Meeting Kalai Smith.

Sunday evening cast a golden glow over the city but Helen's mood remained dark as she looked through her large bedroom glass window. She then strolled to her closet and , stared blankly at the array of dresses her father had deemed acceptable for the evening's dinner with the Smiths.

Helen slipped into her moon lit blue dress that showed a little bit of cleavage and tight enough to expose the beautiful shape of her body . She slipped on her silver heels and with a delicate silver necklace tied around her neck, she was good to go.

Just as she finished dressing , a knock at the door broke the silence. Helen's heart sank knowing it was her father. She took a deep breath , grabbed her purse and opened the door..

As always, Mr. Redmond maintained the cold and unyielding expression. His dark brown eyes scanning her from head to toe, his gaze lingering on the dress.

For a moment, something flickered in his eyes , a glimmer of happiness and sadness at once. Helen stood still , wondering why her father was looking at her like that clueless of the memories that flashed into his head concerning his loving Harlow.

Mrs. Redmond had been a beauty with the same raven -black hair and bright green eyes that Helen inherited .

"Ready" he asked curtly, his voice devoid of warmth .

Helen nodded and followed her father out into the chill of the evening air.

The drive to the Smiths' estate was silent as Mr. Redmond focused on the road ahead .

Helen's mind however , was a jumble of emotions.

The moon had fully risen in the dark night sky when they arrived at the Smiths' estate.

Helen's anxiety spiked but she kept a firm expression.

Servant girls stood a few steps from Helen and her father's car as it parked right infront of the magnificent mansion.

Mr . Redmond was first to step out of the car and to Helen's surprise, he actually moved around the car and got the door for her before she could open it herself.

Helen's eyes flustered with happiness but Mr. Redmond's voice snapped her out of her daze." Helen, get out. We will be late".

Helen.

It has been a while since l last saw father treating me like that. ' ls it because of our meeting with the Smiths ' . I frowned my face at the thought as l stepped out of the car and dad shutting it's door softly.

One of the servant girls approached us paying a slight bow. "This way please" . The two escorted us into the mansion then to the dinning room.

It was a glow with candelabras, casting a warm golden light to each of it's corner .

The Smiths who were already seated turned their faces expectantly towards us. Mrs. Smith, a stout woman with a florid complexion and a tight, curly hairstyle beamed with satisfaction.

"Allow me". Kalai rose from his seat , pulled a chair next to his and with a courteous smile , he gently assisted me into it. 'I can do it on my own '. " Thanks" , I smiled to show my appreciation since it's what father expects to see .

Kalai's appearance is charming though . He is tall and lean, with a beautiful pair of blue eyes similar to his mom's.

The conversation between the Smiths with dad flowed easily as they posed numerous questions to him which he answered gracefully. It was really annoying but at least l got the chance to enjoy my food in peace.

Later as the main course was served, Kalai leaned in and whispered something in my ear. " Come with me." I felt his warm breath brush softly on my ear with his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled.

I didn't want to go with him and l really thought dad could do something but he didn't. They all glared at us with satisfied smiles as if we were some piece of artifact.

"Ah, young love " Mrs. Smith cooed as Kalai held my hand in his , her voice dripping with sentimentality ." It warms the heart doesn't it" she looked at dad as though expecting an appropriate answer from him ."I'm surprised it does ." I heard him answer as we left the dinning room .

As we strolled into the garden,the cool evening air enveloped us, carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Kalai walked beside me, his long strides marching mine.

He turned to me, his eyes roving over my face and smiled charmingly. " You're looking beautiful tonight, Helen."

"Thank you Kalai , you're too kind " My voice was barely above a whisper.

We were once again devoured in silence the only sound being the soft crunch of gravel beneath our feet.

"I'm sorry Helen ," Kalai said suddenly, his voice low and sincere." I understand if you hate me right now. You deserve better than a marriage forced upon you".

I stopped walking, taken aback by Kalai's words. No one had ever apologized to me before especially not a man of Kalai's standing. " Why are you saying this now".

I searched his eyes for any sign of insincerity but all l saw was genuine remorse .

Kalai sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. " I've been thinking alot about this arrangement, and l realize that it's not fair to either of us. We deserve to choose our own path , not have it dictated to us by our families".

I felt a spark of hope ignite within me. Could it be that Kalai is not the man l thought he was.

" What do you propose we should do?" I asked my heart racing with excitement.

Kalai smiled , a small wry smile." I haven't thought about anything yet.

"Ohw", My gaze fell to the ground feeling disappointed with his answer.

He noticed my change in expression and lifted my chin with his finger making me face him."We'll figure it out... together. Right now, l think we should head back ".

' wow' something about him seemed interesting. " Okay, after you" l answered.