AriaThe morning was supposed to be mine. The sun had barely slipped through the curtain before I stretched out like a cat, letting myself soak in the silence. There were no alarms, no urgent emails, no calls demanding my attention. Just me, the smell of coffee drifting faintly from the kitchen, and the fantasy of a perfect, romanticized day.I smiled as I slid out of bed, toes sinking into the soft rug. Today felt like it had promise, and I felt like I deserved it. It was the kind of day where I’d throw on a cool playlist, sip my coffee slowly, and maybe even walk to work instead of rushing into a car. Just to keep experiencing the peace.At least, that’s what I thought…until my phone rang.The sharp buzz cut through the morning stillness and dragged me out of my calm bubble. As soon as I heard that phone ring, my brows furrowed in annoyance. It was too early for casual calls, too early for nonsense. But despite the way I was feeling, my hand hovered before I picked up my phone and s

AriaI should’ve been relieved after walking out of that prison. But instead, the weight of Lucian’s words followed me home like an invisible shadow.“You’ve made another enemy. One that is closer than you think.”The phrase replayed in my head again and again, and by the time I unlocked the front door, my chest felt tight. The smell of Zion’s cologne lingered in the hallway, mixed with the faint aroma of roasted coffee. He was home earlier than I expected.“Babe?” His voice sounded from the kitchen. “You’re back late. Thought you said you’d just stop by the office.”I froze for half a beat. My lips parted, but no words came. What was I supposed to tell him? That I had just spent the afternoon staring into the smug face of the man who once tried to destroy me—and might still be trying?“Yeah,” I called back, trying to keep my tone light as I set my bag down. “Work piled up.”Shortly, Zion appeared in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame with his arms crossed. His dark eyes

AriaThe message burned a hole in my chest the longer I stared at it. I could feel an uncontrollable anger rising as my blood boiled. Whoever this was, they weren’t just stealing from me; they were enjoying it. They were taunting me, turning my own life into a game. And I hated games I couldn’t control.I couldn’t stand it anymore. I felt the sudden urge that I needed to do something. Anything to reclaim control of my business, and so I left the gala early, slipping out before the music stopped, anger pulsing through every step I took. The night air was cold, but it didn’t cool the fire racing under my skin.The drive home was silent, and my mind was racing, just like the city lights that blurred past, but all I could hear was the echo of that message. ‘Closer than I think. How close could they possibly be?’By the time I pulled into our driveway, the fury had settled in my chest like hot coal, and all I wanted was some silence, a glass of wine, and maybe five hours of sleep if I coul

EllenTonight was proof that my plan was working, and I was very satisfied with the results I was getting. Every move, every whisper, every smile I’d planted over the past months had blossomed exactly as I intended. Aria was cracking, her company was under siege, her reputation was fraying, and her relationship with Zion? Well, that was starting to strain under the weight of secrets she couldn’t afford to tell him.I’d been patient long enough. That was always my strength. Sixteen years by Zion’s side had taught me that timing was everything. You don’t charge in headfirst; you wait. You listen and take notes when no one else was paying attention. And when the moment comes, you pull the right string and watch the whole tapestry collapse. So that’s exactly what I did.I knew she’d immediately think Lucian was her enemy. That he was the one pulling the strings behind her unraveling. How sweet. It’s just what I wanted her to believe. Let her waste her energy blaming a man behind bars whil

AriaI hated being back here, but I had no other choice. The prison smelled like bleach and rust and of juvenile junkies. The officers were surprised to see that I was back, but Lucian? Well, he had a calm look on his face like he expected to see me right back here.I heaved a deep sigh and sat across from him, my eyes watching him keenly. His wrists were chained, and his dark eyes fixed on me like I was the only thing keeping him entertained in this miserable place. His smirk stretched wider the longer I stayed silent and then he finally leaned forward and said,“You must really love me, coming back here twice in such a short time,” he drawled, his voice smooth, mocking. “Tell me, Aria, what happened to all that pride?”I ignored him, or at least tried to, keeping my hands folded tightly on the table. I had promised myself I wouldn’t let him get under my skin this time. I came for answers, not to be toyed with.But before I could speak, my phone buzzed on the metal surface between u