Mummy,is daddy waiting for us,you promised I would see him today"maya asked blinking up at her mother in expectations
Six years has passed..She was back to New York,the city where all her pains began ...this time she wasn't the fragile and naive girl who left broken....
Her dark hair spilled down in glossy waves, framing a face sculpted with quiet elegance. High cheekbones caught the light, and her almond-shaped eyes, deep and steady, seemed to hold a thousand untold stories. A tailored cream trench coat cinched at her waist hinted at her slender figure, while subtle diamond studs glittered at her ears. Everything about her-her posture, her poise, even the measured grace of her stride
Julian's lips softened into a smile, though her gaze flickered briefly with something darker-hesitation,She smoothed a hand over her daughter's hair. "Baby, don't worry. You'll see your dad soon. I promise." Her voice was calm, but the words carried a weight only she understands
"For now,let's go look for auntie Clara ,she should be here already "Julian said as she went drag their luggage out of the exit
From across the bustling arrivals hall, a tall woman in oversized sunglasses gasped, then waved with dramatic excitement.
Ohhh, my sugar pie!" Clara squealed, striding toward them.
Maya darted forward, her curls bouncing as she leapt into Clara's waiting arms. "Auntie Clara! I finally get to meet you in person. You're soooo much prettier than in the video calls!" she chirped, her little hands cupping Clara's face
Clara threw her head back with a laugh, hugging the child tightly. "My sugar pie, you always know how to sweet-talk me," she said warmly, patting Maya's hair.
"My dear friend,I've missed you so much...you become more finer"...she teased Julian as she help her with the luggage
"I've already booked a hotel for you guys,
Julian smiled warming"thank you babes...I thought I'd surprise you and come unannounced but you always have a way you know "
Clara laughed, looping her arm through Julian's. "Please, you know you can't surprise me. Six years gone, and you still walk in like a queen. Look at you, Jules... sophisticated, confident... nothing like the shy girl I remember."
Julian smirked. "Life has a way of teaching you lessons, Clara. But seeing you now, it feels like nothing has changed."
"Except everything has," Clara said softly, her eyes flicking to Maya. "And this little princess... she's the most beautiful change of all."
Maya grinned shyly, hiding behind Julian's arm. "Auntie Clara, mummy said you'll take us somewhere fun."
Clara's face lit up. "Of course, darling! I've planned so much. But first-" she gave Julian a playful look-"you're telling me everything. Don't even think of hiding a single detail. Six years is too long, and I want it all: the struggles, the triumphs, the heartbreaks, and maybe..." her smile turned mischievous, "...the men?"
Julian chuckled, shaking her head. "You haven't changed one bit. Always digging."
"Mummy where's daddy,why didn't he come to the airport to get us"...Maya asked curious
Clara glanced at Julian questionably,as if asking for clarity on who the "daddy" is
"Baby,let's talk about this later okay,let's go with auntie Clara for now"
As they move towards the exit with their luggage cart,Clara and Maya teasing each other,...a sudden wave of murmurs rippled through the terminal
"Aria! Oh my God, it's really her!" someone screamed, and within seconds, phones were lifted, flashes bursting through the crowd.
Descending gracefully from the escalator was Aria-draped in a designer coat, her long hair flowing like it belonged on a magazine cover. Dark shades framed her flawless face, but even they couldn't dim the aura she carried. She moved with effortless elegance, each step pulling the world's attention toward her.
Beside Aria strode Damian-imposing in a dark tailored suit, his presence commanding even without the cameras on him. Where Aria glittered with celebrity charm, Damian radiated quiet power, his storm-gray eyes sweeping the hall with calculated indifference. Together, they were magnetic-flashes exploding as the press shouted their names, hungry for a glimpse of the city's most talked-about pair. Aria leaned subtly toward him, her hand brushing his arm with practiced familiarity, sealing the image the world had already embraced: the power couple no one could look away from.
To the adoring public, she was their goddess, flawless and pure. Only a fool would believe it. Behind that perfect smile was venom waiting to strike."
Fans screamed her name, security guards rushed to form a shield around her, and the press jostled for the best angle. The whole airport felt as though it had stopped breathing.
Clara sneered, her face hardening. "Jules... that's the bitch. And now she's flaunting it-engaged to Damian, with their wedding around the corner. Unbelievable."
Julian stiffened, her grip tightening on Maya's little hand. Her heart thudded painfully as old memories rushed forward like shadows she thought she'd left behind.
"Mummy," Maya whispered, tugging at her arm, "why is everyone looking at that lady?"
Julian forced a smile, but her gaze never left the dazzling figure walking just a few feet away. Aria's head tilted slightly, as though she sensed eyes on her. For a fleeting second, her gaze slid over the crowd-landing right on Julian.
The world seemed to hold its breath.
