Chapter 25

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