I forcefully wiped away the tears that kept spilling out and forced myself to stand up, wanting to go over and help Juliette.
But the instant I rose—
It felt as if something violently tore my heart apart.
A searing pain exploded without warning.
My mind went blank, my vision swaying violently.
I didn’t even have time to grab onto anything. My legs gave out, and my whole body pitched straight toward the ground.
“Aria—”
I heard someone cry out.
The voices overlapped—urgent, distorted.
The next second, I didn’t hit the floor.
A strong arm wrapped around me first, pulling me fully into an embrace.
Rhett held me tightly.
My body had completely lost its strength; I could only rely on him to keep me upright.
I tilted my head, trying to see his face clearly, but tears blurred everythi
