HEIRESS REBORN: MARRYING HER EX-FIANCÉ-Chapter 83: After the New Year (1)

As a famous saying goes, a beginning would surely have an end. The festive season gradually came to end, and people slowly moved on with their different lives as if nothing happened.

The only difference was the last number on the brand new year.

From 2021 to 2022.

The Kingston corporation resumed back to its working hours, and the employees began their new year with loads of documents, files, unread emails and so much more, waiting for them in the office.

Ayana was also the same, bidding farewell to her few days of leisure and returned fully to her same old lifestyle at the office.

She started the New year with loads of work, and also the final weeks of her last semester in the university. Actually, Ayana should have graduated last year, but she deliberately delayed an entire year because of the hectic workload.

Her course was business administration, and the academic duration was four years at the university.

Now, Ayana was in her final year and she was working on her project as a pre-graduating student. Her exams were fast approaching as well.

All in all, she started the new year with a chaotic January.

****

’’Rachelle! What about your assignments? Leave that television alone!’’ A mother immediately expressed her displeasure at the teenager with her. They just arrived home and her daughter immediately rushed to the television.

She neither changed out of her school uniform nor tried to start her assignments from school.

’’Ma, please let me watch this show. My favorite Actress is going to be there.’’ Rachelle, a first year high school student, pleaded her mother with her butt planted on the couch and firmly gripping the remote with no intention of moving away or letting go.

Her mother had always bothered her not to joke with school and her education almost every time. Rachelle would always be obedient, but when it comes to her favorite artists and idols, she literally becomes the opposite.

Rachelle’s mother folded her arms with a stern frown. ’’Does she know you personally? No. Will she pay the bills and fees for us? No. Will she help you with your assignments? Absolutely not! Why are young people these days so obsessed with these fake actresses and idols? They’re nothing like the stars back in my days.’’

Rachelle rolled her eyes at her mother’s comparison, but didn’t bother arguing.

"You wouldn’t understand, Ma," she muttered under her breath, flipping to the channel she had been waiting all day to watch.

Her mother sighed heavily, shaking her head. ’’In my days, we had no gadgets like your generation. Still, we supported our artists the best we could, but we did not put our education behind for them.’’ She said pointedly.

’’...’’ Rachelle did not respond to her old-fashioned mother.

Seeing her daughter blatantly ignoring her, Rachelle’s mother decided to let go and just let out a defeated sigh.

"Just make sure you finish your assignments and study before you fall asleep tonight, Rachelle." Her mother warned, though her voice had softened slightly.

Anyway, her daughter was normally obedient to her. The only time of her disobedience was only because of these popular artists and idols that she fancied deeply.

Rachelle turned her head around briefly to flash a wide and confident grin. "Ma, I’m one of the smartest kids in my class. Your daughter won’t be a failure, I promise."

Before her mother could respond, the familiar opening theme song of the show filled the room, and Rachelle’s head snapped back to the television. Her face lit up with excitement as the show began.

"It’s starting!" she exclaimed, the short argument with her mother already forgotten.

Rachelle’s mother lingered for a moment, watching her daughter’s joy with a faint smile before shaking her head and walking away.

"These children and their stars..." she muttered, carrying the rest of the groceries to the kitchen to prepare dinner for the both of them.

Might as well watch what her daughter loved so much that she would become disobedient once again.

****

At the live broadcast itself, the host, dressed in an outfit fitting for the occasion, started the show with a microphone by her lips.

’’Ladies and gentlemen, tonight’s guest needs no introduction. She’s won the hearts of all through her unforgettable acting, and made us all cry in popular movie, A kiss in summer. Please give a warm welcome to our newly crowned movie queen, Actress Bella!’’

The audience erupted into cheers as a twenty-five-year-old Arabella Kingston strode onto the stage, her emerald-green jumpsuit shimmering under the lights. She waved gracefully, pausing to blow a kiss to the audience both live and online, before taking a seat on the red couch at the center of the stage.

She settled on the couch with a relaxed poise, crossing one leg over the other as the host took her place opposite her.

’’Welcome back to the celebrity’s talk show, Miss Bella and a wonderful happy new year!’’ The host greeted with a smile. ’’It’s been a hard time trying to catch the attention of one of the busiest actresses in town.’’

She made a light joke, to which Arabella giggled lightly. ’’A happy new year to you as well, Miss Mia. I apologize, but my schedule is fully tight. Though I knew I had to squeeze in time for your show or else, I might find you haunting my dreams till I accept.’’

’’Good that you’re aware, Miss Bella.’’ The host, Miss Mia, grinned playfully. ’’Persistence is my specialty, especially with a job like mine.’’

The audience erupted into laughter between the jokes.

"Since our beloved actress is so busy, we will try our best not to keep you here too long.’’ Miss Mia leaned forward slightly, her tone shifting to one of curiosity. ’’Your fans and I are dying to know—what’s life like for you these days? You’ve become quite low-key on social media. The only times we see you truly active are during your birthday banquets, and of course, your family’s.

"Speaking of family.....your mother’s birthday is coming up soon, isn’t it?"

"Of course. It’s just around the corner, and you, Miss Mia, are definitely invited." Arabella beamed, her face brightening at the mention.

’’My fans and everyone who has always cheered and supported me are definitely invited to watch this year’s birthday banquet on the livestream.’’ She glanced at audience with the same smile.

The audience cheered loudly, and Miss Mia placed a hand over her heart dramatically. "An invitation to the birthday banquet of Actress Bella’s family? I’m very honored, and I’ll definitely be there with my bells on!’’

The playful banter between the two drew more laughter and applause from the audience as the camera captured their playful chemistry.