ARIANNA
"What the hell are you doing here!?" Lucas thundered upon being interrupted by the sound of the food flask hitting the ground. The lady who he was having a hot make out with quickly averted her eyes from mine and tried buttoning up her shirt and adjusting her skirt. Filled with anger, I walked towards the door and banged it tight shut before facing my attention back at the disgusting site I just beheld."Now the only reason I locked that door is because mother is around and I do not want her to see the disgusting scene you are indulging in as a married man" I spoke through gritted teeth. Lucas had his nostrils flaring and his eyes were like balls of flames. "How dare you Arianna!? You literally brought my mother here with you huh? How many times have I warned you not to ever step feet in my company!? You come here for what reason? To spread your badluck and negative aura all over my workspace right?!""Are you even listening to yourself at all Lucas?" I fought to control my tears as my chest rose repeatedly. I stared at Lucas in absolute confusion watching him speak bullshit. I just caught this man kissing another woman and all he can say is this!"Is this the reason you would never let me come to your company? Is this the reason Lucas? You fully well know that the whole world knows you are married and..and." I struggled to catch my breath and speak as tears pooled by my eyes."And so fucking what!? Do you think I give two fucks if the entire galaxy knows I am married!?" Lucas scowled."But I do!" I retorted back in tears. I could not hold back my tears any longer."I care morning, noon and night about this marriage even if you do not! I care but you are doing this! Are you trying to belittle me and this marriage in front of the world by doing this Lucas!?" Lucas hissed and turned his eyes away from my reddened eyes.Angrily, my eyes veered at the woman whom he was kissing and like usual she avoided my gaze, her body movements coated in shame and fear.Oh so she feels embarrassed in kissing a married man!? But she did not think twice before kissing my own husband so passionately."You are so shameful and despicable. Just look at you? How do you feel knowing you did this with a married man?" I spat at her but I got no words apart from silence as a reply."You better leave her and work out of here right now else..." Lucas sternly warned.But I did not fear his warnings at all."Or else what!? Huh?" I seized his appearance with terrible glares of mine."Will you beat me? Will you slap me? Will you embarass me? I am not new to all those harsh treatments from you so go ahead but if you do not respect this union of marriage I do. I know the value of relationships and I will not let you throw our marriage to the mud in front of the entire world!" I stood my ground determinedly at him. "And as for you.." I eyed her and I am very sure she felt uncomfortable beneath my heated stares."You..." I began to speak but noticed something on her which got me to pause in my speech. She had a locket tied around her neck which was partially opened. With hiked brows, my fingers trailed to grasp hold of her locket."What...?" She gasped noticing I was taking hold of it."What...what is this?" I whispered underneath my breath, my fingers fully opening the locket.Inside it was a tiny engraved image of Lucas. My eyes widened in sheer horror and trepidation. I quickly turned to stare at Lucas."You gave her this?" I questioned.Lucas gave me no reply, affirming my belief."Please let go of my locket" the young lady spoke up, her face now becoming contorted in anger at me."Really? Ok sure I will. I am sorry for holding it for too long" I flashed her a sarcastic smile right before ripping the locket from her neck."Jesus" she let out a shriek, her hands inadvertently going to her neck.I had tore it off her neck so hard that it left an awful red mark on her skin."Arianna!" Lucas bellowed but I did not cower in fear at his anger."Now leave" I flashed her a gloaty smile with my brows hiked up.Glaring at both I and Lucas, she quickly walked towards the door and banged it shut behind her with the sound echoing through the walls."You are so shameless honestly. You go about tarnishing our image and yet you blame it on me! Must you wash your dirty linens in public!?" Anger was an understatement of what I was feeling right now."Arianna, if you do not leave here right this minute I swear I will slap the living day light out of you" Lucas lowly said, his voice rumbling like that of an intense thunder storm."Wow" I gazed at him transfixed like I was in a daze."I brought you food as a thoughtful wife. I felt my husband needed to eat as he did not eat before leaving for work. I did it even though I knew you would not appreciate my efforts and yet instead, I caught you making out with a woman and still you are not even remorseful?" I cried."Yes I am not" Lucas replied unapologetically at me."And you want to know why? Because I do not love you one bit. You can not even satisfy me with your mouth talk more of your entire body but yet you are shocked as to why I do things with other women" Lucas laughed. His utterances were like a two edged sword, piercing right through me and puncturing my heart.I shook like a leaf in the storm hearing him speak."Get out of here right now! I will deal with you when I come back home" Lucas growled at me.I could only gaze at him with so much but yet unspoken words raiding my eyes.Dejectedly, I turned to leave his office."Fucking bitch" I heard him curse underneath his breath.Closing the door, I cleaned my tears quickly but my tear stained cheeks might still gave me away to mother if she observed my facial features closely. Plastering a plastic smile on to her face, I walked towards her