Chapter 3
2150 Words
[Adrianna's POV – Morning, Smith Residence]
The sun had barely broken through the gray February sky when the house buzzed with preparation. Curtains were drawn, glasses polished, the long table dressed in elegance. From my room, I heard the clatter of silverware and the low hum of conversation. I sat quietly in front of my vanity while Mama Matilda gently pulled my hair into a soft bun, her fingers warm, her eyes full of unsaid worry.
“You look beautiful,” she whispered, placing a light hand on my shoulder. “And strong, too.”
I chuckled lightly, placing my hand over hers. I didn’t feel strong. My stomach twisted with every tick of the clock.
“Matilda?“ I called, staring blankly.
“Hmm,” she said.
“What would you have done if you were in my shoes?“ I asked, raising my head and staring at myself in the mirror.
“If I were in your shoes… I wouldn't know if I should follow my heart or follow the words of my parents.“
“What is it that your heart wants? There, you will find your answer.“
---
[Damien's POV – Morning, King Residence]
Tying a knot in my tie felt more like tightening a noose. My father gave a look of pride I didn’t deserve. My mother fussed around, adjusting buttons and lapels.
“I expect you to act like a King,” she said, her voice too sweet for the command it carried.
I gave no response. I didn’t want this dinner. I didn’t want this marriage. Yet, here I was, dressed for s*******r in a suit.
---
[Adrianna's POV – Evening, Smith Residence]
From my window, I saw their arrival. The King’s black cars pulled into the driveway like a royal procession. My hands were trembling as Matilda adjusted the straps of my dress.
“Are you ready princess?“ she asked, smiling at me as I looked on.
I sighed, fidgeting with my dress. “I think so.“
“Evening, Eloise,” my mother greeted with a warm smile, hugging Eloise King. My father shook hands with Victor King, Damien's father. Damien's eyes wondered around the mansion as if looking for something.
“Oh, look at you. Already a grown up man,” my mother said as she gently pulled him into a hug. I stayed hidden in my room, not wanting to leave.
“Now or never,” Matilda said. She walked out of the room, closing the door behind me.
“Why are you nervous, Anna?“ I thought to myself. “There's nothing to be afraid about. You are a Smith. Fearless and… oh my gosh, I can't.“
The feeling was overwhelming and then I heard my name being called from downstairs.
“She'll be here in a second,” Matilda whispered in Valerie's ear and she nodded.
“I heard my name,” I said, standing at the edge of the stairs, upstairs.
All heads turned as I descended the stairs slowly. My dress was white silk, soft against my skin, cinched at the waist with a gold ribbon. I met Damien’s eyes and he looked through me. I couldn't pinpoint what his expression was — stunned, surprised or just whatever.
---
[Damien's POV – Dining Room]
She walked in like a vision from a dream I didn’t want to have. Graceful, elegant, unshakably composed. Her greeting was polite. Her seat—unfortunately—was beside me.
“Good Evening,” she greeted everyone on the table with a warm smile as I stole quick glances at her.
She turned to meet my eyes. Her forest green eyes pierced into my soul as she smiled warmly. “Good evening, Damien.“
I simply nodded and said nothing, turning to look at my mother who was beaming with joy.
Dinner started with shallow pleasantries—my mother praising the décor, Mr. Smith laughing too loud and Lucas… chatting with Vanessa.
“Ern ern,” Mr Smith said, clinking his spoon against his glass of wine.
“The small talks are over. It is time to focus on the main reason we're gathered tonight.“
My father laughed, agreeing with every word that came out of his mouth. I sighed, laying my back against the chair as my elbow brushed Adrianna's arm.
“Adrianna. Damien. I believe you already know why this family dinner is holding?“ My father said, looking at us both. “Legacy is one thing that is vital when it comes to the wealthy. This marriage will not only benefit you but your generations.“
I scoffed, rubbing my nose as all eyes turned to me. I noticed the silence and the stares and I couldn't help but smile.
“It's nothing. Please continue,” I said holding in my laugh.
Like actors in a poorly written play, we all nodded, smiled, and agreed when told to.
The dinner continued and Eloise coughed lightly. “Why don’t the couple take a walk? I mean they need some time alone. This should be perfect, right?“
I glared at my mother who winked at me, telling me it's all right.
“We'll excuse ourselves then,” Adrianna said, walking out of the hall. My eyes trailed her as she left and I bowed before exiting the dinning hall.
---
[Adrianna's POV – Garden]
The silence was ice cold.
We walked side by side, but with a painful space between us. The moon lit the garden path like a spotlight on two unwilling performers.
“Won't he say something to ease this awkwardness?“ I thought to myself.
I summoned the courage to utter the first word as I smiled, flipping my hair to the side.
“So… what do you think about the engagement?”
He scoffed as he continued walking towards the poolside.
“I think it’s a joke,” he said blatantly.
I scoffed, a snug coming out of my nose. At that exact moment, he turned to look at me. Disgust written all over his face.
“Seriously, Anna. What kind of firsthand embarrassment is this?“ I thought.
“That's disgusting,” he said, his hands in his pocket.
