57. The Joyride

ARIA’s POV

Taking slow steps, I made my way down the stairs that led out of the mansion. The early morning sun, its gentle rays breaking through the horizon, enveloped me in a warm embrace, casting a luminous glow upon my skin.

It had been days, and I had soon abandoned my crutches. Now, I was able to walk without them.

On the flip side, Matteo began to keep a noticeable distance between us, which I gradually accepted as probably being for the best. His focus on work seemed to consume him, leaving little room for acknowledgment of my presence.

Our shared meals became rare occasions, and his prolonged hours away from home became normal, with him returning only when absolutely necessary. Strangely, though it initially stung, but then i found solace in the newfound space between us, as if I was finally able to breathe.