Chapter 3

Aria POV

The next day, at the Manhattan International Convention Center.

The launch event for the Miller Group was spectacular.

Hundreds of media cameras were lined up, and almost every prominent figure in New York's high society was in attendance.

It wasn't just a jewelry launch; it was Ethan's declaration of dominance over the market.

I wore an oversized black trench coat and a baseball cap, blending into the dark corner at the back of the hall.

On stage, the man who held my heart for three years stood holding a microphone.

Ethan looked incredibly sharp in his custom black tuxedo. His presence was commanding, effortless.

He smiled, elegantly holding the hand of the woman next to him, and announced to the flashing cameras:

"Today, I want to introduce the brilliant mind behind the 'Galaxy' collection, our future Chief Designer, and my fiancée, Miss Chloe Sinclair."

The crowd erupted into thunderous applause.

Chloe wore a breathtaking, custom-made star-patterned gown. Around her neck was the centerpiece necklace of my "Galaxy" collection.

She smiled with pure vanity, leaning close to Ethan.

The giant screens began to display the design drafts.

Every line I drew, every diamond cut calculation, even the tiny shorthand notes I made to myself. Everything was on display.

The host spoke enthusiastically: "Miss Sinclair spent years studying in Paris, and this collection perfectly bridges modern European aesthetics with..."

I watched quietly. I watched another woman steal my soul's work, and the man I loved drive a stake through my heart.

I didn't cry. I didn't run on stage to make a scene.

When the pain goes deep enough, tears feel useless. I just felt cold. A deep, bone-chilling cold that numbed my entire existence.

I turned around and walked toward the backstage exit. I needed to breathe.

As I passed the VIP green room, the door was slightly ajar. I heard laughing inside. Zachary's voice was unmistakable.

"Ethan, you're ruthless. Giving Aria's work to Chloe just like that? Aren't you afraid she'll find out and throw a fit? She spent six months on those drafts."

"So what?" Ethan's lazy voice drifted out, followed by the metallic click of a lighter. He sounded completely indifferent.

"She loves me so much she'd die for me. Even if she finds out, a few sweet words and a limited-edition Birkin bag will keep her quiet. What else does she have besides me?"

"True. Julian Vaughan really has a stupid sister. She cut off her family for you. When are you dumping her anyway? The Sinclairs are pushing for the wedding date."

"No rush," Ethan chuckled, blowing out a stream of smoke. "Next week is her birthday. I've prepared a 'grand gift' for her. I'm going to let all of New York see the proud Vaughan heiress begging on her knees like a dog, pleading with me not to leave her. I'm going to break Julian Vaughan's back once and for all."

Outside the door, I bit my lip so hard that the metallic taste of blood filled my mouth.

I didn't push the door open. I didn't make a sound. I stood straight, turned, and walked out of the convention center.

The sky was pitch black, and a sudden storm began to pour.

Cold rain drenched me instantly, but it was nothing compared to the ice in my heart. I pulled out my phone and dialed a number I hadn't called in three years.

It rang once and was picked up instantly.

"Aria?" My brother Julian's voice trembled with disbelief, almost afraid that if he spoke too loud, I would hang up.

Hearing his voice, my fake strength shattered. Tears streamed down my face, mixing with the rain.

"Julian..." I sobbed, my voice breaking. "I want to come home."

The line went silent for two seconds. Then, Julian's voice came back, steady, powerful, and thick with protective rage.

"I'm sending the private jet to JFK right now. Aria, Boston is always your home. I've built you the best design lab in New England, and I've already set you up with a fiancé who will actually cherish you. Come home, baby sister. Stop hurting."

I closed my eyes, letting the rain wash over my face.

"Okay. I'm coming home."