Episode: 9
A nurse helps Aria back to her hospital bed, where Luke grabs her wrist and asks if she took money from his mother. Luke gets an urgent call for help from a woman and leaves, claiming it is company business. Aria attends her lavish birthday party the following evening in a blue gown. Wealthy guests insult her background. Then Luke enters with Miss Cade on his arm instead of arriving alone.
A nurse escorts Aria to her bed. Luke grabs Aria's wrist and asks about the money. A woman calls him for help against an older Cade family member. Luke lies about work, promises a birthday surprise, and walks out.
Aria arrives at the party wearing an elegant blue gown. Rich guests mock her for being a maid's daughter. The banquet doors open, and Luke walks inside with Miss Cade on his arm. Aria remembers Luke sketching Miss Cade's portrait years ago.
“My mom said you're taking the money to leave me. Is that true?”
“I have an urgent matter at the company. I have to handle it. Your birthday party is tomorrow night. I prepared a surprise for you. I want you there, okay?”
“If it weren't for Mr. Wayland, I'd never set foot at a maid's daughter's birthday party. How humiliating.”
“I was never a part of Luke's love story.”
Miss Cade walks into the hall arm-in-arm with Luke and waves smugly directly at Aria. Aria stands alone among the snickering guests, acknowledging that Luke never loved her. Will Aria confront Luke and Miss Cade in front of the entire crowd, or will she quietly slip away from the banquet?