Arranged Marriage: The Lost Bet

Chapter Four

Since their chat three nights ago, Lucas and Arianna had become good friends, While they weren't close initially, they both made an effort to connect.

After searching for 20 minutes, Lucas finally found Arianna outside on the deck.

"I've been looking everywhere for you, Arianna!" he exclaimed.

Arianna laughed and replied, "You know I love it out here, so you should have checked here first. What's up?"

"There's a charity auction next week, and I want you to come with me," Lucas said as he sat down next to her.

"Which charity?" Arianna asked.

"It's called Second Chances. They help fund children's adoptions." A shadow crossed Lucas's face, but Arianna chose not to ask further questions.

"That's wonderful! My cousin Madison is adopted," she said.

Lucas looked at her in surprise. "I didn't know that."

Arianna replied, "Well, it's not something we broadcast. She was adopted when she was just two months old. My aunt struggled to conceive, so they chose adoption." She smiled at her handsome friend before gazing at the crashing waves.

"We'll need to get you a dress for the charity event; it's a high-end formal affair with all the rich and famous attending."

"Will there be any sexy men there?" Arianna joked, prompting a laugh from Lucas.

"Only one," he teased.

Arianna sat up straighter and played along with his teasing. "What might his name be?"

Lucas smirked down at her. "Lucas Carter," he declared, puffing out his broad chest. "Billionaire and devilishly handsome at your service."

Arianna couldn't hold back her laughter; tears filled her eyes, and her vision blurred as she enjoyed the moment with her charming friend.

♣️♥️♠️♦️

Arianna felt nervous about the charity event tonight. She and Madison had gone shopping and found a beautiful long red gown. Madison insisted she buy it, claiming it made her eyes pop.

Arianna typically didn't wear much makeup, but for this special night, she let Madison do as she pleased.

"Ari, you look stunning!" Madison gushed after finishing her makeup.

"Are you sure, Maddy? I don't want to overdo it," Arianna replied.

"It's a charity auction, sweetie. No one will be looking at you," Madison reassured her.

Finally convinced, Arianna sat down on the side of her bed and slipped on her red high-heeled pumps. Even with the extra four inches, she knew that Lucas would still tower over her.

Since becoming friends with "Satan," she had come to realize just how fun the devil could be. She cherished their friendship; it made their marriage so much easier.

Once she felt ready, Arianna and Madison exited her room.

As they reached the staircase, Arianna locked eyes with her devilishly gorgeous husband. She marveled at how broad and muscular his chest looked in a tuxedo. His hair was slicked back, and his icy blue eyes held her gaze, making her blush deepen.

"You look stunning, Arianna," Lucas said, his voice warm. "Hi, Madison. I hope you and your family are well."

Madison was taken aback by how sweet the man Arianna had nicknamed Satan could be at that very moment. It was a side of him she hadn't expected to see, and it made her smile.