Aria’s POVI left work later than usual, feeling the weight of the day's accomplishments and the promise of what lay ahead. As I passed the boss's meeting room, I noticed the lights were still on. It was unusual this late in the evening. I figured Samuel must still be in a meeting. I smiled, remembe
Aria’s POVVictor looked stunned for a moment, his eyes widening as if he had been caught off guard. Then he shook his head, a small, almost imperceptible smile playing at his lips. “No, Aria,” he said slowly. “Perhaps it’s not like that. But I think you make a suitable wife for me. And I thought yo
Aria’s POVI stared at Victor in surprise as he looked at me with great concern. His eyes searched mine, filled with an emotion I couldn't quite place. Before I could say anything, though, Samuel's voice cut in, oblivious to Victor's presence. “Aria, are you sure you’re not hurt? Did you inhale a l
Aria’s POVThe acrid scent of smoke lingered in the air as I stood outside my apartment, my heart heavy with devastation. The fire had been completely put out, leaving nothing but charred remains and a smoldering sense of loss.Before I could respond to either Samuel or Victor, a medic approached me
Victor’s POVI sat in the corner of the upscale coffee shop on the ground floor of the Elixir office building, my foot tapping nervously against the polished marble floor. I glanced at my watch for what felt like the hundredth time. Five more minutes, then I’m out of here.Sending that message earl
Samuel didn't answer directly. Instead, he leaned forward and asked, “Why do you care so much, Victor? You and Aria are divorced.”“I believe I still have a chance to win her back,” I said firmly.“You really think that, don’t you?”“Yes, I do,” I replied sharply. “And I can’t see why you’d be so cl
Aria’s POVI loved this hotel room. The spacious rooms and hallways, the quiet neighborhood, everything was a refreshing change from my previous apartment. It felt like a sanctuary, but of course I could not afford to stay here much longer.The phone rang, and I hurried to answer. “Aria, it’s Samuel
Why did Victor send me flowers? I wondered. It was just so odd. I was surprised and bothered at the same time. And perhaps, a little part of me, maybe the old me, jumped with joy even for a little while. Victor and I had a complicated past, and his sudden gesture stirred up a mix of emotions. Howev
Victor’s POVConfusion, anger, and apprehension swirled inside me, an unyielding force I couldn’t contain. I had no idea what I was walking into, but I knew one thing—I needed answers.As we pulled up in front of my mother’s house, I saw the glow of light through the living room window. She was stil
Aria’s POVThe revelation settled over us like a looming storm cloud, dense and unrelenting. Antonio Greco wasn’t just some powerful mafia boss—he had been the one controlling Shane. That alone was unsettling enough. My mind spun as I connected the dots. Shane had spent years trying to tear down Th
Victor’s POVThe moment we stepped into The Mirage, the air seemed to constrict around us. It felt as if we were being watched every step of the way.Overhead chandeliers sputtered in their golden glow, illuminating the velvet walls in fractured patterns, as if the very light was hesitant to linger
Victor’s POVWhen I arrived home, I found Aria in the garden, staring off into space, her arms wrapped around herself as a cool evening breeze swept through. The soft rustling of leaves was the only sound, the usual laughter of Jasmine absent. I knew she was in the playroom with the nanny, giving Ar
Victor’s POVI wasn’t going to let Aria face this alone.The moment I left our last conversation, I knew I had to take action. If there was a leak in my company, I needed to root it out myself. I refused to let this drive a wedge between us. She had to see that I was on her side, that there was no r
Aria’s POVI paced the length of the lab, arms crossed tightly over my chest, while Jessica sat on the stool near the counter, watching me with concern. The vials of stolen work still sat between us, a silent testament to the treachery lurking in our midst, waiting to be exposed.“We need a plan,” J
Aria’s POVI inhaled deeply, the familiar scent of essential oils and raw ingredients filling my senses. The lab was silent except for the soft bubbling of beakers and the occasional scribble of my pen as I jotted down notes. I was alone, and for now, that was exactly what I needed.My hands moved w
Victor’s POVThe last two days had been filled with tension—an invisible wall that had settled between Aria and me. I thought we were making progress, slowly finding our way back to a place of trust, but now? Now, she was pulling away again, and I had a feeling it wasn’t just about us this time.The
Victor’s POVThe atmosphere in the hallway was heavy as the last of my team exited the building. Some of them had walked out stiffly, their expressions betraying their frustration at being searched. Others had been more understanding, nodding when I explained that Velvet Vibe’s security procedures w