The table's full of adults chatting away casually like they aren't about to sell their children off.

The urge to slouch down on my chair was insane, but I could feel the intense stare of the tall figure opposite me. Quite uncomfortable if you ask me.

My life was definitely taking a dramatic turn and I do not think I'm ready for it. The plate of half eaten pasta in front of me had gone cold from my lack of appetite.

I looked up to catch a glimpse of the guy I'm about to be married off to, only to see him looking straight at me. My breath seized at once and I got drawn to those magnetic brown eyes.

Suddenly, the voices around us ceased and I could only see him. The same intensity I felt earlier wasn't just my intuition - now I could see it. I stared back at him, and this man didn't look away for a split second.

Alexander De Luca really is as handsome as the rumors say but he's known to be ruthless and feared.

My heart drops to my stomach as thoughts of what life after being married to him would be like flashed through my mind.

Would it be like the life my mother had to endure with my father...?

No no no, please no. I start to shiver uncontrollably and horrible memories start flashing back. The look that man's giving me isn't helping much either.

"Excuse me please, I'd like to quickly use the restroom," I think I stood up too suddenly. My legs buckled a bit and almost made me lose balance.

I quickly dashed out of the room before anyone could sense my hyperventilation. But before leaving, I caught a glimpse of Alex and saw something like a worried look on his face.

"Yeah, that's not possible. My mind was probably playing tricks on me again," I said under my breath once I reached the restroom.

I look at my reflection in the mirror, taking deep, steady breaths to calm my racing heart. I left my pills at home, now I have to wing the night. I fixed my hair and wiped the tear drop at the corner of my eyes.

I was hardly paying attention walking out when I crashed into something hard, or rather, someone. 

Geez, I really am getting more clumsy these days. I need to start paying more attention to my surroundings.

"I am really sorry, I...' 

My words got stuck in my throat once I looked up and found my victim. Oh shit.

"Uhm... err... hello" what on earth am I even mumbling. 

"I didn't see you there, I wasn't paying attention." I hope he isn't the kind to get petty about little incidents like this. I looked up again and found out that he's awfully quiet and staring at me - Again! All this man does is stare. If we didn't meet at the bookstore, I'd have thought he was mute.

Before I could think of ways to escape this awkward situation, he spoke.

"This is a public area, we can't be seen together alone like this," Before I could respond, he walked away.

How rude but convenient. 

¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤

Alex's POV

"Alex, please when we get there, try to be as polite as possible," My mom said while holding my hand to emphasize her message. She knows I'm still pissed.

"Might be too hard for him to do tonight, don't you think darling?" The old man seated on the passenger's seat snickered, trying to tease and get a reaction from me.

"But still," My mother draws out "Give this a chance, will you."

"I don't think I have much of a choice anymore, do I?"

"Damn right you don't. This meeting is just formalities and a chance for you to meet your fiancé before the wedding," my dad adds again.

These people, I swear. They really have a way of getting under my skin when they want. They finally succeeded in having their way this time.

We reach our destination and pass a separate entrance to avoid public attention. 

We were halfway in when I remembered I left my phone in the car.

"Go on without me, I'll meet up with you guys," Both my parents gave a soft sigh, almost comical, but I was not in the mood today.

I grabbed my phone and headed back inside, but I didn't expect to see who I saw and it was clearly the same for her.

No way the person I was set up to marry was her. God, she looks just as beautiful as she did that day, if not more.

Her outfit was pretty basic, nothing too much but it hugged her curvy body just right. Her dark hair was left down today and had a better view of just how long it was. Stopped right at the curve of her bottom back, where my hand would fit perfectly.

Her figure is amazing, no doubt about that, and that dress she wore was doing something to me. The material looked soft like her skin and the mixed cool colours made her complexion more radiant. I couldn't take my eyes off her the entire night.

The colour of her eyes has to be the most captivating thing about her. So wide and bold, yet unsettled. Eyes like that, she's either going to wreck me or save me.

She appeared so composed, yet disturbed. I wonder what's going through her mind...

Shit shit shit. I'm in deep trouble. It's been a very long time since I had a woman consume my thoughts this much. This was not the plan.

But the truth is that ever since that day, thoughts of her skin grazing mine, the smell of her perfume and how fiercely she looked at me when I took the book from her haunted my mind. I buried myself with work to get my mind off her... only to meet her again today.

What was her name again..?

Ah, yes. Hazel... beautiful name for a beautiful lady.

Hazel excused herself from the table looking dazed, and my suspicion was confirmed when she lost her balance while trying to stand!

What the hell was going on with her? 

