Chapter 15

Aria's POV When I demanded that Liam kneel to apologize, the atmosphere in the private dining room instantly became suffocating. The shock on everyone's faces was almost satisfying. Mrs. White was the first to recover. "Aria, dear, that's not necessary in this day and age. We can resolve this like civilized—" "Isn't this what he promised?" I cut her off, my voice eerily calm. "Just moments ago, he said he would do 'anything' to make amends. I'm simply taking him at his word." Emily leaned forward, eyes wide with disbelief. "You can't seriously expect my brother to—" "If he's truly sorry," I interrupted without looking at her, "then proving it shouldn't be difficult." Liam's face had turned ashen. He looked trapped, caught between preserving his dignity and proving his sincerity. After several agonizing seconds, he finally spoke. "If I do this—if I kneel down right now—will you forgive me, Aria? Can we put this behind us and start over?" I met his gaze steadily. "Your apology is your ch