Calista's POV

The engine purred beneath me, a familiar sound that I had come to love—a steady, powerful hum that felt like an extension of my own pulse. My fingers curled around the leather steering wheel, the matte red Aston Martin Vantage gleaming under the fading afternoon light. I shifted gears smoothly, feeling the surge of energy as the car roared forward, slicing through traffic with ease.

I barely glanced at the dashboard as I tapped the touchscreen, setting my destination without thinking. I didn’t need to; driving this car was second nature by now. My stiletto pressed down on the accelerator, and the Vantage leaped forward like a predator on the hunt, its growl sending a thrill up my spine. There was nothing quite like the feeling of controlling something so powerful, something that mirrored my own need for independence and dominance.

As I leaned back into the leather seat, letting the thrill of the drive wash over me, the city faded into a blur of colors and motion. The low, controlled growl of the engine was like music to my ears, the way it responded instantly to my every command. I was in my element, owning the road, and I couldn’t help but smirk as heads turned my way. The attention was satisfying—exactly the way I liked it.

But then, just as I was about to round a corner, some sleek, silver beast of a car suddenly cut into my lane without warning, forcing me to tap the brakes. My grip on the steering wheel tightened as I glared at the offending vehicle—a Rolls-Royce, effortlessly gliding past me like it owned the road.

"Unbelievable," I muttered, eyes narrowing at the sight of the car.

My smirk faltered, and I felt a strange twist of annoyance in my chest. I shifted gears, speeding up to catch a glimpse of the driver. I wasn't about to let anyone upstage me without knowing who they were.

I pulled up alongside it at a red light, my fingers drumming impatiently on the wheel. The Rolls-Royce’s glossy silver paint reflected the dying light of the sun perfectly, making it gleam like a moving spotlight. Inside, the driver—a guy in sunglasses with a perfectly tailored suit—barely glanced my way. His indifference only added to the insult.

As the light turned green and the Rolls sped ahead, attracting more stares as it glided down the boulevard, I exhaled slowly and pressed my foot to the gas, feeling the Vantage’s familiar, satisfying surge forward.

This road was mine. And no one—no car, no person—was going to take that from me for long.

As I pulled into the lot of the upscale restaurant, the valet raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed by my Aston Martin. I handed him the keys with a confident smirk, but as I glanced around the lot, that satisfaction quickly dissolved. Parked just a few spaces ahead, gleaming under the ambient lights like a polished trophy, was that same damn Rolls-Royce.

Of course.

I narrowed my eyes as I stepped out, heels clicking against the pavement. The sight of the car sitting there, parked like it owned the place, made my blood simmer just a little. I couldn’t believe it—I was here for a simple, pleasant dinner, but apparently fate had other plans.

The driver had clearly arrived before me, and there was no sign of him yet, but that sleek silver car stood as a reminder of the earlier snub. People were still turning their heads as they walked by, admiring the Rolls like it was a museum exhibit. Meanwhile, my Aston Martin—though still stunning in its own right—seemed to fade into the background.

I clenched my teeth and forced myself to walk inside, determined not to let some random rich jerk ruin my evening. But as I approached the entrance, my mind couldn't help but linger on one thought: who the hell drove that thing, and why were they everywhere tonight?

As I stepped into the most exclusive restaurant in town—one my parents had effortlessly reserved, of course—I felt that familiar rush of excitement. I had been looking forward to this family dinner all day, hoping for some good news and even better food. But as I entered the lavish dining room, my excitement evaporated, replaced by a growing sense of confusion.

The usual intimate setting for a family meal was nowhere to be found. Instead of just my parents, there were several unfamiliar faces seated around the large, elaborately set table. My gaze flickered over the guests—business types in expensive suits, polished and poised. This wasn’t a simple family dinner; it looked more like some kind of... gathering.

I hesitated at the door, scanning the faces. Who were these people, and why hadn’t my parents mentioned anything about it? I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. This wasn’t part of the plan.

