I felt warm and secure when I woke up. The blanket is warm, the cushions are silky and fluffy, the bed is comfy, and there's an inviting smell. A soft hug around my waist, a soft touch on my head, and a relaxing manly scent. The feeling was pleasant, with a slow and calm breathing atop my head, and a weak snore.
Hmm. Wait what?
I jumped out of bed when realization hit me, and just as I thought I was sleeping with a man. It was Aiden; it's not like he was crossing a line here because he is now my husband, but he should have slept in a different room. But who am I to complain? This is part of the arrangement, to live in his world as his devoted wife. I'd heard a lot about arranged marriages, but I never imagined that such an arrangement could have a lovely and affectionate side to it; I assumed it was all about papers and legal terms with no strings connected, but Aiden's agreement has a hole that may pull me in if I'm not cautious. Who would have thought of making an agreement to exhibit affection while remaining free to fall in love? He is a strange man indeed.
Now I'm dizzy, my head hurts, and my eyes are slightly puffy. I've been crying all night, and Aiden left that night, possibly because he was annoyed to see his wife crying over another man. I never imagined he'd return home the same day, so I slept in his room believing that was the case. Because of my carelessness, we wind up sleeping together in the same bed.
"He looked calm and relaxed when he's asleep. Quite the opposite when he's awake, gloomy and seems to despise the world. If he would smile more often, he would be a drop dead gorgeous that no woman could resist," I said inadvertently.
I snapped when I realized how ridiculous I was saying. I even slapped my mouth shut.
“That includes you?”
My heart jumped when I heard his cold, baritone voice.
He's awake!
I gulped as I saw him open his eyes and smirk.
"What do you mean?""I tripped and mumbled when I asked that question.
I flinched when he raised his one hand, but he laughed quietly when he observed my reaction. I trembled again as his hand approached my side, only to make a fool of myself when he grabbed his cellphone, not me. I can feel my face getting hot.
"Well, you said if I smile often no woman can resist my charm," he added with a smile.
I've seen him many times, but I never imagined he might radiate such a light aura. When he's not in his comfort zone, he exudes a dark, sinister vibes. And now I see a different side of him. But I shouldn't confuse myself, right?
"I think you're still half-asleep, you're hearing things that never even said."
His laugh was soft. As if he's a new man, like a calm storm staring at his phone.
"Why didn't you wake me when you got home?"
He shifted his gaze to me, wrinkled his brow, and curved his lips.
“What? Are you genuinely taking up your wife's responsibilities? Wow, I had no idea you'd put in that much effort.”
I sprang up and slammed the bed; he was so stunned that he nearly fell on the other side of the bed.
"As if! I was thinking that if you had woken me up, I would have been able to move to a different room."
"What for?" You were sleeping quietly and appeared to be comfortable in my bed. In fact, you made my bed look great; you're an excellent display."
I threw a stern glance at him, and he merely laughed and shook his head.
"Still! Anyway, I'll be sleeping in a separate room later," I stated.
"Why? We have already slept together; do you believe I will do something to you?"
I was taken aback by his statement.
"It's not that, well it's possible."
"Young lady, as much as I want—after all, I am your husband and it's part of a wife's duty—I don't want to ruin a student's career over a tiny desire."
After hearing what he was saying, I was able to understand a word. Since I'm still in my final year in college, I never imagined that he would take it into account. I thought he was a crazy, twisted man when he asked my hand to my father in exchange of keeping our business alive. Because why would someone ask for a lady's hand in exchange of something? What else, besides lust?
“Well, it's better to be safe than sorry.”
He looked at me after dropping his phone.
"It is not possible for me to allow you to sleep in a separate room; or we will consider our agreement void," he uttered.
Then his attention was back on his phone. I don't know why, but is my heart racing? Am I anxious? or something else?
I shook my head to put my anxieties aside.
"When will our marriage be deemed valid?”
