Morning sunlight streamed through the thin white curtains of a modest yet beautifully decorated apartment. The light painted soft gold across the cream walls, as if the day itself was mocking her broken heart. On the bed, tangled in white sheets, lay a girl with long, silky hair cascading around her face like spilled ink. Her skin was as fair as snow, her lips pale pink—delicate, trembling, and heartbroken.
Aria slowly opened her eyes. For a moment, she stared blankly at the ceiling, hoping it had all been a nightmare. But reality was cruel. Every memory from the night before came crashing back like a wave she couldn't escape.
She sat up weakly, brushing her tangled hair from her face. Her eyes were swollen from crying, her throat dry and sore. A tear slid down her cheek as she whispered hoarsely, "So… it was real."
Her voice cracked as she continued, "Liam cheated on me… and even used me as collateral to borrow money."
She covered her face with her hands, shoulders shaking silently. The betrayal burned deep, not just from the man she loved but from the best friend who had shared her secrets, her laughter, her trust.
And then there was him—Adrian DeLuca.
The mysterious man who appeared out of nowhere and saved her.
The man whose name whispered fear into the hearts of criminals.
The man who called her his.
"Why?" she murmured to herself, her voice barely audible. "Why would someone like him help me… or call me his?"
Aria shook her head, forcing the thoughts away. "No. I can't get attached again. I won't fall in love… never again," she whispered, standing and heading to the bathroom.
The sound of running water filled the apartment as she stepped under the shower, hoping it would wash away her pain. But the memories clung to her like her wet hair—impossible to shake off.
---
Meanwhile, somewhere across the city, in a tall building overlooking the skyline, a deep, chilling voice echoed through a luxurious office.
"Boss, we found out who Liam borrowed the money from," said Eric, standing straight, his hands clasped behind his back.
"Who?" came the low, commanding reply.
"Mr. Collins. He's a member of the Collins family. Just returned from abroad and… doesn't really know how things are run here," Eric explained carefully.
Adrian DeLuca leaned back in his leather chair, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Mr. Collins…" he repeated slowly, the name rolling off his tongue like a threat.
Eric hesitated before adding, "He also seems to know Miss Aria Brook. I think he has feelings for her. That's why he agreed to give the money to Liam."
The temperature in the room seemed to drop instantly. The air grew heavier, colder. Adrian's expression darkened, and Eric could almost feel the suffocating aura radiating from his boss.
"Tell him," Adrian said after a long pause, his tone deadly calm, "to meet me at ILA Club. Now."
Eric bowed his head quickly. "Yes, boss."
---
Across town, Aria's phone buzzed violently against the table. When she saw the caller ID, her stomach twisted. Dad.
With a resigned sigh, she picked up. "Hello, Dad."
"Aria," came the angry voice on the other end. "Come back home immediately, or I'll stop your grandmother's treatment!"
Her heart clenched painfully. "Okay, Dad. I'll be there," she whispered, tears filling her eyes again.
---
The Brook mansion was as grand and cold as she remembered. The moment Aria stepped inside, she was greeted not with warmth but mockery.
"Well, well," a familiar voice sneered. "Look who finally decided to come home."
It was Amalia, her stepsister—dressed perfectly as always, a fake smile plastered on her face.
After Aria's mother died, her father brought home his mistress, and with her came Amalia. Aria was one year older, but somehow she always felt like the unwanted child.
Aria lifted her chin, her almond-shaped eyes glinting with fury. "I'm back, Amalia. What's wrong with coming to my own house?"
Amalia faltered, fear flashing briefly in her eyes before she lowered her gaze, tears forming on cue. "Sister, I was only worried about you," she whispered, pretending to wipe her tears.
Mr. Brook appeared at the top of the staircase, his voice filled with anger. "Aria! You ungrateful child! Look at your sister—she's worried about you, and you repay her kindness with cruelty?"
"Dad—"
"Enough!" he thundered, cutting her off.
Mrs. Brook, the stepmother who played the perfect wife, approached with feigned gentleness. "Honey, don't be too harsh on her. She's probably just tired and stressed. Let's go inside, dinner's ready."
But Mr. Brook only snapped, "No! She needs to learn some manners. You keep pampering her—how will she ever manage the company with such behavior?"
The sweet masks on both Amalia and her mother's faces slipped for a second, revealing smug satisfaction before returning to innocence.
Aria inhaled deeply. "Why did you call me back?" she asked quietly.
