Arianna busted out into laughter at hearing the words that left Harry's lips. If this was a joke or something, this was the most entertaining shit that she has heard her entire life.
Long forgotten was the part where she had thought that these men were trying to hurt her. The looks on their faces that told her that they weren't joking still made everything funny to her. So, Harry said nothing and waited for her to be done. He stood aside with Caleb, who gave him a questioning look, one that asked him if he was making the best decision because it was very obvious that she wasn't going to agree to this. "Sir, with all due respect…" Caleb said, but Harry raised his hands up and it shut him up. If there's anything that Harry isn't going to do, is to get her uncomfortable to be around them The first step to help win her mind is to make sure that she doesn't see them as enemies, seeing as she has thought that Andrew, or whatever he is to her, has actually planned this kidnap situation. Ariana continued laughing till tears fell down her face, it hurt her belly and made her head achemore. But it got embarrassing for her when no one said anything and waited for her to be done with what she's doing. "Okay, Ariana, that's enough. It's embarrassing." She said to herself and sat upright on the bed, she wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes before looking at the clock on the wall to see how late in the night it was. She needed to call Grace and tell her everything about these motherfuckers. "Are you done?" Harry asked, which earned him a glare from Ariana. She gave him the 'seriously' look since it's obvious that he doesn't take sarcasm so well. Well, judging from how he looked. All formal and businesslike from his head down to his toe, to stop at the glasses that he wore that screamed nerd right in front of her face. He didn't seem like he was joking with what he was trying to say. "Look, I don't know you.."She said pointing at Caleb, "and you," then to Harry and continued her statement." Or anyone else that is involved in these, but all i can tell you right now is I'm not interested in what you are offering. So, where's my stuff so i can leave." She said and stood up to dust invincible dirt off her gown. Caleb looked at her like she just said the most absurd thing, while Harry kept a calm demeanor as if he wasn't bothered that she was rejecting his offer. He has to do something to stop her! "Fine! You can have my purse and phone." Arianna added when no one made a move to provide her belongings. The phone wasn't costly after all, but buying a new one would definitely cost her more money which she didn't have. Her purse belonged to Grace, but she's sure that her best friend will be willing to forgive her when she tells her all she had gone through. As she grabbed the door knob, she halted in her footsteps at the words that left Harry's lips. "Ariana Kings, aged 22, an orphan and lives with her best friend and roommate Grace Henkins. You owe a piling debt from the bank for a loan taken last two years which you failed to pay, and also student loans from school which sum up to the amount in total, five hundred thousands dollars." Harry summarized turning over to meet Ariana who had a shocked expression on her face. "Engaged to get married soon to highschool sweetheart, Andrew Hart.Well, not anymore since you just got your heart broken by your supposed fiancé ." Harry said, emphasizing more on the heartbroken part which made Ariana storm her way over to him in anger. "How dare you do a background check behind my back? Who the fuck are you!!" She yelled. He lied about not having anything to do with Andrew. He's been watching her. That's the only explanation for this. Why did he have her followed? Who the heck is he to do that? So, he's been watching her all these time while she's been with Andrew, how long.. she needed an explanation! No! She didn't need one, this was Andrew and his family trying to fuck her over again. She can't fall for their evil plans anymore! "Work with me and i will clear off your debt.." Harry trailed on, only to be silenced by her the moment her hand connected with the left side of his face. Again, he's going on about getting her married to this supposed Alexander Knights, like who the hell does he think he is? Her father? He's just the same like the other rich fellows who flaunts their money right in front of her face, as usual it wasn't to help her but it was more of a business transaction because he needed something from her. Why? Did he find her pitiful that he reached out to her to suggest such stupid option to her? She knew that she's poor and her debts were pilling up with the payments that had gone overdue. Yet, she's proud of herself because she has never done anything illegal to pay them up. Neither had she resorted to doing what girls her age had resorted to just to have money. That's