Chapter 4

Ariel looked at her phone—it was a private number, there was no way she could call back. The air felt tense, and she could tell the color had drained from her face.

Who was this person, and why was she being threatened? Her hands become sweaty.

"What happened?" Anya moved closer, her voice laced with worry. She had noticed her sudden change of mood after she dropped the call. "Ariel," she held onto her. "Why do you look like you've seen a ghost?"

"S... someone called." Her arms trembled as she wrapped them around her chest. "He or she threatened me—with my past."

Anya took the phone and checked it. There was no way to trace the number. "Calm down, Ariel. Nothing will happen to you," she assured her.

"Anya, have I made a mistake getting married to a man whose last name I barely know?"

She turned to her, eyes wide with panic. "What have I done?"

"You did," Anya replied bluntly, not offering the reassurance Ariel hoped for. "Were you drunk?" She leaned in and brought her nose close to Ariel’s lips.

"You seem fine to me, or…" she moved even closer, making Ariel recoil. "Anya, what are you doing?" Ariel backed away, uncomfortable.

"No smell of alcohol… Did they drug you?" She almost pulled open Ariel's eyelids. "Your eyes look normal… or was it hypnosis?"

"No, Anya." Ariel pushed her away, irritated. "No one forced me to do anything." Anya stared at her in disbelief.

"I got married because I wanted to, okay?" She snapped at her.

"Married? How? Marriage is the last thing you want at this point in your life."

Ten minutes later, after Ariel finished explaining everything, Anya wasn’t confused anymore—she was stunned. "And you agreed to that?"

"What choice did I have?" Ariel cried. "It was a good bargain. Thirty million dollars, Anya! I could use that money to get my baby treated, live a good life."

"At least you should have waited until tomo—"

"Anya," she placed a hand on hers, "I live for Max, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make sure he's hale and hearty."

"I need a drink to comprehend all of this," Anya said, and rose to her feet, walking to the bar.

"Let me get this straight..." She began fixing two drinks. "You’re married now?"

"Yes. Married to a man I met tonight." As if saying it out loud made it more reasonable.

Dropping ice cubes into the glasses, Anya launched into a brisk recitation of Ariel’s past.

"You’re moving to Las Vegas—the same place where you had—" She caught herself when Ariel shot her a warning look not to continue.

"What if you both cross paths?" She handed Ariel her drink. "What are you going to do about that?"

Ariel hadn’t thought of that yet, but one thing was certain—she wouldn’t cower or be intimidated. What she was most worried about was the mysterious caller... and Johnny.

What if he asked her to return the money? What if he found out about— She shook off the vile thoughts. Her personal life wasn’t his business.

While the women talked, miles away in the grand city of Las Vegas, A man in a well-tailored navy blue suit sat behind a mahogany desk, flipping through a file.

The phone on his desk rang suddenly interrupting his peace; It was his father.

Alexander sighed before picking it up, already knowing what was coming. "Good afternoon, Father."

"Alexander," his father barked. "What’s good about the afternoon?"

"The glowing sun and the bustling city of Vegas." If that was meant to be a joke, it failed. His father was much more furious.

"I told you to get a wife. Any update on that?"

"No, Father." Alexander flipped another page.

"The city is void of ladies I desire."

If his father had been in the room, he’d have slapped him by now. "I’ll haunt you from my grave if anything happens."

"I’ll find a wife as soon as possible."

"You say that every time, yet nothing happens!"

He could hear the sound of his father banging on the desk. "Your brother has found a wife," he announced.

Alexander wasn’t surprised. Johnny would do anything to secure the largest share of their father’s inheritance. "Congratulations to him," he said flatly.

"Johnny is the last person I want inheriting my blood and sweat," his father fumed. "Get a wife—as soon as possible." With that, the call disconnected.

Alexander ran a hand through his hair. How could he find another woman when his entire being still yearned for her?

The woman he’d had an encounter with seven years ago? All his efforts to find her had failed.

He had to find her. His thoughts were interrupted by another call—Johnny.

Why would Johnny be calling? He frowned, ready to reject the call, but curiosity won.

"Good afternoon... or is it morning over there?" Johnny said casually.

"What do you want?" Alexander snapped.

Johnny never called without an agenda.

"Calm down, brother," Johnny chuckled.

"It’s been a while since I last heard your voice."

Alexander stood, looking out over the city’s breathtaking skyline. "My life was much better until you called."

"It’s about to get worse, brother." Johnny’s voice oozed mischief. "Father must have called you—I have a wife now."

"I’m sure you kidnapped her and forced the poor woman to obey your every command." Alexander hissed.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk..." Johnny clicked his tongue. "Not everyone is like you, brother."

Alexander was thrown off by that comment. "What are you trying to say?"

"Nothing, Alexander. I just called to inform you that I have a wife—and I’m sure you’ll love her."

His voice dropped. "I’ll be in Las Vegas in two days. Be ready for me." Then he ended the call.

Alexander stared at the phone, confused and uneasy. Johnny had finally lost his mind.

He set the phone on the desk and returned to the file stack, though he couldn’t concentrate.

Feeling bored, he scrolled through social media to unwind.

An interview popped up—someone was interviewing the owner of a fashion store.

"I must say, your business is growing fast. It’s become the top spot for designer wear," said the interviewer.

"Of course. Hard work pays, and I’m living proof," the woman smiled.

He was about to scroll past—but something, or someone, caught his eye. He zoomed in And froze.

Impossible! He shot out of his seat. It was a lie! Alexander zoomed in once more to be sure he wasn't being deceived. There she was, the woman he had searched for all these years!