Victor’s POVI paced the dimly lit room, the tension coiling in my chest like a snake ready to strike. The clock on the wall ticked with an unforgiving rhythm, each second a reminder of how little time I had left to expose Shane. She was smart—too smart. Every time I thought I had a lead, it slipped
Aria’s POV"These bottles are gorgeous, Jess! I knew you'd nail it," I exclaimed, admiring the elegant, curvy glass bottles lined up on the table. These were the super final designs for the various perfumes we’d created for the upcoming photography exhibition. They were all even better than I’d ima
Aria’s POVThe photo shoot venue was a spacious, industrial loft downtown, transformed into a high-fashion set. A flood of bright, white light from enormous studio lamps filled the room.I couldn’t help but breathe in the scent of freshly sprayed hairspray and makeup melding with the underlying arom
Aria’s POV“It’s a wrap!” Fiona yelled with a grin, enthusiastically clapping her hands as the rest of the photographers and other crew members joined in. Even the models, who had spent hours striking pose after pose, looked happy and relieved. I looked around, feeling a rush of exhilaration. The p
Aria’s POV“Jasmine!” I called out as soon as I got to the playground, my heart still pounding in my ears. “Come here.” Shane turned around, a fake smile plastered on her face. But it didn’t reach her eyes, which reflected a cold, unmistakable abhorrence for me. “Oh, hello, there, Aria,” she said c
Aria’s POVMy heart was still beating fast, sweat breaking out in my palms, as I pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant. I had not been planning on bringing Jasmine with me to dinner. But after Jessica’s message saying she'd be late, leaving her with the babysitter didn’t seem right.My hand
Victor’s POVI hung up, my mind racing, a cold anger simmering just beneath the surface. Without wasting a second, I pressed the intercom button on my desk. “Phil, get in here. Now.”My assistant Phil appeared in the doorway within moments, his usual calm disposition covering up any concern. “Yes, M
Aria’s POVI held my daughter’s hand tightly as we walked down the hallway leading to my apartment unit, the two bodyguards silently following us. I could feel the tension in my shoulders slowly easing, knowing these men were sent by Victor. Phil had confirmed it earlier, but seeing them in action t
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