As they reached the elevator, Aries Wilson came to an abrupt halt, causing Lainey Fisher—who'd been trailing behind with her head down—to smack right into him. "Ouch!" she yelped.

"Got dollar bills glued to the floor or something?" Aries teased, catching her reflection in the glass corner, her head still bowed like a scolded puppy.

Lainey scowled. "You're the one who slammed on the brakes."

Aries sidestepped and draped a long arm around her shoulders. "Better?"

"There are people watching. Ever heard of public decorum?" She tried to shrug him off but couldn't. She shot him an irritated glare.

"You're my wife. Big deal," Aries said, though Lainey could hear the hollow ring in his words.

The elevator doors slid open, and she went quiet, letting him steer her inside.

On their way out, the hotel manager passed by with a knowing smile and a polite nod. Just before the doors closed, Aries spotted someone lurking in a shadowy corner of the lobby, and his smile cooled, edged with something sharp.

The black sedan pulled away from the hotel and disappeared down the long stretch of road.

Lainey spent the afternoon curled up in an armchair, the TV droning in the background. As evening crept in and Aries still hadn't shown, her eyelids grew heavy and she drifted off.

Aries had been stuck in meetings at the branch office all afternoon. By the time he got back to the hotel, darkness had settled in. The driver pulled up to the entrance. "Sir."

"Park it. I'll head up," Aries replied coolly, stepping out and striding toward the revolving doors.

Lainey jolted awake the moment Aries walked in. "Did you mean that?" Skepticism was written all over her face. His behavior baffled her. Why on earth would she have feelings for him? Even if she were the last woman on Earth, she wouldn't fall for him.

"No affection? Not even a little?" Aries' lips curved into a smirk. "Then why the rush to deny it?"

Lainey faltered. "Cut the games. Eat something or just keel over!" she snapped, though a tiny pang of pity for his illness crept in. She would've helped anyone in his shoes, not just him.

Normally, Aries would've lost his cool over a comment like that, but tonight? He only offered a faint smile. "If I kick the bucket, you'd be a widow. Wouldn't you miss me?"

"Why would I care? Your fate isn't my problem," Lainey shot back, turning her head away, thrown by his uncharacteristically warm vibe.

It had to be her imagination, she told herself—some weird side effect of his illness messing with her head.

"Then what's with the worried look?" Aries seemed to savor their back-and-forth. Her mouth said one thing, but her eyes told a different story.

"Worried? Me?" Lainey forced a tight smile. "Why would I lose sleep over you?"

Aries pulled her into his arms. "You changed my clothes. Stayed up all night by my side. If that's not worry, what do you call it?"

Lainey took a step back, eyes wide. Even in his weakened state, his grip was iron.

Sick or not, he was still a force to be reckoned with, she thought, trying to squirm free.

"Hoping for a reward, maybe?" Aries raised an eyebrow. "Name it, and it's yours."

All the color drained from Lainey's face. She recoiled, stung. Was that all he thought of her? That her care came with a price tag?

"Scared?" Aries murmured.

"Scared of what? I'm just impressed you figured me out so fast," Lainey shot back, bitterness flooding her chest. How stupid she'd been to think genuine care actually mattered. To him, she was just someone driven by greed—nothing more.

Aries patted the spot beside him on the bed. "Come here."

Reluctantly, Lainey moved closer and perched on the edge of the mattress. Aries traced her face with light fingers. The exhaustion there was impossible to miss—the telltale sign of a sleepless night.

"If my father hadn't forced this marriage, things might've been different," Aries admitted.

Lainey met his eyes. "So this is all because I was your dad's choice?"

"Exactly," Aries said. "You're beautiful. If you weren't, I wouldn't have looked twice."

His words cut like ice, leaving her cold all over. "You could've said no to the wedding."

Her own parents had pushed her into this, too. Why should she be the only one paying the price?

"I hoped you'd refuse. But here we are. Was it the Wilson family money?" Aries' hand slid across her cheek, making her shiver.

Facing him, Lainey declared, "You got me. I married for money. I'm a woman who chases wealth."

