Chapter 5 Similiar But Not The Same

The three women turned to look at her. Two of them widened their eyes, while the other appeared shy. Ariana gritted her teeth as she observed them.

"Ho-how can it be her?" asked the woman with shoulder-length hair. She was beautiful, with fair skin and a gentle demeanor that, when she smiled, would undoubtedly convey warmth. Her skin was smooth, a result of careful skincare, as befitting a woman sitting next to her.

"Ariana Leonidas?" The voice came from the eldest woman there. "Yes, that's me," Ariana replied, nodding politely toward her.

"I am Rosaline Zeroun." The woman only nodded, without any intention of standing up or extending her hand. Ariana followed suit and simply nodded in return.

"She's my daughter, Isidora. And, next to her, you probably know who she is."

"Mrs. Caitlyn Brooks," Ariana answered flatly. The elderly woman nodded again. "So, what brings the three distinguished ladies to my humble establishment?" Ariana asked, sounding somewhat sarcastic.

"We've heard some bad news," said the elderly woman.

"Is that so?" Ariana asked sarcastically. "Does it have anything to do with me? As far as I know, I have no business with any of you." Ariana gazed at the three women and paused, focusing on Mrs. Brooks' face for a significant moment.

"Of course, it has something to do with you because we need your help," Mrs. Rosaline Zeroun said, without a hint of humility in her tone. The arrogance of the wealthy. Ariana sighed internally.

"And what kind of help do you need from a poor person like me?" Ariana asked again. Amber, who was sitting beside her, admonished her by patting her thigh gently. "I apologize if I'm being impolite. You see, I grew up without a mother." She emphasized the last part. "So?" She turned her gaze back to Mrs. Rosaline Zeroun

"My grandson was supposed to marry your twin sister this afternoon," the woman continued. Ariana nodded. "But it turns out your sister has disappeared," she continued. Amber was taken aback, not because Ariana had a twin sister, as her friend was well aware of that fact. Nor was it because her sister was going to marry the son of a conglomerate. It was because her sister had 'disappeared.' That's why she was shocked. Ariana had not had a chance to inform her best friend and cousin about this.

Amber was the daughter of her father's older sibling. Of course, she also knew the respected Mrs. Caitlyn Brooks, her former aunt.

Back to the matter of the wedding. "So, why are you lounging here? This isn't a police station, and I'm not a psychic who can help you foresee where she is. So, I can't assist you in finding her," Ariana replied..

The old woman smiled. "Clearly, you know the purpose of our visit here. You're a clever woman," she praised. Although it sounded cold and somewhat sarcastic, it came across as sincere to Ariana.

"Of course. I understand. The mother of my twin sister mentioned it last night, although not in detail," Ariana replied, equally sardonic. "But I can guess what she wants. Even her husband is willing to give me anything I ask for as long as I help her. But it turns out, she can't give me what I asked for," Ariana honestly responded.

"But what you asked for doesn't make sense, Ariana," Mrs. Caitlyn interjected.

"What doesn't make sense, ma'am? You're asking me to surrender myself to pretend to be your daughter indefinitely. Isn't that what you want? To make me a substitute bride just because 'your daughter' and I share the same face. But sorry, I'm not that generous to trade myself for a sum of money," Ariana said with disgust.

This time, Mrs. Isidora Zeroun was visibly shocked. She looked at Ariana and Caitlyn in turn. "I'm asking for your son's heart to replace mine. That would make sense," Ariana muttered. The woman's face paled. "Why? Are you unwilling? Is your son too precious? For my father, I am valuable too, ma'am."

"Ariana..." Amber once again rubbed Ariana's thigh, trying to calm her down. But Ariana ignored her. She turned to the old woman in front of her.

"So, do you have a better offer for me, ma'am?" Ariana asked again. "As you said, I'm an intelligent girl. I know that if this marriage falls apart, it will embarrass your family, especially since this entire plan has been exposed in the media," she replied. A faint nod of the head from the eldest woman was visible. "So, let's negotiate," she offered.

"What do you want, young lady?" Mrs. Rosaline asked. The older woman looked at Ariana with an admiring gaze.

Curious? Ariana couldn't read it. "Withdraw all your investments. Sever all business ties your family has with the Brooks family. Then I'm willing to help you," Ariana said with a wide smile on her face. A glimmer of happiness shone in her golden eyes.

"Ariana," the voice came from Mrs. Caitlyn Brooks again.

"That's the best offer I can give you, ma'am. My heart or the severance of business ties. Because if you offer money to me, I don't need it. I can earn it on my own. And if you threaten to bankrupt our business, I'm not afraid either. In case you've forgotten, my father and I have already been through that. We hit rock bottom. And it's for that reason you left us, isn't it?" There was no fiery tone in her voice. Everything sounded flat, devoid of emotion. But somehow, it sent shivers down the spine of anyone who heard it.

"You are indeed a clever girl," praised Mrs. Rosaline with a smile on her face.

"Thank you, ma'am. My father did educate me to be clever. And my 'birth' mother taught me to be cunning and realistic." Ariana replied without a hint of sarcasm. "So?"

"Ariana, can't you help me? Without any conditions? Or if necessary, I will beg you, dear?" The beautiful woman pleaded. She had even gotten up from her seat and stood between her knees.

Ariana just stared at her coldly. "Sorry, in business, we are advised not to play with emotions. We're afraid the same thing will happen again. Being fooled completely by someone we think we know," Ariana replied coldly. "I think our conversation has come to an end. I'll help you if you accept my request." Ariana stood up. They thought Ariana would open the door to politely usher them out. But no, she opened the door because she intended to leave the room. Her chest felt tight, and her head felt like it was about to explode. Looking at her mother just made her sick.

Silence filled the room after Ariana closed the door. "Let me help you, Auntie." Mrs. Caitlyn now looked at the sweet bespectacled girl who was still sitting stiffly in her seat. "Please persuade Ariana to help Auntie. I beg you."

Amber struggled to swallow her saliva. She glanced at the three women alternately. Ariana was not easily controlled. The girl was stubborn. And if she wanted something, she would work hard to get it. And if she liked something, she would protect it. Likewise, if she didn't like something. She would show it. It wasn't easy to persuade her, unless she intended to change her mind.

Amber shook her head gently. "I'm sorry, aunt. I can't. The Ariana now is not the same as the old Ariana. She has changed since you left her," Amber replied honestly.

Caitlyn slumped, remaining silent in her place. "Marriage or not, the outcome will be the same," Mrs. Rosaline Zeroun said. She rose with the help of her cane, assisted by her attendant. Mrs. Rosaline held onto her assistant's arm for support before turning around. "Not marrying, you'll go bankrupt. Marrying, you'll still be bankrupt. But at least, you'll still have your good name. And your son, your pride. Just make your choice." Mrs. Rosaline walked away from the two women.

Ariana... That name warmed Mrs. Rosaline's heart. Similar yet different. That's what the elderly woman felt between Ariana and Karenina.