Author’s POVAria took a deep breath. “I wanted this so much, Maira. It feels like everything is falling apart.”“Don’t let them get to you. You are talented,” Maira said. “Trust me.”Aria squeezed her Maira’s hand, grateful for her support. “Thank you, Maira. I really needed this.”“It's fine. You just pay me more, it's my day off!”“Fineeee. Let's get our orders.”As Aria and Maira settled into their booth at the cozy restaurant, Maira looked at Aria, who was staring out the window, deep in thought. Gently, she reached across the table and placed her hand on Aria's.“Hey, you okay?” Maira asked, concern etched on her face.Aria sighed. “I’m just thinking about everything. I mean, I’ve dedicated so much time to modeling. Don't you think… What it’s time for a change?”“Change?” Maira raised an eyebrow. “What kind of change are you talking about?”“I don’t know. Maybe I should consider something else,” Aria murmured, stirring her water with the straw. “Like directing or stage manageme
Aria’s POV“What do you mean break your bank?” Maira looks at me in confusion, her eyebrows raised in genuine surprise.“Break my bank in the sense that I would be financially incapacitated if I dared to take a vacation at this stage or point in time. That would be absolute madness! There is no way I would dare to undertake such a risk. Simply put, I do not have the money.”Maira stares at me for a moment, her confusion giving way to laughter that echoes throughout the restaurant.“Pfft, what the heck do you mean, Aria? You have enough money to fund enough vacations now and in your next life.”Huh? What in the world is she talking about?“Sometimes, I wonder why you even work so much. You aren't even broke, but yet! You insist on all of this. How about you take that break you keep talking about instead? Breaking down is not your forte, and I do not advise it for you or anyone else.”“Maira, if you want a vacation, just say so.” I glance at her incredulously. What is she even going on
Aria’s POVEvery single person in the room stares at me in shock, as if I have just drawn a knife to threaten Susan.“A–Aria. Why do you feel this way?” Susan stammers, her voice trembling as she bursts into faux crocodile tears. Please, that must be one of the only acts she is truly skilled at. She raises a storm with those tears that aren’t even real.“Aria! How could you hurt your sister this way? Apologize right now, young lady, or else!”“N–no, Mother. I know Aria must hate me right now, and I understand,” Susan says, standing from the sofa with tear streaks snaking down her face as she approaches me.This just fuels the fire within me. I want to scream, to expose her deceit for everyone, but I take another deep breath to steady myself.“Understand?” I ask incredulously, narrowing my eyes. “You have no idea what I feel. You have no idea about all the sacrifices I’ve made or the opportunities I’ve passed up to support us, and yet here you are, wallowing in self-pity, acting as tho
Aria’s POV“Oh yeah? Good for you, because it looks like you’ve found my replacement in dear oh Susie. Have fun while it lasts.” I flip him off for good measure as I push past him, descending the stairs and stepping into the arms of my so-called “family,” who are probably convinced by now that I have completely lost it.“Aria, come sit down right now. You aren’t leaving this house until you apologize for your actions,” my mother demands, her tone dripping with scorn.I scoff at her audacity. Really? What is she going to do? Tie me down?“Mother, with all due respect, I am leaving, and I most definitely will not apologize to your little brat of a daughter. I will not allow the both of you to delude her. And Father, please stop looking at me as if I’m some alien. This isn’t a soap opera for your observations. Hold your wife and do not let her shade of crazy get to me. It’s for her own sake and mine.”Their reactions are what I expect—shock, confusion, and a hint of anger flickering in t
Aria’s POVI grin at her, feeling a rush of warmth surge through me as I take a sip. Just when I think it couldn’t get any better, Emily digs into her bag and pulls out a pack of donuts, waving them triumphantly in the air. “Look what I brought!” she exclaims, like a child revealing a treasure. Damn me if I am wrong, but those donuts fit perfectly with the hot chocolate.“Jesus, the way you guys are so concerned about me. I love you so much!” I can’t help but gush, the weight of my earlier emotional turmoil dissipating as I realize how lucky I am to have friends like them.Emily and Maira both chuckle, their eyes lighting up in response to my words. They share a glance with each other, a secretive little moment that doesn’t go unnoticed, but they don’t say anything. I feel a slight flutter of curiosity about what they are up to, but I decide to brush it aside for the moment.I choose to shift my entire focus away from the drama back at the house. I can’t even call it home anymore; it
Aria’s POV“Yeah, she’s not worth your attention,” Maira adds, her voice firm. “You’re on the verge of something fun. Just think about how this vacation could change everything for you, Aria. New experiences, new perspectives! Imagine all the opportunities waiting for you out there. Just breathe it in.”I nod, letting their words wash over me like a soothing mantra. Perhaps they are right. Perhaps this is a chance, a turning point I need desperately. With a lighter heart, I ask, “Okay, so what’s the first thing we’re going to do when we arrive?”Emily grins, “Hit the beach, of course! Then we head to that bar Maira scheduled for drinks and live music. We’ll make friends, dance like nobody’s watching, and just embrace everything this trip has to offer!”****Soon enough, our flight is called, and we board. We have already taken out our masks, and I sink into my seat on the cramped airplane, grateful that my flight to Paulos Island is finally about to take off. It feels like a well-dese
Aria’s POV“I might have just met someone,” I confess, biting my lip to suppress a smile, already knowing they won’t let it go.“Oh? Anyone interesting?” Maira probes, her eyes wide open with interest, fully awake now.“Let’s just say... if I see him again, we might just have some fun on this island!” I laugh, my heart racing thinking back to the wild promise I just made.“Details! We need all the details!” Emily presses, pulling me closer as we walk toward the baggage claim.“Let’s just say,” I whisper conspiratorially, “he might be the kind of guy who’s up for a little more than just flirting.”“Woahhhhh! You went that far?!” Emily exclaims, her eyes wide. “Damn girl, that seems almost impossible to see you do. What in the world came over you?”Thinking about it… What has even come over me? I left home a few hours ago, feeling distraught, tired, and pissed off as hell—but now I’m flirting with some handsome stranger. Talk about randomness.“Well, not that I'm complaining anyway. You
Aria’s POV“Are you ready to steal the night?” Emily adds, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.“Oh, you bet I am!” I reply, feeling the thrill course through my veins.The energy between us crackles like electricity as we stand, ready to embrace the night, whatever it might bring. I have a feeling it has plenty in store for us. With one final glance in the mirror, we adjust our outfits, making sure every detail is perfect before heading out. The anticipation in the air is palpable, and I can practically taste the excitement.As we step into the vibrant nightlife of the city, the sounds of laughter and music surround us, pulling us into the pulsating heart of the party. Bright lights flash against the darkness of the street, guiding our path to the club.As we reach the entrance of the club, I feel a rush of exhilaration. I take a deep breath, feeling alive in a way I haven’t in a long time. This is exactly what I need—a night fueled by laughter, dancing, and possibilities.T