Chapter 120

Aria's POV I panic as Claire's confession echoes in my ears, my heart racing uncontrollably. Stay calm, Aria, I tell myself, but her words keep ringing in my head. "Miss Bennett," I force a smile, trying to appear normal, "I suddenly need to use the restroom..." Without waiting for her response, I hurry out of the room, practically breaking into a run. My only thought is to escape this awkward situation as quickly as possible. "Aria! The restroom isn't that way!" Claire calls after me. But I'm already rushing toward the stairs, completely ignoring her. Good Lord, this is so unexpected! I've received my fair share of confessions before, but never from another woman! I have absolutely no issue with her orientation, but being the object of her affection... I'm completely at a loss for how to respond. All I can think about is finding Aiden. Regret washes over me like a tide - why did I leave his side earlier? The ballroom is enormous, and with so many guests tonight, I spend a good fifteen