ARIA’S POVI am in the library, engrossed in one of my favorite books, when Regis bursts in. His face is flushed, and it's clear something has happened.“Aria… Why have you moved back in here?”Regis’ question baffles me. I had completely forgotten about the last time he confessed his feelings for me, and I hadn't responded. Regis seems panic-stricken. I can see how worried he is, thinking that I’ve patched things up with Adam.“Calm down, Regis. Have a seat first and let’s talk about it.”Regis does as told, but he looks so impatient. I begin narrating the whole incident to him; how Adam risked his life to save mine after the business dinner party, Adam ending up being unconscious and then Sophia coming to visit when Grandpa was with Adam. I emphasize on the fact that Sophia is the cause for Grandpa’s condition.“Saving you is one thing, but you coming back to this house is another.”Regis is right, but I am sure when I explain everything to him, he will understand. I take a deep bre
ARIA’S POVEverything has been pretty calm at Adam’s residence. Grandpa’s condition remains the same, but he continues to pamper me with his sweet words and affection. Without Sophia, Elodie, or Eva around, I feel more at ease in the house.I've settled into a routine, and every morning before I leave for work, I reassure Grandpa that everything is going well and that I enjoy my job. He seems to have forgotten that I no longer work at Adam’s firm, so Adam and I maintain the façade by leaving together each day.Despite this, I miss driving my own car and hate the daily car rides with Adam. I feel that we are getting closer than before, and it’s quite disturbing. The proximity brings back memories and emotions I thought I had buried. Each ride feels like a test of my resolve, making it harder to maintain the distance I need from him.A day ago, the seat belt got stuck, and I couldn’t pull it. To my astonishment, Adam leaned in close, grabbing the seat belt from behind me. He managed to
ARIA’S POVAfter a hard day at work with all those projects and meetings, Adam’s driver picked me up to drop me home—his house—I can’t call it my home. Adam has informed me that he has some very important meetings to attend and that I shouldn’t wait for him.This guy! These days, he’s been acting like he really is my husband. The irony is that when he was, he didn’t care, but now that he isn’t, he does. It’s infuriating and confusing, leaving me torn between anger and a flicker of hope.As I step in, the house looks quiet and empty.“Where’s Grandpa?”“He’s at the hospital for his checkup, Madam.”Even though the maid addresses me as ‘madam’, I can sense the insincerity in her tone. She's been rude to me countless times before when I lived here. I nod politely and head to my room without looking back at her.Yet, I can't shake the feeling that she may be frowning at me or feeling disgusted. It's a reminder that despite the title, I'm still an outsider in this house.After dinner, just
ARIA’S POVSophia's reckless behavior leaves me incredulous. If Adam hadn't intervened when he did, who knows what harm she might have inflicted. Her actions reveal a disturbing disregard for the safety of those around her, especially considering her condition. The fear of what could have happened sends chills down my spine, making me realize just how dangerous and desperate she is.Even though I'm not injured, Adam rushes both of us to the hospital, insisting on a check-up because of the blows. His concern is evident, and while I appreciate his vigilance, the whole situation feels surreal. As we head to the hospital, I can't help but feel a mix of relief and lingering anxiety over what just happened.As Adam drives, Sophia's relentless chatter fills the car. Despite the tense atmosphere, she seems determined to keep talking, her words slicing through the air like knives.“Aria? Are you fine? Is your baby alright?”What the hell? How did she even find out about my ‘baby’? This baby si
ADAM’S POVHere I am again, stuck in the midst of this endless drama. While my Aria isn't one for theatrics, Sophia is another story altogether.“Adam! Come home quick. Something happened.”When I received Sophia's text, I didn't stop to think or ask why she was there. My mind immediately jumped to Aria and Grandpa, and I rushed home without a second thought. Once I arrived, I was appalled to see Aria and Sophia in a scuffle. I couldn't believe my eyes. Sophia's presence was infuriating, especially since she had been repeatedly warned to stay away. She's the main cause of all this trouble. Sophia thought that I rushed home because of her text, believing I came for her. In reality, my concern was for Aria, fearing Sophia might hurt her.As we were at the hospital, I watched Sophia. At first, I found it strange how she didn’t complain of any abdominal pain, yet the doctor announced she had a miscarriage. Even in the car, she didn't seem to be in any distress. Instead, she kept asking
ARIA’S POVMy question doesn't seem to faze Sophia at all. Instead, she keeps running her mouth, accusing me of turning off the cameras beforehand. Her accusations are relentless, and her confidence in her lies is infuriating. How can she be so brazen, so sure of herself? It's almost as if she’s rehearsed this act a thousand times.“Perhaps because you were going to do something else while no one was at home?”In fact, she's the one who barged in and charged at me, despite my efforts to avoid a confrontation. Yet here she is, turning everything around and making it seem like I'm the aggressor. The sheer audacity of her actions is infuriating.Nonetheless her accusations, especially about the cameras, are a clever move. She’s trying to create doubt, to make it seem like I’m the one hiding something. It’s a manipulative tactic, designed to turn the suspicion back onto me. And it’s working—her calmness, her relentless talking, it’s all designed to make me look guilty.“How did you know n
ARIA’S POVAdam, as usual, does not care! Sophia’s pleas and words weigh more than mine, of course.“Okay, Sophia… I’ll stay.”Adam turns to me says that whatever I have to say can wait for later until Sophia is in a stable condition.His dismissiveness stings, and I feel my heart sink. How can he so easily brush aside my feelings and concerns? Anger and frustration bubble up inside me, but I swallow them down, knowing this isn’t the time or place. It’s just like before—my words, my emotions, always taking a backseat.Frankly speaking, I am upset seeing Adam taking Sophia’s side. All this time, I was right in thinking that he hasn't changed. His behavior towards me has only been for Grandpa's sake. The realization hits me hard, and it’s disheartening to see him prioritize Sophia's words over mine. It's as if every kind gesture, every moment that made me think he might care, was just an act. My heart aches, and frustration wells up inside me. I feel used, betrayed, and deeply hurt.How
ADAM’S POVI find it strange that Sophia keeps mentioning Aria’s baby, something that was discussed only among Grandpa, Aria, and me. How could she know? Then, Aria’s words come back to me, and the pieces start to fit together.“Don’t worry about me, Sophia. I’m not pregnant. I wonder where you got such news!”Indeed, who could have told Sophia about it? Perhaps this explains why she barged in and charged at Aria, just as Aria had mentioned earlier. Or, perhaps, could it be that Aria herself said it out of anger just to provoke Sophia? Maybe my Aria was feeling jealous and she just blurted something out at that time. But she isn’t pregnant, and I really don’t understand why Aria would say such a thing directly to Sophia, for Aria never lies. I can't shake off the unsettling feeling that something isn't right. Aria's honesty is unquestionable, and her words echo in my mind, leaving me perplexed. There's a knot of confusion and concern tightening in my chest as I try to piece together