Penniless, Aria didn't even have money for a cab.
She stuck to the more remote roads, wanting to get as far away from the Smith family as possible.
"Aria."
Just as she was walking, a familiar voice called out from behind.
Aria froze, then turned to see Philip — the man who appeared in those incriminating photos of her with Micheal.
Micheal was convinced that her child belonged to Philip.
Yes, she and Philip had grown up together as the best of friends, practically childhood sweethearts — though she had only ever seen him as a buddy, a brotherly friend. But that relationship had been exploited by someone with ulterior motives.
"You… what are you doing here?"
"Come with me." Philip took her hand and led her into a car parked by the roadside. It sped off, quickly putting distance between her and the place that had become so dangerous for her.
"Philip, what a coincidence…"
Philip gave a bitter smile. "Aria, it's no coincidence at all. I heard that Micheal brought you back from prison to the villa. Your mom and I have been waiting outside every day. She guarded the front gate, I kept watch at the back. I can't believe I actually caught sight of you. Aria, I'm sorry — this all happened because of me."
"It's not your fault." Nothing had happened between them, really — someone had dragged Philip into this just to frame her.
"Aria, where do you want to go? I'll take you."
"To the Smith Hotel."
"Aria, why there?"
"I keep thinking that whoever framed me for pushing the old man must be connected to the person from that night at the Smith Hotel. That night at the banquet, something happened between me and Micheal that never should have — and I ended up pregnant with his child. I believe that night was the beginning of the trap."
"Aria, that was over seven months ago. Even if someone did set you up back then, it'd be nearly impossible to find evidence now. Besides, knowing Micheal, I'm sure he's already investigated it. With how sharp he is — if he truly believed you'd tricked him — there's no way he wouldn't have checked."
"I don't care. I have to investigate."
Right now, all the blame pointed at her, claiming she was the one who killed the old man. But no one knew better than Aria herself that she hadn't done it.
And if it wasn't her, then someone else had to be behind it.
"Aria, do you want to rest a little first? Also… are you hungry?"
Only then did Aria hear the loud growling of her stomach. A bit embarrassed, she admitted, "I… I actually am hungry."
Her determination to uncover the truth had been so strong that she'd completely ignored her own discomfort.
Thanks to Philip's reminder, she realized she really needed to eat something and get a good night's sleep to recover before diving back into the investigation.
"Come to my place."
"No." Aria immediately objected. Micheal had always believed she and Philip were involved — if she suddenly disappeared, he'd definitely go after Philip.
"Don't worry. Ever since your incident, I've moved. I live quietly now — only your mom knows where. It's safe."
"Alright then." Hearing that, Aria gave in.
She had thought she was all alone in the world. But now, she realized — there were still people who cared about her. Like James and Philip.
Just the fact that they believed her… made everything worth it, no matter how the investigation turned out.
Aria devoured three packets of instant noodles, then collapsed into bed.
She slept for a full twenty-four hours. Deep in her slumber, something suddenly pressed on her shoulder — someone was shaking her.
"Who is it?"
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