It's Arranged (18+) ✔

EIGHT

Hand in hand, Henry and I walk through the terminal of Incheon International Airport. After collecting out bags we make our way to my car that is still waiting in the parking lot. After plugging the address into my phone we are on our way to the venue for the launch.

We finally arrive with two hours left until curtains up and the sight that is before me is hilarious.

Kai is practically pulling out his perfectly styled mane while screaming at an intern. The poor girl runs away crying and he pulls out his phone.

To my surprise it is mine that rings.

Hearing the noise, he turns until his gaze falls on me. The exasperation is evident on his features. Storms over to me and Henry tries to stand between us. I squeeze the hand I'm holding reassuringly and he calms.

“Caralina Marie Arquette, where the hell have you been?” Kai hollers.

“Getting engaged.” I answered simply, raising my left hand that is attached to Henry’s.

At once, his eyes soften as they land in the ring in my finger.

“So how are things going?” I ask breaking him out of his trance.

“Terribly. There is about an hour and a half before the show is supposed to start and these people act like they're incompetent.” Kai says running a hand down his face.

“Don't worry, I've got this. Oh, and Kai I'd like you to meet my fiance Henry. Henry meet Kai, my boss.”

I leave to two to become acquainted and head backstage. And the straight that is in front of me is truly horrific. None of the models are in their correct outfits, the interns are running around with the wrong accessories, and the stage isn't even properly set up.

I guess it's time to bring out Ms.Arquette.

Cracking my neck I grab the intern that is about to run past me. She looks up to me and her eyes instantly lighten.

“Ms.Arquette. Thank God, you're here.”

“Where is Janice.”

“I'll go get her.”

The lousy girl scurried off and I begin barking orders to the people around me. While situating the models with their correct outfits, my assistant comes up to me.

“Janice, great. Here are the sketches. Please make sure everyone is in their correct outfits and they have their change situated. Get someone else to help you gather the accessories, I need to go situate the stage.”

The blonde nods taking the files from my hands.

I get onto the stage and see the stagehands lounging around. Needless to say, after a few choice words and some threats that stage was perfect. The lights were placed exactly where they needed to be and the music was situated.

I step back a moment to admire the way my vision is coming to life and I feel an arm around my shoulder.

“And with ten minutes to spare.” Kai says triumphantly.

“You do know that we're not done here right?”

I turn to him, confusion written all over my face before he continues.

“There is no way I'm letting you go without telling me what happened with that hunk over there.” He says pointing to Henry. “I specifically said take it easy, not go stress yourself out with planning a wedding. I didn't even know you were dating. I thought you were taking a year for you so you could recover from-”

“It's a long story Kai. I promise I'll tell you later, but first you need to tell me what's been going on here.”

“Well when we started finalizing plans last week and you weren't there I started to panic. You weren't answering my calls, I thought something had happened to you. Then today we still hadn't heard anything from you, so Angela showed up here in your dress saying ‘The show must go on’.”

“That bitch.”

“Don't worry. I kicked her out after taking the dress. It's waiting backstage. And I suggest putting it on now because the paps will be in here any minute.”

Nodding I go back and get changed.

As promised, as soon as I step out of my dressing room I am swarmed by flashing lights and reporters asking different questions that range all the way from “What was the inspiration for Duex?” to “Are the rumors true? Are you really pregnant?”

I answer all the questions that I could and pose for hundreds of pictures before my question is called.

With Kai on my arm, we enter the limelight and step onto the stage.

A round of applause sounds with each step we take. Once we get to the front of the runway where the microphone stand is, my gaze travels the crowd until they land on Henry. He stares at me with an adoring smile until something catches his attention.

My asshole of a coworker, Angela, sits next to him, although yo me it seems as though she's trying to sit on him. He goes rigid when she places a hand on his upper thigh, and being the gentleman that he is, gently places it back on her lap.

With a small smile I turn my attention to Kai who is finishing up his speech.

“And without further ado, here is the genius behind it all.”

Another round of applause sounds and I take Kai’s previous spit in front of the mic.

“Good evening. I am Caralina Marquette, the Creator of Duex. Many have asked my inspiration behind the collection and I give them all one word in response. Romance. This line is for the people who want to experience passion and satisfaction in the form of clothing. Now without further ado, I present Duex.”

Kai and I leave the walkway and watch from backstage as the models take their places. At the end, all the models gather on the runway for a round of applause and soon Kai and I return to the runway and bow in gratitude. When the building is finally clear, I find Henry near the exit with Angela still attached to him.

As I get closer I hear their conversation.

“And I know what you're thinking, of course they're real.” She says poking out her chest.

“Hey Hen are you ready to go?” I ask finally by his side.

He visibly relaxes and nods in confirmation.

“Wait, you know him?” Angela asks in disgust.

“Well I would hope to know the man I'm marrying.” I say subtly.

“There's no way this hunk is your fiance.”

“Well I've got the ring to prove it. See you later Angie.”

She grits her teeth but says nothing thankfully. We get in my car and drive back to the airport, thankfully allowed to use the company jet this time. One the aircraft has taken off, I settle in Henry’s side as sleep slowly comes over me.

“Thanks for doing this Henry.” I say as a yawn subsides.

“Your going to be my wife. Anything you want just say the word.”

A smile forms on my sleepy form.

And I'm not sure if it was even said or by who, but as the darkness takes my consciousness I hear a faint whisper.

“I think I'm falling for you.”