18. Valen

CHAPTER 18

VALEN

T ragan steps into my office, his expression as unyielding as ever. The man’s efficiency never ceases to impress me. He hands me a data pad, and I scan the information quickly, my eyes narrowing as I digest the details.

“So, Ariana’s father works for Arcturus Mining?” I ask, not looking up from the screen.

“Correct,” Tragan replies. “He’s been with them for over a decade. Despite his experience, they keep him in a low-paying position. The family barely makes ends meet.”

I grunt in displeasure. “Typical of Arcturus. Exploitative bastards.”

Tragan nods in agreement, standing with military precision. “Shall I proceed with the arrangement?”

“Yes,” I say, placing the data pad on my desk and folding my arms. “The man is old and won't be suitable for manual work much longer, if he manages to dodge a workplace injury before then. Offer him a management position here at Valen Enterprises. Full salary, benefits, the works.”

He raises an eyebrow slightly. “A generous offer.”

“It needs to be,” I reply sharply. “This isn’t just about business.”

Tragan’s expression softens just a fraction—a rare occurrence. “Understood.” He taps a few commands into his own device. “Consider it done.”

I lean back in my chair, staring out the window at the sprawling estate below. Ariana’s presence here has complicated things more than I anticipated, but this gesture... it should help her see how much she means to me.

“Make sure it’s handled discreetly,” I add, turning back to him. “She doesn’t need to know yet.”

“Of course,” Tragan says, his tone efficient once more. He hesitates for a moment before continuing. “Valen... if I may?”

I nod for him to continue.

“You’ve never gone to such lengths for anyone before.” His eyes meet mine briefly before he looks away, clearly uncomfortable with prying into personal matters.

I give a short, humorless laugh. “Ariana is... different.” The words feel inadequate but they’re all I can manage without revealing too much.

“She must be,” he says simply.

As Tragan leaves the room, I feel a strange mix of anticipation and anxiety tightening in my chest. This move is risky—both professionally and personally—but necessary. Ariana needs to understand that she isn’t just another employee or passing interest to me.

No, she’s much more than that.

The decision feels right as I mull it over once more. If this doesn’t show her how much she matters to me, nothing will.

Scrolling through the data pad more, I feel secure in this decision. The man is intelligent; he's written articles about mining practices and how to make them more sustainable without sacrificing profits. Yet his bosses seem intent on keeping his mouth shut. I can take advantage of that, and strike a demoralizing blow to my competition.

I pour myself a glass of rye liquor, satisfied that I can turn anything in my life into a business advantage.

Two days later, Ariana walks into my study. Her eyes are shadowed with worry, her steps hesitant. I rise from my chair, always happy to greet her.

“Valen,” she begins, her voice tight. “I just had lunch with my parents.”

“Good,” I say, stepping closer. “I assume your father shared the news?”

She nods, but there’s no relief in her expression. Only tension. “Yes, he did.”

I tilt my head, confused by her reaction. “And? It’s a good position. He deserves it.”

Ariana’s lips press into a thin line. “I’m grateful you’ve given him a good job, Valen. Really, I am.”

“But?” I sense a storm brewing.

She takes a deep breath. “But it feels like you’re trying to control me through him.”

Control her? The idea is ludicrous and yet it hits me like a punch to the gut. “Control you? That wasn’t my intention.”

“Wasn’t it?” Her eyes search mine for sincerity. “This feels like a line you’ve crossed—a line I never even thought was there.”

I unfold my arms, letting them fall to my sides as I process her words. “Ariana, your father deserved better than what Arcturus was giving him. It was purely... practical.”

“Practical for whom?” she shoots back. “You didn't even ask me how I felt! It’s too convenient that you’re helping my family right when we’re... involved.”

“Involved?” The word tastes bitter in my mouth. “We’re more than just ‘involved,’ Ariana.”

She shakes her head, frustration coloring her cheeks red. “It’s not that simple for me! You have all this power and influence, and then you use it to help my family without even discussing it with me first?”

“I thought you’d be pleased.” My voice hardens despite myself.

“I should be,” she admits softly. “But it feels like... leverage.”

Leverage? That stings more than any accusation could. I take a step closer to her, lowering my voice. “Ariana, look at me.” She meets my gaze reluctantly. “Do you really think I’d use your father’s job as leverage over you?”

