Arranged Marriage: The Lost Bet

Chapter Fifteen

Arianna made her way slowly around small cabin that Lucas had rented for their brief escape, Arianna felt a mix of anxiety and relief. The rustic charm of the place was a stark contrast to the chaos of her life just days before. Wooden beams stretched across the ceiling, and the scent of pine mingled with the faint aroma of freshly baked bread.

Gabrielle was already sitting at the small kitchen table, her face lighting up with joy at the sight of her mother. "Mommy!" she exclaimed, rushing over to hug Arianna tightly.

"Hey, sweetheart," Arianna said, kneeling down to wrap her arms around her daughter. The warmth of Gabrielle's embrace helped chase away some of the dark thoughts clouding her mind.

"daddy made food!" Gabrielle chirped, looking up at him with bright eyes.

"Just a little something to keep us fueled," Lucas replied, flashing a charming smile that made Arianna's heart flutter.

As they settled at the table, Arianna tried to focus on the moment. They enjoyed a simple meal of pasta and fresh salad, and for a little while, laughter filled the air. Lucas teased Gabrielle about her newfound obsession with unicorns, and she giggled, her laughter infectious.

But as they ate, Arianna's mind wandered back to Alex. She couldn't shake the feeling that danger was lurking just beyond their temporary sanctuary. "Lucas," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "What if he finds us here?"

Lucas paused, his fork halfway to his mouth. He put it down and leaned forward, his expression serious. "He won't," he said firmly. "I've got a private investigator looking into everything. Alex will have a hard time tracking us down without a clear trail. We just need to stay smart and stick together."

Arianna wanted to believe him. She wanted to embrace this sense of normalcy and safety he was offering her. Yet, the fear gnawed at her insides. "What if he's already looking? What if he has people watching?"

"We will deal with that if it comes to it," Lucas said, his tone reassuring. "For now, let's focus on what we can control. We'll stay vigilant, and I promise I'll do everything in my power to keep you and Gabby safe. You're my priority."

His words wrapped around her like a warm blanket, and Arianna nodded, trying to push

the worry to the back of her mind. She took a deep breath, reminding herself of the reasons they had fled. They were here for a fresh start, away from the darkness that Alex represented.

As they finished dinner, Arianna felt a flicker of hope. Perhaps this getaway would be the escape they desperately needed. She was determined to make memories here, to give Gabrielle a taste of happiness that had been absent for so long.

After dinner, they moved to the cozy living room, where a fireplace crackled softly. Lucas lit a few candles, casting a warm glow around the room. Gabrielle, ever the curious one, grabbed a book from the shelf and nestled herself on the couch, flipping through the colorful pages.

"Arianna," Lucas said gently, drawing her attention. He motioned for her to sit beside him on the couch. "I know this is hard for you. But I want you to know you're not alone in this. We'll figure it out together."

Arianna looked into his eyes, feeling the sincerity in his words. "I just don't want you to get hurt because of me," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "Alex won't stop until he finds me. He has a way of getting what he wants."

Lucas took her hand, his grip firm and reassuring. "I've dealt with my share of dangerous people, Arianna. I'm not afraid of him. My only priority is you and Gabby. We'll take every precaution. I promise."

She nodded, appreciating his confidence even as doubt lingered at the edges of her thoughts. "Thank you, Lucas. For everything."

"Just doing what anyone would do for the ones they love," he replied, leaning in to kiss her forehead.