ADAM’S POVI am sitting in my office when my assistant bursts in with such urgency that I turn my head in astonishment. He doesn't even bother knocking.“Boss! Did you hear this? Aria is being disgraced online.”He tells me that a photo of Regis and Aria having dinner at a restaurant has gone viral and that this is why we have been divorced. Moreover, the rumors speak about Neal Jackson and Aria’s link up. My blood boils as he narrates everything to me. He even tells me that reporters have reached Jackson Paragon to pester Neal and Aria.I can imagine what Aria is going through.“Who’s spreading those kind of rumors?”Assuming he will leave to investigate, I direct my gaze back to the documents. However, he leaves me baffled when he reveals that Eva and my mother are the ones behind the rumors. I did ask them to retrieve Grandpa’s antique piece, but not in this manner—not by hurting Aria. I've hurt Aria too many times already, and now they are both adding salt to her wounds. Guilt wa
ARIA’S POVI want to call Adam and blast him over the phone for tarnishing my reputation, but then I decide to stay silent on the subject. He might be doing this to provoke me into calling him first and agreeing to all his demands, but I'm not going to let that happen. I refuse to give him the satisfaction of thinking he's in control.Suddenly, my phone rings. It's Eva. As I pick up, her familiar giggle filters through the line, a sound that sends a shiver of irritation down my spine. I brace myself, knowing exactly what’s coming next. Her tone is dripping with amusement, a prelude to whatever condescending remark or veiled threat she’s about to make.“Are you returning back Grandpa’s antique piece or not?”Her voice is laced with a mocking tone that instantly makes my blood boil. The smugness in her question is palpable, as if she believes she holds all the power. If she thinks she can intimidate me into submission with her threats, she's sorely mistaken.Anger and defiance surge thr
ARIA’S POVIt's high time to host a press conference and clear up all the rumors that have been circulating about Neal and me for the past few days. The falsehoods and gossip have gone on long enough, and it's time to set the record straight.This situation requires a direct and decisive approach, and addressing the media head-on is the only way to present the truth and put an end to the speculation.As we reach the conference room, reporters from countless channels are gathered, eager and expectant, as if this sensational news is going to earn them a lot of money. The buzz of excitement and the flashing cameras make it clear they are anticipating a major scoop.I have to be honest; I start feeling claustrophobic as the room is packed with reporters. They don't even bother to maintain a distance, swarming around like a pride of lions hunting their prey. The intensity of their presence is overwhelming, and I can feel the pressure mounting.“Have you both decided to announce your weddin
ADAM’S POVAs I realize that Eva is behind spreading those rumors, I feel a surge of anger coursing through me. How could she stoop so low? The betrayal cuts deep, and I can't shake the sense of disbelief that someone I once considered family could betray me in such a way.Without a moment's hesitation, I head home, my mind racing with thoughts of confrontation and retribution. Eva's actions have ignited a fire within me, and I'm determined to extinguish it once and for all.As soon as I walk into Eva’s room, I find both my mother and her glued to the television, where a live press conference is just beginning. The tension in the room is palpable, and I can feel my anger simmering beneath the surface as I watch the screen. It's clear that whatever is being said in that conference is significant.Eva and my mother spot me as I enter the room, but instead of immediately unleashing my anger on them, I find myself drawn to the television screen. My eyes fixate on the broadcast, where I se
ARIA’S POVAfter such a hectic week and a tough time with the press today, I'm relieved by how effectively Neal cleared up all the rumors. Additionally, the launch of our collection has become the talk of the town, generating a buzz that far exceeds our expectations.Dad, Neal, Nathan, and I are gathered around the dining table, the atmosphere buzzing with joy and excitement as we celebrate our recent success.The clinking of glasses and the sound of hearty laughter fill the room, creating a warm and festive ambiance. We share stories and reminisce about the journey that brought us here, each of us savoring the sweet taste of accomplishment.Neal and I exchange a proud glance, acknowledging the hard work and dedication that have paid off. Nathan chimes in with his usual humor, keeping everyone entertained and light-hearted. My father, beaming with pride, raises his glass for a toast, his eyes shining with happiness.However, my dad suddenly asks me who is the one who has been spreadin
ARIA’S POV I pause for a moment, pondering why he wants to meet me in person instead of simply stating his intentions over the phone.“I don’t think it’s a good idea, Adam.”The mere idea of encountering Adam floods me with an overwhelming sense of dread and discomfort. The thought of facing him in person fills me with a profound reluctance, as if every fiber of my being recoils at the prospect.It's not just a matter of inconvenience; it's an emotional aversion rooted deep within me. The thought of being in his presence stirs up a torrent of emotions—anger, resentment, and perhaps even a tinge of fear.I find myself struggling with conflicting desires, torn between the instinct to avoid him at all costs and the nagging curiosity to confront whatever it is he wants to discuss.“I want Eva and my mother to apologize to you face to face.”Do they ever bother to extend an apology? It feels as if Adam has completely lost his grasp on reality. The notion of them admitting fault or express
ARIA’S POV“How dare you call my daughter lowly?”Elodie intervenes, jumping to Eva's defense as if on cue. Didn't I expect that? She starts emphasizing how kind they were to me when I had nothing, portraying themselves as my saviors during my lowest moments."We took you in and treated you like family."She declares, her voice dripping with self-righteousness. Now, according to her, I've transformed into a bully, using my wealth to lord over them. The hypocrisy is infuriating. How conveniently she overlooks their own behavior, the manipulation, and deceit.The double standards are astounding, and her attempt to rewrite history only makes me more resolute in standing my ground.“Oh really?! You both treated me worse than the Millers’ maids. Do you suffer from amnesia or something?”My sneer leaves all three of them baffled. I begin listing all the wrongs they did to me; making me hand wash their clothes, iron them, set the table, litter around the house, and then ordering me to clean
ADAM’S POVAs I listen to Aria recounting all the wrongs done to her by Eva and my mother, a profound sense of shame washes over me. How could I have allowed everyone to trample on her like this? Who treats their wife in such a despicable manner?The weight of guilt settles heavily on my shoulders as I realize the extent of my negligence and complicity in allowing Aria to suffer. Each accusation from Aria serves as a painful reminder of my failure to protect her, and I'm overwhelmed by a surge of regret and remorse.As Aria points out, I bear the blame for everything that has transpired. Since Dad's passing, I've endeavored to fulfill the role of a father figure to Eva, assuming responsibility for her well-being.However, in my efforts to protect and provide for Eva, I realize that I may have inadvertently spoiled her. She's grown accustomed to valuing material possessions over people's feelings, and I can't help but feel a pang of guilt for my role in shaping her character.Despite m