Elena's POV
I stepped out of the shower, a soft, fluffy towel wrapped snugly around me. My hair still dripping, wet footprints left a silent trail as I paced around the room, grabbing everything I'd need to get ready. I hadn't moved my stuff to Rio's room yet, so I had to get ready from here.
The big day , the ball everyone in the office kept hyping ,was finally here.
A thousand things could go sideways tonight, especially with a target on my back. Rio's dad would be there, the same man who wanted me kidnapped, or worse ,dead. All because of the key.
And now? I was officially dating Rio. Drama was guaranteed. I could almost taste it in the air. And I knew Rio was going to make sure everyone knew I was his.
I'd locked the real key away, hidden where no one could find it. So now I'll be wearing the counterfeit, safer that way.
A sudden knock at my door made me jump,I was halfway through drying my hair.
I walked over slowly and opened it.
"Hey," I smiled at Mariana.
"Hey... uh, can I come in?" she asked, nervousness clear in her voice.
Mariana was never nervous. That made my heart skip.
"Yeah, come on in," I said, stepping aside.
She paced the room, hands clenched, biting her tongue.
"Okay... deep breaths," I whispered, leading her to my bed and sitting her down gently.
"What's going on, Maria?" I asked, narrowing my eyes in concern.
She looked down at her lap, fiddling with her red nails. "I want to ask someone to the ball."
I grinned, excitement lighting up my face. "Hey, that's great news! You never go with anyone, but hey—first time for everything. So, who's the lucky guy?" I giggled, genuinely happy for her.
Her eyes stayed glued to the floor. "It's not a... he," she whispered, tugging on the rubber band on her arm.
My eyes widened. Duh—Mariana was into girls. How had I missed that?
"And? What's wrong with that?" I said, finally catching her gaze.
Her voice cracked as she whispered, "It's my father... I don't think he'd approve. He's always pushing me to get married." She sounded hurt. And my heart broke for her.
She ran her fingers through her dark hair ,just like her mom's from the photos I saw in the portrait room.
I stood and smiled, kneeling down in front of her.
"Then tell him, Maria," I said, my palm on her knee, looking up at her.
She looked at me like I was a miracle, eyes glossy but still tense.
I sighed. "Look, it's okay to be scared. But whether you tell him or not won't change who you are. It's not a sin. You're still his daughter—his amazing daughter."
Her face softened, hope flickering in her eyes.
"If you tell him tonight, I'll be there. We'll break the ice together. Whatever he says won't change a thing. And Rio? He loves you for who you are. We all do," I added, standing up now.
I giggled softly, and she wiped a stray tear away.
She pulled me into a tight hug, and I rubbed her back like she needed it.
When we pulled apart, she looked calmer. I nudged her playfully. "So... who is she?"
She giggled, flopping back on my bed, her hands behind her head like she was daydreaming about the most beautiful woman in the world.
"Margo," she said shyly.
Wait—hold up. Margo? The shy, glasses-wearing front desk receptionist? Wow. I did not see that coming.
"Wait, like Margo? The shy one with glasses at the reception?" I asked, grinning, surprised.
"Yep, that's her," Maria said.
Oh, I totally ship.
"You guys will look so good together," I squealed.
"Have you asked her yet?" I pressed, curious.
"Not yet... I think I'm too late," Maria whispered, pouting.
We sat in silence for a moment—then ding! An idea sparked.
"Sit tight, I'll be back," I said, jumping off the bed.
I grabbed one of Rio's oversized t-shirts and slipped it on.
Maria frowned, confused. "Wait, where are you—?"
But I was already out the door, speed-walking to Rio's room.
It was almost six, the ball starting in a few hours.
I knocked lightly. Footsteps approached, and Rio opened the door.
He smirked, eyes undressing me like I wasn't wearing his shirt.
I rolled my eyes and brushed past him, stopping in the middle of the room.
Rio shut the door and leaned against it, his dark eyes on me.
"I need a favor. ASAP," I said breathlessly, heart pounding.
"What do you need, princess?" His voice was low, rough, and predator-like as he stalked closer.
I swallowed hard. "I want you to call Margo. Right now. Make up an excuse to get her here. She doesn't live far, right?"
His hands found my waist, pulling me closer. My chest pressed against his, breath hitching.
Focus, Elena, I told myself.
Rio whispered in my ear, "Why do you need her here? No one's working today." His voice was low, vibrating through me. He peppered kisses on my cheek and neck.
I giggled, pushing him away just enough to breathe. "I want us to play matchmaker for your sister," I said, my voice cracking a little from all the things he was making me feel.
He chuckled. "She finally got the guts to ask her out, huh?"he pulled away but held my hand.
He grabbed his phone with the other hand , scrolling for Margo's number.
"Yep, but she's worried about your dad. Maybe he won't approve," I said.
"That's who she is. Nothing changes that," Rio said, echoing my earlier words.
He called, putting it on loudspeaker , his eyes were still on me his hand moving from mine and his thumb brushes my jaw and lips as he spoke .
"Boss," Margo's soft voice came through.
"Good evening, Margo. Got the guest list copy with you?" Rio asked, voice all business.
"Uhh, yes, but it's the hard copy," she said.
"Well, I need it right now. Can you bring it to my house?" Rio asked.
We waited, holding our breath.
"Sure, I'll be there in 20 minutes," Margo agreed.
"Thanks," Rio said, hanging up.
"Bingo," I said, high-fiving Rio.
"I'll tell Maria. Wish us luck," I giggled, heading for the door.
Rio caught me with a low growl, pressing me to his chest. "Next time you walk in here wearing only my t-shirt, I'm not letting you leave."
He pulled me close again, face buried in my hair. "Lucky you're matchmaking my sister."
He kissed my lips , pulling my hair back tilting my head and deepening the kiss , then let me go.
I stepped out and shut the door, heart racing and legs weak , out of breath and my brain fuzzy from that kiss.
I stood there a moment, steadying my breath and ignoring the heat pooling between my thighs.
Back in my room, Maria jumped when I walked in.
"What did you do?" she asked, clutching a pillow.
"Margo'll be here in less than 20 minutes," I said casually.
Maria froze, pillow dropping.
"Why? How?" she stammered.
I smiled. "Let's just say I'm a pretty good matchmaker. Now's your chance. Ask her out."
Maria giggled and hugged me again.
"You're the best, El," she whispered, pulling away and walking to the mirror.
She fluffed her hair, shooting me a shut up look.
I chuckled and got back to preparing for the ball.
Maria helped with my hair and dress.
Then the doorbell rang.
"Oh my God, she's here!" Maria panicked.
"Stay calm. Be yourself," I said.
She nodded, taking deep breaths. She gave me one last look—I nodded with a smile, and she walked out, shutting the door behind her.
I sat on my bed, legs shaking, waiting.
Thirty minutes later, the door clicked open.
Maria walked in, eyes bright.
"She said yes! Elena, she said yes!" Maria jumped and hugged me tightly.
"Yesss! I knew she would," I grinned, hugging her back.
We bounced around the room like teenagers, then settled, smiling wide.
"I'll get ready now. Thank you so much, Elena," she said, eyes sparkling.
"Don't mention it," I smiled.
She glanced back once, smiling, then left.
I shook my head, smiling, and finished getting ready—so happy for her.