XIX. Entangled Fates

I received multiple calls from Lara, but I couldn't pick up because I had an important matter to deal with—Canim.

Later, I received a text from her.

Lara: I know this is so inappropriate to talk about over the phone, and texting is even worse, but I have to tell you something really important.

It made me smile, knowing that I already knew what she wanted to say. I knew it—she wouldn't forget to invite me to her birthday.

I texted her back, telling her I'd call her later once I was done with something important. Not long after, she replied.

Lara: Please be present at my birthday party. I'll text you the address, and we'll talk there. This is important, Kaesu. I'm hoping to see you.

I smiled at my phone and sent her a response.

"What are you smiling at?" My attention swiftly shifted to Canim as he spoke.

"Canim, I need you to help me." I went straight to the point as he drove.

"Anything within my power." His response saddened me a bit—he didn't even bother to glance at me.

"Do you know Susanae?"

He suddenly sped up, gripping the steering wheel tighter.

"I guess you do. Well, I need your help. This is about Nadia, and I'm sure it'll benefit you too." I tried convincing him, but he remained silent.

"Canim, say something—"

"If there's one thing you can do for me, it's to attend the party this Friday." He cut me off, his voice ice-cold.

That's impossible. It's Lara's birthday. I can't miss it—this is her first birthday with me.

"But I have other plans. Can't you just help me this one time? This is for the best—for both of us."

"I know what's best for both of us."

His words left me speechless.

I felt like I didn't even know the person sitting next to me anymore. The once calm and gentle Canim was showing a side I'd never seen before. His voice, firm and distant, made my chest tighten. He never even glanced at me throughout our conversation.

I'm sorry, Lara, but I promise I'll be there as soon as I finish this with Canim. I won't miss your birthday.

We arrived in front of my house, and as I stepped out of the car, he took something from his trunk and handed it to me.

"Wear this dress on Friday. It suits you best."

"How do you know it will fit me? And why do you sound so sure?"

He simply shrugged. His indifference stung.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow."

With that, he left without another word. I stood there, watching his car disappear down the road, confused and hurt by his cold demeanor.

I went inside and opened the package. A beautiful cocktail dress lay inside, its fabric smooth beneath my fingers. As I lifted it, something small and delicate slipped from the folds—a gold bracelet.

I picked it up, admiring its elegance. It was simple yet breathtaking. Smiling to myself, I put on the black cocktail dress and slipped the bracelet onto my wrist. As I looked in the mirror, I couldn't help but smile even wider.

"You look beautiful."

Time flew by, and before I knew it, Friday had arrived.

I was in my bedroom, getting ready for the night, when I received a text from Alex. I made an excuse, saying I had something important to finish but would follow later. Thankfully, Alex didn't ask too many questions, allowing me to focus on getting ready.

I put on the dress, packed a few essentials in my pouch, and applied a little makeup for a touch-up later. It had been a while since I last put on makeup.

The sound of a car horn outside made me smile. I grabbed my things and stepped out, finding Canim waiting. He opened the door for me, but as I settled into the seat, I noticed something—he still hadn't complimented me or said a single word about my appearance.

"Whose party are we going to?" I asked.

"My sister's."

"You have a sister?" I asked, shocked. I had no idea he had one. But why did I care so much about his personal life?

"Nadia will be there, along with her family. I need you to be with me and tell them we're together."

"That doesn't make sense. How can an arranged marriage with Nadia be canceled just because of my presence?"

"It's easy to create a scene, especially for a girl like you."

"What do you mean, 'a girl like me'?" I frowned, feeling insulted. "And won't this ruin your reputation too?"

"You don't know my father. He'll patch up every hole he finds just to keep his name polished." Canim's tone was laced with something unfamiliar—bitterness, maybe.

"A scandal would make them retreat. They wouldn't want their family name dragged through the mud." His voice was cold and calculating. "Can you imagine the headlines once we make a scene? 'The Salazars Trying to Marry Off Their Daughter for Money.'"

Yeah, because what else could it be? If they found out the guy involved already had a lover, the media would immediately understand that the marriage was arranged—for wealth, not love.

I sighed, realizing that after tonight, my face would be all over the news.

"We're here."

I stepped out of the car and gasped.

The party was grand, extravagant even. Everywhere I looked, people dressed in luxurious outfits exuded an air of wealth and power. Judging by their attire, they weren't just ordinary guests—they were company owners, shareholders, and high-profile figures.

"Shall we?" Canim extended his arm.

I linked my arm with his but felt uncomfortable with the way everyone's eyes were on me.

"Can you wait a moment? I need to gather my courage, or I might mess this up."

Canim had no choice but to nod. I asked where the restroom was, and he gave me directions.

Like always, I was terrible with directions. I went up, then down, wandered into some empty rooms, and even found myself in random hallways, but I still couldn't find the restroom. Frustrated, I made my way downstairs again.