Our Accidental Forever
Chapter 114: Cinderella Moment II

Chapter 114: Cinderella Moment II

Ella rolled her eyes, but the faint blush on her cheeks didn’t go unnoticed—especially when Arec casually reached for her hand under the table.

I sighed dramatically and set my phone aside. "Fine. But only because I don’t trust you around my precious phone."

With my social media duties momentarily abandoned, I focused on the food. And damn, it was good.

When the main course—a perfectly cooked lamb dish—was served, I took one bite and froze.

I put my fork down. Stared at my plate.

"You okay there?" Ella asked.

I exhaled slowly. "You know, I always thought those food bloggers exaggerated when they said flavors danced on your tongue." I gestured at my plate. "But this...this is a full-on ballet performance."

Arec chuckled, raising his glass. "I’ll take that as a compliment to the chef."

"It is," I said, already diving in for another bite. "But seriously, Ella, how do you handle this every day? Does it ever get boring being rich?"

Ella laughed. "Kate, I don’t think that’s how it works."

"No, really. Do you ever just miss instant noodles? Or, like, frozen pizza?"

Arec tilted his head, considering. "Do you?"

Ella didn’t even hesitate. "Not one bit."

I threw my hands up. "And there it is. She’s one of them now."

The dessert was—a chocolate soufflé so perfect it belonged in a museum.

I sighed, poking at it with my spoon. "This is unfair. You know, I’m going to have to spend hours at the gym after this, and it’ll all be your fault, Ella."

Ella smirked. "You’re welcome."

Despite my so-called suffering, I devoured every last bite, because let’s be real—when else would I get to eat like this?

By the end of the meal, I leaned back, patting my stomach. "Well, if I die tomorrow, at least I’ll have had the best meal of my life. And it’s all thanks to you, my rich friends."

Ella rolled her eyes for the millionth time that night, but her smile was soft, warm.

Mrs. Davis leaned forward, her eyes twinkling. "I have to admit, Kate, dinner wouldn’t have been nearly as entertaining without you."

I shot her finger guns. "That’s what I’m here for. Good company, good food, and, of course, documenting it all for the ’gram."

And with that, I picked up my phone again, snapping few more pictures, and grinned. This was definitely going to break my notifications.

---

As we moved to the living room for post-dinner tea, the atmosphere remained light, filled with the kind of warmth that only good food, good company, and just the right amount of playful teasing could bring.

I flopped onto the couch, stretching out like I owned the place. Because honestly? If I ever found myself living in a penthouse like this, I’d make sure to bask in every inch of luxury.

Then, inspiration struck. I whipped out my phone and aimed it at Ella and Arec, who were seated ridiculously close to each other. I clicked a picture and smirked. "Caption: When love and money collide, you get these two."

Ella’s head snapped toward me, eyes narrowing. In one smooth motion, she grabbed a nearby throw pillow and launched it at my face.

"Put that phone away!" she scolded, but I could see the corners of her lips twitching.

I dodged expertly, cradling my phone to my chest like it was my firstborn child. "Relax, Ella! This is the kind of content that could go viral. Hashtag powercouplegoals! I mean, look at you. You’re glowing, and Arec—" I turned my gaze to him, my tone dripping with mock reverence. "—he looks like he’s contemplating how to make his next million while simultaneously worshiping the ground you walk on. It’s sickening, really."

Ella rolled her eyes, but I caught the slight blush dusting her cheeks. "Fine," she relented, "but if you post it, at least use a flattering filter."

I gasped, clutching my chest. "Ella, how dare you suggest I’d do anything less? I have standards."

Before she could throw another pillow at me, something else caught my attention—the ridiculously elegant tea set arranged on the glass coffee table.

I gasped dramatically, my hands hovering over the delicate porcelain. "Wow," I breathed. "This isn’t just tea. This is an experience. I feel like I need to curtsy before taking a sip."

Ella shook her head, watching me like I was a particularly exhausting puppy. "Kate, do you ever stop?"

"Not when everything around me looks like it belongs in a billionaire’s Instagram feed," I quipped, snapping a picture of the tea set. "My followers need to see this. They’ll never believe I’m actually here unless I have proof."

Arec, ever the gentleman, was pouring tea for Ella and Mrs. Davis. The motion was smooth, effortless, like he’d been born knowing how to serve tea with grace.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Wow, Arec. You even pour tea like you trained at a five-star hotel. Is there anything you can’t do?"

Arec chuckled, handing Ella her cup with a soft smile. "I’m not sure I can keep up with you, Kate. That might be my limit."

Mrs. Davis sipped her tea, clearly amused. "He’s a good sport. Not many would humor someone with as much energy as you, Kate."

I gasped, pressing a hand to my chest. "Mrs. Davis! I’ll take that as a compliment, but I must correct you—I’m not just energetic. I’m delightful."

Ella snorted. "That’s one way to put it."

"Another word is ’irreplaceable,’" I added, leaning toward Mrs. Davis conspiratorially. "I mean, really, who else could keep Ella grounded while she’s busy being rich and glowing?"

Mrs. Davis chuckled. "You do have a way of balancing things out."

"Exactly!" I grinned, taking a victorious sip of tea. "This is why I’m the favorite."

"Favorite what?" Ella asked, raising an eyebrow. "Favorite source of chaos?"

"Favorite everything," I shot back with a wink. "And you know it."

Ella groaned but didn’t argue, which meant I’d won. Again.

Arec returned with a tray of delicate macarons and chocolate truffles, setting them down on the table like he was presenting a national treasure.

My eyes widened. "Dessert round two? Arec, you’re spoiling me."

"They’re mostly for Ella and my mother-in-law," he replied smoothly, his tone teasing.

I gasped, clutching at an imaginary wound in my heart. Betrayal! In my own presence!"

Ella just laughed, leaning into Arec’s shoulder. "You’ll survive, Kate. Barely."

I grabbed a macaron anyway, taking a dramatic bite. "If this is betrayal, I welcome it."

Arec shook his head, his arm still draped over Ella’s shoulder. They were so ridiculously in sync, and I hated how perfect they looked. But, like, in a love-hate way.

I discreetly snapped another picture and sent it to my group chat. Look at these two. #CoupleGoals #LoveAndLuxury

Mrs. Davis must’ve noticed my moment of rare sincerity because she smiled knowingly. "They do make a beautiful pair, don’t they?"

I sighed dramatically. "Almost too beautiful. Honestly, it’s a little annoying."

Ella tossed another pillow at me. I dodged. Again. Clearly, I had reflexes built for this.