#Chapter 53: Endless Disappointments

Aria’s POV I sit at a corner table in the café, drumming my fingers on the wooden surface. I’ve been here for fifteen minutes already, nursing a lukewarm cup of coffee as I wait for Sophia. It’s been long enough for my frustration to build, and the longer I wait, the more certain I am that this conversation won’t go smoothly. When Sophia finally walks in, she’s late—as usual. She spots me, her expression flat as she heads to the table without so much as a smile. She’s dressed to perfection, her hair immaculately styled, her outfit spotless, but there’s an edge to her, a kind of defensive energy that she doesn’t even try to hide. "Sorry I’m late," she says without any real apology in her tone, sliding into the seat across from me. "Got caught up in something." "Of course," I reply, trying to keep my voice even, though the irritation simmers just beneath the surface. "Thanks for coming." She doesn’t respond, just flicks her eyes down at the coffee menu before tossing it