บท 39: Chapter 38
Aria had worn a black gown with a long slit onat the right side and paired it with red high heels and a small clutch. She was very sexy and as soon as she entered the party many eyes looked at her hungrily.
This dress was bought by her mother Sophia and Aria had carried it here thinking she would wear it for a special occasion. Since today she was attending her first biggest party in her career, she went an extra mile to get ready.
Aria looked around to find her friend Piper who was talking to one of their male classmates.
Piper waved her hand asked Aria to join her. Shewalked towards them and everyone was chit chatting.
"Josie is the one who was in charge of this party arrangement. Look around, everything is so glamorous," Piper stated.
"Yes," Aria agreed and noticed Josie was welcoming all the guests. She looked so confident and stunning in her short red dress. Josie had this kind of personality which made everyone around her at ease and relaxed.
"Is that her boyfriend?" Aria asked when she saw a handsome man being extra friendly with Josie.
"Oh no, she is single. That's one of her admirers. Before you came, she rejected one of the famous musicians. Some say she has very high standards, so no one caught her eye and others say she has a secret lover in another country," Piper took the juice from the waiter.
"Hope you guys are enjoying yourselves" Josie said with a warm smile.
"I like the music very much," Piper complimented while Aria nodded her head.
"Thanks, please try the pastries. They are specially made by one of the oldest bakeries in the city," Josie said.
"Oh definitely, who can say no to food," Piper replied. Someone called Josie and she went to see who it was. Aria and Piper went to try different kinds of snacks.
"Aria Cooper, you're here too," a man in his 50's was surprised to see her. Aria blinked her eyes, wondering who this person was.
"Guess you did not recognize me, you were always hiding behind you brother," the man chuckled. Aria always hated the parties hosted by her parents and prefered not to interact with the guests, so it was obvious that she was not familiar with her father's acquaintance.
"I am your father's friend, Aiden Cooper is your dad, right?. It's been a long time since I saw him. How is he now?" he asked.
"Dad is good as always. Mom is opening another branch, so he is travelling with her," Aria replied.
"As an aristocratic heir everyone expected you to take over your parents business. Never thought you will lean towards art," he continued.
"Ya, early on I realized I was not cut for business. Asher will take over dad's business while I want to make myself a name in painting," Aria smiled.
Initially she thought she was also going to be a businesswoman like her mother. In school they needed to give a presentation on current market trends.
Asher had rocked the presentation and the teacher had praised his accuracy in facts and he was very diplomatic while answering his peers' queries.
When it was Aria's turn she started shivering and stammered while giving her presentation and forgot her lines. With so much difficulty she finished the presentation.
While Asher received an A grade she got a C. She was very disappointed as she prepared for these presentations weeks before while for Asher two to three days were enough.
Aria had broken down in front of her parents and started to complain that no matter how much effort she puts in, she can never be good enough at anything.
Aiden had wiped her tears and consoled her patiently. He said first of all she was not interested in the topic so she did not try to understand it but just memorized her lines which led her to easily forget it on stage.
Another thing she did not enjoy was the crowds, or working with an interactive environment. He told her that she should not be disheartened as she is good at something else, she just needed to find it.
Aria refused to believe his words and said she sucked at everything. Then her father told her that she was best at painting, when she paints she forgets all her surroundings and immerses herself in the process which she enjoyed very much.
Aria never considered painting other than a hobby, but that time she became serious about art, she started learning everything about it. She was going to the washroom when she stumbled across someone.
"I am sorry …," Aria lifted her head to see Justin standing in front of her.
She knew Justin was handsome, but today there was something extra about him, if it was even possible.
How can it be that every time she looked, he was being imprinted on her mind, more and more. With his three piece suit, neatly gelled hair and trimmed beard, he was seriously increasing the earth's temperature.
Aria bit her lip as his gaze was steady and he had a different expression from all the time they met. It was like he was seeing her for the first time.
Is it because of her dress and makeup? Honestly she had no idea that her attire could attract so many people in the party including the cold aloof Justin Brown.
"I need to go," Aria spoke as it looked like Justin had no intention of doing anything other than checking her out.
"Hmm," Justin nodded but did not make any move to step aside.
"You are still holding me," Aria pointed his hand on her shoulder.
Even after stating the obvious, Justin was not quick enough in his action, slowly and sensually he removed his hand all the time looking at her eyes. Aria walked away to the washroom without giving him a chance to do or say anything.
She looked at the large mirror. The place where he touched was burning hot. How can such a simple act feel so sexy? Even her face was a little bit flushed. She washed her hands twice making sure she calmed down before meeting the guests.
When she went to the hall, the music had changed to some slow tune and most of them were dancing. Piper was dancing with the male classmate whom she was talking to before.
Aria stood at a corner sipping a drink as she was not interested to dance even though she received offers from several interested men.
Justin and Aria spotted each other at the same time. He was dancing with Josie but his eyes were on her. She broke eye contact, not able to witness the intensity radiating from him.
A few minutes later he excused himself and Josie had a new partner. Justin stood at the opposite corner observing her every single action till the end of the party.
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