Chapter 146

ARIA'S POV

The call from Finn came late in the evening, just as the world outside my window turned dark. His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it that sent a chill down my spine.

“Aria, Linda’s baby didn’t make it,” he said suddenly.

For a moment, I couldn’t breathe. “What… what did you just say?” I whispered, gripping the phone so tightly that my knuckles turned white.

“Linda lost the baby,” Finn continued. “And she’s making quite a scene. But, Aria, listen to me… you don’t have to feel guilty about this.”

My mouth went dry. “I…I wasn’t…”

But that was a lie, wasn’t it? Guilt had already taken a hold of me, tightening its grip with every word he spoke.

Finn sighed, his voice softening. “I’m telling you this because I know how you think. Don’t let her manipulate you. She’s good at this… making herself the victim, drawing everyone in. You know this wasn’t your fault.”