Aria’s POV A WEEK LATER I push the thoughts of what had happened with Susan and decided to move on with my plans. Both my parents hadn't called or visited so I wasn't bothered so much about them. Caleb had gotten even more and more suspicious and sometimes, I woke up to find him watching me from my door with a creepy look in his eyes. “Talk about being fucked up.” I mutter to myself as I waited for the makeup artist. I took in a deep breath as I told myself to calm down and observe Maira converse with the guests. She had this aura which shone around her and made people gravitate towards her. She was so excited about the shoot as well. It was for ‘Rouge’ after all and she spent all week sitting and planning while I kept hitting the gym to keep healthy and fit. Soon enough, the stylists were done and I was placed in the “Denim” category. The photographer for the shoot, Julia Ray was known for her dislike for models like “me”. Apparently, in this life, I had the reputation of being a
Aria’s POV After a long day of standing in front of the camera, I was relieved to step outside into the cool evening air. Maira had left earlier with one of them and I quote “handsome male staff.” Not that I could blame her. She was still in that phase. I, however, was worn out and more than willing to go home. I walked to my car and notice that the bright lights had felt blinding, and the smiles I forced felt fake at this point. “Gosh, Julia made me smile and take so many photos. It was as if she was obsessed.” I murmur to myself as I climb into my car, my hands trembling slightly as I turn the key in the ignition. Just as the engine started, my phone buzzed. The name on the screen was unfamiliar. With a deep breath, I answered. “Hello?” “Aria,” a calm but unsettling voice says. “You have a meeting tomorrow. At the park. Don’t be late. Or there will be... consequences.” My stomach twisted. “Who are you?” There was silence, then the line went dead. I sank back into my seat, my h
Aria’s POV“Why do you keep pushing me?” I shot back. “You know they make nothing better and seriously? Checking in on me now? I had an accident weeks ago.”“Because I worry about you!” Caleb’s voice softened a bit. “You think I want to lose them due to your recent crazy acts?”Crazy acts? What the fuck? He thought I was crazy?!I took a deep breath and counted to three… Fuck, it wasn't working! I threw my hands up, not wanting to listen. “I don’t want to talk about this, Caleb! Just drop it!”Caleb looked hurt, his shoulders slumping. “Fine. But you can’t ignore them forever.”I turned away, every part of me pushing him out. “Whatever,” I muttered, feeling guilt sting in my chest. I didn’t want to hurt him, but facing my parents felt impossible.I went to the kitchen and immediately, my phone rang. The same caller ID from the creep yesterday.“Hello?” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.“Is this Aria?” a smooth, deep voice replied.“Yes, who’s this?” I asked, my pulse quickening.
Aria’s POVGavin stepped closer, his voice dropping. “Your parents have hidden a lot from you. And you deserve to know the truth.”“Let’s sit,” he suggested, pointing to a nearby bench.We settled down, and he leaned in closer, his expression serious. “What I’m about to tell you could shake everything you believe about your life.”My heart raced. “I’m ready.”He took a deep breath. “Your parents made a deal that put you in the middle of a dangerous game. They’ve kept you away from the truth and everyone who could help you.”The ground felt like it was shifting beneath me. I was confused as hell “What kind of deal?”Gavin’s eyes narrowed. “They’ve been lying about your past. And that’s why you need to listen. You have the power to break free.”As he spoke, I felt the weight of every word. I was finally hearing something different than what I had been told my whole life.I was about to respond when my phone buzzed. I glanced at it, a text from Caleb flashing on the screen. "Are you okay
Aria’s POVI took a seat on the couch, picking at the hem of my shirt while I waited. The seconds felt like minutes, each ticking second bringing me closer to the inevitable conversation with my parents.Caleb returned from the kitchen, holding a snack in his hands. “You alright?” he asked, concern returning.“Yeah, just… waiting,” I replied, glancing at the clock. The hands seemed to crawl forward, slowing down time intentionally.“Want some chips?” he offered, holding the bag out to me.I shook my head. “No thanks. I’m not hungry.”“Suit yourself,” he said, plopping down next to me. “I guess I’ll grab the popcorn for when the fireworks start.”“Very funny,” I said, leaning back and trying to relax. “It’ll be more like a funeral than a fireworks show.”He looked at me and smiled.“You're seeming more and more of old you these days.”That remark made me rethink. I was crazy for even thinking I could get along with this bastard. I turned to face the door and after what felt like an ete
Aria’s POVMy heart sank. I had been so caught up with my parents that I forgot about the serious situation with Gavin. “Maira, I have to deal with something else. I’ll be back in a minute, okay?”“Sure! Just don’t be too long,” she replied, giving me a reassuring smile.I stepped out into the hallway and leaned against the wall, quickly typing back to Gavin. [What do you mean by risky?]His reply came almost instantly. [You’re not safe right now. We need to meet. Can you come to the park again?]Nerves prickled across my skin. “Okay,” I typed back. [When?][Meet me tonight at eight. Bring anyone you trust.]I frowned, hesitating at the last part. Should I bring Maira? I didn’t want her involved in my mess, but I also wanted someone to back me up.[I’ll bring Maira. Is it really that serious?][Yes, it is. Don’t worry just yet. I’ll explain everything.]I took a deep breath, knowing I had to face the situation. I headed back to my room to find Maira scrolling through her phone, her
