The next morning, Alena woke up earlier than usual. Excitement tingled through her chest, making it impossible for her to stay in bed. Today was a big day for her. She is finally going to get admission into one of the best art schools in the city. She is so excited like a child who is going to the first day of school.
She slipped into the only decent dress she had, a simple white frock, neat and modest. Standing in front of the small mirror in her room, she smoothed the fabric over her knees and tried not to feel self-conscious. Yesterday, Kieran did say Aiden would take her shopping on the way, she thought, biting her lip. That thought alone made her giggle. Shopping had always been out of reach for her, but today…? Today felt different.
All bright and smiley, she bounced out of her room and made her way to the dining hall. The long table was empty. Alena blinked, confused.
"Huh? Did I come too early?" she mumbled, glancing around the quiet space.
Curious, she walked into the kitchen, where Peter and Martha were already hard at work. The scent of fresh bread and eggs filled the air. She had noticed over the months that these two rarely had a moment outside the kitchen, always cooking, chopping, or serving. After all, Kieran's men practically lived on food, and Kieran takes good care of his staff. So the kitchen was the heart of the household.
"Morning," she greeted warmly.
Martha turned, her face lighting up with a smile. "Morning, dear." Her voice carried that motherly tone Alena had grown to adore. "You're up early today?"
Alena beamed, unable to hold in her excitement. "Yeah. Actually… I got admitted to one of the big art schools in the city. Today I'm going to complete the admission process."
Peter stepped out from behind a counter, eyebrows raised, his smile wide. "Ohh, really? Congratulations, dear!"
Alena's heart warmed. The way they spoke to her, cared for her, it felt like family.
"Had your breakfast, darling?" Peter asked.
"No, not yet. I came for one," she admitted sheepishly.
Martha chuckled softly. "Owe, then sit. I'll serve you."
Soon, a plate was placed before her: boiled eggs, toast, a small bowl of fruit, and a glass of orange juice. "Eat well," Martha said gently. "You're going to have a long day."
Alena's smile softened. "Thank you.", her chest full of warmth as she ate.
Later, she sat in the living room, dressed neatly and holding a folder filled with her artwork. She had poured her heart into these pieces over the last six months. Now, she would finally carry them out into the world.
The sharp click of shoes echoed as Kieran entered. He looked striking in a three-piece suit, crisp and formal, as though heading to a serious meeting. His gaze fell on her immediately.
"Morning, Alena," he greeted.
She turned with a wide, excited smile. "Good morning!"
Kieran's lips curved as he took in her neatly done hair and the way she was clutching her folder. "All ready early in the morning?"
"Yes," she replied proudly.
He smiled and reached out to mess up her hair, but she quickly leaned back, hands covering her head. "Not this time! I'm going out, you'll ruin it."
Kieran burst out laughing, the sound filling the room. "Oh, right. I forgot. The crybaby is going to get admission into one of the best art schools in the city." He teased, sitting beside her.
Her cheeks burned as she protested. "Don't say that! I'm not a crybaby."
He chuckled and asked softly. "Had your breakfast?"
She nodded, still flustered.
"Good." He gave an approving nod.
Just then, Aiden walked in, his usual composed self in a fresh shirt and dark jacket, and his usual grumpy face.
"Morning, boss," he said.
"Morning. Had breakfast?" Kieran asked.
"Yes, boss."
"Okay. Take Alena shopping first, buy her whatever she needs, and then complete the admission process at the art school," Kieran instructed.
Aiden's gaze flickered briefly to Alena, who sat practically bouncing with excitement. "Yes, boss," he answered flatly.
"You can leave now," Kieran said. Then, glancing back at Alena, he added, "All the best, Alena."
Alena's heart fluttered at the encouragement. She smiled and followed Aiden out.
At the Market
The car stopped in front of a towering glass-fronted ladies' boutique, lined with mannequins dressed in glamorous gowns and chic dresses. The entire street buzzed with style, women carrying glossy shopping bags from store to store.
Alena's eyes widened as she took it all in. She looked down at her plain frock, then up at the mannequins, her lips forming a tiny pout.
Beside her, Aiden's voice cut through. "Don't get too excited. Finish your shopping quickly, we need to get to the art school. If you don't want your admission to be cancelled, then hurry up. and don't overspend." His tone was flat, almost impatient.
