Chapter 49 In the Rain
While the kids were at the old mansion, a couple sat at a corner table in a five-star restaurant on the other side of town.
"How did your meeting with Mr. Yang go?" Ariadne asked, sipping her juice.
"It was good. The contract will be ours." Zidane winked at her with a smile.
Zidane had come to Zavion City to meet with a new client. He met them yesterday. While he was in town, he visited the construction site and observed all of the activities. This time, he stayed at a different hotel that belonged to his friend. He also had some personal work. He did, however, see Ariadne and her children on a regular basis because they were good friends.
"So, are you planning to return or will you stay for longer?" Ariadne asked as the meeting with Mr. Yang was the main reason for his visit.
"I've received an invitation to Mr. Blake's engagement. I'm thinking about staying to attend his engagement. After all, he's our biggest client." he said.
Ariadne shifted in her seat at the mention of the engagement.
"Oh, right. Their engagement is in a few days. It will be good if you stay." She smiled awkwardly, averting her gaze.
Zidane paused his eating and looked at her intently. "Aria," he called out, softly.
"Yes." she looked at him.
Zidane appeared hesitant for a moment. Ariadne raised her eyebrows.
"I had no idea that Xander Blake was your ex-husband," he said, making Ariadne stiffen.
Everyone knew Ariadne was divorced, but Zidane never asked her who her husband was.
"I never bother, and I understand why you don't publicize this. But learning this came as a shock to me." he added.
"Yeah. Not many people were aware of this." Ariadne said.
"But I'm confused. Are the kids his?" Zidane asked the dreaded question.
"Yes." she replied, hesitantly.
"Why didn't he acknowledge them?"
"He doesn't know that they are his." Ariadne sighed as she replied.
Zidane was utterly shocked.
"We didn't get along well, and I was afraid he would take them away." she explained to him.
She didn't mention Crystal being the real reason.
"Oh." Zidane nodded in understanding.
"Can you please keep it a secret?" Ariadne pleaded with him.
"Sure, Aria. You must have your reason for this. I respect your decision."
"Thank you."
"Oh it's nothing. But I must say that he's a fool to lose you."
"No, that's not it. They have loved each other since childhood." Ariadne shook her head.
Zidane frowned as he recalled something.
"He's getting engaged to your step-sister. It's..." he didn't finish the sentence.
"It's a long story. We three grew up together." Ariadne told him their story briefly.
"Interesting... But if I were in his position, I would have chosen you. It's not like Crystal isn't good. But you're special." Zidane said, his gaze intense.
Ariadne stiffened as she recognized his emotion.
"I like you, Aria. I guess you have figured it out over the years we have spent together." he lowered his head, shyly.
Zidane had a temperament similar to Mark's, and they got along well. However, it was true that Zidane always treated Ariadne with extra care.
"Zidane...I..."
"I know you only see me as a friend." Zidane cut her off.
"I'll never ask anything. I'm just expressing my feelings to you. But if you ever feel something for me... I'll wait for you." he smiled.
"Zidane, my life's already complicated. I don't want you to be involved. You deserve better." Ariadne said.
She never thought of Zidane as more than a friend. Yes, she felt comfortable around him, but she was never romantically attracted to him. She acknowledged him for helping her in attending the Galas and auctions for her jewelry brand. And because of this, despite the success of her jewelry brand, she didn't leave her job at Watson Group and remained dedicated to the architect department. Furthermore, she was a single mother of three. Zidane was the wealthiest bachelor in Purple City. Everyone's eyes would be on him. After her experience with Xander, Ariadne felt uneasy about associating with such men. Even though she was a successful woman, she knew she would face a lot of criticism if her name was associated with Zidane. After a chaotic life, all she wanted was a peaceful life with her children. She sometimes felt alone as she didn't have a man in her life. However, she didn't want to make any wrong decision that she would regret later. She was able to handle her inner loneliness, but she would never do anything that would negatively impact her children's lives.
"If your partner is the one your heart desires, nothing is wrong, rather you will live in peace and happiness. As I previously stated, I'll not ask for anything. If we are meant to be one, it will happen naturally. So don't worry, just relax." Zidane said.
.....
The engagement preparations were in full swing. Crystal was on cloud nine, busy in preparing to look best at her engagement party. Every update on the engagement was closely monitored by the news channels. After all, it was the country's most affluent bachelor's engagement. It was now just two days until the engagement. Everyone was extremely excited, especially Crystal and her well-wisher.
