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
The late afternoon sun spilled into the hotel room as I approached the door, feeling a knot of anticipation and anxiety twist in my stomach. It’s time to meet up with Aria and Maira. After a wild and somewhat subtle morning, I knock, trying to shake off the strange tension hanging over my head.“Emily! Come in!” Aria’s voice comes from the other side, her excitement clear.I walk in and see her sprawled on the couch, scrolling through her phone. Maira is perched at the edge, her gaze focused on the screen. Something feels off; the energy is cold, and our usual back-and-forth banter is missing. Shit, this couldn't go on.“Hey, Maira,” I say, forcing a smile.“Hi, Emily,” she nods, barely looking up. The silence stretches, and I can’t shake the feeling that something's wrong.Aria sits up, a puzzled expression on her face. “You two seem... quiet. What’s going on? You’re acting weird.”“We’re fine!” I blurt out, maybe a bit too loudly. “Right, Maira?”“Sure,” she says, glancing at me be
We got into the restaurant, placed our orders, and settled at a cozy table with a sweeping view of the sunset. The soft sounds of ocean waves and cheerful chatter fill the air. Aria wastes no time whipping out her phone and setting up the live video for her followers.“Alright, everyone! Welcome to a fabulous night on the island with me, Aria, and my amazing friends, Emily and Maira!” she announces, her enthusiasm radiating through the screen.“Hey, everyone!” I wave, planting a huge grin on my face.Maira rolls her eyes playfully, a slight smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah, we’re here too, I suppose. Just don’t expect too much excitement from me.”“You say that now!” Aria laughs, placing the phone down as she glances at the first dish arriving at our table. “Okay, first up is the tuna tartare! Look at how fresh and colorful this is!”“I’ve never had tartare before!” I say, peering closely as Aria gestures to the vibrant dish.“Let’s give it a try!” Aria picks up a fork and takes a bit
Once we arrive back at our penthouse suite, the atmosphere feels lighter despite the earlier chaos. The night’s excitement hangs in the air as we flop down onto the plush couches, laughter still bubbling between us. It had been quite the afternoon but we were anything but tired!“Okay, that was wild,” Aria says, throwing her head back in a dramatic fashion. “Who knew a restaurant outing would turn into a scene straight out of a movie?”Maira laughs, shaking her head. “Honestly, that slap should’ve been captured on my phone. I regret not filming it.”“Next time, don’t just film the food!” I chime in, a playful grin on my face. “Capture the drama too!"Aria’s expression shifts a bit as she rummages through her bag. “Well, we have some time to relax before getting ready for that party. It’ll be nice to unwind a bit, but I have to admit, I’m still buzzing from the evening.”“I’m with you on that,” I reply, stretching my legs out on the couch, and allowing myself to settle in.Just as I si
The night is electric as we stand in front of the club, lights flashing and music thumping from within. Aria's excitement is infectious, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. “I can't believe we’re finally here!” she exclaims, practically bouncing on her heels.“Buckle up, ladies! This is going to be a night to remember,” I say, matching her excitement.Maira adjusts her dress, a smile creeping across her face. “I’ve needed this more than anything. Just let loose, you know?”As we enter the club, the atmosphere engulfs us. The bass pulses through the air, and the vibrant crowd sways like waves on the shore. People recognize Aria immediately, their expressions shifting from surprise to delight. A couple approaches her.“Oh my god, Aria! Can we get a picture?” a girl squeals, her eyes wide with admiration.“Of course! Let’s do it,” Aria beams, leading them to the side while I catch Maira’s eye.“Look at that! She’s a total superstar now,” Maira says, her voice laced with a mixture of pr