Sarah was taken aback and struggled to form words.

“Are you telling me that you're actually married to the CEO? All those times when you mentioned being married to the CEO, you weren't joking?"

Sarah was in disbelief as she struggled to process the information. She had always thought it was a joke when Ariana claimed to be the wife of the CEO. Memories flooded back to her of the times she had laughed and teased Ariana for such wild fantasies.

As Ariana took in the spectacle of Sarah's shock, a lighthearted smile graced her face.

"I never kept it a secret from you. It was simply that you never believed me. As I recall, you once jokingly said that if I were the wife of the CEO, then you would be the wife of the President of the country."

“Stop! Stop! I'm so embarrassed!" Sarah blushed, quickly covering Ariana's mouth to silence any further recollection of her past ignorance.

Ariana's expression turned somber as she queried, "Who else knows of my pregnancy?"

Sarah replied, her brow furrowed in confusion, “Just me for now. Why do you ask?"

With a serious tone, Ariana implored, "Please keep this a secret for me. Don't let Theodore find out."

Sarah was bewildered.

"Why? Aren't you two a couple?"

With a heavy heart, Ariana sighed deeply, her eyes downcast. She struggled to find the words to express the complexities of her relationship with Theodore.

"Sarah, our relationship is not what it appears to be. There's so much more to it, and it's difficult to explain in a few words."

Their relationship was far from being the epitome of true love and affection. Instead, it could be described as a calculated partnership where each used the other for their own gain.

The looming possibility of divorce hung over them, threatening to tear them apart and reduce them to mere strangers, devoid of the bond that once held them together.

Ariana's heavy sigh echoed in the room, betraying her deep-seated inner turmoil.

“Sarah, there are so many things I can't seem to control. I promise to reveal everything to you when the time is right."

Feeling the weight of her distress, Sarah enveloped Ariana in a comforting embrace, whispering soothingly in her ear, “I understand the complexities of wealthy families. But don't worry. Your secret is safe with me, no matter what happens. I will always be here to support you and stand by your side."

As Ariana's heart swelled with gratitude, a single tear threatened to escape the corner of her eye. Despite her turmoil, Ariana summoned all her strength and put on a brave face, offering a bright smile in response to Sarah's words.

“Thank you, Sarah. Don't worry about me. I know I can handle this. Your success and happiness will be all the support I need."