His Accidental Heiress

A Night to Remember

Chapter Seven: A Night to Remember

The gala was the event of the season. Hosted at the Grand Royale Hotel, it boasted towering crystal chandeliers, a red carpet that gleamed like blood under the lights, and a guest list filled with the city’s elite. The whispers about Damien Wolfe’s mysterious intern-turned-pregnant companion had spread like wildfire. And tonight, the wolves were circling.

Ariana stood in front of the mirror in the guest room of the penthouse. Her satin emerald gown hugged her figure, the high waistline flowing gracefully over her growing bump. Her long curls were pinned half-up, a delicate diamond pendant resting on her collarbone. Damien had sent a stylist and a makeup artist—he’d spared no effort.

But she didn’t feel glamorous. She felt like a fraud.

She hadn’t seen or spoken to Damien since the confrontation with Vanessa. He’d sent messages. Voicemails. Roses. But she had ignored them all. Tonight, though, she had no choice but to show up. Jenna had insisted, and she needed answers.

She arrived alone, escorted by one of Damien’s security drivers. The moment she stepped onto the carpet, camera flashes erupted.

"That’s her." "Is she really pregnant?" "She’s so young."

Ariana forced a smile, keeping her chin high.

Inside, the ballroom was a sea of opulence. Gold and ivory dominated the décor, champagne flowed endlessly, and live classical music played softly in the background.

She spotted Jenna near the bar, sipping a martini. Jenna waved her over.

“You came,” she said, handing her a sparkling water.

Ariana nodded. “I needed to see him.”

“He’s here. But he hasn’t made his announcement yet.” Jenna leaned in. “Everyone’s expecting a big reveal. Rumors are flying. Vanessa is also here, by the way. And she’s not happy.”

As if summoned, Vanessa appeared at the top of the staircase, her red gown a statement of war. She made her way down with calculated poise, eyes locked on Ariana.

“Well, if it isn’t the fairytale princess,” Vanessa drawled. “Here to steal the spotlight again?”

“I didn’t ask for any of this,” Ariana said calmly.

“No, but you certainly didn’t walk away from it either.” Vanessa’s smile was cruel. “Don’t get too comfortable. Damien always comes back to me.”

“Excuse me.”

A deep voice sliced through the tension.

Damien had arrived.

In a tailored black tuxedo, every inch the formidable tycoon, his eyes locked onto Ariana first, then Vanessa.

“I believe tonight is not about you, Vanessa.”

Vanessa blinked. “Is that so?”

Damien walked past her and held out his hand to Ariana. “May I?”

Ariana hesitated for only a second before placing her hand in his.

He led her to the stage at the front of the ballroom. A hush fell over the crowd.

“Good evening,” Damien began, his voice clear and commanding. “Thank you all for attending. I’m grateful for your support and presence.”

Ariana's heart thudded wildly.

“I have an announcement. It’s personal, and unexpected, but it’s also the most important thing I’ve ever had the courage to say.”

He turned to Ariana.

“This woman, Ariana Bennett, came into my company as an intern. But what she became was so much more. She’s carrying my child. And tonight, I want to make it clear—she is not a scandal. She is not a mistake. She is my future.”

Gasps. Murmurs. Then applause.

Ariana stared at him, stunned.

“And no matter what the world thinks,” he continued, “I will stand by her. By our child. This is not damage control. This is love.”

He took her hand. “Ariana, I know I’ve made mistakes. I should’ve been honest with you from the start. I should’ve told you about Vanessa, the engagement I never wanted, and the pressure I’ve been under. But tonight, I want to start fresh. If you’ll let me.”

Tears welled in Ariana’s eyes.

“Yes,” she whispered. “Yes.”

The crowd erupted. Cameras flashed. But for once, she didn’t care.

They kissed, softly, sweetly, like a promise.

Vanessa turned and stormed out.

Later that night, Ariana stood on the balcony of the penthouse again, this time with Damien beside her.

“I meant every word,” he said.

“I know.”

“I want us to build a family. Not just because of the baby. But because I want you, Ariana. I need you.”

She leaned her head against his shoulder. “Then let’s build it together.”

And somewhere deep inside, for the first time since everything began, she believed it might actually be possible.