CHAPTER THREE: Ruined

"I can't believe you endured such a thing alone and kept it hidden from us. You should have told me, and I’d have ripped that bastard into pieces and fed it to the birds," Katherine vents angrily, gesturing dramatically how she’s going to rip Aiden apart, and we all chuckle as we all know she’s just bluffing.

"Sweetheart, I'm truly sorry for not being by your side," Caroline chimes in and I give her it’s okay look.

I sigh in frustration as my mind drifts off to my family, my head bowed as I'm already imagining what’s happening at home right now. 

“I'm sure my parents must be angry, and Fiona will be burning with fury right now.”

“Should we all go tomorrow and beg everyone until our knees are raw?" Emilia suggests, and I chuckle and then agree to go home tomorrow.

Emelia  suddenly stands up and heads in. A while later, she emerges, fully dressed in an outfit that exudes sexiness, her boobs about to pop out of the dress, and her figure's damn hot.

“Well… I’ll say you looked incredibly stunning and…..sexy,” I compliment with a sly wink and blow her kisses.

“Thanks, sweetheart. Is there anyone else who wants to join me at the party tonight?" She asks, and although I initially hesitate, Caroline pulls me up and forcefully drags me to get dressed up.

I ended up wearing one of Emilia's dresses, and we head to the club, deciding to let loose for the night before facing our problems tomorrow.

After hours of enjoyment at the club house, I'm already feeling tipsy and dizzy. Then I got drag to the dance floors as I can hardly stand straight. As we dance, Emelia leans closer to me,

"Do you see that guy over there?" she points at the guy sitting at one corner of the club. “He's been eyeing you for a while now.”

Trailing her hand, my eyes meet briefly with his before he quickly averts his gaze. 

But wait... I know this guy. Got you, bastard… He’s the asshole I met yesterday. I stop dancing and stagger my way over to where he’s seated.

"Hi, we meet again. Do you remember me?" I ask as he takes a sip from his drink and I take a seat by his side.

“No, I don't," he replies with a straight face, expertly denying that he knows me, and I grow angrier.

“Are you kidding me right now? I want you to apologize to me immediately,” I yell in anger as I use the tip of my fingers to hit his head.

“I think you are drunk, so leave,” he replies coldly, and I can't believe he just snubbed me.

As I'm about to say something, I suddenly feel the urge to vomit. I quickly use my hand to cover my mouth and stand up, but as I want to leave, I trip on his leg and end up vomiting all over him. He quickly pushes me away, causing me to land on the ground, and that moment becomes the last thing I remember.

**************

I let out a small yawn as I stretched my body, moving closer to the side of the bed to check the time. But to my surprise, the small table that usually sits by my bedside is missing, the one where I used to place my phone. Panic surges through me as I initially think Laura had been in my room again, but as I look around, it becomes clear that I'm in a completely different place; definitely a hotel.

Turning around slowly, my eyes widen in disbelief as I see that jerk lying next to me. Glancing down at myself, I realize I'm naked and quickly grab the duvet to cover my body.

"Oh my God, Ariel, what have you done? I can't believe I slept with a guy I hardly know. Ariel, what kind of life are you living?" I mutter in frustration, hitting the bed with my head in exasperation.

"But didn't he say that I'm not his type? Then what is he doing here with me?" I furrow my brow and scoff at him.

Deciding to make a quick escape before the jerk wakes up, I try to gather the duvet around me. However, I soon notice that he is also naked, which means I can't take the duvet without exposing him.

“But he is wearing underwear while I’m with nothing.”

Reluctant to leave uncovered, I awkwardly carry the duvet with me as I leave him on the bed.

I swiftly get dressed, making sure to cover him back with the duvet, grab my bag, and head towards the door. But as soon as I open it, I'm greeted by a cacophony of camera sounds and a swarm of reporters snapping pictures and bombarding me with questions. Confusion clouds my mind as I try to comprehend what is happening. One thing is clear: "I’M IN SERIOUS TROUBLE."

The sound of the camera clicking and shuttering made me freeze so that I didn't even know what else to say. Threatening to sue them for taking my pics without my permission didn't work as it seems they are out here to get me. 

