Chapter 10 Seeing Tessa again , Aria's eyelashes fluttered lightly . Compared to years later , Tessa now looked purer and more innocent - soft , curved willow leaf brows , clear black eyes that made the girl seem tender and emotional . There was a delicate , fragile , exceptional beauty . Most men loved this kind of weak , protected posture . The Whitmore family and Asher , all treasured her deeply , which was understandable . Tessa looked at Aria . " Sorry , I forgot your gift at the hotel … " After speaking , her eyes reddened slightly , full of stubborn tears , but she held back from making a sound , biting her lip and lowering her head . Everyone had received a gift - except for Aria . A trace of mocking curled on Aria's lips . In this world , whoever cries gets candy . Clearly , it wasn't her fault , but if Tessa cried , and she didn't Chapter 10 forgive her , then it was her fault . In the previous life , she hated how Tessa occupied everyone's heart , and hated her weak , tearful ways . Reborn , she still hated it intensely . Asher quickly stepped forward to cover for Tessa . " Sorry , Aria , it's my fault . I missed it when I collected the gifts . " Lucas's face darkened . " Forget it , it wasn't on purpose . We'll make it up to you next time ." Chloe also stepped forward , apologizing with a smile to Aria . " Aria , they were in a hurry coming back from their trip . " " Don't be upset , Mom will get you two gifts next time . " Everyone was waiting for Aria to blow up , to get angry and cause a scene . But Aria just smiled faintly and nodded , showing she understood . " It's okay , no big deal ." See ? Her brothers and fiance all instinctively protected Tessa , afraid of hurting their little flower . In truth , whether there was a gift or not made no difference . Chapter 10 She wouldn't need it anymore - because there was no future . Her biological mother always said that , but every time , Aria never got a gift . After being deceived so many times , Aria no longer cared that much . People expected Aria to blame Tessa , but instead , she said lightly : " Being happy is what matters most ." Everyone there was stunned . Aria was actually starting to be sensible . Incredible . A flicker of unnoticed surprise flashed in Tessa's eyes . The usually strong - willed , bossy Aria suddenly changed , no longer fighting or competing . But she still couldn't hide her foolishness . People who blindly pleased others were the cheapest of all . Dinnertime arrived , and Zoe knocked on the door . " Aria , dinner's ready . " Aria had already eaten and wasn't hungry . She almost declined immediately . But then it struck her : if she refused , the Chapter 10 Whitmore family would think she was throwing another tantrum . She opened the door and took her seat at the table . Everyone was present except for Wade Whitmore and Mason , who were away on business . Aria glanced around the table , then silently lowered her gaze and picked at her food . After a few bites , she set down her fork . For years now , the Whitmore family had treated her like thin air , maintaining only a surface - level peace . Chloe noticed Aria barely touching her meal . Lately , Aria had been quiet and cooperative - much more mature. And honestly , Tessa and Asher's engagement photoshoot had been unfair to Aria . After a moment's thought , Chloe placed a piece of fish on Aria's plate . " Try the grilled salmon , Aria . It's delicious - fresh , wild- caught ." Aria picked up the fish , took a bite , and mumbled , " Hmm , Zoe's cooking's really improved ." Suddenly , a sharp clatter shattered the fragile calm . Tessa slammed her fork down , her eyes red - rimmed as she stood . " I'm full ." Chapter 10 She covered her face and hurried toward the stairs . Owen was the first to follow . He caught her arm gently . " Tessa , you barely ate anything . What's wrong ? Didn't like Zoe's cooking ? Just tell me what you want , and she'll make you something else . " Tears welled in Tessa's eyes . " Let me go . Aria's your real sister- your real family . I'm just an outsider . Once I'm gone , she'll be your only sister left . " The moment Chloe served Aria , Tessa's internal alarms had blared . This family used to revolve around her . But now that Aria was acting differently , Chloe was paying her attention . It made Tessa's skin crawl . Whether Aria was faking it or not , she couldn't afford to lose .