It has been ten minutes since she left this room, and I was beginning to get worried. My feelings shocked me. I didn't even know this chick yet and I'm already deeply infatuated by just the thought of her.

I left the room without caring enough to inform anyone, just to see if she was alright.

As I rounded the corner that leads to the female and male restrooms, someone bumped into me and that familiar scent filled my senses. Gosh, she smells so damn good!

She realised I was the one she bumped into and quickly moved away like my presence burned her. I felt a scowl immediately etched on my face at the thought of her being like that towards me, but I don't blame her though, I haven't been exactly 'welcoming'.

Hazel mumbled something under her breath, which I think was an apology.

Remembering she was an Important public figure, I didn't want someone to catch her here in a secluded area with me and in a restaurant. The whole point of getting a private room was not to get caught.

"This is a public area, we can't be seen together alone like this," I say in my usual curt tone and walk away.

Fuck! I just realized how bad I must've looked. She probably thinks I'm an asshole. Great, just great.

The night dragged on for a short while and we bid the Jones family goodnight, promising to seal the deal as soon as possible.

This might not be such a bad idea after all.

My wedding preparations are ongoing. It would have been a small ceremony if it were left to me. It’s not like I'm marrying a man I fell in love with — he still is a stranger to me.

But Mrs De Luca… my bad, Rose wants it to be as big and luxurious as possible. She's been waiting for this day since Alex could walk.

Rose managed to have my contact info and is getting me involved as much as possible, amidst my busy schedule. She insisted I call her Rose since I'm about to be her daughter-in-law.

I sigh and dropped the papers I needed to review before the end of the day.

“What's wrong? Do you need help with anything?” Freya asked, concerned that I've been overworking myself for the past two weeks.

“It’s nothing, I’m just thinking about the whole wedding charade,” I think I need some coffee.

Freya works in the same room with me, unlike other secretaries who work from right outside. I love her close by, and it's more convenient for both of us this way.

“I know it's hard, but there’s no going back now, is there?” Fre asks apologetically.

“Nahh, there isn't. I guess I’m gonna be a Mrs soon huh?”

“I guess you are.” She replies, giving me a small smile. 

“I heard he's gonna be publicly announced as the new chairman and CEO immediately after the wedding,” I blurted out what’s been on my mind since.

 “Do you think that's what he is benefiting from this deal?”

“That actually makes sense, now that you mention it. I mean, why else would he marry a complete stranger if that's not the case,” A phone call comes in while I remained pondering on this new theory.

It's Rose.

“Hello dear, just wanted to let  you know that your dress is ready, and if you have time later this afternoon, I'd love it if you pop by the studio for the final fitting,” she says excitedly.

I still have loads of paperwork to complete, but I can't decline her. I guess I have to take them home then.

“Sure, no problem, I'll be there in less than an hour. Thank you.” 

Freya points at her phone, gesturing that she's called for my car to be brought to the front. 

I couldn't help but feel very uncomfortable about this whole wedding saga. Rose, insisting on designing my dress made this even more out of my control than ever.

Even though she has been so good to me, I couldn't help but feel nervous about the whole thing. The car jolting to a stop broke my train of thought. We are here. 

I step out of the car, taking note of my surroundings. Her shop front is so cute. If this were an actual wedding, I might have gotten a little excited. The door swung open, and Rose appeared.

“Hazel! It's great you could make time to come over. I know how demanding your job is,” She pulls me into a warm hug.

I still don't know how to react to her. I could only smile back. She pulled me eagerly into the shop. Considering how big her brand is, this was just a small personal outlet out of the many boutiques she owns in and out of the country.

“The dress is going  to look so beautiful on you.” 

“I don't think it's necessary for me to try it on, I'm sure you did a good job.”

She waved me off and pulled me into the dressing room despite my protests. After several tugs and ties, I emerged from the dressing room. I turned to look at the mirror and I couldn't help but gasp.

This was the perfect dress, the dress is breathtakingly beautiful, and for a moment, I forgot this was an arranged marriage.

As I looked at my reflection, I saw a new person, with the dress hugging me in the right places. It was a masterpiece, with the delicate embroidery and the sparkling sequins, it looked like a dream.

“Do you like the dress, honey?” Rose's voice broke me out of my trance.

“Yes…. It's perfect…” I mutter breathlessly. 

°°°°°

Walking down the porch to my home, an unexpected package sat neatly wrapped in front of my door.

I don't remember ordering anything…

I picked up the package and walked in. Instead of settling in after a long day, the pretty decorated box made me curious. I hurriedly placed the package on the center table and started unwrapping, only to see a small letter drop from the side of the package.

