Chapter 5
752 Words
Ariana walked around the hospital grounds reminiscing about Julian. she was really interested in knowing more about him.
Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted when some men dressed in black suits suddenly came out of a van.
They picked her up and put her in the van. She was terrified as she had no idea who they were or what they wanted.
She tried to scream, but they quickly gagged her mouth with a cloth, put a bag over her head, and tied her hands to prevent her from moving.
Soon, they arrived at their destination. She was taken out of the van and put in a room. Everything was dark and quiet, and then she heard the door open and some footsteps.
The bag was taken off her head and the gag removed. Opposite her, someone was seated.
“Julian?” she was surprised to see him. However, his expression was much different than when they had first met.
“What’s going on? Who are these people?” fear creeped into her voice.
Julian kept a cold tone. “These are my men. I asked them to bring you here.”
“Why?”
Julian tossed her the phone, displaying the article. “Don't pretend you don't know. This is no coincidence."
“I can’t believe I even thought you were a decent girl. You are just like all the shallow women I’ve met”
Ariana's eyes widened as she read the article. “I swear, I didn't plan this. I didn't even know you were famous."
Julian's gaze hardened. “Save it. I'll know the truth soon enough. I have sent some men to find out who published the article, and if I find out you're involved, you'll regret it deeply."
Ariana's voice remained sincere. “I'm telling the truth. I have nothing to do with this."
Fear gripped Ariana. It was at the point that she realized that Julian was a truly dangerous man.
She wondered how the nice man she had met not too long ago was so now so different.
Soon, some men arrived with news.
“We found the reporter who took the photo.” one of the men informed him.
“Well? Did it plan it with her?” Julian demanded.
“We beat him up quite well, but he insisted that he was just following you and happened to see you together with her.”
Ariana breathed a sight of relief. She would be released now that he knew she had nothing to do with.
“I told you I didn't have anything to do with it. Can you untie me now?”
Julian motioned to one of the men to untie her.
As she turned to leave, Julian's voice stopped her.
“Wait,” he commanded.
Ariana hesitated, her hand on the door handle.
“You can't just walk away,” Julian said, his tone firm. “You've put me in a difficult position. You need to fix this.”
Ariana turned, confusion etched on her face. “Fix what? I didn't do anything.”
Julian's eyes narrowed. “The damage is done. The media is having a field day. My reputation is at stake.”
“Fine. I'll help in whatever I can to clear up the mixup,” Ariana offered.
Julian's expression turned calculating.
“There's only one way to fix this. You need to marry me.”
Ariana's eyes widened in shock. “Marry you? Are you insane?”
Julian's face remained serious. “It's the only way to contain this scandal.
Ariana shook her head. “No, I won't do it. This is ridiculous.”
Julian stood, towering over her. “You don't have a choice. You've put me in a difficult position. Now, you'll fix it.”
Ariana's voice trembled. “And what about my life? My choices? I don't even know who I am!”
Julian's gaze hardened. “Your life is now entwined with mine. You'll do what's necessary to protect my interests.”
Ariana felt a chill run down her spine. She was trapped.
She quickly tried to find an excuse “How do you know I'm not already married?”
Julian's gaze moved to her hand. “There isn't a ring on your finger, so we can assume you're not.”
“Besides it's not going to be an actual marriage, just a mutual agreement.”
“I refuse,” she said, her voice shaky.
Julian's smile was cold. “We'll see about that.”
- Writer