“You didn't have to say it out loud, you know. You could have just…”
My ankle twisted as I stumbled upon a stone. Pausing slightly, before fastening my pace to meet Damien who just walked away, not caring about anything around him.
“So… why don't you want this marriage? I mean… it could be good for your company?“
He stopped abruptly, turning to face me. “I don't want any arranged marriage. Whether it's for myself or the sake of the company and my future. I don't like you. Never! Not now nor ever. Simple.“
My heart twisted, but I met his glare. His words cut so deep. I was slightly offended but I kept a small smile on.
“Good. Because I don’t want you either.”
“Stop talking, will you?“ He said, turning around to continue walking.
We were close to the pool that shone a bright blue hue on the floor.
“You can close your ears to my…”
I didn't realize when I twisted my ankle again. This time, there was no way I was going to survive not crashing. Worst of all, into the pool.
“Damien!“ I called, grabbing him by the hem of his suit as I pulled us both into the pool.
---
[Damien's POV]
I wasn't in the mood to have a conversation with anyone let alone, this Smith behind me. I strolled by the poolside, my mind elsewhere. Not until, I felt a sudden tug at my suit. The force was just to great and before I knew it we both hit the water. The shock was instant, my body submerged in ice.
I emerged first, cursing under my breath.
“What's wrong with you?“
She was still in, splashing, flailing.
“Get out of there, will you?“ I said, getting up and walking away.
The splash continued as I walked a few steps away until I couldn't hear any of it. I stopped, slowly turning back to see no one.
That’s when I realized — she couldn’t swim.
“Damn it,” I muttered, running back and dove back in.
I pulled her up, lifting her by the waist onto the floor as I remained in the pool.
“Hey, it's okay. It's okay. Look at me. Adrianna, look at me,” I said, trying to calm her down. I got out of the pool, wrapping my suit around her.
She hit me on the chest, eyes wild with fear. “I could’ve died! Are you insane?!”
“I'm sorry. You're fine now.“
“Get out!“ she shouted, trying to stand as she failed effortlessly. Her legs wavering from cold and shock.
I tried to help her, holding her arm to help her steady but she shoved me, walking away.
---
[Damien's POV – Dining Room]
“s**t,” I said, running my hand through my hair. I entered the dining hall, water dripping from my suit. All conversation ceased as they turned to look at me.
“What happened?” my mother asked, horrified.
“Nothing.“
“What about Adrianna? Where is she?“ Valerie Smith asked.
“She probably went inside,” I muttered.
“I'll just take my leave now. Thank you, Mr Smith,” I greeted. “Mrs Smith, thank you,” I bowed, leaving the house.
As I walked towards my car, I looked back, glancing up to see a room light turned on. And for some reason… I smiled.
---
[Damien's POV – Penthouse]
“I saved her,” I said flatly, tossing my soaked shirt into the laundry bin.
Mason laughed from the couch. “You’re sure you don’t like her?”
“She’s annoying.”
“You got this weird look on your face every time you say her name.”
I glared at him. “Shut up.“
“I will,” he said, placing his hands on his lips.
Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted us.
“You're expecting someone?“ he asked, sitting upright on the couch in the living room.
I walked to the door and gently opened it to reveal a woman in red heels, a black off-shoulder dress that's way above her knee.
“What do you want?“ I asked, nonchalantly.
She waltzed in uninvited.
“Stephanie!“ Mason said excitedly. “What are you doing here?“
“Nothing. Just came to say hello before his wedding,” she said slowly and seductively.
“Are you done?“ I asked, tired.
“That's no way to treat a guest and even more an ex,” she said, walking closer to me. The space between us now a breathe apart. “What do you want, Stephanie?“ I asked low, staring into her eyes.
“You… I want you, Damien. And now that you're getting married… it hurts me.“
I rubbed my temple, taking a step back. “As far as I can remember, we were over 6 months ago. I need you to keep your distance away from me… personally.“
“Why? So that your wife won't see you in a different light?“ She chuckled lightly, gently laying on the couch beside Mason as she moved her hand behind the couch.
“Hmm. Very well. Take care 'cause you'll be seeing more of me.“
With that, Stephanie closed the door behind her. Her heels could be heard faintly as she walked away.
“So much for an ex,” Mason said as he headed upstairs.
---
[Adrianna's POV]
Weeks passed by so quickly. The night we fell was the last time I saw him. The wedding was sooner than I thought. Sudden footsteps echoed across the floor downstairs as I stood in front of the mirror with my wedding dress on.
“Never thought this day would come. Now, here it is,” I whispered, adjusting the strap of my dress.
“Adrianna! Come on out. It's almost time. We have to leave.“
The church was filled with people I didn't recognize. Families from both sides. Good jewelry shone from left to right as I walked down the aisle with my father by my side.
“Do you Damien King, take Adrianna Smith to be your lawfully wedded wife?“ the priest said. Damien's expression blank.
Then the priest’s voice echoed: “Do you, Adrianna Smith, take Damien King to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
I looked into his eyes—cold, unreadable as my heart thumped in my ears.
“My answer will determine my fate. It's now or never.“
- Writer
