As it turned out, Mona was every bit as fierce as Frank had always claimed.The proof? Frank showed up to meet Kane sporting a perfectly placed black eye, the kind that demanded sunglasses for several days.The moment Kane got a look at him, he nearly choked on his coffee, and Aria's laugh filled the entire room."Did the cat scratch you again?" Kane teased, his grin wicked.Aria stepped closer, eyeing the bruise with mock seriousness. "That's no cat scratch," she said, clicking her tongue and pointing at the dark circle. "Whoever threw that punch had incredible control—just enough to make you live in shades for a while."Frank dropped into a chair with a scowl, turning his face away from their knowing looks.The truth was far less dignified. Mona hadn't just scratched him—she'd clawed, nipped, and left her own marks all over his chest and back.The black eye, however, was pure accident.After a particularly...enthusiastic night, he'd tried to stand, only for his knees to buckle and h
Frank's warning was clear enough to make Mona shrink her neck and purse her lips without a word.When she stayed silent, Frank gave her cheek a playful pinch."Ow!" Mona swatted his hand away and yelped.Knowing she was just putting on a show, Frank shot her a sharp look, then softened his grip, his fingers brushing her skin instead."Mona, you need to remember this," he said, lowering his voice as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. "No matter what happens, I'll always be your rock."Leaning into his chest, Mona gave a quiet nod. "Mm. I know."Her answer finally brought a satisfied curve to Frank's lips.Even though she promised him, Mona knew in her heart that if trouble really broke out back at the village, she might not keep that promise. She didn't want to drag him into it.Things were already messy with Kane and Aria—newspaper stories about ATTA and the couple were everywhere. Frank never complained, but Mona knew he was quietly helping Kane deal with the fallout.That was why Mo
Neither Frank nor Mona expected Kane and Aria to get their marriage license so quickly, only to postpone the wedding indefinitely.To get the full story, Mona invited Aria out for a day of shopping."You two move fast," Mona teased as they strolled down Fifth Avenue. "One minute you're talking about it, the next you're signing papers. How's the knee? Healed yet?""It's been weeks—of course it's fine." Aria smiled, looping her arm through Mona's. "Kane and I have known each other forever. We already have a child. Getting married isn't exactly a shocking development.""As long as you're sure," Mona said with a small hum."Kane isn't as terrible as you think. What happened last time was my choice." Aria squeezed her arm. "Mona, we haven't known each other long, but you're one of the few people I truly call a friend. I want your blessing."In the past, Aria had barely any friends and revolved her whole world around Kane. Even now, with more people in her life, Mona was rare—a friend she'd
Mona couldn't shake her worry for Aria, so she personally walked her to Arthur's car and stood there watching as the vehicle disappeared down the street. Only then did she turn back toward the hospital.Frank noticed her unsettled mood and quickly caught up."You were up all night," he said, giving her shoulder a reassuring pat. "Go home and get some rest. I'll drive you.""Okay." Mona didn't argue. "I just need to grab my stuff upstairs. Meet you in the parking garage.""Got it." Frank nodded.After Frank dropped her off at her apartment, he had to return to the hospital for work. Left alone, Mona's mind drifted back to what she'd been worrying about all night. She picked up her phone and tried calling Cliff.The call didn't go through.Frowning, she dialed another number from her village. Over the past year and a half, thanks to Frank's protection, Arnold's men hadn't managed to track her down in New York.Some of the villagers still checked in with her from time to time, but now th
Because Aria insisted on walking, the wound on her knee split open again, blood soaking through the bandage and triggering a relentless fever.When Mona cut open the leg of Aria's pants and saw the bloodstained gauze, her face darkened.She turned her head sharply and shot Frank and Alger a glare that could cut glass.Both men froze, guilt heavy on their faces."Out!" Mona snapped, waving them toward the door like a queen banishing servants.Frank and Alger exchanged a quick glance before quietly slipping out.Only after the door clicked shut did Mona peel away the bandage and begin carefully cleaning the wound.It didn't take long before she started muttering under her breath."I've never met anyone so damn stubborn.""Doesn't this hurt?""You were bleeding like this and still dragged yourself to a press conference—what were you thinking?"Aria could hear the faint scolding and feel the fiery pain, but her eyes wouldn't open and her lips refused to form words.Mona kept grumbling whi
From the moment Mona stood beside Aria and lied to Gabriella to protect her, she had already decided—Aria was now someone under her protection.When Mona snapped angrily in the car, Frank instantly understood.Her fury wasn't about Kane or Gabriella. She was furious because Aria had been hurt, and she was venting at him.He almost spoke up in Kane's defense, but one glance at Aria's bloodless face—and the memory of the medical report—silenced him.No argument could excuse this."Drive faster!" Mona barked. Then, almost immediately, she backtracked. "No—wait. Just...keep it safe!"Her sudden switch made Frank give a helpless little laugh.Not even back when Jamie had been in the picture had he ever seen Mona this anxious.And yet Aria, whom Mona had just met, had slipped so quickly into her heart.While waiting at a red light, Frank glanced at the two women in the back seat and suddenly understood why Mona was siding with Aria.Truth was, Aria's actions today had shocked even him.Mona