“Good day,” I greeted casually and walked past Mr. Zane Winchester.“I expected more than a ‘good day’.” I did not want to respond because I didn't want to. However, I needed to set the rules straight.“Excuse me, Mr Winchester. What else was I supposed to say?” I said as I turned back around.Throwing up his hands in exasperation, “Stop calling me Mr Winchester! I am your father!” He whisper-yelled.“You stopped being my father six years ago when you heard I got divorced and had nowhere to go to. Yet you didn't reach out.” I spat, venomously.He flinched and took in a deep breath shakingly while massaging his temples. “Aria, I'm sorry that I didn't reach out to you. I also had my reasons.” He mumbled.My heart tightened, and I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping not to say anything too harsh because I'd regret it later on. “Whatever your reasons were, I hope it keeps holding you down because I'm doing well without you.”I took a long pause before finishing my statement. “Everyone thinks I
I looked like a deer caught in the headlight and my mind raced with different questions. ‘How did he know where I was shooting?’‘What do I tell Zion.’‘Who do I tell him it's from?’“Aria? What are those?” He questioned again.My heart raced and I didn't know what to say “Ummm…it’s a package.” I mumbled.“I am not dumb. From who?”“Just a crazy fan that wanted to express her love for me,” I chuckled nervously, hoping he wouldn't see through my lie.“Do I have to be worried about some crazy fans snatching my fiance or do I need to step up the game?” He mused, tapping his chin.I laughed heartily and strode in his direction to embrace him while squeezing the card lightly and chucking it in the bin. We walked together hand-in-hand back to the set.Johnny walked in our direction and stood in front of us, staring at our joined hands. It wasn't exactly a secret that we were in a relationship but his stare still made my cheek ting with a red shade.“Wow, I didn't peg y’all for the public d
|Aria's POV|Patience was a virtue.But that doesn't exist in my dictionary right now. My gaze flickered at Zion and the boys. He was going to drive me home but with the situation right now, I had to change my mind.I clutched my bag and walked in their direction. Their heads turned in my direction as they heard the soft clank of heels on the marble floor.Zion’s gaze roamed around my body, and he quickly dropped what he was holding and strode towards me.“Babe, are you okay?” he questioned.“Y-yes I am,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. Clearing my throat, I gave him an apologetic look. “I need to go home now. I would have loved to go home with you, but an emergency came up.”He gripped my shoulders. “Are the kids fine? Is there anything I can do to help?” He muttered.My eyes stung with tears at how concerned he was for my kids, “They are fine. I just need to check up on them.” I assured him.He pecked me on the lips and instructed me to call him when I got home. I walked
|Aria's POV| It's been two days since I got the text from Ace Kings. How he got my number is still a puzzle, but I don't doubt his connection. However, I immediately blocked the number.Ticking my fingers nervously, I looked outside the tinted windows as the scenery passed in a blur, but I was nervous. It's Saturday morning, and I'm heading to Zion’s place to officially get introduced to his family as his fiancé.The thought of not being accepted by his aunt scared me, but I was determined to make her like me. After all, it was not as if her opinion really mattered. But I heard how rude and unintentional she can be with her words, so I'm just hoping we get along. For Zion’s sake.After clarifying things with Brianna the other day, I felt safer with her and treated her like a friend of mine. Penelope was also glad when I reported the situation to her and Brianna confessed that the car was a gift from Ace for her twenty-first birthday.Before long, I was driving into Greggor's mansion.
