21. Ariana

CHAPTER 21

ARIANA

T he ruins of the old grocery store loom ahead, their skeletal remains casting long shadows in the fading light. I glance around, ensuring Valen is hidden nearby. My heart races, each beat a reminder of the gravity of this meeting.

“Are you sure you want to do this alone?” Valen’s voice echoes in my mind, his concern evident even through our brief parting words.

“Yes,” I’d replied, forcing confidence into my tone. “I need to handle this myself.”

Now, standing here, I clutch the letter tighter, its threatening words burned into my memory. I see him approach, his stride surprisingly steady, his appearance cleaner than usual. For a moment, hope flickers that he might have changed. But then I remember why we’re here.

“Ariana,” he calls out as he gets closer, a feigned warmth in his voice. “You look good.”

“Cut the crap,” I snap back, keeping my voice steady. “What do you want?”

He stops a few feet away, his eyes narrowing slightly. “I just want to talk. We had something good once.”

“That’s over,” I say firmly. “I’ve moved on.”

He takes a step closer, and my body tenses. “Have you? With that alien freak? You think he can protect you from everything?”

I force myself to stand tall. “This isn’t about him. This is about me not needing you to hold me back anymore.”

He sneers, the mask of sobriety slipping for a moment. “You always were too proud for your own good.”

“Pride has nothing to do with it.” My voice gains strength with each word. “I deserve better than your threats and your violence.”

His eyes darken, and he takes another step forward. “You think you’re so much better now? Living in that fancy estate?”

“I’m working hard for what I have,” I retort. “Something you wouldn’t understand.”

His hand twitches at his side, but he stops himself. “Ariana, we can fix this. You and me?—”

“No,” I cut him off sharply. “We can’t fix anything because there’s nothing left to fix.”

For a moment, there’s silence between us. The air feels thick with tension.

“You really think you’re safe with him?” His voice is low and menacing now.

“I know I am.” My gaze doesn’t waver.

He scoffs but doesn’t move closer. The look in his eyes tells me he knows this is the end of whatever hold he thought he had on me.

Kevin’s desperation is almost palpable as he steps closer. I can see the uncertainty flicker in his eyes. “Remember when we used to go down to the river? Those picnics, just the two of us?”

I cross my arms, keeping my voice steady. “I remember you ruining those moments with your temper.”

His face tightens, but he tries again. “I’ve changed, Ariana. I’ve got a new job now. It’s a good one, stable. I've gotten my life together, and I want you to be a part of it again.”

“That’s great for you,” I reply, my tone flat. “I hope you can treat the next woman with more respect.”

He looks taken aback, as if he didn’t expect me to dismiss him so easily. “You don’t understand?—”

“No, Kevin,” I cut him off sharply. “I do understand. I understand that I deserve better.”

His jaw clenches, and for a moment, I think he might lash out. But then his shoulders slump slightly, a reluctant acceptance settling over him. “You really think he’s better for you?”

“Yes,” I say without hesitation.

He takes a step back, his gaze still hard on me but no longer challenging. “Fine. I’ll leave.” The words come out grudgingly.

Relief washes over me as he turns and walks away, though I don’t fully believe this is the end of it. Still, the fact that I stood up to him fills me with a newfound sense of strength and courage.

As Kevin disappears into the shadows, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. The ruins around me seem less oppressive now, their crumbling walls a testament to my own resilience.

Valen steps out from his hidden vantage point, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that makes my heart skip a beat. “You handled that well.”

“Thanks,” I say softly, feeling the weight of what just happened settle over me.

He steps closer, his presence comforting and commanding at once. “He won’t bother you again.”

I nod, believing him despite the lingering doubts in my mind. For now, it’s enough to know that I’m not alone in this fight.

“Let’s get back,” Valen says gently, his hand reaching out to touch my arm.

As we walk back together through the deserted streets, side by side but each lost in our own thoughts, I can’t help but feel a strange sense of peace amidst the chaos of our world.

Maybe this isn’t over yet. But for now, it’s enough to know that I have someone who truly cares about my safety and wellbeing—someone who respects my strength and stands by my side without overshadowing it.

