ARIA’S POVAs I step into the courthouse’s waiting area, my gaze locks onto Brad and Jared.Of course, I pay them no attention.Suddenly, Brad comes at me in a very pleading manner. I am really appalled at his abrupt change in behavior, wondering what has gotten into him.“Please, Miss Aria.. Please, take back the case.”Did I hear that right? Is Brad really begging me and speaking to me with respect? It's hard to believe after everything that's happened. He is literally crawling at my feet just like Sophia.“I didn’t know you were Neal Jackson’s sister, else I wouldn’t have misbehaved with you.”Wow! Really? His words ignite a fiery rage within me. He is begging me because he has found out that I am not bluffing; I am Neal Jackson’s sister.“So, if I wasn’t Neal’s sister then you would have found it fair to assault me?”I confront him, recounting in vivid detail the lives he has shattered and the deep trauma he has inflicted upon those women. I remind him what he would have done to me
ADAM’S POVThe atmosphere in the courtroom is thick with tension. Brad and Jared, usually so confident and untouchable, are visibly nervous, shifting uncomfortably in their seats.Their eyes dart around the room, unable to settle, betraying their fear. It's clear they’ve never faced such a serious trial before. In the past, they managed to slip through the cracks of justice, using their influence and intimidation to avoid consequences.But today, the gravity of the situation has finally caught up with them, and it’s evident in every anxious glance and restless movement. They know deep down that this time, there’s no escape, and the realization is written all over their pale, sweating faces.Seeing all those women bravely testifying against Brad and Jared, I feel a swell of pride for Aria. She isn’t just standing up for herself; she’s become a beacon of hope and strength for all the victims. My admiration for her grows with every word she speaks, with every tear she wipes away.Aria's
ADAM’S POVNevertheless, since Sophia has been a witness and testified against Jared and Brad, her punishment has lessened and the Judge allowed her for bail only. But then, I wonder who will come forward to pay her bail.However, I don’t care at all. For me, seeing those culprits being punished for their crimes is the only thing I have ever wanted. I see how they are being taken away to jail by the police officers, and handcuffed. Believe me, it is very satisfying.Aria has done a wonderful job hiring Lucas Donovan, the best lawyer in the state and they are close to winning this case. I am so proud of her; seeing her fight for all those women, as well as for herself. In doing so, she has also put a stop to their future dealings, hence saving many more women in this racket.We all rise and leave the courtroom. Minutes later, just as I am coming out of the court building, my phone rings. As I pick up, it is Sophia.“Adam… They allowed me only a few minutes’ call. Please, bail me out.”
ARIA’S POVAfter my conversation with Adam at the first hearing, I couldn’t just listen to him complaining about Sophia and her being the cause of our broken marriage or even all the chaos around her. To every action, there is a reaction and to every reaction there is an opposite and equal reaction. Adam should have known.He keeps shifting all the blame on Sophia when he has wrong judgements about her character. He has been blinded by all her acts for the past years and I find it stupid of such an educated man to have fallen into her traps very often.The fact is that Adam has never believed me. He has always thought that Sophia is the damsel in distress and I am the witch. Now that the blindfold has fallen from his eyes, he thinks that everything will be back to normal or better than the past.Today is yet another day at court. Now is the time to ensure that Sophia pays for her crimes. Lucas Donovan made sure that she is seen as the prime witness in the rackets involving Jared and B
ARIA’S POVAfter winning the case and finally being able to breathe fresh air, Stella and I decide to hang out to celebrate. We head to the mall together, eager to shop to our heart's content.The vibrant energy of the mall, filled with laughter and chatter, contrasts with the tension and anxiety we've been living with. As we wander from store to store, trying on outfits and spoiling ourselves with little luxuries, a sense of liberation washes over us.Each purchase feels like a small victory, a tangible reminder that we've reclaimed our lives and our joy. We laugh, we splurge, and we revel in the simple pleasure of being free.I can’t thank you enough for standing up for all of us… And, on top of that, you’ve brought Neal and me together”As soon as she mentions Neal’s name, a blush spreads across her cheeks.“Aha! Someone is blushing, huh?”I tease Stella even more, making sure to point out how she blushes whenever Neal is mentioned.“Tsk! Stop it, Aria.”Stella giggles as we stroll
ARIA’S POVYes, it's clear that Eva reserves this behavior solely for Stella and me. After all, she has acted this way countless times already. It's almost comical how she disregards her status in this situation. Eva seems to believe she owns the store, arrogantly making her own rules rather than abiding by the ones in place. Her lack of concern for the consequences of her actions is astonishing, as if she still thinks she's in a position of power and can treat us however she pleases.“You should get out of here, Aria!”Furthermore, she hisses at me the moment I step into the store, clearly irritated that I've seen her in this attire. Her eyes blaze with indignation as she accuses me of coming here solely to mock her.It's as if she can't fathom any other reason for my presence, convinced that I’m here to relish in her discomfort. Her paranoia and arrogance are palpable, making the situation even more absurd.“I’m here for shopping, not to give you attention.”I remind her that she is
ARIA’S POVDid Eva really think I'd let her get away with it this time? I can barely tolerate the smug smirk on her face, especially after she tore up my recently received Black Tier card. Just as Stella is about to lunge at her, ready to punch her, I grab her by the elbow and calm her down once again.Violence isn’t what we need right now. She needs to be taught a very good lesson for her misbehaviour. Immediately, I withdraw my phone and dial the police station.“I’m having an issue here at the Belle Shoe Boutique, NYC Mall. I need urgent help.”Once the police officer confirms that he is sending his colleagues, I disconnect and wait. In the meantime, the bystanders remain rooted to the spot, curious about what new drama is going to unfold, while the store manager seems to panic. As far as Eva is concerned, she thinks I’m joking. Let her see how serious I can be.After a while, the police arrive on the scene. I approach the police officer and meticulously narrate every single detai
ARIA’S POVI seriously don't want to deal with Adam or even see his face right now! He didn't honor his words; otherwise, Eva wouldn't be standing in front of me at this moment if only he had.“I’ll ask Adam to pay you for the damage.”No! I don't want Adam to intervene or do anything right now. This bitch ruined everything, and she is the one who has to pay.I quickly stop Eva from calling Adam. Perhaps she thinks I'm afraid of her brother or something because she smirks.“Adam is the only one who can handle you, isn’t it?”Her boastful attitude refuses to leave her, and I am determined to deflate her ego.But she manages to call her brother, and he arrives in no time.Why is this guy always around the corner?However, to my surprise, Adam bypasses Eva and comes straight to me, concern etched on his face. He gently asks if I am alright, his eyes searching mine for any sign of distress. His unexpected compassion catches me off guard, making me wonder what is he up to.I immediately tel