Chapter 39

Aria

The party is a Christmas wonderland. Lights twinkle everywhere, and tall Christmas trees tower like something straight out of a fantasy movie. Cruise parties always go all out, but this? This is next-level magic. I pause to take it all in, then scan the room for Mia and Lily. Nowhere in sight. Typical. Probably running late.

My gaze drifts, searching for him. Lucas. But instead, I spot his two idiot friends, Damon and Theo hanging in a corner. The urge to storm over and demand where Lucas is burns in my chest, but I squash it. Tonight isn’t about that jerk.

I make a beeline for the cocktail table, grabbing a drink. And, of course, there he is…Ethan. The devil himself, complete with his stupid smirk and Vanessa. Ethan’s in a tailored suit, looking ugly, while Vanessa is…whatever. I refuse to let her outfit occupy any real estate in my brain.

“Aria,” Ethan purrs, eyeing me like he owns the air I breathe.

I sip my drink, pretending not to notic