Forbidden Romance

Episode 10-Ditched

Ariana's POV

I woke up with a throbbing headache. The sunshine crept in through my white linen-covered window, and it was quite disturbing to my sleep.

I yawned tiredly, not ready to get out of bed just yet. I had placed my head back on the pillow and forced my eyes shut when my brother Davis came knocking.

"Ariana, are you in?" Davis asked softly, still knocking while I groaned out in exasperation.

"What the hell, Davis?" I groaned, feeling annoyed as he'd just disturbed my sleep, which I hoped will last for another hour.

"What is it, Davis?" I asked after sluggishly drawing myself out of bed, hoping he'll make it quick as I open the door wide open for him while exposing myself to him in my sexy black lingerie.

"Looking good," My brother commented, running me through with his eyes, making me frown in reaction.

"Ethan's here; he said you have a date." My brother drawled, putting stress on the date and my heart almost stopped.

"What the heck!" I exclaimed loudly and in shock.

"Are you kidding right now?" I asked for verification instead he just grinned but I wasn't finding it funny at all.

"Nope...he's down in the sitting room. He said he wanted to take you out to pick your dress for the gala, I guess. Anyway, I gotta run...I have to drop the kids and by the way, you woke up late, breakfast's done, Dad's upset you didn't make breakfast, and I'm not sure whether to leave Ethan alone in the sitting room as I'm leaving now-

"I'm sure he'll be fine," I said, still trying to get over the shock that I have Ethan McCain waiting downstairs for me. Oh God, I can't take more shock!

"Alright then...gotta go, sis." He smiled, giving me a light peck before heading downstairs. I headed to my bathroom immediately I closed my door behind him.

I rushed to brush and was just in the shower when I heard a loud shout downstairs. It wasn't that audible due to the shower sound but the sound hit my ear the moment I stepped out of the shower, wrapping a towel on my wet hair and tying my white robe, I entered my fluffy slippers and headed downstairs.

Right in the general sitting room is Ethan trying to get the remote right; he was a little distracted as I walked into the sitting room, I snatched the remote and turned down the volume of the TV.

"What the heck is your problem?" I snapped at him, and he looked pretty stunned, but I don't know what exactly he was stunned about—maybe my sudden appearance or my sudden interference or both, probably.

"Did you just leave the shower?" He asked with his brows furrowed.

"Isn't it obvious?" I retorted with a frown.

"You were supposed to be ready...I was taking you out-

"Didn't know you were serious about it, Ethan McCain," I interjected with a huff.

"Excuse me?" He asked, raising his eyebrows and sounding more upset than I thought he was.

"Have you ever kept to time, Ariana Wright?" His hands slowly move to rest on his waist, showing off his expensive tux suit and a white collared dress shirt.

"Yes, back in high school," I joked, turning off the TV.

"I know you don't like me; you don't have to keep proving it and showing it to my face," Ethan said, and I scoffed.

"If you'll excuse me," I said, leaving, but then I stopped in my tracks, turning to him swiftly.

"Do feel at home while I get dressed, Mr. McCain; also, you can ask one of the maids if you have trouble with the remote next time," I jeeringly suggested, smiling as I turned while adding more shock to his devilishly handsome face.

I actually took my time dressing, not minding if I had my fake-to-be fiance getting impatient downstairs. I applied light makeup before looking at the mirror that was plastered on my closet.

I smiled at my appearance, realizing just how much I had done on myself. I was wearing a cream-coloured short gown with cream lacy tapings at the edges, stopping below my thighs. I had my chocolate belt around my upper abdomen to fit, getting into my chocolate-strapped heels.

I grabbed my chocolate overall jacket, stopping just above my knees to cover up for the armless clothes. Then I made my way downstairs after packing my hair to the back.

Aware of the sound of my heels, Ethan turned to me briefly with a smile on his face, not looking at all offended. Well, that was unexpected. I wanted him to be mad; I wanted to infuriate him for showing up a bit too early. I wouldn't say it's early because it's way past 9.

Checking my golden wristwatch, I realize it was already past 11. Damn, did I take that much time? I felt a tinge of guilt rise to my chest as I approached Ethan, who, of course, took no offence to my act.

"Shall we?" He said, gesturing his arms to lock with mine, and that was too calm for my liking. Was he planning something? I'm sure he was going to get me back for that; I just haven't figured out how.

I thought accepting his arms politely, his arms were strong, probably because he was broad-chested, his arms were also rough, like that of a fighter, his eyes were calm, not showing the slightest bit of annoyance, which was frustrating.