He abruptly got up and straightened his clothes, which made me blush. Next, he proceeded in the direction of the door.
"Until death do us part," he murmured, leaving me speechless.
I let out a long sigh as he left. That ill-mannered bastard even slammed the door shut. Until death do us part? How I wish he died already, or shall I murder her? No, I will not become a criminal for that reason alone. Consider hiring someone to assassinate him. That would be the same as labeling myself a criminal.
What am I even thinking?
It's Saturday, and I have no classes today. I wish I had classes on weekends so I wouldn't have to stay in this place for too long. Well, I heard he's a workaholic, so I might not see him around, which is better. His presence is making my heart act strangely, and I'm not liking it.
When I heard my phone ring, I grabbed it from underneath the bed.
“Come down and eat.”
It was Aiden, and what kind of rude behavior is this? Asking me to eat over the phone when we are on the same roof? He should have made an effort at reaching me personally; yet, I believe it is better to avoid excessive interaction. What was I thinking? It still bothers me knowing that I would be sleeping in the same bed with him every night? I mean, I am his wife, which is reasonable but this is an arranged marriage for Pete's sake! What should I do?
This is just another awful day to survive; it's nothing special. Even though I didn't want to go when Aiden called to invite me to breakfast, I always made sure to do what was expected of me as his wife. That includes going to breakfast with him today. I was deep in thoughts while paving my way to the kitchen, I only snapped back to reality when I heard gentle greetings from the staff. The entire estate is guarded by big men, and maids are everywhere, going about doing their job. I can only greet them with a weak smile because I feel a little under the weather from crying all night. My throat hurts, and I'm scared if I try to speak I'll come across as a snob.When I reached the kitchen I was welcomed with festive foods on the table, and Aiden was sitting in the corner. He was staring intently at the food that he failed to notice my arrival, I needed to call out his name before he snapped back to reality.His eyes widened in shock but didn't last long, “You're here. Sorry, I am think
I was staring blankly at the small lake near our veranda, I tightened my grip in the railing when I heard approaching footsteps. A manly fragrance envelopes the air, I knew who my visitor is. I was expecting him actually.“Mr. Echavez,” he said in a rather calm and composed voice.“Kane,” I replied.Kane is our family lawyer and my grandfather's bestfriend. He is our final resort when it comes to things that involves legal actions, therefore, we are required to consult all our decision makings to him before proceeding.“I heard you just made a rash decision recently, and you didn't inform me beforehand.”I stood up straight and turned to face the middle-aged man, he's in his 50's but he is still well-built. I leaned against the cold railings and put my arms in my pockets. “I heard that you made a rash decision recently,” he repeated not withdrawing his stares which I wholeheartedly returned.“I guess. What are you going to do now?” I asked, he has the right to rip me off now since I v
It's already six in the evening. I was walking back and forth in the space near our room's bed, I'm thinking about the stupid things I did earlier. I was taken aback when I heard a knock on the door, although hesitant but I forced myself to do the right thing. Aiden's serious face welcomed me when I opened the door.“Dinner is ready,” he said.“Okay. You go first, I'll follow.”Just then I saw a glimpse of his reaction through his piercing blue eyes, there was a moment of hesitation. He massages his neck before letting out a deep breath.“Let's go together. I'll wait for you,” he stated.I'd like to push him away and oblige him to go first but seeing his determined demeanor, I just said 'okay.'Because I know Aiden is waiting for me, I tried to move as fast as I could. I fixed my wavy hair and tied it in a messy bun. And I changed my dress into a comfortable t-shirt and shorts. And then I made my way out of the room.“Did I keep you long?” I asked.I saw Aiden's face lit up when he he
