Chapter 2 Second Chapter

Evening crept in, drawing the curtains on a long, tiring day but no amount of exhaustion could dull Ariel's natural glow. In fact, the soft amber light of dusk seemed to illuminate her even more, as excitement bubbled within her for the dinner date ahead.

She had already received a text from him with the meeting location, and with a flutter of anticipation, she slipped through her front door and hurried inside. A quick shower later, Ariel emerged refreshed and radiant, dressed in an elegant green gown with a daring slit. Jade earrings dangled delicately from her ears, and she clutched a sleek, custom-made black handbag. A touch of light makeup accentuated her features, adding just enough polish to her youthful beauty.

Though these emotions were still new raw and unfamiliar she relished the thrill of them. Despite her age, Ariel carried herself with the grace and allure of a woman far beyond her years. She took one final glance in the mirror, her reflection meeting her with approval. Smiling softly, she stepped out into the evening, her heart quietly racing as she made her way to the place where her evening adventure awaited.

Victor, already seated at the restaurant, exuded an infectious energy. He was in unusually high spirits, his eyes gleaming with a sharp, dangerous glint a stark contrast to the man Ariel had encountered earlier that day. With a mischievous flick of his gaze, he winked at a man seated two tables away. The man, caught off guard, merely shrugged, probably dismissing Victor as some eccentric stranger.

Just then, the door opened and Ariel stepped into the room. In an instant, Victor's demeanor shifted. The playful danger in his eyes softened, and a warmth spread across his features. His entire countenance transformed, as if her presence had flipped a hidden switch within him. Rising from his seat, he approached her with a smile so radiant, so disarming, that a few nearby patrons couldn't help but glance their way.

They exchanged polite pleasantries, the kind layered with unspoken understanding, and made their way to the table together. No sooner had they sat down than a waiter appeared, ready to take their orders.

After their orders were taken, Victor leaned in slightly, his tone curious yet gentle. "So, how's work been treating you?"

She smiled, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "It's been good, actually. Busy, but fulfilling." Then, tilting her head, she returned the question. "And you? What do you do?"

"I own a spa," he replied, casually yet with a hint of pride.

Her eyes widened with genuine admiration. "That's impressive," she said, just as the waiter arrived, balancing plates of steaming food with practiced grace.

They thanked him, then turned their attention back to each other as they began to eat. Conversation flowed effortlessly between them, laughter bubbling up now and then. It felt less like a first meeting and more like a reunion two old souls reconnecting, as if they had known each other for years.

After their first date, Ariel discovered that Victor was 27 years old just within the age range she'd always envisioned for her ideal partner. He was not only mature but also financially stable, a combination that ticked nearly every box on her list. More importantly, there was something magnetic between them, an effortless connection that made each date feel like an unfolding fairytale.

As the weeks passed and their outings turned into rituals of laughter, shared dreams, and whispered secrets, their bond deepened. It wasn't long before the relationship became official. For the first time, Ariel found herself truly in love. Giddy and glowing, she broke the news to her close friends, who celebrated her happiness with genuine excitement and champagne toasts.

To the outside world and to Ariel herself it seemed like she had found her happily ever after. Their relationship was a garden in full bloom: vibrant, fragrant, and full of promise. But even the most beautiful roses have thorns. And as the sixth month approached, small pricks of reality began to pierce through the petals.

Ariel had never visited Victor unannounced before, but today marked six months since they began dating, and she wanted to surprise him. She had taken the day off work just for this to celebrate their little milestone with a bottle of wine and a small, heart-shaped cake. Her heart was light, her mood joyful as she drove through the city streets in the car she'd purchased two months ago a symbol of new beginnings and growing independence.

As she pulled into Victor's driveway, a sense of anticipation fluttered in her chest. She parked, stepped out carefully with the cake and wine in hand, and used the spare key he had given her months earlier ,a token of trust, she had thought ,to open the door.

The moment she stepped inside, the disarray struck her. Clothes were scattered across the floor, the scent of sweat and something else heavy in the air. She let out a small giggle, amused rather than bothered. So this is why he doesn't like surprises, she thought. He probably didn't want me to see his mess.

Still smiling, she made her way toward the bedroom, her heels clicking softly against the wooden floor.

Then she opened the door and her world stopped.

The cake and wine slipped from her hands, crashing to the floor as she froze in place. Her heart thundered in her chest, but she could barely hear it over the rush of disbelief in her ears.

There, tangled in sheets and moans, was Victor his body pressed against another man who moved with exaggerated feminine grace. They didn't stop when she entered. They didn't even flinch.

Ariel's voice broke through the air, brittle and trembling. "What is the meaning of this?"

Victor finally looked at her, his lips curling into something between a smirk and a sneer. He didn't cover himself. He didn't explain. His only response came cold and sharp, like a blade to her chest: "You shouldn't have come here without calling."

His voice held anger, not guilt.

She felt her heart fracture but not a single tear fell.