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 gaze was steady, unwavering, and it sent a shiver down my spine. I knew he was serious, and it scared me. Not because I didn't believe him, but because I realized how much I had been underestimating the situation myself.I’ve known Shane all these years and never really liked her. She could
Aria’s POVLucciano’s smile widened as he noticed the subtle shift in my expression. “Yes, you’ve found yourself an ally in me—for now. But remember, Aria, alliances are built on trust and value. I have no time for people who squander opportunities.”Victor, seated beside me, leaned forward slightly
Aria’s POVAbandoned? Shane’s no longer under anyone’s protection?Victor’s expression mirrored my disbelief, though he masked it quickly. “You’re saying Shane has been left to fend for herself?”Lucciano leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of him as he studied us. “That’s precis
Victor’s POV“Right this way,” the staff member said, his tone brisk but polite as he gestured toward the elevator. I placed a hand on the small of Aria’s back, guiding her forward. Her steps were hesitant, and I could sense the tension radiating off her. My own pulse thrummed with anticipation—and
Aria’s POVThe room for the luncheon was grander than I’d imagined, an opulent space bathed in soft golden light that glinted off crystal chandeliers. Classical music played in the background, adding to the atmosphere of quiet sophistication. It felt like stepping into a different world once again—o
Aria’s POVI woke up to the late-morning sunlight streaming through the cracks in the curtains, the warmth on my face coaxing me out of a deep, dreamless sleep. For a moment, I lay still, blinking against the light.Something felt different.The weight of exhaustion was gone, replaced by a lightness
I turned, gasping for breath, and there they were—those piercing eyes again, watching me, burning through me. The shadowed figure stepped closer, towering and faceless, its voice a guttural whisper that sliced through the air: “You’ll never escape.”My chest tightened, the air around me growing heav
Aria’s POVI stretched out on my side of the bed, positioning myself as close to the edge as I could without falling off. My back was turned to the other side, the empty space where Victor would soon be. I squeezed my eyes shut, forcing my body to relax even though my mind was a whirlwind of nerves.
Victor’s POVI’m so glad we’re calling it a night already. It’s been such an eventful day here at The Mirage Casino. And I’m even more glad that Samuel’s not staying with us in the suite. Samuel’s jaw visibly tightened, but he held his tongue, his composure barely intact. “I’ll call you tomorrow,”
Victor’s POVI stepped forward, my hands raised in a gesture of calm. “Troy, listen. We’re not here to hurt you, and we’re not here to force you into anything you don’t want. We just want to make a deal.”Troy’s eyes narrowed, his breath coming in shallow gasps as he glanced between us. “What kind o