Chapter 330

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Aria turned her head and saw Liam running toward her .
When he finally reached her , he bent over with one hand on his hip , gasping for breath , his expression unreadable .
He locked eyes with her , his voice laced with sincerity . “ I’m sorry . ”
‘ What the hell ? ‘ Aría thought , not even sparing him a glance .
She had just lifted her foot to leave when he grabbed her arm .
“ What do you want ? ” She looked up , her eyes flashing with irritation .
Seeing this , Liam quickly released her hand and blurted out , “ I had no idea Hannah was setting you up . I didn’t know she’d do this .”
If he had known , he wouldn’t have fallen for Hannah , wouldn’t have taken the wrong path , and wouldn’t have divorced Aria .
He then said , “ Go ahead and sue her . I won’t stand in your way . ”
Aria curled her lips into a mocking smile . “ As if you could stop me even if you wanted to .”
“ That’s not what I meant ,” Liam said hurriedly .
Liam looked visibly awkward , with words stuck in his throat that he couldn’t bring himself to say .
Gazing at Aria’s unadorned , makeup – free face , Liam couldn’t help but recall their first meeting three years ago .
He remembered how , back then , Aria used to greet him with an aloof yet composed smile and a gentle “ hello . ” But now , all he could see in her eyes was unfamiliarity and chill .
She hadn’t changed much in three years – the only difference was the way she looked at him now .
Liam started , “ Aria , I know it was you … ”
“ Aria . ” Owen’s clear , mellow voice cut him off .
Liam looked over , and Owen’s figure came into view .
Owen was dressed casually , carrying grocery bags , radiating the comfortable familiarity of daily life .
“ You’re back ? Is Vanessa alright ? ” Owen’s voice was warm and familiar , as if he were just chatting with family about everyday things .
“ I’m fine . ” Aria glanced at the groceries in Owen’s hands , her voice unconsciously laced with concerned reproach . “ The wind’s pretty strong today . Should you really be out when you’ve just recovered ? ”
Owen lifted his brows slightly , his voice laced with a smile . “ I’ve completely recovered from the fever , and it just so happens your master is coming over today . I’ll cook up a feast – it’s the perfect chance to thank you for taking care of me . ”
Listening to their conversation , only one sentence stuck with Liam , which was “ thank you for taking care of me “ .
‘ Was it Aria who took care of Owen Shaw when he was sick ? Since when did they become this close ? ‘ Liam thought bitterly , a pang of unease twisting in his chest .
Liam stood frozen in place , watching as Aria and Owen conversed intimately , completely oblivious to his presence . A bitter ache twisted in his chest .
Back in Jamelan , Aria and Owen were practically glued to each other because of their research .
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Back then , Liam thought it was just a regular partnership . But now , seeing them , he knew there was definitely something more going on .
Liam tried to speak , but before he could get a word out , Owen subtly shifted to the side , positioning himself in front of Liam and effortlessly blocking him
from view .
His tall frame effortlessly cut off Liam’s line of sight .
Liam frowned and shot Owen a displeased look , their eyes locking .
Owen’s gaze was a mix of scrutiny and cold mockery , edged with the faintest trace of wariness .
“ Let’s go inside , ” Owen said , turning to Aria .
Aria nodded .
They walked away side by side , barely a hand’s breadth apart .
The setting sun bathes the earth in a warm golden glow .
Their elongated shadows stretched across the ground , intertwining and merging into one , leaving Liam further and further behind.
A breeze drifted by , snapping Liam out of his thoughts – only to find that Aria and Owen were already far ahead , their figures growing smaller in the
distance .
Remembering that look in Owen’s eyes , one thing became crystal clear to him .
It wasn’t just a guess – Owen genuinely liked Aria .
‘ If I hadn’t been with Hannah , would things have been different ? ‘ Liam couldn’t help but wonder .
Feeling restless , Liam suddenly remembered Aria’s three paintings . Without hesitation , he pulled out his phone and dialed . “ Hi , this is Liam Cole . I’m calling to ask about the whereabouts of those three paintings . ”
AD
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