Rebirth: From Devoted Wife to Ice Queen CEO

Aria's pov

I traced invisible patterns on the tablecloth with my finger. My heart was pounding so hard I could hear it in my ears, and each beat reminded me how nervous I was.

I stood in the middle of our softly lit dining room, fluffing the same cushion for what felt like the hundredth time. I had to make sure every detail was perfect for tonight.

Everything had to be just right - Adrian's reaction, his shock, his joy, all of it.

I had scattered rose petals from our front door all the way to the dining table, which I'd set with shaking hands just an hour ago.

In the center sat a cake with white frosting and the words "Happy 5th Anniversary" written in delicate red letters.

I'd even made all his favorite foods - grilled sea bass, ginger chicken, and spicy tofu. I could still smell the garlic in the air.

I let out a tired sigh. The sound was heavy with exhaustion.

Walking to the window, I stared down at the empty street. My phone shook in my hand, the screen still dark.

I rubbed my temples in gentle circles, trying to get rid of the headache pounding behind my eyes.

Adrian promised he'd be home by seven. I'd reminded him over and over because tonight really mattered to both of us.

I couldn't sit still. My hands were shaking from all the nervous energy running through my body.

Maybe Adrian got stuck at work. Maybe it was traffic, or he forgot his phone somewhere.

I called his number again. Straight to voicemail. Again. For the hundredth time.

My stomach twisted with a sick mix of dread and hope.

The clock's ticking echoed in my ears. Each second that passed reminded me that time was slipping away, and my mind raced with thoughts of what could have happened to him.

I tried to calm my breathing while smoothing down my dress and tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear with trembling hands. Sweat beaded on my forehead even though the room was cool.

I felt clumsy and unsteady, not like my usual self.

I forced myself to move toward the door. Maybe I should go to his office and check on him.

But I'd barely taken two steps when the front door handle turned and Adrian walked in like a stranger.

No smile, no apology. Just cold, narrow eyes I couldn't read.

I smiled, trying to hide how worried I was, and swallowed the lump in my throat.

"Adrian?" My voice shook. "Where have you been? I was worried. You didn't answer any of my calls. I... I cooked your favorite dishes, and I made a cake. Did you see the..." I kept rambling.

"I was busy," he mumbled, cutting me off.

His voice was so quiet it seemed like he was talking to himself instead of me.

I gripped the hem of my dress tightly, bunching the fabric in my hands.

"I cooked.