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
I cried. Not just with tears—but with sound, with trembling, with my whole body. The kind of crying that strips you bare and leaves you raw. My father pulled me into him, his arms strong and warm, wrapping me in a quiet shield. He didn’t say anything. He just held me, patted my back, and whispered
I narrowed my eyes at her. “You seriously expect me to get dressed up for him?” “You are doing that.” “We can’t keep the Don waiting,” I muttered sarcastically. “He won’t be mad when he sees how beautiful you look. When he sees how much effort you made just for him,” she said, her voice laced wit
I smiled, loving the innocent plea in her voice. I kissed her forehead. “No, baby. I have to take you home. But remember what I told you, once we’re married, this? This will be our daily life.” Something flickered across her face—something sad, something quickly hidden. I saw it. She tried to mask
I tiptoed towards him, hoping to catch him by surprise and hug him from behind. But he wasn’t on alert. He didn’t resist. He didn’t even flinch. It was as though he had expected me all along. I slipped my arms around him and rested my head against his back, swaying him gently. I could feel his smile







