The De Luca mansion was glowing. Golden chandeliers cast soft light across the elegant hall as music pulsed gently beneath the buzz of laughter and conversation. The entire lower floor had been transformed for the occasion , white silk drapes flowed from the high ceilings, clusters of roses and crystal centerpieces lined the tables, and a massive cake sat on a pedestal near the grand staircase. Lyla’s birthday party was in full swing. Aria stood at the top of the stairs, taking a slow breath. Her fitted emerald gown hugged her curves, the neckline just modest enough to remain tasteful. Her hair was pinned up with a few soft tendrils framing her face, and her heels clicked softly against the marble as she descended. All eyes turned toward her as she walked into the hall , a few polite nods, a few envious glances. Aria kept her expression composed, her mind still half-focused on the strange interaction she’d had with Damian earlier. The hickey on her neck was now faintly hidden bene
The morning sun bathed the De Luca mansion in golden light, but there was nothing calm about the day ahead. It was Lyla’s birthday, and the entire house was buzzing with activity. Maids moved hurriedly from room to room, hanging garlands and setting up decorations as per Lyla’s meticulous instructions. Expensive white and gold drapes had been brought in to give the event an air of royalty. Crystal chandeliers sparkled even brighter than usual, casting rainbows across the marble floors. Fresh orchids, roses, and lilies filled every corner of the house with a luxurious fragrance. Caterers were busy in the massive kitchen preparing a lavish feast. The guest list was long, socialites, business partners, family friends, and of course, Damian's acquaintances from the elite circles of society. Waiters in black and white uniforms walked around, doing final checks while event coordinators barked orders. Lyla stood in front of the mirror in her room, wrapped in a silk robe, her eyes glitter
The soft golden light of the setting sun bathed the grand De Luca mansion, casting long shadows over the marble floors as Aria entered. It was oddly quiet, no signs of Lyla’s usual energy or any family activity. Only the soft echo of music somewhere deeper in the house filled the silence. Aria’s heels clicked softly against the marble as she made her way toward the living room, stopping in her tracks when she saw Damian by the fireplace. His silhouette was striking, the flickering flames illuminating his sharp profile, his expression unreadable as he swirled a glass of whiskey in his hand. He turned as he sensed her presence, his gaze meeting hers with a calm, almost knowing look. “You’re back,” he said in that flat tone of his, his words simple but carrying weight. “I am,” Aria replied, her voice steady as she placed her purse on the nearby console table. “The driver dropped me off, just like you said.” Damian gave a small nod, his eyes not leaving hers. “Did you have a good ti
The car came to a smooth stop outside a cozy café tucked along a quiet street. The scent of brewed coffee and blooming flowers drifted in the air as Aria stepped out, dressed simply but elegantly in a pale pink dress that matched the warmth in her eyes. “Wait here,” she told the driver, then headed inside where Fiona was already seated at a corner table by the window. “Aria!” Fiona stood and threw her arms around her. “It’s been forever.” Aria smiled brightly and hugged her friend back. “I’ve missed you.” They settled into their seats, ordering coffee and pastries. For a moment, it felt like old times, two friends catching up, laughing over silly memories and exchanging little secrets. Fiona stirred her latte absentmindedly, eyes flicking toward Aria who sat across from her, quiet but visibly burdened. It had been months since they'd last seen each other, and Aria looked different. Softer in some ways, more serious in others. “You’re not just tired,” Fiona said gently. “Yo
"That noise came from Lyla's room" Aria thought. I'm sure she must be furious right now". "She thought she'll try to take my husband from me and I'll just keep quiet about it? She should be ashamed of herself for having such thoughts of her uncle. I mean what kind of girl is she though? To think that i considered her a good person when she came to this house, but she's a snake" Aria said as she dropped her cup of coffee "Anyways, It's been a while i spoke to fiona, maybe i should visit her" Aria thought but then she hesitated. She remembers damian asking her not to leave without his permission. "Will he let me leave?" She thought. The morning light streamed into the room in soft golden waves, falling across the plush carpet and the rumpled bed. Aria stepped quietly into the bedroom, her fingers toying with the belt of her robe. Her steps slowed as her eyes landed on Damian. He stood near the mirror, his back half-turned to her, buttoning up his shirt with brisk movements. He l
The early morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a faint glow on the room. Aria woke up, disoriented for a moment, then remembered where she was. Damian’s arm was still draped over her waist, his body warm and solid against hers. She paused, trying not to disturb him as she sat up carefully, the silk of his robe rustling against her skin. For a brief second, she allowed herself to savor the warmth, the illusion of closeness. But she shook her head. This means nothing. This doesn’t change anything between us. She slipped out of bed, moving quietly. As she adjusted the robe around her, she heard Damian’s sleepy voice from behind her. “Where are you going?” Aria glanced back, catching his half-lidded gaze. She held her ground, but the words came out firmly. “I just want to take a walk and see how things are going around the house" Damian said nothing more, only watched her, his eyes unreadable, as she walked out of the room. Aria stepped into the kitchen,