But Jasmine wasn't satisfied with how calm Aria was. “You don't have a problem with it, right?” She asked, still wrapped in Sebastian's arms.

Aria’s eyes dropped to the shattered frame on the floor.

It was the only photo she had ever taken with Sebastian before they got married. And the only time she had truly felt happy.

But now, the only memory that didn’t sting—was broken too.

Aria had no reaction to give. No anger, and no fight. She was fed up enough already.

Now she just looked up at Jasmine with a small, tired smile and said, “It's alright. Sebastian was right…I should have thrown that old, stupid frame away.”

Jasmine had to quickly wipe off the displeased look on her face, “That’s so sweet of you.”

She abruptly turned to face Sebastian, “See, I told you my sister is not that bad. I'm sure she would be willing to accept whatever I ask too.”

Sebastian kept smiling at her even as he asked Aria, “Jasie will be staying in the city for a while, and I don't want her to be alone or far from me.”

“She also has trouble sleeping alone, so… I want her to stay here with me in our room. You can take the guest room, just for the time being.”

He paused.

“You know what…Jasie isn't comfortable with other people around, so what if you just move to the guest house for a while? I'll let you know when it's time to move back in.”

Aria was calm. She knew Sebastian must have prepared a lot to convince her, but she didn't have the strength for any of that.

“I understand.” She agreed with a smile, noticing the shocked look on Sebastian and Jasmine's faces.

They probably didn't expect her to give in so easily.

“I'll move my things to the guest house before the day ends,” Aria added.

Sebastian stepped forward, like he had something else to say, “No, you don't—”

But Jasmine shut him off before he could finish, “You are the best sis ever.”

Aria forced out a tiny nod at her. She looked away, picking up the stack of old books from the floor.

She turned and made her way toward the stairs. The books were heavy, but she held them close.

Halfway down, she missed a step on the stairs, making her lose her balance. She fell hard, the books flying out of her hands and landing everywhere.

Her elbow hit the floor. But the loud crash didn’t get their attention.

Jasmine didn’t move. Sebastian didn’t even turn his head.

She had him wrapped in his arms, as if purposely stopping him from noticing her.

Aria lay still for a moment, staring at the ceiling. Her chest rose and fell with shaky breaths.

If it were Jasmine, Sebastian would never have allowed her to carry the stack of heavy books herself.

He had always been that way. Even at the Hartwells, he always stopped her from doing any sort of house chores and would work in her place instead.

“My Jasie shouldn't be made to do hardcore chores like this. She is too soft for that. I don't even want a scar or a stain on her body.” He would often say with so much love in his voice for her.

But when it was Aria's turn for the house chores, no one ever offered to help. Instead, she would often get criticized for not doing a proper job.

Even after she got married to Sebastian, and thought that he would start to treat her well too—He never did.

While Jasmine got all the love and care. She was expected to quietly do things without complaining. No matter how hard they were.

Aria didn't even bother to question it anymore.

It was evening when she was done moving a few bags to the guest house while most of her things were loaded into a truck.

“You know you don't have to do all these. You'll be moving back into the main house soon anyway.” Sebastian said, staring at the truck as it drove away.

“They are the other things I'm giving out, with the books. It's all for you.” She feigned,

“Yes. But the truck had most of the things you are very attached to. How can you be giving them out so easily?” He asked,

Yes. She was usually the type who found it hard to let things go. Including people.

But that had obviously never worked for her. So why bother keeping them?

'And why even bother being with you any longer?' She thought to herself.

Aria forced out a small smile. “It's okay. They are going to places where they will be very much appreciated. And besides, you've always complained about me having too much stuff. So this is good for you.”

“Okay. Whatever works for you then.” Sebastian didn't bother anymore. Hearing it was for his good was enough again.

“Oh, there is a charity gala happening tonight,” Sebastian said. “I want to go with just Jasie. But I guess you would have to come too, in case of any business talk with partners. Okay?”

