CHAPTER FIVE
The sound of tires crunching on gravel broke the silence of the early meming. Aria’s eyes fluttered open, her heart racing as she recognized the familiar punt of
David’s Aston Martin.
She’d been dreading this moment for a week
Pushing herself out of bed, she padded to the window. David was emerging from his car, a booquet of roses in one hand and a small gift bag in the other.
Aria’s stomach chumed
she threw on a silk robe and made her way downstairs, composing her face into a mask of neutrality. As she reached the foyer, the front door swing open. “Surprise!” David’s grin was wide, his blue eyes sparkling: “I couldn’t wait another minite to see you
Ana managed a thin smile. “You’re backearly
David’s smile faltered for a moment before he recovered. “I missed you too much. He stepped forward, presenting the roses. “These are for you, my love.” An accepted them withanod. “They’re lovely. Thank you!
David’s brow furrowed slightly at her lukewarm response. He held out the gift bag. “And this is a little something I picked up. I thought of you the moment I saw it.
Aria took the bag, peeking inside. A velvet jewelry box nestled in tissue paper. She lifted it out, opening it to reveal a delicate diamond necklace
“It’s beautiful,” she said softly, tracing the stones with her finger…
David beamed. “Here, let me put it on you.”
As be fastened the clasp around her neck, Aria felt his lips brush her sin. She tensed Involuntarily.
David noticed. “as everything alright, darling? You seem_off”
Arashinged, stepping away. “I’m past tired. It’s early”
“Are you sure that’s all?” and pressed, histone concrmed. “You’ve been distant all week on the phone”
Aria busied herself arranging the roses in a vase. “It’s nothing. I’ve just been stressed with work.”
David came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Well, I’m home now. Let me help you relax.”
Aria stiftened in his embrace. “Actually, I have a lot to do today. The new season starts soon and I’m behind on preparations.”
David’s amis dropped. “Aria, what’s going on? Talk to me.”
She turned, forcing a smile. “Nothing’s going on. I’m just busy.”
“Bullshit,” David snapped, his patience wearing thin. “You’ve been cold and evasive ever since I get back Did something happen while I was gone?
Atla’s eyes flashed. “Why don’t you tell me? Did anything happen on your trip that I should know about?”
David recoiled as it slapped. “What are you implying
“I’m not implying anything.” Aria said coolly. “I’m just curious about your trip. You were gone longer than expected”
“old you, there were complications with the deal,” David said, exasperation creeping into his voice. “Why are you acting like this?
Aria shrugged, tuming back to the flowers. “Like what? I’m just asking about your trip.
David ran a hand through his hair, frustration mounting “No, you’re not. You’re insinuating something. Just say what’s on your mind, Aria.” Sheworded to face him, eyes blazing “Fine. Where were you really last night? Because low for a fact you weren’t at the hotel you claimed to David’s face paled “How do you I mean, what are you talling about?”
“I called the listel,” Aria lied smoothly. “They said you’d checked out yesterday mening.”
David’s mind raced, scrambling for an explanation 1–Ichanged hotels at the last minute. The first one had some issues.
Ariaalsed an eyebrow “And you didn’t think to mention that when we spoke last night?”
“İr slipped my mind,” David said weakly. “Aria, you’re blowing this way out of proportion Nothing happened.”
“Tendry are you so defensive?” Arla pressed, her voice rising. “If nothing happened, why lie about where you were staying?
o be stayin
staying at
Ford’s temper flated, “Because you’re acting like a paranoid lunatic! I’ve been working my ass off closing this deal, and this is the welcome I get
Aria langled tittedly. “Oh, I’m sure you were working very land. Tell me, does your work usually lowvolve staying out all night without telling your fiancée where
David’s face llusled crimson. “Youk
a know what? I don’t have to stand here and be accused like this, I came house early to surprise you, and all you can do is but
“Haselens?” Arla’s voice dripped with sarcasm “SI suppose the lipstick
collar is just a new fashion statemen
David’shund flew to his neck, eyes widening in panic. There was in lipstick, but his teaction told Aria everything she needed to know.
“[can’t believe this,” Daldinuttered, paring the coom. “Leut y l about, bring you gifts, and you ambush me with this Insanity. What’s gotten into you, Aria?
Aria’s laugh was hollow, “What’s gotten into me? How about the fact that my net is clearly lying in my face?”
“I’m not lying!” David shouted, slamming his hand on the table. The vase of roses toppled, water spilling across the polished wood
CHAPTER FIVE
Aria didn’t Clinch “Then explain yourself. Where were you last night?”
