AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Fine, but just keep one thing in mind.” My voice is hard. “Marrying you is the only way I have at my disposal to make my grandpa happy, and that’s the reason I am doing it readily. But never, no matter how I might act in the presence of others, allow yourself to believe that I will accept you as my wife.” The look of hurt that crosses her face nearly brings me to my knees. My words were meant to hurt her, and I did succeed. In doing so, I feel like the biggest asshole on earth.
“I get it. I won’t be the thorn in your way.” She grits through her teeth.
Our eyes clash with silent fury. It would have been impossible to estimate who is more furious.
“What about your personal life?” I find myself asking.
“If you want to know whether I will be involved in extramarital affairs, the answer is no. I did have a serious boyfriend with whom I broke up. Now, I have no interest in hooking up with anyone.”
I grit my jaw hearing that she was in a relationship. I have never been a jealous or possessive type of a man. Sounds hypocritic, eh? Be damned if I understand these stupid emotions springing out of nowhere, as right now, Alisha is bringing out emotions that are foreign to me. Possessive instincts slam in my gut. I hate the fact that she was in a relationship before she met me. In fact, it’s making me unreasonably mad to think about anybody touching her. Period. It’s good that she broke up with whoever that asshole is; if not, I would have had to hunt that bastard down.
“Good,” I reply.This suits me just fine. I don’t even want to think about someone other than me touching her… ever.“That might be a plus point if we ever want some added benefits to our marriage,” I say with a wink. I don’t know why I couldn’t resist suggesting that, but I want her. Maybe once I get what I want, this ache will go.
“That’s not a part of our deal,” she lashes out. “You have enough girls at your disposal.”
“I do,” I don’t bother trying to deny it.
“So, you don’t need me to warm your bed,” she points out tartly.
“Technically I don’t,” I agree stonily. “But come to look at it you will be holding the title of my wife, which the other women in my life don’t hold.”
“You and I both know that the title means nothing. I don’t want to be anything to you. I’m grateful that your grandpa intends to help my father. That’s the sum total of what this marriage means to me.”
My laugh is threatening. “Are you challenging me, Wifey? Oh God, how much I love challenges! There is nothing that gives me a rush of adrenaline than a good challenge.”
She raises a brow. “There is no challenge here.”
I move my hand and tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Noted. I will pick you up tomorrow after work to select your wedding ring.”
Grinning, I walk away without waiting to hear her reply. This is not how I expected my meeting with her to be.
Chapter 8
Alisha
Though I am swamped with millions of emotions, I know I have to get a hold of myself. Displaying anxiousness and overwhelming myself will only make it difficult for me. I need to come to terms with the bitter truth that I will be marrying a man who loathes me. Yet, I have no option but to convince myself, that his abhorrence is better than having fondness for me. I don’t need him to love me. With experience, I have learnt that grief is the price we pay for love. Be it a breakup or being hurt by someone you least expect it from, there is only so much a heart can take.
I rub my face with a fumbling hand and close my eyes. I am drained. Not from lack of rest, but from stress. Thinking of the loan and my marriage brings a surge of anxiety. Soon, I will be able to clear the loan completely. Soon, I will be able to free myself from this marriage of convenience.
“Are you ready to leave?”
I jump at the sound of Ranveer’s voice. Instinctively, I place my hands on my chest and feel my heart thumping hard and fast. Lifting my eyes, I find him standing in front of my desk. It’s after seven in the evening, and my boutique is closed for the day. Rewa left as well, but I decided to stay back and work on a few pending online deliveries to divert my mind from the havoc the recent happenings have created in my life.
Fixing my eyes on him, I take in his attire. He is wearing a black three-piece suit, which only serves to draw attention to his alluring personality. My mouth feels suddenly dry. Damn! His overwhelming attractive looks and aura will only serve to be a lethal ultimatum.
“Leave where?” I blink and ask him in a confused tone.
His eyes mock me. Oh God, I so hate him for that. His ability to unnerve me is making my hackle rise.
Not wanting to show the effect he has on me, I face him with a nonchalant ease. “Where are we going?”
He doesn’t answer and just raises his eyebrows when it hits me instantly.
“Damn!” I squeak, slapping my hand on my forehead. “Right, we have to pick up our wedding rings today.”
He nods with deliberate slowness. “Yes.”
“Sorry, it totally slipped from my mind.” I bite on my lips.
