Chapter 2

Sarah

"Show me your ugliest wedding dress, please!" I announce cheerfully.

The store clerk gives me a puzzling look while my friend shoves me playfully. "What are you saying, Sarah? Why would you want an ugly dress for your wedding?" my friend Natalie laughs.

I let out a dramatic sigh, "Natalie, dear, do you really think I'll be walking down the aisle in a designer gown when I don't even know who my groom is? I am not exactly marrying my dream guy. I am being shipped off like cargo to some strange man who could be my father's age for all I know. So why waste time searching for the perfect dress when I'll never get my fairytale ending?"

"Why don't you try to talk to him about it again?" Natalie asks.

"Because my father threatened to disown me if I refused, and I have nowhere else to go," I say, feeling hopeless.

Natalie's expression softens, and she puts a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Sarah, there has to be another way. You can't let your father dictate your entire life like this."

I glance around the bridal shop, eyeing the dresses of satin and lace. "Natalie, you know I've tried. But my father's decision is final. This marriage is more of a business transaction than anything else."

"Well, even if you can't change your father's mind, you can still make choices for yourself. You deserve to have some control over your own life," Natalie insists. "By the way, did you happen to see what he looks like? Your future groom, I mean."

I shake my head. "Nope. I've been too busy wallowing in self-pity."

Natalie raises an eyebrow, and I continue, "I guess I've been avoiding it. Ignorance is bliss, right?"

Natalie chuckles, "Maybe. But maybe it's time to face reality and find a way to make this situation more bearable for yourself. Also, I happened to g****e him already."

My eyes widen with surprise. "You did? What did you find?"

Natalie smirks, "Well, he's not exactly a stranger to wealth, that's for sure. Seems to be some big-shot businessman in his own right. And, oh, he's not as ancient as we feared. Probably in his early thirties."

I raise an eyebrow, "Early thirties, you say? Well, that's still a lot older than me. But at least I won't be marrying someone old enough to be my father."

Natalie grins, "Oh, and if you are curious. He looks like..." Natalie suddenly stops talking and stares at the door.

"He looks like what?" I ask impatiently. What's with her keeping me in suspense?

"H...Him," Natalie mumbles.

I follow Natalie's gaze and see a man walking in.

He is tall and muscular, his presence commanding the attention of every person in the room. Dressed in a tailored suit that highlights his broad shoulders and chiseled physique, he exudes confidence that borders on arrogance. As he moves with purpose, his gaze sweeps the room until it lands on me.

Time seems to stand still as our eyes meet, and a jolt of electricity shoots through my body. I find myself unable to tear my gaze away from him, captivated by the intensity in his eyes. They are a mesmerizing shade of deep blue, almost unnaturally so. With each step he takes closer, my heart beats faster, and I am suddenly terrified.

"Err...hi?" I manage to stammer out as he is staring down at me. Why is this man so big? Who are his parents, Goliath and Hulk?

I swallow hard, feeling the weight of his gaze as he studies me intently. Despite my initial fear, I sense a hidden vulnerability beneath his commanding presence. There's something about him that draws me in, a magnetic pull that I can't resist.

Okay, but is he going to say something, or are we just going to play the staring game all day?

I squeal as the handsome giant scoops me up in his embrace, his lips claiming mine in a steamy kiss.

What in the world?

My thoughts scatter like confetti as his strong arms lift me effortlessly into the air. Every inch of his muscular frame presses against me as he kisses me hard. Heat spreads through my body, my senses drowning in his scent and the taste of his kiss.

Why is this stranger kissing me? Why am I not stopping him? Why isn't someone calling the police!?

After he is done ravaging my lips, he puts me down. I feel my knees buckle, but he grabs my shoulders and holds me steady so I don't fall.

My eyes meet his once again and I see them narrow at me.

"Hmph," he grunts. "Not bad."

"Wha...what was that?" I manage to stammer out.

He doesn't reply to me. Instead, he turns to the man standing behind him. "Stay here and pay for whatever she buys."

Wait, where did that other man come from? Has he been standing there this whole time!

"Yes, boss," the other man replies curtly.

The handsome giant looks at me again. "See you at the wedding," he says and walks out of the store.

I stand there, dumbfounded as I watch him walk away, leaving me in a state of confusion. The intensity of the moment lingers in the air, and I can still feel the imprint of his lips on mine.

Natalie breaks the silence, her voice filled with shock, "Well, Sarah, that was intense." She glances at me, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Are you okay?"

I shake my head slowly. "I...I don't know. He kissed me."

Natalie's eyebrows shoot up. "That was a helluva way to introduce himself."

I shake my head in confusion. "I don't understand any of this. Who is he?" My thoughts spin as I try to make sense of the situation.

Natalie pats my arm gently, trying to offer some comfort amidst the chaos. "That, my friend, was your future husband."