Behind The Mask 의 모든 챕터: 챕터 11 - 챕터 20

Zara’s POV “Cassian’s irritation at the sight of Tessa told me she was unlikely to be the accomplice, perhaps it's his secretary. Still, I wouldn’t jump to conclusions. I'll find out soon enough.Do you want me to make it more suspenseful, like a cliffhanger, or keep it observational and analytical?“I want you to accompany me to the office today,” I told Tessa as I straightened the red blazer hanging in my closet. “I need you to tell me about the people there, no one can know I have amnesia.”“Of course, that will be my pleasure,” Tessa replied, her warm smile filling me with a strange sense of comfort.I took one last look in the mirror, my reflection a constant reminder of the stranger I had become. I forced myself to practice Aria’s poised smile, swallowing the knot of dread in my throat. Downstairs, Cassian was still seated at the dining table, his posture as rigid as ever. He didn’t say a word, nor did I. I swept past him with Tessa following close behind, and we stepped into

Zara's POV Cassian moved closer, his jaw clenched tight. “What the fuck are you saying, Aria?” he demanded.I let out a soft giggle, turning to the others. “It’s just a joke,” I said, my tone dripping with mockery. “Did none of you get it?”Tessa forced an awkward laugh, the others joining in hesitantly, easing the tension. But inside, I savored the flicker of shame in Cassian’s eyes.As the night drew to a close, Cassian leaned in. “We’re leaving. Now.”The car ride home was steeped in heavy silence. He said nothing, not even when the driver left to drop Tessa off. The moment we stepped inside, he turned on me.“What the fuck was that, Aria?” he snapped, his voice rough with anger.I looked at him coolly for a moment before responding. “It was a joke. Everyone understood it. Why are you so upset?”He stared at me, incredulous. “You call that humiliation a joke? In front of everyone? In front of Tessa, no less?”I sighed, refusing to say anything. He opened his mouth to say more but

Zara's POV “Who is she? Did anything happen in there?” Tessa asked.“Not to worry. Remain here, Tessa. I’ll be out shortly,” I assured her with a calm smile. She gave me a small nod before retreating back into the car. I took a deep breath, and stepped back inside the building.“Hello?” My voice cut through the silence, echoing across the hall’s high ceiling.Dominic emerged from a side door, lHe looked just like the picture on his business page, only better. His dark skin glistened with sweat, a faint trace of exhaustion softening his sharp features. And may I add, he was more than just good looking, he was downright magnetic. His eyes widened at the sight of me.“Hey there,” Dominic greeted, his tone casual. “You look kinda familiar,” he added, his brow furrowing.“Yes, I’m Za…” The name almost slipped out, but I caught it. “Aria. Mrs. Aria Blackwell.”“Yeah… that’s it. Your assistant’s been talkin’ with me. Thought your appointment was at three?” he asked, glancing at the clock

Zara's POV My breath caught in my throat. I had to blink, narrowing my eyes to make sure I wasn’t imagining things. He’d told me he wasn’t coming. And yet, there he was, standing under the soft glow of the balcony lights, his posture as calm and collected as ever.“Tessa,” I said urgently, “give me my phone.”She fumbled in her bag and handed it to me, her eyes wide.“I have to go,” I said, my heart already pounding as I stared at Sterling. “Cover for me, okay?”“What? I can’t stay here alone with them,” she protested, panic flashing in her eyes.“You know what? Screw them. Go find Nico and have a great night. I’ll see you later, I promise.”She hesitated for a moment, before responding “okay.”I barely heard her as I hurried off, weaving through the crowd and slipping out of the lounge. My heart was thundering in my chest as I reached the elevators, just in time to see Sterling disappear inside one. I caught a glimpse of the floor number before the doors closed.I took the next ele

Zara's POV Celeste chuckled, “I'm just kidding…” she snorted, “...of course you're Aria.”I caught Tessa’s eye and waved her off, letting her rest, she's had enough for a night.Celeste’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she continued. “I wish… I wish my mom could see me tomorrow. I wanted her to be there so badly.” A single tear traced a slow path down her cheek.I took a deep breath, searching for the right words. Gently, I reached for the wipes on the table and brushed the tear away.“I’m here for you, Celeste,” I said, my voice calm and low. “And I’m sure your parents will be with you tomorrow, watching from above, proud of the woman you’ve become.”She sniffled, her shoulders trembling as she spoke in half-coherent sentences, memories pouring out. Eventually, the exhaustion overtook her, and her words became soft sighs as sleep claimed her.I stayed a while longer, watching her breathing even out, her face finally at peace. From the fragments of her confessions, I understood,