I’m Over This Man Anyway

He then typed: [Grandpa’s birthday party is tomorrow. Are you back from your business trip?]

An hour later, all he got in reply was a simple question mark. Irritation flashed in Alden’s eyes.

He texted, his fingers moving quickly on the screen:

[Kaia, enough with the tantrum. Don’t you realize how important Grandpa’s birthday party is?]

On the other side, Kaia had just stepped out of the shower. Reading Alden’s message, she let out a derisive laugh. She shot back: [Mr. Graves, we’re done. I won’t be there. Bring whoever you want.]

Alden’s patience snapped.

[Playing hard to get again? Who said we broke up? I’ll pick you up at seven tomorrow evening. You know how nice Grandpa has always been to you. Don’t ruin his birthday.]

Kaia scoffed, typing: [I’ll go, but pay me first.]

Along with the text, she sent a bank account number.

She added: [Just label it as “service fee“.]

Alden’s face darkened. What the hell was she pulling now.? But he didn’t have time for a pointless argument. He wired a million dollars without blinking.

Kaia received the money immediately and sent a meme, “Thanks, boss. You’re so generous!”

Clearly, she didn’t want to waste another word on him.

**** ***** ****** **** ***** ****** **** ***** ****** **

Kaia showed up at the villa on time, wearing a form–fitting lavender dress. Her slightly curly, long hair was casually tied up at the back of her head with a white silk ribbon. Her skin was smooth and shiny. Despite her bright and attractive face, she exuded an air of coldness and aloofness. Strangely enough, the lavender dress softened her sharp features a bit.

As soon as Alden opened the car door, he saw Kaia striding into the courtyard. It was the first time he’d ever seen her in a form-fitting dress. The cut outlined every curve of her body, and for a moment, he couldn’t look away. She was stunning, with a deadly allure that made his heart race and his body heat up.

Alden frowned slightly and said in a gruff tone, “Go upstairs and change your clothes.”

Kaia let out a soft scoff. “Why should I?”.

“It’s Grandpa’s birthday banquet. Dressing like this…” He paused for a second, adding, “You’ll draw too much attention.”

Kaia gracefully opened the back–seat door. “That’s the point. I’ll dress shabbily at your funeral next time.”

Alden gritted his teeth and hissed, “Kaia!”

But she ignored him and slid into the back seat.

Alden got into the driver’s seat and coldly ordered, “Sit in the front. I’m not your chauffeur.”

Kaia glanced at the pearl earrings on the front–seat blanket, and her eyes darkened.

“No thanks. It’s kinda dirty. I don’t want to ruin my dress.” Alden wondered if she was on her period these days, acting so moody.

But her period is usually at the end of the month, isn’t it?. Time was ticking away. Alden knew he couldn’t afford to squander a single second.

As the eldest grandson, being late to such an important event was a no–go.

***** ***** ****** **** ***** ****** **** ***** ****** **

As soon as he parked, Alden smoothly offered his arm to Kaia. Kaia shot him a look full of disdain.

However, today was Allen’s birthday banquet.

Just as Alden had mentioned before, Allen was always the biggest supporter of their engagement. She couldn’t let him down and cause a scene on this special day.

Kaia rummaged through her handbag and fished out a silk scarf. She wrapped it around her palm gently, then slowly lifted her gorgeous eyes.

“Fine, let’s go,” she said nonchalantly. That simple act made a vein on Alden’s temple pulsate wildly. “Kaia, don’t overdo it. Are you looking down on me?” he snapped.

Kaia gave a faint smile and shrugged. “Is it that obvious?. “Well, I’ll be more discreet later then.”

****** ***** ****** **** ***** ****** **** ***** ******

As soon as they stepped into the banquet hall, all eyes locked on them.

Alden was incredibly good–looking. Standing there with his tall, upright posture, he immediately became the center of attention.

There was a faint smile on his face, yet it held a tinge of coldness. As Allen Graves‘ eldest grandson–the heir of New York’s most powerful and prestigious family–everyone wanted a piece of him.

