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And on certain days, when the end of the day approached, Aria would close the place to the public a little earlier so that she could concentrate fully on her little apprentice, who was learning things quickly and efficiently as they now shared a real bond. Amalia, who had more or less raised the young girl and her twin since they were toddlers, could feel how much more open Erica was, and couldn't be more grateful to Aria for everything she did.

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Aria now spent her days in her gallery. Her time was devoted either to creating when the gallery was empty, or to giving art lessons, mainly in painting. Aria wasn't sure which she enjoyed more, but one thing was certain: she was living the life she had always dreamed of.

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Regarding Nath, his birthday was fast approaching, and Aria could only be proud to see her baby grow so quickly. Following their conversation before breakfast, Aria couldn't help but gently tease her husband, who began to doubt about his wife's responsibility…

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Aria began to give lessons to Erica behind Emma's back frequently, with Jolene and Amalia's (Erica's nanny) help. After several months, Aria was particularly excited to be starting more advanced lessons, while Luke would like her to stay out of trouble…

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The two quickly got down to work, Aria deciding to start her one-to-one lessons with the basics of painting. The afternoon passed at lightning speed, with the two exchanging tips and anecdotes throughout the lesson. The more time went, the more Aria saw Erica open up to her.

When the time was up, Aria held Erica back for a few more minutes: she had to give her back the painting she had painted here the first time but which she had been unable to get back because of her mother…

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When Erica finally joins her outside, she widens her eyes in surprise, but doesn't lose her composure and even seems delighted to see Aria again. And when Aria explained the situation, she threw herself into her arms, far too happy and touched to express her emotions with words.

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The next day, Aria puts the plan into action. At the appointed time, she heads to the drama club, where she makes herself discreetly noticed by Jolene and then quickly sneaks out. Aria knows that if Daphne accidentally catches sight of her, the inquisitive preteen will have too many questions…

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The days may go by and Nath may grow up, but Aria really can't get Erica and Emma's behaviour out of her head. And the more she thinks about it, the more she comes up with a plan, she can't help but wanting to help Erica achieve her goal, even if it means going behind Emma's back.

Luke can see it too, that's all Aria thinks about, but as long as she stays within the law and safe, he's okay with that… Aria's plan may be sneaky, especially when she manages to find Jolene Howard's number (in Isa's phone…), it's obviously perfectly legal.

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CHAPTER FIVE : Aria's plan

A few days later, Aria is still thinking about Erica as she pours herself her morning coffee. How could she help the little girl without raising Emma's suspicion? When Luke snaps her out of her reverie, she can't help sharing her feelings with him, which her husband seems to share very fervently.

But when Rose calls her, Aria can't help but grit her teeth. Emma has plenty of nerve, but this time she's gone too far. Aria takes it personally, and seems determined to give Erica lessons.

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When Emma overhears the scene, she can't help but feel betrayed, so when Erica doesn't seem to be listening to her, it's too much. She snatches her by the arm and starts dragging her out of the room, trying to keep her head up and being nothing but polite to Aria. She's been made a fool of enough tonight, and Erica won't add any more. Watching helplessly, Aria's heart sinks…

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Meanwhile, Emma is hiding in the bathroom, trying to regain composture. Being called out by Isa in front of everyone was one thing but Luke too? She feels like she's losing control on her life and she hates it.

When Erica hesitantly asks her if she would be willing to be her mentor, Aria's heart can't help but melt at the sweetness of the young girl. As for Erica, that moment shared with Aria was everything she needed tonight to calm herself as well as finding what she truly likes in life.

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Upstairs, Erica always tries to calm her nerves and look on the bright side… But this time it's more difficult than usual. Aria, alerted by the screams, discovers the young girl alone upstairs. Erica bites her bottom lip, concerned she's done something wrong, but in reality, Aria is very impressed by the picture she's painted.

Erica isn't sure why, but she starts to tell Aria everything. How she hates everything her mother forces her to do, as well as her overall behaviour. Aria, knowing Emma, is a little taken aback by what she hears, but decides to focus on the positive: the girl seems particularly gifted at painting and that's exactly why she's opened her gallery.

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In the gallery, Daphne sees that Emma seems preoccupied and decides to inquire about her mood. But Emma takes this as mockery on her part, and starts to attack the poor girl. Luke, witnessing the whole scene but not wanting to worry Aria any more than necessary, decides to take matters into his own hands.

Luke wastes no time in being falsely polite and goes straight for Emma, who decides to play innocent, her mouth agape. Obviously, this doesn't work on Luke, who decides to be more virulent. If he sees her attacking someone close to him again, he'll take it out on her personally. Em tries to keep a straight face, but is completely thrown by his behaviour, while Daph feels guilty about the way things have turned out.

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Emma wasn't the only one to leave the room. Erica also needed to calm her nerves in front of a mirror. Seriously, how could Emma be her mother? She found herself in Aria's future classroom, and her eyes fell on a blank canvas on an easel. She's not sure what's got into her, but without thinking much, she grabs a paintbrush and starts smearing paint all over the canvas, letting all her anger and frustration express itself through art.

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In reality, no one notices her show or that she left the table because Aria started her speech. She feels so grateful to have everything she ever wanted, even if it took time and can't thank everyone enough for everything they brought into her life.

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On the other side of the room, tension quickly rises when Emma, accompanied by Erica, realises that the latter is not complying with the rules. Erica just wants to enjoy the party like every other kid, but this does not sit well with Emma, who seems to have a personal grudge against her daughter.

When Isa hears her talking like this to Erica, she feels the need to do something about it. When they were younger, Emma suffered because of that kind of behavior, and she doesn't understand how she can act the same toward her own girl. Obviously, knowing people are now watching them, Emma feels the need to make this about her.

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Quickly, the place fills up and a buzz of conversation mixed with catchy music takes over the gallery. Everyone wants to chat with the star of the day, even if it's her mom who got the attention first. But Aria tries to give her time to everyone, especially people who knows her for her work already.

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