Page 115 of Unravelling: Aria & Crispin
Then, without waiting for a response, he turned to Aria and took her hand again. They walked out together, heads high, shoulders straight, leaving behind a stunned silence.
The hallway was quiet. Outside, the low hum of London traffic barely filtered in through the double-paned glass.
But just as they reached the elevators, a voice called out, "Wait."
Crispin turned.
His mother had followed them, her elegant heels sinking into the plush carpet. Her hands trembled, and her eyes were full. She kept glancing at Aria's belly, her breath catching slightly with each stolen glance.
"I'm sorry," she whispered to Aria. "Please forgive me. I didn't understand... I am so sorry."
Aria didn't speak; she just watched her, wary and still.
His mother's gaze moved to Crispin. "I love him," she said, voice breaking. "I couldn't turn on him."
Crispin's eyes didn't soften. "But what about your children?" he asked. "What about us?"
She flinched at the anguish squeezed into those three words.
"Your love is...selfish," he said, gentler now, but no less firm. "You're not a bad person, but you made a choice. And that choice told me exactly where I stand."
He sighed, weariness creeping in around the edges of his voice. "I love you, Mum. I always will in spite of what you've done. And maybe, someday, we'll find a common ground, a place to meet again. But today isn't that day." He paused, voice softer. "And it won't be for a very long time."
Silent tears slid silently down her cheeks.
She nodded, lips trembling, and looked at Alice, who was still standing tall, still watchful behind them. Her eyes dropped to Alice's left hand, to the sapphire ring. Her mouth opened to speak, but she thought better of it.
Without another word, she turned and followed Simon's retreating form down the hall, her shoulders curved inwards like she was trying to fold herself away.
Aria exhaled slowly.
Crispin looked at her and squeezed her hand. "Let's go."
And together, they stepped into the elevator. Away from the family that betrayed him and towards the one they were building.
Chapter 60
Aria
The night was alive with the steady chirp of crickets through the open windows, the sounds threading gently into the house like music only the evening could hear. The sun had been generous that day, as if to mark their successful takeover, casting golden approval across London's brick and stone, warming even the coldest corners of the city. The warmth lingered just enough to keep the evening chill from sinking its claws too deep.
Though October still kissed the air, the weather had been gentle today.
The house was full of warmth and voices. Aria was snuggled deep into the indulgent softness of the new cushioned and plush Wildwood sofa, the kind of that made getting up a crime. Delivered just three days ago, its pale ash-grey fabric practically begged for lounging, and Aria had made it her nest. Crispin handed Aria her glass of sparkling water with a slice of lime and a pinch of salt before settling beside her with his wine in hand. His arm slipped around her shoulders, pulling her in until she rested against his side. Aria sighed and tugged the knit patchwork quilt tighter around her, its warm weight and mismatched colours a perfect contrast to the laziness of the evening. The toast had already been made, the boardroom battles honoured with grins, clinks, and jabs about who was the biggest idiot.
Across from them sat Alice and Dorian with an impressive bottle of Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2015 Imperial open on the table, decanted and gleaming like dark rubies in the firelight.
Aria had already given Lule an excited retelling of the day's events, who had declared with a delighted screech, "Your life is better thanLifestyles of the Rich and Famous,babe!"
Then, more seriously, "You'd better take care of yourself. Tell Crispy I said no stress and maximum snacks."
Aria had grinned as she relayed the comment to the others, while in the background, Rahul's voice could be heard saying something about that being enough gin for today before being shushed.
"She promised to call tomorrow," Aria added, eyes twinkling.
Crispin, Alice, and Dorian were halfway drunk and glowing with the slow-blooming euphoria of victory, bittersweet as it was.
They raised a toast to the downfall of the patriarchy, to Aria's quiet power move, and to Ophelia's last words.
