Her Return

Three years later.

Auntie, Auntie, please wake up; we're about to land now, murmured a little girl softly. Arianna stretched lazily, yawning as she rubbed her sleepy eyes, looking at the scenery slowly descending down.

She is back to the city that gave her everything and took it all back again. The bustling state airport buzzed with the chatter of announcements and the happy tone of people welcoming their families back home.

Arianna stepped into the arrival hall, walking elegantly with her head held high, by her side is an adorable little girl, her hand tightly holding Arianna's hand. Auntie Aria, is your friend going to pick us up? Little Lucia asked innocently, raising her head to see Arianna's expression. Arianna smiled, bending down to the little girl's level, her fingers brushing a strand of hair from little Lucia's face. No, sweetie, something came up, so she won't be able to meet you today, but I promise you will surely see her; Arianna assured. s

Behind them was Lucia's nanny, holding little Lucia's backpack, quietly walking behind them. is ok, Auntie, as long as you're here, Lucia pouted, reaching out to hold Arianna's hand. Thank you, Auntie. You're the best, declares Lucy happily.

At the same bustling airport, Ethan strode through the crowd with his assistant trailing behind him. His sharp suit and steely expression exuded authority, but his clenched jaw betrayed his frustration. He didn't want to be here. Picking up Erica, his ex-fiancée, was the last thing he wanted to deal with. But his mother had begged him relentlessly, insisting that if he doesn't do it, she would arrange another blind date for him. Just this once, Ethan," she had pleaded over the phone. "She's been through so much, please." 

He didn't owe Erica anything, and he didn't want to be close to any woman again after what happened 3 years ago. But for his mom's sake, he had to pick her pick. "Sir, I believe Miss Erica's flight has just landed," his assistant said, glancing at the arrivals terminal. Ethan sighed heavily, running his fingers through his hair, his frustration mounting. "Let's get this over with, Ethan said firmly".

Meanwhile, Arianna had checked into one of the luxurious hotels located in the southern part of the city. She stood by the window, watching as the city's lights flickered against the wet pavement. Her niece Lucia, a lively bundle of energy, sprawled on the couch, giggling as she played with the nanny. The journey had been hectic, but she was calm now that they were settled, even if it's temporarily. At least Lucia can take a little rest. The hotel room was cozy, but it wasn't really her style as a designer, but they had no choice at the moment. Her new house wasn't ready yet, left with the final touches scheduled to be completed tomorrow. She glanced over at the luggage neatly stacked in the corner and allowed herself a small sigh.

Her return to this country wasn't that easy, but when duty calls, you have to respond. As a rising star in the world of design, she had made a name for herself abroad. Her return to this city was a testament to her growing reputation and career. She had been chosen to lead a high-profile project that could elevate her career even further. It was an opportunity she couldn't refuse; so many designers were waiting for this opportunity, but she was the one chosen. She had been waiting for such an opportunity to knock on her doorstep, so when this offer came, she went for it. They say opportunity comes but once; she always thought to herself.

Arianna's thoughts were interrupted by the buzzing of her phone. She reached for it, her heart skipping a beat when she saw the name on the screen. She was supposed to tell him about their arrival, but she forgot. "Nathan," she murmured softly, waiting for his yelling and his scolding, but it never came, which made her feel relaxed.

"Did you arrive safely?" came the deep, reassuring voice on the other end. "Yes, we're settled in at the hotel for now," she replied, her voice warm but tinged with exhaustion. "That's ok then," Nathan said. "I wanted to make sure everything went smoothly.

I was worried you would be bullied there, but I guess I got it wrong." You're a strong woman now, he joked. Arianna laughed at his silly words; she knew Nathan was trying to cheer her up, so she wasn't bothered about it.

Nathan had been her anchor during the darkest period of her life. Three years ago, after her world had fallen apart,. She had been in a terrible car accident, one that could have ended her life. Nathan had pulled her from the wreckage, stayed by her side during her recovery, and eventually became her closest confidant.

Now, he was her fiancé and the father of her beautiful niece, Lucia, whom she adored. His unconditional support had given her the strength to rebuild her life.

"Thank you, Nathan. I really mean it," she said, her voice almost inaudible. "For everything. "You don't have to thank me, Arianna; you're my fiancée, remember?" Nathan replied calmly. "Just focus on building your career; I'll join you both soon when I return from my trip," Nathan assured.

The call ended, leaving Arianna with a sense of comfort. She turned back to Lucia, who's now seated at the small dining table, swinging her legs and waiting eagerly for dinner. "Auntie, are we really going to live here now?" little Lucia asked, her voice filled with excitement. "No, darling," Arianna said, joining her at the dining table. Why? she asked sadly ,"Our new home will be ready tomorrow. I think you'll love it here. 

"The nanny served their meal, and they ate in silence, the weight of the day slowly lifting. Just as they were finishing, Arianna's phone buzzed again. This time, it was a call from Ivy, her best friend. They hadn't spoken in a very long time.

"Arianna! You're back!" Ivy's voice was vibrant and full of excitement. "Yes, we arrived earlier today," Arianna said, smiling. "How have you been?" "I've been good, but I've missed you! We need to celebrate your return. It's been way too long since we've seen each other," said Ivy in a sad tone, afraid she would refuse. Arianna laughed. Ivy had always been the party type, always looking for opportunities to celebrate, her energy contagious, unlike her.

"You're right. It has been too long. Where should we meet?" asked Arianna. "There's one place we can go," Lucy said with a mischievous lilt.

"The bar. You know, *that* bar." Arianna's smile weakened for a moment as memories of that night three years ago flashed through her mind. It was the same bar where her life had taken an unexpected turn. The same bar where she had drowned her sorrows, only to wake up the next morning with her virginity gone and a mysterious tattoo on her thigh.

But one thing was certain: she couldn't shake her curiosity about who the stranger really is.