CHAPTER 314

ARIA’S POV

I haven’t had a good sleep because of Adam. The whole night I tossed and turned, replaying our interactions over and over in my mind. Was he seriously thinking that we would have a romantic encounter?

I used to satisfy him in whatever way he wanted when we were married. For him, it was only about fulfilling his desires, as if I were nothing more than an outlet for his needs. He never seemed to care about my feelings, never once asking what I wanted, what I needed. Yet, I gave myself to him—heart, body, and soul—hoping that one day he might see me, really see me, and not just his idea of a perfect wife.

I suppose I was naive. Back then, I believed in the fairy tale, that if I loved him enough, if I gave enough, he would change. But people like Adam don’t change, not unless they want to, and I’m not sure he ever wanted to.

This time, though, I put a stop to it. It’s the first time I’ve refused him, and it feels like a small victory, a reclaiming of my own power. I’m no longer