“I don’t know,” she whispers.

My hand twitches at my side, resisting the urge to reach out and touch her face, to comfort her somehow. “I’m not that man,” I say firmly.

“How do I know that?” Her voice trembles slightly.

“You don’t,” I admit after a beat of silence. “But I’ll prove it to you if you let me.”

Her eyes soften just a fraction as she considers my words.

“I didn’t do this to manipulate you,” I continue earnestly. “I did it because your family deserves better—because you deserve better.”

Ariana looks away, chewing on her lower lip as she processes what I've said.

She sighs, running a hand through her hair. "I know I should be grateful, but what happens if this doesn't work between us? What if you stop being in love with me? Will you take it all away? Do I have to make sure I'm pretty and perfect forever so you don't ruin my family?"

The vulnerability in her voice pierces through my defenses. I step closer, keeping my tone steady. "Ariana, listen to me. I understand where you're coming from now. But remember what I told you—I need my business to succeed no matter what."

She looks at me with those wide, earnest eyes, searching for sincerity. "And my father working for you is part of that?"

"Yes," I admit, "but it’s a nice bonus that it helps someone I care about too."

She looks down, her fingers fiddling with the hem of her dress. "It's just... a lot to process."

I take her hand gently, lifting her chin so our eyes meet again. "I understand your fears." Even though I know I'll never be able to leave her, our bond will make sure of that. But she doesn't know that, not yet. So I have to prove it to her.

Her eyes widen slightly at my intensity.

"I'll show you I respect you more than that," I continue, my voice softer now but no less firm. "I'm willing to prove it to you."

She hesitates for a moment before speaking again. "How?"

"By giving you more control," I say simply. "You’ll be involved in decisions that affect you and your family. This isn’t about power over you; it's about building something together."

Ariana looks thoughtful, her brow furrowing slightly. "That sounds... fair."

"It is fair," I insist, taking both her hands now. "And if there's anything that makes you uncomfortable or unsure, tell me immediately."

She nods slowly, absorbing my words.

"And for the record," I add with a small smile, trying to lighten the mood just a bit, "you don’t have to be perfect for me. You already are in ways that matter."

Her lips curve into a hesitant smile at that.

"I'm serious," I say earnestly. "We’re partners in this, Ariana. It’s not just about my business or your father’s job. It’s about us."

Ariana squeezes my hands gently. "Alright," she says finally, meeting my gaze with newfound resolve. "I’ll give this a chance."

"That's all I'm asking for," I reply softly.

In this moment of fragile understanding and shared vulnerability, we stand together on the precipice of something deeper—something real.

And as she leans into me slightly, resting her forehead against mine, I can feel the barriers between us beginning to crumble.

We’re in this together now.

The garden stretches before us, a sea of vibrant blooms and manicured hedges. The setting sun casts a golden hue, painting everything in a warm, almost ethereal light. I guide Ariana down the stone path, her arm nestled comfortably in mine.

We reach a bench near a small pond, its surface reflecting the colors of the sky. I sit first and pat the space beside me. She hesitates for a moment before sitting down, her body language relaxed yet cautious.

For a few moments, we sit in silence, watching as the sun dips lower on the horizon. The air grows cooler, and Ariana shivers slightly.

Without thinking, I wrap an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. She tenses briefly but then relaxes into my embrace.

"Better?" I ask.

"Much," she murmurs.

We watch as the last rays of sunlight disappear behind the distant hills. Ariana rests her head on my shoulder, her trust evident in this simple gesture.

"You know," she says softly, "I was really angry about what you did for my father."

"I know," I reply equally softly.

"But," she continues after a pause, "I think... maybe you were trying to help in your own way."

"Maybe?" I tease lightly.

She nudges me with her elbow but smiles. "Definitely."

I tighten my grip on her slightly, feeling an overwhelming need to protect this woman who’s slowly becoming my everything.

"Ariana," I begin seriously, "I vow never to break your trust again."

She looks up at me with those wide eyes filled with hope and lingering doubt.

"I believe you," she says finally.

In that moment under the fading light of day, with Ariana leaning into me and our hearts beating in sync, I know one thing for certain: I'll do whatever it takes to keep that promise.