Chapter 37

I return to the office, my heart heavy with betrayal and eyes stinging with unshed tears, to pick up something I forgot before heading home. As I step into the building, my eyes widen in shock once I see Aria standing there with two lunch bags in her hand, a warm smile on her face.

"I brought lunch," she says brightly, walking toward me with open arms. She probably came to check on me and see how I survived my first day.

"Hey, Aria," I manage to choke out, my voice cracking with emotion as I pull her into a tight hug, clinging to her like a lifeline. I hold her longer than normal, desperately needing her comfort and support. She couldn't have surprised me at work at a more perfect time.

"Is everything alright?" Aria asks gently as she pulls back, her brow furrowed with concern as she searches my face. Worry is already etched in her kind eyes.

"No," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "Do you have time to