol took effect on her.


    Rose''s lips curled down making a sobbing face until he asked. "Other than that?"


    She again started thinking but shook her head, "I don''t know."


    "Do you want some more water?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Okay, sleep."


    "Am I sleepy?... I don''t know."


    Finn chuckled and oddly understood she was going to say ''I don''t know'' everything. Since it was still half-past nine, he started ying with her non-sober state asking random things until he picked, "Do you like President Cooper?"


    Rose shook her head and said, "I don''t know."


    Finn was surprised to hear that so he took his mobile out to record her response and asked, "What about me? You don''t want me?"


    "Me!" She repeated and pointed to herself before asking, "Me?"


    Finn smiled resignedly looking at her cutely ask so he took her hand to point to himself, "Me!" He was expecting her harmless response, ''I don''t know.'' to tease her in the morning.


    "It''s You! Not me." She taught him and left him word struck.


    Rose continued cupping her face in sudden sorrow, "You know, we can''t have everything we want."


    Finn thought to cheer her from sadness before bed, hence he asked, "What do you want? I will get it for you."


    However Rose shook her head, eyes moistened saying, "I can''t get you." She tried to gently poke but nudged his chest hard and continued, "See, you are right here. But But"


    Finn dried her tears on her cheek. He long back knew keeping happy isn''t love. He wanted to hear her so he probed her to know what she actually feels, "But"


    Rose shook her head, "I don''t know." She forgot what she wanted to speak


    Finn didn''t let her lie down and asked, "Tell me, why can''t you get me?"


    Rose batted her heavy eyelids feeling sleepy but tried to answer him, "I- I"


    Finn helped her with words by repeating it, "You are right here but?"


    Repeating those words repeatedly, she continued, "But feels so far. Why? You are with me, then why do I feel so far?" And her tears rolled down having no answer to the question.


    Finn had an urge to leave without knowing how to react but didn''t want to leave her alone either so he wiped her tears as he asked, "Do you regret it?"


    ''Regret?'' Rose opened her eyes wide hearing him and looked around feeling wide awake.


    Finn realized she was sobering. He didn''t expect the word regret to have such power on this drunk girl. Anyhow he held her face to gaze at him and asked, "Do you regret this rtionship?"


    Rose bit her lip withoutpletely recollecting what she must have spoken, hearing him seriously ask, she promptly shook her head. "I don''t."


    Finn shot his next word of the question right after her to know why she doesn''t regret it even when she is sad. "Why?"


    Rose asked a different question to divert, "Did I trouble you too much? I will not drink again."


    Finn silently watched her without responding. Now he wanted her drunk state to respond to him without trying to divert the topic.


    Rose sighed, "You shouldn''t get offended."


    Finn frowned but nodded. Rose pursed her lips and tried to make her mind before speaking, "I didn''t like you from school time. I liked you because you took care of President Cooper despite knowing she is married and loves President Morgan."


    Finn sat back and nodded at her to continue when she paused, "If it was somebody else in your position, they would cent percent try to take advantage of the situation to get President Cooper. Your love for President Cooper is pure and selfless. That''s what was attractive of you."


    She watched his calmness and added, "It isn''t you if you move on easily so I kind of knew."


    Finn blurted out, "Alia doesn''t know she is my first love."


    Rose was bewildered, "Huh?"


    Finn nodded, "She wouldn''t have let you go through so much pain." He knew Aria likes Rose, even if he is close to her than Rose, he knew well she wouldn''t push Rose through such pain and she wouldn''t have forced him to go on blind dates.


    Rose didn''t know that, however, she grumbled, "Who said I am in pain? I am really happy that I got some days to spend with you even if you dump me one day."


    He poked her head before pulling her to his embrace. Rose froze without understanding why he was hugging her. They had never hugged, leaving it aside, they never held hands either so she was confused, "W-what''s wrong?"


    Finn almost wanted to say ''Thank you!'' but he changed. "You know, I wanted one who could love me for who I am." He got the one with who he could spend his life without the need of hiding anything from her and the best part is, both women like each other unconditionally.


    "Huh?" She didn''t understand.


    "Dumb!"


    Rose: "..."


    "You are allowed to drink only when I am around."


    Rose: "..."


    "You will get everything you want."


    Rose: "..." She doesn''t remember she had asked him.


    She was speechless the whole time as Finn bossily kept ordering her what to do and what not.

 Chapter 494: A princess

    Chapter 494: A princess


    While Aria was busy throwing a party for Rian''s first baby and Noah''s second baby, she was clueless about the things happening behind her back.


    In Morgan Industries, Arsh sat on his father''sp and demanded, "I want to see first."


    Amused, n watched his son seriously looking at hisptop screen despite not understanding what it is, "Why?"


    Arsh looked down, got off from hisp, and stood a little away before saying, "Dad, what if you are overconfident?"


    n understood Arsh expected n to hit him thinking he asked a rude question, anyhow n didn''t change his emotionless expression, "Come here." His voice was grave.


    Pursing his lips in hesitation, Arsh stood near n and shut his eyes as soon as n''s hand raised. But the expected hit didn''te, instead, he was in the air beforending on his father''sp.


    n video called the wedding nner who was tortured for 3 months to make everything urate as he wanted, "P-president Morgan!"


    Arsh smiled looking at the background of the man however n didn''t allow him to peek yet, "Show me the arrangements from the entrance to the wedding hall including dining and reception hall."


    The wedding nner hoped n won''t get angry and ask them to redo from the beginning, "Yes President, there you go."


    n turned off his side video and adjusted the angle for Arsh to watch. The little man''s jaws were down from beginning to end hearing the wedding nner exin everything as the screen disyed the arrangements.


    At the end of the video, Arsh turned to his father who instructed again before hanging up the call. n passed his mobile to Arsh urately knowing what wasing next.


    Unlocking mobile, Arsh smiled again pleasing his father. Satisfying Arsh is as difficult as n so the father was delighted. "So, will you and the little brat y along?"


    Arsh decisively hummed and stood on the chair bncing himself holding n''s shoulder to look him in the eye, "Dad, no doubt Momma loves you more." He patted n''s shoulder. "Don''t worry about Momma, I and Snow will get Momma to you."


    n was delighted. He really feels like seeing himself in a smaller form with his wife''s cute behaviors in Arsh. "Then I am trusting you on this."


    The father and son came to the conclusion before going to the party Aria had arranged. After having fun half of the night, all started preparing for the weekend without uttering a word to Aria.


    ---


    On Saturday afternoon,


    Aria and n were in the Cooper mansion when the former got a call from Arsh and Arna''s preschool teacher. "Hello!" Aria answered leaning on n who was cuddling her using hisptop with another hand.


    "Momma!" Arna cried.


    Straightening her back instantly, "Baby, what''s wrong? Why are you using the teacher''s mobile? Where is..."


    n couldn''t believe she got worried for just a simple call and Arna''s overacting of crying, "Shhh... Hear her first."


    n turned on the speaker and heard Arna, "Momma, I was excited and said to the teacher that I and Brother Nemo will choose the Royal family theme for the family picture. But... But the pce..."


    Snow forgot what to say and was asking Arsh to tell her by actions, Aria chuckledpleting her line, "Tomorrow is maintenance day for the pce hence it will be closed for visitors and we can''t take pictures."


    n was impressed knowing Aria has an idea about it however she continued, "We can arrange a pce setup in the Morgan studio for the pictures. Baby, don''t cry."


    Arna had noeback for it other than looking at mobile having no words. Arsh came to the rescue, "Momma, don''t spoil Snow."


    Aria: "..."


    "Momma, if you tend to her now, she will repeat the same."


    Aria turned to n and bit his cheek before whispering, "He is your son, no doubt in it."


    n didn''t dare to bite due to her sensitive skin and it might leave a mark for a long time, so he pulled her on hisp and started showering gentle kisses as he heard the mother and son, "So Momma, we still have time to go today and take pictures."


    Stopping n for a moment, Aria calcted the workflow and hummed, "Alright, we can get pictures in the evening lights. I wille and pick you guys now."


    "Thank you, Momma. We will wait for you." Arsh said and hung up the call before Aria could find any loophole in their conversation.


    Aria stood up shutting n''sptop, "n, I will quickly go and pick up the kids, please arrange for the photographer and the outfits."


    n was d she chose to pick up kids and saw her looking at her herself, "You look great. No need to change the dress."


    She was in a simplefortable short dress since they will changeter, "Okay then get on work. See you." She kissed his cheek quickly and sprinted out.


    ''Step onepleted.'' n thought before grabbing the keys of his car and following her out as he messaged in a group, [Done.]


    ---


    At school,


    Aria hugged the little tots and stood up to look at the teacher who was sweating profusely, "What happened, Teacher Sahni?"


    Arna and Arsh knew she was afraid to lie to Aria so Arna pulled Aria''s hand for attention, "Momma, some parents scolded the teacher for the activity so she is afraid you will scold her too."


    Teacher: "..."


    Aria chuckled, "It''s alright, I understand the kids have a wild imagination and choose what they like. My little Snow always loves to be a princess so it isn''t your mistake."


    The teacher awkwardlyughed as she nodded witnessing the little girl lie so easily and Aria epted such a big task without understanding what n, the two kids and the hiding Rian were trying to do.


    While Arsh tried his best to keep his overexcited sister''s lips shut, Aria drove the car calling n, [Honey, Luke''s studio has the outfits, I will first head over to the pce and arrange for the shoot. Take your time and reach there.]


    Aria sighed, she had thought they would take a few pictures randomly in the pce, she was sure he was going to make it huge for the little one''s happiness. "We will go together, I will help you. What about Mum, Pop, and all? I asked them to be ready once you send the location."


    Arna giggled causing Aria to nce in the rearview mirror. Arsh quickly pulled her cheek to show they were having fun. n''s voice sounded, [Rian was around so I sent outfits with him with a helper for size alteration.] He lied, [Honey, you take care of kids, I will manage there.]


    An expert in controlling his emotions, he was wless which Aria didn''t even doubt. Isn''t itmon to get different activities to the kids in preschools so she didn''t think otherwise. "Babies, which theme did Ivan choose?"


    Arna burst intoughter so Arsh had to fill it up with a lie, "Joker!" Arna againughed hearing the theme while Aria imagined Eva and Isaac in Joker''s outfit and let out a hearty chuckle. She wanted to see their outfit tomorrow.


    ---


    At Aida main studio,


    Aria chose blue for herself while the kids ran to their section saying they will choose themselves. She changed to the gown and exited hearing, "Momma... Momma... Where are you?"


    "Woah! Momma, you look like a real princess..." Arna eximed in awe looking at Aria.


    However, Aria was a word stuck looking at her kids. Arsh was in a white shirt with a baby pink zerplimenting his fair skin with the same colored trousers.


    Arna was in a vintage-styled, half-white tulle gown that had a long trail ofce. Twirling the little girl, Aria smiled looking at the big bow andce back, "This is Momma''s design for my little girl''s fourth birthday."


    Awestruck, Arna pulled Aria down and held her face, "Momma, you are very beautiful." She pecked her lips and requested, "Will you make me as beautiful as you when I grow up?"


    Arsh: "..." The n was Arna crying and asking Aria to change into a gown that was in the style room. Now he has to brainstorm to change Aria''s gown to a white gown that his father designed.


    Asking her directly to change to a white gown will definitely make Aria doubt the wedding gown so he felt helpless trying to find a reason.


    ''I should help Dad with the surprise.'' He encouraged himself.

 Chapter 495: Snow Princess

    Chapter 495: Snow Princess


    ''Dad trusts me, I can''t let him down.'' Arsh repeatedly encouraged himself gazing at Aria.


    Aria caught his sight after coaxing Arna that she will be more beautiful than her. "What happened to my other baby? Didn''t you like the suit? You look cute and handsome in pink."


    Arsh bit his lips and went closer to Aria, careful about her gownyers before cupping Aria''s face like how Arna always did, "Momma, will you get angry if I have a request?"


    Aria instantly melted to his sweet question of request, "Nope, how can Momma be angry if you are so sweet."


    Arsh nodded and tried to act weak to imitate Arna but failed so he seriously spoke, "Whileing here, I saw a beautiful dress, Momma will be prettier in it. It also matches Snow''s gown and I am pretty sure you will like the gown."


    Arna remembered the n and quickly held Aria''s hand and cried, "Momma, I want to match with you. Please, Momma"


    Aria really wanted to know which dress could catch her son''s eye and Arna who rainedpliments also wanted her to change the gown. "Sure, first let''s take a look and confirm that we can buy it."


    Both kids nodded vigorously and Arna grinned at Arsh asking forpliments without words. Hence Arsh pinched her cheek before she could reveal anything and took Aria to the special lounge.


    Aria entered to see a breathtaking gown on a mannequin, she couldn''t stop herself from tracing her fingers on the vintage-styled gown adorned in real diamonds. It was a ssic royal style gown.


    Arsh smiled harmlessly looking at Aria loving the dress, ''My Dad knows my Momma well.'' He thought and nced at Arna who had mixed emotions. Arna likes bright colored stylish dresses more, rather than elegance and ssy so he didn''t bother telling her anything.


    "Look who is here in my humble ce." The trio turned to the entrance hearing Luke''s voice.


    Aria asked, pointing to the gown, "Is your next theme royal? This gown is a masterpiece." It didn''t sh in her mind, it could be a vintage style wedding gown.


    Luke epted thepliments that belonged to her husband. He had just helped n with the craftsmen and suggestion to him, however, he hadn''t expected the gown toe out marvelous.


    "Isn''t it?" Luke stood next to her watching the gown, "Oh yeah, President Morgan said the theme is ''Royal'', I have sent the outfits to all, I think you should go with this, doesn''t it look like a Duchess''s gown?"


    Then he whispered, "You think anybody can give justice to this? It''s your size."


    Aria was instantly excited, thinking she could wear it before the fashion show. She always loved to wear Luke''s creation as she still walks his ramp as a showstopper so it wasn''t suspicious at all.


    Luke''s assistants quickly gave her the gown while the dresser took Arna to style her hair and groom Arsh.


    After five minutes, Luke saw Aria lost in her thoughts smiling to herself looking at the mirror, "President Cooper, dreaming of your husband in daylight!"


    Aria chuckled looking at Luke''s reflection in the mirror, "Do you believe I am excited as though I am the bride and this is a wedding gown? I am a mother of two and behaving like a girl in my early twenties.


    Luke faintly smiled but diverted the attention, "My majesty, give me the honor to take you to the green room for makeup."


    Aria chuckled, pping his hand before she hooked her arm. She called the driver at Cooper mansion to get her car as she can''t drive a sports car wearing the gown.


    Aria hmphed looking at her children, "Snow, you are not allowed to marry anyone, I will kidnap and keep you for myself. My little baby is so adorable."


    Snow let her mother kiss her before she cupped her mother''s face, "Momma, what did you do? The gown looks more beautiful on you than the doll. I want your gown now."


    Luke chuckled and carried her up carefully, "Snow, if you allow uncle to design for you, I will get you a better one than this."


    Arsh: "Spoiling her again."


    Arna quickly covered Luke''s ears, "Uncle Luke didn''t hear anything. Uncle didn''t hear anything" She yammered hoping Luke would forget it and design her a beautiful gown like her mother''s.


    ---


    Aria was speechless looking at Limousine to pick the three. She epted everything is arranged as Royal watching Snow dancing looking at the car. It was Snow and Nemo''s first time in the Limousine so she didn''t feel odd.


    Aria''s mobile rang disying Rian''s name and he spoke without letting her chance to speak, "Little Devil, there will be a professional photographer to take some candid pictures of you and little ones. Then we will have a st at the pce and make all jealous." Heughed mischievously and hung up the call.


    ''Typical Rian!!'' She loves how he is the same after so many years and after marriage.


    Aria taught the little ones how to pose and have the demure of a ssy royal family member without over showing the expression.


    Arna wouldugh but still looked cute whereas the photographer swooned on Aria and Arsh asking if they n on enteringmercial advertisements.


    ---


    It was half-past six, dusk sun rays painted the sky in beautiful colors. The limousine came to a halt in front of the pce main gates giving the whole pce view. The pce''s yellow lights were turning on giving a stunning look to the night.


    The driver bowed his head after turning backside, "Madam, vehicles aren''t allowed from here. Master has arranged a carriage to take you three to the pce."


    Aria hummed and saw the photographer alight soon followed by Arsh voluntarily alighted and paused remembering something. He turned around and held Arna''s hand and another hand helped her with the gown when she alighted. Aria had a wide grin looking at the mini version of n while Arna jumped down and kissed Arsh''s cheek greatly liking how he helped her.


    Aria who was alighting was surprised when the little hand extended to her, "Momma!" Arsh said with an expectant gaze.


    Aria controlled her urge to carry and hug him. Even though she sometimes felt he could be like a normal child enjoying life like others, she cherished his uniqueness too.


    Holding his hand, she alighted while the photographer went crazy taking pictures of three while Arna quickly held Aria''s dress hem seeing Arsh can''t help due to height difference.


    "I love my little babies." She kissed the little ones before walking ahead to cross the gate.


    Arna and Aria gasped when a pumpkin-shaped white carriage came in front of them. "Momma, as in Cindere."


    Aria wasn''t dumb to still think of everything as a coincidence. How could Luke have everything set for her when Arna chose the Royal as the theme? How could they choose the day exactly the previous day of the pce maintenance? Even if everything was present, the pumpkin white carriage recoiled in a string of lights wasn''t something that could be arranged in two hours even if they had money.


    Aria was about to ask Arna but thetter skipped front, "Dad remembers I like pumpkin carriage so much. Momma, Momma, am I Cindere now?" She asked excitedly twirling, hopping around.


    Aria didn''t ask her but responded, "You aren''t a Cindere. Cindere is a girl who suffers her whole childhood until she finds her prince charming. My baby is born a princess, she doesn''t need a prince charming to be happy, she could make everyone''s life filled with happiness. You are a Princess Snow."


    Arna remembered the Cindere story and nodded in eptance before hopping again, "I am Snow Princess."


    Aria turned to Arsh who realized Aria got to know. He remembered n taught him a lie so he repeated the same line hoping it works, "Momma, actually Dad knew the theme. He silently prepared so that Momma won''t get angry thinking we are spoiling Snow."


    He felt his palms wet looking at his mother''s seriousness. "That''s it?"


    Arsh didn''t want to lie but he was lying to his mother repeatedly so his eyes filled up as he apologized instead of answering with another lie, "I am sorry, Momma. I will not lie again."


    Aria squatted down and hugged the little frame to stop him before he cries, "It''s alright. You did for your little sister so let''s consider it as a white lie for Snow''s happiness."


    Arsh hugged her back and asked, "What is a white lie?"


    "It''s a harmless lie, especially one told to avoid hurting someone''s feelings. Here you lied to avoid Snow crying. But make sure to tell Momma next time. I will fulfill all the requests and dreams of you two if it''s reasonable."


    Arsh nodded, ''Momma, you are dummy as Dad says.'' He thought and was happy seeing his mother smile.


    "Did you two forget the Snow Princess?" Arna asked grumpily before crashing into her mother''s embrace seeing her spread arms for a hug.

 Chapter 496: Contentment on his brides face.

    Chapter 496: Contentment on his bride''s face.


    The whole time the photographer was wonderstruck watching them until Aria and the little ones hopped to the white dreamy pumpkin carriage that was attached to an electronic car instead of a horse as in the ancient period.


    The sun slowly set down by the time they reached the secondary gates. It had turned dark without light to walk down till the pce.


    The carriage driver spoke, "President Cooper, you have to walk from here."


    Aria knew the vehicle won''t go ahead from here and alighted with kids, "Nemo, please turn on the torch in mobile."


    However, Arsh didn''t hear her and Nathan reached them from the darkness, "Madam President" He greeted and smiled at Snow who twirled in front of him, "Uncle Nathan, look!" And she pointed at Aria''s dress, "Momma''s dress is twinkling."


    Nathan carried Snow and held Arsh''s hand patiently without hurrying to avoid giving away any hint, "President Cooper, lights will be turned on soon, please follow this path, I will take kids near the fountain for pictures."


    Aria just cared about the safety of babies so she hummed, "Alright, Babies don''t Uncle." After her, Nathan entered thewn area and Aria heard Arna burst intoughter as soon as they went away.


    Aria was really doubting why Arna wasughing out for little things and walked on the footpath smacking her head for not taking the mobile from Arsh. "I am bing dumb and dumber nowadays." She mumbled to herself and shook her head to shrug the thoughts of how the little ones hiding things from her and n ying with them.


    In the short term, it was alright but she needed to take n''s ss from hiding it. She didn''t want it to be the practice of kids and burden n.


    She had just taken about five steps, being careful of the gown and path when the lights around her turned on, blinding her vision before adjusting to it and opening her eyes. She gasped looking around everything dazzling in the fairy lights.


    It was like a sea of stars were at her reach, lightening her path towards the pce. Amused by her own realization, Aria discerned everything was for her but not Arna.


    They had wedding pictures, so why are the arrangements so grand? She wanted to run but her heels were too high and if she ran barefooted, the gown would be spoiled. However, she held the sides of the skirt and took steps faster to reach it soon. She didn''t realize her face was lit in a bright smile thinking her husband won''t change even if they have kids or grow old with her.


    Her hands slid inside the pockets of the skirt which she didn''t even know existed. Findinga piece of paper in it, her movements paused to read it, [You aren''t a princess but My Queen.]


    She chuckled remembering her line, ''I wanted to be a princess but became a skedaddle bride.'' Her husband is too innocent and sweet that he took her words literally to make her the queen.


    Another pocket chit had a single word for her, [Walk.] urately knowing she would be running her way towards him. ''My husband is so cute.'' She giggled to herself having no idea n was watching her on his tab held by his little brother.


    Rian muttered to n who was intently watching his wife his bride''s every reaction, "I knew you were jealous of my wedding. Bro, you are cunning."


    n smirked in response leaving Rian speechless. Rian wanted to leave a benchmark with his Gothic wedding but his brother took a step ahead and marvelously arranged a royal wedding.


    But n didn''t stop there, he also filed aint to the administration stating the culture and country''s architecture should be treasured instead of allowing the public to use it that could ruin harm and affect tourism.


    Rian had heard Nathan stating, the wedding was going to be thest celebration in the pce so the benchmark couldn''t be reced or rearranged in the future.


    Rian hmphed and saw Arrie change to thedy everyone admires. She gave justice to the gown and theme elegantly walking her way towards the pce to enter the grand entrance vibrantly lit in light and candles.


    "I like my Little Devil but not the queen Aria." Then he grabbed the crown n had prepared for Aria, "You are still the best for Little Devil for letting me walk her the Aisle." He quickly went to the entrance of the hall with another two.


    The wedding possession was announced as soon as Aria entered the pce''s second huge hall. The best man was in a pink suit, short height with a cute smile on his face. Arsh walked happily to his position.


    The pce spoke of royalty and uniqueness in his dome-shaped ceiling. The series of chandeliers were lit in yellow golden lights, it was a hall that upied nearly hundreds of guests who were smiling looking at Arsh seeing him happiest.


    Then it was the groom''s turn to walk the aisle. n was in his aloofness while all had a huge smile in the hall admiring the man for his boundless love for his wife.


    He was wearing a in shirt and buttoned it up fully to support the graceful bow tie he was wearing. It was topped with a three-button ssy vest with a narrow neckline, which allows for arge portion of the white shirt to remain visible.


    The ck jacket perfectly wrapped around his slender yet brawny physique. It had a subtle id pattern giving the suit a stylish, ssy look. The single buttoned jacket was buttoned making him look more elegant. Thepel of the zer was in grey adorning a white flower boutonniere in the peephole and another side had a breastpin in a teardrop-shaped diamond holding a chain giving his aristocratic air a Royalness.


    To top it all, his cufflinks dazzled with his hands'' movement with his branded wrist watchplimenting the attire. Choosing the perfectlyplemented polished shoes, he walked with head held high and back straight looking no less of a contemporary king with a touch of vintage.


    All held their breath turning to the closed big door to wait for the queen to rule by her presence. The most anticipated person was the groom who wanted nothing but a smile of contentment on his bride''s face.


    The doors of the hall opened and all gasped looking at the door. Their eyes involuntarily moved towards n without believing their eyes.

 Chapter 497: A perfect adornment

    Chapter 497: A perfect adornment


    It wasn''t Aria''s first time in the pce so she could guess where the wedding hall was and reached the second hall of the pce to see Rian grinning widely and Arna''s lips were open like O.


    "Woah Momma, you..." Arna didn''t get toplete due to Rian who covered her mouth and whispered something that brought a wide smile nodding her head vigorously.


    "What''s cooking between you two?" Aria asked but got no response.


    Rian quickly grabbed the tiara and crowned his Little Devil. "Perfect!" He eximed.


    "Okay I am going in" Aria took a step to go and see n but Rian pulled her back, "Little Devil, wait."


    He quickly grabbed the wedding bouquet and handed her correcting her arm position and before flicking his finger. She was confused when she heard two different footsteps and saw two helped to pull a long trainedrge veil pulling over her head and suspending over her face.


    Arna whose lips were small O widened, "Little Dad, Momma looks..."


    Rian Shushed her, "Shhh..."


    Arna humphed and held her Pomander styled pink and white bouquet from him, "Momma, Let''s go in. Dad is waiting for you."


    Aria could only hum seeing Rian make everything secretive. Cuing to open the door, Rian stood with Aria who was ready to spot n but Arna ran behind her, "Oh, I forgot."


    Aria involuntarily turned while Rian ran behind Arna, "Snow, wait... Door opened..."


    ''Door?'' Aria again turned front and was surprised to see the hallpletely filled; she heard them gasping while her eyesnded on n. Her husband never failed to amuse her by looking attractive every time. She smiled seeing no tailcoat. ''Won''t a royal groom wear a tailcoat wedding suit?''


    However her eyes caught a painting beside n. Her jaws almost dropped when she realized it was Rian''s painting and herplete look was painted before she even wore the wedding gown. The realistic of the painting was top quality as though it was a digital picture taken a few seconds back when she wore the crown and veil. She realized why the guests were beyond astonishment looking front and back.


    She turned to the bantering duo who were arguing whether Arna was going to walk front or behind. Arna was keeping her point as she should walk behind to look after the veil and she had seen on TV that bridesmaid walk behind the bride. Rian was convincing her as ''she is a Maid of honor'' so she should walk in front of her mother.


    "Snow!" Aria called and got their attention, "Come to Momma for a minute."


    Snow skipped in front of her while all were waiting for the bride and the groom was helpless against his daughter, "You aren''t bride''s maid. You are My Snow Princess. So Snow won''t follow me and but lead me to your Dad. Will you?"


    ''Snow Princess!'' Arna grinned cuing Aria to bend.


    Thanks to Aria''s flexibility, she lowered without folding her knees. Arna opened the veil to lurk in and kissed her mother, "Momma, I won''t mind following my gorgeous Momma. Now I will lead you to Dad. Wait for me."


    Rian: "..." He thought, ''You devils, I had said the same''


    Arna walked the aisle beaming when the flower girls arranged on either side of the aisle showered the flower petals on her. Rian extended his arm, "Bro, told me to walk you the aisle." He said proudly.


    Aria happily held his arm. After losing her father, the one who was her family was Rian so she wasn''t surprised n chose him instead of anybody else, "I thought you will start painting Snow. It''s beautiful."


    Rian smiled in response but didn''t respond instead watched his brother bewitched by the beauty next to him.


    n''s eyes didn''t move from his bride. Did he make it toote to give her the wedding? He didn''t know? He was d his son pushed him to do so and got to see his wife eternally beautiful and content.


    The vintage theme, he didn''t know why he chose it and arranged, he was happy seeing her satisfied but he doubted if her eyes went on anything other than him and the painting. His first and only toughest job he felt was designing her wedding gown inspired by his brother.


    The gown was designed focusing on her shoulders, highlighting her slender sculpted waist. It had covered her shoulders entirely in a high neck style giving a sophisticated look. The slim three-quarter sleeves added a note of refined modernity.


    The dress was in afortable A-line fit. Below the waist spreads around with a long trail flowing in soft round folds behind her reaching all the way down to the ground in a radiate grace and refinement.


    She was every ounce of royal grace in a ssic wedding gown topped off with the custom made diamond tiara.


    It didn''t have heavyce but artistic embroidery at the bodice and the sides of the gown, specking the diamonds around the gowns. She wore small studded earrings made of pearl drop and diamonds hiding behind the curl of her hair.


    Her demure and smile was all that is needed as a perfect adornment.


    She held a white and green cascade bouquet walking the Aisle in her grace and elegance.


    Aria was surprised when the veil slowly slid off her head urately guessing it was nned that way. As soon she stepped in front of n, veil dropped down without ayer between them.


    Rian passed her hand to n when he extended for her, and inplete silence both bride and groom stood facing each other.


    n broke the silence, "I don''t like tail coat design." Aria giggled, "My groom is hot and sexy."


    n nted a kiss on her forehead while the wedding officiant started the ceremony. After the oath, they announced the ring ceremony.


    Naira and Ivan were taking the rings from Amelia to the bride and groom when Noah stole a ring and Rian another one. Eva remarked, "We three were dying for this time from so many years. My goddess, make me fall in love."


    Isaac chuckled next to her while Noah and Rian behaved the same, SweetiePie and Beauty. "We are waiting."


    Aria showed her hand which already had a ring, "I am already married, you guys forgot?"


    The three: "..." They realized, they don''t actually need the ring.


    Finn saw them speechless and probed the little one, "Snow, don''t you want to hear your Momma and Dad confess?"


    Snow nodded at him grinning widely beforementing to her parents, "Momma, don''t be a spoilsport, confess to Dad how much you love him else I will confess and steal him away from you."


    Aria: "..."


    All burst intoughter while Aria flushed red hearing n''s voice next to her ear, "I am waiting..."

 Chapter 498: Let me love you forever

    Chapter 498: Let me love you forever


    ''Isn''t she married for long enough? Doesn''t everyone out there know she loves her husband boundlessly?'' Yet there she was blushing like a new naive bride looking at her husband and hearing all cheer.


    When it''s about love, she knew she can''t put in heart touching words like how her husband always did, voiced it for her and made her happy every time. Now it was her turn, she didn''t know what she was going to say or how it would sound but gave it a try with her cheeks red gazing at the anticipated eyes.


    "Togetherness!" They are married and wedded to be together to love forever. Aria''s mellifluous voice continued.


    "Let''s be together to spend our weekends eating ice cream on the floor when there is a sumptuous meal on the table behind us. Let''s be together to paint the rooms of our house but get more paint on us. Let''s be together to go to the movies and sit in thest row just to make out like kids falling in love for the first time. Let''s be together to hold our hands and go for a walk to enjoy the sunset. Let''s be together to ditch the party to drink wine out of the bottle in the bathtub. Let''s be together to innocently cuddle on the bed to slow dance together in our bedroom with a messy bed and burning candles on the nightstand. Let''s be together to let me love you forever."


    n was all smiles hearing her. She was his wife, happy to be a teenager in her whole life with her little sweet wishes. He cupped her face nting a kiss on her forehead wrapping another arm around her.


    Noah and Rian chuckled while Eva remarked, "My wifey,e to me. Let me love you and make you fluffy."


    All chuckled and ready to move to the ring ceremony but Isaac waved at Arsh who was grinning as though his mother confessed to him despite not understanding what she meant. Isaac lipped as he cued pointing at n, ''Ask your Dad to confess your Momma.''


    Arsh blinked without understanding what he was mouthing instead of saying loudly. However he took time to realize seeing Finn pointing n to Aria. He nodded his head and tugged at his father''s pants causing Isaac to grin wide.


    They all had seen n in action how much he loves his wife, he wanted to hear how n would sound sweet after nine whole years of togetherness.


    "Dad!" Arsh called and got his parents'' attention, he continued, "Now it''s your turn."


    Aria hadn''t asked because he always confesses her in one or the other form. However she smiled hearing Arsh and n go silent.


    Arsh pursed his lips getting no response. He left his father''s pants and took a step back feeling sad. Anyhow, n responded and brought the smile back, "Alright."


    Arsh demanded immediately, "Tell us how you felt seeing Momma for the first time."


    n felt his son too smart even though the little one had no idea how to y by words.


    n turned to Aria who was giggling holding Snow''s hand, He took his wife''s hand away and lied to Arna, "Your darling is waiting for you."


    "Really?" Snow turned to Speechless Finn who had to leave Rose''s hand and carry the princess to hisp. "Darling, you should confess to me like Momma did to Dad but I don''t understand why Momma wants to drink wine in the bathtub. Anyway Aunt Rose, You should confess to Darling too."


    Finn chuckled and he knew the Fourie won''t ask him to confess in front of all and it was only between them so he was rxed and said, "I will confess my Snow even better than your boring Momma."


    Rose shushed them to hear n, "Shhh"


    n''s voice was deep and gentle looking at his wife waiting for his sweet words, "As I stood here waiting for you, I realized just how beautiful you really are, both inside and out. First, I was attracted to your brave but crazy confidence when I first saw you. My only exception, whose attention I craved. And then I realized, you are stronger and unbreakable, beating every odd.


    Under all that mask, you have a truly beautiful heart. I fell for your loving,passionate and honest personality. I wanted your heart, and all of it, only for myself.


    I was a proud guardian, your livid one at that. When each one was afraid to talk to me, you would squabble with me for the silliest things and also surprised me with mature talks. You are a full package who made my heart pound right out of my chest, filling my mind with a race of questions and emotions when you were searching for a reason to turn me down.


    Then, when you looked deep into my eyes and shed me that smile which is only reserved for me, I think that''s when I truly understood how much I had fallen for you, how much I wanted that smile in my life, and how much I wanted to protect that smile in our whole life. Maybe it''s just another cheesy, mawkish love story, but that''s okay. You''re worth my world; so I made you mine and made me yours."


    n ended beautifully capturing Aria''s lips seeing her emotional in the totally awe-d wedding hall.


    While all elders were adoring the couple, Naira pouted when Ivan closed her eyes and threatened, "I willin to the teacher."


    Arna got excited holding Finn''s hand down grinning widely watching her parents and demanded Finn, "Darling, I want to get married like a princess. Go go, make babies with Aunt Rose. I want a handsome one like you. Go go."


    Blushing Rose: "..."


    Finn nced at Rose who behaved dumb and deaf watching the bride and groom. He asked Snow, "Who taught you about making babies?"


    Snow pped with all responding next to Finn''s ear, "Naira said Aunt Norah is having another baby in her tummy staying with Uncle Noah. You are with Aunt Rose, where is the baby?"


    Finn really wanted to apud new generation kids. Was he thinking all that when he was a baby? He doubted. ''Only your Momma and Dad can answer your questions.'' He thought and saw Snow freeze before turning to Rose and him.


    "Aunt Norah and Uncle Noah are married so they got a baby. You two aren''t married so no baby. Get married soon" She patted him and saw the ring ceremony was over without realizing the two were frozen hearing her without knowing how to exin her.


    Arna got off from hisp to run to her mother but paused and turned to Finn for rification, "Darling, how did Momma and Dad have me and Brother Nemo without marriage? Did they cheat?"


    Rose and Finn burst intoughter. The Stanley and Wen family were too happy seeing Finn happier than ever.


    Another couple watched and heard the bride and groom feeling happy for them. While the man just nced at his woman, she blurted out, "Vin, you better marry me soon. Else I will make you unconscious and kidnap you to an unknown ind." Maisie grimly red at his enticing blue eyes.


    Vince yawnedzily and looked front, "I thought you will ask once our hair turns grey and starts falling."


    Surprised, Maisie asked in curiosity, "You- You were waiting for me to ask?..." She pped her forehead at the realization, "This is what you meant by I will decide about our rtionship. I am so dumb." She was over the ninth cloud unable to define her happiness.


    Vince smacked her head for making him wait so long else ''wouldn''t they be having kids like Arsh and Arna?'' He so wanted to have super smart children running around them.


    Maisie ordered, "Okay, I want to get married, here and now."


    Vince: "..."


    She continued, "I want babies, the more the better. If we have twins like Aria, I want six."


    Vince: "..."


    She pushed him off the chair when he was least expecting it, "Go, Go... arrange, what are you waiting for?"


    Vince was standing in the middle of the hall hence grabbed each of the eyes on him including the bride and groom.

 Chapter 499: To the best Fourie

    Chapter 499: To the best Fourie


    ''Go, Go... arrange, what are you waiting for?''


    Standing in the middle of the hall with everyone''s eyes on him, Vince gritted his teeth. Firstly he had spoiled his girlfriend beyond rotten, secondly he wanted to fulfill her every kind of wish but n will skin him alive if he asks to let him use the wedding hall.


    If it was anybody else, he wouldn''t have given a second thought but now he has to think and be prepared to gaze at the brooding eyes of n.


    "Go" Maisie probed again while all were watching the handsome yet the daunting man.


    Arsh saw all confused and noticed his father cue him so he walked up to Vince, "Uncle Vince"


    Vince carried the little man to hear him facing straight instead of looking down or kneeling, "How may I help you? Do you need anything?"


    Maisie looked away from Vince''s gaze as though challenging him. She saw Patrik and her mother Melissa asking her ''What is going on?'' in actions. Maisie shrugged and saw Vince walking up to n.


    Vince asked Arsh, "Will your Dad help me this time?"


    Arsh didn''t know how to answer that so, "I don''t know Uncle Vin. Will I be of any help?"


    "Yeah!" Vince instantly epted, "Convince your dad to let me use the wedding hall formy wedding."


    Arsh''s face turned grim. He wanted to turn down on behalf of his father but didn''t want to be rude.


    Vince chuckled and reached the bride and groom. "Little one, help out your brother."


    Aria nced at n and epted, "Sure. How"


    "NO." n said sharply.


    Vince''s lips twitched, "Hey, you don''t even know what I wanted to ask help in."


    Aria held her husband and shushed him. Vince chose to speak it out in the middle of the ceremony so she wanted to know if it''s crucial, "Brother Vin, tell me how I could be of any help."


    Vince red at n before looking at Aria, "I want to use this wedding venue for my wedding."


    Excited, "Really? Maisie proposed to you? When? Now?"


    Vince rxed seeing Aria''s reaction and was sure she would help him, "Yeah, so please"


    n nonchntly cut in, "What about the wedding gown?"


    Vince turned to Aria whose excitement turned to shock and slowly moved behind n and peeked at Vince, "I am not giving my gown, NO FREAKING WAY. n designed it for me."


    Vince: "..."


    n had a smug smile and that left Vince speechless, ''Do I have to design a gown for myself? Is that a custom of weddings?'' Vince thought looking at the couple.


    The guests were all curious to know what they were talking about, especially looking at Aria hiding behind n who had a proud smile.


    Vince was helpless against Aria and n, he can''t force them, neither scare them to do as he wants so he didn''t know what to do with Maisie''s request.


    Aria suggested, "How about you guys wait and let me arrange for a wedding gown?"


    n objected, "I won''t allow them to use the same venue."


    Vince was speechless while Aria tried to convince, "n, please We will have double enjoyment."


    n didn''t ept but pointed behind Vince with his chin, "Your wedding venue is on the terrace. Follow your wife for outfits."


    "Huh?" Aria and Vince looked at n in wonder-struck.


    n saw Aria and exined to her which served for Vince too, "Maisie is in the city for a week. She requested to help and I agreed. She might be testing him now."


    Vince left Arsh back on the ground and turned to see Maisie panic and run out. He strode out following her with a grim face for lying to him as she was at her mother''s ce.


    Aria announced excitedly, "We have another wedding to celebrate before dinner."


    Melissa and Patrick were surprised and Arna cheered louder for all to chuckle, "Yayyy!"


    ----


    None had displeasure, instead all shifted to terrace to the new arrangements in modernity. The theme was white hence the chairs on either side were in white and the aisle had white flowers on either side with the candles leading to the small tform.


    The tform had four poles holding a circr frame adorned with white roses and a small chandelier.


    n took his wife to change her wedding to another white gown to let her enjoy the wedding and reception without worrying about the crown or sky high heels.


    Aria liked the jumpsuit styled white gown by Luke which had a trail giving her a look of a new bride. Aria agreed to change only because of the new wedding theme and the amazing reception decor.


    This time, Maisie and Vince walked the aisle together. Vince looked cold but n and Aria knew he was delighted while their daughter was grumbling to Finn saying all handsome men are taken and she was left with no choice.


    Vince was in ck shirt buttoned up for the elegant ck tie that almost looked invisible against his in shirt. He had skipped the vest and wore the white zer that wrapped his slender yet masculine body perfectly.


    The ck lining to thepel and the kerchief in the pocket gave him a stylish and refined look as he walked in utmost nonchnce without bothering to inform his grandfather or anyone.


    Next to the handsome groom, his bride waspletely offset style than any of them. She was wearing an off shoulder deep sweetheart neckline jumpsuit that hugged her curves beautifully. The corset had thevish intricated work in dazzling stones and handwork.


    It was topped with an open front full sleeve jacket. A wide belt hugged her waist without making it look sloppy. The length of the jacket reached the floor at sides with a long trail giving her a bold outgoing look of bride.


    Her hair was freed with long earrings and nude make up that gave off a deep yet sexy look.


    But as the bride neared, Aria muttered, "Why Maisie is grim? Or tensed?" She asked her husband by looking at the bride nibbling her lower lip.


    n nced at the bride and asked Aria, "Should I show it now or in the wedding suite?"


    "Huh?" Aria again looked at the couple to realize Maisie got her punishment and elbowed n, "My hubby, I will ask the hotel to arrange a whip to punish you."


    She evillyughed leaving n speechless. ''Hotels won''t have it right?'' His wife is turning into a devil. She had once tortured him so he was not going to take her lightly, not at all.


    "Let''s go home after reception." n changed causing her to chuckle and peck his cheek. "How can I hurt my groom on our wedding night? Your punishment is canceled for your surprise." She again kissed his cheek and grinned.


    "Aish, did you two forgot many are here? Little Devil, look at your maternal cousin and brother inw.... Where is my pregnant wife?... Roxy, my dear, see your cousin is trying to feed me dog food, I don''t want to sit here, let''s make out in the back seats."


    Aria started chuckling and heard Eva butt in, "Hello,st row is reserved for us. Forget it."


    Noah added his remark looking at Norah, "Sweetheart, how about we go into the dark? The terrace of the pce is too vast."


    The Fourie bumped their fists and continued to leave their spouses word-struck while the weddingpleted on other the end.


    The newly wedded couple were in a hurry to make babies so they left. The elders left with the kids who were sad but had no choice.


    Rose smiled watching Aria beam holding n''s chin to drown the champagne down his throat. She pulled Finn next to him from Ceon and asked curiously, "Did you feel bad seeing President Cooper getting wed?"


    Finn pinched her nose before wrapping an arm around her, "Nope, I''m happy for her." Rose sweetly smiled hearing the response. She pointed at the dance floor and Finn obliged happily.


    On the other end, Moran pressed his hands on his ears walking away from a cute girl who was yammering running behind him, ''Why can''t you date me? We can get married like your friend. Moran. Are we only dance partners? Moran, say yes please.''


    Since the only guests were well known of Aria and n, the Fourie hadplete freedom to take the world down and enjoy it without limitation.


    n: "Sigh, the Fourie won''t change."


    Isaac: "Thank god! Arrie is a woman."


    Norah and Roxy looked at each other and gazed at their husbands, "Do they remember they are married?"


    "Damn, I am still jealous of these four."


    While the Fourie clicked their twentieth shots ss and cheered loudly, "To the best of Fourie."


    ----- The End~ ----


    Is this the good end? Drop yourments and lots of reviews.


    Hehe, I am adding side stories so whoever reaches here, don''t forget toment and let me know your views.


    Theing chapters there will be story of our Sweet MCs in Finn''s point of view and his story with Rose.

 Chapter 500: Two more shots please

    Chapter 500: Two more shots please


    At Aria and n''s wedding reception,


    Dancing to the music, Finn asked, "You should really take my sses to learn the dance and stop stepping on my feet."


    Rose pouted, she was unwilling to learn, "Is it important to learn?"


    Finn gave it a thought and hummed, "Do you want to step on my feet if we dance somewhere else? Here, no one cares, what about a business party? Or your wedding?"


    ''Your wedding?'' Rose purposefully stomped his feet and snorted.


    Finn hissed by the pain due to her heel and pinched her waist until she flushed red in pain, "Stomp me again." He provoked.


    Rose wanted to stomp but was afraid of what he will do next so pouted looking away, "What if youugh at me instead of teaching me?"


    Finn used his next move to make her agree without answering her, "Alia wanted to make you as her assistant, will you cut her nose if she takes you to a party?"


    "Really?" Rose''s eyes sparkled in anticipation.


    ''Now I am jealous of Alia.'' Finn thought, looking at Rose''s reaction. He never in dreams thought a girl could adore another one so deeply until he witnessed.


    However he nodded promptly and twirled her before pulling her back to his arm, "Levi is Vice president and he is also assistant to her so Alia wants an assistant to unload Levi."


    He wanted to pull her cheeks seeing her excitedly hear him, "Her assistant shouldn''t only be smart but needs to be honest and loyal. You top in all the list so she spoke to me."


    The excitement turned to sadness, "Why didn''t she talk to me directly? It''s my job, not yours."


    Finn liked her temporary disappointment at Aria, whirling her around him, he ced her hands on his shoulder and wrapped his arms around her waist. Rose blushed due to closeness but she heard him without moving away.


    "Because I am considered as a guardian of this dumb girl and her boyfriend." He faked a sigh and earned a punch on his arm.


    Finn continued after a hearty chuckle, "Your president wanted to make sure the Stanley family has no problem letting their daughter-inw work at someone else''spany. She wanted to make sure I have no objection so that the dumb girl doesn''t fall into panic and sit in dilemma which one to choose."


    ''Daughter-inw?'' She was about to stomp him but Finn sleekly escaped as he chuckled seeing her slip her own footing and fall back.


    Rose held his shoulder watching himugh at herying in his arms. "I am not your wife And why will you have a problem?"


    Making her stand back on her feet, he poked her head, "You don''t want me tough at you but you are clumsy all the time."


    Shrugging his hand, Rose started throwing her tantrums, "Fine, I am not dancing with you again."


    Nheless, Finn was faster to hold her back, "Am I spoiling you too much so soon?"


    ''Spoiling? Undoubtedly yes.'' Rose thought but didn''t reveal her expression and pointed at him, "I am feeding you too much I guess. You will fast from today."


    Even though she said it literally, Finn somehow took about intimacy and started chuckling again. "FINN STANLEY." Rose hissed and bit his arm forughing at her again. She was happy seeing himugh and be happy like a normal man instead of cold President but ugh, heughs too much at her.


    "Are you sure, you want to bite?" Finn asked through his teeth in a dark deep tone causing her to freeze, thinking how he might punish her, "You are the one who is annoying me." She tried to change the topic, "Now answer, why will you have a problem with me working at Skyline?"


    Finn looked at his forearm next to his cuffed sleeves. He thought of her punishmentter and responded to her, "The Stanley family members or many wealthy family members never work for others and I have my ownpany and Dad has his businesses too so."


    Rose became mute thinking how does that all affect the family or has such rules. She never thought of leaving Skyline and work at Starlight just because her boyfriend is apany president. She didn''t want to change her ns of career due to others but she wavered hearing Finn.


    Her life goal was always a career without any wishes until Finn entered her life and made her fall for him every day. She didn''t want to upset him.


    Finn saw her in dilemma and understood she kept him ahead of her career n. He didn''t want to trouble her but still tried to know her response, "You are working as Alia''s secretary, you can shift to Starlight and be my personal secretary. What do you think?"


    Rose was flustered hearing him. ''Will he be mad if I say the Skyline scope is farrger than Starlight?'' Skyline Industries is a multinational conglomerate whereas Starlight is an entertainmentpany.


    "I I is it important? Am I not allowed to work with President Cooper?" Her sour voice sounded.


    Finn smiled resignedly before flicking on her little nose, "Grandfather said you can work in Skyline or he will support you if you want to open your own business.And "


    Rose was delighted to hear it and started bouncing on her heels. She grinned widely as she nodded vigorously to let him continue, "Your president is a woman so I have no problem even if she takes advantage of you."


    Her lips twitched and punched him, "President Cooper never takes advantage of me and Why does your ''advantage'' have a different meaning?"


    Finnughed at her bbergasted expression upon realization. He continued to tease andugh at her as she continued to get bullied by her boyfriend.


    In the middle of the night, The duo heard a loud voice, "We want chicken"


    Finn was speechless while Rose chuckled looking at Aria and Eva who were taken away by their husband and Rian and Noah demanding more drink, "Two more shots please."


    "They are so cute." Rose remarked while Finn ordered, "You better don''t drink like them."


    He took her out as he responded, "You don''t know what you did after getting drunk?"


    Rose tried her best but didn''t remember so she shook her head, "What did I do?"


    Finn tried to trick her, "You cling on to me and"


    Curiosity rose, Rose started thinking wildly, "And?" She shook his hand vigorously. "Finn, what did I do?"


    ''Did I do something embarrassing?'' She didn''t want to think of it.


    Finn shook his head pursing his lips letting her think whatever she wanted until they reached the entrance and the valet brought his car.


    "You want to know?" Finn asked helping her with the gown to sit in the car. Rose nodded her head but the man smirked in response.


    ---


    At Finn''s vi


    Rose leaned on Finn''s room door frame and knocked on the door to get his attention from theptop.


    Finn checked the time and frowned, "Why haven''t you slept yet?"


    Rose silently crawled on his bed and announced, "I am sleeping here today."


    Finn: "..."


    ''My dumb littlemb is bing too bold.'' He thought looking at her pull the duvet up and made herselffortable on his bed.


    Keeping hisptop away, Finn said in a sinister yet tempting tone, "The delicious fish jumped on my te."

 Chapter 501: A little special one

    Chapter 501: A little special one


    ''The delicious fish jumped on my te.''


    Rose: "..."


    She was quick to discern she was the fish and the te is his bed but she was toote to react for running away when the man sleekly pinned her on the bed.


    She felt her cheeks burn, she really didn''t mean to get fed to him readily. She wasn''t getting sleep and thought to talk to him as they sleep. She felt herself too naive gazing at his predatory eyes.


    ''We haven''t even kissed, is he trying to scare me?'' Rose thought and tried to be calm, "I am not fish."


    Finn offered a new name, "Sweet and sour chicken?"


    Rose just stared at him as his hand went to her back and pulled her sit straddling him until she felt both were rather too close to be sitting that way. She muttered as she tried to back off, "I am Rose."


    Finn enjoyed her sneakily finding a way to escape without showing on her face however a little pull towards him ended her back on hisp, "Yeah!! A pink and fresh one."


    ''Fresh?'' Rose pursed her lips trying her best to be nonreactive sitting on hisp and countered, "I am not a flower, it dies in a day."


    Finn who just wanted to tease her stilled when she squirmed on hisp to get away from him, ''Damn!'' He couldn''t believe she made him hard just by squirming on hisp.


    He had cuddled her a lot of times and snuggled in bed to sleep too but never felt such desire as he felt. He had thought he has total control over his body for the past ten years but now her lips looked too inviting and the small waist under his palms was tempting to explore.


    Unaware she was ready or not, he didn''t want to rush anything in their rtionship so he stopped quickly but inpose ced her back on the bed. "Alright, a wild little cat!" He said and gritted his teeth thinking how to send her back to her room.


    Rose nibbled her lips without understanding why he suddenly changed from teasing to serious. "What''s wrong?" her little soft voice rang as she gazed at his face. She won''t get afraid by his serious face anymore.


    Finn breathed slowly trying to control his body and asked, "Are you here to seduce me in the crave of the early wedding night?"


    Rose countered back instantly with a grim voice, "I did nothing. You are the one who is trying to seduce me. I just came to talk to you."


    Hearing her raised tone when he was patient, he gritted his teeth and his finger wrapped around her ankle before pulling her back on hisp, "I see, you are too spoiled."


    Rose felt her body crash against his and involuntarily wrapped her arms around his shoulder. Her heartbeats raised drumming against her chest when his breath started assaulting her face making her blush spread till neck.


    Finn spoke against her cheek as she flinched by his warm breath, "What did you want to talk about?"


    His words only met silence as he felt her breath twitch and her fingers moved up his nape. ''The dumb little cat is indeed wild.'' He thought of receiving eptance to his advances.


    Yet, he instructed before he decided to continue, "Stop me if you are ufortable."


    "Huh?" Rose didn''t get to digest the words before felt a thin pair of lipsnding on hers. Her heart pounded harder than ever trying to grasp he wasn''t teasing her but but kissing her.


    The kiss wasn''t soft as she always imagined watching movies but overwhelming for her to react quickly.


    Finn doesn''t even remember how he had felt kissing his past flings but now he just loved the soft petal-like lips perfectly molding into his making him crave for more.


    Rose felt cold run down her spine while his warm hand caressed up her waist and let out a moan when the slippery tongue jabbed inside her warm mouth.


    She lost every bit of sanity giving the whole control to the man following her instinctive reactions


    The innocent cuddling night she had expected turned hot and steamy keeping them busy for the rest of the night


    ---


    In the morning,


    Wrapped in a bathrobe, Finn for the tenth time tried to wake up Rose, "Don''t you have an office?"


    "Drive yourself, I am staying home," Rose grumbled under duvet covered from head to toe. And little grumpy for hearing him trying to trick her with the office on Sunday.


    He couldn''t believe one who runs around home to cook and feed waszing on the bed, "Ms. Rose, what''s the matter?"


    Rose: "..."


    Finn tried to pull the duvet down but she held tighter than ever. He chuckled sitting on the bed, "Shy? It''s toote. Sore?... Hmm I can help you with a hot bath."


    "Ahhhh Finn" Rose shrieked the next movement when he carried her with the duvet towards the bathroom.


    "Drop it." He ordered and saw her shook the head.


    Finn buried his amusement andughter when he remarked, "I like the wild cat more. Those edgy teeth, sharp nails, seduc"


    "Quiet, Quiet" Rose shut his lips quickly, almost shoving the duvet to his mouth and saw his raised brows, teasing gaze, so she threw the duvet on his face and pped her hand on his mouth, "If you speak again, I will run away." She threatened.


    Finn moved his head up to slip her hand and asked, "Without clothes? It''s impossible."


    "Finn!" She yelled but shut her lips tight and felt her cheeks burn. She wasn''t a naive little kid but a mid-twenties woman. She was a full-fledged adult with every human desire. It wasn''t her problem if he had thought she was naive, however she hadn''t expected her instinctive reaction to being strong either.


    ''What can I do when he is hot and sexy?'' Her cheeks again burned remembering the night.


    Finnid her in the bathtub throwing the duvet away and squashed her cheeks, "There is nothing to be embarrassed." He said indulgently seeing her flushed red.


    Finn grabbed the body sponge for her but she snatched it away thinking he was going to bathe her. "Go go,plete your work."


    Finn responded in utmost nonchnce leaning his head on his knuckles while the other hand yed with the bubbles in the bathtub, "My today''s work is tiring you out again and... Again."


    Rose: "..."


    She wanted to cry but they weren''ting. She had equally reciprocated, maybe the trust in him and the love so she failed to act as weak.


    She asked hesitantly, "Do you dislike me a little now?"


    Finn responded by capturing her lips, divulging in her sweet mouth, robbing her breath before leaving her with a red face, "What do you think?"


    She darted her eyes around pressing her deliciously swollen lips on each other understanding everything is alright.


    Finn pulled her cheeks and asked, "By the way what did you want to talk about at the night?"


    Rose pouted for her simple night bing erotic one, "I wanted to hear your story."


    "My story?"


    Rose nodded, "I want to hear your story of five years in country S with President Cooper."


    Finn: "..." He couldn''t believe she wants to talk about another woman after their intimate night.


    Rose quickly spoke to avoid any misunderstanding seeing him silent, "If you are ufortable it''s alright. I thought if you speak out, you will feel good instead of buried inside."


    And she chided, "Who knew you were going to eat me instead of hearing me?" She snorted and looked away hoping Finn won''t get mad.


    Finn sighed after understanding her. "I don''t feel heavy by those memories. If you still want to hear it... I will tell you about your president''s love You might fall in love with her again."


    He nted a soft kiss on her head realizing she was all along trying to rece his old pain with happiness and ease him around her whenever she spoke about his past.


    Rose giggled and pecked on his cheek, "I love you, Heartless Finn."


    ''Heartless?'' He flicked her head and went to prepare breakfast.


    Rose chuckled seeing him leave and sighed a breath of relief. It was Harold who told her to walk Finn''s path and hear him, make him more open to her, and leave the past behind just keeping them as memories so she just followed his advice.


    Undoubtedly, it worked as Finn became closer to her each time he shared his memories. Hearing him say he will tell about Aria and n keeping himself out of their life, she knew he wasn''t giving Aria the same priority but just a friend, maybe a little special one.

 Chapter 502: Pretty doll

    Chapter 502: Pretty doll


    After a healthyte breakfast, Rose cozied up with Finn on the couch bing a little braver. Seeing piles of toys arranged artistically, "Do you like me more or Arna?"


    Finn chuckled, getting a trivial question. Turning off the business news channel, he pulled her close to lean on him as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "Let me think"


    Rose: "..."


    She had thought he mightugh at her but seeing him think, she flipped around in his embrace and waited to hear him.


    "I like my Snow more" He saw her putting on a fake air of anger so he continued, "I can''t see her cry and I can make you cry all night Ouch"


    Rose failed to pinch him longer when Finn held her hands beforefortably resting her head on his chest. She asked next question purposefully to see if he gets irritated by a silly question, "If you have to save one from water, who will you save? Me or Snow?"


    Finn: "..."


    He was rendered speechless. What kind of question is that?


    "Shouldn''t youpare yourself with Alia?" He asked thinking if she was jealous but scared to take Aria''s name.


    Rose startedughing at him before revealing, "You think President Cooper needs you to save her? She might save the whole boat of people by keeping herself safe."


    Finn: "..."


    He couldn''t understand why his little woman wasn''t jealous of Aria in any way. However, he knew he likes that the most about her.


    He internally sighed and responded to her question, "Go learn swimming, I want to save my goddaughter."


    Rose was bbergasted seeing him wake her up to send her swimming. She snuggled back to his arms and cried, "I am sore"


    "Huh?"


    Flushed red, "I am tired." She buried her face on him and heard his chuckle.


    After a little tease and fun, Finn asked, seeing her anticipation, "You really want to hear?"


    Rose didn''t know if she should let him out of the past or just forget it and spend time with him so she left the choice to him, "If you don''t want to remember, it''s alright."


    ''Don''t I want to remember?'' Probably he will never forget the past but lock it away safely in his memories and live his life with his little wild cat.


    Something shed in his mind and asked, "Rose, do you like kids?"


    Rose vigorously nodded, "Especially Snow and Nemo. I just love them"


    Finn rxed hearing her and teased, "You don''t like dumb kids like you?"


    Rose controlled her urge to bite him unwilling to get more sore. "Nope, I like heartless and brainless kids like you."


    Finn truly wanted to show what a truly heartless man is like hearing her call him heartless every time. However, not to freak her out and to give rest to her sore body, he just bit her lips after robbing her breath.


    "Quick learner." He said licking his lips and earned a p on his waist before she hugged him.


    She remembered how she had lost hope three years back, after leaving Starlight and drank senseless crying to Aria to stay with her. Reminiscing of Aria and n resting on the couch in her condo, she smiled for having Finn.


    Three months back, she really hadn''t thought they would be really together for a month, she didn''t expect Finn to fall for her slowly too, take care of her and her preferences without speaking a word of it.


    Finn''s hand caressed her head as he reminisced the eight years back like it happened just yesterday.


    --- Eight years ago ---


    Lethargic yet curious, Finn sat in the airport lounge anticipating how his life is going to be for five years. He didn''t know if he will regret it or enjoy it but he looked forward to it.


    Just then he saw a slender, pretty girl repeatedly look behind, holding herself strongly without daring to shed a single tear. He didn''t know who she was anticipating to see but he was curious seeing her unwillingness to leave, yet moving forward.


    He saw her open her palm to see something before a determination shed in her eyes and didn''t look back again. He was smiling and entertained by her little expressions when he noticed a little crowd increase around her.


    Since his eyes were on her, he noticed two small shining metals fall on the ground and she had walked ahead aware of those fell down while keeping in the bag. He instinctively stood up to tell her and realized those were couple-rings.


    He thought how could the man not send her off in the airport. He almost had a negative view of n but saw the rings reach the hand of a man leaving him stunned.


    He couldn''t believe n Morgan was in the airport yet didn''t meet Aria Cooper but silently watched her from afar. He had many questions to ask them but didnt voice it aloud.


    He had thought n was doing everything because of the Cooper and Morgan''s family connection and for Aria''s safety. The longing in the two pair eyes didn''t lie to him that two souls were getting apart for five whole years.


    His anticipation for five years wanted to know, ''Will they stick up with each other for five years? Do they really love each other and prove that distance means nothing? Does love really exist? Won''t they cheat?''


    He had no anticipation of his own five years of life. He didn''t care how he will live for five years but wanted to witness how these two will grow in those five years.


    He silently followed her to check-in and sat after hopping in the flight. She knew him yet she didn''t bother to see anybody out there probably holding her all willpower to move ahead without running out of the airport.


    It was the first-ss section of the flight and very few passengers were there other than them. Her seat was next to the window and his seat was next to her with a walkover gap.


    "Hey" He greeted passing his backpack to the air hostess to keep in the storage.


    He didn''t hear the voice back but the mncholic gaze as though she was losing a part of her. However, he still extended his hand.


    Halfheartedly, she shook his hand for a second or two before leaving his hand and gaze outside clutching the hem of her dresspletely ignoring his presence.


    He wanted to speak but controlled hoping they shouldn''t start off five years on a bad note so he left her to get over and ept the fact that she was leaving for five years and that''s her own decision.


    Despite knowing he was right there, she didn''t utter a word to him, even when hepleted his immigration, and followed her out to the departure gate, she didn''t bother to speak.


    They had met before in the city B yet, he felt she waspletely a stranger. The same pretty doll which lost the charm. Both went in a different cab to the same regency yet she didn''t bother to ask him or talk to him.


    He really doubted if she could stay in country S or run back home in the morning.

 Chapter 503: Milan Scott

    Chapter 503: Mn Scott


    Aria and Finn had reached country S on Sunday morning so first, he collected the information about the locality, the way towards the college, neighborhood, and other locality where Aria might frequent from theing days.


    When he returned, he got to know a man was appointed to his vi, he was in charge of the cleaning and cooking. Finn turned down cooking, hence the man agreed toe in the evening and morning for cleaning purposes.


    He had to ask n about the arrangements for Aria. He had damned n the whole evening for coldly responding to him as though he was going to live in her vi.


    On Monday, The orientation and first day of college.


    He was thinking he would have to get a car for himself and was about to book a cab, he noticed a brand new Lamborghini standing at his doorstep, He could say n didn''t want to bother asking him anything so he got the same model he had back at home.


    However, he wanted a superbike but got the sight of the same model new bike next to the car. ''This man is unbelievable.'' He thought and got the sight of Aria existing the vi d in warm clothes.


    Even though it was far, he could make out she had cried looking at her red face and swollen eyes. She ndly nodded at the man who reported her and hoped on her McLaren P1, but the new model.


    He already had quite a lot of information about Aria so he knew she was good on roads and nothing to worry about getting herself in danger. He hopped on his car quickly and followed her car but less she pulled her car aside after less than a mile.


    ''Rich, spoiled girl.'' He thought she halted for breakfast and looked for parking and drove ahead when he noticed a slot. What was he doing? Honestly, he didn''t know. Following somebody was never in his history, yeah, except the criminal hiding in the forest. If she pushes him away, he can''t protect her and will fail to keep the promise of his grandfather so it was important to have a good start.


    However, when he noticed the rearview mirror, he discerned she was gazing at his car but didn''t stop to eat. Hemended her presence of mind on the road for urately discerning he was following her.


    Cursing his fate, he alighted the car depicting he parked to go to the cafe. When all was careful around him, he couldn''t believe he was being so careful with a girl.


    Was he annoyed? Yes, terrible but he was too curious and loved the new type of challenge ahead of him.


    ....


    At the university near the student registration. There is no doubt there will be numerous beautiful girls and boys on campus. Many senior boys were busy checking out on the fresher girls and senior girls and teams were busy guiding the newers.


    The temporary parking lot of the college was near the registration section so that it could make it easier for neers and parents to reach easier. An ivory-white McLaren P1 imperiously entered the parking grabbing each of the attention towards it. Some were curious to know who the rich brat is, some want to see if it''s a boy or a girl.


    The alighted one was a slender girl who felt cold stepping out of the car. While all girls entered in style, grooming their hair, she sleekly pulled her hair in a bun and wore the hoodie on her head without caring the eyes on her.


    Finn was leaning on the car watching many swooning on her side view and some admired her and some became jealous. Obviously because of beauty, brain, and richness. Beauty, which she was. Brain, it was a top university and rich, she alone drove the luxurious car and was in branded high-quality clothes even though they were simple and graceful.


    Aria grabbed her bag and file from the shotgun and noticed Finn leaning on his car watching her. Finn silently waited, at least to hear her say Hai! or ''Oh! You are in the same school.''


    Finn himself wasn''t any less or average looking guy. He was handsome and not to mention he was two years elder to his edge line of mature look made the rest of the guys look cute and Finn hot and handsome.


    The crowd assumed they were going to date but Aria checked his car and back at him. Probably thinking he wasn''t following her but was on the same path and might have taken a shortcut and reached before her.


    Finn''s lips twitched when she was ready to leave, "Aria Cooper, you are in the same college, which department?"


    Aria paused and turned to him, "It''s Alia."


    Finn actually knows that but there was no better way to make her speak than it. She could ignore him for other questions. He watched the petite face between the warm white fur hoodie. He found her cute and his lips involuntarily curled up but the girl left just like that without uttering a word extra.


    He felt dumb and stopped face-palming himself. ''I must have looked like a fool. Ugh.''


    He followed her, registered the names, submitted a few copies of documents and he turned around to see her nowhere in sight. He wanted to call n and curse him until he loses his sleep, ''Why can''t he tell her I am here for her protection?'' He didn''t care even if he had to be called as her bodyguard instead of an acquaintance or a friend.


    He looked around and got the sight of four boys warmly smiling at a girl who had her hoodie on her head and the boy held his jacket for her.


    ''Wait!'' Finn seriously felt he was there to protect her from other boys instead of her life in danger. n''s line repeated in his head, ''He is going to protect my wife.'' Finn cussed in mind, ''n Morgan, you are... F**king crazy man.''


    In the grimness, he really wanted Aria to fall for somebody else and he would have a chance to snigger at n Morgan.


    He went ahead and heard the conversation. A tall handsome boy had amber eyes and was d in branded clothes. Finn could make out he was at the same age so presumed as a senior, "Hai, I am Mn Scott." He extended his hand looking at the innocent pretty face.


    Nevertheless, her hand didn''t move an inch, probably her mood didn''t let her re at them or shoo them away but they didn''t understand her expressionless face.


    Mn was obviously embarrassed, especially when his girl-ssmates wereughing. Then other boys introduced themselves hoping to hear her name but she didn''t utter a word but was frowning.


    A boy finally asked, "I am sorry, are you mute?" He wasn''t teasing but shocked, "We didn''t know that."


    Finn imagined Aria from Toby Lewis''s birthday party and gulped. Mute? He wanted tough. ''If she begins her lecture, you will kowtow and agree with her each word.'' He thought but the girl didn''t care whatever they assumed.


    Being a gentleman, Mn again extended his hand, "You can use the jacket. You don''t have to give it back, just give it to somebody who might need it."


    Another one too suggested, "You might need a lot of months to get adjusted to our country''s climate so pack yourself more."


    Finn was speechless. He had expected some bullying but ''why do they sound concerned?'' He didn''t know if they were trying to trick her or they genuinely cared. Since girls like being cared for and not to mention Aria is alone in the country, he wanted her to smile, show her gratitude, and be close to Mn Scott. He wouldn''t mind if she falls for him at first sight.

 Chapter 504: A war against her

    Chapter 504: A war against her


    While the boys, especially Mn Scott, were curious gazing at the pretty face amidst the white fur hoodie, Finn craved good, soft words from her.


    However Aria''s voice was mellifluous sounded, so soft on ears that they would love to hear her speak all day but she had uttered, "Excuse me." Then she walked around them and left.


    "Heh?" A senior uttered without understanding what just happened. She can speak in theirnguage, which means she can understand, "Damn! She ignored us."


    He uttered and saw Mn who softly smiled gazing at Aria''s back while she wore her white soft handwoven gloves of her size walking away from them without a bother of anybody out there and without realizing one had fallen for her on the first day if not first sight.


    Was Finn shocked or surprised? He didn''t know he almost followed her path ignoring if anybody tried to strike a conversation with him.


    ---


    When she sat down at an empty seat on the fourth row, he just sat next to her without a bother but was pissed off when she just gave him a blind eye as though they never met.


    He really wanted to ask if her brain was working properly. He had really found it cool when she had ignored to mingle with him for his family or looks or connections but now, it was very annoying.


    He was there for her yet, she ignored him like he is just a flying bug. ''She has a serious attitude problem.'' He thought and yawned during the whole orientation feeling it torture.


    It was nearing the end when he noticed her chatting on the phone and got a sigh of, [I don''t feel like doing anything. You talking about hot boys?]


    Eva''s response, [Come on, what''s wrong in checking out?]


    Aria: [Tsk, n is hotter than these kids.]


    ''Kids?'' Finn: "..."


    Aria: [Let me forward your message to Isaac. I will see who you will check out. Your hottie or little cute ones.]


    ''Little cute ones?'' Finn: "..."


    Now, he strongly believes that she is missing her boyfriend hence she wants to do nothing but look for him. He pitied the opposite day-night opposite timeline of two countries.


    ''Or should I find a hotter man for her?'' He thought of keeping him out of the list. He didn''t believe in love and she wasn''t the type for him to have one night stands or have fun.


    Atst, he saw, [My wife, take some interest in something or else I am flying there tonight.]


    [Nope, I will be fine once I get busy. You take care of yourself.] He saw her bid before he looked away realizing he was peeping at the girls'' chat. ''Damn, what''s wrong with me?'' He thought.


    After orientation, he still followed her to the ss where they just briefed them about the subject and courses. He was expecting a word or two but the girl didn''t speak the whole day despite him sitting right next to her.


    Not many people tried to speak to Aria due to her silence and uninterested face and he didn''t bother continuing anyone''s conversation.


    He watched her gazing at a tray sipping soda and walked back to ss and sat uninterested.


    He damned the whole week feeling like a robot. And then there was a Wee party by seniors to freshers. He had expected her to show her beautiful charm and swoon the crowd but the girl was tucked in her room, probably a warmforter crying her eyes out.


    The next day, a small conversation clicked.


    Aria as usual alighted her car and walked towards the lecture block when Mn strike a conversation, "Hey, I didn''t see you yesterday at the party."


    Aria had blinked at the handsome man before taking off her AirPods and asked, "Pardon?"


    Mn must have felt to strangle her or run into the wall but he still spoke inposure, "You weren''t at the party yesterday."


    "Did you look for me? Why?" She bluntly asked.


    Finn strongly felt Mn blushed in embarrassment but he soon put on a gentle smile, "Nope, I just guessed." He lied.


    "Oh," He was leaving when Mn asked again, "Are you guys dating?"


    ''Dating?'' Aria checked his line of sight and saw Finn walking towards them, "Nope." A sharp answer before speaking, "We are from the same city and neighbors."


    Finn who had heard her words, "I thought you have selective amnesia in the past week, Ms. ALIA.'' His mocking tone ended as he walked away from there to the ss without knowing there was a handsome smirk on his face.


    Aria chose to speak it because she didn''t want students to spread rumors as she was dating him due to theirmon routine and course. ''Excuse me, I have no time to clean your stupidity.''


    Mn couldn''t understand why Finn was smiling walking away and this girl had an evil smile before ignoring him and walking away. However, the man followed her and spoke.


    "By the way, I saw you at Churchill street. I thought you might be staying around there."


    Aria who was on call, [n, stop working and go to bed. Are you going to work day and night without me there?]


    Mn didn''t know what the other end asked but heard her, [Some jobless senior.]


    Mn: "..."


    He paused realizing she was asking him to bug off and leave her alone. But, ''n'' it undoubtedly registered his mind hearing her whine like a little girlfriend in worry.


    The whole course students quickly gave her the title of ''Queen of Attitude.'' and the worst part was, Aria still ignored and focused on her work.


    The information Finn collected from her school friends and the way she behaved was so contrasting that he had doubted how long she was going to be detached from all.


    And soon, the first round ofexams started and the results of Finn and Aria were earth and sky. Even though he didn''t flunk but wasn''t good and the little miss was a topper which attracted more and more attention to her.


    ''Queen of Attitude'' changed to ''Book Beauty''


    All these while one thing wasmon, her admirers just increased and they would ask him if he is dating her.


    On one side, Finn was irritated onrge courses and another hand he can''t have fun to keep his eyes on her safety. His life was miserable.


    He had ranted to n over and over about Aria''s behavior and how was he expecting him to follow her like a stalker.


    He was pissed! To the extent, he was fuming ring at her ready to smack her head and piss her off too.


    He really wanted to squabble with her. Nope! The squabble is a smaller emotion, he wanted to go on a war against her. Alright, it''s too much. He wanted to fight with her. Physically? Oh yes, he would love to break her limbs and twist her neck.


    In contrast to his fuming gaze and murderous air, she was cool as autumn and serene as spring.

 Chapter 505: Eternal Love

    Chapter 505: Eternal Love


    Finn was fuming mad while Aria lookedposed and serene. Damn, she didn''t even look curious or frightened when he was fuming in front of her.


    "You are blocking my path! Young master Stanley."


    ''young master Stanley?'' Finn lost his cool and asked, "Do you have a problem with your brain? No, seriously. What do you think of yourself?"


    Aria cut in and innocently responded, "A girl."


    Finn: "..."


    ''Should I strangle her right then and there?'' He really wanted to kill two, n Morgan and Aria Cooper. Was he going to live five years like a stalker of Aria to keep her safe? On top of it, the couple was sitting on his nerves all the time.


    He was even ready to do that and also hoped Aria would fall for somebody but why the hell nothing is going as he wished. She doesn''t talk to him properly, she doesn''t even look at him as a mere acquaintance but ignores him like an annoying fly hovering around her.


    She doesn''t make friends, she doesn''t fall for anybody but makes every other person as her enemies by ignoring them else every next guy would admire her for no particr reason. Even though he knew it was all because of her scores, beauty, and obviously the wealth looking at her branded expensive car and clothes. Importantly the silent girl who won''t cheat if in a rtionship.


    Does anybody care about his well being? He really doubted one day he was going to kill somebody at this rate. He wasn''t in country S to get tortured mindlessly.


    "I have never seen a person as annoying as you."


    But the reply was, "Oh" She didn''t even know what she did. She was there to study and she was doing it, she couldn''t understand what his problem was.


    Finn: "..."


    He almost raised his hand to try strangling her to see her struggling, that way he would be calm for a day or two, right? However, he stormed off and hopped on his car, and drove mindlessly away from the city to get his calmness back.


    Of course, he didn''t miss to disturb n''s sleep to rant that he needed a break from his annoying girlfriend else he might kill her. Little did he know n was actually happy that Finn finds Aria annoying but not lovely to get swooned over her.


    Finn had turned off his cell phone and was nning to travel the country for a week or two had no idea his grandfather and parents had reached the vi on the same day.


    For three days, Aria had looked after the three as she knew Harold. She had even taken them on city sightseeing. It was on the fourth day he had turned on his phone to talk to his family far away from country S but to hear them scold him nonstop for an hour saying they are in the country for three days.


    When he finally returned, he couldn''t believe it, his grandfather and parents shrugged him off and stayed with Aria instead of him even on his return. To fuel the fire, Aria had closed the main door of her vi on his face lecturing him about being responsible in life.


    Then started the fight of two. He always scolded her for stealing his parents whereas she would smug every time winning on words sessfully infuriating him more. Life undoubtedly got interesting, both squabbled shopping grocery, squabble in the college, and squabble in the student union during meetings.


    He didn''t have to follow her anymore but go with her to irritate each other for the silliest thing possible. From the cloth color to handwriting. She would still rant about to his parents right in front of him and to n saying he is psycho.


    However, she didn''t speak about her or they had a peaceful conversation nor she sat with him to have lunch. While he was thinking it would get better, Mn would always drop her a visit and re at him. However, Finn knew she was ignoring Mn with a lie of being busy even if she was going to nap in the library.


    ---


    It had been six whole months, He had just finished his lunch and went out of the cafeteria almost at some distance with Aria when she suddenly ran. ''Mad girl!'' He cussed and quickened his pace hoping she wasn''t nning to get under any vehicles.


    That''s when he got sight of a man in ck sunsses leaning on the car using his phone with another hand in his pant pocket. Out of blue, Finn remembered Aria''s message to Eva, ''n is hot and sexy. These are all kids.'' Looking at all the girls swooning over the handsome foreigner, Finn suddenly felt it as true.


    Probably the one the man was trying to call came to his sight, he shoved his mobile to pockets and went towards the one who was running towards him. The small frame leaped to the man''s arms dropping her bag to the ground wrapping his arms around his neck.


    Finn''s pace lowered, the spectators who knew Aria also watched them walking in slow motion. It took a long for Aria to unwound her arms and started raining punches as she cried andined without caring about the people around her.


    Instead of caring for the light punches, the man was more worried about her crying, He kept wiping her tears and coax, "I will frequent. Stop crying, please... Shhh..." He pulled her to embrace her again gently caressing her head.


    Some of the ssmates took time to decide before they circled the couple and inquired. Some wanted the man''s contact and some wanted to know their rtionship and some were amused seeing Aria cry.


    "Alia, who is he?"


    "Is he your boyfriend?"


    "We had thought you are cold and aloof, look at you crying like a baby." andments went on while Aria sniffled pouting her lips while n wiped her face with his handkerchief.


    Then the question came again, "Who is he?"


    Finn had reached them when Aria smiled looking at the man, "n, my everything." Her eyes shone brightly that could put shame to the sun while she looked at the man.


    Finn could bet that exact moment he believed love exists looking at n amused filled with immeasurable happiness in the eyes and Aria who had her whole world right in front of her where none was there other than n.


    Finn had only known the love that exists for a few months. But he had realized the pure love exists, not the few months of love before changing the partner but the real love that could be called eternal.

 Chapter 506: The vicious couple

    Chapter 506: The vicious couple


    While the ssmates gasped at Aria''s response, she noticed n nod at somebody as greet and saw Finn too nod.


    "How do you know him? He is so annoying, irresponsible, headless, dumb man." Aria growled for the morning squabble.


    Finn: "..."


    ''What a great introduction!'' Finn thought and allughed hearing her.


    A girl said, "Damn, we didn''t know Alia could cry, be happy, and even joke." Then sheughed with others leaving Aria speechless.


    ''When did I joke?'' She saw Finn gloating and realized they thought she was humoring about Finn when it was the fact.


    Unwilling to share n''s time with anyone, Aria pushed him towards the car, "Let''s go."


    n purposefully asked holding her back, "Won''t you bid your friends?"


    ''Friends!?'' Aria bit her lips while others chuckled, "Mr.n, Alia never spoke to anyone unless it''s college work. She shooed everyone away even if we try to be close."


    n slightly nodded in response and bid them behalf of her, "She will be alright soon. Thank you for taking care of her."


    Some blushed, some giggled before dispersing.


    He turned to Finn and informed, "I will see you at the vi."


    Finn nodded before walking to his car. He was d n Morgan finally came to stuff her brain with some sense.


    --- In Aria''s car ---


    Hopping on the shotgun seat, "Are you going to be here for a" She fell into a dilemma and heard n ask, "Hour?"


    Straight and immediate refuse, "That''s toooooooooooooooooooo less."


    "A day?"


    Aria pouted, "It''s tooooooooooooooo less."


    "A week?"


    Aria scratched her head, "It''s also tooooooooo less."


    "A month?" n tried again.


    Aria almost nodded but, "It also feels less."


    n chuckled, rubbing her head, "How about I be your stay at home husband?"


    There she goes, nodding her head vigorously and adding, "Let''s get married and change your name to n Cooper."


    Then the silence fell for a few seconds before the little woman said dejectedly, "It''s alright, you follow as you nned. Your workload will increase."


    n saw her gazing down, tears pooling her eyes, on the verge of crying again. He knew if he said, ''Don''t cry.'' That itself would make her cry non stop.


    "Don''t you want to know my schedule?" He asked and got her attention back but not a happy one. Probably expecting he was going to leave the next day or after it.


    n continued after ncing at her, "I am nning for a weekend outing with my little dummy, then rest a day or two before leaving. Will th"


    He couldn''t get to finish and his little dummy squealed in excitement, "Really? You are gonna be here for ten days." It was Monday so he will be with her the whole week and weekend trip and a few days rest. She was over the moon.


    n smiled resignedly when she started nning what they are going to do each day. n would rest during the day when she goes to college, and work in the night to match their country time and they would have fun in the morning and evening.


    She wanted to bunk college but he didn''t allow her, sigh.


    -- At Aria''s vi --


    Aria was perplexed looking at three tes n arranged for dinner, "Brother Vinceing?"


    "Finn Stanley." n nonchntly responded and saw her dislike. He chuckled and leaned on the dining table pulling her to his arms.


    The livid guardian pulled her ear and chided her, "Aria Cooper who I know never avoids people. It''s not so you"


    Aria cut in grumpily, "I am Alia now. ALIA."


    However, she received a flick on her head, "Aria Cooper, Arrie or Alia, each one is you. Don''t worry about safety and be alone. Have friends, you are going to spend so much time here, are you going to be alone everywhere?"


    "Oh." She thought before cheekily responding, "You are there with me, everywhere I go. Just a call away."


    Finn was leaning on the wall when she said that. ''Sigh, this little packet is still the same but hides well.''


    n chuckled and nodded, "I do but what if you need somebody urgent. I can''t fly in minutes."


    Aria cluelessly told, "The maid is there."


    Finn: "..."


    n decided to coax herter when he realized Finn was standing speechlessly, "We will talkter, let''s eat."


    Aria red at Finn when he sat opposite to her but soon behaved he doesn''t exist in the world. Finn didn''t care, he was frustrated by country S style food and his own cooking. He didn''t know who cooked but concentrated on making his stomach happy.


    However, he had a lot of dog food too that was shoved repeatedly by the couple whenever his gaze would distract due to her chuckle.


    He was almost done, when he heard Aria, "I want ice cream, let''s go out on a walk."


    n hummed as he knew she hadn''t touched many of her favorite foods because she had nobody to enjoy eating with. "Change to warmer clothes."


    Both men saw her happily skip to upstairs and Finnmented, "I had thought she went on depression but you are her happy pill."


    n didn''t respond to it. He knew she was gloomy the whole six months if she is alone without Vince or Isaac visiting her or if she wasn''t talking with him and her Fourie friends.


    "I will be with her till next Wednesday so you can chill and enjoy or visit your parents."


    Finn had met his parents and he had been on an outing so he decided toze and explore the city or find some girls. He was fasting for six months already, thanks to ALIA.


    n continued, "I will talk to her so that she won''t make it hard for you."


    Finn red at n''s nonchnce hearing him keep it so simple. He was tortured for six months, okay? "You could have done that at the beginning itself." He hissed.


    n''s lips arched slyly and leaned back on the chair as he spoke, "My n was that, tell her that you are a bodyguard for five years but somebody challenged me to get a seat in the same college."


    Finn''s brows twitched uncontrobly at the realization of n Morgan purposefully yed him. If he had discussed instead of provoking this mystic man, he wouldn''t have been tortured.


    n continued despite knowing Finn understood what he was trying to say, "Tsk, tsk. I thought Young master Stanley is a casanova and smart to make my girl as your friend when you wanted to be a ssmate."


    Finn gritted his teeth craving to wipe the smirk off his face but stood up and left missing to hear, "Kid." By n Morgan.


    Finn had cursed the vicious couple non stop ranting to Harold Stanley until he was tired of speaking feeling his throat dry and his grandfather hadughed at him for a long time.

 Chapter 507: Fluffy - Pink Furball

    Chapter 507: Fluffy - Pink Furball


    Pissed for being yed by n Morgan andughed at by his grandfather Harold Stanley, Finn went out for his night jog in the cold to train his body.


    That cold was nothing for him to stay huddled in the duvet. Since Aria stays indoor without going anywhere after six, he only gets to do his workout and other core at night so his routine had changed from morning to night, and was already too used to the cold.


    The regency they were staying in was also secure hence he didn''t worry about the dumb girl''s safety if he has to visit the gym. But he was really curious to know how the dumb girl maintains her physique slim without exercising.


    If not anything, he could at least say she had a healthy routine by herplexion and she never fell ill due to cold. Hence another headache of being worried about her health had off his mind.


    After the intense run nonstop for an hour, he wasying on a bench that was facing the park without a bother of cold in his tracksuit. The soft mellow voice reached his ears from afar.


    ''He is a guy. Won''t you be jealous?'' Finn''s lips twitched, understanding n was coaxing Aria to be normal and be friends with him and others too.


    Finn moved his gaze towards the road watching between the creak of the backrest of the bench.


    Pulling the little white frame closer wrapping his hand, n responded seeing her anticipated gaze without halting their slow walk, "So let''s consider him as your pet."


    ''Pet!?'' Finn gnashed his teeth for making him a pet of the dumb girl. He was fuming, having an urge tosh out at them.


    However, Finn heard her melodic chuckle, "My pet? How could such an arrogant brainless be my pet? I want a sweet little cute pet."


    Finn was bbergasted hearing her reject him as a pet. Nobody knew him well in country S but in city B of their country, girls will stand in a queue to warm his bed even if it''s only for a night. And here, he couldn''t believe he had no value to even be a pet.


    As though that wasn''t enough to enrage him, n changed his line to make his girlugh, "So consider him as a girl or... a gay."


    Finn: "..."


    Aria burst intoughter while Finn sat up clenching his fist. He was sure n knows about him well and couldn''t believe he was being called a gay.


    Since the couple had walked ahead and the darkness was around Finn, they hadn''t noticed him. While all Finn wanted to do was go and punch n Morgan in the face.


    He was seriously considering it when Aria stoppedughing and responded, "Alright, since you trust him, I will be good to him."


    Finn wasn''t sure why he felt her words bittersweet in his throat. It was obvious she won''t trust people easily and whatever the reason may be but he didn''t like to hear she was considering being good to him because n trusts Finn.


    Whereas Finn knew well n won''t trust him but her. And the dumb girl trust n too much that''s hard to obtain.


    His fury reced with a weird kind of longing. Probably having a person who could trust him no matter what. Just the thought of it made him smile and he could guess how her silly words could bring a smile to that cold man''s face.


    He wanted to avoid meeting the couple so he took his gaze away from the road to the park but his brows started twitching uncontrobly. Who he didn''t want to see had entered the park and didn''t know how she had ended up falling to n''s arms with her feet still on the bench.


    The cheeky mischief girl blushed but Finn couldn''t hear what n said before he kissed her red cherry-like lips. It wasn''t any sensual kiss as what Finn had expected or it wasn''t the kiss filled with lust but a sweet, soft, and heartfelt.


    Finn felt all the kisses he had were worthless looking them smile against their lips before the little white frame hidden in the warm embrace of the man.


    Finn knew the more he watched them, his thoughts and beliefs would be overwritten so he quickly got up and left in total silence. He didn''t want to believe in love or there exists a rtionship without seeking the benefit or a bond that wouldn''t be breakable.


    Five years were too long, he was sure these two would know the affectionate words and promises means nothing but an emotion which changes over time.


    ---


    The next day Finn wanted to bunk sses but he was in the student organization which is responsible for nning and arranging the university activities. The university sports were starting hence he had to attend for nning.


    He wasn''t a studious student or needed recognition with such an organization but it was Aria who joined to learn and have experience in handling events, controlling the people, and mending her leadership qualities.


    How did he get to know? He had heard her interview so he knew. How did he join? He just improvised Aria''s words and showed his charm that thedy president of the studentmittee blushed before epting him.


    He had skipped the ss and went straight to themittee room where Aria entered atst. As they always sat, naturally all had left the seat next to Finn so that if they want to squabble on the decision they didn''t have to shout at each other.


    Aria, who nodded at many as a greeting, received the first question from Mn, "What is so special? You are very happy today that you are partially glowing."


    Aria had heard simr questions all day so it wasn''t surprising for her but the guy next to her yawn and before he snickered, "I had dinner at her ce so she is excited."


    As he wanted, he irritated Aria and left Mn tongue-tied, getting no chance to flirt with her.


    Since there were still five minutes for the meeting to start, Aria didn''t deny it even though others misunderstood the way he kept the words. Her hand pped a little harder on Finn''s head and turned his face to look at Mn and said, "This is my arrogant dumb headed pet. Please don''t mind it."


    All burst intoughter at the antics of juniors while Finn shrugged her hand off and ground his teeth unable to believe she seriously took n''s words into consideration.


    ''Is this new kind of torture now?'' Finn thought and was ready to retort but Aria cut in after taking the seat.


    "Look Fluffy, if you be my pet, I can teach you for better scores and also feed you yummy food like yesterday and make your fur fluffier." She tousled his hair and annoyed him more.


    "Fluffy Finn!" The seniors burst intoughter at the name while Finn was fuming red.


    How could he ept defeat easily? So he pulled her jacket hoodie on her head and petted her head as he uttered, "You are my Pink Fur-ball. Don''t purr so much, I will take you out to the park to y games."


    "Aww, his cute little kitten." A senior deciphered Finn''s words for all tough while Mn sat with a grim face.


    Then the duo squabble entertaining everyone in the meeting room till the meeting started.

 Chapter 508: Merciless

    Chapter 508: Merciless


    The seniors of the organization or the studentmittee enjoy Aria and Finn''s squabble without getting irritated because when ites to working, they were too attentive and strived for creativeness, uniqueness, and perfection more than them. So they would tolerate their mindless squabbling to arguments in the meeting.


    At the end of the meeting, the organization leader grouped Aria and Finn together to keep the fun instead of splitting them away while Mn practically glowered at Finn.


    His cold gaze was nothing to Finn who had gone on a life and death mission at the age of neen so he ignored the little kid but was surprised to hear Aria agreeing to be with him. He was partly d Aria wasn''t teamed with any weirdo that would have made him too alert about her safety but he at least expected her displeasure.


    After the meeting, "Howe the purring kitten turned obedient and sweet?"


    Aria paused in her steps and responded after a thought, "Keep that sweet forter. Got to go."


    She sprinted away checking the time on her wristwatch leaving him in confusion. He expected to squabble and realized she was in a hurry to reach her man''s arms seeing her dash all the way towards her car without care of her image and sped away before he could even reach his car.


    Since n had told him he doesn''t have to be alert for ten days, he didn''t follow her instead went in search of a good restaurant or a club perhaps to enjoy for some time.


    It was already evening at half-past five, city lights were lit in different colors, the formal wear people slowly disappeared allowing the youngsters to take over the city and night. He alighted in front of the popr club of the city named on the inte. Tossing his key to the valet, he was making his way ignoring the jealous men for his car or women swooning on him after checking out the luxurious car.


    There are numerous handsome men without wealth but the world recognizes the money, then the appearance without caring about the character of the man.


    Finn had both money and a stunning face so it wasn''tte one by one, younger to slightly older offered to drink with him. He was there to enjoy, so he decided to pick a better one and reached the bar counter to enjoy.


    Back in his home city, people knew who he was so they were careful to flirt with him but here it was slightly different. Some would haughtily say, ''I will give you a chance tonight.''


    Finn would roll his eyes and ignore such pretentious queens who feel themselves on top of the world.


    After a few sses, he got sight of a girl who was holding a cigarette between her fingers lost in her own world. Feeling a gaze on her, she nced at him and cued him to go near her.


    Finn could guess she was older than him even though the woman looked young and sexy. However, he lost interest in her due to her attitude and subconsciously remembered, ''Fluffy'' and thought, ''I am not her pet.''


    He turned around and ordered another drink leaving the girl curious and captivating without his idea. He had just taken a sip that a woman in a white dress sat on the high barstool effortlessly.


    "Trying to be cool?" She remarked before ordering herself a drink.


    Finn''s tone was stark opposite to her sweet seductive tone, "Ignored you."


    The chuckle of the woman was soft on the ears amidst the loud music ying on the other end, "Hmm Bossy kind" She discerned.


    Finn nced at her and could clearly say what she wanted sitting there next to him. There are different kinds of singles entering the club. To drown the sorrow, to find a date, to find a one-night stand, to escape reality and sit in a noisy ce, or to get the attention of a particr person by stalking.


    This woman wanted to drown the sorrow with a one night stand. She wanted to prove that she isn''t a little girl but she can make her own choices.


    After reading as much he wanted, he asked, "As if you could boss me."


    What he wasn''t expecting was she will directly jump to actions unlike flirt and build up curiosity, "You can''t know unless you try."


    Finn smirked when she gulped her drink in a go, ''That must have burned her throat.'' He thought and nced at her table where seven sses were emptied before reaching him.


    Hemended her tolerance while she slighted gracefully and pulled him aside pping big notes on the counter. ''Missy is too rich.'' Finn thought and followed her thinking she was leading him towards the corner but was confused seeing her take him out.


    He saw her curvaceous body wrapped in her white bodycon dress walking on her sky-high heels. Her grace wasn''t something that could be achieved randomly or practice but she should be born and adapted from birth.


    And she wasn''t like how he had expected him to be paying the bill for her drinks but she paid without twitching. A small dilemma rose, what if she lurked out of her house against her rich powerful father, and if he chases after him?


    He highly felt that''s possible when a limousine stood in front of them and she got on, pulling him inside.


    She took his expressionless face as surprised under faint light, "Why? Never rode an expensive car?"


    Finn''s lips twitched hearing her. His modified superbike alone is enough for him to trade for the limousine model she had, much less his hybrid sports car.


    However, he didn''t get to react and the woman straddled him before mming her lips on his. Finn momentarily paused before returning her fiery kiss that was filled with lust and nothing else.


    It didn''t take long for him to know she was a spoiled princess and well experienced seeing her having her way effortlessly trying to seduce him roaming her hands to the right ce.


    The car soon left the club and Finn made sure to nce at the privacy shield was shut and was excited to try in the moving car. ''A new experience with an aroused strangerdy.''


    However, he shortly broke the kiss with deep furrows and tossed her aside mercilessly.

 Chapter 509: All hail to the couple

    Chapter 509: All hail to the couple


    Finn squatted down towards the L shaped seat and grabbed the mobile that''s red indicator was indicating, the recording was going on.


    Thedy who had winced mming against the leather seat, "What th" She froze looking at Finn''s handsome face turning shades of dark that she trembled unknowingly.


    "I- I can exin." She stuttered.


    However, Finn rolled down the window and smashed the mobile on the road to pieces and another car''s tire went on damaging it more. "Exin?" He sneered.


    The casualness Finn had turned to cold brought tears to thedy as she huddled in the corner afraid he was going to do something to her.


    Finn gritted his teeth controlling his urge to strangle the woman, "What will you exin? That you wanted to make your boyfriend regret showing him the video of you fucking another dude?"


    It was a matter of fact and thedy nodded vigorously, "I swear I would have deleted it afterward."


    Finn clenched his fist before he could p the woman and sighed. He didn''t expect his first one night in a different city to turn so awful. "And who is your boyfriend? Mn Scott?" He said due to the Scottpany that was in her mobile cover photo behind her.


    He really doubted Mn was doing it so that he could have evidence to show Aria to prove she shouldn''t hang out with him. ''Disgusting pest.'' He thought and realized he didn''t like the thought of his private life to hinder between him and Aria.


    He knows she doesn''t trust him, because of n she was going to be fine around him. He wanted her to know he wasn''t a kind of a guy to force any random girl to sleep with him. He always proceeded with the willing party.


    However, he felt it was wrong and he needed to earn her trust so thedy''s response didn''t actually matter even if Mn was stalking him.


    Thedy who heard was bbergasted, "Mn Scott? You know my little brother?"


    ''Brother?'' Finn turned to her understanding she was the elder sister of Mn and eerily guessed it was all coincidence.


    Finn didn''t bother responding and ordered, "Ask them to stop the car."


    Nevertheless, thedy sighed and offered, "Come on, you were enjoying it too."


    Finn: "..."


    He was still aware of the surroundings and he had just left her to begin. He couldn''t believe she thought she excited him so soon, "Self-obsessed."


    Seeing his cold vibe subside off, she ignored making her boyfriend jealous and pinned Finn on the seat catching him off guard.


    "Easy." He hissed looking at her hurriedness but he turned his face away before she could kiss him. "Fu*k" He cussed for remembering n and Aria kissing.


    He couldn''t believe he was craving for innocent ''love'' and was feeling disgusted by what he had done several times back in his city and now. "F*ck F*ck..." He cussed repeatedly confusing thedy.


    He wanted to ask her to get off but his mobile rang, pulling his mobile out, it disyed, ''Furball'' He was surprised to receive a call from Aria.


    They hadn''t exchanged numbers, n had sent him Aria''s number and he knew n or Harold must have passed his number to Aria.


    Without thinking twice, he tossed thedy down Mercilessly and answered the call. When thedy groaned in pain, he shoved his jacket on her mouth to avoid Aria hearing her.


    He wanted to tease the other end but behaved like it''s an unknown number, "Hello Who is it?"


    However, Aria was on fire, "Your mother! Where the hell are you? I brought you dinner, if you don''te here in 10 minutes, forget about it." He could feel her tone quiver due to cold.


    ''Dinner!'' He remembered the previous day''s delicacies and licked his lips, "I aming I aming" He repeated and shouted at the driver as he hung up the call, "Take us back to the club. Quick. Quick"


    Since the car was circling the same area, it took less than five minutes, Finn wore his jacket ignoring the womanying down pressing her back in pain.


    He didn''t bother saying sorry and sprinted out of the car to his sports car and drove away rapidly while thedy looked at him in shock.


    ''Did I offend the wrong person?'' He cried to herself hoping no news should reach her father. She had only made a move because he was a foreigner, ''Ahhhh'' She cried and also cussed the non-gentleman.


    ---


    On the other end, Finn reached his vi five minutester than specified. He drove crazily trying to reach the 25 minutes route in ten minutes, alright?


    He didn''t see Aria at his vi and sighed. Should he ask her? Will heugh at him? It''s worth the yummy food. He was contemting to himself pacing back and forth when the next vi''s door opened and a girl exited holding a tray.


    "Good good she noticed my car arrival." He mumbled to himself, putting on his arrogant air as though doing a favor for her by eating.


    He was ready to mock her but saw her shocked, "What the Are you crazy? Who were you fighting in the night? If cops detain you, I won''te to get you out of prison but kick your ass."


    Finn realized thedy in the car had snapped the buttons of his shirt and ''my hair!'' He remembered it realizing he forgot everything for the yummy food.


    He also couldn''t believe she thought he was fighting but not something else. He wanted to think she was acting innocent but she circled him holding the tray and asked worriedly, "Are you hurt anywhere? Shall I take you to the hospital?"


    Finn: "..."


    How to exin? He didn''t know and smiled realizing n had left his unripe fruit to ripen. He pinched her cheek which was turning red due to the cold. He didn''t actually pinch her cheek in adoration and pull it as a punishment.


    He asked to tease her, "So much worried about me? Need a new boyfriend?" He knows Arrie of the Fourie well. She was a mother hen whenever needed.


    He felt her leg move in swift between his legs and he was toote to avoid but the pain he expected didn''te at all. And saw her grin devilishly, "Next time, you will be hospitalized." Her tone had the confidence to make it true.


    Finn unknowingly gulped leaving her bright red cheek. He wasn''t a careless guy. His body naturally reacts to such attacks but she was too swift. He was close to guessing the blue-eyed man who visits her frequently or takes her out might be her teacher of self-defense.


    Anyhow his eyes fell on the man who was leaning on the wall of the next vi. The sarcastic smirk on that man''s face was too obvious like telling him, ''You have a long way.'' Of course, to be a good friend of her.


    Aria stuffed the tray into his hand and sprinted away saying, "My dinner is getting cold." She didn''t bother going on the pavement, instead straight dashed towards the vi on thewn before noticing n and squealed his name, "n" and jumped in front of him smiling sweetly.


    Finn''s brows arched up realizing he doesn''t particrly have to be on guard and follow her like a bodyguard, he could be her friend and improve her self defense as her speed is pretty good.


    Anyhow he sniffed the aroma of the tasty food and forgot everything. ''All hail to the couple.'' He savored the food praising n Morgan for cooking tasty food.

 Chapter 510: Too late

    Chapter 510: Toote


    Finn, who had nned toze in the vi or enjoy, had to go to college for the arrangements of the event. He alighted the car when he got sight of Aria hopping in front of n pleading something. Then her gazended on him.


    She skipped to him and pulled him in front of n forcefully and told her decision to n, "He will drop me home. So don''t wake up until I wake you up. Rest. Rest..."


    Finn: "..."


    ''Shouldn''t she ask me first?'' Finn questioned understanding n wants to pick and drop her while this dumb girl wanted n to rest and dropping her is enough.


    Seeing n reluctant without caring to look at anybody, Aria stood on her toes and pecked his cheek, "It''s decided. Byeee..." She ran away without giving the chance to rebuke.


    Finn and n looked at each other. One turned towards the college and another hopped in the car without a word for each other. One knew Finn had no choice, Finn will drop Aria home instead of following the taxi. Another one had an evil smile to torture her before dropping her home.


    He avoided her the whole day and purposefully ignored her during the event organization meeting. He left the meeting early hoping she was going to tow behind him pleading him to drop her but was at loss seeing her nowhere.


    Confused, He found a girl near his car with her warm fur earmuffs on. ''When did she go? And Furball perfectly suits her, alright?'' Nevertheless, he behaved he didn''t see or care about her.


    He hopped in the car and ignited the engine and the girl still lookedposed, knocking the window on his side to roll down. "How may I help you?" He yed dumb having no idea, she masters it.


    Aria guilelessly started listing, "Hand Tossed noodles, Chicken soup, Honey roastedmb..."


    Finn licked his lips imagining the food. Taking no time, he alighted the car, pushed her towards the shotgun seat, and opened the door, and closed it after she sat while asking, "Do you want to go to the supermarket? I will take you on the way... If not, make a list and rx, I will get them for you."


    Aria had a smug smile thanking Harold in mind. ''Taming Finn on her terms is so easy.'' She thought andmented, "I had told you, Fluffy. Be obedient to me, I will get you yummy food."


    Finn: "..."


    He petted her head back trying his best to control himself to avoid pissing her off. Or else the tasty food that was hovering around him will disappear.


    ''Cunning girl.'' He couldn''t believe she didn''t plead him but he was already at her service. ''Vicious couple.''


    He had almost thought she was going to make him her pet, enticing him with the food but was d she was asking his preference as they shopped groceries and included him in the list.


    ---


    Instead ofpleting his work, he would sit and wait until a knock heard on the door and take the tray before shooing her away to her man.


    After enjoying dinner for a few days, he craved appetizing breakfast too however she had smacked his head hard, kicked him to learn to prepare breakfast. He only knew instant food so she taught him patiently.


    Most breakfast recipes had eggs as he needed protein due to his excessive workout and she also taught him about different milkshakes recipes before the couple set off to their much-awaited weekend trip.


    Since n was going to leave, he wanted to learn to cook too. So he was busy torturing his mother to teach him cooking over video call for the whole weekend until his mother was fed up with seeing his face for 30 whole hours burning his kitchen down.


    Hence by the time Aria and n had returned, he too had learned some amazing recipes.


    ---


    It was Wednesday, Aria was fidgety in the ss which he noticed. Unable to control it, he scared the girl sitting next to her to scurry away and sat next to Aria, "What''s wrong? Unwell?"


    Aria looked like she wanted to hide but revealed, "n is leaving today."


    Finn: "..."


    He pped his forehead worrying for nothing. However, her voice continued, "I think his flight isn''t at night. What if he leaves before I reach home?"


    Shaking his head, "Flight number?" He opened an app to check the details but the girl shook her head and helplessly said, "I don''t know. I didn''t ask as he had agreed that I could drop him at the airport."


    ''People lose mind in love.'' He convinced himself and checked the earliest flight so that he could ease her worry. But his face fell after looking at the list of flights and the destination.


    Scratching his head, "There is a direct flight in an hour plus to City B."


    He saw her eyes widen in panic and ran out without caring about the lecturer or the attention she garnered in a few seconds. ''Tsk, this girl.'' He thought and elegantly stood up and walked out leaving everyone speechless and ss went to mute.


    He didn''t take stairs, instead jumped from the second floor to the tree and the ground. By the time the running girl reached the parking lot, he had ignored the car, pulling in front and he pushed the door open, "Hop in."


    However she went to the driver seat and opened the door, "Shift, shift, shift..." She yammered pushing him towards the shotgun seat.


    Finn: "..."


    He couldn''t believe she doesn''t trust his driving skills and he didn''t believe she could drive faster than him. He had no choice but to shift and lock the seat belt hoping she won''t ram into any vehicles.


    "Don''t cry to me if you can''t reach there on time." His sarcastic tone sounded but earned silence as a response.


    It took him less than two minutes to realize she was a crazy girl feeling his own heart race with the speed of the car and alsoment, "My car is better than yours."


    Finn: "..."


    Finn counted the penalty fee he had to pay for breaking all the rules on the road, from speeding to jumping singles and overtook where it wasn''t allowed, honked for space forcing the driver to use thenes. He chided her in his mind and hoped the cops won''t cancel his driving license as it was in his name.


    Finn noticed a woman pushing a baby cat on a zebra crossing and she was speeding to jump the single. He couldn''t help shouting in panic, "ALIA" He was toote to remind her and the seatbelt failed to hold him in the seat.

 Chapter 511: Love isnt perfect

    Chapter 511: Love isn''t perfect


    ''Screech.'' A loud tires'' screech sounded before the car came to a halt.


    The woman on the road was scared but she breathed a sigh when the car stopped at a safe distance without crossing the line. Aria peeked out of the window and apologized, "Sorry. In a hurry."


    Thedy quickly hurried away while Finn realized the force of the car jerking to stop caused him to hit the dashboard and they were alive before opening his eyes.


    "You damn crazy girl." He snapped at her rubbing the little bump on his forehead.


    Aria anyhow ignored him and his words before taking a left turn in the junction. She cued him to sit backfortably instead of on the edge because that''s what had caused him to reach the dashboard.


    He really wanted to know who taught her driving. Her uracy was too cool when mming on the brake or picking up speed. However, he sat like a grim man out of hell.


    As soon as they reached the airport, she left the car in the middle of the road and ran inside the airport. He was parking his car when he received an airport entry ticket message from Aria.


    He too quickened and reached the lounge from where he could see her crying in n''s arms and also hitting him for nning to leave without telling her.


    n had kissed her forehead, embraced her, coaxed her but her tears rolled down making the man feel helpless other than burying her in his embrace as he heard herin.


    ''Wait? How did she go to the VIP taxing area?'' Then Finn saw a ticket on the floor and his lips twitched realizing she bought a ticket to city B just to meet n.


    Anyhow, he smiled knowing she could do anything to spend even a minute with her man but he had doubts. Is she so close to n because she didn''t have her father? Or would she be the same if her father was alive?


    He couldn''t get an answer. He apuded n Morgan''s unconditional patience towards her for her all forms. Mischief or solemnity, meek or strong, smiling or crying, he tends to her without a hint of irritation or annoyance at her.


    Finn stood there for fifteen minutes watching one coax her broken heartedly and another one cried her eyes out nonstop before Finn understood why n wanted to leave silently and the dumb girl won''t cry if n wasn''t there.


    The airport staff had to plead till thest minute when Aria finally let go of n and even pushed him to leave as she sniffled when she noticed him unwilling to leave her in tears.


    Finn heard her yell at n threateningly, "Don''t you dare leave without telling me next time."


    She was emotional about n''s departure and there was also a hint of anger for lying to her even though she knew he did it for her.


    Finn understood Love isn''t perfect. They have to face the problem, solve it together instead of getting angry or showing their back.


    Finn had thought it was over but she raised her arms and the man who had entered the boarding line returned to give her ast hug and whispered something before leaving her back on the floor.


    Finn knew n wasn''t the same cold demon that the world knows. The dumb girl and mystic man really suited to be together seeing them together.


    Breathing a long sigh when n left, Finn brought the car to the exit by the time Aria looked like a totally new person after getting fresh in the airport.


    He could find her dimed eyes with a hint of longing unwilling to go back to the empty vi. The thought of seeing her back to the same depressed Aria made him quiver and looked at her when she hopped in the car.


    First-line she said was, "I think either you or I can''t drive for three months."


    Finn: "..."


    He was speechless hearing her still thinking to make him the scapegoat when she was the one who drove. "You knew the charges?" He asked in disbelief.


    Aria shrugged, "They will seize the car if they find it speeding again."


    Finn wanted to scold her but snorted. At least he was d she was talking unlike distancing herself away from him and behaving like a stranger.


    Mentally exhausted and missing n, Aria had dozed off when the cops stopped the car.


    Gritting his teeth, Finn couldn''t stop them from taking his driving license away. He had nned to drive her when she was running to her car and the result of it would be the same so he didn''t wake up the sleeping girl to submit her driving license but he had no choice other than waking her up when his driving license was taken away.


    Aria was giggling all the way looking at dark-faced Finn as she drove his car, "Fluffy is red in anger."


    Finn tossed her hand away from his head and growled, "You better drive me home and college if you don''t want me to strangle you to death."


    But that made the girlugh aloud, irritating him more.


    ---


    The possible coldness he was expecting from Aria didn''t appear, instead, she was the same with him excluding her excitement and urge to run home.


    When Aria prepared dinner that night, she dialed his number, "Wanna join me for dinner? Or send ity to your ce?"


    Confused, "You know how to cook?"


    "Yeah! Wait, you thought n was cookingst week?"


    Finn who left his vi said the truth, "Then what? You and cooking don''t sync." He heard herugh evilly before the call was hung up.


    He regretted provoking her when she closed the ss door of the kitchen and teased him with the food making him drool. ''Damn this girl.''


    "Alia, open the door." She tasted the first dish and purposefully over-exaggerated the expression of yummy to make him regret.


    Ten minutester, he was tired of requesting her so he threatened, "I am breaking the door."


    Aria couldn''t believe he craves home food so much that he can''t ignore her torture and leave.


    Aria demanded, "Allow me to call you Fluffy."


    Well, the name is cute but it would be embarrassing if called in public. Thinking of a n, he pushed his demand resolutely, "You shouldn''t tease me with food."


    Aria giggled and opened the door then Finn continued his words passing by her, "White Furball!"


    Aria: "..."


    ''I will call her Furball and tease too.''


    He dug into the dinner without the need of taking dishes to the dining table and sat on the kitchen''s barstool making himselffortable.

 Chapter 512: Nightmarish

    Chapter 512: Nightmarish


    Aria sat opposite Finn watching him gobble and enjoy each dish. She smiled to herself and started to eat ''n is right.'' She thought remembering n''s words.


    Her appetite had significantly lowered in the past six months until she started eating with n. Thetter who had seen her daily on video calls had suggested eating with her friends.


    She wasn''t ready to share the vi with new ssmates. Probably the fear of getting into trouble that might cause n to worry, stopped her from trusting anybody wholeheartedly as she trusts her friends Eva, Noah, and Rian.


