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 moment I stepped out of the elevator and saw Victor, I couldn’t help the smile that lit up my face. He was standing there, his usual commanding presence somehow softened just by the sight of him. Without thinking, I stepped forward and wrapped him in a quick hug.“Hey,” I greeted chee
Victor’s POV“Are you trying to paint or create a new abstract art movement?” Aria teased, her voice laced with amusement as she leaned closer to inspect the chaotic swirls of color on my bottle.I grinned, holding up the bottle for her to see. “It’s called interpretive design. You’re just jealous y
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
Aria’s POVI inhaled deeply, the familiar scent of essential oils and raw ingredients filling my senses. The lab was silent except for the soft bubbling of beakers and the occasional scribble of my pen as I jotted down notes. I was alone, and for now, that was exactly what I needed.My hands moved w
Victor’s POVThe last two days had been filled with tension—an invisible wall that had settled between Aria and me. I thought we were making progress, slowly finding our way back to a place of trust, but now? Now, she was pulling away again, and I had a feeling it wasn’t just about us this time.The
Victor’s POVThe atmosphere in the hallway was heavy as the last of my team exited the building. Some of them had walked out stiffly, their expressions betraying their frustration at being searched. Others had been more understanding, nodding when I explained that Velvet Vibe’s security procedures w