Married For A Million Dollars.Chapter 45: we could, in another universe .The day before the wedding, as hectic as it is, is splendid nonetheless.It consists of snuggling a peaceful Williams, whose facial expression while asleep is so angelic it nearly gives Ariana a coronary.She lays there, studying the younger’s softened features that are usually stark and intense for a good ten minutes. The contrast between that Williams and this adorable baby slumped in front of her is marvelling, considering all Williams did when awake was dictate and organize every detail of his life into a perfect fit.Except you being the random obstacle in his carefully calculated life.And being the attractive, successful smartass Williams is, he suddenly opens his eyes and catches Ariana staring.His lips drowsily stretch to a quirky smile at the sight of Ariana groaning and rolling off the bed, and he cages the older against his chest till they’re practically spooning.“E-enidofee,” Ariana stutters as
Married For A Million Dollars.Chapter 46: to yearn or to not? .Forcing Abel to admit to his unappreciated feelings is unfair, but Ariana is hungry for reassurance. She yearns a day where she can earn someone’s affection without doubting it. Not only is her situation with Williams a fraud, the skepticism that follows after is just as great as their fake infatuation.There is no use in hearing him out, Ariana decides as Abel rubs his temples. It’ll only crumble the both of them.“You know what, Abel? You’re right about not being obligated to tell me anything. Forget it all happened—”“Would you believe me if I said I fell in love with you at first sight?” Abel resigns with a loud sigh and avoids Ariana’s gaze. “Or would that come off as more pathetic than I already am?”When Ariana shakes her head in response, Abel continues. “Between you and me, I never believed in something far-fetched like that. Nor did I expect it happening to me the moment you stepped into the venue at your e
Married For A Million Dollars.Chapter 47: confrontation . Ariana does a final check before deciding she’s got everything she needs for her overnight stay at Walter’s. The elderly man recommended staying over with Antonio and Quincy so that she and Williams could prepare separately for the wedding. It’s an overused tradition typically meant for the bride, but Ariana could care less.But if they knew the truth behind their whole arrangement, then Williams and her could’ve easily hung out over pizza, dress together, and appear at the altar like some dynamic duo.Lance leaves a text apologizing for his tardiness and that he was caught up in something regarding reservations. He promised to sort it out and have Jae pick Ariana up and drop her off before returning as he was Lance’s ride for the day.Knowing fully well that her assistant is finalizing the last events for tomorrow, she tells him to relax and keep the driver. Things don’t have to be complicated, especially since Lance and
Married For A Million Dollars .Chapter 48: two allies.They glance up and see Williams stepping out of the opposite elevator, eyes narrowed into dangerous slits as he approaches them in long strides.Ariana groans to herself while Kingston’s frown shifts into something adoring, only to falter a second later. “Willie, I—”“Shut it, Kingston. Shut the fuck up." Williams snaps.When hurt flickers across said male’s face, one of irritation washes over Ariana. “Is that how you treat someone who came all the way here to see you?”Kingston watches their banter wide-eyed while Williams grumbles, “I went to look for you after finishing your ramyun, but you were nowhere in the house. I almost thought you were kidnapped before the staff told me you were actually downstairs. Do you know how much shit you put me through?”“Probably nothing, since you overreact over the smallest things.” Ariana rolls her eyes.“That’s only ‘cause you don’t take care of yourself properly so I have to do it for yo
Married For A Million Dollars .Chapter 49: dreams do become reality .The quicker the night wanes into the day of the wedding, the more fidgety Ariana grows.Dinner that evening had been pretty nice now that the Montenegro siblings’ initial dislike towards her has simmered down. They even help her lay everything out for tomorrow. Three members of the prep team—Lance, Sarah, and his dress fashionista—arrive later to wrap things up, from dressing the mannequin in her wedding suit placed in the corner of the guest room to organizing the various accessories sprawled on the massive vanity.Despite Sarah’s warning to avoid consuming anything before the big day, Ariana ditches her appointed bedtime and stumbles downstairs in hopes of smuggling midnight snacks into her bathrobe.She’s strolling down the hallway when she notices light spilling out of the ajar doorway to Walter’s office and softly knocks. “Walter? It’s me.”“Come in, Ariana.”She opens the door further to find her father-in
Married For A Million Dollars .Chapter 50: Montenegro neé Gillies.“You must be Williams’s fiancée.”Ariana looks up from her phone and finds a handsome, small-statured man watching her from behind the leather recliner. Hana is no longer drying her hair and is searching around hair pins instead, which she’ll insert underneath her locks for the time being.Ariana tries searching her mental database of profiles for the familiar face and upon failing, weakly smiles. “And you must be an important somebody that I can’t recognize.”“Ariana, meet James Alvarez.” Lance pipes up from his place in the back, where he’s checking off a clipboard in his sweater and jeans. According to traditions Ariana’s never heard of, the bride needs several hours of preparation from her friends and since they don’t have a friend list, the team deems theirselves as the best next thing. Hell, her makeup took two hours along, and she’s still waiting for her wedding suit fashionista and Sarah to quit fiddling wi
