Chapter 7

Storming in the hallway, holding a letter in one hand with her closed fist, Lucy maddeningly stared ahead as she walks closer to her father's office. She'd usually knock first before letting him know that she was there to meet him. But at that moment, Lucy didn't feel like he deserved the little respect she had left for him.

"Papa!" Lucy bellowed as she pushed the double doors open, startling the butler standing on one side of the room. However, the blonde man behind the desk only looked up slowly with disinterest in his eyes.

"What the hell is this?!" Lucy then threw the letter on her father's desk, who only gave a brief glance before nonchalantly staring back at her.

"It's a letter," Jude sarcastically replied, making Lucy fume even more.

"Oh, stop with your puns! This is not funny!" Lucy then took a step closer stomping a fist on her father's desk, "What the hell is this?" She said with gritted teeth.

Jude tilts his head as if he was worn out from dealing with this outburst, "I think you know what that letter is all about,"

"Well, fucking explain!" Lucy shouted, making Jude stare hard at his daughter.

"Lucy Heartfilia, watch your language!" Jude grumbled back with a terror voice, which usually puts Lucy on edge but with her rising anger, she cared less about it.

"Fuck that proper etiquette!" Lucy cussed again, making her father stand abruptly and towered over her. Seeing her father agitated, she turns away from him and tries to hide the little fear she felt in her chest, "Why the hell am I getting this letter of a proposal intended for marriage?" Lucy asked again, this time calmer but nonetheless meant menacingly.

"It's just a proposal, Lucy. It's a meetup with my colleagues' son," Jude replies before stepping out of his desk to stand before his daughter, "You won't get married to him immediately. You won't even say yes right away if we don't find him fit for you,"

Lucy then chuckles in exasperation as she turns to look at her father, "If we don't find him fit for me?"

Jude was then silent, taking note of how Lucy hated the words he had used, "Lucy, there is no need to be upset about-"

"No-no! You don't get to tell me what I should and should not be upset about!" Lucy loudly said as she shook her head and took a step back, "I can't believe you're putting me into this situation,"

"Lucy, again, this is just a meet-up. Nothing is final,"

"I know what a meet-up is! But what I hate about it is that you are secretly trying to arrange me for marriage!" Lucy defended as she looked at his father shaking his head.

"Lucy, just think of it like I'm giving you a helping hand. I'm trying to help you find a boyfriend," Jude then glanced at his daughter whose expression was full of irritation.

"A helping hand?" Lucy then laughs again in annoyance as she turns away from her father, "You never took the time to know how I was at school. You didn't even have an interest to get to know my friends. Now you're saying you're helping me find a boyfriend?!" Lucy glared at her father before she screamed loud in frustration, making the blonde man a little startled.

"This was never about my welfare, papa. I'm not that stupid to know that this whole fucking ordeal is for you to seal the deal with this businessman!" Lucy then stomps her way toward her father and points at him, "I am not some bait for your stupid schemes. I won't let you use me for your own selfish plans!" Lucy then turns away from her father and strides towards the door when Jude suddenly replies.

"Fine, don't attend that meet-up, but you will take part in our business" Jude eyed the young replica of his late wife who turned abruptly at him. He then continued, "I'll give you a choice. It's either you date Akio's son with the intention of arranged marriage and don't take part in our company or I'll leave you alone with your relationship, but you will oversee and manage our Magnolia headquarters,"

Lucy growls at her father before she madly replied, "Does everything have to be conditional? Can't I be free from your fucked up conditions?"

"The least you can do for this family is to take part in our company,"

"Family?!" Lucy shouted, fuming in anger, "Since when were we a family?! Ever since mama died, you barely looked at me and regarded me as your daughter!"

"That's not true," Jude answers flatly, making Lucy laugh sarcastically as she turns away from him.

"So now, you're telling me that I'm just overly dramatic about how you voluntarily neglected me, great!" Lucy sharply turns to her father again, "Of course, you think I'm your daughter…a daughter you can volunteer to your fucking business partners so that you can get your company bigger!"

"You know that I'm doing this for us," Jude then takes a step closer to Lucy, but the young blonde quickly steps back as she replies, "No…no. All these things you're doing with the company are for your own selfish, conceited, and stupid glory! Go to hell!"

"Your mother didn't bring you up to talk like that!" Jude shouted with a terrorizing voice making Lucy flinch at the mention of her mother as if trying to guilt her, but she kept her face still, trying to hide the pain she felt in her chest.

"And she didn't die just so you could arrange me to your fucking businessmen's son," Lucy hissed before she swiftly turns away and heads out of the office

"Where do you think you're going?! We're not done talking!" Jude said in a deep threatening voice, but Lucy was no longer affected by it as her fury rises.

For the last time, Lucy twirled around with anger in her eyes, "I'm over with this conversation. I'm not a puppet to be controlled by an insensitive and uncaring father like you. You don't get to control how I should live my life. You don't get to have a say about anything in my life,"

"Then leave this house," Jude impassively threats, "I don't need a daughter who is ungrateful for the things I have done for her,"

Lucy chuckles in sarcasm, "You don't have to tell me to leave because I am leaving you in this lonely and dark house of yours,"

Jude suddenly chuckles, "You overestimate yourself, Lucy. Do you think you can live your life without my help? Do you think your writing will get you anywhere? You can't even get any commission without my influence!"

