Yna's pov
Sarafynna Yuriat.
I gulped at the introduction. The ballroom suddenly felt small underneath Serial's piercing gaze. For a moment, I let my gaze drift from his face, hoping to find just one semblance of happiness across the room. Then I saw him. Eli, the man glued to Tray's side. He had on the most beautiful smile. It brought me some peace. Then I caught it. Elena. She had an intent gaze on Tray who was now kissing Eli. The kiss was brief but there was something about that gaze. Something I'd seen last year at the Cher Mer Gala. I remember sneaking in with Leighla because of a dare. Unlike this year's Old Hollywood Glam theme, the theme was a Flower Masquerade. If I didn't know better, I would have taught she had feelings for him. Except Tray was openly gay, it was just too crazy to even consider it. As I continued to churn with the idea, I remembered just how crazy my current situation was and dropped the topic. Serial was looking at me; his gaze had trailed mine in the crowd until they landed on Amani who was chatting with Tray and the small group including Elena and Eli.
Yuriat. A name that I know he was familiar with. A name I know he hated. And yet here he was, playing the role of a gentleman to a woman who was essentially a stranger. Someone he is supposedly courting. His secret fiancée.
I knew coming here was a risk. A big one. Never mind that I was considering pulling off a heist. First as Sarafyna and then Yna, although I still haven't completely worked out all the details for the later plan yet. One thing I did know was that I needed more time, to get to know him, to let him get to know me considering his preconceptions about me. I was hoping I'd have enough time to at least try to clear up some of them. But here I was getting thrown under the bus. Yna was a casualty, he was never supposed to know her and now as a contingency, I needed a plan for how I could get past his obvious hate for Sarafynna, now that the Fynn veil was no longer available, especially because I could see the hate radiating from his pores. It was almost like he was cloaked with it.
He was looking at me, face so cold, emotionless and body tense. The earlier Serial was gone. There was no traces of warmth from him anymore, it was as if it had been drained from him leaving him empty and unreachable.
"Denver", he finally said but his voice sounded like it was a mile away "you certainly know how to keep a secret and rightfully so, you have a lovely daughter". There was a smile but it was a shame because it didn't light up his features.
I gulped again, wishing for a sudden alien invasion so that I could disappear forever rather than del with this alliance and all the embarrassment that came with it. My father on the other hand ws smiling like a proud con-artist.
"Only one of the best for a Lockheart"
He was baiting him and as much as I hated it, there wasn't much I could say. He was right, like a premium product, I was raised as a bargaining chip for money, mergers and power. I had no value outside of strengthening my father's wealth.
"I am most grateful, for the care and consideration, considering I've heard that you're daughters are very precious to you"
His words hurt. The snarkiness and sarcastic delivery made it hurt more.
"Come Gi and Leighla , give these two some space". Leighla winked at me as Dad dragged her and Mom away.
"Well considering your family's addiction to attention, I'm surprised they chose such a humble way to announce your return"
His words pierced me like a knife, painful and precise.
"I apologize for the disappointment. I presume a family like the Lockhearts would prefer something grandiose so I'll let my father know to check every box of yours regarding our arrangement"
"Arrangement?", he asked in surprise
I nodded
"Yes, this marriage arrangement "
He looked me like an item on a shelf.
"Is that why you were out with Amani yesterday? Because this is an arrangement you don't intend to honour?"
I frowned
"What?, that is so low, Amani and I are friends. We met for dinner so we could catch up. How dare you assume anything beyond that ,"
"Oh spare me the trouble. You hid your identity because you're just like your father. Calculated, manipulative and outright greedy. Did you figure that he'd be a secondary option even before you met me?"
"You make an interesting point. You barely know me and I don't know what you're on but this is starting to get boring", I said instead.
With that, I looked at him before turning to leave
"So what, you're just going to run off to your Loverboy?"
"You're seriously…", I trailed off feeling frustrated with his attitude. I maintained his sharp gaze, "you're seriously going to stand here, in the middle of a gala you called a cosplay for attention seekers and act like a jealous husband?. We haven't even had our first date, forget that we're only officially meeting today. You don't get to demand my loyalty when you haven't even earned my name!"
Stepping closer, I lowered my voice so the surrounding "Masqueraders" wouldn't hear
"I owe you nothing Mr. Lockheart!"
His gaze darkened
"Amani can't have you, even if I don't want you.
"This was never about Amani. It is about your ego and possessiveness. You hate my family so why do you care if I end up with Amani. With anyone else. You're everything the rumors say you are. Ruthless and utterly incapable of feeling anything beyond the math behind your balancing sheets"
He laughed, for the first time tonight. A cruel mockery of my current state.
"I'm glad you understand the terms of this arrangement. Your father is a fool because he got the wrong Lockheart for his agenda. Unlike Tray and Blaze, I don't have a lot of humanity in me"
"I hope you find some Serial...It'll be good for your poor heart"