Betrothed to a Billionaire

Chapter 9: A Silent Battle

Ariana experienced internal turmoil after the strange agreement that occurred in that moment. "What did i just agreed to"

Ariana left the elite restaurant into a cool night air which failed to soothe the turbulent emotions within her.

Determined to confront Jesse she entered with purpose while planning to force him to explain everything. Instead She left not just as his actual spouse but also an undefinable undefined connection she was unable to manage.

The papers represented something beyond a mere business deal according to Jesse's direct statement. It was a claim.

A deep breath escaped Ariana while she held her temple with one hand.

For the first time Since waking up in the past,she became aware for the first time that she had companionship in her battle. By leaving her previous situation she might have accidentally entered another form of captivity.

Rachel along with Antony committed betrayed her. The deception process unfolded like a slow-motion poison that caused her great pain. The difference between Jesse Ren and Anthony became immediately apparent. Jesse danger stood openly in front of her while watching and waiting to strike. Daring her to keep up.

The challenge finally brought her to accept it.

Her phone buzzed.

Ariana looked at the number on the phone display before she frowned at the unfamiliar caller.

"You can find a waiting car at the entrance. Be ready in five minutes."

Her muscles tensed. Antony? Rachel? The individuals who knew she remained at that location would discover her presence.

Then, another message.

"Jesse Ren."

Her breath caught.

Of course.

A test.

Ariana considered ignoring it. Jesse Ren proved beyond doubt that he would never persist with his requests twice.

Ariana looked up to find the beautiful vehicle which occupied the street that moment. A shiny black luxury car waited at the sidewalk while it maintained its impressive presence.

Her first order as Jesse Ren's wife.

She had two options between obedience and resistance.

Her fingers clenched the phone while Ariana tried to steady her breath.

She would go. Her departure was not the result of his command.

She chose to go because intimidation had no power over her.

The driver approached to open the car door before she could grab it.

The driver who wore a black suit presented a respectful bow to her. "Madam."

Ariana hesitated. The title felt foreign.

As soon as she entered the room she was enveloped by the clean and expensive scent of leather combined with faint cologne.

Everything within this car had its purpose thoughtfully designed. This car serve as more than basic transportation because it operated with exact temperature control and engine soundlessness.

It was a statement.

Her gaze shifted toward the city lights that glowed as she folded her arms in front of her body.

Jesse drove her in this manner to demonstrate what being his wife would entail.

This experience served as notification about the alterations that were shaping her life.

She refused to be impressed.

A strange uncomfortable sensation started to spread inside her chest despite her attempts to ignore it.

She needed to understand what precisely lay ahead of her.

The car didn't take her home.

A building towered above her which she had never seen before as the car stopped in front of it.

Her phone vibrated again.

"Come up."

Ariana looked at the message as the awaiting doorman moved toward her with the entrance key in hand.

The situation stood completely different than what she had anticipated.

A power play? A warning?

This behavior by Jesse could have been meant to establish her position.

A deep breath later she entered the space.

She would pass any test which presented itself before her.

Jesse led Ariana into his second encounter within his luxurious penthouse

The penthouse was breathtaking.

Windows from floor to ceiling spanned every side of the room as they provided unobstructed views of the brilliant city lights below. Luxurious design elements consisted of minimalistic decor with black, white and deep shades of gray. Clean lines. Cold elegance.

And in the center of it all—

Jesse Ren.

Jesse Ren sat at the window with his hand on his chair while holding a glass of whiskey.

He did not turn his head as she walked into the space. Didn't acknowledge her immediately.

She continuously detected his awareness of her presence.

She felt it.

The weight of his presence. He maintained a composed stance throughout his presence in this area with his quiet demeanor.

Finally, he spoke.

"You came."

Ariana lifted her chin. "You told me to."

After taking his time to drink he slowly turned his attention to face her.

A small smile appeared on his lips even though it fell short of an actual smirk.

You never received an order to listen according to my memory.

A challenge.

Another test.

Ariana met his gaze steadily. "I had questions. You would never obtain these answers through text messages.

He lowered his body slightly while observing her.

"Smart," he murmured.

The Conversation – Who Holds the Leverage?

You need to understand what it means to be my wife Ariana.

In his soft tone Jesse asked something deeper than a simple inquiry which Ariana couldn't identify.

Ariana crossed her arms. You cannot claim me since I belong to no one Jesse. Not you. Not Antony. You have chosen someone wrong because I will never obey your expectations for being a wife.

The room stood empty while a hush surrounded us.

Then—

Amusement flickered in his eyes.

He drank another swallow of his beverage before speaking his next words. We must clarify one essential detail because this marriage extends beyond its legal agreement. You are bound to me permanently because your current situation.

Her psychological equilibrium should have waned because of his declaration.

But instead—

A sudden shift moved within her body.

Not fear.

Awareness.

Jesse Ren maintained his unsaid statements without any change.

She had entered his domain through their marriage.

For better or worse.

A sudden buzz cut through the tension.

Jesse glanced at his phone, his expression unreadable as he read the message.

Then, he looked back at her.

"You're coming with me."

Ariana frowned. "Where?"

His answer was simple.

"To meet my world."

A chill ran down her spine.

His world.

Not hers.

And with those three words, the reality settled in—

This wasn't just about escaping Antony and Rachel anymore.

This was Jesse Ren's game now.

And she had just become one of the players.