Ariana's POV The pounding in my head was relentless, like a drumbeat echoing through my skull. My eyes fluttered open, and I immediately regretted it. The harsh morning light streaming through the curtains only made the pain worse. I groaned softly, pressing my palm against my forehead, hoping the discomfort would subside. Slowly, I turned my head, and then I froze. Where was I? There, beside me, was a man. My heart skipped a beat as I stared at him. His chest rose and fell rhythmically with each steady breath. He appeared to be in his early thirties. He has strong jawline with handsome features,so relaxed that he seemed completely unaware of the storm raging inside me. He was a stranger, someone I didn’t recognize, yet here I was , lying beside him in his bed. I blinked hard, trying to clear the fog in my mind. The events of the previous night flickered through my brain in fragmented flashes,hazy, distorted memories. I remembered him, but only in pieces.The stranger, the kiss. H
Damien’s POV The sound of the alarm pulled me from sleep. I blinked at the ceiling, disoriented, then glanced beside me. My chest tightened. The bed was empty. She was gone. I sat up slowly, my mind clouded with fragments of last night. Her scent lingered faintly in the air. The sheets were cold and untouched. Why had she leave before I woke up? I remembered last night, but I didn’t have to dwell on it. She was just a stranger, a one-night stand. Nothing more. I forced myself out of bed and into the shower. By the time I was dressed and ready, my mask of indifference was firmly in place. Alex, my secretary, was already waiting for me downstairs, punctual as always. Two hours later, I was seated in the boardroom, surrounded by a dozen executives. “…And lastly,” one of the executives said, signaling the close of the meeting, “The Hortense Group has approached us again. They’re requesting our investment and partnership for their new luxury resort project.” “Hortense?” I as
Damien's POV After a long day at the office, jumping from one meeting to another, I leaned back in my chair, my head pounding. The relentless ticking of the clock reminded me that my day wasn’t over yet. “Sir,” Alex said, stepping into the office, his tone as professional as ever. “You have dinner with your grandfather at 6 PM. Also, Miss Cindy is already there waiting for you.” I groaned inwardly, pinching the bridge of my nose. Of course, Cindy would be there. This wasn’t just dinner. It was another setup, another attempt by my grandfather to shove his plans for my life down my throat. I glanced at the clock. It was already 5:30 PM. There was no avoiding it now. I had to confront him and make it clear to both him and Cindy that I wasn’t playing along with this charade anymore. “Let’s go,” I told Alex, standing and grabbing my jacket. The drive to the villa was quiet, but my mind wasn’t. It raced with thoughts of the argument I knew was coming. By the time we pulled up to
Ariana’s POV I stared at the sleek business card in my hands, my fingers trembling slightly. CEO of Logan Group. Damien Logan. The same man I had a one-night stand with. The same man who just offered me a fake marriage like it was a business transaction. I dropped the card on my nightstand and flopped onto my bed, staring at the ceiling. Was I really considering this? "Fake marriage?" I muttered under my breath, shaking my head. "Is this even real?" My debt. My job. My life falling apart. It all circled back in my mind like a never-ending nightmare. Could this ridiculous proposal be my way out? I groaned, rubbing my temples before grabbing my phone. There was only one person I could talk to about this. I dialed Julie’s number, and she picked up almost instantly. "Girl, what’s up? Why are you calling me this late?" she asked, sounding half-asleep. "You won’t believe what happened tonight." "Try me," she said, suddenly more awake. I sucked in a deep breath. "Remembe
Ariana's POV I glanced at the time, 5:30 PM. The room that had been my refuge, my prison, and the witness to countless tears now felt unbearably small. My suitcases were packed, stuffed with everything I could carry. Clothes, memories, and a silent hope that this decision wouldn’t backfire. Julie had called me twice already, eager for updates. "Girl, you’re about to live every woman’s dream!" she had squealed earlier. "Rich husband, luxury, and no love drama? Take it!" I wished I shared her enthusiasm. Just as the clock hit 6 PM, a firm knock echoed through my tiny apartment. My heart skipped. That was fast. Taking a deep breath, I walked to the door and pulled it open. A tall man in a black suit stood there, his face unreadable. He had sharp features, neatly styled dark hair, and an air of efficiency that screamed "no nonsense." “Hi,” I greeted with a polite smile, trying to lighten the mood. “Miss,” he responded, his voice clipped and businesslike. “Boss sent me to pick
Damien’s POV I stepped into the dining area, adjusting my cufflinks as I prepared to leave for work. My gaze landed on Ariana, already seated at the table, casually sipping her coffee. "Good morning," she said, her tone light. I arched a brow. "I thought I made it clear that I don’t want you anywhere near me." She didn’t even flinch. Instead, she raised an eyebrow and set down her cup. "Well, you weren’t here when I got here. You met me here, so technically, you’re the one invading my space." I exhaled sharply, reaching for the coffee Martha had just set down for me. "That doesn’t change the fact that I don’t want to see you first thing in the morning." "Trust me, the feeling is mutual," she shot back, rolling her eyes. Her attitude irritated me more than it should have. I set my cup down with a little more force than necessary and pushed my chair back abruptly. "Martha, forget the breakfast. I’ve lost my appetite." Ariana smirked. "Aw, am I ruining your morning alrea
