Weeks later
Arms in arms, they walked together majestically with poise and elegance into the ballroom.
The grand gala already in full swing, with dazzling lights gleaming across the ballroom .
Guests who are in no doubt previleged folks mingled and chatered .
Greetings, hearty laughters and clinking of glasses, filled the air.
The whole place screaming wealth and sophistication.
Dressed in a tailored tuxedo, looking fine and outstanding is Richard.
In his arms, is his darling wife Arianna dressed in a sleek golden dress her hair in big wavy curls.
The couple was no doubt the centre of attention as they stood out among all.
And plus being the special guest of honour of the evening.
It is a gala held by the company, for receiving the honour of being the best car manufacturing company and also for the success of inventing the best car product of the year.
It is indeed a special day for Richard…for them.
" Mr Rodriguez", a middle aged man scrambled his way towards the couple.
" Mr De Nero ", Richard called back with the same high level of enthusiasm and excitement.
" Congratulations", the man smiled stretching out his hand to him, for an handshake.
Richard diengaged his arm from his wife's, she shook hands vigorously with the man.
" Thank you sir De Nero",
The man smiled,then shifted his gaze to his wife.
" Judge Arianna Rodriguez",
"It is nice finally meeting you in person", he added stretching out his hand.
Arianna smiled broadly, taking the man's hand generously.
"Thank you. Nice knowing you sir"
" You two really make a great couple", he complimented.
Richard smiled lightly in appreciation, while Arianna forced out a smile.
It will all have been perfect if they are in better terms.
Things between her and Richard has been kind of off for the past few weeks.
Not like he is not coming home in time or not sleeping on same bed with her.
No. He is too mature for that, but just that he is not like his usual self.
He doesn't have his usual smile on.
She knew her decision really do hurt him, but is this not going too extreme?
The deed is all done already, the least he can do now is support her
She is supposed to be with Shirley now, preparing for Senator Fabian's court session which is the next day.
Shirley has been of great help keeping her mind off her problems and also helping her in preparation of her session.
The only thing she has to do now is make sure to win that case by all means and then she can get back her husband.
Tomorrow marks the beginning of a new journey.
" I'll be right back love, you should go ahead and have your seat. ", Richard said calmly after some minutes of talking with few of his associates.
" Hmm, alright", she hummed audibly.
Richard bent a little a placed a soft feathery kiss on her forehead.
" I love you, and I am sorry", he whispered lowly then he vanished into the crowd.
Arianna's heart warmed with bliss and relief, tears of relief burnt the back of her eyes, threatening to spill but she sniffled it back in.
" I love you more, I promise to win … for you and not to get hurt", she mumbled to herself swallowing down lumps of tears.
The best gift she can give herself, Richard and their marriage at this juncture is to win that case.
Arianna decided to take her seat on table which only had some groups is women there.
" Hi ", she smiled sweetly
"Would you mind me sitting here?", She asked the one whom beside her the empty chair was.
" It's alright ",
" Thanks", she mumbled .
" I'm Natasha Romanoff ", the wan introduced herself with a nice inviting smile laced on her pretty face.
" Ohh, I'm Ari…. "
" Arianna Rodriguez", Natasha completed with a smile.
Arianna laughed, people will always recognize her everywhere she goes .
" Oh Natasha, nice meeting you"
"Likewise, being here with someone like you is indeed a previlege "
" Oh, it's just something normal", Arianna replied and Natasha simply shrugged, just then Richard walked to the front, probably to give his speech.
" Good evening ladies and gentlemen", Richard said, his voice booming all over the room through the mic.
" First and foremost, I will love to thank every single beautiful soul who showed up today. It is indeed a great honor having everyone here tonight and I am indeed touched "
" For the past few years now, the company has been going through tremendous achievements which In no doubt been due to the teams great exemplary efforts and also our investors, clients and most of all our consumers.
This will never have been possible without you all.", He paused a bit and look around the Ballroom, his eyes searching for only one person.
Then his eyes locked with hers as he smiled so broad and wide.
Everyone in the room smiled and cooed at their connection.
" You guys are just too perfect ", Natasha cooed softly beside a very red and shy Arianna.
" Thank you ", she replied ducking her head shyly.
Just then a waiter came towards their table and placed a tray-full of wine filled glass .
" Gracias", Arianna muttered, picking up one glass from the tray.
Richard was now back to addressing the guests.
" Most of all, I will love to appreciate someone in my life who no matter what happens stay glued beside me. I owe you this success Arianna Rodriguez" he finaled his speech with raising his glass of wine up .
Applause filled the air , many eyes fixated on her.
Arianna smiled and nodded her head to everyone's direction, in order to avoid the preying attentions, she sipped slowly from her drink.
She saw Richard making his way to her direction and her warmth and love spread her heart.