Aria’s POV>>>>>>I burst through the front door of the company, anger boiling in my chest. The argument with my parents replayed in my mind, their words sharp and controlling. “You need to focus on your future, Aria,” my mother had said, her tone laced with disappointment. “You can’t go around chasing dreams that aren’t practical.”“I’m not a child anymore!” I had shouted back. “I’m going to be an actress, and you can’t stop me!” But they hadn’t heard me. They were too wrapped up in their fears and expectations.Feeling the heat of frustration welling up inside me, I grabbed my car keys and stormed out. The driveway felt too confining, the air thick with expectations I had no intention of meeting today. I climbed into my car, cranked up the radio, and drove off, leaving the memories of parental lectures behind. My destination was Lion and Co Industries, the entertainment agency that had taken me on as a client but today I had to go through the process on my own as it was Maira’s day
Aria’s POVAfter Jenna left, I was left alone to face the impending audition. I stared at the empty chairs and the dim lighting, trying to calm my racing thoughts.“I can't stand anymore. I'm too tired.” I took my seat and not long after, I doze off.****The air was thick with tension as I found myself in a dimly lit room that felt all too familiar. Shadows stretched across the walls, and the soft hum of muted voices filled my ears. Suddenly, Mother’s voice pierced through the haze, sharp and demanding."What do you mean, you knew?" she exclaimed, disbelief lacing every word. "How could you possibly have known that Caleb and Susan were having an affair, and not tell us?"Her question hung in the air like a heavy fog, and I bit my lip, feeling torn. I wanted to explain—the truth swirled within me like a storm—but it was too complex for words. The affair she mentioned felt foreign to me, a remnant of my past life, tangled in memories that were both vivid and hazy. Nothing made sense in
Sebastien’s POVI rush into Aria’s room with Chloe, Maira, and Emily following closely behind me. The moment we enter, I see her sitting up in the hospital bed, her eyes wide and frantic. The sight sends a jolt of fear through me.“Aria!” I call out, moving quickly to her side. As soon as she sees me, her expression softens, and she visibly calms Down. What was she so frantic about?“Sebastien…” she breathes, her voice shaky. “Are you okay?”I kneel beside her bed, looking into her eyes. “I’m completely fine. Just worried about you.”Relief crosses her face, but then it crumples as tears start to spill from her eyes. “I thought… I thought Caleb was going to kill you next!” she sobs, her hands gripping the sheets.Anger rises in my chest as I hear her words. I reach out, carefully wrapping my arms around her. “Shh, it’s okay, Aria. You’re safe now. I’m here. You’ll be okay.”Her crying intensifies as she nestles into me, and I hold her tightly, wanting to comfort her as best as I can.
Vera’s POVI drive with purpose, focusing on the road ahead. The sun sets in the distance, casting long shadows across the highway. In the back seat, Susan, Michael, and Elizabeth sit, their expressions a mix of confusion and fear. I can feel their eyes on me, wondering what’s going to happen next. Just what had those three idiots done to piss off the boss?“Where are we going?” Michael finally asks, breaking the tension in the car.“It’s just a little place outside the city,” I reply, keeping my tone light. “Sebastien wanted me to take you somewhere safe.”Elizabeth glances at me. “Safe from who? And this car is so small and dimly lit. Also, could you turn down your music? It's very annoying.” Tch. Whiny bitch.I chuckle softly. “You’ll find out soon enough.”As we drive further out of the city, I spot an abandoned area up ahead. “Perfect,” I think to myself. I turn onto a side road, and soon, I stop the car in a deserted lot surrounded by overgrown grass and dilapidated buildings.“
Sebastien's POVI sit in my car, gripping the steering wheel tight, the engine humming as I watch Caleb's house from across the street. I had him tracked down when I left the hospital. I know he's back home, and now it's time to confront him. The police might not want to act, but I won't wait for them. The bastard had to pay for what he did.After a few minutes, I take a deep breath and step out of the car. I walk up the driveway, my heart pounding with each step. The door stands slightly ajar, and I push it open. The house is dimly lit, and I can smell something foul in the air."Caleb!" I call out, my voice echoing through the empty rooms.I hear movement in the back, and I quickly make my way toward the sound. As I round a corner, I see him -Caleb leaning against the wall, a lazy grin spreading across his face."Well, look who finally decided to drop by!" he says mockingly."Cut the crap, Caleb. I know you ordered the hit on Aria," I say, my voice deadly calm.His expression shifts
