Chapter 6

Third-person POV Caleb returned home as though he were on autopilot. The moment he opened the front door, a familiar scent washed over him. It was the sweet and tantalizing aroma of beef stew, Melissa's signature dish. His heart skipped a beat as surprised delight flashed in his eyes. "Melissa? Have you returned?" He darted toward the kitchen, almost tripping over his own feet. Joy and anticipation shone in his eyes, yet the instant he spotted the woman standing at the stove, the happiness faded. Even the smile quirking at the corner of his lips vanished. It wasn't Melissa. Dressed in a white silk nightgown, Aria was slowly stirring the stew in the pot. Upon seeing him, she smiled sweetly. "Caleb, you're back!" All the hope and anticipation in Caleb dissipated like smoke, causing his expression to turn icy. "Didn't you leave the country already?" He distinctly remembered seeing her off and had even watched as she boarded the plane. "I came back." Setting down the ladle, Aria