And as we step into the estate's gates, leaving behind the ruins of both the city and my past relationship with Kevin, I feel a flicker of hope for what lies ahead with Valen.

Valen leads me to a private dining room, far removed from the opulence of his usual gatherings. The setting is intimate, the low light casting a warm glow over the table set for two. As we sit, I can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment mingled with the persistent worry gnawing at the edges of my thoughts.

“You did well today,” Valen says, his voice steady and reassuring.

“Thanks,” I reply, though my mind is still on Kevin. “I just hope he doesn’t try anything else.”

Valen’s eyes meet mine, intense and unwavering. “If he does, he’ll regret it. You don’t have to face him alone.”

“I know,” I say softly, looking down at my hands. “But it’s hard not to worry.”

He reaches across the table, his hand covering mine. “Your courage today was incredible. You stood up for yourself in a way that most people never could.”

I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks. “It didn’t feel that way. It felt like I was going to fall apart any second.”

“But you didn’t,” he insists, his grip firm but gentle. “You stood your ground.”

I take a moment, letting his words sink in. “It’s just... I know Kevin. He’s not going to let this go easily.”

“Then we’ll be ready,” Valen says with an air of finality. “Whatever he tries to bring, we’ll face it together.”

His confidence is infectious, and I find myself nodding. “Thank you,” I whisper.

“For what?” He leans back slightly, still holding my gaze.

“For believing in me,” I say, feeling full of gratitude.

He smiles—a rare, genuine smile that lights up his face in a way that makes my heart flutter. “It’s easy to believe in you, Ariana.”

The dinner proceeds with an ease I hadn’t expected. We talk about lighter things—his latest business ventures and my experiences adjusting to life on the estate. But beneath it all is an undercurrent of something deeper—a connection that feels both exhilarating and terrifying.

As the meal concludes, Valen stands and walks around the table to me. He extends his hand, and without hesitation, I take it.

He pulls me into an embrace, his arms wrapping around me with a protective warmth that melts away my lingering fears. “You’re safe here,” he murmurs into my hair.

“I know,” I whisper back, pressing closer to him.

We stand there for what feels like an eternity, just holding each other. In his arms, the world outside fades away—the threats, the uncertainties—they all seem distant and insignificant.

“Whatever comes next,” he says softly but firmly, “we’ll face it together.”

I nod against his chest, feeling a sense of peace settle over me. With Valen by my side, I truly believe we can face anything.

As we pull apart slightly, our eyes meet again—this time with a shared understanding and unspoken promise.

In this moment, surrounded by the quiet elegance of Valen’s private world and wrapped in his unwavering support, I feel stronger than ever before. Together, we can conquer whatever lies ahead.

The warm glow of the bedside lamp casts soft shadows across the room as I brush my hair. The day's events play through my mind, each memory vivid and clear. Kevin’s face, twisted with anger and desperation, contrasts sharply with Valen’s calm, reassuring presence. I set the brush down and take a breath, feeling a strange sense of peace wash over me.

I slip into my nightgown. The room is quiet, save for the faint hum of the estate’s security systems—an ever-present reminder of Valen’s commitment to keeping me safe. I smile to myself, thinking of his unwavering support. It’s a stark contrast to my past.

Kevin was always about control—his way or no way. Every argument ended with his voice raised, his temper flaring. The fear that gripped me then is a distant memory now, replaced by the warmth and safety I feel with Valen.

I slide under the covers, the sheets soft and inviting. The mattress cradles me in a way that feels both luxurious and comforting. As I settle in, I think back to those nights with Kevin—the arguments that left me feeling small and insignificant. There was no mutual respect, no communication—just his need to dominate every aspect of my life.

With Valen, it’s different. He listens; he respects my opinions. When we talk, there’s a balance—a give and take that makes me feel valued. Our conversations are filled with subtle flirting and genuine interest in each other’s lives. He doesn’t just hear me; he understands me.

Closing my eyes, I let out a contented sigh. For once in my life, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be—safe in the knowledge that I made the right choice.

And as sleep begins to claim me, I smile softly to myself. Here in this moment of quiet reflection and newfound peace, I know without a doubt that choosing Valen was the best decision I've ever made.