A love unscripted

Ariel's eyes fluttered open, her mind foggy and disoriented. She was met with an unfamiliar ceiling adorned with intricate molding and a dazzling chandelier. She sat up, rubbing her temples, having a slight headache trying to remember how she got there.

The room was grandiose, with expensive furnishings and artwork. The room was certainly unfamiliar and she could tell because she had never been in a room like that in her life.

"Where was I?" As she threw off the covers and flung her legs over the side of the bed. With a wave of dizziness and headache accompanying her move, she leans over the bedside table for support.

Ariel's mind was a jumbled mess with no idea of what happened the previous night. Was she with friends? Did she meet someone? And more importantly, how did she get here?

Ariel is trying to get familiar with her surroundings. A sense of alarm rushed over her. Was she kidnapped? "No, if this was an abduction, I certainly won't be brought to a place this luxurious, and I have nothing they could possibly want as ransom." She reassured herself as she tried to remain calm.

Her gaze was drawn to a vintage painting on the wall, stirring a sense of familiarity within her. She made way for the door, but it seemed locked, and so she reputed to the bed as she held her head.

The door opens tentatively to reveal a man in formal attire and holding up a tea tray. "Good morning, Madam Ariel. My name is Watson, the butler. It's my pleasure to serve you while you're here," He said with a gallant bow.

"Master Connel requests the pleasure of your company at breakfast, Madam Ariel. Perhaps you care to freshen up beforehand?" His eyes gestured discretely towards the door, indicating that her quarters were ready for her use.

Ariel's mind raced with questions. "where am I? And who's Connel?" she inquired. Watson replied with a smile, "I think Master Connel will be in the right position to provide you with the answers you seek. Please accept this tea for your headache. With that, he placed the tray down and shut the door behind him.

The usual weight she carried on her neck wasn't there. She felt naked in that area, reaching for her neck in thoughts that she misplaced the one thing she held dear to her heart- her locket. Emotions of fear and anxiety built up as she made a move to search for it in the room.

She turned over to the bedside and noticed her locket lying there-the very one she never took off, no matter the occasion. It had been a gift from her. Pleased she has worn it ever since. She touched her neck, and it was then she realized the clothes she had on were unmistakably not hers, With a feeling of irritation the satin brought to her skin.

Ariel's eyes wandered to the small golden locket on her dresser. It was an old family heirloom, passed to her by her grandmother. As she picked it up, memories flooded her mind.

She was a little child again, sitting at the kitchen table with her family. Her parents were arguing about bills and finances, their voices hushed but urgent. Ariel's stomach growled with hunger and she felt a pang of guilt for wanting food when her parents were struggling to provide.

The memory stung and Ariel's eyes pricked with tears. She shook off the feeling, returning to the present. The locket still clutched in her hand, she felt a surge of determination and strength.

The more she tried to recall everything, the more pain her head felt. She reached for the tea tray and sipped the tea gradually. In the hope that it will help in relieving the pains she felt, she is still looking around to get familiar with the environment.

As the memories of the previous night flooded her mind, she recalled being hired to waitress at a grand party. She had arrived with a group of colleagues intending to leave with them after the event. However, her last memory was of serving cocktails and then... nothing.

Her gaze fell upon the tea tray, where an engraved name caught her attention: " The Wilder." The name seemed familiar but she couldn't quite place it. "I've come across this name before," Ariel whispered to herself, "but where?" A shiver ran down her spine as she wondered if this mansion belonged to the Wilder family. Who were they and why was she here?

Watson's voice interrupted her thoughts, "Madam, breakfast is served." He stood at the door, awaiting her response. Ariel blinked, still trying to process her surroundings. As Watson gestured for her to take the lead, Ariel instructed him to take the lead instead. Her curiosity and concern about the situation grew by the minute.