Married For A Million Dollars .Chapter 51:.Ariana glances at her new husband grabbing her hand and helping her down the altar. Their wedding bands clink with every step they descend. Williams grins broadly by the time they make it to the yard and says it’s time to party.The reception is held in a large barn that has been renovated into a charming banquet hall solely for the wedding. Barrett had explained his concept earlier, but Ariana only had a vague idea of how glamorous the arrangement could get.They start the reception after an hour-long photoshoot around the chapel and churchyard. Tired and feet throbbing in her uncomfortably stiff shoes, Ariana cuts the photography short and asks the guests to proceed to the hall instead of waiting any longer.The guests are seated with appetizers before their arrival which is dramatically announced alongside the entourage that follows in tow. Their large table is set just beside the currently unoccupied dance floor.Walter says a few wo
Married For A Million Dollars .Chapter 52: post wedding season .The most Ariana can recap from her wedding night is the verge of passing out in front of the audience. Whatever energy she had left dwindled after dancing multiple rounds with Williams, Abel, and a few of her newly acquired relatives, including James—much to her husband’s displeasure. She even performed a choreography with Jared that they designed off a popular song the band played. Numerous people had cheered them on as they effortlessly glided their feet across the dance floor, and the feeling of it all was exasperatingly overwhelming.In other words, it’s a wild night, but in an unexpected way.Ariana hadn’t heard of the rock band until Barrett introduced them to her during one of their luncheons. And judging from their high demand, she’s both amazed and grateful that her wedding planner was able to book them for the reception, because they seem like sweet people.So sweet, that the main vocalist even takes the ti
Married For A Million Dollars .Chapter 84: all good things come to an end . In the morning, Ariana found herself seated in the back of her chauffeur-driven car, heading toward her father-in-law's residence. The weight of guilt hung heavily on her, and she had made up her mind to come clean, to reveal the truth about her and Williams's marriage, and their evolving love, despite the contract that had initially bound them.Upon her arrival, the bodyguards directed her to the expansive garden within the Montenegro residence. As she stepped into the lush, well-manicured garden, her heart raced with anticipation. The beauty of the surroundings was starkly contrasted by the heavy burden of truth she was about to reveal.In the garden, Ariana's eyes fell upon two figures who had been waiting for her—Kingston and Walter. The bodyguards made her presence known, and both men turned to look at her. Ariana could feel the intensity of Kingston's gaze, a smirk playing on his lips. It was a kn
Married For A Million Dollars .Chapter 83: truth is surfacing. In the dining room of the Montenegro mansion, a grand family dinner was in progress. The room was adorned with exquisite chandeliers, fine china, and polished woodwork, exuding an air of sophistication and prestige.Seated around the long, ornate table were the members of the Montenegro family. Walter, the patriarch and head of the family, occupied the prominent position at the head of the table. Antonio, Quincy, and Warren, the siblings, were seated beside him, and Ariana at the ending presumably on Williams’s designated chair. As the meal progressed and the family enjoyed a sumptuous dinner, Antonio decided to share some significant news with the rest of the family. With a sense of resolution, he cleared his throat, gaining the attention of his family members. The atmosphere in the room suddenly shifted, all eyes turning to him.Antonio spoke, "I wanted to let you all know that I've cut all ties with Maguire Pari
Married For A Million Dollars .Chapter 82: behind the scenes . The luxurious office of Sean Ericsson was bathed in soft, ambient light as he dialed Nigel's number. Nigel, one of the individuals involved in the charity organization, had caused quite a stir during a previous meeting when he attempted to disgrace Ariana, Williams's wife. Sean was determined to prevent a similar incident from happening again.Nigel answered the call, and Sean got straight to the point. "Nigel, I wanted to talk to you about the upcoming charity board meeting. Ariana is coming back, and I don't want a repeat of what happened last time. I won't tolerate any attempts to discredit her."Nigel, while trying to sound accommodating, acknowledged Sean's concern. "Of course, Sean. I understand. We'll ensure that the meeting proceeds smoothly."As the call ended, Nigel immediately turned to his cousin, Kingston, who was sitting nearby. Kingston had his own grievances with Ariana, stemming from the belief that
