The Wrong Heiress; White Lotus Lies

The bass from the club thrummed through the walls like a heartbeat, pulsing against the velvet and glass that framed the exclusive lounge. Cigarette smoke curled through the air, mingling with the scent of expensive perfume and aged wine. In the corner booth, Aria sat with perfect poise, her gown shimmering beneath the low lights. Her beauty was undeniable, her smile sweet-yet her eyes carried the sharp gleam of a blade hidden beneath silk.

Julian hesitated at the entrance. The dim glow caught the pale curve of her face, her expression soft but guarded. Though she had been back in her parents' lives for months now, she still felt like a guest wandering through a world that should have been hers all along. She smoothed the hem of her dress, inhaling deeply before she crossed the room.

Aria's smile widened the moment she approached, warm enough to melt away suspicion, tender enough to mask the venom brewing beneath. "Julian, over here," she called sweetly, lifting her glass.

Julian walked toward her, unaware that every step she took was leading her deeper into a carefully spun web.

"Julian, I know we started off on the wrong foot, and I really want to apologize for it all," Aria said softly, her lashes lowered to hide the glint of triumph in her eyes. Her voice quivered, her expression painted in pitiful innocence. "I never meant to steal Damian from you. It's just... we've known each other since childhood, and I love him. I know he's supposed to be your fiancé, since you're Mum and Dad's biological child and the betrothal was arranged for you both." She bit her lower lip delicately, and tears trembled on her long lashes.

Julian studied her, face unreadable, though her clenched jaw betrayed her hesitation.

Aria was the adopted daughter of Richard and Margaret. They had raised her with love, but Julian had always been the missing piece. Kidnapped as a baby and sold into an illegal adoption ring, her disappearance had devastated her parents. Margaret, heartbroken, had nearly lost the will to live until the doctors urged them to adopt another child to soothe her grief. That was how Aria entered their lives.

"I understand," Julian said at last, her voice gentler than her eyes. "None of this was your fault. You're my sister, and I've thought of you as one ever since I came back home. I'm not here to take your place."

Her expression softened, and she reached out to hug Aria.

The memory of last night flickered through her mind. Richard had announced that Aria's engagement to Damian would be annulled now that Julian had returned. Aria had erupted in fury, her words lashing like whips. Yet today, she had invited Julian to a club, claiming she wanted to make amends. Innocent, trusting, Julian-who had always loved her as a sister-never imagined she was walking into a trap.

"Sis, it's your rightful place to be engaged to Damian," Aria said, lips curving in a sad, noble smile that disguised her malice. "I'm the imposter here. I really do owe you this apology."

She poured wine into two glasses, the liquid catching the dim light of the club, and handed one to Julian. "I've always wanted us to live happily. I know I've not been the kindest, but I want to change. Let's make up, once and for all."

Julian accepted the glass without hesitation. "Thank you, sis," she murmured, raising it to her lips. The cool wine slid down her throat in one trusting gulp.

Aria's smile sharpened as she watched her drink.

Moments later, Julian's vision swam. The room tilted, dizziness crashing over her like a wave. Her smile faltered as she stared at Aria, eyes wide with confusion.

Aria leaned closer, her voice dropping to a hiss. "Oh, sister... one thing I despise most about you is how easily you fall into my schemes. That drink? It was spiked."

Julian gasped, her body trembling as the strength drained from her limbs.

"I've always hated you," Aria whispered, her triumphant smirk gleaming in the shadows. "You came out of nowhere to steal Mum and Dad's love. But they are mine. Damian is mine. And soon, everything they have will belong to me."

Julian's body gave way, hitting the floor with a dull thud.

Aria crouched beside her, brushing a strand of hair from Julian's face with feigned tenderness. "From tonight, dear sister, everything goes my way. Mum and Dad will only see me, and Damian will always be mine."

She straightened, lifted her chin, and snapped her fingers.

From the doorway, a shadowed figure stepped forward.

Aria's smirk lingered as she turned and strode out, her heels clicking against the floor. The man she had summoned stepped forward, his broad frame casting a shadow over Julian.

"Take care of her," Aria ordered coolly.

Without a word, he seized Julian by the arm. His grip was iron, crushing, and no amount of struggling loosened it. She tried to wrench free, but her body was weak, sluggish, the drug slowing every movement.

He dragged her down a narrow hallway, the music from the club fading into a dull thrum. With one shove, he pushed her into a side room and slammed the door shut, the lock snapping into place before his heavy footsteps retreated.

