Aria's POV
The night felt endless, but the moment we walked into the grand hall, all my nerves shifted into a quiet awe.
The room was breathtaking. Chandeliers hung like crystals from the ceiling, scattering soft light across the crowd. Guests were elegantly dressed men in sharp suits, women in shimmering gowns, heels clicking softly against polished floors. Waiters moved silently, carrying trays of champagne and canapés. Soft music floated in the background, elegant and almost hypnotic.
I could feel the heat creeping up my neck, my palms clammy in my lap. Every time I tried to relax, my eyes caught someone watching me.
I didn't look directly.
But I could feel it.
Noah.
He wasn't glaring or obvious, just… observing. Every subtle movement I made, he seemed to notice. The way I adjusted my dress, smoothed my hair, even the way I shifted in my seat. I tried to tell myself it was paranoia, that I was imagining things. But deep down, I knew I wasn't.
The event began formally. One by one, distinguished employees were called to the stage. Applause filled the room every time someone concluded their speech. I watched faces light up, smiles exchanged, champagne glasses lifted. Everyone seemed to be celebrating, yet I couldn't let myself be entirely absorbed. I was too aware of the eyes from across the hall.
Then, the CEO approached the podium.
Marlo. Noah's father. The most powerful man in the company and apparently in this city. He carried himself with a presence that made the room fall silent. Even from my seat, I could feel the aura.
"Good evening, everyone," he began, his voice strong, smooth, commanding attention effortlessly. "I am honored to welcome you all to our annual progress celebration. This evening is not just about achievements, but about the people who make our vision possible. Without you, none of this would exist."
Applause echoed again. I joined in, clapping quietly, trying to appear composed while my heart raced. I could hear whispers all around guests commenting on the grandeur, on the food, on the elegance of the evening. I tried to focus on the speech, but every once in a while, my mind wandered to the corner of the hall.
Noah.
I could feel him there, just beyond my periphery.
"Tonight," the CEO continued, "I would like to introduce someone who, in the future, will inherit not only this company but also the responsibility to continue our legacy. My first son, Noah Marlo."
A ripple of applause swept the room. Heads turned, people murmured, whispers filling the air. And then, from the VIP section, Noah stepped forward. He moved with the effortless confidence of someone who had always known he was destined to lead. Suit impeccably tailored, posture perfect, expression calm but commanding.
When he reached the podium, he paused for a heartbeat, letting the attention sink in. Then he spoke.
"Good evening, everyone," his voice deep, smooth, cutting through the soft murmur like a blade. "It is an honor to stand here tonight, among the people who make this company what it is. My father built more than a corporation; he built a legacy. A vision. And it is my duty to ensure that vision continues."
I could feel myself holding my breath, captivated despite every instinct telling me to stay invisible.
"No empire survives on wealth alone," he continued. "It survives on people dedicated, passionate, committed people who work not for recognition, but because they believe in what they do. And every one of you is part of that. I hope that as I take on this responsibility, I can be a leader worthy of your dedication, worthy of the trust you have placed in my family."
Applause erupted again, louder than before. People were on their feet, cheering, clapping, raising glasses. My cheeks burned not just from the grandeur of the speech, but because I was acutely aware that I was sitting here, mere steps from someone who could command any room effortlessly… and yet had noticed me tonight.
When Noah stepped down, he gave the crowd a nod, confident and controlled, then glanced in my direction. Our eyes met for a brief second enough to make my stomach twist and he smirked slightly, just enough to remind me he knew I saw it too.
---
The night dragged on, a mixture of speeches, applause, laughter, and endless photos. I tried to remain composed, sitting beside my mother, keeping conversation polite and minimal. Every now and then, I felt him watching again, and every time, I had to remind myself why keeping distance was essential. Kingsford Academy had taught me to be cautious. Noah… he was dangerous, even in a room full of people who thought they were safe.
Eventually, the party drew to a close. Guests began leaving, taxis waiting, chauffeurs stepping forward. My mom leaned over and whispered, "Thank you for coming, Aria. You handled yourself very well tonight."
I forced a small smile. "It wasn't too bad."
Inside, though, my mind was still racing. The hallway seemed narrower as we left the event center, the music fading into a low hum behind us. Even in the car ride home, I couldn't stop thinking about Noah's presence, about the brief glance, about the way he had smirked.
This is only the beginning, I told myself.
---
The Next Day – Kingsford Academy
I should have been exhausted, drained from the grandeur, from the nerves, from walking beside someone whose presence made my heart race. But the moment I stepped onto school grounds, it all shifted into adrenaline again. The building smelled faintly of polished floors and chalk dust, and the corridors buzzed with chatter from students.
Mia spotted me almost immediately.
"Aria!" she hissed, grabbing my arm before I could even reach my locker. "Spill the tea. Spill. The. Tea."
I raised my hands, trying to fend her off. "Mia, you won't believe what happened last night."
"Oh, I know I won't. That's why I'm asking!" she insisted, practically bouncing with excitement.
