Chapter 9

[ARIETTA’s POV]

I didn’t see Sir Pierce at all today. Well, that’s fine with me; at least my day was peaceful for a change. I left Casa Grimaldi early the next day, along with Blaire. The trip was a bit challenging, but we’re used to it, so we didn’t complain.

We parted ways since we live in different directions. I took a cab to get to my neighborhood. I was greeted by people I knew, and I returned their greetings with a small smile before heading inside the house.

My aunt’s house is quite spacious. Like Blaire said, we used to be well-off.

“Oh, Arietta! You’re here!” 

I walked over to Aunt Tessa and greeted her with a hug. I smiled and nodded.

“Yes, Aunty. There wasn’t much going on in the internship, so I thought I’d come home for now. Besides, it’s your birthday.” I put the bags I’d brought on the sofa. “Have you had breakfast yet? I’ll prepare something—”

“No need, Ari. I’ve got it covered. You should rest; it was a long journey for you.”

I didn’t argue and let Aunty take care of it. I went to my room to drop off my things. I also changed clothes.

Just as I stepped out, Aunty called me to come eat. Perfect timing.

At first, we ate in silence until I remembered I wanted to ask Aunty.

“Have you been to see Dad?” I asked her before taking another bite.

“Yes, I just visited him recently. Do you want to go see him?” she replied, looking at me.

I shook my head. I knew that instead of being happy, Dad would probably just scold me for coming. I’ll visit him later when he’s ready to talk to me.

“How is he?” I couldn’t help but worry. Is he doing well there? I hope he isn’t getting sick.

“Well, he’s okay,” Aunty sighed, “but I heard they’re planning to transfer him to MCI-Cedar Junction. His bail is too expensive because of the number of charges against him, so I can’t handle it on my own. The family behind his arrest is powerful, so even if I wanted to bail him out, I don’t think I could.”

I used to think Dad must have gotten on the wrong side of a politician or, at least, a wealthy and influential family, which is why it’s been so difficult to get him out.

“And how’s your internship? Do you need anything? Don’t hesitate to tell me, Ari. I can give you money if you need it. I know you want to be independent, but you’re still a student and need my support, especially financially. Look at what happened last year. You couldn’t attend for a whole semester, and that set you back. Thankfully, you took summer classes to catch up on your missed subjects and stay with your batch.”

Aunty reached across the table and held my hand. I looked down at her hand, then back up at her.

“Just tell me if there’s anything I can do to help. Don’t push yourself too hard with part-time jobs. Next semester, I’ll handle your tuition f*e, alright?”

I smiled at Aunty and nodded. I really do feel guilty about burdening her; as much as possible, I don’t want her help. She never even got married because of me. I don’t want to rely on her for the rest of my life. Thankfully, Aunt Tessa is so kind!

It was like a weight was lifted from my chest, and I felt much lighter. I didn’t do much that day, just rested and lay around.

When I came out of my room, I bumped into Aunty.

"Ari!" She came over to me. "Can I ask you a favor?"

“Sure, Aunty. What do you need?” Since I had nothing else to do, I figured it would be fine.

“Could you go to the grocery store? We’re out of food. I can’t go myself because I need to visit my friend to discuss something. Is that okay?”

I nodded cheerfully, and Aunty handed me the grocery list and some money. We left the house together but went our separate ways since we were heading in different directions.

I walked to the grocery store, even though it was a bit far. It wasn’t hot out, and the walk was actually relaxing.

Once inside, I grabbed a cart and started shopping. I took a little longer than usual because I had trouble finding a few items.

After paying, I packed everything into boxes so it would be easier to carry. It was a bit heavy, though, so I decided to take a cab home. Luckily, I had some money left for the ride.

As I stepped out of the store, I looked around for a car. Instead, I spotted a familiar man.

He was wearing sunglasses to shield his eyes from the sun, leaning against his expensive car with one hand in his pocket. Even just standing there like a model, I instantly knew who he was. He drew attention without even trying, making all the women, young and old, squeal in excitement. Shaking my head, I walked on, deciding to avoid him. What is he even doing here? Casa Grimaldi is so far from home!

As I was about to walk past Sir Pierce, he spoke, making me stop.

"Where are you going?" he asked, and I frowned, turning to face him.

“Going home, Sir Pierce.” I paused, especially when he took off his shades, revealing his beautiful eyes. “And you, sir? What brings you here?”

"Hmm, I went to our warehouse nearby, and suddenly I saw you." He shrugged. I know it’s a small world, but I didn’t expect it to be this small that we’d actually meet here.

I just nodded, not asking any more questions. “Well, in that case, I’ll be on my way.”

Sir Pierce stopped me and glanced at the boxes I was carrying. “Those look heavy. Why don’t you get in the car? I’ll drive you home.”

He stood up straight and opened the car door. I shook my head, not wanting to trouble him.

“I’ll just take a cab, sir! You really don’t have to go out of your way,” I said, forcing a smile.

“I insist. Get in.”

In the end, I couldn’t argue with him. He took the heavy boxes from me and placed them in his car’s trunk. I got into the car and fastened my seatbelt.

As soon as he got in, he started the engine. I gave him directions to my place.

“You didn’t even tell me earlier that you were heading home.”

I looked over at him, a bit confused. I didn’t think I needed to inform him since I already told my supervisor.

“I was looking for you earlier. They told me you’d gone home,” he said, glancing at me briefly before returning his eyes to the road. “Isn’t it necessary to let your boyfriend know where you’re going, hmm?”

My jaw dropped, staring at him in shock at what he said. Boyfriend?

"I'm not your girlfriend, sir," I corrected him.

He laughed deeply, tilting his head with a smirk. I gasped at how casually he did it.

“You already said I’m your boyfriend,” he replied bluntly.

I was about to protest and explain myself when the car stopped. I looked around and realized we were in front of my house.

“Is this it? Your house?” he asked, looking at me with a smile. I nodded.

He just smiled back and, without a word, got out of the car. I noticed in the rearview mirror that he went to the back to get the things I bought.

I got out and went over to him. “I’ll take those. Thank you, sir.” I tried to grab the boxes, but he didn’t let me.

“Just show me where to take them. I’ll carry them for you.” The smile on his rosy lips hadn’t faded. I took a deep breath and decided to let him do what he wanted.

We walked toward the gate of our house. I was just about to open it when my aunt suddenly came out, making me jump in surprise.

“Oh, you’re here, Ari!” she greeted me with a smile, but her smile quickly faded when she noticed the man behind me. “W-Who is that with you?”

I didn’t know how to explain this to Aunty. I don’t usually bring men home.

“Aunty, this is—"

“Pierce. Arietta’s boyfriend,” he interrupted.

My eyes widened as I stared at Sir Pierce, but I forced a smile, while he sweetly smiled at my aunt. This man!