The Billionaire's Princess

Arianna ran out of her apartment, while struggling to wear her leather jacket, her scrunchie stuck in her mouth hoping to catch the last bus. She was late for her shift at the cafe and the last time it happened Mrs Lee gave her a warning "Yes!! I could make it." She whispered in delight as she took her seat on the bus before it moved. At her bus station, Arianna got off the bus and ran through the crowded streets of Paris "excuse me, excuse me, sorry– coming through" she said to each person on her path, hoping she could make it in time. She made a U-turn and at that moment she slipped. With her eyes closed expecting to land her buttock on the hard floor, a firm hand caught her. His hand wrapped around her waist and another hand holding her wrist. She opened her eyes just to see a sea- blue one staring right back at her. "Are you okay?" He asked then letting go of her. She stood on her feet staring at her favorite blouse ruining with coffee. "Oh no no no,” she panicked “Not today please!!” She tried cleaning off the stain "I am so sorry. What can I do to help?” He asked At the sound of that thick British accent, she looked up to see the man in front of her clearly. His looks were freaking damn attractive, tall, finely carved jaw, his black hair was silky not to mention his Armani suit which perfectly hugged his body. One could smell the rich vibe badass from him miles away "..... miss.." His deep soothing voice brought Arianna back to reality "I said, let me help you” She forced a smile on her face " No, thank you. It's all my fault , I can be clumsy sometimes." She paused as soon as she noticed not only her blouse got ruin but his shirt "I ruined your shirt, I am sorry. " She apologize quickly "It was my coffee so it's fine." "But it looks expensive —you know what, I would have loved to have it dry cleaned now but I need to go ." She brought out her card from her purse and handed it over to him. "I can talk to your boss," He said boldly, staring at her business card. "Don't bother, my boss doesn't listen to anybody but herself, " she said laughing. "She hates talking to people." He hesitated for a while before speaking "If you say so, Miss Arianna Kent.” He read the name off the business card. “I guess I will see you around.” “Yeah sure.” she walked past him to the door of the cafe. “Make sure you text me.” She yelled before disappearing into the cafe _________ “Hi Olivia.” Arianna greeted, as soon as she entered the kitchen Olivia tosses her the apron “You are late.” “I know, did Mrs Lee complain?” “Don't worry, I covered up for you but you have to act like you have been here before now.” “Sure , thanks a lot.” “I am leaving, see you tomorrow” Olivia informed her. She blew air kisses to Olivia and left to serve the customers. The day went by with Arianna waiting on her customers while checking her email. She submitted an application to Gold Art Circle with some of her paintings with hopes of signing a contract with them. Artistry has always been her dream and her mother made sure Arianna could accomplish it but after her death things have been difficult. Four years ago, she moved to Paris alongside her boyfriend with hopes of starting afresh but things aren't going as planned. On her way back home, her phone chimes indicating a message. She pulled out her phone from her bag in a rush, her heart skipped a beat when she saw it was a mail from Gold Art Circle. She exhales deeply before reading. “Good day Miss Kent, I hope this message finds you well. While this result may be disheartening, we are sorry to inform you but your application has been denied. Have a wonderful day.” Arianna could not believe her eyes as she read through the mail she just received from Gold Art Circle over and over again. She dialed the first person she could think of, her boyfriend . “Hey babe” She cried her heart out as soon as she heard his voice. “Hey hey Ari, what is wrong?” his voice filled with concern. “I failed, I could not get in– ain't my work good enough? I am so tired.” “Come on Ari, don't say that. We could try again.” “I have applied to every possible art industry here. Gold Art Circle was my only hope . It's been years and I still paint in my apartment. Don't forget I haven't even sold one piece in forever, nobody finds my paintings worthy.” “I do Arianna.. remember?” “I know you do all that because you are my boyfriend.” “Yes and I love them. I believe in you Arianna and you have come so far to give up now. Don't let those years go to waste.” “Okay. Where are you? Can I come over?” “I am not home at the moment, I have some business to attend to. I will text you when I get home.” He answered “Alright, I love you.” “I love you too, see you later” He hung up. The little encouragement from her boyfriend was part of what she needed. Not wanting to stay home sulking she texted Olivia. “Hey babe, Gold Art Circle rejected my proposal. I am coming over with a bottle. See you soon. Arianna hummed as she made her way to the elevator of Olivia's apartment building. She got to the threshold of her house and pressed the doorbell waiting patiently for Olivia to open the door. Immediately the door opened, the person on the other side of the door wasn't who she was expecting and this left her in a confused state. “Ari.. Ari.. Anna” Sebastian stutters Her heart stopped, and for a moment, she couldn't breathe. Anger, hurt, and disbelief crashed over her like a tidal wave as she took in Sebastian's appearance. He was without shirt, looking all sweaty and he wore the blue shorts she got for him last month. “Babe, is that the delivery guy?” Olivia's voice came through. “What is taking you so long?” “I can explain Arianna.” Sebastian pleaded with her. “Who is tha…” Olivia was too stunned to speak and the moment she saw Arianna at the door. “Olivia?” Arianna called out her name in disbelief. “You lied to me.” Sebastian reached out to hold her but she took a step back.. “Stay away from me..” she walked out “Wait a minute.” Sebastian rushed to the living room to pick up his coat. “Arianna, Arianna.” He called out. He couldn't make it to the elevator, so he took the staircase down the parking lot. Just as she was about to enter the cab, he held her by the wrist. “I can explain— let me explain.” “How long?” “Listen, it isn't what —” “I said, how long is it, Sebastian? For how have you guys been doing this behind my back?” “A year.” Sebastian said with his head bow in shame. Arianna laughed hysterically, drawing the attention of strangers to them. “You must have taken me for a fool.” She entered the taxi and he drove off.