Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 91 - Chapitre 100

Aria’s POVMy phone started ringing, and I groaned. “What the hell is that?” I mumbled. “That must be some new alarm I set or something.”I reached over, trying to grab it, but I couldn’t move. I was wrapped up in heat and muscle and was completely pinned down. “Jalen,” I whispered, tapping his arm. “Hey, I gotta get my phone. It’s ringing.”He groaned but loosened his grip just enough for me to stretch out and grab it. I looked at the screen and it was Nia.“What the hell? Why is she calling me?”I answered. “Hello? What’s up, girl?”All I heard was, “Bitch! You haven’t called me in forever, you haven’t checked on your godkids, and the new baby that I’m in the hospital for right now!”I pulled the phone away from my ear, blinking. “Wait, what?” I put it back. “Nia, you’re not even due yet.”She sighed. “I know! My blood pressure shot up, and I was having all these Braxton Hicks contractions. They admitted me, so I’m stuck here for a few days. Might be on bed rest after this.”I chuck

Aria’s POVFriday, 11:35 a.m.“Nia, it’s not even noon yet,” I said as her name flashed across the office phone. She must be hella bored at the hospital, and honestly, I’d been ignoring all her calls to my cell phone.“So then, AT,” she blurted out the second I answered, “how in the hell did Jalen end up in your bed, and how was it, bitch? You better tell me.”I sighed. “How else do grown-ass adults end up in each other’s beds, Nia? They walk to the bed, pull the covers back, and get in.”She scoffed. “Quit playing with me, Aria. You’re making the baby anxious.”I laughed. “Stop using the baby as an excuse to get information out of me.”She sighed dramatically, and I finally gave in, giving her the quick playback of my hours long hook-ups with Jalen. The only thing I heard on the other end was a mix of squeals and curse words.“Shit, girl, you sound like me and Matt,” she said.I faked a gagging noise. “Please, spare me.”We continued chatting until she asked, “So, Aria… now what? Wha

ARIA’S POVSo as I sit there watching Jalen devour whatever food’s left on the table, Carmen wipes her hands on her apron and says,“Okay, so let me tell you guys what I know. I’ve been working with this family for thirty-five years, and I helped my cousin get the job with the girls at the college. That’s how you know her, Jalen.”Jalen and I look at her deadpan.“Get on with it, Carmen, and stop beating around the bush.”She chuckles, mumbling something in Spanish, “Don’t rush me.”I roll my eyes. “Then talk.”Carmen smirks. “Alright, alright. So it started back when Mrs. Schultz was still alive.”I tilt my head. “Hunter’s mom?”“Yep. Mr. Hunter’s mom.”She leans back like she’s about to drop a whole Netflix special.“Now, I don’t know if you know Hunter’s story, but he came from poverty. He’s self-made.”“Yeah, I know. Billionaire tech genius. His mother worked her ass off to make sure he had a better life.”Carmen nods, eyes narrowing. “Exactly. That woman hustled. She worked three

ARIA’S POVAs I close the door and head into the kitchen to clean up, my mind drifts back to everything Carmen told us, from Mrs. Schultz’s drama to the way Talia acted with her grandmother. I mean, I would never in my lifetime talk to my grandma like that. Especially not one who clearly loves me.Hunter’s mother, from what I know, shaped him into the man he is today who is patient, humble, and kind. So, I can’t wrap my head around how Talia could grow up in that same environment and still turn out cold. And Swan? That woman is a damn enigma. She carries herself like she’s made of old money, supposedly Rockefeller lineage or whatever the hell she claims. I’ve heard that story a thousand times, but who knows what’s true. I don’t care enough to go digging, but I do know this: their attitudes are as ugly as their privilege.And no matter how much I dislike somebody, I could never wish death on them. So, to think that Talia or her mother might have had a hand in anything against Marie Sch

Explicit Scenes AheadAria's POV​Waking up on this Saturday morning, the air already crisp with the promise of a cold day, I started getting ready for my "friend date" with Leonard. But my mind, frustratingly, kept cycling back to Jalen. Why? I didn't know. Yet, the truth was starting to settle deep in my bones that I am definitely in love with him, and to tell the truth, I absolutely hated it.​I pulled on my warmest winter clothes, ready for a day of indoor skiing, a simple distraction. Once I was dressed, I texted Leonard to let him know I was on my way. He replied instantly that he was waiting at his front door.​I made a detour for Starbucks, picking up two simple Americanos with cream and sugar and two scones. When I finally pulled up to Leonard’s magnificent home, he looked incredibly handsome. I handed him his drink. He chuckled, his eyes meeting mine. "Are you sure we can’t be more than friends?"​I laughed, pulling the car away from the curb. "Why?"​"Because a woman has n