Aria’s face brightened with genuine excitement as she set down her coffee cup. “Actually, Pervis, there’s something wonderful I need to tell you. Your other two sisters will be returning tonight.”
“Other sisters?” Pervis asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes, remember I mentioned there are three of us helping with your situation?” Aria explained eagerly. Maya and Sophie have been handling business matters in different cities across the country. The moment they heard about your circumstances, they booked the first flights back”
They’ve been helping me too?”
*All of us have been working on this,” Aria confirmed with a warm smile. “Tonight we can all have dinner Etogether. They’re so excited to meet you properly.”
Pervis felt an unfamiliar warmth spread through his chest at the thought of having people who actually cared about his wellbeing. “I’d like that very much.”
“Perfect,” Aria said, standing gracefully. “But first, let’s get your documents so we can put this unpleasant
business behind us.”
The drive to Anna’s villa was quiet, both of them lost in their own thoughts. As they pulled through the familiar gates, Pervis noticed Anna’s car was missing from the driveway.
“Looks like they’re not home,” he observed.
“Even better,” Aria replied. “We can get in and out without any drama.”
Pervis used his key to enter the villa, the silence greeting them like an old friend. The house felt different now–smaller somehow, less impressive than he remembered.
“I’ll be quick,” he told Aria as they climbed the stairs to his former bedroom.
“Take your time,” she replied, though her expression suggested she wanted to leave as soon as possible.
Pervis moved efficiently through the room, gathering his important documents from the safe hidden behind a painting. His passport, birth certificate, social security card, and a few other legal papers went
into a small leather portfolio.
“Almost finished,” he called to Aria, who was waiting in the hallway.
“Well, well, well. Look what we have here.”
The harsh voice cut through the air like a rusty blade. Pervis turned to see Justina Morrison standing in the bedroom doorway, her face twisted with familiar disdain.
“Hello, Justina,” Pervis said calmly, continuing to pack his documents.
“Don’t ‘hello‘ me, you thief,” Justina spat, her eyes scanning the room suspiciously. “What are you trying
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Chapter Ten
to steal now? Anna’s jewelry? Her credit cards?”
I’m not stealing anything.” Pervis replied evenly, “I’m moving out.”
Justina’s laugh was sharp and mocking “Moving out? You? That’s rich. Where exactly do you think you’re going to go? Back to whatever gutter Anna dragged you out of?”
“Something like that,” Pervis said, closing the portfolio.
“This is hilarious,” Justina continued, her voice dripping with contempt. “You think you can just walk away from this life? From everything my daughter has given you?”
At that moment, Aria appeared in the doorway behind Justina. “Are you finished packing, Pervis?”
Justina whirled around, her eyes narrowing as she took in Aria’s elegant appearance. “And who is this supposed to be?”
“This is Aria,” Pervis said simply.
“Aria?” Justina’s voice rose to a shriek. “So it’s true! You are cheating on my daughter!”
“Actually “Pervis began.
“I knew it!” Justina interrupted, her face flushing red with rage. “I always knew you were trash, but I never imagined you’d stoop this low! Wait until Anna hears about this. She’ll divorce you so fast your
head will spin!”
“First,” Pervis said coldly, his patience finally wearing thin, “Aria is helping me through a difficult time. Second, Anna and I are getting divorced.”
Justina’s mouth fell open, then snapped shut like a trap. “Divorced? You’re lying.”
“The papers will be filed soon,” Pervis stated matter–of–factly.
“That’s impossible,” Justina sputtered. “You would never give up the wealthy life my family has provided you. You’re nothing without us!”
She turned her venomous attention to Aria, looking her up and down with obvious disdain
“And you,” Justina sneered, “if you’re helping this piece of trash, then you must be just as poor and desperate as he is. Otherwise, why would you come rushing into my daughter’s house to help steal things
to sell?”
Aria’s laugh was soft but somehow more cutting than any shout. “Steal things? From here?”
“Don’t try to deny it,” Justina snapped.
‘I wouldn’t dream of denying something so amusing,” Aria replied with a cold smile. “Though I have to say, the most valuable item in this entire house isn’t worth as much as the shoes I’m wearing.”
2/3
Justina’s face tumed an even deeper shade of red. How dare you insult my family’s hommes You blaze
“Careful,” Arla warned, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper
“I demand an apology” Justina shrieked. “Apologize to me right now, or I’ll throw both of you out on the street where you belong
Pervis stepped forward, positioning himself slightly in front of Aria. “Heither of us will be apologizing for anything.”
“Excuse me?” Justina gasped
“You heard me,” Pervis said calmly. “And we don’t need you to throw us out. We came here to collect my belongings, and now we’re leaving”
Justina stared at him as if seeing him for the first time Gone was the submissive, apologetic man she’d tormented for four years In his place stood someone she didn’t recognize–someone with backbone
“You’re you’re serious,” she whispered, the reality finally sinking in
“Completely serious “
For a moment, Justina seemed genuinely stunned. Then, as if a switch had been flipped, she burst into loud, cackling laughter.
“This is perfect!” she howled, wiping tears from her eyes. “Absolutely perfect! Anna is finally going to get rid of this worthless piece of garbage!”
Chapter
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
