Chapter 68

• Aria walked toward the car, her heart racing as she approached the sleek black vehicle. The driver opened the door for her, and she hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady herself. Peering inside, she saw Dante already seated, his presence imposing even in the confined space.
• With a quick glance down, she slipped inside, careful to maintain her distance. The interior felt stifling, the air thick with unspoken tension. She settled into her seat, positioning herself as far away from him as possible, her body instinctively recoiling.
• As the door closed behind her, she could feel the weight of Dante’s gaze on her, assessing and unreadable. Aria focused on the window, avoiding his eyes, her mind racing with thoughts of what this outing could mean. The car began to move, and she felt the familiar churn of anxiety in her stomach, determined to keep her distance, both physically and emotionally.