Chapter 9

“Why did you keep it from me, Aunt?” Aria asked, her anger evident in her voice as she gazed at her Aunt Isabella, who sat calmly in the desk chair. Zerran had left earlier, following his mother’s instructions to speak to the orphanage’s finance manager about some matter that had not been discussed in front of Aria.

She crossed her arms, her face cast downward, as she awaited her Aunt’s explanation. The wait was torture for her as she was still embarrassed by the scene earlier with Zerran. And the anger that had boiled up inside her. The thought that he was probably gloating about her embarrassment only fueled her frustration.

Isabella smiled softly and interlaced her fingers on top of the desk. “Aria, my dear, I have parts of my life that I keep private. There are things that I simply cannot tell you.”

Aria pouted and let out a dramatic sigh. “Did my mother know?” she asked.

Isabella nodded gently. “I understand you are upset, especially since you are to mar