Aria who left alone towards the beach wasn't sure where to go. She wiped her cheeks as she walked aimlessly on the beach.

Her heels made her difficult to walk on the sand hence she removed as she continued barefooted.

​​

She didn't know what to do. The more she tried to keep her life normal, problems arose one after the other. She was tired of consoling herself as everything going to be alright and she could also live like a normal person but nothing seemed to support her.

She felt like laughing at herself thinking she had said they wouldn't let others ruin Rian's life but she wasn't sure if her life could sail on the waves.

She looked at the dark ocean in her blurry teary eyes and kneeled down before crying loudly thinking she was alone. She had no strength to hide her pain anymore.

Her yowls were heart-wrenching for Alan who had quietly followed her at a safe distance. He thought to leave her alone for a few minutes before taking her back but he didn't expect her to be in so much pain.

He couldn't see her alone anymore. He went up to her and pulled her to arms. Aria didn't make any sound and pushed Alan to break free from his embrace.

Alan gently wiped her tearstained face and heard her ask in hoarse voice seriously, "If you mistrust me even a little, you should leave me. I don't want pity."

Alan again embraced her as he said, "No matter what happens next, I'm not giving up on you..."

He rubbed her back when she started crying as he continued, "I never gamble but on us, I bet everything I own for you. I risk it all."

His certainty had no more doubt about them. He was confident and assured.

Aria heard him, let go of herself and cried like a fragile child in his arms.

Alan was helpless. He somehow thought she was missing her father and it wasn't only because of Rian's ruckus. Both were kneeling hence he sat down before making her sit to avoid hurting her knees.

Aria slowly stopped weeping in his embrace. She knew she has to grow strong and crying doesn't take her anywhere.

When Oliver was present, she knew he would hold her and he would be there for her for everything. After seeing Rian doubt her, distrust her she felt all other relationships were too fragile which made her weak.

Aria left Alan's jacket and raised her head to see his worried face under faint light. "Promise me that you will ask my side of the story before judging the situation if anything happens."

Her meek voice was ailing. Alan tenderly wiped her teary red cheeks, "I just care about your side of the story. I will stand by you."

Her tears again started to flow from her eyes, "You have to teach me if I am wrong or stubborn. You have to stop me if I'm taking the wrong path."

Alan hummed as he cleaned her nose with a handkerchief he had. To change her mood, he asked humorously, "Are you asking for punishment? I will think of a hard one."

Aria blankly looked at him before wrapping her hands around his neck. She genuinely felt happy having him around.

Alan patted her back, "There, there... stop crying. I forgot to tell that your smudged eye makeup looks scary. Are you planning to frighten me?"

Aria pinched him and tried to move but Alan carried her up in his arms. She unwrapped her hands and said helplessly, "I can walk."

Alan smiled and put her down as he teased, "You ate too much for dinner. You better walk."

Aria was speechless. 'Like seriously? who says that to their girl?'

"Alan, why are you making it sound like I'm a pig?"

Alan chuckled and replied before letting her chase him, "So you do know that you are a pig."

"You are seeking death. Wait! Why are you running? I will really beat you up today... Alan..."

Alan purposefully said it to cheer her and he enjoyed hearing her curse him.

Amelia and Rowan who were sitting near their villa pool enjoying their drinks were surprised hearing Alan's chuckles running away from Aria who was scolding him.

"We should have heard Dad long back and made these two meet." Rowan said visibly happy for his son.

Rowan's father had told him numerous times from past years saying 'Arrie could make Alan's soulless life full of life'. But Amelia and Rowan pushed it off every time saying 'Aria is too young' from the time Alan was in senior high.

Amelia who had taken steps towards the beach to watch Alan and Aria called Rowan, "Come here, come here..." Her tone was excited yet low.

Rowan went and joined his crazy wife to see their son and their daughter-in-law-to-be kissing under the moonlight.

From their place, they could see the moon and twinkling stars in the dark sky with dark background as two svelte figure kissed under the moonlight.

Amelia quickly took a picture shrugging off Rowan's hand who was trying to stop her.

Rowan pulled his drolling wife away for not to embarrass the couple if they see them.

Aria felt herself suck into him as Alan kissed her passionately wrapping a hand around her waist and other hand holding her chin up caressing her cheek.

He wished he could always keep her next to him without letting anybody hurt her.

Safe and hidden.

He let go of her when she was short of breath. He embraced her to let her breathe normally.

Seeing her silent, Alan teased her to stop her thinking about problems, "You taste better than your lipstick. Good that you don't wear it daily."

Aria flushed.

She tried to push him but he tightened and continued, "I will buy for you better-tasted ones so that I can steal some whenever you wear it."

Aria felt her cheeks burn. "You!... You don't talk much with anybody, how are you so good at tease? Does anybody know you are talented at flirting too? Probably nobody will believe me if I say it."

Alan greatly enjoyed her going red as he continued and took her to the villa she was staying in before he left for his villa.

Aria calmed Eva who was worried about her. She got fresh before going to bed.

--

Alan who got fresh and sat with his laptop heard a knock on the door. He opened to see a resort staff holding a tray. He hadn't ordered anything so he looked at him.

"Sir! Ms.Cooper ordered juice for you." The waiter said respectfully.

Alan moved aside for him to enter and keep the glass on the coffee table before leaving.

Alan couldn't understand why Aria concerns so much. He took the laptop to continue the work and held juice glass to drink without confirming whether Aria really sent it.