Aria’s POV
The crisp autumn air had given way to the chill of early winter, but inside Lyson Enterprises, the atmosphere was anything but cold. My days had begun to blend into a rhythm of meetings, strategy sessions, and late nights at the office, but I thrived in the midst of it all. It was as if the more I poured myself into my work, the more I could distance myself from the shadows of my past. Every task, every project, was a step forward, a way to prove not just to the world, but to myself, that I was capable, resilient, and deserving of success.
And then, there was Aethan.
Our professional relationship had grown into something more—an easy friendship that I hadn’t anticipated but deeply appreciated. He had become more than just my boss; he was a mentor, a confidant, and someone I could genuinely trust in an environment where trust was a rare commodity.
“Aria, I’m impressed with how you’ve handled the Anderson account,” Aethan remarked one afternoon, as we wrapped up a meeting in his office. His tone was sincere, and his eyes held that unmistakable gleam of approval. “You’ve really turned things around there.”
I smiled, feeling a swell of pride. “Thank you, Aethan. I couldn’t have done it without your guidance.”
He leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving mine. “Don’t sell yourself short. You have a natural talent for this, and it’s not just about the work you put in. It’s about your instincts, your ability to see the bigger picture.”
His words warmed me, but they also made me reflect. When had I started seeking his approval so eagerly? Was it because his praise felt different from others—genuine, unfiltered, and perhaps tinged with something more personal? Or was it because, in this vast corporate world, I found solace in knowing there was someone who believed in me unconditionally?
My thoughts were interrupted by a soft chime from my phone—a notification from the company’s internal messaging app. A new message from HR. I opened it, my eyes scanning the words quickly.
Congratulations, Aria Santillan! We are pleased to inform you of your promotion to Senior Marketing Director, effective immediately.
My breath caught in my throat, and for a moment, I was stunned. Promotion? Already? My mind raced, processing the unexpected news.
Aethan noticed the change in my expression and raised an eyebrow. “Good news?”
I blinked, snapping back to the present. “I… I’ve just been promoted,” I said, still trying to wrap my head around it.
Aethan’s face lit up with a broad smile. “That’s fantastic, Aria! Well deserved. I had a feeling this was coming.”
I looked at him, surprise evident in my eyes. “You did?”
He nodded, his smile never wavering. “You’ve been performing exceptionally well, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. This promotion is just the beginning, Aria. You’re on your way to the top.”
I wanted to believe him, to embrace the idea that I was truly rising in my career, but a part of me couldn’t help but feel a twinge of doubt. Was I really ready for this? What if I couldn’t handle the pressure?
“You’ve earned this, Aria,” Aethan said softly, as if reading my thoughts. “Don’t doubt yourself.”
I took a deep breath, letting his words sink in. Maybe he was right. Maybe it was time to stop questioning my abilities and start embracing them. I had worked hard, and this promotion was proof of that.
“Thank you, Aethan,” I said, my voice firm with newfound resolve. “I won’t let you down.”
“I know you won’t,” he replied, his eyes holding mine for a moment longer than necessary before he looked away, back to his computer screen. “And if you ever need any advice or support, you know where to find me.”
As I left his office, the reality of the promotion began to settle in. My heart was pounding, a mix of excitement and nerves coursing through me. This was a huge step forward, but it also meant more responsibility, more scrutiny, and more opportunities to either succeed spectacularly or fail just as grandly.
But I couldn’t dwell on the what-ifs. I needed to focus on what I could control—my work, my attitude, and how I navigated this new chapter of my career. And in that, I knew I could count on Aethan’s support.
***
The following weeks were a whirlwind. My new title came with a flood of new responsibilities, and I found myself buried in projects and meetings. The workload was intense, but I reveled in it. The more I pushed myself, the more I felt like I was proving something—to myself, to Aethan, and maybe even to Alex, though I tried not to think about him.
Aethan and I continued to work closely together, and our friendship deepened. We often stayed late at the office, bouncing ideas off each other or simply unwinding after a long day. There was a comfort in those quiet moments, a sense of understanding that didn’t need words. And yet, I couldn’t help but wonder if there was something more beneath the surface—a connection that went beyond the professional.
One evening, after a particularly grueling day, Aethan suggested we grab a drink at a nearby bar. I hesitated, aware of the office gossip that could easily spiral out of control, but then I thought, Why not? We were friends, and I needed to let off some steam.
The bar was cozy, with dim lighting and a relaxed atmosphere that was a welcome change from the high-pressure environment of the office. We found a quiet corner, and as we sipped our drinks, the conversation flowed easily.
“You’ve really come into your own, Aria,” Aethan said, his tone admiring. “It’s been impressive to watch.”
I smiled, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. “I’ve had a good mentor.”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “You give me too much credit. You’ve got the talent, Aria. You always have.”
His words lingered in the air, heavy with unspoken emotions. For a moment, I wondered if he felt the same spark I did, but then I pushed the thought aside. I couldn’t afford to complicate things, not when I was finally finding my footing.
As the night wore on, we talked about everything from work to life outside the office. Aethan shared stories about his family, his hobbies, and his aspirations for the future. I found myself opening up too, revealing parts of myself I usually kept hidden—my fears, my insecurities, and my hopes.
By the time we left the bar, I felt lighter, more at ease. Aethan had a way of making me feel like I could conquer anything, and for that, I was grateful.
But as I walked back to my apartment that night, a niggling thought crept into my mind. Was I getting too close to Aethan? Was our friendship blurring the lines of professionalism? I shook my head, dismissing the doubts. I needed to focus on my career, on solidifying my place at Lyson Enterprises, and Aethan was a big part of that. Whatever else might be brewing beneath the surface, I wasn’t ready to confront it—not yet.
***
The next morning, I was back in the office early, eager to dive into my work. My desk was already piled high with files and reports, and my inbox was overflowing with emails. It was going to be another busy day.
As I was going through my messages, one email caught my eye. It was from an anonymous sender, with the subject line: Important Information Regarding Alex Martinez.
My heart skipped a beat. Alex? Why would someone be sending me information about him? A part of me wanted to delete the email, to avoid reopening old wounds, but my curiosity got the better of me.
I clicked on the email, my eyes scanning the text quickly.
Aria, you need to know what Alex has been up to. He’s involved in some shady business dealings that could come back to haunt him—and anyone associated with him. Be careful. This is bigger than you think.
I stared at the screen, my mind reeling. What was this? A warning? A threat? And why now? Just when I was starting to move on, when I was beginning to find my footing again, Alex’s shadow loomed over me once more.
I couldn’t ignore it. If there was something going on with Alex, something that could affect me or my career, I needed to know. But where did I start? Who could I trust to help me uncover the truth?
My thoughts immediately went to Aethan. He had connections, resources—maybe he could help me get to the bottom of this. But was it wise to involve him? Would he think less of me if he knew about my past with Alex?
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. This was the last thing I needed right now. But I couldn’t just let it go. I had to find out what was going on, even if it meant dredging up the past I was trying so hard to leave behind.
As I stared at the email, I made a decision. I would keep this to myself for now, gather more information before involving anyone else. And then, once I had the full picture, I would decide what to do.
But as I closed the email, a sense of unease settled over me. Something told me this was just the beginning of a new challenge—one that could change everything.
***