CHAPTER5
981 Words
CHAPTER 5
Ariella’s POV
One Year Later
It’s been a year since I got my voice and hearing back. A year since I decided to stop hiding behind silence and start living for me.
A year of freedom. A year of healing. A year of falling in love with a man who saw me—not as broken, not as damaged—but as whole, even when I wasn’t.
Ethan Navarro.
My fiancé.
Since my divorce, I’ve heard nothing from Daniel. Not a single message, not a missed call. Not even from Chloe. It’s like they both vanished from my life… or maybe I finally stepped out of theirs.
But tonight? Tonight was different.
It was Ethan’s 32nd birthday. And he wanted the world to know three things: he became more successful, he was happy—and he was mine.
********
I stood firmly in front of a full-length mirror, as I adjusted the deep red gown that clung to me like a second skin.
With every breath I took, the fabric shimmered, the slit displaying just enough thigh to be daring, and the neckline dipping low enough to make me slightly nervous.
My hair was styled gently, cascading curls over one shoulder, and my makeup was elegant—smoky eyes, a little of highlight, and bright red lips that complemented the dress perfectly.
I hadn’t dressed like this in years.
For years, I wore oversized clothes to avoid attention. To hide.
But tonight, I wasn’t hiding anymore.
Behind me, I heard the quiet intake of breath.
I turned.
Ethan stood frozen in the doorway. His eyes traveled from my face down to the curve of my waist, the shape of my hips, the length of my leg peeking through the slit.
“Holy… Ariella,” he said breathlessly, his voice thick. “You look…” He ran a hand through his hair and exhaled, stunned. “You look like temptation. You look like everything I’ve ever wanted.”
I blushed, but held his gaze. “Too much?”
He walked toward me slowly, like he was afraid I might disappear. Then, with reverence, he took my hand and kissed it.
“Too perfect,” he murmured. “I can’t wait for the world to see that you’re mine.”
*******
The ballroom was breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers reflected light like fire across the polished floors. A live orchestra played soft jazz as Miami’s elite sipped champagne and posed for photographers.
When Ethan and I stepped inside, the doors parted like we were royalty.
Heads turned. Conversations stopped.
And every camera turned toward us.
Ethan’s hand was firm on my waist as we walked in sync, my red gown catching every light like it had been made from rubies. I felt the heat of a hundred stares—but none of them mattered.
Except two.
I saw them the moment we entered.
Daniel and Chloe.
Chloe nearly dropped her champagne glass. Daniel straightened up like he’d been electrocuted.
Their eyes locked onto me—like they couldn’t believe what they were seeing.
I was speaking. Laughing. Responding.
Daniel’s brows pulled together in confusion. Chloe leaned toward him, whispering something with wide eyes.
I didn’t stop walking. Didn’t even flinch.
Ethan leaned in and whispered, “Ignore them. Tonight is about us.”
I smiled and kissed his cheek softly, never breaking eye contact with the two people who once tried to keep me small.
The night continued with toasts, laughter, and flashes of light. I greeted people with ease, switching between spoken words and subtle signs out of habit.
For once, I wasn’t performing. I was just… being.
But toward the middle of the night, I noticed movement from the corner of the room.
Daniel was walking toward us. Chloe trailed behind, looking visibly unsettled.
Ethan turned as they approached, his body shifting subtly in front of mine.
“Ariella?” Daniel asked, voice tight. “You can talk?”
I lifted my chin. “Yes.”
He blinked. “And… hear?”
Chloe’s eyes narrowed, scanning me with a mixture of disbelief and jealousy. “So all this time, you were faking it?” she snapped.
I didn’t flinch. “No. But apparently, you were faking being a good friend.”
Chloe’s face fell. Daniel shifted awkwardly, his lips parting like he wanted to say more—but I was already done.
“Well….As you can see, I don’t live in the past anymore,” I said clearly. “But if you came here looking for closure, you’re already too late.”
Before he could reply, Ethan appeared beside me again, slipping an arm around my waist and pulling me gently into him.
“Is Everything okay babe?” he asked, his eyes flickering toward Daniel.
“Perfect,” I said again. Then I leaned into Ethan and kissed him softly—deliberately, for them to see.
When I opened my eyes, Daniel looked like he’d been slapped.
I saw his regret as his gaze remained fixed on me. "Did you ever love me, Ariella?" he said in a voice that was almost audible above a whisper.
I was surprised by how hard the question hit. However, I heard something that made my head turn before I could reply.
Behind us, a voice said, "Pardon me, miss."
A reporter. Camera crew in tow.
"I'm not trying to intrude….but is it true?" she enquired. "Are you Ariella Voss, the heiress who disappeared from the public eyes following the passing of your parents on a tragic car accident?”
The entire room went quiet.
Ethan’s eyes snapped to mine — cause for no good reason I kept it a secret from him too.
Daniel’s mouth fell open.
Chloe gasped.
I froze unable to respond.
And just like that, my biggest secret was out and was no longer safe with me.
- Writer
