chapter-30: Talking Heart

Aria Anastasia
It was still hard for me to digest the fact that my father, whom I thought to be dead all my life, was in the Mafia. And here I was judging Zaiden just until recently, what right did I have to accuse him as a murderer when I was the daughter of a murderer?
But if I have learned anything after getting to know Zaiden, it is to not judge anyone based on what they do. I thought Zaiden was a ruthless murderer, but as I got to know him better, I realized there was more to him than that.
That's why I didn't want to repeat the same mistake by judging Luke too soon. I should give him a chance. Everyone deserves a second chance.
��I think I will give you a chance to rectify your mistake, Luke,�� I spoke up.
��What are you saying, Aria? This man never looked for us. He just left me after that one-night stand!�� Mom opposed.
I understood what my mom was feeling. She has been alone for years, taking care of me by being both my parents, tolerating all the taunts fully by herself.
��But Mom, Luke had no idea that I existed. He only wanted to keep you away from himself because he wanted you to be safe,�� I reasoned out, but Mom only shook her head in dismissal.
��Thank you for standing up for me, Aria,�� Luke said, almost on the verge of tears. Maybe they were the tears of happiness or probably from guilt, whatever it was, I felt a strong urge to console him. ��I'm filled with so much regret at the moment. If only I had been there with you, then I could have witnessed you growing up into the fine woman you are.�� His voice trembled as he spoke.
I rubbed my hand on his back, even though my wrist hurt from the movements. ��No, it's alright. There's no point in regretting what already happened. Rather you should try to win over Mom,�� I told him with a small smile.
��You are right. Thanks,�� Luke mumbled and rubbed his eyes before approaching my mom.
Zaiden appeared beside me and said, ��Seriously, Aria, how can you even forgive that guy?��
��Why shouldn't I? Holding a grudge will do no good,�� I responded while watching my parents talk with each other from afar, more like arguing.
��Still, he tried to kill you. That's a major red flag in my book. I don't think I can ever forgive him,�� Zaiden said.
��I don't think he needs your forgiveness. After all, you killed his son,�� I pointed out. There was a stinging pain on my foot, so I wrapped my arms around his to support myself.
��I told you he was a rapist�� wait, are you okay?�� Zaiden asked, checking up on my injuries. ��Oh, God, why are you still standing? Take a seat.�� He made me sit on the chair that I was tied to earlier and kneeled in front of me. ��Do you need some water?��
I shook my head in denial and assured him, ��I'm fine.��
It was so sweet of Zaiden to worry about me that much. Up until now, it was only my mom and my best friend who were worried for me. Now I had Zaiden. However, he was a little extra on the worrying. Also, if everything went well with Mom, Luke would be added to my list of close people, although it wouldn't happen immediately.
��Why don't you understand? I'm not forgiving you!�� The loud voice of my mom attracted my attention towards her. She had tears running down her cheeks which hurt me, so I clenched Zaiden's hand that was holding mine.
��Amora, try to understand. I had no other option. I didn't want to put you in trouble,�� Like explained.
��It doesn't matter. It's too late now,�� Mom said and turned her back towards Luke. She ignored whatever Luke was saying and stood beside Zaiden. ��Zaiden, I'm sorry to ask you for this. But will you take care of her wounds for me?��
��Of course, Ms. Anastasia. I will take care of her. Don't worry,�� Zaiden told her.
A smile formed on Mom's face as she gave a light pat on his shoulder. ��Thank you, dear.��
I couldn't help but smile either. It was a dream for every girl for her mother and boyfriend to get along, and it was happening in my life. If only Mom and Zaiden could forgive Luke, then everything would be perfect for me, even though it sounded like a selfish wish of mine.
I sucked in a deep breath and said to Mom, ��Please forgive Luke, Mom.��
��Aria,�� Mom let out sternly.
��Mom, weren't you the one who taught me that we should always forgive someone if they apologize sincerely. Don't you see the sincerity in his eyes?�� I reasoned out which softened her a little.
