Chapter 12

Aria’s POV

Logan and I sat on the front steps of my house, the warm evening air settling around us. Joe was inside, playing with his toys, unaware of the heavy conversation that was about to unfold.

"If you want to transfer Joe to another school, I can help with that," Logan said, breaking the silence. His voice was calm, but I could sense the concern behind his offer.

“I could never ask that of you,” I said, hesitantly hopeful.

“It’s nothing, Aria. I want Joe to be happy, too.” Logan’s eyes were sincere.

I sighed, looking down at my hands.

"I think it’s for the best," I admitted quietly. "Seeing Liam stand by William’s side—it’s not good for Joe. He’s been hurt enough."

Logan nodded, leaning back on his elbows.

"I figured it might come to this. I can make a few calls, help you find a good school. One that’ll take care of Joe, give him a fresh start."

I glanced over at him, feeling a surge of gratitude. Logan had always been there, reliable and steady, even when I wasn’t sure how to move forward.

"Thank you," I said softly. "But I don’t want you and Liam fighting because of me. This whole situation is already complicated enough."

Logan chuckled, shaking his head. "Aria, if Liam and I fight, it won’t be because of you. He’s got his own issues to deal with. But I won’t let him make things harder for you and Joe."

His eyes met mine, sincere and unwavering. "I’ll make sure this is taken care of. Joe deserves better than to be caught in the middle of whatever Liam’s going through."

I nodded, a sense of relief washing over me. "I just want what’s best for Joe. That’s all that matters."

Logan smiled, his hand resting on my shoulder. "And that’s exactly what we’ll make happen."

Later that evening, I was sorting through some paperwork when the doorbell rang. I wasn’t expecting anyone, but when I opened the door, there stood Logan, holding an elegant, gold-embossed invitation.

“As a thank you for considering the transfer, why don’t you accompany me to a gala?” he suggested, his smile warm and inviting. “I need a date.”

I hesitated, my fingers brushing over the fine paper of the invitation. “A gala?”

Logan nodded. “It’s a charity event. Nothing too formal, but it’s always good to make an appearance. Plus, I could use the company.”

“I’ll think about it,” I finally said, trying to sound nonchalant as I accepted the invitation.

Once inside, I heard Isabella giggle from the living room couch. I had hoped she hadn’t heard that exchange, but it seemed luck was not on my side.

“If Logan’s inviting you to a gala, it’s more than just business, Aria. You know that, right?” Isabella teased, her eyebrows raised knowingly.

I rolled my eyes, trying to brush it off.

“I don’t see it that way,” I replied, walking over to the kitchen. “Logan’s always been good to me. I think it’s just a gesture of friendship, y’know?”

Isabella followed me, leaning against the counter as I poured myself a glass of water.

“Friendship? Come on, Aria. He’s always had a soft spot for you, and now he’s offering to help with Joe’s school, paying the penalty fees? He’s not just being a friend.”

I shrugged, avoiding her gaze. “I don’t know, Isa. I mean, Logan’s helped me before. It’s nothing new.”

Isabella’s tone softened, but she didn’t let it go. “But does Logan know Joe is Liam’s son?”

“Yes,” I shot her a look. “That’s exactly why he wants to help.”

Isabella shrugged. “Then it sounds to me like you’ve got a real keeper.”

I nudged her playfully in the arm. I had much bigger problems to deal with than her flirtatious mind.

As I tucked Joe into bed that night, his small voice cut through the quiet of the room.

“Why doesn’t Daddy want us?” he asked, his big eyes filled with confusion that I hadn’t been prepared to face.

I forced a smile, hoping to ease his worries. “Didn’t you already ask Logan to be your dad?”

Joe pouted, his small face scrunching up in frustration. “But I heard you and Isabella say that Liam is my real dad.”

His words hit me like a blow, leaving me momentarily speechless. I had always believed that if I tried hard enough, I could make up for Joe not having a father in his life.

But Joe’s innocent question shattered that illusion. For a moment, I just sat there, struggling to find the right words.

I could maintain my composure in front of Liam, pretend that the past didn’t hurt, but when it came to Joe, the facade crumbled.

Before I could respond, Joe’s expression changed, determination settling over his young features.

“I’ll find a dad even better than him!” he declared, his voice firm.

My heart twisted as I watched him. I wanted to say something to soothe him, to make everything better, but the words wouldn’t come.

Instead, I leaned over and kissed his forehead, whispering goodnight as I turned off the light.

The next few days passed in a blur. I began intentionally avoiding Liam, a task that became easier since he didn’t frequent the club often.

I threw myself into work, focusing on anything that would keep my mind off the tangled mess of emotions his presence always seemed to stir up.

One afternoon, Jackson participated in a filmed interview at the club, drawing a small crowd.

The reporter leaned in, her smile widening as she shifted the conversation. "So, Jackson, we know all about your career successes, but the fans are dying to know—what about your love life? Anyone special on the horizon?"

Jackson, with his usual easy grin, didn’t miss a beat. “Well,” he said, glancing my way for just a second before turning back to her, “I’ve got a type.”

The reporter’s eyes lit up, sensing a scoop. "Oh? And what type would that be?"

He shrugged, the picture of casual charm. “Someone like Aria,” he said smoothly, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

My eyes widened, and the reporter let out a delighted gasp. “Really? That’s quite the confession! Is there something we should know?”

Jackson laughed, shaking his head. “Nah, nothing like that. Just saying, she sets the bar pretty high.”

Watching from a distance, I couldn’t help but smile helplessly. Jackson was more like a little brother to me, and the idea of him having a crush on me seemed absurd.

“You shouldn’t joke like that anymore,” I said later, giving him a playful shove.

Jackson grinned, about to respond when my phone rang. I checked the screen and saw Logan’s name flashing.

“Sorry, I have to take this,” I told Jackson, stepping away from the group.

Logan’s voice was smooth on the other end of the line. “I’m on my way to pick you up. We need to do some shopping for the gala.”

I agreed, not wanting to overthink it. After all, it was just a simple shopping trip.

But as we arrived at the boutique, an unexpected sight greeted us. Liam and Sophia were there, browsing the racks.

Sophia spotted us first, her eyes narrowing slightly as she noticed Logan at my side. She made a point of flaunting their relationship, linking her arm through Liam’s as she whispered something in his ear.

But Liam’s eyes weren’t on her; they were fixed on me, his gaze intense and unreadable.

I tried to ignore it, focusing instead on the dresses the store assistant brought me.

I chose a deep emerald gown, something elegant but understated, perfect for the event.

As I stepped into the fitting room, I carefully zipped up the dress, but the zipper caught in my hair, and I winced, unable to free myself.

“Excuse me,” I called softly, hoping to catch the attention of a store assistant.

I heard the door open, and a moment later, felt a hand gently untangling my hair from the zipper.

Relief flooded me, and I smiled. “Thank you,” I said, but the hand didn’t move away from my back.

I turned around, but found myself face-to-face with Liam.

The air between us crackled with tension, and I nearly screamed in surprise.

“What are you doing here?” I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady.

Liam didn’t answer right away. His eyes searched mine, his expression unreadable.

“Are you hiding something from me?” he finally asked, his voice low and intense.