A soft golden light crept into Ariana's face and warming her skin. She stirred, her fingers curling into the blanket as she slowly woke, Her eyes fluttered open, blinking against the morning sun.
She didn't remember falling asleep.
Ariana sat up slowly, her head heavy with the weight of sleep. She didn't remember how she went to her room yesterday. Her heels were removed. Her lips curved into a smile as she remembered it was probably Ivan. He carried her to her room. She could still smell Ivan's cologne on her skin. She tried not to think about it, then slowly, she tossed the blanket aside and swung her legs over the edge of the bed, bare feet touching the polished floor and quickly went about her morning routine.
She closed her eyes as her room still carried the scent of his perfume. It smells so so good and addictive.
"What the hell are you doing" she muttered as she brushed her hair. She looked at her reflection, wondering if she snore yesterday. She probably did. She bit her lips at the thought of that.
"What is he going to think now" she said and headed downstairs. She went straight to the kitchen, drawn by the familiar scent of frying butter and fresh herbs.
As she entered, Clara, the head maid with graying hair and a posture that demanded both respect and affection was already giving instructions to the others. Two younger women flitted from station to station, slicing fruit and plating delicate pastries and the maid who brought her clothes, the youngest among them, was cutting onions.
When they saw Ariana, they relaxed slightly.
"Oh good morning, Ma'am," Clara said without looking up from the pan she was seasoning. "You're up early. Didn't think we'd see you before eight."
Ariana grinned and headed for the sink to wash her hands. "Couldn't sleep. Thought I'd be useful."
The younger maids-Zara-immediately tried to intervene. "Miss Ariana, you know Mr. Ivan wouldn't want-"
Ariana cut her off with a wave. "Ivan doesn't even come down here until half the day's gone. He won't notice. And I'm bored."
Clara gave her a side glance. "Bored girls get into trouble."
"Then I guess it's too late," Ariana said, pulling a knife from the drawer. "What am I chopping today?"
There was a beat of hesitation, then Clara sighed and handed her a bowl of bell peppers. "Fine. You can chop them. Thin slices. Like matchsticks."
"I'm honored" Ariana said playfully picking up a knife.
She got to work, the knife clicking softly on the wooden board. The room settled into a rhythm again-boiling, chopping, stirring. The quiet kind of chaos.
"You cook well for someone who doesn't have to," Clara said suddenly, not looking at her.
"Well, I really know how to cook Aunt" she said and the woman smiled.
"You're the only girl who's ever laid a finger in this kitchen. I'm impressed" she said and Ariana also smiled.
You remind me of someone," Clara said thoughtfully. "That same quiet kindness. That same stubbornness, too."
Ariana tilted her head. "Who?"
Abena smiled. "Ivan's mother."
"She used to come in here when she was much younger. When she married his husband. She always skip away from guests and parties just to sit with me. Said it helped her breathe."
Ariana's chest fluttered a little and "I didn't know that."
_____After cooking
The kitchen had quieted down.
The girls had stepped out to set up breakfast trays. Ariana sat on one of the high stools near the counter, her cup of coffee cradled in her hands, steam curling gently into the air.
Clara wiped her hands on a towel and moved to stand beside her, leaning slightly against the counter. There was a long, comfortable pause between them, until Clara spoke, her voice lower and softer than before.
"You want to know more about Ivan ryt? I mean why Ivan is the way he is," she said without preamble.
Ariana glanced at her, startled. "Is it that obvious?"
"Not really. But I've seen the way you look at him. Like you're trying to understand a language no one ever taught you."
Ariana gave a soft laugh at that. "Yeah. That's... exactly how it feels."
Clara folded her arms, thoughtful. "You didn't ask, but I'll tell you one thing. Because I like you. And I think you deserve to know."
Ariana's smile faded slightly. She nodded once, ready.
When he was younger, at the age of Ten, he used to write music. He never played for anyone. Not even his mother. I only found out because I caught him once-years ago. Playing in a room late at night. I stood there for a moment, listening, and I swear, my daughter... it was beautiful. Not just skillful. Raw. Full of feeling. It was like someone had torn open their soul and turned it into notes."
Ariana was speechless. She'd never imagined Ivan having interest in music or playing a piano, let alone sitting at one.
"Why did he stop?" she asked softly.
Clara exhaled slowly. "His father found out. He said it was a waste of time. That music wouldn't build empires or protect the family legacy. The next day, the piano was gone and the worst thing is, he also took away a puppy he found saying it was a stray"
Ariana's heart twisted. "That's awful."
