Chapter 4 :The hidden marriage

Chapter 4: The Hidden Marriage

She held the shaking document while maintaining a paralyzed state under its spell. The black ink lettering displayed an absurd and impossible statement which momentarily shut down her ability to accept reality.

Ariana Cameloe—legally married.

She took breaths in a controlled manner while her heartbeat raced inside her head.

How?

Her brain struggled to find any recollection of a matrimonial bond. The former relationship with Antony only led to an engagement before he stalled at marriage. That had never happened.

Ariana looked at the signature on the papers yet refused to believe her eyes.

Jessie Ren.

A deep shiver traveled from her head to her feet.

Jessie.

Today's nobleman showed the same expressionless smirk and piercing stare that greeted her yesterday.

Coincidence?

No.

Her entire second opportunity unfolded without any luck or surprise.

A deep inhalation helped her control the emotional whirlwind trying to overwhelm her. The nature of this marital bond appeared fundamental to the existing puzzle. And she needed answers.

She needed to handle everything intentionally before proceeding.

She expertly folded the document before placing it inside her bag and then expressed a blank-faced demeanor of unaffectedness. Knowing ahead of time about this fact would endanger Ariana's position before she gained her own understanding.

If Anthony and Rachel finds out before she figures it out,she will be at the loose end.

Ariana resolved to mask her emotions since she would not let anyone discover her plans before solving this mystery.

---

Ariana entered the Cameloe Corporation's headquarters on the following morning using quiet confidence to navigate the sleek glass doors. While walking through the lobby Ariana barely noticed the shiny sunlight that illuminated the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Antony walked into her office right after she found her seat at the desk.

The graceful approach he displayed kept his charm but his posture maintained a distinct hardness.

He crossed the threshold without permission to say "Ariana" before smoothly taking a seat. "You've been avoiding me."

Ariana raised her brow while reclining her chair. "Have I?"

His eyes narrowed while he maintained his pleasant expression. "We're engaged. It's natural for me to be concerned if my fiancée suddenly starts keeping secrets from me.".

She resisted the temptation to roll her eyes. The hypocrisy was almost amusing.

She provided a gentle laugh instead of an answer. "I wasn't aware I needed to report my every move to you, Antony. Or is there something specific you're worried about?"

An expression of annoyance briefly appeared but vanished immediately.

He watched her intently as he asked "You've seemed... distracted." 

He continued "And I'd hate for anything to come between us."

Ariana maintained a blank expression when she looked back at him.

"You don't have to worry about that" she told him casually. "I would never permit anything or anyone to interfere with our relationship."

Not yet, at least.

A small smile spread across Antony's face but Ariana noticed his fingers made tiny movements at his side. Throughout his questions he searched for signs of vulnerabilities.

The fact that he had no such luck because she didn't have any weaknesses left.

---

Immediately after Antony departed Rachel entered the office following his exit.

The perfectly dressed Rachel moved with effortless poise in her fitted designer dress using her heels to click across the marble at Ariana's desk.

She spoke in an affected soft voice when she said "Ariana" while turning her head slightly to the side. "You've been so distant lately. Is everything alright?"

Ariana held a short-lived smile but she knew Rachel paid no attention to her wellbeing.

"Everything's fine," she replied smoothly. "Just been busy."

Rachel sat on the edge of Ariana's desk while holding a sharp stare. "I heard an interesting rumors going around in the company this morning" she muse.

Ariana stopped breathing but worked to keep her body relaxed throughout the interaction. "Oh?"

With her face closer to Ariana Rachel spoke secretly.

"Records from past marriages have caught someone's attention."

Ariana kept her pulse steady as she quietly raised her eyebrow. 

"How could such a thing possibly catch my interest?"

Rachel smirked. "That's what I'm wondering. Your fiancé Antony remains your betrothed unless there is something you will like to share"

Ariana squeezed her pen until it nearly cut into her palm under the protective desk surface. Rachel had already begun to sense what was happening. She now had less opportunity to uncover the truth.

She made sure Rachel remained oblivious to anything uncertain while they spoke.

She exchanged a friendly smile with her supposedly closest friend.

"Marriage records?" she mused. The situation has all the potential to explode into public controversy. "It would be horrible to find yourself trapped in that sort of scandalous situation"

Rachel used her eyes to search Ariana's expression but Ariana remained empty.

 Rachel laughed softly as she rose to leave.

"Of course," she said. "Your habits have always shown great caution"

She left the room after giving Ariana a final knowing look as she exited.

---

Ariana spent that evening in her study with her phone considering her following actions.

One individual possessed the information to answer her questions.

Jessie Ren.

She had spent the day quietly searching for information about him but his records proved to be impossible to track down. He seemed to take great effort in making himself disappear from public observation.

Which meant he was powerful. And dangerous.

Before making the call she took a deep breath then dialed the number she acquired.

A single ring on the phone was all it took for his distinctive deep familiar voice to answer the call.

"I was wondering when you'd call," Jessie murmured, amusement lacing his tone.

She squeezed the device with increased intensity. "You knew I'd find out."

"Of course."

Silence stretched between them.

His tone flattened as Jessie resumed speaking to her.

"What exact plans do you have after learning this information Mrs. Ren?"

Ariana's breath hitched.

Mrs. Ren.

He said it like a fact. The reality he knew she would eventually accept with clarity.

She took a quick breath before looking up while firming her resolve.

"I plan" she said quitely " to discover the real reason behind our marriage," she said through barely audible tones.

A low deep laugh escaped jessie's lips.

"My dear wife you need to meet me" he whispered softly.

Ariana held the phone in a tight grip with her fingers.

She was entirely ignorant about the true character of Jessie Ren.

But one thing was certain.

She needed the truth from him.

She was about to enter his whole existence.