"I don't need you. I don't need your last name to get me anywhere," Lucy's tears finally drop as she hears her father belittle her, suddenly misses her mother, who has always encouraged her with her dreams, "You can have all the money in the world and have your glory, but you'll always be alone. You don't deserve to have a family,"

Jude was then stricken by Lucy's words but hid it well with his expressionless face, "Once you leave this house, consider yourself disowned and never come back,"

"It would be my pleasure," Lucy whispered with gritted teeth as she wipes her tears and then walks away from her father's office.

As Lucy roamed around Magnolia for more than an hour, she contemplated her old life in the mansion and her present situation. With each step she took, she recalled all the pain she had felt seven years ago. She remembers vividly how her father had disowned her after fighting for her own freedom. With every memory that comes to mind, she felt a stab in her heart.

Without realizing it, she walked back home, completely forgetting that she had brought her car to the café. But that doesn't bother her, not as much as with the predicament she had placed herself in. As she reached her unit, Lucy waited for Levy to arrive and by the time the blunette arrives, she had already started her midday drinking. Levy immediately comments about it, saying that it was too early to drink but Lucy just laughs it off before inviting her to drink as well. Soon enough, Lucy explained to her best friend how her meet-up with Natsu went, from success to the worst decision ever.

Sitting down on the floor in front of the glass wall, Lucy and Levy sat quietly as they watched the setting sun. Levy couldn't bring herself to speak knowing the pain that her friend is going through.

"You think I'm screwed, right?" Lucy suddenly quips as she swings side to side while looking at her best friend, who remained silent but looked back at her with so much concern in her eyes, "Can't believe I even suggested this shit…"

"Lu-chan…" Levy whispered and soon she saw Lucy tear up again but quickly wipes it away, trying to repress her emotions, "I'm sorry, I should have been there with you. In that way, we could have persuaded Natsu,"

Lucy scoffs at her friend as she waves a hand, "None of this is your fault, Levy. You shouldn't apologize for my stupidity. I brought this upon myself," Lucy shook her head in disbelief, "What was I thinking? Reclaiming my last name? Saying I'm a Heartfilia when my father practically disowned me?"

Lucy then chuckles as a tear rolls down her cheek, "Sure, I'm a Heartfilia…I'm the only heiress of the infamous Heartfilia Konzern…" Lucy said in a mocking voice, addressed to herself, "My father was right…I couldn't get anywhere without his influence…"

"That's not true!" Levy suddenly contradicts, but the blonde believes otherwise, "Whatever you achieved as an actress was all your hard work. None of that was because you were a Heartfilia. No one knows that you are that heiress,"

Lucy looks at her best friend with watery eyes, "Let's be honest, Levy, acting was never my plan. I wanted to be a writer, like you…" Lucy then sniffs as tears roll down her face, "I didn't become one. No one would take my stories or would even hire me. So basically, my father was right-"

"No-no-no! Don't say that. You are an excellent writer," Levy said as turns to face the blonde and grip her shoulders, giving it a light squeeze for emphasis, "You let me read them and they are wonderful. Life hasn't just comply with what you want—for now. But that doesn't mean you'll never get that dream. Your job may be in the field of acting but maybe that is your way to create your path…you're carving your own path without your father's influence,"

Levy then gave a soft smile as Lucy looked back at her with a little hope in her eyes, "This thing with Loke and Natsu, it's…I guess just another block that you have to overcome. Relying on your real last name doesn't mean you are asking for your father's help. You're just—taking advantage of what you already have,"

"What if he finds out?" Lucy worriedly asks.

"So, let him find out. It's not like you're going back to that mansion and asking for his money. You make your money now and you're famous because you are an excellent actress. None of that was influenced by your father," Levy confidently smiled at Lucy, "Okay?"

Lucy then nods before she looks away and stares at the early night sky.

As Levy watched the blonde take in and convince herself about her situation, she couldn't help but wonder how Lucy was going to play out the charity ball.

Levy subtly clears her throat and asks, "So, Lu-chan, what's your plan for tomorrow?"

Lucy glanced at the blunette and shrugged her shoulders, "Natsu said he'll pick me up at 7 PM tomorrow. Other than that, I don't know what I'll do…"

Levy just stared at the woman for a moment before she sighs in defeat, "Gajeel had mentioned this charity ball before. Remember, you asked me if he had brought me to these big parties?" Lucy nods as she recalls, "These are one of the big parties. All of their clan members are there…well, mostly their parents,"

"Did Gajeel bring you to those parties?" Lucy curiously asks as she rests her chin on her knees, while she rocked herself to calmness.

"He thought of bringing me once. We had dated for a year by then and his parents had been insistent on meeting me and being introduced to the whole clan," Levy then chuckles at the memory of her panicking when Gajeel had said that to her, "But when I panicked about this, Gajeel immediately decided not to go. His relatives were quite annoyed with me by then, saying that I had influenced Gajeel to be disobeying and repulsive,"

Lucy baffled looked at the blunette as she was far from being a disobeying and repulsive woman. If anything, Levy was one of the kindest and most understanding people she had ever met. But hearing how Gajeel's clan views Levy it seems that the family isn't that kind.