And then, just as I was about to approach my parents for answers, my eyes landed on one face in particular. A man sitting near the head of the table, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, with an air of effortless wealth about him. He was tall, with sharp, angular features and a calm demeanor that suggested he was no stranger to being the center of attention.

It hit me like a punch to the gut. He looked eerily familiar.

I squinted, trying to place where I’d seen him before, and then it clicked—the Rolls-Royce. The same guy who had cut me off on the road earlier was now sitting at my family’s dinner table, casually chatting with my father as if they’d known each other for years.

My confusion deepened. What was going on?

I approached the table cautiously, masking my surprise behind a cool expression. “Mom, Dad… what’s all this?”

My mother looked up, all smiles as if nothing was amiss. “Oh, darling, you’re here! Come, sit down. We’ve invited some special guests tonight.”

“Special guests?” I echoed, glancing again at the Rolls-Royce driver, who was now watching me with mild interest.

“Yes,” my father chimed in, motioning toward the man. “Calista, I’d like you to meet Caius Vale Dominic. He and his family are important business partners.”

Caius. The name rang in my ears as I stared at him, piecing it together.

This wasn’t just a dinner. It was something else entirely. Something I hadn’t seen coming.

Just as I was processing the shock of seeing Caius at the table, my father cleared his throat, commanding everyone’s attention. A silence fell over the room, the chatter and laughter fading as he stood up, a proud smile spreading across his face.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his voice booming with enthusiasm. “Thank you all for joining us this evening. We have a very important announcement to make.”

My heart raced, a growing sense of dread curling in my stomach. I glanced nervously at my mother, who seemed utterly unfazed by the situation, a glimmer of excitement dancing in her eyes.

“Tonight marks a significant milestone for our families,” my father continued, his gaze sweeping over the table until it landed on me. “As many of you know, the Borromeo and Dominic families have been close for generations. And it is with great pleasure that I announce the arranged marriage between my daughter, Calista Soleil Borromeo, and Caius Vale Dominic!”

The words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. My heart dropped, and the world around me seemed to blur. I felt the blood drain from my face as shocked gasps filled the room.

“What?” I blurted, unable to contain my surprise and disbelief. My eyes darted between my father, my mother, and Caius, who remained composed, his expression unreadable. How could this be happening? Wasn’t I supposed to have some say in my own life?

“Dad, you can’t be serious,” I protested, my voice barely whispered as panic gripped me. “We never discussed this!”

My father held up a hand, his expression firm yet triumphant. “Calista, this is a union that benefits both families. It’s time for you to embrace this opportunity. You’ll be securing a bright future for yourself and for us.”

My mother turned to me, her calm demeanor unshaken by my visible distress. “I assure you, Cali, this is not meant to cause you discomfort. Our families believe this is the best course of action.”

“Of course, you would say that, Mom.” I shot back, frustration boiling beneath the surface. “I don't even know him, and yet you want me to marry him!”

“Exactly,” my mother replied, her voice steady. “And that’s precisely why we're gathered here tonight, so you can get to know each other better.”

I wanted to scream. The very thought of being thrust into an engagement with a complete stranger—a man who had just cut me off on the road—was infuriating.

“I didn’t agree to this!” I exclaimed, desperation creeping into my tone.

“Life isn’t about what we agree to, Calista,” my father said, his tone is now softening. “It’s about making the best of what is presented to us. This arrangement will bring both of our families together, and I promise you, there will be time for you to figure things out.”

I looked at Caius, expecting to see a hint of smugness, but he merely regarded me with a calm acceptance, as if he had already resigned himself to the fate we were now being forced into.

In that moment, my world felt turned upside down. What was once a simple family dinner had spiraled into a reality I never wanted—an arranged marriage with a man I barely knew, and it was happening whether I liked it or not. My heart sank, knowing that my fight against this union would only grow more complicated from here on out.

The dinner continued around me, but I felt as if I were in a different world, floating through a haze of confusion and disbelief. The clinking of cutlery and the hum of conversation faded into the background as I processed what my father had just announced.

