Aria’s POVI glanced at the clock for what felt like the hundredth time. It was 11 o'clock, and Victor was exactly an hour late. My fingers drummed impatiently on the polished mahogany table in Atty. Parker's office. “He demanded I be punctual all the time,” I muttered, my voice edged with frustration. “He'd start urging me the moment I was even a little slow. Now look at him.”Atty. Parker, my lawyer, gave me a sympathetic nod. “We'll give him a few more minutes, Aria,” he said, her tone calm and professional. “He's probably stuck in traffic.”I wasn't convinced. I felt like he was doing this on purpose. I pulled out my phone and dialed Victor's number again, but it went straight to voicemail, just like the previous times. “He's not answering,” I said, exasperation seeping into my voice.“Let's wait a bit longer,” Atty. Parker suggested, trying to soothe my impatience.Just as I was about to lose my temper completely, the door swung open. Victor walked in, looking disheveled and tired

Aria’s POVSamuel looked surprised to see us. His expression was guarded as he approached Victor and me on the street. “Hello, Aria,” he greeted me with a hint of warmth. “Victor,” he added, barely acknowledging his presence.“Samuel,” Victor replied, his tone clipped and icy.I glanced between the two men, sensing the tension. “Samuel, what are you doing here?” I asked.“I arranged to meet someone for business in this building,” Samuel explained, gesturing vaguely towards the entrance. “Their office is here. What about you two? What brings you here?”Before I could respond, Victor cut in. “That's none of your business, Samuel.”I noticed the sharpness in Victor's voice and wondered what had transpired between them. Ignoring the hostility, I decided to answer Samuel's question myself.“We're here to finalize our divorce at my lawyer's office,” I said matter-of-factly without any feelings. “It's almost done.”Samuel's eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really? The two of you are getting

Aria’s POVI sat on the edge of my bed, phone in hand, my heart suddenly thumping very fast. Why is he calling me?“How are you?” Samuel's voice was as gentle and strong as ever. “Do you have a moment to talk?”“Yeah, I'm free. What's up?” I replied, trying to sound casual. I found it odd that he was calling me. “I just wanted to let you know that my assistant found a bracelet in my car after it went for maintenance. I think it's yours.”My heart skipped a beat. How did he know it was mine? Did he remember me wearing it that night? “Oh, right. I do remember misplacing a bracelet. I didn't realize it was in your car.”“Yeah, it must have slipped off your wrist. When can I drop it off to you?” Samuel asked.I hesitated. The bracelet wasn't anything too valuable, and I didn't want him to go out of his way. I also felt like meeting up with him right after my divorce wasn’t appropriate, especially since Victor was suspicious of us. “You know, it’s not worth much,” I said slowly, choosin

Aria’s POV“Excuse me?” I said in shock, my heart thumping wildly. He smiled at me, repeating what he just said. “What are your plans in the coming months? I mean, now that you and Victor are…” He trailed off, looking unsure if he should continue. I let out a sigh of relief. Oh, that’s what he actually said! My plans for the coming months, not for him! Me and my freakin’ wild imagination!“You mean now that we’re divorced?” I continued it for him with a small smile. He nodded. “Yes.”I took a sip of my wine, savoring the rich flavor before answering. “I've been thinking about studying abroad,” I said, my voice steady but my heart racing at the thought. “I want to experience different cultures and just grow and develop on my own. But, I need to save up some money first, so I'm planning to find a job as soon as possible.”Samuel suddenly grinned. “Oh, you sound like me some years ago. I was so eager to get out and explore the world, to build something of my own that I could be proud o

Aria’s POVI stepped out of our private room, intending to head to the restroom. The dim lighting of the hallway contrasted sharply with the lively ambiance of the restaurant. My thoughts were on Samuel, the charming conversation we had been having, and the way his laughter made me feel lighter.But then I saw them. Victor and Shane were just arriving, walking through the front entrance. Victor didn't notice me, his attention fully on whatever he was saying to Shane. But Shane saw me. Her eyes locked onto mine, and a small, satisfied smirk played on her lips. Almost as if to show off, she linked arms with Victor, leaning in closer to him.A sharp pain stabbed through my chest. I didn't want to be there, watching them, feeling like this. I turned on my heel and hurried back to the private room, my heart pounding.Samuel looked up, surprised. "You're back already?""I forgot something," I lied, trying to keep my voice steady. I opened my purse and pretended to rummage through it, my han