Morning light shone from the curtains, A beautiful girl lying in bed covered her eyes when the sunray hit her sleepy eyes. Her silk black hair scattered on the satin pillow. Sleepily she opened her hazel brown eyes. Some realization hit her and her eyes grew big in surprise. Quickly she got down from her bed and ran to freshen up. Sometimes later she came out with a beautiful smile spread on her face, dressed in a peach-colored, A-line dress that stopped just above her ankles.
Coming out of her room she ran straight to the dining table.
"Mom, I'm starving," Ariana said while sitting on one of the chairs.
"Ohh, you're awake. I thought since it's Sunday, you'll wake up directly tomorrow morning," her mom, Hazel Jackson, said teasingly
"Please Mom, it's only Sunday that I get to sleep late. Besides it's not that late, it's only 11 am" she complained
"Whatever. Just done with it fast and don't forget we have to go to Nina's place in the evening. She invited us for dinner." Hazel said while doing some work in the kitchen which brought a beautiful yet shy smile on Ari's lips thinking about why they were invited.
In the evening Ari got ready before the time but stayed in her room to avoid her mom's taunting about how she got ready even before the time because she was always late.
While waiting for her mom to get ready, she looked at herself in the mirror, dressed in a pink dress, with a little make-up, her long hair tied in a high ponytail, looking as beautiful as ever.
While she admired her small effort to look different than usual, her mom called her from the hall.
"Ari come fast I'm ready."
"Coming Mom," she ran while giving a last glance at herself in the mirror
She ran down the stairs excitedly.
"Wow, you look beautiful, darling." Hazel complimented
"Thank you, Mom, you too," she said shyly
On their way, she kept twisting in her seat feeling a little nervous and happy at the same time. Looking forward to reaching their destination as soon as possible.
Watching out the window, looking at the sprinting trees, she drifted to her wild thoughts
"Will he find me beautiful too just like Mom,"
"How should I react when I see him? Should I hug him? No. No. That would be too much should I just admire him from afar?"
"Or I should just say hi."
Her questions came to a halt when her mom called her out.
"Why are you still sitting inside, let's go."
She didn't know when they reached Brandon Mansion, and now since she is here, her heart can't stop beating wildly in her chest.
Slowly she got inside the huge mansion in front of her. Her eyes searching for someone, 'Looks like he's not her' she concluded when she didn't find the particular person.
"Ari darling, you look beautiful," Nina Brandon said to her while taking her in for a hug
"Thank you aunt, but surely not as beautiful as you," she said while hugging Nina, her voice gentle.
Mrs. Nina Brandon is her aunt, her mother's elder sister. She is the wife of Mr. John Brandon, A successful businessman in the country. The Brandon Corporation is in the 1st position in the business world.
While, Ariana's father Mr. Mike Jackson, the owner of Jackson Enterprises is among the top five businessmen in the country.
Both, The Brandons and The Jacksons hold power in the country and come under the respected families of the country.
"Ladies and gentlemen please make yourself comfortable" Nina announced to the other guests.
"Nina, where's Jace? He must be tired from the long journey." Hazel, Ari's mom asked causing Ari's ear to perk up to listen
"No, no, he has had enough rest. He is just getting ready." Nina replied
"Ari can you please call him down, Guests are waiting for him," Nina asked for help causing Ari to jolt up
"M...mee," Ari asked a little reluctant to go
"Yes, you go and call Jace, Nina is busy. You should help her." Hazel said to Ari seeing that she was not ready to go.
Ari nodded and started going.
On her way, Ari was busy in her thoughts when suddenly her head bumped into the broad back of someone. His manly cologne mixed with sandalwood hit her nostrils.
When the person turned around to see, Ari felt a lump in her throat.
"S...sorry, brother A...Alex. I was on my way to call J...Jace." She stammered, while he just gave a small nod and turned around.
Ari is always like this around him, she is somewhat scared of him, maybe because of his distant nature.
Alex Brandon was John Brandon's Elder son, the CEO of the Brandon Corporation, and the most wanted bachelor in the country. Handsome is the understatement for his looks, his perfect build body muscular body, and attractive looks that can surpass the top models in the industry. He is also famous for his cold and aloof nature.
When Ari turned her breath hitched and she felt her legs trembling.
"He looks more handsome now." Ari thought
Soon he caught her sight and strode toward her.
'Oh god! He's coming here, he's coming here...' she shouted in her mind, her legs froze to the ground.
"Hey, beautiful, how are you?" he said, and as soon as he came near he hugged her. Shocking her to her bones.
Her body froze, and her emotions were all over the place.
Actually, Ari and Jace are childhood friends. He was her best friend. He went to another for higher education and returned after 4 years, after completing his studies.
In all these years they were connected through calls and Ari started feeling differently for him. She also felt that the feelings were mutual and was waiting for his return.
He even told her he had a surprise for her and would give her when he returned.
Ari wondered what surprise he might be giving her.
Getting back to her senses, she replied.
"I'm Good. How are you?" she asked controlling her smile, which was wide enough to make her look like a lunatic.
Soon her eyes landed on a blond girl standing behind him, and she didn't look familiar.
When Jace saw her line of sight he said
"Oh I forgot....."
"Meet her. She is Cory, my girlfriend," he said putting his hand on both of her shoulders and making her stand face-to-face with Ari.
"GIRLFRIEND...."