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
ARIA’S POVI burst out laughing at Adam’s question. It’s as if he has a mental checklist, trying to get everything done in one shot. His seriousness contrasts sharply with the absurdity of the situation, making it almost comical.“I’ve paid one billion dollars for this antique piece. It’s not that I stole it or something. It’s mine.”Now the ball is in my court, and I won't let anything slide. First, Adam calls me here and I get disgraced. Then they try to coat it with some insincere apology, and now he's singing the same song about the necklace.My anger boils over, my heart pounding in my chest. They stand there, looking stunned, as if my reaction is unexpected.“If you want the necklace back, then pay me thrice the price I paid?"Eva and Elodie exchange glances, their expressions a mix of guilt and defiance. His mother, always the actress, tries to look sorrowful but I can see through her façade. Adam's face tightens, his eyes narrowing. He's not used to being challenged, especiall
ARIA’S POVI sneer when I hear that Adam wants me back. My voice drips with disdain when I lash at him."The only way I would ever consider getting back with you is if time itself could turn back."My words hang in the air, heavy with the finality of their meaning. Adam's face pales, but he doesn't respond.I take a deep breath before telling Adam about what we should do next, instead of him dreaming about getting together."We should tell Grandpa about our divorce. He deserves to know the truth."The room falls into an uneasy silence. Eva and Elodie exchange nervous glances, their usual smugness replaced by apprehension.As I stand my ground firmly, the tension in the room tightens like a coiled spring. I am not here to negotiate when the divorce has already been signed. I have taken nothing from Adam and I am proud of it. The purpose for asking for this amount is because I don’t want to be treated as a doormat yet again.I shall not let them win. I have been patient with all of them