Married for A Million Dollars:.Chapter 13: princesses and paupers alike. .Ariana had no choice but to give up her Saturday morning shift in order to attend the brunch with Williams. She’s been anticipating Walter ever since his recent trip to Yokohama but is equally terrified at the thought of Walter figuring out their scheme and then hating her for it. She’s not even sure if she can be convincing enough without sweating buckets at the breakfast table as she’s introduced to the rest of the Montenegro’s.First things first. Get to the point and ask Walter why he wants me to marry Williams and then help him feel better about it afterwards.Ariana repeats the mantra every time she remembers the plans for tomorrow but the effect of all the work the prep team had showered her in feels greatly overwhelming. She’s barely able to form complete sentences in her head as she pads over to the kitchen where her fridge has been filled with fancy groceries she’s never bought in her life. Two
Married for A Million Dollars:.Chapter 14: sweetly brief intimacies .“You’re in some deep shit, Gillies.”Holding her breath, Ariana opens her eyes and stares at her reflection for the nth time this morning.To her disappointment, Saturday does eventually come around and she’s just slipped into her outfit for the brunch with the Montenegros. Choosing the ensemble has never been easier thanks to Lance and Sandy picking out majority of the items for her.Because Walter’s seen her during her worst on many occasions, Ariana can’t figure out whether to dress casually or formally in order to prove her worth as Williams’s fiancée. In the end, she listens to Sandy’s advice and decides to go sleek yet chic—well, somewhat.A black long-sleeved tunic with an unbuttoned V-neck cinches at her waist with the help of a belt from Chanel. Paired with her shirt are slim-fitting slacks that accentuate whatever curves she’s been working on since the day her assistant signed her up for a gym membershi
Married for A Million Dollars:.Chapter 15: creme de la creme.This is Walter Montenegro, after all. Through their years of friendship, he’s gotten to know that Ariana would make up for her absence by attending night classes after her day shifts were over. She would work as a school librarian and cashier at a bakery back then and not once did Walter belittle her for it.Her heart twists when she reminds herself of Williams’s scheme that she has no choice but to support. Walter’s expression says otherwise—he looks rejuvenated and younger, as if stumbling across Ariana sucking off his second son’s face will bring a huge fortune to his health. In fact, he doesn’t seem to mind to their little make out session either. There’s a knowing smile on his lips.“Hi, Walter. Good to see you again.” Ariana shyly accepts his hand, using the other to subtly straighten her crinkled top as Williams tucks in a stray lock behind her ear and hands her her snapback. The sudden caress startles Ariana a
Married for A Million Dollars:.Chapter 16: two weeks and counting .Williams just shrugs and slings an arm over Ariana’s shoulders. “I found my special someone and want to keep her. Why wait?”His father only agrees with a grunt of approval.After the meal, Williams and his older siblings catch up on the patio while Warren sweetly asks Ariana if she wants to join him upstairs and hear his latest piece.She casts a quick glance at Williams and is relieved to find him nodding reassuringly before following after Antonio.I don’t even know why I had to ask.“Liam doesn’t like to linger around. I can tell you that much,” Walter’s soft voice snaps him out of her reverie. “It’s always done him well but I just hope he didn’t force your hand in this marriage. I personally would’ve preferred a longer engagement, but well, if this is what you want, then by all means, go ahead.”She must’ve been waiting for the two of them to give the situation some time and naturally come to an agreement. Lit
Married for A Million Dollars:.Chapter 17: a weekend out .After Saturday’s brunch, Williams had suggested they take a stroll in one of New York’s reserved beaches. When Ariana asked the reason for their privacy, Williams easily replied with something along the lines of staying unbothered with the tabloids until their wedding prep later that week.The first camera clicked five minutes into walking along the shoreline, much to their disappointment. With Ariana’s face free of any concealment and completely open to the dozens of eyes trailing after them, she felt slightly nauseous at the exposure and tucked her arm tightly in Williams’s.She also had the nerve to test her fiancé’s patience just for the sake of the media but decided against it so the stroll actually turned out to be quite nice.That is, until Ariana’s feet began to ache midwalk. Williams forced her onto some boulders by the seashore where she removed her high tops and dipped her toes in the murky water. She set her sne
Married for A Million Dollars:.Chapter 18: soon is a love word .The world seemed to think otherwise when a picture of Ariana petting the cat, bare-faced and drenched to the bone, came across the media the next day. Including the look of terrible annoyance painted all over the billionaire’s face.He probably thinks you’re a nightmare and wouldn’t want to be caught dead being seen with you in public.Still, Ariana decides that from now on, she’ll make an effort to prove how civil she could be regardless of her upbringings. Even if driving Williams ballistic at least once wherever they go is her latest hobby.Civilized—not propriety personified.Lance has been doing his damndest to get Ariana back on track with every task needed to complete. Yet the last few days have spiraled downwards, one way or another. She still has shifts to take care of at Vene’s—courtesy of Williams’s reluctant agreement since there’s less predators and slobs roaming around the diner now.Antonio was disgust
Married for A Million Dollars:.Chapter 19: hard to adapt to the rich life .Williams Montenegro being a sleepy goofball is a dangerous concept, Ariana thinks as she hangs up and giddily sets her phone down. It’s rare moments like these that steal her breath away and will eventually ruin her if she isn’t careful enough.Still, their little conversation inspires her late morning run. Ariana slips on a hoodie and trades her shorts for a pair of joggers. She yanks her Nikes on past the doorway and leaves the house without breakfast.The vibration of her phone chimes along with a grumble from her stomach.Jared Peters (bestie) Ari!! it’s teacher work day today and Alexander’s off from daycare...you’re free, right? can u pls look after him...pls :Sofc! ill be home in twentyJared Peters—brother from another mother. Their close-knit friendship is as far as an age gap of six years can get. Ariana had met him and his sweet five-year-old one day during lunch hours. Because of the simil
Married for A Million Dollars:.Chapter 20: greed and arrogance.“Good afternoon, madame.” Jasmine, the boutique’s manager, drawls in an accented falsetto. Her poor attempt at French only worsens her overall image as she meets them in the waiting room, dressed dramatically in a fiery red and black ensemble.All it took was one minute for Ariana to dislike Jasmine. Her personality is a compressed force of impishly girlish—and obviously fake—features, a sweet voice dripping in venom, and dark lips curling haughtily at every word.Her disgust was more than evident when they were first introduced. In fact, she sent Ariana daggers the second she immediately noticed her flipping through a designer’s lookbook while Lance was discussing something with the suite’s assistants. Throwing her one more dirty glare, she turned to Lance and babbled how honored she felt working for the future Montenegro.Lance simply blinked at her, perplexed by the undivided attention, before returning to Jasmine a
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