Arya's POV

"And then he drove you home?!" Julia squealed "After you spilled whisky all over him?"

"Yes ma'am." I nodded, seated in front of my best friend's vanity as she curled my hair, running her through the events from the other night.

"Damn girl, don't let that man go." She said in a warning tone.

"Jules, please," I laughed. "Is everything a fairytale to you?"

"If he saves your ass from a scary man and drives you home after you ruined an outfit that probably costs more than what you earn in a month, then yeah baby, it's a fairytale."

I rolled my eyes at her. She was probably right, but every bit of attraction I felt towards Kayden had vanished into thin air after he humiliated me at his place the other night.

I didn't know why he was nice to me but I bet there was something attached. Men like him couldn't be trusted.

"Okay. Time for the main event." Jules sang, clapping her hands.

She had slayed my hair and makeup to perfection as usual.

She walked over to her wardrobe and brought out two large branded boxes.

"As promised, here you go." She said, handing me a box.

I opened the box and gasped immediately as I saw the dress.

"Oh my gosh," I gushed. "This is so pretty."

"I know right! I already took a peek when it came, I couldn't wait." Julia confessed as she put hers on.

"This must have cost a whole lot." I said, putting it on.

The dress clung to my frame perfectly. The black fabric shimmered subtly, hugging my waist before flowing down to floor length. A deep slit ran along the side, exposing the smooth skin of my thighs.

The top of the dress was built like a corset, snatching my waist and accentuating my boobs. It was paired with a stunning silver neck piece and matching earrings. I was mesmerised. I had never looked this good.

"Damn, girl," Julia said, twirling me around, her eyes sparkling. "Who gave you permission to look this good?"

"Excuse you?" I shot back, giving her an exaggerated once over. "You look absolutely lethal in that dress."

Julia's gown was emerald green, matching her green eyes. The silky fabric clung to her curves perfectly before trailing behind her like liquid jade.

From the front, it was elegant and deceptively modest but when she turned, the dress dipped low, very low, exposing her toned back and her spine tattoo, trailing all the way down to her waist.

"Okay, what's the idea for tonight?" I asked, sitting on the bed as Jules fastened the strap of my heels.

"Well it's kinda like a charity thing." She explained. "Nolan's best friend's dad is some big shot apparently."

"Oh," I tilted my head. "Who is he?"

She groaned, rolling her eyes. "Girl, same thing I asked. He flat out refused to tell me. He said I'll 'meet him there.'" She made air quotes.

"Hm," I narrowed my eyes. "Weird."

"I know right? I'm just gonna focus on trying not to embarrass myself."

"Oh," I raised a brow. "You two are like...serious now?"

"Well..." She said slowly, a blush creeping up her cheeks as she sat down beside me. "He hasn't actually asked me out yet, but I think he likes me."

"No shit Sherlock." I said in an unsurprised tone. "You bet your ass he does. No man spends this much money to buy a dress for a girl and her friend, if he doesn't."

She laughed, smacking my arm lightly. "Well, when you put it like that..."

Her phone rang, interrupting our conversation. I glanced at the clock. It was already past eight pm. I could feel the anxiety creeping through slowly.

"It's here!" Julia squealed, throwing her hands in the air excitedly.

"What's here?" I asked, confused.

"The limo, duh."

"Uh...sorry what now?"

"Let's go, let's go, let's go!" She screamed, bolting through the door without sparing me another glance.

I stood outside Julia's apartment gawking at the sleek black limousine parked by the curb.

"You're kidding," I murmured to myself.

The chauffeur opened the door for Julia and I got in after her, immediately welcoming the scent of pure luxurious leather.

The seats were plush, soft lights lined the ceiling, radiating a soft glow that made me feel like I was in a fairy tale.

I didn't realise the car had started moving till I saw the street lights blur past us through the tinted windows. The car moved so silently it felt like I was floating.

Julia and I kept sharing excited glances, it felt surreal.

There was an assortment of snacks spread out, with water and champagne sitting in ice. Julia helped herself to some chocolate truffles while I just had water to push down the nerves that were trying to choke me.

