Aria's POVAfternoon tea with Caleb ended earlier than expected. When I got home, I did something completely irrational—I sent the chef home early and decided to cook dinner myself.For Kane.Braised beef in red wine. Pan-seared sea bass. And a lemon tart—something he'd casually mentioned craving just a few days ago.I was losing my mind.I curled up on the sofa, absentmindedly twirling the tassel of a throw pillow between my fingers.The antique clock on the wall ticked steadily.7:40 p.m.—he should've been home by now.Should I call?My finger hovered over his name in my contacts, then pulled back.Just then, the electronic lock at the front door chimed, followed by the sound of voices—his voice, and someone else's, unfamiliar and laughing.I shot to my feet like a spring released, bolting barefoot toward the door.The cold wood floor stung against my soles, but I barely noticed."Kane, I need to talk to you about that contract—"The moment the door opened, time froze.Kane stood th
Aria's POVMy fingertips drifted across the contract's surface, barely registering the words printed on it."This contract states," Kane said, his voice low and icy, "if you ever betray me, you'll repay every cent I've spent on you."His eyes locked onto mine, sharp and unrelenting. "Do you dare sign it?"That's it?I almost laughed.All he wanted was a promise. A guarantee that I would never betray him. And right now, that felt easy—because I loved him.I truly, wholeheartedly wanted to stay by his side… even if it was only for three years.The thought made my chest tighten, a strange warmth blooming beneath my ribs.My hand didn't even hesitate. I leaned over, picked up the pen, and signed my name with steady resolve.He didn't expect me to agree so easily. His brows twitched slightly, and he stared at me with an unreadable expression.I set the pen down and met his gaze, my voice quiet but unwavering. "You have to help Chad."At the sound of that name, his jaw tensed—just barely—bu
Aria's POVMy pupils contracted sharply as I stared at him in disbelief. Chad's gentle voice was still coming through the phone, "Aria, I'm glad you care about me. I promise—I'll protect you…"Kane's gaze turned razor-sharp, and in that moment, I felt like the blood in my veins froze solid.Before I could even react, he shoved me hard against the balcony railing.My back hit the cold metal, sending a jolt of pain through my spine. I gasped."Kane! You've got it wrong! It's not what you think—"I struggled in panic, my fingers clawing helplessly at the railing.From the other end of the phone, Chad's voice rose in alarm. "Aria? What's happening?! Kane! Let her go!"Kane let out a cold, derisive laugh. He raised the phone to his ear, his voice like shards of ice, "She's mine. It's not your place to protect her."Then he hung up without hesitation, cutting off Chad's furious shouting mid-sentence.CR
Aria's POVHis kiss crashed down on me—possessive and forceful, leaving no room for resistance. My head tilted back involuntarily, forced to accept the heat of him.Breath by breath, the air was stolen from my lungs, my chest rising and falling rapidly as I whimpered, "There's… nothing between me and him…"My voice came out soft and sticky, soaked in vulnerability. Even I was startled by how breathless and sweet I sounded.That only seemed to push him over the edge.His breathing grew ragged, his movements more urgent, more desperate. Like a man who'd been starved for too long, he gave me no space to resist.Pain mingled with pleasure, crashing over me in waves.I bit down on his shoulder, but he didn't seem to feel it—instead, he let out a low chuckle, pressing a kiss to the corner of my eye where tears had begun to well."Why are you crying?"he murmured, his voice a hoarse whisper. "Weren't you
Aria's POVThat kiss was possessive and deep, like a dam finally breaking after being held back for too long.My first instinct was to pull away, but Kane's hand cradled the back of my head, holding me in place.I gave in, letting myself drown in the heat of it all.I should've known better—when it came to Kane, I had no defenses."Kane…"I whispered his name, barely audible between our breaths.He didn't respond.Instead, his arms tightened around me, pulling me impossibly close, as if he could anchor both of us with that embrace.I wrapped my arms around his waist, clinging to this fleeting moment of warmth. But then—Bang, bang, bang!A sharp knock on the door sliced through the atmosphere like ice water down my spine.Kane tensed immediately. In one smooth motion, he pulled the blanket over me and sat up, his expression wiped clean of any tenderness."Come in,"he sai
Aria's POVThe moment his eyes locked onto mine, so sharp and unreadable, the dam broke. I couldn't hold it in anymore.I collapsed into his arms and sobbed uncontrollably.His chest was warm and solid, his hand rubbing gentle circles on my back. That steady rhythm grounded me, gave me just enough to breathe."It's okay. I'm here,"he said, voice low and gravelly. Just those few words and the tight coil inside me finally loosened.By the time my tears ran dry, the room had fallen completely still, save for the lingering sounds of my sniffles. I took a deep breath and forced the words out in a whisper barely louder than a breath."They… they took pictures of me…"I felt his entire body stiffen.I told him everything—every awful detail I could remember. Each sentence tore something raw and bleeding from inside me. By the time I finished, I could barely breathe.His face darkened with a fury so fier