dress to wear

Y/N's POV

Kayden leaned back against the couch, his expression serious. "Tell me his number."

I hesitated for a moment before whispering the numbers to him.

"Kayden, what are you going to do?" I asked, my voice laced with concern.

Kayden flashed a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Y/N. I'm just going to find him and make sure he stays away from you, okay?"

I shook my head quickly. "No, Kayden, don't get involved in this. He could harm you too—"

Before I could finish, Kayden suddenly stepped closer, cupping my face in his hands. His touch was warm, gentle, but firm.

"Don't worry, Y/N," he murmured, his voice low and confident. "He can't touch me."

"But—" I started, but before I could say anything else, he pulled me into a hug.

"Shh... don't worry, okay?" His voice was soft, comforting.

I felt safe in his arms, but my mind was still filled with doubt. I tried to break free from the hug, but he didn't let go.

"K-Kayden," I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper.

After a moment, he finally released me, his hands lingering on my arms for a second longer before stepping back.

Kayden sighed. "Be ready tomorrow. I'll pick you up at 7:30 in the morning, okay?"

I nodded silently, and with that, he left.

As soon as the door closed, I let out a deep sigh, trying to push away the overwhelming thoughts swirling in my mind.

"I should just focus on something else… maybe cooking will help."

I headed to the kitchen and started preparing rice and curry. It was simple, but it reminded me of the meals Emma and I used to make back in the orphanage. We always loved cooking for the other children—it made us feel like a family.

Just as I was about to serve the food, my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen. James.

I smiled and answered the call. "Hey, Jamie!"

"How are you, Y/N?" His voice was warm and familiar.

"I'm okay, James. What about you and your girlfriend?" I teased.

He sighed dramatically. "We're fine, Y/N... but I miss you!"

I laughed. "What?! Your girlfriend will get jealous if she hears that!"

"No, no, she's fine with it," he chuckled.

I was about to respond when I suddenly remembered something.

"James, did you hear? Our boss is closing the café!"

"Ah, yeah, I already know that, Y/N."

My eyes widened. "What? How?!

"He called me after his brother left."

"Oh… really?"

James chuckled. "Don't worry about the job, Y/N. Just move in with me, and we'll find something new together, okay?"

I hesitated, my heart pounding. "J-James, I already found a job."

There was a pause. "What? Really?! What kind of job?"

I bit my lip before whispering, "It's in C-S Company."

"WHAT?!" James practically shouted through the phone.

"Umm… yes? I'm sorry?"

To my surprise, he started laughing. "No, no, don't be sorry, Y/N! I'm actually happy for you! You won't believe this, but I'm joining the same company in two days!"

I gasped. "REALLY?!"

"Yes! We'll talk more about it when I get there, okay?"

I nodded excitedly, then realized he couldn't see me. "Yes, yes! That's great!"

We talked for a little while longer before hanging up. An hour later, Emma came home, bursting with excitement.

"Y/N! Guess what? Max is going to announce our engagement next week!" She beamed.

I smiled. "Wow, that's amazing, Emma!"

She plopped down beside me. "Oh, and I went to the mall today! Do you know what Max bought me? The most beautiful dress ever!"

I nodded as she rambled on, but then—

"Y/N, come with me tomorrow! You'll meet Max and Lucas!"

My breath hitched. Lucas.

I tried to stay calm. "Emma… I can't. I have work tomorrow at 7:30. I can't lose this opportunity."

Her eyes widened. "Wait—you're working in the café, right?"

I shook my head and explained everything.

Emma gasped. "I knew it, Y/N! Kayden likes you!"

I nearly choked. "WHAT?!"

She nodded eagerly. "Look at how he helps you! The way he looks at you! I feel it, Y/N!"

I shook my head. "No, no, Emma. He's just a good person."

She rolled her eyes. "You're so clueless. Fine. Let's see what happens at his office tomorrow. I can't be there, so you have to tell me everything."

I sighed. "Emma, stop. I'm not the right girl for him."

She smirked. "Oh, but you two look like a married couple."

My eyes widened. "Stop thinking like that! We're just friends!"

She followed me into the kitchen, helping me set the table for dinner.

"Y/N, have you ever asked Kayden why he's helping you so much?"

I froze for a second before shaking my head. "No… maybe I should."

Emma grinned. "Yes! Find out tomorrow! If he really likes you, what will you do?"

I gulped. "I—uh…"

"OH MY GOD! RICE AND CURRY?!" Emma suddenly squealed, cutting off my thoughts.

I nodded, laughing. "Yeah, yeah."

She hugged me tightly. "I missed this so much!"

We ate dinner, reminiscing about our past, and later, I went to my room to find something to wear for tomorrow.

"I need something decent…" I muttered, searching through my clothes.

Emma peeked in. "Ooh, shut up, Y/N. Wait—I have something for you!"

She disappeared into her room and returned with a black knee-length dress. It had a simple heart neckline and it was off shoulder.

I frowned. "No way. You know dresses like that make me uncomfortable—"

She rolled her eyes. "You can wear a jacket if you want!"

I hesitated. "O-okay, but… can't I just wear jeans and a T-shirt?"

"NO, Y/N! First impressions matter! I want you to look beautiful and confident!"

I sighed. "Fine."

Emma clapped her hands. "Oh, and don't worry! Tomorrow, after work, we're going to dinner!"

I groaned. "Emma, no—"

She pouted. "Please! I just want to spend time with you before my marriage!"

I exhaled in defeat. "Okay. But you have to wake up early before I leave for work."

Emma grinned. "Of course! I have to do your makeup!"

I shot her a look. "I—"

She gave me a deadly glare. "Don't even think about saying no."

I gulped. "O-okay."

She smirked. "Good. Now sleep. I'll wake you up."

As I lay in bed, her words replayed in my mind.

"Does Kayden… really like me? If he does… what will I do?"

A small smile crept onto my lips. "If he does… maybe I'll say yes."