A Ruling Passion: Mr Tremont's Priceless Little Bride novel Chapter 1

“Wow, he’s back. He immediately made huge donations to the prominent art schools in the capital too. It’s great being rich, isn’t it!”

“I’ve heard that he’s our alumni, having graduated from the Southline University. That explains his generous donations. Plus, he’s the richest man in the city after all. More importantly, he’s so charming… practically the whole nation’s ideal man - rich, handsome, and down to earth. There’s no one else like him in this world!”

The entirety of Southline University Art Institute was engrossed with news regarding Mark Tremont’s return, except for Arianne Wynn who stood out like a sore thumb.

Seated at the stairway, she was munching on a stale bun which had long lost its warmth. Downing the otherwise hard to swallow baked good with just plain water felt equally as cold as the winter season.

Mark Tremont. He’s back again after three years…

“Ari, why are you eating buns again? Come on, I’ll buy you a good meal!”

Tiffany Lane plopped herself down carelessly beside Arianne.

The latter shook her head before she stuffed the rest of the bun into her mouth, picking up her bag and swinging it over her shoulder. Her action emphasized her frail frame.

“No time. I’ve got to go back.”

Tiffany sighed. “Alright. Don’t bring any more buns tomorrow. I’ll bring you breakfast.”

Tiffany’s voice slowly drifted afar as Arianne paddled her bicycle, finally disappearing as it flew away with the wintry breeze.

Returning ‘home’, Arianne carefully parked her battered bicycle to the corner and slipped in through the back door. She put down her bag swiftly, returning to the small clammy storeroom.

Just when she was about to change, Mary came in a hurry. “Ari, don’t help me out today. Sir’s looking for you… ah, and be careful. Don’t speak if you can lest he is upset, otherwise you’ll be at the receiving end again.”

Arianne Wynn nodded and went upstairs cautiously. She patted down the washed out jacket she wore, remembering that he disliked sloppiness.

She subconsciously held her breath whilst knocking on the door, her fingertips were trembling. She had grown a lot over the last three years, so she wondered how much would he have changed?