The Traps of Black Swan

Naomi felt her blood turn cold hearing Megan, she had lots of questions to ask and to know how Aarvi became so close to Rivas family members that they were so affectionate with Aarvi. Despite growing up and meeting them frequently, she never got any nicknames.

'Gigglemug? She doesn't even smile.' She wanted to scream it out. Then she turned to Jordan to ask why he called the whole family to Rivas mansion. She was excited from the previous day thinking Jordan was going to talk about her and Aaron's wedding with them.

What she noticed on Jordan's face brought her hopes up. She clearly understood Jordan is against Aarvi and Aaron's relationship. As much as she knows, the Rivas family members respected elders so she assumed that Aaron is bound to leave Aarvi for his grandfather.

Then she looked at the unnatural doll, Fiona Knox. 'Is she a prospective bride for Aaron?' She felt it was possible because the Knox and Rivas family have better relations than them.

On the other end, Fiona clenched her fist to control from lashing out. She wanted to speak about the promise that she is the bride of Aaron. The latter's looks made her so inferior that she had to repeatedly go under the knife to match his beauty but what she got to hear, some random unknown nameless woman as Young Madam Rivas!

She had gathered the info painstakingly that 'Aarvi is just nobody.' Nothing more, nothing less. As if Aarvi is just a magical spirit around Aaron, nobody gets her sight other than with him. It's like she disappears into thin air without Aaron.

Following or tracking Aarvi was next to impossible for Fiona despite her father's influence. She wanted to object to Megan's words and remind them about the promise but earned a grand blow.

Madam Knox, Fiona's mother exclaimed, "Madam Rivas, your daughter-in-law is so beautiful... Aaron, propose to your girlfriend and get married soon." She had a harmless smile as she stood up unlocking her diamond bracelet and walked towards Aarvi continuing her words, "I am sorry, I didn't know we were meeting you today. I will be really happy if you accept my small present."

Aarvi had discerned the Fisher family plan long back. Looking at Madam Knox, she didn't feel the lady as acting but sincere. Her eyes grazed Fiona who was beyond shock and at Master Knox who was congratulating Connor and Karsen.

Aarvi wasn't a wife of Aaron, not even a fiancee so she couldn't understand why the Rivas family members, Madam and Master Knox were so delighted.

Anyhow, she quickly discerned that Knox's parents had no idea about Fiona's likes and they were really happy hearing the news. "Madam Knox, thank you but your blessing is all that matters." She politely rejected her.

Fiona and Naomi sneered in the mind hearing her reject millions worth of diamond bracelet thinking Aarvi couldn't afford it without knowing the annual income of their families is less than the trimester income of Aarvi.

Even though Madam Knox was upset hearing the rejection, she still smiled by her politeness and the choice of words she picked instead of putting on an act of rejecting.

Megan patted Aarvi's back as a cue for her to accept it because she already had a better and expensive item as a return gift however Aarvi was still reluctant because she wouldn't use it if she takes it or even if it is hell expensive. 

Aaron broke his stare from Jordan and faintly smiled at Madam Knox, "Aunty Knox, how about a gift for the wedding?"

Aarvi: "..."

Her hand itched to grab the bracelet from Madam Knox's hand hearing Aaron's line which indicated that they were going to get married soon. 

Madam Knox retracted her hand nodding her head, "Haa… That's fantastic. I will look for better and beautiful ones."

Fiona was so enraged that her face was red as a cherry and the words were on the tip of her tongue, 'Are you even my mother?' She controlled so that she could save her image.

Jordan didn't utter a single word and watched as Aaron wrapped his hand around his Cupcake's shoulder treasuring her like a delicate piece of art taking her away from the living hall.

His face was blank as plain paper when Master Knox wished him but he didn't utter a word. He was still adamant that Aaron deserved better but he didn't know Naomi had assumed his behavior as he was supporting her as Aaron's bride, Rivas family's daughter-in-law.

Whatever it is, Jordan had mentally prepared to talk to Aarvi directly and show her place thinking she was just a girl with nothing.

Shawn who had offered a mansion trip to Fiona spoke very kindly, "Ms. Knox, you have already been to the mansion, it's all the same, nothing new." He slid away from the unwanted responsibility and left the living hall to others going aside with Hassan.

