#Chapter 33: Race Day

Aria’s POV The next few days were a blur of cold, tense exchanges between Liam and me. I kept my distance, barely speaking to him unless it was necessary, and when we did talk, the words were clipped and sharp. It didn’t go unnoticed—gossip buzzed around the office, the team clearly picking up on the sudden shift in our dynamic. Liam’s mood had soured, and it was no secret that we were bickering more than usual. Every interaction felt like a powder keg waiting to explode. I was reviewing some emails at my desk when Jackson knocked on my door, leaning in casually. “Hey, Aria, everything okay?” “Why wouldn’t it be?” I snapped before I could stop myself, my tone harsher than I intended. Jackson recoiled slightly, his usual easygoing demeanor faltering. “Uh, no reason. You’ve just seemed... tense lately,” he said carefully, studying my face as if trying to gauge my mood. “God, can you learn to mind your business?” The words were sharp and bitter, I regretted them the moment