"I know you're thinking, 'how can Gajeel's family be like that?'…Don't, Lu-chan," Levy calmly says as Lucy was about to refute back, "Gajeel's family, even Natsu's family are very nice. They just have a lot of drama going on with their family,"

"Drama?" Lucy sarcastically utters, "That doesn't give them the excuse to judge people. That's why I hate meeting my father's business partners' families. They are all…judging and criticizing as if they are perfect!" Lucy then huffs in annoyance.

"Well, I thought that too," Levy says nodding her head, "But when I met Gajeel's parents and then later on his relatives, I realized that they were just typical people. They didn't want to be treated differently and be perceived like they were some stuck-up rich people,"

"Well, aren't they?" Lucy dubiously asks, not feeling assured by Levy's testimonies.

"Nope," Levy replies, popping the letter 'p', before she smiles at her friend, "When Gajeel told them that he wasn't bringing me to any of their charity balls to avoid any family pressures, it gave them the impression that I wasn't interested to know them and that I had refused to accept their family dynamic. Family is everything to them. So, when they want to meet their children's partner, they try to get to know them, personally,"

"Either way, they still judged you," Lucy retorts back, before looking back at the city.

"For a good reason," Levy counters, then shrugs her shoulders, "They are protective,"

"So how does that help me tomorrow?" Lucy questions still completely lost with what she'll do, "I practically still don't know if I can do it. As you said, they are rich families so most probably many of them are colleagues of papa, and what's worse, he could be there. I can't pretend to be okay with him in front of Natsu's parents. The fact that I have to act like, Natsu and I have been together for some time now, it's going to be exhausting,"

"You'll be caught," Levy concludes to which Lucy agrees.

"Can you be there?" Lucy asks, feeling nervous and hopeful that her best friend could at least be there.

When Levy looked at her, she had a look of guilt, "Well…I can ask Gajeel. He basically didn't mention to me that tomorrow would be the charity ball. Usually, he'd tell me a week prior because he'd be required to attend. But recently, he didn't mention anything about it," Levy then pulls out her phone and quickly clicks her recent calls. In under a minute, she's calling Gajeel.

"Hello?"

"Hey, babe, are you busy?" Levy cheerily asks as she made a side glance at the blonde, who was silently praying while listening

"Um, not really. Just got home. Why? Do you miss me? Gi-hi"

Levy chortles at Gajeel's trademark chuckle, "Yeah, of course…But other than that, I heard tomorrow is the charity ball,"

"Charity ball?" Gajeel repeats with a tone of surprise, "Uh yeah…How'd you know?"

"Umm, from Lucy," Levy then waited as she listened to Gajeel hum in understanding, "You do remember that I'm helping Lucy out about her rumor…"

"Yeah…what's that got to do with Lucy knowing about the charity ball?"

"Well, apparently, the man Lisanna was suggesting to Lucy to help her out was Natsu. Now, she and Natsu had agreed to…" Levy then glanced at the blonde again, mentally asking permission if she could disclose their plan. Lucy then nods her head and Levy returns the gesture before she continues, "they agreed to work together and pretend to be a couple,"

Gajeel was silent for almost a minute before he responded with so much disbelief, "What?"

"Okay, listen, Lucy and Natsu had planned it out well. They had contracts and rules-" Levy rambles, but Gajeel quickly cuts off.

"Contract and rules?! What are they thinking? Auntie Grandine will be furious," Gajeel bellows to which Levy winces. Lucy was immediately alarmed, seeing that their plan may not work, "What the fucking hell got into that pink idiot?"

"That's why, I was hoping we could attend tomorrow…to help Lucy and Natsu out," Levy then bit her lower lip in anticipation.

"No," Gajeel sternly and immediately replies, making Levy raise a brow in confusion.

"And why not?" Levy questioned, almost annoyed that Gajeel just turned her down immediately.

"Because, first, I had made plans for us tomorrow. I was hoping to take you on a road trip. And second, we shouldn't be messing with the Dragneels, especially auntie Grandine. Did I ever mention Natsu's last relationship?"

"Yes, you did… it's very nice of you to plan our date. But I was hoping to help Lucy out tomorrow. She'll need me there," Levy casts her eyes low, feeling like she won't win this argument.

"You know what, tell her instead that she shouldn't come. Hell, she shouldn't even make some deals with Natsu. She'll just get burned by mingling with him,"

"You talk about Natsu like he isn't your closest cousin," Levy retorts back, and Lucy curiously questions what their conversation is about.

Gajeel snorts at the blunette's comment, "We may be close but that doesn't mean I tolerate him,"

"Natsu's a good guy," Levy counters and Lucy quickly mouths 'what's going on?' after hearing Natsu's name again. But Levy just shook her head while she answers again, "He didn't want to accept Lucy's offer initially. But apparently, Lucy's too good at convincing that made Natsu say yes. But now, Lucy's quite in a predicament. She has her personal baggage resurfacing which could affect the whole deal,"

"Exactly my point. They shouldn't have made a deal…Lucy's going to a battle that can cause her more damage,"

"Exactly, that's why we have to be there. We're her accomplices,"

"Oh fuck…"

"Language," Levy retorts with a raised brow.

"Levy, once we help them out. You'll be under their radar as well. Mom can be understanding and chill, but auntie Grandine…I don't think so, not recently,"

"I know, I know…" Levy bites her lower lip again with anticipation and anxiety before she glances at her wide-eyed friend, "But I'm willing…for Lucy,"

Lucy then tears up before she tackles the blunette, who happily chuckles at her best friend's antics, "So, what do you say babe? Are you in? We'll help out?"

