Victor’s POVDamn! I shouldn’t have driven her away like that. I buried my head in my hands with great frustration. The argument with Aria replayed in my mind, a relentless loop of angry words and hurtful accusations. I’d been so focused on proving my point that I hadn't stopped to think about what
Aria’s POVI pulled into the parking lot of Jasmine’s preschool, the engine’s low rumble fading as I turned off the car. The school playground was still alive with energy as the few remaining kids ran around and delightfully screamed on the swings and seesaws. I couldn’t see Jasmine yet, but I knew
I smiled, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. “I’m sure he can help you with that someday.”Jasmine’s eyes lit up again, and she practically bounced in my arms. “When? When? When can I see him? Can we visit his company?”I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. Jasmine’s excitement was so obvio
Aria’s POVA few days had passed, and I’d thrown myself into work, trying to keep my mind off the awkwardness of that last conversation with Samuel. But no matter how busy I got, his reaction to Jasmine’s innocent comment kept gnawing at me. I felt a twinge of guilt every time I thought about how I
Aria’s POVVictor’s expression mirrored my own shock as he saw Shane, clearly not expecting her to show up. Before he could find his voice, Shane stepped forward, her eyes flickering with something I couldn’t quite place.“Oh, I didn’t know you had visitors…” she began, her voice sugary sweet but la
“This was a great idea,” I admitted, glancing at Victor.“I’m glad you think so,” he said, his eyes following Jasmine as she moved to another exhibit. “I just wanted her to have fun today.”“She’s definitely having fun,” I agreed, feeling the warmth of the moment.Jasmine’s enthusiasm was infectious
Aria’s POVThe question hung in the air, freezing both Victor and me in place. My heart jumped, and I could feel the color draining from my face. This wasn’t how or when I had imagined this conversation would happen.Victor’s eyes widened, his gaze snapping to mine, searching for some kind of explan
Aria’s POVAs Jasmine and I walked through the door of our apartment, the smell of Chinese takeout wafted through the air, instantly making me feel more at home. Jessica had arrived earlier and was busy unpacking containers of food on the kitchen counter. She greeted us with a warm smile.“Hey, you
Victor’s POVI stood outside my mother’s door, holding Jasmine’s hand as I knocked twice. She shifted beside me, her fingers fidgeting with her sweater.The door opened, and Alicia stood there, surprise flickering in her sharp blue eyes as she took in the sight of us.“Victor,” she said, then her ga
Aria’s POVI swirled the glass vial in my hand, watching as the pale amber liquid coated the sides before settling again. The scent profile still wasn’t quite right, but I was close—so close I could almost taste it.The Velvet Vibe lab was quiet except for the soft hum of the air filtration system a
Aria’s POVI watched Victor, his face an impenetrable mask, his hand still holding mine. My heart ached for him, but to my own surprise, I felt something else too—pity for Alicia. For years, I had harbored resentment toward her, believing she had always looked down on me, dismissed me as unworthy o
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