��Nice acting,�� Zaiden muttered quietly which only I was able to hear.
I shot Zaiden a glare and continued speaking to Mom, ��If you forgive him, then Mom, you won't be lonely anymore and I won't have to worry about you. I'm sure you will be happy with Luke.��
After a few minutes of persuading, Mom finally released a heavy sigh and said, ��Fine, I will forgive him. But only for you, Aria.��
A big grin formed on my face as I stood up to pull my mom in a tight hug. ��I knew it. My mom is the best and most understanding Mom in the world. I'm so proud of you.�� After I broke the hug, I tumbled back as my legs felt jelly for a second.
Thankfully, Zaiden caught me, making my back hit his chest and his arms around my waist. ��Stay seated if you can't stand properly,�� he rebuked.
��I knew you were behind me, that's why I had the assurance that even if I fall, you won't let me fall,�� I responded, which made him quiet.
I observed my parents talk, and this time, they weren't arguing, rather they were trying to come to an understanding. Meanwhile, I could feel Zaiden burning holes through me as he examined my wounds.
��I don't have any first aid kit with me, and this place definitely doesn't seem like there could be any medical equipment,�� he let out in disappointment. ��I will just have to aid your wounds once we get to your place.��
My eyes widened like saucers. ��You will come to my place?��
��You don't want me to?�� he asked in the most innocent voice possible.
��Yes. It's very small for your taste. You might end hitting your head on the low ceiling,�� I lied. Even though my apartment shouldn't be that uncomfortable for him, I couldn't have him over because I left my apartment in a mess before I left for work this morning. My messy apartment was one of the last things I wanted to show my boss who also happened to be my boyfriend.
��Oh, it's fine. I will make sure to keep my head low,�� Zaiden replied as though he bought my lie.
Seriously, he always doubted almost everything, why wasn't he doubting me or taking the hint that I don't want him over?
��But���� I tried to speak again but Zaiden placed his index finger on my lips. He always did that whenever he wanted me to stop talking.
��No ifs or but, Aria. I need to take care of your wound as soon as possible.��
��What about your mansion?�� I suggested in an excited voice.
��My mansion is far away. Therefore, your apartment is the better option,�� he simply said, caressing my hand in his.
I sighed. ��Fine. Be my guest,�� I grumbled.
That's when my mom cleared her throat, grabbing both of our attention. ��Luke and I have decided to start living together again, now that he's not with his wife anymore. He's also willing to make up for all the time he has lost with you and me,�� Mom said, trying to suppress her smile. I knew she was trying to hold herself back but she was over the moon, and I couldn't want anything more than that.
��That's great. I hope you guys have a great time together. Now that we all have forgiven Luke����
��But I don't forgive him,�� Zaiden interrupted me. I gave him a shocked look. ��He tried to kill Aria. How can you forgive that, Ms. Anastasia?��
��But he didn't know that Aria was his daughter, and he also tried to save her with you,�� Mom replied.
Zaiden clenched his jaw and grabbed my wrist. ��Do whatever you guys want.�� With that, he stormed out of that abandoned place with me.
Once we were outside, I could see his nose flaring in anger. I sighed and stopped walking which made him pause on his track.
��Zaiden,�� I started out slowly, but he didn't reply. ��I know you will forgive him,�� I said in a mischievous tone.
He let go of my hand and crossed his arms against his chest. ��No, I will never,�� he declared adamantly.
I should probably try acting cute which might melt his anger. I feigned the most innocent look possible and poked Zaiden's bicep with my index finger. ��I know that Zaiden will forgive Luke,�� I repeated.
He still didn't respond, so I kept poking him until he got frustrated and let out, ��Just who says that I will forgive him?��
I put on a big smile and said, ��My heart said so.��
��I didn't know hearts had a mouth to talk,�� Zaiden deadpanned.
��No, but my heart can talk and it says that you will forgive Luke,�� I said firmly, even though his expressions were almost cracking me up.
Zaiden gave me a poker face and said, ��You are crazy, Aria.��