#Chapter 19: Glitz & Glam

Aria’s POV The soft clinking of champagne glasses and the low murmur of voices filled the opulent ballroom, but none of it could drown out the tension simmering in the air. Liam’s friends, gathered in a semi-circle, eyed me with surprise as I stood by the entrance. Their eyes darted between me and Liam, silently questioning what I was doing here. Their glances held a mix of curiosity and disdain, clearly not accustomed to seeing me in their circle. “Aria,” one of them finally said, a smug smile creeping onto his face. “Come back to reconcile with Liam, have you?” I gave him a cold smile, my eyes narrowing. “I don’t believe we know each other well enough for you to ask me that.” The remark landed exactly as intended. The man’s smile faltered, and he shifted awkwardly, clearly unsure how to respond. They were no strangers to me. These were the same people who used to mock me when I was married to Liam, dismissing me as nothing more than a trophy wife. I had no desire to e