Soon, the car slowed, signifying that we had arrived. I took a deep breath, making a move to open the door but the chauffeur beat me to it.

"Thank you." I muttered shyly, stepping out of the car with Julia following behind me.

I immediately became hyper-aware of my surroundings.

Some people lingered around the entrance, laughing and engaging in different conversations.

There were cameras everywhere, flashing violently and repeatedly as guests walked the red carpet. They all looked so elegant and expensive.

I felt like a fake.

"Relax." Julia smiled, lifting my chin, no doubt sensing my nervousness. "We're way hotter."

I returned a smile, believing her words. She held my hand in comfort, squeezing it tightly as we stared at each other in silence.

"Where's he?" I breathed out, finally breaking the silence.

"Jules!" A voice called from behind us.

"Nolan!" Julia beamed hugging the man as they exchanged kisses on their cheeks.

"Thrilled you could make it." He said, throwing a seductive smile at her.

She laughed, rolling her eyes. "As if not."

They leaned in slowly, like they were about to kiss.

"Ahem..." I let out a fake cough, catching their attention.

"This is Arya," Jules said as she straightened herself, gesturing at me. "Arya, Nolan."

She stepped aside for us to meet.

My eyes widened in surprise as he came into full view. It was the same guy. The guy from the restaurant the other day, Kayden's friend.

"It's you." We both said at the same time, our expressions mirroring each other's shock.

"Uh... you guys know each other?" Julia asked, confused.

"No."

"Yes."

We spoke at the same time as Julia laughed. "Okay what is going on?"

"He's the guy from the restaurant the other night. Kayden's friend." I explained as she mouthed an 'oh'.

"And you're the girl from the club. Yeah I remember you now." He said grinning at me.

I knew I had seen his face somewhere before the restaurant. He was the guy Julia was making out with. I couldn't help but laugh a little, finding the situation rather unexpected.

"Wait...you're the girl from the club," He repeated, like he had just realised something.

"Yeah, we heard you the first time." I said, raising an eyebrow at him.

"You and Kayden... ohhhh damn." He laughed, nodding in realisation. "That's what that was about huh? What has he done wrong this time?"

I mentally facepalmed myself, knowing that he had put two and two together.

"Okay it's high time I met this Kayden person." Julia said, crossing her arms.

"Yeah sure, let's go in shall we?" Nolan replied, leading us in through the crowd and into the hall.

My breath caught in my throat the moment we walked in.

Arya's POV

I tried not to gawk so I won't be discovered, but it was almost impossible not to.

The hall was insanely breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers adorned the ceiling like frozen fireworks. The entire room was quite literally covered in gold. The tables, chairs, silverware, everything.

Who the hell was Kayden's father and what did he do for a living?

The marble floors were polished to shine, such that you could see your reflection in it. White flowing curtains spilled from tall windows that revealed the city glittering in the distance.

Guests moved around in their flowing gowns and tailored suits, their laughter and conversation blending with the soft live music playing in the background.

I spotted a few famous faces. I wasn't much of a social person, but even I could recognise a few prominent ones. This was a gathering of high profile people. I couldn't be more out of place.

"What the fuck are we doing here Jules?" I whispered to Julia, pinching her arm lightly.

"Shut up and be in character." She replied through her teeth, faking a smile as Nolan returned to us with two glasses of champagne in hand.

"Thank you." I smiled at him, collecting a glass.

"If I may?" He said to me, grabbing Julia by the waist and leading her away from me.

I froze, wide eyed. Was I about to be left alone? In a den of wolves?

Julia glanced back at me, giving me an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry," she mouthed.

And when I blinked, she had disappeared into the crowd, whisked away by Nolan, leaving me in the middle of the giant hall.

"Fuck me," I huffed in frustration.

Drink in hand, I turned around, heading for the exit when I bumped into someone. I squeezed my eyes shut, silently praying it wasn't real, that I hadn't ruined some millionaire's perfectly tailored tux or spilled my drink all over him.