Aria’s POVAfter lunch with the girls, I quickly board a cab back home.“Well, more like Sebastien's place,” I murmur to myself.Soon enough, I get there and I get out of the car.As I walk towards the door, I remind myself to stay aware of my surroundings. The mansion’s surroundings are so quiet. Sebastien said something about having ghost staff. In other words, they were barely seen. There wasn't a soul in sight.But just as I reach the door, I notice something strange. A red light shone across my stomach. I freeze, my heart racing. What is that?I open my mouth to call out, “Sebastien?” But before I can say anything, there’s a loud crack. A sharp pain jolts close to my heart, and everything goes black.---Sebastien’s POVThe alarms blare, cutting through the calm of the afternoon. I jump up from my desk, my heart racing. “What the hell?” I mutter as I sprint toward the door.I fling it open and rush outside. “Aria!” I shout, panic gripping my chest. She was lying down crumpled on
Aria’s POVAfter our conversation, I grab my phone and dial Sebastien's number. My hands tremble a bit as I wait for him to pick up."Hey, it's me," I say when he answers."Aria! Where are you? Are you okay?" he asks, his voice tight with concern."I'm fine, but I need to let you know I won't be available for the rest of the day. I have some things to handle.""Things? What kind of things?" His tone sharpens, and I can hear the protective edge in it."I'm with Emily and Maira. We're just... sorting stuff out," I reply, trying to keep it casual."Sorting stuff out?" he presses. "What kind of sorting?""Mmmm, I can't talk about it right now," I say, feeling a rush of guilt."Where exactly are you?" he asks, his voice lowering as if he knows I'm not being entirely honest."Just at my friends' place," I say, hesitantly.Before I can respond, Emily reaches over and snatches the phone from me. "Sebastien!" she says into the receiver, her tone firm. "Listen, buzz off for now. Aria needs a br
Aria’s POVI slowly wake up, my head pounding and my mouth dry. The sunlight filters through the curtains, and I squint, trying to remember where I am. As my surroundings come into focus, I notice I'm in my room.Thank goodness I made it to bed last night. I sit up and suddenly recall everything I said while I was drunk. My heart races in panic. Did I mention Caleb? I felt so vulnerable, and now the memory stings.I throw off the blanket and rush to the living room. I need to talk to Emily and Maira. As I enter the room, my heart sinks. They are still asleep, curled up together on the couch. Emily's head rests on Maira's shoulder, and they look peaceful.Guilt washes over me. They shouldn't have had to drink with me. I feel like such a burden. Maybe I should sneak out before I wake them.I step quietly toward the door, but then Maira's voice breaks the silence. "Where are you going?"I freeze in my tracks. "Uh, just... out for some air?" I say awkwardly, trying to sound casual."Stop
Emily's POVThe atmosphere in the apartment is lively as we gather around the coffee table to play "Exploding Kittens." The brownies and cookies are laid out, and Maira fills some glasses with wine."Alright, let's get this party started!" Maira says, pouring generous amounts for all of us."I'm ready to crush you both!" I declare, feeling the excitement in the air. Maira glares at me but Aria laughs, picking up her hand of cards. "You think you can beat me? I've been practicing! Ever since the last game! No friggin 'way I'm losing."Maira shakes her head. "Practice doesn't make perfect in this game; luck does!"“Tch. Amateur. That's what you'll say but you'll see baby girl. I'm set out to win!”The game begins. We all giggle and shout as we take turns. I can't help but tease Maira each time she draws an exploding kitten card."Ha! You're out!" I tease, laughing."Shush! This is just beginner's luck," Maira retorts, rolling her eyes dramatically.Aria leans back, sipping her wine. "
Emily's POVI sit at my desk, surrounded by piles of files that seem to multiply every hour. Maira buzzes around me, checking in every few minutes. She keeps the coffee coming, which helps me stay focused on my work.“I really shouldn't have gotten so worked up about Aria and abandoned my job! I could have friggin done both!”“You couldn't and Emily, have you made any progress on those reports?” Maira asks, peering over my shoulder.“Getting there! I’m just figuring out how to present this data.” I scroll through the screen, feeling the pressure of the deadline looming.Suddenly, there’s a loud knock on the door. I look up, surprised.“Who could that be?” I say, glancing at Maira.“Let me see!” Maira rushes to the door, her excitement bubbling over. I hear her gasp.“Emily! Come quick! You won’t believe who’s here!”My heart skips a beat. Who could it be? I rush down the hall and stop short when I see her.“Aria!” I exclaim, throwing my arms around her.“Emily!” she cries, hugging me
Caleb’s POVI'm sitting here in this stupid prison, and the anger is boiling inside me. Aria divorced me—and just tossed me aside like I’m nothing. I can’t believe I thought she loved me. I always knew she was trouble. The moment she started associating with that crazy fixer, it was clear she was a trashy woman. I feel like such a fool. How dare she leave me?!I pace in my cell, fists clenched, imagining what I would say if I ever got out. “How could she do this to me?” I mumble to myself. It infuriates me! I thought we had something special. We had plans for the future—until she decided I was worthless.I pound my fist against the wall, feeling the sting but not caring. “I’ll make her pay,” I vow, my voice low and full of anger. “She thinks she’s so smart, but she doesn’t know who she is messing with. I’ll make sure she pays for this.”Suddenly, an officer walks by, eyeing me warily. “Quiet down, Caleb. You’re not allowed to cause trouble in here.”“I’m not causing trouble!” I snap.