Guests at the table began to congratulate my parents, their voices a mixture of excitement and approval, while I sat frozen in my chair, my fork hovering uselessly above my plate. My gaze drifted to Caius, who was engaged in conversation with a couple seated across from us. His smile was easy and confident, a stark contrast to the storm of emotions raging inside me. How could he act like this was all perfectly normal?

“Calista, sweetheart, you should be happy!” my mother chimed in, her voice light and cheerful, as if she were announcing a birthday celebration instead of a life-altering decision. “This is a wonderful opportunity for you! Just think of the connections and the future we’re building together.”

I shot her a sharp look, my frustration boiling over. “What about my happiness? Did you even consider my feelings?”

My voice was louder than I intended, and a few heads turned in our direction. I pushed my plate away, the food suddenly unappetizing. My appetite had vanished, replaced by a storm of emotions swirling inside me. The laughter and celebration felt like a mockery of my predicament, and the weight of the room pressed down on me, suffocating.

As the conversation continued—a blend of laughter and toasts—I felt completely detached, as though I were watching a play unfold rather than participating in it. I caught snippets of conversations about wedding plans, future endeavors, and how “perfect” Caius and I would be together. Their words only deepened my sense of isolation, as if I were the only one not swept up in the so-called “joy” of this engagement.

“Caius, how do you feel about the engagement?” one of the guests asked, their voice filled with curiosity, eyes sparkling with interest.

Caius glanced my way, his expression neutral, unreadable. “I believe it’s an opportunity for growth. Calista and I have much to learn from each other.”

“Growth?” I repeated, my voice sharper than I had intended. “What does that even mean? You don’t know me.”

“Yet,” he said calmly, his gaze meeting mine with a mixture of confidence and intrigue. “And that’s what makes this arrangement interesting, don’t you think?”

“Interesting?” I scoffed, unable to keep the bitterness out of my voice. “You think it’s interesting that our lives are being planned out without any consideration for what we want?”

Caius leaned back in his chair, his eyes focused intently on me as if he were studying my every reaction. “I think it’s an opportunity for us to explore what we could become together. Nothing is set in stone until we decide how to shape it.”

A mix of anger and disbelief welled up within me. I wanted to throw my napkin down, to stand up and leave this farce of a dinner. How could he be so calm, so composed, while my life felt like it was spiraling out of control? But then, as I sat there, an idea began to form in my mind.

He thinks this arrangement is interesting, huh? Fine. Let’s see how interesting I can make it for him.

I forced a smile, keeping my tone steady. “Right. Then let’s see how we can shape that stone.” My words came out smooth, my challenge clear. I noticed his eyebrows raise slightly, a flicker of intrigue in his eyes.

“Are you trying to make some point here?” Caius asked, his voice now more serious, the playful banter gone.

“My point is,” I said, leaning forward slightly, my voice laced with determination, “if we can shape the same stone or if we’re two completely different stones, no amount of molding is going to make us fit. What do you think?”

His lips curled into a grin, as if my defiance amused him. “Well, we’ll never know until we try.”

“Exactly,” I replied, a spark of satisfaction lighting up inside me. “That’s why we should make a deal. If we’re going to find out if we’re compatible, why don’t we go on dates—ten dates exactly—to get to know each other better?”

Caius leaned back in his chair again, considering my proposal. Then, with a mischievous glint in his eye, he said, “Not a bad idea… but there’s a catch.”

I narrowed my eyes, suspicious. “What’s the catch?”

“To be fair,” he said smoothly, “let’s make it five dates planned by you and five dates planned by me. That way, we’ll really see if we’re compatible. What do you think?”

I hesitated for a moment, weighing the idea. “Five dates planned by you?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “Are you sure you can handle planning something interesting?”

He grinned wider. “I assure you, Calista, you won’t be disappointed. But if you are, well… you’ll get your five dates to make up for it.”

I smiled, despite myself. “Fine. Deal.”

