Ready Or Not

Chapter 14

KEIDEN


I woke up with a groan, tiredness weighing me down like an anchor. Today was the day – the meeting that could make or break my life . I rubbed my temples, trying to shake off the fatigue that clung to me like a bad habit.


"Time to get moving," I told myself, throwing off the covers.


I stood up, my muscles protesting the sudden movement. My mind raced with thoughts of the meeting ahead, each scenario playing out like a chess game in my head.


In the bathroom, I quickly brushed my teeth, the minty freshness jolting me awake. I took a refreshing bath, the cool water invigorating my senses.

Within minutes, I was done. I tied a towel around my waist and stepped out, feeling more alert.


That's when the door opened, and Emelia appeared. Her face flushed with embarrassment as she took in my state of undress. For a moment, our eyes locked, and I sensed a spark of awkwardness.


"Ah, sorry about the awkward timing," she murmured, smiling wryly. I couldn't help but find her reaction endearing.


Emelia quickly apologized and closed the door. I chuckled, shaking my head and immediately continue what I was doing before she opened the door.


Next, I focused on getting ready. My tailored blue suit hung perfectly on my frame – the fitted jacket accentuating my shoulders, the matching trousers breaking flawlessly above my shoes. I selected a crisp white shirt and a patterned tie that added a touch of sophistication.


I slipped on my shoes, polished to perfection, and stood back to admire my reflection. The suit transformed me into a confident businessman.


Now, it was time to add the finishing touches. I selected my favorite perfume – a subtle blend of cedar and bergamot – and sprayed it on my pulse points. The scent was distinctive, yet understated.


A final glance in the mirror confirmed I was ready. My eyes seemed more vibrant, my jawline more defined.


Satisfied, I nodded to myself.


Now, it was time to get Emelia ready.


I walked to my separate wardrobe, opened it, and retrieved a stunning blue gown. The silk fabric shimmered in the light, and delicate lace trim would complement Emelia's skin perfectly. I imagined how she'd look in it – radiant and elegant.


I laid the gown on the bed, then walked out of my room to call her to get ready.



I descended the stairs, my mind preoccupied with the meeting ahead. As I reached the living room, Emelia sprang up from the couch, her eyes wide with contrition.


"Oh, Keiden, I'm so sorry again! I feel terrible for walking in on you while you were dressing. I shouldn't have done that. It was completely unthoughtful of me. Please forgive me!" she blurted out, her words tumbling forth in a frantic pace.


I stood there, dumbfounded, wondering why she was apologizing a million times after already doing so earlier. Her fervor was unnecessary; I wasn't bothered by the incident.


I watched her, patiently waiting for her to finish her heartfelt apology. My expression remained neutral, my thoughts consumed by more pressing matters.


Finally, she paused, her chest heaving with exertion.


"Emelia, go get ready. Your dress is laid out on the bed," I said, my tone even.


Her eyes widened in surprise, and she looked at me as if she couldn't believe I wasn't berating her.


But I didn't have time for her guilt trip. Bigger concerns weighed on my mind.


As she scurried off to get ready, I turned away, my thoughts drifting to my current situation. People's accusations still lingered in my mind – that I was cursed, that my success was built on dark foundations.

That anyone that come close to me dies, I couldn’t blame them though, I lost my parents, best friends and close friends so that alone is more than enough reason for them to even call me cursed.

I snorted inwardly. They had no idea what it took to achieve my status and yet the call me cursed and spread the rumor of me being a killer every opportunity they got.


But those claims had driven me to reevaluate my life. I'd moved from my opulent duplex, surrounded by guards and sycophants, to this hidden location.


No guards, no entourage. Just solitude.


And instead of luxury cars, I now relied on a chariot and horse for transportation.


I walked outside to prepare my chariot, the horse's gentle neigh greeting me. I patted its mane, feeling a sense of calm wash over me.


"Today's the day, boy," I whispered, harnessing the horse to the chariot.



As Emelia emerged from the house, I couldn't help but steal a glance at her. The blue gown hugged her curves perfectly, accentuating her slender waist and bust. Her hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of gold, each strand shimmering in the morning light.


"She looks so beautiful ," I said within myself.


Emelia's eyes met mine, and her cheeks flushed. I quickly looked away, clearing my throat.


"Let's go, we don’t have any more time to waste.” I ordered, my tone firm.




As Emelia settled into the chariot, she gazed at me with a hint of curiosity.


"Are we going with that chariot?" she asked, her voice laced with surprise.


I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her question.


"What's wrong with the chariot?" I replied, my tone neutral.


Emelia's eyes sparkled with amusement.


"Nothing really, but I thought we would be going with a car," she said, her voice dripping with innocence.


I chuckled, a hint of teasing in my voice.


"Concerning the fact of all your sufferings, you have never entered a car since you were little," I said, my eyes locked onto hers. "I don't think you have the right to talk about entering either a car or chariot."


Emelia's face flushed, and she let out a tiny gasp. Her head bowed, her eyes cast downward.


I watched her, my expression softening. Perhaps I had been too harsh.


"Let's go," I said, my voice gentler.