It's been two weeks now. Roberto noticed Ariana has been distant. Despite the fact that she attends family occasions and she smiles politely but it was stiff. It's like she's forced to smile.
She barely talks to him when their home. She prefers to stay inside her room all day.
Tonight Roberto's parents invited them for yet another dinner for the wedding preparation. Roberto and Ariana had to attend.
"Good evening Mr Gonzalez and Mrs Gonzalez" Ariana said with a smile. {There is that fake smile again} Roberto said to himself.
"No need to be formal dear. I've told you to call me mom" Samantha Roberto's mother said.
Ariana paused for a while. She fought the tears from coming out. She has never called anyone mom before. It's been awhile since she felt that motherly presence. "Alright.... M... Mom" She finally croaked out.
"Sit down" Augustine said to Ariana. She sat down beside Roberto.
"How have you been coping with Roberto? Is he treating you very well?" Samantha asked.
Roberto looks at Ariana as she clears her throat. "Don't worry... Mom... Roberto is a wonderful fiancee. He buys me a lot of expensive things. He practically spoils me and when it comes to the romantic part... He really spears no expense" Ariana said.
"Is he good in bed?" Augustine asked. Roberto choked on his vodka. "Dad why would you ask that?" Roberto asked.
"I'm curious as well" Samantha said. Ariana smiles brightly. "I'm not shy about topics like this because your son is a beast in bed. Once he starts I become a jelly the next morning" Ariana said.
Augustine snorts with pride. "As expected.... Any one who comes from my family must have stamina" Augustine said.
"I expected nothing less. I now know where he inherited such divine strength from" Ariana said with a smile that could cut glass.
"I like you. You are the first girl Roberto has brought that is intelligent. You know what? I'll give you my company in Thailand" Augustine said.
"Dad there's no need for that. The greatest rewards heaven gave me was marrying your son" Ariana said. "Don't be too modest. You deserve everything, even Roberto's kidney" Augustine said.
Ariana laughs softly. "Really? Then thank you for trusting me with his kidney father in-law" Ariana said.
Augustine held his chest. "What's the problem honey? Are you alright? Do you need an ambulance?" Samantha asked.
"How can she be so cute and modest at the same time? Where did you find such a perfect girl?" Augustine asked.
"Destiny" Was all Roberto could say. He looked at Ariana in the eyes.
For a moment everything seems to fade away. It was just him and her sitting close together.
Ariana looks away, she tried to remind herself that it was just a contract marriage. Non of this was real.
"Here eat something... You must be starving" Samantha said as she placed pork in her plate.
"How are you coping? The preparations I mean" Samantha said. "It's fine... I have my friends, they're helping me with the preparations" Ariana replied.
"That's good. The wedding is this Saturday, I hope everything goes smoothly" Augustine said.
"I hope so too" Ariana replied.
Dinner was over, Roberto drove home silently. Ariana stepped out when the car stopped Infront of the penthouse.
Roberto followed from behind. "You did good tonight" Roberto said. "It's my job after all" Ariana replied as she went to her room.
"Thank you for accepting to marry me. You've made me the happiest man on earth" Roberto said. "Yeah so you wouldn't have to marry Jessica" Ariana said in a silent whisper.
"Did you say something?" Roberto asked. Ariana exhales sharply. "It's no biggie. Good night" Ariana said.
The next day. Sunny arrived at the venue together with Olivia. They had to decorate the hall since the wedding is in three days.
"It's beautiful" Melissa said from behind. "Jesus Melissa you startled me" Sunny said.
"You are talented indeed Yanyan" Melissa said. "Don't call me that"
"Fine, fine, fine. I was just teasing you" Melissa said. Sunny's phone vibrated.
"It's Ariana, she wants us to meet her in her room" Sunny said.
Melissa held Sunny's hand. "Let's go see our baby's wedding dress" Melissa said. Sunny closes her eyes.
"I wish this wasn't the only way for protection" Sunny said. "Hey... We need to be supportive.... Now let's go cry our eyes out" Melissa said.
They both got to the room, Melissa opened the door. Ariana stood Infront of a mirror. She wore a beautiful wedding gown that was decorated with real diamonds.
"You're more expensive than the groom himself" Sunny said as she hugged Ariana.
"How do you feel?" Melissa asked. "Nervous" Ariana replied. "There's no need to panic. Today isn't the big day" Melissa said.
"I'm so happy" Sunny said with tears in her eyes. "Aunty bear!!!!! You look like cinderella" Sofia said. "After the Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo" Melissa said.
"You're going to make me cry" Ariana said.
"You deserve the best this life has to offer" Samantha said from the door.
Everyone looked at the door. Samantha brought out a box and hands it to Ariana. "This gift is given to the brides of my family. It's been passed down to each generation but I'm giving it to you" Samantha said.
"I.... I can't accept this" Ariana said. "Don't be silly. It's for you" Samantha said as she shoves the box to Ariana.
Ariana looks at Melissa, then Sunny before opening the box. "It's a diamond encrusted tiara" Ariana said in awe.
"I want you to look sparkling on that day" Samantha said. Ariana hugged Samantha.
"Thank you" Ariana said. "Don't thank me. We're family now.... Whatever you need, don't hesitate to tell me" Samantha said.
She left the girls to enjoy themselves. "I'm so deep already that coming back up is impossible" Ariana said.
Melissa hugged Ariana, Sofia and Sunny followed.