Pay Me First

Kaia dropped her words, spun around, and left, leaving everyone in the room sharing awkward looks.

Someone forced a laugh. “Heh, Kaia sure knows how to crack a joke.”

“Don’t be mad, Mr. Graves. Just sweet–talk her later. She’ll cool off,” another chimed in.

But someone else scoffed, “Sweet–talk? Please. Don’t spoil these women, Mr. Graves. They’ll walk all over you.”

“Shut up.” Alden snapped, his voice was like ice. He was utterly annoyed by all the chatter.

Luna watched him, unease crept on her.

Since when has Alden started defending Kaia?

Has she stolen his heart during the years I’m away?

“Alden, if you’re worried about making Kaia mad, I’ll go and apologize to her, okay?” she said softly, biting her lip.

Then, she playfully poked his waist with her index finger, her voice full of charm.

“Don’t be angry. Look, you’ve scared them all,” she murmured.

She used to poke Alden’s waist under the table when they were kids, and it always melted his heart.

Sure enough, his icy look softened a bit.

“I’m not mad,” he said gently. “Luna, I’d never get mad at you over someone else.”

Luna lowered her eyes sweetly, her cheeks turning pink.

“Me too, Alden.”

The room burst into teasing laughter, and just like that, the tension Kaia left behind disappeared.

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

Kaia headed straight for the house she once shared with Alden.

This place was a wedding present from Alden’s grandfather, Allen Graves.

The maid, Serena Bills, blinked in surprise.

“You’re back,” she exclaimed. “I thought you’d be getting your marriage license today. Where’s Mr. Graves?”

Kaia didn’t answer. She stormed past and went straight upstairs.

One suitcase was enough–she’d never brought much here anyway.

As she passed by Alden’s study, her eyes landed on the tablet lying on his desk.

Once, when she’d wanted to watch some shows on it, he’d exploded with anger for no reason.

She’d assumed he just disliked people touching his stuff.

But today, she’d clearly saw Luna laughing with his phone in her hand.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Kaia stepped into the study.

With her slender fingers, she pressed the power button on the tablet.The screen lit up. Password required.

Taking a deep breath, she decided to give it a try.

The first password she entered was Alden’s birthday.

As expected, it was incorrect.

She didn’t give up. Next, she tried her own birthday. But alas, it was still wrong.

One more try. Her mind scrambled for clues… until it landed on one–Luna’s birthday.

September 23rd.

With fingers slightly shaking, she typed in “0923“.

As she’d dreaded all along, the screen flashed–unlocked.

Instantly, a bitter, acrid taste welled up in her throat.

To her dismay, there were no apps on the tablet.

Guided by an unsettling hunch, Kaia opened the photo album.

Then, her heart stopped cold. 3,344 photos. Each single one screamed Luna and Alden’s shared moments.

Luna’s beaming selfies. Dozens of shots with Alden–smiling, laughing, always close. And Kaia? He’d dodge every time she raised a camera. They only had one photo.

Their wedding portrait. Hanging in the bedroom like some sick joke.

“Hey, Alden,” Allen’s voice came through the phone, “did you and Kaia get the marriage license? Haven’t seen anything in the group chat.”

Alden paused.

“Something came up that day,” he said, keeping it vague. “We didn’t get it done. Totally slipped my mind to tell you. We’ll do it after your birthday bash.”

“Make sure you do,” Allen said. “I’ll sleep better once it’s done.”

Then, he added, “I heard Luna’s back.”

Alden’s jaw tightened, memories flooding back.

Five years ago, Luna had flown overseas after Allen tried to set her up with someone she didn’t want.

She’d vanished overnight–no goodbye, no explanation.

He never found out exactly what went down between her and Allen. All he knew was, Allen canceled the engagement, and Luna disappeared.

That year, things had been super tense between Alden and his family. It only started to get better after he got engaged to Kaia.

“Yeah,” he said, trying to sound casual. “Looks like it.”

Allen seemed satisfied with that. “Well, I’ll have your dad call her. It’s not right. She’s back in town and hasn’t even come home.” Then his tone sharpened.

“Alden, no matter who’s back, you and Kaia have to get that license ASAP. You got me?” Alden’s eyes darkened. “Sure, Grandpa.”

After ending the call, Alden rubbed his temples, a sigh threatening to escape his lips. Tomorrow was his grandfather’s birthday party.

Alden stared at the dead chat with Kaia. Nothing since the day, he’d stood her up.

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