chapter 4

Lia’s POV

I gaze at the figure in front of me. Is that really me? In cream suit with simple pearl choker and bracelet. Neither a dress that will be chosen for love knot nor to be doubted by others on the intention of marriage. The diamond ring glitters on my finger, which is admired by both our parents, friends and family. Speaking of friends and family where is Alyssa and Mitch? As if they get their cue, they enter the room. This room is in Lucian’s parents’ villa where our marriage is about to happen in next hour. The room which belongs to Lucian but I am occupying for the past two days. Thankfully he went on a business trip and have returned only this morning.

“Are you ready Lia?” Alyssa looks me from top to toe.

“Are you sure Lia?” Mitch asks in a worrisome face. She still does not think that this is the best solution and still feels guilty that she is not with me during the troubles.

I smile to reassure her. I know she is not convinced completely, but relaxes a little.

“Where are you going together?” Alyssa asks eyeing the packed luggage. Lucian and I are going to God knows where for a week. He never told where we will be going. He simply disregarded my protests stating that out parents will doubt if we never go on any honeymoon. I do not believe in it. His reactions are totally bipolar. One time he act as if he does not want anyone to know about our marriage, and other time he wants us to act as if our marriage is real.

“I don’t know Als.” I roll my eyes hearing her sigh. Mitch is about to comment on something, but is interrupted by the knock. My parents come in. Mom is happy but I feel that she still have her doubts. But dad is oblivious as usual. “I am happy for you darling. But sad that my princess is leaving me”, I cannot help the tears hearing my dad.

“If you smudge the makeup, I will ensure that you are getting ready with full make up in my style even if it takes hours.” Mitch warns, with a furiously nodding Alyssa at the back.

They both start laughing looking at the horror in my face.

“Enough. I need some mom daughter time. So Shoo...” Mom pushes everyone out and scrutinizes me with her eyes. I know neither my smile nor my hug makes her satisfied.

“I still have my doubts, call it a mother’s intuition, but I cannot help it. But I trust my daughter. You may make some mistakes, but I have confidence that you will tackle whatever comes your path. Remember one thing, I always wait with open arms whenever you need me.”

I hug my mom very strong trying to stifle my sobs. What had I done to get such a beautiful family? My determination to get married for them grows strong.

My dad hugs me once again before opening the door to the garden. The garden is decorated with a small gazebo and limited chairs arranged holding only close friends and family. The place is packed close so not even a hint of air escaped indicating that a wedding is happening inside.

Lots of controversy have raised when our wedding was discussed. Lucian insists to happen in a week’s time and in a discreet manner. All blame is put on his next film. No one is informed on this marriage including his long-time friend Hal.

I look at front and see Lucian is waiting near the minister. Dad walks me over the aisle and hugs me again before handing me to Lucian. The enormity of the situation hits me suddenly and urges me to run from there. I may have done the same if I have not felt Lucian’s hand gripping me tightly. I see his eyes glinting in the sun. Surprisingly it calms me.

After eternity, we exchange our vows, I tense again when the minister asks the groom to kiss his wife. I have not recovered yet from our almost kiss the last time.

‘He took my hand and slide the ring on my finger and cupped my face before I reacted. He looked at my eyes and told “And I am entitled to do this” and placed his lips on mine. He chuckled when my breath hitched in my throat when his lips softly brushed mine. He stood back and smirked at me. When he told “Let’s reserve this for the big day”, I knew he was purposefully teasing me and I ran out before hitting him on anger.’

I do not know what is running in his mind now and stiffen when he pulls me in his arms. He searches something in my eyes for a moment. As soon I relax he pressed his lips firmly on mine, but it is a short one. But I cannot help but melt on the kiss especially when it is my first one.

After changing into a most comfortable dress, we have a casual lunch. I never know that Lucian’s family can be this friendly. Kate and Andreas treat me as another daughter like Thea. It is truly humbling when I see Kate’s eyes glistens with tears when we exchange our vows. Guilt washes me again when I think of hiding the truth from them.

Thea is another darling in my life now, apart from Jaxon. Such a sweet thing for a sister. But I can see a hint of sadness in her eyes and I know it is for her late brother Jake. I truly wish sadness vanishes from her life.

Once the lunch is over, Lucian and I leave in his car. Till then I have no clue on where we are heading. I come back to the present once the car jerks to a stop. Seeing a private jet waiting for us, I look at, expecting him to say something.

But he simply smirks back. “Do you want me to carry you inside or can it wait till we reach the destination?”

I want to badly hit him with something on teasing me purposefully. Instead I settle on glaring at him. “Where are we heading to?” He simply responds “It is for me to know and you to find out.”

It takes all my effort for not to roll my eyes at him. “Don’t be too cheesy” I smile a fake smile. This makes him chuckle more. Won’t he get any anger? A shiver ran through my spine thinking of his anger on the suite. I feel his eyes shows a hint of remorse but when I blink back I see nothing. May be it’s my imagination.

We settle in the seats. It is a spacious jet with a comfortable infrastructure and nothing extravagant. “Whoever designed it, they did a good job.” I exclaim looking around.

“Thanks I guess” he smiles back.

Oh... I blush at his answer. Did he design it? Somehow the designs fit him.

“There is a bedroom inside, if you want take some rest. It will take another 12 – 14 hours to reach our destination”

12 hours? Where are we heading to? I look at him once again, but know better that I will not get any answer. So I just go to change. I lay down and am too busy thinking to sleep. What now?

I know half my things are packed and shifted to Lucian’s penthouse and rest will be shifted once we are back. We will be spending the next one year in there. Once we are back, I will be joining his company. No specific position but as one of board members and assisting him. All the technicalities will be discussed later. We haven’t discussed what will happen after one year. I don’t want to overthink about that.

Physically I am too tired to be awake, but emotionally so piped up. I slowly immerse into a disturbed sleep. Somehow I am engulfed in a warmth and sigh snuggling into it and out like a light.

***

Luc’s POV

Once Lia moves in to rest, I try to check on the mails and answer. The keyword is try... I cannot concentrate. I know Lia is curious to know where we are heading to. We are heading to Kauai, were we have our own summer villa and beach.

We will be staying there for a week. And then back to my penthouse. She will be having her own space in my house. I am not planning on nothing but having her close enough to watch. Hence the reason on making her to join my office without any specific position. I loosen my tie and watch outside the window. I always love watching the moving clouds. They have a calming effect. I always have a secret wish to float between clouds with no worries. Flying will come as close to that.

I stand up to check on my dear wife. Lia is sleeping but I can see her restlessness on the movement of her eyes inside the closed eyelids. I admire her soft skin, long eyelashes resting on her cheek, the way her soft pink lips are slightly open. She is wearing a minimal makeup unlike other females. It is refreshing to see someone who do not want to immerse themselves inside two to three layers of makeup.

I feel her tension and am surprised on my sudden urge to protect her. I am shocked to see my different burst of feelings towards Lia. I don’t know why, but I take off my jacket and tie and lay down next to Lia and pull her towards me. I smile to hear her soft sigh and snuggle close to me.

Even if I have a plan for our marriage, I am not too sure on how things will go on. But I have to say there will be a thrill in the surprise. I feel a wave of calmness washes over me because of the soft figure close to me and slip in my sleep.