The three women turned to him. Two stared, While one looked shy. Ariana cringed at the sight. "S-She. How could that be?" Asked the shoulder-length-haired woman. The woman is beautiful, white-skinned, with a sad face, and of course, if she smiles, she will give a warm impression. Of course, her skin was smooth from care, as was the woman sitting next to her.
"Ariana Leonidas?" The voice came from the oldest woman there.
"Yes it's me." Ariana nodded politely at her.
"I'm Rosaline Zeroun." The woman just nodded without intending to stand up and reach out her hand. Ariana followed her and just nodded slowly. "He's my daughter-in-law Isidora. And next to her, it looks like you know who."
"Mrs. Caitlyn Brooks," Ariana answered flatly. The older adult nodded again. "What's the matter with three respectable women coming to my dingy place?" Ariana asked, seeming to be sarcastic.
"We heard bad news." Said the older adult.
"Is it true?" Ariana asked sarcastically. "Does it have anything to do with me? Because as far as I know, I have no business with any of you. Even though I know one of you." Ariana looked at the three women and stopped on Mrs Brooks' face for a long time.
"Sure. This has something to do with you. Because we need your help." Said Mrs. Rosaline Zeroun again. There is not the slightest low tone like someone who needs help.
Rich people and their arrogance make Ariana snorted in her heart.
"And what kind of help do you need from a poor person like me?" Ariana asked again. Amber, sitting next to her, reprimanded her by lightly patting her thigh. "Sorry if I'm rude. Understand, I grew up without a mother." The answer was full of emphasis. "So?" She looked back at Mrs. Rosaline.
"My grandson was supposed to marry your twin sister this afternoon." said the woman. Ariana nodded. "But it turns out your sister disappeared." she continued again.
Amber gasped in surprise. Not because Ariana has twin sisters but Because her best friend knew that. Not even because her sister was going to marry the son of a billionaire, But because of the news that her sister was 'missing'.
Ariana hasn't had the chance to tell her friend and cousin that yet.
Oh yes, Amber is the daughter of her father's older brother. Of course, the girl also knew the esteemed Mrs. Caitlyn Brooks—her former aunt.
Back to wedding matters. "Then? Why are you relaxing here? This is not a police station, and I am also not a psychic who can help you find out where he is. So I can't help you look for her." Ariana answered again.
The older adult smiled. "You know the purpose of our coming here. You are a clever woman." Compliment the woman. Even though it sounded cold and cynical, it sounded sincere in Ariana's ears.
"Sure. I understand. My twin sister's mother said so last night although not in detail." Ariana's answer was no less cynical. "But I can guess what she wants. Her husband even dared to give me whatever I asked for as long as I helped him. But it turns out, he couldn't give me what I asked for." Ariana answered honestly.
"But what you're asking is unreasonable, Ariana." Mrs. Caitlyn's voice interrupted.
"What's unreasonable, milady? You're asking me to submit myself to pretending to be your daughter to an indefinite extent because we don't know when your beloved daughter will return and take her position. Isn't that what you want? Making me a replacement bride just because 'Your Princess' and I have the same face. But sorry, I'm not that cheap as to mortgage myself with some money." Ariana said in disgust.
This time, it was Mrs. Isidora Leonidas who gasped in surprise. She looked at Ariana and Caitlyn alternately. "I asked for your son's heart to replace mine. That only makes sense." Ariana hissed. The woman's face turned pale. "Why? You are not willing? Is your son too precious? To my father, I am also valuable. Madam."
"Ariana..." Amber rubbed Ariana's thigh again. Trying to calm Ariana's emotions. But Ariana ignored her. She turned to the older woman in front of her.
"So, do you have a better offer for me, ma'am?" Ariana asked again. "As you said, I'm a smart girl. I know, if this marriage is canceled, it will embarrass your family. Moreover, this whole plan has already gone into the media. But I'm sure, there are people who are more disadvantaged here." she answered. A faint nod of the oldest woman's head was visible. "So, let's negotiate." she offered.
"What do you want, young lady?" Asked Mrs. Rosaline. The older adult looked at Ariana with a look of admiration.
Curious? Ariana couldn't read it.
"Withdraw all your investments. Sever all your family's cooperation with the Brooks family. Then I am willing to help you." Ariana said with a wide smile on her face. A happy twinkle could be seen in her golden eyes.
"Ariana..." The voice came from Mrs. Caitlyn Brooks again.
