Our Accidental Forever
Chapter 16: Meeting an Old Friend

Chapter 16: Meeting an Old Friend

Arec’s POV

The chandelier’s soft light filtered through the crystal glasses, casting an elegant glow over the room as I reluctantly entered the grand ballroom of my grandmother’s estate.

Every time I stepped into one of these gatherings, I felt like I was being put on display. Tonight was no different.

I could already see the familiar faces of the city’s elite, mingling with one another, their conversations laced with polite pleasantries and thinly veiled ambitions.

The women my grandmother had invited were no exception, dressed in their finest, each one poised and ready to make a good impression. I knew why they were here, and the very thought made me grit my teeth.

I plastered on a polite smile, though inwardly, I was already checking out.

My grandmother had made it clear that tonight was about finding someone "suitable." She hadn’t said it outright, but the pressure was unmistakable. I’d lost count of how many times she had nagged me to settle down.

As I moved through the room, exchanging obligatory pleasantries, my mind kept drifting back to Ella. No matter how much I tried to focus on the conversations around me, I couldn’t shake thoughts of her.

It was as if she had taken up permanent residence in my brain, and it was starting to annoy me. I found myself comparing every woman in the room to her, none of them quite measuring up.

There was a striking blonde in a red dress who approached me with a glass of champagne. She was beautiful, no doubt, and her pedigree was impeccable, but as she smiled and batted her lashes, I realized that she wasn’t as beautiful as Ells.

She lacked the quiet determination, and the unassuming grace that Ella possessed. The comparison was almost unfair, but I couldn’t help it.

"So, Arec," the blonde purred, her voice sugary sweet, "what have you been up to lately? You’ve been quite the mystery."

I forced a smile. "Just work, mostly. Keeps me busy."

Her laugh was light, but it grated on my nerves. "Always so focused. You know, a man should make time for other things too."

If you only knew, I thought, but instead, I nodded and offered an excuse to leave the conversation. "Of course. Excuse me for a moment, won’t you?"

As I turned to walk away, I heard another laugh, this one familiar, real. I looked up, and there she was, Joanne, my childhood friend, back from Paris. For a split second, I was genuinely surprised, and for the first time tonight, I felt a flicker of relief.

She was still as striking as ever, her dark hair pulled into a sleek bun, her eyes sparkling with the same mischief I remembered from our childhood. For the first time, I see someone I couldn’t compare with Ella.

"Joanne!" I called out, making my way toward her. "I didn’t know you were back! What are you doing here? I thought you are in Paris."

Joanne’s smile was bright and effortless, the kind that made you feel instantly at ease. "Surprise! I’ve been back for a few weeks. I’m shocked your grandmother didn’t mention it."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "She probably wanted to ambush me. Classic Grandma."

Joanne laughed at that..

Her presence was a welcome distraction, pulling me out of my restless thoughts and uncomfortable situation.

We fell into easy conversation, reminiscing about old times, and for a moment, I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. Joanne had always been easy to talk to, and I found myself relaxing for the first time that evening.

But, of course, my grandmother couldn’t leave well enough alone. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her approaching us, a pleased smile on her face. I knew that look, it meant she was about to meddle.

"Arec, Joanne," she greeted us warmly, her eyes twinkling with unspoken intent. "It’s so lovely to see you two together."

Joanne laughed softly, clearly amused by my grandmother’s not-so-subtle approach. "Yes, it’s been too long. I’ve missed this one," she said, playfully nudging me.

I forced a smile, already bracing myself for what was coming next.

"You’ve grown into such a handsome man, Arec," my grandmother continued, ignoring the way I subtly tensed. "And Joanne, look at you, so accomplished. A successful fashion designer in Paris, and now back home."

"I wouldn’t miss it for the world," Joanne replied, oblivious to where this conversation was headed.

My grandmother smiled, clearly pleased with herself. "You know, Arec, Joanne came back just for you."

I nearly choked on my breath. What? I shot a quick glance at Joanne, who looked equally stunned but tried to laugh it off.

"Grandmother," I started, trying to keep the situation under control, "I’m sure Joanne has many reasons for coming back. Paris is a long way to return just for one person."

Joanne quickly recovered, flashing me a reassuring smile. "Yes, of course. I missed home and wanted to catch up with everyone."

But my grandmother wasn’t one to back down easily. "Still, it’s wonderful to see you two reconnecting. You’ve always been so close. I’d hate to see that bond fade."

Great, I thought, inwardly groaning. Now she’s playing the nostalgia card. I couldn’t help but feel trapped, knowing that if I didn’t handle this right, my grandmother would push harder, turning a casual conversation into something much more complicated.

"Grandmother," I said, trying to keep my tone light but firm, "let’s not rush into anything. Joanne and I are just catching up."

Joanne nodded, backing me up. "Exactly. No need for matchmaking tonight, Mrs. Weston. Arec and I are just good friends."

My grandmother’s eyes softened, but I knew her well enough to sense she wasn’t giving up. "I only want what’s best for you, Arec. You understand that, don’t you?"

I forced a smile. "Of course. But tonight, let’s just enjoy the party. "

Finally, she relented, though I could see the gears still turning in her mind. "Very well. But don’t forget, Arec, time waits for no one."

As she walked away, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. Joanne turned to me, her expression a mix of amusement and sympathy.

"Sorry about that," she said, her voice laced with apology. "I didn’t know she had plans for us ."

I shook my head. "It’s not your fault. She’s just... persistent."

Joanne smirked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You could say that. But hey, at least we got to catch up."

"Yeah," I agreed, though my mind was already starting to wander again.