A World Apart

The unwelcome advance

Aria povs

The Mysterious Call

Aria's heart skipped a beat as she stared at her phone, the unknown number flashing on the screen like a siren's call. She hesitated for a moment before answering, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Hello?"

"Aria Miller?" a low, husky voice asked, sending shivers down her spine.

"Yes, speaking," she replied, her curiosity piqued.

"Aria, I'm pleased to inform you that you've been selected for the internship program at Saint Clair Industries," the voice announced, dripping with sophistication.

Aria's pulse quickened as she processed the information. Saint Clair Industries, one of the most prestigious companies in the city, wanted her. But as she tried to share the news with her mother, she was met with a stern expression.

"Aria, don't even think about it," her mother warned, her voice laced with a hint of menace. "Ashwood Industry is off-limits. You'll never work there, do you understand?"

Aria nodded, feeling a shiver run down her spine. Her mother's behavior was erratic, controlling, and suffocating. But Aria was determined to break free from the shackles of her mother's rules.

That night, Aria made a decision. She would attend the interview, no matter the cost. She would keep it a secret, hiding it from her mother's prying eyes.

As she lay in bed, her heart pounding with anticipation, Aria felt a thrill of excitement mixed with fear. She was taking a risk, one that could have devastating consequences.

But she was ready to take that risk, to defy her mother's rules and forge her own path. For the first time in her life, Aria felt a sense of empowerment, a sense that she was taking control of her own destiny.

Little did she know, this was just the beginning of a dark and twisted game, one that would lead her down a path of desire, deception, and ultimately, destruction. The mysterious voice on the phone, Julian Saint Clair, seemed to be hiding secrets of his own, secrets that would change Aria's life forever.

The next day, Aria walked into my office, looking stunning in a white dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. Her hair was tied up in a ponytail, and her eyes sparkled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

I stood up from my chair, a smile spreading across my face. "Aria, welcome. Please, have a seat."

Aria sat down in the chair opposite my desk, her eyes scanning the room. "Your office is impressive, Mr. Saint Clair."

I chuckled, leaning back in my chair. "Thank you, Aria. I'm glad you like it."

As we discussed the details of the internship, I couldn't help but notice the way Aria's eyes sparkled when she talked about her passions. I was drawn to her, more and more with each passing minute.

But just as things were going smoothly, Aria's phone rang. She apologized and answered the call, her expression changing from calm to worried in an instant.

"I have to go," she said, standing up abruptly. "I'm sorry, Mr. Saint Clair."

I stood up, my eyes narrowing. "What's wrong?" I asked, my voice low and concerned.

Aria hesitated, her eyes darting around the room. "I'll tell you later," she said finally, before turning and rushing out of my office.

I was left standing there, wondering what had just happened. Who was on the phone, and what did they want? And why did Aria seem so scared?

I had a feeling that there was more to Aria's story than met the eye. And I was determined to find out what it was.

Third person pov

Aria rushed out of Julian's office, her heart racing with every step. She had tried to keep her past hidden, but it seemed like it was catching up with her.

As she walked out of the building, she answered the phone call she had received earlier. "Hello?" she said, trying to sound calm.

"Aria, where are you?" a menacing voice said on the other end of the line.

Aria's eyes darted around, making sure no one was listening. "I'm at Saint Clair Industries," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

"You're getting close to him, aren't you?" the voice sneered. "Julian Saint Clair is not a man to be trusted, Aria. He's ruthless and cunning."

Aria felt a chill run down her spine. How did her mom know about Julian? "What do you want?" she asked, trying to keep her voice firm.

"I want you to stay away from him," the voice replied. "Or else."

Aria's eyes widened as the line went dead. She felt a wave of fear wash over her. Who was behind these threatening calls? And what did she want from her?

As she stood there, trying to process what had just happened,

But as she turned to go back to Julian's office, she saw him standing in front of her, his eyes narrowed in concern. "Aria, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.

Aria hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But as she looked into Julian's eyes, she saw something there that gave her hope. Maybe, just maybe, she could trust him.

Aria's eyes locked onto Julian's, her heart racing as they discussed the phone call that had changed everything. But before they could delve deeper, Alexandra crossed their path, her heels clicking on the marble floor.

In a split second, Alexandra's feet tangled, and she tripped, stumbling towards Julian. He instinctively reached out, catching her by the waist, his hands wrapping around her curves.

Aria's eyes widened, a pang of hurt stabbing her chest. She felt like she'd been punched in the gut, her breath knocked out of her. The scene before her was like a punch to the face, a harsh reminder that Julian was a man of power, of charm, and of beauty.

With a forced smile, Aria excused herself, her voice trembling. "Thank you so much for the offer, Mr. Saint Clair, but I think I'm not suitable for the internship."

She turned on her heel, her feet carrying her away from the scene as fast as she could. Alexandra's smirk followed her, a triumphant glint in her eye.

Julian's eyes narrowed, confusion etched on his face. What had just happened? Why had Aria changed her mind so suddenly? Did she have a boyfriend? The thought sent a surge of anger through him, his fingers crushing the smoke pad in his hand.

With a snarl, Julian dialed a number, his voice low and menacing. "Investigate every detail of Aria Miller's life. I want to know everything about her, including her last phone call."

As he slammed the phone down, his anger boiled over. Who did Aria think she was, walking away from him like that? Julian's eyes scanned the room, his gaze settling on the next person who dared to enter his office.

But as he glared at the poor soul, Julian's mind flashed back to Alexandra's stunt. His anger topped off, he bellowed, "Get out! Get out of my sight before I lose my temper completely!"

Alexandra sashayed into Julian's office, a sly smile spreading across her face. She had assumed that Julian had called her in to indulge in a little stress relief, and she had come prepared.

As she approached Julian's chair, she asked, "Is there something I can do for you, Julian?" Her voice was husky, inviting.

Julian's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he took a drag on his cigarette. "How's your ankle, Alexandra?" he asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Alexandra's smile faltered for a moment before she recovered. "It's fine, thank you for asking."

Julian's eyes seemed to bore into her soul as he asked, "And what's your taste in men, Alexandra?"

Alexandra's eyes sparkled with mischief as she moved closer to Julian, her hand reaching out to touch his chest. As she leaned in, she made sure to give him a glimpse of her bare skin, her innerwear noticeably absent.

Julian's anger simmered just below the surface, his eyes flashing with warning. But he kept his cool, his expression unreadable. With a subtle movement, he sent a message on his phone, his eyes never leaving Alexandra's face.

Just then, a knock at the door broke the tension. "Come in," Julian called out, his voice dripping with malice.

Four burly men entered the room, their faces impassive. Julian's eyes locked onto Alexandra's, a cold smile spreading across his face. "Lock the door," he instructed the men, his voice low and menacing.

Alexandra's eyes widened, a spark of fear igniting within them. She took a step back, her hands rising in a defensive gesture. "Julian, what's going on?" she asked, her voice trembling.

But Julian just smiled, his eyes glinting with a sinister light. "We're just getting started, Alexandra," he purred, his voice dripping with malice.