Marissa: It was Saturday and I woke up feeling -not so good, but a bit better. My job as a makeup artist is quite tasking. People need to get glammed up, bills need to be paid, and I couldn't be caught slacking. Clients don't care if your world is crumbling; their appointments are important. I showered and got out swiftly. I was late. I slipped into a blue jean and a white T-shirt, took my bag, and wore my sandals and dashed out of the house . Mrs Shauna, one of my best clients, had booked me for today, and I'd be damned if I missed that appointment. On my way to my little studio, I stopped to get coffee at my favourite coffee shop. "What would you like, ma?" "Iced latte, please." I sat for a bit to wait for my order. Thankfully, Mrs Shauna had called to say she'd be an hour late, and I was thankful for the lateness. The little bell at the front of the café rang, and that meant someone was coming in. I wasn't paying attention- until I was. The scent hit me first: sandalwood. Sandalwood. My chest tightened before my brain could catch up. I already knew who it was. Justin. Holding hands with Peyton. He dared to bring her to our favourite café. "Bastard," I muttered. My heart splitting like I had just been torn apart. They couldn't even have the decency to hide. I quickly made my way out of there. My hurt turned to something else, something hotter, sharper. My anger felt like it was easier to carry than a heartbreak. I took one last glance at them from the transparent door and made my way to my studio. I didn't even bother about my coffee. I got a call from Mrs Shauna when I was out of the café, and I quickly made my way to my studio. At the studio, I prepped everything I would need to beat her face to perfection ... I was angry, not hurt ...it was anger I felt. That didn't stop me from doing my job right. "Hello, dear," she said with the brightest smile that got to her eyes. Beautiful blue eyes, hair that flows to her back. She is so beautiful. " Good afternoon, Mrs Shauna. You may have your sit." I got started off on the makeup, and in two hours, I was done, and I was happy with the glint of satisfaction in her eyes. "This is so beautiful, Marissa." Her eyes sparkling with joy, and that alone brought a smile to my lips. She tipped me and made her way out. Thankfully, my other two clients called and cancelled. I sat in my studio chair; the earlier day's occurrence sufficed. Anger took over me once more. Hands trembling, legs tapping lightly on the ground, I was furious. I decided I was going to call that strange man. *** Got home, and I dashed to my room, took the paper from my drawer where I had stashed it. I stared at the note in my hand and my cellphone in the other. "Is this a great idea?" I debated. "Why am I even bothered about anything?" I Dialed the number, and a voice came in. His voice was calm in a way that felt deliberate. "Hello, Marissa." I hated the warmth his voice stirred in me. This man has some sort of effect on me that I didn't like. I had thought about his proposal all day after seeing Peyton and Justin together. I couldn't believe the word I was about to say... I was going to marry a stranger, but the thought of the marriage, for some reason, didn't scare me. "I will marry you." It fell from my mouth, and I knew I couldn't take it back. "Meet me at Casa dien. I'd send you the code to get in," he didn't even seem surprised. It felt like he knew I was going to call back, and he was right. Am I really going to marry a strange?, the question didn't linger too much before I gave myself an answer. I definitely will if it's going to destroy those two.

