Chapter 5
The conversation came to an abrupt halt.
Aria stumbled forward on unsteady legs and snatched her phone back, ending the call.
Alessandro stared at her in shock, not understanding her sudden agitation. “What’s wrong?”
Seeing his bewildered expression, Aria realized he hadn’t heard his mother’s complete statement. She exhaled in relief, averting her eyes and struggling to keep her voice steady, “Nothing. I just don’t want you fighting with your
family over me anymore.”
Indeed, the Valentinis had been relentless lately, trying to separate them, leading to several heated arguments with
Alessandro.
Accepting her explanation, Alessandro shifted the conversation to her test results.
“The doctor says I’m fine. I can go home.”
Over the next few days, Alessandro rarely left the house, staying close to Aria. She wasn’t her usual vibrant self, often sitting silently in corners, lost in thought.
Unable to pinpoint the cause, Alessandro tried to comfort her with an embrace, but she retreated to the bedroom. “I’m not feeling well. I need to rest.”
Watching her leave, Alessandro was puzzled. Thinking she might still be upset about the apology incident, he had his assistant arrange a surprise.
On her birthday, he hosted an elaborate celebration. Most of Milan’s elite attended, out of respect for Alessandro.
In his presence, they treated Aria with forced politeness. But the moment he stepped away, the whispers began.
“If it weren’t for Mr. Valentini, I’d never attend a housekeeper’s daughter’s birthday. How mortifying!”
“What could he possibly fall in love with her? She is fully of poverty.”
“He’s too honorable. I’d have just paid her off. Marrying her would disgrace the Valentini name!”
Though it was her birthday celebration, Aria stood alone, ignored by everyone. The undisguised insults and mockery from all sides left her exhausted. She wouldn’t have come if she hadn’t worried about arousing Alessandro’s suspicions.
The deliberate ostracism made each minute feel like an eternity.
At seven o’clock, a sudden buzz of excitement filled the hall. The guests turned toward the entrance, their looks of disdain transforming instantly into fawning smiles.
Word traveled fast in their circles – everyone knew how Alessandro had fought those men for Sofia. Seeing this as
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I Love You So Much. But I Just Don’t Like You Aftyr
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Chapter 9
proof of his lingering feelings, they rushed to curry favor.
“Alt Mr. Valentini, you left earlier to escort Miss Rossi? How touching that your friendship has endured all these
years!”
“Of course they’re true childhood sweethearts. Just look at Miss Rossi’s elegance she matches Mr. Valentini’s divine presence perfectly.”
Amidst the speculative murmurs, Aria watched Sofia enter on Alessandro’s arm, and everything became clear.
Sofia wore an exquisite couture gown, a diamond necklace accentuating her graceful posture. Her delicate features carried the refined air of old money. Even standing beside Alessandro’s commanding presence, she held her own effortlessly.
Unbidden, Aria remembered a faceless sketch Alessandro had drawn after regaining his sight. At the time, he’d claimed it was just a casual drawing, and she’d admired it without thinking too deeply.
But seeing Sofia now, Aria finally understood who the subject had been.
This wasn’t a rekindled love it had never died in the first place.
As Aria turned away silently, Sofia called out to her.
“Miss Collins, I heard it’s your birthday. You don’t mind me dropping by uninvited, do you? I even brought you a gift!”
She gestured, and an attendant led forward a pure white puppy.
“His name is Leo. Isn’t he adorable?”
Seeing the excited puppy bounding toward her, Aria stumbled backward, colliding with a table. The color drained from her face, her eyes filling with fear and panic.
“Please take it away. I… I don’t like dogs.”
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Chapter 6
Chapter 6
