Ariana's outfit on the side.

.......

When Stephan and I arrived at the her mother's party on the rooftop, I thought it will be a simple one with only a few guests invited. In fact, there are many people in here. The whole rooftop is just huge that they were able to fit all these people.

But it's not that crowded.

"Why are there so many guests?" I leaned closer to Stephan to whisper as we stepped out of the elevator.

"My mom used to be in politics." He answered, placing his hand my lower back to guide me to step. I quickly felt the electrifying sensation flows through me.

"So that explains all of this." I mumbled and let him guide me through the group of people.

Some of them greeted Stephan was we pass through them using their native language.

I don't understand it. I only know how to speak French.

"There she is." Stephan pointed someone at the corner. "There's my mom." He referred and I followed him.

I saw a tall middle aged woman, wearing a very simple yellow long dress and her black hair is tied in a tight clean bun. She had a slender figure and she looks dazzling. Looking very expensive from all of those jewels she is wearing.

She was talking to some girls that looks to be the same age as she is and next to her is a woman dressed in a maid's uniform. Must be her nanny.

Wait, she looks very familiar. Where have I seen her?

"Hi, Mom." Stephan kissed the woman's cheek.

"Stephano, my son. Good to see you again. I'm so happy you were able to come." She smiled widely and kissed his son's cheek as well.

"How can I miss your special day." He replied, also smiling happily and taking something in his suit pocket "Here's my gift." He handed her a small present. "It might be small but you'll love it."

Her mom laughed. "No matter what the size is, it doesn't matter." She told him.

"By the way, I brought someone with me that you'll be surprised to see."

Stephan grabbed my hand and pulled me closer because I was standing a few meters away from them. "Mom, here she is."

Her mom looks surprised to see me "Oh my, Ariana Cruz. You've grown into a very beautiful lady." She said and gave me a hug that caught the by surprise as well.

I am not used to hugging people that I just met.

"Hi, Mrs. Draco. Happy birthday." I greeted her and nod my head. "I'm sorry I didn't bought a gift. If Stephan just told me that he has one, I should bought something when we arrived. I am so sorry." I started muttering quick.

Mrs. Draco laughed at me and held my cheek for a second "It's alright, child. Thank you.The effort of coming here is better than any gift." She said nicely. Her aura really screams motherly. "And please just call me Irene. No need to be formal."

I bit my lower lip in embarrassment and just laugh it off. "Am anyways, can I ask something?"

Stephan stared me at me when he heard my question. Wondering what it is might be.

"Sure, child. What is it?"

"Have we met before?" I asked. "You look very familiar to me."

Irene looked at Stephan and they exchanged looks.

"We met before when you were in Paris, dear." She recalled. "Remember, that one snowy night ."

Huh?

Snowy night in Paris? I tried so hard remembering my college days there. If it's snowy then it must be around December or January.

But I can't remember a thing.

"Maybe you're mistaking, Mom." Stephan stepped in.

"No, that's her for sure." She assured.

Then suddenly one moment flashed through my mind. "I think I remember it now."

Stephan raised an eyebrow at us. "You do?"

"Yeah, that snowy night in Paris. I was walking at the streets alone and shopping for some clothes." I told them.

"Yes, and you bought a winter jacket in my boutique." She reminded.

Stephan raised an eyebrow "And then what? Just because of that you wanted us to get married?"

"Yeah, she's a very nice girl, Stephano. I knew that she's the daughter of the Cruz." She said, holding his son's arm.

But I can't see the point why she likes me. I mean, I didn't even spoke to her in her boutique. I just noticed her because of her great fashion but I didn't know that she own that shop.

And besides, I was suffering a heartbreak that time with my first boyfriend. So my aura is a bit down plus my puffy eyes so that must have been why she noticed me.

"Anyway, I am really happy that you were able to come here. Does that mean that you and my son dating now?"

"Oh no!" We both answered in unison.

"We're just friends." I quickly responded.

Stephan agreed with me. "Yeah, you told me you wanted to meet her so I brought her here with me."

I gently tap his arm and chuckled weakly "Yeah and besides I'm engaged to someone else." I raised my hand to show her my engagement ring.

Irene looked at us suspiciously then made a disappointed face "Aw, I was expecting that you two to be together by now. My son is such an idiot to let you go."

"Mom!" Stephan cut her off and flashing her the look that saying Shut up.

"Yes, he is. So stupid." I joked.

Irene just laughed and I faked one. "Anyway, please. Enjoy the party. Don't waste the moment." She told us and gave me a hug before she went to give his son a hug but longer. "Oh boy, I wish your brother is still here." She whispered, squeezing him then let go.

"Marko is here."

"No. I mean your older brother." She corrected.

Oh, the one who died with his ex wife and fooled him. I saw how Stephan clenched his jaw.

"Well he is already dead now, Mom. Don't mention him anymore." He replied, coldly. That brother of his really gave him pain. Well, they cheated behind his back so I won't question his anger.

Irene took a deep breath and smiled at his son "He is still your brother, Stephan. A family is a family. And a mother is a mother. He is in peace now so burry that anger in your heart."

I turn to look at Stephan and he just sigh deeply.

"I will see you two around. Don't be shy to enjoy, Ariana." She told us before she left Stephan and I alone so she could mingle around with some of her visitors.

