Madeline's POV

The dessert was superb, and I felt so full. I wonder why Hunter's entire family looks so happy to see me now that Hunter is present. Are they trying to pretend they like me because he is sitting beside me? I can't believe these people, they are so good at hiding their authentic emotions, and their facade is perfect. Hunter and his father talked about business, while Lily keeps asking me trivial questions about how I meet her brother.

"Where did you meet?" She asked.

"At my University," I replied.

"So sweet." She giggled.

"Can you tell me where did he bring you on your first date?" Lily asked again, and my throat went dry since I don't have any idea where we should have our supposed first date.

"I invited her to dinner to my favorite restaurant, which I will not tell you, young lady, where is that restaurant, and I will not let Maddie tell you either," Hunter answered for me. My future in-laws laugh while Lily is pouting her lips, but Hunter put his hand on her head, and he stroked the girls' hair, and she is now smiling again. I can see Lily adores her brother.

"So, when will be the wedding, son?" His father asked him.

"After one month, that is why I asked Madeline to live here in Divenson Mansion, to get acquainted with the place, and so that she will meet you guys; I hope you will help my future wife to enjoy her stay, I plan to move out, and reside to our new residence after the wedding." He spoke, and I saw his father's face darkened.

"You can't do that Hunter, you are the Heir, and this estate belongs to you. For generations, they have passed it down to the eldest son. You should build your family here. We can move to another estate if you want this home to be your permanent residence." Clark Divenson said.

"Father, you can't leave this mansion," Hunter replied.

"You are not allowed to leave from this house, Hunter." His dad responded with authority, and I saw Hunter clenched his fists at his side.

We all stand from the dining table and said, good night, Lily hugged me, and she whispered she would come with me to my room, and I nodded. She holds my hand while we walk, going to the stairs, and I can feel Hunter is walking behind us, and we are about to get inside my room before her brother speaks.

"Lily, I know you wish to spend some moment with Madeline, but as you can see, I miss her today, and I need to talk with her about some important matter." He declared to his little sister.

"Of course, I understand, Hunter. Good night Maddie, see you tomorrow." She responded and hugged me one more time and do the same to her brother before she walks away from us. Lily has been gone for a long while, but he keeps silent, so I open my bedroom door, and I am confused if I am going to invite him in, but when I am about to turn around, I collided with his muscular frame, and I didn't know he walked closer to me. He put his hands on my waist to steady me, and I can feel the sparks that travel my entire body. All the things Gina said about the feelings you are going to experience once you find the man you love is happening to me in one night after meeting Hunter Divenson, my future husband.

He smells so desirable, and to be honest, I want to feel his lips on my mouth again, and before I can move away from him, he lifts my chin, and he took my hungry mouth once again, we shared another passionate kiss that brings me to cloud nine. His crimson lips taste so good, and the way he claimed my mouth feels so wonderful, then I felt disappointed when he stopped kissing me.

"Don't think we are kissing because I have feelings for you, Maddie. We are doing this to be familiar with me, and I don't wish my family thinks we are not an actual couple. I will sleep here tonight in your room but don't worry, I assure you, nothing will happen tonight unless we are married. I want them to believe that we are in love and we are already doing it. Now give me your left hand." He ordered, and his words hurt me, I know I am only here because he wants a wife, but I wonder why he chose me when I have nothing to offer him.

He could have hired a bride and have a divorce later, and maybe that is his plan for me. He can file a divorce anytime since I don't belong to their society. I am nothing, and it will not become a scandal. He will not be the talk of his social circles. Why am I feeling this way? Before I meet him, I want to beg him to work at his mansion as a maid, and he doesn't need to marry me. Why I suddenly felt lonely just thinking about what will happen after our marriage?

"Didn't you hear me? Give me your left hand, Madeline." He repeated, and I can tell the irritation in his voice. When I offer him my left palm, he fished out something from his pocket, and my eyes got so big when I realized he inserted the engagement ring on my ring finger. And I wonder why it fits perfectly on me.

"Don't dare to pull it out, Maddie. That ring is a sign that we are in love with each other, and I don't wish them to think this is just an act." He said, and I nodded. I want to ask him so many questions, but I don't understand why my mouth is zip.

"May I know what should I call you?" I asked innocently.

"Just call me Hunter." He replied in a haughty tone, and I wonder why he suddenly sounds like this when we were in the dining hall, he shows so happy and alive, and now he looks like we are attending a wake.

