Five years had passed.
The world had changed.
The Cross Empire had grown.
What was once a struggling company had become powerful. Strong. Influential. Its name appeared in business magazines. Investors competed to work with them.
Adrian Cross was no longer the desperate man begging for time.
He was respected.
Feared.
Admired.
His company now stood among the biggest corporations in the city.
Some people even whispered something unbelievable.
The Cross Empire was now competing with the Vale Group.
Aria's father's company.
The same father who once slapped her and threw her out of his house.
The same man who declared she was no longer his daughter.
Aria never spoke about it.
She never asked Adrian about it either.
But everyone in the business world knew.
The Cross Empire was climbing fast.
And Aria Cross was the reason.
Inside the Cross residence, life had also changed.
Aria was no longer the quiet girl who stayed hidden inside the house.
She had grown into a graceful woman.
Her hair was always styled carefully.
Her dresses elegant.
Her perfume soft but expensive.
Adrian had shaped those changes slowly.
At first, he would simply watch her quietly.
Then one day he said, "You should try a different hairstyle."
She had looked confused.
"Like what?"
He walked around her, lifting a strand of her hair gently.
"This length hides your neck," he explained. "You should cut it shorter. It will make your face look sharper."
She had trusted him.
He arranged the appointment.
Another day he entered the bedroom holding several dresses.
"These colors suit you better," he told her. "Soft shades make you look younger."
She smiled shyly.
"You think so?"
"Yes."
He always had opinions.
About her shoes.
Her handbags.
Her perfume.
"This scent is better," he once explained while handing her a bottle. "It stays longer."
Aria never complained.
She believed he was helping her.
And maybe he was.
Now she sat at the dining table with a laptop open.
Several papers surrounded her.
Spreadsheets.
Budgets.
Guest lists.
Flower arrangements.
It had become a monthly routine.
Planning their wedding.
Every month she adjusted the details.
Every month Adrian promised the wedding would happen soon.
The company had grown strong now.
Stronger than she ever imagined.
So the wedding had to be perfect.
She stared at the screen carefully.
"Guest list revision," she murmured quietly.
She typed a few names.
Then paused.
She wondered if any member of the Vale family would come if invited.
Her heart tightened.
The door opened behind her.
Adrian walked into the dining room.
He loosened his tie slightly while stepping inside.
His presence filled the room immediately.
Aria looked up.
Her face brightened.
"You're home."
Adrian smiled softly.
"Yes."
He walked toward her.
"What are you doing?" he asked gently.
She turned the laptop slightly toward him.
"The wedding spreadsheet," she replied.
His eyes scanned the screen quickly.
"You're still adjusting it?"
"Yes," she answered shyly. "I want everything to be perfect."
Adrian leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips.
"You always work too hard."
She smiled.
"It's our wedding."
"I know."
He sat down beside her.
"I was thinking about something today," he began slowly.
Aria tilted her head.
"What?"
"Daniel."
Her smile softened immediately.
Their son.
She still remembered the first day she carried him.
Now he was nine years old.
Tall for his age.
Sharp.
Quiet.
Very similar to Adrian.
"What about him?" she asked warmly.
Adrian leaned back in the chair.
"I think it's time he starts visiting the company."
Aria blinked.
"Visiting?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"I want him to see how things work," Adrian explained. "I want him to have the experience I never had."
Aria frowned slightly.
"You didn't have that?"
Adrian shook his head.
"My father died early. I had to learn everything alone."
Aria nodded slowly.
"That must have been hard."
"It was."
He looked toward the window briefly.
"I don't want Daniel to grow up the same way."
She considered his words.
"That makes sense."
Adrian smiled faintly.
"He will start small. Just observing meetings. Watching operations."
Aria nodded again.
"That sounds good."
She paused.
Then looked at him carefully.
"But"
Adrian raised an eyebrow.
"But what?"
"You say this every month," she pointed out gently.
He looked confused.
"What do you mean?"
"You always say Daniel will visit the company," she continued. "But every time, you take him alone."
Adrian remained silent.
"For two years now," she added softly. "You never take me."
Adrian leaned forward slightly.
"That's because I need you here."
Her brows knitted.
"Here?"
"Yes."
She stared at him.
"You mean at home?"
Adrian nodded calmly.
"You manage everything here."
Aria looked down at the table.
"I could come sometimes."
Adrian shook his head.
"No."
"Why?"
"Because the house runs smoothly when you're here," he explained. "Daniel also needs stability."
Her lips pressed together.
"I can still help."
Adrian reached out and held her hand.
"You already help enough."
She didn't respond.
Adrian continued speaking.
"If things go well, I might retire early."
Her head lifted quickly.
"Retire?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
He smiled slightly.
"Because Daniel will take over."
Aria stared at him.
"He's only five"
"Not now," Adrian clarified. "In the future."
She hesitated.
"You really believe he can handle it?,"
Adrian's eyes were full of confidence.
"He's my son and that's why I am training him"
"Just imagine me, always home for you in the future"
She smiled faintly.
"I know."
Footsteps echoed from the stairs.
Both of them turned.
Daniel walked down calmly.
He was wearing a small blazer over his shirt.
His hair neatly combed.
He looked older than his age.
"Good evening," he greeted.
Adrian smiled proudly.
"Daniel."
Aria stood immediately.
"Come here," she called warmly.
She opened her arms.
Daniel paused for a moment.
Then he sighed slightly.
"Mom, please don't start again."
Her smile faded.
"Start what?"
"The hugging," he answered.
Her arms slowly lowered.
"I just missed you."
"I saw you this morning," he replied calmly.
She forced a small laugh.
"That was hours ago."
Daniel rolled his eyes slightly.
"You're being dramatic."
Her chest tightened.
"I'm not dramatic."
"Yes you are," he replied.
Adrian watched quietly.
Daniel walked past her.
Straight to Adrian.
"Are we leaving soon?" he asked.
Adrian nodded.
"Yes."
Aria looked between them.
"You're going now?"
Adrian stood up.
"Yes."
She hesitated.
"But dinner"
"We will eat outside," Daniel interrupted.
Her eyes softened.
"You didn't even hug me."
Daniel looked uncomfortable.
"Mom"
She stepped closer.
"Just one hug."
Daniel sighed again.
But instead of hugging her, he stepped beside Adrian.
"I'm not running away," he explained impatiently. "I'm just going with dad."
Aria's hands slowly dropped to her sides.
"I know."
Daniel grabbed Adrian's arm lightly.
"We should go."
Adrian nodded.
He looked at Aria.
"We'll call when we arrive."
She nodded slowly.
"Okay."
Adrian walked toward the door with Daniel beside him.
Just before leaving, he turned back briefly.
"Don't wait up."
Aria forced a small smile.
"I won't."
The door closed.
The house became quiet again.
Aria stood alone beside the dining table.
Her wedding spreadsheet still open.