Champagne and Fairytales III

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.”