Aria’s regret

"Sis, you aren't angry right?" James asked. "No," Aria responded not wanting to talk to him because she was upset.

How dare he snitch on her?!

"Brother I'm trying to get us a father but you keep spoiling my plans!" She complained.

"Aria I know that, I also want someone to be my mommy's side and lessen her troubles but you made it worse! She has been worried about you and she has been much busier than before!"James explained to her everything that happened in detail.

When Aria heard that she couldn't help but feel guilty. "I'm sorry…."

"What is more important is that you are safe! Stay there. Mommy will go get you soon no matter what, never expose any details about mommy and be aware of your surroundings. Sis, you are too naive! Just because that uncle was kind to you once it doesn't mean he truly cares for you, what if he has other intentions?" That made Aria even more guilty and she faced reality.

She could now understand the consequences of her actions. She would often see her mother working late at night and not taking care of herself. Seeing how her mother worked so hard for them encouraged her to do something for her.

Knowing that the handsome uncle she met before was kind she wanted to see if he qualifies to be with her mother.

She didn't expect to make the situation worse and instead make her mother more worried and stressed.

"Brother, I want to talk to mommy!" She sobbed. She clenched her small hands on her skirt. Her little heart was hurting. She had never felt more regret in her life.

"Aria…." Her tears finally fell when she heard her mother's voice.

When Adriana arrived home she heard James on the phone with someone so she came to check up on him and when she heard her daughter's voice she felt extremely relieved. She could finally hear her baby's voice.

God, she misses her so much!

"I'm sorry mommy. I didn't mean to! I will tell my friend to send me back right away!" She was determined.

Adriana panicked. That's not a good idea….

Reluctantly, she explained to Aria that she would contact the 'handsome uncle' herself and that she had to stay under his care for a little longer. She didn't want to leave Aria but she couldn't just meet with Noah like that!

She was also worried about Aria's safety. When Aria is near her and under her guard's watch she can feel relieved that no one will harm her but now that she's away she shouldn't risk anything.

There are many people trying to get her whereabouts to find out more about her because of her mysterious identity.

In the end, she settled with that.

After her conversation with Aria that day she had no choice. She wrote a long email explaining the situation. She even sent evidence that Aria is indeed her adoptive daughter and also about what happened with Mrs.Garcia.

She knew that Noah would probably investigate Aria and find nothing since she made sure it would all be erased. Her method was sending proof of her every word. She even allowed him to easily track her location through the email she sent but not her full identity.

After she sent her email she had Aria confess the truth to Noah. She wanted Aria to know that everything is going to be okay and that she would go get her as soon as possible.

———-

"I'm sorry. I hope we can still meet after this! I really like you, Uncle Noah." Aria lowered her head under Noah's intense gaze. After confessing everything just now she hoped he wouldn't hate her. She even stopped calling him 'daddy'.

She promised that she would only call someone her father if her mother personally approves it.

Noah just sighed. "It's okay. Technically, I also adopted you. When your mother comes to pick you up I will talk to her about it. She sounds like a reasonable person." Noah smiled trying to lift up her mood.

He picked her up from the ground and carried her towards the dining room.

"Let's eat dinner okay? Don't cry anymore. Everything will be okay. I promise." He smiled and had the maids leave the room. He fed her food quietly.

Aria was surprised but she was also thankful. She felt something warm in her chest. 'So this is what having a father feels like?' She wondered.

"Your mother told me that you got lost in the building that day and she has been searching for you since then. I want to know why you came to me and came home with me. If you would have told me from the start that you had your mother I would have sent you to her." He was calm and was careful with his tone.

He did not want her to misunderstand that he's angry. Sure, the situation is complicated but he wouldn't ever blame it on an innocent kid. A kid he took a particular liking to….

"My mommy always works hard. Me and my- I mean I have never met my father. The truth is my purpose was coming home with you from the beginning so that you could meet my mother and fall in love with her. That way a good person like you could be my father." She explained opting out the fact that she has a brother.

This time she would listen to her mother and not act recklessly!

Noah pursed his lips. "Sweetie that's not how love works. I don't even know who your mother is."

Aria pouted her lips. "But I had hope…"

Noah smiled and he pulled her onto his lap for a hug. "Don't worry. For now, we can still enjoy our time like before. I will talk to your mom when the time comes." He assured her.

He too wanted to see her again. He had been really warm and open to her. It was weird but he liked her and he wanted to protect her.

Now that she indeed has another guardian he would negotiate with the other party. He hoped the mother would allow him to meet her at least a few times a week and to make sure that she is taken care of properly.

After all, he brought her home with the intention to know her better and protect her so he wanted to continue that.