Chapter 3 Chapter Three
Ethan’s POV
I had agreed to meet him at a bar.
The bar had a dim and simple vibe and it was tucked away from the main road, the kind of place fit for our conversation.
I pushed through the door, the familiar scent of alcohol and smoke wrapping around me.
I saw him the moment I entered.
Aiden was already sitting in the corner booth, his jacket tossed carelessly beside him.
Aiden and I have been close friends, especially since the death of my mother.
He looked up the moment I walked towards him. “You’re late,” he said calmly.
“You said now,” I replied, sliding into the seat opposite him. “So start talking.”
He signaled the bartender without breaking eye contact.
Two whiskeys appeared moments later, he pushed one toward me. “Drink first,” he said.
I didn’t argue. The burn hit my throat, grounding me in reality.
“So,” I said, setting the glass down. “You sounded confident this time around. ‘She’s the one’ isn’t something you say lightly.”
A slow smile tugged at his lips. “Are you doubting me,” he said. “I said it because I’m sure.”
I gritted my jaw. “You’ve been sure before and you’ve been wrong.”
“This time is different,” he replied sharply as he leaned back. “I ran everything, her name, background, family connections.”
The image of Arielle suddenly flashed in my mind, the tension she tried and failed to hide during dinner.
Then it suddenly dawned on me, I remembered her.
“Shit, she recognized me,” I muttered still in shock.
Aiden raised a brow. “Who?”
I clenched my glass. “Arielle, Zara's best friend.”
“From where?” he asked, still confused.
“The States,” l sighed angrily. “A few weeks back, I attended a white night party. I was drunk, and she entered my private suite. We have sex.” I explained to him.
“Damn… And it just gets better.” Aiden laughed out in a mocking way.
“So she didn’t forget my face,” I muttered slowly, finally understanding why she stared at me like that.
“Clearly dumbass. So what do you intend to do? Dear friend.” he teased me openly. “I will leave that for you to handle, while I focus on the pressing issues at hand.”
I took another drink, ignoring Aiden.
He leaned forward. “Zara’s family is desperate to secure their position, she is the perfect bridge. You marry Zara, you step fully into their world.”
“And Arielle?” I brought her up again feeling disturbed.
His smile widened. “She’s your problem. If you feel she's going to ruin the plan then take care of her in your own ways.”
“She won’t talk,” I said calmly, “I can see it. She doesn't want to ruin her friend's happiness.” I ruffled my hair. “So I will just pretend like I don't remember her.”
“Good,” Aiden supported the idea.
I exhaled slowly, staring into the amber liquid.
“All these years,” I said quietly, “I wondered how I’d finally make them pay.”
"For now, let's cheers to having them where we want.” Aiden raised his glass.
We clinked our glasses.
Arielle’s POV
The moment I walked down, I spotted Zara laying on the couch, scrolling her phone. Obviously, she was watching tiktok.
“Good morning.” I greeted Zara, dragging my luggage behind me.
She paused the video as she sat up immediately.
“Where are you going with your luggage? And it's just 7am.” She asked, looking a bit confused.
“My mom has been calling me non stop, I need to see her.” I quickly came up with an excuse.
“But you promised me that you will stay till the end of the month, I even planned some fun activities for us.” She grumbled.
“I'm really sorry. I'm just going home, we can always see each other anytime.” I couldn't tell her my reason for leaving was because I was uncomfortable with her dating Ethan.
“That's not fair. What about my wedding preparations?” She folded her arms, her eyes throwing daggers at me.
I chuckled a bit. “Zara, I have already applied for a job and you know I would be very busy but I promise to still make time for you.” I crossed my fingers.
“I can give you a job. I need a manager, as it stands I have been getting a lot of paid advertisements and I was also asked to feature in a movie.” She made an offer to me.
“Nope. You know I hate the spotlight or anything that has to do with fame.” I turned it down immediately.
“But you won't be in the spotlight.” She refused to back down.
“Zara, don't waste your strength, you know I won't agree.” I shook my head.
“I can give you another role.” She still persisted.
“I don't want your help Zara, you have done enough for me already.” I politely told her.
“It's fine, please send my greetings to your mom.” She dropped her shoulder down.
“I will. Thanks for hosting me.” I gave her a slight hug before proceeding towards the door.
“Thank you.” I paid the cab man the moment he dropped me off.
When I got to the front of our apartment, I mentally prepared myself for my mom's nagging, then knocked on the door.
I did so, one, two, three times but got no response.
“Mom…” I called out but still nothing.
“Where could she be?” I thought to myself as I deep my hands into my bag, in search of my personal key.
The moment I opened the door I found my mom laying unconscious on the floor.
“Mom!” I screamed out as I ran towards her. “Somebody help.” I shouted loudly, tears dripping down my eyes as I shook my mom.
“Please open your eyes. Please I won't forgive myself if anything happens to you.” I told her despite the fact that she was unconscious.
My neighbors ran inside our house, and one of them quickly helped me carry my mom.
I locked the door and ran after them, silently praying for her.
