Chapter 6

Some of my fans approached me when Sean and I arrived at one of the famous restaurants in town. I allowed them to take pictures with me and ask for my autograph on the clothes they were wearing or on objects they wanted me to sign.

The security guards helped Sean and me disperse the people who kept coming, but I couldn’t meet all of them because my purpose in coming to this place was not to meet fans.

“After we get married, just quit your current job. I’d rather see you just for me.” Sean broke the silence between us from a few minutes ago until our dishes came.

“I haven’t even said whether I agree to marry you, and you’re already starting to want to manage me.” I smiled sarcastically at Sean’s authoritative attitude.

Sean exhaled loudly, which made me stop eating and turn my attention to him.

“You’ll have no choice but to agree to it, Ana, because so will I. You accept this marriage, and I’ll make you the happiest woman in the world.” Sean’s promise sounded so sweet and moved me from within. For the first time, I heard such confident words from a man.

“Don’t be too confident because I’ve started trying to stop expecting happiness from others, especially from a man.” I was reminded of the pain of loving someone alone for several years.

“You’re just putting your feelings and hopes in the wrong person. That shouldn’t stop you from wishing for happiness, right?! Just because you fell once, you don’t want to get up! That’s cowardice.” Sean sounded like someone who was well-versed in life.

I paused to observe his appearance and guess what was on his mind. My inner goddess smiled with sparkling, adoring eyes. Sean is more handsome than the men I have met so far.

Sean is the type of man who is on the cusp of the mature man standard. He is well-established and wealthy, has a physical appearance that can make any woman not blink at him, and has other advantages.

“Are you done admiring me? If you want to know more about me, you should marry me.” Sean looked at me and then smiled a small smile that made my inner goddess blush red on the red sofa she was sitting on.

I looked down to hide my embarrassment and the sensation of my face warming up.

“Would you give me some time to think about this?” I asked, trying to make an offer.

“You don’t have much time to think, Ana, because the time to make you happy will start soon, so decide now, and you won’t regret it.” Sean’s gaze locked on me. His neutrals were like honey that promised all the sweetness I had never tasted, and they tempted me.

My common sense began to look indifferent, while my inner goddess smiled, indicating that I should agree to this marriage.

“I will accept this marriage with conditions.” I didn’t want to look like something easy to achieve and make Sean proud.

“Just name your wish because I will fulfill it.” Sean cut the steak into smaller pieces.

“Give me full trust to be the only person who means everything to you.” The steak I’m eating now has suddenly reduced my appetite. I felt my request was selfish, but I did this to protect myself.

My common sense nodded with a look of approval at me for this idea, while my inner goddess rolled her eyes and thought it was excessive.

“Does it have to be that quick to start a long-scale relationship?” Sean’s question made me smile and mock him a little.

“You think we’re going to have a contract marriage? Or is that the intention? What advantage do you want to take from me, Mr. Valentino?” My gaze turned slightly sharp toward Sean behind my lashes.

Sean chuckled and took a sip of his wine.

“The only benefit I want to take from you is to be your husband forever, Ana, and this is not a contract marriage. Can we start this relationship with marriage? Then, I will learn to fulfill your request.” Sean gave me another negotiation to think about.

I still didn’t know much about being in a serious relationship with a man.

“Can I ask you something personal?” This question was about the woman I saw at Sean’s apartment then.

“It depends. What do you want to ask?” Sean seemed quite restrictive about how far my questions could go.

“About the woman who came to your apartment and accused me of being a call girl.” I still clearly remember the woman’s accusation, which I wanted to refute. Still, I didn’t think it was necessary because I didn’t want to deal with anyone.

“She’s just my business partner, a pretty close friend.” Sean’s answer sounded mysterious, and I wanted to ask again, but I decided against it. My common sense told me it wasn’t time yet.

“I’ll accept this marriage because you’re willing to compromise with me, and I don’t want to argue too much with my mother.” I made my decision based on various logical reasons that I had in my mind.

I looked at Sean, who smiled charmingly, making my heart beat faster than it had a few minutes ago. There was a subtle flutter that made me easily conquer this man.

Sean took out a small, elegant black velvet-lined box and opened it. My eyes seemed to jump out momentarily, and my mouth dropped open. Inside the box was an extremely rare blue diamond ring.

“Marry me, Ariana, and you will be the only diamond in my life.” Sean is good at stringing together romantic words that sound not like a promise but a certainty.

For a few seconds, I stared at the diamond ring without blinking. I felt happy with Sean’s beauty and sincerity. Still, I regretted my stupidity in ever hoping for a man I knew would never give me anything more than friendship.

“I want to wear that thing when you’ve said your vows in front of everyone,” I said, still with my gaze fixed on the ring.

“As you wish, my Lady,” Sean replied with certainty.

**

With its elegant and beautiful design, the white wedding dress fit my body perfectly.

“Oh, Ana, you are the perfect masterpiece for all my works.” Ranila Abraham looked at me through the mirror from behind my body. At Ranila’s request, Sean took me to his sister’s boutique to try on wedding dresses.

“I think this dress is great. The design is perfect and beautiful.” My compliments are sincere for this beautiful dress and its designer. Rani has made a career as a wedding dress designer and owns five branches of a bridal boutique whose brand is familiar to the high society.

“Sean is lucky to be married to a beautiful woman with a reputation unlike his. I’m very grateful to you, Ana, for accepting this marriage. Still, I’m sure Sean will care for you with all his heart, even his life because if not, his history is over.” Rani chattered in her chatty style; I like this woman’s vibrant and positive aura.

I smiled and nodded. Rani excused herself for a while to get some accessories. Then Sean approached me, still mesmerized by this beautiful dress in front of the mirror.

He looked at me; his eyes lit up with a passion I had the misfortune of connecting with immediately. Sean pulled my waist gently, and I felt awkward and embarrassed by our intimacy. Then, Sean repeated the kiss, but this time, the terrace was different because I returned it, and I couldn’t help but find myself wanting this man for more than just a kiss.