Chapter 3 2102 Bennett turned the ring between his fingers , his gaze darkening . " Where did you get this ? " Aria blinked away tears . " It's mine . I've had it since I was a child . " " With a sharp tug , she snatched it back , glaring at him defensively . She didn't remember how she'd gotten it . There had been an accident when she was little - a head injury that stole fragments of her past . After that , she'd always worn it . Bennett's lips pressed into a thin line . Memories flickered in his mind - ones he hadn't revisited in years . Aria , as a child , had been scrawny , her hair a dull , straw - like yellow . She'd trailed after him , sniffling , her face streaked with tears . She'd been sickly . Weak . And she'd cried so much . Even now , grown up , those tears hadn't stopped . Chapter 3 Though at least she wasn't as ugly when she cried anymore . Now , despite her lingering youthfulness , there was no denying her striking beauty . Something in Bennett's demeanor softened . " You've talked enough , " he said , his voice unexpectedly gentle . " Do you want water ? " Aria hesitated , then gave a small nod . Too weak to lift the glass herself , she let Bennett hold it for her , her lips brushing the rim as she sipped . The cool liquid soothed her parched throat . When she finally looked up at him again , she didn't know what to say . Too much had happened . Her mind was a storm of confusion . And she had no idea - had Bennett already crossed paths with Tessa in this timeline ? Bennett checked his watch . " I have to leave soon . Should I call your family ? " " No , " Aria said quietly . " I'll hire a caregiver . " She remembered all too well - in her past life , she'd waited Chapter 3 A desperately for her family to visit . Instead , they'd scorned her . Bennett studied her for a long moment . Then , grabbing his suit jacket from the bed rail , he turned toward the door . " Rest . I'll send the doctor in . " As his footsteps faded , Aria stared blankly at the empty doorway . The painkillers must have worn off . Her wounds had begun to throb again . The doctor arrived shortly after . Henry Eastwood's gaze was complicated as he looked at Aria . He had often heard Owen Whitmore speak poorly of her - always with undisguised disdain . ' Her fiance fell for her sister and ran off . She slit her wrists and nearly died . And now she has cancer So young . What a tragedy , he wondered . " Are you aware of your condition ? " Henry asked . " The cancer? " Aria paused , then let out a light , indifferent laugh . " Yeah , I know !" Chapter 3 In her past life , she had been diagnosed with stage two breast cancer around this time . But back then , she hadn't taken treatment seriously . By the time it reached stage four , the pain had become unbearable . Only then did she desperately seek help . Five years of agony . Five years of wasting away until she was barely human . And in the end ? Her death had only confirmed what she already knew - her family had truly wanted her gone . Henry frowned . If she already knew , why didn't she transfer to our hospital for treatment ? Our facilities are far superior . And with Owen's expertise- " Does your family know ? " he asked . " No , " said Aria . His expression darkened . " Don't gamble with your health . Owen's skills are exceptional . With proper treatment , recovery is possible . " Aria met his eyes , a bitter realization dawning . Does he think I'm neglecting my health just to get their attention ? A faint , mocking smile touched her lips . " His skills are that good ? Chapter 3 Could've fooled me . If they were , wouldn't he have noticed I was sick ? " Wouldn't he have seen through Tessa's fake illnesses ? " What I mean is - don't let pride stop you from getting treatment . With medication and care , the condition can be managed . Don't give up ." Aria blinked , then shook her head with a quiet laugh . " I'm done . I've lived enough ." She knew her body . In her past life , treatment had brought nothing but suffering - and it hadn't even worked . This time , she wanted to live free . Henry fell silent for a long moment . Finally , he said , " I'll inform Owen . This isn't something to ignore ." After a few more instructions , he left . Aria pressed her lips together , bitterness swelling in her chest .