    She had tried to transfer Noah to her university as he also wanted the same college but the rules and the procedure were hectic and Noah had to go through a series of exams and interviews so she didn''t want to trouble him.


    Vince Fang can''t be with her and it wasn''t safe for him or her if he stays there and the information leaks so he was only visiting her in between to make sure the little one is taking care of herself.


    Isaac would always visit her whenever he was dropping a visit to Eva and if he was shooting around her country.


    Coming to Finn, his grandfather and parents were calling her every few days to ask about her health and if she is doing good just for taking care of them for a few days.


    Probably the Finn didn''t know but she had already got to know a lot of his stories and his personality from his family. She knew she could trust Finn but was afraid n might not feel good.


    Then she got to know n was totally fine with him and even encouraged her to be a friend. Of course, she can''t just trust him blindly, she wanted it to build over time.


    Aria remarked when Finn was up for the second round, "I didn''t know you are a Glutton." She was d she chose to invite him for dinner and her appetite was slightly better Seeing him enjoy her cooking despite terribly missing n on the next seat.


    However, her mind wandered why n prefers being alone if not with her. She was determined to give himpany for his all dinner time through video call before she returned back to him.


    Thinking to herself, she missed hearing Finn respond, "This country food doesn''t suit my taste buds and theyck the multi nutrients."


    With light talk, they had dinner and Finn was leaving after knowing the maid will take care of the cleaning. He was still at the door when he remembered, "Is your breakfast routine the same as mine?"


    Aria hummed and added, "After my exercise, I need protein too so it''s almost the same. I will drink milk instead of coffee" After responding, her lips twitched and asked squinting her eyes at him, "Now you want breakfast too? Am I running a mess here?"


    Finn flicked on her head, "Then let''s have breakfast at my ce. Good night." He walked away without hearing her response as he waved his hand without turning behind.


    Amused, she went to her design room as n would be still on the flight and can''t video call him. Of course, he won''t miss bantering with her Fourie friends, hearing them and teasing them.


    ---


    In the morning


    Getting ready at her usual time, Aria saw Finn''s message to remind her about the breakfast venue - His vi.


    She thought of testing it out and reached his vi. Pressing the bell three times, the man came with a big scowl on his face, "Unlock passcode is 987412. DOn''t press the bell and irritate me next time." Finn ran back to the kitchen after it.


    Aria: "..."


    She nced at the digital pad and her hand itched to snap his head. He is from a military family and served in the military but he was sozy to set the password and chose the reverse C pattern. ''You are unbelievable.'' She thought but she didn''t scold him, ''At least he didn''t pick the same number six times.''


    She had expected a total dirty mess inside the vi but was surprised to see it clean and tidy and involuntarily gave credits to the servant he had. Entering the kitchen, she realized he was roasting bacon hence he was irritated to leave it in the middle.


    "What if I enter at the wrong time and catch you walking naked?" She asked with an evil teasing smirk since he lives alone in the vi.


    However, Finn threw the hot potato back to her, "Does that mean your boyfriend walks naked around you?"


    Finn saw her flush scarlet before smacking his head "How is it your concern? Hmph And he is my fiance Hmph"


    ''Boyfriend? That doesn''t exist in my dictionary. We are going to get married, okay?''


    Finn couldn''t help but chuckle seeing her look away probably imagining n walking naked in her vi. He highly felt he would ruin the little innocent brain of hers. He diverted to calm her, "I lived with my parents, I don''t have that habit You might find it shirtless though."


    Aria rolled her eyes hearing shirtless. It wasn''t like she was going to drop an unforeseen visit at his ce. She just asked because he told her the passcode without worry.


    ''And n is sexier than you.'' she had seen n shirtless so why will she bother if he walks shirtless. ''You are the one to die from cold. Hmph.'' She thought before crowning the seat at the breakfast table at the bay window where the morning rays were illuminating the ss and the white table making it dreamy blending with white snow outside.


    Egg bacon toast, boiled egg with hot chocte were their breakfast. Aria had thought he would be still learning but Finn had prepared tasty earning her praises.


    "How about we cook dinner together so that you can learn too? Then we can cook on alternate days?" She offered so that both don''t have to fret in the kitsch for a day and she was kind of sure Finn would catch up soon.


    Finn thought. They actually don''t have friends to hang out with frequently or he doesn''t have any other work so he agreed, "Deal"


    But he didn''t expect the nightmarish help of her, "If you flunk in the exam, you will be kicked out of college and our great Young master is on borderline. So I will help you with your studies."


    Finn: "..."


    He really wanted to skip that study, ''Should I leave college and be a physical training instructor or open a business?'' He thought and desperately wanted to yell to the world, ''I don''t want to study.''

 Chapter 513: Mesmeric

    Chapter 513: Mesmeric


    "Can I say no?" Finn asked to skip the studies part. Imagining reading theplete sybus crept his hair up and shook his head repeatedly.


    However, "NO." A sharp yet sweet tone poured a bucket of cold water on his wishes.


    Grounding his teeth, he ordered, "Then I will teach self-defense to you."


    Anyway, he didn''t get to see what he desired. Instead, she excitedly asked, "Really? Deal. Every day for an hour after sses."


    Finn: ".."


    He saw her eyes dazzling and anticipating to learn instead of behavingzy and crying to avoid it. ''I know nothing about Furball yet.'' He thought.


    "What is your exercise format?" He again expected her to say yoga or school children exercise as she won''te out for any form of physical activity.


    "Aerial hammock." She answered and got back to her favorite hot chocte licking off the chocte from her lips.


    Finn: "..."


    Finn who imagined himself rolling up and down in the aerial hammock choked on his coffee and coughed until his eyes had turned red. Now he understood why the girl in front of him was so flexible in cheerleading dance during ser and has a great shape which she covers inyers of clothes.


    "Don''t cry to me if you break your arms while learning from me." He said to scare her but saw her roll her eyes. "I am green belt, Brother Vin said I can go up to blue or red but n is worried I might break my forearm so n will be mad if he gets to know I am learning again."


    Finn: "..."


    He realized he will lose in everything he guesses about her. ''Sigh.'' He flicked on her head with a spoon seeing her drowning in hot chocte, "My chauffeur, you better take me to college on time."


    Aria''s left paw almost reached him in annoyance but he slipped, "Furball is purring."


    Then two started to banter all the way to college and to the ss. One who hardly saw his face sat with him and started to enjoy hispany and vice versa.


    Simrly, the duo almost stayed together all the time in college, then in the vi, for cooking, for learning, maybe studies, or her self defense.


    Finn liked how easily he understood when Aria exined hence he didn''t require revising anything. He would get back to his gym and jog in the night while Aria designed the outfits and enjoyed the night with video calls to her friends and her fiance.


    Everything was good, both enjoyed each other''spany and they weren''t stuck to the routine but nned outings, watched movies, and enjoyed weekends too.


    As though the torturous six months never existed, three months passed just like that.


    It was in the afternoon and summer season. The warm clothes were on rest, the students were donning the best dresses from their closets. Country S''s summer is only two months before returning to coldness so the summer is like a celebration.


    Aria wasn''t in extravagant dresses but in her simple style. The white in top had full sleeves with loose bell sleeves. Designed by her, the shoulder had only a small strap and hooped open arms perfect for the summer.


    She had matched with white shorts which had autumn leaves. The wide brown belt hugged her small waist giving a glimpse of her curves. The long legs were sporting the casual white shoespleting her whole look.


    Finn and Aria were used to the eyes they grab and the more eyes on Aria which especially increased in summer. Aria was rigorously preparing for the project and the presentation skipping her lunch.


    So he concentrated on pressuring the girl to have a pen held by her lips and another stuck on her ear while her hands were tapping the keyboard at the speed Finn could never imagine his fingers to work.


    "Alia, it''s lunchtime. Let''s go." He asked Nth time.


    "Ess almo dun" He heard her say with her pen between her lips. Pulling the pen away, "What!?"


    "It''s almost done," Aria said with a cute pout of her lips.


    Hearing it for the Nth time, he shrugged his hand and ced the pencil on her other ear, and went to grab lunch from the canteen.


    He brought some light food for themselves so that she could fill her stomach nning to eat dinner early.


    Aria who saw his hands knew he was bringing for her too and heard her stomach grumble announcing its presence. She smiled sheepishly at him after seeing his hands.


    She just looked like a little school girl happy about seeing candy but her expression suddenly changed to surprise as a mesmeric smile crept on her face.


    That smile, her sparkling eyes, and her face glowing with happiness froze Finn abruptly. He wasn''t seeing her smile for the first time but he couldn''t understand why he was finding it hard to look away.


    The sun looked dim for him looking at her. He could feel his heartbeats speedingseeing her dropping her things down and running towards him.


    That dainty little girl had a smile to be transfixed on her.


    In those mere ten seconds, he had felt there was nobody in the world other than her and him. Time seemed to be slow-moving looking at her. He felt weirdly content which he hadn''t felt for anybody.


    He had almost felt like she was going to embrace him but she passed by him beaming, "n..."


    Finn could feel his heart weighing down as his gaze followed her and turned to see the mystic man. That man''s captivating smile appeared too when she went to him.


    "n" Aria never had enough of calling his name and jumped on her toes throwing herself on that man''s tall frame.


    n wrapped a hand around her tiny waist and another gently rubbed her head as he bnced himself pressing his feet on the car behind him when she excitedly hugged him.


    "I missed you." Aria sang rejoicing in his arms feeling ecstatic to have him at her reach.


    Even though that man looked cold to everyone, he was full of warmth to her. Even though she seemed unemotional to many, her every emotion was only for that man.


    That scene was so good to watch but Finn suddenly felt his heartpletely empty. Like somebody stole a part of him.

 Chapter 514: The ending is too far

    Chapter 514: The ending is too far


    Unaware of what he was feeling, the surroundings which Finn had felt mute looking at Aria running towards him, suddenly felt too noisy to the extent he wanted to press his palms on them.


    He felt like he was nobody that he had never sensed. The pain which he had never endured was rising in his chest.


    What is going on with me? When did I assume Aria Cooper as mine? Didn''t I know she loves nobody but a man whose name she chants daily? Why am I being possessive of her? Or did I like her... more than as a friend? When?


    Is it when she scolded me? Or when she helped me with my studies? While cooking together? Or when they exchanged remarks in a good-humored teasing way? Or when she unhesitatingly drove him to college and back home?


    There were numerous moments they had together which were yed normally but ''why are they feeling special? She is just my friend.'' He stressed to himself but to no avail.


    Finn only reacted when a hand tugged his arm and the same sweet voice sounded, "Let''s eat."


    Finn saw n waiting for her and she was tugging him to walk seeing him unmoving.


    He was still lost in innumerable questions and unbearable efforts to know what was happening to him.


    Getting no response, Aria pushed Finn to sit on the bench where n had sat and checked her work.


    Finn jerked to a halt and turned around to her in a matter of a second causing her to lose her force and bump into him, "What''s wrong?"


    She stepped back asking in confusion while her eyes were delighted about the person behind him.


    Finn desperately needed to clear his mind and he couldn''t do that in front of Aria or n so he handed her the takeaway he bought, "Start eating. I will be back from WC."


    He left without giving her a chance to speak other than her murmuring, "Fluffy..." Anyway. She sat next to n and continued to talk non-stop while n fed her causing her to muffle the words.


    Finn sshed cold water on his face and took deep breaths trying to calm down with the weird foreign feelings. Afterposing, heughed at himself, ''Am I an idiot to fall for a girl who is taken? When did I start thinking so much?''


    "Now I can get a break." He mumbled to himself without realizing he was forcing it on himself.


    He returned to hear Aria nonstop chattering while n just hummed feeding her carefully and even wiped the corner of her lips when cheese stayed back.


    Finn quickly looked away from the pink lips that unknowingly looked too inviting despite seeing her clumsily behave in front of n, "I didn''t know you needed to be petted and in search of a nanny." He teased and sat on the other end of the bench grabbing his part of lunch.


    "And you need a tutor." She retorted and n fed her another bite filling her mouth.


    Finn who nced at them realized the distance between him and Aria. Close to him? He felt likeughing for assuming she was close to him. Maybe a little but she was close to nobody but n, the man who had the whole world''s of time to listen to her every word so attentively and even sh her a tender smile.


    Finn didn''t dare to show his dilemmas, his pain on his face. He needed to clear it off before it could cause damage to him. He wholly focused on the food instead of Aria who was exining about the presentation they were going to give in less than an hour.


    --


    After two hours,


    Finn announced walking towards the parking, "What are your ns with your fiance? I am thinking of going north."


    Aria''s lips twitched hearing him, The Northern part of the country is still covered in snow, "Instead of enjoying summer, you want the cold back? Fluffy your furs are too thick." She poked him to see him roll his eyes.


    She offered, "How about you join us? n and I nned to go west, beach,ke, and trek. Like it?"


    If it was only Aria, Finn really would have said yes, it wasn''t because he is responsible for her safety but he enjoys herpany unnecessarily too much, "Why? You want to shove dog food?"


    Aria innocently blinked without turning down his spection. She was meeting n after three months, it wasn''t like she was going to maintain one arm distance with him. Even if she does, n would pull her to his arms without care of anybody.


    Finn flicked on her head and announced, "Then I will go eat." He haughtily turned and went to his car, kicking her to n who had bought her car on the way.


    It wasn''t a minute, he saw her already clinging to n, wouldn''t he die from excess dog food if he tags along? He shook his head and left the college.


    And there he was already starting to miss her looking at the shotgun seat. It was his turn to cook and Aria would have helped him but she dropped a message inviting him over to her ce saying n was cooking. He rejected the offer and cooked himself missing her terribly that made him leave the house towards an undestined journey.


    It didn''t take him to realize his whole world was filled with only one girl in just three months. Only he knew how he spent five days on the road aimlessly driving. He gave rest to his body just so that he could again drive, he ate to have the energy to drive.


    He wasn''t ready to name his feelings. He was adamant about assuming he was just attached to her for being with her for a long time. Once he stays away, he will be alright.


    But the vast world felt like a prison without Aria. Eating or traveling or seeing any couple, he longed Aria next to him. The more he tried to run from his feelings, he was ensnared deeper into it.


    ---- Present ---


    Rose didn''t want him to feel the pain all over again hence she shushed stopping Finn from remembering more although he looked totally fine. "Why? Boring?"


    Rose shook her head, "I like the happy ending as ours." She grinned cheekily trying her best to bring him out of the past.


    "Ending?" Finn''s brow raised, reminding her of the wolf. He continued, "We just started with an action, the ending is too far off"


    Rose tried to run off but didn''t realize how she ended up in the bottom on the couch. Having no choice, Rose cooked up a n to divert the man covering his mouth with her hand.

 Chapter 515: Doubtful

    Chapter 515: Doubtful


    Covering Finn''s mouth, Rose thought quickly to divert the man''s attention, "Why didn''t you try to woo President Cooper?"


    Finn''s lips arced up for trying to distract him. He nned to give her temporary happiness and behaved as though he changed mood, "Sigh" Rose removed her palms to let him talk but regretted when his one handheld both of her hands up.


    "Tsk Tsk You are still a wild little cat, I am the wild tiger." Finn remarked as his other hand forefinger was enough to snap each button of her shirt looking at her flinch to his finger blushing bright red.


    Rose gave another try, "You-" The rest of her words muffled against lips before losing her sanity to bing a moaning mess under him.


    ----


    In Woods international,


    Aria and n stared at the couple in front of them. Vince behaved there was nobody while Maisie was no less than him.


    "Are you guys for real?" Aria asked after hearing them decide they won''t return to country E to their mansion unless Maisie gets pregnant. "Grandfather Fang won''t scold you guys."


    However, her husband suggested, "Why don''t you shift Fan headquarters to capital for a year?"


    Aria: "..."


    Fan Industries is too huge and shifting headquarters will lose them a lot of capital. Aria grabbed the spoon knife waiting for Vince''s response.


    Vince nced at n urately guessing what wasing next to n. He alone can''t decide on shifting headquarters but he really wanted to see how n was going to save himself. "That''s better. I can do it."


    Aria twirled the knife and almost stabbed n and thetter was quick to block her hand even though an unsharp edge was towards him.


    Aria growled, "Five damn years n, I was tired of asking for temporary headquarters change. I will torture you today."


    She chased after n in the restaurant announcing she was ordering a whip leaving Vince to burst intoughter until he saw n locking her arms letting her take a breath.


    Maisie shook her head resignedly. She couldn''t understand their theory at all. Once she finds them squabbling like children, another time like a sophisticated, elegant couple. Their cold, authoritativeness is overbearing for her to witness.


    "Are you sure grandfather won''t get angry?" She asked, aware of how Vince''s grandfather worries about her whenever Vince goes out on missions and doesn''t return for four-five days without a word.


    Vince was cool responding, "If he learns you are pregnant, he will forget everything." And he wasn''t as strong as before to order around.


    "Then let''s return soon" She didn''t want him to leave him alone in the huge mansion.


    Vince hummed, "Spend a day or two with your mother. Then we will leave."


    When they were deciding, another couple had reached back to their wedding suit.


    ----


    After the wedding, Aria and n had decided to be in the Morgan mansion due to Curtis Morgan and the entire family enjoyed each day like a celebration.


    Calvin Parker who had avoided speaking about the truth of Kite Parker''s father heard Aria and spoke to Kite if she wants an inheritance from the Davis family.


    At the dance studio, Aria and Calvin were in the waiting room when Kite exited. "What a surprise! Brother and sister are here to pick me."


    Then Kite heard a cute voice, "Aunt Kite, find me." Kite saw Arna quickly hiding behind the reception desk.


    Kite didn''t go to her instead, "Ahh, Nemo is here." It was enough to bring Arna out and rush towards the door, "Brother Nemo"


    Aria and Calvin chuckled seeing her obsessed with her brother and pout for tricking her, "Aunt Kite, Brother Nemo is with Dad, Uncle Hottie and Ivan."


    ''Uncle Hottie?'' Kite and Calvin were speechless while Aria chuckled, "I will drop you to them. Come to Momma"


    Arna jumped to her arms while Aria spoke to Kite, "Sister Kite, we are going for dinner. Let''s go."


    Kite Parker, who started a small dance studio, had three branches around the city and earned quite a few million per month. A sessful choreographer, mentor, and a businesswoman.


    "Then My treat." She said and the four went to the mall next to the studio. Aria sent Arna to her father who was in a different private room of the restaurant and the three sat for dinner.


    Kite didn''t wait for them to start and asked, "What happened? What you guys wanted to tell me?"


    Aria and Calvin looked at each other before the former spoke, "Sister Kite, I will be straight, please take it calmly."


    Kite inly nodded and Aria continued, "Your biological father is John Daves. You are the stepsister of Edgar Daves."


    However, the shock or surprise they had expected to see on Kite didn''t appear, "Oh"


    Aria and Calvin looked at each other without grasping why her reaction was too nd, "You knew it?" Calvin blurted out.


    Kite deeply sighed, "Nope, I didn''t know but I partially knew Dad isn''t my biological father."


    Involuntarily, Aria, and Calvin looked at each other again. They wanted to ask how she got to know but seeing her smiling face recing with sadness stopped them from bluntly asking.


    Kite saw them halt without eating so she spoke to end the topic soon or maybe walk away from the path?


    "When Dad had locked me in the room three years back and I was angry at all, Mom had thought I was sleeping and sat next to me saying she will send me to my father and I don''t have to fight there for what I want."


    Aria realized Kite knew her biological father wasn''t Abel Parker before Aria gave their hair sample for DNA testing.


    Kite continued, "I also heard her mumble she was helping ''Him'' for me and brother''s welfare obviously trying to ruin Skyline and Aria. When I sat up to ask, she behaved as if she didn''t speak anything and ran away from me. Then she was scared to even enter my room afraid I might ask something about it."


    Calvin asked right away without holding back, "Why didn''t you tell us?" His tone sounded more like investigating and he was doubtful about her.


    Aria patted his hand to control his emotions. Kite wasn''t brash anymore as she used to. The so-called socialites who used to ignore her respects and thinks twice before speaking to her. She had changed a lot over time.


    Kite revealed clutching her spoon tight, "I was afraid you might all throw me out. I I had nothing and I wanted to be strong enough to support myself and Mom when you all send us out. But Mom got caught and she didn''t tell the name so I chose to hide it away permanently."


    Kite wiped her tears without daring to face Calvin. She knew her presence was used by Saira and John Daves before nning to attack Aria and Skyline. Hence she was also ready to ept the me.

 Chapter 516: Tulips

    Chapter 516: Tulips


    Aria and Calvin looked at each other and sighed loudly. They were really worried about how Kite was going to take it and there was a hint of a thought that Kite may get excited to know she is the daughter of John Davis who was a millionaire.


    Kite proved them wrong and the two were d Kite really changed for good. Nevertheless, Aria still asked, "Sister Kite, John Davis has two" Aria paused, she didn''t want to tell Kite as illegitimate.


    She changed her words, "Edgar Davis has a stepbrother and you are a step-sister. Would like to get shares or properties or anything? If yes, we will have to inform thewyers."


    Calvin and Aria noticed Kite panic and blurted out in a hurry gazing at Aria and Calvin alternatively, "Can we keep this between us? I don''t want Dad to hate me and Grandfather too. I don''t want anything from Davies either. Please!"


    Aria stood up ncing at Calvin and hugged Kite who started crying. If she was the same Kite Parker of ten years younger, she would have loved to enjoy wealth and ordered them to do as she wants unlike pleading or crying in helplessness.


    Calvin patted Kite''s back, "It''s alright, we will do as you like."


    Aria hummed gently caressing her head, "A very few know about this and none will leak the matter unless John Davis or Edgar Davis blurts out but it''s unlikely. So calm down, Uncle Abel or Grandfather Parker won''t know anything."


    Kite hummed in her sobbing voice and Aria continued, "Let''s forget about this permanently. Alright? You are a Parker and mainly Kite. Nothing will change this."


    Calvin joined his hum in agreement, "Let''s forget it as a nightmare. We will not talk about this again."


    Kite sniffled, feeling really d for having the two who never failed to show their support from three years. "Thank you."


    Calvin shook his head resignedly while Aria chuckled caressing her head. Then they heard a knock on the door before a man pushed it open and Arsh entered inside first, "Momma!" He sweetly called and ran to Aria.


    Kite was wiping her tears with a tissue when Aria carried her cute little man and Calvin was looking at the man who entered with a bouquet of tulips.


    After snuggling her son to a warm position in her embrace and saw him smile, Aria realized Calvin frowning at the man, Kite sitting cluelessly, and the man gazing Kite?


    Arsh quickly reported, "Momma, uncle hade to our room looking for Aunt Kite so I brought uncle here."


    Aria, Calvin, and Kite looked at Arsh holding their smiles ignoring that man was there to meet Kite. That man wasn''t a little guy who needed direction. He was confused when he asked the little man to take him to Kite''s room.


    Arsh nced at Kite and Calvin before burying his face in Aria''s neck wrapping his arms around it and he mumbled, "I wanted toe to Momma."


    Even though Kite and Calvin didn''t hear him, they knew why Arsh was there. Aria sat with Arsh on herp looking at the man.


    Calvin rested his head on his knuckles to know why the owner of the restaurant was meeting Kite with a tulip bouquet in hand.


    Aria checked out the man, he had good height and could guess he uses the gym seeing him fit in the semi-formal suit. She didn''t know the identity of the man but could guess he was pretty well off. Coming to face, Aria thought Kite could get a much better-looking person even though he was above average.


    What to do? Seeing n daily, she can''t easily say someone is good looking, duh.


    The three didn''t utter a word hence the man spoke, "Ms. Parker, I got to know you are having dinner here so I thought to greet you." He wasn''t scared and was calm but a little confused with the three''s behavior.


    Aria waited for a few more seconds before sighing loudly and looked at Calvin, "I thought he was going to propose Sister Kite."


    Kite and the man: "..."


    Calvin snorted, "How dare he ignore us, President of Skyline Industries, Aria Cooper, Madam Morgan. And what about me? CEO Parker. This is too audacious."


    Kite and the man: "..."


    Arsh, who watched Aria and Calvin, turned to Aria to hear what she was going to say, "Brother Calvin, did we lose our vigor? Shall we buy this restaurant chain overnight?" She guessed he is the owner/manager of the restaurant.


    Kite and the man: "..."


    Arsh turned and stood on the chair careful about Aria''s leg and faced her, "Momma, we buy if there is profit, right?"


    Aria nodded to know why he was asking it. "Yes, Nemo. If there are profit and future to the business." She didn''t trouble his brain by saying other aspects of the business.


    Nemo nodded seriously collecting the words before speaking, "Then Momma, you should buy it. I heard Uncle Isaac say this restaurant is Inte favorite due to its unique architecture."


    The man paled: "..."


    Aria agreed to scare the man, "Sure Does my baby want the restaurant in your name?"


    The man regretted: "..."


    Arsh shook his head, "How about Momma''s name?... Or Snow''s name?"


    While Kite and Calvin admired the little one who was in Aria''s arm, another man wanted to cry his eyes out and stuttered, "President Cooper, I am sorry. I didn''t mean to offend you. You already have 15% shares of our hotel chain" He didn''t continue, ''Why do you want more?''


    Aria asked to confirm, "Skyline has shares?"


    Calvin chuckled with Kite while the two curiously looked at the bewildered CEO of the hotel Chain, "Yes President Copper, You might have forgotten."


    Arsh responded, "Actually Momma doesn''t worry about remembering small... business shares."


    Calvin couldn''t hold it and burst intoughter while Aria nodded at the man helplessly. She has many such shares, if she keeps memorizing it, she won''t get time to work pamper her man and babies.


    Arsh understood they were scaring the man but what he said was valid so he sat back to her mother''sp quietly.


    Calvin started his question after the man sat, "Why is Kite especially receiving the flowers?"


    Aria spoke before him, "First, please introduce yourself." (else Munchkin will keep mentioning you as that man.)


    The man quickly introduced, "I am Kace William, Currently working as CEO of Jeg restaurant chains."


    Calvin flicked his fingers in the next movement, "Why are you giving the tulips to my sister?" He asked gravely while all Kite did was silently watch them.

 Chapter 517: Society Norms

    Chapter 517: Society Norms


    (Unedited)


    The young man quickly introduced himself to Aria and Calvin, "I am Kace William, Currently working as CEO of Jeg restaurant chain."


    Calvin flicked his fingers in the next movement, "Why are you giving the tulips to my sister?" He asked gravely while all Kite did was silently watch them.


    Kace nced at Kite before answering looking at Calvin, "It had been a long time I had met Ms.Parker to thought to greet her."


    Aria and Calvin turned to Kite thinking why Kite was clueless when they already knew each other. Kite innocently replied to the gazes of her brother and sister, "Mr.Willian used to drop and pick up his kids from dance school."


    Aria''s face fell hearing ''his kids''. She had thought Kite got a potential pursuer finally but he turned out to be a father of kids showing his gratitude.


    Calvin''s thoughts weren''t much different. Kite was already 29 and single. He or Kite, both don''t like arranged marriage so he didn''t look for a match. After Abel found out his wife yed so much, he had left all the choices to his kids and became silent. Hence he really thought Kace must be wooing Kite boldly but disappointed.


    Anyhow he was pissed for seeing him bring flowers to a teacher of his kids.


    Kace''s who was momentarily speechless before asked in hysteria, "Who said they are my kids?" He earned silence as response so he continued in disbelief, "They are niece and nephew."


    Kite uninterestedly responded, "Oh~" She always heard her students call him Papa so she thought that way. Anyway how does it matter to her. She shruggedwithout understanding what''s wrong with this guy.


    Aria didn''t get happy but asked, "So?" She oddly guess from his confidence he wasn''t going to hide his motive behind his presence over there. Meeting the kids'' teacher is fine but bringing flowers to meet that teacher sounds weird.


    Upon that, Kite had lowered her EQ to understand anything about the man showing interest in her.


    Kace was smart enough to realise what was cooking in each of their mind and sighed, "I saw Ms. Parker first time in the dance studio when I had went to pick up my Niece and Nephew. I had asked her out after sometime but she had turned me down. I don''t think she knows why I had asked her out on coffee by looking at her reaction. I didn''t know Ms.Parker is sister of CEO Parker and cousin of President."


    Aria and Calvin nodded for in response appreciative for being straight and precise. Arsh tried to fathom what is meant by ''asked her out'' which Kite didn''t understand. He wanted to ask but didn''t disturb when elders were talking.


    Kite blinked and blinked gazing Kace''s face. What he said was the truth, she had thought Kace asked her out in curtsy as a teacher of his niece and nephew. Now hearing him, she understood he asked her for coffee as in date of a man and woman.


    Rtionship! After knowing she wasn''t biological daughter of Abel Parker, she was very scared, she wanted to be independent and work hard earning enough to look after her expenses hence having a man in her life never became priority or need.


    Looking at the man who is absolutely younger than her, "Do you know my age?" She was no more a little girl to shy or blush knowing a man is interested her.


    Kace or anybody wasn''t expecting that question and the duo realised the man might not know Kite is 29 and he looks younger even though Kite looks a lot younger than him, thanks to her frequent dance routine.


    Kace shrugged promptly, "I don''t know. What matters is you are single, right?"


    Aria gave him thumbs up in her mind but didn''tment. In fact she wanted to leave them to talk. The duo looked mature enough to talk out directly instead of ying games of hard to get or be shy to speak it out.


    Her eyes met Calvin who pointed the door for her suggesting they should leave. Anyhow Aria didn''t want to get up their conversation by their movements or presence so she cued him to be silent to wait for the time.


    Kite seriously answered her own question to break the matter, "I am 29. Obvious..."


    Kace cut in before she couldplete her sentence of rejecting her before even going on a single date with him, "Two Year? Doesn''t matter."


    Right after his voice, little adorable voice sounded serious, "When a girl can be together with older boy, why can''t girl be with younger guy?" The question was directed to Aria by whatever he understood.


    Before Aria, Kace tried to respond, "There is nothing as such." However he met with a nk gaze of Arsh who seemed to tell, ''How can that be an answer to my question?''


    Aria turned the little head to gaze her, "Baby, even though we say age doesn''t matter, there are society and people norms that we willingly or unawarely follow it. Some are orthodox belief but some had scientific reason..."


    While Aria tried make the little one understand from scratch she made sure to clear Kite''s mind so that she can consider Kace to date. However other two men were speechless hearing Aria and seeing Arsh nod at her hearing her withplete attention.


    "Henceing to a few years difference between a girl and a boy, people are used to think men mature attter age and girls mature early hence they followed that rule which we unknowingly follow too. But the rtionship depends on two persons and their will. If they love, respect each other they will also live happily. Aunty Norah is eight months older to Uncle Noah, aren''t they cutest couple?"


    Kite had attentively heard Aria too and saw her gaze fall on her instead of Arsh, like silently telling her, ''Don''t reject for the age when he has no problem.''


    Silence overtook in the private room, Arsh stood up and hugged Aria thinking there is a lot to learn and know. ''How will my little brain remember so much? When will I grow up?''


    Calvin just hoped for happiness in Kite''s life. If it''s with Kace or different person, didn''t matter to him. Kace admired Aria once he understood she was advising Kite, in a way of helping him.


    And the man who heard her silently at the door knocked. Aria saw n before nodding at Calvin to leave Kite and Kace to have talk and turned to n again.


    The little wife pouted and requested, "I want ice cream."


    Calvin and Kite were used to the couple who never failed to amuse them with silly antics behaving like newly in love so they just smiled. However Kace couldn''t believe the namingly Ruthless Devil could have this side and the Cold Daemon can smile endearingly, obviously at his wife.


    Arsh got from herp, bid Calvin and Kite with a wave of hand and went out to get Arna, "I will bring Snow from Ivan."


    n wrapped his arm around his wife''s shoulder bringing her out hearing her bid hurriedly for ice cream, "Sister Kite, don''t drive alone atte night, n''s driver will drop you."


    What she actually meant was don''t worry about the safety around Kace who is still a stranger to them.


    In less than a minute, Kite and Kace were left alone in the private room.

 Chapter 518: Marking you mine

    Chapter 518: Marking you mine


    The two were anticipating until ten in the evening. One was waiting for a call and another one was looking at the door waiting for Kite to reach back home while his son was asleep on hisp.


    Rachel, who was tired of the whole day''s work, was dozing off when Calvin sent her and his son to the room.


    Aria was peeping at the phone repeatedly so n threw her mobile from the bed to the couch almost giving a heart attack to his wife and started fighting on the bed as their babies were already asleep.


    It was ten minutes after ten when Aria''s mobile finally rang, after making sure she left a dark red mark on n''s neck, she answered the call as she snuggled back to her husband.


    Calvin was also on the call when she greeted Kite, "Sister Kite!?"


    "Kite? Where are you?" Calvin asked with a hint of worry in his curiosity to know how her sh date went and what she decided.


    "On the way home..." She paused before continuing, "I think this man is here to scam with a big fat n. It''s just unbelievable, too hard to trust him."


    Kite really wanted Kace to back off hence she told him all her horrible past but the man smiled and added, ''I had thought how can you be so soft and mild all the time. You learned from your mistakes and molded yourself beautifully.''


    Kite had actually told him she had tried to get the favor of many rich heirs to live in a wealthy family, how she wanted n, how she had hated Aria, and many more but Kace was calm and evenplimented her for learning from experiences before finding her worth and living a life in peace.


    He had even bluntly said he likes her current state and respects her past behavior adding it might be her rebelling phase of life which ismon in all. She had tried to put her negative image in him so that he just leaves afraid of dating her but he had hundreds of reasons to define her behavior as valid.


    How could she believe him? No sane person would want to have women like her in life, She thought.


    She also added about her engagement and her ex-fiance who went to their family for creating connections with Aria and Kite wanted a wealthy family. She had kicked him away as soon as Aria made them go bankrupt for stealing in the Cooper mansion.


    However, Kace had a different view on that incident which Kite never had thought of. ''You were hating President Cooper, and she knew you won''t listen to her. She helped you indirectly by bankrupting him so that you don''t end up in a shitty family.''


    Well, that had really warmed her heart to know Aria was helping her indirectly even though she had hit her unconscious. Anyhow, a chill ran down her spine remembering that side of Aria.


    But she controlled asking Kace, ''are you for real?'' There were hundreds of thousands of beautiful girls out there who would be willing to date or marry him. She couldn''t understand why he was behind her.


    Does he like her due mild nature all the time? What if she gets angry? Will he dislike her that time? What if she changes again? Will he leave her? She knows life is too unpredictable and anything can happen anytime. His like might be disliked in no time for a reason or no reason.


    Seeing her nestled in her own thoughts, Kace had handed her the bouquet and petted her head, ''Go home and rest.'' He didn''t trouble her by his presence but left.


    Probably all his words failed against the innocent pat on her head, she had caressed her head in a daze. But as soon as she got back to her sense, she knocked her own head and left.


    She was sitting in the back seat of her car while n''s driver driving her to the Parker family vi.


    Calvin who heard herpletely could guess Kace wasn''t a yboy but mature, "He gave you time to think. So it''s your wish."


    However, Aria heard Kite and also saw n''s tab which had reports of Kace, she giggled, "Sister Kite, do you like all types of flowers?"


    Confused by the out-of-box question, Kite still responded, "I guess so."


    Calvin was guessing n/Aria had already taken care of Kace''s background and the flower might be something to do with Kace and Kite. So he let go of the worry and bid them, "Okay then, good night."


    He hung up hearing the response while the girls were still on the call, "Arrie, do you think I should try?"


    Kite expected Aria to say yes and push her to date but Aria didn''t, "That you will decide. Sister Kite, I will support your choice. Happiness doesn''t depend on being with someone, it depends on how you live with that someone. So I won''t force my opinion on you"


    Aria knew forcing Kite isn''t a good way. She isn''t Finn who needed a push, that same way will suffocate Kite.


    Kite sighed on the other end, "Alright, I will let you know." She faintly said before hanging up the call. It wasn''t that she can''t trust Kace but her life is entangled with different families, she is afraid of how they would treat her if they get to know her secrets.


    Aria left her mobile and n asked, "Happiness doesn''t depend on being with someone. Hmmm Then where is your happiness?" He teased urately knowing what she will do and that''s exactly what she did.


    Aria pushed him back on the bed and grinned devilishly, "My happiness is in marking you mine, every time."


    His wife is getting better at seducing him without losing her mischief. ying with him and giggling happily forgetting any other issues and problems that might appear.


    Of course, problems won''t end but the way they tackled them had improved, making sure they won''t let the danger hover on their happy family.


    ---


    On the other end, Rian and Noah were betting on a baby girl. Noah wanted another baby girl whereas Rian wanted a baby girl like Snow. Thetter had brainwashed him, stating praying every day might bless him with a cute little girl like her.


    Hence the Woods, Hanes, and Morgan family members were eager to wee the new babies whereas there was another good news waiting for some.

 Chapter 519: Celebration of happiness

    Chapter 519: Celebration of happiness


    After a yummy meal with her husband, Aria returned to her office with Levi in tow when their eyesnded on the group of secretaries who had surrounded Rose''s desk.


    Levi was about to look into it seeing Aria worried but thetter stopped, "I will take care of them, Levi. Prepare for the meeting."


    Aria knew Levi prefers to stay out of non-work-rted stuff, so she went to the secretaries to know if it was just gossiping time or something happened.


    Nearing them, Aria heard thedies'' words and realized they were taking care of Rose who looked pale. "What happened?"


    Aria''s words quickly brought relief in the secretaries and they made way for her to reach Rose who now stood up to greet Aria.


    A secretary responded, "President Cooper, Rose isn''t well from the morning and she threw up after lunch. We failed to convince her to go to the hospital. Only you could help us."


    Aria saw Rose shaking her head in denial, "I am alright. President Cooper, no need to go anywhere."


    However, Aria turned to a secretary, "The project files are on my table, grab them, and inform Levi to start the meeting without me." Then she held Rose''s hand, took her handbag with her mobile, and silently walked out giving no choice for Rose to retaliate.


    "Are you pregnant?" Aria asked directly once the elevator door closed.


    Rose shook her head and said in confusion, "I don''t know. Even though I missed my periods, it can be because of hormonal imbnce."


    Aria asked her next question, "Why didn''t you tell Finn?"


    Rose went to silent mode because she doesn''t know why she didn''t tell Finn. She was afraid, she didn''t fear Finn but afraid of something she doesn''t know. She was also afraid to know if she was really pregnant. She didn''t want to have any false hope even though they never used protection.


    Aria faintly smiled, shaking her head. Probably she was also confused and afraid when she was going to the hospital alone. Even though they loved babies and knew their partner loved them too, it was a weird kind of fear.


    Aria was d, she was apanying Rose during her confusion as she secretly dropped a message to Finn.


    Aria calmed Rose''s trembling nerves as she apanied Rose to register and for testing without telling her that Finn was on his way. She least wanted Rose to panic.


    Finn was at the shoot location which was in the outskirts of the city. He just read a message from Aria saying, [I am taking Rose to hospital.] Not a word extra.


    He left everything on Dustin and reached the hospital. His Grandfather Wen had roared at him on the phone saying how he could careless about Rose''s health. His thoughts ran wild thinking every possible worst scenario and ran towards his grandfather''s office.


    He rushed inside to see Rose silently sipping juice, flushed bright red. Rose was thinking about why Grandfather Wen and Aria were hiding behind a screen leaving her alone to inform Finn. Little did she know, they wanted to see Finn over exited without controlling due to their presence.


    The sound of the door open in jerk grabbed her attention and blushed more gazing Finn and stood up from the couch cing the ss on the coffee table.


    Finn rushed in and hugged her without a word. Rose felt her cheeks burn thinking how to tell. She wasn''t the type to make a mystery for him to guess but should she say, ''We are going to be parents.'' Or ''I am pregnant.'' Or ''You are going to be a father.''


    She knew Finn still had no idea why they were in the hospital. She first uttered to calm him, feeling his heart drumming against his chest and chest moving up and down due to unsteady heavy breathing.


    "I am fine. Rx, Finn." Her voice was a whisper. She failed to increase the tone.


    Finn cupped her face still thinking she was seriously ill, "Don''t worry, nothing will happen to you. We will find the best doctor for you."


    Rose bit her lips failing to suppress her wide smile looking at his face full of determination and tone filled with assurance. She wanted to hug him again but knew two were peeking at them.


    She doesn''t know how Aria ignores the eyes of the world and stands in n''s embrace, she was still shy to do it.


    Finn thought she was forcing a smile at his reassurance and hugged her again as his hand rubbed her back trying to soothe her fear.


    Rose tried to speak in his embrace, "Finn, listen to me. I am fine" She remembered something and shook her head, "No, just a little weak and the doctor told me topletely rest for a week and to be extra careful for the first trimester."


    She forgot to say she was pregnant while repeating what the gynecologist told her. Finn assumed the medication followed in trimester format and nodded seriously."Alright, no need to go to work. Healthes first, I will tell Alia to find a new secretary."


    Aria: "..."


    She had forgotten Rose might be a housewife to look after her health and babies. She was really going to miss Rose but was very happy for her.


    Rose: "..."


    For Rose, Aria is a role model. When Aria can work till herbor day and then work from home and return back to work so soon, why can''t she do that? Pushing off the topic of Pregnancy aside she and Finn started bantering about the work leaving Aria and Grandfather Wen speechless and also fumed to go and smack their head.


    Grandfather Wen sighed and whispered, "If you and your husband weren''t there, they would have died single."


    Aria shook her head and whispered back, "It''s all the magic of our Snow princess."


    Zeke Wen tried his best to stop chuckling. Arsh had told them how fluently Arna had blurted out everything in front of Finn without her knowing. But of course, they knew the couple worked on their rtionship to make it a sess but they were kind of dumb though.


    They were ready to stop the bantering couple when the door flung open and Harold Stanley who was in uniform went to Rose and gave her a warm hug, his face brimming with happiness.


    Finn felt something amiss. Why is his grandfather so happy that he ever was in his life?


    Then he focused his brain away from the health issues and heard whispers and sighs behind a curtain where his grandfather usually checks his patients.


    When he focused his attention, he realized it''s Aria and his grandfather even though he couldn''t make out the words.


    He blurted out pulling Rose away from his grandfather, "Are you pregnant?"


    Rose put on an unhappy face, "I am not talking to you." She was angry about being forced to leave her job.


    Aria and Zeke peeked their heads out hearing pregnant but their lips twitched seeing the couple. "Sigh, why does the celebration of happiness appear in an unbelievable format?" She mumbled remembering she was crying due to Winston Wen''s words and this couple is even more different.


    The next second, Aria and Zeke grinned, Harold was speechless, ''Shameless... Shameless...''

 Chapter 520: Slaughter

    Chapter 520: ughter


    Rose wanted to bury herself in Finn''s embrace after his quick yet passionate kiss robbing her breath leaving her disoriented.


    Aria and Zeke high-fived each other before going out of the screen, "Congrattions!!" Both said in unison for the three.


    If one could really bury themselfpletely in an embrace without being visible, Rose would have merged herself to Finn by now. Thetter nodded as though he wasn''t excited at all.


    Harold gritted his teeth but had no words to scold Finn for kissing Rose right in front of him without holding back. He breathed a sigh and he ordered grimly, "You better give my granddaughter-inw a best wedding else I will break your leg if you try to step in the home. And Rose will stay with us, don''t you dare take her away."


    Zeke remembered he won''t get much time with them and butted in shamelessly without caring it''s inw''s ce, "A doctor in the home is a must. I will be staying in the Stanley mansion."


    Harold rolled his eyes without bothering about thement.


    Aria interjected happily, "Nemo and Snow will be again best man and maid of honor." She is loving her little ones walking the aisle.


    They were remarking andughing for sometime when Finn''s parents hurriedly entered. It was difficult to get blushing Rose away from Finn then she was soon fine chatting happily with all.


    After Zeke checked the blood test reports, he repeated Rose needs a lot of rest and shecks hemoglobin. Then three watched the elders excitedly discuss everything sitting in the hospital without listening to them about going somewhere else.


    Soon n, who had picked Arsh and Arna from preschool, reached the hospital. One reached Aria''s arms while the other one jumped to her godfather, "Darling, I want a baby boy... I want a bab..."


    However, three voices sounded in unison, "No."


    The sudden voice frightened Arna and cried, "Momma"


    "I want a baby girl," Zeke said first followed by the other three hummed.


    n carried Arna to calm her down while the rest chuckled. Rose was d they weren''t asking or expecting a boy as an heir but loved a girl to shower their love.


    Frightened, Snow didn''t dare utter a word despite Finn and n calmed her down.


    The whole Morgan family and Wen family had dinner at Stanley mansion where it looked like a festive time. The Stanley family actually celebrated each day like a festival enjoying their time together.


    The family members who always worked staying separately hardly meeting each other were together to wee the baby filling the mansion with joy and happiness.


    Both Rose and Finn couldn''t be happier than it. Especially Finn, who had never thought they could sit and enjoy without worry waspleting his day''s work as fast as he could to rush home and apany everyone.


    The wedding was just like everyone thought. Simple and elegant just like how the Stanley family always stayed low. The guests were only around fifty and it was warmly arranged on the vastwn of the Stanley mansion.


    Theizens took their rtionship in their own way. Everyone thought Rose might be affected but she was unbotheredpletely focusing on her health and family.


    The small changes in Rose were clearly visible, she was brave and knew what she should worry about and what she should ignore.


    Even though Finn was reluctant, after three months, he had to sumb to his wife''s stubbornness and let her work. And he lectured Aria that she better look after his wife and she is the one who spoiled Rose.


    Aria was Aria, squinting her eyes at Finn, she picked the telephone and clicked a number, "Prepare a letter to fire Secretary Rose Reason? Her husband dared to enter my office and threatened me. Should I file aint?"


    Finn: "..."


    Finn clearly knew she was purposefully pushing him to the grave. Rose would break his leg and even kick him out of the home for infuriating Aria instead of ming Aria.


    "You are wicked." He said through his teeth.


    "Thank you, President Stanley. How about I send your wife with you right away?"


    Aria left the telephone receiver and demanded, "What are you going to choose now?"


    Finn rolled his eyes leaning back on his chair, "I am sorry" That totally didn''t sound sincere which both knew.


    "What''s wrong? Is there aplication? Why are you overworked?" Aria asked knowing he was worried.


    Finn contemted before speaking, "Rose wants to follow you, blindly." He wasn''t sure if she follows his blindly.


    Aria pointed to herself looking confused, "Me? Why?"


    Finn stood up, reached her, and knocked on her head before he sat as though he didn''t do anything, "You must have done some ck magic."


    Aria: "..."


    It took time for Aria toment, "Finn Stanley, you are going insane right after hearing your wife''s pregnancy."


    Finn thought and thought before blurting out promptly knowing she won''tugh at him, even if did, she will have a solution to calm him down, "I am worried. Like super worried. With every weird question in the mind. I pick my phone to call her hundreds of times before stopping myself and end up with ten calls minimum."


    Aria giggled cupping her face, "How cute" However, she stopped seeing his re.


    Finn continued seeing her nod, "You were exercising and had a good routine so your body was able to handle work with pregnancy. She is azy pig hence worried. She is clumsy as hell, how can I rest at ease?"


    Aria pushed a ss of water to him and let him take a breath. Aria weirdly understood he won''t speak about his worries with Rose afraid of bothering her. She was happy to know Rose was still the first priority even though the baby has the same.


    There are numerous fathers or family members ignoring the mother and care more about babies. Even though the mother will be happy to know her baby is getting all the love, that doesn''t mean she has to be left alone and make her feel like a baby-making machine.


    Aria was happy to know the time is different and mothers get the same amount of care.


    "Worrying is prettymon, especially for the first baby. Don''t suffocate her with numerous calls but yeah, do call her, talk to her, ask her to call you when she is free."


    Finn reluctantly nodded and continued to hear, "Even though you think she wasn''t working out in the home, she was very active in the office, I have hardly seen her using the elevator if it''s a floor or two so don''t think her core strength is low."


    Compared to how they work out, it was nothing, Finn thought but he didn''t mention it. However Aria spoke about it too, "Some women who take care of their family at home, they work in the home during pregnancy, it isn''t like they go to the gym. So don''tpare Rose with others."


    "Oh"


    "More than fathers, mothers are careful and worried about their babies. We know we have another life in us so we never take it lightly. If you are doubtful about it, you can watch Rose, her bodynguage doing any work will be more carefulpared to the carelessness life. It just automaticallyes."


    Then she rolled the file and smacked on his head, "You can always talk to me about anything. I will pay extra attention to her health and work but I won''t remark on her career."


    Finn nodded as he yawned, "Alright What if I am still worried?"


    Aria shrugged, "Talk to n, he is the father of twins."


    Finn brushed off talking about n and stood up, "Nope, I am confident and assured that..." He took a step away and announced, "I will ughter you if anything goes wrong."


    Aria: "..."


    He reached the door before looking at her and both chuckled, "I will reserve a bed for you in a psychiatric hospital." She said between herughter before waving at him.

 Chapter 521: A happy childhood

    Chapter 521: A happy childhood


    While the Morgan family was waiting for Rian and Roxy''s baby, Isaac and Eva were traveling the world with Ivan sending tons of photos to friends and making them jealous.


    On the other end, the Wood family sat with Moran Hanes to convince him to get married. Moran already knew what wasing because he had already heard from the Hanes family.


    "Moran, what''s wrong? You are twenty-nine thirty? Are you waiting to have grey hairs before marrying?" Father Wood asked in a soft voice.


    Moran noticed his sister enjoying her dessert. Norah grinned feeling his eyes on her before going back to eating. Naira who was on Moran''sp snuggled to his warm embrace waiting to know what they were doing.


    Moran sighed, "I don''t feel like marrying."


    ''Feel.''


    Noahmented, "You don''t have to feel, just get married, you will naturally get the feelings."


    Father Wood: "..." He clearly understood what he meant and smacked his head.


    Mother Wood hummed leaving Norah, Noah, and Moran speechless. Mother Wood continued, "Moran, your parents are doubting if you are a gay. You don''t have feelings because you haven''t fallen in love, why don''t you have an arranged marriage, you will get the feeling."


    "Yeah Feeling," Noah added.


    "Self is difficult. The feeling is better." Norah casuallymented which Mother and father Wood didn''t understand but the two young men were speechless and embarrassed.


    Moran red at his spoiled little sister and turned to Noah, "I didn''t know you are on self." He embarrassed his sister''s husband in revenge.


    Noah: "..."


    Father and Mother Wood looked at each other without understanding a word, "What are you guys talking about?"


    Noah saw Norah fluster to exin anything and afraid she might spill out, "Self means living alone, feeling means having a life partner."


    Father and Mother Wood hummed together and the formermented first, "Living alone is indeed difficult."


    Norah interjected, "See, I told you."


    Moran: "..." He stood up carrying Naira, went to his sister, and smacked her head, "Forgot that I am your elder brother."


    Norah faked a sob rubbing her head, "I want a sister-inw. I like that atom bomb chatterbox." She meant Moran''s dance partner who is head over heels for Moran that she clings on to him the whole day in office even if she has to work as a coffee servingdy.


    "Atom bomb chatterbox?" Mother Wood didn''t understand.


    Moran sighed and sat on the couch as Naira tried to sleep on his shoulder feeling bored without understanding them, "Aunty Wood, she is talking about Millie."


    "His dance partner." Father Wood exined before she could ask.


    "Oh, that girl!" Mother Wood eximed with a bright smile and continued, "She is such a sweet girl, doesn''t keep anything inside and says out openly. It''s hard to get such girls."


    Moran awkwardly smiled. Exactly, she doesn''t hide anything and she wouldn''t care to tell his grandfather that he is a stubborn mule on his face. Moran felt a cold run down his spine imagining Millie and Jude Hanes facing each other one day.


    Mother and Father wood also failed to convince him. Moran was adamant about saying he doesn''t feel like marrying anyone or having one in his life till death.


    Holding Naira in the princess carry, Moran asked without passing her to Noah, "Can she sleep with me tonight?"


    Norah and Noah chuckled. "She is your niece, of course, she can," Noah said patting his shoulder before the couple went upstairs.


    Mother and Father Wood saw him very careful and tender with Naira so Father Woodmented, "If you get married, you can have your own too. You can enjoy her childhood and make a small happy family."


    Then the duo left leaving Moran alone. He liked to have his own baby, to protect and to y. Anyhow he carried Naira upstairs mumbling, "I have Naira now."


    ----


    The love story the Fourie was waiting for wasn''t starting and all were giving up. Jude Hanes epted Moran was going to die single just like Winston Wen (Uncle of Finn Stanley/son of Zeke Wen)


    Soon the Morgan family weed another baby boy, Rony. Unlike Arsh, Rony was a very active baby like Arna. And Aria kicked her Beauty for failing to give her baby girl.


    The wee and celebrations were yet to end, Wood''s family weed another baby girl who was named Noor. All felt like Naira and Noor were replicas of each other, almost like twins.


    However, the mother of two cute baby girls was actually excited thinking both of her babies will have the babies of the Fourie as friends.


    Naira had Arsh, Arna, Ivan. Noor had Rony so she was very excited to watch them grow.


    Seeing Norah making the babies'' friends without letting them grow, Rose caressed her baby bump and asked Aria, "Sister Aria, will my baby also be your babies'' friend."


    Finn and Aria looked at each other and chuckled, "If they will be friends or not depends on them. We can try to bring them close by frequently meeting each other. Don''t worry, his goddaughter will love your baby."


    Finnmented wrapping his arm around Rose, "If we have a boy, we should betroth Snow to him. I don''t mind age."


    Rose: "We should have a girl so that she can be betrothed to Nemo."


    Aria imagined her little babies getting married and taken away from her, "Nope, my babies will stay with me. Don''t you dare dream of it."


    It was Rose and Finn''s turn tough at Aria who wrapped her arms around Arsh while Arna was busy with Naira watching little Noor blinking her eyes.


    n turned to Aria seeing her puffed red cheeks ring at theughing couple. He turned to soothe his childish wife, "Who bullied my little wife?"


    Arsh and n eagerly waited to hear Aria. Thetter asked anticipatingly, "Is itpulsory to marry away our babies? I want to have them for ourselves."


    n: "..." He so wanted to tell, ''My dummy wife, they are just four.''


    Arsh smiled widely, "Okay, Momma, I will be with you only."


    The possessive mother nodded proudly, "My baby is the best." But she knew she can''t be so possessive all the time. She has to let them free and fly high without holding them back.


    However, n loved her little childish sides which she could only show when the babies are small.


    Eva was adamant about teaching his son Ivan to steal Arna for himself before anybody could take her away. Ivan had to listen to her mother''s nag and hear his father''s mature talk of being protective and respectful of the three girls; Arna, Naira, and Noor.


    On the other end, Norah taught her kids about nothing but being good and having good friends to have a happy childhood.

 Chapter 522: My little husband

    Chapter 522: My little husband


    Thest weeks of pregnancy of Rose brought too much tension for Finn and other Stanley family members including Zeke Wen. Rose was too cool about her work but seeing them worry all day long, she took her maternal leaves.


    Sitting in a single ce, Rose watched everyone tend her for every simple thing including Harold. She was tired of telling everyone to take it easy but Finn''s tense was enough to bring tension on all.


    On a weekend, Rose invited Aria to the Stanley mansion. Hence Aria sent n to have fun with Isaac who had returned from his world tour getting beautifully tanned.


    Arsh reluctantly went with his father to y with Ivan, Arna was obsessed with her little brother Rony so she was with her grandparents, uncle, and aunty.


    Well, Arna knew her Darling had no time for her so she had pouted grimly hearing Aria''s n for the day.


    Sitting next to Rose, Aria saw everyone run around despite having maids, "Rose, don''t you guys trust maids? They are helplessly cleaning the same ce."


    Rose chuckled and nced at the bored maids and the silently sitting housekeeper. "Sister Aria, these all should be med on Finn. I don''t why I had sneezed suddenly three days back, he scolded the maids and they have to clean the ce repeatedly. Ugh I feel like he is pregnant looking at his mood swings."


    Aria chuckled, popping a slice of fruit to her mouth, and noticed the baby kicking in Rose''s stomach. Then the two spoke to the baby which was in the womb asionally earning gentle kicks.


    Finn went downstairs after handling a web conference and heard two women chuckling pretty loudly. He snapped on Aria''s hand which was on Rose''s baby bump, "Don''t even think of stealing my daughter."


    Aria stuck her tongue out at him for using her line on her and revealed their analysis. Rose went first, "I feel like it''s a baby boy."


    "I asked your baby if you want to be a military man, he kicked," Aria revealed and pointed to Rose''s stomach where a bulge appeared and vanished.


    Finn red at Aria for a few seconds before announcing, "My daughter can also join the military."


    Aria and Rose chuckled, they were just having fun, "Finn Stanley, I don''t think you will send your daughter to the military. I even doubt if you are going to send her to school afraid of other boys looking at her."


    Finn became serious as he sat next to Rose. After a few seconds, he left the twodies baffled, "I think I should arrange home school for my daughter and also for my Snow. Let''s kick the boys out, they will survive in the desert and sun."


    Aria and Rose: "..."


    Aria was d n never said that dialogue else she would have thrown him out the balcony. Rose caressed her bump thinking, ''If you are boy, I will protect you from your heartless father. Let''s kick him out of the house.''


    Finn thought for a few more seconds and asked, "How about arranging two burly men as security?"


    "Eh?" Aria and Rose forced a curtugh before the two got up and left while Finn nodded to himself deciding on it.


    Rose faked a sob saying, "I was getting happy if I have a baby girl all will love her but I am feeling bad for her now."


    Aria remembered her husband, he would dly throw the two out to send them to school so that he could romance her for the whole day. Aria giggled to herself catching Rose''s eyes.


    Baffled, "Sister Aria, are youughing at me and my baby?" Rose asked.


    Aria shook her head, "If you have a baby girl, you and she can y your husband at your fingertips."


    However she earned a smack on her head. She raised her leg to kick the culprit''s leg but paused, "Behave, Finn, behave, is this what are you gonna teach your daughter?"


    Finn rolled his eyes, wrapping his arm around Rose''s shoulder, he took her to sit under the tree shade.


    Aria shrugged, "Are you guys shoving the dog food? Should I call my husband?" Aria humphed seeing them whispering something before Finn tenderly kissed Rose''s forehead ignore her presence.


    Anyhow, Finn again ignored her and made sure Rose satfortably. Aria yawned instead of watching two, "Thank god you didn''t go behind a foreigner. Else my little secretary wouldn''t have got an excellent hand helper for 24/7."


    Rose was chuckling when Finn answered Aria''s first question, "You, the Fourie run for a single lollipop in front of your babies, and here you are asking me to behave? Who should learn to behave?"


    Finn was continuing but Aria put on an innocent look as she said, "Obviously you. I am still a little wife of my husband. Are you the little husband of your wife to y like a teen?" She blinked, controlling herughter looking at Finn at the loss of words.


    Rose burst intoughter imagining calling her husband as ''My little husband.'' "Oh god My Little Husband That''s an amazing one." She said betweenughter pinching her husband''s cheek.


    Finn had only a sentence for Aria, "You are a bad influence on my wife."


    Aria shrugged and chuckled seeing him facepalm by looking at his wife pat his head calling him little husband.


    Rose who tousled his hair suddenly remembered her long-time question, "I always wanted to know, why did you two stop calling Furball and Fluffy? They are such cute names."


    Aria chuckled, "They are." She liked those names too. They are funny yet warm.


    She pouted and usingly pointed at Finn, "It''s all your husband''s fault. He suddenly stopped calling me Furball after around two years and I don''t know, I slowly stopped using Fluffy too." She didn''t bother asking how or why they spoke about those times.


    Rose didn''t ask further other than ying with her husband''s hair before shifting the topic to other things.


    Aria had to speak about her experience with the twins inbor hearing Finn and Rose eat her brain cells. As she had expected, Finn gulped ncing at Rose and suggested openly without bothering about Aria''s presence.


    "Let''s not have anymore." He didn''t want her to be in so much pain again.


    Stubborn Rose turned down, "If not three, I want a minimum of two."


    After thinking for a few seconds, Finn agreed on a condition, "Only if you nourish your health back and have noplications."


    Aria waited for five minutes but the couple was lost in their world so she silently left to go inside the mansion letting the couple continue their mushy talk.


    She was half the way to the living hall when Zeke hurriedly waved at her and spoke more like an order, "You have a very crucial work to bepleted in as little time as possible." His voice was grave so his expression causing Aria''s smile to fade away thinking what might have happened.

 Chapter 523: Apology

    Chapter 523: Apology


    Seeing Zeke and Harold dead seriously looking towards her, Aria quickened her pace towards them zing at the troubled father and mother Stanley.


    She quickly took a seat as she asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Zeke nced at Harold''s nk face before speaking, "I heard finding apanion at the ages of fifty ismon nowadays."


    ''Companion at the age of fifty?'' Aria turned to Father Stanley who was in the mid-fifties. Father Stanley has his wife, so apanion? Aria was quite confused.


    Father Stanley choked on the water he was drinking and shook his head as he coughed. Mother Stanley patted his back hiding her amusement at his reaction just by the serious scrutinizing gaze of Aria.


    Zeke rolled his eyes at Father Stanley and turned to Aria and was silently chuckling, "I am talking about Win My useless son Winston Wen."


    Aria: "..."


    Aria''s face deadpanned hearing the name. Thest time she spoke or cared to see the face of Winston Wen was when he med her for her mother''s death. Despite meeting him some more time or feeling his gaze on her, she hadn''t cared to nce at his face even once.


    Having or finding apanion to talk to or share during old age is verymon nowadays so that they don''t feel lonely. Considering the Wen family, they didn''t have any woman after Mother Stanley aka Ms. Wen married.


    Due to her career in the military, she hardly spent time in both of the families so Winston and also Zeke Wen are lonely and they don''t share anything with each other.


    Harold lost his wife around a decade early but he always kept himself busy with military affairs. Whereas Zeke lost his wife when he was around fifty and he was absolutely alone after it.


    Even though Zeke shows an outgoing and cheerful personality, Aria could guess how lonely he must have felt entering the empty mansion after work where his son would sit in the library or hospital.


    How he might have earned someone to talk? Aria thought and sighed. She was d Rowan and Amelia never left Curtis alone and Curtis always made sure to talk and be happy with them.


    Probably Zeke doesn''t want his son to live the life he lived so far. So his worry is understandable. However Aria was still grim at Winston Wen, "Yes Grandfather, it''smon. Children and grandchildren be busy with their own life hence it''s convenient and also good to have somebody to converse with. Since Professor Wen is almost alone in his life, are you sure he will ept your arrangements?"


    Zeke Wen smiled knowing Aria had positive views on it, unlike how society judges it harshly. He revealed what he was nning, "Hence I need your help. Find anybody suitable and convince my headless son."


    Aria: "..."


    She had guessed it but thought it''s only about finding a good background sensible woman, "I can try to find someone. I won''t convince your son." Her tone had slightly turned grim so as her expression.


    Zeke and Harold were surprised by her reaction. Only a few knew Aria hardly said no so they weren''t only surprised by hearing No but also by her anger.


    They had already tried to convince Zeke but nothing was fruitful. He had ignored both men and returned back to his library without bother. They wanted to ask Finn but they doubted if Finn could convince him.


    Rose was out of the book, they didn''t want Winston to scare her away or bring tears. Whereas Aria is tough and her discourse hardly fails so they trusted her. In fact, they had a list of women who would suit to be beside Winston but wanted to see what Aria coulde up with.


    Mother Stanley and Father Stanley couldn''t hold their curiosity so they cut in before the old men, "You seem angry on Win." Father Stanley started.


    Mother Wen was eager to know, "Did my brother do something to anger you?"


    Aria saw four anticipating her response. She didn''t want father and son to fight so she shook her head, "I don''t think Professor Wen will listen to me. We don''t talk with each other."


    However, Zeke didn''t seem to ept her response, "You are the one who went and put Jude''s brain in its ce. Of course, you can do this simple thing. Tell me, what did that rascal do?"


    ttering won''t work on Aria unless it''s n so she ignored that part. Aria shook her head, "Nothing."


    Harold turned to Zeke, "Your son definitely did something and this little brat is hiding it."


    Aria: "..."


    ''Did I just increase the problem?'' Aria controlled herself from facepalming. She could only hope father and son don''t fight for the past event.


    Thinking back, Aria really disliked how Winston had made her cry, and med her for something she had no control. Instead of being happy for bing pregnant, she was a crying mess, how could she have a heart to talk?


    But she genuinely hoped Winston could have someone beside him for the rest of his life.


    ---


    Aria had dinner with them all and n reached the Stanley mansion to pick her when Rolls Royce pulled in front. Aria tried her best to escape knowing it''s Winston but Zeke caught hold of her.


    n saw his helpless wife pouting while the other two couples curiously watched why an unsocial man was entering the Stanley mansion when there is no celebration.


    Arsh ran over to Aria and raised his hands. Carrying him, "What happened Momma?" He pressed her frowned brows which she didn''t even know.


    ''My son is the best.'' She thought and smiled, shaking her head. Arsh smiled before keeping his hand around her neck and all face Winston who obviously looked grim.


    Without looking at anybody, Winston red at his father, "What the hell, Dad? Is it necessary to say you are dying to bring me here?"


    Everyone excluding Zeke Wen: "..."


    Zeke shrugged and tapped his cane on the ground, "What did you do? Why Aria isn''t helping me when it''s about you? You better speak what you did else forget stepping in the home."


    Aria: "..."


    Her jaw dropped looking at Zeke. She agreed to help him but not convince Winston, is it important to push the lines? ''Now, this man will curse me more.'' Aria thought sobbing to herself.


    Finn and Rose had no idea. Three Stanley members gazed at Winston to speak or if he was going to throw a tantrum like kids. n could already guess which confession Zeke was waiting for.


    Arsh wrapped his arms around Aria''s neck thinking about what that grandfather might have done to his mother.


    Winston paused and his anger faded away instantly. He saw Aria bewildered, gazing at his father before he sighed. He had watched her grow up, be strong, made her parents and her family proud. He knew she was sensible unlike her mother but he didn''t know why he removed her mother''s frustration on her after so many years.


    "I am sorry, I didn''t consider your feelings and put the words wrong, ming you for your mother''s mistake." He apologized sincerely without any hesitation.


    Aria was clueless on how to react to hearing him apologize and even lowered his head disregarding she was a lot younger than him.


    While the Stanley family and Zeke mulled over what Winston meant to know the clear picture, Aria recovered when her eyes met the serious gaze of Winston.


    She coughed lightly topose and clear her throat, "You were afraid I might follow mom''s path that made you angry so it''s alright, Professor Wen."


    n wrapped his arm around her shoulder right below his son''s hand. He was proud of his wife. Whether she was a teenager or a mother of two, she forgives and understands that even if she was hurt by them.


    "..." The rest by looking at Aria''s man and the little man fondly holding her.

 Chapter 524: First Love

    Chapter 524: First Love


    Winston faintly smiled hearing Aria understand his out-of-control reaction. He was d she didn''t ask why he was over-emotional that time. He turned to the rest who were gazing at Aria at the loss of words.


    Then his eyesnded on Aria who had her son and husband holding her protectively. Instead of feeling it a disy of affection, his lips curled up.


    He was d she had aplete family standing by her after losing her father and mother.


    Finn''s voice cut in the silence as soon as he saw his uncle smile, "Woah I don''t even know when you had smiledst time, Uncle Win."


    Winston''s smile quickly disappeared and his grim look was back causing the Stanley family to shake their head in resignation.


    Winston didn''t get the chance to scold his father, Harold asked, "Winston, how do you know Aria''s mother? And why did you me her? You never care about anybody."


    Winston nkly gazed at Harold so Aria revealed half-truth, "Mom was Professor Wen''s patient."


    However, Finn shook his head, "No, no, there is something more. I clearly remember Uncle knows Alia pretty well and Grandfather Wen had told me something but I forgot."


    Aria: "..."


    Winston''s gaze shifted on Finn''s thinking face before on his father. Zeke behaved dumb and deaf by looking here and there.


    n noticed everyone and settled his gaze on Winston. Didn''t Winston make his wife cry? Why should n care about their emotions and preferences?


    "I heard Mom is the first love of Professor Wen." n nonchntly revealed.


    Aria: "..."


    She urately knew why he revealed the past things but also knew he was holding back from scolding Winston for three years.


    Winston gritted his teeth looking at n while Zeke hid his smile, Zeke is aware of how n takes care of minute things when it''s about Aria, hence he wasn''t surprised to hear n after looking into Winston''s odd behavior.


    And the Stanley family members were in real shock without their jaws drop looking at Winston as though he was an alien.


    Winston looked at Aria who wasn''t surprised or shocked but pinching her husband''s waist for saying it off. He had thought she might detest ''cause she loves her father too much, "You knew it?"


    Aria saw his gaze and realized the question was at her, she nodded as she added, "Yes Professor Wen, I got know on the day you scolded me."


    Winston nodded slightly surprised by her smile, "You can call me Uncle."


    That was unexpected for everyone. Winston never lets anybody address him intimately other than the Stanley family where his sister is married off.


    Aria almost wanted to say, ''It''s alright, you don''t have to make an exception for me due to my mother.'' But she didn''t voice it. She felt it as rude so she epted, "Then feel free to address me as Aria Uncle Wen."


    Winstone was nodding with a light hum when Zeke started coughing signaling her to convince Winston or start her n to help him.


    Aria certainly knew why he was doing it but the situation didn''t look like she should try to convince him in front of all but thought if she could trick Winston.


    Aria passed Arsh to n''s arm, "Baby, go with Dad to the car, I will be there soon."


    Yawning, Arsh agreed to her obediently, "Okay Momma." he hugged his father''s neck and rested his head on his shoulder to catch some sleep.


    n nodded at older men and Madam Stanley when they turned to him before walking out. Aria dilly-dallied changing her position towards the door but faced Winston, "Uncle Wen, may I ask you a favor for your apology and calling you uncle?"


    Winston nced at his father who avoided his eyes. He knew his father was cooking something again yet he agreed to know what Aria is up to, "Go ahead."


    Aria slowly moved her heels back, towards the main door as she announced, "I am going to arrange a date for you soon. Bye."


    Then she turned, pressed her palms on her ears, and scurried away so that she doesn''t have to hear him scold or witness his death re.


    Winston: "..."He couldn''t believe she jumped to action without speaking to him.


    The rest burst intoughter. They were expecting big convincing words on life, experience, or requests for him to try but she asked a favor like order and ran away like a teenager escaping after her mischief.


    Winston was too older for them to tease him with Emily''s name. They realized why the man was alone all these years. They respected his choices and hoped he could have one by his side.


    ---


    In the car, Aria carried Arsh on herp and hugged him so that he could sleep. Then she revealed Zeke and Harold''s ns for Winston.


    n who quietly heard, inly suggested knowing his wife will try to help them, "How about President Morse?"


    Melissa Morse, twin sister of Emily parker. But Aria shook her head after thinking about it, "Honey, I don''t want Aunty Melissa or Professor Wen to think we brought them together because she looks like Mom. And also I don''t want Professor Wen to ept or reject her due to the simr looks. What if Professor Wen"


    "Shhh" n cut her off as he held her hand in one hand, "We aren''t talking about teens or below thirty aged ones here. They are mature than us to handle the situation."


    Aria nodded as she smiled at him. She was generalizing them as a couple whereas they will be more like friends. "But I don''t think I can convince both. I don''t even know I can convince one here." Both are stubborn and mature.


    Before n''s voice, Arsh mumbled in haze snuggling against her chest, "Momma can do everything."


    Aria gently chuckled kissing his crown as her right hand continued to rub his back to put him to sleep. n nced at his son''s ear on his wife''s chest listening to her heartbeats so he remarked, "He is conquering too much." He wants their little ones to quickly grown up and leave their mother''sp and embrace.


    Aria sniffled twice and teased her husband, "I smell something burn."


    Jealous n: ''I am not jealous.'' He thought.


    Anyhow he diverted the topic back hearing her giggle kissing his knuckles, "Maisie will do that for you."


    Aria faintly smiled remembering Maisie and Vince. Maisie is pregnant with a baby whereas they expected twins hence Maisie was angry at Vince for a pretty long time for no particr reason.


    Vince didn''t bother about it thinking she was on mood swings, thanks to n''s pre-education about the pregnancy.


    "Maisie will force her mother with her pregnancy as a reason. She cheats the easiest way to obtain results." She sighed.


    n could only sigh hearing her while Aria continued to think about how to convince mature older people.


    ---


    After putting Arsh and Arna to their bed, Aria had dozed off in the bathtub while brainstorming on her new task.


    Wrapping in the bathrobe, n took her out before he carefully slid her in his nightshirt on their bed. Then he dropped a message to Vince. First, they have to convince Melissa Morse and Winston Wen generally before revealing about each other so he shifted one responsibility to Vince.


    After helping his wife silently, he quickly got on the bed seeing her hands trying to search her warm cuddles mumbling, "aan... n."

 Chapter 525: A friend

    Chapter 525: A friend


    At a coffee house,


    Aria awkwardly shifted in her chair fifth time without knowing how to start the conversation with Winston Wen who calmly waited for her to speak.


    ''Aria Cooper, why are you feeling awkward?'' Aria asked herself and inwardly sighed. Probably because she already heard how Winston had responded to Zeke Wen and Harold when they suggested he should have a woman beside him.


    Ariaposed herself and asked, "Uncle Wen, do you have friends?"


    Winston was amused by seeing her tackle from the bottom to avoid his unreasonable questions. He quickly realized the woman in front of him is too smart and came prepared. Other than the doctors being around him, he didn''t actually have a person who he could call a friend and enjoy time or share anything.


    "Are colleagues considered as one?" He asked and got a quick and sharp response, "Nope."


    Aria waited for him to think and then he sipped his hot coffee before responding, "Then I don''t."


    Aria nodded and asked her next question, "As a doctor and one of the top surgeons, you have to converse with your patient so I don''t think you are an introvert. So why don''t you have one at the age of fifty?"


    Winston knew why Aria was with him and why she was talking all that. Since she was yet to enter the main topic, he didn''t bring it up instead he gave a thought to her question of why he doesn''t have a friend.


    Aria faintly smiled looking at him thinking about it seriously instead of steering it off. If he is a listener and responder, Aria was bing confident to convince him or at least hear him speak his opinion. She sipped her milk tea and silently waited for him to speak.


    After collecting words upon realization, Wintson voiced. He actually wouldn''t have voiced it if it''s the father or somebody else but he was kind offortable to speak with her.


    "I actually had friends but once I started to keep myself too busy with the work to avoid one''s thoughts, I ignored all of them, and then nobody approached unless they needed some help from me or my position. Soo..." His voice trailed off looking at her nod in herposure.


    Aria knew whose thoughts he wanted to be avoided and how he lost himself in the books of medicines. As a one who loves the love stories, she weirdly wished he should have liked somebody who wasn''t in love with another one or got a second chance in love.


    She knew those were just her wishful thinking. The world and her life can''t bless each one with love or a second chance.


    Aria didn''t bring up Emily, her mother''s name, "When your world had so many people, why did you abandon everything for one?"


    Winston could only sigh discerning he was too rash.


    Aria continued keeping her cup down, "Once my husband was drugged. Even though he wasn''t drugged with poison, it really affected him. He took a promise from me that day. If anything"


    Aria choked on her words beforeposing swiftly and continuing, "If anything happens to him one day, I shouldn''t sacrifice myself behind him, which I probably would have done. He wants me to stay however difficult it may be, not because of me but for the ones who love us, depend on us, and look up to us."


    Winston, who had lived his life double her life, couldn''t help but smile. He felt too small by the maturity of this couple and how strong they were to be able to talk and be aware.


    Aria continued why she narrated it, "It''s lovely to hear, say and also make one as our whole world, that''s the fantasy world we create for us, whereas the real world has many people, many emotions and lots of responsibilities."


    Winston understood where she wasing at but he just nodded letting her speak.


    "As a doctor, will you see one person killing themselves for another one? You will send them to a rehabilitation center saying that person has suicidal thoughts. In that sense, don''t you also need treatment at a rehabilitation center for your solitudes due to one person?" Aria raised her brow indifferently asking for a response


    Winston tried to suppress but chuckled. He couldn''t believe she was so easily connecting two types of cases and sounded so damn right.


    "You know, it''s hard to perceive when it''s from a girl who can''t live without her husband even for a day," Winstonmented and nced at the door where n looked around and spotted his wife.


    Arsh elegantly walked over to them first while Arna was pointing to desserts that she was wanted to eat without knowing her father''s eyes were on his wife and her smile.


    Aria nced at Winston and responded with his line while her eyes stayed on n and her little babies, "Well, it''s undoubtedly true. We make each day special as long as we could but that doesn''t mean we aren''t ready to face the issues life throws at us."


    Arsh first smiled at Aria and sweetly called, "Momma." then he modestly bowed at Winston, "Hello Professor Wen." Then let his mother carry him while n tilted his head to cue her.


    Aria nodded at him before turning to Winston who was clueless about what they spoke in signaling. "He He just titled his head and you understood?"


    Aria who pulled the pastry te nearer handed a fork to Arsh, "Yeah, he said he will feed our glutton Snow and wait for me."


    Winston: "..."


    Aria chuckled looking at him at the loss of words. There was nothing to decipher in the actions when you know the person too well. Now she came to the main topic, "Hence you should have somebody who could understand even a lift of your finger, furrows of your brows." Then she looked at Arsh and asked, "Isn''t it, Nemo?"


    Arsh took a few seconds before nodding, "Yes, Momma. You can understand my silence or I just have to turn to you, you will help me out."


    Winston: "..."


    He had thought little one was concentrated on the pastry. Instead of that, he was focused on how Aria looked at the situation.


    Every time when his father or Harold spoke, they mentioned having a woman by his side to share, talk, and spend time with him. But she mentioned it like a mother, a caretaker, a well-wisher.


    He saw Arsh feeding his mother when she and he didn''t speak. His thought of a caretaker was reced with a friend.

 Chapter 526: The unexpected

    Chapter 526: The unexpected


    A Caretaker is employed to look after the ill person. Winston is strong enough to manage his work and also drill the doctors who are under him.


    So a friend, ording to mental health, having good positive friends and spending time with them is really important and that changes our outlook for better.


    Winston knows that but he always ignored it thinking he was doing good without friends. But is he really good? Then why can''t he smile and mingle with people? Is that the reason he is cold and unapproachable? Is it why none dares to be friendly or strike a general conversation?


    Winston didn''t think about a question but asked, "Then why should it be a woman? Why can''t it be a man? A man can also be a good friend."


    Aria smiled understanding he walked up to epting he needs a friend. "However close you are with a friend, there are limitations in sharing things. We will feel insecure to speak about a few things so we just don''t want a friend but apanion who is more than a friend to deeply understand you and never judge you."


    Aria saw him unsatisfied with her response so she continued hoping one or the other line might click, "If we have to find a friend for you, he will see you and start talking about his family and boost themselves before leaving to his family in the evening."


    "Do you know what you will feel at the end of the day?" She didn''t wait for the response, "You will regret your decision you took when you were a young adult. You don''t need regrets now, but relief. One who could make you feel rxed,fortable, and keep your mind positively engaged."


    Winston threw his question right after her voice ended, "Why do you think women won''t do that?"


    Aria nonchntly revealed, "Finding a positive, kind-hearted woman is our job. You just have to go on a date and take things slowly. Then see there are many things in the world to do other than locking yourself up in your library or the hospital."


    Winston: "..."


    He couldn''t believe this woman leaves him speechless frequently and then lovingly smile at his son when he shes her his cute smile.


    "Don''t you think you are too blunt?"


    Aria blinked a few times before asking seriously, "Do you want me to trick you? I can do that too."


    Winston: "..."


    He took time to think about what to do, living alone for so many years alone, he could ept he ignored his father''s every wish which was only to give him a family but he needed time to ept and know if he could adjust to a new person beside him.


    He watched the mother and son.


    Aria saw himplete the pastry so she asked, "Does my Baby want anything else to eat?"


    Arsh shifted to the next chair and faced her, "No Momma, Dad said we are having dinner with the Fourie and family. I will be full if I eat more."


    While the two conversed, Winston felt a cold run down his spine at the realization of he might have be a grandfather by now if he had married too.


    He hadn''t even carried a baby at the age of being a grandfather. He had an urge to talk and carry the little packets of Aria but controlled and stood up, "I won''t take up your family time."


    Aria too stood up and was thinking how to ask him, Winston continued his words, "I will sleep on it and let you guys know."


    Aria readily nodded and smiled while Winston nced at Arsh''s cute but aloof face before waving his hand. Arsh who was ready to bow him to bid was surprised before waving his hand. Even he could catch Professor Wen changing slowly with his views.


    Aria and held Arsh''s hand when he jumped from the chair and both went to find father and daughter.


    She started chuckling looking at helpless father while the daughter had smeared the cake around her lips sitting on the table without letting n feed her.


    When n''s eyesnded on Aria, he quickly captured a picture of Arna and showed her, "Look, our daughter is just like you."


    Aria proudly nodded, her glutton side is obviously from Aria. Arna was looking like one of Aria''s childhood pictures.


    Arsh sighed before taking a chair and pulled paper tissues from the box. "Snow, turn this side."


    "Brother,ter." Arna pleaded with a spoon on her lips.


    Arsh again tried with his voice turning serious, "Snow."


    Pouting her lips, she poked her face towards Arsh who cleaned the cream from her face while their parents flirted.


    "So who is cute? Me or our daughter?" Aria purposefully smeared white cream on her lips and licked it.


    n''s eyes darkened, gazing at his mischievous wife seducing him in the cafe. He reached for her chin and wiped the leftover traces of the vani whipped cream as he added suggestively, "I am buying extra pieces, so let''s test who looks cute in the bedroom."


    Aria controlled chuckling and reversed the night situation, "Don''t worry, I will make you look cuter." And she winked.


    Then he adored her. His wife always steals his heart.


    ----


    At Stanley mansion,


    As the delivery date neared, the tension of early pregnancy reced by the health of mother and child.


    Rose absolutely did nothing but sit and sleep if she isn''t using the bathroom. Finn just ran around her and sat next to her while working and helping her.


    Rose started to feel like she was ill instead of pregnant. Thankfully she understood it''s their way of caring and concern so she wasn''t feeling suffocated.


    She was already taught by doctors and nurses how to handle the situation once the water breaks so she was sure she could handle this. Of course, whenever she was confused with anything, her mother-inw, Amelia and Aria were there to clear her doubts and even hear her rant.


    When they were expecting everything to go smoothly, the unexpected cropped up making everyone anxious about Rose and the baby.

 Chapter 527: Stubbornness

    Chapter 527: Stubbornness


    Rose was taking a stroll on thewn with a hand on her baby bump as Finn wrapped his hand around her shoulder and another hand, held on to her right hand.


    They were taking a very slow walk under the sunset''s warm rays, talking and discussing the baby names. While Rose wanted names from their names just like how the Fourie named their babies, Finn wanted something different and special.


    They were having the little nonserious argument when they heard the shrill voices from the mansion entrance gate, "What''s going on?" Finn asked, seeing the security guard running towards them.


    "Young master Stanley, a couple is at the gate with media reporters saying they are" He nced at Rose before continuing, "Young madam''s parents."


    Finn''s arm tightened around Rose and turned to her. He won''t stop if she wants to meet her parents. Now they are going to be parents too so he didn''t want to take away her wish if in case she was missing her mother.


    However, Rose faintly smiled at Finn before her face turned serious, "How dare those mediapanies to make a fuss in front of Stanley mansion? Report them."


    Finn''s lips arced while the security man smiled as he bowed her in respect. In the beginning, everyone doubted if Rose could be a good matriarch of the Stanley family seeing her blush awkwardly for everything but as time went by, she watched and learned well and holds her strong and behaves like a member of the Stanley family who holds power.


    The security guard called the cops and everyone was fined for creating a scene and trespassing at the private property.


    At the Stanley mansion, all had dinner and were sitting in the living hall chitchatting when a ring on Harold''s mobile distracted everyone. "Aria," Harold said without feeling good about the time of the call. He wasn''t against Aria calling him anytime but he knew she won''t callte hours for chitchat.


    Shortly after his words, Finn''s mobile rang and both men nodded at others to excuse and answered the calls.


    [Grandfather, Rose''s parents are creating a mess at Comworks. It is spreading over social media. Will you handle it or shall I take control?]


    [President Stanley, Young Madam''s parents are at the Com news studio and theizens are against young madam calling her unfilial.]


    Harold and Finn purposefully didn''t show any reaction on their face to avoid Rose getting emotionally imbnced.


    Harold suddenlyughed as he stood up to go aside and Finn hummed, behaving like it''s a work call. But they had underestimated Rose. She clearly could guess there is something up to seeing them walk out.


    Once they went to different ends of the hall, Rose noticed they were avoiding looking towards the hall. She took her mobile, caressing her belly. As soon as she switched on the inte, her mobile was flooded with numerous pings without letting her use the mobile.


    Her mobile hangup for a pretty long time so she waited patiently. By now she is sure something is up and the first one to cross her mind was her parents.


    She had sent her parents in the evening because they would make sure to create drama to life in the Stanley mansion. She knew her husband and others would bring them home because of her but she didn''t want to disturb the Stanley family disposition.


    Once her mobile stabilized, she opened the social media to see numerous tags to her name.


    [You left your parents for a wealthy husband, will you leave him for another rich man? @RoseFinnStanley]


    [Where is the filial daughter? @RoseFinnStanley. How dare you trick Finn with your nasty character?]


    [Why did the Stanley family get rubbish like you? @RoseFinnStanley]


    [I always doubted how a secretary could climb up, no doubt you used Aria Cooper and Finn Stanley''s friendship and climbed on his bed. @RoseFinnStanley @FinnStanley @AriaCooperMorgan]


    Rose was about to continue to next, her mobile was taken away by Finn and he changed the topic to divert her attention knowing she got numerous tags too, "It''ste, let''s go to bed." He tried his best to sound calm.


    Harold nodded at Finn before going to study.


    Rose asked as she stood up carefully, "Finn, let me check it."


    Finn knew how stubborn Rose is but he still tried, "Rose, I will handle this. Calm down and rest."


    Zeke, Father and Mother Stanley looked at each other without understanding what was going on. "Finn" Zeke tried.


    Finn just nced at him before focusing on Rose, "Grandfather, I will let knowter, please." He was about to convince Rose but thetter spoke first.


    "Do you want me to overthink and stress out or know what is going on?" Rose won on her argument before it even started.


    Finn made her sit as he cued a maid to turn on the television. He changed channels but his eyes were on Rose, afraid she couldn''t take it.


    "Nobody should have a daughter like ours. We had celebrated her arrival in our life that we didn''t bother having a son. We spent our blood and sweat for her education, her life... sigh... what did we get? We poured everything on her but she changed her name to marry a rich man. I just asked for little support to treat my wife''s cancer but she sent us to the police station She is bing a mother, doesn''t she know her child will learn from her? How would she feel if her child turns out wretched as hers?..."


    All were serious while Roseughed, "They won''t learn it. How dare the eye on my baby?" She stood up and announced, "I want to meet them now."


    Finn objected immediately, "Nope, Rose don''t be impulsive, it isn''t safe for you or the baby."


    Incensed, Rose wasn''t ready to listen to him, "You think I will sit and listen to their bluff and even call my baby wretched?"


    Finn corrected through his teeth, "Our baby."


    Rose saw him reluctant to take her out, "Fine, I will drive myself." She shrugged his hands and went towards the door enraging Finn.


    Finn always let her stubbornness win because they were negligible but this wasn''t.

 Chapter 528: Humiliation

    Chapter 528: Humiliation


    Mother Hays quickly clutched Finn''s hand afraid he mightsh out at her. She knew Rose''s mood was very sensitive and a wrong thing can distance Finn and Rose so she didn''t want external factors to affect the couple.


    Finn patted his mother''s hand in the assurance that he won''t let his anger out before rushing behind Rose to catch up with her.


    He had already heard the change in lifestyle and restricting her to the mansion without giving her brain to work, Rose will be affected psychologically which in turn changes her behavior. Finn hadn''t seen those changes with others but he had noticed her irritated for a lot of things.


    He didn''t want to restrict her either but her health wasn''t suited for her to take mental pressure and travel frequently. He had tried to make her understand Aria was active due to her regr workout routine before pregnancy but he couldn''t take her name repeatedly, afraid Rose might misunderstand him thinking he was keeping Aria in high regard.


    This part of life actually affected him too, he felt lucky to have her because he didn''t have to hide anything, now he feared taking Aria''s name due to misunderstanding.


    He could only hope everything back to the same once she delivers the baby but he wasn''t certain either.


    Knowing he couldn''t convince her, he chose to drive making sure she wasfortable on a shotgun seat. He tried to calm her down but it didn''t seem like she was going to be fine until she lectures her parents.


    Anyhow, the news of the two going to meet her parents soon reached Harold and the Morgan family, angering both the family because of Rose''s due date in a day, and it was a very crucial time.


    Finn had alreadypromised for Rose''s request to stay at home until the water breaks, now this a new risk.


    So Harold couldn''t help but use his connection to increase the security while Zeke arranged the mobile ambnce to be around. Aria sent her kids Amelia and Rowan before n reluctantly took her to the news studio. Father and Mother Stanley couldn''t calm themselves so they soon routed to the same destination.


    The security arranged by Finn was enough to stop people from throwing themselves on them so they entered the news studio clean and square. Nheless, Finn noticed Rose, who always tried to keep herself away from the crowd, and the media was determinedly walking with him. He didn''t know why, he didn''t like this version of Rose.


    Isn''t loving one meant liking her in every form? Finn shook his head to get off his negative thoughts afraid it might affect their rtionship.


    Since the mediapany was the rivalpany, they purposefully didn''t allow Finn''s security to enter. The mediapany was ready to record their every action eager to live telecast and increase the TRP.


    Dustin first notified the Starlight media to take action and to be active before he quickly reached Finn''s side and both men tried their best to stop anybody from reaching Rose.


    "Where are they?" Finn asked the manager after ncing at the managing Director having fun watching from upstairs.


    The manager put on a generous front to the cameras but his tone was mocking, "President Stanley, we are honored by your presence in our little office."


    Finn controlled himself purposefully knowing they were provoking to get some juicy actions to telecast repeatedly. However, Rose''s furrow deepened and asked demandingly, "We are not here to listen to your crap. Where are they?"


    Dustin felt like she wasn''t the same Rose he knew whereas Finn tried his best to look unaffected. "Choose, either they will be sued or including yourpany."


    But the manager startedughing and dared to ce his hand on Finn''s shoulder. What he was doing was simple, they were trying to be friendly while Finn was threatening openly with his wife.


    But they had underestimated one thing. Starlight might be their rival and he was in their territory but their mediapany wasn''t standalone.


    Finn nced at his left shoulder where the manager was patting before ring him the eye. However, they didn''t get to react more.


    The manager''s hand froze when a cold slenderdy''s hand touched his backhand. Her hand moved to hold his hand to shake before she went next to Finn.


    "Manager I guess, I am Mrs. n Morgan. I am pleased to meet you." Aria smiled like a professional one.


    The manager''s eyes widened, they hadn''t expected Aria to reach them using her husband''s identity. Morgan Industries had shares in their mediapany so the chance they wanted to bully the pregnantdy was lost.


    The manager was trying to speak but his face started to turn red, his bone-crushing under the small hand. He couldn''t believe she didn''t flinch while crushing his hand.


    Then the strong footstep heard before many rushed footsteps sounded in the big hall.


    The managing director who was having fun paled, and ran downstairs as soon as n''s icy cold face came to his vision. If Aria wasn''t there, he might have tried to speak business but when it''s Aria, what she utters is a decree and n wouldn''t say a word against her.


    n stood behind Aria and released her right hand before holding in his hand to soothe her palm knowing she would be in pain too. The manager wanted to wince in pain but didn''t want to be a joke.


    The Morgan guards quickly sent the workers to a conference room while the cameramen continued to record.


    The Managing director tried to greet, "Pre"


    Aria asked sarcastically, "How was wine tasting looking at the heavily pregnant woman standing between the ridiculous gaze of yourpany employees? It must have tasted like a vintage, strong wine, isn''t it?"


    She was always sharp-tongued and bold in front of the media hardly anybody dared to oppose her in front of the camera. While the cameramen thought twice if they had to record, the Morgan guards steadied him forcefully to record it.


    In no time, Harold reached with his team and their boots sounded enough to give creeps to the mediapany employees.


    Aria didn''t stop there and asked, "Take your mobile out and call your wife. If she tell she would have enjoyed standing here if she was nearing delivery, I will let you guys off."


    Finn was purposefully silent because he was watching Rose. She was shocked looking at what she had done but her stubbornness and so many were worried about her.


    She looked down biting her lips realizing this wasn''t her. She was always simple, shy, and understanding unlike bringing ruckus for others to solve or worry about. She felt like she took her husband for granted during the pregnancy and troubled him more and more.


    Her stupid decision of falling into the media and her parents'' scheme was sessful. She med herself for humiliation of her husband in his rivalpany by ying their game.


    By the time she got hold of her emotions, she saw the Managing director and manager bowing repeatedly to her and Finn under pressuring eyes of Aria and n.


    The main drama artist of this drama reached them unaware of the turn of tables. They saw the camera recording so they quickly got into their character.

 Chapter 529: Impulsive

    Chapter 529: Impulsive


    Nobody knew Aria would take action quickly so Harold was as surprised as Finn seeing her take control as soon as she stepped in. Haroldmented standing between Rose and Dustin, "This business couple is scary."


    Dustin responded with a light chuckle, "Commander Stanley is absolutely right."


    Only those who knew or followed Morgan and Skyline Industries closely, clearly understand they weren''t this powerful before.


    When the world was thinking Aria and n were fighting by pulling their support away from each other after the canceled wedding, the couple had taken a step back and spread their wings so wide that, either of them had control over otherpanies.


    Instead of standing like one entity as Oliver and Rowan nned, n and Aria stood like two entities yet they had each other''s support. They never stepped down to use their spouse''s name to control or their own and held the power to protect themselves, family and friends without waiting for the request.


    Seeing Mr. & Mrs. May reach them with a face of bullying, Rose was nk thinking why she went there, to scold them? Will that change her parents?


    ''No, then why did I go out of hand?'' Rose genuinely wanted to apologize to each one who was worried about her and left their peaceful night to be there for them.


    "Did you bring all these big names to show us you know a lot of people? Do you think they could scare us? We have support too, all of them will stand for us against a daughter like you." Mrs. Mays pitifully said breathing heavily to show as a weak patient.


    Aria urged to p that woman across her face. Levi had already stormed their house and found no medicines or it''s receipts. The only medical papers they had were saying she has cancer.


    Rose sat down when Finn pushed to sit. And thetter spoke, "If you have so many, why did youe to my wife for money? Ask them to support you, provide the shelter. Let us see who steps front."


    However, opposite to his line, Aria grimly looked at Finn, "Finn, you don''t understand. They are such caring, passionate parents, how could you ask them to go to others?"


    Finn, Dustin, and Harold hid their smile, and thought, ''Roasting starts now.''


    The May couple rejoiced thinking Aria Cooper was on their side but they didn''t dare to smear Finn directly, "I am sure this wanton daughter of mine said something wrong about us to our son-inw."


    ''Son-inw?'' Finn felt his stomach lurch.


    Aarvi popped the pen from the manager''s pocket and tossed the cap while speaking damn seriously, "Mr. and Mrs. May, how about you two living with your daughter in Stanley mansion? I will make sure you get the expenses of treatment."


    Rose: "..."


    The two were excited but nodded pitifully.


    Aria stated the fact, "For that, you have to prove that you have blood cancer."


    The mother passed the report quickly, however, Aria threw it in the air, "You know, your daughter can say you brought the fake certificate, so let''s test."


    She grabbed hold of Mr. May''s hand and pulled her away from her husband, now she stated as though it''s a fact, "ording to the studies, the blood cancer patient''s blood is thick and less in the body, unlike a healthy person''s blood. So if I stab the pen, yet Mrs, May doesn''t bleed, then she has cancer."


    It happened so quickly that the couple had no time to speak and Aria raised the pen to stab the wrist of Mrs. May.


    Frightened looking at Aria wasn''t acting but stabbing her, Mrs. May cried out, "I don''t have cancer, I don''t have cancer, I don''t have cancer"


    Mr. May: "..." He waste to shut her mouth and the Morgan guard pulled him away from his wife.


    Aria continued in a concerned tone, "Mrs. May, don''t be afraid, I heard it won''t hurt a cancer patient, didn''t your doctor check like this?"


    Mrs. May shrugged Aria and stood far with big drop tears flowing, "How can I know when I didn''t even go to the doctor?"


    Aria didn''t let go yet, she pointed to the papers and asked, "Mrs. May, it''s alright. I have seen your cancer test reports." She again held her hands without letting her shrug off.


    Nevertheless, she had scared her a lot. Mrs. May blurted out, "I don''t know that, My husband brought this paper home to meet Rosy and nned to stay there. I am healthy and I don''t have problems."


    The managing director and the manager gasped realizing who they supported till that.


    Mr. May shrugged the guard and ran towards Aria and his wife, "You bitch"


    n pulled Aria''s to his arms and the guard was ready to knock Mr. May if he turned to Aria but he jumped to his wife and punched her in the face and he started to me her, "How dare you me me? You are the one who wanted to act like a patient"


    While that couple fought physically and verbally, Aria raised her head in n''s embrace and pouted like a wronged wife, "I can easily knock him down, you know."


    n''s face softened looking at her and gently rubbed her back head, "Why bother hurting your hands? Legs too."


    Aria didn''t get to rebuff and giggled before sticking her tongue out at her husband and bing serious.


    The Morgan guards had separated the fighting couple and the cops who witnessed it live, took them away. Dustin went with them toin and instruct the legal team to sue the mediapany in the morning.


    Even though Morgan Industries had shares in it, n didn''t bother stopping the legal process by the Stanley family, instead, he decided to sell the stocks overnight before it goes viral in the morning.


    Aria didn''t let Rose and Finn leave but pointed to an office room to enter. Rose wasn''t only an ear of Rose but also Finn. Even though they neverined about each other to her, she knows where the problem is lying.


    Due to Rose''s pregnancy, she couldn''t scold Rose but knew how to make her realize things clearer. Harold made sure things were safe before leaving with his team, Starlight published the statements from May family neighbors and Rose''s documents to state it was her parents who threw her out and she changed her to be safe and away from them. Since their drama was viral, they needed nothing more words to exin.


    n stayed out to instruct Nathan to handle the paperwork while Aria stood in front of Finn and Rose. She directed her anger on Finn purposefully, "Have you lost your mind? Her due date is the day after tomorrow and you took her here. What if those people were pushing you guys or hurt the baby? Did you forget what the doctors were saying? Or does it look like fun to stand between people when she is afraid of crowds and questions?..."


    Rose stood up and tried to cut in. She wanted to say it wasn''t Finn''s decision but hers. Anyway, she didn''t get a chance and went behind Aria feeling bad for putting Finn in that position, "Sister Aria Sister Listen"


    Whereas Finn was trying to control smiling orughing out at Aria''s fake angered puffed cheeks. He understood Aria''s way, Rose loves him, scolding him for her mistake will definitely make her realize the impulsiveness. However, he kept his eyes on Rose if in case she couldn''t take the indirect way either.

 Chapter 530: Dumpling

    Chapter 530: Dumpling


    Aria who had purposefully ignored Rose hadn''t stopped scolding Finn until Rose couldn''t take it and blurted out pulling Aria aside, "Stop scolding him. It wasn''t Finn, it was me."


    "Oh!" Aria said and waited for her to apologize to the right person but they heard the knock before n pushed open the door.


    Aria called him inside as she went next to him. Hooking her arm around n''s, she spoke looking at Rose, "You girl, don''t you dare try to be like me to steal my husband. There is only one Aria, that''s me and n is mine."


    Rose: "..."


    Finn and n understood why she was framing it that way. Rose wanted to follow her path and try to be like her so Aria was trying to say she doesn''t have to be like her.


    "Your husband needs Rose, not Aria. So be Rose to Finn. If you eye my husband, I will kick your husband."


    The husband will take the wife''s punishment? Mother and Father Stanley at the door burst intoughter without understanding her logic.


    Rose: "..."


    She met n''s eyes and gulped the non-existent saliva as she moved behind Finn mumbling, "Who dares to eye President Morgan?" Even though she said it, she understood what Aria was trying to say.


    She wanted to be outstanding like Aria thinking she would be a good match to Finn and unknowingly she was following Aria''s path forgetting her real self. She wasn''t Aria, Finn doesn''t love Aria but her. She scolded herself for being carried away.


    She whispered, clutching Finn''s hand, "Let''s go to the hospital." She didn''t want to talk about her behavior or apologize to Finn in front of n and Aria


    Finn panicked hearing the word hospital, "Water broke? Are you ufortable? Do you have pain?..."


    Rose pressed her hand on his lips to stop him panicking in front of others and shook her head. She again whispered, "You had told me that it''s better to be in hospital when I am very close to the due date."


    Finn understood his wife came back to her senses and became an obedient understanding wife. But he turned to the couple who had already started romancing, "President Cooper, I really doubt if I am my wife''s husband or you."


    Mother and father Stanley let out a breath of relief seeing everything fine with the mother and baby safe.


    Aria threatened by seeing the couple leave, "Let me report to Eva that Rose is stealing me as her husband, she will put your wife in ce."


    n: "..."


    ''Why do married women take my wife as theirs? She is mine only.'' n tightened his arm around his wife, scolding Rose in mind as a headless woman for giving work to his wife.


    Rose awkwardlyughed, shaking her hands. She can''t handle Eva''s possessiveness so she was fine calling Aria her sister.


    Aria whined in a low voice once things settled, "I am tired now." There goes her husband easily scooping her into his arms and instructed seriously yet affectionately, "Sleep, I will take you home."


    Everyone else: "..."


    She didn''t know if she should behave in public and avoid using some words, ''Aren''t we a little old for PDA?'' She thought.


    Since she was already in her husband''s arms, she made everyone jealous, "My love is best."


    Nonchnt n: "I know."


    Everyone else: "..."


    Aria giggled forgetting other mediapany reporters were outside.


    The next day news about Rose''s parents cornered with Aria and n giving almost no work to the Starlight PR department.


    The video of n pulling Aria to his embrace and fondly talking to Aria while the May couple were fighting and the video of n carrying Aria to the car; were viral increasing the poprity of the couple.


    Of course, there will be negative too saying they were purposefully showing off which the couple didn''t care about.


    ---


    Now the countdown started for Rose to give natural birth. The Stanley family who was happy to know Rose''s health is stable started to be anxious the next day seeing Rose active and water didn''t break.


    Rose went under scanning to make sure the baby was healthy and hadn''t changed position in the womb.


    Waiting till the end of the day, the doctor decided to intervene and asked permission to inducebor.


    Finn was thinking if thebor is induced in the evening, Rose wouldn''t get much rest in the night. But they left theplete decision on Zeke and Winston who epted to induce thebor as thete birth might affect the baby''s heart and lungs.


    Just in a few hours, Rose was sent to thebor ward, Finn followed her wearing the hospital gown while the rest waited outside.


    Probably due to inducedbor and natural birth, the Stanley and Wen family soon weed a baby boy. Even though they wished for a baby girl, their excitement wasn''t any less, the happiest one among them was Rose.


    Unable to stop themselves, the Morgan familydies forced their husbands to go to the hospital. Arna left Rony and admired the tiny hands of the baby boy before asking Finn, "Darling, what is my little brother''s name?"


    All were surprised by hearing ''brother'' from Snow. They had really expected Snow to pester them to call the baby Snow''s groom. Finn carried Snow and asked, "I thought you will marry my son."


    Snow shook her head decisively, "You are my Godfather, means a father. If Little Dad''s son is my little brother, then your son is also my little brother too."


    All wanted to say, she could actually marry the baby boy if she epts four years of the age difference but they didn''t feel it necessary to exin it now. She will eventually learn it, "Okay, then your little brother''s name is Earl Stanley."


    Arna nodded as she yawned due to drowsiness before asking excitedly, "Mamma said you named me Snow, shall I give a nickname to E-Earl?"


    Finn actually wanted to turn down because she is a foodie like her mother and she will name Earl Popcorn if given a chance.


    "Let me think." Snow said seriously before going to her father''s arms to seriously discuss with him.


    "Dad, how is Candy? She asked seriously.


    Finn turned to Aria as he pointed at Arna, "No doubt she is your daughter."


    All chuckled hearing him while n shook his head to his cute daughter and Arna continued to think.


    It took ten minutes for n to divert her focus from food to other things while Finn was pale and he was d Rose was sleeping else she would have really cried hearing Arna suggest names such as noodles, mango, dumpling.<ol><li>Earl means A warrior, a chieftain set to rule a territory in a king''s stead.</li></ol>

 Chapter 531: Piggyback ride

    Chapter 531: Piggyback ride


    After a long brainstorming session, Arna excitedly announced, "My Knight. How about My Knight to Earl?"


    n felt drained, whichever he suggested was kicked away by his daughter and she stuck on to food, followed by Disney characters and now the royal family.


    Finn was surprised to get some cool name, "So My Snow wants to nickname Earl as Knight?"


    He asked as he carried Arna to his arms when she ran up to him. Arna shook her head, "It''s My Knight."


    Aria and n looked at each other and she chuckled understanding her daughter.


    Finn tried to confirm, "You mean, our Knight."


    Arna facepalmed before exining, "Darling, it''s My Knight. I am Snow princess and he is My Knight."


    Finn: "..."


    Some were speechless and the rest burst intoughter waking up Rose from her sleep. Yawning and feeling her whole body sore, she tried to sit when Finn left Arna on the bed and helped her.


    Arna excitedly started jumping on the bed as reported, "Aunty Rose, Earl is My Knight."


    Rose was totally clueless.


    Finn quickly exined to her and to his shock his wife smiled spreading her arms at Arna, "So let our son be Knight of our Snow Princess."


    Arna squealed in joy and hugged her but made sure to be careful understanding Rose as weak, "Aunty Rose is best."


    Finn: "..." Now, he was jealous of his wife for stealing his Snow.


    Rose gently coaxed her as she suggested, "Earl will be our Snow Princess''s Knight and our Prince."


    Arna sat on herp trying to understand. She pointed to Rose and asked in amusement, "So will Earl be your Prince and My Knight?"


    All were surprised seeing how easily Rose won Snow. But they didn''t dare to discuss their prince''s nickname in front of Arna.


    ---


    While the Stanley family celebrated the new member''s entry for days, Aria got a call from Winston Wen directly. He agreed to give it a try but he wasn''t sure if he could really have an unknown woman around him.


    Aria was happy at least he made his mind to give it a try. Harold and Zeke had a list ofdies names who were from reputed families and staying alone for years.


    Anyway, Aria asked for time so that she can arrange a date for Melissa Morse and Winston Wen.


    ...


    One night, Aria made herselffortable and prepared how to convince Melissa.


    n who exited the cloakroom in nightwear saw her brainstorming, talking to herself preparing mentally. Sitting on another armchair, he revealed, "Maisie convinced President Morse."


    As though the heavyweight she was carrying flew away, she quickly leaped to hisp throwing her mobile away. She pampered him to know more about it.


    n enjoyed his wife''s antics and exined to her what happened, "When we had returned home from Stanley mansion, I had called Vince but I didn''t know the call was on speaker."


    Aria facepalmed and guessed the rest of the story, "The overexcited Maisie forced her mother taking her pregnancy as a knife."


    n nodded. He hadn''t mentioned to Vince about leaving Maisie out of it until Melissa agrees but it took another turn. Instead of convincing Melissa, Patrick and Maisie forced her to try.


    Snuggling to her husband''s arms, "I will talk to her before they meet each other. I will take their schedules in the morning and decide when I could talk to her face to face."


    n chuckled and was proud of her for not forcing people on each other. "Shall I take you to bed, My wifey?"


    Aria sat straight and grumbled after a few seconds, "Actually I want to take you to bed."


    n was word struck and watched her standing up and calcting something in mind looking at him and the distance from there to the bed.


    "Honey, you know, I can''t carry you if you break my back." He said carefully.


    However, she ignored his words and pulled him up. "I try to piggyback you."


    n: "..." Fear crept up.


    He raised his finger asking a minute and kneeled down. Aria was waiting but he threw her on his shoulder and took her to the bed.


    Aria: "..."


    However, Aria ran back near the armchair and demanded, "n,e here right now"


    Flipping the grown man over her shoulder is different from carrying. It consumes more energy.


    He took steps like a snail towards her racking his brain to find a reason but failed. He didn''t want to say she can''t carry him, that will look like he was looking down on her.


    He suggested instead, "Honey, how about you try to carry weights in the gym first."


    Aria used her trump card, she rubbed her eyes saying, "You don''t believe me I can"


    Done, despite knowing she was acting, he was in no mood to see her tears. He quickly covered the distance between them making his mind to admit to the hospital if something goes wrong.


    "You hold around my shoulders, I will hold your legs," Aria instructed and waited for him.


    n hoped he wasn''t going to break her back and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, "Ready?" He asked.


    Aria nodded and felt the weight shift on her shoulder and she locked her hands holding his legs. n''s eyes were tightly shut trying to digest his wife was trying to carry him.


    Aria missed her first step but she bnced well and steadily walked from one end of their vast bedroom to another.


    Surprised, "My wife is so strong." His fear fled out and chuckled for the piggyback riding. He felt their situation was more hrious than any of their fun times.


    Aria left No, threw him on the bed and burst intoughter as she celebrated dancing triumphantly.


    She so wished she was strong enough to carry him in her arms and throw him on the bed as he most of the time did to her. But she was happy at least she could do piggybacking for a little distance.


    n was baffled lying on the bed. Never in his dream, he thought somebody could throw him on the bed. He realized it was his wife''s little wish for probably a long time and she fulfilled it without ever revealing it to him.


    He announced grimly, "I am not talking to you." He pulled the duvet roughly and closed his eyes to sleep moving to the edge of the bed.


    Aria stopped celebrating and thought if she did too much and hurt his pride. Only they were present in the room so she yed.


    ''Was it really humiliating?'' She thought hoping their rtionship with each other won''t be affected due to her stupidity.

 Chapter 532: Sacrificed

    Chapter 532: Sacrificed


    Aria just had little fun with n so it felt odd to see him angered. She deduced two possibilities, either he was faking it for more coddling by her or he got to know she always wanted to do it but didn''t tell him.


    ''n Morgan, don''t forget I am your wife.'' She thought and got on the bed. Instead of sleeping on the bed, sheid on him on her stomach saying, "Okay, don''t talk."


    n: "..."


    She should convince him, right? She yed against the pattern.


    She suddenly peeked her head up and grinned, "I should start lifting weights in the gym, then I can carry you in arms, throw you on the bed and pin you down." Then she let out evilughter.


    n facepalmed and rolled her down before pinning her on the bed, "That''s always going to be me."


    Aria giggled but again went to the top, "Somebody said they won''t talk to me." She stuck her tongue out and giggled again.


    n: "..."


    How many ever times it happens, he straight falls into her tricks.


    She tried to put some sense to him, "Now we are parents of two, we should fulfill their wishes and keep them happy. We can ignore our negligible wishes."


    n grunted in response, "NO."


    Aria could only give in, "Won''t you find me irritating then? I am not a little girl anymore but a mother of twins."


    n pulled himself up to lean on the headboard keeping her on hisp to sit and face him. "I don''t understand why mothers leave their own life after having a child."


    Aria thought about it. Is she dropping her own life and preferences?


    n continued, "You never looked for an asion to go shopping for yourself, now you need a reason to design one for yourself or buy one. Whenever you go out with your friends, you shop for nobody but our twins or else me.