"I will be back later, and don't forget to lock the door." He said as he moves to the exit and gets out without a second glance. How come he becomes so warm and cold at the same time? His family is weird too. They are both the same. When Hunter is around, they seem pleased to see me, same with Hunter, but when I am with his family without him, they looked at me with total hatred, same with him. He is treating me with coldness the moment we are alone. I wonder why Hunter instructed me to close the door. Did he notice the way his brother was looking at me?

I undress my dress, and I pick up some towel from the closet, and I turn inside the bathroom, and I take a warm shower. I feel so fresh when I finished taking a bath. I put on my nightgown and comb my light-brown hair, and I looked at my reflection in the mirror, and my hazel brown eyes are looking back at me. And I can't stop myself from smiling. My handsome future husband has kissed me.

I realized I experienced love at first sight with Hunter Divenson, and I felt glad it was him. I felt this way because I am going to marry him. I am not only marrying for money, at least for me, I felt love, and I don't know what his real deal is. I can say the reason I am here is that he paid off my aunt's debt, and she is now happy that the foreclosure of her house can't be pushed through by the bank.

I can't deny my attraction towards him. I am nineteen years old, but I never experienced loving someone, and I am uncertain if what I felt right now is love. I am touching my lips and reliving the sweet kiss that we have shared. It was glorious. And I can't wait to meet Gina and tell her all about my episode with Hunter.

I am about to go to bed when I heard someone is trying to open my door, and I felt so nervous, and it suddenly opens, and I got so relieved to see him getting inside my room, and I understood he is using a master key. I thought my stomach somersault when I recognized he just finished taking a shower. He looks so young and hot now that he is only wearing sweatpants and a white sleeveless tank top, and I can look at his muscles rippled as he walks towards the bed. He looks so glorious, and I tried my best to remain calm even though I can hear the thundering of my heart.

I need to control myself, or he will know how I feel about him. He looked at me, and I can tell his eyes linger on my legs and body, and I felt so hot all over my torso.

"It is getting late already. I have to work early tomorrow. Please go to bed now, Madeline." He said, and that is the time I move to the bed. I went through so nervous and excited to be on the same bed with him. He was just a stranger to me a while ago, and why now I crave to sleep closer to him. I know I am stupid and irrational. I envy him since the moment his body hits the bed. He fell asleep immediately while I find it so hard to slumber, especially now that Hunter Divenson is sleeping beside me.

He looks so handsome even if he is falling asleep, and I wish to trace the contours of his face, his perfect nose, the ideal shape of his eyebrows, his enticing perfect lips.

"Maddie, go to sleep and stop checking me out." He said, and I felt embarrassed. How does he know I am peering at him when his eyes are closed? Maybe he can't handle it. I am staring at him the entire time. I am hoping I can get closer to him by the time I fall asleep. I close my eyes with a wide grin on my face thinking it felt so nice to be lying on the bed beside Hunter.. I should get scared because he is still a stranger to me, but why it feels like I have known him for a long time ago.

Hunter's POV

I was busy the entire day with all the paper works that I needed to sign and review. My neck and back ached. Calixto barged in without knocking on my door, which caused me to raise my eyebrow, and I am about to scold him when I looked at his face full of horror, and I could tell something is going on. And I can look at his entire body is shaking.

"Calixto, why are you shivering? What is wrong with you?" I demanded in a controlled manner.

"I am sorry, Sir, that I forgot my manners. I get inside your office without knocking. Your car has been hit by a drunk truck driver, sir." He said, and he is trembling, and I froze on my seat, and I cannot speak for a while.

"What? How's Frank?" I asked, and by the horrified look on his face, I can tell something terrible happened to my chauffeur. I forgot about my headache and asked him all the details, and we go to the hospital together using his car. Of course, it was technically my car, and I provide care for my staff. Calixto has been my assistant from the time I assume my father's company. And Frank has been our family driver since I can remember.

In short, Calixto and Frank are so close to me, but I never told them that, and I will never will because I am a private type of person, and they thought I am haughty. I just don't like to show them I care that it is not me if that happens. My father trained me to be like this, always to look tough. By the time we arrived at the hospital, Frank is on his way to the operating room, but the doctor asked for me, and I wonder why.

"Frank wants to have a word with you, I advise him not a good idea, and he told me he rather dies right now than not talk to you. It must be imperative, Hunter. I guess your driver has something to confess to you." Dr. Silva said he is a family friend, and he knows Frank.

"I will give you a few minutes because we need to operate him now." He spoke, and I get near Frank's fragile frame, and his face looks so pale.

