The drive back to the Sterling estate felt strangely unfamiliar to Aria. The grand mansion, which had once been her home, now loomed over her like a dark reminder of everything she had endured. The high walls, the gleaming floors, and the cold, impersonal hallways no longer held the warmth they once did. Her thoughts swirled with everything that had happened, and as the car pulled up to the familiar entrance, Aria could feel the weight of the past finally starting to lift from her shoulders.
She stepped out of the car with a steady breath, ready to take control of her future. As much as she had wanted to escape this place for so long, now, with everything she had gained, it felt almost surreal. The mansion wasn't her home anymore. It was time to put her foot down, reclaim what was rightfully hers, and finally shed the person she had been.
The door opened with a soft creak, and as she stepped into the hallway, the cold air of the mansion wrapped around her like an old, familiar cloak. But this time, she was different stronger, more determined. Aria moved down the hallway with purpose, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. The voices of Marcus and Freya echoed from the living room, and she knew they were waiting for her.
As she entered, they both looked up, their faces lighting up in feigned warmth. Aria knew the game they were playing, and she wasn't about to fall for it anymore.
"Aria, you're back," Freya said in a syrupy tone, too sweet to be genuine. Her eyes were scanning Aria's every move, no doubt looking for signs of weakness.
Marcus, sitting stiffly beside her, didn't bother to hide the guarded expression on his face. "We were just discussing some business. How was your trip?"
Aria didn't answer immediately. Instead, she stood tall in the doorway, eyes cool and unwavering as she studied them both. She could feel the tension in the air the strained, familiar dance of false pleasantries. But it didn't faze her anymore. She had outgrown this facade.
"I'm not here for small talk," Aria said, her voice steady and full of resolve. "I'm here to make one thing clear."
Marcus raised an eyebrow, and Freya leaned forward slightly, her face a picture of faux curiosity. "What is it, Aria?" Marcus asked, his tone somewhat dismissive. "We didn't expect you to come back so soon."
Aria took a step closer, her posture strong, as if she was in command of the room. "I'm giving you one week to provide my mother's heirloom and my dowry," she said, her words sharp and unyielding. "I've played along with your games for too long. The inheritance, the legacy everything that was rightfully mine, you kept from me. Now, I want what belongs to me."
Marcus and Freya exchanged a glance, one filled with silent understanding, before Marcus spoke. "You're asking for a lot, Aria. You know how things work around here—those things aren't simply handed out."
"I don't care how they work here anymore," Aria snapped, her eyes flashing with fire. "I've done everything you've asked of me, followed every rule, and what do I have to show for it? Nothing. I want my inheritance. I want my dowry. You have one week."
Freya's expression twisted into one of feigned concern. "Aria, you have to understand that things aren't so simple. You don't just demand these things. You have to wait—"
"No, I don't," Aria interrupted, her voice unwavering. "You've kept me in the dark for too long, and I won't play along with your charades anymore. You have one week. After that, I'll be leaving for good. I'm done with this house, with everything you've taken from me."
A heavy silence hung between them, the air thick with tension. Marcus didn't speak at first, but his eyes narrowed slightly as he studied her. It was clear he hadn't expected this kind of resolve from her. Freya, however, was quick to compose herself, though the tightness in her smile betrayed her nerves.
"Very well," Marcus said at last, his tone clipped. "We'll see what we can do. But don't expect everything to fall into place so easily."
Aria's eyes locked onto his, her gaze fierce. "Don't mistake me for someone you can intimidate anymore. I'll be back in a week. And I expect the heirloom and my dowry to be ready."
Without another word, Aria turned and walked out of the room, her heels clicking sharply against the floor as she ascended the staircase. She was done playing games. The week was all Marcus and Freya would have to comply. If they didn't, there would be consequences. Aria had come too far to let them keep her in their twisted little world.
Her room hadn't changed at all, though it felt different to her now. She looked around, surveying everything, but it didn't hold the same meaning it once had. This room, this house—it was no longer a part of her life. It was simply a chapter she was closing.
As she began to pack her things with quiet precision, Aria's mind raced. She had made her demands, and now, all that was left was to wait. But the fire inside her burned brighter than ever. The time for playing nice was over.
Once everything was packed, Aria paused and took one last look at her childhood bedroom. She had grown up here, but it no longer felt like home. Her future lay elsewhere, in a world she would build for herself. She was no longer the naive girl who had once been trapped in her family's expectations. She was Aria Sterling, and she had a destiny to fulfill.
With a final breath, she closed the door to her past behind her.