Chapter 6

I shook the thoughts of Ares wanting me away. I was overthinking the situation. Once I calmed my racing brain, I wore the robe and called the maid to take me to the dresses and I was wowed. It was a closet, almost similar to the mother in-law's. 

i was lost in the beauty of the dresses that I asked if Ares had a party planned. I ended up picking something casual when I heard it was just lunch then I got ready, all while caressing the marks from the building accident wondering if truly I want those marks to fade away or not.

As I descended the stairs, I noticed Ares waiting for me, his eyes locking onto mine for a brief moment before I looked away, feeling a flutter in my chest. I approached the dining table, where he sat, his smile warm and inviting.

"There was no need to wait for me," I said, taking my seat.

Ares chuckled. "It's no trouble at all. I'm not famished, so let's enjoy our meal together." He gestured to the plates, and our cutlery clinked against the fine china as we began to eat.

The silence between us was comfortable, the only sound was the soft clinking of utensils against plates. I broke the silence, my voice sincere. "Thank you for the dresses, Ares. They're lovely."

Ares' gaze met mine, a hint of confusion in his eyes, as if he'd forgotten about the garments.

"Oh, the dresses! I'm glad you like them. My personal secretary selected them, hoping you'd find something to your taste. I know you've a lot of better ones in your closet."

I smiled, my appreciation genuine. "I like them very much. Thank you again."

As we continued eating, I couldn't help but steal glances at Ares, his warm smile and kind eyes making my heart flutter. It wouldn't be difficult to fall for him, I thought, his charming personality and gentle nature making him a captivating companion.

But I pushed those thoughts aside, reminding myself that our relationship was purely business. I was here for a revenge plan with him, not romance. Though any woman of his age would love to be with him.

Just then, my inner wolf spoke up, its voice breaking into my thoughts. "What about you, Valarie?” It asked.

I hesitated, unsure what it meant. But before I could respond, my inner voice piped up, "What about falling for him?" it asked again

I shook my head, dismissing the thought. "No, no way. He's too old, and this is just business," I told myself.

"Are you sure about it?”

“Yes I'm sure.” I lashed out and before I could realise, I had blurted it all out. And it was Ares who asked the question, not my inner wolf. Look at what guilt could do. Getting Ares' full attention.  

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I realised I had spoken aloud. "I...uh...what did you say?" I stuttered, trying to cover up my mistake.

Ares' expression turned concerned. "Are you okay, Valarie? You seemed lost in thought."

“No, I'm not.”

“Well I just asked if you are sure about getting intimate with me to have my child?" he asked, his eyes searching mine.

I paused, collecting my thoughts as if considering his question for the first time. "Yes, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to reclaim my property from Daniel," I affirmed, my voice steady.

Ares studied me, seeking assurance. "I just wanted to confirm you were serious about this," he said, his eyes narrowing slightly.

I raised an eyebrow. "Why would you doubt my commitment?" I asked, my tone even.

Ares' expression turned intense. "I thought your words were driven by anger and a desire for revenge. I wasn't sure if you'd still be willing once the emotions wore off."

My jaw clenched, my resolve hardening. "My anger towards Daniel hasn't wavered. If anything, it's grown stronger. I'll do whatever it takes to bring him down and reclaim what's mine."

"Good to hear that," Ares said, returning to his meal.

“And I hope there won't be anyone we'd be offending?”

He seemed to sense my curiosity and added, "Don't worry, I'm not offending anyone by being with you. I'm not tied down to anyone, if that's what you're thinking."

I pushed aside the thought, not wanting to wander into unnecessary territory. "This meal is truly delicious," I complimented, changing the subject.

Ares smiled. "Nanny Rina's culinary skills are unmatched. She's been cooking for me since I was a child."

I raised an eyebrow. "That long?"

Ares nodded, his eyes warm with fondness. "Yes, she's been like family to me for as long as I can remember. She's been by my side since I was a toddler."

Just then, his phone beeped, breaking the comfortable silence. Ares excused himself to see what it was.

Ares' expression darkened as he gazed at the screen, his eyes narrowing in irritation. With a sudden motion, he slammed the phone down on the table, the sound echoing through the room.

"Everything okay?" I asked, concern etched on my face.

Ares' tone was laced with sarcasm. "Oh, yes. I just received an invitation to dinner... with my lovely family. Isn't it great?”

I attempted to placate him. "A family dinner might not be so bad, Ares."

But he cut me off, his words dripping with disdain.

"Distance, that's what I need from them. And now, an unexpected dinner invitation. How thrilling." His sarcasm was palpable, revealing the tension he felt towards his family.

He digged back into his meal, his facial expression like that of an angry bird. I hadn't come across anyone who resented their family this way. There could be more to it all,I probably shouldn't think so deep about his problems.

"Will you be attending?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

Ares shook his head, his expression unyielding. I sensed a deep-seated frustration, a tale untold.

But then, his gaze locked onto mine, a sudden realisation sparking in his eyes. "I should go," he declared, his tone resolute.

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Good for you," I said, unsure where this was leading.

And then, he dropped the bombshell. "You should come with me."

My surprise was palpable, but Ares' grin was persuasive. "Imagine the shock on Daniel's face when he sees us together. It's the perfect opening salvo for our revenge plan, don't you think?"

I couldn't help but smile at the tantalising prospect. "That would be priceless," I agreed, my mind racing with the possibilities.

Ares' smile mirrored mine, our eyes locked in a shared moment of excitement. The game was afoot, and we were ready to play.