"Umm... hi?" A deep, masculine voice spoke.

My eyes shot open as I lifted my head slowly. I was met with a pair of blue eyes. My eyes dropped to his tux, examining it carefully to see if my drink had spilled on him. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw that it didn't.

"Cat's got your tongue?" He spoke again as I caught the harsh smell of whisky from him. My brows shot up. The event was just starting, how could he be drunk already?

"I'm sorry," I apologised, stepping away from him.

"Woahh..." he drawled, blocking my way. "What's got you in a rush babe?"

"Uh..." I didn't know what to say. Did he just call me 'babe' or was I toned deaf?

"I'm Kai." He said, holding out a hand I had no desire to take. "What's your name pretty?"

I really wanted to get away from him, especially since his eyes kept lingering on my boobs, making my skin crawl. The sheer disrespect. Damn this corset.

"Arya." I replied curtly, taking a step back trying to put some distance between us.

"Sexy name for a very sexy girl." He muttered as he eyed me up and down, drooling just enough to make me want to throw up.

I had never felt so disgusted. How the hell was I supposed to leave without making a scene?

"Baby?" A tiny voice called from behind us. "What are you doing here? Come say hi to my uncle." She said dragging him away, not without throwing a dirty look my way.

I couldn't be more happy about that.

I stepped outside the hall, breathing a sigh of relief as the fresh air hit my face. The noise, the light, the overwhelming chatter, it all faded behind me.

The night had just begun and I was already over it. I couldn't help the disappointment that settled in my chest.

I had been looking forward to tonight, excited about getting a taste of what it felt like to be rich and powerful. But yet, here I was, standing outside, wishing I could disappear.

What was wrong with me? Julia had an effortless charm and seemed so at ease. She walked with grace and so much confidence, like she belonged here. Why couldn't I do that?

I sighed heavily and closed my eyes, letting the night air wash over me. My mind drifted to my mother.

I hated feeling like this, exposed and vulnerable, trapped in a world that wasn't made for me. For some reason, the discomfort always made my thoughts drift to her, to the memories I've dried to bury over the years. It made me think about whether she was struggling as much as I was.

And I hoped she was. The selfish and bitter part of me hoped she was suffering in ways I couldn't imagine.

A shiver ran through my spine and I hugged my arms around myself. I hated that she still had the power to make me feel like this, even after all these years.

I opened my eyes again, staring at the dark city lights in the distance. I knew I had to keep pushing, even if it meant wearing pretentious dresses and sitting through pretentious galas.

"Dammit Arya." I muttered to myself. "Pull yourself together."

After about thirty minutes of collecting my thoughts, I took a deep breath and went back inside the hall. I was surprised to see the majority of the guests on the dance floor, each with a partner as they moved gracefully to the rhythm of the music.

"Rich people." I scoffed under my breath, rolling my eyes. "Now where the fuck is Jules?"

I squinted my eyes, scanning the room, my gaze darting from one unfamiliar face to another trying to find a certain green eyed doll named Jules. Then I saw him. The same dude from before who kept gawking at my boobs shamelessly.

My face twisted in disgust as he smiled at me. He emptied the glass in his hand and started walking towards me.

"Oh fuck no."

I scanned the room frantically, unsure of what to do. I was definitely not going to endure another disturbing conversation with that man. My mind raced with options.

I could dart to the bar and pretend to get a drink? No, that would just make him more excited. Or I could scream as loud as I can till Julia came to rescue me? No, I would just look crazy.

The longer I stood there, the more I realised he was getting closer and I had to act. So without thinking, I did what I thought was my best option.

My heels clicked against the polished marble as I walked into the dance floor, hoping to lose him in the crowd, my heart beating rapidly in my chest.

I couldn't have been more wrong.

Boy, was he persistent. He was now headed to the dance floor, a sick smile on his face. Why did I have the worst luck with men?

Panicking, I grabbed onto the figure who had his back turned to me. He stiffened, turning to face me slowly as his eyes locked on mine.

I felt the colour drain from my face.

