Aria's POV
The next morning, I was halfway through my second coffee when I finally made the call.
He picked up after two rings.
"Where the hell were you last night?" His voice was tight with barely concealed frustration.
"Good morning to you too, Ethan."
I kept my tone light. Almost amused.
"I waited for over an hour. You didn't show."
"Oh, I'm sorry—I forgot to update you. The meeting ran long, so I stayed at a hotel nearby. It didn't make sense to drive all the way back."
Silence stretched on the other end.
"Aria—"
"Anyway, I'm calling to let you know I'll be taking a few days off."
I heard him choke on his coffee. "Excuse me?"
"Personal leave. I'll send the formal request to your beta."
"You can't just—"
"Ethan." I kept my voice calm, but I le
