Chapter 52 - Special

592 38 4
                                        

ARIA

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.



ARIA


"Thank you, Roman." I gave a slight bow and smile to Lana's driver as I slipped into the backseat of the polished black SUV before he gently closed the door behind me.

I couldn't help shaking my head with a quiet chuckle at how my sister's lifestyle was nothing short of fabulous. As a luxury real estate broker she managed premier properties all across LA and Dubai for high-profile clientele, like celebrities, CEOs, and other prominent figures in some of the world's most prestigious circles. From sprawling Beverly Hills estates to architectural masterpieces overlooking the Arabian Gulf, Lana dominated the industry of elite exclusivity in the world of high-end realty.

As we pulled away from the curb, I glanced at Roman in the rearview mirror. "My morning has been so crazy, I haven't had time to check on Lana's birthday gift."

I knew we'd be starting our spa day in about an hour, but I wanted to do something extra special for my little sister. For as long as I could remember, she'd had always been my rock, and the only person who could truly understand the weight of our shared past. She carried so much more than she ever let on, and I knew the cracks in our foundation sometimes threatened to break her. She never let anyone see it, not even me. But I knew. I always knew.

He nodded, his eyes flicking toward me briefly before returning to the road. "Yes, ma'am. I'll be picking up the package in about 3 hours."

"Perfect. Then, everything's all set?"

"All set," he confirmed. "Mr. Jungkook and I will make sure everything goes exactly the way we planned."

Roman had been one of Lana's most trusted employees for close to a decade, the kind of person who felt more like an extension of the family than staff. He had a gift for staying in the background while somehow always being exactly where he was needed, ready to assist without hesitation.

"I appreciate your help," I expressed sincerely. "I know I'm making it a busy day for you, but this surprise will mean everything to Lana."

He smiled faintly, his tone warm. "It's no trouble at all, Miss Aria. Mrs. Lana does so much for everyone else—it's nice to be part of something special for her."

I knew it wasn't intentional, but his words hit me in a way I hadn't expected, twisting like a knot in my stomach. He wasn't wrong. Even in the little time we'd been here in Hawaii, I'd watched Lana pour herself into me, her family, her clients... everyone except herself. That was just who she was... but today, we were flipping the script.

I leaned back into the plush leather and let out a small contented sigh, thinking of the day we were going to spend together and the gift I had in store for her. Pulling it off was no small task, but I knew it was exactly what she needed and deserved today. After everything she'd done for me, for all of us, this was the least I could do to make her feel celebrated and remind her just how loved and cherished she was.





Catch 22 - JJK (21+)Where stories live. Discover now