9. •Δ Awkward Δ•

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Classic - MKTO 

Ooh girl you're shining
Like a 5th avenue diamond

And they don't make you like they used to
You're never going out of style

Ranveer and I were expecting them to be at my aunt's boutique but they are already done with that. Strange. They figured it out so quickly. I am sure it's all Arianna's doing. At least she could have pretended to be excited and take a little longer to pick. But no, that minx must have chosen the most expensive one and let my mom pay.

I shook my head in fury, I thought we could be something other than two people bound by a contract marriage, at least develop some sort of friendship. I have never gone down on my knees to propose to a girl. Hell, even my promposal was a nightmare for every teenage girl. I asked who wants to go and every girl present at the lunch table raised their hands. I only had a sangria-colored tie at that time, so I told them whoever could find the matching dress can come with me. The word spread and our high school prom looked like we had a fucking color code. Expecting the possibility, other guys had also got similar ties suspending down their necks.

Apart from Arianna's disinterest, what had me puzzled was the smitten look on Mrs.Schneider's face. I can't help but agree that Arianna really is special. Mrs. Schneider is a difficult woman, hard to please. She calls all her clients bridezilla.

"Oh, Axel darling you got a gem. She is simply amazing, you are a lucky man. I never imagined you getting married so early and that too to an angel, like Arianna. Ranveer, my boy you must learn something from him. I think it's time for you to tie the knot as well." She spoke, pulling our cheeks. The bride-to-be and her friends looking for a gown giggled at us. And we walked out, our face flushed in embarrassment.

Ranveer's honey-colored cheek tinged red. He doesn't believe in whoring around and has maintained the titles since college. But I'm still notorious due to a certain someone. However the people I'm close with know who I am and the gossip articles do not define me. And definitely not the wannabes clinging to me for photos.

*****

"I was excited to see your bride-to-be but now I am curious. She charmed Daphne" Said Ranveer with all honesty. I didn't answer him, and he exhaled a deep sigh like he was flustered with me but didn't prod the topic further. And when did he and Mrs. Schneider come on a first-name basis.?

We hunted for Arianna and my mom in all the luxury brand stores but didn't find them. I was about to call off my 'mission surprise' When my eyes got a hold of the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. She was standing really far so I made my way towards her, my feet were moving automatically as if they were obeying my heart. As though feeling my presence, she turned completely and looked in my direction. I could feel in my heart that she is feeling the same pull as I do.

Ranveer was saying something, but I tuned it out. I was only a few feet away from the angel in front of me when I heard the most cringe-worthy voice that would put Janice Hosenstein to shame.

I took a breath of relief, realizing she was not talking to me. I don't want to be seen around this girl in public or private places for that matter. But she was actually talking to my angel, I steal another glance at my angel in this close proximity and freeze.

Oh No.

Arianna and I for sure looked like deer caught in the headlights waiting for getting hit but instead, having icy cold water poured on us. I couldn't believe the connection I felt for her. It was so platonic. The first time I saw her, there was only a physical attraction but what I just felt could change everything. As for now, we have a bigger high-pitched problem in front of us. Jessica Bell, Arianna's elder sister.

"What are you doing here. What can you possibly get from a place like this? No wonder your fashion sense sucks." Screeches Jessica, getting the attention of all the shoppers, who are offended. Judging by the angry look they were giving Jessica, mob lynching could take place any minute If she doesn't keep her mouth shut.

Jessica actually has a very decent appearance, but when she talks, whether you're on earshot or not it speaks volume. Her full plump lips stretch from ear to ear to speak a simple term that doesn't even require your lips to move like that.

Even now, her lips have locked in a stretching form as she is studying the store with her wide blue eyes. Her gaze is judgemental and haughty. It doesn't suit her as she is wearing an electric pink top with bright blue jeans and awful pink platform heels. Don't even get me started on the earrings and makeup, the only similarity the sisters have is their hair color. Jessica has blonde hair naturally but for some reason, she has dyed them like Arianna's.

My gaze darted towards Ranveer. He is watching everything from the entrance of the store. He is enjoying himself as if he were watching a telenovela. He waves his phone in my direction and I check what he had texted me and groan. Apparently, he is the reason why Jessica was here. Ranveer was calling after me as I was chasing the pull towards Arianna, his voice didn't even register me and unfortunately caught Jessica's attention. She leeched on him, but Ranveer kept following me, categorically ignoring Jessica's existence.

"Well, I needed some casual clothes for daily wear, so I came here." Arianna speaks sheepishly, pushing a lock of hair behind her ear.

"Then take my old clothes but please don't come here. What if someone sees you. What would they think of us." Hisses Jessica before storming out of the store, not wanting to stay any longer where normal people shop. Her focus was now back on Ranveer standing right outside.

I was failing to control my laughter. The image of Arianna wearing Jessica's clown-like clothes was all I could visualize. A perfect distraction from the previous feeling I had for Arianna. But all my humor vanished when I glanced at Arianna. Her shoulders sagged in defeat as she peered down at her feet. I felt like a douche. And that thought hit me like a tornado when I noticed my mother scowling at me from the other end of the store.

I stand beside Arianna upon seeing my mom march in our direction. Arianna glanced at me and sneered.

