Chapter 37
The lights in Arianne’s office were dimmed, the only illumination coming from the lamp on her desk. She lifted her head when she heard Franz’s arrival. She glanced at the time at the corner of her laptop, seeing that it was already 8 in the evening.
She pulled away from her desk and watched as Franz took a seat across from her. He looked calmer compared to their earlier meeting.
“Did something happen?” she asked.
“I just have a word with Lucas. I needed to hear his opinion.” Franz admitted.
Arianne clasped her hands together and didn’t say a word.
“Aria, you know what would happen if you marry me, right? You would be forced into the spotlight, and the public’s perception would shift on you p>
“I know,” she nodded. “But the risks you’ve mentioned are bound to happen even if I don’t marry you. These are things that I cannot avoid forever,” she replied.
Franz frowned, but didn’t refute her words.
“But if this marriage fails, they might blame you. People might even start malicious rumors about you.” Franz said after a moment of silence.
“If I cared about what others thought about me, I would have been destroyed a long time ago,” Arianne answered. “If this marriage fails or the company stumbles, the responsibility is ours. Franz, in this marriage, we are partners p>
Franz stared at her. A moment later, his shoulder fell as if the worries that had burdened him earlier dissipated.
“Are you worried that I’ll be the target of everyone’s scrutiny?” Arianne questioned him this time.
“Yes,” Franz admitted and lowered his gaze. “It’s just I don’t like people pointing fingers at you p>
Arianne nodded.
“I appreciate your concern, Franz.” She said, a slight smile spreading on her lips. “But I can tell you that I’m not pressured to make this decision. In fact, I was relieved that there’s such a charter that allows me to step forward p>
“Even if it means being seen again p>
Arianne let out a low chuckle.
“I was never worried about that, Franz. Unless being married to me could cause a problem with your career p>
Franz shook his head.
“Let me handle it. Not everyone knows that I am a Rochefort,” he replied, “My PR team would ensure that the rumors would be controlled p>
“Alright. Lucas should have handed you the prenuptial agreement. Let me know if you want to add or revise the clauses p>
Franz didn’t answer immediately this time.
“What’s wrong?” Arianne asked, noticing his conflicted expression.
“I would like to cover our entire living expenses.” He finally said, “You don’t need to worry about such things p>
“I’m your husband,” he said. “It’s my job to provide for you p>
Arianne let out a low laugh this time.
“Alright. If that’s what you want p>
She shut down her laptop and locked the top drawer of her desk.
“I intend to pay a visit to your brother and Layla. Would you come?” she asked.
Franz was taken aback. “At this hour p>
“Yes,” Arianne replied. “Is that a problem p>
He shook his head. He hadn’t visited his brother’s grave since the funeral.
“No, I will go with you p>
Arianne picked up her coat and followed Franz outside. They walked through the empty corridors leading to the elevator. The elevator stopped then the car descended once they stepped inside. Neither of them said a word, but this time, their expressions were one with resolve.
When they arrived at the parking space below the building, they found Gio waiting. Arianne immediately went to him and exchanged a few words before returning to Franz, who was waiting for her beside his car. She returned with two bouquets of white lilies in her arms.
The drive to the cemetery was silent. The passing scenery outside the window barely offered Arianne something to distract her.
When they arrived, the cemetery stood in eerie, silent contrast to the city’s blaring sounds. The mausoleum was well-lit, the golden lights illuminating the entire place.
Arianne placed the bouquets before the graves and stepped back, while Franz stood behind her in silence. They stood next to each other, staring at the two names engraved on the tombs.
Arianne smiled; there was a hint of gentleness in her eyes as she looked at Alex’s name.
“I guess this time, you’ll be my brother p>
Alex used to claim he was her brother to those who didn’t know them. Arianne would deny it every single time.
“But don’t celebrate yet. I would never call you big brother. Don’t forget I’m a month older than you. I should be the one calling the shots here p>
Franz glanced at her face. Her tone might sound teasing, but her eyes revealed what her heart had long suppressed. She was still grieving the loss of her dear friend.
He turned his gaze to his brother’s name. Alex had always known about his feelings towards Arianne. He never teased or made fun of him about it. If his brother knew that they were going to marry, Franz wondered what Alex’s reaction would be. If he were alive, Alex would have burst into laughter.
Franz smiled bitterly at the thought. He’d been busy since he took over the position as the CEO at the company, so he barely had time to process the grief of losing his brother.
“Anyway, Franz and I came here to tell you we are getting married. You’ll give us your blessing, right? Well, not that you can stop us even if you want to.” Arianne continued, forcing Franz to hide a chuckle behind his hand.
“Franz and I would take care of your children and protect your legacy. You don’t need to worry anymore and be at peace with Layla p>
Franz remained silent beside her.
For a moment, neither of them moved. The night air’s temperature continued to drop as minutes passed.
Arianne straightened first. She wrapped her coat around her as she stepped back. Her eyes were a little misty as she looked away from her friends’ tombs.
Franz shed his coat and placed it on top of hers before gently guiding her out of the mausoleum.
They didn’t linger for too long. There was nothing more to say, nothing more to promise. They already said what needed to be said.
“This won’t be easy,” he said.
“I know p>
“And it won’t stay private for long p>
“I know that too p>
He glanced at her, searching her face for hesitation. He didn’t find any.
Arianne reached the car first. She paused and looked back at the mausoleum from afar once more. A moment later, she opened the door and got in the passenger’s seat.
Franz followed.
The engine started. Neither of them spoke as the car pulled away.
Behind them, the lights faded.
Ahead, the road remained clear, deliberate, and already chosen.