Somewhere in Vancouver...
Friday 2nd September 2022
9:00am ...
"Give it up for our guest speaker today , a young talented beautiful and successful lady Miss Ariana Bennett '' The host cheered and everyone in the audience gave a standing ovation as they welcomed her on stage.
The paparazzi were all over her as she walked upstage , she was putting on a golden yellow jumpsuit, it wasn't too fitted and it wasn't too big either , it had a peplum on the waist and an huge bow thing going on in front of the cloth , from her neck down to just above her burst was sewn with net and heavily beaded , the left sleeve was also net and beaded but the right sleeve was sewn with the material of the jumpsuit.
She was putting on gold shoes and jewelry , and her makeup was spot on, her hair was packed up in a tight ponytail with face framing bangs that dropped to her shoulder.
The crowd went wild immediately when they saw her up on stage , she was looking breathtaking.
The public was always waiting for Ariana Bennett to step out because she always had new beautiful designs on every single time.
Ofcourse it was expected , she was the most popular fashion designer in Vancouver!.
She had that huge smile plastered on her face as she raised her hands up and waved it slowly to acknowledge the guest as she slowly walked to the host and took a seat beside her.
She sat in the chair and slowly crossed her legs elegantly.
"Oh my God!You look like fire !" The host commented with a wide smile and the audience erupted in applause again.
"Thank you thank you everyone" kath the Tv host finally said as their applause Subsided , Ariana only sat where she was with a huge smile plastered on her face .
"Thank you everyone and for my viewers at home if you're just tuning in you're welcome to CEO under thirty !" She said,
"And with me here I have the beautiful and self established Ariana Bennett " she said as she did a small clap and the audience joined her.
"Thank you for having me, " Ariana said.
"So now , we're just going to go right into our discussion today, " Kath started.
"First we'd like to know how it feels to be this person, how it feels to be this young and in control of so many things ?!"
"Hmm, I really don't feel any different, I think what I feel is just the same feeling everyone feels when they accomplish their goals "
"Wow , that's a very thoughtful answer, " Kath replied .
"So how did all of these come to be ? we'd like to know how you got here , you inspire a lot of people , what did it take to accomplish becoming a CEO under thirty?!" She added .
"All I can say is that it took years of determination and persistence, many years of not given up even when you have so many reason to "
"In a few minutes can you just share with us your success story , what made you go into fashion and steps you took to achieve that !" Kath asked.
"Ever since I could remember I was always obsessed with designing and all, I had a lot of stuffed Disney princesses toys and I always played dress up with them , then my mom used to join me to play dress up with my dolls when she wasn't too stressed with the day's work" she started off as she took a small handkerchief and carefully wiped the tear that was threatening to fall down her face with a small laughter.
"Later on my mom, Laura Bennett asked me what I really wanted to become and I told her , she had my back completely but as usual my dad wanted me to take up responsibilities in his corp , when he realized I couldn't be stopped he just let me be "
"I studied designing arts in university when I was done I went to fashion school like every other person "
"I think the special steps I took to become who I am today was that I had the passion and I didn't stop trying and pushing and pushing!"
"So what's your advice to people who'd like to be successful also before thirty" Kath added.
"I have only two words to say to you , be Consistent, there's nothing as rewarding as being consistent, " she replied.
"Alright guys that's it , you heard it directly from the horse's mouth and I hope you guys are satisfied!"
"Now onto the next segment , my DM is Open now , Keep your questions for Ariana Bennett Rolling in , you might be one of the lucky fans she would answer to!" She concluded .
*******
Ariana's POV
"Arghh, my lips hurt from all the smiles " I lamented as I got into the backseat of my car , my best friend Presley was sitting in front .
"Your fans are greeting" she replied Instead referring to the crowd surrounding my car and making it difficult for us to move out of the venue .
I turned to look outside , the glass was tinted , I could see what was going on outside but they couldn't see inside the car.
"These dirty peasants" I murmured and Presley turned to me.
"You shouldn't say that , these people love you!" She said,
"Whatever " I replied, rolling my eyes.
"I'm winding your window down now , you should say hi to them " she said.
"You wouldn't dare " I said and before I could complete my statement she had already wound down the window .
I quickly turned to look outside as a fake smile returned to my face nodded tiredly and intentionally ignored people stretching out their belongings for an autograph.
Immediately my driver was able to drive off, I quickly wound up the window and turned to Presley.
"Why would you do that?!!"
"I love you more bestie " she replied as she placed her head on the headrest of the chair and closed her eyes.
I huffed and reclined in my sit also , I slowly raised my hands and stared at the bracelet on it, it was my lucky charm.
"Thank you for today , Logan, " I whispered and exhaled deeply.
