Aria's pov
I moved quietly through the penthouse after Max left the room, the door clicking shut behind him like a line being drawn. For a moment, I just stood there, staring at nothing in particular, listening to the silence settle around me. It felt different.
Not comforting. Just… heavy.
I walked toward the window slowly, the city stretched out in front of me, calm, controlled, exactly the way I liked it. Everything in its place. Everything predictable.
Unlike me.
My fingers lifted to my neck without thinking, brushing lightly over the spot Max had noticed. I froze there for a second, then let my hand fall.
I lied to him…and I didn’t even hesitate.
I let out a slow breath, folding my arms across myself as I leaned slightly against the glass.
Ryan’s face flashed in my mind. The