    You choose a restaurant depending on what our twins like instead of thinking about what you would like to eat even if it''s on your birthday.


    If you enter the kitchen you either cook what I like or what our twins would like to eat, what about yours?


    Let''s not talk about outings, I don''t remember you choosing anything ording to your wishes.


    Now don''t tell me you like what our twins and I like and dislike. You have your life and choices and I know them."


    Aria pursed her lips, she realized it after hearing him. She always thought it was right whenever she went with their wishes. All that mattered to her was their happiness which was making her happy too. What else does she need as a mother and wife?


    n gently rubbed her cheek as he continued, "I think that''s how mothers are. You know, I had no idea what mom likes and dislikes until you came to our home.


    You used to ask her what she liked before ordering dishes, you were asking her about her favorite things before arranging anything for her. You gave her the right to choose which she had sacrificed for us.


    And you are exactly doing the same, unawarely, unthinkingly.


    After twenty years, I don''t want to see you sitting in our daughter''s favorite restaurant to celebrate any of your sess or your birthday. I want to see her arranging in a ce where you will be happier than her, where you enjoy and have your time.


    Don''t expect her to ask your preference before arranging. She isn''t Aria Cooper of Amelia Gray."


    Aria really felt like crying. She always solved other problems but she forgot her own situation. ''Am I really losing myself?'' She moved to his arms and hugged him as he continued.


    "Don''t generalize your likes and dislikes. They will start to think I have my own choices but you are fine with anything. That''s what I, Rian, and Dad did to mom. I don''t want the same for you.


    I want to hear our twins say, ''Momma, here is your favorite.'' instead of just ignoring you."


    Aria nodded on his shoulder understanding as much as she gives importance to their fondness, she should respect her own life. "I love you." She mumbled.


    n let out a sigh stroking her back. He had thought she will change back over time but who knew she actually believed she has to care more about their babies.


    "Then instead of just being the best wife and loving mother, learn to be best for yourself."


    Aria nodded and announced, "I will love myself more and you, continue to coddle me and smack my head whenever I do wrong."


    "Fine." He said and smacked her head leaving her bbergasted.


    The drama queen asked in disbelief, "You hit your wife!? n Morgan, you hit me!? You will be punished."


    ''And you are biting me.'' n thought she bit his shoulder but didn''t use her strength.


    After sitting back, she didn''t let him speak, "Let me think what I would like to do now."


    She thought and licked her lips. He worded it with a look of, ''I know you.'', "Ice cream"


    Aria nodded vigorously, "That ice cream stool nearke park, It''s been years since I ate there. Let''s go and cool our heads."


    n had to piggyback her out and saw his parents chatting with a hot tea while another couple was sneaking out like them.


    Amelia waved her hand, "Long night drive is good in this weather,"


    Rian and Aria flew her some kisses before they left in two cars. Aria understood why Amelia wanted her to have babieste. All she had for her was immense adoration.


    Anyway, all the love poured on her husband, while n enjoyed his hyperactive little wife back without a filter of a mother of two.


    ----


    On the weekend,


    Melissa Morse reached the Morgan mansion. She wanted to meet Aria''s little ones before going on a date.


    After the meet and greet, Aria took Melissa to thewn so that she could know her thoughts on the date.


    Passing a cup of coffee, Aria was sitting back when shemented, "You guys have a beautifulwn. We can''t have such a huge one in the city."


    Aria smiled, "Mum and Pop love the garden, So they keenly took care of it."


    Melissa nodded and added, "I have heard Patrick sing praises for your mansion. If I get the time and if you have some time, I would love to check it out."


    Aria smiled with a nod, "Sure, Aunty Melissa."


    Before Melissa could find another topic of an excuse to keep her diverted, Aria continued, "Please don''t be embarrassed. It''s true that I really want you to have somebody by your side, I won''t force you to something you are against.


    If you feel like scolding me for bringing this up or if you felt I am crossing my line, please go ahead."


    Even if Melissa wanted to scold Aria, looking at her faint smile waiting for some scoldings, Melissa wanted to chuckle but controlled.


    "Scold? No, you need beating." She showed her palm looking serious but chuckled the next minute.


    Eventually bing serious, Melissa was straight to point, "Aria, it''s really absurd. If in case you are in my ce without n, would you have agreed to this? No, you wouldn''t. So please call that man whoever he is and cancel the date."


    She didn''t leave a room for further talk but she forgot Aria hated every if case where they separate her from n.

 Chapter 533: Dream to fly

    Chapter 533: Dream to fly


    Despite being calm andposed while solving other''s issues or helping them, it was always Aria''s weakness that she can''t tolerate when somebody brings up n and talks by keeping them away from each other.


    She doesn''t know what''s there in the future, but presently, where there is Aria, there will be n and conversely. It''s just irrevocable for her.


    "I am sorry, Aunt Melissa but you aren''t me and you never had a person like n in your life. And it''s really ludicrous for you topare yourself with us."


    Melissa realized she pressed the wrong nerve hearing Aria''s suppressed irritation. She never had somebody to love her unconditionally as Aria had. Herte husband married her for the convenience of their family, they never had love between them but a responsibility.


    She regretted putting Aria in her situation making it seem like they were the same. "I..." She wanted to apologize but Aria continued.


    "And we are not talking about getting you a new husband, it''s your life and you will choose who to bring into it.


    Here we are speaking about apanion. A person to stay by your side, to talk, to spend time. A person of your age, with whom you could openly speak about your worries and problems without thinking you have a generation gap, technology is moved on, lifestyle is different, the world is on a different phase.


    Now the time is different, you can''t expect your daughter and son-inw or Patrick to stick by your side all the time. They have their life, their goals. You are their responsibility but not their life.


    They will work, be busy all day beforeing to see you in the night, just to leave in the morning for another busy day.


    I don''t think even the friendly servants who are around you will make you feel at home the whole day. They have their own... family too..."


    Aria''s gaze went on n when he rubbed her head before sitting next to her. n who could make out every single expression of her couldn''t stop himself from reaching her seeing her destressed and irritated.


    Aria apologized to Melissa the very next moment, "I am very sorry, I didn''t mean to be rude."


    Melissa let out a breath she was holding for long. It would be a lie if she says she wasn''t shocked and had a little fear facing the dead serious Aria. She understood why business heads are scared to face Aria as much as they feared n.


    Facing the overbearing Aria would only make you nod the head afraid of sounding like a fool.


    Then Melissa witnessed the couple conversing with just a slight change in expressions on their face before Aria held his hand with a pout and pulled it on herp.


    "Anybody will be envious of your rtionship irrespective of their ages. I am sorry, I shouldn''t have put you in my situation."


    Aria shook her head, "No, you were right, I should think in your shoes before speaking to you. It''s just..." She sighed without continuing it.


    Then she calmly summarized everything, "We don''t want you to spend youring years alone in your room or reading books after books aimlessly. We just want to add something to look up to without feeling lonely."


    Aria faintly smiled adding, "The decision is yours, let me know if you want to cancel the date."


    Then the couple faintly smiled at her and they walked aside to give her some time to think. Anyway, her eyes stayed on the couple. She could guess Ariaining like a little grumpy girl before n coaxed her and brought the smile back.


    She so wished to go back in time, make herself strong, and fall in love with someone who could treasure her as the couple cherished each other.


    She saw their little kids run up to them and toss themselves to their parents'' arms with bright happy faces.


    Melissa knew she was alone in herplete life, when all enjoyed she always stayed inside fighting with her low stamina and every small illness she was attracting. She lost most of the beautiful years of life cooped up in the room studying to excel and score in the exams.


    When she finally stabilized her health and became the Managing director, she thought she could finally see the world and enjoy it but the responsibility was too huge after she was promoted to be the President.


    After that she realized it wasn''t her dream to be president of thepany, she was reading so much to know the outside world. When she could finally make her mind to get off the position and see the world, her own brother nned an ident on her and her spinal cord injuries taking away her dreams to fly.


    epting the family arrangements, she blindly became president, married, and also had Maisie. Before she could dream of seeing the childhood of Maisie, she lost her husband and became a single mother with a huge responsibility for thepany.


    Her protection was a cage for her daughter who argued with her more than giving her warm hugs. When Maisie finally grew up and could understand the struggles, she was enticed to leave the country by her own uncle.


    When did she have anybody to cry her pain or share her joy? Undoubtedly she was lonely, having no friends or a life partner.


    Looking at the family of four, she really wished Maisie was a little more sensible as Aria, or she had someone by her side like n.


    Operating her electronic wheelchair, she reached them and Arna shifted on herp from her mother''s arms.


    "Grandmother, would like to eat Dad''s chicken wings? Dad is cooking dinner for Momma tonight. Momma is already drooling." She giggled adorably leaving her mother speechless.


    Melissa chuckled, pinching her chubby cheeks, "Does your Momma like chicken wings?"


    "Like?" Arna asked and dramaticallyughed, "Momma is Head of over heels for chicken. Little Dad said Momma and Aunt Eva chant chicken when they get drunk and make Dad and Uncle Hottie jealous."


    Aria wanted to chase after and beat her Beauty for telling all the drunk stories of her to Arna, "Snow." She tried to warn the little packet.


    Arna giggled and whispered to Melissa, "Grandmother, I will tell you all the stories tonight. I am sure you willugh your stomach full."


    Aria decided she will never get drunk in front of her kids again. ''I should behave and be a good example.''


    n whispered next to her, "It''s been a long time I saw you drunk. We should n some time."


    Aria: "..."


    Her husband was adamant about keeping her as his young little wife. Sob, sob.


    When they were going inside the mansion, Melissa nodded at Aria in eptance of trying out the date.

 Chapter 534: Date evening

    Chapter 534: Date evening


    At Tea house,


    Instead of usual dates at cafes or restaurants, Aria and Finn who probably didn''t give so much thought, so much time to decide their own dates with their spouses discussed for a long time to choose the Tea house depending on both Winston Wen and Melissa Morse taste.


    The cafe was structured in such a way that they had inter walls in the form of open wooden cupboards. Each block either carried books or some unique olden tea-making equipment.


    The tea house was located near a well-maintained but smallke. Thewn around theke was beautiful with huge willow trees around. There was seating outside the tea house giving an ample ce, space, and a peaceful atmosphere to spend time.


    Hence the tea house attracts bookworms, reading enthusiasts, peace seekers, tea lovers with some tasty snacks.


    Finn had just seen pictures whereas Aria and n had been there when they wanted to spend time with each other in a peaceful environment. That way the location was set and Winston reached on time.


    He was alighting his car when a hybrid sports car and a sedan parked next to his. Winston was in a simple semi-formal look without overdoing anything. He was totallyposed unlike how the young adults go on a blind date.


    He identified the sports as it was the only model in the country and it is owned by Aria. He was expecting an olddy to get off the shotgun seat but a little pair of legs stepped out and closed the door.


    "Hello, Grandfather Winston." Arsh greeted with a bow.


    ''Grandfather.'' Winston was surprised by hearing it instead of Professor. He gave in to his temptation and carried him up in his arms ncing at Aria alighting the car.


    Instead of treating the little one as a kid, he asked as though he was talking with a teenager, "What made you change address me as a grandfather, Arsh Morgan?"


    Arsh didn''t evade his arms and nced at his mother with a big grin. He was excited because he and his mother were watching their outfit. White jeans with blue denim shirt pairing with white running shoes. Arsh was loving it.


    He almost answered, ''Because I am happy.'' But controlled and reasoned, "Momma calls you Uncle, that makes you my grandfather. And Grandmother Melissa is your date, So."


    Winston took a second to absorb that the mother and son were in matching outfits before asking him, "You know my date?" He was curious to know who his date could be that she is capable of making Arsh address her as a grandmother.


    Before Arsh could respond, the driver of the sedan ced the electric wheelchair next to the door after opening it.


    Winston''s brows knitted. He avoided making any judgment so soon.


    Arsh responded following his line of sight, "She is my grandmother''s twin sister, Melissa Morse, Chairman Morse, former president of Morse Industries."


    Arsh fluently andpletely gave the introduction of Melissa Morse before he noticed Winston''s face turn dark.


    Morse? Winston had followed the problems that Aria faced. So when Oliver Cooper''s case was closed concluding as it was a murder, he clearly remembers it was a vice president Terrance Morse from Morse Industries.


    So why is Aria still in contact with that family? His every cell and blood said Morse is evil and they will hurt Aria.


    Anyway, it still didn''t register to him that his date is Arsh''s grandmother''s twin sister.


    Winston saw a middle-aged woman shift from the back seat to the wheelchair on her own. Winston''s brow slightly furrowed without understanding why he felt the resemnce looking at the half face.


    He saw Aria speak something to Melissa before the two women turned to Winston and Arsh. Thetter smiled at his mother, silently saying, ''Momma, we have a date too. Let''s go fast.''


    Aria smiled at her excited son and before her eyesnded on Winston who had deep frowns and a fighting dilemma. She wasn''t expecting him to identify Melissa as a look-alike of Emily.


    Winston had seen Emily about twenty-five years back, even if the aging of Melissa was easy on the eyes, there were still changes in outlook so obviously, it''s hard identity.


    His cold gaze shifted to Aria and ndly asked without bothering to hide his dislike towards the Morse family, "You are close with the murder''s family who killed your father."


    Aria gritted her teeth, her gaze turned sharp-looking straight into his eyes. She so wanted to scold that man for saying it in front of Arsh. He was too young to know that.


    Melissa was momentarily out of sorts. She was d neither Aria nor the Morgan family treats her on the scale of her brother but she had forgotten the world sees her differently.


    Arsh was uneasy hearing Winston''s words and extended her hands at Aria, "Momma" He urged his mother to carry him. His excitement lowered to difort.


    Winston remembered Arsh and regretted speaking his mind.


    Carrying Arsh, Aria coaxed him but she had to promise him that she would brief him about it before seeing him ease up and sit in the car to wait for them.


    By the time she stood to face the man, he was astonished looking at Melissa and thetter wasn''t even facing him cursing her own life.


    Winston asked to confirm, "Chairman Morse looks like Emily."


    Melissa and Aria nced at each other before facing the man.


    Aria wanted to settle them inside and clear the misunderstanding first but she didn''t want to leave Arsh alone in the car.


    "Uncle Winston, Mom, and Aunt Melissa are twins but Mom grew up in the Parker family. Yes, Terrance Morse took my dad''s life but that doesn''t mean I will punish the whole family and leave my biological maternal family."


    Winston didn''t care about Terrance anymore, he was shocked to know Emily and Melissa are twins. He was inarticte to respond to anything.


    He didn''t know if he should think as Aria''s father died due to her uncle or say something to Melissa.


    Anyway, he blurted out, "Why did Terrence Morse kill your father?"


    Aria and Melissa: "..."


    Are they going to talk about it? But she knew it was necessary to clear it out. "He didn''t want mom to ask for Morse''s inheritance but I was born. Dad got to know Mom''s real identity so"


    Winston saw the look in Aria and Melissa''s eyes and pointed at Melissa as he guessed, "So he is the reason for Chairman Morse to end up in a wheelchair?"


    Aria didn''t want to talk about the past so she requested "Professor Wen, can we please not talk about the past now? You guys have to talk first, know about each other, and decide what to do. Cool?"


    Winston and Melissa nced at each other and thettermented, "You sound like you want to get rid of us." And she chuckled.


    That wasn''t Aria''s aim but she nodded, "I have a date evening with my son, he is already sulking waiting for me."


    She pointed to the windshield turning to her car. Arsh who was stuck to the window, rolled it down and asked, "Momma, are we going now?"


    Aria so loved his excitement instead of silently waiting for her.


    The older ones chuckled looking at them. They sent her with her son before they went inside to the tea house.

 Chapter 535: Best husband or father?

    Chapter 535: Best husband or father?


    Winston and Melissa bid mother and son, especially surprised looking at Arsh excited to go out with his mother.


    "How did n Morgan let his wife and Arna let her brother enjoy outside?" Winston generally probed walking next to Melissa who was controlling her wheelchair on her own without looking weak or embarrassed about being on wheels.


    Melissa faintly smiled, she was d he wasn''t attacking her with words but started off the conversation lightly. She nced at the sports car that left the premises.


    "Father and Daughter are in the kitchen in pink aprons cooking for mother by sending these two out to enjoy." She remembered n standing in a pink apron and chuckled.


    "Mr. Wen, Ms. Morse, wee to the Tea house." An old man warmly weed the duo with a smile.


    The duo nodded in response adding a smile, then the old man continued, "President Cooper had reserved a table for you. Please let me know if you would fancy a different table." He guided them to the window seat which had good privacy and a good view of theke and the forest on the other side of it.


    In a few minutes, the duo settled and ordered the tea they liked and added some snacks hearing the rmendation.


    Silence encircled without knowing where to start so Winston asked, taking a sip of his tea, "Chairman Morse, I just got to know about your rtionship with Aria."


    Melissa nodded keeping her cup down, "I asked her about you but she left it for us so that we could have something to start a conversation."


    Winston understood she has no idea about him and she was as clueless as him, "I am Winston Wen, the senior cardiologist at Imperial main hospital."


    "Winston Wen'''' Melissa slowly uttered as she tried to remember where she had read about him. Thanks to her sharp memory she immediately recalled, "Professor Wen, an awardee and excellent professor for training more than fifty doctors. I have read your articles."


    Winston responded with a small nod as if it wasn''t noteworthy. Melissa continued, "You are famous as a doctor whose wife, girlfriend, and life is the medical field. You have an amazing career, why didn''t you marry anybody?"


    Winston''s hand froze in the air but it was just for a second before he fluently handled it by taking a sip. Looking at Melissa''s curious gaze, Winston undoubtedly tried to remember Emily Parker, for no reason he wasn''t able to bring her alive in his imagination but look at Melissa.


    Unaware his thin lips faintly curled up as he kept his cup down. Melissa thought she might have asked some foolish question so she wanted to change it but Winston spoke, "Because I wanted to get over your twin sister."


    Melissa was at a loss for words. She didn''t know how to respond to it.


    Then Winston chose to tell her how he got lost in the medical field and their conversation went on effortlessly without the need of searching for topics.


    Melissa was aware he was able to getfortable with her because she looked like Emily but she wasn''t offended but she liked to hear it. She even probed questions, made little fun of him.


    Hearing him, she had no idea when she also started telling how much she missed a normal life.


    ---


    While the blind date of the elder couple was on, Aria and Arsh were enjoying in thergest mall of the city grabbing everyone''s attention. They didn''t miss their snacks before they went to the game arcade.


    Then they shopped a lot, a little one held quite a few small bags and Aria held the rest of the bags.


    If any sales girls tried to talk or y with Arsh seeing him smiling and enjoying with his mother, they only earned a cold gaze or a polite answer if required. But most of them almost recalled n Morgan and admired them from afar.


    ---


    In the Morgan mansion, Amelia and Roxy enjoyed watching Arna standing on an ind counter and behaving like she was supervising the cooking while n cooked and Rian helped him wearing a floral apron, thanks to Arna who sweetly fooled him.


    Roxymented holding her baby looking at father and daughter taste chicken sauce and the daughter was excited, "Mom, Brother-inw isn''t only the best husband, he will be the best father."


    Amelia, who was admiring her sons and granddaughter smiled hearing Roxy. "To make the best husband, he got a loving wife. To be a better father, we should see if Snow and Nemo could support them. Life of a parent is not that easy."


    Roxy became curious and turned to Amelia. Her parents had no time to care for her, she had struggled a lot that made her strong so she wanted to know how it was difficult for Amelia and Rowan.


    Rowan sat next to his wife and shed Amelia a tender smile.


    Roxy smiled to herself, She and Rian are loud and funny couples who always make everyoneugh, Aria and n always make them jealous giving countless couple goals by shoving lots of dog food. Whereas Amelia and Rowan are like role models on how to live and support each other.


    Roxy wished her old age with Rian to be just like Amelia and Rowan.


    Amelia looked at zoned out Roxy and chuckled, "What are you dreaming of?"


    Roxy slightly blushed and shook her head. Amelia then told her why it''s not easy to be a parent. "Love and care are never enough. As a parent, we expect them to be dutiful and filial but their life isn''t just wrapped around us. They change in each stage of life."


    Roxy nced at brothers who are still the same as long as she knew.


    Amelia continued seeing her perplexed, "Rian was a big cry baby and was always gloomy, then he had a lot of bad influence and learned a lot of bad things, now look at him."


    The three turned to see Rian and Arnaughing happily.


    Amelia continued with another instance, "Arrie was bubbly and too innocent. She used to sit and cry with Rian if she couldn''t stop him from crying. But when she lost her mother, she wanted to be strong but was hurt every time she was hearing motherless. When she got to know her own grandfather wanted to kill her, thirteen Arrie drastic changes shocked everyone."


    Roxy nodded aware of the incidents.


    Rowan patted Amelia''s hand, remembering Oliver Cooper''s death and how Aria entered the Morgan mansion to live.


    Amelia didn''t mention it and moved to another son of her, "n, he was an active happy child for four years but a small incident of seeing Arrie crying due to injection was enough to change him.


    And being a parent, you won''t only worry about their growth, A bad habit of your son will be med on you and your nurture.


    Remember when n and Aria orchestrated the wedding cancetion and n pulled all the me on himself, people didn''t only point at him but they said every nasty word and smiled sarcastically in front of us.


    Thankfully it was just a show and my sons turned out to be good but it isn''t the same with all. So being the best parent is more difficult."


    Roxy gulped unknowingly and nced at her son Rooney. ''I will try my best, My Roo, please be like your father.''


    Amelia and Rowan chuckled looking at Roxy sweating thinking of the future. Amelia patted her shoulder, "Don''t worry, we are all here."

 Chapter 536: The wifes resolution

    Chapter 536: The wife''s resolution


    Aria and Arsh returned home tired but still enthusiastic. Passing a few bags to maids to keep in Arsh and Arna''s room, and a few in Aria and n''s bedroom, mother and son carried the rest of the bags holding each other''s hands to reach others.


    Rian elbowed his brother, "Bro, Little Devil can live without you." He tried to make n jealous by looking at Nemo beaming which was a rare sight for everyone excluding Aria.


    n looked at the little hand clutching his wife''s hand even after entering the mansion. He wasn''t sticking to his mother when he was little, so he started to think if it''s from Aria.


    "Snow, don''t you want to check your gifts?" He ndly asked.


    Arna excitedly ran and threw herself on Aria, after hugs and kisses, she separated the mother and son and held their hands. She coyed the duo, "Did you two bring me gifts? I worked so hard for you two."


    Rian: "..."


    Rian hadn''t found his brother unbelievable but was speechless hearing Arna.


    Arsh responded to Arna, "Snow, I sent your gifts to our room." Then he elegantly moved and held Aria''s hand after sending Arna upstairs.


    Rian and n: "..."


    "Bro, Nemo is your carbon copy. He will definitely conquer what he wants. You should be happy he isn''t your love rival." Rian remarked before he started his act seeing Aria was about to skip to her husband''s arms.


    "Little Devil, I burned my fingers grilling your favorite steak"


    Roxy and n: "..."


    Arsh passed her the first aid box before going next to his grandparents.


    Amelia silently giggled seeing Aria smack Rian before applying the medicine to his faintly burnt finger. Roxy scolded Rian in mind, seeing him making n jealous purposefully by taking his wife''s attention away from him.


    However, n sat on the couch like a king with a haughty expression when Aria gave all the bags and sat next to him and holding his hand. He was silently saying, ''She is my dummy wife.''


    When it was almost dinner time and Melissa didn''t return, a message popped up saying not to wait for her. she was having dinner with Winston as it''ste.


    The happiest one was Zeke Wen when he got to know their tea time extended for dinner.


    ---


    Aria had expected displeasure of a few seeing Melissa can''t walk but everyone weed her warmly from both Stanley and Wen family.


    Since Melissa was retired, she shifted to city B. Vince amodated her in one of his vi he had in the B city.


    Everyone had thought Winston and Melissa might move into the same ce but they were more like friends. They usually had two meals together and met almost every day.


    ----


    At Imperial hospital,


    Aria leaned on the door frame with Finn standing next to her. Both were amused watching Melissa and Winston casually talk,ugh while having their lunch. They fist-punched happy for the development.


    Zeke stood next to them, he was d his son got somebody to talk and share freely, "Shh don''t disturb them. Let''s go for lunch." He whispered.


    Finn helped his grandfather to walk while Aria faced Zeke taking steps back, "Grandfather, shall I find a sexy and hot grandmother for you?" She teased.


    Finn chuckled seeing his grandfather flung his cane and hit Aria''s leg, "You brat, given a chance you won''t leave anybody single."


    Aria giggled and promptly epted, "Absolutely."


    Zeke shook his head helplessly seeing her happy seeing others happy.


    Finn asked, "Grandfather, what''s special today? Why did you invite us for lunch?"


    Zeke didn''t respond until they sat in the restaurant and ordered food. "I wanted to ask, which one of your children is going to enter the medical field? I don''t want a CEO to look after the hospital. I want a qualified practitioner of medicine."


    Aria and Finn: "..."


    Aria couldn''t understand why she or her children were being included with it.


    "Grandfather, it will be kids'' choice to choose what they would like to be and they are still toddlers. How can we decide that?" Finn asked without understanding what was going on in his head.


    Zeke waved his hand, "I don''t care." He removed a paper from his zer and ced it on the table. Finn and Aria saw the paper and realized it was a copy of his will.


    Aria felt very ufortable. She was nowhere connected to the Wen family so it wasn''t suitable to be including herself with it. Zeke knew she wouldn''t like it so he wasn''t going to give her a hard time.


    Finn spoke before him, "Grandfather, what''s wrong with you? Why are you writing all these?"


    Zeke ignored his question, "I will be direct. After Winston, the hospital head will be the one of your child who will be in the medical field."


    Then he turned to Aria, "I know you don''t like this. So you can avoid this by tricking my great-grandson or brainwash Finn and Rose to have more children. And this is final, I won''t consider your nonsense. Let''s eat."


    The stubborn old man elegantly started eating for achieving his goal which was actually his wish to avoid making the Imperial hospital be a business.


    Finn was inarticte while Aria chuckled to rx their mood so that they don''t lose appetite, "Grandfather Zeke, I will go with thest option. I will trick the couple to have lots of children. I will be godmother to all."


    Zeke wasn''t disappointed but excited, "Then how about five?"


    Aria acted like thinking and shook her head, "I want six godchildren." She spread her five fingers of the left hand and held the spoon in right.


    Finn: "..."


    He so wished to toss both outside the window but controlled with all his might. He waspletely aware Zeke included Aria''s name to pressure Rose and him to have more babies and even expected them to ask his kids to study the medicine.


    ''Cunning old man.'' Finn saw his friend making his grandfather happy and hmphed in his mind.


    He guessed Zeke already spoke to Rose before meeting them. He could already imagine his wife preparing herself with lengthy speech and many tricks up her sleeves to seduce him.


    He wanted to read what would happen if none studied the medical field but the old man slyly took the will away. Now he was cent percent there is a way out of it.


    But he didn''t know his wife''s resolution was going to be stronger than his for many more years.

 Chapter 537: Arna Morgan

    Chapter 537: Arna Morgan


    ---Twenty yearster---


    A mid-twenties youngdy entered into Starlight Entertainment with her head high. None were able to be nonchnt but turn and look at thedy who walks as if she owns the world.


    She had a petite face and amazing features like each part was patiently molded to perfection. Her skin was so fair and spotless that never failed to catch the eyes of both men and women.


    She smirked when the receptionists greeted her in awe and they failed to stop themselves from blushing red. She was a beauty that men admired and craved to have and women wanted to be like her.


    The dress left her shoulders uncovered wrapping around at the edge of the arms in white. It perfectly wrapped her slender body stylishly to feel and look at.


    The tiny waist was tightly hugged by the red fabric without any creases. She needed no ornament when her confidence was a perfect adornment.


    Below the waist, the dress contracted till her knees before it widened slightly with a kick pleat thigh-high slit. The dress reaches all the way down to her feet and is the same length all around.


    She was wearing golden color stilettos, whichplemented the dress perfectly and matched the wallet in her right hand. To top it all off she was wearing her hair in a simple bun with a few strands falling carelessly giving her subtle grace.


    A light make was all needed for a wless face and colored her lips with the bright red matching her dress. Her slender hands moved smoothly matching her walk as her waist swayed as though she was walking on the ramp.


    All greeted her but other than acknowledging the receptionist, she walked past a few top celebrities even ignoring their presence.


    "What is she so haughty about? If her parents were mine, I would have been in a better ce." A celebritymented behind her back obviously fearing her parents more than her.


    It wasn''t just her, most thought the same, but it was also the truth they were envious of her.


    Entering thest floor, thedy reached the president''s office when a man smiled at her warmly, "We are honored by your grace, International Supermodel Arna."


    "Uncle Dustin." Arna greeted with a faint chuckle.


    Dustin pointed to the door indicating the one she was looking for is inside before he continued to work.


    Arna pushed open the door to see Finn working and her brother sleeping on the couch. "Darling." She greeted just like how she greeted when she was small.


    The fifty was just a number when you look at Finn. He raised his head and naturally got the affectionate smile as he got up from the chair, "Look who I have here."


    Arna hugged Finn acting all spoiled before she sighed looking at her brother, "I knew he will be here. All he does is sleep whenever I see him. What is he doing with his life?" There were concerns and extreme worries.


    Finn turned to the young man who could make girls drool just by his look. He was kind of jealous of Aria and n''s genes. Who would have thought their kids could turn out to be eye candy on the earth?


    He patted her arm as he said, "Let him rest. He is tired."


    "Tired? Tired of sleeping? After a 20 hours flight, I participated in a show in the capital, reached home two hours back, and here I am. Tired? It''s all in the mind. Darling. I don''t understand why you guys never cared about his future."


    Arna Morgan, a renowned fashion designer and a supermodel from the age of sixteen. She started living abroad at seventeen and returned to the country just a year back. But hardly anybody could catch her due to her frequent shows, either as a designer or as a model. To stop restricting herself from her own brand, her designer name andbel was ''Snow''.


    If anybody wants to differentiate her and her mother, Her mother was known for her elegance, grace, ssiness. She was hot, bold, and sexy.


    To the public eye, they were poles apart but the fashion industry knows who the mother is and how the child got. Dazzling in the glory, she walked far ahead to embrace it and shine brighter.


    She walked so forward that she didn''t even get time to know what her own family and friends were up to. Ones who tried to tell her to be down to earth became enemies and the rest let her reach the sky as the career of a model is short.


    Without listening to Finn, she proceeded with the work she went there for, "Bro, you didn''t even pick me at the airport." She whined, shaking him to wake up.


    Finn rubbed between his brows as he dropped a message to his friend, [Snow is here.] He was aware her parents will know as soon as she exits the airport, yet he chose to let them know.


    He saw Arsh covering his face and shrugging off Arna''s hand. Arna continued, "Bro, I am sorry, I shouldn''t have missed our birthday and broke my own promise to celebrate together."


    Arsh''s deep sluggish voice wasced with grogginess, "Get out, Snow."


    Arna jutted her lips and sulked by continuing to poke her brother. Finn continued his work without being bothered by work. Who would have thought none of his three kids would choose to support him in his business?


    His elder son was in the military, his second daughter was studying medicine and the third son was preparing to enter the best medical school. He med everything on his wife and his friend ''Alia.'' despite knowing it was his kids'' choice.


    He could already guess his daughter was going to look after Imperial hospital, and hisst son to enter the military hospital just so that he could follow his both wishes. As much as he was proud of his kids, he hardly gets time to spend with them. He was never studious but got such kids.


    He came out of his trance when he heard Arna squeal and hug his brother for forgiving her innumerable times.


    She stood up with her arm hooked around Arsh''s arm. The man whose each movement carried the aristocracy which he hides behind his fakeziness that Arna never tried to read it.


    "Darling, bye. See you next time." She said trying to pull her brother.


    Finn was used to her behavior of ''the world stands behind me.'' So he faintly smiled as he nodded, "Enjoy your time."


    However, Arsh pulled her front and visibly buried his annoyance at her way, "Snow"


    Arna too suppressed her irritation towards her brother''s ''Behave properly.'' look. She felt like it''s waste of time and words yet she followed her brother''s words.


    "Darling, I am taking bro out for lunch. Would you like to join us?" She asked sweetly.


    How could Finn even join when he clearly saw her leaving and ask after Arsh''s warning? "I wish Snow. But loads of work. So next time?" He faintly smiled at Arna and he slightly nodded at Arsh in indication, ''It''s alright.''


    Arna waved her hand, "Okay then, we will get going, Darling. Bye." But her face was clearly saying, ''See, that''s why I was leaving.''


    Arsh gently smacked her head but he didn''t show his real emotions. He was sure she might have nned to fly somewhere soon so he was ready to put up with her due to a promise.

 Chapter 538: Artist

    Chapter 538: Artist


    Chestnut-colored hair clumsily hangs over his forehead, pristine face. Lazy brown eyes were bewitching. Kissable lips and wedge nose, a smirk of his lips could leave a pleasant memory of his fortunate looks.


    This was the face of Arsh Morgan, a true challenger among giants. He had the looks of whimsical.


    There''s something seductive about him, perhaps it''s his mysteriousness behind hisziness. But nheless, people tend to admire him from afar even while he is at arm''s length.


    Only a few knew he was in central intelligence who catches the big fishes who try to arm the country in any way. It might be socio-economical, foreign trade, political freedom, information and technology, and natural resources.


    He was the little yet big hand in catching the scams in the name of ytime. Fetching any information about the country was yed at the tips of fingers including the ck markets.


    In the search for a challenging, inquisitive, and dangerous career, he had almost chosen a racer profession before his father obliquely gave him a hint that changed his ns.


    He always wished he could keep it secret from everyone but he had truly smart ones around him, especially his mother who finds the difference in his nonchnce too.


    He wasn''t irritated by it, he so loves his mother that he wouldn''t mind stealing her for himself from his artic daemon father who was hard to please. Arsh was already happy that his father doesn''t kick him out whenever he wants to be a spoiled son.


    A gray in hoodie was topped with his leather biker jacket matching his ripped blue denim. He had paired everything with white shoespleting hiszy look. He was too simple yet he still couldn''t get off his natural charisma that attracts girls like bees.


    Walking on the ground floor towards Arna''s high profile car, he indeed ignored the smitten girls but there was no arrogance like his sister who had a proud expression.


    "Brother Nemo, don''t you think your fashion sense is deteriorating? You won''t wear my designs, at least take suggestions from Mom. She isn''t outdated yet." She obviously looked down on her mother''s work.


    Arsh balled up his fist before releasing it after calming down. ''Outdated? Your gross ie doesn''t even touch Mum''s 20th percent of her Alia brand.'' He really wanted to tell that and a few more but controlled.


    "My little Snow, I don''t have a half-baked brain to wear your designs." He was tant in his sarcastic tone and Arna shrugged, aware of it.


    She was all about bling and night style so her designs are only suitable for your high-end brand parties. Apart from it, Arsh didn''t really like her designs.


    "Then why Mama''s boy isn''t wearing her design?" She asked as she smirked.


    Arsh went towards the driver seat causing the security to let his bike be there. "Keys" Arna threw her Pagani car key at him, squinting her eyes.


    Her brother was a gentleman who always used to open the door for her, let her sit before he was taking a seat. It was one of the things he learned looking at n doing for Aria.


    Arsh purposefully ignored her eyes and got in. Arna opened the door herself and carefully sat down due to her dress. He responded as he ignited the engine, "Mama''s boy will wear her design for a special asion unlike You know."


    Arna pouted and sulked because when ites to her and her mother, Arsh always chose mother over sister. She loves to get ready whenever she steps out of the house, what''s wrong with that?


    To give aeback, she mumbled, "Your and Dad''s fashion senses are rusted due to Mom."


    Arsh chuckled but didn''tment. Aria designs the clothes ording to their preferences and theirfort level. She will only change their style if they are fine with it but Arna was different.


    Her design fit the ramp instead of daily life and family or friends gathering. Their father had almost torn her design formal zer and shirt looking at the bling and over-bright colors that are a trend between teenagers.


    It wasn''t that her designs are bad, they are exceptional and celebrities reach her for dramatic imaginative dresses for film festivals, award functions but they can''t be used anywhere else. So it''s better they don''tpare the designs of mother and daughter.


    He was tired of telling her those so chose to move from the topic. But most of the time Arna spoke about her achievements, her time with big shots that Arsh had no idea about, hering ns, and the dumped boyfriends after a day or week or month.


    ---


    After avish lunch paid by Arna, Arsh drove to the Morgan mansion knowing Arna had gone to the Cooper mansion from the airport.


    Seeing the three chatting with each other, Arsh kissed his grandmother''s head from behind before sitting on the free couch after a greeting smile at Roxy and Rowan. Arna snuggled her grandmother, "Grandmom, did you miss me? I missed you every day."


    Amelia chuckled patting her head while she greeted the other two, "Granddad, Little Mom... Oh yeah, where is Rooney? He didn''t respond to my message."


    Roxy faintly smiled at her but didn''t respond. Rowan responded to her, "He is busy with his sculpting just like you, who remembers us after stepping here."


    Arna chuckled brushing it off like a nag and stood up, "I will meet him first. I have an important project to work on so I will have to return to the Cooper mansion."


    Before anybody could say anything, Arna turned her heels to the backyard door. All sighed, instead of calling her family, she was more like a guest.


    ...


    Rooney Morgan, an artist. He is a sculptor (Pottery/y and wood), a painter. He had earned a pretty good name in sculpturing. He was just twenty one so he had the patience to wait for a long way to reach a good position.


    Opposite to Arna, Rooney preferred to stay with his parents and grandparents in the home. Since he often forgets his meal, it was also convenient for Roxy to take care of him.


    Hence Rooney had two studio ces for him. One was built amidst trees in the premises of the Morgan estate but a little away from the mansion for more privacy. Another one was Rian''s ss studio when he usually preserves his sculpture afterpleting it.


    Entering the studio, Arna quickly patted her chest when her eyesnded on a dragon sculpture that looked so real. Walking inside carefully as she looked around, she was impressed with his art that she itched to get one for herself.


    "Where is my sweet little brother?" Arna''s voice was full of affection and warmth looking at the side profile of the exquisite youngest man who was lost in his work.

 Chapter 539: 9 years

    Chapter 539: 9 years


    ck, straight hair scattered aside from the face. Expressive brown eyes with the ck core set carefully within their sockets. Soft skin charminglypliments his eyes. It was so fair and wless, sometimes it made Arna envious because she had to take care of her skin and this little brat was toozy to even wash his face sometimes.


    Rooney Morgan, most loved, pampered the youngest son of the Morgan mansion. Despite being spoiled by each one including his elder dad, he had the personality that softened everyone''s heart.


    His sensitivity always earned trustworthy friends who never missed hanging around with him and respected him at the same time. Nheless, there will be people who call him fake which he learned to ignore, taught by his super caring mother and his best friend, that''s his father.


    Unlike his father, Rooney was way too simple and a non-party animal that practically surprised everyone in the home. How could such a young charming man be so sweet and obedient?


    One among three young morgans, everyone thinks he is the first one to be in a serious rtionship fromst year. The girlfriend of his is the daughter of the Stanley couple. We will see herter soon.


    He was wearing a in t-shirt whose sleeves were pulled up till elbow and paired with joggers were easy movement while sculpting. It was a very casual home look.


    He didn''t have the body to drool but he had a slender and tall physique just needed to be trained a little to earn that swoon of the girls which he was least interested in. Nevertheless, he was still a dream of many but at the same time unreachable to start up in the sky.


    Hearing the voice, a smile didn''t take long to adorn his lips and turn to the source, "Sister Snow" He had just uttered, the sister of his didn''t care about the y on his dress and hugged him warmly.


    "I missed you, Baby Brother." Unwrapping her arms, she tousled his hair, "I see you got a haircut this time. This girlfriend of yours is amazing." She teased.


    Rooney chuckled and brushed some y on her cheeks, "No, she is busy with her exams. Mom and Big Mom dragged me out of here on Sunday. Do you believe I got my first manicure just because they saw my fingertips dirty?"


    Arna pouted for the y on her cheek and pulled his T-shirt to wipe it off, "It''s good. Else you will soon have calloused hands."


    Both sat on the bench and spoke about his work and his ns where Arna was a listener and asked about him instead of telling anything about herself.


    After a few minutes, Arna suggested, "You know, I had recently been to country H for a show and there I had gone to a park for a hog. There I saw the sculptures of many artists ced here and there. You should try that here. Why don''t you speak with Dad and Little Dad about it?"


    Rooney had traveled the world to visit many sculptures right after his school so he was aware of those ces. He didn''t tell her about his visit but spoke about his career, "Nope, sister. Those are heavy rock sculptures. It''s no issue to touch them or lean on them but I work on more delicate art which is good to view. If I n that, I will need to leave security to keep it safe."


    Arna signed for not knowing much about his field. Rooney doesn''t me all that as she is usually dead busy with her work.


    "Alright, I am telling you in advance, I am throwing a party in country S on the 2nd of next month, I have convinced brother Nemo to be there. You better be present." Arna strictly said.


    Rooney knew it was a sess party of her fashion week so he chuckled as he nodded, "What about Mom and others? Did you invite them?"


    Arna got up ready to leave, "Nah What will old people do at the night party? It''s celebrities and youngsters party, Roo."


    Rooney paused before shing her the smile, "That means you are again leaving so soon."


    Arna helplessly nodded and again gave him a quick hug before leaving him with his sculpture.


    Entering the mansion, she was about to bid all, when Amelia suggested, "Snow, why don''t you stay here tonight? Some family time, Arrie and n are..."


    Without letting her finish, Arna cut in hurriedly as she wore the sunsses, "No need to bother them, Grandma. I am busy too" She meant they are busy and she is busy too.


    Roxy and Arsh didn''t bother but while Rowan and Amelia still had hopes which broke. Both nced and Aria who had rushed to the mansion and got fresh before meeting Arna.


    Arna walked out while n pulled his wife inside their bedroom.


    Roxy and Arsh heard Amelia and Rowan deeply sigh quickly turned to the stairs. They just got a glimpse of Aria''s back before she went further inside.


    "Grandma, did mum hear Snow?" Arsh asked, visibly angered by Arna.


    Amelia nodded helplessly while Rowan stood up and held Arsh''s hand without letting him go behind Arna.


    "Arsh! Let''s give her some time. She will understand." Rowan had the same calmposure but aged a lot more.


    Roxy rubbed Arsh''s arm urately reading his emotions, "How long dad? It''s been 9 years. How long is she going to avoid her own parents?"


    Arsh couldn''t hold his words and added, "Everyone wishes parents like Mom and Dad, and here she is riding her own ego in the name of self-worth."


    Life will p you with new difficulties and problems when you least expect it. Of course, they were a family with their own problems.


    "Waiting will continue to ruin her, Granddad. Shouldn''t she face the past?"


    Roxy, who always held patience for Snow, agreed with Arsh. "Every one of us knows she runs away from here even if she has to fake her work schedule."


    She pursed her lips hearing the sports roar speeding away, "Dad, I really think we didn''t handle the situation right that time."


    Yet, four still had no choice but to sigh and hope, one day Arna learns to face the truth.

 Chapter 540: The loving Fourie

    Chapter 540: The loving Fourie


    Leaving the mansion in a breath, Arna clenched her teeth holding the steering wheel tight. She just couldn''t face them and she wasn''t ready for it either. Hoping they don''t drop at the Cooper mansion she drove straight to the there calling Naira Wood and Ivan Ross.


    Important project? She had none that needed so urgent but just a reason to leave the morgan mansion as quickly as possible. She waspletely aware Arsh would have told their parents.


    It was eight in the evening when ady gracefully entered the dimly lit magnificent mansion to see Arna sipping the years old rare wine rxing in the lounge.


    Naira Wood pretty suited her better than beautiful. Her little face and big round eyes invitepliments of cute, adorbs, and pretty. When all thought that she was going to be a cute little shy girl, an event changed her life.


    A singing video of her went viral overnight and grabbed too much attention which she weirdly loved. It scared her but with her will and family support, she stepped into the whole new world of entertainment, thanks to the good opportunity and connections of her family.


    Undoubtedly, she worked really hard under Morgan entertainment and became a star. She may not be at the top but had her fanbase. Even though she acts in movies and dramas, she was famous as a melodious singer.


    "Babe" In a simple pzzo and spaghetti top, Naira went inside and hugged her friend.


    Unwrapping their arms, both looked at each other and chuckled. She was able to enjoy the attention of the crowd because Arna encouraged her and became a pir of support. Arna had the courage to leave the house and live alone because Naira returned the favor of support at the right time. Or was it the wrong time?


    Both hardly contacted each other in their busy schedules but always met when Arna returned to city B.


    Arna passed a wine flute to her and both bitched some, gossipped more, andughed at some.


    Of course, every friend can''t be Eva and Aria, and each friends'' group of four can''t be Fourie.


    Soon, they heard a maid announce, "Young Master Ross is here."


    The duo girls'' eyes glued on the door. Not just Arsh, Ivan was no less charming, it''s a pity that he didn''t like the entertainment industry.


    A firm step of a boot sounded before a young man''s appeared to their vision.


    Ivan Ross, the new vice President of Skyline Industries. For all the elders, business management was the most unpredictable choice of his life but Ivan didn''t fancy any field as much as business.


    Watching Aria and n while growing, thanks to their best friends as his parents, he loved how they were handling multiple works at a time so efficiently and still managed to give time to all and enjoy.


    He wanted to follow n Morgan but found Aria as a much better mentor with patience. He used no influence, no favor to reach where he was And he was proud of it.


    The duo girls'' lips slightly arched watched the young man enter in his business suit. The temptation of a suit is high, not to mention his narrow waist wrapped in the perfect fit in the vest.


    Cleanly brushed up hair with hair gel, punch pink lips, sharp eyes, sharp jawline, the girls couldn''t tell which was cherry on his captivating face. If they want a man who is responsible yet fun, handsome yet smart, they point at Ivan without a second thought.


    Arna mumbled swirling her flute, "Only if he didn''t have those old fashion beliefs, I really would have tasted him first."


    Naira faintly chuckled, raising her ss at Ivan who threw the zer on the couch and walked towards them with his eyes set on the girl who was carelesslyying on the lounge in silk short white nightdress.


    Arna''s brows raised seeing him greet Naira first and ignore her before grabbing the bottle of wine with a flute.


    "My mama''s pet is angry." That is what she calls him from four years right after she got to know he joined Skyline Industries.


    She really wanted him to join apany in country S where she lives but he returned to the country and went to her mother that irritated her the most.


    She repeatedly taunted him hoping he would leave but he just kept climbing the steps higher and higher and started closely with her mother.


    She knew he was smart, her mother has high expectations when ites to higher post without giving any leniency so she could make out how hard he was working to match her mother.


    That''s exactly what she hates about her mother. ''Why does she have to be exceptional in everything she does?''


    Ivan ignored her as usual and asked, "Why am I summoned here? Your majesty." He meant to say, ''Oh yeah, the world revolves around you, Arna Morgan.''


    Naira was tired of their sarcastic remarks, "Guys, give me a break. We were so good when we were in school. I really miss those days. Oh yeah, Where is my boy? I am missing him too, especially his mouth-watering dishes."


    ''School days'' Ivan nced at Arna whose hand trembled, disturbing the swirling red wine in it. She quickly chose thetter part, "Your boy? Huh?" She teased for still having a crush on Arsh, "He must be sleeping in Mom''sp earning res of Dad."


    Ivan loves the Morgan family with an exception of Arna who is totally negative about them. His father was still in the industry and his mother was a well-known writer who frequently invited to many conferences of literature.


    The best bond he ever found was the Fourie. He had thought he, Arsh, Arna, and Naira would be like them, and they were good too. But they didn''t realize when those two girls drifted away.


    Everyone thinks boys turn bad but their case was the opposite. One craved being famous and in the spotlight. Another one started running from her own happy life in search of happiness.


    ording to his mentor, if the friendship doesn''t sustain, it wasn''t one''s fault but both. So he even epted that he and Arsh failed to be a good friend of Arna and Naira that they couldn''t be the loving Fourie.


    Of course, there can only be one Fourie which they couldn''t rece.


    He could only get happy for having Arsh just like how their father is there for each other through every thick and thin.

 Chapter 541: Knife

    Chapter 541: Knife


    After some talk and dinner with a few more sses of wine, Naira went to the room which was usually used by Noah and Norah. Likewise, Ivan went to his parent''s room.


    Now their parents used those rooms less but them. However, Arsh and Arna had their own rooms as Aria''s room was reserved for her and n.


    Drying his wet hair, Ivan went out of the bathroom when he noticed Arna leaving her bedroom. Her eyes were red and shimmered due to moisture. Sighing, he stood by his room door and saw her enter Aria''s room.


    To most of them, she was a tough girl who was highly focused on the aim of achieving big. Ivan had seen her from far closer, how she misses her family and how much she craved to be the same little Snow of her mother and father.


    But she thinks crying or surrendering is a weakness, so she always hid behind the haughtiness so that none could know what she was going through.


    All because of one stupidity, she was afraid to face her father and see the disappointment in her mother. To keep her concise clear she med everything on her mother.


    Why? Of course, because mothers are easy targets.


    After some time, Ivan knocked on the door and pushed it open to see her hugging pillow leaning on the headboard of the bed stretching her legs out. Ivan noticed her pushing a photo frame under the duvet, he was aware it had her parents'' picture.


    "How long are you going to keep running?" Ivan asked as he passed her the water bottle he had brought.


    Snatching the bottle, Arna hissed, "Don''t be my father now."


    Ivan sat on the edge of the bed and his eyes caught the family picture of four on the wall. It was a wedding picture, Arna and Arsh were very small so he could guess them to be around three.


    Taking his mobile out, Ivan checked Aria''s social media profile and ced his mobile on the duvet facing it to Arna.


    Arna saw the picture. She and her mother were wearing white gowns, she was wearing the mini version of her mother''s dress and behind them was a white carriage. Arna was holding her mother''s cheeks and pecking on her lips.


    A smile threatened but she pressed her lips tight and pushed his mobile to him. Ivan had expected it, he didn''t mind but told her why he opened that picture, "After seeing your and Aunt Aria''s picture, my mother had tortured me to twin with her and we got a bunch of pictures."


    However, Arna wanted to avoid any talk about the past, "Really? Vice President and you are talking about this? Aren''t you too free?"


    Ivan smirked as he stood up elegantly, "Alright, re alone." He took a few steps towards door and heard her, "Ivan Ross, you are heartless."


    He knew she was missing her family and craved somebody to be beside her. He paused and added, "Let me remind you, don''t dare to break anything here. What if your mother gets to know you miss them? So be careful."


    Soon a flying pillow reached him and followed by two more. Ivan continued, "Your Majesty, are you messing to let them know?"


    "Ivan" She bellowed to stop him from repeating the same thing again and again.


    Ivan let out a throaty chuckle causing her to pout her lips and look at him, keeping all the pillows back on the bed.


    "Will you listen to me?" He patiently asked.


    Arna shook her head vigorously and pped pillows on each ear.


    Again he stood up and Arna cried, "Ivan Okay, let me hear it first."


    Sitting back on the bed, Ivan said each word clear as crystal, "Talk to your mother. I am really sure everything will be fine. Don''t let your parents suffer for your mistake."


    Hearing him, Arna snorted and pushed him off the bed, "Suffer? They should. Do you have any idea how much it pressures me to see them doing everything better? Do you know what my identity was? Aria''s daughter, n''s daughter I am Arna, damn it, I am Arna Morgan.


    I am tired of being called their daughter. I slog off every day for nine years but guess what? At the end of the day, I still hear as Designer Alia''s daughter. Where am I?"


    Ivan frowned. He was always proud to hear the achievements of his mother and father and he never felt them like pressure. He couldn''t understand how she started feeling that way.


    Crossing his arms over his chest, he indifferently asked, "Done? Are you saying instead of following their dreams, your parents should have stayed low so that you could excel them easily?"


    Ivan''s indifference was bone-chilling that Arna always wants to avoid. Hearing him, she opened her lips and closed.


    Ivan continued, "Let''s assume your parents are wrong, then why are you making the same mistake? Why don''t youy down too? Won''t your child feel your sess as pressure? Arna Morgan, do you hear yourself now?"


    Sitting cross-legged on the bed, Arna tried toe up with a different rebuff but failed. Didn''t she know? Probably knew but she wasn''t ready to ept it.


    A tear rolled down her eyes and she cried, "Why are you making me cry now?"


    After a deep sigh, he sat on the bed and hugged her. Arna cried for some time on his shoulder beforeposing.


    Seeing her emotional, Ivan tried again, "You know they will forgive you."


    Arna leaned back on the headboard of the bed embarrassed by her tears, Wiping them off, she was more awkward looking at his wet shoulder.


    Feigning ignorance, she responded to his words, "That''s the problem, Ivan, That''s actually the problem. She forgives me, Dad can never forget it and I can''t take that guilt."


    Breathing out loudly, she hugged her knees and remembered an incident, "Do you remember once I threw a fit in the home and in anger I threw fruits at Brother Nemo and also the fruit knife?"


    Her eyes filled up remembering they were so small. Arsh was too shocked to move away, she was very afraid and screamed.

 Chapter 542: Stubborness

    Chapter 542: Stubborness


    Ivan tried to calm her down but she continued sniffling, "If Mom hadn''t held the knife, I can''t even imagine what would have happened to Brother Nemo. And I ran over to him crying my eyes out but Bro pushed me away and held Mom.


    I again got angry for being pushed and Dad almost hit me. I shrunk in extreme fear but the next second all I knew was I was in Mom''s embrace. I was so afraid they would hit me or scold me that I started crying while she patiently exined I should never use sharp objects.


    She had to coax me all day while Dad took care of Mom''s bleeding hand and Bro looked more hurt than Mom. I am that selfish."


    Ivan shook his head with a faint sigh in resignation. She was little at that time and she wanted the attention of her dad, mom, and brother. She used to love how they were pampering her so it was hard for her to suddenly see them get angry at her.


    But she had changed. She had changed so much that a small hiss of her family members was enough to make her run over to them and ask hundreds of questions until she could make sure there was no problem.


    Ivan still remembers how happy the Morgan family used to be in every get-together of families and friends. Now they could easily find a small part of their heart always empty without having Arna around.


    Ivan knocked on her head, "I meant to say ept your mistake first, apologize to them. Let your father get angry, let your mother coax you. Everything will be fine. They miss you too."


    Shaking her head, Arna buried her face between her knees. She ran so far that walking back felt the most difficult thing and pping her own face. So she always kept on moving, holding herself strong.


    Every time Ivan tried his best but always saw her still urging to run away. It waste, so he stood up to let her rest, "Think wise. Now rest."


    Anyway, before he could take a step, she tugged his sleeves and made puppy eyes pleading for him to stay until she falls asleep.


    "Alright, sleep. I will sit here." He pulled the duvet over her and sat on the edge of the bed controlling his yawn.


    After a minute, she peeked open her lids and tried to make him jealous, "I am dating actor Chris Reynolds, he is so handsome, humorous..."


    Nevertheless, there was no change in his expression as he leaned his head on his knuckles, "Stop dating crappy men, Snow."


    Snorting with a big pout, she flipped aside and muttered angrily, "Didn''t you reject me? Why do you care if they are crappy? Let me die with a trashy man."


    Ivan''s lips arced to a sexy curve which he quickly concealed and heard her continue to mutter bitching every rumored and useless boyfriend of hers who needed nothing but her body.


    Arna learned about a love growing up with Aria and n, Rian and Roxy, Amelia and Rowan, for sixteen years. She was very well aware of the difference between Love and physical attraction.


    Even though she had seen many physical rtionships turn into love and live happily, she wanted to fall in love, get mentally and emotionally close because one day they won''t have the same looks but those emotions will keep them close.


    She liked Ivan from school days but never confessed. When he moved to country S for studies quite closer to her ce, she probed him to date after confirming she was really in love with Ivan.


    However, he turned her down every time without a reason yet he always took care of her. So she couldn''t understand what was going on in his head and started to date others to make him jealous but he was nonchnt as ever and she couldn''t move on even if she tried.


    nting a soft kiss on her forehead, Ivan returned to his room and messaged to his friend, [Stubborness is in Morgans'' blood.]


    ---


    In Morgan mansion.


    Arsh nced at his smartwatch which disyed Ivan''s message, he closed his eyes to rx while his mother continued to massage his head ignoring his father''s stare.


    The times seemed to be frozen for the couple, they seemed to be getting younger every day. Arsh knew the secret of their looks, healthy food habits, and exercise, a lot of it.


    His father being fitness-oriented, n didn''t let his wife drop her routine at any age or difficulty. His father had the body which captures a teenager to the olddies including his mother.


    More than the male celebrities, his father gets the proposal request for the advertisements. It was all his Mom''s fault, why did she have to upload a picture of his father getting out of the swimming pool to wish him on his birthday?


    It was a first half-naked picture of n and it went viral than any intriguing post. His father often hears a question like, ''What is the secret behind the look of 22 at the age of 52?''


    Initially, n ignored and when the questions never stopped, n pulled his wife. ''I need to keep up with my wife''s beauty.''


    Caring was his mother''s nature, as she always took care of his father, she never missed taking care of herself. A good anti-aging cream and being hydrated was all her secret to wless skin. Yeah, she was still a goddess.


    Her hair had shortened to slightly below shoulder length yet the grace and elegance never left her side.


    Both had to color their hair and his father was forced to use the sses when he reads or uses theputer. Prevention is better than cure was her mother''s motto.


    n continued to scroll through the tab reading fashion blogger news about his daughter and Arsh was rxed and started to feel sleepy which was the indication he has to leave to his room.


    Then the trio heard a knock and Rooney peeked inside, "Big Mom"


    Aria smiled at him and waved her hand, "Come in Roo.."


    Instead of n, Arsh had the gaze of ''Disturbing little brat.''

 Chapter 543: Attentive

    Chapter 543: Attentive


    Rooney ignored both the men and reached Aria, "Big Mom, will you attend the exhibition next week?"


    Aria smiled hearing the exhibition, "Absolutely, how can I miss the exhibition of your participation?"


    shing her sweet smile, he went next to n. n was quick to close the tab noticing Rooney going towards him. To everyone, he was angry at his daughter but he missed her as much as his wife.


    Sitting on the arm of the chair, Rooney whispered to his Big Dad, "I have done my part. Big Dad, don''t forget your words." His voice trailed off when he met his cold gaze.


    "What''s cooking between you two?" Aria asked, squinting her eyes.


    A bored yawn escaped Arsh''s lips. It''s obvious that his father was nning to take his mother out and his smart mom always turn dumb, sometimes knowingly and sometimes, unknowingly.


    Rooney didn''t think twice before revealing, "Big Mom, do you remember I was telling you about how we can get customized carving tools?" The steel, shape, and wood used could be designed as per the sculptors'' requirements.


    Aria hummed remembering Rooney had tried to contact them; they often turned down the new sculptures thinking they wanted to resell them, "They are from country U, right?"


    Rooney nodded readily, "Big Dad helping me to get their tools."


    Aria nodded and faintly smiled at n who was extra cold after seeing Arna runaway from the Morgan mansion.


    If they really want to meet Arna, it was a piece of cake for them but Arna had thrown huge tantrums once and didn''t visit anybody for more than a year so they had no choice but to wait for her to make her mind.


    After a few minutes, n kicked the two young men out of the room, seeing them chatting with Aria.


    She at least lets out her emotions and cries but her husband buries them. Aware of how terribly he wants to drag Arna back home which won''t do any good to their rtionship, Aria pampered her sexy old man before both dozed off.


    And it was usually the time when Arsh started his so-called games and sleeps at dawn bing thezy heir of the Morgan mansion.


    Amelia and Rowan, Rian, and Roxy knew how responsible Arsh is, seeing him purposefullyze in the daytime, they could say it was just upfront but he does something which they don''t know. They rxed by seeing Aria and n never bothered about his life.


    So Arna was only the troubling one in them.


    Like every time, all hoped she would meet but soon she flew off to a different country. She didn''t forget to encourage Naira to confess to Arsh before leaving.


    Building her courage for a few days, Naira finally made up her mind to ask Arsh out. But the man shrugged off her idea and called her to the Morgan mansion if she had anything to talk about.


    It was near dusk, Arsh usually worked out in the gym alone. So Naira chose that time and reached the Morgan mansion. She was perplexed to see a white Audi R8 Coupe parked in the visitor parking space.


    ''What is my sister doing here?'' She thought of her younger sister Noor.


    Entering the mansion, she greeted the ones who were in the living hall before going upstairs to the gym. Standing a step away from the door, she looked at herself once.


    She was in a ck and grey ombre shaded full sleeves short dress which had a deep V neckline. Her hair was styled into waves and paired with ck high heel pumps.


    She couldn''t understand how some celebrities and Arna''s body easily achieves the required shape. They could easily look cute in simple dresses and sexy in little revealing clothes. Her confidence shook when she felt her deep V neck didn''t really suit her body but took a deep breath andposed herself.


    Stepping at the door, she saw Arsh running on the treadmill while her sister was leaning on the ss wall facing the side look of Arsh.


    Noor Wood, manager at the Wood international for two years. She wasn''t intelligent but a smart and hard worker. Unlike Naira, she had to pay double attention and work a little harder to match her scores.


    Being her father''s favorite daughter, she followed him to the work and tried to be the man to help him.


    Coming to the looks, It wouldn''t be a lie to say Naira sometimes gets jealous of her little sister Noor due to her slender physique despite never following any diet n.


    Noor was as tall as Naira and had a lissom figure. Instead of having her parent''s features, Noor got the delicate features like her aunt Zara. Her style was a little more modest and feminine that well suited to her less-talk and shy personality.


    Her white handbag was on the bench press while she stood with her hands crossed holding each other in the front. She was wearing a V-neck white blouse with a baby pink formal circr skirt with the same colored zer.


    She had matched everything with white and silver pointed pumps and long pearl earrings. The thin long golden chain around her neck dazzled in the light.


    Never a fan of makeup, she had a nude pink lipstick other than the light brush of loose powder to avoid oiliness after a long day.


    Naira really couldn''t guess what her little sister feels for Arsh and she never asked before either busy with her own life. Most of the time, she saw Noor fearing him yet followed him like a little follower.


    Arsh used to teach her with lots of patience when they were in school so Naira never bothered about them.


    For Naira, her little sister is a weak one without independent thoughts. She followed their mother every day when they were little in the home, once school started she hardly had friends and followed Arsh almost every day holding her books.


    Then she didn''t go to any top college but nearby toplete her hotel management so that she doesn''t have to leave the city. Then she followed Noah every day to learn about hotel management practically.


    Naira was amazed seeing her fluently speak to Arsh and thetter was still so patient and attentive to her.

 Chapter 544: A couple

    Chapter 544: A couple


    "I asked him out for a date and my little sister stole my date. I am heartbroken" Naira remarked pitifully entering inside.


    Noor smiled affectionately before giving a hug to her elder sister. Her soft voice was barely audibly, "I am sorry, I didn''t know you two had nned a date today. I will take my leave and let you guys enjoy the evening." She nced at the duo while saying thest line.


    Clicking the button to stop the treadmill, Arsh pressed the absorbent towel on his neck as he turned towards the Wood sisters, "Have dinner before you leave." His words were directed to the little one and his voice carried no emotions but indifference which was more like an order.


    Noor checked the time on her wristwatch and faintly smiled nodding her head in eptance, "Then I will be with Aunt Aria." It was time the couple would reach home.


    Arsh inly hummed beforeying on the bench press to continue his workout. Naira waited but Arsh didn''t utter a word so she asked, "Arsh, let''s go out and dine."


    Arsh controlled his breathing with the right movements of his arms carrying the weight. After a few seconds, he responded, "Inform in the kitchen whatever you want to eat, we will eat here."


    He meant to say there is no need to go out to eat something special, they had good chefs to cook in the house. However, Naira assumed he was toozy to step out, "Come on Arsh, I hardly get time to go out."


    Arsh paused his actions and nced at her, "Ms. Naira Wood, don''t forget you are a celebrity, I have no intention to link my name with you." He gets annoyed by it which Naira knew well but she always liked that because it''s Arsh Morgan.


    It was never out of hand as they studied in the same school and called each other childhood friends. Still, that too gets sensational like ''Are childhood friends tying the knot soon?'', ''Is it a wedding shopping?'' and so on.


    For the same reason, Ivan never meets Naira outside in the public. There was once a devastating catching line in social media. ''Are Arsh Morgan and Ivan Ross fighting for Naira Wood?''


    That day, Ivan wanted to destroy that media house and Arsh wanted to hack theirwork and ruin them forever. Nheless, both controlled at the end of the day gulping down extra sses of wine.


    "How about I hide my face?" Naira probed almost making Arsh cough blood for it.


    Sitting up, he controlled himself from saying anything out of line and asked, "Naira Wood, you definitely gave that brain of yours under your car. If any pic of us leaks again with your face hidden, then they will confirm themselves all their assumptions as true."


    He was expecting her to be frustrated by the media and paparazzi but heard her mumble, "I won''t mind it."


    For a second Arsh wanted to think he misheard but he wasn''t. He was sharp to even make out the muffling words, so he became serious and asked, "I don''t think it is a simple eat-out n, what did you want to talk about?"


    Naira felt her hands wet by the nervousness and hid them behind her back looking anywhere but Arsh. As hot as he looked in his seriousness, he was too cold and frightening.


    Arsh waited for quite a good minute looking at her edgy yet there was little excitement that was shadowed by her tense air.


    Naira couldn''t bring up to say anything directly so she tried to grab a little more time, "How about we go out to take a walk and talk?"


    Nevertheless, Arsh coldly red at the woman who was feeling her mouth dry, her jaws lightly shook whenever she opened, held her breath, and clenched the hem of her dress.


    For a minute he felt rmed thinking about Arna but thetter would choose him first to tell everything instead of Naira. Arna never shows her weak side to Naira either but Ivan so he brushed off that thought.


    "Naira," he grunted.


    Startled, she blurted whatever that came to her mind, "Couldn''t we make the media assumption as true? Why can''t we mar"


    She pped her palms on her mouth as quickly as possible. She just wanted to give subtle hints to Arsh and wanted him to propose to her like in every princess story.


    Her face turned red in shyness, her heartbeats continued to race without daring to meet his eyes. One part of her wanted him to respond to her positively and the other part of her wanted to hear him say ''Could you please repeat again?''


    Nevertheless, his face turned dark as a stormy night. He always saw her as a friend or an acquaintance, never more than that. He tried to be a gentleman to turn down obliquely, "Stop thinking nonsense. Didn''t you have the shoot at noon? Go home and rest."


    He remembers his mother telling him, a woman might be strong emotionally but they are still as fragile as butterfly wings when ites to the man they love and their kids. So he tried his best to respond without being rude.


    He greatly respected the women in his family so as others. If Naira was somebody else, he would have ignored her mercilessly but wouldn''t have said something rash. Anyway, they knew each other for too long so he behaved.


    ''Nonsense?'' Naira felt hurt knowing he found the idea of them being together as nonsense.


    She tried to again,walking behind him to the deadlift area. Initially she didn''t want to be direct but now, she desperately wanted to know his view on their rtionship.


    She coughed to clear her throat and tried her best to sound indifferent and curious to hide her anguish, "Arsh, I think we make a good couple, we should actually try to date and see. What do you think?"


    Arsh really wanted to shoo her away but controlled, "Naira, stop bringing that up, it''s irritating."


    When Arsh was ready to carry the weight again, she held his arm and pulled him to face her. Her nervousness was reced with annoyance, "What is there to be irritated? You don''t like my profession right? I will drop that. Will that still be irritating?"


    Arsh shrugged her hand, held her shoulders pushing her to his long arm''s length. "Naira, hear me clear, it''s not about the profession. I never saw you in such way. You are Snow''s best friend and you are the same as Snow to me. Please respect our years of friendship and stop getting influenced by the media."


    He hoped she understood his words that he said in extreme patience.

 Chapter 545: Love?

    Chapter 545: Love?


    Arsh''s words annoyed Naira more. ''Same as Snow?'' She understood he was trying to say she is like a little sister to him and she disliked it instantly.


    "Then stop seeing me like Snow." She really wanted to add in frustration, ''Goddamn, I am not your sister.'' But she controlled.


    Her tone had raised which she realized after gazing his face continued to darken. The air around them turned suffocating but she didn''t regret it even if their friendship was at stake.


    Arsh clenched his fist at the thought of ''what if women''s heart is fragile? Not everyone is sensible.'' He turned away from her and grabbed his protein shake bottle and left the gym adding, "I already made myself clear." He added coldly.


    "Arsh" She yelled his name but he didn''t turn back and left.


    Arsh paused when he found Rian who might be passing by was standing there. Even though he couldn''t be as handsome as his elder brother, he was still good-looking, humorous and a Morgan who dares to tease his brother anytime, anywhere.


    Arsh thought he might be dissatisfied hearing them but Rian shed a proud smile, "I had told you, you guys never can be the Fourie." He chuckled to lighten Arsh''s mood as he patted his back to rx him.


    Arsh faintly smiled and walked downstairs with him without knowing Naira had called Arna who was still in deep slumber.


    The groggy voice of Arna had just sounded, "It''s better" ''be important.''


    Naira blurted out without hearing her, "Your brother is insane. He finds the thought of us dating is nonsense and turned me down saying he sees me as a sister. I was anxious as hell and he walked on me as if nothing happened."


    Arna frowned on the other, displeased by Naira''s behavior. She had faced rejection too but her behavior and emotions were entirely opposite to Naira''s so she asked directly forgetting she lost her sleep.


    [Girl, as far as I know, rejection hurts but it doesn''t bring anger. You will be desperate but not resentment. Do you really love my brother?]


    Naira had forgotten when ites to the matter of love, Arna is just like her parents. She ispletely aware of the dating rumors of Arna which were just hype used by the celebrities and she put on a show but the one she loves is Ivan which never changed for many years.


    Momentarily speechless, Naira quickly regained, "Arna, are you doubting me now? Everyone is different, don''t weigh me the same as you." She sounded displeased.


    Arna sighed on the other end and tried to calm her down, [Don''t even think Bro is the same as Ivan. Bro is too stubborn. I am not trying to discourage you, instead of getting angry, why don''t you patiently talk to him? I am sure if you sincerely try, you will have a chance.]


    This time her words failed to calm Naira and she wasn''t even motivated but her anger still lingered in her eyes. "I am shamelessly asking him and you are saying I am not sincere enough. Thank you so much." Her sarcastic voice ended and she hung up the call.


    Naira stormed out of the gym to the second floor to go to Arsh''s room.


    She entered inside the Arsh''s room after like ages. She was stunned. The Morgan mansion is vast to start with so the rooms were huge. Arsh''s bedroom waspletely turned into a smart room and the room was in duplex style connecting the room upstairs.


    The room was minimalistic in grey and white. The bedroom had no extra furniture other than arge bed in the center with small bedside tables on each side. The chandelier wasn''t high but reachable from the bed in geometrical pattern.


    At just two steps, there was a wooden rxing chair with a light stand and many books around on the floor. One side of the wall was a sliding ss door to the balcony where only two chairs and a small center table were present.


    The stairs upstairs were in brown shades with a simple pattern. She itched to check what was upstairs but controlled herself looking at the room that didn''t actually make herfortable.


    It was like there were mysteries and secrets buried in the room. Her instincts weren''t wrong either. She couldn''t even make out where his bathroom and closet are.


    Her heart was ramming so hard that she felt her stomach lurch. She felt like the Arsh she knew is totally different from the real one.


    "What are you doing here?"


    Standing in the middle of the room, she jerked around and couldn''t understand how he appeared there. She didn''t even hear the door opening and closing. Everything behind him looked like a wall.


    Arsh crossed his arms and watched her. Her stomach twisted and turned but the words didn''te out of her lips looking at his gaze. That gaze was so unfamiliar that it sent shivers down her spine. It was like he wasn''t Arsh she knew but a whole new person she never met.


    ''Arsh isn''t like that, what am I thinking?'' She thought. She couldn''t just ept the person who was friendly with her beingzy all the time carrying the undercurrent in his eyes that made her tremble.


    ''Love?'' She even doubted it because she doesn''t even know the person in front of her. This side of him felt so real yet difficult to ept.


    She again jerked and her breath hitched when there was a knock on the door. She turned to see Noor having the same pleasant smile facing Arsh who still looked damn serious and deathly cold.


    It was like Noor didn''t find any difference in his behavior. "You both are here!? I came instead of the maid, will you guys have dinner here? Or going out?"


    Naira alternated her gaze between the two while Arsh responded, "I aming downstairs." He paused ncing at trembling Naira but thanks to her excellent acting skills, she hid her weird fear, "Naira is going home." He didn''t want her stay.


    Noor still had her little lovely smile as she nodded with a response, "Alright, I will inform it in the kitchen. Dinner will be ready soon." She left from there without entering the room and didn''t wait for a response or botheredabout what they were doing in the bedroom.


    Often studying in the Morgan mansion learning from Arsh, she was well acquainted with everyone unlike Naira so others hardly treated Noor as a guest but a member in the house.

 Chapter 546: Skillful and devoted

    Chapter 546: Skillful and devoted


    Once Noor left, Naira felt her heart in her stomach. Noor had looked like a savior to her but she was gone.


    Forcing herself to face Arsh, she realized Arsh was never close to them and the distance between them was too huge which looked too hard to cover. She wanted to run but her eyes roamed his room uneasily until it fell on the ceiling.


    Remembering the chandelier was over the bed at a low height, instinctively she raised her head to know what was up there. She gasped looking at the outline of the world map on the ceiling against the ck background.


    It was very beautiful and she noticed seven dots of LED light flickered on. It took her a few seconds to realize they were the ces where Arsh visited from the age of eighteen. He had the habit of visiting a new country yearly once.


    She and Ivan had joined him a few times, Arna had only joined them once and Noor had gone each time with him as she hardly went out of the city.


    While her eyes roamed over it, suddenly her hands flew over her lips and stared at Arsh whose face turned darker as the rainy clouds. She ran out of the room and eventually the mansion.


    After Naira left, Arsh was back to hiszy home look and sat with his family chatting andughing asionally hearing the girl giggle with all and seeing her flush when Rooney was teasing her.


    To be fact, all were able to get over Arna''s sudden departure because of Noor. She was initially sad to see the house was always depressing. So she was trying to do something to make them happy but all used tough at her for trying something she never knew.


    She had even fed them burnt muffins with a smile of anticipation. All tried to keep up as ''Muffins are good.'' to make her happy until Rooney had run into powder room puked his stomach out.


    Aria asked Noor and Arsh after dinner, "Where are you two nning this year''s vacation?"


    Rian continued right after her words, "I and Little Devil are nning to join you two with our ''other part.'' Hope it''s alright with you guys."


    Roxy pinched hisp for hearing ''other parts'' for her and n. Rian cried out in pain causing all to chuckle. Noor giggled looking at them and Arsh responded, "I always asked you two, Little Dad. You never listened to me."


    Rooney was chuckling looking at n who nned to take his wife out but it became a family trip. n thought he shouldn''t let his wife run behind them and have a different itinerary in the same country.


    Noor continued after Arsh, "We were nning to go country G. I think we should n somewhere where none of us visited." She looked at Arsh for his opinion.


    However Rian snorted, "Name a country, I bet this crazy couple would have definitely visited there."


    Aria chuckled leaning on n who warmly wrapped his arm around his wife''s shoulders. Shemented hearing ''bet'', "Beauty will lose his money again to Mum." She whispered to her husband.


    Rooney and Amelia quickly jumped in, "Dad, a ten thousand bet?"


    "Nope, a hundred thousand?" Amelia was excited.


    Rowan: "..."


    Rian hesitated but didn''t have the mood to let down the excitement. Before he could ept, a sweet voice, "May I bet too?"


    Aria nodded as she added softly, "Go ahead, let us know."


    "How about Uncle Rian sponsoring our vacation if he loses?" She probed, with little hesitation thinking they might not like her bet.


    Rian: "..."


    However, excluding Rowan, Arsh, and n, all stood up and high-fived her with bright smiles.


    "You little rascal, you want me to go bankrupt, don''t you?" Rian faked his anger and another round ofughter sounded.


    "Noor, we will go with your bet too," Rooney said looking at his father pitifully.


    "Me too" Amelia and Roxy added in unison leaving Rian speechless who wanted to confirm he has enough bnce in his ount.


    "Fine, you guys have only one chance and no discussion." He made his rules forgetting Arsh was sitting right there inplete silence.


    Others didn''t bother toment and turned to Arsh. Rooney asked on behalf of all, "Bro,e on, tell us where Big Mom and Dad never visited."


    Flustered, Rian hurriedly added, "NO NO NO." He chantedpletely aware Aria must have narrated all their trip details to Arsh. "Arsh didn''t bet so he isn''t allowed to guess. Definitely not."


    Arsh had a provoking smile at Rian and Noor giggled, "I know a ce or two."


    Rian squinted his eyes at Arsh who sat as if he had no hand in it. Roxy asked before Rian added more rules of his, "Noor, tell us."


    "Don''t worry, Dad won''t do anything to you." Rooney poked her hand seeing her looking at Rian.


    Noor softly responded, "It''s country ska. Since it''s a very cold country, Uncle n never took Aunt Aria over there."


    Rian''s jaw dropped but he red at Arsh who behaved dumb and deaf while Aria burst into a peal ofughter as she nodded, "Noor is right. "


    Roxy teased, "Noor knows a lot about Arrie."


    Rooney added dramatically, "I am thinking who told her all these."


    Noor innocently blinked and pointed at Arsh without understanding What''s there to tease her in that. "He told me when we were choosing a ce to go."


    Excluding n and Arsh, all bit their lips and nodded to her response like obedient pets of her. The harmless kitten is too naive, they should let her ws grow sharp so they stopped teasing her. All the while Arsh sat like the matters doesn''t concern him.


    After a few more minutes, all decided Rian would spend for thr trip making him cry invisible tears. All bid Noor who drove her car to the wood mansion.


    Sitting on the bench on thewn for fresh air, Aria chuckled to herself causing n to turn to her. "What''s making you so happy?" His finger brushed her soft cheek.


    Aria smiled as she spoke about n and Arsh, "You chose me when you had no idea about love and marriage. I think Arsh too chose Noor from the beginning when she starteding here to learn."


    Coiling his hand around her waist, he pulled her to his arms and she leaned her head above his chest. n shook his head to her words, "He chose to teach her because he didn''t want her to escape his."


    Aria hissed yfully looking at him, "Your son is skillful." n hummed and added, "Your son is devoted." and she flirted winking her eye, "Just like you."


    Arsh stood by the dark ss wall holding his coffee cup from his ''Game room'', "Even if I have to break a promise, I will bring Snow back to you, Mom." He uttered looking at his parents enjoying the night breeze without knowing Noor was in trouble.

 Chapter 547: Forget the past

    Chapter 547: Forget the past


    At Wood''s mansion,


    Noor parked her car and entered the mansion as usual expecting to see her parents and grandparents in the backyardwn where they drink some soothing tea before bed.


    However, as soon as stepped inside she noticed an anxious maid in the drawing-room, "What happened, Aunt June? Are you alright?" She asked out of concern.


    The middle-aged woman wanted to tell something but she lowered her head and shook it before going to close therge main door.


    Noor was tired so she didn''t think too much and entered the living hall. She saw her parents and grandparents sitting with frowns.


    "Mo-"


    ''Pak''


    Before she could finish her word, a hand struck right across her cheek resounding loudly in the living room.


    "Naira" Noah grunted coldly and quickened towards his daughters while Norah rubbed between her brows without understanding what was going on.


    Holding her red swelling cheeks, Noor couldn''t stop her tears from rolling down. She didn''t even have an idea why her elder sister hit her.


    Noah wrapped his hand around her shoulder and moved her left hand to check her cheek. As he expected her, her sensitive skin was turning red to purple.


    He was taking her towards the dining hall for an ice pack when Naira''s discontent voice sounded, "Dad if you pamper her more, she will go out of hand. You should teach her a lesson by locking her few days in her bedroom. Then she won''t go out to sed"


    ''Pak.''


    Norah couldn''t understand how Naira turned so vicious that she has her way by hook or crook.


    Naira held her cheek and burst out at Norah, "Mom, are you crazy? I have to shoot"


    ''Pak''


    Old madam Wood had struck her on the side of the cheeks breathing heavily, "You are right, we should have taught you the day you instigated Snow to leave her home. We let you off thinking you were young and here you are, calling your own younger sister with vulgar words."


    Tears rolled down her cheeks but Naira didn''t dare to utter a word because they were absolutely right.


    Blinded by jealousy looking at Snow doing well in everything she participated in, she always wanted to outdo her. Once she garnered attention due to her singing, she had noticed more than half of thements about the girl standing next to her.


    So in her weak state of mind, she had encouraged frightened Arna to leave. Even though she had realized it soon, it was alreadyte and Arna had left the city.


    She had apologized to Arna and asked her to return but Arna didn''t want to return without doing something on her own. However, from that time, there came an invisible wall between Naira and her parents.


    ''Jealous'' is like a virus which there isn''t a cure. So when her parents started correcting her, she always noticed her little sister being obedient. At some point, there used toe to a line, ''Look at Noor''


    Even though she was feeling bitter, she was proud that she had a sessful career while Noor used to bury herself in books to study all the time.


    Now seeing Noor taking away the man she wanted and her parents proud of Noor, she twisted the whole matter without thinking about the consequences.


    She lied to them as she had gone to meet Arsh and saw Noor seducing and trying to get his attention. It wasn''t like the four had believed her but Naira had continued taking the family''s rtionship how Woods used to be close Morgans for so long years that could be ended by Noor.


    They were waiting to speak to Noor without actually believing Naira but thetter couldn''t hold herself at the thought of Arsh liking Noor when he sees her as a sister.


    Naira felt extremely unfair and released her anger at Noor who definitely would never strike back. Noor was a girl who would let her sister take upper handed even if she has to stand aside and watch.


    Noor was an introvert who was ready to endure for other''s happiness and that was the reason Noah or others always tried to protect her. They never want Noor to go through what Zara had gone through.


    Noor silently sniffled while her father forcefully made her sit and held the ice pack at her cheek.


    Making Naira sit, Norah turned Noor to face her and patiently asked, "Did you have dinner at Morgan mansion?" She already knew, she just wanted to confirm if she wasn''t starving herself.


    Noor nodded in response wiping her tears but she turned to her elder sister thinking if she had to cover for her any mistakes.


    Naira was ring at her so Noah warned her and Norah blocked Noor''s view, "Look at me, we aren''t not doubting you, will you tell us why you went there and what you did?"


    Noor tried to look at her sister but her mother didn''t let her move her head aside. So she had ti tell her mother everything from beginning to end.


    Naira blurted out in a hurry, "She is lying."


    Noah asked inly, "Should I call Arsh and ask?"


    Naira countered without thinking her words could make her and her sister far, "She must have seduced him. He will obviously tell what she told us."


    Noor: "..."


    A tear rolled down her cheek thinking Naira might be angry because Arsh didn''t go out with Naira.


    Norah spoke before Noah, "Let''s ept what you said is the truth. What is your problem if Noor seduced Arsh? Are you really worried about breaking family ties?"


    Old madam Wood nced at her husband after discerning what was going on. Noah wasn''t stupid so he realized it too, "Don''t you think what you did nine years back was worse than what you are alleging on Noor?"


    Norah shook her head, "Let''s forget the past." She didn''t want to bring up the same thing again and again.


    Noor, who understood her sister''s jealousy, quickly revealed the truth, "Sister Naira, we aren''t dating. You can call and ask. I really went there to talk about the next vacation. I am not even going alone with Young Master. Except for grandfather and grandmother Morgan, all are going this time. If your schedule is free, you can also join us."


    However her sweet words didn''t reach Naira''s heart, "I don''t want to go and I don''t want you to go either. Stop making yourself as part of their family." She hissed bitterly.


    Noor bit her lips wobbled her head in eptance if that could make her sister happy.

 Chapter 548: Deserve

    Chapter 548: Deserve


    Noah and Norah frowned seeing Noor agree to Naira''s ludicrous request. Noor hardly used to go out burying herself in books, almost making them worried so it was Arsh who had suggested them and asked their permission to take her out.


    Arsh was smart and responsible. Even though it was hard for Noah to trust any young man so easily when ites to Noor, Noah and Norah had spoken to Noor who guilelessly spoke everything out with them. So they know Arsh neverid a finger on her and always maintained distance.


    The trust Arsh had gained and Noor''s behavior had let them permit her to go out. So as parents, they didn''t want Naira to snatch away the only rxation time of Noor.


    Norah retorted right after Noor''s eptance, "Noor is going out with them. What is it got to do with you?" She wanted to hear Naira epting she likes Arsh hence she was forcing Naira to the dead end.


    Noor held her mother''s hand and shook her head, "Mom, it''s alright"


    "It''s not." Noah''s words sounded firm and unyielding. Holding her shoulders from back, he pulled her up the couch and took her to her bedroom.


    Norah helped her inws to their room before sitting with Naira. Norah and her mother-inw used too little force to p so her cheeks were slightly red whereas Naira had pped Noor with all her might.


    Handing her the cup of tea, Norah saw her avoiding to look at her, "Why are you angry at Noor? Did something happen?"


    Naira didn''t want to talk but leave from there. After calming down she muttered, "Why does everything I want will be taken by others?"


    Norah understood that her guess was right Naira likes Arsh but she wasn''t sure if there is love or anything else between Arsh and Noor. "What do you mean?" She yed dumb and sipped her tea.


    Naira started scratching her nails on the rims of the teacup. She wanted to cry out saying everything but she didn''t. After seeing Arsh that way, she was sure Arsh behaved that way because of Noor. She couldn''t believe herself she tried to malign her own younger sister.


    She knows when she gets jealous, she goes out of hand but she just couldn''t stop herself. ncing at her mother, she mused, "I don''t like Noor knows Arsh better than me. I don''t like how everyone in the Morgan family affectionately treats Noor. If I was innocent like her, would I have got all that?"


    Norah internally sighed. Every person''s personality is different and it was definitely not because of Noor was innocent. "Nope. Let me try, if what you say is right, shouldn''t Noor have lots of friends too? But she doesn''t. You know well she can''t talk to everyone easily like you. Your socializing skills are amazing whereas Noor prefers to stand away."


    Keeping her cup down, Norah continued with respect to the Morgan family and friends. "While her ssmates failed to be patient with her till she got along with them so she didn''t get many friends except a few. Whereas the Morgan family members knew she was very reserved and they slowly pushed her to get along with them. It didn''t happen overnight."


    Naira let out a frustrated sigh, "I know Mom."


    Norah didn''t get angry, instead, she talked about Naira with respect to the current situation, "Why can''t you be so close? Tell me, have ever once sat with them to talk without Snow being around? Have you ever visited themter if not meeting Arsh?"


    Naira opened her lips to retort but she didn''t know how to justify her actions. ''Even if I go to them, what will I talk about?''


    "I don''t have time to follow them around like Noor." She said what she felt right.


    Norah let out a faint chuckle, ''Noor followed them around?'' Nope, Noor was a girl who was studying and getting innumerable questions. She used to have many whys and what''s so she used to go to them and ask each question to solve it.


    Norah still remembers she had searched over the inte to respond to Noor''s question, ''why is a salt crystalline solid?''


    Norah had given her the inte definition that let Noor ask tens of more questions and finally, Norah had tears without knowing how to answer and Noor had cried thinking she hurt her mother.


    "It''s about giving time. When you never put an effort to get close to them, how can you expect them to pamper you?"


    Naira as usual didn''t like Norah''s point of view, "So it''s my mistake again? I don''t understand why everything others do is right but not what I do?"


    Her voice raised at the end and Norah red at her. Norah was sitting there to talk and solve her issue so she preferred that way.


    "I am sorry, Mom." Naira lowered her head.


    Being the first child in both the families, Hanes and Wood, they spoiled Naira too much. Noor wasn''t asking anything but that doesn''t mean the family won''t provide her well, that''s the time Naira started feeling jealous which grew overtime without change.


    "Everything you do isn''t wrong. Learn to be happy with what you have and work hard to get what you deserve instead of going for what others have."


    Noah''s voice was cold and serious. He couldn''t understand where they went wrong raising their kids. One was too audacious and another one was too soft. Both make them worry.


    But Noah and Norah expected little too much from Naira. She stood up and ran away saying, "Why don''t you guys never understand me?"


    She is a girl so Noah or Norah, don''t want to get too hard on her but their every try each time to make her understand, never got any satisfactory result.


    Noah patted his wife''s back and took her to the bedroom.


    ---


    In Naira''s bedroom


    She walked back and forth without knowing who could understand her. The entertainment industry wasn''t so good to give trustworthy friends, being haughty in the school she didn''t really make any friends other than being with Arna, Ivan, and Arsh. She can''t talk to Ivan or Arsh so easily hence the left out is Arna.


    She dilly-dallied before dialing Arna and made some little story that could enrage her. What she wasn''t expecting was Arna to call Arsh after she ends the call.

 Chapter 549: Scenic township

    Chapter 549: Scenic township


    Arsh was prepared to get started with his work when his mobile rang disying Arna''s number. It hasn''t been a week so his first thought went to the aspect of she might be in a problem but soon erased off remembering Naira.


    To his work or lifestyle, he never would prefer anybody who is too loud and self-obsessed. So Naira never had a chance with him.


    One who wished to have a new ''Fourie'' was Ivan, Arsh long back knew there can''t be friends of four as the real Fourie. There is only one Little Devil, Flirty, Beauty, and Sweet pie. Apart from it, he was aware of Arna''s feelings towards Ivan from the beginning.


    He never butted in their matter because one Arsh could easily trust among their age was none but Ivan so he hadn''t objected when Arna had told him she might not just like Ivan but has profound feelings.


    He was proud of his sister, despite knowing she loves Ivan, she hadn''t made a move till she confirmed, after it, she liked none but Ivan.


    Thinking of it, all the Morgans chose their significant other too soon including Rooney.


    Answering the call on speaker, Arsh leaned on the chair thinking if Arna was going to be sensible or blinded by her close friend.


    "Brother Nemo, how could you reject Naira for Noor? Noor is too simpleminded, she doesn''t have taste or style. She doesn''t even have her own judgment. Do you know Noor often came by to the Morgan mansion so that everyone could like her and choose her for you? If you want to date, you should go for Naira. Noor doesn''t suit you."


    It wasn''t the end, Arna slowly blurted out whatever Naira cooked up but she told as she was making the judgment without taking Naira''s name. Nevertheless, Arsh was aware whose words were those.


    Arsh silently heard till the end. Naira was somebody who could do her all to help her friend but at the same time, she gets possessive when she couldn''t get what she wants. She was a friend who shouldn''t be kept too close.


    Arsh didn''t give any justification but simply asked, "Snow, do you want to know why Noor is better than Naira?"


    Arna thought before she could respond. She thought that way she could help Naira, her best friend. "First of all, I don''t see any good in her. Since you are asking, let me hear it."


    A sly smirk appeared on his face before asking another question, "Are you free this weekend?"


    Arna took a few seconds to check her schedule before responding in confusion, "I have a party to attend but I can ditch it."


    Arsh hummed. He didn''t bother to ask if Naira was free, "Thene here and ask your friend to clear her schedule. Instead of words, you can be a witnesser."


    Arna contemted but remembered Naira crying over the call, she was ready to tire herself out for Naira and epted, "Alright, on a condition."


    Arsh knew the condition. When Arna had left the city abruptly, she had none to drop, and whenever she returned she had none to pick up because it was the life she chose.


    Yet Arsh knew at some part of her heart, she still craves to see Aria and n waving her off at the departure gate when she leaves and waiting for her at the arrival gate when she returns. "I will pick you up from the airport, Snow."


    "Mwa, my brother is best." Her heart eased up hearing Arsh and she happily ended the call.


    Arsh was kind of happy with the developments. He wanted to make use of the same time to bring Arna and their parents face to face. Even though he wasn''t sure if it was going to be another heartbreak, there was still a minor chance everything could be better.


    ''Three days.'' He thought before dropping a message to Noor to keep her day free or let him know if she had any other ns.


    At Wood''s mansion,


    The first time, Noor ignored the message from Arsh even after seeing it. She needed time to decide if she should meet him or not. In fact, she actually wanted to ask her elder sister if she could meet him because she didn''t want her to get angry.


    "I am sorry." She mumbled to herself before dozing off in her cozy and warm bedroom.


    ---


    In the morning, Noor had nothing to hide from her family so she asked directly while all were there for breakfast, "Sister Naira, Young Master Morgan asked me to keep my day free on Sunday. If you don''t like it, I will deny him."


    Norah and Noah didn''t like it but they waited to know what Naira was going to respond to her. To everyone''s shock, Naira was too chill and looked excited, "No need, meet him."


    Noor passively nodded. Even she didn''t like asking it but she didn''t want Naira to create another drama that will worry their parents and grandparents.


    She responded to Arsh when she was on the way to Woods'' headquarters for work.


    The three days passed by calmly and Arna was again settled in the Cooper mansion after returning in the midnight picked by Arsh.


    Five met in front of the Morgan mansion. All were infortable summer wear as per Arsh''s instruction.


    Arsh was in green cargo and in thin knitted grey pullover. He had matched with brown boots. He perfectly looked like he was toozy to spend time while selecting clothes.


    Whereas Ivan was different, He was in denim Capri and a white t-shirt showing off his masculine yet tall physique. Naira had chosen a high waist pzzo to view her as a tall pairing with a yellow off-the-shoulder crop top.


    Noor had chosen a loose-fitting all-white set of shorts and top and Arna in dark colorbo with a jacket.


    Arsh drove his Bugatti with confused Noor on the shotgun seat. Ivan drove his Maserati right behind Arsh with Arna on the shotgun and annoyed Naira on the back seat.


    Naira wanted to go with Arsh but when his gaze swept past her, like a tornado approaching her, she snuck in Maserati immediately. Arna, who was talking with Ivan, took his car naturally as they hardlymunicated with Noor.


    Noor had sat in the car when Arsh opened the door and cued her to get on. She couldn''t understand what she was doing with the four friends.


    Since Arsh told her she will know soon, she didn''t bother and their mellow general talk started which usually had Noor asking questions and Arsh responding to her very patiently or Arsh asking about her work and stuff.


    Reaching a small town that took two hours for them to reach, the girls alighted thinking they were there to enjoy the day out in the scenic township.


    Before they could start making their own n Arsh announced the task for the day that made the two girls dizzy.

 Chapter 550: Survivor

    Chapter 550: Survivor


    Stretching his neck Arsh alighted the car after parking at the bus stop in front of a resort. Arna and Naira were excited to spend the day whereas Noor got off the car looking at the mountainous view from their ce.


    Leaning on the car, Arsh noticed two girls already started taking pictures while another one admired the view. Ivan stood next to him, his elbow on the sports car tracing Arsh''s line of sight.


    "I was right, after all," Ivan remarked and as usual got the silent response of Arsh which Ivan understood.


    Arsh merely nced at him before calling the girls, "Noor, Snow... Naira."


    Snow abandoned her friend''s selfie and stood between two men hooking her arm each. "Naira, Noor, Bro has a task for you two. Are you up for it?"


    Noor nced at Arsh while Ivan shrugged her hand off making Arna pout. Naira looked anywhere but Arsh. She didn''t know if she would get Arsh but she wasn''t going to let Noor have him either.


    Arsh didn''t waste time and looked at Ivan. Thetter took the cue and went to the two girls while Arsh exined the game. The small backpack of Noor and the fancy clutch of Naira were taken away with their mobile phones.


    Arsh saw Naira''s brows trembling while Noor just looked confused, "The task is simple.It''s 10 AM, I am giving you only 100 bucks. Go anywhere in the town, choose whatever you want to do but you aren''t allowed to borrow money from anybody. Whoever returns with money will be considered as a survivor."


    Noor understood the meaning behind the survivor whereas Naira and Arna assumed it means winner. Meanwhile, Ivan was intrigued by the spy camera which had live video and audio support which they weren''t going to tell the girls.


    Arsh continued, "It''s your wish if you are going to use your identity or not and the way you earn."


    Noor nodded as she thought about what she could do to earn money even if it''s just 10 bucks. Whereas Arna and Naira thought Noor was going to lose because Naira was a celebrity and she can even sell her autograph and earn.


    Arsh would have pitied them if he had heard their thoughts. He pulled a wallet out of Ivan''s pockets leaving thetter speechless. Arsh gave his reason, "Come on, I am jobless."


    ''Oh yeah, please.'' Ivan rolled his eyes as he thought while Arna giggled.


    Arna and Arsh hadpany shares at both thepanies including otherpanies which Aria and n often bought in their names so even if they waste time doing nothing, they had enough to enjoy their life. It was secondary that they don''t use that money.


    Arsh pulled two bills of 100 and handed them to the sisters, "How you use this 100 bucks will also depend on you. Use it for transport or lunch, we don''t care. If your stupidity causes your life at risk, you will be disqualified, and don''t worry, I will make sure you are safe without a single bruise. No need to worry about the safety."


    Ivan nodded hearing it. Morgan security men were in the town in disguise and the town was safe for girls so there was nothing to bother.


    Hearing the game, Ivan''s eyesnded on Arna, "Excuse us." He held her wrist and pulled her to the other side of the car. Arna happily skipped behind him before he trapped her against the car with his hands pressed on the car.


    Arna mischievously looked at him eagerly waiting for him to say what she wants to hear for so many years. Ivan asked, "Do you like to date me?" His deep voice held the mysteriousness.


    Without a single thought, Arna nodded with a pleased short hum "Hmm."


    Ivan smirked as his hand pushed in her long jacket pocket and took her phone away as his hand took the bag off her shoulder. He leaned closer to her and whispered next to her ear, "Then join the game. I will think about dating."


    Arna wasn''t the type to shy away by the closeness so his words excited her than the two girls behind her. "Really? You SHOULD think."


    Leaning aside, Ivan hummed in agreement hiding his amusement for her enthusiasm.


    ''Think?'' For him, there was nothing to think about. He was just waiting for her to reconcile with her parents. He wants her to settle back in the city because of her parents instead of being with him.


    She too took his wallet and pulled a currency note which was 100 bucks. She quickly nced behind to see his brother busy with two girls before pressing her soft lips on Ivan''s smooth cheek without making a single sound and ran away to the bus stop.


    Ivan: "..." It became hard for him to put on an indifferent face easily.


    "See you at 4." She waved to them and without turning back while saying loudly.


    Naira wanted to go to Arna and talk but Snow stood in front of a passing-by jeep which was driven by an old man from the farm to the town. She folded her hands and was saying something making a pitiful pleading face before the old man took her in.


    If Ivan didn''t know Arna was trained in self-defense and taekwondo, he would have run behind her to stop. He calmed down from his sudden panic and caught the eye of Arsh. He shrugged as he left Arna''s belongings in the car.


    Meanwhile, after teaching the two girls to put on the spy camera lying as GPS, Arsh told them it gives their live location so they shouldn''t take it off.


    Noor asked atst, "Why are we doing this? Will you and Brother Ivan also join us?"


    Ivan purposefully made an innocent face and blinked at his friend to hear his response. Naira understood Noor has no idea about anything or ''Is she ying dumb?'' Naira thought.


    Instead of answering, Arsh asked, "Do you want me to join the game?"


    Noor thought before shaking her head, "Nope, I just asked." Noor was clearly aware Arsh was too smart and had many skills. The six hours is a lot of time for him to earn pretty much more than what she could do.


    Arsh nodded. "You are going to earn the response to your question. Enjoy your day." He inly added.


    Ivan and Naira looked at each other without understanding how she would get the answer. However, they saw Noor again give a thought before saying in her soft voice, "Bye."


    Noor went towards the bus stop thinking about the game. Naira who walked beside her saw a taxi passing, she rushed to the road thinking Noor will take it.


    Noor can''t act weak and y around to get a lift like Arna so if one taxi missed, Noor will have to stay there for long as buses weren''t frequent on that route.


    "Sister Naira, we..." Noor couldn''t get to say they can share the taxi that will divide their expense too but Naira hid her wicked grin and said, "Bye..."


    Ivan and Arsh''s face turned dark at Naira''s behavior with her own sister.

 Chapter 551: The Reality Show

    Chapter 551: The Reality Show


    Seeing a jeep passing by, Arna noticed it was an elderly man so she quickly stood on the road blocking the path as she jumped, "Stop, stop, stop"


    The elderly man had to stop as she was standing between the road. He wanted to scold her but Arna pleaded, "Uncle please, please help me please"


    He waited to hear how he could help which she took the cue and quickly told him the truth, "Uncle, I love a guy and he thinks I am spoiled rotten. He wants to see me if I could survive today with this 100 bucks..." She showed him the currency as she continued, "And I should earn too. If I take a taxi, this will be over, could you please help me by dropping me at the main town? Please please..."


    Arna had no idea who the man was but the man had an inkling he had seen her somewhere. And hearing her earnestly plead to get her love, he motioned his hand for her to get on the jeep.


    On the way, Arna spoke to him well and asked what she could do to earn money in the town. The old man offered, "I was nning to drop all the vegetables at the market, why don''t you help me sell them? The faster we finish all the vegetables, I will increase your payment, what do you say?"


    Without thinking twice, Arna thanked heavens for getting the lovely old man and she thanked him, "Thank you, Uncle, so sweet of you" She put the bill back in her pocket and asked him, "Shall I treat you to coffee after it?... Hmm, If I get more money, I will get you lunch." She giggled sheepishly making the old manugh with her.


    The old man who always dropped his vegetables to the retailer, went to the market asking Arna to wait at the jeep before he exited with two small stools, a weighing machine, and hand covers.


    With Arna''s help, both spread the stic on the roadside, Arna was surprised to see how easily he was carrying the baskets of fifteen kilos at such old age before she helped and both arranged the vegetables.


    Due to the hot sun, Arna voluntarily drove the jeep behind them for the shade where they sat and started their vegetable business. The old man who already knew she was Arna Morgan, the daughter of a famous couple, Aria Cooper and n Morgan, couldn''t believe she could go any length for her love.


    He was in awe looking at her shouting for selling vegetables and was smartly selling off the vegetables in the name of an offer whereas she was actually getting the price of both vegetables from one.


    Many young boys naturally attracted to her so at least to check her out for long, they were trying to bargain when she was slyly sold lots of vegetables to them.


    ---


    On the other end, after taking a taxi, Naira asked the driver to go near the famous multiplex or mall in the town. Looking at her sitting elegantly with an evil smile, the driver tried to speak, "Miss, are you from the city?"


    Naira saw him gazing at her through the rearview mirror, he was a middle-aged man who just randomly probed her but she thought he might be nning something to do her so she haughtily responded to keep him in check, "Look at the road and drive."


    The driver frowned and ignored her for the rest of fifteen minutes. Naira who saw the fare meter gulped when it reached seventy, "Are you taking me in the wrong route, or is this machine wrong?" She hissed.


    The driver wanted to tell if he wanted to go around. He would take small rounds and go around as he was on a single main road. He controlled himself before saying, "The mall is two hundred meters away. Miss, if you don''t have money, I suggest you walk from here."


    Naira felt insulted, "You- Just drive." She ordered.


    The taxi driver was mentally preparing himself to extract the charges as per meter because for him, she looked like a pretentious woman who might run away right after alighting the taxi.


    He locked the child lock when he halted and checked the reading. Naira handed 100 bucks and the driver promptly unlocked the child lock of the door. He was handing her 26 back but she took 20 and proudly said while alighting the car, "Keep the change."


    The driver rolled his eyes before dropping the coins to the box which had the sticker of, ''For orphanage donation.''


    Naira walked to the mall and leisurely. She walked with her head high and a sweet smile. Initially, none identified her but after a few minutes, she saw people looking at her and talking.


    She purposefully smiled thinking they will ask for photographs or autographs then she can ask for money but none bothered to reach her and an hour passed by just like that.


    When the young man finally reached her, she smiled gracefully and he asked, "Aren''t you the Ster series female lead Naira Wood?"


    That''s when Naira realized she was more famous as a singer than as an actress and that''s the reason none were approaching her. She looked at herself. She was in a crop top with bare shoulders and bare above her waist.


    It was no big deal in the city but that was the reason people were ncing at her in the mall. However, she still responded to the man promptly, "Yes I am."


    The man introduced himself and asked her out for lunch in the open restaurant that was at the corner. Thinking she won''t have to spend a penny, she went with him to realize there were three more boys who were practically ogling at her.


    Afraid of what they might ask if she eats with them, she quickly scurried away patting her chest. Passing by she saw a music shop where there was open karaoke.


    An idea struck her mind and tried to make a deal with the shop manager. She lied to them, "Hai, I am Naira Wood, singer, and actor."


    The shopkeeper identified her, "Oh yeah, you are the singer of the album Flying bird."


    Naira smiled at the shopkeeper and turned to the manager who nodded at her in acknowledgment. Naira continued, "I am in a reality show and this is the camera," She pointed to the button like a camera on her top that made the manager and the other two very conscious.

 Chapter 552: Reputation

    Chapter 552: Reputation


    The manager of the music store and the shopkeepers became too conscious and asked her right away.


    "Miss. Wood, which reality show is this? And the telecasted channel?"


    Naira was stamped, she can''t lie about the reality show. If it goes viral, it will affect her reputation badly, so, "It''s a new show, as its telecast hasn''t started, the participants aren''t allowed to speak about it. I hope you can understand it."


    The Manager stood silently without knowing what to do, so he repeatedly looked at the spy camera of hers. He searched over the inte andpared the picture with Naira. She was the singer so hoping she wasn''t lying he faintly smiled.


    Naira let out a breath of relief when they believed her words, "The task of the reality show is we have to earn by our strength. Could you please help me? I can help you attract customers by singing and you could make use of it and pay me depending on your earnings."


    The manager hesitatingly epted and handed her the mike. Soon Naira started singing and that was causing the passerby to stop by hearing the melodious voice.


    ---


    Meanwhile, Noor, who was about to sit and wait for a taxi or bus, saw a bus arriving. Feeling lucky, she took the bus and paid only 15 bucks to reach the main bus stop of the town.


    All the while she thought about why Arsh gave them the task and told her she will find the answer herself.


    It didn''t take long before she discerned, Arsh was giving them a challenge how they will survive without the influential background and job post.


    What if one day they lose everything? They should have the confidence to live on instead of fretting about the past life.


    She then thought about what she is good at. And that''s a hotel management and cooking. So she started thinking about who could offer her a job for six hours without the need for an identification card.


    A part-time job at restaurants and fast food, cafe, patissier, etc. Apart from it, she thought about what else she could do that doesn''t need any qualification or specialization.


    That''s when her eyesnded on a woman who was reading a newspaper and a flyer aside. It was for the call of urgent sales girls and waitresses.


    She thought to give it a try and alighted the bus. She started visiting cafes, fast food joints, and some shops before she stood by another cafe which had a board of ''Waitress required.''


    Entering the ''Sweet tooth'' dessert cafe, she met the waiter who led her to ady who was serving. Noor introduced herself and asked for 6 hours job if they are in requirement of the waitress.


    The owner of the shop was also a young girl and she didn''t mind the short time and told her directly, "I will let you work here for today but let me clear it out, the pay won''t be high and you will take the responsibility of any problem you arise."


    Noor agreed and got into work without feeling pressured by less pay. As far as she remembers, Arsh didn''t mention one should earn a lot so her aim was just to return the 100 bucks back to them without skipping her meals.


    ---


    Arsh and Ivan didn''t follow them, instead, they went inside the resort and rented mountain bikes to go off-road racing with other resort guests.


    Meanwhile, Arsh had arranged a few to keep an eye on them and also hear them. The main voice clips or video clips were sent to his mobile and Ivan wasughing when Arsh showed him a video of Arna waving her hands holding different color bell peppers.


    "Isn''t this old man too friendly with Snow?" Ivan asked while they were having an outdoor barbeque next to the swimming pool.


    Arsh took a nce before revealing, "He is retired General Welsey. If I am not wrong, he already knows Snow''s identity. Snow is with the safest person right now."


    Ivan enjoyed the delicious food as he hummed. He trusts Arsh''s judgment so he didn''t worry and probed, "When are you nning to bring Snow to face your parents?"


    Arsh nonchntly responded holding his drumstick, "Tonight." Both men were worried but didn''t show it on their faces.


    Soon it was nearing the time so the two men exited the resort and sat on the car bos. The first to return was Arna with the same old man. Only Ivan noticed Arsh''s faint nod at the old man and thetter smiled but he managed it by asking Arna.


    "So young girl, who is the blessed guy?" In fact, he already knew Arsh is Morgan so the other young man could be her love.


    Arna tried to kick Ivan''s legs but he easily escaped while she responded to the old man, "This duffer-head. Uncle, wish me luck."


    The old man chuckled, "You are a lucky girl." He checked the time and continued, "I will take my leave."


    Arna quickly added as she waved her hand, "Convey my apologies to Aunt for stealing you for lunch." The old man chuckled as he waved his hand.


    Arna handed the big notes to Ivan and waited forpliments. Arsh and Ivan were surprised seeing three thousand bucks. If they were in the city, it wouldn''t have been difficult but in the small town?


    "Did you cheat the old man?" Ivan inquired, squinting his eyes.


    Arna snorted and pped two bills on his hand, "I modeled in a studio and earned three thousand and two thousand by selling vegetables. I took that uncle to lunch and also coffee."


    Obviously, two men were happy with her performance without doing anything wrong. Arna read their faces and whined, "Come on guys, you canpliment me with a word for working so hard under the sun."


    Arsh or Ivan never doubted her because she was always self-sufficient and smart. One patted her head and another one smirked, which made her p in the face with a resigned sigh.


    But soon her face brightened up thinking Naira might have earned well, "Bro, what is up with Naira?"


    Arsh passed her the mobile and soon her face darkened hearing Naira''s lies to get the job. If whatever she was doing goes viral, her reputation wouldn''t only be tarnished, it would also pull Morgan Entertainment, her manager, and the Wood family reputation at stake.


    Upon all that, not everyone would love or know to use musical instruments, so the chances of a sale are low which will affect her too.

 Chapter 553: Girlfriend of Arsh

    Chapter 553: Girlfriend of Arsh


    Thinking of Naira''s way of dealing with things, Arna remembered Noor and thedy around her, "Noor was doing something on aptop at Sweet tooth dessert cafe. She was so into that she didn''t even see me walking by her and sat there for fifteen minutes."


    She wanted to ask Noor if everything was going well with her. But a thought arose if in case Noor was trying to cheat by transferring the money from her personal bank ount by taking a stranger''s help to get the money.


    Hence she was too attentive to know what Noor was up to but she couldn''t identify it. Now hearing Naira''s audio with video, she guessed Arsh will be keeping an eye on Noor too.


    Her opinion on Naira as a girlfriend for Arsh was already wavering, she wouldn''t let Noor be one either if she was cheating.


    Ivan noticed her scowling and Arsh wasn''t bothering to respond to her. He craved to smack him but controlled. ''Noor is going to be Arna''s sister-inw, shouldn''t he clear the misunderstandings?'' He thought with a sigh.


    Ivan knew what Noor was doing as Arsh had got a call from security saying Noor coincidentally met a social media influencer, "She was working as a waitress but a customer had some problem with aptop which had very important data." He didn''t bother telling Arna that she was a famous influencer who works on reviewing food and restaurants.


    That much was enough to put Arna''s heart at ease. Ivan continued, "Looking at the customer crying and calling for help to resolve the problem, Noor is helping her out."