"I don't mind. I can give you everything material, but love? That's off the table."

"No! I don't want any of that!" Lainey protested. She'd already sacrificed so much—for her family, for him.

Aries leaned in, his breath hot against her neck as his hands roamed her back.

"Please, don't," Lainey begged, eyes swimming. Pride gone, she pleaded with him not to strip her of whatever dignity she had left. All he wanted was her body. But her heart? Had she accidentally handed that over these past few months? Why did it ache like this?

Aries chuckled softly. "You sure about that?"

She knew she was holding back, torn. Did seeing her like this actually satisfy him? Was this what he wanted?

"No!" Lainey bit down on her lip, knuckles white as she gripped the sheets.

"Lainey Fisher, you won't get away that easily. You walked into this marriage. Walking out takes more guts than saying 'I do.'"

Tears streamed silently, soaking into her hair as she turned her head, closed her eyes, and let the darkness swallow her whole.

Aries got up and headed to the bathroom, the sound of running water echoing behind him.

Lainey knew the routine: he'd shower to rinse off the sweat—and, maybe even more importantly, any trace of her scent, like it disgusted him.

Aries stepped out of the elevator and into the top-floor penthouse suite. The soft murmur of the TV greeted him as he opened the door, and there was Lainey, passed out on the couch. He shrugged off his suit jacket, tossed it onto a chair nearby, and headed straight for the bathroom. Soon, the sound of the shower echoed through the suite.

The noise stirred Lainey awake. As her eyes fluttered open, she spotted the black jacket draped over the chair—he was back. She got up quickly and made her way to the bedroom. The closed bathroom door and the rush of water confirmed it. She picked up his jacket and hung it neatly in the closet.

Lainey settled back onto the sofa, waiting for Aries to come out. They had things to talk about.

Aries emerged in a white robe, giving her a casual glance as he passed through the bedroom.

"Um, hey..." Lainey hesitated, trying to find the right words to get his attention.

He stopped and turned. "Were you talking to me?"

"Of course! Who else would I be talking to—myself?" Lainey kept her tone civil, but their conversations never seemed to start on the right foot.

Aries watched her with amusement before pulling her into his arms. "Is this how the Fisher heiress behaves?" He caressed her cheek.

A spark of defBraydence flared in her chest. She prided herself on her manners, unlike this man who constantly invaded her space.

"I don't even know what to call you," she murmured.

"You can call me Aries or husband." He chuckled, tightening his grip on her waist and pulling her closer. "And next time, speak up if you want my attention. I can't hear you if you whisper."

Lainey pressed her hands against his chest, desperate to keep some distance. The thought of calling him "husband" made her stomach flip.

"Can you let go of me now?" she breathed, her pulse quickening. Fighting him was pointless and she knew it.

He ignored her protest. "Just say what you need to say."

Lainey pressed her lips together. Fine. If he wasn't going to let go, she'd just get to the point.

"When are we going back home? Aren't you busy?" she asked softly.

"Eager to leave?" Aries studied her face, amused by how badly she wanted out. He had no plans to grant her wish just yet.

Lainey nodded.

"But I'm in no rush. So what are you gonna do about it?" He smirked, brushing a hand over her face. "Disappointed?"

If she weren't in his arms, Lainey might have had a comeback ready. He was doing this on purpose. She regretted bringing it up now. Knowing him, he'd probably prolong their stay just to spite her, ignoring everything she had waiting back home.

Aries laughed softly. "Your angry face is adorable." He pinched her cheek before finally letting her go.

Lainey backed away, putting as much space between them as possible. "From now on, let's keep it this way. No touching, no invading my personal space," she declared, her voice steadier than she actually felt.

Aries watched her with a knowing smile, saying nothing. His little wife was so naive.

He moved into the living room and picked up a financial magazine to flip through. Not wanting to provoke him further, Lainey retreated to the bedroom.

After a while, she stood by the bedroom door, stealing a glance at him before ducking back inside.

The phone on the coffee table lit up and rang. Aries picked it up. "Hello?"

"Sir, you haven't had dinner yet. Shall I prepare something?" Mr. Lee's voice came through.

