Some more of Dimitri's POV ❤

Dimitri POV

"It must be quite the party."

My fingers stilled, the button of my cuff refusing to do up. My eyes flicked to the mirror, and then I glanced over my shoulder at my mother. She smiled and then motioned with her hands.

I held my wrist out to her. "I'm not sure; Rose just told me I needed a suit," I answered, rolling my shoulders and testing the tightness of the jacket. Ivan paid for the tailored suit for his wedding a year ago; I gained more muscle since then.

"You've never mentioned a girl before. How long have you liked her?"

I cleared my throat awkwardly, "It's nothing like that. I'm just doing a favour for her."

My mother didn't believe me, a knowing glint in her eyes as she asked, "Is this Rose the one Ivan mentioned?" She released my wrist and then took the other and fixed the button; my silence was enough of an answer for her. "I'm sure she appreciates you doing this for her." There was a hopeful tone to her voice, one I knew all too well.

"There is nothing between us. We just share a class."

She hummed, fingers brushing my hair back, "I thought classmates just shared homework answers, not go on dates."

I sighed, turned back to the mirror and fixed my hair again. "It isn't a date."

"I can tell you are nervous, Dimka. You like this girl."

I paused, meeting her eyes in the mirror again. I hated that she could read me so well. "It won't be like that; she isn't looking for a relationship." I didn't tell her that Rose wouldn't want a relationship with me.

Disappointment crossed her face, and she gave me a small smile in encouragement, "You'll find the right one, and when you do, she'll be very lucky to have you."

I couldn't keep my eyes from straying to Rose; if the goal was for people to think I was completely infatuated with her, I had achieved it. It was easier to focus on her instead of her house. I never expected Rose to be well-off—that didn't cover it—Rose was rich. I wasn't in my world anymore.

Staring out the window of her room to the party below, I realised how out of my depth I was. The way people spoke and interacted was different to how I was used to, yet it was also different to Rose. I wouldn't have guessed this was the life she had grown up in.

Suddenly the reasoning for why we could never be together was more plausible.

"I really should have warned you," Rose apologised with a hesitant smile, leaning against the bathroom door frame. I was momentarily captured by her beauty again, the way her hair cascaded down her shoulder in soft curls that I wanted to run my fingers through.

I quickly changed the subject before I made a fool of myself. "Are your parents always that–"

"Intrusive?"

I smiled, part of me grateful that Rose remained the same as before. I was worried that the side of her I knew was just a show. "I was going to say protective."

Rose sighed, a roll of her eyes as she walked over to me, "My dad can be nice but is definitely overprotective, and my mom… Well, she has expectations for me and makes them known. Such as who I should date."

My fists clenched. "The asshole?"

"That's the one," she smirked, but it didn't reach her eyes. "If I didn't say I was bringing you, she would have set me up with him."

I smiled despite myself, glad she had invited me now. Though we weren't close, I wanted to protect her from someone that made her uncomfortable. "What are you going to do after the party?" I asked, "Won't they push you to date him again."

"Probably," Rose shrugged, "but at least I'll have another year before there's another one of these parties."

Her expression fell as she stared out the window; her good mood seemed to have seeped out of her and just left dejection. I disliked that look on her face, Rose had a beautiful smile that managed to brighten a room.

I wondered what her reaction would be if a candle did light between us. Would it be excitement or disgust?

"I've never been to an actual party for a ceremony. I'd heard of them," I commented, my thoughts jumping to the previous ceremonies I had seen as I glanced out the window. "I've seen a few. The last one was at my friend's wedding last year."

Ivan and Lucy had both been grinning ear to ear when their candle sparked a flame. No one was surprised after they had been together so long, but there was a collective sigh of relief when it did light.

"Wow, waiting for the wedding. That's risky," Rose laughed, the sound addictive.

"They believed they were meant to be and didn't need the proof. It was more for the tradition of it."

Her expression became sombre, picking up her drink and swallowing what was left of it. "Hope you're ready to go back down. Just a few more hours, and then we can get out of here."

I again wondered about the difference between our worlds.

"Rose, can I ask a question?" I asked and waited for her reply. When she nodded, I stepped forward and placed my hands in my pant pockets. "You have all of this, and yet I know you work constantly, and you live in the cheaper area of town."

"Are you asking why I don't live on my parent's money?" she laughed.

I grimaced, "I don't mean to offend you, I'm just curious."

"I don't mind," she replied honestly, "I guess I'd always seen it as their money. I would rather build my own life instead of it being handed to me."

I smiled, a little surprised by her answer. Rose didn't expect everything to be handed to her, as I was sure many that grew up similar to her did. It made me like her more. "That's very mature of you."

She placed the empty glass on her dresser and shot me a flirtatious smile, "I'm full of surprises."

I did not doubt that she was. That smile made my heart beat faster, and I knew I was in serious danger of falling for this woman.

Rose patted down her dress and then held a hand out to me with another smile that made a warmth grow in my chest. "Shall we?"

This wasn't a real date. It was all pretend.