Marissa: I rolled on my bed, my heart skipping without permission. I stood up and I caught my reflection in the mirror. The quiet smile appeared on my lips. "Why do I seem...excited?" I whispered. I was going to meet a strange man. I shouldn't be this happy. This brought out a loud laugh from me. One would think I was going on some date. I got into the shower, humming and dancing... I like the idea of whatever is going to take place in my life. I got out. I was going to make sure I put effort into my appearance. I yanked the door of my wardrobe, scanning through it. Then I stopped and there it was: a silk blue dress. Soft, smooth. I knew that was the right option. The dress whispered confidence and sexiness, and I knew it was one that would blow Mr stranger mind away. "Why do I care to impress him?" Whatever, I'm only trying to redeem myself from my last shame. I held it up to my body in the mirror, and it brought some sort of sparkles to my eyes. I slipped it on, got my makeup done... picked out the most expensive perfume I had. I wanted to be great,and I damn well look too good. I heard my phone ring, and it was a strange number. I didn't want to pick it up, but I decided to. Then came a voice: "Good day ma, ma'am. I was sent by Mr. Denver to come pick you." So...his name is Denver. "I'm okay finding my way there." "He insisted that I bring you here myself. It's best for security reasons ma, ma'am. Mr. Denver is a very private man and wouldn't want the press to get anything on him." "Fine!! I'd text you my address." "Thank you ma, ma'am." I hung up the call. We are going to get married. What does it matter if the press sees me? I let out a loud hiss and quickly texted my address. In 30 minutes, a car pulled up to my house. It had black-tinted glasses and wheels so high. It looked like one of those cars you see in movies-silent, unreal, and owned by someone you don't question. I peeked from my window and screamed Camille's name so she could come see. "Can I come with you? I don't know if I'd ever get to sit in such a car...even Desmond doesn't pick me up in such cars." Desmond was ...to put it in a simple way, my sister's sugar daddy. That's why the thought of Denver's proposal didn't scare her. She likes dangerous things. I threw her a sharp stare. "Fine, you'd be marrying him anyway...I'm sure I'd enter such a car too". I didn't even bother to reply to her. There was a knock on the door and I stood at the door for two minutes, but knowing Camille, she didn't even allow me to question my decision; she just opened the door. " Camille!!" I rolled my eyes at her and I saw a smile appear on her lips with an evil glint in her eyes. A man with a black suit and a bald head, his suit ironed to perfection, his face straight with no emotions, stood firmly at the door. "Good evening, ma'am. I would be your driver today. Please get into the car, ma." He ran to the car before I could walk there and opened the back seat for me. Camille followed me and I sat inside the car. One would think she was the one getting into this marriage. I shot her a terrible glance before I closed the car door. " I love you, sister. Make sure you tell me everything once you get back." I could hear her from behind. I just told the driver to start driving. I love my sister, but she can be very annoying. The ride to Casa dien was a 30-minute drive. I had adjusted my clothes seven times. It seems like all my confidence flew out the window immediately I got into the car. We arrived and the driver opened up the door for me again and directed me to the door. He left. I knocked and a bodyguard opened the door for me. "Come in, ma'am." My heart beating, my palms sweating. "What was I thinking coming here?" It wasn't possible to turn back. "Fuck it." I whispered. I entered through the door that was opened for me. My heart was still racing, but I had to hide any form of fear that was growing in me. I stepped in and a loud gasp left my mouth. "This can't be real." This place was very gorgeous. I had never been to such a place in my life. The stairs were made out of gold, with lights coming up at every step. The interior looked like those unrealistic houses you see online-the kind that don't feel real until you're standing inside them. Casa Dien wasn't a place for people. It felt too quiet, too perfect, like it existed only for one person. Denver. I was told to sit and wait. "Mr Denver would join you soon." A woman with a smile that got to her eyes spoke to me. She looked like a housekeeper. The housekeeper wore a simple dark uniform with a neatly tied apron, her clothes clean and modest. There was something soft about her presence, like the house felt less cold when she moved through it. I felt less uncomfortable with her. "Would you like anything to drink?" She spoke to me with such softness and it calmed my nerves a bit. "Water is fine." I think it's the only thing that would not choke me in this state. "I will be back with your water." I sat in the chair, my legs trembling, my hand unusually sweaty. I was hot even with ac that made everywhere extremely cold. "Should I just leave?" But his smell stopped my thoughts before his sight. "Hello, wife." I looked up and there he was. Denver. I thought he was gorgeous before, but seeing him without any tears blurring my eyes, goshhh, he is a beautiful man. "Wife??,no solid answer has been given, so I don't think you should call me your wife." I said while trying to hide my trembling hands. "You are my wife and that is final," he said that with such a commanding tone and I surprisingly liked it.

