Chapter 11
ARIAS’S POV
The night air was cool against my skin as I stepped away from the glowing lights of the reception hall. My heels clicked softly against the stone path leading toward the garden, the sound almost drowned out by the distant hum of music and laughter. The wedding had been beautiful, sure, but I couldn’t help but feel like I didn’t belong there. The way Cassandra had humiliated me still burned in my chest, no matter how hard I tried to shake it off.
I wrapped my arms around myself, shivering slightly, though I wasn’t sure if it was because of the cold or the way Enzo had looked at me back there. His dark eyes had held something unreadable, something that made my stomach twist in a way I wasn’t used to. And Matteo–always so playful–had been surprisingly serious when he agreed that I was beautiful.
Then there was Dante, silent but watching. Observing like he was peeling back my layers one by one.
I sighed, letting my gaze drift up to the string lights tangled through the branches of the old oak trees. They looked like tiny stars caught in a web, flickering softly in the night breeze. It was peaceful here, away from all the people who looked at me like I was a ghost, like I didn’t belong in my own family.
“Hiding?”
I nearly jumped out of my skin at the sudden voice. Turning quickly, I found myself face–to–face with Mr. Darrow, a distant relative on my stepfather’s side. He was older, probably in his late forties, with slicked back hair and a smile that made my skin crawl. He wore an expensive navy–blue suit, and his cologne was strong enough to choke me.
“Oh, uh, no. Just needed some fresh air,” I mumbled, shifting uncomfortably.
“You don’t like parties?” he asked, stepping closer. Too close.
I swallowed, my pulse picking up. “They’re okay, I guess.”
“Hmm.” He looked me up and down in a way that made me want to shrink into myself. “You know, Cassandra was always
the social one. Your mother must be disappointed that you didn’t turn out the same way.”
J
I clenched my fists at my sides, forcing myself to stay still. “I guess we’re just different.”
“That’s one way to put it,” he said with a chuckle, shaking his head. “Shame, really. With a little effort, you could be quite
charming.”
I didn’t know what to say to that. Every part of me screamed to leave, but my feet felt rooted to the spot. Just as I opened my mouth–whether to snap back or make an excuse, I wasn’t sure–another voice cut through the night.
“There you are, Aria. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
I turned sharply to see Mrs. Lockwood, one of the wedding planners, approaching with a warm but knowing smile. Relief flooded me instantly. “Oh, sorry. I was just-
“Come now,” she interrupted, giving Mr. Darrow a polite but firm nod before gently taking my arm. “Your mother was wondering where you’d gone.”
I didn’t even look back as she led me away, my heartbeat finally starting to slow.
1/3
Chapter 11
Thank you, I breathed once we were out of earshot.
Mrs. Lockwood gave me a gentle squeeze on the arm. “Be careful around that one, dear. He enjoys making young girls uncomfortable.”
I swallowed hard but nodded.
By the time I left the wedding, the streets were nearly empty. The distant chatter and music still carried through the air, but it felt muted, like a world I wasn’t part of. The houses lining the road home were dark, their windows glowing faintly with warm, golden light.
I pulled my shawl tighter around my shoulders as I walked, my dress swaying softly around my ankles. It was a simple dress, nothing like the extravagant gown Cassandra had worn, but it fit me well enough. It was a soft lavender color, with delicate lace at the sleeves and a modest neckline. My mother had picked it out, though I suspected it was just because it was the least expensive option.
As I walked, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. It was a prickling sensation at the back of my neck, making my steps quicken. I glanced over my shoulder, but there was nothing there. Just empty streets, flickering streetlights, and the
faint rustling of trees.
“You’re imagining things, Aria,” I muttered to myself, shaking my head.
But the unease didn’t fade, not even when I reached my house.
Stepping inside, I locked the door behind me and let out a slow breath. The house was silent, my mother and stepfather still at the wedding. I climbed the stairs to my room, kicked off my shoes, and collapsed onto my bed.
My head swirled with everything that had happened tonight. The triplets, the way they looked at me, the way they made me feel seen in a way I wasn’t used to.
Matteo’s teasing smirk. Enzo’s quiet attentiveness. Dante’s intense stare.
Why did they notice me? Why did I even care?
Just as my eyes started to close, my phone buzzed on the nightstand. Frowning, I reached for it, expecting a message from my mother or maybe even James. But the number was unknown.
I hesitated before opening the message.
“See you soon, Aria.”
My heart nearly stopped.
I sat up quickly, my pulse hammering in my ears. My fingers trembled short gasps.
Who would send this? What did they mean?
as I stared at the message, my breath coming in
I looked toward my window, half–expecting to see someone standing outside. But there was nothing. Just the dark night and the faint glow of the streetlights.
A chill ran down my spine.
