DANTE'S POV
The moment Aria left, her image stayed with me, as if burned into my mind. She had looked so elegant in that green dress, the satin flowing around her like ripples on a calm lake.
Her skin had seemed even more radiant against the fabric, smooth and untouched by the world’s harshness.
I clenched my fists at my sides, silently cursing myself.
Months had passed since I last saw her, and not once had I tried to talk to her, not even to explain.
What kind of man was I? I was always so… dumb.
“Dante! Dante!”
Linda’s voice cut through my thoughts, sharp and urgent. I turned to see her staring at me, and for a brief moment, I thought I saw something fierce in her eyes—a flash of anger or jealousy. But it disappeared just as quickly, making me wonder if I had imagined it.
“A