I woke up the next morning without Aiden by my side, it's sunday and I have an early commitment. I wasn't able to check his whereabouts because I'm busy fixing myself, I took a warm bath and wore a knitted floral dress. I also put some light makeup on to highlight my features. When I feel like I have enough, I decided to come out. In the living room, I saw Aiden reading some entertainment magazines, and he gazes up to welcome my presence. Bewilderment plastered on his face for a minute before he was able to grasp his words.“You're going somewhere?” he asked.I don't know how to describe his expression, it seems to me like he is complementing my looks but at the same time puzzled. He closed the magazine and gave me his full attention.“Yes, I'm going to church.”His expression lightened upon hearing my answer. He stood up and put the magazine on the table where piles of documents are on top of it.“I'll drive you there,” he said.I was shocked for a moment and I had to absorb his word
Although I anticipated the results of my actions, I never thought it would come around to haunt me so quickly. Upon reaching our house, Rowan was already settled on the couch, anticipating our return. His eyes never left mine as he recognized us and got to his feet. His eyes show me a hint of desperation and contempt, and it feels like he's intentionally allowing me to look right into his feelings.When he broached a topic that I had no idea about, I felt as though a cold bucket had suddenly hit me. I felt his insistence on moving with us was unexpected enough, but now that I'm hearing what he said behind these walls, it feels like someone whacked me in the chest with a long, sharp sword.“It's good to see you again, hon.”I didn't expect to overhear anything, but that's what I heard as I was going to come back to the living room after taking some time to answer a call.“Rowan, what's wrong with you?” Lieve stated. Her high-pitched voice resonated in my ears, carrying a note of shock
This world gave me too much privilege— fame, power, and wealth. I live in a world where these three things reign supreme, and with that I can get everything I want. And when I say everything, it means no exceptions.Is there anything that money can't buy?And what am I doing with these privileges? I abuse them, doing all the things that can satisfy me.So, I find myself pulled to this girl and drawn to her for no apparent reason when she stands proudly in front of me. Especially her beauty is beyond all comparison, and her physique is to die for.“She's five years younger than you, Aiden.”Ryker moved to his seat, tapping my shoulder along the way. I was compelled to gaze at the deceitful sight, standing tall and self-assured as she discussed their company's proposal to our firm.“That's why it is more thrilling,” I chuckled.Her name is Lieve, she introduced herself earlier. He seemed to not mind what Ryker and I were doing, as long as she was able to discuss what she needed to conve
Just recently I met this heinous man, and all of a sudden here I am, about to sign a contract to become his wife. Why am I in this kind of situation? I hope this sacrifice will be worthwhile or else I'll die in vain."I never really thought you would agree to marry me," Aiden teased. He smiled and arched his cherry-red lips, as if he were enticing me to do something sinful. But all I feel is frustration and hatred, why did I get here?Undoubtedly, I oppose the idea, and my father did not coerce me. However, I cannot stand to see the man who gave me a second chance at life in anguish. He completely gave us everything, despite the fact that we weren't linked by blood. He gave us a home, a family, food, a reputable school, and his last penny. Despite Aiden Echavez's offer, he never said anything, but I voluntarily gave myself over. If it means preserving the final possession this father figure of mine has ever had.“All the conditions are met, I hope you'll never back down on your words,
The lights are dim but vivid with color, and there's somber music playing in the background. Eryx, Ryker, and I are seated facing the counter, each of us drinking wine from our own glass. We were all staring at the wall with the wine bottles on each cube, and nobody wanted to disturb the silence."While you guys are having a good time, I was busy keeping things together here. Is this world so selfish?” Lyall clutched a bottle of whiskey and muttered. The bar is closed because we reserved it for these kinds of hours, so he is acting as the bartender for the three of us.Hearing Lyall's grievances, Ryker scoffed. He inhaled and exhaled while shaking his head."You would really rather be at your place right now than here," Ryker remarked.The three of us sighed in frustration. Lyall just kept staring at us, seemingly bewildered.“What happened?” Lyall asked.I poured another glass of wine after emptying mine.I smiled and said, "I am a married man now." However, I feel as though someone