Is this destiny?

Sarah stepped out of the styling salon and her eyes landed on Aiden who was standing outside looking at her. She held her breath observing how handsome he is in a formal black suit which had some discrete red details on lapels and pockets.

It took her a moment to realize that their clothes are matching, she smiled. She wondered what he would wear if she picked the white dress.

Sarah is crazy in love with this Greek deity, and she surrendered to that madness willingly.

When Aiden saw Sarah stepping out of the styling salon, he felt like time froze. Sarah extruded an aura of the ethereal existence whose beauty was gifted by the heavens while her style hinted demonic powers that enchanted him completely. While she approached him, Aiden was bewitched by her smile, and he forgot to breathe.

For some time two of them stood on the street gazing at each other, not able to look away. Without a word, Aiden extended his arm, palm up. Sarah placed her hand in his, and he led her into the car that waited. Driver closed the door behind them and started driving.

Behind the large window of the styling salon, Elanor stood and watched the enamored couple drive away. She had a wide smile on her face and her expression was warm. Elanor's heart was full seeing how much they love each other.

In the car, Aiden didn't remove his eyes from Sarah whose eyes returned equally ardent gaze to him. "I think that we should go back to the hotel." His voice, deeper than usual, titillated her.

Sarah blushed and spoke slowly. "As much as I want to... I spent three hours in that salon getting ready. We should go to the event first."

Aiden licked his lips unhurriedly and swallowed hard. "OK... later then." His words lingered in the back of the car like a promise which made them both tremble in anticipation.

…

When they reached the resort which White family booked for the event, it was dusk. The resort building was lit up with spotlights, making it look impressive. The people at the entrance recognized Aiden and let them in without checking for invitations.

Two of them walked with their arms linked, through the grand entryway, which was well lit up and decorated with glass sculptures hanging from the ceiling.

After a short walk through the entryway, they reached the vast event area. Sarah counted at least two dozen of circle shaped tables that seated about fifteen people each. Each table was decorated with tall flower center pieces. On both left and right side, space was filled with buffet style desserts and snacks, and in the middle was a barely lit dance area. In a distant corner, there was a live band playing soft music. Ceiling was full of intricate glass sculptures which broke the focused lights shining on them into a shower of colorful light rays sparingly illuminating the event area while creating an intimate atmosphere.

Just based on tables with seating arrangements, Sarah estimated that more than three hundred people will attend the event. There was definitely not that many people there currently, but at least a hundred was present, Sarah guessed. She imagined the venue filled with a crowd, and that his family is there, and she felt nervous again.

Aiden felt her getting anxious and leaned to say in her ear. "You look amazing there is nothing to worry about... let's go dance, to loosen you up."

She nodded. As they walked, many people turned towards them. Some greeted Aiden and he acknowledged them without slowing down his steps.

Before they reached the dance floor, two young men blocked their way. "Hey, Aiden, long time no see." Shorter man of the two approached with large strides and give Aiden a man hug and while patting his back vigorously. This made Sarah let go of Aiden and step back reflexively. She got surprised by sudden closeness of this man, and his display of affection.

"Hi, Liam...", Aiden responded while pushing the man to break the hug. He was not happy that Sarah let go of him because of Liam. Aiden took Sarah's hand in his as soon as he pushed Liam away.

"Oh, how protective of this lass...", Taller man of the two said while his eyes scrutinized Sarah's face and then shamelessly moved down over her body not hiding his approval of the young lady's looks.

"Noah...", Aiden called his name with a threatening tone, reminding him to stay in lines of decency while stepping in front of Sarah to block his view.

Noah looked at Aiden and smirked. "As I said... protective."

Liam stepped between Aiden and Noah and placed his hands on their shoulders. "Hey, hey we haven't seen each other in a while, can we play nice?"

"I don't have time to play his games." Aiden told Liam with a dark expression, and then faced Noah. "Excuse us." Aiden made a step forward and extended his arm making his way next to Noah. He protectively held Sarah around her waist with his other arm and led her to the dance floor.

They didn't stop until they reached the dance floor which was the darkest area at the venue.

As expected, Sarah's appearance attracted attention of many, some curious, and many jealous. She was a new face; a beautiful young woman and she was in Aiden's embrace. No matter how much they speculated between themselves, no one was able to confirm who this mystery person is. Black veil covering half of her face made guesses even more wild as few women started gossiping how Sarah must be disfigured in order to hide her face like that.

Sarah and Aiden didn't hear venomous remarks. He pulled her toward him, resting his arms around her waist while Sarah wrapped hers around his shoulders. Soft music covered up distant voices, and the sparingly lit dance floor created the illusion that there is no one else around them.

"Those two…", Sarah wanted to ask about Noah and Liam.

Aiden shook his head and interrupted her: "Not important."

She gave small nod of understanding. He was telling her that they are not his friends, and she does not need to be polite to them.

Aiden pulled her closer. "Now is just the two of us, isn't this better?", he spoke into her ear as their bodies moved slowly following the music.

Sarah gasped as his breath kissed her ear. "Please, not so close."

He obeyed her plea and moved his head away.

"Yes, much better." Sarah smiled with her eyes full of love for him.

And he smiled back. With a smile that reached his eyes.

Once again, she felt like it's just the two of them in the world.. Sarah wanted to engrave this feeling in her, which was a mix of soothing comfort and alluring anticipation.