Chapter 23

Aria’s POV

“Oh yeah? Good for you, because it looks like you’ve found my replacement in dear oh Susie. Have fun while it lasts.” I flip him off for good measure as I push past him, descending the stairs and stepping into the arms of my so-called “family,” who are probably convinced by now that I have completely lost it.

“Aria, come sit down right now. You aren’t leaving this house until you apologize for your actions,” my mother demands, her tone dripping with scorn.

I scoff at her audacity. Really? What is she going to do? Tie me down?

“Mother, with all due respect, I am leaving, and I most definitely will not apologize to your little brat of a daughter. I will not allow the both of you to delude her. And Father, please stop looking at me as if I’m some alien. This isn’t a soap opera for your observations. Hold your wife and do not let her shade of crazy get to me. It’s for her own sake and mine.”

Their reactions are what I expect—shock, confusion, and a hint of anger flickering in t