Gajeel rolls his eyes as he huffs in defeat, "Alright…But I'm doing this so that you won't get in trouble with my family,"

"Yes!" Levy exclaimed as she giddily looked at Lucy, "Thank you! Thank you!"

"I'll ask Mayta to bring gowns over to your place so you could pick, then I'll pick you up before 7 PM."

"Yes, ok," Levy beamed in excitement, "I love you!"

"Love you too, shrimp,"

And with that Levy pulls her phone away to end the call. Once she places her phone down on the floor, she smirked at the blonde and said, "Well, you've got yourself a backup,"

Lucy then shrieks in happiness as she embraces her friend again and repeatedly said her thanks.

As the night got deeper, Levy bid the blonde goodbye and headed home to prepare herself as well for the upcoming charity ball. Now, left alone in her unit, Lucy had settled a few more hours in front of the glass wall. Levy had left some food for her to eat, but she couldn't bring herself to eat as she only felt like she'll spew it out later. But then, she still held onto her bottle of wine.

As a long yawn escaped Lucy's lips, the blonde sleepily stared at the almost sleeping city. Feeling the exhaustion and drain of emotions, the actress finally decided to stand from her place and head back to her room. When Lucy went to bed, she thought sleep would easily take over. But the moment she lay down on her bed, a flashback of her heated argument with her father resurfaced in her mind.

"An ungrateful daughter huh…" Lucy mumbles to herself as she stares at her ceiling as if her past was replaying in front of her, "Have you always thought of that papa?" she whispered as if asking the man but knew she wouldn't get any answer. Lucy then closes her eyes, and wills herself not to cry again but then her eyes were stinging with tears.

When she felt warm liquid run down to the side of her face, Lucy immediately wipes it away. She didn't like crying about her past anymore. She had come to the resolution of cutting off people in her life that didn't seem helpful in her growth. One of them was her father.

Ping!

Lucy suddenly opens her eyes and glances at her lit phone on the nightstand. Slowly, she grabbed her phone and stared at the unknown number texting her.

10:34 PM

080-5862-8771: Hi, Lucy. This is Natsu Dragneel. Save this number as this is my personal number. Don't use the other phone number. Thanks.

As Lucy read the message repeatedly, she couldn't help but feel a little annoyed. His tone in the text seemed cold and uncaring. He seemed too different from the Natsu she had drinks with in Fairy Tail.

"Have you always been a cold person, Natsu?" Lucy questioned herself, but then she remembers the short notes Natsu had left for her. He seemed to be a warm person. But then, reading his text message made her feel like he was distant.

Ping!

"Oh shit," Lucy suddenly sat up, startled that another text message came from him as if he was answering her thoughts.

10:35 PM

080-5862-8771: Lucy, are you still awake?

Seeing Natsu's message made Lucy shake her head to wake herself more. She immediately clicked on his number and saved it in her contacts

"You shall be Mr. Pinkette," Lucy mumbles as a small smile appears on her lips. When she was done saving his contact number, Lucy returned to the message and just stared at it. She didn't have the time to realize that she and Natsu probably had the same phone brand. She only noticed it when a bubble with three dots appeared on her screen. She suddenly drops her phone on her legs and watched the bubble blink.

Shit, Natsu is typing…

10:36 PM

Mr. Pinkette: I'm assuming you are awake given it shows here you have read my message.

"Shit," Lucy uttered with wide eyes when another bubble with three dots appears again

10:36 PM

Mr. Pinkette: Okay, maybe you just left your phone on. But, if your actually awake, can you at least type any letter?

Lucy suddenly bites her nails, contemplating if she'd type any letter to tell him that she's really awake and that she's reading her messages.

10:36 PM

Mr. Pinkette: Lucy?

Lucy stared another minute and waited if he was going to add more. When a bubble appeared, she patiently waited for him to finish. Until it disappeared. But then after a few seconds, the bubble appeared again. Lucy bit her nails, even more, getting a little anxious and curious at the same time. But when the bubble disappeared again for the second time, Lucy quite got disappointed.

Lucy sighs in defeat, "What am I doing?"

A bubble appears again, perking Lucy up, and waits patiently. But for the third time, it vanished. Having enough of this anticipation, Lucy picked up her phone and typed, "Yes?"

After a few seconds, her phone started ringing and Natsu was calling her, "Fuck!" Lucy screeched, "Why the hell are you calling?!"

Lucy just watched her phone ring until the call dropped. When her phone stopped ringing, Lucy suddenly sighed in relief. Not until Natsu started calling again, leaving Lucy stunned and staring at her ringing phone.

"What the…" Lucy trailed off and when nearly a minute pass without the phone stopping ringing, Lucy sighed in defeat as she slides a finger over her screen to accept the call and then place it over her ear.

"What?" Lucy nonchalantly answers, trying to sound uninterested.

"Luce?" Natsu replies with surprise in his voice, expecting that the call would be dropped soon.

"Luce? Since when have we made nicknames for each other?" Lucy questioned as her brows lift, never recalling that Natsu ever called her that.