direction."You took so long dear. Did he like the food?" Mother quickly asked on seeing me."Yes he did. He will bring the food flask back home" I lied right to her face.Mother was beaming with smiles. I can not afford to tell her the main truth. It would shatter her to know the extent Lucas is willing to go to so as to make this marriage hell for me. He said he would deal with me later when he comes back home. I can not wait to see what new means of torture Lucas has in store for me.ARIANNA It was a very bad idea again wasn't it? I just knew it was from the second mother suggested it. My heart drummed in my ears, a million fanatical inconsistent beats playing within me. Why did I even agree to going there? What was I even expecting in the first place?Did I really imagine that Lucas would welcome me with open arms? The same man forbade me from ever coming to his office and just the sight of my face irritates him to the core. A sound of displeasure left my lips as I pondered over what took place earlier this morning in Lucas' office.My own husband was caught red handed making out with a human and he showed no sign of remorse to it. Anxiety filled up my senses and nausea set in. What usually went on between him and his mistresses?Mistresses wow. A pained smile carved on my lips. I was sharing my husband with multiple women.No form of decency or respect for me as his wife whatsoever.Is this a marriage or hell in disguise of a marriage?How many more lover
ARIANNA Salty watery tears, fueled up in my ears as I stared at my reflection in the horizontal mirror in my closet. My fixed tourmaline gaze was on the awful beetroot red mark that Lucas slap had left engraved on my skin. My pain clogged my lungs, making it quite difficult for me to breathe for a brief moment.Slowly, my slender fingers caressed the mark and I winced in pain, shutting my eyes tight. Bruises which I got from his nails were still very much fresh, dried blood smearing their surface.Pushing back the clog that was in my throat, I let out a bright smile, one that was capable of hiding my pain. I was practicing on how I would react when I ran into Lucas again. I do not even think I would be able to face anyone this morning but I can not keep sulking about my unfortunate fate up here in my room. No. I will hold my head up high and walk down the stairs like nothing happened. As I thought of it all, tears struggled to break through the barrier of my eyelids but I bli
ARIANNA I assisted mother in setting up the dining table in preparation for dinner. Nevertheless, I still could not help myself from slipping in into the abyss thoughts which filled my mind up these days. No matter how hard I tried to overlook it all and act like nothing was wrong, I just could not. It was way too impossible to ignore everything going on in this family and in my marital life. A deep sigh pushed past my lips. Who knows what Lucas will do to me especially after what happened here this morning? Who knows what he has up his sleeves this time around given how mother stood up for me and slapped him. She did a good thing by reprimanding him for hitting me but I would be at the receiving end of it all once Lucas unleashes his fury and nobody will come to rescue me from his deadly ploys. Some times I just ask myself if I am very unfortunate as a person. Like do I have this aura of negativity and badluck that follows me wherever I go? Because I am so tired of being slander
ARIANNA I propped myself into the white sedan that was going to convey us to our destination. Lucas came inside to sit but not next to me as expected. He sat at the other end, his eyes fixed onto his smart phone. I watched him ping away on his phone from underneath my dark lashes and veered my eyes away, staring through the tinted windows of our car.The engine geared up to the life and we began rolling out of the mansion. A rattling silence filled the space in between as the car drove further towards our destination. I loved the silence to be honest. Lucas did not say a word to me neither did he spare me a second glance which was what I was very grateful for. The silence was very much needed, the only sound heard being the moving tires on the highway.I enjoyed the natural scenic view of the night sky. The stars were like precious gem stones all littered in the sky, shimmering whilst the luminous moon spread its soft rays above us. It was indeed beautiful to watch. Sometim
ARIANNA I listened in silence as Lucas and Ian Connor would talk repeatedly concerning their business and partnership benefits. It was really boring if you asked me.I hardly did contribute because whenever I tried to talk, Lucas would flash me a side eye death glare which would always make me to go mute. But still, my reserve nature did not stop Ian Connor from always passing complementary glances and words my way. Someone would even think he was my husband and not Lucas Hilton. But nevertheless, I noticed how defensiveness, aggressive and also possessive Lucas would always become whenever Ian complement me. What is his fucking problem? He never says nice to me or even about me to other people yet he will not allow someone else to say the same. I shook my head inwardly whilst still sitting like a loyal dog and listening to the men chatter."Well I have heard all your business ideas. The sales of our products if we end up in this partnership deal will really sell round the glo