Married For A Million Dollars .Chapter 81: Ariana Montenegro . The Montenegro family house was a true testament to opulence and grandeur. Its lavish interior exuded wealth and elegance, from the magnificent chandeliers that adorned the ceilings to the intricate artwork that graced the walls. Ariana had stepped into a world where luxury was a way of life, a stark contrast to her own humble beginnings.In the heart of this extravagant setting, she found Warren, the talented musician of the family, testing his skills on the grand piano in the spacious sitting room. The rich, melodious notes filled the room, and the expression of concentration on his face showed that he took his music seriously.As Ariana announced her presence, Warren paused his performance and turned to greet her. He wore a warm, welcoming smile and, with genuine affection, embraced her in a heartfelt hug. His embrace radiated the bond that had developed between them since her marriage to Williams.Warren's affectio
Married For A Million Dollars .Chapter 80: show of who’s bigger? . Ariana, sitting in the upscale store for the wealthy, glanced at the message on her phone from her stylist, Hana. The message revealed that Hana had relocated with her boyfriend to another state. Ariana couldn't help but smile at the news. She knew how long Hana had been dreaming of this change. With a sense of happiness for her friend's new journey, Ariana replied with a congratulatory message, expressing her best wishes for the exciting change ahead.Turning her attention back to the present, Ariana looked at her friend Jared, who was about to embark on a long-awaited date. She held Jared's 6-year-old son, Alexander, in her arms, a role that made her chuckle at the complexity of their shopping expedition.Jared appeared visibly frustrated as he browsed through the clothing racks, continuously dropping clothes with an exasperated expression. Alexander, sensing his father's irritation, went to hug him, seeking t
Married For A Million Dollars .Chapter 79: back to the beginnings . Ariana entered the familiar surroundings of Roswell Diner, the clinking of dishes and the murmur of patrons filling the air. She had come to meet her former boss, Sal, a man who had played a significant role in her life. As they settled in his private office for a candid conversation, Ariana couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude.With a heartfelt smile, she began, "Sal, I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me. You've been there when I needed it the most, and I want to show my appreciation."Sal, a warm and fatherly figure in her life, was taken aback but replied, "Ariana, you don't owe me anything. I was happy to help."Ariana was persistent, a hint of emotion in her voice as she insisted, "No, Sal, I really want to write you a cheque. You've been there for me since my days as a waitress here, and I've come so far thanks to your support."Sal paused, his eyes filled with genuine aff
Married For A Million Dollars .Chapter 78: the perfect plan . Ariana embarked on a solitary journey through the city's bustling streets in the comfort of her chauffeur-driven car. The city at night was a breathtaking spectacle of wealth and power. Tall, modern skyscrapers stood like giants, their shimmering lights forming constellations in the urban sky, testaments to the opulence that defined this metropolis.As the car glided through the city's vibrant arteries, Ariana's thoughts meandered through a labyrinth of emotions. Loneliness weighed heavily on her heart, its presence magnified by the extravagant life she led. Williams Montenegro, her billionaire husband, had left the country on a business venture three days ago. His departure had left a void in her life that no amount of luxury or privilege could fill. Despite the grand parties, glittering galas, and lavish gatherings she attended, they seemed nothing more than a facade, unable to dispel the desolation that had take
Married For A Million Dollars .Chapter 77: fair amount . The skin on her husband’s back is smooth and taut, hinting at the exceptional physical condition of his body. And what a condition. He has somehow managed to make Ariana, a average height woman with a fair amount of muscles around, feel small. Ariana dwells on that perception. She likes it. She fucking loves it.Is she horny? Ariana resist the urge to slap herself out of this thirsting bubble she’s been sucked in. It’s William’s fault for sure. She’s here trying to keep her anger up but being married to such an attractive creature has Ariana fighting her own demons instead of her husband.Although her own body doesn’t agree, she is truly sulking over the energy that Williams lacks to ask her what's wrong. It bothers her. Call her spoiled, but Williams should be panicking if Ariana ever frowns. So, she walks in her nightshirt towards the other sitting on the kitchen island. She can see Williams cutting the dry meat and mu
Married For A Million Dollars .Chapter 75:.A gentle silence lingers in the tranquillity of the elegantly embellished lounge room. The luxurious space feels isolated and vast, with high ceilings decorated with minimalistic chandeliers summoning a weak, golden light upon the elegant interior. The vast space’s sleek, modern design meshes seamlessly with the kitchen and bar next to it, resulting in a harmonious blend of modern setting with a bolder elegance. The neutral tones of the walls serve as a canvas for the vibrant colours of the furniture. A plush, velvet modular sofa of a deep hue occupies the centre of the room. The coffee table, made from a piece of polished marble, rests gracefully on top of a patterned rug.The place is decked out with fine art pieces sorted around the room. She, who is now a dot in the room, has chosen most of them. Ariana lets out a yawn. The fabric of her husband's oversized t-shirt drapes loosely around her shoulders. She takes a look at the clock