Episode 5: Shadows at the Gala
AUTHOR
"When fate throws you back in time, don't just rewrite the script-burn the stage." - Luna Noir
[Scene: Underground Parking Lot - 8:02 PM]
Dimly lit. Fluorescent lights flicker overhead. Aria stands frozen, Damien's final words ringing in her ears:
Damien Wu(ML)
"Someone else remembers the future... and they're not here to rewrite it. They're here to break you."
Aria Lin(FL)
(Voice low, tense) Is it Lila?
Damien Wu(ML)
(stepping closer, gaze unreadable)
No. If only it were that simple.
Damien Wu(ML)
They're hiding. And they're closer than you think. Be careful, Aria...
He turns and disappears into the shadows, his coat fluttering like a ghost's whisper. The parking lot feels colder than before. Aria's fingers tighten around her car keys.
[Scene: Grand Ballroom - Charity Tech Gala - 8:30 PM]
The lights are golden and warm. Music hums softly beneath chatter. Waiters pass through with champagne glasses balanced like tiny chandeliers.
Aria steps out of her car and walks into the event, her black satin gown hugging her silhouette. Her heels click against the marble floor-every step practiced, powerful.
Aria Lin(FL)
(inner monologue)
I won't show fear. Not tonight. Not ever again.
Lila Chen spots her from across the room. Her eyes narrow, but she forces a fake smile and approaches with a champagne flute.
Lila Chen
(syrupy sweet)
You made it. I thought you'd be too shy to attend after your... project mishap last quarter.
Aria Lin(FL)
(smiling coldly)
Oh, you mean the quarter where I doubled LinTech's engagement numbers? Right. Thanks for noticing.
Lila falters. Aria turns away, satisfaction bubbling in her chest. But the night isn't done testing her.
[Scene: Gala Hallway -- 8:50 PM]
Away from the crowd, Aria steps into a quiet hallway to breathe. Her phone buzzes-an anonymous message.
unknown
"Dig any deeper and you'll wish you'd stayed dead."
Aria Lin(FL)
Muttering)
You again...
[Scene: Balcony Overlooking the City - 9:05 PM]
The night air is crisp. Aria grips the stone railing, replaying the parking lot conversation, Lila's words, the message...
A jacket lands gently across her shoulders. She turns.
Damien Wu(ML)
You never remember to dress for the weather.
Aria Lin(FL)
(deadpan)
You always appear out of nowhere. You a magician in your past life too?
Damien Wu(ML)
(leaning beside her)
No. Just a man trying to fix a past mistake.
Aria Lin(FL)
(softly)
You said someone else came back. Who?
Damien Wu(ML)
I don't know yet. But they were close to you. Trusted. That's why it hurts more
Aria Lin(FL)
(voice shaking slightly)
I trusted a lot of people. That's how I died.
A pause. Then Damien reaches into his wallet and pulls out an old photo: Aria in a white dress, holding a medal, smiling proudly.
Damien Wu(ML)
You saved me once. In another timeline. You just didn't know it.
Aria Lin(FL)
Why are you telling me this now?
Damien Wu(ML)
(gently)
Because I remember everything, Aria. And this time, i won't let you fall alone.
Scene: Gala Dance Floor - 9:30 PM]
A slow instrumental begins. Couples glide across the floor. Damien extends his hand.
Damien Wu(ML)
Dance with me. Let them see who you really are.
Aria Lin(FL)
(Eyeing the crowd)
You want to make a scene?
Damien Wu(ML)
(smirking)
No. I want to make a statement.
She hesitates-then takes his hand.
Their bodies move in sync. The ballroom blurs. For a moment, it's just them, breathing in the silence between music notes. Aria's walls begin to tremble.
Scene: Balcony, Watching the Dance - Unknown POV]
A figure watches them from a distance, half-hidden behind a pillar. Fingers clench around a glass. Eyes burn with something dark-jealousy? Rage?
unknown
"So... he remembers too."
AUTHOR
"Some people return for revenge. Others return for redemption. And sometimes... they return for love." - Luna Noir
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