After All the Hurt, She Chose Herself novel Chapter 56

He was really asking when she'd be willing to have a child, wasn't he?

"Grandpa, Aria had a long day. We should let her get some rest."

Raphael wasn't wearing a mask this time. A gentle smile played on his lips.

He was very different from Gideon.

Gideon was stern and humorless, always cold to her. He rarely spoke with a smile like this.

A maid added from the side, "Ma'am, your things have been moved to the master bedroom."

Aria's expression changed. She looked up and met Gideon's gaze.

"You two are husband and wife. Sleeping in separate rooms is ridiculous," Old Mr. Evernight said. "Gideon was being thoughtless before. Starting today, he will change."

"No—"

"Grandpa is right."

Just as Aria was about to refuse, Gideon spoke up.

He walked over to Aria in a few steps and put his arm around her shoulder. "Aria, let's start over."

It wasn't a suggestion, but a declaration.

As if all Gideon had to do was decide to come back, and Aria would always be there waiting for him.

Aria sidestepped, dodging Gideon's outstretched hand.

Gideon paused for a moment before firmly and naturally wrapping his arm around her waist. "Don't be difficult."

"I'm not being difficult," Aria said coldly. "I'm exhausted today, and I don't want to argue with you."

Between the fever and the high-intensity work of commentating on stage, Aria was completely drained.

Did she really have the energy to deal with these hypocrites right now?

Their attitudes toward her had only changed because Dawn was researching the genetic problem.

He was the one entangled with Lilith. He was the one who always looked down on Aria, believing she had ulterior motives. And now he had the audacity to question her.

Was he, Gideon, the biggest victim in this marriage?

Perhaps Aria's gaze was too cold, as Gideon's grip loosened slightly. "You know I've been looking for Dawn."

"And I told you that I was certain Lilith wasn't terminal, but you didn't believe me. If I had said I knew Dawn, would you have believed me then?"

Of course Gideon wouldn't believe her. He would just think she was talking nonsense and humiliate her further.

"What happened before was my fault. From now on, we'll turn over a new leaf and build a good life together."

"So you won't force me to have a child?"

Gideon stiffened. "If we're going to have a good life together, of course we need a child."

Aria shook off his hand. "Are you kidding me? I have no desire to have a child with you. The thought of my child existing only to save Lilith makes me sick!"