Chapter 10 Fiancée Introductions & CEO Flashback
Arielle sat stiffly at the dining table, taking deep, uneven breaths.
Okay. Calm. Smile. Eat. Act like a normal mother.
Not a panic-stricken transmigrator who just realized her husband's abs are.
.. sinful.
Her four sons were already seated, the fiancées lined up like soldiers of chaos ready to inspect her performance.
Darian gave her a subtle nod, like: You got this, Mom.
.. maybe. Rhett smirked, casually leaning back, biceps flexed under a tailored sleeve.
Zayden kept his phone in hand, scanning social media alerts, ever the strategist. Emrys sat closest, napkins perfectly folded, eyes flicking to her with that look.
Oh God. Not again. Stop looking at me like that.
I am not ready for this.
Fiancée Introductions
First, Clara Bennett stepped forward, polite but warm.
"Good evening, Mrs. Cross," she said, placing her hands together like she'd been trained in diplomacy.
"It's a pleasure to meet you finally. Darian speaks so highly of you.
"
Arielle blinked, half panicked, half relieved.
Okay... polite. Nice. Survived the first attack.
Step one: check.
Then came Serena Rose, the ice queen herself.
Every step was deliberate, every glance calculated.
She swept the room with eyes that seemed to read Arielle's soul.
Warning: maximum danger detected. Deploy smile protocol.
Yes. Smile. Small, polite... survive.
Serena extended a hand slowly, sharp nails catching the chandelier light.
"Mrs. Cross," she said flatly. "I've heard a lot about you.
" The pause was deadly. "Mostly... from my fiancé.
"
Arielle's inner monologue exploded.
Oh no. Poisonous. Maximum venom. I can feel my soul being tested.
Step two: do not faint. Step three: do NOT stare at Emrys's shoulder.
Next was Elise Montague, bubbly and awkward in a way that made Arielle want to laugh and cry at the same time.
"Hi! So excited to meet you! I hope I don't embarrass myself!
"
Oh, bless her naive little soul. Step four: patience.
Survive the awkward charm offensive.
Finally, Fiona Drake glided in, confidence radiating.
She had the kind of eyes that said: I'm watching everything, and I'm judging.
Stop it. I feel like every fiancée is an exam I didn't study for.
Step five: breathe.
Dinner Chaos Begins
The meal started quietly, polite clinks of cutlery.
Arielle tried to focus on her salad, but her brain was in full transmigrator-overload mode:
Darian just nudged my hand to pass the bread.
Rhett just winked at me-okay, I'm imagining that, I swear.
Zayden is plotting social media apocalypse if I spill anything.
Emrys... I think he's reading my panic like a novel.
Clara smiled occasionally, Serena shot cold, calculating glances, Elise giggled nervously every time Arielle said something, and Fiona.
.. Fiona's eyebrow raised in silent judgment.
Premium chaos level: off the charts.
Arielle tried to calm herself by mentally rehearsing acting techniques.
Scene: Mother calmly eating dinner while surrounded by fiancées and suspicious sons.
Reaction: completely normal. Difficulty level: impossible.
Suddenly, Darian leaned toward her, whispering, "Mom.
.. careful with Serena. She's... sharp."
Sharp.
Dangerous. Poisonous. Potential villain.
Mental note: survive at all costs.
Rhett, of course, had to add, "Relax, Mom.
You got this. You're way more intimidating than them.
"
Did he just... compliment me? My heart might explode.
Step six: survive. Step seven: hide blush.
Emrys, sitting closest, handed her the napkin politely.
"Mrs. Cross, I mean... Mom. You're handling this perfectly.
"
I'm officially losing it. Four sons softening, all fiancées in the same room, and my own body telling me I'm enjoying it.
Step eight: hyperventilate internally, stay calm externally.
Zayden's phone buzzed. He glanced at it, frowning.
"Some fans are live-streaming the dinner," he muttered.
"We may need to maintain low-profile."
Oh yes.
Premium chaos + trending fans. Step nine: survive social media apocalypse.
Lucian's Flashback Tease
Meanwhile, across town, Lucian Cross leaned back in his office chair, reviewing documents.
His mind wandered, as it often did these days.
She's... behaving strangely. Not because of me.
.. right? But that day-that misunderstanding-I remember it vividly.
A brief flashback flickered: Arielle rehearsing a line, his ears catching only fragments, misunderstanding.
That line, innocent in context, had triggered years of his coldness and distance.
And now... she's surrounded by sons, fiancées.
.. calm. Too calm. Too perfect. That woman is infuriating.
Author's Note ??
Hey loves! ??
Hi readers
It's been long since I updated my book.
I apologize, I've been busier lately. Hope you had a fun time reading.
Chapter 10 is full of chaos, fiancée drama, and comedic transmigrator panic!
Arielle is juggling sons softening, fiancée personalities, and her own chaotic thoughts-all while the flashback teases Lucian's coldness.
? Engagement Tips & Poll Ideas:
1?? Poll Question: Which fiancée's reaction did you love seeing Arielle handle the most?
Option A: Clara Bennett's polite charm
Option B: Serena Rose's icy glare
2?? Comment your favorite son moment-who's softening or teasing Arielle the best?
3?? React with ?? if Arielle's inner monologue is absolutely chaotic (we all love her brain!)
4?? Vote & Follow on Wattpad - your interaction literally shapes Arielle's chaos and keeps the story going!