Unforseen Love

Chapter 10

Iris's POV

From the moment my eyes met him, I felt I was zapped by lightning. I don't understand why. I've never felt like this before. It's strange. I saw his picture, but it did him no justice. He looked hotter in person. Wait. What the hell am I thinking? That's not how I should be thinking. I can't fall for him at all. I don't even know him, let alone that, falling in love is not part of the plan. Iris, get a grip on yourself.

His voice sounded like music to my ears. He has the deep velvety voice I have ever had in a man. I might sound like I am exaggerating, but I guess it would be better to hear it yourself. Never mind falling for him. I'm totally gushing for him. I started to feel hot in my lower region, making me cross my legs tightly. What the hell is this man doing to me? Damn it.

I tried to act as normal as possible. Sure, this Julian guy is attractive and his voice sounds like that of a God, but that's about it. I noticed that both eyes kept stealing glances at one another. What is this? I didn't get him because his face was so expressionless. I think he is trying to figure me out. Well, I'm trying to do the same.

I was feeling awkward while sitting in between my parents like a child. What is this a middle school? This is absolutely not necessary. We could have just met on our own. We are old enough to do that. Our parents just kept talking amongst themselves and both of us were just awkwardly stuck in the middle. This was such an embarrassing moment. What is this, really? What a drag. But in a way, this kind of works out. With the folks around, it will be easier to behave.

I was starting to get bored. I could trade this for a night on the couch with honey-glazed popcorn and a rerun of The Vampire Diaries. That would be much better.

I was lost in my thoughts when I heard, "Alright. I think it's time," announced Mr Harrison. " Let's begin the engagement," he added. I became alert as two small boxes containing rings were placed on the table. I stared at those shiny small bands that were going to seal mine and Julian's fates. At that moment, I couldn't help but take a glance at Julian.

He, too, looked as unsettled as I was. No matter how we might act or think, marriage is a big thing. It's a concern about our lives, our future, our hopes and aspirations. Everything will be affected once we tie the knot. We can no longer be our own, but he will be my husband and I, his wife. I swallowed hard.

Too many thoughts were going through my head and I felt sick just thinking about it. What will my life be like from here? I can't think of anything, but I am sure it won't be a bed of roses. Soon Julian and I stood in front of each other, each holding a ring.

We started at each other. I felt like his eyes were talking to me. It's like he was begging me to refuse this engagement. He didn't want to go ahead with it. Well, I didn't either, but I was in no position to refuse. I didn't want to make my father angry and cause harm to his health. If anything happens to him because of me, I won't be able to live my life.

I wondered what was his reason for not refusing this entanglement. Maybe his father threatened his inheritance if he refused this union. That's usually the case with these things. I wouldn't want to lose money that I didn't work for either. I guess it depends on the situation.

" Put the rings on each other," I heard my father encourage. I looked at the silver band I was holding and back at Julian with uncertainty. I might as well go ahead. I sighed, pulled it out and waited for Julian to give me his hand. He put out his hand and I shakily slipped the cold band on his finger.

It was his turn to do the same. I put out my hand as well, and he slowly slipped the princess cut ring as if he was going to pull it back at any moment. Once that was done, our parents clapped for us as they rejoiced. I felt embarrassed but I composed myself. The ones getting married are not even happy, but I guess that doesn't matter.

" Now we are one step away from becoming in-laws. Let's toast to that," Mr Harrison says, raising his glass. My parents joined him and they happily clinked their glasses. I went and took my glass, gulping down the champagne to calm my nerves. I stole a glance at Julian, who looked calm as he sat beside his father.

" I think it's time we left these children so they can get acquainted with themselves. Our job here is done. I reserved another restaurant for us to have dinner and discuss something. What do you say? Shall we go?" Mr. Harrison said.

" That is a great idea. I think we should leave. These two haven't said a word to each other. I think we are making them nervous," my father says and chuckles. They talked about us as if we were not here. But that is not even a problem. The problem is leaving us on our own.

I know I said we are not kids, but I am anxious right now. I don't think I can be alone with Julian. It will be more awkward than this is. What will we even talk about by ourselves? Will we even talk? It's not like either of us wanted this. We are just abiding by our parent's wishes.

Our parents started to get up so that they could leave. I grabbed my mother's arm, and she stopped looking at me.

