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 POV"You need to calm down," Victor said, his voice firm as he moved between the woman and the receptionist, blocking her from advancing further. I quickly stepped beside him, keeping my tone steady but assertive."If you don’t stop, we’ll have to call the police," I warned, glancing back at
Aria’s POVQuestions kept running through my mind as I sat there, trying to make sense of what I’d overheard. What did Dr. Levine know about the casino? Should I ask him directly? Should I wait for another day? Should I tell Victor about it now, or see what I can find out on my own? The uncertainty
Aria’s POVI forced a smile as I said goodbye to Dr. Levine. "Thanks again. We'll see you next week."He nodded, his expression warm as he glanced down at Jasmine. "Take care, all of you."I turned to follow Victor and Jasmine, who were already heading out, but after a few steps, I hesitated, catchi
Victor’s POVSitting here with Aria and Jasmine, sharing a simple meal together, I couldn’t help but feel a rare sense of contentment—a feeling I’d missed for a long time. For the first time in what felt like ages, it was like we were a family. We’d taken Jasmine to her doctor’s appointment together
Victor’s POVThomas pulled over a chair without waiting for a real answer to his “Mind if I join you?” His grin was broad, and though I tried to match it, I could see Aria’s subtle tension as she nodded and said, “Go ahead.” She didn’t mean it, but he was already settling in, looking genuinely thril
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