CHAPTER 425

ARIA’S POV

Days continue to pass, and still, there's no word on Ethan or Connor. Each day without progress makes the ache sharper, and my frustration mounts. I’m constantly surrounded by paparazzi whenever I step outside, but I’ve learned to ignore them.

Let them click away—I don’t have time to care about their rumors or pictures. What does it matter when the people I care about are still missing? I have far bigger concerns than their trivial gossip.

But Adam? Adam is starting to push all the wrong buttons. I understand he's trying to make things right between us, but it feels like he's missing the point entirely. Flowers keep arriving at my office, at home, and there’s always some sweet, well-meaning note attached, but each one only makes me angrier.

I can’t help but think, Why now? Why is he only trying to fix things after everything has fallen apart? Where was this effort when we were married? Where was this care and attention when I needed it most?

I was by his side for years. Fir