LOGINAria's POVAfter finishing my piano practice and stepping out, I finally noticed my phone—vibrating nonstop, so hard it made my palms tingle.I picked it up, and the screen was flooded with unread messages, dozens of missed calls piling up.My finger hovered over the WeChat icon, a terrible feeling gnawing at my chest, twisting like vines around my heart, tightening by the second.That feeling crashed into reality the moment I opened Summer's message, cold enough to numb my fingertips.Footsteps sounded behind me, carrying the warm, fresh scent of someone just out of the shower.It was Aiden. He'd just stepped out of the bathroom, his hair still damp, a faint smile playing on his lips. He walked over, leaned down, and pulled me into his arms. His voice was low, laced with a lazy rasp—usually so reassuring, but I went rigid all over.He must have sensed it. His smile faded instantly, his fingers brushing gently over my shoulder as he asked, "What's wrong?"I opened my mouth, my voice t
The gala was in full swing, and Aiden had brought Aria as his date. They arrived in perfectly coordinated, carefully chosen outfits, drawing every eye the moment they stepped into the venue.Aria was deeply uncomfortable. Her husband was a brilliant, highly successful businessman, and the attention she received on his arm far outweighed any she'd ever gotten while playing the piano. She wanted nothing more than to escape.She thrust her juice glass into his hand."I need to use the restroom.""I'll come with you.""I can go alone."Aiden smiled lightly, not pushing."When you get back, we'll leave.""Okay."Aria nodded and turned to walk out of the ballroom.She hadn't been gone long when Vivian Duncan latched onto Aiden.She couldn't believe her luck—she'd run into her crush again. It had to be fate. This time, she wasn't going to let him slip away like before."Vivi, where are you going?""Madi, that guy I told you about? I see him!"Madison barely had time to react before Vivian slip
Aria's POVThe bathroom filled with steam as Aiden pulled me onto the marble counter, his lips never leaving mine. My body burned with need, my legs instinctively wrapping around his waist to pull him closer. But as I shifted position, a sharp twinge shot through my inner thighs, making me wince."Ouch," I gasped, breaking our kiss.Aiden immediately pulled back, concern darkening his eyes. "What's wrong?""My thighs," I admitted, feeling slightly embarrassed. "I guess I'm not as experienced with horseback riding as I thought." I tried to adjust my position but winced again. "They're really sore."Instead of looking disappointed, Aiden's expression softened. He gently traced his fingers along the inside of my thigh, making me shiver despite the discomfort."Poor baby," he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "I should have realized."I pouted, frustrated that my body was betraying me at this moment of all times. "I'll be fine. We can still—"Aiden silenced me with another
Aria's POVThe lake spread before us like a crystal mirror, sunlight dancing across its surface. When Aiden helped me down from the horse, his hands lingered at my waist longer than necessary."It's beautiful here," I whispered, taking in the secluded spot surrounded by tall trees and wildflowers.Instead of answering, Aiden pulled me against him, his lips crashing down on mine with an urgency that left me breathless. I melted into him, my fingers threading through his dark hair as the kiss deepened.When we finally broke apart, both gasping for air, I saw something vulnerable in his eyes—something I rarely witnessed in the confident, powerful man everyone else saw."What's wrong?" I asked, touching his face gently.Aiden sighed, his arms tightening around me. "I didn't like how Duncan looked at you today."I couldn't help the small smile that formed on my lips. "Are you jealous, Mr. Carter?""Yes." His blunt admission surprised me. "I don't want anyone thinking they have a chance wit
Aria's POVI arrived at the stables with Aiden a little before three. There's something special about being on horseback - a kind of freedom that's hard to find anywhere else. Snow moved beneath me with graceful steps while Aiden rode Chaser beside us, both horses' coats gleaming under the afternoon sun."These horses are absolutely stunning!" a little boy shouted from nearby, pointing at our pair. I couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm.It wasn't just the kid either. Pretty much everyone at the riding center kept stealing glances our way. Snow and Chaser weren't just well-groomed; they were magnificent.I ran my fingers through Snow's silky mane, feeling oddly proud. There's something about a perfectly cared-for horse that's like a person dressed in their finest - they simply stand out.After Aiden and I finished a slow lap around the grounds, Lillian and Ryan showed up. They were riding horses randomly selected from the stable's rental options, and the contrast was even more ap
Author's POVThe moment Aria and Aiden disappeared through the restaurant doors, Lillian's smile vanished like it had never existed. She slumped back in her chair, exhaling dramatically."Well, that was awkward," she muttered, taking a long sip of her wine. "Of all the restaurants in Manhattan..."Ryan studied her reaction carefully, his jaw tightening. "You looked absolutely terrified when they spotted us. Are you really that worried about people finding out about us?"Lillian met his gaze directly. "Do you honestly think what we have is something worth announcing to the world, Ryan?""What's that supposed to mean? Dating isn't exactly a crime last time I checked." His voice had an edge to it now."Dating?" Lillian repeated the word like it was foreign to her. "Is that what you think this is?"Ryan's expression darkened as he watched her brow furrow in what looked disturbingly like disagreement. His fingers tightened around his glass. "What exactly would you call whatever we've been
Claire's POVI can practically hear her unspoken thought: You're practically worshipping her!But being a good friend, she softens her tone. "You should just invite her out more often. Come on, it's your birthday! Don't look so glum."I force a smile, but then something occurs to me. "Wait, why wou
Aiden's POVAs soon as I pulled into the garage, I cut the engine and turned to study Aria. Her cheeks were flushed a deep crimson, her breathing shallow and rapid."We're home," I said simply.She blinked, seeming to emerge from a daze. "Oh... right."She fumbled with her seatbelt, practically stu
Aria's POVAiden tore open the wrapper and popped the candy into his mouth.He turned to look at me sitting beside him. "Not sweet enough. Bit sour.""Oh?" I was caught off guard. "But it's clearly very sweet."He didn't respond, instead fixing his gaze on the wine glass in my hand. "Not drinking?"
Aria's POVI hesitated, but the window to recall the message had already passed. Suddenly anxious, I sat there staring at my phone, feeling restless.Would Aiden think I was being conceited?Lillian noticed me fixating on my screen. "Got some eye candy on that phone?"She leaned over for a peek, ju







