A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
1377 Words
The next morning, Lily sat on her bed scrolling through her phone before giving Clara a call. The phone rang twice before she picked.
“Lily?” Clara's voice sounded concerned. “It's quite early, what's wrong?”
“Nothing is wrong,” Lily replied, “I just...needed to talk.”
“Is it about Martin?” Clara sighed. “Did he do anything to you?”
“No girl,” Lily laughed a bit. “Actually we are going out as a couple today...for a gala event.”
“A gala? So, he's showing you off now?” Clara replied.
Lily rubbed her head and sighed. “Apparently, that’s part of being Mrs Luther. He wants to make our marriage look perfect.”
“And you’re just going along with it?” Clara’s voice was sharp.
Lily hesitated. “Well I am his wife afterall, so I don’t really have that much of a choice, do I?”
Clara snapped. “Lily, this isn’t right. He’s controlling everything, and you’re just—”
“He promised me answers,” Lily interrupted. “If I play along, he’ll finally tell me the truth.”
There was a short silence. Then Clara continued. “And you believe him?”
Lily replied, “I don’t know. But it’s the only lead I have.”
“Okay then, good luck with your date.” Clara teased.
---
Later that evening, Lily stood in front of the mirror, wearing a stunning red gown that hugged her figure perfectly well.
She had just finished applying her makeup when she heard a knock on the door.
"Come in," Lily yelled, expecting Martin's personal assistant who had been helping her prepare. But instead, Martin walked in.
He looked at her, and for the first time, she saw something that looked like admiration in his eyes.
“You look really gorgeous,” he said with a smile.
“Did I hear that right?” Lily said, a bit surprised. “A genuine compliment from Martin Luther?”
“Don't get too used to it though.” Martin replied playfully.
“Well, for what it's worth, you look handsome as well.” Lily said, looking at him.
Martin gave her a smile of approval and then proceeded to bring out a ring box from his pocket. He opened it, revealing a diamond necklace inside. It looked very fancy and expensive.
“This is for you,” he said, as he gently lifted the necklace out of the box.
Lily's gasped a bit. “No, no...I can't accept this Martin.” she said innocently.
“I insist,” Martin replied with a smile.
“You didn't have to do this,” Lily said, not being used to such lavish display of affection.
“Well, you're my wife and you should be treated as one.” Martin said, as he placed the necklace over her neck. “It looks good on you.”
Lily couldn't help but feel excited. It was starting to actually feel good being Mrs Luther but Martins next word brought her back to reality.
“We need to look like the perfect couple,” he said. “I hope you can put up a good act?”
Lily simply nodded without saying a word.
“Shall we then,” Martin said, as he offered his arm.
Lily took his arm, and they both walked out of the room.
---
The drive to the gala took almost 30 minutes. As they arrived, Martin stepped out of the car, pulled open the passenger door and then offered Lily a hand out.
“Ouuh, a gentle man, I see” Lily said playfully.
“Let's get in,” Martin said, as he once again offered her his arm.
The event was huge, with golden lights, classical music and well dressed people. The moment they stepped in, all eyes turned to them.
“Martin Luther,” an older woman approached them. “The business world's most committed bachelor is finally off the market. And what a beautiful bride.”
“Mrs Deloitte,” Martin nodded respectfully. “May I introduce my lovely wife, Lily Luther.”
“Fantastic,” the woman said, staring at Lily with curiosity. “Such a sudden union. So romantic.”
“Some connections are just magical,” Martin replied, pulling Lily closer and putting his arm around her waist. “From the day we first met, I just couldn't imagine the rest of my life without her.”
The woman smiled. "Ohh, young love. So passionate and intoxicating."
As they walked around, Martin held Lily close, his hands never leaving her waist. He introduced her to his business associates and other high-profile guests. And he spoke very nicely of her.
Then the orchestra began playing music and Martin extended his hand. “Dance with me.”
On the dance floor, Martin pulled her close. He placed a hand on her waist, and the other one holding hers gently. He knew all the right steps and moved so natural while leading her direction.
“I didn't know you could dance this way,” Lily uttered with a smile.
“There's a lot you don't know about me,” Martin returned a mysterious smile.
“I guess being Mrs Luther isn't so bad afterall.” Lily teased.
Martin pulled her closer, and something about the way he ran his hands down her back made her feel a spark. It was happening, she was actually having a good time.
After the dance, Martin directed her to a table and then poured out a glass of wine for her. The other guests stole glanced at them, saying they looked so good together.
Martin played the role of the perfect husband so well. They spent the next few minutes on conversations and heavy laughters. And for brief moments, she wasn't even sure if it was still an act.
Then suddenly, a voice interrupted from behind.
“Well, well... Isn't that a lovely sight to behold.”
Lily turned around and her heart froze. It was Mike, standing just across them with a sinister look.
“Whatever this is, has to end now.” Mike yelled. “You're coming with me right now”
“My wife is not going anywhere with you.” Martin responded, standing up.”
Some guests were fully turning to look at them.
“Mike, get out of here.” Lily muttered. “You're causing a scene.”
“Oh that's exactly what I want.” Mike then screamed at the top of his voice “Look everyone, this bastard here stole my fiancee, right on our wedding day.”
They were heavy murmurs and whispers everywhere.
“That's ridiculous,” Martin yelled, feigning disbelief. “My lovely wife and I met at the local museum, and we've been inseparable since then. We don't even know who you are.”
“He's probably just some drunk who's looking for trouble to cause.” Lily supported him.
“Look man, whoever you are,” she continued. “I'm trying to have a nice date with my husband here, so if you don't leave us alone, we'll have to call security.”
“I won't let you make a fool out of me,” Mike yelled angrily.
Lily turned to Martin and whispered, “What do we do? He's gonna blow our cover.”
Then Martin did something unexpected. He held Lily's face gently and kissed her.
Right in front of everyone.
The kiss was slow, deliberate, and meant to prove a point. And the worst part? He was good at it. His lips pressed firmly against hers and she could feel her knees getting weak.
When they finally pulled away, all eyes were on them.
Mike stood there, boiling with anger. “You'll regret this, I promise you...this isn't over yet.”
With that, he stormed off the building.
Lily then turned to Martin. “Did you really have to do that?” she whispered.
Martin smiled, “Yes I did, now no one would have any doubts.”
Lily didn’t respond. Her heart was still pounding.
Not just from the kiss.
But from the terrifying realization that, for a moment there, she wanted it.
- Writer
