My Family in the Novel?

Chapter 232: Aria Tellus Astrea

"Nice to meet you, Aria…." The man's words seemed to echo in Aria's mind, each syllable resonating with a profound sense of significance.

Time slowed to a crawl, and the cacophony of the bustling world around her faded into a distant murmur.

As the man smiled, Aria's heart began to race, each beat reverberating within her chest with a newfound intensity.

Despite the unfamiliarity of his appearance, she felt an inexplicable connection to him—one that transcended the boundaries of time and physicality.

He was someone she had met before, in a different form, under different circumstances.

Every feature, from his face to his voice and even his body language, bore no resemblance to the Adrian she remembered.

Yet, deep within her heart, she knew that this was him—the person she had entrusted with her most intimate thoughts and feelings, albeit in a different guise.

In their brief time together, they had forged a bond that defied conventional logic, rooted in a mutual understanding and acceptance of each other's true selves.

Lost in a whirlwind of introspection, Aria was jolted back to reality by the sound of the man's chuckle. His laughter cut through her reverie, prompting her to look up at him once more.

With a nervous edge to her voice, she posed the question that had been weighing on her mind.

"You… are you really Adrian?" she asked, her words tinged with uncertainty.

Adrian's response came without hesitation. "Yes and No," he replied cryptically, his gaze steady as he met her eyes.

Aria's brow furrowed in confusion. "What exactly are you saying?" she pressed, seeking clarity amidst the ambiguity of his words.

Adrian's hand closed around Aria's right hand, his touch sending a jolt of warmth coursing through her veins. His smile was gentle, reassuring, yet Aria's emotions remained in turmoil.

Here was the person she loved, but in a form, she couldn't reconcile with the Adrian she knew.

She felt a pang of guilt, as if she were betraying the essence of their connection by fixating on his physical appearance.

Yes, she loved Adrian—but not solely for his outward form. It was the person he was inside, the one who had shown her love and understanding in ways she never imagined.

If it hadn't been for Ian Astrea's presence that fateful day, she might never have fallen for the man in front of her.

As Aria grappled with her conflicting emotions, Adrian spoke, his words cutting through her inner turmoil. "Ian Astrea… That is my real name," he revealed, his tone sincere.

The revelation left Aria stunned, her gaze locking onto his with newfound curiosity. "T-then… this is really you?" she questioned, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Adrian nodded, his smile widening.

"Yes, you don't have to be so nervous. I won't bite," he teased lightly, attempting to lighten the mood.

Aria couldn't help but answer nervously in response.

"Y-you can't blame me for that… Even though we were just enjoying the moment a while ago, I'm suddenly here… What exactly did you do to me? And where are we?" she asked, her voice betraying her lingering apprehension.

"I'm sure you're very confused right now, but don't worry, nothing will harm you here," Ian reassured her, his voice calm and soothing. With a gentle gesture, he handed her a strawberry shake that he had ordered, while sipping on his own mango-flavored one.

Aria hesitated, her confusion evident as she examined the pink dessert in her hand. However, she trusted Ian's judgment and tentatively brought the straw to her lips, taking a cautious sip. To her surprise, the sweet flavor flooded her senses, eliciting a small gasp of delight.

"It's quite good, right?" Ian asked, his smile warm and encouraging. Aria nodded slowly in response, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

"Let's eat for now. I'll explain everything to you later," Ian suggested, his tone gentle yet firm.

Aria's brow furrowed in confusion, but she found herself oddly reassured by his words. "H-huh?... Ok," she replied weakly, her voice betraying a sense of trust that she couldn't quite explain.

Despite the uncertainty swirling within her, there was a comfort in Ian's presence that eased her apprehension, if only temporarily.

As Ian and Aria enjoyed their meal and conversation, the bustling atmosphere of the restaurant seemed to fade into the background.

All around them, patrons were caught in a daze of their own, their attention captivated by the sight of the beautiful couple seated at the table.

It was as if time had slowed down, and the entire establishment had come to a standstill to witness the enchanting scene unfolding before them.

As whispers of admiration and awe filled the air, some patrons couldn't resist the urge to capture the moment, snapping photos or exchanging excited chatter with their companions.

Others, perhaps emboldened by the spectacle before them, attempted to approach Ian and Aria, offering business cards or eager inquiries.

Ian couldn't help but chuckle inwardly at the spectacle, finding amusement in the attention they were garnering.

Yet amidst the whirlwind of activity, he realized that he had forgotten a crucial aspect of their date. With a sheepish smile, he glanced at Aria, who was delicately savoring her pasta.

In that moment, Aria's beauty struck him anew. Even in modern attire, she exuded an elegance and grace that was unparalleled.

Her presence seemed to illuminate the room, drawing the gaze of onlookers and leaving an indelible impression on all who beheld her.

Whether in this world or any other, Aria's beauty remained unmatched, a testament to her timeless allure and undeniable charm.

And as Ian admired her from across the table, he couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for the opportunity to share this moment with one of his lovers.

As Ian sat across from Aria, enjoying the ambiance of the restaurant and the sight of his beloved, his thoughts drifted to the other girls in his life.

He couldn't help but imagine how stunning Elena, Louise, Analise, and even Lilliana and Euphemia would look in modern clothing.

The mere thought of them adorned in contemporary attire brought a smile to his lips.

'If Aria alone garners this much attention, the others would surely break the standard of beauty here as well'

A soft chuckle escaped Ian's lips as he entertained the idea. However, his reverie was interrupted as he turned his attention back to Aria, who was engrossed in her pasta.

"Aria," he called out, breaking the silence between them.

"Hm…? What's wrong?"

"Nothing it's just that…. you're very beautiful," Ian declared, his words filled with sincerity and affection.

