d an unknown woman's confrontation was everywh

nPushedTheNa

sAriaPi

ectOu

ss, flooding the i

hink she is to push my g

so cute with that teary

cted her? They're a match made

s? I'll find her!" one of Aria's di

that woman's arms? She's so beautiful, I co

ia! Can't you see she was trembling? She must

good-looking. That's why I'm a

e's probably just a hater trying to tarnis

some social climber trying to leech off Aria's

w the full story yet." That rare calm voice was

m, preparing to take a shower, when her phone began to

th

hadn't calle

the accept button before

in?!" Margaret's voice erupted the moment the lin

her ear slightly. Her mother's tone hadn't

I wish we never had to go through all of this bec

he was used to this. Too used to it. "What are you talking

oesn't need negative publicity right now-her career is only just climbing! But you-" Marga

room, opened her laptop, and typed Aria's name into the search bar. Inst

t #B

ry words scrawled across her image. Comment sections were

ace betrayed no emotion. She had learned long ag

voice cool, "I did nothing wrong

r say such things-especially not in public!" Margaret shot back immed

ted to laugh at the irony, but

added curtly, her voice lower now, almost trembling as though she kn

in the room

ugh. Maya rubbed her eyes, padding over t

nothing, baby. Go back to sleep." She kissed Maya's forehead and guided

let out a long, tired sigh. None of this surprised her anymore.

h of their birth had been re

n her laptop screen. Her reflection stared back at her fro

one thing. Tonight's din

ic with steady hands. The gown was simple but elegant, chosen not to impress, but to present herself with quiet dignity. Afte

o the house she hadn't set foot in for six long years. When the cab finally slowed

en velvet beneath the soft glow of garden lamps. White stone statues stood guard along the path, and

s tall arched windows glowed with warm light, framed by heavy drapes, while the foun

nst the polished stone. Six years had passed, but nothing had changed-not the house,

is expression perfectly neutral. He bowed slightly. "Miss Julia,

e side of the hall, whisp

st Miss i

so beau

e cut through the air. They scattered at once, their nervo

sky-blue gown swept elegantly against the polished floor as

, her tone cool, as though she w

turned home and didn't even think to tell us?" she sna

ng his wine in the glass as

"The minute you're back, you're already stirring tro

nd filled with quiet contempt. She said not

in, his deep voice carrying authority

h words she clearly wanted to spit out. The maids exchanged glance

opened, and a cheerful vo

Dad-I'

ress that cinched neatly at her waist, her every step radiating innocenc

t box in hand. He clasped Richard's hand f

relieve them of their things, his expr

delicate pink jade necklace that shimmered under the chandelier

. such a filial child!" she exclaimed, her voice warm with pride as she fastened the

eat, the contrast between their