Liam’s POVI’d been on hold for ten minutes before the owner of one of the news outlets finally picks up the phone. I knew Chuck well enough. We’d hung around at the same parties and same events in my younger years, back when I’d been a driver with a partying reputation to uphold.Since I fell out o
I might have understood the high society way of life but that didn’t make me partial to it. The opposite, having to negotiate for everything was exhausting. Everyone was out for themselves. Chuck agreed to keep things quiet until Sunday, but I imagined even that wasn’t entirely selfless.In a few mo
Aria’s POV“Well, you’re pregnant!”!” The doctor turned the ultrasound screen toward me, pointing to a tiny, almost imperceptible form.My world stopped. I reached down, my fingers brushing the barely noticeable swell of my abdomen. A wave of warmth and excitement surged through me.I couldn't wait
Aria’s POVWhen I woke up, the sterile scent of antiseptic filled my nostrils, and the harsh fluorescent lights above me made my head throb. I blinked, trying to make sense of where I was. The hospital.Panic rose in my chest as I reached down, my hands trembling as they settled over my abdomen. The
Aria’s POV“Get out of my way!” Liam’s voice thundered through the room, his eyes blazing with anger as he glared at me.I stood frozen, unable to move, the words stinging like a slap. But before I could even register what was happening, he scooped up Sophia in his arms and stormed past me, heading
Third Person POVThe bustling noise of the airport surrounded them as Joe walked with wide-eyed curiosity through the busy terminal. His mother, Aria, was a few steps ahead, her mind focused on getting to their gate on time.They had just returned from a week-long retreat with some of Aria’s high-pr
Aria’s POV"Mom, you can’t wear that!" Joe stood with his hands on his hips, his tiny face scrunched up in disapproval. He looked so serious that I had to bite back a smile."You need to dress up properly before heading to work," he insisted, pointing to the closet as if he were the parent and I the
Aria’s POVI sneered, unable to keep the bitterness from my voice. "And what does it matter to you? It’s not yours anyway."Jackson shifted uncomfortably beside me, clearly caught in the middle of this tense standoff.His usual bravado melted away as he glanced nervously at Liam, who stood across fr
I might have understood the high society way of life but that didn’t make me partial to it. The opposite, having to negotiate for everything was exhausting. Everyone was out for themselves. Chuck agreed to keep things quiet until Sunday, but I imagined even that wasn’t entirely selfless.In a few mo
Liam’s POVI’d been on hold for ten minutes before the owner of one of the news outlets finally picks up the phone. I knew Chuck well enough. We’d hung around at the same parties and same events in my younger years, back when I’d been a driver with a partying reputation to uphold.Since I fell out o
Liam’s POV“I sent out the invitations,” Joanna said first thing the next morning in the office.“What? You were supposed to let me see the list first,” I said, surprised and annoyed. Per our previous discussions and agreements, I was supposed to have the final say on the list of invitees.She rolle
Aria’s POVDuring break, I went to the coffee machine in the hallway to get myself a fresh cup. Unfortunately when I went to pour, the pot was empty. Sighing, I grabbed the pot and turned toward the breakroom to use the sink to refill it.Turning, however, I nearly walked straight into Joanna, who I
Watching me, she slowly raises a brow. “If I can make it happen this Saturday, you’ll let me invite whoever I want?”“Within reason,” I said. “I don’t have to tell you why I want to keep this a secret,” I said. If Aria found out about this, it could be the end of everything. I wasn’t going to risk l
Liam’s POVThe next morning, Joanna sat in our shared office avoiding work and creating the official guest list for our engagement party instead. Occasionally, she would throw out a name. Again and again, I would remind her.“I want this to be as small of a party as possible, Joanna.”Again and agai
Liam’s POV Markus’s smile grew, seemingly even more pleased. “Good. You’ve finally seen the truth in things then. Women. Relationships. What do they matter? Legacy, that’s what’s important. You are making the right choice, son. Finally. But then, I always knew you’d come around.” He only could be
Their leaving together could have been a coincidence. Even so, an uncomfortable feeling rose up in my stomach. They looked good together, side by side. Both so attractive, model-like, even though Joanna seemed much happier than Liam. His unhappiness was what gave me the strength to step forward.
Aria’s POV There had to be some kind of misunderstanding. Even if Jackson truly had seen what he said he’d seen, there had to be an explanation. If there wasn’t, then this, combined with those texts Joanna showed me, and the one I had spotted on Liam’s phone last night all added up to only one con