“Are you his paid prostitute?” That question made my blood boil and I want to say something to the fool that ask me such question but knowing that I'm not in a position to do so, I calm myself down.

“ Actually….the person you are seeking for is inside.” I say, opening the door wide and they all looked at each other's faces for a while before rushing in.

Immediately they rushed in, I took my heel and run out of the hotel without even looking back. As I can't seem to find my car, I hail down a taxi and head to Emelia’s house.

“Maybe it’s because of the recent events at my wedding,” I guess because I don't even know why the reporters are here. “At least, I am able to escape from them, that's good enough,” I let out a small sigh of relief as i lean my back against the seat. 

After some minutes, I arrive at my destination and then head inside. Bursting through the door, I begin to narrate what happened.

“You guys won't believe…..” I pause when I notice the somber expressions on their faces.

Sensing something amiss, I ask, only to have Katherine wordlessly hand me a laptop. My heart sinks as I stare at the screen, and I can't believe what I'm seeing right now. There, plastered across the internet, is a photo of me with a damning caption:

"The Mayfair's Heir's Dirty Secret."

“ What the fuck…” I use my palm to cover my mouth in awe, “ Now I understand why the reporters are there. No wonder he looked familiar the first time I saw him.

 I share with them everything that happened, but they continue to give me puzzled looks.

"Please, don't act strange. I'm already facing a new problem without resolving the old one," I explained to them, recounting how the reporters unexpectedly intruded on my privacy and then threatened to sue them although I knew that would definitely be hard because I'm broke to even hire a lawyer for that.

"Do you remember nothing at all?" Emelia inquires, furrowing her brow.

"My mind's completely blank right now, and there’s nothing upstairs. Trust me, I really wish I remembered every single thing that happened right now, but it’s all blank," I reply, feeling hurt for not remembering what transpired between me and the Greek god because I'm darn sure we really had great sex with a lot of different styles and….

“So how’s it,” Caroline asks me again with a weird grin, and I can't believe she’s already imagining things right now, just like I am.

“Like seriously, I really remember nothing. How many times do you want me to say it?” I answer her, and they all laugh at me.

Yeah, I know I've got  crazy friends, but they’re still manageable. Katherine later proposes to address the current issue and locate the man involved first, while Emelia suggests visiting my family before taking any further steps. I agree to follow Emelia's suggestion because they must have seen the news also, and we all head to my house. On the way, I can't help but wonder what awaits me at home.

But upon arriving home, I met a shocking scene.

"Please go. Ariel, please leave and never return," Mom says firmly.

"Mom," I whisper, attempting to approach her, but she takes a step back.

"Stay back. I want you to leave right now and never return to this house," Her voice quivers with emotion.

"We are still grappling with your sister's issues, and now you've brought even more shame upon this family. Ariel, you, of all people, should understand our struggles, yet you chose to betray us. Not only did you flee from the wedding, but you were also discovered with another man at the hotel that same night. Our family name is being dragged through the mud on social media, and we are enduring endless insults because of your actions. The disgrace you've brought upon us surpasses even what your sister inflicted. Please, for the sake of this family's dignity, take one last step and leave immediately," she implores, tears streaming down her face, and Dad moves closer to her, comforting and giving her support.

"About the wedding, it was..." Katherine begins, attempting to explain, but I cut her off with a stern look.

Without saying anything, I simply head inside my room and return moments later with my luggage. I glare at the woman I refer to as a sister, and I'm seething with anger right now. Not even a trace of guilt or remorse is visible on her face; it's almost as if she is reveling in the chaos she has caused. 

Fiona moves closer to me and pulls me into a warm hug, whispering to me to take care of myself and apologizing for not being able to side with me. I don't blame her because her condition is far worse than mine. Disengaging for the hug,  Emelia steps in to assist me with my boxes.

"Thank you for everything, and I'm truly sorry for causing such hardship for the family,” I apologize to everyone before leaving with Emelia, and we head back to her house.

Emelia offers me a place to stay for as long as I need, considering we both work at the same place. However, as they are comforting me, I receive a message from work.

"It's from the office. I've been fired," I announce, breaking into a strange, almost hysterical laughter, then burst into tears.