"Yes, we'll be right down," Aries replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he set the phone down. He stood and walked into the bedroom. Lainey was perched on the sofa, chin in her hands, staring out at the moonlit sky.

She saw his shadow fall over her in the soft glow of moonlight and looked up. "Uh, Aries..."

"We're going downstairs for dinner," he announced, then headed into the bathroom to change into casual white clothes.

When Lainey snapped out of her thoughts, Aries was already dressed and ready. "What? Aren't you hungry?"

"Oh." She rose to follow him.

The moment the door opened, Aries pulled Lainey into his arms again. Mr. Lee stood at the entrance, bowing courteously. "Sir, ma'am, this way."

Lainey stiffened, but Mr. Lee's knowing gaze stopped her from pulling away.

In the elegant first-floor dining room, a line of waitstaff stood at attention by the door. As Aries and Lainey approached, they bowed in unison. "Sir, ma'am."

Lainey swallowed her discomfort, accepting this new reality as the future Mrs. Wilson, though a trace of melancholy lingered as she glanced at Aries, his face as unreadable as ever.

The opulent gold-themed restaurant was clearly reserved just for them—no other guests in sight. The long table was laden with the hotel's signature dishes.

Aries pulled out a chair for Lainey, waiting until she sat before taking his place across from her.

The waitstaff and Mr. Lee stationed themselves nearby.

Lainey shifted awkwardly, holding her utensils but hesitating to eat.

Aries narrowed his eyes slightly, watching her with amusement before placing a serving on her plate. "Eat. What's got you daydreaming?"

"Oh." She nodded, picking up her knife and fork. "But can they leave? It's hard to eat with so many people watching."

Aries chuckled. "Let them watch if they want. We can just enjoy our meal." He kept adding food to her plate.

Lainey stole glances at him, completely confused. Minutes ago, he seemed indifferent. Now he was being thoughtful. This man made no sense. She took a deep breath and started eating.

Aries ate with his usual elegance and ease.

After the meal, the staff cleared the dishes and brought coffee for Aries and juice for Lainey before stepping back, leaving only Aries, Lainey, and Mr. Lee.

Lainey glanced at Aries as he sipped his coffee, his face emotionless. She took a sip of her juice and stayed silent. "Aries..." she began.

A sudden knock on the door cut her off. Lainey shifted, feeling weak and drained. She grabbed a robe from the floor and wrapped it around herself just as Aries walked out of the bathroom, giving her a casual look before heading to the door. He opened it to find AlBraydenna Barnes standing there.

"AlBraydenna, what brings you here?" Aries sounded surprised.

"Did you forget? You said you'd be back yesterday and I've been waiting. I brought the suit you were supposed to wear tonight," AlBraydenna said, her eyes taking in his damp hair and the towel wrapped around his waist. She could guess what had happened.

But she kept her mouth shut, burying her displeasure and anger deep down.

Aries nodded. "Come in." Maybe the shower had cleared his mind; his voice lacked its usual edge.

It was AlBraydenna's first time in this particular apartment, the one Aries shared with Lainey. She'd always wanted to come but feared seeing something she couldn't handle. In the past, Aries would visit her place after business trips, telling her he'd missed her. But now that he had a wife, his trips ended here instead of at her apartment.

Lainey dragged her exhausted body into the bathroom, catching snatches of their conversation as she sank to the floor, curling into a tiny ball. Her hand clutched her chest, testing for pain. Could it possibly hurt worse than it did a year ago?

A bitter laugh escaped her, tears sliding down her cheeks. She'd lost everything—completely and utterly.

"Aries, I picked this outfit up yesterday for Mr. Lin's birthday party tonight. Do you want to try it on? We still have time for alterations," AlBraydenna offered, gesturing to the suit on the coffee table.

Aries chuckled. "No need. Your choices have always been perfect." He looked at her—the one who seemed to know him best. Or did she? A flicker of doubt crossed his mind.

AlBraydenna nodded. "Alright then, I'll head back. You've been working nonstop for days. Rest well tonight." She hadn't seen Lainey, which was probably for the best. Did she really want to witness them being close, Lainey all sweet in Aries's arms? No. She couldn't bear it.

