His second sin

Chapter1__ Violet The clock on my nightstand is ticking louder than usual, or maybe it’s just my heart that refused to slow down. I have got a few more hours to get ready, yet my stomach has been in knots since morning. No, it’s been like this since my grandpa told me the Lockwood’s are visiting us for dinner today. Now, as I pace in my room, I can feel my heartbeat echoing in my throat. Just a mere thought of seeing him again has my chest tightened. Although it’s not the first time I have seen him in person, this time it’s different. It’s different because tonight, I am supposed to meet the man who might become my husband—Darien Lockwood, only grandson of Nathaniel Lockwood. My cheeks reddened at that thought. Since my grandfather and his grandfather have business alliances, I’ve seen him around at parties, dinners, family gatherings, but never initiated talking upfront. He always seemed so composed, untouchable, like he carried his own quiet kind of gravity. I had never seen that man smile once and right there I promised myself that I was not going to die before making that man smile. That has been my manifestation ever since. And boy, do I take my manifestation seriously? Hell to the yeah. Maybe that’s what drew me closer to him. I have never liked men who are loud or careless with their actions. And that is why I have always been drawn to older guys. There’s something about their composure, their steadiness that makes me feel safe somehow. When my grandfather approached me about this arrangement months ago, I was completely taken aback. Marriage had never been something I thought would come wrapped in business terms and strategy. But he said that he’d noticed the way I looked at him and that was enough reason for him to turn this business relationship into personal. The mirror across the room catches my reflection: a girl trying too hard to look calm, but her trembling hands give away no matter what. I took a long breath letting everything in and letting out. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I managed to put on some makeup, put on the outfit that I had just picked out for this special occasion. I added a small pair of gold earrings just to go with the dress. I finally stared back at the reflection, this time with excitement and a little hint of fear woven into my features. I smoothed the fabric of my pink satin dress, checking for the third time if my neckline was not too deep. The inspo for tonight's look is sophisticated yet classy. I took a mirror selfie and posted it on the gram immediately with just the caption “ can’t wait. " I practically live on social media. They are my babies and basically my second home. Safe to say I am a social butterfly and practically addicted at this point. Sue me. Although I don’t have that many followers, I like to keep updated. “Get it together, Vi,” I practically muttered to myself. I put my phone back in my clutch and made a long sigh. Anxiety starts kicking in. Do I smell good? What if he doesn’t like me? Or worse, what if I fall down the stairs in my 6inch heel and flash everything? God, why am I suddenly feeling dehydrated? By the time I reached downstairs, he was already there with his grandfather and his parents. My pulse quickened just at the sight of him. I took a slow breath and stepped forward, every movement feeling heavier than it should. My heels clicked softly against the marble floor, a sound far too loud in the quiet room. Everyone turned to look at me at my presence, except him. He didn’t even bother raising his head, let alone look my way. My grandfather gestured for me to sit beside him. With each heavy step I followed and sat beside him, trying to mask the tremor in my hands. At my sight, his grandfather throws a gentle smile at me and I smile in return out of respect. If I think Darien is hard, his grandfather is just as ruthless. I have heard a lot about him. He is a very hard person to catch. Anyone who dares betray him only answers god. Ruthless, calculating, untouchable. And yet there’s a crack in that armor when it comes to his grandson. Although, he can’t say the same thing about his parents. I have barely seen them around. I was barely listening to what they were talking about, as my mind was somewhere else, more like in someone else's. I resisted looking his way so as not to look creepy and all. “So are we still down that arrangement?” my ears piqued up at my grandfather’s words. I shift in my seat, trying not to look nervous. “If our family can strengthen our alliances by building something real, then maybe it’s not a bad idea. And besides, it’s about damn time, so why wait now?” I am turning all the tomatoes now. I dared a quick glance at him just to see his reaction to his grandfather's words, but to my surprise he was already looking at me, more like looking through my soul. It was just a second, but it was enough to feel my throat tighten. With shaky hands, I reach for water and have it gulp down in one go. My reaction clearly amused everyone at the table, as I can hear everyone’s laughter now. So much for keeping my calm. “I think that is how you feel about this arrangement. I am glad you feel that way,” Darien’s grandfather says in his playful voice. “You have anything to say, Darien? Because this will be the only time I will be asking you a question.” His grandfather asks him with all seriousness in his voice now. Everyone is waiting for his response and, by everyone means, including me. My hands got all sweaty and for a moment I felt like I was going to die from embarrassment and anxiety at the same time. Just when I thought he was not going to answer, his voice cut through the quiet. “I have never gone against your words, grandfather.” He said all calm and steady. “I trust you with your actions more than I trust myself.” His grandfather's lips twitched at that. Right there, I saw Nathaniel Lockwood’s raw emotions in his eyes, but it was there just for a second, and it was gone. Darien didn’t even bother asking his parents once, like their opinion didn’t matter anyway. And honestly, they don’t even look bothered by that. It’s like they couldn’t care less. Dinner passed smoothly after that. Despite my nerves, everything passed in a blur of polite conversation about business and family. By the evening, the wedding was set for two weeks. Two weeks. It feels impossibly soon, almost reckless. I’ve got a lot to think about this whole thing later. My grandfather and I tried walking them to their car. After they left, I practically fled towards my room. I can hear my grandfather calling me from behind, probably wanting to talk about today’s incident, but I am far gone. I just waved at him and screamed,“ Later." I can’t believe my wedding is set for two weeks. How do I manage my wedding gown in that short period of time? I’ve not even checked out the wedding locations yet. But before that, I’ve got one most important thing to do and that is having a one-on-one conversation with Darien Lockwood himself.