Aria winced, cheeks burning. “I know it was risky. I wasn’t thinking clearly. I was hurt and wanted Min-Jae to feel what I felt.”
Lena rubbed her temple, frustration clear. “And Min-Jae wasn’t even worth this sort of drama. I know you were in love with himonce, but for the past year or so he has not been great to you. He acted petty and jealous. I’ve seen you apologise for just being yourself instead of being with someone who actually lifts you up. You deserved better than playing games to try and win him back.”
Aria’s shoulders slumped. “I see that now. I was hurt and stupid.”
Lena sighed, the annoyance softening into reluctant concern. She took Aria’s hand. “Look, I’m not saying you’re a bad person, but this was reckless. You’re lucky it hasn’t exploded yet. And now… it’s not fake for you anymore, is it?”
Aria closed her eyes. “No. Not for me, anyway. I think I’m falling for him. But I’m scared he still sees it as the arrangement — that once the sponsor pressure eases, he won’t need the ‘steady girlfriend’ anymore.”
Lena studied her for a long moment, then squeezed her hand. “You two are idiots. Both of you. The way he looks at you when you’re not watching? That’s not for show. But you need to be honest with him before this gets even more complicated. And next time you decide to fake a relationship with a Formula 1 driver just to mess with your ex? Maybe run it by your trusty assistant first.”
Aria let out a shaky laugh. “Noted. No more stupid plans.”
“Good.” Lena stood and stretched. “Get some sleep. You’ve got a flight to Miami tomorrow. And Jax is probably waiting for your goodnight text.”.
Aria smiled—small, real. “Thanks, Lena. For listening. For not judging.”
Lena shrugged. “That’s what assistants do. And friends. Whatever you need.”
She left quietly. Aria stared at her phone, thumb hovering over Jax’s name. She sent a simple:Miss you. Safe flight tomorrow?
His reply came seconds later.
Jax: Miss you more. Yeah, early one. You okay?
Aria: Yeah. Just thinking.
Jax: About what?
She hesitated. Then typed the truth—or as close as she could get without breaking.
Aria: About how much I like being with you. Even when it’s hard.
Three dots appeared. Disappeared. Appeared again.
Jax: Same.
No more words. No explanation. Just that one word.
She pressed the phone to her chest, heart pounding.
She didn’t know what he meant by it.
But she knew what she hoped.
And for the first time, she let herself hope without immediately bracing for the fall.
She just wasn’t brave enough to say it yet.
Neither was he.
But maybe—just maybe—they were getting closer.
???
Chapter Twenty-One
Jax