I'm even scared of myself right now because I'm about to run mad. Trying to console me, they all gather around me, offering hugs and support, but that doesn't soothe anything because I’m totally ruined.

THE MAYFAIR MANSION

ALEXANDRA'S POV

Grandfather sighs heavily as he watches the news of my scandal going viral. As he let out a light cough, mom quickly got him a glass of water which he took and then slam it angrily against the wall while the broken sounds filled the room. Everyone quickly moves away from him while I remain seated.

"What were you thinking? Even if you had to take those actions, couldn't you have done it discreetly without attracting public attention?" Grandfather reprimands in frustration as he picks up a remote control and throws it at me, which of course I dodge.

"Why are you shouting at him? It's not his fault that the reporters revealed his location,” Mom defends and then turns to William, “But isn't it suspicious that reporters were able to pinpoint his whereabouts despite all the security measures unless someone did a very good job?" I'm sure she is trying to insinuate that William may have leaked my location to the media.

But grandfather doesn't seem to be concerned about that but rather about how to solve the matter at hand.

"Marry her immediately," Grandfather suddenly declares, leaving me incredulous at his suggestion, knowing full well that I’m not ready for such a commitment. 

I only break out into laughter as his command seems very funny and absurd. Marry who? That lowlife? He must be joking with me.

"Why would you propose that he marry someone of such a low class? She’s not on our level and not suitable for this family," Mom quickly defends.

"I’ve no intention of marrying anyone, and it’ll be best if you refrain from discussing this matter with me again," I assert firmly.

"Really? Then present a solution to rectify the mess you've caused. Surely, you must have a grand plan in place to address the situation you've found yourself in," Grandfather challenges.

Crossing my leg, I suggest advancing the release date of our new product to resolve the issue at hand, but instead of accepting my suggestion, I can see his anger growing.

"Julius, assemble the legal team and sue every reporter, company, or individual who invaded my grandson's privacy by going to the hotel, distributing, or posting pictures of him. Release a statement claiming that the woman in the photo is his wife-to-be and announce that those who entered their hotel room will face consequences," Grandfather orders Julius his secretary, dismissing my suggestion, much to my dismay.

"I’ll not agree to this marriage," I retort angrily.

“You’ll, and you have no other options,” he threatens, and I scoff then stand up, ready to take my leave.

"If you are not committed to it, then submit your resignation letter immediately,"  a familiar voice suddenly interrupts from behind.

Turning back, I saw her in a wheelchair, I’m taken aback by her unexpected presence; we had not received any updates about her arrival. I hurry to greet her, bending to her level, I embrace her tightly. I’ve missed her so bad; she’d gone for medical treatment, and it seemed like she’s doing much better now.

She gently pat my back, “ are you going to squeeze me to death?”she jokes and I pull away from the hug, looking at her face with a wide smile.

"That girl is not suitable for our family, but we need to address the current issue promptly. Just marry her temporarily, and we can discuss your divorce later," Grandmother suggests as I wheel her away from the meeting table, and I let out a small sigh.

Moving to her front and bending down, she cups my face into her hand, and I glance at her, feeling torn as I don't want to defy her authority.

"Please," she adds softly, and after some consideration, I reluctantly agree.

“But I would like to add a clause to the agreement documents,” I add, and she agrees and we've a nice conversation before leaving her to rest in her room.

I left the house without even bidding anyone goodby, I head outside, only to encounter my so-called stepbrother. On sighting me, he drop the call and then dip his hand into his pocket with a wide smile. 

Walking closer to him, I adjust his shirt. "I'm very sorry things didn't go according to your plan, but I suggest you do better next time," I mock, though I knew he’s not the one.

"I know you won't believe me, but trust me, I'm not the one who betrayed you. You know I wouldn't stoop so low," he reply, laughing.

"But I think you may have run out of ideas and decided to try that out, but next time, it'll be great if you plan everything thoroughly because that's kinda little to get a recognition in this family," I tease and gently pat his shoulder, before heading to my car.

Killian opened the door for me, and we drove to my house, thinking of how I will be able to endure marrying that talkative.