Chapter 63
Arie
Veronica’s POV
As we got closer and closer to his penthouse, I began second–guessing my decision to actually meet her.
What if she didn’t like me? What if she liked Orthon more than a friend. and felt threatened by me? What would I do then? What would be my defense?
I couldn’t help but feel like she would be another Meghan, if not worse, plus the fact that she has nothing and a baby? Desperate women were the most dangerous sets of women.
“Are you okay, Vee? You seem tensed,” Orthon asked with concern.
“Just a little. I don’t know what to expect,” I said honestly. He placed a
hand on mine.
“Don’t worry, Vee. You don’t have to do anything or expect anything. Just be yourself and let it flow. I’m sure you will like her, but I must warn you. Arie can be brutally honest sometimes, even when it is unnecessary so please bear with her,” he pleaded and I chuckled lightly.
Now that sounded interesting.
“Okay, I trust you.
We went into the building and took the elevator to the last floor. He rang the doorbell and the person that opened up wasn’t who I was expecting it to be. She was tall, a solid six foot if I’m not mistaken with wavy brown hair and soft chocolate orbs.
Her makeup comprised mostly of dark colours to go with her brown skin. She was in fact one of the most stunning women I have ever met.
“Took you long enough. Who’s the doll?” She asked and I blinked rapidly. Did she just call me a doll?
“Arie, this Veronica, she is a very special person to me. Veronica, this is Arie, my best friend,” he introduced.
She extended her hand for a handshake. “You heard him, nothing special
about me.
I found myself smiling and I took her hand.
“Come on, Arie, you know that you are special to me in your own way,” Orthon snorted but she rolled her eyes and pulled me inside.
Inside, the apartment was lively and filled with the soft coos of a baby. A playmat covered part of the floor, and toys were scattered around. My eyes were immediately drawn to the little boy sitting upright on the mat, his bright eyes locked onto us. He had curly hair and chubby cheeks, and as soon as he saw Orthon, his face lit up with a toothless grin.
“There’s my little man!” Orthon exclaimed, crouching to scoop him up. The baby squealed in delight, grabbing at Orthon’s face.
I stood awkwardly by the door, unsure of where to fit in this scene. Arie was quick to notice.
“Come on, don’t just stand there. You’re part of the family now, aren’t you?” she teased, gesturing for me to sit.
Family? The word made my heart skip a beat.
“Oh, I don’t want to intrude…”
“Nonsense,” Arie interrupted, waving me off. “You’re here, you’re
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Chapter 63
involved with Orthon, and that makes you involved with us. Now, sit. I need a break anyway.”
She collapsed onto the couch, her energy levels seemingly depleted. “Keon’s been a handful today,” she said with a tired smile, glancing fondly at her son.
I sat down, still a bit stiff, and watched as Orthon bounced Keon in his arms. The sight was unexpectedly endearing. Seeing him so comfortable and natural with a baby stirred something unfamiliar in me.
“So, Veronica,” Arie started, her eyes narrowing playfully, “what’s your story? How did you end up with this nerd?”
I chuckled nervously. “It’s… a long story.”
“Well, I’ve got time,” she said with a grin, leaning forward as if ready for gossip.
Orthon gave her a warning look. “Arie, don’t interrogate her.”
“Oh, please,” she retorted. “I’m just getting to know her. You know, seeing if you’re good enough for her.”
“Okay, now that is just insulting,” Orthon stated while I tried to control my blush and amusement. “You should be checking if she’s good enough
for me!”
“Right!” She turned to me. “Whatever he said.”
I laughed, relaxing a little. “I think you’re doing a better job of intimidating me than getting to know me.”
Arie smirked. “Good. Gotta keep you on your toes. Orthon’s a catch, and I can’t have just anyone waltzing into his life.”
Orthon groaned. “Ignore her, Vee. She’s protective, but she means well.”
“Don’t defend me. I can fight my own battles,” Arie said, sticking her tongue out at him before turning back to me. “Seriously, though, you seem sweet. And you’re a hell of a lot nicer than the last girl he brought home.”
“Arie!” Orthon said sharply, his face reddening. “You don’t even know the last girl I was with!”
“So what? It’s true, isn’t it? That’s all that matters!” Arie shrugged. “Anyway, welcome to the chaos, Veronica. If you need anything, just let me know. Keon and I have been keeping this guy in line for years, so we‘ ve got your back.”
“Oh my God, you just came back three days ago!” He groaned.
“Maybe you’d be less stressed out if you stopped trying to defend every statement I make!” She retorted.
I smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. Maybe Arie wasn’t like Meghan as I’d feared. In fact, she seemed like someone I could genuinely get along with. She was nice, funny and very sarcastic.
Watching Orthon and her bicker was soon becoming my favourite thing.
As the evening went on, we talked more, and I found myself opening up bit by bit. Orthon and Arie’s banter was lighthearted and fun, and Keon’s giggles filled the room with warmth.
For the first time in a long while, I felt a sense of belonging. Maybe this wouldn’t be as complicated as I’d thought. We could indeed be good. friends.
“So, tomorrow is the day,” Arie announced suddenly, grinning heavily at Orthon. I stared between them in confusion, wondering what it was about but Orthon just seemed as confused as I was.
“What is happening tomorrow?” He asked her.
“As much as I’d love you to guess, I’ll just save you the trouble and spill it. I will be paying my baby daddy a surprise visit,” she grinned.
A visit? Didn’t Orthon say he was dead?
“No! No! You’re seriously not going through with that, are you?” Orthon frowned.
“What do you think, genius?” She smirked.
“Trust me, Aric, if you go on with this insane plan of yours, you’re only going to be setting yourself up for trouble,” Orthon warned.
“Good, cause I like trouble.”
