Billionaire's Obsession

Chapter 2 Caden's POV

The urgent tap on my shoulder made me turn, expecting a family member. Instead, Johnson's concerned face greeted me.

"Young master, please return. You can't behave this way in front of the family," Johnson whispered, his hand on my shoulder.

I brushed him off and said, "Just go back. I'm not interested."

Sia's curious eyes met mine. "Is everything okay?" She asked.

I forced a smile. "No, it's nothing. Why don't you join them at the table? I need to attend to something." I said.

As I turned to leave, Sia blocked my path.

"Where do you think you're going? You're not escaping that easily." She said as Her playful smile and twinkling eyes disarmed me. "We have a lot to discuss, Caden. Join me at the table."

Mr. Johnson intervened, as he said. "Your friend agrees, young master."

I looked at Johnson and said, "You're not helping."

As I returned to the dining room, Celine intercepted us, her phone camera in hand. "Say cheese! It is adorable. You two look perfect together!" She said,

Celine's laughter ignited a spark within me, but I spoke up. "Stop it, Celine!"

Celine's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Don't be angry, Caden. You kissed me in front of everyone without warning. I'm just returning the favor." She said,

Sia's looks stood between us, her expression interesting.

As we sat down at the dinner table, I couldn't help but feel trapped. My family's expectations weighed heavily on me, and I knew this dinner would be a repeat of every other family gathering as we always discussed business, lectures on responsibility, and subtle jabs at my lack of interest.

Sia's presence was a welcome distraction, but even she couldn't fully shield me from the impending doom.

Celine cleared her throat, launching into a lengthy discussion about the company's quarterly profits.

I zoned out, my mind wandering to the European streets I'd left behind.

Sia's gentle nudge brought me back to reality.

"Caden, aren't you interested in the business?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

I forced a smile. "Of course, I'm fascinated."

But Sia saw right through me.

"Caden, let's get out of here," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the din of conversation.

"Excuse us," I said, standing up. "This discussion is putting me to sleep."

My family's shocked faces were priceless.

"But we're just getting started," Celine said.

I grinned mischievously. "That's exactly why we're leaving."

Sia laughed, following me out of the dining room.

"Thanks for rescuing me," I said, as we stepped into the cool evening air.

Sia smiled. "Anytime, Caden. You looked like you were suffocating."

We strolled through the gardens, the tension dissipating with each step.

"I needed that escape," I admitted.

Sia nodded. "I knew you did."

As we walked, I realized how much I'd missed Sia's easygoing nature.

"You know, I've been thinking," I said, turning to her.

"Yes?" she replied, her eyes sparkling.

"Let's ditch this boring night and hit the club."

Sia's face lit up. "Sounds like a plan."

We snuck back into the house, avoiding my family's curious looks.

In Celine's room, Sia underwent a stunning transformation.

Her hair, now styled in loose waves, framed her face.

She emerged in a fitted red dress, and I whistled. Her eyes sparkled, enhanced by subtle makeup. The fitted red dress hugged curves, accentuating her beauty.

She twirled, her dress swirling around her.

"Perfect," I said." You look breathtaking, Sia."

She smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Thanks, Caden, you're not so bad yourself."

Sia's eyes locked onto mine, her gaze soft and inviting. She took a step closer, her face tilted upward.

"Thanks for tonight, Caden," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

I smiled, my heart beating faster. "Anytime, Sia."

Sia's hand drifted up, her fingers brushing against my jaw. I leaned in, my face inches from hers. Sia's eyelids fluttered closed, her lips parting slightly. Anticipation hung in the air, thick and heavy. Our lips almost touched, and the tension between us increased.

Suddenly, I remembered our friendship. I pulled back, my eyes opening to meet Sia's confused look.

"Whoa, hold on," I said softly, gently grasping her wrist.

Sia's eyes searched mine, her face flushed.

"We're just friends," I whispered, releasing her hand.

Sia's smile faltered, but she nodded. "Sorry," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

I offered a reassuring smile. "No need to apologize."

The moment hung between us, heavy with unspoken emotions. We stood there, locked in a silent understanding. Then, Sia's smile returned, and she took a step back.

"Let's go party," she said, her voice lighter.

I nodded, relieved. As we prepared to leave, I felt a thrill of excitement.

We arrived at the club, the pulsating music developing us like a living entity. The crowd was alive, vibrant, and infectious. Sia and I made our way through the crowd, searching for our old college friends. We spotted them near the bar laughing and joking.

"Hey, man!" They called out and we exchanged pleasantries.

"Long time no see!" Sia added, smiling.

I felt a sense of belonging. Sia fit seamlessly into the group, charming us with her warmth.

As we chatted, we noticed a stunning woman sitting across the room with her friends. Her hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall. Her eyes sparkled even from a distance.

"Who's that?" I asked and, instead of a reply, I dared to go find myself.

"Go talk to her, Caden," they said.

I shook my head, feeling my shyness kick in.

But my friends wouldn't let up.

"Come on Caden, you're not shy anymore, are you?" They teased.

As my friends dared me to approach the mysterious woman, Sia's expression changed. Her smile flattered and her eyes clouded. For a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of discomfort.

"Sia, you okay?" I asked, noticing her unease.

"Yeah I'm fine, go for it Caden", she said, forcing a smile.

The encouragement covered me. I took a deep breath, my heart racing.

"Alright," I said, standing up.

The table fell silent. My friends glared, shocked. Sia's eyes were sunken but lit up almost immediately. I straightened my shoulders and took the first step towards the mysterious woman. My heart was pounding in my chest.