Avan
I think this chapter was needed because otherwise everytime it would be aria point of view it would play out like a sappy teenage love diary. I also personally don't like the fact she confess to a married man with kids, no matter how she felt for him she should've buried those feelings 7feet under or more; I cringed thinking what if he had accepted them. I also like the fact that Alex let her know right away they would never be. cheating no matter what excuse one have is never okay, and it always take two to tango.
I like how the author decided to confront this issue between the characters and not be a joking **** drama rom com. However, you have forgotten that the end of the world happened, twice for Alex, and the perspective of morals has changed. He has lost much of his emotions and morals as he is willing to do whatever is needed to get his family to survive and have humanity survive. His attitude may change over time as he is less pressured by the overwhelming pressure of having to lead the world to survive. All in all, great story.
It was very bad that Aria asked him, she took a risk, she was honest and she received her answer but because of her question the situation between them I think will become tense. I was hoping to see Aria with Alex if Debita died but this now looks difficult. I would like Alex to be more open and receptive to other goals besides saving the world