Chapter 38

Aria’s POV

As soon as I get home I step out of the car with Emily and Maira behind me. I take a deep breath and push open the front door of my home or should I say “house” this place didn't feel like home. In fact, it never was.

The familiar smell of polished wood and stale air greets me. Now though, the atmosphere feels heavy. I take a deep breath, readying myself for the confrontation ahead.

“Aria!” my mother calls from the living room, her sharp and annoying voice cuts through and I feel like running out the door already. “You’re back early!”

“Mother, I need to talk to Father,” I say, cutting her off.

“What’s wrong?” She smiles even wider as if sensing my tension.

“You knew didn't you?”

“How else would you learn? Tch.”

I scoff but she is not my problem right now. I move towards Caleb’s study and when I reach the doorway, my father sits at his desk, focused on some papers. He looks up, a smirk crossing his face.

“Aria, what’s—”

“Stop acting like everything is fine!” I cut him off,