CHAPTER 3 – The First Strike

Velaris Prime sparkled under the early morning sun, but Aria Vale barely noticed. Her mind was sharp, her gaze unwavering as she scanned documents and notes she had memorized during her rebirth. Two weeks. Fourteen days. That was all she had to reclaim her life before the wedding that had once destroyed it.

Her first target was not Ethan Kade himself. No, he had underestimated her, as all men had, and now it was time for a SUBTLE, CALCULATED STRIKE. Serena Blake — the so-called best friend who had stolen her husband’s loyalty, her dignity, and her life — would feel the first tremors of Aria’s wrath.

Aria’s fingers hovered over the phone. Direct confrontation would be reckless; she needed leverage, CONTROL, and precision. Every move had to be perfect.

She could not mistakes now , not when she knew the consequences and future it hold. Everything needs to be done perfectly. And it WILL.

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ALEXANDER'S PROSPECTIVE -

Alexander Draven had known of Aria Vale long before she returned to Velaris Prime society. The heiress who had vanished after her fiance's apperance had not escaped his attention.

Through his network of insiders, intelligence sources, and subtle observation, he had pieced together her story: the betrayal, the humiliation, the quiet disappearance. He didn’t need supernatural insight — he simply recognized potential and fire when he saw it.

“She’s clever,” he murmured, reviewing Ethan Kade’s latest financial activities. “Not just an heiress… she’s dangerous. And smart enough to survive what most women wouldn’t even see coming.”

Alexander had predicted she would return eventually, but seeing her move through the city with confidence, already plotting, was… captivating. He didn’t need her to explain herself — he could tell by the way she carried herself that this woman was no longer fragile.

Alexander was intrigued by this Fierce little thing. She attracts more of his attention than he wants to deliver. Hence he need to make sure to play for a longer time to explore this feeling.

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By noon, Aria arrived at the gala where Ethan and Serena were expected to appear. Her outfit was elegant but understated, designed to DRAW JUST ENOUGH ATTENTION TO BE NOTICED BUT NOT EXPOSED. Her eyes swept the crowd, reading faces, gestures, and whispered exchanges.

Everyone looked at her with appreciation - "her looks, her walk, her curves and most important - HER AURA" . Yet she ignores everyone like she always do.

Then she saw him: Ethan Kade. The man who had smiled at her, lied to her, and destroyed her life. His eyes met hers, and for the first time, she caught HESITATION, a SUBTLE CRACK in his composed exterior. She thought how foolish it was of her to think this man could ever love her.

Nearby, Alexander observed from a shadowed corner. He didn’t need to intervene yet — he already knew who she was, what she had endured, and the calculated way she would strike. To him she did seem like the women she used to be, something has changed. Every glance, every slight movement, every whisper of a smile or frown revealed PRECISION IN HER MIND.

"INTERESTING" he thought while looking at her with a mysterious look in his eyes.

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Aria spotted Serena across the room, laughing at a private joke with a circle of influential socialites. This twa faced women who made sure to ruin Aria's life. Aria felt the urge to do something, to ruin this women in front of her to ashes. Her pulse quickened — this would be her first subtle strike.

From her bag, Aria pulled a small, discreet device — an audio recorder she had placed earlier in the office she still had access to through her previous life’s knowledge. She had recorded conversations proving Serena’s and Ethan’s conspiracies, the proof she would need when the time came.

Aria’s mind raced. She would not expose them yet — not publicly. The power lay in patience, in letting them grow complacent while she positioned herself.

Her first move was a whisper in the right ears. She dropped a carefully worded message to the socialites near Serena, hinting at shady business dealings and financial mismanagement connected to her fiance's projects. Nothing direct — just enough to seed doubt and tension.

Within minutes, she noticed subtle reactions. A glance here, a whisper there.No one knew who sent it but the information seems genuine. Sense of doubt flashed in their eyes. Serena’s smile flickered briefly, and Ethan’s eyes darted nervously toward his colleagues. The first domino had moved.

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Alexander’s eyes followed every step. He had anticipated this. She didn’t need his guidance — she was already thinking five steps ahead. And yet, there was something intoxicating about watching her operate. Fire, intelligence, and cold precision intertwined.

He found himself drawn to her audacity. Most women would crumble under scrutiny, under the shadow of a man like Ethan Kade. But Aria? She moved like a storm contained in porcelain, and the allure was impossible to ignore.

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Later, Aria found a quiet balcony overlooking the city. The rain had started, soft and persistent, drumming a rhythm that seemed to mirror her heartbeat. She allowed herself a small smile. The first strike had worked. She had planted doubt, initiated tension, and observed reactions — all without revealing herself.

Two weeks. That was all the time she needed. And yet, Alexander’s presence, known yet distant, added another layer to her calculations. She was aware he was watching, that he knew her history and had seen her capabilities. That knowledge was both a comfort and a challenge.

He doesn’t underestimate me. Good. But I can’t let him see everything yet… not until it suits me.

Aria’s thoughts drifted briefly to Ethan. The man had believed he was untouchable, that his betrayal was a secret no one would discover. Soon, he would realize how badly he had miscalculated.

Alexander, still observing from the shadows, allowed himself a small smirk. His mind wanted him to join her, observe her with more closer Experience yet he held himself back.

He knew what she was capable of. He knew the storm she carried within. And he knew — this was only the beginning.

> One thing was certain: by the time Ethan realized what Aria Vale had become, it would be far too late. And Alexander Draven… he already knew her. But he hadn’t yet seen the full force of her fury.

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