Amaya's eyes lit up. "Um... Let's make some pastry and... and um... Yes, dessert!" She suggested, her voice filled with excitement.
Celyn's expression turned serious. "No! That's unhealthy. I'll make some chicken soup, rice, and veggies instead."
Amaya's face fell, clearly disappointed with Celyn's choice of food. "Whatever!" She exclaimed, stomping off to the living room to watch TV.
...
Meanwhile, Emma approached Lucian as he was leaving for work. "Brother, are you leaving now?"
Lucian nodded. "Yes, what's up?"
Emma's gaze softened, but her expression remained serious. "My friends and I... well, I'm hosting a party here today, and I'd like Celyn to come over."
Lucian raised an eyebrow, surprised by the request. "Okay, she'll come."
Emma's eyes lit up. "Thank you, brother!"
Lucian chuckled and left for the Olivares Corporation, one of the most powerful companies in Mexico City. As the CEO, Lucian Olivares was a well known business tycoon.
Upon arriving at his office, Lucian found Zack waiting for him. "Boss," Zack greeted, following Lucian into his office.
Lucian sat down, his expression cold. "Any progress?"
Zack shook his head. "Nothing yet, but I'm still working on it, boss."
Lucian nodded, rubbing his temples. "Please arrange a position for Celyn."
Zack's expression puzzled. "What position exactly, boss?"
Lucian thought for a moment. "President's personal assistant."
Zack's eyes widened. "What?! Does that mean I'm retiring, boss?!"
Lucian raised an eyebrow, his voice cold. "Unless you want to... Do you want to?"
Zack smiled weirdly. "No, of course not... I'll do just that, boss."
With that, Zack left, leaving Lucian to ponder the documents on his desk. After all, as the saying goes, "the leader eats last."
.....
"Amaya! Come over here, let's eat already!" Celyn said, serving the dishes she had prepared for the both of them.
Amaya's eyes lit up as she quickly sat at the table. "Wow, Celyn... This looks delicious!" She devoured the food like a hungry lion
Celyn laughed. "Hey! Be careful, otherwise you'll choke!"
Amaya coughed, and Celyn quickly passed her a glass of water. "Here you go! I told you, you'd choke!" Amaya pouted, "No way! You said it, and it happened!"
After the delicious meal, Celyn lay flat on her stomach on the couch, with Amaya laying on top of her. "Wow... I can barely breathe, Amaya!" Celyn murmured, feeling suffocated.
Amaya couldn't care less, "Let's just... nap like this, okay?" In less than a second, the only sound in the house was the gentle hum of sleeping friends.
...
Back at the Olivares Mansion, the atmosphere was quiet, with only soft laughter from the guests. Florencia smiled warmly, looking at Mr. Parker and Grace. "Please, make yourselves comfortable."
Mr. Parker nodded. "Thank you, Mrs. Olivares. We're sorry for the delay. Business has been overwhelming."
Florencia's smile never wavered. "You don't need to apologize. I understand. Actually, I called you here to discuss our children's marriage."
Grace's face lit up. "Yes! I think it's high time Lucian and Raven get married. Don't you think?"
Austin Parker nodded in agreement, but Florencia shook her head slightly. "We did plan on getting our children married, but I think we should let them choose for themselves."
Grace Parker laughed. "Oh, what are you saying, Florencia? I'm sure Lucian and Raven love each other."
Florencia's expression remained calm. "I'm sorry to tell you that the kids don't think like we do. My son insists on marrying the girl he loves."
The room fell silent, with only the sound of Mr. Parker's angry breathing. "What nonsense is this? Calling me all the way here just to tell me this?"
Florencia's expression remained neutral "Mr. Parker, I called you here because I thought it was important to let you know... I hope this doesn't ruin our long term friendship."
Mr. Parker's face turned uglier, and he stormed out of the room, leaving Florencia and Grace behind.
Grace softened her gaze. "Don't worry, Florencia. I'll talk to him... meanwhile, I have to break this news to Raven too... she's going to be upset."
Florencia nodded in understanding. "Alright, Grace. Despite it all, don't let this come between our friendship."
After the, Parker's departure, Florencia sighed heavily. Emma, who was eavesdropping, walked up to her mother.
"Mom, is anything the matter?" Emma asked, her face showing concern.
Florencia sighed inwardly. "I guess so... but I still have things to arrange for the wedding."
Emma's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Oh, and I can't wait to meet Celyn tonight!" She jumped up, making her way upstairs.
Florencia raised her eyebrows. "Oh... well."
