Arcane ~ ONGOING

~Chapter Thirty-Five~

not edited

I flipped through my notebook checking off the things that had been done.

Catering. Check.
Cake. Check.
Drinks. Check.
Music. Check.
Decoration. Not Check.

The most important part, the part that made it look like a party was still pending. "Ray," I call out to the young lady, the family's planner, who runs at my voice. "We've been at the decoration since 10, it's been two hours. I need to leave when will this be done? It's taking too long. I'm looking at a random blue tarp in the middle of the yard, the lampposts aren't erected, the stage- the stage isn't even here. And where are the seating arrangements? What about the lanterns? What-" I was cut off when I felt familiar strong but soft arms wrap around me.

"Surprise," I heard a soft, deep voice. I craned my neck to look at Aaron, looking as ravishing as ever. He had the faintest smile on his face but he looked relaxed, there was another emotion on his face which I couldn't perfectly pinpoint but that didn't matter. His brown hair, as messy as ever look soft and his sce t enveloped me, calming me down. "Take it easy yeah?" He said.

I nodded, breathless.

pretty sure I was drooling by the time I took in his attire when he stepped back, white button down paired with grey pants and his sleeves rolled up. He was a sight to behold.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, recovering so i don't make a fool of myself.

"I was returning from my dad's company branch when Dorian told me how you've decided to throw Octavian a party. So I'm here. Tell me, do you have any work for me?" He asked, a smile on his face. A smile that felt that it was there just to woo me.

"Please," I muttered, "Can you help me with the decoration? I don't know if you heard or not but like the stage isn't here yet, the flowers aren't either, no latterns, no chairs or tables. There's literally nothing in the name of decoration except this blue fucking tarp." I'm pretty sure he could understand the extent of irritation I felt just by my words and darn right he should have felt.

"Alright, go get dressed, I'll have the decor and the seating done before you get back from lunch," He said, pushing me towards the door.

"But, I-"

"No buts," He said, his tone final, "go have a successful lunch. I promise I'll have the stage and the seating ready." I sighed realizing that this was not a battle I was going to win. So instead I gave up and walked towards the main house.

The lunch was successful. Or that's what I would like to believe but to any third person looking in, It would be anything but that. Octavian was tender than usual, snappier. Dorian was way too quiet. The twins were unusually calm. The whole lunch, not one word was said to each other, just to the waiter.

It was awkward. But the moment we arrived home, my heart was filled with joy at the sight of numerous cars standing in the driveway and families pouring out of them. My family was here.

The twins jumped out of their cars to greet them while Dorian held the door open for me. I got out of the car, straightening my dress, suddenly nervous and aware of the fact that I haven't seen these people for more than half my life.

The negative thoughts started entering. Why hadn't Octavian invited them over before to meet me when I had come? Was he hiding me from the? Was he embarrassed of me? Do my grandparents and uncles and aunts hate me?

Dorian took my hand, smiling widely, unaware of the storm brewing in my head, and pulled me towards the laughing and smiling crowd. I plastered a smile on my face. Pretty sure it looked nervous and scared but this was best. I know it's awful but it's my best.