"That's the best offer I can make you, Madam. Heart or soul breaker. Because if you offer me money. I don't need it. I can look for it myself. And if you threaten to bankrupt me and my father's business, I will not be afraid. If you forget, my father and I have experienced it. Being at the lowest point of our lives. And that's why you left us, right?" There is no fiery tone. Everything sounds flat without emotion. But somehow, it can make people who hear it shiver.
"You are indeed a smart girl." Praises Madame Rosaline with a smile on her face.
"Thank you, Madam. My father taught me to be intelligent. And my 'biological' mother taught me to be cunning and realistic." Ariana answered without the slightest hint of sarcasm. "So?"
"Ariana, can't you help Mama? Without any conditions? Or if necessary, I will beg you, darling?" The beautiful woman was pitiful. He even got out of his seat and stood between his knees.
Mama? Darling? The call made Ariana shudder in disgust.
Ariana just stared at him flatly. "Sorry, in business. We are advised not to play our hearts out. I'm afraid the same thing will happen again. Being completely deceived by someone we think we know." Ariana answered coldly. "I think our conversation has ended here. I will help you if you accept my request." Ariana rose to her feet. They thought that Ariana would open the door to throw them out gently. But not. The girl opened the door because she intended to leave the room. Her chest was tight, and her head felt like it would explode. Looking at her mother only disgusted her.
Silence greeted the place after Ariana closed the door. "Amber, help Auntie." Mrs. Caitlyn now looked at the cute girl with glasses still sitting frozen in her place. "Please persuade Ariana to help Auntie. Please."
Amber swallowed hard. She looked at the three women in turn. Ariana is someone who takes work to control. That girl is stubborn. And if she wants something, she will work hard to get it. And if she likes something, she will take care of it; likewise, if she doesn't like something. She will show it. It's easier to persuade her if she intends to change her mind.
Amber shook her head slowly. "Sorry, auntie. I can't. Ariana now is not like Ariana from before. She has changed since auntie left her." Amber answered honestly.
Caitlyn went limp. Silent in place. "Married or not. The result will be the same." Said Mrs. Rosaline Zeroun. She rose to her feet with the help of a cane. Her assistant helps her.
Mrs. Rosaline held her assistant's arm as support before turning around. "If you don't get married, you're broke. Even if you get married, you're still broke. But at least you'll still have a good name. And your proud son. Just decide on your choice." Mrs. Rosaline left the two women.
Ariana... That name warmed Mrs. Rosaline's heart. Similar but different. That's what the older adult felt between Ariana and Karenina.
Ariana was leaning against the wall, chatting with her employees who were busy cleaning the seafood that would be the main ingredient for their lunch. A sauce chef was working on the ingredients, while others were cleaning vegetables. Ariana's laughter stopped when Amber tapped her shoulder and pulled her away. "We need to talk," she said. Ariana turned and looked at Amber with her usual poker face. They headed towards the front of the restaurant. Amber gestured for her to follow without saying a word. Ariana finally got into the girl's sedan. Okay, the bespectacled girl was clearly in her annoyed mode. Ariana would just follow along. Before long, they parked at a cafe, ordered gelato, a few slices of cake, and some cold drinks. It seemed like Amber was trying to bribe her. "What do you want to know?" she asked, getting straight to the point. Honestly, Amber couldn't stay mad at Ariana for long. Because if she got angry, Ariana with her stubborn attitude would ignore her. Or worse,
"Are you sure you don't want to give your mother a chance?" Amber asked again. Ariana looked at her and then shook her head. Okay, Amber wouldn't persuade her anymore. If she was just ignored by Ariana, what if Ariana fired her later? She might also get scolded by Ariana's father. They returned to the restaurant. It was already 11 in the morning when they got back. Both Ariana and Amber entered their workspace, which also served as their private break room. Ariana, who had left her phone in her bag, was now checking it. She slid the screen, unlocked it, and saw several missed calls. "Mom?" Ariana pressed her mother's number and made the call. "Ariana, hello, dear." The voice on the other end sounded panicked and tearful. "Mom? Is there..." "Your father, dear," her mother interrupted before Ariana could ask. "What about Dad?" "Mom, you don't know. Dad called earlier, but suddenly the call got cut off. Mom went to Dad's office, but they said Dad left for an appointment. Mom checke
Gerald was dressed in a white suit with silver threads adorning the lapels. He looked even more handsome with his clean-shaven face, specially prepared for this occasion. His thick, black hair was neatly styled with expensive musk-scented hair oil. His grandmother sat beside him, holding his left hand with her wrinkled right hand. Gerald patted that hand reassuringly. He loved his grandmother deeply, even more than his mother. And this marriage wasn't the marriage they initially wanted, but after learning who his bride was, both of them had found new motivation. They had entered the grand estate. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks, along with their son, were waiting at the entrance, along with several people Gerald didn't recognize. They were all dressed in expensive and classy attire, clearly tailored for the occasion. They welcomed Gerald and his family as if they were honored guests. And indeed, they were honored guests. The Brooks family had to flatter them, or else their family's nobility woul
