After her conversation with her aunt, she decided to contact Leonardo and he set up a meeting for her at one of the luxurious restaurants known for its romantic ambiance.
Ariana felt embarrassed and nervous as she prepared for the meeting. She searched her wardrobe for simple clothes that would suit the occasion, but she knew her appearance would inevitably clash with the sophistication of the place. She tried her best to look presentable, though she couldn't shake the feeling of inadequacy compared to what she imagined she'd encounter there.
When she arrived at the restaurant, she found leonardo sitting calmly and confidently, fiddling with the buttons of his elegant shirt. It was clear from his appearance that he had changed significantly.
As she approached the table where he was sitting, she noticed how he exuded an air of confidence.
He immediately looked up at her and gestured toward the seat opposite him, briefly saying, "Please, have a seat… Ariana ."
She hesitated for a moment before sitting down, a polite smile faintly drawn on her face.
"Ah…" he started, closing the notebook he had in front of him and placing it back in his briefcase. He leaned back slightly, fixing his gaze on her.
He asked her, "Have you come to a decision?"
She hesitated, her gaze shifting slightly, unsure of what to say.
Instead of replying directly, she let her silence speak.
With a cold smirk, he leaned forward slightly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "I take it you've made up your mind," he said with a sarcastic tone.
His confidence made her uneasy. "You're awfully sure of yourself," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of frustration.
He chuckled lightly. "It's obvious, isn't it? This decision is in your best interest."
She flinched, his words hitting a nerve. His presence alone was a lesson in composure—one she wasn't sure she was ready to face.
After a long pause, she finally said, "Life has taught me to take the opportunities that are in front of me."
!
He leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed, but his words carried a sharp edge. "I was sure you wouldn't let this opportunity slip by. You'd trade your so-called friendship for something greater. People like you always do."
Her eyes narrowed, the heat of his accusation stinging, but she refused to back down. She crossed her arms, her voice steady yet laced with challenge. "And what makes you so sure that I won't sell you out the same way I 'sold' my friend?"
A flicker of amusement crossed his face, and he let out a low, mocking laugh. "Because I've already accounted for that possibility. You're not the only candidate for this plan—just the most suitable."
She frowned, the insult veiled in his statement sharp and deliberate. "The most suitable? Why?"
His gaze sharpened, his tone dropping to something colder, more calculated. "You're prettier than her, but not so much that you'd steal all the attention. You're poor, which means you're easier to control. And let's not forget the cherry on top—you're her friend. That connection alone makes you perfect for what I have in mind. Nothing would hurt her more."
Her stomach churned at his cruel reasoning, but she schooled her expression, refusing to let him see the turmoil brewing inside her.
.
He smirked sarcastically and added in a calm voice laced with a hidden threat:
"And about the betrayal Trust me, once you live with me, you'll quickly learn that anyone who betrays me never escapes unscathed. I'm not the forgiving type."
Before she could respond, his attention shifted to someone entering the restaurant. It was Hana's sister, her face tense, as if she were searching for someone. A sly smile spread across his lips as he watched her, then he muttered:
"This is enough. Once the news reaches her, things will start to fall into place."
"So this was your plan to make her sees us"
"Smart girl"
Ariana felt deeply insulted by his words, especially the way he spoke about his plan for her life as if she were merely a tool for his revenge. But she concealed her irritation and responded firmly:
"If that's the case, I have conditions for this contract."
He turned to her, half-interested, half-indifferent, motioning for her to continue.
"First, I'll complete my education. I'm a pharmacist, and nothing will stop me from pursuing that."
"Fine, go on," he replied curtly, raising an eyebrow as though expecting more.
"Second, our marriage will be purely formal. Each of us will live in separate rooms."
A faint smirk played on his lips, but he said nothing.
"And third, all my requests will be met. I won't ask for anything unreasonable, but I need to guarantee my independence."
He stared at her silently for a long moment, as though weighing her words carefully, before finally saying:
"Doesn't matter to me. As long as you serve the purpose, consider everything you've said agreed upon."
He leaned back in his chair, his expression still cold and calculating.
"I have requirements too," he began, his tone unwavering. "First, you'll be my public face. You'll represent me in every way—appearances, events, the whole charade. Second, stay out of my personal life. I'll do whatever I want, and you won't interfere. Lastly, you're forbidden from having any kind of relationship with anyone else. I can't have my reputation tarnished."
Ariana let out a sarcastic laugh, her eyes glinting with defiance.
"Perfect," she replied mockingly. "I'll be your doll for display, and you'll be my wallet for spending."
Her words hung in the air, sharp and pointed. For a brief moment, his eyes narrowed, but the smirk returned to his lips as if to signal that her wit was part of why he'd chosen her.