I had to remind myself that each time I placed my hand around Rose's waist and held her close—it felt right. Each time her hand slipped into mine, I felt more comfortable and enjoyed the feeling of our fingers intertwined more than I knew I should.

It shouldn't be so easy to look down at her and feel a soft smile pull at the corners of my lips. I kept noticing small things she would do, how her nose would scrunch up a little each time she was asked about the ceremony, or that she would tap her nails on the table when one of the women talking to us stared at me too openly. It was mixed signals; each time I felt hopeful, I'd scold myself and push the feelings down.

One thing was for sure, Rose hated the idea of soulmates. Each reaction cemented that theory.

The party was stressing her out just as much as the constant questions were. I think she was prepared to tell the people off when a third woman mentioned their own daughter was looking for a soulmate while looking at me suggestively.

Fortunately, her father saved the woman. "Ahh, my daughter and her boyfriend, you are the talk of the party. Don't you think they'll make wonderful soulmates?" he asked and then smirked at the woman's reaction. She was quick to excuse herself, and Rose finally relaxed.

I felt her shift closer to me rather than away; it made the corner of my lips quirk up. I felt eyes on me and looked up to find him watching me with a calculating glint.

"These people know no shame," Rose scoffed, taking another sip from her champagne.

"How are you liking the party?" her father asked me.

I felt uneasy from his unwavering stare, and I briefly wondered if that was how my sister's boyfriends had felt when I questioned them. I kept my expression calm and replied, "It's very impressive, Mr Mazur."

"No, no. Call me Abe, please. I mean after today, you may be part of the family."

Rose scoffed.

I glanced at her, but Abe drew my attention again, "So, you two met at the University?"

"We share a class on behavioural science," I replied by habit now, the same question asked constantly.

That glint returned to his eyes. "Do you have any family in the city?"

I glanced at Rose; she watched her father with a suspicious expression. Her brows furrowed and her nails tapped on the stem of her glass. "My mother and three sisters," I responded after a moment.

An expression crossed Abe's face. "And what was your last name? Rose never mentioned it."

Rose's hand rested on my arm, pulling my attention to her; she gave me a tight smile, "Dance with me?" She didn't wait for a reply, her fingers digging in slightly and led me to the fake wood tiles on the ground that was the dance floor.

Couples were already taking up most of the space, leaving some room for us on the edge. The music was slow; couples moved gracefully in circles, and I felt my nerves build. I wasn't incapable of dancing; had even taken lessons and stepped in as a dance partner for my sisters when needed. But I was worried about making a fool of myself in front of Rose and everyone here—the expectations would be higher.

"I can't promise I'll be any good at it," I told her honestly.

Rose waved her other hand, pulled me onto the dance floor and spun to face me. She wore a grin and looked confident as she guided my hand to her waist and held my other hand with hers. At first, she led, taking slow steps until I felt comfortable.

I wanted to impress Rose. I wanted to make her smile and enjoy herself. I led us, gaining my confidence when the smile on her face grew and her eyes lit up in amusement. It was foolish to allow myself to think in such a way, but I wanted to treat her like we were on a real date.

Each moment I felt myself grow more fond of her, I had to remind myself it wouldn't go anywhere.

Above all, I reminded myself Rose didn't want a soulmate.

"Why do you dislike the idea of soulmates?" My curiosity gained the better of me.

Her foot tripped over one of mine, almost stumbling, but I caught her and pulled her closer. Rose blushed and glanced up at me with an awkward laugh, "Random question."

I shrugged, playing off nonchalantly while I was desperate for an answer. "You mentioned yesterday that you weren't looking for one, and then every time someone mentions the ceremony, you laugh or pull a face. I'm just curious as to why."

"Because I think it's stupid."

My heart sunk in disappointment.

"I'm not going to base who I have a relationship with on just a candle flame. I would rather have an actual relationship and stay with the person because I like them," Rose finished.

A part of me felt hopeful. "So you don't believe in it?"

"In soulmates?" she asked, a shy look on her face. When her teeth caught her lip, I couldn't help but follow the movement with my eyes. "I don't know. I do know that I hate parties like this that are just about hoping for a good match to make more money or gain the social status of having the daughter of a rich family as your soulmate."

That same melancholy look pulled at her features. I shifted my hold on Rose's waist and dipped her—the expression was replaced with surprise.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm meant to be taken with you, so this is what I would do," I explained with a look that I knew had made women swoon in the past, and it seemed Rose was equally affected. I grinned and pulled her back up and spun her in my arms. When I caught her, her smile was blinding.

I continued to guide her around the dance floor, spinning her and keeping in beat with the music.

I could almost pretend…

Rose laughed, loud enough that she drew the attention of others, but I doubted she cared. "So much for being bad at dancing,"

"I had to learn for my friend's wedding. It's where this suit is from as well." I explained and spun her again. I pulled her back closer each time, drawn to the look of joy she gave me. My eyes kept dropping to her lips, thoughts of what I couldn't do running through my head.

I wanted to kiss her, but I respected that that wasn't what she wanted. Rose didn't want a soulmate, and though I wasn't actively searching for mine, I believed in it.

