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1154 Words
Laura's hands fell limp to her sides, as her heart increased in a dangerous tempo. What was he doing!
He kissed her softly, as his arm wrapped around her waist, and her mind went blank. What did she come to the room to do? What was she saying before he grabbed her? She couldn't focus on anything, but the soft way his lips grazed hers.
Ever gently, like he was teasing her with it. She could sense the warmth of his mouth, even without him covering her lips with it; she wanted to feel it, but the moment her lips parted, with her eyes falling close, his lips were gone, and the memory of them faint like icecream once off the lips.
She opened her eyes slowly, and saw him with a raised brow. Instantly, red flushed her face, and she stepped back hastily.
“You asked if I needed anything else, honey. That's all I needed.” Ethan said, flatly, and she swallowed, looking around.
“Uh, just…just come and see for yourself if you need any additional furniture.” The words poured out her lips in an unstoppable rush, as her feet carried her out of the room.
Once she was in the dimly lit hall, she pushed the door to her room which was two doors away, and locked the door behind her, leaning heavily against it.
Then her delicate fingers touched her lips. The ghost of his kiss still lingered on it. Her heart began pumping again. Why did he suddenly do that?
Man, he was so charming! It had happened just like the damned freaking movies. What in Pete’s sake was happening!
Laura ran to her bed, burying her face into the covers before she let out a little scream.
When she raised her hand, rough wisps of brown hair fell over her face, “What am I feeling?” She asked herself, a hand going to fondle her cheek.
She brushed her hair backwards, and sat against the wall. Handsome men… they knew how to wield a woman's heart beat as theirs.
It felt like how the authors described love. Laura scoffed. Love was out of the question with all the problems in her life. Perhaps, it was because she wasn't used to men.
A swift knock came on the door.
“Who's there?” She asked, smoothening her hair hastily.
“Miss,” Delphi’s voice sounded from the door, and she sighed in relief.
“Come in.”
Delphi walked in.
“Miss,” She began, her voice strict. Delphi had been there ever since Laura was a kid. In fact, she was more of a mother than Laura's mother would ever be, “I think it's time to explain what all this is about. You ran away from home, and now, you suddenly requested for a brand new home for you and a total stranger.”
“Isn't he handsome?” Laura teased. For some reason, it was relaxing to hear Delphi nagging.
“Miss!”
“I can't get married to George. You know that. He beats women up, and has shady stuff going on with him. I would be a fool to want to have anything to do with him, not to talk of marriage!”
“So you wish to get married to a stranger?”
“It's a fake. Just to get George off my back. Once he regains his memories, the whole thing would be called off. It's not like we'll be having anything together, so relax, everything would be fine.” She explained, getting off her bed, and Delphi sighed heavily.
“Fine. What would you have me do?”
“We're registering our marriage tomorrow, and having a wedding with only you as witness. So I need a wedding dress, someone to decorate the garden outside, and of course, a photographer. That would be all. We just need to do it quick, before father discovers this location and drags me off. Remember he wants me married to that Buffon in two days.”
Delphi heaved an even heavier sigh.
“Will you be fine though? Father won't…”
“How many times do I tell you? I work for you, and not your father. My monthly wage has been coming from you since you were eighteen. It will all be fine. I will do my part.”
~
Time could not go any faster than it already did. Laura couldn't wait to see Ethan, but she had absolutely nothing to say to him, and each time she thought of him, the kiss would follow and catch her off guard.
It hadn't been like when she'd been the one to kiss him.
However, Ethan didn't even come down to dinner, and the door to his room was locked.
“Ethan?” She called, and knocked, but no reply came in.
So instead, she decided he must have gone out.
~
“Where were you all through last night?” She asked, in a little voice, as they signed their marriage properly.
“Sorting out stuff.”
“What stuff?”
“Stuff that can help me seem more like the rich man who stole your heart.” He replied curtly.
How could he say romantic words with such a flat and cold tone?
Like he didn't mean them.
“You sound like you must have been a cold person, who lacks the basic communication skills.” She replied, rising slowly.
“Do I?”
“We should move out to take the pictures now.” Delphi said, looking out the window.
The morning was bright, and the sun was high in the sky, causing the flowers to bloom beautifully in their different colors.
Laura had never imagined her wedding would be so hashed up, but here she was.
Her wedding dress was white, and armless, with diamond stones hitched on it, making her shine as they caught the light of the sun whenever she turned.
Her gloves rose up to her elbows, and her crown had real diamonds hitched in them.
Ethan on his part, looking criminally dashing. His white tuxedo seemed to transform him into a fairytale prince.
Although his blue eyes seemed distant, they managed to make her feel queasy whenever they focused on her, even if it was just for a few seconds.
At least, even if the wedding was imperfect, she had a beautiful groom.
“Slip in the rings, let's take pictures of that.” The photographer said, only for the air to grow still.
Everyone's eye was caught immediately by the man, who had just walked freely through the open gates, but what was more alarming was the long, ugly scar slashed down the side of his face, and the tears in his eyes.
His voice came out gnarled, and his words were enough for Laura to drop her ring, shaking like a leaf.
- Writer
