A NIGHT OF UNVEILING.

                                        

                                              
Weeks later
Arms intertwined, Richard and Arianna made a majestic entrance into the already vibrant ballroom, their poise and elegance drawing immediate attention.
Dazzling lights shimmered across the crowded space, illuminating the privileged guests as they mingled and chatted, their greetings, hearty laughter, and the clinking of glasses creating a symphony of wealth and sophistication.
Richard looked impeccably handsome in his tailored tuxedo, his presence commanding. By his side, Arianna radiated in a sleek golden gown, her hair styled in voluminous waves. The couple effortlessly became the center of attention, their striking appearance amplified by their status as the evening's guests of honor.
The gala, hosted by Richard's company, celebrated their recent accolades: recognition as the best car manufacturing company and the triumph of inventing the year's most innovative car product. It was undeniably a special day for Richard… for them.
"Mr. Rodriguez," a middle-aged man hurried towards the couple, his expression eager.
"Mr. De Nero," Richard responded with matching enthusiasm and excitement.
"Congratulations," Mr. De Nero beamed, extending his hand for a handshake.
Richard briefly disengaged his arm from Arianna's, allowing her to shake hands warmly with the man.
"Thank you, Mr. De Nero," she said, her smile genuine.
The man then turned his attention to Arianna. "Judge Arianna Rodriguez," he greeted, extending his hand to her. "It is nice finally meeting you in person."
Arianna returned his handshake with a broad smile. "Thank you. Nice knowing you, sir."
"You two really make a great couple," he complimented. Richard offered a polite smile, while Arianna's felt somewhat forced.
The moment would have been perfect were their personal relationship on firmer ground. The past few weeks had created a subtle but palpable distance between her and Richard.
It wasn't that he was late coming home or sleeping in a separate bed. He was far too mature for such petty displays. Instead, it was a shift in his demeanor, the absence of his usual bright smile.
Arianna knew her recent decision had hurt him, but was this lingering coolness not excessive? The deed was done; the least he could do now was offer his support.
She should have been with Shirley, preparing for Senator Fabian's crucial court session the following day. Shirley had been a steadfast support, keeping her mind occupied and assisting with the case preparations.
Her focus now had to be on winning that case, by any means necessary, after which she could hopefully mend the rift with her husband. Tomorrow marked the beginning of a critical new chapter.
"I'll be right back, love. Why don't you go ahead and find our seats?" Richard said calmly after a brief conversation with some of his associates.
"Hmm, alright," she hummed in acknowledgment. Richard leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "I love you, and I am sorry," he whispered before melting back into the crowd.
A wave of warmth and relief washed over Arianna. Tears of emotion pricked at her eyes, but she resolutely blinked them back.
"I love you more. I promise to win… for you, and I won't get hurt," she murmured to herself, swallowing down the lump in her throat.
At this juncture, the greatest gift she could give herself, Richard, and their marriage was a victory in court.
Arianna decided to take a seat at a table occupied by a group of women. "Hi," she offered a sweet smile. "Would you mind if I sit here?" she asked the woman beside the empty chair.
"It's alright," the woman replied warmly.
"Thanks," Arianna mumbled.
"I'm Natasha Romanoff," the woman introduced herself with a lovely, inviting smile.
"Oh, I'm Ari…"
"Arianna Rodriguez," Natasha finished with a knowing smile.
Arianna laughed softly; recognition seemed to follow her everywhere. "It's nice meeting you, Natasha."
"Likewise. Being here with someone like you is indeed a privilege."
"Oh, it's just normal," Arianna replied, and Natasha simply shrugged. Just then, Richard walked to the front, presumably to give his speech.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," Richard's voice boomed through the microphone, filling the ballroom.
"First and foremost, I want to thank every single beautiful soul who has joined us tonight. It is a great honor to have you all here, and I am truly touched."
"Over the past few years, the company has achieved tremendous success, which is undoubtedly due to the exemplary efforts of our team, as well as the support of our investors, clients, and most importantly, our consumers. This would never have been possible without you all." He paused, his gaze sweeping across the ballroom, searching for one person in particular.
His eyes finally locked with hers, and a broad, genuine smile spread across his face. A collective "aww" rippled through the room at their evident connection.
"You guys are just too perfect," Natasha cooed softly beside a now slightly flushed Arianna.
"Thank you," Arianna replied, ducking her head shyly. Just then, a waiter approached their table and placed a tray of wine-filled glasses.
"Gracias," Arianna murmured, taking a glass from the tray.
Richard had resumed addressing the guests. "Most of all, I want to express my deepest appreciation for someone in my life who remains steadfastly by my side, no matter what. Arianna Rodriguez, I owe this success to you," he concluded his speech, raising his glass in a toast.
Applause erupted, and many eyes turned towards her. Arianna smiled and nodded in acknowledgment, then took a slow sip from her drink, hoping to deflect the attention.