As they walked down the hall, Ariel couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The decorations and lavish furnishings seemed to tell a story, but she was determined to uncover the truth about her presence in their mansion

Right at the dining hall was a long dinner table one could say was set for a royal family but there was no soul present. Ariel stood as she adored the hall rendered to the activity of eating and the glamorous dishes set aside on the table.

She notices the exact painting she had seen in the room, but it still lingers in the shadows of her memory. Everything in this mansion seemed familiar as if she had stumbled into a dream she couldn't quite recall. " Why would one have the same painting mounted in different areas of their house?" She whispered to herself, her brow furrowed, in concentration.

As she stood frozen in front of the table, a low smooth voice pierced the silence, sending shivers down her spine. "You don't need to admire the house," the words dripped with amusement.

Ariel spun around, her heart racing to find the speaker. A towering figure emerged from the shadows, his broad shoulders and chiseled features radiating an aura of power. Connel's piercing eyes locked into hers, his gaze lingering on her face before sweeping down to her dress.

I can see you're feeling better," he said, his voice low and husky as he moved closer to her. Ariel felt a flutter in her chest, her senses heightened as she took in the sheer presence of the man before her.

Connel's eyes seemed to bore into her soul as if searching for something hidden deep within. Ariel felt a shiver run down her spine, her skin prickling with unease. She tried to step back but her legs seemed rooted to the spot, unable to move as Connel's gaze held her captive.

She tried to step back, but her legs seemed rooted to the spot, unable to move as Connel's gaze held her captive. He takes another step closer, his movements fluid and deliberate, before making a sudden movement, stepping away from Ariel and heading straight for his chair at the dining table.

"I don't need another maid waiting around the table, have your seat," he said, his voice filled with authority, like a king commanding his subject. Ariel, in a moment of disbelief and uncertainty,y pulls out a chair and sits down, unaware of what action to take next.

Fear builds up in her loins as she stares, confused, at the dishes before her, her mind racing with questions. "Who are you?" She says finally, building up the courage to speak her voice barely above a whisper.

Connel looks up, his eyes locking into hers, a hint of amusement dancing in their depths. "Connel Wilder," he replies, his voice low and smooth like silk gliding over through skin, as he looks directly into her eyes.

"Connel Wilder," he replies, his voice low and smooth like silk gliding over through skin as he gazes directly into her eyes. He resumed eating, seemingly expecting her to figure everything out on her own.

Ariel stared at him in disbelief. "Why do you keep staring?" Connel asked, setting his cutlery down.

I don't know who you are, where I am, or why I'm here," Ariel said, frustration creeping into her voice. "You don't expect me to eat food without knowing where it came from, do you?"

Connel's expression turned rude. "It came from the kitchen. If you want answers, keep quiet and eat. We will talk when you are done."

He picked up his cutlery and continued eating. Ariel pushes her chair back and runs out of the dining hall.

"Should we go after her?" Watson asked.

"Leave her," Connel replied, continuing to eat. "She'll be back."

A few minutes later, heavily built guards carried Ariel back into the dining hall and dropped her into her seat.

"No matter how many times you run, you'll always come back to me," Connel said, signaling for the plates to be taken away.

Ariel shook vulnerably. "What do you want?"

"You can't keep me like I'm your asset or one of your paintings," she spat.

Connel's confidence was unnerving. "Maybe not yet."

He locked eyes with Ariel. "Marry me. I'm not asking; I'm telling you."

Ariel's eyes widened in disbelief. "Why?" She whispered.

Connel's smile was cold. "I'm being pressured to get married and I have you."

Ariel cuts him off, her voice firm. "What makes you think I'll marry you?"

"Your family is struggling financially and I can take care of that," Connel said, his voice firm. "They're also struggling to keep a roof over their heads. Marry me and I'll ensure they're taken care of."

Ariel hesitated unsure of her decision. "I'll marry you," she said finally, but only because of my family."

Connel turned to leave, but Ariel stopped him. "How did I get there?"

