CHAPTER 14: THE RIDE 1

Despite her father's insistence on driving her to James's condo the next day, Aria stood her ground. She couldn’t shake the overwhelming guilt that had settled over her since the events of yesterday unfolded in that very unit.

She knocked on the door, and it swung open almost immediately. “Breakfast?” James greeted her with a bright smile that lit up his face, instantly making her heart flutter.

The morning sun streamed through the window behind him, creating a halo effect around his figure, casting soft golden rays that danced on the floor. Aria found herself momentarily lost in the warmth of his presence, the way his eyes sparkled with genuine happiness making her breath catch in her throat.

Caught off guard by the charm of his smile, Aria felt a wave of warmth wash over her, enveloping her like a comforting blanket. The playful light in his eyes seemed to erase the doubts that had clouded her mind just moments before. She couldn’t help but smile back, a spontaneous reaction that li