As I spoke, I considered his words carefully, a flicker of possibility igniting within me. Maybe agreeing to this would give me a chance to maintain some semblance of control over my life. It was a way to learn about him, to see if there was more to Caius Vale Dominic than just the man who drove a flashy Rolls Royce and participated in an arranged marriage like it was no big deal.

As the evening wore on, I found myself caught in a web of conflicting emotions—defiance, curiosity, and the strange, unshakable feeling that this was only the beginning of a complicated journey. I had no idea where it would lead, but one thing was certain: I wasn’t ready to accept defeat just yet. If I was going to navigate this engagement, I was going to do it on my terms.

For now, I would play along. And who knows, maybe I’d even learn to enjoy the game. After all, it had only just begun, and I had every intention of playing to win.

Calista’s POV

I stood on the balcony of my room, staring out at the sprawling garden below. The sun was sinking towards the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the perfectly manicured hedges and vibrant flowers. The scene should have been peaceful, serene even, but all I felt was a cold knot of dread twisting in my stomach. Today marked the first date I’d planned with Caius Vale Dominic, my so-called fiancé—a union arranged by our families for business and profit. The weight of it pressed down on me like a heavy shroud, suffocating any trace of excitement.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” I muttered under my breath, crossing my arms tightly over my chest. “They think they can just throw us together like we’re some kind of bargaining chips. As if we’re prizes to be exchanged.”

The soft sound of footsteps behind me pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to see Lila, my best friend, leaning casually against the doorframe, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips.

“You could at least try to look less miserable, Cali,” she teased, her voice light as she sauntered closer. “It’s a beautiful day, after all.”

“Less miserable?” I scoffed, my frustration slipping into my tone. “Is that even possible? I’m being forced into a marriage with a man I barely know, all for the sake of some business deal.”

Lila’s eyes sparkled with amusement as she joined me at the balcony. “What, are you hoping that by looking completely miserable, he’ll just back out of the arrangement?”

“If only it were that easy,” I muttered, shaking my head. “I’d do anything to make him hate me. My goal is to get him to call off this ridiculous marriage himself.”

Her eyebrows shot up, intrigued. “Hate you? That’s a bit extreme, don’t you think? You’re not actually planning to sabotage your dates, are you?”

A wicked grin spread across my face. “Absolutely. I’m going to make sure he realizes I’m the last person he’d ever want to marry.”

Lila chuckled, crossing her arms. “This is going to be entertaining.”

“I need a plan,” I said, pacing the length of the balcony. “I could show up late—nothing says ‘I’m not interested’ like making a grand entrance after everyone’s already waiting.”

Lila burst into laughter. “Or you could wear something outrageous. Maybe show up in a clown costume? That would definitely send a message.”

I smirked at the thought. “Not a bad idea, but I think I’ll keep it subtle… for now. Maybe something that looks like I’m going to a funeral.”

“Cali!” Lila gasped, struggling to contain her giggles. “You wouldn’t dare!”

“Watch me,” I replied, my determination solidifying. “By the end of this, he’ll regret ever considering marrying me.”

And with that, I set to work crafting my perfect entrance. If I was going to endure this charade, I was going to do it on my terms. I settled on an outfit that screamed rebellion—a wild clash of bold, obnoxious colors. A shocking combination of magenta, neon green, and electric blue that would make any fashion critic cringe. My hair was tied up in a messy bun, deliberately unkempt, with a few strands falling out of place. I looked like a walking protest, and I couldn’t have been more pleased.

I felt my mother’s disapproving gaze the moment I descended the grand staircase. Her lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes narrowing as she took in my outfit. She was no doubt silently fuming, but I didn’t care. This was my first move in what I saw as a personal battle. I was going to make Caius Vale Dominic regret ever agreeing to this arranged marriage.

The drawing room was unnervingly quiet when I entered, all eyes turning toward me. But I only had eyes for one person—him. Caius stood by the large windows, tall and composed, exuding an air of control that grated on my nerves. His dark hair was perfectly tousled, his tailored suit clinging to his form with casual elegance. He had the kind of sharp, angular jawline that could have been sculpted from marble, and his piercing blue eyes glinted with intelligence. He was undeniably attractive, but I refused to let that sway me. I was here to make him hate me, not swoon over him.