|Penelope’s POV|Beep Beep BeepThe annoying sound of a machine was a constant reminder of the dilemma we were in. My hands hovered on Aria’s caller ID and a sob escaped me as I realized that her phone was beside her, and she couldn’t pick up. She doesn’t ever let me ring her twice before she picks up her phone.But the phone has been ringing, yet she couldn’t pick up.How did it all happen?I remember how panicked she was that morning that she was going to be introduced as Zion’s fiancé to his aunt. I had assured her that she would do well because you couldn’t resist Aria’s charm, unless you are just a hater.I was trying to investigate a client’s background when I received Zion’s call, which was a very strange thing. I mean, the only time we really engaged in each other’s business was when it was related to Aria, but apart from that, I don’t have strong relationships with my friends' boyfriends.He told me I needed to beg Brianna to stay over and sent me an address. On getting th
|Aria’s POV|We are currently going to my house, which I was told I bought with my own money, but everything feels strange and just there.That was until I heard that I had memory loss. However, I was assured that it would all return with time.But how could I feign love for children I can’t remember having?‘How can I be their mother when I don’t even remember them?’I saw how broken those two people— Penelope and Zion felt when they heard that. The conversations that day were:“You guys seemed upset about the memory loss, is it really bad?” I asked. A bitter laugh escaped Penelope before she answered, “Yes, it is! You don’t even realize you have a best friend and a fiancée…” She paused, her voice trembling lightly. “More especially your children! They’ve been asking when you’d bake cookies with them.”Today would be the day I would be discharged. Although it feels good to be out of the hospital, that means I would be thrown into my former life. A life I don’t remember living. A li
If you were asked to describe hell? What would you describe it as?Well, mine is the past two weeks. It was two weeks since I was discharged from the hospital and I later found out that the kids were playing the birthday prank on me and Brianna had supported the silly prank because that was the ultimatum they gave her or else they wouldn’t eat.Although, I would say the universe probably knew it wasn’t fair and had been slowly returning little memories. I remembered that their birthdays were on the sixteenth of June. Also, I spent the last weeks with the kids, doing whatever they wanted.I enjoyed every part of our activities. I didn’t know if it was because it was our routine, or if I was falling in love with my kids all over again.Penelope and Zion also didn’t leave my side, and they were helpful. I would say my life is pitiful because I was informed that I would be going onto the set for the first time after my accident.Zion shoved his head inside and whispered “Babe, are you r
|Aria’s POV|'Is this how I would keep living a purposeless...unproductive life? Would I continue being a shell of my old self?'That was all I thought as I marched away from the set to God knows where.Over the weeks, I’ve seen movies I've participated in, and I've realized that I love acting. But is this where it all stopped?What if I never regain my memories?‘Will I just be a ghost haunting my own life—trapped in a body that no longer felt like mine?’As I turned to my side, panic surged through me when I saw the car barreling towards me, its headlights blinding. My heart raced as I realized that I had only moments to react. I shut my eyes and held my head before the resounding screech of tyres sent me into another coma, but the car stopped just before it could hit me.The car door opened with a force that almost knocked it down. “What the fuck is wrong with you, woman? Do you have a death wish?” “I’m sorry,” I mumbled. ‘The universe is always so fast to grant my bad wishes.’
| Aria’s POV |"And who do we have here?""Oh yeah, my step-sister, who also happens to be one of Seattle’s biggest whores.""At least I’m not jumping into a married man’s bed," I retorted sharply.Satisfaction curled at the edges of my lips as her nose flared and her eyes narrowed. But as my gaze swept over her outfit, my brows furrowed. Of course, she was wearing something that barely qualified as a dress—more like lingerie. But I wasn’t surprised. Gabriella would do anything for male attention."What did you sa—""What are you doing here?" Ace’s sharp voice cut through, his irritation clear. "Last time I checked, I told you not to step into any of my office buildings unless you were prepared to face the consequences.""Oh, sweetheart," Gabriella crooned, tilting her head mockingly. "Are you still bothered by my presence? Does Aria know I still affect you this much?"Rolling my eyes, I muttered, "More like repulse." The words slipped out before I could stop myself.She scoffed and s
|Ace’s POV|My chair squeaked as I turned it around, my focus shifting from planning my office layout change to Harper, who had just barged in. At first, I assumed it was one of his usual visits, but the way he paced, chewing on his lip, told me otherwise.Then he spoke.I regretted asking what was wrong because this was not the kind of news I expected.“What?!” I yelled, disbelief washing over me.My head tilted slightly, and a smirk tugged at my lips. “She’s marrying Richard Banks? Damn, that’s a bold move.”“But hey, she’s marrying rich. I guess her personality suits her husband—at least she won’t take nonsense from Richard.”Harper’s jaw tightened. “You’re missing the point. It’s not about the marriage. Penny is pregnant—with my baby.”My breath hitched. I whipped my head toward him, blinking. “Wait… are we still talking about Penelope Collins?”His tone was gruff. “No, Alison Herbert.”"hahaha.. funny." I snickered but the expression got wiped when I saw how serious he looked.I
|Aria's POV|“Ughhhh… I can't believe him.”“He doesn't mix business with pleasure.”“I'm marrying her, and that's final?”These men have lost it. They're clearly out of their senses—assuming they had any to begin with.“Aria, calm down. You're letting these people stress you more than they should. You have your own things to look after.”“Bri, you weren't there. That old bastard threatened my kids and said he doesn't give a damn if Penny goes missing.” I reported.“I understand you, and I know how much you care for her. But don’t you think she wouldn’t approve of the stress you're going through now because of something you can both change?”“I thoug—”A sudden knock on the door interrupted me. I exchanged a glance with Brianna, suspicion creeping into my mind.“Are we expecting anyone?” I asked, my gaze locked on the door.Could it be the same person who dropped that letter last week?Without thinking, I strode to the door and yanked it open. My breath hitched when I saw Penny standi
