Aria’s POV“I didn’t know about this visit, Aria. You could have told me.” Victor honestly looked hurt and betrayed. But of course, I never had any intention of making him feel that way. “Could have?” I shot back. “I didn’t plan this. You know how hard it is for me to navigate this whole situation.
Aria’s POVAs we arrived at Dr. Levine’s office for Jasmine’s second session, I could feel the burden of the past few days hanging heavily over us. We hadn’t had a chance to discuss Shane’s potential return since that call in the parking lot, and with Jasmine right there, I was determined to keep th
Victor’s POVI leaned over the small table in the waiting area, crayons scattered everywhere, and a sheet of paper already filled with bright colors and stick figures. Jasmine was giggling, her little face scrunched in concentration as she carefully selected a crayon from the array. I couldn’t help
Aria’s POV“Do you know anything about The Mirage Casino, Dr. Levine?” I asked, unable to hide my concern.He shook his head slowly, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Not really. It just rings a bell from some conversations I've had. It’s mentioned in relation to certain... activities. Nothing specific,
Aria’s POVThe bowling alley echoed with laughter and the clatter of pins as we stepped inside. Neon lights flickered across the polished floors, and Jasmine bounced with excitement as we made our way to a section designed for kids, complete with smaller pins and lightweight bowling balls.Victor an
Aria’s POVI stood by Jasmine’s bedside, watching her eyes flutter closed. She was so sleepy, her little body finally giving in to the excitement of the day. Gently, I pulled the blanket up to her chin and kissed her forehead.“Goodnight, sweetheart,” I whispered. She barely stirred, already lost in
Victor’s POVI stood in the lab at Thorn Enterprises, surrounded by an array of sleek equipment and the enticing aroma of essential oils. I couldn’t help but feel excited, as I had another reason to see Aria. Today was the day we’d test the prototypes for our smart perfumes, and I couldn't help but
As we stood there, inhaling the fragrant mist, our eyes locked, and for a heartbeat, the world around us seemed to fade. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks as I took a small step closer. She looked beautiful in the soft, diffused light, and the desire to close the distance grew stronger.“Ima
Victor’s POVI stood outside my mother’s door, holding Jasmine’s hand as I knocked twice. She shifted beside me, her fingers fidgeting with her sweater.The door opened, and Alicia stood there, surprise flickering in her sharp blue eyes as she took in the sight of us.“Victor,” she said, then her ga
Aria’s POVI swirled the glass vial in my hand, watching as the pale amber liquid coated the sides before settling again. The scent profile still wasn’t quite right, but I was close—so close I could almost taste it.The Velvet Vibe lab was quiet except for the soft hum of the air filtration system a
Aria’s POVI watched Victor, his face an impenetrable mask, his hand still holding mine. My heart ached for him, but to my own surprise, I felt something else too—pity for Alicia. For years, I had harbored resentment toward her, believing she had always looked down on me, dismissed me as unworthy o
Victor’s POVConfusion, anger, and apprehension swirled inside me, an unyielding force I couldn’t contain. I had no idea what I was walking into, but I knew one thing—I needed answers.As we pulled up in front of my mother’s house, I saw the glow of light through the living room window. She was stil
Aria’s POVThe revelation settled over us like a looming storm cloud, dense and unrelenting. Antonio Greco wasn’t just some powerful mafia boss—he had been the one controlling Shane. That alone was unsettling enough. My mind spun as I connected the dots. Shane had spent years trying to tear down Th
Victor’s POVThe moment we stepped into The Mirage, the air seemed to constrict around us. It felt as if we were being watched every step of the way.Overhead chandeliers sputtered in their golden glow, illuminating the velvet walls in fractured patterns, as if the very light was hesitant to linger
Victor’s POVWhen I arrived home, I found Aria in the garden, staring off into space, her arms wrapped around herself as a cool evening breeze swept through. The soft rustling of leaves was the only sound, the usual laughter of Jasmine absent. I knew she was in the playroom with the nanny, giving Ar
Victor’s POVI wasn’t going to let Aria face this alone.The moment I left our last conversation, I knew I had to take action. If there was a leak in my company, I needed to root it out myself. I refused to let this drive a wedge between us. She had to see that I was on her side, that there was no r
Aria’s POVI paced the length of the lab, arms crossed tightly over my chest, while Jessica sat on the stool near the counter, watching me with concern. The vials of stolen work still sat between us, a silent testament to the treachery lurking in our midst, waiting to be exposed.“We need a plan,” J