"Oh, I probably called you that last night accidentally. Anyways, I won't call you that again," Natsu said, making Lucy feel a little embarrassed for being quite mean. It was just a nickname after all. But Lucy thought, it should be her least concern, so she shook off the feeling and cleared her throat.

"Well, good. My name Lucy is enough. So, why'd you bombarded me with text messages and now call me in the middle of the night?" Lucy looks down at her fumbling hands, still feeling a little erring with the tone she is using.

"Well, I apologize for spamming you at this hour," Natsu utters, returning to the stoic attitude Lucy remembers when she called him, "I just wanted to inform you that a set of gowns will be delivered to your home for you to choose from. Would you prefer that I get you a team of make-up artists and stylists to come over to your place or do you have your own team?"

"What if I say I won't go?" Lucy suddenly questioned out of the blue. Despite deciding to push through with the whole charity ball, she was genuinely just curious if she decides to turn back on her word in the contract deal, "What if I go hiding tomorrow so that you wouldn't be able to find me?"

Natsu was then silent, thinking to himself but also trying to understand the woman's tone. He wasn't really good at reading people, let alone a woman. But for an odd reason, he knew Lucy was in some emotional turmoil blunder, and it wasn't about her ex-boyfriend. It was something more painful and deeply rooted in her life. Something he's familiar with.

"I don't exactly know what's happening, but I'll give you the option. I'll just send those garments to you and prepare a team for your prepping. If you decide to honor our deal, then thank you. If not, then so be it. It would be best to stop this charade anyway,"

"Shouldn't you be mad about what I'm saying?" Lucy asked confusedly, completely unaware of Natsu's understanding of her situation, "I can be serious about hiding,"

"If you feel like hiding, then hide. Why would I stop you?"

"I used you," Lucy bluntly said, "I took advantage of your presence at the Fairy Tail with me and now, I'm getting better tabloid news. While you…you're still stuck in your own dilemma,"

"A dilemma that you shouldn't worry about. None of these are your business," Natsu said with a tone of softness, making Lucy realize that the man genuinely doesn't want to include her in his own mess. He wanted to deal with his turmoil alone. And for some reason, she felt sad that the man would prefer to be alone with his own vices.

"I'll let you sleep. I'll see you when I see you," Natsu suddenly adds after a moment of silence, "Good night, Lucy"

And with that, the call ends. Lucy pulls her phone away from her ear and just stares at her home screen. She felt conflicted. She wants to avoid attending that ball for the fear of encountering her father or someone who works with him. But at the same time, she feels guilty to turn back on her word to help Natsu, who does not really expect her to help him out.

Lucy runs her fingers through her hair and lets it slide through as she stared hard at her phone while releasing a deep sigh. As she closes her eyes, she lets herself drop onto the bed and hoped that sleep would consume her. Unfortunately, it barely did.

When the sun came up, Lucy barely had any sleep. She was awake before her alarm even went off and when it did, she groaned in annoyance before she dragged herself out of bed. As she puts on her robe, she automatically does her usual morning routine and then went to the kitchen to prepare herself some breakfast. As she settled some eggs, bread, and avocados on the counter, she suddenly stared blankly at the goods.

If you feel like hiding, then hide. Why would I stop you?

Natsu's voice echoed in her mind, causing her to feel a little anxiety inside her chest. Lucy then closes her eyes as she breathes out her frustration. As she did, with the hope that anxiety would lessen, she shook her head to get herself focused again.

Nearly an hour after, Lucy had finally accomplished making her breakfast. Seated on her kitchen island, with a plate of avocado toast with egg and a mug of sweet black coffee in front of her, she tried her best to ignore her dormant phone. She'd glance at it from time to time as she cuts a piece of her toast or when she shoves a bite of it. But no matter how much she tries to pay no attention, she couldn't help but plead somehow that a call or even a text message would pop up.

As she settles with her dishes in the dishwasher, Lucy swiftly spins to look back at her, still, idle phone. Staring hard at the mobile, willing to conjure a text, Lucy suddenly yelps and jump when her home phone rings. Raising a brow at the unexpected call, the actress hesitated for a moment before deciding to pick up the phone.

The lobby receptionist of her condo building had called to inform her that a certain Ms. Akiyo was looking for her. She was the fashion stylist sent by the Fiore Fashion Agency, and Lucy quickly realized that this might be the team Natsu had sent her. She is just assuming, given that she recalls Natsu's words that he'd still send a team for prep despite giving her the option to back out. For a moment, she was about to agree immediately. But then thought twice, when she fathomed that it might be an indication that she was going to the ball.

"Hi, Ms. Lucy?" a voice suddenly spoke over the phone, snapping Lucy out of her thoughts

"Um, yes? This is she. Who's this?"

"Ah, yes, this is Ms. Akiyo Hinata. I'm the head stylist of Fiore Fashion. I was instructed by the executive assistant of Mr. Dragneel to head to your place and bring a set of gowns for you. This is concerning the charity ball tonight," the woman's voice sounded confident as if she would not take a no for an answer. This made Lucy feel even more on edge.

"Um, yes. I was informed that a team would be coming over. But um, Mr. Dragneel and I…" Lucy paused, wondering how much this woman knows about their arrangement, "had a discussion-"

"Ah, yes. I was also instructed to wait for your confirmation about attending the event. In the meantime, would you like my team to send up the garments to your unit while you make a decision?"