.....
Meanwhile,Celyn reluctantly opened her eyes, woken up by a phone call. She pushed Amaya, who was still lying on top of her, away and answered the call. It was Lucian.
"How can I help you, Mr. Olivares?" Her tone was laced with annoyance.
Lucian raised an eyebrow on the other end. "Who sleeps during the day?"
Celyn's eyes lit up. "My parents told me it's healthy to take a nap after a meal..." She said, trying to defend herself.
Lucian chuckled. "They lied to you, Celyn."
Celyn narrowed her gaze. "Really?... No way!"
Lucian laughed on the other end, imagining her expression. "There's an ongoing party... Would you like to come over?"
Celyn coughed, her tone low. "Lucian, what kind of party are you hosting?"
Lucian rolled his eyes. "Emma asked me to invite you..." He felt Celyn was being ridiculous; did he look like someone interested in parties?
At the mention of Emma, Celyn's expression softened. She couldn't let Emma down, so she said yes.
After hanging up, Celyn's eyes fell on Amaya, who was sleeping soundly. Celyn felt a pang of guilt wash over her. How would she tell Amaya that she was going into a contract marriage with a stranger?
Celyn sighed heavily...
She proceeded to wash the dishes, saving herself some time to prepare for the party. By the time Amaya woke up, Celyn was already done with the dishes. Celyn glanced at Amaya, "You need a cold shower, Amy" she laughed.
Amaya rolled her eyes. "Yeah, whatever..." She headed into the bathtub. Celyn's eyes lingered on the bathroom door, doubting whether this was the right time to tell her friend about her contract marriage.
After what seemed like forever, Amaya emerged from the bathroom. Celyn's eyes widened, and she threw a pillow at her. "What the hell! How come you're so shameless, Amy!" Celyn quickly shifted her gaze away.
Amaya, who appeared unbothered, shrugged. "What? I forgot to carry a towel!" Celyn thought Amaya was ridiculous. "Wow... Who forgets a towel before showering!"
Amaya grabbed a towel from the wardrobe and covered herself. "You can look now... It's not like I'm a dude or something, argg!" Celyn turned to look at her friend, then burst out laughing.
"Anyway, Amy... I just got invited to a party. Would you like to come along?" Amaya's eyes lit up, but eventually fell. "I wish I could, but... I told my family I'd reach today. They're probably expecting me now."
Celyn's face flashed with disappointment. "Oh... If that's the case, then say hi to mom and dad on my behalf!" Amaya nodded, changed her clothes, and Celyn escorted her to get a taxi.
After sending Amaya off, Celyn returned home. It was already 5 pm, so she decided to get ready...
As Celyn got ready for the party, her mind wandered to Lucian and the contract marriage. She couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions - anxiety, uncertainty, and a hint of curiosity.
She took a deep breath, shoving away her doubts. Tonight was about having fun and getting to know Emma better. Celyn slipped into her dress, a stunning red gown that exposed her curves. She styled her hair, added a touch of makeup, she looked at herself in the mirror, satisfied with her looks. She was ready to go
As she arrived at the Olivares Mansion, Celyn was greeted by Emma's warm smile. "You look stunning, Celyn!" Emma exclaimed, handing her a glass of champagne.
Celyn thanked Emma and took a sip of her drink. As she scanned the room, her eyes met Lucian's. He was standing by the bar, sipping on a whiskey. Their gazes locked, his piercing gaze sending chills all over Celyn, and for a moment, time stood still.
Emma noticed Celyn's gaze and followed it to Lucian. She smiled weirdly "Let me introduce you to my friends," Emma said, grabbing Celyn's arm.
Emma led Celyn through the crowd, she introduced her to a group of friends, including Sophia, Olivia, and Alex.
"Hey, Celyn!"
They welcomed Celyn with open arms, and soon, she found herself laughing and chatting with them.
But despite the fun she was having, Celyn couldn't shake off the feeling that Lucian was watching her. She glanced over her shoulder, and their eyes met once again
"Hey, you guys! Why don't we make the most out of this night?" Olivia suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Yeah, let's play Truth or Dare! What do you say, guys?" Alex concluded, grinning mischievously.
Everyone agreed to it, and the group cheered. Celyn smiled nervously, her heart racing with anticipation. She had never played this game before, and the thought of it made her a little uncomfortable. But she was going to have fun anyway
At the corner of the room, Lucian's expression instantly became gloomy. His eyes narrowed, and he took a sip of his whiskey, his gaze fixed on Celyn.