Chapter 1 The Arranged Union

"Are you excited?" My best friend Nora asked. It was my wedding day, a wedding I willingly agreed to as that was the only way I could get my rights back and save my father's company because I was his only biological child.

"Yes, very." I rolled my eyes, sarcasm dripping from my voice as I spoke. Nora rolled her hazel eyes on me fixing my blond curly hair which I didn't bother looking at. I couldn't care less about this marriage to the Hidalgo family. It was even worse because I had to get married to him a few days after I arrived back in London with my mother.

Agreeing to this marriage was something I never saw coming but then I knew it was the only way to get what rightfully belongs to me and I would not want to lose my rights to my bastard step-sister Valerie.

Over the seven years I lived with my mother in Paris, she taught me to work hard and fight for the life I deserve, and this marriage was one way of making sure it happened. Staying in an arranged marriage with a man I don't know is something I can do as long as I get what I want.

"Remember why you are doing this, you are the heiress to the Cruz empire and my only biological child." My father's voice repeated in my head. It hurts like hell, and my heart aches every time I think about it. But I knew why I was doing this, not just for me, but also for my mother so I will not give up until I get what I want.

"Come on Ariana, he's hot. Plus he is the heir of the Hidalgo empire and I am sure he will fall for you the moment he lays his eyes on you." Nora said, smiling. I can't blame her for being as excited as she was. She had always believed that my father would come back for me someday.

'Come on, Ariana, let's get going. The guests are already waiting, and the groom is also around,' my mom said as she came into the dressing room to take me to the altar.

"You can do this!" She said as she could sense my fear and was giving me some hope.

"Wait! your flower bouquet." Nora said, handing me the white flower bouquet. I smiled and raised my dress, careful not to step on it.

I walked out of the bedroom with my mother, heading down to see the guests and the groom, who were waiting for me to walk down the aisle. To them, I was the beautiful and dutiful bride who was getting married to Ares Hidalgo. But to me, signing that wedding paper today was my first step to getting back my rights at the Cruz Empire.

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The doors opened, revealing my husband too who stood at the end of the aisle, looking at me. His piercing blue eyes met my hazel ones, and my heart raced as I knew what was to come.

This was a loveless marriage and I didn't know what the outcome would be, but I am sure that I would achieve my purpose for agreeing to this marriage in the first place.

I watched, with a raised eyebrow, as I walked down to the aisle with all eyes on me including my Jezebel step-sister, and my stepmother nowhere to be found. I avoided everyone's gaze as I looked sternly until I got close to Ares and I smiled. That was the least I could do, smile at him and he did an excellent job as he reciprocated it but we both know that it was all pretense.

We had too many eyes watching us, and failing this would be bad for both parties. He took my hand in his as I stood in front of him. Our vows were said, and people watched in awe at the "in love" couple. We were both great actors. If anything, the last thing I want to do is get married. I don't believe in love anymore.

His eyes were fixed on mine as he said 'I do", and I echoed the same. He leaned in, cupped my face in his hands, gently pressed his lips against mine in a small peck, and then smiled at me. As I studied his features, I could see him more clearly.

Neat scruff, a muscular body that was visible under his designer suit, and a deep voice that would make any girl swoon at his feet. I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes on him and the side talks made it all easy for me.

"Well, it seems like Ares is in love already and the two look perfect together." I heard my father-in-law comment with his face beaming with joy. The click of Valerie's heels was so loud that anyone could tell that she was not happy with what was happening.

I was not expecting her to be, though. She wouldn't have expected that my father would find out the truth about her, and her mother had to leave the Cruz mansion out of shame. But then I wondered what Valerie was still doing around.

Not that I cared, though. There was no way she would defeat me, especially after I agreed to this marriage with the Hidalgo family.

"I need to use the restroom," Ares said as he exited the hall even before I could utter a word to him. I was not bothered, I just wanted to face whatever came after the wedding and start working on the Cruz empire.

"You should follow your husband." My mom whispered into my ears as I tried to greet each of the Hidalgo family with utmost respect.

"Mom, he is not a baby, and besides, who both know this is a loveless marriage." I said, reminding my mother why I am getting married to him.

"He is now your husband, and besides you still have an engagement party in the next thirty minutes. Everyone should see you clinging to your husband. Remember, this marriage has to work out." My mother insisted.

"Fine, I will go look for him," I said as I walked away with a smile on my face.

I could not find him in the restroom and one of the maids around showed me the way to his room. I was reluctant to go at first but I knew that if I did not go, my mother would nag at me.

"Yes baby, that is the right spot! Don't stop Ares, I love you!"

My feet came to a halt when I heard a very familiar voice moaning Ares's name, as I moved closer to his room. My husband, the one with whom I got married a few minutes ago!

I held my breath as my feet took me in the direction of the moans as they became louder and I stopped at the door of the room. My fingers trembled as I pushed the door slightly thinking of who his mysterious mistress might be.

I have thought of many problems that I might encounter in my marriage with Ares but I did not think of a mistress being a problem.

My eyes widened to the point of coming out of their sockets when I found my husband kissing my step-sister and caressing every part of her body, undressing her slowly as she giggled.