Julian staggered, clawing at the wall for support. Her skin burned, her head pounded, every nerve screaming with heat. She pinched her arm, slapped her own cheek-anything to stay awake-but the fog clung to her mercilessly.

"She won't... fall for Aria's schemes again," she whispered through gritted teeth.

Her fingers dug into the cool marble wall, survival instinct dragging her forward. Step by dragging step, she forced herself toward the door.

Julian's trembling fingers reached the door handle. She twisted it desperately, but the lock refused to budge.

"Fuck..." she hissed under her breath, shoving her weight against the door.

Her weakened body betrayed her-knees buckling, strength draining faster than her will. She stumbled backward, crashing onto the cold floor. The last thing she felt was the icy marble against her skin before darkness swallowed her whole.

Somewhere else in the club.....

The bass of the music throbbed through the walls, muffling the low voices of a group of men gathered in a secluded corner of the club. Laughter and drunken chatter filled the air, but within their circle, the mood was sharper-controlled.

Among them sat two men who did not blend with the rest.

"Bro, you can't keep declining all the marriage proposals coming your way," Williams said with a sigh. "You even cut Mr. Pascal's daughter's finger just because she tried touching you. Your mum's already having a breakdown because she wants you to settle down."

Jordan's lip curved into a faint, unreadable smile. His gaze flickered constantly, scanning the crowd. But there was something wrong. His body felt strange. Too warm. Too heavy. He was drugged.

"She made you do this, right?" His voice was hoarse, low.

Williams hesitated, then admitted, "I had to. She threatened to send me to Africa if I didn't make you sleep with someone tonight. She's already prepared a girl for you-the Vice President's daughter."

"You'll pay for this, Williams," Jordan growled, forcing himself upright though his body betrayed him. His skin burned, sweat prickling at his temples.

"Damn it..." he cursed through clenched teeth. His vision blurred, the club lights twisting into streaks of color. Every breath felt like fire, every heartbeat hammering against his ribs. The drug was consuming him, stripping him of control. He tried to cling to consciousness, but his body no longer obeyed.

The last thing he registered was Williams' face-caught in the cold wash of the club's blue lights-as his so-called friend dragged him out of the private room.

The room light was dim, shadows flickering across the walls. Jordan tried steadying himself, but his hands wouldn't stay still. His fingers twitched restlessly, as though craving contact with something-anything.

A storm raged inside him. Anger twisted with an unbearable, unfamiliar heat, a raw ache clawing through his veins. It made him stagger, drunk on something he hadn't chosen.

Then he saw her.

Julian lay sprawled on the bed, her body glowing with a fevered flush. Her lashes fluttered against her cheeks, lips parted slightly, soft and inviting. The neckline of her dress gaped open, revealing the steady rise and fall of her chest. Her beauty burned into him like fuel poured on fire.

No... this isn't me.

But the drug mocked his resolve. His body moved without his permission, dragging him closer until he was above her, caging her in. His mouth crashed against hers, a kiss far too rough, too desperate.

Julian's skin tingled with unbearable heat. Her body craved warmth, contact, anything to soothe the ache that pulsed inside her. A low whimper escaped her lips as she clutched at his chest, pulling him closer. Her body betrayed her, moving toward him, hungering for the fire he brought.

He groaned against her mouth, the sound guttural, broken. The kiss deepened, turning savage, wild. His hands trembled as they slid down her arm and anchored at her waist, holding her still.

Julian kissed him back with equal urgency, the drug in her veins stripping away reason. She wanted-no, needed-more.

"Please... don't leave," she whispered, voice breathless and slurred, her eyes hazy.

Her plea shattered the last barrier inside him.

He pressed her down beneath him like a beast finally unleashed, dominance surging where restraint had once lived. His weight covered her, his body straining against hers, his desire a torment that demanded release.

Julian gasped, her body quivering as her dress slipped further, exposing bare skin to the cold air. Her lashes fluttered, half-blind in the dark, unable to make out his face. He was strong, overwhelming-an unyielding force she couldn't fight.

Then came the sharp intrusion.

Julian stiffened, a cry breaking from her lips. Pain flared, her fingers clawing at his back in instinctive resistance. Yet the drug twisted even this-turning pain into a confusing tide of heat and pleasure that stole her voice.

Her hands tangled in his hair, pushing, pulling-caught between resistance and surrender. Her lips sought his again, desperate, as though her body had been hijacked.

