ARIA’S POV As the wine soaks into my dress, a surge of shock and disbelief course through me. How could they stoop so low? But as I glance at their faces, twisted in a mix of horror and surprise, a smirk tug at the corners of my lips. They had expected anger, outrage, perhaps even tears, but instead, they found me revelling in the chaos they had wrought. I refuse the offered tissues from the other ladies nearby, my resolve steeling as I meet Eva and Sophia’s gazes with defiance. I am not going to let them see me falter, not now, not ever. This is my moment, my special day, and nothing—not even a splash of wine—is going to ruin it. But beneath the surface, a simmering anger bubbles, not at their attempt to sabotage me, but at the audacity of their actions. How dare they try to tarnish this day, this moment that I have worked so hard for? In that instant, the laughter and applause of the crowd fade into the background, replaced by the pounding of my heart and the rush of adrenaline
ARIA’S POV Adam is appalled at my guts. Before, what used to be said to me in public, I used to be very submissive. Now, things have changed. As he puts it, I have changed. It is a total transformation and the breaking of the shackles. The woman who stands before him is more adamant and resilient. “We’re in public and you can’t keep quiet, Aria?!” I see it in Adam's eyes—the expectation for me to conform, to play the role of the submissive one while Eva emerges victorious. It is a script he is all too familiar with, one where I remain silent and compliant, allowing others to dictate the terms of my existence. “Do I care what you think about me or expect from me?” Adam seems frustrated, arguing with me. He is giving up and I am loving it. I shall do my best to hurt him at each and every occasion I get. I am sparing no one. At that moment, Regis approaches me, removes his jacket and covers the stain on my dress. Yes, the dress is black, but the marks are already showing. It is lik
ARIA’S POV Leaving the party amidst stunned silence, I can't shake the sense of satisfaction knowing that Eva is finally getting what she deserves. Adam's silence in the aftermath of my confrontation with her speaks volumes, a tacit acknowledgement of his inability to defend me against his own family. With Regis by my side, we leave it all behind us, not once looking back. But today, as I face a new day, the weight of my circumstances bears down on me. Despite my desire for independence, I am tethered to a reality where my autonomy is limited by the terms of my marriage. Adam's decree regarding my salary serves as a constant reminder of the power dynamics at play, a stark contrast to the illusion of equality we are meant to uphold. As much as I yearn to break free from these constraints, I am ensnared by the tangled web of obligation and expectation that surrounds me. I am completely absorbed in my thoughts, when Regis enters my room. Lately, he has been coming all the time, to ch
ARIA’S POV Stella's happiness at having me join her company is palpable, and her suggestion to meet later at her shop fills me with a sense of excitement. It is not just about discussing work—it is about embracing this new chapter in my life with style and confidence. The prospect of buying new clothes adds an extra layer of anticipation to our meeting, symbolizing a fresh start and a chance to reinvent myself. I eagerly agree, looking forward to the opportunity to not only talk business with Stella but also to explore the possibilities of my new wardrobe. With a renewed sense of purpose, I make a mental note to prepare for our meeting, eager to make the most of this opportunity to align my professional aspirations with my personal style. As I hang up the call, a surge of excitement runs through me. It is midday, and there is still so much potential in the day ahead. Without wasting a moment, I grab my bag, keys, and head straight to Stella Newton's boutique. The anticipation of
ARIA’S POV Eva and Sophia's disdainful stares cut through the air like knives, their raised eyebrows and judgemental scrutiny leaving me feeling exposed and vulnerable. It is as if they see me as nothing more than a piece of garbage to be discarded, their contemptuous gazes stripping away any semblance of dignity or self-worth. Despite their attempts to belittle me, I refuse to let their negativity tarnish my spirit. I stand tall, chin held high, refusing to be diminished by their petty cruelty. In their eyes, I may be nothing more than a target for their derision, but in my own eyes, I am strong, resilient, and worthy of respect. As I meet their stares with unwavering resolve, I silently vow to rise above their toxic behavior and prove them wrong. Their opinion of me may sting in the moment, but I refuse to let it define me. I am more than their judgement, more than their scorn—I am a force to be reckoned with, capable of achieving greatness despite their attempts to tear me down.
ARIA’S POV “You should just let me fix them!” As I sense Stella's frustration mounting, I find myself empathizing with her predicament. Eva and Sophia's relentless attempts to provoke reactions and incite drama are both tiresome and predictable. It's clear that they thrive on chaos and conflict, revelling in the discomfort of those around them. But I refuse to play into their game. I refuse to give them the satisfaction of seeing me lose my composure or stoop to their level. Instead, I choose to rise above their petty antics, refusing to allow their negativity to dictate my actions or emotions. With a sense of resolve, I take a deep breath and remind myself that my dignity and self-respect are far more valuable than any temporary satisfaction gained from engaging with Eva and Sophia. I refuse to let their toxicity poison my spirit or derail my sense of purpose. In the face of their provocation, I remain steadfast in my commitment to maintaining grace and composure. By refusing to
EVA’S POV I recall that day when things turned upside down for me at the event. “What did you do?” Adam asks me after he checked the security footage. He is livid, his fist clenched tight like he is about to hit me. He has never been this harsh to me. Now he yells at me for that lowly ex-wife of his! In a moment of carelessness, I had messed up with Aria. Desperate to avoid the consequences, I had tried to shift the blame onto Aria. I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. It seemed that my brother was becoming more discerning, especially after Aria's departure. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. My attempts to manipulate and deceive might no longer be as effective as they once were. Without Aria around to serve as a convenient scapegoat, my brother was no longer falling for my tricks so easily. It was a sobering awareness, one that forced me to confront the consequences of my actions. Perhaps it was time for me to reassess my approach and consider the true value of
ARIA’S POV I can't believe my eyes! Adam, here at the store? The shock is mirrored on Eva's face as she registers the unexpected presence of her brother. I stand frozen in place, unable to move, while Stella, with a knowing look, seems to grasp the situation perfectly. Eva rushes to her brother like an eager child anticipating an ice cream treat, her excitement palpable as she reaches out to him. “Adam?” Eva was going to hit me when Adam arrived and his glance shifted from Eva to me and back to her. “Were you going to hit Aria?!” Despite my satisfaction in Adam witnessing his sister's behavior first-hand, I remain indifferent to his attempts to defend me. Therefore, I take a step back, disengaging from the situation and showing no interest in Adam's involvement. Stella holds me by the arm, whispering, “You’re divorced now… Don’t run away.” Absolutely. Why should I step back? There is a surge of satisfaction coursing through me, knowing that Adam has finally seen his sister's