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7: The Marriage

LILLIAN

As soon as I saw him, an insurmountable anger washed over me like a wave. I didn’t see Xavier Santos. All I saw was the source of all the misfortune that had befallen me and my family in the last forty eight hours.

“You!”

I growled, marching towards him with heavy steps. When I got to him, I punctuated my anger with a dirty slap across his face. His face jerked to the side, but he didn’t bring his hand to massage the spot, like it didn’t sting him.

Heck, he didn’t even look annoyed or angry, a chuckle leaving his lips like I just did the most hilarious thing. His face came back to position and his piercing gaze met mine.

“Still so feisty.” He smirked.

“You are such an asshole!” I bite at him. “You did this!”

“Me?” He placed his hand on his chest, feigning ignorance. “I didn’t do anything, Lillian.” He said and I scoffed, folding my hands across my chest.

“Yeah, right!” I spat back at him. “You come back into my life and oh so conveniently, in less that three weeks, you become the biggest shareholder of my father’s company and everything falls to shit! Now, my father is missing!” I jabbed my index finger into his chest.

“Well, I guess I have that effect on people,” he said, lips still curved in that annoyingly attractive smirk that had my blood boiling. He knew he was pushing my buttons and getting on my nerves and he was enjoying it.

I stared at him incredulously

“Do you take pleasure in this? Do you take pleasure in reading my family apart? This is our legacy, Xavier!” I cried out in frustration.

“It didn’t have to come to this, Lillian,” he replied coolly, his unwavering gaze meeting my glare. “We wouldn’t have done things the hard way if only you had accepted my proposal. But all this can go away if you accept it now.”

I scoffed.

“I’d rather make a deal with the devil.” I shot back, my tone dripping with defiance. He chuckled, a deep rumbling sound.

“Perhaps you have.” And with that statement, he retrieved a folder from the inside of his coat. “Take a look.” He handed the folder to me.

I eyed it skeptical and started flipping the pages, my eyes widening more and more with every page I turned.

“What the hell is this?” I fired at him.

“Evidences of your brother’s crimes,” he responded, taking the folder back. “Including the evidences of the new allegations leveled against him. Quite damning, wouldn’t you say?” He smirked.

“What are you suggesting?” I hated the way my voice trembled.

“Only that I have everything the prosecution needs to lock your brother away forever.” He deadpanned with the straightest face ever. “Your brother’s actions have consequences, Lillian. Consequences that could affect your family’s future. What do you think will become of you, because I am certain you won’t survive a life of debt.”

Now, he was mocking me.

My jaw clenched in frustration.

“Where is my father?” I demanded.

“Somewhere more comfortable,” he shrugged, responding vaguely. “Somewhere, you’ll never be able to gain access to him unless you agree to my terms. It’s your choice, Lillian, and I hope you choose wisely.

“And why would I ever agree to your terms after everything you have done!” I snapped at him.

“Because, Lillian,” Xavier started softly, moving close to me till he was in my personal space, leaning his head lower till his face was just inches away from mine, his breath fanning my face. “I told you I want you, and I’d do anything to have you. Besides, if you ever want to see your father again, you will accept my proposal.”

PRESENT DAY.

“And now, I pronounce you man and wife!” The priest declared as soon as Xavier said his vows. “You may now kiss the bride.”

I had to stop myself from gagging while Xavier smirked as he close the distance between us and cupped my face in his hands.

“Don’t worry,” he whispered. “I’ll make sure you enjoy this,” And then covered my lips with his.

His lips were soft, so soft, but was moving against mine harshly and it annoyed me how much I liked it. I closed my eyes, repeating in my head like a mantra not to enjoy it.

But It was hard not to. His lips were so soft, for a stone cold man.

As Xavier pulled back, a self-satisfied smile played on his lips, knowing full well the effect his kiss had on me. I gritted my teeth, glaring at him with unbridled hatred.

“I hate you,” I spat, my words dripping with venom.

Xavier merely chuckled in response, his demeanor infuriatingly smug. “You’ll get over it,” he replied casually, as if my feelings were of no consequence to him.

Turning towards the congregation, we plastered on fake smiles, pretending to be the picture-perfect couple. But beneath the facade of happiness, I was seething with resentment, trapped in a marriage I never wanted, with a man I despised.

This was my reality now, a cruel twist of fate that left me with no choice but to play along.

As soon as I agreed to Xavier’s proposal, he fulfilled his end of the bargain, announcing a merger between the Wright Empire and his company, and that restored some semblance of normalcy to my family.

My brother was still locked up but in a more secure facility and I still haven’t seen my father. Xavier assured me that he was safe and I had to take his word for it.

Now, I knew that I, too, would have to fulfill mine.

My duty as his wife.

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