Chapter 3
1179 Words
His intoxicating scent lingered all over in the space they shared as he drove.
The moment Ignacio hugged her, Jemimah noticed several light flashing from phones.
What did she expect?
He's the trending billionaire right now. 26, wealthy, a smart and successful architect for his age, named the best in the business, Vice President of his father's multibillionaire company and next in line as CEO…the list goes on.
Goosebumps riddled her arms, which she rubbed.
“Chilly?” His right hand left the steering to rub her arm.
His touch elicited more goosebumps.
“Not really…just nerves. Afterall, I've nabbed the iconic Red Prince.”
He smiled down at her before easing the car into a halt. “You have no reason to be afraid.”
“Maybe…for now…until your fans start to gain on me.”
Jemimah had heard how vicious his fan girls could be to any lady he dated. They trolled and rubbed mud in her name until eventually the relationship ended.
“Jemimah…I will protect you.” His deep voice sounded closer.
“As for my fans I wouldn't worry. They'd love you.”
“What if they don—”
His soft lips hushed her. This was softer than before like a gentle caress, his lashes tickled her cheeks.
“Any more doubts?”
His lips were redder now, eyes staring at Jemimah with what looked like love.
She gulped unable to speak for a moment.
He held her hand. “Jemimah, I married you because I love you. Yes it's sudden but the best things in life come that way. As a surprise.“
He squeezed her hand in assurance.
She wanted to believe his every word. Really but…she couldn't risk it again. Should she jump into the arms of the next man that comes her way to profess love?
“What if you're just playing me. You'd get tired of me after having s*x and the next thing I'd be on the updated list of the Red Prince’s used goods. I don't want that for myself.”
By the time she was done, Jemimah's chest heaved, breath galloping from the rush of words.
When she could bring herself to look at him, she almost cried.
Ignacio stared at her with awe and something else she couldn't describe. No man had ever looked at her this way.
He pressed her knuckles to his lips. “I really want this to work…not just for me but especially you. What if you let me prove it to you?.”
“How?”, she mouthed.
Rubbing her hand, he said, “Let's sign a contract marriage. One year so I can prove to you I really love you and I know you will love me too.”
“Ignacio…Love is a big step. I don't use that word casually. Last time I did…”
Jemimah paused getting her bearings to catch Ignacio smiling lovingly at her.
“What?” Jemimah asked smiling too.
He had what people called the infectious smile.
“You finally called me my name.” He kissed her fingers twice. It tickled, the feeling of butterflies swept all over her.
She blushed not knowing what to say.
“One year. Give us a chance. I promise you won't regret loving me.”
The sincerity in his eyes, her beating heart led her to say, “Okay…one year.”
“It's actually a leap year this year.” He chuckled kissing her forehead.
Oh yh her dad's birthday is February 29th. Speaking of her father…he'd probably have heard Richard abandoned her. She needed to get home and divulge her new marriage before the news reached home.
Though unlikely she didn't want to take chances.
“So wifey your number.”
Jemimah swallowed hard. Two weeks ago, she sold it. At home they had nothing to eat. Her parents considered going to beg from the neighbors a mile away.
Over her dead body! Those people never liked her family. Whenever they'd set eyes on Mama and Jemimah they'd go on about their resemblance to slaves and servants.
What should she say…“My phone is ughh—
“Did you perhaps leave it at the court?” Ignacio maneuvered a bend.
“Yeah…”
“No problem. I'd get it for you. Maybe give me your address so I can come see my in-laws later this evening.” He winked at her.
“We live at the Strawberry Fortress.” Jemimah blurted out.
His eyes widened a little. That reaction was expected, the plantation had received world acclaim due to the rare combo of unmatched sweetness and freshness of the strawberries.
She rubbed her palms. Maybe she should have specified they weren't the owners?
Her family's cottage…a humble one if she may add lay right on the plantation so that technically wasn't a lie.
She asked Ignacio to stop her at the bus stop.
“Are you sure?” He inquired, worry in his eyes.
Jemimah exhaled. “Yes. I have to prepare my parents that I'm married to a billionaire.”
He chuckled, hair strands falling into his eyes. Unable to restrain herself, she brushed them back.
Before she could retract her hand, he slid it down to his chest. It pounded crazily.
“I just want to loved by you…”
Ignacio intertwined their fingers, “no one else. You.”
Jemimah felt the honesty radiating off him. What did she do to get a man to love her this way?
She studied the mole under his eye, the smooth pale skin and his poise in his luxurious car.
He was too good for her.
But for the last time she’d give love a chance…
And give her heart to Ignacio Vilagos.
The only difference was, she'd protect herself this time.
Ignacio Vilagos had 366 days to make her fall in love with him…and she wouldn't make it easy for him.
What if…he was the one not making it easy?
…
She trudged up the hill replaying the event. She was a Billionaire's wife. Her. Jemimah a farm girl.
That's when her stomach coiled.
Ignacio didn't know she was poor…or a farm girl.
If he did….he'd probably want to back out…wouldn't he?
The gown she'd been wearing appeared expensive enough to look like what a girl from a reputable home would wear.
Maybe he assumed her well off and didn't mind confessing his feelings.
The heat of the sun weighed down on her bronze skin making it glow naturally.
I have to hide that I'm a farm girl from a poor home. He must not find out!, Jemimah thought inwardly.
Inside her room, she changed into comfortable sweatpants, and an oversized cotton shirt which she tugged at the sleeved to cover her hands.
Did Ignacio see them? She thought painfully at the sight.
A knock pulled her from her thoughts.
Outside a sandy haired man waited for her. Anger for him forgetten, she raced to him.
He turned his wide set blue eyes on her, a sorry look on his face.
- Writer
