CHAPTER 7

VARYA’S POV

Can this guy tell me why I am pinned to his office wall like he caught a squirrel? I thought my heart racing as I tried to make out Kylo's intentions

Does he have no idea how domineering his aura is? Being this close to him makes it difficult to think straight. We are so close that with one more inch, our lips will touch.

The sensation of being physically close to him, the almighty Kylo Cassian.

I mean he looks really handsome this close, no wonder ladies hang on him like pests. Tch! I scoffed inwardly at that remark.

As his hand came to my face, my mind began a vicious flight in million-thought-boxes. Would he kiss me? Slap me? My heart beat stronger, I waited for anything to happen.

When I opened my eyes instead of slapping or kissing me, he put his hand in his pocket and stepped back. That expression on his face, it looked as if his glance alone was piercing me, and not a matter of time until I felt goosebumps all over. "Goodness I wanna sink into the ground now" I muttered with nervousness.

"The old man wants you to cook dinner for everyone, since it's going to be our first day together, we have to put on a show so he can believe we love each other so much," Kylo explained, his tone as cold as ever.

My eyebrows shot up in surprise. Cook dinner? I had expected some sort of formal reception, not a domestic affair. But if it's what Kylo's grandfather wants, then I'll have to comply.

"Huh!?" I stammered, caught off guard by the unexpected request. Kylo's gaze sharpened, his eyes boring into mine. "What? You can't cook or you can't act? Which of them is making you react that way?" he questioned, his tone dripping with thinly veiled sarcasm.

I bristled at his insinuation. "Uh? Not that I can't do any of these but wealthy people are very selective," I retorted defensively.

With a dismissive shrug, Kylo settled into his chair. "Well, we have no choice and I hope you don't embarrass yourself, it's your chance to prove your worth to the old man," he remarked, his voice tinged with a hint of condescension.

I was so tired after the entire day's event, leaving me drained and longing for the comfort of my room. I would pay any amount for that right now.

But I needed to pick up my things before going to Kylo's house for dinner.

"Get in the car," Kylo's commanding voice came from behind. I turned to see him standing beside his black Mercedes, the door opened already.

"Uhm.. I wanna go home to pick up my things, just a few," I stammered. "I have nothing to wear and we planned I would move my things over the week. This was so sudden Sir"

He turned and got in the driver's seat. "Everything you need is at home," he said in that cocky tone of his.

"Get in." Like a puppet on strings, I walked to the passenger seat and sat on the plush leather, buckling my seat belt.

"Jeez, how could he be so bossy, effortlessly controlling people?" I scoffed inwardly.

We stopped in front of a beautiful Mansion that could buy the entire estate I live in, both intimidating and alluring.

The old man wasn't home yet, I breathed a sigh of relief cos I wasn't ready to begin any "show" at the moment.

The kitchen looked so luxurious, that I could cook for days because of the gleaming stainless steel appliances.

Nothing was missing, I decided on Spaghetti Bolognese as the menu, my mother loved it any time I cooked it. Its rich aroma filled the air.

Semifreddo, an Italian dessert to balance it up. I hummed as I got busy with what I love to do most, lost in the rhythm and familiar scent of the meal.

I felt a shadow standing behind me, I turned to see Kylo's staring intently at me.

"My goodness, you startled me," I said, my heart still beating too fast in my chest. "What do you want?" I finally asked.

"I thought you might burn down the kitchen," he replied a hint of amusement in his voice. "I came over to inspect. It's my house after all."I felt a wave of anger boiling from within. I don't have to mind him.

"Grandpa is here with a friend,” he added, his voice more serious than ever. "So that meal better be great."

He turned and left the kitchen with that. I took a deep breath, the scent of garlic and spices filling the air.

Sitting at the dinner table with Grandpa Cassian and his guest, I felt completely out of place. The man beside Grandpa was none other than the CEO of one of the city's prominent companies. To be sincere, I've only seen him on TV, being here physically with him is surreal.

I never imagined I'd be dining with such influential figures, let alone serving them a meal I cooked myself. The horror must have shown on my face.

As the first spoonful of Spaghetti Bolognese made its way to their mouths, I held my breath, stealing glances at Grandpa Cassian for any sign of approval. Kylo, engrossed in his phone, seemed oblivious to the tension.

Then, the unexpected praise came. "Hmm! Wow, you are such a good cook, daughter-in-law," Grandpa exclaimed, his words bringing a smile to my face.

"Yeah, this Spaghetti Bolognese is delicious," the guest chimed in, his approval adding to my relief.

Kylo, finally taking a bite, paused for a moment. I could see the flicker of surprise and satisfaction in his eyes. It was a small victory, but in that moment, I felt a sense of validation.

With the change of topic to professional, I couldn't help but feel as though I was way too out of their league for such discussions. The discussion was taking into subjects I could not even apprehend, this experience was a lesson of the profound distinction between their lifestyle and mine.

The sums they chucked around were like something from Billionaire movies. The numbers sounded like gibberish to me. While they talked strategies and shares, I sat there like a deaf and dumb until I felt Kylo's hand on mine...