Soon, Aria got dressed in a split, glittering silver gown that clung to her figure flawlessly, the neckline dipping just enough to reveal a hint of cleavage.
She moved toward the mirror and began styling her hair, curling the strands carefully until they fell softly over her shoulders. After that, she applied a light layer of makeup....nothing too bold, just enough to enhance her natural features.
The other maids in the mansion had made sure to provide her with everything she needed....makeup kits, lotions, accessories....everything required to prepare for an event of this scale.
It was ironic.
Despite being labeled as nothing more than a maid by Damien, she was being treated like this tonight.
It's because of the Mafia ball, she told herself at first.
But even then…
Something didn't sit right.
There was another reason.
A reason Damien hadn't revealed to her yet.
With the final touch to her makeup, Aria let out a slow, heavy sigh, her fingers brushing lightly against the edge of the table before she straightened up.
Then, without hesitation, she stepped out of the room.
****
Moments later, she walked out of the mansion.
Right in front of the entrance was a sleek Mercedes-Benz. Inside, Damien was already seated in the back, his posture relaxed.
Up front, Dante occupied the driver's seat, dressed sharply for the occasion as he took on the role of chauffeur for the night. Beside him sat Jessica, her presence as sharp and unwelcoming as ever.
The moment Damien's gaze fell on Aria....
He paused.
For a brief second, even he couldn't hide it.
His eyes traveled over her, taking in the way the gown hugged her curves, the soft fall of her hair… and yes, the subtle exposure she hadn't bothered to hide.
He swallowed once, his expression tightening just slightly.
She looks…
He didn't finish the thought.
What the hell? Aria thought inwardly the moment she caught where his gaze had lingered.
Her brows furrowed, and almost immediately, she adjusted her gown slightly, one hand rising to cover herself more fully.
Unbelievable.
Still, she straightened.
Tonight wasn't about him.
As she made her way toward the car, her expression hardened with quiet determination.
She had already made up her mind.
If she was going to attend this Mafia ball… then she would make something out of it.
She had a purpose tonight.
And it had nothing to do with Damien.
"Get in," Damien voiced out bringing Aria from her whirlpool of thoughts, his voice sending a faint shiver down her spine.
Without a word, Aria stepped forward and slid into the car beside him.
The door shut.
And soon, the car pulled away from the mansion, merging smoothly onto the tiled streets as the night deepened around them.
*****
The ride felt longer than it actually was but soon they arrived as the car slowed to a stop in front of a magnificent building.
One by one, Damien, Aria, Dante, and Jessica stepped out.
The scene before them was alive.
Luxury cars lined the compound in neat rows. Men and women dressed in elegant attire moved about gracefully, their voices blending into a constant hum of conversation and laughter.
Some lingered outside, mingling.
Others had already made their way inside, where the heart of the event pulsed with music and indulgence.
"Tonight…"
Damien's voice came from beside Aria, low and deliberate.
She turned slightly.
He extended his hand toward her.
"…you're my woman," he finished, his eyes locking onto hers with quiet intensity. "So act like one."
The words wasn't a request but an order.
Aria swallowed hard before placing her hand in his.
Together, they walked into the building.
The moment Aria and Damien stepped inside....
Conversations faltered.
Music seemed to dull as every gaze shifted towards them.
And then whispers began almost immediately.
"Who's that woman? I've never seen her here before…"
"Wait… isn't that the daughter of the late Mafia Lord?"
"The one whose position Don Damien took over?"
"I heard she's no longer part of the family… is that why she's here with him?"
"Or maybe…" another voice lowered conspiratorially, "…her father's death wasn't so simple."
"You think she had something to do with it?"
"I heard she loved Damien before everything fell apart…"
"Do you think they… planned it together?"
"That's insane!"
A pause.
"…but she is beautiful."
Aria's fingers tightened slightly at her side, though her expression remained composed.
"I'll be right back," Damien said quietly, releasing her hand.
Without waiting for her response, he walked away, blending into a group of powerful Mafia figures.
And just like that....
Aria was alone as Dante and Jessica were also busy with their own business.
