THE DANGER

A change of heart, huh?

In truth, Jayden had been noticing Arianna quite a lot lately. Before, maybe because she was still young back then, Arianna had been quite clingy and likes to act cute. Lately though, he hadn't realized that Arianna's air had changed from that of an obsessive teenager into that of a classy and alluring woman. Even the way she teased him didn't feel cheap and detestable anymore. In the contrary, her calm and sophisticated demeanor shows how high she stood in the society. Strong and mighty! That even when she flirt, it felt like she was just saying the words as a part of a greeting or pleasantry. As if you can't take it for real as she was to outstanding to chase after anyone. He didn't feel annoyed anymore, but rather honored. Such an exquisite woman who exudes both power and nobility. She's so unlike her sister; fragile and ignorant. She was so sheltered that she always needs someone to protect her.

Jayden sighed.

Yes. Belle was naive and simple. He used to love that in her. But when did it change? He used to like the feeling of being needed. It boosted his ego. Now though, he needs someone to rely on, and that.... definitely can't be the weak Arabella Reid.

****

"Yago!"

Arianna called out to him when she saw him jogging towards his car.

"Where are you going? You seem to be in a hurry?"

Yago turned to Arianna who was then wearing summer clothes while she was sitting under the pergola.

"No... I'm just going out for a while to run some errands." he answered.

Arianna closed her laptop and put down the bluetooth earphone that was previously stuffed in her left ear. She stood up and made her way to the flustered guy. "You're acting suspicious Yago. Are you meeting your girlfriend right now?"

" Of course not!" he hurriedly denied it.

" Didn't I tell you the other day that I don't have a girlfriend? You're overthinking. A friend of mine is in the hospital right now. I'm going out to visit him."

" Him? It's a man?"

Arianna looked too serious, like she was interrogating a cheating boyfriend. Yago laughed at the thought of it. What a silly idea!

"Of course it's a man." he confirmed.

Yago chuckled, but Arianna's eyes darkened. She turned around, not wanting to discuss about this matter at the moment. "Go now. But be sure to be home for dinner." she said, then headed back to sit on the bench under the pergola.

"Sure. I promise I'll be quick."

Arianna didn't look back. She put on her earphone and opened her laptop once again, ignoring him. Was she sulking? Why though?

Yago didn't put it to heart and just left in his car. But as soon as the car was out of sight, Arianna turned to look at the main gate.

A man... Yago was meeting a man. He said he didn't have a girlfriend. But he didn't say he didn't have a boyfriend....

Could it be possible that her brother...

... swing that way?

.....

While Arianna was contemplating about some personal matters, a pair of eyes were watching her from the mansion's third floor. A woman was gripping the curtain tight that her palm was turning white. Rage filled her heart at the sight of her cunning sister. Her heart was in deep turmoil that she felt like only revenge can bring her peace. Thinking of how she could execute her vengeance, a person suddenly came to her mind. She didn't want to interact with that person anymore, but right now, maybe it's her only choice. Nobody else can help her aside from....

Belle searched for a name in her contact list. She pressed on the name "Drew" and called him. It rang a few times but no one answered. On the last ring, just when Belle was about to put down her phone, the call connected.

"Hello, baby girl!" a voice of a man greeted from the other end of the line.

"You finally remembered to call me!"

"Hey Drew... Can I bother you about something?..."

" How much?",he immediately asked.

" Is it legal?"

Belle bit her lower lip.

"No. It's not." she confessed.

"I want you to drug someone for me."

Belle's eyes glimmered. This is payback time.

*****

Arianna descended the stairs looking poised and elegant. She was only wearing a low-key white long-sleeved blouse and a black tube skirt, but she still emenate a sense of affluence.

She glanced at the chauffeur waiting for him at the side. "Is Yago not home yet?" she asked.

"No, Miss. He hasn't come back yet."

Arianna nodded, a bit displeased. Yago said he'll be home before dinner. But it's already past 8! He's breaking his promises now! What's next? Would he be abandoning her soon for that man? He's been calling him but his phone was turned off. Just what was he doing? He's about to go out to meet Jayden. But suddenly, she's not in the mood to go anymore. But why was he recently bothered about these matters concerning Yago, lately? She wasn't usually easily shaken up! She's usually calm and collected during difficult situations, but Yago's matters seemed to have massive impact to her state of mind.

Arianna sighed. 'This is so not me!' she scolded herself. "Let's go now." she told the driver. She then walked ahead.

Not far away, a woman was watching her leave. Her eyes were full of hatred and envy. Tonight, she have to witness her sister's great tragedy!

"Dad..." Belle called as she saw her father sitting at the dining table. "Can I talk to you about something?"

As Belle was pulling a chair and sitting across her father, Carl remained pensive and didn't even lift his head to look at his daughter. He continued to eat his dinner while occassionally glancing at his phone on the side.

"Have your dinner first."

That was all he said.

Belle frowned. She already guessed why her dad was ignoring her. He probably know that she's about to bring Jayden's matter up again. He seemed to really dislike that idea.

"Dad, Jayden needs us right now. If his company collapse, how would I live well when I marry him?"

"Then marry someone else." he answered decisively.

That marked the end of it. Carl already made his decision not to support Jayden. If she dare say anything else, he would surely force her to break up with her boyfriend. Things had really turned difficult. However, if she doesn't do something and Jayden's company really go bankrupt, then she can't imagine what the future holds for them.

*****

"Good evening Jayde!" Arianna was smiling brightly as she went up to a reserved table. "I'm sorry I'm late."

"It's alright. No worries." he answered.

Arianna sat opposite the man's seat and held the menu. She's a bit hungry now and she planned on having the restaurant's best dishes, tonight! It was an old habit of hers. She likes to eat a lot whenever she's upset. As if filling her stomach can also fill the hole in her heart.

"You're very pretty tonight." he complimented.

Arianna looked up and smiled.

"Just tonight?" she teased.

Jayden chuckled. "No. You're always pretty."

Jayden observed her reaction but she didn't show any change of expression. It looks like she wasn't move by his words. So they just ordered some food and then engaged on some small talk. Arianna as always had a way with words. She's eloquent and polished. Even during a small talk, his conversation with her was very enjoyable. While they were having dinner, a waiter came and served them the special wine Jayden ordered for her. It was her favorite.

After a while, Arianna paused and put down her cutlery.

"You can talk now. What favor were you planning to ask me?" she asked him directly.

Jayden lowered his head for a while and then took a deep breath.

"It's about the company..." he started.

"Can you.... lend me a hand?"

Arianna took a sip of her wine and then turned to Jayden. "By lending a hand, you mean..... money?"

Jayden was a bit embarrassed. Arianna was quite straightforward, and it made him uncomfortable.

"You can just help me persuade the bank for me? So they'd agree to lend us.... I remember the bank was under your corporation and..." Jayden stopped. He found it hard to continue. He didn't know why but he suddenly felt that Arianna's aura was somehow intimidating. "Well, I was just trying my luck. If you're unwilling to help me, then...."

"Nonsense! Of course I'll help you." she stated before Jayden finishes his words. "It's just a small matter!"

She said that. However, the look on her face said otherwise. She looked upset. She noticed the weird look Jayden was giving her and so she waved her hand. "It's nothing. I just felt a bit dizzy. It's not because of you."

"Are you sick? Do you need to go to the hospital?" Jayden worriedly asked.

Arianna just shook her head and said she's fine. All of a sudden, Jayden's phone rang. He excused himself to answer the phone in private and Arianna was left at the table.

Alone...