The next morning, Ariana arrived at the clinic, the memory of the mysterious patient lingering in her mind. She tried to shake it off as she prepared for another busy day. But curiosity echoed in her thoughts. Who was "L," and why had he felt so.. famliliar?
Mia's voice pulled her back to reality. "Earth to Ariana! you've been spacing out since breakfast."
Ariana blinked. "Sorry, just thinking about a patient from yesterday."
Mia smirked. "Was he cute?"
Ariana groaned. "He was.. mysterious. Didn't even leave a name, just a cryptic note."
"Sounds like the beginning of a romance novel," Mia teased, leaning on the counter. "Maybe he's your Prince Charming."
Ariana rolled her eyes. "Highly unlikely."
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That evening Ariana found herself reluctantly attending a charity gala with her parents. The event, hosted by one of her father's business associates, was a grand affair held at a luxurious downtown hotel. Ariana's mother had insisted she accompany them, claiming it would be a good break from her demanding schedule.
The grand ballroom sparkled under the glow of chandelier's, filled with the city's elite. Ariana, dressed in a simple yet elegant navy gown, stayed close to the edges of the crowd, sipping on a glass of sparkling water. She scanned the room, her introverted nature making her wish for a quick escape.
"Ariana, darling, there you are!" Her mother's voice broke through her thoughts.
"Come meet Mr.Langston; he's been dying to know more about my brilliant daughter."
Ariana suppressed a sigh and followed her mother toward a group of well-dressed socialites. She smiled politely, engaging in the small talk she had grown accustomed to at such events. Yet her mind wandered, the memory of her mysterious patient lingering persistently in the back of her mind.
The room suddenly hushed, a wave of excitement spreading among the guests.
The host took the stage, a broad smile on his face.
"Ladies and gentleman, thank you for your generous support tonight. As a special treat, we have an incredible performance lined up for you. Please welcome the one and only--- Asher!"
The crowd bursted in applause as the spotlight focused on the stage. Ariana's breath paused as the name struck her. She turned toward the stage, her glass frozen midway to her lips.
There he was. The man from her clinic. The hoodie and sunglasses had given way to a tailored suit, his transformation exuding an effortless sophistication. His commanding aura, paired with the intrigue of his partially hidden face, left the entire room captivated. His deep, velevety voice filled the space as he began to sing, the melody weaving a spell over the audience.
Ariana's heart raced. Could it really be him? The resemblance was undeniable---the sharp jawline, the same piercing gaze she had glimpsed beneath the hood. But she couldn't be sure. After all, how likely was it that a global superstar had walked into her small clinic the day before?
Asher's performance was enchanting. His voice carried an emotional depth that touched with everyone in the room, including Ariana. For a moment, she forgot about her doubts, lost in the music like everyone else.
When the final note faded, the room erupted in thunderous applause. Asher smiled, thanking the audience before stepping off the stage and disappearing into the crowd. Ariana's gaze followed him, her mind racing with unanswered questions.
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Ariana stayed near the refreshment table, hoping to avoid further introductions.
Her parents were engaged in conversation with other guests, leaving her to her own thoughts.
"Enjoying the evening?" a deep voice asked, startling her. She turned to see a man standing a few feet away, his face partially shadowed by the low light. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized the familiar presence.
"It's... lovely," she managed her voice steady despite her racing thoughts.
He smiled faintly. "Glad to hear it. Nights like these can be a bit overwhelming."
Ariana's eyes narrowed slightly. "Do I... know you?"
The man's expression didn't flinch. "Perhaps we've crossed paths."
Before she could press further, a group of fans approached, their excitement overwhelming. The man offered her a polite nod before disappearing into the crowd once more.
Ariana stared after him, her chest tightening with frustration and intrigue. She couldn't shake the feeling that her quiet life was about to take an unexpected turn.