    Arna was impressed to know Noor was helping her instead of working and earning more money.


    Arna was nodding at Ivan before she realized the important matter and asked, "How does she know to restart theptop when the OS hangs up? I think I gave theptop for repair when I overloaded it with multiple apps." Sheughed in embarrassment.


    Ivan turned to Arsh who was looking at the road seemingly lost in thoughts. But he knew Noor might reach them in a minute or two so his eyes were there.


    Ivan again chose to respond to the girl who was eagerly waiting for a response, "Your brother, who else."


    Arna was confused, she knew Arsh was helping Noor in her studies but it was only until school and there was no subject to learn about theputer operating system restoration.


    "Guys, am I missing something?" She asked.


    Ivan really wanted to tell ''If you were at home, you would have realized it.'' Nevertheless, he controlled it and flicked on her forehead, "You are missing a lot." He cued her to watch Arsh.


    Rubbing her forehead, she saw Arsh''s gaze that was at the corner of the road avert away. Even though he was nonchnt, she turned around and saw a Ferrari driving up, for no reason she assumed it might be Naira when it came to halt in front of them.


    An elegantdy alighted from the driver''s side and Arna remembered she was the same one from the dessert cafe. By the time another side door could open, thedy opened the door and stretched her hand.


    They were expecting Noor''s hand to be ced on her hand but she held bags that had the logo of Sweet tooth cafe and Noor stepped out holding another two bags.


    "Thank you so much" Noor''s soft voice reached their ears.


    Then twodies stood in front of three but thedy''s eyes alternated between handsome men in fascination.


    Narrowing her eyes at thedy, Arna stood in front of Ivan who didn''t know what to do with Arna.


    She stays out of the country for 360 days and was behaving protectively of him when she noticed ogling eyes. What about those 360 days?


    Meanwhile, Noor stretched her hand at Arsh with a bag, "I brought some snacks for you all. It has coffee too, please have it before it gets cold." Her words were directed to three but only one heard her as he took that bag with other bags too.


    She quickly took the different bag and stretched her hand at Arna, "Sister Arna, this has your favorite tea."


    Arna snapped out from her staring game and asked her as she took the bag from Noor, "How do you know my favorite tea?"


    She turned behind to face Ivan thinking he might have told her before she gasped looking at Arsh, "Bro, you" before another word could be out, Ivan wrapped his hand around her shoulder, another hand closed her mouth and took her away with a bag of snacks and coffee, "Thank you, Noor."


    Noor took the bags from thedy''s hand and remembered she forgot to introduce her thinking that coffee will get cold, "Miss. Chasley, I came with them, please don''t worry about dropping me home." She didn''t introduce Arsh because once she had introduced her ssmate to Arsh and he had big frowns of dislike.


    Miss. Chasley tried to strike a conversation but seeing the young man ignore her presence, she sighed internally. She whispered to Noor, "Noor, you friends are handsome and that girl is beautiful. Looking at them, I feel like I know them but I am not sure."


    Noor smiled before telling their identities out of respect, "She is Arna Morgan, you might have heard about her."


    Ms. Chasley gasped before pointing to the man in front of her after tracing the simrities, "He is Arsh Morgan, and that guy is Ross, Wait, I know his name Ivan Ross. You are? Noor Noor Director Noor Wood?" Noor''s face wasn''t as famous as others.


    Noor giggled as she nodded. "You are right."


    Ms. Chasley asked after her almost instantly, "I heard Naira Wood is the girlfriend of Arsh Morgan or Ivan Ross. Where is she?"


    Arsh''s face darkened. Once the rumors start, it is impossible to die down. He felt hatred bubbling up for Naira.


    Noor didn''t want to tell Arna loves Ivan as both of their identities are sensitive and Ms. Chasley is a social media influencer. "They are just rumors."


    Arsh was happy with the response so he didn''t butt in.


    Ms. Chasley nodded before shaking Noor''s hand, "Alright then, I will take my leave. It was really a pleasure meeting you. Thank you for saving me today."


    Noor smiled and bid her.


    Turning back to Arsh, she promptly revealed, "I have 500 bucks." The rest she had spent on snacks for them.


    Arsh kept the coffee cup to her hand and said indifferently, "Drink before it gets cold."


    Noor who never could read between his lines silently sipped her coffee with a slice of pastry.

 Chapter 554: The winner

    Chapter 554: The winner


    On the other end, Ivan''s reaction was enough to tell Arna that Arsh likes Noor and the dumb girl has no idea about it.


    She squealed in excitement, "Ivan, Brother" Ivan had to press his hands on her lips, "Shhh"


    cing the coffee and snack paper bag on the car, he quickly informed her, "Thatdy is a social media influencer. Could you please control yourself and behave? Your brother will throw us off the cliff."


    He couldn''t believe the one who wanted her brother to date Naira was so excited to know Arsh actually likes the other one.


    Thrilled, Arna needed time to calm her nerves so as soon as he lowered his hands, she tossed on him and squealed, "I am so happy."


    Ivan had to bnce himself and rubbed her back to get her off from his embrace soon before they two made it to the headlines.


    "Ms. Morgan, you were the reason we are here today, just to show the person you were supporting." Ivan reminded her.


    Arna felt wronged as she stood back and faced him, "That time I didn''t know brother actually likes Noor. Naira said Noor is seducing my brother." She was blunt with Ivan unlike how she hadposed her words while talking with Arsh.


    ''Seduce?'' Ivan nced at Noor who was raised to be a naive little girl by her parents and Arsh spoiled her to be a naive one.


    Sipping his coffee, "Snow, it should be the other way around." Brushing his gaze on Arsh''s line of sight, "We should pity Noor instead."


    Arna checked his line of sight as shemented, "Why are you making it sound like my brother will eat her alive?" She meant to say Ivan sounded like her brother is a predator and Noor is a lost deer in the woods.


    Ivan chuckled hearing her, "Certainly. He''s definitely that type."


    Arna: "..." She really didn''t mean it that way and looking at the couple she couldn''t agree more with Ivan''s words especially looking at Noor being so soft and sweet.


    Looking at Arsh''s attentiveness to Noor, she realized she missed the details and was literally away from home that Arsh never shared it with her.


    Oveing the feeling of left out, she smiled, happy for her brother, for having somebody he could like and love to the heart''s content.


    Turning back to face Ivan, she smirked sexily almost making Ivan choke on his drink, "Mr. Ross, then you should be careful of Ms. Morgan."


    Ivan gulped the coffee sip and merely raised his brows even though he knew she wasn''t going to be any sweet but bold and shameless.


    Arna narrowed her eyes and flipped her hair, "I am going to eat you up one day." Then she cooly grabbed her aromatic tea and sipped.


    Ivan: "..."


    He would really love to see, ''We will see that.'' but he didn''t. Arna was too smart to read the unsaid words.


    The coffee brought for Naira was getting cold and it had passed fifteen minutes to four but other than Noor none were worried about Naira.


    Arsh had to calm her down seeing her peek at the road repeatedly.


    Naira, who wasn''t getting a taxi, finally reached them,pletely tired and sweaty, unused to being outside in the hot if not shooting.


    The first to run up to Naira was Noor, thetter opened the door of the taxi and held Naira as she asked in concern, "Sister Naira, are you alright?"


    Arsh and Ivan who had expected Arna to run up to her friend didn''t move from Ivan''s side and watched the two sisters as a third person instead of like a friend of Naira.


    Arna didn''t like how Naira had lied to get the work and how she lied to her maligning her own younger sister.


    Now looking at Noor worried about Naira, Noor helping a person instead of focusing on the taskpletely changed her opinion of Noor.


    In the past, she just greeted Noor as the sister of her best friend, now she saw her as one who could be a part of the family that she left.


    Unaware, everything felt like it fit well when it''s Noor, she was close to each one of the Morgan family members except her. Whereas Naira seldom avoided everyone in the family due to her guilt.


    Naira smugly looked at Noor without knowing the eyes of the three were weighing her as a person instead of looking at her as a friend.


    Naira paid for the taxi and added haughtily, "Keep the change." It looked like she was generous to the driver but it didn''t change the hearts of the other three.


    Noor held Naira''s hand as thetter walked on her heels, "Sister Naira, you are tired, would you sit in the car and rx?" She was worried and her tone sounded the same.


    However, she ignored the question, she was indeed tired of standing all day long and singing repeatedly. She asked Noor, "How much did you bring back?"


    Noor promptly responded, "500 bucks."


    A triumph smile appeared on her face. She also smiled at Arna who faintly smiled back, As she was still thinking the highest earner is the winner.


    She quickly shrugged Noor''s hand to avoid looking weak in front of Arsh who didn''t bother seeing her in the face even once.


    She pulled big notes and stretched her hand at Arsh. She sounded unsatisfied while saying, "I could only earn 2000 bucks. If I had little more time, I could have earned a little more."


    Ivan rolled his eyes, ''More like conned the manager.'' They all know she lied as she is a participant in a reality show and the manager didn''t want to show himself meager when the show airs so he had provided her lunch.


    Let''s say, one day she really loses her celebrity state and the Wood family wealth, will she still be able to con people every day?


    The main reason behind the task was one to get adjusted if they have nothing one day. So her ways did offend Ivan and Arsh but they were just being polite without saying it on her face.


    Naira continued shyly, "I am sorry Noor, I didn''t mean to make you lose."

 Chapter 555: Learn to save

    Chapter 555: Learn to save


    ''Lose?'' Noor nced at Arsh in confusion.


    She wanted to tell Naira they weren''tpeting against each other so there is no winner and loser. They survived the day and that was the requirement of the task.


    She also wanted to confirm from Arsh if she made a mistake in understanding but seeing her sister''s sad face, she smiled at her tofort her. She wanted to say ''it''s alright.'' but she was confused with their task already.


    Arsh merely nced at his sister. He arranged those things for Arna, he wanted her to ept Noor and see the real Naira without needing just words.


    He didn''t care if Naira had her own misunderstanding, he will take care of Noor.


    Arna caught her brother''s cold eyes and pursed her lips before lowering her head. It was her silent sorry for Arsh who understood it.


    He inly said, "Noor, let''s go."


    Naira who was expecting to shine in the glory felt like cold water ran down her spine. Shouldn''t he say she did a good job and he will agree to date her?


    ''Why Snow isn''t asking?'' She thought, curling her finger to a fist squashing the two notes of 10 hundred bucks.


    Seeing Arsh going around the car to open the door for Noor, ncing at Ivan and Arna nod at each other in agreement to Arsh''s words, Naira cut in quickly to bring up the topic, "Snow, how much did you earn?"


    Arna paused and said the truth, "Fifty hundred." she paused before rifying, "I spent twenty hundred and brought thirty hundred."


    Naira awkwardlyughed. She put all the efforts yet she lost when it came to Arna. So how could she not be jealous?


    However, it was a day about her and her sister. Since she won on her, she quickly overcame it and chuckled, "You are best as always."


    Arna faintly smiled, "I was just a little lucky." She knew if she hadn''t met the old man, she would have been troubled for a long time but she definitely wouldn''t have lied or used her identity.


    Hearing Arna drop the topic there, Naira didn''t let Noor step away either, "So I am the winner, Ain''t I?"


    Arsh was irritated when he saw Naira clutching Noor tight. He started doubting if Naira was always the same and they failed to notice her. Even he wanted to know how Noah and Norah, such mild and loving parents, have such a daughter.


    Since there was a time, Arna was spoiled rotten until she realized her behavior could hurt others. He found it believable as Naira was the first grandchild for both Hanes and the Wood family and she got everything at beck and call.


    Arsh mmed the car door that startled the girls and got their attention. He said cold and clear, "No, you aren''t."


    It confirmed to Noor, what she understood was right. Feeling Naira tremble, Noor wanted to console her thinking Naira might have felt bad feeling lost.


    "Sister Naira, Young Master Morgan didn''t mean you lost. We yed just to check if we could survive a day without money. Since you earned and returned safe, that means you are adaptable too."


    However, her sweet and consoling voice met with a hard flung of her hand. Ivan, who was close to them, was swift to hold Noor before she tripped by the force.


    Arsh nced at Arna again. He wasn''t ming her for Naira''s behavior, he was telling her why he never could be a good friend to Naira when Arna had repeatedly asked why he just hung out with Ivan.


    Arna sighed, nobody is perfect, she isn''t either so expecting Naira to be one is stupidity. When she left the house nine years back, it wasn''t just because of Naira''s instigation, Arna had no guts to face her parents, she was so frightened that Naira''s suggestion felt feasible.


    So she forgave Naira even though she felt she should have probably went to Arsh or Ivan for advice. It was toote standing in a different country so she had thought if she proves her worth, she could face her mother but the guilt just went deeper and deeper.


    When she was in the city, she had thought everything was perfect seeing her brother, Ivan, and Naira enjoy themselves together with her. She hadn''t thought it could be because of her only.


    Once she had left the city, she got to know Naira was able to be with them because she was bringing her everywhere. Ivan and Arsh never really liked to mingle with her due to her self-obsession.


    Now she felt she didn''t be a good friend of Naira to guide her to the good path. Was it toote? Could she still have the cute Naira who was innocently smiling at her in the yschool?


    She wasn''t sure.


    Ivan stopped Noor from running up to her sister. Holding her shoulder, he guided her next to Arsh, "Don''t worry, Arsh will take care." He softly told her patting her head.


    Ivan probably never could understand Arsh''s way of dealing with things. Noor''s parents never let her see how the world is dark, Arsh showed her how the world isn''t always beautiful as it seems to the eyes but he didn''t let her go through the cruelty that could have toughen her up.


    Probably the only one problem she faced was her sister that too recently because of Naira''s crush on Arsh.


    Probably other than Arsh''s mother and father, nobody understood him better. On second thought, Ivan was sure Noor knew Arsh better than him but that dumb girl thinks Arsh is like her mentor.


    Meanwhile, Naira was having an eye war with Arsh who lookedpletely nonchnt waiting for her to be jealous and blurt everything out.


    "It was a game and I earned more than Noor. I won it and she lost." She pressed down her voice looking at four standing opposite her.


    Arna walked up to her saying, "Naira, it wasn''t like that. Anyway, Noor was helping a person so she couldn''t work. Yet she"


    Naira cut in shrugging her shoulder, "Who the hell told her to help somebody? She should learn to save herself first."


    Arna frowned. This wasn''t the Naira she knew. They have bitched other girls together but she never had felt Naira cared about none but herself.


    Turning Naira to face her, Arna was ruthless and sharp, "Do you mean, you will leave my brother in the problem so that you could save your ass?"


    Naira was stumped.

 Chapter 556: Weak moments

    Chapter 556: Weak moments


    Naira stared at Arna, she can''t let Arna leave from her side. Hearing her mention Arsh being in the problem, the usual way of her response was actually, ''Noor was helping a stranger.'' but she controlled.


    Without daring to provoke her further, she stuttered while responding, "B-but g-game is game. That''s what I meant to say."


    Naira''s response didn''t do any good as Arna was already out with her anger. She turned to Noor and asked, controlling her tone, "Noor, how much did you return with?"


    Noor who was about to run to her sister''s side felt a tug at her arm. The warm palm wrapped around her arm made her look at the aloof face of the man before she responded to Arna, "Sister Arna, it''s five hundred."


    Arna asked her next question, "How much did you spend for lunch and the snacks you bought for us?"


    Naira''s lips opened but no words came out. She just thought about bringing more money, she never thought of bringing anything to them.


    Noor calcted her lunch, the coffee she bought for the cafe waiter and waitress including the snacks for five. "Around ten hundred." She took bills from her pocket of her white shorts if in case she asked but Arna turned away.


    "So that''s a total of fifteen hundred and she helped a person without cheating anywhere. What about you?"


    Arsh nced at Noor who was very ufortable looking at his sister being interrogated. She wanted to speak but didn''t want to meddle with the friends.


    Right after hearing it was fifteen hundred, Naira''splexion brightened again thinking she was high so she won.


    Arna continued hoping by reminding her ways will make Naira think about it and correct it. "A reality show? Really? Did you even think of your reputation if that leaks?"


    Naira: "..."


    Ivan and Arsh looked at each other. Even though they were expecting Arna to get angry, they felt like it was going out of hand.


    Noor tried to reason for Naira, "Sister Arna, I-"


    Arna turned around and reprimanded, "You don''t start your sacrificial speech."


    Noor: "..."


    Ivan looked away to control hisughter.


    Naira nced down at the GPS on her top, looked at Arsh. She couldn''t hold back, "You guys tricked me?" She pulled the expensive spy camera attached with the GPS and threw it on the ground before paddling it.


    Noor actually guessed it was a spy camera as she had learned about it when she had visited Arsh''s so-called game room. She was about to say it''s very expensive but Naira broke it off.


    Arna''s anger was reced with disbelief. Arsh and Ivan hadn''t lied but hid it well. Arna felt d they hid it was spy camera else she would be still thinking Naira is a good choice for her brother.


    "He tricked you?" She asked ironically. "Naira, what''s wrong with you? Why do you have to go out of the way to get what you want?" She sounded disappointed.


    However Naira shrugged off Arna''s hands from her arms while she said, "Snow, don''t you think, out of all, you have thest right to ask that question to me?"


    Arna froze.


    Ivan gritted his teeth while Arsh focused his attention on Arna. It is said that we have to correct our mistakes first before talking sense to others.


    Arna took a step back as the past flooded in like it happened yesterday. Her eyes lowered when she felt them wet. "I am sorry." She apologized for getting angry and interrogating her.


    Arna took a step back again, she wanted to run away and leave the country soon before she could feel weak and start crying which couldn''t be stopped by anybody but her mother.


    She turned around with the thought but bumped into the strong broad chest. She knew who it was without looking at the face and knew she could lean on. Ivan wrapped an arm around her while she calmed down without daring to let a tear roll down her cheek.


    Noor sensed Arsh''s grip suddenly tightening before he remembered holding her arm. Looking at him controlling himself from talking for his sister, Noor stepped up just to clear the thoughts of the present and the past.


    "I am sorry if I am speaking at an inappropriate time. I don''t know what Sister Arna meant by a Reality show, but Sister Naira, if youpare the present and the past, don''t you think Sister Arna tried to correct you instead of supporting the wrong?"


    Even if she didn''t know why they were arguing, after hearing Arna say about the reputation and leak, she knew it wasn''t something good to be supported.


    Naira grounded her teeth ready tosh out but her gaze caught Arsh adoring thedy and the irritated Ivan smiled at her and Arna slowly calming down.


    If she was called evil, she wanted Arna to be one too but she didn''t expect her own young sister to speak softly but urately.


    Noor wasn''t talking for Arna but wanted to remind Naira that Arna wasn''t the one to be apologetic but her. Her words continued, "Whereas, Sister Naira, you are the one who encouraged Sister Arna to run away else her parents will disown her. That''s not something you should say to the one who was facing emotional imbnce."


    Ivan rubbed Arna''s back hearing her sigh, he whispered, "Why don''t you get rid of your weakness? Then none could have brought it up."


    Arna pursed her lips and pinched his waist for repeatedly asking her to meet her mother. Ivan controlled from hissing and pulled her away, "Be a lonely ghost."


    Arna felt all her hard work of selling vegetables wasted just by a pinch. Now she wanted to cry for that.


    Ivan crossed his arms looking away from the sulkingdy, "Naira, there will be weak moments in life. We hope you understand your mistake."


    Naira who was feeling like they were all from one world and she was different started crying, "I know I made a mistake, did you guys have to bring it up repeatedly."


    Arna who involuntarily wanted to coax Naira was held back by Ivan and Noor ran up to her while Arsh hissed, "Who was the first one to bring up the past? Naira Wood, don''t show your acting skills here."


    Noor froze just a step away. She and Arna really thought Naira was apologetic and crying. Looking at the two men, who were gentlemen all the time, behaved exactly opposite with Naira,their thoughts wavered.


    However Noor couldn''t stop herself and embraced her sister, "Sister, I didn''t mean to make you cry. I am sorry, please stop crying."

 Chapter 557: Awkwardness

    Chapter 557: Awkwardness


    Ivan looked at Arsh who still looked cold and unemotional. It didn''t seem like he disliked how Noor worries for her sister even if Naira is wrong.


    He suddenly remembered Aria and realized Arsh actually sees traces of his mother in Noor. Since his father always worried about his mother for always standing strong facing the cunning business people, manipting rtives, Arsh wanted those fewer worries so he made her into a soft delicate doll with strong morals.


    Now Ivan wanted to know if Noor was voluntarily following Arsh or he deceived her to follow him around in all her free time.


    Naira continued to fake her tears while Noor tried to calm her down, "Didn''t mom say to forget about it? Noor, why do you have to point me as wrong?"


    Arsh felt like his little woman was being swindled by her wicked sister. Now he understands how his father feels when Aria takes care of spoiled Rian who just wants to tease n.


    Whatever, Arsh wanted his sister to know about Noor, Naira was just falling down in their eyes by her acting. He thought probably losing everything will teach Naira how to behave.


    Since the air was tense, he dropped a message to the Morgan security person to bring a car for Naira as he and Ivan weren''t in the state to handle her acting all the way to the city.


    The cry went on while the three were baffled hearing Naira convince Noor that she won it and Noor lost the game. While Noor was agreeing to Naira to stop her crying, the Ferrari that had dropped Noor returned to the ce.


    Arsh saw Noor dumbfounded when Naira stopped crying and behaved demurely.


    "Director Wood" The social media influencer and visibly breathed a sigh of relief seeing them still present. Getting out of the car with an envelope, she sighed, "I thought you guys have left."


    "Ms. Chasley?" Noor was confused, "Could I help you with something?" She asked before her eyes dropped on the envelope that she was holding up.


    "I know you are rich, and I''m a mere influencer, since you spent your task time working for me, I had given this to you. How could you leave it back in the car?"


    Noor bit her lip before trying to convince her, "Ms. Chasley, I just helped you with what I knew. You don''t have to pay me for that." Thedy didn''t listen to her so she had left the envelope in the smallpartment of the car. She didn''t expect Chasley to find it so soon.


    "You are so stubborn," Chasley said helplessly.


    Noor faintly smiled while Naira seized up the envelope to understand if had quite a lot of money for nearly ten thousand. She cut in before Noor could say anything, "You can''t price the help. Your thoughts are what matters."


    Chasley''s face brightened when she focused and identified it''s Naira Wood, "You are so sweet." She smiled warmly without noticing two men had ironic smiles due to Naira''s words.


    Arna''s jaw dropped in disbelief while Noor faintly smiled without reading Naira. Naira didn''t want Noor to ept the money that will raise her earning for the day.


    Chasley gave a thought before running to the car saying, "Give me a minute." She searched for something in her handbag without entering the car before she grabbed a small brocade box.


    Returning to Noor''s side, "I know it may be nothing much for you, but you really saved me from a lot of trouble so please take this as a token of appreciation for your assistance."


    Noor was still adamant about rejecting which was written all over her face so Arsh inly said a word that changed her Noor''s stubbornness, "Acknowledge."


    Arna and Ivan''s jaw dropped when they saw Noor nce back at Arsh before nodding her head, "Thank you." She epted the gift and saw Chasley sh her a beautiful smile.


    After a friendly hug, "I hope our path crosses." She bid Noor before hopping in the car and drove away.


    Ivan sounded like he was teasing Arna but he was actually showing the ce where Naira belongs, "Look, the littledy earned valuable than your 30 hundred."


    Arna could understand his motive so she rubbed Noor''s head, "The littledy is truly amazing." Then she turned to Ivan, "Let''s go, I want to buy something for you." She hooked her arm with his and dragged him to the driver seat before shoving him inside Maserati.


    Naira knew even if the brocade box had the smallest jewel, it would cost more than fifty hundred so she understood even if she lied to people, Noor still won by helping an unknown.


    Not only that, but her loose tongue also hurt her best friend who wasn''t making eye contact when she asked, "Naira, youing?"


    Just then a ck sedan stopped and the driver alighted, "Young master Morgan, Young miss. Director Wood." He greeted Arsh, Naira, and added Noor who faintly smiled at him.


    Ivan rolled down the windshield and poked Arna, "Snow, get in." He knew the car was for Naira to repent all the way to the home.


    The driver opened the car door and spoke to Naira, "Young Madam Wood, please have a seat."


    Noor wanted to grab her bag and join her sister but the driver closed the car door and got in and Arsh kept holding the door open seeing her take the bag without getting in.


    "I will apany my sister home." She didn''t ask for permission but she still waited for his nod.


    Arsh watched Noor who wanted to console her sister but he was sure Naira was going to make Noor cry or me her. Seeing her determined, he didn''t stop her, "Fine."


    He mmed the car door to close obviously disliking her choice of choosing her sister. Ivan and Arnaughed sitting in the car looking at the unspeakable man and selfless woman.


    Arna asked in confusion, "Don''t you think an obedient and silent girl with my brother will be boring? They will probably be in the home and look at each other''s faces."


    Ivan smacked her head before speaking, "Don''t underestimate Noor just because you always saw her talk less. She is a type who will reject your brother, unlike other girls."


    Arna: "..."


    Meanwhile, Noor who was opening the back door of the sedan heard her sister bluntly shun her away, "I want to be alone." Then she looked at the rearview mirror, "Please drive."


    Noor could only close the door and watch the car drive away. She was so embarrassed to return to the shotgun seat of Bugatti where Arsh was still standing leaning on the car.


    Arna and Ivan were too curious about who was going to strike the awkwardness off.

 Chapter 558: Panicked Arna

    Chapter 558: Panicked Arna


    Looking at Noor blush in embarrassment ncing at the side profile of Arsh, Arnamented sitting on the shotgun seat of the Maserati, "I think brother will break the ice."


    Ivan shrugged simply indicating Arsh won''t react.


    Arna again sees Noor biting her lip anxiously, "Noor is a shy little girl. She won''t dare to speak after rejecting brother." She turned to Ivan in horror, "She really did reject my brother. Damn, if he opens the door for me, I wouldn''t think twice jumping in."


    She knew her brother well. If he opened the car door for anybody other than thedies of the Morgan family, it was Noor only, Naira never got that privilege.


    She smacked herself for never noticing the small details of her brother''s reaction. And admired Noor for turning him down when there were numerous girls waiting for him to just look at them.


    Quickly getting back to the heated sight of them, "What do you think? Do you think Noor will melt my brother?"


    Ivan nced at Arna before looking front. His fingers drummed the steering wheel while saying, "Your brother will burn my car if she looks at my car."


    Arna took a few seconds before she burst into heartyughter. Damn, she really felt like she missed too much staying away from them.


    Noor, who thought Arsh would call her or at least re at her, scratched her head in hoping he wasn''t going to get angry. After taking a few deep breaths, she walked towards the car at a snail''s pace and coughed lightly to clear her throat.


    While the other couple enjoyed their actions missing the popcorn, Arsh was still cold as a block of ice. He was ready to open the door for her but not speak.


    Unexpected to his thoughts, Noor''s soft voice sounded asking him, "Shall I drive the car?"


    One second,


    Two seconds,


    .


    Five seconds,


    The impatient ones were Arna and Ivan who just knew Noor said something.


    Anyway, Noor had the whole world of patience to wait and saw him take the shotgun seat without a word. Noor breathed a sigh before taking the driver''s seat and drove first with Maserati behind.


    Arna and Ivan were speechless in their car while Noor was confused about what she should say. She was kind of used to making him angry before she realizes he was doing right and she went against him.


    But unless she feels right, how could she follow him? So she nced at Arsh before focusing on the road.


    It repeated a few times until Arshmented, "Am I more attractive than the road?"


    He wasn''t in need of response and thought she would focus on the road. Noor who realized he was asking her to focus on the road subconsciously uttered, "No" by perceiving the words like, ''Could you drive looking at me?''


    Speechless, he finallyid his eyes on the girl.Noor realized her response, "No, no, no. I mean you are attractive."


    Upon realization she sounded like a flirt, her face flushed the second time, and shook her head, "Why are youparing yourself with the road?"


    Arsh looked at her flushed face for a few seconds before facing the road, "Because roads do look good."


    Noor: "..."


    She really wanted to ask what''s wrong with you but controlled. She was thinking about why they yed the task but Arsh changed the topic to what had happened to Chasley''sptop and how she worked on it.


    So the topic just went on connecting to different matters and ended up talking about thest book written by Eva Miller when they reached the Morgan mansion.


    The duo alighted the car, and Maserati halted right behind them. They could already see Arna panicked as it was dinner time, Aria and n would be home.


    Ivan alighted the car but Arna refused to get off and was even ready to stay low if in case one or the other one exits.


    Just then, Rooney who returned dropping his girlfriend at the Stanley mansion saw Arna and knocked on the door, "Sister Snow"


    Arna instantly forgot her panic and alighted to meet her little brother who was beaming looking at her. Arna hugged him and tossed his messy hairstyle making it messier, "I missed my baby brother."


    Even though Arna was slightly distracted, Arsh and Ivan knew the race of their hearts. It wasoverwhelming just by thinking how Arna might react after looking at Aria and n.


    Will she purposefully throw hatefulments and run away?


    Will she ignore them?


    Will she greet them as a stranger or meet them as their spoiled daughter?


    There were hundreds of spections but they didn''t want to lose hope. If things go out of hand, Arsh was even afraid his mother might get angry at him or probably silently cry to keep them unworried.


    Noor noticed the two men edgy, asked in the lowest voice possible, "Are you nning something?"


    Arsh nced at her while Ivan responded, "What do you think?"


    Two were nervous but hearing Ivan, Noor smiled, "I think everything''s going to be alright."


    Ivan merely smiled, if not today, he knew it wasn''t going to happen in near future. He knew he could bound Arna by her parents'' side with his words but he didn''t want topel her. All he could do was help Arsh to create the chance for Arna and her parents to stand face to face.


    Arsh calmed down hearing Noor and seeing her smile of hope and anticipation. Noor doesn''t know much about Arna other than what she heard from him or others, if she felt everything was going to be alright, Arsh too hoped the same even if there is going to be a huge drama.


    If Arna doesn''t take it positively, probably she won''t visit or call anybody for a year and at worse, she might even pull the time longer and try to do something stupid to show she is strong to be alone.


    But that was the panicked Arna from nine years back. Will she do the same?


    They were uncertain.


    Rooney who noticed Arsh cue him to keep talking faintly nodded at him without reacting much and kept Arna engaged in the talk.


    For Rooney, ''whatever my brother says is right'' so he didn''t bother about why Arsh asked him to do as such until he realized Aria''s Mc Laren P1 car entering the gates of the mansion.

 Chapter 559: Taste of simplicity

    Chapter 559: Taste of simplicity


    Arna sensed a vehicle entering the main gates. She didn''t think of it much initially talking with Rooney. She still thought Aria and n were inside the mansion, spending time with family members as it was the weekend.


    It was only until she sensed the air around her change to tenser. She turned around and saw Mc Laren P1 making its entry majestically towards the mansion.


    Her father never missed getting the brand new model of the Mc Laren to her mother as she likes it more than the othermercial cars. Not anybody could buy that car so almost the whole country knows the owner of Mc Laren is Aria Cooper, wife of n Morgan.


    Arna clenched her teeth when the speed of the car lowered down. She didn''t need words to say who was in it. Her father was good at putting nonchnce but her mother couldn''t.


    Arna knew she was the biggest weakness of her mother while the rest of the family members were her strength. She wanted to be one too, like one who her mother could lean on and share about her day and experiences she probably couldn''t share with Arsh.


    Her throat went dry, her fingers started to tremble as the car neared but her feet refused to move when her mind wanted to leave, and run far away. Her heart was really afraid to see the disappointment in her mother''s eyes instead of being proud of her.


    Arna might have reached a good height in her career but she knew the difference between her and her mother. Her mother didn''t leave anybody behind to reach her goal, she held her family close to her heart but Arna left everyone to reach her goal which she started doubting if that''s what she wanted. Because that wasn''t making her happy, instead work harder aimlessly.


    Being alone for so many years, she made her heart a stone and numb to envy and curses but felt like it was still of no use looking at the car stop just a few steps away.


    Rooney, Arsh, and Ivan who initially thought she might run away, breathed a sigh of relief but the relief was for just a second.


    ''What if she says something hurtful and runs away?'' There were many ways for Arna to escape her fear.


    It didn''t take long for the ones who were in the mansion to know, Arna was at the entrance of the mansion and Aria reached the mansion. The first one to rush out was n, obviously to take Aria away before their daughter''s tongue breaks Aria''s heart once again.


    Amelia and Rowan were slow so Roxy took care of them while Rian ran out behind n if in case Arna says something stupid and n might not be able to control.


    Aria had gone out to meet Eva who wasn''t satisfied with the formal dress to wear for hering signing event. She got to know Arna was in the city by Eva. Arsh had left in the night so she had no idea about Arna''s arrival and n didn''t inform her to avoid seeing her wait for Arna.


    So Aria knew her eyes weren''t betraying her and Arna was standing right there instead of driving away. Her hands clutched the steering wheels, probably the mother''s heart, despite knowing Arna is an international supermodel and stays fit, she was still worried about her health feeling she is too slim.


    Even though she wanted to meet her daughter, clear the past and stop her feeling pressured, her heart shuddered by the thought of hearing Arna me her for losing the family, me her for being alone and me her for the troubles she faced.


    Arsh knew that was hisst string of patience with Arna''s fear to face their mother. If she acts up, he might even smack her head before forcefully stuffing a lot of senses into her head.


    Ivan still could remember Arna''s big beautiful eyes blinking at him when he had hugged her to stop her from seeing Rian and Roxy kissing at their wedding.


    He liked no other girl, his heart didn''t fall for anybody else but Snow who loved to see him trouble,ugh at him before helping him. He feels it crazy how he could like one who used to bully him but she never left him alone with others either.


    Probably he would have proposed to her after their school, or thest day of school but nothing went as he wanted. He had seen her parents suffer, yet stand strong and silently protect her.


    Despite loving her unconditionally, he wanted her to face her fears even at the stake of his love. He really wanted to be selfish and bring her to his side but not at the cost of hearing her fake disses, avoiding her parents when he meets them almost regrly.


    He didn''t want his life with her to be on arguments of her parents where he would be talking for her parents and she would put on fake air of annoyance just to avoid the topic.


    That really wasn''t the life he wanted. He wanted a big happy family even if that makes him sound cheesy or Mom''s boy.


    He could only hope, Arna wasn''t kicking away their life of being together.


    Arna probably didn''t know how many had their hopes on her to make everything right. Her hand clenched the door hand behind her while her eyes glued on the woman who was alighting the car in her unchangeable grace.


    Arna breathed out her held breath when she noticed her mother wasn''t wearing her sky-high stilettos anymore, it had reduced to less than three-inch.


    Always reading her new articles of business or fashion industries and seeing the pictures of her looking young as ever, Arna had forgotten her mother wasn''t in her thirties anymore, she was a mid-forties woman.


    The slender legs moved, finally revealing the woman''s face. If Arna didn''t know the woman, she would have never thought she could be a woman in her forties. She still looked as young as the woman in her twenties. She felt like photos the media captures, don''t do any justice to her mother''s beauty.


    Aria was in knee-length pinkvender printed A-line dress. It was not exorbitant but looked elegant irrespective of the color or her age. She knew well how to dress just as n likes blending with her taste of simplicity.


    Arna felt her heart jerk when Aria took a step towards her, she noticed n striding out and the fear kicked in without daring to look at her mother in the face.


    Turning behind, her trembling hand tried to open the car door and realized Ivan locked it. Her heartbeats erratic, she blurted out trying to cover her panic, "If I knew this, I would have never stepped in here." She sounded annoyed.

 Chapter 560: Alone and left out

    Chapter 560: Alone and left out


    Arna tried to walk away with an air of ''I don''t care.'' But she has to cross Aria to leave the mansion so she hoped her mother wasn''t going to hold her up.


    Frowns settled on Arsh''s face and he took a step thinking to stop her but a hand suddenly clutched his wrist before it tightened. He nced back at Noor who wasn''t calm but tensed. Her eyes moved to him from Arna and Aria when she realized his eyes.


    Noor contemted because she is an outsider to the Morgan family. She quickly shook her head before Arsh could be impatient. She was silently saying, let them handle and he might not be able to smooth it out.


    Rooney saw n grimly rushing out of the mansion followed by his father. So he went towards them.


    The happiness of seeing her daughter after a few years didn''tst long. Aria''s eyes stung when Arna didn''t even look at her in the face and was decisively moved towards the gates to leave quickly.


    Aria at least expected her to sarcastically greet as President Cooper or Senior Alia, however, Arna didn''t even bother to open her sealed lips.


    Arna walked like she was in a disgusting ce and she needed to leave quickly. Anyhow Aria couldn''t hold back and uttered fighting her tears, "Snow." Her voice sounded breathy due to her held breath.


    Arna clutched her fingers but paused right after a step away from Aria. Arna remembered she had once scoffed at her mother as she doesn''t have to put on an act of crying for sympathy so she could feel how hard she was holding back.


    Her father wouldn''t think twice to say ''scat.'' if she says anything odd and her mother cries. She knew it was going to repeat again but she had to turn around to face her mother.


    She was hoping her mother to say something or convince or ask her to stay for dinner but she didn''t hear anything but a warm embrace enveloped her.


    The same warmth and the same smell of her mother, she had missed it so much. She used to fight with her father to cuddle her mother to sleep but now, despite having her so close she felt her arms weak to embrace her mother back.


    That simple hug was cracking up all the barriers she had created to show herself strong, unruly, pretentious. But it wasn''t fated to be long enough.


    Aria who knew her daughter hates her didn''t want to make her ufortable so stepped back. She didn''t want to be a clingy mother either.


    Arna missed the warmth and stared at her mother whose eyes were filled with longing and unconditional affection. Her mind wanted to say something hurtful so that her mother could hate her but the words died down when Aria shed a sincere sweet smile while her finger grazed her cheek and took another step away.


    n knew it took a lot of strength for Aria to step away and let their daughter be as she likes. Anyway, he didn''t trust Arna as much as he used to, he didn''t want to take any chance of her speaking rubbish to hurt Aria.


    Looking at Arna, n realized Arna finally felt how the heart tears apart to see the loved one going away.


    Was he called ruthless and worse father for it? So be it, he didn''t care.


    Arna was frozen, she failed to voice anything while she started feeling the sense of loss. It was like her mother finally letting her away and epting the fact she won''t be with them anymore.


    She wanted her mother to scold her or try to convince her but the silence was killing her.


    n wasn''t sure he read it right but his main focus is always his dummy wife. He wrapped his hand around her shoulder pulling her around to make her face him.


    He was d she wasn''t as hurt as she used to be seeing her content for getting the chance to see their daughter and even hug her without Arna shoving her away, "Let''s get in. We were waiting for you." His loving deep voice sounded.


    Aria faintly smiled as she nodded before walking with him towards the mansion without looking back.


    Everyone breathed a sigh when Arna didn''t try to make herself hateful but it wasn''t what they really wanted. So there was a disappointment.


    Rian and Rooney looked at each other and felt d there was no hurricane and n didn''t throw Arna out.


    Aria saw the four standing and looking at her with mixed emotions. She didn''t probe about it, "Are you guys going out to dine?"


    Arna felt like she would faint due to weakness. She felt exhausted from running for so many years. Hearing Aria speak to others but not her, she wanted to go and pull her mother to her side.


    Rian nced at Arna whose eyes were glued on Aria, he purposefully spoke to remind Arna she left them, and now it''s high time. "Little Devil, did you forget today we nned to cook?"


    Arna was frozen at the same ce looking at Rian following Aria excitedly making the list of dishes, Rooney waved his hand at her before pulling his sleeves up and add, "Big Mom, we should arrange a kitchen battle."


    Rowan and Amelia who were at the door smiled at her but didn''t step out and went inside. Roxy was always the straightforward type, so Arna knew until she returns, Roxy won''t treat her well. It was her silent protest to her behavior.


    Arna looked at Arsh who was obviously angry and probably read her mind just like n so he turned away and pointed the door for Noor.


    Noor as usual pointed Arna but Arsh ordered her, "Get in."


    Arna saw a pleading gaze of Noor before her eyes fell on Ivan. Thetter waspletely aloof without letting his emotions on his face. He neither looked like he was supporting her behavior nor looked he was angry at her.


    But that didn''t stop her from feeling alone and left out. She always walked away without knowing how it felt to others and now she saw every family member walk away tired of catering to her.


    Ivan didn''t want to go to her, repeating the same thing differently felt meaningless. He wanted to be a shoulder for her tears but she will hold on to him without fighting her fears.


    He didn''t want to follow others and make her feel worse, so he decided to leave.


    He turned away ignoring her gaze. Probably they were never going to meet after today. That uncertainty was enough for his heart to grief.

 Chapter 561: Unfair

    Chapter 561: Unfair


    Ivan was making his mind to leave from there and see what was there in the future when he heard Arna mumble that was audible to him, "Mamma"


    Like a dead heart got the beats back, like water found in an oasis, Ivan felt alive. He jerked around and saw Arna looking at her mother who was about to cross the door.


    "Snow, you can do it." His encouraging voice was low but enough to reach her ears.


    Up until sixteen, despite hearing everyone teasing her, Arna always addressed Aria as Momma, Mamma. The ''Mom'' was only when she used to mention it to somebody else. So Ivan knew this was it.


    Tears rolled down, Arna never felt her heart race so much than that day. The children often forget the love and care of parents because it is easily avable without any expectation or conditions but it was priceless than one could even think of.


    Arna probably knew the value of it but she was running away from it till then. Now seeing the backs of the family members, she knew the pain her parents and family went through because of her. She didn''t feel strong enough to live with that.


    She can''t even think her family leaving her alone outside and went to their world from where she had walked out. She wanted to leave her world and go back to her safest cocoon.


    Probably going back seemed difficult but it didn''t feel harsher than standing alone despite having a full family. She wanted to be like her mother, who stands for her family and has everyone for her support.


    She cried loudly, "Momma." But she didn''t move. She was afraid if they ignored her and leave, she might have nowhere to go.


    Some were shocked, some were surprised and one was relieved. Ivan didn''tment and nced at the family. All turned around, Aria was on the edge to run up to Arna seeing her cry but n kept his arm tight around her.


    Aria could understand n''s concern but how could she stand looking at Arna crying. Anyway, n won on his stubbornness and Aria could only wait for Arna to react.


    Everyone knew n is protective of Aria so he won''t easily let Aria go without knowing what Arna was up to.


    Arna continued to sob as she reminded Aria while wiping her tears away, "Momma, you said even if everyone leaves, you will not leave me." Not just her words, the situation really did feel like, all left her alone outside the mansion.


    Aria didn''t have such an idea, she didn''t want to make her daughter ufortable so she walked away but didn''t know Arsh and Rooney were following her inside.


    "n" She pleaded with him to let her go to Arna who had broken down to tears. How long was she waiting to hold her daughter, calm her down and help her move on from the past that was like a nightmare?


    More than that, Aria never wanted her daughter to feel like everyone left her alone. "n" She cried with her pleading gaze on him.


    n really wished he could go and smack their daughter. Looking at Aria again going weak, he unwrapped his hand and let his wife go and cry with their daughter hoping that would be thest time their daughter will make Aria cry.


    Rian stood between n and Arsh beforementing, "You guys enjoyed Little Devil''s unwavering attention for nine years, don''t you? I am so excited now."


    n and Arsh: "..."


    Rian shrugged and turned to the mother and daughter. This time Aria wasn''t only the one to go towards Arna, but thetter ran over to Aria''s arms and wailed like a little girl who was lost in the crowd and finally found her parents.


    "I am right here. I am not leaving you alone. My baby is very strong and doesn''t cry. Everything going"


    Arna cut in the sobbing of her mother and stuttered as she sniffled, "No, I-I am not s-strong and Momma, even you are also crying."


    While the mother and daughter continued to console each other, everyone''s shoulder cked breathing a sigh of relief. Arsh looked at his father who finally let go of his biggest worry for nine years. He gave him a gentle push towards the twodies so that he could calm down both thedies.


    n took a breath before going towards the two while Arsh and Ivan nced at each other and chuckled. The risk was worth it.


    Then Ivan pointed to thedy next to Arsh before thetter saw Noor smiling and also crying, feeling emotional. Instead of coaxing her, Arsh smacked her head and shoved his handkerchief to her hand thinking to go to his mother.


    It wasn''t only Noor crying, Amelia was crying leaning on Rowan, and Roxy had tears in her eyes while she smiled. They had waited for nine years for it to happen.


    Speechless, Noor held the handkerchief and looked at the Arsh. She was more intrigued by Arsh who was dumbfounded. So she traced his line of sight to the mother and daughter to witness n separating the mother and daughter.


    All expected n to embrace two women and console but he pulled Aria away and scooped her to his arms and walked towards the living hall.


    Everyone: "..."


    Aria was totally wordless that her tears had stopped and looked at n in disbelief.


    Arna who lost her mother''s warmth thought her father was angry before she bawled, "Dad, that''s not fair." She stomped her legs on the ground at the unfairness.


    All chuckled remembering how little Snow and her father always fought for Aria''s attention and Arsh would take advantage of it.


    n paused before narrowing his eyes at Arna, "Unfair? Where were you for nine years?"


    Aria clutched his shoulder in horror about to cry her eyes out if Arna changes her mind runs away.


    Arna froze. Her father was right, she hurt them, especially her mother, so many times just to make her heart of stone and to make her mother hate her.


    What right does she have to return to her mother just because she felt insecure seeing them leave?

 Chapter 562: Your forgiveness

    Chapter 562: Your forgiveness


    Everyone knew n won''t let Arna have her way so easily. Aria was very soft-hearted for Arna so he has to be the one to punish her so that Arna wouldn''t take any of them for granted.


    Arna''s face fell, she trembled to step ahead but seeing her mother who was about to break down, she fought back her fears even though she felt childish, unreasonable, and at fault. Now she wants to convince everyone even if they throw her out.


    "Dad, doesn''t that mean Momma''s nine years arepletely reserved for me?" Arna rebutted.


    n was d Arna was determined to face them.


    Meanwhile, Rian peeked at Arsh''s unemotional face and gave a piece of advice, "You should forget about your mother and get married to the little girl."


    Arsh and Rooney: "..."


    They urately know Rian was saying it''s high time Arsh should take his rtionship seriously without keeping the little girl in dark. Anyway, Arsh shrugged and focused on the bantering father and daughter.


    Rushing up to her parents, Arna so wished she was strong enough to take her mother away from her father, she cried holding Aria''s arm, "Momma, see, Dad isn''t letting me be with you."


    Aria wanted to jump down from n''s arms but was afraid if she might strain him or break her own leg. She didn''t like that she wasn''t in her twenty. So she looked at n with her innocent puppy dog eyes.


    n: "..."


    As if one wasn''t less, Arna followed her mother and blinked at his father. Alternating his gaze, he hissed Arna, "You look ugly. Don''t infect my wife." He shrugged Arna''s hand off Aria and took her to the couch.


    Arna: "..."


    Rian who was passing by, ced a handkerchief on Arna''s hand proudly saying, "You can''tpete against my Little Devil."


    Arna: "..."


    Arsh shrugged his shoulder showing his eptance of n''s words while Rooney chuckled, whirling her around to go towards the living hall.


    Noor who was passing by paused, "Everyone waited for you, Sister Arna."


    Arna knows that, she faintly smiled looking at his father wiping her mother''s tear-stained face being as gentle as ever. She let out a light chuckle with tears trickling down on her cheeks when n scolded Aria seeing her eyes fill up.


    Noor pushed her front seeing her frozen and crying silently before she saw Arsh cuing her to take a seat as Arna would definitely apologize to all.


    Going in front of her parents, Arna deep bowed and none were surprised. She always included a bow to show her sincerity even when it wasn''t required.


    Aria was about to lift her but n coldlymanded before Arna could speak, "Kneel."


    Aria: "..."


    She didn''t want to go so hard on Arna who wasn''t a child but an adult. She wanted to take back n''s words but Arna followed her father''s order without any objection and kneeled on the floor.


    Aria''s words stuck in her throat looking at Arna''s remorseful eyes while Arna''s tears rolled down remembering the past nine years.


    "It wasn''t a mistake," Arna confessed, she didn''t do all those unknowingly. To escape from one or the other thing, she always chose the easiest way she could face. So it was definitely not a mistake. "It was my decision, my stupidity."


    Brushing away the tears from her backhand, Arna bit her lips and continued her words while sobbing, "I-I was frightened you two will be disappointed in me hearing I giarized Momma''s design to win in the contest. I was afraid if it leaks to all, everyone willugh at you, look down on you for having me as your daughter."


    Sniffling hard, she shook her head, "I am not saying this to make you guys feel bad for my situation. I probably don''t deserve your forgiveness. I ept I giarized Momma''s design, instead of letting you punish me, I troubled you all. I was ashamed and I didn''t know how to react so I chose to hide from you guys."


    Aria shifted to the edge of the couch and wiped her tears but Arna cried more and more, choking on her words whenever she tried to speak. Aria was in no better state, her face had turned bright red, tears rolling down nonstop.


    n pulled Aria to his arms letting Arna calm herself down while he tried to soothe his wife from the past. He also stopped Rooney from calming Arna who will cry more if they try tofort her right now.


    They knew most of the events happened that day hence they had repeatedly tried to reach her but she always pushed them away in a great panic that scared them back thinking she might do something to herself.


    n had thought Arna might me everything on Naira, not only him many thought the same excluding one, Aria. Because it is easier to earn forgiveness that way.


    Arna was stronger than what she even thinks, she might not have earned their forgiveness yet but she earned back the affection.


    Arna sniffled as she continued, "I assumed if I seed on my strength, I can return here forgetting I copied but it became harder. I swear, I didn''t really mean any of the words I said to Momma. I thought I wouldn''t feel guilty if Momma started to hate me but she always looked forward to me. I thought if-if I-I"


    She choked on her words and couldn''t make herself continue. Noor who grabbed a ss of water handed her as he rubbed her back kneeling on the floor next to her.


    Arna turned to Noor who had a faint smile. It wasn''t a smile unsuitable for the time, it was a calming, encouraging gesture to show her support.


    Arna''s tears slowly controlled looking at Noor and nced at Arsh who waspletely cool. Arna never felt like her mother excluding her mischievousness. But she found the traces of her mother''s gentleness, unconditional support, fathoming the situation in Noor.


    Arna tried to return the smile at Noor but failed. Rooney helped Noor to stand and made her sit on the couch while Arna faced her parents again.


    "Forgiveness is asked for mistakes so I could only ask to punish me until you can forgive me one day, I will wait till that. Please let me back, I don''t want to run anymore, please, please..." Then she broke down for N-th time.

 Chapter 563: Thank goodness

    Chapter 563: Thank goodness


    Hearing Arna, Amelia and Rowan breathed a sigh of relief. They were d everything is going to be fixed now without inharmony.


    Arsh asked when the silence enveloped, "Do you know what you are?" He always thought she was a smart woman, he long back knew she was fighting with her own built fears.


    Since she always tried to show him she hated Aria, Ivan chose to speak to her to get over her stupid assumption but she never was able to move on.


    Arna bit her lips as she epted, "A coward." A coward who chose to face everything than her own parents. Upon that she even tried to justify her actions ming their sess in their career, especially her mother.


    Aria enveloped her daughter in her arms, she didn''t want to cry anymore but to be strong for her daughter to get over the past and was happy seeing her finally willing to return home.


    However, a man was still angry. After sometime, he smacked Arna''s head and hissed, "Don''t hurt my wife''s knees."


    Aria: "..."


    She started to feel like her husband started being childish after knowing their daughter is finally back. She knows he is as happy as her and the other family members but hides it well beyond his cold face.


    Aria rubbed Arna''s head seeing her puff her cheeks at n. Arna stood up helping her mother to stand and left her on the couch beforeunching herself on her father.


    n pretended to shrug her off , eventually patted her back while Arna silently weeped.


    At the perfect odd time, Rian stomach grumbled which brought him out of the emotional situation, "You little brat... Cowardly brat, because of you we can''t even have dinner on time."


    All let out a little chuckle, the women wiped their tears, men breathed a sigh. Arna apologized to each one including Rooney and thanked Noor for being there at the Morgan mansion when she wasn''t.


    All epted her back to be with them but none said they forgave her. Arna was fine with that as she had troubled them more than an apology could heal.


    Her first punishment was announced by hungry Rian, "You brat, go to the kitchen and better make something delicious for all."


    Arna dly epted it as she was cooking for herself from the past 7 years. She was turning towards the kitchen when she remembered she left Ivan outside and the next second she ran out.


    All were confused while Arsh and Noor deduced. Aria followed her out in reflex holding n''s hand. They were still far off from the main door when they witnessed their daughter run over to hug Ivan.


    Aria and n turned to Arsh at same time and saw him slightly nod to whatever they were thinking. However the next movement, Arsh''s lips twitched uncontrobly hearing n.


    n''s arm wrapped around his wife''s shoulder saying, "You are far far better than this brat." He meant how his wife runs to his arms is bestpared to how Arna ran over Ivan.


    Noor looked outside and at Aria and n before asking in confusion, "Aren''t you guys angry? Aunt Aria, don''t parents usually object to their children''s choice?"


    Morgan members: "..."


    Amelia and Rowan who were going to their room turned around. Amelia patted Noor''s shoulder to get her attention, "The Morgans, prefer love marriage. The husband of mine, he didn''t touch me until I fell for him."


    Rowan: "..."


    Aria and Roxy giggled hearing Amelia. Thetter might be aged but she was still the same, outgoing and amazing.


    Amelia pointed to n and Aria, "He couldn''t wait to make mydy his and married right after she crossed twenty one."


    Well, the couple looked proud of it.


    Amelia pointed to Roxy and Rian, "My second brat, he was ready to walk the world reverse for his love."


    She meant Rian was ready to face the world without a marriage title just for Roxy whose parents had plowed a negative view of the marriage.


    Rian had a smug look while Roxy looked at her husband lovingly.


    Rowanpleted Amelia''s thoughts for Noor, "So what we mean is, choosing the life partner should be your choice because it''s you who is going to live with the person. Not us."


    Noor had whole admiration for the family, all could literally feel the stars twinkling in her eyes and around her.


    Rowan and Amelia soon left to their rooms to rest till the dinner is prepared.


    Noor who never thought about Love and rtionship started thinking if her parents will be the same as the Morgan family.


    Meanwhile, Ivan who had witnessed Arna confessing everything to her parents and apologize to all was relieved since things were settling well even if it''s toote.


    He didn''t enter the mansion to give them family time so he returned to the car dialing his mother''s number.


    As soon as the call was answered, "Is my dear soning home for dinner? What shall I cook for you?" The sweet doting voice sounded.


    Ivan smiled helplessly. Her mother loved to feed him well and then kick him to the gym to work out well. "Mom, I have exciting news for you."


    Eva seemed to pause before asking, "My goddess got her daughter back?"


    Ivan let out a chuckle, as much as Aria waited for Arna, The fourie wanted to get their Arrie back. So of course it was good news for the whole of the Fourie.


    He was really envious of these four friends, "Yes Mom, you are absolutely right. Is Dad over there?"


    Eva cheered on the other end and announced to him, "I will tell my hottie myself." And hung up the call forgetting about the dinner.


    He was shaking his head in resignation when he heard Arna''s voice, "Ivan..."


    He had just turned around, thedy tossed on him wrapping her arms on his shoulder, "Thank goodness, you are still here." Her relieved tone sounded.


    Bncing his footing, Ivan patted her back. He hadn''t expected her to remember him, it felt warm. He teased her instead, "Thank goodness, you got your brain back."


    Arna pouted before taking her head back to face him. Due to her hands around his neck and his hand on her back, their proximity between their faces was rather too close.


    Their warm breath brushed on their skin, lips parted trying to grasp some air but it made even worse to control their crave for the kiss.

 Chapter 564: Future father-in-law

    Chapter 564: Future father-inw


    Ivan was waiting for her to reconcile with her family. Now his wish waspleted and the reins that he had created for himself were broken so their position was making it more difficult to think of something else when she was right in his arms.


    Arna bit her lips hard and the pain kept her mind sane looking at his unemotional face staring right into her eyes. She didn''t want to do anything which would make him run away from her. So she controlled herself thinking she might freak him out.


    Sliding off his arms, she breathed out slowly to calm herself and her stupid heart which was excited to pester him every day to ept her proposal.


    Ivan was d she took a step back in time. He soonposed as if nothing happened just now. "Go, enjoy yourself with your family. I will see..."


    Arna shook her head as she quickly cut him off, "No, no, no..." Composing back to her bold mischief self, she flipped her hair back and crossed her arms, "Bro''s wife is inside, I am taking mine in."


    Then she hooked her arm around his and took him inside without seeing surprised Ivan. He couldn''t believe she couldpose herself so quickly.


    Taking his arm away, he stated in a matter-of-fact tone, "I am not your husband."


    Arna grabbed his wrist without letting him go, "Who said you are husband? You are my wife. If you want to be my husband, you have to marry me first."


    Ivan: "..."


    ''Bro''s wife is inside, I am taking mine in.'' He understood she meant it literally.


    He was yet to recover, he saw the Morgan family members watching them intently. Arna pulled him to the front right next to her and introduced him to all.


    "Meet my wife, Ivan Ross."


    Ivan looked at her in horror while the rest burst intoughter excluding n.


    Rian and Arna high-fived each other and the former eximed, "That''s like my girl."


    Arna smiled.


    Roxy nodded in eptance, "Don''t leave any stone unturned."


    Arna knew her family members were smart to understand Ivan hadn''t epted her and they will stand at her back to help her out.


    Her happiness was short-lived. Arsh added after Roxy, "Get married and leave from here."


    Arna and Ivann: "..."


    Rooney chuckled before hugging his sister. "I promise not to cry at your wedding."


    Arna: "..."


    Aria was smiling standing with n while nobody could guess what n was thinking.


    Ivan warily looked at n who was so cold and aloof that he felt his hair raise. ''You stupid Snow, your father will skin me alive.'' He gulped nervously.


    n''s deathly chilly voice sounded wiping off all the smiles from others, "In my study, now." Hismands were at Ivan.


    Aria innocently blinked at her husband but he patted her head like a pet before going towards the stairs.


    Ivan smacked Arna who scratched her head and went behind them hoping she didn''t create trouble for Ivan. Her father is only easily controlled by her mother and none can understand him better.


    n didn''t turn butmanded, "Go and cook, Snow."


    Arna froze.


    Rian who always took things humorously followed the two men upstairs. The chance of n, father of a daughter disliking every prospectus groom for his daughter is high.


    Arsh looked too calm to believe, Arna looked at her mother who hugged her to console her, "Remember, we don''t get anything easily."


    Arna hummed, "I will convince Dad. I hope Ivan doesn''t run away from here." Then she went towards the kitchen without noticing Rooney muttering to Arsh.


    "Bro, why do I feel like things are the exact opposite of what it looks?" Rooney probed.


    Arsh nced at his little brother before he smirked, "Don''t forget he is my father." He was very confident his father is the bigger version of him.


    Rooney took a few seconds to analyze Arsh''s words before heughed, "Sister Snow just came home and you two cunning father and son are trying to send her off."


    Noor who was looking upstairs sighed deeply. She was right, when ites to a daughter''s choice, fathers can never be at ease how much ever the man is outstanding.


    Noor went to the kitchen to help Arna while Roxy and Aria slumped on the couch.


    They had long back spoken with each other that they had to be mentally prepared to see their children get married. In fact, they were also ready to face if Arsh and Arna announce they are married.


    However, both still felt like their little ones grew up too fast. Since Aria knows Ivan very well, she was less bothered and was d Arna chose somebody who is close to the family so even if she gets married they don''t have to stay far.


    Meanwhile, upstairs in the study room. n was sitting on the head seat of the desk, Rian stood beside n asking Ivan to sit.


    n straight came to the point, "Do you like Snow?" His voice was grave as though he was ready to kick him out if the response to it is yes.


    Rian quickly added to frighten the young man, "Don''t you dare try to lie to us."


    Ivan: "..."


    He had no ns to lie to anybody. Arna never asked him if he loves her or likes her so she never got to know. Hearing ''like'' he corrected n.


    "I do love Snow." He epted. Even though he was expecting n to be angry and disturbed by it, he was sure n won''t be unreasonable.


    Rian shot his question right after the response without showing his excitement of Snow having her loved one right next to her. "Then why haven''t you epted it to Snow?" The most important question.


    Ivan nced at n before responding to Rian without losing hisposition. His father had taught him to be brave in every kind of situation however tricky it might be.


    His mentor, President Cooper aka Aria had taught him to be confident if he is right and there is no need to be afraid just because the opposition looks overbearing and threatening.


    He is a good student to start with, "Because I wanted Snow to return back to the family."


    Rian approved the groom and looked at n hoping he wasn''t going to make things difficult for Ivan.


    n blinked when the two sets of eyes rested on him followed by grave silence. Facing n head-on isn''t a piece of cake to anybody. Ivan knew he still needed lots of experience to face men like n. Anyway, he didn''t cower down.

 Chapter 565: A gentleman

    Chapter 565: A gentleman


    ''Waited for her to return to her family.'' n understood Ivan was in love with his daughter for a pretty long time but never confessed to waiting for Arna to return to them instead.


    Rian and Ivan were expecting the toughest task to being up when n finally moved his sealed lips, "She returned home, what are you waiting for? I married my wife when she was twenty-one."


    Ivan: "..."


    Rian controlled but broke him to heartughter. "My bro is the best." He eximed.


    Damn, why did he almost think n would go against the love marriage of his daughter?


    Probably because a problem was solved, he expected another one. Rian was finally happy thinking all little morgans got their significant other and all elders like their choices.


    Ivan couldn''t believe n was calling himte and disappointed in him that he was taking so much time.


    Ivan really wanted to tell n that he knew it took n nearly a month to confess to Aria but remembering it was just a month and he wasted so many years, he epted his future father-inw is too cool.


    On the surface, n looked like he was supporting his daughter''s choice but in reality, he was no different from Arsh. He wanted Snow to settle well and stop troubling his wife unnecessarily.


    He was also d Snow chose the man who is closely associated with Aria from his childhood. Now it''s time, he and his wife live peacefully.


    Ivan responded in determination, "Uncle n, I will let Snow spend time with you guys and handle her career. Then I will speak with her."


    n: "..."


    He knew what wasing up for a few days. Ugh, does he have to fight with his daughter for his wife? It looks like he has to.


    Rian shook his head in objection to Ivan, "Boy, you don''t know Morgans, we can''t stay in peace until we get our love back."


    He shrugged his shoulders as he moved towards the exit of the study room nning to trouble Arna in the kitchen just like how she used to confuse him when he used to cook.


    "You will have the real taste of it soon." Rian exited after patting Ivan''s shoulder.


    ''Real taste?'' Ivan felt like Rian wanted to scare him. He was at ease to understand Rian or n won''t tell about his feelings to Arna.


    Turning back to n, Ivan saw him stand up thinking something before turning his sharp gaze at him, almost making him shriek.


    "You guys can get married." He went towards the door but paused, "Avoid wedding if possible. I don''t want to see my wife cry." He walked away.


    Probably he is the only father who could think and speak that way.


    Ivan: "..."


    His jaws had dropped down looking at n''s back. He strongly felt he mistook something. ''Did Uncle speak with me for Snow or Aunt Aria?''


    ''And Wedding?'' He shook his head decisively. He was only getting married once in life, why will he miss giving the best wedding for Snow?


    Anyway, he smiled thinking of how n silently does things behind Aria''s back so that she can be happy without any sadness.


    Going downstairs, Ivan saw Aria coaxing n at the corner of the living hall next to the floor-to-ceiling windows. He was very sure n was pretending to be upset for his wife''s attention.


    Then he saw two brothers ying a video game against an online yer. The Older one just had a smirk and the younger one was excited as he remarked andughed. Those two were replicas of their fathers.


    He saw Roxy face-palming looking at her husband troubling Arna purposefully while Arna was speechless and Noor was giggling munching on something.


    Everything was perfect. He was sure his mother would be excited to see the Morgan mansion return to the same jovial air.


    Think of the devil and the devil appears.


    He saw his mother excitedly call, "My Goddess, where are you?" They were together till five in the evening and her mother reacts as though she hadn''t met her Goddess for years.


    Eva Miller, the wife of Isaac Ross, was a slender woman in her mid-forties but looked ten years less, thanks to her husband''s strict food habits and regr exercises.


    She was in a simple straight-cut knee-length dress that had a small belt around her waist. She had cut her hair to her shoulder-length to manage it easily.


    Behind her was the man who stole many girls'' hearts in his prime age and now gets the heart of women. Isaac Ross, stood tall behind his excited wife and shed a tiny smile at his friend to irritate him.


    ''Such troublesome.'' n thought. They had nned for the family evening until Arna decided to step back to the world where she had her home.


    Now, everything will go loud which he didn''t like but the rest enjoyed it.


    n went towards the mini parlour, Isaac too did the same while both looked at their wife who never had enough of each other.


    After a ss down, n tried to pull out the words from Isaac, "I got to know something."


    Isaac tilted his head while pouring the bourbon into n''s ss. He roughly guessed. "Ivan and Snow?" Isaac saw n squint his eyes ming him for never telling it. "It''s old news buddy." Isaac teased him.


    His eyesnded back on his wife, "Eva doesn''t know yet. She was really angry at Snow''s behavior with Arrie, so we two never dared to tell her."


    n shrugged, "She brought it on herself. Let her convince."


    Isaac smiled. He had expected n to get mad hearing Eva might reject the princess of the Morgan family but n is n, other than his wife, he always let the little ones face the trouble to be strong.


    He probed curiously, "Don''t you think you are trusting my son too easily?"


    n merely nced at him before taking a sip. His voice was dark, "Don''t forget who is your son''s mentor. One who can teach him can bring him to nothing at the flick of her fingers."


    Isaac: "..."


    Well, Isaac knows that. The age was just a number for this couple, they were scary as ever.


    n took another sip before adding casually, "That brat is still a gentleman. Unlike us."


    Isaac burst intoughter epting his words. They couldn''t believe his son had so much patience with Arna instead of just caring about himself.


    They could only hope Eva doesn''t make it tough for the couple as she was very angry at Arna and her behavior.

 Chapter 566: The rule of the competition

    Chapter 566: The rule of thepetition


    Arna wanted to cook alone for all as a punishment but Rian wasn''t only troubling her, it didn''t take too long to see all Fourie in the house and also Finn.


    With an apron tied around her, Arna bit her lips looking at the mini crowd in the living hall and her father''s super cold face.


    Noor awkwardlyughed adding, "I was excited so I called Dad and told him Sister Snow is back." Hence, Noah and Norah were there.


    Rooney coughed awkwardly and looked everywhere when n and Arna''s eyesid on him.


    A delicate girl in a floral short dress had her arms wrapped around Aria. She heard her boyfriend cough so she left Aria and cheerfully responded to their gaze.


    "I was squealing to Mom, Dad heard me and brought us all here." She got information from Rooney which everyone knew.


    Finn smacked Arna who was putting on a fake air with him for so long because she was afraid he would also try to convince her to speak to Aria.


    Arna pouted before hugging him and apologizing while Rose sighed looking at her daughter. Her daughter was like Finn. She doesn''t know to blush or be modest but went to Rooney and snatched his mobile to y the game he had paused.


    Jasmine Stanley aka Jazz, Finn, and Rose''s daughter who is studying hard to enter the top medical school. Most spoiled child in the Stanley family yet down to earth unless provoked.


    She had a delicate frame as Rose but a strong and bold personality like Finn. If not the Stanley mansion, she mostly grew up in the Morgan mansion. A girl who used to torture Rooney and hadplete freedom with Arsh.


    Arna cried after they had settled, "I can''t cook alone for so many."


    All burst intoughter before all youngsters went to the kitchen and coordinated under Ivan''s leadership to cook instead of asking maids by leaving all the elders to chit-chat.


    After the sumptuous meal, everyone was happy so none tried to know what exactly happened that caused the sensible Arna to take such a drastic step.


    They didn''t actually ask because of Noah and Norah as they knew Naira yed a major role behind Arna''s step. They didn''t want to make Noah and Norah ufortable due to their daughter.


    Once all returned to their ces, the Morgan family stayed in the living hall.


    Arna thought they were just resting until Amelia and Rowan went to their room. Aria nced at Arsh who nodded and went upstairs before Aria held Arna''s hand and asked.


    "Now, tell us, what happened that day? Both of our styles are different, why did you suddenly change your mind to use my design?"


    Arna nced at her father before looking at everyone''s gaze, "I-I wasn''t confident about my design."


    Rooney cut in before she could continue, "Sister Snow, after you left, Uncle Noah and Aunt Norah had apologized to all of us and said Sister Naira had supported your decision. But everyone knows that''s not theplete truth." They know it can''t be Arna''s decision but manipted as hers.


    Rian hummed, "We didn''t continue asking Naira because she tried to suicide crying she made a big mistake."


    Arna felt her heart drop to her stomach thinking her departure must have put too much pressure on Naira.


    Rian continued, "Everyone was afraid she would do something to herself so we don''t really know all the events."


    Roxy who heard her husband shook her head and hissed in annoyance, "Rian, stop hiding from her. Even if Naira is Snow''s friend, she has the right to know what really happened here."


    Rian patted Roxy''s hand. He didn''t want to clearly tell everything because he wanted to know what happened in the first ce.


    Arsh who returned downstairs ced a file on the side table next to the couch where n was sitting before he sat down.


    Looking at Arna all confused hearing Rian and Roxy, Arsh asked her, "Who was popr in the school when we were studying?"


    Arna promptly responded, "You, me, and Ivan." They weren''t only renowned because of their parents, they were exceptional in sports, culture, and studies.


    Arsh continued his question after the response, "If you aren''t there, who will get the attention from everyone?"


    Arna was about to say, ''Naira'' but realized the problem, "Naira was jealous of me?"


    None answered her but Arna understood the root cause. She knew Naira was the type to be jealous easily but she had thought since they were friends she won''t be jealous of her.


    Aria broke the weird silence that enveloped them, "Forget it now. Tell us what happened in the capital city duringpetition."


    Arna looked at all who were eager to know, she could guess they already had an idea but asked to confirm it from her.


    Taking a deep breath, she started narrating what had happened nine years back which she had never told anybody.


    ----


    Arna who grew up watching her mother design different kinds and styles of dresses for different asions, watching her walk the ramp for Luke Bake''s design, and seeing her designs appear on newspaper and news channels, was attracted to it.


    She was just eight when she had started sketching. She had started off by copying the simple designs. With her mother''s help, by the age of twelve, she had mastered sketching of the dresses and started using her imagination to make her own designs.


    Her family never discouraged her, they had helped her bring life to her sketch. She knew what she wanted to be looking at her own creations, A fashion designer.


    When her mother designed dresses for teenagers on her pester, Snow had walked the ramp and her fame hit the sky by one show.


    She also liked her new experience where she will give justice to an amazing and unique piece of the dress so another one added to her passion.


    Then she joined the ss to learn the making of dress from her sketch. Since she knew all the basics, she got the fashion designing degree by the age of sixteen giving her an ample chance to participate inpetitions.


    The rule of thepetition was, the designer has to get the model and thepetition wasn''t in the B city but in the capital.


    The contestants would be sent to a hotel where each one would get a room with all the required items. In 48 hours, they have to design and prepare the dress for their model.


    Arna wanted to take her mother as her model but the organizers and other opponents didn''t allow Aria because she was the infamous designer Alia. So to keep thepetition clear from any kind of suspicions, Arna had to choose a different model.


    That''s when Naira who was a little famous due to her singing wanted to be a model. None doubted her and she was a best friend of Arna so thetter was fine to take her as a model.


    Fine? No, Arna was too excited to take Naira as a model.

 Chapter 567: Arnas strength

    Chapter 567: Arna''s strength


    Aria and n always showed their support to their children in whatever they tried so it was inevitable they clear their schedule to go with Arna.


    Since only two were allowed to be in the audience section per contestant, other Morgans voluntarily stayed behind wishing the best for Arna.


    So Aria, n, Naira, and Arna set off to the capital with Nathan, n''s assistant.


    The hotel where thepetition was organized belonged to Morse so it wasn''t difficult for them to get three suites as the girls wanted a separate room.


    When thepetition rules were being told, Aria and n got to know only Naira was allowed to go in and out of Arna''s room with breakfast with necessary things for Arna in those two days. On the third day, the model will walk the ramp and designers will be out in the hall.


    Arna entered her specified room which had all the facilities needed with a camera installed. There was also a bedroom for her to rest but she wasn''t allowed to take anything inside.


    Arna went through the clothes arranged for her, there were many kinds of fabrics and colors. She started to visualize a few designs looking at the clothes she had selected before she picked one for herself.


    Since she always visualized before sketching, within four hours her sketch was ready and Naira visited her with lunch.


    "Oh my god, this is so beautiful. Am I really going to wear this?" Naira was excited while Snow was having lunch hurriedly toplete her work soon.


    Naira continued without waiting for a response, "Snow, would you be able toplete this by morning. This has so much handiwork."


    Arna hummed with food in her mouth. Naira had permission to stay for forty minutes so they spoke a lot before Arna started putting her sketch into the practical form on the mannequin provided to her.


    The organizers who were watching everything were amazed how a few of the contestants were amazing and quick.


    To put little pressure on the slow ones, they announced to all the designers with a letter, [Hello aspiring designers, it''s been twelve hours and 36 hours to go. At the 24th hour, we will send your models to your room to pick your design sketch to present it to the judging panel. So make sure to keep it ready in the morning and listen to our feedback on your design.


    The points earned in this round will be counted for thest round. So don''t forget to do your best. Good night.]


    Arna was least stressed about it. She worked till one in the night before going to the bed and woke up at six. She had worked for some time before she got breakfast.


    The most nervous in them was Naira and Arna had calmed her down before letting her go. Arna, who hadpleted most of the piece work, started assembling and stitching everything while waiting for Naira''s return.


    ....


    Naira took the main design sketch to the judging panel.


    She was literally trembling when she saw many other models were excited and happy after hearing the judges'' appreciation.


    For a moment, she felt like they were going to give their review to her design forgetting it''s Arna''s design.


    She had repeatedly wiped her sweaty hands passing the design file from one hand to another until she handed the file to the judges'' panel of 5 members.


    She stood there holding her breath ready to hear thements. A supermodel who checked the image eximed, "Oh my! I am really craving to be the model for this dress. Who is this designer?" The supermodel asked to pass the design to other members.


    Naira: "..."


    It slowly hit Naira that they were appreciating the designer who is Arna but not her.


    A senior designer who saw the design nodded in appreciation, "I am amazed how contrasting her design came out to her mother. This design is unique and outstanding so far."


    Simrly, all the judge panel were eagerly waiting to checkout Arna''s design on the ramp without noticing Naira who was nervous, was now jealous.


    She was jealous because none cared about her or her identity and Arna was stepping higher and higher.


    Due to jealousy and a sour mood, when she entered Arna''s room and saw Arna draping the dress on the mannequin, she forgot to breathe.


    The dress looked far better and breathtaking than in the sketch. A part of Naira''s heart was excited to try it on but another part dominated which was jealous of Arna''s sess.


    Arna turned around and asked, trying to hide her nervousness. "What did the judges say?... Why do you look... Sad? Did anything happen?"


    Naira, who saw the confidence of Arna shaking, didn''t tell the truth. Her jealousy won over her long-term friendship and bit her lips thinking what to do.


    Arna held Naira''s shoulders when a few tears rolled down her cheeks, "Naira, you are scaring me. Tell me what happened? It''s alright even if I am losing. Naira?"


    Naira burst into tears and hugged Arna before she could find out she was faking it, "All wereughing at me. I was so embarrassed. They said I will look like a clown if I wear this dress. I didn''t know what to say, how to defend you. I am sorry, I am such an ipetent friend. I am sorry..."


    She continued to babble out while Arna was frozen as a rock. She was expecting a critical critique but this was out of hand. She couldn''t believe her design was considered trash.


    Hearing Naira cry for her, Arna patted her back, "It''s alright. Forget it. I will work hard for next time and get better designs."


    Naira frowned, she wanted to break the confidence but Arna was too strong and epted the loss.


    She clenched her fist and continued as she sniffled thinking hard how she could make Arna lose and hurt her pride. Now her jealousy controlled her and ignored how she might hurt her best friend that way.


    "S-Snow, y-you shouldn''t lose. You should do something. T-they were taking your mother''s name saying you will tarnish their image. They were taking all the rubbish."


    Naira who knew Aria wasn''t only Arna''s strength but also a weakness cleanly used it on her.


    Arna shook her head and she held onto her faith and what her mother had told her, "Noo, Momma said my designs are unique and I don''t have to follow her. She told me to ept the loss just like winning."

 Chapter 568: Justify your actions

    Chapter 568: Justify your actions


    Naira frowned hearing strong-headed Arna. She wanted to break Arna but it wasn''t easy. Arna believes her parents too much so she knew she should indoctrinate Arna against her mother or weaken Arna.


    Naira decisively shook her head, "You don''t understand. You think your mother will hurt you by saying the truth. Our parents always encourage us to do everything we try."


    Arna wanted to retort trying to hold her level-headedness but Naira quickly blurted out without letting her speak, "R-Remember, when I had over-salted the fish, my and your mother still appreciated me. It''s just like that."


    Arna who was trying to take everything positively wavered. Tears rolled down her cheeks thinking she would affect her mother and others wouldugh at her because of her ipetency.


    Naira knew the nail she hit the point and she just needed to hammer it a few times to steady it.


    Naira continued to fake her sobs, "I-I heard those judges saying how could designer Alia''s daughter didn''t learn anything from her mother. She designs masterpieces and your designs are trash. Snow, how could theypare you and your mother? Because of your mother, they set such a high bar for you..."


    Arna didn''t really hear thetter part thinking if her designs were so pathetic. She looked at the gown she prepared, she liked it but suddenly felt she might be overconfident because she never lost.


    Even though she was ready to ept her loss, she didn''t expect that to affect her mother. She didn''t want anybody to look down on them.


    She sniffled as she cut in, "But it''s toote. I can''t do anything now. I will just apologize to mom."


    Naira: "..."


    Naira wanted to smack Arna''s head. She looked at the stunning dress behind Arna, since she was going to be a model, she thought to tamper with the dress. She decided to herself and sent Arna to wash her face before leaving from there.


    She was passing by a room when she heard the organizers giving a mouthful to a young designer who had giarized. She smartly picked a few words and understood the designer was disqualified then it was kept under wraps so that other designers don''t get demotivated.


    A terrible idea shed in her mind. She could only get the designed dress before she has to walk the ramp, if she tampers the dress there, everyone would doubt her.


    So disqualifying Arna seemed a better idea and rushed back to Arna''s room.


    Low spirited, Arna had huddled on the bed thinking about what to do when Naira pulled her up with determination.


    She started encouraging her to try her best with another design but Arna''s mood was already off.


    Pulling her out near the desk where many sheets, colored pencils, water paint were spread around with other stationery supplies.


    "Snow, you can do it. Think, think of something you liked. You can do it. You can''t give up. Had you designed anything before which might go well with the theme? Or you must have got inspired somewhere, try to recreate it..."


    She went on but she didn''t let Arna think. She messed Arna''s mind purposefully.


    Arna was just a teenager who wholeheartedly felt Naira as best friend and well-wisher so she thought Naira was helping her, encouraging her without a sliver line of doubt on her.


    Sitting on the chair, Arna held her head and tried to think of something she could design in eighteen hours and get the final product. She got a few ideas but none felt better than her first design and her confidence was already too low.


    Thinking of good ones, she tried to get inspiration from her mother''s thoughts and ideas, Naira exploded the bomb.


    "Arna, do you remember we saw a design on Aunt Aria''s tablest week? How about you use it? You can just cry and say that you lost motivation at thest minute. Your mother anyway won''t let anybody scold you or reveal it."


    Arna looked at Naira in horror, "Never, That''s Momma''s design." She knew giarism is a big offense in designing field.


    Naira said confidently, "I will ask Aunt and let you know." She said confidently and ran out of the room.


    Arna was trying her best to think of something but ended up trying to find faults in her design and made the dress look wless.


    But her confidence was too low.


    Naira who went to act as she went to ask Aria wasted time for about ten minutes and tried to return. But the organizers didn''t let her inside.


    When she finally got the chance it was at dinner time. Naira delivered the dinner and saw thepleted piece of the dress on the mannequin.


    She grounded her teeth and ignored the dress before lying to Arna, "Aunt Aria was disappointed but she is fine with you using her design."


    bbergasted, "But..." Arna tried to reason but Naira handed her the pencil to her hand instead of a spoon for the dinner.


    "No buts. Don''t disappoint your parents more. Design soon." She forced her to copy Aria''s design and stood there for an hour until the organizer called her out.


    Arna, who hadpleted the sketch, left her dress on the bed and stayed awake toplete the whole look of Aria''s design.


    In the morning, Naira still felt jealous of Arna for being so efficient. She had thought Arna wouldn''t be able toplete it, now it''spleted, she started doubting what if Aria doesn''t reveal to anybody that the design belongs to her.


    With that thought, she grabbed the gown and went to get ready asking Arna to get ready for the final show.


    Naira had just left, the supermodel from the judges'' panel who had loved Arna''s design went to Arna''s room and took Arna''s dress before speaking to her.


    "Ms. Morgan, you are young, making mistakes ismon but doing the mistake when you actually know you shouldn''t, no exnation will justify your actions." Then she stormed out.


    Naira and Arna had forgotten there was a camera in the living room of the suite where both had spoken.

 Chapter 569: The witch

    Chapter 569: The witch


    ''No exnation will justify your actions.'' Those words rang in her head before Arna ran out to search for Naira. Unfortunately, she didn''t find her anywhere.


    Having no idea the whole crew had their eyes on her, Arna checked and looked everywhere.


    The crew were smart to understand Arna was still against using her mother''s design and they also knew what Naira was upto.


    When a senior judge approached Arna to calm her down and exin to her that they were considering her first dress, Arna was panicked, she apologized and stressed that her design shouldn''t be showcased.


    "I am sorry, I know I made a mistake, I shouldn''t have done it. My dress... No that''s not my dress, it''s momma''s design, please stop Naira... Naira is my model, Please stop her from stepping on stage. I beg of you, please..."


    The whole time she didn''t let the senior designer speak and rushed away in search for Naira to stop her.


    In the meantime, Naira, who got ready in Aria''s design dress, heard the manager calling her to the side. She followed him and ended up in a room where a few judge panel members had dark expressions.


    She was yet to put on an act, a resounding pnded on her cheek. The tears trickled down her cheeks and was ready tosh out, her eyesnded on the supermodel who was in Arna''s dress.


    The dress was rearranged to fit her size and the dress looked amazing on the model that Naira failed to take off her gaze.


    Before she could recollect herself, another pnded on another side of her cheek and heard an announcement by an old man, "This girl is blocked from our field. Designing or being a model, she isn''t allowed to step in anywhere."


    One Naira wanted to be tarnished, got a title of innocent and victim and she became the witch. To avoid Naira creating some more problems for Arna, those judges had locked her in the room and the program started.


    Arna heard the emcee announce her design dress stepping on the ramp, Instead of checking it out, she ran away to the suite which was reserved by her parents and huddled in a corner and her thoughts ran wild thinking of every possibility.


    It took another half hour when she heard the door open, she heard Naira screaming and crying. So she stepped out of the bathroom to see Naira''s swollen cheeks.


    She again started crying assuming the judges caught their cheating, "I am sorry, I am sorry, I didn''t mean to do it. I left you alone to bear their wrath. I am sorry..."


    Naira didn''t reveal that Arna won thepetition and her father was taking the award on her behalf while Aria was searching for her in the whole hotel.


    Naira was afraid of getting caught to Arna and her parents, with that she was jealous that Arna won despite all the trouble she caused.


    "Snow, I am sorry, I lied to you. I hadn''t asked your mother permission because I was worried about you. Your mother- she hit me and searched for you. She is very furious. What are you going to do? You know your father never tolerates anything against your mother. They might throw you out of the house. What should we do? What are you going to do? Arsh will hate you. Ivan will never love you if he gets to know this. Nobody would like to be with you..."


    She went on with her long speech. She didn''t stop even when Arna paled white as sheet and was crying nonstop.


    They heard a knock on the door followed by Aria''s voice, "Naira, is Snow in there?"


    Naira was quick to catch Snow who wanted to rush to her mother. "What are you doing? If your mother can hit me like this, imagine what she will do to you. They will abandon you..."


    Indoctrinating the second time, she hid Arna in the bathroom and attended Aria and lied on her face. "Aunt Aria, Snow went to the mall Ziron, I came to change dress and go to her."


    Aria didn''t doubt her "This girl, shouldn''t she tell us?" Aria, who had run around everywhere was panting.


    n who heard it, hissed in annoyance holding his wife, "What''s wrong with Snow? Doesn''t she know we will be worried about her disappearance. Go with Nathan and bring her back."


    n took Aria away and Naira totally manipted n''s words to Arna, "I somehow managed as you aren''t here. Did you hear how angry your father was? "


    Arna sniffled as said, "Did Momma really hit you? She would never do that." Her mother never raised her hand even when she had thrown the knife at her brother and her mother got hurt instead.


    It was evident Arna didn''t really trust anything against her mother but Naira burst into tears, "Do you think I will lie to you? I was worried about you and you are doubting me."


    Naira should have been in entertainment industry, she easily fooled Arna, "Now my father will throw me out of the house. At least I can go to grandfather''s home, who do you have? Nobody will dare to go against your mother, do you think Uncle Finn will listen to you? He is more uptight than Aunt Aria. All will loathe you..."


    Naira made sure to sound that everyone will look down on Arna and she will be on the roads. She might have to live alone with maids or in the orphanage.


    "You- You were nning to go to the states for model training right? Why don''t you go there? Your parents will be proud that you will stand on your legs from a young age. Just run away from here, I will divert their attention..." She used the other way to send her away.


    Arna never lived alone and was frightened hearing her. "I-I am scared. Momma..."


    Naira, who heard Momma again, grabbed her arm and dragged her to the door, "Fine, if you want to ruin your own life and became nothing, so be it."


    Arna didn''t leave the room and cried, shrugging her hand off. "Will Momma forget this if I return after training?"


    Naira hid her cunning smirk, "Absolutely, if you achieve with your own strength, why will they be angry? They will think a mistake helped you be strong. Didn''t Uncle n always say the same? We have to make mistake, face problems and be strong learning by it."


    Arna lost her thinking capability and had the thoughts filled by Naira. Only Naira''s words repeated in her mind as she imagined her family walking away from her in disgust.

 Chapter 570: The biggest grudge

    Chapter 570: The biggest grudge


    n and Aria med themselves for not being quick to check on the security footage.


    That day, they didn''t know Arna was missing until Nathan became wary of Naira''s behavior in the mall while looking for Arna.


    By the time they got the footage of Arna leaving the hotel, hailing a taxi, and then leaving the country, it was toote.


    Aria and n had no time to worry about Naira or ask her what happened, so they had sent Nathan to leave her safe in the Woods mansion.


    Their bad luck, Aria and n didn''t get the immediate airtime or immediate flight to follow Arna.


    They werete by more than twenty hours and Arna was scared to her wits upon realizing what she had put herself into.


    Since n had called Vince Fang beforehand, he had picked Arna from the airport and be with Arna. Vince had seen Arna''s emotional state was at its worst and terribly unstable.


    Vince rmended them to leave her there as Aria and n having their sessful career and strong personality was pressuring Arna too much. And it was the truth.


    Afraid her parents won''t be the same as before, she tried to get away by saying every ridiculous thing.


    Aria and n didn''t know what Arna had gone through which caused her behavior to be so offensive.


    n being protective of his wife, once he heard his daughter badmouthing his wife, he wasn''t able to tolerate it for long and had taken his wife away while Vince had assured them about her safety.


    But Aria had repeatedly tried to get Arna back, listen to the problem but Arna always uttered there is only one problem and it''s her mother, her sess, and her personality.


    ---


    Once Snow had narrated everything whatever she knew, Aria too told her what actually happened in thepetition and how Naira had fooled her.


    Aria passed the award certificate and Arna''s design which had the seal ofpetition. "I am sorry, we should have checked in the suite and protected you well."


    Arna who was a crying mess didn''t care about the award, she threw herself on Aria and continued to cry.


    Everyone pitied her but didn''t forgive her. Because despite knowing she wasn''t doing right, Arna had repeated ming Aria.


    To avoid others giving her good talk, she was haughty making herself look as she was changed and she doesn''t care.


    If it wasn''t because of Aria, they would have really not treated her better but pped her across the face. Aria had repeatedly told them not to judge as they didn''t know the other side of the coin.


    They had thought it was just a mother''s heart that wasn''t ready to give up, but the mother''s heart was actually right.


    Roxy went up to Arna, while all thought she might calm down Arna, Roxy held Arna''s ear and pulled her away from Aria.


    "Little Mom..." Arna cried because Roxy wasn''t as gentle and soft as her mother treats her.


    Roxy said through her teeth, "I always wanted to beat you up." She nced at Rooney and announced, "Roo, get me something, fast."


    Arna: "..."


    Arna nced at her mother, her father had already pulled her to his arms.


    Aria shrugged, she held them for nine years, now they won''t listen to her, "Nine years, Sweetheart! They are holding a grudge for nine years."


    Arna: "..."


    Rooney who had leaped behind the couch checked many canes of Rowan and announced, "Mom, this looks sturdy."


    Arna was speechless when he was looking through the canes to choose one. She whined, "You little brat, are you also taking revenge on me?"


    Rooney passed the cane as he responded, "Sister Snow, I was just twelve when you left. I didn''t even know what to ask and why you weren''t with us. I should be the one to hold the biggest grudge."


    Arna again teared up in endless streams, Roxy''s heart softened at the sight and embraced her.


    Roxy wasn''t the type to behave and greet Arna as if nothing happened. Every time she used to see Arna, she wanted tosh out and teach her lesson but held back for Aria.


    Rian was rxed and nced at n. They were expecting Arna to me Naira but she didn''t. Naira had lied on their face saying Arna wanted to use Aria''s design when every one of them had seen the short video clip where Naira bbering nonstop to confuse Arna repeatedly.


    When they went to Naira to speak about it, Naira had started acting and cut her wrist right in front of them. The Morgan family knew Naira was prepared to put that action hence she was keeping the sharp razor with her.


    Having no heart to trouble another family, the Morgan family had silently endured for too long.


    After a long time, Arna again snuggled her mother as she asked, "Momma, Aunt Eva never got jealous of you, I thought friends won''t get jealous of each other."


    None answered her, Arna too knew it depends on personality. Yet, Arna didn''t seem to be angered at Naira which caused the rest to sigh.


    After a few minutes, Arna sat up straight and looked at Arsh, "Brother Nemo, you should get your wife soon. What if she faces problems?"


    Arsh propped his head on knuckles and looked away, "You bother about your own. Don''t forget, Aunt Eva adores Mom. You have big hurdles to pass. This is nothing."


    Arna pouted, she was worried about Noor. Hearing Eva, she knew she could convince her Uncle Hottie, persistence can move Ivan but Eva. She knew her future mother-inw won''t ept her so easily and Ivan won''t marry her if Eva is against it.


    "Momma, should I woo Ivan and then convince Eva? or both together?" She asked for help.


    Aria giggled and looked at Roxy. Both high-fived in the air and said in unison, "We have the best mother-inw in the world."


    n took Aria to their bedroom, Rianughed at Arna and took his wife upstairs. Two brothers shed a teasing smile and left.


    Arna: "..."


    She clenched her fist and encouraged herself, "You can do it."


    Then she asked aloud, "Momma, you didn''t answer me."


    Aria turned around and smiled at her daughter who was running up to her. She felt like her little, always excited, and enthusiastic daughter was back.


    Aria responded while Arna clutched her hand and walked upstairs with all, "If you want to marry soon, choose which takes less time." She meant to convince both together.


    Roxy continued, "If you want to date a few years, you can pester Ivan first and slowly butter Eva"


    Arna pecked on her mother and Roxy''s cheek before running ahead towards her room which was still intact, "You guys are the best."

 Chapter 571: Stubborn man

    Chapter 571: Stubborn man


    n was rxing in the bathtub with his wife who didn''t want to leave him by being happy for everything to be in ce.


    But soon his face darkened to a few shades when her happy chatter stopped and she eximed, "Snow doesn''t have her clothes here. I will give her a nightdress and arrange for her clothes."


    She was getting out hurriedly but her husband pulled her back without opening his eyes, "How dare you to leave me as soon you got our daughter?" His displeased voice sounded.


    Aria''s lips threatened to curl up but she controlled. Hooking her arms around his neck, she asked, "Do you know why Snow never dared to me anything on you?"


    n snorted hearing it. He did love his daughter a lot but not more than his wife. A lot of time, he was controlled by his wife else he would have pped her across the face.


    "Because you had spoiled her and she thought you were an easy target." His annoyed voice sounded.


    Aria chuckled as she shook her head and pecked on his lips causing him to open his eyes, "Because she knew well that I will kick her out if she dared to be rude with you. Whereas I will stop you from doing anything to her. Ask her if you want."


    n understood what she actually meant. his wife won''t tolerate anything against him, not even their own children. Because she loves him more than anybody.


    Her words melted her husband and let go of her on a condition, "Don''t you dare sleep in her room."


    Aarvi giggled while wrapping the bathrobe around, "I need my snuggly pillow, Mr. Husband." She nted a soft kiss on her possessive husband''s forehead before going out of the bathroom.


    Arna wasn''t a little girl to cuddle her mother to sleep.


    Aria, who quickly snuck in her nightdress and sheath, grabbed one of her nightdresses for Arna but paused.


    Arna wasn''t the same anymore, Aria didn''t know her likes and dislikes, holding the nightdress, Aria suddenly felt lost remembering her daughter saying she was old-fashioned even though she knew Arna didn''t really mean it.


    She was keeping the nightdress back thinking she should ask if Arna needed help when footsteps sounded.


    "Momma? Momma... Mo... Here you are..." Arna entered the cloakroom in a short bathrobe and barefooted.


    "Were you taking it for me?" Arna, who saw Aria already wearing the nightdress and holding another set in hand, took it and turned to the mirror.


    "Momma, I think our size is the same. Lemme quickly change." She said picking Aria''s new set of undergarments. She went further inside and quickly changed and came out.


    Aria was in a short silky strap nightdress with a delicatece sheath on her shoulder. She always chosefortableness so her nightdress style hadn''t changed much.


    She had taken out the nightdress which was a strapped top and shorts withce trim edges. Aria preferred that style if she had to step out in a nightdress with a sheath on.


    Arna ran out and excitedly stood in front of Aria, "Momma, see, I told you. I am stealing your clothes. She turned around and started picking the dress which was designed by Aria for herself.


    n, who entered inside wrapped in a bathrobe, saw his wife happy instead of sad or angry when their daughter was raiding her closet.


    His dummy wife was happy understanding their daughter still likes her style.


    Arna who picked a lot of clothes realized she took too much. What to do, she still loves her mother''s elegant ssy styles.


    She quickly kept everything back and went in front of the couple, "This will also be my closet." She announced making a serious face and saw her mother chuckle.


    "Sure, you can choose whichever you like." Aria caressed her cheek before pointing the lower drawer at the corner, "Pick a home slipper. Don''t catch a cold."


    Arna nced at her father before she teased him indirectly, "Momma, do you have that bunny ankle-length home slipper, I want it." Her father had a habit of getting his wife cute and warm winter home slippers so that she wouldn''t catch a cold.


    n''s face darkened, he went towards the drawer and picked the simplest, in home slipper and threw it at her legs, "Shoo..."


    Arna who was giggling with her mother was speechless hearing him shooing her away. She wanted to say, she wasn''t a puppy but their daughter but gave up. She was sure her father would still shoo her away.


    She tried another way wearing the home slippers, "Okay Dad, I will take Mom out, don''t pollute her eyes."


    ''Pollute?'' n squinted his eyes behind the two women. ''You wouldn''t have been born if I hadn''t polluted her eyes.''


    Could he say that to their daughter?


    Aria smacked their daughter, "Your husband doesn''t have a chance in front of mine." She scoffed pettily with her cheeks pink. ''My husband is still hot and sexy. Hmph.''


    Arna burst intoughter after stepping. Her parents are still so cute together.


    ....


    Arna climbed on their parents'' bed andid her head on her mother''sp. After hearing countless apologies, Aria pulled Arna''s head back from burying in her stomach.


    "Did our identities pressure you so much?"


    Arna thought for a second before nodding promptly, "It was motivating but when people used topare me and brother with you and Dad, I wanted to do my best. I want to be identified as Arna Morgan instead of Aria or n''s daughter. Was I wrong?"


    n who reached the bed responded, "No. You weren''t wrong. Having our own identity is good. But you thought to get it at your teenage which was too early." His voice was void of emotions.


    Leaving her mother, Arna shifted on her father''sp, "I missed you Dad."


    Aria looked at n whose expression softened before morphing back to aloofness. She knows he had missed Snow too but he won''t tell her.


    Stubborn man.

 Chapter 572: The truth

    Chapter 572: The truth


    n gently patted Arna''s head and changed the topic, "What are you nning about your career?"


    Arna suddenly sat up. She was thinking the same while showering. She wanted to ask their opinion, "Okay, I need your opinion. I am nning to terminate my contract from thepany by paying the contract termination fee." A few million wasn''t important to her but staying with her family.


    Aria and n hadn''t expected her to be so quick with her decision. They had thought she would take time but looks like she was more than eager to settle back with them.


    "I was thinking of making use of my identity to get into Morgan entertainment." She slowly sat back in case her father smacks her head for thinking of taking advantage of being a Morgan.


    But they were cool.


    Aria giggled seeing her in disbelief, "Snow, don''t forget who you are. You are not just Morgan, a supermodel."


    Arna smiled seeing her mother proud. Since her modeling career is set, she went to her designing studio, "I am nning to shift my studio headquarters under Skyline."


    Now the father and daughter eyed Aria who never gives lenience when ites to business. Just as they guessed, Aria sounded nonchnt, however she didn''t give any leeway, "Send the business proposal to thepany. As Skyline never ventured on High fashion line, you have a chance."


    Arna awkwardly smiled and shifted close to her father, "Your wife is still sexy and bossy." She muttered.


    n shrugged, "I know."


    Arna wanted to add, ''And you are the wife''s ve.'' Looking at his adoring gaze on his wife.


    After discussing the other rted things about her careers and stuff, n wanted to kick her out but Arna snuggled under the duvet next to her mother, "Good night, Dad."


    n: "..."


    n was ready to toss her out but the daughter of his wrapped herself around Aria. If he tries to toss her away, she will pull her mother out so he left after throwing a hard nce at his wife.


    He went to the couch to sleep when he saw Arsh standing by the door shaking his head looking at Arna who couldn''t afford to move away from Aria.


    His look said to n that Arna might be thinking of everything as a dream and afraid to see things change in the morning.


    He turned back to the twodies and saw Arna peeling her eyes open at Aria as if she was going to disappear, clutching her arm afraid to see her go away.


    ''How did she survive all these years?'' n thought. She looked like a terrified kitten.


    Arsh who was at the door was next to n without making even the slightest noise.


    If it wasn''t n, others would have freaked out, "Dad, if I was a girl and I would have really taken the other side of Mom." He teased his father and earned a death re.


    Just like how Arsh had entered without notice, he left making no sound.


    nid on the couch and dozed off finally releasing the worry he had for so many years. The first time he had a faint smile even though he felt void without his wife next to him.


    Aria started patting Arna''s arm just like in the past and chose a simple topic to speak to her when Arna kept staring at her.


    Snow, who was thinking everything might be one of her dreams again, soon dozed off hearing Aria''s mellow voice.


    Aria breathed a sigh once Arna went to deep slumber.


    If she had checked Naira and Arna''s room in the hotel, Arna wouldn''t have suffered so much. Aria too med herself for the events, feeling they were careless. She hoped she paid the price for it.


    Getting off the bed, she saw n sleeping with his arms crossed, without a nket. She fetched one from the closet thinking to cover him but paused.


    She loved her daughter more than anything, Nothing could measure. He was the man who never left her side in any kind of situation. And he never shows his real feelings to anybody but her whereas Arna will have her man soon.


    Aria snuggled her husband on the couch.


    n, who woke up to the movements, wrapped her in his arms while she pulled the nket on them.


    Ariained in a low voice, "The bed is sorge, why didn''t you cuddle me there?" Her voice trailed off with her yawn.


    n brushed the hair away from her little face, pulled her closer, tightening his arm, and kissed on her forehead, "I love you, my dummy wife."


    "My Love." She mumbled sleepily.


    After a really long time, both slept without any tension despite knowing it was time their children would face problems to get their love.


    ----


    In the morning, Aria and n woke up to see Arna sitting on the floor, resting her head on the couch.


    Both had no idea when Arn had left the bed and reached there.


    n tried to carry her to the bed but Arna woke up in a jerk saying, "Momma." The fear of not seeing her mother appeared in her eyes.


    n suggested when Aria soothed their daughter by hugging her, "Why don''t you two rest a little longer?"


    Without waiting for a response, he pulled twodies up and guided them to the bed, and sat by them until both dozed off.


    ----


    In the woods mansion,


    Naira woke up normally,pleted her morning gym workout, and reached the dining hall for breakfast knowing nothing about what happened yesterday evening.


    She heard Norah tell her grandparents that Arna returned to the Morgan family and apologized to everyone.


    Naira was shocked. ''Will Snow tell everything to her parents?'' She feared.


    She heard all breathing a sigh of relief because they still think Naira was the one who supported Arna''s decision without knowing Naira was the one who confused and encouraged Arna to leave the country.


    If they know the truth, Naira could imagine her parents'' reaction so she didn''t want the Morgan family to be on good terms with her family.


    Trying to think of a solution, she blurted out, "Arsh has motive against taking care of Noor."


    All froze looking at her.


    Naira saw her father''s face turn dark, she was assuming it was going as she was thinking but the four elders lowered their head and continued to eat,pletely ignoring her words, excluding Noor whose face fell.


    Noor somewhat felt sad because she felt like Naira will try to take her name with Arsh to make her father angry.


    Naira was utterly shocked. She didn''t want to give up, so she frantically said the truth, "I am not lying, Arsh loves Noor. He is a man after all, how could you let Noor hang around him? He has no job, wastes time all day..."

 Chapter 573: Obsession

    Chapter 573: Obsession


    Seeing the elders ignoring her words and continuing to have their breakfast, Naira felt like she was invisible to them and she spoke to the wall.


    At any cost, she wanted to keep the past secret so she frantically thought about the possible ways. That''s when it struck her, if Morgans and woods aren''t on good terms, then the Woods won''t listen to them.


    So what could break them apart?


    Naira''s eyesid on Noor and remembered Arsh. The only way she found to keep Morgans and Woods separated for now is by telling the truth.


    It wasn''t her truth but Arsh.


    Naira was well aware that Noah was very protective of Noor and he won''t tolerate it when he gets to know the man who was being a mentor actually had ulterior motives.


    So she blurted out in fluster. "I am not lying, Arsh loves Noor. He is a man after all, how could you let Noor hang around him?"


    She seeded in grabbing the attention of her parents and grandparents. Noor didn''t believe Naira, she was disappointed in her sister and lost her appetite.


    She stood up before Naira could continue her words, "Dad, I will go ahead." Her voice feebleced with sadness.


    She didn''t want to wait for a response and left the dining hall when Noah had two minds. One at his elder daughter and another at the younger one.


    Noor grabbed her bag that she had left in the living hall, received her car key fob from the maid who ran up to her, and handed it. And silently left.


    Naira looked front and back hoping Noah or her grandparents were going to stop Noor but nothing happened as she thought.


    Norah who was gravely silent who time waited for their younger daughter to leave so that the Warfield at home doesn''t affect her.


    "And?" Norah probed looking at Naira to spill out all the bitter words at once. She was tired of this elder daughter who Norah and her maternal family had spoiled her too much.


    Naira was stumped. It wasn''t going as she thought. Her grandparents were frowning hard and stopped eating. Noah''s face was dark but one couldn''t tell what was actually bothering him.


    Whereas anybody could easily see through Norah. Norah was suppressing her irritation.


    Naira''s agitation turned to cautiousness as she slowly uttered, watching their expression, "Arsh has no job, wastes time all day at home. But Noor had ambition, she had to be strong and take over dad''s position. Won''t Arsh be a distraction to her? What if he was doing it to live her off? I mean, he doesn''t need our money but he does nothing. He is just a waste..."


    Her words faded away at the end when Norah inhaled sharply. Her grandfather stood up and helped her grandmother to their room, disappointment was written in big words on their faces.


    Nheless, the three knew why the two left the hall, they wanted them to handle it without their pressure. In fact, they trusted their son and daughter-inw to handle it efficiently.


    Norah asked atst, "Are you happy now, Naira Wood?" Her voice left the emotions.


    Naira nced at Noah who sat totally unreactive to the matter. She looked back at her mother and stuttered without understanding why her mother was asking that question, "M-Mom?"


    Norah ignored her and looked behind, "Aunt Selena, please ask maids to take these all away quickly."


    An old housekeeper quickly responded to Norah, "Yes Madam." Then she called two maids. With them, three were quick to clean everything and all went away to give the three privacy.


    "Aren''t you happy yet? Your n is a sess. None of us will have a meal in peace. Pleasee home at lunchtime too. Let''s all starve." Her sarcastic voice sounded.


    Naira was annoyed at that. That wasn''t her n, "Mom," She hissed, "Could you focus on Noor''s life? Arsh will..."


    "Arsh what?" Norah spat at her daughter without holding back her anger.


    Naira was startled but the man next to Norah didn''t flinch or react to it. He sat there with his fingers clenched.


    Norah stood up as she continued, "You are obsessed over Arsh, just because you can''t get him, you are trying to nder him. What if he had epted you?"


    Naira realized they took it all wrong. Her n wasn''t to get Arsh.


    Norah continued, "Why didn''t you think of all those when you wanted to get him? He rejected you and now you are jealous of your little sister spending time with the Morgan family."


    ''Jealous?'' Naira was indeed jealous of her little sister who didn''t even know how much Arsh was doing and taking care of Noor behind her back.


    "Mom, that''s not the point." Naira was angry, jealous, and annoyed for her n ying back at her.


    This time Noah spoke as his hand grabbed his wife''s arm and pulled her to sit. Against how gently he made his wife sit, his voice was cold as ice, his face dark facing Naira.


    "Right, that''s not the point."


    Naira felt her blood turn cold. Her instincts told her her father was watching her behavior and guessed why she suddenly took the topic.


    Norah grabbed his arms. She didn''t want the two to stand against their daughter. Their elder daughter runs away to the Hanes family until all calms down.


    Noah patted his wife''s backhand before he stood up. He circled the dining table as he decided on each thing.


    "Do you know, Naira, who you have taken after?" He asked.


    Norah frowned. Naira wanted to flee. Her father would go any length to discipline her.


    "You took after yourte great grandfather, Jude Hanes. He had a greater tendency to act every odd way just to bury his mistakes and justify his actions."


    Norah''s breath twitched. Thinking back to Naira and her grandfather''s behavior, she felt them like mirror images.


    Naira doesn''t remember her great grandfather as they lost her when she was very young. Both families always avoided talking negatively about anybody so it was the first time she was hearing her father speak that way.

 Chapter 574: A small favor

    Chapter 574: A small favor


    Noah didn''t continue about Jude Hanes. He told it so that his wife won''t worry unnecessarily. He continued looking at Naira, "Keeping it apart, let''s talk about you. You are not jealous, you are scared. You are fear Snow and the Morgan family."


    Norah was confused while a cold sweat soaked Nair''s back.


    Noah added, "You are trying to sow discord between us and them."


    Naira''s heart thundered in her chest. She felt hard to breathe and eyelids heavy as though darkness was calling her.


    However before she could react more, Noah inly added, "Don''t even think of acting frail. I am not falling for it."


    Naira''s back stiffened. Norah witnessed Naira froze and focused on Noah.


    Naira realized her instinctively reaction to escape trouble is by being weak. Even if she doesn''t think of it, her body is used to her habits.


    Her heart still drummed but she didn''t feel dizzy or have a hard breath. Her face morphed to fear and her eyes filled up.


    Naira wasn''t so detail-oriented. After witnessing her elder daughter, her hands flew to her mouth before she med herself for not raising her well.


    Noah stood behind her rubbing her back to console her while their daughter watched the two.


    He continued, "Now thinking back, how many times have you ran away from here and hid in the Hanes mansion to avoid punishment?"


    Noah wanted tough at himself because, despite Arna doing so many things, he had witnessed the Morgan family still having trust in her and hope for her return.


    He had thought Arna was going to be a spoiled brat who will be unruly and uncontroble by her parents. But she had started behaving when she realized her behavior can hurt her own family.


    Noah had seen the extreme behavior of Arna in her childhood hence he had assumed Naira was just naughty. Thinking back, it was Naira who was always out of hand.


    A tear rolled down Naira''s cheek. She wanted to hide everything from her parents but forgot they are her parents. They could discern just by her behavior.


    "Thirty times?" Noah asked. "Forty times?" He wasn''t sure of the number of times either. Because Naira had run away from Woods mansion to the Hanes mansion for every possible trouble she was causing.


    "Naira, it was you who instigated Arna to leave the country. Don''t you?" Noah finally asked.


    Norah already had an idea of it as soon as Noah simplified everything, so it wasn''t surprising for her to hear him. Instead of remembering how Naira had lied to them, med Arna for putting her in trouble just because Arna wasn''t there to reveal the truth.


    Noah waste to hold his wife and Norah struck Naira on both of her cheeks. She was about to strike again, Noah held her. Naira wasn''t a kid who would reflect on her action for a p.


    Norah cried facing Noah, holding his hand, "I was so excited thinking my daughter will have friends unlike me. What did she do to herself? How are we going to face Morgans? Are we going to be indebted to them all over life?"


    Noah hugged his wife, understanding what she meant. If it wasn''t because of Aria standing up and facing Jude Hanes, they wouldn''t have got married.


    Morgans weren''t only there to support them unconditionally, their daughter caused worse nightmares for the whole family. Yet none were there at the door to question or scold them or their daughter.


    Naira tried to speak but burst into tears without one to tend to her. Noah didn''t want to leave his wife and parents alone so he stayed in the mansion to discuss how to handle it.


    Noah appointed a few top-notch bodyguards for Naira. It wasn''t for her safety but to keep her in ce. They won''t listen to her orders and all the freedom she got was staying at home or attending a shoot if not dropping by at the Morgan entertainment.


    Anyway, Naira just cried huddled in her bedroom. She didn''t want to face her parents so thought of going to her maternal grandparents anyway, she didn''t have any means to leave from there.


    At Wood''s headquarters,


    In Noah''s absence, Noor was super busy handling everything. Even though most of the people looked after her as a young woman, Noor was efficient in the work she does. If she doesn''t know, she wouldn''t mind asking them to know.


    Even though none looked down on her, she didn''t have the dominance between people who were more experienced and older than her.


    The young men aka employees who were interested in her got their chance to grab her attention and impress her. Some knew there is no heir but the heiresses to the woods, so they also tried to get her attention.


    Anyway, all Noor cared about was the work. Noah''s secretary was there to avoid people unnecessarily getting close to her. He always made sure to put other men at least one arm distance.


    "Uncle Sen, it''s alright. You don''t have to follow me around." Noor told Noah''s secretary when Noor was going on a surprise inspection.


    He was about to retort, he noticed Arsh standing in the hallway. Noor too noticed him, instead of going towards the elevator, she went towards Arsh with a faint smile.


