Ariana's POV
The name wouldn't leave my head.
Clara.
It repeated itself like a cruel echo, following me from Roman’s room back to mine, into my bed, under my skin. I didn’t sleep much. Just lay there, replaying every touch, every kiss, every whispered word Roman had ever said to me… wondering if they had been hers first.
Was she the reason for the shadows in his eyes?
Was I just a replacement?
By morning, the air between us felt… different.
He didn’t say anything as we passed each other in the hall. Just that slow, measured stare he always gave me. It used to make me melt. Now, it made my stomach twist.
I knew I was being quiet. Cold, even. But I didn’t know how to fake it. Not with him. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to.
Roman walked into the kitchen shirtless, his gray sweats h
