"He proposed a business arrangement. Sebastian Green wanted me to marry his son, Maverick, give birth to an heir, and in return, I'd receive a huge monthly salary and secure a bright future"

"You're joking, right?" Beatrice exclaimed, Aria shook her head.

"I could not refuse such an offer. I'm in need of it, Bea. The debt, the struggles... I thought this was a way out"

"Yeah I know"

"So, I agreed. And that same day, I married Maverick"

Beatrice's mouth opened in surprise.

"That's crazy! You barely know him"

Aria nodded.

"I know. But I thought it was worth the risk. Then, today, things got even crazier"

"What happened?"

Aria narrated the events that played at the family's traditional ceremony, from Monica's accusations, to Kaden's jaw dropping confession.

"Aria, what have you gotten yourself into?" Beatrice asked and Aria sighed.

"I really don't know, Bea. But I will try to make the best of this situation"

Beatrice hugged Aria softly.

"I'm always here for you, no matter what"

"Be careful around Monica and Kaden"

"I will, Bea. I already saw how Monica reacted when Kaden confessed"

"That's just the beginning. I'm so sure they don't like you"

"I know that already"

"I've heard quite a rumor about Kaden's past. He's got a reputation for being careless and impulsive"

"Bea, what's up with Kaden's past?" Aria asked.

"I don't know everything in detail, but rumor has it that Kaden was involved in some fishy dealings a few years ago," Beatrice said and Aria's eyes opened wide.

"What kind of dealings?"

"Some say he was part of an underground racing ring, others claim he was involved in illicit business ventures"

"That sounds serious"

"It is. And there are whispers about a scandal that got covered up. Sebastian Green's influence can hide a lot of secrets"

"I will be careful"

"Yeah you should"

"Bea, I need to go now " Aria said, glancing at her phone for time.

"Before you go, let's finalize the plans for your things. When do you want me to pack up your apartment?"

"How about tomorrow? Can you take care of it for me?"

"Consider it done. I'll pack everything and store it at my place until you decide what to do next" she said.

"Thanks, Bea. You're a lifesaver"

"Anytime, Aria. Now go"

Aria stood up, and Beatrice walked her to the door.

"Be safe, okay?" Beatrice reminded her.

"I will"

With a final hug, Aria left Beatrice's house, heading back to Maverick's penthouse.

She finally arrived at the penthouse and she met Maverick waiting outside, resting his back against his black car.

"Where did you go?" Maverick asked.

"None of your business" she replied.

"Get in the car" he ordered.

Aria stood for a moment before walking towards the car.

"Let's go" He said and Aria entered the passenger seat while Maverick got in behind the wheel.

"Where are we heading to?" Aria asked.

"Just relax and you'll see" Maverick replied and the car pulled away from the curb.

30 minutes later, Maverick stopped the car at the airport's private terminal and Aria became confused.

"What are we doing here?" she asked but Maverick didn't give a response.

He got out of the car, drawing attention from onlookers, Aria also stepped out.

As they walked towards the terminal, people's attention was on them.

Whispers and murmurs began to spread.

Is that Maverick Green?

Who's the girl with him?

Suddenly, a classy lady stepped out from the terminal. Her curves visibly seen in her luxurious gown, Boots clicked on the floor, Sunglasses concealed her eyes as she held her luggage in her hand.

Spotting Maverick, her face lit up and she hurried towards him making Maverick smiled.

Immediately they hugged and she gave him a quick pick on the lip making Aria's eyes widened.

Who was this woman?

"Mavie, darling!" she exclaimed.

"CeCe, you look stunning " he said and she CeCe giggled.

"I know, right? I'm absolutely gorgeous. My skin is flawless, my hair is luscious, and my body is to die for"

Maverick chuckled.

"You're always confident, CeCe"

"Someone has to keep the standards high, I mean, have you seen my legs? They're longer and hotter than any supermodel's"

"And my face? Absolutely gorgeous. My eyes sparkle like diamonds, and my lips are full and juicy" she continued and that was when she saw Aria.

"Who's she? A maid?" CeCe guessed.

"CeCe, meet Aria. My wife" he said and her eyes widened.

"Your wife or you are joking like you always do ?"

"I'm serious"

"But... How come I didn't know? I didn't even see it online"

"It was a private wedding, CeCe" Maverick explained.

"A private wedding? Without me?" CeCe asked.

"Father's planning to announce it tonight at the party" Maverick said.

"Why didn't you tell me, Mavie?" CeCe demanded and Maverick looked down.

"I'm sorry, CeCe. It all happened quickly" Maverick apologized.

"Whatever, congratulations I suppose" she said before looking at Aria.

"Speaking of which..." Maverick said.

"Aria, this is CeCe , my best friend from childhood " Maverick introduced and Aria smiled at her, CeCe did same but it was forced.

"Interesting choice" CeCe said.

"Let's go, can't wait to Monica and Kaden" CeCe dragged Maverick toward the car. Aria followed behind.

Maverick opened the front door for CeCe and Aria's frown deepened. He didn't opened the door for her earlier.

"Thanks, Mavie" CeCe said and Maverick smiled.

"Anytime, CeCe" Aria slid into the backseat and Maverick got in beside CeCe.

Immediately Maverick drove off, CeCe suddenly pulled off her top, revealing her lacy bra underneath.

Maverick looked at her, surprised.

"I'm feeling hot" CeCe said

"The AC is on" Maverick pointed out but CeCe smiled mischievously.

"I know" she replied.

She leaned in, giving Maverick a peck on the cheeks and then she turned back to Aria, a disgusting smile spreading across her face.

Aria's eyes narrowed slightly, but she gave a fake smile.

"Feeling comfortable, I see" Aria said and CeCe chuckled.

"You have no idea" CeCe replied.

"You might want to wear back that top now"Aria said.

"What do you mean?"

"The back seems to be torn. It's a bit shameful, what do you think? Someone as classy and gorgeous as you, with luxury hair and a body to die for... shouldn't have a torn bra, right?"

CeCe's frowned, she quickly checked the back of her bra but she couldn't see it

Still frowning, CeCe pulled her top back on, adjusting it with a hint of irritation.

Aria smiled inwardly.