If only

Quite a Stir

The following morning, Aria got to work and was the talk in the office. Sasha walked up to her as soon as she walked into the office. "Good morning, Aria. Can you spill the tea?", inquired Sasha. "What tea? I feel like I'm the one who needs to be added to the tea going up in here. What?... What's up?", said Aria with a perplexed face as she settled in at her desk. "Well, apparently everyone wants to know about your dance with Bryan Owens on Saturday. They say he's not a social guy, and he usually skips such events and lets his assistant go for him. He's unapproachable, and then, you got to dance with him at the first major event he attended after his father's death. How did you do it? What scoop have you got on him?", asked Sasha excitedly. Aria chuckled at the thought of everything. "See, you've got the scoop. Care to tell?", said Sasha, persuading Aria. "If you read the article I published about the event you would know why he was there and the dance was just a way I could talk to him since everyone there needed his attention. Happy now?", said Aria. "Yeah. Everyone was just surprised that he showed up at the event, let alone the dance he had with you.", replied Sasha. "Was the dance that serious that everyone would make a big deal out of it?", asked Aria, shocked that a single dance with someone can cause quite a stir. "According to the single ladies who see him as a potential husband do think it is a big deal. He's trending because of it. You do know he's THE bachelor everyone simps over, and he's rich.", Sasha stated. "Ohh my god...Anyway, I'm just a journalist doing her job. It won't matter, will it?", said Aria. "Let's hope so", said Sasha as she went to her work desk.

Bryan was getting ready for work while talking on the phone with Anna, his younger sister. "I've noticed you've been attending events lately," Anna remarked over the phone. "Indeed, it's been quite some time since I've been to a few events. It was about time, don't you think?" Bryan inquired. "I agree. It's nice to see you finally being out and about after Dad's... Anyway, I was worried about you. I thought you'd shut the world out for good. You were devastated when I left for New York", said Anna. "I'm sorry for worrying you too much, but I can take good care of myself ", he said. "Well, I'm just looking out for my brother as he's been looking out for me. Can I ask you something?", said Anna. "Yeah, shoot", replied Bryan. "I saw that you were part of the topic on this TV show called 'Gilded Lives'. You looked really happy in those pictures taken when you were dancing with that woman. Who was she? Someone special?", Anna asked with excitement over the phone. Bryan realized who she was talking about and didn't want to reveal anything, since he was not sure about his feelings towards Aria yet. He still assumes that it's just an obsession. "No, she's just a journalist", he said. "Just a journalist, huh? I guess the conversation you guys were having was lovely that it got you grinning ear to ear", she said, teasing Bryan. "Are you seriously teasing me right now?", he said as he put on his watch. "Not really, I was curious about all that.", she chuckled. "Well, nothing is happening here that you need to be curious about, little sister." "If you say so brother. Take care". "You too. We'll talk soon". "Love you, bye.". "Love you too", He ended the call, slipped into his jacket, and stepped out of his bedroom. He was driven to work by his guard after getting into his car. He arrived at work to be greeted by Ethan as he got off the elevator and headed to his office. "Good morning sir", said Ethan as he scrolled through the tablet. "Good morning. So, Ethan. What do you know about a TV show called Gilded Lives?", Bryan asked out of curiosity, catching Ethan by surprise. "I didn't know you'd be interested in that show", Ethan replied. "You seem to know more about it, care to share what you know about it?", Bryan said as they entered his office. "Well, the show delves into the lives of the rich and famous. Viewers get an exclusive peek into the lavish lives, parties, and intrigues of high society", Ethan explained. Bryan was confused by the thought of people being interested in the lives of rich people. "Well, thank you, Ethan", he said as he settled in his chair. "If you don't mind me asking sir, is it because of what happened on Saturday?", Ethan inquired. "I do mind your question. Anyway, what's my schedule for today?". Ethan smirked it off, continued giving Bryan his schedule for the day, and was dismissed from the office.

Bryan sat back in his chair and thought about his interest in Aria. The thought of the possibility of the Gilded Lives show coming between him and Aria was quite a sore. A scandal can be perceived as incompetency and irresponsibility in the world of the elite and rich. For business people, it can be a loss or a gain for money. Not only that but also the thought of not pursuing Aria. Having her company is like a whole new world opened up for him. A world apart from the expectations of society and the burden of being an heir, as she fully gives her attention to him.

Later on, Aria and Natalie went out for lunch at a nearby coffee shop. "So, tell me. What is happening?", inquired Natalie. "With what?", said Aria as she took a sip of her coffee. "You know, the Bryan thing", said Natalie. "I was just a dance and i needed information on why he was there. Like seriously, did you forget I'm a journalist?" replied Aria. "No, i didn't forget. It's just that what happened was quite bizarre. Wait... Did you guys hook up after that engagement party?", Natalie asked excitedly to get some scoop. Shocked by Natalie's question, Aria frantically said, "Oh my goodness, Natalie. No". "Okay, i was just curious". "Well speaking of hooking up. How did your date with James go?". "It was unexpected but fun and adventurous.". "Oohh, bring in the details girl.". "We went to a wildlife management area type. We took a guided nature walk and did wildlife watching". "Wow, that's cool". "I never thought that he'd remember that I'm a wildlife enthusiast. I mean, we'd been out of contact for years". "That's really sweet of him. I don't think he forgot about you during those years". "He told me how he tried to contact me a year after we last saw each other and that my numbers that he had didn't go through that time we met at the party". "Aww, You guys are clearly meant to be"."I know, right?". "I'm so happy for you guys". Natalie smiled. Aria's phone rang, and it was Bryan. "I hope you don't mind if I take this". "No, go on", said Natalie. Aria got up to answer the call, "Hello", she answered. "Hi, how have you been?". "Uhm, good. You?". "Good... Aria, are you free tomorrow night?", he asked hesitantly. "What?", Aria was caught by surprise by Bryan's question. "I've been thinking since a lot is happening, that it would be okay if we met and talked about it". "Yeah, we can arrange that". "Great then. I'll send you the details after I make the arrangements". "Okay, see you then". "See you. Enjoy your day". "You too, bye". Aria went back to the table after the call. "Who was it?", Natalie asked curiously. "Work", Aria replied hesitantly.

Bryan joined his mother for dinner that evening after going shopping for a special gift for a certain someone. "Your sister told me that you attended the Gala on Saturday. She said you had some fun," she remarked while cutting her steak. "Yes, I did attend the Gala. But you shouldn't take Anna's words too seriously; she tends to exaggerate," he replied. "I don't guarantee that I wouldn't take her words seriously. I'm happy that you're engaging with other people and not overworking yourself. It means a lot to me", she said warmly as she held his arm. "You're doing better than I expected.", she continued. "Glad to hear that", he replied, smiling back at her. They had dinner and more conversations in his father's art collection room, looking at the fine arts he collected. "You remind me so much of your father.". "Is it because I look like him?", he asked jokingly. "It's more than that. I'm sure he's proud of you and the plans you have for the business." He wrapped his arm around her, moving closer to her as they looked at his father's favorite painting, reminiscing in the past memories.