Lucy was baffled for a moment, thinking that she'd had to explain it to the stylist about her discussion with the pink-haired president. But it seems that Natsu was genuinely serious about giving her the option to run away. So, without a minute passing, she finally agreed to send the team up to at least settle their things.

Soon enough, a group of stylists and assistants flooded inside her unit and prepped the gowns in her living room. She greeted them with a little hesitant smile but still warmly welcomed them and offered drinks and food.

As Lucy watched the unfamiliar styling team prepare the different shoes, accessories, make-up, and gowns, the actress was in deep thought about her options. She had texted Levy and sent a photo to her about what was going on inside her place.

10:05 AM

Levy-chan: OMG! It's happening!

Levy-chan: Well, the teams prompt. I'm impressed with Natsu…

Lucy bites her nail as she stares at her phone, contemplating what to reply back. When Lucy glanced up, everybody was busy walking around following Akiyo's instructions. The head stylist was talking to another stylist (assuming) who was having a serious discussion about a certain fashion style. The actress couldn't help but sigh before looking back at her phone and start typing.

10:07 AM

Me: He gave me an option

Lucy then waited for a moment and saw Levy's bubble pop up.

10:07 AM

Levy-chan: Option? What do you mean?

Me: He called last night, and I asked him what he'd do if I hide away

Levy-chan: WAIT WHAT?!

Levy-chan: You're not pushing thru?!

Lucy sighs again as she slumps back to her couch and brought her phone close to her face. She then started typing as she knows her best friend is panicking.

10:10 AM

Me: I'm still thinking about it

Levy-chan: Wait, what did Natsu tell you?

Me: Well…

Me: He actually told me that he wouldn't stop me if I wanted to hide

Me: He wouldn't take it against me if I backed out

10:13 AM

Levy-chan: What about the contract?

Lucy then stared at Levy's question, making her contemplate it when suddenly she hears Natsu's voice in her head,

If you decide to honor our deal, then thank you. If not, then so be it. It would be best to stop this charade anyway.

10:19 AM

Me: I don't think he'd still want it

Levy-chan: So, what do you plan to do?

10:23 AM

Me: I don't know…

Me: Maybe it's best if you don't push thru? Just in case I back out…

Levy-chan: Are you sure?

Levy-chan: What if you go? I won't be able to help you out

10:25 AM

Me: Don't worry…

Me: I'm more like 70-30

10:27 AM

Me: of not going

Dragneel Manor

As the moon finally shone above the night sky, the event at the Dragneel Manor is slowly beginning to commence. Various vehicles pass by the driveway to drop off important guests and security and butlers are on standby to assist.

When an emerald-green Rolls Royce ghost hauls up in the driveway and expertly stops in the middle, security personnel stood in attention at the familiar vehicle. The dashing pink-haired president of Dragneel Empire Group steps out of the back passenger and looked around the vicinity.

"Mr. Dragneel, welcome," a chestnut-brown-haired man greets as he descends the short flight of stairs, "The CEO and the president is already in the gathering, waiting for you,"

"Alright, thank you, Daichi," Natsu replies as he pulls down on his suit to a more comfortable fitting. The two then started heading inside the manor, "Are my siblings here?"

"Mr. Zeref will be a little late as he had an operation early this afternoon," the assistant states before he pulls out a work phone to check up on the guest list, "Ms. Wendy, on the other hand, is already here too, along with her friends,"

"Romeo?" Natsu questioned with a raised brow, making the assistant laugh a little with his boss' protective instinct.

"Among her guests invited. She strongly reminds me that Ms. Chelia Blendy is her main guest," Daichi then smiled as the pink-haired president chuckled while rolling his eyes.

"How about the other hooligans?" Natsu asked as he and Daichi turn to the next corridor heading towards the manor's garden.

"Mr. Sting and Mr. Rogue are on their way along with their families. While Mr. Gajeel had finally decided not to attend," Daichi then stopped walking when the pinkette abruptly stopped.

"What do you mean finally decided?" Natsu suddenly stood up straighter, making him look an inch taller than his assistant, "He is supposed to be here. It isn't an option,"

"Um, Ms. Mayta informed me that Mr. Redfox will no longer accompany his parents. He had some personal errands to attend to," Daichi then gave a nervous smile at the irritated pinkette.

"That shitty bastard," Natsu hissed as half turns away from his assistant before looking back at him, "Call him, I need to talk to him,"

"Right away sir," Daichi then started fumbling with his phone and quickly dials the work phone of Gajeel. But then after a minute of ringing, the assistant quickly informs the pinkette that Gajeel was not answering any calls. Natsu then brought out his phone and quickly calls his cousin. But to no avail, the man did not pick up his phone.

"Continue calling him, until he answers. I need to speak with him,"

"Yes, sir," Daichi bows his head as the pink-haired president then walks away and headed out toward the gardens. Daichi then sighs before he left to accomplish his task.

When Natsu emerges to their outdoor patio and walked closer to the railings, he looked around their sloped backyard. The venue was well decorated with bright warm lights, dazzling decors, and soft jazz music playing. More than a hundred people were already there, socializing with one another. He can see DEG's business partners talking among themselves, other business tycoons that DEG keeps an arms-length distance from, and even philanthropist celebrities of Fiore were there to participate.

