Chapter 2

Aria's POV

Back at the villa, Adrian went to his study to handle business.

I sat at the vanity in the bedroom, looking at myself in the mirror.

Three years ago, when Adrian had just taken power, his enemies retaliated viciously. His most trusted subordinate's entire family was brutally murdered.

That night, he came back covered in blood, gripping my hand tightly, his eyes vicious.

"Aria, remember this. We absolutely cannot have weaknesses. I'll never have children in this lifetime."

I believed him.

Until later, I saw him at a family gathering, staring at someone else's child in a daze.

That longing and loneliness couldn't be faked.

So I took the risk and secretly gave birth to Wesley‌.

To protect Wesley‌, I sent the child overseas right after birth.

My child was born in secrecy, couldn't even call out "Dad."

And Adrian, to consolidate his position, actually wanted to have a child with that woman who schemed against me.

If that's the case, then you'll never know about Wesley‌'s existence.

An encrypted window notification popped up on my phone screen.

"New identity ID generated. Exit channel will open in 7 days."

Seven days.

The anticipation of impending freedom surged through me.

The door was pushed open, and Adrian walked in.

Behind him, two assistants carried large and small packages.

"These are all this season's haute couture, and a few jewelry sets. I thought they'd suit you."

The assistants piled everything on the sofa and quickly retreated.

Adrian walked over, crouched beside my chair, and held my hand.

"Aria, I'm sorry for the trouble these past few days."

He pulled out a document from his pocket and placed it in my hand.

"This is the transfer agreement for those two shops in the Wesley‌t district."

Those were two prime commercial properties with substantial rent income.

"Thank you, honey."

I accepted the document and casually picked up the crocodile leather bag to examine it.

"Nice color."

Adrian visibly relaxed.

In his view, women just needed a little coaxing.

Before, when I wouldn't accept his gifts, it was either because he didn't give enough or I was too pretentious.

Now that I accepted, it meant I'd come to my senses, that he still had complete control.

"Glad you like it."

Adrian stood up, glanced at his watch, his expression shifting slightly.

"I have to go over there tonight. Rosalie just got out of the hospital. I need to put on a show."

Even his excuse for spending the night elsewhere sounded so proper.

I laughed to myself.

"Go ahead, don't keep her waiting."

I toyed with the ring in my hand, not even looking up.

Adrian seemed to sense something off about my compliance, but he was too confident to care.

"Get some rest early."

He perfunctorily brushed his lips against my cheek, then turned and strode away.

The sound of the engine starting came from downstairs.

I walked to the window and watched the taillights disappear into the night.

The transfer agreement worth millions in my hand was casually tossed into my suitcase.