A scandal

I received multiple calls from Lara, but I couldn't pick them up because I had an important matter to deal with Canim.

And I later on received a text from her.

Lara: I know it is so inappropriate to talk about this over the phone, way worse is text, but I have to tell you something really important.

It made me smile knowing that I already knew what she wanted to say. I knew she wouldn't forget to invite me over for her birthday.

I texted her back saying I'd call her later once I was done doing some important matter and I received a reply not long after.

Lara: Please be present at my birthday party. I'll text you the address and we'll talk there. This is important, Kaesu. I am hoping to see you there.

I smiled, staring at my phone, and gave her a response.

"What are you smiling at?" my attention swiftly switched to Canim as he spoke.

"Canim, I need you to help me." I went straight directly to the point while he was driving.

"Anything within my power." it saddened me a bit that he didn't even dare to take a glance at me. 

"Do you know Susanae?" He suddenly sped up his drive.

"I guess you know her. Well, I need you to help me. This is about Nadia, and I'm sure it'll benefit you too." I convinced him but he remained silent.

"Canim, say something-"

"If there's one thing you can help me with, it's attending the party this Friday." he cut me off using his ice-cold voice.

It's not possible, it's Lara's birthday. I can't miss her birthday because this is her first birthday with me.

"But I have other plans. Can't you just help me this one time? It's for the best for both of us."

"I know what's best for both of us." I was speechless because of his response.

I don't seem to know who I'm talking to now. The once meek look I see is slowly showing its true colors. I can't help but be hurt by him raising his voice at me. During our conversation, he didn't even look at me.

I'm sorry Lara, but I promise to be there once I finish this business with Canim. I will not miss your birthday.

We arrived in front of my house and when I got out of the car, he took something from his trunk and handed it to me.

"Wear this dress this Friday, it suits you best."

"How did you know it would fit me and why do you seem so sure?"

He just shrugged his shoulders, I don't know, but with everything he's been doing, it's making me hurt.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow."

He didn't even say goodbye and just left. I was left dumbfounded as I processed what was happening.

I went in and opened what he gave me. I saw a beautiful cocktail dress. I tried to wear it, but a bracelet fell from it, so I picked it up and smiled at what I saw. The gold bracelet is very beautiful, very elegant, and quite simple, not too much to look at. I wore the black cocktail dress and the bracelet, and I don't know why I am smiling so broad right now as I saw myself in the mirror.

"You're so beautiful."

Time flies so fast and it's already Friday. I was in my bedroom preparing myself for tonight when I received a text from Alex. I made an excuse saying that there was something important to finish first, but I would follow up later. Fortunately, Alex didn't ask too many questions, so I was able to relax while I settled myself.

I put on the dress and put my important things in my pouch, including a little makeup and retouching. It's been a while since the last time I put makeup on myself.

I heard a horn outside, so I smiled and went out to see Canim. After he opened the door for me, he drove to where we were going. Didn't even hear a compliment or a word from him about me.

"Whose party are we going to?" I asked him.

"My sister."

"Do you have a sister?" I asked him in shock. I didn't know he had a sister. But, why do I want to know the story of his whole family, don't I? It's like I'm invading my personal space.

"Nadia will be present at that party, as well as her family. I need you to be there with me and tell them that we're together."

"It doesn't make sense. How can your arranged marriage with Nadia be canceled by just my mere presence?"

"It's easy to make a scene, especially with a girl like you."

"What do you mean like me?" I feel really insulted but at the same time curious. "And it seems like your reputation will be ruined there too?"

"You don't know my father, he'll cover every hole he'll find just to make his name shiny as always." I felt something strange in Canim's tone.

"A scandal would make her family retreat. They wouldn't want to be involved in a big scandal that might ruin their name. Can you imagine the head of the news once we make a scandal? 'The Salazar trying to marry their daughter off for money'."

Yeah right, because what else could it be if they knew that the guy involved already had a lover? The media will then understand that the marriage is arranged, and it is because of money only.

I sighed upon realizing that from tonight onwards, I'll be on all the news once we execute the plan.

"We're here."

When I got out of the car, I was amazed.

The party is grand and luxurious, some people are dressed very elegantly. You can tell based on their clothes that they are not just ordinary people. Maybe most of them are company owners or shareholders of a company.

"Let's go?" he invited me and extended his elbow.

I was uncomfortable with my position while we were walking and other people's eyes were looking at me.

"Can you wait a moment? I need to gather my courage, or I'll more likely fail." 

Canim didn't have a choice but to nod, and I asked where the comfort room was, and he gave me directions. 

Like always, I am not good with direction. I went up and down, went to some rooms, empty rooms, random rooms, but still couldn't find a toilet. So I went downstairs again.