##THE BEGINNING OF A MISTAKE
Aria Dozen had always believed that love was supposed to be simple. You met someone, fell in love, trusted them, and built a future together. At least, that was what she had believed for the past three years. Unfortunately, life had other plans.
It was a rainy Thursday evening when everything she knew about love came crashing down. Aria stood outside an expensive restaurant in downtown London, holding a small gift box in her hands. Inside was a silver wristwatch she had purchased for her boyfriend, Lucas Whitmore, to celebrate their third anniversary. She had spent almost two weeks choosing it, imagining the happiness on his face when he opened it. She had even planned a romantic dinner after the celebration.
But the surprise waiting for her inside the restaurant was something she would never have imagined.
Through the glass window, she saw Lucas sitting across from a beautiful woman. His hand rested comfortably over hers, and his expression was far more affectionate than Aria had seen in months.
The woman was Isabella Laurent, a name Aria had heard several times. Isabella was known for attending exclusive business parties and introducing herself as a member of one of the wealthiest families in the city.
Aria's fingers tightened around the gift box. For a moment, she simply stood there, hoping she had misunderstood what she was seeing. Perhaps the woman was a business partner. Perhaps there was some reasonable explanation. But when Lucas leaned forward and gently brushed a strand of hair away from Isabella's face, every hopeful thought disappeared.
Aria pushed open the restaurant door.
"Lucas."
The moment he heard her voice, his smile disappeared. He quickly pulled his hand away from Isabella's.
"Aria? What are you doing here?"
Aria looked at him silently before giving a small, humourless laugh.
"That's an interesting question. I was going to ask you the same thing."
Isabella leaned back in her chair, looking uncomfortable for only a second before a faint smile appeared on her face.
"Lucas, who is she?"
Aria turned towards her.
"Who am I? That's a wonderful question. I'm the woman who has been dating him for three years."
Lucas immediately stood up.
"Aria, listen. This isn't what you think."
"Really? Then please explain it to me. I'd love to hear your explanation."
He glanced at Isabella before lowering his voice.
"We need to talk somewhere else."
"No. We can talk right here."
Isabella finally spoke, her expression changing.
"Lucas, you told me you were single."
Aria looked at him again.
"Well, congratulations. Apparently, he's been telling both of us different stories."
Lucas rubbed his forehead impatiently.
"Can you stop making a scene?"
Aria stared at him in disbelief.
"Making a scene? You cheated on me, and somehow I'm the problem?"
"That's not what I meant."
"Then what did you mean, Lucas? Please explain. I'm listening."
For several seconds, he remained silent.
That silence was enough.
Aria placed the gift box on the table.
"Happy anniversary, Lucas."
She turned around and walked away before either of them could say another word.
She didn't cry until she reached the empty parking area outside. Three years of trust, patience, and plans for a future that had never existed. She had imagined travelling with him, celebrating birthdays together, and eventually building a home. Now all those memories felt like scenes from someone else's life.
Her phone vibrated.
A message from Serena Blake appeared on the screen.
Serena: Where are you? Did you meet Lucas?
Aria stared at the message before typing.
Aria: I met him. Unfortunately, he came with a surprise.
Serena: What happened?
Aria: He has a new girlfriend.
Within seconds, Serena called.
"WHAT?"
Aria moved the phone away from her ear.
"Could you please stop shouting?"
"Your boyfriend cheated on you, and you're asking me to stop shouting?"
"Ex-boyfriend."
"Good. At least you understand that part."
Despite everything, Aria laughed. It wasn't a happy laugh, but it helped her breathe a little easier.
"Come over tomorrow. I'll tell you everything."
"Tomorrow? I'm coming right now."
"Serena—"
The call ended.
Aria looked at the rain falling across the street. Perhaps tomorrow would be better. Or perhaps tomorrow would be the beginning of something entirely different.
The next morning, Serena Blake arrived at Aria's apartment carrying two coffees and a bag of pastries. She found Aria sitting on the sofa, staring at her laptop.
"Are you planning to work today?"
Aria didn't look up.
"Yes."
"After what happened yesterday?"
"Especially after what happened yesterday."
Serena placed the coffee on the table and sat beside her.
"Tell me something. Did that woman know about you?"
"Apparently not."
"And Lucas?"
Aria closed her laptop.
"He said he wanted someone who could help him advance his career. Someone with better connections and a more impressive family background."
Serena blinked.
"Did he actually say that?"
"Not exactly. But he made it very clear that my ordinary background wasn't suitable for his future."
Serena shook her head.
"Unbelievable. Three years, Aria. Three whole years."
"I know."
"Please tell me you blocked him."
"Not yet."
"Why?"
"Because I haven't decided whether I want to block him or send him an invoice for all the emotional support I provided."
