Aria
"Huh?" My brain instantly froze when I heard his words.
Now I remember that this blue-eyed man is the person I bumped into when I was at the company building where Arden used to work. No wonder he was surprised to see me, he turned out to be the fiancé I left three years ago.
"So you're Caleb Reed?" Even without an answer, I already knew what his answer would be, and I was extremely surprised to discover this fact.
"We have a lot to talk about, don't we?" A sharp smirk appeared on Caleb's lips.
Not to mention, I felt a flick on my forehead after that, and I could only moan softly in resignation.
"I didn't mean to–"
My words were cut off when I felt Caleb's hand move from my waist to hold my hand.
"Let's continue this conversation upstairs," said Caleb as he took my hand.
Caleb took me to the third floor of Vetra, where only VVIP customers had access. For three years, I had always been treated badly by Arden and his family, and there were even times when they forbade me from eating.
So, being able to enjoy luxury like this again made me feel a little overwhelmed and even more nervous.
"I'm sorry for what happened three years ago. Although this is not comparable to what I did, please accept this." Feeling a little awkward, I gave him the small gift I had brought for him.
Caleb snorted softly, still staring at me with a mocking gaze. Seeing his reaction, I could only grin softly, actually already accustomed to this kind of treatment.
"Do you think I'll accept it?" With his sharp voice, Caleb just sat quietly in his place, leaving my hand hanging in the air along with the gift I brought.
"Of course not, but I hope you can accept my apology," I replied calmly, trying to remain composed.
Unexpectedly, Caleb rose from his chair, reached out his hand toward me, and pulled my dangling hand toward him.
Unprepared for this, my body lurched forward... towards him. Fortunately, my other hand quickly grabbed the edge of the table, preventing my face from hitting his.
However, my breath caught in my throat when I felt his rapid breathing. Our faces were only a finger's width apart, and I could feel his anger from this close distance.
His blue eyes staring deeply into mine completely swept me away into the pain hidden within them.
"You think your apology is enough? I've been looking for you for three years!" Caleb hissed dangerously, every word he uttered full of emphasis.
My body unconsciously trembled when I felt the wave of his anger. I could only stare into his eyes with a dry throat, not knowing what to say.
"Tsk!" Caleb released his grip on my hand, then straightened his collar and sat back down.
I cleared my throat softly to lighten the heavy atmosphere while fixing my hair and sitting down across from him.
"I know I was wrong, and I came to see you tonight to fix everything," I said after gathering my courage, although I could hear my voice trembling slightly as I said it.
"Fix it? How? By becoming my fiancée again?" Caleb rolled his eyes lazily, not really paying attention to what I was saying.
"Yes. If you're still willing to accept it." This time I said it with confidence.
"Huh?!" Caleb turned to look at me this time, with a hint of surprise in his eyes. "Stop joking around. I'll bankrupt your family if you leave me again later."
"I'm not joking. I sincerely want to make up for all my mistakes," I replied, looking straight into Caleb's blue eyes.
We stared at each other for quite a while, until Caleb finally burst out laughing, leaving me confused.
"Hey, I'm serious!" I was quite annoyed that Caleb didn't take my words seriously.
"Really? You think I'm going to believe your nonsense?!" Caleb glared back at me, not believing a word I said.
I could only sigh softly, not surprised that he didn't believe me. Considering that I left him right on the day of our engagement.
"Then, what do I have to do to make you believe me?" I looked up at him.
I looked at him with determination. Marrying Caleb was part of my plan for revenge, so I needed to get him.
"Make me believe in your sincerity." Caleb shrugged indifferently, leaning back in his chair and challenging me with his gaze.
"If that's what you want," I replied, nodding my head in understanding.
"But–"
I held my breath when I heard Caleb's words. For some reason, I had a bad feeling about what he was about to say.
Caleb's smirk reappeared, causing a bead of cold sweat to appear on my forehead. I swallowed hard as I waited for him to speak.
"I'll only give you five dates with me. You have to convince me with the opportunities you have, otherwise your family..." Caleb made a gesture that implied my family would be in danger.
"Agreed," I replied without flinching.
Caleb shrugged indifferently, then held out his hand to me. I shook his hand confidently.
The food began to arrive, making me blink several times as I forgot that we were in a restaurant at the moment.
I felt my hands tremble slightly when I saw the food served in front of me. It had been a long time since I had experienced fine dining like this.
"Do you still intend to continue your career in acting? Or have you chosen to help your brother at the company?" Caleb glanced at me briefly.
When I looked up to stare at him, I caught him looking away from me.
"I'm sure my brother doesn't need my help at the company." I paused for a moment before continuing, "I threw away everything I had before, but this time I'm back to get it back."
I looked up and stared at Caleb, a slight smile playing on my lips.
Caleb just snorted softly, then looked away from me... again.
That's when I saw Caleb reach out his hand toward me to give me a piece of card. I looked at him in confusion, but I saw his eyes signaling me to take the card.
"Call him if you want to restart your career." Even though Caleb's voice sounded cold and indifferent, I felt a warmth after so long.
I accepted the card with emotion, even unconsciously staring at him with teary eyes.
"Don't look at me like that." Caleb glared sharply at me.
But I could see him handing me his handkerchief. Then, he acted as if he didn't care.
"Don't get too excited, I'll pick you up tomorrow, so be ready," Caleb said again.
"Where are you taking me?" I looked at him in confusion.
Instead of answering, Caleb just grinned at me, which gave me goosebumps.