Chapter 184

ARIANA'S POV

As the reception wound down, Josh's words echoed in my mind. My mother was here. I felt a mix of surprise and anxiety. Robert, sensing my unease, offered to come with me.

“I'll go with you, Ari,” he said, his hand warm on my shoulder.

I shook my head gently. “No, Rob. I need to do this on my own.”

He nodded, his eyes full of understanding. “I'll be right here if you need me.”

I took a deep breath and walked outside, my heart pounding in my chest. My mother stood by a water fountain, looking as elegant as ever. She wore a stunning dress that shimmered in the evening light, her hair perfectly styled. She turned as I approached, a hint of a smile on her face.

“Ariana,” she said, her voice cool but not unkind. “Why wasn't I invited to your wedding? Or did my invitation get lost?”

I swallowed hard, trying to find the right words. “I didn't think you would want to come after everything.”

She sighed softly, her eyes studying me. “I was only trying to honor my husband's will, Ari