“Hope this brings a smile to your beautiful face. I look forward to being with you.  Yours sincerely, Alex.”

Speechless was definitely an understatement to how I felt. I gently opened the box to find a pair of lovely strass stiletto red bottoms.

No way…

When I thought that was all, something else laid patiently, covered by a thin white cloth. It was the Aku no Hana book he took that day.

Tears pooled at the corner of my eye, threatening to spill. I had the wrong impression of him after all. This was so thoughtful of him to do!

I went to sleep that night with less burden on my heart.

¤¤¤¤¤¤

The day of my wedding arrived, and to be honest, after Alex’s little surprise present and note, I'm excited for what the future holds for me…for us.

From today, I'll be a married woman. It still sounds like a dream to me.

I'm seated in a room in the building where our wedding will be held, all glammed up and adorned with the beautiful dress Rose personally created for me.

I had the opportunity to have a peek into the wedding hall and it was absolutely gorgeous. The aisle was lined with white lilies on each side. Many rows of seats for the many high profile guests that will be present .

The room shimmered like a palace with its crystal chandeliers refracting light across the polished marble floors. Impeccable work, all thanks to Rosemary.

My chief bridesmaid of the day, held my hand gently while stroking it. We've been waiting for almost three hours for the ceremony to begin, but the groom was nowhere to be found.

We initially just assumed that he was running a bit late — unusual, but still…

I could imagine the thoughts running through the guests seated in the hall, waiting for the bride and groom to make their grand entrance.

I couldn't sit anymore as my anxiety grew with every minute ticking by. I started to pace the room and I could hear the hushed whispers of the group of girls arranged to be my bridesmaids.

My father, my step mother, Mr and Mrs De Luca all enter the room at once with tense expressions on them. Except Veronica, who had a smudge look on her heavily caked face.

This can't be good…

“We haven't been able to reach Alex all this while Hazel,” Rose says looking dejected. The expectant look I gave them seemed to cut the long pause. “He's not coming…”

Did I hear that right? What do they mean by he's not coming? 

It suddenly felt like I was being submerged in water. How did I go from never wanting this wedding to hold, to imagining a future with him?

“We asked Levi, his best man for today, and he said only you will know,” Arthur spoke. “So tell us Hazel, what do you know?”

Mr De Luca is known to be a very disciplined man of order and the tentative stare he sent my way, gave me goosebumps.

“Hazel, we need you to tell us the truth. The consequences of you lying will be bad,” My father says coldly. His venomous tone made me even more frightened about the situation. 

Why though? Why did he disappear all of a sudden? 

What truth do they need from me?

What do they mean by only I will know about his disappearance?

I need answers and their silence is killing me!

“Don't tell me you've been sleeping around now, while preparations were going on for this wedding!! My goodness Hazel, are you trying to ruin the reputation and name of this family?!”

What the fuck is this witch yarning about now.  Is she trying to paint me black in front of the others?

“There are so many distinguished guests waiting in there only to find out the bride is an unfilial cheat!"

Me, cheat?

Unfilial? 

The trash Veronica just spewed made Rose collapse weakly to the ground, shocking all of us. 

My father eats her shit up all the time, but surely they don't believe what she just said.

Unable to defend myself from her baseless accusations, the air filled with people casting judging and disappointment looks my way. Freya is at the corner beside me, looking just as confused as I am, the only comfort she could give to me at that moment was to hold my hand as the rollercoaster went on.

I knew anything l would say won't help me because I don't have answers to the questions they asked. But I still try nevertheless. 

“This has to be some kind of sick misunderstanding, I'll never do such a thing,” I desperately tried to keep my voice steady as I continued speaking.

“Please hear me out, I don't know what's happening but I can–”

Before I could say anything else, the door slammed open and the tall intimidating figure of Alexander De Luca stepped in.

“I need everyone out, NOW.”

The room emptied slowly, tension pressing down on everyone like a storm. The murmuring bridesmaids raked their eyes down Alex's intimidating frame. Rose had to be helped out by her husband, her worried eyes never leaving her son's face.

My father's stare felt sharp like a blade on my skin as he filed out with the rest, slamming the door shut on his way. Silence fell. So sharp, I could hear my panicked heartbeat.

Alex stood in the middle of the room. Tall and unmovable, his piercing green eyes pinned me down. His face was unreadable but his jaw clenched dangerously tight, his hands forming balls of fist at his side. This side of him… This side of him looked terrifying.

I swallowed and spoke first. “Alex, I don't know what's happening–”

“Don't,” He cuts me off. His voice low and venomous, even the indifferent tone he spoke with the other night, felt warmer. “Don't you dare stand there and tell me you don't know what's happening.”

