10#10

10

Aria's Perspective

Taylor's energy surged, silencing the audience. "Aria is her own person. She decides her own fate."

I gazed at Nicho, my chest aching. Once, I'd have given anything to hear those words from him. But now? Everything had changed. Our potential connection had been destroyed when he abandoned me.

"I'm sorry, Nicho," I murmured, moving closer to Taylor. "It's too late now."

Nicho's anguished expression was difficult to bear, but I forced myself to look away. Taylor embraced me, his presence reassuring as he instructed the security to remove Nicho.

This time, Nicho didn't resist. He allowed the guards to lead him out, but not before casting a final, longing look in my direction.

The event continued, though unease lingered. As I received Taylor's symbol, I felt a faint twinge of doubt. But it was quickly overshadowed by a sense of resolve.