My Mysterious Love For him

CHAPTER-15

ADAM

'Don’t trip, Just say two words- I do.'

That’s it. Easy, right?

Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I keep reassuring myself. In next thirty minutes, I’d be asked to take the grand walk to alter. Oh goodness, I was getting married. My nerves skyrocketed again rehearing the truth.

Soraya and Marcus’s wedding had completed flawlessly, like a true fairy tale. Actually it was another condition I put forth in front of Azrael that our wedding would happen only after theirs. It was evident for him, I didn’t trust his word at all.

Yet, he wordlessly agreed instead of getting offended. There was no one from my side, so I was to walk to alter alone. 'No problem Adam, you have an entire different battle waiting for you. His indifferent self, his family, his high class society, lot more.' So, its better I get used to such distressing phases.

“Addy, my thoughts derail, I turn around with a skeptical look. “Let’s go,”

She was supposed to be with Marcus. “Sora, what are you doing here?”

Looping my arm, she begin walking us out of the guest room, “Helping you run from your wedding? I wish. “What does it look like? You don’t have any clue what your man has prepared for you,” she giddily informs whereas I scrunch my brows not relating with her.

We detour from alter, going in completely different direction and finally reaching outside. I keep probing her for further information, she declines each attempt.

“This is it,” she says coming to a stop and nodding in front.

Sighing, I follow her gaze. And get blown off for what was arranged in front of my eyes.

I had no clue at backside of the venue, there was panoramic view of lake. The entire section on the landside was beautifully decorated with pastel color carnations, especially the dais was designed with unlit tea lights hanging on either side, a white carpet with white rose petals, rolled from there reaching till my feet.

Only close guests from both families were around to the parallel sides, I don’t recognize them anyway.

My eyes, frantic heart, on their accord search for him. Steady, boastful shoe steps echo from the right end of the dais. Gripping my fingers in a fist, I slowly move my gaze to him.

The second he stands in front waiting for me on the dais, my heart attempts to leave out of my chest.

‘Azrael- why’d you go through all these only for one year contract wedding?’

Sora surprising me, loops my arm walking me to altar. A boulder lodges in my throat from unexpected shifts of scenarios, so I could only muster a grateful smile towards her. A lot of murmuring, gasps follows the way obviously it was about my birthmark or low class, nameless person was groom of a billionaire.

Controlling my trembling, I kept walking. A familiar hand comes into my view, I blink few times hesitantly accepting it. To my horror, I trip on my feet though Azrael saves my embarrassment in time. I lift my gaze, mumbling to myself, ‘Just like the first time.'

He straightens me pressing his hand on my back, from the way his lips twitch I knew our first encounter might have flashed in his mind as well. I take a moment to observe him, my lips part seeing the custom tailored black three piece suit gloving his body, elevating his muscular figure.

Perfection was oozing from him, I observed he was wearing the similar designer watch like mine. Though it suited his thick wrist more. With my sky blue formal shirt, white pants and suit coat- We both were completely different along with our personalities.

Goosebumps sprout on my skin as he lean down near my ear. “Do you like the arrangements?”

‘Why does he keep asking my opinions for every little thing?’ As if it matters. keeping my questions in bay, I nod with a guile smile.

He brushes my fingers, staring at me with hundreds of emotions that I couldn’t understand. Maybe I didn’t want to.

“Azrael, you can have entire lifetime to admire your man if you quickly start the ceremony.”

Someone from the guests’ tease him making everyone laugh. His stoniness reels back, merely glancing at the man, he faces the marriage officiant. The man seems unaffected, waving enthusiastically at me. I give him a single wave before Azrael tugs my wrist and turn me around.

And the cacophony of my life, begins.

The officiant follows the customs, repeating the phrases meanwhile my stomach churns with bundle of nerves. The day I have never dare to imagine in life, it was right now- unfolding into a permanent reality. I couldn’t believe it.

“Now, it’s time for grooms to repeat their vows for each other,”

My heart drops in my stomach, 'freak I forgot to prepare the vows.' Unconsciously, I reach for his hand and grip it tightly. Azrael sideway stares at me, I look down feeling embarrassed. Great! It’s like I platter all the reasons to be made fun of myself.

“That we’d keep it to ourselves,”

My head snaps once Azrael ineffectively announces, murmurings again fill the air. The old officiant awkwardly nods resuming the remaining ceremony. Is there any possibility, I could understand this man in this lifetime?

