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
Aria’s POVI was in the middle of testing the latest batch of perfumes when I heard the door to my office creak open. My focus was so deep in the blend of scents—notes of jasmine, sandalwood, and a hint of bergamot—that I barely registered the sound at first. But then, a familiar voice pulled me out
Victor’s POVThe laughter started the moment we arrived at the theme park and never seemed to stop. Jasmine darted ahead, pulling us toward the entrance with uncontainable energy, her small hand gripping mine tightly. The park was a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds—twinkling lights, cheerful music
Aria’s POVThe ride home was quiet, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. Victor’s hand rested on the gearshift, his fingers brushing mine occasionally. Each accidental touch sent a warm ripple through me, leaving me feeling both nervous and giddy. My heart was still dancing from the events of the night befo
The next morning, The sunlight streaming through the curtains was the first thing I noticed as I stirred awake. As I blinked against the light, memories of the previous night surged back like a wave, crashing over me with startling clarity. My breath hitched, and I sat up quickly, clutching the blan
Aria’s POV"Victor," I murmured breathlessly, barely recognizing my own voice. "Aria," he whispered back, his tone filled with a hunger that matched my own. His lips found mine again, urgent and unrelenting.We stumbled together through the hallway, his hands sliding beneath my blouse, fingertips s
Aria’s POVI jumped from the table, my heart still pounding in my chest, and headed toward the studio door. “Stay here,” I said softly, though my voice wavered with some nervousness and the remaining heat. The air between us still sizzled, making it almost impossible to think clearly.Carefully, I o
When we finally pulled apart, both of us were breathless. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips slightly swollen, and her eyes—God, those eyes—shone with an emotion I didn’t dare put a name to just yet.I rested my forehead against hers, trying to catch my breath as I spoke. “Aria… you’re everything to
Victor’s POVThe entire evening had been a cascade of emotions—love, happiness, nostalgia—and now, standing here, my heart felt like it might burst. I looked at Aria, her expression a mix of hope and nerves as she waited for my reaction. The painting, the bottles, the thought behind it all—it was ov
Aria’s POV“Still thinking of work at this hour?” he teased, his tone light and playful. “Should I be worried you’re pulling me into a midnight brainstorming session?”I glanced back at him, rolling my eyes with a laugh. “Trust me, it’s not that. Just wait. You’ll see.”We reached the entrance of my
Aria’s POVThe party was everything I didn’t know I needed. Laughter rang out like music, echoing through the beautifully decorated terrace. Friends and family filled the space, their joy infectious as they mingled, shared stories, and celebrated together. Even Jessica, who normally claimed she hate