Chapter 6

Aria POV

I returned to the apartment a third time. This was my last trip back to retrieve physical materials.

Home furnishing company workers were going in and out of the master bedroom, movers carrying cabinet panels, another person supporting a mirror coming out of the walk-in closet.

Sofia sat on the bed's edge, directing the housekeeper to send her clothes inside.

She smiled smugly. "Aria, don't overthink it. I'm only staying temporarily. If things are messy I can't sleep well, so Ethan had people adjust things slightly."

I looked at Ethan. Ethan avoided my gaze. "I'm just redistributing the space. I won't touch your important items."

I said nothing and went directly to the study. After retrieving my materials and preparing to leave, Sofia stopped me. "There's a box of your things in the closet. I don't know where to put it. You should check it yourself."

I didn't turn back. "Put it in the guest room."

Sofia's voice immediately lowered. "I don't dare move your things carelessly. Last time with the bathroom incident you already got hurt. I'm afraid I'll do something wrong again this time."

Ethan looked at me. He wanted me to go in and take a look, to end this matter.

I eventually still entered the walk-in closet. Inside was no longer the familiar layout I knew.

My frequently used spot had been moved to the very back, several old pieces of clothing packed in a box with a temporary label stuck beside it.

Old items Ethan once wouldn't let anyone touch now lay piled on the floor, waiting to make space for Sofia.

Ethan walked in, his expression finally darkening. "Stop." He told the workers.

Sofia immediately looked at him.

Ethan said coldly, "This was originally Aria's space. It shouldn't be changed like this."

Sofia's tears fell quickly. "I didn't know these things were so important to Aria. If she's uncomfortable, I'll move out right now."

Ethan didn't immediately comfort her, only saying, "You go out first."

Sofia stood without moving, tears streaming down continuously. "I've only been able to sleep well these past few days. Turns out me staying here still makes all of you this miserable."

I suddenly spoke. "Don't stop."

Ethan looked at me. I walked over and picked up the box of old items. "I was going to take my things anyway."

Ethan reached out to stop me. I went around him.

The workers prepared to move the tall cabinet beside them. Sofia stood next to the cabinet and suddenly called out softly, "Ethan, I feel a bit dizzy."

Ethan looked over immediately.

I passed by carrying the box. Sofia fell toward Ethan, her elbow hitting the edge of the tall cabinet.

The cabinet hadn't been properly secured, and with this collision, it tilted outward along with the mirror.

Ethan barely hesitated before reaching out to shield Sofia behind him.

I stood on the other side, no time to dodge.

The cabinet corner struck hard against my shoulder and back, mirror fragments slicing across my arm as I fell to the ground.

The box opened, old items scattering everywhere.

That old keychain also rolled out, landing beside the broken mirror.

The scene descended into chaos. Sofia was protected in Ethan's arms, crying and asking, "Ethan, are you hurt?"

Only then did Ethan see me on the ground. His expression changed. He released Sofia and quickly crouched down. "Aria!"

I braced myself against the floor to sit up, avoiding his hand. My arm still bled, my shoulder and back hurt so much I couldn't lift them, yet I first picked up the old keychain and put it in my pocket.

Seeing that keychain, Ethan's movements stopped. That was what I'd attached when he gave me the first house key years ago.

Ethan's voice sounded. "I'll take you to the hospital."

But Sofia sat down nearby, clutching her chest. "Ethan, I can't quite catch my breath. I might have been scared just now."

Ethan's steps halted.

I saw it. I pressed my wound and stood up. "You take care of her first. I'll go by myself."

Anger threaded through Ethan's voice. "You're injured this badly and you're still pushing me away?"

I looked at him. "She needs you more right now."

Sofia called for him softly again.

I'd already walked out of the closet and called my own car. I went to the hospital alone.

After the doctor treated my wound and examined my shoulder and back, he reminded me not to carry heavy objects recently.

When I came out with the medical record, the project manager called, asking if I could report on time in five days.

I glanced at my bandaged arm. "Yes."

Ethan's call came through at that moment. I didn't answer. I put the medical record in my bag and went to the project team.

The project manager told me the housing room had been cleared and I could move in early anytime.

I nodded. "Then I'll move in early."