The next day, Arianna made up her mind to get the job completed. She was done with the painting and design. On her part, the contest was a done deal.
She was busy at work when two new designers were brought into her office and introduced. Arianna welcomes them to Hudsonâs holding and tells them she wishes them a great time working together.
Few days later, the day for the contest came. The incumbent Prime minister was there and to honour him, the two important dignitaries were there.
Senator Adrian Delmark and his co aspirant Abby Santiago were invited. Though both are aiming for the same position, they shook hands when they met.
There has been a long standing grudge between the two of them. But for once in many years, they exchanged smiles. But none can tell if the smile of the other was from his heart.
When the name of each representative was displayed on the screen, Adrian Delmark was excited when he saw his daughterâs name there.
Richard was also there. He stilled his heart when he saw Ariannaâs name. He has full faith in her. His sister was going to bring home the trophy.
Before it began, the contestants were free to meet a few people. In the room with the tag Hudsonâs holding. Adrian Delmark and Richard decided to get in.
But they were surprised to find Jace, holding Arianna close and kissing her. Adrian Delmark coughed slightly and the lovers paused, and glanced to see who was at the door.
No one was allowed to come in, that was the instructions Jace gave the bodyguards. But how on earth did someone come in without his consent?
But when he turned and saw Itâs Senator Adrian Delmark, he chuckled and said âI was wondering who has the effrontery to step in without my consent. But then, I canât say anything since itâs my future father in-lawâ
Adrian Delmark smiled and nodded âThank you Jace, I have more regard for you now than everâ he said looking past him to Arianna, who suddenly looked away as if she wasnât interested in seeing them.
Jace Hudson nodded politely and stepped aside.
âDarlingâ Adrian Delmark said and took a few steps towards Arianna. He wanted to hold her in a hug but Arianna walked away abruptly, avoiding him.
âArianna dear,â Adrian Delmark said. But the latter didnât respond but stood before the mirror, tying her hair into a bun.
âI just want you to give me the chance to be your father. I would like to acknowledge you publicly as my daughter when the contest is over. Is that okay!â Adrian Delmark requested.
Arianna turned and glared at him sharply âI am not your daughter, Senator Adrian. I have never known you as one. You chose Jane over my mom and you think I will ever forgive you for that?â She demanded.
âI didnât offend you Arianna. It was Susan I hurt. You are my daughter, Arianna. You shouldnât let what happened between your Mom and I affect our relationshipâ Adrian Delmark coaxed.
âWhat about my Mom? I should just let it go that way? Everything you did to her, I should close my eyes and pretend that I didnât know?
You and Jane didnât even spare her a moment of friendship even in her death? What kind of a couple are you? I donât want to talk to you nor anyone else in your family. I do not recognise you as my father.
Why should I, besides donating a single sperm, what other things make you call yourself my father, huh tell me Senator Delmark?â Arianna bellowed.
âI am dad to you, Arianna. Not Senator Delmark. And yes, what else qualifies a man as a father besides donating his sperm?
Tell me darling if you know the answer. It appears you are getting wiser than I doâ Senator Adrian Delmark asked, glaring at his daughter.
Arianna glared at him and found no answer to retort. She turned back and continued with her hair.
Richard and Jace exchange glances. Richard feels so guilty because his mom is the Jane Delmark that Arianna has a grudge against.
He doesnât know what to say. Heâs just trying to win his friend back. He saw his dad kept his gaze on Arianna and Jace made an eye for him to get closer.
âAriannaâ Richard called, going closer to stand behind her. She glared back at him from the mirror and didnât respond.
âI missed you Arianna, I really do. Youâve been my friend before I knew who you are more than a friend to me, youâre my sister. Please talk to me, I canât hold on anymoreâ Richard pleaded.
Arianna glared at him and when she turned to snap at him, Richard grabbed her and forced a hug on her. He held her tight and circled his hands around her, not willing to let her go.
A smile appeared on Adrian Delmarkâs lips. He would be happy if his two children could get along. This would be a stepping stone for him to get his daughter to accept him.
âPlease Arianna. Think about our friendship, the few times weâve been together. Whatever happened is between our dad and his women.
It had nothing to do with us. You and I are two different people who have got involved in the affairs between the three of them. Donât push me away from your life simply because I am Jane Delmarkâs son.
Please Arianna. I miss you very much and I love you a lot. Letâs return to be who we used to me, Me, you and Genesis. Please forgive me for hurting you with my words.
And please forgive our dad and mom. Take us as your family, thatâs who we truly are. Please Arianna, forgive all of usâ¦â Richard pleaded.
A lone tear fell from Ariannaâs eyes to Richardâs upper arm. She sniffled and hugged Richard back. Everything heâs done for her.
Heâd saved her life. He had been an amazing friend to her. Itâs all because he was her brother after all. He had shown love to her.
How she wished heâs not Jane Delmarkâs son. The woman that didnât let her mother be with the man she loved.