Chapter 3

It's been two days since I walked out of Aureline Technologies.

My apartment was silent—very silent, that even the sound of a pin dropping could be heard.

Half-empty cups sat on my table; my laptop, which used to be my companion, now lay closed and untouched. The curtains had remained unopened for days.

I sat on my couch, my knees drawn to my chest, staring blankly at the muted television screen. A replay of the Aureline Tech Innovation Award flashed across the screen. A smiling Michael and Milan accepting the trophy I helped earn made my heart clench.

"Anything I see or do reminds me of my miserable past." Because that wasn't what was being played on the screen; it was my favorite TV show, but that was what I saw anytime I looked at it. So, I turned off the TV.

Just then, my sister's voice broke through the silence.

Maya: "Sis… honestly, you can't keep wasting your tears on people who clearly don't deserve you," she said with her hands placed on her hips.

Aria: “ It's just … I thought he cared, you know?” I sighed . “I thought he loved me”.

Maya: “ Cared? “ Maya scoffs , that mother fucker , he didn't because if he did he would consider your feelings and not do the despicable things he did.”

Not to talk of your “so-called best friend “ ; she is a green snake under the grass, in fact a chameleon. She manages to act all characters well, “the villain” and also “the protagonist.”

“She consoled you about the project looking so sympathetic, mean while she's the mastermind behind it all ,and still went ahead to steal your man”.

“ Ugh” I said “I can't even think about it without feeling angry”.

Maya : “ Exactly, You can't keep sitting here sulking, go on with your life and do what makes you happy”

My lips curved into a weak smile ,

“You sound like mom.”

“ Good .” “Because you really need someone to talk sense into you .”

Maya sat beside me, gently tugging my arm . “ Come on , you've been in this room for two days straight. You need fresh air”.

“I'm fine”. I said.

“ No you're not “. Maya tone softened. “ I understand what it's like to feel your world has ended. But trust me the best way to forget your sorrow is to drown it in music, and maybe a little alcohol.”

“Are you thinking what I'm thinking?” I asked.

Maya :“Of course! What do you think?” You , me at the Blue Velvet club tonight, no boy drama, just music, dancing and wine?”

“ Hmmm … I'm not too sure about that, you know I don't like clubbing and partying”. I said

Maya : “I know but just this once Aria”. she pouted.

Aria “ I can't say no to your adorable face , so fine I would go but just this once .”

Maya “ Great! You're going to wear that black dress that keeps every man drooling.”

Aria: “ okay fine “.

_ _ _

I stepped into the club wearing a sleek, figure_ hugging black satin dress that stopped mid_thigh, with a thigh _high slit teasing just enough skin to turn head. The spaghetti straps cross delicately at the back, revealing smooth skin and confidence which I'm still trying to build .

My neck line dips in a soft V; high lighting a simple gold necklace I got form my sister resting on my collar bone.

I paired the dress with stilettos that clicked the elegance on the floor and a bold red lip that completes my effortless daring look.

I let my hair down into loose waves that cascade down my shoulders ,I didn't even try to seek attention but my presence turned heads in the room. All these was inspired by my sister.

The club came alive as night fell — low lights glowing red and gold, casting shadows that danced across the glossy floor. The music was loud, smooth at first, then rising into a wild, irresistible rhythm.

The crowd moved in waves, hips swaying, hands in the air, laughter mingling with the pulse of the beat.

The bar was lined with crystal glasses and flickering candles, while sleek bartenders served drinks with sharp smiles.

Velvet couches lined the VIP area, where whispers and secrets were exchanged over clinking glasses. The air buzzed with excitement, heat, and the thrill of escape — the kind of night that made everyone feel invincible.

I settled on the bar stool, opposite the bartender to order a drink.

“ Give me something strong.” My voice came out barely a whisper. “ I don't care what it is _ just make sure it burns.”

The bartender gave me a knowing look before pouring amber liquid into a crystal glass.

“You sure you can handle that “? A voice came from behind. I looked back to see the owner of the voice .

Then my gaze collided with a man who looked like one from the world of my fantasies.

Six feet tall, broad shoulders, his white shirt, rolled up at the sleeves, clung firmly to his fore arm.

Under the low light, his chiseled jawline was sharp, shadowed with just enough to make him look dangerously good.

His eyes _ cold steel grey pierced in to mine, peeling away layers I didn't know I had .

He had jet black hair, slightly tousled. I couldn’t help but to imagine how it feels to run my hand in his hair.

There was something about him _ a quiet dominance, the kind that didn’t

need to be loud to be felt.

“Hmm … hmmm” The mysterious man cleared his throat. Which drived me out of my thoughts. I did not realize how long I had been staring.

“ Ofcourse” I replied trying to keep my voice steady.

“Drinking alone?” he asked in a cool tone.

“Not any more I guess” I replied softly. He smiled — just a faint curve of his lips. “Good answer.”

He gestured to the bartender. “Same as hers.”

“ You must have had a rough night?” he asked.

“You could say that, rough year actually” I murmured, lifting the drink to my lips. The burn hit my throat, and for the first time that night, I felt alive.

Our glasses clinked. The first sip was quiet. The second was warmer. By the third, we were talking — not about ourselves, but about everything else. Music. Life. How easy it is to lose people.

Then he said to me almost as a whisper:

“You look like someone who’s trying to forget .”

I laughed, bitter and soft. “You could say that. Maybe I’m just tired of caring.”

He leaned in, his voice dropping lower.

“Then maybe you should stop thinking for tonight… and just feel.”

My heart skipped. There was something in his tone — not pity, not lust — but understanding. And maybe that was what I needed most.

I met his gaze, my lips parting just slightly. “You never told me your name.”

He hesitated, then replied, “Luke.”

“Luke,” I repeated, tasting the name like wine. “I’m Aria.”

“Aria, a name too beautiful to forget” he said looking at me with desire.

The space between us disappeared. His hand brushed against mine — slow, deliberate. My pulse raced.

He reached up and raised my chin and his ocean eyes met mine.

“I could give you one night you won’t forget,” he said in a low husky voice.

My heart raced, my mind screamed to pull away, but my body betrayed me. His breath touched my skin, warm and electric, and in that moment, every broken piece of me craved what I shouldn’t want.