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
Aria’s POV“Hold on tight, Jasmine!” I shouted over the clatter of the kiddie roller-coaster as it rattled up the first hill. The wind whipped through my hair, making me laugh despite my initial hesitation. Jasmine’s squeals of delight mingled with the clamor of the ride, and for a moment, the worri
Victor’s POVI walked into my favorite café, the one just a few blocks from my office, looking forward to a peaceful, relaxing brunch. I’d been dreading the thought of another dinner with Samuel, a topic my mother usually brought up whenever I was here. Thankfully, today she hadn’t mentioned arrangi
Aria’s POVThe laughter in the room was easy, flowing like music that hadn’t been played in far too long. It was the kind of afternoon I had only dreamed of during those long, uncertain nights. One filled with light, warmth, and peace.But what caught my eye most wasn’t the cake or the wine or even
Aria’s POVThe sun filtered gently through the sheer curtains, casting golden stripes across the kitchen floor. Outside, the wind rustled the trees in soft waves, the kind of quiet that used to feel like a luxury—but now, it felt like a miracle.I stood barefoot by the open window, sipping tea, watc
Aria’s POV"There they are! By the dock!"The shout tore through the air like a whipcrack. My heart jumped."Get down, Jasmine!" I hissed, pulling her low into the hull of the boat.More frenzied shouts followed, echoing from behind the locked boathouse door. Then came the unmistakable sound of spli
Aria’s POVThe tunnel walls closed in the farther we ran, the air thick with dust and something ancient, something forgotten. The flickering light from my phone barely illuminated the path ahead as Jasmine and I rushed forward, our footsteps echoing off the stone.We had no idea where we were going—
Victor’s POVThe moment Greco grabbed my mother’s arm, I saw red.Alicia struggled against Greco’s grasp, her body twisting as she tried to wrench herself free. But his grip was unyielding—ironclad. His smirk darkened, turning into something twisted, dangerous."You always were stubborn," Greco murm
Aria’s POVI grabbed Jasmine’s hand and pulled her close, my pulse hammering as I ran toward the secret door. My fingers fumbled with the hidden latch, my breath short and uneven. Come on, come on—Click.I shoved the door open just enough for us to slip inside before sealing it shut behind us. The
Victor’s POVThe moment the man at the far table shifted, my entire body went rigid. One second, he was still, the next, his hand dipped into his jacket.A gun? A knife?I was ready to move. One wrong twitch from him, and I’d take him down before he could even stand. My pulse pounded in my ears as I
Aria’s POV"Are Jasmine and I the real targets?" I whispered to myself, the thought chilling me to my core.No. That was silly. I was being paranoid.I shook my head, trying to dismiss the fear that had settled like ice in my veins. The bodyguards said they needed to secure the cabin, and logically,
Aria’s POVI stared at my phone, my fingers gripping it so tightly that my knuckles ached. Still nothing. No calls. No messages. The meeting had to be happening now, but I had no idea what was going on.I tried dialing Victor again. Straight to voicemail. Samuel? No response either.A pit of dread s