CHAPTER 158

NEAL’S POV

The recent events that have turned our lives upside down have made me more cautious. Since Stella was harassed and my little sister got into a fight, I have ensured they both have bodyguards at all times. Although Stella had refused, she didn’t know that my men were always around, protecting her and reporting back to me. I love Stella a lot, and I can’t afford to lose her.

I haven’t been too open about my feelings because the last time I poured my heart out to a girl, she left me, saying I was too emotional. That experience shattered me, and since then, I’ve kept my feelings guarded when dating. It nearly destroyed my confidence. You’d think a billionaire like me would have no trouble finding women, but it’s been far from the truth for me. The fear of being hurt again keeps me from truly opening up, and it’s a lonely place to be.

I completely understand how Aria must be feeling. We are family, and seeing her distant from men, I see myself in her. We’ve both been heartbroken