Chapter 54: Jesse Attends the Gala Secretly to Protect Her
The success of the charity gala exceeded what Ariana could have dreamed possible. As she spent time with the last guests, she heard her own smile and the sound of silverware clinking against thin champagne glasses. She had made sure everything was perfect—it mattered to her as well as to the charity. It helped her regain both her freedom and her good name after everything that happened over the last several months.
But even as the night wound down, Ariana couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching her. It was very gentle, more like a hint in her mind that she couldn't identify but had developed through years focusing on high society. She turned her head backward, but everything seemed normal. The gala appeared to be organized perfectly from the outside.
Jesse was watching their meeting from the background, though she had no idea.
They were all captivated by Ariana and her speech, as Jesse secretly stayed in the audience. He didn't go to make a scene; he was there to look after her safety, shield her from the cameras, protect her from devious people inside the Camelo Corporation and keep her doubts about their union at bay. Most of the time, you wouldn't even see him, but his watchful eyes and attention never faded, noticing every step by those who were near Ariana.
He had his own explanations for staying out of sight. At the most important level, he didn't wish to be noticed.
Since Ariana didn't trust him yet, he didn't like to show off his business achievements, quiet strength or influence. He knew why she felt uncomfortable—having to marry someone she didn't know well, who seemed very powerful in every area. He hadn't yet figured out how to deal with that situation in the best way.
But Jesse was still there, watching everything and for the first time since the wedding, he realized he wanted to protect Ariana, without being pressured or forced.
By the end of the night, the media was full of questions. As the socialites walked past, cameras in the crowd flashed and journalists and paparazzi snapped their photos, hunting for something newsworthy. He realized that Ariana was being asked many of these questions. Her quick climb to the throne and the surprise wedding to him made her a favorite topic for reporters. He watched as the men moved ever closer while their questions grew in importance during the evening.
Although Ariana dealt with everything so well, he was sure it was taking a lot out of her. He didn't want her to fight these terrible people by herself—not if he could help her.
Under his suit, Jesse had a subtle earpiece on, while his team watched the event for threats. He kept his eyes moving, checking the actions of every person nearby. The details were all set by him—he knew how to escape, where the security was posted and who was keeping a watch on Ariana's event.
All his careful planning didn't account for the fact that Ariana and he were still feeling uneasy about each other.
Seeing her speak and laugh with people from the crowd left him with a knot in his stomach. He realized she still wasn't sure about their marriage. Every time they looked at each other, he sensed her defenses and noticed how she tried to keep away from him. He couldn't hold it against her. Without warning, she was part of this powerful world and now he was the man behind the scenes.
He was never much of a talker. While he was logical in his planning, he knew this moment required something else. It meant being patient, understanding and, especially, being open.
The event was coming to an end and the last of the guests were packing up to go. Ariana had been talking to a group of significant board members and you could see that she was getting tired. She had proven to them that she held her own. Even so, Jesse noticed how tired she felt, in body and spirit. She dealt with her pain all by herself.
When Jesse walked away from the group, she relaxed for a moment and Jesse took a breath. He had decided what to do. The time had come to show himself as her true love, one who would be by her side without saying a word.
He walked slowly across the room, becoming part of the group until he got close to her. Just as she was moving to the back of the room, she sensed something in the air and stopped.
A jolt went through her as she looked at him. His black eyes fixed on hers at a distance so close that her breath stopped. Although she didn't know he would come, his relaxed manner gave her a feeling of comfort she hadn't expected.
"Were you expecting me to stay away during this?" Jesse was speaking quietly, almost in a whisper, but his voice could be heard by both of them alone.
Her breathing stopped for a moment. She stared at him for a little while, unable to stop her thoughts. She said, her voice cracking, "Why are you here?"
He said, "I'm here to make sure no one bothers you while you work tonight," sounding easygoing, but giving off a hint of seriousness in his voice. "Although the gala went well, there is still work that can benefit the community. It's not fair for you to have to bear all the responsibilities."
She began to move back, unsure about what to do. There, in front of her, was Jesse, her husband, showing support instead of asking for anything. He was at the same time soothing and a little unnerving to have around.
She answered, "I'm not in need of your protection," but it did not sound as strong as she intended. It seemed to her that she recognized, below the surface, that Jesse would always be present, watching over her in ways she could not avoid.
His gaze softened a little, but his eyes still looked guarded. "You do," he replied directly. "Even if it's not obvious to you right now. I'm proud of how you did tonight. But I'm ready to be here with you for a very long time. That's how it will always be."
She didn't know what to say. Actually, she was relying more on him than she wished she was. How he quietly backed her up during the whole event to make sure it went smoothly, was not just a duty. It still felt true, even though she wasn't sure herself yet.
She quietly told me, "Doing this is not necessary." "I don't need any help."
"Possibly", he whispered, "but it's not all about managing by yourself. It's a matter of gaining trust in the people you surround yourself with."
There was a moment of silence as what each meant stayed in the air between them. The more time passed, the stronger the feeling seemed to grow between them. She learned that even with their marriage and the distance, he could always comfort her in ways she hadn't believed possible.
She said finally, "Don't worry about it; I'll handle it." "Still, I'm grateful to you."
Jesse didn't show any reaction; his face remained neutral. Even if you don't remember me today, I'm always here for you. Even so, this marriage will not be either.
She gulped, realizing the truth that he had just mentioned. However much she didn't want it, she and her sister were joined in life.
Ariana understood something as the ballroom got emptier and she knew she was about to cross a line. Now, she didn't have to be alone. Even with all her doubts, realizing it made her both afraid and somehow more secure.
Tonight had been more than just a gala. It had been the first step toward understanding what lay ahead for her and Jesse—and perhaps, just perhaps, it was a chance for both of them to start rebuilding the trust that had never truly been there.