Chapter 39
Aria’s POV
I blinked, disoriented. Sunlight streamed through the window of what was definitely not my bedroom. The events of the previous night came rushing back—Devon, the pain, the hospital.
"Sophia? What are you doing here? How did you—"
"Kane Technologies owns a stake in this private clinic," she explained, handing me a cup of water. "When I couldn't reach you this morning and tracked your phone to this address, I was worried sick. Then I saw the name on the building and called Christopher Quinn. He told me Devon brought you here last night."
I took a sip of water, trying to process this information. "Chris told you?"
"Don't change the subject," Sophia scolded gently. "Why didn't you call me if you were having one of your episodes? You know how bad they can get."
I sighed. "It came on suddenly. I didn't have time to—"
The rest of my sentence was cut off by my phone ringing. Sophia handed it to me with a raised eyebrow.
Ethan's name flashed on the screen. I contemplated ignoring it but knew that would only lead to more questions from Sophia.
"Hello?" I answered, trying to sound normal.
"Aria, darling, where are you? Did you forget? Our families are meeting at Le Bernardin in two hours to discuss the engagement announcement." Ethan's voice was jovial, as if last night's incident with Scarlett had never happened.
I closed my eyes, feeling a headache building behind my temples. "I didn't forget. I'll be there."
"Perfect. Wear something elegant but not too flashy—"
"I'll handle it, Ethan," I cut him off. "See you at the restaurant."
I ended the call, meeting Sophia's questioning gaze.
"Don't," I warned before she could start. "Not now. I'm going to dress up myself. Come with me, Sophie."
I stood in the center of the Fifth Avenue boutique, surrounded by racks of designer dresses. Sophia circled me, her head tilted critically as she examined the white lace dress I'd just tried on.
"Turn around," she instructed, twirling her finger in the air.
I obliged, the delicate fabric swishing around my ankles as I spun slowly. The dress was floor-length with intricate lace detailing across the bodice and sheer long sleeves. It was elegant, refined, and—most importantly—nothing like what I would normally wear. My usual style leaned toward sophisticated power dresses in bold colors, structured blazers, and sleek silhouettes. This ethereal white creation was the complete opposite: soft, innocent, almost bridal.
"What do you think?" I asked, smoothing my hands over the delicate fabric. "Is it too much?"
Sophia's expression was a mixture of surprise and approval. "It's definitely not your usual style. You look like..."
"A perfect fiancée?" I supplied, a smile playing at my lips as I examined my reflection. I'd also had the salon stylist pull my chestnut hair into an elegant updo, leaving a few tendrils to frame my face. The overall effect was one of studied innocence.
"I was going to say 'a completely different person,'" Sophia replied. "You look gorgeous, but in a totally unexpected way. Yesterday you were CEO Aria in your power suit, and today you're..." She gestured vaguely at my appearance.
"Today I'm playing the part of the perfect bride-to-be," I said, adjusting one of the pearl earrings I'd selected. "You know, the role my father and the Blakes have cast me in."
"Well, you look exactly like—" Sophia caught herself, biting her lip.
"Like Scarlett?" I finished her thought, my smile tightening ever so slightly. "That's precisely the point."
Understanding dawned on Sophia's face. "Oh my God, you're deliberately dressing like your stepsister. That's... diabolical."
"It's strategic," I corrected, turning back to the mirror. "Today is all about discussing my engagement to Ethan. What better way to remind everyone of what they're trying to pretend isn't happening than by looking exactly like his secret girlfriend?"
"So you think you today, how do I look?" I asked, giving one final twirl.
Sophia's eyes widened with appreciation. "You look absolutely stunning! It's like seeing two different people. The everyday Aria is a sophisticated, powerful woman, but today you're like a fairy tale princess." She paused, studying me. "Even though you're dressed like your stepsister, you're ten times more beautiful than she could ever hope to be. No wonder you're Elizabeth Harper's daughter."
I felt a genuine smile spread across my face at the mention of my mother. "You always know exactly what to say."
"Just stating facts," Sophia replied with a wink. "Now, are you ready to go break some hearts and crush some souls?"
"More than ready," I said, gathering my purse. "It's showtime."
---
The moment I stepped into Le Bernardin, I felt every eye in the room turn toward me. The maître d' nearly stumbled over his own feet as he led me to the private dining area where both families were already waiting. I kept my pace measured and my posture perfect—shoulders back, chin up, the very image of grace and poise that my mother had taught me years ago.
My father was the first to notice me, his conversation with Ethan's father faltering mid-sentence as I approached. William Harper's expression was a peculiar mixture of approval and calculation, likely mentally tallying how my appearance would benefit his business merger.
"Aria," he said, standing to greet me. "You look lovely."
Before I could respond, I caught sight of Marianne. Ethan's mother's face had gone slightly pale, her eyes fixed on me with an unreadable expression. I knew what she was seeing—the ghost of my mother's elegance combined with a deliberate echo of Scarlett's style. The effect seemed to unsettle her deeply, which was precisely what I'd intended.
"Mrs. Blake," I greeted her warmly, extending my hand. "It's so wonderful to see you again."
She recovered quickly, taking my hand in both of hers. "Aria, darling. You look... absolutely breathtaking. So much like your mother."
I felt a twinge of genuine emotion at the mention of my mother, but I pushed it aside. "Thank you. That's the greatest compliment I could receive."
Victoria, my stepmother, watched our exchange with thinly veiled irritation. She was dressed in an expensive navy suit that screamed corporate power rather than family warmth—a stark contrast to my soft white lace.
"You're late, Aria," she noted, checking her diamond-encrusted watch. "We've been waiting for fifteen minutes."
"I apologize for the delay," I said sweetly. "I wanted to look perfect for such an important occasion. After all, we are discussing my future."
Scarlett, who had been sulking silently beside Victoria, suddenly perked up. She was wearing a pale pink dress that complemented her blonde hair, but her smile didn't reach her eyes as she approached me.
"Sister," she exclaimed with exaggerated enthusiasm, air-kissing both my cheeks. "You look absolutely gorgeous today!"