Chapter 18: Chapter 18

Mila and I decided to have our last minute shopping today. Last minute because the party is tonight and we have a few hours left to pamper ourselves. Of course, Mila's favorite bonding time with me.

"You're just sitting down there and not helping me."

I was waiting for her from the couch, lounging in while looking at random magazines. She was busy picking out the dresses for us.

I shrugged. "I told you to pick my dress so I'm here waiting for it."

"I'm stressing out here, Kai. I don't know what to wear." She said exasperatedly.

"So you're having a hard time picking your dress." I highlighted the word you cause I thought she was stressing out picking my dress. "What about mine? Did you find something for me?"

She gave me an ear splitting grin. "Yes, I already did but..." She paused for a moment before continuing. "We're going to wear it at the same time as soon as I find mine."

I raised my eyebrow at her questioningly. "How would you know it fits me when you're not letting me see it?"

"Trust me, babe. It will fit you perfectly."

---

Mila and I searched for the entrance of the ballroom. We were a bit late just because Mila took hours and hours to find her dress. I got tired of waiting and helped her instead. I suggested a black dress. Thank god, she agreed and so the number of choices decreased.

She chose a long sleeved, laced floor length dress with two slits on each side. It has a deep v-neck, highlighting her cleavage. Her blonde hair was hung loose in waves. Mila chose a burgundy colored dress for me. Much like her, it also has a deep v-neck. My pendant rests just above and between the valley of my breasts. Both of our backs were also open. It was flowy and though it wasn't a slit, my legs up until my mid-thigh could still be visible as I walked. My hair was in loose curls and styled in a deep side part.

It felt like we were spawns of the devil when we entered the ballroom together. Black and red with a fierce look.

"You know this is why I like balls like this. You two finally look like real women." We heard Remi suddenly gracing us with his presence. Mila rolled her eyes.

"You look close to homo sapiens. Congratulations, Remington." She retorted. I giggled as Remi gave her a scowl.

"Careful. You know our parents are here. You guys should be..." I showed them a kissing action as I pucker my lips. Mila rolled her eyes for the umpteenth time today while Remi put her arm around her as he brought her closer.

"You know who's here, too? You're prince charming." I frowned not getting what he meant. "Keelan White, Kai." He added as he rolled his eyes sassily.

My eyes widened in surprise and disbelief.

"How is he here?" My question sounded almost in alarm.

Remi wasn't able to answer when my parents suddenly showed up.

"Remington, Mila, it's nice of you two to attend this ball." My father greeted my friends while my mother gave them a soft motherly smile. Although his name could make us laugh but with my father around, it wasn't funny. The three of us would be completely serious and always watch our actions whenever he's around.

"Good evening, uncle, auntie." They both greeted them with a forced smile.

"Hello, my dears. How was your camping trip last weekend? I hope my daughter didn't give you any trouble." Mother asked gently.

"It was fun, auntie. You know Kyree isn't a trouble for us. It wouldn't be the same without her." Mila answered with a now genuine smile.

"Of course." My mom agreed with a chuckle. "You three are like triplets."

"Mila, your parents are already at their table. Remington, can you lead her there?" Dad requested with a firm tone and I know what he wanted now.

"Yes, of course, uncle. Let's go, Mila." They both gave me one last look before leaving. It was a worried look.

"Kyree, I'd like to introduce you to the Hawkins." I exhaled. They walked me towards the Hawkins as my mom gushed how handsome their son was or the fact that they have a really prominent family.

"This is Charlotte, Nolan and their son, Adriel. This is my daughter, Kyree."

They greeted me and even gushed on how beautiful I was. I eyed their son who seemed to be really interested in me. His eyes were dilated and he was looking at me adoringly. He was indeed handsome. The blonde and blue eyes type. And here I am feeling blank and empty. I have always felt this way whenever they introduced me to their business associates. They'll talk and talk and I just stand here staring into space.

After this, a meeting will probably happen. A marriage meeting.

Adriel asked me to come with him to the balcony and I followed.

"What's on your mind?" He asked. There was no hint of malice, just pure curiosity.

I tilted my head and looked at him. So he noticed. "I don't want to be here honestly."

He chuckled. "I know. I could see it in your eyes. And the fact that you're not interested in me too." He smirked. You could hear him joking but there was obvious truth in them.

"I'm not interested in anyone actually."

"Really?" He laughed. "Well, that's relieving."

I smiled at him, realizing the guy is actually kind of cool. "You like me." I stated rather nonchalantly.

"Yes." With a smile on his handsome face. "You're really beautiful you know. My parents just didn't try to impress your parents with flowery words... neither am I. But I'm trying to impress you though." He smirked.

I chuckled. "You have a playboy smirk. I don't think it will pass my standards." I shook my head jokingly.

"I'm not a playboy. I just look like it." He said with a frown.

I smiled at him. "I'm going inside." I left him not waiting for his answer.

I eyed the crowd and looked for my friends.

"Who was that?" My spirit almost jumped out from surprise when that deep yet boyish familiar voice spoke beside my ear. My hand went straight to my chest to stop my heart from jumping out