---

Aaron slowly walked around on the ground floor with Aarvi showing the mansion. Kelly had their own family mansion too but it looked pale against the elegant, refined, and posh look of the Rivas mansion.

The Rivas mansion was in H shape with natural light entering each area giving the fresh and light feel. The European gourmet open kitchen had an island counter, breakfast table, and a leisure area. What attracted most to Aarvi were the lights, their design and architecture were one of a kind just like they had unique ones in the Avron mansion.

The dining hall gave off a vintage vibe due to wall painting, the chandelier hanging to the ceiling, grey glass table, and Ivory white chairs. Then they walked to the drawing-room, entertainment room before going upstairs.

Aarvi soon realized the mansion was built and chosen everything meticulously to make a cozy den instead of how usual billionaires' show it off. Everything was in warm colors calming the eyes. 

She liked the vintage rustic library and the same themed mini theatre with warm couches. The second living hall was perfect for lazing with the family. They didn't enter the bedrooms other than Aaron telling which room belonged to whom.

Standing at the backside view of the mansion, she noticed an outhouse, swimming pool, and a massive floor chessboard. "Aaron, who likes to play chess?" because she had seen checkerboard patterns here and there.

"Grandfather" He stood by her watching the view outside.

"I want to play, it's been a long time since I played the game," Aarvi said, turning to him instead of the view outside.

Aaron brows raised with a smirk as though she joked, "Your pawns are real humans and there is only one queen, You! Why do you want to play chess here?"

Aarvi pouted and walked to another side where three more rooms were there, Aaron caught up with her and pointed to a room, "That's Shawn's room." Then he turned her towards another room, "This is my… Our room."

Aarvi elbowed him for 'Our room' and pointed to another door, "That room?" She guessed, "Your little sister's?"

Aaron glanced at the room door, then at her, "I would have given that room to you but no, this is our room." He pushed his room door open and took her inside.

Aarvi wanted to see his sister's room to know about her but didn't get the chance. Aaron's room had the same theme as the mansion, it was warm in browns, greys, and whites. Aaron let her look around and stood watching her.

She casually pushed a door to see the marble designed bathroom artistically structured, "Ahh I like your bathroom design…"

Aaron: "..."

The bathtub was in the center, behind it was the shower block, right side there was the toilet and left side dressing table and second door to the closet. It had a black and white pattern catching her eyes instantly. 

Coming out, she caught the sight of a gramophone and asked excitedly, "Does that work? I want to play it."

Aaron followed her to the gramophone and taught her how to play it handing her the music disk. That gramophone was in his room because Little Cupcake was curious how it plays reading about it in a book and he had brought it to learn it for her.

Wonderful Tonightmusic by Eric Clapton started playing in the silent room, "Oh it's working." Aarvi cheered, turning to Aaron who extended his hand at her, "May I have the pleasure of dancing with the gorgeous lady?"

Aarvi smiled hearing his deep voice asking her formally for the dance, he hadn't asked her when should have but now he was being a gentleman. Aarvi held his offered hand as she responded, "Yes!"

Aaron pulled her to his arms and kissed her forehead placing his right hand on her back and holding her right hand up in his left-hand grooving to the slow music. The music soothed her ears while eyes captured his stunning face for a good time before she asked, "Shouldn't you be with the guests?"

Aaron gently shook his head without uttering the word thinking why she doesn't complain or get angry about his grandfather's behavior. 

Aarvi took her left hand away from his shoulder and removed her heels before stepping on Aaron's foot, "I am lazy…" Now she could dance without lifting her leg. She grinned thinking he was going to stop dancing but the man wounded her arms around his waist and snaked his arms around her resting her head on his chest and continued to slowly move to the music.

They were particularly sticking to each other, "You are unbelievable." She said, raising her head.

Aaron controlled himself from dipping his head to kiss her curved lips, "I am sorry." For his grandfather's actions.

Aarvi knew the reason so she just tightened her arms burying her face in his chest and mumbled, "I had told you, don't apologize."

Aaron rested his chin softly on her head and closed his eyes to enjoy the music with his Cupcake in his embrace as he swayed gracefully.

Aarvi adjusted her head and noticed Naomi staring at them standing at the half-closed door. Aarvi didn't feel pity for Naomi this time so she didn't bother about her even if Naomi dies from enviousness.