Aria stood at the door, heart pounding, expecting to see Damian, ready to beg, to explain, to plead for his understanding. But instead, Marco stood there, looking calm and gentle, a sharp contrast to the storm she had just faced. “Marco…” she whispered, confused. “I heard the commotion,” he said quietly, his eyes scanning her tear-streaked face. “Are you okay?” Her lips trembled. She wanted to scream that nothing was okay, that everything had fallen apart, but all she could do was shake her head. Marco stepped inside slowly. “You don’t look like yourself, Aria. What happened?” “I don’t know,” she muttered, rubbing her arms as though trying to erase the memory. “Everything felt… strange. I—I was dizzy. I didn’t know what I was doing…” “Maybe someone slipped something into your drink,” Marco offered, watching her reaction carefully. “There were a lot of people there.” Aria blinked, considering it. It made sense. But even if it were true, would Damian believe her now? She
Damian’s shirt slid off his shoulders and hit the floor in silence. His body was tense, every muscle clenched with rage and something darker. He stood there, his bare back to Aria, and with a slow, deliberate movement, unfastened his belt. Aria’s breath caught. “Damian…” she whispered, her voice trembling. “What… What are you doing?” He didn’t answer. He wrapped the head of the belt tightly around his fist, the leather groaning in his grip. Aria’s eyes widened in fear. She pressed her back into the bedpost, inching away, her heart pounding wildly. “Damian, please don’t, don’t hurt me… I don’t understand what’s happening—” His hand shot up. Aria turned her face away, bracing herself for the sting of leather. But the crack of the belt didn’t land on her. It landed on him. Smack! A gasp tore from her lips. “Damian…” He didn’t even flinch. Another sharp whip to his back. Smack! Red lines slashed across his skin, blood beginning to trickle. “Stop! Please s
Aria stood frozen, her soaked dress clinging to her trembling body. The taste of confusion still clouded her mind as she tried to make sense of Damian’s furious words. “Damian, please… I don’t understand what happened. I swear, I didn’t mean—” “Didn’t mean to?” Damian snapped, his voice sharp enough to cut through steel. “You think that matters now, Aria? You humiliated me in front of the entire city.” “I didn’t know, I was just feeling dizzy, and then everything went blurry—” Before she could finish, a dramatic gasp echoed from behind. “Oh my God,” Lyla exclaimed, holding her phone up. “It’s all over social media now.” Aria’s head whipped around. “What?” Damian’s eyes narrowed. “What did you say?” Lyla turned her screen toward them, pretending to be shocked. “Someone already uploaded a video… it’s gone viral in less than fifteen minutes.” Damian snatched the phone from her hand. His heart pounded as he watched the video—grainy yet damning. Aria, smiling and swayin
The music thumped steadily through the speakers as Lyla’s birthday party came to full life. Laughter floated through the air like perfume, clinking glasses echoed from every corner, and guests mingled with careless delight under the opulent chandeliers of the De Luca mansion. Aria stood near the bar, her glass of wine still in hand. She’d finished it without a second thought, the sweetness covering the bitter edge of the substance that had been quietly added moments before. She blinked once, then again. The room seemed to shift. The lights blurred. The music slowed and then spun too fast. She pressed her fingers to her temple and tried to steady her breath, but everything around her began to swim. “Are you alright, Mrs. De Luca?” a maid whispered, noticing her expression. “I’m... fine,” Aria murmured, her voice drowsy. But even as she said it, her feet carried her away from the bar. Her heels echoed loudly across the marble floor as she walked, no, almost swayed, toward
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