I walked over and pulled her into a hug, feeling the need to protect her even though I knew I couldn’t control everything. “Take care, okay? And tell Fabian to drive carefully. Stay alert, both of you.”Jessica pulled back slightly, giving me a reassuring smile. “I will, don’t worry. Fabian’s always
Victor’s POVI slowly withdrew my hand, clearing my throat, trying to break the tension before it could turn into something more. “I, uh... figured chocolate might help you power through,” I said, my voice coming out rougher than I intended.She glanced at the sandwich in her hand, a flicker of amus
Aria’s POVI rubbed my tired eyes and stretched my arms above my head, feeling a satisfying pull in my shoulders. Finally, I thought, finally caught up. It was past midnight, and the exhaustion clinging to me was almost pleasant, knowing I’d cleared a mountain of paperwork and perfected the new sc
Aria’s POVVictor’s hand slipped beneath my blouse, his fingers exploring the curve of my waist. I felt his lips trail along my neck, and a soft moan escaped my lips, surprised by the need that flooded over me. I clung to him as we stumbled down the darkened hallway, his body pressed firmly against
Victor’s POVI noticed Aria staring past the cars, her gaze locked onto something, or someone, in the shadows. I followed her line of sight and saw him—a tall, broad-shouldered figure standing completely still, just watching us. An icy wave of protectiveness surged through me as I heard Aria’s voice
Victor’s POVAs we sat in the dark alley, waiting for the all-clear from the bodyguard, my mind raced. I glanced over at Aria—her shoulders were tense, and she was staring out into the darkness, her lips pressed into a thin line. Just then, my phone buzzed again. The bodyguard.“Troy’s car is close,
Aria’s POVAs we pulled up to the house, my mind was still reeling. Troy. I could barely believe it—he’d once been a close friend, someone I’d trusted. Now he was stalking me, threatening me in ways that sent a cold shiver down my spine. And Jessica… I glanced at the windows, thinking of her and Jas
Aria’s POVJasmine looked up at me as she reached for Dr. Levine’s hand. “I’ll be back soon, Mommy,” she said with a little smile before glancing at Victor. “Bye, Daddy.”“See you soon, Jasmine,” he replied, giving her a reassuring nod. I watched as Dr. Levine led her into his office, the door closi
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