The moment his gaze landed on me, his expression shifted from mild surprise to thinly veiled annoyance. Perfect.

“You seemed normal the last time I saw you,” he drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he took in my outfit. “I see you’ve chosen the circus theme for today’s date.”

I crossed my arms, tilting my head slightly as I returned his smirk. “I thought the circus theme was fitting, seeing as we’re the main act in this ridiculous show.”

“Cali, this is not the time to be a brat,” my mother hissed under her breath, clearly mortified by my behavior. “What are you even wearing? You can’t go on a date with Cai looking like that!”

“Why not?” I asked innocently, my eyes wide with mock confusion. “What’s wrong with my outfit? I think it perfectly captures the essence of the event—a circus, complete with a clown.”

Caius’s brows furrowed as he stepped closer, his jaw tightening in irritation. “Let me assure you,” he said, his voice calm but laced with frustration, “I have no intention of being your clown.”

“Too bad,” I shot back, a grin tugging at my lips. “You’re already doing a great job.”

His jaw clenched even tighter, a flicker of something—maybe frustration—flashing in his eyes. Good. I was getting under his skin.

“Touché,” he said, raising an eyebrow, his voice now measured but his irritation evident. “But you might want to save the insults for later. We’re supposed to be charming each other, remember?”

“Charming?” I scoffed, crossing my arms. “I think you’re confusing charm with arrogance. I have no interest in pretending to like you, Mr. Caius Vale Dominic.”

“Good,” he replied, his voice steady but his eyes gleaming with challenge. “I’d hate to waste my time on someone pretending to be the ‘obedient fiancée,’ Ms. Calista Soleil Borromeo.”

I rolled my eyes, smirking. “Spoken like a true narcissist.”

He chuckled softly, leaning back against the wall with an infuriating air of arrogance. “I can already tell this is going to be a lot more interesting than I expected.”

“Of course,” I replied, my heart pounding despite myself. “Because I’ve already made some interesting plans for us.”

“Trust me,” he said, his voice low and serious, his gaze never wavering, “so do I.”

*****

Caius’s car purred smoothly as we pulled out of the driveway, the quiet hum of the engine a sharp contrast to the tension crackling between us. I sat in the passenger seat, arms crossed, glaring out the window as the city skyline came into view. Despite my best efforts to sabotage the date, here we were—on our way to whatever elaborate activity I had planned. I wasn’t about to make it easy for him.

“So,” Caius began after a long stretch of silence, his voice cool and composed, “what exactly is the plan for this ‘interesting’ date you’ve concocted? Or was the outfit supposed to be the highlight?”

I didn’t bother looking at him, keeping my gaze fixed on the passing buildings. “You’ll see,” I muttered, refusing to let him get the satisfaction of seeing how rattled I felt. I hadn’t fully thought this through—just getting to this point had been exhausting enough.

He glanced over at me, the corner of his mouth twitching in amusement. “Should I be worried?”

“You should be prepared,” I shot back, my voice harder than I intended. “This isn’t going to be a typical date.”

“Clearly,” he said, raising an eyebrow, his eyes flicking briefly to my outfit again. “But let’s get something straight—I don’t scare easily.”

I finally turned to look at him, my gaze locking with his. “Good,” I said, my voice was low and challenging. “Because I’m not backing down.”

For a moment, we just stared at each other, the tension thickening between us. His cool demeanor didn’t falter, but there was a flicker of intrigue in his eyes, like he was sizing me up, trying to figure out how far I was willing to go.

“Alright, Calista,” he said, his voice dropping a notch, “let’s see what you’ve got planned.”

We arrived at our destination—a local carnival, of all places. It was a garish display of bright lights, loud music, and the smell of fried food that hung heavy in the air. It was exactly the opposite of what anyone would expect for a date with someone like Caius, whose entire persona screamed wealth and sophistication. But that was the point.

