The Bridegroom's Addiction

Chapter.3

Enzo's Pov"Enzo, please give me one more kiss," Bianca pleaded with a sweet and desperate tone in her voice. She held onto me tightly like a low-quality fragrance, the smell overwhelming in my nose.Looking at the clock on the dashboard, I felt my patience running low. "We are running short on time, Bianca.""But Enzo," she objected, her tone becoming a seductive whisper, "what about our relationship? What happens to everything we have?"I sneered, the noise echoing loudly inside the limousine. "We don't have anything, Bianca. You are aware of that."Her touch on my arm was a vivid memory of the reckless nights we once enjoyed together. However, it is possible that it could be something, isn't it? "Now that you are at last free...""Is it free?" I let out a bite, the word causing a sour flavor in my mouth. "Stop being absurd. "This union is not based on freedom.Her innocent facade briefly crumbled as she pouted. "What is it then?" "Excuse me, I have a wedding to go to now." I stated abruptly.There was a narrowing of Bianca's eyes. "A marriage ceremony? You didn't bring up a wedding at all."I dryly commented. "There wasn't enough time for small talk."Her expression changed, evolving from disappointment to a more strategic look. "So, who is the fortunate woman?""She keeps the company going." I didn't go further than that.She sighed heavily but agreed. "Okay. Can you assure me that you will call at a later time?""I can't guarantee anything," I said as I exited the limousine. The refreshing fall breeze seemed like a friendly hit to my face.The grand Thompson estate stood before me, serving as a clear indication of the agreement I was about to complete. Looking at my watch once more, I realized I was behind schedule. Typical Thompson, constantly testing limits.I adjusted my tie, feeling the cool silk against my skin. Before I had a chance to knock, the door opened, and Thompson appeared anxious as he paced the entrance."Enzo! I'm so glad you're here," he said, leading me inside." Relax. I always keep my promises." I said cooly.We walked into a majestic hall that had been altered for the wedding ceremony. The guests socialized, chatting quietly while a string quartet played in the background. However, I quickly looked for Amelia.She stood by her father, looking stunning in white. The dress, although simple, still managed to showcase her delicate curves, provoking a strong reaction within me. Her hair was styled in a traditional updo, emphasizing the strong lines of her jaw and the resolute sparkle in her eyes.Oh no, she was enchanting.Across the room, our eyes connected, creating a moment of charged tension in the air. Next, she averted her gaze, feeling a blush rise on her neck.Thompson cleared his throat, interrupting the quiet interaction. "So, are you prepared to move forward?"I fixed my cufflinks, with a cold smile on my face. "As prepared as I will ever be."The actual ceremony was a haze. Amelia and I whispered our vows quietly, pretending it was just a formality, concealing the true power dynamics at play. The thick gold ring felt unfamiliar on her delicate finger.Later, at the reception, I was inexplicably drawn to her, like a moth to a flame. "You look... different."Looking up, she had a wary expression on her face. "What difference?""I meant to say that you look less fragile," I blurted out before I could censor myself. "Not as delicate as when your father gave me."She showed a brief moment of resistance on her face. "Do not underestimate me, Mr. Hernandez. I am not anyone's puppet."I thought you were doing a good job pretending," I responded with a playful sparkle in my eyes.Before she could respond, she opened her mouth but was interrupted by a man coming towards us. He was tall and had broad shoulders, projecting a sense of confidence that almost reached arrogance."Amelia," he spoke in a pleasant baritone, "I see you have arrived. I was beginning to believe you had abandoned me."The look on Amelia's face became less intense. "Liam, I need to tell you something...""No need to fret," he interrupted her, showing a charming grin. "I'm just happy I was able to finally reach you."He looked at me, with a cool and evaluating stare. "And who are you...?""I'm Enzo Hernandez," I responded, reaching out a hand. "Amelia's husband."Liam's smile briefly weakened, a hint of shock passing over his face. "Did you say husband?" he asked again, looking back and forth between me and Amelia.I quickly made an excuse and left Amelia, feeling the need to break away from the stifling environment before she could reply. I pulled out my phone and called a number I knew well."Milo," I responded as soon as the call went through, "anything new to report?""Enzo," came the rough voice of my closest friend through the phone. "At last." I just received a promising lead on Viktor Ivanov."I wore a vicious grin on my face. Viktor Ivanov, the cocky offspring of a wealthy businessman, believed he could cheat me on the high-value oil agreement. He was on the verge of discovering a costly lesson."Where is he?" I inquired, my tone becoming more stern."He was last seen on vacation in Monte Carlo. Enjoying a luxurious lifestyle at your expense, if you can imagine.""I said he won't be living in such luxury for long," with a dangerous tone in my voice. I didn't establish my reputation as a ruthless businessman by making idle threats. Those who wronged me faced consequences, and Viktor Ivanov was soon to feel my anger in its entirety."Do you have any tasks for me?" Milo inquired with a touch of excitement in his voice. He understood more than anyone how far I would go to retrieve what belonged to me."Right now, just make sure to keep an eye on him," I directed. "I will take care of matters myself."After ending the call, I inhaled deeply, pushing myself to participate in the celebrations again. Amelia stood anxiously, her forehead creased with concern, waiting for my arrival."Is everything okay?" she inquired, her tone gentle."I'm just talking about some business things," I reassured her with a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. "Now, where did we leave off?" Maybe we could raise a glass to celebrate? To a fresh start.I lifted my champagne glass, the crystal touching hers with a clink. A glint of rebellion appeared in her eyes when she looked directly at me. Her father's desperation may have forced her into this marriage, but she was not going to be easily manipulated.And then I suddenly understood that it was a challenge that I couldn't turn down. Amelia was not only a means to close a deal; she was a challenging mystery I was motivated to figure out, a passion that irresistibly attracted me.The reception carried on, with people showing fake smiles and engaging in courteous conversation. However, my attention was solely on Amelia, her rebelliousness always present beneath the surface. There were only three of us left - myself, Amelia, and Liam, who was always an annoying presence."I think it's about time for the newly married couple to go to bed," I cleared my throat before speaking.Amelia nervously looked at Liam, who faked a smile. "I see," he said, his voice tense. "Congratulations to both of you!"He leaned closer, speaking in a barely audible whisper to Amelia. "Give me a call, okay?"Prior to her reply, I grasped her hand, causing a shocked reaction to escape her lips. "I will speak with you later," I said bluntly, guiding her away from Liam and towards the impressive staircase.Glancing behind me, I noticed Liam gazing at us with an expression that was difficult to interpret. I felt a sudden surge of possessiveness, a sensation I hadn't expected.Arriving at our room, I switched on the lights."This isn't necessary," she remarked, with a hint of worry in her voice."What is not?" I inquired as I moved nearer.She looked at me, her eyes showing a blend of defiance and another emotion that I couldn't understand. She spoke. "Both of us are aware that this marriage is not genuine.""Maybe not," I admitted, narrowing the gap between us. However, that doesn't imply it cannot be intriguing.I locked eyes with her, and briefly, the atmosphere buzzed with silent tension. The boundary separating business from something edgy and exciting started to fade. Although this marriage could have been a transaction, I sensed that the real challenge was only starting.