Aria's POV

I sighed, rubbing at the stubborn stain on my dress, but it wouldn’t come off. The dark splotch had already set into the fabric, mocking my attempts to clean it. I gave up with a huff, glancing at my reflection in the mirror. My lips curled slightly as I recalled his words earlier.

"She will eat just rice and the sauce."

The way he had spoken, firm yet indifferent, sent a strange warmth through me. It wasn’t much, but for a man who barely acknowledged my presence most times, it ...