CHAPTER 5
859 Words
Arielle spotted the black SUV waiting by the curb.
That must be the driver Kieran sent, Arielle thought.
At this point, Arielle had lost count of how many expensive cars she’d seen for the past few week
“Sir asked me to pick you up. You must be Ms. Arie—”
“Arielle,” she corrected softly.
With one final glance at Lila, who had skipped work just to help her pack up her things Arielle waved at her.
The drive to the Holt Residence (as she read on a signpost) was longer than she expected.
Maybe Kieran built it on the outskirts… somewhere private, Arielle wondered.
When the car finally stopped, an unfamiliar older woman stood outside, staring warmly at her.
“You’re welcome, Ms.” The woman beamed.
Arielle smiled back politely, trying to ease the awkwardness.
Arielle had expected Kieran to be the one welcoming her after all, it was her first time here.
Not as a visitor.
“But as his wife.”
Arielle let out a shaky breath, reminding herself how she ended up in this marriage in the first place.
Having expectations might only ruin things, so she forced herself to admire the scenery instead.
And truly… the property was breathtaking.
The elegance, the structure, the atmosphere everything looked expensive, intentional, and striking.
Arielle was even more amazed when she stepped inside, everything was feeling screaming and artistry
Kieran’s has exquisite taste , Arielle murmured.
“Oh—sir has a very sharp eye for decor,” the older woman said proudly. “He changes everything every six months.”
She introduced herself as Margaret, and Arielle listened eagerly as the woman talked about how detailed Kieran was.
Right now, Arielle could attest to it.
This place could be mistaken for a paradise.
“This way,” Margaret said, guiding her up the stairs.
Arielle assumed she would be led to a guest room.
But Arielle froze when Margaret stopped in front of a large bedroom — Kieran’s bedroom.
“Make yourself comfortable. I’ll go prepare dinner.”
Arielle stepped inside as she opened her mouth wide-opened. The room was enormous; her old apartment could fit inside twice.
Arielle noticed space cleared in the wardrobe, obviously meant for her.
He made space for me?
She wasn’t sure how to feel about that.
Arielle walked towards the shelf lined with booms her fingers traced them lightly.
He must love reading… Arielle thought
Arielle gently sat on the bed, careful not to disturb anything.
The idea of sharing this bed with him, sleeping beside a man she barely knew made her stomach twist.
Communicating with him will be best, Arielle told herself.
They were married on paper, yes, but she wasn’t ready for anything intimate. Arielle prayed that Kieran wasn’t expecting that either.
It was her first time, Arielle had promised herself her first time would be with someone who loved her.
As Arielle unpacked her clothes into the wardrobe space, she noticed a faint lipstick stain on one of his shirts.
Arielle paused for a moment, then quietly resumed folding.
It must be nothing.
Someone like Kieran couldn’t risk casual flings not with his influence.
A scandal would destroy him. He was too smart to entertain such things.
With a final exhale, Arielle stepped into the shower, letting the cold stream calm her as she thought on how to navigate her life as a wife and starting her journey as an actress.
“A dream she wants to transition into reality.”
One step at a time, she whispered.
Arielle slipped into her pajamas and decided to rest a little before going down for dinner.
Meanwhile Kieran had just finished signing off an upcoming blockbuster project when a notification flashed across his phone.
She’s here, sir, the driver texted.
He typed a simple reply, “Okay.”
“Who’s that?” Serena asked as she brought the coffee he requested.
“No one,” Kieran said casually, slipping the phone into his pocket.
Serena didn’t think much of it. Kieran was always busy, messages came in every minute.
Serena pouted slightly and ran her hand over his abs in a soft, flirtatious way.
“Hollywood announced their next big project “HER DOOM.” They’re already considering top actresses.
Can you put in a few words with Director Xing?” Serena asked sweetly.
Kieran frowned. Serena knew Director Xing only worked with raw talent and complete transparency, convincing him it would take effort.
But for Serena, he didn’t mind.
“Consider it done,” Kieran said.
Serena’s lips curled into a slow smile as she pulled him gently by the collar and kissed him deeply.
Serena was a recognized actress, yes, but nowhere near Chrisean Williams or Sarah Drake legends in the industry.
Still, Serena knew that with Kieran’s influence, she’d at least be given a shot.
And if she got that role, her fame would skyrocket.
“Let’s go,” Kieran said, straightening his shirt. “We’re meeting Caleb and Lucas for dinner.”
Serena picked up her purse, a quiet sense of victory in her steps but Kieran didn’t notice that.
- Writer
