Emily’s POVI grip the steering wheel tightly as I drive back to the hospital, the memory of Caleb’s lying face burned into my mind.“I'll kill him,” I mutter to myself as I pull into the hospital parking lot, I hardly notice the familiar buildings around me. My thoughts are laser-focused on the task ahead. I slam the car door shut behind me and stride inside, my heels echoing against the tiled floor. I need to make things right. Aria deserves the best care, and I won’t settle for anything less.“Excuse me,” I call out to the receptionist at the front desk, my voice firm. She looks up, startled by the intensity of my gaze.“Yes, how can I help you?” she asks, her expression shifting from surprise to concern.“I need to speak with the head of the hospital about transferring Aria to the VIP suite,” I demand, not bothering to soften my tone.“Uh, the VIP suite?” She blinks at me, clearly unsure. “May I ask why? She’s already receiving—”“Because she’s not getting the absolute best care s
Emily’s POVI sit still in the VIP suite of the hospital, watching Aria lie in her bed. The room is quiet except for the rhythm of the machines monitoring her health. I haven’t left since Aria arrived, got moved, and her assistant/ friend Maira insists on staying too.“How long do you think she’ll be like this?” Maira whispers, not wanting to disturb the peace. I could see the circles underneath her eyes. She was so tired.“I don’t know,” I reply, my voice low. And move even closer to her, kissing her on the cheek. She smiles weakly and I ruffle her hair while replying, “But I’m not leaving her side. Not now.”Maira nods, tracing her fingers over the blanket covering Aria. “The doctors say she’s stable, but it’s been hard. I don't know how she will react when she wakes to the news.” Maira’s eyes watered and it took me all I had not to hug her but I knew she wouldn't want me to do that, she would break down and hate herself later for it. I simply pat her shoulder and smile at her.“Whe
Emily’s POVWe sit in the hospital room, the soft beeping of the machines filling the silence. Aria is still in a coma. I glance at my friends, but anger boils inside me, especially after seeing Susan’s audition on TV.Chloe suddenly breaks the silence. “I’m done playing nice,” she says, her eyes filled with anger.“What do you mean?” Maira asks, tilting her head.“I mean we need to fight dirty. We can’t let Susan just take everything from Aria. She needs a reality check, fuck doing this legally, I'm going to drag her down, the actress way.” Chloe replies, anger instant in her voice.“What are you thinking?” I ask.“I’m going to post something online. Something that will wake people up,” Chloe says, nodding to herself as if approving of her plan.“Chloe, be careful. You don’t want to start a war with Susan. She is a tricky witch. I warn her.“Oh, that won't pose a problem for me. Besides, maybe that’s exactly what I want,” she smirks. “I’ll write about how even sisters can turn agains
Susan storms into her empty house, slamming the door behind her. Anger boils inside her. The chaos on social media fills her mind. Threats to cancel her come pouring in."Why can’t they just mind their own business? How is it anyone's fuckin business if I slept with the movie manager or slapped Chloe?! Who the fuck does that brat think she is?!" she mutters, running her fingers through her hair. “Aria and her stupid friends had to mess everything up.”She takes a deep breath, trying to calm down. “I planned everything perfectly. They shouldn’t have leaked my audition. Aria doesn't deserve this! This is my moment!”Fueled by rage, she grabs her keys and heads out. She starts her car and speeds toward the hospital, gripping the steering wheel tight."You think this is fair, Aria? Really? You’re lying in that hospital bed while I’m out here, fighting for my life. You get all the sympathy, all the attention. What about me? I’ve worked harder than anyone!Did you even think about how this
Emily’s POVI think the hospital is supposed to be a place of peace, a sanctuary where we can stay around Aria and support her in this fight for her life. But that idea falls apart all too quickly. Within hours of Susan’s arrest, news crews swarm the entrance like a pack of vultures. I peek out from Aria’s hospital room, my heart a mix of anger and anxiety as I see bright lights and cameras flashing, the press eager to catch any glimpse of the situation.“They’re everywhere,” Maira says, pushing her hair back with trembling hands. “What are they hoping to see? Aria’s condition? As if they care. They want to make a huge press out of this. Argh, those bastards!”“I don’t know,” I reply, my gaze fixed on the chaos outside. “But it feels like they’re just waiting for something to happen. It’s disgusting.”Chloe flips through her phone furiously, her brow knitted. “Look at all this. People are posting about Susan and Aria everywhere. It’s a trending topic.”“Of course it is,” Maira mutters
Caleb’s POVI wake up feeling a bit off. The room is dim and quiet, Susan and I had the most amazing sex so far.“Not something I get to enjoy every day” I mumble to myself but something feels off. I pick up my phone, open it and that's when I see the news. My heart races when I read, “Aria in Coma Following Unknown Accident .” Panic grabs me like a vice.All thoughts of Susan and what we just had fly out of my mind“ Oh my God,” I say, jumping out of bed. “What happened to you, Aria?”I don’t think about anything. I throw on a T-shirt and pants, almost tearing my shoes as I lace them. My mind is racing. I have to go to the hospital.I rush down the stairs, my feet pounding. I burst through the front door into the cool night air. I feel my heart pounding loud and fast.The drive to the hospital feels like forever. Everything around me blurs. *Please be okay, please be okay.* All I can think about is Aria.---At last, I reach the hospital. My heart sinks. Reporters crowd the entrance.
Caleb’s POVI sit in the hallway, filled with dread and worry. My mind spins as I think about Aria and all that has happened. I hear footsteps.A nurse walks up to me, her face serious. “You can see her now,” she says. “But be quick. She needs rest.”My heart races. “Thank you!” I say, jumping up. I hurry down the hallway.As I reach Aria’s room, I take a deep breath. I push the door open slowly. The sight inside hits me hard. Aria lies there, pale and still, with machines beeping around her. I take a step in, but then I feel someone rush past me.“Get away from her!” It’s Emily. She runs right at me, anger in her eyes. She shoves me hard, and I stumble back.“What the hell?” I shout, shocked. “What are—”Before I can finish, I feel a sharp pain in my groin. Maira kicked me hard right where it hurts the most. I cry out and drop to the floor, agony flooding my body.“You deserve this!” Emily screams, and I look up to see her furious face. “You’re a bastard!”Maira stands beside Emily,
Caleb’s POVAs I step closer to Aria's bed, my heart is heavy with worry. Machines beep quietly around her, and I feel a rush of anger. Why the fuck did she have to do this now? Day in and day out, she was straying far and far off the deal. I take her hand in mine, feeling the warmth that reminds me of how she used to hold my hand tightly. Nowadays, she wouldn't even pretend to hide her disgust.“I’m here, Aria,” I say softly, putting on the act of the caring husband. “I’ve been worried sick about you. You need to wake up, okay?”I lean in closer, whispering so only she can hear me. “If you don’t wake up soon, weakling, they’ll come for you. I know you can hear me, bitch. Wake the fuck up!”I pull back quickly, checking for any sign of movement. I see her eyes still closed, her face pale. I feel a mix of hope and frustration; she needs to snap out of it or she is going to get herself killed.Suddenly, I hear footsteps approaching. I turn to see Emily’s furious face. “What the hell a
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.