"Frank, this is Hunter, the doctors desire to bring you to the operating room now, and I think it is not a good idea to communicate right now," I said, and he squinted his eyes, and I can say he is aching all over his frame, but he wants to talk to me, I can tell it. He motioned for me to come closer.

"Hunter, I know the operation can't save my life, I know my body, Hunter, I am dying, and no doctor can spare me. Please, there is only one wish I would like to ask from you. I have an estranged daughter, and her name is Madeline Brownwood, help her, Hunter. I perceive you don't wish to marry anyone, but I need you to wed her and take care of her." He said, and I almost laugh. How could he ask me such a request?

"Please promise me, Hunter, I want to die with a radiant face. Make me a lucky man." He added, and I can see the pain on his entire face, and I don't want him to suffer anymore since he needs to go to the operating room, and I am sure Frank will get through. He is a strong man.

"Okay, I promise." I declared, and I grinned at him, and I saw him smiled widely at me. They brought him to the operating suite with a joyous smile on his face, and I couldn't believe he didn't live. Frank died that night, and he drove me wide awake the entire night, thinking about the stupid promise I created.

How can I marry someone I didn't even know? I avoided women since after her, the only woman I adore and love. I don't want to be involved with another woman. No matter how my parents pressure me to get a girlfriend and get married. I don't have any plan yet because I am still mourning. It happened a long time ago, but it is still fresh in my memory. I was young back then and so naive, I was just Hunter that day, and I never thought that I would lose the only girl I love and my capacity to love anyone.

I partied and met girls and tried having another relationship, but I realize I can never be a wonderful boyfriend because her memories still haunt me.

"Madeline Brownwood? Who is she, and what am I going to do with her after I met her?" Calixto asked for the third time.

"Calixto, I don't wish you to show yourself to her, just spy on her, we need her actual identity, and I need to know about this woman," I said.

"But why?" He inquired again, and I lost it.

"Just do what I asked, Cal, I don't need you to ask me any more questions, and don't tell me about her if your information is lacking, research all about her, and when you are ready, that is the time we will have a serious talk about this young woman," I said to him, and he nodded. And Calixto never asks me again about Madeline, and I know he started his investigation since there are times he is not around two months after Frank's death.

"Are you free this afternoon, Mr. Divenson?" Calixto asked one afternoon.

"Asked yourself that question, Cal, you are my assistant, and you are the one who scheduled all my meetings and conferences," I spoke, and he smiled.

"Of course, your last appointment for today is the coffee time at your favorite café." He answered, and I raised my eyebrow.

"With whom?" I inquired, confused.

"With Calixto Morgan, Sir." He said, and I can't stop myself from laughing.

"Wow! I didn't realize you still learn how to laugh, Mr. Divenson." He spoke.

"Who can't laugh at what you have done? You scheduled yourself to have a meeting with me. You are funny, Mr. Morgan." I replied.

"Of course, I have too, since you are a very busy man. I am now ready to talk about Madeline Brownwood." He declared, and the smile on my face faltered since I haven't thought about her for almost one month, and now he made me feel of the promise I carried out to her dead father.

"Well, what time is our schedule? I don't need to prolong my agony." I muttered, and I know I made him confuse with my words.

"At four in the afternoon, Sir." He replied and left my office while I am still bothered about Frank's dying wish. Am I willing to do this? I felt so confused. By the time I arrived at the coffee shop, Cal had handed me my espresso. At first, he didn't speak, and he only gave me an envelope, and when I fished out its contents, I saw a young woman's candid photos. She looks so beautiful that it stopped me midway in drinking my coffee. I put down the cup on the table as I continue scanning her pictures.

Madeline Brownwood is gorgeous. I have only seen her pictures, but it feels like her eyes are talking to me; I can't stop my fingers from trailing the contours of her perfect face from her eyebrows, eyes, nose, and mouth. Her enticing lips made me ache for her. She looks like this in the pictures; how much more in person.

"She is nineteen years old and living with her aunt. And now I know she is Frank's daughter. He left her when she was little with her mom. Maddie's mom got sick when she was thirteen and left her no choice but to beg her aunt to take them." Calixto said, and I looked at him, and I can see the tears that welled up in his eyes; I couldn't believe he was about to cry.

"Doctors diagnosed her mom with lung cancer. She wanted to save her mother at a young age, she needs to look for different part-time jobs to provide medicine for her dying parent. She has no one to turn to, only her aunt. She helped Madeline until she realized they were already full of debts, and her aunt's house is now under foreclosure. Maddie wants to preserve her aunt's house by helping her with all the means she can get. She works and studies, but her income will never be enough to pay off her aunt's arrears. She felt guilty that this happened to her mother's sister." Calixto continues talking, and I realized I felt interested to know her.

