379: STARTLED AWAKE ARIEL’S POV I was prepared to leave, my belongings in hand, but then, my phone suddenly rang, its caller ID displaying unknown.” Intrigued, I answered, only to be met with a thunderous accusation: “You psychopath!” The voice was familiar, and of course, it was Luke Reynold, the rude and arrogant man. I have to admit, he was so annoying. The scene at the coffee shop yesterday, was fucked up, and this man was fucked up in the head. “You? What do you want now?” I asked him. Are “Are you seriously asking me that?” “Well what do you expect after you just call me so early in the morning, taking like an asshole.” “You’re calling me an asshole.” “I don’t have time for your nonsense right now. Just tell me why you’ve called.” “I just call to tell you that you better find a way to put an end to all of this. There is no way I’m going to get married to a golddigger.” “Will you please stop calling me that? I am not a golddigger. Your grandfather is the one who wants this marriage to take place. Why don’t you go ahead and throw insults at him?” “Wait! Are you trying to say that you are going to get married to me?” “What can I do? I’m only following the wishes of our elders.” “Oh shut up! All that nice face of you yesterday was just fake. I knew this was an act. Screw you, bitch!” He ended the phone call after that. I was shocked at his words, my mouth open–mouthed, thinking of the last sentence. Did he just call me a…..Ohhh nevermind. I put my phone in my purse, and headed towards the door. The moment I opened it, I was greeted by a man in a suit. I screamed immediately, shifting backwards. “You don’t have to be scared, ma’am. I’m not here to hurt you.” “Who are you?” I asked, placing my hand on my chest, as I was trying to catch my breath all because of the scream. “My name is not necessary. But Lwas sent by Sir Reynold, to come pick you up, and take you to his mansion.” “Okay, I understand that. But why did you have to come all the way to my room? Can’t you just stand outside this house, or stay in the living room, or something?” “A helper told me to meet you here.” I sighed. “You know what? Just go downstairs.” “You’re coming with me, right?” “Of course, I’m coming with you. But first, I have things to do.” “Things like what?” He asked, raising an eyebrow. “How is that your business?” “I’m just curious. Can’t afford to waste any time.” “Well it’s personal. And to hell with you and your time!” “Don’t be rude, ma’am. I’m only following the boss‘ order. He said I should take you to his mansion as soon as possible.” “I’ll have to eat breakfast first.” “Don’t worry about that. There’s enough food at Sir Reynold’s mansion.” I let out a frustrated sigh. “What in the world is wrong with you?” “Nothing ma’am. Just doing my job.” I tried to regain my composure and had to roll my eyes at the man in the suit. “Well, you can tell your boss I’ll be there when I’m good and ready.” He nodded, unfazed. “As you wish, ma’am. But I must insist we leave promptly.” I scoffed. “Insist all you want, but I’m not hopping into a car with a stranger just because Sir Reynold snapped his fingers.” The man shifted uncomfortably. “Ma’am, it’s really for your own safety. Sir Reynold is quite insistent.” “Insistent or not, I have boundaries,” I retorted. “And one of them is not being strong–armed into anything, especially by someone wearing a suit at my doorstep.” He sighed, a hint of frustration in his tone. “Look, ma’am, I’m just trying to do my job here. Can we please make this easier for both of us?” I folded my arms, unyielding. “Not until I’ve had my breakfast and a decent explanation as to why I’m being whisked away to a mansion against my will.” He hesitated before relenting. “Fine, but make it quick. Sir Reynold won’t be pleased with any delays.” “Good thing, pleasing the Reynolds isn’t at the top of my priority list,” I muttered as I made my way to the kitchen. The man trailed behind me like an obedient puppy, his presence irking me more with each step. “I’ll wait outside,” he announced unnecessarily. “Great, don’t let the door hit you on the way out,” I quipped before disappearing into the kitchen. 370 STARTLED AWAKE ‘ I saw Martha, washing the dishes. “Ariel, good morning.” “Good morning, Martha. Who the hell is that man?” I asked her. “Who?” She made a confused face. “The man in a suit. He’s irritating.” “Oh, he’s just a visitor. He came to see you.” “And he had to go to my room.” “He did what now?” Martha gave me a worried face. “Hope he didn’t try to take advantage of you.” “No, no, no, that’s not it. He’s just a messenger, from Sir Reynold.” Her yes widened in disbelief. “Sir Reynold? What does he want now? Did he send his henchmen to drag you off to his lair?” my will* “Close enough. Apparently, I’m being summoned to his mansion against my She shook her head in dismay. “That man has some nerve, doesn’t he?” She handed me a plate of scrambled eggs. “Well, better fuel up before you go to that mansion. I’m not happy with the situation that man and your parents put you in.” I nodded, taking a bite of the eggs. “Thanks, Martha. At least I’ll face whatever madness awaits me with a full stomach.” The man in the suit impatiently cleared his throat from the doorway. “Ma’am, are you ready to leave yet? Sir Reynold’s patience wears thin.” I wiped my mouth with a napkin, shooting him a glare. “Tell Sir Reynold he can wait a little longer. I’m not about to rush on an empty stomach.” He sighed, clearly exasperated. “Fine, but please hurry. We don’t have all day.” I waved him off dismissively. “Yeah, yeah, I heard you the first time. Just give me a minute to finish breakfast.” “Are you that slow when you’re eating?” “What did you say?” I gave this man a cold stare. “Nothing, actually. Just enjoy your breakfast and let me know when you’re done,” he replied and walked away. I savored the last bite of Martha’s delicious scrambled eggs, and she glanced at me with concern etched on her face. “Ariel, are you sure about all of this? Do you really want to marry Luke?” I sighed, setting down my fork. “It’s not about what I want, Martha. It’s what my parents want. And apparently, it’s what Sir Reynold wants too.” STARTLED AWAKE Martha shook her head gently, her expression softening. “You always have a choice, Ariel. Don’t ever forget that. Your happiness should come first, no matter what anyone else says.” When she finished cleaning up the dishes, she patted my shoulder reassuringly. “Remember, Ariel, you deserve to be happy. Don’t settle for anything less. With a grateful smile, I watched her leave the kitchen, the weight of her words sinking in. Alone in the quiet kitchen, I let out a deep sigh. “Okay, ma’am, are you ready now?” That man asked from outside the kitchen.