why she's proud of herself. She has morals, and that's the only thing that the girls nowadays lack. That's the only dignity she carried along with her head high because in a world like this, she will always be herself and Ariana isn't the kind of person that they are looking for. She's not the kind of girl that will do what they wanted, yet, why do they come for her? "Sir." Caleb called, stepping forward in case Ariana tried to lay her hand on Harry again but Harry stopped him as usual. "It's fine." Harry smiled. Tugging at the collar of his blazer before resuming his normal stance as if nothing had happened. "I apologize if i made you angry.." "You could take that apology and fuck it up your goddamn ass. You are lucky as hell that I'm not with my phone to call the police to report you for kidnap. But i must warn you, let this be the last time that you are going to appear in front of me to say such rubbish!" She yelled at him before yanking the door open with force and walked into the sitting room. She searched for the door and when she found one she was relieved, all she needed right now is to get the heck out of here, she has had enough of men. Andrew was crazy, but Harry and whoever it was that suggested that to him is the most useless idiot that she has ever met in her life. She saw her purse and phone lying on the center table, and rushed for it. She checked if any of her belongings was missing, when she saw that her hundred dollar note was still intact inside her purse, she smiled. At least they aren't thieves. Ariana looked further to see that there was something else inside her purse, before she could pull it out she heard Harry's voice. "I do hope that you call me if you change your mind." Harry said, looking at her with an unbothered look on his face. He didn't look like he was angry at her for slapping him unlike Andrew and his mother who was ready to tear her into shreds for what she did. She didn't wait anymore or said anything before she yanked the door open and left the house. She hoped that he would never appear in front of her again. "Sir, do you think that she's going to change her mind? I mean you see that she didn't bat a lash at the mention of the boss' name, what else do you think will make her fold?" Caleb asked Harry, who did nothing but be calm about everything, whereas, the situation they were in was not the time that being calm and laid back would help any of them. Alexander will kill everyone once he wakes up again to find out that his fiancée has gone missing. "I do hope for our sake that she changes her mind, if not we are all dead." Harry spoke lastly, finally he wasn't as mentally strong as Caleb sort him out to be. Chapter 3-She’s not that type of girl."What?"Grace said and stood up in shock after hearing everything from Arianna. The young fellow had suspected as much that something was wrong with her friend, because she panicked when she went to the location she gave her and couldn't find her there.She called her phone but it was switched off. At first, she thought of going to Andrew's house to confirm whether she was in there, but the guards didn't let her in at the mention of Ariana's name."That jerk!" Grace cussed out while Ariana sat in front of the mirror combing through her hair with a hairbrush. She didn't know who exactly Grace was cursing at, was it Andrew or Harry Smith, who had kidnapped her.Grace didn't seem to believe her when she told her about Harry Smith, the chief secretary to Knights Corporation. Ariana reminded herself to search up the name tomorrow to know who this Alexander Knights was, that wants to marry her.Yet, she couldn't help but not feel inquisitive to know if what Harry smith was saying is the tru
The loud beeping sound of the heart monitor, inside the intensive care unit of the hospital could be heard, lying on the hospital was a handsome young man who looked seriously injured. He has a few scratches on his face as a result of the accident he was involved in, but the most depressing matter about his situation is the part where he was in a comatose condition.Alexander Knights. Billionaire son of a second generational tycoon, Michael Knights. Though, rumors had it that he's the product of an affair between his father and a whore. Hence, that makes him the illegitimate son of the Knights family, with step siblings from the wife of his father.The Knights Empire is the world leading automobile business company among the top list. Thanks to Alexander's wisdom, he was able to achieve greater heights in the business as the CEO of the company rather than when his father was leading. Although, rumors has it that the family business didn't entirely generate its money from solely inve
