ARIA’S POVOnce Neal apologizes to Adam, he turns to Stella, his face softening with concern.“Are you okay?”Neal’s voice is gently, his voice barely above a whisper. He reaches out, brushing a strand of hair from her face as he looks her over for any signs of harm. Stella nods, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, and offers him a small, appreciative smile.I find it a heart-warming sight, a tender moment amidst all the chaos. Neal’s protective nature is on full display, and it’s clear how much he cares for Stella. Adam’s eyes linger on them, a mix of emotions playing across his face—perhaps a bit of envy and a touch of admiration.As I watch Neal and Stella, I can’t help but feel a ray of hope peeping through the window. Despite the turmoil, there’s a chance for love and healing. Maybe, just maybe, things can start to get better from here. I just wish that Neal would confess his love for Stella and they can both finally take their relationship further.However, I can’t ignore the
ARIA’S POVAdam's release from the hospital brings a sense of relief, knowing that his wounds are healing. Not that I've been concerned or keeping tabs on his progress, especially with Sophia already there to care for him. Each time our paths intersect at the laboratory or Wellington Enterprises, Adam maintains his silence. He continues to operate under the assumption that Nathan and I are romantically involved, and I remain steadfast in my decision not to correct his misconception. “How is your palm now?”I notice his bandaged palm during the meeting and casually ask if he is alright. He smiles, reassuring me that he is feeling better.“I’m good, Aria. Thanks for asking.”While I am deeply grateful to him for saving my life, I can't afford to be around him too much, nor do I want to give him the impression that I owe him anything in return. In any case, assigning him a project is already my way of repaying the debt I owe him.On the other side, observing Neal and Stella's regular m
ARIA’S POVEverything is arranged for the event before I head out of the house. I shall be driven to the location alone, with my driver dropping me off. However, the bodyguards will follow closely behind in another car, ensuring my safety at all times.Once at the party, the bodyguards will blend in, mingling with other guests as if they are businessmen. We won't acknowledge each other, but they'll discreetly keep an eye on me, ensuring my safety without drawing attention. As soon as I enter the ballroom, I notice there isn't a single woman present nor anyone I know from the business world. The room is filled exclusively with men, which strikes me as quite fishy and raises my suspicions immediately.I can't even find the host anywhere. Typically, the host would be at the entrance to greet and acknowledge the invitees, but their absence only deepens my suspicion. I scan the room, my eyes darting from face to face, until they land on someone familiar.“Sophia? Here?”I mumble to myself
ARIA’S POVSophia walks toward me with unashamed confidence, her stride purposeful and bold. The audacity in her approach is striking, and I can't help but feel a mix of anger and curiosity as she closes the distance between us. Her demeanor radiates a fearless assurance that leaves me bracing for whatever she has planned next.“Aria! Nice to see you after so long!”As if I am glad to see her! Her bold approach only deepens my unease, but I manage to maintain a composed exterior, unwilling to give her the satisfaction of seeing my discomfort. Sophia hands me her glass of Champagne, and I know all too well that anything she gives must be adulterated. Her gestures are never without a hidden agenda, and this one is no exception. I accept the glass with a forced smile, my mind racing with suspicion and caution, fully aware that her seemingly generous act is likely tainted with ulterior motives.Then, she takes it a step further by introducing the man she's with. Her voice carries a note
ARIA’S POVTo my shock, Sophia suddenly bursts into laughter. The sudden shift in her demeanor catches me off guard, and I can't help but feel a surge of confusion and disbelief. Her laughter echoes through the room, a stark contrast to the tension that had filled the air just moments before. Unable to comprehend the sudden change, I watch in bewilderment as Sophia continues to laugh, her amusement seeming out of place given the circumstances.“Aria, dear… We’re not together. He is just accompanying me, that’s all.”I make a conscious effort to remain unfazed in Sophia's eyes, refusing to let her see any sign of weakness or vulnerability. Despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me, I maintain a calm exterior, determined not to give her the satisfaction of knowing she's rattled me.“I don’t need to know anything about it. Just think what explanation you’ll give to Adam.”Sophia's expression shifts instantly, her demeanor betraying a hint of fear as she realizes the potential
ARIA’S POVThe room I've been thrust into is enveloped in pitch darkness, leaving me disoriented and vulnerable. With my heart racing, I struggle to make sense of my surroundings, feeling a sense of unease creep over me in the blackness.I attempt to open the door, but it's firmly locked, sealing me inside. Panic surges through me as I hear the unmistakable sound of sinister laughter behind me. Dread washes over me, and I realize with a sinking feeling that I'm trapped in this dark and ominous room with no means of escape.As I feel the arms of that man around my waist, instinct takes over and I lash out, striking him with all the force I can muster. My actions are fueled by fear and desperation, driven by the primal need to defend myself against this unknown threat.“You bitch! I should have drugged you first!”Now it's confirmed— the host— is indeed either Sophia or Brad, and their plan was to drug me and trap me in this room. The realization solidifies my resolve, and I brace mysel
ARIA’S POVI leave the party immediately, and no one dares to stop me, knowing full well the trouble they’d face if they did. Sophia is nowhere to be seen, which only confirms my suspicions. She likely assumed that with me trapped inside the hotel room, I would already be sexually assaulted, allowing her to wash her hands of the whole ordeal. The thought of her cold calculation fills me with a mix of disgust and determination to ensure she faces justice for her actions.It's truly disturbing how someone like Sophia could be so selfish and morally corrupt. Her actions demonstrate a complete lack of empathy and regard for others, reducing people to mere pawns in her twisted games.I can't help but ponder what would happen if Adam were to discover Sophia's true nature, especially her behavior around other men. Given how she's deceived him in the past, I fear it would shatter his perception of her.Sophia has managed to deceive Adam before, but if he were to witness this side of her, I'm
ARIA’S POVAs promised to Adam, I made him a partner in the Spanos Group of Companies’ project as a gesture of gratitude for saving my life. But he is still so clingy, and it's becoming too much for me to endure at this time.“I didn’t ask for this Aria. Remember, you’re the one who dragged me into this project.”“This is better than having to remarry you! After all, didn’t you ask for a return favor?”What does he think of himself? Does he truly believe I would consider remarrying him? The very thought is laughable and infuriating. Even in his wildest dreams, nothing of that sort would ever happen.Adam's delusion and clinginess are becoming unbearable, and it's maddening to see how out of touch with reality he is. His persistence only heightens my frustration and disbelief, making me question how he could ever imagine there being a future between us.“Never mind, it’s good that I get to meet you often then.”The overconfidence and smirk on his face make me roll my eyes in exasperat