The morning sun bathed the Carter family's home in a golden glow.
Ariana sat at the breakfast table, sipping her tea while her mother busied herself in the kitchen. Her father, as usual, was reading the morning paper, his brow furrowing occasionally as he read the headlines.
The serene atmosphere was interrupted by a cheerful knock at the door.
"I'll get it," Ariana said, pushing back her chair and heading to the door.
As she opened it, she was met with the familiar bright smile of her best friend, Mia. Dressed in a vibrant floral dress, Mia held a basket in one hand and wore her usual playful grin.
"Mia!" Ariana exclaimed, throwing her arms around her. "What are you doing here so early?"
Mia returned the hug with enthusiasm. "Early? It's almost noon, you sleepyhead."
Ariana laughed and stepped aside to let her friend in. "Come in. You've got excellent timing. Mama just baked scones."
Mia gasped dramatically. "Your mom's scones?
Mia's eyes lit up. "Your mama's scones?Oh, the universe must truly love me today!"
As they walked into the dining room, Mrs. Carter turned from the kitchen and smiled warmly. "Mia, darling, it's always a pleasure to see you. Sit down, and I'll bring some tea and scones."
Mia placed the basket on the table. "Thank you, Mrs. Carter. And I brought some berries from the market to go with them!"
Mrs. Carter chuckled "You're spoiling us, as usual."
Meanwhile, Mr. Carter folded his newspaper and greeted Mia with a nod. "Morning, Mia. How's your family?"
"They're doing well, Mr. Carter," Mia replied with a grin. "Although my dadstill thinks he can grow roses better than your garden, though."
Mr. Carter laughed heartily. "Tell him to keep dreaming."
The table soon became a lively scene of laughter and chatter, with Mia and Ariana exchanging lighthearted jabs.
"So," Mia said, her voice lowering conspiratorially as she leaned toward Ariana. "When are you going to tell me what's been bothering you? I can tell something's up."
Ariana's smile faltered briefly, and she glanced at her parents. Leaning closer, she whispered, "Not here. I'll tell you later."
Mia raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. "Fine. But don't think you can avoid me forever."
Later that evening, the house was quiet. Ariana sat alone in her room, tracing her finger over the spine of one book absentmindedly.
A sharp ping broke the silence. Picking up the device, she saw Lucas's name flash on the screen. Her heart clenched involuntarily, but she quickly shook off the unease.
Opening the message, she read:
"Ariana, we need to talk. I feel like you've been distant lately. Meet me tomorrow. Let's fix whatever's wrong."
Her fingers hovered over the screen as doubt crept in, but then she closed her eyes and summoned her magical ability.
With her "Truth Sight," the world around her shifted. The colors of her room deepened, and the edges of Lucas's message seemed to shimmer with hidden meaning. As she focused, the truth behind his words began to unravel.
She saw Lucas, his confident smirk hiding a cold calculation. His words weren't born of love or concern—they were laced with manipulation. His need to "fix" things was about control, not care. He didn't want to lose his grip on her, not because he loved her, but because she served a purpose in his grand scheme.
Ariana's breath caught in her throat. She had always felt something was off, but now she could see it clearly. Lucas wasn't the man she thought he was.
Tears pricked her eyes, but she wiped them away. No more crying over him. No more being his pawn.
She stood, her resolve hardening. She had to tell her parents. They deserved to know.
In the living room, her mother and father were enjoying a quiet evening together. Ariana walked in, her footsteps purposeful but soft.
"Papa, Mama, can I talk to you for a moment?" she asked, her voice steady.
Her mother looked up, her brow furrowing slightly. "Of course, sweetheart. What's on your mind?"
Her father set his book down and gave her a concerned look. "Everything okay?"
Ariana sat down, folding her hands in her lap. "I've been thinking a lot about my relationship with Lucas, and I've made a decision. I want to break up with him."
Her parents exchanged a look of surprise.
Her father leaned forward. "Are you sure, Ariana? This is a big decision."
"I'm sure, Papa. Lucas… he's not who he pretends to be. He's manipulative and self-serving. I've ignored the signs for too long, but now I see him for who he really is. I can't marry someone like that."
Her mother reached out to hold her hand, her eyes filled with concern and love. "If this is what you truly feel, we'll support you. But are you prepared for the consequences? Lucas is influential, and he won't take this lightly."
Ariana nodded, her resolve unwavering. "I know it won't be easy. But I'd rather face this now than live a lifetime of regret."
Her father smiled faintly, pride evident in his expression. "We trust you, Ariana. And we'll stand by you, no matter what."
"Thank you, Papa. Thank you, Mama," Ariana said, her voice soft with gratitude.
Back in her room, Ariana stared at Lucas's message once more. Her heart no longer wavered.
She typed her reply:
"Lucas, we need to talk. Meet me in the garden pavilion tomorrow evening."
After sending the message, she set the phone down and exhaled deeply. The weight on her chest felt lighter.
As she lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, Ariana felt a sense of clarity and resolve she hadn't experienced in months. Tomorrow, she would face Lucas, not as a naive girl, but as a woman determined to take back control of her life.