In dates a man must never forget to compliment a woman.

The unexpected compliment caught Aria off guard, her emotions swirling in a whirlwind of embarrassment, surprise, and love.

Even a hint of anger flickered within her, wondering why Ian would choose such a vulnerable moment to express his admiration. In her flustered state, Aria nearly choked on her pasta, eliciting a hearty laugh from Ian.

Caught between amusement and embarrassment, Aria couldn't help but join in Ian's laughter, her cheeks flushed with color as she attempted to compose herself.

….

As the day unfolded, Ian and Aria ventured through unfamiliar territory, exploring places that were entirely foreign to her.

From the lively atmosphere of the arcade to the dimly lit cinema, from the bustling booths to the eclectic array of shops scattered throughout a gigantic mall, Ian led her on a journey through a world that seemed to exist solely for their enjoyment.

With each new experience, Ian was determined to ensure that Aria savored every moment, every second spent in this alternate reality.

Though he knew that it was all an illusion, a temporary escape from the harsh truths of their respective worlds, he couldn't help but hope that she would find solace and joy in these fleeting moments.

As their date progressed, Ian made a silent vow to himself.

When the time inevitably came for him to reveal his true origins, his family, and the complexities of his existence, he would lay everything bare before her.

He would share every detail, show her every aspect of his world, and entrust her with the knowledge that had been kept hidden from her until now.

In the depths of his heart, Ian yearned for this moment to last, cherishing the sight of Aria's widened eyes and infectious laughter at every turn.

He prayed silently that even after the truth was unveiled, she would continue to look upon him with the same wonder and affection that she did now.

As the sun began its descent towards the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the world around them, Ian and Aria found themselves seated on a bench by the seaside.

Together, they watched in awe as the sky transformed into a canvas of brilliant hues, the beauty of the moment mirrored in the clarity of their shared gaze.

In that fleeting instant they both wished this moment to never end.

As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting a golden hue over the tranquil seascape, Ian and Aria remained intertwined, their hands clasped tightly together.

Throughout the entirety of their date, not once did they release their grip, a silent testament to their unyielding connection.

Aria's determination to hold on was fueled by the anticipation of what Ian was about to reveal.

She sensed that whatever truths lay ahead had the potential to test their love for each other, and she was resolved to face them head-on, hand in hand with Ian by her side.

"It's beautiful…" Aria remarked softly, her gaze fixed on the breathtaking display before them. Memories of her childhood came flooding back, a time when such magnificent views were a regular part of her life.

Yet, here she was now, experiencing it anew with the love of her life, a feeling of profound happiness washing over her as she nestled her head against Ian's shoulder.

"Yeah… It's really beautiful," Ian echoed, his gaze lingering not on the sunset, but on the woman beside him.

In that moment, as he beheld the radiance of Aria's smile and the warmth in her eyes, he realized that no amount of natural beauty could ever compare to the splendor of the love they shared.

Even amidst the grandeur of the setting sun and the vast expanse of the ocean, Ian found himself captivated by the sheer beauty of Aria's presence.

"So, this is your world, Ian...?" Aria inquired, her curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar surroundings. Everything, from the landscape to the people, exuded a sense of uniqueness that was vastly different from the world she knew.

The realization that such a diverse and vibrant world existed beyond her own filled her with wonder, sparking a desire to explore even further and discover what other worlds lay beyond.

"Yeah, well, there are actually more places I want to take you to, but that can wait..." Ian replied, his tone tinged with anticipation.

As the last vestiges of sunlight faded from the sky, giving way to the emergence of the night, Aria felt Ian's grip on her hand tighten.

His expression turned serious as he spoke, his words carrying a weight of importance. "Aria... it's time," he declared.

"Ok..." Aria responded with a slight nod, steeling herself for what was to come.

Ian had promised to reveal everything to her after their date ended, and she was prepared to face whatever truths awaited her.

Though uncertain of how Ian planned to unveil his secrets, she was confident that their love would see them through any challenges that lay ahead.

As their gazes met, Aria couldn't help but chuckle softly at the hint of worry in Ian's expression. With a tender kiss, she sought to reassure him of her unwavering support and affection.

In that fleeting moment, amidst the quietude of the night, their bond grew stronger than ever.

As Aria's lips met Ian's in a passionate embrace, a sudden shift in the atmosphere heralded yet another change in her surroundings.

The world around her dissolved into darkness, leaving her disoriented and bewildered.

When she opened her eyes once more, she found herself standing on a vast, snow-covered plain, with flakes of snow gently falling from the sky like confetti.

Before her stood a young boy, his face illuminated by the soft glow of the moonlight.

He seemed lost in thought, speaking aloud to himself in a voice tinged with innocence and longing.

Aria couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity wash over her as she gazed upon the boy, as if she had encountered him somewhere before.

"I wonder if I will also have a papa and mama soon?" the boy mused aloud, his words hanging in the chilly air.

Aria turned to respond, but before she could utter a word, another voice cut through the silence—a voice that sent shivers down her spine.

Though the tone was gentle and soothing, it carried an underlying sense of dread that gripped Aria's heart like a vice.

"Hello~" the voice chimed in, addressing the boy with a tenderness that belied its ominous nature.

Aria's eyes widened in horror as she beheld the source of the voice—a formless darkness, its depths swirling with countless writhing tendrils that seemed to stretch out into infinity.

As the dark entity approached the boy, its presence cast a pall over the snowy landscape, sending a chill down Aria's spine.

Despite the gentle tone of its voice, Aria couldn't shake the feeling of fear that gnawed at her insides.

Something about this encounter filled her with a sense of foreboding, as if she had stumbled upon a scene from a nightmare—a nightmare from which she couldn't wake.