CHAPTER 3: PUBLIC EYE

"I don't want to go," Ariel said 

Connel's authoritative voice echoed through the room. "You don't have a say, you're my wife and I've told you to be ready."

Ariel resisted, her voice laced with frustration. "As your wife? Ain't I meant to know my husband? But all I know is your name. Imagine the world seeing me as your wife when I know nothing about my husband."

Connel's expression remained unreadable. "Be ready by seven. I'll be back to pick you up." 

Ariel felt trapped, the walls were closing in on her, how she never had the best and now she was stuck in a loveless marriage. The silence between them was deafening and Ariel couldn't help but wonder what she had gotten herself into.

Later that evening, Connel waited patiently for Ariel's arrival. He called out to one of the maids to summon her, but Ariel descended the stairs before the maid could respond. She wore a stunning red dinner dress, her brunette hair curled to perfection. Connel's gaze lingered on her, admiring her beauty.

As she reached the bottom of the stairs,Connel stood up and handed her a box. Inside, Ariel found a pearl necklace, something she had always desired. Connel helped her out it on, his fingers brushing against her skin. The touch sent shivers down Ariel’s spine and she tried to brush it off.

Watson, who was watching from the sidelines, whispered to connel, "she looks beautiful, doesn't she?" Connel hummed his eyes still fixed on Ariel.

During the car ride to the restaurant, Connel and Ariel sat at separate ends of the back seat. Ariel was busy staring at the window as the car drove by, while Connel's head was bent to his phone.

"Can I get my cell phone now?" Ariel asked, breaking the silence.

Connel looked up, his expression unreadable. "What?"

"My cell phone, Ariel repeated. "I had it with me the previous night. I need it to talk to my family."

"I don't have your cellphone," Connel's response was curt.

Ariel's eyes narrowed but before she could press the issue the driver interrupted. "We're here sir."

At the restaurant, Connel introduced Ariel as his fiancee, sparking a conversation with their client.Ariel felt uncomfortable, excusing herself to grab a glass of champagne.Connel discretely signaled one of the guards to follow her.

The next morning, Ariel woke up to the sound of Zoey's voice, accompanied by racks of clothes.

"Good morning Mrs Wilder," Zoey said 

Ariel corrected her "please call me Ariel."

Zoey apologized, explaining that Connel had given her strict instructions to respect her and that's why she thought she could call her that. Ariel nodded.

As Zoey helped Ariel into a stunning lilac dress, Ariel couldn't help but admire her reflection. The dress was exquisite but she felt a surge of emotions- gratitude, anger and a sense of dependence. She had always prided herself on being independent but now she felt like she was relying on someone else to take care of her.

 Zoey's voice brought her back to the present. "Miss Ariel, you look stunning in that dress, It was made for you. Connel really has good taste."

Ariel forced a smile, feeling a sense of discomfort. She knew she had to get used to wearing beautiful clothes and attending fancy events, but it was hard to shake off the feeling that she didn't belong.

Connel entered the room, neatly dressed in a beige suit without the jacket, his shirt sleeves folded up with his hair combed to the side. He stood at the door looking at the dress, he was captivated by her beauty. But his pride wouldn't let him tell her how stunning she looked.

As Connel stood at the door, watching as Zoey added some final touches to the dress one of his heavily suited guards came in, showing him something on a tablet. Ariel watched them from the mirror, Connel's expression darkening as he turned to leave in a hurry without saying a word.

He bumped into Watson, who already knew what was going on. Watson understood the reason for Connel's hurry and entered the room to be with Ariel.

"You look like a princess, Miss Ariel." Watson said, his voice warm and genuine.

Ariel wore a big smile on her face, hearing those words made her feel like it was coming from her own father. "Thank you,Watson," she said playfully.

Meanwhile, Connel seethed with anger in his home office. "Who put this information out there?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing.

His guard replied, "we're not sure, Sir. We only discovered it a few minutes ago."

Connel's eyes narrowed. "I want this news off social media and I want to know who's behind it and make sure no press is present for today's event."

As Connel read the news article his expression remained calm, but his eyes betrayed a hint of concern. The article mentioned his dinner date with a mysterious woman, sparking speculation about her identity.

Connel wasn't bothered about the media attention, he was concerned about Ariel's reaction. She wasn't ready for the public scrutiny and he didn't know how she'd handle it.

Ariel had changed, standing in the hallway right in front of the painting. Connel walked up to her and asked if she liked the dress, cause she'll be wearing it tonight for an event. She said it was nice and thanked him.

On hearing this Connel left her side heading back to his home office. Ariel turned, loud enough for him to hear and asked; "What was the problem earlier?"

Connel turned, shocked that she noticed but maintaining a firm face and said, "Not something I couldn't handle."

Ariel watched him leave, wondering about the man she decided to marry. He was secretive, ruthless but she could see a kind and gentle person whenever she looked directly into his eyes.

As the day went on, Ariel found herself lost in thought. She couldn't shake off the feeling that she was living a dream,a dream that could shatter at any moment.

Connel's words echoed in her mind, " You don't have a say, you're my wife." She felt like a pawn in his game, a game she didn't understand.

Ariel's thoughts were interrupted by Zoey, who came to help her get ready for the evening's event. The evening's event was a Charity gala and Connel was being honored for his philanthropic work. Ariel felt out of place, surrounded by people she didn't know.

As they walked into the gala, Ariel's eyes widened in awe. The room was filled with people, all dressed in their finest attire. Connel took her hand leading her through the crowds.

Ariel felt like a trophy wife, a prize to be shown off. She tried to shake off the feeling but it lingered making her feel uncomfortable.

As the night went on, Ariel found herself struggling to keep up with the conversations. Everyone seemed to know Connel but she knew nothing about him.

The feeling of unease grew and Ariel excused herself, stepping outside for some fresh air. The cool night air hit like a slap in the face

"Let's go home" Connel said walking past her

“But the event isn't over yet” Ariel replied, facing him directly.

“You need to get some rest,” he replied, opening the car door for her.