Chapter 13

The living room light was still on when Aria Bennett pushed open the front door.

"Mom!" Her voice trembled slightly, eyes glistening with emotion.

Evelyn Bennett rose from the couch and hurried toward her. Dressed in simple loungewear, her gentle gaze softened further. "What brings you home so suddenly?"

Aria buried herself in her mother's embrace, inhaling the familiar scent of jasmine. "I missed you," she murmured.

Evelyn stroked her daughter's long hair, noticing the faint exhaustion on her face. "I saw what happened online."

"I broke up with Nolan Reed," Aria said firmly, lifting her head. "I want you and Theo to come live with me."

Evelyn paused briefly before smiling warmly. "Alright."

That single word made Aria's nose sting. She knew her mother had likely pieced things together but chose not to pry.

"The place I rented has a garden. We can move all your plants there," Aria said, guiding her mother to sit. "And Theo's condition... I want to try helping him."

At the mention of her son, a shadow crossed Evelyn's eyes. Sixteen-year-old Theo Bennett had spent most of his life bedridden due to his rare constitution.

"Is Theo asleep?" Aria asked softly.

"He had another episode this afternoon but just took his medicine," Evelyn sighed. "I didn't tell him you were coming."

Aria tiptoed into her brother's room. Under the dim glow of a bedside lamp, the boy's pale face looked fragile. She fastened a newly drawn calming talisman around his neck, brushing her fingers over his furrowed brow.

The next morning, the kitchen was filled with savory aromas.

"Sis!" Theo's delighted voice rang out behind her. He held up the talisman, eyes bright. "You came back last night? I feel so much better!"

Aria turned and pinched his cheek. "Go wash up. The eggs are almost ready."

At the breakfast table, Evelyn watched her children bicker with relaxed fondness. When Aria brought up moving again, she simply nodded. "Whatever you think is best."

Three days later, Tessa Morgan helped them settle into the new home. The balcony overflowed with Evelyn's carefully nurtured flowers, and Theo's complexion visibly improved.

"Sis, this place is great," the boy said, leaning against the floor-to-ceiling window as city lights twinkled beyond.

Aria ruffled his hair. "It'll only get better."

Soon, the day arrived for the reality show recording. Titled Country Escape, the program blended talent competition with unscripted moments, broadcast entirely live.

At seven in the morning, Aria boarded the production van. After a three-hour drive, she reached the remote village filming location.

"Welcome, Ms. Bennett!" A crew member handed her a microphone. "We're already live."

In the courtyard, three male guests chatted casually. They stood to greet her as she entered.

"Mr. Monroe, Mr. Hart, Mr. Pierce," Aria acknowledged with a polite nod.

The live comments exploded instantly:

[Aria looks stunning today!]

[That casual outfit suits her perfectly]

[Can't wait to see her shine!]

Unbeknownst to her, Nolan Reed was watching from another livestream, his expression dark. He hadn't expected to see her again this way.