AlBraydenna stood to leave, but Aries stopped her. "Wait here while I change. We can go to the office together."

"Don't you need time to adjust? After that long flight, you must be exhausted," AlBraydenna said, secretly hoping he'd stay.

"No, I'm fine." He shook his head. "I won't be long. Wait for me."

A small smile finally reached AlBraydenna's eyes. To Aries, work always came first—even over spending time with Lainey in their apartment. A marriage on paper didn't give Lainey the most important part of him—his heart.

Did Lainey think she could steal the place AlBraydenna had held in Aries's heart for over twenty years, in just a few months? Impossible.

Aries returned to the bedroom and noticed Lainey was gone. His gaze landed on the shut bathroom door. Still hiding. She was never proactive, never faced him head-on.

Fine. If hiding was what she wanted, let her. She couldn't hide forever.

AlBraydenna studied the living room decor, knowing it wasn't Aries's taste—which meant it was probably Lainey's influence. That thought brought her a surprising amount of satisfaction. Aries had always been particular about his spaces, preferring dark tones, but here everything was soft and pale. It meant something, didn't it? He didn't care about this place. He was just going through the motions.

A delicate box on the glass coffee table caught her eye. A gift, perhaps. Something from Aries to Lainey, or the other way around?

She reached for it just as Aries appeared—dressed in a sharp black suit, his presence as commanding as ever.

AlBraydenna stood and straightened his tie. "Ready. Let's go." She smiled, linking her arm with his as they left.

The door clicked shut, plunging the apartment into suffocating silence—broken only by Lainey's quiet sobs drifting from the bathroom.

The insistent ringtone from the bedroom finally pulled her from the darkness. She wrapped the robe around herself and checked the caller ID: Mya Aguilar. Wiping her tear-streaked face, she took a deep breath before answering. "Mya."

"Lainey! Finally! I was so worried—I thought something had happened to you!" Mya's relief poured through the phone.

"What could possibly happen to me? I just took the rare chance to sleep in," Lainey said with a smile, the bitterness hidden behind her voice visible only to herself.

Mya nodded. "Oh, I get it!"

"Yeah, I'm not a kid anymore. Why worry over nothing?" Lainey's inner turmoil deepened, Mya's words digging into something raw and bringing fresh tears to her eyes.

"Lainey, make sure you come early!" Mya reminded her, knowing how much Lainey hated these gatherings and might bail at the last minute.

Lainey knew exactly what Mya was afraid of. "Don't worry, I'll be there early," she promised.

Only after Mya had repeated herself and gotten multiple confirmations did she finally hang up.

In a luxurious bar, Aries sat in a private room with Eduardo Fernandez and another man. A selection of expensive whiskeys was spread out before them. "Boss, I arranged full coverage for Mr. Fisher's surgery, as you instructed. Are you sure you don't want to tell Lainey?" Eduardo had tipped Aries off immediately about Michael Fisher's operation and the burden the family had placed on Lainey.

"No need," Aries said flatly. He intended to cut ties cleanly, no looking back. That night, he'd waited at the apartment, expecting her to come to him for help. But she'd said nothing. The Fishers, not a word either. What was she trying to prove?

"Boss, you're colder than I thought. I figured your wife might mean a little more to you than the others," Eduardo remarked, swirling his glass.

Aries paused, his glass halfway to his lips. Did she mean more? Women were interchangeable, satisfying nothing beyond a physical need.

"Stone, I ran into her at the hospital. She looked pale and wrecked with worry," Eduardo added, though his words were clearly directed at Aries.

"Yeah, seemed genuinely concerned. Surprising she didn't mention any of it to you," Stone agreed, well aware of Aries's hardened heart.

"You two talk too much." Aries shot them a glare. Eduardo and Stone were deliberately bringing Lainey up.

"Too interested in my wife, are you?" he asked coolly.

Eduardo grinned. "Boss, don't get mad. It's out of concern for you. Besides, if you don't care, why does it matter what we say?"

