Chapter 15: Chapter XV

The penthouse was quiet when they stepped in, the hush of the ocean outside faint due to the thick triple-glazed glass. Ariana removed her heels and leaned back against the door, exhaling as if she’d been holding her breath the entire ride home.

“That was... a lot. Both the food and all the attention we received.” she said, eyes still shimmering from the attention they’d received at lunch. Her fingers absentmindedly brushed her dress where Callum’s hand had rested on the small of her back in front of the paparazzi.

Callum loosened the cuffs of his shirt as he watched her from the kitchen, pouring two glasses of wine. “You handled it very well. You’re becoming a pro.”

“I really hope so. Sometimes it feels like I’m an alien in your world.” she admitted taking the glass he offered. “I was scared the entire time. I kept thinking someone would ask me a question I couldn’t answer, or mention... her.”

He didn’t need to ask who “her” was.

Before either of them could say more, Ariana’s phone buzzed on the counter where she’d left it.

The screen lit up with the name she’d been waiting to see all day.

Dr. Blackwell – He was the doctor in charge of her sister’s care.

Her heart jumped. “It’s my sister’s doctor,” she said in a shaky, tight voice.

Callum nodded, already stepping away to give her space.

She picked up the phone with trembling fingers. “Hello?”

“Miss Cruze?” the doctor’s warm voice greeted her. “I just wanted to inform you that we’ve secured a surgical slot for your sister. It’s in two days. So far we have been able to optimize her vitals so everything is lined up—we just need you to confirm the insurance and consent forms, and we’re set.”

Ariana blinked fast, her throat closing around the sudden rush of emotion. “Two days? That’s amazing. Thank you doctor. Thank you so much.”

When she hung up, her hand was still shaking. Excitement and panic were all present. It was very good news and a confirmation that her sacrifice was worth something.

Callum had returned, studying her from a few feet away.

“Well, how is she doing?” he asked gently.

“She’s getting the surgery,” Ariana whispered, a dazed smile breaking over her lips. “It’s finally happening. The doctor said her vitals are good and they are optimistic about the results.”

He stepped closer, something unspoken in his gaze. “That’s good news.”

She nodded, but tears spilled over before she could stop them. “I just— I didn’t think we’d get here. Not this soon. My sister is finally getting the care she needs and it’s all thanks to you.”

Without hesitation, he reached for her, pulling her against his chest. She didn’t resist.

It wasn’t like the staged touches they shared in public. This was warm, real, soothing.

“I’m so tired of pretending I’m okay, I can’t lose her. She’s all I have to call family.” she mumbled into his shirt, her voice cracking.

“You don’t have to pretend with me.” he murmured, his fingers grazing the back of her neck. “Not here. I’ll always be there if you need a shoulder to lean on.”

She looked up, eyes still wet. Their faces were close—so close his breath tickled her cheek.

“Callum...” she whispered.

He didn’t answer. His gaze dropped to her mouth, then back to her eyes, searching, asking.

Ariana’s pulse stuttered. The air shifted. Their lips hovered a breath apart, the world narrowing to the space between them.

And then…

His phone rang.

The shrill ringtone sliced through the moment like a blade. Callum flinched, jaw tightening as he pulled back, the spell broken.

Ariana blinked, stepping away, her fingers grazing her lips like they burned.

He stared at the name on the screen,his face was unreadable.

“Work?” she asked, her voice quiet.

He nodded. “Yeah.”

But neither of them moved. The distance between them felt suddenly too wide.

Callum stared at the caller ID flashing across his screen. Milanna Prestley.

His jaw clenched. He moved back before Ariana could see who was calling. He was silent for a moment too long.

Ariana shifted behind him, her arms crossing over her chest. “You should take it, it might be important.” she said, trying to sound indifferent, but he heard the change in her voice.

Without another word, he stepped out onto the balcony and answered.

“Who’s this?” He acted as though he didn’t have her number saved.

A scoff went off at the other end.

“I wasn’t sure you’d pick up,” her voice sarcastic, low and sophisticated like it always had been. “But I figured you might. Especially after what happened at the gala.”

He exhaled slowly, scanning the city skyline in front of him. “What do you want?”

“I want to talk,” she said simply. “Face-to-face. Somewhere private. Just the two of us.”

“That’s not going to happen. This is immature even for you.”

“I think it should,” Milanna pressed, her voice tightening. “You owe me that much, Callum. And before you say otherwise, remember—I still know things. Things that could make that sweet little PR fantasy you’re playing with Ariana... explode in your face.” She laughed. “Now, why don’t you be a good boy and agree to meet.”

“I don’t have time for your games, Milanna”

“I don’t think you want the media finding out about the nitty gritty details of your whirlwind romance or better still your lie?”

Callum’s grip on the phone tightened.

“Don’t threaten me.”

“Then don’t make me,” she shot back coolly. “I’ll text you the address. You’ll come…because you can’t afford not to.”

Before Callum could utter another word, she hung up. The sound of the call ending was infuriating.

He didn’t move for a long moment, the wind tugging at his sleeves, the city stretching endlessly ahead.

When he finally turned back toward the glass doors, he could see Ariana in the reflection—sitting on the couch, staring at the door, her fingers lightly grazing the edge of her phone.

He knew she heard the tone of his voice. He just hoped she didn’t know the caller. He wasn’t going to put her in between his drama.

And he knew he had to see her unless this wouldn’t stay buried for long.

Taking a breath, Callum pranced out of the balcony. He hated himself for always finding ways to screw his life by engaging with the likes of Milanna Prestley.

Callum passed by Ariana on his way out of the penthouse suite. She looked up from her phone just in time to see him. Shit. He didn’t want her asking him where he was going.

What was he supposed to tell her?

“Hey, are you alright?” Ariana asked so softly. Her voice was almost a whisper.

Callum was taken aback by the amount of genuine concern in her voice.

“Yeah. I need to talk to Julian. We have some work we need to take care of. If you need anything you can text me. The chef will be here soon to get started on dinner. I’ll see you at dinner.”

Callum didn’t wait for her response before dashing out of their suite in a murderous rage.