At Rivas Industries,

As soon as Aaron saw an empty office room, he rushed out and asked a secretary about his Cupcake's whereabouts. He indeed felt his heart shatter to multiple pieces thinking she purposefully made him off guard and left him without knowing she had left a note for him.

Yet he searched for her and reached not too late but he was certainly late to know what broke his Cupcake who was staring at the entrance without moving.

His fingers trembled but stood behind her without touching or speaking to her. He wanted to take her away, at the same time he wanted to let her do what she wants.

There was Kelly International in front of her a few steps away to reach her family and he stood just a step behind her, ready to hold her at any trouble. Even though he was ready to let her go, he was still greedy to have her beside him.

She felt his presence right after he stood behind him with his same unwavering patience. She fought her tears back, wiped her cheeks before turning to face him.

The first time she faced him and spoke in her hoarse voice looking determined while her eyes were red, failing to hide her pain, "I want Ava Kelly dead."

He almost misunderstood she wants to die before understanding she wants to kill her identity and have a new one.

He didn't know why he exactly did that, but took a step in front and wrapped his arms around her. "Cry if you want." He said without knowing if he should be happy to know that she wasn't running away from him or sad for killing her own identity.

She didn't stand indifferently but silently cried without pushing him away.

--- Present ---

Aaron, who had held his breath, slowly breathed out after hearing her mention the incidents whenever she tried to contact her grandfather.

He was glad he had reached her before she takes any drastic step after finding Hayden was in contact with those men.

Again silence fell over and he gave her time to relax from the past.

He understood she changed her name because she didn't want to be a Kelly. She hated to be called herself a Kelly.

Aarvi raised her head to face him with a faint smile, "Don't worry, I won't run away from you. I will return to you every time." She might not be as good as him but she learned to be patient.

He wrapped his arm tighter and planted a kiss on her forehead. He told her why he went out in search of her and missed her when she returned, "I was afraid you will cry while driving."

Aarvi knows he lost his sister in a drunk driving accident and his mother drove while crying. That was the reason she stopped the car, she didn't choose to drive back afraid she might cry.

"I told you I won't put my life in danger." She responded with a sigh.

His hand brushed her hair looking at her stroking her fingers on Laze as he asked, "Then why did you run on the road?"

Aarvi paused, understanding he checked the security camera, "Didn't you see deer standing in the center of the road? I was making noise to move it away. Anyway, that car slowed down till it ran aside."

Aaron's lips threatened for a peal of laughter but controlled understanding second car slowed down because of a deer. He asked again, "What did the first car man say to you?"

Aarvi sensed his curiousness and responded, "He said it's not safe to walk around alone in that area and I should return home soon. He was trying to convince me."

Aaron: "..."

Why do we always assume people are bad so easily? Aaron learned he shouldn't judge so easily just because he saw a man following her.

Then he heard her mumble, "I saw a beautiful spot in the woods. I will take you someday."

Aaron didn't respond. Seeing her still avoid asking him about how he knows Hayden. He briskly scooped her and stood up without disturbing the kitty in her hands.

Placing her on the bed, "Stay here." He commanded. He quickly brought the first aid kit and warm water to clean her feet. As usual, he didn't scold her but tended to her while she didn't even hiss once but sat indifferently.

He could make out the changes in her whole time. She hardly smiled, avoided speaking and showing any emotions. He missed her teases, their nonsense, her adorable giggles, and her pouting faces. He didn't force her to ignore everything and be normal but was silent too.

He was closing the first aid kit when Aarvi showed her inner arm where a long scratch had formed. Aaron understood why she tore off the white dress, her anger shot up and she vented it on the dress.

He was glad the scratch was just on the upper layer of the skin which won't leave a mark. After applying the cream, he teased her to know what she will do.

"Were you wearing white to marry me?"

Aarvi watched him for a few seconds before asking, "Do you know why I arranged so much?"

Aaron internally sighed in resignation seeing her ignore his question and ask her own. At least he was happy that she wasn't ignoring him due to it, "Because I will be tired to go out?"

Aarvi went mum as she laid Laze on the bed and pulled the duvet up to her legs silently telling him she wasn't going to sleep with him and she still wants to be alone.

Aaron accepted her silent punishment and saw her lay her head on the pillow facing her back to him. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he was about to coax her to eat something, she finally responded to her own question.

"I really wished to make it special when I confess my love to you..."

Aaron's hand froze in the air. Now he recalled why she was repeatedly asking him to call when he boards, when the flight lands, and if he had any work or going straight home.

He should be happy hearing her words but seeing her curl up and her voice shaky he knew she was controlling her tears.

Aarvi continued, "I didn't know what I would have told you but I thought you would be very happy by it." So she avoided exhausting him more by taking him out and arranged everything in the mansion.

After taking a shallow breath, Aarvi's voice sounded more like a whisper, "I should have chosen somewhere else, you wouldn't have brought him there."

Aaron slid his hand under her as he turned and pulled her to his embrace. He was overwhelmed with many emotions. His heart was beating so fast in the excitement that he doubted if he was so happy ever in his life. His heart also ached for spoiling their beautiful evening by bringing Hayden. His heart also felt cold remembering the Kelly family.

He wasn't even sure if it's alright to apologize when she actually confessed to him obliquely. However, she definitely wasn't in a mood to celebrate her confession.

When Aarvi composed herself back to her signature serenity hiding her emotions behind calmness, she requested, "Please eat something and rest. I don't have an appetite."historical

Aaron's arms loosened and pulled her to face him. As he felt, she was so calm as if she didn't have anything to think about. Nevertheless, he knew the storm beneath it. He opened his lips to coax her to eat something but she pleaded first, "Please.."