Ariana starred in awe at the interior decor of the restaurant . It was furnished lavishly. Above all, it was so romantic.
A warm, inviting ambiance with rich wood accents, velvet drapes, and soft golden lighting. It had intimate, candle lit tables with crisp linen and fine china.
It also had beautifully curated art collection adorning the walls. And to top it all, it had a serene, courtyard garden for pre dinner cocktails or post dinner strolls.
The amount used in privately booking this place could cost a fortune.
And to think that all these arrangements were fake, was just a game, made it feel akward.
Ariana stiffened when Maxwell put an arm around her waist, bringing her closer to him.
She looked at him as he smiled at her, nodding his head. She got the message immediately as she returned the smile almost immediately.
They took their seat as a waitress came to take their order.
Ariana starred at the menu for a really long time. She actually wanted to try all the foods at once.
But she was a billionaire's wife to be. She had to comport herself, especially now that she was in public.
She would still surely have to try them, but not now. She thought as she placed her order. The waiter left afterward.
A romantic music started playing in the background as Ariana glanced at Maxwell to find him already staring at her.
"You want to dance??". Maxwell asked more like a rhetorical question as he stretched his hands.
Ariana placed her hands on his softly as they both stood up, going to the dance floor as the spotlight shown on them.
Maxwell wrapped his arms around her slender waist, and Ariana wrapped hers around his neck as they maintained eye contact, moving slowly to the rhythm of the music.
Ariana could feel heat radiating from her body. She was dancing with a famous billionaire, a handsome billionaire. Was this a dream?? This is someone that girls trip over for just at a mere glance at him, and here she was, in his arms, dancing to a romantic music. They would soon get married, and she was going to live with him. She was about to get herself a lot of enemies now, especially ladies who had eyes for Maxwell. She reminded herself that this was just a plan and after the coast is cleared , they were going to go their separate ways , no strings attached, never to cross paths again.
Her nerves seemed to become calm at the thought as she smiled back at Maxwell. There was something about his blue eyes that seemed to draw her in. It felt like she should stare at it all day.... no Ariana , this is just a plan, remember. She screamed in her head as she inhaled deeply.
"You are so pretty." Maxwell whispered before he could stop himself as Ariana just smiled at the compliment.
He wasn't looking bad himself .
He was dressed in a tailored suit that accentuated his chiseled physique. The charcoal gray fabric is woven with subtle threads of silver, giving it a sophisticated sheen that catches the light. The jacket is fitted perfectly, highlighting his broad shoulders and chest, while the trousers break just so on his published black shoes. A crisp white shirt, starched to perfection, provides a striking contrast to his bronzed skin and a slim black tie that adds a touch of elegance to his overall demeanor.
A Patek Philippe watch glints on his wrist, and a slim gold ring adorns his pinky finger, subtle reminder of his immense wealth and status. As he danced slowly, his suit seemed to shimmer and flow around him like a second skin , his very presence seemed to draw the eye, commanding attention and respect. He was the epitome of power , sophistication and style - a true master of the universe.
Soon enough, the music ended as they went back to sit with Maxwell, playing the role of a gentleman by pulling out her seat for her before going to sit on his.
Just then, the reporters stood at the entrance , and paparazzi were present also as their cameras flashed nonstop at them.
It was at that moment that Maxwell went on his knees. He brought out a ring from his well tailored suit jacket as he opened it .
The diamond ring is set in a sleek, white gold band, expertly crafted with delicate filigree details and subtle milgrain edging evoking the elegance of a bygone era.
The diamond is surrounded by a halo of smaller, precision-cut diamonds, adding an extra layer of sparkle and emphasizing the majesty of the central stone. The band is adorned with intricate engravings, adding a touch of whimsy and romance. The ring's profile
is slender and refined, ensuring a comfortable fit and effortless elegance.
It was truly a breathaking engagement ring fit for a queen.
He starred up at Ariana affectionately as he took a deep breath before speaking.
"Ever, since the day I met you, you stole my heart completely. I see you in my dreams, you are always on my mind. You are my heartbeat, my precious jewel, the reason why I want to keep breathing. I love you from the depth of my heart , Ariana Paige. I will love to smile with you for the rest of my life. In my eyes, in my words and in everything I do, you are the only one that would ever bring me peace. Having you by my side is what completes me, makes me and fufils me. I want to grow old with you by my side, will you marry me??".
Ariana starred at him for a while as she processed all what he said. She gasped, her mouth hung open in utter shock. She secretly pinched herself reminding herself that all this was just a facade .
But damn, he was really good with romantic words.
"Yessss!!" . She screamed dramatically as Maxwell slid the ring into her finger as he stood up, hugging her.
The paparazzi took record of the whole proposal stuff .
"Let go of me. I can't breathe" Ariana whispered in his ears while still maintaining a big smile on.
Maxwell shifted away from her clearing his throat as they sat down back to enjoy their dinner.
One step to getting married has been accomplished . Marriage is the next step, the rumors about him would surely die when he gets married to Ariana.
They finished their dinner in no time as they stepped out with several paparazzi
taking pictures of them.
*
In a dark room, a man could be seen on a phone call. His mouth was the only thing shown because of the light that penetrated into the room from a flourescent bulb outside the room.
"Our plans are finally working" The man said , a smoke pipe in between his lips.
"Our years of hard work and fake affection can't go to waste". A voice said from the other end.
"Once they get married, it would be more easy for us". The man muttered, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.
"And I would have to play my part really well. Have to go now. Take care". The voice said and ended the call.
The man took a long drag on his smoke pipe as he released it out from his nostrils before sauntering out of the room.
*
Andrew, Maxwell's business rival and one of Francis friends sat on his couch in his suite, watching Maxwell's proposal on the screen as he clenched his fist. Rage written all over his face.
Maxwell's marriage would really go a long way in clearing the rumors about him. He needs to come up with a plan.
He can't let this happen.
He would have to find out more proofs to solidate the rumor about Maxwell. A proof that would tarnish his reputation. He was going to deal with Maxwell ruthlessly.
He was sure Francis, his friend, would be thinking about the same thing.
He sent for one of his men as he came rushing in.
"Boss, I'm here" . Ryder said, he looked dangerous in his bad ass outfit, with several tattoos on his body. He wore numerous chains on his body.
"Find out the identity of the blurry faced shirtless dude along side with Maxwell." Andrew said, rubbing his palms together as he glared at Maxwell's picture on the screen.
"Ok Boss". Ryder said and left.
His eyes narrowed when he saw Ariana. She was an epitome of beauty. He couldn't get his eyes for her. His eyes trailed her backside as he starred at her lustfully. She was just too sexy to be ignored.
Maxwell was really biting more than he can chew. Not only was he getting married, he was getting married to an angel.
Why must he always get the good things of life. No, he wasnt ever going to let this happen . Not under his watch, he would do everything to make sure he brings Maxwell down.
Even if he had to kill anyone that stands in his way.
Swiftly, he took a gun from his pocket as he shot Maxwell's picture on the TV, the screen shattered.