LOGINCassian's POVA loud groan left my mouth as I forced my eyes open.“What the hell…?”I shut my eyes again immediately when the sunlight hit my face. My head felt heavy, and my throat was dry.For a second, I wondered where I even was until I noticed the familiar ceiling of my penthouse bedroom.I slowly sat up while holding my forehead.“Damn it, Slash,” I muttered.The last thing I remembered clearly was the two of us drinking straight from the whiskey bottles while talking nonsense. After that, everything was blurry.I looked around the room, then frowned when I noticed I was still half-dressed.My suit jacket was hanging on the chair, while my tie was somewhere on the floor, together with my shoes.“How classy,” I mocked myself.I reached for my phone on the bedside table and widened my eyes slightly when I saw multiple missed calls from Rudolph and a few messages from Slash, as well as a strange number.The strange number had sent an address, which I ignored, and looked at Slash's
Arielle's POVThe moment Soraya parked the car in the driveway, she stepped out without waiting for me and walked straight into the house.I watched her quietly for a second before grabbing my bag and following behind.The ride home had been silent.The kind that made me understand she was still upset over everything that had happened at the party.The guards mocking us, Angelina's insults, and being threatened with a lawsuit.And probably the embarrassment of losing control in front of everyone.When we stepped into the house, the lights in the living room were off.“Mom isn't home yet?” I asked softly.Soraya shook her head while taking off her heels.“She probably got held up at work,” she answered tiredly.I nodded slowly.“Goodnight,” she muttered before walking upstairs.“Raya…”She paused halfway.I opened my mouth wanting to say something comforting, but nothing came out.“Rest, okay?” I said instead.She gave a small nod and then disappeared down the hallway.I sighed softly
Slash’s POV I was so fucking pissed.I tilted the glass and swallowed another mouthful of wine before grimacing.“This whole shitty party is a damn joke,” I muttered under my breath.“Sir, should I pour you some more?”I turned slowly and looked at the waiter standing behind me.The poor guy instantly stiffened under my stare.“Get the hell away from me,” I said coldly.His eyes widened for a second before he quickly nodded and walked off.I leaned against the balcony railing with a scoff.Everything had been fine before that damn waitress showed up.Actually, more than fine.For once, I had genuinely been enjoying myself.Tricia was beautiful, charming, and unlike most rich girls, she actually knew how to hold a conversation without sounding brain dead. Sitting beside her earlier had felt comfortable.Then that crazy woman came out of nowhere and ruined everything.Not only had wine been spilled all over me in front of important guests, But she insulted me openly, as if I were some
Arielle’s POV I walked beside Soraya in silence, still holding the tray in my hands, even though it felt useless now.The moment we entered the dressing room, she let out a frustrated breath and ran her fingers through her hair.“That jerk! I can't believe he followed us here!” she snapped loudly.I stopped walking.“What?” I turned to face her, my brows furrowing. “You think he followed you here?”She glared at me, clearly not expecting that response.“Can't you tell he belongs in a place like that?” I continued, my tone sharpening. “Everyone in that room was like him. If anything, we are the ones who look like we’re stalking him right now.”Her eyes widened in disbelief.“What did you just say, Arielle?” she asked, her voice rising.“For goodness' sake, Soraya, do you even realize the kind of mess we’re in?” I snapped, my voice louder than I intended.She froze.“Arielle…” she whispered, clearly shaken.I exhaled sharply and walked past her, placing the tray down on the dressing t
Cassian’s POV “Cut that out,” Slash muttered under his breath, his lips curved into a charming smile as his eyes scanned the room like he owned it.“What is your problem now?” I asked quietly, not even bothering to look at him fully.“Your face,” he replied instantly. “You look like you’re attending a funeral, not a party.”I scoffed softly.Before I could respond, he waved toward Tricia the moment she glanced our way.She stood surrounded by a group of elegantly dressed women, laughing softly; her posture was perfect, and her smile controlled. They looked like they were hanging onto her every word.“Well then, excuse me, ice king,” Slash added and walked off before I could stop him.Of course.I was left standing alone again.My hands slipped into my pockets as I looked around. Conversations filled the room: soft laughter, the clinking of glasses—but none of it reached me.What I hated most was the attention.Eyes were on me, watching and judging.Yet no one dared to approach.Path
Arielle’s POVI stood quietly, watching Soraya as she spoke to Angelina in a low tone.The moment we arrived, the sky had already dimmed into evening, and the place was glowing with soft golden lights that made everything look… beautiful and different.Angelina had been waiting for us at the entrance.She greeted Soraya like they were close, as if they had known each other for years instead of barely speaking.And when her eyes landed on me,I felt it.The shift that was followed by a silent judgment.Her eyes said it all. She was silently questioning who the hell I was and why I was there.“And she is…?” she asked with a polite smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.“My little sister, Arielle. She’ll be helping us around.”The moment Soraya said that, Angelina’s expression changed.It was quick, almost too quick to notice if I wasn't paying attention.But I saw it.The warmth disappeared, and her smile faltered.And before I could even react, she grabbed Soraya’s hand and pulled her
Arielle’s POV“Are you sure everything’s packed?” Mom asked again, sounding like a child on Christmas morning as Soraya and I climbed into the back of Cassian’s car.Cassian was already in the driver’s seat, and Mom had claimed the spot beside him, practically bouncing in place.“Yes, Mother, every
Cassian’s POV“Welcome back, my dear beloved wife,” I said the moment Evelyn stepped through the door.I’d heard the sound of an engine pulling into the driveway and, without thinking, I left what I was doing to check. My chest tightened when I saw her step out of the car, her hair slightly windblo
Cassian's POV I looked at my phone, which was ringing lazily on the desk, and then grinned."What do you want now?" I muttered to myself as I picked it up."What are you calling me now, Mr. Bossy-ass? Did something happen at home?" I mocked Slash playfully as I immediately answered the call.His c
Arielle's POV I woke to the sound of Soraya’s voice shouting across the room.“Arielle! Are you awake yet? We need to pick out our beach outfits!”I groaned, turning over, wishing I could sink back into the soft, warm mattress. The hotel room was amazing, and after last night’s dinner—fresh seafoo