Her determination in pursuing her studies amidst the crisis was exemplary. I admire her courage.

"Madeline Brownwood has no kissing experience, so I assume she is still a virgin. No boyfriend since birth, and no time for dating. Currently, she is working three part-time jobs, from the grocery store, restaurant, and convenience store." Calixto said.

"The most shocking news, she has no cell phone, and she is already nineteen years old. Can you believe that? Who doesn't own a phone nowadays? Her aunt lets her borrow her cell phone every time she goes to work." Calixto added.

"I want you to communicate with her aunt, compute the amount they need to pay off all the debts they have, I need you to settle off everything, and give her aunt extra cash, buy Madeline a phone, and bring her to Divenson Mansion this Thursday," I ordered him, and he looks surprised.

"Why do we need her at your residence? You know your family; they don't like strangers unless you are going to make her your maid." He responded.

"No, you are wrong, Calixto; I am going to make Madeline Brownwood my wife; that is why I need you to bring her to the mansion to get acquainted with my family.." I declared, and this is the first moment I made Calixto speechless for a long moment, and I can't help but smile.

Hunter's POV

"What? Are you kidding, Mr. Divenson?" Calixto asked me with wide eyes.

"Do I look like joking to you?"

"No, Sir." He replied.

"Then, I am not joking. Besides that, I wish you to process all the papers needed for the wedding. I want the Mayor to do the ceremony at our estate near the Lake. I prefer a garden wedding, and it is a private event. I don't want anyone from the media to know about anything about my marriage. I demand you to prepare the invitations, but I suggest my wife to be to choose her gown, the cake, and her shoes." I mentioned, and He is looking at me like I grew some horns.

"Ask her also if she has a friend she wants to invite to the wedding." I continued.

"So, I guess our meeting is over now, Cal," I added.

"What if she won't cooperate?" He appealed.

"What you mean?" I inquired.

"I mean, what if Ms. Madeline will reject the offer to be your wife?" He inquired, and it is my turn to look shocked.

"You think she can resist my charm, Calixto?" I asked him.

"I realize she can't, but I am the one who will do the convincing unless you are the one who will take her in person. I am certain she will not refuse. She doesn't recognize you, Sir." He said.

"I am confident she will, judging her personality, Maddie will do all she can to help her aunt pay all the bills. Once you have paid everything, I am sure she will come to you without hesitation." I declared.

"Tell also my future wife. I will allow her to continue her studies. It is a waste if she won't pursue her dreams, she is a brilliant woman, and I don't want her to stop pursuing her dream. I can declare she is smart." I said.

"And gorgeous," Calixto added, and I want to say something, but I hold my mouth shut.

I keep walking around in my office, and I can't wait for the progress of Calixto's job. He will meet Madeline today, and I hope she will come without being forced. I got nervous, thinking she might refuse the offer. I felt glad that I had paid all her aunt's debts off, and she doesn't need to work part-time anymore. Her life will be better. Once she stays in the mansion, she will have her maid, and I will see to it; Madeline will have anything that she needs. It was already late in the afternoon when Cal called me.

"Mr. Divenson, everything is well, your future wife is here, and I already introduced her to your family. And I think you are going to fall in love with your wife, Sir." He said, and his words made me, furrowed my forehead.

"Stop talking nonsense, Cal. Of all the people you know I am not marrying for love, please tell Cerila to look after my bride for me. Tell Madeline she can choose any dress from the closet, and I bought it all for her." I answered.

"I already did, Mr. Divenson, so are you leaving from the office now?" He asked.

"In a while, please inform my family. They should wait for me." I spoke and ended the call. Since Frank died, I didn't hire a personal driver anymore. I drive my car. I don't want to be in the same scenario again, and I am afraid to lose another person close to me. I can't take it anymore. I put my things at the back of my white SUV, and I can't help myself thinking about my upcoming meeting with my wife to be.

As my car climbs the hills in traveling to Divenson Mansion, I can't stop myself from getting enthusiastic, and I detest myself from going through this way. I am surrounded by different women every time I attend social gatherings, but I never felt excited. I haven't met this woman, but her face haunted me from seeing her pictures. I can feel the sweat on my palms, and I loathe myself feeling this way. I must be crazy for having this anxiety of meeting her.

