Mag-log inAria's POV
After multiple orgasms, my body collapsed into a boneless heap against Aiden's chest. My lungs struggled for air, my throat raw from screaming his name.
"That wasn't a thriller movie at all," I panted, my fingers tracing lazy patterns on his sweat-slicked chest. "That was straight-up porn."
Aiden's deep chuckle vibrated against my ear. "You complaining, baby?" His large hand cupped my ass possessively.
"Not even a little," I admitted, feeling another aft
Aria's POVI suddenly felt a hot breath on my neck as Aiden leaned in close, his lips barely brushing my ear. "I care for Aria too," he murmured, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine. "More than anyone could possibly imagine."My ears were already tingling from Claire's open declaration, but Aiden's intimate confession made both my ears turn completely crimson. My face felt like it was on fire.I'd grown a thicker skin since our marriage began, but him saying something so bold in such a public setting still left me breathless. I shot him a sideways glance. "Are you trying to make me spontaneously combust in front of everyone?" I whispered.He chuckled softly, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Maybe. You're particularly beautiful when you blush."Across the room, Thomas Carter had already taken the stage, but my attention was completely scattered. How could I focus on anything when Aiden was standing so close, his breath warm against my neck, sending tingles across my skin? My m
Sylvia's POVI couldn't help but smile as I watched Claire with her mother. In that moment, I saw exactly where Claire had inherited her fiercely generous spirit.Once Mr. Bennett had excused himself to join his business associates, only Mrs. Bennett, Claire, and I were left in our cozy—if rather opulent—corner of the hall.I'd been quietly worried that we were keeping the Bennetts from mingling with the other guests, but the second her husband's back was turned, Mrs. Bennett let out a genuine, relieved sigh. "Finally, he's gone! A man hovering about ruins all our girl talk, doesn't it?"Claire huffed in unmistakable agreement, nodding vigorously. "Exactly! Dad's always so stiff with all that business chatter. Poor Aria could barely keep up!"Mrs. Bennett reached for my hand, her touch warm and unexpectedly maternal. "Claire calls you Aria, so I hope you won't mind if I do the same, dear? And please don't pay Mr. Bennett any mind—he's spent
Aria's POVI couldn't believe Claire remembered that incident from five years ago. It felt like such a distant memory, almost entirely faded from my mind.That day, after the competition and award ceremony, I was supposed to make a quick exit. But the organizers had insisted we record performance videos. As the reigning champion, I went first, eager to be done. I was in a hurry to leave, truly—didn't want anyone to discover the true identity behind my masked persona.Nana wanted to film me doing a short segment, so I took a jet ski to the calmer, more secluded side of the shore. Just as I finished recording, shouts pierced the twilight air from the main beach. It was sunset already, and I couldn't see clearly from that distance. But following everyone's frantic gaze, I spotted someone standing precariously on a cluster of rocks, already being swallowed by the ocean.The tide was rising fast, a relentless force, and those rocks would soon be completely submerged. Without a second thoug
Aria's POVI glimpsed Claire across the dining room, animatedly pointing out dishes she thought I'd love. My mind wasn't on the food though. That nagging question had been eating at me all evening."Claire, can I ask you something?" I finally blurted out.She glanced up, a bit startled by my serious tone. "Sure, what's up?"I leaned forward, lowering my voice. "That thing you mentioned earlier, about me saving you five years ago... was that actually true or were you just saying that for Aiden's benefit?"The truth was, I'd been racking my brain for hours and couldn't remember any heroic rescue on my part. At twenty-five, I wasn't exactly in the business of saving damsels in distress.Claire's eyes widened before her face broke into an amused smile. "God, that's what you're worried about? Of course it was true!" She playfully swatted my arm. "Though I'm a little offended you don't remember. Guess I didn't make much of an impression, huh?"Heat crept
Aria's POVWatching Aiden's amused face as I shifted nervously beside him, my heart fluttered when he reached over and squeezed my hand."Don't worry," he said with that reassuring smile that always melted my insides. "If Thomas tries to kick you out, I'll leave with you." He paused, his thumb brushing across my knuckles. "Though I doubt he'll try anything tonight."I bit my lip, unconvinced. "But what if he does? You can't just walk out of your own uncle's sixtieth birthday with all these important people watching. Wouldn't that be mortifying?"The guest list tonight was packed with New York's elite. The thought of Aiden storming out with me in tow made my stomach clench."If anyone should be embarrassed, it won't be us," he replied with such easy confidence that I couldn't help but believe him."Okay," I nodded, drawing strength from his certainty.Our car pulled through the hotel's grand entrance. Thomas Carter had rented out the entire five-sta
Author's POVVivian Duncan watched Aria Jones walk away and couldn't hide her annoyance as she turned to her brother. "Owen, how do you know her?" she demanded.But Owen Duncan was still staring after Aria's retreating figure, completely oblivious to his sister's question.Vivian had already taken a dislike to Aria, and seeing her brother's reaction only made her temper flare. "Owen! Don't tell me you like her?"She was well aware of her brother's reputation with women. Any beautiful female could easily catch his interest. While Vivian had to admit that Aria Jones was indeed beautiful, she hadn't forgotten how the woman had humiliated her during that shopping incident. There was absolutely no way she would accept Aria as her brother's girlfriend.Owen only snapped back to reality when Vivian tugged at his sleeve. He finally tore his eyes away from Aria's direction and looked at his fuming sister. "You know her?" he asked."Of course not! Who would want







