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
ARIA’S POV“But, it’s her mistake! She provoked me. She came here only to demean me.”This Eva! She's always trying her best to twist and turn everything. The truth is, she was ashamed of working here, and seeing us made her nervous and rude. Her defensiveness and attempts to manipulate the situation only highlight her insecurity and inability to accept responsibility.“I came here to make a purchase and you refused to serve me being your customer!”I snap at her, my voice sharp and unwavering, as I stare directly into her almost teary eyes. Anger and frustration boil within me, and I let her see every ounce of it.Her eyes glisten with the threat of tears, but my gaze remains firm, unyielding.I tell her firmly that she is a very incompetent salesgirl, unable to distinguish between professionalism and personal vendettas.“Can’t you stop lying for once?!”Stella, having finally had enough, chips in. I know that many times I've stopped her from interfering, but I can understand her exa
ADAM’S POVA few days before we went for the court proceeding, I was reviewing the case files of Brad and Jared when my mother called me.“Where have you sent my daughter, Adam?!”My mother always calls me at the wrong time and I know I can’t avoid her. I should be ready for her lecture!Every time I try to discipline Eva, my mother interferes and ends up pampering her even more. In fact, when I had sent Eva away, I hadn't informed my mother of her whereabouts. My mother kept on demanding that she sees Eva.Of course, I understand their strong bond and how inseparable they are, but it's frustrating to see Eva evade responsibility time and again. Their closeness shouldn't excuse her from facing the consequences of her behavior. It's disheartening because I want to see Eva grow and mature, but her continual reliance on our mother to bail her out only perpetuates the cycle of irresponsibility.“Regis told me you sent her to some jail! Tell me why.”Ah, Uncle Regis had to interfere once a
ARIA’S POVI am summoned to the police station to give my statement. As I look at Eva behind bars, a mix of relief and resolve washes over me. Her puffy face and teary eyes meet mine, but I maintain a stoic expression.Inside, a storm of conflicting emotions churns—disappointment, frustration, and a sense of betrayal. Eva must be shocked to see my indifference, perhaps realizing for the first time the consequences of her actions. The silence between us speaks volumes, echoing the rupture in our relationship caused by her choices.Adam is also present when he shouldn't be. However, his focus right now is solely on me. It's strange, but I'm not going to be swayed or impressed by his actions.“You didn’t need to be here, Adam.”“It’s okay… I’m here for you. Are you alright?”I roll my eyes at him. This time, Eva hasn’t managed to slap me or harm me. She wouldn’t dare anymore. I refuse to give her the satisfaction of affecting me like that again.“Your sneaky sister wouldn’t dare to hurt
ARIA’S POV“Please Aria, don’t do this to us…”I believe it's payback time now, and I won't back down in ensuring Eva is punished for all her crimes. In the past, I've tolerated too much; disgrace, a life of servitude, and countless insults. Now, it's time for justice.I don't usually take pleasure in seeing anyone at my feet, but witnessing Elodie in this state brings a sense of vindication. Her collapse, a mix of shock and despair, finally mirrors the pain and humiliation I've endured for so long.For once, I feel a surge of satisfaction. This is my moment of retribution, and I won't step back now.“The bullets have already been fired, sorry.”My words shatter her ego and crush her hope, starkly reminding her that humans should never be taken for granted. As I watch her crumble, I reflect on the countless times I've extended forgiveness, only to have both mother and daughter seize every opportunity to undermine and belittle me.Each insult, each act of disgrace, and every instance o