Confusion swirled inside of me. Desperate and urgent. “I don't. I swear I don't. One moment I'm waiting for you, the next everyone's–”

“Everyone's what?” He took a menacing step towards me, his scent of expensive cologne and pure anger clouded my senses. “Everyone's finding out that their perfect princess has been whoring around behind our backs few days to OUR wedding. That's what, Hazel.” He spat my name like it left a bad taste on his tongue.

His words struck me like a slap. “Whoring–? Alex what do you mean, what are you talking about? Please tell me.” I tried to keep my voice steady but the shaky words that left my lips betrayed me.

He reached inside his jacket and tossed a brown folder onto the table. Papers spilled out, glossy photographs scattering across the floor. I bent and picked one up with trembling fingers.

It was me. Me in a cafe, smiling at my ex-boyfriend— Abel. who sat across the table holding my hand. I remembered this cafe. This exact moment, when I thought life suddenly felt brighter…warmer. I had the love of my life, holding me and burying me with empty promises of a future with me. Kind of like my current situation.

Painful memories I managed to keep hidden at the back of my mind resurfaced with a force that had me reeling forward. I felt like throwing up.

“Where did you get these, Alex? I asked, glancing at him for a second before my eyes caught another photo. But this one was different. There were no faces, just texts. My name was boldly written at the top of the text, followed by messages that looked like private intimate conversations between two lovers. Abel and I.

I looked at Alex still on my knees, crotched over the spilled photos. How did he get these? And what does he really think about me?

Doesn't he realize that the timestamps are wrong… different?

My hands shook as I dropped the photos. “These aren't real… just let me explain.”

Alex gave a sharp, humorless laugh. “That's your fucking defence? You think I'm stupid Hazel?”

I winced at his choice of words again. Tears burning at the side of my eyes. I felt like my mother at the moment. Weak, pathetic and voiceless. “I don't talk to Abel anymore. We broke up ages ago. Listen to me. Someone set this up.”

“Convenient, isn’t it? That you’d say exactly what a guilty woman would say when caught.” He says sharply, voice unyielding. But something crossed his eyes. Hurt?

“Why won't you listen? Why won't you trust me?” My voice came out angry, frustrated this time. I got up and planted both feet to the ground to steady my shaking legs.

He moved closer now, we're almost chest to chest. Staring each other down. His eyes flickering with that same hurt expression. This time I didn’t miss it, even though it disappeared as fast as it came. “How can I trust you, when I have proof staring me in the face?”

“Proof?” I whispered. “You call this proof Alex? This isn't proof Alex, It's a perfectly framed lie and you're falling for it!”

“Spare me the bullshit, Hazel.”

The silence between us thickened. He moves back and creates a much needed distance. I could feel the tears threatening to spill, but hell, I refused to break. Not in front of him.

“I thought…” my voice cracks. “I thought maybe there was a connection between us. You said it! In your letter. You said you looked forward to being with me.” my voice lowers with the last sentence.

“You fooled me, Hazel. With those eyes, your soft smiles, your gentle gestures. I almost fell for it this time…”

Who on earth hurt this man?! And why is he such a block head?

“I don't know who hurt you in the past but maybe you deserved it if you also misjudged her the way you're doing with me.”

Something shifted. His eyes became even colder. His jaw clenched impossibly tighter and his arms shot out suddenly, grabbing me roughly. He pulled me closer until my breath caught at his closeness.

“Then swear it, Hazel. Swear to my face that you didn't.” he breathes out, voice low. Dangerous.

“I swear. I swear that this is all a misunderstanding and you've got it all wrong. Let me explain.”

“I still won't trust a word from you.”

“So what? Are you going to call off the wedding now?” I grunt frustratedly.

“This marriage was a deal…” his voice came out slowly. Each word forged in fire burned me. “Deals aren't built on lies,” he said.

So this is it? Is this how today will end? Broken promises, Shattered hope. How naive I was. Humiliating.

“But I respect my family too much to harm their reputation this way.” he continues, “I won't let a whoring rat ruin that.”

The tears I was keeping at bay finally spilled down my cheeks, but I stood straighter, forcing myself not to collapse even when anger racked my body and all I wanted to do was smash his head on a motherfucking wall.

My chest heaved. I could barely breathe in my gown. The sequins felt too heavy and the corset was too tight, I wanted to rip it off. The gown weighed me down like heavy chains.

My voice was hoarse but strong this time around. “Fine, believe whatever you fucking want. But one day, Alexander De Luca, the truth will come out. And when it does, don’t regret it too much.”