Arya's POV

"Are you lost?" Kayden asked, eyeing me up and down as a smirk crawled onto his face.

That damn smirk. I wanted to slap it off.

Realising I didn't have much of a choice, I closed the space between us, guiding his hands to my waist as I placed both hands behind his neck.

"Dance with me." I caught the look of surprise on his face, even though it only lasted for about a second before he was back to factory reset.

"What's in it for me?"

"Why are you standing alone on the dance floor? Are you lost?" I ignored his question, mimicking his statement from earlier.

He raised an eyebrow, "I could ask you the same, cupcake."

"It's Arya." I retorted. I hated the idea of pet names, and most definitely not from someone I didn't like so much.

"And I'm not alone," I continued. "I'm dancing with you."

"No, you're forcing me to dance with you." He said.

"And you don't want to dance with me?" I was playing mind games.

I knew I looked gorgeous in the dress, the countless stares I got affirmed it. Not even the coldest hearts could resist a second glance. So yes, I knew Kayden couldn't possibly resist.

"I don't want to be forced to do it." he replied, holding me still, preventing me from moving.

"Force? I don't remember holding a gun to your head." I said, giving a fake smile.

"Damn bro, didn't know you had it in you." I turned my head to see the guy from before. Kai or whatever he said his name was.

Bro? As in brother?

"Where's Kayla?" Kai spoke again.

"This is Arya." Kayden replied plainly, avoiding the question he asked.

It was the first time I heard him say my name. It rolled off his tongue perfectly and I wanted him to say it over and over again.

I squeezed my eyes shut, mentally reminding myself that I didn't like him.

"Oh yeah, we've met," Kai said, looking at me, his eyes flickering to my chest.

I felt Kayden's grip on my waist tighten at that moment and turned my gaze to him, but he wasn't looking at me. He was looking at Kai, with an emotion I couldn't quite describe.

"You owe me a dance, sweetheart." The pest continued. I felt like gauging my eyes out every time he opened his mouth to speak.

"No, she doesn't." Kayden replied firmly, pulling me slightly closer.

The tension was thick. So thick that you could slice it open with a knife.

"My bad bro," Kai said, with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

I was confused. I couldn't tell if they were actually brothers. The resemblance was not even there.

"Later princess," he said lazily as he staggered away. "Say hi to Kayla for me. Can't find the bitch anywhere."

I felt Kayden's body physically relax as he left. Who the hell is Kayla?

"Interesting." He spoke, snapping my attention back to him.

"Interesting?" I asked, raising a brow.

"You used me."

"Don't flatter yourself," I said, rolling my eyes. "I merely asked for a dance."

"To avoid him?"

"Who? Your brother?" I asked, hoping to solve the puzzle.

"He sure loves to think that doesn't he?"

What does that even mean?

He moved impossibly closer, moving a piece of hair out of my face ever so gently as he stared at my lips. Our faces were barely an inch apart.

I held my breath. Was he about to kiss me?

I could feel my heart pounding in my chest just as moved his face to the side, whispering into my ear, "You owe me, cupcake."

"Ex... excuse me?" I stuttered.

"I just helped you," he said. "Twice. I don't do free favors."

"What do you..."

"Ladies and gentlemen." A deep voice erupted from the speakers, cutting me short. "Thank you all for gracing my invitation tonight."

Making their way back to their seats, guests clapped ever so softly as Kayden left without sparing me a second glance. I followed, heading towards my initial position when we initially arrived.

"Ari!" Julia called out to me, pointing at the empty seat beside her.

I rolled my eyes and grudgingly went over. "I'm so sorry."

"Save it." I murmured as I took a seat beside her, helping myself to a drink at the table.

"Come on now," she nudged me slightly. "Surely it wasn't that bad."

"Oh really? Being harassed by some drunk creep isn't that bad?"

"Oh I -"

"Nevermind honestly, Kayden helped me out of the situation. Apparently I'm indebted to him now."

"What do you mean indebted?" She asked, confusion written all over her face.

