Tristan dragged an embarrassed Aria out of the study and said "He is not here."
Aria slowly came out of hiding behind Tristan and truly Cole was not in the living room.
Tristan cupped her flushed cheek and laughed "You look so cute."
Aria pouted her lips and scolded "Next time we shouldn't do that when someone is around."
Tristan chuckled and neither agreed nor disagreed; he only kissed her forehead affectionately. "Let's eat; I'm sure you are hungry."
"Wait, I want to tell you something. Since my grandmother is going to wake up soon, I would like to go to the house and clean it. It's been long since I've been there anyway."
"I will ask Susan to go with you."
"I want to go alone."
"Aria....."
"It's just a two-hour drive, and also, I have your protective pendant with me. I will be fine, Tristan. Please."
The thought of her being alone at this time made him uneasy. Was he being too overprotective? "When will you be back?"