Chapter 8 #2
With a deep breath, I step further into the room. A few people look right at me and this is the moment I know that I'm wearing a show-stopping piece. I can only hope Aria is wearing something just as grand.
Almost like I summoned her Aria comes from around a corner wearing a sparkling black ballgown with a high slit up her left leg. I smile devilishly at her, but my view of her is suddenly obstructed by her father.
He walks hastily toward Aria and I'm quick to follow him, about ten or fifteen paces behind.
His tone is angered and stressed, "I told you to dress well, not like some high-class tramp."
Aria has fury raging in her eyes and licks her top lip, but she doesn't get the chance to speak because I interject. "Aria, you look stunning," I tell her, silently telling her father to shut the fuck up.
I glance at Aria's father, who is staring daggers at her. "This dress is perfect for tonight's occasion."
He scowls, "I appreciate your opinion, Maxim, but it's not. I wanted her to wear something more... appropriate. This is too revealing."
Aria crosses her arms, clenching her jaw tight. "This dress is perfect. You wanted to show off your rotten apple of a daughter, so I was sure to play the part," she protests, her voice shaking with emotion. "I look a bit scandalous, just as a mistress's daughter should, don't you think?"
I place a gentle hand on her shoulder, trying to calm her down a bit. "Aria, there's no need to argue with him. Let's focus on the party and go get a drink."
Aria's father grumbles but finally relents, pushing past us and heading further into the ballroom.
"Are you okay?" I ask Aria, honestly concerned for her.
She nods, taking a deep breath. "I'm fine. Just...frustrated. He's always been controlling when he's been in my life, and ever since this arrangement, he's been a bit overboard."
I nod in understanding. "I can see that. But remember, tonight's about us. Sure, we're here because our families say so, but we don't have to let it put a damper on our moods. Plus, I've been looking forward to seeing you again, little girl."
The darkness in her eyes starts to dissipate, and she snickers. "I can't say the same."
A lot of people would backhand her for her fiery responses, but not me. I have to say I enjoy her when she's like this.
"Come on, let's go have a good time." I tug at her hand so we can head further into the party, specifically to the bar, but she doesn't relent.
I turn back and look right at her. "What's the matter?"
"You expect me to have a good time when my father and evil stepmother have taken my mother and are holding her captive until we marry. That's highly unlikely,"
Every bit of expression melts off my face at her words. I knew her father pressured her into this marriage, as did mine, but I completely forgot about them holding her mother hostage.
"I completely forgot. They haven't let her go yet?" I furrow my brows, figuring they would have released her by now.
She scoffs and shakes her head, "Exactly what I said. They're holding my mother captive until I marry you, to ensure I don't ruin their plans."
Anger coils in my chest. "That ends now. You're going to be my wife, Aria, and I know you're not too fond of me, but I'm going to get your mother out of this situation.” Regardless, I know our marriage is going to happen, and having her mother there will only aid us in getting to the altar.
I leave my bride-to-be in the room and search for her father, eventually chatting with a few men. "We need to talk," my tone is dark and demanding.
Her father takes one look at me and returns his gaze to his friends. "I'll catch up with you boys in a few minutes." He returns his gaze back to me. "What's going on?"
I think about how I should fucking say this to him, so I come right out with it. "You haven't let Aria's mother go yet?"
He takes a swallow of the drink in his hands. "It's merely an insurance policy. You see, Aria is very strong-willed and---"
I don't give him the opportunity to finish.
"You release her now. By keeping her mother until she marries me, you're not helping have a fresh start to this union.
If anything, you're making it more difficult.
I understood your point at first, but now I see how much stress it's putting on Aria, which isn't exactly a help to me is it? "
He sneers at me. "And what makes you think I'll let you interfere with my plans? This is a business arrangement, nothing more. Your father needs Aria, and I need you. The fate of the Bratva depends on it. After all, this is business."
I clench my jaw, trying to keep my composure.
"This isn't about business. It's about two families coming together in peace and respect.
Sure, our families will hold more power with the union.
However, holding someone captive isn't going to make that happen.
It's only going to give me more problems, so release Aria's mother now.
I'm not asking, and whenever I do lead the Bratva, I will remember this moment. "
His eyes narrow, and I can see him considering my words. "Fine. I'll release her mother, but you'd better be sure Aria doesn't fuck this whole thing up."
A wave of relief washes over me, and I nod slowly. "Everything will continue as planned."
I walk away from Aria's father and walk through the room until I find her speaking to a man. I can only see him from the back, but as I grow closer I notice it's one of her brothers. It's Sasha.
"I can't fucking believe he still has her cooped up. I'm going to speak to him about it later tonight." Sasha grumbles.
I get close to them and speak up. "There's no need for that. I made a deal with your father and he'll be releasing your mother.
Aria whips her head around, "What?"
"He's releasing your mother. I told him how holding her captive is essentially causing more stress and putting a dark cloud over the beginning of our union, and he saw my points as being valid."
Sasha cackles, "I never thought I'd see the day where our father ever gave in. Kudos to you,"
Aria looks at her brother. "The only reason he gave in is because Maxim is next in line to lead the Bratva."
Sasha nods, "Very true."
Sasha's gaze wanders and he clears his throat, "My apologies, but I need to get going."
Once Sasha leaves the rest of the night is a blur of dancing, laughter, and conversation. I wouldn't say Aria and I are close, but we're civil toward each other. She seems to have softened a bit, and I can't help but feel a small spark of hope for our future together.
As the night draws to a close, Aria and I head to the attached balcony. For the first time in the evening there isn't a single soul around us.
"I appreciate you getting my father to release my mother" Aria starts off, "I didn't expect him to do it, honestly."
It's not only a kind gesture, but also strategic in earning me some brownie points.
I know I'll need them on this journey. "As I mulled over his actions, my irritation grew.
Initially, it seemed like a clever tactic to ensure your compliance.
But after last week's events, I could see the true nature of your character.
You're going to marry me because you're being told to, and holding your mother captive won't change that. "
Aria rolls her eyes, "You mean after we hate-fucked in an alleyway?"
"That certainly played a part, but I'm mostly referring to seeing you at the bar with your friends. It gave me the opportunity to witness you in your element, even though you were slightly irritated."
Aria wraps her arms around herself, the chill in the air causing her to shiver. Without a word, I take off my suit jacket and place it over her shoulders, hoping to provide some warmth. "You didn't have to do that," she says, but I can see the gratitude in her eyes.
"I'd be an ass if I didn't, don't you think?" I chuckle, trying to ease the tension between us.
"Maybe, but you're an ass regardless." Aria quips back, but there's a hint of a smile on her lips.
We stand there for a moment, wrapped in silence before I break it by trying to get to know her better. "So, how do you like your job?"
Aria raises her eyebrows but doesn't respond immediately. "Why are you asking? It's not like you actually give a flying fuck."
I lick my lips nervously before answering honestly.
"That's where you're wrong. I am genuinely curious about your job and how you handle the challenges that come with it.
After all, you'll be my wife in just a couple of weeks.
I think it's important for me to start asking these sorts of questions now, don't you? "
Aria looks at me for a long moment, uncertain how to react to my words and the sincerity behind them. Finally, she opens up and lets me in on the cruel realities of being a pediatric oncologist.