Chapter 32

"Ariana spent the entire afternoon at Annie's place and returned in the evening. Upon her return, she saw Zach putting on his shirt.

"You're late," he stated, glancing at her. "Freshen up and get dressed." He walked to his drawer, pulled out a dress, and tossed it to Ariana. "Wear that for tonight," he said before leaving the bedroom. Ariana exhaled and checked her phone for updates. Her jaw dropped as she watched a video of Zach carrying her in his arms from the previous night. What the...This was from last night. She placed her phone on the bed and rushed into the bathroom.

After her shower, she changed into the dress Zach gave her, applied light makeup, and tied her hair back. Looking at the mirror, she smiled; she looked perfect.

She grabbed her phone and purse before stepping out of the room. Zach was engrossed in his phone and didn't notice her. Ariana scoffed; she felt like hitting Zach. He had helped her last night, yet he pretended as if nothing had happened.

"I'm ready," she said, catching Zach's attention.

"Let's go." He grabbed his car keys, and they left his villa. They sat in an awkward silence in the car. Ariana wanted to thank him for helping her last night, but she remained silent.

She wondered what the family dinner would be like. Would she be humiliated by his family, as in some movies she had watched? Trying to stay optimistic, she considered that Zach's dad and sister were nice, so how bad could the rest be?

Feeling nervous and needing distraction since Zach wouldn't talk, she decided to listen to music. Spotting his earpod on the dashboard, she picked it up. Zach glanced at her, and she gave him a stern look. He chuckled and focused on driving. That smile on his face, she couldn't deny it; Zach looked really handsome. She smiled, played a track, and stared out the window.

They arrived at the Wilsons' family mansion. Ariana walked to the gigantic door, and the butler let her in. She spotted Anika chatting with Tyler and felt relieved, joining them.

"Hi," she smiled.

"Hey," Anika hugged Ariana.

"You had me worried," Ariana added.

"I know, and I'm sorry," Anika apologized.

"Hi, Ariana," Tyler greeted and left them alone.

"What drink were you talking about over the phone?" Anika asked.

"I'll tell you later. Tell me about your aunt. I'm really nervous about meeting her," Ariana admitted.

"Calm down, no need to be nervous." Anika filled her in about her aunt, while Ariana noticed Zach talking to Tyler. She observed something strange; his clothes had changed. He walked over with a smile. He seemed to be in a good mood.

"Hi, ladies," Zane greeted, a charming smile on his face. However, his voice didn't sound the same.

"When did you change your clothes?" Ariana asked, sensing something off.

"In the car. I brought some extra clothes."

"Cut it out, Zane," Anika glared.

"Hey, little sis, still as feisty as always," Zane hugged Anika. "Did you miss me?"

"Nope."

"It hurts," Zane held his chest dramatically, and Anika laughed.

"Of course, I missed you."

"What's happening here?" Ariana felt confused.

"Ariana, this is Zane, my cousin, aka Zach's twin. Zane, meet Ariana, Zach's fiancée," Anika introduced them.

"So nice to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you," Zane extended his hand for a handshake.

"Nice to meet you too," Ariana smiled.

"You look stunning in that dress," Zane complimented, smiling, revealing his perfect white teeth.

"Don't even think about it, or Zach is going to kill you," Anika warned. "You just got here, and you've started flirting already," she added, dragging Ariana with her. They took their seats, and Ariana recounted everything that happened the previous night.

Zach entered the living room and made his way to find his aunt. "Hi, Aunt Alexa," he hugged her.

"Hi, son, looking handsome as always," Alexa complimented him.

Ariana showed the video she saw on the internet to Anika. "I saw that. How come you didn't mention this to me?" Anika said.

"Because I just saw it an hour ago."

"Everyone is talking about it..."

"You must be Ariana," Alexa's voice was heard from behind.

"Hey, Auntie," Ariana smiled.

"Dear, you look so beautiful. Jack made the right choice for his son. Come with me; we have a lot to talk about. Charles! Get the kids some snacks," Alexa instructed.

Anika stood up, and Tyler and Zane joined her as they watched Ariana talking to Alexa.

"Do you think we should help her?" Anika asked.

"Yeah, Aunt can be a little extra," Tyler added.

"How do you intend on doing that?" Zane asked

"Where's Zach?" Tyler questioned.

"He should be with Dad in his study."

"What are they talking about?" Anika asked.

"Judging by Ariana's red cheeks, it must be something shameless," Tyler replied.

"Still wanna help her?" Zane asked.

"Nope," Anika answered, climbing upstairs to her room."