Chapter 8 The pretence of love

Aria stood before the floor-length mirror, smoothing out her elegant black gown which brought out her curves. Her dark was styled in loose waves.

"How do I cope tonight?" she muttered to herself.

She hadn't set her eyes on Maverick since their return from the airport. He has been with CeCe all day.

Suddenly, a knock on the door was heard and Aria walked towards it, her heels clicking on the marble floor. With a steady hand, she held the handle and swayed it open.

Maverick stood before her, looking elegant for the party.

"Ready?" he asked checking her out, she felt a flutter in her chest, which annoyed her.

"Yes" she replied.

"Let's go?" he said, offering his arm.

Aria paused for a moment before taking it, his touch sparking a cold down her spine.

Maverick cleared his throat. "You look stunning, Aria" he said.

"Thanks" Aria replied, her cheeks warming slightly.

"That dress looks better on you" Maverick continued.

Aria's gaze was fixed on him, expecting a romantic gesture, but his next words spoiled the moment.

"I ordered this dress for Monica, but she didn't like it"

Aria stopped walking instantly, withdrawing her hands from Maverick's arm.

"Then I can't wear it" she said, Maverick wrinkled an eyebrow.

"Why?"

"You're giving me a dress someone else rejected?" Aria asked and he shrugged.

"It's just a dress"

"Just a dress?" Aria repeated.

"You're giving me a castoff, Maverick. Something your sister deemed unworthy"

"Aria, there's nothing wrong in wearing this dress"

"There is" Aria said, turning towards her room.

"I won't wear someone's rejection to your family's party" she said and he sighed.

"And I don't want to be accuse of stealing her dress too"

"Stealing her dress?" he repeated and Aria nodded.

"Yes. I won't wear something that belonged to your sister. It's awkward"

"Fine. Change into something else. But hurry up, we're running late"

Aria quickly turned to head back to her room, but Maverick's voice stopped her.

"Aria?"

"Yes?"

" It's just a dress. Don't think it's about you and monica"

"Everything is about you and your family, Maverick. I'm trying my best to abstein from more drama" With that, she walked into her room.

20 minutes later, Aria came out stunning in a bold red gown and Maverick's eyes widened in surprise, his jaw clenched.

"Ready now?" she asked.

Maverick offered his arm again, his face filled with composure.

"I can't wait for this to be over," she said.

As they stepped into the Grand Ballroom, Aria's eyes widened. Crystal chandeliers radiated glowing lights, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the room. The cream of society mingled, their designer gowns and tailored tuxedos a testament to their status.

Sebastian approached them when he saw them.

"Welcome, everyone, to the union of Maverick and Aria! Tonight, we celebrate their love, trust and commitment to each other"

The room erupted into applause as Maverick and Aria took center stage.

Maverick's arm wrapped around Aria, his gaze solely fixed on her.

"Smile" he said in a whisper and she fakes a smile.

Sebastian raised his glass.

"To Maverick and Aria, may this union bring peace, joy, and prosperity to our families. Cheers!"

The room resonated with "Cheers!" as glasses clinked together.

"Cheers to us" he whispered, Aria's heart skipped a beat as she took a sip.

As the music began, Maverick and Aria were ushered to the dance floor by Sebastian.

Suddenly, a call came in from Maverick's phone.

He looked at the screen, frowning a bit.

"Aria, I need to take this"

"Okay"

"Give me a moment "

As Maverick stepped away, Aria felt a cold hand on her shoulder.

"May I have the privilege?" CeCe asked.

"Maverick will be right back" Aria replied coolly.

"He told me about your arrangement, Aria. Two years, and you're out of his life"

"And?"

"Just reminding you, dear, Maverick's heart belongs to me. You're just a temporary convenience"

"Save the drama, CeCe. I know the terms"

Just then, Kaden walked up to Aria's side, a charming smile on his face.

"Aria, you look so pretty tonight. That dress was made for you"he said and CeCe frowned.

"You didn't even compliment me" she pouted.

Kaden chuckled.

"You always look beautiful, CeCe, and you know that" he said with a wink.

"I think I'll just have to settle for being the best-dressed and most beautiful woman in the room"

"I think you're competing with yourself, CeCe,"Aria said, making Kaden chuckle.

