CHAPTER THREE
Aria’s fingers hovered over Sotia’s contact, her heart racing she took a deep breath, steeling herself for the performance ahead;
“Bodia? It’s Aria [was wondering if you’d like to come over for a private mentoring session at the Holloway mansion?”
There was a pause on the other end “Ch, um, sure. That would be great.”
“wonderful. How’s tomorrow at 27
“Ferted Fl be there.”
Ariended the call, a small smile playing on her lips. The trap was set.
The next day, Aria greeted Sofia at the door, all warmth and chann, “Come in! I’m so glad you could make it. “
Sofia stepped inside, her eyes darting around nervously. “Thank you for invitine me
As they walked to the music room, Aris placed a friendly hand on Sofia’s shoulder. “I’m really looking forward to working with you one–on–one.”
Sotia nodded, tension visible in her posture.
It only you knew what I have planned for you, Arfathought darkly.
In the music room, Ana gestured to achair. “Please, sit. Let’s start with some scales to warm up
As Sofia began to play, Ariacircled her, observing keenly. “Your form is excellent. How long have you been playing
“Since I was tour,” Sotia replied, her fingers dancing over the strings
“Impressive. And how long have you been in the city?”
Sonia’s bow slipped slightly. “About three months now.
Bingo, Aria thought. Right when the affair started.
“oh? And how are you finding it so far?”
Sofia’s eyes flicked to Aria’s face “It’s been eventful.”
Aria leaned in, her voice conspiratorial. “I bet. The social scene here can be quite overwhelming at first,”
Sofia nodded, relaxing slightly, “Yes, it’s very different from what I’m used to.
“I’m sure you’ve made some interesting…connections already,” Aria probed.
Sotia’s cheeks flushed. “A few_yek.”
Aria smiled encouragingly. “Anyone special?”
Sofia’s playing faltered. “L… I’d rather not discuss my personal life, if that’s okay.”
“Of course, of course,” Aria said smoothly. “Let’s focus on the music.”
As they continued the session, Aria peppered Sofia with seemingly innocent questions, each one carefully crafted to reveal more about her relationship with David
“Your interpretation of this piror is quite passionate,” Arla remarked. “It reminds me of how David plays piano sometimes.”
Sofa’s eyes widened slightly. “ch? I didn’t know he played.”
Ananodded. “He’s quite talented. Perhaps we should arrange a duet sometime.”
Sofa’s face paled “T…I don’t think that would be appropelate.”
Got you, Aria thought triumphantly.
As the session progressed, Ana’s charm never wavered, even as her inner thoughts
is grew incrasingly venomous. You little homewrecker, she seethed silently. You have no idea what’s coming
Suddenly, Aria beard a noise outside the door. She held up a hand, signaling Sola to stop playing. “Excuse me for a manent.”
Η
She opened the door to food Marcus standing there, looking slightly sheepish “I’m sorry to interrupt I couldn’t help but overhear the beautiful music.”
Arta’s mind raced, quickly adjusting her plans. “Not at all, Marcus. Would you like to join us?
Marcus hesitated. “I wouldn’t want to intrude…”
“Nonsense,” Aria insisted, ushering him inside. “Sodia, you remember Marcus Holloway?”
Soti nodded, her face a mix of awe and anxiety.
As Marcus settled into a chair, Aria resumed her position near Soll. “Let’s try that last section again, shall we?
For the neat bour, Arla continued her subtle interrogation, now with the added complication of Marcus’s presence. She watched as Sofia’s nerves trayed under the dual perssure of her probing questions and Marcus’s ledense paer.
Fitually, Alla called aned to the session. “That was wonderful, Solia. We’ll have to do this again soon.”
Sočia galered her things quickly. “Thank you, Arta Mr. Holloway.”
As Solla hurried out, Marcus turned to Aila
esquille talented”
Virta nodded. “Yes, she is. Though she still has much to leam.”
CHAPTER THREE
Manos cleared his throat. “Speaking of talent, I’ve been meaning to discuss something with you. Would you be free for dinner tonight? There’s a sponsorship opportunity I’d like to explore for the orchestra.”
Ana feigned surprise. “That sounds intriguing. I’d be delighted.”
Later that evening, Aria found herself seated across from Marcus in an elegant restaurant. The soft lighting cast a warm glow over their table, creating an intlinate atmosphere.
Marcus leaned forward, his blue eyes intense. “I’ve been impressed with your work, Aria. The orchestra has never sounded better.”
Aria smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. The attemoon with Sofia had taken its toll. “Thank you, Marcus. That means a lot coming from you.”
He studied her face. “Ieverything alright? You seem… distracted.”
Ana hesitated, then decided to play her cand “I’m sorry, it’s just… things with David have been a bit uncertain lately.”
Marcus’s brow furrowed. “Uncertain? How so?”
Ana shook her head. “It’s nothing specific. Just a feeling, I suppose.”
Marcus reached out, his hand covering hers. “I’m sure it’s nothing. David knows how lucky he is to have you,”
Ana torced a smile. “You’re probably right. Now, tell me about this sponsorship idea.”
As Marcus launched into his proposal, Aria found her mind wandering. She nodded at appropriate intervals, asking questions that seemed engaged, but her thoughts were elsewhere
This is all going according to plan, she reminded herself. So why do I feel so empty?
Marcus’s voice cut through her reverie. “Aria? What do you think?
She blinked, focusing on his face. For a moment, she saw David’s features superimposed over his father’s, and a wave of anxiety washed over her.
“I’m sorry, Marcus. I’m not feeling well. Would you excuse me?
Without waiting for a response,
Aria stood and hurried out of the restaurant, leaving a confused Marcus behind.
