Aria’s POVI pushed my lunch around my plate, barely registering the half-eaten salad in front of me. My mind was still stuck on last night. Dinner with Liam hadn’t been what I expected—not by a long shot.“Okay, spill,” Isabella said, sliding into the seat across from me in the cafe. “You’ve been o
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I said flatly, turning back to my screen. Jackson shrugged, but his grin lingered.“Hey, I’m just saying, it’s nice to see him not storming around like he’s about to fire half the office. Must be all those good vibes you’re sending his way.”I didn’t respo
Aria’s POVI made my way through the bustling office, the faint hum of phones ringing and keyboards clacking a familiar backdrop. The corridor was quieter as I approached Liam’s office, away from the buzz of the main floor.I clutched the file in my hand—Jackson’s latest training plan, something I n
“But I guess you’d know all about sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong.”She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “You think Liam’s gonna just forget everything that happened between you two? He’s moved on, Aria. And Logan? He’s just stringing you along because it’s
Liam’s POVLogan barged into my office without knocking, arms crossed and that holier-than-thou look on his face. I knew what was coming before he even opened his mouth.“You need to stop dragging Aria into this mess,” he said, his voice laced with accusation.I didn’t even bother looking up from th
“Great,” I said, maybe too quickly. “See you then.”I hung up before she could ask any more questions, tossing my phone onto the desk. What the hell was I doing?---I was leaning against the car when Aria showed up, right on time. She was always on time—hadn’t changed a bit in that regard.Her hair
Aria’s POVI pulled up in front of Joe’s school, watching as the kids trickled out of the building. Joe spotted me from across the playground, his face lighting up as he waved.I smiled back, stepping out of the car as he ran over, his backpack bouncing with every step.“Hey, bud,” I greeted, openin
Liam was unpredictable, and I couldn’t risk Joe getting hurt if things fell apart again.“I get it.” I said finally, leaning down to kiss his forehead. “Goodnight, bud.”“Night, Mom,” Joe whispered, closing his eyes as I turned off the light and left the room.---The next morning, I arrived at the
Taking the long way, I ascended the stairwell in the headquarters building. There, as I was heading up, Aria came rushing down.“Aria,” I said, spotting her on the landing above.She stopped but turned her head away from me. “Liam.”That was a rather frosty reception, even with how strained things h
Liam’s POVI didn’t need my father’s approval for anything, and I certainly didn’t need his pride. He was clearly up to something here, though what that could be, I wasn’t sure yet.A big part of me what to tell him off, but another side of me, the more reasonable side, insisted that I hold my tongu
Aria’s POVEver since William asked me about the divorce, the question stuck in my brain. If the kids were even able to perceive the many difficulties between us, enough to assume that we were going to split permanently, then Liam and I needed really needed to have a discussion right now, not on Sun
Liam’s POVFriday morning, I was filled with dread and trepidation. I wasn’t looking forward to this coming weekend, not even slightly. The engagement party set for Saturday night was sure to be terrible, but it’s the potential fallout with Aria that had me on edge the most.I hoped she could see my
Aria’s POVThe question blindsided me, and I had no idea how to answer it. How did William know Liam and I were having troubles? We’d tried so hard not to fight in front of them anymore. And even though we’d been distant with each other, we always tried to be friendly when the kids were around.But
Liam’s POVI placed my hands on William’s shoulders, hoping to ease him. His posture had gotten all tense, when he’d confronted Jackson. I was a little worried he might start a fight with Jackson now, too.“Thanks William, but it’s okay,” I said. “Jackson isn’t wrong. I have been failing Aria by not
Aria’s POV“William? What are you doing here?”William, with Liam holding his hand, come into my office.“Can I hang out with you today?” William asked me.I looked up at Liam, searching for explanation.“Someone got into a fight with the school bully,” Liam said. “He’s been suspended for the rest o
“This is my son, William,” I said. To William, I added, “William, this is my co-worker Joanna.”“Just a co-worker? How cruel?”“Joanna,” I snapped. I wouldn’t tolerate her attempting to drag my kids into this unpleasant arrangement between us, and if she even wanted to try it, I’d burn the whole thi
Liam’s POVAs William had been suspended from school for a couple of days, I had no choice but to take him back to the office with me, at least for today. We could later make accommodations for the rest of the week, but it was difficult to get a full day nanny at the last minute.“Now, Liam,” I tol