Could he actually be a gentleman? I'd rather prefer him to be a jerk. I still have to hate him for being the end of my relationship.

"Do you mind me taking you in my car rather than yours?" He nicely requested with his annoyingly warm smile still plastered across his face.

As we got to his car, which was parked among the visitors parking range, I figured the silence between us was starting to get awkward and not just that, Why was he acting so nice? I asked myself mentally but I only nodded, trying not to make any more mistakes since he might actually be genuine.

We arrived at the fashion store, which seems to be under the wings of McCain Donald's; their logo was just up beside the name. 'Lillian fashion palace' I muttered the name under my breath.

"Belongs to my sister-in-law" Ethan filled me in as I read the sign. I nodded and followed. He entered and headed towards the reception, asking for the VIP section and also asking for someone Then he led me upstairs before making me sit on one of the lounge couches with a smile, then handed me a magazine of the designs in the place.

I wasn't into fashion. I don't really care what I wear as long as I look good and I'm comfortable. I was still going over the pages of the fashion magazine when someone approached me.

"Hi...I'm Lilly, I could offer some help, Ethan, would like me to assist if you don't mind?" The nice ginger-haired lady with a nicely plaited dress adorned with shiny materials sequined at the neck asked rather nicely.

"No..not at all," I said, putting the magazine away while adjusting my dress as I suddenly felt self-conscious since the woman dressed more...astounding.

"So what are you into—silky, lacy, strappy?

"Just...anything..anything that looks good and convenient..I'm not picky." I simply replied with a shy smile and the woman returned the smile warmly.

She instructed some attendants that moved into the section of the type of clothes array, which Ethan described as he kind of explained what we were looking for.

I was happy this woman had taken out of her quality time to help. I wasn't really good at picking if it was up to me, according to what was on, it's like the woman was picking according to Ethan's choice; not that I mind as long as it's comfortable. I thought as I waited for the attendants to bring the clothes hanger-on-wheels so I could choose.

I sighed out softly as I looked at all of them; there were too many clothes; I couldn't pick one, so Ethan suggested I try them on. The first one was too tight; the second was loose at the waist. The third was red, which happens to be the colour I detest; the fourth was black, which happens not to be Ethan's favourite.

He just decided he didn't like it...I almost argued because the gown was looking pretty cool. We were okay with the sixth; the back was too revealing, though but at least I wouldn't have to change, I thought as I traced the fine material.

"Looks good," Ethan said, thanking his sister-in-law for the help.

"I don't think there's anything she'll have on that wouldn't fit. She's got a perfect body." Lily complimented, and I blushed; I was quite aware though.

"Thank you," I replied shyly, but she only waved it off with her hand while wearing a big, warm smile on her face.

"Anytime," She winked and I changed to have the clothes wrapped before later bringing shoes that'll go along with the lilac gown with lots of black lacy designs. The shiny black heels looked so great that I didn't have a second choice; Ethan paid off without worry; after all, he's the son of a billionaire.

"Thank you," I managed to say as we made our way out of the place. Maybe I could ask him out for lunch since I had to skip my breakfast for him. I actually didn't get to ask before he shocked me out of my bones.

"You're welcome, but sorry, you'll have to make it home. My times up...gotta go." He declared pecking me and getting into his luxurious car. I was too stunned to move, like, did that just happen? I asked myself, blinking several times. He winked at me as his car passed by me.

This really happened! I announced to myself... maybe to believe it more...I dialled my brother Davis's cell,, and he cut me off, announcing he was in a meeting—same with Damien; pity I didn't have small uncle's number. What did I expect? They were both at the meeting, then Danny's call came in.

I picked up immediately, still waiting in front of the fashion palace with four shopping bags in my hands, I tried to control my anger as I raised the phone to my ear while trying to hold the stuff in my hand in place but I was actually going to explode soon.

"Hey, just got home. The house's empty; where are you?" He asked, reminding me he was on a business trip all this while.

"Stranded in front of a fashion place, mind to pick me up...I'm stranded," I ruefully explained, still bottling my anger in.

"What?" He asked, not too sure he heard it right.

"Just get yourself here, Danny. I'm in need of a ride!" I raised my voice at him over the phone, not minding if I was actually asking for help.

"Okay, where are you?" He asked, and I gave descriptions, and he arrived half an hour later.

"Took you long enough," I said, boiling with rage. I actually feel like I need to knee Ethan McCain's crotch to satisfy my anger.

"What the hell happened to you?" Danny asked, seeing how mad I was.

"Don't...even...get...me... Started!" I gritted, slowly clenching my fist as I threw the stuff in his sports car and got in.

....