"W..what?" Ariana asked, looking at her boss who sat on his seat with a stern look on his face. It was obvious that he was not joking with what he just said to her. No, she's sure she heard wrong.Instead of proving the young lady wrong, as her heart test increased at the possibility of his early words, being her reality, had Ariana clenching her hand tightly at the edge of her apron, trying to calm her racing heart."Due to the sudden fall and bad loss in the business in the past three months, I'm afraid to tell you that i won't be needing your service anymore, as I'm cutting down on my employees."Mr.Brooks said, confirming Ariana's fear.Loss?When exactly had his booming business faced any loss?There was this slight smirk edged at the corner of his face, which Ariana didn't want to think more about the reason why he's doing this. Why fire her? She's the most diligent among his other workers, everyone knew that. She knew that, and had anticipated that him calling her over this earl
"What the hell do you think you are doing?" Ariana asked, storming her way through the crowd that was gathered, in front of her house, and pushed the angry woman off Grace before she could hit her another time.It was obvious that she had hit Grace the first time, because there's a red fingerprint mark on her face. The anger that swept through Ariana seeing Grace's face was uncontrollable, had it been the woman wasn't an elderly lady, she could have returned the same treatment to her too."What?" The angry woman, Madam Sophia asked, looking at her hand that was seized in a tight grip by Ariana, then she looked at the young lady from head to toe, before jerking her hand away from her. "Who are you? Do you know this swindler? If you do, pay back my money since she's not willing to do so!" Mrs. Sophia yelled as the other women who were in support of her affirmed her words.Ariana looked back at Grace who was shedding real hot tears, she herself hasn't been able to understand what was go
"He's running late, as usual." Diana said bitterly, a cruel smile twisted at the corner of her lips as a result of her stepson, showing his grandfather, who has foolishly handed the affairs of the company over to him, that he wasn't capable of taking up to his responsibilities as a result of him not being here.The Knights family might have a lot of flaws, with conflicts between the sons of the family over the company affairs. But if there's anything that Romano Knights didn't joke about, it was making sure that everyone was gathered for breakfast every morning.The old man strongly believed that a family that has breakfast together, would be strongly united and a happy family. Regardless of his daughter in-law being the mastermind behind trying to ruin the unison in the family, it didn't matter to him that he had chosen who was to take over the family business.Alexander is the only grandson of his, who had truly proved that he was matured enough to know his responsibilities, despite
"How did our life turn for the worse?" Grace cried, sitting besides Ariana inside the cell. Ariana hasn't been able to say anything ever since they arrived here, and they were hauled inside this place like church rats.It made Grace feel bad for involving her into her mess, but what the young lady didn't know was that Ariana was busy calculating their next move. The detective that has questioned them, didn't even give them any room to prove their innocence and explain their part in the whole ordeal. All he did was read them the possible sentence that they might get, if Madam Sophia refused to settle with them.Again, she has used her money to bribe the police. She was at a nearby hospital getting treatment which Grace was charged with paying for her hospital bills, adding more fire to the problem because where the hell was she supposed to get such an amount of money?As if that wasn't enough, when asked about settling with her, Madam Sophia has demanded that they pay her a million dol
The silence that ensued between Ariana and Harry while they left the police station, had the young lady wonder if she had made the wrong decision calling him. She couldn't read his face to know what's on his mind, his facial expression was just blank.Maybe he had seen another girl that accepted his proposal?The thought of it had the young lady stopped in her tracks, and nearly shouted no, but it was obvious that she did because Harry stopped and looked back at her in concern."Is everything okay,miss?" He asked, bringing Ariana out of her thoughts as shame engulfed her entire body just looking at him. "Yes, I'm fine." She said lowly unable for him to fully hear her, while she rubbed her arm nervously. She knew what was next after this, but the main point is that she's safe and Grace is safe too. The other man, Caleb, who she had met with Harry that night, had helped carry Grace to the car earlier while she stayed behind for Harry to sort things inside before leaving with him.Arian