Serena burst out laughing.
"That's the Aria I know."
Aria finally smiled.
"Do you know what's funny?"
"What?"
"He left me for someone he believes is richer than me. He doesn't even know that Isabella's family connections aren't what she claims."
Serena raised an eyebrow.
"How do you know?"
"I overheard her talking about her uncle yesterday. Apparently, her uncle is extremely wealthy and influential."
Serena took a sip of coffee.
"And?"
Aria leaned forward, her eyes suddenly brightening.
"And I have a brilliant idea."
Serena immediately looked suspicious.
"Whenever you say that, something terrible happens."
Aria opened her laptop and searched for information about Isabella's family. After several minutes, a photograph appeared on the screen. It showed a handsome businessman standing beside a luxury car.
His name was Ethan Hawthorne, CEO of Mingyu Yunchuang Group.
Aria stared at the photograph. He had dark eyes, a sharp jawline, and an expression that seemed permanently unimpressed with the world.
Serena leaned closer.
"Who is that?"
"Isabella's uncle."
"How do you know?"
"I read about him."
Serena examined the photograph.
"He's handsome."
"Very."
"Rich?"
"Extremely."
"Then what exactly are you planning?"
Aria slowly smiled.
"I'm going to become someone Lucas regrets losing."
"That's a normal revenge plan."
"No. I mean something bigger."
Serena narrowed her eyes.
"Aria, I'm listening, but I'm already worried."
"What if I enter the same business circle Lucas desperately wants to belong to? What if I become successful enough that he realises he made the biggest mistake of his life?"
Serena nodded thoughtfully.
"Now that's a better plan."
Aria pointed towards Ethan's photograph.
"And this man might be my opportunity."
"You're planning to date a CEO for revenge?"
"Who said anything about dating?"
Serena stared at her.
Aria smiled innocently.
"Okay. Maybe a little dating."
Serena covered her face.
"This is going to be a disaster."
Across the city, inside the luxurious headquarters of Mingyu Yunchuang Group, Ethan Hawthorne was reviewing a financial report. At twenty-nine, he was one of the youngest CEOs in the industry. His company had expanded rapidly over the past few years, establishing partnerships with major international investors.
Ethan rarely attended social gatherings unless business required it. His employees described him as disciplined, intelligent, and difficult to impress. He preferred numbers over unnecessary conversations and considered punctuality a basic form of respect.
His personal secretary, Alexander Reed, entered the office carrying a tablet.
"Mr. Hawthorne, your meeting with the investment committee has been moved to eleven."
Ethan continued reading.
"Why?"
"Mr. Sterling requested a change."
"Damien?"
"Yes, sir."
Ethan finally looked up.
"Tell him I don't rearrange my schedule because he forgot to check his calendar."
Alexander nodded.
"Understood."
He placed another document on the desk.
"Also, Miss Chloe Hawthorne called. She wanted to remind you about dinner this weekend."
Ethan sighed.
"Tell her I'll try."
"She specifically said you are not allowed to cancel."
"Then tell her I'll be there."
Alexander smiled slightly.
"She'll be pleased."
As Alexander turned to leave, Ethan's phone rang. The caller ID displayed Evelyn Hawthorne.
He answered.
"Yes, Evelyn?"
"Have you spoken to Chloe today?"
"Not yet."
"She's planning to start her internship at Finance World Magazine next week."
Ethan raised an eyebrow.
"Why Finance World?"
"She wants to experience something outside the family business."
"Fine. Let her."
"And Ethan?"
"What?"
"Try to behave like a normal human being at dinner this weekend."
He looked at the phone.
"I'll consider it."
Evelyn laughed before ending the call.
Ethan placed his phone down and returned to work. He had absolutely no idea that someone was already making plans involving him.
Monday morning arrived with a busy atmosphere at Finance World Magazine. Aria Dozen entered the office wearing a cream blouse, black trousers, and a confident expression. Her long hair fell neatly over her shoulders. She was one of the magazine's most promising financial reporters, known for her ability to turn complicated business stories into interesting articles.
Her chief editor, Charlotte Hayes, called her over.
"Aria, I need the Mingyu Yunchuang investment report by Friday."
Aria stopped beside her desk.
"Mingyu Yunchuang?"
"Yes. Their CEO is expected to announce a major expansion. I want an exclusive interview if possible."
Aria's eyes immediately brightened.
"Do we have an interview?"
"Not yet. But I want you to try."
"Consider it done."
Charlotte smiled.
"That's the confidence I like."
From the opposite desk, Madeline Frost looked up.
"Let's hope confidence is enough this time."
Aria ignored the comment. Madeline had been competing with her for months, and their relationship was far from friendly.
Serena, who worked in the same editorial department, leaned towards Aria.
"Don't start."
