Chapter 16 Blast From The Past
I got home just as the sky began to darken. The familiar scent of jasmine and old wood met me at the door.
Kian was in the living room, flipping through a magazine. The moment he saw me, he stood.
“How did it go?” he asked gently.
sank into the seat across from him. “It was… a lot.”
He sat beside me. “Want to talk about it?“N
I nodded. “We talked. Properly, this time. About… everything.”!
Kian waited, letting me take my time.
“He’s different from what I imagined. He didn’t try to deny anything. He admitted it all–his mistakes, the years he missed. And he’s trying to fix it before it’s too late.”
Kian reached for my hand. “That’s good, Aria. I’m happy you’re finally getting something you’ve always deserved–acceptance.”}]
I swallowed. “It’s strange. In just a short while, he gave me more acceptance and warmth than Williams ever did in my whole life.” Kian gave my hand a squeeze. “Because you were never truly Williams‘ daughter.“}
I sighed. “That man ruined my mother.”
“And tried to ruin you,” Kian added.
“Exactly,” I muttered. “And the worst part? I didn’t know. I didn’t know any of it. I spent my life tiptoeing around him, trying to earn crumbs of approval. When the truth is–he never loved me. He loved Mira’s mother. Just like Austin loved Mira.“}
Kian nodded slowly. “They’re all the same.”
“Austin really is Williams‘ ideal son–in–law,” I muttered bitterly. “They deserve each other.”}
Kian chuckled. “Well, I hope they’re ready. Because they’ll all be attending your debut.“>
I turned sharply. “They what?“>
He nodded. “Williams, Austin, Mira. They were all invited. They’ll be there.“)
A slow grin stretched across my face. “Oh… this is perfect.“}
Kian raised a brow. “You seem excited.”@
“Excited?” I repeated. “I’m ecstatic.“}
He chuckled.}
I leaned forward, eyes sharp. “You know what this means, right?”
“Enlighten me.“}
“I’m going to expose him. Williams. Right there. In front of everyone. The mighty CEO whose wife was raped on her wedding night, whose daughter isn’t even his, who drugged a woman for his mistress.“}
Kian blinked. “You’re serious.”
I smiled coldly. “Completely. Mira has already lost credibility. Her name’s tainted. No more investors, no more collaborations. She’s a joke now. And when I reveal the truth about Williams, their empire will crumble.”
Kian watched me for a moment, then smiled. “You know… you’re terrifying when you talk like this.”}
I grinned. “Good.”
He leaned closer. “You know what else?“)
“What?”
“You look very… irresistible when you’re plotting revenge.“}]
I rolled my eyes, laughing. “Stop it.”
“I’m serious.”@
“Don’t say things like that,” I said, face heating.
“Why not?” His voice was lower now, softer.
“Because it’s embarrassing.”
Kian stood and walked around to kneel in front of me. His hands found my waist. “Why are you embarrassed? You’re my wife.”
I covered my face with both hands. “Kian…”
He gently pulled my hands away. “I want to see your face when you’re not drunk.”
I blinked. “What?”
“I’ve seen you angry, sad, tipsy… even broken. But I want to see you in love. I want to see you choosing me, not just escaping him.”
“Kian-“S
“I’m not asking you to say it now,” he said, voice tender. “I just want you to know… I’ve loved you for years. I loved you when you didn’t even know my name.”
I blushed, eyes darting away. “You’re making this very difficult.”
for 16 – Bílast From The Past
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He smiled. “Good.”%
“I don’t know if I’m ready for this, Kian,” I murmured.§
He smiled, “You’ll never know unless you try.”
He leaned in, brushing his lips against mine.
This time, I didn’t pull away.
I leaned into the kiss. He kissed me, slowly, gently. My hands found their way into his hair as I tugged his face closer to mine.” “Kian…” I murmured, leaning in closer.
He pulled away a bit and stared at me and I frowned as his warmth disappeared.
“Do you want me to stop?” he asked me.
1 shook my head quickly, “I want you.“}
Kian smirked, “I know you do baby.”
Then he stood, scooped me into his arms effortlessly, and carried me toward the bedroom.
“Let me show you what it feels like to be chosen,” he whispered in my ear.
I didn’t resist.
Not this time.£
