12.
1882 Words
“Are you waiting for someone?” Romeo couldn’t help but question, they’ve been parked there for close to ten minutes now, and Aria remained uncharacteristically silent, her eyes focused on a distant spot he couldn’t see. She tapped her fingers rhythmically on the steering wheel, a clear sign she was deep in thought, and quite anxious too.
It wasn’t his place to urge her, but her continued silence only worried him, and also a line of cars were beginning to build up behind them too, but thankfully they’d been polite enough not to urge with a horn.
Aria snapped out of her thoughts, blinking rapidly as if bringing herself back to the present. “Sorry, Romeo. I was just... thinking.” She glanced in the rearview mirror and noticed the growing line of cars. “We should move, before those gossip mongers begin to think that I’m getting cold feet.”
Romeo nodded and then motioned to one of the valet attendants standing nearby. The young man quickly approached, understanding the silent command. Romeo stepped out of the car, his movements brisk and purposeful, and walked around to open the door for Aria.
She took a deep breath, composed herself, and stepped out of the car with the same grace and poise she was known for. The crisp night air hit her, a sharp contrast to the warm confines of the car, but it helped clear her head. It had gotten dark, before she even realized.
She felt rather than saw the way the surrounding came to a complete stop, a hush taking over the earlier buzz of conversation. Eyes turned to her, and whispers started to ripple through the crowd.
So it begins she thought.. quickly masking her uncertainty with a brilliant and self assured grin on her face, accepting Romeo’s hand as they began the walk up the extravagant walkway that lead to the mansion, her steps poised and elegant, exuding confidence with each motion.
Guests of unbelievable classes and ranks dressed in their finest, couldn't help but steal glances and murmur amongst themselves. Aria Moretti, the scandalous heiress who had vanished from the social scene for almost a whole year, was really making her grand reappearance, looking as sinfully gorgeous and enchanting as ever. Her beauty commanding the attention of every eye in the vicinity. Turning the heads of even the most distinguished personalities in presence.
The whispering grew louder, snippets of conversations reaching her ears.
"Is that really Aria Moretti?"
"I heard she was abroad, dealing with some mysterious business."
“Ridiculous, I heard she was unable to show her face after the nasty business with her ex husband…”
"She looks even more stunning than before."
“It’s been so long. I wonder what’s brought her back?”
“Whatever it was, I can only count it as my blessing to see such a gorgeous sight tonight.”
“Bastard, have you no shame for your wife?”
“Just look at the size of those gems, that sort is absolutely priceless…”
“The heiress really is back, I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us..”
Aria’s smile widened slightly as she took in the buzz of the crowd. She walked with an air of serene confidence, making her way through the sea of well-dressed guests. Each step she took was measured and graceful, her posture straight and her gaze steady. Though it’s been quite a bit since she was last present in any sort of event, it was clear she was used to commanding attention and navigating the complexities of high society.
As they approached the grand entrance, Romeo reluctantly paused at the velvet ropes. The guards, as expected, barred his entry, their eyes conveying a mix of respect and protocol. With a nod of understanding, Romeo offered her a reassuring smile before stepping aside.
“You’ve got this, Miss Aria, I’ll be cheering you on.” He whispered to her with a boyish grin on his face that warmed her heart.
“Thank you, Romeo, I’ll see you later.” Aria responded, giving him a final smile before continuing alone, her heart beating in sync with the rhythmic sound of her heels on the marble floor.
At the grand entrance, a distinguished caller, impeccably dressed and holding a gilded clipboard, stepped forward to greet her.
“Good evening, Miss,” he said with a courteous nod. “Welcome to the Chalini Charity Affair. May I confirm your invitation?”
Aria handed over the elegantly embossed card. The caller examined it with practiced precision, his eyes widened a little when he recognized the name, and his demeanor shifted a little. He offered a genuine, if subdued, smile.
“Thank you, Miss Moretti. Everything seems to be in order. Please, enjoy the evening.”
With a nod, he turned to address the crowd, his voice carrying through the hall.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming Aria Moretti.”
The announcement was simple, and yet electrifying, as just like earlier, a hush fell over the room for a second, and the next second, heads abruptly turned, conversations halted, and every gaze was drawn to Aria. The murmurs swelled into a chorus of excitement and speculation.
Aria’s heart skipped a beat at the undivided attention she’d aroused. The effect of the announcement was immediate; the room seemed to pulse with a collective energy as every eye fixed upon her. The whispers and murmurs swirled around her but unlike the earlier crowd however, theirs were too far away to carry towards her, so she was unsure of what they thought. But she supposed it wouldn’t be anything beyond surprise at her appearance, and gossip about the affair of last year.
