Chapter 4: An untold love triangle

Amelia’s POV

Walking into such a large boutique I was in awe “Haven’t been in such a place?” I heard his voice, I saw it as a sign of mockery, I turned to him, his eyes as though averting my gaze.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I snapped.

“Nothing really, come on, we don’t have all day” he said, walking in front of me, hands in his pockets.

“Miss, please, this way” a petite lady said, gesturing that I follow her, I quickly turned my eyes away from him to follow her.

“Your fiancé will wait for you over here” she added, smiling from ear to ear.

“Uhmm..he’s..” I tried to protest, then almost immediately I remembered the contract.

I quickly followed her, I chose what felt rather so free for me, not minding what I’d wear ‘it isn’t my real wedding’ I thought to myself, picking a long dress with no uniqueness.

As the curtains flew open and I set my eyes on him, seated calmly, his greenish grey eyes watching me, his expression was candid as though he hated my sight.

“So…” I said, requiring a response

“Anything will do” he said almost immediately.

“We’ll take it” I told the petite lady who helped me from the podium.

‘There wasn’t even any sign of interest, am I really going to go through with this?’ I questioned myself as I took off the dress, my eyes fixated on the mirror.

“How long are you going to be in there?” His voice echoed in my ears ‘Why is he right outside?’ I thought to myself.

“Wh..what are you doing so close to the changing room?” I stuttered, holding the dress I had already taken off.

“To give you this” he answered, handing my clothes to me.

“The lady said you were in a rush and left them, don’t you need to wear them?” His baritone sounded louder as though he was now so close to me.

“Fine, tell her to give it to me!” I said angrily.

“We’ll be married soon, we can’t convince others if we don’t believe it ourselves” he said.

“Just open the door and take it, my eyes are shut” he said calmly. I quickly opened the door, taking a peek, holding the white dress above my chest, I saw his face, turning to the other direction, his hand sticking out to door.

“Thank you” I quickly muttered, closing off the door immediately.

After taking the wedding gown, it dawned on me that I’d be meeting his family, tomorrow.

“So…what time do I have to be there” I asked while holding a mini bag as the store offered to take the clothes to my address, it gave me more room to hold the little things I bought.

“I’ll pick you up” he said calmly.

“Okay, see you tomorrow then” I said, waving him goodbye.

“Where do you think you’re going?” He said from behind.

“Home, where else?” I answered, looking puzzled.

“I’m dropping you off” he answered softly.

“You evaded me last time, I’ll drop you off today” he added calmly.

“We’ll… I don’t want to raise suspicion” I answered, putting a fake smile.

He walked from his car, taking my hand in his “You’re a stubborn one” he said, pulling me to himself, his eyes glittering, I could see his hair shining under the reflection sunset.

“Stop it!” I whispered, tapping his chest so he wouldn’t attract attention as I looked sideways to assure myself that people weren’t looking.

“Will you come with me now?” He asked politely, something he hardly ever did, I watched him as he let my hands go.

“Fine” I responded, walking to his car.

The drive was a quiet one, he never engaged in small talk and I never wondered why.

Once the drive was over, I was at my destination

“Thank you, Mister Cawthorn” I said smiling as I stood outside the car door.

“You’re welcome and before I forget, here’s your ring” he said, pulling out a small ring which looked rather priceless, the diamond right on top of it was rather extravagant, reflecting whatever noon was left of the skies.

“Oh..thank you” I answered wanting to take it.

“Here, let me put it on for you” he said, taking my hand and sliding on the ring of my finger calmly, I noticed the similarities between mine and his, it looked more flashy than his yet, it held a sense of his ring, showing that we had a pact.

I gazed at the ring as just then I heard a voice coming from behind.

“Amelia!” Maxton called out “Oh God” I muttered, my hands quivering.

“Who..who’s that?” I asked from a distance.

“Uhm..” I stuttered, short for words.

“Tell me, who is that? A perv?” He asked, now rushing towards where I stood.

“Did he do anything to you?” He asked again, his voice was loud.

He proceeded to hold my hand as though checking if I was alright. Just then I heard the car door open and close ‘Oh no’ I thought to myself.

“I’m talking to my fiancé, you got a problem with that?” Julian said, his baritone sounded agitated for some reason ‘What’s he doing?’ I questioned myself.

“What?” Maxton asked puzzled, his hands on line.

“You heard me the first time” Julian answered, pulling me to himself.

“Aren’t you professor Cawthorn?” Maxton asked, his eyes wide in shock.

“Guys please” I said, finally having the chance to speak.

“What’s he talking about?” Maxton asked, clenching his fist, his face showing his anger.

Turning to Julian “Mister Cawthorn, please go home, thank you” I said.

“Maxton, let’s go” I said turning to him, holding his hand firmly.

“Come on, I’ll explain to you later” I said, pulling him with my weight.

“What’s happening?” He asked once again, I could see him puzzled.

‘What was Julian even thinking, I thought we already agreed on this?’ I asked myself as I tried to calm him down.

Taking deep breaths, I looked at him “He was joking right?” He said, smiling.

“I’m sorry Maxton but what Mister Cawthorn said was right, I’m getting married to him” I finally said, not wanting to beat around the bush, I was already going full thrust on this and he would be the first to know that I’m getting married.

Hiding it from him would be torture but now I watched his face, I quickly regretted my actions, he looked pale, like he had lost something, his expression went cold, like someone whose heart was shattered.