    Arsh was there to meet Noah, he thought before Naira makes a fuss with his name, he should speak with Noah. He had no ns to disturb Noor at work since she already saw him, he walked up to her.


    Noor was in white crop sleeveless crop top match with blue and white high waist circr skirt. She wasn''t wearing a zer hence the fine gap of her slim waist made her waist look more slender.


    Walking on her heels, probably she had no idea she garners a lot of attention too. Before the two greeted each other, the secretary hurriedly spoke, "Young Master Morgan, you are here right on time. Could you please do me a small favor?"


    Arsh slightly nodded at him as he added, "Sure, Uncle Sen."


    Noor couldn''t believe the secretary was using Arsh to convince her to stay in the office.

 Chapter 575: A battle

    Chapter 575: A battle


    Out of what Noor expected, the secretary asked for Arsh''s help, "Noor is going on surprise inspection, I have urgent documents to look into and start the process. I can''t rest at ease leaving her alone."


    Noor: "..."


    ''Do I look so fragile?'' She really wanted to ask why she can''t go alone.


    Arsh agreed without a second thought. It was just a small walk in and around the hotel with the one he loves. Why will he turn it down?


    "I will make sure to send her back to you, safe and sound. Uncle Sen." Arsh responded after ncing at Noor who had no idea the problem that could arise walking around alone where numerous young men work.


    The secretary was left in relief after handing Noor to Arsh. He went back to work.


    Noor asked before Arsh, "How is Sister Snow? Did everything settle?"


    Arsh really doubts if she is really fond of him, or like him even a little. Because he always felt she loved his family only. And unsure if he was in it or not.


    He inly hummed in acknowledgment.


    Noor was quiet waiting for him to respond without knowing her patience always makes the man open his lips and speak more than usual.


    "Yeah, she won''t be going abroad unless it''s a show. She terminated her contract with her oldpany."


    Noor nodded at the young floor manager who seemed to be afraid for no reason, "What''s wrong? Are you alright...." She looked at the name tag before addressing, "Manager Jones."


    Little did she know the man behind her was the one oppressing the manager who didn''t dare to look at Noor. "Y-Yeah, Director Wood. I am perfectly fine, Thank you."


    Noor checked the log, circled at two as she mentioned, "What is this? I just came from an emergency exit. The lobby isn''t swept and you have mentioned it''s cleaned twice."


    The manager who had ticked it off hearing the cleaners say it pressed his handkerchief on the cold sweat of his forehead. If Arsh wasn''t there, he would have tried to lie and divert her attention but now, he could only bow and apologize.


    The man behind her was like a terror of hell, inflicting fear just by a nce standing behind Noor.


    Noor handled the floor before stepping into the elevator with Arsh. Her serious tone changed to exciting, "That''s really awesome. Aunt Aria must be really happy. I will meet her if I can leave work early."


    Arsh: "..."


    They continued to talk with her inspection going on while Arsh almost scared half of the young hotel staff while thedies, from sweepers to managers were awestruck at him. Except one, the one who was right beside him.


    After the inspection waspleted, he got to know Noah wasn''t there. He was thinking to leave, Noor offered, "Young Master Morgan, would you like to have lunch?" It was her lunchtime.


    She didn''t know many office staff was waiting to sit with her for lunch and praying for Arsh to leave.


    Pausing in his footsteps, Arsh turned around catching a few eyes on them before he epted, "Why not!"


    Noor who always had lunch with Noah was d she won''t sit alone for lunch. After a good meal, Arsh left the hotel still thinking why Noor lied to him about Naira.


    Catching Noor''s lies is very easy for him.


    ---


    At Skyline industries,


    Arna, who was busy handling the termination of her contract and discussion about the studios, convinced her modelingpany manager. Her manager was going to be employed under Morgan Entertainment but she would work in country S as most of her modeling shows would be there.


    She had a long meeting with her two assistants, who were responsible for the management of her studio. One assistant was going to be over there to manage that studio and another one was moving to country A to work next to her.


    They had yet to decide about the rest of the workers who Arna had employed.


    Right at lunchtime, she reached her mother''s office and caught her father''s gaze. She happily announced, "My lunch is with you guys. Shall I invite Ivan with us?"


    She had just finished, she turned around to the knocks on the door. Ivan entered the office holding a few files.


    "President Cooper, the delegates have boarded-" He noticed the two gazes on him.


    One n, who wanted to kick him out for bringing work at lunchtime. Another one was awestruck whereas the one he was there for, was busy with the file on the table.


    He continued his words as though he didn''t notice them, "- the ne. I have double-checked the documents. Please have a look if you need any more changes. CFO Levi will be dining with them tonight. I will entertain them for breakfast. If there is any change in your schedule, we can arrange it. Chairman Wurin is flexible with his schedule to meet you."


    Arna blinked at him the whole time and finally said, "Breathe Ivan, breathe." She was never so serious with her employees, nor even the boss of the entertainment industry she had signed.


    Ivan wasn''t nervous but excited for the project which both n and Aria could sense as they had worked with him for so long.


    Ivan faintly smiled at Arna, "Young Miss Morgan." He greeted her formally and sessfully left her speechless.


    Aria nced at n who stood up. nzily reached his wife who was up to no good. Her mind was thinking of a challenge to their son-inw so he voiced her thoughts.


    "There are some changes required." His words smoothly flowed in the air.


    Ivan was curious, Arna turned to her mother in horror. Just by her father''s voice, she could guess, Ivan had the tough battle ahead.


    ''But why? He didn''t ept me yet.'' She thought.


    "First and foremost, take her out." Obviously, he wanted his wife alone for their lunch.


    Aria, Arna, and Ivan: "..."


    Anyway, Ivan interjected, "I am sorry, President Morgan. I will have to take a check on it. I have a meeting in ten minutes."


    Arna: "..."


    Both of the important men are casting her away.


    Aria was proud of Ivan. Now it was a battle between father-inw and son-inw.


    Aria turned to n who had disappointment on his face, "I said away from my wife''s eyes." He meant Ivan can keep her with him in the meeting hall too.


    ''Shameless hubby/Dad/father-inw.'' They thought.

 Chapter 576: A blind date

    Chapter 576: A blind date


    Ivan chose to lose to his father-inw, "Sure, president Morgan. I will entertain your daughter while I manage my work."


    Arna itched to kick him in the legs but controlled. She just wanted to tease n, she thought to take Ivan out to tell him about her career n and pester him to date her.


    n went to the next point, "Sign the deal tomorrow. President Cooper will meet the Chairman Wurin for lunch."


    The project was major, Aria''s presence in the meeting was really important. Aria still wanted to take the risk because Ivan was going to be the husband of their daughter.


    n was expecting Ivan to weigh the pros and cons but Ivan lifted his head after a few seconds.


    Even though n looks after Morgan and Aria look after the Skyline, both were always updated about each other''s projects. It wasn''t the first time, n speaking for Aria and thetter''s silence meant that''s her decision too.


    "I will handle the meeting. Anything else, President Cooper, President Morgan?"


    Arna looked at her parents who hid their appreciation for Ivan. She quickly added, "I have one, Vice President Ross. Call them Mom and Dad." She knew he wasn''t going to address them in such a way, she just wanted to lighten the air.


    n held his wife''s hand and walked out without reacting. Ivan pursed his lips at thedy and walked out leaving her baffled.


    "Ivan Ross, how dare you..." Her voice faded when her eyesnded on a tall handsomely aged man. "Uncle Levi!"


    Levi turned around and was surprised. He first looked at Aria before smiling at Arna. "Snow..."


    Levi was transformed from Vice-president to Chief financial officer as Aarvi couldn''t keep checking the frauds in finance departments as it was easier with Levi around.


    Levi and Ivan served as the most important pirs in the organization. They were able to match up with Aria''s speed of work.


    Arna hugged Levi and also apologized to him as she had also ignored him a few times.


    Levi''s wife, Chelsea was a housewife and their son was serving the country in the military.


    Ditching Ivan in office to continue his work, Snow went out for lunch with Levi after sending her parents to eat. She knew she had to make up for her behavior and she was d they were giving her a chance to redeem.


    ----


    Evening, at Morgan mansion,


    After running around the city to a suitable studio and shop, Arna was tired. She chose to work herself so Aria or n who could have asked somebody to look into, just let her have her way.


    After changing tofortable home wear, all were sitting and talking waiting for dinner when they heard a maid announce Noor was there.


    Most of them checked the time, "Why was she at work sote?" Rooney voiced before waving his hand at her, calling her to the living hall.


    Noor smiled at all till her eyesnded on Arna, "Uncle Rian, I thought you will punish Sister Snow in the kitchen every day."


    All chuckled while Arna pouted and whinged to Arsh who was next to her, "Even your wife is in your party."


    Arsh knocked on her head but didn''t react much other than having his focus on the girl who went to his mother. Half of his family members had their eyes on him while his eyes on his mobile without his attention.


    Aria patted the ce next to her where Noor sat down, "Was there a lot of work?"


    Snow''s sweet voice sounded, "Dad wasn''t at work so a little more. I was going home when Mom called me to tell, she and Dad wereing here. So I came here too." Noon, she wanted to meet Aria but it waste when she got off work. She had thought to meet her some other time. Anyway, got the chance.


    Rian and Aria looked at each other before thetter smiled at Noor, "Then have dinner with us."


    Noor nodded and she went to the kitchen instead of telling the chefs about three more for dinner.


    By the time, she returned out, she saw Aria and Rian taking Noah and Norah to the backyard. Arna beckoned her, "Noor,e over."


    Amelia and Rowan were waiting to see what Arna was up to and how Arsh would react to it. Roxy and Rooney wanted Arna to make her speak everything about how Noor feels about Arsh. n behaved dumb and deaf.


    "Noor, do you have a crush on anybody?" Arna straight jumped to action.


    Noor gave a thought before shaking her head, "I got no time for it, I guess."


    Except for Arna, all nced at Arsh. Arna continued, "Did you like anybody who has asked you out?"


    Noor nced at all. She couldn''t understand why all were so focused on her. She promptly responded, "I don''t really remember who had asked me out."


    Everyone: "..."


    Amelia cued Arsh to go to her. He sat on the floor mat between his grandparents. Amelia mumbled to him, "Your wife is so unromantic."


    Arsh nced at his grandmother before throwing the line back, "Just like my grandfather."


    Rowan countered, "Are you saying you are romantic?"


    Arsh: "..."


    Amelia giggled and heard Arna''s next question, "Then have you ever thought about how you would like your man to be?"


    Noor wanted Aria over there. Only she could save from them. "Sister Snow, why are you asking all these?"


    Arna nonchntly shrugged, "To know about you."


    Noor pressed down her urge to ask Arsh for help. She shook her head, "I never thought about it."


    Rowan petted Arsh''s head, "You going to have a hard time."


    Amelia interjected, "No preference means the probability is very high."


    Arsh sat and heard his grandparents argue while Arna was speechless, Noor tried to get up but Rooney reached on time to sit next to her to keep her on the seat.


    "Since you have no preference, I have a few friends, would you like to date them?"


    Arna pped his leg as she added to her, "Actually I know many high-profile celebrities and others, They are amazing, how about I set a blind date for you?"


    The soft smile that was on Noor''s face, faded away. Her eyes darted to Arsh in the hopes of help whereas others thought Noor was also interested in Arsh.

 Chapter 577: Swear to the heavens

    Chapter 577: Swear to the heavens


    Arsh didn''t look like he had any ns to control his brother and sister so Noor vigorously shook her head and tried to get up but the brats pulled her back.


    They showed her the pictures of many men asking her for her opinion. Her face was flushed bright red as a tomato for seeing many half-naked top models and country S celebrities in Arna''s social media profile.


    Rooney felt a cold run down his spine. He saw his brother giving a death re for showing half-naked men to Noor. So he quickly pushed Snow''s mobile away.


    "Let''s forget them. Since Brother Ivan rejected Sister Snow, how about a date with him? Do you like him?" Rooney probed.


    Snow: "..."


    Despite knowing they were ying the little sweet sister-inw, she grounded her teeth, itching to punch her little brother.


    Noor was too quick to shake her head, "No, no. He is like an elder brother to me."


    An evil smile carved Arna and Rooney''s face. They didn''t notice Noah and Norah had entered the mansion with Aria and Rian and heard theirst lines.


    "Then how about my brother? He is dying single." finally, Arna asked.


    Arsh felt hard to maintain his aloofposure while all the eyes were on him at once, including Noor. He felt the footstepsing closure and had the intuition their day won''t end smoothly.


    A soft pink flush crept up Noor''s face. After hearing Naira in the morning, she hadn''t believed Naira''s words but while driving her car she had thought what if it was true.


    ''What if Arsh really loves me?'' That question had lingered in her mind for a few minutes.


    But she didn''t know the response to it. If she has to weigh him against many men, Arsh indeed was best among all of them. But that won''t make thempatible with each other.


    She didn''t know they would make a good pair, she never in dreams thought of her and Arsh as a couple so it was difficult for her toe to any conclusion with just that line.


    Arsh never touched her, looked at her with any other intention. He helped her when she asked, listened to her, and spent a pretty good time with him. That''s it, there was no action which she could feel he was doing out of affection.


    Now hearing the same thing in a question, she turned to Arsh who still sat as though they weren''t talking about him.


    ''How could Sister Naira think so?'' She dispersed her thoughts and looked at Arna and Rooney.


    "Why are you guys teasing me?" She didn''t answer the question because she didn''t have one.


    Aria who noticed Noah''s frowns was quick to interject, "Why are you two bullying my little girl?"


    She went up to them and pulled Noor away from two who were disappointed. Standing by Aria, Noorined to Aria to bully the other two, "Aunt Aria, these two were showing me shirtless men for a blind date."


    Arna and Rooney both looked at each other and at Noor''s parents. Both frantically tried to clear the air, "Aunt and Uncle, we were just kidding." Both added in unison, "We swear to the heavens."


    Noah and Norah weakly smiled at them. They were still apologetic but Aria and Rian had asked them to chill up, not to bring it up again.


    Noor was chuckling when Norah added, "Arrie, this younger daughter of mine isfortable and behaves like young here. That''s why I say, she is more of your daughter than mine."


    Norah was quick to ease up whereas Noah had a lot of things going on in his head.


    n and Arsh looked at each other many times due to Noah''s behavior. They knew it wasn''t because of Naira but Noor. Noah was too protective of Noor, if he gets to know that Arsh actually loves Noor, he won''t be a cool father and even ban Noor from stepping into the Morgan mansion.


    For Noah, probably none would be good enough to suit his younger daughter.


    .


    Both the families had dinner together and went to thewn with desserts and a fruit tter.


    Rian who had controlled himself from asking Noah wasn''t able to keep that question for too long. If Noor was their pride, Arsh was the Morgan family''s pride and honor.


    "Noah, what''s bothering you?" He asked.


    Rian had the idea everyone held their breaths excluding Norah and Noor who probably had no idea about it.


    Noah wanted to voice it but paused. After a really long time, he noticed he had the total attention of n and Arsh who most of the time behave indifferently.


    He changed his way of addressing the problem, "May I have a word with Brother n and" His gaze stopped at Arsh who nodded urately knowing he was going to take his name. "Arsh" That name faded away.


    n patted Aria''s hand when she clutched his arm tight, silently asking him should help Arsh as much as they could, to get Noor and convince Noah.


    Whereas Norah loves Arsh. Noor was Arsh''s responsibility to convince her, woo her and get an eptance.


    n pecked on Aria''s forehead, "Don''t worry. I will be back." He said in a low voice but still audible to all.


    Aria smiled at him before catching the eyes of her son who had the determination. She nodded at him as encouragement before turning to Noah.


    If her gaze was cheering Arsh, her gaze did the opposite to Noah even though it was warm without any threatening gaze.


    Anyway, Noah looked away and followed Arsh next to n. They didn''t go inside the mansion but aside, where other seating arrangements were there with less number of chairs.


    "Aunt Aria, Uncle Rian, what''s going on?" Noor asked because those two looked like they were aware of what was going on.


    Norah had seen Noah worried and in deep thought all day. She had thought it was because of what Naira did to Arna. Now she felt like there was something else.


    ''Arsh?'' She turned to Roxy who was absentmindedly munching the fruits, "Roxy, is it true what I am thinking?"


    Roxy turned to Norah, she found a Silverline of happiness in her eyes so Roxy smiled, "Yeah But I didn''t expect your husband to be dissatisfied with our Nemo."


    Norah was happy to know her younger daughter has somebody who loves her and also get the amazing Morgan family.


    However, she won''t leave her husband''s side so easily. Hence she stayed mum without responding.


    Now excluding Noor, all were aware of what was going on while Aria diverted Noor from that topic.


    Aria or anybody didn''t want to take away the special moment of Arsh''s confession to Noor.

 Chapter 578: Kidnap

    Chapter 578: Kidnap


    n sat on the three-seater while Noah and Arsh sat opposite each other on single-seaters.


    n didn''t start the conversation as it was probed by Noah. Arsh had to start as Noah was troubled by organizing his thoughts.


    If they weren''t Morgans, Arsh knew Noah wouldn''t even think but turn them down and take his daughter away. If it was Naira, Noah wouldn''t have worried too much.


    It was all because of Noor, who was special to her own family and the Morgan family too.


    "Uncle Noah, please feel free to voice your thoughts," Arsh said leisurely sitting on his chair.


    None could say whether he didn''t care about that conversation or it held no value or he was tense just like other young men facing their future fathers-inw.


    However one could guess. n knew Arsh was prepared for this conversation right after Naira confessed to him.


    Arsh was indeed nervous to know how Noah was going to handle it. He wasn''t nervous for himself but for Noor as Noah had the influence on Noor and Noor wouldn''t cross her father.


    Noah dispersed his thoughts and asked Arsh first, "Do you love my daughter?"


    Arsh was also straightforward as Noah, "Noor, yes. I do love your younger daughter." He made sure to specify the person too.


    Noah''s face slightly turned dark. For odd reasons, he wasn''t able to ept it. He turned to n and asked him next maintaining his moderate voice.


    "Brother n, did you know it?"


    n had easily epted Ivan to be his daughter''s husband, Ivan grew up in front of him. He was well aware of Ivan, his capabilities. And the Ross family wasn''t new to him. Hence he was able to rx.


    But the thought of a totally unknown man and family approaching his daughter makes him too defensive. Hence he could understand Noah''s worries even though Noah saw Arsh growing up.


    n didn''t lie, "From thirteen years."


    Initially, he had thought Arsh was just helping Noor until his wife had mentioned Arsh throws silly tantrums at little Noor who silently follows him.


    Arsh was his son, so n knew he liked Noor for a very long time.


    Noah was truly surprised because Arsh never behaved oddly with Noor, and when he had enquired her, she had mentioned that Arsh doesn''t even touch her and always maintains distance from her.


    ''Don''t men in love try to get too close with their women?'' That was amon thought.


    "Then why didn''t you confess to Noor?" It left his lips before Noah could realize it.


    Arsh still looked unperturbed and answered to the point, "Because Noor isn''t as smart as Mom to manage school, designing, work, and Love. My Dad was lucky there. I didn''t want to be any kind of trouble or distraction for Noor."


    Arsh didn''t want to mention their parents but it was easier to make Noah understand that way.


    n had proud calmness while Noah was speechless. Noah understood Arsh focuses on Noor''s requirements without her knowing else he would have confessed when Noor was in school just like n confessing to Arrie.


    Well, he also has to ept Noor wasn''t as smart as Aria. Noor has to work hard to be good at what she tries, whereas Aria works smart hence she has higher efficiency.


    Noah didn''t ask Arsh but n, "Brother n, what does Arsh do every day?"


    He meant the work. He was desperately trying to find a reason to stop Arsh as he couldn''t outright reject him.


    Arsh looked at his father, n yed with his phone before cing it on the center table.


    Noah was confused but picked it and was stunned. It wasn''t much, it was a picture of Arsh with Aria and n. He was stunned because Arsh was in military uniform and it wasn''t any low grade but upper grade.


    Anyway, remembering all Noor''s words about Arsh, he took time toe to the conclusion, "You work in the night hence you sleep in the day."


    "You are smart, Uncle Noah."


    Noah wanted to ask what kind of work and the difficulty level for life. He also wanted to point out that Arsh was too young in the pictures.


    Anyway, he framed the words in his way and stood up, "I don''t want a military man. I can''t risk my daughter''s life." He strode away.


    After a long time, the father and son chuckled together at the flustered Noah. Thetter was embarrassed. All turned to the captivatingughter of the two men.


    Aria didn''t stop Noah, nor gave him a hard time. He had the right to ept or reject unless it shouldn''t cross her bottom line.


    Aria kissed her son''s forehead before snuggling her husband, "So how was it?"


    n wrapped his arm around his wife, leaving the exnation to Arsh. "Mom, Uncle Noah feels burdened to us because of Naira. He wanted to reject me but he couldn''t find a proper reason for it."


    Aria slowly nodded and suggested, "I think you should let Noor know about your feelings. She won''t ept you easily."


    n added proudly, "Or your mother will help you kidnap her."


    Aria giggled and heard Arna''s voice, "Add me in."


    "Me too." Rooney joined.


    "And me." Roxy showed the fighting spirit.


    "I will be in the first line." Rian crossed his arms and took the responsibility.


    Arshughed at his family who were ready to do anything for his love.


    He actually needed nobody to kidnap Noor. He alone was enough to enter any fort to kidnap his princess away.


    Meanwhile, Noah had left with his wife and daughter without a proper goodbye to the Morgan family. Anyway, he was speechless when Noor waved at all and they reciprocated back.


    ....


    Neither Noah nor Norah took Arsh''s topic with Noor. They sent Noor to her bedroom before they went to their bedroom.


    Norah who exited the bathroom saw Noah rubbing his forehead, troubled too much thinking about Noor and Arsh.


    "Noah" She had just uttered the name, Noah sat straight and patted the bed in front of him to call her to sit for having a good talk.


    He wanted to make sure he wasn''t overreacting or being overprotective of their daughter. He wasn''t able to think calmly about it so needed his wife''s help.


    Norah knew Noah was worried, she went next to him and hugged him, "It''s alright. Don''t stress out, Noah."

 Chapter 579: Stubborn

    Chapter 579: Stubborn


    Noah''s shoulders cked in Norah''s embrace and weakly smiled when her hands gently massaged his scalp to calm him down.


    Over the years, one thing wasmon between them. They never stopped standing for each other even if they have different opinions on the same topic. They also took care of another one when they fall weak.


    Noah knew he wouldn''t have got anybody as understanding and rying as Norah.


    Rxed, if not for himself, he calmed down for Norah. He pulled her to sit in front of him and asked, "Did you know Arsh loves Noor?" He knew the response, yet he asked.


    Norah promptly responded, "I got to know when you took Arsh and Brother n aside."


    Seeing her very calm, Noah got to know Norah still likes Arsh even as Noor''spanion. Anyway, he asked her to know her opinion, "Are you willing to marry off our daughter? What do you think about them?"


    Norah held his hand between hers as she revealed, "Noah, as a daughter, I knew I will have to marry a man and go and live with him. And the same way, I know Naira and Noor will marry their love of life or somebody we arrange."


    She meant it''s not about her will, that''s the life of a woman.


    "If you are asking about Arsh, I am happy to know there is a young fine man who is loving and supporting Noor without disturbing her life. His whole family loves Noor as the daughter of the house, what else could I expect more?"


    Norah was really happy thinking Noor can get a loving husband and supporting family.


    Noah''s thoughts were still lingering around his daughters who would have to marry and leave them, "I have daughters only. Why should I send them away? I won''t." He dered.


    Norah chuckled lightly as she asked, "Are you going to bring your son-inws home or let our daughters be single all their life?"


    Noah gave it a thought. Will it be too much if he wants his daughters to be with them?


    At the same thought, he knew living single all their life isn''t easy. One should have apanion, else it is easier to feel lonely and life will feel annoyingly long.


    "We will arrange live-in son-inws. Arsh won''t leave his family." He found a reason to reject.


    Norah: "..."


    It was her first time witnessing Noah behaving like a stubborn child who wasn''t ready to let go of his favorite choctes.


    "What if those two doesn''t love our daughters but marries because of substance? Will you be able to forgive yourself?"


    Norah''s question left Noah even more messed up with his thoughts. He also wanted son-inws who would keep their daughters above everything and for that, he should get son-inws who is in love with their daughter.


    ''I can find somebody from the office...'' He was thinking but Norah''s words cut his thoughts off.


    Since, it''s about Noor, Norah asked pointing their younger daughter, "Are you thinking of getting somebody who likes Noor? Are you sure they won''t lie as they like Noor when they will behind her looks orpany?"


    Noah hissed in annoyance, "You are so pessimistic."


    Norah: "..."


    She agreed to him silently because after knowing Arsh loves Noor but he kept it to himself, never advancing towards her emotionally or physically.


    She knew they never could bring another man who could have so much patience, silently loving and taking care of their daughter.


    She mumbled a few words at the thought of missing Noor after her marriage, "If Noor marries Arsh, she will be right next to us."


    Noah looked at Norah feeling she was already missing their daughter, who was sleeping peacefully in her bedroom.


    Norah awkwardlyughed while saying, "Do you know? When Eva used to say they will steal Snow away for Ivan, I always used to think, will Arsh like Naira or Noor? Then we won''t have to worry about one of the daughters."


    Noah''s face was dark hearing Norah speaking her old wish.


    "Seeing Arsh teach Noor, I had thought he thinks of her like a little sister and he might like Nai" Norah gulped the rest of the words down her stomach.


    She awkwardly smiled and she quickly went under the duvet, "I think you should speak with Dad. Remember, Sister Kite had abruptly announced about their marriage." She meant learn from his father''s worries and he might could clear his thoughts. Then she pulled the duvet over her head.


    Noah breathed a long sigh. He wasn''t against Arsh, he was against marrying off their daughters to another house. If it was Naira, he probably wouldn''t have got so irrational as she was always rebeling and lived with her maternal grandparents for too long but Noor. He is too sensitive about her.


    He decided to speak with his parents and Noor. He pulled the duvet down Norah''s chin before seeing her sneakily look at him.


    Turning off the light, he slid under the duvet, and Norah rolled to his arms. "I know you will do best for our daughters. I will support you no matter what." She mumbled against his chest and snuggled to afortable position.


    Noah patted her gently. He asked after a long silence, "Am I overreacting?"


    Norah yawned sleepily and her groggy voice reached his ear, "No. I think it''smon in fathers. You need time to ept that our little girls are grown up."


    Noah thought about him and Norah. How he had to go around, then how Aria helped them to be together. He felt like he was being the same as Jude Hanes with the difference of Noor knowing nothing about Arsh.


    ''What if Noor doesn''t fall for Arsh? What if she sees him as a brother or just a mentor?...'' His thoughts were drifting off the way.


    Just then, Norah mumbled, "Arsh will definitely make Noor fall for him."


    Noah: "..."


    ''My wife is smart.'' He thought understanding she is heartily rooting for Noor to end up with Arsh and also to get the loving Morgan family.


    "Norah, am I being overprotective of Noor?" He asked her another question. He didn''t want to make his protectiveness suffocate Noor in any way.


    Norah barely hummed drifting off to deep slumber. Noah too soon dozed off with theplex thoughts in mind.


    ----


    In the morning,


    Noah was pacing in front of Noor''s bedroom. He wanted to make sure what Noor thinks of Arsh before speaking with his father.

 Chapter 580: An acceptance or a rejection

    Chapter 580: An eptance or a rejection


    Pacing in front of Noor''s room door, Noah didn''t notice when Norah reached him.


    She patted his shoulder startling him out of his thoughts. Controlling herself fromughing at his situation, "I am feeling like you are waiting for the exam results that you are expecting to flunk."


    Noah: "..."


    He knew she was amused at his behavior as he never really became tense for many things.


    He turned her around and gently pushed her towards the stairs adding, "Don''t disturb me." He somehow felt like he was going to lose in this exam and he also wanted his wife''s wishes to fulfill.


    Norah chuckled before she went downstairs ncing at Naira who went upstairs drinking her protein shake after the workout.


    Naira saw Noah knock on Noor''s bedroom door. Naira didn''t hear the response but Noah heard the soft sleepy voiceing from behind the door, "The door is open."


    Noah opened the door to see Noor leaning back on the headboard of the bed, gently rubbing her eyes, yawning wide.


    A smile appeared on Noor''s face. She extended her hands towards him, "Good morning, Dad" Her groggy voice had an excitement.


    The nerves of Noah settled down looking at her. He went ahead, and gave the morning hug to his daughter, "Good Morning, Noor. Did I wake you up?"


    Resting her chin on his shoulder, Noor yawned again with her eyes closed. She missed to see Naira at the room door. "No Dad..."


    Naira frowned looking at Noor. Thetter hardly put effort into maintaining her body, yet she had a lissom figure. Naira looked at herself, she had sweated in the gym for an hour, she had to be on diet to have a slender figure.


    She felt God was unfair to her in every way. Stomping her feet away, she didn''t realize Norah watched her reaction and sighed deeply.


    Norah didn''t want Naira to disturb Noah and Noor''s talk so she was just checking out when she noticed Naira pause at Noor''s room door.


    Norah always saw siblings celebrate and be happy for the other one. She couldn''t understand where exactly it went wrong that Naira nourished the jealousy in her.


    She wanted to know if there is a cure for jealousy other than continuing to love her and take care of her.


    Inside Noor''s bedroom, Noah asked if she wanted to go for another quick nap but Noor said she got a good sleep.


    Noor and Noah got their morning coffee to the bedroom before Noah came to the topic.


    "Noor..."


    Noor gulped her sip before responding, "Yes, Dad."


    Noah sighed internally. Even though he always tried to be a friend to his daughters, it was still hard for him to ask, "Do you have anybody you like?"


    Noor paused, hearing him. She understood where he was pointing at. She kept her coffee cup on the bedside table and looked at him.


    Her voice wasced with hurt, "Did Sister say anything again?"


    Noah shook his head in denial before Noor''s mood could worsen more. He kept his cup away, "Nope, I wanted to know. You can share it with us without fear."


    Noor rxed before she pretended to be thinking and started pulling her fingers out of her fist as though counting.


    Noah chuckled looking at her pathetic acting skills, "Alright alright, I understood. You would have told us if you had someone in mind."


    Noor chuckled with him before asking seriously, "Dad, is something bugging you?" She tried to think what could be troubling him, "Yesterday, Sister Snow and Rooney were just teasing me. Please don''t think too much about it."


    Noah watched his daughter who understood something was bugging him. In the same way, he also understands her to a good extent and he also knew Arsh understood her behavior thest day.


    "Then why did you stall the question Arna asked you yesterday?"


    Noah was right, Noor had skipped answering Arna''s question about Noor dating Arsh, whereas she was shaking her head or wording her rejection to the rest of the suggestions.


    And Noah was also right that Arsh had sensed Noor turning deaf ears when it came about him. Anyhow, Arsh was aware it wasn''t because Noor had fallen for him.


    Noor took time to know which question Noah was pointing at before it shed her, it''s about dating Arsh. She didn''t feel the necessity to hide it from her father.


    "Because I didn''t know what to say." She innocently told the truth.


    Noah''s eyebrows instinctively rose to ask her why she wasn''t sure. And it also made him aware Arsh had the chance.


    Noor pouted, chiding her own brain in her mind for creating a mess, "After sister Naira said Young Master Morgan loves me, it somehow confused me. If she is right, I should have felt it without words, right? But I never felt anything special."


    Noah: "..."


    Now sensing the minor details, he understood why Noor calls Ivan as Brother Ivan whereas Arsh never let her address him as Brother but ''Young master'' so that she doesn''t feel burdened by calling Arsh by the name.


    Somehow it reminded him of n when n was wooing his friend, Arrie and she had no idea either.


    Why do young women don''t see the small details? Noah thought as he nodded at Noor indicating he was listening to her.


    Noor had confusion written all over her face while revealing, "But when I asked myself what if it''s true and what am I going to do, I had no answer for it. Neither an eptance, nor a rejection."


    Noah hugged his naive little daughter. He patted her back thinking about how he felt hearing her. He wasn''t happy or sad. Instead, he felt like he should help her to find the one who could love his daughter unconditionally. He was fine even if it''s Arsh.


    He stood up and kissed the crown of her head as he added, "If you fall into a dilemma, you can always seek me or your mother for help."


    Noor hummed with a smile on her face. She was d to see Noah was rxed after speaking with her.


    ''Did Dad think I might be liking Young Master Morgan? Wait... Do I like Young Master Morgan?'' She felt a cold run down her spine just by the thought of it.

 Chapter 581: Unhappy

    Chapter 581: Unhappy


    Noor was pping her cheeks while thinking about the question ''Do I like young master Morgan?''


    Noah, who had turned around with his cup of coffee, looked back at her. His forefinger poked her head looking at her flushed cheeks.


    He wanted to ask what happened in just a few seconds that she was all pink. Anyway, he chose to give her time and added, "You can ask your Aunt Aria for help too."


    However close they might be, when it''s about love andplex feelings, he knew one won''t be veryfortable with their parents. And he is aware Aria could give thatfort and help Noor even if Noor falls for somebody else. Noah still had that trust in Aria.


    Noor giggled as she recalled what Aria had told her once, "Aunt Aria had said, she will dig out anybody I like even if she has to go against you."


    Noah: "..."


    Well, that''s what they had done to get Norah. So he didn''t doubt Aria won''t do that again for his daughter.


    Both father and daughterughed heartily thinking of Aria before they quickly got into their morning routine and went to the breakfast table.


    Norah noticed Noah was cool after speaking with Noor. Even though he didn''t look happy, he was rxed so she couldn''t stop herself from thinking Noor might think of Arsh as a brother.


    Poking his arm, "What happened?"


    Noah nced at his wife before letting her know, "I think I was just paranoid. If Arsh is capable of making Noor fall for him, so be it." At least he won''t have to worry about Arsh troubling his daughter as he will keep his actions in check.


    Norah was surprised to hear it. She had expected him to take many days while stopping Noor from meeting Arsh. Now she was curious what they spoke that changed Noah''s thoughts.


    Anyway, she was happy to get Noah back who supports love even if it''s their own daughter.


    Noor left to the office to reach on time as an employee of thepany whereas Noah stayed behind to speak with his parents. Naira was escorted by the bodyguards to her filming site.


    Noah saw his parents also excited and happy to know Arsh loves Noor and thetter was kept in the dark so that she could live freely without diversion.


    Anyway, no word went out of the house to the Morgan family. So everything depended on how Arsh was going to woo Noor and Noor''s decision.


    ---


    At Morgan mansion,


    Aria peeked at almost every nook and cranny in the mansion silently but didn''t find the one she was searching for.


    n who had sneakily watched over his wife was unsure if his wife turned dumb after getting their daughter back.


    Seeing her sulk while getting ready, he flicked on her head, "Call her. She is not a little girl to ask your permission before leaving the house."


    Snorting at her husband looking at his reflection in the mirror, Aria didn''t ept his words, "I am not expecting her to ask my permission." She turned around and pinched his nose, "Just a bye. Is that too much to expect?"


    n knew his wife wasn''t so sensitive with others but with him and Arna. She knew to giveplete independence to Arsh and Rooney also. Anyway, she never let n leave without a proper see-off. Simrly, she thought Arna might bid her even though the reason wasn''t important.


    n teased her to get her out of Arna''s thoughts. Pulling her to his embrace, he wrapped his arms around her waist. "That''s why I say, just think about your Love. Why do you care about somebody''s wife?"


    Aria chuckled, nodding her head vigorously, "Yes My Love. You never miss to live up to any of my expectations."


    Anyway, before he could start flirting, she gave him a heads up, "And if I lose my project, I will make sure to think very highly of you and trouble you more."


    n: "..."


    He really wanted to tell her that she also wanted to see Ivan taking up the lead of a major project. "Trust our future son-inw, Sweetheart. Trust him."


    Aria was smiling at n thinking of Ivan when both realized something and looked at each other in dumbfounded.


    Aria hit her forehead speaking both of their thoughts, "Snow definitely went to support Ivan. Is she thinking we are troubling him?"


    Then Aria found Arna''s message on her mobile.


    ----


    At SquareMax hotel,


    Arna rushed inside and reached the breakfast buffet right on time when Ivan was speaking with a middle-aged man who was with a young man and woman.


    She admired her man for a few seconds. In a business suit, he looked tall and lean but couldn''t tell he had trained his physique better than many male models who work with her.


    She had thought she might eventually get attracted to different men hearing Ivan''s rejection every time. Then she understood she had underestimated her own feelings for him.


    Now, she will have all the time to openly court him and get an eptance.


    Not toote, she snorted, noticing the young woman was ogling Ivan. It wasn''t a professional way to look at a vice President.


    She identified the middle-aged man as the president, the big group at the table as his team, and the young man as a secretary. But the youngdy was in more casual wear instead of formal.


    ''Is she a daughter of the president eyeing for Ivan? Mission save Ivan.'' She started her own mission and breathed, standing in a simple formal dress from her mother''s collection. It was stylish and trendy, yet gave off the professional look.


    Holding his breakfast te, Ivan was about to take a seat with the President when Ivan''s secretary ran up to him and whispered next to his ear. His simple formal smile ttened to a thin line before his secretary couldplete his words.


    cing his te down, Ivan turned towards another entry of the hotel and saw Arna walking towards him.


    "Excuse me for a minute, President. I will be back." Ivan excused himself and went towards Arna after his nod.


    Arna smiled brightly when Ivan left the business clients to meet her. Anyway, his words made her unhappy instantly.

 Chapter 582: A hidden devil

    Chapter 582: A hidden devil


    Arna smiled brightly when Ivan left the business clients to meet her. Anyway, his words made her unhappy instantly.


    "Snow, what are you doing here? Are you meeting any of your clients here?" He asked inly as he looked around for the potential clients.


    Hearing his voice that was trying to get rid of her, Arna puffed her cheeks. ''I was an idiot to think he will be surprised and happy.'' She thought.


    "I came for you."


    Ivan: "..."


    He nced back at the clients and looked at Arna. He saw her ready in business formal dress, "You- Did youe to help me get the project?" He was amused but held it in without showing it to her.


    Arna nodded. Even if she didn''t know anything about the project, she was versed in meeting numerous types of clients, she thought she could help him a little so that he won''t be troubled or pressured too much.


    She just wanted to show her support even if she had to just stand behind him.


    Ivan crossed his arms on his chest and watched her. Arna looked everywhere but his eyes. She didn''t want him to shoo her away by ring at her.


    He knew she wasn''t looking down on him but worried and came to be his strength. Still, "How are you going to help me?" He asked, breaking the silence without bothering about the gazes on them.


    The Skyline employees were already doubting Arna wooing Ivan and thetter might not like it. Anyway, none had the dream of getting her, they were hell afraid of Aria.


    Arna offered, "I can be your assistant."


    Ivan countered, "You know nothing about the project."


    Arna thought he was smart to know why she said as an assistant but she didn''t know Ivan was ying her to know if she could stick up with her decision.


    "But I know your preferences of coffee and food. I can get you that."


    Well, he didn''t expect that from her. He wanted to reject that too and see what else she woulde up with but didn''t.


    "Alright, how are you going to address me?" He didn''t know if their clients knew who she was. Since she decided to be his assistant, she has to be formal too as this meeting was very important.


    "Iv-" Arna remembered their business industries and her fashion industries are different. In her field, they call everyone by name but here it is important about the address and hierarchy irrespective of age. "Vice president Ross." Her tone sounded more like a tease.


    Ivan noticed her mischief smile sh away before she stood unfazed. He took a step closer to reach her ear, "And you are?" His voice was low and hypnotic.


    Arna''s lips gaped at his mesmerizing voice. She quickly darted her eyes around when he looked her in the eyes. She is totally aware she should behave like an assistant and he was trying to divert her before driving her away.


    "Assistant Mor..." She paused. Then she shook her head, "No, I can''t say as Morgan or Cooper, they don''t have to know my identity."


    A faint smile slipped off Ivan''s lips. That''s what he likes more about her. She doesn''t use her identity to make things better for him but supports him to face the problem.


    Arna suggested with a straight face, "Assistant Ross." She said in the sense of Mrs. Ross.


    Ivan almost choked on his spit hearing her. One who doesn''t know Arna''s identity could easily misunderstand her as a woman desperate to be his wife to climb up the socialdder.


    Digesting her words, he said indifferently, "Everyone will think of you as my sister then." Then he walked towards the table.


    Arna: "..."


    She hadn''t thought of it. She frantically tried to clear it as she followed him a little behind, "Just call as Assistant... Vice President Ross."


    Arna quickly went to grab some breakfast and sat next to Ivan. She awkwardly smiled when Ivan introduced her as hiszy yet smart assistant who iste to reach.


    "She doesn''t seem like an assistant. Vice President Ross, your assistant carries herself nobly." The client doubted how an assistant could be so calm andposed facing them and while eating making almost no noise.


    Ivan faintly smiled to brush off the topic about Arna. He didn''t like the foreign men peeking at her frequently with odd gazes. Arna tried her best to look like a subordinate and cken her posture.


    ----


    Well, she was soon bored but didn''t show. They moved to the conference room in the hotel and the meeting went on.


    She could easily understand many things they discussed in the meeting as she used to visit her father and mother at work when she was a teenager.


    The long meeting finally ended with Arna admiring Ivan the whole time other than handing him water or coffee his eyes would look for it. She could see how much he was influenced by his mother. Adding with his attitude and intelligence, he was too good.


    When everything ended, Ivan turned to the President to know if he was going to sign, or had any doubts or requirements. Arna crossed her fingers hoping nothing hinders the signing process. She wanted her parents to be proud of Ivan.


    The middle-aged man finally spoke, "Vice President Ross, how about we continue the meeting after a break?"


    The Skyline employees looked at each other. More than Skyline, those clients need them. Skyline carried out everything formally but seeing the audacity of the clients, they really wished Aria was the one handling the meeting. Her indifferent smile was all needed to show the ce of those clients.


    They looked at Ivan thinking he might cue them to leave the hall with him. Anyway, he leaned back on the chair, his legs crossed. Instead of leaving, he pointed to the door for the clients to leave.


    He gave the ultimatum with his voice cold and gaze sharp, "You have ten minutes." He meant at the eleventh minute, even if the clients want, they will lose the chance.


    The President''s face darkened.


    The Skyline employees silently sniggered in their minds looking at the clients. Their gazes were enough to show their support to their Vice President.


    ''Did they think Ivan was easy to bully just because he wasn''t cold? Tsk, tsk.'' Arna thought.


    Ivan was like his father. He won''t be cold and overbearing unless he should be. ''He is a hidden devil.''

 Chapter 583: A marriage proposal

    Chapter 583: A marriage proposal


    The clients were a bit shocked. They had heard it was Aria who is cold and ruthless whereas Vice-presidents just follow her around.


    Now they understood, he was just standing behind Aria as she was the lead and this man was not easy just because he appears easy-going.


    They tried to take the upper hand against him as he was just a vice president. Even though they needed Skyline, their project is huge with billions worth of ie to Skyline.


    Anyway, their words drowned in their throat when they saw Ivan''s indifference had the warning.


    Having no choice, the clients who expected Ivan to look worried, walked out with their tails between their legs.


    Ivan looked at their team who was pissed off due to the client''s behavior. First, the clients created nuisance without seeing Aria, Ivan handled them. Now they wanted to stall time till Ariaes for lunch ores in person. ''In their dreams.'' They thought.


    Ivan was about to send them home and give them a paid leave but, a manager spoke, "Vice President Ross, I think clients don''t just want the project but also Young Master Morgan. A marriage deal, hence he brought his daughter."


    Pfft.


    Arna controlled but chuckled. She understood why the daughter was asking nonsense questions just to show she is the sole heiress of theirpany. "Then they should pray they didn''t speak it in front of Mom. Mom would have sent them off with a smile while they would leave with tears."


    The employeesughed with her for the client''s foolishness. If Aria was that easy, Skyline wouldn''t have grown wide and spread.


    Ivan had guessed it long back. He was talking with the President when he saw thedy surfing about Arsh over the inte whileining to her father in theirnguage that there is not much information or a clear picture of Arsh Morgan.


    Too bad Ivan knew theirnguage.


    But as soon as her eyesnded on him, she blushed and sat next to her father stealing nces at him. He would have loved it if she was Arna.


    Before he could breathe, Arna asked the employees, "By the way, may I ask you all something?"


    "Sure, please, Young madam." A few answered in unison and all became ears to hear her.


    Ivan noticed her mischief glint when she got everyone''s attention. He was quick to cover her mouth before she could speak a word. He tried to brush off the topic., "It''s nothing, please ignore her."


    Arna''s swivel chair had moved closer to Ivan when he covered her lips. With her struggling to move his hands away, she scratched his backhand. The manager probed, "Young Madam, is it about you liking our Vice President?"


    Ivan: "..."


    He had forgotten their employees are super smart.


    Arna nodded vigorously and bit Ivan''s hand to get off his hold, "What do you guys think? Will you all help me get your vice President?"


    Ivan pinched his nose bridge. Arna could bring the whole world to convince him as she was going to live in the city.


    The middle-aged manager promptly responded, "You two would make a great pair. You are beautiful and talented. The Vice President is intelligent and smart. Of course, we will help you and root for you two."


    Simrly, all added their opinions, Arna was propping her head looking at Ivan listening to them. She spoke atst, "Thank you for all your blessings."


    She smiled at Ivan, "See, everyone knows we make the best pair. Ivan Ross, do I have to wait till our hair turns grey?"


    Ivan red at Arna who made the meeting hall into a romantic drama scene. Earning no response, Arna continued, "If yes, I will paint our hair grey today."


    Ivan: "..."


    All broke in heartyughter.


    Everyone''s mood had lightened, thanks to Arna but she still didn''t get a response from Ivan. ''This is just the second day. There are many days toe.'' She thought without discouraging herself.


    The only hope she was holding on to was, Ivan wasn''t in love with a different woman. That would have probably broken her down. But it never crossed her mind why Ivan still hangs out with her despite knowing her feelings for him.


    It wasn''t even ten minutes when the client returned inside with his daughter without his subordinates. The difference was thedy wasn''t daring to face Ivan, blushing profusely. Arna wanted to snap her head seeing her blush due to Ivan.


    They took a seat and the chairman asked Ivan in a polite voice, "Vice President Ross, please send your team and assistants out. I have important matters to discuss with you."


    Arna felt rmed due to his words and thedy. She shot a hard nce at the employees who also understood something wasn''t going right.


    The manager spoke on behalf of the employees, "Vice President Ross, if you don''t mind, we would like to stay and know the result as this is the project we worked so hard for many days."


    Ivan wasn''t going to send them anyway. He nced at Arna who was in defense mode and nodded at the manager before turning to the client, "My team will stay with me. Speak." He left the honorifics because he was suspicious too.


    The client''s gaze was hard on Ivan while suppressing his irritation before he cooled down when he felt a tug of his zer.


    He had nned to marry off his daughter to Arsh Morgan so that Skyline and hispany can globally grow and he doesn''t have to worry about hispany after he dies.


    But his daughter got a crush on Ivan at first sight. Even though she said she fell in love at first sight, he won''t call that love.


    After a piece of quick information he got on Ivan Ross, He thought of getting a live-in son-inw to look after his business.


    "I have an offer for you. A marriage proposal for you, Vice President Ross. If you agree, you will be president of mypany overnight. What do you think? How is the offer?" He didn''t have time to let his daughter court Ivan and thought money would do the wonders.


    Employees: "..."


    Arna was barely holding on to herself.


    Ivan: "..."

 Chapter 584: A matrimonial company

    Chapter 584: A matrimonialpany


    If Ivan wasn''t Arsh''s friend, he would have definitely given that woman a picture of Arsh from Aria or Arna or Rooney''s social media ounts. So that she could fall for him.


    Ivan nced at Arna when she took a deep breath forcing herself to remain calm cursing the old man in her mind. Ivan provoked her by taking the client''s words, "My dear assistant, what do you think? How is the offer? Should I ept it?"


    He turned to thedy who was blushing without understanding why Ivan asked the question to an assistant. Her father''s face was dark hearing him ask a mere assistant.


    Ivan continued, "Thedy is... Okay, she is beautiful." He hummed as he shifted his gaze back to Arna.


    Arna gritted her teeth hearing Ivan. She pped her hands on the table as she stood up. ring at the old man, she said through her teeth "Excuse me, sir, you are here for a business deal. The Vice President isn''t included in it."


    The employees controlled their chuckle understanding Ivan likes Arna too but the man wasn''t speaking it out.


    The client frowned at Arna. Thedy snorted, "How dare a mere assistant speak in front of us!? I see the Vice President has given you too much leniency."


    None had noticed the door ajar a few seconds back. The Skyline employees stood up when the door opened. Ivan nced at the door and stood up while Arna sat down grumpily.


    Ady in smart business formal sauntered in with a cold expression on her beautiful face. She nodded at her the rest to take a seat.


    The client''s eyes widened, he couldn''t believe Aria Cooper, still looked so young and beautiful. It was like time had stopped for her. He stood up hastily with a polite, forced smile.


    His daughter red at the woman who got Ivan''s attention and also a smile. "Who is she now?" She hissed in irritation thinking of Aria as another beautiful assistant of Ivan.


    Ivan pulled his chair for Aria and stood behind her. Arna proudly answered the question for thedy, "My Mom." She stuck her tongue out at thedy.


    ''Mom?'' Thedy looked at Arna and Aria, they looked like sisters.


    A smile threatened to appear on Ivan''s face looking at Arna but he controlled.


    The client: "..."


    ''Why the hell did President Cooper''s daughter calling herself an assistant?'' He thought and nced at Ivan whose eyes had a hint of affection looking at Arna.


    Remembering how protective Arna was about Ivan, ''Did I dig my grave?'' He thought.


    He snapped out and focused on Aria, "Pre-President Cooper, I am d you could take your time out to attend the meeting." He was gracious despite Aria being younger than him.


    "Meeting!?" She sneered. Her voice was dipped in the frosty air that froze the client from sitting.


    "Why don''t I know I have opened a matrimonialpany?" She asked with a lift of her eyebrow. She didn''t look fierce, she wasn''t shouting but the effect of her presence and words had even shut the glib mouth of thedy.


    Meanwhile, Ivan was forced to sit in Arna''s seat. He didn''t want to create a scene so he sat down while Arna went next to her mother.


    Arna desperately wanted to add, even if they open a matrimonialpany or website, there won''t be Ivan on the list of prospective grooms. Anyway, she controlled because her mother was revolted by thepany and their behavior at the project finalization meeting.


    The cold sweat beads rolled on the client''s face. He knew Aria was tough but over time, he had expected to see an old-aged woman nearing her fifties. So he thought he could convince her to hold the project and get the rtionship.


    Who wouldn''t like to get more profit? Right?


    Wrong. Aria did care about thepany''s profit but not more than her morals and principles.


    "Did my team address you about the qualities, characters, talents, and eligibility of Vice President Ross in a three-hour presentation?" Aria''s cold voice rang in the room. Even her employees held their breath. They know Aria was clearly annoyed at the conduct of the clients.


    The client coughed awkwardly, looking at Aria. "President Cooper, it''s not..." He froze.


    He saw Aria scribbling on the contract papers in big words instead of signing, [Rejected]


    She threw it in front of the client, "Pay the project cancetion fee."


    Arna smiled in triumph. Her mother never deals with anything that causes loss at any stage of the project. She could guess that Aria signed a project initiation paper with tons of uses as soon as her team started working on the project.


    So the clients have to pay the employees'' sries and resources of Skyline used for the project. Arna knew, even if she wanted, she could never beat her mother in the business.


    Aria continued, "If you want to offer a marriage proposal andpany to Vice President Ross, keep it outside of mypany business."


    Arna: "..."


    ''Momma,'' Her whine was at the tip of her tongue but she controlled it and sulked.


    The client was flustered. It wasn''t that there were nopanies but he wanted the services of Skyline which was top notch and he doesn''t have to worry about the work in the meantime.


    "President Cooper, I am sorry about what happened before. Could you please reconsider the project?" This was the reason he wanted to speak privately with Ivan but the employees stayed behind and ruined everything.


    Aria smirked, "Why should I?"


    The employees hated the client but it was also the truth the profit and global fame were high with the project so they still hoped their hard work pays off. Anyway, everything was depending on the client''s response now.


    The client racked his brain toe up with a response that could satisfy Aria. He could pick profit as a response but Skyline wasn''tcking in projects. She doesn''t care about how big the oppositepany is, all she cares about is her ownpany. Importantly, who knew Aria was going to be even ruthless after so many years.


    He stammered as it was the only response he coulde up with in such a short time, "F-for your team members. Your team had worked hard on it for over three months."


    The employees internally sighed hearing no-nonsense but well thought. It wasn''t only them, Ivan and Arna too approved the words and looked at Aria.


    Aria still had a cold face. She had the choice to skyrocket her profit by putting in her conditions but she didn''t. She stood up grabbing her wallet that she had kept on the table.


    "President Cooper..." The client pleaded. He personally made this trip so that the project could take off sessfully.

 Chapter 585: An attraction

    Chapter 585: An attraction


    The love for their child makes parents blind. Aria wasn''t heartless so she can understand the behavior of the client. But as a businesswoman, Aria gave him the second chance and warned, "Drop by at thepany tomorrow and sign the papers. If this repeats, I will make you regret it." The threat was real.


    The client breathed a sigh and looked at his sulking daughter. She had thought Ivan would agree to marry her due to a project orpany. Her delusion of ''money could get her anything,'' finally taught her a lesson.


    Aria was going towards the door but paused. She went towards thedy who was looking at her in a daze.


    Aria pressed her hand on the table as she twirled the chair to face each other without hurting the youngdy''s neck. Aria lifted the youngdy''s chin up to make her look in the eye.


    Arna mumbled looking at the pink flush creeping up on thedy''s face by watching Aria''s enticing face up so close, "Momma is seducing her."


    Ivan: "..."


    He hoped Aria wouldn''t scare away the poor littledy.


    "A mere assistant?" Aria asked with respect to whatever she heard about Arna.


    The client wanted to interrupt but didn''t. He knew Aria wouldn''t hurt his daughter.


    Aria sweetly said. "Sweetheart, she earns the money you would take years to spend. Not as an assistant, but as a model and designer."


    Thedy flushed darker shade hearing Aria''s sweet mellow voice and her soft affectionate gaze. She didn''t discern it was a motherly gaze.


    Aria advised after it, "Why do you want a husband who doesn''t love you but after your father''s money?"


    "Huh?" A confused word escaped her lips.


    Aria continued, "What will you do if your father goes bankrupt and your husband leaves you?"


    The client''s face wasplex hearing Aria. He knows his way was wrong but instead of having a son-inw who goes behind his daughter with fake love, isn''t it better to have a son-inw who would work hard to manage thepany?


    He internally sighed and looked at his daughter who was definitely hypnotized by Aria that she was listening to each word withplete attention.


    The youngdy was about to say that her father is smart and he won''t let that happen but the words didn''te out of her lips and stared at Aria.


    "Follow your passion even if it''s a little, you might fail but stand back strong. Fall in love and get married. That''s whatsts long."


    Arna started muttering next to Ivan, "The poordy will swing another way if Momma continues her antics. Damn, it will be sensational news that a twenty-three years youngdy is in love with the unaged President of Skyline. Will that be good fame or bad? Dad will toss the littledy out of the country and hide Momma from everyone..."


    Ivan: "..."


    Aria stood up and smiled a sweet one, "My son loves someone. Hmmm..." Her eyesnded on Ivan, "He is single."


    Arna and Ivan choked on their spit. Ivan and the employees looked at her bewildered. Arna breathed to stay calm but she couldn''t. She saw Aria and understood that Aria was troubling Ivan for being indifferent to Arna''s feelings.


    Nevertheless, Arna was afraid Ivan might be into docile girls or think of dating others. She smacked Ivan without caring about the eyes on him, "I will die of a heart attack because of you." Then she stormed out grumpily.


    ''What did I do?'' Ivan innocently looked at Arna''s back. He wanted to go behind her but controlled, pursuing his lips to a thin line. He forgot Aria''s eyes were on him who smiled shaking her head.


    Turning back to the littledy who had her eyes transfixed on her, Aria was momentarily speechless. "If you like the face of a man, you will get many men with good-looking faces. And that is not called love. It''s an attraction."


    The littledy nodded her head in understanding. All felt like Aria took her under the spell.


    Aria sighed internally. She wasn''t sure if the youngdy understood her words, "If you want to court Vice..."


    Ivan cut in immediately, "No. President Cooper, I have someone I love. I don''t appreciate anybody else showing interest in me." He was d he cleared it out; he said it off before Aria decided to set him up on blind dates.


    Aria didn''t need words to tell her who Ivan''s someone is. Looking back at the littledy, all heard her docile voice hardly reaching others'' ears, "It''s alright. I understand."


    Aria rubbed the back of her head before leaving the conference room. She hoped the client understood what she tried to tell his daughter.


    Ivan gave half a day of paid leave to Skyline employees and left after a few words with the client.


    He rushed out to see Aria squinting her eyes at n and Arna. Arna was sulking in her father''s embrace. He went closer to them as he heard Aria''s spoiled voice, "That''s my ce. Go and get yours. Don''t dare you to covet mine."


    Ivan sighed internally. He was used to the dog food of Aria and n. He wanted to return when Arna red at him. "Uncle n, did you guys book a room for lunch? Or shall I book one now?"


    However, n sent Arna next to Ivan as his other hand pulled his wife closer, "I have booked one for me and my wife. Why don''t you cater to Young Miss Morgan? I will ask President Cooper to grant you a half-day off."


    Arna and Ivan: "..."


    Aria giggled as she went with n upstairs for their lunch.


    Arna poked Ivan to confirm her suspicion, "Ivan, did Dad tease you or me? Why will he tease you? Wait, how is he sending me with you? Isn''t he against me courting you?"


    Ivan knew n teased him as he still didn''t let Arna know about his feelings. He ignored her question and yawnedzily, "Are we going to stand here?"


    Arna looked at him and stomped his foot for troubling her for so many years.


    Ivan hissed due to her heels and started limping. "Snow... Arna didn''t pity him or help him. She held his wrist and dragged him out to choose somewhere else for their lunch.


    Ivan noticed paparazzi taking their pictures, he had the power to stop them but he didn''t. He didn''t have ns to clean up either, even if the picture of them goes viral.

 Chapter 586: First kiss

    Chapter 586: First kiss


    It was a tough evening for two young men. In the gym of the Morgan mansion, Arsh was racking his brain on how to make his first move.


    Should he ask Noor out on a date? Or just confess without much fuss? Or ask his family to arrange the marriage?


    He didn''t like thest option even though his family wouldn''t mind doing it for him. If Noor was somebody who was social, open to date, he wouldn''t have found it difficult. Noor was too simple. She will ask him hundreds of whys. If he doesn''t give a proper response, she would patiently wait for him to gather his thoughts and respond.


    Upon that, he also had a doubt she would outrightly reject him due to his cold behavior all the time. With thoseplex questions and thoughts, he considered his father''s straightforward but tough n which actually suited Arsh''s personality unlike making its extravaganza.


    Even with that n, Arsh didn''t know how to let Noor know. If he dares to kiss her straight, Noor will p him in the face and run away without turning back. He appreciated his father''s boldness.


    Thinking about Roxy and Rian, he admired Roxy for being so bold. The funny one he knew was Eva and Isaac. One is the author of many best-selling romance books and the other one is the romantic male lead in numerous movies and series. Yet their confession was humorous due to their fluster.


    He remembered Rooney and his girlfriend. He couldn''t believe they so easily started dating right after they realized they liked each other. They were no romantic couples but a friendly and fun couple.


    He wouldn''t mind being straightforward like his sister but Noor wasn''t Ivan. He came to the conclusion, falling in love is a natural course but making the other understand is tough.


    Could he just wait for a few more days until the little woman of his matures more?


    He shook his head to himself, it had already been many years, he felt it''s time he should let Noor know why he keeps her around him.


    Atst, he came back to the same question. When? How?


    ..


    At another end, Ivan propped his head on his fist sitting in a cafe looking at Arna who was speaking about where they should go next time for lunch.


    Even he used to think about how he should let her know about his feelings and when would be an appropriate time. Then he realized, the time and the way to confession doesn''t matter when you are with the right person.


    "Snow..."


    "Hmm..." Arna stopped her nning and became all ears looking at his eyes which were fixed on hers. She was curious to know why he was looking at her that way.


    Ivan sighed internally. He had missed this side of Arna Morgan too much. She always behaved reservedly and put on the air to hide her real feelings towards her family. Now that everything is clear she was back to the same Snow, who used to bully him mischievously and giggle. The same Snow who used to be passionate about what she does and also carefree around the known ones.


    But he could sense something wasn''t right. Is she forcing herself to be normal? This question worried him but didn''t bring it up, to give her some more time.


    "Do you remember when you kissed me the first time?" He asked. They haven''t actually kissed, he said about her kisses on his cheeks.


    Instead of being shy, Arna recalled all the events and smiled, "Absolutely. You had blushed red like a tomato."


    She chuckled remembering how wild she used to be. Now she isn''t wild but yes, she is bold. She had learned to pursue what she likes, what she needs. Ivan was the one with whom she kept her whole patience until he could make his mind ept and reciprocate her feelings.


    Even though sometimes she felt like she was forcing herself on Ivan, thetter never turned her down but asked questions about her rtionship with her family which used to keep her silent. Now he couldn''t ask anything as such, so she is persistent.


    And Arsh never told her she was doing wrong or making Ivan ufortable. Instead, Arsh always encourages her so she doesn''t mind nagging Ivan all day.


    "At the wedding of little mom and little dad. I was so cute, chubby, and naughty to see them kissing but you hugged me to stop me from looking at them."


    Then she revealed the next one, "When I was drunk the first time." It was also a cheek kiss.


    Ivan didn''t know she remembers it. And it was the first time she actually confessed to him and he got to know both have the same feelings for each other.


    Snow took the menu card and hit on his head. Ivan didn''t stop her and heard her words, "I was absent the next day to the school because I had remembered that I had confessed to you. I was afraid you might misunderstand or don''t treat me the same if not well." Then Arsh had made her speak it. Then he had suggested that she should behave as though she doesn''t remember anything.


    Ivan pursed his lips, that day Arsh had asked him if Arna had confessed to him. After hearing Ivan, Arsh had patted his back and told him to get married to his sister soon, as Arsh had the hint Ivan likes Arna too.


    Arna went on recalling each of the cheek kisses she gave him. Ivan was surprised because he had forgotten two or three. Arna went on without thinking if Ivan just sees her as a friend, why would he take such a topic.


    Ivan silently waited for her toplete all the little stories of her kisses and it ended with thest kiss on his cheek when they had gone out on Sunday.


    Looking at adult Arna smiling after recalling their little moments, he doubted if she was really happy when she won an award on the international stage. He had seen the video of her taking the award, gave a small speech, and got off the stage with a faint smile. It was like nothing could make her happy but her family, friends, and him.


    "Arna Morgan," He called her full name which he rarely did.


    "Huh?" She looked at him and teased, "I don''t mind kissing you on your request."


    Ivan shook his head in resignation. She is smart in everything except for one thing. She failed to catch the details of his behavior with her. He extended his hand and pinched her cheek looking at her mischievous eyes.


    Arna eagerly waited for his words as he looked a little more serious and very attentive about her.

 Chapter 587: Remorse

    Chapter 587: Remorse


    Against what Arna had thought, the pinch on her cheek increased causing her to feel the stinging of pain. "You are truly dumb." Ivan promptly said what he felt and stood from his chair.


    Arna: "..."


    She had expected him to say something sweet if not epting her feelings. ''You are a dumb man. Humph.'' She puffed her pink cheeks.


    Ivan grabbed her hand and pulled her away to leave the cafe. Sulking Arna followed him and she was quick to cheer herself up and start speaking again. She knew things would have been different if she hadn''t left her parents.


    She was totally spoiled when she was a child, she learned from her mistake and earned everyone''s love and appreciation. Just when everyone would be proud of her, she made a grave mistake.


    Just because her family wholeheartedly epted her back, ''Why will others trust me so easily?'' Her hurtful thoughts.


    At this rate, she doubted if she was going to ept if one day she hears Ivan was set up in an arranged marriage or he falls for a beautiful, obedient girl.


    With all theplex thoughts, she could only take things as theye. But she really wanted to ask Ivan if she should give up because the longer she keeps her hopes, she will be hurt more.


    Ivan rubbed her head when she was lost in thoughts, looking outside the window without realizing he had stopped the car. "Where have you lost?"


    Arna jerked at his touch and looked where they were. She involuntarily smiled looking at the ce still well maintained. It was restructured and the new development had just increased the charm of the ce.


    Ivan had taken her to her and her mother''s favorite ce, the musical water fountain. She turned to Ivan and asked in surprise, "I had heard the water fountain park was destroyed in flood five years back."


    Ivan hummed before pointing his chin at the logos not far away. "Your Dad bought the ce as soon as he heard the park will permanently close. And..."


    "And Momma took charge of reconstruction." Shepleted with a smile looking at two logos of both thepanies.


    Aria and n.


    What Arsh and Arna wished after looking at their parents was a life partner who they could love without bounds.


    Arna really wanted to have an unbreakable and evesting bond based on love just like her parents. She also knows it wasn''t so easy to make it possible and it''s impossible to keep love ahead of everything, every time.


    Ivan, who had alighted the car, opened the car door for her when she was zoned out. Shaking her head, she got out of her wishful hopes.


    She alighted the car and shed a heartwarming smile at Ivan, "Thank you for bringing me here."


    Ivan closed the door and took her inside hoping she wouldn''t get too excited when he let her know about his feelings. There would be many couples and kids, he didn''t want unnecessary attention and disturbance.


    The musical water fountain park''s main attraction was the fountain. There were many changes inside which would attract kids and also lots of couples.


    With the soft river breeze, the atmosphere was cool. Arna excitedly checked many shops which had toys, snacks. For adults, there were cafes and mini restaurants.


    Arna saw a candy shop and got excited looking at the little candies she used to eat during school days. She held Ivan''s hand and ran towards it, "Let''s try that Ivan"


    Ivan didn''t mind. He knew she was enjoying the ce and that''s exactly why he had brought her there.


    Anyway, before they could step inside, Ivan felt another tug and Arna lost her hold on his hands.


    Confused, Arna bnced herself and turned around thinking she might have made Ivan ufortable. Anyway, her eyesnded on the dark frowns of Eva. Behind her was tall Isaac who was pinching his nose bridge. Ivan looked troubled.


    Ivan wanted to speak with his mother after he confessed to Arna. But he didn''t expect his mother and father to be at the same ce. He was sure his mother watched them for a while.


    He looked at Isaac and sighed. He could guess Eva didn''t let Isaac alert him.


    Arna bit her lip. Eva used to be the coolest one among the Fourie. She used to love each one of them unconditionally irrespective of if they were talented or talentless. But from the time Arna left the country, Eva never appeared in front of Arna and thetter knew Eva was very angry at her.


    Even at her homing dinner, Arna had noticed Eva purposefully avoiding her or ignoring her. Arna had thought Eva would soon be fine to her cool self but she was wrong. From the looks, Eva even hated to see her with Ivan.


    "Aunt Eva, Uncle Issac." She greeted them respectfully. She didn''t know she was tightly clutching her dress looking at Eva.


    Ivan tried to divert his mother''s attention before she harshly spoke anything and hurt Arna who was still guilt-ridden, extremely emotional but pretending to be strong to face everything and everyone.


    "Mom, Dad, you are here too. Are you guys having dinner on the cruise?"


    Eva shot daggers at her son. Her smiling face was dark, filled with chillness. One could see she was trying her best to control herself but she couldn''t.


    It wasn''t because Arna was with Ivan. It was because of her protectiveness towards Aria. Over time, her protectiveness and care towards Aria never lowered but increased. So whoever hurts Aria won''t be spared by her either.


    "Oh yeah, I am here with my husband. And what about you two?" She was sarcastic trying to know what they were up to in the out-of-the-city vicinity where usually families, couples, and a group of friends hang out.


    "Oh, Arsh and Naira are around?" She pulled out a random reason and let them know, she won''t get fooled, "I didn''t see them so long when you were dragging him around."


    "Mom..." Ivan tried to cut in to calm his mother. Anyway, Eva shot a deadly nce at him.


    Arna bit her lips and spoke, "Aunt Eva, Bro, and Naira aren''t here. It''s only us, I mean me and Ivan." She politely responded looking at the using gaze of Eva.


    Arna had thought she was prepared to face everyone. Now she understood preparation does nothing, she was trembling. It wasn''t fear but remorse remembering everything.

 Chapter 588: Anguish

    Chapter 588: Anguish


    Arna realized it was going to her nightmare which will haunt her for many years. She wanted tough at herself for expecting a blissful life filled with happiness and love.


    Returning or not returning, what she has in life was retribution for her mistakes. She hoped only she should have the punishments for her sins but not her family or others.


    Ivan took a step next to her but Isaac held his arm. Isaac hated it but he still shook his head stopping Ivan from protecting Arna.


    If Ivan protects Arna, Isaac knew Eva would never calm down, and epting Arna as their son''s bride would be a dream.


    Arna needs to face Eva for their smooth future and to cool down Eva''s frustration which was piled up for nine years. Despite knowing it was going to be hard on Arna, Isaac chose what was best in the long term.


    Ivan knew his father''s worries. He needs his mother''s approval for his and Arna''s rtionship and he also wanted to protect Arna. So he was stuck between mother and love.


    Hoping he could control the situation, "Mom, what time is your..."


    Eva lifted hernd, cutting off his words. Meanwhile, Isaac dropped a message to n. Arna knew Eva was going to chide her. She neither stopped Eva nor looked at Isaac or Ivan for help.


    "Aunt..." Arna wanted to apologize.


    ''Pak''


    "Mom." Ivan couldn''t stop himself from grabbing his mother''s hand when she was about to p Arna the second time.


    Eva''s breathing was heavy, one who looked hurt was Ivan, Arna stood frozen with red finger imprints on her cheek. The stinging pain of her cheeks made her numb for a moment, she could feel how much Eva hated her. She bit her pain but didn''t let her tears trickle down.


    Isaac wanted to calm down his wife or take Aria''s name saying hurting Arna is equal to hurting Aria but taking Aria''s name would be another grave mistake. Eva will lose her reasoning.


    He pulled his face mask up to be unrecognizable as a p was enough to grab everyone''s attention. The other three weren''t so famous by their face in the city so it was manageable.


    Eva shrugged off Ivan''s hand and hissed at him, "Ivan, don''te between this. This doesn''t concern you." It was a warning for him to stop defending Arna.


    Eva looked back at Arna whose head was hanging down, biting her inner lip to be strong from break down. Eva wasn''t new to Arna, she is aware Arna takes every punishment once she epts her mistakes.


    Eva was slightly surprised to see Arna the same without talking back or raising her voice at her. But it wasn''t enough to put down her anger.


    Even though Eva wasn''t the type to resort to violence, looking at Arna, all she could remember was what Aria went through after Arna left and repeatedly pushed Aria away.


    Her hand lifted again but Ivan was far quicker than her. Before she could raise her hand above her waist, he held her hand tight.


    Eva breathed forcing herself to stay calm but recalling each incident, the temperature of her anger shot higher. "You deserved that, you know why?" She asked Arna through her teeth.


    Arna bit her inner lip hard and tasted metallic yet she didn''t stop. It was the pain she wanted to have to remind herself she will have to face Eva, today or tomorrow.


    Sensing Eva was waiting for her response, she tried her best to sound unemotional but her pain and flooded emotions revealed her restrained hurt voice, "B-because M-M-Mooma wo-won''t p-punish me." A tear dropped on the floor from hershes without her control.


    "Momma?" Eva sneered, "I had thought you love her so much that you wouldn''t dare to hurt her. But I had forgotten she is a fool when ites to children. Do you know why?"


    "Eva." Isaac''s soothing voice failed to ease the air.


    Arna didn''t respond. She is aware of Aria and Eva''s bond. In fact, each one who is close to Aria was always protective of her and supported her unconditionally.


    Eva held Arna''s arm roughly and shook her to face each other. Eva''s words had the hint of pain and also freezing cold, "She grew up without a mother, her own grandfather tried to kill her. She lost her father. For goddamn sake, you haven''t even been through one percent of what she suffered."


    Arna froze. She knew about Aria''s mother and father. She had no idea about Lucas Cooper trying to kill Aria. She nkly stared at Eva.


    Eva pushed her away, rolling her eyes, "Do you think you suffered being alone in a different country?" She snickered. "Arna Morgan, have you ever lived a day knowing there are people out there trying to kill you, kidnap you and molest you? If not, don''t you dare say you suffered."


    "Eva..." Isaac grunted feeling it was going too far. He even tried to pull her away but Eva was adamant. "Why do you want me to stop? Wasn''t she ming Arrie for her sess as a burden? She should also know why Arrie had to work hard to be sessful. She should also know what Arrie went through before getting that sess."


    Arna was pale, standing and hearing Eva. She always heard the good side of the coin, she never knew this side. She never asked, nobody ever told her.


    Ivan hated himself. He wanted to stop his mother, he wanted to hug Arna and console her. All he could do was kick the wall and feel the physical pain with his aching heart.


    Eva turned back to Arna whose teeth were chattering for controlling her emotions which were on the brink to burst out. Eva had no pity. "Fine, leave the past. I am sure Arrie asked you about the troubles you went through, did you ask even once what happened after you left? Arna Morgan, did you ask even once?"


    Arna opened her lips and a tear rolled her cheeks. She realized Vince was lying to her as everything was fine just so that she won''t panic. She wanted to ask what happened but no words came out other than the tears rolling down continuously.


    "Mom, please. Please stop this." Ivan pleaded but it wasn''t enough to calm down his mother.

 Chapter 589: Heartbroken

    Chapter 589: Heartbroken


    Eva blurted out everything that happened right after Arna left the country and refused to return. She wanted Arna to know how the consequences of her actions were affecting everyone in the Morgan family.


    "Aunt Amelia and Uncle Rowan fell sick. I have lost count of how many times your mother cried till she fainted. Your father didn''t dare to leave her alone for a minute. If you weren''t their daughter, believe me, Brother n would have choked you to death. If Aria hadn''t stopped, Rian would have dragged you back home if he had to lock you up."


    There was more to tell but Eva felt herself evil looking at Arna''s state. She knew it wasn''t going to be easy on her but Eva wasn''t going to regret her actions either.


    Arna felt dizzy hearing everything. She trembled like a leaf hanging by a thin string but her focus didn''t tter from Eva.


    Eva spilled her hands away adding, "I know they would never tell you all these so that they could keep you happy and less burdened." She again grabbed Arna''s arm, "At least have you noticed your mother doesn''t eat chicken anymore?"


    Arna tried to breathe but it was suffocating. She and Aria used to go torture n for chicken dishes. So she knew Aria didn''t stop eating chicken because it''s her favorite. Aria stopped because it reminded her of Arna and Aria would end up being sad which would worry everyone.


    "Not only that..."


    Isaac grabbed Eva''s hand and pulled her away. "Eva that''s enough." It wasn''t a request. It was his conclusion.


    Eva bit her lips looking at Isaac''s re. She obediently yet forcefully calmed herself before looking at Arna who looked like she had lost her strength, might copse on the floor anytime.


    Nheless, Eva didn''t regret what she told. She wanted Arna to reflect on her actions and be aware of how much she hurt Aria and others.


    Eva didn''t want Arna to run away or me Aria again which was the real worry Isaac. So she sincerely requested, "It''s alright if you can''t love her, please don''t hurt her, please." A tear rolled down on her cheek which she was quick to brush away and left with Isaac who cued Ivan to take care of Arna.


    Eyes red and moist, Ivan went close to Arna but she stumbled back and held the wall of the cafe. She stopped him by lifting her hand as she walked towards the river.


    "Snow..." His voice wasced with heartache but Arna was too overwhelmed with her emotions to focus on him.


    She waved her hand and tried to speak but only tears came from her efforts to speak. "G-Go... Go to your m-mom. P-please, go. I-I want to be alone."


    Ivan didn''t listen to her, he followed her close without leaving her side. He wanted her to cry out to calm down but she was holding it in. "I am sorry..." The words left his lips without knowing.


    He was sorry for not protecting her fragile heart which she was barely holding on to. He was sorry that his mother broke her heart to millions of pieces. "I am sorry..." He bit his lips, still being attentive to her wobbling body.


    Arna, who was trying to stop him, inhaled deeply before shaking her head, "I-I am sorry. I made your mom sad. Go and take care of her. Please..." She really wanted to go back to the past, trusted herself more, ignored Naira''s words, and ran to her parents.


    She tripped and almost fell but Ivan held her quickly and carried her up. He went to the nearest bench which was facing the river and ced her down. He cupped her flushed face, she had lips quivering, her eyes had lost life, looking dull and painful. He knew this hit her hard.


    Not only him, he, Arsh, and whoever she used to ask about how her family members were doing, everyone lied to her as well. She was asking sarcastically to hide her real emotions and none told her the truth so that they could weigh her down, realize things and return to them soon.


    Did they also make a mistake? If they had told her the truth, would she have returned to them sooner? Was she even ready to listen to the truth?


    "Snow, everything is past. Don''t dwell on it. You can make up for everything... Cry, if you want." Ivan knew she wasn''t in the state to listen to anything.


    Arna sniffled but didn''t cry. She didn''t protest when he hugged her, urged her, and apologized to her. She felt her whole body weak to even lift her hand.


    She gave him a gentle push and her voice barely reached his ears, "Please go. I want to be alone." She felt selfish to see him tending to her when she had no idea when he was in trouble and she never helped him tackle it.


    Ivan was helpless. Hearing her hoarse voice, he patted her arms and firmly told her looking her in the eyes, "Be right here. I will be back in a minute..." He didn''t get a response, still, he ran towards the nearest shop to get water.


    He was quick to return but alsote. Arna had burst into tears in Aria''s embrace and n was sighing standing close to them.


    A sense of failure hit him hard. n had sent Arna with him to spend quality time together. How did he return their daughter? Broken-hearted by his own family?


    He didn''t have the guts to look them in the eye. He didn''t have a response to any of their questions. He didn''t have the cure for Arna''s sufferings. He felt ashamed to face them.


    He asked a stranger to keep the water near them and left silently. He was leaving the park when he saw Arsh. There was inexplicable silence between them looking each other in the eye before Arsh rushed inside without a single word.


    Ivan drove his car in the city aimlessly before going home at midnight. His home was filled with a silence that was torturing for him. It was a sleepless night without knowing what happened at Arna''s end.

 Chapter 590: Trust

    Chapter 590: Trust


    Aria and n were shopping for theiring outing which they had nned with Arsh and Noor. Their shopping was actually just to spend time together. That''s when n had received a message from Isaac.


    Aria had read it, [Eva and Snow.] with a location.


    What Aria had feared happened. So they left to reach the location quickly. By the time they could reach, they werete to stop Eva whose mobile was in silent mode.


    They had seen Ivan trying to coax Arna then running towards a shop. The duo reached Arna who finally broke into tears after looking at them.


    It didn''t take long before Aria started crying with her daughter when Arna apologized endlessly and cried without being able to stop herself. They still weren''t sure what Eva had told her.


    Arsh had got to know as he had called his parents when they were rushing towards the park. He had hacked Ivan''s mobile to hear their voice and hacked the cafe camera to watch what was going on. Even he had no idea his mother had suffered a lot.


    He could understand Eva''s outburst but he didn''t feel it was the right time, especially when she was pretending to be strong when guilt was eating her up.


    He wasn''t sure what to think of Ivan when Ivan stood helpless without stopping his mother and protecting Arna. Arsh really hadplex thoughts about Ivan with respect to Arna.


    Arsh really tried to be in Ivan''s shoes thinking what he would do if Noor was at Arna''s ce and his mother would be Eva. For unknown reasons, he couldn''t bring to think Aria to lose control. So he still didn''t judge and came to any opinion on Ivan.


    Both men had no choice but to stand by two women and try to calm them down.


    It took more than twenty minutes for Arna to control herself and leave from there with her family.


    n didn''t want to leave the two women together, worried that they would start crying again. So he sent Aria with Arsh in thetter''s sports car and took Arna to the back seat of his Maybach which had a driver. Unexpectedly, neither Aria nor Arna refuted.


    They were on the way home when Aria got the call. Her mood wasn''t good to have a conversation yet she answered to hear what Eva had to say or if her mood was also down.


    Arsh nced at his mother who answered the call, put it on the speaker, and closed her eyes back to rest her swollen eyes.


    There were no words from both sides other than Eva''s anxious breathing. Eva was first to lose patience, "Scold me if you want. I still feel I did the right thing."


    Aria exhaled deeply but she didn''t speak, battling between her thoughts and emotions. One was her dear daughter who hurt everyone due to whatever reason it might be. Another one was her best friend who lends the shoulder for her to lean and cry, stands by her during hard times, bes a sister to care for her without expecting anything in return.


    She can''t support one and leave another one. Whatever happened made her sad but she didn''t know what to say to Eva. She can''t b*tch one behind the other''s back. She had only silence as her response.


    If she had scolded and punished Arna severly, without speaking to her properly, she was very sure Eva would be the first to coax her to speak to Arna. All Eva wanted was to avoid Arna taking them for granted so she took the responsibility and became the bad one.


    "I am sorry I made you sad." Eva apologized for making her friend cry again. Thinking that way, Eva felt like she should have hidden everything from Arna too but she shook off her thoughts. She wanted Arna to learn the value and reactions of her every action.


    "Now you should save me from your husband and son. They are going to skin me alive." She tried to make Aria lighten up, smile, or speak.


    Anyway, all she heard was sigh before Aria spoke, "Stop crying, Eva. Go and rest."


    Arsh nced at his mother. He was confused because he didn''t feel like Eva was crying other than the restrained voice.


    Anyway, his confusion cleared when Eva tried to speak again but her voice broke down and cried out, "Who is crying for you? I am not a cry baby like you." She hmphed and ended the call.


    Eva loved Arna too but was extremely disappointed and heartbroken when Arna left the country. Even though Eva wasn''t matchmaking Ivan or Arna, Aria knew well Eva loved the thought of Ivan and Arna together.


    But everything was changed when Arna left the country and refused to return after their frequent tries. Now Aria really wasn''t sure what was in the future for Arna and Ivan.


    She didn''t want Eva to ept Arna due to their daughter. She wanted Eva to ept Arna due to the young couple and their love. But from the looks of it, Eva didn''t seem like she was going to ept it easily.


    So for the sake of their years-long friendship and for Arna''s sake, Aria didn''t want to lose her temper even as a mother.


    "Mom," Arsh called after a few seconds of silence.


    Aria turned to her son who was extremely quiet with her. Even though he doesn''t talk with others much, Arsh always spoke to her and n. In fact, she had noticed the father and son talking just by looking at each other''s faces without using words. A different kind of telepathy.


    "Who would you have done if you were in Ivan''s ce?" He asked as he wasn''t able to easilye to the conclusion if Ivan was the right one to protect Arna. He didn''t like how helplessly he was standing even though he was hurt.


    Aria faintly smiled. When she and n were worried about Arna, Arsh was worried about his sister''s life.


    "You trust your friend." She stated the fact.


    Arsh nced at her before nodding firmly, "I do. But I- I didn''t like how he failed to manage it... It happened in his presence." They had expected Eva to dislike and scold Arna but when she would be alone.


    If Ivan couldn''t protect Arna, would he be able to support Arna if they get married and issues arise?

 Chapter 591: Unearthly being

    Chapter 591: Unearthly being


    Even though Arsh and n behave like they were eager to marry off Arna, they cared a lot about her. So it was important for them to feel assured about who she will choose to spend her whole life with.


    Arsh knew about the reality. He was a practical man, just because two people love each other doesn''t mean that their life was going to be an easy walk on the flower carpet.


    Problems might not arise between the couple but it was important to support and stand by each other at any turn of their lives else their love for each other does nothing but push them away due to ipatibility and no zeal.


    Arsh didn''t know how his life was going to be with Noor, all he knew was he was going to support her. Likewise, he didn''t want Arna to face ack of support. He knew Ivan would support Arna in whatever she does, simrly, he wanted Ivan to stand by Arna even if Eva would be against them.


    However, he was in a dilemma when he tried to think who he should support if Noor and Aria were against each other. He wanted to stand by Noor but he didn''t want to stand against his mother.


    Aria patted his arm trying to read his worries. "You are seeing their present. Ivan is seeing their future." If Ivan was the type to ignore his mother or scold her to stop, Aria would have been highly disappointed.


    She didn''t want a son-inw who is blinded by love. He won''t be able to take care of Arna who is independent and has her own opinions on the things she does. Love should not blind them, instead, it should be able to see problems and guard up to protect the loved one.


    Aria continued remembering Ivan who wasn''t only ming himself while he stepped away, he was questioning his own self if he will be able to protect Snow. Aria had seen that hurt in n''s eyes, so she knew it wasn''t easy for Ivan either. So she didn''t want to judge Ivan by one side of the coin.


    "It''s not easy to see our loved one breaking down right in front of our eyes. Ivan is also hurt if not more than Snow. We are there for Snow to help her ovee everything slowly but Ivan. He won''t be able to speak it or forget it. He might face us pretending to be all fine but it will be killing him every time he sees Snow, every time he sees you who supported him all these years. Because he could only think as he broke your trust. This scare stays for too long, sometimes hard to erase."


    Aria rubbed his arm trying to calm his frenzy thoughts, "It''s alright, they will and they have to ovee to establish their rtionship even stronger. That''s how life is."


    Arsh nced at his mother who reads his thoughts and tries to soothe him every time. He didn''t want his question to drift her to her painful memories so he shifted her attention. "That means, Noor is going to make me work harder."


    Aria wasn''t in the mood to smile but her son was clever enough to bring that smile, "Maybe or maybe not." Everyone''s love story and life aren''t the same so how can she be sure about the life of Arsh and Noor.


    Arsh nced at his mother, he had a question that was bugging him. She had brushed off that question so he framed it in a different way so that her mind could be busy without the thoughts of worry. "Mom, who should I support if you and Noor are against each other?"


    Arsh was a smart man and he was versed in managing any difficult situations. Hearing him ask explicitly, she understood he was asking during extreme conditions when he will have to choose one. "Then stand by your wife."


    Arsh immediately cut in, "But..."


    Aria continued, aware of what he wanted to ask, "If I and Noor, both are right but have different opinions, stand by her. She should always feel at home staying with you. You can always speak to us personally and handle the situation."


    Then she pulled his ear seeing him worry about the future so much, "Don''t worry, I and your wife won''t fight for anything. In fact you will have to fight with me if Noor spends time with me instead of you."


    Arsh wanted to refute but realized it was true. His mother was good at taking away the hearts. ''No doubt, Dad steals you away everytime.'' He thought.


    Worried about Arna, Aria remembered she didn''t ask Arsh about what he was nning. She didn''t want Arsh to feel neglected due to Arna''s presence back in their life, "Did you speak to Noor?" She knew his son was thinking of letting Noor know before she gets to know from different sources.


    Arsh was d he was able to keep Aria''s attention away from Arna. "I am thinking, Mom. But it''s tougher than I expected." He was open with his mother. "She looks at me like a" He tried to find a right world for her innocent gaze on him without a speck of fear.


    "Unearthly being." Aria found the word causing him to chuckle.


    "Right. I am sure she will think I am drunk or pranking her. If not, she will get tense and run to you guys to announce something''s wrong with me."


    Aria smiled resignedly. Noor was just like he said and she needs rity about the rtionship she has with anybody. So she always sees Arsh as a mentor who helps her solve her queries, who has answers to almost everything she asks for.


    Arsh saw Aria fall silent so he again probed hoping to keep her busy and also searching for a solution, "What do you think, Mom? Should I just confess? Or start wooing her like Arna until I hear yes? No, that will backfire, Noor will run away"


    Aria''s jaw dropped hearing her son talk so much continuously. Seeing him go on, she broke into soft chuckles. n and Arsh were the same, once they decide to confess, they can''t sit and they want the response, else they will be damn restless.

 Chapter 592: Dam of tears

    Chapter 592: Dam of tears


    Aria was content hearing her son share his little confusions with her. She was d to have an amazing rtionship with her son that he was able to speak all that with her instead of struggling with himself. "Alright, don''t stress out. I have a suggestion but I can''t say if that will work. You can give it a try."


    Arsh nodded eagerly. Aria knows Noor and him both. So he was sure Aria wouldn''t say something that would be hard for him to even think or make Noor ufortable, "Yes Mom."


    "Change the way she looks at you." The first and foremost important step required in their rtionship.


    Aria knew Arsh was even confused with that. She propped her head on her fist and watched his side profile, "Skip her heartbeat." His eyes slightly widened. "Make her heart race without touching her." His calm breathing paused.


    Aria was sure he was trying to imagine Noor''s reaction or trying some little tricks on Noor. "Help her in silliest things."


    Confusion appeared on his face before he pressed on the brake at the traffic signal. He was about to ask why but Aria continued, "Tucking her hair away, helping her at the stairs even if it''s not necessary. Get her sweet little things, grab her a coffee, and so on. She should know your attention is on her yet she has to be confused when she looks at you all cool and the same."


    Arsh cut in seeing Aria who was recalling as she was exining, "Mom, did you fall for Dad''s little acts like these?" He teased her. He could see the shine in his mother''s swollen eyes while giving him ideas.


    Aria: "..."


    She punched his arm and snorted, "You brat, your father didn''t have to act. He is an ideal man. He does these without even knowing."


    Arsh teased again, "That means Dad is still courting you and that''s the sess mantra of your love life."


    Aria pouted, squinting her eyes at her son, "You found out our secret." There was nothing to shy away from as the whole world knew she and n loved each other boundlessly.


    Arsh smiled, yet again. He always loved having a rxed conversation with his mother. He won''t only speak a lot, but smile more and even sometimes banter with her.


    Aria asked curiously, "So, Is my idea feasible for my dear son''s new chapter in love?"


    As Arsh had guessed, he liked his mother''s idea. He doesn''t have to go out of his way. He will have to fluster Noor a little yet make her feel secure around him. Taking Noor''s personality, he was sure Noor wouldn''t y any hard-to-get games with him.


    "Absolutely, Mom."


    He just has to keep his patience waiting for the right time to let Noor know. He was aware she will have lots of questions, she will stress out, and ask some more questions. Yet, he felt it''s worth the wait.


    ---


    Meanwhile, in the other car, Arna who had stopped crying started wailing on n''s shoulder. "Dad, you are so cruel." She howled causing the driver to startle for a moment before focusing on the road.


    She had asked him what Eva had told her. ''Dad, would have you strangled me to death if I wasn''t your daughter and made Momma cry so much?''


    n didn''t lie and coldly responded, ''Yeah, I would have killed you nine years ago.'' So Arna was wailing without understanding the logic of the couple.


    Only the family had the power to hurt Aria so deeply and n exactly could do nothing to them to mend the problem. If it was other than family, Aria won''t be hurt so much and she alone was enough to take care of little pricks.


    Even though n didn''t have many coaxing words for Arna, he silently took care of his daughter who he had missed for more than nine years.


    Due to weakness, she had eventually dozed off holding his arm.


    ---


    When the Maybach reached the Morgan mansion, n noticed Arsh hugging Aria and saying something to make her feel light.


    When Aria turned to him, she wasposed and eager to check on Arna. He got a random thought, ''If we didn''t have kids, would she have kept all her attention on me?'' He thought it was because it wouldn''t have caused her so much suffering. But he knew his wife loved their kids.


    n cued Arsh, thetter quickly went to the other side of the door. n helped him carry the sleeping Arna out whose face was flushed red and eyes swollen.


    Arsh carried Arna inside the mansion while n alighted and the car went to his wife. He was d they had dinner early in the evening due to her hunger else she would have lost her appetite.


    "Did she cry again?" Aria asked expectantly.


    n wrapped his hand around her shoulder and took her inside the mansion. He lied without a second thought, "No." It was a white lie, okay.


    Aria gazed at him suspiciously, n hissed, "Do you think I will make her cry?"


    Aria blinked, looking at everyone in the home bing silent when they saw Arsh carrying Arna. She turned to n and innocently nodded indicating, he could make Arna cry, only when it''s about her, his love, his wife.


    n: "..."


    Rooney asked as soon as they neared the living hall, "Big Mom, even you have cried. What happened?" All looked at her worriedly.


    n dipped his head and whispered to her, "I will fill the bathtub,e upstairs soon."


    Aria nodded at him before he left upstairs. Then she went closer to the rest. "Eva met Snow today." All heaved a sigh except Roxy. Roxy was tied down by Rooney who had pleaded with her so she was d they won''t be hiding anything from Arna anymore.


    Rian flicked on Aria''s head and sat back, "And you opened your tears dam with her."


    Aria: "..."


    Other''s couldn''t help but smile between their sadness.


    Smacking Rian''s head, she sat on the arm of the couch as she let them know. "Now''s the time. We have to help her."


    When Arna immediately got to work after her return, the whole family was confused thinking why she was desperately trying to hide her pain, running away instead of showing her weakness or sharing it with them. Eva''s words finally broke her down.


    "Don''t worry, Arrie. We will be with her." Roxy said while others nodded showing their support.

 Chapter 593: Silence

    Chapter 593: Silence


    Aria went upstairs to the bedroom and saw Arsh had tucked Arna in her and n''s bed. Since Arna would wake up repeatedly with nightmares or panic, she felt relieved to keep Arna close.


    She sat and watched the father and son dabbing the hot wet towel on Arna''s face, feet and hands. They reminded her of Oliver bringing a soft smile to her face.


    Arsh suddenly cupped Aria''s face, pressing the wet towel on her tear-stained face, "Go, Mom, take a bath."


    n nced at them and saw his wife smile indulgently at their son. He sometimes doubts if she was spoiling Arsh and Arsh was spoiling her. Anyway, all he cared about was that Arsh never stresses out his wife.


    Aria shook her head pulling Arsh''s hands down, "I called Roxy, we will change Arna''s tofortable wear. You get fresh and eat something. Shall I cook something quick for you?"


    Arsh was about to turn down, Rooney''s voice sounded from the door, "I brought dinner for Brother Nemo." Roxy followed him inside, "You three go out, we two will help Snow." Arsh and Rooney went to the former''s room, n went to the bathroom.


    With the amazing coordination of the family, it wasn''t difficult for them to take care of Arna or anybody in the home.


    ....


    Her spoiled habit of dozing off in the bathtub let n take care of his exhausted wife andy her down next to Arna. Arsh frequently checked on them as he worked, n slept on the couch but had to sleep next to Aria when she woke up searching for him.


    Arna woke up due to an empty stomach, Arsh handed her soup without disturbing their parents. She dozed off again but woke up again with a nightmare of her mother running in darkness to hold her. n coaxed her to sleep. The next time when she woke up, Arsh was yawning at the door and her mother hugged her to sleep.


    That''s how the night slowly crawled to the dawn for the family of four.


    ----


    At seven in the morning, Aria hadpleted her exercise and reached the bedroom with n who had worked out. Both froze at the door when they saw Eva sitting in front of Arna. Aria literally felt her heart at the throat.


    Aria was about to rush in and speak, n held her back and whispered, "Shhh... Listen."


    Arna, who woke up, spread her hands looking for her mother but found none. She opened her eyes to see Arsh resting on the day bed. She really wanted to tell them, she wasn''t a child anymore but she felt good how they still cared so much about her. Anyway, it was increasing her guilt more and more.


    Then she felt somebody''s presence and flipped on her back. Her eyes widened as soon as she saw Eva. She jerked up and bit her lip. For instance, she felt like it was a dream and gulped nervously.


    Eva lifted her hand and sensed Arna''s body immediately tense up as she braced herself for a churning strike on her cheek instead of moving away. Anyway, Eva brushed her fingers on Arna''s cheek which was fine.


    Arna flung her eyelids open and noted Eva wasn''t angry anymore. Instead, she was worried. "A-Aunt Eva, I- I am sorry. I-I know I amte..." Before she could finish her words, Eva hugged Arna.


    Eva always cared about Arna even though she was very angry at her. After she heard everything that had happened with Arna in the past, Eva couldn''t stop herself from looking for Arna. She wasn''t sorry was what she did, she was just there tofort Arna.


    Arna was taken by surprise. She saw her parents watching them and her mother smiling and she cued her to rx. Arna wrapped her hands and breathed in relief.


    Eva sat back after a few seconds and pulled her ear, "You little brat, you should have just gone to your Mom and Dad for help without listening to others."


    Arna pursed her lips and nodded, epting her mistakes, "I was in the wrong, Aunt. Eva."


    Eva sensed self-me in Arna''s voice and the liveliness she had shown on the homing dinner was nowhere to be seen. Anyway, she shook off her thoughts as Arna was in shock and just woke up.


    "Look at your dark circles. Take a break for a few days and rest." Eva advised and Arna obediently nodded her head. "Yes, aunt Eva. Dad said the same."


    The duo continued to talk. Eva, Aria, and n sensed how obedient and in Arna was responding. Arna''s personality wasn''t that way, she was a lively and happy child.


    n knocked on Aria''s head seeing her chew her lip, "Don''t start again."


    Aria: "..."


    Her husband reads her mind well. Aria was thinking if their concern was suffocating Arna. But leaving Arna alone or caring less about her won''t solve the issue.


    Eva, who heard n''s voice, looked around to see the couple. She smiled nervously, "Who should I guard up? Your mother or your father?"


    Arna nced at Eva, then at her parents. Her mother obviously faked her squinted eyes. "Dad won''t do anything to you because of Mom. Aunt Eva, you should run from your wifey." She responded.


    Eva was thinking the same but Aria stomped her feet and left for the bathroom. Eva eximed in surprise, "Woah, your mother is jealous of you. My Wifey still loves me so much."


    Arna: "..."


    She felt like her mother was acting to make her smile hence the smile that appeared on her face was forceful as she lowered her head and sighed.


    All she knew was what she did and how much her actions hurt everyone. She tried to think about how to make everyone happy and make everything good. But nothing came to her mind leaving her weak and helpless.


    She was afraid to share her messy thoughts thinking that might make them worried again. She wanted to use this break time and collect herself.


    ----


    At Ross Vi


    Ivan had lost count of how many times he looked at his mobile waiting for Arna''s message. He many times grabbed his mobile to dial her number but controlled. He knew Eva was going to meet Arna but he was uneasy to meet anyone.


    He was even thinking his previous night''s silence might affect his friendship with Arsh.

 Chapter 594: Negativity

    Chapter 594: Negativity


    At Ross Vi


    Ivan had lost count of how many times he looked at his mobile waiting for Arna''s message. He many times grabbed his mobile to dial her number but controlled. Hence his night was sleepless.


    A look of Arsh was enough to tell him that Arsh already knew what happened at the park, and Arsh was obviously disappointed in him. Even though they had a strong bond, one of their weaknesses was Arna, and she could be a reason for bringing the crack between them.


    Ivan wasn''t only worried about love and friendship but also his profession. He realized he was so interconnected with the Morgan family that a small mistake could leave his life miserable and put his parents'' strong bond with the Morgan family at risk.


    He had never thought he was living a life of dominos. One mistake, a fall of a domino, could destroy his life and question his personality.


    With thoseplex thoughts, he had immersed himself in the study room with office work when he saw Eva open the door and sigh. In the past, if Eva had to support one out of Arna and him, Eva always stood by Arna. The duo had a great bond. But, he wasn''t sure if they could get along just like in the past.


    Did he have the right to get angry at Eva, his mother? He didn''t know, but he was too tired of theplex, entangled messy thoughts in his head.


    Eva could tell Ivan didn''t take a wink of sleep. She knew Ivan and Arna had a good rtionship - friendship. Even when they were in different countries, they always were in contact with each other despite their busy schedules.


    Seeing his dull face, Eva went to him and rubbed his back head, "I am sorry, Ivan. I shouldn''t have put you in an awkward position." He had brought Arna out. She had left Arna in tears. Eva knew she pushed Ivan into trouble.


    He wasn''t expecting an apology from his mother. If one should be coaxed and taken care of was Arna, not him. He stood up and took his mother to the chair on the other side of the desk. He sat with her and narrated what had happened in both Arna and Naira''s perspective, which he had recently got to know entirely.


    As he had expected, Eva didn''t know the entire situation, but whatever Naira had told them. Eva was overwhelmed, understanding what Arna had gone through and how much she feared to return.


    She suddenly got up and tried to rush out when Ivan held her hand, "Mom, what''s wrong?" His voice was slightly panicked.


    Eva''s eyes were bright red. She inhaled a quick breath before revealing, "To meet Snow."


    Ivan: "..."


    Isaac, who was at the door, asked in a dilemma, "You aren''t angry anymore?" Eva turned to Isaac, who was leaning on the door frame in disbelief. Even Isaac didn''t know the whole thing other than knowing what Naira had told them all. He realized Morgans hadn''t told anybody because they didn''t want others to treat Naira poorly.


    "Mom, if I had told you yesterday after I got to know, would you have scolded Snow?" Ivan asked, thinking if he made a mistake by not telling everything to his mother. What he could do, he had heard from Arna when they were in the cafe.


    Eva turned to Ivan, who was at another side. She nodded in response, indicating she would have still scolded Arna. "I understand Snow was too young and afraid. She should have at least let Arrie speak with her when Arrie repeatedly tried to reach her. Arrie was mailing Snow also, and I don''t think Snow ever read it. When she knew she was in the wrong, why did she continue even after many years? I would have still pped her a few times." She sounded grim, remembering everything.


    Isaac: "..."


    Ivan was flustered, thinking Eva was going to Arna to scold her more, "Mom, why are you going to Snow then?"


    Eva shrugged without knowing why his son was still clueless, "To nag her. I am not angry anymore."


    ''Nag?'' Isaac wanted to smack her head but avoided due to their son.


    Ivan breathed in relief before letting go of her hand. He watched his father trying to reason with her as it was too early to go, but Eva wanted to see Arna realizing she was very harsh on her.


    He wasn''t in the mood for breakfast, so he got ready and went to the office to take care of the client signing meeting. All the way, he was thinking about how he was going to face Aria and n if he visited Skyline.


    His work started with a worry of Arsh, who didn''t contact him. Ivan wanted Arsh to vent his frustration out else the distance between them would increase. He wanted to call Arsh but stopped himself, afraid of disturbing his sleep.


    ''Snow.'' He kept his mobile away and sighed. He didn''t know why; all he could get on his lips was an apology when he thought of speaking to her.


    Running his fingers through his hair, he left out a sigh. If everything had gone as he thought, he would have confessed to Arna the previous evening and spoken with Eva in the morning about everything.


    The inte ringing on his desk brought him to real-time. He answered it without checking its screen. "Yes?"


    [Ivan,e to my office.] Ivan subconsciously jerked up hearing Aria''s unemotional voice. He was about to greet her, but the call ended.


    Unknown fear crept in as he took a file that needed Aria''s attention. For the first time, he wanted the extended distance from his office to Aria. His decisive long strides were short as he passed by his secretary without hearing her greet.


    He started imagining how Aria might react and how it will affect their work. ''Will I have to change this job?'' It wasn''t a big deal, but he didn''t want to leave on a wrong note. ''What if Aunt Aria bans me? Will Aunt Aria ask me to stay away from Snow? Will she mistreat me?''


    Battling with his thoughts, he didn''t see Levi passing by him. Levi was surprised when Ivan absentmindedly walked without hearing him. He didn''t disturb Ivan, seeing him worried.


    Ivan knocked on the door and pushed the door open. He saw Aria focusing on herputer screen while her slender fingers flew on the keyboard at unimaginable speed. He wondered if he could attain that talent.


    His focus shifted back when he had to take a step in. He felt his heartbeats loud when he entered as he closed the door behind him. His eyes were on Aria, but her eyes were fixed on theputer.


    He greeted, "President Cooper." His voice was cautious. He ced a file on her desk as he said, "President Cooper, the promotion list has been fixed. It needs your signature for further processing."


    Aria hummed without moving her focus from the screen. Despite knowing she was checking on essential matters, he felt each second like a test.


    ''Is she firing me?'' Negativity clutched his throat.

 Chapter 595: A Toothless Man

    Chapter 595: A Toothless Man


    Aria was sending out an important mail without knowing the battle Ivan was in. She was no different, she was the same as every other working day, but their personal life situation was different.


    She pressed thest few buttons in her left hand as she grabbed a ck folder on the desk. Her eyes which were on the screen the whole time, slightly moved. She nced at the file she wanted to hand to Ivan. She was nning to assign the major project responsibility to Ivan pushing his limits, leading to his professional growth.


    She clicked on the mouse button sending the mail as she turned to Ivan. She noticed his back stiffen as soon as their eyes met, and her hand froze in the air realizing she forgot to speak with him before work.


    Ivan was mentally strong too, but the timees when everyone falls weak, especially due to the love. She doubted if Arsh messaged his friend or not. She doubted if Ivan got a chance to speak with his father Isaac as thetter was in the Morgan mansion early in the morning.


    Keeping everyone apart, Aria wanted to ease up Ivan around her and also from a professional perspective. When at work, she never treated him like the son of her best friend. Anyway, now she doesn''t want to be the president.


    She ced the file down as she stood up. She checked how he might react, "Do you know your mistake, Ivan?" She stood up and went around the desk to reach him.


    Ivan wasn''t sure what she was mentioning. Office work? I don''t remember doing anything wrong. Personal? That''s where he had tripped hard and didn''t know what was in the future. Looking at her aloof eyes, Ivan was confused again.


    If it was about Arna, shouldn''t Aria be very angry? Yeah, he forgot for a moment that Aria and Eva are best friends.


    Aria shook her head in resignation before she pped his arm, "I understand you are having trouble. If you are confused, shouldn''t you speak with me?" She saw him rx back to his usual self, so she tried to ease him up more, "I see, I am just a President for you."


    Ivan was about to shake his head. Aria led him out of the office, cueing him to follow her. "President Cooper, I didn''t mean to avoid you. I was just..."


    Aria snatched the word from his lips, "Tensed."


    Ivan breathed relief. President Cooper always lets him speak everything before speaking, whereas Aria bes a friend in private. "Aunt Aria, aren''t you angry?"


    Aria didn''t lie, "I am." She was indeed grim seeing him worried so much about everything.


    Ivan''s face fell upon hearing her. Before he could speak anything else, she made him sit on the couch before she moved the back cushion on the arm of it and instructed him, "Take a nap." She looked around before guessing where he might have kept a throw-over.


    She strolled towards the cupboard as she spoke, "I am angry because one of my sons didn''t rest well. I am angry at myself for not taking care of you."


    Ivan smiled. He wasn''t new to Aria''s care. He couldn''t believe it when young ones had to take care of her; Aria was still the one who was taking care of everyone without a singleint or expectation. There was an expectation. She just wanted them to be happy.


    He was about to turn down and get back to work. Aria ordered him to rest. She was still bossy and cold despite her softness.


    Obediently he rested for some time when Aria personally took care of the signing of a new project.


    Anyway, it wasn''t the end. The punishment Ivan was expecting soon arrived. He hadpleted his lunch with Aria and Levi when Arsh dropped by at the Skyline. Ivan knew one or the other day. He has to face Arsh. Ivan was mentally prepared to have a conversation with him. So he stood up to take Arsh out.


    Arsh didn''t expect to meet Ivan there. He had just dropped by to meet his mother as it was lunchtime. Looking at Arsh excusing himself. Arsh decided to vent his frustration out. Without uttering a word to anyone, Arshnded a fierce punch on Ivan, choking Aria, shocking Levi.


    Ivan''s head was thrown aside by force. The pain hit his brain, causing him to feel dizzy. He stumbled before he bnced. His face instantly flushed with the pain. He pressed his jaw, feeling them loose.


    Arsh stretched his fingers and red atIvan for a moment before ncing at his mother was drinking water. She didn''t look angry but shocked. It relieved Arsh.


    Arsh hissed, "What? Did you think I will be like Mom?" He kicked Ivan''s leg, "Then I am sorry to remind you that I don''t bother to think from other''s shoes." He snorted.


    Aria: "..." She felt like her son was sympathizing with her.


    Arsh immediately responded to the confusion in her mind, "You are awesome, Mom. I am not as good as you."


    Aria and Levi: "..."


    Levi stood up and pointed the door for Aria, indicating he was out of their family drama. Aria nodded,,, thinking Levi hasn''t changed a bit.


    Ivan uttered, feeling difficult to move his jaw. His voice had a hint of relief with the pain, "I am surprised I still have all the teeth." He is aware, Arsh didn''t use all his strength on him. He was d Arsh wouldn''t avoid him or affect their friendship after venting his irritation.


    Aria: "..."


    Arsh went and sat next to Aria as he scoffed, "I don''twant my sister to live with a toothless man." Then he cried when his mother twisted his ear, "Mom..."


    Ivan wanted tough, but he was really in pain.


    "How dare you hurt the Vice President. Are you going to do his job?" Aria tried to cool his son, sounding grumpy.


    Anyway, Arsh shrugged, "Fire him then."


    "What a friend I have!'' Ivan thought. His friend kicked him out.


    ----


    Once Ivan left, Aria gently brushed her fingers through Arsh''s hair as she eximed, "My son is happy." She peeked at his face. He didn''t have satisfaction in his eyes because he resolved the issues between him and Ivan.


    "Did you meet... Noor?" She hit the bullseyes and saw her son speechless. She giggled when he tried to put on nonchnce which did no help in front of her.


    "Mom, am I so readable?"


    Aria continued to chuckle as she added, "No, you are just like your father." And she knows her husband too well.


    Arsh: "..."

 Chapter 596: Jumping the ship

    Chapter 596: Jumping the ship


    Arsh was indeed there because he wanted to recount to Aria what happened when he met Noor out of the blue, without any work, but still, there was reason to leave Noor clueless.


    He won''t usually share everything with Aria. He didn''t want her to worry about him with Arna. He thought at least he could keep her happy and free from distress so that they could focus on taking care of Arna.


    Looking at her excited seeing him happy, he first cleared out if she had gone ahead with her thoughts, "Mom, I neither proposed to her nor confessed. You are looking like you will throw an engagement party soon."


    Aria wasn''t presuming that. It was too early to think about it. Noor wasn''t the type to agree with him, especially when she looks at Arsh as a senior and mentor. Aria shrugged as she leaned back on the couch and smugly responded, "If I propose to her, she will agree to me, rather than you."


    Arsh: "..."


    He looked at Aria as though she was going to be his love rival. Even though he knew Aria was making fun of him, if Aria proposes to Noor asking to marry him, he was cent percent sure Noor will ept without a second thought. His mother is a real charmer, men or women, they follow her with a blind trust.


    Over time, n had managed to sow his narcissism in her so Arsh could only scold his father in mind. "Mom, don''t even think of it." How was he going to face people if Aria proposed to Noor for him? He will be aughing object making him a loser who couldn''t confess his feelings to his love.


    Aria burst intoughter, looking at him bewildered. She affectionately flicked on his head. Of course, she won''t do all that, but she will use it only when Noor turns out to be low in EQ to understand Arsh''s intention. Anyway, Aria had the trust in both Arsh and Noor.


    "So what did my son do after ditching his sleep half way for his love?" She asked, knowing he was there to speak about it.


    Hearing sleep, Arsh instantly feltzy to the bones and yawned. He woke up early to check on Arna if she had her breakfast. Anyway, Arna was sitting and staring in the air. Then he couldn''t get sleep thinking of how to start with Noor.


    Aria shook her head in resignation as she shifted to the edge of the couch. Arsh took the cue andid down on the couch with his head on herp. Aarvi caressed his head as she hinted to him, "You will have your wife next time."