"I wasn't going to."
"Your expression says otherwise."
Aria opened her computer.
"By the way, I need more information about Ethan Hawthorne."
Serena stared at her.
"You're still doing that?"
"Of course."
"Aria, please remember that he's a CEO, not a shopping item."
"Relax. I can handle a businessman."
Serena shook her head.
"That's exactly what worries me."
At approximately five in the evening, Aria left the magazine building to attend a business networking event. She was standing outside a luxury hotel when she noticed a black Rolls-Royce parked near the entrance.
A tall man stood beside the vehicle, speaking to the driver. He wore an elegant dark suit and looked considerably older than Ethan's photographs.
Aria remembered something from her research. Isabella's uncle was connected to the Hawthorne family. She had also seen information about a man named Henry Cooper, who worked as a personal driver for Ethan Hawthorne.
Unfortunately, Aria had misunderstood the family connection and mixed up the identities.
She glanced at the car again. Then she noticed a young man approaching the vehicle.
It was Ethan Hawthorne.
He had just finished a business meeting. Henry opened the rear door.
"Good evening, Mr. Hawthorne."
Ethan nodded and checked his phone.
Aria's eyes widened.
That was him.
The mysterious uncle.
Her opportunity had arrived.
She quickly checked her reflection in the phone screen, adjusted her hair, and walked towards him.
"Excuse me!"
Ethan looked up.
"Yes?"
Aria smiled brightly.
"You're Mr. Hawthorne, aren't you?"
"Depends on who's asking."
"Aria Dozen."
He gave her a brief nod.
"How can I help you, Miss Dozen?"
She extended her hand.
"It's lovely to meet you."
Ethan shook it politely.
"Likewise."
Aria studied his expression. He looked even more intimidating in person, but she wasn't going to give up.
"I've heard quite a lot about your family."
Ethan's expression remained neutral.
"My family?"
"Yes. Especially Isabella."
He paused.
"Isabella Laurent?"
Aria nodded enthusiastically.
"Exactly!"
Ethan looked confused.
"Why are you asking about her?"
Aria smiled.
"She's a very interesting young woman."
"I see."
"And I believe family relationships are very important."
Ethan glanced briefly at Henry, who was trying very hard not to react.
Aria continued.
"You must be very protective of your niece."
Ethan stared at her.
"My niece?"
"Of course."
For a moment, silence settled between them.
Then Ethan asked calmly, "Which niece are you referring to?"
Aria blinked.
"Isabella, naturally."
Ethan looked genuinely puzzled. Henry lowered his head, hiding a smile.
"Miss Dozen," Ethan said slowly, "I think you've misunderstood something."
Aria quickly shook her head.
"No, no. I understand perfectly."
Ethan glanced at Henry again.
"Do I?"
Henry cleared his throat.
"Sir, the car is ready."
Ethan nodded and turned back towards Aria.
"It was nice meeting you, Miss Dozen."
Before she could respond, he entered the car.
Aria stood beside the pavement, watching the Rolls-Royce disappear into traffic. She smiled to herself.
"Not bad, Aria. Not bad at all."
She took out her phone and immediately messaged Serena.
Aria: I MET HIM.
Serena: WHO?
Aria: ISABELLA'S UNCLE.
Serena: WHAT?!
Aria: Ethan Hawthorne. He's even more handsome in person.
Serena: Please tell me you didn't say anything embarrassing.
Aria looked at the road where the car had disappeared. She hesitated before typing.
Aria: Define embarrassing.
Inside the Rolls-Royce, Ethan was looking through his emails when Henry finally spoke.
"Sir?"
"What?"
"May I ask something?"
Ethan didn't look up.
"Go ahead."
"Do you know Miss Aria Dozen?"
"No."
Henry nodded.
"She seems to know you."
Ethan raised his eyes.
"Apparently."
Henry hesitated before adding, "She also seems to believe you're Miss Laurent's uncle."
Ethan slowly lowered his phone.
"What?"
Henry struggled to maintain a straight face.
"She mentioned Isabella."
Ethan leaned back against the seat.
"That's ridiculous."
"Yes, sir."
"Did you correct her?"
"I believe you tried."
Ethan looked out of the window. For the first time that evening, the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.
"Strange woman."
Henry smiled.
"Very strange, sir."
Meanwhile, Aria was already preparing her next move. She opened her laptop and searched for the upcoming Mingyu Yunchuang press conference. If she wanted another chance to meet Ethan, she needed a professional reason.
And fortunately, she had one.
Her revenge plan had officially begun.
Unfortunately, she had made one very important mistake.
Ethan Hawthorne was not Isabella Laurent's uncle.
And the man she had mistaken for Isabella's uncle was about to become the most complicated person in her life.
TO BE CONTINUED...