Sighing to himself, Natsu knew that he'd have to deal with a lot of these people. He'd have to talk about business, convince these stakeholders to support his plans for the DEG, then deal with his mother's insistence on meeting their partners' daughters. Taking Lucy's offer to pretend as a girlfriend-boyfriend would help him a little. But given their last conversation, he was sure that Lucy wasn't coming.

Despite sending his people to help Lucy prepare for the event, he didn't get any heads up from Akiyo that Lucy had confirmed. It was bothersome that Akiyo did not report back anything about it. But shrugging it off, as he had more concerns to deal with, Natsu convinced himself that it was better this way. Dragging Lucy into this pretentious relationship would just be more trouble than a solution in the long run.

Natsu sighs once again as he pulls down on his suit and fixed his black bow tie before he started descending on the right side of the twin stairs of their backyard. Flashes of cameras caught people's attention and looked at the strikingly handsome man. Many of the women nearby gave a lustrous gaze at Natsu, but barely gave attention to them as he just gave a small smile to each of them.

Soon enough, other businessmen approached Natsu and shook hands with him. They made short conversations and gave praises about the event. Natsu expertly gave compliments back and encouraged them to take part in the auction. As Natsu one-by-one passed by his guests and greeted them, he finally spots his parents.

Silently, Natsu approached his parents who were in conversation with one of their stakeholders. He then gently wrapped an arm around his mother's shoulder to subtly present his presence. When the blue-haired woman turns to look at him, Natsu quickly gave a small smile at the slightly confused woman.

"Hi, mom," Natsu whispered.

"Well, here is the president and my handsome son," Grandine replies back with a wide smile on her face. Natsu huffed a laugh before looking back at their guest and regarding him.

"Thank you for coming, Mr. Mizuki. It's always nice to see familiar faces supporting our cause," Natsu said as he shook hands with the elderly.

"Well, I always support your father," the elderly said before giving a brief glance at the red-haired man, "And now, I shall support you given that your father has entrusted this role to you,"

Natsu then looked at his father, who was just gently smiling back at him, "Well, I'm honored for your support. There is a lot for me to learn, but knowing I have your support, I'm sure I'll have a great mentor out of you and dad,"

"Despite being in position for less than a year, DEG has already flourished under his supervision," Igneel added, making the young president a little bashful with the compliment.

"I have no doubt he'll be excellent as a president and someday as a CEO," Mr. Mizuki then grins at the pinkette before tapping his shoulder as an encouragement, "Well then, I will grab some drinks first and enjoy this evening,"

"Yes, of course, enjoy the night, Mr. Mizuki," Grandine utters as she sweetly smiled at the man before turning back to her son, "Well, you look exceptionally handsome tonight,"

"Thank you," Natsu quietly replies, "After all it's your stylist who chose this suit for me,"

"Well, of course. I can't let the president of DEG look lousy with his scarf on," Grandine grinned as both her husband and son raised a brow at her.

"Excuse me, my lady, that scarf is one of a kind," Igneel teasingly says, making the blue-haired woman laugh.

"Oh, I didn't say it isn't. I'm just saying that Natsu should wear something more formal and appropriate for this event," Grandine then glanced at the pinkette, "Afterall, everybody will be looking at you,"

"Which you know I don't like," Natsu bluntly says, making Igneel chuckle in agreement.

"Well, you don't have a choice. You're the president now," Grandine's face turned a little serious as she kept her gaze on her son, "You'll just have to play your part,"

"If there is anyone to blame, it should be me," Igneel suddenly interjects, making the two other Dragneels look at him, "I gave the responsibility to you,"

"Well, after your heart attack, your doctor and Zeref had strictly instructed that you should lessen your work stress. You're not as young as you think, mister," Grandine reprimands.

"There is nothing to blame, dad. And besides, whether I like it or not I will have to take part in our business. You can't forever do the job," Natsu smiled at his father.

"Eh, sometimes I just feel bad that I had to pull and make you take the job when you could be doing something that you like more. Just like Zeref and Wendy,"

"To be honest, they had more specific career goals than I did. I just want to help people," Natsu timidly smiles at his parents. Grandine then reached out and took his hand, "There is nothing wrong with that goal. DEG is a real estate industry and you have found a way to help the homeless,"

"Just in case you're not aware son, we're proud of you," Igneel then flashed his infamous smile, making the pink-haired man smile back.

"Thanks," Natsu whispered back as he ducks his head.

Being in such an event where people easily make comments about him being a newbie in the business, Natsu can feel the silent scrutiny from older business associates. Every day at work, he would recognize the judgmental glances of these people. Being the son of the CEO is not enough to prove his credibility, hence, he'd always have to show his best effort. But hearing his parents that they were proud of him puts him a little at ease, knowing that they'll support him, nevertheless.

"So, I heard Gajeel is not coming because of personal errands," Grandine suddenly comments, which Natsu quickly took note of as his mother's way to segue the topic about dates.

"Yeah, but I'm currently asking Daichi to contact him because he should be here," Natsu then gave a tight-lipped smile, "Red Dragon Iron is one of the main sponsors for this event and he should be here,"

"Well, your aunt Sefera and uncle Metalicana are here to represent the company. Gajeel can skip this event," Igneel replies back.

"Again" Natsu grits back, making Grandine chuckle.

