After All the Hurt, She Chose Herself novel Chapter 33

Henry had intended to give Aria a ride home, but on second thought, now that she and Gideon were divorced, he didn’t need to bother.

Besides, Lilith had already started targeted therapy. Once she recovered, she would be the rightful Mrs. Evernight. And Aria?

Just another bitter ex-wife destined for obscurity.

“Just get a cab yourself.”

Henry drove off without another word.

As it happened, Aria’s own car was parked at the hospital. She didn’t argue, simply turning to walk toward it.

Just then, a message from her professor arrived: [Are you available to meet now?]

Aria’s heart beat a little faster. This was an opportunity she couldn’t afford to miss.

After confirming a location with her professor, she immediately drove over.

It was the professor’s research institute.

Aria parked her car. The security guard was still standing dutifully at the gate.

It had been a long time since she’d left the institute, and she knew she couldn’t get in without an access pass, so she lowered her head to text her professor.

“Aria?” an incredulous voice reached her ears. “You still have the nerve to show your face here?”

Aria looked up to see a woman in a white lab coat.

She looked familiar. Back when Aria was interning with Charles, this woman had been one of his admirers.

“Hazel Quinn?” Aria asked, a little uncertain.

Seeing that Aria actually remembered her, Hazel crossed her arms and snorted. “What are you doing here? Don’t tell me you found out Charles was back and came here deliberately to ambush him. Don’t you know he already has a girlfriend?”

Aria hadn't come here to discuss gossip.

She handed her phone to the guard. “Could you please take this?”

Hazel took the opportunity to size Aria up.

She was still as beautiful as before, but thinner, looking fragile and pale.

It seemed life outside the institute hadn’t been kind to her.

“Then how do you want me to prove it? My professor is waiting for me. If you make him wait, can you take responsibility for that?” Aria retorted.

“The professor would never ask for you!”

Why would the professor invite back a woman who had left the institute so many years ago?

“You should leave before I call security!”

A beam of headlights swept over them, and Hazel instinctively squinted. Recognizing the license plate, her eyes lit up. “Charles? What are you doing here so late?”

The guard recognized Charles’s license plate; the institute had specifically flagged it as a priority vehicle.

He hurried to open the gate.

Charles, looking rushed, glanced at Aria standing outside the gate before driving straight in.

Hazel watched his car disappear with an excited look on her face. She couldn't believe she'd run into Charles just by stepping out to grab some takeout.

But when she looked back at Aria, her heart filled with renewed disdain.