Liam’s POVJoe’s small voice cut through the noise of the bustling event. "Daddy!" he called out, waving excitedly at someone behind me.I turned around, not expecting much, and there he was—Logan. My childhood friend, my rival in many ways, and the person who had always seemed to do everything righ
Aria’s POVI sat at the kitchen table, watching as Joe and Logan stood side by side in front of me, both looking like two boys caught in the act.Joe’s small face was a mix of guilt and determination, while Logan’s expression was apologetic yet amused.Joe was the first to speak, his voice wavering
My mind kept drifting back to the conversation with Logan and the implications of our arrangement.Later, I received a message from Liam, instructing me to bring the divorce papers and meet him. I had expected this meeting, but it still filled me with a sense of unease.When I arrived, Liam wasted n
Liam’s POV“What does he mean by that?” I asked, my eyes narrowing as I caught the odd phrasing in Joe’s words.The question hovered in the air, tension high between us.Aria didn’t hesitate. She stepped in quickly, her voice firm and decisive. “He mistook you for someone else.”“Mistook me?” I repe
Logan didn’t even flinch. His smirk remained, eyes glinting with a knowing gleam.“Why are you so angry? I thought you didn’t love her. Since you’ve chosen Sophia, why don’t you stop meddling in Aria’s life?”I stared at him, incredulous. “What choice? What does this have to do with Sophia?”“Enough
Aria’s POVLogan and I sat on the front steps of my house, the warm evening air settling around us. Joe was inside, playing with his toys, unaware of the heavy conversation that was about to unfold."If you want to transfer Joe to another school, I can help with that," Logan said, breaking the silen
His words hit me like a blow, leaving me momentarily speechless. I had always believed that if I tried hard enough, I could make up for Joe not having a father in his life.But Joe’s innocent question shattered that illusion. For a moment, I just sat there, struggling to find the right words.I coul
Aria's POVMy heart pounded in my chest, the sound almost deafening as I tried to regain my composure. Liam was too close, his presence overwhelming in the small fitting room.I couldn't let him see how rattled I was, not now, not ever. I needed him gone."Leave, Liam," I demanded, my voice low and
My brow drew together in confusion. “What happened?”At that moment, Rita returned carrying a fresh cup of coffee, which she set down in front of me.Alistair’s entire demeanor changed once more. Shedding his down-to-business persona, he looked up at her with a bright, friendly, and relaxed expressi
Liam’s POVThe Circle Café was a smaller restaurant, opened only for breakfast and lunch and located in one of the corner buildings in the older part of time. It had an eclectic sort of aesthetic, with the paintings of many local artists on the walls for sale. The booths were all different colors an
Liam’s POV“I have a plan,” I said, which such a blatant lie that I needed to rephrase. “I have the beginnings of a plan…”Jackson crossed his arms. “So you have no idea what you are doing.”God, it really did seem that way, didn’t it? He should have spoken to Aria more at length this morning about
“We don’t lie to each other, remember?” I prompted. “I want the truth, Liam.”“You’re right,” he said and pushed a hand through his hair. “I wasn’t going to lie to you, but I’ve been doing a hell of a job avoiding the truth. I’m sorry, Aria.” He sighed. “The truth is… I got a weird call from one of
Aria’s POVAfter that perfect date with Liam and then the just-as-perfect evening with my family, I awoke feeling more hopeful than I had in a very long time. For the first time since Markus and Joanna entered our lives, I began to look forward to my future as Liam’s wife.It might be callous, I wou
Aria’s POVThe kiss was electric, shooting sparked throughout my entire body, starting with where Liam’s lips were pressed to mine. In a flash, his arms wrapped around me, his head tilted, his lips started to part, coaxing mine open as well.As we kissed, falling so easily back into each other, one
Liam’s POVIn my office later, I spent more time thinking about how to prove my love to Aria than I did actually working. Fortunately, not much was needed from me that day, though Joanna, ever watchful, was quick to call out my distraction.“Maybe you should focus on work instead of thinking about a
Aria’s POVHe loved me. I was the only woman for him.They were pretty words, but when paired with the raw earnestness and love in his eyes, I found I could not disbelieve them.Maybe it was wishful thinking on my part. Maybe I was simply allowing myself to be vulnerable to hurt once more.But, the
Especially while Aria was out there confused and hurting.Ignoring Joanna, I rushed out of the room and then into the stairwell. Reasoning Aria either retreated to her office, the bathroom, or her car, I started to take the stairs down two at a time.Shortly, I spotted her on the landing between flo