Chapter 152

Aria

So, everything’s finally starting to fall into place. Me and Lucas are cool now, Mia and Damon are back together, and I’ve been giving Mark the cold shoulder ever since, which honestly feels great. Life should be perfect, right? Except for this damn dream I had last night. It felt so real, like the kind of real that messes with your head, and for a second when I woke up, I actually thought I was still stuck inside that nightmare.

I’m standing outside, trying to shake it off and breathe some fresh air, when Lucas comes strolling out from the living room. He wraps his arms around my waist and tilts my face up to look at him gently.

“There you are, Aria,” he says warmly. “How are you doing, baby?”

I let out a small breath, trying to act normal. “Just out here getting some fresh air.”

Lucas smiles, and I can already tell he’s about to say something he’s been holding back. “It’s been a week, Aria. I feel stronger now. I think I’m ready to go back