4. Dinner Invitation

"Mommy, it is very cruel. He just left without apologizing."

Nerina continued to cry, her round cheeks rubbed as a place to hold her tears. If it weren't for respecting the girl, Arianna and Leander would have laughed.

"Stop thinking about it. He didn't see you, so just ignore it. The important thing is that you're not in trouble."

"That's a lie. He glanced at me. Just looking doesn't make it okay. I'm going to find that guy, Mom."

Arianna was a little surprised by this. She only looked at the man's back and didn't see his face.

"Did you see his face?"

Nerina nodded her little head. She also saw it. Leander had even locked the man's face in his mind.

"Okay, then. If you meet him, ask him to apologize. For now, finish your lunch first. Mom has some work to do."

Leander and Nerina nodded at their mother's decision. It's no wonder they are often left by their mother to work. They are used to it. They understand that their mother works hard for the two of them.

"Great. Meet me in the room if something happens. After lunch, you can rest. Tomorrow, we'll go to your new school."

No one could argue with Arianna. They obediently finished the lunch she had ordered.

Meanwhile, she went to the main bedroom to work. The apartment she rented had two bedrooms. One she used to sleep and work, the other for her children.

Arianna knew that boys and girls should sleep separately. But her money wasn't enough to rent a bigger apartment. After this project is finished and the money comes in, she'll move soon.

The phone next to her laptop rang. Arianna saw the name of the producer Malik on the screen.

"Hello, Producer Malik. What's up?"

"Hello, Voleta. Have you arrived in Athens?"

Arianna nodded even though Producer Malik couldn't see it. "Yes, is there something?"

"That's good. I'm inviting you to have dinner. Also, to meet with President Arsen."

Arianna's brow furrowed. The name Arsen was familiar to her. Only, why should they meet him with the president?

"Oh, you don't know. Even though I'm a producer, he's the one who runs this film. So, you have to meet him too. Because you're an important part of the success of this movie."

"Okay, I understand. What time is the event?"

"Eight o'clock at Star Bar. Don't be late. Mr. Arsen is a very disciplined person. You also have to dress beautifully. Mr. Arsen likes beauty."

The phone closed with a heavy sigh on Arianna's lips. She had just arrived and she had to work well.

The dress she had was very old. So far, she only liked to work behind the scenes. Instead of buying a dress, it was better to buy milk for her children.

"The dress is very old. It's been almost eight years since I bought some party clothes since my father passed away and the inheritance fell into my mother's hands. Then my mother gave it all to Sharon."

Arianna and Sharon have the same mother. Her father married Diana, who brought a one-year-old baby. So they are two years apart, and Sharon is older.

After Diana's mother died, Sharon easily drove Arianna away. From the house that should have been hers. Before that, even Sharon tricked her into paying off her father's debt.

A tragic fate led her to choose isolation and seek strength. Thankfully, the two angels entrusted to her made her life more exciting.

"Okay, let's check the account balance. How much Euro do we have to buy a dress?"

The remaining balance in the account is less than ten thousand euros. This has been deducted from the rent and school fees she paid yesterday. Only enough for one month's living expenses.

"Huh, only this much. Enough just for food."

"Mom."

Outside, Leander knocked on the door. Hurriedly, Arianna exits the mobile banking application. She's afraid her son will see and be sad.

"What's up, Honey?"

"I have a package for you. From the C brand logo."

Arianna receives the package handed to her. It's indeed an expensive dress from the very famous C brand.

"There's a message. Read it."

"Just wear this dress. I'm sure Miss Valota hasn't had time to buy a dress. Don't hesitate, I'm doing this because Mr. Arsen wants the entire crew to look attractive. From Producer Malik."

After observing for a while, Leander sensed something unusual about his mother's behavior. He was curious to ask.

"Mom, what's going on? Is this from someone you know?"

To answer, Arianna aligns her height with her son's. Squatting until she can capture those clear eyes that worry about her.

"Lean, Mom has a job. Can you take care of your sister tonight? Mom promises to come back soon."

Leander tried to catch the signals of lying on his mother's face. But he hasn't been able to for a long time.

"Really? Is that dress from the person who gave you a job?"

"Absolutely. He's the producer for the movie I wrote. So he invited me to dinner and gave me a dress as compensation to wear. Can you help Mom tonight?"

The little boy nodded. Of course, he's used to helping his mother. Even if it's just to look after his reckless sister. As a boy, it's his duty.

"Thank you, Honey. Mom is very proud of you. Mom also owes you. After receiving the first paycheck, Mom will buy you the robot you want."

Leander's eyes lit up. Like most kids promised toys, of course, he's looking forward to this.

"Don't worry, Mom. Leave the household matters to me. Work well, make that producer impressed with your good writing skills."

Arianna nodded. It's almost night, she doesn't have time to relax anymore. Remembering Producer Malik's explanation earlier, Mr. Arsen is a very disciplined person.

After finishing dressing up, Arianna hailed a taxi and headed to the largest bar in Athens.

For a moment, Arianna hesitated about why dinner had to be in a bar. Her feelings suddenly became uneasy, remembering that she once fell to the lowest point of this cursed place.

It's been years, and only now she dares to set foot here again. The terrifying night eight years ago made her shudder again.

"Excuse me, Miss. Can I help you?"

For a while, she just stared at the bar until the security guard approached her. Arianna became one of the suspicious people.

"Um, I received an invitation from Producer Malik for dinner."

"Oh, I see. Then please go to the seventh floor. The restaurant is there."

Arianna's heart suddenly calmed down. Luckily, they're not drunk and just drinking. Instead, they're having dinner at a restaurant as Producer Malik said.

"Excuse me, Miss. You're blocking my way."

Arianna turned around as soon as she heard the voice she knew very well. Instantly his body stiffened to perfection.

"Sharon."