Elder Cole Mansion.
A black BMW halted at the entrance of a tall mansion and Dalia's plump figure stepped out first, positioning and helping Ariana into her wheelchair.
The Private dinner bash was held at the Cole Mansion's grand hall. The grand hall was elegantly decorated with luxurious droopping marble chandeliers and a distinctive theme of red and black.
The subtle rhythm of the piano reverberated in the background alongside the chattering of appealingly dressed guests.
Arthur Cole's wheelchair was posed in the middle of the extravagant hall with his table of gifts ranging from expensive to very expensive.
The city had different levels in the business world and the Cole family has been the most powerful for years although they couldn't match up with the Wales family from country S.
Arthur Cole was a successful businessman in his youth, the authoritarian had built an empire but had to step down as his health worsened due to old age.
Even in his retirement, Arthur Cole controlled more than half of the business chains in the city.
The old man's face beamed with excitement upon identifying the woman approaching him.
Ariana was dressed in a stunning red flair gown which had a round neck exposing her fair collarbone, the elbow length sleeves and glitters making her look like a princess.
Her lush lips were a subtle neutral pinkish shade, Her straight hair was packed up into a princess updo and her hazel eyes shone brilliantly like the night stars.
Dalia also had on a lovely simple black gown, her Aubrey hair packed up into a ponytail, which was pleasing to the eyes.
As Dalia pushed Ariana's wheelchair past a table containing the red-haired from Sarah's group and her feeble-minded friends.
Vile slurs were shot at them in a whisper deliberately loud enough for Ariana to listen to.
"Thief."
"Cripple."
"Filthy husband snatcher."
Dalia shot them a glare but sealed her mouth shut and proceeded to escort Ariana till she got close to the old man.
Ariana's lips curled up into a smile. She called out in a delicate voice "Grandpa Cole."
"My sweet girl." The old man cooed, stretching his hands to pull her cheeks. "You look so thin, Has Charles been good to you?"
Ariana coughed slightly, looking down, she couldn't lie while looking into his eyes. "Of course Grandpa."
"Then where is that bastard boy?" He asked, glancing around but his eyes were filled with Charles' absence.
"He had to work late, he told me to come first to accompany grandfather, he'll be here soon."
The Old man scrutinized her for a sign of honesty for a while, he knew most of Charles' behavior but decided to clamp his mouth.
He was blessed to such a sweet grand daughter in-law and he felt him being meddlesome might help her realize how much better she could do.
Ariana watered her mouth to talk further but was interrupted by a deep rich baritone voice from behind.
"Ariana Cole."
She angled in the direction of the chilly voice and she had to lift her head slightly to catch sight of the tall man, his jet-black hair was held up in a bun.
He was inhumanely handsome with his chiseled clean-shaven jawline, his eyes were a unique inviting shade of ocean blue and he was dressed in an all-black tuxedo that further oppressed anyone in the surroundings with his chilly aura.
Ariana squinted her eyes slightly to get a better view of him. "I'm sorry, do I know you?"
A charming smile spread across his handsome face and he stretched out his big hands which were adorned with child-like bracelets. "Caleb Ernesto."
Her eyes glinted with recognition and her breath etched slightly, croaking out. "Caleb, it's been a very long time."
Ariana had been the campus beauty in her university and a lot of guys used to fawn over her to get a chance but one stood out, Caleb.
He was her junior but he publicly displayed his admiration for her several times and back then he considered a sweet boy.
But now he had a chilly sense of authority hanging over him and he was enormous, even more huge than Charles.
Ariana groaned, smacking herself internally. 'Why are you comparing him to Charles?'
His icy demeanor softened seeing her openly stare, a sense of self-fulfillment washed anew in him.
'Those years of workouts finally paid off.'
He grinned sheepishly."Yeah, it has truly been a while."
"Oh yes." Ariana replied.
Caleb's smile dropped, catching sight of the engraved ring adorned around her slender fair ring finger. "I heard you got married into the Cole Family."
"Yes I did, you should know my husband." Ariana declared, waving her ring finger.
The air around Caleb dropped immensely and he straightened up.
A flicker of emotions flashed through his eyes but they were immediately replaced by apathy. "I also heard about your accident."
"I'm recovering now. Thank you, Caleb." She nodded, flashing him a genuine smile.
The piano switched to a slow dance song and various couples tagged along to the dance floor.
Caleb who was standing leisurely close to Ariana turned and asked in a hoarse voice "Can I have this dance?"
Ariana glanced up and his huge hands stretched out to hers, she turned to Arthur Cole for help but the old man was carried away with his business discussions.
Ariana was just about to refuse when Caleb's enormous hands wrapped around her waist pulling her to stand from the wheelchair.
He supported her feet by placing her heels directly on his pricey shoes, his hands possessively draped around her waist to prevent her from tumbling over.
Ariana clung to him, still shaken as he led them to the dance floor. If he was feeling the pain from her weight, he surely didn't show it.
The few people on the dance floor backed away from the couple. A few flashed them obvious looks of disdain.
Caleb swayed nicely to the rhythm of the song even with Ariana's pressing weight leaning on him.
His long legs moved to the piano efficiently twirling Ariana with little yet satisfactory effort,anyone watching this could tell of the young master's vast dancing skill.
Ariana leaned in closer clawing onto the hem of his shirt for support.
Caleb chuckled, lightly tightening his hold around her waist to make her lean closer to him. "I should have fought harder."
Ariana glanced at him speechless, lightly intoxicated by his masculine musky scent, her pale cheeks flushed red and she quickly averted her gaze making Caleb chuckle.
As the song got close to its end. Caleb pulled Ariana's frail body into his and whispered. "This time I will show you how capable I am."
She pulled her head away from his chest to get a better view of his face, her heart leaped with fear at how dark his eyes were, he had a smirk across his face but you could spell out the cruel determination in his blue orbs.
Caleb pulled her head in closer to his face and to anyone looking from afar, it appeared as though they were kissing.
Her heart thumped loudly with fear feeling his hot minty breath fanning her ear. What if Charles was watching?
Although she isn't happily married, she is still married and this could upset the Cole family and spark scandals once again.
He lightly whispered into her ears. "I'll win your heart this time or die trying."
Applauds resounded from every corner of the room after the dance ended and Caleb supported Ariana back to her wheelchair.
His hands itched to lift her but seeing her bitter expression, he lightly draped his hands over her waist and pulled her closer to his side.
After he helped her settle in, he bowed respectfully to Dalia and flashed them both a smile before taking his leave.
Ariana bit her lips bitterly watching Caleb's retreating back. Caleb was on the list of people who knew her true identity and he was planning to begin a pursuit.
The results surely wouldn't be good.
Noticing her pale face, Dalia asked worriedly. "Is anything the problem ma?"
"No No I'm—Uhm—I'm fine." She stammered, her voice wavering.
Dalia put down her thoughts but kept her eyes on Ariana the entire night. Ariana remained visibly shaken, her skin pale and her expression distant.