Chapter 330

Aria's POV I led Linda to this adorable dessert café that Lillian and I stumbled upon last week. Hidden on a corner in the old district of New York, it's one of those gems you'd miss unless someone showed you. The entrance opens to a charming little courtyard with white swing chairs on one side and a vibrant flower garden on the other. The interior is understated elegance personified—clean lines, soft colors, and that perfect ambient lighting that makes everyone look like they're glowing. I immediately asked for a private room upstairs. Between Linda's upcoming violin performance and my recent tabloid appearances as Mrs. Carter, the last thing we needed was someone snapping photos of us through the window. "So, are you still playing?" I asked once we settled in, my fingers tracing the edge of my teacup. Linda nodded, but I noticed how her smile dimmed. "I am now. But for two years, the Williams family wouldn't let me perform. They claimed my touring would 'damage our marriage.'" God, I