"Let's dance, Aria" As Kaden swept Aria onto the dance floor, CeCe's glare followed them.

"Good, dance with Kaden, while I find Maverick," CeCe said.

She walked out of the ballroom as she made her way to the hallway.

Getting there, she found Maverick leaning on the rail, his hands grabbing the shoulders of a slim tall lady.

CeCe raised an eyebrow.

"Old habits never change" she said chuckling, Maverick stopped and he turned back to see CeCe.

The lady, noticing CeCe's arrival, tried to reclaim Maverick's attention, her hands massaging his chest but Maverick quickly disentangled himself.

"Stop it," he said.

He pulled out a bundle of fresh mint cash and gave it to the lady.

"Leave" he ordered.

She frowned, but she took the money.

She tried to kiss him but Maverick's glare stopped her cold.

"Don't" he warned and then she left.

"I see you're still taking care of your needs" she said, Maverick shrugged.

"Thought you would stop now that you are married"

"Business as usual, CeCe. Nothing's changed"

"I'm excited to see that you have not changed, Maverick. But don't think for a second that this contract with Aria will change anything between us"

He wrinkled an eyebrow. "There is nothing like 'us', CeCe. You know that"

CeCe chuckled. "Oh, Maverick. You're so stubborn. But I'll get through to you eventually"

"CeCe don't ruin this,we are best friends"

"Best friends?" she repeated.

"That's all we'll ever be, Maverick?"

"CeCe, don't make this complicated"

"You're married now, Maverick. But I know you. You're not in love with Aria"

"CeCe, stop"

"Oh, Maverick, don't take it personal. I'm just kidding!" She laughed, and Maverick joined her.

"I know our boundaries, best friend"she added and Maverick relaxed.

"What a tease"he said and she grinned.

Maverick checked his watch. "We should get back to the party," CeCe nodded.

They returned to the Grand Ballroom, where Sebastian was about to announce.

"Now, it's time for the kissing ceremony! Our newlywed couples, please step forward"

Maverick offered his arm to Aria, who had already been dancing with Kaden.

"Shall we?" he asked and Aria inhaled deeply.

"Yeah"

As they moved forward, CeCe's eyes met with Maverick's before picking up her phone to distract herself from witnessing the kiss.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we've all been waiting for here! Maverick and Aria, seal your union with a kiss!"

Aria was nervous, knowing fully well that this was her first kiss, and she couldn't help but wonder what it would feel like.

Maverick held Aria's face,pulling her close until their lips were just half inch apart.

His lips met against hers softly, slowly savoring the taste, and Aria's lips trembled beneath his.

As they continued kissing, his hands slid to her waist, pulling her closer until their bodies were almost touching.

Aria's eyes closed, lost in the sensation of his lips tracing hers, his gentle nibble on her lower lip sending shivers.

Her mouth opened slightly, and Maverick's tongue slid in, exploring every moment of her mouth.

When their lips finally parted, Aria's eyes opened to meet Maverick's gaze, filled with a hint of surprise and a dash of desire.

The crowd applauded them, but Aria's focus remained on Maverick.

CeCe's gaze snapped up from her phone, rolling her eyes as she witnessed Maverick and Aria's kiss.

She couldn't bear the sight of Maverick with someone else.

She stormed out of the ballroom,and then she bumped into someone.

"Watch where you're going!" CeCe snapped.

"Look at who you just shouted at"

CeCe's eyes widened.

Monica.

"Oh, didn't know it's you. I thought you were inside" CeCe said.

"I needed a break, the happy couple was making me sick"

CeCe raised an eyebrow. "You're not thrilled about Maverick's marriage?"

Monica scoffed. "Thrilled? That's a joke"

"Guess I'm not the only one,i also don't like her"

"Still crushing on my brother?"

"Yeah but he doesn't see me more than his best friend"

"Kill that crush you have for my brother, so it won't crush you. Friendly advice" With that, Monica turned and walked away, leaving CeCe stunned and confused.

Finally, the party came to an end. Maverick grabbed her hands till they got to his car and they entered.

"Where are we headed?" Aria asked.

"My penthouse," Maverick replied.