The Turner mansion, once a place Ariana tried to call home, now felt like a gilded cage. The grand halls echoed with whispers, the staff's polite smiles fading into judgmental stares. She wasn't blind to their shifting loyalties. It had started subtly, but now it was undeniable: Lucas's disdain had emboldened them.
One afternoon, as she walked down the hallway toward the library, soft voices stopped her in her tracks. She instinctively pressed herself against the wall, straining to hear the conversation coming from around the corner.
"Mrs. Turner doesn't seem like a good fit for Mr. Turner, does she?" a maid whispered.
"Not at all," another replied with a chuckle. "Sophia Hayes is so much more his type—elegant, charming. They'd make a stunning couple."
Ariana's chest tightened. Her nails dug into her palms as the words sank in, cutting deeper than any insult hurled directly at her. The staff, the people she had treated with kindness and respect, now sided with Sophia. She waited until their footsteps faded before continuing down the hall, her head held high despite the storm brewing inside her.
That evening, as she sat alone in the living room, Ariana stared at the flickering flames in the fireplace. The loneliness weighed on her, pressing down like an invisible force. She couldn't let this continue. She had to find a way to reclaim her identity, her purpose.
The next morning, an idea began to take root. Her charity work had always been her sanctuary—a way to bring light to others even when her own life felt dark. If she could throw a successful fundraiser, it might remind Lucas of the woman he had once admired, perhaps even loved.
With newfound determination, Ariana threw herself into organizing the event. She worked tirelessly, reaching out to sponsors, securing a venue, and personally overseeing every detail. The fundraiser would benefit underprivileged children, a cause close to her heart.
As the days passed, she allowed herself a sliver of hope. Maybe this would be the turning point. Maybe Lucas would finally see her worth.
The night of the fundraiser arrived, and the grand ballroom was transformed into a vision of elegance. Glittering chandeliers cast warm light over the crowd, and soft music filled the air. Ariana stood at the entrance, greeting guests with a gracious smile.
She had chosen a stunning emerald gown for the occasion, the rich color complementing her fair skin and accentuating her striking green eyes. Her hair was swept into an elegant chignon, and for the first time in months, she felt beautiful and worthy.
As the room filled with influential figures, Ariana's confidence grew. Guests approached her with kind words, praising her dedication and the success of the event. For a brief moment, the heavy weight on her chest lifted.
Then she saw him.
Lucas entered the ballroom, commanding attention in a tailored black suit. He was every bit the charismatic man she had fallen in love with, his presence magnetic and undeniable. Her heart skipped a beat, hope surging within her.
But then she saw Sophia.
Dressed in a shimmering silver gown that clung to her figure, Sophia walked beside Lucas, her arm lightly brushing against his. Her golden hair cascaded down her back, catching the light with every step. The sight was like a dagger to Ariana's heart.
She forced her smile to remain intact as they approached.
"Good evening," Sophia chirped, her voice warm and cheerful. "Lucas insisted I accompany him tonight. I hope you don't mind, Ariana."
Ariana's nails dug into her palms, but she kept her composure. "Of course not," she replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her.
Lucas barely acknowledged her, his eyes scanning the room. "It's a good turnout," he said curtly before moving past her, Sophia following closely.
Throughout the evening, Ariana tried to focus on her guests, engaging in polite conversation and ensuring everything ran smoothly. But her gaze kept drifting toward Lucas and Sophia, who seemed inseparable. Sophia's laughter rang out like a bell, drawing attention from everyone around her.
At one point, Ariana overheard a group of attendees praising Sophia.
"She's absolutely delightful," one woman said. "I had no idea she was involved in organizing this event."
"She wasn't," Ariana wanted to say, but she bit her tongue. Correcting them would only come across as petty, and she couldn't afford that.
As the night wore on, Ariana decided to approach Lucas. She needed to have one moment with him, to remind him why this event mattered. She found him near the bar, a glass of whiskey in hand.
"Lucas," she began softly, stepping closer.
He turned to her, his expression indifferent. "What is it, Ariana?"
She hesitated, her carefully rehearsed words suddenly feeling inadequate. "I wanted to thank you for coming. This event means a lot to me, and I—"
Before she could finish, Sophia appeared, her timing impeccable as always.
"Oh, Lucas!" she interrupted, slipping her arm through his. "They're starting the auction. You can't miss it. Shall we?"
Lucas glanced at Ariana briefly, his impatience evident. "We'll talk later," he muttered before letting Sophia lead him toward the auction stage.
Ariana stood frozen, her outstretched hand slowly falling to her side. She watched as Lucas walked away, completely absorbed in Sophia's presence.
As the auction began, Ariana found herself standing at the edge of the room, a glass of champagne in her hand. She smiled politely at guests who passed by, but inside, her heart was shattering. The night that was supposed to be her triumph had become yet another reminder of her insignificance in Lucas's eyes.
She excused herself quietly and slipped onto the balcony, the cool night air brushing against her skin. She leaned against the railing, staring at the city lights in the distance.
Tears blurred her vision as she whispered to herself, "What more can I do?"
For years, she had given everything to her marriage—her love, her patience, her dignity. And yet, it was never enough.
Sophia's laughter floated through the open doors, a haunting reminder of her reality. Ariana wiped her tears and straightened her shoulders. She couldn't let anyone see her break.