CHAPTER FOUR
The next day, Aria paced the study, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor. She glanced at her watch, then at the door. Any minute now.
Yesterday evening at the restaurant had left Ara feeling uneasy, but a glass of wine helped calm her nerves. She took a deep breath and steeled herself to carry out her plan
is a nightmare.”
Richtone, David burst in, his tie askew and hair disheveled. “Sorry I’m late, babe. Trate was a
Aria forced a smile. “No wotes. I’m just glad you’re here,”
she watched as David collapsed into a chair, loosening his tie further. Perfect, she thought. He’s exhausted.
“Rough day?” she asked, moving behind him to massage his shoulders.
David groaned “You have no idea. The Peterson account is a mess.”
Aria’s fingers worked deeper. “ch? What happened?”
As David launched into a detailed explanation, Aria’s mind maced. This was her chance.
“You know,” she said casually, “I was talking to Mars earlier about the Peterson situation.”
David tensed under her hands. “You were?”
Arta nodded, keeping her voice light. “He mentioned they have an office in Chicago. Apparently, the head of operations there is much more reasonable.”
David sal op straighter. “Chicago? 1 didn’t know that
Arta moved around to face him, het expression Innocent. “Oh, I thought you lanew. Marcus seemed to think it might be worth sending someone to smooth things over in person.”
David’s brow furrowed
at
“But I’ve got that charity gala this weekend.
Aria waved a band dismissively, “Oh, don’t worry about that. I can handle it.”
For a moment, David’s eyes narrowed, and Arla’s heart skipped a beat. Had she pushed too far?
But then he relaxed, a grateful smile spreading across his face. “You’re amazing, you know that? I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Aria leaned in, kissing him softly. “That’s what I’m here for ”
As she pulled back, she caught a flicker of something in David’s eyes. Guilt? Uncertainty? nut it was gone before she could be sure.
The next morning, Aria stood in the doorway, watching David pack “Are you sure you have everything?
David zipped up his suitcase. “I think so. Thanks again for handling everything here.“”
Aria nodded, her face a mask of supportive fiancée. “Of course, just focus on closing that deal,”
As David pulled her in for a goodbye kiss, Aria felt a twinge of… something. Regret? Doubt? She pushed it aside. This is necessary, she reminded herself. “Have a safe flight,” she called as David headed out the door.
the driveway
The moment it closed behind him, Aria’s smile fell away. She moved to the window, watching as David’s car pulled out of the o
Phase one complete, she thought. Now for phase two.
Later that aftermoon, Ana was in their bedroom, Idly flipping through amagazine, when her phone rang. Marcus’s name Clashed on the screen.
She hesitated for a moment before answering “Marcus? is everything alsight?”
His deep voice came through the speaker. “Aria, hello. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.“”
*Not at all,” she replied, sitting up straighter. “What can I do for you?”
There was a pause. “Well, I was thinking about our conversation at dinner the other night. You seemed… troubled. I thought perhaps a distraction might help.” Aria’s pulse quickened. “Oh?”
“Thave a private art collection I rarely show anyone, Marcus continued. “I thought you might appreciate it. That is, if you’re free this evening?”
Aria bat her lip, considering. This was moving faster than she’d anticipated. But wasn’t that what she wanted?
“Tur sounds lovely,” she said finally. “What time should I come over?”
An hour later, Aria found herself standing in front of an imposing wooden door within the Holloway mansion. She smoothed down her dress, taking a deep breath before knocking
Marrus opened the door, his eyes widening slightly as he tookherin. “Aria. You look stunning
She felt a flutter in her stomach. “Thank you. You look quite handsome yourself.”
He ushered her inside, his hand lightly touching the small of her back The contact sent a shiver through her.
The gallery was breathtaking. Paintings and sculptures filled the space, each piece more exquisite than the last. As they moved from one to another, Aria found herself genuinely enthralled.
“This Monel is exquisite,”
“she mummated, leaning into
the brushstrokes.
Marcus stepped closer, his am brushing against hers. “It’s one of my favorites. The way he captures light…”
Aria tumed to look at him, suddenly aware of how close they were standing. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the air seemed to crackde with tension.
CHAPTER FOUR
Marcus cleared his throat, stepping back “Shall we move on to the next piece?
Aria nodded, a mix of relief and disappointment washing over her. What are you doing? she chided berselt. This isn’t part of the plan.
But as they continued through the gallery, she found herself hyper–aware of every small touch, every shared glance.
They paused in front of a striking abstract piece, vibrant colors swirling across the canvas. Arta tilted her head, considering. “It’s beautiful, but I’m not sure I understand it.”
Marcus chuckled “Art doesn’t always need to be understood. Sometimes it’s enough to just feel it.”
Aria tumed to him, a retort on her lips, but the words died as she met his gaze. The intensity in his eyes took her breath away.
For a long moment, they stood there, frozen Aria’s heart raced, her mind a whithwind of conflicting thoughts. This is crazy. This is exactly what you wanted. You can’t do this. You have to do this
u
Just as she was about to step away, to break the spell, Marcus leaned in. His lips met hers, soft and hesitant at first, then with growing passion
Aria’s mand went blank. She found herself responding, her body moving of its own accord. Her hands can
came up to grip his shoulders as the kiss deepened Then, abruptly, she pulled back. “Oh my God,” she gasped, her voice shrill with feigned panic. “What are we doing? David… he’s your son!”
Marcus stepped back, his face a mix of desire and guilt. “Aria, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have…”
She shook her head, wrapping her arms around herself. “No, it’s… it’s not your fault. I should go.”
As she hurried out of the gallery, Aria’s mind raced. Had she overplayed it? Would he see through her act?
But as she glanced back, she saw Marcus standing there, looking lost and conflicted. Perfect, she thought, even as a pang of guilt twisted in her gut. That night, as Aria was getting ready for bed, her phone rang. David’s face flashed on the screen.
“Hey, babe,” she answered, injecting warmth into her voice. “How’s Chicago?”
“It’s interesting,” David replied, sounding distracted “Listen, I’ve got some news.”
Aria’s stomach clenched. “oh?”
“I’m going to need to extend my trip,” he said. “The situation here is more complicated than we thought.”
Ana closed her eyes, a bitter smile crossing her face. “Isee. How much longer?TM
“Another week, maybe two,” David said. “I’m sorry, I know we had plans…
“It’s fine,” Aria cut him off. “Do what you need to do.”
After they hung up, Aria stared at her phone for a long moment. Then, on a hunch, she dialed Sofia’s number. “Hello?” Sofia’s voice was cautious.
“Sofia, hi,” Aria said brightly. “I was hoping we could schedule another session tomorrow.”
There was a pause. “Oh, um, actually I’m out of town at the moment.”
Aria’s grip tightened on the phone. “Really? Where are you?
“Just… visiting family,” Sofia stammered. “I’ll be back next week”
“I see,” Aria said, her voice still pleasant. “Well, enjoy your trip.
- p. We’ll connect when you’re back.”
at David’s betrayal. And underneath it all, a
As she ended the call, Aria felt a rush of conflicting emotions. Satisfaction at having her suspicions confirmed. Anger at David’s growing sense of guilt.
She climbed into bed, her mind whirling. The kiss with Marcus played on repeat in her head, interspersed with images of David and Sofia together.
What am I doing? she wondered, staring up at the ceiling. Is this really who I want to be?
But even as doubt crept in, she felt a surge of vindictive pleasure. David thought he was so clever, snealding off with Sofia. He had no idea what was coming.
CHAPTER FIVE
