As Aria digs into the truth, she learns that Sebastian is not just some random stranger. He's the heir to a powerful rival family, the Winstons, who control vast international enterprises. Their supposed "engagement" was a secret agreement between their families to merge their empires, designed to protect both dynasties from hostile takeovers.
But something went wrong a year ago—Aria's memory of that time is fragmented. Sebastian reveals that they met during an exclusive event where Aria, under an alias, spent the night with him after making a reckless bet. That night sealed their fate, though Aria has no recollection of the details.
Though Aria initially rejects Sebastian's advances, the two are forced to work together as rivals of their respective empires seek to undermine them. Aria's attraction to him grows, but her trust issues keep her guarded. Sebastian, however, is patient and persistent, challenging her to face her forgotten past.
Eventually, Aria learns the full truth of what happened that fateful night—a mix of deception, family secrets, and her own reckless decisions. She regains her memories and realizes that she did indeed promise to marry Sebastian, but under circumstances clouded by manipulation.
Now, armed with her newfound power and clarity, Aria faces a choice: to marry Sebastian and solidify her position as one of the most powerful women in the world, or to chart her own course, free from any expectations or ties.
But Aria isn't the same naïve girl she once was. This time, she will control her destiny—and whether or not she chooses love, it will be on her terms.
As Aria and Sebastian grow closer, the chemistry between them becomes undeniable, but Aria continues to guard her heart. She's terrified of repeating the mistakes she made in her previous life with the Dawson family, where love and trust were used against her. Sebastian, while seemingly perfect on the surface, is also hiding something—he's playing a dangerous game of power politics within his family, and Aria is key to securing his legacy.
One evening, Aria stumbles upon a secret meeting between Sebastian and a group of high-ranking Winston executives. She overhears them discussing plans that would affect not only their families but also the global economy. The meeting reveals that their engagement was orchestrated not only to unite their empires but to prevent a hostile takeover from an unseen enemy—a ruthless competitor lurking in the shadows.
Aria feels conflicted. Is she just a pawn in yet another family's game? Or does Sebastian truly care for her beyond her wealth and status.