She felt something soft under glued under her cup, on checking it out she saw a tiny paper sticked there.
Curiously, she detached it from the cup and observed it closely.
It wasn't just a paper, it is a message.
A grand message.
I hope you enjoy my little surprise,princessa.
Who is this? Why is he messing with her head.
With a fast heartbeat, she balled the tiny paper into her palm.
Uneasiness and fear eating her up.
" Are you okay love", Richard asked immediately he got to her side.
His eyes glistening with worry.
Arianna breathed out loud , it is hightime she informed Richard about this.
At first when she was receiving those threatful letters she ignored it and didn't count it a thing.
But it kept on coming steadily, everywhere she goes she will see a note.
Even in the restroom, then it dawned on her that she is being followed and threatened.
"Love" Richard called again, this time his voice more sharp with worry.
His wife is obviously in panic.
Arianna gulped," Love, we have to talk, I have to tell you something…. Now "
Richard nodded firmly, but their attention got caught as murmurings and gasps filled the air.
What is happening?
With a confused look, they both roamed their eyes round the room trying to fathom what was going on.
Then Arianna's eyes caught the projector screen, on it before was exhibited the company's new project but the slides displayed now was nothing close to that.
A image of Richard dining and discussing with senator Fabian, the apprehended governor Delagado and other men which face was concealed.
Another slide was Richard handing over something like a bag full of God -knows- what to Governor Delagado.
Then another and another, that makes you think if they were kind of involved in a secret organization because all where they meet are so weird and they are either signing a document or exchanging stuffs.
The slide which broke the camel's back is that of Richard on his hand was a silencer, and a dead body in his front .
Blood filled his clothes and faces, you will never think twice saying he is the killer.
Then the last slide which followed was more like a younger Richard in a warehouse. Everywhere around the place is packets of hard drugs and arms…. Illegal ones.
On his hand is a fully loaded gun that even the government can never afford for the military.
" Ri…Richard..d. what is happening? W..what w..why
…Oh my goodness ", Arianna prattled, her hands flew to her mouth concealing a sob.
Richard stared at his wife with remorseful face, trying to hide his own panick.
" What the hell was that? ", She asked again her voice breaking.
All eyes pinned on them, the recent scenario on everyone's lip.
" Love, ..", he called softly closing the distance between them.
He placed a hand on her shoulder and grabbed on it softly and reassuringly.
Arianna took his other hand into hers, interlocking their fingers.
She stared deep into his eyes .
" W..what is going on ? Please tell me ", she stammered a bit.
Panick written all over her.
With a heavy heart he opened his mouth to speak.
" Arianna…. I … …."
" Mr Rodriguez " a man called, every pair of eyes in the ballroom prying attentively.
" What is happening? That was you earlier right? ", he probed .
Richard eyes roamed randomly through the room, everywhere unsettled… in chaos.
Eyes mainly on him and Arianna, who was more like in a shock.
They need to get out of here.
Without a second thought, he grabbed Arianna's hand and dragged her right through the crowd and out of there.
The press outside the hall was a bit violent but they went through them anyways.
Who the hell called the press?
" What is h.. happening? Richard w.. what is going on? ", Arianna whispered yelled, her voice quiet .
Richard ignite the car engines and drove out of the area
" Richard say something", she yelled.
His grip tightened on the steering and his jaw clenched tightly.
" With all of those dramas that went on, you should probably have something to say. ….. say something ", she wailed .
The night went on From being fantabulous to chaotic.
The major stuff on ground is, what does her husband has to do with all of those?
He even dined with them? What is their relationship?.
" Ri……",
" Arianna please….. Be quiet", he yelled, her constant questions eating him up.
Taking in a long deep breath, he spoke again and this time softly.
" Just this once….. please…. Be silent ", he said firmly, his voice a bit calm now.
Mere staring at his face , you will know he is battling with so much pent-up emotions .
Arianna stared closely at her husband and for the first time she saw fear… panick .
Like he wanted to crumble, she saw right through him.
And this made this question arise from Arianna's mind.
Who is this man? The man she call her husband, who is he?
He may be there right now with her, but what is the real him?
Who are you Richard Dawson Rodriguez?
© Adira H.
Author's note
Well..... Like I promised, I did drop a chapter, a long one at that.
Don't hesitate to vote and comment please, let's make the story grow.
COTD
I so much love this chapter, do you?
And yes,, who else loves the couples connection?
God , I love it. It is wonderful!
Oops, our Richard had a gun in his hand? What do you think is happening?
Maybe he isn't who we thought him to be, or is he?
Too bad I had a huge crush on him already 😔, .... Mehnn ... He is so adorable and the way he show his affection.
I'm jealous, ( laughs )
What's your opinion about it all?
Have a nice day lovelies ♥️.