Aria shook her head, “No. I don't think I can—”

“You can't refuse, Aria.” Sebastian cut her off immediately. “You are my Executive Assistant. You are in charge of all my company's affairs. You’ve got to be there.”

Aria looked at him with deep silence. She had a reason to be there. Understood. But what did Jasmine have to contribute? Nothing. Yet he wanted her to be there.

“Sure.” She simply nodded. This was going to be the last time anyway.

Night came quickly.

The car pulled up in front of the hotel where the charity gala was being held.

Sebastian stepped out first and helped Jasmine out of the car. Cameras started flashing right away. She smiled brightly, enjoying the attention.

Then Aria stepped out from the other side of the car. No one noticed her. She kept her head down as she followed behind them.

“Oh, welcome Mr. Kingsley,” the host smiled as he walked over. “I heard you’d be attending with your wife tonight. The organizers would love to get a few official photos of you both.”

An obvious frown crowned Sebastian's face. He wondered how the host knew about his marriage. Something he had done so much to keep a secret.

Aria paused for a second, thinking maybe—for once—Sebastian was going to choose her over Jasmine.

But, she had dreamt too big once again.

“I don't have a wife. Do not believe such lies.” He stated firmly.

The host was visibly confused. His eyes were fixed on the two women. “Who are you going to be taking the exclusive photos with then?”

Sebastian didn't waste a second. He gently grabbed Jasmine's hand, “This is Jasmine Hartwell. The only true daughter of the Hartwells. And the heiress to Hartwell & Co. Holdings.”

“My goodness. Jasmine Hartwell.” The host bowed slightly.

Then, Sebastian shot a side eye at Aria before he forced a few words out. “That one is my Executive Assistant. Nothing more.”

Aria didn't blink. And she didn't even look surprised. She knew Sebastian long enough to know what he was going to say about her in public.

But, even though…that didn't stop her heart from aching a little bit.

She still stood proudly. Even if it was all fake, it was better than showing how much hurt she felt.

Jasmine giggled, leaning on Sebastian's shoulder as they stepped in front of the cameras together.

The photographers lit up. They were calling her name, praising her dress, and asking them to pose as a couple.

While Aria stood quietly at the side.

Maybe it was the crowd. The heat surrounding her. Or the loud music thudding in her ears.

But Aria suddenly couldn't breathe. She clutched her chest, struggling to stay calm.

Not wanting to grab any attention, she immediately made her way to the rooftop terrace.

She just needed a bit of air. Just a few minutes to breathe.

A few minutes passed before she decided to head back in. She reached for the door handle…but it wouldn't budge. She twisted it again. Nothing.

It had been locked from the outside.

Suddenly, Jasmine's cold, mocking voice echoed from behind the door, “Hey, gold-digging leech! How do you feel being with a man who only treats you like a disposable tool?”

“You better don't try anything stupid. Sebastian is mine and mine alone. You should leave on your own before I kick you out myself.”

“I can't believe you had the guts to tag along tonight. You were trying so hard to steal my place. Sebastian did a good job shoving you in the corner, jealous hag!”

Aria stepped back, clutching her chest. It was getting worse. She was struggling to catch a single breath at this point.

“Sebastian is all yours, Jasmine. I was never going to take him away from you.” She fought the words out. Still struggling.

“Shut up. Don't try to pretend!” Jasmine yelled at her with a dismissive scoff. Not believing her.

“You tried to take my parents away from me. Now you are trying to do the same to the man that was meant for me. Never!”

“You know what? You should be punished for being such a two-faced devil. I'm going to make sure you freeze out here in the cold. And no one will know you are here.”

Without wasting time, she snapped the padlock in place, sealing the door like it was never meant to be opened again.

Since the charity event featured high-profile guests and valuable displays, guests had been asked to check in all personal belongings—phones, bags, even smartwatches—before entering the main hall and walking down the red carpet.

How would she call for help?

And no one but Jasmine knew she had stepped out.

