Ariel Clears the Air

Arielle's POV I'm eating the breakfast that Andrea made for me, and I'm not paying attention. I spent the entire night going through my social media feeds, even though I really tried not to, and all I saw was hate for me. Despite Ariel 's best efforts, removed content screenshots are appearing on various networks. Every gossip publication has seen our story and is rushing to compile a timeline of Ariel and Loretta's romance. I was not surprised to learn of Loretta's pregnancy via The Time, which simply served to further demonize me. I've evolved into more than simply the lady positioned between two childhood sweethearts—I'm now the nasty stepmother-to-be. One of the toughest things I've ever had to do is watch as my love for Ariel is transformed into a spectacle that everyone can see. Pictures that I don't remember taking are floating around the internet, showing us how Loretta and Ariel used to look at each other. Everyone is under the impression from the media that I have been wooing him for years in an attempt to separate Loretta and him. This has all the makings of her. This is what she always does to me. She has made me accept responsibility for everything she has ever done to me, manipulating our narrative so that I end up looking bad. She will treat me in this manner for the remainder of our lives. When the baby is born, how will things be? Will she find a way to turn her child against me as well? I'm not sure when exactly she'll get Ariel to turn away from me, but I have a feeling that she will. Taking a drink of my coffee, I try to ignore the videos I've seen of people trashing my designs—some of which I sowed—and complaining that they can't stand a home wrecker with two faces. Not to mention the loss of my fan base and the death threats from Loretta's supporters. Numerous modelling contracts have been cancelled without even contacting me for an explanation. She is gradually ruining me, and she won't stop until she achieves her goals. Bruno Ferdinand laughs and looks across at me. "Warren acquired multiple other gossip magazines in addition to The Time . He forbade them from doing stories on you. The very mention of Ariel makes my heart skip a beat. I believed that we could overcome anything as a team, but he would ultimately get weary of this conflict as well. When my sister is the one causing my decline in morality, he is powerless to save me. When the doorbell rings, Bruno Ferdinand moans and looks into Andrea's."How much are you willing to wager that there will soon be more Warren at our door?" She shrugs and smiles at him. "Si, I would be upset if they failed to appear. Arielle deserves to live with a family that will cherish her in a manner that her own will not. See if the Warrens are deserving of her. With a sigh, Bruno Ferdinand gives her a fond smile. He says, "Ten paper cranes." to her. "That is what I will owe you if you force me to host additional Warren." Andrea nods, putting her arm around me. I will grant you fifteen. Bianca leans her head against my shoulder, sharing my dejected face. She hasn't been lost in her fairytales, nor has she attempted to offer me hope, for once. Since neither of us knows what the future holds, she has been as silent as I have been. She is equally as hurt by the news about me as I am, and I know that she has been reading it too. Valentina trails behind Bruno Ferdinand, who appears gloomy, as he ushers Pablo , Lucas , and Richard into the living room. When Bruno Ferdinand gives his wife a look, she gives him a comforting smile in return. Andrea gives me a smile and rubs my hair. "They had serious concerns about you. One by one, every one of them called me. It didn't feel right to keep the Warren family in the dark as we are responsible for their security. I couldn't keep it a secret from them, but I didn't tell Ariel where you are.I don't think I've ever seen Valentina cry before, but she called me while crying. Richard puts his arm around me and gives me a firm squeeze; Lucas follows suit. Pablo fusses with my hair, concern in his eyes. Are you alright? They all take a seat at the dining table, and Lucas asks. Red in the eyes, Valentina takes both of my hands in hers. Her presence surprised me, but I should have known she would support me no matter what, even if it meant going up against Lucas . "I looked at the articles. What are we to do, Arielle? Do we need to issue a statement? Grandma Adele asked us to remain silent because she worried about Loretta's health and the baby. However, I'm not sure. To me, that doesn't seem correct.I give a headshake. That's why, Val, I departed. I was aware that if I stayed there without getting into an argument with her, it would endanger both the baby's and her health. I have to get better before I can return home. Simply put, how long will it take for her to get back to me after I return? How long can I take the abuse from the media, even if she doesn't? Inconsolable, I run a hand through my hair. I should have known better, but I was so close to obtaining everything I could have ever dreamed. Every time I manage to grasp onto a semblance of happiness, it