ARIA’S POV
I slow my steps as I hear footsteps hurrying behind me.
Part of me wants to bolt back into Jeremiah’s room and pretend I never heard him. But I know better.
With Lora in the picture, we were bound to cross paths eventually. Better to get this over with now.
“Ria!” Jamie calls out , voice full of warmth that feels foreign now.
He reaches me quickly, eyes dragging over me in a way that once would have made me blush. “I’m so happy to see you. It’s been so long.”
He stretches his arms out for a hug.
I sidestep him smoothly, keeping my distance. Is he for real right now?
“Yeah, it has been a long time,” I reply, my tone ice-cold. “How can I help you, Jamie?”
He blinks, stunned. His perfect smile falters, jaw tightening for a second.
“I… I saw you from afar and just wante