Azrael squeezes my hand, I blink at him then at officiant expectant gaze. Oh… it was the moment.

“I do,” I respond, surprisingly without stuttering.

He sighs offering me a smile continuing with Azrael.

Azrael shifts his body completely, “I do,” he commits assertively, staring intently in my eyes.

A renewed vigor rushes in my nerves, I cannot stop myself from smiling widely at him. Soon the rings are forwarded by the same man who was teasing earlier. Definitely he was important in Azrael’s life. My hands shook slightly while picking it, mentally counting the correct finger and pushing the ring gently.

Applauses ring through the ambience. Unaffected with anything Azrael hold my hand, slipping the ring effortlessly.

“Now, you may kiss your husband,”

My breath lodges in my throat as in swift move Azrael comes closer, cupping my face gently, he guides it upwards. My hands remain in air, tentavily I bunch the side of his coat. He was going to kiss me, I don’t know what to feel about it?

His nose caress mine, a slow exhale of breath spread on my lips in last second he presses his lips on my forehead. My eyes flutter close savoring the moment. Taking me off guard his lips travel to my birthmark. Lingering there, for more seconds.

I hastily open my eyes, to find him already staring with softest emotion I had ever seen in his eyes. My eyes tear up at the tender hope, I find in them.

Then the most magical thing happens. His luscious lips slant in a mesmerizing smile as he says in low voice just for me to hear, “il mio fiore.”

Even if I didn’t understand its translation, I was left breathless.

*****

“Sora, why the heck are you crying?”

“I can’t help it, your wedding was so beautiful, out of the world…” she blew her nose in the tissue I have handed her.

Marcus scrunches his face, patting her head comfortingly. After the ceremony, exquisite lunch was organized, with my frantic nerves I hardly ate anything. The evening rolled in for the reception party, once again going through the changing process everyone was dressed up. I opted for a midnight blue color suit, it was gifted by Sora.

We were having pleasant time when swiping through the pictures Sora started getting emotional. Azrael was yet to come so we could officially start meet and greet program. Being a socially awkward, I was slightly dreading it. I can’t wait to get done with this night, my feet were hurting. 'Oh wait, then it means I was going to stay in Azrael’s house from today.'

There goes my heart, mind, nerves shooting in different directions with different emotions. There is no looking back anymore.

It took some time to cool down Sora and Marcus initiated the formal greetings with her. Pacing around for some time, I popped my head out roaming my gaze at the gathering. It felt odd that instead of attending them, I was other side of receiving it tonight.

“Is something bothering you?” I shivered hearing his deep voice.

Turning on my heels, I scaled changes in his look for the evening celebration. He didn’t exactly change much, simply leaving his waist coat and opting a midnight blue coat. Did he wanted to match with my outfit?

I didn’t ask him though. “Nothing,”

He mutters something under his breath, extending his palm I slide my hand hesitantly. He then move out taking me somewhere. I have this immediate urge to entwine our fingers then I remind myself, these little gestures would only complicate things between us.

A long, awkward session of meeting the guests occupies a chunk of time, Azrael clearly maintains the conversations formal while I timidly greet them sticking to remain silent. Not like I had anything better to offer in their talks.

“Ah, my hot nugget finally got time to meet his best friend.” the enthusiastic man I had been seeing since morning, cross our way. In perplexed state, I watch him hugging Azrael who disinterestedly pats his back with a straight face.

'Azrael has best friend, like normal people. Wow! Heck Adam, you sound blunt for presuming about Azrael’s life when you hardly know anything.' I feel bad realizing it.

“It’s great to meet the famous, Adam here. I’m Dimitri, you must have discovered by now, this hard shell’s lifesaving best friend,” he extends his hand, I shake it with a genuine smile.

He was the first one to make me feel comfortable. Talking with Azrael’s family except for Marcus was distressing. They didn’t bother a straight glance at me, it did hurt a bit as technically they were my in laws. At least for one year.

“It’s nice to meet you,”

His eyes widen, he shots a glance at Azrael then launch at me in a tight hug, “Oh Dio, you’re truly a sweet heart, I can already see we’re going to be best friends. At least someone would be truly reciprocating my affection, unlike some stone man here.”

