Cruel Billionaire

🍂Chapter 6🍂

         Aza's POV

Yaaay! Mission one accomplished! I had deliberately stirred things up to prompt Aidan's interest, and it worked like a charm. As I jumped onto the bed, hugging my fluffy pillow, excitement bubbled within me, and I began dreaming up the perfect plan for the day ahead.

I picked out a lovely floral dress that flowed beautifully, perfect for the family gathering I knew would lift my spirits. Mum had complained on the phone yesterday that it had been too long since I last visited. The thought of seeing them again filled me with joy, and, surprisingly, a bit of anxiety. I wasn't entirely sure how much I wanted to share—would they read between the lines?

As I decided against heavy makeup, I applied a simple lip gloss before giving my hair a final brush. I glanced at my reflection: not bad. Leaving Aidan's room felt surreal; it was as if I was stepping from one world into another—one with family warmth compared to the cold complications of marriage. I made my way to the kitchen, grabbing my car keys. Aidan must have already left for work; the house held an eerie silence I found oddly comforting.

Driving towards my family's home was a journey filled with nostalgia. The streets, lined with trees swaying gently in the breeze, brought back memories of my childhood—days spent laughing with Lily in the park, racing to the ice cream truck. Would they notice something was off with me? As much as I tried to convince myself it would be a lighthearted visit, doubts began creeping in.

...

"Aza!" Lily squealed the moment I stepped through the door, her excitement infectious as she dashed toward me.

"Hey, Monchi! How are you?" I asked, pinching her nose lovingly while she pretended to be annoyed.

"I'm good, sis! I miss you so much!" she pouted, her big brown eyes wide and pleading.

"Aww, I miss you too, baby! How's school?" I inquired, but before she could answer, Mum and Dad swooped in, filling the space with their warm presence.

"My princess, how are you doing?" Dad exclaimed, pulling me into a tight hug. I could feel the warmth of his love radiate through his arms. Mum joined, her arms enveloping us both, creating a cocoon of safety.

"I'm perfectly fine, Dad," I replied, taking a seat on the couch, feeling the familiarity wash over me. The smell of freshly baked cookies wafted from the kitchen, and for a moment, I felt at home again.

"How's married life?" Mum asked, her gaze scrutinizing, and I immediately felt the knot tighten in my stomach. Here we go.

"It's fine, Mum. Aidan has been a loving and caring husband, honestly, so there's nothing to worry about," I replied, my voice firmer than I felt. Gosh, she knows too much about me. It's like she can read my mind, and suddenly I felt like a teenager caught in a lie.

"Are you sure, Presley?" Dad chimed in, his use of my middle name sending an echo of seriousness through the room. I could almost hear the clock ticking, amplifying my anxiety.

"Yes, Dad, I'm fine! Don't I look fine?" I answered, feigning a playful pout, trying to deflect their concern.

"Look at me, Presley," Dad urged gently, warmth mingling with concern in his tone, his eyes fixed on mine with genuine worry.

"I'm really sorry you had to marry for us. Please forgive us," he confessed, guilt etching lines across his face. Dad had received a job offer right after my wedding, ensuring financial security for them, but at what cost?

"Oh, Dad, I'm glad you're doing well. That's what matters," I responded, pushing down the guilt welling in my chest. "Aidan is the best husband ever," I added, though I felt the weight of those words. How could I convince them that everything was fine when a part of me felt so lost?