Aria began moving toward them, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. Damian walked beside her, tall and commanding, the dark cut of his suit only intensifying the power he carried. Cameras flashed, fans screamed, but his storm-gray eyes caught Julian-and for a split second, his face softened in stunned disbelief.
Julian's heart clenched. That look... the same look from years ago. But just as quickly, the softness vanished. His jaw hardened, his expression cooling into stone. Whatever storm raged inside, he buried it deep where no one-not Aria, not Julian-could see.
Four men in black pushed the crowd aside, clearing a path for the pair. Gasps and excited whispers followed them like a trail of fire.
"Sister!" Aria's voice rose, warm and theatrical, her smile radiant. "I can't believe it's you. You didn't even tell anyone you were returning home." She stepped closer, reaching as if to embrace Julian.
Clara sneered, her face twitching with restrained fury. "Was she supposed to take permission from you before coming back? It's none of your damn business when she returns or not."
Julian touched Clara's arm gently, signaling her to stop. "Clara, don't." Her gaze slid back to Aria, her lips curving into something between a smile and a warning. "Yes, I'm back. And this time, it's for good. But don't expect me to be the same naïve girl you played your little schemes with. Back off, Aria. Mind your goddamn business."
Damian's chest stirred at her words. She's stronger now... sharper. Not the innocent girl I once knew. I should be glad. So why does it feel like a blade twisting in my gut?
Aria blinked, her face carefully schooled into innocence, though her eyes glittered. "Sister, what do you mean? I was only surprised to see you. I never said anything with bad intent."
"That's enough." Damian's deep voice cut through the tension as he touched Aria's elbow. His gaze flicked once more toward Julian, unreadable. "We should go. The crowd is getting thicker-it's not safe. Welcome back, Julian."
Julian's breath caught at the sound of his voice. For a heartbeat, it was as if time folded back on itself-when she had been young, shy, and in love with the man she was told would be her betrothed. The man she thought would protect her. The man who didn't believe her when it mattered most.
Her fingers curled tightly around Maya's little hand. Not anymore.
"I'll let Mum and Dad know you're back," Aria continued sweetly, slipping free of Damian's hand. "They'll be thrilled to see you, sis."
Clara gave a sharp laugh. "Thrilled? I'd bet not."
Damian's eyes darkened. Of course she's right. His parents had never wanted Julian near him. They never believed her, never trusted her. And neither did I.......
Aria's smile faltered for the first time as her eyes darted to the little girl in Clara's arms. She tilted her head, curiosity sharp as a knife. "Sis... is this her? The little bast-"
She didn't finish. Julian shoved her back, eyes blazing. "Don't you dare. Don't you ever in your life call my child that."
The crowd gasped. Paparazzi flashes popped wildly.
Damian froze. His gaze shot to the child-her curls, her wide eyes, the way she clung to julian's coat as if afraid of the world..Her child? A thousand thoughts flooded him, unspoken, unanswered. His jaw tightened "Aria,watch your mouth"he snapped
Aria froze, blinking rapidly, caught off guard by his tone.
"I'm sorry, sis," Aria said quickly, her smile snapping back in place like a mask. "It was a slip of the tongue. She's adorable, really."
"Enough." Damian's voice was firmer this time, almost clipped. He guided Aria toward the exit. "We're leaving."
Aria turned one last time, her smile dripping with false affection. "Sis, we'll see each other again soon, okay? I've missed you more than you know."
With that, the two slipped into a waiting red Ferrari. The engine roared, and in seconds they were gone, leaving chaos in their wake.
Clara's shoulders stiffened. She muttered under her breath, "Meeting that bitch ruins the mood." Then she turned to Julian, her tone softening. "Are you okay, babes?"
Julian sighed, pressing her fingers to her temple. "I wasn't ready to see any of them. I just wanted to settle in first, keep things quiet. But I guess fate had other plans." Her lips curved in a bitter smirk.
"She's popular now," Clara spat. "Her fans call her a goddess. If only they knew the truth-that she's a two-faced snake hiding behind silk."
Julian's gaze drifted toward the doors where the Ferrari had vanished, her chest tight. "Let them worship her," she murmured. "They'll know one day."
Clara adjusted Maya in her arms. "Come on. The little one needs rest. Let's not let her ruin our first day."
The crowd's roar faded behind them as Clara led the way toward her Audi, dragging the luggage cart with one hand and holding Maya's tiny palm with the other. Julian trailed slightly behind, her shoulders still tight, her heartbeat uneven.
Clara helped Maya into the backseat before shutting the door and turning back to Julian
"You know soon or later you'll have to face them right?"
"I know babes,I wish I don't have to....they disgust me and I really don't want to have anything to do with them"
Maya leaned forward from the backseat, her little voice breaking the heavy quiet. "Mummy... why didn't that lady like me?"
Julian froze, her throat tightening. She forced a small smile in the rearview mirror. "Sweetheart, some people wear pretty masks, but that doesn't mean their hearts are kind. Don't think about her, okay?"
Maya nodded slowly, though her eyes were clouded with confusion. She curled against her seat, clutching her doll.
Clara muttered under her breath, her hands gripping the wheel. "If Aria thinks she can spit poison at a child, she's got another thing coming."
Julian leaned her head back against the seat, closing her eyes briefly. For the first time in six years, she was back in New York. Back in the lion's den. And already, the wolves had bared their teeth.
