Aria’s POV
The hum of voices around me barely registers as I take a sip of my iced tea, trying to focus on the conversation at hand. I’m in the middle of a lunch meeting, nodding politely as the person across from me discusses project deadlines and client demands.
The restaurant is bustling, and my mind keeps wandering to everything but work. The promotion has been on my mind for weeks now, and each day feels like a step closer to the inevitable.
I shift in my seat, straightening as I hear someone calling my name. When I look up, I’m met with the bright, familiar face of an old colleague, Maya. She’s waving enthusiastically as she approaches my table, all smiles.
“Aria! I heard about the big news!” she says excitedly, pulling me into a quick hug before sitting down next to me.
I blin
