Chapter 1

Ariel:-

 It was around 1pm on a Saturday afternoon and I was at my apartment working on my laptop developing new software, which was almost complete and ready to be delivered to the client, when there was a knock on my front door. I got up and opened the door only to find my best friend Giselle standing there, dressed up in her knees cropped pants and a grey tank top. Giselle and I had been friends ever since high school and know each and everything about each other, both good and bad.

  “Hey Ari, please don't tell me you are still developing that boring software as always? Never mind, it doesn't matter anyway because we are going shopping, whether you like it or not. I’m dragging your ass out of this beautiful, cozy apartment, right fucking now.” Giselle said, making me roll my eyes and shake my head at her. I turned around to glance back at my apartment which I loved so much because I bought it all by myself. I worked my ass off from developing the boring software as Giselle calls it and selling it to clients, I did all of this without any help, not even from my parents. It's not like my parents aren't wealthy or supportive because they are, but I just wanted to be independent and do this on my own.

  “Okay, okay. Just give me thirty minutes to get ready and finish my software then we can go.” I replied, letting her in and shutting the door behind her.

  “Fine, I'll be watching TV in the living room, waiting for you.” Giselle said, huffing as she grabbed the TV remote.

  “Suit yourself.” I said, going back into my room. I quickly finished up the last bit of the software and then went to take a quick shower. I finished up, dried off and grabbed my pink floral mini dress, then sat down at my vanity table to do my make-up. I applied a little bit of face powder, mascara and lip gloss, then straightened my hair. Once I was finally done I looked at my appearance in the floor length mirror, happy with how I looked and walked back into the living room to meet Giselle.

  “You look sexy, girl. Everyone is going to be staring at you or should I say eye fucking you.” Giselle said, looking me up and down.

  “Oh, shut up and get your ass moving.” I replied, grabbing my car and home keys from the kitchen counter. We walked out of my building and straight to my car, sliding into my Mercedes which was gifted to me by my one and only protective older brother Jackson, as a gift for my birthday. I started the car, letting the engine roar to life and drove us to the shopping mall. We got to the mall in record time and immediately started shopping. After a lot of shopping and stopping by the spa we went to the nearest cafe to eat something because we were both starving. Giselle and I placed our orders and talked a little about random things, when the waiter returned with our order and a glass of red wine. We were both enjoying our food and talking when my phone rang and looked at the caller ID, it was my mom, so I instantly picked it up and put it to my ear.

  “Hey Mum, how are you doing?” I asked in a cheerful tone.

  “Hey baby girl, I'm doing just fine. Where are you?” My mom asked, sounding a bit weird.

  “I’m outside with Giselle, doing some shopping. Why? Is everything alright?” I asked, worried.

  “Yes, yes. Everything is great, it's just that the Sinclairs are at home and they want to meet you, like now.” My mom replied, but she still sounded a bit weird.

  “Like now, now? Why are the Sinclair’s over there all of a sudden?” I asked, shocked with a slight frown on my face.

  “Yes, now, now. I will fill you in with the details when you come home.” My mom replied, making me sigh.

  “Ok, fine. I'll be there in fifteen minutes. Bye.” I replied, wondering what all this was about and why my mom was being so secretive.

  “Perfect, we will be waiting for you. Drive safe.” My mom replied and ended the call. I glanced up at Giselle who was already looking at me with an arched brow, like she wanted to ask something.

  “Let me guess, your mother asked you to come home, right? From the frown on your face I’m guessing she didn't tell you the reason why.” Giselle said, reading me like a book.

  “Yup. that's why I need to head over there, right now.” I replied, wiping my mouth with the napkin.

  “Okay, no worries. Good luck for whatever this thing is. You go and I will just call a cab. Bye Ari.” Giselle said, waving me off as she walked out of the cafe carrying the tons of shopping bags she had. I paid the bill and left the cafe, going to my car and driving straight to my parents house. I pulled up in front of my parents house and got out, locking the car behind me. I walked to the front door, lightly knocked and before I knew it the door opened and I was being pulled into a bone crushing hug by my dad.

  “Hey, my little pumpkin.” My dad said, kissing my forehead.

  “Hey dad, you look good.” I replied, kissing his cheek and once my dad had let me go my mom greeted me and dragged me into the house. I was dragged to the living room before I even had a chance to ask a single question and when we got there I was met by the famous Sinclair’s. My parents and the Sinclair’s have been friends for a very long time, ever since I was a child.

  “Ariel, meet your future mother and father-in-law. Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair, your best friend's and your future husband's parents.” My mom suddenly announced.

  “WHAT!!” I yelled out in shock. Sure, I know Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair, but what does she mean by my future father and mother-in-law? How? My future husband? Are they talking about Ian? My best friend, well he was my best friend up until he decided to up and disappear on me a few years ago.