Chapter 39
Arianne woke up before her alarm rang. She rolled onto her side and turned it off before slipping out of bed and stretching her arms above her head. The clock on her nightstand read four in the morning, too early for her usual waking time.
Picking up her silk nightrobe, she wrapped it around herself before running her fingers through her long hair and tying it in a messy ponytail.
She, along with Aunt Estella and Gio, had moved into this estate a week ago, and she had yet to settle in completely.
Arianne left her room, shutting the door behind her carefully, not wanting to disturb the twins, who were still asleep. Their room was just across hers, while her study was at the end of the hallway. She and the twins occupied the entire eastern wing of the estate, while Franz stayed alone on the western wing.
When she reached the top of the stairs, Arianne glanced toward the western wing, seeing that all four rooms were closed. She didn’t expect Franz to be awake this early.
Arianne went to the kitchen downstairs and started brewing a pot of coffee. While waiting for it to be done, she walked near the glass sliding door and gently drew the curtain aside. She allowed herself to organize her thoughts.
Footsteps interrupted her thoughts. Arianne lifted her gaze and saw Franz yawning behind his hand, dressed in a loose white shirt and gray pants. He blinked when his nose caught the scent of the brewing coffee.
“Aria?” he called out when he found her standing near the kitchen. “Why are you so up early p>
“I should be asking you that question,” Arianne replied. “You didn’t need to attend the partner meeting with me today p>
Franz frowned, taking a seat on the stool at the bar counter, facing Arianne.
“Don’t you think it’s too early for you to meet the partners yourself? The board could have delayed the meeting for another week. You’ve just moved in here, too, and there are many things that need to be decided p>
“The meeting is scheduled at lunchtime. I should be able to return home by the afternoon. Would you be able to pick up the twins from school then p>
Franz nodded. They had been adjusting their schedules to make time for the twins. Although Lily and Leo still had a nanny who looked after them, they frequently ask for either Arianne or Franz these days.
Franz even noticed the worry on the twins’ faces whenever Arianne returned home later than expected.
“It should be fine. The workers would just do finishing touches in the recording room and install the remaining cameras around the estate p>
Arianne looked at him, but didn’t bother to question his decision about the security arrangements. He was the owner of this property anyway.
“Aside from the home gym, do you need anything else?” Franz asked her.
Arianne returned to the kitchen counter and pulled two mugs from the cupboard. She then poured the brewed coffee, handing one mug to Franz.
“It’s fine. I don’t require anything else. You might want to ask Aunt Estella, though. She mentioned last night that the kitchen is lacking some utensils. You may also want to avoid the kitchen from now on. You might gain her ire if you burn her precious pots,” she answered, leaning against the counter while holding her mug.
Franz smiled. “I’ll keep it in mind p>
It seemed the twins had already warned her about his failures in the kitchen battleground.
“By the way, Aria. I have to go back to work in a month. The media might focus on me again p>
Arianne inclined her head and looked at him.
Franz forced a smile.
“I’ve been gone for months since my last public appearance. Brands and the management have been asking for my return p>
“I understand,” Arianne replied, “But have you decided how long you want to be a celebrity. Do you intend to do it for the rest of your life p>
Franz didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he gave her question some thought.
Acting was his creative outlet, and he never expected the audience to appreciate his work. The entertainment industry is rife with schemes and scandals, but he avoided them thanks to his skilled manager and protective older brother.
“I like performing before the camera. Playing different roles allowed me to experience lives that aren’t mine. As you know, I was born with privileges that not anyone have, but if this career poses a danger to you and the twins, I won’t mind retiring early,” he answered truthfully.
“But you’ve been industry for years,” Arianne commented. “I’m surprised you were able to keep your private life hidden for so long. Aren’t you afraid people would find out you are married now p>
Franz let out a laugh this time, while Arianne took a sip from her mug.
“My real fans would surely understand and support us. What I fear is that you will be harassed by those who claim to be my supporters p>
He paused as he considered the future he had now with her.
“I still have two years left to complete my exclusive contract. After that, I won’t renew anymore. I’ll live as Franz Rochefort, a private citizen away from the public’s eyes p>
Arianne couldn’t sense any hesitation from him, but she knew that leaving behind something one had been doing for years wouldn’t be easy. Even if people found out she was married to Franz Rochefort, Noah Hart’s reputation would be safe so long as the public didn’t know he was the same person.
“Alright. Let’s go with your plan. However, if any changes or threat arises during the course of your two-year contract, you have to inform me at once.” Arianne started. “You also have to tell me if you intend to take a major project that would require you to leave home for considerate amount of time.
Franz nodded, thinking her demands were reasonable.
“I will also not tolerate rumors about you getting involved with another celebrity. It’s your job to ensure that they don’t misunderstand you. Whether you are Franz Rochefort or Noah Hart, this condition applies to you. You are a married man. I expect you to act like one. If you break any of these conditions, I’ll demand appropriate compensation depending on the severity of the situation p>
Franz had a feeling that the compensation wouldn’t be monetary. Arianne would probably find a way to make him regret breaking those conditions.
A vibration broke the silence.
Arianne glanced at her phone. She didn’t pick it up.
“It can wait,” she said, setting it back down. “Just let me know if you want to negotiate some conditions too p>
Franz watched her for a moment longer than necessary. This, he realized, was the adjustment. Not the terms—but the order in which things mattered.