Estrella's fifteenth birthday was supposed to be perfect—sparkling lights, a rented villa overlooking Rome, music loud enough to shake the walls. Aaliyah had gone all out for her. Pink roses, a live DJ, a dress that made Estrella look like she'd stepped out of a dream.
For one night, the chaos of the last weeks was meant to disappear.
And for a while… it almost did.
Estrella laughed with her friends, danced until her curls bounced around her shoulders, and posed for pictures that flooded social media within minutes. She looked happy—really happy—and that alone made Aaliyah relax.
But peace never lasted long with this family.
Aaliyah's Post That Started Everything
Later that night, after the guests left and the music faded, Aaliyah sat in her room scrolling through her camera roll. She found a picture she had taken earlier that morning…
Damiano's hand tangled with hers on the sheets, sunlight creeping through the blinds.
A quiet moment. A rare one.
Without thinking too much, she posted it with the caption:
"Nights that remind me how everything started.
How Estrella became the miracle she is today."
The internet exploded.
Fans went feral, connecting the dots, making theories, posting heart emojis and fire emojis. Some comments were sweet. Others… messy.
But the messiest reactions weren't even about her post.
Thomas Sees the Rumors About Him and Estrella
While Aaliyah's post trended, another topic caught fire:
"THOMAS RAGGI AND ESTRELLA? 👀"
"They were too close at the party…"
"Is something going on?"
Thomas almost spit out his drink when he saw it.
—Bro, what the hell? —he muttered, scrolling faster.
Estrella was FIFTEEN.
He was twenty-something.
Just the idea made him panic.
He immediately found Ethan and Victoria backstage at rehearsal.
—Guys, people online are saying things about Estrella and me. Things that are… crazy.
Victoria rolled her eyes.
—Well, that's the internet. They'll ship anything with a pulse.
But Ethan looked more serious.
More calculating.
—Just keep your distance for a while, man. People love drama. Don't feed it.
Thomas nodded, but the uneasiness stayed in his stomach like a stone.
Ethan Crosses a Line
The tension between Ethan and Aaliyah had been weird for weeks—too many glances, too many comments, too much proximity. Damiano felt it. Estrella felt it. Even Thomas felt it.
And then Ethan proved everyone right.
He caught Aaliyah outside on the balcony, alone for a moment, looking at the moon over Rome.
—You okay? —he asked softly, stepping closer.
—Just tired, Ethan. It's been a long night.
He nodded… but didn't move away.
Didn't blink.
Didn't take the hint.
—Damiano doesn't deserve half of what you give him, —Ethan whispered.
Aaliyah stiffened.
—Ethan… don't start.
But he didn't listen.
He cupped her cheek.
And before she could react—
he kissed her.
Aaliyah pushed him back instantly.
—WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING? —she shouted, voice cracking in shock and fury.
Ethan froze.
—Aaliyah, I'm sorry, I thought—
—No. No thinking. No excuses. Stay away from me.
She ran inside, heart pounding, shaking from anger and disbelief.
She found Damiano immediately.
And she told him everything.
Damiano Doesn't Take It Well
Damiano listened in silence.
His jaw clenched.
His hands formed fists.
His breath came out slow, dangerous, controlled.
—He kissed you? —he repeated, voice low enough to scare God Himself.
Aaliyah nodded.
—I pushed him away. I told him to stay away. I told you because I don't want secrets between us anymore.
Damiano closed his eyes, exhaled shakily, then opened them again—burning with protectiveness, jealousy, love, and something darker.
—Ethan is done.
He won't come near you again.
I swear it.
Aaliyah touched his face gently.
—Damiano… please don't make this worse.
But it was too late.
Damiano's mind was already spiraling into "defend what's mine" mode.
He walked out of the room with a storm in his steps.
And the chapter closed with the promise that Ethan had just started a war he wasn't ready for.