Gerald had stopped pretending to be sick. He sat on the bed, supporting his body by placing his hands on either side of him. His legs crossed each other. His eyes looked at Ariana, scanning her from top to bottom. "You're beautiful," the man said. "No need to remind me. I already knew that. You're not the first person to say that," Ariana answered casually. She was now sitting with her back to the mirror. Her hips leaned against the dressing table, while her arms were folded in front of her chest, making her ample bosom look even puffier. "Besides, if 'she' is ugly, how would a man like you marry her?" The sentence referred to his identical twin sister, Karenina. "A man like me?" Gerald raised an eyebrow. "Yes, men like you. And people like you. People who prioritize reputation above all else. Respect seekers," Ariana mocked. Gerald smiled and nodded in agreement. "Yes, I think you're right," he said later. "But my wife," Gerald rose again from his seat and slowly approached. Aria
The night had grown so late. Ariana once again entered the room that had been used for her preparations earlier. The reception was not yet over, but she was exhausted. Extremely tired. Especially because she had been forced to look elegant by wearing stilettos all night. Something she had avoided for so long. And she had no idea when the event would end. She didn't care anymore. What mattered was that she had fulfilled her duties as a bride earlier. Welcoming the guests. And after that, it wasn't her obligation to accompany and engage with them all night long. After all, she didn't even know them. They were Brooks family guests and her unfamiliar husband's guests. Not hers. Fortunately, the peach dress she was wearing was easy to take off. The only thing that puzzled Ariana now was, where was her change of clothes? The jeans and shirt she had been wearing earlier were nowhere to be found. As a result, she sought out the housemaid who had been accompanying her since earlier, asking h
Ariana struck the man's hand hard enough that her own hand hurt afterward. "What are you doing?!" the man asked in a drowsy voice. Ariana turned over, her head turning to the right to look at the face of the stranger who was now her husband. "I should be asking you. What are you doing?!" she retorted sharply, accusingly. "Didn't you say last night that you would take me home?" Instead of answering, the man slid closer and nestled his head against Ariana's neck, wrapping his arms around her waist and entwining his legs tightly. He didn't seem bothered at all. "I did take you home, dear. I brought you to bed, and I even kindly took off your clothes. What's wrong?" he said with a muffled voice against the curve of Ariana's neck. Ariana shuddered at his breath. "But why bring me here? Why not take me to the apartment?" Ariana now spoke softly. "Because your home is here. Where your husband is," he replied curtly. "Don't forget that I married you as a stand-in for Karenina," Ariana r
Ariana lightly slapped both of her cheeks. Oh God, what had she just done? Making out? It felt like more than just making out. It hadn't even been 24 hours since she became this man's wife, and she had already done such... "Aaarrrggghhhh..." Ariana stifled her restrained scream. She swore she felt embarrassed, even though she didn't want to admit it. The man had taught her such wicked things. For God's sake, Ariana had never been touched by any man before. So why had she behaved like a loose woman, allowing herself to be kissed and touched by a stranger? Okay, not entirely a stranger. He was her husband now. And Ariana hadn't committed any sinful act, even though she had gone further than that. But the man was still a stranger. Despite his status as her husband. All Ariana knew about him was his name, Gerald Zeroun. She barely knew anything about his job, age, and she couldn't even remember the name of the old woman, Rosaline Zeroun, who was apparently his grandmother. As for the w
"Axel is not my biological son." Gerald's answer made Ariana look up. Her eyes looked at Gerald confusedly. "I have a brother. His name is Axelo Darrel Zeroun. He is four years younger than me. One time, he got drunk and made love to a girl. He said she was his classmate on campus. We thought it was just a one-night stand. You know the society of today's young people. But it turns out our guess was wrong. Darrel is really into that girl. He was willing to give everything to the girl. My father didn't accept it. He wanted Darrel to focus more on his studies and work at the company. An unsanctioned love and typical youth rebellion. Darrel chose that woman over his family. This situation happened about five years ago. Darrel's age is the same as you are now. At that time, I didn't know. I am busy with my studies and work abroad. I didn't know about Darrel's rebellion because no one told me. And Darrel also changed into a more closed person at that time. Then, something happened. Fat