Rise Of The Discarded Husband

Chapter 6: A Feisty Confrontation

The afternoon light streamed through the penthouse window, increasing the aesthetics and color of the vast apartment. Aria followed behind, her eyes taking in the crisp white wall and the golden chandeliers that suspended from the ceiling. The walls were adorned with beautiful artworks and sculptures that made the space feel more alive.

Beyond the window, there was a circular driveway lined with lush green flowers and pine trees. Her eyes traveled down. The smooth, golden tiled floor under her feet probably cost more than she imagined.

“It's serene…” She whispered. “The location, the view, and the interior, everything's perfect,” She looked at him hesitantly. “I honestly don't know if I deserve this. This place is too expensive, plus you've done so much for me already,”

Drake shook his head, brushing her off. “I already told you, Aria, don't worry about all of that,”

“But—”

“No buts. Look, I don't know how this might sound, but I've admired you for a long time now —your reputation, and how you handled your company.” The lie rushed out from him effortlessly. Right now, he needed to keep her at ease and he couldn't think of a better lie. “I've always wanted to invest in Aeuriel Limited, but I couldn't get a share,”

He looked into her eyes. “If you wish, you can consider this apartment a part of my investment, so that when Aeuriel rises again, I'll be the first to benefit,”

Aria's heart melted at his words. Gosh, she wanted to cry. This was the first time since she became bankrupt that someone was this kind to her. Ever since the company crashed, everybody abandoned her, even her so-called friends. She had thought her life would remain the same —stucked in a miserable cycle where she could barely afford to eat. But the last thing she expected was to meet someone who not only saved her from danger, but trusted that Aeuriel would rise again.

“Thank you very much. I'll be sure to pay you back,” When he nodded in acknowledgment, she smiled. “You didn't tell me your name though,”

“My name is Drake,”

“Drake,” She said the name like she was testing it, and for some reasons he liked it. “Beautiful name,”

“Thank you,”

After a tour around the house, they walked towards the elevator, and just at the entrance, Drake handed her a bunch of keys. “For the apartment. Call me if you need anything,”

“Sure, I will. Thank you so much,”

“One last important thing, it's important you know about the Ai intelligence feature at the door,” He said pointing at three small buttons that made a small beeping sound at every blink. “It's a system that allows you to lock and unlock your house with just your fingerprint. But you have to be careful because it is majorly designed to—”

His voice trailed off as the elevator door suddenly chimed open and Kelly walked out, followed closely by Cici and Sabrina.

Kelly was laughing while chewing hard on the gum in her mouth. One hand held her designer gown, while the other hand clutched her expensive purse. She moved briskly, the smell of her intoxicating high-end perfume clinging to the air.

Sabrina and Cici cranked their necks, their faces bright with curiosity and eagerness.

“So this is the penthouse floor?” Cici giggled excitedly. Her eyes widened as it took in the environment. “You mean Leo got you this apartment? All of it?”

“Wait until you see the main house,” Kelly smirked.

“God, I can't believe Lydia and Leo are getting married here,” Sabrina added, rolling her eyes hard in jealousy. “And my son has been saving up for months to even afford the entrance f*e of this place,” She shrugged. “What can I say? You're so lucky to hit this gold of a man that spoils you silly!”

“Lydia is really your golden daughter. Imagine getting married in a place like this…”

Kelly chuckled softly, about to respond when her eyes caught something, or rather someone. The smile on her face vanished instantly as her brows knitted together. Disbelief flashed across her eyes before hardening into open disgust, like she had just seen dog poop. “Drake? What is a rat like you doing here?!”