Aria's POVThe moment we stepped back into the estate, I hadn't even kicked off my shoes when my back slammed against the cold entryway cabinet.Kane's arms braced on either side of me, caging me in.There was no room to run, no space to breathe."Put me down!" I turned my face away, not wanting him to see the redness in my eyes.His long fingers gripped my chin, forcing me to look up at him."You were crying?" His thumb gently brushed my tear-stained cheek. "What, are you mad? Did I say something wrong?""Of course not." I forced a brittle smile. "You're never wrong."That seemed to hit a nerve. His brow twitched, just barely, but then he schooled his features into that familiar mask of indifference."You're mad because I didn't keep my promise?"What promise? I blinked, confused."Huh?"He leaned in suddenly, his breath warm against my ear."This morning—I said I'd feed you, remember?" he murmured.My face went up in flames.This bastard!"I don't—""Don't be mad," he interrupted, v
Aria's POVThe car ride back was silent.Kane sat beside me, stone-faced, jaw clenched, like the air itself had turned to ice.Even I, as slow as I could be sometimes, could tell he was angry.But what for? What had I done wrong tonight?I kept to myself. I avoided Caleb. I barely even let his fingers graze mine—and only for a second. I didn't speak out of turn, didn't step out of line.So why did Kane look at me like I'd betrayed him?"Are you mad?" I asked cautiously. "Why?"He let out a cold laugh, sharp and bitter. "I'm mad because you're a tasteless hillbilly. Is that not allowed?"The words sliced straight through me—ice-cold, deliberate, and cruel.I froze in my seat.So that was it?He was embarrassed by me. Embarrassed because I didn't look the part. Because I didn't know the right brands, or wear thousand-dollar shoes.But is that really my fault?I bit my lip hard enough to draw blood, forcing myself to stay calm.Don't argue, Aria. Don't lose control. You don't get to figh
Aria's POVI followed Kane's softened gaze—only to see a striking figure in red practically flutter into his arms like a butterfly.She was stunning. The kind of breathtaking beauty that makes people pause.Her porcelain skin shimmered like pearls under the lights, and every bounce of her meticulously styled curls seemed intentional.Even the diamonds dangling from her ears sparkled with dizzying brilliance."Kane! I saw your car and knew you had to be here. I missed you so much," she cooed, her voice so sugary it made my teeth ache.Her fingers—painted a pale nude—rested possessively on his shoulder, as if they belonged there.I instinctively stepped back, uncertain if I should still be standing next to him… or if I should be introducing myself.She noticed me then.Her eyes swept over my bare face, lingered on my worn-out sneakers, and a barely-there smirk tugged at the corners of her lips."Kane, I heard you were hurt... I was so worried," she murmured, voice trembling with just th
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