Without wasting time, Aria reached for a glass of champagne from a passing tray and downed it in one smooth motion.
The burn barely registered.
My father's enemies are here tonight, she thought, her gaze subtly scanning the room. But none of them would dare touch me… not with Damien here.
Still, she grabbed another glass.
And finished it just as quickly.
Meanwhile, Damien had already disappeared into the crowd, likely sealing deals and strengthening alliances with other Mafia Lords.
"Hey, pretty… we meet again."
The voice came from behind her
Aria turned but her heel slipped slightly.
Before she could fall, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, steadying her instantly.
Her hands instinctively came up, resting against his shoulders....then sliding lightly around his neck as she regained her balance.
Her gaze lifted as she recognized the man.
Benson Macaulay.
A man with striking features, smooth skin, and dark hair styled neatly back. When he smiled, dimples appeared, softening the dangerous edge of his presence. His physique was well-built, his tattoos....mostly roses inked across his arms and neck, giving him a distinct, unforgettable look.
He had wanted her once.
Desperately.
Not just for desire but for alliance.
But her father had refused him.
"Care for a dance?" she asked, her voice smooth as she remained in his arms, her gaze locking onto his.
At every Mafia ball, partners were expected.
But that didn't mean boundaries were always respected.
As long as the woman agreed… nothing was off-limits.
And that was exactly what Aria intended to use.
She didn't want Benson, she wanted influence, his power as that is the only way she believes she could go away from Damien claw. It'll be easier to get away from Benson then.
"Of course," Benson replied, his smile widening. "I've always wanted this."
Without hesitation, he took her hand, leading her toward the dance floor.
Music played around them as they began to move in sync, their bodies swaying naturally to the rhythm.
But they weren't unnoticed.
"Wait… isn't that Don Damien's woman?"
"Or maybe she isn't?"
"Why would she be dancing with someone else?"
The whispers returned, louder this time.
But Aria ignored them.
"You're not Don Damien's lady right?" Benson asked softly, his tone curious yet cautious. "I just want to be sure… because if you are, then this might not end well for me."
His dimples showed again as he smiled.
Aria held his gaze.
"I'm not his lady," she said firmly.
Then, after a slight pause, her lips curved faintly.
"But I could be yours."
Benson blinked.
"Wait… are you serious?" he asked, clearly caught off guard.
You have to do this, Aria told herself, her fingers slowly tracing along Benson's jawline. This is your way out. Your freedom.
Her touch lingered.
Then moved lower… brushing lightly over his lips.
She leaned in closer about to take his lips in her mouth.
Bang!
The deafening sound of a gunshot shattered the moment.
Aria flinched, her head snapping toward the source as gasps filled the room.
And standing there with gun in hand was Dante.
"And who," Damien's voice echoed from across the room, "gave you permission to touch my woman?"
A ripple of fear spread instantly.
"Shit… she is Damien's woman?!"
"How could Benson do that?!"
"Does he have a death wish?!"
"Damien may be new in position, but he's ruthless...everyone knows that already!"
"He's not just a Don… he controls them all now…"
"How could anyone forget that?!"
"I'm not your woman, Damien!" Aria blurted out, her voice cutting sharply through the tension.
But instead of responding....
Damien moved and within seconds, he was in front of her.
His hand gripped her waist firmly, pulling her against him.
Possessive and unyielding.
A collective gasp filled the room.
"Did she just… reject him?"
"We're dead…"
"We're all dead…"
"I don't want to die," one of the waiters whispered, already dropping to his knees. "I have an old mother at home…"
"I have children," another said, her voice trembling as she knelt beside him. "They need me…"
Aria's heart pounded.
What…? she thought, her hand instinctively moving to her stomach.
Is he really that powerful?
Yes, he had taken her father's position.
But still…
This level of fear…? He just became a Mafia Lord afterall!
He wouldn't actually kill them… would he? she tried to reason internally. There are civilians here. Workers… innocent people…
They're exaggerating… they have to be.
But when she tried to pull away....
Damien's grip tightened.
His breath brushed faintly against her face, his cologne overwhelming her senses.
"Kill them all, Dante."