It says.Ariana opened it further to find a picture of a beautiful lady, but she looked closely at the photo and picked it immediately, look up at Harry when she figured something out."You were chosen for this because of your uncanny resemblance to her. She's the lady you will be imitating, from her head down to her toe. I will assign a maid to get you started on how to be the perfect replacement for.." Harry was still talking, before he was rudely interrupted by Ariana."Why? Where is she?" Ariana asked, out of curiosity."That's none of your business to know." Harry snapped at her, making the young lady keep her head down, and stayed right at her place. She fully understands how this is going to work out. He gets to make the order and she obeys."You have a week to learn everything about her. After that is done, you will get settled in on your new place.." Harry said, and watched the way she looked at him. "You can't be working for me and still live in that trash." Ariana bit her
I'm a smart woman.Ariana said to herself over and over again in the bathroom, before she stopped to realize that she had nothing to fear or lose. It's not like she knew who Alexander is on a personal level, so, why would she choose him over money?She has made the first mistake with Andrew, and that has opened her eyes. There's no way on earth that she's going to allow a man to ruin her life anymore. Ten billion dollars is enough for her to live in luxury, even in the next thirty years to come, Grace won't be embarrassed or locked up in jail if she has that money.Money is power and power is all she needs right now.She hums a song as she wipes the forge away from the mirror to look at herself.You can do this, Ariana.The young girl said to herself, trying to level up her courage because the last thing she needed right now, was to start having second thoughts about what she's about to do. Although it's not too late to back out, this offer was her only savior right now.She came out
It says.Ariana opened it further to find a picture of a beautiful lady, but she looked closely at the photo and picked it immediately, look up at Harry when she figured something out."You were chosen for this because of your uncanny resemblance to her. She's the lady you will be imitating, from her head down to her toe. I will assign a maid to get you started on how to be the perfect replacement for.." Harry was still talking, before he was rudely interrupted by Ariana."Why? Where is she?" Ariana asked, out of curiosity."That's none of your business to know." Harry snapped at her, making the young lady keep her head down, and stayed right at her place. She fully understands how this is going to work out. He gets to make the order and she obeys."You have a week to learn everything about her. After that is done, you will get settled in on your new place.." Harry said, and watched the way she looked at him. "You can't be working for me and still live in that trash." Ariana bit her
The silence that ensued between Ariana and Harry while they left the police station, had the young lady wonder if she had made the wrong decision calling him. She couldn't read his face to know what's on his mind, his facial expression was just blank.Maybe he had seen another girl that accepted his proposal?The thought of it had the young lady stopped in her tracks, and nearly shouted no, but it was obvious that she did because Harry stopped and looked back at her in concern."Is everything okay,miss?" He asked, bringing Ariana out of her thoughts as shame engulfed her entire body just looking at him. "Yes, I'm fine." She said lowly unable for him to fully hear her, while she rubbed her arm nervously. She knew what was next after this, but the main point is that she's safe and Grace is safe too. The other man, Caleb, who she had met with Harry that night, had helped carry Grace to the car earlier while she stayed behind for Harry to sort things inside before leaving with him.Arian
"How did our life turn for the worse?" Grace cried, sitting besides Ariana inside the cell. Ariana hasn't been able to say anything ever since they arrived here, and they were hauled inside this place like church rats.It made Grace feel bad for involving her into her mess, but what the young lady didn't know was that Ariana was busy calculating their next move. The detective that has questioned them, didn't even give them any room to prove their innocence and explain their part in the whole ordeal. All he did was read them the possible sentence that they might get, if Madam Sophia refused to settle with them.Again, she has used her money to bribe the police. She was at a nearby hospital getting treatment which Grace was charged with paying for her hospital bills, adding more fire to the problem because where the hell was she supposed to get such an amount of money?As if that wasn't enough, when asked about settling with her, Madam Sophia has demanded that they pay her a million dol
