Chapter 3 The Unexpected Invitation

" Come on, let's shelter here". Kael said, pointing to the eatery, adjacent.

As they pushed open the door, Aria's eyes sparkled like diamonds in the dim lighting of the restaurant, her curiosity palpable as she gazed at Kael. The soft hum of conversation and clinking glasses seemed to fade into the background as she leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "Alright already, go on, Tell me more about yourself," she asked, her words laced with genuine interest and a hint of intrigue.

Kael's smile was warm and inviting, his eyes crinkling at the corners like the pages of a well-loved book. "I'm a writer," he said, his voice filled with passion and conviction. "I've always been drawn to the world of words, the way they can be used to create and inspire."

As he spoke, Aria didn't quite know how to connect the dots.

She had heard him tell her that before!

So why was he saying it again. She wanted to know more, it just couldn't stop there right?

And what was with that Marcus guy?

Why did a writer have to be so mysterious?

She found herself wondering, but couldn't quite explain.

And how quickly drawn to him She became?

It was so much unlike the normal Aria.

It was as if they both shared a secret, his secret. As if they shared a bond that went beyond mere acquaintances.

The air seemed to vibrate with an otherworldly energy, as if the very fabric of reality was shifting to bring them closer together.

The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, in the shop, accompanied by freshly baked pastries, mingling with the sweet aroma of other baked goods. Aria's stomach growled softly, reminding her that she had skipped dinner.

She was just trying to keep her cool, and barely ate anything earlier.

But now, the repacution was intense.

She hadn't had lunch, and merely had snack earlier.

But as She gazed at Kael, all her worries vanished away.

It felt so surreal.

Something that would be heared straight out of a fairy tale.

But she didn't care;

The hunger, the enticing aromas of combined appetizers seemed to fade away, as She gazed right into those gently, 'thousand_ words saying', eloquent eyes.

She was too captivated by Kael and his mysteriousness. His words, and even his very person.

Kael as if knowing her thoughts, got a table, and ordered, this time, real food.

As they finished their meal.

" You still haven't answered my question?" Aria asked suddenly, remembering the image of the figure...man in the shadow.

But for a response, Kael just smiled, and only then did Aria really realize that he had a left sided dimple...oh!

A very gorgeous smile.

" Come on, get your answers" Kael said rising to his feat, Aria following suit, like a puppy clinging obediently to her master.

As they hit the street, Aria shivered.

The night was cooler now, than before.

Kael seemed to notice the jacket he draped on her had loosed, exposing her to the night's breeze, as she hugged herself to shield.

Observing, Kael wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close with a gentle possessiveness.

The sounds of the night growing louder and the shadows deepening like dark, velvety pools.

This was the second time of their walk down the road, Aria noted mentally. And being later in the night, the road was quieter.

As they walked, the sound of their footsteps echoed off the buildings, creating a sense of rhythm and anticipation. Aria felt like she was being pulled into a world she didn't quite understand, but she was willing to follow Kael wherever he led.

Which was surprisingly even strange to her.

Suddenly, Kael stopped in front of a sleek, black car that seemed to gleam like polished onyx in the moonlight. "Get in," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement and a hint of mischief. "I want to show you something."

Aria's heart skipped a beat as she looked at the car, her mind racing with possibilities. She felt a sense of trepidation, but Kael's presence seemed to calm her nerves like a soothing balm. Which made her superstitious.

Even beginning to wonder if she was under some kind of charm or something.

In response, She nodded, and Kael opened the door for her with a gallant gesture.

The car was luxurious, with soft leather seats and a state-of-the-art sound system. Aria felt like she was in a different world, one where anything was possible.

But lots of thoughts raced in her mind.

Questions the stranger, yet, seemingly familiar man, only could answer.

As they drove through the city, the lights and sounds blurring together like a kaleidoscope, Aria felt a sense of excitement building inside her like a crescendo of music.

The city seemed to stretch on forever, a vast expanse of lights and shadows. Aria felt small and insignificant, yet at the same time, she felt like she was a part of something much bigger than herself.

The luxury car, shadowy figure at night, her mystery man, everything about it.

But yet, she just couldn't quite decipher.

As they turned a corner, Aria caught a glimpse of the city's skyline, the buildings seeming to stretch up to the sky like giant sentinels. The lights twinkled like stars, and she felt a sense of awe and wonder.

"Where are we going?" Aria finally asked, her voice filled with curiosity and a hint of excitement, that even got her wondering if She really was okay.

Kael's smile was enigmatic, his eyes glinting with amusement and a hint of secrets unspoken. "Somewhere special," he replied, his voice low and husky.

Aria's heart raced.

For goodness sake!

She barely knew this guy!

Gazing at him, her heart skipped a beat, her mind racing with possibilities.

Was this was one would call love at first sight? Or something?

She felt a sense of anticipation building inside her like a gathering storm, and she knew that she was in for a wild ride.

One that was even beyond her very own control.

The car seemed to slow down, and Aria looked up to see a massive gate looming before them like a monolith. The gate, obviously automated, swung open, and the car glided through, coming to a stop in front of a sprawling mansion that seemed to stretch on forever like a fairy-tale castle.

Aria's eyes widened as she took in the sight, her breath catching in her throat. She had never seen anything like it before. The mansion seemed to gleam like marble in the moonlight, its windows and doors shining like a thousand tiny mirrors.

"Welcome to my home," Kael said, his voice filled with pride and a hint of possessiveness.

Aria's heart skipped a beat.