LOGINARIELLA I held his gaze. “I can’t survive without you,” I said again. “You won’t have to,” he replied quietly. “I’m going to be okay. I’ll come back. I have to. You and Leon are waiting for me. I won’t break that promise.” He lifted my chin gently so I had no choice but to look at him. “I just
ARIELLA I woke up to feel light kisses on my face. I opened my eyes to find Asher hovering over me, pressing soft kisses against my skin. I let out a small laugh as he brushed his lips against mine before straightening. He was already dressed. Tie in place. Hair perfectly styled. Everything about
ARIELLA When Asher is finally, fully seated inside me, the bed groans beneath our combined weight. He pulls back out just as slowly, and the friction is enough to make my head swim. He’s doing this on purpose; I can see the intent in his eyes. He’s paying me back for every stolen glance and silen
ARIELLA That did it. Asher's expression shifted, something deeper, more certain. And this time when he kissed me, I didn’t hesitate. Didn’t hold back. Didn’t think about later or tomorrow. Or anything waiting for us outside that room. I let myself go into Asher's arms. I shiver beneath his touch,
ARIELLA The moment the flash went off, both of them stirred. Leon shifted first, letting out a small, confused sound as he buried his face deeper into the pillow. But Asher.... Asher woke instantly. His hand tightened instinctively around the book on his chest, the other bracing slightly at his si
ARIELLA I couldn't believe him right now. “None of the above,” I replied quickly, turning away from his smug face and back to Leon. “Okay, listen. Dad is coming upstairs to read you a book.” “Yay!” Leon said instantly, already turning around and running out of the room. The moment he left, I le
ARIELLA I didn’t move from my spot. I didn’t sleep. I just drifted in and out of little daydreams, half-asleep, half-awake, neck stiff against the wall, arms wrapped around my legs like they were the only thing holding me together. I watched the light change, night turning into bright morning. Lig
ARIELLA He stood up abruptly, voice sharp. "You and I both know Asher is not Leon's father..... And in case you forgot, I know who Leon's real father is and won't hesitate to tell Asher the truth. So, before you keep spinning your story, before you keep fantasizing, I’m giving you 24 hours. Until
ASHER I didn’t know where I was going. I just knew I couldn’t stay in that room. Not with her staring at me like that. Not with everything inside me cracking wide open. So I kept walking, down the hallway, down the stairs, through the house that now felt too quiet, too heavy with what hadn’t been
ARIELLA I’m going to my room,” I said, already turning and walking in the direction of my bedroom. “Wait,” Maria called after me. “I don’t get it....what just happened?” I turned back, looked at her, then at the envelope sitting on the table. Before I could stop myself, I told her, “You can giv