"Got too much free time these days, huh?" Aries downed his drink, the burn a welcome distraction.

"Busy? Boss, you've seen how I haven't had time for women lately, right?" Eduardo chuckled.

Aries raised an eyebrow. "Really? How about my private island, then? With a few beauties."

"Just jokes," Eduardo chuckled, taking a sip of his whiskey.

Aries Wilson set down his coffee cup, casting a sidelong glance at Lainey Fisher with a faint smile that never quite reached his eyes.

"What's up? Want some coffee too?" he asked, his gaze shifting from the mug to meet hers.

Lainey shook her head. "No, thanks."

Aries stood and moved to sit beside her. "What are you doing?" she asked, startled as he closed in, nearly sliding off the single chair before he caught her.

"Easy. I'm not gonna do anything to you," Aries said with a smile that sent an icy shiver straight down her spine. "Besides, you're my wife. Even if I did, it wouldn't be exactly out of line, now would it?"

Lainey gently nudged him away. "I'd like to go upstairs now."

"Alright, let's go," Aries murmured, wrapping an arm around her waist as they left the dining room.

"I can walk on my own," Lainey said softly, lifting her gaze to his.

Aries paid no attention, turning to Uncle Langston instead. "Uncle Langston, you can head back now," he instructed, watching as the older man halted mid-step. "Yes, sir," Uncle Langston replied.

Aries guided Lainey down the long hallway, stopping at the elevator. Once inside, he let her go, and she stepped back, avoiding him. The silence settled between them like a thick fog, heavy and suffocating.

When the elevator chimed at the top floor, Lainey shot Aries a quick look before stepping out first.

He followed at a distance, veering off into his study and shutting the door just as Lainey's lips parted to speak. Left with no choice, she retreated to the bedroom.

Aries sank into his desk chair, his laptop just booting up when his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen—"When are you coming back? I'll pick you up." A small smirk tugged at his lips as he dialed the number.

"Miss me already?" he said, his tone light. "Can't come back just yet. Gotta wrap up things at the branch office, then I'll be home."

"Oh, okay. It's so late already—aren't you resting yet?" The voice on the other end was soft and soothing.

Aries's face softened into a rare, genuine smile. "You take care of yourself too. I'll be back soon." After hanging up, he threw himself into work, not stopping until dawn streaked the sky.

As Aries stepped out of the study, he found Lainey emerging from the bedroom, her hair slightly tousled and her expression bleary with sleep. She froze at the sight of him. "Oh—um, morning."

"Why are you up so early?" Aries asked. His own face showed signs of weariness, but his voice remained cool and detached.

"Just getting some water," Lainey replied, holding up her glass.

Aries gave a curt nod. "If you're bored staying here, let me know. I can have someone take you out."

Lainey shook her head. "No, it's fine. I'm staying in." Even if she went out, the last thing she wanted was one of his people tagging along, stripping away any shred of freedom.

After a brief, unreadable look at her, Aries headed for the bedroom.

Is he heading out again? Lainey checked the time—just seven o'clock. She poured herself some water, took a sip, and returned to find Aries already sprawled on the bed, fast asleep.

What is his deal? Lainey frowned, stepping closer.

Abruptly, Aries's eyes snapped open. "Wake me at nine." He flipped over and instantly shut his eyes again.

After a moment's hesitation, Lainey mumbled an agreement, then curled up on the sofa, cradling her water glass, lost in thought. Eventually, she grabbed a throw cushion, hugging it as she lay down.

Aries opened his eyes, checking his watch—nearly nine. He glanced over at Lainey, who had dozed off, the light fabric of her pink silk nightdress riding up dangerously close to revealing too much.

He rose carefully, and Lainey jerked awake. "What time is it?" she asked groggily, sitting up and realizing she was still in her nightdress. She yanked the hem down, clutching a cushion to her chest.

"Relax, nothing's showing," Aries assured, already heading to the bathroom. The sound of running water followed soon after.

Lainey scrambled to the wardrobe, tugging on a light jacket.

Aries emerged freshly dressed in a crisp suit, snatching his phone off the sofa. "Uncle Langston, I'm heading out. Come to my room."