She is just an ordinary girl, and I don't require to be in love with her. I should marry her on paper, and I only demand an heir, and my parents will stop bothering me. They keep on asking when I am getting married since they want to have a grandchild. I never expect Frank will give me this kind of opportunity. I never think about this possibility before, and his dying wish made my parents' dreams come true. I always hate it when they ask me who I am dating or when I will bring my girlfriend home, and now I know it shocked them that Cal introduces my bride-to-be.

Madeline is the perfect candidate since she has no family, only her aunt, who wants nothing from her but money. And now she has her new family, and I just hope she will enjoy her stay at the Divenson Estate. I felt my dad wouldn't allow me to move out, but I need to explain to him I want to live in a contemporary home with my new wife. I can't stop my excitement, and I showed up with thirty minutes to spare before dinner. I immediately go to the feasting hall to meet her, but to my dismay, she hasn't appeared yet in the dining room.

My parents and siblings are already seated in the dining room, and they all greeted me. The moment I get inside. My little sister Lily told me about Madeline.

"Hunter, your bride-to-be is lovely and beautiful. I am glad that Madeline is going to be your wife." She said and smiled at me, and every time she smiles, my heart felt so warm among all my siblings. She is the closest to me because she is still a child and no interest in the firm. At the same time, my brother and sister can always feel their jealousy towards me, but what can I do? I am the eldest child, and it has been a tradition in our family that the eldest boy will inherit the business, and the siblings will receive shares.

If I could only follow what I wish, I yearn to build my empire and work from scratch, but I need to help my dad to rebuild our business since it fell apart. The firm was lost when I took over. I tried my best to gain investors, and in three years, I could get it back to its original state. I was afraid that what my forefathers worked for will go to waste. I know it was not an easy tasked, but our company survives, and it is now earning triple. I felt so proud of my achievement. That is why I never give myself a chance to be with women. I don't like distractions. I want fame and success.

I heard approaching footsteps, and the moment I turn around, I found Cerila followed by the most splendid woman I have ever seen. How could Frank's daughter be this beautiful? I couldn't help myself but smile at her, and the minute she smiles back at me, my heart skips a beat. Her pure white teeth are shining, and even her smile reached the inner core of my body. I could tell she stands five feet and seven inches more or less. Her height is suitable for my six-feet two inches, and I realized she is more beautiful up close, and I got electricity to travel my spine. Who is this woman, and what is she trying to do with my heart?

I never went through this kind of attraction before, but I should remind myself of her sole purpose why she is here. I don't need to love at the moment, but I can't stop myself from taking my time to take this opportunity to enjoy my future bride. And I can't stop the pull that I went through. It was too strong that I stand up and meet her with a broad smile on my face. And for the first time, I seemed like I am smiling like an idiot.

"I am sorry, Maddie, if I wasn't here when you arrived, I promise I will make it up to you," I said, and before she can reply, I claim her perfect mouth. The moment I savor her lips, I can taste its sweetness, and I can tell Madeline, who has no experience in kissing, could kiss like a pro. I want to kiss her more, but I am aware we are in front of my entire family; I only need to greet her to let them know we are an actual couple, but why I am planning to kiss her more. It tasted so wonderful, and I can say she enjoyed our quick kissed. We both kissed hungrily, and by the time I stopped brushing her, she holds my arm for support, and I felt so glad that I am still holding her slender waist.

"So, eager to kiss me, Ms. Brownwood?" I whispered in her ear, and I nibbled her ear before I let her go. And I can perceive she got goosebumps all over her skin, and I can't stop myself from grinning. I draw a dining chair and assisted her in sitting down, and then I take out a chair and sit beside her. The time I raised my head, I can look at my family members are smiling at us. And I felt glad they love Madeline.

"Shall we start our dinner, now?" I asked, and my mom smiled.

"Of course, dear." My mother replied sweetly to me. The food is all mouthwatering, but the kiss I shared with Madeline erased my hunger, and it feels like I already ate my dessert, and I can't wait to kiss her again later; I need those enticing lips, I wish to kiss her until her lips become swollen.

"You should eat, my love; I don't wish you to look skinny on our wedding day; I admire your gorgeous body, so maintain that for me?" I spoke when I noticed she is not eating her food, and it feels like I am not the only one who became full after the kiss.

She nodded, and I can tell my nearness makes her feel excited I realized Maddie is falling in love with me; well, it is okay since she should love me, and I don't need to cherish her in return.. It would be enough for I will make her the happiest bride after our marriage, and she will satisfy my needs by giving me a child.