The Velasco family gathered around the grand dining table, the atmosphere warm but formal, as expected in their household. The rich aroma of freshly cooked dishes filled the air, and the occasional clinking of silverware echoed in the spacious dining hall.
Adrian sat at his usual place, quietly eating while his father, Eduardo, discussed business matters with Santiago, his grandfather. Isabella, his mother, occasionally chimed in with her thoughts, while Camila, his younger sister, played with her food, looking unusually mischievous.
Camila glanced at Adrian, a smirk forming on her lips. She had been holding back her discovery since the night before, but now seemed like the perfect opportunity.
“So, Adrian,” she started, her voice sweet but full of mischief. “Are you planning to open an aromatherapy shop?”
Adrian, who had been calmly sipping his soup, raised an eyebrow. “What?”
Isabella gave Camila a curious look. “Aromatherapy? What do you mean, sweetie?”
Camila leaned forward dramatically. “Oh, nothing much. I just happened to walk into Adrian’s room last night, and guess what? It smelled like flowers and herbs. And there was this little incense burner on his desk. Very... soothing.”
Eduardo paused mid-cut of his steak, turning to his son with a scrutinizing gaze. “Incense?”
Santiago chuckled, already amused. “Didn’t peg you as the type for aromatherapy, Adrian.”
Adrian sighed, setting down his spoon. He shot Camila a warning look, but she only grinned wider. “It’s nothing special. Just something Javier gave me.”
Camila’s eyes sparkled with victory. “Oh, you mean the one Javier got from Aria? That ten-year-old genius girl?”
Isabella perked up at the mention of Aria. “Aria? The one you’ve mentioned before?”
Santiago laughed, clearly entertained. “So, you’re using something made by that little prodigy? Interesting.”
Eduardo, ever the businessman, narrowed his eyes slightly. “What exactly is in that incense? If it’s made by her, it must be something unique.”
Adrian sighed again. “It’s just a blend of herbs. Helps with relaxation and focus.”
Isabella looked intrigued. “That’s quite thoughtful of her. How did she know you needed something like that?”
Camila’s smirk deepened. “Oh, she’s just that amazing, I guess. I mean, she’s got my brother using her special-made incense. Who knows what’s next?”
Adrian shot her a warning glare, but Santiago laughed heartily. “Ah, young people these days. A genius little girl giving my grandson handcrafted remedies. Sounds like the beginning of a fascinating story.”
Eduardo, still analytical, leaned back in his chair. “You trust her work?”
Adrian nodded, his expression serious. “I wouldn’t use it if I didn’t.”
Isabella smiled knowingly. “Well, if she truly has that much knowledge, perhaps she can contribute something valuable to the field of medicine.”
Camila wiggled her eyebrows at Adrian. “Or maybe she’s just a special friend.”
Adrian pinched the bridge of his nose, exasperated. “Eat your food, Camila.”
Laughter echoed across the dining table, and Adrian resigned himself to the fact that Camila wouldn’t let this go anytime soon. But deep down, he didn’t mind as much as he thought he would. After all, the incense really did help him—and it came from Aria.
And that, somehow, made all the teasing worth it.
 
Later that evening, Adrian sat in his office, staring at his phone. After a moment’s hesitation, he dialed Aria’s number.
When she picked up, her voice was light but curious. “Adrian? What’s up?”
He leaned back in his chair. “I mentioned your thesis to my father.”
Silence followed for a moment before Aria replied, “Oh?”
“He’s interested,” Adrian continued. “He wants to meet you to discuss it.”
Aria exhaled slowly, and Adrian could almost hear the gears turning in her head. “I see. I suppose I should prepare for that.”
“You don’t have to if you’re not comfortable,” Adrian said, his tone softer. “But I think he genuinely wants to hear what you have to say.”
A short chuckle came from the other end. “Adrian, I’ve faced scarier things than a businessman’s curiosity. If he wants to meet, then let’s set a time.”
Adrian smiled slightly. “I’ll arrange it.”
As he ended the call, he couldn’t help but feel an odd sense of anticipation. Somehow, he had a feeling that Aria meeting his father would set things into motion—things that neither of them could predict just yet.