"Karen?" Amber and Ariana looked at their guest with considerable surprise. Meanwhile, Adel, as the messenger, now stared back at the woman behind her in amazement. She had indeed seen the person referred to as Karenina yesterday. But she hadn't seen her clearly because the woman had already entered the car and left the restaurant just like that. And now, seeing the woman up close, she was undeniably shocked, fascinated, and also envious. Karenina's appearance was undoubtedly something every girl desired. Tall and slender, fair skin, perfectly groomed face and hair. And again, the clothes she wore. Adel really wanted to whistle if she didn't remember that Amber and Ariana were in the room. How could she not, the girl who looked so much like Ariana looked beautiful in a pricey Zimmermann dress that Adel estimated to cost more than ten million. Not to mention the shoulder bag she wore, a Roger Vivier creation that surely valued in the tens of millions. Her shoes? Although they appeare
"Do you think that's wrong?" Ariana challenged again. "I'm just learning from the experts. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, right? And didn't you and your mother do the same thing? Because of Dad's bankruptcy, you went to wealthier men. Didn't matter if you were scorned for breaking up someone else's marriage." Karenina was taken aback. She was quite surprised by Ariana's attitude. In the past, even though Ariana was known as a tomboy, she was not rough. Not like now. "I don't want to be at a disadvantage, Karen, dear. My status will change to widow in just a few days. Even before everyone knows I'm already married. I need compensation to bear that shame. Right?" Karenina looked at Ariana with a furrowed brow. "Give me a surprising offer, Karen. After that, I'll consider whether I'll leave Gerald or not. That's if I even want to leave him." She replied ambiguously. Karenina was once again left confused. "Oh, come on, Ariana. If marrying Gerald isn't advantageous, why would
"What do you mean?" Gerald raised himself slightly, supporting his head and propping it up with his folded hand. He lowered his gaze to Ariana, who still appeared incredulous about what Gerald was asking her. "I'm just giving you options. I'm asking where you want to stay. Who knows, maybe you don't want to go back to my house," he said flatly. "Will you grant my request then?" Ariana asked, still looking incredulous. "As long as your request is reasonable, Mrs. Aarzu." Ariana chuckled. "What if I ask to stay at the Royal Penthouse President Wilson Hotel, would you grant it?" Ariana challenged again. Gerald raised an eyebrow. Then he smiled cunningly. "Are you proposing a honeymoon with me? If so, why not." This time, Ariana was wide-eyed hearing his question. "You're insane!" she exclaimed as she tried to move away. But Gerald was quicker. He restrained Ariana again with his hands and legs. Ariana tried to push his chest, but she always seemed to lack the strength. They lay on
"Gerald..." Ariana unconsciously moaned the man's name. Gerald froze for a moment. He straightened up instantly. Looking at Ariana with propped up on both elbows without releasing his grip on Ariana's hands. Ariana's face had turned red, and the girl's breathing seemed labored. And Gerald knew why because he felt the same way. They both want each other. "Ariana..." Gerald repeated the girl's name hesitantly. But that what he saw on Ariana's face now made him step back. "Don't..." Ariana said softly. Her eyes turned red, and Gerald could see an unmistakable glint there. Ariana cried. And Gerald now really got up from his seat. He felt angry and humiliated at the same time. 'Does he look so disgusting in front of Ariana?' she asked herself. Gerald moved backward, although he did not leave the bed. And Ariana also sat on the bed. "I'm tired." Ariana spoke up. Gerald turned and saw Ariana like a child hugging her knees. Gerald tried to understand. He stared at the girl in silence.
After snapping out of her trance, Ariana hit Gerald with the nearest pillow within her reach. "You pervert!" she exclaimed. Ariana then got up from the bed and walked towards the bathroom quickly. "Where are you going?" Gerald asked with teasing tone and smile. "Taking a shower! Suddenly I feel so hot!" Ariana replied from the bathroom door. "Need any help? Maybe I could assist you in scrubbing your back or something else?" Gerald offered, his tone playful. Ariana stopped in her tracks. She turned around and looked at Gerald with a raised eyebrow. Gerald looked back at her with a hopeful expression. "In your dreams!" Ariana muttered before closing the door with a rather loud thud. Gerald burst into laughter. Meanwhile, inside the bathroom, Ariana sat back on the toilet seat, holding her chest that was beating so rapidly. How could she not? The conversation she had just had with Gerald was like giving their relationship a chance. Ariana didn't know why she could do that, especially
With a quick motion, Gerald turned off the television and stood up from his seat. Now, Ariana could clearly observe the man. Gerald was still dressed in his work attire: a long-sleeved white shirt that he had folded up to his elbows and black trousers. His tie had been loosened, and the top two buttons of his shirt seemed deliberately undone. Normally, such a sight would remind Ariana of salesmen for household products who typically went door to door selling their goods. Or it would bring to mind new interns who could be seen in various stores and even some offices. You know, their typical new employee attire, black and white. However, for some reason, seeing Gerald dressed like that made him look even more charming to her. Ariana couldn't quite understand her own thought process. And the man's jacket hung on the single sofa not far from where Ariana stood. Seeing his personal belonging in her room, he acted as if the room belonged to Gerald alone. Normally, this should have made A
"What do you want to do after this?" Gerald asked Ariana, who was now leaning back in her chair, rubbing her rounded belly after eating to her heart's content. Ariana turned and then shrugged. "You still haven't answered my question, where do you want us to stay tonight?" She straightened her shoulders. "I'm confused," she said softly, gazing at Gerald attentively. "What's going on with you? You were clearly angry this morning, but now? Why are you so understanding?" Gerald just shrugged. "Didn't I explain everything earlier? We're going to start fresh because I like you. I want to make you like me back. And because of that, I'll do anything you like." Ariana could only shake her head in disbelief. Well, aren't all men sweet when they want something, she thought to herself. "I don't know," she replied afterward. "I don't have anywhere else. Besides my dad's house, the apartment, and the restaurant, I don't have any other place." Ariana answered honestly. "Do you want to come to
Ariana opened the door to the balcony, and instantly, the cool air rushed into the room, tousling her hair. The scent of damp earth wafted into her nose. Ariana stepped outside. The balcony was spacious, very spacious. Some parts of the floor were covered with wood, while others were covered with Japanese grass that tickled anyone who walked on it. A wooden swing was on one side of the high glass balcony railing. On one side of the balcony, there was a long chair that looked comfortable to sit on. In the middle, there was an empty area that seemed deliberately left unfurnished. "We can camp here," Gerald said casually. He was already sitting on the swing, cross-legged, his eyes fixed on Ariana. "You like camping, don't you?" he asked again. Ariana just turned towards him and shrugged. "Back then, you went with that jerk," she muttered. Ariana smiled. Was he jealous of Chris now? She wondered to herself. "Do you even have camping gear?" Ariana challenged. Gerald just shrugged. "If