Aria's POV
The dimmed hospital lights still felt harsh against my tired eyes. I'd lost count of how many times I glanced at the clock—the minute hand might as well have been glued in place.
Every echo of footsteps outside the door made my heart leap, only for disappointment to crash down each time it wasn't him.
Each time someone walked in, I asked the same question like a broken record, "How is he? How much longer?"
But no one ever gave me the answer I needed.
Suddenly, a small commotion broke out by the door.
Three familiar men entered. The one in front removed his sunglasses.
"I'm Frank," he said, gesturing to the other two. "That's Alger and Eden. We're Kane's friends."
Right. I'd seen them at the bar that night.
"Are you feeling any better?" Eden asked gently.
"Um... yeah."
Their eyes lingered on me longer than necessary—like they could see right through me, past my bruises and st
Aria's POVThe moment I pushed open the heavy walnut door, my breath hitched in my throat.This so-called "lounge" was absurdly spacious, with a full wall of floor-to-ceiling windows revealing the most breathtaking sunset over the city skyline.But the true shock lay at the center of the room—a temporary runway, sleek and dramatically lit, like a scene stolen straight from Paris Fashion Week.As soon as we sat down, I turned to Kane. "Kane, what is this—"My question was cut short by the sudden burst of music.From the far side of the room, a group of tall, blond models strutted toward us with effortless elegance, each carrying a new-season luxury handbag.Spotlights followed them with precision, capturing every pivot, every pose, every flash of leather and gold.It was surreal.A private fashion show. For two people.One of whom—me—was still wearing worn-out sneakers and a faded work outfit.I sat there, frozen, eyes wide, watching the entire presentation unfold like some ridiculous
Aria's POVAs the car slowly rolled past the wrought-iron gates, my fingers clenched tightly around the seatbelt. I wasn't even aware I was doing it.This was one of Kane's other residences—an estate tucked away in the heart of the city, as if he had carved out a forbidden sanctuary in the middle of all the chaos.In a place where every inch of land came at a premium, this level of extravagance felt unreal."Better than Chad's place?" Kane asked casually as he opened the car door for me like a gentleman, but there was a challenge buried in his tone."Mm-hmm," I answered vaguely, not really paying attention.My eyes were locked on the building before me.Unlike the grandeur of the last estate, this one exuded something different—something colder.The Gothic-style spires cast sharp shadows in the late afternoon sun.Every stone, every line of the architecture felt sharp, austere... intimidating.Just like him.Inside, the ceilings stretched high above us, hung with massive crystal chand
Aria's POVThe moment I opened the wardrobe, my breath caught in my throat.Two perfectly pressed outfits hung neatly side by side.One was a tailored beige skirt suit for women—sleek, elegant.The other was a dark grey three-piece men's suit that looked straight out of a luxury fashion spread.Sunlight filtered through the blinds, gilding the fabric in a soft, golden glow.Unless Kane had some twisted fantasy involving business attire—which, knowing him, wasn't entirely impossible—it could only mean one thing:We were finally getting out of the hospital."Magic—"His voice murmured against my ear, warm breath teasing my skin. I spun around so fast I nearly slammed my nose into his bare chest.He'd somehow snuck up behind me again, silent as a cat. The loose collar of his hospital gown gaped open, revealing flashes of white gauze against firm muscle."We're leaving today?"I ask
Aria's POV"In bed, huh? Busy, are we?"A chorus of laughter erupted outside the door, and I froze, every muscle going stiff.My face flushed so hot I was sure it had turned scarlet. I wanted nothing more than to curl up and vanish into the mattress.Kane's arm was still tightly wrapped around my waist, his palm warm and possessive against my bare skin. I instinctively tried to scoot under the covers, but he pulled me right back into his chest."What are you so scared of?"he murmured with a dark chuckle, his teeth grazing my shoulder.The sharp sting, mixed with a tingle of pleasure, sent a shiver through me. I gasped, digging my nails into his arm."They won't dare come in,"he added with infuriating confidence.Sure enough, a second later came the teasing voice through the door."Well, we'll just leave you two lovebirds to it. Enjoy!"Their footsteps faded down the hallway, but Kane had no intention o
Aria's POVOf course I knew Chad didn't just see me as a friend.But he never crossed the line. He was always respectful, even when I didn't make things easy.And me? I knew exactly where my boundaries were.Even if Kane and I were only bound by a contract, I'd never betray him.Not like that.But…"I'll make sure he dies."That voice still echoed in my head—cold, dangerous. I'd overheard it that night by accident, but it was burned into my memory.I clenched the sheets beneath my fingers.Should I tell Kane?The thought barely formed before I crushed it.No. With his temper, he wouldn't just confront Chad. He'd destroy him—physically, emotionally, completely.And terrifyingly enough… I believed Kane could do it without leaving a trace.I forced the turmoil down, keeping my voice calm. "Whatever his intentions are, I know what I'm doing."Kane let out a
Aria's POVI bit my lip, a dull ache rising in my chest."If you don't care," I murmured, "then why are you asking me?"Even I could hear the hurt in my voice.Kane's pupils constricted slightly. His Adam's apple bobbed as silence swallowed the room. The only sound was the steady beep of the heart monitor.I turned away from him, burying my face into the pillow, not wanting him to see the redness creeping into my eyes."Sir, you can't be up like this!" a nurse burst through the door, shattering the tension.Her footsteps halted abruptly. She must've seen Kane's deadly glare—his eyes alone could send someone retreating.She'd always been kind. I didn't want to see her caught in the middle of this mess. I pushed myself up and tried to ease the tension."Kane, please go lie down. This isn't the time for this conversation."But he didn't budge. His jaw was set like stone.Sunlight poured in behind him, ca