The Billionaire Who Saved Me

Dressed in a golden-colored gown, Elice looked exceptionally elegant that evening. She was beautiful and clearly able to captivate all eyes that looked at her, especially when it was Garrett looking at her.

A step was taken when the engagement event between Elice and Garrett took place that night. It was held in one of the most prestigious hotels in Ashford City. In a luxurious and classy concept, The Arka certainly did not disappoint the trust of the Morales family.

Two rings were placed on different fingers, with the same purpose: as the first bond that would unite two people.

In the focus of the lens and the camera, happiness was captured again and again. As if to make sure that this joyful moment would be perfectly recorded and remembered as history. Something that should not be forgotten by anyone. Because when it came to the name of the Morales heir, it became something to be remembered for all time.

“Congratulations to you both. May everything go smoothly until the wedding day.”

That was most of the congratulations Elice and Garrett received. They accepted them with happy expressions and smiles on their faces, which they returned with gratitude.

Of course, it wasn’t just Elice and Garrett who felt this happiness. Their parents, Norah and Wilda, single parents who couldn’t contain their happiness, let it radiate from their faces. Living without a husband by their side, this night was clearly one of the best nights they had ever had.

“Aren’t you tired yet?”

In the midst of the event that required them to stay seated and enjoy the night together, Garrett didn’t ignore the deep breath Elice had just taken as she slightly shifted her sitting position.

Elice turned her head. With that sweet smile, she shook her head. “Not too tired yet. But, for sure, it’s not this event that’s making me tired.”

Instead, it was a series of activities that Elice had to do to ensure that the engagement event went off without a hitch. Many things she had to go through to make sure her appearance was flawless.

Garrett smiled. His hand reached out to grasp those fingers. He squeezed them and looked at the ring that encircled them, similar to the one on his finger.

The happiness was undeniable to every eye that saw it. From the way Elice and Garrett looked at each other, everything was clear without the need for explanation, especially when it was Daphne who witnessed it.

Sitting not far from Elice and Garrett, Daphne smiled with great satisfaction. She enjoyed the event with a feeling that was clearly reflected in her aging face.

At last. They would soon be married.

Daphne’s sigh of relief came easily. A moment later, however, that sense of calm was shattered when her eyes caught a sight that made the air in her chest feel trapped.

“Mama.”

Farrah, along with her husband and son, approached Daphne, causing the smile on Daphne’s face to instantly disappear. Meanwhile, Farrah’s smile widened even more.

Farrah approached Daphne and gave her a hug that the mother couldn’t refuse. Not forgetting to plant two kisses on each of those sagging cheeks.

“Smile, Ma. There are a lot of eyes watching. People might start gossiping. Singing old songs,” Farrah whispered. “You wouldn’t want the old gossip to resurface, would you?”

Daphne took a deep breath. After a quick turn, her eyes focused again.

“You know, Farrah?” Daphne asked as she returned Farrah’s hug. “I actually hope the gossip is true.”

Farrah’s smile didn’t fade. “Don’t regret giving birth to me, Ma. After all, the apple never falls far from the tree.”

The hug unfolded, along with the almost identical expressions on Daphne and Farrah’s faces. In fake smiles aimed at all eyes present, they seemed happy to those who didn’t understand.

“You look healthy, Farrah.”

Farrah nodded in response to her mother’s words. Her hand still held Daphne’s.

“You too. Healthier than I thought. Uh… it must because Garrett’s engagement.”

Farrah seemed to be taking in her surroundings. She didn’t mean to, but the event still managed to capture her admiration.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

“It’s true what they say. Engagements and weddings always bring happiness. Even if we don’t experience it,” Farrah said as she looked back at her mother. “I just hope you can enjoy this happiness for a long time.”

Daphne held her breath. The corners of her lips seemed to crumple. But she tried to hold on.

It was a pleasant sight for Farrah. Then she pulled back into her smile. Allowing her husband to greet Daphne as well.

Until it was Ariel’s turn, Daphne couldn’t suppress her suspicious look at the man. However, just like Farrah, Ariel seemed to offer his smile. Also, not to be missed was the typical hug a grandson gives his grandmother.

“Calm down, Nana. I won’t cause any trouble here,” Ariel whispered. “I’m not going to embarrass myself and the extended family just because of a woman.”

There was something different about the way Ariel spoke. It did not reassure Daphne at all, quite the opposite. Although, of course, behind the glasses she was wearing, Daphne tried to suppress her suspicions from becoming more apparent. She whispered back.

“It’s good that you know your place, Ariel. You should have from the beginning.”

Ariel held his breath. He pulled back, maintaining the smile he was trying so hard to keep, especially when he finally approached the happy couple.

