Chapter one: Ari's downfall

Anna's pov

The long awaited day is finally here. The day of my inauguration as the president of “Anderson wears”.

My family's company.

I had always loved to be a fashion designer but that dream was shattered when my dad forced me to study business administration in college.

I was sad but he had said that was the only way I could run a business.

I am so happy today, finally I might have the hope of achieving my designer dreams.

As a president, I can also be part of the design team and expand the company, I thought.

Peeping from the slight opening of the door, I could see the hall filled already with guests.

I walked in as eyes glued on me, of course I made a massive entrance.

My sky blue dress caught the attention of all, I had to hide to sew that dress, so my parents wouldn't know.

It fitted perfectly on my body like I owned it, my make up was light but lovely.

My golden earrings dangled on my ears, my hair parked up.

I smiled as I walked, I could see most of the respected business tycoons seated.

And they obviously couldn't get their eyes off me.

I saw my boyfriend from the corner of my eyes, I looked at him and smiled widely.

I can't wait to tell him about the good news I have for him, I giggled at the thought.

The ceremony began.

My dad gave the opening speech and talked about the history of “Anderson wears”.

The story about him running away from home and how he struggled before finally building the company.

Today, I'm finally handing over this company to my lovely daughter… who showed interest and put in a lot of effort to show her capabilities.

…Lucy Anderson, dad called.

Lucy?, wait I think there's some kind of a mistake.

I'm Arianna not Lucy.

My sister stood from her chair and walked majestically to the stage as the guests clapped.

For more than a minute my brain wasn't working, I couldn't hear the clapping of the guests.

I looked around to see if I was imagining things but was interrupted by a tap from someone.

I think you should go back to your seat, I haven't called you, dad said with a smirk.

I didn't even know when I got to the stage, I looked at Lucy and she got the wildest smile.

I walked back shamefully, maybe dad has a bigger surprise for me, I tried consoling myself.

I sat as they signed the documents for transfer of ownership.

After the signing, dad picked the microphone, you all must be wondering why I didn't give Arianna the company.

Everywhere was quiet.

He pressed the remote of the projector and a file came up.

Looking closely at it, I noticed it was a DNA test of my parents and I…

My eyes widened as I read further.

What!

We weren't a match, that was what it says.

How could this happen? I thought as my eyes glued on the projector.

And then the next slide was more shocking than the first.

It was a three seconds clip of me riding an unknown man though my face was the only thing visible there.

My mouth was wide open, I wanted to defend myself but nothing came out.

‘oh my gosh is that not Arianna?’

“she's so shameless”

“You know a street girl when you see one”

Bad comments from the guests filled the room.

I glanced over to my boyfriend, but he wasn't even looking at me.

I'm so disappointed to show you all the kind of daughter I raised, dad said with a teary voice.

Mom walked up to the stage and held dad by the hand and Lucy stood beside them.

Arianna Anderson was a girl I and my wife adopted when she was 8 months, dad continued.

Most of you here knew how difficult it was for my wife to conceive.

We gave Arianna everything we would give to our child and this is what she paid us back with.

I stand before all of you to announce that I, Thomas Anderson, have disowned Arianna.

She's no longer a member of this family and the company.

What! I screamed and stood up immediately.

I ran up to the stage, dad, mom you can't do this to me, that video is AI.

I haven't indulged myself in such an act, please believe me.

I ran to my boyfriend, Justin. Please tell them that the video is fake.

You are the only one I have made love to, I begged but he just shoved me out.

I sat dreadfully on the floor, my make up ruined by my tears.

I watched Justin walk up to the stage and knelt before Lucy.

He brought out a small box and opened it.

Lucy Anderson, The woman who made me realise a lot about myself, would you do me the honour of being my wife?, Justin asked.

“Yes, I will be your wife” Lucy said as she hugged and kissed Justin with so much excitement on her face.

The crowd clapped and cheered for them.

I couldn't believe my eyes.

Everything was happening too fast.

Justin, the idiot that promised to be with me for the rest of our lives is now engaged to Lucy.

I have never felt so much anger in me.

They both played me.

The most painful part of it all is that I'm pregnant.

Yes, two weeks pregnant and the supposed father of the child is in love with my sister.

My parents claimed that I'm not their child, so who am I then?

I immediately rushed to the stage and slapped Justin hard, his cheeks turned red.

How dare you Justin, how dare you do this to me!! I screamed as I continued hitting him.

He held my hands tightly and whispered to me, “ how could you say that after cheating on me Ari?

My face turned pale, the sex clip.

I…I didn't cheat on you, you know how much I love you, I need you to believe me please, tears rolled down my cheeks.

I saw you Ari, I saw you fuck that motherfucker, just leave me alone, okay? Justin said.

And I hope you rot in hell for breaking my heart, he added.

The security came in and dragged me out of the hall.

Where do I go from here?