Arian De’ Argent sat alone at his balcony, still stewing in his anger. How could a father subject his son to such an archaic situation just to strengthen a friendship bond?
The young heir doubted it was as simple as that. He had seen the psycho side of his father when it came to doing business so many times, but not this much! How could he think of trading his son’s happiness without blinking an eyelid?!
And mom. How could she go along with it?! Arian was still enraged even after taking a large sip of the cold beer he was at. For some reason he couldn’t realize, he picked up his phone to call Natalia, knowing her laughter was the relief he needed.
But after opening his contact app, he realized he didn’t even have her number!
“Damn it!” He yelled and almost threw his favorite phone off the hill! How couldn’t he have her number?!
‘Yeah, how could you? When you’re always acting like a pest and can’t seem to take your sinful eyes and thoughts off her body!’ His upset heart snapped and his head nodded in agreement.
The young French breathed out and chose to stare at her pictures instead. Aside the picture from the balcony he’d stolen from her phone, Arian had secretly taken others as well. Back at the garden when he’d jokingly threatened her, he’d taken a silent shot when Natalia had twirled around to confirm his words.
Arian also took another when they were up at the penthouse, having that intimate moment on the couch before he’d logged into the school blog.
Remembering those precious moments made the young French miss her more than he cared to admit. He zoomed in on the picture and felt his heart glow, lessening his rage, seeing her beautiful face.
“Arian, what are you doing out here in the cold?” His mother’s worried voice took his attention. Arian took his gaze from her and focused back on the picture on his phone, feeling his anger on the rise again.
He took up the can of beer again but Mom Rose snatched it from him. “You can’t have anything this cold either!”
“I want to be left alone.” His cold tone silenced her next words, wishing she’ld leave. But instead, Mom Rose quietly sat next to him on the white outdoor couch.
“Pumpkin, I’m sorry. There wasn’t much i could do. You know how adamant your father could be when it comes to some matters.” She whispered in a defeated voice.
Arian stared at her sad profile and felt guilt prick a corner of his heart. He’d forgotten that they’d always lived by his father’s rule and his mother not an exception.
Bending over, Arian laid his head on her legs and looked up at the dark sky. After an uncertain while, his mother gently touched his hair. That was their reconciliation.
“Why does dad want me in this union? And please don’t give me the shit about friendship bonds.” He asked. Mom Rose’s fingers stopped for a while, but they continued almost immediately.
“Your dad and Felix made this agreement when you were just a little boy.” She began. “You know, back in France, Richard had left his family’s corporation because his older brothers repeatedly underestimated his worth and pushed him around like a puppet. He left both his family and France and started his corporation in LA. Back then, Argent Corps was just an infant industry and your dad was ambitious. Sir Felix was not only his childhood friend but was also more successful than him. So they made a contract.
“For your dad to have access to his connections and grow successful half the time, his little son had to get married to his little daughter when they both came of age. The deal worked out. Argent corps grew and multiplied into a chain of businesses so now, your father has to keep his own end of the bargain.” She finished.
Tales under moonlight indeed. The young French was spiteful. He felt used, miserable and hurt.
“Isn’t there some other way to absolve this agreement? Mom, I have feelings too. My opinions should also count! Why were you cheering me on with Natalia when you…” His heart gave a tight squeeze. Mom Rose shared a tight smile.
“Arian, have you ever met a person in love? Genuinely in love? I believe that when you’re in love with someone worth fighting for, you’ll be strong and zealous enough to overcome all obstacles on your path. You’re smart, Arian. You’re passionate. You have your father’s dogged genes running through you.
“It’s no secret Natalia has a soft spot for you as well but If you really love Natalia, even if you haven’t admitted to it yet, you’ll fight for the happiness you both deserve together.” She explained and placed a warm kiss on his forehead before leaving.
Be in love.
The young French remained speechless for a long time. And it wasn’t because he lacked understanding but because deep down his heart… he was afraid of accepting the glaring truth.