Her confidence however remained intact as she moved forward into the grand hall. The lavish decor and glittering chandeliers bathed her in a warm, golden light that accentuated her striking appearance. The room, filled with the elite of society, watched in rapt attention as she glided past, unable to look away at the gorgeous image she presented, easily overshadowing every other presence in the room.
As Aria moved deeper into the grand hall smiling at a few faces, a familiar figure caught her eye. Aunt Marie, with her commanding presence and impeccable style, approached her through the throng of guests. Marie’s eyes lit up as she spotted Aria, her face breaking into a warm, proud smile.
“Aria, darling!” Marie said, her voice carrying the murmurs of the crowd. She enveloped Aria in a swift, heartfelt embrace. “You’ve absolutely killed it.” She said in a low excited voice, as she looped her arm through Aria's.
“And where is that..that man..” Aunt Marie grimaced, looking behind aria, “Isn’t he supposed to accompany you?”
Aria’s face darkened a little at that, but she forced herself to remain optimistic, a smile spreading across her face, “He got held up a little, but he will be here shortly, don’t you worry Aunt Marie.”
Aunt Marie’s brows furrowed, and though she wanted to say more, she decided now wasn’t the moment to show any displeasure when half the room still kept close attention on them, “The good for nothing..” she still murmured however, unable to help herself. “Very well, dear. But let’s not dwell on that. Come, let me show you to a few people. The evening is young, and you have already made such a sensational entrance. We wouldn’t want to waste this moment.”
Aria nodded, her earlier tension easing under her aunt’s reassuring presence. “Where is Grand Mother?” She asked, looking around a bit, smiling when she made eye contact with one of the many eyes still looking towards her. They seemed eager for an opportunity to pull her to the side and engage in conversation.
Wether it was because of gossip and they wanted to know the events of last year, or people eager to get in her good graces because of business and influence or simply gentlemen who found it hard to look away, the buzz around Aria was simply unreal. Marie’s keen sense of the crowd's dynamics allowed her to navigate this delicate situation with practiced ease.
“Ah, Mother is mingling with the sponsors in the west wing,” Marie said, guiding Aria towards a quieter corner of the grand hall. “I thought it best to let you make your entrance without being swamped immediately.”
As they made their way, attempts were made to draw Aria into conversation. A well-dressed gentleman with a keen interest in finance approached with a calculated smile. “Miss Moretti, what a delight to see you back. I’ve heard rumors about your ventures abroad. Could you share some insight?”
Who the hell had been telling people she’d been abroad? Aria rolled her eyes mentally. She’d been stuck at home, doing basically little but training and brushing up some skills. There was the occasional travel, but it was only within the country.
Before Aria could respond, Marie interjected smoothly. “Ah, Michael, I’m so glad you could make it. Aria’s schedule tonight is rather tight, but I’m certain she’ll have time for a proper chat with you soon. Let’s not keep you from the auction preview, shall we?”
Michael, momentarily taken aback, nodded in understanding and drifted away towards the next event, his curiosity momentarily thwarted, but be would definitely revisit.
As Aria continued through the hall, she caught the eye of a young socialite who had a penchant for the latest gossip. One who had ruthlessly written about the affair with Henri, and had painted her in the worst light possible. “Miss Moretti, it’s been ages! I must hear about your travels. Did you meet any intriguing people?”
The nerve of her, Aria thought, her smile faltering, but before she could say anything that would definitely cause a commotion,
Marie, stepped in with a warm smile. “Sophia, you always have such enthusiasm! I’m afraid Aria’s schedule is packed tonight. Maybe after the auction, Aria can join you.”
Sophia smirk widened but allowed herself to be led away by Marie, she would be back for more later. There was no way she was going to let such a golden opportunity go.
With the crowd’s attention momentarily diverted by the entrances of a few others, Aunt Marie led Aria to a more secluded area where the chatter and activity seemed a bit more manageable. The transition allowed Aria a moment to regain her composure and focus.
“Thank you, Aunt Marie,” Aria said, her voice filled with gratitude. “I didn’t realize how overwhelming this would be.”
Marie smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief and understanding. “Darling, that’s why I’m here. To help you make the most of this evening, and also keep you out of trouble..” she added giving her a warning stare, “Now let’s find mother, she’d been meaning to introduce you to the Chalini’s. But be warned, she seemed to have taken a liking to Gabriel Chalini, might consider him a potential suitor.”
Aria rolled her eyes in exasperation at that, but followed along..
- Writer
