Aria's POV-
I quickly went inside my classroom.
Everyone stared a me.
"What happened?", I questioned.
"You look like a pig! Your eyes are swollen and face puffed up!", Sophie laughed.
"And also you are sweating like you just encountered a ghost!", Damon made fun of me.
"STOP IT!", I shouted.
"What's wrong?", Adrian questioned.
But I preferred not to answer.
I quickly moved towards my seat, and sat down.
I am safe for now, but I know that uncle is not gonna leave me so easily.
Why the hell did Cassian come over?
My life has become a total mess.
I pulled out my notebook.
"What's wrong Aria?", Sophie sat besides me.
"Nothing, just some unwanted moments!", I answered forcibly.
"Do you need help?", she asked again.
And suddenly, the book struck my mind.
GAIL'S!
I turned towards her, held her hands and asked.
"Can you tell me about who were Gail's, their family business and what happened to them years ago when they went bankrupt and also did your father come back because now a days Gail corp. is in power, right?
I breathed heavily.
I knew, I was too straight forward and it might have felt rude.
A stranger asking about such personal details.
But, I can't beat around the bush, I need to know the answers before they throw me out of here.
Sophie immediately pulled away.
"Aria, why do you want to know all this?", she stammered.
She was afraid and uncomfortable.
"I am going through too much in my life. I wanted to know what have been with you... maybe there is some things we can help each other with."
I let out a deep sigh.
"Lucian is also not asking you, so I knew that it's not easy to fight the world when no one is with you."
Although these words were to manipulate her but I felt that what I spoke was too hard to be false.
These words aren't just some group of alphabets but these are the proof of what I feel when I am alone.
They are the truth and truth is never easy to believe on.
It's hard to keep yourself together when you are going through hard times.
Suddenly, Sophie hugged me.
I caught myself crying but I felt uncomfortable.
Not because of her hug, but because all my smiles, my happiness, my moments with my friends...were all fake.
I knew it's hard to make them believe what I am going through.
Stay Strong Aria!
No! I can't cry!
Not here! Not here!
No, I have to be strong.
I pulled back, wiped my tears.
"No problem, I know I was rude. Sorry if my words hurt you.", I apologized.
The whole class was staring at me and Sophie.
Some came forward to listen closely to what was going on, some just showed sympathy while staying away.
"Hey, it' okay. I'll answer all your questions after the test .", she assured me.
She went to the front row.
I felt were embarrassed.
I never cry in public like that.
It feels like I am weak.
I turned around, to keep my books in the bag.
But...
Someone was staring at me.
Not accidental, but intentional.
Lucian...
Why does he even bother to look?
I thought he might have already forgot about me. Anyways, I turned away.
Soon, the test started.
Mr. Dalton distributed the papers and answer sheets. Everyone was busy writing the answers, but my mind was roaming around.
I hate my life!
After a lot of struggle, I completed my exam.
After submitting the papers, I moved out.
I was waiting for Sophie, some questions are still unanswered.
"Hey! What's up?", A voice came from behind the pillar.
"Who's there?"
"Don't panic, it's me"
A girl came out. She was wearing a mask.
A off shoulder black dress, perfectly tailored to her body.
She stepped forward and removed the mask.
"Stella!!!!", I recognized her quickly.
"So you do remember me?", she came towards me.
"Of course, how can I forgot you?", I replied sarcastically.
Her black, long heels were looking like they were of limited edition.
If I am not wrong!
"I want your help.", she pulled me outside the building.
"Not now. I have to talk to someone."
"Please, I really want your help."
"Look, if you are searching for Lucian, then let me tell you he already went home."
"No, I am not searching for him..." She sighed and continued.
"I want your help...Pleaseee. I am sorry for whatever happened in Greece. But this once."
"How can I forget about Greece? Wait, I also remember the first time we met near the café.", I gave a cunning smile.
But her face was not like before.
She was unhappy, and afraid.
Her eyes were wet and swollen...
"You cried, didn't you?", I questioned slowly.
"Look I have no grudges against you but I have my own reasons, I really need to meet someone urgently!", I tried to explain but the only words she spoke was.
"Fine, I'll look for someone else."
This made my heart jump out of my chest.
I felt guilty, like if it was my mistake by not helping her.
Anyways, I agreed to her.
"Fine, I'll help you!"
I pulled her back.
Her face lit up, like a glowing lamp.
But of course, now I will not be able to talk to Sophie.
We sat in the car.
After a long drive, we reached a big mall.
"Why are we here? Don't tell me that you need my help just because you are here for shopping?", I questioned her.
"Stupid, we are here for shopping but for you."
"For me!"
"Yes, I need your help but firstly we need to buy some clothes for you."
Stella dragged me inside the mall like she was on a mission.
"No excuses. No arguing," she said. "Tonight, you stop hiding."
I rolled my eyes. "I'm not hiding."
She shot me a look. "You're surviving. There's a difference."
She pulled out outfit after outfit—some too loud, some too delicate, some that just weren't me. I needed something that felt like armor, not a costume.
Then I saw it.
A deep wine-colored fitted blazer with sharp shoulders, structured and powerful. Underneath it, a satin black top—simple, sleek, dangerous in its quiet confidence. High-waisted black trousers hugged perfectly, elegant but bold, paired with pointed heels that clicked against the floor like a warning.
"This," Stella said softly, holding it up. "This is you."
I stared at the mirror after changing.
The girl looking back didn't look broken.
She didn't look scared.
She looked in control.
My hair fell loose in soft waves, framing my face instead of hiding it. Minimal makeup—sharp liner, defined lips, nothing excessive. Just enough to say don't underestimate me.
"You don't look innocent," Stella smirked.
"I'm not trying to," I replied, my voice steadier than I felt.
I looked like someone who belonged in dark rooms filled with secrets.
Like someone who could stand in front of monsters and not blink.
Bold.
Confident.
Untouchable.
"Amazing! You look just like a C.E.O"
Stella jumped with happiness.
"Thanks, let's go."
I pulled her outside.
"Get ready because now we are going to get crazy!"
She shouted.
"Why are you going to kill me? Are we going to mental hospital?"
I enquired.
"Stupid, we ae going for a top secret party of the Crowe!"
"What!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
IT IS THE END!