The Heiress: A love in Deceit

Chapter Four

On the 6th of October, in the cool of an autumn evening, I married Dryan Brooks, The CEO of The Brooklyn Holdings. My father was particularly excited and proud. He rambled on to the wedding guests about how I had envisioned my wedding since the age of nine.

My mother had cupped my face in her hand with a radiant smile. “You did good and my God, you look beautiful,” she said, her eyes wet.

I was glad that everyone was happy. Everyone, including me. I had just married Dryan Brooks. The same dashing man who happened to have saved my life just a month ago. What are the odds?

Ever since the introduction, I had spent nights drowning in the blue of his eyes, laughing hysterically at his beautiful sense of humor, and kissing him for the first time. A kiss that I still dream about before I fall asleep at night.

I was happy. I had been scared to end up devastated like ladies who were forced into marrying someone they didn't choose. It was a risk I was willing to take for my family’s sake.

Nevertheless, I felt a sense of gratitude in my heart that it didn't turn out that way as I watched Dryan dance with my mother.

“Adorable isn't it?” Raymond, Dryan’s brother said.

I nodded while dabbing the tears in my eyes with a napkin.

“Can I sit?” he asked.

“Of course.”

He sighed as he sat. “Congratulations once again,” he said, fixing his eyes on me.

“Thank you.” As much as people were happy for me, I was also happy for myself.

“You look…beautiful,” he said with a gentle smile.

“Thank you, Raymond.”

We sat in silence for a moment, our gaze fixed on Dryan and my mom as they swayed from side to side. “I don't think I have ever seen Dryan this happy,” he began, his eyes twinkling. “It is a wonderful sight. And it is all because of you.”

“Well, I'm glad I could help,” I said jokingly.

He laughed and wiped the tears in his eyes. Tears that had gathered while watching Dryan and my mom dance. “Growing up, he used to be stern. He has always been focused and driven. His success is evident and I'm so proud of him. I'm even more happy that he gets to be with someone like you.”

“That is sweet of you, Raymond. Thank you,” I said, feeling a bit sad and wishing that Dryan and I had been getting married under different circumstances.

Withstanding the fact that our marriage was arranged, I couldn't help but feel at peace about our union. We hadn't known each other for too long but I was already falling. Just a little push, I thought, and I'd be completely, incandescently in love with him.

I watched him as he made his way to me from the dance floor, my heart racing because of his piercing gaze.

“Are you ready?” he asked, smiling gently.

“Ready? For what?”

Stretching out his hand to me, he said, “We have a plane to catch, love.”

The trip was a surprise. He had been planning it since the moment I mentioned my love for nature, he explained as we pulled up to the secluded, luxurious nature-side resort. My eyes sparkled with excitement. I had dreamed of this moment sometimes– the first night of our honeymoon. I didn’t visualize it in this beautiful setting, but that only made it more exciting.

We had a warm welcome from the staff, and soon after that, we were alone, standing in the center of the beautiful suite. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcased an endless expanse of forest, stretching out to the mountains, bathed in the golden hues of sunset. Soft candlelight flickered around the room, casting a warm, romantic glow over every corner.

Dryan let out a soft breath, walked slowly to me and wrapped his arms around my waist. “How are you?” he asked, his voice soft and calm.

“Good,” I replied, nodding.

“Good?”

“Good,” I said, a wide grin spread across my face.

He returned the smile and planted a kiss on my forehead before walking to a small table by the window. “How about a toast?”

“To us,” he said, uncorking the bottle and pouring two glasses.

“To us,” I said.

We clinked our glasses together, our eyes meeting as we sipped the deep red wine. It tasted rich and smooth, and I felt a warmth spread through me–not just from the wine, but from being close to him.

We stood by the window, sipping the wine, exchanging glances, and speaking affectionately about how we got to this point in our lives.

“I still remember the first day I saw you,” he said. “You looked beautiful and terrified. Looking back now, I’d say you were just adorable.”

I laughed and so did he. “Well,” he continued. “Talking to you later that night made me see how smart and kind you were. Who would have thought that I would be marrying you a few weeks later?”

“I think about that all the time,” I said, smiling.

The night outside grew darker. The stars shone brightly and the room seemed to cocoon us in its warmth. After a while, I set my glass down and held his hand. I looked up at him, my eyes searching his.

Dryan smiled and slowly brushed a strand of my hair from my face, his fingers lingering just a moment longer on my cheek. Without a word, he leaned down, his lips meeting mine in a kiss that was tender at first, but slowly deepened as we melted into each other’s embrace. There was a sweetness to it, a tenderness that deepened as we drew closer. I cherished every touch, every glance.

We slipped away to the bedroom, wrapped in each other’s warmth, savoring the love that filled the room as we made love to each other for the first time, but not the last.