“Aria? It’s me.”
Lena.
Aria tightened the robe belt and opened the door.
Lena stood there with two iced lattes and a paper bag that smelled faintly of fresh pastries — probably from the hotel café downstairs. Her ponytail was a little messier than usual, dark circles under her eyes hidden behind light concealer, but her gaze was sharp as ever.
“Thought you might need caffeine before the airport run,” Lena said, stepping inside and setting the coffees on the vanity. “And croissants. Because Singapore humidity deserves carbs.”
Aria managed a small smile. “You read my mind.”
Lena studied her for a beat, head tilted. “You okay? You’ve been quiet since the party. And you look… I don’t know. Like you’re holding your breath.”
Aria hesitated. The words were right there — the breakup, the text, the silence, now this photo and Min-Jae’s jealous reply. But saying it out loud still felt like making it permanent.
“I’m fine,” she said instead. “Just tired. Long weekend.”
Lena didn’t buy it. She handed Aria one of the coffees, then pulled out her phone and opened X without a word. The same photo filled the screen.
“This is blowing up,” Lena said quietly. “Fans are losing their minds. Shipping you and Jax hard. And… Min-Jae’s name is trending in the replies. People asking if you two are over.”
Aria took a slow sip of coffee, the cold bitterness grounding her. “Yeah. I saw.”
Lena set her phone down. “You don’t have to tell me anything you’re not ready for. But if this is connected to why you’ve been off… I’m here. No judgment. No running to Robert. Just us.”
Aria looked at her — really looked. Lena’s eyes were steady, patient, the same way they’d been when Aria had cried after her first major rejection, when she’d doubted she’d ever debut. Lena had never pushed. She’d just stayed.
The dam cracked.
“He dumped me,” Aria said, voice barely above a whisper. “Over text. Yesterday morning. While I was on the jet here.”
Lena’s face softened, but she didn’t interrupt.
“I didn’t tell you last night because… I don’t know. I was still hoping it wasn’t real. Then the photo happened. And now he’s texting me like I’m the one playing games. Like I moved on overnight.”
Lena exhaled slowly. “He’s an idiot. And a coward. Dumping you over text after everything? That’s not love. That’s control.”
Aria’s eyes stung. “I know. But seeing him jealous… it hurts and it feels good at the same time. Like maybe he still cares.”
Lena reached out, squeezed her hand. “You don’t need to make him regret anything to prove your worth. You’re Aria Moon. You just owned Marina Bay in front of thousands. You don’t need his jealousy to feel powerful.”
Aria nodded, throat tight. “I know. But right now… I kind of want to.”
Lena gave a small, knowing smile. “Then use it. Channel it. Let him see you thriving. Let him watch you shine without him. But don’t let it eat you up. You’re allowed to hurt. You’re allowed to be angry. Just don’t let him decide how you heal.”
Aria let out a shaky breath. “Thanks, Lena. For not making me feel stupid for still caring.”
“You’re not stupid. You’re human.” Lena pulled her into a quick, fierce hug. “Now finish that coffee. We’ve got a flight to catch.”
Aria hugged her back, the weight in her chest shifting — not gone, but shared.
She glanced at the photo on her phone one more time.
Min-Jae could watch.
She’d give him something worth seeing.
???