I rolled my eyes, trying to calm the fluttering in my chest. And then it happened. As I spoke, as I tried to explain the grandeur, the people, the speeches, the overwhelming presence of power… he appeared.
Noah.
Of all places.
He came up beside me casually, voice low and controlled. "You looked really gorgeous last night," he said, eyes glinting with something unreadable. "And thank you for letting me show you the restroom. That was… considerate."
Mia literally froze mid-breath.
I opened my mouth to protest, to explain that it wasn't necessary, but she beat me to the reaction.
Her jaw dropped.
She practically yanked me toward an empty classroom corner, eyes wide. "Now you have to tell me everything!"
I held up a hand, but the words tumbled out anyway. "Mia… chill. You have to let me breathe. The night ,everything—"
But Mia wasn't having it.
The teacher arrived, her presence cutting off our conversation. We turned quickly, trying to look innocent. Mia shot me a death stare from her seat, and I knew that once the teacher was gone, she'd be ready to explode. Waiting. Anticipating. Pulling the story out of me tooth and nail.
Break time came faster than I expected.
I walked to the cafeteria, trying to breathe, trying to regain composure. Mia was already there, sitting like a hawk, eyes scanning, fingers tapping impatiently on the table.
"I can't escape it anymore," she said bluntly. "Spill the tea, Aria!"
I groaned but knew I had no choice.
So I told her everything.
From the dress to the hallway, from the speeches to Noah's smirk, every small detail. How the CEO had introduced Noah. How he had spoken with authority. How the crowd had reacted. How he had noticed me. Every word came out in careful bursts, but Mia's wide-eyed expressions, her shocked gasps, and whispered "No way!" kept me going.
By the end, she looked like she'd seen a ghost, but a very impressed one.
"You're insane," she said finally, shaking her head. "I can't believe all that happened, and you didn't even scream in awe!"
I just laughed softly, running a hand over my hair. "I was trying to survive, Mia. That was the goal."
But deep down, my stomach was still twisting from the memory. From him. From everything.
I leaned back in my chair, still trying to catch my breath after telling Mia everything. My cheeks were warm, my hands slightly trembling not from embarrassment this time, but from sheer adrenaline. The way Noah had looked at me last night, his smirk, his confidence, the effortless way he had carried himself… I couldn't stop thinking about it.
Mia, of course, was thrilled. Her eyes sparkled as she leaned closer, practically vibrating with excitement.
"I can't believe it," she whispered, her voice a mixture of awe and glee. "Aria, you actually met him up close, and he noticed you… really noticed you."
I smiled faintly, still trying to calm the strange fluttering in my chest. "Yeah, I… I guess he did."
Mia's grin widened, mischievous. "Guess? Girl, don't play with me. You looked gorgeous, and he knows it. Everyone could see it. But—" she paused, leaning in conspiratorially, "he's a player, Aria. You need to be careful. That boy… he doesn't do feelings. He does games."
I felt a shiver run down my spine, both from the warning and the undeniable truth behind it. "I know," I said softly, trying to sound calm. "I'll… be careful."
Mia shook her head, smirking. "Careful, sure. But you can't deny it, can you? He intrigued you. Don't even try to lie. That smirk alone ugh, I'm dying for you. You're so lucky… and also insane."
I laughed softly, a mixture of exasperation and agreement. "I know. Lucky and insane. That's me right now."
---
Noah POV
Across the school courtyard, I was leaning casually against the lockers with Leo and Kai. The sun glinted off the metal edges, students buzzing around us, oblivious to our conversation.
"Bro, you really think you've got her?" Leo teased, a sly smirk on his face.
I chuckled, shaking my head lightly. "It's not about thinking. I already know. That's why this game is mine. She's… different."
Kai raised an eyebrow. "Different? Dude, that's your code word for 'I'm obsessed already.' Admit it."
I rolled my eyes. "I'm not obsessed. I just… notice things. And last night, she was… intriguing. Calm, composed, but… fiery when she needed to be."
Leo laughed, elbowing me lightly. "Yeah, yeah. You're definitely hooked. Don't tell me you didn't notice her staring at me at the party too. She was all over you."
I smirked faintly, unconcerned. "She's aware, yes. But that doesn't matter. The bet's mine. I already know how this is going to play out."
Kai chuckled. "Man, you're overconfident as always."
I shrugged, a small, confident smile tugging at my lips. "Overconfidence is part of the plan. By the time anyone realizes, it'll be too late. The game has already started, and I'm winning."
From my angle, I could see Aria and Mia at a nearby table. Mia was still practically bouncing in her seat,while Aria tried to calm her down. I couldn't help but notice the way Aria's eyes sparkled when she spoke, the faint blush on her cheeks, the way she smiled when Mia said something teasing.
I leaned back slightly, a faint grin forming. She's already caught in the pull, even if she doesn't know it yet.
Leo nudged me again. "Stop staring, man. You're obvious."
I didn't break my gaze, not entirely. "I'm just… observing," I said lightly, letting the tension hang.
Kai snorted. "Yeah, sure. Keep telling yourself that."
I smirked faintly, eyes still on her from across the hall. The game's started. And I'm not losing.