I twirled her again, only this time her hand was ripped from mine. I was surprised, watching as another man quickly moved Rose to the other side of the dance floor, getting lost in the couples for a moment before I caught up with them again. At first, I didn't know if I should intervene. He could be someone Rose knows, someone a part of her world that she would be better spending time with.

But then I noticed the tightness in her shoulders and how his hand slipped down her back.

I was beside them in seconds, catching the man's shoulder as he turned; and pulled him away from Rose. "I'm going to have to ask you to step away from Rose." My tone was polite, but my stare wasn't, placing my body between them.

The blond man flushed, mouth screwed up into a scowl, "And who are you?" He looked at me like I was nothing but the dirt on his shoes.

Rose's hand slipped into mine and squeezed. "He's my boyfriend."

I watched carefully as the man's expression shifted, wary if he would start anything. I doubted he would attack another in the middle of a party, but from the disdain in his eyes when they snapped to mine, I wouldn't be surprised.

"You're boyfriend? Haven't seen him around before," he remarked, the scowl morphed into a smirk, "Are you choosing guys from the cheap side now? At least you know she isn't dating you for your money."

"Go away, Nathan," Rose snapped, and I tensed. So this was Nathan.

I squeezed Rose's hand and then released her to put my arm around her shoulders instead. I shot a look at Nathan in warning and then guided her away from him, "Come on, Rose."

Rose huffed, "I'm sorry about him, he's–"

I glanced at her, "I'm guessing he's the asshole."

"Yeah. I fucking hate him."

I could tell by the way her body felt rigid against mine rather than relaxed when we were dancing. Irritation was radiating off of her, so I took her inside the house. I looked back at the dance floor and saw Nathan standing on the edge with a heated glare aimed at me.

"Rose, are you okay?" a female voice called, recognising Rose's friend, Lissa.

"He was just being his usual charming self," Rose replied with a wry smile. Her eyes were pinched as she held back her emotions.

I hated seeing it. I pressed closer to comfort her, feeling satisfied when she leaned into me. After a moment, she pulled away and sat on one of the white leather couches. I was tentative to take the one beside her, wondering how much one of them cost. It was likely close to a month's salary for me.

There wasn't much I had to offer Rose. She would be used to fine dining, whereas I could barely afford a week's worth of grocery shopping for my family.

"Regret agreeing to come with me yet?"

I was pulled from my thoughts and looked at Rose, attempting a smile for her. "No, it's more entertaining than how I would have spent my afternoon."

"Just wait until after the ceremony," Christian laughed as he took a seat opposite us, Lissa sitting on the armrest. "That's when the negotiations begin and the alcohol flows."

It was a bleak version of a soulmate ceremony. I could understand more of Rose's point of view on soulmates.

"While everyone is panicking, we can drink to our lack of flame," Rose laughed softly, squeezing my knee. I tried to smile back, but it fell flat.

"Rose, could I get your help with something?" Lissa asked with a smile aimed at Rose.

"With what?"

"It'll only take a second," Lissa promised as she stood.

"We'll wait here and you two go do whatever it is girls do," Christian told them with a shrug, and I nodded in agreement. The brief meeting I had with Christian made me feel comfortable enough sitting with him. I watched Rose walk away before Christian chuckled, drawing my attention. He jutted his chin in the direction Rose had disappeared, "You like her, don't you?"

I swallowed, clasping my hands in my lap, "Is it that obvious?"

"Not to everyone," he assured me. "Are you going to tell her?"

"I don't think there is much point to it," I replied honestly. "I'm not right for her. Rose deserves better."

Christian stared at me silently, tilting his head to the side. "Maybe she should be the one to decide that."

My eyes moved back to where Lissa had led Rose. I couldn't deny the truth of Christian's words. Sure, she didn't believe in soulmates, but that didn't mean she had given up on finding someone to be with. Everything I saw of her today told me she didn't require this expensive lifestyle—even she said so herself.

Maybe it wasn't such a foolish thought to consider taking a chance.

Before I could change my mind, I stood from the seat and gave an excuse to Christian. I made my way through the house and into the kitchen, searching for a sign of Rose.

I wanted to ask her before the ceremony—before we held that candle and the wick didn't light—I wanted to know if there was a chance.

I heard Rose's voice, following it to the pantry. I could see the light on under the door and heard movement. "There is no way we are soulmates! We are completely different–"

"Because he isn't rich?" Lissa asked, and I stilled.

"I don't care about that," Rose shouted, "Dimitri could be the richest guy here, and I still wouldn't be his soulmate!"

The words hit hard, cutting deeper than I had thought they would. I took a step back and then another. It was foolish. I couldn't fault Rose; I knew going into this there was no chance and yet allowed myself to hope.

Rose wasn't looking for her soulmate, and I couldn't be hers.

So I do plan on leaning in on classic romcom trope, but of course, with a side of angst because I can't help myself ❤
The next chapter will bring us up to when the candle lights, and then the fun starts :D

I hope you enjoy ❤