"That was awkward." I murmured, letting out a sigh.

"I'm sorry about that." Stephan messed his hair. "My Mom can be very talkative."

"Nah, don't worry about it. I kinda like her." I smiled at him. "She seems to be very nice."

"Yeah, because her days on earth is already limited." He murmured, quietly. The pain and sadness quickly fills his face when I turn to him. His eyes followed his Mom as she talks with her guests.

"Strange, but she doesn't look sick. I mean, she is still beautiful."

"Because she really is beautiful." He said, genuinely.

Stephan and I leaned on the railings as the night breeze feels very cold as it slides through my bare skin. A man came to us and gave us some champagne which we took willingly.

I felt lonely knowing that this woman is about to die. She looks like she is inviting death with a smile.

But I know Stephan won't recover if she died. It is very obvious how he loved his mother. And from what I see, Irene is the only one he got.

I don't know what got to me but I just wrapped both of my arms around his torso and hugged him tightly. Stephan looks like he didn't expect that one coming because I felt his body flinched when our body got pressed together.

"I don't know how it feels to lose someone you love especially your Mom but...I can't imagine how painful it will be." 'But I lost you once.' I whispered, leaning my cheek on his hard and broad chest where I can feel the familiar warmth he had.

Stephan wrapped his arms around me and tighten his hold. Like he was holding something dearly in his life. He even buried his face on my neck and I felt him inhale my scent. I don't if I'm just imagining thing but Stephan seems to be trembling.

Is he crying?

I rubbed his back to soothe him.

When he pulled away, I was really expecting that he might be crying but he is not. He even gave me a smile. But it didn't look real.

"Life must go on, Doll. Even if I lose everyone, I have to continue on what my destiny leads me to." Stephan spoke as he looked down. "All of them left me all alone." He added.

If you think about it. Stephan did lose many important people in his life that even left a scar to his heart.

His wife together with his own fresh and blood, his brother. Then it was followed by his Dad who died unexpectedly and now his Mom.

They are all family.

No wonder he felt so alone and lonely.

"I'm here." I just blurt out. It's my heart that is taking over my mind and mouth.

Stephan turned to me. "What?"

"I'm here, Stephan. You're not alone. I won't leave you." I said, honestly and seriously. Our eyes were connected and I feel like our hearts, mind and soul are connected as well. Cheesy much? But I don't care. That's what I'm feeling.

Stephan's eyes glints for a second but changes and became emotionless "But you will. You will marry Cliff no matter what happens."

"That doesn't mean that I'm going to leave you." I replied. "I will still be your friend then if you finally found the girl for you, let me know her immediately."

What am I even saying to him? There is no way that I will feel fine if he finally found the right one.

"Like that will ever happen." I heard him mutter under his breath and I can see the frown forming in his forehead.

"C''mon, don't be so pessimistic." I lightly punched his arm. "Look at me, I thought I won't find a man that can love me and accept me."

Stephan scoffed "Doll, I would rather let you be taken by other than be married to that surgeon."

My eyebrows frowned. Why does his blood boils whenever I mention Cliff. "Why won't you get along with my fiancé? What did Cliff ever do to you? Seriously? He even told me to stay away from you."

Stephan smirked evilly. "The bad doctor is afraid, eh?" He whispered.

"Jeez, tell me the truth. Did you and Cliff had a thing before?"

His eyes widen in shock then started coughing the champagne he was drinking "Oh fuck no!"

"Then what is it?"

"It's not my position to tell you." He turned away from me.

Oh, you're pissing me off now again.

"Stephan."

"Not gonna tell you."

"Stephan!"

"Still no, Doll."

"Stephan, come back here!" He started walking ahead of me as I follow him.

"Kiss me first!" He suddenly swift around and leaned his face closer to me catching me by surprise.

I slapped his face away but not hard. "Stop teasing me!"

"I'm not doing anything." He played and laughed.

I narrowed my eyes at him and continue punching his chest. "I hate you!"

"No you don't."

"Yes, I do—"

"—love you."

"Yes—Fuck, what?!" Then again, I continued punching his chest as he keeps on laughing hard. He's fucker is laughing at me and had the guts to embarrass me with that question.

"Stop it, Doll. You're hurting my chest." He tried to stop me but he kept on laughing.

"No, until you stop teasing me. "

"Okay, okay. I will stop teasing you. For now."

I groaned and rolled my eyes. I going to nag him when we noticed a figure coming near us.

"Stephan, hi!"

I turn to see who it was.

"Jane?" Stephan recognised the woman immediately.

Who is this Jane? I stand there looking at the both of them.

"Long time no see, Stephan. Won't you hug your ex girlfriend?" She opened his arms for him like she was offering a hug. "I missed you terribly."

Then Stephan remained unmoving.

Like he froze in his spot.

Then Jane seems to grew impatient. She threw herself on Stephan and wrapped both of her arms around his neck and kissed him in front of me.

She kissed him?!

To be continued.

Hey there everyone! So want to guess who is this Jane.

I will give you a clue: She will play a good role in the conflict of this story. What do you think? Is she nice or she is playing for the bad side?

By the way, I really don't want to mention the illness of Irene. It's my intention not to name a disease. I will want you to know that she is really sick and about to die.