"He's running late, as usual." Diana said bitterly, a cruel smile twisted at the corner of her lips as a result of her stepson, showing his grandfather, who has foolishly handed the affairs of the company over to him, that he wasn't capable of taking up to his responsibilities as a result of him not being here.The Knights family might have a lot of flaws, with conflicts between the sons of the family over the company affairs. But if there's anything that Romano Knights didn't joke about, it was making sure that everyone was gathered for breakfast every morning.The old man strongly believed that a family that has breakfast together, would be strongly united and a happy family. Regardless of his daughter in-law being the mastermind behind trying to ruin the unison in the family, it didn't matter to him that he had chosen who was to take over the family business.Alexander is the only grandson of his, who had truly proved that he was matured enough to know his responsibilities, despite
"What the hell do you think you are doing?" Ariana asked, storming her way through the crowd that was gathered, in front of her house, and pushed the angry woman off Grace before she could hit her another time.It was obvious that she had hit Grace the first time, because there's a red fingerprint mark on her face. The anger that swept through Ariana seeing Grace's face was uncontrollable, had it been the woman wasn't an elderly lady, she could have returned the same treatment to her too."What?" The angry woman, Madam Sophia asked, looking at her hand that was seized in a tight grip by Ariana, then she looked at the young lady from head to toe, before jerking her hand away from her. "Who are you? Do you know this swindler? If you do, pay back my money since she's not willing to do so!" Mrs. Sophia yelled as the other women who were in support of her affirmed her words.Ariana looked back at Grace who was shedding real hot tears, she herself hasn't been able to understand what was go
"W..what?" Ariana asked, looking at her boss who sat on his seat with a stern look on his face. It was obvious that he was not joking with what he just said to her. No, she's sure she heard wrong.Instead of proving the young lady wrong, as her heart test increased at the possibility of his early words, being her reality, had Ariana clenching her hand tightly at the edge of her apron, trying to calm her racing heart."Due to the sudden fall and bad loss in the business in the past three months, I'm afraid to tell you that i won't be needing your service anymore, as I'm cutting down on my employees."Mr.Brooks said, confirming Ariana's fear.Loss?When exactly had his booming business faced any loss?There was this slight smirk edged at the corner of his face, which Ariana didn't want to think more about the reason why he's doing this. Why fire her? She's the most diligent among his other workers, everyone knew that. She knew that, and had anticipated that him calling her over this earl
The loud beeping sound of the heart monitor, inside the intensive care unit of the hospital could be heard, lying on the hospital was a handsome young man who looked seriously injured. He has a few scratches on his face as a result of the accident he was involved in, but the most depressing matter about his situation is the part where he was in a comatose condition.Alexander Knights. Billionaire son of a second generational tycoon, Michael Knights. Though, rumors had it that he's the product of an affair between his father and a whore. Hence, that makes him the illegitimate son of the Knights family, with step siblings from the wife of his father.The Knights Empire is the world leading automobile business company among the top list. Thanks to Alexander's wisdom, he was able to achieve greater heights in the business as the CEO of the company rather than when his father was leading. Although, rumors has it that the family business didn't entirely generate its money from solely inve
"What?"Grace said and stood up in shock after hearing everything from Arianna. The young fellow had suspected as much that something was wrong with her friend, because she panicked when she went to the location she gave her and couldn't find her there.She called her phone but it was switched off. At first, she thought of going to Andrew's house to confirm whether she was in there, but the guards didn't let her in at the mention of Ariana's name."That jerk!" Grace cussed out while Ariana sat in front of the mirror combing through her hair with a hairbrush. She didn't know who exactly Grace was cursing at, was it Andrew or Harry Smith, who had kidnapped her.Grace didn't seem to believe her when she told her about Harry Smith, the chief secretary to Knights Corporation. Ariana reminded herself to search up the name tomorrow to know who this Alexander Knights was, that wants to marry her.Yet, she couldn't help but not feel inquisitive to know if what Harry smith was saying is the tru