Clara's eyes lingered on her. "It was the first time I saw my boy cry. He didn't make a sound. Just sat in the hallway for hours that night, back against the wall, staring at the empty space where the piano used to be."
Ariana couldn't speak.
"Ivan hides so much behind all that coldness," Clara said. "But it's still there. The boy who played in the dark, who wrote things he never dared let anyone hear."
He wasn't the arrogant, aloof Ivan she thought she knew. He is different from the playboy who ruled every room he walked into.
That was someone else entirely. Someone... real.
And somehow, his past hurt her.
"Why are you telling me this?" Ariana asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Clara looked at her carefully. "Because I can see he's changing. And it's started the moment you stepped into this house. Something tells me you are the reason"
Ariana's heart thudded once, "I am the reason" she murmured to herself.
She looked away, her voice caught between doubt and something she didn't want to admit. "He barely knows me."
"I can see the way he watches you. And him buying a whole expensive bag for you means a lot. My son never does anything without a reason."
Ariana stayed quiet, but her mind was spinning. Is he really having a change of heart? How can that be possible? How can he suddenly develop feelings for her" She asked herself those questions.
The image of a younger Ivan being deprived from what he loved hurt her.
"Honestly, I never thought he would have any interest in music and have that kind of heart"
Clara reached over and gently placed her hand over Ariana's. "That's the thing, dear. Most people don't. But it's still there. Just... buried. Covered in all the walls he's been forced to build. Don't mind that cold expression he always give, he is still a kind and a gentle guy and would do the unthinkable for his loved ones" she said and I smiled slightly.
"Pls don't be too hard on my boy" she added.
_________
Ariana's POV
I wandered into the dining room, still thinking about everything Clara said. I hadn't meant to overthink it, but how could I not? The image of Ivan cradling a pussy in his arms or sitting quietly at a piano just wouldn't leave my mind.
I sat down at the end of the long polished table, resting my arms on the surface. The sunlight poured in through the tall windows, bathing the room in soft gold. Everything looked too perfect, too elegant... but inside, I felt messy. Confused. Curious.
Who are you really, Ivan?
I sighed quietly and leaned back in my chair.
Just then, I heard footsteps.
I didn't even need to turn-Ethan's voice filled the space before he reached me.
"Well, well. Sleeping beauty lives." he looked up and smile lazily.
Ariana smiled back, "I didn't see you yesterday. Where were you?"
"Had a family thing pop up so I had to go"
"And Max" she added.
"He got a sudden invite to Monaco. Some kind of impromptu business. One of his mentors is showcasing work there, and Max didn't want to miss the chance to network. You know how he is-anything with creativity and a luxury stamp on it, he's gone."
Ariana blinked. "He didn't even say goodbye."
"Maybe he figured you were... occupied last night with your new found love" Ethan said smirking.
"Excuse me!"
"Careful Ary, people like Ivan don't know when they're hurting someone until it's too late" I head him say and before I could speak, my phone rang. It was Maya. I glanced at Ethan who was now being served.
Hey."
"Hey, babe!" Maya's voice rang through the phone like a literal burst of sunshine. "Please tell me you didn't forget."
"...Forget what?" I asked cautiously.
She gasped. "Ariana. Ariana! No. You did not just forget that we're going clubbing tonight."
My eyes widened. "Oh my God-Maya, I didn't-"
"Nope. Too late. I already planned everything. Please don't spoil it"
I choked on a laugh, glancing over my shoulder. Ethan was pretending not to listen, but i could see him smile.
"Okay I'm in"
"Can you convince Ethan to come along" she said and I glanced at Ethan whose eyes was on his food.
"Maya!!"
"What! Maybe a little glamor will loosen that stoic pretty-boy energy he's got going on."
"I'm hanging up now, Maya-"
"Tell him your best friend said so. Byee!"
She hung up.
I turned around, trying not to look guilty.
Ethan was no longer staring at his food....but me.
"'Stoic pretty-boy energy'?" he asked, amused.
"You weren't supposed to hear that," I mumbled, cheeks heating up. He smiled.
________In The Evening
We arrived at the club. We walked straight to the velvet rope. Maya gave a sly nod to the bouncer, who instantly stepped aside.
VIP.
Inside, was a swirl of color and sound. Strobe lights danced over crystal walls. Tables sparkled with bottle service. The bar overlooked the city, glowing like something out of a fever dream.
We slid into a plush booth and ordered two cocktails-hers was something neon with a chili rim; mine was blush-pink with dried rose petals floating on top. We started talking about the silly things we did.
I sipped my drink and leaned toward her, a wicked grin forming. "I don't want to say this but I have to" I said and laughed before continuing, "okay, so when I was eight, I tried to prank my brother by hiding in the laundry basket with a scary mask. I waited so long for him to come in-my legs were cramping."
