Chapter 51

ARIA'S POV

Dante's words were so raw and rough, sending a wave of emotions crashing through me. I suddenly felt my defenses faltering, weakening under the intensity of his stare.

I had to remind myself: he was the one who hurt me, who chose to believe lies over the truth, who doubted me. I was the one who had bled, who had been humiliated in front of everyone.

Can someone, anyone at all, tell me why the hell I felt that familiar pang in my chest, the one that reminded me of the Dante I once knew, the Dante I had once loved?

He let out a sigh, almost as if he could sense my inner struggle. “Aria,” he whispered, his voice softer, carrying something that sounded too much like regret.

Hearing him say my name like that, like it was a plea, made my heart twist. I shouldn’t have cared. I should’ve stayed angry, but I couldn’t help myself.

I sighed and turned to Adam. “Leave us for a moment,” I said, my tone firm.

Adam’s eyes darted between Dante and me, looking clearly skeptical. “Aria, are