After breakfast, Rhysand went off to work. Even though he was a bodyguard, President Ocean really liked him and made him Eric's assistant at the company, maybe hoping to use him more later on.
Once he was gone, Ariel got to cleaning the little house. It only had one room, with the kitchen and bathroom outside, so it didn't take long.
Even though Ariel came from the Ocean family, her dad was just a poor guy from the countryside, and the company was her mom's.
So Ariel grew up knowing how to cook and clean. She wasn't some spoiled rich girl.
After cleaning, she changed clothes and went out.
She needed to visit her parents' graves since yesterday was their memorial day, but she couldn't go because of the wedding.
The cemetery was quiet and cool after the rain.
Ariel stood in front of the tombstones, looking at the black-and-white photos of her parents.
"Mom, Dad... I got married yesterday. My husband's name is Rhysand. Don't worry, he... he treats me well," Ariel whispered, even though she knew Rhysand didn't like her at all. She didn't want her parents to worry from wherever they were.
She was about to light some incense when she noticed something surprising.
There was already incense and fresh white chrysanthemums placed in front of the tombstone.
They smelled damp and kind of sad.
Who could've come here before her?
"Ariel!" A voice called from behind.
She turned to see Callum, looking all awkward and out of place.
He shuffled closer. "Ariel, did Rhysand do anything to you last night? Did he... you know, touch you?" he asked nervously.
Ariel didn't want to talk to him, so she stayed quiet.
Just then, Jessica came running over and pushed Callum. "Aren't you here to apologize to Ariel?" she asked him.
Callum blinked, then quickly blurted out, "Ariel, I'm sorry. I drank too much last night and... did those things. Can you forgive me?"
Ariel still didn't say anything. She really didn't want to talk to him at all.
Jessica stepped closer, frowning. "I heard Rhysand is super tough. Did he hurt you last night?"
Ariel shook her head. "No, Jessica, Rhysand's nice to me," she said softly.
Jessica looked at the tombstone, still angry. "The Ocean family is so messed up. They knew yesterday was your parents' memorial, but they still forced you to get married. That's so low."
Ariel didn't say anything. It wasn't like she had a choice.
Suddenly, Jessica noticed the flowers and incense. "Whoa! Did someone come here last night?" she asked, surprised.
Callum's face turned pale, and he quickly spoke up. "Yeah, it was me. I came to pay respects to Uncle and Aunt for Ariel."
But Ariel cut him off coldly. "It wasn't you."
"Of course it was! Don't be mad at me," Callum tried to explain, but Ariel wasn't having it.
"It rained last night, Callum. Your car tires are completely dry. Plus, you're allergic to pollen, and you can't even touch flowers," she said, her voice full of sarcasm. "And you got beaten up by Rhysand. How could you even have the strength to come here?"
Jessica gasped. "Wait, weren't your bruises from falling?"
Callum's face turned bright red. He was so embarrassed.
He had told everyone he fell because he didn't want to admit he went to see Ariel. And now he got caught lying about the flowers too!
Before he could explain, his phone buzzed. A girl's voice came through, all sweet and annoying. "Brother-in-law, can you take me to the salon?" she asked.
Callum, sweating nervously, replied, "Where are you?"
"I'm at your office, but you're not here. Are you with Ariel?" the girl asked.
Callum freaked out and glanced at Ariel. "What are you talking about? I broke up with Ariel a year ago! I'm not seeing her."
The girl's voice turned mean. "Good. That Ariel is just like her mom—nothing but trouble.
She acts all sweet to fool men with her pretty face. Brother-in-law, don't fall for it. She's not even good enough to be my sister's maid."
Ariel stayed quiet, but she recognized the voice.
It was Hailey, Eric's daughter.
She had always hated Ariel's mom, saying she was too beautiful and messed with men's heads. Since Ariel looked like her mom, Hailey hated her too.
Callum quickly hung up the phone, embarrassed. Jessica frowned. "Brother, you just let Hailey talk about Ariel like that and didn't even say anything?"
Callum shook his head. "Hailey wasn't wrong. Oh, and don't tell anyone I came here," he mumbled before walking off.
Jessica stomped her foot in frustration. "Ugh! My brother is such a jerk. He broke up with you just for power and money, and now he's sucking up to the Ocean family. What is wrong with him?"
Ariel didn't say anything, knowing that Callum and Jessica now lived with the Ocean family. She didn't want to cause trouble for Jessica.
After a moment, Jessica spoke quietly. "You know, after my brother broke up with you, he went to a bar and drank for a whole month. He got so drunk he kept crying and shouting your name."
Ariel stayed silent. She didn't know how to respond to that.