Ezra had been getting his life back on track until that day. He had finally recovered from the debilitating wound Aria Montgomery had inflicted on him five long years ago. He had met someone, a beautiful medical student named Lily. He lived in a beautiful apartment, in an exclusive area of New York. He had a dream job as a journalist (okay a sports' journalist, but it was something). He was okay, he was really okay.

When Aria had shattered his world in two without explanation he had to try and find a way to move on. He didn't think he would trust anyone again after that. But his heart had become whole again and he had moved on.

Then everything changed and his life was thrown into turmoil again. It was just a normal Tuesday at his office, he was typing an article on the local soccer scene lethargically, when his boss called him over.

"Fitz!" Marina was grinning at him, "I have your big break. You can finally leave sports."

Ezra hated sports, detested them, but he had stayed on in the hope of promotion. He was about to thank her for this opportunity when Marina spoke again,

"I want you to write an article on Aria."

Aria. That name he had heard it more times recently that he had since he had known her. Although, Ezra had come to the conclusion that he had never really known Aria Montgomery. She was famous now. A pop-star, it was hard to believe really. She had never particularly shown any interest in singing when they had been together, he had known she could sing, but thought she was more interested in art and literature.

Aria had lost all the quirk that had made Ezra fall in love with her. She was now your classic star; her hair was dyed blonde and fell in perfect waves, she was skinny and tanned and her style was poles away from the girl he had known. Ezra didn't care for her music, but it was unavoidable. She was unavoidable; her exploits were on every magazine, newspaper and even social media.

"I can't Marina, I have… history." Ezra said sheepishly.

His boss simply smiled at his refusal, and said "I know. The Christmas Party? Remember?"

Oh God, Ezra had a little too much beer at their last Christmas party and had told the whole enraptured office the story of him and Aria.

He cringed at the memory of his drunken tale and replied,

"Then you know why I can't write a lovely article on someone who screwed me over."

The sub-editor pursed her lips,

"We don't want "a lovely article". We want a shocking exposé. You are the man for the job. Also this will result in a permanent promotion. Unless you want to be stuck in sport forever?"

"Lily, how would you feel about me interviewing Aria?" Ezra was lying in the couple's beautiful four poster bed, he had been mulling over Marina's words all day.

Lily looked up, surprised, from her laptop, "Aria, as an in your pop-star ex Aria?" she said suspiciously narrowing her ice blue eyes.

Ezra saw the look in her eyes, "It's okay if you're not happy with it. I won't do the interview," he said quickly.

"No, I…I just guess I'm surprised. You hate her. She, and I quote, "ripped your heart into pieces, then shredded it, then set it on fire and stamped on it"." Lily replied bemusedly, "I don't understand why you'd want to see her again."

Lily knew the story of Aria's betrayal.

"All that's true. She wasn't the person I thought I loved. But it's a chance to write a cutting article on her that will earn me great publicity," Ezra explained. He wanted to further his career, but if he was honest he was a little bit enticed by the idea of revenge on Aria.

"Well, you shouldn't pass up on a great opportunity to get the career you deserve just because of her. Go for it, Ezzy." Lily said encouragingly.

"I think I will." Ezra said determinedly.

Meanwhile on the West Coast, a certain pop princess was partying hard. After a long day doing promo for her latest single, Aria needed to blow off some steam. She used to party for the fun of it, now it was a hedonistic ritual that she needed to function. On entry to the exclusive party she downed 3 shots of something horrendously strong, her mouth burned as she tried to stop herself from throwing up. The music in the hot club was making her head pound.

Oh shit, there was her manager Gary, she knew he was angry at her for blowing off her last interviews today. Aria staggered onto the dancefloor, trying to focus on staying upright. She swayed precariously. She was avoiding Gary, she had been for the past few weeks.

She had history with her manager that she didn't want to repeat. Gary had this charisma that she found difficult to resist, they knew they were attracted to each other and had been having an affair for a while. But that had to stop, Gary was married, not to mention that sex jeopardised their working relationship.

But she found that his magnanimous presence had moved beside her on the dancefloor, his large hand rested on her slim hip as she writhed to the music. Gary swept her long blonde hair from her neck and murmured, "I need to talk to you," with hot breath into her ear.

He grabbed Aria's wrist and led her into a corridor around the side of the club. Aria's manager stood close to her, his six foot five large frame bearing down on her tiny body which was pressed against the wall. She could smell his expensive cologne and his dress shirt pressed against her arm. Aria was utterly infatuated with the older man and her every nerve ending was throbbing with desire.

"Aria why did you skip your interviews earlier? You know how important this is to your success." Gary said angrily frowning at her.

"I don't know I…I got bored I guess. You know how difficult it is to keep me satisfied, very few can do it I guess." Aria said pouting.

Gary's face remained angry but a mischievous glint appeared in his eyes.

"Aria I know how difficult it is but I always managed it. You've annoyed me today baby, you're going to have to make it up to me." His voice had changed to a low seductive growl.

Every piece of common sense in Aria's body had been washed away by the alcohol and she was on fire.

"I will, I promise," she whispered her voice hushed by lust.

"Now Aria, you're going to make it up to me now." Gary commanded. He kissed her violently she eagerly received his lips on hers. He lifted her up and carried her to a nearby bathroom and locked the door behind them.