Chris’s POV

Aria outstretched her hand for me to take as we arrived at the front of the hotel. I hesitated for a moment. She still seemed annoyed from earlier.

I finally took her hand, and we both walked inside.

I wouldn’t say I’m poor, but I’m certainly not as explicitly wealthy as Aria’s parents.

She led me over to their table.

“Mom, Dad. Meet Chris.”

They exchanged a strange look, like they’d never even heard my name. But Aria told me she had already given them a heads-up. Her eyes flickered toward them in warning, and I could see her gritting her teeth at their reaction.

“Oh—the one you’ve...