"Well, you can't blame Gajeel. He prefers to spend the night with his girlfriend than be in these events," Grandine then grinned when Natsu gave a nonchalant look, "Sadly for you, you don't have any girlfriend to attend to. But either way, you still can't skip out on these events,"

"Exactly, so regardless of having a girlfriend or not, I'll be busy. There is no point in being in a relationship," Natsu then smirked at his mother, who was now scowling at him.

"Oh, don't use that excuse," Grandine remarks, making the red-haired man chuckle knowing that this was going to be the beginning of a lecture, "Your father and I were in a relationship when he took on the business from your grandfather. He never made that as an excuse not to date me. He may be busy, but he took time. It was a matter of setting time for important things in life,"

"Mom, I don't have to set time for romance. I have you guys and I can preoccupy myself with work or hobbies," Natsu then grinned at his mother, "Just think about it mom, at least you wouldn't have to worry about whether I'm dating a girl who is acceptable or not,"

"Okay, listen, young man, I have reasons for being protective," Grandine then gave a stern look at the pinkette. Natsu then scolds himself as he realized that he had miscalculated this move given that the subject can be quite sensitive for his mother if you said the wrong words, "We all know this family's history. Your history, so may I remind you that this is my only way of protecting you,"

"Alright, honey, calm down," Igneel suddenly soothed his wife, knowing that his wife was getting worked up just by recalling a memory, "Natsu was just teasing, right?" Igneel then widens his eyes on his son while he continued to stroke the back of his wife.

"Yeah, mom, I'm just…kidding around. I know you mean well," Natsu then took his mother's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Igneel then offered to get some drinks for his wife and left the two for a moment.

As Natsu and Grandine silently stared at one another, the double doors at the top patio suddenly opened audibly, catching the attention of many people. Guests around the area suddenly looked up at the top patio and waited to glance at the nearly late guest.

Natsu checked his watch and saw it was past 8 PM and most of the guests had arrived already. Many of them were already settling down to their assigned tables. So, hearing this latecomer made him a little curious. So, slowly, he walked towards the end of the stairs when suddenly a beautiful woman stands by the railing of the top patio.

Natsu suddenly was rooted in place, mesmerized with the woman, standing and glancing around the area as if looking for someone. The woman's golden blonde hair was neatly clipped at one side and freely swayed behind her. While the other half of her hair was elegantly placed in front, making her beautiful curls wave along with her movement.

"Lucy," Natsu quietly whispered to himself when suddenly the woman locked eyes with him as if she had heard him call her name. As they had locked gaze on one another, the blonde actress slowly smiled at him before she descended the stairs. Her sweetheart white chiffon gown flowed behind her, making her look ethereal and Natsu couldn't help but compare her to an angel.

As Lucy descended the stairs, Natsu slowly walks closer without breaking their gaze. He met her nearly at the end of the stairs and offered his hand. Lucy gently placed her hand on Natsu's hand, a little nervous with the attention she was getting. But when Natsu gently squeezed her hand back, Lucy suddenly felt relief as if he was telling her that she could lean on him.

"You came," Natsu whispered loud enough for Lucy only.

"I'm sorry if I made things a little complicated," Lucy then gave a shy smile, but Natsu just chortles at her, making the woman, even more, relaxed knowing that Natsu wasn't mad.

"My mom used to say women are entitled to change their minds," Natsu beams as Lucy grinned wider.

Soon the two walked down the stairs and Natsu immediately entwines their hands. Lucy was startled a little by the sudden gesture, making her look down at their hands before looking back at the pink-haired man. At that moment, Lucy couldn't help but admire the confidence Natsu emitted. His confidence gave her a sense of assurance that he will be protecting her in any way he can, and she is grateful for it. And so, Lucy clasps his hand a little more which made Natsu look back at her to smile contentedly.

As Natsu and Lucy walked hand in hand toward the crowd, everyone pays close attention to them. Celebrities quickly spot the actress and mumble to the person next to them, while the businessmen chatter to one another either commenting about the blonde or questioning who she is.

Grandine suddenly walks up to the pair with a questioning look. Her gaze quickly stops at her son, "Natsu, I didn't know you brought a date," Grandine then glanced at the blonde, who only smiled in return, "Moments ago, you just said that you weren't interested to be in a relationship," She then looked back at her son with a dubious glare.

"Yes, I did say that" Natsu then swallowed hard, trying to keep himself cool, "Only because I thought my girlfriend dumped me," he then looked at Lucy whose eyes turned wide at his statement.

"Dumped you?" Grandine confusingly repeats as she shakes her head, "And did you just say she's your girlfriend?" the blue-haired mother then looked at Lucy again with a sharp gaze.

"Yes, mom. She's my girlfriend," Natsu then placed a hand on Lucy's small back as she took a small step forward to properly introduce herself.

"Good evening, Mrs. Dragneel, I'm Lucy," the actress brought out her hand, but Grandine only glanced at it before looking straight back at the actress.

Grandine tilts her head as she contemplates the name of the blonde in front of her, "Lucy?" Grandine repeats as if testing the name on her lips, "Lucy who?" Grandine menacingly questioned but the actress just smirks as she puts down her hand and clasps her purse instead.

"Lucy Heartfilia, ma'am," Lucy's smirk grew wider as her eyes twinkled mischievously when Grandine gasped in surprise.

To be continued…