Aria’s POVI couldn’t stop smiling. It felt like I was floating on air, watching everyone around the table enjoy the meal. Victor had actually survived our kitchen adventure, and not only that—he thrived. He didn’t complain once, which, to be honest, I half-expected from the old Victor. But this new
Aria’s POVWhen it was finally time to sleep and my parents had already resigned to their bedroom, Jasmine yawned and tugged at my hand and Victor’s hand. “Come on, it’s time to sleep.”“Uh, but Jasmine…” I began to say. I didn’t know how to explain that Victor wasn’t supposed to be staying with us
Aria’s POVVictor quickly turned on the lights, the sudden brightness filling the room and dispelling the shadows. “Let’s check it out,” he whispered. We moved cautiously into the hallway, our footsteps echoing in the quiet house. Victor inspected every corner and he even peeked into some of the su
Aria’s POVI froze when I felt his hand slip behind my back, gently rubbing in small, circular motions. It was innocent enough, but the way his touch spread warmth through my body—warming parts of me that I had tried to bury for so long—was anything but. My breath hitched as I felt his knee brush ag
Victor’s POVI wanted to kiss her. I could feel it—the urge was so strong it almost hurt. The way she looked at me, the ease in her voice, the way she was open and vulnerable... it all drew me in. But I hesitated, afraid that one wrong move could shatter whatever connection we were rebuilding.Inste
Aria’s POVI tried to push away the feelings swirling inside me, but it was impossible. The kiss had opened a floodgate of desires and confusions I wasn't ready to face.Finally, I whispered, “I’ll go ahead, Victor. Good night.”I tried to move forward, but as I did, my toe slammed into something ha
Aria’s POVVictor’s fingers were still gently caressing my ankle, and the pain had definitely subsided. “You know,” I said, “I think the pain is much better now. I might be able to hop my way back to the bedroom.”Victor’s expression turned serious, and he shook his head adamantly. “No way. You migh
Victor’s POVSitting across from Mr. Everhart, I felt more nervous than I should have. It was ridiculous, really—I was a grown man, and yet here I was, hands fidgeting, wondering what the hell he was thinking. I glanced at the clock. Almost 2 am. The man had just caught Aria and me standing closely
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