Chapter Ninety-One – Wedding
She had been having second thoughts about lots of things lately. It was partly Debby’s fault, but the other, hers.
Arya washed her face with water then left the restroom.
Winx was waiting for her, she stared at her best friend and smiled. “Something’s been on your mind.” She had been noticing her stalling or standing at a place, lost in thoughts.
“No shit, of course.” Arya agreed with a smirk. “I don’t want to talk about it, though. I’d like to sort this out myself.”
She always had a way of sorting out her emotions, the ones she needed and the ones she didn’t.
Crying and feeling overly excited weren’t things she grew up doing due to her strict father so she didn’t have time to ponder about strange feelings.
“Wouldn’t it be weird if I liked Damien now after trying to stay away from him for months?” She muttered to herself.
But could she do anything about what she felt? She was matured enough to like someone. Only that her feelings for Damien were quite unlike what she felt for Seth.
With Damien, it felt like respect and utmost admiration which turned to a fancy for him. She didn’t know if that was valid enough to call love.
“And I don’t look out for Seth anymore.” She sighed.
Seth had been her obsession for a while and she was suddenly forgetting him? It felt impossible.
“I need to find Seth.” She turned to Winx. Maybe if she saw Seth, her heart would begin to beat for him again.
Winx raised a brow, looking down at her. “What do you need him for? I thought you and Damien were working it out?”
Arya’s eyes enlarged. “Working it out? Whatever do you mean by working it out?” Did she suspect a change in her?
A disappointed expression spread across Winx’s face. Was her friend in denial or did she really not feel anything? “Your husband, Damien, weren’t you beginning to like him?”
Arya gasped, turning away. She knew?!
If her best friend could read her that clearly then it meant Damien might have figured, right?
She brushed the idea off, he wasn’t good with girls so he wouldn’t understand her feeling fidgety around him.
“How could you come to such conclusion?” Arya folded her arms and peered into Winx’s eyes. “It’s quite far stretched.”
She was definitely in denial. Winx smirked, then kept a straight face. “You do like him. Why deny it? Because of Seth? Well I’d tell you, he supports you and Damien too.”
“Eh?” Arya went back. Seth knew about she and Damien? How did that come about? “Did you tell him something?”
Winx raised her hands in innocence. “I told him nothing. During the days you couldn’t come to school, we sat close for a lesson. He asked if you went for another date.”
Arya was stunned to know Seth was interested in her dates. Was it a sign he was jealous? Or was it just platonic curiosity because she was missing classes?
“I told him you couldn’t attend. I wanted to clarify the date so I added that it was just Sir Damien, a friend, you met with. I didn’t think he’d say you two looked good together.”
With Winx’s expression, Arya was sure she knew Seth would misunderstand her. Still, Arya felt that his statement was a genuine one from him.
If he could make such a statement concerning her, then he definitely didn’t see her in a romantic light. Which was sad but Arya felt relieved strangely.
“I am not happy to hear that, you know.” She scolded Winx.
Winx came close to her face. “Yeah, you’re not happy but you don’t look sad to me, either.” She really did like Damien.
Winx advanced to the exit. “You should head home to your husband. Spending time with him will make you accept him more. It’s been four months since your marriage, you know.”
Arya rolled her eyes and followed her. In eight more months, the contract duration will expire and she could do anything with her life. “I’d head home then. Bye.”
But she wasn’t sure what she’d be doing. She had no job and at the point, someone was after her life.
She didn’t expect Debby’s case to tarry till the eight months but other dangers could arise. Also, she had no family to call hers. She was also getting really comfortable with the Wades.
Just then, she remembered the call she had with her sister last night and smiled. “Anna would be getting married to Jim soon. They’d move out of the state and I’d be all alone.”
Arya turned and searched for Winx. She hadn’t told her about her sister yet. “Anna needed bridesmaids. Winx would surely be interested!” She squealed, running back to the building.
She caught onto her and wrapped her in her arms. “Yayy! Winx, guess what? Anna is getting married soon.”
Winx had been scared when someone suddenly hugged her, she was relaxed when she saw it was Arya. “Married? Whoa. She’d be very excited. Hey, can you sign me up for brides…”
Arya nodded vehemently. “That’s why I came back. I’d come pick you up by five in the evening. We are going shopping.”
Hearing that from Arya made Winx’s eyes light up. “Yes, girl! We’re going shopping! Don’t go back on your words!”
Shopping was one thing she and Arya never experienced together because Arya had to manage money while staying with her father. Now she was free, that was a must do.
“Yup! I’d head home now! Expect me by five.” Arya began whispering. “And be in a cute dress, the driver taking me is a hot guy. He’s also into Asian dramas, I asked.”
Winx chuckled, giving her friends a wink. “Thank you for the heads up. I’d try to look my best. See ya then.”
With excitement, Arya hurried to the car, which had Kane, who was listening to the radio.
Her footsteps slowed down, and she worried if something had happened again to the Wades again.
“Oh nothing, I just listened to see if there was anything interesting.” Kane said to calm her down.
She exhaled as he began driving out of the school building.
The Wades seemed to be making news everywhere these days, she was glad there had been none for that week.
They arrived at the Wades’ mansion and Arya thanked him before alighting the car. She ran into Connor at the door.
He looked like he was about moving out.
“Hey! Would you like to come with me and my friend to shop for..” she trailed off as Connor slid a keychain in her hands.
“A present for our four months anniversary!” he cheered.
Arya smiled, looking at the cute keychain. He remembered the four months anniversary even if Damien didn’t. She didn’t really expect him to anyway, four months weren’t celebrated.
“Four is my favorite number so I’d celebrate it. Also, it feels like a miracle we’ve been married this long.” He faked a sob.
She shook her head at his acting. But why did it feel like a miracle she stayed in the marriage? Did he expect her not to stay? “Did you plan to divorce me?” she asked jokingly.
“Ah no. I actually thought you’d find someone else. You know, the contract permits you to.” Connor smirked.
Arya shrugged. “I thought so too but…” she paused.
Wait! He knew about the contract marriage??