She's not the girl I knew

Liam's Pov

I couldn’t breathe when she walked away from me—like she hadn’t even recognized me. Aria Scarlett Monroe.

No. Aria Nobody.

That was who she used to be. A shadow, a footnote, the nerd with ink-stained fingers and hair she tried to hide behind. But the woman who just brushed past me in that glittering gown? That wasn’t the girl I remembered. That was someone else. Someone untouchable.

And to think she said she doesn’t recognize me… damn, that was humiliating.”

And then the stage lights hit her.

Her name was called, and the hall burst into applause—cheers that rolled like thunder. I sat there, frozen, my chest twisting, my hands clapping even as shame clawed at my throat.

She stood on that stage, radiant, crowned as the top brand designer of the year. Every inch of her glowed with power and grace, like she was born for this moment.

It should have been a triumph for me too. My palms stung, and so did my pride. I was clapping for the same girl I once called ugly—only that now, she was breathtaking.

Later, I found Mark waiting at the lounge bar, leaning back with a drink in his hand. His eyes narrowed the moment he saw me.

“You look like hell,” he smirked. “What happened? Lose the bid?”

I dropped into the seat across from him, loosening my tie. “It’s worse. Much worse.”

Mark arched a brow. “Brooks, you sound like someone just stole your empire.”

“They might as well have,” I muttered, dragging a hand through my hair. “You won’t believe what I had witnessed.”

“Tell me,” Mark said, amusement lacing his voice.

“It’s her,” I hissed. “Aria Monroe. She’s the one. The mysterious designer everyone’s been chasing. The one we need for the third partnership.”

There was a pause, then a sharp laugh.

“You’re joking. That Aria? The nerd? The one you—”

“Don’t.” My jaw tightened. “Don’t finish that sentence.”

Mark chuckled anyway. “Well, damn. Life really knows how to kick a man in the teeth, doesn’t it? So let me get this straight" He countinued. "You spend years in London, come back ready to take the world by storm, and the nerd girl you crushed back then is now the golden ticket to the billionaire’s circle?… Poetic justice.”

“It’s not funny.”

“It’s hilarious,” he countered. “But what’s worse is the way you sound right now. You’re rattled.”

I exhaled hard. “She’s different, Mark. Completely different. She excused herself and walked past me like I was invisible, like she didn’t even remember me. But I know she does.”

“Maybe she didn't really recognize you, or maybe, she just doesn’t care,” Mark teased. “Maybe the great Liam Brooks finally met someone who can’t be charmed, bought, or bullied.”

His words hit deep. “You don’t get it, Mark. She’s different now. She’s… beautiful. Classy. Confident. And for the first time—I don’t know how to face her.”

Mark sipped his drink slowly, eyes never leaving mine. “Maybe this is karma, buddy. You ruined her once. Now she gets to ruin you.”

I sank back, chest tight. “It’s not just the business. There’s something else… I can’t stop thinking about her.”

Mark smirked, raising his glass.. “Welcome to the club, pal. Every guy in that hall must have been staring at her. But the difference is… she’s the one woman who owes you nothing. In fact, she owes you her silence.”

I froze, staring at my reflection in the glass I held. He wasn’t wrong—and that was what unsettled me the most.

“She’s dangerous, Mark,” I muttered. “Not just to the company—but to me."

Mark leaned back in his chair, sipping his drink. “If you want that partnership, Liam, you might want to start with an apology. Women don’t forget the past easily—especially not the way you left things.”

The word apology stung. To Aria? The girl I once tossed aside like she was nothing? Now she was the star of the night, standing above everyone else while I am the one to chase her?

I scoffed, trying to sound confident. “There’s more than one way into a woman’s heart, Mark. Trust me, I’ve got this.”

But deep down, I knew it wasn’t true. No charm, no smooth words could cover what I’d done to her. Every cruel thing I said back then weighed heavy on me now.

How was I supposed to face her?

I ran a hand through my hair, her name still ringing in my head. Maybe the only way was to gather what courage I had left… walk right up to her.

And hope she didn’t crush me the way I once crushed her.

___

It took me a week to make a move. A week of pacing, thinking, and swallowing my pride. In the end, I did what I always did—I pulled strings. Through one of my flings, I got her personal number. Easy. That’s the thing about women—no matter how untouchable they seem, I always found a way.

So I called.

The line clicked, and her voice came through, calm but sharp. “Hello? Who’s this?”

I leaned back in my chair, smirking even though she couldn’t see me. “Guess.”

A beat of silence. Then, flat and cutting. “I don’t play games with strangers. Who is this?”

“Come on, Aria,” I said smoothly. “It’s me. Liam Brooks. Don’t hang up. I just want to talk—”

“Liam Brooks?” she repeated, like the name was dirt on her tongue. “I think you’ve got the wrong person.”

I chuckled, ignoring the sting. “You don’t forget me that easily.”

Her tone hardened. “Mr. Brooks, if you have something to say, I’d prefer you speak formally. This isn’t high school anymore, and I don’t waste time on childish calls.”

“So, you do know after all.” My voice edged with something between relief and accusation.

“It doesn’t change anything,” she said flatly.

Her words cut deeply. Still, I pushed. “Aria, listen… about the past—I was an idiot. Things were different then. I’m different now. All I’m asking for is a chance to—”

“To what?” she cut in. “Charm me? Convince me I should forget the years I was humiliated while you walked free? No, thank you.”

Her voice was steady, powerful. Not the quiet nerd girl I remembered.

“You’re unbelievable,” I said, half-laughing, half-growling. “Pretending you don’t remember me—”

“I don’t pretend,” she snapped. “You’re just not worth remembering. And as for business—yes, I’ve seen your proposal. My team and I will review it properly when I see fit.. Until then, don’t waste my time with personal calls.”

And just like that, the line went dead.

I stared at my phone, not humiliated—no, not even close. I was… thrilled. This was Aria? The same girl everyone mocked, the same girl I once tossed aside like she was nothing? Now she had teeth. Now she was fire.

It was laughable. Mocking even. And yet, I couldn’t stop grinning.

“So that’s how you want to play it, Aria,” I muttered. “Fine. If you’re acting up, I’ll match you move for move. And trust me—no one plays this game better than me.”