Chapter 19

Xavier, the driver, picked up Annie at the coffee shop and drove both of them to the mall where Anika was waiting impatiently at the entrance. She was excited to meet her brother's fiancée.

Upon their arrival at the mall, they found Anika waiting for them. Ariana introduced herself, saying, "Hi, I'm Ariana." She wanted to get through the day as smoothly as possible, anticipating Anika's potentially difficult personality. However, to her surprise, Anika hugged her tightly. Ariana was taken aback by the unexpected warmth.

"So sorry, I'm just so excited. Hi, I'm Anika; nice to meet you," Anika greeted enthusiastically, wearing the widest smile, reminiscent of a child who had received her favorite candy bar.

"Anika, this is my friend Annie. Annie, meet Anika, my... my fiancé's sister," Ariana introduced awkwardly, not wanting Annie to find out like this. Annie appeared puzzled, her face reflecting the question, 'What the heck is going on?' Ariana understood Annie's confusion and smiled. They exchanged a knowing look, communicating silently through their eyes.

"Nice to meet you, Annie. Isn't it cool that our names both start with an A?" Anika asked with excitement.

"Yeah," Annie replied, forcing a smile.

"My dad gave me his card; let's go shopping!" Anika exclaimed, taking charge and leading them inside the mall.

The three of them enjoyed shopping for clothes, bags, shoes, and more. They quickly bonded, especially Anika and Annie, who shared a passion for fashion. Ariana had to try on numerous outfits as if she were preparing for a gala.

Annie bought every item that looked cute on both Ariana and herself. Afterward, they visited a spa for manicures and pedicures, indulging in a spa bath as well. Ariana also got her hair styled, trying a new look that made her appear different and adorable. Annie and Anika eventually helped Ariana choose an outfit – a yellow turtleneck crop top sweater with white pants and matching white sneakers.

"Girl, you look adorable in that outfit!" Annie and Anika cheered. They continued shopping for accessories before leaving the mall and treating themselves to ice cream. Annie and Ariana sat at a table while Annie went to the counter to order the ice creams.

As Annie returned to the table, her expression turned serious, and she asked, "Girl, you better start talking before I slap the wax out of your ears. What's going on?"

Ariana decided it was time to reveal the truth. "I signed a deal with a rich man to get engaged to his son," she confessed.

"What?" Annie was shocked.

"Mom is sick, and I didn't have the money, so I signed a deal with a wealthy guy. Do you remember Jack? He's actually a billionaire..." Ariana paused, gauging Annie's reaction.

"I can't believe you lied to me all this time," Annie said, her disappointment evident.

"I wanted to tell you."

"Then why didn't you tell me?"

"You don't understand."

"Oh, how would it feel if I went to work every day, didn't tell you about my mom's illness, and suddenly called you to the mall where we went shopping with my fiancé's sister, and you only found out about my engagement then? How would you feel?"

"Betrayed," Ariana sighed.

"Exactly, Ari. What happened to us? What happened to how we used to be? What other secrets are you hiding from me?"

Ariana fell silent, feeling guilty for keeping secrets from her best friend. They had never hidden anything from each other before.

"I can't deal with this right now," Annie stated, abruptly leaving the shop for her house. Ariana wanted to go after her, but she couldn't leave Anika alone at the shop. She sighed, feeling terrible. She couldn't bear to lose Annie like this; they had been best friends for as long as she could remember.

"Looks like you two had a fight," Anika observed as she sat across from Ariana and placed a cup of strawberry ice cream in front of her.

"Yeah, I lied to her, and she's hurt," Ariana admitted, her tone filled with sadness, as she began to eat the ice cream.

"Well, go fix it. Staying here and shoving ice cream in your mouth won't solve the problem," Anika advised.

"I don't know what to say to her. We've been best friends forever, and I lied to her. When Annie is sad, in trouble, or feeling depressed, I'm the first person she tells, and she doesn't keep secrets from me. I can't imagine how she's feeling right now," Ariana said, taking another spoonful of strawberry ice cream. She felt like crying but was glad that the ice cream was helping her cool down.

"You guys are so close," Anika remarked.

"Yeah. We're like sisters."

"I wish I had a friend like Annie. You guys are so close, you're basically sisters."

"Don't you have friends?"

"You mean gold-diggers," Anika scoffed. "They are only friends with me because of my father's money. I've never had a friend who wants to be friends with me because of who I am."

"I'm so sorry," Ariana said, patting Anika's hand gently. She knew how tough it must be not to have genuine friends. She wondered how her life would be without Annie by her side.

"Annie and I will be your friends."

"Really?"

"Sure, but first, I need to get my best friend back."

"Now?"

"No, I want to go to the hospital first. Do you want to come along?" Ariana asked Anika.