Chapter 11 - Inner Fire

Calvin has been observing this whole time the interaction between Aila & his friends. His thoughts seemed to be shrouded in mystery at the moment.

The group finally recovered from the shock of the news. Markus, who is the male lead no. 1 from Aila's memory finally spoke.

"Is this true Calvin?" Although he is happy on the inside that he has one less competition for Hanna's attention, he tries hard to conceal it.

I think this guy is Markus, the one Calvin saw with Hanna that lead to his drinking spree and well...

Calvin smiled calmly at his friends. He held Aila tighter to his side by the waist and said:

"It's true, this is Aila. My fiancée. We are about to start the banquet & we're suppose to announce it then but I guess she was so happy to tell everyone about it that she couldn't wait to tell you when you asked." Calvin said, dripping with honey.

Aila pinched Calvin on the side and saw him winced a little. This man will take any chances he gets it seems to get a jab at her. Seeing the female lead visibly upset, Aila remembered her role of an infatuated & hopelessly in love fiancée. She encircled her arms around Calvin's waist and rest her head on Calvin's shoulder. She looked like a very possessive woman at the moment.

"Oh, honey. You know how much I love you. I could not help but claim you as my own every chance I get. What if some woman thought you'd be easy to get & try to seduce you?" Aila said seductively to Calvin while tracing circle's on his chest.

Such a solid chest...

Calvin swallowed, he is finding new things about her everyday. Before, she was just recklessly pursuing him. Now he never thought that Aila could play a perfect vixen. A fire seem to be swirling in his eyes at the moment & he's trying to tone down the feeling of excitement her actions had been causing him.

He never realized that he never gave much attention & thought to Hanna at all.

"ahem...well, congratulations buddy. By the way my name is Dalton Mason, Ms. Carter, the one who just spoke is Markus Bainbridge & this one is Bryson Pollock."

Dalton trying to lighten the mood simple introduced everyone.

Aila eyed all the male leads & found each of their characteristics. While Calvin is the playboy type the rest are...

Dalton seemed like the mild mannered young master type, always had a smile on his face. He probably is the one who keeps the tension in this otherwise odd friendship at the minimum.

Bryson is the cool, studious type. He kept his hair shoulder length though & wearing a pair of glasses. They say still water runs deep. From Aila's memory, Bryson is the one who goes to the extreme for the sake of the female lead so she is a bit wary of him. For some reason, he seemed to be eyeing her quite seriously.

And last but not the lease, the main male lead: Markus. He belongs to one of the most powerful families in the circle. The only child of the Bainbridge's, he was spoiled & arrogant. He was like a bulldozer with his feelings with the female lead. She noticed he was genuinely happy with Calvin's news of their engagement. Tsk...such a simpleton.

"Nice to meet you everyone, I've seen you guys from time to time but haven't had a chance to exchange greetings. I always see you four together here with Ms. Snyder on events. It must feel different that Calvin is not around all the time with you guys. I'd have to apologize in advance, Calvin is just so clingy even though I told him he could go out & have fun." Aila said smilingly.

look at her reacting, she is so pissed hahaha

With the awkward silence from the female lead, Bryson said:

"Its quite understandable Ms. Carter. With a beauty like you around, I'm sure Calvin is anxious that someone might snatch you under his nose."

"Oh my! Mr. Pollock. How magnanimous of you to say that."

"Bryson will do. We are all friends here, may I call you Aila as well?"

This guy huh? does he have some kind of rivalry with Calvin that I don't know about? no matter. A compliment is a compliment.

"Oh, no problem. You may call me Aila, Bryson." Aila responded.

Calvin seemed irritated with his friend at the moment.

"I'd love to stay here & chat with you guys but it's time to start the banquet. Catch you guys later."

"Wait a minute Calvin, will you be coming next week to my birthday? I sent you an invitation, but when I came back from vacation the people at home said you haven't responded. I'll be sad if you don't come." Hanna said tearfully.

Aila felt goosebumps, reading & seeing it for real are just two different things. It's just soooo...

Cringey...but maybe it works well with men?

"I'll...think about it Hanna. As you know since I'm newly engaged then there's a lot to plan ahead. I'll send you a gift on your birthday." Calvin said with a slight smile.

Aila was stunned with his response.

Weren't you crazy over her? Go on! Take the bite!

"Oh honey, I'm sure a bit of your time won't hurt. Ms. Hanna here is your long time friend. I will be fine on my own, besides mother will be with me on planning our wedding."

Aila caught sight of the female lead's expression getting a bit uglier with every word she said. It's like she's giving her crumbs to her.

Smirk...

"Honey...like you said, I am so clingy that I can't simply live without you near me! How could you push me away on one of the sweetest moments of our life?"

The crowd around them is silently looking at this overly cheesy couple.

They seemed fidgety with this new found wonder that their usually cool & distant friend is giving such lines on one woman.

Oh my goodness! Why are ruining your chances with the female lead?! Had you gone nuts?!

Aila placed her hands on each of Calvin's cheeks & dragged him closer to her, in her desperation she forgot her fake persona.

Calvin could feel her warm breath getting closer to him. His heartbeat racing suddenly.

With a serious and seductively threatening voice, Aila said:

"Honey, it won't do you no good to be always near me. Remember 'The flame that burns twice as bright, burns half as long'."

Calvin encircled her waist & got her closer to him as well. And said intensely, almost a whisper:

"If I do burn, then I'll only burn for you."