CHAPTER 5

ARIANA’S POV

"How on earth could Nathan do something like that to you?" Tessa asked, shaking her head in disgust. "He's such a jerk."

She was literally my only friend. I had called her right after walking out of my uncle's place. My family hadn't reached out once in the last few days, but it didn't surprise me.

They had never really shattered themselves trying to show up for me anyway. It felt like nobody gave a damn where I was or what was happening in my life. But at least I still had Tessa. 

She stuck around and gave me the support I so desperately needed. "Because the love of his life showed up again," I told her, my voice hollow. "That's why he suddenly wants to end our marriage."

Tessa gripped my hand firmly. "I know you can stop loving him and pull through all of this, Ariana. You're one of the strongest people I've ever known."

"Thanks. I'll start job hunting today." I had finally realized I couldn't depend on Nathan anymore. "I need to look after myself and the bab—" I clamped my mouth shut. Shit. I almost let it slip. 

"Wait, what? What baby?"

I shook my head quickly. "Never mind. I talk nonsense sometimes. We're leaving at nine tomorrow, right?" I desperately changed the subject.

Tessa had told me there was a car exhibition happening tomorrow, and they were looking for sales promotion girls. 

It felt like the perfect chance for me to make some quick money and support myself. I had worked in a restaurant before and done event modeling on the side, so I believed I could pick the job up easily.

"Yes. Now get some rest. You look so pale, and I don't want you getting sick," Tessa said. We both headed to bed shortly after.

The next morning, after eating breakfast and changing into the uniforms provided, we headed to the exhibition site.

I stood on my feet for hours, keeping a bright smile plastered on my face as I attended to customers. Before I knew it, time had flown by. 

We also had to move a few heavy display items around. By noon, I was already breaking a sweat. My legs felt incredibly sore, and a sharp, dull ache settled deep into my lower back.

I gently rested my hand on my flat belly, overwhelmed with a sudden wave of guilt. Mommy is so sorry, sweetheart. Because of me, you have to go through this. 

I wished my little one could somehow hear my thoughts.

Five minutes later, a loud crowd began to gather near the main entrance as customers rushed over, murmuring excitedly. I saw everyone pulling out their phones to take pictures and record videos.

"What's going on?" I asked a nearby coworker.

"Hmm, it looks like one of the VIP clients arrived. This happens a lot at exhibitions attended by the elite. It must be a celebrity or an influential business figure."

I stepped closer, curious to see who the mystery guest was. People were shoving and pushing from every direction, and I felt elbows bumping against me. I instinctively wrapped my arms protectively around my belly.

"Mr. Bennett! Could you please tell us who this gorgeous lady is? Is she your girlfriend?" My heart sank the moment the reporter's voice rang out. The second I caught sight of the person the crowd was swarming, my heartbeat quickened to a frantic pace.

It was Nathan. He looked incredibly handsome in a dark gray suit, tightly holding the hand of none other than Sophia, who wore an elegant designer dress in the exact same shade. 

They exchanged warm smiles, occasionally answering the crowd's questions with practiced, friendly expressions.

"Everyone, meet Miss Sophia Sinclair, soon to be Mrs. Bennett," Nathan said with a brilliant grin. I had never seen Nathan smile so happily before, especially not during our three years together. 

Standing side by side, they looked like the perfect, golden couple. "But, Mr. Bennett, aren't you already married?" another reporter chimed in.

"That's nothing but a false rumor," Sophia spoke up, her voice ringing out clearly. "Nathan isn't married. He's been faithfully waiting for me, the love of his life, and very soon, we'll be making it official."

Whispers immediately began ripping through the crowd. "You've never seen the woman everyone believes Nathan married, have you? That's because she never existed. I'm the only woman he has ever loved, and the only one he'll ever marry," Sophia added smoothly.

All this time, Nathan had kept me completely hidden, as though I were a dirty secret he was ashamed of. Apart from our families and a few corporate associates, no one even knew he had married a woman from a humble background like me.

A sharp gasp escaped my lips before I could stop it, and I quickly covered my mouth with my hand.

Everyone in the crowd, including Nathan, was too distracted to notice me. 

But Sophia’s sharp eyes quickly spotted me among the sea of faces. She looked surprised for a brief second before a sly, triumphant smile curved her red lips.

"Nathan, that one looks beautiful. Would you buy it for me as our wedding gift?" She pointed toward a sleek, metallic silver sedan displayed in the corner.

"Of course, my darling. Anything for you," Nathan answered without a single second thought.

"Thank you, hubby." Sophia leaned in and planted a lingering kiss on his cheek. Her eyes were filled with smug satisfaction as she locked gazes with me again. Nathan still hadn't realized I was standing right there.

Just then, I felt Tessa place a hand on my shoulder. "Ariana, isn't that your husband? Who the heck is the woman beside him?"

I didn't answer. I spun around and ran. The moment I reached the safety of the restroom, I sank straight to the cold tiled floor, tears rolling down my cheeks as I wrapped my arms tightly around my knees.

*Why did I have to see them again?*

I hated this. I hated myself for being so emotional. Yet, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't control the agonizing ache in my chest. 

I knew they would end up getting married, but watching them be so publicly affectionate filled my heart with unbearable pain.

When my sobs finally subsided, I stood up and rinsed my face with cold water from the sink. I looked blankly at the shattered woman in the mirror. 

Dark circles heavily surrounded her eyes, and her face looked terribly pale. No, I could not allow myself to drown in this sadness. 

"No, Ariana. Being weak is not an option anymore. Show them that he doesn't determine your happiness, and that your smile doesn't depend on Nathan Bennett." 

I lectured myself, staring hard at my reflection. I had to stay strong for myself and my baby. I turned and was about to leave the restroom when a slender figure stepped directly into my path, blocking the exit.

It was Sophia. She wore a deeply satisfied smile, her eyes filled with absolute victory as she stared at me from head to toe. "Nice uniform, Ariana," she purred, her voice dripping with venom. "It suits you perfectly."