The Billionaire's Bethrothed

Arrogant, obnoxious, elusive, snobbish!!! Splattered on the front page of every single newspaper and tabloid once again.

Daniel fumed as he read through this morning's gossip page. How wrong could they be? Who was fueling this? He had to get to the root of this before it cost him everything he had worked for. Everything he had almost lost his life getting, and would go to the deepest depths to protect. He even proposed to the social climber who was betrothed to him in the strength of friendship of his dad with his old friend. Damn the old man!

Crystel was her name! Crystel Arianna Simmons! After his dad's unexpected demise, his lawyer, Bard, informed Daniel of the clause in the will, which involved marrying the chit to access his inheritance within 3 years. Daniel couldn't let his father's hard-earned wealth go to charity because he refused to marry a woman.

And though beautiful, the chit was giving him a run for his money, spending cash faster than he could fathom. For this reason, he delayed marriage as much as possible, trying to find a way out since he didn't need a wife. He hadn't needed one before, and especially not now. He was raised by his nannies after his mom abandoned him as a kid. And for some reason, his dad never remarried or brought women home, though Daniel wished for the love of a mother.

Once he overheard his dad telling a friend he still thought of a woman, but she was married with twin daughters. The pain in his father's voice had ached the young boy's heart, who wondered how hard love was and why she didn't return his emotions.

Lost in his thoughts, a voice jolted him out of reality to the odd woman in front of him.

"Excuse me, sir," Ari said, losing her accent for a while. She had been shown into the office ten minutes ago, but her new boss hadn't said a word to her. Instead, he stared at her, like he was perusing the pages of a magazine, making her shift uncomfortably in her seat.

What hole had she crept out of wearing those unusual clothes? Daniel thought. And did she think the 14th-century glasses made her look any prettier? And to make things worse, why couldn't she just look him in the face instead of squeaming in her seat like a scrawny mouse ready to leap? After the scene Arianna made the last time with his last personal assistant, Stella, he let her go and put an order not to let Arianna into the company. Oh! The tabloids had spoken about it for days unending. She insisted he call her Crystel, but he loved the name Arianna, and it stuck. She wasn't happy about it, but he had to keep her with a firm hand.

For some reason, on he couldn't put his finger on, there was a sense of deja vu-vu. The woman seated across from him was like a mysterious book, with an unusual sense of familiarity. But giving her a once-over, nothing in the world would have made them meet in the past. Not his businesses and certainly not his personal life.

But the dilemma he was facing had put him on edge. Someone was spreading rumors, and he couldn't let that continue as time was running out. So here he was, the elusive multi-billionaire Danielle Devaras, at a crossroads while in desperate need of a personal assistant.

"Good morning, Miss Rosalinda. I see you are the final candidate for my assistant position."

Daniel said, eyeing her documents on his table. She had excellent credentials and came highly recommended. She was overqualified, but he could use a skilled talent like her.

Ari felt like her head was spinning at the sound of his voice. It had been two years since she saw Daniel, but the shock that flowed through her veins was immense. He was the definition of an alpha male: chiseled abs that hugged his shirt, quads aching for a release, his profile solid and intimidating, and a voice that sent jolts down her spine. As he sat in the leather chair, his aura filled the space between them, giving her the feeling of being swept off her feet.

His office was opulent and stunningly beautiful, and his presence could be felt in every corner of this space. The man she was supposed to marry, if not for her scheming former ex-best friend. After two years, the betrayal was still fresh as she saw them splashed in the tabloids now and then, using her name. Why was Tracy using her name to deceive everyone?

"Miss Rosalinda," Daniel said, staring at the woman in front of him through clouded eyes. The last thing he needed was a woman who was attracted to him. She had been staring at him with an unreadable expression since she walked in, and he needed to get this interview done with.

"Good morning, sir. My name is Rosalinda Natalia Perez, but you can call me Natalia." Ari said, making her Spanish background prominent in her language. She had gone by Rosa in the last two years, but she didn't want him calling him that. Her main aim was to make sure she got this job. He had specified he needed a PA who was fluent in both English and Spanish, and she was the right candidate; she just had to make him see that.

"I need a PA who can start immediately. This job involves late nights, constant traveling, and timeliness. Of course, your time is well paid for with all bonuses attached. Also, I prefer my workers dressed to standard as it concerns my reputation." He said as he gave her a once-over, watching her every movement. He also noticed the prominent Spanish drawl, which was absent when she spoke the first time. This was an important job, as it involved his most personal affairs, and he had to make sure she was trustworthy. The head of human resources had chosen her as the final candidate, and he needed to make sure she could deliver. The background check on her came back clear, even though there were significant gaps, but he would find out working with her.

Ari had worked on her disguise in the past as she sought to take her revenge on those who had harmed her in the past, so she was barely recognizable. After finding out what had happened, she was bent on getting justice for her mum and seeking retribution from Tracy for the harm caused. And her father was solidly behind her, as he was glad to be reunited with one of his lost daughters.

