With the day trip to the spa scheduled, I decided it was time to start packing, though my mind was weighed down by the heavy tension that had enveloped our apartment. Aria had been avoiding me ever since our fight, and I couldn't help but feel like I was walking on eggshells.
I began folding clothes and carefully selecting toiletries to take with me when I heard a sharp knock at my bedroom door. Before I could answer, Aria barged in, a sheet of paper clutched tightly in her hand. The look on her face was a mixture of concern and anger, a storm brewing behind her eyes.
"What's this?" Aria demanded, thrusting the paper toward me. I took it from her and my heart sank as I realized what it was – the protective order Stella had filed against me.
"What are you doing with this?" I asked, my vo
