|Aria’s POV| My eyes were sore from looking at the same interior for the past three days, but I couldn't bring myself to step outside. Shame and self-awareness of how my life almost got ruined still flashed after my eyes but Penelope and the kids had been the only sane people keeping me here. Zion had asked Harper what happened when he brought me up and I looked like a corpse, my body was cold and my eyes were lifeless, except that I was breathing. My gaze met his as he snapped his mouth open to tell Zipm about it, I shook my head and it was funny how he effortlessly lied. “Aria, let's take a walk. As much as I hate that cocky Harper, he is undeniably good at his job, so if he said that he took the video down and the people tagging you were just programmed to and not as if they saw anything, then stop cramming yourself inside.” Penelope whined, taking my hands into hers. My eyes slid over her and my lips tugged into a tired smile. All she said was through but I couldn't he
|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
|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|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|“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|"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
|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|“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
|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
|Aria’s POV| My eyes were sore from looking at the same interior for the past three days, but I couldn't bring myself to step outside. Shame and self-awareness of how my life almost got ruined still flashed after my eyes but Penelope and the kids had been the only sane people keeping me here. Zion had asked Harper what happened when he brought me up and I looked like a corpse, my body was cold and my eyes were lifeless, except that I was breathing. My gaze met his as he snapped his mouth open to tell Zipm about it, I shook my head and it was funny how he effortlessly lied. “Aria, let's take a walk. As much as I hate that cocky Harper, he is undeniably good at his job, so if he said that he took the video down and the people tagging you were just programmed to and not as if they saw anything, then stop cramming yourself inside.” Penelope whined, taking my hands into hers. My eyes slid over her and my lips tugged into a tired smile. All she said was through but I couldn't he