004

~Aria's POV~

“what did you say?” I asked, unable to believe my ears. My voice trembled, and I knew my eyes gave away my surprise.

“Marry me,” He repeated, and this time, I knew my ears were not playing tricks on me.

“But…” I started, but was cut off by him.

“Will you?” He asked, and I stared at him intently, wanting to know if he was serious.

His piercing obsidian eyes stared at me with so much intensity that I could not look away.

“It will be a contract valid for three years. You will be rid of your past, and I will no longer have to marry who my father wants or attend blind dates. You can choose to walk away after three years.”

I thought about it. Perhaps this was the only way I could escape my past. Perhaps this was the only way I could escape Kaius's grasp. My head was spinning rapidly, but I still answered.

“I agree.” I muttered, my voice slowly dimming. From the corner of my eyes, I could see the man's lips curl up.

Before I knew it, I was already signing the contract.

“Damien Gray.” I muttered as I stared at the signed document containing both my signature and his.

Damien Gray was my husband now- I was married.

…

Two years later…

I groaned as the sunlight hit my face, and my eyes slowly fluttered open.

I stared at the bed beside me, seeing that the man had already got out.

I groaned even more before getting out of bed to go and freshen up.

I would be returning to Seattle with Damien today.

After taking a bath, I went down for breakfast, my eyes still showing a hint of sleep. Not that it was my fault.

That ruthless man had bullied me until I lost my breath last night.

As I approached the kitchen, Damien's face slowly came into view.

His side profile was his by the sunlight that filtered through the window. His lashes fluttered innocently and he bit his lips in frustration. He seemed to be trying to make breakfast, yet the whole kitchen was covered in smoke.

My lips slowly curled up.

“You seem to be having a hard time. If I didn't know better, I would think you were planning to set the house on fire.” I said, and I could see the surprise on his face as he turned to stare at me.

“You're awake already?” He asked, and I could only roll my eyes. How could I not be awake with the smell of burning that has traveled to the bedroom?

“I thought you would be in bed a little longer. You were completely drained last night.” He said, chuckling, and I felt the urge to beat him up.

Who's fault was it that I was drained?

He walked over to me, wrapping an arm around my waist as his lips came down on mine, kissing me gently.

This kiss was sweet. Much sweeter than the kiss Kaius usually gave me. Kaius's kisses were urgent - they were painful…making me want to cry. But this was different. It was soothing.

As though suddenly realizing something, I stiffened. I had almost forgotten about Kaius.

I usually saw entertainment news on the television, and I knew perfectly well that Kaius and Sofia were no longer together. But what surprised me was my indifference. Perhaps leave Seattle had did me good. Perhaps agreeing to Marry Damien was the best discision? But now I was going back. Going back to my face my past.

“What u are you think?” Damien's voice came, pulling me from the trains of thoughts that had clouded my mind.

“It's nothing. Let's make breakfast, shall we?” I asked, and Damien smiled again before planting a wet kiss on my lips.

We proceeded to make breakfast together, and when we were done eating, we packed our bags and headed to the airport where we boarded the plane.

As the plane took off, I could not help but feel a little tense.

“I feel really aggrieved.” I suddenly heard Damien’s voice beside me, and I turned to look at him, my brows raising questioningly.

“You would rather think of random things than think of me!” He said, and I was speechless.

“You-”

“Shh…just think of me.” He said. I could never get used to this man being cheesy. How could I?

I was about to speech, but his lips quickly covered mine once again.

His hands moved to hold my head in place as his mouth ravaged mine.

I gasped, out of breath, but the man took the opportunity to invade my mouth. His tongue danced with mine, and I could feel my head spin. I could never get used to this!

“Damien…” I muttered against his lips, but seemed to fuel him even more as he ravaged my lips.

“I love it when you call my name.” Damien rasped before letting me go, and I could feel my face flush.

“You keep taking advantage of me.” I pouted, making his lips curl up into a smirk.

“Of course. If I don't take advantage of you, who will?” I was speechless.

I quickly averted my gaze from him to stare outside the window to look at the clouds.

I sighed deeply.

Alas, I was returning to that place. That place I had always run from.

As if sensing my thoughts, Damien took my hand in his, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me.

As the flight proceeded, I had a little of the sandwich being served before closing my eyes to sleep.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we will be beginning our descent shortly. Please make sure your seatbelts are secured and fastened, all devices are in airplane mode, and your seats are in the upright position. We will be landing soon, thank you for flying with us.” the flight attendant’s voice pierced through my ears, pulling me from sleep.

My heart drummed against my chest as we finally landed.

As I walked out of the plane, I felt something unfathomable rise up in my chest.

Two years ago I was in the same place…weak and innocent, unable to fight for myself. But now?

“Welcome back to Seattle, Aria.” I muttered to myself, my eyes glowing darkly.