جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 310

ARIA’S POVThe evening at Adam's place has a strange tension in the air, the kind that seems to settle in the corners of the room, waiting to pounce at the most inconvenient moment. Regis is here tonight, and although it's been a long time since we last saw each other, the memory of our last encounter lingers between us like a ghost.That stunt he pulled at the restaurant when I was out with Tony was supposed to be forgotten, but the weight of his overprotectiveness, his concern, and his unspoken feelings for me have made it impossible to erase.“How has it been, Aria?”“Pretty rough.”As we gather around the dinner table, I find myself hyper-aware of Regis' presence. He’s seated across from me, and though he tries to keep the conversation light and casual, there’s an undercurrent of something more—something deeper and more complicated that neither of us seems willing to address. I catch him watching me out of the corner of his eye, his expression a mix of fondness and something that

ARIA’S POVThe drive back to Adam's residence feels endless, every mile stretching out as my anger festers. The adrenaline from the climb hasn’t worn off; instead, it has twisted into something darker, a simmering fury that only intensifies with each ignored call and unread message. How dare he try to take this from me? Rock climbing is mine, my escape, my sanctuary, and he has no right to interfere. I spent so long working up the courage to go back, to face those heights and conquer them again, and here he is, pulling me down with his incessant worry and suffocating concern.By the time I reach the house, my hands are shaking, not from fear, but from the sheer force of the emotions I’ve been bottling up. I storm inside, barely registering the familiar surroundings as I make my way to Adam. When I see him, his face is flushed, his expression a mix of worry and something else—something that looks almost like betrayal. It’s as if he’s accusing me of something, as if he believes I’ve don

ARIA’S POVWork has always been my refuge, a place where I can drown out the noise of everything else in my life. The days have been so hectic that it feels like I’m living in a constant whirlwind, but I don’t mind. It’s easier to focus on the tasks at hand, to pour every ounce of energy into projects and responsibilities, than to confront the swirling emotions that threaten to consume me.I’ve learned to handle everything with precision, ensuring that every project is completed successfully, every deadline met with the efficiency I pride myself on. But the more I throw myself into work, the more it becomes apparent that I’m using it as a shield—a way to distract myself from the reality I’m avoiding.The reality that I’m still living in Adam’s house, a place that feels less like a home and more like a prison with each passing day. When I first moved back in, it was to repay a debt, to show gratitude for all he had done for me. But now, every wall, every room, feels like it’s closing i

ARIA’S POVI look at Adam for a long moment, and then I sigh again.“I don’t know, Adam. I just don’t know.”“I want to go on a date with you.”Adam's persistence, his unyielding desire to reconnect, is overwhelming. The way he looks at me, with a mix of longing and determination, makes me uncomfortable. His words hang in the air, heavy and insistent.The absurdity of it strikes me. After everything, after all the distance I've tried to put between us, he still clings to the hope of rekindling what was lost. Does he not see how far we've drifted? How much I've changed? How much we both have?His presence in my room, uninvited, adds to my irritation. He didn't even knock, just barged in as if he had every right to invade my space. I can't help but wonder what gives him the audacity. Does he think that his persistence will eventually wear me down? That I'll just give in because he refuses to let go? The thought is infuriating.I look at him, really look at him, and I see a man who is de

ARIA’S POVAfter another grueling day at work, I come home mentally exhausted, knowing that I need to address Adam about my upcoming trip. The day had been a whirlwind of emotions, leaving me drained and desperate for some peace. As I walk into the house, I can feel the tension between us. The silence that has settled over the past few days is thick and heavy, a constant reminder of the growing distance.Ever since Ethan suggested Maui, Hawaii and mentioned all these incredible places we could visit—the beaches, rainforests, and even the volcanoes, I have been all excited about this new adventure. I find Adam in the living room, his eyes lighting up when he sees me, but I cut straight to the point."I’m planning a trip with Ethan, Adam. I’ll be away for the weekend.”Adam is appalled. But, he just looks at me and to my shock, Adam’s response is anything but what I expected."I’m feeling much better now. I could come with you and Ethan."For a moment, I’m stunned into silence. The shee