Chapter 14 Didn’t You Say You’d Kneel?
Aria’s POV
As our car pulled up to the exclusive restaurant in downtown, I smoothed down my black Givenchy dress. I’d chosen it deliberately-sleek, elegant, and utterly funeral-like. Perfect for burying a relationship.
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” my father asked, his hand covering mine.
I nodded. “More than ready.”
The maitre d’ led us to a private dining room. The moment we walked in, I noticed the entire White family was already seated – William and Elizabeth White, along with Emily, Liam’s sister who rarely made public appearances. But the person who should have been front and center was conspicuously absent.
“Where is your son?” my father asked coldly, not bothering with pleasantries as we remained standing.
William’s face tightened. “He’s on his way. Please, have a seat.”
“So we’re important enough to summon but not important enough for him to arrive on time?” My father’s voice was razor-sharp.
Elizabeth White shifted uncomfortably. “Traffic is terrible tonight. I’m sure he’ll be here any moment.”
I maintained perfect composure as we took our seats, though inside I was seething. The audacity of Liam to be late to his own apology dinner was just another slap in the face.
Ten minutes later, Liam finally burst through the door, slightly winded. “I apologize for my tardiness. There was an accident on Fifth Avenue that blocked traffic.”
Our eyes met briefly before I looked away. I knew the real reason he was late had nothing to do with traffic and everything to do with Sophia. The slight trace of her perfume still clung to his collar – a scent I recognized all too well.
William White cleared his throat as we all settled into uncomfortable silence.
“It’s been quite some time since both our families have gathered like this,” William attempted, his tone artificially jovial. “The last time was….” He stopped abruptly, finally realizing what he was about to reference.
The last time had been when we were discussing wedding plans.But the wedding that never happened.
“You look thin, dear,” Elizabeth quickly interjected, gesturing to me. “You must eat more. I’ve asked the chef to prepare your favorites.”
“Thank you for your concern, Mrs. White,” I replied with calculated formality, emphasizing her title to make it clear where we stood now.
For years, I had called this woman “Aunt Elizabeth.” She’d helped plan what was supposed to be my wedding. And yet, when her son left me at the altar, her first instinct hadn’t been to check on me—
It was to control the media fallout.
Her smile faltered-just slightly, but I saw it.
“Emily, why don’t you offer Aria some of those pastries you brought?” Elizabeth suggested to her daughter, who had been sitting quietly, observing the tension.
Emily reluctantly picked up a small box of artisanal pastries and held it out toward me. “Would you like one?
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They’re from that French bakery on Madison.”
I smiled politely but firmly. “No, thank you.”
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Emily had never liked me. Throughout my relationship with Liam, she’d made countless subtle jabs at my family’s status compared to theirs. Now she was being forced to play nice, and we both knew it was just for show.
After the appetizers were served, Liam cleared his throat and reached for something in his jacket pocket.
“Aria,” he said, sliding a small velvet box across the table. “This was meant to be your anniversary gift. Four years together.”
I stared at the box without touching it.
Liam continued, “It’s for the yacht we talked about,” a hopeful smile on his face. “The one you always wanted for summer cruises.”
Emily’s eyes widened. “A yacht? You bought her a yacht? That must have cost-”
“It’s wonderful that you’re so generous with your gifts, Liam,” I interrupted, keeping my voice sweet. I picked up the box and turned to Emily. “You seem to admire it so much. Why don’t you take it?”
I slid the box toward her.
“I-what?” Emily stuttered, looking between me and Liam.
“Given my current relationship with Mr. White, I really can’t accept this kind of gift,” I said with a pleasant smile. “But since Miss White likes it, then it’s perfect. At least his purchase won’t go to waste.”
A heavy silence fell over the table.
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught my father suppressing a smile, clearly pleased.
That was the final word on the matter-and it landed exactly as intended. Across the table, the expressions of the White family shifted, one by one.
Throughout the entire meal, my father and I addressed the Whites with deliberate formality-no “Aunt Elizabeth,
no “Uncle William.” Just Mr. and Mrs. White. No warmth, no familiarity. Only distance.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Liam growing quieter, his expression darkening as the minutes ticked by. His parents barely touched their plates. Only Emily seemed unaffected, eating with far too much enthusiasm for someone sitting in such a tense atmosphere.
Let them squirm while I dined – it was the least they deserved.
I stopped paying attention to them and turned my focus to the food instead. The lobster bisque was exquisite, the filet mignon cooked to perfection. I savored each bite with deliberate pleasure, refusing to let their discomfort spoil my appetite.
An hour and a half later, the waitstaff moved in to clear the table, replacing the remnants of the main course with fruit and dessert.
Apparently, William had brought wine for the occasion, but my father shook his head before it was even opened.
“We’re here to talk business,” he said evenly. “Let’s keep it sober.”
There was a long pause.
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Then William finally sighed and spoke.
“Benjamin,” he said softly, “what happened with the wedding… that was on us. The White family owes you-and Aria-an apology. I failed as a father. I didn’t raise my son well enough to stop him from doing something so hurtful.”
“With all due respect, Mr. White,” I interrupted gently, “this isn’t your responsibility to bear.”
My father nodded. “My daughter is right. The person who needs to take responsibility is sitting right there.” He pointed directly at Liam.
“Let me be perfectly clear,” my father continued, his voice hardening. “When you first approached me about marrying my daughter, I had my reservations. Not because we needed your family’s connection or wealth – we’ve never needed anyone’s help. I agreed solely because my daughter loved you.”
“All I’ve ever wanted was my daughter’s happiness,” my father added, putting his hand over mine.”And you’ve taken that from her in the most public, humiliating way possible.”
Liam looked physically ill. “Aria,” he finally spoke directly to me, reaching for my hand across the table. “I know words aren’t enough. I’ll do anything-”
I pulled my hand away before he could touch me.
“If you’re truly sorry,” I said evenly, “then prove it.”
Liam’s eyes darted around the table, then back to me. “How?”
“You made a spectacle of me in front of hundreds of people,” I replied. “Kneeling and apologizing doesn’t seem unreasonable, does it?”
The color drained from his face. Emily gasped. Elizabeth put a hand to her mouth.
Liam hesitated, looking shocked at my demand. He glanced at his parents, clearly conflicted about publicly humiliating himself.
I watched him with detached interest, noting how quickly his supposed remorse evaporated when his pride was at
stake.
“Well?” I asked pointedly. “Weren’t you just saying how much you wanted to make amends?Weren’t you the one who said you’d be begging for my forgiveness on your knees?”
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