It Wasn't Over

Chapter 6

Ariana's POV

I woke up with a banging headache, the kind that came from staying up too late studying or spending hours on screen

It felt like punishment.

I groaned and pulled the blanket over my head, hoping the darkness would stop my eyes from the continuous pounding….

For a few seconds, I couldn't fathom why my chest felt so heavy.

Then I remembered the terrace

I remembered Damien, and my eyes flew open.

"Oh, God" I murmured, sitting upright so quickly that the room spun.

I pressed my palms against my temples and squeezed my eyes shut, replaying everything that might have happened.

It was a mistake.

A stupid mistake,

One caused by too much champagne

Nothing more.

I climbed out of bed and headed towards the bathroom.

The apartment was unusually quiet, so Lily was probably still asleep.

I turned on the tap and splashed cold water over my face.

When I finally looked into the mirror, I barely recognized myself

Dark circles sat beneath my eyes

my hair was a complete mess.

"Get yourself together, Ariana" I murmured, shaking myself back to reality.

Last night was over.

It was done.

I'm not going to think about it anymore.

I'm not going to think about Damien.

I'm not going to_

"Ariana"

Lily's voice came from the living room, making me jump in shock.

"Yeah?"

"Come out here!"

I sighed lazily.

Of course Lily was already up and energetic.

It dawned on me that she probably hadn't slept much either.

I dried my face and stepped out of the bathroom.

She stood in the middle of the living room wearing an oversized T-shirt and shorts, her hair was tied messily on top of her head.

She was holding a cream-coloured envelope, and somehow, she looked ridiculously cheerful for someone who had gone to bed only a few hours ago.

"What is that?" I asked.

She held it up.

"An invitation."

"An invitation to what?" I asked hastily, with profound confusion.

She grinned.

"Brunch."

"Brunch?"

“Yes," she said, waving the envelope excitedly. "At my house."

I stared at her.

"Well, technically, Dad's house."

My heart stopped for half a second.

"Apparently, Dad is having a small brunch tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

"Yes."

She walked towards me and placed the envelope in my hands.

I looked down at it.

The Kingston family crest was embossed across the front in gold.

My fingers suddenly felt cold.

"Why am I invited?"

Lily shrugged.

“Cause you're my bestfriend”

I looked back at the envelope.

"I don't think I should go." I said, stepping back and taking a seat on the sofa

Lily's smile disappeared.

"Why?"

"I barely know your family."

"Exactly. That's why you should come, to know them" she said, nudging my shoulder.

"And besides, it'll be small. Just family and a few close friends."

I almost laughed.

There was nothing about the Kingston family that I would describe as small.

"Please, Ari."

She gave me the look, the one she knew I couldn't resist

The one nobody could actually resist.

"Fine."

Her face immediately lit up.

"Yes!"

She threw her arms around me, and I hugged her back, forcing a smile.

"You're impossible."

"I know."

She pulled away.

"Now come and help me decide what I'm wearing."

I stared at her.

"NOW?"

"Obviously."

I followed her towards her room, but my thoughts remained trapped on one name.

Damien.

……..

The next morning arrived far too quickly.

By the time Lily and I pulled into the Kingston estate, I had already regretted agreeing to come at least twelve times.

The estate looked completely different in daylight.

The extravagant lights and crowds from that night were gone.

In their place stood perfectly trimmed gardens, towering windows, and a silence that somehow made the entire property feel even grander.

I glanced at Lily.

"Are you sure this is casual?"

She laughed. "Yes."

"This does not look casual."

"You're overthinking it, Ari."

Maybe I was.

Or maybe my instincts were simply trying to warn me.

We stepped through the entrance and were greeted by one of the house staff.

"Good morning, Miss Kingston."

"Morning."

Lily turned to me.

"See? Easy."

I nodded.

Then I heard a familiar voice coming from somewhere down the hallway.

"Lily."

She turned immediately.

"Dad."

A tall man stepped into view, dressed in a perfectly tailored navy suit, despite the supposedly casual brunch. His dark hair was neatly combed back, and there was something unmistakably authoritative about the way he carried himself.

Warren Kingston.

I had seen him briefly at the masquerade ball the night before, but without the crowd and flashing cameras surrounding him, his presence seemed even more imposing.

His gaze shifted towards me.

"And you must be Ariana."

I straightened immediately.

"Yes, Mr Kingston."

A faint smile touched his lips.

"There's no need for that. Warren is fine."

"Okay... Warren."

Lily laughed.

"See? I told you she was nervous." she said to her Dad

"I am not nervous," I protested.

Warren chuckled.

"Good. Lily speaks highly of you, so I was curious to finally meet you."

My smile softened.

"She speaks highly of you too."

"Hopefully only good things."

"Mostly."

Lily gasped.

"Dad!"

Warren laughed, and for the first time, I understood what Lily had meant when she talked about her family.

He seemed warm.

Nothing like the intimidating billionaire I had expected.

"Come," he said, gesturing towards the garden.

"Everyone is waiting."

We followed him through the glass doors leading to the garden.

A long table had been arranged beneath a shaded terrace, decorated with fresh flowers, polished silverware, and an assortment of food.

A few people were already seated.

He was also seated.

Damien sat at the far end of the terrace with a cup of coffee in one hand, dressed much more casually than he had been at the ball.

This time, there was no mask.

Or a Tuxedo

His eyes met mine,

and neither of us looked away.

Then his expression became completely unreadable....

As though last night had never happened, as if the eye contact was my delusions

As though we were strangers.

Technically, we were

I looked away...

"Come sit beside me," Lily said, completely oblivious of whatever was going on.

I followed her to the table.

Warren took the seat at the head of the table, while Damien sat a few places away from him

Vanessa settled across from us, looking effortlessly elegant in a simple cream dress.

Conversation began almost immediately.

Warren asked Lily about university, teasing her about how rarely she called him during busy weeks, while Vanessa joined in with occasional comments.

Eventually, Warren's attention shifted towards me.

My throat went dry.

Because the only thing I could think about was.......