crisp and smelled of pine, a stark contrast to the tension coiling in Aria's s

terrace, overlooking a tranquil garden. She looked like the

a warm, practiced smile. "I've ordered us some calm

en, placed two steaming, iden

gesture was a little too deliberate, her

s of deception and betrayal, was analyzing every detail. The iden

armth. "Thank you, Isabelle. That's very thoughtful. But I'm actually f

?" she asked, her voice gentle but firm. "Could I possibly get a f

n of a second. A flicker of annoyance in

pologized, and quickly took the

trap. Her suspicion, which had felt like paranoia

ly chat. She spoke of her long history with Julian, dropping details from

a light, tinkling laugh. "Everyone in our circle knew

her love story as a business contract. Aria listened, her expression placid, refusing to

a fresh, steaming cup o

he cup herself with a gracious smile. "Here

, her thumb brushed the rim. It was a tiny,

nnings," she said, her eyes glittering wi

as a temporary wife-was breathtaking. It hollowed her out. To hide the tremor in her hand,

sharp and hot, mask

low, triumphant smile spread across her face. It

phisticated trap. The conversation was o