ARIA’S POVThe shift in how people treated me was palpable. Almost overnight, I went from being just another face in the crowd to someone who commanded attention and respect—or at least the appearance of it. It was astonishing and, frankly, a little disconcerting. The same individuals who had once looked down on me, questioned my abilities, or outright dismissed me were now flocking to me, eager to curry favor with someone they now perceived as powerful.Walking through the corridors of my father’s company, Wilson Paragon, was a surreal experience. People who had once sneered or ignored me were now all smiles and politeness. Their sudden change in behavior was so transparent, and while it was flattering in a way, it also felt disingenuous. The whispers of "she's here because of her father" echoed around me, similar to the skepticism I had faced when I first arrived at Neal’s company. Back then, they had assumed I was there because of a romantic relationship, not because of my capabili
ARIA’S POVOne evening, as I walk through the bustling office, I overhear a conversation between two employees. They are discussing a project I have led, praising the innovative solutions I have implemented. It is a small moment, but it fills me with immense pride. Slowly but surely, I am earning their respect.My father’s pride in me is a constant source of motivation. His belief in my abilities has never wavered, and it pushes me to strive for excellence every day.The journey is far from over, but with each step, I feel more confident in my abilities and my place within Wilson Paragon. The respect I am earning is hard-won and deeply valued, a proof of my resilience and determination.I throw myself into work, letting the familiar rush of deadlines and meetings distract me from the swirling emotions underneath. It’s hectic, but the routine offers a comforting escape—until Stella suggests rock climbing. At first, the idea feels like an interruption, a disruption to my carefully contr
ARIA’S POVAs Adam and I navigate through the bustling corridors of Neal’s company, our focus on the joint project at hand, murmurs of a new opportunity ripple through the office. It’s a project shrouded in exclusivity, whispered invitations extended to a select few—Adam among them. I catch wind of this development just as the day’s tasks begin to settle into a rhythm, the promise of a new challenge beckoning from the periphery.The realization hits me with a pang of disappointment. This project isn’t just another assignment; it’s a chance to showcase my capabilities, to carve out a niche beyond the shadows of past perceptions. Yet, my name isn’t on the coveted list. It’s a setback that weighs heavily, a reminder of the uphill climb in proving my worth in a competitive arena.“After working so much to bring our companies to the next level, I’ve not gotten any invite!”Adam, sensing my quiet turmoil, offers a lifeline with a casualness that pricks at my pride. But what he suggests shoc
ADAM’S POVAfter the dinner with Aria yesterday, the realization hits me hard—she’s difficult to impress and even harder to win back. Despite this, I find myself resolute, unwilling to give up on my ex-wife. I have never needed to pursue anyone before, and the concept is foreign and daunting. Seeking guidance, I turn to my assistant, hoping for some insight on how to navigate this unfamiliar territory.“Women love small gestures of love and care.”My assistant, ever efficient, listens patiently to my dilemma. He offers practical advice—small gestures, thoughtful gifts, and genuine expressions of care. It’s a start, but I know it will take more than material tokens to win back Aria’s trust and affection. In an attempt to understand her better, I approach the butler, hoping he might shed some light on Aria’s preferences and interests.“No one has ever treated Miss Aria the way she deserved. Such a shame.”The butler’s response is sobering. Aria rarely receives anything from the househol
ARIA’S POVReturning to the rock climbing spot feels like a breath of fresh air. This time, Adam is nowhere in sight, and I can fully immerse myself in the climb. The last time he appeared before us, I knew maybe he would have thought that now I was dating Ethan and stuff like that would come to his mind.“Hi, Aria.”“Adam?”“I didn’t know you were here. I just saw you and thought I would come to say hi.”First of all, I was shocked to see him. I had no idea how he landed here, while I do know that he also had.s an interest in rock climbing. When I was in love with him, I had wished we could go together, but the barrier between us was too thick.Thankfully, we had just greeted each other and chatted over the thrill of the experience and nothing else. Then Adam had left.Today, the rugged terrain, the challenge of each ascent, and the exhilaration of reaching new heights consume me. Ethan is by my side, his presence comforting and encouraging. Without the awkwardness of Adam’s unexpect
ARIA’S POVBack at the company, the days are filled with a tension. I’ve been tirelessly working to secure an invitation for the upcoming high-profile work event which Adam has gotten. It’s a crucial opportunity, one that could solidify my standing and prove my worth beyond the shadow of my father’s influence. However, every avenue I pursue seems to hit a dead end.It is my first project at the Wilson Paragon and I just don’t want to lose it. The news of some other companies secured a place reached us and frankly, it’s a shame we didn’t.I’ve tried everything—networking with colleagues, reaching out to connections, and even attempting to contact the event host directly. But this event is shrouded in secrecy, its exclusivity frustratingly impenetrable. Each unanswered call and ignored message heightens my desperation. I know I need this event to prove myself, to show that I am not just riding on my father’s coattails.Despite the mounting frustration, I throw myself into preparation. I
ARIA’S POVUltimately, I decide against calling Adam or pleading for his assistance to gain entry to The Venture Vista business party as his plus-one. The last thing I want is for Adam to think I am using him as a stepping stone for my success at Wilson Paragon.There's always the risk that, one day, he might accuse me of exploiting our connection or demand repayment in ways I find unacceptable. I've carefully weighed all the pros and cons before arriving at this decision. The potential complications and future repercussions simply aren't worth it. This way, I can maintain my integrity and pursue my goals on my own terms.With heavy thoughts weighing on my mind, I decide to go climbing again, hoping to find some solace amidst the rugged terrain. The physical exertion and the focus required to climb often help clear my head, but today my mind is a whirlwind of anxiety and uncertainty. The looming decision about whether to ask Adam for help is gnawing at me, and I can’t seem to shake it
ARIA’S POV“Would you consider being my girlfriend?”I’m immediately alarmed by Ethan's request. This isn’t what I had expected and I stare at him, perplexed. Ethan’s expression changes drastically, as if he knows what is coming or maybe he regrets his words.My initial reaction is to refuse, but before I can say anything, Ethan quickly clarifies that he needs me to pretend to be his girlfriend for his ex-girlfriend’s engagement party. The oddness of the request leaves me with more questions, and I sigh, then I ask the most obvious one.“Why?”“I didn’t have a great love story, you know?”Ethan starts narrating his past in detail with a heavy heart. He tells me about a girlfriend he loved deeply in college, someone he believed was his forever. He gave her everything, planning a future together, even intending to propose after graduation.But one morning, he woke up to find her gone, along with all his money and valuables. She had disappeared without a trace. Ethan spent years searchin
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