Chapter 10

Celeste Laurent was outraged. Sitting in her dimly lit penthouse lounge, she clenched the stem of her wine glass so tightly that the liquid slopped dangerously close to the rim. The news played on the enormous flat screen before her, fueling her wrath with each passing second.

“Breaking News: Isabella Marsden, the wife of billionaire Adrian Marsden—previously presumed dead—has resurfaced under a new identity. Reports confirm she is now identified as Aria Laurent, CEO of Laurent Global Investments. Her recent commercial collaboration with Carter Industries has sent shockwaves through the financial world.”

Celeste’s grip tightened, her nails digging into her palm. There she was, Isabella, alive and thriving. Celeste had spent months assuring Adrian that she was the only one who truly understood him. Yet, even with Isabella gone, he never chose her. Now? Now he would never look at her again.

Celeste’s eyes darkened. She had waited too long for this. If Isabella thought she could return and reclaim everything, she was mistaken. Celeste reached for her phone, her pulse steady despite the rising fury. She had one final move, and she would ensure the entire world witnessed it.

The next morning, the news exploded. Headlines blared across every major news station; social media platforms overflowed with stories, comments, and a revelation no one anticipated:

“Isabella Marsden IS ALIVE—And She’s Taken Over the Industry!” “Billionaire’s Wife Faked Her Death? The Truth Behind Aria Laurent!” “Adrian Marsden’s Ghost Returns—What Happens Now?”

Aria sat in her office, her expression impassive as she scanned the relentless barrage of headlines, her name dominating every conversation. She had anticipated this; it was only a matter of time before her past resurfaced. But she had underestimated Celeste.

Aria’s lips tightened. The leak hadn’t just exposed her new identity; it detailed everything—her abduction, her return, even suggesting her alliance with Liam Carter was a premeditated attack against Adrian. Someone had orchestrated this meticulously, and only one person possessed the desperation to do so.

A knock sounded at her door, followed by Liam’s entrance. Phone in hand, his expression was unreadable.

“You’ve seen it,” he stated simply.

Aria nodded. “Celeste.”

He smirked. “She plays dirty, I’ll grant her that.”

She sighed, setting down her phone. “And now Adrian knows.”

Liam leaned against her desk, studying her. “How do you feel?”

Aria tilted her head. “Like I should have destroyed her life when I had the chance.”

Liam chuckled. “Now that’s the spirit.”

She shook her head, her mind already racing. “This changes nothing. We proceed as planned.”

He gave her a knowing glance. “You do realize Adrian isn’t going to remain silent after this?”

Aria’s fingers tapped the desk. “I never expected him to.”

Liam sighed, pushing away from the desk. “Then I suppose I’ll prepare for the inevitable.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Which is?”

He smirked. “Your husband showing up and making a fool of himself.”

Aria rolled her eyes, but deep down, she knew Liam was correct. And she was ready.

Adrian sat in the backseat of his car, his hands clenched into fists, his jaw tight as he read the latest news. The words echoed in his mind: She had erased me. This wasn't merely a setback; this was intentional. She had shaded the truth and ensured the world knew she was gone. He had lost her twice.

His frustration mounted. He wasn’t simply losing her—he had already lost her. But not yet. Not entirely. He needed to see her. Now.

“Drive to Laurent Global,” he commanded.

The driver hesitated. “Sir, I don’t think—”

“Now.”

The car sped away from the curb, navigating downtown traffic, heading straight for the one person Adrian could no longer afford to lose.

When Adrian stormed into Laurent Global’s lobby, the receptionist barely had time to react.

“Mr. Marsden—!”

“Where is she?” he demanded, his eyes blazing.

Before the woman could answer, a familiar voice cut through the tension.

“You just don’t know when to quit, do you?”

Adrian whirled around, his breath catching for a moment. Aria stood at the top of the sleek glass staircase, observing him with an unreadable expression. Gone was the softness, the warmth that had once bound them. Now, she seemed untouchable, unfazed, as if she had never belonged to him.

She descended the stairs deliberately, her movements methodical, her heels clicking on the marble floor.

“To what do I owe this pleasure, Mr. Marsden?” she asked coolly.

Adrian’s jaw clenched. “You know why I’m here.”

Her lips curved slightly. “Do I?”

He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “You should have told me.”

She arched an eyebrow. “Told you what? That I wasn’t dead?”

His eyes clouded. “Yes.”

A faint chuckle escaped her lips. “Why? So you could convince me to return?”

Adrian approached, his voice softening. “Because I deserved to know.”

A flicker of emotion crossed her face, but it vanished before he could identify it.

She tilted her head. “Deserved?”

He swallowed. “You were my wife, Bella.”

Aria inhaled deeply, drawing closer. “And yet you never acted like it.”

Silence hung heavy, unforgiving.

Adrian spoke, his voice quieter. “I don’t expect forgiveness. But I need you to understand—I never stopped looking for you.” Aria studied him intently, then smiled.

Not warmly. Not gently. But like a woman who had already won.

She leaned in, her voice barely a whisper.

“I was never yours to find.”

Before Adrian could respond, another voice cut through the air.

“Is there a problem here?”

Adrian turned, his muscles tensing. Liam Carter stood a few feet away, hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable, yet his presence undeniable.

Aria smirked. “Perfect timing.”

Liam’s gaze shifted between them before settling on Adrian. “I think you’ve overstayed your welcome, Marsden.”

Adrian’s fists clenched. “This isn’t your concern, Carter.”