5. Similar But Not The Same

The three women turned to him. Two stared, While one looked shy. Ariana cringed at the sight. "S-She. How could that be?" Asked the shoulder-length-haired woman. The woman is beautiful, white-skinned, with a sad face, and of course, if she smiles, she will give a warm impression. Of course, her skin was smooth from care, as was the woman sitting next to her.

"Ariana Leonidas?" The voice came from the oldest woman there.

"Yes it's me." Ariana nodded politely at her.

"I'm Rosaline Zeroun." The woman just nodded without intending to stand up and reach out her hand. Ariana followed her and just nodded slowly. "He's my daughter-in-law Isidora. And next to her, it looks like you know who."

"Mrs. Caitlyn Brooks," Ariana answered flatly. The older adult nodded again. "What's the matter with three respectable women coming to my dingy place?" Ariana asked, seeming to be sarcastic.

"We heard bad news." Said the older adult.

"Is it true?" Ariana asked sarcastically. "Does it have anything to do with me? Because as far as I know, I have no business with any of you. Even though I know one of you." Ariana looked at the three women and stopped on Mrs Brooks' face for a long time.

"Sure. This has something to do with you. Because we need your help." Said Mrs. Rosaline Zeroun again. There is not the slightest low tone like someone who needs help.

Rich people and their arrogance make Ariana snorted in her heart.

"And what kind of help do you need from a poor person like me?" Ariana asked again. Amber, sitting next to her, reprimanded her by lightly patting her thigh. "Sorry if I'm rude. Understand, I grew up without a mother." The answer was full of emphasis. "So?" She looked back at Mrs. Rosaline.

"My grandson was supposed to marry your twin sister this afternoon." said the woman. Ariana nodded. "But it turns out your sister disappeared." she continued again.

Amber gasped in surprise. Not because Ariana has twin sisters but Because her best friend knew that. Not even because her sister was going to marry the son of a billionaire, But because of the news that her sister was 'missing'.

Ariana hasn't had the chance to tell her friend and cousin that yet.

Oh yes, Amber is the daughter of her father's older brother. Of course, the girl also knew the esteemed Mrs. Caitlyn Brooks—her former aunt.

Back to wedding matters. "Then? Why are you relaxing here? This is not a police station, and I am also not a psychic who can help you find out where he is. So I can't help you look for her." Ariana answered again.

The older adult smiled. "You know the purpose of our coming here. You are a clever woman." Compliment the woman. Even though it sounded cold and cynical, it sounded sincere in Ariana's ears.

"Sure. I understand. My twin sister's mother said so last night although not in detail." Ariana's answer was no less cynical. "But I can guess what she wants. Her husband even dared to give me whatever I asked for as long as I helped him. But it turns out, he couldn't give me what I asked for." Ariana answered honestly.

"But what you're asking is unreasonable, Ariana." Mrs. Caitlyn's voice interrupted.

"What's unreasonable, milady? You're asking me to submit myself to pretending to be your daughter to an indefinite extent because we don't know when your beloved daughter will return and take her position. Isn't that what you want? Making me a replacement bride just because 'Your Princess' and I have the same face. But sorry, I'm not that cheap as to mortgage myself with some money." Ariana said in disgust.

This time, it was Mrs. Isidora Leonidas who gasped in surprise. She looked at Ariana and Caitlyn alternately. "I asked for your son's heart to replace mine. That only makes sense." Ariana hissed. The woman's face turned pale. "Why? You are not willing? Is your son too precious? To my father, I am also valuable. Madam."

"Ariana..." Amber rubbed Ariana's thigh again. Trying to calm Ariana's emotions. But Ariana ignored her. She turned to the older woman in front of her.

"So, do you have a better offer for me, ma'am?" Ariana asked again. "As you said, I'm a smart girl. I know, if this marriage is canceled, it will embarrass your family. Moreover, this whole plan has already gone into the media. But I'm sure, there are people who are more disadvantaged here." she answered. A faint nod of the oldest woman's head was visible. "So, let's negotiate." she offered.

"What do you want, young lady?" Asked Mrs. Rosaline. The older adult looked at Ariana with a look of admiration.

Curious? Ariana couldn't read it.

"Withdraw all your investments. Sever all your family's cooperation with the Brooks family. Then I am willing to help you." Ariana said with a wide smile on her face. A happy twinkle could be seen in her golden eyes.

"Ariana..." The voice came from Mrs. Caitlyn Brooks again.

"That's the best offer I can make you, Madam. Heart or soul breaker. Because if you offer me money. I don't need it. I can look for it myself. And if you threaten to bankrupt me and my father's business, I will not be afraid. If you forget, my father and I have experienced it. Being at the lowest point of our lives. And that's why you left us, right?" There is no fiery tone. Everything sounds flat without emotion. But somehow, it can make people who hear it shiver.

"You are indeed a smart girl." Praises Madame Rosaline with a smile on her face.

"Thank you, Madam. My father taught me to be intelligent. And my 'biological' mother taught me to be cunning and realistic." Ariana answered without the slightest hint of sarcasm. "So?"

"Ariana, can't you help Mama? Without any conditions? Or if necessary, I will beg you, darling?" The beautiful woman was pitiful. He even got out of his seat and stood between his knees.

Mama? Darling? The call made Ariana shudder in disgust.

Ariana just stared at him flatly. "Sorry, in business. We are advised not to play our hearts out. I'm afraid the same thing will happen again. Being completely deceived by someone we think we know." Ariana answered coldly. "I think our conversation has ended here. I will help you if you accept my request." Ariana rose to her feet. They thought that Ariana would open the door to throw them out gently. But not. The girl opened the door because she intended to leave the room. Her chest was tight, and her head felt like it would explode. Looking at her mother only disgusted her.

Silence greeted the place after Ariana closed the door. "Amber, help Auntie." Mrs. Caitlyn now looked at the cute girl with glasses still sitting frozen in her place. "Please persuade Ariana to help Auntie. Please."

Amber swallowed hard. She looked at the three women in turn. Ariana is someone who takes work to control. That girl is stubborn. And if she wants something, she will work hard to get it. And if she likes something, she will take care of it; likewise, if she doesn't like something. She will show it. It's easier to persuade her if she intends to change her mind.

Amber shook her head slowly. "Sorry, auntie. I can't. Ariana now is not like Ariana from before. She has changed since auntie left her." Amber answered honestly.

Caitlyn went limp. Silent in place. "Married or not. The result will be the same." Said Mrs. Rosaline Zeroun. She rose to her feet with the help of a cane. Her assistant helps her.

Mrs. Rosaline held her assistant's arm as support before turning around. "If you don't get married, you're broke. Even if you get married, you're still broke. But at least you'll still have a good name. And your proud son. Just decide on your choice." Mrs. Rosaline left the two women.

Ariana... That name warmed Mrs. Rosaline's heart. Similar but different. That's what the older adult felt between Ariana and Karenina.