Aria told herself she didn't care.
She repeated it in her head like a mantra.
It's just a contract.
It was just a mistake.
He means nothing to me.
So why did it feel like a lie?
By the next evening, she had finally forced herself out of her room again.
She couldn't keep hiding.
It was getting ridiculous.
The mansion was quieter than usual.
Almost too calm.
"Where is everyone?" she muttered under her breath as she walked down the stairs.
Then she heard it.
A voice.
A woman's voice.
Soft.
Familiar.
Aria froze.
Her heart skipped.
No…
She followed the sound slowly, her steps light against the floor.
And then she saw them.
In the living room.
Lucien…
And Vivian.
They were standing close.
Too close.
Vivian laughed softly at something he said.
Her hand resting lightly on his arm.
Comfortable.
Natural.
Like she belonged there.
Aria's chest tightened.
Unexpectedly.
Sharply.
She shouldn't feel anything.
She knew this.
But her body didn't seem to care.
Vivian's gaze lifted—
And locked onto hers.
A slow smile spread across her lips.
Not friendly.
Not innocent.
Knowing.
"Well," Vivian said smoothly, pulling her hand away from Lucien—but not stepping back. "Looks like your wife finally decided to join us."
Lucien turned.
His eyes met Aria's.
Unreadable.
And that somehow made it worse.
"I wasn't aware I needed permission," Aria replied calmly, even though her chest felt tight.
Vivian chuckled.
"Oh, you don't," she said lightly. "But it's nice to see you out of hiding."
Aria's brows furrowed slightly.
Hiding?
Lucien's gaze flickered briefly.
He knew.
Of course he knew.
"I've been busy," Aria said.
Vivian tilted her head slightly.
"Doing what?"
Silence.
Aria didn't answer.
Because she didn't have one.
Vivian smiled again.
Amused.
Then—
She stepped closer to Lucien again.
Just slightly.
But enough.
"I was just telling Lucien about the upcoming event," she said casually. "You should come."
Aria's eyes flickered to Lucien.
He hadn't said anything yet.
"I don't think that's necessary," Aria replied.
Vivian raised a brow.
"Why not?"
Because I don't want to see you near him.
The thought came instantly.
Sharp.
Unwanted.
But she didn't say it.
Instead—
"I'm not interested," she said simply.
Vivian hummed softly.
Then glanced at Lucien.
"And you?" she asked. "Are you going to let your wife skip something so important?"
The room went quiet.
Aria's heart picked up speed slightly.
Why did it feel like a test?
Lucien's gaze stayed on Aria.
Steady.
Careful.
"She'll come," he said.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"I didn't agree to that," she said quickly.
"You don't need to," he replied calmly.
Her chest tightened again.
Vivian smiled.
Satisfied.
"Good," she said. "It wouldn't be as interesting without her."
There was something in her tone.
Something Aria didn't like.
Then Vivian stepped back.
Smooth. Graceful.
"I'll see you both there," she added, her gaze lingering on Aria for just a second longer.
Then she turned and walked away.
The moment she was gone—
The tension didn't leave.
It stayed.
Between them.
Aria crossed her arms slightly.
"I'm not going."
Lucien didn't respond immediately.
Then—
"Yes, you are."
Her brows furrowed.
"You can't just decide that for me."
"I just did."
Frustration flared.
"I'm not interested in your events or your world," she said. "So stop trying to force me into it."
Silence.
Then Lucien stepped closer.
Not too close.
But enough to make her aware of him again.
"You're already in my world," he said quietly.
Her breath caught.
"I didn't choose this," she shot back.
"No," he agreed. "But you signed it."
That hit.
Hard.
Aria looked away briefly.
Trying to steady herself.
"Why does it matter if I go or not?" she asked.
Lucien watched her carefully.
"Because," he said slowly,
"people need to understand something."
Her brows pulled together.
"What?"
His gaze held hers.
"That you're not replaceable."
Her heart skipped.
The words sank in slowly.
Confusing.
Heavy.
Before she could respond—
He turned and walked away.
Leaving her standing there.
With one thought echoing loudly in her mind—
If she wasn't replaceable…
Then why did it feel like Vivian already knew exactly how to take her place?