Chapter 48_ Credit Card

Two months later at an upscale eatery on the outskirts of the metropolis, Arya and Kane joined Alonso and Phoebe alongside Alex and Selma to celebrate Arya's recent promotion and her long-awaited acquisition of a driver's license. Raising his glass to his lips, Kane beamed at Arya with adoration in his eyes and asked, "So, how does it feel to be the proud holder of a driving license?"

"It feels incredible. I finally have control over my own life, and I couldn't be happier." Arya responded, her eyes crinkling with joy.

Alex, sipping his juice, lifted his head from his glass and added, "My sister is amazing. She can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. And now, I finally have a sister who can drive. Yippie." Alex's tone was filled with excitement as he boasted about Arya's achievement.

"And speaking of accomplishments... I received an award for my genuine and unfiltered reportage on the world of street racing." Chloe exclaimed, and Arya nodded, remembering when Chloe had mentioned writing an article about street racing and how their conversation had later shifted to Kane. (Chapter three) She couldn't believe it had been three months since that conversation, and how the responsibility of Kane Maranello had fallen on her shoulders.

"Congratulations, my dear! It's well-deserved. Your articles were exceptional." Arya said, raising her glass to clink with Chloe's.

"Absolutely! Top-notch." Kane chimed in, and Alonso, seated beside Chloe, nodded in agreement.

"Well, since everyone is boasting about their accomplishments... Selma and I are planning to study engineering in college." Alex announced, and Selma nodded in confirmation.

"But you still have four years before college." Chloe interjected, but Selma cut her off.

"True, but Kane advised us to get a head start on our studies, right Alex?" Selma explained, glancing up at Kane and nudging Alex's arm.

"Absolutely," Kane and Alex chimed in unison. Kane motioned to the waiter, who promptly brought them bottles of champagne. The glasses were filled with everyone's drinks, except for Alex and Selma's milk cup, as the waiter departed.

Raising his glass, Kane addressed the group with a toast, "Here's to our success and new beginnings, my friends." They all clinked their glasses together, cheering and applauding one another.


======


As Kane and Arya bid farewell to Alex and Chloe outside of Arya's apartment, she pulled Alex down to her level and embraced him close, reminding him, "Behave yourself, Alex. Listen to Chloe and don't hesitate to call me if you need anything, alright?"

With tears in his eyes, Alex nodded and held onto Arya tightly, "I'll miss you, Arya. Please don't stay away too long. I promise to be on my best behavior and I'll call you every day."

"Of course," Arya murmured as a tear slipped down her cheek. She had never been apart from her brother before and it was hard for her to leave him behind.

"I'll miss you, best girl," Chloe added, embracing Arya and whispering to her.

"I'll miss you too. Thank you for looking after Alex," Arya replied, causing Chloe to scowl.

"Don't even think about it, Arya. Just go and have a great trip," Chloe scolded her, causing Arya to laugh.

Kane pulled Alex aside and spoke to him with a serious tone, "Alex, now that your sister and I won't be here, you're in charge of the house. So no fooling around, you need to act responsibly, are we clear?"

Alex nodded, understanding the gravity of his new responsibilities as Kane handed him a black credit card. "A credit card? For me?" Alex exclaimed, taking the card with amazement, running his fingers over its glossy surface.

"Yes, there's no spending limit, but that doesn't mean you should go overboard with it. Use it to take Selma out for a movie and get ice cream every day. Your meals will also be delivered through a restaurant I arranged for." Kane explained, as Arya and Chloe gazed at them with adoration, and Chloe sweetly cooed to Arya.

"You've found yourself a gem, my dear." Chloe complimented, earning a nod from Arya. She couldn't believe how much Kane had changed, now taking responsibility for others and taking care of those around him. He would make an excellent CEO for Maranello Enterprises, Arya thought silently, gazing at them with tender affection.

"Wow, you even arranged for meals?" Alex marveled, tilting his head to the side in excitement.

"Yes, the menu is all planned out. It's both healthy and delicious, so don't forget to eat your greens if you want abs like mine." Kane joked, causing Alex to giggle as he jumped into Kane's arms for a hug.

Kane caught him, lifting him up and spinning him around before setting him back down, ruffling his hair and placing a kiss on the top of his head. "Take care, kiddo. Call me every day." Kane instructed, as he grabbed both his and Arya's bags and walked with them towards the waiting black limousine that would take them to the airport. As they got into the car, Kane and Arya waved goodbye to Chloe and Alex, watching as the car drove off into the distance.