I awkwardly pat at his back, instantly he is pulled off from my body. Azrael tugs my arm, sliding me to his side.

“Keep your hands to yourself, Dimitri. Se non li vuoi rotti"

So hot... Azrael speaking in Italian just sweeps the breath out of me.

Dimitri chuckles unoffended with whatever Azrael said to him. Oh, he is surely going to be resourceful to decode Azrael’s mysterious personality. I offer an apologetic smile to Dimitri.

“Adam, its fine. For a moment, I thought Azrael was going to suspiciously transform after marrying you. Retorting someone or warning them are some of your husband’s normal trait.” Dimitri informs sarcastically, it only made me worried. I can’t understand Azrael any time soon then.

I chuckle along for formality sake. Few minutes of casual talks later, Dimitri sipping his wine nods to the dancing area. 'Oh no, no!'

“Why don’t you both start official dance so other couples could join the celebrations. I would have if Lauren, my wife was present here. She is down with fever at home. Anyways she send you both hearty congratulations and promised to meet you in person, Adam. If you don’t mind.”

I get sad to know that. He was alone here for our wedding, “Of course Dimitri, I’d like to meet Lauren. Please send my regards to her,”

Dimitri gives me warm smile, nodding.

“Wife is sick at home and you’re having wine in a party,” Azrael comment with a straight look.

I frown at his harshness, Dimitri purses his lips.

“Bastardo, my mother in law is with her. And she forced me to attend your wedding as I was your best man. How ungrateful of you!”

I discreetly nod agreeing with him. Azrael takes the wine glass from Dimitri’s hand, placing in one of the waiter’s tray. 'What is he up to?'

“Thank you for your grand presence. We had pleasant time having you here. Now kindly leave and go home,” he says, slightly shoving Dimitri towards the exit. Again surprising me, his friend only laughs shaking his head, bidding goodbye to me.

My curiosity tumbles the question out, “Why would you do that? He must have felt bad, though his smile wasn’t confirming it,” I doubtfully think aloud.

Azrael glance down at me, holding my hand. “Otherwise for stupid formalities he would have stayed even when he wanted to attend Lauren. If it were up to me I’d have forced him out the second I was informed of Lauren’s health. He should be with his family not wasting his time on me,”

“Your personality is impossible to my sanity,” I admit, matching his long strides.

He mumbles something in Italian. Once I settle down with my new life, the first thing I’d do is learn his native language.

Noticing we were at the dance floor. “What, I don’t know…dancing at all!”

Everyone start cheering us, my stomach twists in nervousness. Azrael ignoring my reply, wounds his arm around my waist pulling me gently towards him. I gasp nonplussed glancing around, as if I’d magically learn few moves. Sora and Marcus take the position next to us, happily dancing with each other. I was shifted as Azrael guides my hand on his shoulder, the other grasping firmly.

“Look at me, Adam.”

My eyes oblige, involuntarily shivering at the depth held in his stare. God, he is effortlessly handsome, sexy. The whiffs of his cologne makes my sense dizzy. After few minutes of simply standing there, Azrael initiates moving our bodies to the romantic piano tune.

“Bellisimo, il lio fiore,” he says, leaning his forehead on mine.

I tighten my hold on him, my heartbeat thumps in tide of unbeknownst emotions.

“What does it mean?” I whisper not willingly to pop the enchanting bubble we’re in.

A deliberate smile stretches his lips, my eyes flicker at them. Azrael in generally is attractive but his smiles make him ethereal.

He drifts towards the side of my neck, my hands tentavily glide at nape of his neck. “Beautiful, my flower,” saying it, he firmly kisses my mark again and again.

My breathing goes wild, “Azrael,” my eyes close in coyness.

He pulls me closer, caressing his nose from my cheek to my ear. “Stop calling my name like that,”

“Like what?” in haze I ask him.

“Like I could take you right here, right now. Audience be damned.”

My knees crumble hearing his hoarse voice, unable to bear his slow tortuous anymore I mush my face in his chest. Hard surface erupting his fast heartbeats right under my ear. He exhales a deep breath, winding his arms tighter around me.

'What was all this? I can’t name it but if there was only one wish could be granted in my lifetime, it would be- I want to stay in his arms, securely, promisingly forever.'

Translation:

Se non li vuoi rotti "If you don’t want them broken,”