"Well he clearly said I owed him so..." I trailed off, turning my attention back to the man speaking.

The resemblance to Kayden was unmistakable. He exuded so much aura and wealth, even from such distance.

I shivered. I couldn't imagine getting into trouble with someone like this.

"Tonight's cause is very close to my heart, so I encourage you all to give generously. Let's make this a night worth remembering." He finished as guests clapped, toasting to what he had said.

"Am I tripping or is that Kayden's dad?" I whispered to Julia, dragging her seat closer.

"Omg, you wouldn't believe it. Your guy is Kayden Blackwood!" She whispered back.

"What now?"

"Oh my God, Ari. Blackwood? Biggest media industry?"

"I mean sure I've heard of it, but what has that got to do with me?" I wondered.

"That man is literally the chairman of the company and Kayden is his son. They're stinking rich!"

"Yeah no shit."

"Girllll, if that man likes you, you better don't play. This could be our ticket out of doomsville." She said, taking a bite of whatever a waiter had served us.

"Likes me? No thanks." I deadpanned. "Sure he's cute and all, but he's no different from those rich and entitled brats. You could literally smell the ego coming off him from a mile away."

"Damn girl." Nolan appeared, plopping himself on the seat next to Jules. "You really hate my boy that much huh?"

"They have history." Julia replied.

"Oh please," I rolled my eyes. "It's very insignificant."

"I know he can be bitch, but he's mostly a sweetheart. Give him time." Kai said warmly.

"I'm sure that won't be necessary anyway. I mean look at us," I said pointing between us. "We're two different people living two very different lives. All of this is going to be short-lived, the sooner I make peace with that, the better."

It didn't matter if Kayden was a sweetheart or not. This wasn't a fairytale where the prince falls in love with the maid. I needed to face my reality and focus on the things that actually mattered. My grandma.

My phone buzzed and I took it out of my purse. It was a missed call from grandma. I suppressed the panic. She wouldn't call me unless it was important

"What is it?" Julia asked, taking my phone from me when I didn't say anything. "Is she okay?"

"I don't know. I have to go."

"Woah," Kai said looking confused. "Is something wrong?"

"Nothing-"

"It's her grandma. She's ill." Julia replied.

"Oh I'm sorry. Let me arrange a car for you right away."

"Thanks but that won't be necessary." I said immediately.

"Please Arya, just let me. It's nothing." He stood up and walked away.

"Just relax, I'm sure everything is okay." Julia squeezed my palm. "I'll come with you."

"No, no, no, definitely not. You're staying here." I shook my head.

"What do you mean-"

"Enjoy the rest of the night Jules, you deserve it. I see how happy you are with Nolan."

"Oh please, I could always see him some other time."

"Jules, I insist. Don't worry I'll text you. Everything will be fine like you said." I assured her.

Nolan came back and escorted me to a black car outside. The driver was already inside, waiting.

"He'll get you home safely." he said, opening the passenger's seat for me to enter.

"Hey, Arya!"

I stopped in my tracks when I heard my name. Looking back, I saw Kayden jogging towards us.

"You alright bro?" Nolan asked, looking as confused as I was.

"I'll drive her."

"Kayden I don't have time for games, I just need to get home quickly." I said to him.

"Do I look like I'm playing games?" He opened the door to the driver's seat and signaled for him to get out. He got in the car and started the engine. "You coming?"

"Bye Nolan. Thank you for tonight." I said, finally getting into the car as Kayden drove off.

"What is it this time? Don't you have sonly duties to perform?"

"I do, and that is why I'm here."

"It's your duty to drive me around now?" I raised an eyebrow.

"I mean it could be, if you were my wife."

I choked on my spit. "Are you drunk?"

"No cupcake, I'm not."

"Arya." I glared at him.

"Arya, I told you I didn't do free favors. I saved you twice and I want something in return."

"Well what could you possibly want that you don't already have Mr. Blackwood?"

"Perfect. I want you to be Mrs. Blackwood." He said, like that was the simplest thing.

"Huh?"

"Marry me, Arya."