“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
Aria’s POVThe next few days were a blur of cold, tense exchanges between Liam and me. I kept my distance, barely speaking to him unless it was necessary, and when we did talk, the words were clipped and sharp.It didn’t go unnoticed—gossip buzzed around the office, the team clearly picking up on th
Liam’s POVI watched my phone as it rang, seeing Joanna’s name on the screen. After talking with the investor, and already receiving texts from the others that mirror his opinions, I had next to no desire to answer this call and speak with Joanna herself.And after what she said on television… She p
Aria’s POVI sat on the couch between Liam and Joe, with William sitting on the other side of Liam, watching as the interview was about to air on television.I’d been nervous, even up to a minute ago, but now I only felt numb. I had no idea what was about to happen, but in this moment, I had nothing
Joe’s POVAfter school the next day, William and Joe are supposed to go to the bus and take it home, but they sidetrack, heading downtown instead. Using one of the kids at school’s phone, they already texted Isabelle their plans, asking her to pick them up. They didn’t stick around to see if there w
Aria’s POVIt was the easiest question of my life. “Of course I do. I love Liam very much.”“Then that’s really all you need,” Jackson said. Seeing I was about to dismiss him, he hurriedly continues. “Listen, I know it sounds cliché, but it’s the honest truth. Does it matter what anyone else thinks?
Liam’s POVI stared at Joanna, as the dread crept up inside of me. She was clearly trying to intimidate me though, as if hoping to see if I’d buckle under pressure, and I absolutely refused to give her that satisfaction. So I rallied myself, standing straighter, and told her plainly, “I won’t be int
Liam’s POVWho the hell did this guy think he was, coming into our home and attacking Aria like that? The interviewer Craig had a bad attitude from the start, but I’d been willing to overlook all of it for the sake of the actual interview. To even get the crew here, I’d had to call in some favors. I
Despite that look, the first half of the interview seemed to go alright. Liam and I introduced Joe and William, and the kids talked for a bit about how much they loved us, as well as some of their favorite pastimes.“I want to be a racecar driver when I get older,” William said. “Just like my dad.”
Aria’s POVThe producer suggested that we start with the full family interview as we eased into things, so, after the crew set up the cameras in lighting in the living room, we sat down.The interviewer, the reporter from the station Liam had called a favor into, kept us waiting for a while, as he s
Aria’s POVUnder my ear, I heard the quick pulsing of Liam’s heart, hammering in his chest. Glancing up at him, I was surprised to find his eyes a little wide. Then, I realized the implications of what I had just said.“I didn’t mean it like that!” I said quickly, blushing hard.I wasn’t ready for s