Marissa: I couldn't believe this man, and worst of all, I hated that a part of me-a tiny part-was affected by him. He descended the stairs, his movement casual, unhurried, like he owned the place. His gaze instantly locked on mine-sharp, piercing. I swallowed, hoping he didn't notice my growing nerves. "So, Marissa, what made you change your mind concerning my proposal?" he questioned, his expression straight, devoid of emotion. His question felt intentional, like he was asking to torment me because he knew I was going to accept. "I-I don't..." I stuttered, unable to find the words; I felt so embarrassed. His lips curved into a slow, knowing smirk. I felt a mixture of both rage and shame, wishing the ground would open up and swallow me. "You don't have to feel embarrassed." Did he hear my thoughts? "We'll move on to the reason why you are here," he continued. "The marriage I proposed. But before then, I think I need to introduce myself a bit." What introduction is he talking about? I resisted the urge to tap my feet impatiently. Can we just get this over with so I can be gone? "I'll try not to waste your time. I don't like to waste my time either." Rude bastard. I could swear he was hearing my thoughts. "My name is Denver Holloway. I am the first child of the Holloways and also Justin's senior brother." I froze. Sooo, he is Justin's brother??!! I knew Justin had a brother, but I never actually met him. I'd hoped to meet him at the party last night, but I hadn't gotten the chance. Or so I thought. Here he was, sitting opposite me with a look that pierced right through my soul. "Why are you trying to marry your brother's ex-girlfriend?" "Finally," he drawled. "You can speak." "Yes, I can." I hissed in irritation. "So why are you trying to marry your brother's ex? He is your blood brother. Wouldn't that be uncomfortable for you?" He smirked. I wanted to slap that smirk off his face... this guy was beginning to piss me off. Gosh. "That's for me to worry about. Your only worry should be marrying me... simple." A sudden rage spread through me. I bit my lip, fighting the urge to hit him. I glared at him in annoyance. I wanted to walk out of that place immediately, to go home and forget this entire thing. But I didn't, because a part of me-despite his arrogance and rudeness-was excited by the thought of marrying this man. I didn't know why, didn't know if it was the idea of getting revenge on Justin, or if it was the way Denver looked at me. "The wedding will take place as soon as possible. I want us to get married next week. I've already started the wedding preparations." I blinked at him, surprised. "You started planning without getting an answer from me yet?" "I knew you were going to accept, so why waste time? If you have anyone you'd like to add to the guest list, you can send it to the number I gave you." I tilted my head, studying him curiously. What kind of man is this? I'd never imagined someone like this existed, but I wouldn't back down now. I needed to see this through. "I'll send you a couple of people that I'd like to add to the guest list." "Also, this wedding will be all over the press, and I hope you are ready to be in the spotlight, sunshine." Sunshine?? I rolled my eyes at the pet name. "I'm fine with that, as long as Justin and Peyton see it... that's all I want." "Moving forward, we'll move closer to my parents, and I'm sure they'll be thrilled that I'm getting married." "Umm... okay." At this point, I didn't even know what to say. This was really happening. I was getting married to a man I barely knew. "Do you have any questions?" he asked sharply. "I do, actually." Do I? "Go on and ask your question, Marissa." My heart skipped a beat at the sound of my name. It rolled off his tongue so easily. "On second thought, I have no questions." Because honestly, I didn't have anything to say. "Moving on then, we'll go wedding dress shopping." He scrutinised me like he was trying to say something. "What's your shoe size?" It felt like he was just trying to move on with the plans quickly. It was starting to feel weird, but I brushed it off. "I wear a size 37. I have quite a small leg." I smiled at him, but he didn't return my smile. He just... nodded. "Okay," he said curtly. I wasn't sure why I was feeling hurt about the shoe-size conversation, but he could have at least returned the smile. It looked like this man hated me, so why exactly was he trying to marry me? "What's the catch?" I questioned. "What's in it for you?" "You said you didn't have any questions, so I'm not answering any questions." This man is so arrogant. Urrghhh. I was so furious. I needed us to be done here so I could just go home. "Umm-I only asked a simple question." "You had your chance, and you didn't use it. I don't like it when people don't use what is within their grasp." I rolled my eyes and didn't want to continue the conversation. "You are very arrogant. Are you always like this?" He ignored me, leaning back in his seat. Is this really who I'd be married to? Did I really want to be ignored in this marriage? "Before I forget, there will be a contract. I don't need you getting funny, and that contract will entail rules that you'll need to follow." I scoffed. "A contract with rules? You really are a strange one. First, you want to marry me, and now I'm getting a contract with rules. What next will you surprise me with?" I was so over this man and his stupid antics. He didn't respond, just stood up and made his way to where I was sitting. "W-wha-" I tried to back away, but his hands stopped me, wrapping around my waist and holding me in place. My breath hitched. His scent, wrapped around me-sandalwood and pine, and something dark, dangerous. It overwhelmed my senses. My body reacted, in a way I didn't understand. I leaned into him slightly, heart pounding. He leaned closer, close enough I could feel the warmth of his breath against my neck. It sent a shiver down my spine. "You have no idea what you have agreed to," he whispered lowly, his lips brushing my ear lightly. He let go of my waist abruptly, stood up, and walked out, like nothing had just happened. I sat there in stunned silence, my cheeks flaming, my heart racing. What did I just get myself into?I'm