#Chapter 58: Head in the Clouds

Aria’s POV The phone buzzes on my desk, cutting through the soft hum of the office. I glance at the screen, already knowing who it is before I pick up. The executive’s name flashes across my phone, and a knot forms in my stomach. I’ve been expecting this call, but that doesn’t make it any easier. “Aria, we really need an answer soon,” the voice on the other end says. There’s a pressure there, not overt but lingering between the words. “We’ve been patient, but we need to know if you’re going to accept the promotion.” I grip the phone tighter, my mind racing. I thought I’d have more time to decide, but here it is—now or never. The decision looms over me, casting a shadow on everything else. “I understand,” I say, trying to sound calm, even though my thoughts are anything but. “I’ll get back to you soon.” The call ends, and I drop the phone onto the desk, letting out a shaky breath. Stress clings to me like a second skin, and the weight of it all feels overwhelming. I ne