ARIA'S POV
They walked through the back entrance of the estate, their footsteps echoing softly in the quiet hallway. Aria had forgotten about this entrance,,,,the one that led directly to the private areas Damien rarely showed anyone. The one that connected to the lower levels where his mother's sanctuary waited.
Damien's hand was warm in hers as he led her down the familiar corridor, past closed doors and down a staircase she remembered from that first night. The air grew warmer as they descended, humidity increasing with each step.
"I had Mrs Chen maintain it," Damien said quietly as they reached the bottom. "She's the only one I allow access to this space. The only one I trust to keep it exactly as it should be."
He opened the door, and Aria's breath caught.
It looked exactly the same. Exactly as she remembered from that first date when she'd been terrified and exhilarated and falling for him despite knowing she shouldn't.
