Chapter 14: Aryanna Moves In

*Aryanna*

I stared at the message. Even though I had prepared for this moment, seeing Darren’s words made my chest tighten. Move into my house…

It was perfect for my plan—too perfect. Being close to him, under the same roof, would give me all the access I needed. But the thought of living in his space, seeing him every day, sharing the same air… It made me uneasy. I knew I couldn’t let him see that. I couldn’t—wouldn’t—be thrown off by something so trivial, not now.

I told myself it was just part of the deal. I had to stay focused and sharp. But I stood there for a moment, phone still in my hand, staring at Darren’s message. It was real. I was actually doing this.

I closed my eyes, breathed deeply, and moved to the closet. One by one, I pulled down my clothes, tossing them onto the bed. My hands moved on autopilot, folding, packing, folding again as my thoughts screamed, "I’m moving in with him! Darren!"