Ariana's POV 4:00 pm ...At home ..."Good Afternoon Ma'am" the helps greeted as they stopped what they were doing to bow respectfully to me as I walked in.I didn't even bother to look at them as I just kept on walking towards the entrance , I rolled my eyes as Presley responded to all of their greetings."Sweetheart" Mom cooed immediately as I walked into the living room as she stretched her hands out to me , a huge sincere smile spread across my face as I walked into her arms."We watched you on TV today , you did amazing" she whispered as we disengaged."I'm sure your father is very proud of you because I am " she added and I looked up at her "Did he say that?!""We haven't talked today , but I know he is " she whispered and I nodded."Thank you so much Mom , for everything " I said and pulled her into a hug again."It's okay sweetheart, that's what Moms are for " she said with a small smile."I love you Mom!""I love you too sweetheart " she replied."Alright go on now and fres
Logan's POV"I just want you to know , I won't stop until I find the people who did this to you !""I love you so much" I whispered as I slowly lifted up the picture to my face and placed a soft kiss on it with my eyes tightly shut.I sighed as I returned the picture frame back carefully to where I brought it out from , on a second thought I brought it out and placed it beside Dad, Phoebe and I picture on my bedside table.I pulled my bag closer and began to unpack. Immediately I opened the zipper, something fell from it and I looked on the floor to see my bracelet. I picked it up and slipped it back on my wrist. I had taken it off at work and put it in my bag because it wasn't allowed.Wearing this bracelet always made me feel closer to my childhood friend Mia, I don't know if it's practical to still be thinking about her, she was quite young back then and there's no assurance that she would still remember who I was or if I even existed.The last night I saw her was still fresh in my
Two days Later ...Monday 5th September 20226:30 am ..My ringing tone blasted through my dream waking me up to full consciousness , I groaned as I felt pain shoot down my spine, I turned to lie faced down on my bed and slowly reached for the phone.I declined the call without even looking at who it is but the caller won't stop calling."Hmm" I groaned immediately I picked up the call."Don't tell me you're still asleep" the caller said and I turned to lie on my back."Presley" I murmured. "Come on , get up and shine it's a big day today " she said and I sat up on by bed with my legs folded in front of me and I bent my head tiredly ."Ana " I heard her call and I slowly raised my head up , I raised my hands and parted my hair which was all over my face."Few days ago you wanted this so much , you wanted so badly for your dad to finally see you,""Now you have it , I don't get why your excitement is gone" she said."It's still there , I'm just really tired" I murmured."It's a beauti
Ariana's POVLater in the day ...I walked into the board room at the resort slowly and elegantly , everyone in there stood up and bowed in greeting as I walked in , which I obviously ignored .I slowly walked up to where I was supposed to be and took my seat there dropping my handbag on the floor, beside my chair.Shortly after the door opened and Dad walked in."Good morning sir ""Good morning sir" they all greeted as he walked in , he responded with a wave of hand before he took his seat."Good morning Everyone, I'm just gonna get to this quickly" he said clearing his throat."I'm sure we all are aware of the situation of things around here " he started"Most of our investors have pulled out and things are no longer as they should be " he added and they all hummed nodding their head slowly."So to that effect , I'll be handing down all of the operations of this resort to my daughter Ariana Bennett!" He said and they all began to clap their hands."I believe she has all it takes to
Ariana's POVMeanwhile 4:00 pm ....I heard a small knock on the door and it slowly creaked open , I looked up to see Brett walk in and my eyes slowly went wide not externally though."Brett!" I called surprised as I sat up in my chair."You're here , what a surprise!" "How did you know, I'd be here!" I murmured surprised .The only person I told about been here was Presley, as a matter of fact I didn't even want to have anything to do with Brett that was why I didn't tell him.We used to be childhood sweetheart and he was my dad's Godson , I guess overtime I just grew , plus I wasn't dumb I could see that dad preferred to always be with him even until now.Brett was the only one who knew about the company affairs , he used my fashion business as a coverup ."Your dad told me , and then I decided to swing by " he replied as I nodded slowly not taking my eyes off him."He did" I murmured."Are you avoiding me?!" He suddenly asked and I looked up at him."If your dad hadn't said anythi
Logan's POVMy eyes slowly went open but I was still having blurred visions , I closed my eyes again and after a while I slowly opened it , immediately my vision cleared I realized I was lying on the bare floor , I sat up immediately wondering where the hell I am and my memories from earlier began to resurface. I was kidnapped, who the hell would want to kidnap me and why?!.My hands was tied to tightly and connected to my legs also.I quickly began to wriggle my hands in a bid to loosen the ropes , and after some seconds it came loose , I raised it up to my mouth and used my teeth too loose it completely, immediately my hands were free I reached for the ropes on my legs and loosened it also.There was a small window in the room and I quickly stood up and headed for it , immediately I got to the window I realized it was a very tall building and down below I could only see water , this place was surrounded by water."I think you should just go ahead and jump out" I heard someone say an
