Contracted to Love Mr. CEO

Michaela Belissimo (P.O.V.) No one said this would be easy, but I have been sitting here fakely smiling for far too long. Seriously, I deserve a Grammy for my acting skills. As everyone chatted in the background, I stared at the woman in front of me who kindly tried to hold a conversation with me, as if sensing the awkwardness I felt. Plastering an award worthy fake smile for my boyfriend's grandmother seemed way more difficult than I originally thought it would be when I agreed to do this.  The old woman was beautiful despite the obvious wrinkles on her face. As I sat here with her, I watched as her face contorted into delight. I am not sure if I needed to get rid of the food I ate earlier or the feeling I got in my stomach was just guilt burrowing a hole into my stomach as the woman continued to gush about me. " I cannot believe that the day my grandson would finally come home with a beautiful young woman has finally become a reality! The both of you look so adorable together!!" Zita, Blaze's grandmother, looked so happy at this moment.  I honestly do not think there is anything in the world that could possibly ruin her cheerful mood right now. She was definitely on top of the world, the way pride and happiness filled her glistening eyes was totally the opposite of how I am feeling right now.  "I know right Grans. We are the perfect couple even if I do say so myself." Blaze's voice suddenly rung in my ears even though its deep and smooth sound spoke with such nonchalance.  Suddenly, I felt an arm tighten around my waist and I looked up to see Blaze's towering figure. With a bright and cheerful expression on his face, Blaze went on to pull my body closer to his own.  As much as I hated to admit it, his body felt warm and comfortable next to mine. I hated the way I liked the sensation. I also hated the fact that I felt way too aware and conscious of his hand resting at the curve of my waist. The red dress I wore, seemed like a second skin on my already petite body. As our bodies pressed against each other, I took in Blaze's fitted suit and red tie. Zita also wore a red dress and it looked stunning on her. The event called for all women to wear red. However, not everyone pulled off the look well.  The event was held at a big event hall. I sort of felt out of place as it was filled with high-class sophisticated people, celebrities, ranging from A-list actors to talented musicians and world-class models. The event was held to celebrate...wait...I actually do not even know why this was held but I would assume it is for a birthday celebration or a fashion event. I had absolutely no idea to be very honest.  This is the kind of information I would have gathered before attending the event. However, my very loving boyfriend was the one that invited me a few hours ago and the only information I squeezed out of him was the dress code. He literally called me and told me to get ready and that I should wear a pretty red dress. Like? What kind of invite is that? Men. Need I say more? "I would never have guessed that you two would ever become friends...far less date. When I heard the news I could not express to you how surprised I was, but also relieved. I remember vividly how relieved your aunt felt when she heard about your reunion with Michaela." Zita said, smiling brilliantly at Blaze. "What?! No way could I have possibly spent the rest of my life without Blaze. Oh, Zita, as I have said before - and will probably continue to say to you, Blaze and I are so incredibly and deeply in love. It is mad! Fights happen all of the time in relationships. It takes patience, willingness, an open mind, and love to make it work. Our mini-breakup was nothing really, just two adults throwing a little tantrum, but at the end of the day, Blaze and I would never separate permanently." I finished off smiling sweetly at the old woman. I shifted my eyes to Blaze, grinning sickenly sweet at him in the process.  "I absolutely agree with you, sweetheart. I love you." He said, proceeding to caress my cheek with his surprisingly pretty fingers. I know it is a weird compliment, but this man's perfectly manicured nails and soft skin make me jealous.  "I love you too," I responded. It took everything in me not to gag or make a silly face in disgust as those words left my mouth.  I got on my tiptoes and placed a kiss on Blaze's cheek as if to ensure that my little lie was believable to the many eyes around us that kept burning holes in me. At least that is what it felt like.  "Oh deary!! I am honestly the happiest person alive right now. I am so ecstatic, Blaze, Michaela, both of you are making me so happy. I hope you know that. I was so afraid I would never see the both of you together ever again. But as the Lord would have it, both of you appeared through those doors together." Zita said, her eyes continuing to glisten in pure glee.  To be honest, showing up here with Blaze was the last thing I would have expected as well. After our argument, he stormed off and we did not speak for three days. I did not even see him for those three days. Thinking about it to this day makes me feel really guilty because the argument occurred in front of Zita and it was the one that got her sent to the hospital.  "Grans, you need not to worry about Michaela and me. We are surely meant to be together for the rest of our lives. I promise that we will never make you sad again. Right Michaela?" Blaze assured Zita, looking over at me and smiling. I returned the smile and took his hand gently into mine.  "I agree, Blaze," I said. "Oh, that reminds me! My parents send their apologies. I am sorry they could not make it; I know I said they would be here but they figured their vacation time was too important to postpone." I apologized. I really thought my parents would show up even though it was a rather last minute invite, but I do not think Blaze intended for them to come even though he told Zita they would be here to cheer her up a little bit more.  She is such a fragile woman.  "Oh dear it is quite alright. I am just so elated that you are here. That is all that matters to me right now."  I smiled back at her sweetly. At this point my cheeks were becoming numb and they were hurting like a b***h from all of this smiling because I am afraid that if I do stop Zita might see through my lies.  "Grans, I hate to cut this reunion short but Michaela and I must leave now unfortunately. I hope you remember the museum date I told you about." Blaze said to Zita. I looked up at him with a confused expression plastered on now. Museum date? He did not say anything about that. Probably another lie... "Oh! yes! Of course. Do not let me keep you kids any longer. I will surely cover for you. Go on and have fun!" Zita said excitedly. And with that, Blaze and I exited the event hall, hand in hand. Immediately, we made our way to his car, where he politely opened the door for me.  What a gentleman. Not. I smiled at him and got into the car. As I got comfortable, I fastened my seatbelt and placed my purse in my lap. Closing my eyes, I leaned my head back and counted to ten. I just needed to clear my mind. That was a lot back there.  Eventually, Blaze got into the car. As he ignited the engine, I watched as his facade dropped to a cold hard frown. He took a deep breath, clenched his jaw and tightened his fists on the steering wheel.  Here it comes... "Don't you ever..." He started without even sparing a glance in my direction and in his most venomous, stone-cold tone of voice, he continued, "Ever in your miserable life, kiss me." I rolled my eyes at him in annoyance, although he did scare me a little with that stupid expression on his face.  Almost out of habit, I nervously played with the strap on my purse.  "Trust me. It will never happen again." I responded in my own version of a cold tone, without looking at him and instead staring at the trees ahead of us.  "Good." He said, putting the car in drive and driving off from the event hall. "Good." I finished.  What a day this has already been.