Chapter 19: Chapter 19

"Fuck! Are you out of your mind?" I exclaimed as I acknowledged Keelan's presence. He just chuckled but his eyes showed he wasn't really happy at all. "You should really stop doing that. You're going to pay for medical expenses if I'm going to have a heart attack because of you."

He smirked. "Love, I'm going to pay all of our expenses for the rest of our lives. All you have to do is sit pretty and take care of our kids."

I scoffed. "Yeah, right. That's clearly not going to happen."

"Why? Cause you're going to marry your little boyfriend over there?" He said rather accusingly.

"He's not my boyfriend, Keelan." I suddenly feel annoyed at his childish tantrum. "You're probably right. I'm probably going to marry him." I said dejectedly. I start to walk away, not in a mood anymore. I wasn't able to step further when he grabbed my arm.

"What do you mean?" I could sense anger from his voice but his face doesn't show it so I just brush that idea off.

I sighed heavily. "I need a drink" I nodded towards the bar.

"Why are you here, Keelan?" I finally asked as soon as we're settled and got our drinks.

"My sister is one of the organizers of this party. The money goes to the veterans and to the people who suffered great losses from wars."

"Wow. That's amazing. Your sister is amazing, Keelan. I wish I had a sibling like that." There's a hint of loneliness in my voice. Something that I could not deny.

"I'm sure Remi and Mila treat you the same. I could tell how much they love you."

I grinned at that, suddenly feeling happy just the thought of them. "I know. I don't know what I'd do without them. They're the most important people to me."

"Not your family?"

He noticed I wasn't answering. He scooted closer to me. Our arms brushed from his movement. It no longer finds separation.

"Tell me, Kyree."

I stare at him. I looked straight at his eyes. His eyes that make me want to be sucked into a world through that green otherworldly orbs.

He was wearing the same outfit like every man in this ballroom. Suit and tie, others wore a bow. Keelan was wearing a black suit paired with a blood red tie. Unknowingly we matched with my close to red dress. His brown hair was pushed back neatly, not the usual scene I see when he always brushes it back because his messy waves fall to his sight. He really looks hot doing it. I gotta say though, he really looked handsome… dashing.

"My parents always hated my affiliation to music... especially my dad." He frowned. I decided to tell him the truth. "You've been wondering why I was desperately hiding my image, who I was or what I've been doing behind people's backs- behind their backs. Truth is... is that I don't want them to know I didn't let it go like they wanted me to. I'm an heiress. Period. Nothing more. Nothing less. That guy you saw me with, they're probably planning our engagement now. He's been wanting to introduce the Hawkins family to me, especially their son Adriel." My desperation probably gave away and I'm sure he noticed it. I looked away. "I'm sorry. I'm probably overreacting."

I was surprised when his hand touched my cheek. His thumb rubbing my blush. "You look so beautiful, Kyree. Tonight, you just blew me away. You're so beautiful that it hurts." I looked at him and just wondered.

He then kissed my cheek. "Do you want to get out of here?" He asked as he retracted.

I smiled at him sadly. "I can't. I was required to attend this party."

He then grabbed my hand and pulled me from my seat. "Where are we going?"

"To your parents."

"What?! Keelan, he's going to roast you." Suddenly scared for his sake.

He smirked. "I have my ways. You'll be thanking me when we get out of here."

---

"Dad, I'd like you to meet Keelan. My friend."

My father raised a brow as he assessed Keelan. My mother just smiled at him. I don't even know if it's genuine.

Keelan offered his hand. "Keelan White, sir. It's a pleasure to meet Kyree's parents." Out of respect, he took his hand and shook it. I couldn't pass his skeptical look though. He didn't know who he was. He didn't know any family who held the name White. Mom shook his hand with a smile.

"We go to the same college, mom." She nodded in understanding.

"Are you studying business as well?" My dad asked.

"Yes, sir, although I'm taking up the major courses, shortening my term. My sister wants me to take over their business right away."

"May I ask who your sister is? I'm afraid I do not know any family with the surname White." My father asked carefully.

"Avery Ranallo. She's married now." Our eyes widened just the mention of the renowned name. "She's one of the major organizers of this event. I hope you're having a good night, Mr. and Mrs. Knight. Avery has been busy organizing this event. She wanted the guests to feel comfortable and have a great time. This charity event is very important to her."

I glanced at my dad who had his Adam's apple bobbed up and down. My mom answered for his sake. "Of course. It's well organized and the venue is very grand. The food is very delicious as well. I could see the effort put into it." She ended her comment with a smile.

"If it's alright with you though, I'd like to take Kyree out tonight. I know the program hasn't officially started but I'd like to think that you'll still give me permission." He grinned. Oh wow, straight to the point.

He's using his charms on my parents. Oh my god. The look on their faces tells me that they haven't moved on from the fact that he actually belongs to the Ranallo family. Even though it wasn't by blood but he was an in-law. Businessmen were even desperate to be acquainted with the Ranallo family. My dad was included. They were an unreachable empire.

"Of course, son." My eyes widened again at his answer. "Enjoy the night. Let the boring stuff be handled by the older folks."

"Thank you, sir. I'll take good care of your daughter."

My mom smiled at him. "Take care, dear."

I kissed them both and said good night before leaving. When we're finally inside his car, I impatiently ask him.

"Oh my god! You're related to the Ranallo?! Is that why you were so confident that my parents are going to let us go?" I exclaimed.

"I never wanted to use that name but I did it anyway. I see how people react to it. Your parents aren't excluded. I didn't know it would actually work though. Your parents look really strict. Your father was especially intimidating. When I saw how they responded..." He shrugged with a smirk.

I laughed. "Oh my god! Do you know what'll happen if he isn't impressed by you? I don't want to even explain it." I then remembered his sister. "What about your sister? Won't she look for you?"

"I texted her. She's not gonna mind. She's really busy anyway. I wanted you to meet her though, maybe in some other time." He smiled at me and then shifted his attention to his car and reversed our way out.

"Okay. Where are we going though?