I was sleeping peacefully, lost in a dream about Kayden. We were running through the park, his laughter echoing behind me as he chased after me.
"Y/N! Wait… If I catch you, my strawberry pie, I'm going to tickle you!" he called out playfully.
I turned back with a teasing grin, my heart racing. "No way, mint chocolate! Catch me if you can!" I giggled, picking up my pace.
"Aah, Y/N!" he groaned dramatically before suddenly sprinting faster. My eyes widened as I saw him closing the distance between us.
"Gotcha!" he exclaimed as he lunged forward, wrapping his arms around me. The force sent both of us tumbling onto the soft grass, with him landing on top of me.
Kayden hovered above me, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Hmm… so," he murmured before suddenly attacking my sides with relentless tickles.
I burst into uncontrollable laughter, trying to push him away. "No—Kayden—stop!" I gasped between giggles.
But just as suddenly as he started, he stopped. His expression changed, and his voice grew urgent.
"Y/N!!! GET UP!!! Y/N, GET UP, YOU DUMBASS!!!"
His voice sounded different—higher, sharper, and oddly familiar. I frowned in confusion. Wait… why did he sound like Emma?
"What—" My eyes flew open, and instead of Kayden's face, I saw Emma hovering over me, shaking my shoulders.
"Aish, finally! Get up now, or you'll be late for work!" she scolded.
I groaned, rubbing my eyes. "Emma, can't you see I was having a good dream? Let me sleep a little longer." I mumbled, attempting to turn over and bury myself in the blankets.
Emma crossed her arms and smirked. "No way, Y/N. You have to get up. Or… Kayden might kiss you like he did yesterday~" she teased.
My eyes snapped open. "Hey—Emma! He just pecked my cheek, okay?! Just my cheek!" I quickly clarified, sitting up.
Emma raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Really? Because I heard you two were making out."
My eyes widened in horror. "WHAT?! Who told you that?!"
Emma snickered. "Hmm… Max may have mentioned something."
I narrowed my eyes. "Oh really? And what about you, huh? What has Max been doing to you?" I teased back.
Emma's face turned red, but she laughed. "Heheheh, every day."
I made a disgusted face. "Ugh! Gross!"
Emma shrugged. "Well, one day, you'll—"
"Nope! Not listening!" I cut her off, throwing my blanket aside and rushing to the bathroom before she could tease me more.
---
After my shower, I started looking for something to wear. My eyes landed on a peach-colored dress hanging neatly in my wardrobe. It was one of my favorites—long enough to reach my knees, with long sleeves and a round neckline that wasn't too deep. The back had a simple zipper, exposing just the right amount of skin, and it hugged my figure perfectly.
I slipped it on and admired myself in the mirror when I heard a knock on the door.
"Are you—WOW! Girl, you look STUNNING!" Emma gasped as she entered my room. "That dress was made for you!"
I smiled. "Yeah, I really love this one."
Emma's eyes sparkled. "Can I borrow it someday?"
I chuckled. "Sure, why not?"
Emma grinned. "Let me find you matching heels—"
"No!!" I interrupted, grabbing a pair of black flats instead.
Emma frowned. "Are you dumb, Y/N? No way you're wearing those. It's an insult to the dress!"
I sighed. "Emma, if you're going to give me something, make sure it's flats. I don't want to trip and fall on my face or break my teeth."
Emma burst into laughter. "Okay, okay. Hold on—wait, I see something. Are these yours?" She pointed at a pair of elegant glass flats.
I paused for a moment before remembering. "Oh… Kayden gave me those."
Emma smirked. "Then wear them. It'll complete the look."
I hesitated for a moment but then slipped them on. "How do I look?"
Emma gave me a thumbs-up. "Absolutely stunning!"
Just then, my phone rang. I glanced at the screen—Kayden. Smiling, I answered.
"Open the door. I'm here," he said.
"Ooh, okay, okay," I replied before hanging up and rushing to the door.
The moment I opened it, I saw Kayden standing there in a dark gray suit, paired with a black shirt and polished black boots. He looked… breathtaking.
But his expression? It was priceless. He was staring at me like he had just seen a ghost.
I tilted my head. "Hey, we should leave."
He blinked, snapping out of his daze. "Yeah, let's go."
With that, he took my hand and led me to the car, opening the door for me before getting into the driver's seat. As I buckled my seatbelt, I caught him stealing glances at me again and again.
Finally, he spoke. "You look gorgeous, Y/N."
I smiled. "Thanks."
The car ride was quiet, a lingering tension filling the space between us. I could feel his eyes on me every so often, but I kept mine fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. My mind drifted back to what had happened yesterday…
Once we arrived at the office, I went straight to my cabin, finding a stack of files waiting for me. I sighed and got to work, reviewing documents and checking my boss's schedule. After a while, the office phone rang.
I picked it up. "Hello?"
"Come to my office," Kayden's voice came through the receiver.
I quickly organized the files on my desk before heading toward his office. Knocking twice, I waited.
"Come in."
As I pushed open the door, my eyes immediately landed on—ugh.
Mr. Annoying.
He was sitting in Kayden's chair, smirking at me like he owned the place.
"Already forgotten about the contract, babe?" he said smugly.
My heart dropped. "Huh?"
Then it hit me. How could I have forgotten?! I quickly glanced at Kayden, but his expression had darkened—he was looking at me with anger… and something else. Disappointment.
"Kayden, can you leave me and my girlfriend alone for a moment?" Mr. Annoying said casually.
My breath hitched. I saw Kayden's face fall slightly, his eyes turning sad at those words.
No… he must think I'm a shameless woman.
I looked down, unable to meet his gaze. As he walked past me, he leaned in slightly and whispered, "You better have a good reason for this."
Then, he was gone.
I turned back to Mr. Annoying, who was watching me with amusement.
He slid a stack of papers toward me. "Sign these."
I clenched my fists. "Please… don't do this to me," I said softly, my voice trembling.
He smirked. "I already told you, you don't have a choice. Well… unless—"
I looked at him, hope flickering in my chest. "Unless…?"
He leaned forward, his smirk widening. "Marry me instead."
My blood ran cold.