He groaned, his own mind warring with his actions. Stop. Stop this... But the fire only grew hotter, and the drug drowned his thoughts in a haze of lust.

To Julian, the world became a blur of heat, pressure, and confusion. Her mind screamed questions-Who is this man? Was he part of Aria's scheme?-but her body no longer obeyed her mind. She was lost in the storm, carried by a tide she couldn't escape.

Her finger slipped from his shoulder,falling limp against the sheet

The last thing she felt was the crushing weight of his body and the pounding of her own frantic heartbeat before darkness swallowed her whole.

The next morning...

Julian woke slowly, every muscle aching as if she'd been dragged across thorns. A groan escaped her lips, her fingers pressing against her temple. The fog in her head slowly cleared, and with it, flashes of last night seared into her mind. Heat. Rough hands. A kiss she hadn't wanted. Her body quivered at the memory.

She turned instinctively, searching the cold sheets beside her.

"The man from last night..." she whispered hoarsely. He was gone.

Panic stirred inside her. She tried to stand, but her legs buckled beneath her, sharp pain stabbing through her body. Her breath caught in her throat, the ache a cruel reminder of what had been done to her.

The door burst open.

Aria walked in first, her face a careful mask of concern. Behind her, Richard and Margaret followed-both stiff, their eyes wide with horror as they took in the scene: Julian disheveled, the room in disarray, the sheets baring shameful evidence of what had happened.

"Damn you-shameless girl!" Margaret's voice cracked as she raised her hand and slapped Julian across the face. The sharp sting burned, and blood trickled from the corner of Julian's mouth.

Julian flinched, eyes widening in disbelief. "Mum-please-"

Margaret's voice trembled with rage. "How could you? Just a few months back in this family, and you're already dragging our name through the mud? Do you know how many years I've worked to build our reputation?!"

"Mum, don't be angry," Aria said softly, stepping forward, her tone full of false concern. "I'm sure sister was just drunk. She didn't mean to sleep with some... random man." Her lashes fluttered, but the glimmer of triumph in her eyes betrayed her.

Julian stared at her, stunned. "Aria-you know the truth. You drugged me!"

Aria's lips parted, her face the perfect mask of hurt. "Sister, how can you accuse me of such a thing? After everything... I was the one who called Mum and Dad here because I was worried about you." She bit her lip, lowering her eyes like a child wounded by unfair blame.

Richard's face hardened, his jaw tight. "Julian, enough. Do you know what shame you've brought to this family? Do you realize what people would say if this ever got out?"

"Dad, please!" Julian's voice cracked. "You have to believe me. I would never-"

"You're a disgrace," Richard thundered, his face dark with fury. His words cut like a blade. "From today, you're no longer my daughter. You'll be sent abroad-you won't return. I will not let any daughter of mine destroy everything I've worked for."

He stormed out. Margaret followed, her face twisted with anger and shame.

Julian's lips trembled as she watched them leave. Tears blurred her vision, her chest heaving with broken sobs. The people she had longed for, the family she thought she'd found-they had abandoned her without hesitation.

Aria's soft laugh broke the silence.

"Hehehe... Julian, I told you. Everything goes my way. Mum and Dad will always believe me over you. Damian will always be mine. And you-" she crouched closer, her smirk wicked, "-you'll always be the long-lost daughter no one wanted back."

Julian's lips trembled. "You... how could you do this to me?"

"How?" Aria tilted her head, her smirk deepening. "Because it's easy. You're too pathetic to fight back."

Aria leaned in, her voice a poisoned whisper. "Hope you enjoyed last night, sis. I made sure the man was... wild. The kind who doesn't know how to be gentle." Her words dripped with mockery.

"You..." Julian's voice cracked, rage and humiliation knotting in her chest.

Aria straightened, flicking her hair back with a triumphant smirk. "Sis, you will always live in my shadow. Enjoy the rest of your miserable life."

Her heels clicked against the floor as she left, her laughter echoing cruelly in the empty room.

Julian sank back onto the bed, tears streaming, her body trembling. Betrayed. Broken.

Mummy,is daddy waiting for us,you promised I would see him today"maya asked blinking up at her mother in expectations

Six years has passed..She was back to New York,the city where all her pains began ...this time she wasn't the fragile and naive girl who left broken....

