Chapter 4

Aria POV

The smirk on his lips told me he was angry.

But remembering my drunken words from the video, I felt a wave of embarrassment.

"Hunter, about that video, I can explain. I was wasted that night, and what I said later…"

I stood up, taking a few steps closer to him.

"Apologize to Chloe."

My words were cut off. I froze, staring blankly at Hunter.

The slight tenderness he once had for me was gone, replaced by utter coldness and mockery.

Something was off.

Thinking back, from a certain point, he had suddenly grown distant, instead focusing on the ever-demure Chloe.

I forced down the surge of anger and hurt, softening my voice:

"Hunter, can we talk outside, please?"

He acted as if he hadn't heard me, looking at Chloe, whose eyes were red-rimmed.

His voice grew colder:

"Last time I'm saying this: apologize to Chloe."

My nails dug deep into my palms.

The room was so quiet I could hear the faint music from afar. All eyes were fixed on me, scrutinizing me with various unspoken judgments.

I looked at Hunter's expressionless face:

"Why should I?"

"Why should you?"

Hunter seemed amused, a flicker of scorn in his eyes.

"Because Chloe is mine . Who gave you permission to lay a hand on her?"

He suddenly grabbed my wrist and pulled.

"If you don't want to apologize with your mouth, then get on your knees."

I stumbled, dragged two steps forward.

Before I could react, he pushed down on my knees, forcing them to bend.

I trembled, shaking off his hand, and reluctantly lowered my head to Chloe:

"I'm sorry."

I'd apologize now; I'd explain to Hunter later…

But my apology hung in the air, with no response from Chloe.

A few muffled snickers echoed around:

"Some hotshot Aria, she's nothing special."

"Just Hunter's pet, ready to kneel on command."

Hunter let go of me, leaving me frozen in place.

He turned and walked towards Chloe, who was still kneeling by the door, then, to everyone’s surprise, swept her into his arms.

He said gently:

"Satisfied?"

Chloe nestled in his embrace, peering at me timidly.

A flicker of triumph, fleeting yet unmistakable, crossed her eyes, then she buried her face in Hunter's neck, shaking her head slightly.

Hunter looked up at me, pointing to the unopened amber liquor on the coffee table.

"Drink that yourself,"

His voice was completely flat.

"Until Chloe is satisfied."