ARIA’S POVAfter the phone call, I rush to meet Mario at a nearby café where he promised to show me some proof.When I arrive, he quickly ushers me to a secluded table and opens his laptop. To my shock, the screen displays footage from a parking lot security camera. Three men are clearly seen tampering with the brakes of my car. My heart races as I watch them work methodically, their faces are quite clear.Mario pauses the video and looks at me gravely."Do you know them?"The realization that someone had deliberately tried to harm me sends chills down my spine. "Never seen them."As I sit back, trying to process the gravity of the situation, I realize my enemies are closer than I ever imagined, and this was just the beginning.“Hand this evidence to the police and let them dig deeper.”Mario agrees with me and tells me that he will expedite this matter. But he also asks me to exert caution.As I leave the café, my mind races with thoughts of who could be behind this and why they want
ADAM’S POVAria is so mad at me, and she has every right to be. I’ve endangered Grandpa’s life, but Sophia being in the hospital isn’t entirely my fault. However, getting her pregnant in the first place is totally on me.I have warned Sophia repeatedly not to come to the hospital, but she ignored me. She has been insistent for a long time now, and today she finally shows up despite my objections.Grandpa is with me when Sophia arrives. I am baffled to see her come in unannounced, without informing me beforehand. And mind you, she does not even turn her back and leave when Grandpa hasn’t yet noticed her.Instead, she marches right in, greeting us and addressing me very intimately. Even though she knows Grandpa doesn't like her, she insists on forcing herself into the family and having a conversation with us.“What is she doing here, Adam?”Grandpa's question sends a chill of unease down my spine, stirring up a wave of confusion and apprehension within me.Before I can even muster an ex
ARIA’S POVAdam is insistent that I listen to what he has to say about what just happened to Grandpa. Doesn't Adam realize that Sophia, carrying his child, would rush to the clinic upon hearing about his accident? She likely knows I'm with Adam and will do everything possible to visit him despite any reprimands.“It’s none of my business, Adam. I’m only concerned about Grandpa.”I couldn't care less about what those two do. My only priority is keeping Grandpa safe and away from any unnecessary drama.“No, Aria. You need to know… And please, getting Sophia pregnant was just an accident. I never wanted this.”“You mean you wanted to only sleep with her and not get her pregnant?”I chuckle at my own question. I can't help but remember how every time I saw Adam and Sophia together, they were so happy, leaving me feeling like a third wheel. I have been ill-treated on several occasions and been degraded like anything. Adam has never stood for me.“I mean I never wanted to cheat on you at al
ARIA’S POVIs Adam on drugs or something? Didn't Grandpa already find out that we're divorced? So why is he suddenly asking me to pretend we're still married? I'm feeling a mix of disbelief and frustration. It's like the ground beneath me has shifted, and I'm struggling to make sense of what's happening.“Do you even know what are you saying and asking me, Adam?”“Yes, Aria. I know very well what I’m asking you.”I stay silent, waiting to hear more of what he has to say. After a few seconds, he hits me with the most astonishing explanation.The revelation hits me like a ton of bricks. I'm stunned, trying to wrap my head around the implications of Grandpa's partial memory loss. The fact that he's forgotten about the divorce adds another layer of complexity to an already bewildering situation.“How is this possible?”I am still trying to recover from the news and Adam keeps going on.“He has gotten a deep shock. I believe perhaps deep inside he is in denial and hence his mind is jumble
ADAM’S POVFinally, Aria agrees, and a surge of hope floods my heart. This time, if she comes back, I vow to never let her go again. I'll go to any lengths to mend our broken relationship. The wait has been agonizing, but I believe my patience will soon be rewarded. As much as I am pained by Grandpa's state, I see it as a blessing in disguise, a chance to reconcile with Aria and rebuild what we once had.My family doctor visits me, and at first, he checks my report and reads the progress on the log, reassuring me that I am fine.“You should be out soon. You recovered quickly from the trauma.” At least I have some good news today. But why is my doctor looking at me like that, as if he has something important to disclose?“Is something the matter, doctor?”“Actually, I’m here to talk to you about something important.”My heart skips a beat—Grandpa! It must be about Grandpa.“Is Grandpa alright?”“Don’t worry about him. He is alright now. Um…”He tries to comfort me about Grandpa, but t
ARIA’S POVI'm busy packing with a heavy heart, my emotions in turmoil. It's only because of Grandpa that I'm willing to go through with this. Just then, Mario calls me to share his findings.I listen intently as Mario dives into the details of his findings. His voice is steady, but the weight of his words fills me with a mix of anxiety and anticipation. He explains each point meticulously, unraveling a web of information that paints a clearer picture of what's been happening behind the scenes.Every revelation, every piece of evidence he shares, adding to my growing understanding of the situation. My mind races as I try to absorb it all, feeling a complex blend of anger, betrayal, and determination.“She paid these guys to tamper with the brakes, Miss Cook. Shouldn’t we press charges?”Well, to press charges is a great idea, but at the same time, this matter is so sensitive that I don't intend on taking a wrong step.“Okay, Mario. Thanks for informing me, but wait for some time and I
ARIA’S POVSuddenly, the door bursts open. My brothers, Neal and Nathan, accompanied by my dad, storm into my room with a sense of urgency. Their faces are etched with concern, mirroring the worry in their eyes as they hurriedly approach me.Neal's hand clutches mine tightly, while Nathan's brows furrow with anxiety and they speak in unison.“Aria! Are you okay, my little sister?”Thereafter, my dad's voice trembles slightly as he asks if I'm okay, his fear for my well-being palpable in the air. Their presence fills me with a rush of emotions—gratitude for their concern, relief at their arrival, but also a pang of guilt for causing them worry.“I’m fine…”I'm engulfed in their embrace, feeling overwhelmed as I realize I've narrowly escaped death. The warmth of their arms around me offers a sense of safety and comfort, grounding me in the reality of the moment. In their embrace, I find solace, gratitude, and an overwhelming sense of relief.“I know who did this to you!”Neal's anger is
ARIA’S POVFinally, I move back to the Millers' residence. I'm welcomed by all the maids who used to look down on me and treat me as if I were inferior. This time, they bow and don't even dare to look me in the eyes.It's strange how people can change when they know about your status or how the man of the house treats you. Their sudden shift in behavior is a big reminder of the fickle nature of respect and the impact of perceived power and status.As I step inside, memories of the past flood my mind; the ill-treatment, the taunts, the pain, and the humiliation that have scarred me mentally and physically over the years. Every corner of the house seems to echo with the ghosts of those bitter experiences, reminding me of the struggles I've endured.“Welcome back, Aria.”Adam's husky voice pulls me back to the present. He looks much better now that he's been discharged from the hospital. Seeing him like this brings a wave of relief, and the guilt that's been weighing on my heart dissipat