********
Mara's POV
" So what do I have on my schedule for today, " I asked my assistant, Valerie Esteria. " Your schedules are clear for this morning, you have a meeting with Mr. Theo Harrington by 1pm." She answered with a smile.
" Ok, you may leave. " I dismissed her. ' damn, another stressful day ' I muttered.
Noon finally reached, I stood up and left for the appointment with Mr Theo Harrington, a businessman from Europe, trying to move his headquarters to Manchester city.
I sat down in the private room waiting for him.Then Theo Harrington walked into the room —British accent, calm confidence, hands roughened by craftsmanship—and casually mentioned he was relocating his centuries-old jewellery house from Cambridge to Manchester.
"I need someone who understands elegance," he said. "Not excess."
I smiled professionally.
Big mistake.
Over planning sessions, tastings, and discussions about legacy and risk, I noticed the way he listened. Really listened.
"You build experiences," he told me once. "I build symbols. We're not so different." " yes, sir" I nodded with a forced smile.
'Mara, focus we don't fall in love with clients. Rule number one. ' I cautioned myself internally.
That afternoon, after the contract was signed, he didn't leave right away.
Neither did I.
*********
Theo's POV
Mara Vale was dangerous.
Not because she was beautiful—though she was—but because she was grounded. Brilliant. Passionate.
I'd moved cities to save a legacy.
I hadn't expected to find a reason to stay.
When I asked her to dinner, not as a client but as a man, she hesitated.
"I don't mix work and feelings," she said.
"I don't mix fear and regret," I replied.
She laughed softly.
" No, let me think about this, I'll be on my way now." She said.
" Sure, I'll give you time." I answered.
That was when I knew—I was already in too deep.
********
Aria's POV
After speaking with Lina and Mara, I retired for the night. I recalled the conversation we three had and thought,
'Lina pretending she wasn't shaken.
Mara pretending she wasn't falling lin love.
Love was messy. Complicated. Risky.'
'And yet… they leaned in.
Maybe courage wasn't about being fearless.
Maybe it was choosing connection anyway.
And for the first time, I wondered—
When my turn came… would I run?'
********
Theo's POV
Moving headquarters to Manchester was the logical decision.
Choosing Mara wasn't.
But standing in her kitchen, watching her taste-test sauces with absolute focus, I knew I was done pretending logic ruled everything.
"I've decided," I said.
She looked up. "About what?"
"You. And about us."
Her breath hitched.
"I'm staying," I continued. "Manchester. Fully. And if you'll let me… I want to be more than business partners. I want to court you."
She crossed the room slowly. "I don't do relationships with my clients. It's my principle."
"Neither do I. But I'll make an exception for you, please?."
She smiled then—soft, real. Then she nodded. I smiled happily, she said yes.
*********
Julian's POV
I'm Julian Kane, I've always built my life on strategy. I secretly admire Dante Moreau, he's smart and decisive. I admit I'm competitive, witty, cunning, sometimes sarcastic.
I respect Dante more than I lets on.
That was why Dominic Veyron's call unsettled me.
"You've been spending time with Lina Frost," Dominic said casually.
I stiffened. "You don't get to involve her."
Dominic chuckled. "You and I both know nothing stays uninvolved for long."
The line went dead.
I stared at the phone.
This wasn't business anymore.
It was personal.
And I'll do anything for Lina.
*********
Aria's POV
"This can't happen."
The words tasted bitter, but necessary.
Dante didn't interrupt. He just listened.
"You're in danger because of me," I continued. "Dominic knows who I am. If I stay close to you—"
"I won't let that happen, besides he thinks Ghost is a guy. Not a girl, so you're safe." he said firmly.
"That's not your choice," I snapped. "I survive by staying invisible. You're the opposite of that."
He stepped closer anyway. "And yet you chose to work with me."
"I chose the job," I said. "Not you."
That was a lie.
We both knew it.
"Then walk away," he said quietly. "If that's what you need."
And I did. I had no choice.
And it broke something in me.
That's when I realized I've fallen for him unknowingly.
**********
Dante's POV
Walking away didn't mean letting go.
Dominic had crossed a line—threatening Aria, circling Julian, destabilizing my people.
I called an emergency meeting.
"No more restraint," I said calmly. "We expose him."
When my head of security hesitated, I added, "And protect Aria Vale at all costs. She's not leverage."
She was my everything. Mine
*********
Aria's POV
I shouldn't have logged in.
But Dominic had moved again—this time targeting Julian directly.
I intercepted the attack mid-stream, rerouting it, locking it down.
"You lose," I whispered as the system sealed.
Then my phone screen lit up.
Dante: I know you're there. And I'm not angry.
I exhaled shakily.
Me: You should be.
Dante: I chose you. Even when you walked away. I'll still love you
I froze.
Something inside me cracked that moment.
'He loves me!!!'
I was too shocked to react.
I didn't know what to say.