Two

CHAPTER ONE

(Author's POV)

Khalid was back to Paris, to fulfill his mother's wishes.

He wasn't back for business, he came back to get married to the woman his mother chose for him. He had refused many ladies, just because he didn't believe in love anymore. He lost his spark and he doesn't think he'll get it back.

But he finally agreed to marry this mysterious woman his mother chose for him.

He could remember their last conversation.

"Khalid, you need a partner,a woman not just someone who'll warm your bed, you need someone who'll understand you, care for you, love you like you've ever loved yourself."

"And is it so easy to find that one woman?" He'd asked her.

"I wasn't going to do this before but I think it's necessary,I spoke with my friend and we came to a conclusion"She said firmly.

"What conclusion?" He had asked wearily and she smiled.

"You'll get married to her daughter, Jemima."She said with finality.

Khalid stared at her, though as if he hadn't heard right.

Jemima?

The name echoed in his head, ringing like a bell that refused to stop. His brows drew together in confusion, and disbelief mixed with exhaustion.

He doesn't even know who this Jemima was, but the name sounded so familiar.

His mother looked calm, she didn't stutter, she just held his gaze with her own. Her lips pressed together in that signature firm way she always did when she had made up her mind.

"You'll marry– Jemima Wilson. She's been raised well, she's educated and well behaved. Most importantly she's available."

Khalid heaved out a sigh, he agreed to marry this woman without any problem until he went on a date with her.

Where he found out she was his secretary.

Jemima was so pompous, she was rude and wouldn't let him speak. He doesn't even want to remember that day, all his life, not even his mother dare to talk to him that way.

But Jemima did, and a part of him loved that side of her and at the same time. Something scared him though, with her behaviour, he doesn't think the marriage will work out.

He stood before the mirror, buttoning his shirt. Getting ready for his wedding, it's finally the day his life was going to change forever.

Meanwhile Jemima Wilson sat in her room, fully dressed in a wedding gown, she stood still as the stylist made the final touches.

The gown screamed elegance, every thread carefully woven, her hair pulled into a perfect bun, the exact style that fits the royalty of her gown.

Her face screams beauty and one sentence — I don't wanna get married to anyone.

Marriage is not the next thing for her, not after she had lost two relationships in one night— her boyfriend and her best friend.

Six months ago, when she was discharged from the hospital. She booked a flight straight to Paris, to come back to the life she left behind.

She was broken, her dreams, her expectations, her love was shattered and instead of her mom comforting her.

She said, "I'm glad it ended. I've been patient enough to keep this from you, Jemima. Your marriage alliance with the CEO of Greyson corporation has been fixed."

"Are you listening to yourself?! Are you Mama?!" She snapped at her. " I've lost everything I've worked so far, I lost my friend and relationship and all you could say is this?"

"You didn't lose anything, they lost you, okay? And trust me, about this marriage, you'll thank me later."

And she was left with no choice, the alliance had been since her childhood according to what her mom had told her.

"Done, Ma'am." The makeup artist told her and she opened her eyes.

"How do I look?" She asked, staring at her reflection in the mirror.

"You look amazing." The artist replied warmly.

She smiled faintly, then her mother came to walk her out, to the car. The journey to the wedding hall was short since it was nearby.

Khalid stood at the altar, his heart racing beneath the weight of the tuxedo, waiting for his bride, the woman who was going to change his world forever.

The grand hall, shimmering with golden light, chandeliers sparkling above as though the heavens themselves bent low to witness the union. Different guests cloaked in satin gowns, and tailored suits, whispering behind raised hands, their eyes darting between the groom and the unopened door at the end of the aisle.

Khalid glanced at his wrist watch again, wondering if she'd change her mind and finally cut off the alliance like she threatened.

"I'll rather drink poison than marry a man like you. Wait and see how I call this marriage off!" Her words echoed in his head.

It'd be great if she did that. He doesn't want this marriage either.

Then gasps rippled through the hall as the door opened.

Jemima appeared, stepping into the light. The camera flashed violently on her.

Since her dad wasn't there, Khalid personally walked to her, without hesitation placing her palm on his arm.

Jemima stared at him, she'd never pictured herself walking down the aisle with her boss. Her little fantasy about her wedding had always been with someone she loves, someone she was willing to spend the rest of her life with. Instead, she was marrying a man she barely knew. And the person she was willing to walk down the aisle with? He is currently in Chicago with another woman.

It's high time she accepts the fact that she was never destined to be with Ryan. Her life wasn’t a fairytale, and looks like it will never be.

Laura and Marianne smiled, exchanging glances. They both longed for this day to come and here it is. Finally, their minds will be at rest, and they hope the marriage will be filled with peace and harmony.

The priest cleared his throat.

“Shall we begin the vows?”