Aria’s POVThe meeting finally wrapped up, and I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. It had been a success, no doubt about that. The energy in the room had been electric as everyone threw out ideas and finalized plans for the grand launch of Serenity. Anticipation swelled within me as
Victor’s POV“Daddy, look!” Jasmine exclaimed, holding up a rough sketch of her project. “The scent adventure machine is going to have buttons for each smell! Like this one is for the beach, and this one’s for the forest.”I crouched beside her, nodding appreciatively. “That’s brilliant, Jasmine. Yo
Aria’s POVDinner had been nothing short of exquisite, with every dish crafted to perfection by Victor’s chef. “This is the best food I’ve ever eaten in my entire life!” Jasmine exclaimed. “Thanks, Daddy. For this, and for helping with the science project.”Then she turned to hug me. “You’re the be
Aria’s POV“Maybe I should sleep here with you, Jasmine,” I suggested lightly, glancing at her as she emerged from the bathroom, twirling in her new pajamas.Jasmine froze mid-twirl, her jaw dropping in exaggerated disbelief. “Mom,” she said, placing her hands on her hips, “you and Dad have to share
Victor’s POVI sat at my desk, staring blankly at the open folder in front of me. Numbers, charts, and projections blurred together, failing to hold my attention for more than a second. My mind was elsewhere—with her.Leaning back in my chair, I ran a hand through my hair and laughed softly at mysel
Aria’s POVAs I was nearing the school playground, I could hear my daughter’s bright laughter rise above the children’s chatter, drawing my eyes to her instantly. She was crouched by the jungle gym, engrossed in an animated conversation with someone towering beside her.At first, I felt a twinge of
Victor’s POVThe day Aria and Jasmine officially moved in felt surreal. The house, once filled with silence, now echoed with laughter and the sound of boxes being shuffled from room to room. I couldn’t stop smiling as I watched Jasmine dart between her room and the living room, carrying stuffed anim
Victor’s POVI glanced at the clock on my desk for the third time in the past five minutes. Aria was supposed to be here by now. She’d mentioned dropping by after her meeting, and I couldn’t help but look forward to seeing her. The sound of a knock broke through my thoughts. “Come in,” I called, ha
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