    Arsh imagined sleeping on Noor''sp, the skin behind his ear turned red, but his face turned stoic. He nced at his mischievous mother and facepalmed, "Mom, stop ying with me."


    Aria giggled at the thought of how easy for her to drift n and Arsh to the world of imagination. She unveiled her hidden thoughts, "I always wanted to tease you by taking Noor''s name." But she hadn''t.


    She didn''t want to make it hard for Arsh to have his control. Now teasing him would make him more confident and determined to have Noor, and also, he will know she ispletely supportive of him.


    He had no less confidence. It was fun to tease him. Aria had waited long for this. She bullied her son a few times before he narrated to her that her n was fabulous on Noor.


    -----


    Wood''s international, at twelve in the afternoon


    Noor was wandering at Noah''s office, asking him for lunch. But her father was sunk deep into work. He was going through some files and urged her to eat alone for the day.


    A knock on the door failed to grab Noah''s attention so Noor responded, "Come in."


    A pleasant smile crawled up her face when she saw Arsh''s indifferent face as she greeted him and called him inside, "Young Morgan Morgan, pleasee in."


    Arsh merely nodded at her when he felt an intense gaze at him. Since Noah didn''t contact him after leaving the Morgan mansion, Arsh was sure Noah was waiting to know what''s in the future. Looking at his using gaze, Arsh urately read his thoughts.


    ''Came to steal my daughter? Keep trying. Why will she fall for your cold face?'' Noah scoffed in his mind. Anyway, Noah didn''t see her already smiling at the same indifferent face.


    "Uncle Noah." Arsh greeted Noah, who had to be courteous to Arsh. Or else, Noor will be alerted, and she would probe to know his behavior.


    "Arsh, what a surprise." Noah''s attention had left his files which Noor was trying for ten minutes.


    Arsh didn''t have a n to stay long. So he lifted his hand towards Noor as he told Noah, "I was around, so I thought to drop by to give dessert to Noor."


    Noah instinctively turned to Noor. She was surprised to receive the dessert and gazed at Arsh in disbelief. She never thought Arsh knew her favorite dessert shop. Upon that, Arsh thought of her. Most of the time, it was always her who reached him out.


    She unknowingly expects him to know her favorite dessert too. So before Noah could respond, her hands made their way to take the peach-colored dessert box, all the while gazing at Arsh''s aloof face, trying to read his real emotions.


    Noah: "..."


    Fine, he understood his daughter tries to look through the coldness instead of thinking that''s what Arsh is. He also recalled Noor understands Arsh and his actions. So a little attention from him was enough for Noor to think about Arsh and his change in actions.


    Noah''s using eyes were back again at Arsh, ''Sneakyd.'' He snorted in his mind.


    A smile bloomed on Noor''s face looking at her favorite dessert. It had been a long time since she had tasted it.


    Before she could express her heartfelt gratitude, Arsh shed a modest smile at Noah, "Then I will get going. Have a good day, Uncle Noah." His voice was provoking and so was his smile.


    He nced at Noor, whose eyes were sparkling at him despite having her favorite cake in her hand.


    Arsh was leaving, and Noor quickly ran behind him, "Young Master Morgan, wait..." She stood, beaming in front of him. "Did you have lunch? If not, could you join me?"


    Noah: "..."


    Noah couldn''t believe his daughter jumped the ship so quickly, and all it took was just a mini cake.

 Chapter 597: Beauty

    Chapter 597: Beauty


    Arsh unknowingly nced at Noah. He knew Noor didn''t ask him for lunch because he bought her dessert. Noor was always courteous. She was beaming because he thought of her. Even if Arsh agrees to eat with her, Noor will still request her Dad to join them. Probably, she will use Arsh''s name to force her father for lunch.


    However, Arsh turned down, "I havepleted my brunch." He saw her face slightly fall before she shed an understanding smile.


    "Alright. Thank you for the cake. It will be my treat next time." She blithely stated with her contentment for the cake visible on her face.


    Arsh usually would have thrown a nod of his head as an eptance. However, he chose to open his lips for a word, looking at her, "Sure." He wasn''t the type to go by the rule that men should always pay.


    He was leaving after she smiled as a response but paused at the door. "Noor..."


    "Huh?" It was rare she gets to hear her name from Arsh. Astonished was a small word to describe how she felt that time. She felt something different by Arsh''s presence even though nothing looked out of the box.


    ''Probably it''s a cake... But it wasn''t like he never bought anything for me... It''s the first time he thought of me when I wasn''t with him... Why did he think of me?..." Her silent thoughts weren''t quiet. Her face was a mirror of her thought, and she was hazily blinking looking at Arsh.


    Arsh didn''t want Noor to be hungry by waiting for Noah, so he addressed both, "If Uncle Noah is busy, I could apany you for your lunch."


    Noor''s head tilted at his offer. Whenever she went out with Arsh to a different country, he always cared for her every little thing. She had thought it was because of Aria and otherdies'' words. She never got that same attention in the home country as everything was well known.


    ''Is he worried about me now?'' She thought as the words sounded that way for her.


    Nheless, she would have dly epted his offer if Noah had another lunch n or already had lunch. Since he didn''t eat yet, she gave an apologetic look at Arsh and turned to Noah. "Dad, let''s have lunch." She was a daddy''s princess.


    A hint of guilt appeared in the eyes of Noah, realizing Arsh was concerned about herte lunch, whereas he was urging her to eat alone even after knowing she wouldn''t be going alone.


    Even though the project in his hand was necessary, it couldn''t be more than his daughter. He was thinking of going for lunch but paused since Arsh didn''t bother sneakily courting her but was bold enough to be in front of him.


    "Noor, let Arsh apany you. I will have lunch with my secretary." He gave a chance to Arsh despite knowing his daughter already had battled with her thoughts.


    Now, the surprised one was Arsh. He had expected Noah to send him away and take Noor for lunch after hearing him.


    Before Noor could rebuff, Arsh swept away the opportunity, "Then, let me take you out... Noor."


    Noah: "..."


    Oh yeah, Noah had forgotten Arsh was a Morgan and had assumed he would apany Noor at the hotel restaurant, ''You little opportunist.'' Noah forced a smile on his face thinking he should never give him an inch, else will upy the whole heart.


    Noor looked at the two sides before sumbing to the two stubborn men, "Dad, you should go for lunch before I return." Her indirect eptance to go out for lunch.


    "Stop nagging me. Go, go." Noah sent them away. At least he had one thing less to worry about. Arsh won''t do anything stupid that would press his bottom line.


    Noor didn''t forget to take her dessert and went out with Arsh without caring about the eyes on them.


    ''The unofficial date.'' Arsh thought before it came to his mind, he was really like his father. ''Tricking their love to go on unofficial dates.'' And that left him speechless.


    Arsh asked when they exited the main entrance of the hotel. "Where would you like to go?" He pressed the unlock button on his keyfob as he stopped the valet who wanted to get the car for them.


    Noor absentmindedly responded, looking at the small box in her hand. All she wanted was to eat her little dessert that was making her drool. "Anywhere."


    Arsh saw her chewing her lip and lost in her thoughts. He threw a stone in the dark, "To the end of the world."


    Noor responded without catching his words, "Sure. We will go there."


    Arsh controlled but let out a hearty peel ofughter. Now he understood how it felt topete with food. Nheless, he didn''t know the cake lost thepetition with him.


    Noor instantly turned to Arsh hearing his deep, happyugh. She felt her heart swell with an unknown feeling watching himugh and faintly shake his head in resignation. She doesn''t even remember hearing the deepughter of Arsh. She always noticed the faint curve of his lips as though looking happy was a tiring job to do.


    Walking on her heels, staring at Arsh, she tripped on the section divider of the parking space. "Ahhh...." She tightened her clutch on the box as though holding it for her dear life.


    Thanks to Arsh''s fast reflexes, he caught her before she could fall t on her face. However, she left him wordless when he noticed she was holding the cake box as though she saved its life.


    He sighed in his mind before realizing he was holding her waist from behind, and his body stiffened. His thoughts were at the ridge to go berserk, so he quickly pulled her up and took away his hands as soon as he assumed she stood on her feet.


    He was yet to breathe out, Noor who was startled, was feeling her legs jelly and slipped. "Young..." Fear of pain shed in her eyes as she thought why Arsh didn''t wait for her to stand. This time, her left hand instinctively tried to hold him while falling aside.


    Arsh''s instinctive reaction was to again wrap his right arm securely around her tiny waist. He tightened his arms quickly to avoid her slipping off him. Finally, he had the beauty in his arms, secure and close.

 Chapter 598: Buckle up

    Chapter 598: Buckle up


    Noor''s eyes widened as big as they could, looking at Arsh''s face up so close, with her body pressing on his. Despite knowing he held her to save her from falling off, slowly blush crept up her face turning her face to bright pink.


    She wasn''t a clumsy girl. Rather she stays extra careful to avoid being clumsy. With his arm wrapped around her waist and her left hand on his right arm, she had clutched his shoulder tight. Even though she stared at his brown orbs, she was feeling how strong his arms were.


    She gulped nervously without understanding why she was getting such thoughts as her face flushed red, causing her to hold the cake box even tighter.


    Her feet were on the floor, yet she didn''t feel like her weight was on them. She wanted to leave Arsh and stand away. At the same time, she was afraid to fall on the ground, so she clutched him tighter. She felt like flying without leaving her weight on her feet, and she also felt like falling. With the jumbled thoughts, she was disoriented.


    Arsh''s eyes wandered on her little face, her eyes while staring at him. Then his gaze went on her supple and radiant skin. Her longshes didn''t bat down even once, causing his eyes to stare back at his reflection in her eyes. He knew she was slender, and he didn''t expect to feel her so petite in his arms. But it wasn''t like he had anyints. He would dly feed her and make her a plump, meatball.


    It wasn''t Arsh''s first time seeing her blush. She used to blush most of the time because others used to tease her. He always made sure she would be superfortable around him, so there was never an awkward situation or circumstances for her to be shy around him. Now her blush didn''t feel like it was for embarrassment, so he was more confident of holding her without hesitation of making her ufortable.


    Now he understood why his mother wanted him to make Noore out of thefort zone he always provided her. Else the woman in his arms would never think of him as a man but a protective family member or a mentor or probably a friend. But, wait, he doesn''t even know whether she takes him as a friend.


    His eyes fell on the cake box she was clutching, "Is that so tasty?" He still thought she tripped because her focus was on the cake.


    Noor understood why he asked. She wanted to shake her head to tell him she didn''t trip because of the cake. However, she nodded to the question without daring to tell the truth. Her mellow voice came out like a whisper, "It is." And her face turns a darker shade of red.


    Arsh''s eyes slightly sharpened on her. He didn''t leave her yet, "Tasty enough to have the bruises?" He sounded curious, but he wasn''t. Instead, he wanted to grab that box and threw it in the bin.


    Noor finally blinked, looking at his cold demeanor back. Then, she shook her head, her voice barely audible, "I will be careful."


    This time, Arsh made sure she was standing on her heels before he retracted his hand from her. Then, one walked towards the car, suddenly feeling empty in his arms, while the other thought about losing the warmth.


    Noor''s eyes widened at her thoughts. She shook her head to disperse her thoughts as she pped her cheeks to wake herself up andpose. However, she froze when Arsh turned to her, sensing her actions.


    He had a rough estimation about her reaction but still asked, which he would have ignored usually, "What''s... Wrong?" His voice came out like a tease.


    Noor blinked, gazing at his face. On the surface, she felt there was something wrong with Arsh. Why was he talking so much? But deep down, she felt something was wrong with her. She never had such thoughts.


    "I don''t know, Young Master Morgan." She innocently and promptly responded, shaking her head. Yeah, she didn''t know what was wrong with her stupid brain.


    Arsh felt it hard to maintain his straight face hearing her confused tone.


    Noor continued her hypothesis, "Probably... I am in shock." It was more like convincing herself.


    Arsh: "..."


    Shock? She was falling to the ground. It wasn''t like she was standing at a cliff or a few floors building to put her in shock. He didn''t like how she found a weird reason behind her behavior.


    It wasn''t unexpected from Noor, so Arsh cooled down and uttered, "Arsh..."


    So why not change the things from the name?


    Noor picked up her speed and followed him, "Huh?"


    Arsh opened his car door for her as he spoke his intention for saying his name, "Call me, Arsh."


    Noor paused at the door and faced him. Her past thoughts flooded in her mind while looking him in the eyes. Her face again started to glow with red. She could feel her cheeks hot, so she averted her gaze, "But..."


    She wanted to retort; however, the man gave her no chance, "Arsh." This time, he was overbearing, causing her to purse her lips and get in the car.


    ''I am alright. Something is wrong with Young Master Morgan.'' Noor concluded. Even though he was bossy, he never behaved unreasonably, so she assumed Arsh might be in a foul mood due to something.


    ''I won''t call you Young Master either.'' She hmphed without seeing Arsh had closed the door and watching her as he went to the driver seat.


    He is aware Noor had the cute, mischievous girly side, and it wasn''t with him. She always keeps herposure around him like a mature and responsibledy. So he thought he had to make her enjoyable enough to be as free as she would be with her and his mother.


    Taking the driving seat in his car, he noticed she didn''t wear her seat belt. He was about to remind her to buckle up but paused. If he wants her to look at him as a man, he must change his ways instead of treating her indifferently.


    He decided to help her as he recalled Aria''s words, ''Help her even when she doesn''t need your help.''


    Noor, who was in her thoughts, gasped when Arsh leaned closer. She stared at him with her thoughts running wild, her heart elerating its beats.

 Chapter 599: Collaboration

    Chapter 599: Coboration


    Looking at Arsh''s face again, up so close, Noor instinctively went away from him when he had already paused. Her breath stuck in her throat when her eyes betrayed her, and she looked at the handsome and ssy being. Her fingers itched to touch his face, so again gulped nervously, clutching her dress hem.


    When her eyes fell on his lips, her thoughts ran up to the numerous kissing scenes as she had read in novels and seen in movies. That shocked her even more until she felt a car belt press on her body.


    Her eyes moved on the belt that was slipping between his fingers. Then she stared right into his nonchnt eyes. She wanted a superpower to read them.


    Arsh wanted to tease her with a question of ''what''s wrong?'' But he didn''t get the chance.


    Noor breathed slowly to be inposure. Her backhand unhesitatingly reached his forehead before he could sit back straight on his seat. She gently pressed his forehead to feel his temperature. She didn''t feel like he had a fever, "Are you... alright?" She asked, looking at him in concern.


    Arsh: "..."


    He wanted to cuss at his fate. Now he felt like he had spoiled her too much by keeping her very muchfortable around him.


    He shrugged with a lie, "I can''t hold your cake if you slip it while wearing the seatbelt."


    Noor''s jaw dropped hearing him tantly lie to her. She wanted to advise him, ''Young Master Morgan, you could have just told me that you helped me.'' Anyway, looking at his drive maintaining absolute silence.


    Instead of going to a typical restaurant, he took her to a dine-in kitchen restaurant. In that restaurant, the private rooms had a kitchen and dining table. The ind kitchen counter had a bar stool on another side. Noor made herselffortable at the bar counter and started listing what she would like to eat by assuming Arsh would invite a chef.


    Arsh ordered the ingredients required for the dishes, and Noor flustered, "Young Master Morgan, I didn''t know you were going to cook." She had gone all out while listing the dishes. She tried to cancel some dishes, "I don''t want..."


    Arsh cut in inly, "I already ordered."


    Instead of ming herself, her eyes sparkled secretly, and she started drooling, imagining the yummy food.


    After some time, Instead of drooling at the food, Noor''s eyes were blindly following Arsh. He had pulled his sleeves up. The nerves of his arms were protruding as he carefully handled dishes and prepared many unique and small dishes. The handsomeness was slowly changing to sizzling hot.


    After the mouth-savoring dinner, Noor had her mini cake before Arsh dropped her at the hotel. She had lost count of how many she had blushed in one and half hours. Then her day followed with the thoughts of Arsh lingering in her mind, and she pped her cheeks repeatedly to focus on work.


    She concluded that she was acting like a secret fangirl of Arsh.


    -----


    At Skyline,


    Aria was speechless. Because Arsh narrated till he got permission from Noah to take Noor for lunch, then he said, "I took her to Dine-in Kitchen, then dropped her to the hotel."


    "That''s it?" Aria asked.


    Arsh knew what Aria was expecting, yet he nodded his head.


    Aria threateninglyughed. She wasn''t muddle-headed to think they went on simple lunch with Arsh being no mischievous or making any moves. "Alright. Let me call my little daughter-inw home after work."


    Arsh: "..."


    Aria chuckled again before nodding, "I won''t cross your privacy." Of course, hearing little juicy details would have been fun. Anyway, she understands the privacy between children and parents.


    Arsh hummed, "And Mom, you aren''t allowed to tease me." His mother might not tease him like she teases her friends, but her smile or even her fake ignorance would be enough to tease him.


    Shaking her head, she disagreed with him. Grabbing a cushion, she stood up and carefully ced it under his head. She kneeled and caressed his head as she asked him to rest, "Have a nap. Stop worrying about everything. Just think of getting my little daughter-inw home soon."


    Arsh shed a faint smile before he drifted off to sleep. Aria got back to work after covering him with a knitted throw.


    She knows he was worried that she would stress too much about Arna. How could she not? Arna forced everyone to go to work and was staying alone. An empty mind is the devil''s worship. She didn''t want Arna to take any drastic step thinking of the past.


    ---


    Days passed by, Arna smiled on the exterior, but she lost her liveliness. She was trying hard not to worry anybody without knowing she had changed herself. However, everyone could see she was guilty, and that guilt was eating her, making her assume she wasn''t worthy of being happy.


    The family members didn''t want to force her into anything, including being happy. They thought she would find it when she started her work. n found her studio located in a good location where she won''t have to stress about traffic, vehicles. Instead, she could rx and focus on design.


    Aria helped her design the studio, and they included the gym as Arna''s workout wasn''t fixed to morning or evening. Arna''s assistants, the manager, didn''t take long to get over the jetg and made themselves aware of the ce with the help of Arna.


    She also signed the contract under Morgan Entertainment and attended a small media conference to respond to the frantic reporters and fans. Even though everyone weed her heartily, she could feel the celebrities feeling threatened by her appearance. Many tried to butter her up to stay on her good books, a lot stayed away, and some nning behind their back.


    She shrugged them all off as she had her manager, who knows her well. Unless they don''t try to snatch her resources, Arna was fine. She will handle them herself, except they be huge and reach her parent''s ears.


    During the whole two weeks, Arna didn''t meet Ivan. She had responded to his message in a word, so their conversation didn''t pick up. Instead, she had stayed in her room when he went to the Morgan mansion.


    Standing in front of Skyline, Arna took a deep breath holding the files in her hand. Today she had a coboration meeting of her studios with Skyline. She knew Ivan was the one who was going to lead.


    There was no reason to be angry at him. Nevertheless, a part of her didn''t want to face him. She didn''t feel brave enough to court him anymore. She was afraid to fall weak in front of him.

 Chapter 600: Unsuccessful

    Chapter 600: Unsessful


    Standing in front of Skyline, Arna was taking a deep breath when her assistant called her a few times before holding her shoulder, "Arna, what''s wrong? Are you afraid of your mother?"


    Arna came out of her thoughts and faintly smiled to keep her assistant and the manager of the studio worry-free. She didn''t bother to tell them that the meeting wasn''t a formality.


    Even though her mother could have easily coborated with her without the consent of others, she didn''t want anybody to point their finger at Arna''s team and their capabilities. She was giving them a chance to earn admiration and support.


    If they fail to reach the expectations and standards of Skyline, Arna knew Aria would personally help her find another suitable coborator or help her brand standalone without any coborator.


    It wasn''t that Arna couldn''t have a standalone brand, but it consumes too much time forming apany with marketing, public rtion, and other departments. She just wants to focus on designing and her modeling career instead of bing a CEO.


    A team of three, 2dies and a man reached the neenth floor where the meeting was arranged. A receptionist escorted them like new coborators and guided them out of the elevator.


    Arna felt hard to breathe when her eyesnded on Ivan who was followed by the other three to wee them. There wasn''t an exchange of smiles on their faces, there was unexinable silence when the duo looked at each other.


    Her assistant''s words brought her out of her thoughts when she added, "Sister Arna, Brother Ivan has be more handsome. You have such a good choice."


    ''Good choice?'' Arna didn''t even guess, one day Ivan would be so handsome. It wasn''t his looks she liked, it was his tolerance towards her and boundless care.


    Ivan was unsure how to react but he had to maintain his conduct so that other managers shouldn''t think like they were giving special treatment to Arna Morgan who is a designer. Ivan didn''t want his actions to affect her in a long way.


    At the same time, it was hard for him to stay unresponsive after seeing her after two weeks. In the past, they used to go on without meeting each other for many months but they were always in contact through messages, voice, and video calls. These two weeks felt the longest when he knew she wasn''t far away but close to him, in the city.


    He decided to take her out after the meeting. She might be the coborator partner, she is also his friend, if not his love.


    ''I am sorry, Snow. Hope you understand.'' He thought before he lifted his hand for a handshake to wee her with a professional smile.


    She felt her hand tremble before she managed to put on a formal faint smile and held his hand as she heard him, "Ms. Morgan, wee to the Skyline."


    "Vice President Ross, thank you for your personal wee."


    Both continued their act of professionalism leaving others confused before they went with the flow and started the meeting.


    Arna''s assistant realized it wasn''t just a formal meeting but the real deal. She and the manager became serious and gave a presentation with Arna as they had nned.


    They gave a good presentation but theck of response made the other two think if they weren''t good enough. Whereas Arna knew how the Skyline works so she didn''t reveal her expressions at the time.


    Standing by the screen and seeing Ivan sitting at the head of the long table, Arna realized how their lives are totally different. Her employees and working style were totally different from theirs. Her surrounding felt colorful whereas his, dark or light


    Ivan heard the group had mixed responses so he nced at his secretary who stood up quickly before his gaze settled on Arna, "Ms. Morgan, let''s take a break. We will get back to you soon."


    The managers who were holding back their opinion due to Arna''s identity as Aria''s daughter finally let out a breath. Even though they knew Aria is upright, when ites to family, she will prioritize them so they didn''t want to offend her.


    Arna nodded, "Sure." Then she looked at her manager and assistant who took theptop, portfolio, and other things before following her.


    The secretary left them in the break room with snacks and refreshments before she made her way back to the conference room.


    Arna knew it would take a long time so he went in search of her mother. Meeting her mother isn''t a sin, right?


    She didn''t Aria in the office. After asking her secretaries, she made her way up to the design studio which was on the terrace. Her father had built it for her mother.


    She knocked on the door before she pushed it open. She didn''t find her in the living hall. She checked Aria''s new uing designs. People were already talking about Aria aka Alia''s retirement, but Arna didn''t think Aria should retire. She was now a legend who gets pre-order for a year.


    Reaching a room where her mother usually designs, she saw a whole heap of papers flying around with unfinished designs. Instead of Arna, Aria was tense about the meeting so that Arna could sense it.


    "Momma," Arna called involuntarily smiling at her mother''s state. She knew Aria never shows her worry to anybody but n so she didn''t dig deep and made her ufortable.


    "Your team of oldmen is hard to please." She said humorously and Aria chuckled.


    Both sat for a general chat with a coffee. Then their conversation turned about designing and sharing their experiences. Arna didn''t find it odd when her mother became an eager child to learn what she never tried. So without realizing an hour had passed.


    Ivan, who reached the studio after the long discussion with the team, knocked on the door to get the attention of twodies who were lost in their world without noticing he had entered there.


    Aria nced at Arna, she had told Ivan to give her some time to collect herself but she hadn''t expected it would take two weeks. Looking Arna turns aloof by his presence, Aria faced Ivan.


    Ivan pursed his lips and shook his head at Aria. He meant the coboration wasn''t sessful. He was afraid to word it as it might affect Arna''s emotional state.

 Chapter 601: Distance

    Chapter 601: Distance


    Aria''s face darkened hearing the management decision. She agrees country A wasn''t the market for Arna''s design but Arna''s fame and market are worldwide. Supporting her means reaching different cities. But the problem was, the lifetime of a designer is variable, Hence the risk is high.


    She turned to Arna who was ignoring Ivan. She asked, "Snow, do you have any otherpany in mind on Skyline rejection?"


    It was enough to tell, Skyline management board wasn''t ready to take the risk. She was d they weren''t considering her a daughter but a designer. She wanted to be recognized as Arna instead of making her way up easily with Aria or n''s name.


    Arna shook her head promptly. She won''t go to anotherpany in country A as they would treat her as the daughter of Aria and n. Her aim was always the best and her mother''spany and resources were most suitable for her to spread her branches to different countries.


    The fighting spirit she had lost was back. "I will make them regret it ande to my doorstep," Arna announced in determination.


    Aria and Ivan had a smile, understanding she had a backup n, "That''s like my girl." Aria proudly said. The most important thing was not breaking down and losing hope. Making that a stepping stone and moving towards the goal.


    "Go, lift your team spirit," Aria said, asking her to take care of her team.


    However, Arna chuckled, "They will already be nning ways to p back." She didn''t believe in a team who she had to motivate each time. Her team had members who were motivated and career-driven.


    Aria chuckled, she hugged her daughter before seeing her off. Aria wasn''t tense about the meeting but Arna''s reaction. If Arna gets something easily, she always thinks she got it due to her parents. Aria was worried if the team would approve without measuring out all aspects, Arna would think she was nothing.


    But if the team rejects, Aria was afraid thinking what if that hurts Arna. Since the rejection inspired her to work harder, Aria had nothing to worry about.


    Shepleted a design before n picked her up personally.


    ---


    Meanwhile at the other end. Ivan had a few words with Aria and ran out to reach Arna. Thetter pretended to be unseen and didn''t stop the elevator door from closing.


    Ivan stood frozen in front of the elevator for a moment before he made his way down to the 19th floor from 26th using stairs. He wasn''t inhumane to go at the speed of a light elevator. However, he reached before she could leave with her team.


    He didn''t pant as though he was using the elevator just now. "Snow" He called.


    However, Arna shed him a professional smile, "Thank you for your time, Vice President Ross."


    She was passing by when Ivan clenched his teeth and repeated, "Snow." There was a restraint in his voice, but it was hard to decide if he was angry or trying to control his sadness.


    Arna knew she shouldn''t ignore him but she wasn''t in the state. Her hands trembled at the thought of taking any rash decision. She told her team, "Go to the studio." They had different cars.


    The manager nodded, "Alright." He left with her assistant to give them privacy. Not just the duo, all had seen her indifference towards Ivan.


    Ivan turned around to take her to the pantry but Arna feigned nonchnce again, "Ivan, go back to your work. I don''t want to disturb your work time."


    He held her wrist and went to the pantry on the floor. "Out." He growled at the employees who were in there.


    Ivan wasn''t cold overbearing unless he loses his cool. Instead of judging him, they chose to leave quickly.


    He turned to face Arna once everyone vacated the ce. "What is going on with you?"


    Arna pulled her hand out of his clutch and bit her inner lip before shaking her head indicating it was nothing. She still thought he was worried because he treats her as a friend.


    Ivan stayed in control and asked, "Do you have nothing to say to me?" There was a hint of despair which he hid immediately. He had forgotten, he will lose his ce once she gets her father and mother to share her worries.


    She didn''t know why, she suddenly felt she had increased the distance between them while battling her thoughts. Like she had left him at the water fountain park and walked far away from there, returning felt too hard.


    It was just like how she had felt for her family and the thought of it was enough to make her freeze and tremble.


    She didn''t want to make the same mistake with anybody else. It was already hard for her to cope with one mistake, another one felt heavier to live on.


    Even though she and Naira didn''t meet or try to contact each other, she could already guess their friendship was beyond repairable. Even if they get back, none would be able to treat her fairly and they won''t be able to trust each other the same.


    All Arna ever had was Naira, Ivan, and Arsh as her true genuine friends. She had earned a few from country S but they weren''t the ones who would go through every thick and thin with her. Arsh was her brother, she lost Naira and she didn''t want to lose another one even if she had to give up on him and be just friends.


    Ivan couldn''t read her messyplex thoughts. He was worried seeing her gaze wander and her irregr breath in some kind of fear.


    He moved closer to her. He slid his hand under her ear and held her face to look at him, "Snow, are you alright? Snow, look at me."


    Arna jerked away when his other hand too reached to hold her. She didn''t want to have any hopes so that she could reduce her heartache and be a good friend even if it gets hard for her.


    She breathed out loud and shook her head at Ivan who was confused. She held his hand which was in the air and tried to rx, "I am just a little stressed. Give me some time to collect myself and set up my studio. Hm?" She requested, hoping she wasn''t damaging or hurting his feelings.


    Ivan felt his response was going to drive them away. Why? He had no idea. It was his gut feeling.

 Chapter 602: Not a friend

    Chapter 602: Not a friend


    Ivan had waited for her return for many years, so the time she was asking was far too less in front of it. Yet, he felt this time was going to have a greater impact on them than the past many years.


    However, he knew forcing her beside him would be the worst thing he could do for her. She had battled for nine years and now, she was repenting of her actions of nine years and it will take time. If she wasn''t taking time, then she would have probably faked it.


    He felt like he was answering in the most difficult exam where he was expected to fail. His heart weighed down when he epted her for what she wanted. "Alright." One could easily guess, he was forcing himself to say it.


    Arna who was struggling with herself, who was feeling trapped, who felt like she was going to make a mistake without awareness, wanted to run out. She wanted to calm herself and think rationally. So hearing Ivan, she forced a smile through her held breath and turned around to leave quickly.


    She had just taken a step when she felt a tug at her hand. She twirled around and pulled towards Ivan. Before she could grasp what was happening, she crashed on Ivan and he wrapped his arms around her.


    Ivan tightened his arms. He couldn''t know why he was fearing to let go of her. He didn''t want their two weeks to continue and eventually both be strangers. He didn''t want to see them face that day. His heart was drumming in fear of losing, he took a deep breath, unknowingly, tightening his arms furthermore, "I will wait for you." He was letting her know he will be expecting her return.


    Arna was frozen in his arms, she felt her resolve to weaken, she wanted to cry. Crying out everything as she always did around him and he would stay by her until he made sure she was fine.


    She wanted to break down again if that could help her be stronger. However she felt selfish, she didn''t want everyone to worry about her, or pity her. She didn''t want them to waste time on her when all she had given them was pain.


    But his warm embrace was melting the walls she had created over weeks to keep herself strong. She was afraid of taking advantage of his kindness, so she wanted to leave immediately. She tried to push him but he further enveloped her in a stronghold.


    She managed to catch his words and vigorously nodded at him before she pushed him and strode towards the door. Tears threatened to roll down her face but she held it in, determined to leave from there.


    She halted at the door at the realization she was again focusing on her emotions. She closed her eyes and tears rolled down on her cheek as she took deep breaths.


    She was trying topose, calm her heart and talk to Ivan but her body froze in shock. ''Ivan hugged me!?'' It was always her who gave him hugs and if he did, it was always a friendly shoulder hug, if not hugging her to coaxing. But this wasn''t any of it and Ivan wasn''t the one who gets physically close to anybody, not even her.


    ''Am I overthinking?'' She gulped nervously, her eyes moved uneasily without focusing anywhere. ''Am I again hoping selfishly?'' She was failing to differentiate between reality and her wishes.


    She hesitatingly turned around to look at Ivan. And there he stood where he was, unwaveringly looking at her. She felt him waiting for her when she was still standing there.


    Images of Ivan standing while she was walking away appeared in her mind like a carousel. She had walked away in the airports without turning back when he always stood there watching her back. She had walked away from him at many ces, yet he stood there watching her back.


    She never turned back to him because she didn''t want to behave like a clingy one-sided lover. She never wanted to show she was hating to leave his side when he wasn''t epting her. She was stubborn to hide her rolling tear whenever she walked away from him.


    Now she felt like she didn''t leave him at the water fountain park. He was still standing where she had left him nine years back. But he was the one who wasn''t ready to ept her. She hadn''t asked him once or twice. She had confessed, asked him out many times, in different ways. If once emotionally, then seriously, then humorously, cheerfully, and also teasingly. And every time he had rejected?


    Arna blinked with another tear rolling down her smooth pink cheeks. He never rejected her but avoided responding to her. ''Was he waiting for me to return?'' She could onlye to that conclusion. And there was a tiny part of her, still afraid if it was all her imagination and overthinking.


    The silence was suffocating yet it was required. They stared at each other without knowing what to say. Ivan wanted to stand by her, help her collect herself, get herself back. He wasn''t going to take advantage of weak time, but seeing her leave his side, he didn''t know if he had the right to be with her.


    Arna breathed slowly, she had felt it was difficult to walk up to him at the thought of their two weeks apart. Now the distance felt more profound and difficult. Nheless, she was ready to face it even if it''s not in her favor.


    She moved her heels to a small step towards Ivan and saw his frozen statee alive. She took another step and again to gather the courage that she had lost. After it, she ran into arms and coiled her arms around him. The tears made their way down her cheeks when he embraced her back, not as a friend.


    Arna cried harder, wrapping her arms tighter around him, unwilling to let go. She didn''t know why she was actually crying when she should be celebrating in joy. She cried overwhelmed with emotions. She hated herself for leaving, for not returning soon, for not reading his hidden emotions, for assuming he treated her as a friend just because he never epted her in words.

 Chapter 603: A friend

    Chapter 603: A friend


    Ivan really wasn''t expecting Arna to return to him. He felt his instincts were betraying him when it strongly said she was leaving him.


    Having no idea what was going on in her head, he coaxed her for the period she was going through. He gently rubbed her back, "Snow, everything will be alright. You don''t have to show yourself strong all the time. Speak with me, okay?..."


    He cajoled her while she cried hearing him as she reflected on her thoughts and actions of two weeks. Everyone at home treated her the same as before to avoid making her feel guilty but if they behaved naturally or special, she wasn''t able to ovee her guilt no matter what.


    Even though everything felt normal with their actions, a part of her was thinking they might be doing it to cheer her up as she wasn''t with her family for so many years. They used to share if there was any good news, but she had none, other than being happy for them.


    So she smiled, mingled with them to keep them worry-free. Whereas each of them knew they were trying to repair what wasn''t fixing. The more she pretended to be happy, it won''t make any of them merry. To be happy there should be a reason and for that reason, she should go out and do something.


    If none were around her, she used to stare into darkness or air without knowing what to do. Her mind used to flood with everything that happened at home after she left. those bad days were making her more miserable and did no good to her or her family.


    Of course, how could her brother and parents bear to see her lost and broken behind her smiles?


    They would make sure to apany her in their free time and take her out to ease her up. Stayed by her until she fell asleep. Sometimes her father would willingly and unwillingly let her mother sleep with her.


    But before morning, Arna had noticed, Aria always went back to n even if it''s for just an hour.


    Her parents always taught her to walk together. Being alone isn''t a strength and being together isn''t a weakness. If you can''t spend a lot of time with your love, spending quality time is important.


    How could she forget that she shouldn''t leave or ignore her love because of other issues and mistakes?


    She had gone to the extent of thinking she doesn''t deserve Ivan and she might be trouble in his life. She always stayed positive about her love even though Ivan never epted her, but a huge setback in life caused her to back away from her love and prepared to be a friend.


    If she had left the Skyline, probably she would have really gone away from him. She didn''t like herself for having those negative thoughts and she was d she turned around this time.


    Thinking back, Ivan was always there to listen to her. In fact, he used to reach her so that she could speak out and cry instead of suffering inside. He never left her to feel lonely and always managed to give time for her in his busy schedule.


    Sniffling, Arna slipped off his arms and looked at his handsome face filled with worry. Her face was flushed and her eyes swelling, she looked like a ripe tomato to his eyes. He cupped her face and gently wiped her tears. "Enough of crying."


    She pursed her lips, and punched him, taking him by surprise. Then she rained painless punches while he tried to hold her, "Snow Snow" Ivan was confused with her change of emotions.


    He had almost held her little fists, and she started crying again, "You are heartless." She again hugged him, wrapping her arms around his waist.


    Ivan really had no idea what he had done. Anyway, he silently apanied her to wait for her to calm down.


    Arna noticed Ivan wasn''t hugging her anymore and started his act of a good friend. Her tears soon stopped as she thought if she should tease him back for waiting and making her wait for so many years. ''A friend.''


    She stood back with a serious look, Ivan tried to study her but couldn''t. He really wanted to spend a lot of time with her and know her every action and reaction. So that he could start understanding her silence too.


    He took her near the washbasin in the pantry and twisted the tap for water and wet his hands. He was about to help her wipe her tear-stained face, Arna looked away showing her rejection of his actions.


    She felt dumb, he always took care of her yet she always assumed he sees her as a friend just because he said so. She sshed cold water on her face while he stood confused.


    Why was she angry? He couldn''t discern


    He was about to take her to the table and make her sit, Arna slipped his hand and went ahead. He felt something amiss but couldn''t point it out.


    This time, he didn''t try to wipe her face, instead, he pulled tissues from the box and extended his hand towards her. He really thought she would take it but she feigned ignorance and pulled a new set of tissues from the box.


    She gently dabbed tissue on her wet face, carefully watching Ivan who was confused as hell. Her goal wasn''t to make him sad but confused and she was on the right track.


    Ivan, who had the whole world of patience to tolerate Arna, didn''t ask her to avoid seeing her cry again. "Coffee? Let me get you one." Ivan went towards the coffee maker.


    Arna saw him check the coffee bean before cing a cup to brew a fresh cup of coffee. She stood up and reached the tea section where the tea packet tray had different types of tea vor bags.


    She took a cup and ced the teabag. She poured hot water from the kettle into a cup to prepare her tea without revealing any of her emotions.


    Ivan: "..."


    Arna doesn''t really drink tea. He gave a thought before asking her, "Snow A-are you alright?"


    Arna nced at him before looking back at her tea, "None of your business." She purposefully sounded rude.


    Ivan hissed, disliking her behavior, "Arna Morgan." He couldn''t believe that she just cried and started ignoring him like a stranger.


    "Oh, I shouldn''t say that to a friend." She faked a smile, "I am fine, Ivan." She sounded friendly but distant.


    ''Friend? Why did it sound like a mock?'' Ivan was at loss again.


    In the next ten minutes, he heard her say ''friend'' so many times that he was afraid to ask her anything.


    ''Did she cry to get over me?'' Ivan started doubting.

 Chapter 604: Faith

    Chapter 604: Faith


    After confusing Ivan for five more minutes, she noticed Ivan was getting annoyed to hear her friend. She couldn''t believe he was fine calling her a friend and wasn''t liking it from her mouth.


    Ivan grabbed their cups and went towards the sink bowl to keep it there and take a moment to breathe and rx. Else, he might knock on her head hearing friend again and again.


    This was the first time Arna was calling him a friend. Even his introduction to her family wasn''t as a friend after she returned. The random thought of Arna really giving up on him crept up, shuddering his heart. But he didn''t know if it''s alright to confess in her vulnerable time.


    He turned around to take a good look at her. She looked calm, her eyes were already swollen and her cheeks were slightly pink. But she didn''t look sad anymore, rather she was delighted. Her moist twinkling eyes had earned back the enthusiasm and cheerfulness which she didn''t have before crying on his shoulder. There were fewer messy thoughts and she looked clearer and confident.


    ''No, she didn''t give up on me. What is she trying to y?'' Ivan thought.


    She had tried to do everything against his actions. She repeatedly responded twice, once as Arna who loves him, another time as Arna who emphasized being a friend. Arna wasn''t fickle-minded else she would have given up on him a long time ago. If she really wants to give up, she wouldn''t show it to him, rather, she will be smooth in backing away.


    He tested again. If he tries to personally escort her out, he is sure she will put on an act and walk away from him. So waved his hand towards the door like shooing a dog away by showing a hint of annoyance, "Alright, go back to work. I have a meeting soon."


    Without reading, he already dug out her little act. She skipped to him and gave him a warm hug, just like always. Ivan thought before he gently rubbed her head without hugging her. He did as he used to so that she could continue her act of going against his action


    Arna stood back right after his hand glided down her head once. She smacked herself as though shemitted a mistake. Then she mumbled loud enough to reach his ear, "This isn''t how A FRIEND should hug."


    She stood with a gap between them and lowered her shoulder and gave him a formal, shoulder hug as she barely ced her hand on his back.


    Ivan understood what she was trying to do. She was guilt-tripping him for calling her friend for so many days. He might have looked vulnerable at the thought of losing her and she had discerned everything. ''Heartless,'' he realized why.


    Before she pulled out another act, he held her arm and pushed her against the wall aside. His eyes sharped, narrowing his gaze at her mischief.


    Both heard a few gasps at the door, yet the duo stared at each other and Ivan waved his hand, ordering them to leave them alone. The three employees quickly closed the door behind them and giggled, murmuring something.


    "A friend." He uttered with a devilish smirk.


    Arna shrugged her shoulders without trying to get away from him. Although she wanted to torture him for a few days with it, she wasn''t surprised to know he could read through her actions.


    "I see, you are taking revenge on me." He discerned, looking at her smug smile for finding out he likes her for a long time.


    "You started it." She was just ying along to see how long he could keep up with his good friend image.


    Ivan''s eyebrow lifted at her words. He gave a faint nod epting he started it, he took a huge risk and blindly waited for her to return. He wasn''t wrong anyway, he knew she wouldn''t give up on him and she would slowly but surely return. The risk was huge, his whole life was at stake but he felt worth it.


    He went closer, covering the distance between them, "Then you should be punished for taking so much time." His deep, low voice tickled her ears.


    Her heart seemed to enjoy this side of Ivan, she unknowingly held her breath to feel her heart and his close presence. It wasn''t the first time she was close to him but him getting closer to her ''not as a friend,'' was giving her butterflies in her stomach.


    She always thought about how it might feel to be loved by Ivan who she loves. She always felt protected and secure around Ivan. And now, she felt her body surging with a new kind of feeling, a different kind of happiness filling the hollows of her heart. She felt peaceful yet excited and she loved that feeling more which nobody could give her other than him.


    A smile was threatening to spill off her lips while she whispered to his ear before he could back off, "I will wait for it." then she smirked when he faced her. The eyes which always held indifference or gentleness had affection, strong and deep.


    How she always waited for him to show little fondness towards her! She knew he wanted her to return, ept her mistakes and stop running away hence he always controlled his feelings. Probably, it was tougher than she could think off, but he stood strong, with faith in her.


    So she wasn''t angry or disappointed. She was happy to know he had that faith in her when she didn''t have it for herself. His punishment? She will dly ept it.


    Her eyes slightly widened when he got close enough to steal her breathe before his lipsnded on her right cheek, soft yet firm. Her heart picked up speed while his warm hand slid under her left ear and he whispered to her right ear.


    "The kiss, you asked me when we were four." He breathed, slow and hypnotic.


    He still could remember how he had poked her pink chubby cheek when he was actually enticed to kiss her cheek. He hadn''t dared to tell that to his parents and he used to blush whenever he was remembering her words showing her cheek towards him. He had hidden from her for many days when she was around. She had an effect on him from the age when he didn''t even know why he was shy.

 Chapter 605: The first kiss

    Chapter 605: The first kiss


    ''Four years old''


    Arna was mischief because he wasn''t letting her see Rian and Roxy kissing, so she teased him. She really didn''t have much recollection of that memory as they were young.


    She probably had thought he kissed her cheek and ran away. She had rubbed her cheek looking at his back thinking why did he run away when Rian and Roxy were still together.


    Anyway, she didn''t give importance to barely remembering memories but the one man with her. Her calm breathing was long and deep as she reminded him, "Then you owe me a lot of them." She had kissed him a lot other times, of course, on cheeks, forehead and she had also teased him asking for a kiss.


    Her voice came out like a soft feather touch on his ear. So many years, he always thought of holding her, looking at her to his heart''s content. So kisses, he can shower them as much as she wants.


    The tips of his fingers grazed over her smooth cheeks, looking her in the eye tenderly. Not one, both had longed for each other yet suffered for each other, still, there was no displeasure left between them. What was important was, they were finally together.


    "They will be returned With daily interest." From four years to twenty-five years, with interest in many kisses from seventeen to twenty years, he would need decades topletely pay her back. And he was willing to owe her for his lifetime.


    His lipsnded on her forehead causing her eyes to flutter close. When she had first confessed to him, they were in his apartment in country S. She wasn''t able to hold back, seeing him almost every alternate day. She wasn''t strong enough to pretend to be a friend when she clearly knew about her feelings.


    Her sudden confession had shocked him, probably that was a shock of joy which she didn''t know. Earning no response, she kissed him on the forehead to show her sincerity that she was being serious and she hadn''t confessed to him on a whim.


    "I am sorry for making you wait." He knew he was considering his feelings when he hadn''t epted her for so many years. Yet he still lingered around her without letting her move on and making her suffer.


    If Arna had lost him after her confession, probably she would have broken down and left the hopes. She was d he stayed by her and encouraged her as a friend. A small part of her wanted to beat him up for his uneptance, but she also knew he did everything because of her.


    She coiled her arms and hugged him. She was also in the wrong, "Would you have still waited if I hadn''t left the country or returned sooner?" She questioned more like aint on herself.


    He definitely wouldn''t have waited, he was sure. He didn''t answer her knowing his response would make her feel sad. He wasn''t ready to distress her.


    When his hand had involuntarily reached her head without wrapping his other hand, Arna stomped on his shoe, as hard as she could and heard him hiss. She reprimanded, squinting at him, "Should I teach you how to hug?"


    She started to think if he was a dumb unromantic idiot. ''Will my life be boring? For god damn sake his father is a romantic hero, didn''t he learn anything from him?''


    How could he forget the feisty Arna Morgan? Damning her heel he saw her pouting before she shamelessly asked out, "Ivan, do you know to kiss?" She highly doubted that.


    Ivan: "..."


    Well, he never kissed anybody. But he didn''t feel like there was anything that needed to be known about kissing in this era. This side of hers reminded him of her father who had given him a look, ''A loser.'' for wasting so many years.


    His hand grabbed her nape and captured her lips, taking her by shock.


    ''Knock, knock''


    Before he could do anything or feel her lips, their first kiss was ruined just like that. Both reacted by turning to the door, gritting their teeth for the disturbance.


    A youngdy breathed heavily as she reported, "Vice-President Ross, President is looking." She realized how they were standing before she froze and stopped breathing.


    Arna and Ivan were about to scold her, their eyes fell on the woman who entered behind her.


    The anger was reced with shock and embarrassment. Ivan took his hands away from Arna and stood in attention without knowing whether to face Aria or look somewhere else.


    Arna was flustered instead. She wanted to hide. She tried to go right but the wall was there, she turned around to the pantry countertop, then she about to bump into Ivan before she hid behind him to avoid looking at her mother.


    She cried internally for losing their first kiss. She was shocked that she didn''t get to feel his lips. Then her face flushed thinking of how to face her mother. She slowly peeked and got caught in her mother''s sharp eyes. She hid back again.


    Ivan had a hard time keeping his face straight. He couldn''t believe he was caught by the President while kissing the President''s daughter. It felt like he was caught having an affair especially when Aran hid behind him. Upon that, Arna started poking his back to speak to her mother and get rid of the awkwardness.


    Aria was speechless for a moment. She had called Ivan like ten times already, his family was trying to reach him. All secretaries were looking for him and Aria had to check the security tape to reach him. And she found him kissing her daughter.


    Should she be d that the secretary knocked on the door? Or scold her for not waiting after the knock? Or should she get angry at the couple or be happy that they are together now?


    The secretary nced at Aria to make a note of her emotions before she quickly scurried away to stay out of the family matters.


    ''Did I be a weed among roses?'' Aria was speechless at her thought.

 Chapter 606: The Pantry

    Chapter 606: The Pantry


    Her children were grown up, they weren''t kids but mature enough to behave and worry about themselves. Aria could say anything about the situation, Eva appeared in her mind and she red at Ivan, "Where is your mobile?" She could guess it to be on silent mode.


    ''Momma is angry?'' Snow squeezed her eyes clutching Ivan''s vest between her fingers.


    Ivanposed in a minute realizing Aria was trying to reach him. He turned around and noticed his mobile near the coffee maker. "I am sorry, President Cooper. Is there"


    Aria cut in coldly, "Did you forget this is office hours?" Aria scolded him for putting the mobile in silent mode and thrown away from him. She let him know before he could apologize again assuming it was a work call, "Your grandmother has fainted and is hospitalized. She is out of danger. She is murmuring your name so your mother is trying to reach." When Eva called her assuming Ivan must be busy with office work. Only if she knew, he was romancing Arna.


    Arna and Ivan were shocked before Ivan reacted by running to grab his mobile. He was d his grandmother was stable and his dy didn''t cause any problem,


    Aria looked at Arna who flushed brighter in embarrassment as soon as their eyes met. Aria wished she could be like Amelia but she wasn''t so she left the pantry without elevating the difort of her daughter. She didn''t want her presence to cause Ivan to leave without a word to her daughter.


    Arna breathed once Aria left. She was about to tell Ivan that she will go with him but he cupped her face and hurriedly ordered her, "Don''t you dare call me a friend again." He disliked it.


    Arna had a lot to speak with him and was disheartened for not getting time to speak with him. Nheless, she knew to prioritize things. She asked back, giving him thest chance for revival, "Then what am I to you?" She wasn''t ready to listen to him as a friend again.


    Ivan smirked sexily hearing the confidence and mischief back in her tone and eyes gleaming with a threat, "My Wife." He waited too long to say that to her.


    Her eyes sparkled brightly at his response. She wanted to squeal and jump in joy, pounce on him to hug, and had the urge to grab him and kiss him. However, the thought of his grandmother in the hospital was stopping her. The mix of emotions was making her unable to express herself.


    Nheless, he captured her upper lip between his. Arna''s eyes widened and breathed stuck in her throat. She was confused if she should push him to send him to the hospital or let him kiss her.


    Her hands made their way to hold his forearm. Ivan let out a low grunt in displease as he broke their little kiss and pecked on her lips. "I will see you soon." Then a smirk crept up looking at her faint blush.


    His fingers brushed on her cheeks as he unwillingly left and speedily walked away.


    Arna licked her lips, he tasted sweet. Only if her mother camete, they would have a good kiss. Kiss? Her jaws dropped realizing her first and the second kisssted barely five seconds. She ran out to the pantry door and yelled at Ivan, "Ivan Ross, you ruined my second kiss too."


    A hush fell over in the lobby. Arna froze when Aria turned around in utter shock. Ivan who had seen Aria speaking with a manager froze at his ce hearing his dumb wife. ''Did you have to announce to everyone?'' He wanted to smack his wife.


    The manager pressed his lips tight to avoidughing. The secretaries who were passing by were shocked before looking at Ivan doubtfully. A new rumor was going to start, ''VP Ross doesn''t know to kiss.'' and the female employees were going to find him cute for that.


    Arna turned right towards the wall, away from her mother''s gaze, ''If I wait here, Momma will definitely talk.'' And she was too embarrassed to speak with her mother right now.


    She ran towards Ivan who was gritting his teeth turning to her, "I wille with you." She said loud enough to reach Aria''s ears.


    She held Ivan''s arm and continued to run, making him jog behind her. Ivan didn''t know his image was changing from Vice President to lover boy. Thanks to Arna Morgan.


    Standing in the elevator, Ivan saw Arna circling him as she mumbled, "Will Momma tell Dad? What if she gets angry? She will definitely don''t like all these in the office."


    She saw Ivan and about to stomp him he slipped away, she stomped her feet on the floor of the elevator as she med him, "All because of you. Couldn''t you have confessed to me as soon as I returned?" But of course, it was her silly tantrum, she wasn''t ming him.


    Ivan fulfilled his wish, he smacked her head and breathed. The advantage of being friends before in a rtionship. He doesn''t have to worry about the misunderstanding.


    Arna:


    She was about to punch him, Ivan held her hand and twirled her around. Both froze as the door opened and n stood there with an aloof unreadable face.


    Arna slowly went behind Ivan and cried invisible tears as she pushed him out of the elevator. She would have told them at home, why did she have to get caught to both?


    After a few steps away, she slowly turned behind to look at her father and caught her father''s narrowed eyes. She held Ivan''s hand and ran towards the exit.


    For mischief Arna, she could sh them a smile and escape. Whereas how should he face her parents. He again had to jog behind her, disbelief written on his face.


    -----


    In Aria''s office, n was inside when Ariapleted her work and reached there. n pretended likeining to his wife about their naughty daughter, "Our daughter was dancing in the elevator." But in reality, he was pleased to know Arna got her love and it lightened her pain of the past.


    Aria crossed her arms over her chest and she revealed, "I caught them kissing in the pantry." She was ahead of the news that Arna and Ivan were together.


    n stood silent for a few seconds gazing at his beautiful wife. He held her hand and took her out saying, "We never kissed in the pantry."


    Aria: "..."

 Chapter 607: Reluctance

    Chapter 607: Reluctance


    Arna and Ivan reached the Imperial hospital quickly. As soon as they entered, Eva sent Ivan to meet his father''s mother then she looked at Arna.


    "Aunt Eva," Arna greeted as she nced at the old woman on the bed, "How is grandmother?"


    Eva breathed in relief when Ivan sat and started talking to her mother-inw. Being the only daughter for her parents and Issac being the only son of his parents, Ivan was the only grandchild for the elders. They couldn''t rest at the hospital at ease assuming it could be theirst day.


    Eva patted Arna''s arm looking at her worried, "Snow Blood sugar was low hence mother had fainted. She is fine now."


    Eva took her to the couch where Isaac was preparing a fruit bowl for his mother. Arna greeted Isaac before she sat down without disturbing the grandmother and grandson.


    Eva asked after fetching water to Arna, "You had a coboration meeting at Skyline. How did it go?"


    Issac became ears to the response, and sensed Arna shaking her head, "The management isn''t ready to take the risk. They rejected the coboration."


    Both Isaac and Eva knew the special case of her brand. Eva nodded as she continued to ask, "But your project and investment isn''t big for Skyline. The risk isn''t that big as the finance is low."


    Isaac responded to Eva''s question, "The business size is small but Snow is well known in numerous countries hence she would need vast PR support."


    Arna hummed agreement to Isaac''s words as she continued, "I and Momma are different sides of the coins. If I say in simple words, Momma''s designs are timeless. They are evesting hence they stay ssic over the changing time. The management would prefer it. But my designs are specific and the lifetime of it is limited hence the risk is high. My new designs might not have the same impact and attention as old so even if my project would be small, Skyline looks for long-term management so they won''t agree so easily."


    Eva and Isaac nodded at her words. They were proud that she was epting the rejection, understanding the consequences instead of demanding her mother or scolding the management board.


    "So what are your ns?" Isaac asked to know if she had ns to return back to country S. That would break his son''s heart.


    "I am shifting my recent show from country S to here. The results of it will decide if I will be a CEO or remain as a designer."


    Isaac and Eva understand she will open apany of hers if Skyline doesn''t notice the worth of her brand. Isaac rubbed her head adoringly, "Let me know if you need our help."


    Arna nodded adorably and put up her request immediately acting cute, "then please be my guest at the show. It will be my first show in our country."


    Isaac was satisfied and was d his son would get his love and no more longing.


    The two didn''t have objections and approved her invite before their eyes fell on the two. The weakly lying old woman was energetic after speaking with her grandson. She was already reprimanding him for something, trying to hit his arm while Ivan wasughing.


    Ivan called Arna after a few minutes, "Snow" He beckoned her. Arna innocently went to Ivan and stood by thinking he might have called her to say hi to the old woman but she didn''t get the chance.


    "What do you think, Grandma?" Ivan asked Arna.


    The olddy looked at Arna, examined her and she was perplexed, "She is so thin. How will she give me a great-grandson?"


    Arna was thunderstruck.


    Eva choked on her spit and Isaac was speechless at his son. They had heard the tits and bits of the talk. The olddy was always worried to see Ivan single till twenty-five and she gives Isaac''s instance as he got Eva at 22. It wasmon in their house so they weren''t thinking too much.


    Instead of saying anything positive about their rtionship, Ivan twisted his words, "Snow, make sure to eat well and give my grandma a baby."


    Eva pped her forehead without reading too much into his words and thinking of it as their shameless joke. Isaac wanted to smack his son, the harder the better.


    Arna stomped his feet. She couldn''t believe he said it just like that in front of all. She wanted to knock on his head and demand him to make their rtionship official. Wait, she wanted a confession first.


    She retorted, "You aren''t thin. Why don''t you get pregnant and bear a child for your grandmother?"


    The olddy burst into chortles. The wrinkles of old age deepened and her softughter spread in the room bringing a smile to everyone''s face. She loved the younger ones around.


    Ivan was thankful for his leather shoes. He needed to get rid of her stomping habit which she does only to him. He will lose his feet one day at this rate.


    The olddy calmed down before she scolded both of them in a breathy voice, "What wrong with this generation of children? You guys should be faster than your parents. And you guys are still single and boring."


    Eva was delighted, "Isn''t Mom still proud of us for dating early?"


    Issac shook his head, "She was angry at me for letting you study for three years in a different country."


    Eva: "..."


    She understood elders will find one or the other reason to scold them.


    Meanwhile, Ivan announced, "Grandma, don''t worry, I will find a granddaughter-inw for you soon."


    Find? How could Arna standstill without smacking the sense out of him? She grumpily went and sat with the couple.


    She had thought she might get time with Ivan but her team was waiting for her, so she bid the Ross family and left to her studio. She had a lot to take care of at work and also at home.


    ----


    At Morgan mansion,


    Arna waste and exhausted. She reached home at dinner time and immediately called over there. She smiled at Noor who came to the Morgan mansion after a really long time.


    She noticed Noor blushing when Arsh was just serving her. She was proud of her brother for slowly taking the turtle steps instead of scaring the little girl away.


    Her smilested till her eyesnded on her parents. She flushed in embarrassment immediately. n looked away to serve his wife but her mother propped her head on her fist and sweetly smiled at her. It was too sweet to believe but Arna had nothing to say yet.


    Even though she understood Ivan had feelings for her, he didn''t confess yet. She wanted him to speak out with her before she could tell her family.


    She shed a helpless smile at Aria before taking a seat next to Rooney as Noor was seated between Aria and Arsh.


    Aria slightly frowned, discerning Ivan didn''t confess his feelings yet. Remembering his grandmother, she let out an understanding breath of a sigh.


    n noticed her overworking her little brain so he stuffed her little mouth with prawns, silently reminding her to stop worrying.


    -----


    Meantime at the Ross Vi,


    Ivan had exploded the much-awaited bomb for her mother. She sat wide-eyed and frozen but not in delight. Rather in uneasiness and reluctance that appeared in deep frowns on her forehead.

 Chapter 608: Objection

    Chapter 608: Objection


    At the Ross Vi,


    Ivan brought his grandmother and parents home. Once his grandmother had her dinner and went to sleep, Ivan stopped his parents from going to their bedroom.


    "What''s wrong?" Isaac asked as he took a seat on the couch with his wife.


    Ivan sat opposite them while looking at Isaac. Being smart, Isaac understood the situation. Remembering Arna was happy around Ivan at the hospital, he was d they were together. At the same time, little tension about Eva, who wasn''t so cool about Arna.


    Ivan exploded the bomb so that his mother could rest early. "Mom, I want to get married."


    Isaac: "..."


    His son, who was patient and gentleman, had no more patience to wait. But shouldn''t he tell Eva that he loves Arna? Then talk about marriage?


    Eva was excited, the exhaustion of the whole day disappeared just like that, and she happily asked, "Who do you like? What is her name? Don''t you want to date? Why didn''t you tell me?..."


    Isaac didn''t want Eva to be so thrilled because it would be worse if she doesn''t like Arna. So he quickly held her arm and interjected, "Eva, listen to him first."


    Eva shrugged his hand and asked, "Are you bringing her home tomorrow? When did you propose to her?..."


    Ivan was quick to cut in before another question. He could only hope her excitement stays the same hearing the name, "I didn''t propose to her."


    Isaac shook his head resignedly as he loudly sighed. He wanted his son to be a gentleman but he felt like his son was too obedient, assuming he wanted their permission before proposing to Arna. Whereas, Ivan actually wanted to propose to her two weeks ago.


    Eva pped her forehead, she wanted to beat her husband for making him such a good boy. She wanted Ivan to be like her, "Why are you taking our permission? I will support you with any girl you choose."


    Ivan nodded and breathed out. His voice sounded clear and audible, "It''s Snow."


    "That''s amaz" She froze, her eyes widened as the excitement vanished slowly. She didn''t fake emotions from her son so her uneasiness and reluctance appeared in deep frowns on her forehead.


    She asked to confirm, "You mean our Snow... Arna Morgan."


    Ivan again nodded without averting his gaze away from his mother, "Yes, Mom."


    Eva breathed out as she leaned back on the couch. She slowly nced at her husband whose eyes were on her. Looking at him showing no reaction but worried about her, "You knew?" She asked.


    Isaac promptly responded, "Ivan liked Snow for more than a decade now."


    "Oh." Was the in response that came from Eva.


    A few seconds passed before she nodded, "Alright. Do as you like." She stood up as she deeply sighed, "I am tired, I will go to bed." She said and went towards the stairs.


    She had taken steps before realizing her husband and son were still sitting. She felt tired of handling these stubborn creatures. She again let out a sigh.


    Going back to the living hall, she sat down before revealing, "Do you know? More than anybody, I always wished you could marry Arna. It wasn''t just because she is Arrie''s daughter, Arna brings smiles, and if she likes you, she would follow you to hell."


    She shed a feeble smile as she continued remembering Arna''s phases of life, "Even when she was self-centered while growing up, I still liked her for you because it was just a phase of her life."


    Isaac knew that, in fact, he had heard her nning how amazing Ivan and Arna could be for each other. Ivan had the idea Eva liked Arna.


    "But" Eva turned to Ivan, "Now I am afraid if she is the right one." She pursed her lips, "She left her family, what if she leaves you if you two fight?"


    Isaac reminded her, "Eva, she was young and Naira had influenced her. Now she is grown up, she has been through a lot, that even our spoiled son hasn''t faced anything."


    Ivan: "..."


    He wanted to retort but it was the fact.


    Eva nodded in eptance, "I know, I know. But it''s just" She tried to pick the right words and ended up saying, "A fear left behind." A fear of her son struggling in his married life. She didn''t want to see her son in pain as the Morgan family members suffered.


    Ivan was about to speak for Arna, Eva stopped him lifting her hand at him, "I have no objection to your marriage or choice."


    Despite hearing it, none were happy about it. Ivan wanted Eva to be as excited as when she had heard he ns to get married. This behavior would definitely affect how she will treat Arna.


    Eva continued as though she could read his mind, "Give me some time, I will be fine, alright?"


    Ivan had expected Eva to go against him, get angry but she didn''t. She had unconditional support for him without the happiness of getting a daughter-inw. He wished her to ept heartily unlike epting for him,


    Having no choice, Ivan could only nod as pushing her hard will have a negative effect. "Okay, mom."


    She went upstairs hearing Isaac coax Ivan, "Give her some time."


    Ivan nodded and Isaac continued, "And propose to Snow. Don''t leave her hanging."


    Eva paused on the stairs and scolded her husband, "Isaac Ross, you didn''t even propose to me Forget about it, you didn''t give me a proper confession, what are you teaching him? He knows better than you." Then she went upstairs, grumpily.


    Isaac was speechless.


    Ivan pursed his lips and patted his father''s shoulder, "Hopefully, you don''t have to sleep in the guest room, Dad."


    Isaac swung his hand and punched Ivan''s stomach, "You brat, you will stay awake if I am out of the room." Then he ran upstairs. His wife was definitely angry, She might throw him out for hiding Ivan''s feelings for Arna.


    Ivan thought to confess to Arna first and wait for Eva.


    Or should he get married and wait for Eva to ept Arna before the wedding?


    With those thoughts, he went to bed peacefully after many days.


    ----


    Meantime,


    Aria was listening to Noor who was confused about her feelings without mentioning Arsh''s name, no matter what.

 Chapter 609: His attention

    Chapter 609: His attention


    After dinner at Morgan mansion, Arna was too tired to sit with them so she wished them good night and promptly went to sleep after a hot shower.


    Aria didn''t force her to speak with them as Arna had told her, she was alright. They could see it too. Arna was finally living her days instead of drowning herself in sadness.


    Everyone was sitting outside for some fresh air when Noor poked Aria and whispered, "Aunt Aria, could we talk for a few minutes?"


    Aria''s eyes involuntarily moved at Arsh who was chatting with Rooney about thetter''s sculpture and work. Even though he was busy with Rooney, she knew well his focus would be on all, a little more on Noor.


    Despite knowing Aria''s gaze on him, Arsh turned a blind eye and continued to speak with Rooney.


    Aria turned to her left and saw Noor blinking her big beautiful chestnut brown eyes, anticipatingly. "Sure." She stood up as she held Noor and guided her aside to take a walk.


    "It''s been a long time since you dropped a visit. Busy with work?" Aria asked a simple question to start their conversation so that Noor could befortable speaking.


    Noor was alwaysfortable with Aria as thetter treats her more like a friend instead of building a barrier of age. "The work is normal." But she oddly didn''t miss them. Probably seeing Arsh asionally. Now she realized seeing and talking with Arsh was enough for her to feel like she had been to the Morgan mansion and met everyone.


    Shaking her head to disperse her thoughts, she started walking side by side to look at Aria and speak. Aria too lowered her speed which was already too slow.


    "Seems like Something''s bugging you." Aria was first to speak as she shed a faint smile.


    Noor nodded, "But I don''t know how to ask. Aunt Aria Hmmm Why do we feel like the person is still the same yet different? Is it me who is thinking too much? Or the changes in me? I am confused."


    Aria didn''t consider Arsh in the matter. She didn''t want to force her opinion or son''s feelings on Noor. So she tried to help her like a one who doesn''t know about Arsh.


    "Ambiguous question," Ariamented.


    Assuming Aria will ask who the person is, she mumbled in embarrassment, "I actually asked my friends. They pestered me to tell them the name and said I have feelings for him and I should propose a date. I wasn''t satisfied so I thought Aunt could help me out." She meant, she won''t speak the person''s name instead of turning down Aria directly.


    Aria nodded, friends will always be excited to see one falling in love and date a handsome guy. She could understand that. She tried to give her opinion hoping Noor''s confusion for whatever reason it was created to be solved, "Since you said the person is same yet different, I will presume as you know the person from a long time."


    Noor promptly hummed, "Pretty long time."


    "That means the chances of you being attracted or infatuated is low." She tried to untangle her messy thoughts.


    Noor gave thought before responding, "I don''t think it''s an attraction or crush for the looks as he isn''t new to me But"


    "You are still attracted to him out of the blue." Ariapleted her words.


    Noor was d Aria could understand her inner turmoil unlike her hellbent teasing friends, "And that confuses me." Sheined.


    Aria rubbed her head looking at her making a sad, crying face for it. "Our behavior and feelings depend on the other person too. If you see changes in you with that person, that''s because you are sensing and feeling different emotions positively or negatively."


    Hearing the word negative, Noor injected immediately thinking she might have been unclear with her unclear questions. "Positive."


    Aria took a step before she stopped, looked at Noor who paused to think about her response. Making Noor understand herself was easier than others due to her willingness to ept and way of her thinking.


    ''Positive.'' Noor hadn''t thought about how she was feeling towards the simplest actions of Arsh. She only cared about whether he was the same or different and why she was oddly getting attracted to the face she grew up looking at.


    She alwaysbeled it as weird and overthinking. Now, differentiating if it was good or bad, positive or negative, she inclined towards epting the changes instead of disliking them.


    She looked up and saw Aria who had a faint smile at her while asking, "Are you alright?"


    Noor felt a little shy while epting, "I think I like it." Since it never made her distrustful or offensive or terrible, that meant she was actually enjoying Arsh''s little more care, concern, and attention.


    The thought of enjoying the attention of a man, especially Arsh Morgan, who was cold as ice, made herugh at herself.


    The intense flush crept up her face, ''What the hell am I thinking?'' She couldn''t believe, out of all, she thought Arsh who she used to treat like a mentor, changed into a man.


    Aria didn''t want to point it out but her smile slightly widened. It was the first time she saw Noor shocked, embarrassed, and speechless at the same time for her own deduction on something.


    "Like what?" Aria asked.


    "His attention." Then she gasped and flushed further.


    "Looks like you solved your confusion. Why are you so red? Won''t you tell your aunt?" Aria teased.


    Noor pursed her lips and stared at Aria carefully thinking she might blurt out everything if Aria tricks her.


    Aria wanted to tease more but controlled waiting for her to react. Noor slowly breathed after confirming Aria wasn''t going to force her, "I think yes and It- It is embarrassing too." She felt ufortable to think of facing Arsh again.


    Aria chuckled and tried to ease her ufortableness by telling her it''smon. "Do you know? Despite visiting Morgan''s mansion every other day, n and I never really met and whenever there was a chance of a conversation, I always saw him livid. Then n was my legal guardian when I was 17+ and started living here."


    Noor knew each of the love stories of the Fourie, so she eximed, "Then you must have felt super awkward when Uncle n confessed to you."


    Aarvi chuckled, she didn''t want to pick up the confession topic yet. It feels like Arsh was going on the right track. Noor''s heart already knew what Arsh was up to but her brain was taking time, feeling it hard to ept it.

 Chapter 610: Shirtless

    Chapter 610: Shirtless


    Since Noor took the confession topic, Aria continued about her and n so that Noor shouldn''t misunderstand the awkwardness. They continued their walk at the speed of the turtle as she nced towards n.


    As though there was a telepathic messenger, he lifted his head and looked at her. There was no smile on his face but she knew he was delighted to catch her eyes on him.


    "My Guardian, livid at that." She looked back to Noor, "When I got clues, I had told Evvie and she hadughed at me, teased me as your friends did to you. But when n actually confessed to me, there was no confusion, I was young so there was a little awkwardness but those weren''t ones that would make me stay away from him."


    Noor nodded a few times as she understood, she doesn''t have to avoid Arsh just because she felt awkward. The topic was getting heavy for her as she discerned one after the other.


    Understanding is different from how one feels it. Yet, she felt she shouldn''t avoid Arsh.


    ''Oh gosh, what is wrong with me?'' She couldn''t believe Arsh started to stay on her mind all the time.


    Anyway, it didn''t take long to hit the negative side, "Aunt Aria, what if I am overthinking and assuming everything?" Then she won''t be able to face Arsh again in her life and it felt hard to digest.


    Aria again paused with her. It was inevitable to get negative thoughts. She also had lots of negative thoughts until n confessed to her. She felt Noor was no different too.


    "Then why didn''t you overthink in the past years?" Aria asked, tilting her head at Noor. She could say there were words on Noor''s tongue, ''but'' and ''if.''


    Aria continued without adding in more confusion, "In our business, we always have risk factors but we analyze if want to take that risk or if the project is worth the risk."


    This part, Noor understood easily so she nodded. Aria continued, "So you have to think if that person is worth the risk. Since you already know that person, you have to trust yourself before deciding what to do."


    Noor took a few seconds before nodding her head. She was relieved Aria didn''t tell her to date as her friends had suggested to her. "I will take it more time and decide." Then she took a step forward and hugged Aria, "Thank you, Aunt Aria. You are my savior."


    Aria chuckled as she wrapped her arm back and rubbed her head.


    At the other end, "Bro, Big Mom is better at picking girls than you. Don''t you think so?" Rooney teased Arsh as he pointed at the twodies.


    Arsh: "..."


    He kicked his brother before throwing his line back, "Hence your girlfriend cuddles my mother before smacking your head."


    Rooney: "..."


    All chucked hearing him while n looked at his wife. What can he do other than sharing his wife with little ones? His wife is a good mother and a friend to everyone.


    Rian teased his brother, "Damn, if bro hadn''t stolen her, I would have got a chance to see her stealing every guys'' heart."


    This time n kicked Rian''s chair and all burst intoughter weing the twodies with smiles.


    "Having fun without us?" Aria asked, squinting her eyes at everyone.


    Rian pulled her to sit and asked in curiosity, "Little Devil, if you get a chance to go back in the past and get an opportunity to pick a new partner who will you choose?"


    The rest nced at n who was thirsting for Rian''s blood. Then they turned to Aria who said, "Then I need to give it a thought."


    n''s eyes narrowed at Aria and the rest were eager to listen to her. Aria turned to n and asked, "n, wasn''t he handsome?"


    Everyone saw n''s sinister smile while asking, "Who?" They gulped as though they were the ones who confessed to Aria and n was going to skin them alive.


    Rian was enjoying it so he let Aria continue, "The one who was too bold and confessed to me right in front of you."


    Arsh: "..."


    If that had happened, his father would have beheaded that man. His mother was talking about her husband.


    Taken over by jealousy that someone left a little memory in her mind, n questioned, determined to bury him in the earth, "Where?"


    "Cemetery." Aria sweetly said.


    Everyone: "..."


    n realized it was him, of course, his wife would choose him every time. Thinking to punish her in the bedroom for tricking him, he crossed his legs and smugly responded, "Yeah, he is perfect for you."


    "I feel so too." Aria giggled while others were speechless to the core by the narcissistic couple.


    Rian stood up and held Roxy''s hand, helping her stand, "My eyes and ears are stuffed, let''s get inside."


    Bursting intoughter, Aria nced at Noor who was smiling listening to them. Then she looked at Arsh and Rooney. She picked Rooney so that Noor won''t be flushing all the time, "Roo, could you please drop Noor home? It''s toote."


    Rooney winked at his brother to tease, "I am stealing your wife." and stood up. Noor bid everyone before Rooney held her shoulders and pushed her away from the group, "Did you confess to my Big mom that you love her?" He ced the foundation to tease her.


    Noor lifted her eyebrow at him. Her friend never misses to tease her. "She already knows it."


    She thought it was the end but Rooney continued pretending to be thinking, "Then whose love did you confess to Big Mom? Does he have six-pack abs or eight?"


    Noor almost choked on her spit when her mind tried to recall shirtless Arsh. She couldn''t believe she was imagining Arsh when Rooney just mentioned as ''he.''


    Rooney burst intoughter seeing her flustered, so she lifted her handbag and chased after him to beat, "Rooney, I am not going back until I beat you." She announced which made himugh more.


    "Noor, how many do you like? six or eight? Or nothing? Or do you like potbelly?" Rooney continued to tease her while she hissed repeatedly, "Rooney"


    It was verymon for Morgans so they just smiled going inside the mansion.

 Chapter 611: Yes, yes, yes

    Chapter 611: Yes, yes, yes


    Noor had showered, she was towel drying her wet hair on the balcony enjoying the night sky filling with stars when she heard a knock on the opened door. Turning around, she was slightly taken aback to see Naira.


    Naira had stopped talking with them, she usually stayed silent for more than two weeks. Norah had asked Noor to leave Naira alone for some days so that she could collect herself and get to her senses. Hence Noor used to just smile whenever she was crossing Naira at home.


    However, looking at the wine bottle and two flutes in her hand, Noor wasn''t sure why her heart was elerating in fear. Anyway, she shed a smile as she got inside the room, closing the door behind her. "Sister Naira."


    Naira was in a nightdress, she got inside as asked, "Are you tired? I got your favorite wine." She pointed to the wine bottle in her hand.


    It was indeed Noor''s favorite choice of wine that had notes of cherry and berry fruits. Noor hadn''t expected Naira to know her favorite as Naira always cared about herself more than anything. Despite being tired, Noor shook her head, "No, Sis. I will apany you."


    Naira left the bottle on the small round table that was between two cozy armchairs next to the bay window. Holding Noor''s shoulder, she guided her towards the dressing table.


    "Avoid washing hair if it''s toote. The scalp will be weak if you sleep right after bath and it causes hair fall." Naira advised.


    Noor tried to read if she was acting to get her work done, but she didn''t feel Naira had any such ns. Even if it was acting, Noor would have still yed by Naira''s wishes anyway. "I will keep that in mind, Sis."


    The next move of Naira left Noor frozen and inarticte. Naira started blowing her hair. Noor numerous times took care of Naira but the other way around was too less.


    Naira was quite professional and focused with whatever she was doing too. At the end of silent twenty minutes, Noor smiled at her bouncy, blow-dried hair. "Sis, you are better than a professional. My hair feels softer, shiny."


    Norah had watched her daughters and the smile was protesting to leave her face. She eximed leaning on the door frame, "The sister''s night!" Then she asked, pointing at the wine, "How about some snacks? Crunchy snacks will go well with this wine. I will get some for my darlings."


    Before the girls could say no, Norah vanished from the door. Noor and Naira looked at each other and let out a peal ofughter. Their mother doesn''t care about more work unless she could provide for them.


    Both girls were on the balcony when Norah dropped a tray full of different snacks. "Make sure, you guys sleep inside. Don''t catch a cold. Naira, you have a shoot tomorrow, don''t get dark circles." Her fingers caressed her cheeks before she nodded at Noor.


    Naira obediently responded, "Yes Mom. We won''t stay awake for long."


    That night, Noor had expected Naira to speak about Arsh or Morgans but their conversation purely stayed about each other''s works and some little childhood stories that made themugh.


    Noor never hated Naira but this side made Naira more likable and easy to get along with. So she didn''t probe about Arna or how she was coping up with it.


    They weren''t drunk when they came inside the room. Anyway, Naira shared the bed with Noor and went to a night of good sleep. Hoping everything goes well with Naira without losing her friends, Noor too drifted to sleep, feeling everything surreal.


    -----


    In the morning at Arna''s design studio,


    After breakfast, Arna quickly left the Morgan mansion to her studio cursing Ivan in mind for not dropping a single message to her. She wanted to call him but she also wanted him to reach her first. She decided to hunt him in the evening.


    She entered the studio, it was a vast and simple theme to highlight the dresses. The entry had a reception desk where the receptionist wished Arna by her name.


    The next section was the showroom to disy her designs. The twodies were focusing on rearranging the dresses and steaming them. A small door in the middle of the left wall connected to the fitting room.


    Further going inside, the right side had three tables for work and desks for her manager and assistant. At the end of it was her open office room where she designs and handles everything.


    Towards the left, the designb for every type of handiwork and the mannequins. Behind it was a storage room with a connecting door.


    Arna who was reaching the end of the studio could see thewn behind the studio looked different through the ss frames of the door. They had a small kitchen and dining area attached to thewn with a gym for her. Since the area wasn''t in the main business area, her father had found the perfect ce just as she liked.


    She turned around to ask the salesgirls and caught them giggling. They stiffened when they noticed her eyes got back to work. Simrly, the receptionist who was peeking at her looked away and pretended to be busy with work.


    Shrugging off, Arna thought to check out and went further inside. Her assistant and manager who always reached before her weren''t there. She ced her bag on her desk before going towards the door.


    As soon as she stood at the door, she realized thewn was decorated. Excluding the small path, the rest of the area was sprinkled with the white rose petals on the green grass bed. There were artificial candle lights in ss holders and ss bottles that were holding orange flowers with tiny white buds and green leaves. They were artistically arranged in small groups on thepletewn.


    The trees had ss bottles hanging down the branches. Each of the bottles was holding her favorite orange and his favorite white flowers. Her eyesnded on therge square frame that was arranged in flowers. Next to it on the ground, there was a basket that had a bottle of champagne and two flutes.


    She liked everything about the romantic decor and her heart was beating in excitement. It wasn''t the first proposal she was getting, she had rejected each of them without a hint of emotion to it. Knowing it was Ivan who had arranged everything, Arna was exhrated and also jittery. She felt like running away, also leaping around in excitement and when she saw Ivan anticipating her arrival eagerly, she just wanted to run into arms and say yes to everything he said.


    She hadn''t expected him to do so much, she just wanted him to speak to her. So his efforts obviously put her in the best mood possible.


    Ivan was thinking why Arna hadn''t reached yet and if she would like everything he had prepared for her. He saw the door open, as he had seen in numerous romantic movies, he had expected her to enjoy the view and walk up to him gracefully but Arna ran over to him and leaped into his arms.


    She yammered excitedly clinging on to him, "Yes, yes, yes, I will marry you."


    Ivan: "..."


    Her manager and assistant: "..."

 Chapter 612: With You

    Chapter 612: With You


    Ivan couldn''t believe Arna had no more patience, as though he had. He understood why his mother says the reality is different. The reality isn''t a slo-mo scene in a movie to y romantically.


    If he just goes with the flow, then he won''t be called Ivan Ross. So he patted Arna''s back as sounded clueless, "Marry? Snow, I came to congratte you."


    Arna stood back without understanding the reason behind the wishes. "Wait" She lifted her hand to stop him from speaking. "Isn''t this all you prepared to propose to me?" She was bbergasted.


    Ivan yed dumb, to know if she was going to get angry or understand his act, "When did I say that?" Ivan asked back, spilling his hands away, "Am I holding a bouquet or a ring to propose to you?"


    Arna: "..."


    She uneasily looked around thinking if she read too much into it. "Then why?..." Her awkward voice sounded when she saw her manager and assistant confused looking at her.


    ''Who said bouquet is mandatory for a proposal? Ring? It can be in his pocket.'' She thought while Ivan was answering her, as he walked away from her.


    "I haven''t met you in a long time. So I thought, I should congratte you for starting fresh, for your new studio, a new goal, a new life, a new husband...."


    Arna turned around hearing his teasing tone. She understood the man was fooling her by not letting him speak. Squinting her eyes at him, she realized she hadn''t beaten him for a long time. She nodded at his words as she removed her stilettos folding her leg. Running on thewn in heels might twist her ankle so she took the precaution.


    But hearing him congratte her new husband, she threw the sandals on the ground. She snorted, "Ivan Ross, what the hell do you mean by new husband?" She removed another sandal, looking at him, "Let me congratte YOU for your new life with a wife..." She threw another stiletto to the ground before she chased after him.


    Ivanughed at her as he continued to escape from her. This carefree, less worried Arna had really lost for a long time.


    The manager and the assistant realized they were not required anymore hearing Arna scold him for ying her so they went inside quickly to avoid beginning third wheels.


    Getting to her hands meant getting beaten up. Arna, who was chasing him, noticed multiple colored balloons tied in a. Ivan untied the knot when Arna was at the balloons.


    The freed all the balloons, pausing Arna who was amused like a child. The helium balloons slowly flew away in the air excluding one.


    Arna followed the oranged balloon which slowly descended due to a wooden box tied to the ribbon. She jumped to hold it and untied the ribbon as she freed it to the air.


    Opening the small lock of it, Arna found a folded old paper. She nced at Ivan who was going towards her. Opening the paper she gasped looking at the drawing. It was a drawing which she probably drew when she was just 10 years old. She had drawn on balloons as a decoration around a couple.


    She had given a suit to the man and white to the girl. She had actually drawn it as her mother and father but she had liked it so much that she had named the girl as her and the boy as her husband.


    "And you wanted your wedding decor in balloons." Ivan remarked standing next to her, "That was cute." He dragged the words while she flushed, imagining their wedding decor in only balloons.


    She sheepishly grinned, "Then you should have married me in school." Now, she didn''t want balloons hence he freed the balloons.


    She opened the wooden box again and saw two diamond couple rings. They were ssy and attractive. Ivan took the woman''s ring before turning her to him.


    He knew she wasn''t expecting anything but he wanted to give her what she deserved. "I had met a chubby cute girl, who was full of mischief, making everyone happy with her giggles.


    You showed me a girl can''t be just that. A girl grows through watching and also learning by their own experience.


    You became a girl with values and fondness for your close ones.


    You met the demons in you to know your worth, you fought against it without losing your unwavering, unbroken, lively smile on your pretty face.


    You had been loved, you had been betrayed, You were frightened. Yet you still had the hope and confidence to stand for yourself.


    I admire you for being the strongdy who had the courage to be alone burying the fear deep inside to face the cruel world. You were also brave enough to show your vulnerable side to me...."


    Arna''s eyes filled up hearing Ivan''s soothing voice recalling her whole life in simple yet beautiful words in his view. She knew she wasn''t so good, but seeing herself in his eyes, felt emotional and also content.


    Ivan gently brushed his fingers on her cheek to wipe the tear that was rolling on her smooth cheeks. He was with her in every phase of her life but as a friend who could only share her sorrow and happiness. He wanted to be more.


    "Out of all, I love you, I love you for never giving up on your love all these years. If I have to wait for you, It''s worth my whole life."


    She had waited to hear this for so many years, so the tears were unstoppable in happiness.


    "Arna Morgan, although I haven''t seen the life as much as you, I can promise you to be by your side to the rest of our life, to be your home where you can return, to be your shoulders to lean on, to be the embrace to feel the warmth, to be the man who will remind you that you are being loved.


    Arna Morgan, will you give me a chance to walk with you and be your husband? Will you marry me?"

 Chapter 613: Harmonious living

    Chapter 613: Harmonious living


    Arna sniffled as she pped Ivan''s arm. Scolding her, teasing her, and making her wait for so many years, she couldn''t believe he was saying so many positive words.


    She extended her hand as she nodded vigorously, "Yes, Ivan Ross, you will be my husband. Nobody else."


    Ivan slid the ring to her finger ring, wiped her tears, and enveloped her in a tight embrace.


    "Am I really so good?" Arna asked after calming her nerves.


    "Sometimes, lies work rather well than the truth." He teased her with a smirk and watched her eyes open in bewilderment.


    Arna now wanted to crush the wooden box on his head. Pushing herself back, she tried to hit him "Iva...."


    Ivan captured her lips with his, freezing her. Her eyes fluttered close when his lips gently caressed her lips while his hands held her waist and pulled her to close.


    Arna felt her heart race in her chest, her hands found their way to his shoulder, and pressed herself against his. She tried her best to hold the box, stopping her moan when his tongue brushed over her lips. She gave in to the temptation of his mint-tasting lips and kissed him back.


    Little clumsy, a hint of nervousness at first, before he slid his tongue in her warm sweet mouth and met hers.


    Arna didn''t realize when all her logical thoughts left her, the box had slid off her hand, losing in his fervent kiss, melting in the arms that were tightening wrapped around her.


    He was letting her take a breath before sealing her lips in hot searing kisses dousing their years'' wait.


    Both panted for some air as he supported her to stand. Flushed and surrendered, Arna looked heart-achingly beautiful to his eyes and tempting to his body. He inhaled sharply, shaking off his treacherous thoughts.


    Arna gulped thinking of their kiss. It was better than how she had thought and each time getting better. Seeing his hard muscles pressed against hers, she felt her cheeks burn. She didn''t want to appear pervert to him before their marriage so stood back. She remembered the other ring. "Box!?"


    She was about to move, Ivan pulled her back to his arms and their eyes met. She felt a hint of shyness before she cupped his face and pecked on his tempting lips. "I love you, Ivan."


    Satisfied, Ivan wanted to let her take the box, but couldn''t. He pulled her close, grabbed her back head, and bit her lips. Arna cried before she earned a kiss on her cheek.


    Arna punched him before fetching the rolled-away box, she put the ring on his finger, and announced, "You are mine. Don''t you dare think of anybody else"


    Ivan chuckled at her dere.


    "Don''t go to anybody''s dream either. You are the only mine everywhere." She imed what was hers.


    Hisughter turned awkward before knocking on her head and pulling her into his arms. If he could really control that, then he would appear nowhere but her dreams to make it beautiful, erase her fears and make her happier.


    "Mom and Dad already know about us"


    "Everyone in your family knew before you got to know," Ivan revealed the little secret.


    Arna: "..."


    She guessed when n had taken Ivan upstairs, Ivan must have told everything to her father and uncle. She was about to stomp his feet and stopped. She pinched his waist instead.


    He was about to p her hand but gently held her wrist, "Domestic violence is against thew, Snow." He said with a straight face and Arna burst intoughter, again punching his stomach.


    She was saying something serious, "Alright, did you tell Aunt Eva and Uncle Isaac? Let''s talk together." She wasn''t sure if they would be happy with her. Since they were her parent''s best friends, she wanted to be very careful, without hiding about her and Ivan from them.


    Ivan had told them but his mother''s reaction and avoidance of the topic was important. He thought to tell herter without making her worry, "Are you free in the evening? Any ns?"


    Arna shook her head, "No ns." so Ivan continued, "Let''s have dinner at my ce. I will pick you in the evening."


    Arna nodded before she demanded, "Let''s have lunch with Mom and Dad, I will call bro, if possible, Noor."


    Ivan nodded before asking her as he took her to the arch to give her the champagne he had bought for her. "What are they up to by the way?" Arsh hadn''t told him anything.


    Arna was excited remembering Arsh and Noor, "I think it''s not as hard as we had thought. Noor was always in a safefort zone around Bro so Bro''s small act of his attention on her is enough to put her thoughts in a frenzy. Good thing is, she is liking the small advances of Bro but isn''t reciprocating yet... I guess. I am afraid of external thoughts and pressure on her."


    Ivan understood whose external thoughts and pressures will be tough on Noor. He gave it a thought before suggesting, "Shall we four gather in the evening?" Even though he was angry at Naira, her friend circle was only them. Abandoning her wouldn''t make things better, instead, Naira should have to understand, ept her mistake and face them.


    Arna nodded, epting his arrangement. "I had messaged her a few days back, but she didn''t respond to me."


    She knew Ivan believes in living together, mending rtionships and she was happy they weren''t going to live without trying to make things right with Naira. She was her best friend, she didn''t want to lose her without trying it.


    But Arsh was different. He might not treat Naira the same or just an old acquaintance.


    After spending some time together, stealing a lot more kisses sitting on thewn, Arna pushed him to leave, "Go to work. My employees will think I am horny at this rate. Damn, Go go. I will see you at lunch."


    However she again ended up in his arms, She pinched his cheek seeing his reluctance. She already knew he took leave from work for the first time, just for her. "You should have chosen a night."


    His n was the same but he woke up early in the morning, changed all the ns, "I didn''t have so much patience." He said the truth.


    Giggling, Arna reached for his lips unthinkingly before she pped her forehead, "Why am I kissing you so much?" She mumbled to herself and waved her hand, "Go, Ivan. I have work."


    Ivan who had already anticipated the kiss gritted his teeth and pinned her to the ground, cradling her head in his hand, taking her by surprise.


    After five minutes, Ivan kissed her forehead and stood up. Buttoning his zer, he wanted to pull her up but the girl covered her eyes and cried, "Go, Ivan."

 Chapter 614: The trap woven for her

    Chapter 614: The trap woven for her


    In the afternoon, at Wood''s headquarters,


    Arsh alighted his sports car and leaned on it to wait for Noor to exit. Ivan had invited her out for lunch and he pinned Arsh to pick her up when Noor had repeatedly objected saying she could drive herself.


    So much attention from Arsh, all of a sudden was too overwhelming. Noor bid her father and walked at the speed of a turtle as she deep breathed. She didn''t want to think No, imagine anything with Arsh and blush for it.


    Noah who always saw indifferent Noor around Arsh realized he was losing his daughter to an expressionless young man.


    Noah wasn''t checking on them, but curious so he watched Noor who glowed in pinkness as she made her way towards Arsh. Thetter nced at her, yet there wasn''t a single line of change on his face.


    Arsh went around the car with Noor in tow and he opened the door for her. Once she got in, he closed the door. While going towards the driving seat, he nodded at Noah to greet him.


    Noah: "..."


    ''This sneaky rascal.'' Noah wasn''t standing in the visible area, yet Arsh noticed him behind the semi-tinted ss and greeted him.


    Arsh got in and drove the car away. He noticed Noor didn''t utter a word as she looked anywhere but at him. She always asked something or the other thing to avoid dead silence. His mother didn''t tell him what Noor spoke with her so he had no idea what was going on in Noor''s head.


    So he started with a simple question, "Are you alright?"


    Noor bit her inner lip as she turned to him. It was just a simple, usual question he asks if she acts out of ce. Yet, all she could think was, why is his attention on me? Didn''t he always sit silent if I don''t talk?... Ugh, why am I thinking all these?


    She contemted and nodded her head. She decided to have a few words because Arsh easily catches her lies and she didn''t want to embarrass herself, "I was thinking of something tricky."


    Arsh nced at her before he casually asked, "Need my help?"


    "Nope." She blurted out instantly in a slightly louder pitch. Realizing, she looked front as she bit her tongue, scolding herself.


    Arsh was now really suspicious.


    Noor turned back to him and calmly responded, "I will try to solve it myself first." And she knew speaking with him was the best choice. Before that, she just wants to be sure about herself.


    "Al...right." Arsh dragged his words as he saw her breath in relief. He could easily bring her thoughts out but didn''t feel it was the right time as they had lunch with everyone.


    After a course of distance, Noor who had be silent again asked the question due to her random thoughts, "Young Master Morgan" She had tried but couldn''t bring herself to call Arsh as calling his name felt too intimate. Arsh didn''t force her.


    Arsh hummed, signifying he is listening to her. Noor boldly asked, "Have you ever had a crush on anybody?"


    This was a tricky question to Arsh''s mind. One, if he says yes and if she has started to like him, she would be disappointed. Two, if he says no and tells the truth someday, she will think he must have said simr lies.


    Upon that, he also overthought as she might be having a crush on somebody else. Arsh breathed out loudly to get rid of his thoughts. Catching the criminals and fighting felt easier than these thoughts.


    He defined the word crush, "You mean a brief and intense infatuation for someone unattainable? No." It wasn''t brief, for god damn sake, it''s more than a decade. Unattainable? If he handles her delicately, she doesn''t feel unattainable.


    Noor: "..."


    Unattainable? Infatuation? Since he never dated, she thought to ask if he likes anybody.


    She stared at him thinking if something was wrong with her or him. So she reframed the question, "I mean to ask, do you have some you like?"


    He somehow wanted to go roundabout to confuse her so he controlled his lips from breaking into a smile and responded, "You mean admiring a particr characteristic or"


    Noor was done with his game, "Young Master Morgan, you are doing this on purpose, don''t you?" She sounded like a bullied one and looked front at the road, determined to ignore him. She started scolding her brain for drawing the fantasy, dreamy world in her mind.


    Arsh realized she was annoyed so he responded as it was enough to cool her down, "I do have one."


    Her body rxed before it stiffened. He already has somebody and somehow it made her sad. "Oh."


    She wanted to ask who and why he wasn''t dating her, Arsh continued as he drove the car inside the restaurant premises. "She had told me that she will cook for me every day."


    Noor: ''..."


    She wanted to ask, is that why you like her?


    She alighted the car when the valet opened the door for her. She turned to Arsh when he came around but suddenly a small conversation struck her mind.


    ["Young Master Morgan, could you please teach me too?" She had asked Arsh when Rooney had understood a solution to a problem taught by Arsh.


    Young Arsh had looked at her for a few seconds and asked, "What will I get in return?" She missed seeing a cunning glint sh in his eyes.


    She had thought a moment because she had nothing to give. She was just a twelve-year-old girl. Just then she heard Arna telling Arsh that Aria was cooking their favorite food. Noor had seen him smile so she innocently tried hoping that would work. "I will learn and cook your favorite dish for you."


    To her happiness, he nodded at her, "Since you are going to remember all your life whatever I will teach you, how many days will you cook for me?" He was tricking her.


    Noor fell for the trap woven for her, "I will cook for you every day."


    Satisfied, Arsh patted next to him on the couch, "Good, don''t forget it." Then he started teaching her, every day.]


    Noor flushed bright red staring at Arsh who reached her and arched his eyebrow.

 Chapter 615: Short-circuited

    Chapter 615: Short-circuited


    Arsh doubted if Noor could remember it as she was very young so he wasn''t sure what made her blush. He flicked his fingers in front of Noor''s face and Noor gasped as she took a step away unknowingly.


    She felt a presence behind her, so she jerked around and rxed as soon as her gaze fell on Aria.


    Arsh: "..."


    His mother was pro at taking his love''s attention. He looked at the two who hugged each other before his eyesnded on his father. His father''s gaze felt like he was sympathizing with him.


    "Let''s" Another car came in shortly. Ivan and Arna alighted the car.


    At the entrance of the restaurant, Rian stood akimbo ring at them, "Are you guys going to feed me or talk at the door? Get in."


    Rooney and his girlfriend chuckled behind Rian, waving at them to get in. Excluding Amelia and Rowan, who prefer home food, the rest of the members were there with their partners.


    They sat in therge private room and ate while teasing Ivan and Arna asking the details of the confession and after that.


    Arna ate less, blushed more because her family is shameless than her. She desperately tried to divert their attention and ended up pointing to Arsh, "Why don''t you guys tease Bro? He is slow as a snail. I am waiting for my sister-inw."


    Noor behaved dumb and deaf to it and gracefully ate her lunch. But her smile ttered and her face was dimmed. Even though she recalled the small event of her childhood, Noor doubted it as it could be her hallucination.


    She wanted to believe it and what Naira had told her but she didn''t want to have stupid hopes which were building without her control. So she decided to ignore Arsh''s topic to avoid the battle inside her.


    Arsh ced his fork and knife down and looked at his sister. He wasn''t slow, he was being slow for Noor. He was tired of all their teasing when they should be redirected at Noor.


    "Why don''t you tease her instead? She will choke herself to death or else she will run if I tell her."


    All chuckled hearing his misery in words. Meanwhile, Noor looked around. She understood everyone was aware of Arsh''s girl excluding her and she goes to the Morgan mansion like it''s her second home. She sulked.


    Rooney, who knew her little expressions, probed, "Why are you pulling a long face, Noor?"


    That caught everyone''s attention. If she is sad, then her feelings for Arsh are changing.


    Noor pouted as she muttered, "You guys never told me."


    Despite understanding her question, Arna questioned, hiding her smile, "What haven''t we told you, Noor?"


    Noor regretted responding to Rooney. She had forgotten for a moment these siblings tease her to the bones. She hesitantly revealed, "Today I got to know Young Master Morgan has somebody of his like."


    "Oh" Excluding Arsh and n, all responded in chorus. "Then?" Most of their voices came in unison.


    Arsh: "..."


    Noor nced at Arsh and saw the curious faces. Now she started to doubt if Arsh hadn''t told them anything. "Did he tell you guys?" She innocently asked.


    Again excluding two, all shook their heads but didn''t utter a word. So that they could hear what must have Arsh told her and it could sow a seed of misunderstanding between them. Well, Arsh was also aware of it.


    Noor looked at Arsh thinking if she could tell them, then decided to let them know as Arsh wouldn''t mind as they were his family.


    "Young master mentioned to me that she had said she would cook for him every day."


    Everyone: "..."


    Since Noor didn''t continue, they realized she didn''t know anything else. They were already tired of this waiting, they couldn''t believe the patience of Arsh who stayed neutral for many years when Noor was right beside him.


    Noor started to eat with others without understanding why everyone fell silent


    Roxy was the first to break the silence, "Noor, do you wanna know who she is?"


    Noor thought if she wanted to know. Now orter, it doesn''t matter so she nodded at Roxy.


    "You!"


    Pfft.


    Arna and Aria choked on their food hearing Arsh.


    Noor frowned hard at Arsh who still ate in so muchposure that it was unbelievable if he was the one who spoke.


    Ivan and n helped their wives. Rian stood up as he pulled Roxy up and went out in absolute silence. Rooney took his girlfriend behind Rian hiding their shock. Next, n and Ivan helped their women and left the private room.


    Noor wanted to believe they were pranking her but seeing them leave one after the other, now she wanted to run behind them.


    Turning to Arsh who was eating, she didn''t know if she should eat or speak or leave. She was torn between her thoughts.


    It was like her brain was short-circuited, she was unable to think straight about what was going on. Her heart didn''t beat in excitement but panic and uneasiness. She didn''t know how to react while the words on her lips were, ''Are you kidding me?''


    She knew she was sad hearing he had somebody else he likes, doesn''t that mean she should be happy hearing it was her?


    The past event started ying in her mind. All the attention, concern, and importantly his time for her wasn''t coincidental. She understood he was slowly trying to crawl into her life hence her thoughts were in mess and nothing was her illusion.


    She obviously thought of Naira and thetter''s intense hatred towards her when Arsh had rejected her proposal. She didn''t know if she should me herself for being an obstacle to her sister''s love or think of what he said.


    At the moment, her nerves only told her to leave from there and breathe which she was holding from the time it struck her they weren''t kidding but it was true.


    Before she could suffocate herself, Arsh grabbed her hand and took her out of the private room. He didn''t regret telling her today. Because, whenever it is, she would still react the same.

 Chapter 616: A great improvement

    Chapter 616: A great improvement


    Downstairs, everyone looked at each other and pped their foreheads. Rooney''s girlfriend, Jasmine Stanley mused, "Why do I feel like Morgans aren''t romantic in the beginning?"


    Rooney: "..."


    Ivan chuckled as he epted, "Absolutely." When Arna confessed, they were doing their own assignments at his ce, in the country S.


    Arna: "..."


    Roxy, shook her head pointing at herself and Roxy, "We two don''t belong to the romantic category."


    Rian shrugged. He liked them as they were.


    "Fortunately, we two." Jasmine proudly said they weren''t a mushy couple to do a public disy of affection.


    Aria looked at n and chuckled because he gave her shock to the core that she scolded him to the bones before taking her to confess in the cemetery.


    Rianmented on behalf of Aria seeing n totally cool, "Bro,e on, you weren''t romantic, Little Devil was cursing you for stealing her first kiss."


    Everyone chuckled while n squinted his eyes at his younger brother.


    Well, it turned out Arsh was no different. He blurted in front of everyone instead of confessing to Noor.


    Even though they were having light talk and chuckling, deep down there was a small fear, Noor might not be able to take it and hurt Arsh. Arsh would never say what happened and Noor might start avoiding them.


    Meanwhile, on the terrace.


    Noor walked behind Arsh and stood on the terrace. He left her hand and she stared at him. She didn''t find even a single line of annoyance on his forehead. He was still the same, cold and unapproachable which never stopped her.


    She had lots of questions, she knew most of the answers yet there was a mess in her mind. There he stood in a whole mountain of patience.


    Arsh waited for a few minutes before he stretched his hand towards her. Her eyes widened big as saucers but didn''t run away. The tips of his fingers grazed at her jawline and shifted her gaze aside. He wasn''t sure whether he did that because she was staring at him, which was making him hard to pull the cold face or he did it so that she could think what to speak instead of standing wonderstruck.


    Noor feltpletely awake by the warm touch on her face which slowly turned pink and looked at the building around as she focused on how to resolve it.


    She had got messages asking her while she was studying, so she wasposed to turn them down politely. Now he didn''t actually confess yet but ''You'' was repeated in her head loudly.


    The problem for her was she knew him well enough. He was protective, he understands her, he knows her little wishes, he identifies her lies and dissatisfaction. Upon all that, he has liked her for such a long time.


    Everything in her fantasy mind felt nicer than the reality. When she had to think for real, she felt a cold run down her spine imagining being with him, going out, shopping, andughing with him. An image of Arsh sitting aloof while sheughs came out so weird in her mind that she felt like crying.


    She really wanted to speak to avoid the awkwardness she was feeling but when she turned to him, her eyes slightly widened when their gaze met and she ended up saying, "I want to go home."


    Arsh had expected her to run away so it was truly a great improvement she was able to say it on his face. He nodded and saw her breath in relief.


    Noor walked towards the door to go downstairs as she recalled she said home. She had lots of work at the office. She jerked around suddenly to tell Arsh she wants to go office but fell back when Arsh was still away from her by arge step.


    "Ahhh" She screamed, flinging her hands in the air.


    Arsh honestly wanted to ask if she got scared of him. ''Do I look frightening?'' He asked himself when caught her hand in time.


    Before her heel could slide on the surface and he slips and fall on her, he pulled her to stand.


    It happened so fast, Noor was waiting for the pain to hit her nerves. She felt a pull before she could think of bncing on her feet, she stumbled, and crushed on his sturdy body, and froze, catching the breath in her throat and squeezing her eyes tight.


    Crying? She wanted to wail like a child to hide her face from all the embarrassment. She felt that falling on the floor was better but it was toote.


    Arsh doubted if he would suffocate her to death someday. He ced his right hand on her right shoulder and turned around facing her back to him.


    "Office?" He asked, guessing why she might have turned around.


    Noor opened her eyes at his deep tone right behind her and his hand was delicately holding her arm. Arsh, she knew, was a man who maintained a good distance from all except family. Many would misunderstand him as having OCD. So it was obvious to her, he was purposefully maintaining distance from her and now, he was putting her mind in a big mess.


    She faintly gave a nod before she felt a gentle push from him so that she walks.


    -----


    Downstairs, everyone desperately looked at the elevator when it beeped.


    Noor, who confidently walked out, slowed down at the sight of them. Her pink glowing face turned bright red, giving her an urge to run back into the elevator.


    She lowered her head and fiddled with her mobile thinking how to avoid their teases. In fact, she didn''t want to talk to anybody until she clears out her mess.


    Meanwhile, Arsh walked out behind her. He saw the gazes in anticipation, shook his head looking at his mother, then at the rest.


    The rest didn''t know the situation other than knowing Noor wasn''t Arsh''s girlfriend yet. So they smartly looked at each other and decided to leave, excluding Aria and n.


    "Bye Bro, Bye Noor," Rooney said aloud so that Noor could look up without awkwardness. The rest waved their hands at the two with a natural warm smile and left.

 Chapter 617: A full stop

    Chapter 617: A full stop


    Aria wasn''t sure if Noor would be fine going with Arsh. Since Noor had shared about her newfound feelings, so Aria doubted if Noor could befortable with her. So she looked at n and cued him asking if he could drop Noor. Her husband never said no to her so he epted it for her.


    Aria shed a smile at him before turning to Noor.


    As soon as their eyes met, Noor bit her lips and looked away. She was yet to know Aria actually knew the man she was talking about.


    When came closer, Aria softly asked, "Noor, would you like to go with Arsh? Or else, Uncle n will drop you."


    Arsh knew his mother would also care about Noor''s preference so he didn''t mind.


    Noor, who was thinking how she was going to be alive in Arsh''s car, blurted out hurriedly, "Aunt Aria, I will take a taxi."


    However, n interjected in his dominating voice looking at Noor, "Noor, I will drop you on the way. Come on."


    Even if she wanted to turn down saying no need to take the trouble, Noor ended up nodding her head, gazing at n, "Thank you, Uncle n."


    Aria silently giggled in her mind looking at Noor''s awe. She knew her husband could calm the storm in Noor just by his presence.


    n gave a side hug to his wife. He nted a kiss on the side of her forehead, "I will pick you up in the evening." He left after seeing her smile.


    Noor wasn''t seeing them for the first time, so their gesture was usual and each time, she always witnessed their abundant fondness and respect for each other.


    She unknowingly had the urge to look at Arsh but controlled. She followed n closely without any words.


    Aria cocked her head to look at her son. He needed the silence with his father, instead of her words of encouragement so he was going to drop her.


    "Would you like to share something with me?" She didn''t tease him as she had no idea what might have happened.


    Arsh didn''t want his mother to worry unnecessarily so if not anybody, he definitely would make her worry-free. "Instead of choking herself, she was suffocating herself."


    Aria shook her head in resignation. At least, it wasn''t a rejection, so it relieved her, "Give her time. She is shocked." She hooked her arm to his as she apologized, "Sorry for letting my husband steal your wife."


    Both walked as he countered, "Then I have stolen his love."


    Aria was d Arsh wasn''t taking Noor''s silence to his heart and understood her well. She chuckled at his words and reached the door when Noor came up to them.


    She paused looking at their hands before gazing at Aria. Thetter worriedly went closer, "What happened, Noor?" She looked at her husband who just got in the car.


    Noor hugged Aria and whispered, "Thank you." Then she smiled in gratification for always making sure about herfort, even when it''s against Arsh.


    Aria didn''t say anyforting words for the shock Noor was in. She might sound like she is forcing Noor, so she avoided it. She patted Noor''s back, "You are my kid too. No need for formalities."


    Noor hummed before she ran away and sat on the shotgun seat without making n wait.


    "Jealous?" Aria teased her son for the hug she got.


    "Mom!" He wasn''t jealous but he thought of a hug and that was disyed all over his face.


    Aria chortled as she followed him.


    "Mom, we are not going to be like you and Dad, feeding dog food to every generation." He means he and Noor.


    Aria nodded but in amusement, "You are naive, My boy." She was sure just like n, and Arna, Arsh wouldn''t mind showing his love for his love. And everything depended on Noor and how she reacted.


    Arsh quickly thought to divert his mother else she would try her best to make him blush with her teases.


    ----------


    At Wood''s headquarters, around three in thete afternoon.


    The meeting was going on where Noor was lost in her thoughts for the first time. Noah, who asked a question about some issues, didn''t get the response so he lifted his head and caught her dazed. Others were looking at each other and Noor so he tried to call her again.


    "Noor!" But earned no response, So he grunted loud enough to bring her into reality, "Noor!!!"


    Noor was startled by her father''s loud voice which is usually rare. His loud voice is enough to tear up as he never raises his voice at her. "I-I''m sorry," She apologized realizing she wasn''t focusing on the meeting and Noah hates it.


    Noah didn''t treat her differently than an employee, but picked better words to avoid hurting her deep, "Leave."


    Noor nodded, she grabbed herptop and left the meeting hall before she let the tear roll out of her eyes. Even though Arsh was frequently on her mind for the past few days, today it affected her work. She wasn''t able to focus from the time she returned, which made her angry at herself.


    She returned to her office, took the files that needed her attention, and left the office to the tea house for some alone time.


    --------


    She sat alone on the bench under the tree shade by facing the river, worrying about her behavior. She didn''t like to disappoint Noah again so she wanted to put a full stop to her thoughts about Arsh.


    She couldn''t afford a distraction when she knew she needed to be extra careful and hard work to be able to work as her father. This behavior wasn''t in her hold and she didn''t want to tell Noah why she was distracted as Noah might scold Arsh for it.


    Her shoulders jerked when her phone rang. It was a call from Noah so she answered quickly.


    Noah''s voice was back to the lovely father, "Noor, where are you?"


    "I am sorry, Dad. I won''t repeat it." She apologized again feeling she let down her father and others might haveughed at him for her mistake.


    Noah sighed, "It''s alright Noor, it happens. Learning from our mistakes is a great way." He continued after hearing her hum, "So where are you? Is everything alright?"


    "Yes, Dad. I came out. I wille home directly." She kept her voice rxed to avoid worrying him.


    After a few more words, she hung up the call. She made her mind focus on her work, forget her stupid thoughts, or fantasizing about anything.

 Chapter 618: My wife

    Chapter 618: My wife


    At the tea house,


    Noor, who had just decided to focus on her work to avoid disappointing her father, gasped when a cup of steaming tea appeared in front of her.


    She hadn''t ordered yet. She had thought to order when she started working so her eyes focused on the hand and identified the owner. She uttered as she looked up, "Young Master Morgan!?"


    Arsh sipped his coffee, facing the river. He moved when Noor took the cup from his hand. Sitting on the bench at the other end, he casually ced his left hand on the arm as he took another sip of his coffee.


    Noor held the cup in her hands watching Arsh. "How did you know I will be here?" Then she thought he might have guessed and he has watched her for many years that, probably he knows her better than her. She pursed her lips and looked at the flowing river.


    The tea house was a ce where Aria and n often visited to enjoy nature in peace. They would exactly sit on that bench but the difference was, they would sit close together and have smiles even in silence. Whereas she and Arsh were sitting at the ends without smiles.


    Noor had asked Aarvi to take her to that ce and liked the quietness so she often visited the same ce but alone. This was the first time she hadpany.


    Arsh nced at Noor who inhaled the tea fragrance and a soft curve appeared on her face before she sipped her tea. It was her favorite Earl Grey tea with the hint of dried orange, Bergamot oil, fennel, and the brilliant blue of cornflower petals. She loves to savor it with a touch of honey.


