Chapter 75

Aria's POV I pulled the blanket a little tighter around myself as I slowly sat up, the warmth of Aiden's skin still lingering against mine. When I finally looked up at him, his expression was unreadable, but his presence alone had a strange way of grounding me. "I've decided what to do," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. I gave a small, firm nod. "But I don't need your help with this." I meant it. I could handle this on my own. When I'd vented my frustration to Aiden moments ago, I wasn't actually asking for his assistance. I'm not so weak that I can't fight back when someone walks all over me. But somehow, without even realizing it, I ended up turning to him. I didn't plan to. It just… happened. But when Aiden heard me say I didn't need his help, something in his expression shifted. His jaw tightened. "This affects both of us, Aria. We're in this together." "I appreciate that," I said softly, clutching the sheet tighter around my chest. "But I want to handle this my way, with my