David’s law clenched. “I don’t owe you an explanation for every minute of my day. I was working, end of story”
“Right,” Acia scoffed. “And I suppose this ‘work has long dark hair and plays the violin?
The color drained from David’s face. “What are you talking about?*
Acia’s smile was razor–sharp. “Oh, nothing just thinking out loud.”
David’s eyes nanowed. “You’ve lost your mind. I’m not going to stand here and
to these ridiculous accusation
He stormed towards the door, pausing with his hand on the knob, “When you’ve calmed down and are ready to act like a rational adult, give me a call Until then, I’ll be at my apartment.”
The does slammed behind him, leaving Aria alone in the sudden silence.
She let out a long, shaley breath, adrenaline still coursing through her veins. It had been a gamble, pushing David like that. But his reactions had confirmed her
West Death.
Aria’s hands trembled as she cleaned up the spilled water and broken glass from the roses, she’d known, of course, but having it confirmed made her teell hollow Inside
Asshe dumped the ruined flowers in the trash, her eyes tell on the diamond necklace still around her throat with a cry of disgust,
was time to move on to the next phase of her plan
It, she ripped it oft, flinging it
the rehearsal space hummed with pre–performance jitters as musicians tumed their instruments. Acla stood at the podium, scanning the room with a critical eye.
Her gaze landed on Sofia, sitting ramrod straight in the first violin section. The girl looked pale and drawn, dark circles under her eyes.
Good
Aria tapped bet baton, calling for attention. “Alright everyone, let’s begin with the Beethoven, Sofia, I’d like you to take the lead on the first movement.”
Sofia’s ever widened in surprise. “Me? but I thought Charlotte was first chair for this piece. ”
Aria semiled encouragingly. “I think you’re ready for more responsibility. Unless you don’t feel up to the challenge?
She watched Sofia squirm, Tom between fear and ambition. “No, … I can do it”
Excellent,” Aria said birisidy. “From the top, then”
As the music swelled, Aria kept her focus on Sofia. The girl’s playing was technically proficient but lacked the passion and confidence needed for a lead role.
Aria let the movement play out, noting every hesitation and tumble in Sora’s performance. When they finished, she offered a tight smile.
“Not bad for a first attempt,” she said, her tone carefully neutral. “But I think we can push it further. Solia, 1 want you to really lean into the emotional highs and lows of the piece. Don’t be afraid to take ris”
Sofia nodded eagerly, desperation to please evident in her eyes. “Yes, of course. I’ll try harder.”
They ran through the movement again, with Sofia pushing herself to extremes. Her playing became erratic, swinging between timid and overly aggressive
Aria suppressed a smile as she watched the other musicians exchange concerned glances. This was almost too easy
“Alright, let’s take a break “Aria announced after the third disastrous run through. “Sofia, a word please.”
ΠΗ
She led the young violinist to a quiet coter, keeping her expression sympathetic. “That was an interesting interpretation.”
Sotu’s face fell “I’m sorry, I low it wasn’t good. I just got so nervous-
Are placed a comforting hand on her arm “It’s alright. We all have of days. Why don’t we schedule some extramentoring sessions to work on your confidence?”
Sota’s eyes lit up “rally? You’d do that for me?
“Of course, Ara said wannly. “I see so much potential in you, Sofia. I want to help you reach it.”
As Setia babbled her thatiku, Aria allowed hersell a moment of satisfaction. The girl was puity fisherhauls
Over the rat laut, Arta subtly pushed Sofia to take greaterated greater risks with her playing. She praised the gial’s boldness while ignoring the growing tension in
By the end of jelenal, Sofia was ervous wirck and the other musicians v
cere visibly frustrated. Aria dismissed them with a reminder of their upcoming
Atletis parked up her violin, Aria approached her again. “You did well today, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.”
Badia managed a wrakumle: “Thank you. I just hope I can do bettertext Tim
Allaisprezed her shoulder. ‘incour you will. Why don’t you come over to my place tonight? We can work on some techniques to help with your nerves.”
“rili, I don’t know,” Sofia hesitated. “I wouldn’t want to limpou………”
“Rotuese,” Anainassted. “Trigoy spending time withyou, Sulia. You kn
so much of neyseli at your age.”
Sofia’s true candled “Well, if you’re site 11’s not ton
“Not at all,” Aria said brightly. “I’ll onder soone food, we’ll have a nice globe right. I’ll be fun!!
As Sodia nodded her agreement, Arlafell atwingent something almost like golli. She pushed it aside ruthlessly. The gld had made her choice when she decided to
CHAPTER SIX
