Chapter 3

"No."

Nolan Reed's answer was immediate, as though Aria had asked permission to leave him.

The impatience on his face was painfully familiar. Whenever Serena Blake was involved, Nolan treated Aria's hurt as an inconvenience and Serena's conduct as something that required protection.

He rose and looked down at her. "If you want this relationship to continue, stop this. Go to your room, calm down, and post the statement Grant asked for."

Aria almost laughed.

"I did nothing wrong, so I have nothing to reflect on. And I don't want this relationship to continue."

They had known each other for twenty years. When they were children, Nolan had defended her from bullies, hidden candy in his pockets for her, and told her to stand behind him whenever trouble came. Aria had spent years loving the memory of that boy.

For him, she had skipped grades, learned to cook, swallowed every grievance, and entered an industry she had never wanted.

Then, moments before her death, she had called Nolan one last time. Serena answered his phone.

That single voice had destroyed the final excuse Aria had made for him.

"What did you say?" Nolan's expression darkened. "Don't joke about breaking up."

"I'm not joking. The person you are now isn't worth my love."

He seized her wrist again. "You don't get to decide that by yourself. I don't agree."

Aria twisted free before he could tighten his grip.

"A relationship requires two people. Ending one does not require your approval."

She unclasped the chain around her neck. The apartment key hung from it, a symbol she had once treasured. She placed it on the coffee table.

"Don't contact me again."

As she entered the bedroom, Nolan hurled his phone to the floor. The crash followed her down the hall, but she did not turn around.

Grant watched the broken screen with concealed pleasure. "She's angry. Give her time, then talk to her."

"No," Nolan said coldly. "Let her calm down on her own."

Grant left soon afterward. The moment the elevator doors closed, he called Serena.

"They broke up."

Her delighted laugh floated through the phone. "She really gave him up?"

"She sounded determined." Grant smiled. "It won't matter if she changes her mind. I'll make sure she stays away from him."

Serena's voice softened. "Then I'll leave it to you. And the statement?"

"If Aria refuses to post it, we'll find another way."

Inside the apartment, Aria packed without hesitation. Two suitcases held everything that belonged to her.

Nolan blocked the doorway when she emerged. "My mother bought this place for us. You're actually leaving?"

"I'll explain to Aunt Rebecca myself."

She reached for the door. His jaw tightened.

"If you walk out now, don't expect to come back."

Aria did not answer. The door closed sharply behind her.

Nolan remained in the silent apartment, staring at the key on the table. An unfamiliar emptiness opened in his chest, but pride supplied the explanation he wanted.

This was another one of Aria's impulses. She would cool down, regret it, and return to apologize.

Just as she always had before.