All Chapters of Behind The Mask : Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Zara's POV Beep. Straight to voicemail again. I stared at my screen, my thumb hovering, heart heavy. For weeks now, I’d been trying to reach Cassian, my boyfriend. My everything... or so I thought.If he were hurt, I’d understand. If he were dead, I’d know. But he was alive and active, liking photos, posting cryptic quotes, showing off those cars and expensive wristwatches on social media. So he ghosted me? A lump formed in my throat. I swallowed it down and tossed the phone into my bag. The subway ride to work blurred by, the usual screeching rails and stale air doing nothing to shake the growing unease clawing at my chest.As I stepped into daylight, my feet fell into their routine rhythm, the ten-minute walk to my restaurant. The only place I own, and I'm determined to grow it into an empire.Ahead, a blur of yellow vests and dust clouds choked the morning air, my footsteps slowed, and my breath hitched. The street smelled of cement and ruin, they were demolishing my restaurant.

Zara’s POV I didn’t know if I was dead or just dreaming, but I saw a memory of Cassian and I. Three months ago at my apartment with a movie playing on the screen. A love scene flickered. “She’ll still cheat on him,” Cassian muttered.I turned to him. “Wait… have you seen this movie before?”“No,” he scoffed. “But that’s what women do. Good thing I don’t have a girlfriend.”The air shifted. I sat up, my heart tightening. “Then why are you here? What is this… what are we doing?”He blinked. “I didn’t mean it like that,” he said quickly. “You know I’ve said we should just get married, but you keep saying no.”I folded my arms. “Because I have goals, Cassian. I’m building something. I want emotional and financial stability before I even think about marriage or kids.”He leaned closer. “But I’m stable. I can take care of us.”I rolled my eyes. “God forbid a woman wants her own stability.”“I get it,” he said softly. “That’s why I want to invest in your restaurant, maybe once it's doing b

Zara's POVWhen the man left, the handsome stranger turned his attention back to me, his charming smile fading.“My nephew told me you had an accident. I’m glad you’re doing okay. Have a nice evening.” With that, he walked away.For a moment, I felt like the ground beneath my feet should swallow me whole. Did I really just try to flirt with Cassian’s uncle? Heat rushed to my cheeks at the thought, but despite the embarrassment, I couldn’t deny the thrill of it. He was everything I’d ever imagined wanting in a man, refined, enigmatic, and captivating beyond reason.But shouldn’t he have been offended? Instead, he seemed almost intrigued by me. My mind screamed at me to be cautious, especially around a Blackwell, but the pull he exerted was undeniable.Throughout the remainder of the party, I kept catching fleeting glances of him. I, on the other hand, was doing my best to blend into this masquerade of wealth and privilege, praying I wouldn’t slip up and expose myself.At last, Mr. Eve

Zara's POV Amid the confusion and throbbing headache, a memory flashed vividly before my eyes. Aria stood before a grand mirror, her hands trembling. Her reflection was pale and haunted. Suddenly, she snatched up her car keys and turned.Then, just as quickly as it had come, the noise in my head stopped. The pounding headache vanished, the blood stopped.Nana had rushed to the door to summon Mr. Everhart.“I’m fine, Nana. Just… just a flashback,” I said, my voice still a little shaky.“Really? Does that mean your memory is coming back?” she asked, hope flickering in her eyes.“No… not exactly.”Nana sighed but managed a small smile. “Well, that’s good news. I’m sure the rest will come flooding back in no time.”Tessa, who had been watching, nodded encouragingly. “That’s right. And don’t worry about your obligations, I’ll handle everything until you’re ready to return.”“Thank you, Tessa,” I said, my smile forced but grateful. “Just do what I asked. If there's anything else, I’ll let

Zara's POV For the next few days, I was buried in the files Jade sent me, my eyes devouring every word and number. Piece by piece, the puzzle of Aria’s world began to form, revealing itself in exquisite detail.Aria’s family didn’t just own a company, they owned a kingdom. An empire forged in the rarefied air of the ultra-rich, carefully curated to project an image of untouchable luxury. The true name of this vast empire was Everhart Luxe Holdings, a name whispered with reverence among New York’s elite.I learned that Everhart Luxe Holdings wasn’t a single venture, it was a constellation of power. They commanded a global chain of ultra-luxury hotels, one of the crown jewels being the Crystal Cave in Manhattan, a glittering oasis that redefined opulence. They also owned a prestigious private aviation service catering to the whims of billionaires, and a collection of high-end fashion and beauty brands under the banner of Hart Couture, every detail of these brands screamed perfection.