CHAPTER 36
ARIA’S POV
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As Stella points out the discrepancy in the ticket logo, a ripple of realization spreads across the faces of Eva, Adam, and Sophia. Their expressions contort with a mixture of disbelief and dawning comprehension, as if a veil has been lifted to reveal the truth.
It is a moment of revelation, as the implications of Stella’s observation sink in. I can almost feel the tension crackling in the air, as the significance of this revelation hangs heavy between them, casting a shadow over their previously confident façades.
Stella’s swift action to summon the security guard catches my attention, but my astonishment grows as I spot Adam’s friend, George, stepping in as if he owns the place. His unexpected intervention adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama, leaving me wondering about the extent of his involvement in the situation
There is a sense of bewilderment as I watch him assert himself, his actions injecting a new element of uncertainty into an already volatile scenario. I cannot help but wonder what role he plays in this tangled web of events.
Stella crosses her arms over her chest and affirms with authority.
“Why don’t you give them your ticket then?”
George’s words hang in the air, his expression undergoing drastic shift. What was once an air of confidence now wavers, replaced by a flicker of uncertainty. His sudden discomfort is palpable, a stark contrast to his earlier assertiveness.
I can sense the tension mounting as everyone waits for his response, wondering how he will navigate this unexpected challenge to his authority. The atmosphere crackles with anticipation, as if on the precipice of a revelation that could reshape the entire situation.
Suddenly, George’s eyes turn towards me and he recognizes me instantly. I see the surprised look on his face and he has the guts to ask me to let them stay, emphasizing that Eva is my sister–in–law!
“Come on now. Aria, Eva’s your sister–in–law, don’t make everthing look so bad.”
“I don’t have any sister–in–law.”
I only sneered in respond. The audacity of George’s request takes me aback. Who does he think he is, expecting me to heed his plea? His actions have left a trail of humiliation during my tenure at Adam’s firm, and now he has the nerve to assume I shall forget everything in one fell swoop?
The memories of his past behavior flood back, igniting a slimmering anger within me. It is as if he has underestimated the depth of my resolve, assuming I shall bend to his will with a simple appeal to family ties. But I refuse to be swayed by his manipulative tactics, my determination solidifying in the face of his presumptuousness.
George is not totally to be blamed because Adam has told him that I am a trickster and trapped him into this marriage. Obviously, being Adam’s close friend, George believed him.
The memory of George’s hurtful accusation resurfaces, like a fresh wound reopened. I remember the sting of his words, the unjust label of being called a gold digger, all without an inkling of the truth.
It is a bitter reminder of the prejudices and assumptions that clouded his perception of me, tarnishing our Interactions with mistrust and misunderstanding. Despite owing the truth–that I have never taken anything from his dear friend Adam–the pain of being unjustly judged lingers, a sharp ache in my heart.
Despite this revelation, however, it is difficult to fully absolve George of responsibility for his actions, as his blind:
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CHAPTER 36
allegiance has still contributed to the turmoil unfolding before us.
The shock of George’s renewed attack leaves me reeling, as he hurls insults at me in front of everyone. It is a gut- wrenching reminder of the pain his words can inflict, dredging up old wounds with a cruelty that cuts deep.
I feel a surge of anger rising within me, fueled by the injustice of his actions and the humiliation of being publicly disparaged.
The tension in the air becomes palpable, thick with the weight of George’s venomous words. They hang like a dark cloud over the already fraught atmosphere, suffocating any semblance of peace or civility.
Each syllable he utters seems to reverberate through the space, leaving a trail of discomfort and unease in its wake. I can feel the eyes of onlookers boring into me, their silent judgement adding to the intensity of the moment. It is as if time stands still, suspended in this charged atmosphere, as we all grapple with the fallout of George’s verbal assault.
Despite my efforts to remain composed, I cannot help but feel the sting of his verbal assault, each barb piercing through me like a dagger to the heart.
These snobs will never change.
CHAPTER 37
