Chapter 41 Chapter 41
Chapter 41
\- Jason -
There was something about Aria that interested me so much
It was the way she changed suddenly
There was a new and strong resolve
She no longer kept her head down but boldly held it up
Her presence is more felt now. It was a good glow-up
She followed me to the room to make sure I was comfortable and asked if I needed anything
I looked at her for a moment, she reminded me of Elena
This was the same way Elena took care of me. She would always make sure I was settled after the day's work or after I returned from a journey
"Thank you for everything. I am good," I told her and she nodded. But she remained and I wondered if there was anything
"You met Marcus at the summit," she finally said
"I did," I affirmed. "He was there with Sophie and what arrogance he has. I cannot wait for the day he'd find out she's been lying to his face."
"So he has not found out the pregnancy is a lie?" She asked quietly. "Didn't he get her tested to be sure?"
I cocked my head in a direction
"You were hoping he found out?" I asked her and she looked away
"I was wondering how long before he does," she said guardedly. "It's pregnancy Alpha. Surely, Sophie cannot keep up with the lie for so long. She'd have to present a child."
"Well whatever it is she's doing to keep him believing her lie, it is working," I told her. "And you must really underrate Sophie. She can do anything to get what she wants. You never can tell what extent she'd go to."
"But Marcus," she called his name thoughtfully. "He must have forgotten I ever existed."
Somehow I felt sorry for her. Her voice was strained in pain and regret
"Sometimes it feels like a dream to me," she shrugged, but there were tears in her voice. "I was dedicated to him all the years we were together. I loved him. I adored and cherished him. And then I was happy to carry his child, happy that I broke the curse for him. I was willing and ready to do anything for him but he got rid of me without a second thought."
She rubbed her almost flat belly as she blinked away tears
"Aria, I am so sorry you did not get the love you deserved after giving everything," I said. "But hey, you are doing an outstanding job dealing with it."
I decided to change the topic.
"By the way, I am so impressed with how much you've improved. I mean, I did not really expect you to handle things this well in my absence."
She gave me a small smile
"I told you I can do better," she said. "Besides, you pushed it out of me. I could not imagine losing the opportunity of getting back at all the people who hurt me if you give up on me."
"Mm," I grunted. "That is a very wise decision there. Keep it up this way, let's see how far we can go."
"Now that you are back, I should return the sceptre," she stretched it out to me
"I think you need it more than I do," I said. "You are using it well."
"You really would let me have it?" She asked and I nodded
"I trust you to handle it well. Besides, I have seen what you can do with it," I grinned at her and she chuckled
"Alpha," she called softly after a while. "I just want to thank you for everything. For saving my life and bringing me to the palace, giving me a life I thought I had lost forever. For believing in me to be better again. I don't know what would have happened to my unborn child and me if you had not found us."
"Don't thank me Aria," I said. "Only you have what it takes to change things and make your life better. If it doesn't come from you, nothing anyone else can say or do can give you the life you think you deserve."
"Thank you," she still muttered.
The light in her eyes as she smiled caught my attention but I quickly turned away so I would not look at it for long
"One of the esteemed Lords of the regions, one whom I have known for so long, a good friend of mine and one who's supported me with resources all these years, has invited me to his pack," I told her. "It's a special invitation. He wants to see the woman I got married to. When he asked the first time, I was sceptical, but now I think I want to show you. I hope you don't disappoint me?"
A smile lit up her face
"I hope not," she said and I frowned lightly
"You hope not or you won't?" I wanted her to be sure
"I will not," she assured.
"Good," I nodded. "We'll make preparations."
I sent for Alexei after she left and informed him about the dinner
"You already decided?" He asked because he knew I had been reluctant about the invitation.
I did not want to take Aria to the Lord whom I esteemed greatly, for I worried she'd do something clumsy there
But now I wanted to give it a shot
"What if she does something funny?" Alexei said with uncertainty. "You know how it's been and it's just one day of her acting normal. Don't you think you should give it some time to monitor her?"
"You know I am not a man with that kind of patience," I told him. "And I could also use this to test her as well."
"I hope this ends up well," Alexei muttered.
Well, I hope the same as well, for her own good."
"I guess Natasha is coming along as well?" Alexei asked an obvious question and I wondered why. He knew she came along everywhere I was invited. But maybe he thought I would want to be there with only Aria.
"Definitely," I replied.