Uncle Langston soon appeared at the door. Aries opened it. "Hand me the car keys. I'm going alone today."

"But sir…" Uncle Langston hesitated.

"Today, you'll be accompanying my wife. Wherever she wants to go, you'll make sure she gets there," Aries instructed, his gaze flicking to Lainey, who stood off to the side.

Reluctantly, Uncle Langston passed him the keys. Aries took them, then turned back to Lainey, pulling her into a firm embrace and pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Be good. Wait for me," he said, before striding out.

Lainey blinked, already missing the warmth of his presence.

Uncle Langston nodded to her. "Madam, if you need anything at all, just let me know. I'll be right outside." With that, he slipped out, gently closing the door behind him.

Lainey surveyed the vast, empty room and felt her spirits deflate. How many more days would they be stuck in America?

She chose not to go out, spending the day sprawled in the room watching mindless TV shows and flipping through magazines. It was late afternoon when Aries returned. "Lainey didn't go out?" he asked Uncle Langston, who was still stationed by the door.

"No, sir. Madam didn't leave today, except for lunch at the restaurant," Uncle Langston reported dutifully.

"Alright. Have dinner sent up to the room," Aries commanded before entering.

Lainey was lying on the sofa, absorbed in a sheet of music, a faint smile playing on her lips as her fingers absentmindedly tapped the edge of the couch.

"You seem in a good mood," Aries remarked, tossing his suit jacket onto a chair.

Lainey sat up, smoothing her dress and running a hand through her hair. "You're back."

Aries nodded, loosening his tie as he headed into the bedroom.

"I smiled because I saw you, so why do you look so serious?" Lainey muttered under her breath, sinking back onto the sofa.

When Aries reappeared in a white robe, he wandered into the living room. "Is there something you want to say to me?" he asked, intrigued by her sudden bright demeanor.

Lainey sat at her vanity, staring at her reflection—tired, pale, with dark circles under her eyes. Was it worth it, sacrificing so much for him, only to end up with this washed-out complexion?

She touched her face, already imagining Mya Aguilar's inevitable questions about her exhausted appearance. She remained still, sinking into numbness, until her stomach growled in protest.

Lainey sighed, feeling the dull ache twist in her belly. She wandered to the kitchen and found the spiced honey cake she had painstakingly made for him still sitting warm on the counter. Tears slid down her cheeks as she slumped against the cabinet, releasing her pent-up frustration in silent sobs.

Suddenly, a wet nose nudged her foot. Lainey looked down to find Snowball, the family dog, resting beside her. She scooped him up, cradling him against her chest. "At least you're loyal, Snowball," she whispered. The dog nestled into her, offering the comfort she so desperately needed.

Lainey settled onto the sofa with Snowball, sunlight streaming through the floral curtains and casting a gentle glow over them.

Meanwhile, Aries sat in his office, his head cradled in his hands as a throbbing headache pounded through him. The fever he thought he'd shaken had come roaring back, and only one strong cup of coffee after another eased the relentless hammering in his temples.

AlBraydenna Barnes entered his office. "Aries, you okay?" she asked, noticing his hand pressed against his forehead.

Aries looked up. "I'm fine."

"You sure? You look seriously pale," AlBraydenna noted, reaching out to touch his forehead. The heat beneath her fingertips made her flinch. "Aries, you're burning up."

"It's nothing," he dismissed with a wave of his hand.

But AlBraydenna wasn't buying it. "No way. This is bad. Let me get you some medicine."

Aries stopped her. "No need. I'll be fine after a bit of rest."

"But you…" AlBraydenna's worry etched her face. In her memory, Aries had always been the picture of health, rarely ever falling ill.

"No buts," Aries replied with a weary smile. "Go get ready. We'll head out soon."

AlBraydenna nodded reluctantly. "If you feel really awful, we can leave early."

He had to put in an appearance at the event, at least. Their company was aiming to secure the Lin project, and this was an opportunity he couldn't afford to miss.

"Okay, I'll listen to you," Aries agreed, though he couldn't shake the inexplicable pull drawing him there, urging him to go.