Connel turned back, a hint of amusement on his face. "You were waitressing at a Wilder party, thrown to celebrate a new project and partnership. You got heavily drunk and ended up in a predicament. I helped you and brought you here, to my house."

Ariel's eyes narrowed. "What kind of predicament? And how did you know about my family?"

Connel's expression turned cold. "That's not necessary, he interrupted, glancing at his watch. "I have somewhere to be."

Watson handed him his suit and Connel left, flanked by two heavily built men in suits. They disappeared into the shadows.

"If you need anything don't hesitate to ask Watson," Connel called back. "He'll guide you."

As he left, Watson turned to Ariel. "I'll get you something to eat, miss Ariel. Please, follow me."

Ariel stood there frozen in disbelief. This has to be a dream right? As she questioned herself. The past few minutes couldn't have actually happened, I didn't just agree to marry a man I knew nothing about. Or did I?

Her mind reeled as she tried to process the events that had just transpired. Connel Wilder, a man she had never met before, had proposed a marriage of convenience to save her family from financial ruin and she had agreed.

Panic set in as she thought about her family. What would she tell her dad? How would she even face them? We had lost our home, and I have no idea where they're staying now. She panicked.

A wave of nausea washed over her as he wondered what she had gotten herself into.

"Watson, can you help me find out where my family is and how they're doing? I want to talk to them." She asked, her voice shaking.

"I'll get it done, Miss Ariel," Watson replied and guided her to her quarters.

Ariel freshening up, She joined Watson in the kitchen. "I'm hungry, Watson."

As Ariel sat in the kitchen with Watson, eating her food, and staring at the grand decorations, her mind began to wander. The warmth of the kitchen, the smell of the freshly cooked meal, and the sound of Watson's gentle humming transported her back to a different time.

She was a child again sitting at her family's Small kitchen table. Her grandmother was busy cooking dinner while her father sat across from her, helping with her homework. The kitchen was cozy filled with the smell of cooking oil and the sound of sizzling vegetables.

Ariel's grandmother smiled at her, her eyes tired but warm. "Ariel, darling, how was your day?" She asked, stirring the pot of stew.

Ariel,'s eyes sparkled. "It was good, Mom. We learned about fractions in school today."

Her father chuckled. "Fractions, huh? You're going to be a math whiz, just like your mom."

The memory was bittersweet and Ariel's eyes pricked with tears. She missed the happy times with her family. She missed the warmth and love that filled their small kitchen.

Watson's voice brought her back to the present. "Miss Ariel, would you like some tea as well?" he asked, his eyes kind

Ariel smiled, feeling a pang of gratitude towards Watson. "Yes please, Watson. That would be lovely."

He served her, making sure she was comfortable."Why do you still have those clothes on?" Watson asked, putting on the outfit she had on.

"I had nothing to wear so I wore them again," Ariel explained. As she dug into her food, she asked Watson, "Can you tell me more about Connel? Why is he grumpy and rude?"

Watson looked hesitant before speaking. "I've known Master Connel since he was a child. I've worked with the Wilder family for years. He runs the Wilder empire, as his father is retired."

Ariel's eyes widened. "And this house?"

"It belongs to Master Wilder, inherited from his mom who is now late and.."

Ariel interrupted raising an eyebrow. "He lives alone?"

Watson chuckled. "With millions of workers, yes."

Ariel smirked. "I see."

Watson smiled. "I think you'll know everything about Master Wilder soon enough. Give it time."

"I don't know about Wilder, but I already know I like you," Ariel replied, smiling at Watson

Watson chuckled, "You don't know about me."

"I know you don't talk a lot, and the rest I'm sure you'll tell me," Ariel said.

Watson shocked his head. "There's nothing to know about me dear."

"Come let me show you around the house." Watson said, offering his arms.

As they strolled through the halls, Ariel couldn't help but marvel at the opulence surrounding her. They stopped in front of the painting again and Ariel's curiosity got the better of her.

