Chapter 439
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Emma’s heart sank as she abruptly hung up on her son . Turning to Aria with regret in her eyes , she sighed , “ So , you’re seeing someone now , Aria ? ”
She thought , ‘ Why can’t such a beautiful , talented , sweet – natured , and kind – hearted girl be my own daughter ? Or at least my daughter – in – law
‘ Why did I have such a hopeless son ! ‘
It was noisy , so Aria couldn’t quite hear Emma on the phone . After a brief pause , she replied , “ I’m not really sure what to call it . ”
Even if they were not officially dating , they definitely had feelings for each other .
Emma’s expression softened with regret . “ Just let things unfold naturally . Your happiness matters most . ”
Aria thought being with Owen really did make her happy . She nodded with a grateful smile and said , “ Thank you , Mrs. Shaw . ”
Emma excused herself , “ Well , excuse me . ”
Aria nodded . “ Okay . ”
Aria didn’t spot Owen , but she did see James . She gave him a quick nod before heading left .
Owen came rushing out of the theater , grabbed her hand without a word , and pulled her along in a hurried escape ..
“ This way — let’s go, ” Owen said , pulling her along .
Aria felt something was off . It wasn’t until they reached the parking lot that the realization hit her .
The way they were sneaking around really did make it look like they were having a secret affair – and they’d nearly been caught in the act .
Aria glanced at Owen as they got into the car . “ Was that you calling your mother just now ? ”
Owen started the car and nodded . “ Yeah , I was worried you’d run into my mom . ”
Owen stole a tentative glance at her , meeting her gaze as he explained , “ My mom really likes you . If she found out we’re , um , together , she might get a little too excited and scare you off . ”
As he said the words “ being together , ” his voice carried a hint of uncertainty .
Aria didn’t really care if they got caught . The moment she ran into Emma , if Owen hadn’t called , she would have admitted their relationship right then
and there .
But Emma didn’t really know what she was thinking . Maybe she thought they were dating and would eventually get married and have kids .
Then , she’d be labeled as Mrs. Shaw .
That wasn’t the life she wanted .
But Owen had considered it for her .
Aria’s heart felt warm , yet a little heavy , as she looked at Owen and asked , “ Owen , doesn’t this make you feel … a bit wronged ? ”
Owen looked up and met her gaze – her eyes , usually so calm , then unsettled .
A complicated look flickered in her eyes , along with a trace of regret so faint it was barely noticeable .
Owen’s heart sank . He leaned closer , reaching out as if to touch her hair , hesitated a moment , then gently rested his hand on her head . “ Why would you think that ? ” he asked softly .
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He kept his hand there , softly cupping the back of her head .
Aria didn’t answer his question . Instead , she said , “ Is three years too long ? ”
Three years – that was the length of their agreement .
Owen couldn’t keep his composure any longer . His hand slid down to her waist , pulling her into a half – embrace .
They were mere inches apart .
He looked at her , voice trembling . “ Are you getting tired of me ? Did I do something wrong ? Just tell me , okay ? I’ll fix it . Please ? ”
Hurt flooded his eyes , openly displayed for her to see .
Aria shook her head . “ No. ”
Aria said , “ I just feel that you have better options . Being stuck with me , you can’t … ”
Before she could finish , Owen leaned in and captured her lips , cutting off her words .
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He didn’t linger for long . Pulling back slightly , he gazed into her eyes with utter sincerity and said softly , “ You’re not an option , Aria . You’re the only one . ”
Owen said softly , “ There’s no one else for me but you .
“ Being with you isn’t settling – it’s pure bliss . ”
Aria felt her heart race as she listened to Owen pour his heart out .
Aria asked again , her voice soft and uncertain , “ What if we have to keep our relationship secret forever ? Could you really accept that ? ”
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