Se connecterZara’s PovMy heart starts beating wildly when I hear my name.No. Not again. This can’t be happening again. Let me be wrong. I don't want to believe Adrian can do this to me again. My mind goes back to our honeymoon night five years ago and the blood in my veins pumps straight to my head. I can feel my heart beating in my ears as I step closer. Anticipating the worst.Who is he talking to?Is this a replay of that night years ago?The hallway has just restroom doors and an exit. Adrian is standing near the exit, his back facing. Somebody is standing in front of him but I can't see their face. The tension in Adrian’s shoulders is evident and he seems angry.“Do you think I don't know the game you're playing?” he says calmly.The person in front of him laughs awkwardly and I freeze.That's a woman's voice.“I'm not sure I know what you're talking about,” the woman speaks carefully.My heart drops. I recognize that voice. I've been talking with them for the last thirty minutes or so
Zara’s PovOnce I see the little girl the woman is holding, who is about Lila’s age, the dots connect in my head.Andrea. Lila’s friend.I do a double-take and sure enough, the woman holding her is none other than her mother, Camilla.The heavy heavy cake-like makeup she has on her face makes her look like somebody else. It gives her a different look and I almost didn't recognize her.I chuckle. “Thats not a celebrity.”“Then who is that and why would they dress like that to a child’s birthday party?” Celia insists. “Thats Lila’s friend, Andrea. And the woman in question is her mom, Camilla.”“Did you maybe forget to tell her the kind of party she was attending?”“Come on now, Celia,” I mutter under my breath.“Girl, she's dressed like she's accepting a Grammy today. And last I remember, we aren't having an award show.” she rolls her eyes.Camilla takes off her sunglasses and waves at me. I wave back as they approach us. Andrea only stays back to say be polite and say hi to me first
Zara’s PovThe rented hall looked like something out of a princess storybook. The kind Lila is obsessing over and would always read. Pink balloons are floating everywhere and beautiful decorations are hanging from every corner of the room. The yard outside has become a playground for kids. It's filled with colorful bounce houses, blown-up cartoon figures, and a long picnic table carrying all types of kids' desserts and snacks.“This is way more than he told me,” I say while folding my arms and observing the scene. “It’s insane.”Murphy laughs. “Insane in a bad way or in a ‘this man is trying to buy forgiveness with balloons’ way?”“I would say the second one,” I mutter.I look across the lawn and spot Adrian speaking with two of the security men. Even in the midst of celebration he doesn't let down his guard. He speaks calmly but even from here I can feel the weight of his words as he lays down instructions to the guards. And it isn't just them, there are others planted around the p
Zara’s Pov“And what is that?” I ask, wondering what it is she wants to tell me.She looks at me in a way that is kind of odd. Like another person is hiding beneath her smiles and friendly self.Mrs.Blackwood looks between us in confusion. “I didn't realize you two knew each other. Is there a problem Miss Hale?” “Not at all. I didn't know I would run into Aria here today. It's just a quick chat. Just to clear the air.”She steps closer and I can smell her perfume but I do everything in my ability not to step back.What's wrong with her? “Ermm, Camilla? You can say what you have to say now. I'll be leaving soon.”I look toward Adrian who is still discussing with Greg across the lot. He must feel my eyes on him because he immediately raises his eyes to find mine. Once he notices the person I'm standing with, he pauses mid-conversation.“Aria, you should check the cameras in front of your house sometimes,” she whispers so only I can hear her.My stomach drops.“What?”Adrian's eyes su
Zara’s Pov“I see. Hope you left your attitude at home before coming here because trust me I won’t hesitate to have you escorted out of the building. Father or not,” she speaks so firmly and it’s like when you finally get on your grandma’s bad side and she's scolding you the first time.I look at Adrian and find him clenching his jaw as he takes in our audience of two people… the teacher and the receptionist who are trying to act unaware of the situation.“Is that clear?” Mrs. Blackwood demands.“Crystal,” Adrian says through clenched teeth.Mrs.Blackwood regards him for a moment before nodding and speaking to the teacher. The teacher leaves before she addresses us again.“Why don't we take this to my office?” Once in her office, we all take a seat. She intertwines her fingers on the desk in front of her, giving us her full attention.“I'm listening.” She says. I swear I feel like we're two teenagers who have gotten into trouble. She just has that strict Grandma or Aunty personality
Zara’s PovMy life is falling apart and I am at a loss for what to do. First, it was the decision to move back here, then colliding with Adrian and pretending not to know him only for him to find out the truth. Then came the issue with Damien spying on me and the custody battle. I'm not even over the custody issue only for Adrian to inform me that someone is watching me.And I know for a fact that it's not only me because if they're watching me then they're watching my daughter too. That's what scares me the most. Even after Adrian assured me that he won't let anything happen to us. I want to believe him but a lot is just going on in my head and I’m beginning to think that I brought this upon myself. What if I didn't take up Damien’s offer to move back here and collaborate with him on this project? What if I just stayed back and worked on my dreams from there? I thought I was strong enough to face anything but these storms are beginning to rattle me because I can only think of Lila’
Aria (Zara’s Pov)The ambulance left long ago but the sound continues to play in my head. This is one of the times I’ve been shaken to my core. I’m literally still shuddering as I remember Celeste’s body lying on the floor in front of my house as Adrian attempts to keep her awake. Her pulse was so
Aria(Zara’s Pov)I feel my stomach drop. They would never call unless something was seriously wrong. The last time was cameras. What could it be this time?“Hello?” My voice is calm but I can taste the uncertainty on my tongue.“Mrs Sterling, could you come down to the school right away, please?” I
Aria(Zara’s Pov)“Why did you change my design, Damien? Do you know what you've done?” To say I am angry is an understatement. After all the hours and effort. All those nights I spent drawing, redesigning, and brainstorming with my team to come up with something so meaningful just for him to change
Aria( Zara’s Pov)My heels click softly on the pavement but I suddenly take a step back when I finally see her face. It's not that she looks hostile or ready to attack me. No. The woman before me looks like she was once very pretty. Maybe a little bit of work was done when she was fine but now ever