Assured by his nod, AlBraydenna went to handle the necessary arrangements.

Later, Lainey carefully groomed herself, touching up her makeup just enough to mask the pallor. Seeing her reflection smile back gave her enough courage to face the evening.

She gathered her things, not forgetting the gift she'd prepared, resting on the coffee table.

Snowball sensed her leaving and trotted at her heels, giving her a pleading look. "Be a good boy, Joel. I have to go out for a bit, so I can't take you today," she consoled, giving his head a soft pat before slipping out of the apartment.

Lainey hailed a cab to the Lin family villa, where preparations for the upcoming event were in full swing. Though nearly everything was set, the staff still obsessively rechecked every detail to ensure nothing went amiss.

Mya Aguilar stood anxiously at the entrance. "Where's Lainey? She still isn't here," she fretted.

"Honey," a warm voice called from behind her.

"Grandpa, why aren't you resting inside?" Mya turned to see her grandfather and immediately went to his side.

"You're waiting for Lainey, aren't you?" Gabriel Wilson asked with a gentle smile.

Mya nodded. "Yes, Grandpa. You know how she hates these events. I'm worried she'll bail."

"Why would she? She promised you she'd come, didn't she?" Gabriel remarked, his eyes crinkled with fondness for his granddaughter.

"Grandpa, aren't you worried you won't get to see her today?" Mya teased as they settled back into the living room.

Gabriel nodded. "It's true, I've missed her."

"I'll call her to check if she's on her way," Mya decided, pulling out her phone just as the housekeeper arrived. "Miss Aguilar, Miss Fisher is here."

Lainey followed the housekeeper into the hall. "Mya, I'm here."

"Finally! I was just about to call you," Mya exclaimed, pulling her inside.

"Hello, Grandpa," Lainey greeted Gabriel with a warm smile.

Gabriel gestured beside him. "Come, sit."

Lainey and Mya sat on either side of Gabriel. "Lainey, it feels like ages since you visited me," Gabriel said, his voice full of affection.

"Sorry about that, Grandpa. I'll make more time to visit you," Lainey promised. She genuinely wanted to, but her schedule had been swamped with studying and work.

Gabriel patted her hand gently. "I didn't mean it that way. I've just missed having you around."

"Grandpa, you're so biased," Mya teased, feigning irritation. "You always favor Lainey over me."

"You're jealous of Lainey?" Gabriel chuckled. "She doesn't visit nearly as often as you do, you know."

Mya relented. "Alright, I get it. You love us both the same."

As they laughed together, a middle-aged couple descended the stairs. "What's all this laughing about? We could hear you all the way upstairs."

Time seemed to freeze as Aries held Lainey in his arms. After a long, charged moment, he scooped her up and carried her to the bedroom.

Lainey lay on the soft bed, pinned by the intensity in Aries's gaze. Before she could protest, his strong body covered hers.

"No, please—we can't," Lainey insisted, the doctor's warning echoing in her mind. In her condition, she was supposed to be resting, not exerting herself.

"Why not? Give me a reason," Aries demanded, catching the firm refusal in her eyes for the first time. Was she hiding something?

"I'm not feeling well," Lainey whispered, unable to force herself to reveal the pregnancy.

Aries's fingers brushed her cheek, sending shivers cascading down her spine. "Because I didn't come back? Is that why you're upset?" His voice was silky, a dangerous temptation.

"No," Lainey shook her head, knowing she was utterly defenseless against him. One look from him and she had no strength left to resist.

"Or maybe it's that time of the month?" His hand slid lower, and before he could go further, Lainey grasped his wrist.

"Yes," she lied, but her eyes betrayed her discomfort.

"I'll check," Aries said, a smirk curling his lips. He knew she was lying.

Lainey froze. Check?

"I'm giving you a chance, Lainey. Whatever you want to say, say it now. Any request, any condition—I'll do my best to make it happen."

Did he think she was playing hard to get? Lainey wasn't that cunning.

"Do you really think I'm asking something of you?" Lainey's smile was tinged with bitterness. In their relationship, there had never been any real emotion—only transactions.