ARIA’S POVAfter signing the contract with Tanya’s company, Clark included her in one of his projects with Nathan and me. I really don't understand why Clark keeps bringing people who have issues with me into our projects. However, I do my best to focus all my attention on the work rather than on my personal relationships with them.If Tanya falls head over heels for Adam again, she'll undoubtedly see me as competition, even though I'm no longer part of this love triangle. I can't go around shouting to everyone entering my life that Adam and I are no longer together, nor is there any future possibility of us being together.One thing I've noticed is that Tanya has a penchant for older men, typically those at least ten years her senior. It frustrates me that she might see me as a rival, especially when Regis is merely a good friend and mentor to me; there's nothing romantic between us. Tanya has a clear path, but she needs to use her head. If a man isn’t interested in her, she should b
ARIA’S POVI accompany Regis to the art exhibition with mixed feelings. Regis has been telling me that this exhibition is one of a kind, featuring renowned artists from around the world showcasing their latest creations. The excitement of seeing such incredible art mingles with a bittersweet longing for the dreams I once had.“You’ll love it, Aria. I’m sure.”Yet, I am a bit nervous about meeting Julien. I wonder why am I even getting so worked up. Even if I do meet him, what can even happen? I had heard that he moved back to France years later after I graduated.For an artist like Julien, city life doesn't suit him much; he's always been captivated by Moret-sur-Loing, a quaint village near Paris. I can't wait to see what he's painted this time.The best part is that Julien is Regis' favorite painter. He constantly praises Julien's work, and hearing such wonderful words about my mentor from another mentor fills me with elation. It’s a rare and special feeling, knowing that someone I a
ARIA’S POV“Julien!”The word slips out easily from my mouth, causing others to turn their gaze towards me, curious about how casually I refer to Julien by his first name.“Hi, Aria. Good to see you after so long.”As soon as Julien mentions my name and speaks to me only, everyone around me gasps. His alluring French accent adds to the moment, and I realize how much I've missed hearing it. Julien hasn’t changed at all.He remains as captivating as ever, his presence as magnetic as his art. His charm and elegance are just as I remember, and the way he engages with everyone around him is truly enchanting. It's clear that his charisma extends beyond his paintings, making him a fascinating individual both on and off the canvas.“How do you know each other?”Regis is pleasantly surprised and he questions, while I notice Adam and Tanya eagerly awaiting our response. Their expressions betray a mix of curiosity and anticipation.“I’m happy that you haven’t lost touch on art and glad that you’
ARIA’S POVThat was indeed unexpected from both Tanya and Julien. However, knowing Julien, he can be quite savage at times when someone pushes his buttons. His sharp wit and unapologetic nature often catch people off guard, especially in situations like this.Tanya's expression shifts to one of embarrassment as Julien retorts sharply at her. It's clear she's taken aback by his unexpected response, her confidence momentarily shaken. All she was trying to do was impress the Millers, but it ends up backfiring badly and I wonder what she’ll do next.The anger is evident on her face—her eyes narrow, her lips press into a tight line, and her cheeks flush with frustration. She struggles to maintain her composure, but the embarrassment and fury simmer just beneath the surface, making her look even more agitated.Just as Julien is trying to ignore Tanya and talking to Regis and me, we hear her lashing out.“How dare you! Do you even know who I’m? I can buy anything and anyone I want!”There sh
TANYA’S POVI can't express how furious I am right now. I've always been respected, and now I've been publicly disgraced. I'm certain the media will have something to report tomorrow morning. The humiliation and anger are overwhelming, overshadowing any sense of composure or restraint.What does Regis think of himself? All these men are vying for my attention, eager for even a glance from me, and here he is, turning me down. For whom?! I’ve always had men at my feet, professing their love, but when I confessed to Regis Miller, he turned me down.I am not the one to give up. So, I kept on trying. When I asked him to join me tonight at the exhibition, he had said that he was not interested since he had someone else accompanying him.The reason I came here tonight was to see who was that someone and here I am met by this bitch, Aria! Wherever we go, she’s always there, either with Nathan, Adam, or Regis. Doesn’t she have any girlfriends to hang around with?I can’t understand what’s so g
ARIA’S POVJulien is in town for only a month, hosting a workshop that’s attracting many talented artists. I decide to join in during my free time; I can’t let this opportunity slip away. This is my chance to reconnect with my passion for art and learn from one of the best.Moreover, being around Julien after so many years enlightens my soul. He has always been like a big brother to me, offering advice about life and providing emotional and moral support. The thought of reconnecting with him and reigniting my passion for art fills me with a deep sense of joy and anticipation.I'm genuinely proud to see my mentor shine and not merely confined to a college as a professor. Julien has faced his own struggles and obstacles before reaching this level of success. His journey has been long and challenging, yet ultimately fruitful. It reminds me of why I stepped back from pursuing art myself—Grandma's medical expenses needed to be covered, and I needed a secure job to provide for both of us wh
ARIA’S POVJulien’s words bug me a little. While I know I can’t stay too long without anyone, I’m scared of relationships. I’ve never gotten pampered, loved or acknowledge at any given time, yet I continued to burn myself for Adam and other’s happiness. While I’ve learned my lesson, I don’t want to repeat the same mistakes or end up in a worse situation. I am kind of happy with my current life.I cherish my independence and the freedom to explore new projects, each one contributing to my growth. Moving from one venture to another across various fields, I constantly expand my knowledge and skills, relishing the opportunity to learn and evolve every day.We are currently involved in urban redevelopment, and the work is absolutely fascinating. Revitalizing old and underutilized urban areas, as well as creating a new neighborhood within our city, is truly a privilege.Therefore, I have to be near the site almost every day to supervise the work. I've been assigned a small but comfortable o
NEAL’S POVThe recent events that have turned our lives upside down have made me more cautious. Since Stella was harassed and my little sister got into a fight, I have ensured they both have bodyguards at all times. Although Stella had refused, she didn’t know that my men were always around, protecting her and reporting back to me. I love Stella a lot, and I can’t afford to lose her.I haven’t been too open about my feelings because the last time I poured my heart out to a girl, she left me, saying I was too emotional. That experience shattered me, and since then, I’ve kept my feelings guarded when dating. It nearly destroyed my confidence. You’d think a billionaire like me would have no trouble finding women, but it’s been far from the truth for me. The fear of being hurt again keeps me from truly opening up, and it’s a lonely place to be.I completely understand how Aria must be feeling. We are family, and seeing her distant from men, I see myself in her. We’ve both been heartbroken