Chapter 3
Zara’s POV
The silence that enveloped us was akin to a warm, gentle embrace on a frigid winter’s night, wrapping us in an intimate cocoon where the outside world faded into oblivion. It was as if time had momentarily stopped, allowing just the two of us to exist in this secluded bubble. Our eyes locked in a magnetic connection, his penetrating gaze seizing mine with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat, pounding rhythmically in my chest.
In the distance, the enchanting melody of Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" drifted through the crisp evening air, carried by a chorus of cheerful carolers. The lyrics seemed to resonate with the very pulse of my heart:
"I don't want a lot for Christmas,
There's just one thing I need,
I don't care about the presents,
Underneath the Christmas tree..."
I felt an irresistible urge to move closer to him, my voice dropping to a mere whisper, laden with the gravity of the moment. "We can have an arrangement. You'll have your space, and I’ll have mine. We'll just pretend to be a couple in public, and in private, you can be yourself." What the hell am I even saying to him? Won’t he think that I am so desperate right now? I need to back out of this, I wish I was drunk doing this,it would have been better so I can blame the alcohol but it turned out I am actually asking a stranger to marry me with my brain working. I am going to do this,I must prove to Leo that he can easily be replaced. He thinks he is handsome, I wonder what will be on his face when I show to the world my new lover because damn this stranger is just too handsome. I pictured the stranger in a tailored suit and oh mine,he will be breathtaking and ladies will be dying to be in his arms, he is a work of art.
As I gazed up into his captivating eyes, my pulse quickened with both excitement and nervousness. "You’ll benefit greatly from this arrangement. I’m rich and beautiful, after all. You should be thrilled that a pretty lady like me is asking you to marry her." I needed him to see reasons to accept me.I hope I didn’t brag too much for him to change his mind about accepting my offer? But I didn’t brag,I am pretty myself and a role model on IG. He should be glad a celebrity like me is asking him to marry him.
He chuckled softly, the sound a delightful mixture of charm and mischief that sent a flutter coursing through my chest. It was both adorable and exasperating. "Sure, let’s get married," he replied, the teasing lilt in his voice evident. Wait a minute, he accepted or he is playing with me? I thought he was going to refuse the offer.
“You know you can’t go back on your word right?”
“I am a man of my word, miss, my yes is always my yes and my no, always no.” He sounded so sweet and I think bumping into this stranger was not a mistake at all, he is just a perfect gentleman and I like it.
With trembling hands, I slid the delicate ring onto his finger, exhilaration coursing through my veins like electric current. "Now you’re mine," I said, attempting to sound assertive and possessive.
Raising an eyebrow, he wore a sly smile that seemed to dance on his lips. "Okay, but if I’m yours, then what’s my name?" His playful tone sparked a blush in my cheeks as I suddenly realized, to my dismay, that I hadn’t even thought to ask for his name.
In a rush to save face, I crafted a hasty excuse. "That’s because I’ll call my lawyer to get our marriage contract drawn up, and then we can share our names." I carried a serious face making sure he doesn’t see through my lies.
He chuckled again, the corners of his eyes crinkling with amusement, and I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of curiosity and trepidation about the whirlwind I had just entered.
I excused myself to call my lawyer, Donald. The cool air brisked against my skin as I dialed his number. He answered on the first ring, his familiar voice cutting through the chaos of my thoughts.
"Zara, what's up?" he asked, and I could hear the slight rustle of papers in the background.
"I need a marriage contract, and I need it now," I said, trying to maintain a calm demeanor even though my heart raced.
Donald chuckled softly on the other end. "You're in luck, Zara. I have a prepared contract that was meant for another client, but she changed her mind just yesterday. It’s all ready for you."
A wave of relief washed over me. "Great, should we come to your office?" I suggested, hoping the rush of the moment wouldn't interfere with the details of the contract.
"It’s locked up for the holiday, but for you, I’ll make an exception. Let’s meet at the Park Gazebo instead," he replied, his tone reassuring.
After hanging up the phone, I turned back to the stranger who had joined me in this whirlwind. "It's all set. We’ll meet my lawyer at the Park Gazebo," I said, eagerness bubbling within me.
I reached for my phone to call a taxi, but the stranger gently stopped me with a hand on my arm. "I’ve got my ride," he said, a playful glint in his eyes as he gestured to an extraordinary bike parked a few feet away.
My eyes widened in awe as I took in the sleek contours and gleaming chrome of the motorcycle. Its design was nothing short of stunning, a fusion of elegance and raw power. I had always fantasized about riding on a bike like this, feeling the rush of the wind with someone I cared about. A thrill of excitement surged through me as I swung my leg over the seat, positioning myself comfortably behind him.
"Hold me and never let go," he said over his shoulder, a mischievous grin spreading across his face, his confidence only fueling my exhilaration.
I wrapped my arms around his waist, savoring the warmth of his body beneath my fingertips. The moment we took off, I was enveloped in a rush of adrenaline. The bike roared to life beneath us, and the wind whipped through my hair, carrying away my worries as the vibrant lights of the city darted past in a hazy blur.
Before long, we arrived at the Park Gazebo, a quaint and picturesque spot bustling with life. Donald stood waiting, his expression a mixture of seriousness and professionalism, a stark contrast to our earlier thrill.
"Are you both sure about this?" he asked, scanning our faces with an intensity that demanded consideration. "Marriage is a significant commitment."
I glanced at the stranger beside me, and he returned my gaze with a steady look of assurance. We both nodded, our resolve solidified. "We’re sure," we replied in unison, our voices merging in harmony.
Donald’s serious demeanor softened into a smile as he handed us each a copy of the contract. "Alright then, let’s get started," he said, his voice filled with encouragement as he began to outline the details that would bind our fates together.
Once we both signed the contract, Donald handed us each a copy. He glanced at us with a genuine smile and said, "I wish you both a Merry Christmas in advance."
As Donald walked away, my husband turned to me, his expression transforming from playful to sincere. "So, your name is Zara. Nice to meet you, Zara." His voice was warm, and the way he said my name made it feel special.
I returned his smile, a bit shy under his penetrating gaze. "Nice to meet you too, Lucius."
He leaned in slightly, his captivating eyes scanning my face as if committing every detail to memory. "You know, Zara, I have never seen a lady as bold as you," he remarked, the compliment sending another wave of warmth through my cheeks.
"Thank you, Lucius," I managed to reply, feeling a delightful flutter in the pit of my stomach.
With a twinkle in his eye, he continued, "And do you know, my dear wife, that we just got married under the mistletoe?" He gestured overhead, and I followed his gaze to discover a sprig of mistletoe gracefully hanging from the gazebo’s rustic roof.
Lucius’ eyes locked onto mine, and he leaned in closer, the warmth of his breath brushing against my skin and igniting a tantalizing shiver down my spine.
"It's tradition to kiss under the mistletoe," he whispered, his lips hovering mere inches from my mouth.
My heart raced in response, pounding as I contemplated what it might be like to kiss this striking stranger—this man I had just vowed to be married to in the most unconventional of circumstances. The world around us faded, leaving only the two of us and the promise of an unexpected adventure ahead.
TBC.