Chapter 288 Could this be a call from Aria?

Chapter 288: Chapter 288 Could this be a call from Aria?

Aria’s POV

I didn’t sleep again that night.

I kept expecting to hear the door open. Kept expecting him to come back, even though I knew he wouldn’t.

Around two in the morning, I gave up and went to the kitchen. I poured myself a glass of water and stood by the window, staring out at the city lights.

Somewhere out there, Damian was alone too.

Was he thinking about me?

Or had he already convinced himself that letting me go was the right thing to do?

My phone buzzed on the counter behind me.

I turned, heart jumping, but it was just Jennifer sending over the meeting notes like she’d promised.

I set the phone back down and closed my eyes.

This was ridiculous. We were both miserable, both sitting alone in the dark, and for what?

Because he was too scared to let me in?

Because I was too proud to chase after him?

I thought about what Grace had said once, back when Damian and I had first started spending time together.

*Fated mates are supposed to make each other stronger. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Sometimes the bond pulls you together so hard it’s terrifying. And when you’re terrified, you do stupid things.*

At the time, I hadn’t really understood what she meant.

Now I did.

Damian wasn’t pushing me away because he didn’t care.

He was pushing me away because he cared too much.

He was terrified of what he might do to me. Terrified of losing control again.

And instead of letting me help him carry that fear, he’d decided to shoulder it alone.

Just like he always did.

I let out a shaky breath and leaned my forehead against the cool glass.

*You idiot,* I thought. *I’m not going anywhere.*

But saying it to myself didn’t mean he’d hear it.

And right now, I didn’t know how to make him listen.

Then my phone ringed.

---

Damian’s POV

Work was impossible.

The documents in front of me blurred together, meaningless strings of words that my brain refused to process. I’d been staring at the same page for twenty minutes.

The pack doctor arrived for his routine check, stethoscope already in hand. His brow furrowed as he listened to my heartbeat.

Rick hovered nearby, tension radiating off him in waves. "Doc, he’s been feeling better these past few days. That means we’re in the clear, right?"

"You’ve been taking the medication on schedule?"

"Yes, every dose.Luna Queen calls me daily to confirm."

Rick deliberately mentioned Aria’s name.

My expression didn’t change.

"That’s odd." The doctor pulled back, studying my face with narrowed eyes. "Yesterday’s bloodwork showed everything within normal range. You’re not experiencing any discomfort?"

Internal injuries required rest above all else. We were already using the strongest medications available. Recovery also demanded peace of mind.

"Yes." My voice came out rougher than intended. My hand moved unconsciously to my phone. "Tightness in my chest. Shortness of breath. A constant ache."

Even though I’d prepared myself for the possibility that Aria might leave, even though I’d said what needed to be said, right now I wanted to take it all back.

When Vanessa left, I hadn’t even blinked. Was this karma?

"That shouldn’t be happening. I can prescribe some nitroglycerin for emergency use, but you can’t rely on it. Just for acute episodes."

The doctor frowned, clearly puzzled.

"Doc," Rick cut in carefully. "Could we be looking at something that’s not... physical? You know what I mean?"

Rick knew me better than anyone. He could see past the mask I wore. What I was feeling right now wasn’t physical pain—it was heartbreak.

I’d just never been good at showing it. Cold indifference was my default setting.

"Ah." Understanding dawned in the doctor’s eyes. He glanced at Rick, then back at me. "If that’s the case, then medicine won’t help. Whatever’s weighing on you, Alpha, you need to address it. Before it gets worse."

"I’m tired. I want to rest."

I turned onto my side, closing my eyes.

Rick took the hint and ushered the doctor out.

The moment the door closed, my phone vibrated.

Could this be a call from Aria?