Ariana’s POV The slap came so fast I barely saw it coming. A sharp sting spread across my cheek, shocking me into silence. For a second, I just stood there, frozen, my heart pounding in my ears. The entire coffee shop went silent. Conversations halted, cups paused mid-air, eyes locked onto the scene unfolding before them. "What the hell?" I hissed, my fingers brushing over my stinging skin. I turned to face the woman who’d just slapped me. Before me stood a woman who looked like she had walked straight out of a high-end fashion magazine. Flawless makeup, a designer dress, and her handbag hanging from her arm like a trophy with a superiority complex so thick I could choke on it. She crossed her arms, her lips curling in disdain. "How dare you!! Watch where you’re going next time, you poor, clumsy bitch," she spat, her voice sharp and venomous. I blinked, my shock quickly morphing into rage. Did she just...? I blinked again, still trying to process what had just happened. "
Damien’s POV I pulled up in front of one of the most exclusive boutiques in the city, stepping out of the car without sparing Ariana a glance. She followed, her hesitation evident as we walked through the grand glass doors. The second we entered, the boutique manager and two attendants rushed toward us, their polished smiles and eager attitudes a clear indication that they knew exactly who I was. “Mr. Logan! What an honor to have you here,” the manager gushed, practically bowing. I gave a curt nod. “I need outfits for her. Something suitable.” Ariana shot me a sharp look. “I have clothes, you know.” I ignored her and continued, “She needs to look presentable when meeting my grandfather. Nothing more, nothing less. Just get it done quickly. I don’t have time to waste.” Ariana scoffed but said nothing as the manager and attendants led her toward the racks. I settled onto one of the leather chairs, flipping open a magazine while they picked out dresses, shoes, and accessories.
Ariana’s POV"Those bastards!" Julie cursed after the guards dragged us out of the waiting room. Her eyes were filled with anger and worry."Ari, you need medical attention too. Will you stop being stubborn and get yourself treated? Please, we'll figure the rest out later I promise." she pleaded, her voice shaking."No! I'm not going anywhere," I cried, my body trembling. Tears streamed down my face as guilt crashed over me. "This is all my fault. I'm so stupid, so stupid!" I hit myself, frustration and despair mixing into one overwhelming emotion."No, Ari! This is not your fault. Stop hitting yourself, please," Julie rushed forward, grabbing my wrists to stop me."I put him in danger," I sobbed. "It's my fault!" My chest ached as the words left my mouth. "I have to go in. I need to know if Damien will be okay!" I tried to push past her, desperate to reach the surgery waiting room."Ariana, no! Come back! Don't do this!" Julie grabbed my arm, trying to hold me back.I fought against
Ariana’s POV“No… no… Damien, you’ve been shot!” My voice broke as I fought back the tears threatening to spill.Damien groaned in pain, his body swaying before his knees buckled, and he sank to the ground.Panic surged through me as I rushed to his side, my hands shaking uncontrollably. I pressed my trembling fingers against the wound in his stomach, trying to stop the bleeding, but the warm liquid kept seeping through my fingers.“Ari… run… just… leave me… here… go……” His voice was weak, barely above a whisper.“No, Damien! I won’t leave you… I won’t… I won’t let you die here alone! hey look at me!" My hands cradled his face, forcing him to look at me. “You hear me? We’re leaving together. I’m not leaving you behind.”His breathing was shallow, and his face was growing pale. “Ari… please… go… just run…”“Damien, stop! Stay with me, please… please stay with me.” My voice cracked as the tears finally fell. I looked up and saw my father’s men closing in on us, their footsteps growing l
Ariana's POVI opened my eyes, disoriented. Where was I? My head pounded as I tried to move, only to realize I was tied to a chair. Panic surged through me as I glanced around the dimly lit space—an abandoned factory. I struggled against the ropes, but they wouldn’t budge.Then, a voice cut through the silence."Stop struggling, Ariana. Don’t make things harder for yourself, darling," the voice taunted, stepping closer.I froze. My breath hitched as my eyes met his. My father. The sight of him sent a wave of anger and fear crashing over me."What do you want from me? Why are you doing this?" I demanded, my voice shaking with both fury and desperation."Oh, Ariana, darling, are you crying?" He smirked, taking slow, deliberate steps toward me. He leaned in, brushing a strand of my hair behind my ear."Don’t cry. This won’t take long," he murmured, lifting my chin with his hand."Let go of me!" I spat, sinking my teeth into his skin.He recoiled, hissing in pain. Then, with a flash of an
