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I look at my phone and notice it’s way past midnight. Andrew and I have been talking for well over two hours.
“Sorry, Mama. I didn’t see the time pass,” he says, throwing another wink at me, and I feel my cheeks heat. Maybe, just maybe, this attraction could grow into something more. A pang of guilt hits me as Dion’s face appears in my thoughts, but I try to stifle it. “Let’s take you home,” Andrew adds to his mother.
He turns back to me and holds my hand. “Aria, it was a pleasure.” He places a soft kiss on my knuckles. “Thank you for having us over,” he tells my mother.
Then, Andrew stops suddenly, as if just remembering something, and reaches into the interior pocket of his suit jacket.
“I forgot to give you this.”
In his hand is a small velvet box. My heart falters.
Inside, rests a ring, simple and elegant. My engagement ring.
I force a smile, trying to mask my unease, though my mind is already racing ahead.
As I gaze at it, I can’t shake off the worry of how he’ll react.
I thank Andrew, giving him a small, uneasy smile.
“May I?” he asks, pointing to the ring, and I nod.
He takes it out of the holder and slips it onto my finger.
My mother smiles at Andrew and gives Cora a quick embrace. “We’ll be in touch for the engagement party preparations.”
As soon as they leave the estate, I don’t waste any time climbing up the stairs to my room. Once inside, I grab my phone to text my best friends. Gianis, Angelica and I have been inseparable since childhood. They are my anchor, my confidants, the ones who know me better than anyone else. Gianis may spend most of his time rolling his eyes at our antics, but he’s always there when it matters.
Me: Andrew just left.
A few moments later, a message comes in.
Angie: So??? Is he hot?
I chuckle out loud. Of course that’s the first thing Angelica would ask me.
Me: Yes, he is…
I think back to Andrew’s face as I was seated across from him.
Angie: Describe him!!!
Gianis: Why am I here for this?
Me: He’s tall and handsome. At least 6’3, dark hair, and stark blue eyes.
Angie: Sounds yummy! Did you get along?
Gianis: Oh, for fuck’s sake. I’m leaving.
Me: We did, actually. I was surprised. I thought he’d be old and wrinkly.
Gianis: I mean it.
Angie: Phew! At least you’ll be married to eye candy.
I smile at my phone. I know exactly what Angelica is trying to do. She knows how much I’ve been dreading this arrangement.
*Gianis has left the chat*
