ARIA POV
I could not concentrate at all. Adrian's words kept replaying in my head over and over again, the way he said 11pm sharp, as if it were not even a suggestion but something he already knew I would obey. It was annoying how much it got to me how just those two words could sit in my chest and refuse to leave.
I shifted in my seat trying to focus on what the lecturer was saying. But it was pointless. My mind was not here. It was somewhere else entirely thinking about Adrian and what he said.
I found myself checking the time again and again.
It felt like the clock was moving slower on purpose like the day was dragging just to test my patience. I had never wanted time to move this badly never felt this restless over something I knew I should not even be going to.
That was the problem. I wanted to go to meet Adrian.. That scared me more than anything.
By the time the lecture ended, I did not wait around for my friends like I usually did. I packed my things quickly ignoring the looks from a few people around me and walked straight out of the hall. My heart was already beating faster than it should like I was doing something
Maybe I was doing something by going to meet Adrian.
Outside I paused for a second my eyes scanning the spot where Adrian parked his car.
He was not there yet.
Good, I felt relieved. I did not want to see Adrian before tonight.
Because if I did see Adrian before tonight I don't know what mood he might be in. Adrian could be unpredictable at times. One moment he crossed the line with you the next he could go back to acting like nothing ever happened. Like I was his boss.
I was not ready for Adrian to change his mind about meeting me, so I did what was best for us both.
Before I could think twice I stepped out to the road and flagged down a cab.
"Where to?" the driver asked.
I gave him my address. Sank back into the seat my fingers tightening around my bag. The entire ride home felt strange like I had crossed a line, something like I was breaking a rule I was not supposed to touch.
By the time I got home, the house was already busy.
Voices filled the living room laughter came from angles. My father's guests had arrived earlier than I expected.
What I needed I thought. More people to deal with.
I took a breath fixing my expression to the obedient daughter before stepping inside. The moment I walked in my father's eyes found me immediately.
"Aria " he called.
I forced a smile and walked over greeting him first before turning to the guests. I greeted them politely exchanging the pleasantries, and following his rules. nodding when needed smiling when expected.
But my mind was not there it was still on Adrian and our meeting tonight.
I sat with them waiting for the meeting to be over.
The men talked business their voices calm and steady while glasses clinked softly on the table. My father spoke in his professional tone, the way it always was when he was around people like this.
I nodded when someone looked my way forcing smiles when needed but my attention kept slipping back to Adrian.
I shifted slightly on the couch, crossing and uncrossing my legs trying to ignore the feeling building inside me.
"Aria are you listening?" My father's voice cut me off.
My head snapped up immediately.
"Yes Father " I replied quickly straightening my posture.
His eyes stayed on me longer than necessary like he was trying to read something on my face. Then he gave a nod and turned back to his guests.
I let out a breath, relieved.
That was close. By the time everything finally started to settle it was already late.
I stood up excusing myself politely before anyone could pull me into another conversation.
"I'm a bit tired " I said softly.
My father glanced at me nodded. ". Rest."
I did not wait for an invitation.
The moment I got to my room and shut the door I rested against it breathing a sigh of relief.
After some minutes I walked straight to my bed. Sat down staring at nothing for a few seconds before my eyes slowly moved to the clock.
Still no time to meet Adrian.
I let out a breath and stood up again pacing around the room.
What was I even going to wear to meet Adrian?
The thought came suddenly, and I stopped in front of my wardrobe. Slowly opened, while my eyes scanned through my clothes.
I brought out a simple gown. "No this won't do " I muttered, throwing it in.
I brought out another gown but I wasn't satisfied.
I wanted something that would make Adrian look at me the way he did that night like I was the thing in the room. Like he couldn't look away from me Aria.
My stomach tightened at the thought of Adrian looking at me like that.
I reached for a dress held it up then dropped it back. Picked another one hesitated again.
Nothing felt right for meeting Adrian tonight.
Maybe I just didn't know what tonight with Adrian was supposed to be.
Then the bigger problem hit me.
How was I going to leave the house to meet Adrian?
I sat back down on my bed my fingers tapping lightly against my thigh as I thought of ways to leave. I could tell my father I had something to do at school.
That I needed to go to school.
The moment that thought came I brushed it off. I already knew it wouldn't work. My father knows all my schedules. He keeps track of everything I do, he knows all Aria's activities.
And I didn't feel like dealing with his questions tonight.
So the only option was sneaking.