ARIANNA I stood from afar watching with teary eyes how my own husband danced away the night with another woman like I did not exist to him. One would even assumed he was married to her and not me. No matter how much I tried to keep my gazes at bay and away from him and his new lover I just could not. He seemed so happy, the happiest I have ever seen him since we got married.As the soft classical rhythmic music played, feeling the entire room and creating a serene ambience, Lucas danced with the woman with so much glee radiating off him. To stand next to me in public was like an abomination to this man and yet he was twirling this lady like she was the one his heart longed for. His hand was firmly snaked around her waist, his other hand interlocked with hers whilst their faces were in close proximity with each others. Any more closers would make their lips meet. I stopped myself from sobbing, pressing my lips tightly together.He was the least considerate about how I would feel
LUCAS "So you actually got married to that common woman I saw you talking to?" Sheelah asked, a scorn on her face and disgust lacing her tone."Yes. It is really not some thing I am proud of saying" I replied with a sigh.Sheelah let out a dissatisfactory sound and tweaked her nose at me. "Sheesh. Hell yeah you should not even be saying it. How could you, Lucas Hilton, the ceo of a multimillion dollar company settle for a common girl whose net worth can not even be up to the salary you pay your lowest servant? How? Lucas I expected more from you. I mean c'mon. You left all the famous, rich and prominent women just to settle with that plane and uninteresting thing eew. Even her face wreaks of poverty" Finally someone was seeing things from my own point of view. My parents could have literally made me pick at least a woman of the working class even though she was not famous but no. I was being forced to marry a total ingrate, a boring and plane woman.Just the thought pisses
ARIANNA Oh no! This is bad. This is really really bad. I am done for. "Lucas wait" I called after him in tears but Lucas did not stop to even look back at me. He marched forwards and his steps were so quick, filled with so much pulsating anger."Urgh for the love of God" I heard Ian mutter with annoyance behind me. I quickly pivoted to see him. "I am really sorry Ian for..." my voice trailed off as I did not even know how to speak."No no it is fine. Go and talk to your husband ok. I totally get it" Ian apologetically cut me short with a hand massaging his forehead. I nodded and quickly ran after Lucas. He had walked out of the hall.I spotted him marching down the flights of stairs. "Lucas please hold on" I called to him but he still turned a deaf ear to my voice. But nevertheless, I did not give up. I ran after him till we had gotten outside the hall. "Lucas will you please hear me out? I did not do anything bad that you think I did. Please" I implored, choking on my sobs bu
ARIANNASIX MONTHS LATER "I'd be donating a sum of five million dollars to this foundation as my own way of empowering women to become stronger, more independent, more resilient in the face of challenges because....."I had barely even completed my speech on the stage when a wave of ovation took the air.Every one was cheering for me, calling my name and the cameras were flashing at I and Simon's direction.I stared down at Simon who seemed enthralled by the various lights flashing at him. I waited for the applaud to die down before I began speaking again."I had never things easy for me when growing up. And I know it's not easy for you all out there too, struggling in the face of economic challenges, marital issues, personal challenges and the likes but I do not want you to ever give up. Yes this is for all of you..." the ovation swept the air once more but I still kept on speaking."Don't ever give up. Because when life throws you lemons, you know what you do with it? You make fuc
ARIANNAI never for once imagined I'd be delighted to see the home of the Hiltons ever again.I watched with relief as the broad gates of the mansion parted for Ian to drive in with I and Simon. Lucas and Rose followed us behind which gave me a sense of security and peace. Honestly I still felt alot traumatized and frightened. Even when Ian was still driving on the high way, I was always on the edge. My eyes would glance at everyone we passed in fear. I can't imagine the traumatic effects this would have on Simon. When I came back to America after six years, I never expected that this was what laid in store for me.From running into Lucas and Anne, to coming to work for them again, dealing with Anne's overbearing attitude and her schemes, finding out about the truth of her unborn baby and almost getting killed for it. Truly fate had outdone itself in this one.Ian drove his car into the parking area and came down to open up for I and Simon. It was already dusk by the time we ar
Rose sat in her room patiently in expectant of a call.She just knew her guts were right and Anne had proved her true. Yes, she still did not love Arianna that much to call her a friend but after all her tireless efforts to get her mother recovering again, this was the least she could do. Once in a while, she would glance down at her phone screen expecting to see Ian's caller Id pop up.She had tried calling him throughout yesterday but he was not reachable. She had to resort to texting him about the shocking information she had gotten from Anne. Ian did reply her text late at night. He apologised for not answering her calls as he had a very busy day and he promised to call her back the next morning which was what she was waiting for.Anne was clearly now more dangerous and cunny than Rose could ever imagine.Kidnapping Arianna was one thing but also kidnapping her little son? That was totally extreme.And time was running out fast. Anne was murderous at this point and Rose knew it
