The room light was dim, shadows flickering across the walls. Jordan tried steadying himself, but his hands wouldn't stay still. His fingers twitched restlessly, as though craving contact with something-anything.

A storm raged inside him. Anger twisted with an unbearable, unfamiliar heat, a raw ache clawing through his veins. It made him stagger, drunk on something he hadn't chosen.

Then he saw her.

Julian lay sprawled on the bed, her body glowing with a fevered flush. Her lashes fluttered against her cheeks, lips parted slightly, soft and inviting. The neckline of her dress gaped open, revealing the steady rise and fall of her chest. Her beauty burned into him like fuel poured on fire.

No... this isn't me.

But the drug mocked his resolve. His body moved without his permission, dragging him closer until he was above her, caging her in. His mouth crashed against hers, a kiss far too rough, too desperate.

Julian's skin tingled with unbearable heat. Her body craved warmth, contact, anything to soothe the ache that pulsed inside her. A low whimper escaped her lips as she clutched at his chest, pulling him closer. Her body betrayed her, moving toward him, hungering for the fire he brought.

He groaned against her mouth, the sound guttural, broken. The kiss deepened, turning savage, wild. His hands trembled as they slid down her arm and anchored at her waist, holding her still.

Julian kissed him back with equal urgency, the drug in her veins stripping away reason. She wanted-no, needed-more.

"Please... don't leave," she whispered, voice breathless and slurred, her eyes hazy.

Her plea shattered the last barrier inside him.

He pressed her down beneath him like a beast finally unleashed, dominance surging where restraint had once lived. His weight covered her, his body straining against hers, his desire a torment that demanded release.

Julian gasped, her body quivering as her dress slipped further, exposing bare skin to the cold air. Her lashes fluttered, half-blind in the dark, unable to make out his face. He was strong, overwhelming-an unyielding force she couldn't fight.

Then came the sharp intrusion.

Julian stiffened, a cry breaking from her lips. Pain flared, her fingers clawing at his back in instinctive resistance. Yet the drug twisted even this-turning pain into a confusing tide of heat and pleasure that stole her voice.

Her hands tangled in his hair, pushing, pulling-caught between resistance and surrender. Her lips sought his again, desperate, as though her body had been hijacked.

He groaned, his own mind warring with his actions. Stop. Stop this... But the fire only grew hotter, and the drug drowned his thoughts in a haze of lust.

To Julian, the world became a blur of heat, pressure, and confusion. Her mind screamed questions-Who is this man? Was he part of Aria's scheme?-but her body no longer obeyed her mind. She was lost in the storm, carried by a tide she couldn't escape.

Her finger slipped from his shoulder,falling limp against the sheet

The last thing she felt was the crushing weight of his body and the pounding of her own frantic heartbeat before darkness swallowed her whole.

The next morning...

Julian woke slowly, every muscle aching as if she'd been dragged across thorns. A groan escaped her lips, her fingers pressing against her temple. The fog in her head slowly cleared, and with it, flashes of last night seared into her mind. Heat. Rough hands. A kiss she hadn't wanted. Her body quivered at the memory.

She turned instinctively, searching the cold sheets beside her.

"The man from last night..." she whispered hoarsely. He was gone.

Panic stirred inside her. She tried to stand, but her legs buckled beneath her, sharp pain stabbing through her body. Her breath caught in her throat, the ache a cruel reminder of what had been done to her.

The door burst open.

Aria walked in first, her face a careful mask of concern. Behind her, Richard and Margaret followed-both stiff, their eyes wide with horror as they took in the scene: Julian disheveled, the room in disarray, the sheets baring shameful evidence of what had happened.

"Damn you-shameless girl!" Margaret's voice cracked as she raised her hand and slapped Julian across the face. The sharp sting burned, and blood trickled from the corner of Julian's mouth.

Julian flinched, eyes widening in disbelief. "Mum-please-"

Margaret's voice trembled with rage. "How could you? Just a few months back in this family, and you're already dragging our name through the mud? Do you know how many years I've worked to build our reputation?!"

"Mum, don't be angry," Aria said softly, stepping forward, her tone full of false concern. "I'm sure sister was just drunk. She didn't mean to sleep with some... random man." Her lashes fluttered, but the glimmer of triumph in her eyes betrayed her.

Julian stared at her, stunned. "Aria-you know the truth. You drugged me!"

Aria's lips parted, her face the perfect mask of hurt. "Sister, how can you accuse me of such a thing? After everything... I was the one who called Mum and Dad here because I was worried about you." She bit her lip, lowering her eyes like a child wounded by unfair blame.

Richard's face hardened, his jaw tight. "Julian, enough. Do you know what shame you've brought to this family? Do you realize what people would say if this ever got out?"

"Dad, please!" Julian's voice cracked. "You have to believe me. I would never-"

"You're a disgrace," Richard thundered, his face dark with fury. His words cut like a blade. "From today, you're no longer my daughter. You'll be sent abroad-you won't return. I will not let any daughter of mine destroy everything I've worked for."

He stormed out. Margaret followed, her face twisted with anger and shame.

Julian's lips trembled as she watched them leave. Tears blurred her vision, her chest heaving with broken sobs. The people she had longed for, the family she thought she'd found-they had abandoned her without hesitation.

Aria's soft laugh broke the silence.

"Hehehe... Julian, I told you. Everything goes my way. Mum and Dad will always believe me over you. Damian will always be mine. And you-" she crouched closer, her smirk wicked, "-you'll always be the long-lost daughter no one wanted back."

Julian's lips trembled. "You... how could you do this to me?"

"How?" Aria tilted her head, her smirk deepening. "Because it's easy. You're too pathetic to fight back."

Aria leaned in, her voice a poisoned whisper. "Hope you enjoyed last night, sis. I made sure the man was... wild. The kind who doesn't know how to be gentle." Her words dripped with mockery.

"You..." Julian's voice cracked, rage and humiliation knotting in her chest.

Aria straightened, flicking her hair back with a triumphant smirk. "Sis, you will always live in my shadow. Enjoy the rest of your miserable life."

Her heels clicked against the floor as she left, her laughter echoing cruelly in the empty room.

Julian sank back onto the bed, tears streaming, her body trembling. Betrayed. Broken.

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.

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.