The Hockey Roommate's Filthy Desire novel Chapter 97

Chapter 97

Chapter 97

ARIA’S POV

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The months that followed did not pass quietly.

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They came with weight. With exhaustion. With a kind of emotional strain that settled deep into my bones and refused to leave. Living alone was not as easy as I had imagined it would be.

It was not peaceful in the way I thought it would be. It was lonely.

There were days I woke up and questioned everything, my choices, my strength, even my worth. My body was changing faster now, heavier, slower, unfamiliar in ways I struggled to accept.

Some mornings. I stood in front of the mirror longer than I should have. “Is this really me?” I whispered once, my hand resting on the curve of my stomach.

No answer came. But I didn’t stop showing up.

Because no matter how difficult it got, I had something to fight for. My father’s legacy wasn’t just a goal anymore, it was the only thing keeping me grounded.

And so, every single day, I walked into that office.

Even when I was tired. Even when I felt like I was falling apart.

“Aria, you should be resting more,” one of the junior staff said one afternoon, watching me struggle with a stack of files.

“I’ll rest when I’m done,” I replied without looking up.

“You’ve said that three times today.”

“And I meant it all three times.” It became my routine after that. Push. Ignore. Continue. Until my body decided it had had enough.

The dizziness didn’t warn me anymore. It just came. One moment I was standing, flipping through documents, and the next, everything tilted.

“Aria…”

I didn’t even realize I was falling until strong arms caught me. Again.

“Careful,” Brandon’s voice came low, controlled, but edged with something sharper. “You’re going to hurt yourself at this rate.”

“I’m fine,” I murmured weakly, though I was already being guided toward the couch in his office.

“You say that every time,” he replied.

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Chapter 97

“And I mean it every time.”

He didn’t look convinced. “Lie down,” he added, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I sighed softly but didn’t fight him this time. “You’re starting to sound like a broken record.”

“And you’re starting to become a liability to yourself.”

That made me frown slightly. “That’s harsh.”

“It’s true.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but the door suddenly swung open.

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“Brandon!” The voice was loud. Confident. Unapologetically familiar. Before I could even process it, she walked in like she owned the space.

And then, she kissed him. Just like that. No hesitation. No warning. My breath caught.

Something inside me shifted instantly, sharp and uncomfortable. I pushed myself up slightly on the couch, my body suddenly tense.

“Miss me?” she said with a grin, pulling back like nothing had just happened.

Brandon’s expression didn’t match hers. “Vivian,” he said flatly. “You should knock.”

She laughed. “Since when do I knock?”

“Since always.”

But she didn’t seem bothered. “I just got into the country,” she continued casually. “Quick assignment. I’ll be

out soon.”

My eyes moved between them. There was history there. That much was obvious. And then, her gaze landed on me. Slow. Assessing.

“Who’s she?” she asked, tilting her head slightly.

Brandon didn’t answer immediately. “My assistant,” he said finally.

Her lips curved, but there was something off about it. “She looks…” she paused, her eyes dragging over me in a way that made my skin crawl. “…different.”

I felt my chest tighten. “Chubby,” she added lightly.

Silence. The word didn’t echo. It sank. Deep. Because it wasn’t just her voice I heard, it was my own thoughts repeating it back to me.

My fingers curled into the couch. “Excuse me?” I said slowly.

She shrugged. “I mean, I’m just saying…”

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Chapter 97

“Don’t,” Brandon cut in sharply. But it was too late.

Something inside me snapped.

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“Who the hell do you think you are?” I shot back, pushing myself up fully now despite the dizziness creeping back in.

Vivian blinked, clearly not expecting that reaction.

“I was just…”

“No,” I cut her off. “You weren’t just anything. You walked in here, kissed him like you own him, and then decided to comment on me?”

“Aria…” Brandon started.

But I wasn’t listening anymore.

“Do you have any idea what you’re saying?” I continued, my voice rising despite myself. “Or do you just go around insulting people for fun?”

Vivian’s expression hardened slightly. “You’re overreacting.”

“Am I?” I laughed bitterly. “Or are you just used to people not calling you out?”

“Enough.” Brandon said, stepping forward. But I was already moving. Files scattered as I grabbed the nearest stack and dropped it back onto the desk harder than necessary.

“I don’t need this,” I muttered, shaking my head.

“Aria, stop,” Brandon said firmly. But I didn’t. “I came here to work,” I added, my voice trembling slightly now. “Not to be judged by your….whatever she is.”

“Careful,” Vivian warned.

“No,” I shot back. “You be careful.” The room fell into a tense silence. And just like that, I turned and walked out. I didn’t wait. Didn’t look back.

By the time I got home, the anger had already started fading. And what replaced it was worse.

I stood in front of the mirror again, staring at myself.

“Chubby,” I whispered, my voice breaking slightly.

My hands moved over my body slowly, uncertainly.

“I wasn’t like this before…” My throat tightened.

“I used to look better than this.” The tears came before I could stop them. “I don’t even recognize myself anymore…”

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