MasukARIELLA The room was still dark, the faintest hint of early morning barely touching the curtains, and for a second I was too lost in the feeling of him even to think properly. By the time he finally pulled back, I was breathing hard, completely flushed, my chest rising and falling rapidly. I tri
ARIELLA "What do you mean?" “Tonight..... My mother humiliated me in front of everyone. Creating problems for you publicly... in front of everyone.” I looked away from him. “I know how these people are. I know how they talk and you have a reputation to uphold. I am supposed to....” Asher's enti
ARIELLA My voice cracked completely after that. “She is my mother." I began, trying to hold it together. "She's the only relative I have left, the only parent I have left, and I know my dad loved her. And as much as my mom was... that to me...” I swallowed painfully. “She was there for my father.
ARIELLA Leon had been a very welcome, loving, and warm distraction from all the emotions and the pain I was fighting inside. He had occupied my mind when I helped him to bed, when I read him a story, and when he fell asleep and I just sat there on his bed, watching him sleep, seeing him taking in
ARIELLA Asher helped me into the car carefully, like I might shatter if he moved too fast. The second I sat down, he followed after me, pulling the door shut behind him before anyone else could touch it. Outside, I could still see movement near the ballroom entrance. Men collecting phones and Guar
ARIELLA Asher lifted his hand slowly toward my face. For one terrifying second, I thought he was going to wipe the spit away himself.... Instead, he took out a handkerchief from inside his jacket and placed it gently into my hand. Like he knew I would break completely if he touched my face right n
"You're right. I used you..." I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. Knowing that he couldn't see me, but I had to do this. "I mean, who... who wouldn't? You are the Don's sun. You're going to be the next heir. You have everything. My family comes from nothing. And I knew that having your attent
I go back into Dad’s office. Head straight for the safe. I kneel down, press the familiar numbers, and it clicks open. Same passcode. Same stacks. Still there. Not enough for four people. Maybe not even enough for three if we’re being smart. But for one? It’s more than enough. Now comes the hard
I went to the bathroom, closed the door behind me, turned on the tap—and started crying. Silently, as the water rushed into the sink, I let the tears fall. I had to. I needed to get it all out in here, alone, because I couldn’t let Asher see me like this. If he saw me break, he’d know. He’d know I
When Asher arrived, I didn’t have to fake a smile. I didn’t have to pretend to be happy—because I truly was. I had missed him. Deeply. Desperately. The feelings rushing through me were raw and real. I had been waiting downstairs after my mom left my room, too restless to stay still. And the moment







