Standing Her Ground

Aria just sat there and listened quietly to everything Loretta said, not interrupting once.

She never once doubted she was worthy of Alaric.

But every word from Loretta struck a nerve, leaving Aria's heart aching.

Aria met Loretta's gaze, her tone calm and steady. "Mrs. Drexel, Alar and I can handle our own relationship. Even as his mother, you can't control who he chooses to be with.

"Besides, I