******MAYA / ARIEL'S POV***** “Ariel, there you are," Mom called out as I entered the dining, while everyone turned their attention back to me. "Come and join us." I smiled politely and walked over to the table. Kingsley and I exchanged smiles as he quickly stood up from his seat and pulled out a chair for me. "You look beautiful," he whispered behind me as I sat down. "Thanks" I replied, a warmth feeling spreading through me. I glanced around the table at my parents, Richard Bane, Abigail Bane, who was Kingsley's mother, and Nora Bane, who was Kingsley's sister. The all smile kindly at me, which I returned. Kingsley's family was here today to talk about our engagement and wedding. I already insisted that there was no need for an engagement ceremony once the wedding date was set, but both my parents and his parents refused, claiming they wanted this to be a grand affair, a world wedding that everyone would talk about. That was what brought me here, to this gathering. Nora co
Everyone at the table smiled and nodded and the mood lightened once more. They continued discussing the engagement party, and I tried to push the incident out of my mind. But I couldn't help feeling a sense of unease. What if the truth came out? What if my secret was revealed? But I knew one thing: before the truth came out, I would have ruined Lance's life. After dinner, Kingsley and I excused ourselves from the table. The evening air embraced us as we made our way to the balcony, the stars twinkling above us and casting a soft glow over the garden. "Are you okay?" Kingsley asked gently, leaning against the railing with concern evident in his voice. I sighed, looking up at the night sky. "I'm fine. Just... thinking about everything." "Like you're not comfortable with the wedding?" "No. Of course, I am. It's just that everything is moving so fast as I just returned yesterday, and now this," I said, lowering my gaze and fidgeting with my fingers. Kingsley reached out, gently
I increased my pace and hurried to the living room. Getting there, I was shocked to see Mom slapping Mia hard across the face. Each slap sent Mia back, and she would quickly regain her composure and rush to the front of my mom again, standing in the same spot, and Mom would slap her again. My heart ached at the sight of this, and even Bella was on her knees begging Mom with tears streaming down her face. How could Mom be this cruel to do this right in front of her own granddaughter? "Please, Mrs. Roderigo, let my mother go," Bella cried, her face wet with tears. "It's all my fault. I shouldn't have gone outside. Mummy told me to stay inside, but I didn't listen. I promise I'll never leave my room again, I promise." I felt my heart shatter into a thousand pieces as I watched them get punished all because Bella stepped outside and met Kingsley. Rage boiled inside me as I watched my mother continue to strike Mia without even considering poor Bella, who was begging her. I couldn't st
M-Mom," I whispered, holding my stinging cheek, my voice barely audible over the sharp, painful throb radiating across my skin. "How dare you say that to me after everything I’ve done for you? How dare you!" Her voice thundered. I couldn’t look at her, lowering my gaze as tears slipped down my cheeks. "I don’t care if you wed her father or whatever foolish choices you’ve made," she hissed, her words laced with venom. "But mark my words—nothing good will come if you continue defying me. I forgave you once; don’t think I’ll do it again. Choose your words and actions wisely, or you’ll regret it." With that, she turned on her heel, her footsteps echoing as she stormed out of the room. I stood there, rooted in place, unable to move, my heart pounding. I wasn’t sure how I finally managed to make my way to my bedroom, but before I knew it, I was slamming the door shut behind me. I stumbled over to the bed and collapsed onto it, burying my face in the pillows as a fresh wave of tears overt
~~ASHLEY~~I adjusted the collar of my blouse, trying to keep my composure as I sat across from Nora Bane who was on the phone, talking with someone. With the bright smile on her face, I could guess she's a close friend of hers. “ Oh you mean that? Of course it is.” As they were talking, Nora suddenly glanced at me, clicking her tongue and then smiled, to which I quickly returned.I was actually called this morning to take on the modeling job for their new project called mEgan3 which they wanted to launch soon. They had moved up the date due to the reason which I didn't know about. On getting the call from her secretary, I didn't even think of having breakfast before rushing here.I waited for her to finish the call so that she could hand over the contract she was holding to me.We had both signed it, and she was just about to give it to me when her phone rang. Getting this contract was a huge opportunity— the best I’d ever had in my years in this industry. It was a modeling gig fo
The elevator doors slid open, bringing me out of my thoughts and I walked out with my head hanging low. Turning to the left side, I suddenly collided headfirst into a broad, solid chest, and I lost my balance, already falling to the ground.I shut my eyes close as my mind raced with the embarrassing image of me sprawling on the floor. But then, a strong arm quickly caught me, pulling me back from the brink of shame.I breathe out in relief, knowing that I had been saved. I slowly opened my eyes to see my savior, only to see deep blue eyes staring back at me. I found myself momentarily lost in his eyes and my breath caught in my throat as I took in his face.Of course, I knew who he was. He's Kingsley Bane and this was the first time I would ever see him this close. My heart, which had never beat faster than for Lance, suddenly began to thump so loudly that I could even hear its sound.I smiled at him, “Tha…” before I could complete my sentences, he let go of me.I stumbled backward an
“And have you saved my company yet? Have I even received a single penny from you?” he challenged, his tone sharp, making my heart sink.I stepped back, lowering my gaze as his words sting a lot. But I got him his investors back! Although I was the one behind them pulling out in the first place, but I still got them back.When I looked up again, I saw him staring at me, not with love, but with something far colder—like anger, or maybe even disgust.Wait, did he know about that? Nah, there's definitely no way he would know.Rubbing his temples, Lance sighed heavily. “You know what? Let’s not talk about this because I might really vent out my anger on you now.”He continued unbuttoning his shirt, while I stood at the same spot, looking at him as I was stunned by the way he had raised his voice at me. In the five years we’d been married, Lance had never for once spoken to me like this.I wondered what exactly changed. Did Ariel Roland really do look like his ex-wife? Because I had nev
~~ARIEL/MAYA~~I haven’t seen Bella outside for a while now. She’s locked herself in her room, refusing to come out or play and I think it’s because of what Mom did the other day.When I got to her door, I gently knocked before slowly opening it, trying to see if she's now awake but I saw her lying on her bed.“ I don't think she's awake.” I muttered, turning to leave.“ Miss Ariel,” her voice stopped me.Entering her room, I gave her a light smile as I walked over to her bed.“Good morning, hope am not disturbing your beautiful sleep?” I asked softly, not knowing if I was the one that woke her up“No, you’re not. I've been awake for a while now.” she quickly replied, adjusting herself on the bed. I sat down beside her and leaned closer to her, placing a kiss on her forehead. But looking at her, she seems to be gloomy, not like the Bella I know.“ Is there any problem? Did you had a rough night?“No, I'm fine.”“ But I feel like you are not. Are you now keeping things from me? I thou