Chapter 21: The Empty Bed

Alexander's POV I leant against my car, my eyes fixed on the dark woods surrounding the building.The sound of heavy footsteps on the floor broke the silence and my thoughts. I didn't have to turn around to know it was Williams. He was the only man who dared to approach me when I was in this state.“Alex.”He stopped just a foot away. I could feel his gaze scanning my dishevelled appearance, the unbuttoned collar of my shirt, the dried blood on my hands… which wasn't mine.“How did it go? Did they say anything?” He asked at almost the same time.A bitter laugh escaped my lips. "Those bastards claim she killed him." "They're saying Isabella was sent there to end Gabriel’s life, not to save it."Williams fell silent. He had been with the Sterling family long enough to remember every detail. "People in that world are paid to lie, Alex. But they are also paid to execute orders. Isabella was a mystery even then.""But she's Aria now." My voice trembled with a restrained anger. "They kne

Last Updated : 2026-05-18

Chapter 22: Don't Push Me, Aria

Alexander's POV My gaze searched over the room until I finally spotted her, curling up on a spare blanket she had dragged onto the tiled floor, her eyes tightly shut.Seeing her safe and breathing soundly, I let out a shaky breath, my shoulders finally relaxing.I walked towards her and knelt on the cold floor and took the edge of the blanket, which had slipped down to her waist, and gently pulled it up to her neck.I lingered there, my gaze tracing her delicate lashes, the slope of her nose and the soft curve of her lips. Even in her sleep, she was breathtaking. A familiar ache bloomed in my chest. I wondered how the hell I had survived five years without her. Those years had been so terrible and unbearable. I had almost given up entirely, pulling myself out of the dark only for the sake of our son.Now that you're back, Isabella, I’m never letting you go. My head leant down, intending to touch a soft kiss on he

Last Updated : 2026-05-27

Chapter 23: A Wife For The Gala

Aria's POV I yawned softly, stretching my stiff muscles. The moment I extended my leg. My bare foot touched something solid and warm.My eyes flew open as my heart seized in my chest when I realised I was looking directly into a sleeping handsome face just inches from mine. An intense heat washed over me.He had lied to me. He said he will sleep in his study room. So what was he doing here next to me?Without thinking straight, I kicked him out with all the strength I had, pushing him hard across the floor.He slid uncontrollably, his back colliding against the bedstand with a dull thud. His sleepy eyes snapped open, blinking in confusion as he rubbed his shoulder.“What the hell was that for?” He asked, tossing the tangled blanket off his legs. He aggressively swung his feet around and stood up. “I should be asking you that question!” I stood quickly, wrapping my arms tightly around myself. “What are you doing on the floor next to me? I thought you said you were going to sleep in

Last Updated : 2026-06-02

Chapter 24: The Story Didn't Add Up

Aria's POV James cleared his throat as he adjusted his tie.“Mr Sterling gave strict orders to have these delivered to you. We will pick you up promptly at 7:00 PM. Have a pleasant day, ma’am.” With a polite but dismissive nod, he signalled the maids, who placed the expensive items gently onto the bed and exited. I threw my hands up in exasperation. Unbelievable! Even his assistant is showing me attitude.Staring at the items, I moved over to the drawer, rummaging through it until my fingers wrapped around a pair of heavy scissors. I walked back to the bed and unzipped the black garment bag, exposing the gown hidden inside. I caught my breath, looking at the gown. It was a stunning, ash-silver diamond-encrusted gown. It featured a daring, completely open back, a sleeveless silhouette, and an elegant turtleneck collar that shimmered brilliantly under the light.It was breathtaking and likely cost more than m

Last Updated : 2026-06-03

Chapter 25: Someone Else's Memories

Aria's POV Alexander's dad turned slowly to me, his eyes widened – a look of genuine confusion washing over his features.“The boss?” He took a half-step back, tilting his head. “Who is that? I've never heard of anyone by that name.”"You... you’ve really never heard of him.”“No,” he said, his concern deepening as he stepped towards me, his brow furrowing. He reached out a hand as if to steady me. “What's going on, Isabella? Do you perhaps know this person you're talking about? Which organisation does this boss belong to?I blinked rapidly, trying to process his reaction. His confusion looked too real to fake. This means the entire family is completely in the dark. Alexander had been keeping the threat, the attacks, and this… all to himself.A chill ran down my spine. Why? What is really going on here? Am I missing something?"Erm… sir…” I stammered, pulling my tho

Last Updated : 2026-06-04

Chapter 26: Did You Adopt Me?

Aria's POV I scrolled past the medical jargon and forum posts, stopping on an article written by a cognitive psychologist.1. Deep Psychological Empathy or Absorbing Another's Experience:In case of extreme emotional proximity, hearing a trauma or a detailed story from someone else can cause a highly empathetic brain to internalise the event. Under high stress, your mind may replay these scenarios as firsthand memories. 2. Source Amnesia / Cryptomnesia:Sometimes, the brain mixes up where a memory came from, whether you lived it, dreamed it, heard it or imagined it. It can make another person's memory feel personally familiar.3. Trauma-Induced Dissociation:When subjected to intense psychological pressure or environmental trauma, memories can become fragmented, repeated, or “not quite yours", especially under stress. If it feels confusing or unsettling, it may help to talk to a mental health professio

Last Updated : 2026-06-05