"I assure you, sir, I am up to the task and ready to start as soon as possible." She said she was hoping to get the job and get her plan rolling. She had to unravel all the past secrets and especially get her hands on the letter her father left behind. She couldn't let the letter get into Tracy's hands. After the announcement of their engagement, Ari knew she had to get into Daniel's life and gain his trust. As for Tracy, she would handle her when the time came.

So here she was, set to become his assistant as Rosalinda Natalia Perez. In the last two years, she had developed a mastery of Spanish thanks to her amazing teachers and could pass off as a native. Now here she was, beginning her journey of unravelling the secrets that would change many lives. And amidst all this, she had to find the father of her children.

She remembered everything like it was yesterday.

2 years ago

"This is not happening! My God, this can't be happening." Arianna kept whispering to herself as she knelt, head in the toilet pot, and her stomach reeling.

Her friend Tracy held her hair back as she threw up the contents of her last meal. This was the third time in the space of four hours, which was becoming increasingly worrisome.

"Whoa! Are you okay, sis? How terrifying can marriage be?" Tracy said with a hint of sarcasm in her voice. Arianna had been offered a free ride to prosperity and fame, and Tracy was envious.

"It's just a case of food poisoning, but I will be fine". Ari said when she caught her breath. But she knew deep down it wasn't a case of food poisoning. She hadn't had a period in 2 months!

Her loved ones called her Ari, with only her late dad using Arianna. She wondered how he was going to react if he were here now. Since the night she woke up in the hotel room, confused and feeling abused, with the mysterious stranger, she hadn't had a period. She could barely put the pieces together, given that she didn't have much to drink, and also took off before he woke up. Waking up in a strange and sophisticated hotel room, Arianna took in her state of undress, and she could barely remember him and felt ashamed for having a one-night stand. She had been too scared to take the test, and now the results were here.

Unfortunately for Arianna, she was supposed to meet with Daniel, her betrothed, this week.

On her father's dying bed, he confessed having promised her in marriage to his friend's son. Ari was devastated but promised to give it a try to maintain his honour, as her father had left a letter she was supposed to read after she married him. She wondered what the letter contained and couldn't risk not finding out. Who knew if it was about her mom? Her father had been elusive every time she asked about her mom, which left her wondering what the back story was. Also, she bore no resemblance to her father,r which troubled her, but she preferred keeping it to herself so she wouldn't offend her dad.

Daniel was the Times' most eligible bachelor according to Tracy, and her betrothal had been kept a secret for years to let them have personal lives. But the death of his father and the will changed things up. Ari didn't care much for that as she enjoyed her simple life and didn't want to get into the eye of the paparazzi. Several times, Tracy tried coaxing her into viewing his pictures online or on the pages of magazines, but she didn't give in. She was going to marry the man, so his looks didn't matter as long as she honored her late father's dying will.

So here she was, confused, scared, probably pregnant for a man she didn't know.

"Yo girl! Where is your head at? Been talking to you for a minute with no reply? I am envious you get to marry the billionaire while I get passed around by douchebags." Tracy chimed in. She had her fair share of disappointments. She would trade anything in the world for an opportunity like her friend's.

"Well, I didn't choose to marry him, you might as well have him," Ari replied.

"What? You really can't mean that? Why would you pass up the chance? "Tracy retorted. Was Ari crazy? She thought inwardly.

"It's not where I want to be in life and this feels rushed," she said, looking into Tracy's eyes with a sad look.

"Well, you can just run away". Tracy said suggestively.

"That mogul will pull me from the ends of the earth if he has to with his resources" she said

"Oh, what I will give to be in your place! I mean, you could just disappear, and I would gladly fill your shoes. He has never seen you, just pictures. Plus, we always get people confused with our familiar looks. He'd never know." Tracy said, sparing a glance at Ari, then quickly looked into the nearby mirror, blessing the heavens for her looks. If Ari didn't want this, she couldn't let it pass her by. She had been envious of her all her life, as she always got the good and handsome guys. She was tired of being Arianna's friend and wanted to be Tracy for once.

Ari stared pensively at the ceiling, thinking over what Tracy just said. With their similar builds, hair that could be dyed, anyone would think they were identical twins. But as she was about to speak, she started throwing up again, and the conversation ended.

Tracy leaned into the chair, thinking back on the conversation she had just had with Arianna. Daniel hadn't met Arianna before, and Ari wasn't showing interest in him. But he was filthy rich and could change their lives. Also, Ari was pregnant! She didn't expect that to happen, and she didn't even know who Ari ended up spending the night with. Ari had been so upright and condemned Tracy's lifestyle, and Tracy needed a chance to humble her. But that night, when she searched for Ari, she was nowhere to be found! The plan was to take pictures of her in a compromised state and use them to her advantage. Since that night two months ago, Ari hadn't mentioned what had happened, leaving Tracy in a dilemma till today. Well, things were clearly working in her favour.

