Aria’s POVFabian pulled up to the restaurant just as I wrapped my arms around Jasmine, her small hand gripping mine tightly. I was grateful for his familiar face, his steady presence, even though the concern on his face told me he’d already sensed something was off.“Hey,” he greeted gently, steppi
Aria’s POVThe police station teemed with activity as I walked in, my heart pounding in sync with the echoing footsteps and murmured voices that filled the room. The fluorescent lights were harsh, illuminating rows of desks cluttered with files, and officers moving purposefully from one end to anoth
Victor’s POVI stared at my phone screen, Dr. Levine’s message lighting up in bold letters. The moment between Aria and me hung suspended in the air, and I could feel her watching me. “It’s Dr. Levine,” I said, glancing back up to meet her gaze. “He’s asking where I am.”“Oh!” Aria let out a small,
Victor’s POVThe officer excused himself, and as he walked away, I felt Aria’s hand slip into mine. Her fingers laced through mine instinctively, and I gave her hand a gentle squeeze, feeling that calm, anchoring warmth that only she seemed to bring.Dr. Levine watched us, his eyes softening. “Tonig
Aria’s POVA deep sense of sympathy filled me as I thought about Samantha’s story. Her life had taken a dark turn, yet now, thanks to Dr. Levine’s dedication, she was finally being given the support she needed. It was hard not to be moved by his kindness and determination to help her, even after eve
Victor’s POV“What’s next?” I asked, eager to find out what will happen to move this forward. Harris sighed, his gaze steady. “Because it’s our only lead right now, we can’t risk busting it too soon. If we blow this, we may never get another chance. So we’re taking it slowly, one step at a time. We
Aria’s POV“Fiona! Farah!” I called out, smiling as I stepped into the gallery. The warm, earthy tones and vibrant photos on the walls welcomed me, each frame a stunning portrayal of Amsterdam. The last few days had been a whirl of stress and unease, and I needed this—a night to escape into art and
Aria’s POVSamuel looked at the photograph with me, and his gaze softened. “Do you remember that bridge?” he asked quietly. “The morning you broke down and I didn’t know what to do…”I swallowed, a small smile tugging at my lips as I nodded. “How could I forget? I was… barely hanging on then.” I let
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