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 POVThings with Tony are progressing in ways I hadn't anticipated. We keep running into each other outside the art studio, and our interactions grow more frequent and natural. There’s a magnetism between us, an undeniable connection that pulls us together. We start talking a lot more, and it becomes clear that Tony likes me too.One day, Tony literally begs me to go on a date with him.“Aria, I believe it’s time to take our relationship to the next level.”What did he say? Next level?“What do you mean?”“I want you to be my girlfriend.”His direct statement takes me aback.“Girlfriend? Uhm, Tony, I—”“—please Aria, don’t say no. You know we’re meant to be together.”Yes, we do have a lot of things in common, but I feel like things are moving quite swiftly. I take some time to reflect on his proposal and then I think to myself that if I don’t give it a try, then maybe I’ll never ever be ready in life. At least, I can give it a try.Nonetheless, his sincerity and eagerness are e
ARIA’S POVRegis' outburst makes me angry, igniting a surge of irrational frustration. When he accuses me of dating Tony instead of him, my emotions boil over. I respond with a firmness that surprises even me, affirming, “Yes, I am dating Tony and not you. You should respect my choice!”My words leave no room for ambiguity, and the sharpness in my voice resonates with my anger.Tony’s reaction is immediate; his face lights up with happiness, his eyes sparkling with a mixture of relief and joy. Regis, on the other hand, looks defeated. His shoulders slump, and he walks away with his head down, the weight of rejection evident in his posture. The scene leaves me feeling a mix of satisfaction and guilt, knowing I’ve hurt a friend but also standing firm in my decision.As the date continues, Tony’s elation is seen. He talks about how happy he is and how much he likes me, his words pouring out in a stream of genuine enthusiasm.“Aria, I didn’t expect this guy to be here, but I’m glad you st