Chapter 9: Chapter IX

The lovely aroma of the meal hit her before she could fully open her eyes — something buttery, something sweet.

Ariana blinked against the soft afternoon light entering through the mesh curtains. The ocean glimmered beyond the windows, and a soft knock followed by a creak told her she wasn’t alone.

Callum’s voice, low and teasing: “Sleeping Beauty rises. I hope you were able to get some rest?”

She sat up, tugging the duvet around her. “Yes I was. What time is it?”

“Late. You needed the rest after the early start you had,” he said. He wheeled in a tray table crowned with gleaming silver domes, a French press, and flutes of orange juice.

“Room service?” she said, surprised.

“I’m sure you will love my meal selection” he said with mock pride.

She smiled, sitting cross-legged on the bed. “I’m impressed already. Now let’s see what we have under the domes. I’m starving.”

He removed the lids one by one — Lasagna, medium rare steak, smoked salmon, sliced avocado, and chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Ariana’s eyes shone with excitement. “This is breakfast, lunch and dessert. Literally a whole buffet”

“You like options so i asked the chef to create a variety” he replied, handing her a small plate and silverware. “Figured I’d cover both bases. Come on, should I dish some for you?”

“No, It’s fine. You already done such a good job. You’re getting brownie points for being a good host.” Ariana said with a wide tooth smile.

She got up to served herself, then paused. “You keep doing this.”

“What?”

“Showing me this version of you.” Her voice was softer now, unsure. “The sweet one. The one who remembers what I like without asking.”

Callum didn’t answer right away. He sat on the edge of the bed, forearms resting on his knees, watching her closely.

“I’m not trying to confuse you,” he said finally. “But I don’t do this with anyone else.”

She looked at him, unsure what to do with that. “Why me? You literally could have picked one of your other fancy looking women to do this with.”

He exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Because you call me out. Because you’re not impressed by my money or my name. Because I see something in you, I haven’t seen in a long time. You seem really genuine and that a rare quality to find in my world.”

She set her fork down, heart thudding. “You mean vulnerability?”

He met her eyes. “I mean honesty. Strength. Fire. And sometimes… yeah. Vulnerability. Even when you try to hide it. You're like an open book. Very easy to read and I like that about you.”

Her throat tightened. “I don’t want to be broken after this, Callum. I’m not used to being seen or even treated nicely.”

“You won’t. I don't intend on making promises I can't keep. When this is all done and dusted, I'm sure you would be happy you agreed to this arrangement.” he said with so much certainty in his voice.

She wanted to believe him. But all this was terrifying. It was uncharted territory and she didn't want regrets.

His phone rang on the nightstand, slicing the moment clean in half. He glanced at the screen and sighed.

“Julian,” he said. “Reminding me of a meeting I asked him to cancel twice already.”

Ariana offered a half-smile. “I guess you have to leave now?”

“Yes, I do, unfortunately.” He stood, lingering at the edge of the bed. “But I’ll be back much later. Then tonight — we go public. There’s a charity gala we’re to attend. Are you ready for that?”

She nodded slowly. “As ready as I’ll ever be. I need a dress though. I certainly don’t own anything fancy enough to be out in public with you.”

"Do you have any designer in mind?" Callum enquired.

"No I don't. I wouldn't even know what to wear if I went shopping on my own"

"I will send a stylist to you so you both can sort something out. She will come with a variety of options so you can choose what you feel best in. I'm sure you would look great either way.”

“Sure. That will be fine.” Ariana responded.

“Alright then they’ll be in touch with you. Take care of yourself. Text me if you need anything else.”

He turned to go but stopped in the doorway, eyes lingering on her.

“I’m sure you will look ravishing by my side.” he said loudly.

She threw a strawberry at him, laughing as he dodged it.

When the door closed behind him, the smile faded from her lips. She picked up the ring from the nightstand, turning it over in her fingers, and whispered to the empty room:

“Don’t make me fall if you’re not planning to catch me.”