Chapter 21 Chapter 21.

Chapter 21 Chapter 21.
The tension between Aria and Francesca crackled like electricity in the air, and as Aria's face flushed with anger from the charred breakfast situation, she could feel her heart pounding in her chest. Francesca’s smirk only fueled the fire, and suddenly, Aria felt a wave of righteous indignation wash over her. 

“Why do you have to be such a bully?” Aria shouted, her voice rising. “It’s just eggs and toast!”

“Would you rather be remembered for serving child's play or for being a complete joke?” Francesca sneered, wiping the remnants of egg from her cheek and glaring at Aria with a fierce intensity. “You don’t belong here, Aria. You never have.”

That was the last straw. Aria clenched her fists, her body moving before her mind could think. “Maybe you should think about where you stand!” she shot back, taking a step forward.

Francesca snickered but the laughter didn't reach her eyes. “Is that a challenge?” she goaded, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow, ready for whatever Aria dared to throw her way.

With adrenaline pumping through her veins, Aria charged forward, shoving Francesca hard enough to make her stumble backward. The other woman quickly regained her balance, narrowing her eyes. “You’re going to regret that,” she hissed, lunging at Aria in retaliation.

The two women collided, each grasping for the other in a whirlwind of flailing limbs and pent-up rage. Aria ducked under Francesca’s outstretched arms, shifting her weight and pivoting, finally managing to grab Francesca around the waist. With a burst of energy, Aria propelled her opponent toward the dining table, sending the plates rattling as they hit the edge.

“Get off of me, you lunatic!” Francesca shouted, trying to wriggle free, but Aria was focused. Using her momentum, Aria twisted Francesca around and with a swift shove, but Francesca gained her balance.

The two women clashed in a flurry of punches and kicks, their movements swift and deadly. Aria's determination and anger fueled her attacks, while Francesca's cold calculation made her a formidable opponent.

The fight raged on, with neither woman giving an inch. Plates and glasses shattered, and the sound of flesh hitting flesh echoed through the room. Aria's fist connected with Francesca's jaw, sending her stumbling backward.

But Francesca refused to back down. With a snarl, she launched herself at Aria, determined to take her down. The two women crashed to the floor, their bodies locked in a fierce struggle.

Aria's hands closed around Francesca's throat, squeezing tight. Francesca's eyes bulged, and she clawed at Aria's face, trying to break free. But Aria held firm, her grip unyielding.

Just as it seemed like Aria was about to emerge victorious, Francesca's eyes flicked to the side, and she saw an opportunity. With a swift motion, she brought her knee up into Aria's stomach, sending her tumbling backward.

Aria gasped, her eyes watering from the pain. But she refused to give up. With a fierce cry, she launched herself at Francesca, determined to put an end to the fight.

The two women clashed, their bodies locked in a fierce struggle. With a swift motion, Aria landed a punch to Francesca's jaw, sending her crashing to the floor.

Francesca lay there, stunned and helpless. Aria stood over her, her chest heaving with exertion. She had finally put Francesca in her place.

Just then, Lucien walked into the dining room, his eyes scanning the scene before him. Aria stood tall, her chest heaving with exertion, while Francesca lay on the floor, her face covered in scrambled eggs and toast.

Lucien's eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable. "Well, well, well," he said, his voice dripping with amusement. "It looks like you've finally learned how to put Francesca on her ass."

Aria's eyes met Lucien's, and her eyes widened in shock at the realization of the situation. "Oh my God," she gasped in shock, her hands flying to her mouth as she assimilated the situation.

"What?" You regret it?" Lucien asked, seeing her reaction.

"No...I'm just surprised," she replied still finding it difficult to believe her eyes. 

But then she felt a surge of pride and satisfaction. She had done it. She had finally hit the mark Lucien set for her. She turned to Lucien, a proud smile on her face. "Looks like I'm ready."

Lucien chuckled, "looks like you are." 

Watching the interaction between Lucien and Aria from the floor, Francesca's rage pivoted. Her hands clenching into tight fists that whitened her knuckles.

Francesca's eyes blazed with fury as she glared at Aria and Lucien. She had never felt so humiliated in her life. The fact that Aria had bested her in a physical fight was bad enough, but the fact that Lucien was seemingly pleased with the outcome was even worse.

With a snarl, Francesca scrambled to her feet, her eyes flashing with anger. "This isn't over," she spat, her voice venomous. "You may have won this battle, Aria, but I'll make sure you pay for it."

Aria stood tall, her eyes never leaving Francesca's. "I'm shaking in my boots," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Lucien chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I think it's time for you to take a break, Francesca," he said, his voice calm and authoritative. "Why don't you go and calm down? We'll discuss this later."

Francesca's face twisted with rage, but she knew better than to disobey Lucien. With a stiff nod, she turned and stalked out of the room, leaving Aria and Lucien alone.

Aria let out a breath, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She had finally stood up to Francesca, and it felt amazing. She turned to Lucien, a smile on her face. She couldn't hide her joy. 

Lucien's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "It's good to see you smile again after such a long time."

However, Aria’s smile quickly faded, the warmth in her expression evaporating as her face returned to its usual state. Lucien chuckled lightly, amused by  the change in her demeanor.

As he approached her, he noticed the faint claw marks on her cheek, remnants of her tussle with Francesca. A concerned frown creased his forehead. “Hey, are you alright?” he asked gently, moving a step closer.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a silk handkerchief. He attempted to wipe her face but she sidestepped his touch. 

Seeing her reaction, he offered the handkerchief to her instead, but she gave it a blatant look and then looked away.

"Fine," he sighed. "Then at least come with me," he urged. 

"No, thank you." Aria refused. "I can handle myself," she added. 

Turning on her heels, she walked out of the living room, living Lucien in the living room. His hand still stretched out with handkerchief in it as he heaved a deep sigh.