Alena turned, glaring at him. "I haven't even gone inside, and you're already giving me orders. Can't you be nice to me for once?"
"No," he said bluntly.
She muttered under her breath, "Rude," and pushed the door open.
Then, peeking back through the window, she asked, "You're not coming?"
"This is a ladies' boutique. What should I do inside?" he scoffed.
Alena hesitated. Her voice dropped softer. "Accompany me. I'm nervous. I've never been in places like this. I don't even know what clothes to buy. And…" she swallowed, glancing down, "…who's going to pay?"
He scoffed, "Oh, God. Now, a man has to tell a woman what clothes she needs to buy?"
Her face fell at his words, her eyes dimming. "Don't make fun of it," she murmured. "I'm genuinely asking. I really don't know what's in fashion or where to wear what."
Aiden froze. For a second, he felt bad for making fun of her. He exhaled heavily and got out of the car. "Come," he muttered.
Alena's lips broke into a relieved smile as she hurried after him.
Inside, the boutique smelled faintly of lavender. Bright lights reflected off polished floors, rows of dresses glimmering in shades of silk and chiffon. A young female staff member approached immediately with a welcoming smile.
"How can I help you, sir?" she asked politely.
To Alena's surprise, Aiden smiled back, smooth and charming.
Her eyes widened slightly. He can actually smile?
"Show her some latest collections," Aiden instructed. "Formal, casual, special occasion… and some daily wear."
The staff nodded. "Of course, sir. Let me take your girlfriend for measurements."
Both Alena's and Aiden's eyes went wide. "No, no, she's not my girlfriend. She's just… someone I know."
The staff blinked, then smiled awkwardly. "Oh, I'm so sorry for the misunderstanding. I thought, This is your new girlfriend."
"That's okay," Aiden cut in quickly, waving it off, though a faint flush crept up his ears.
The woman led Alena away while Aiden sat on the couch nearby, glancing around. Yet, despite himself, his eyes kept straying toward where Alena was trying on outfits, laughing shyly at the staff's suggestions.
An hour later, she returned wearing formal black pants and a cream-colored shirt, looking professional, while holding several outfits and sandals. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes sparkling. "It's done. She suggested some good clothes and sandals."
Aiden nodded, went to the counter, and smoothly slid out the card Kieran had given him. He flashed another easy, charming smile at the staff, so much so that the young woman blushed. He didn't even hesitate before asking for her number, and of course, she gave it.
Carrying the shopping bags with a smug grin, he strode out.
In the car, Alena folded her arms, grinning like a cat. She stared at him until he finally turned. "What?"
She wiggled her brows. "How many girlfriends have you brought here before?"
Aiden coughed at her questions, then said, almost annoyed. "None of your business."
Alena's grin widened. "I thought you were grumpy and rude. But you turned out to be a secret Romeo. You even charmed that lady staff enough to get her number."
Aiden shot her a glare, trying to mask the faint twitch at the corner of his lips. "You talk too much."
"Yes, yes. Because I found out the Romeo side of our beloved Aiden," she teased, leaning back smugly.
His voice dropped in warning. "Shut up and sit quietly, or else I'll throw you out of the car."
"And if you do," Alena smirked, "Kieran will break your bones for throwing me out."
His glare deepened, but she wasn't wrong.
"How dare you take Boss's name like that? He's older than you," he snapped.
She lifted her chin. "He might be your boss, but he's my friend. And he's the one who offered to be friends with me."
Aiden scoffed. "What? Aren't you in too much delulu? Boss and you, friends?" he laughed, "Don't misunderstand his kindness towards you."
Alena smiled sweetly, her tone firm. "If you doubt me, why don't you ask your boss yourself?"
Aiden's mouth was shut because, looking at her confidence, it seemed she was telling the truth. He was in thought, what? Did the boss make friends with this woman? How on earth is it possible? He was never like this before. Surely he rescued many women and children before and was kind to them. But he had not treated them like this girl, what's wrong? Why is he so kind and close to Alena? What made this girl so different? He questioned himself.
Before his thoughts could spiral further, Alena's playful voice cut in. "So… are we going to sit here staring at the road, or will you drive?"
Snapping back, he scowled, started the car, and pulled onto the road. Alena smiled to herself, hugging her folder of paintings, her heart beating with hope for the new journey waiting at the art school.