"Arianna, dear. I am done with my shopping lets clear the bill. Daphne must be free by now. We will go dress shopping... and you Axel, are coming with us." Mom said sharply, shoving the clothes she had picked on my chest.

"No, mom. You know how much I hate it." I whine, glancing towards Arianna for some help but to no avail.

"Then what are you doing here.?" She snaps.

"I came to surprise you two." I murmur, in an attempt to appear innocent.

"Well color us surprised. Come on now." She orders and the authority in her voice had me following behind her like an angry child. A smile crept on Arianna's face and I couldn't help but smile back at her.

*****

Mrs. Schneider joined our shopping spree, along with the shovel-faced Ranveer whose arm was hooked by Jessica's. His gaze was set ahead as Jessica kept talking about the things she had bought so far. I was relieved because mom found her dress for the wedding in no time. But that relief didn't last long because Arianna here doesn't have anything other than maxi gowns. She will need a new wardrobe to accompany me to the company's event.

As they found the right store, Jessica finally left Ranveer's side. And to our absolute pleasure, Ranveer and I found a place to sit in the corner of the store alongside the other unfortunate man. All three of us gave each other a pitiful look. Pure Empathy.

Mrs. Schneider must have thought Jessica would be just like her sister in nature. An elegant woman wearing Ummm...Colorful clothes. But that feeling did not last long, Jessica Bell does not have a spark of decency in her, expecting any on the account of her sister is out of the question. They are polar opposite in every way.

"Oh my god, Arianna. Why are you looking at the price tags your mother-in-law is paying." Jessica attempts to whisper yell. Her voice was loud and clear for all of us.

Arianna's cheeks redden in embarrassment, as she gave mom an apologetic look. I ball my fist wanting to punch Jessica. Mrs. Schneider read the situation and decided to have some fun, giving mom and Arianna their time to shop.

"Jessica, who is your designer. Your clothes. They are... really different." More like out of the world. Mrs.Schneider couldn't speak aloud.

"Ohh I don't need one. I align my wardrobe by myself." Jessica remarks haughtily.

Arianna and mom took the hint. Mrs. Schneider was taking one for the team.

I noticed how Arianna's face would lit up on the sight of a beautiful dress but turned into a frown after discreetly checking the price tag. Which was skeptical, she can definitely afford them. I follow her every move until she finally got settled for only a couple of dresses that don't cost as much. I made a mental to pick the ones she had actually liked, later. A Knight woman will never settle for less.

Mrs. Schneider was still enduring Jessica's babble as the day ended after all six of us having dinner together. Mrs. Schneider made sure Jessica's mouth was stuffed with food, so she would stop talking. Mrs. Schneider, the fallen soldier was taken home by Ranveer and mom. Thankfully, Jessica had a car.

I offer to drop Arianna back home and she didn't protest. I liked that she was wise about her safety. The drive back home was eerily silent. I couldn't stop myself from breaking it by finally asking. "Why didn't you buy anything else. It's just three dresses.?"

I notice Arianna tense beside me at the simple question, "I wasn't really looking for one. I don't find them comfortable. You see how I dress." She said nervously, wringing her hands together, pointing to her summer dress.

"And where is the wedding gown." I ask.

"You are not supposed to see it and Mrs. Schneider took care of it. You will love it". Arianna beamed at me. I almost ran into the car in front of us to see her smile directed at me.

I only nod my head in response. Why would I love her wedding gown.? Is she starting to feel what I'm feeling? The thought occupied my head until we reached the precarious area she has chosen on all of Brooklyn to open a feminine cafe.

The streetlight right in front of the cafe wasn't lit. And other establishments as I had expected were closed, even the motor garage was shut. Arianna murmurs her humble gratitude but my brain was on fucking fire to even acknowledge it.

She switched on the torch on her phone before climbing out of the car. I shifted to the high beam on the headlights of the car to create some luster in the gravelly road. She turned around and gave me a smile. But my heart was thundering against my ribcage in fear that a goon might jump on her any minute.

I jammed my hands in my hair watching her take hesitant steps on the stairs while balancing her shopping bags. Why can't I just go back there and give her a hand like a normal fucking gentleman?

Because you'll throw her over your shoulder and take her to the safety of your penthouse like a caveman. The voice in the back of my head screams. Arianna gave me a final wave from the small window, I wave her back and park at a distance, waiting until she switched the lights out. Even after reaching home, I couldn't sleep thinking about Arianna. The next we will be seeing each other will be on our wedding day. How will I manage my sanity till then?

I paced in the hallway as my frustration shifted towards her parents. How could they leave her be alone in such a place.? My phone pinged as Ranveer's texted me a picture and a link to a shallow news report about some high society party in Manhattan. Marion Bell was smiling bright, flaunting her latest diamond jewelry and shinier clothes. She was just a guest. The event could have been avoided. Even Jessica joining us was a fluke or a misfortune to be accurate. I can't help but feel there is something I'm missing here.

******

Namaste, reader!!! I hope you liked the chapter. If you did then please don't forget to VOTE ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave your precious COMMENTS behind.

I would love it if you check out my other stories, 'Aurora's Aura' 'Mafia & Miss Honey' 'Becoming Romeo' 'Violet Hues' & ''His Captive'. The story link is on my profile.


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