Aria
“Why? So you can lie for your asshole brother?” I shoot back, crossing my arms.
“Aria, you know I’d never support Lucas’s bad behavior.”
“Then why are you here, huh?”
“Because you’re mistaken,” she says, taking a step closer. “Lucas didn’t do it. Serena and Ethan-”
“Stop,” I cut her off, holding up a hand. “I don’t wanna hear it.”
She sighs, her shoulders slumping. “I know you hate my family… hell, even I do sometimes. But I’m begging you. Just hear him out. He made a mistake, but he’s truly sorry.”
I laugh, cold and bitter. “Yeah, sure. Message received. You can leave now.”
Sarita stares at me for a second, then turns and walks away, her shoulders hunched like she’s carrying the weight of the world.
I shut the door and lean against it, guilt swirling in my chest. Sarita doesn’t deserve this. She really doesn’t. But damn it, I can’t let my guard down. Not now.
I flop back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. Thank Goddess after tomorrow, I’ll be free of all this bullshit. No more drama, no more Lucas, no more “poor Aria.” Just peace.
It’s getting dark, so I drag my ass to the shower, letting the hot water do its thing. When I step out, Lily’s already in my room, looking all serious, like she’s about to drop some life-changing news.
“You showered already?” she asks, sitting on the edge of the bed.
“Yup,” I say, plopping down on the couch.
She hesitates, fidgeting with her hands. “Aria, I spoke to Theo. Alpha Lucas didn’t do it. It was all a plot by-”
“Lily, please.” I cut her off with an eye roll. “Don’t start. Why are you suddenly Team Lucas, huh? You trying to get me back with him or something?”
She lets out this deep sigh, like she’s carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. “That’s not it. I just thought you should know the truth.”
I shake my head, crossing my arms. “Doesn’t matter. Truth or not, I don’t want him anymore.”
She nods, but I can see the disappointment in her eyes. “Alright,” she says, standing up. “I’ll go get ready for the party.” She forces a small smile before leaving the room.
I get it. She means well. But I’m not about to let anyone guilt me into making another stupid mistake.
I haul myself off the couch and head to the closet. Time to dress up for this damn party and forget about Lucas for a few hours.
A few minutes later, I’m standing in front of the mirror. I’ve got on this black dress that hugs all the right places and stops just above my knees. It’s sexy but not too much perfect. I pair it with these silver stilettos Lily gave me, the only fancy shoes I own now since I left all the fine shit at Lucas’s place. My blonde hair’s up in a sleek ponytail, and I’ve got on just enough makeup to look like I tried but not like I’m trying too hard.
Feeling good, I step out of my room and head down the hall. Of course, I run into Vanessa. Great. Just what I needed.
I’m about to walk past her when she calls out, “Aria.”
I stop, sighing internally. “What is it?”
“For what it’s worth,” she starts, crossing her arms, “Serena didn’t fuck Alpha Lucas. It was all a plan by Ethan and Serena.”
I let out a dry laugh. “And why the hell are you telling me this?”
She shrugs, looking almost bored. “Just letting you know how obsessed Ethan is with you.” She pauses, studying my face. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Before I can respond, she turns and struts away like she’s walking a damn runway.
I watch her leave, narrowing my eyes. What the hell is her game? And could she be telling the truth? Was this all Ethan and Serena’s doing?
“Aria! Over here!” Mia’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts. She and Lily are waiting for me down the hall, both dressed to kill.
I shake off the weird conversation with Vanessa and head over to them. Together, we make our way to the cafeteria for dinner.
While I’m eating, my eyes keep darting around, half-expecting Lucas to show up. But he doesn’t. Probably for the best, honestly.
After dinner, we head straight to the party on the ship’s deck. The place is decked out with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and a fancy-ass setup. Coach John’s on stage, giving some long-ass farewell speech. I zone out, my mind wandering back to Vanessa’s words. Could she be right? Maybe Lucas didn’t sleep with Serena.
But before I can spiral too much, a voice cuts through the crowd, loud and obnoxious.
“So I’d like to use this opportunity to demand a public apology from Aria Whitlock.”
What. The. Actual. Fuck.
Mia’s jaw drops. “What the fuck is he doing?” she hisses.
I turn to see Ethan, standing on stage with a shit-eating grin, looking right at me.
“Come on up here, Aria,” he says, gesturing dramatically. “Kneel down and apologize. Maybe when we get back, I’ll convince my father to forgive you and not punish you for being such a disgrace.”
Laughter erupts around the room. People are pointing at me, whispering, some outright laughing in my face.
“I mean, I warned her about Lucas Russo,” Ethan continues, his voice dripping with fake pity. “But did she listen? Nooo. Poor Aria thought fake dating the future Alpha of the Shadow Pang Pack would change anything. But guess what? You’re still Aria Whitlock the pack runt. The daughter of a traitor. You don’t belong here, and you never will.”
The crowd laughs louder, their judgmental stares piercing through me.
“Aria, let’s just go,” Lily whispers, tugging on my arm.
“Yeah, screw this asshole,” Mia says, trying to pull me away.
But I shake my head. Nah. Not tonight. Tonight, they’re gonna hear me loud and clear.
I take a deep breath, squaring my shoulders, and step forward. Time to shut this shit down.