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, you can’t keep this baby." "Yes, I can," I answered flatly, not missing a beat. "Listen to me—" "No. I don’t want to talk to you. I’m not talking to you," I snapped. "What do you want me to do? You want me to have an abortion?" "Ariella, your father’s life and mine are at stake. The fa
I walk forward — towel still wrapped around me, still damp from the shower — but none of that matters. All that matters is Asher. All that matters is the way he watches me. When I reach the edge of the bed, he reaches out his uninjured hand to me. Without hesitation, I take it. He gently tugs me cl
The moment she saw me, her eyes lit up with concern. “Ariella, how are you feeling?” she asked quickly, rushing toward me and wrapping me in a hug. I froze. That was new. I looked at her, confused and quietly heartbroken. “I’m fine,” I answered softly. “Why wouldn’t I be?” "Because of Asher," s
I froze. “I… I just heard it,” I stumbled. “Maybe Mom told me. Or someone else. I don’t know...” He didn’t respond. Didn’t agree. Didn’t argue. Just watched me like he was working out a puzzle. I hated that look—it meant he knew something was off. I could have kicked myself. I rushed to change th