    Not just tea, Arsh knew every little thing about her. He had dropped Aria at her office and spent a little time with her. All the while he knew Noor would be distracted while working. She wouldn''t like it if she does something wrong and realizes she was distracted. So here he was before she could walk away.


    "What happened?" He asked to know the situation that made her disappointed in herself.


    Noor cked on the backrest as she sighed. "I was distracted in the meeting. Dad sent me out." She revealed like always. But the difference was she noticed that he always made her speak by talking less and she always spoke every worry with him and got solutions and lightened her heart.


    That struck her, she always got to know him by watching him. She hardly asked him anything as he always stayed silent. So she realized she doesn''t even know much about him.


    Forgetting she had decided to focus on her work, she looked at him curiously, "Why do you like me?" She asked the question without beating around the bush.


    Arsh nced at her before he gave a thought. Why? He had no particr reason to like her. He even gave thought it might be because of her quietness and politeness but he wouldn''t mind if she talks nonstop or bes cheeky.


    Noor, who waited for a second, didn''t have the patience this time. "You don''t even know?" She asked in disbelief. "Did you really like me because I said I will cook for you every day?" If he says yes, she was ready to smack him hard so her gaze was a little sharper.


    Arsh shifted his coffee cup to the left hand and turned to impatient Noor as he supported his elbow on the backrest. "Because you are dumb."


    Noor wanted to retort but realized she calls herself dumb. Pouting, she looked away from him and audibly sipped her tea disying her hint of annoyance without her awareness.


    Arsh knew Noor is a little reserved around him else she was also a little mischief, kind and happy girl who smiles for little things and also gets angry if needed.


    Arsh stretched his hand and held her ear. Turning her to face him, he asked a question that would be an answer to her first question. "If I love you for having a pretty little face, should I stop loving you if you be ugly?"


    He watched her blink before a soft blush crept up her face. He realized it was because he said ''I love you,'' in the instance. Well, he had said just like that without thinking.


    ''Ouch.'' She held her ear when he purposefully pinched.


    Now focusing on his words, she understood he meant he loves her not her appearance or a particr character. She felt him soplicated. "Does that mean, you like me even if I am dumb?"


    Arsh half shrugged his shoulders, "When were you smart anyway?" He sipped while seeing her pout.


    "Even if I turn smart?"


    Arsh patiently hummed.


    "What if I like somebody else?"


    Arsh still patiently responded, "You won''t see him again." He will just deport that man away from the country.


    Noor: "..."


    She had thought he might say he would let her choose whoever she likes to be with. And that means he would give up on her. She didn''t know if she should be happy about that or not.


    Arsh questioned after leaving her silent for a long time, "Do you fancy cold tea?"


    For a moment she thought he was asking her likes and dislikes before realizing her tea was getting cold. "Young Master Morgan, you could tell me to have my tea."


    Arsh''s lips curled hearing her, slowly but surely, she will get casual with him without even being aware. He was always the same as his responses, which helps her mind to think two ways simultaneously, it was just a simple mind training.


    "Are you trying to change me before being my wife?" He teased without showing many emotions but his eyes glinted in mischief.


    Noor flushed bright red and looked away from him, understanding he wouldn''t mind changing a bit for her. She focused on her tea until she drank it as she calmed down her nerves as she slowly remembered what she had decided.


    She also made up her mind to tell him about her decision. She didn''t know how the Morgan family was going to treat her after this but she didn''t want to leave Arsh hanging for her response.


    She took a deep breath before turning to him. For some reason, he appeared slightly colder and stared at the water. She doubted if he already knew what she was going to say.


    She peeked to look at his face and his face softened as he turned to face her. "I am sorry, Young Master Morgan, I want to focus on my career without any distraction." She shed an apologetic smile, in her rejection.

 Chapter 619: A Dumb Sheep

    Chapter 619: A Dumb Sheep


    Arsh would have been surprised if Noor had epted him. Hearing her rejection, he was not surprised yet he still felt a dull pain.


    He had two ways to handle it. One; To give her time. Another; to change her way of thinking and simplify it for her.


    He could give her time. For the one who waited for more than a decade, a few more months wasn''t a big deal but is it really going to be a few months? Or a few years?


    And he very well knew, because of it, her rtionship with his family would also sour. And she wouldn''t be able to speak with him the same. She won''t look for him if she needs help or a suggestion.


    Hence he didn''t like giving her time.


    So changing her way of handling the situation. He could do that but what if she thinks he was forcing her to change herself? Yes, he wants her for himself but not forcefully. Willingly, and happily.


    He wasn''t the type to roam with other girls to make her jealous. Noor wasn''t the jealous type either. If she sees him with others, then she would wish them happiness. So he would never go that way.


    Give up!? No, he would never do that. It''s her or nobody else.


    He watched her grab her files so that they don''t have to sit there awkwardly. She thanked him for the tea and walked towards her car, without turning behind in uncertainty.


    Arsh watched her like everything was in his expectation. However, before she created more distance, Arsh called her, still sitting on the bench, turned around to look at her, "Noor."


    Noor felt her heart skip a beat. It was the first time she heard the hint of uncertainty in his voice. It made her feel him alive and a little closer to her. The high position she had given to him, suddenly felt like there was no level, both were the same. It was his choice to choose who to reveal and conceal his emotions.


    She paused and turned around with anticipation for his words. She wished he didn''t call her to say bye, she didn''t know why she wished that.


    Still unsure how it might sound to her, Arsh voiced it, "What if I say you won''t be distracted from work and manage Handle"


    Arsh cursed in mind for not finding the right words for him in her life. He doesn''t know her feelings for him so he didn''t want to mention it as like or love him.


    Noorpleted it for him as her lips slightly curled, "Consider you." She unknowingly felt him cute.


    Arsh faintly shrugged his shoulders and saw her give it a thought.


    It was true Noor liked to be around Arsh and whenever he gives her attention or does something for her. She wholly took her decision to reject him because she didn''t want to give up something to have him. Hearing him, she hoped she wasn''t making a mistake.


    Arsh, who was thinking she might ask for some time to consider it, was now surprised when she returned and sat on the bench. She ced her handbag and files on the bench before looking at him.


    ''Here he goes,'' she thought looking at his unemotional face. Nheless, she questioned curiously, "How?"


    Arsh ced his right elbow on the backrest of the bench propped his head on his fist and watched her. He didn''t want to assume anything but was peculiarly interested to know what was going on in her mind. It was easy to read her but he felt something needed to be spoken for clear understanding instead of misconception.


    Noor slowly turned bright red under his intense gaze before she frantically looked away. She wanted to ask whether the solution was looking at each other and why he was gazing at her that way. She didn''t get the chance.


    "Why did you return?" He asked.


    Noor: "..."


    She felt like she fell in the wolf''s trap. Could she run away now? The car unknowingly seemed far away.


    Arsh had the whole world''s patience to wait for her response. So Noor was left with no choice but to answer the question as though she didn''t understand what he meant.


    "Because you said there is a solution." She carefully uttered each word.


    Arsh nodded to it and changed his question. ying smart with him? He would dly y along, "Alright. So why are you willing to consider me with the solution?"


    Noor: "..."


    Just because she found him cute, doesn''t mean he was cute. Noor wanted to disappear now. Still unclear about her feelings, Noor didn''t want to wrongly name her feelings. So she stood up trying to make him submit, "Fine, I am going home."


    Her little tricks were seen through by Arsh immediately. He chuckled seeing her pout. He wasn''t certain why she was curious about the solution, he decided to tell anyway.


    "You were distracted at work because you don''t know how to react to the situation."


    Noor turned to him and nodded as she took a seat.


    "Then take some time off from your work, and decide," Arsh added.


    Noor tilted her head, "How could that be a solution?" She didn''t get his solutionpletely.


    Arsh smacked her head, "You have so many rtions. Your parents, grandparents, sister, friends, rtives, acquaintances. Are you confused about them?"


    Rubbing her head, Noor shook her head. She wasn''t confused about anybody that could make her think of them all day. She understood what he was trying to say. "You mean I should sort out my feelings ande to a conclusion. Then I won''t be distracted."


    ''Feelings.'' Arsh wanted to say ''considering me.'' Hearing her dumbly say out as sorting her feelings, he just nodded without making her ufortable.


    Noor gave it a thought and mumbled, "I need to ask Dad, I have a lot of work."


    Then she suddenly gasped, "So whatever sister was saying about you was right. And- and I had said to Dad that there is nothing like that." She started panicking.


    Arsh elegantly stood up. It was her choice if she wanted to tell her parents or wait. So he didn''t give his opinion on it. "What will be your ns tomorrow then?"


    Noor was thinking how her parents might react to this news so she carelessly shook her head, "Nothing."


    Arsh nodded as he stuffed his hands in his pockets, "Pay the coffee and tea bill."


    Noor: "..." She turned around and saw him walk slowly.


    Arsh walked away saying, "I will pick you up tomorrow for lunch."


    Noor was bbergasted. She couldn''t believe he left her in panic and absconded shing a mischievous smile.


    She lifted her finger pointing at him but no words came out. She watched him get into his car and drive away as though if he stayed a minute longer, she would throw a tantrum.


    Well, yes, she wanted to beat him up because she had no idea how to bring this up in front of her family, especially her sister.


    She felt like a dumb sheep who fell for the wolf''s trick.

 Chapter 620: Sweet and Naive

    Chapter 620: Sweet and Naive


    It was a night full of events for Morgans. Everyone sat for dinner excluding Arna. She had gone to Ivan''s home to speak with Eva and Isaac. On the other hand, Noor would definitely tell her parents as hiding it was difficult for her.


    Rooney probed looking at Arsh elegantly, moving his hand without making noise while eating. "Bro, being so patient to the bones isn''t your style. How are you even having this tolerance?"


    Everyone smiled, ncing at Arsh. Rooney was right, if Arsh wanted something or needs to have something, he would work day and night to get it at any cost.


    Arsh ignored his brother. If he behaves dominant and possessive, Noor wouldn''t dare to get to his hands and run away from him, that would eventually sow a seed of fear in her.


    Noor needed a slow approach, she couldn''t handle the explosion or force. She might agree if he forces himself into her life and brings her into his life, but that wasn''t how he wanted to live.


    He didn''t want to live like a scummy man. If she sees him after they are together, she shouldn''t look away with a frown or disappointment, instead, a smile of content should make its way up her little face.


    Amelia responded to Rooney''s question, "Love, darling. Love will make you do the things which the person never thought of doing."


    Rooney hummed. He and Jasmine were totally different, when they felt, they just hit it off. So Arna and Arsh''s love stories were like fairytales for him.


    "Jazz is already looking for a dress design to attend the wedding as bride''s maid."


    Roxy shook her head, "Why do I think she is nning to catch the bride''s bouquet?"


    All chuckled hearing Roxy as Jazmine would definitely n every detail and evene up with a theme to help them arrange the wedding. She was a mixture of Finn and Rose, whereas the other two children of Finn and Rose, purely went on Finn''s grandfather. Very strict and reserved.


    ----


    Meanwhile, at Wood''s mansion.


    Norah had seen Nooring home with a puffed face, little anger on somebody. She hadn''t poked in much thinking it might be office work.


    Seeing her lost in thought sitting on the corner seat of the couch in the living hall, Norah couldn''t stop but go to her. Caressing her head, "How was your day, Noor?"


    Noor shook her head and whined so that Norah don''t worry a lot, "Dad threw me out of the meeting."


    As Noor had expected, Norah pulled her sleeves up and snorted, "Let hime home, I will take his ss."


    Noor giggled as she hugged her mother, "No, Mom. Actually, I wasn''t focusing. Dad didn''t scold me."


    Norah nced at his daughter to confirm she wasn''t saving her father before she nodded. "It''s alright. Then who were you angry with? Dad!?" It was unlikely she would get angry at Noah.


    Noor again pouted, "Who else? Young Master Morgan."


    This was even more unlikely.


    Making her sit straight, Norah faced her daughter, "You are angry at Arsh? What did he do?" As far as he knew Arsh would never do anything that would hurt Noor, but angry? What could make her angry?


    Naira who got fresh, stretched herself as she reached the living hall. "Noor is angry!?" She asked in surprise. Even when she did so many things against Noor, thetter never got angry so it was truly astonishing.


    Norah nodded at Naira while Noor asked, "Sister, how was your day? You had a date with your friends, did you get time to go?"


    Naira softly smiled at Noor for hearing friends. She was hesitant to meet the three of them. She hurt Snow, hounded Arsh, Ivan was the best friend of Arsh and love of Snow so it was the toughest decision for her to appear at the cafe they had nned.


    She was having second thoughts, Arsh appeared at the door at the same time and opened the door. He behaved the same, indifferent towards her, ''Let''s go.'' That movement, those were the most encouraging words she ever wanted.


    Going inside, she had expected Snow''s hostility but the girlined about not responding to her message and revealed Ivan proposed to her.


    Naira had smiled till her eyes moistened. Her jealousy was reced with the guilt that was making her hard to look them in the eye, yet they treated her just like before.


    Naira nodded at the twodies'' eyes, "It was amazing. Snow is nning a wedding already but after her fashion show. She is nervous about Aunt Eva."


    Noor who had been to lunch had heard it so she smiled as she nodded. She was happy to know Naira was able to smile after meeting her friends and Her friends didn''t leave her in the middle. Norah already heard everything so she was happy for the kids.


    Naira shook her head and asked, "Who are you angry at? Seems like, somebody is overtaking our importance in your life."


    "Huh?" Noor tilted her head without understanding. "Why will I get angry at somebody important to me?"


    Naira and Norah chuckled at her words. Noah, who entered the mansion, passed his bag and zer to a maid as he responded, "There are different shades of anger. On the one who you hate a lot. On one who you won''t know and somehow they will irritate you with their actions. Another one is because you love them a lot. Like me and your mother. She gets unnecessarily angry but that doesn''t mean she loves me any less." Noah sat on the same couch as Naira and both chuckled, looking at flushed Norah.


    "Do you need to unt it that way?" Norah hissed before turning to Noor, "Don''t listen to him. It can also be parents and their children. Even if I get angry at you, will that mean I love you any less?"


    Naira and Noah low fived as theyughed looking at Norah trying to change it. "Noor went on Mom. Both are so sweet and naive."


    Noah agreed to it as he chuckled with his daughter.


    Norah: "..."


    Noor understood what they meant andpared Arsh with those scenarios. She doesn''t hate Arsh, he wasn''t a stranger, ''Doesn''t that mean I love him?''


    Noor''s face turned pink as she caught the attention of the other three.

 Chapter 621: Early celebration

    Chapter 621: Early celebration


    Noor''s face turned pink at her thought of loving Arsh. She shook her head in mind and reced that love with the like as a friend or mentor.


    Before the other three could ask her anything, she asked them concerning anger, "Does that mean I should get angry at you all? Because I love you guys more than anybody." Hence it made no sense to her.


    The three chuckled. Instead of answering, Naira again asked, "No, first tell us who got angry at."


    Noah was also curious about it. So he hummed. Norah answered it for them, "It''s Arsh. I am asking the reason."


    Naira and Noah''s expression was stiff for a brief second before they curiously looked at Noor


    Noor looked right at her mother and the other two. She was still scared of how Naira would react and what Noah might say.


    Noah used the reverse tactic, "Did that brat trouble you?" He pretended to be angered, ready to beat the little punk.


    Noor shook her hands hurriedly, "No, no, no Young master bought me tea and made me pay before he fled."


    Naira, Norah, and Noah: "..."


    They were well aware it wasn''t because of the bill. Noah was first to ask, "Why did he flee?" His intuition after seeing Noor distracted in the meeting said Noor got to know about Arsh''s feelings. He wanted to know how she deduced or Arsh proposed to Noor.


    Noor bit her lips as she looked at Naira. Thetter was anticipating too. Noor didn''t want Naira''s changing personality to go back to the same.


    "He- He didn''t give me any advice on how to tell you guys."


    Norah pulled her daughter''s ear, "Do you want advice to speak with us? When did this trend start? Noor, are we that scary for you?" She reprimanded hearing Noor cry out in little pain.


    Naira and Noah looked at each other. Both nodded in tactic understanding, "Mom, she is scared to say Arsh loves her and she got to know today." Naira helped her sister. Naira knew that for a very long time so she didn''t feel anything other than hoping Noor could understand Arsh and be happy with him.


    Norah left her daughter''s ear. Noor rubbed her ear, chewed her lower lips as she slowly nced at Naira who seemed to be... happy? Noor''s eyes widened seeing the smile of Naira and it wasn''t a fake.


    Her gaze slowly shifted to her father. Noah was sulking?


    Noor jerked to see her mother. The happiest one was her mother but she was hiding it well.


    ''Am I not going to get scolded?'' Noor thought before lifting her brows at Naira. Thetter chuckled, "Everyone one of us knew."


    One to get shocked was Noor.


    Naira giggled looking at Noor''s big wide eyes, "The whole Morgan family, Ross family, Stanley family also knew."


    Little Lamb: "..."


    Naira went up to his sister and hugged her, "Take your time and decide. Arsh will wait for you." She supported openly so that Noor wouldn''t think about her and focus on herself.


    She cupped Noor''s face and saw her nod in a daze. Naira saw her line of sight to Noah before whispering, "No father will like to see their daughter taken away by any man. He will support you as far as it''s your choice."


    Norah who watched her two daughters was really happy Naira finally came around after silent treatment for a week. She was d Naira understood the importance of friend, sister, and also love.


    But Norah internally sighed. When everything was bing better than best, Noor might get married and go off to her new world.


    Anyway, as a woman, she knew one other day it will happen, so she focused on the positive side.


    Noah sulked throughout the dinner to the bed even after talking with Noor. He unwillingly allowed her to take off and decide peacefully as it was a matter of her whole life.


    Only one thing he liked about the whole matter was that Arsh was from the Morgan family and his house is right next to Wood''s. He could anytime he would like to see his daughter and his daughter coulde anytime she likes to be here.


    ------


    At Ross Vi,


    Eva was muttering that evening helping the chefs with cooking. Isaac heard her negligible dissatisfaction. Ivan hadn''t asked them first, instead informed them he was bringing Snow home for dinner.


    They didn''t have to prepare a feast but Eva was adamant about making it special without showing her real motive.


    "Honey, should I cancel this dinner for you?" Isaac tested the waters.


    Eva came to the kitchen door holding the long spoon, "Have you lost your mind? What will Snow think of us? Don''t try to be over-smart."


    "Don''t you like Snow?"


    "When did I say that?" Eva struck him with the spat and he missed.


    Isaac teased her for some time before taking her upstairs to get changed.


    When the duo heard the car enter the courtyard, Isaac chuckled seeing Eva sprint to the window and peek at their son and daughter-inw. He too stood behind her and watched what Eva was curious about.


    Both saw Ivan alight the car and go around. He opened the car and a beautiful youngdy alighted the car with a bouquet.


    Both could clearly see Arna was very nervous. She was clutching her fist and freeing up. She bit her lips and made a crying face at Ivan while talking. They didn''t know what Ivan said, Arna nodded as she deep breathed.


    Eva witnessed everything before Isaac held her hands when they saw Isaac hold Arna''s hand and take her towards the door. "Let''s wee them." Isaac took Eva downstairs quickly.


    They reached the living hall by the time Ivan and Arna entered inside.


    Arna was not at all expecting a formal dinner. She had thought it was a normal dinner and they would reveal about her and Ivan to his parents.


    So she discerned Ivan had already told his parents about them. Her fingers tightened around Ivan''s palm as she mumbled to confirm, "Aunt Eva already knows?"


    Ivan hummed that alleviated her tension. Arna was excited by thinking Eva will ept her as she was weed to a dinner.


    With a graceful smile, "Aunt Eva, Uncle Issac" Arna greeted them as she passed the bouquet to Eva.


    Whereas Eva grimly stuffed the bouquet into Isaac''s hand.


    Isaac, Ivan: "..."


    Arna had celebrated a little too early. Now she suddenly felt her heart in her stomach at Eva''s reaction and anxiety pped her stronger than before.

 Chapter 622: Double Wedding

    Chapter 622: Double Wedding


    Arna''s face immediately fell witnessing Eva''s attitude. Isaac and Ivan weren''t expecting such a strong reaction from Eva.


    Eva stood akimbo squinting her eyes at Arna, "From when did you start visiting me with the flowers? Huh?" She sounded grim and pointed to Isaac, "He is old so you can get him the flowers." Again standing back in akimbo, "If you dare get me flowers, I will not let you step inside my home. Do you get that?"


    Ignoring that he was the old man she mentioned, Isaac breathed a long deep sigh of relief. Eva was angry at the bouquet, not at Arna. It was a great relief.


    The frown on Ivan''s forehead smoothened slowly and his tight fist freed. He almost had a mini heart attack there.


    Eva who had watched Arna nervous had melted down realizing her dissatisfaction was nothing in front of what Arna had gone through and Arna''s nervousness was deeper than her emotions.


    If the start of their new rtionship stands in the fake emotions of eptance, Eva knows it won''t be strong enough and it will create many misunderstandings between them. So Eva thought she should just be the same, forgetting the past years.


    Eva wanted a new beginning with Arna but with the same mischievousness, they had before. She wished to be a cool mother-inw instead of boring or strict.


    Arna was still shocked to digest all the words of Eva so quickly. She stared at Eva for a few seconds before looking at Isaac who softly smiled at her to rx her nerves.


    Then Arna was able to think Eva wasn''t angry with her but the formalities. "I- I" She didn''t apologize, that would be another formality. So she rxed quickly and whined, "Aunt Eva, you scared me." Saying it, Arna went ahead and hugged Eva.


    Her stiff shoulders rxed when Eva wrapped her hands as she gently rubbed Arna''s back. "This is better." Eva smiled as her eyes brushed over her son.


    Eva realized her son was angered for her brief reaction that scared Arna. Pulling Arna to her side, "You brat, if you want my little goddess, you better behave. What''s with your look?" Eva threatened Ivan.


    Ivan: "..."


    He didn''t know if he should be happy that Eva was treating Arna the same as before or speechless at his mother.


    Arna giggled and was very much touched Eva was able to forgive her and ept her wholeheartedly. She knew Eva won''t act to keep anybody happy. She was straight with her emotions.


    Arna greeted Isaac as they side hugged, "Uncle Isaac!!"


    Eva took the banquet and gently hit the girl again, "You want my son and you are calling us Aunt and Uncle."


    Just like that, Eva and Arna were quick to get along. They had dinner, discussed when the Morgan family could visit the Ross family and n the wedding. Ivan and Isaac were mute most of the time hearing them go on with the pajama party and girls bachelors party casting the men away.


    It was around eleven when Ivan and Isaac separated two tipsy women when they were yawning but still kept on talking in excitement.


    ----


    Ivan was on the way to drop Arna when she was mumbling in a half-asleep state. He had to stop the car to hear her clearly.


    "... Will you wait  please you angry"


    "Snow!!" Ivan tried to wake her up as he asked, "Snow, what should I wait for? Snow"


    Snow smiled holding his hand that was brushing away her hair from covering her face, "Ivaaan Could we wait for Bro and Noor?" Her voice slurred.


    Ivan was confused why she wanted to wait for Arsh and Noor so he remained silent for her to continue.


    "C-could we have a double w-wedding?... P-please" She continued to mumble but Ivan wasn''t able to make out. Soon she slipped into a deep slumber snuggling her face against his warm palm.


    Ivan wasn''t sure about the double wedding she wished for. Arsh and Noor were different and Noor won''t be able to get along with Arsh so quickly. They weren''t even sure if Noor would even ept Arsh or how many days or months it might take.


    He decided to speak with Arna when she is sober and drove the car to the Morgan mansion.


    ------


    Everyone was asleep. Ivanid Arna on her bed, he was tucking her in when he sensed Arsh standing at the door. If he hadn''t known Arsh, he would have misunderstood Arsh as he was keeping an eye on them.


    "What did Aunt Eva say?" Arsh questioned unemotionally when Ivan closed the room door behind him.


    "They were nning the wedding, so what do you think?" Ivan asked back while they went downstairs. However, there was no happiness that should have brightened his face.


    Arsh breathed in relief, happy that Arna and Ivan''s life smoothened. Before he could ask more about the details, Ivan revealed another piece of news, "Snow wants a double wedding."


    Arsh halted hearing it. ''Double Wedding'' he knew it''s his wedding. Even though Noor''s reaction was pretty positive, she was very slow. Arsh didn''t like Arna wishing to have a double wedding. That meant a long wait.


    Arsh nced at Ivan, who had nkness on his face. It was hard to say if Ivan was fine with it or dissatisfied. Arsh didn''t want to be the direct or indirect reason for any misunderstanding or difference in opinion between the couple who longed to be with each other for so many years.


    Arsh was displeased with Arna''s wish. He couldn''t understand why she got such a wish out of nowhere. He wanted to say he would talk to Arna but Ivan was quick to continue, "I will talk to her tomorrow. Leave us, what about you and Noor? How is Noor doing?" They started walking again.


    Arsh didn''t speak about him and Noor other than brushing it off, "You know Noor."


    Ivan knew Arsh too started thinking about Arna''s wish so he didn''t bug Arsh much. "Alright, good night, then." Ivan patted Arsh''s arm before he stepped out of the mansion.


    Rubbing his forehead, Arsh was going upstairs thinking about a new issue when a handnded on his arm as he heard, "Nemo? What''s wrong? Do you need coffee?"


    "Little Mom." Arsh looked at Roxy being worried about him, "No, I am alright."


    Roxy could say, something was bothering Arsh, "What happened at the Ross vi? Is everything alright?" She had seen Ivan leave the mansion when she went to the kitchen to fetch water.


    Arsh took the water bottle from Roxy''s hand as they climbed the stairs. He gave a quick brief and continued, "I am thinking how to convince Snow. What do you think, Little Mom?"

 Chapter 623: The Third Wheel

    Chapter 623: The Third Wheel


    Against what Arsh had thought, Roxy smiled at Arna''s wish to have a double wedding with Arsh and Noor. "Snow always celebrated everything with you. Her birthdays, her graduation, and every special day. Probably she was trying to hide it but she revealed it in her drunken state."


    Roxy halted in front of her room and faced Arsh. She took the water bottle as she continued, "I think it''s better if Arna and Ivan speak with each other first. If theye to a conclusion, we will follow them. If they can''t decide, then we will discuss with them."


    She patted his arm, "And don''t worry about the difference in opinion between them. They have to face it and solve it, that''s how they will respect each other choices and understand each other."


    Arsh nodded at Roxy, epting her view, "Alright, Little Mom, let''s wait and see what they will decide. Have a good night."


    Roxy shed a relieved smile and went inside the bedroom. Then Arsh got back to work.


    ----


    The next morning, Arna had forgotten whatever she asked Ivan. She excitedly told everything to the Morgan family. Everyone was happy and decided to have a formal families'' meeting on the weekend.


    Arsh woke up before lunch and got ready for their first official date. He bid everyone and was leaving, Rooney ran behind him, "Bro, are you going out for lunch? I will join you. Shall we have Japanese? I have been craving it for a few days now. Shall I invite Noor? She won''t say no to me"


    Arsh crossed his arms and watched his little brother wear his wristwatch continuing her words. Arsh wasn''t dumb so he knew Rooney was teasing him.


    Arsh was about to kick his leg to trip him, Rooney leaped and burst intoughter. He had no ns to be a third wheel but... Rooney opened his mobile chat with Noor and showed it to Arsh, "Bro, it''s my sister-inw who asked me out."


    Arsh read Noor''s message, [Roo, please join me and your brother for lunch. We will go to your favorite restaurant.] She had added please stickers below it.


    Arsh was about to read Rooney''s response to that message but his little brother took his mobile away. Arsh felt like he should have expected it from Noor, he wanted to get angry but he couldn''t either. All he could do was sigh and see his little brotherugh at his state.


    With Noor''s speed, the thought of a double wedding, Arna and Ivan waiting for them brought a frown on Arsh''s face. He didn''t mind waiting for Noor but he didn''t want Arna and Ivan to look forward to them. Arsh didn''t want external pressure on him that would eventually affect Noor.


    Rooney stoppedughing seeing Arsh''s dissatisfaction, he was quick to clear out his intention to go with them without knowing about the thoughts in Arsh''s mind, "Bro, Jazz will call me to pick her up from school. Noor won''t be panicked if she sees me, then she will be fine." Noor was his friend and ssmate so Rooney knew her well too.


    Arsh nced at Rooney who was getting anxious. Smacking his head, "It''s alright. Ask Jazz to join us for lunch." He knows Noor would love to have them around.


    Rooney breathed a deep sigh as he followed Arsh. Both took their own two-seater cars so that Noor won''t be distracted with random talks with him.


    ----


    At Wood''s mansion,


    Both brothers got out of the car seeing Norah and Wood''s grandparents standing with Noor.


    Noor appeared like she wanted to run inside the mansion and hide under the nket. She was still in disbelief that she decided to give Arsh a chance. For her, it was more like testing herself.


    Knowing she might panic, she asked Rooney to join them. Whereas Rooney had tried his best to make her understand she should leave her worries and go with Arsh. Rooney epted when she said she won''t call him the next time.


    Arsh could see Norah was controlling herself fromughing looking at Rooney. He met the grandparents who asked him to take care of Noor before standing in front of Norah.


    "Aunt Norah, didn''t your daughter invite you for lunch?" Arsh teased Noor while his question was directed to Norah.


    Failing to control, Norah chuckled while Noor flushed in embarrassment. Rooneyughed leaning on Arsh''s car looking at Noor. He had expected such a day to arrive.


    Noor strode ahead and sat in the car without noticing Rooney had opened Arsh''s car door.


    Norah gave heads up when Arsh had his eyes on Noor, "There is no curfew"


    Arsh''s lips faintly curled hearing Norah permit him to take his time, trusting him that he will bring her daughter safe and sound without crossing his limits.


    "Only if she doesn''t run back home after lunch." He added, causing Norah to chuckle heartily.


    ----


    Noor''s jaw dropped when Arsh sat inside the car and Rooney went to the different car. She had thought Rooney was driving that car as they often exchange the cars.


    Arsh buckled his seat belt and cocked his head. Noor immediately looked away from him and grumbled, "Why didn''t you tell me Dad and Mom already knew?" She had thought he left her in the problem and ran away but he had solved everything.


    Arsh nodded at her words. He hadn''t told her because she would think of speaking with her parents instead of bugging herself thinking about her distraction."And why didn''t you tell me Rooney will be joining us?"


    Noor: "..."


    She turned to Arsh and carefully watched his expression when he drove the car out. She had expected to see his angry or dark face but he was normal. She regretted troubling Rooney and changing Arsh''s n.


    She responded, which was more like whispering in the car, "I thought you won''t let hime." Hence she didn''t tell him before


    Arsh didn''t want to be petty, yet he asked to know her response, "How about I drop you at a restaurant for you guys to eat?"


    Noor pursed her lips from grinning, hearing him jealous and also a little annoyed at her decision. Turning to him, she put on an innocent expression, "Do you want me to go on a date with a different man?" She teased him this time.


    Arsh: "..."


    Noor giggled before she hissed in pain when his slender fingers pulled her ear, "Ahhh Alright, alright, I won''t tease you." But she chuckled in between her words. Clearly, she was having fun, teasing him.

 Chapter 624: A Shy Little Girl

    Chapter 624: A Shy Little Girl


    When Noor alighted the car at a Japanese restaurant, she suddenly realized she was smiling and she wasughing in the car, all the way, to the restaurant without even realizing it.


    Recalling everything, she could feel Arsh wasn''t much different other than talking just a little more and revealing tiny expressions here and there. It was her who waspletely differentpared to how she used to behave and how she is.


    She discerned that because of his calmness, she was trying to be silent, afraid of annoying him. Now that she knows Arsh likes her, she was rxing around him. And due to her liveliness around him, Arsh appeared lighter and warmer than usual. Whereas he was the same to others.


    Instead of going inside, she waited for Arsh to park the car and reach her. Rooney had left half a way to pick Jasmine.


    "What''s wrong?" Arsh asked seeing her eyes glued on him, nkly staring at him.


    Noor shook her head with a faint smile.


    Arsh nodded without being able to read her thoughts. "Let''s order. Roo and Jazz will reach soon."


    Noor hummed as she walked inside the restaurant with him. She could still vividly remember, Arsh had patiently taught her how to hold the chopsticks and eat. She smiled involuntarily at the memories while going inside.


    Arsh had expected her to behave like a frightened kitten but she was smiling to herself many times. If he asked, she was shaking her head.


    Both ordered food for their double date and the food was served when Rooney and Jasmine entered the hotel with one angry and another oneughing.


    Jasmine sat next to Noor and startedining about Rooney while Rooney was chuckling. Hence without awkwardness, the double date lunch was smoothlypleted.


    After lunch, Jasmine lied as she needed to study so that Noor could spend some quality time with Arsh. Rooney said he will drop her home. Noor didn''t bother them and sent them before getting in Arsh''s car.


    Arsh didn''t drive the car, to confirm she wasn''t wishing to go home, "Would you like to go somewhere?" He didn''t speak about his n.


    "Hmmm." She gave it a thought before she nodded, turning to him, "I want to go fishing."


    Arsh: "..."


    Could he pinch her and check she was real? He couldn''t believe she didn''t say ''home'' or ask him if they should go somewhere.


    He dropped his n as he thought about where he could take her. Once he selected the ce, "Alright." It was better to fish in the evening or before lunch instead of under the zing sun. Since she rarely asked something, he didn''t deny her.


    Noor: "..."


    She blinked at him when he drove the car out as he dialed somebody to arrange the things required for fishing.


    After his call, "A-are you taking me out for fishing?" She asked in shock.


    Arsh felt something off. He pressed on the brakes and turned to her. "What''s cooking in your little brain?"


    Noor awkwardly smiled, looking away from him, "Mom said I can make any unreasonable request and you won''t get angry. I... tried it."


    Her mother had asked her to spend time with him and slowly decide if she really wanted him in her life. When Noor had said Arsh might get annoyed if she wastes his time so her mother had tried to make her understand, if Arsh could get annoyed so easily, he wouldn''t have waited for her so many years. She had also added, he might fulfill any childish request she makes without judging her.


    Arsh smacked her head. "Idiot." He sighed. He should have thought about it when she so easily came up with it.


    He had always seen his parents. His mother always did ording to their likes and wishes whereas his father always chose his mother''s preferences. Noor was a person who thinks about the rest, so Arsh wanted to do anything Noor would wish for as she hardly asked for anything.


    He asked her again before deciding where to go, "Tell me what YOU want to do? If you want to test my tolerance, let''s try it out too." He had extreme tolerance and patience, thanks to Noor,


    Noor had no ns to test his tolerance, She focused on what they could do together. She hesitated before speaking mysteriously, "Could- Could we catch some fish, grill them and eat?"


    They just had their lunch!


    Arsh thought where they could fish, grill, and enjoy themselves. A ce shed in his mind, his father''skeside vi in the outskirts of the city.


    If they shop some ingredients on the way, they could have dinner and return to the city.


    When Arsh took a few more seconds, Noor thought she might have put up an unreasonable request as fishing is already difficult in the city, she even added eating.


    "It''s" She saw him nod at her and press the elerator to leave the hotel, "Really!?" There was excitement in her tone.


    "Yes, Noor Woods. We will eat the fish you catch." He mused seeing her excited for just that.


    Against what Arsh and others were expecting, Noor was a bit faster. She didn''t only start enjoying Arsh''spany, she started nning her week-long holidays with Arsh. That left him stunned the whole evening.


    Arsh had noints so he heartily epted each request and wish, sealing his week-long schedule with her.


    ----


    Meanwhile, Arna whopleted her day''s work quickly dropped by at Skr. She greeted her mother before skipping to Ivan''s office room.


    She knocked on the door and peeked her head inside. She saw him cue her to get inside without lifting his head. Puffing her cheeks, sheined going inside, "You aren''t excited to see me. And here I came all the way to see you."


    Ivan left the pen down, lifted his gaze from the file to Arna''s sulking face. A mischief glint shed in his eyes. He asked suggestively, "Were you... expecting me to pin you against the wall as soon as I see you?"


    Arna: "..."


    She had just expected a tiny smirk on his face. She tried to speak but the words didn''t leave her lips.


    Was she looking like a little girl to shy at his words? She wanted to prove to him, he has a shameless one as his fiancee.


    She went around the desk leaving her handbag on the desk. She grabbed his tie, dipping her head, she seized his lips without an ounce of hesitance.


    Ivan: "..."


    Ivan knew she wasn''t a shy little girl. He had teased her to exchange some counters and flirt. From the looks, she wasn''t into words but actions.


    His hand snaked around her waist, pulling her on hisp, straddling him before responding to her luscious lips that were tempting him.

 Chapter 625: The Campfire

    Chapter 625: The Campfire


    Breaking their kiss, Ivan and Arna panted for some, still yearning for another round. With an arm around her waist, Ivan''s long finger gently brushed the smudged lips from the corner of her lips.


    He asked when she awkwardly changed her straddling position and sat sideways on his legs, "You can''t keep your hands off me, will you really wait for the double wedding?"


    He wouldn''t be surprised if they get grey hair waiting for Noor. He didn''t doubt Arsh, his friend was a conqueror but he fell for the snail princess.


    "Double Wedding?" Arna uttered in confusion without remembering she had blurted it out in a drunken state. The thought of a double wedding had indeed crossed her mind when she and Ivan were talking about the wedding. But she hadn''t voiced her thoughts as Noor had no idea about Arsh.


    She and Ivan weren''t into dating as Ivan knew about her feelings for a long time. And he proposed to her for the marriage instead of asking her out to be a girlfriend.


    But it would be different in the case of Arsh and Noor. They might date for months or years before getting married. She was sure Arsh won''t pressure Noor for anything and the wedding topic might freak out Noor.


    Arna shook her head at Ivan. There was no mirth in her voice, she was gloomy while speaking her opinion in clear senses "Did I say something yesterday?... I don''t think it would be a good idea. What if they take a very long time?"


    Her arms wrapped around him, resting her chin on his shoulder. The thought of celebrating their special days together with her brother indeed excited her. But, she didn''t want to make anything unfair for Ivan due to her wishes.


    She felt Ivan inhale deep as his hand caressed her back, as though trying to soothe her. Silence enveloped plunging into their thoughts.


    Ivan was smart enough to know the reason behind her different opinions. He knew if he said yes, none would object to them by respecting their choices. But did he want to wait an unknown period?


    He had the answer. No, he didn''t want to wait anymore. Even though it didn''t make much difference for him if they are married or not, and they were already together, he couldn''t convince himself to wait.


    Ivan pulled Arna away from his embrace to face her, "How about this? The next fashion show is very crucial for you and it will take up to two months."


    Arna shook her head, unwilling to make him go by her unreasonable wishes. Even though she would love to have a double wedding, she wanted to be with Ivan, more than fulfilling her little wish, "It''s alright, we don''t have to wait"


    "Listen to me first," Ivan cut in and saw her obediently nod, "We aren''t going to wait for them. I don''t want to pressure your work with wedding arrangements. So let''s push the wedding until youplete your show."


    Arna actually wanted to shake her head and say she could handle it. But then, if they get married before her show, she wouldn''t be able to give much time to Ivan due to work. If they get marriedter, they could give all their time to each other. So she nodded in eptance of his n.


    Ivan could guess why she epted. Anyway, he continued, "Then another month might take for shopping and arrangements. Let''s do it together." He didn''t want to let everything be handled by their families or the event management team.


    This time, Arna had a big smile while nodding, "We will only get married once. Let''s choose the venue, decor, and everything." She started dreaming about the wedding.


    Ivan chuckled and continued, "During this time, if Arsh and Noor manage to be together and start having wedding ns, we can then wait a few more days."


    Arna''s lips curled to O understanding how Ivan was merging their requirements with her little wish.


    "But Your wish doesn''t only have us. It will be fulfilled only if Arsh and Noor like to have a double wedding. Our families will like the double wedding, however, we can''t expect the same from the Woods."


    Arna was d he was so level-headed without ignoring any circumstances. She cupped his head and pecked on his lips so swiftly that he didn''t get to react. She wrapped her arms and responded, "Perfect. Then let''s not talk about the double wedding to anybody. I don''t want to pressure, Bro."


    Well, Arsh already knew it. Ivan had said it thinking Arsh might have an idea. Anyway, if they say they are nning a wedding after three months, Ivan hoped, Arsh won''t feel pressured.


    Instead of responding to her words. Ivan sharply inhaled, "Could you stop seducing me?" His voice was husky, holding her firm on hisp without letting her squirm.


    Arna''s back slightly stiffened when she felt something hard under her thighs. She had forgotten she was on hisp while making herselffortable.


    Pushing herself back, she wanted to get up but he suddenly moved. She heard something fall on the floor when his hand swung behind her before her back swayed and pressed against the desk. "I-" He seized her lips in a searing kiss turning her into a puddle of water under him.


    Busy making out in the office, Arna''s mobile rings failed to disturb them. When Ivan''s mobile rang on the table, Arna gasped at the vibration breaking their long kiss.


    Ivan was about to curse, Arna breathed heavily uttering, "It''s Noor."


    Ivan straightened his back, pulling Arna to sit on the desk. Controlling their breathing, Ivan answered the phone to speak while keeping his arm around Arna.


    "Brother Ivan, do you have ns for tonight?" Noor asked.


    Arna and Ivan looked at each other and burst intoughter. They were already aware Noor had asked Rooney to join the date for lunch; they couldn''t believe she was calling Ivan now.


    "Sister Snow!?" Noor greeted in confusion without knowing why they wereughing at her.


    "Noor, what''s up? Is my brother troubling you?" Arna asked curiously, pitying her brother''s life.


    There was a slight pause before Noor responded, "Nope I- I think I am torturing him" She giggled after it.


    To vouch for it, they heard Arsh''s voice, "Could you guys believe if I say Noor is making me chop the woods for a campfire?"


    Noor giggled after his question. Since they were going to grill the fish, she thought a campfire would be a great idea. Little did she know, he was going to gather the woods by himself instead of calling workers to do it. It was fun to do everything on their own so she was also helping him, enjoying herself.


    Ivan and Arna looked at each other in shock and astonishment. It was hard to believe their ears hearing Noor giggle next to Arsh instead of silently standing.


    Arna announced getting off from the desk, "Send us the location. We areing." Without hearing the response, the duo quickly left the office to enjoy the campfire.


    Well, Arsh had suggested Noor invite Arna, Ivan, Naira, Rooney, and Jasmine if they were free as Noor Wood had managed to catch lots of fish and the campfire would be enjoyable with more people.

 Chapter 626: Drunk Noor

    Chapter 626: Drunk Noor


    At half-past six, in the evening,


    By the time Ivan and Arna reached with a lot more ingredients and requirements for the night, Naira, Rooney, and Jasmine were cing the woods for campfire and arranging to sit and the main couple had started grilling.


    The five sat and watched the couple. Arsh was still the same while Noor''s giggles were reaching their every ear now and then.


    Jasmine munched on the snack as shemented, "Brother Nemo is a lot like Uncle n." Both show no emotions other than anger.


    Rooney hummed while Arna questioned as she leaned on Ivan who was sitting next to her, "I had thought bro will have to change for Noor. He looks so serious, what is making her smile?"


    Naira was sipping her detox juice watching her sister. If she had seen this scene a few days before she would have really thought Noor was trying to steal Arsh from her. Noor who used to silently, calmly follow Arsh was different from the one who was enjoying Arsh''spany.


    "Why do I feel Noor liked Arsh for a long time?" One couldn''t be so close in just a day or two. Naira turned to Rooney as Arna was away from them for many years and Ivan had only seen Noor with Arsh, "I think she never thought about this dating, rtionship, or love. Seeing Arsh always strict, she might have never tried to know her own feelings for him."


    Everyone shrugged at her words as Noor never spent much time with them, except Rooney. So all turned to Rooney. Thetter wasn''t sure if Noor liked Arsh, but gave his opinion as per his analysis after hearing Naira.


    "Noor indeed never thought of a rtionship. She always kept a single focus. Study or work. We had to get rid of her admirers and the dumb-headed wasn''t even understanding when somebody was showing interest in dating her Like all men were nonexistent to her." He was baffled by his own words.


    The rest looked at each other and burst intoughter. It was hard to believe so they decided to let the couple mend themselves.


    Noor looked at the ones who wereughing. Curious, she wanted to join them, so she turned to Arsh with her hand pointing at the group. She wanted to say, ''I will juste.'' but Arsh spoke, flipping the fist on the grill, "Are you so eager to get teased?"


    Noor remembered she had asked Rooney to join their date and that would be known to everyone by now. So she sheepishly grinned looking at Arsh hiding his smirk. She changed her decision immediately, "Since you are alone, I will help you." She didn''t want to get into the hands of a teasing group who could make her embarrassed all night. She had no ns to look like a cooked lobster.


    Even though their conversation was very simple, unlike flirting with each other, Noor was slowly easing herself with Arsh and thetter unknowingly spoke more than usual and evenughed with her.


    The group who had assumed Arsh was going to serve everyone was bbergasted when he carried two servings and Noor skipped next to him pointing which vor fish she wanted.


    "Bro, for me?" Arna lifted her hand making the puppy face, trying to melt her brother.


    Arsh sat down on the floor cushion with Noor as he kept the te between them, "Oh That face will work on Ivan only."


    Arna: "..."


    Jasmine and Rooney looked at each other and quickly ran over to grill their fish, Arna and Ivan stood up as there was only one grill and it would take up time, "You little brats, make way for us"


    bbergasted, Naira pointed at herself, "D-did you guys leave me alone?"


    Noor chuckled as she pushed a te next to her sister, "Sis, your favorite barbeque grilled fish."


    Naira was nning to get herself one, she wasn''t surprised Noor thought of her. Arna waved her hand, "Come on, let''s grill quickly."


    They werete to understand, despite being there with Noor and Arsh, those two were separate from them, having their own time.


    Ivan, who tasted his fish, looked at the couple. Noor was pouting while fighting for the fish on the te with Arsh. Ivan understood why they were present. It was just to keep Noor''s nerves calm without thinking she was alone with Arshte in the night, at an isted vi far away from the city.


    "Arsh Morgan, you are truly cunning." He mumbled grumpily about being used by his friend. He shrugged it off as they were having fun too.


    Eating, drinking, music, and dancing, it had crossed eleven in the night. Jasmine had dozed off lying her head on Rooney''sp. Instead of drinking, Ivan was busy stopping Arna from getting drunk again. Naira was flushed with a few drinks, yawning repeatedly, being sleepy.


    Drunk Noor, cupped her face and was giggling nonstop watching Ivan and Arna. "You guys are so cute together." She eximed.


    Arna puffed her fake angry cheeks, losing another bottle to Ivan''s hands before hearing her. She was in clear senses so started questioning Noor, "Noor,e here."


    However, Arsh red at his sister, without letting Noor obey Arna''s order. Being extremely obedient, Noor listened to Arsh. Arna controlled and scolded Arsh and changed her questions to Noor, "Noor, do you hate Arsh?"


    Noor followed Arna''s pointed finger. Then she shook her head adorably.


    Arna wanted to hear something funny so she tried again, "Don''t tell me you like Arsh?"


    Arna''s didn''t point her finger so Noor uttered the name trying to remember the person, "Arsh!?" Arna nodded vigorously. As she quickly pointed at Arsh.


    Noor turned to Arsh in a slow-motion that made Rooney, Ivan, Arna anticipated to their bones. Arsh was speechless. He wanted to stop them from ying with drunk Noor but Noor shifted close to him, suddenly.


    Arsh almost jerked but held his cool. Noor was drunk so he didn''t want her to do anything that would make her cry in the morning.


    Rooney and Arna looked at each other. In tacit agreement, both started saying in chorus, "Kiss Kiss Kiss"


    Ivan was puzzled if he should support his crazy fiancee or behave like a gentleman.


    Arsh was baffled when Noor smiled at their words while looking at him intently. He wanted to beat his brother and sister.

 Chapter 627: Dumb Drunk Noor

    Chapter 627: Dumb Drunk Noor


    Arsh slowly moved back from Noor ring at Ivan to control Arna and shut Rooney''s mouth. He was inarticte when Noor moved closer to him.


    He blurted out trying to make her sit back, "Noor, you are drunk. Let me show the room to sleep."


    He had forgotten, drunken people will never agree they are drunk. "I am not drunk." Noor bleated.


    Ivan drowned the sound of hisughter watching them as he pulled Arna and covered her lips smacking Rooney to stop.


    Noor''s hands reached Arsh''s face. Her forefingers pressed at the corners of his lips and lifted them.


    Arsh: "..."


    Noor turned to Arna and innocently answered the question Arna asked, "I like his smile."


    Rooney, Arna, and Ivan: "..."


    Arsh involuntarily smiled at her words. Noor gasped, sitting back as she pointed at him for the other three, "Look, look"


    Arsh: "..."


    He bit his lips, controlling his smilepletely. He couldn''t believe he smiled at her smallestpliment.


    Ivan and Arna stood up. Arna helped Naira and went inside the vi. Rooney watched his brother in shock. He had seen Arshugh. Even though it wasn''t a lot at times, he hadn''t expected Noor to like Arsh''s smile instead of the smartness that she always mentioned.


    He smiled evilly, "Bro, what are you happy about? Noor didn''t say she likes you."


    Arsh: "..."


    Well, he hadn''t considered it. He grabbed the shoes and hurled at Rooney. Thetter burst intoughter, dodging it away. Carrying his girlfriend inside, Rooney left.


    Noor, who was lost in her thoughts after looking at Arsh''s smile, looked right and left and cried, "Everyone left me alone."


    Arsh: "..." He was sitting right there.


    He tapped her shoulder to get the attention. Noor gasped, turning around in fright. After seeing who it was, she again made a crying face, "I killed so many fishes."


    Arsh: "..."


    It wasn''t the first time he was seeing Noor drunk. But every time he sent her to bed or asked her to sleep if he was around. This was the first time he was listening to her speak.


    Calmly breathing, "I killed the fishes. When you caught them, they were still alive, remember?"


    Noor gasped with her fingers flying on her lips, "You killed." Then she went closer to him and whispered, "Why did you kill? I won''t tell anybody. Don''t be scared." She gently patted his shoulder.


    Arsh controlledughing his heart out. She felt him dummier than ever. "What if the police put me in jail?" He questions enjoying their senseless conversation.


    Her face fell upon hearing him. She thought very hard before standing up and running towards the table. Arsh was quick to catch up with her and saw her rubbing the knife handle with her dress.


    "What... are you doing?" Arsh asked, without moving his eyes away from the knife, afraid she might hurt herself.


    Noor whispered again as though somebody will hear her, "I saw in a movie, the knife has   I forgot." Noor was at loss forgetting why she had to rub the handle of the knife.


    Arsh burst intoughter understanding she was removing fingerprints to erase the evidence of fish murder.


    Noor tilted her head, smiling in amusement hearing his heartyughter.


    Arsh took the knife from her hand and took her inside the vi. Helping her sit on the barstool of the kitchen, he asked yfully to avoid hearing her rejection, "I will get you something tasty, will you drink?"


    Noor adorably nodded and cupped her face facing Arsh. Thetter quickly prepared a ss of honey-lime water and helped her drink little by little as she spoke about a random topic making him smile helplessly.


    When he didn''t smile, she would try to pull his lips and order him, "Smile."


    "No." He retorted and tried to help her drink but she threatened, "Then I will cry."


    Instead of getting angry, heughed at the threat and heard her giggle. Holding her chin, he helped herplete the honey-lime water before letting out a sigh.


    "Let me help you to bed." He held her hand to help her get off the stool.


    Noor shook her head and requested, "I will stay with you Let''s go out." She leaped down, pointed at the bay window, and marched out.


    -------


    In the morning,


    Jasmine woke up with a splitting headache in the guest room. She saw Rooney lying on the couch when the bed wasrge. She went to the couch and snuggled into his arms.


    Upstairs in Aria and n''s bedroom, Arna woke up on the bed and Ivan almost woke up at the same time on the daybed.


    Yawning, Arna saw Naira next to her. Since there were only two rooms, they had thought Arsh might sleep on the couch and Noor with Arna and Naira.


    Both went downstairs and saw Jasmine and Rooney but not Arsh and Arna. Looking at the open bay window, both sleepily went out and almost choked on their spit.


    Arsh''s head was on the floor pillow with his hand wrapped around the little frame that was snuggling against him.


    "They slept outside all night." Ivan''s groggy voice came as he yawned.


    Arna looked at Ivan and questioned, feelingpletely awake, "Who is getting married in three months?"


    "We." Ivan nonchntly responded.


    Arna nodded, "I think Rooney, Jasmine, and Noor, bro are getting married." She stomped his leg and went inside leaving Ivan speechless.


    Shaking his head to disperse his thoughts, Ivan went to the couple and tapped Arsh. One tap was enough to wake him up and Ivan asked in a low voice, "Are you sure Noor would be fine waking up like this?" He gave heads up to Arsh before going inside the vi. He snuggled his sulking girlfriend on the couch.


    Unwrapping his hand, Arsh recalled Noor''s half-night chatter about almost everything before she dozed off leaning on him. He was used to be awake at night but eventually dozed while making sure she wasn''t disturbed by anything,


    The dumb drunk Noor also confessed she was shy to face Aria and n, and she wasn''t sure what she feels for him. She also advised him that if he smiles more, she might like him.


    To avoid making her embarrassed, Arsh tried to shift her head on the pillow. He was about to breathe at the sess, her fingers which were holding his shirt, suddenly tugged at him as her eyes slowly opened.


    There was barely any space between them. A little move wouldnd his lips on the tip of her nose. Arsh continued to hold his breath, ready to hear her shriek.


    Noor blinked a few times and closed her eyes as she left his shirt. She slowly flipped aside and made herselffortable to sleep.

 Chapter 628: Sacrifice

    Chapter 628: Sacrifice


    Arsh was amused how Noor didn''t fluster and pretended so smoothly. He felt like they were underestimating her too much.


    "How long are you nning to pretend to be asleep?" He asked, whispering near her ear.


    He watched her slowly flush red, squeezing her eyes, clutching the pillow. He almost thought she was going to cry but, "Couldn''t you just help me with the act?" She mewled, really wishing to cry.


    She was awake around dawn, she had thought she was dreaming like sleeping outside, under the sky so she hadn''t thought much when an arm protectively wrapped around her, pulling her up on the pillow.


    Facing him felt extremely embarrassing.


    Since she wasn''t afraid or disgusted but embarrassed, Arsh had noints. He offered, "Should I also go back to sleep and pretend to be asleep?" He questioned, propping his head on his fist, supporting his elbow on the pillow.


    ''Asleep.'' Recalling she was sleeping next to him, she jerked up and looked around. "Where are others? Did they see us sleeping together? Why did we sleep outside?..." Then she started mumbling to herself, "I should stop drinking so much. Why don''t I have a headache?" She lifted her head and asked, "Did I say anything to youst night? Did I trouble you a lot"


    Arsh: "..."


    He waited for her until she asked, "Why aren''t you speaking?" Impatient, she poked his arm.


    Arsh sat down, breathing loudly in her ce. Why didn''t he know she speaks a lot too without taking a breath? "What if somebody saw us?"


    Noor flustered, she became jelly and stammered, "I-I- I will run away." She pointed towards the cars.


    Arsh lied smoothly as he fished his mobile out of his pocket, "None came out. All her sleeping inside." He messaged his sister and friend, ordering them to go back to bed.


    "You- are you lying?" She didn''t believe him. Yet there was a pleading gaze to hear the truth but she wasn''t prepared for the truth. She wanted to hear what could rest her heart at ease.


    Arsh wanted to flick on her head and ask, ''Why are you panicking so much dummy?'' but he stayed indifferent, "Check yourself." He pointed at the vi with a tilt of his head.


    Noor wanted to believe him but she got up and went inside. Arsh saw his friend''s reply, [We are doing this for Noor.]


    Sister''s response, [Don''t bully sister-inw.]


    Noor peeked everywhere. She first saw Ivan cuddling Arna on the couch in the living hall, Naira was alone on the bed upstairs and Rooney and Jasmine cuddling on the guest room''s small couch.


    She nced at Arsh leaning on the wall so she asked in confusion, "Isn''t it ufortable on the couch when there is such a big bed?" Fitting one on the bed was fine, she couldn''t understand two struggling to fit on it.


    Arna suppressed herughter against Ivan''s chest while Arsh stared at Noor without knowing which response to choose for her.


    Noor innocently blinked at him before ncing at Jasmine and Rooney in the guest room, controlling her urge to wake them up and ask them to sleep on the bed,fortably.


    "When I get a girlfriend, you will get to know." Arsh twisted his words and left to get fresh.


    Ivan: "..." He didn''t know Arsh was so brazen to say Noor was going to be his girlfriend.


    Noor initially assumed that he will get to know when he gets a girlfriend before realizing his words. "You-" But he was gone.


    Sighing to herself, she went to prepare breakfast for everyone. Patting her chest, none saw her shamelessly cuddling Arsh. She stopped bothering about her behavior in a drunken state as none teased her when they woke up.


    Since everyone had to go to work, school, Noor served them and sent the two couples before she sat on the couch with a long exhale.


    Her work reminded her of her mother who was a homemaker after her birth. Remembering how Norah always stayed on her toes, sending one after the other, making sure they had what was required for their days, her respect for her mother increased even more.


    "What are you smiling at?" Arsh asked, passing her the coffee. He was in charge of cleaning, now serving his wife-to-be who looked satisfied for some reason.


    Noor took the cup from him and turned to face him when he sat down at the other end of the same couch. "What do you think about homemaking mothers?"


    Arsh sipped his coffee, understanding why she was smiling. He promptly gave his opinion shortly, "The toughest job with no appreciation or position."


    Noor''s smile ttered hearing him. Her shoulder cked when she said, "Young Master Morgan, nobody will scold you if you talk more." Or should she be happy he answers in a sentence instead of a word? Ugh.


    A throaty chuckle made her lips agape and stare at him. He was d she wasn''t adjusting anymore and voiced her opinion. He didn''t want a puppet to follow him and she learned to voice. That was a great improvement and also he saw no more embarrassment for the morning.


    Now he borated for her to listen, "We go out and work for a few hours, at the end of the day we have somewhere to go called home. We get promotions, monthly sries, hikes, and appreciation for the work we do. We take holidays and vacations because we are tired of work and need a break."


    Noor came out of her stupor and nodded hearing his words, that''s how modern-day work and people are.


    Arsh continued, "What do we often think? We are working hard to provide at home."


    Noor was about to nod but confusion flickered in her eyes. Just now she realized how hard her mother works in the morning routine of the house to provide every necessity for her, Naira, and Noah. Why did she even think they were working to provide for grandparents and mother when her mother was working harder, holding her breath, and remembering each of their schedules and needs.


    Who is providing whom?


    Arsh continued after a sip of her coffee, "Have we ever thought what if homemakers weren''t there? We would be running around for toiletries in the morning, then searching for ingredients for breakfast, cleaning, getting ready, and then working."


    Noor pursed her lips thinking how single independentdies or gents are doing everything on their own. Yet, they often order food outside or eat outside. To avoid affecting their health, they go in search of health and spend more money.


    Arsh''s long fingers reached out and lifted her cup making her realize she has to sip her coffee as he continued, "When we get everything done, we assume we are working hard for them forgetting they are also working hard for us."


    Noor hummed, "We often forget or don''t even know what they like and need but they know everything." She added her thoughts.


    Arsh sipped his coffee as he nodded, "They don''t get a sry, they get any promotions. We often tend to ignore them in our so-called busy schedule, with that we even scold them if they are a littlete, we call them jobless, we say they just stay in the home and do nothing. Are they doing nothing?"


    Noor shook her head in guilt as though she had neglected her mother or scolded her. She felt she cared less about her mother and she should treat her better for sacrificing her career and be their support.


    Arshpleted, watching her unblinking eyes, "All they expect is a small hug, a little appreciation for their relentless work. We have to show them more love, spend some extra time, take them out, and make them enjoy."


    Noor happily hummed, shing him a sweet smile.

 Chapter 629: Nervous

    Chapter 629: Nervous


    After the coffee, Arsh took her empty cup from her hands to wash them when he heard her announce, "Let''s date." There was no hesitation but curiosity.


    Arsh paused, hard to believe his ears. He had recently realized they were all underestimating her just because she wasn''t smart. That doesn''t mean her emotional bnce is weak. She was indeed the type to be shy but knew to ept what she liked or disliked.


    He turned to her, to confirm he didn''t imagine himself anything. There was anticipation and little shyness for voicing her eptance to be his girlfriend.


    Anyhow, Arsh nted his head asking yfully, "Are you asking me to be your boyfriend?"


    Noor: "..."


    She realized he didn''t ask her to be his girlfriend at all. He just confessed he loves her. But ''he is doing all this to be my boyfriend, right?'' She convinced herself first and countered in fluster, "Stop bullying me."


    Arsh barely hid his pleasing smile which Noor could feel. She thought she should have said it over a text message or call seeing his tempting smirk, which was making her hard, not to blush.


    Arsh hummed as though he needed to think a lot for epting her proposal, "Since it''s you, I will agree to be your boyfriend."


    If somebody unknown hears him, they would misunderstand as he was taking pity on her. She grabbed the cushion on the couch and hurled at him, "I will find a way to torture you then." She gave an angry stare when heughed at her. She cooled down as soon as his hand gently brushed on her head while going to the kitchen.


    First date and they were already together. Now, he was kind of sure he doesn''t have to wait for years or months for her.


    Still not settled, "You aren''t allowed to bully me." She raised her voice to sound dominant. But for Arsh, that was merely a tantrum.


    "Oh, I am scared." Well, only he has the right to bully her.


    Noor didn''t realize he sounded joyous. She stomped her feet as she stood, "I said no bullying." Scared? Even if she held a knife at his throat, she was sure she would look like a little girl ying with a knife to him.


    Turning around, he questioned, changing the topic, "You didn''t call me Arsh, did you?"


    Noor: "..."


    She had forgotten that part. She opened her lips to call his name but a soft blush crept up her face. "I will go and get fresh." She tried to behave haughtily and marched to the guest room.


    Arsh was amused instead of being angry. Her little acts were easy to catch. Completing his work, he settled on the couch and grabbed his mobile from the table, thinking to tell his mother first about the major improvement but paused.


    He wanted Noor to reveal it to all, that way he could be assured that Noor wholeheartedly epted to be with him and the new rtionship.


    ------


    After dropping Noor at Wood''s mansion, Arsh went to the Morgan mansion. That wasn''t the end of the day, ording to Noor''s second-day n, they went out for the evening premiere of Naira''s movie.


    His presence with Noor sounded in gossip blogs and media with their suspicions as they were dating. Neither Morgans nor Woods responded to it. Naira had meticulously ignored the question when she was questioned after the movie.


    Simrly, the whole week of dates wasing to an end. Noor was happy with Arsh, who was speaking to her, not just her. She was aware Arsh was giving her enough space without rushing her into their rtionship, hence she was rxed and unawarely got closer.


    She was blushing hard when he was holding her hand or wrapping around her in the crowd, she wasn''t evading it but too shy to initiate.


    He was able to bully her but she couldn''te up with anything to torture him other than purposefully going all out on Sunday and shop.


    She giggled when Arsh lifted his hands having ten plus shopping bags in each hand when he lifted, looking at them in word struck. She even offered to hold them once, "Let me hold" Her eyes fell on a shop that had kids'' wear. "They are so cute."


    Arsh: "..."


    Before she could rush inside, Arsh had to stop her wrapping his arm around her waist as his hands were filled, "There is no baby other than you. Who are you going to buy them for?"


    She pointed at the little dress and sulked, "But those are so cute."


    bbergasted, "What will you do buying them?"


    Noor gave it a thought, "Nothing, I will keep them in the room." She shrugged her shoulders.


    Arsh nodded and let her go. She was excitedly going to check out, and she heard Arsh''s voice behind her, "If your parents see it, they will think you are pregnant."


    Noor froze.


    Arsh continued holding down hisughter, "If theye to me, I will tell them... I am not the father of the child." Biting his lower lip that revealed his pearly white, Arsh silentlyughed as he passed by.


    Noor hadn''t thought about it. Even if she says she liked it hence she bought it, they would doubt Arsh, instead of her. She ran back to Arsh and sheepishly grinned, "I just wanted to check it out." She sweetly lied. Her main goal of the day was to buy whatever she likes, so of course, she wanted to buy it even if it was unusable.


    Arsh had thought he wouldn''t be like other men to get irritated but at the end of five hours following her around, he was tired. Beating people didn''t feel so exhausted as waiting behind her while she was choosing a dress out of twenty in each shop.


    He was about to give up and stop her and say ''Enough.'' Noor suddenly looked right and left, then ran up to him. She quickly snatched the bags from his left hand and held them in both hands as she quickly whispered, "Aunt Aria and Uncle n behind me."


    She tried to put on a sweet girl smile and turned around hoping they didn''t see Arsh carrying so many bags due to her. They had looked after him like a prince and she had made him a servant for herself.


    Arsh saw her nervous smile, her toes tapping on the floor, clutching the weightless bags with all her might while suffocating herself.


    He hadn''t expected Noor to get along with him and start fearing his parents. He had thought she needed time to convince herself to tell them about them to their parents but the time justplicated the situation more.

 Chapter 630: Couple Suits

    Chapter 630: Couple Suits


    Aria and n had noticed the duo a long time ago. They hadn''t disturbed them but didn''t expect to go face to face. Seeing Noor panicking, Aria sighed as they went closer.


    "Aunt Aria, Uncle n" Noor greeted them, unlike how she always ran into Aria''s arms for a hug.


    "Mom, Dad." Arsh greeted his parents.


    n barely nodded when Aria took the bags from Noor and stuffed them into Arsh''s hand. Then she hugged Noor as she scolded Arsh to calm down Noor, "Why are you making my little girl carry so much?"


    Gently rubbing her back, Aria whispered to Noor, "If he bullies you,e to me. We will trouble him together."


    Noor let out a soft sigh, she was a little afraid of how Aria might treat her. Whether it would be the same despite knowing she stole his son or with dissatisfaction.


    Her gaze shifted to n, whose face was aloof, like always. There was no disappointment either. She saw his hand holding two paper bags. One looked like jewelry and another a scarf.


    Aria was about to let her go, in case, Noor was embarrassed or ufortable but her hands softly wrapped around her. "Aunt Aria, you knew before?" She meant about Arsh in love with her.


    Aria smiled ncing at Arsh, "Absolutely. n noticed first."


    Like a big stone moved from her chest, Noor finally rxed, realizing they continued to treat her well even after knowing about Arsh''s likes.


    When she faced Aria, she was already flushed but was back to normal, close to Aria, "Actually, I am troubling him." She pointed at the bags and chuckled.


    "That''s like my girl. If you want more ideas, call me anytime." Aria offered, d Noor was able to ovee little fear.


    Arsh: "..."


    Noor quickly looked at the bag in Arsh''s hand and took two bags out. She handed the bag to n as she spoke to both, "I picked a couple edition business suits for you two."


    Without a second thought, n held it as it was a couple edition. Aria chuckled at his action when Arsh was perplexed, "That wasn''t for us?"


    Aria startedughing while Noor shook her head. She had picked two sets, one was formal to Aria and n and the informal one was for her parents.


    n wrapped his hand around his wife iming there was only a single couple and that''s them, "What will you do with a couple outfit?"


    Arsh: "..."


    He was about to counter as Noor was his girlfriend, thetter questioned, "Oh, he- Didn''t Young Master tell you?"


    While Aria tilted her head thinking what Arsh didn''t tell them, n gloated at the misfortune of his son, "Was there anything YOUNG MASTER..." He stressed the words, "... has to tell us something?"


    Arsh: "..."


    Noor didn''t focus on it so she revealed, flushing another shade of red, "We are dating."


    Aria didn''t know if she should stomp her husband or be speechless to hear Young Master or celebrate. She left her husband and embraced her son, "I am so happy for you."


    Arsh smirked at his father before shing a handsome smile at his mother. "Thank you for the gifts, I won''t disturb you two."


    Taking ring at n ahead, she turned back again, "Oh yeah, don''t forget to share with all, everyone will be happy."


    Before Aria could hear the response, her grumpy husband wrapped his arm around her and took her ahead. "How dare you hug another man in front of me?"


    Aria''s lips twitched hearing her possessive husband, "Honey, he is our son."


    "He is somebody''s boyfriend."


    Aria: "..."


    When no sense works, all she has to do was, ignore their age, ignore the eyes, ignore the cameras and hug her husband, then praise him, "Yeah, I only have you."


    n loves how she doesn''t get annoyed by his tantrums. He dotingly hummed, "Now he will run behind his wife and our daughter behind her husband. We have only each other."


    "Absolutely, My Love. You are the best in my life."


    Whereas at the other end, Noor was grumpy, "Why didn''t you tell Aunt and Uncle about us?" Noor asked grumpily, crossing her arms over her chest.


    "I wanted you to tell everyone." He patiently told his point, controlling himself from smacking her due to the bags in his hands.


    "Were you nning to hide it?"


    "I was waiting for you to be brave."


    "Are you shy then?"


    Arsh lifted his brows. Shy? He was patient because of her. Shy? He could be more shameless than his father. "So, you are brave!" He took a step closer, lifting his eyebrow. "Should I test?"


    His hypnotic tone made her blush and rooted when he took another step and stood right in front of her. Her eyes widened as she gulped nothing down her throat when he dipped his head, closing the distance between their face.


    She wanted to push him back but her hands weren''t listening to her. Her cheeks felt hot when his deep gaze shifted from her eyes, down to her nose, and stopped on her lips.


    She wanted to think as he was ying her but he came closer, making her heart rumble in her chest. Her fingers clutched the hem of her dress staring at him with contrasting emotions. She wanted to evade but also anticipated.


    When his face tilted and pushed much closer, she shifted her head aside and walked away inhaling sharp breath through her mouth. ''That was close.'' She patted her chest, biting her lips hard when they were threatening to grin, bright and wide.


    Arsh shook his head, smiling resignedly. If he really wanted to kiss her there, he could have done it, instead of giving her time to collect her thoughts. ''Dummy.''


    When he went closer to her, Noor quickly spoke to change the topic, "We will shop for you now."


    It was now Arsh''s turn to fluster. He passed all the bags to his right hand, clutched her hand, and took her towards the elevator, "We will eat first."


    Noor silently giggled and asked, holding his hand back, "Then we will shop."


    "No." Arsh blurted out before making an excuse, "I mean, we will go home." He knew she was trying to trouble him.


    "I am in no hurry to go back, we will shop more."


    Arsh came up with a better excuse, "Didn''t you hear Mom? You will tell everyone about us today."


    Noor burst intoughter seeing him not epting the defeat.

 Chapter 631: Noor proposed Arsh!?

    Chapter 631: Noor proposed Arsh!?


    As nned by Arsh, without shopping more, he took Noor to the Morgan mansion. Since it had been more than a week, everyone was happy and excited to see her back.


    Aria and n hadn''t told anything to anybody so none knew about Arsh and Noor dating yet. Amelia patted Noor''s shoulder when thetter greeted her. "Child, the Morgan mansion will always be your home too. If you ept Nemo or don''t is your choice. Don''t be shy about it, keep visiting here like always." Everyone hummed agreeing with Amelia.


    Noor was pleased to know she didn''t have importance at the Morgan mansion because of Arsh, they loved her regardless of him and her decision. She nced at Arsh Nth time. She was feeling shy to reveal about their dating and expected him to understand her embarrassment and tell everyone but he sat like he didn''t know anything.


    Noor smiled at Amelia and responded politely, "Sure Grandmother Amelia, I wille regrly."


    They started chatting randomly, while Aria was concealing her smile, looking at Noor feeling pressured by Arsh''s silence and Arsh calming, holding his patience so that she could ept in front of all.


    Aria didn''t know if she should scold Arsh or help Noor. n mumbled next to her ear when she sighed twice in a row, "Why are you worrying about them?"


    Aria nced at her husband and unawarely let out another sigh. n''s hand that was resting behind her on the couch, lifted and smacked her head, ever so gently.


    Aria put on a big fat pout turning to him, "I am confused." She murmured to n as both got the attention of the whole family.


    n ignored them which Aria didn''t notice. He turned to his wife who doesn''t have even fifty percent of patience Arsh had. Instead of Noor, he felt like his wife was getting pressured looking at Noor struggling.


    Completely aware of what his wife was confused about, his hand shifted to her shoulder, wrapping his hand, and turned to Noor, "Noor, do you want to share something with everyone?"


    Noor bit her lips, she nced at Aria, then at Arsh and then Rooney, simrly each one.


    Rian popped his eyebrow at Aria asking what''s going on. Aria smirked, tilting her head at Rian. That was enough from Little Devil for Beauty to understand.


    He hid his smile and turned to Noor, "Noor, don''t be scared to speak with us. You can be open with us without fear."


    Noor nervously chewed her lips and turned to Arsh. He was still sitting like it didn''t concern him. It somehow made her a little annoyed. "He- He is such a bully." She blurted out.


    Arsh finally turned to her. Before Noor could speak out, his family members were too smart to understand the small cues and know everything. Then everyone would encourage her to speak it. Now he felt like he overestimated her.


    The Morgan family started looking at each other thinking if Noor turned down Arsh. Then why did shee home with Arsh?


    The surprise soon appeared on their faces, realizing what Noor was nervous about. They grinned at Arsh and Rooney teased Noor, "When did I bully you?" He and Arsh were next to each other so who is that he?


    Noor flushed when she tried to say ''Arsh.'' "It''s... Youn- Your brother."


    Roxy quickly nudged Rian in case he was going to tease Noor. Then Amelia stood up, "Roo, get me the cane. Your brother needs to be taught. How could he bully our little girl?"


    Noor flustered believing Amelia''s words. She stood up trying to stop Rooney, "No, no"


    Arna cut in, "Noor, don''t ept brother. I will find you a sexy model."


    "Huh?" Noor barely got time to respond.


    Rian quickly added, "Let me find a girl who will beat him every day."


    Noor: "..."


    Rooney returned with the cane and added, "Dad, I know a girl who is taller than bro, and strongly built. Bro will have to be a puppy with her and wag his tail at her every order."


    Arsh shed a menacing yet sexy smirk at Rooney causing him to avoid his eyes and sit away.


    Noor, who stood shocked and inarticte, saw Amelia point the cane at Arsh. Before Amelia could say anything, Noor flustered thinking Arsh would get beaten up if she stayed silent, "We are dating." She screamed aloud to stop them.


    Everyone fell silent and watched her. Noor nced at all as her face flushed when she said again willingly, "I wanted to tell you all that, we are dating. It''s been five days."


    Everyone nodded at her when her eyes brushed over. Looking at them still watching her, Noor started thinking if she should tell anything more.


    "Yeah, Young Master wasn''t actually bullying me. I-mean he was bullying me so that I can tell you all myself." She saw everyone smile at her slowly uttering words, "I think you all already guessed Hence all that drama." She made a crying face as cried, "You all are bullying me."


    All chuckled hearing her. Roxy went to Noor and pinched her cheeks, "We wanted you to ept, loudly to yourself. You won''t be so shy next time while saying it."


    "Oh," Noor recalled she was shy at first, then she was fine saying it even though she was feeling embarrassed.


    "Don''t get bullied, bully Nemo to your heart''s content. We are at your back." Roxy encouraged her before embracing her.


    The rest also cheered her, showed their support to her. After sitting back, she realized she sat next to Arsh. She had the urge to stop on his feet but controlled.


    Curious, Rian switched to a gossipy mood, "Noor, how did Arsh propose to you?"


    Everyone became curious to hear her. They were always extra curious when ites to love stories.


    Noor shook her head, "He- he didn''t." She felt like a little idiot who didn''t wait for him to ask her out.


    Arsh finally spoke for Rian''s question, "She did."


    Noor: "..."


    The rest: What?


    They couldn''t believe their ears. Noor proposed to Arsh!? Impossible.

 Chapter 632: Triple Wedding

    Chapter 632: Triple Wedding


    Noor pointed at herself and asked Arsh in perplex, "When did I propose to you?"


    n crossed his leg and rxed on the couch. "So, you like to fool and trick your wife."


    "Huh?" Noor''s eyes widened as big as saucers hearing n point to her as a wife.


    Aria pinched n, it was fine to address Noor as a wife of Arsh when only they were present. But that will panic Noor. n didn''t show his twitch and reasoned seeing his son inarticte, "Slip of the tongue, girlfriend." He corrected himself.


    Noor finally breathed a long sigh which brought frowns on his forehead but those were quick to erase after telling himself, Noor needs time.


    All had their eyes on n to hear why he was saying Arsh was tricking. "If we bring a new young chef, she could cook for you every day."


    Arsh: "..."


    The rest burst intoughter understanding what Arsh was going to point at little Noor saying ''I will cook for you every day.'' as a proposal.


    Noor giggled next to Arsh as she nodded. But the smile faded when Arsh asked her, "Who asked me to date?" Noor flushed again.


    She had thought epting his love was the same as dating. Who knew she would be entitled as the one to be proposed? Her mellow voice sounded when she countered with a lie, "You took a decade to confess, so I thought you would take another decade to ask me out."


    Somebody has to take the responsibility, right?


    Arsh: "..."


    Including n, everyoneughed at Arsh, cheering Noor for her mind-blowing counter.


    Arsh felt like Noor was now slowly getting infected by his family. He was about to counter back but seeing her happy for winning on him, he heartily epted the defeat.


    Their conversation continued till Amelia and Rowan went to their room. Noor sat with Aria and Roxy while Arna and Rooney were asking for a party from Arsh in his room.


    They had double reasons to celebrate but Arna couldn''t spend a lot of time due to workload so Arsh told them he will take everyone for an outing after her fashion week.


    Rooney was happy with the arrangement as his exhibition will be next month and Jasmine''s entrance exam will be over in two months.


    "Where are you taking us?... The destination wedding will be a cool idea too." Arna started dreaming of the destination wedding and grabbed her mobile to ask Ivan''s opinion.


    Arsh flicked on her forehead, "Don''t have high hopes on a double wedding. Focus on your work and Ivan."


    Arna rubbed her head, puffing her cheeks at Arsh. Rooney, who heard about a double wedding, questioned: "Double wedding? Are you two nning to get married together?..." He imagined two couples, somehow he liked the idea, "how about a triple wedding?" He blurted out his thoughts.


    Arsh and Arna smacked him in the head, "Jazz is too young." Arsh couldn''t believe, being 22, Rooney was fine to get married so soon without seconds thoughts. He liked their bond where the age was just a number.


    "Darling will ughter you." Arna''s voice followed after Arsh. Darling meant Finn.


    Rooney hissed in pain, rubbed his head. Then he remembered Jasmine''s wish, "Yeah, Jazz wants to catch the bridal bouquet. Sister Snow, you better throw it in her hand." He sounded more like threatening to fulfill his girlfriend''s wish.


    Arna: "..."


    She felt like Rooney looked forward to her wedding, not because of her but to fulfill Jasmine''s wishes. "I will give the bouquet to Noor." Sticking her tongue out, she hmphed.


    Now, Rooney was disappointed there would be no double wedding, "Why not a double wedding? We could celebrate uniquely."


    Arsh sighed while Arna exined seeing him pull a long face, "I wished there could be a double wedding. But it wouldn''t be fair for Ivan to wait for so many years until Noor could prepare mentally. And Bro doesn''t want to scare Noor or pressure her in any way. She is also young so it will panic her." Then she cheered happily, "I am already happy, Noor epted bro. So it''s alright if a double wedding is not possible."


    Rooney understood. It was already surprising for them Noor was able to step out of herfort zone and think of a rtionship. He excitedly proposed to tease Arna, "Bro, we should have a double wedding. Four years would be enough for Noor, right? Jazz will be twenty-one."


    Arna pped her forehead hearing him, yet admired Rooney and Jasmine. If she hadn''t run away from the house, she knew she would be having crazy thoughts like Rooney.


    Rooney fell silent when he noticed Arsh was looking at the door intently as though somebody was going to attack them. Arna was about to say ''You can''t steal my wish.'' but paused.


    Arsh could feel somebody''s presence at the door. If any of the family members hear them, they would excitedly add in for conversation. None were there in the house to sneakily hear them. "Noor." Her name gently escaped his lips. He least wanted her for their double wedding conversation. The expression on Arna and Rooney''s faces changed.


    Noor stepped away from the wall, appeared to their view. She had no ns to sneakily hear them. She heard ''wedding'' uttered by Arsh, without realizing she froze. She knew she wasn''t ready for it yet, she could feel she likes Arsh but love? She didn''t know how it feels to be in love. So the wedding was an alien to her that brought a hint of fear, thundering her heart in her chest.


    Pursing her lips, she ufortably stood at the door of Arsh''s bedroom. She had been there to tell she was leaving but felt her throat dry and painful like somebody had clutched her throat.


    Arsh beckoned her as he stood up from the bed, "Come in" Rooney and Arna never heard Arsh being so gentle and soft. His deep voice was hypnotizing, without a hint of coldness.


    Arna and Rooney nodded at themselves and decided to leave the room so that Arsh could calm Noor who looked frightened.


    "Good night Bro" They wished Arsh going towards the door while Noor went inside obediently.


    "Good night Noor." Arna shed a sweet smile while Rooney rubbed Noor''s head. Both of their hands reached for the door to close but didn''t close in case Noor became more ufortable.


    Arna scolded herself for having such wishes and Rooney scolded himself for prolonging the topic. Both could only hope, Noor doesn''t start running away from Arsh and it was totally possible as Noor needsplete independence to have her opinion.

 Chapter 633: A Decade

    Chapter 633: A Decade


    Noor stood two steps away from Arsh, "I" She gulped her saliva, to wet her throat, and then she spoke, pointing behind her, at the door, "I didn''t mean to listen" She paused, recalling that Arsh wouldn''t me her for it, "I came to say bye." Her feeble voice sounded like she was going to cry at a small trigger.


    Arsh didn''t want to send her home in this state so he needed to rest her thoughts that were scaring her. Again starting from zero would be harder.


    He turned behind and went to the nightstand. Grabbing his water bottle, he unscrewed the cap as he reached her, "Drink some water."


    Instead of giving her the bottle, he went closer and helped her drink. Noor didn''t back away, instead, she continued to stare at him, holding the corner of the bottle while drinking. She tore her gaze away for a second or two before she stared back at him after drinking water.


    Arsh''s face further softened looking at her gaze. It felt like she was waiting for her death sentence to be announced.


    "Are you thinking I am going to ask you to marry me right away?" He asked. He left the bottle on the bed and looked back at her.


    Noor gave a thought. For the man who always considered her in every decision he took, she knew Arsh wouldn''t recklessly ask her to marry him. So she shook her head. But recalling how much Arsh loved his family and Arna, she nodded her head immediately.


    She heard him heartily chuckle at her response. Her fearing face slowly softened and started blinking. She liked his expressions, rather than an aloof face.


    Arsh didn''t want her to worry even in the back of her mind, so he decided to word it clearly for her. His fingers brushed her long bangs away from her face as he cupped her face, "I won''t ask you to marry me until you are ready for it, alright?"


    Noor didn''t evade his touch. Hearing him, her heart finally rested at ease, her eyes brightened as she nodded in eptance with a hum.


    ''That was easy.'' Arsh had thought he would have to coax her for a long time to get the fear out. He was d she trusts him and that was enough to solve most of the problems that they might have to face.


    "Or else" He trailed his words and she tilted her head in his hands. Seeing no fear but curiosity, hepleted the other option, "How about you let me know when you feel like you are ready for it?"


    Noor smiled hearing him. Until she tells him, he won''t ask her. She felt it was a good option. Her lively voice was back, "That''s best." She easily fell into the trap.


    Arsh didn''t want to make her smart. She was cute being dumb. He nodded without revealing his second option was just a tease.


    "Then I will go home. Good night." She wished. Since she was used to one-way wishes, she turned around and started walking.


    Arsh followed her so that he could drop her home which she would never ask.


    Noor suddenly halted two steps before the door. Arsh too paused a step early and saw her head tilt, then she inhaled audibly and gasped.


    She turned around grumpily and stumbled back seeing him right behind her. Arsh effortlessly wrapped his arm around her waist and steadied her.


    There was a pout on her lips, when she pointed her finger at his chest, revealing she discerned the trap, "You tricked me again." She sulked like a bullied child.


    "Really?" He feigned ignorance, entrained by so many roller coasters of emotions on her face in such a short time.


    Noor let out a feeble hum, "If I let you know I am ready for the wedding, it means I will be proposing to you to get married."


    "So?" His one-word response continued. He realized Noor wasn''t conscious of being close to him anymore.


    Noor thought to say he should propose to her when she would be ready for marriage. Then she thought how he will know when she will be ready. It only felt clear and fair if she proposes to him as she was the one who needed time.


    She slipped from his arms, "Never mind, I don''t think I will take a decade to propose." She teased before running away.


    Arsh: "..."


    He had thought she would appreciate him for giving her so much time but hadn''t expected her to tease him calling it a decade.


    Following her out, he took her to Wood''s mansion, dropped all the shopping bags inside, greeted the elders before ready to leave.


    However, Noor tugged his jacket without letting him leave. When he faced her, she shyly, voluntarily revealed to her family that she was dating him.


    While Noah had a long face, the rest congratted them. Arsh imagined n behaving like Noah for Arna.


    n, sitting in a corner and sulking to see Arna being taken away by Ivan. That put him in an amazing mood when he left the Wood''s mansion.


    ----


    Arna focusing on her show and being together with Ivan, Eva epting Arna as their daughter-inw, and Noor slowly opening up to him, Arsh thought everything was going well.


    He went to work at his home office without any concern. He didn''t know he was going to worry Noor, beyond her control.


    ---- At 2 in the night ----


    n woke up to his mobile ringing, he quickly muted it to avoid disturbing Aria''s sleep. He frowned looking at Arsh''s number. He wasn''t expecting Arsh to go out on any mission.


    Pulling himself up, he leaned on the headboard of the bed and answered the call to hear, "Dad."


    The door wasn''t locked so, "Come in." He ended the call after it. He reached for Aria who was disturbed by the ring. When his hand glided on her head, her eyelids flung open urately guessing why n got a call and waking her up.


    Arsh was donning a ck uniform when went inside. His firm boot steps were light to avoid making any noise. He emerged out of darkness to the faint light of bedmps. n was helping Aria to sit when Arsh sat at the edge of the bed near his mother.

 Chapter 634: Space in Her Life

    Chapter 634: Space in Her Life


    Arsh never left on his work without telling his parents, even if it''ste into the night. He naturally held Aria''s palms between his, "I am sorry for waking you guys up."


    He could see Aria concealing her worry to smile at him so that he won''t think of them as a weight pulling him down. He thought for a second before letting them know, "A group had sneaked into the country via international waters."


    Just an hour back he had traced them but hadn''t expected he would be summoned too. He told the truth to his parents because they wouldn''t disclose it to anybody and they would be less worried that way and sleep, instead of thinking of him all night until he returns.


    Aria faintly smiled with a nod as she patted his hand, "Come home safe." She never says many things whenever he leaves, afraid she might say something wrong and put him in the wrong mood. It''s natural for a mother''s heart to yearn to keep her son safe.


    Arsh hugged her, trying tofort her, then nodded at n, "Mom, Dad, go back to sleep." He didn''t know when he could return so he didn''t mention anything.


    Before he could take more than a step, Aria tugged his hand and uttered her new worry, "Noor!"


    Her worry wasn''t just because he was leaving now, Noor will have to bear the distance if they get married. It wasn''t fixed when Arsh could be promoted and do a safe job. To be frank, she didn''t like his choice, rather supported his wishes.


    That''s what Arsh worried about too. In the past, Noor wasn''t meeting him daily and her life wouldn''t have affected his long absence. Now he wasn''t sure how she would react.


    Arsh didn''t know if he was wishing to see her concerned towards him or be the same. He was in his dilemma too. He responded to Aria so that she doesn''t have to worry about their rtionship too. "I will go and see her."


    Aria hummed letting go of his hand. The couple saw Arsh vanish to the darkness that even the door closing sound didn''t reach their ears.


    n tugged his wife closer, pulling her to lean on him. He covered the nket over them,pletely aware she won''t get a wink of sleep without his assistance.


    Resting her head on his chest, Aria wrapped her arm and clutched his nightshirt trying to calm her heart. After a few seconds of silence, n uttered as though he could see the future, "Don''t worry It''s probably going to be hisst work."


    Aria''s hum sounded like the whine of a child,ining why did Arsh have to fancy dangerous jobs. She used to think Arsh might take over n''s ce at a very young age just like n did at twenty-two and Rowan got to retire early. Anyway, she would never force Arsh to do something he doesn''t like, he had his life too.


    She assumed Arsh might get promoted listening to n so she tried to grab some sleep else n would stay awake because of her.


    ----


    At Wood''s mansion,


    The moonlight was prating inside the bedroom through the bay window erasing the darkness in the bedroom. Arsh watched Noor sleeping peacefully on her bed. He didn''t want to wake her up. At the same time, he didn''t want to leave without telling her.


    They had just got together, he didn''t want any misunderstanding to bubble between them. So his resolve to let her know won. A part of him was uneasy without knowing how exactly she would react.


    He first locked the door, in case she screams out without identifying him in sleepiness. He wasn''t scared of getting caught, he broke into the house so he didn''t feel the Woods would take that lightly.


    Taking a deep breath, he went to the bedside and softly tried to wake her up, "Noor Noor" He saw her smile while stirring in sleep. He turned on the nightmp and again tried to wake her.


    After another try, she opened her eyes. Her first reaction was, "A"


    Arsh was expecting her to scream at intrusion without seeing him properly. He quickly covered her lips, his other hand pointed at himself, "It''s me"


    Noor blinked twice, rubbed her eyes, then reached for his face. She gently poked him, once she confirmed she didn''t vanish to air and she could feel his skin.


    She pulled herself up to sit on the bed with confusion. Arsh took his hand away from her lips and put the pillow behind her back to lean on.


    She frowned when her eyesnded on his dress. Her initial question to ask, ''what are you doing here sote in the night?'' changed to, "This logo?" She pointed to his arm where the special task force logo was present.


    She only knew she didn''t do something important but had no idea what it was. "That''s right, that''s where I work."


    "Oh" Noor uneasily responded, without understanding why her heart was beating so crazily even after seeing it''s Arsh. She knew he wouldn''t do anything to her and he might have a reason to reach her, in the middle of the night.


    Arsh reached out for her face and rubbed between her brows, as he got her attention back on him. "I am leaving for work." He said simply.


    Noor nodded obediently, still not grasping why he was there to tell her that.


    Arsh saw her calm andposed without any reaction but a hint of confusion for his presence. He didn''t borate as she was aware if he goes out he wouldn''t return for many days.


    Since he didn''t know when he would be back, he stood up thinking he probably didn''t make space in her life yet. A part of him was d as she would live her days normally in his absence, a part of him was disappointed with her reaction.


    He rubbed her head, "Go back to sleep."


    Noor didn''t respond, she felt his sound unhappy instead of indifferent. Seeing him go towards the bay window, Noor followed him, scratching her head without understanding why he was going to the balcony.

 Chapter 635: Running Away

    Chapter 635: Running Away


    Arsh paused hearing her footsteps and turned to Noor. He caught her shoulders before she bumps into him. "What''s wrong?"


    Noor innocently shook her head still in a half-asleep mood, "Do you have any ns tomorrow? Shall we have lunch?"


    Arsh: "..."


    He realized his dummy sleepy girlfriend didn''t understand why he went to meet her in the night. If he was just doing his daily work, why would he wake her up and tell?


    He flicked on her nose making her cry in pain. Turning her around, he took her to the bed and made her sit. He sat down facing her, "Do you remember I used to be away for a few days whenever I went out?"


    Noor recalled and nodded. It didn''t take long before her eyes widened and nced at the logo on his uniform arm, "When are youing back? Is it dangerous? Could I reach you over the phone? Where are you going? Why are you suddenly leaving in the night? Will you have anybody by your side?..."


    The questions in concern started raining. He didn''t know what to do with her. He held her face and shushed her, "Shhh Listen to me."


    Noor nodded vigorously and didn''t even blink her eyelids, afraid of missing out a word or two, "I am not sure when I will be back, how dangerous it is, and where I will be going."


    Her face immediately showed displeasure.


    "I couldn''t contact you in the meantime. Not just you, nobody."


    Noor wanted to ask why he does such jobs. Then she thought that''s probably what he likes, solving difficult puzzles, facing challenges, and working hard to achieve.


    She didn''t hide her displeasure, she could only bring herself to say, "Come back soon." She sulked.


    He could only hum in response but not promise toe back soon. He started nagging her, "Don''t get into trouble, sleep and eat on time. Focus on your work, or else your Dad will skin me alive. If you want to go anywhere, call Ivan or Rooney"


    Noor continued to hear him speak so many words at a time so she didn''t truly consider his words even when she was hearing him in wonderment.


    When he stopped, she giggled adorably, "You are so cute."


    Arsh: "..."


    He realized he spoke a lot. His heart rested at ease seeing her smile. Laying her down on the bed, he covered her with the nket, "Sleep well"


    Noor reached out to hold his hand before he could even take a step, "I will wait for you." He had waited for her to bring her to his side, she thought it wouldn''t be difficult to wait for him for a few days.


    Arsh contemted watching her hopeful face. He dipped his head and saw her unfazed. Then he nted a soft kiss on her forehead. She smiled in return and watched him jump off the balcony in a swift motion.


    She was slightly shocked witnessing it, anyway, she had seen him jump from tall trees so this felt nothing.


    Her fingers reached for her forehead, grazing where he kissed her, and smiled to herself, ticking the night as his first kiss to her. With that thought, she went into a good deep slumber, having him in her sweet dreams.


    ---


    The next day


    Noor''s day started as normal, she went to work after so many days. She was able to focus without distraction. She was satisfied her work was going well.


    She recalled Arsh a few times but that wasn''t disturbing anymore. Instead, she wanted to work smart and better so that nobody has a reason to point at her or Arsh.


    Her day ended uneventfully.


    .


    Simrly, a few days passed, Noor who had spent the whole week with Arsh, couldn''t stop herself from missing him. The more she tried to convince herself, the more she thought about him.


    She was hoping each call and message she was receiving would be Arsh''s message. But every time she got disappointed. The first one to notice her behavior was Noah.


    She waspleting her work, doing his work, helping other employees with their work. She was trying to drown herself in the work to stop thinking about anything else. He felt like she was trying to suffocate herself, lost her natural smile, recing it with a stiff and brief one.


    She hardly ate any food and he had seen her hold a few files or two, if not aptop on the dining table while working. Norah thought there might be a lot of work so she didn''t think too much about it.


    A week passed, Noah saw his table wholly empty. His secretary was exhausted coping up with Noah and Noor''s speed. He was at the brink of suggesting to Noah if he could have an assistant or to get a secretary for Norah.


    On Sunday, Noah was thinking Noor will rest, anyway, she reached him in the cabana with a file in her hand. Norah chuckled, "Herees our Working Little Monster."


    Anyway, Noah had frowns taking the file from her. He didn''t bother checking the file and asked her to sit.


    Noor shed a smile at her mother and sat down, "Dad, we got an event to host in the hotel. It''s a big event, about fifteen days." Noor was handling an international client, she sessfully sealed the deal on the previous day.


    For the same event, they need to cancel the external booking as they would need aplete hotel. Since the clients were international, she also suggested they should travel hence they were going to stay at Woods'' hotels at different branches for a few days. The whole group would take a minimum of seventeen rooms so Noah had to pass the orders to block the days as the clients confirmed their itinerary.


    Norah smiled hearing Noor. Thetter used to work with all smiles, now there was confidence and seriousness in what she does. A trait a leader should have.


    However, Noah left the file on the table and gravely questioned Noor, "What''s going on, Noor?"


    Noor didn''t grasp his intention, "What''s happened, Dad? Is there any problem with the event or clients?"


    She was trying to reach the file to know if she made any mistakes or ovepped clients. Noah spoke, "I am talking about you, Noor." Noor''s hand paused in the air.


    Norah was confused about what was going on. Naira, sipped her juice as she took a seat. "Is everything... alright?" She asked due to Noah''s deep frowns gazing at Noor.


    Noor awkwardly smiled, "Dad I am fine." She believed she was fine too. She was working while waiting for Arsh to return. She hadn''t realized her behavior of seclusion from everyone to avoid a general conversation and facing her feelings.


    She had assumed she was strong but in reality, she was running away from her feelings.

 Chapter 636: The Notorious Kidnapper

    Chapter 636: The Notorious Kidnapper


    Noah didn''t want Noor to evade his question with ''I am fine so he asked her again, "Are you going to tell us what''s going on? Why are you pushing yourself so hard? Did anybody tell you something?" Even though Noah sounded angry, they knew he was worried about Noor.


    "Noah, what happened?" Norah asked in concern, holding his arm. She always worried Noor might not tell them the problem she might be in.


    Naira held Noor''s arm, "Noor, is something bothering you?" She was sincere and soft.


    They knew Arsh wouldn''t have asked her to work so hard. Instead, he wouldn''t mind freeing her from every responsibility. They were also aware Noor epts herself how she is instead ofpeting with somebody''s excellence.


    ''Pushing herself hard?'' Noor chuckled, shaking her head. "Why are you all worrying about me? I was just working hard to get these clients. Now that it''s concluded, I can rest."


    There were doubts, yet the three sighed in relief. Norah cupped Noor''s face, "We are proud of you."


    Noor smiled. This was the first work she solely handled so she was happy too.


    Norah continued, "It''s good career-driven but you should also take care of yourself. Pamper yourself more and enjoy the privileges of being a girl."


    Hearing ''pamper,'' Naira excitedly suggested, "Mom, let''s three of us go to the salon and pamper ourselves. What do you say, Dad?"


    Noah looked at his wife who doesn''t take a break from her housework, "Then... Shall I arrange it in the house?" As it won''t be good Naira and Noor were already tired for the whole week.


    Naira remarked immediately with a mischievous grin on her face, "Perfect. We will get you groomed too, Dad."


    Noah: "..."


    Noor and Noah chuckled seeing Noah regret his decision.


    Sunday became family time so Noor was mingling with them, listening to them, making fun, and cracking jokes. The whole day was truly enjoyable and rxing.


    But when Noor went to bed, she sat and stared at the balcony remembering Arsh''s leap out of there. She had no idea how long she was awake and when she dozed off.


    When she woke up in the morning, she was sore in the neck, back, and knees.


    Drinking coffee, she watched Naira working out in the home gym. She didn''t work out other than during the time she was nning any trekking with Arsh.


    She went to work and realized she had less work, other than normal.


    The empty mind was a devil workshop. As soon as her mind drifted thinking about something happening to Arsh, she randomly decided to go to the hotel gym.


    Noah and Norah initially thought she was tired of work at the end of the day. When Noah was going on inspection, he saw the gym trainer personally training Noor. The trainer bowed to him while Noor didn''t notice her father.


    Noah wanted to think Noor was training to keep herself fit but he started to feel his daughter was bing strange and unknown.


    Norah sensed it and Naira hardly got to speak to Noor in the following days. "Dad, is it really important to make her work so hard? I haven''t seen you so busy either." That was more like aint on Noah for making her that way.


    Noah didn''t respond. He turned to Norah, "How are Noor and Arsh doing?"


    Norah shook her head, "I haven''t seen Arsh for a few days."


    Naira let them know the information she had, "Arsh isn''t in town. I met Ivan and Snow yesterday. I was expecting Arsh so Snow said he went out of town due to some work."


    That wasmon, so Noah asked, "Did they break up perhaps?" If that''s the reason why Noor was behaving in such a way, he was surely going to beat up Arsh without caring about his parents.


    Naira ate her spoonful before responding, "No, no, no If there was such a thing, I would have got to know. I heard Noor is enjoying Arsh''spany and takes initiative to be with him with lots of ns."


    ''Takes initiative!?'' That was the biggest improvement. While Norah nodded, Noah was still worried for his daughter. He also thought he might be overthinking but he couldn''t get rid of his worry.


    He went to the office thinking he should have a good conversation with Noor. Her sudden change was a little too hard for them to ept.


    Noor who always used to work at a moderate speed was working so fast that she used to sit and wait for more work. She was thinking about what to do on Saturday and Sunday to keep herself upied when she heard a knock on the door.


    Turning around, she stood up seeing Aria on the other side of the ss wall. She smiled at Aria and went to open the door.


    Aria opened the door herself and asked, "I was thinking if I could kidnap Little Princess from her fort."


    Noor chuckled, hugging her. "Little Princess is ready to follow her beautiful kidnapper."


    Aria chuckled, "then grab your bag, Little Princess. Drop a message to Your Highness that you will be following the notorious kidnapper."


    Noor chuckled again hearing Aria. Before she could respond, Aria hissed pain, "Ouch"


    "Your Majesty has caught the legendary kidnapper." Noah stood at the door with Aria.


    He couldn''t understand how Aria manages to make everyone smile around her. He was worried on his way thinking about what to speak with Noor. Here she was, already making his daughter happy.


    Rubbing her head, Aria questioned Noah, "Is your Majesty strong enough to stop the kidnapper?"


    Noor chuckled watching the two friends. She wanted to be like Aria but she wasn''t so lively and open. "Your Majesty is helpless when the Little Princess likes her kidnapper."


    Noah nodded watching the twodies chuckle. He tapped Noor''s nose, "Your majesty sometimes doubts if the Little Princess belongs to this kingdom or different."


    Aria countered propping her eyebrow, "Our Little Princess is from both the kingdoms, Your Majesty. Don''t try to im her for yourself."


    Then the three chuckled while walking towards the exit. "You always prove why your husband tries to hide you from all."


    Noor added, "You should be d, Dad. If Aunt Aria was a man, she would have stolen your wife and your daughters."


    Aria happily added, "I love pretty girls."


    Noah shook his head at Noor, "Not just her. Eva would have taken half share and made the rest of the men die single."


    Noor giggled. Both said bye to Noah, Noor took the driving seat in Aria''s car and they left for their long evening for the much-needed conversation.

 Chapter 637: Supportive

    Chapter 637: Supportive


    At a rooftop cafe,


    "Thank you" Noor thanked the waiter when he served their order while Aria just nodded at the young man.


    Aria sipped her steaming hot coffee before asking Noor, "So, how are you doing, Noor?"


    Noor tilted her head hearing the same question twice. Aria had asked the same question with a smile when they were in the car. But now, that smile has vanished, reced with seriousness.


    It took her a few seconds to grasp and answer her, more like convincing herself, "I am doing good, Aunt Aria."


    Aria had spoken to Naira. Thetter had the role of secretary in a series so she was following her for two days. Even though Naira didn''t know the reason behind Noor''s changes, it was very easy for Aria to discern.


    Aria wanted to give time for Noor to chose whoever she wants to speak. Noor had her friends, her parents, a sister so she was hoping Noor to handle herself. When she spoke to Norah in the morning, she got to know Noor was bearing everything alone by feigning ignorance. It was just hurting herself and that will eventually change Noor''s personality.


    Hearing her quote as ''good'' Aria felt like she might be poking into their life too much. Youngsters had their way of dealing so she didn''t want to cross her line and make Noor ufortable. So she shed a smile to ease her up.


    Noor sipped her juice before looking at Aria''s hand. n always controlled Aria''s caffeine intake. So she realized Aria is stressed about something. "Aunt Aria, are you missed Young Master too?" She knew the work couldn''t worry Aria so much.


    Aria''s smile widened slightly. She was d Noor knew she was missing Arsh, "I also haven''t seen him for two weeks, so yeah." Aria didn''t ask back anything. She let Noor ask all her questions so that her response could help her ept her feelings.


    Noor nodded, her smile was reced with sadness as she sipped her juice. She knew she was missing Arsh but she didn''t know how to stop herself from thinking about him.


    She let out a deep sigh and looked at Aria. She hesitated but she found nobody better than Aria to speak so, "I- Aunt Aria, how will wait for him till he returns every time he goes out?" She couldn''t bring herself to speak about herself so she asked a question.


    Aria ced her cup down. "I guess You already know what he does. Don''t you?"


    Noor nodded in eptance.


    Aria continued, "Nobody knows at home excluding me and n. So I go to n. Sometimes I will stay sad the whole day, sometimes I grumble all day, sometimes I just stay silent without uttering a word After venting out, I will be fine with the rest." What she meant was she doesn''t have to hide her emotions. Even if there is one to speak with, that''s enough.


    Noor nodded, this time smiling at Aria''s response. She likes how n never missed staying for Aria. n? "What about Uncle n? Doesn''t he miss Young Master?"


    Aria smiled to hear her question. She knew everyone admired n, they might not tell him but he always made everyone envious. "He does." Aria knew Noor''s intention to ask the question was to know how he copes up, "But Uncle n is different. He trusts Arsh, he believes in him to return safe and sound. So he shows everyone that he is angry for making me worry."


    "Ohhh" Noor mused. She thought if she trusts Arsh. She trusts him, his smartness but she couldn''t stop worrying. She didn''t want to think further about it. She didn''t want to start fearing.


    A few minutes fell into silence. The sky started turning in the shades of orange and red. Aria was watching the sky when Noor had reduced to cupping her face and repeatedly sighing to herself. Aria heard her, she felt bad for Noor and craved to bonk her son.


    "I am so messed up." Noor suddenly said,ying her head on the table.


    Aria propped her head on her fist and watched Noor. She whispered, "You can bitch your boyfriend. I don''t mind. I always do that with my husband."


    Noor pouted as she cupped her face and looked at Aria, "If I remember right, Young Master used to go out more than a month."


    Aria nodded in response confirming that she was right.


    "You all used to tell me, he went out with his friends, outing or on work. I never missed anybody so much and I was never stressed out about the same." Noor thought about what she was talking about. She felt confused and messed up again.


    Aria lifted her brows looking at her nk out. "Noor"


    Noor blurted out, "I feel like crying again."


    Aria had purposefully blocked the whole cafe so there was nobody. Hence she didn''t stop Noor. She stood up and went to her. She hugged her while Noor cried silently. Aria rubbed her head while she dried her tears back in her eyes.


    She wanted to order her son to do something else that won''t make them anxious. But as his mother, shouldn''t she support him when he chose something he was passionate about? Will he loathe her if she tried to stop him? Then, what was Noor''s mistake? Would she be able to take this on alone?


    Even if Noor had fallen for Arsh, these distances and hurt could bring arge distance between them.


    Aria silently apanied Noor until she was able to stop herself. Passing her tissues, Aria tied Noor''s hair as she tried to lighten her mood.


    "When hees back, let''s go on strike against him and make him do what you like."


    Noor didn''t smile. Instead, she was even sadder. She mumbled lowering her head, "But that''s what he likes." Even if she didn''t like it, she wouldn''t stop him.


    Aria hugged her again, "Silly girl." Noor was too sweet, Aria felt really bad when she should have been happy to know Noor supports her son.


    ''Where are you, Nemo?'' She looked up at the crescent moon and let out a silent deep sigh.

 Chapter 638: Unrealistically Real

    Chapter 638: Unrealistically Real


    It was nearing another week, twenty days.


    Noor didn''t speak with others about what was going on with her. Hence her parents had no idea. Naira thought Arsh would be in contact with Noor over a call so she didn''t feel anything fishy.


    Whenever Noor felt like she couldn''t manage, she would reach Aria and be with her. Even n was there to keep bothdiespany.


    In Skyline, n helped sleepy Noory on the couch. Misunderstanding him as Arsh, she mumbled she closed her eyes, "You are back."


    Aria covered Noor with the throw-over and sighed. Due to Noor, Aria was a bit strong so that Noor doesn''t panic thinking something might have happened to Arsh. Aria was restless every time so she was able to hold herself back from thinking negatively. n never let her be pessimistic either.


    n wrapped his hand around his wife''s shoulder watching Noor. In the assumption of Arsh was back, her deep frowns settled, and peacefully went into slumber after being awake the whole night.


    His concern was his wife. In the past, his wife was worried for Snow daily, now and then about Arsh. Snow was settling her life but the son of them was putting her in panic. Now her worry doubles with Noor and their love life.


    "I will talk to Nemo." He dered. He knew Aria was holding herself to be supportive of Arsh, hiding her displeasure. She was also thinking of speaking with Arsh for Noor. He felt something needs to be said in his way for Arsh to be serious about.


    Aria tilted her head with a new tension ready to bubble in her mind. n was quick to clear it out, "Rx, I won''t ask him to leave his job." But he will make Arsh take an appropriate decision.


    Aria hummed, hugging her husband. She propped her head and grinned, "You are best." He never made her worry and always stayed by her.


    "I know." He admired himself seeing her happy. Well, he also knew she was trying to keep her distracted so that she doesn''t start looking for Arsh to know his location. He and Aria could easily hack some systems and get the location but if they were caught, Arsh would be in trouble.


    n returned to Morgan Industries once he made sure his wife was alright. Aria worked in her office without making noise so that Noor could have some good rest.


    Finn called her before the work off time. [Alia Nemo is here.]


    Like a heavy stone lifted off her chest, Aria breathed in relief. Since Finn was in the military before, their work nature was simr so Arsh often preferred to visit Finn after his mission. Finn would help him alleviate the tension, help him with physiotherapy, medical assistance and inform Aria about his arrival.


    Aria asked back before rejoicing, "Is he hurt?"


    There was a pause before Finn revealed, [Kind of. His back.] He didn''t lie even though Arsh asks him to keep it hidden from Aria. He quickly assures Aria before she panics and rushes out, [Don''t worry, it''s not deep. He will recover soon.]


    Aria didn''t know if she should be happy the wounds aren''t deep or sad that he has to go through the pain. Mother''s heart always aches to see her kids hurt.


    "Thank you, Finn. We trouble you every time." She didn''t apologize having no wish to hear an earful of scoldings.


    Finn chuckled, "At Least Nemo makes me feel like a father. My dumbass son doesn''t bother to say anything."


    Aria chuckled hearing him scolding his elder son whose life was military. She often thought how Rose stays calm with him hardlying home.


    Aria passed the information to Arsh. "After his nap, Ask him to visit Noor first. She is asleep in my office right now."


    Priorities have to change with new rtionships. Aria believed Arsh should keep Noor first, before her.


    The friends spoke for some time before hanging up the call. Aria was d Noor would be fine after today. But this was going to put a huge change between the couple. She could only hope it to be on the good side.


    ----


    At six in the evening,


    Noor stretched herself. She had thought it would be a small nap but slept well for five hours without disturbance.


    Opening her eyes to dim lights, she jerked up thinking Aria must be waiting for her. But found none on the desk. She felt calm breathing in the room, she turned to her right behind her and saw a young man sitting on the armchair, covering his eyes with his forearm, stretching his long legs on the center table.


    She could feel Arsh was sleeping. But, ''Am I dreaming?'' She doubted. Getting off the couch, she went closer to Arsh and watched him calmly breathing. He looked unrealistically real. It wasn''t enough for her to rx. She gently poked his arm, she again felt it real but hard to believe.


    Strongly believing it was just a dream, She sat at the corner of the table and tried to think, ''Young Master will wake up now.'' She thought her dream might listen to her words and Arsh would wake up.


    But he didn''t wake up.


    She started pacing in the room thinking how to confirm Arsh was truly present, it wasn''t a dream and she wasn''t sleeping. She didn''t want to wake up with a dejection.


    If Arsh had returned before Aria left, Noor thought Aria would have surely woken her up. Aria wouldn''t leave her alone in the office, right? With such questions, she wasn''t ready to believe her sight.


    Arsh woke up listening to continuous knocks of her heels. He saw her chewing her lips, thinking about something very deeply. He checked the time as he yawned, he hadn''t slept for two days so he was exhausted and sleepy.


