Chapter 11%
But almost immediately, Nick was rattled by his own thoughts
How could he possibly regret losing someone who was never essential in the first place? If anything. Aria should be the one full of regret
for walking away from the Ambrose Family and choosing a life of hardship instead
He wasn’t sure how much time had passed before Jayden finally opened his eyes. His first words to Nick were: “Daddy, I’m starving really want some of that sweet and savory meatball stew Aria used to make.“)
Nick didn’t hesitate. He immediately called in the team of professional chefs he’d hired and made sure they were aware of Jayden’s dietary restrictions and flavor preferencen.
Soon enough, a steaming bowl of meatball stew was brought in. It looked delicious–rich, aromatic, perfectly plated. But Jayden took one bite and instantly spat it back out, scrunching his nose in disgust.
“This is awful. You call yourselves professional chefs? Make it again!”
The chefs Nick had hired were the best in the country, used to praise from everyone who tasted their food, Jayden’s words felt like a slap in the face–but they didn’t dare protest. They just apologized and returned to the kitchen to make another batch. Then another. And another.X
By the time they served the tenth version of the stew, Jayden’s face hadn’t relaxed once. He tried a spoonful, gagged and then burst into tears.
“I’m starving, Daddy. I want Aria to make it. Only hers tastes right!”
Jayden was Nick’s son with the woman he’d loved most. He adored Jayden and had never denied him anything before–but when it come to calling Aria, he hesitated
“Come on, Daddy,” Jayden demanded through sobs. “Get Aria back here. I need her to cook for me. I can’t take this anymore. I haven’t had a proper meal since she left.”
His cries grew louder, echoing through the hospital wing, a piercing sound that rattled Nick’s eardrums.X
“Alright, I’ll call her. Just stop crying.” With no other choice, Nick finally gave in.X
Jayden sniffled and finally quieted down, no longer tormenting Nick with his wails.
Once outside the room, Nick found a quiet spot in the hallway, pulled out his phone and scrolled to Aria’s number. The familiar string of digits made his chest tighten.
In five years of marriage, Aria had always been the one to call him. He had never once reached out to her first. And now, his first time doing so… was ofter she had asked for a divorce.lt
It felt like defeat.
But Jayden’s health came first. Swallowing his pride, Nick hit the call button.
I rang. And rang. Long enough that Nick thought she might not answer.
But just as he was about to hang up, her voice came through the receiver–soft, gentle
“What do you want?“k
Hearing her voice again made his heart stutter. For the first time, he noticed how beautiful it sounded–like a cool breeze on a scorching summer day, fresh and clear
He cleared his throat, trying not to sound awkward. “Look, about yesterday.. I’m willing to let it go. You can come back to the Ambrose estate. Jayden wants your cooking. He’s been asking for that stew. Just come back and make it for him.“2
Ario’s POV K
I had just woken up from a nap when Nick called. At first, I thought I was dreaming. But when I realized it was real, my mood instantly soured J
“I already told you. I’m not coming back. Never,” I said coldly. “Isn’t Valentine staying with you guys now? Just have her follow my recipe.”
