HEIRS OF DISDAIN(They never wanted this.)

Chapter 6

Alison

"I did."

He suddenly held my hand and clasped it with his tightly and looked at me with such an intense gaze that I couldn't look away. Then he continued. "I've loved her since a long time ago. She just didn't notice till she left. Fortunately, fate reunited us, and we..." he tightened the grip around my hands and continued, "we fell in love."

What the f**k!

There must be something in the air. Right when I'd started to feel a little normal, he had the audacity to do this. At this rate, I might end up in a mental asylum in a few days if this kept going on.

If I hadn't drafted the fake marriage plan, I would have actually believed him.

It took me a while to snap out of the daze he put me in, and so did the others as they continued with their incessant questioning.

"Since you guys are so in love," a relative I didn't recognize began, stressing out the "love," "why didn't you tell us you already had someone?" A question directed at me again.

"Well, because I wasn't sure if we were serious enough to be considering marriage."

"So... now you're sure?" she asked in an uncertain tone.

"Yes... he..." I feigned shyness. "He proposed." Flashing a ring I'd picked randomly out of my jewelry box, which earned gasps from family members. I could almost gag at my fake shyness act. Utterly disgusting. I felt like I was turning into Linda.

"So when do you plan on doing the wedding?"

"Anytime you are fine with, as long as it's as soon as possible." Let's get this over with already.

"Fine. Will the next two weeks do?"

"Sure." Focusing on my now interesting plate of food.

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The next few days were a mix of dress fitting, wedding planning, and evading my soon-to-be fake husband.

Before you ask how I'm supposed to avoid someone I'm getting married to in a few days, all I have to say is I'll take my chances.

You know, for a fake wedding, it sure comes with a lot of stress. Given that my witch of a cousin Linda is back and acting like a leech all of a sudden under the guise of being a bridesmaid, this week can't really be considered my best.

Her sudden return was an unpleasant surprise given our history. Not only did she come back, but she also decided to attend my wedding (fake wedding) as a bridesmaid. Something is fishy. I can't quite put my finger on it.

Anyway, I'm stuck with her for now since Alicia is tied up with work.

Today's the final dress fitting. We decided to do it a day before the wedding to avoid any mishaps.

I'm currently in the dressing room as I changed into my gown. A strapless sequined dress that was neither too tight nor loose but hugged my curves perfectly and flowed at the bottom.

Immediately I walked out of the dressing room, my gaze immediately captured Alex fully decked out in his suit. What caught my attention wasn't him, even though he was looking quite attractive. It was Linda and the position she and Alex were in. She seemed to be adjusting his cuff links, but I know Linda more than anyone. I can't believe I almost forgot Alex's reputation as a notorious playboy for a while. But still, for some reason, a part of me was unhappy.

"Honey," I called out, drawing both of their attention and momentarily stunning Alex.

I walked gracefully towards them, casting Linda aside like a dirty piece of clothing, and reached out to adjust his already perfectly positioned tie.

"How do I look?" I gave him a sweet smile.

"Stunning," he whispered, almost inaudible, but I'm sure Linda heard it given that she stormed out red-faced in anger.

Immediately she left, I tried to put some distance between us but was yanked closer to him. His hand smoothly found its way to my waist, and the other went to play with loose strands of hair on my face. I had to put my hands on his surprisingly hard chest to put some distance between us.

And then he spoke, his voice lower than usual.

"Honey, huh?"

I struggled to break free from his embrace but to no avail. I later decided to give up and reason with him.

"The deal was no physical contact unless in a public place."

"Well, aren't we in a public place?" f**k. I suddenly realized that a boutique isn't exactly considered private.

"Now back to my question," he continued. I rolled my eyes and answered.

"We haven't even gotten married yet. We can't afford any scandals right now."

"Ok, makes sense." He nodded with a knowing look on his face, which soon turned into mischief instantly. "You know, we'd have to kiss on our wedding day. We should probably start practicing right now."

He then leaned in for a kiss, which I quickly pushed him away from and took a few steps back, which immediately earned me a chuckle.

"Speaking of that, how do we fake a kiss in front of so many people?"

"We don't."

"Ohhh... what?!"

"What did you expect? Do I look like a magician that can perform tricks on stage?" He stared at my bewildered expression and suddenly let out a throaty chuckle.

"You know, for a CEO of a company, you seem to like laughing a lot."

He stopped laughing and stared at me intently with his piercing green eyes. "Only when I'm with you."

I started feeling my foolish heart going 98km/h.

Just then, Alicia walked in, bless her soul, and saved me from this awkward situation.

"I'm so sorry I'm late. My evil boss wouldn't let me take a day off. I think he might have attachment issues," she said out of breath.

"No, it's fine. Let's go try on your bridesmaid dress." And I scurried out of the room, Alicia in hand.

We had decided on a light pink dress that complemented her translucent pale skin and hugged her ample curves.

My time away from Alex was short-lived as we'd eventually ride in the same car. I thought about calling a cab, but God knows what might make the headlines tomorrow. I seriously needed to be away from him for a while to gather my thoughts. I should be clear-headed before entering a fake marriage with him.

I walked into the car looking calm and composed, but I could have sworn when he entered after me, my heart did a backflip.

He pulled out a box and revealed the most stunning diamond ring I'd ever seen. While I was still shocked, he took the opportunity to slide the ring onto my finger and kissed it.

"It would be weird to be engaged without an engagement ring, wouldn't it?"

I nodded in a daze and suddenly processed what happened.

"Someone was watching us," he said immediately he saw my mouth about to move. Then he started to fasten his seatbelt and drove off.