Four

Avery's POV

It's been a long week, and all I have done is think about it, aside from the little investigation I ran on this Aaren Hilton guy. As my Father informed me, he is a businessman who owns multiple businesses, like hotels and resort chains, apparel lines, gas stations and whatnot.

But that is all that's there, about his business. There was zero information about his personal life, not even tabloids or paparazzi had any rumour or evidence of his lifestyle or family background. Some said he's an orphan, some said he's from a forgotten Royal Heritage, puff!

The same goes for the pictures, he wasn't one of those rich people who take part in modelling or going through various photoshoots. Whoever even left an opinion on him, was all good ones.

Only a few of his blur pictures were taken by pedestrians, were there on google, nothing else. The one portrait that was close enough for me to access his dainty looks left me weirdly unbalanced. I had sucked my teeth to hold my mouth not to water, holy yum!

He was downright stunning, with his sleek black hair so perfectly combed aside and rough broad build that outcasted his muscles even from the clothes draped over him. His exposed hands reflected his tattoos that ran up to the side of his palms. I never knew tattoos could look this sexy.

His expressions giveaway next to nothing, it was a simple image of him climbing inside his SUV in his black three-piece, with his sunglasses on that hid his eyes. He had to be around six four or five tall with his height.

That night was bizarre for me. I had never been to let a guy take over my senses, but this dumbhead just wouldn't leave me alone. His face kept popping up in my vision now that I had seen him, and my curiosity only grew stronger with the seconds.

I was so annoyed that I had smacked myself to get out of his thoughts that were haunting me in daylight. And just like that six days passed without me concluding.

"What!!! My best friend shrieked in shock upon hearing about my answer, I grimaced at her in distaste, I should have known.

The next day after my life flipped upside down I called up my friends and told them everything was happening. They were as freaked out as I was, because of those pictures. Nonetheless, their presence made me overlook the fear of that stalker. My dad was still looking for whoever they were.

Tahi had been inevitably persistent in going out with this guy, and of course, Wren opposed. He was in support of my decision whatever that is.

My friend is a fairytale believer, her beliefs are you have no control over what's meant to happen.

In addition, My mother was surprisingly pleasant all of a sudden. She provided me with extra attention which was annoying because according to her, marrying that guy would just double my standards. I hated their typical viewpoints.

"Yes." I sighed. I have finally reached a verdict where I can give up France but not my will to not marry this soon. Not when I barely know the man. He's intimidating for sure, but I am just overwhelmed to react to my mind.

"You've got to be kidding me." Tahi raised her hands in surrender, annoyed. Wren shook his head at her and sighed.

"I support you Avy." Wren smiled, making me sigh. I heard Tahi tossing stuff in the kitchen, something she does when she's annoyed before she walks back slamming a coffee mug in front of me.

"Tahi, don't be mad." I pouted at her.

"I am not, I just don't understand what's wrong with going out with him just once. If you guys click, you don't even have to give up on France." She defines making me nod.

"I know I just feel weird with this all. It's like," I trailed off and she raised her brow.

"I feel like if I agree it would be unfair to him, because you know I don't want this to be like I am marrying him because he lives in France. I mean so far what I've studied about him, he seems interesting. " I rambled, perking up my brows at her. Tahi shrugged rolling her eyes and Wren chuckled leaning back.

"Well, then I think someone's got a crush." Wren teased. I gasped leaning over to hit him.

"Shut up Wry." I scowled feeling my face stupidly heat up on such a comment. I could feel the blush creeping up my neck, and embarrassment coating my expressions.

"So you're interested in him?" Tahi grinned and I bit my lip in nervousness.

"I don't know," I answered inattentively. She hummed, nodding her head. I had a vague impression in my mind and it was scaring me.

"I have a better idea to either start this or end this for all." She smirked and Wren glanced over his wife.

Yes, they married last year explains why Tahi is such a romantic fool. They didn't want to wait, well honestly I am happy for my best friends. But they can be exceptionally cringe-worthy at times.

"Like?" I snapped, she was annoying me and it didn't help my already stirring nerves.

"Listen will ya." She shot back, wiping her hands and rushing back to me. Wren kissed her cheeks and left us alone mumbling something about his work. He had done well for himself with his father's small business and along with his education.

"Just go out for once, if you happen to like this guy. Give him a chance, and tell him your plans and expectations for the future." She explained and I rolled my eyes.

"I am not a Baby Tahi." I laughed.

"Well, duh you're acting like one." She laughed harder, making me frown.

"No, I am not." I crossed my arms. She had an amused expression dancing on her face before she smiled.

"Avy, if you're afraid of getting your heart broken, there are many possibilities it can happen without marriages as well." She claimed and I sighed. Somehow she knows what I can't say better.

Deep down, I am afraid to accept someone in my life, just to be left miserable in the end. It terrifies me, one moment you see brides and aisles, beautiful pregnancy and happy marriage. The second you see the heartbreak, the messy divorces, kids endure for their parents' mistakes. It's the most freaking terrifying thing ever.

"I know." I sighed. She had a logical sense but I just need to get over my fears and insecurities if I want to do something.

My dad would never, like ever let me move out. And for the records, it's completely complicated living with your parents. Especially, when they're controlling and judgmental. Oh and not to forget, you belong to a wealthy family where little subjects of your life are turned into raw news.

"So?" Tahi trails off quizzically.

"I guess I could go out with him. It's no harm." I laughed nervously, that's what all it took for her to burst into squealing.

"Oh, yessssss." She dragged me to my feet, hugging the life outta me. I laughed at her childish behaviour. Then again, she's Tahi, a child in an adult body.

"From this flooding squeal. I am guessing Avery agreed." Wren laughed while walking into the living room.

"Sort of." I smiled.

"Good for you, you won't be a third wheel between us anymore." He chuckled and I slapped his head, for which I practically had to hop on my toes.

"Shut up Idiot." Tahi rolled her eyes at her husband. I glanced at my watch and it was seven. My dad warned me not to stay late, not until he found the people behind the stalking.

"Oh shoot. I need to leave." I gasped, quickly hugging Tahi and saying my rushed goodbyes and heading out.

"Home to Gomez," I told my bodyguard hurriedly getting inside the car, feeling spooky and wondering if someone was still stalking me. There were at least eight bodyguards, but still, you don't get over unusual stalking that fast right?

I stared at the busy street of New York, the sun had just announced its descent, hiding behind the purple sky. It appeared so beautiful, almost as if I was seeing it for the first time.

Upon reaching home I chatted with the twins a little before going to bed after dinner.

I lay in my bed wide awake, with more than just college on my mind and one name thumping inside my heart.

Aaren Hilton