" What's wrong Iris? Do you need something?"

I didn't say anything and just pleaded to her with my eyes. She understood what I was trying to say and nervously smiled, looking at Julian, who was now mindlessly scrolling through his phone.

Noticing that he was not paying attention to us, she leaned down and whispered in my ear.

" There is no turning back now, Iris. Just smile and agree with everything he says. Everything will be fine." She smiled and kissed my cheek. Yeah, right. Easy for her to say.

I rolled my eyes and watched her run out of the room. Thanks for nothing. We were left all alone now, and it's been 5 painful minutes of silence. The only thing that could be heard was the sound of the clock on the wall ticking. Scratch his handsome f*****g face. He is such a cold bastard. How could he blatantly ignore me? I'm right in front of him for goodness’s sake.

He didn't take his eyes off his phone and seemed to be busy with something. How rude. I was right here, and he just pretended that I wasn't there and just ignored my presence. I felt like getting up and leaving him alone as well. Why should I put up with this? Unfortunately, I am not brave enough to voice my thoughts. I kept cursing him out in my mind.

20 minutes later I had reached my limit. No way in hell was I going to sit here and be treated like a ghost.

" Excuse me," I said while waving my hand in front of him to get his attention. His old expressionless gaze fell on me. If looks could kill, I was a goner.

I ignored his intimidating gaze.

" Should we just leave or something? I mean, you have been on your phone since everyone left and... we are not doing anything."

He silently looked at my face like he was scrutinizing it. I started to feel uncomfortable with his eyes on me.

" What is it? Why are you not saying anything? Do I have something on my face?" I asked, touching my face.

He finally averted his gaze and put his phone in his pocket.

" I am sorry about that, Miss Hart," he said in his sultry voice, sending a shiver down my spine. Damn him for having such a strong effect on me. Damn him to hell.

" I was a bit... preoccupied. Besides, I thought you had nothing to say to me. That's why we just remained silent. I didn't know you wanted us to talk."

What the f**k.

I was flabbergasted at what he said. Is he for real? Like, he apologized to me a second ago and then says that? I think this was a waste of time. I should have gone the moment he just started fiddling with his phone nonstop. He is seriously pissing me off right now.

I got up and said," I guess there is nothing to talk about. Don't worry. If we both corroborate our stories we will be fine," I tell him.

He tilts his head and raises his trimmed eyebrow at me.

" What do you mean by that?" he asked, as if he didn't understand what I meant.

I sighed, already feeling drained by talking to him.

" Look, if they ask, the story is, we had a simple conversation. You know, the typical 21 questions. We hit it off and got to know a little about each other. We had dinner and continued to humor each other until we realized it was late. You offered to take me home and that's it. I'm sure you can get a little more creative than me, I said.

Julian listened to me as if I was telling an amusing story. He looked like he was holding back from laughing, but I was the only one who didn't get the joke. He is hell-bent on trying to get me angry. If that is the case, it's working.

He smirked and said," Pretty convincing. It sounds as if you had it planned all along."

I wanted to protest but he interrupted me. " You can say that. I kinda had time to kill, so it was helpful. It doesn't matter, now. Can I have my take on this?"

I hesitated for a second, but I guess why not. We are at least talking now.

Julian, with his hand, gestured for me to sit down. I did. Why did I just do that? This bastard has me on a choke hold.

" There is no need for us to lie to anyone. I mean we are already here, and we could do all those things you said," he paused.

" I realize that you were offended earlier, and I am sorry about that. It was rude of me. I just have a lot on my mind..." he trailed off.

" Anyway, what I am saying is we should just call it a truce. We'll have a nice chat, eat dinner and when we realize that it's late, I'll offer to take you home. What do you say?" he asks, giving me a sexy and charming smile. For the life of me, I couldn't resist. Well, his attitude sure took one hell of a 180 turn.

" That would be nice," I said. I can't believe I just betrayed myself. My conviction was not strong enough to just say no and walk out here with my head held high. He just had to put on a smile and utter sweet words for me to be a goner. Oh dear, what do I do about myself?

On the bright side, now that we have agreed on something, it feels like we took a step forward to closing the huge gap between us. Maybe this wouldn't be as bad as I thought. Maybe.