My Way To You - Chapter 360

“Not every arranged marriage is a happy one, especially between nobles. I was just a little worried about my benefactor marrying a noble house but now I can see that the both of you will be very happy together.” Bruno said with a wide grin. “We are childhood friends, we been with each other for so long that now I don’t think I can see myself with anyone else.” Ariana admitted as she blushed.

“That’s sweet…. What about your friends? Do they have arranged marriages?” Bruno asked as casually as he could but his cheeks dyed a soft pink. “I actually don’t know. I never talked about it with my friends. I know Vanessa was engaged but her engagement was broken off. While Edlyn is finalising her marriage today.” Ariana said as her smile dropped. She didn’t know much about Halina and Talisha future, she knew about their family situations but nothing else.

She wondered if they even considered her as a friend or just some meddlesome roommate. Bruno turned to Ariana and opened his mouth but when he saw the change in Ariana’s face he abandoned what he wanted say. “It’s okay! Just because you don’t know the answer shows that your friends treasure their engagement or they are following etiquette, so it’s not that surprising.” Bruno said in hurry amas he started to add the fillings to the crepes, he had embarrassed himself and needed a distraction. “Etiquette? How? I don’t know. Maybe we are really just superficial friends.” Ariana said sadly.

“No! It might really be etiquette. It’s like I said not all arranged marriages between nobles are happy ones and it’s considered rude to talk about your arranged marriage with your friends.” Bruno explained. Then he started to fold the crepes and then placed them into the take out box. He then poured more batter onto the hot plates. “Why is it rude?” Ariana asked.

“It’s not necessarily rude, it’s more dangerous than anything.” Cayden said as he took Ariana’s hand and held it gently. “Mr. Remo is right. I only said rude to not alarm you but yes it is considered dangerous. When you are with someone who you are comfortable with your lips become loose.” Bruno explained as he reached for the fillings. “Loose?” Ariana asked.

“Loose lips ruin sh.i.p.s.” Cayden said but Ariana still didn’t understand. She just stared at Cayden. “When with your friends are with you, you tend to talk about anything and everything without filter right?” Cayden asked. “Yes.” Ariana answered. “Well what would happen if you openly talked about an arranged marriage with someone you have no feelings for? Or think poorly of?” Cayden asked.

“I woud probably rant to my friends so I can blow off some steam.” Ariana replied. “And that’s what makes it dangerous.” Bruno said as he started to pack up the rest of the food. “There are too many ears listening into so many conversations and when it comes to marriages that could benefit their family they will use the information to destroy others instead.” Cayden explained. “So if the marriage is broken off can’t they find someone better?” Ariana asked.

“It’s not always that simple. Some marriages are the best they can get and others are needed to save their families. If a marriage is broken off it could destroy the family, put them in a difficult situation, financially cripple the estate or disgrace them. It’s a big deal to break off an engagement.” Bruno explained as he passed the take out box. “Ariana?” Bruno called out with concern.

Ariana turned ghostly white, her lips trembled as her eyes watered. “It’s okay. My engaement was done because the other pary begged. Breaking it off didn’t do anyting to her or her family and I properly compensated the family with my own money.” Cayden said nonchalantly but the information did not make her feel any better. Tears started to spill from her eyes. “Ariana I didn’t mean to make you so upset!” Bruno said in a panic but Ariana kept crying. Soon the people in line started to whisper.

Bruno was starting to sweat buckets, he didn’t want weird rumours flying around about him. He still needed to find a wife himself and he worked hard for his convenience his mother to agree to his terms. He wanted to fall in love and find his own happiness. He didn’t want an arranged marriage.

“Give her some time, she will feel better soon.” Cayden said as he took the take out box and passed Bruno a gold coin. “Will she really be alright?” Bruno asked as he took the money without looking at it. “I’m so sorry Ariana. I didn’t mean to make you sad.” Bruno said apologetically. Ariana gave Bruno a shaky smile. Cayden nodded his head then wrapped his arm around Ariana’s waist. “I promised to marry her when we were kids and I am keeping that promise. If I can’t make her feel better from this I am not qualified to be her future husband.” Cayden said with conviction.

Ariana’s tears started to slow down as she looked at Cayden. “I’m okay Bruno, we’re just going to go now. Say hi to your mom for me.” Ariana said. Bruno let out a sigh of relief. Cayden took the que and nodded his head to Bruno. “Thank you for the food, I hope you will always be a good friend to my fiancee. We will come see again.” Cayden said loudly before he lead Ariana away. Bruno glanced over to the other customers and say them murmuring in awe. Bruno sighed again, he was saved.

He watched the two walk away, he hoped that one day he too could find a love like theirs. Then he looked at the coin in his hand and his eyes almost bulged out of his head. “WAIT! CAYDEN YOUR CHANGE!” Bruno shouted. “Keep the change!” Cayden shouted back without looking. Bruno looked at the coin again and shook his head. There was no way he was going to put a gold coin in his till.

He placed the coin in is pocket and called the other empoyees into a mini huddle. “Drinks after work and it’s on me.” He said happily. The workers became overjoyed and could only express their happiness by proveding outstanding customer service. On that day Bruno’s little crepe booth become incredibly famous and catching the attention of a lovely lady.