Chapter 24
As I glanced at my cell phone again, I saw the last message from that man.
Unknown Number
Text me once you get home. Please. Be safe.
I bit my lower lip and realized I was typing a reply while my hands shook.
To Unknown Number
Thank you very much, Apollo.
After sending it, I left that house completely. I hailed another taxi and headed to Elena’s condo. My heavy heart added to the weight of my luggage.
The rain was falling heavily again, darkening the sky. I no longer knew what to prioritize, whether it was Ares or my family. I felt utterly alone at that moment, especially when I recalled the way Ares looked at
me earlier.
It was a gaze filled with anger that I couldn’t comprehend the source or reason for. This was the first time I felt like he didn’t want to look at me, but he had to. The look in his eyes was laced with hatred.
Later, my cell phone rang with a new text, and I glanced at it.
Unknown Number
Just call me Hector. Clear your head and get some good rest. You’re doing well, Solei.
I couldn’t help but smile when I read that. I don’t know why, but I felt a momentary sense of relief.
These words… I’ve been waiting for someone to say them to me. Why did they come from him?
The next day, I arrived at the office early, leaving before Elena who mentioned she would take a half day today. I didn’t particularly want to be the first one in, especially since I wasn’t quite ready to face Ares, but I couldn’t afford to be absent either. What a waste of a day.
There weren’t many employees around when I reached my desk. I sat there and stole a glance at Ares‘ office for a moment. I still hoped we could find a way to get along, even though I still didn’t understand what was going on.
I sighed tiredly and began working. While I was engrossed in my tasks, I nearly screamed in surprise when someone suddenly appeared at my side and blew into my ear. I quickly looked up, only to find
Five Chances at Love
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Chapter 34
Ares. His demeanor was calm, as if nothing had happened. It was like he was a different person, especially when he smiled at me and his eyes sparkled.
“I’m so sorry,” he mouthed, and my heart almost melted.
I could feel the sincerity in his voice, especially when he knelt beside me and took my hand, gently kissing
- it.
“I’m sorry. I was just… so worried about your sister, and your mom asked me to take care of her. I also talked to them, especially your older brother, about what he did to you. You will never go back there. You can stay at my house, Ana. Live with me for as long as you want,” he said, pleadingly. He kissed my hand again.
I just kept staring at him. I didn’t know how to feel because my mind was telling me something different from what my heart was saying. It seemed like something was still wrong, but I didn’t understand why I
could still sense that.
Was it because this was Ares?
I hit my lower lip. I couldn’t restrain myself anymore and immediately hugged him because I felt like I missed him so much. We stood up, my two arms clinging to his neck. I could also feel his gentle caress on my back.
“I’m sorry, Love… I missed you. It’s all my fault. I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you from your brother,” he whispered to me before he gently pulled away. His red eyes met mine.
His eyes… this is it again. This is again how I’ve always wanted him to look at me. It wasn’t the same as yesterday. How could he switch emotions so easily?
He tenderly touched both my cheeks and then kissed me softly. The kiss was light but deep, and I just closed my eyes, savoring the moment.
“Pack your things. Let’s go somewhere else,” he said as we parted. I almost chased after his lips.
“Where?” I whispered, feeling the weakness in my knees.
“Mom and Dad want to see you. It’s about our wedding the day after tomorrow.”
When he said that, it was as if I had been startled and doused with cold water. I don’t know why, but suddenly, I felt like I didn’t agree with that anymore. It puzzled me because lately, I had been excited about marrying him.
Was it because of our quarrel or was it because of that man I shouldn’t be thinking about at this time?
When Ares first introduced me to his parents, they had nothing but kind words for me. In fact, they wanted us to get married as soon as possible, especially Valentine Aragon, Ares‘ mom. It was only then
Chapter 24
that I realized she had always wanted a daughter, which might explain her kindness towards me. I consider myself really fortunate that Ares‘ family accepted me, something my own family couldn’t do.
I bit my lower lip as I stared at the food served in front of us.
For a moment, I glanced at Ares, who was silently beside me, waiting for his parents to arrive. Even though I’ve seen and been with them a few times, I still felt incredibly nervous.
The Aragon clan wasn’t something to be taken lightly. They all seemed intimidating, and everyone held them in high regard, especially Don Damien, his father. He was the one who founded and single–handedly ran their family business until they took over. Ares was set to inherit a significant portion of the empire, along with the rest going to his brother. I suddenly remembered, why hadn’t I seen his brother? He’s been back from Las Vegas for a long time now.
“Are you okay?”
My attention was caught when I heard Ares ask. I turned to him and managed a small smile. Then, I felt his grip on my hand.
“You should get used to them because we’re going to be a family, Ana,” he said, laughing, and I winced. I hoped it was that easy.
I couldn’t respond further due to the sudden arrival of the maids. Later, the couple arrived, and I immediately stood up, Ares doing the same. When Valentine Aragon saw me, she went straight to me and hugged me tightly.
“Anastacia, I missed you, hija. It’s good that you arrived,” she said softly as we parted. The pearls of her
jewelry rang with every movement.
“I’m sorry. I was so busy in the office, Donya-”
“Right. I told you to just call me mom,” she interrupted me, and I felt the heat spread across my face with
embarrassment.
“Stop forcing her, darling. She can’t get used to it right away,” Don Damien chimed in, smiling at me. So, I
smiled back, even though I was eating away at the embarrassment.
“Good day, Don Damien,” I said. Then, I heard him laugh.
“You’re too formal, hija. Tell her to loosen up, Ares,” he said to his son beside me, who also chuckled. I felt a surge of annoyance.
“She’s still feeling nervous, dad. Don’t intimidate her. She’ll get used to it,” Ares teased, prompting me to playfully punch him, making him laugh even more.
After the initial greetings, we went back to our seats. I had hoped that Ares‘ brother would join us, but it
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Chapter 24
didn’t seem to happen since everyone had already started eating. I focused more on my food, trying to break the uncomfortable silence.
All I could hear was the clinking of spoons and forks and occasional sniffs from Ares beside me. But before long, the old man, Don Damien, suddenly spoke, grabbing my full attention.
“Your wedding is the day after tomorrow, right? I was thinking of scheduling a meeting with the board members after that, so that everything can be transferred to you, Ares,” he said in his baritone voice.
My forehead furrowed, and I felt the shock from Ares beside me. I glanced at him for a moment and caught him looking at me, but he quickly turned his attention to his father.
“Dad, let’s just talk about that later…” Ares stated, continuing to eat.
I remained staring at Don Damien, sensing that he had more to say. Donya Valentine remained silent
beside her husband.
“I’m asking for your suggestion right now because I know you’ll be busy in the next few days,” the old man continued. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ares looking up at his father again.
“Don’t you think Anastacia deserves to know why you want to rush your wedding? Haven’t you told her yet?” he added.
I sighed as the pain I felt intensified. I turned to Ares, frowning. I wanted to ask him what they were
talking about, but the words caught in my throat. Ares’s expression hardened, and he quickly avoided
looking at me.