Logan's POV 7:00 pm ..."Thank you" I whispered totally drained of any form of strength and he nodded with a small smile , as soon as I came down he zoomed off.I quickly reached for my pocket took out my phone and dialled Ashton's number."I'm at freedom Road, can you please come with a Taxi to pick me up" I said to him and before he could complete saying the yes word , I ended the call.I slowly staggered backwards as I looked for a place to sit , I found an empty chair at the bus terminal, I took slow shaky steps there before finally taking my seat.I clinged on to my bag as my whole body shook , recounting what just happened to me."Oh My God , Logan!" I heard a familiar voice say and I looked up to see Ashton stepping out of the taxi and rushing up to me.Immediately he got to me , he took my bag from me , helped me up and we began walking towards the taxi.We got in and the driving zoomed off. The journey to his house was a very quiet one , I think he understood the message, I
Ariana's POV Evening 4:30 pm ...I took slow confident strides into the restaurant .I was putting a pink and white stripped blazer and a pant trouser with that same material.Immediately the workers there sighted me , they scurried clumsily and I rolled my eyes .Such unprofessionalism."When you told me about this plan , I had pictured this place empty" I said as I stopped in my tracks and turned to Camilla beside me."What do you mean empty ?! We can just cease operation because you're coming here!" She replied ."You know how bad that could affect us?!""I'm sorry I didn't realize what more bad could possibly happen to something that is already damaged !" I snapped and she looked at me with squinted eyebrows."The resort is not that bad" she whispered."Yeah right!" I said and scoffed."You know what? I'm not gonna argue with you, not today!" She whispered as she slowly exhaled."I already prepared the events hall for you , we'll be using there " she concluded ."Some staffs will
Three days later .....Logan's POV"You outsmarted me!" David growled at Olivia and we all turned to her.We were all standing infront of his cell staring at him, two days ago we voted and yesterday, Senator Dino was appointed President Elect, we couldn't be more happier!.With Senator Dino's help , David was tried quickly and sentenced to life imprisonment and hard labor, same as Brett's Mom.Olivia's lips slowly stretched into a thin smirk as she stared back at him not cowered by his gaze."Don't hate the player, hate the game !" She whispered."That's what you said to me some days ago, why not take your own advice!" She added."This is not the last of me I promise!" He growled as he banged his hands on the iron gate."Where's Laura, she definitely won't let you do this to me!" He said and Ariana scoffed."Mom has moved on, she told you days ago that she doesn't to see you anymore , she was quite serious about that!" Ariana replied and he growled as he walked back into the cell and
Author's POV Three days to the Election ....."Make sure there's no mistakes" David said to one of his men standing in front of him- Justin."I'm entrusting this bag especially to you, if anybody attacks you or try to take this bag from you, fight for it with your life!""Guard it with your whole being, this time around the mission must be executed!""We need it to gain sympathy " Eliza and he nodded slowly."Yes boss, I will!" He replied with a small bow."Good!" David replied and the door slowly opened and Brett walked in"Brett;" Eliza whispered."What are you doing here!" David questioned immediately.Without saying a word, Brett just moved forward grabbed the bag on the table."What the hell are you doing?!" David growled."Wanna plant another bomb right?!" He whispered as he brought out a pocket knife from his pocket and began to cut the wires."Brett!" Eliza and David yelled immediately.Justin rushed right Infront of him and tried to hit him but David stopped him.Immediatel
Author's POV Next day ....At the conference ...."Mrs Bennett, Mrs Bennett, " Eliza whispered as she moved between the rows searching for where to seat."I heard she now moved in as Senator David's wife!""So they're now married?!""I heard Laura left senator David because he cheated with her""So much guts she has to show up at this official meeting as his wife""She's the new wife?!" The other women whispered as Eliza kept on looking for the table that carried the name Bennett ignoring all their gossips."Found it!" She whispered as she pulled out the chair and made to seat."I think that space is mine!" She heard someone say as she was about to seat and she slowly stood up to see Laura staring at her with her hands folded across her chest."The last time I checked, I was the only Mrs Bennett around here!" Laura said as she began to walk towards Eliza.Eliza stood her ground, staring back at Laura with a defiant look in her eyes.All she could think about was David, and how much sh
Ariana's POV Next day....9:00am ..."We should have come to visit but the police men didn't let us see you yesterday" Brett said to Logan, we were seated across the table from him."That's fine" he replied."Where's Auntie Katie?!" He asked."She's talking to the policemen" he replied."What about Ashton and Phoebe?!""Ashton had to stay with Phoebe, For some reasons Auntie Katie doesn't want Abuelita and Phoebe to see you here " He explained and Logan nodded."Just tell them, I'll be out soon, I'm innocent" he said."Don't worry, I'll talk to the lawyer, I'll testify that you were with me at that time and that you didn't do it!""We'll find evidences, I'm sure!" He added and Logan nodded slowly."Brett, I should apologize to you," Logan started."I'm sorry, it took me so long to realize you were actually being genuine and you're a good man!" He said."Maybe sometimes I just wish I'm half as good as you" he said and Brett chuckled nervously."Don't say that" He whispered."I'm so so
Logan's POV"Auntie, you guys have to see this!" We heard Phoebe say as she rushed down the stairs to us with her phone and we turned to look at her.Immediately she got to us, I took the phone from her hands and my eyes nearly popped out of its socket.It was an Article on a dead body that had been found in the forest and my name was listed as a suspect!."How is this possible?!" Auntie Katie asked as she looked up at me."I have no idea!" I replied immediately in more shock than any of them could be in.Suddenly a knock came on the door and we all turned towards the entrance. The knock on the door became more persistent, and Auntie Katie hurriedly went to answer it. I could feel my heart beating faster as I tried to process what was happening.When Auntie Katie opened the door, two police officers stood before us, their stern expressions making my anxiety levels rise even higher."Logan Rivera?" one of the officers said, looking straight at me.I nodded, unable to find my voice."
