chapter six

Damien's POV

What the fuckl!!

My wife is standing in front of me almost naked.

My friend, Jake, whistled beside me.

I finally snapped back to my senses and shoved him outside the door.

“Get out.” I said to him,

He laughed as he stumbled outside the room door. “You have got a smoke show. Lucky bastard.” He mumered, chuckling just as I shut the door in his face.

When I turned back around, Ava was gone.

“Ava?” I called out to her.

“Please, leave me alone, I'd like to bury myself.” I heard her say from the bedroom in a mortified voice.

“It's okay.” I said keeping my voice calm. “I thought you'd be asleep. Jake just wanted to pick up a contract.

She groaned from the other side of the door.

“You should have told me you were bringing someone.”

“I'm sorry.” I said softly.

There was a pause.

I placed my hand on the bedroom doorknob. Just as I was about to turn it, her voice rang out.

“Can…..can you not come in?” She asked.

“Alright.”

I walked back to the living area and pulled out my phone. I sent the documents to Jake.

A few moments later, I heard soft footsteps approaching.

I turned. Ava was now fully dressed, wearing a loose pyjamas. She was avoiding my eyes.

“I'm sorry.” I wanted to…its our honeymoon. So, I…I.. forget about it.”

“It's not a honeymoon.” I reminded her. Just like I told her on the plane. “I plan on meeting a very important investor tomorrow and you'll be coming with me.”

She tilted her head in question. “His daughter is getting married here.” I said to her.

“Oh!” she muttered making her way to the open kitchen.

“Ava?” I called out to her.

She turned.

“What you did tonight,” I continued calmly, “ won't happen again.”

Her jaw tightened. “Because I embarrassed you?”

“Because it's unnecessary,” I said calmly. We already agreed this marriage is for formality. I won't cross any boundaries and I expect the same.”

“No, you said this marriage was formality. I told you, we will end up falling in love and w—.”

“Ava.”

“What?” She exclaimed.

I took a deep breath and continued, “ I don't want misunderstanding. You'll have privacy, respect and financial security. Anything you want. That is what I can offer in this marriage.”

“And affection?” She asked quietly.

“No.” I said without hesitation.

She looked at me for a long moment, her eyes unreadable.

“You'll see.” She finally said.

I clenched my jaw but I didn't say anything.

She smiled, grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge in the kitchen and made her way to the bedroom.

“Goodnight, hubby.” She sings songs in a teasing tone.

I swallowed hard and returned to my emails.

I didn't join her in the bedroom. I slept lightly in the armchair.

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I woke up about three hours ago. I went for a jog, came back, had coffee and checked some work emails.

Ava still isn't up. I checked the time and the wedding is starting in an hour.

I stood up from the stool and went to knock on the bedroom door.

“Ava, wake up. We leave for the wedding in an hour.” I didn't get a response. I knocked again and I heard her say in a sleepy voice. “ I'm up. An hour. I heard.”

I didn't say anything. I just turned away.

Thank god, there are two bedrooms. She had kept her luggage in one. I spent the morning trying to organize her boxes. Moving them away from the bed and keeping them in one corner. I got ready.

I was on the balcony on my phone when I heard her voice behind me.

“I'm ready.”

Ava wore a burgundy dress that clung to her waist but flared slightly over her hips. Her hair was loose, falling in soft waves, she had minimal make-up on.

For a moment, I just stared at her.

“Let's go.” I said, as I walked past her.

Her brows lifted. “Well, good morning to you, too.”

“Mhn” I grunted in response.

“Is the dress okay?”

“Yes.” I said, waiting by the door.

Then, she swirled around and smiled. “So I did good, right?”

I met her briefly and looked away. “You look presentable.”

Her lips pressed together and I saw her eye twitch.

I opened the door. “Shall we?”

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The drive to the wedding was quiet.

Mr Rossini is marrying his daughter off to the Cross family. But I need his investment in the company's new project.

I turned to Ava and she was deeply engrossed with the view.

The car turned towards the road leading to the villa.

Villa Sebalonei stood ahead. It was grand, surrounded by gardens and it was overlooking the lake which the wedding would be holding.

The car stopped and we stepped out.

Ava straightened, walked towards me and clinged to me.

I took a deep breath and we walked around the villa to the lakeside.

The wedding went great and it was time. Mr Rossini was smiling and exchanging pleasantries with the guests. I took Ava's hand and walked towards him

“Mr Rossini,” I greeted, extending my free hand, “congratulations. The ceremony was beautiful.”

“Damien Moretti,” he said warmly with a laugh, shaking my hand. “I'm glad you could make it.”

“This is my wife,” turning towards Ava. “Ava.”

“It's an honor to meet you, sir.” she said with a bright smile.

Mr Rossini glanced at Ava and shook her hand too.

“You are one beautiful woman. I see how you were able to tie the great Damien Moretti down.”

Ava laughed softly.

“All I can say is patience and a sense of humor.” She turned towards me and smiled. “Isn't that right, hubby.” I let out an awkward laugh. What the fuck is she doing.

Mr Rossini laughed. “I like you already.”

“Well, Mr Rossini,” I caught his attention and we launched into business conversation.

Ava excused herself and I could not be more glad.