ARIA’S POVHelping Neal set everything up for Stella feels like a mission filled with purpose. As soon as he asks for my assistance, I throw myself into the planning with enthusiasm. We need a venue that’s both intimate and elegant, somewhere that will make Stella feel special and cherished.After a bit of searching and a few phone calls, we settle on a charming boutique hotel with a beautiful private dining room. The staff are more than happy to accommodate our request for a private party, promising to keep the real purpose a secret.The next few days are a whirlwind of preparations. Neal and I coordinate everything down to the smallest detail. We order roses—red, pink, and white—to decorate the room. I know Stella loves roses; they’re her favorite flower.The florist understands our vision perfectly, promising a breathtaking arrangement that will set the perfect romantic tone. Neal and I also choose delicate fairy lights to add a touch of magic to the setting, making the room glow s
ARIA’S POVOn the day of the event, I arrive early at the hotel to oversee the setup. The staff have done a fantastic job arranging the room. It looks stunning with the soft glow of candles and the floral arrangements we've chosen.Neal arrives shortly after, looking a mix of nervous and excited. He's dressed sharply for the occasion, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. Together, we go over the final details.“Do you think she'll like it?”Neal asks, his voice filled with uncertainty and I assure him, squeezing his hand.“She'll love it.You've put so much thought into this. Stella will see how much you care.”Suddenly, Stella arrives at the venue, elegantly dressed. She believes she’s here for a casual get-together with me and some close friends, completely unaware that it’s a special date. Her presence lights up the room, and the surprise waiting for her is bound to make this night unforgettable. She’s accompanied by a gentleman who looks absolutely breathtaking.“Hey, Aria! Meet T
ARIA’S POVI'm grateful to Adam for saving my life, and that gratitude runs deep. When I offer him a lucrative business opportunity as thanks, he surprises me by declining, insisting instead on a painting.“What? A painting? By who?”I am stunned at his request. His reasoning? It seems Regis has been boasting about the painting I gifted him, igniting a subtle rivalry in Adam's mind.“By you… My uncle Regis can’t stop bragging about the one you made for him. So now I want one too.”“That’s insane, Adam.”“I don’t want anything else, except your artwork.”As much as I find Adam's competitive streak somewhat childish, there's a sense of obligation to fulfill his request. It's not just about painting; it's about meeting his expectations and perhaps soothing his ego. Frankly speaking, I’ve never seen Adam so adamant and bent on to compete with his uncle. It’s getting harder and harder day by day to handle both of them and I can’t believe that I’m still stuck with the Millers despite the di
ARIA’S POVI'm absolutely amazed that Tony is right here, taking the time to thoroughly examine my painting."Hey there! What brings you by today?"Tony's voice carries a blend of curiosity and genuine warmth. As I return his smile, a wave of relief washes over me, grateful for his friendly reception."Hi Tony! I'm here to paint a gift for a friend."I explain, motioning towards the half-finished painting. Tony's eyes light up with interest."Ah, a gift! How thoughtful. I'd love to see what you're working on."Tony replies, moving closer to inspect the setup. He says that although it’s not yet done, he knows that it’ll be a masterpiece. I am shocked to see him here and also analyzing my work.“It’ll take some time, though… What brings you here?”“For the very same reason as you.”I chuckle at his statement. As I continue to sketch out my design, Tony engages me in conversation about art, but informing me that he’s just a novice. I doubt he’s a novice because to be at the Global Art St
ARIA’S POVThe next day, I head back to the art studio, eager to finish my painting. As I step inside, the familiar scent of paint and canvas envelops me, and I am immediately struck by the sight of Tony already there, setting up his easel. His presence surprises me; I hadn't expected to see him again so soon.Tony looks up and smiles warmly, his eyes twinkling with recognition. I return the smile, feeling a wave of warmth and comfort wash over me. It's nice to see a friendly face in a space that has quickly become a sanctuary for creativity and reflection.I set up my workspace, my mind already buzzing with ideas to complete my painting. As I begin to work, Tony starts a conversation, his voice filled with genuine curiosity about my art. I tell him the painting is for Adam, my ex-husband.“You’re painting for your ex-husband?”“I’m returning a favor he’s done for me recently.”“Oh, I understand.”I mention casually that I am divorced, and to my relief, Tony doesn't seem phased by it.
