After All the Hurt, She Chose Herself novel Chapter 248

For a moment, Aria's mind went blank.

She remembered that night three years ago, when Gideon had been drugged. He had called out her name, "Aria," over and over, pleading, "Aria, don't go."

And so she had let herself fall for him, believing she held a place in his heart.

Only now did she realize he must have been saying, "Ivy, don't go."

So that's what it was.

A bitter, hollow laugh escaped Aria’s lips. She’d been a fool to think she ever mattered.

"Gideon..." Ivy paused, then tears streamed down her face. "Lilith is really gone. I thought she was just playing a joke on me, angry that I hadn't come back to see her in all these years... Why didn't you tell me yesterday?"

Gideon's voice was hoarse. "I promised you I'd take care of Lilith. I failed..."

It dawned on Aria. So Gideon really had been taking care of Lilith as a favor to someone else. That's why he always said he saw her as a sister.

It turned out Gideon's old flame was Ivy.

Because of a single promise to Ivy, Gideon had treated Lilith with endless kindness.

Aria got into the car, her face numb.

She didn't love Gideon anymore, but knowing the truth now, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for her past self.

If she had known Gideon was calling out for someone else, Aria would never have married him, would never have let herself fall so deep.

"Driver, my booking is under 4933. Let's go."

Now that Gideon's one true love was back, surely he wouldn't have any more excuses to delay the divorce, right?

***

Gideon handed Ivy a tissue. "Lilith's death was an accident. I couldn't find Dawn to save her."

Ivy shook her head, wiping her tears. "The autopsy results are in. The cause of death was a massive air injection, not her illness."

"What?" Gideon frowned. "Who would want to harm Lilith? Was there a problem with the autopsy?"

Roxanne cut in immediately.

"She cared about you so much. Please, I'm begging you, let her have this one last thing to be happy about. Please?"

He had already promised Ivy he would look after Lilith. Now, with Roxanne pleading with him like this, Gideon couldn't refuse.

But the thought of Aria made him hesitate.

Doing this would undoubtedly push Aria further away.

"Mrs. Rowan, Gideon is grieving too. If Lilith knew, I'm sure she wouldn't want him to be reminded of his pain. Please, just give us some time to process this, okay?"

Ivy noticed Gideon's hesitation and gently stepped in to help him out.

Gideon immediately spoke up. "Ma'am, I won't miss the funeral. You have my word."

But in what capacity he would attend, he couldn't say for sure.