VEIL OF DESIRE

Whispers and Warnings

Chapter 19

It was a bright afternoon at the downtown design firm where Aria worked, sunlight spilling through the tall glass windows and painting golden streaks across her desk. The faint tapping of keyboards, the low murmur of meetings, and the occasional ring of a phone all melded into the comforting background music of routine.

Aria sat at her desk in her usual corner, the one closest to the windows, where she could watch the world outside and feel a little less caged. Her sketchpad lay in front of her, filled with floral patterns for a wedding invitation project, though her pen had long stopped moving.

She was smiling again. That soft, dreamy smile she hadn’t worn in months.

Across from her, Lola popped her head up from behind her computer like a curious meerkat and leaned over the divider, grinning mischievously.

“Okay, spill it,” Lola said, smirking. “You’ve been smiling at your phone like it just sent you a Marvin Gaye song.”

Aria’s fingers froze over her notepad. She laughed, pink rushing to her cheeks.

“It’s nothing,” she said, too quickly. “Just someone who’s been calling lately. He never says his name. Just… talks. Listens.”

Lola’s teasing expression faltered. “Withheld number?”

Aria nodded. “Yeah, always private. I don’t even know what he looks like, but he’s… calm. His voice—God, it’s like the ocean after a storm.”

Lola raised an eyebrow. “And you don’t think that’s weird?”

“It should be,” Aria admitted. “But it’s not. He never asks anything creepy. He never pressures. He just… calls. At the same time every day. Like clockwork. Just during breaks or after work.”

Lola folded her arms across her chest. “Aria, you know how I feel about strangers. Especially after… everything with Alex. You’ve had enough drama to last a lifetime.”

Aria’s gaze drifted to the window. “It doesn’t feel like drama. It feels like someone actually sees me. Without expecting me to be anything.”

Lola softened. “I get it. Really. I’m just protective. If he ever asks to meet—”

“I’d say no,” Aria said quickly. “I’m not stupid. He’s never even hinted at meeting. It’s like having a diary that talks back.”

Lola laughed, but there was a shadow of worry behind it. “A charming diary, huh? Well, just be careful. You have a habit of romanticizing the broken pieces.”

“I’m not broken, Lola.”

“I didn’t say you were. I said you romanticize the broken. That’s different.”

They shared a look, an old friendship kind of look. The kind that came with years of shared secrets, midnight calls, and too many tubs of ice cream.

After a moment, Lola tapped the side of her mug. “Listen, there’s a party tonight. Private club. Classy. Clean. No smoke, no creeps. You’re coming.”

Aria blinked. “Lola, you know I hate loud music and the smell of cologne that sticks to your clothes.”

“No cigarettes. I already checked. It’s one of those influencer parties—rosé fountains, jazzed-up cocktails, soft lighting. Come on. You need to shake off your Alex residue.”

Aria gave her a sidelong glance. “Alex residue?”

“Yes,” Lola said solemnly. “Like spiritual slime. And I’m telling you, nothing kills spiritual slime like dancing in a black dress with good lighting and free drinks.”

Aria laughed, more freely this time. “Fine. But if anyone breathes cigar smoke near me, I’m out.”

“Deal,” Lola grinned. “Also, wear something cute. Like that navy wrap dress that shows off your collarbone. I love how that one makes your eyes pop.”

“Why do I feel like you’re trying to auction me off?”

“Because I am, darling,” Lola said in a fake British accent. “Starting bid: one margarita and a guy who doesn’t yell.”

Aria chuckled, shaking her head as she returned to her sketches. But the smile on her lips lingered.

As the clock inched toward five, her phone buzzed once. A private number. Right on schedule.

She stepped out onto the office balcony, where the city below stretched endlessly under the fading sun. With trembling fingers, she answered.

“Hello?” she whispered, voice barely above the hum of the street.

His voice came through soft and steady, like always.

“I felt like you needed to hear someone breathe,” he said gently.

She closed her eyes. “I did.”

Neither of them spoke for a long moment. There was no need.

“You sound lighter today,” he said.

“I had a good talk with a friend,” she replied.

“I like when you’re surrounded by people who see you.”

“And you,” she added, “always seem to know when to call.”

“It’s because I’m always listening,” he said.

Her throat tightened. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Do you ever get scared of being real?”

There was a pause.

“Yes,” he said. “But not with you.”

She smiled faintly. “You make it too easy to believe in ghosts.”

“Maybe I am one,” he said. “Or maybe I’m just someone who sees your light.”

Her chest ached with something unnameable. “What if I want to know your name?”

He hesitated. “Names complicate things. Let’s keep this simple. You… and me. For now.”

She nodded, even though he couldn’t see it. “Then don’t stop calling.”

“I won’t.”

They ended the call softly, like closing a chapter in a book you didn’t want to end.

Back inside, Aria packed up her things and headed home, the promise of the evening humming in her bones.

She showered, slipped into the navy dress Lola had picked out in her head, and brushed soft curls into her hair. Her makeup was minimal—just a flick of eyeliner and a deep pink lipstick that made her look less tired than she felt.

She was about to call Lola when her phone buzzed again.

Alex.

Her heart sank. She stared at the screen for a long moment before answering.

His voice was sharp. “So you’re going to that party tonight?”

She exhaled slowly. “Yes. With Lola. Just to unwind.”

“We’re still a couple, Aria. If you’re going to a party, we go as lovers.”

Her stomach tightened. “Alex, I’d rather go with a friend. I don’t want a scene. Last time, you caused a fight over a handshake.”

“That guy was flirting with you.”

“He was thanking me for showing him where the restroom was.”

“You should’ve waited for me. You don’t walk off with strangers.”

“Alex, I’m not your property.”

There was a pause. Then his voice turned colder.

“Don’t dance with anyone. I mean it. Or are you planning to meet your new distractor there?”

“What are you even talking about?”

“You’ve been off lately. Smiling at your phone. Less calls. Less begging. Don’t play dumb.”

“I’m tired of being policed, Alex.”

“I’ll be there tonight. Just know I’m watching.”

He hung up.

Aria stared at the phone for several seconds, then quickly dialed Lola.

“Hey, girl! Ready for tonight?” Lola chirped.

“I think Alex is coming,” Aria said quietly.

“What?”

“He just called. Said he’s showing up. Told me not to dance. Accused me of talking to someone else.”

“He’s completely lost it.”

“I know.”

Lola paused. “You sure you still want to come?”

“Yes,” Aria said firmly. “More than ever.”

“Good. Because I’ve got your back. If he tries anything—he’ll regret it.”

“I’m not afraid of him anymore,” Aria whispered. “Not tonight.”