ADAM’S POVAria finally finishes the painting, and when she hands it to me, my heart skips a beat. I’m eager yet apprehensive, curious about the piece she has created for me. The moment I see it, a wave of emotion crashes over me. The painting depicts a breathtaking sunset, vibrant hues of orange, pink, and gold blending seamlessly in the sky over a serene body of water. The scene is unfamiliar to me, a place I’ve never been before.“Where’s this place?”“Uhm… Somewhere I used to visit frequently when we were still married.”As I take in the details, I’m struck by the beauty of the painting and the emotion it conveys.Her words hang in the air, laden with a wistful tone that makes me realize how little I knew about her sanctuary. The fact that she found solace in this place without my knowledge leaves me feeling a mix of curiosity and regret.“Well, now that you’ve got your painting, we are even?”I just nod and watch her leave my house. Before I can even thank her or ask her to stay l
ARIA’S POVI meet Stella in our usual café, the cozy little place we’ve frequented for years. The familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee and pastries fills the air, offering a comforting backdrop to our conversation. As we settle into our corner booth, I decide to share something that's been on my mind. I inform Stella that I’ve been talking to Tony. Her eyes widen with surprise, a hint of curiosity sparking within them.“Wow! You’re both dating?”Stella’s initial reaction is to assume that Tony and I are dating. She raises an eyebrow, her expression a mix of intrigue and mild concern. I can see the wheels turning in her head, trying to piece together this unexpected news.“Not at all.”I quickly clarify that we’re just sending texts like friends, nothing more. The tension in her shoulders eases, and she leans back into her seat, visibly relieved.As I explain, I sense her surprise. Stella confesses that she doesn’t really know Tony that well. She describes him as some new model with
ARIA’S POVLately, my father sees me much more often. We find ourselves out for dinner frequently, the ambiance of various restaurants becoming familiar. His presence is a comforting yet curious addition to my daily life, as he comes home more frequently just to be with me. The rekindled connection feels like a precious gift, yet it brings its own set of complexities.We are in constant contact now, his concern for my well-being evident in every call and visit. The walls that once seemed insurmountable between us have started to crumble, allowing for a deeper bond to form. Despite the closeness, there is an undercurrent of tension when he asks if it is okay to tell everyone I am his daughter.“Aria… I want the world to know that you’re my daughter.”I see the longing in his eyes, the desire to claim me publicly, to ensure everyone knows I am his.“Uhm… Isn’t it too soon, Dad?”I hesitate, the weight of his request pressing heavily on my mind. Although everything is fine now, the timin
ARIA’S POVLydia’s tears dry up as she slowly turns away, ready to leave the hospital room. Her steps are hesitant, burdened by the weight of everything she’s confessed, and by the knowledge that she might be walking out of Ethan’s life forever. There’s a palpable sense of finality in the way she carries herself, like someone resigned to their fate.But just as her hand reaches the door, Ethan calls out her name.“Lydia.”Everyone freezes for a moment. Lydia stops in her tracks, her back still turned, and I can see the subtle rise and fall of her shoulders as she takes in what just happened. The room is tense, filled with emotions that swirl and collide like waves in a storm, but the sound of Ethan’s voice cuts through it all.“Who told you to leave?”He tells Lydia that he wants to give their relationship another chance.The words hang in the air, a shockwave that ripples through the room. I glance at Ethan’s parents, who stiffen at the unexpected declaration, but they remain silent,
ARIA’S POVAs soon as Ethan gazes at Lydia, her face crumples, tears welling up in her eyes, most likely because she knows she is about to lose him. The weight of everything she has done, both in the past and more recently, seems to crash down on her. Her vulnerability is unmistakable, and it’s clear that she fears this might be the end of whatever she and Ethan had built together in this strange in-between space where his memory had been absent.Ethan’s expression hardens as he processes the reality of the situation. He’s upset, and it's easy to see why. For weeks, months even, his parents had believed him to be lost, possibly dead, while Lydia kept him hidden from the people who loved him most. His emotions are a swirl of confusion, betrayal, and anger as he turns to Lydia, waiting for an explanation. The air between them grows thick with unspoken accusations, the kind that don’t need words to make their impact.Lydia’s sobs grow more frantic as she tries to defend herself, her voic
ARIA’S POV“I’m not here to take Ethan from you… We’re just best friends. Nothing more.”“What?”“It was just a charade at your engagement.”All of a sudden, the nurse informs us that Ethan has woken up. My heart races as I see the reaction from everyone around me. Without wasting a second, we all rush into his room. Ethan’s eyes are open, and the first thing he does is call out to his parents.There’s a moment of palpable relief as his mother and father rush to his side, elation lighting up their faces. They hold him close, their hands trembling with emotion, and for the first time in a long while, they seem to have a piece of peace back in their lives.But what stands out most is that Ethan doesn’t even look at Lydia. Not once. Her presence, once central to his confusion, seems to fade into the background. She stands near the door, frozen, her eyes glassy with unshed tears as she watches the reunion. I don’t know whether it’s fear, regret, or sadness that’s written on her face, but
