Arranged To Be|18+✔️

'7

I was in the kitchen chatting with Lonnie while she cooked us lunch when Czar strolled in. The moment he entered, Lonnie clammed up, her eyes falling to the counter.

"Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed today," I said, watching him pour a cup of coffee.

"We have guests coming in ten," he said flatly.

Translation: go change.

I thanked Lonnie for the meal she was prepping and headed upstairs. Czar never told me directly what to wear, but the implication was clear—business attire only.

I changed into a pair of black slacks, a crisp white blouse, and white pumps. I let my curls loose, did a soft makeup look, and spritzed myself with perfume. Just as I was ready, the doorbell rang. I rushed down the stairs.

I heard a female voice greeting Czar, but as I rounded the corner, I froze.

Darcey Couture. The most famous fashion designer in the industry. She stood in my living room, smiling and radiant. She was even taller in person, her jet-black bob framing her face perfectly. Her eyes were warm brown, and her striking, cat-like features made her seem almost ethereal.

"Is this the girl you've been telling me about?" she asked Czar, her thick French accent unmistakable.

"It is," Czar replied. He turned to me with his hand outstretched. "This is my fiancée, Zariah."

The word made my stomach twist, but I smiled wide and shook Darcey's hand.

"It's so nice to meet you," I said.

"Same here. And let me just say—you're stunning."

My cheeks ached from smiling.

"Czar tells me you have an eye for fashion. I wanted to see for myself. Do you have your college portfolio?"

"Yes! Just one second."

I raced upstairs, nearly tripping twice, and dug through my drawers until I found my portfolio. I rushed back down, practically throwing it into Darcey's hands.

"Sorry," I mumbled, catching my breath.

She laughed and began flipping through it while Czar leaned in over her shoulder.

Her eyes lit up. "These designs... they're amazing."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. You're incredibly talented. I'd love for you to come to Fashion Week in New York with me. We'll work on bringing your designs to life."

I stared at her, stunned speechless.

Czar spoke for me. "She'd love that."

Darcey looked at me for confirmation, and I nodded, still too shocked to speak.

She stood, tucking my portfolio into her purse. "Czar gave me your number. We'll have a few meetings to refine your concepts. I'm looking forward to working with you."

She shook my hand again and hugged Czar before heading out.

The moment the door shut, I spun toward him. "Oh my god! Thank you so much!"

I hugged him tightly.

He grunted. "Don't make a big deal out of it."

I stepped back and looked up at him. "No, really. Thank you."

His eyes softened for the briefest second before he untangled himself from my embrace and walked away.

Maybe he wasn't used to affection.

I shrugged it off and returned to the kitchen.

Lonnie had set a plate on the table.

"Thank you, Lonnie. It smells delicious."

"You're welcome," she said with a warm smile.

As she turned to leave, I called after her. "Wait. Would you like to eat with me?"

She looked startled. "I don't think—"

"Oh, screw Czar. It's just lunch. A few minutes won't hurt."

She hesitated before fixing herself a plate and joining me. We chatted about her son, Jack, who was turning seven soon. She told me Czar only paid her $11.50 an hour, and I made a mental note to talk to him about giving her a raise.

After we finished eating, Lonnie cleaned up, and I headed back to my room.

I sat on the edge of my bed, phone in hand, staring at a few missed calls from my mom. I had been avoiding her. The wedding was getting closer, and as much as I didn't want to talk about it, I knew she needed to be there.

Just as I was about to call, there was a knock at the door.

I tucked my phone into my back pocket and opened it. Lada stood on the other side, smiling brightly.

"Zariah! Come shopping with me today."

Before I could answer, she grabbed my arm and tugged me out of the room.

"I guess that's a yes then," I muttered.

~*~

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