Author's pov
Aria could still feel the sting of betrayal as she stared at herself in the bathroom mirror. Her boyfriend—someone she'd trusted implicitly—and her cousin had shattered her heart with their deceit. Her reflection seemed foreign, as if the hurt and anger in her eyes belonged to someone else. She was determined to hold back her tears, but her emotions betrayed her, the ache manifesting in silent drops that rolled down her cheeks. The warm water washed over her, almost like it was urging her not to cry. Each drop whispered: Don't let them see you broken. Don't give them that satisfaction. Take your revenge.
With a deep breath, Aria let the water cleanse her face, but this time, it wasn't about hiding her tears—it was about finding clarity. By the time she turned off the shower and wrapped herself in a towel, her mind was clear, her purpose resolute. Today was going to be different.
She dressed quickly, choosing clothes that made her feel confident, even if her insides felt raw and exposed. As she descended the stairs, her family's laughter greeted her, and for a moment, everything felt… normal. Her parents sat around the table, her siblings talking about their plans for the day. The familiarity of it all struck her, reminding her of the life she'd once cherished—one she wanted to protect, even if it meant hiding her pain.
"Come here, sweetheart," her mother called out as she noticed Aria lingering at the foot of the stairs. "You mentioned you were hungry. I made some pancakes just for you."
Aria forced a smile, hoping it looked genuine. "Thank you, Mom," she replied, sliding into a chair and picking up her fork. The warmth of her mother's care, the smell of fresh pancakes—it was almost enough to make her forget, if only for a moment.
Her mother's eyes lingered on her, soft but concerned. "Are you feeling alright? You seemed a little… distracted yesterday."
Guilt flared up in Aria's chest. She didn't want to worry her mother, not when there was nothing her family could do about the storm brewing inside her. She shook her head, mustering a reassuring tone. "I'm fine, Mom. I just had a bad dream. Nothing to worry about."
After breakfast, Aria quietly retreated to her room, her resolve strengthening with each step. She grabbed her purse, took a deep breath to steady herself, and headed back downstairs. Pausing only for a moment, she leaned down to kiss her mother on the cheek.
"Mom, I'm going to meet some friends," she said, trying to keep her voice light and casual.
Her mother gave her a knowing smile. "Alright, sweetheart. Be safe."
With that, Aria walked out the door, her heart pounding as she got into her car. She had a destination in mind—a towering building at the heart of the city, where Damien, a powerful figure she'd only heard stories about, ran his business empire. She didn't know if he'd be willing to see her, let alone help her, but she needed someone with the kind of authority that could turn her plans into action.
The drive was a blur. Thoughts of her boyfriend's deceit, her cousin's betrayal, and her family's kindness mixed together in a whirlwind of emotions that made her hands tremble on the steering wheel. But as she approached the sleek, modern building, she took a few steadying breaths, letting her focus sharpen. She couldn't afford to be distracted now.
Stepping inside the building, she was immediately struck by its sophistication. It was busy but silent, filled with people who seemed focused, professional, all moving with purpose. Aria made her way to the receptionist, a polished woman with a nameplate that read Mandy. Mandy greeted her with a polite smile, her eyes scanning Aria's face with practiced precision.
"Hello, madam. How may I help you today?" Mandy asked in a friendly but formal tone.
Aria straightened her posture, attempting to match the receptionist's professionalism. "I'd like to meet Mr. Damien."
The receptionist's expression didn't waver, but there was a flicker of curiosity in her eyes. "Do you have an appointment, madam?"
Aria hesitated, realizing how impulsive her plan might seem. "No, I don't have an appointment. But it's urgent."
Mandy gave her a sympathetic smile, but there was a hint of firmness in her response. "I'm sorry, but without an appointment, I can't allow you to go in. Mr. Damien's schedule is very tight."
Aria felt a wave of desperation rising. She couldn't leave without at least trying. "Please, just call him. Tell him my name—Aria. If he says no, I'll leave. But please, just ask him once."
The receptionist hesitated, her gaze softening. After a moment, she nodded, picking up the phone. "One moment, please."
Aria's heart pounded as Mandy spoke into the receiver. "Yes, Mr. Damien? There's a Miss Aria here asking to see you." She paused, listening intently, and Aria felt her pulse quicken as Mandy's eyebrows raised slightly in surprise.
"Yes, sir," Mandy said after a brief pause. She hung up the phone and turned to Aria with a faint smile. "You may go up, madam. Please take the elevator to the top floor."
Relief washed over Aria as she thanked Mandy and made her way to the elevator. She pressed the button, the wait feeling both endless and fleeting. The doors finally opened, and she stepped inside, watching the floors tick by as the elevator ascended, her heartbeat accelerating with each passing moment.
When the doors opened on the top floor, she was greeted by an expanse of luxurious offices, all sleek lines and glass walls. She found herself standing before Damien's door, which loomed larger than life. Gathering her courage, she raised her hand and knocked.
"Come in."
His voice was deep and cold, devoid of warmth. Aria stepped inside, and for a moment, she couldn't see him. He was standing by the window, his back turned to her, looking out over the city skyline. The silence stretched, and she felt an unfamiliar mix of intimidation and admiration.