Aria began to struggle again. She tried to breathe, but she couldn't. Her chest tightened, and she slowly sank to the floor.

“No.” She whispered desperately as she stretched her hands to the door and began to bang on it weakly.

“Please…I don't want to die here. Anyone there…please, let me out of here.”

But anyone seeing the door was locked with a padlock would keep out without thinking twice. No one would be coming to her rescue.

Her arms were already beginning to tremble with cold. Seconds later, she could barely keep her eyes open. Her body gave out, and everything went dark.

A few hours passed, and the charity gala ended…but Aria was still yet to be back. Sebastian couldn't hide his face scrunched up with worry.

“Sebby, could she have walked out just because you took the photos with me, and not with her?” Jasmine asked sweetly, acting like she didn't know anything.

“I should have just stayed back home. I don't want her to be mad at me or anything.”

Sebastian turned to her, his brows etched together. “Jasie, you are the only heiress of Hartwell & Co. Holdings. Never would I let an ordinary employee sit in your place. That's out of order.”

“Don't worry about it. Aria has been moody and overly dramatic these days. If she can't handle the sight of me with someone more worthy, that's on her. She probably left on purpose to ruin the night. So, let's not let her bother us. We can head right home without her.”

Sebastian led the way. Jasmine followed him, secretly grinning. “I'm going to deal with you, Aria. I'll make sure you have no one by your side—not my parents. Not my sweetheart.” She whispered to herself.

Aria didn't make it home that night, but Sebastian stayed unbothered.

The next morning, at the hotel's rooftop terrace, a security guard came up to the rooftop to do a security check. He unlocked the huge padlock and stepped onto the terrace.

There in the open was Aria. She was lying on the cold concrete. Her skin had turned pale, and her lips were slightly parted, like she was still struggling to breathe.

The security guard hurried over to her. “Lady, can you hear me? How did you end up here? Hold on, I can carry you down to our emergency unit.”

But Aria suddenly grabbed his arm, “I'm okay. I'll leave on my own.” She breathed heavily.

She had hoped Sebastian would come searching for her.

But, of course. She had dreamt too big once again.

There was a time Jasmine had gone out without informing anyone, Sebastian had wasted no time filing a missing person report.

But now, Aria hadn't returned home the entire night and he didn't even bother to seek her whereabouts.

It hit her then, ‘So, this is the gap between being cherished and being tolerated.”

With the little strength she had left, Aria pushed herself up. She made her way out of the hotel and got on the first bus at the nearest bus stop, heading home.

She stared at her phone in silence. There was not a single message or missed call from Sebastian. But there were about twenty from Dante.

[I don't think I can do this any longer, Aria. One week. I will be there in one week to crash whatever life you've got with him and take you away for good. You should be ready.]

Aria sighed with deep relief on seeing Dante's message. At least, there was someone still out there, yearning for her.

She immediately sent a message back to him. [Yes.]

Why did she even think she was going to be able to survive two whole weeks like this? No way!

In one week, she was finally going to walk away for good. And start another life afresh without Sebastian in it.

The moment Aria walked into the house, her eyes met Jasmine, relaxing in the living room, while wearing her favorite pajamas.

Aria's only, and favorite pajamas.

Jasmine sat up on seeing her. “Oh, here comes the wretched woman. How was your night? I hope you suffered just enough.”

Before Aria could say anything.

Jasmine got to where she was standing and tucked a strand of Aria's hair behind her ear.

“Aw. Poor Thing. You look like you barely made it out alive. If misery had a face, it would definitely be yours. You look like shit!”

She moved even closer, clearly flaunting the bite marks on her neck. “Look. Sebby did all these. He was in heaven last night. He confessed that it was…the sweetest sex…he has ever had.”

Jasmine had a lot to brag about. She leaned even closer, her hands mockingly cradling Aria's neck.

“He didn't even want to let me go. But with you, he said he always prayed for it to get over as quickly as possible.”