Her dark hair spilled down in glossy waves, framing a face sculpted with quiet elegance. High cheekbones caught the light, and her almond-shaped eyes, deep and steady, seemed to hold a thousand untold stories. A tailored cream trench coat cinched at her waist hinted at her slender figure, while subtle diamond studs glittered at her ears. Everything about her-her posture, her poise, even the measured grace of her stride

Julian's lips softened into a smile, though her gaze flickered briefly with something darker-hesitation,She smoothed a hand over her daughter's hair. "Baby, don't worry. You'll see your dad soon. I promise." Her voice was calm, but the words carried a weight only she understands

"For now,let's go look for auntie Clara ,she should be here already "Julian said as she went drag their luggage out of the exit

From across the bustling arrivals hall, a tall woman in oversized sunglasses gasped, then waved with dramatic excitement.

Ohhh, my sugar pie!" Clara squealed, striding toward them.

Maya darted forward, her curls bouncing as she leapt into Clara's waiting arms. "Auntie Clara! I finally get to meet you in person. You're soooo much prettier than in the video calls!" she chirped, her little hands cupping Clara's face

Clara threw her head back with a laugh, hugging the child tightly. "My sugar pie, you always know how to sweet-talk me," she said warmly, patting Maya's hair.

"My dear friend,I've missed you so much...you become more finer"...she teased Julian as she help her with the luggage

"I've already booked a hotel for you guys,

Julian smiled warming"thank you babes...I thought I'd surprise you and come unannounced but you always have a way you know "

Clara laughed, looping her arm through Julian's. "Please, you know you can't surprise me. Six years gone, and you still walk in like a queen. Look at you, Jules... sophisticated, confident... nothing like the shy girl I remember."

Julian smirked. "Life has a way of teaching you lessons, Clara. But seeing you now, it feels like nothing has changed."

"Except everything has," Clara said softly, her eyes flicking to Maya. "And this little princess... she's the most beautiful change of all."

Maya grinned shyly, hiding behind Julian's arm. "Auntie Clara, mummy said you'll take us somewhere fun."

Clara's face lit up. "Of course, darling! I've planned so much. But first-" she gave Julian a playful look-"you're telling me everything. Don't even think of hiding a single detail. Six years is too long, and I want it all: the struggles, the triumphs, the heartbreaks, and maybe..." her smile turned mischievous, "...the men?"

Julian chuckled, shaking her head. "You haven't changed one bit. Always digging."

"Mummy where's daddy,why didn't he come to the airport to get us"...Maya asked curious

Clara glanced at Julian questionably,as if asking for clarity on who the "daddy" is

"Baby,let's talk about this later okay,let's go with auntie Clara for now"

As they move towards the exit with their luggage cart,Clara and Maya teasing each other,...a sudden wave of murmurs rippled through the terminal

"Aria! Oh my God, it's really her!" someone screamed, and within seconds, phones were lifted, flashes bursting through the crowd.

Descending gracefully from the escalator was Aria-draped in a designer coat, her long hair flowing like it belonged on a magazine cover. Dark shades framed her flawless face, but even they couldn't dim the aura she carried. She moved with effortless elegance, each step pulling the world's attention toward her.

Beside Aria strode Damian-imposing in a dark tailored suit, his presence commanding even without the cameras on him. Where Aria glittered with celebrity charm, Damian radiated quiet power, his storm-gray eyes sweeping the hall with calculated indifference. Together, they were magnetic-flashes exploding as the press shouted their names, hungry for a glimpse of the city's most talked-about pair. Aria leaned subtly toward him, her hand brushing his arm with practiced familiarity, sealing the image the world had already embraced: the power couple no one could look away from.

To the adoring public, she was their goddess, flawless and pure. Only a fool would believe it. Behind that perfect smile was venom waiting to strike."

Fans screamed her name, security guards rushed to form a shield around her, and the press jostled for the best angle. The whole airport felt as though it had stopped breathing.

Clara sneered, her face hardening. "Jules... that's the bitch. And now she's flaunting it-engaged to Damian, with their wedding around the corner. Unbelievable."

Julian stiffened, her grip tightening on Maya's little hand. Her heart thudded painfully as old memories rushed forward like shadows she thought she'd left behind.

"Mummy," Maya whispered, tugging at her arm, "why is everyone looking at that lady?"

Julian forced a smile, but her gaze never left the dazzling figure walking just a few feet away. Aria's head tilted slightly, as though she sensed eyes on her. For a fleeting second, her gaze slid over the crowd-landing right on Julian.

The world seemed to hold its breath.