Alden leaned in, hand resting lightly on hers through the silk scarf. “Be good,” he murmured. “I need to talk to the Star Innovation CEO. Entertain yourself.”

Kaia gave a little smirk and quickly yanked her hand back. Her palm had been sweating after being covered by the silk scarf for so long.

Alden was mildly irritated, but he had more pressing matters at hand. With a frosty look on his face, he turned and walked away.

As soon as he was gone, some annoying people swarmed around her. “Look who it is–the fiancée Mr. Graves can’t seem to dump.”

“Yeah, didn’t someone swear a few days ago that she’d stop pestering Mr. Graves?”. Kaia glanced at the sarcastic woman and sneered, “What, is he infertile or something?”

The woman just wanted to rile Kaia up; she would never dare to insult Alden. “What are you talking nonsense about?”.

Kaia’s eyes glittered with mockery. “Yeah, I did swear. But if he’s infertile, then I’d be breaking my vow, right? Since he’s not, why don’t you give it a try?”

“You!” The woman glared at her angrily. Her friends beside her also stared with wide–open eyes. Is Kaia crazy? Did she just imply that someone should seduce her fiancé?

“Humph, you’re just being cocky now. Wait till Luna shows up later, and you’ll be eating your words!”

Kaia had almost forgotten. On a night this important, Luna wouldn’t miss it. She was the Graves family’s beloved adopted daughter, after all.

****** ***** ****** **** ***** ****** **** ***** ******

“Kaia! Mom and I have been calling you for days. Why haven’t you answered?”. Kaia turned slowly and saw her sister, Kimberly Domont, storming toward her, clearly pissed.

Next to Kimberly stood her stepmom, Sally Domont, looking all noble. Sally smiled and said, “Kaia, you said you were getting your marriage license with Alden. Why no updates in the family group?”

Kaia averted her gaze, then pulled out her phone.

“Oh, that? I accidentally left the group. You three seem fine without me anyway,” she said casually.

Her father, Tobias Domont, was absent today.

Ever since her real mom died when she was three, and Tobias remarried just three months later, she’d realized her dad had turned into a cold–shouldered stepfather, showing no affection for her.

“Kaia, what’s that supposed to mean? Can’t you show some respect for my mom?”. Before Kaia could reply, she noticed Kimberly’s eyes brighten up.

“Luna’s here! Mom, I’m gonna go over there,” Kimberly exclaimed excitedly.

Sally smiled gently. “Be careful, honey. Don’t trip.”

Then, she turned to Kaia, trying to smooth things over. “Don’t take Kimberly too seriously. She’s impulsive. And Luna’s her best friend–it’s been five years since they last saw each other. No wonder she’s hyped.”

“By the way, does Alden know his sister’s back in town?”. Everyone in their circle knew how much Alden adored his adopted sister.

His affection was so obvious, it almost fooled people into thinking…

If Luna hadn’t been adopted, maybe Alden’s fiancée would’ve been her.

However, no one dared to voice such thoughts in front of the Graves family. Years ago, Allen had shut down those rumors in public–making it clear Luna was always his granddaughter.

Kaia pressed her lips tight. She said nothing. Sally still loved poking at her, but Kaia wasn’t that fragile girl anymore. Seeing Kaia quiet, Sally just smiled.

Then, she spotted Alden rushing over and grinned even wider. “Kaia, I never thought Alden would still care about Luna this much after five years.”

Another piece of Kaia’s heart shattered. She shot back, “Yeah. But do you think Alden has any idea that Luna’s best friend also has a huge crush on him?”

Sally’s face paled instantly. “Heh, Kaia, you’re joking. Kimberly wouldn’t go after your man,” she stammered, trying to brush it off.

Kaia flashed a sweet smile. “It doesn’t matter. I’m over him anyway.” Sally stared at her in disbelief. “Kaia, you…”

She stole a glance at Kaia and then at the man approaching from behind. Just then, Alden’s voice rang out.

“Kaia, who are you saying you’re done with?”

His message was a mix of threat and warning

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