Garrett noticed. How Elice’s body tensed instantly when Ariel arrived. Immediately, his hand landed on the woman’s back, offering a soothing stroke and remaining there.

Elice turned and caught Garrett’s gaze, which promised protection. It reminded her that she wasn’t alone; Garrett was with her.

Ariel wouldn’t miss that interaction. It made his stomach turn. Swear! He felt nauseous at that very moment.

Ariel was repulsed, hating the way Garrett looked at Elice with that seemingly loving gaze, as if Elice was the only woman in his eyes.

But Ariel tried to control himself. He tried to be patient, which was undoubtedly a difficult task for him. Ariel realized that when it came to Elice, there was no patience he could rely on.

“Congratulations to both of you,” Ariel said, trying to control the tremor in his voice. He also tried to keep a smile on his face, hoping that his gesture would seem sincere to everyone, especially in front of the cameras that could record without warning. “I can’t wait for the next invitation.”

The embrace between the two men created a tense atmosphere around Elice. She held her breath and tried to remain calm.

Ariel turned to Elice. She looked at him with an expression he couldn’t interpret-a mixture of anticipation and fear.

Ariel extended her hand and offered a handshake, which Elice examined briefly. When she felt safe, she accepted it.

“Congratulations, Elice. I hope you’re happy,” Ariel said.

Elice smiled and nodded weakly, “Thank you.”

As Elice expressed her gratitude, Ariel thought she would move on. However, he surprised her by taking a moment to hug her.

Elice was startled, surprised, and disbelieving, although the hug was only a brief touch. It wasn’t a full embrace. In reality, Ariel’s action was just a way to whisper in Elice’s ear.

“I hope you know what happiness you’re getting, Elice.”

*

Wilda tried to stop herself from rubbing her eyes at that moment. But could it be that she was wrong? Or was it really the truth?

Why was Ariel here? Why was he here?

Because in reality, it wasn’t just Ariel’s presence that made her feel a sudden mixture of warmth and cold in her body. Farrah and Kurt, who were also present, gave Wilda even more uncomfortable vibrations.

Wilda’s heart pounded uncomfortably. She didn’t want to remember, but her mind quickly brought back the images of that past, when that couple had humiliated Elice and herself. And now?

Wilda saw with her own eyes how this family approached Daphne. They hugged and greeted each other with smiles on their faces.

W-what is happening? W-what is Ariel’s connection to this family?

These questions kept swirling in Wilda’s head, almost making the middle-aged woman dizzy. She wanted answers, but from whom? Even Rita, who was sitting next to her, seemed equally puzzled.

Then Wilda got the answer she was looking for. In the form of Farrah, who came over to talk to her.

The woman was exactly the same as the last time Wilda had seen her. Her demeanor hadn’t changed at all, and there was arrogance in her gaze and the smile she flashed. Even when she greeted them, the condescension was never absent.

“Congratulations to you. This is a great engagement. And I’m sure Elice’s wedding will be even grander,” Farrah said as she shook the stiff Wilda’s hand. “I heard that Mama has prepared a cruise ship for her beloved grandson’s wedding.”

Wilda’s face froze. Her body seemed numb.

Grandson? Mama?

Farrah quickly covered her mouth as if to keep a grin from escaping. Her eyes blinked in feigned shock as she asked, “Oh, don’t tell me you didn’t know?”

What didn’t Wilda know? Certainly, something that made Farrah feel a little pleased that night.

Taking advantage of the familiarity between women, Farrah gave her a hug. Only to answer her own question in a whisper.

“Ariel and Garrett…” Farrah glanced. “… are cousins.”

The life seemed to be draining from Wilda’s body. Even Farrah felt the coldness in her. She chuckled with amusement as she released the hug.

“I’m really impressed with you. How did you manage to raise your child like that? Ariel and Garrett, both excellent choices, aren’t they?”

Wilda thought she would never experience this again. To be humiliated and degraded. She believed it was the first and last time. But what happened? On a night that should have brought her joy, there was a surprise that left her in shock.

In Wilda’s presence, Farrah smiled. Obviously, she still had a lot of words to say to Elice’s mother.

“But regardless, I pray that Garrett and Elice’s relationship works out. That’s the only way my son can be safe.”

Wilda clenched her fists. Her patience was being tested. Her sanity was being tested.

“So-”

“Madam.”

A voice cut off Farrah’s words. She turned to find a well-dressed man in a black suit approaching her. There was something in his ear that made Farrah sigh heavily with a frustrated expression.

“Please. I will escort you to the banquet table.”

Farrah turned and looked across the room. There she saw Carolus staring at her. Reluctantly, she left Wilda, who remained motionless. Not a muscle twitched. The reality she was facing made it almost impossible for her to breathe.

Elice, how could this happen?

*