ARIA’S POVRumors and accusations about Tony flood the internet. I see news articles detailing his abusive behavior towards staff, recounting instances where his charming façade slipped to reveal a more sinister side.“Tony is just a jerk!”“What’s the use of being the hottest supermodel with shit attitude?”“Tony doesn’t know how to treat others with kindness. I hate this guy!”As I read the comments on Instagram, a cold smile spreads across my face. It seems like the world is finally starting to see the real Tony.“Hey Aria. Let’s meet up.”Later, Tony texts me, asking me out on a date. My initial impulse is to refuse; the thought of spending more time with him repulses me. But curiosity and the need to uncover his next move compel me to agree. I need to see what he's up to.At the restaurant, Tony greets me with his usual charismatic smile. As we settle into our seats, I bring up his recent "injury," the so-called attack by a crazed fan. He assures me that he is completely fine now
TONY’S POVI try making the accusations go away by contacting some of the people I've wronged over the years. Some agree to delete the content they posted in exchange for money, but many are determined to expose me. Their responses are harsh and unforgiving, filled with anger and disdain. They call me a manipulator and worse. Each rejection feels like a tightening noose around my neck.“The fucking bastard! What does he think of himself?”“Slapping a staff member just because he spilled coffee by mistake?”“This is a violent piece of trash.”I want to get my plan in action—marrying Aria—but with a reputation like this, she might not want to marry me. I'm getting cornered, and desperation gnaws at me. Every attempt to salvage my image crumbles, and I can feel the walls closing in.“Tony, I’m coming over in a few minutes. Someone approached me to help us.”As soon as Harry calls me to give me good news, I am all ears and glad that somebody approached him to offer a solution. The person
ARIA’S POVTony tries to impress me with a series of extravagant dates, each one more lavish than the last. He takes me to the finest restaurants, where we dine on gourmet dishes prepared by renowned chefs. He arranges for private concerts, hiring famous musicians to serenade us under the stars. He even takes me on a spontaneous trip on helicopter rides. I think it’s kind of funny; all the money he has extorted from rich ladies has to be lavished solely on me now.Is he that dumb? My family is already drowning me in exorbitant gifts; jets, yachts, jewelleries, cars, houses to welcome me and here is Tony thinking that these grand gestures and displays of wealth will sweep me off my feet, but I am not impressed.I've seen through his façade, and every attempt he makes to seduce me only strengthens my resolve. Still, I keep the act going, pretending to be charmed and flattered by his efforts. I smile and laugh at his jokes, feigning admiration for his supposed generosity.Tony believes th
TONY’S POVMy thoughts race with frustration and confusion. Aria seems genuinely touched by my grand gestures, but she still resists any intimacy. It's maddening. I’ve pulled out all the stops, yet she remains distant, her warmth never crossing the threshold into desire. What am I missing? Why isn’t she falling for me completely?I call Harry, desperate for advice. He suggests a bold, almost reckless move; drugs.“Harry, isn’t that too much?”“She is delaying our plan, so we have no other options.”Furthermore, Harry suggests that we give Aria something to lower her inhibitions, then seize the moment to propose once we've crossed that intimate barrier. It’s a risky plan, but the idea takes root in my mind. I just need to secure the right substance.Harry and I rack our brains for a source. Neither of us has connections in that shadowy world. Then, a thought strikes me—Tommy. He’s the one who made my previous scandals disappear. If he could handle that, surely he can handle this. I rea
ADAM’S POVI am so upset that Aria continues to date Tony. Every time I think about it, a knot tightens in my stomach. My frustration and helplessness gnaw at me constantly, leaving me restless and agitated. My friend George, sensing my turmoil, invites me to a bar. He knows I need a distraction, something to take my mind off Aria and Tony. I reluctantly agree, hoping the noise and bustle of the bar might offer some temporary relief from my thoughts.Fortunately, the bar isn't too crowded. It's a cozy place with dim lighting and a warm ambiance. Soft jazz music plays in the background, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The wooden tables and leather booths give it a rustic charm, and the bar itself is lined with an impressive array of bottles. A few patrons are scattered around, engaged in quiet conversations, which makes it easy to find a comfortable spot to sit and unwind.As I sit nursing my drink, trying to lose myself in the dim lights and music, I spot Aria and Tony across the room
ARIA’S POVI am fuming with irritation as Adam disrupts my plan. My pulse quickens, and my mind races as I try to process the sudden chaos unfolding before me. Tony's face twists into a mask of panic, his eyes darting between Adam and me."What is he doing here?" he asks, his voice trembling.“Adam! What do you think you are doing?”Adam, calm and resolute, stands his ground."I saw Tony drugging your drink, Aria."The accusation hangs heavy in the air, and I can feel the eyes of the bar patrons turning towards us, curious and judgemental. Adam's voice is unwavering as he continues."I'm going to the hospital to test my blood for roofies, and then I'm calling the police."My heart skips a beat. I can't let Adam derail everything I've meticulously planned. Despite my anger and frustration, I force myself to stay composed. I turn to Adam, my expression earnest."Adam, you don't need to call the police."I explain to Adam that since no one is hurt, we can handle this without involving th
ARIA’S POVI know after this incident Tony wouldn’t dare try anything again. And indeed, Tony keeps a low profile for a while, which nearly makes me lose my patience. The waiting gnaws at me, consuming my thoughts and emotions.I need to see him make a move so I can set my plan in motion. Each day that passes without him making any overt attempts feels like an eternity, and I can feel my grip on the situation slipping.The anticipation is unbearable, filling me with a mix of frustration, anxiety, and desperation. The tension builds with every hour of inaction, leaving me on edge and increasingly desperate to regain control. The uncertainty is maddening, and I am constantly battling the fear that I may never get the chance to expose him.Ultimately, Tony invites me to dinner, and despite my reservations, I agree. It's crucial to maintain a façade of normalcy and composure, especially in light of Adam's recent actions. I need Tony to remain unsuspecting while I carefully strategize my n
ARIA’S POVTony takes me to the proposal venue, a breathtakingly beautiful garden illuminated by twinkling fairy lights. The pathway is lined with rose petals, leading to a gazebo adorned with lush flowers in full bloom.The soft glow from lanterns hanging from the trees casts a romantic ambiance, and a small fountain nearby adds the soothing sound of trickling water. Hidden among the foliage, I spot the strategically placed cameras, their lenses glinting in the low light. The setting is picturesque, almost surreal, designed to be the perfect backdrop for a grand romantic gesture.The hidden cameras strategically placed around us, confirming my suspicion that Tony is live broadcasting this event. A quick check of his Instagram confirms it; he’s posted, “I’m proposing to Aria!”The realization that our private moment is being exploited for public attention fuels my anger, but I maintain my composure, determined to see this through and execute my plan.I smile inwardly, sending a quick
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