Tears of Deception

Gareth was being super polite and humble around Aria.

He looked genuinely sincere.

Aria glanced at the flowers, her tone indifferent as she said, "Nice of you to care for once, Gareth. Alar still hasn't shown up, and I'm a mess. I can't reach him, and I'm so worried I'm about to lose it. I have no idea how he's doing."

Before she could finish, Aria's voice choked up, her words coming out in broken