Maya raised a brow. "That sounds like the beginning of a traumatic tale."
"Oh, just wait. He finally walked in, and I jumped out, did the 'RAWR!' thing... and this boy-this sweet angel of a child-screamed like a banshee and punched me in the mouth out of pure reflex. I lost two teeth instantly. TWO."
Maya howled with laughter.
"I couldn't even cry properly-I was choking on a molar."
Maya nearly spilled her drink laughing. "You got knocked out by your own prank! That's not karma, that's instant justice."
"Now every time I see a laundry basket, I flinch."
We both collapsed into giggles, drawing a few curious glances from the surrounding tables.
"Okay, okay," Maya said, wiping a tear. "My turn."
She leaned in dramatically. "So, I once faked an entire relationship in high school for three months. Just to win a bet."
My eyes widened. "You what?!"
"Yup. His name was Caleb. He was obsessed with his biceps and only spoke in gym metaphors. I made a bet with this girl that I could get him to call me 'his forever protein shake.'"
I almost spat out my drink. "Did he?"
"He tattooed it."
We shrieked with laughter. A few seconds later, someone handed us microphones. The DJ grinned. "Time for open karaoke!"
Maya looked at me. "Do we embarrass ourselves or be boring?"
I grabbed the mic. "Embarrassment builds character."
What followed was nothing short of chaos. We butchered a dramatic love ballad with the intensity of two soap opera extras. Maya added ad-libs like she was on Broadway. I sang the wrong lyrics with full confidence. The crowd was howling by the end of it, and we collapsed back into our booth, breathless and exhilarated.
That's when three girls walked in, all of them glittering with confidence and drama. Maya squealed, leaping up to hug them.
"Ariana, these are my girls from high school-Chantel, Lily, and Nina."
They all gave me quick once-overs and then smiled in approval. "You're her," Chantel said with a smirk. "Ivan's new girlfriend"
I blinked. "Excuse me?"
"Come one, we saw your pictures at Twitter at a certain gala or something, it's trending now" she said and I widened my eyes. Really!
"His taste are always top notch, and you two fit perfectly together I must say" she added before sitting. I didn't say anything cos I felt odd there. I didn't even know what was going on. Also, why couldn't I deny that he was my boyfriend?, I mean he wasn't.
_____
We all laughed as Maya danced, it was soo funny. After she sat breathing heavily.
Then Nina leaned forward. "Alright. Truth or dare. Don't chicken out."
Maya grinned. "You're on."
"Group version. One person asks, we all answer."
Zara's eyes gleamed. "Okay. Ariana. You start."
I sipped the rest of my drink, set it down dramatically, and said, "Fine. Truth or dare?"
"Truth!" they all chorused.
I grinned. "What's the most reckless thing you've done for a crush?"
Zara groaned. "Once faked an asthma attack so I could sit next to him on the school trip."
Chantel nodded, proud. "I joined a freaking book club just because he liked 'classic literature'. I didn't know 'classic' meant 900 pages of suffering."
Maya cackled. "I once created a fake Instagram account to stalk his girlfriend's dog."
I blinked. "Why the dog?!"
"Because the girl had her account on private but she tagged her dog. Rookie mistake."
We all laughed, just then, Nina's phone lit up, and her face immediately brightened.
"Oh my God, he's here!" she squealed, jumping up so quickly she almost knocked her drink over.
"Who's he?" I asked, blinking.
Before anyone could answer, a tall guy strolled toward our booth-lean, stylish, all confidence and swagger. Nina practically ran to him, threw her arms around his neck, and he greeted her with a kiss that made all of us collectively gag in sync.
"Eewww!" we groaned.
"Get a room!" Chantel yelled, dramatically shielding her eyes.
Nina giggled, still holding his hand like it was made of gold. "Y'all are just jealous. This is what love looks like!"
"And cavities," Maya added.
Nina stuck her tongue out at us. "Whatever. You guys enjoy your little game. I've got better plans."
And just like that, she sauntered off with her boyfriend.
I took a breath, hoping the game might chill now.
Nope.
Zara turned to me with a grin so devious it should've come with a warning label. "Your turn, Ari. Truth or dare?"
The table turned to me like I was prey surrounded by predators.
I raised my brow. "Dare."
Chantel's eyes sparkled. "Oh, we've got one."
Zara leaned forward like she was delivering the verdict in a courtroom. "We dare you... to flirt with one of the guys here. Not just a smile. Full-on, walk up, compliment, touch the arm, do the little hair flip-and come back in the next two minutes"