The pen trembled in Aria’s hand the signature line stared back at her.
One name.One decision.One life.
Kael didn’t speak he didn’t rush her.
He simply stood across the desk, waiting.
For the first time since they’d met, he was giving her complete control.
Aria closed her eyes.
Her mother’s smile flashed through her mind.
“You work too hard.”
“I’ve missed your smile.”
“Nothing valuable comes without a price.”
A tear slid down her cheek.
“What happens,” she whispered, “if we both regret this?”
Kael answered honestly.
“Then we’ll regret it together.”
She looked at him.
There was no arrogance.
No manipulation.
Only a man who looked just as afraid as she felt.
Slowly…She signed.
Aria Bello.
The scratching of the pen across the paper echoed through the silent library.
She pu