Her father's expression hardened. "Follow me to the study."
---
In the study room, the confrontation exploded.
"Dad, you can't do this to me!" Aria pleaded, tears streaming down her face. "I don't want to marry that man! Please!"
Mr. Brook's face remained emotionless. "You have to, Aria. The company needs more investors, and the deal will secure our future. Besides…" He paused, smirking faintly. "I heard your boyfriend broke up with you. You should be grateful someone still wants you."
Her breath caught. "Even if he did, I won't marry him! People say he's a monster!"
"If you refuse," Mr. Brook said coldly, "your grandmother's treatment stops immediately."
Aria froze. Her hands trembled at her sides.
"Fine," she said in a broken voice. "I'll marry him… but on one condition."
He raised a brow. "And what's that?"
"You'll pay for all of Grandma's medical expenses—completely."
Mr. Brook chuckled darkly. "Fine. I'll do it. But you'll hold up your end."
Aria turned away before he could see her tears. She walked out of the study, her heart shattering piece by piece.
As she entered the living room, Amalia and her mother were waiting.
Amalia smirked. "No need for me to hate a dying person anymore. Once you marry that monster, you'll be gone for good."
Aria shot her a cold glare. "I'm still better than you."
Amalia laughed mockingly. "How?"
"Because I'm still the first Miss of the Brook family," Aria said sharply. "And you're just… you know." She didn't bother finishing before walking out, leaving Amalia fuming.
---
Later that night, Aria sat in the VIP section of ILA Club, the city's most exclusive spot, a drink in her hand and pain in her heart. The flashing lights and loud music couldn't drown out her thoughts.
Her best friend from high school, Sophia, who had just returned from abroad, joined her at the table.
"Aria, I didn't know you could drink like this!" Sophia laughed, trying to lighten the mood. "What's wrong?"
Aria's head spun slightly as she slurred, "My… my boyfriend cheated on me… with Ava. And my dad… wants me to marry that… mon—monster."
"F*ck!" Sophia cursed under her breath. "How dare they?! What are you going to do now?"
Aria lifted her glass with trembling fingers. "I'll marry him… for my grandma's sake."
Sophia frowned. "Aria, I'm sorry, I can't help you right now. But maybe my brother—he could—"
Aria shook her head slowly. "No need. This is something I have to face myself. Thanks, though."
"Fine," Sophia sighed. "Then let's dance all our sorrow away!"
They were just about to head to the dance floor when Sophia froze, her eyes widening. "Un… Uncle? What are you doing here?" she murmured.
Aria turned, confused. Her gaze landed on a tall man in a perfectly tailored black suit. His presence commanded attention even in a crowded room. His expression was unreadable, his eyes dark and magnetic.
Her lips parted in shock.
He looked familiar—too familiar.
"Ad… Adrian?" she whispered in a drunken tone.
"Eric," Adrian said calmly, not taking his eyes off her. "Take Sophia home. Now."
"Okay, boss," Eric replied, stepping forward like a soldier.
"No! Uncle, I want to stay with my friend!" Sophia protested, struggling as Eric dragged her away.
Within minutes, they were gone—leaving only Aria and Adrian in the dim, intimate glow of the club's lights.
"Nice to meet you again, Aria," Adrian said in that deep, gravelly voice that sent shivers through her.
Her eyes widened. "It's… you."
"Yes, my darling," he murmured, his tone unexpectedly soft. Even he seemed surprised by the gentleness in his own voice.
Aria's lips trembled. Tears spilled over as she stepped closer and whispered, "I… I don't want to marry that monster. Please… help me."
Adrian froze for a moment, then exhaled slowly. His eyes darkened, his voice low and rough.
"You will marry him," he said, his tone unreadable. "Because, Aria… I'm the monster."
Her eyes widened, shock freezing her in place.
"I—I thought he was old… cruel… a stranger…" she whispered.
"Baby," Adrian said softly, stepping closer. "I'm sorry. But I have to do this."
"Wh—" Before she could finish, his lips claimed hers.
The kiss was fierce—intense, rough, and heartbreakingly sweet. It was as if he was trying to own her, and she was trying to understand him. Her breath hitched as her hands pressed against his chest, her body trembling under his touch.
When he finally pulled away, her lips were red and swollen, her breath shallow.
"Wait," she whispered shakily. "That… was my first kiss."
Adrian's dark eyes softened, but his next words came out like a promise.
"Then I guess it means you're already mine."