"Watson, tell me about this painting," she asked.

"The artist was a family friend, close to late Madam Wilder. She purchased this piece because it held great sentimental value," Watson explained.

Ariel studied the painting, trying to understand why Madam Wilder would be so drawn to it. The more she looked, the more familiar it seemed.

"Watson, I'm sure I've seen this painting before," Ariel said, her brow furrowed.

Watson's expression turned thoughtful. "Probably in the other rooms. The only ones that exist were purchased by Madam Wilder from the artist."

Ariel's conviction grew. "I've seen it before, but not like this. Not so... luxurious."

Watson's eyes sparkled with curiosity, but he said nothing.

As Ariel finished her tour with Watson, she heard the sound of high heels clicking down the hallway. "Watson stood ,smiling. That must be Zoey. She's here to take your measurements." Ariel followed Watson to the foyer, where Zoey was waiting with a rack of colorful dresses.

"Ariel, meet Zoey, she's in charge of Master Connel's wardrobe and now yours." He said introducing the ladies

After trying on several outfits, Zoey declared, These are the only ones that fit you. The rest will be sent over tomorrow."

Ariel protested "I don't need so much clothes. And aren't these a bit too grand for indoor wear?"

Connel appeared, his presence commanding attention. "They may be grand but my wife must always look her best, indoors and outdoors."

He scanned the clothes Zoey had brought, his eyes narrowing. "Zoey, I didn't see the dress you showed me earlier, Why isn't it here?"

Zoey explained, I'll send it over tomorrow, now that I have her appropriate measurement. I'll take my leave now.

Connel selected a stunning red dinner dress and placed it on the bed. "I would like you to wear this for the evening."

"Where are we going?" Ariel's curiosity piqued.

"Dinner, I'm meeting clients, and It's time I start introducing you as my wife," Connel responds with authority.

"I don't want to go," Ariel said

Connel's authoritative voice echoed through the room. "You don't have a say, you're my wife and I've told you to be ready."

Ariel resisted, her voice laced with frustration. "As your wife? Ain't I meant to know my husband? But all I know is your name. Imagine the world seeing me as your wife when I know nothing about my husband."

Connel's expression remained unreadable. "Be ready by seven. I'll be back to pick you up."

Ariel felt trapped, the walls were closing in on her, how she never had the best and now she was stuck in a loveless marriage. The silence between them was deafening and Ariel couldn't help but wonder what she had gotten herself into.

Later that evening, Connel waited patiently for Ariel's arrival. He called out to one of the maids to summon her, but Ariel descended the stairs before the maid could respond. She wore a stunning red dinner dress, her brunette hair curled to perfection. Connel's gaze lingered on her, admiring her beauty.

As she reached the bottom of the stairs, Connel stood up and handed her a box. Inside, Ariel found a pearl necklace, something she had always desired. Connel helped her out, his fingers brushing against her skin. The touch sent shivers down Ariel's spine and she tried to brush it off.

Watson, who was watching from the sidelines, whispered to connel, "she looks beautiful, doesn't she?" Connel hummed, his eyes still fixed on Ariel.

During the car ride to the restaurant, Connel and Ariel sat at separate ends of the back seat. Ariel was busy staring at the window as the car drove by, while Connel's head was bent to his phone.

"Can I get my cell phone now?" Ariel asked, breaking the silence.

Connel looked up, his expression unreadable. "What?"

"My cell phone, Ariel repeated. "I had it with me the previous night. I need it to talk to my family."

"I don't have your cell phone," Connel's response was curt.

Ariel's eyes narrowed but before she could press the issue the driver interrupted. "We're here sir."

At the restaurant, Connel introduced Ariel as his fiancee, sparking a conversation with their client.Ariel felt uncomfortable, excusing herself to grab a glass of champagne.Connel discretely signaled one of the guards to follow her.

The next morning, Ariel woke up to the sound of Zoey's voice, accompanied by racks of clothes.

