Chapter 7

Chapter 7 – A Sweet Trap

Ariana sat inside the car, her fingers gripping her phone tightly. Daniel's message was still displayed on the screen, demanding that she come alone if she wanted to see her mother.

Lucas sat in the driver’s seat, his expression tense. “This is insane, Ariana. If you go alone, you don’t know what he might do to you.”

Ariana lifted her chin, her eyes glinting with determination. “I don’t have a choice. This is about my mother.”

Evelyn, sitting in the back seat, crossed her arms. “We can find another way. We can track Daniel’s movements, figure out where he’s keeping your mom.”

Ariana shook her head. “That could take too long. I don’t know what will happen to her if I delay any longer.”

Lucas let out a heavy sigh. “At least let me follow you in secret. I won’t show myself, but I can’t let you go alone.”

Ariana looked at him, her heart warming slightly. Lucas had always been there for her, even when she wasn’t sure of her own choices. But this time, she knew this was something she had to face on her own.

“No, Lucas.” Her voice was soft but firm. “I have to do this alone.”

Lucas looked like he wanted to argue, but in the end, he just clenched his fists on the steering wheel. “Then at least tell me your location. If anything happens, I’ll come for you.”

Ariana nodded, then turned to Evelyn. “I need you to keep investigating. I’m sure there’s something bigger behind all of this.”

Evelyn gave a small, knowing smile. “I’ll take care of it. But be careful, Ariana. Daniel isn’t someone you can trust.”

Ariana swallowed hard before stepping out of the car. The night felt cold, but not because of the weather. There was something in the air that made it hard to breathe.

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Ariana arrived at an upscale restaurant in the heart of the city—the place Daniel had mentioned in his message. She hadn’t expected to meet him somewhere like this, as if this were just a casual dinner and not a hostage situation.

As soon as she stepped inside, a waiter approached her. “Miss Ariana, please follow me. Mr. Daniel is waiting.”

Ariana followed the waiter with steady steps, masking the turmoil raging inside her. When they reached a private dining room, the door opened, revealing Daniel lounging behind the table with a glass of wine in his hand.

“Darling,” he greeted with a charming smile, as if nothing was wrong between them. “I knew you’d come.”

Ariana held back her anger. “Where’s my mother?”

Daniel set his glass down and gestured to the seat across from him. “Sit down first. Let’s talk this through properly.”

Ariana was reluctant, but she knew she had to play smart. Hesitantly, she sat down, keeping her eyes sharp and watchful.

Daniel smiled, clearly enjoying her tension. “You know, I’ve missed you.”

Ariana frowned. “Don’t play games with me, Daniel. I’m not here for nostalgia. I want to know where my mother is.”

Daniel sighed, leaning back in his chair. “I never wanted this to be difficult, Ariana. I wanted us to handle this in a much… sweeter way.”

Ariana felt a chill creep up her spine. “What do you mean?”

Daniel stared at her intently. “You know I never really wanted to let you go. I still want you, Ariana.”

Ariana clenched her fists under the table. “Don’t be ridiculous. You chose Evelyn.”

Daniel chuckled. “Evelyn? She means nothing compared to you. What happened between us was just business. But you… you’re different. You’re someone who truly belongs by my side.”

Ariana wanted to laugh bitterly, but she forced herself to stay calm. “If I was so important, then why did you betray me?”

Daniel’s gaze sharpened. “Because I had to be sure. I needed to know if you would survive even after I hurt you. And you did.”

Ariana felt sick. “You think this is a game?”

Daniel shrugged. “Everyone plays in life, Ariana. The question is, which side will you stand on?”

Ariana met his gaze with unwavering resolve. “I will never stand by your side again, Daniel.”

Daniel gave a small smirk. “We’ll see.”

He snapped his fingers, and a waiter entered with a phone in hand. Daniel took the phone and placed it on the table, pressing the speaker button.

“Ariana?”

Her mother’s voice came through, weak but clear.

Ariana’s heart nearly stopped. “Mom! Are you okay?”

“I… I’m fine, sweetheart. Don’t do anything reckless.”

Daniel picked up the phone and ended the call before Ariana could say more.

“As you heard, your mother is safe. But that depends on you, Ariana.”

Ariana glared at him with pure hatred. “What do you want from me?”

Daniel leaned forward, his gaze burning with intensity. “I want you to come back to me.”

Ariana was stunned. “What?”

Daniel’s smile was small, calculated. “You have something I need, Ariana. And I know you still have feelings for me.”

Ariana felt her head spin. This didn’t make sense.

Daniel reached for her hand, gripping it gently but firmly. “Think carefully, darling. If you come back to me, we can resolve this without anyone getting hurt. You’ll have the life that was always meant for you—luxurious, secure, and… with me.”

Ariana stared at him, eyes blazing with fury, yet deep inside her, something wavered.

Daniel had once been the man she loved more than anything, the man she had dreamed of spending forever with. And now, here he was, offering that dream again.

But was this just another one of his games?

Or was there something much bigger that Daniel was hiding?

Ariana held her breath, realizing that this was a far more dangerous game than she had anticipated.

And now, she had to decide—would

she fight against Daniel?

Or… would she use this opportunity to get her revenge in a much smarter way?