Despite being calm and composed while solving other's issues or helping them, it was always Aria's weakness that she can't tolerate when somebody brings up Alan and talks by keeping them away from each other.

She doesn't know what's there in the future, but presently, where there is Aria, there will be Alan and conversely. It's just irrevocable for her.

​​

"I am sorry, Aunt Melissa but you aren't me and you never had a person like Alan in your life. And it's really ludicrous for you to compare yourself with us."

Melissa realized she pressed the wrong nerve hearing Aria's suppressed irritation. She never had somebody to love her unconditionally as Aria had. Her late husband married her for the convenience of their family, they never had love between them but a responsibility.

She regretted putting Aria in her situation making it seem like they were the same. "I..." She wanted to apologize but Aria continued.

"And we are not talking about getting you a new husband, it's your life and you will choose who to bring into it.

Here we are speaking about a companion. A person to stay by your side, to talk, to spend time. A person of your age, with whom you could openly speak about your worries and problems without thinking you have a generation gap, technology is moved on, lifestyle is different, the world is on a different phase.

Now the time is different, you can't expect your daughter and son-in-law or Patrick to stick by your side all the time. They have their life, their goals. You are their responsibility but not their life.

They will work, be busy all day before coming to see you in the night, just to leave in the morning for another busy day.

I don't think even the friendly servants who are around you will make you feel at home the whole day. They have their own... family too..."

Aria's gaze went on Alan when he rubbed her head before sitting next to her. Alan who could make out every single expression of her couldn't stop himself from reaching her seeing her destressed and irritated.

Aria apologized to Melissa the very next moment, "I am very sorry, I didn't mean to be rude."

Melissa let out a breath she was holding for long. It would be a lie if she says she wasn't shocked and had a little fear facing the dead serious Aria. She understood why business heads are scared to face Aria as much as they feared Alan.

Facing the overbearing Aria would only make you nod the head afraid of sounding like a fool.

Then Melissa witnessed the couple conversing with just a slight change in expressions on their face before Aria held his hand with a pout and pulled it on her lap.

"Anybody will be envious of your relationship irrespective of their ages. I am sorry, I shouldn't have put you in my situation."

Aria shook her head, "No, you were right, I should think in your shoes before speaking to you. It's just..." She sighed without continuing it.

Then she calmly summarized everything, "We don't want you to spend your coming years alone in your room or reading books after books aimlessly. We just want to add something to look up to without feeling lonely."

Aria faintly smiled adding, "The decision is yours, let me know if you want to cancel the date."

Then the couple faintly smiled at her and they walked aside to give her some time to think. Anyway, her eyes stayed on the couple. She could guess Aria complaining like a little grumpy girl before Alan coaxed her and brought the smile back.

She so wished to go back in time, make herself strong, and fall in love with someone who could treasure her as the couple cherished each other.

She saw their little kids run up to them and toss themselves to their parents' arms with bright happy faces.

Melissa knew she was alone in her complete life, when all enjoyed she always stayed inside fighting with her low stamina and every small illness she was attracting. She lost most of the beautiful years of life cooped up in the room studying to excel and score in the exams.

When she finally stabilized her health and became the Managing director, she thought she could finally see the world and enjoy it but the responsibility was too huge after she was promoted to be the President.

After that she realized it wasn't her dream to become president of the company, she was reading so much to know the outside world. When she could finally make her mind to get off the position and see the world, her own brother planned an accident on her and her spinal cord injuries taking away her dreams to fly.

Accepting the family arrangements, she blindly became president, married, and also had Maisie. Before she could dream of seeing the childhood of Maisie, she lost her husband and became a single mother with a huge responsibility for the company.

Her protection was a cage for her daughter who argued with her more than giving her warm hugs. When Maisie finally grew up and could understand the struggles, she was enticed to leave the country by her own uncle.

When did she have anybody to cry her pain or share her joy? Undoubtedly she was lonely, having no friends or a life partner.

Looking at the family of four, she really wished Maisie was a little more sensible as Aria, or she had someone by her side like Alan.

Operating her electronic wheelchair, she reached them and Arna shifted on her lap from her mother's arms.

"Grandmother, would like to eat Dad's chicken wings? Dad is cooking dinner for Momma tonight. Momma is already drooling." She giggled adorably leaving her mother speechless.

Melissa chuckled, pinching her chubby cheeks, "Does your Momma like chicken wings?"

"Like?" Arna asked and dramatically laughed, "Momma is… Head of over heels for chicken. Little Dad said Momma and Aunt Eva chant chicken when they get drunk and make Dad and Uncle Hottie jealous."

Aria wanted to chase after and beat her Beauty for telling all the drunk stories of her to Arna, "Snow." She tried to warn the little packet.

Arna giggled and whispered to Melissa, "Grandmother, I will tell you all the stories tonight. I am sure you will laugh your stomach full."

Aria decided she will never get drunk in front of her kids again. 'I should behave and be a good example.'

Alan whispered next to her, "It's been a long time I saw you drunk. We should plan some time."

Aria: "..."

Her husband was adamant about keeping her as his young little wife. Sob, sob.

When they were going inside the mansion, Melissa nodded at Aria in acceptance of trying out the date.