After a day of shopping Elena decided to take a shower and hit the bed.
The next morning arrived with a sharp chill in the air, though the luxury estate remained as grand and hollow as ever. Aria awoke early, her body already adjusted to her previous disciplined routines. After a brisk shower, she dressed in one of her newly purchased outfits—a crisp white blouse tucked into tailored black pants, a simple gold watch on her wrist, and a sleek low ponytail that framed her refined features.
She stood before the mirror and smiled faintly.
This wasn't the Elena people remembered.
This woman had purpose. Direction. Fire.
She left the bedroom just in time to hear faint movements in the dining room. Curious, she followed the sound and found Sebastian already seated at the massive mahogany table, a newspaper in hand and his breakfast untouched.
Aria's steps slowed slightly. In her previous life, she rarely had to deal with such intimacy with a man. Sebastian wasn't just any man—he radiated an aura that could freeze a volcano. His shirt was unbuttoned at the top, revealing just enough skin to make anyone's heartbeat skip, and his hair was perfectly disheveled in a way that looked effortlessly sexy.
His deep voice cut through the quietness.
"You're up early. That's new."
Aria walked over to the table with grace and confidence, pouring herself a cup of coffee.
"Adjusting to a new routine," she replied simply, taking a sip.
Sebastian's glacier-blue eyes lifted to glance at her briefly before returning to his paper.
"You don't have to pretend, Elena," he said with a tinge of mockery. "You'll sign the divorce papers soon anyway."
Aria's grip on the cup tightened, but she smiled softly.
"I'll sign them… in three months. Until then, we're still married. Shouldn't we at least try to coexist like civil human beings?"
That earned a sharp glance from him. Suspicion flickered in his eyes.
"You're acting strange. What's your game this time?"
Good. Be suspicious. That meant she was no longer predictable.
She set her cup down and leaned forward slightly, voice calm and steady.
"No game, Mr. Hart. I've simply realized that being enemies is exhausting. And besides…" Her lips curled. "…a little peace in this big, lonely mansion wouldn't kill either of us."
Sebastian's jaw ticked but he said nothing. After a few seconds, he stood, gathering his phone and documents.
"Peace or not… don't get in my way," he said curtly, walking past her.
Aria's eyes followed him, her smile widening.
You won't be able to ignore me for long, Sebastian.
---
Later That Day
Aria had arranged for a private driver to take her downtown. She wasn't about to waste precious time being idle in a mansion where no one wanted her. Her first destination was a high-end café known for being a hub of gossip and networking.
She sat at a secluded corner table, nursing a latte while her eyes scanned the crowd. It didn't take long for Lucia Green to make her grand entrance, dressed in designer brands from head to toe.
Aria waved her over with a polite smile.
Lucia approached, obviously curious, tilting her head in amusement.
"Elena? You're out without your glitter gowns? Who are you trying to impress?"
Aria smiled, exuding warmth but with sharpness lurking underneath.
"No one. I've decided to focus on myself."
Lucia snorted. "Well, about time."
Minutes turned into hours as Aria subtly directed the conversation, skillfully extracting every piece of gossip about the elite circle: business ventures, enemies of the Hart family, boardroom rivalries, scandals swept under the rug. She learned that the Harts were not as untouchable as they appeared — Sebastian's company had a few cracks that only insiders whispered about.
Information was power, and Aria had just begun collecting it.
---
Evening at the Mansion
By the time Aria returned home, the sky had turned golden. She entered the mansion quietly, only to spot Sebastian coming out of his study, his sharp features locked in a frown.
Their eyes met, and this time, Aria smiled openly.
"Rough day?" she asked, her tone casual.
Sebastian gave her a long look, assessing, then shook his head in disbelief.
"You're really committed to this whole 'changed woman' act, aren't you?"
Aria shrugged lightly. "Not an act. You'll see."
He turned without responding, heading upstairs, but she noticed the slight hesitation in his stride. Good. She was getting to him—just a little.