Arian looked up at the crescent moon, imagining her smile as enthralling as its curves. He pulled his sweatshirt closer, hoping she was warmly tucked in bed and safe from a nasty cold…
***
Monday came and went by drastically. After running from class to class, the princess finally made it through the day. She was exhausted but rushed back home to change before going to pick little Tommy for his visit to her place.
Mom Rose was more than elated to let the little fox visit! She had a bag filled with extra clothes because she knew he was gonna ruin his current one under minutes…. And he did!
Natalia placed his vanity bag in her room before giving the little fox a tour of the house and staffs. Tommy blended well with everyone. Then they went over to the kitchen to bake some pies and scones for dinner.
At first, it was formal but Tommy got bored and started a hot food fight! Elva, the queen of food fights, joined in and made a mess of the whole kitchen under minutes!
Seeing that the pies were a lost cause, she offered to prepare noodles and milkshakes instead while Natalia gave Tommy a bubble bath. After dinner, they sat at the backyard near the pool and played some board games. It was fun!
The Princess read Tommy his storybooks when he got drowsy and also told him the stories her mom used to tell her when she was his age. After he drifted off, she cuddled a sleepy Tom cat and took him downstairs where Jake was waiting with the car. Elva helped her with Tommy’s vanity bag and told her to return home safely.
At the Argent mansion, she met Mom Rose who was patiently waiting at the entrance. She walked Natalia to Tommy’s room and gently laid him in bed. After they exited the little fairyland, Natalia reluctantly moved her feet as they walked the corridor.
“Um… mom… I… Is… Is Arian ill or something? I… I noticed he wasn’t in school today?” The Princess bit her lips for sounding too obvious! Mom Rose gave her a smile.
“Arian is well, dear. He’s just playing truant. Lazy as usual.” She explained.
“Oh.” Natalia breathed and nervously tucked her hair behind her ears. Move! She didn’t want to. Not yet, rather. Maybe because she wanted to see for herself. Mom Rose examined her reaction.
“He probably, no definitely, would love to see you.” She smiled and hurriedly led her to his room. After wishing her a goodnight, the giddy mother left her at the door.
Natalia fidgeted with her side bag as she stared at the fancy door. She kept condemning her silly decision of coming there in the first place! She decisively turned leave when the door swept open!
Natalia froze on her tracks!
“Natalia?” Arian De’ Argent was surprised to see her there. The princess turned to him and passed him an awkward smile.
Arian’s responding smile was brighter than hers. Natalia got lost, staring at his handsome profile. Dressed in black sweats, his raven black hair dripped with water which cascaded down the skin of his smooth neck. Arian’s after-shower figure looked nice for her sinful eyes to feast on.
She quickly took them away and stared at the floor, nervously drawing irregular shapes with her left foot.
“Do you wanna come in?” He softly asked. Natalia blushed hotly remembering the last time she was in there. She hastily shook her head and made to escape when he held her back and pulled her inside.
Arian led them to a couch at a corner of the large room and sat them. To stop the unbridled flushes, the princess looked around and noticed the electric lamps at the four corners of the room which emitted dull lights, slightly brightening the semidark room. Now that she really paid attention, she noticed his room was a mix of black, white and a distinct shade of blue.
“What can I get you?” Arian’s voice cut through her thoughts. Natalia stared back at him, suddenly conscious of how close they were. She quickly stood up.
“I… Thanks but I just came to check up on you. You missed school. I was worried and obviously, you look pretty good so it’s my cue to leave!” She breathed and rushed to the door.
“Can’t you stay… a bit and talk?” He slowly trailed behind her.
“Uh… I… my chauffeur is outside waiting for me.” She gripped the door knob but Arian suddenly placed his left hand over hers and stopped her.
Natalia flinched at the buzz of electricity which crackled between them and stared up into his lovely, enchanting mint green eyes.
“Stay a while… please.” He whispered softly.
Chapter 55