Chapter 28: Love in Disguise
Aelira’s Reluctant Stop As Aelira packed her things at her desk, ready to leave for the day, Arthur appeared at the doorway of her office, leaning casually against the frame.
"Going somewhere, Aelira?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, boss. Home. You know, that place where people go after work?" she quipped, slinging her bag over her shoulder.
Arthur smirked, stepping in her way. "Not so fast. I have plans, and you're coming with me."
"Plans? With me? Is this a joke? Because it’s not funny," she deadpanned, crossing her arms.
Before Arthur could reply, Luna strode into the room, her heels clicking dramatically against the floor. She flashed a bright smile at Arthur.
"Arthur, darling! Ready for our dinner date?"
Aelira blinked, her eyes darting between the two. "Wait. This is your plan? A date with her?"
Arthur shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, it’s late, and I figured I’d drop you off on the way. Two birds, one stone."
---
The Awkward Car Ride the ride started tensely. Luna sat primly in the front seat, occasionally leaning over to flirt with Arthur, while Aelira sulked in the back, arms crossed and glaring out the window.
“Arthur, you’ve been working too hard. You need someone to take care of you,” Luna cooed, placing her perfectly manicured hand on his arm.
Aelira rolled her eyes so hard it was a miracle they didn’t get stuck. “Careful, Luna. He might crash the car with all your… helpful distractions.”
Luna turned slightly, flashing a fake smile. “Oh, Aelira, you wouldn’t understand. This is what grown-ups do.”
Aelira smirked. “Is that what we’re calling bad flirting these days? Good to know.”
Arthur bit back a laugh, earning a glare from Luna.
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“Arthur, why do you even have her with us? It’s not very professional,” Luna huffed, flipping her hair.
“She was working late,” Arthur replied smoothly. “I couldn’t leave her stranded, could I?”
“Stranded?” Aelira muttered under her breath. “I have legs and a bus pass, you know.”
---
Luna’s Confession After dropping Aelira off at her place, the car fell into silence. Luna cleared her throat, breaking it.
“Arthur, can we talk seriously now?”
Arthur glanced at her. “About what?”
“Our parents,” she began, her voice softening. “They’re planning for us to marry. I hope you understand how important this is—for the family businesses.”
Arthur’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. “Luna, I don’t want to lead you on, so let me be clear: this isn’t going to happen. I don’t have feelings for you. I never did.”
Luna’s face fell, and she tried to compose herself. “But Arthur, we’re perfect for each other—”
“No, Luna. You’re perfect for someone, but not me.” His tone was firm but kind.
---
The Transformation the next morning, Arthur strode into Aelira’s office with a mischievous grin.
“You’re coming with me,” he declared.
“What now?” Aelira groaned, already suspicious.
“No questions. Just come.”
Before she could protest, he grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the building, guiding her into his car.
Their first stop was a high-end boutique. Aelira’s jaw dropped as they stepped inside.
“Arthur, this place is insanely expensive. What are we doing here?”
He didn’t answer, waving over an assistant. “Bring out the best dresses you have—something elegant.”
Aelira gawked at him. “I’m not a mannequin, you know!”
“Just try them on,” he replied, ignoring her protests.
Hours later, after several rounds of outfits, Arthur nodded in approval at a deep blue evening gown. “That’s the one.”
“Great. Now can we go?” she muttered.
“Not yet.”
Their next stop was a luxury parlor. Aelira sat uncomfortably as the beauticians fussed over her hair and makeup.
“This is ridiculous,” she grumbled, glaring at Arthur through the mirror.
He simply leaned back in his chair, smirking. “Relax, Aelira. You’ll thank me later.”
---
The Big Reveal When Aelira finally stepped out of the dressing room, Arthur froze.
Her hair fell in soft waves, her makeup highlighted her striking features, and the gown fit her perfectly, hugging her figure in all the right ways.
“Arthur?” she asked, shifting nervously under his gaze.
“You… look stunning,” he finally managed, his voice softer than usual.
Her cheeks flushed, and she looked away. “It’s just a dress.”
“No,” he said firmly, stepping closer. “It’s you.”
Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to stop. Aelira’s heart pounded in her chest, but she quickly broke the moment, clearing her throat.
“So, where are we going now?” she asked, trying to mask her flustered state.
Arthur smiled mysteriously. “You’ll see.”
Arthur take her to somewhere....To be continued......