Ariana's POVI slowly opened my eyes. My head ached, my neck was sore, and my body felt weak. Everything around me was dark. My mind struggled to grasp where I was. Then it hit me—I had been injected with something earlier.I tried to move, but my body wouldn’t cooperate. The floor beneath me was rough. I was at the back of a moving van.I forced myself up and crawled toward the door in the darkness, trying to open it. It wouldn’t budge.“No… no… where the hell are they taking me?” I whispered, panic gripping me. My hands shook, and tears welled in my eyes.My phone!Yes! I had tucked it inside the inner pocket of my gown.With weak, trembling hands, I searched for it. When I finally found it, I grabbed it quickly and turned on the screen. 200 missed calls. Damien.I tried to call him back, but there was no signal. Fear surged through me, making my hands tremble even more. I moved to the other side of the van, hoping for a better connection. Nothing.Tears streamed down my cheeks.He
Ariana’s POVI had just finished my bath and walked downstairs. As I stepped into the living room, I glanced around, expecting to see Damien, maybe reading his journal or watering the flowers like he usually did. But he wasn’t there. The house felt empty, and I wondered where he could be.I moved toward the flowers by the window, the ones Damien always took care of. Bending down, I inhaled their fresh scent, a small smile forming on my lips. I could almost picture him standing here, watering them with that serious look on his face.Realizing what I was doing, I quickly straightened up and shook my head. What am I even thinking?I walked to the dining area, my eyes landing on the empty table. A sigh escaped my lips."God, I really miss you, Martha," I muttered. If she were here, she would’ve made breakfast by now.My phone beeped in my pocket. I pulled it out and checked the screen.An alert from yesterday's design sale.My eyes widened, and excitement bubbled up inside me. I jumped up
Ariana's POV"H...hi," I said hesitantly, my voice coming out softer than I intended.Damien stood near the entrance of the villa, his gaze locked onto mine. There was something in his eyes—anger, maybe—but I couldn't quite tell. His face was impassive, yet his sharp blue eyes held a fire I wasn’t sure I had ever seen before.I was about to brush past him and head inside when his voice stopped me."You're late. It's almost 8:30 PM," he said, slipping one hand into his pocket while the other flicked at his watch.I scoffed. "Last time I checked, there wasn’t a rule saying I couldn't come home whenever I wanted. And you need to learn how to mind your own business ." My tone was laced with defiance as I stepped forward, intent on walking past him.But before I could take another step, I felt his hands on my waist. My breath hitched as he pushed me gently—yet firmly—against the wall.My heart pounded."Do you really think so?" he asked, his voice a low whisper, the warmth of his breath br
Ariana’s POVThe moment Julie walked in, I spotted her right away and waved. She made her way toward me, her expression playful as always.“You’re thirty minutes late, girl,” I said, pretending to be mad.“C’mon, Ari, I’m sorry! I just decided to grab some groceries on the way,” she replied, pouting cutely.I rolled my eyes, unable to stay fake-mad at her. “Just sit already,” I said, motioning to the chair across from me. “So, what do you think we should order? They’ve got this funny-looking pork dish,” I said, flipping through the menu and pointing at the image. “And there’s also noodles, tofu, fried rice…” I paused and glanced at her for a second.Julie bit her lip—again.“Okay, I know that look,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “Who’s the guy?”“Ari!!” Julie shrieked, then burst into laughter.I smirked. “C’mon, spill the tea already. You’ve bitten your lips more than ten times since you got here. I bet they’re bleeding by now,” I teased, leaning in to take a closer look at her lips.“S
Ariana’s POVI followed Charles into his office, my eyes widening slightly as I took in the sophisticated space. So, he’s the CEO of the company? Wow. He looks so young for such a powerful position.“Please, have a seat, Miss Ariana,” Charles said, flashing me a friendly smile as he gestured toward the chair opposite his desk.“Oh, thank you.” I settled into the chair, shifting slightly to make myself comfortable.“Would you like something to drink? Coffee, juice, wine?”I shook my head. “No, I’m good, thanks.”“You sure?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.“Yes, of course. But I appreciate it.”Charles leaned back, clasping his hands together. “So, I happened to stumble upon one of your designs on your website, and all I could say was—‘fantastic.’” He smiled. “The design is truly unique, and I’m glad you agreed to sell it to us. What I’ll need you to do now is sign this contract, input your account details, and add your signature.” He pulled out a file and placed it in front of me.I took
Ariana's Pov The events of yesterday still lingered in my mind as I made my way down the stairs. I had woken up feeling drained, surprised that it was already 8 AM and that Martha hadn’t come to wake me. How sweet of her. She must have known how exhausted I was.Dressed in a pair of shorts and a crop top—something comfortable for the day—I walked toward the kitchen, only to find it empty.Where did she go? I wondered, glancing around.I was about to head toward her room when a deep voice behind me made me pause."She asked for a leave. She won’t be back until next month."I turned around and saw Damien standing near the window, watering the flowers. The sight of him made my breath hitch. The memory of yesterday's kiss flashed through my mind, making me uneasy. Even though I knew it was just for show, the urge to ask why he had done it gnawed at me. There were plenty of ways to convince the media without actually kissing me.As he walked toward me, I couldn't suppress the question any