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
Aria’s POV“Uh-oh, I think I might have to challenge your dancing skills,” Sebastian teases, leaning into the playful atmosphere.“I’ll take you down!” I shoot back, my cheeks flushed with laughter.We dance under the stars, moving freely and unabashedly like no one is watching. The music from downstairs pulses through the ground beneath us, and I can feel it resonating through my body. As the night wears on, we take turns twirling and spinning each other, sharing dizzying laughter that seems to echo into the night.“See? This is already a better memory,” Sebastian says as he spins me in yet another wild twirl, our laughter echoing off the rooftop walls.Just then, I notice the vibrancy of the party below drawing me back toward the door once again. “I should check on my friends,” I say, reluctantly stepping back from the railing. “They came out with me tonight, and I don’t want to leave them hanging.”“Good call.” Sebastian nods, though there is a hint of disappointment in his eyes.A
AT THE BARMaira’s POVThe bar is alive with energy, music pulsating through the air as I scan the crowd, my eyes landing on Emily. She leans against the bar, her laughter ringing out like a challenge. We have never been friends—far from it. We have danced around each other with verbal jabs and icy glances, a rivalry that sparks tension and animosity. But tonight, fueled by alcohol and adrenaline, that tension feels different, more electric. I don’t like the way the guys are trying to impress her. Sure, she is definitely pretty, but in that outfit? Lethal is much more accurate.“Can you believe we’re stuck in the same place?” Emily shouts over the music, her voice dripping with mockery while a sly smile plays on her lips.“Trust me, I’d rather be anywhere else. All these boys hanging off you is annoying enough. I need to breathe,” I shoot back, yet even I can hear the wavering in my tone. Something about the moment catches me off-guard, the tension crackling between us more palpable
Aria’s POVThis is definitely not my room. Gathering from the arms wrapped around me… this is as sure as hell not my bed. WHAT THE FUCK! I scream internally and try to slip away from whoever is crushing me in a bear hug. What the heck is his name? Sloan? Seb? I know it starts with an S, but I have no idea exactly what it is. All I know is that I need to get out of here, and I need to do it fast. But before I can make a move, the guy behind me groans and shifts to get up. He walks out of the room, and I hear him move down the stairs, and in that instant, all the memories from yesterday flood in… Sitting up slowly, the sheets slide off my bare legs, and a dull ache radiates through my body, making my heart race as snippets of the night resurface. Sebastian. The rooftop dancing, laughter, drinks, and the wild decision to leave the club together... and then... Oh God. I feel heat rush to my cheeks as the realization hits me like a wave. We end up here, in his house on the islan
Emily’s POVI wake up to the soft glow of the island's morning sunlight filtering through the white curtains. It casts a warm, golden hue that usually brings me some comfort. But today? It’s like a spotlight on my throbbing headache. “Ugh,” I groan, turning to the side and reaching for the water glass on the nightstand. The coolness feels strange against my dry lips.As I sip the water, memories from last night flood back—vivid and raw, filled with both excitement and confusion. Maira. I can see her smile, hear her laughter, and feel the warmth of her body next to mine. But then it hits me—she’s gone. I look around the room and I can't believe it.“Where is she?” I whisper to myself, my heart sinking. “How can she just run away after everything we shared?”Just then, I curse under my breath. “How dare she leave after what happened? It doesn’t matter if she was drunk! She shouldn’t have taken off out of nowhere!”I had wanted to stop her so badly when she woke up, but I couldn't. Ther
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.