the buzz of my intercom. Groaning, I reac

apologetic voice of my security

y temples.

mother,

y pillows. So much for a peace

u dare do that to your mo

was clear as day, commanding, a

rity stammered. "She...

it wasn't his fault. Few people in this world had the

muttered. "

fitted workout top. When I entered the living room of my penthouse, she was already ther

I said, folding my arms. "Why di

tment to see my only child? I am just a poor, old woman whose on

nversation later? I'm

smissively. "Not a single piece of flesh on you. Ho

bbing my water bottle. "And save the marriage talk for when

perfectly. By the time I got there, only two people were f

The rhythmic hum of the treadmill helped me drown out the persistent thoughts of my mother.

gered, stalling. I wasn't ready to go back and face her

e. My mother had made herself at home, as she always did, and was now settin

. "I missed this," I admit

arily easing. "You'd have it more of

ts and I had lived before my father's passing. It was the same house my gra

I said quiet

ate in companionable silence for a while, but I knew my mot

me right s

eptively casual, "I need you to

raising an eye

rade ball hoste

m, no. I have work to

ou work all the time, Aria. When's the last time yo

gly persuasive when she wanted to be. And as much as I hated to ad

. "I'll go. But don't e

arly triumphant.

protesting further, she whisked

h glittering gowns and walls lined with designer shoes. My mother, o

tepped out of the dressing room in yet another

es isn't exactly my idea of fun

h a critical eye. "You look stunning. But

e gown that fit me like a glove, paired w

" she said, grinning as she h

ugh, she insisted we go for hai

t. She gave precise instructions to the st

as she curled my dark strands into soft waves. "

ther, on the other hand, was chatting animatedly with her stylist, d

d. My hair fell in soft, cascading waves, and my makeup

inspecting me from every angle

llapsed onto the couch, exhausted, while my

"you might actually enjoy t

id, though I wasn

. She wanted me to meet someone, to find some spark

n't lookin