Meanwhile Ariana's POV"Hey, I'm back!" Logan said with a small smile and I just sat there staring at him quietly."Yeah!" I whispered still not taking my eyes off him as he tried to switch on the ignition.Tears slowly dropped from my eyes and he let go of his keys immediately."Babe!""What's wrong?!" "Why are you crying and staring at me like that" he whispered and I slowly looked down at my laps."Babes ?!" I whispered with a small scoff."Don't call me that!" I whispered as I raised my head to look up at him."What?!""What is wrong?!" He asked as he turned to look at me."What's going on, I don't understand!" He replied."You lied to me!" I whispered as I threw my dad's journal I found in his car to him.His eyes went wide immediately, as he looked down at the book and looked up at me immediately."Mi- Ari- Mia- Ari-a ..""So you don't know my name anymore right?!" I whispered as the tears flowed uncontrollably."This is not what it seems like, Mia!" He said.My heart was pound
Logan's POVEvening...."So your Mom is moving in with David?!" I said looking at Brett who was seating beside Ashton directly opposite, I, auntie Katie and Ariana.He hesitated for a while as he turned to look at Ariana before speaking up."She wants to, but he has not agreed yet, I really don't have the details I've been banned from going to the Bennett corp, she only told me on the phone!""She said something about doing it for the election!""So your Mom wants to take my mom's place?!" Ariana asked her eyes glinting with anger."It hasn't even been one week and now she wants to move in, how selfish can you all get?!" Brett and Ashton exchanged uncomfortable glances, while auntie Katie put a comforting hand on Ariana's shoulder."Mia!" I whispered as I placed my hands on her laps."No, you guys do you actually care about how my Mom feels?!" She asked again.Ariana just shook her head, her eyes still fixed on Brett. "Why did you even agree to this?!" she demanded. "You know how m
Author's POVNext day ..."They left!" David murmured as Eliza walked into his office."Ahh!" She exhaled rolling her eyes as she slammed the door shut and took her seat in front of him."So?!" "What do you mean so?!" He asked looking up at her."You should just get a divorce!" She replied."Eliza you .. ""David leave whatever La-la land you're in!" She retorted."Do you know how bad, your relationship with Laura can get!""If this gets out, it's going to be an hug scandal!""And it can affect your election, so you need a woman by your side as your wife!" She said."The yearly senator wife's meeting is coming up, I'll be attending!" She added and David sat up slowly."You want to replace Laura?!"He asked "I'm not a replacement!" She replied."But if that's what you understand, that works" she added."I'll be moving in soon, just make sure you get a divorce!" She said to him."You must be joking!" He replied, she slowly reached out and placed her hands on his."Unfortunately I'm not,
Ariana's POV"Where are we going?!" I asked mom as she stepped on the accelerator and increased her speed."I have no idea" she whispered tears streaming down her face."Mom" I whispered moving closer to her ."Ariana!" She called softly"I'm driving that's alright, I think I just want this place to be quiet" she whispered quietly her eyes on the road and I nodded in reply as I rested back on my seat.As we drove further away from our home, the silence in the car became more deafening. I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of betrayal and hurt. Dad has hurt us, me especially in many ways unimaginable!. The man I thought I knew, trusted, and loved had shattered my perception of him into a million pieces.My mind raced with questions, but I couldn't bring myself to voice them out loud. Instead, I sat there in silence, watching the world pass us by, lost in my own thoughts.Mom's hands were tightly gripped on the steering wheel, and I could see the tears that she was trying to hold back.