WHEN LOVE BECOMES THE LIES

CHAPTER 4

Arielle helped her grandmother into the taxi before sliding in beside her.

The city streets blurred past as they headed toward the address Kieran had sent.

It was almost Christmas, and the cold wind bit through Arielle’s coat making her shiver.

Lila squeezed her hand, beaming with excitement.

“Come on, it’s your day,” she whispered.

Arielle had asked Kieran earlier if she could bring anyone.

After Kieran gave a short reply “that’s fine, that was when Arielle allowed Lila and her grandmother to come along.

“We’re here,” the driver announced as the car slowed to a halt.

Arielle stepped out and stared up at the skyscraper towering above her.

After double-checking the address, Arielle breathed in deeply, held her grandmother’s arm, and walked inside.

Arielle was momentarily stunned the interior was breathtaking, soft white light streaming down from glass panels, giving the place an ethereal glow.

A perfect atmosphere… almost too perfect.

Arielle's eyes searched the crowd.

There he was.

“Kieran Holt.”

Staring straight at her like she was the only person in that room.

Arielle felt her heart skip, wondering—what goes on in that man’s mind?

She scanned the gathering, Arielle saw the two men she’d seen beside Kieran at the funeral—his close friends, she guessed.

Nana with a smile plastered on her face, slightly nodded her head giving her that familiar warm smile. Karen, surprisingly smiled at her today and Amelia… expressionless as always and several others she didn’t recognize, maybe they’re extended relatives or family friends, Arielle guessed.

Kieran motioned her toward the front seat beside him.

“Are you sure about this?” Lila whispered, worry written across her face.

“Yes,” Arielle answered gently.

Lila squeezed her hand one last time and led her forward.

Arielle wasn’t glamorous—not someone who usually drew attention.

But Lila insisted on a simple white outfit when they went shopping, saying it suited the occasion best. Arielle didn’t argue because she knew better than to argue with Lila.

Then, unexpectedly, Kieran reached out and held her hand.

A jolt shot through Arielle's stomach, “The butterfly effect.”

Arielle was shocked that she felt it… but she did.

Kieran guided her toward the registrar standing in front of them.

They were instructed to sit, and a stack of documents was placed before them.

Just as Arielle reached for the pen, Kieran’s hand covered hers.

“Arielle,” he said quietly, eyes searching hers.“Are you sure about this?

She swallowed. “Yes. I want this.”

Only then did Kieran let go.

They signed the document respectively and their names printed together on the certificate made her skin prickle.

“Arielle Holt.”

Arielle didn’t know whether to shiver or smile.

Then came the priest.

Arielle was amazed—everything was organized, smooth and intimate.

Intimate? Arielle thought maybe she was exaggerating.

There were no paparazzi, or flashing cameras except from his family members and a few guests.

Arielle stood before Kieran.

Kieran shifted his gaze away, his jaw tightened like he was fighting something internal.

They exchanged vows as they were instructed to place rings on each other’s fingers.

“I hereby declare you husband and wife,” the priest said.

But he didn’t say “You may kiss your wife.”

Arielle felt grateful.

She didn’t think she could handle a kiss..

Not…yet.

And it seemed Kieran didn’t want it either.

That made it perfect..

Kieran held her hand as they stepped over the ceremonial broom set before them.

Applause erupted across the room, Lila squealed behind her, and Grandma smiled so wide her cheeks lifted.

Before Arielle could process the moment, Amelia’s voice echoed through the speakers.

“Everyone, please move to the main hall for dinner.”

They followed the waiters into a beautifully arranged room lit with soft colorful lights.

Arielle’s mouth parted slightly; it was stunning.

Arielle saw the decorated chair at the front, she realized it was hers when someone gestured for her to sit.

This is her first time sitting beside Kieran in an intimate setting.

Then a glass clinked loudly.

One of Kieran’s friends—Caleb stood up.

“Attention everyone! I’m Caleb, and today, we’ve witnessed history.

Our emotionally unavailable friend finally got married!”

He raised his glass.

“To the new couple!”

Laughter and clinking glasses filled the room.

Arielle peeked at Kieran, his face was unreadable as always.

Does he ever smile? Arielle wondered.

Across the room, she spotted Amelia talking with some of the guests, they seemed comfortable with her.

Arielle realized something.

Kieran didn’t want the public to know he was married.

Only the closest people were here.

Everything that happened here gives a hint of a “secret marriage.”

Maybe that should scare her…

But somehow, Arielle hoped it meant something more.

After the dinner party ended and most of the guests began leaving,

Arielle was quietly making her way toward the exit when Kieran’s hand wrapped around her wrist, stopping her steps instantly.

“Can we talk?” he asked, his voice surprisingly calm, almost gentle.

Arielle swallowed. “O-okay.”

“I don’t want anyone else to know about this marriage… not for now,” Kieran said.

His tone wasn’t cold, but it held a firmness that made Arielle’s stomach twist.

Kieran kept talking, explaining but to Arielle, his words floated past like a soft wind.

Who was she, anyway?

Someone Kieran Holt, the billionaire every girl dreamt of, would publicly claim?

Arielle only managed a small nod.

That was enough for him.

Kieran studied her face for a moment. “When are you coming over?”

Arielle blinked up at him, pretending like she didn’t understand.

“My house,” he clarified quietly. “When you’re ready, I’ll send my driver to pick you up. Just text me.”

And with that, Kieran turned and walked away leaving Arielle standing alone with Lila and her grandmother.

Arielle wanted to call him back, wanted to ask the questions swirling in her chest…

But the words refused to come out.

“Let’s go,” Lila murmured as she wrapped an arm around Arielle’s back, stroking gently.

Before heading home, Arielle made sure her grandmother was okay and helped her into the taxi.

Then she turned back toward their apartment.

She didn’t have many things to pack anyway.

Just the basics she needed.

Lila stood across the room, arms folded, watching her silently… worried, confused, and protective.

Her expression gave her way.

Arielle felt it all.

“I’ll be fine,” Arielle said with a small smile even though her heart was racing.

“What about dinner?” Arielle added softly, searching Lila’s eyes.

Arielle wanted to reassure her, to make Lila see that this decision was truly hers…

Not something forced.

Not something dark.

Just her choice.

The only way Lila would believe her was if she looked confident — even if she was crumbling on the inside.