In the spur of a moment, Tracy made a decision. Ari was pregnant, and couldn't marry Daniel but Tracy was free to. She just had to become Arianna first. With a quick glance at her friend who lay on the sofa, exhausted after her bouts of vomiting, Tracy head out the door to begin her transformation. If her plan had to work, she had to make Ari see reason. So her looks had to change first.

The streets of Manhattan's forgotten corners were alive with the sound of vendors shouting over the honks of moving cars, Arianna walked aimlessly, her thoughts a cloud of confusion and fear. The revelation of her pregnancy had left her reeling, and the weight of it pressed down on her like a million thorns in her flesh. She was lost in her thoughts; thoughts of the life she imagined, the jobs she planned and the career path. But the pregnancy test in her bag had her in shambles. She was pregnant! Of all times Why now?

What about her betrothal? She needed someone to talk to, but Tracy had been distant since she found out about the betrothal. Ari didn't think much about it initially but given the discussion of the previous day, Ari wondered what had changed. Tracy Carrie Delaney, her best friend forever. She was witty, social, with high tastes and a knack for getting into the elite circles. Though her choice of men left much to be desired, she had been with Ari all her life and had her back or so Ari thought. Daniel wasn't a man to be trifled with, if the tabloids were accurate and he wouldn't want her if he knew she was pregnant. Ditching him would ruin her life forever and she couldn't afford that.

He was out of place here, his tailored coat and polished shoes stark against the worn pavement and outdated walls. He had never ventured into this part of the city before, but something had drawn him here, a curiosity about the life she had lived, the streets she had called home. His father's death had brought him back to New York, but this was a world he had never known. Lost in thought, a street urchin darted past him, making off with the watch in his hand. As he signaled his security to follow the street urchin, an unexpected force caused him to lose balance almost hitting the worn-out pavement.

Lost in her thoughts, she didn't see him until it was too late. She collided into him with enough force to make her stumble back, her bag slipping from her shoulder.

"Watch where you're going!" he snapped his voice sharp and impatient at how bad his day was going so far. His eyes narrowed as he took her in-her disheveled appearance, the faint tremor in her hands. She looked up at him, startled, her wide eyes meeting his cold gaze. Of all the people, it had to be Arianna he thought! What she must think of him right now.

"I'm sorry," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the noise of the street. She bent to retrieve her bag, her movements hurried and clumsy. She didn't spare a glance at the stranger's face but from his well-polished shoes, he was clearly rich and out of place here.

He watched her, a flicker of something unrecognizable passing through his expression. There was something about her, the dreariness and uncertainty in her eyes. She was different from the pictures he had seen, the look in her eyes distant, like she had no idea who he was. And she seemed frightened by him.

She didn't linger. Without another word, she turned and disappeared into the crowd, her heart pounding in her chest. She had a lot going on and couldn't afford trouble with anyone, especially not the rich. But the temptation got to her, so she turned at the street corner to get a glimpse of him and shock rooted her in place. It was the one and only Daniel Devaras, her husband to be! She needed to sit down and catch her breathe; it was really happening. Daniel was back! Did he recognize her? If he did, he hid it really well.

He stood there for a moment, staring after the trail she had left, the encounter leaving an inexplicable mark on his mind. He continued his walk, this time paying attention to the beggars lingering, lest he was attacked again.

As Ari got close to her home 30 minutes later, a commotion in the street ahead caught her attention and as she moved closer to see what the buzz was about, she realized her nightmare was about to become a reality. There was a sleek expensive looking black car packed right in-front of her house and people gushed over the unusual sophistication it exuded for their neighborhood. With one guess she knew it could only be her fiancé whom she bumped into earlier. She couldn't meet him again, not in this state.

As she was pondered her situation, she spotted Tracy, dressed in a pink bandage gown, her hair dyed ginger like Ari's, black mango stilettos and a guess 2021 edition clutch as she strode down the opposite side and let herself into Ari's old 2 Storey house, her only inheritance after her dad's demise. Her friend was always dressed to kill but today it was clearly overboard, and Ari wondered how she could afford all that with their mediocre jobs. As she heard the sound of his engine come to life, she wondered what his purpose was but for now she had to get to Tracy to understand the change she just witnessed.

As he sat in his car, Daniel fixed his gaze on the worn-out buildings and narrow alleys that had shaped her life. He couldn't shake the image of her-the way she had looked at him, the fleeting connection that had stirred something deep within. The familiarity and most importantly, her scent! But the scene he had just witnessed left a weird feeling in his mind. The woman he bumped into earlier and the woman who just walked into the house couldn't be the same. They looked the same but how was it possible? Thirty minutes earlier, she had been meek, absent minded, apologetic and dressed in the simplest clothes. But just now, she was all pimped up, dressed to kill and didn't spare a glance to her passing neighbors, clearly feeling too good to be in this area. Weird! Well, he had enough time to find out!

His car engine soared to life and took off; leaving Ari wondering what that was all about. Arianna seemed to have multiple lives, and he had to find out all he could about her. His private investigators had work to do, and he was leaving no stone unturned.