CHAPTER 6

ARIANA'S POV 

Oh, don't take this the wrong way, but I was honestly shocked to spot you here in that silly outfit. So, what's going on? Are you their sales girl or something?" Sophia let out a soft chuckle.

I caught the sarcasm sparkling in her eyes.

"Whatever I'm doing is none of your damn business, Miss Sophia. Please excuse me. I have to get going." I cut her off immediately. I didn't want to have a conversation with her.

Just as I turned to leave, Sophie stopped me. She raised her left hand right up in front of my face, and the gorgeous diamond ring sparkling on her finger immediately grabbed my attention.

Call me Mrs. Bennett,” she said happily. “Isn’t it beautiful? This isn’t our real wedding ring, but Nathan really instead I buy it. He told me it would look so pretty on my finger.”

The ring was undeniably beautiful, with a large diamond that glistened brilliantly. It must have cost a fortune. I clutched my clothes tightly, the weight of my wedding band still resting on my finger.

There were only a few days left before I would take it off forever.

He's right. It's stunning, Sophie. Excuse me, I need to get back to work.

"Wait, Ariana. Seriously, what's your problem? Why are you trying so hard to avoid me? You still haven't answered my question. Do you work for them or not?"

She continued, "Then again, why am I even asking? I should've figured it out. Nathan probably might have blocked your card, hasn't he? You can't spend his money anymore, so you ended up working a low-paying job like this. Honestly, I can't help wondering where Nathan found a woman like you and even made you his contract wife.

I balled my hands into tight fists, afraid that if I loosened them, they'd fly straight at Sophia's face.

"Mind your words, Sophia. Even though we were married, I've never once thought of using his money to live lavishly."

I knew there was no point talking to her, so I turned to leave. Just then, Sophia's voice rang out behind me.

"I suggest you go home. What if a reporter spots you? Considering your situation now, you'll only embarrass Nathan.

My heart aches at her words. But I couldn't deny a single word because everything Sophia said was true.

When I came back, the reporters were gone, and Nathan and his entourage had already driven off.

I released a quiet breath, relieved that I didn't have to cross paths with him again. Seeing him would only deepen the ache in my heart.

"Are you alright?" Tessa asked, offering me a bottle of water.

I took the bottle from her and drank the water eagerly.

Sophia, the woman who was with your husband earlier... Was she the ex you told me about?" Tessa  asked, resting her hand on my shoulder.

"Yes," I answered with a nod.Tessa's face instantly changed the moment she heard my answer. What's the problem?

"Nothing. I've just heard she's incredibly arrogant  and ill-mannered. One of my friends, who's a reporter, told me that she's completely different behind the cameras. Didn't Nathan think it through before divorcing you and choosing someone like her?

I forced a faint smile. Regardless of Sophia's personality, she was the woman he loved and always would.

"Come on, Tessa. Let's not think about it anymore," I said gently, trying to calm her.

I knew Tessa had seen the lingering tears in my eyes despite my efforts to hide them.

"Let's go back to work," I said, and she nodded.

We were about to call it a day as the sun disappeared beneath the horizon, and the showroom gradually grew quiet.

After standing in heels for hours, my body ached from head to toe. That's when our manager announced that another VIP customer would be arriving in fifteen minutes to tour the showroom.

"Who is he?"

"A billionaire. We can't let this opportunity slip away. Hopefully, one of our cars will catch his attention."

Tessa and I let out tired sighs at the same time. She and the rest of the team headed to the front to welcome the important guest, while I stayed behind to prepare a drink for him.

As I picked up the drink, a sudden sense of unease crept over me.

I reminded myself that Nathan and Sophia were already gone, so there was no reason to believe I'd see them again.

Ariana, please serve this to Mr. Bennett," Bill, our manager, instructed.

I stopped in my tracks the instant Bill said his name. My eyes drifted toward the customer, and I froze where I stood.

He slowly got to his feet and fixed his eyes on me.

Our customer was a strikingly handsome young man. He wore a tailored black suit that perfectly accentuated his tall, athletic body.

Sophia?" His blue eyes widened in surprise.

I was left speechless because the man standing before me was none other than Damian Bennett, Nathan's younger brother.