Ethan, I said surprised.
I swiftly moved in and caught her, pulling her close to my chest to prevent her from falling, and holding her upright.
I gaze at her in astonishment, taken aback by her unexpected presence. My eyes involuntarily drift to her outfit, lingering for a moment on her cleavage.
Her boobs seem to have increased in size. She wasn't like this the first time I met her.
Yes, the first time I met her was at the airport.
Your dad mentioned Maya St. Clair, a former model, and said you'll eventually marry her, but you've never met her.
You were informed that the marriage to Maya wasn't for convenience, but rather a contractual arrangement.
Your dad and Maya's dad are close friends, which might explain why your dad is expecting you two to get married.
I've been tasked with picking up my future bride, Maya, and driving her home. Luckily, we've already met briefly in our arranged marriage setup.
Gosh, it felt so awkward that day.
I recall our meeting vividly. Maya seemed to misread my reserved demeanor, assuming I had romantic feelings for her, possibly due to misinformation. She clung to me, saying she knew how I felt, which caught me off guard.
To be honest, Maya's assumption actually bruised my ego. I'm not interested in romantic entanglements or commitment - it's all just too much stress for me. Honestly, I've always seen relationships as a potential vulnerability, and I'm not willing to go down that road.
My friends Petal and Weston have had similar experiences with women spreading rumors or misconstruing situations, and they can attest to the drama that ensues.
When Maya confessed she had a crush on me, I bluntly told her she's not my type and doesn't attract me, dashing her expectations.
I told her I never loved her and never would.
After she cried, I stopped the car, got out, and handed her the keys. I told her to drive herself home, making it clear how repulsed I was by her and the situation.
This arranged marriage to Maya feels like a trap, suffocating my freedom and youthful experiences. I never had love for her; it's all just an obligation.
If I'm stuck with this marriage, Maya will face the consequences. I'll make her life miserable and ensure she knows how much she's costing me.
I will take the pain on her every time.
"What the f**k are you looking at?" Her voice rings aloud as she pulls herself apart.
I chuckle softly, amazed at the fact that she's keeping herself away from me. She will be my bride in a few days and all that she's hiding will eventually be mine.
I don't just want to push it. I'm not in the mood to do that. And I'm supposed to hate her.
I'm just amazed she's displaying two characters. Her words say she wants me but she keeps pushing her body off.
Like the way she recoils in fear when I kissed her that day too.
She takes my breath away. "You were about to fall," I said, pushing her up and gazing at her again. In that dress, she looks perfect, like it was made for her.
I swallowed hard on the large lump that had formed in my lung.
She twisted her mouth funnily, "And who sent you the message to help me up. What if someone sees us?"
What's she talking about? I'm supposed to be her husband. I don't think it should be a problem to hold your wife-to-be in public.
I don't even know what to say to her. I'm so flustered. My eyes go to her cleavage again and I don't know why.
She traces my gaze to her cleavage and suddenly covers them with her palm.
I sigh and look away. Just what is she doing covering something that's mine. Is she seriously kidding me?
And at that moment, I decided to make the decision. This woman before me amuses me and I want to know her better.
"Why are you here anyways?" She looks all over me with that familiar expression. She placed her finger under her chin and examined me, "Tuxedos?" Her eyes went wide with shock, "Marriage? "
I laugh, " I've finally made up my mind."
She smiles, "So, what do you decide on? Don't forget there's no going back with me.”
I chuckled and leaned in close, whispering in her ear, "I've decided to play along with the marriage. Two months in, I'll file for divorce." I pulled back, observing her reaction.
She smirked, shook her head, and said, "No divorce after the wedding. I won't let that happen." With a wink, she turned and walked away.
I laughed again, finding it ridiculous. She's dodging my touch yet desperate for the marriage – it's almost comical.
I sigh and walk closer to Petal and Ryder who are already watching me from afar.
"Hey guy, is something wrong?" Petal asks.
"Yes, who is that lady in wedding attire?" Weston chimes in.
I sigh again, " She's Maya."
" Wow! That beautiful lady!" Ryder exclaims softly and I feel a stab of annoyance.
I shot him a stern look, "Watch it, she's my wife."
Ryder rolled his eyes, "You're not even married yet, calm down."
Petal chimed in, "You said you'd do everything to stop this marriage last time we talked," then looked away, her tone slightly accusatory.
Two days ago, stopping the marriage at all costs was my priority – but now, my mind has changed.
After seeing her today, I've had a change of heart. I'll go talk to Mom and let her know I'm on board with the marriage after all.
Mom will be thrilled to share the news with Dad, and with their approval, Dad will likely pass on the company to me.
Because Dad's been clear: he'd only hand over the company if I marry Maya.
I don't need his company, though – I've got the funds to start my own business.
Being the only son means constantly doing what they want – it's exhausting.
"Also, I don't know what this your b***h looks like. Is she sexy?"
I pull at his clothes angrily, " Don't you ever call her a b***h," I seriously don't know why I'm getting angry over trivial matters.
I let go of him immediately and looked away, "If you are still going to the club with me, join me outside immediately or go to the club separately," I say in a voice that leaves room for more conversation.
I know we are Alessio billionaires, but we have a boss.
My name is Ethan Harrison Green, I'm the son of a Billionaire. I, Petal and Ryder are the Alessio billionaire.
My family is the richest, followed by Ryder, then lastly Petal. And so, we accord ourselves the respect of being the leader.
I walk into my car, a bit angry by the words my friends spoke the other time.
But it doesn't matter if I like her or not. No one is supposed to abuse my wife and go scot free.
She's going to be the wife of the mighty Ethan. A few minutes later, Petal and Ryder open the door behind me.
"Ethan is going to pay for all the bills today, for getting on my nerves,” Petal says and looks away.
I laughed and glanced back, " Sure! But I'm stopping by at home."
"That means we will be going separately?" Ryder asks. "No! You guys will need to go and dress up. I will meet you at Petal's house.
"Alright," Petal says, then dials a number on his phone and speaks into it, "Hello, I'll be heading to Ethan's house. Send a car over."