Aria’s POV“Uh,I think I’ll just stay with Jasmine,” I finally managed, trying to push the sudden rush of emotion aside.With a quick smile, I leaned down and playfully tickled Jasmine, eliciting a cascade of giggles from her. “Don’t you want to dance with Mommy?” I teased, and she squealed, bouncin
“Just admiring the art,” I replied, forcing a smile, though I felt anything but at that moment. “Which you’ve seen… what? A hundred times?” He was teasing me, but he also looked concerned. I could tell that he knew I wasn’t being completely honest. “Uh, yes,” I answered quickly. “Since they’re tak
Victor’s POVAs I rushed toward the source of the noise, adrenaline coursed through my center. I couldn’t shake the sense of foreboding in my gut, especially after Aria had confided in me about her unease. She shouldn’t feel vulnerable, not in a place like this—especially not with me here.There wa
Victor’s POV“I’ll check outside quickly and get back to you as soon as possible,” I told Aria, locking my gaze onto hers. The fear in her eyes twisted my gut.“Okay,” she replied, trying to sound and look okay. There was fear in her eyes, but she was trying to control it. “I’ll continue searching f
Aria’s POVPanic flooded through me as I wiped away my tears, the need to find Jasmine eclipsing every other thought. I couldn't let fear take control. “We have to keep looking,” I said in a firm voice. I took a deep breath and stood up, shaking off the dread that clung to me like a heavy shroud.J
Aria’s POVVictor’s name flashed on my screen again, persistent, and this time it felt like a lifeline I wasn’t sure I should grab. My heart raced as my mind spun in a dozen directions at once.I stopped for a moment, torn. I wanted to tell him. He was Jasmine’s father. He had a right to know. But w
Aria’s POV“Jasmine?” I whispered, my voice cracking.She looked up, her big eyes meeting mine, as if she hadn’t just been missing, as if I hadn’t been frantic with worry. “Mommy!” she called out, a wide grin spreading across her face. She waved the ice cream cone in the air like it was the most nor
Aria’s POVA sudden gust of wind howled through the trees, sending a chill down my spine. I squeezed Jasmine’s hand tighter, feeling the eerie stillness of the night settle around us like a heavy blanket. My heart raced once more. “We need to go home now, Jasmine,” I said softly, trying to keep the