Dilema Arini

Chapter 1: Indulge

Adrian leaned back in his chair while his amber eyes remained fixed on Noelle as she absentmindedly drizzled syrup over her pancake.

"Stop staring and eat," Noelle said with a laugh as she caught his gaze.

Adrian smirked and rested his chin on his hand. "Can't help it. You're prettier than breakfast." Noelle rolled her eyes, but a faint blush dusted her cheeks. "Flattery will not get you another pancake."

Before Adrian could respond, his phone vibrated on the table and the screen lit up with Miles' name. Adrian let out a groan while his smile faded as he picked up the phone.

"Do you have to ruin my morning already, Miles?" Adrian grumbled, holding the phone to his ear.

"Good morning to you too, sunshine," Miles replied, his voice brisk. "I need you at AMN, now."

Adrian's brows furrowed. "I just got home last night. Can't it wait? I'm having breakfast with Noelle."

"It can't wait," Miles said firmly. "We just got an offer from Dela Vega Productions. It's huge, Adrian! The kind of deal people would kill for. You need to hear this in person."

Adrian pinched the bridge of his nose. He glanced at Noelle who was quietly sipping her coffee but watching him with an understanding smile.

"I'm not interested, Miles," Adrian said while leaning back in his chair. "I told you I want to spend time with Noelle. Whatever it is, we can talk about it tomorrow."

"No, we can't," Miles insisted with an unyielding tone in his voice. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Dela Vega Productions doesn't just knock on doors! They only call when they know you're the best fit. You'd be crazy to ignore this."

Adrian sighed heavily and ran a hand through his messy hair. He looked at Noelle again, silently apologizing with his eyes. But Noelle only smiled softly while nodding her head in silent encouragement.

"Fine," Adrian finally said but still a little reluctant. "I'll be there in an hour."

"Make it half," Miles quipped before hanging up.

Adrian set his phone down with a groan, rubbing his face with both hands. "That man doesn't understand the concept of personal time."

Noelle chuckled, reaching across the table to squeeze his hand. "It's okay. I know how important your work is. Go on and prepare."

Adrian sighed, standing up and walked around the table to plant a kiss on the top of her head."

At least let me drive you to the bridal shop you mentioned to me last night," Adrian said, his voice soft as he stroked her hair. "You said you wanted to pick out your dress."

Noelle's lips curled into a smile as she looked up at him. "You don't have to. You're already in a rush because of Miles, and I know how much he'll nag you if you're late."

Adrian smirked, crouching down beside her chair so their eyes met. "I can handle Miles. But you? You're my priority."

Her heart softened at his words, but she still shook her head gently. "I'll be fine. Grace is meeting me there, remember? You focus on this big project. We'll have plenty of time later to argue over lace and tulle."

Adrian's amber eyes narrowed in playful protest. "You're really going to pick a dress without me? That's cruel, darling."

She chuckled, brushing her fingers along his cheek. "You're not supposed to see the dress before the wedding anyway, Mr. Blackwood. Isn't that bad luck?"

"Superstition," Adrian countered with a grin, but he sighed in surrender. "Fine. But I'm holding you to a full recap when I get back."

"Deal," she said with a laugh, leaning in to press a soft kiss to his lips. "Now go before Miles calls again and yells at you."

Reluctantly, Adrian stood, grabbing his jacket and keys. He turned back to her as he reached the door. "Text me as soon as you're done, okay? And don't let Grace pressure you into picking something you don't like."

Noelle shook her head, amused by his concern. "I promise. Go on now."

With one last lingering glance, Adrian left as the sound of the door clicking shut echoed through the house. Noelle exhaled deeply while her fingers brushed against her lips where his kiss lingered, before finishing her coffee.

~~~~~~~~

Grace stood outside of the bridal shop while keeping her eyes on her watch. The soft clinking of her bracelets echoed faintly as she crossed her arms and tapped her heel against the pavement.

And when she spotted Noelle approaching in her usual shirt and fitted pants, Grace couldn't help but let out a light laughter. "You know, you're probably the only bride-to-be in the city who shows up to pick a wedding dress looking like she's here to run errands."

Noelle shrugged with a shy smile as she reached Grace. "What's wrong with being comfortable? I didn't know I needed to dress up to try on dresses."

Grace shook her head, still smiling as she linked her arm with Noelle's. "There's nothing wrong with it, Elle. I just... admire how grounded you are. Most women would be showing off if they were in your shoes." She gestured down to Noelle's modest sneakers. "I heard Adrian spoilt you with everything."

Noelle rolled her eyes as her smile softened. "Don't remind me. I've told him a hundred times to stop buying me things I don't need. Half the time, I feel like I have to scold him like a child."

Grace let out a laugh. "Oh, I can picture that. But you know him, he's not just an actor. He's practically a one-man empire. I swear, Adrian thinks spoiling you is his personal mission."

Noelle's steps faltered slightly and glanced at Grace. "Empire? What are you talking about?"

Grace froze for a split second as she realized her slip. But she quickly plastered on a nonchalant expression. "I just mean... you know, he's a big deal. His projects, his influence... it's a lot to handle."

Noelle frowned, clearly unconvinced but unwilling to press further. "Well, I still wish he'd tone it down. I don't need all of that to be happy. Just him."

Grace's smile softened at her friend's words. Noelle's humility and sincerity were exactly why she and Adrian adored her so much. Looping their arms together again, Grace tugged her toward the bridal shop. "Come on, let's find you the dress of your dreams before you talk yourself out of it."

But the moment they entered, Noelle ended up gasping in utter surprise. She then laughed nervously as her eyes darted around the bridal shop. The gleaming chandeliers, racks of delicate lace, and mannequins adorned in the finest silk gowns exuded luxury at every corner. Her gaze landed on a dress with intricate beading, and her jaw dropped when she spotted the price tag.

"Wow... these are beautiful... and expensive!" she exclaimed, her tone rising in mild panic. "Why would you bring me here?!"

Grace burst out laughing, shaking her head as she grabbed Noelle's arm to steady her. "Shush, woman! You're acting like you've never stepped into a fancy shop before."

"That's because I haven't!" Noelle whispered sharply, still scanning the extravagant displays as if they might swallow her whole. "I can't afford anything here! Grace, I'm just a flower shop owner. What were you thinking?"

Grace rolled her eyes dramatically, pulling Noelle toward a nearby rack of gowns. "Oh, please. Did you really think Adrian was going to let you spend a single cent of your own money on your wedding?"

Noelle froze, blinking at her. "But... it's my wedding. I'm supposed to—"

"—Supposed to what?" Grace cut her off with a pointed look. "Listen, Elle, Adrian loves you more than anything. If he had his way, he'd probably buy you the entire shop just to see you smile. You're his world, so let him spoil you a little."

Noelle sighed, running a hand through her hair as her gaze shifted back to the dresses. "I just... I don't want to feel like I'm taking advantage of him, you know? He already does so much. It feels... overwhelming."

Grace softened, resting a hand on Noelle's shoulder. "That's what makes you so special, Elle. You don't care about my cousin's fame or money, and he knows that. But don't forget. He does all of this because it makes him happy, not because he thinks you need it. You're not taking advantage of him, you're giving him the chance to show how much he loves you."

Noelle's lips quirked into a small, hesitant smile. "You make it sound so easy."

"That's because it is," Grace teased, nudging her gently. "Now, come on. Let's find something that'll knock Adrian's socks off on your wedding day."