Aria

My life's nowhere near perfect. Sure, being a top curator in the industry should be a big deal, but it's like walking a tightrope between my true passion and trying to pick up the broken pieces of my life.

Then there's Damian Romano, the source of my frustration. He's an arrogant, self-centered, ruthless businessman. Yet, the more time I spend with him, the line between his true self and the facade he presents to the world blurs. I hate it. Hate not knowing who the real version of him is.

I hate everything about it. Everything but him.

Damian

My life's a chessboard of calculated moves—it's how I've thrived, after all. The world sees me as a cold, self-centered businessman who's got it all figured out. Little do they know, it's a carefully crafted act to shield the broken pieces of my life that I've been desperately trying to piece together on my own.

Then there's Aria Petrov, the source of my undoing. Her fire, kindness, and dedication start breaking down my carefully crafted walls. The more time I spend with her, my control unravels. Yet, I can't seem to stay away from her. I hate it. Hate not being in control. Hate that she's the exception to the rules I set.

I hate everything about the chaos she brings. Everything but her.

Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author's website.