Love's Rebirth

Chapter 14

Xavier's POV

I watched Delia's face closely, searching for any anger or malice, but I found none. I took a moment to gather my thoughts. She seemed to realize I needed this and stayed silent, allowing me time to process before responding. I looked at her and asked calmly, "When did you find out?" She didn't hesitate when answering me. "Saturday. A few socialites I know mentioned hearing rumours. My father looked into it, superficially, and confirmed Leon's infidelity. I won't ask how long you've known because it's irrelevant to this meeting. I'm here because I'd like to do damage control." she said calmly, sounding like she was discussing investments rather than betrayal. I pinched the bridge of my nose, mentally cursing my brother for his infinite stupidity. "Delia, on behalf of my parents and myself, I apologize for Leon's indiscretions. You don't deserve this. I would understand completely if your family no longer wanted to go through with the merger." I said, trying not to let the irritation and anger show in my tone. She chuckled softly. "The merger will continue, but I won't be marrying Leon. I came here to propose some changes to the deal." she said.

I looked at her, and something in her eyes made me realize that she wasn't angry but that she was still going to make Leon pay. She looked sweet and devious at the same time, and I felt my member stirring within the confines of my slacks. I shifted in my chair slightly, trying to alleviate the sudden bolt of desire that shot through me. "What changes are you proposing?" I asked quickly, swallowing hard at the effort to mask my discomfort. She noticed but didn't ask. "I know you don't like me, but I'm hoping you can put that aside for the sake of the merger." she said. I furrowed my brows in confusion, wondering why she thought I didn't like her. She must've mistaken my confusion for anger because she quickly added, "You don't have to decide now. I just wanted to run this by you first. If it doesn't sound good, you can kick me out and continue avoiding me." I shook my head quickly and said, "Delia, I don't dislike you. I never have. Why would you think that?" She gave me an incredulous look. "You always avoided me when we were younger. Every time I tried talking to you or hanging out with you and Trent, you always made up some lame excuse to leave or ignore me outright." she responded, looking nervous.

I ran my hand through my hair in frustration, realizing my methods of coping with my unrequited love seemed like dislike. I started to feel bad, wishing I could go back and be less of an as***le to her for all those years. She added, "You don't have to like me for what I'm proposing." I held my hand up, stopping her, needing to explain myself without confessing my undying love for her. "Delia, I swear I don't dislike you. I watched you grow up from this adorable little girl into an attractive young woman. The change overwhelmed me, and I struggled to deal with it well. I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you." She looked surprised by my words, but whatever she saw on my face must've convinced her I wasn't lying. She nodded and offered me a small smile. "That makes what I'm about to say slightly easier then. As you know, the wedding is set for six months from now. I intend to get married. However, I would like to change the groom. The invitations were scheduled to be sent out in two weeks. The changes need to be finalised before then. I, however, won't be marrying your brother. Instead, I'd like you to take his place." she said calmly. I absorbed everything she said, but it took a minute for it to sink in.

Delia wanted me to marry her in my brother's stead. I blinked a few times, shook my head in disbelief, and asked, "Are you serious?" She smiled again, nervously this time. "Yes. I've thought it through, although I have yet to discuss it with my family because they might talk me out of it. Given the severity of your brother's betrayal, I wouldn't feel comfortable marrying him. However, I also don't want my hard work planning this wedding and setting up this merger going to waste. Our families have known each other for a long time. I don't want Leon's disloyalty to ruin decades of trust. Marrying you will also drive him nuts so it's a win-win." she said. I didn't respond for a long time, and her nervousness increased, her fidgeting worsening with each passing minute.

Finally, I looked at her. I took a deep, steadying breath and said, "So you're marrying me to protect the merger, protect our families' relationship, and annoy my brother?" She looked apologetic. Before she could start actually apologising, I raised my hand. "I'm not mad. I'm not judging. I just want to clarify." She let out a relieved sigh before nodding, affirming everything I'd mentioned. I rubbed my chin, contemplating the change in terms, and a small smile formed. She noticed the slight twitch of my mouth and the small smile that appeared on my face, and she let out a small, relieved breath. "I know this is sudden. You can take some time to think about it and....." she said, but I interrupted her, saying,"I agree to your proposal. I'll marry you." She looked at me wide-eyed, shocked I agreed so quickly. "The only issue, Delia, is my friendship with Trent. He might not be accepting of your change in groom." I told her bluntly. She nodded knowingly, as if she had already considered that. "That's part of the reason I've delayed telling my family my plan. Kyle and Trent aren't going to take it well. Everyone else will begrudgingly support my decision while simultaneously worrying about my sanity. Let me handle it. Once things have calmed down in the Cooper household, we'll start executing the changes." I looked at her, admiring the calm, strategic way she was handling this mess. Desired stirred in my veins again, but I stifled it quickly.

"I just have one more question. Will this be a marriage in name only, or did you want a real relationship?" She looked at me, her face showing uncertainty for the first time since she arrived. She started fidgeting again, taking deep, steadying breaths before responding. "That will depend on you. I'm ok with either option. However, I do believe that, as the eldest son, you will be expected to produce an heir." she said in a soft, uncertain voice. I swallowed, my mind already imagining me and Delia in various positions. I rubbed my forehead, trying to physically erase the mental images of us. "Would you be willing to get physical with me?" she asked, sounding unsure and less confident in herself. I looked up suddenly, trying to find the right words to respond with. "Delia, being physical with you would not only be easy, it would be a blessing." I said. I mentally kicked myself for being so blunt, but the shy smile that appeared on her face told me I'd said the right thing. "One more thing, Xavier. I hope it won't make you see me differently or lose interest." she said quietly. I wondered what it was that Delia thought would make me lose interest in her. I prayed it wasn't some weird kink or crazy fetish, but I was not prepared for what it actually was. "I'm a virgin." she said shyly. I sat there, gaping at her like a man starved for air. I wanted to say something, but the words died in my throat. I just let out a squeak that a man of my stature should not have been able to make. She squirmed in her chair, looking very uncomfortable, and all I could think was that I would be Delia's first. The rush of pure joy and excitement moved through me like a tidal wave, and I couldn't hide the smile that formed on my face. The universe had kept her just for me, and I would make sure to cherish her and love her as she deserved.