Aria’s POVThe hum of voices around me barely registers as I take a sip of my iced tea, trying to focus on the conversation at hand. I’m in the middle of a lunch meeting, nodding politely as the person across from me discusses project deadlines and client demands.The restaurant is bustling, and my
I wish I had a good answer for him, but the truth is, I don’t know what’s going on in Sophia’s head. I just know that William deserves more than what he’s getting.I take a deep breath, choosing my words carefully.“I don’t know, William. But I want you to know that you’re always welcome with me and
Liam’s POVI can’t shake it, the regret gnawing at me since last night.I sit at my desk, staring blankly at the documents in front of me, not seeing any of it. I keep replaying those words in my head— “Please, don’t break my heart.” What the hell was I thinking? It sounded desperate, lovesick, eve
That hits her hard. I see it in the way her face tightens, in the flicker of doubt that passes over her features. She’s shaken, but instead of backing down, she hardens."Don’t turn this around on me," she snaps, stepping closer. "This is about Aria, and you know it."I shake my head. "This is about
Aria’s POVI sit at my desk, absently clicking through emails while my mind swims with the unresolved weight of everything. The looming job promotion, my tangled feelings for both Liam and Logan, and of course, Joe’s place in all this.A knock at the door snaps me out of my thoughts.“Hey, Aria, som
Aria’s POVThe auditorium at Joe and William’s school buzzes with excited energy as parents, teachers, and students gather for the science fair presentations. I take a seat in the front row, my eyes scanning the stage for the boys.They’re near the back, standing beside a large, papier-mâché volcano
Aria’s POVThe phone buzzes on my desk, cutting through the soft hum of the office. I glance at the screen, already knowing who it is before I pick up.The executive’s name flashes across my phone, and a knot forms in my stomach. I’ve been expecting this call, but that doesn’t make it any easier.“A
Liam’s POV The rhythmic hum of the printer fills the room, each sheet of paper sliding out one after the other. I watch them as if they're about to reveal the secrets of the universe, but my heart pounds a little harder with every page that lands on my desk.My assistant gives me a tentative smile
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