Chapter 14 The Most Unsuccessful Date in History
Arielle regretted agreeing almost immediately.
She stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her outfit for the third time, staring at her reflection with narrowed eyes.
Why am I nervous?
This is just a date.
A date with my husband.
A husband who ignored me for years.
A husband who is now acting like a lost puppy.
…Okay maybe that’s why.
She chose something simple but elegant.
Not too much. Not too little.
I am NOT dressing to impress.
I am dressing for peace.
The doorbell rang.
She hadn’t even reached the stairs when—
“I’ll get it.
”
“I already got it.”
“I told you I’d open it.
”
Three voices. All male. All irritated.
Arielle paused.
…Why are my sons fighting over the door.
By the time she reached the living room, Lucian was already inside.
Already smiling.
Already standing too close.
Already golden retrievering.
“You look beautiful,” he said immediately.
Too immediately.
Too earnestly.
Her heart did a stupid little flip.
No.
Stop that.
He is not allowed to be handsome AND apologetic.
“Thank you,” she replied politely, stepping past him.
Lucian followed.
Like… physically followed.
Step for step.
She stopped.
He stopped.
She turned.
He almost bumped into her.
“Oh—sorry,” he said quickly. “Habit.”
Rhett coughed loudly from the couch.
“Habit, huh.”
Darian crossed his arms. “You’re standing too close.
”
Zayden glanced at the time. “You’re already disrupting her schedule.
”
Emrys smiled faintly. “Father seems… enthusiastic.”
Lucian straightened.
“I’m taking my wife out.”
The sons’ eyes darkened in unison.
Arielle cleared her throat.
“Let’s go,” she said quickly, before World War Three broke out in her living room.
Public Golden Retriever Mode: Activated
The moment they stepped outside, Lucian reached for her hand.
Arielle stiffened.
He froze.
Slowly withdrew.
“I—sorry,” he said softly. “Too soon.”
Her chest tightened.
…Why does he look like he’s genuinely trying?
They got into the car.
Lucian opened the door for her.
Closed it gently.
Went around to his side.
Drove carefully.
Too carefully.
He kept glancing at her like she might disappear.
“You don’t have to keep checking,” she muttered.
“I do,” he replied honestly.
Her heart skipped again.
This man is dangerous.
They arrived at the restaurant.
High-end. Private. Quiet.
Lucian pulled out her chair.
Pushed it in.
Poured her water.
Asked if she was comfortable.
Asked if the lighting was okay.
Asked if she wanted to change seats.
Arielle blinked.
Is this… courtship?
“You can relax,” she said finally. “I’m not made of glass.
”
Lucian smiled sheepishly. “I know. I just… want to do it right.”
Before she could respond—
“OH. MOM??”
Her fork froze mid-air.
Lucian’s jaw tightened.
Rhett stood a few feet away.
Casually dressed.
Grinning.
“What a coincidence,” Rhett said.
“Didn’t know you’d be here.”
Arielle stared.
Coincidence my foot.
“Sit,” Rhett said cheerfully, pulling out a chair.
“I’ll join.”
Lucian glared. “No.”
“I already ordered,” Rhett replied smoothly.
Then—
“Mother?”
Darian appeared.
Then Zayden.
Then Emrys.
One by one.
Arielle slowly lowered her fork.
I am being ambushed.
Subtle Sabotage (Not Subtle At All)
Lucian tried to speak.
Darian interrupted.
Lucian reached for Arielle’s hand.
Rhett “accidentally” knocked his elbow.
Lucian leaned closer.
Zayden asked Arielle about her next filming schedule.
Emrys calmly passed her dessert first.
Lucian clenched his jaw.
“You’re doing this on purpose,” he said quietly.
Rhett smiled. “Doing what?”
Arielle watched it all with wide eyes.
…Why am I enjoying this?
She tried to look stern.
Failed.
Her lips twitched.
Lucian noticed.
“You think this is funny,” he accused softly.
She took a sip of wine.
“…A little.”
His expression softened.
…She’s smiling.
The sons noticed too.
Instantly unhappy.
“This date is over,” Darian said.
“No,” Arielle replied calmly.
Everyone froze.
She stood.
“I agreed to go out. And I am enjoying myself.”
Lucian’s heart skipped.
The sons stared.
She looked at them gently.
“You can sit,” she added. “Or you can leave. Your choice.”
Rhett blinked.
…Did Mom just assert dominance?
They sat.
Grudgingly.
Lucian looked at her like she’d just performed magic.
The Moment
Later, as they walked out—
Lucian reached for her hand again.
This time…
She didn’t pull away.
The sons noticed.
Immediately.
All four.
Their glares could have killed.
Arielle squeezed Lucian’s hand lightly.
…Okay.
Maybe I’m enjoying this more than I should.
Lucian smiled.
Hopeful.
And for the first time—
The sons felt it.
The threat.
Author’s Note ??
Hi my loves ????
WELCOME to the most unserious first date in history.
We have:
Golden Retriever Lucian ??
Sons running coordinated sabotage missions
Arielle pretending she’s not enjoying the chaos (she is ??)
?? Comment if you laughed at the “coincidence”
Vote & FOLLOW on Wattpad so I continue feeding you chaos
?? Next chapter: second date + public jealousy + media spotting??