"Good morning Mrs Wilder," Zoey said

Ariel corrected her "please call me Ariel."

Zoey apologized, explaining that Connel had given her strict instructions to respect her and that's why she thought she could call her that. Ariel nodded.

As Zoey helped Ariel into a stunning lilac dress, Ariel couldn't help but admire her reflection. The dress was exquisite but she felt a surge of emotions- gratitude, anger and a sense of dependence. She had always prided herself on being independent but now she felt like she was relying on someone else to take care of her.

Zoey's voice brought her back to the present. "Miss Ariel, you look stunning in that dress, It was made for you. Connel really has a good taste."

Ariel forced a smile, feeling a sense of discomfort. She knew she had to get used to wearing beautiful clothes and attending fancy events, but it was hard to shake off the feeling that she didn't belong.

Connel entered the room, neatly dressed in a beige suit without the jacket, his shirt sleeves folded up with his hair combed to the side. He stood at the door looking at the dress, he was captivated by her beauty. But his pride wouldn't let him tell her how stunning she looked.

As Connel stood at the door, watching as Zoey added some final touches to the dress, one of his heavily suited guards came in, showing him something on a tablet. Ariel watched them from the mirror, Connel's expression darkening as he turned to leave in a hurry without saying a word.

He bumped into Watson, who already knew what was going on. Watson understood the reason for Connel's hurry and entered the room to be with Ariel.

"You look like a princess, Miss Ariel." Watson said, his voice warm and genuine.

Ariel wore a big smile on her face, hearing those words made her feel like it was coming from her own father. "Thank you,Watson," she said playfully.

Meanwhile, Connel seethed with anger in his home office. "Who put this information out there?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing.

His guard replied, "we're not sure, Sir. We only discovered it a few minutes ago."

Connel's eyes narrowed. "I want this news off social media and I want to know who's behind it and make sure no press is present for today's event."

As Connel read the news article his expression remained calm, but his eyes betrayed a hint of concern. The article mentioned his dinner date with a mysterious woman, sparking speculation about her identity.

Connel wasn't bothered about the media attention, he was concerned about Ariel's reaction. She wasn't ready for the public scrutiny and he didn't know how she'd handle it.

Ariel had changed, standing in the hallway right in front of the painting. Connel walked up to her and asked if she liked the dress, cause she'll be wearing it tonight for an event. She said it was nice and thanked him.

On hearing this Connel left her side heading back to his home office. Ariel turned, loud enough for him to hear and asked; "What was the problem earlier?"

Connel turned, shocked that she noticed but maintaining a firm face and said, "Not something I couldn't handle."

Ariel watched him leave, wondering about the man she decided to marry. He was secretive, ruthless but she could see a kind and gentle person whenever she looked directly into his eyes.

As the day went on, Ariel found herself lost in thought. She couldn't shake off the feeling that she was living a dream,a dream that could shatter at any moment.

Connel's words echoed in her mind, " You don't have a say, you're my wife." She felt like a pawn in his game, a game she didn't understand.

Ariel's thoughts were interrupted by Zoey, who came to help her get ready for the evening's event. The evening's event was a Charity gala and Connel was being honored for his philanthropic work. Ariel felt out of place, surrounded by people she didn't know.

As they walked into the gala, Ariel's eyes widened in awe. The room was filled with people, all dressed in their finest attire. Connel took her hand leading her through the crowds.

Ariel felt like a trophy wife, a prize to be shown off. She tried to shake off the feeling but it lingered making her feel uncomfortable.

As the night went on, Ariel found herself struggling to keep up with the conversations. Everyone seemed to know Connel but she knew nothing about him.

The feeling of unease grew and Ariel excused herself, stepping outside for some fresh air. The cool night air hit like a slap in the face

"Let's go home" Connel said walking past her

"But the event isn't over yet" Ariel replied, facing him directly.

"You need to get some rest," he replied, opening the car door for her.