Chapter 34 First date l.
Marcel was torn between revealing the truth and keeping quiet. As he was determined to get Aria for himself and separate her from Ace, he started to speak, saying "It Ac-", but immediately thought better of it. He realized that speaking up would damage both Aria's and his own reputation.
"God, thank you," Marcel thought. "Now, if I dare say something to them, it will be a mess. Aria's image, not just hers but mine, will be ruined. It will be revealed that I love her and even kissed her forcefully. No, no, no, I should zip my lips."
The principal, noticing Marcel's hesitation, asked, "What did you say, my son? We're waiting." Marcel stuttered, "N-nothing." His father, Mr. Remy, asked, "What did you mean by nothing?" Marcel replied innocently, "Father, I don't know who did this to me."
Mr. Remy was irritated, asking, "How do you mean you don't know who did this to you, huh?" Marcel's mother intervened, saying, "If he says he doesn't know, then of course, he doesn't. You should let him be, don't trouble my child."
The principal sighed and asked Marcel, "Marcel, why didn't you know them? Didn't you see their faces?" Marcel's father became suspicious, snapping at the principal, "How did you know how many they were? Whether it was one, two, or three, huh?"
The principal explained, "Well, look at the way his face is full of bruises. One single person couldn't have done that." Marcel's father was still skeptical, but the principal reassured him, "Don't worry, we'll investigate."
Marcel thought to himself, "I hope they won't find anyone or anything about this. God, help me." Mr. Remy asked Marcel, "How are you feeling? Will you be able to go back home with your parents?"
Meanwhile, in Aria's room, Aria was lying on her bed, hoping that everything would be fine, just as Ace had said. She worried that if Marcel spoke up, he and Ace might get suspended, and everyone would find out that Marcel had kissed her. The thought annoyed her.
A week had passed since the incident, and Marcel hadn't said anything. Many students had asked about what had happened to his face, but Aria had played dumb to avoid saying anything. Ace and Aria had enjoyed each other's company, and now it was the weekend.
"Helena, do you think this will look good on me?" Aria asked, seeking her friend's opinion.
"Of course, it will! Blue complements your skin tone perfectly," Helena replied, trying to convince her friend. "Now, go change into it. We don't want Ace waiting too long. Besides, he should wait for you, not the other way around."
Two minutes later, Aria emerged from the bathroom, stunning in her knee-length blue gown. Her long, straight black hair cascaded down her back, with a few strands framing her face. "Oh my, you look beautiful, Aria!" Helena exclaimed.
Next, Helena focused on Aria's makeup, carefully enhancing her features. "Don't make it too harsh, okay?" Aria requested, and Helena nodded.
Once the makeup was done, Helena declared, "You're good to go! You look magnificent, Aria." She then added, "Wait, we're forgetting two things – earrings and your hair."
Helena quickly styled Aria's hair and found a pair of earrings to complete the look. Aria gazed at her reflection, amazed. "Is that me?" she asked, hardly recognizing herself.
Helena smiled proudly. "That's you, transformed under my expert hands." Aria thanked Helena, who responded, "Don't mention it, but seriously, stop thanking me. It makes me feel like we're growing apart."
Aria's phone rang, interrupting their conversation. "I think he's here," Aria said, answering the call. Ace confirmed his arrival, and Aria took a deep breath, preparing to leave.
As they headed out, Helena handed Aria a black side bag and boots. "Now, let's go," she said, giving Aria a reassuring smile. "Remember, be confident and don't be nervous." Aria nodded, though Helena teased, "You're confident at school, but who's nervous now?"
Aria just smiled and reminded Helena, "If Mom calls, tell her we're studying late, and my phone's dead."
TWO HOURS BACK. "Mom today I will go to Helena's house to study together," Aria said. "Okay my child, but come back early, okay? And study hard." She said, and Aria nodded.
After breakfast, Aria went to her room and called Helena. "What should I take with me, Helena?" Aria asked. "Nothing, leave everything to me here, and whatever lie you told Aunty, don't let her suspect, so come alone without taking anything with you." Helena warned. "OK," Aria said, and quickly showered and wore her usually jeans and top along with her brown court shoes. "What should I take with me, hmm?" Aria said with a thoughtful expression.
"Yeah, I'm going to take my notes and one textbook." Aria said, and after packing up, she looked at the mirror and said, "Good girl," with a thumb up to herself. "Mom, I'm leaving," Aria said. "Okay, my dear, take care." Her mother said. "Sis, take care, and bring me ice cream," Max said, waving at his sister happily.
BACK TO PRESENT. "Okay, I won't forget," Helena assured her.
As Helena opened the door, Aria's eyes landed on Ace, who stood charmingly in front of his sleek black Maserati. His handsome features were accentuated by the soft glow of the evening light. His chiseled jawline, sharp nose, and piercing eyes seemed to gleam with a subtle confidence. A slight smile played on his lips, revealing a hint of his perfect white teeth.
Ace's tall, athletic build was evident even under his fitted outfit, which seemed to accentuate his broad shoulders and chest.
His dark hair was styled perfectly, adding to his overall air of sophistication. As he stood there, he exuded an aura of calm self-assurance, his eyes locked onto Aria's as if drinking in the sight of her.
For a moment, Aria forgot to breathe, her heart skipping a beat as she took in the sight of Ace standing in front of his luxurious car, looking every inch the handsome and charming young man he was.