Chapter 17: Sleepless Nights
[Knight Mansion – Midnight]
Eliza stirs awake, feeling the emptiness beside her. She blinks, adjusting to the darkness. The spot where Aria usually sleeps is cold. Empty.
Eliza Walton
*Whispering* Where did she go…?
She slowly gets up, rubbing her eyes. A faint glow of moonlight filters through the curtains. As she steps toward the window, she sees a familiar figure on the balcony.
Aria stands there, dressed in a loose silk robe, holding a wine glass in one hand… and Aurora in the other.
Eliza’s breath catches in her throat. The sight is both tender and unsettling.
Aurora, deep in sleep, rests her tiny head against Aria’s shoulder. Aria’s grip on her is firm, almost possessive. Her long, dark hair sways slightly in the night breeze. A haunted expression lingers in her eyes as she gazes at the sky.
Eliza Walton
*Softly* Aria…?
Aria doesn’t react immediately. She takes a slow sip of wine, her fingers gently stroking Aurora’s hair.
Eliza Walton
*Walking closer* What are you doing out here?
Aria Knight
*Flatly* Enjoying the view.
Eliza notices the deep shadows under Aria’s eyes. The exhaustion clinging to her.
Eliza Walton
*Frowning* Have you even slept?
Aria Knight
*Smirks, but it doesn’t reach her eyes* Sleep is overrated.
Eliza Walton
*Concerned* Aria…
Aria Knight
*Sighs* What, Eliza? Why are you awake?
Eliza Walton
*Crossing arms* I should be asking you that.
Aria swirls the wine in her glass, watching the liquid move.
Aria Knight
*Low voice* You think I don’t know what’s going on in your mind?
Eliza Walton
*Heart skips* What?
Aria Knight
*Glancing at her* You tried running away once. What’s stopping you from trying again?
Aria Knight
*Chuckles darkly* Exactly.
Eliza clenches her fists. Aria is holding Aurora so protectively, as if she’s afraid to let go.
Eliza Walton
*Softly* Aria… You’re exhausted, aren’t you?
Eliza Walton
*Gently* You’re staying up every night… Watching me. Watching Aurora. Just to make sure we don’t leave.
Silence. Aria looks away, taking another sip of wine. Her shoulders tense.
Eliza Walton
*Voice softer* You’re scared.
Aria’s jaw tightens. A flicker of emotion passes through her cold eyes, but she quickly hides it.
Aria Knight
*Quietly* I don’t get scared.
Eliza Walton
*Stepping closer* Then why are you losing sleep over me?
Aria Knight
*Smirking, but eyes tired* You flatter yourself, darling.
Eliza Walton
*Sighing* Just put Aurora down and come inside.
Aria Knight
*Holding Aurora tighter* No.
Eliza Walton
*Frustrated* Aria—
Aria Knight
*Firmly* She sleeps better in my arms.
Eliza watches her closely. The strong, terrifying Aria Knight… looks fragile for the first time. Vulnerable.
Eliza Walton
*Softly* You can’t keep living like this.
Aria Knight
*Whispering* Why not?
Eliza Walton
*Sincere* Because you’ll break.
Silence. Aria exhales slowly, looking up at the stars. A bitter smile plays on her lips.
Aria Knight
*Muttering* I already did… a long time ago.
Eliza’s heart aches. She doesn’t know what to say. She never expected Aria—the cold, untouchable CEO—to be so… lost.
Eliza Walton
*Reaching out* Come inside, Aria. Please.
Aria Knight
*Looks at her, eyes dark* Not until I know you won’t run.
Eliza swallows hard. Aria is too deep in her obsession, too deep in her fear of losing them.
Eliza Walton
*Firmly* I won’t.
Aria Knight
*Studying her* Swear it.
Eliza hesitates, but then places her hand over Aurora’s back.
Eliza Walton
*Softly* I swear… I won’t run.
Aria exhales, as if she’s been holding her breath. Slowly, she nods, finally turning away from the balcony.
Aria Knight
*Quietly* Then let’s go inside.
As they step back into the room, Eliza wonders… Did she just make a promise she can’t keep?
Comments
Ana
May I know why Eliza is trying to run away from Aria? 🤔
2025-03-24
1