|Zion’s POV|“Are you out of your goddamn mind, Zion? What the fuck is wrong with you?”“Have you been sniffing something weird that’s making you act like an uncultured animal?”“Why would you talk to your fiancée like that? What has she done to deserve such cruel words from you?”“Dad,” I tried, my voice barely above a whisper.“Don’t call me that until you screw back the bolts that have clearly loosened in your head. You have no excuse.”I swallowed hard. “I met her ex-husband.”His gaze didn’t waver. “Okay? And how does that concern me or justify your actions?”“He told me I was just wasting my time. That he has every right to get her back whenever he wants because technically, she’s still his wife.” My fists clenched. “And she’s been acting like my existence irritates the hell out of her. She won’t even let me hold her.”Dad scoffed. “Trust me, if I were her, I wouldn’t let a crazed man like you hold me either. Look, son, I understand what it feels like to be insecure, to fear tha
|Aria’s POV|"Not because your ex-husband has broken off his engagement with your sister and is acting like the perfect daddy?"I shook my head, trying to rid myself of the words that had been haunting me for the past twenty-four hours. No matter how hard I tried, Zion’s voice still echoed in my head, circling me like a vulture waiting for its prey to drop.I sniffled and lightly patted my cheeks to ensure no more tears were falling. My throat was dry, my face blotchy, but I needed to be strong—for Penelope.Maybe I’d been making reckless decisions lately. That thought was confirmed the moment I received a message an hour ago, confirming my appointment with Richard Banks.Penelope didn’t know about this meeting. She had no idea I was about to face the man she was being forced to marry. But I intended to surprise her with good news—because there was no way I would let her be married against her will.As I pulled out of my compound, my eyes flickered to the rearview mirror, catching sig
||Aria’s POV|“Aria!!!” Mr Jimmy yelled and barreled into my arms as I climbed the patio.“Big man, how are you doing? You haven’t aged a day!” I grinned, wrapping my hands around him.His smoky, coffee-scented aroma filled my senses as I buried my face in his chest. A sigh escaped my lips as I relaxed into his embrace. He smelled like home and felt like the comfort I needed for everything I had gone through these past few days.“I know right, you have just abandoned me. Where are those little munchkins?” He asked while patting my back and searching for my kids.“They’re right—”“Papa!!!!” Zoe yelled as her little pigtails bounced in the air while she ran in our direction. Zachary let go of Zion’s hand and immediately ran after Zoe. My eyes became blurry, and my heart swelled with pride. Everything felt complete seeing my children have people who love them and always want to see them around.I rolled my eyes at the trio that refused to leave themselves, especially when their papa star
|Aria’s POV|A snort slipped past my lips and I quickly placed my hand on my mouth to muffle the unladylike sound.“Girl, what the hell are you on?” I pondered out loud.“Nothing. I’m getting married babe,” She repeated.This time, I couldn’t help but bellow in laughter while clutching my stomach. Tears gathered at the corner of my eyes and my belly hurt from laughing so much but I couldn’t bring myself to stop.This was exactly the joke I needed to get out of the terrible mood I was in. By the time I was done laughing, I cleared my throat.“Thanks for making me laugh bestie. That was exactly what I needed. Your impeccable sense of humour.” I complimented.Taking in a deep breath, she whispered shakily. “I know right, just that I’m goddamn serious and I have two weeks left before I become a baby machine to someone who is of the same age as my father.” The huge grin slipped off my face and I sat up quickly. “Penny, this humour is going too far. What the hell? How didn’t I realize tha
|Aria’s POV| A groan escaped my lips when the blaring sound of my ringtone resounded, I curled deeper into the blankets that smelled like home. The annoying alarm wouldn’t stop, so I reluctantly opened my eyes slowly and reached for the phone to turn it off. A sad smile crossed my face when my eyes adjusted to the room, a side was painted in blue while the other was in pink. I sat up and a genuine smile crept on my face when I remembered how I had gotten here in the first place. Although, my hands itched to check up on the children but I was pretty sure I would ruin their fun. Especially since Zachary had asked if they stay over at their father’s place every weekend. Because his father owned a private jet and his mom didn’t. Well, that wasn’t really hurtful, was it? As much as I wanted to lay down and stare at the ceiling, I decided against it because I didn’t want to afford to be the depressed mother who secretly wishes for the children to not be so cosy with their father who th
|Aria's POV|Shaking my, I blurted immediately. “No”His face fell and the smile he held earlier was wiped off his face. “Why? I thought we both agreed on co-parenting and you said you will allow them to spend time with me.”“Yes, not without me. Or worse, even the weekend at your place.”“Why are you so sceptical about me taking them? I won't hurt them.”“I know, but this isn't the best time right now.”“Because of what happened three days ago?”“Yes, that is one of the cases. But you don't just expect me to give the kids to you on your demand.”“Aria, I am not fighting or quarrelling with you. I just want to take things off your shoulders and make your burden less.”“Thank you for your help, but I don't want it. If I wanted the children to go and spend some time with someone, I could have asked Penelope.”’“I hate to say this and I know she would turn up for you but don't you think she needs a break also? She has been in this house with you for three days. You both need your time, b