It was almost evening, and Ariadne was driving home alone. She came to a stop at the signal. It was raining heavily, and it caused a sudden jam in the traffic. She stared at the tall buildings while waiting. It was the other side of the city. It would take her another hour to get home. Xander's penthouse was situated on this side of the city. Her thoughts turned to him and his upcoming engagement. She avoided the news and didn't talk about this. Though it no longer affected her, she felt strange, almost numb. She had kept herself busy at work. She hadn't seen Xander since the festival and she was relieved. However, she would eventually meet him at his engagement party. When the signal stopped and the cars began to move, she was brought back to reality. She turned on her car, but it didn't start.
"What the hell!?" She muttered under her breath.
She tried again, and the car eventually started.
"Thank God." she sighed in relief.
She drove for a while until she noticed a woman walking beside the road suddenly slip and fall on the road. The walking street was empty due to the rain, and there was no one to help the elderly woman. The woman didn't have an umbrella with her either. Ariadne quickly pulled over beside the road and exited her car. She dashed over to the woman and helped her stand up.
She helped her in gathering her things, which were scattered on the path. The lady thanked her. By the time she finished, Ariadne was completely soaked in rain.
The women left, and Ariadne dashed back to her car and climbed inside. She started her car but it didn't start. She tried again. However, it didn't start, again.
"Not again." she muttered.
Her seat was also soaking wet.
"Isn't that Miss Ariadne's car?" Jose said, sitting in the passenger seat.
Xander, who sat in the back seat, immediately looked up from his phone. He turned in the direction Jose was looking and noticed a car standing beside the road.
"It appears that her car is broken." Jose commented.
Xander frowned and looked around. The road was empty, and it was pouring rain.
"Go check it out." he ordered.
"Yes, Boss." Despite the heavy rain outside, Jose didn't hesitate to get out of the car.
He ran over to Ariadne's car. Xander saw them talking before Ariadne got out of the car and Jose climbed into the driver seat. She glanced back at Xander's car before returning to her own. What catch Xander's attention was that Ariadne was completely drenched. He frowned, confused as to how she had gotten soaked while sitting in the car. Jose tried to start the car, but it didn't.
"It appeared that her car had really been broken." Toby commented.
"Move the car closer." Xander said.
Their car was on the other side, waiting for a pursel. Toby moved the car and parked it behind Ariadne's vehicle. After a few attempts, Jose exited the car. By then, he had also gotten completely soaked in the rain. He told Ariadne to wait and ran back to their car.
"Her car has a problem. It doesn't appear that it'll start. It needs to be repaired." he reported to Xander.
"Bring me the umbrella." After some thought, Xander gave the instruction.
Ariadne, on the other hand, was debating whether to call a cab or not as the car wasn't working. Calling home to ask for another car would only take more time. A cab was a better choice.
"You're completely soaked." Xander said from behind her as he approached.
Because of the rain, he had to shout it to make it clear to Ariadne. Ariadne turned to see Xander approaching her, holding an umbrella with Jose by his side. Ariadne's dress became stuck to her body, exposing every curve. After looking at her condition, Xander removed his jacket and held it out for her to take it. Ariadne stared at the jacket.
"Take it. Your clothes are wet." Xander said.
Ariadne wanted to deny, but when she looked down her body, she realized how provocative she looked.
"Thank you." she said as she took the jacket and wore it immediately.
"Your car's not going to start. My car can drop you off." Xander proposed.
"No. You don't have to go through the trouble. I'll take a cab." Ariadne denied.
"Whatever you take, first change your clothes. Your apartment is quite far from here. You'll catch a cold by the time you get home." he stated.
"I'll manage. Don't bother." Ariadne was surprised by his concern.
"Don't be stubborn. You've a tendency to catch colds quickly. If not for yourself, think of your kids. You'll pass it on to them." Xander frowned at her.
Ariadne was stunned. It wasn't because he was correct, but because he knew she was prone to colds.
"My penthouse is nearby. You can change into dry clothes, and my men will drop you off." Xander added.
The proposal was good but Ariadne hesitated.
"Don't worry. I'm not drunk today. There's nothing to be afraid of."
Ariadne's face flushed with embarrassment.
"No, it's not that.... okay.. let's go." she agreed after a sigh of defeat.
Xander gave her a half-smile before turning and heading for his car.
"I'll take care of your car, Miss. Don't worry about that." Jose said as she looked at her car.
Ariadne stared blankly for a moment before following Xander to his car.