ARIA’S POV“I’m not letting you take Ethan from me.”Lydia sits next to me, vulnerable in a way I’ve never seen before. She begins speaking softly, revealing her regrets and the reasons behind her actions. She admits that her past choices were driven by greed and a hunger for wealth, and that those choices led her to hurt Ethan and her ex-fiancé. She speaks of how, after fleeing to Arizona to escape the wreckage of her old life, she found Ethan on the shore, lost and helpless. In that moment, she says, she saw not the man she had wronged but someone she could help. Someone who needed her.It’s difficult to fully believe her, but something about her story rings true. The way she talks about Ethan and her past mistakes feels raw and genuine, not the calculated coldness I once associated with her. She explains that when Ethan didn’t remember anything—not his name, not his family, not even his old life—he still remembered her.“We’re meant to be together. Else, he wouldn’t have landed her
ARIA’S POVWe’re all seated in the waiting area of the hospital, the sterile smell and bright lights only adding to the tension. Ethan’s parents, sitting across from me, glance in my direction every so often, their frowns deepening as if my mere presence is an offense.It’s not the first time I’ve seen that look on their faces, and it probably won’t be the last. But what baffles me is how they’ve chosen to forget about Lydia entirely. She’s sitting in the corner of the room, arms folded, her face pale and tight with worry. I can’t tell if she’s genuinely concerned for Ethan or if this is all just another one of her well-rehearsed acts.I lean back in my chair, trying to process it all. At least the Mitchells had realized that their son had lost his memory before I even had the chance to explain. It was painfully obvious—his reaction when he saw them, the way his body gave out from the shock.He fainted because it was too much for him. Yet, here they are, acting like I’m the villain in
ARIA’S POVLydia seems to sense that she’s outnumbered. She glares at us for a moment, then steps aside, opening the door fully. We enter the house, the air thick with tension. I glance around, spotting the packed boxes in the corner. They were planning to leave, just as I suspected.I spot Ethan standing in the living room. He’s casually scrolling through his phone, but the second he looks up and sees me, there’s a flicker of recognition in his eyes. I hold my breath, waiting for some kind of reaction. But then, his parents step in behind me, and that’s when everything changes.Ethan freezes. His phone slips out of his hand and clatters onto the floor, but his gaze is locked on his parents. I can practically see the gears turning in his mind, as if something deep inside him is suddenly being unlocked. His face goes pale, and his eyes widen in shock.And then, just as quickly as it all hits him, Ethan stumbles back, clutching his head. He takes a few shaky steps before collapsing to t
ARIA’S POVI sit in my car, my eyes on the house as the night falls deeper. All the windows are dark, the curtains drawn, and not a single sign of movement inside. It’s almost midnight, and it doesn’t look like Lydia and Ethan are going anywhere tonight.Still, I can’t afford to take any risks. If I leave or let my guard down for even a second, who knows what they might do. Maybe they’ll sneak out in the early hours, slip away when no one is watching.But exhaustion is catching up to me. The rented car is spacious enough, well-equipped for a long night of waiting. I’ve pinned my location for the people I’ve summoned here—they’ll call when they’re close. I settle into the seat, finally allowing myself a moment to rest. There’s no harm in taking a quick nap while I wait.I drift off, my mind a swirl of thoughts and plans. Every scenario plays out in my head; confronting Lydia, pulling Ethan out of there, making sure he’s safe. It’s not peaceful sleep by any means, but it’s something.Ho
ARIA’S POVMy stomach churns with hunger, but the idea of stepping away from my spot, even for a moment, feels out of the question. I’ve been sitting here, fixated on the house, watching every movement behind those walls. It’s like Lydia and Ethan are carrying on with their perfect little life, while I’m stuck out here, trying to figure out what to do next.I have moved too far now to catch their conversation clearly, and their voices aren’t as loud as they were before. On top of that, before they notice me, I have to make sure I keep my distance.The sight of them earlier, packing boxes, moving around like they’re planning to skip town, is enough to make my blood boil. I can’t let that happen.I need to eat, I need to think, but there’s no way I can leave the area, not even for a second. They could take off, and I’d have no idea where they would go. If I lose track of them, it could be the last time I ever see Ethan. The thought alone makes my heart race.Then, I spot a kid in the di
ARIA’S POVI got the address and I head directly to the place to spy on Ethan and Lydia. My first step is to observe the surrounding and checking on their movements.“Aiden, love. Shall I keep this in the bag?”“Yes, baby.”She is addressing him as Aiden, and I roll my eyes in exasperation.As I watch from my hidden spot, I can barely contain the rage boiling inside me. Ethan, living a normal life with that deceitful witch, Lydia, like they’re some kind of perfect couple. How can he not see through her lies?My heart races, each second feeling like an eternity. She’s manipulating him, keeping him trapped in this farce, and it’s beyond infuriating. Ethan’s family has no idea he’s even alive, and meanwhile, he’s here, with her, under this disgusting illusion of love.But then something changes. I notice a flurry of activity at their house. Boxes. Bags. They’re packing up. My eyes narrow, and I feel a sudden rush of panic. This isn’t just spring cleaning or a casual weekend trip—they’re