She saw Richard making his way towards her, and a wave of warmth and love flooded her heart. As he reached her, she felt something small and flat stuck to the bottom of her wine glass. Curious, she peeled it off.
It wasn't just a piece of paper; it was a message. A chilling one.
I hope you enjoy my little surprise, princessa.
Who was this? Why were they trying to unsettle her? Her heart pounded as she crumpled the tiny paper in her palm, a knot of uneasiness and fear tightening in her stomach.
"Are you okay, love?" Richard asked, his voice laced with immediate concern as he reached her side. His eyes reflected worry.
Arianna took a deep breath. It was time she told Richard about the threats. Initially, she had dismissed the unsettling letters, but they had persisted, appearing with unnerving regularity. Notes in unexpected places, even in the restroom. The realization that she was being followed and threatened had finally sunk in.
"Love?" Richard called again, his tone sharper with growing alarm. His wife was clearly distressed.
Arianna swallowed hard. "Love, we need to talk. I have to tell you something… now."
Richard nodded firmly, but their attention was abruptly caught by a wave of murmurs and gasps spreading through the ballroom.
Confusion etched on their faces, they scanned the room, trying to decipher the commotion. Then, Arianna's gaze fell upon the projector screen. Moments before, it had displayed the company's new project, but now, the slides were something entirely different.
The first image showed Richard dining and conversing with Senator Fabian, the recently apprehended Governor Delagado, and other men whose faces were obscured.
Another slide depicted Richard handing over what appeared to be a bag of unknown contents to Governor Delagado.
Then came a series of other images, hinting at clandestine meetings where documents were signed and mysterious items exchanged, suggesting involvement in a secret organization.
The slide that sent a shockwave through the room showed Richard holding a silencer, a lifeless body sprawled before him, bloodstains stark on his clothes and face – an image that screamed guilt.
The final slide was even more damning: a younger Richard in a warehouse filled with packets of hard drugs and illegal firearms. In his hand, he held a fully loaded gun, the kind rarely seen outside of military arsenals.
"Ri…Richard…d… what is happening? W…what…why… Oh my goodness," Arianna stammered, her hand flying to her mouth to stifle a sob.
Richard stared at his wife, his face a mask of remorse and thinly veiled panic.
"What the hell was that?" she asked again, her voice trembling. All eyes in the ballroom were fixed on them, the shocking images the unspoken topic on everyone's lips.
"Love…" he called softly, closing the small distance between them. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder, his grip reassuring.
Arianna took his other hand, their fingers interlocking. She searched his eyes, her own wide with fear. "W…what is going on? Please tell me," she stammered, panic evident in her voice.
With a heavy heart, he opened his mouth to speak. "Arianna… I…"
"Mr. Rodriguez?" a man's voice cut through the tense silence, every pair of eyes in the ballroom now riveted on them. "What is happening? That was you earlier, right?" he probed.
Richard's eyes darted around the room, taking in the unsettled faces, the palpable chaos. The focus was undeniably on him and Arianna, who appeared to be in shock.
They needed to get out of there. Without hesitation, he grabbed Arianna's hand and pulled her through the stunned crowd and towards the exit.
The press outside the hall was a chaotic surge, but they pushed through them nonetheless. Who the hell had alerted the media?
"What is h… happening? Richard, w… what is going on?" Arianna whispered, her voice barely audible above the commotion.
Richard started the car engine and sped away from the venue. "Richard, say something!" she yelled. His grip tightened on the steering wheel, his jaw clenched.
"After all of that… you should probably have something to say… say something!" she wailed, her voice cracking.
The night had devolved from a celebration to utter chaos. The burning question was: what connection did her husband have to those damning images? He had even dined with those men. What was their relationship?
"Ri…"
"Arianna, please… be quiet," he snapped, her frantic questions fraying his control.
Taking a long, deep breath, he spoke again, his voice softer this time. "Just this once… please… be silent," he said firmly, a semblance of calm returning to his tone.
A mere glance at his face revealed a storm of pent-up emotions.
Arianna studied her husband intently, and for the first time, she saw raw fear, stark panic. It was as if he was on the verge of collapse. She saw right through his carefully constructed facade.
And a profound question arose in Arianna's mind: Who was this man? The man she called her husband, who was he really? He was physically beside her, but who was the man beneath the surface?
Who are you, Richard Dawson Rodriguez?
© Adira H.
Author's Note:
Well, as promised, here's a long chapter for you all! Don't forget to vote and comment; let's help the 온라인카지노게임 grow.
COTD (Comment of the Day by):
I absolutely love this chapter! What about you? And who else is captivated by the couple's connection? I adore it; it's wonderful!
Oops, our Richard had a gun in his hand? What do you think is going on?
Maybe he isn't who we thought he was… or is he?
Too bad I already had a huge crush on him 😔... Mehnn... He's so adorable, and the way he shows his affection is just... I'm jealous! (laughs)
What are your thoughts on all of this?
Have a wonderful day, lovelies! ♥️