“Seriously?” Caius asked, glancing around the parking lot with raised eyebrows. “A carnival?”

“Yep,” I said, my smirk returning as I hopped out of the car. “This is what I’ve got planned. I figured you could use a little ‘fun’ outside of your high society bubble.”

He slid out of the driver’s seat, smoothing his suit jacket with an exasperated sigh. “This is your idea of fun?”

“It’s an adventure,” I corrected him, linking my arm through his without asking. “Come on, Mr. Billionaire. Let’s see how well you can handle the real world.”

To my surprise, he didn’t resist, but he didn’t look thrilled, either. As we wandered through the carnival, the noise and chaos of the place contrasted starkly with Caius’s sharp, tailored appearance. He stood out like a sore thumb, but I reveled in it. I wanted him to be uncomfortable, to feel out of place.

We passed by the games and rides, the colorful booths drawing my attention. I stopped abruptly in front of one of the ring-toss games, yanking Caius along with me.

“You’re up,” I said, handing him a ring with a grin. “Let’s see if you’ve got the skill to win me a prize.”

He raised an eyebrow, looking from the ring to the rows of cheap stuffed animals. “You’re serious?”

“As a heart attack,” I replied, leaning against the booth. “Show me what you’ve got.”

Caius eyed the game for a moment, then took the ring and stepped forward, his expression unreadable. Without hesitation, he tossed the ring, watching as it bounced off one bottle before landing perfectly on the next.

“Impressive,” I muttered, though inwardly I was annoyed that he’d managed to win so easily. The game was supposed to be rigged, but somehow, he’d still beaten it. The attendant handed him a stuffed animal, and he turned to me with a triumphant smile.

“For you,” he said, holding out the ridiculous oversized teddy bear.

I snatched it from his hands, scowling. “Lucky shot.”

Caius chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Maybe I’m just good at reading situations.”

We continued through the carnival, riding the Ferris wheel—though I made sure to talk loudly enough about how boring it was, hoping to annoy him—and play more games. No matter what I threw at him, he didn’t crack. Every sarcastic comment I made, every deliberate effort to make the date uncomfortable, he countered with that same calm, unflappable demeanor. It was infuriating.

Finally, after several hours of trying to throw him off, we found ourselves in front of the food stand, surrounded by the smell of hot dogs and funnel cakes. I ordered the greasiest, messiest thing on the menu—a chili dog—and handed one to Caius with a grin.

“You sure you can handle this?” I asked, my eyes narrowing in the challenge.

He looked at the dripping chili dog, his expression carefully neutral. “I think I’ll manage.”

I took a big, sloppy bite of mine, making sure to chew with exaggerated satisfaction. Caius, to his credit, didn’t flinch. He took a bite of his chili dog with as much grace as a man in a tailored suit could muster in such a situation.

“You know,” he said after a few moments of silence, his voice casual but pointed, “for someone who claims to hate this arrangement, you’re putting an awful lot of effort into this date.”

I paused, mid-bite, caught off guard. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He wiped his mouth with a napkin and looked me directly in the eyes. “You could’ve just ignored me, made this as painful for both of us as possible, and sabotaged the whole thing from the start. But instead, you’re doing everything you can to make sure I hate it.”

I swallowed, frowning. “Isn’t that the point?”

Caius shrugged. “Maybe. But you’re still trying. Which makes me wonder…” He leaned in slightly, his eyes narrowing. “What are you really afraid of, Calista?”

His words struck a nerve. I opened my mouth to fire back a retort, but nothing came out. For a brief second, I was frozen, caught in his gaze. Then, just as quickly, I shoved the rest of my chili dog into my mouth, masking my uncertainty with defiance.

“I’m not afraid of anything,” I mumbled through a mouthful of food, though even I, didn’t believe it.

Caius didn’t push further, but the look in his eyes told me he wasn’t convinced. We finished our meal in relative silence, the tension between us shifting, becoming something more complicated than I had anticipated. Despite all my best efforts, he wasn’t playing by my rules.