slips away from me. Richard extends a hand. He whispers, "Shh." "Ariel is phoning." He smiles as he answers the phone. Yes, she informed me she was fine when I spoke with her. She is secure. No. I have no idea where she is. Have you not yet given the security crew instructions to locate her? He gives himself a nod. His concern is fake as he asks, "How could they not have found her yet?" "All right, then, I'll keep a lookout." With a sigh, Richard hangs up and sets his phone down. "I don't think he'll stick around that long, even though he promised to give you a week. How will you proceed? I look at the people who have grown to be my family. I honestly tell them, "I don't know." "I feel like a coward for giving in and running away." "No," Lucas replies while raising a hand. "Let's make leaving harmful circumstances the norm. Just because everyone expects you to persevere when your mental health is failing doesn't mean you have to. It's appropriate to take stock of the situation and determine if you still find it acceptable or not. When it came to Ariel , you were never offered an option, but you ought to have. Arielle, take your time. We're all here for you, and regardless of your choice, you'll never lose us. You will always be our little sister, just like Bianca is." Richard nods and throws his arm around me as I fight back my emotions. 'Whatever you decide, we'll stand by you." Bianca and Valentina both nod in agreement. 'We love you, Arielle," Bianca says. 'We just want what's best for you, even if that isn't Ariel . I know you love my brother, but had it been me, I'm not sure I could submit myself to the sheer garbage you'll have to go through just to be with him." Valentina nods. 'Sometimes, love isn't enough. particularly when it's the only thing keeping you together as the outside world threatens to tear you apart. "Warren," declared Bruno Ferdinand. "This is something you really should see." I follow him into the living room, my eyes expanding to the screen to see Ariel . I frown. "He's broadcasting on pretty much every channel owned by the Warren family." I see him smile through the screen, his eyes as haunted as mine must be, and I raise my palm to my heart. "Permit me to address these rumors. I've seen that the media is spreading inaccurate information about my wife. Even though I don't think it's appropriate for you to know about our personal matters, I know that until you have the whole truth, you won't put an end to the witch-hunt you've started, and I need it to end. Please quit bothering my wife and causing her pain. I want you to know right away that Loretta Rowan and I did date for a while. You are unaware, though, that our only reason for being together was due to family responsibilities. For many years, the Rowan and the Warren have been married. They have merged Warren Media and Dreamworld to leave the business as a whole to be inherited by the children of this marriage. We looked to be the ideal fit because Loretta and I are the closest in age, so we made every effort to make it work. Despite my best efforts, I was never able to let go of my affection for my wife. I never went over the line with Arielle during this period. Contrary to reports in the media, there were no affairs—not even close ones. Arielle and I were just friends for a long time. Up until Loretta decided to back out of the engagement that our families had agreed upon. He stops, and combs his hair with his hand."Leaving our relationship is the best thing Loretta could have ever done for me; Arielle is the love of my life." Loretta didn't do anything wrong; she just left. Despite what many have said, my wife is not a home wrecker or a seductress. She is merely an unworthy mother who loves her family too much. She loves me more than I deserve, and I will continue to adore her for as long as I live. Here I am, a simple man who adores his wife above all else, pleading with you to put an end to this witch-hunt. I implore you to quit pestering her, ruining the drawings she devoted many sleepless evenings to, and circulating rumours. For my sake, I hope she never wants to make up for the one mistake she has ever made—loving a man who doesn't deserve her. Ariel averts his gaze momentarily. "Any lies being disseminated about my wife will be considered slander now that you know the truth. If any of you disregard my warning, legal action will be taken against you. Twenty-four hours from now, we will report any slander we detect in circulation, and our legal team will take care of the rest. I kindly request that you consider carefully what you say. Even celebrities, such as my spouse, are only human. Specifically, my spouse is the kindest person I've ever met. She remembers every single thing you say. Given that the rumors you're so gleefully spreading are untrue, do you want to take the blame for a lady who sobs herself to sleep? I beg you to please do the right thing. Then he grinned. "And Arielle? Lollipop , you are loved. Whatever the case may be. His message begins to replay while the TV goes black for a short while, but my tears are making it difficult for me to see the screen.