    "Noor" He called her as he stood up.


    Noor paused, hearing his deep voice that had a touch of grogginess. She had missed his voice calling her. She turned to him.


    Noor scratched her head. She had thought of a lot of ways to scold him,in to him about himself, and also confess to him she missed him. But standing in confusion, all she was thinking was how to confirm he was real.


    She pinched herself but didn''t feel the pain as her focus was on Arsh who was yawning and walking up to her. Hence she was confused if she should pinch herself or Arsh.


    ''If he is real, I could just ask him,'' She naively thought.


    When he went closer, Noor subconsciously lifted her arms to hug him as she took a step closer.


    Arsh was surprised at first, then dly obliged her. Warmly wrapped in his arms, Noor blinked in a daze. The hug felt so real.

 Chapter 639: Hiccups

    Chapter 639: Hups


    It was their first hug. Noor thought, did I just take initiative to hug Arsh? Anyway, she tightened her arms, unawarely rubbing her hand on his wound.


    Arsh clenched his teeth when he felt a prickling at his wound. Nevertheless, he didn''t flinch and made her worry. He could feel her heart slowly beating and heard her whisper, "Are you here?


    He understood why she didn''t blush or cry and easily hugged him. He lied, "No" So that she could learn to scold him, vent her frustration instead of burying everything inside and be an understanding girlfriend.


    Slowly getting off his arms, she took a step back and curiously watched him. Her right hand reached his cheek, her fingers gently caressed his smooth skin as she eximed believing his words, "You feel so real."


    Arsh nodded his head. ''Because I am real.'' He thought.


    Noor found a dried scratch on his cheekbone. "You are hurt." Despite believing it was a dream, she was worried he was hurt. Her other hand made its way to his face.


    Arsh was speechless when her fingers were gliding on his face. He felt weird and thinking she might assume as he took advantage of her, he quickly pulled her hands down, "I am not hurt."


    Noor nodded and stared at him. She was meeting him in her dreams, she thought what she should do as he was still in her dreams.


    Arsh couldn''t believe she fell for it. Or does she believe him way too much?


    When he had met Aria, thetter didn''t wee him like she always did. She neither asked him how he was doing nor if he had food or took a rest. She just said, ''Noor needs you.'' and went with n. He felt like he was troubling Noor too much and his mother was upset about it.


    The guilt was making him feel he was ying her again, even though his intention was just to hear her vent out everything. "Do you want to say something? Perhaps get a little angry?"


    Noor pouted. She wondered if she was angry. No, she wasn''t. She was aware of it. She was missing him, she wanted to talk to him, she feared something might happen to him, she was slowly losing hope hence she wanted to be positive by staying beside Aria as she was the one who loves Arsh the most. Hence Noor wasn''t angry.


    Thinking back to three weeks, she felt like crying. She was d to see him in front of her. Since he said he wasn''t there in real life, she lifted her little fist and punched him. Once, twice and thrice before she started raining punches on him and he took all of those withoutints.


    "Come. Back. Soon." For each word, he earned a punch. Slowly her eyes filled up and tears started rolling down her cheeks as she started asking him numerous questions that she needed a response from him. Or probably from the man who was in her dreams.


    "How could you just leave after spending all day for a week with me? Aren''t you smart? Don''t you get it I will miss you? Why are you taking so long toe back? Can''t you use your mobile? One message, couldn''t you drop me one message? Just one damn message. I always took mobile thinking you called me, you messaged me but you never did. Why is your job like that?..."


    Arsh gently wiped her tears while her hands slowed down as she sniffled. Noor felt like sheined too much so she tried to speak about her, "Do you know? When you left, I didn''t want to think about you so I thought to keep myself busy. So I worked hard all the time and got the biggest project of the year. The management wanted to make me Vice president, I turned it down."


    Noor started huping, even so, she didn''t stop her words, asionally trying to punch him, that was merely touch on the jacket. "I lost so much weight working out in the gym. The gym trainerined to Dad and Dad banned me from using the gym. Mom makes lots of food to make me fat. They keep on asking me what''s wrong. Dad will definitely scold you if he gets to know you weren''t reachable and left me like that. I didn''t tell them anything."


    Arsh hadn''t expected the task would take so many days toplete. He had thought about what Noor might be doing and how Noah would react. He hadn''t expected Noor to hide everything from her parents.


    He was mentally preparing himself how to handle if Noah stands against their rtionship but his little girlfriend tried her best to be strong. He pulled her to embrace and gently rubbed her back trying to soothe her. Probably he was the only one who made her so worried and also made her cry.


    When Arsh embraced her, Noor''s eyes fell on the ''Aria Cooper'' name sign on the desk and recalled Aria, "Aunt Aria is so strong, why can''t I be like her? I keep troubling her. Uncle n also took care of me." She wrapped her hands around Arsh and hit his back, unawarely on his wound, "It''s all your fault."


    Even though she didn''t use much strength, the unhealed wound didn''t need much force to make it sting. Arsh silently grimaced in pain but didn''t stop her.


    "I am sorry, I made you worry so much." He sincerely apologized but wasn''t satisfied with himself as he knew it wasn''t going to be thest task. She will have to miss him whenever he goes out.


    Noor hummed without giving a second thought. She epted his apology just like that. Her hupping continued while both stood in the silence.


    After a few seconds, Noor craned her neck and watched Arsh under the dim light. "Are you sure you are not here?" This time there was uncertainty in her tone.


    Arsh understood he couldn''t trick her. So he asked her back, "What do you think?"


    Noor stood back and hupped as she pointed to her stomach, "My stomach growled." then she looked at her hands, "My hands have a tinge of pain for hitting you."


    Arsh deciphered her words between her hups. He needs to give her a shock to clear it. Looking at her doubting if he was truly present, he took a step almost making her stumble back. He cupped her face and captured her lips catching her off guard.


    Noor''s eyes widened and her entire being froze.

 Chapter 640: Adorable

    Chapter 640: Adorable


    Noor stared at Arsh when he took her upper lips between his and gently caressed them, then he repeated for the lower lip. That gentle feathery stroke made her heart pick up its speed.


    It took her a few seconds to discern he was kissing her. She stiffened without knowing what to do. She had read in novels and seen in dramas and movies but she felt clueless.


    She felt butterflies in her stomach. Something in her was asking her to get close to him, hold him, but her eyes widened further when he barely left her lips at a breadth of hair and looked into her eyes.


    She instantly turned cherry red. She felt shy, itching her hands to cover her face. She wanted to bite her lips but the trail of his lips was still giving her butterflies. She knew she liked it and somehow craved it so she was mortified.


    Jerking away from his hands, her eyes wandered everywhere but his eyes. She stuttered, feeling her face turn hot, "You- you- you lied to me"


    Arsh dropped his hands watching her embarrassed. "They are gone." He leisurely uttered pointing at the hups, however, he licked his lips, thinking, ''Only if she had responded.'' He indeed kissed her due to hups, he wouldn''t have minded continuing if she had just given a small cue of eptance to his move.


    ''Gone?'' For a second she thought he said about Aria before realizing it was her hups. Without knowing what to say, she pretended to be angered for ying with her when she was happy that he was back. "I am not talking to you."


    She was trying to run towards the door, when he easily held her hand, "Noor"


    Her name in his voice felt like soft pleading on her ears that she melted instantly. When he tugged her to turn her around, she went to his arms without daring to look him in the eye. She already hugged him once, so what if she did another time?


    She heard him breathe in relief, wrapping his arm around her as he leaned on the desk behind him. She couldn''t stop herself from smiling when she sensed him rxing in her arms, without teasing her, She was content, seeing him back and be with her.


    More than a minute passed, when they stood in each other''s arms, enjoying the pleasant silence under the dim lights. Noor again smiled to herself. She had never thought she and Arsh would end up like this one day. Thinking of it, a question popped into her mind, ''Whatif Young master had confessed to me when we were in school?''


    That reminded her of Rooney and Jasmine and imagined themselves in such a position. Since she knew Arsh was dyed because of her, she had noints.


    Finding the little happiness, she left her struggling days behind summarizing everything with, "I missed you."


    Her mellow voice brought a smile to his handsome face. He kept his eyes closed as he kissed her head, wrapped his arms tight.


    Noor was still enjoying his warm embrace when he gently pulled her back. He brushed her hair away as he cupped her face to look at him. "Aren''t you angry or sad anymore?"


    Noor smiled, shaking her head, "You are back." Why should she waste their time getting angry or sad?


    "Are you fine with my job?" He asked. It was important to know her opinion. He didn''t want unsaid worries and misunderstandings between them. If the conversation could keep everything at bay, he didn''t want to give chance for trouble between them.


    Noor bit her lip. She gave it a thought, and Arsh gave her time to think without rushing her. He took her inside the suite to clean her tear-stained face.


    Noor stood by the door frame watching him wet the towel. "I don''t know. I think I will be fine." She wanted to support him even though she didn''t like the twenty days waiting for him.


    He gently dabbed the wet cloth on her face when she tried to say, "I will do it."


    Afterpleting his job, he asked again, "Don''t you want me to change the job?"


    Noor knew he was doing what he liked. When he could support her for what she likes, why shouldn''t she? In such thoughts, she shook her head again as she added, "No. Isn''t it good to do what we enjoy? Instead of ming our life by doing what we don''t like?"


    Arsh was impressed by her words. But a part of him knew something wasn''t falling in ce. "Let''s eat something." He took her to the nearest restaurant and fed her well while speaking with her.


    Noor asked her father if she could go homete and she would be in the Morgan mansion, even though he grumbled saying she started making her boyfriend''s home as hers, he gave in hearing her lively, requesting voice. He could feel his daughter was happy.


    Arsh was on the shotgun when Noor drove her car. "Are you tired? Don''t you want to go home and sleep?" It was already nine.


    Noor responded after ncing at him, "I slept for a long time. I don''t think I will be able to sleep soon."


    Arsh nodded. His question wasn''t actually for the response or to send her home. Noor was more lively and cheerful with him.


    ----


    Arsh met everyone who thought he returned after doing some of his work. They hadints like why couldn''t he keep his mobile on or call them.


    Noor again followed Arsh to his room like his little pet. He chuckled silently before asking her, "Do you also wanna take shower?" He didn''t give her time to respond, "No problem, my bathroom is pretty big."


    Noor flushed. She just wanted to apany him for a little while. She thought he might be tired. "Then I will go home. Rest early."


    She turned to leave but ended up in his arms with her back against his chest. Any fool could easily say she wanted to be with him. He turned towards the bed and pointed at the stack of books, "Help yourself. I will be quick." He whispered to her ear.


    Without a second thought, she nodded instantly, making him chuckle, finding her adorable.

 Chapter 641: Everyday

    Chapter 641: Everyday


    Noor checked out the books. She had visited his bedroom a lot of times. She always got to see different sets of books every time. Most of the time she got books aboutputers, engineering, and sometimes chemistry. This time she saw the astronomy books, there wasn''t one or two, there were quite a few.


    She was surprised when she got two books on fiction. She could guess, he must have kept those for her. Choosing one out of two, she adjusted the pillow and sat on the bed.


    She had just read the synopsis when she sensed the arrival of a person at the door. And she heard, "Noor!"


    "Aunt Aria," Noor kept the book away and went towards her while Aria walked inside with a first aid box.


    Aria always made sure to take care of his wounds and avoid water reaching those whenever Arsh was hurt. Even though Arsh was responsible, she wouldn''t be at ease without taking care of him. Hence she had forgotten Noor was with Arsh.


    Aria contemted. She didn''t want to scare Noor, but it was important for Noor to be aware of Arsh''s dangers, even though he appears the same for them.


    Taking the tough decision, Aria handed the first aid box to Noor''s hand. Since Noor was bold enough to support Arsh, she should also get used to his wounds which Arsh will hide from all.


    Aria didn''t get to speak, "Aunt Aria, is Young Master hurt?" Noor asked straight away before holding the box.


    Aria nodded, "I haven''t seen, but he is hurt on his back. As you are there, Could you please help me out? He might not be able to treat himself."


    Noor looked at the bathroom door which looked nothing but a wall. If Arsh was taking a shower, he would wet the wound so she hurriedly responded as she went towards the bathroom door, "Sure, Aunt Aria. Don''t worry."


    Aria let them handle their things while Noor knocked on the bathroom door. She knocked twice before speaking without knowing if her voice could reach inside or not, "Young Master, don''t wet your wounds. You might have to skip Young Master, can you hear me?"


    The door unlocked hearing her hurried voice. Arsh stood there in a bathrobe, intently watching her.


    Noor didn''t care how he was standing there and looked at his face in worry, "Why didn''t you tell me you are hurt? Let me dress it for you." She showed the first aid box so that he could know Aria dropped by, "Don''t shower, excess moisture is harmful." She pointed to the bed, asking him to sit, "Let me help you out."


    He flicked on her forehead, "You are acting like your mother." Deeply worrying for every little scratch.


    Noor shrugged and pointed to the bed again, demanding him to sit. Arsh wasn''t sure if she could manage to treat his wound. Well, you never know until you try it.


    He teased with an amused face, "Are you sure you want me to remove my bathrobe?" He pretended to be untying his robe. He didn''t know she could be so stubborn sometimes.


    Noor''s eyes trailed down his body, she gulped, sneaking at the firm muscr chest, then saw there were no pants. She turned around and went to the bed saying, "Come quick."


    She realized he will have to be shirtless if she has to treat the wound on his back. She pped her cheeks to keep her mind in ce, "Wound is important." She repeated to herself to keep her focus.


    Arsh returned as quick as he mentioned and sat at the corner of the bed with his back facing her.


    Noor saw a square path on Arsh''s back when he sat down half-naked. Keeping her attention on the wound, she carefully removed the tape and the wound came to her view.


    She gasped in shock, looking at theyers of skin scraped off. She could see the muscles and blood. Her hand slightly trembled when she tried to look clearly. She didn''t know if she should be d that the wound wasn''t deep further or worry by looking at the bloody wound. The skin around had turned purple, she felt it painful to look at, she couldn''t believe how he was able to talk,ugh and hug like he always did.


    Recalling she had hit his back when she hugged him, "I hurt you in the office, didn''t I?" Her voice was dipped in regret.


    Arsh had expected Noor to get scared when she removed the old bandage from his wound. He was amused when she was able to hold back and worry about different matters. "Do you think you have enough strength to hurt me?" He teased her instead.


    Pouting, She carefully took care of the wound, blowing repeatedly. When she had to coil the cotton gauge, her hands weren''t long enough to pass it around him without hugging him so, "Could you please stand up?"


    Arsh had to lift his hands in the air and speechlessly looked at her circling him. He didn''t know if he shouldugh or tease or let her have her way.


    With a flushed face, she also helped him wipe his back with a wet cloth and demanded him to wear a shirt as it wouldn''t put pressure on by the movements of his arms and shoulder.


    "Anything else Miss. Wood?" Arsh mused. Even his mother doesn''t treat him like a little kid as Noor was trying to make him feel.


    Noor thought, chewing her lips, "Did you visit the doctor?"


    "I have taken an anti-inmmatory injection."


    Noor nodded seriously while Arsh was hiding his amused grin. "I will help you dress your wound every evening. Don''t trouble Aunt Aria."


    Arsh: "..."


    He wanted to say he knows his mother better than her but didn''tment. Every evening means she will visit him every day so he epted without a second thought, "I got it."


    Noor continued while Arsh responded, enjoying her new side, "Don''t wet your wound Sleep on your stomach Don''t let anybody touch the wound  " The list went on.


    After some time, Arsh yawned, obviously exhausted andcking sleep. He cut in, "Read me a book, I am sleepy."


    Noor nodded as she had seen him yawn. "Okay lie down." She turned off the light and switched the nightmps on. She almost scolded him, but he spoke first, "I am only leaning on my upper back." He felt like the wound was his but she was feeling the pain.


    He crossed his right leg and propped his left knee up, Noor had to sit close to him as the light of the nightmp was focused near him. She forgot she could have just asked him to shift.


    Arsh heard less, watched her more. Before him she yawned, eyes were droopy, and became drowsy. He had forgotten she reads books before bed.


    He continued to read for her when she tried to keep herself awake and she easily dozed off, gradually leaning on his chest.

 Chapter 642: Madwomen in the house

    Chapter 642: Madwomen in the house


    Arsh didn''t have the heart to wake her up. He couldn''t carry her as the weight would stretch his wounds. So he was thinking of letting her sleep on his bed as he had a day bed upstairs. He heard knocking on the door.


    His parents were in nightdresses. Aloof n was leaning on the door frame while Aria was shaking her head in resignation. She signaled Arsh to be seated when she sensed his movements.


    "My dear, you should close the door when you are with your girlfriend." She giggled as she went closer.


    Looking at peacefully sleeping Noor, "Did she cry?"


    Arsh shook his head in response. He nced at Noor as he added, "She didn''t even get scared as much as I thought."


    Aria nodded with a smile. She helped Noor to put her legs up on the bed while Arsh tried to stop her, "Mom, I will do it." Anyway, his mother was quick.


    She pulled the duvet over them, "I will tell Noah about Noor. Take a rest. We will talk tomorrow." She rubbed his head adoringly.


    A low heart chuckle left his lips. He was preparing to sleep separately, whereas his mother was encouraging him to cuddle his girlfriend without thetter''s permission.


    Aria was confused. n narrowed his eyes at his son forughing at his wife, "Girls might get embarrassed and be shy to speak but they like to cuddle their loved ones."


    Aria nodded in eptance to her husband''s words. She added another line, "Unless your girl is different. So you have decided on your experience with her."


    Arsh heard his love gurus giving him advice. He thought if Noor would also like to cuddle, he felt yes. Before he could respond to his parents, his mobile started ringing with Noah''s name on the disy.


    Putting it to silent immediately, Arsh let Aria know, "I had sent a message to Uncle Noah." He didn''t get to respond and the mobile went to Aria''s hand.


    "Sleep," Aria instructed Arsh as she answered the call, going away from the bed.


    Noah patiently asked, unlike what Aria had thought to listen to scoldings, [Arsh, are you guys at Morgan Mansion?]


    Aria was happy to hear Noah trusts Arsh and was epting Arsh, "Yes, Noor''s lovely Dad. Both are at the Morgan mansion. Noor dozed off so Arsh asked your permission. If you want us to send her back by waking her up, I will arrange it right away."


    Noah scoffed pettily, [Now you are threatening me. You guys better take care of her. If I get to know she wasn''t looked after well, forget about taking her away from me.]


    Aria hid her chuckle. "Threatening me? Noah Wood, are you sure about it?... Anyway, let mepromise for little Noor."


    Even if Noah got little doubts about Arsh, having Aria around, Noah was rxed and ended the call soon.


    Aria left the bedroom once she made sure Arsh was going to sleep without working. Arsh dozed off after his worry settled down when he witnessed Noor snuggling him and having a good sleep.


    -----


    In the morning,


    Noor woke up prettyte. When she moved, she realized she was resting her head on something hard and warm. Shocked, she flung her eyelids open and saw Arsh sleeping with a little frown.


    She unwrapped her hand that was wrapped around his body and found her left leg on his right. Mortified, she jerked up with her hand covering her mouth. She couldn''t believe she was sying all over him when his hand was on his forehead and another one was restingying next to the pillows.


    She suddenly gasped, noticing his frowns. "Ahh Don''t sleep on your back." She spoke to herself rather than with him.


    She tried to turn him but was futile due to his weight and him being in deep slumber. After several tries, she was able to make him sleep on his right but found herself enveloped in his arms, like a little bird being protected in its little nest.


    "Are you teasing me?" She doubted, however, there were no movements or reactions. Seeing his eyebrows slowly settle, she felt him sleep better.


    She tried to get away but his arms suddenly tightened as though somebody was stealing his stuff. Helpless, Noor watched him for a few minutes, feeling his rhythmic heartbeats by her hand on his chest, she dozed off without checking the time.


    ----


    It was Saturday, so Wood''s thought Noor would take a break and go hometer. Aria and npleted some of their urgent work and stayed in the home. Arna was out to work, Rooney was busy in his studio on his sculpture. None checked on Arsh as he always ditched breakfast.


    When it was lunchtime, Roxy was first to speak of Arsh, "I will get Nemo. He can rest after lunch."


    Rian barely hummed while n nced at Aria. Aria tugged Roxy and pulled her to sit. "Not a good time."


    Amelia and Rowan started their lunch looking at Aria and Roxy speaking with their expressions before both chuckled.


    Rian: "..."


    He turned to his mother, "Mom, these two sisters are crazy. They look at each other andugh. People will think we have madwomen in the house."


    Roxy and Aria looked at each other, stuck their tongue at Rian, annoying him more. He was about to scold them, his eyesnded on the stairs. He saw Arsh and Noor alighting the stairs together. What caught his attention was Noor''s outfit. Noor was in Arsh''s sweatshirt. Even though she was designed in a way it looked like a dress on her, Rian was too smart in such things. Especially when Noor was flushed beet red.


    "Noor stayed the night with Arsh!?" He eximed.


    Roxy kicked his leg, "Behave"


    Rian shrugged. He didn''t mean they were doing adult things. He knew Arsh very well. He was surprised because they all thought Noor would take years taking baby steps towards Arsh.


    Amelia, Aria, and Roxy looked at each other with a smile on their face before turning to the couple, "Noor,e fast, let''s eat." Ameliamented pointing to the chair for her.


    Noor carefully looked at the elders. She thanked the heavens they weren''t going to tease her. Roxy asked Aria, "Arrie, I like her dress, get one for me, please"


    Rian shook his head, "You oldie, you don''t look the same." and earned a p on his arms.


    Aria nodded as she turned to her husband, "Will I still look good if I wear such dresses?"


    n was the next step ahead, "I will make one for you with my sweatshirt." And all burst intoughter.


    Noor hid behind Arsh, poking his waist. She had asked him to help her escape from the balcony but he didn''t. How could she forget the little Morgans learned teasing from elder Morgans?


    Rowan tapped his spoon on the te to get attention, "Let them eat. Stop bullying her."


    Amelia sighed, shaking her head. Her husband''s sense of humor wasn''t increasing at all.


    Grateful, Noor peeked out at Rowan. Thetter continued his words while looking at disappointed Amelia, "Darling, you can tease her after lunch."


    Noor: "..."


    The rest again chuckled while Arsh rubbed his forehead. His girlfriend will run away at this rate, "Mom Aunt Don''t you want a daughter-inw I mean Noor ?" Arsh didn''t mean to tease her, but the words came on his lips.


    Noor: "..."


    Another round of chuckle briefly came when Noor announced "I am going." She tried to run away.


    Arsh caught her and made her sit. Then he took a seat and started their lunch.

 Chapter 643: A Stumbling Rock

    Chapter 643: A Stumbling Rock


    After a joyous lunch, Noor volunteered to bring food for Rooney. n asked Arsh to see him in the study room, Aria craved to follow them but chose not to.


    --------------


    In the study,


    "Yes, Dad." Arsh sat down opposite his father. He could already guess it was something rted to his career.


    n ced his coffee cup down. He was serious unlike how he was casual with everyone during lunch. He didn''t beat around the bush, "If Ivan was doing the job as yours, I would never let Snow be with him."


    He simply meant Noor might have epted his job profile but Noah doesn''t know about it yet. Arsh''s gaze ttered from looking into n''s eyes. He knew he was telling all that for his sake so that he doesn''t lose Noor.


    Not just that, "A few months of suffering to move on is better than crying, worrying, sleepless, restless for a lifetime." The danger of Arsh''s work was high. One day he might note or sustain injuries that might make him bedridden.


    Even though n sounded like Arsh should let go of Noor so that Noor could have a better life, Arsh knew n''s main intention was to ask him to find the solution to it. Arsh was thinking about it from the time he left Noor''s bedroom that day and when he heard Noor mention she kept everything to herself and cried. His mother was there to take care of her in his ce but shouldn''t he be the one to take care of Noor?


    When he saw his mother help Noor put her legs on the bed, removing her heels, he didn''t show it but felt incapable while his back was hurting him, stopping him from moving freely.


    Isn''t it better to live a life without constant stress about him?


    n saw Arsh giving his mind to the crucial matter. He doesn''t care how military families handle everything patronizing the country. For him, it''s always family first, then the country.


    "Do you think your mother would have supported me if I was doing your job?" n asked.


    Arsh knows his mother supports him but doesn''t like his job. So it was an easy question to respond, "She would unconditionally support you, no matter what," Then he realized why n asked that question. Noor was supporting him doesn''t mean she wasfortable. Noor wasn''t scared of the wound doesn''t mean she was fine to see him return wounded.


    n knew Arsh was smart, smarter than him in many things. But when it came to family, their happiness, he was still young to handle them. He had learned from experience but he didn''t want Arsh to wait for such a bad experience.


    "I might not be able to fulfill your absence in My wife''s life but she has me, what about Noor? Does she have to wait and watch the empty road without knowing when you could return? Have you ever thought about how it will affect Noor''s personality?"


    That was thest question n had for Arsh. n didn''t want to stop his son from doing the job he loves. He didn''t want another person to suffer because of him and that would eventually hurt Arsh.


    Arsh recalled Noor mentioning that Noah always asked her ''What''s wrong with her?'' That only meant there were a lot of changes in Noor during his absence. She didn''t realize it, if that goes on, Noor would gradually be a person she doesn''t even know herself.


    ---


    While they spoke, Aria was bing jelly with every minute that passed. This was the first time they were having such a long talk leaving her out.


    She couldn''t stop herself from going upstairs and pace in front of the study room. She wanted to go inside, and also didn''t want to disturb him. It was conflicting. What worried her was that, if the father and son fight, both wouldn''t tell her to keep her worry-free.


    After what she felt like an eternity, she noticed the door open. Before she could behave like she was passing by, n and Arsh saw her.


    She awkwardlyughed, "I was going there."


    Arsh enveloped her in a hug without a word, "Don''t worry Mom. I didn''t fight with Dad."


    n vouched, "Our son has learned to talk after he started dating."


    Arsh: "..."


    Aria looked at the two men very cautiously before breathing in relief, "What did you guys talk about?"


    n twirled his wife to his arms and took her to their bedroom without responding to her question, "I had told you to just focus on me. One brat is on her toes, to go with another man and he is showing his true colors for a woman."


    Aria: "..."


    She looked at her husband and Arsh. Thetter hissed in annoyance behind them, "Dad, couldn''t you put it a better way?"


    n shrugged, "Am I wrong?" He killed it and went inside the bedroom.


    Noor tapped Arsh''s shoulder and asked, "Why are you angry at Uncle?"


    Arsh snorted looking at the closed door, "Dad is sowing discord between me and mom."


    "Anything new?" Noor asked as she was used to father and son.


    Arsh: "..."


    Not even his girlfriend was on his side. What a pathetic life!?


    He suddenly turned to Noor, making her look at him in confusion. He held her hand strode towards his room making her jog.


    "What''s wrong? Did anything happen?" Noor wasn''t sure if she should be happy seeing his little expressions more or be in confusion.


    Arsh pushed his bedroom door to close and pulled her inside his spacious room. Noor tilted her head looking at him, sensing his contemtion to speak. "Young Master Morgan, could I be of any help to you?"


    Arsh shook off his negative thoughts and directly asked, "Do you like the work I do? Yes or no?"


    If possible Noor wanted to skip that question. Seeing him damn serious and tense about something, she lowered her head and shook her head promptly, "No."


    Arsh''s shoulders slightly cked and continued with another question, lifting her chin. "Why are you still willing to support me?"


    Noor pursed her lips gathering her thoughts before responding, "Not everyone could do what they like. You wouldn''t be satisfied going to bed if you do the work which you don''t like. Your own life will be sour to you if you look to the future or if you turn back in your old age. Hence I will support you unless it''s what you like."


    Arsh felt like smiling hearing her softly speak her opinion. She was too sweet in his opinion, he was afraid he would change her. "Why do you want to be hurt in our rtionship?"


    Noor wasn''t hurt anymore. After seeing him back, her three weeks felt like nothing. It was like hard work she put on to get him. "I think I will be alright."


    He couldn''t believe she was epting to suffer all her life. However, he shook his head, "Having somebody who will stay next to you, protect you, doesn''t make you worry is the one you need. I can only make you cry, worry about me and face everything alone. I don''t want you to live such a life." In short, he said ''You are better off without me.''


    Noor felt her eyes sting, she bit her lips watching him. He looked very adamant about what he said.


    "You have started hiding things from your parents. That''s not you. I don''t want you to be guilty facing your parents." Noor loved her family, if she was avoiding them, then she was guilty as she always shared her happiness and sadness with them.


    When Arsh ended his words, she suddenly shed him a sweet smile, "I won''t be a stumbling rock in your path. " She didn''t want him to choose her against his dreams. If she could be a big help for him to follow his dream, she was willing to ept the separation and leave him for good.

 Chapter 644: Endearments

    Chapter 644: Endearments


    Arsh couldn''t believe what he just heard from her. He stretched his hand and pulled her ear, making her cry. "Are you saying you are willing to leave me just like that?"


    Noor pped his hand but couldn''t get off his hand, "You are the one who wants to break up with me. Let go of my ear It hurts."


    The tears which had appeared hearing him seamlessly started rolling on her cheeks. She knew it wasn''t because of her ear. She was just trying to be strong before so that she could support him.


    Arsh embraced her No, practically buried her in his arms. Rubbing her back he then made her understand why he said all that, "I didn''t mean to break up." However, he knew he sounded that way to know if she would still be supporting him with his job. Caressing her hair, "I said I don''t want you to live such a life. I am willing to change my job."


    Noor stepped away with frowns, "Because of me?" She didn''t like it.


    Arsh kidded instead, "How can I be at ease when my beautiful girlfriend meets other men in my absence?"


    Noor punched him harder in response to his tease. His sweet girlfriend was grumpy.


    Arsh flicked on her nose, how quick his girlfriend was mad at him and gave importance to his dreams. Well, if his dream job could make her suffer so much, he was willing to have a different goal.


    "It''s because of me. You are willing to ept such a life but not me. Is this reason eptable, Ms. Wood? Or should I confess everything?"


    Noor wanted to be happy hearing it but the thought of him doing something new, to be with her made her sad. "So what are you going to do?"


    Arsh nonchntly responded, "I will be living you off."


    Noor: "..."


    She imagined telling her father that Arsh left his job for her and nning to live her off. Her father would turn the house upside down if she says she still wants to be with him. "I don''t want a freeloader."


    She went towards the door with Arsh in tow, "I can cook for you daily."


    That was enticing but "Nope"


    "I can be your chauffeur."


    Noor grinned but didn''t stop, "Nope" She was craving to hear more things he could do for her.


    "I could be your assistant at work."


    Noor shook her head, "I don''t need one."


    Rian and Roxy watched Arsh going behind Noor offering her different things. Rianmented, "Nemo is going to be another wife ve." Roxy chuckled as they watched them go around everywhere.


    -----


    In the evening at the Wood''s mansion,


    Noor finally let everyone know Arsh wasn''t in the city for the past three weeks and she wasn''t able to contact him. Hence she was behaving in such a way, being worrywart, trying to distract herself. She didn''t mention his confidential job.


    Norah didn''t like Arsh''s behavior while Noah judged the situation. Since he had seen Arsh in uniform, he could guess he had gone to work. Recalling the past three weeks of Noor, Noah didn''t want her to suffer it again and again.


    What is the use of being talented and gentleman loving for so many years but having a job that would worry their loved ones?


    "Noor." He sounded grave, "He doesn''t suit you." Noah stated in a simple way, neither shouting nor pressuring.


    Noor had expected this reaction hence she hadn''t said anything to Noah in the past weeks. Now that she thinks back, she realized Arsh thought about it and took the decision. Even though he decided in such a short time, she could only hope he wasn''t going to regret it one day and me her. She had faith in him that he wouldn''t do that so she tried to exin to her father


    "No need to worry, Dad. Uncle n and Aunt Aria had already spoken to Young Master. He won''t do that again."


    Noah felt the need to speak with Arsh as Noor wouldn''t listen to him unless he had a strong reason. And Arsh''s job ultimately puts him in danger inter days, "Call Arsh home."


    Norah also hummed, she needed to speak with Arsh this time. She wanted to make sure Noor wouldn''t suffer.


    Noor scratched her head. She returned home soon because Arsh said he needs toplete the procedure of resignation and it might take a few days. She was surprised at how certain he was about his decision without other thoughts.


    She felt it was so difficult to lie and hide things from her family. "Give a second."


    She took her mobile and immediately dialed Arsh. Instead of lying, she let Arsh handle the mess for her. Since he had said she could contact him during the morning and evening, she knew he would answer the call.


    Before he could even say ''Hello'' or ''Noor,'' "Young Master, could you talk for a minute?... Dad and Mom want to speak with you" Arsh was the one who told her to be herself without hiding just to keep him safe.


    Noor hummed and passed her mobile to Noah. She watched her father just like Norah and Naira. Noah hummed twice, then he said ''Alright Take care.''


    Noor: "..."


    Noor didn''t know Noah was aware of Arsh''s job.


    Noah ignored his daughter, and patted his wife''s hand, "He will see us after a few days. We don''t have to worry."


    Noor shifted close to Naira and whispered. "Sis, I thought Dad would scold or Demand Young Master or force me to break up."


    Niara lightly chuckled hearing Noor, "My dear little sister, your Young Master knows well how to handle elders. Show me one who could be angry at him."


    Noor flushed hearing ''Your Young Master.'' then she almost gasped when Naira turned to her suddenly and normalized her voice, "What''s with Young Master? He is your boyfriend. If you still can''t call him endearingly as dear, darling, honey, baby, sweetheart  Call him by name."


    Noah and Norah heard it. They had noments as they knew Noor was a turtle, not to mention, they are talking about rtionships.


    Noor poked her sister to keep her voice down. It wasn''t that she never tried, for no reason, she feels shy to utter his name. Endearments weren''t on her list yet.


    The rest of the evening Naira tried to tell Noor how romantic, lovely and unique it would be to have nicknames.


    -------


    In the wood''s mansion, Noah and Norah were waiting to meet Arsh, so as Noor who could only manage to speak a few times in a week. Noor was fine, focusing on work as Arsh would drop her messages or call her directly if he had time. She was patiently waiting for his arrival so that she could also know what he was nning.


    He couldn''t possibly be thinking of living her off, right? It wasn''t like she had a problem, she didn''t want it to affect Arsh in the long term and thinking of Arsh doing nothing was possible.

 Chapter 645: Nothing Comes Easy

    Chapter 645: Nothing Comes Easy


    At the Morgan mansion, All were grumbling as Arsh left again. This time they were curious about what he was up to that he wasn''t staying with them for a day.


    Aria and n kept the matters under wrap, excluding Rowan. Thetter was never against the ns of his children or grandchildren. He always gave full freedom as he considered forcing them into something wouldn''t be a good decision to anything. Even though they hadpany, n grew itrge, he never expected Rooney or Arsh or Arna to take care of it. He didn''t find a huge deal to find a capable person to handle thepany when n decides to retire.


    It was Friday, Rowan went to thepany for the board meeting. n was president, Rian and Aria were significant holders of shares. Arsh didn''t have much whereas Arna never bothered about thepany as it was always Aria and n buying or transferring shares to her.


    The conference room was huge, a long rectangr table was filled with about fifteen major shareholders sitting on either side leaving the first two seats on left, 1 seat on right, and the head of the table. The shareholders had assumed the meeting was about the discussion of how to divide the profits of the year or it could be used for expansion.


    They were busy discussing their opinions while waiting for the Morgans to enter. Some people wanted to show the majority to im the presidency seat or chairmanship. Unfortunately, Morgans were a major shareholder and Coopers had a significant amount so ultimately Morgans were still the rulers of theirpany. Some were also curious why there was another chair this time.


    The hall fell silent when the tall two doors pushed. They turned to Door and saw Aria helping Rowan to walk while n walked next to them at their pace. What picked their interest was one of the two behind them.


    Arsh Morgan was walking next to Rian Morgan.


    All started looking at each other, feeling rmed. The world knows the young Morgans weren''t interested in thepanies. Some sniggered thinking Aria and n turned out to be the same, forcing their kids to be in business.


    Willingly or unwillingly, everyone stood up to show their respect. Well, they had to, else n knew to cut off their tail short. Facing that man while he was young or old, was never an easy task.


    n held the chair while Rowan sat, Aria and n sat on the right, and Rian was in front of them encouraging Arsh who was standing behind Aria and n.


    Nathan pushed the door close before he nodded at all and took a seat at the corner. Rowan pushed the microphone up, he was the same all years around. He shed a cordial smile and spoke, "Hello everyone, thank you foring on such short notice."


    The shareholder smiled in return. Even though they liked how thepany grew under n, they liked Rowan who wasn''t just a good leader, he listens to them patiently if they had anything to speak. Hence they treated Chairman, Rowan Morgan warmly.


    Rowan continued, "We are taking a major decision about thepany so we thought you should know about this first before publishing it." He meant, they have already taken the decision and they weren''t present to hear their objection. Opinions were wee but they wouldn''t change their decision.


    This created a little buzz and their eyesnded on Arsh. Thetter looked unemotional and felt like a mini version of n. Are our suppressed days going to continue? They had the answer too, ''Yes.''


    Everyone started to imagine Rowan continuing as ''I am getting down from my position as Chairman.'' They wouldn''t be surprised by it. So they turned to n knowing he was going to take charge as Chairman. It was like a promotion.


    However, Rowan said a different thing, "My son, n Morgan, President, and CEO of Morgan Industries, resigned today."


    They were gasps hearing him. Aria tilted her head without understanding why it was resignation when Rowan should mention the transfer of shares from Rowan and n and letting him handle the rest of the meeting.


    Aria saw Rian shing her a smirk. She was instantly rmed. Before she could think of what was going on against what they discussed, Rowan continued, "And after my transfer of shares" His eyes shifted to n but moved, then stopped at Aria, "President Cooper bes the major shareholder of Morgan Industries and I am hoping her to take charge from today as the new chairman of Morgan Industries." He announced watching Aria shocked to the core.


    Aria: "..."


    That wasn''t what they had discussed. There were all gasps in the hall due to shock. It wasn''t like they could object to it but this was too drastic.


    If n resigned while Rowan was chairman, then after Aria became thergest shareholder, she will have to appoint the CEO. Taken Aria''s reputation in the business circle, she would never appoint anybody due to the rtionship.


    Will she be different now, for her son?


    Rian, n, and Arsh who knew it started pping, so others joined them and apuded for all. Aria itched to stomp her husband''s feet but controlled.


    Rowan spoke once everything fell back to silence, "So I will let our new chairman take over the meeting." He shed a genuine fond smile at Aria as he stood up.


    Aria can''t be angry at Rowan. She was sure this could only be n''s n. ''What the hell! My husband is retiring before me, What about me?'' She hadn''t thought of retirement.


    Nathan noticed Aria wasn''t going to respond to anything so he stood up, "If you could excuse, the meeting will resume shortly."


    n took his wife out while Rian took Rowan out. Arsh shook his head in resignation following them out. He knew why n and Rian took that decision.


    When Arsh said he will join the business, n was the happiest one. It wasn''t because Arsh was joining the family business, it was because he can get more time with his wife.


    Arsh was thinking to start with a suitable job for him and made his way up. Just like his mother had started. However, n suggested that he should be CEO without a hint of hesitation about how Arsh might manage. Arsh knew his father trusted him in everything he does.


    Aria trusted Arsh too but she makes sure none gets a chance to lift their finger at them. And when ites to work and business, n might seem cold and serious but Aria was highly ethical. Nothinges easy under her.


    Hence Rian and n were making Aria chief as she wouldn''t only teach Arsh but also smack his head if required.


    Now the question is, will Aria let Arsh be the acting CEO? Or should he start from being a white-cor or manager or whichever position Aria chooses for him?

 Chapter 646: Chairwoman Cooper

    Chapter 646: Chairwoman Cooper


    Unlike how Aria was quiet in the hall, she started whining, sitting next to Rowan, "Pop, how could you let off your son just like that? I already have onepany. Don''t you want me to sleep?"


    n crossed his legs on the single-seater. His wife was grumpy at him, unwilling to talk to him for taking a decision for her, without asking her.


    Rian chuckled sitting on another single armchair, "Little Devil, that''s not what you should worry about. Bro will follow you 24 by 7. Do you think he will sit in the home, waiting for you?" Entertained, heughed looking at her speechless.


    Arsh stood, watching Rowan and Rianughing while Aria red at n who was adoring her. His father was pro at unting his love.


    He went ahead and kneeled infront of Aria taking her attention, "Mom, everything was decided as you knew. But Uncle, Dad, and even Grandpa suggested I should be trained under you. You know Dad won''t teach me to swim, he will just push me to the water so that I learn it myself."


    n: "..."


    Rian burst intoughter while Aria giggled. Well, n was doing just that by making Arsh CEO.


    Hearing her son ask her directly, Aria didn''t know how to turn him down. She knew he wasn''t asking for a high position, he wanted her to guide him on how he was doing. n was the one to teach her so many things, she still felt he was the right one.


    So she could onlyin, "Then your father will follow me around without letting me work."


    Arsh shrugged, "Make him your chef."


    Aria looked at her husband who knew well she would give into Arsh. "I won''t cook for you again." She meant she will have no time.


    Arsh stood up with Rian so as Rowan. ording to their analysis, after a little grumpy time, it was the couple''s flirting time. They needed no dog food.


    "I will be your chef." n retiring just so he could take care of his wife. He will dly ept it.


    "How are you going to look at the same face all the time?"


    "I wish there were more than 24 hours."


    "You are behaving like a newly wedded."


    "Then let''s hold a beach wedding."


    "Our kids are getting married, n."


    "You would look hot in the bohemian wedding dress. I will go for half pants and a shirt... Perfect."


    While the couples continued to flirt, Arsh was speechless while closing the door. He hadn''t thought anything about his wedding with Noor and his father already had everything nned right after retirement.


    Taking n''s personality, Arsh was sure, if not a proper wedding, he would take Aria for a date, arranging everything like a wedding.


    -----


    Rowan left soon as he had no more work. Even though he didn''t work as CEO for too many years, he could believe he and n took retirement on the same day. Well, all he cared about was their happiness.


    When everyone returned, Aria had to head the meeting. n thought he was there to apany his wife, however, itsted only a few seconds until the new chairman spoke.


    Aria asked, ncing at all the faces, "We are sorry for the sudden changes. I am very sure nothing much will be affected in the operation of thepany. To be formal, let me hear your opinion before I proceed with the meeting."


    Rian itched for some popcorn as his Little Devil was going to p a face or two. As he expected, a man moved his microphone and asked, "President Chairwoman Cooper, how are you going to handle twopanies? You are not young to handle twopanies. You might ignore Morgan Industries for Cooper Industries so I object to you being the chairwoman."


    It was n''s turn to crave popcorn while Arsh rolled his eyes. He couldn''t understand why people ask and object when they already knew it was futile.


    Aria smiled first, "I guess, I need to get used to being addressed as Chairwoman." n looked away from her when her eyes shifted to him.


    She continued looking at the man in question, "I will appoint a capable acting CEO to handle thepany while I supervise. Come on, I have more money here than you." She was very casual, unlike being a President Cooper.


    Rian controlledughing looking at the man in histe thirties. ''His brain hadn''t grown at all.''


    "My age? Do you know I just opened a new branch in country G? That''s my age."


    n first time, chuckled in the meeting hall while the shareholder was speechless. Most of them knew Aria would be prepared, making her lose was a tough job.


    "Oh are you asking if I could handle it physically?" Aria asked, "Let''s see who could alight all the stairs from the 23rd floor to zero. If you win, I will agree my age isn''t young."


    Rian shook his head. One person was enough for Aria to shut everyone''s mouth.


    Aria nodded, "Coming to your objection, show me the shares and majority to earn the right." She shed him a smile, "Anything else?"


    The man''s face red in embarrassment while the rest chose to keep mum.


    Aria then taught them, "I asked an opinion, when did I ask you to criticize me? If I have taken the position, speak when I fail. Don''t judge as I will fail before I start."


    The hall was mute. When Aria turned to n. Thetter knew she was up to something.


    "President Morgan, Even though the former chairman epted your resignation, don''t forget to read use 34B. You will have to serve thepany until I appoint a suitable candidate or a minimum of three months of probation."


    Rian silentlyughed while Arsh turned to his inarticte father. n''s dream to follow his wife around every day was postponed. And it also meant Arsh wouldn''t be the immediate CEO.


    The shareholders weren''t expecting that. They were damn sure Arsh would be CEO, anyway, they admired how Aria didn''t change for her son. When Aria looked at them, they all showed their acknowledgment. A few asked n to continue being President but thetter simply stated, "I need to take care of my young wife."


    Aria: "..."


    Her husband was teasing her openly.

 Chapter 647: New Assistant

    Chapter 647: New Assistant


    While everyone was thinking there will be an announcement regarding Arsh, Aria simply stated, " To give a farewell to Former Chairman, there will be a party tomorrow. You will receive the invitation shortly. Please do attend. That''s all for today. Thank you."


    n, Arsh, and Rian weren''t confused. They were sure Aria will have her n for Arsh.


    After that meeting, she asked Nathan to arrange another meeting with the management department. Managers and directors who are from city B, rushed to the Morgan Industries, overseas general managers prepared to attend the meeting over web conference. Some had to sacrifice their sleep and food to attend as soon as they heard about the change in chairman and n had resigned. Most of them thought somebody took over the Morgan Industries from Morgans so they wanted to climb up in their career.


    Still clueless, Arsh asked his father while watching Ariapleting some procedures. "Dad, why do I feel like I need to go on a war?" In just an hour, Aria changed the direction of the Morgan industries. The change in chairman and resignation of n wasn''t just the talk of thepany but the whole country started to look at it.


    "That''s the chairman for you."


    More than two hours passed by the time everyone gathered. Aria hadn''t spoken a word with n who took care of his work as CEO and President. Arsh watched his parents in total silence.


    Despite both didn''t speak, they were subconsciously ncing at each other and he started missing Noor. He hadn''t seen her for a week now, video calls excluded. He hadn''t told her what he would be doing after resignation. Well, even he has no idea of it either.


    Nathan came inside and informed them that they could start meeting in ten minutes. Aria nodded as she collected the file from Nathan, "Thank you."


    She quickly skimmed through the contents before turning to Arsh, "Nemo" She beckoned him to reach her.


    n and Arsh looked at each other before thetter reached her, "Yes, Mom."


    Aria passed him the file, "I have acquired the techpany you were investing in. You will be the general manager of it. Study the file quickly, you will know the rest in the meeting." That was her move as his mother.


    n and Arsh: "..."


    It had been two hours, she just knew Arsh was passionate aboutputers and technologies. To sync her ns, she opened the path for him.


    "I guess I need to learn a lot from you, Chairman Cooper." Arsh smiled as he kept the file back on the table, "I know all the projects of thispany and the goal. I can handle every question about them."


    Aria smiled in response. She wanted him to start from the point that excites him. If he could manage it better, then she will choose him for the position. She wouldn''t let anybody think Arsh was just lucky due to his family and parents.


    Seeing her son proud and also eager, Aria could guess Arsh was happy with her decision, "Then, let''s go and kick start the meeting."


    In the meeting, it wasn''t the only announcement of Aria taking over as chairman while n will be working as temporary, Aria let each one know they could be the next CEO of Morgan Industries if they could make notable progress in the next quarter.


    Most of the people thought Arsh wouldn''t make it as he was named as a rich heir with no talent. Also because he was doing nothing ording to the world. Well, they had forgotten Aria and n were right behind him to guide.


    Everyone was thrilled as the result would be out in the open and Aria wouldn''t be able to back out. They started working, being innovative and more focused. It was the kind of war they wanted to win and gain the upper hand.


    The news about it was published everywhere while Arsh was going towards his new smallpany where the employees were waiting for him.


    Meanwhile, Aria flopped on the couch in n''s office. She looked at the ensuite, a thought of crawling to the bed was knocking her mind when strong arms slowly wrapped around her.


    n took her to the bed andid her down while hearing, "You don''t get old, do you?."


    He lowered and kissed her forehead, caressing her hair, "For you, never."


    Aria smiled helplessly but suddenly propped her head, "Honey, why did you want me to handle this?"


    n leaned on the headboard of the bed pulling her head to rest on hisp. He let her know why he put so much workload on her. "I had no experience when I joined. Seeing the youngman at 21 taking the President position, on the surface, they appeared surprised and supportive but they doubted me for a long time. Instead of doing their work, they were making mistakes just to see if I could catch that." That slows down the overall work. He had to keep proving himself again and again.


    Before Aria could me herself for putting anotherpany burden on him, he pinched her nose, "They took a few months to ept me and got everything back on track. I got you after it." He quickly released her from any guilt she might feel. Then he added, "And you were different when you took over Skyline."


    Aria nodded in understanding why n changed his decision at the neck of the time. He didn''t want Arsh to experience the same as him and liked Aria''s way of stepping up to the position.


    She whined, recalling her workload, "So you gave me so much work."


    "You proved me right."


    "But it''s still a lot of work."


    "Need a new assistant?"


    Aria nodded vigorously, urately knowing who her new assistant was. n chuckled, pecking on her lips. His retirement was only on the surface, he would be with her to work.


    She revealed her thoughts when n was adamant about putting her to sleep. "I will appoint Ivan as CEO after their honeymoon." She didn''t want to pressure the young man during his wedding preparation.


    n hummed. "I bought a beach house. Let''s take a break to unwind." As much as it was going to be stressful to Arsh, n and Aria had double pressure and work to handle the rest. So n wanted to take a pretty long breakter.


    Aria, who tried to take a nap, opened her eyes and asked worriedly, "Will Nemo be able to handle those employees? I forgot to tell him to be prepared."


    "Sweetheart, at his age, you had a whole conglomerate on your head with little ones in your arms. Stop worrying about him, let him struggle a little."


    "Alright" She snuggled him to take a nap.

 Chapter 648: Mindful

    Chapter 648: Mindful


    At Digion Tech,


    It was a startuppany that opened not too long ago. But due to problems in funds, it was facing issues in management and affecting the employees. After all, they need money to feed their family.


    Arsh wasn''tpletely sure how the owner of thepany was going to receive him. Because in the end, it was money that won in terms of power instead of dedication or knowledge.


    Arsh knew it wasn''t the time to think of reaching the expectations of his parents but to have his foothold in thepany. He wasn''t used to talking nice or be polite so he wasn''t sure how he was going to manage things at Digion.


    Meanwhile, he looked up the progress of the projects and the possible improvements, bugs in the application. He recalled how people doubted his father and how her mother came up to her position. So he chose bothbined.


    This was going to be a tough fight for him in the world, where he will have to own his title, honored to be able to seed his father and mother.


    Standing in front of a small tall building, Arsh knew only two floors were owned by Digion. In a quarter, he wanted this two floorspany to be huge enough to own a private, small yet sufficient building. He knew it was too short but that''s the challenge he needed.


    His eyes swept over the team who were curiously, fearfully, and ufortably watching him with numerous thoughts in mind. Yet they stood together to wee him.


    Arsh was sure they would be thinking as he was there to satisfy his parents while all he would do was waste time, ordering them around. That''s another challenge, Arsh had the confidence to change it in just a day or two.


    He took a step towards the new side of life he never thought of following. He had noints when he knew it was doing it for the girl he loves and for their family to rx.


    He had just taken a few steps, he heard a car stop in jerk. Turning around, he saw Noor excitedly smiling and ran to his arms, "Ea..sy" Arsh''s lips failed to be settled, holding her in his embrace. He could feel her wide grin which he had never got for his previous job.


    "Do you know? Dad was so happy to hear that you have started working." It was her father who told her Arsh returned and he would be working at a smallpany called Digion. The ce was close to her office so she reached without calling him.


    The Digion team looked at each other witnessing the development. They had heard of Arsh Morganpletely differently. Some thought he would be cold as an iceberg, just like his father.


    "Sooo You aren''t happy?" He slowly let down from his arms to the floor. Somebody was braver than he had thought her to be.


    His fingers ran over her hair and held them when they wildly danced with the wind. Noor grinned, "Your office is so close to mine."


    "Are you happy about that?" He didn''t know what to say about it.


    Noor gave it a thought. She had once convinced herself she had to get used to Arsh leaving her frequently for months. So it was a surprise for her. She ended up nodding to his question when it didn''t need any answer.


    "Unlike you, Director Wood, I am going to be a little worker at a smallpany."


    "So?" Noor didn''t understand why he said that.


    Arsh shook his head. He had thought girls would expect their men to be in a higher and better position than them.


    Noor continued,ughing to herself, "Dad said, I should help you with the business. He doesn''t know you have a list of degrees."


    Another voice interjected before Arsh''s response, "Looks like we would be a disturbance."


    The two turned around and saw Ivan and Arna waving their hands at them. Not toote, Naira got off from herpany caring straight from the shoot. Then Rooney, Finn, Jasmine, Levi All poured in.


    The Digion team was bewildered. There were so many big icons in front of their office and so many were there, just to show their support and wish Arsh Morgan. Everyone started to doubt if Arsh was what the media says or if those were just rumors.


    By the time Arsh met and sent everyone away, it took twenty minutes. But one stilltched on to him. "Do you want toe in?"


    Noor was about to nod, but asked, "Will it be alright?"


    Arsh didn''t respond, Instead took her inside. He had no ns to give lengthy speeches or it was time to get to know one other. It was time to work.


    The founder of thepany was a young man about the same age as Arsh. He stepped forward and handed Arsh a bouquet, "Wee Mr. Morgan I mean General manager Morgan, wee to our team."


    Arsh and Noor could feel he was still digesting Morgan Industries bought the shares and invested millions of worth of money which he was struggling to get.


    "I am Davin Joseph." He shook Arsh''s hand forcing a smile.


    Arsh gave a small nod, "Arsh Morgan. You can call me Arsh." He turned to Noor, "She is Noor Wood. My girlfriend." Noor smiled at him before nodding at Davin.


    Davin nodded in greeting Noor. He was about to introduce the rest to Arsh, thetter continued, "let''s have a quick informal meeting in the office."


    The media was taking pictures of everything so he wanted to go out of their sight. He still thought about what is going to be viral. His pictures with the little woman next to him or him joining the smallpany. He was sure if the media chooses thetter, it wouldn''t be in good light. People would think Aria and n were punishing their son.


    Who cares!


    In the office, Arsh asked the employees to just be seated as he walked between the cubicles while speaking.


    "I am aware you have a lot of questions and doubts about me. Please keep them, I don''t mind. Coming to the fear that I mighty off somebody if I don''t like you. Rest assured, that decision will be taken by your boss, Davin. He will still be the leader of the whole team whereas I will be joining as a developer in Research and development team, I hope that''s eptable for you all."


    Noor pursed her lips watching the crows shocked to their bones. Even Davin was thunderstruck without being able to match the speed of Arsh.


    Noor whispered when Arsh came towards her, "Sometimes you have to be mindful of your speed so that the team could follow your lead." She advised him.


    Arsh leaned close to her and whispered, "I might not speak so much with them again."


    Noor silently chuckled as she nodded, "I know that."

 Chapter 649: New Period

    Chapter 649: New Period


    A man in his early thirties raised his hand asking permission if he could ask the question. Arsh gave a nod, "Doesn''t that mean, you will work under me?... Oh, I am the team leader of R&D." There was hesitance in the tone.


    "Absolutely. I will be under your care." Arsh''s voice was sharp and precise.


    Noor looked at Arsh. She could guess, this was his way of shocking and rxing them before he takes everyone by storm. She hoped they could keep up with Arsh''s speed.


    Davin asked next as MOrgan industries said Arsh will lead their team, "But the Morgan Inds..."


    "Forget about them." Arsh shrugged and watched everyone''s expression rx as a smile bloomed on their face slowly.


    Before they could rest their heart at ease, Arsh exploded another bomb, "As far as I have gone through the details of the Digion, you are developing a game and nning a messenger application. I propose,pleting the game would be a better idea. Next month there is a game-thon in the capital. We should showcase the game. I know you aim to sell thepletely developed game, I would suggest, we should have the copyright and publish as our own."


    As soon as Arsh took the work topic, everyone became active and started giving active feedback, questions, and opinions. Noor sipped water and watched them from afar. Looking at them, she didn''t feel like Arsh was new to thepany. He had a response to everything and questions for most of the things.


    Hearing him take on a lot of work, Noor pouted her lips realizing he wouldn''t have time for himself anymore, where will he get time for her?


    Once everything was settled, Noor saw everyone quickly got back to work. The team leader of the R&D asked in curiosity, "Mr. Morgan, have you graduated inputers?" He asked because Arsh took up a lot of development work.


    "Yeah, team leader."


    Noor: "..."


    She cued them to wait for her. Going close to them, Noor punched Arsh before speaking, "He has graduation in mathematics."


    Everyone looked at Arsh thinking why did he have to lie. Arsh rubbed his forehead while Noor continued, "Post graduation inputers, business, and financial manage."


    Arsh scooped her to his arms and walked away while Noor struggled, "Wait, I am not done." She tried to give a full list but Arsh threatened her, "A word, I will kiss you in front of all."


    Noor sealed her lips tightly. She wasn''t trying to show off. She just wanted to tell them the truth.


    Whoever heard Noor were frozen without believing their ears. The women swooned over the man who picked Noor so easily. Before they could think he was a schr in formals, they were clean bowled looking at his strong arms carrying a woman.


    Davin hesitated before asking, "Arsh, if you choose a room, I will arrange your office."


    Arsh''s gaze shifted from the blushing woman to Davin, "Not required. I will just sit with everyone wherever there is space." He knew it was just a matter of a few months. He didn''t need to trouble with any arrangements.


    Davin didn''t follow Arsh to the pantry and got back to work.


    Noor looked right and left, found none to escape his hold while he cornered her against the counter in the small pantry. She tried to brave to give him an advice, "You-"


    A word left her lips, Arsh caught her lips that he was craving for a long time. Noor''s eyes widened despite expecting he was going to do something like that. Her heart started to beat crazily, holding her breath, afraid somebody was going to see them.


    His hand clutched the countertop on either side of her, Arsh patiently waited for her to respond.


    Noor''s eyes slowly shut on their own, focusing on his lips which were gently caressing her lips. She felt the butterflies in her stomache alive and her cheeks turning warm when her lips moved against his, hesitantly. She unawarely tilted her head to mold their lips as her hands made way to his waist and clutched his shirt.


    The next second, she gasped when he closed the distance between them and his hand shifted to her neck with his thumb caressing her cheek. His lips became firm and demanding, kissing her like she never felt before.


    She was overwhelmed with the burst of emotions when he intimately got close to her. She could feel her heart loud and clear at her throat. She had hugged him a few times now, but this closeness was giving her a tingling sensation all over.


    Before she knew it, her hands wrapped around him, trying to respond to his lips, forgetting about the pantry and any logical reasons she had in mind.


    As new as it was for both, Noor was slightly sloppy and then picked the rhythm with him, copying him, repeating like him. Noor moaned when his slithery tongue thrust inside her mouth and started invading her nook and cranny. She tried to keep up but was left breathless.


    Arsh tightened his arm around her waist when she almost swayed feeling weak in her knees. He left enough space for dazed Noor to breathe.


    When Noor slowly descended to reality, she recalled what she just did. Her face instantly painted darker red in shyness and tried to run away.


    With a twirl, he again locked her against the pantry counter, with her back against him. Well, it was better to calm herself down and prepare to face him.


    "So you are in a tip and run case." His husky voice trailed next to her ear.


    Noor flinched at his breath on her neck. She wanted to disappear for being shameless.


    Now Arsh had to think of giving her courage to look at him epting her shyness. "Should I leave then?" He gave it a try.


    Noor immediately turned around and stared at him. But after a few seconds, she whined in a low voice with her hands flying to his intently gazing eyes. She swallowed hard when her eyesnded on his sexily arced curve.


    "I will run away if you smile." She threatened.


    And heughed, wrapping her in his arms. Noor heard his heart wasn''t calm like always. It was beating at the speed of hers. Realizing it was new to him as much as for her, she got a little more courage and wrapped her arms around him.


    "You will be busy from today." She sounded more like aint.


    Arsh hummed, "I will have to trouble my shy little girlfriend to be more amodative to your boyfriend?" Noor epted without anyints.


    Thus set off the new period of their life.

 Chapter 650: The Big Bad Wolf

    Chapter 650: The Big Bad Wolf


    Arsh would have preferred to work from home but it was important for him to go to the office so that others don''t interrupt wrongly and work well. The group was motivated to see Arsh as the new leader so their efficiency increased too.


    Noor often dropped by, bringing lunch for everyone and even feeding her boyfriend whenever he was drowning in work repeating, ''5 minutes'' for more than an hour.


    In the Morgan mansion, everyone saw Arsh daily, he would have breakfast with them and leave. They hardly saw him in the evening, busy with work. Since they knew Noor would be around him after her work, they didn''t worry about his food or health.


    In the Woods mansion, everyone was amused by how motivated and cheerful Noor would be all day. She would eat, go to work, drop a visit to Arsh, then work and again go to Arsh. It becamemon to see Arsh dropping Noor home every evening. Numerous times Arsh had dinner at Wood''s ce if not in the office.


    On the day of Game-thon in the capital city, the Fourie nned dinner together and gathered in a restaurant. Everyone was there, except Noor and Arsh. The youngsters were at different tables while Fourie and their partners were at one.


    Rooney heard the Fourieugh speaking about Noor leaving her work and running behind Arsh to the capital. He made a bet at his table, "Sister Snow, I bet Bro and Noor would get married first if not with you and Bro-inw."


    Rian heard his son''s voice and added, "I am on it, my son. I won''t be surprised if they enter here with marriage certificates hiding in their bag." Aria and n looked at each other and chuckled. They had done that.


    Noah: "..."


    Naira added hers, "I am with Roo. If Arsh had proposed Noor in the capital, she would have said yes." Norah chuckled hearing her daughter. They had numerous times caught Noor giggling over a call before going to sleep.


    Noah: "..."


    Arna and Ivan sighed, hearing everyone, "You are going too far. When we dropped them to the airport yesterday," Arna revealed, "We heard Noor still calling bro as Young Master Morgan. She is still our little snail Noor."


    Thedies chuckled hearing it while men had the expression saying they could feel the distress of Arsh.


    At the door of the private room. Flushed, Noor stood speechless while Arsh crossed his arms over his chest, gazing at her.


    The mini version of the game was doing better than they expected. Instead of sleeping in the hotel, Noor suggested returning and joining everyone for dinner. So they ended up arriving a littlete to dinner but at the right time to hear themughing.


    "Ms. Little Snail, they are making fun of my girlfriend for not calling me by name."


    Noor pouted hearing him call her snail, "I am not a snail."


    Arsh chuckled at how easily she changed the topic to snail when he asked about calling him by name, "You are indeed slow. Ms. Wood."


    She knows that but, "I am not as slow as a snail." She countered. Going close to him, she muttered to his ear, "Because of you everyoneughs at me and teases me more." Then she sulked, taking a step away, "Everyone used to treat me so nice and sweet."


    "Really?" Arsh asked, "Let me see who doesn''t treat you nice and sweet."


    He tried to hold her hand but she stepped away, "No, I am noting in. I don''t want to get teased."


    He hummed, "Then let''s talk about something else, was your sister right?"


    Noor recalled what Naira said. Her face again turned red and shook her head vigorously. She wasn''t ready for any proposal.


    At the private door, Rooney peeked out and cued the rest. His guess was right. Naira peeked out next followed by Arna and Ivan joined. Four''s ears etched at the voices inplete silence.


    Arsh was leaning on the wall facing her so he didn''t see them. "So you will reject me."


    Noor felt like crying, "You said you will wait until I am ready."


    The four at the door looked at each other guessing it might be something about their rtionship.


    Arsh nodded, "Did I propose? No, I am just asking."


    Ivan whispered to Arna, "Your brother is devious."


    Noor scratched her head thinking how they could be different. "You are fooling me again." She humphed and looked away. Her jaws dropped looking at four peeking at them.


    When Arsh turned around, there was nobody. The four had returned to their table. Arsh didn''t have to ask Noor, she was too simple to prank him. He ignored them and turned to Noor. he came back to the topic, "I will consider it as rejection then."


    He turned around to lead the way, Noor mumbled to herself following behind him, "I never said I would reject."


    Arsh shook his head in resignation hearing her words. He didn''tment on it and pretended to be unheard. Pulling her next to him, they went inside the eerily quiet room.


    Noor had the urge to hide behind Arsh when everyone''s eyes were glued to them. She awkwardly smiled, "We came early."


    "Oh," All said in unison, making her blush.


    Arsh interjected before his girlfriend could decide to run out, "I got aint that you all are teasing my girlfriend too much."


    Suddenly everyone ignored them and got back to dinner. Noor looked at all, she felt everyone was the same as in the past but she felt ignored also by the sudden change.


    Arsh saw the confusion on her face, "Nobody will tease you."


    Noor shook her head, she was feeling something amiss. She whined in an audible voice, "You guys are bullying me now."


    All burst into chuckles hearing her. Roxy cued her to go close to her and stood up from her chair, "We just love you too much."


    All added in unison excluding n, Isaac, Noah, and Arsh, "Yes, we love you" They were sincere too.


    Noor giggled hearing them and turned to Roxy, "We never thought the big bad wolf would take away our innocent little red. No worries, once you guys get married and be shameless like Aria and brother n, nobody will tease you. Then you will tease everyone with excess dog food."


    The big bad wolf, Arsh: "..."


    "Hey hey, My husband and I will take that as apliment," Aria interjected and everyone chuckled.


    Noor was blushing hearing Roxy but she still nodded. Arsh pulled a chair for her and sat down as he whispered, "Did you just agree to marry the big bad wolf?" He sighed, "No doubt you rejected me."


    Noor: "..."


    She wanted to bonk the person who picked the marriage topic. With the little annoyance, "You are the big bad wolf. Yes, I will marry you. If you tease me again, I will I will push you off the chair." She blurted out. She never thought of not marrying him, she was enjoying her time with him and supporting him.


    Arsh looked at his te and elegantly started serving himself. He didn''t know his girlfriend could get so angry at the marriage topic.


    Noor sensed the oddness and realized everyone was silent. Rooney whispered to her, "You should at least push him off the building." And silentlyughed.


    While the youngsters silentlyughed at the couple, elders were utterly mute ncing at Noah. They prayed for Noor''s livelihood that night without taking her angry huff seriously.


    After dinner, all watched Noah taking away Noor with him. Naira and Norah followed them without understanding what was going on in Noah''s mind.


    Arsh earned double smacks from two women for teasing Noor with the marriage topic. And he understood it wasn''t the topic to be made fun of.


    He thought to call Noor and apologize. Then he shrugged off. He decided to sneak into her bedroom and apologize for his mistake, face to face and clear her that he was just teasing. He didn''t want to pressure her.

 Chapter 651: Decision On A Whim

    Chapter 651: Decision On A Whim


    At Wood''s mansion,


    Noor didn''t know why her father was serious. He didn''t utter a word on their way back to the mansion. When they reached the living hall, Noor and others didn''t go upstairs, guessing Noah might have something to say.


    Noah asked carefully, "Noor, perhaps... Did you and Arsh get the marriage certificate?" He asked because he highly doubted Arsh was capable of it as n did the same with Aria.


    Noor didn''t know if she shouldugh or get nervous. She promptly responded, "No, Dad. I would never do that before telling you guys."


    Noah cooled down hearing her. He sat down and breathed. For a moment, he had thought if his daughter wasn''t considering them and their opinions so soon, how would she remember them after getting married. Would she forget them? Won''t she need them anymore? Hence he got so anxious hearing everything and thinking of letting go of her.


    Naira and Norah sat together watching the father and daughter. Naira asked in a low voice, "Mom, how would you have reacted if theye after registering their marriage?"


    Norah gave a thought. "I might scold them for being an elder but I would be very happy to know my daughter got someone she loves."


    Naira gave a thumbs up to her and heard Noah who was hiding his worry, "That''s good You don''t have to hide from us, Noor. You can tell us. I-I will not object."


    Naira and Norah looked at each other in shock. Did they hear right?


    Noor casually responded at first, "Yes, Dad. I- Huh?" It crossed her mind, Noah was just worried about her hiding things from him. He indirectly said he epted Arsh. "Dad, you mean, if I tell you I will marry Young Master Morgan, tomorrow, then you will not object?"


    "We- We wille with you," Noah responded.


    Noor chuckled after hearing him. She didn''t know why exactly she was getting happy. She confessed, "I was scared looking at you." She hugged her father.


    Naira spoke after Noor, "Dad, just two weeks back you expected her to break up."


    Noor and Norah curiously looked at Noah. Thetter promptly nodded, "He sacrificed his dream to be with Noor. If not him, who else will I ept?"


    Noor smiled hearing her father while Naira and Norah had no idea. "Did Arsh start working in thatpany for Noor?"


    Noor didn''t respond but Noah, "You could say so."


    "That''s so cool," Naira eximed while Norah looked impressed too. After a lot of talking, Noor excused herself when she got a call from Arsh.


    "Hello"


    Arsh interjected, [Ms. Wood, how long are you gonna make me wait in your room?]


    Noor''s eyes widened hearing him. She nced at the living hall where her family was busy and ran upstairs. Just now her father gave her a green g before they could even decide about the marriage, she didn''t want anything to change Noah''s decision.


    She entered her room and quickly closed the door. She turned the lights on when she could already guess where was sitting, "When did youe?" She questioned as she went closer to him.


    Arsh watched her happy face for a few seconds. "After you guys stepped inside." Arsh half shrugged his shoulder, pointing out it was more than half an hour.


    Noor was momentarily speechless thinking he was wasting time sitting in her bedroom for so long, just to wait for her. "We were talking about you." She told them why she didn''t go to her room, "You should have called me before Wait, we just saw each other, why did youe?"


    Arsh could guess Noah must have asked something about him. He didn''t ask about it or respond to her question. "Why do you look so happy?"


    Noor promptly responded without giving a second thought, "Dad said we can marry anytime we want. We just have to let them know beforehand."


    Arsh almost choked on his spit. That wasn''t what he expected. He thought he might have to apologize to the whole family for teasing Noor with a marriage topic that could pressure her.


    He stood up from the chair and went towards her slowly nodding to himself. "Your parents passed me." He took a step, causing Noor to step back hearing his voice sounding mysterious. "Your grandparents like me." He took another step seeing her nod carefully. "Your sister has no problem."


    Noor''s back hit the door and she stood staring at him. Hearing him go silent without taking her name next, she knew he was waiting for her to say, at least, she likes him. But the thought was enough to make her flush red.


    Arsh sighed seeing her mute. His arm coiled around her waist. He twirled with her and left her freely in the room. He came to apologize so he focused on it without lifting his hopes, "I am sorry for picking a marriage topic. I was just teasing you in the restaurant. You don''t have to feel pressured about anything. And yeah, you can get angry whenever you want." He wouldn''t mind coaxing her if she is angry.


    Noor understood why he came to meet her. She wasn''t pressured, she was pissed off that time. "Oh I know." She knew he was teasing her.


    Arsh finally rxed after hearing her. He rubbed her head and decided to leave, "Get fresh and go to bed soon. Good night, Ms. Wood." After their long day, rest was very important.


    His thumb gently caressed her cheek, looking at her eyes still smiling. He turned to the balcony. He was leaving when he heard Noor''s mellow voice, "I was thinking... a double wedding would be a good idea."


    Arsh felt his world spin in a second beforeing to still. He held his breath without knowledge and turned around. He saw her chewing her lips and her face again flushed like a ripe tomato without looking him in the eyes.


    Arsh fought hard to say something but he didn''t know what to say. Just now he said she doesn''t have to be pressured and she was suggesting a double wedding with his sister and Ivan.


    Arsh closed his eyes and pinched between his brows to think rationally. He didn''t want her to make any decision she might regretter. Thinking the marriage topic must have influenced her to take the decision, he stayed super calm, burying his all other emotions.


    He held her arms and made her sit on the corner of the bed. Kneeling in front of her, he held her hands. He was extremely patient, stark opposite to the overwhelming emotions she created by her words. "Noor, don''t decide it on a whim. Give it a deep thought, speak to somebody if required. There will be a lot of changes if you get married. You will have to live at my ce, you will have a new identity, and you will also work"


    Noor cut in his words, pointing at him, "I will have you to help me." She knows he was worried about her and she was also nervous. She knew she would still be nervous if they dated for many months. When she saw her family epting and also excited looking forward to their marriage, she was exhrated and the thought of marrying Arsh indeed crossed her mind, purely on her will.


    Arsh couldn''t believe she was keeping the marriage so simple. He watched her for a few seconds and captured her lips in a fierce, soul-stealing kiss.


    ####


    His Devious Rule - The New novel is up.


    Please do give it a read and support.


    You will find the novel on my reading list.

 Chapter 652: Trust

    Chapter 652: Trust


    Noor gasped when Arsh caught her by surprise. She didn''t protest his actions and closed her eyes, feeling her heart picking up speed.


    His hand slipped behind her head, entangling with her soft silky hair. He intently kissed her soft, tempting lips giving much attention to both. Noor took a few seconds like every time before requiting his kiss, following his actions.


    She felt her back press on the soft mattress without leaving her attention from his lips that never failed to make her crave for them more. Her hands moved with their own mind and wrapped around his waist, unawarely closing the distance he had left to keep himself sane.


    Noor gasped, fluttering her eyes open when she felt his weight on her, pressed on the bed underneath him. Taking the chance, his slithery tongue seized her sweet mouth and sucked on her frozen tongue causing her to moan to slip out of her mouth, closing her eyes back.


    His tongue skillfully licked, wandered in her mouth as he wanted, ying and caressed her tongue. Her responsive kiss was like fuel fiercely thrown at the fire, zing his desire to take over her sweetness, her soul, her body.


    Only he knew how he always made sure she wasfortable next to him, he didn''t cross the line she wasn''t even thinking of. He never regretted the slow approach as she was faster than what he always expected.


    He wasn''t a saint after all. The woman beneath him is the one he loves. Her soft little frame beneath him was threatening his rationality with each second. His body started to crave for hers when she was innocently following his lead.


    His other hand that reached to touch her by instinct found its way to her waist. Noor shuddered when his finger grazed over her bare skin. She was wearing a crop top, high waist formal circr skirt, and a zer as they were in a business conference from morning to evening. Aftering home, she had got rid of the zer. His touch gave her goosebumps causing her to tighten her arms and sucked his tongue harder inside her mouth.


    Arsh groaned against her lips. Their kiss turned more intense as his fingers caressed her goose skin. Her body trembled at his touch and she didn''t seem to be disliking it. Her restrained soft mewls were saying she was feeling good.


    The tingling sensation from her breasts was making her press against his firm chest. Her hands moved on his back on their own. Arsh was itching to get rid of his shirt to feel her slender fingers, tracing his back, pressing and tugging his skin.


    He let out a low growl at his thoughts kissing her there was no tomorrow. Noor was lightheaded soon, forgetting to even breathe. She gasped for air when he let go of her but to get attacked again.


    Her fingers tangled and clutched his hair and mewled when his lips traced her chin and pressed against his neck. He left a wet kiss that made her jolt. She suddenly cupped his face and pulled him up.


    His soft breath was facing her lips while she panted. She flushed darker, the shade of red looking at him in the eyes. Arsh watched her moist eyes, staring at him while her finger was caressing his face without her knowledge.


    He asked to know if he did too much and she might be ufortable, "You don''t like it?"


    Noor quickly stole her gaze away, hearing his husky seductive voice. She was even more dark red as though all the blood had gushed out at her face. Liked? It excited something in her. She never felt it but when she could guess what she might be excited for. She didn''t know why she pulled him to her face. Anyhow she wasn''t going to say yes to him, she was too shy for that.


    She asked to change the topic, "So is it a yes?" Her voice was barely audible.


    She felt his lips on her cheek leaving a soft peck on them. She turned to him, taking away her hands when he sat up pulling her to sit. Her legs were down the bed, she still couldn''t bring herself to uncurl her toes as her chest rose and fell, catching her breath and calming her heart.


    He wasn''t helping her out there. He sat facing her with one leg on the bed and another one down. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her near him. He was so close to her that she could feel his breath when his nose gently rubbed her cheek. His heartbeats were calming down like hers.


    The tension was so sensual between them, she soon melted, leaning against his chest, closing her eyes with him. She held his arm that was around her while his arms asionally tightened.


    A few minutes passed when Arsh spoke, "No." He responded to her question.


    He heard her whine in protest to his response, further burying herself in his arms and resting her head on his chest.


    "Sleep on your decision." He suggested it to her as he caressed her head.


    Noor opened her eyes and gave a feeble hum to hear him continue.


    "Speak with your family if your decision is unchanged." He added and saw her eyes sparkle. She nodded, hiding her smile. She was confident in her decision.


    Arsh gave her a task atst, "Then find me at the Tea House."


    Noor didn''t bother to ask him why he was going to Tea house in the morning. She focused on her tasks. She sat up straight and epted wholeheartedly, "Alright. I will be there."


    Arsh was chuckling in amusement when she tried to pull him off the bed, "Go, go, go I need to sleep and think a lot."


    Arsh: "..."


    He should be the one who has to be excited, but she was the one who was over-excited as if she was waiting for it for many years. It made him happy anyway.


    Arsh tugged her causing her to fall on him. He shifted her on the bed and pinned her down. He whispered in her ear, "You also need to think of the duties of a wife. I won''t be so patient."


    ''Duties of a wife?'' Noor tilted her head thinking what are the duties of her mother. She has to look after everyone. She was about to nod when she caught the yful eyes.


    Her face flushed pink. Her voice came out like a whisper looking at him, "You will still be patient with me." She knew even if she wasn''t ready after the wedding, he wouldn''t force her. She had that too much trust in him. Probably more than herself.


    Arsh had thought she would be scared and give it a thought but she He kissed her forehead, "Good night, my girlfriend." It was probably thest time he was going to call it.


    Noor cupped her burning cheeks as she wished him, "Good night.''


    She saw him step out of the room and then she rolled on the bed like a little puffball, giggling to herself.


    "Ahem"


    Noor was shocked and sat up in a jerk. She saw him controlling hisughter at the door of the balcony. Embarrassed, she hurled a pillow at him and cried, "Go"


    She saw him jump off the balcony before she fell back on the bed and hugged a pillow.

 Chapter 653: Two Days to Celebrate

    Chapter 653: Two Days to Celebrate


    In the morning,


    Noor quicklypleted her breakfast and kept her spoons down. She looked at her grandparents, parents, and her elder sister for some attention.


    Noah and Norah looked at each other sipping theirs after breakfast tea. Grandparents were still eating while Naira stabbed her sd and left her spoon down.


    Naira tilted her head to look carefully at her little sister. "Have you decided to marry?"


    Noor was surprised and asked back, "How did you know? Did the Young Master tell you?"


    "It''s written all over your face, Sweetheart," Norah responded to the question.


    The grandparents got excited thinking they would get to see great-grandchildren.


    Noor pouted. She wanted to tell it herself. Despite everyone knowing, she took a breath and spoke, "Grandpa, grandma, Dad, Mom, and Sister"


    Everyone gave a nod to her in response for her to continue what she had to tell her decision.


    "I have the freedom to choose when and how I would like to get married. Haven''t I?"


    Grandfather Wood responded dotingly, "Of course, my princess."


    Noor shed him a smile and saw Noah and Norah nod at her. She continued, "Young Master also said it will be my decision and he won''t force me into anything."


    Nairained to Norah pointing at Noor, "Mom, look. She is bullying me."


    Noor giggled, understanding her sister is single, talking about her rtionship would be bullying her sister. "Listen to me, sister."


    Naira pretended to be sulking but nodded.


    "So I told him about my decisionst night but he turned me down." Noor saw everyone''s expression change. She quickly continued before any misunderstanding could arise, "He asked me to think more, let you guys know, ask your opinion and then go to him. Sooooo..." Her voice trailed.


    Elder''s fell silent while Naira hugged her younger sister and announced, "I need to look for a gown for my sister''s wedding." Then she advised, "You ask Aunt Aria and Snow for your wedding dress. They will get you the most sultry one."


    Grandparents looked at each other and smiled. They always loved Arsh. Hearing how heedful he was about every detail in Noor''s life, they had no objection, "We support you, Noor." The duo''s weak, soft voice sounded.


    Noor shed them a loving smile, "Thank you, Grandma, Grandpa"


    Then her eyesnded on the couple. Norah stayed quiet so that she could show her support to her husband so she waited for Noah to speak.


    Noah watched Noor. He still felt it was yesterday when he was driving his little girls to school. It was such an important decision and marrying her off at the age of 22 felt too early. Noah also knew he would say early even if she is 30. He knew Arsh, he knew the Morgan family, more importantly, Noor would go to the house which was practically next to theirs.


    He simply asked to know her opinion, "Noor, don''t you think you are too young?"


    Noor tilted her head hearing the question. Truthfully she never thought of it. "I don''t know what is the right age to marry, Dad. I never thought of it that way. Won''t I have all the freedom which I have now?" She genuinely asked, thinking if she had missed something.


    Noah chuckled. Sometimes it was so nice to see the world so simple and live life uplicated. "With your soon-to-be husband and inws, I am afraid you will be spoiled rotten and forget us."


    The rest chuckled while Noor gave a thought and asked for more rity, "Is that a yes?"


    "You should go and ask your Young master." Noah chuckled for ''Young master.'' He was curious to know if Noor ends up calling Young master even after marriage.


    Norah wished her luck, "All the best, Noor."


    Noor shed a sweet. Since it was Saturday, she thought she could go out with Arsh after meeting him. So she started to think about which dress she should wear.


    Naira asked after she messaged her manager to keep a beautiful gown ready for the wedding reception and a set of designs for the bridesmaid. "Have you guys No, let me correct myself. Have you chosen when to get married, Noor?" She meant, Noor will rule and Arsh will nod his head. "Or, will elders have to choose for you two?"


    Everyone''s attention fell on Noor who promptly said her n, "Nothing is fixed yet. Sister Snow has a wish for a double wedding. And I liked the idea of it. So it will probably be in five months. Is that alright, Dad, mom?"


    Naira thought about keeping her schedule free to help Snow and Noor with the arrangements.


    Noah fell into deep thought. He had thought he would get to arrange a grand wedding for his daughter. He wanted to put up his request but it''s about her happiness so, "Whatever makes you happy."


    Noor glowed like a thousand watt light. She went around the table and hugged him, "I love you, Dad."


    An envious tone sounded, "My daughter forgot me so soon." Norah sighed. Noor jumped the ship and gave her mother a big tight hug.


    Then Noor exploded the bomb, asking politely, "Do you guys want toe to the marriage registration bureau with us today?"


    Noah and Norah choked on their tea, Grandparents were shocked and Naira doubted her ears.


    Noah stood up abruptly and demanded, "What is going on in your head?"


    "Why are you in such a hurry to leave us?" Norah couldn''t believe Noor Wood who was famous for being slow was getting married in less than two months of dating.


    ''Did the earth rotate in a different direction?''


    Noor was startled hearing their high-pitched voice. She breathed to calm down as she thought if she decided something was wrong. She carefully answered the questions one by one, "Dad, I want to two days celebrate. One for my marriage anniversary. One for my wedding anniversary."


    If they register the marriage after the wedding, she didn''t find it as joyous as this way. This idea came to her because she always saw Aria and n celebrating two days. "One celebration with the Young master and another with everyone." Just like Aria and n.


    Isn''t it good to have more celebrations in a year to enjoy?


    Noah: "..."


    He felt like he didn''t know his daughter at all. It was in a good way.


    Noor looked at Norah who was speechless too, "Mom, when did I say I will leave. I will be here until the wedding."


    Elders: "..."


    Naira covered her mouth to control herughter hearing thest one. She didn''t know if she should call Noor dumb or innocent. "My dear sister, you will officially be the wife of Arsh Morgan if you register the marriage. He can demand you to live with him."


    Noor hadn''t thought of that. She mused for a few seconds and shrugged her shoulders, "Young Master will listen to me. He won''t force me to do anything." She had too much confidence in him.


    Naira couldn''t hold back and burst intoughter, "I love you, little sister. Which world are you from? I doubt you are from here." She said betweenughter.


    Noor: ".."


    Noah and Norah sat down without knowing what to say. In their opinion, Arsh had brought this upon himself by spoiling her, letting her do as she wanted. So it was time he should see the results of his actions.


    Without a proper reason, they can''t even stop her. So, Noah responded after a deep breath, "If your Young Master agrees for that, go ahead ande home. Remember this, I won''t let you go before the wedding."


    Actually, he wasn''t serious about hisst words. He wanted to see if Arsh was still capable of letting her have her way.


    ####


    His Devious Rule - The New novel is up.


    Please do give it a read and support.


    You will find the novel on my reading list.

 Chapter 654: Proposal or Confession

    Chapter 654: Proposal or Confession


    At Tea house,


    Noor picked a beautiful flowy short dress that had delicatece adorned. She got off her Audi R8, thinking of calling Arsh to know where he was.


    Her eyes fell on a man who was standing in front of a bench watching the calmly flowing water in the river. She didn''t enter the tea house and went towards him.


    Arsh sensed somebody going towards him. He turned around and saw her beaming. He could say her decision hasn''t changed looking at her glowing face.


    Her slow steps quickened and she skipped towards him on her heels. He wanted to say. ''Careful'' as she was running on the uneven grasnd, he didn''t feel like she would listen to him so he saved his breath.


    She leaped to his arms and hugged him, wrapping her arms around his neck on his shoulder. "Everyone is supporting my decision." She said gleefully.


    Arsh smiled hearing her excitement. He had still thought she was young for the marriage. When she was ready and eager to be with him, why would he hinder it?


    Before he could utter anything, Noor saw something following on the river. It was arge wooden floating deck beautifully decorated. "What is that?"


    She said, unwrapping her arms and looking at it.


    Arsh knew what she was pointing at. He should have asked her out formally but they started in a tricking way. So he wanted to give her a proper proposal.


    He didn''t respond. He grabbed his zer from the bench and took her towards the floating deck. As they got closer, Noor saw therge wooden deck was equally bnced with heavy nt pots at four ends so that if anybody walks on it, it won''t lose its bnce.


    What caught her eyes were big pendant lights having big burning candles. There were smaller sizes too. Red and white rose petals were spread on the deck with a bunch of flowers in a vase.


    Her eyes fell on a board that had a word written beautifully, ''Nosh.'' She instantly guessed, "You did this for me?" NoSH - Noor + Arsh. It was an easy guess.


    Arsh rubbed his eyebrow. Rooney and Jasmine were more excited than Noor after hearing Arsh asking for their help. He nced at her, leaving his hand and skipping front.


    Noor wanted to jump on it but she was afraid it might move the deck away from the shore. Looking at there is nothing to sit on, "If there was a little floor mat, a few pillows with yummy food, it would be the perfect date." She suggested it to him.


    Arsh: "..."


    ''You are still dumb.'' The nervous Arsh thought that. Seeing her still not guessing why had done that.


    He was squeezing his brain thinking about what to say. Jasmine had eaten his head for more than an hour to be romantic and sweet. She had asked him to smile more but his lips were further contracted. Noor didn''t seem to mind it.


    He went to her and held her hand, "Step on." He sounded cool. Noor got on while thinking they have to sit on the wood but food? She giggled to herself thinking they should catch some fish.


    Arsh: "..."


    He didn''t want to ask why she was happy again. He got on the wooden deck, passed her his zer, and picked the long wooden paddle that was on the deck inplete silence. He pressed the river bank with the edge of the paddle and gave a strong push. They moved away from the edge and started floating away on the water at a very slow pace.


    Arsh left the paddle on the deck and slowly breathed. He never had thought one day he would be so nervous. He knew it wasn''t necessary but he didn''t want to leave it. He was nervous She mightugh at him or don''t like it. He might end up saying some crap making it worse.


    Noor was enjoying her view without fear. She was about to call Arsh and noticed that he was uneasy and the decor on the wooden deck felt more than a simple date.


    Her face soon morphed to surprise and then shyness. Then she was excited, she poked Arsh and asked in a low voice, "Are you going to propose to me? Here? It''s beautiful."


    Somehow her voice and the littlepliment eased him up. When he turned around to look at her, he saw her fetching the little jewelry box from his zer.


    "Why does your brain work faster for this?" He asked helplessly.


    Noor shrugged her shoulders, "It is there in most of the movies and dramas."


    Arsh: "..."


    Noor saw the gorgeousdy''s diamond ring inside it. She extended her hand at him, "Where is another ring?" He asked for a men''s ring.


    Arsh pointed to the zer without knowing what she was up to. She was flushing like delicious cherry as her hands again started to look in each pocket and took the men''s ring out.


    Noor was aware Arsh wasn''tfortable in speaking a lot and adding all the words toplete the romantic proposal. Since he was the one who was waiting for her and she was the one who had to decide for them, she chose to propose. No, try it out.


    Even though she was able to decide, she started bing nervous but there was determination. She lowered to keep the zer and the ring box and she stood up.


    "You shouldn''tugh at me." She warned him.


    Arsh was wordless looking at her taking the lead. He wanted to stop her but seeing her resolution gazing at the men''s ring, he fell silent.


    Noor could feel her heart thundering inside her chest when she looked up to him. Seeing his anticipating gaze, her nervous smile stiffened. His hands reached out to her and held her so tenderly, Noor slowly rxed and softly smiled.


    Her mellow voice floated to his ears, "I am not the beautiful girl out there or an intelligent one. It was like nothing really matters to you but fme. You bully me, you also make me feel good inside. Like we are meant to be together. So to celebrate the togetherness every day, will you marry me?" In the end, she adorably tilted her head. Her eyes were blinking at him, cheeks were flushing every second.


    Arsh shed a smirk of amusement and content. He loved her sweet proposal but He probed her, "Noor, you are missing something. Aren''t you?"


    Noor bit her lips thinking what she missed, what he might be expecting. A few seconds passed and she looked at him in disappointment for not understanding.


    Arsh went closer to her and brushed her fluttering hair strand and tucked it behind her ear. He heard her ask, "Are you dissatisfied?"


    "No." His response was quick, "I am very much content. Probably I am expecting a little more this time."


    His deep voice rested her crazy heartbeats but she was a little sad for not meeting his expectations. "What is it?" She asked directly, clutching the ring tight in her palms.


    Arsh watched her, she looked like she was going to cry any moment. His intention wasn''t to make her sad when she was so happy reaching him. He faintly smiled at her to keep her at ease and voiced his opinion.


    "People are in a rush to fall in love. Some force themselves to like one. Some settle with one for some wants. Many base their rtionship on physical rather than emotional. I want our rtionship to be about love, fondness, and unwavering devotion for each other"


    Noor understood she proposed to him but she never confessed to him. His expectation was her confession. She felt her cheeks turning hot thinking of confessing looking him in the eyes.


    Her arms lifted and hugged him, hiding her face from him. Arsh paused by her reaction. He least wanted to make his words sound ming.


    "Noor"


    Noor cut in again, "I-I love you." Her timid voice sounded close to his ear. She felt his body stiffen and she continued with a little more bravery, "For being so patient with me, for guiding me, for never showing me the shortcut, for always supporting me. I love you, not for your name or how you look. For who you are."


    She would have tried to run somewhere and hide if they were on thend. Here she couldn''t do it so she tightened her arms, waiting for him to speak.

 Chapter 655: Mutual Decision

    Chapter 655: Mutual Decision


    Noor wasn''t as dumb as he had thought. He wanted to tell her that she had walked too far. She didn''t rush with him, she was taking time with her feelings and taking time to confess to him. He had epted that she would take more time. But she turned out to be too fast.


    "Noor" There was mirth in his tone.


    Noortched on him tighter when he tried to break her hug. She protested with a whine but didn''t let him look at her.


    "Let me look at you."


    "No." She denied it without a second thought.


    Arsh chuckled hearing her, "Will hide each time you say you love me?"


    Noor nodded as she added, "Yes." She wanted to vanish from there.


    Arsh sighed. Sometimes she behaves so mature and sometimes like a little shy girl. He gave another try, "Are you shy or reluctant?"


    Noor gritted her teeth and broke from his arms. She grumpily responded, "I am not reluctant." Then she realized he tricked her. Her face flushed deep red and tried to run away, forgetting the floating deck.


    Arsh was quick to pull her to his arms before she could stupidly fall into the water. He demanded, seeing her gaze go everywhere but him, "Say it." He demanded.


    He started imagining Noor running away from him for a day or two after their first night. He wouldn''t be surprised if that happens. It made him silently chuckle instead of sad.


    Noor retorted, for hearing him give the orders, "No."


    Arsh cupped her face, forcefully made her look into him. "Try again For me." This time his requesting and affectionate voice melted her faster than the snowke under the sun.


    She squeezed her eyes and opened one. She bit her lips and her fingers tugged at his shirt and finally, she brought herself to say looking at him with both eyes, "I love you."


    Arsh immediately chuckled when she buried her face on his chest. Shouldn''t the proposals and confessions be romantic and emotional? He got the lively and funny one with the shy bun in his arms.


    Noor pped his back, "Don''tugh." She cried.


    Arsh tried to pull her head back and say it on her face but she just buried herself in him. His hand caressed her head trying to make herfortable, "I love you too, NOOR." He stressed her name, reminding her she doesn''t call his name yet. "And yes, I am going to marry this shy girlfriend of mine."


    Noor grinned at hearing him. She turned around in his arms, without showing her face. Holding his hand, she put the ring to his finger. She squatted and took thedy''s ring and handed it to him. Spreading her fingers, she urged him to put it on her.


    Arsh was smiling nonstop seeing her every action. He could have turned her around but didn''t. He didn''t want to make her ufortable. He put the ring on for her and watched her y with their hands looking at the rings.


    She tried to steal nces of him a few times before she exploded the bomb, very carefully. She was careful due to her family''s reaction. "Then are we registering our marriage today or Monday?"


    ''Marriage!?'' Arsh twirled her and asked in confusion, "Register the marriage? So soon?" As per her n, they would be having a double wedding. It would probably take five to six months.


    Noor patiently exined her n and her reasons. She also told him what her father said. She waited for his response watching him utterly mute the whole time.


    Arsh could easily guess what was going on in Noah''s head hearing all of it and giving her permission. Anyhow he stared at the hopeful gaze of his little fiancee.


    He had spoiled her. "Nope." His voice was crystal clear when he rejected. He couldn''t believe she came up with something like that. He was struggling his hardest to put on indifference when he was bewildered to his bones.


    Probably he is the only man in the world who just got engaged and rejected to marry her immediately. ''Which idiot corrupted her brain?'' Arsh thought, looking away from her. He wanted to crush that person and bury him ten feet in the ground.


    Noor circled Arsh when he turned away. "Why?" She sweetly asked.


    Arsh turned away again. He knows that he will do anything for her. Rejecting her would be more troublesome if she keeps making that innocent face. He didn''t want to do this. This was outrageous. He didn''t want to torture himself for five months minimum.


    Noor again circled him like a child, unwilling to give up. "Why? Is there a problem?"


    Arsh: "..."


    ''Problem?'' Nothing was right in it. He breathed slowly and suggested, "How about we celebrate engagement today every year and wedding another day?" She will get two days as a celebration. Wasn''t it a good n?


    Noor looked at the ring on her finger and looked at the floating deck. This was the best memory she could save with her forever. And it was also the first day she confessed. So she lifted her head and shed him the sweetest and most alluring smile she ever held. "That''s great. Could wee here every year then?"


    Arsh felt like a load was lifted off his chest. He knew her intentions were as pure as her words. She just wanted more reasons to be happy with him. Fulfilling her wish was all he needed to solve it.


    He embraced her feeling relief washed over him. He felt good that he knew in and out of her and solved it without any sad feelings. "As you" He paused from saying, ''As you wish.'' He understood how right and simple she might be, they should always agree on mutual decisions. "We will n."


    Noor nodded happily, with her eyes curling to little crescents when his lips pressed on her forehead.


    Turning around in his arms, she enjoyed the unique way of floating on water and watching the scenery. She realized the stretch they were at has the calm water and no roads nearby so none were there to look at them.


    Meanwhile, Arsh was busy thinking why couldn''t she call his name and how he could make her address him.


    They got off the deck after less than a mile. He only chose the course which was safe in every way.


    In the end, Rooney and Jasmine were waiting for them. Looking at the rings around their fingers, Jasmine hugged Noor while Rooney teased Arsh. "I told Big Mom."


    Arsh: "..."


    Then Rooney wished, "Congrattions Bro" He gave a shoulder hug and grinned in a Mischievous way.


    Before Arsh could stop him, Rooney asked loud and clear, "Noor, my dear sister-inw, tell me when are you guys registering your marriage?" He had made a bet and he wanted to win it.


    Arsh couldn''t stop his brother but he swiftly tugged Noor close and covered her lips with his palm. "Thank you for dropping the cars," He said in a threatening tone and took Noor away.


    ----


    The evening was full of celebration with three families, the Morgans, Woods, and Ross in the Morgan mansion. The Stanley family joined them to celebrate with the new couple.


    The most elevated ones at the end of the day were Snow and Noor when they got approval from each one for the double wedding.

 Chapter 656: Twins

    Chapter 656: Twins


    After six months. An hour before the wedding at half-past three in the evening.


    The mothers of the brides and grooms were making double checks on every arrangement. The fathers of the brides and grooms were busy taking care of their wives running around under the sun.


    They had left all the arrangements for the brides and grooms to decide for five months. As the dates neared, they realized their children were doing nothing but romancing each day without doing any work for the wedding.


    When the days got closer, mothers had to do something looking at their kids confused and fickle about each wedding idea they wereing with. Both couples didn''t fight but weren''t happy with any idea the other one was chosen. So the mothers became the wedding nners and organizers.


    Everything was nned and arranged in twenty days while their kids weren''t only busy with romancing, they had conglomerate to take care of.


    Yes, you are right. The President of Morgan Industries was Arsh Morgan, who took over the position in high glory. The CEO of Skyline was Ivan Ross, the most eligible, anticipated man on the chair.


    When the wedding was pushed to six months, Aria let Ivan to take control on the day Arsh took over. The best friends were on the throne to rule the business world together.


    Not just men. Women didn''t back down when it came to their careers. Arna Morgan, the designer proved her worth and celebrated her sess party with high demand. She got the best business offer from Skyline withplete authority over her brand.


    Noor Wood''s works were splendid. Her great hospitality with the reputed and international clients drove more and more clients to Woods international asking for her guidance. Thepany sangpliments for her sess while all she was doing was give her best,plete work soon, just to run back to the cozy cuddling arms.


    The double wedding was a destination wedding on a beautiful ind. The ind had unique Greece style architecture. Thendscape was in elevation, Each building and vi were painted in pure white and the small tombs and roof were cobalt blue color.


    Nearly half of the ind was reserved for privacy for all the guests. Despite it being a double wedding, both had different backdrops and themes. The wedding will be one after the other.


    ----


    In the room, Rooney was in a sky blue suit of the best man outfit. He watched Arsh and Ivan. Ivan was in a white three-piece suit, looking the best he ever could. He was all cool, looking at himself in the full-length mirror.


    Rooney''s eyes shifted to the man who was pacing to and fro. He felt dizzy looking at him. "Bro I told you, Noor is excited. She isn''t as nervous as you think."


    Arsh snapped at the door guard, that''s Rooney, "I don''t believe you. Let me go and see her once."


    Ivan chuckled hearing Arsh repeat the same, "Arsh, is that an excuse to see your bride?"


    Caught.


    Arsh snorted. He knew Noor wasn''t nervous. She was jumping in joy when he took her to the beach after breakfast.


    "..." Rooney who was left to hold the two grooms in the room. Especially Arsh who could jump out of the window to have a glimpse of his bride.


    Ivan chuckled as he grabbed Arsh''s dark blue zer and helped him wear it. Straightening the shoulder of the zer, Ivan tried to reason with his friend, "Snow wants me to see her on the aisle first. I think Noor is the same." The brides hadn''t shown their wedding gowns to them.


    Arsh didn''t respond but knew he always agrees if it''s Noor''s wish. "My mobile." He demanded.


    Rooney threatened, "Ask Big Mom." He had confiscated the mobiles.


    Ivan and Rooney chuckled looking at Arsh having no patience to wait for a few more minutes.


    ----


    Meanwhile, at a different end of the hotel, Roxy, Naira, Jasmine, and Rose silently watched the two brides getting ready with the help of a stylist. After the makeup by the makeup artist, Arna gave a little touch-up for herself and Noor.


    Jasmine murmured to her mother and future mother-inw, "Mom, Mom, I had thought they would be nervous. I had read so many inspirational lines for them."


    "Noor, you are stunning. My brother will fall for you all over again." Snow hugged Noor, being careful about their hair and makeup.


    Noor was admiring Arna, "Sister Snow, you are gorgeous." She eximed. "The gown looks so much better on you."


    Jasmine murmured, munching some dried berries, "Too bad. Brother Ivan will find it bothersometer."


    Rose smacked her daughter who was going to say Ivan would prefer Arna without a dress. "Mooom." She whined.


    Roxy and Noor giggled while Arna was speechless for a second. When Arna saw Noor giggling, she teasingly whispered near Noor''s ear, "Oh my sweet sister-inw, your husband might tear off your gown. Be careful."


    Noor flushed instantly and sat on the sofa ignoring her. The more she tried to remove the thoughts, she was flushed like a cooked lobster.


    Arna regretted saying it after looking at Noor all red. She got into distracting her as they chatted merrily.


    -----


    The guests of the wedding had to urge the three couples to get ready else they would look odd and unorganized in their kids'' wedding.


    The three couples rushed to their rooms and quickly got ready. There were helpers for the hair and make-up so it didn''t take long for the couple to reach the venue of the first wedding.


    ----


    It was five in the evening, The sun was threatening to leave them in the dark when everyone gathered at the beach of ck soil. The white veil coiled around the wooden arch was fluttering in the wind causing ripples of sound with the rushing waves of the sea hitting the shore. The white roses in the pots and vases were arranged beautifully. The decor was simple with the wooden chairs yet everything looked elegant and wondrous against the sea.


    Everyone turned to the aisle made of wood. Finn Stanley walked the Aisle. He was going to officiate the wedding at Arna''s request. Then the best man walked with a faint smile on his face. Then came the handsome groom, Ivan Ross.


    "My Son." Eva adored her son.


    "Our Son." Isaac corrected her.


    Eva ignored her husband and sent a flying kiss to Ivan and held Isaac''s hand. "He is as handsome as you." Isaac patted her hand and waited for the bride holding their breath.


    All eximed when they caught a man in a dark olive green suit walking by the gorgeous bride in a shimmering white wedding gown.


    Instead of just using the small aisle, n was escorting his daughter from the hotel, alighting the stairs.


    "My Goddess, I am finally stealing your daughter." Eva voiced to Aria who was emotionally looking at father and daughter.


    The guests around them chuckled hearing Eva while looking at the bride.


    Ivan was stunned like every time. Arna''s hair was styled in a messy bun suiting the venue and being natural to the soft wind. Her makeup was subtle but the eye stood out in the smokey eye.


    She was wearing a unique design gracing her curves. The sheerness of the cloth was reduced by the intricate, vertical, and delicate apply of small twinkling studs. The deep V neckline wasyered with wings like structure subtly covering her neck and cleavage.


    Her arms were covered till the wrist and the hem of the dress were shuffling down the stairs. The center slit of the dress was high till mid-thighs revealing her long slender legs on open toes high stilettos. She had skipped the fairytale veil to their reality.


    One arm was hooked to her father''s and the other one held the white roses bridal bouquet.


    Isaac felt a tug and heard Rooney mention, "Brother Ivan, Sister Snow will be here. Wait" Then he realized he had taken two steps away. He saw Arna smile at him and breathed.


    Bowing to his father-inw, he received his bride-to-be''s hand and pulled her front. Both stared at each other and words had no ce to speak their delight and adoration.


    Naira and Jasmine stood behind the bride. Jasmine took the bouquet from Snow when the ceremony was going to start.


    Finn started the wedding ceremony. "I am Finn Stanley" He nced at Arna, his darling Snow who was a bride. "The bride''s first love. She had promised to marry me and I am heartbroken to be an officiant in her wedding."


    His humor earned a heartful chuckle from everyone. He continued, "I now announce, the wedding ceremony begins."


    While another couple watched from upstairs, the rest were the witnesses of the wedding.


    Finn asked the bride and groom who repeated, "I do."


    Naira held the rings away and demanded, "I want a flower girl for my wedding in the future." Everyoneughed seeing Arna flushing while Ivan was momentarily speechless.


    "Me too" Jasmine peeked at them, imagining the little girls in beautiful dresses running around at her wedding.


    Rooney and Finn: "..."


    Both looked at each other and the younger one shed an awkward smile. Finn would skin him alive at Jasmine''s speed.


    Nheless, Rooney said in a low voice to reach the bridesmaid''s ears, "Sister Snow might have twins."


    Arna''s jaws dropped at the realization. She turned to her emotional mother who shrugged her shoulders, stating ''Maybe or maybe not.''


    Jasmine became excited, "Right, I want a boy and a girl."


    All burst intoughter when Ivan turned to Rooney and patted his shoulder, "Work hard, your girlfriend wants a boy and a girl."


    Jasmine and Rooney: "..."


    Naira chuckled as she corrected, "We want a flower girl and a ring bearer." She handed the rings.


    Under the round of apuse, they exchanged the rings and the groom kissed his bride confessing their love for each other.


    "I promise to always make youugh and tough together," Arna vowed.


    "I promise to never lose our spark and to always do the little things to make you happy," Ivan promised and kissed his bride again.

 Chapter 657: Epilogue

    Chapter 657: Epilogue


    All the guests moved to the next venue which was just three stories in height from there. The elders took the elevators while the ones who could climb took the stairs.


    It was a perfect time for sunset. The lights were artistically lit without overdoing much. The guest area was around the dining table so that the reception could start immediately on the vast terrace around the swimming pool.


    Towards one end, the simple yet beautiful square frames were arranged decorated in vibrant flowers. It was said to be specially searched and imported to be the same as the painting Noor had liked. The new President Morgan had his connections.


    The newly wedded couple cozied together at the table ignoring the whole world. No singles dared to go near them.


    Everyone naturally fell silent when Arsh walked the aisle covered in the flowers, lined by the candles facing the setting sun, unseen end of the ocean, and trail of the mountain range at the end. The Sky seemed to steal the colors from the vibrant flowers and painted itself more attractively.


    The first wedding, a ck and white signified, two contrasting lives could fall together and blend themselves and lead a life. This wedding was merging the whole universe. The sun was at the horizon while the moon was up in the sky looking down at them. The twinkling stars were appearing one after the other, announcing their presence at the wedding.


    Arsh and Noor proved a day and night could be one when she stepped on the aisle leaving the crowd astonished.


    Arsh''s eyes slightly widened looking at his bride. He had unawarely expected her to be in a beautiful ball gown but she was swept away by everyone with her sultry look.


    Noor''s face had a hint of pinkness when she walked with her father. She wanted something different, something none could guess. Something that could leave Arsh wondering.


    Her hair was set free with a few strands holding a hair brooch. Her make wasn''t in the pink hues but brown and ck that gave a bold look to her innocent face.


    She was wearing a sweetheart neckline off-the-shoulder dress. Her small waist had a white belt around and a was designed in a way, a big shimmering butterfly was hugging her waist. The design was trailed down in a small vine. The mermaid-style dress was hugging her curves with a long slit at her left leg. Her slender, pearly white leg was tempting on her high pumps.


    Arsh realized he wasn''t taking an innocent wife home but an alluring seductress who could be his death.


    Her hands held the bridal bouquet the same as the decor. She didn''t want to smile but her lips were arcing up repeatedly looking at her groom who was frozen.


    Arsh snapped back when the duo reached him. He showed his respect to his bride''s father and took his bride''s hand.


    Noor passed her banquet to Naira when she extended her hand. And stood in front of Arsh, holding his hands.


    At a table, Ivan asked in the lowest voice, "How is Naira doing? Is she over Arsh?"


    Arna''s gaze shifted from the couple to a girl who was happy with the happiness of her first love and her little sister. She recalled what Naira had told her, ''If I am stubborn, Noor won''t ept Arsh. Arsh won''t marry anybody else. Three won''t have happiness. Why shouldn''t I let the two have the happiest life?''


    Arna answered with a hint of sadnesscing her words, "I guess, <strong>everyone can''t be lucky in love</strong>."


    Ivan rubbed her hand. He didn''t expect Naira would change but when she did, her heart was lonely. "She might get one who could love her."


    Arna hummed and smiled looking at Noor who was confused seeing no officiant. ''My brother Uff.''


    Arsh asked her in a voice that reached only Noor, "Do you remember the wedding vow you told me at the church?" She had innocently recited the vow when they had been to church thinking it could be their wedding venue. It was an intimate and unexpected wedding for them.


    Noor nodded and understood they will be taking their wedding vows instead of the officiant asking them. She wasn''t nervous, she had a content smile when she took her vow audible enough to reach the ears of guests inplete silence.


    "I, Noor Wood, take you, Arsh Morgan, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part."


    There was no hesitation or uncertainty in her voice. She vowed so smoothly that everyone had a smile as though they were marrying off their obedient daughter. They gave thunderous apuse louder than before. Norah rubbed the trickling tear on her cheek and she pped with her husband.


    Arsh watched his wife''s half-face glowing under the golden hue of the sunlight and another under the artificial light. What he loved was her happiness for their day gracing her face in smiles.


    "I promise to be a husband who you look for in your happiness and sadness, in regrets and content, when you are down and cheery, when you are strong and when you feel weak. I will be there when you look back and be your strength to move forward. I will hold your hand when you need it, be a pillow for the tears, take you away when you want an escape, wave the magic wand to fulfill your wishes, give wings to your dreams. I will be the safe nest as <strong>my Little Bird</strong> has the wish."


    A moment of silence filled the air. The calmness was in their heart and smiles on everyone''s faces. The wedding is said to remind the couples of their own. With the Arsh''s vows, their train of memories passed in their mind. Some were content with their life and some wanted to do better to earn more happiness in little things. A few in them hoped those magical words could be their reality.


    Noor''s eyes moistened eventually and her tears rolled down hearing him. She tugged his hand with a small pout, for mentioning the nickname in front of all.


    As though he knew she would cry, he removed tissue from his pocket and gently dabbed without affecting the makeup, "Don''t cry, my wife. You have eye makeup on." He whispered endearingly.


    "You are making me cry." She sniffed, holding her tears back so that she could enjoy the receptionter. "I want the traditional vow too." She requested.


    Arsh made sure she wasn''t crying before he fulfilled, "I, Arsh Morgan, take you, Noor Wood, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part."


    Everyone snapped out hearing Arsh''s voice and gave a round of apuse while they exchanged the rings and went for the wedding kiss.


    Arsh held the back of her neck and tenderly kissed her without making her ufortable due to everyone around. As though his ears buzzed, he heard, "<strong>Arsh!</strong>" It was muffled, causing him to break the kiss abruptly and look at her.


    Noor was flushed calling his name for the first time. She confessed in a low voice when the crowd fell silent without knowing what happened. "Arsh I- I always felt calling your name was too intimate, like confessing my feelings. So I was." ''Shy.''


    The rest of the words muffled away under his dominating kiss without letting herplete. For him, that''s the best gift he could get at his wedding from her - <strong>His name, her love.</strong>


    <strong>Love</strong>, everyone struggles to have true love, fighting hard to get it. Some try to covet and some sacrifice. No matter what, have hope and love yourself. One day, you will find the love you deserve.


    <strong>The End.</strong>


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