This game wasn’t going the way I’d planned.

As we walked back to the car, I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye. There was something about him—something I hadn’t expected. Maybe it was his ability to stay calm under pressure, or the way he never rose to my bait. Whatever it was, I realized with a sinking feeling that this game was far from over.

And Caius Vale Dominic might be a more formidable opponent than I thought.

Later that Evening

I collapsed onto my bed, staring at the ceiling, the encounter with Caius replaying in my head like a movie on loop. He was infuriating—arrogant, sharp-tongued, and annoyingly composed. Yet… despite everything, he was proving to be a challenge, and for some reason, that intrigued me.

But I couldn’t afford to let him get under my skin. The plan was simple—make him hate me so much that he’d be the one to break off the engagement. The fact that he hadn’t freaked out after seeing my ridiculous outfit was a minor setback, but I had plenty of tricks left up my sleeve. Tomorrow was another day, another chance to push him to his breaking point.

I grabbed my phone and texted Lila.

Mission one: failed. Caius didn’t flinch, didn’t waver, and certainly didn’t seem like he was going to give up anytime soon. But this wasn’t over—not by a long shot.

Within seconds, Lila responded.

LOL. Can’t wait to hear how that goes. What’s part two?

I smirked, already plotting my next move.

Let’s just say I’m going to show him that I’m not the ‘obedient fiancée’ type.

If anything, he only seemed more intrigued, which irritated me to no end. But no matter. I still have four interesting dates planned for him, and I was just getting started.

--

New plan: Sabotage, part two-make him regret ever meeting me.

As I lay sprawled on my bed, staring at the ceiling, I started brainstorming. Clearly, Caius wasn't the type to be easily rattled by awkward settings or chaotic environments. He handled the carnival like it was some kind of corporate challenge, breezing through each obstacle without breaking a sweat. That didn't mean I couldn't push him further, though. I just needed to hit where it hurt.

My mind raced, going over what I'd learned about him. Caius Vale Dominic was all about control-his polished image, his carefully measured responses, his calm composure. He thrived in order, in predictability. So, if I wanted to throw him off, I needed to strip that away.

I sat up, a wicked grin forming on my lips. Spontaneity was the key. Unpredictability. If I could shake the foundation of his perfectly controlled world, maybe, just maybe, I'd get him to crack.

First things first: location. I needed a setting where chaos reigned, something completely out of his element. Somewhere messy, noisy, and entirely unrefined-an underground rock concert came to mind. The kind of event where beer is spilled, ears ring for days afterward, and the crowd surges together in one wild, uncontrollable pulse.

Perfect.

***

The day of date number two arrived, and Caius pulled up to my house precisely on time-of course. Punctuality was just another one of his virtues. I was ready and waiting, dressed in ripped jeans, combat boots, and a worn leather jacket, with my hair tousled in deliberate disarray. I was going for full-on grunge rebellion, the polar opposite of the poised, polished persona he probably expected from a society girl like me.

When he saw me, his eyes widened slightly, and I could tell he was taken aback, though he quickly schooled his expression back to neutrality.

"You look... different," he remarked, his tone carefully measured.

"Thanks," I said with a smirk, flipping my hair out of my face. "I thought I'd mix it up for you."

He raised an eyebrow. "And where exactly are we going, looking like this?"

"You'll see," I replied cryptically, refusing to give him any details. "Just drive."

Caius hesitated for a fraction of a second before nodding, his lips pressing into a thin line as he got back into the car. As we drove through the city, I could sense his curiosity building, but he didn't ask any more questions. His calm exterior grated on me-it was like he enjoyed the challenge I was throwing at him. Well, if he thought this was just another game he could win, he was sorely mistaken.

When we arrived at the venue-a dingy warehouse on the outskirts of town with graffiti covering the walls-Caius glanced around with an air of quiet disapproval. The low rumble of bass thudded from inside, and the crowd outside was a motley mix of leather jackets, tattoos, and piercings.

"You brought me to a concert?" he asked, his tone as polite as ever, but I could hear the underlying tension.

