"Ah!! Ah!! Ahh!!" Amalia screamed furiously as she threw everything off her makeup table. Bottles shattered, brushes scattered across the floor, and a perfume bottle rolled under the bed.
"How can she play the piano perfectly?!" she yelled, her voice shaking with frustration.
Mrs. Brook rushed into the room, startled by the noise. "Amalia! What's wrong? Why are you throwing things again?"
"Mom!" Amalia shouted, turning toward her with eyes blazing in rage. "Do you know that bastard can play the piano?!"
Mrs. Brook frowned, crossing her arms. "What do you mean?"
Amalia's lips trembled with hatred. "Aria! She played the piano like a professional tonight—she made everyone look at her! Everyone was clapping, praising her like she's some goddess!"
Mrs. Brook's expression darkened. "How is that possible…?" she whispered.
"Maybe it's inherited from that woman," Mrs Brook spat bitterly. "When she was alive, she was everything a man could dream of—beautiful, elegant, talented. She had it all!"
Mrs. Brook's eyes hardened as she clenched her teeth. "I was her best friend back then," she said, her tone laced with venom. "And I hated how perfect she was. Always so good at everything, always adored by everyone…"
"Mom," Amalia said, her voice trembling, "what should I do? I can't stand seeing Aria shine. I hate her. I don't want her to be in the spotlight."
Mrs. Brook sighed deeply, then smiled darkly. "Don't worry, my dear. I'll make an appointment with Mio—the world's best international pianist. He's visiting the country soon. You'll train under him. You'll be better than her."
"Really, Mom?" Amalia's eyes sparkled with hope.
"Yes, darling," Mrs. Brook said softly, brushing her daughter's hair.
Amalia's anger faded, replaced by joy. She hugged her mother tightly. "I love you so much, Mom."
Mrs. Brook smirked. "Just remember, Amalia… no one outshines a Brook."
---
The next day, Sophia frowned at Aria. "Aria, why didn't you tell me you could play the piano so well?"
Aria looked at her apologetically. "I'm sorry, Sophia. There are… many things you don't know about me. And now isn't the right time to talk about them."
Sophia sighed but smiled. "Alright. Whenever you're ready, I'll be all ears."
Before Aria could reply, Sophia's phone rang loudly. She picked it up and immediately froze when she heard the cold, commanding voice on the other end.
"Bring your aunt-in-law to my place within ten minutes."
Sophia's entire body went stiff. That voice belonged to only one man—her uncle, Adrian DeLuca.
The phone was on speaker, so Aria heard every word. She calmly took the phone from Sophia's trembling hand and spoke firmly. "I'm not coming. And I'm not your wife."
On the other end, there was a low chuckle—a sound so deep and smooth that it sent shivers down Aria's spine.
"My darling," Adrian said in a dangerously calm tone, "come. Let your uncle see you."
Aria froze, his voice melting into her ears like dark honey. Trying to sound bold, she said softly, "Then come pick me up yourself. Only you. Otherwise, I won't go."
Sophia's mouth fell open in shock. Did she just… command my uncle?
She turned pale and whispered under her breath, "God, please protect her."
Meanwhile, on the other end of the call, Adrian sat in his study, a rare smile curving his lips.
Eric, his assistant, stood by the door, speechless. He had never seen his boss smile like that before.
"Eric," Adrian said suddenly, his voice cold but calm.
"Y-yes, Boss?"
"Car keys."
Eric quickly handed them over, too stunned to speak. As Adrian walked out, Eric thought to himself, I need to stay on the good side of the boss's wife from now on. She's the only one who can make him smile like that.
---
Aria and Sophia continued walking along the quiet street, assuming Adrian wouldn't actually come. But moments later, a black luxury car screeched to a stop in front of them.
Sophia's jaw dropped.
The door opened, and a man stepped out. His tall frame cast a shadow on the ground, his black suit fitting him perfectly. The first thing Aria noticed was his jawline—sharp and chiseled—followed by his piercing gray eyes. His mere presence was enough to make time stop.
"Uncle… what are you doing here?" Sophia stammered nervously.
Adrian's lips curled into a lazy smirk. "I'm here to take my wife home," he said, his tone deep and casual, yet possessive. "Sophia, go home on your own. I'm taking my wife."
Aria looked at Sophia with a soft smile. "See you next time, Sophy."
Sophia's cheeks turned pink. She wanted to hug Aria goodbye, but when she met Adrian's icy glare, she froze, muttered a quick goodbye, and ran off, terrified.
Aria turned to Adrian with a pout. "You scared her."
"Say that again," Adrian said, his voice dropping lower.
Aria blinked. "Uncle, you—"
Before she could finish, Adrian's lips crashed onto hers.
The kiss was deep and consuming. Her breath caught in her throat as his hand slid gently around her waist, pulling her closer. The world disappeared, leaving only the warmth of his lips and the sound of her racing heartbeat.
When he finally let her go, Aria's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Uncle… you're bullying me," she whispered in a trembling voice.
Her voice was soft, delicate—too alluring for his control.
"Darling," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear, "you don't realize what you're doing to me with that voice of yours. You're waking up the little devil inside me."
Aria's eyes widened as she felt the heat between them rise. She quickly tried to pull away, her face burning red.
"Let's save it for the wedding night," Adrian said in a husky whisper, brushing his thumb across her lips.
Aria buried her face in his chest, too embarrassed to speak.
---
They arrived at Adrian's mansion just as the sun began to set. The estate was breathtaking—modern glass walls, marble floors, and a garden overlooking the glowing skyline. Every inch of it screamed wealth, elegance, and power.
As they entered, the housekeepers lined up neatly in two rows and bowed deeply.
"Welcome, Boss!" they chorused in unison.
Then, realizing who was beside him, they added quickly, "Welcome, Mrs. Boss!"
Aria froze in surprise, her cheeks flushed. She unconsciously stepped closer to Adrian for comfort.
Adrian glanced at her, then raised his hand slightly, signaling the staff to stand straight. His expression returned to its usual cold, unreadable mask.
As they walked further inside, whispers began among the maids.
"Oh my, the boss's wife is so beautiful," one said dreamily.
"If I were a man, I'd fall for her too!" another sighed.
"She looks so gentle and kind… no wonder the boss is acting soft today."
One maid, known for her jealousy, crossed her arms. "Maybe she had plastic surgery," she muttered.
A few others giggled, agreeing. "Maybe that's why she's pretty."
The jealous maid smirked. "The boss probably loves her because of her face. Girls like her are all the same—pretty but useless."
The others glanced around nervously, hoping no one important overheard.
They all left quickly and continue their work duties in silent.