Chapter 11

The gala that she’d signed herself up for, put her in a crisis. I have nothing to wear, how am I gonna look presentable? Just when it felt as though her thoughts would explode out of her head, someone knocked on the door. A maid whom she recognized as Mara dropped a box. Aria raised an eyebrow at the scowl on her face. Well, if she thought of her as a proud vixen, she might as well fit herself fully into that role. “From who?”, she asked making her voice as proud as possible, looking down at her through her nose. Mara looked angry enough to have a heart attack, almost making Aria break her role. “From Miss Isabella,” after saying that she left as quickly as she could. Why would she send me a dress? This can’t be a trick… right?. She opened the box and inside was a beautiful peach colored silk gown,. It had a deep V-cut and was adorned with lovely pearls. It was positively the most beautiful dress she’d ever seen. With a newfound excitement, Aria put on the dress

Chapter 12

The sound of her voice left the room silent and the other girls in a state of panic, particularly Miss Chloe Carter. “I was just trying to educate her on proper gala etiquette. I didn't want her to embarrass the Rothwell family” “Really?, So you think my family is so easily embarrassed” she responded, her lips raised slightly. I didn't mean that, forgive me. If Aria thought she was flustered earlier, at that point Chloe was having a full-blown panic attack. At that time Aria used the opportunity to have a proper look at the daughter of the Rothwell family. She was young, with porcelain skin and a posture so poised it felt rehearsed. Her charm was a dominating elegance and somewhat reminded her of Roman. “Are you ok?” Aria realised the conversation had turned to her. “I'm alright, thank you”, she said glancing at Chloe who had broken out in a sweat probably considering her choices. “You can head to the rooms, you'll find a decent change of clothes” Miss Rothwell sa

Chapter 13

It seemed where they'd been wasn't the main banquet, The guests were now seated in a large hall. The only difference between that hall and the one they were in previously was a glass demarcation. Everyone was already seated in what could easily be understood as an obvious hierarchy. The ladies who tried to bully her earlier were at the back, some older men including Isabella father were seated at the middle of the group and at the very front was Miss Rothewell, and surprisingly Grandfather Grey. Between the two at the very center were two empty seats. Aria didn't need to think over it as Roman was already walking over. As she was led over, she pondered on who exactly Grandfather Grey was for him to be seated there. Once Roman was seated as though they were waiting for him, the event started. Rows and rows of jewelry was brought in. Arias eyes sparkled as she sat glued to each piece. The conversations gradually faded as the lights dimmed. A single spotlight illuminated

Chapter 14

“And now…” The host paused, allowing the anticipation to build. “Our final presentation before the close of this evening.” The ballroom fell silent. Even those who had spent the evening chatting absentmindedly straightened in their seats. From behind the curtains, a model emerged with measured steps. The spotlight found her immediately. A collective breath swept through the room. Around her neck rested a necklace unlike anything Aria had ever seen. It wasn’t merely beautiful. It was breathtaking. At its heart floated a flawless pear-shaped blue diamond, so vivid it seemed to hold the color of the evening sky moments before nightfall. Surrounding it was a cascade of smaller white diamonds, each stone meticulously graduated in size, creating the illusion that the central gem had burst into fragments of light. The platinum framework beneath was almost invisible, giving the impression that the diamonds floated effortlessly against the model’s skin. She searched fo

Chapter 15

Her face scrunched up in discomfort. The heat of the sun made her feel like a flower left to dry in the desert. She lifted her hand to block her face only to be hit with an intense wave of pain in her temple. “You're up, good.” She didn't need to look to know who it was, but she did anyway. That was one of the things—she could never pass up an opportunity to see him. Slowly, Lena sat up. She took in her surroundings, Sunlight poured through wide windows, warming honey-colored wooden floors. The walls were a soft cream, decorated with framed photographs and shelves lined with books. A comfortable armchair by the window held a half-finished novel. The faint scent of coffee and cedar lingered in the air, making the space feel lived in. A guitar leaned against the wall. The room had a comforting feel to it, much unlike the owner. Others might not know, but she knew better—the kind of man Lucien Hayes really was. “How did I get here?” she asked. “You don't rememb

Chapter 16

Roman watches her over the documents, the glasses acting as a good cover. Aria is completely oblivious to the eyes watching her, she arranges all the ingredients out before she starts, muttering to herself about the recipe, and Roman notices it all. After spending a good minute getting everything in order, she begins the cooking. Ten minutes later, Aria finishes cooking, the carries the plate of food she painstakingly put together towards the dining room. Roman who had been following her actions from the very beginning quickly pretended to be working when she went to call him over. Should I disturb him?. He looked so serious with his work that she questioned. “Mr Roman, your food is served.” He continued working, only giving a nod in response. With a sigh of relief, Aria walked towards the dining, and sat. When they were both seated to eat, she held her breath expectantly. Roman slowly wrapped a bit of the food into his fork before taking a bite. Chewing even slowe