Those words were the last straw for Aria. She snatched her sister by the hair and shoved her away. “Mind your words, Jasmine. I'm legally married to Sebastian. While you are just a mistress he is using to fulfill his desires.”

“Don't be a fool. If you keep misbehaving like this, I won't hold back on revealing who you truly are to the world—You are nothing but an orphan that was bought to temporarily replace me anyway.”

Aria had always taught herself to be calm no matter what. But Jasmine had already made that impossible to do. And she would not be holding back any longer.

Jasmine took another step forward. She was about to grab Aria's hair too, but froze when she saw Sebastian walking towards them.

In a swift movement, she grabbed Aria's hand instead and used it to smack herself on the face. “Aria, forgive me. It's my fault. I should have stayed away from you and your husband.”

Aria's eyes widened with confusion.

But Jasmine sprinted off to the stairs. She was about to jump when Sebastian caught her mid-air just in time.

“No, Jasie. This is my house, and you belong here. Anyone who wants you to leave would be the one to leave instead!”

Jasmine smirked secretly.

“How dare you lay your hands on her?! Sebastian hissed sharply.

Aria stood her ground. “I didn't do anything to her. Do not put the blame on me. And shouldn't you be worried about where I was last night?”

“You are—” He growled,

Aria stopped him mid-sentence, “You should be worried about—”

“I have no reason to worry about you, Aria!” He spat icily. “You have no right to lay your hands on Jasie. You know what…you should be punished severely. I'm going to demote you.”

To him, Aria was proud of her Executive Assistant position. So he thought stripping her of it was the perfect punishment.

But he was mistaken. Aria wasn't proud of the position. She was only proud of the things she had accomplished with it for Sebastian.

Sebastian's stomach churned with worry when he saw that Aria's eyes were wet with tears. But that changed nothing. He held Jasmine's hands and walked away with her.

“Keep her locked in the storage room until she apologizes,” Sebastian ordered his security guard before leaving.

Aria watched them leave in silence. But the tears that had gathered in her eyes slid down her cheeks.

How can the man she had given up on herself for treat her like this?

Aria always wanted to be a fashion designer. But she gave that up to love and work for Sebastian. Yet he was treating her like she didn't matter.

For two days, Aria was made to stay away from the main and guest house. And locked in the storage room.

Four times a day, the security guard would ask if she was ready to apologize for hitting Jasmine. But Aria always said nothing. Except keep her face buried in her palms.

There were only a few days remaining and she would finally be out of here.

Aria was sitting in the same position in the storage room when her phone kept buzzing with several text messages from Jasmine, but she never bothered to check any of them.

The last message came in when she was about to finally walk out of the house.

[Good-digging leech. I told you, I'll make sure I make you too hopeless to live. You can't win over me. I can keep Sebby away from you to be with me for a whole year.]

And Jasmine was right.

For days since Aria was locked out of the house, Sebastian hasn't been around.

But Jasmine didn't stop keeping her updated.

Aria received voice notes of Sebastian's moaning Jasmine’s name.

Another was a photo of Jasmine wearing nothing but Aria’s silk scarf. "He said I looked hotter in it."

Then, there was a short video of Sebastian in the shower, and Jasmine giggling behind the camera. “He said I taste better than you ever did.”

Two years ago, Aria would've felt heartbroken and humiliated. But, not anymore.

A man who was capable of hurting her without remorse was better off forgotten.

On the last day, the security guard still kept her locked in the huge storage room.

She decided to take a stroll around the room. Out of nowhere, a cat jumped in and landed on her face.

She fell to the ground. Even though an ordinary cat shouldn't have made that possible. But she was almost already like a walking corpse that hasn't had a proper shower, sleep, and meal in days.

Aria began to feel like she couldn't breathe again. But it was just way worse than the last time. Her chest was heaving aggressively, and soon she began to cough out blood.

She was gasping for air as the pain spread through her ribs. Her lips were already starting to turn blue.

She knew what was coming.