"Not just any concert," I said with a grin, hopping out of the car. "This is an underground show. Raw, loud, and unapologetic. Let's see how well you fit in here."

For the first time, I saw a flicker of uncertainty cross his features. It was faint, but it was there. Victory danced in my chest as we joined the throng of people pushing toward the entrance. The moment we stepped inside, the full force of the music hit us. It was deafening-guitars screeching, drums pounding, the lead singer's voice raspy and guttural as he screamed into the mic. The crowd was a living, breathing entity, a sea of bodies thrashing together in time with the music.

I shot a glance at Caius, expecting to see him cringing or visibly uncomfortable, but to my surprise, he maintained his composure. He didn't flinch, didn't falter-though I could tell he wasn't exactly enjoying himself.

"Having fun yet?" I shouted over the music, leaning closer to him.

He tilted his head toward me, his voice barely audible over the noise. "I'm sure this is your idea of a good time, but I prefer my eardrums intact."

I laughed, feeling a surge of satisfaction. "Don't worry, I've got more surprises in store."

Without warning, I grabbed his hand and dragged him into the thick of the crowd. People were jumping, shoving, and screaming, and I knew this chaotic mass of humanity was the last place Caius would ever willingly choose to be. But I was determined to make him experience it all-the sweat, the noise, the sheer unpredictability of it. This was the kind of date that would make anyone rethink their life choices, and I was hoping it would make him rethink me.

To my amazement, though, he didn't pull away. Instead, he followed me, his grip firm but not overbearing. As we pushed deeper into the crowd, I could feel the heat of the bodies around us, the pulse of the music vibrating through my bones.

I turned to look at him, expecting to see discomfort etched on his face, but instead, I saw something else-a gleam of amusement in his eyes, like he was enjoying the absurdity of it all. He leaned down, his lips brushing against my ear.

"You call this sabotage?" he whispered, his voice carrying a hint of challenge. "You'll have to try harder."

I blinked, stunned. Was he actually enjoying this? How was that even possible? My plan had been foolproof-throw him into complete chaos, make him hate every second of it. But instead, here he was, acting like this was all some grand adventure.

"Fine," I shot back, my competitive streak flaring. "You want me to try harder? Challenge accepted."

I spun away from him, pushing through the crowd toward the front of the stage where things were wilder. The mosh pit was a churning mass of bodies, and I didn't hesitate before diving in. If Caius thought he could keep up with me, he had another thing coming.

To my utter shock, he followed. He didn't back down, didn't hesitate-he waded into the chaos with the same cool confidence he brought to every situation. And somehow, he wasn't just surviving it-he was thriving.

As the music thundered around us, I found myself laughing, despite my best efforts to remain detached. There was something exhilarating about the whole thing-the noise, the wildness of the crowd, and the unexpected thrill of Caius matching me move for move. He wasn't supposed to be able to keep up. He wasn't supposed to enjoy this. But here we were, side by side in the middle of a mosh pit, and for the first time since this whole mess started, I wasn't sure who was winning.

By the time we stumbled out of the warehouse, both of us sweaty and breathless, I could barely believe what had just happened. I had planned this date as the ultimate sabotage, the perfect way to make him regret ever agreeing to this engagement. But instead, it had backfired spectacularly.

"You're full of surprises, Calista," Caius said, his voice low and amused as we walked back to the car.

I shot him a sideways glance, my mind still racing. "You're not so predictable yourself."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "This was... interesting. I'll give you that."

I narrowed my eyes at him, suddenly suspicious. "You're not supposed to enjoy it."

He smirked, his eyes gleaming in the dim light. "Who says I didn't?"

I stared at him, utterly baffled. How was it possible that every plan I made seemed to backfire? He wasn't supposed to like any of this, yet here he was, acting like I'd just given him the most entertaining night of his life.

One thing was for sure: Caius Vale Dominic wasn't going to be easy to break.

But that didn't mean I was giving up.

"Sabotage part three," I muttered to myself under my breath. "Coming soon."

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