Arielle is Back

Arielle's POV With a heavy heart, I stroll through the house Ariel and I constructed. Our cleaners made sure that Loretta's remains were completely removed. I can still sense her here, though. I wonder whether her scars would ever go away. Sitting down on the sofa, still in shock by the news that was made public about her, I'm shaky. Unquestionable evidence that the kid she is carrying is not Ariel 's, as well as numerous affairs. Climbing her way to the top like that… It was not what I would have anticipated. I'm having trouble understanding it. It feels as if I never truly knew her, which makes me feel even worse about all the things I gave up for her. I feel foolish and embarrassed by my deference. I felt bad for giving her the upbringing she had always desired, even though it was clear that she had all she needed, so I catered to her for the rest of our lives. I would never have been able to free myself from her web if it weren't for Ariel . She has a habit of making me feel inadequate. I dare not even consider what may have transpired if she hadn't ended her engagement. We would still be miserable, silently lusting for each other, Ariel and I. I felt terrible for wanting him, even though she was the one who ought to have felt bad for manipulating us both. "Mrs Warren." I tilt my head inquiringly as I glance up at the soldier positioned in the doorway. "Your mum is coming to visit with you. We were told by Mr Warren not to allow any members of your family inside without your explicit consent. What task do you want me to complete? I take time to think before I nod. "Transport her inside." I sit back as I wait for my mother, a dull ache spreading from my heart. I've been thinking about her a lot during the week I spent with Bruno Ferdinand and Andrea. I have been making excuses not only for Loretta. Mom says, "Arielle," sounding a little scared. As I take her in, I scowl. Her hair appears messy, and her clothing is creased. I don't believe I've ever seen my mum appear anything but flawless. She still acts like the well-liked actress she once was, despite her advanced age. "Mom, what can I do for you?" She comes towards me, her eyes blazing with anger. "With all of the rumors going around about your sister, how could you be sitting here so quietly? If you can't even manage a PR disaster, I can't trust you with Dreamworld. I smile at her and cross my arms. And just exactly how did you handle the PR disaster that I went through two weeks ago? You failed to even give me a call to see how I was doing. Do you know that when Dad couldn't get through to me, he attempted to pay Bruno Ferdinand to find and protect me? How did you act? Mom pauses a glint of surprise in her eyes. It was by no means a crisis, though. I knew you had Ariel to assist you take care of it." I laugh, the sound hollow. 'I was getting dead threats. People were burning my designs on the streets, calling me a family wrecker, claiming they could never support a lady like me. All of that, and you didn't even think to check up on me?" Mom gives a slow nod. "You survived quite well, didn't you? You ought to be able to help your sister in the same way that you were able to diffuse the situation. I smile at her. "Why would I, when my spouse started this controversy in the first place?" "What?" Should you be here solely to support Loretta, I will have to ask you to go. I'm not going to assist her. I take a brief break. And you'll have to accept that if you want to stay in my life. Mom, you've never really been a mother to me; you have your moments, sure, but not by much. Your entire care has always been Loretta, and I'm weary of it. I don't need you to prioritize me, mama. However, I do require you to cease disparaging me in her favor. I'm sick of the insulting comments and continual comparisons. I will set the terms for any relationship we have if one exists at all. She gives me a wide-eyed stare. Arielle, what has become of you? You're being ridiculous, even though I understand that you've always been envious of your sister. I shake my head and sigh. "You heard me talk, but you're not paying attention. Perhaps one day you will, but I'm not going to wait around any longer. I get up and give Luke, who's standing in the room's corner, a nod. "Please take care of my mum. Forever deny her assess to my house. "Arielle!" she exclaims. Have you gone insane? I won't give you the Dreamworld shares I own if you keep acting in this manner. I recline on the couch with a smile. "They are not necessary for me. Mom, I've never been interested in your business. And let's speak the truth. You never intended for me to get it as an inheritance. This is just another excuse to give Loretta the company. She's welcome to it." I stare her down. 'I suppose that does mean Ariel will walk away from the merger, but so be it. What would you do for your beloved daughter? Good luck to both of you." Luke comes over to her as I nod at him. My mother's eyes flash with unease, but I no longer have the energy to care. All I have left to give is this.I watch her go, and my heart aches. While a big part of me knows she won't, there's also part of me that hopes she'll finally realize how she made me feel. Lollipop , I'm proud of you. My eyes widen, and I look behind me to find Ariel resting back against the wall. He pushes off it and approaches me with a nice smile on his face. His eyes never leave mine as he kneels in front of me, his hands seeking for mine. "I want to take you somewhere today. Could I please have your permission? I smile at him. "You must be aware by now that I will follow you everywhere," He smiles back at me and grips my chin, leaning forward. His lips just touch mine as he whispers, "I'm counting on it."