The morning sun filtered through the cream-colored curtains, casting golden streaks across Aria's old bedroom. The scent of lavender still lingered faintly — untouched, like a room preserved for someone long gone she stood in front of the mirror, her reflection unfamiliar despite the face being her own.
Youthful,untouched,Sharp, yet soft.
This was me… before everything,she whispered, fingertips brushing the mirror's surface.
She wore a sleek beige pantsuit that hugged her figure with elegance, paired with nude heels and a glossy clutch. Not too loud, not too plain — exactly what they once told her not to wear.
Too bold. Too independent.
But now, that was exactly the image she wanted.
---
Her fingers gently grazed the necklace resting on her collarbone — a fine silver chain holding a delicate phoenix-shaped charm. It glinted slightly as sunlight hit it.
Her mother's necklace.
The last gift she ever received before her mysterious death.
She hadn't seen it in years. The real one had gone missing after the scandal… but here it was, right where it should be.
When her fingers touched it, a warm pulse spread through her chest. Like an invisible thread had been pulled tight — connecting her past to this strange new second chance protect the fire in you.
Her mother's final words echoed in her mind.
Was this necklace a blessing?
A miracle?
Or just fate's cruel game?
She didn't know.
But she'd use everything — memory, instinct, and pain — to change what was meant to happen.
---
Downstairs, the atmosphere buzzed. The Lin mansion hadn't changed. Still too grand. Still too cold. Servants moved quickly, avoiding eye contact like ghosts.
Aria walked past them without a word.
In the main hall, her father — Chairman Lin — adjusted the cufflinks on his tailored suit. He looked up as she entered, surprise flickering behind his glasses.
You're attending the gala tonight?he asked, tone guarded i am,she answered smoothly.
You've never liked those kinds of events that was before.
He hesitated, something unreadable flashing in his eyes don't draw attention to yourself,he muttered I will never do, Aria said with a polite smile — but her voice was sharp enough to draw blood.
And then she walked away, leaving him frozen in place.
---
The ballroom at the Grand Orchid Hotel was nothing short of luxury.
Crystal chandeliers sparkled above polished marble floors. Waiters glided by with trays of champagne. Laughter, clinking glasses, and soft classical music floated through the air.
Aria stepped in, the click of her heels echoing through the hall heads turned.
The daughter of the Lin family — the one who vanished from high society — had returned.
Whispers bloomed like wildfire.
Is that… Aria Lin?
I thought she left the country after the scandal.
She looks... different. Better.
What's she doing here?
She moved with calm grace, as if she hadn't heard a word.
But she heard everything.
She wanted them to talk. Let them stare. That was the point.
---
And then she saw him liam Chen.
The man she once loved in silence.
The man who watched her crumble and turned away.
CEO of Chen Group Cold,Calculated and Untouchable.
He stood near the bar, dressed in an all-black tailored suit that only made his presence more intimidating. His features were sharper than she remembered — like they'd been carved from stone no smile,no warmth just quiet power.
For a split second, their eyes locked.
He didn't blink.
Neither did she.
She crossed the room slowly, every step deliberate. The crowd parted without her asking.
When she stopped in front of him, he spoke first.
Miss Lin,he said with a faint tilt of his head you're alive.
His voice was deep, smooth — but laced with surprise.
Aria offered a polite smile I tend to survive things even when people think I won't.
Liam's gaze dropped for a moment — and landed on the necklace that pendant, he murmured you wore it… the night you vanished.
She raised a brow, fingers brushing the charm again some things,she said softly,never really vanish.
For a moment, silence stretched between them heavy unspoken thick with what could've been.
Then Aria turned.
Have a good evening, Mr. Chen.
She walked away, her perfume lingering faintly in the air — a floral scent he remembered from long ago.
Liam watched her go, his expression unreadable.
But something flickered in his eyes.
Maybe curiosity.
Maybe guilt.
Maybe something warmer — something he buried years ago.
---
Aria didn't look back.
This wasn't about love.
Not yet.
This was a game.
And she was done playing nice.