Chapter 36_ Smugness

Maranello Enterprises;

The sun had barely risen when Kane and Arya arrived at the office, having just endured the unpleasant subway commute. Irritated, Kane remarked, "How have you been dealing with this for years?"

"It's just the subway, you'll get used to it," Arya replied with a small laugh. But Kane just shook his head in disbelief.

"I doubt it. It's like getting used to torture. I don't understand those people. Some were too busy stomping on my feet, while others smelled like they've never heard of soap or showers." Kane scowled, his frustration evident. Arya couldn't help but giggle at his exasperation.

"Public transportation is definitely not a pleasant experience, but at least it gets you where you need to go," Arya said, trying to find a positive spin. Kane nodded in agreement.

"Right. And on the bright side, I got to spend the whole time pressed against your sweet, round, perfect boobs," Kane said with a mischievous grin, rendering Arya momentarily speechless.

Before she could respond, the office door opened and Franko Maranello walked in, looking quite pleased but in a rather unpleasant way. "So, I heard about the race. Congratulations on coming in last place. How does it feel to go from being the King to a mere jester?" His words were a taunt towards Kane, but instead of getting angry, Kane just smiled and shrugged.

"I have to say, Dad...the cap 'n bells are much more comfortable on my head than the crown," Kane retorted.

"Of course they are. A crown is supposed to be uncomfortable, it's a symbol of responsibility. But responsibility isn't your forte, is it? Good thing I didn't insist on putting our logo on your car, it would have been a disaster for the company!" Franko sneered, his voice dripping with condescension. But Kane just grinned back at him.

"Well, considering that it was my decision not to put the logo on...maybe I have better judgment than you give me credit for." Kane's comment earned a snicker from Franko.

"You call better judgment failing miserably at the one thing you're good at?" Franko remarked as Kane's anger boiled inside of him. But then, his eyes met Arya's pleading amber gaze, silently urging him to maintain his composure. Kane took a deep breath before speaking.

"Let me tell you a story from my childhood. I used to lose amateur races one after the other, but there was one person who always stood by me. This person knew failure like a trusted companion, always ready to impart its lessons. They are one of the best people I have ever known. But now, all I have left is their wise words - Only death is irreversible, everything else can be turned around. I miss them every day. Do you know what happened to them?" Kane directed his words at Franko, who seemed shaken but remained silent. After a moment of contemplation, Franko quickly left the office, closing the door behind him. Kane watched in silence as his father fled.

"What just happened? Were you talking about your mother?" Arya asked, puzzled and intrigued.

"No, I was talking about my father," Kane confessed, causing Arya's mind to race, 'What? I had no idea they were so close!’

"But I don't understand. Why do you two hate each other so much now?" she asked, her face etched with genuine curiosity and confusion.

"I don't want to get into family drama, Arya. It feels rotten enough as it is," Kane shrugged, and Arya nodded with a sad smile.

He still doesn't want to confide in me, does he? Arya thought sadly, as she retreated to her desk and immersed herself in her work. Though Kane could sense her change in mood, he chose not to comment and instead steered the conversation towards a different topic. "I am eagerly anticipating tonight's thrilling face-off, Alex versus Selma.”

"Wow, you're right. With everything going on, I almost forgot about that." Arya admitted sheepishly, earning a knowing look from Kane as he focused on his task, flawlessly typing away on his keyboard.

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The much-anticipated karting race between Alex and Selma was finally here, and Selma was taken aback to learn that Arya was Alex's sister. "You're Alex's sister?" she exclaimed in shock, glancing between Arya and Alex.

"It's a small world, isn't it?" Arya replied with a small smile.

"Smaller than I thought. I hope you didn't spill all my secrets to anyone." Selma joked with a sheepish grin, glancing at Alex.

"What secrets?" Alex asked curiously, looking at Selma and then at Arya.

"Sorry, Alex. Client-babysitter privilege." Arya chuckled, and at that moment, Kane arrived to prepare the track for the race. He allowed Selma and Alex to warm up with a few laps before the main event.

"Looks like you'll need more than luck to win this, Alex." Selma teased, smirking at him.

"I assure you, our date will happen. Just wait and see," Alex replied confidently as they hopped into the kart.

Meanwhile, Kane and Arya observed from the stands, eagerly anticipating the upcoming challenge.

"A for arrogance to Alex. He appears quite certain of his triumph." remarked Arya, glancing up at Kane.

"He had an exceptional mentor." boasted Kane with pride, earning a disapproving shake of the head from Arya.

"I concur. Only you can exude self-assurance over lessons on smugness." Arya quipped.

"Oh, I wasn't referring to myself. I was speaking of you." Kane corrected, causing Arya to scowl at him.

"I am not smug at all." she responded with a piercing glare.

"Perhaps not. But you are always correct."

"And does being right automatically make me smug?" inquired Arya with a pointed look.

"Surely, it gives off that impression."

Arya playfully pinched his arm and stuck her tongue out at him. "There, have some smugness." They shared a laugh before turning their attention to Selma and Alex, who had just completed their final warm up round and were now fully focused on the challenge ahead.


A/N: Hello dear readers, I apologize for the delay in updates. My thumb and eyes were weary and needed rest. But fret not, updates will resume regularly. Continue supporting Arya and Kane's story. I love you all! Your support fuels my motivation.