ANNEA Week LaterI listened and watched in disgust as Lucas ranted all over the place, yelling at the cops over the phone for their inability to find Arianna and Simon.It has been a week since she got missing and Lucas will not let anyone hear the end of it. He is always on his toes, calling the cops every now and then to get the latest info concerning Arianna's and her son disappearance. The police station is more or less his second home now and it pissess me off every fucking time. Why will Arianna not let me breathe properly in this house?!Even now that she ain't here, she still has my good for nothing husband in her captive, twirling him like a puppet.If not for the wealth, fame and recognition I get as being the daughter inlaw and wife of this family, I swear on everything I believe in, I would have left Lucas a long time ago.He is such a sorry ass of a man. All these gives me more resolve to end that lousy bitch and her fucking son. Hiring goons to kidnap them was literall
LUCAS I felt pissed and annoyed. Ever since I had that call with Ian, I was just not myself anymore.He was so possessive about her.I know they have a child together but I just can not come to terms with that fact. I care about Arianna too and not just him. But she will never notice that and I do not blame her either.I did so many awful things to her in the past which I am not proud of. Some times I just wish I could write back the hands of time and go back to the past to fix my mistakes. I would make sure I treat Arianna like a queen, adore and care for her like how any sane husband would do for his wife.Just the constant reminder of how happy she is now with Ian vexes me.And I am stuck with a wife as over bearing as Anne.Even now hours later, one would expect that my annoyance had cooled off but as I stepped foot inside the house, I seemed to get more tensed.With a dejected sigh, I climbed the flights of stairs, heading for my mother's room.Arianna must probably be feedi
ARIANNASleep eroded me, I could barely even concentrate on anything or anyone around me.I stayed awake the entire night, restless as ever and worried as hell.I have fucking screwed up. God! How did that I let this happen to me?How did I make such a terrible mistake? Oh man. My lack of sleep had caused eyebags to appear underneath my orbs, giving me a dull rimmed appearance.My hair was messy and disheveled, a testament to the anxiety I was currently facing.How could I let this happen? How did Anne get the test result before me?God dammit! I made sure to be very careful and diligent. I left no turn unturned in getting her to do that paternity test and now when I almost had it all in my grasps, it just slip out of my reach. Fuck I am going insane.I could barely sleep at all and the comfortable sheets of my bed felt like hot coals on my skin.Pushing the sheets of my leg, I stood up with rickety feet and slipped my legs in my footwear.I have not even informed Ian yet. How coul
"Mummy mummy" Simon eagerly shook Arianna, drawing her attention away from the double doors of the living room to her over energetic six year old son."What? What is it Simon?" Arianna replied absent mindedly. Her eyes trailed back towards the doors, restless as ever.Simon diverted his gaze to the doors, tilting his head to the side whilst wondering what captured his mother's attention at the door."Mummy what are you looking at?" Simon asked, his curiosity piqued.Arianna sighed heavily and stood up from the couch, her restless feet beginning to pace all around the living room. "Simon can you tell me what you want please darling?" Today was the day Anne's paternity test result was going to be delivered to the mansion.Sarah had texted her multiple times to be on the lookout for the test result so as not to get it delivered into the wrongs hands and today Anne had not left the mansion since morning.It all created huge waves of anxiety and restlessness in Arianna.Her feet eagerly da
ARIANNA"Is she still asleep?" Ian asked me as we drove to the hospital.I nodded, catching a sneak peak of Anne who laid fast asleep next to me in the car.I honestly can not believe I am so close to exposing her for the liar that she is. "Yes she is Ian. But you have to drive faster. We really need to get to the hospital before she wakes up" I responded back.Ian honked at the cars he felt that were blocking his path and drove further ahead, whilst I kept on keeping a careful eye on Anne to make sure she was not awake."What will you tell her if she ends up waking up at the hospital?" He asked me.I shrugged my shoulders at his question and a grin stole my lips, "That is not hard. I can just tell her she passed out and we drove her here for a checkup" "And what if she asks about her prodigal husband? What will you say?" Ian smirked."Really? Prodigal husband?" I laughed out."I am just saying what I feel he should be called" "Well I will just say that Lucas left for home to get h
ARIANNA"Ian I am serious. Lucas seems so genuinely sorry for everything. I could really feel his sincerity even from the way he spoke to me and from the look in his eyes. There was no hiding it" I spoke to Ian over the phone. My eyes would momentarily gaze down to stare at a sleeping Simon and to make sure he was not awake. I needed him fully asleep so that I could concentrate on the more serious issues at hand in order to pull off this plan I had. Today was the perfect day to launch it.Rose won't be coming back home tonight and Father was on one of his usual business trips.It felt like Lucas had left the running of the family's company to his sister and father.It is just going to be I, Lucas and Anne home.I just have to do this today because who knows when I will have this sort of opportunity!?"Arianna honestly I do not even know why we are spending our time trying to help him. If it were not for you, I would not even be the least interested because he deserves everything that