Chapter 6: Ghost In the Crowd

Aria(Zara’s pov)

5 years later

The doors swing open and camera flashes almost make me go blind. The attention from the crowd makes my palms sweaty. After five years of hiding and working behind the scenes, I finally returned to New York City. Straight into the lion’s den. 

“Breathe, breathe, breathe, Aria,” I say under my breath as I try to give them a genuine smile but my nerves are killing me. 

After a couple of poses, I walk through the guests dressed in designer tuxedos and gowns. People greet me and I stop to talk to some while some whisper, "That's the brain behind the glass museum project, Aria Sterling.”

“She’s so young and beautiful,” another said.

“Any man would be lucky to have her. Beauty plus brains is a whole package,” another man says. I smile as I make my way to my project coordinator, Murphy. We have worked together for the past two years and he's the best at what he does.

I pick up a glass of champagne from a server and quickly take a sip to calm myself down. 

“If it isn't the most beautiful architect in Europe and now America,” Murphy says while leaning on to kiss my cheek.

“I can't wait for Celia to hear that. You'd be in the dog house tonight,” I teased him in return.

“Hear what?” 

His wife, Celia, appears from behind me. She stops to look at me from head to toe. “Girl, you're gorgeous.”

“See. She said the same thing,” Murphy says.

“And you look so beautiful. Blue is definitely your color. I absolutely love your jewelry,” I say while admiring her outfit.

“Thank you. Murphy got it for me.” She leans in to kiss her husband on the lips. “Now what am I supposed to hear?”

“Murphy called me the most beautiful woman in Europe and America,” I say while trying to hide my smile behind my glass as he sends me a death glare.

“I was just being a gentleman. And I said the most beautiful architect because when it comes to the most beautiful woman in the world, my wife takes the crown,” he pulls her closer to him by her waist.

“I hope you don't extend that gentlemanly side to other women,” Celia pouts.

“No, I have eyes only for my sexy wife,” he kisses her neck and she smiles. His wife was a beautiful blond woman with soft eyes with a crazy side that keeps him in check. They have been married for three years and are completely in love with each other.

“Oh please guys, we are in public.” I roll my eyes.

“You’re just jealous. Maybe you'll find someone today,” Murphy teases.

“Maybe not.” I take another sip of my champagne.

I don't pay attention to them or the MC who starts talking until my name is mentioned and the room erupts in applause.

“Aria Sterling. A design visionary, sculptor of the Skyline Museum, and a woman with brains. Please join us on stage,” the MC says.

I hand my glass to Celia and make my way to the stage. The room is completely silent and all eyes are on me. 

I give a short speech of appreciation and explain the vision for the Skyline before exiting the stage.

I make my way to my friends, grab Celia’s drink, and take a long sip.

“Are you okay? You look pale,” Celia asks in concern.

“I'm fine. Just nervous. I'm not used to the attention.”

“I understand. You'll be fine with time.” she smiles.

Just then, a young woman approaches us. “You look stunning and I'll certainly love to interview you before you leave, if you don't mind,” she smiles widely. “Oh, I'm so sorry. Excuse my manners. I'm Tasinda, an editor from the Change.”

“Aria Sterling. I think I have a few minutes before I leave,” I smile back.

“Great, great. I'll keep an eye out for you,” she says while skipping away.

People kept approaching me all through the night and I was finally ready to leave. My face hurt from all the forced smiles I've been offering and my legs were sore from standing for too long. I just wanted to get home and cuddle with my daughter. 

I was listening to the mayor’s wife who kept praising me and my work, when I decided it was time to leave.

“Your work will change cities, my dear. I can't wait to see your future designs,” she said as she held my hand.

I smiled genuinely this time. “Thank you, Mrs Fray. The goal is to do better in the future,” I told the mayor’s wife. She was a round woman with gray hair. She was so soft-spoken and I enjoyed talking to her.

After saying my goodbyes, I approach Murphy and Celia and tell them I am leaving to which they decide to accompany me outside.

Before we make it to the door, Tasinda appears from nowhere. “Hope you didn't forget about me?”

“Certainly not. Where do we go?”

“Just by the corner there,” she points to a spot decorated with flowers. Just a few people were around. “For the pictures,” she says.

She asks me a series of questions which I answer easily. She makes it look so easy and comfortable that I spend twenty minutes talking to her.

“You don’t know how much I appreciate you making time for this. Thank you.” 

“Anytime. You made it so easy.”

“Can I give you my card for future purposes?” She gives a cheeky smile.

“Of course.”

“Thank you again. Bye”

“Can you do one more interview? I promise it won't take long. Just a reporter friend of mine,” Murphy pleads.

“Sure. But I really need to leave soon.” I don't know why but I was feeling anxious.

I exchange greetings with the friend and we get into it.

“The Skyline Museum is the talk of the season, Miss Sterling. Can you tell us what it's all about? What inspired you?”

Just then, my eyes find their way to the bar area. It's like a presence was calling me. It fell on a man with broad shoulders and dark hair. Like I had suddenly called out his name, he turned and I could feel my heart beat in my ears. No, it couldn't be.

Really? Could it not?

His eyes locked on mine and I could see confusion fill his eyes before his face went pale. The shock was evident on his face but I just turned back to the reporter.

“We… we wanted to bring light to a forgotten area… community… attract development and collaboration,” I was stuttering like a fool.

“Do you want me to reschedule?” Murphy asked and I nodded. He spoke with his friend and came back.

 “Who is that, Aria?”

“Someone from the past. I need to go. I'll see you guys later.”

I don't wait for his reply as I hurry towards the exit praying he doesn't try to find out if his eyes are seeing correctly.

I made it to the door before someone collided with me and spilled their drink on my dress.

“Zara?” 

“Shit.”