PARALYZED BY DECEIT

Chapter 4: Dinner with ?

Keira's POV

I trailed behind Kae, my feet aching from hours of walking around the mall. We had been here for what felt like an eternity, and yet Kae still hadn't found a dress that met her standards.

As we entered yet another boutique, Kae's eyes scanned the racks with a critical gaze. She picked up a beautiful red gown, examining it from every angle before discarding it with a dismissive snort.

"Not good enough," she muttered to herself.

I watched her with a mixture of frustration and amusement. What was it about this guy that had Kae so obsessed? She had met him at the business dinner party a few days ago, and since then, she had been acting like a woman possessed.

As I stood there, lost in thought, Kae's antics played out before me like a bad movie. I remembered the conversation they had at dinner the night before.

"Kae, slow down," Nadia had said, trying to reason with her. "You just met this guy, and you're already talking about marriage?"

Kae had rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't understand, mother. You're not exactly the romantic type and you are so old fashioned.”

Our father had intervened, trying to placate Kae. "Let's not rush into anything, Kae. We'll get to know him better, and then we can discuss the possibility of marriage.”

But Kae had been relentless. "I don't need to get to know him better, Father. I know he's the one. And I want you to fix our marriage. Now."

I had been shocked by her audacity. Who did she think she was, demanding that our father arrange her marriage to some guy she had just met?

Peace was restored to the house,only after dad came back this morning with news that the guy had agreed to have us at his place for dinner.

As I stood in the boutique, watching Kae try on dress after dress, I couldn't help but think that she was making a huge mistake. But no, Kae was too blinded by love to see reason.

Kae's voice brought me out of my thoughts. "Kaira, what do you think of this one?" she asked, holding up a stunning silver dress.

I examined the dress critically, trying to see it from Kae's perspective. "It's beautiful," I said honestly. "You'd look amazing in it."

But Kae just rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't know a good dress if it hit you in the face," she said, putting the dress back on the rack. "I need something that will make him fall in love with me at the dinner tonight."

I sighed inwardly, wondering how much longer this was going to take. We had been to every boutique in the mall, and Kae still hadn't found the perfect dress.

As we left the store, I couldn't help but feel a little sorry for Kae. She was so desperate to find love, but she was going about it the wrong way. And I couldn't help but wonder what would happen when she finally realized that this guy wasn't the prince charming she thought he was or if he rejected her at the dinner tonight.

"Let's take a break," I suggested, spotting a coffee shop nearby. "We can grab a coffee and rest our feet for a bit."

Kae nodded, and we made our way to the coffee shop. As we sat down at a small table, I couldn't help but think that this was going to be a long day.

As we finished our coffee, Kae stood up, a determined look on her face. "Let's go back to that Chanel store. I saw a dress there that I think might be the one."

I nodded, and we made our way back to the store. This time, when Kae tried on the dress, she gasped in delight. "This is it," she said, twirling in front of the mirror. "This is the dress that will make him fall in love with me."

The dress was stunning - a fitted, strapless gown that accentuated Kae's curves. I had to admit, she looked beautiful.

"Okay, you've found the dress," I said, smiling. "Can we please go home now?"

Kae nodded, and we left the store, finally ending our long day of shopping.

Kae ran to her room as soon as we got home and minutes later, a group of ladies who I guessed were make up artists an hair stylist trooped in,all headed to Kae’s room.

I dragged my feet to my room, took a quick shower and sat down in front of the mirror.

“Time to get ready.” I mumbled to myself.

Hours passed and finally I decided I was ready.

I wore a black gown that hugged my curves, and wore my hair in a sleek ponytail.

Few minutes later, our father, Beckett, called us into the living room. "Alright, girls, let's go over the plan for tonight," he said, his eyes serious.

Kae, resplendent in her Chanel gown, nodded eagerly. "I've got everything under control, Father. I've researched this guy, and I know exactly how to impress him."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. Who was this guy that had Kae working so hard?

Our father turned to me, his expression stern. "And, Kaira, I want you to be on your best behavior tonight. No arguing with Kae, no sulking in the corner. We need to present a united front."

I nodded, feeling a surge of resentment. Why did I always have to be the one to behave? But I bit back my retort, knowing that our father was only trying to help Kae.

As we left the house, I was struck by the convoy of cars that followed us. Our father's security team was out in full force, and I wondered who this guy was that warranted such precautions.

"Who is this guy, anyway?" I asked Kae, as we rode in the backseat of the limousine.