Married To The Arrogant Bastard

"Are you absolutely sure about this, Thea?" Daisy's voice was laced with concern as she helped Thea with the lacework of her wedding gown.

Sunlight streamed through the large window of the change room, illuminating the luxurious fabric. As soon as Thea signed the papers, she and Daisy were whisked off to the wedding venue where she picked her wedding dress and now, she's left alone to get ready.

"I mean, it's all happened so fast. You barely know him, and... a marriage of convenience? Yes, he is rich but… It just sounds so... cold."

Thea turned from the mirror. "I have nothing to lose." She smoothed the silken material of her dress. "After what happened, after what Posy and Yolanda did, I have nothing. My family cut me off. Rune's family humiliated me beyond belief. How am I supposed to survive in this society, in Zean?"

“What about your mum? You wanted to go see her in Gend.”

Thea exhaled. “I can go to her tomb anytime.” She muttered.

Daisy sighed, adjusting a stray curl near Thea's temple. "I'm just worried. You're not even telling me everything about this arrangement."

Thea met her eyes, darting her a knowing look; she signed an NDA, she can't tell her anything about their arrangement.

Daisy nodded. “I understand. I'm just shocked that the jerk who ruined your life is…Seth Blackwood. Better than Runes Sterling if you ask me.” She giggles and Thea smiles.

She took Daisy's hands, squeezing them tightly. "You're the only one who understands, the only one who's stood by me. And I need you here, today."

Daisy's expression softened. "Of course, I'll be there. Every step of the way.”

Thea hugs her, struggling to stop herself from crying.

“Let's get you hooked up with your …husband!” Daisy teased and they both burst into laughter.

《The Cathedral》

The ceremony was held in a private, exquisitely decorated cathedral overlooking the Zean city. It was shocking how quickly all of this was put together in such a short period. How much influence does this man have anyway, Thea wondered.

The room was sparsely populated, with a handful of Seth's stern looking business partners and a few elderly, elegant women who Thea assumed were wives of these businessmen, were present to witness the union.

They could have just signed the documents, why throw a wedding? She never stopped to ask.

The atmosphere was quiet as if they were accessing her, curious to know if she was befitting, worthy.

At the entrance to the aisle, Thea took a deep breath, her heart thumping against her ribs.

Daisy, standing beside her, offered a reassuring squeeze of her hand. On Thea's left, which is supposed to be dedicated to her side of the family, was empty.

Thea ignored the sick feeling in her stomach, she would rather have an empty aisle than have a group of people who couldn't care less about her.

“Shall we?” Daisy asked and Thea nodded.

Soft classical music began to play, and Thea, holding a delicate bouquet of white roses, began her walk down the aisle.

Her dark brown hair was styled in waves around her shoulders, framing her face. Her eyes, usually warm, were cool, taking one step after the other in tune with the music.

At the end of the aisle, standing next to the priest was Seth. He was dressed in a tailored black suit, a white shirt, and a dark tie. The fabric stretched taut across his broad shoulders, hinting at his lean, athletic build beneath.

A build she had seen without clothes…and felt…and touched..and clawed at when he went wild on her..

Thea’s chin flustered at the thought, now isn't the time for such thoughts!

His jet-black hair was slicked back, pronouncing the sharp angles of his jawline and his high cheekbones. His eyes, usually so cold and unreadable, were fixed on her as she approached.

There was no grand smile, no display of emotion on his face, only a quiet intensity. Yet, as she drew closer, Thea thought she detected an almost unnoticeable look of….shock deep within those icy blue depths.

Or did she?

Maybe it's all in her head.

He reached out a hand to her as she reached the altar, his fingers warm and firm as they clasped hers. The priest began the ceremony, his words echoing softly in the grand hall.

"You may now kiss the bride," the priest announced, his voice gentle.

Seth turned to Thea. His eyes seemed to hold a flicker of something that made Thea's breath catch.

He lifted her veil slowly, his gaze never leaving hers. His thumb brushed softly over her cheek, sending a shiver down her spine. He leaned in, his clean, masculine scent filling her senses. His lips, soft and firm, met hers in an unhurried press.

It wasn't a passionate, explosive kiss, but it was deep and lingering. There was an unexpected tenderness in his touch, a quiet possessiveness that seeped into her very core; a reminder of their one night stand, a night she had dreamed of every night ever since..

The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth of his mouth on hers, the surprising softness of his lips, and the shift in the air around them.

The crowd erupted in solemn applause as Seth stepped away from her, the warmth in his eyes replaced with coldness.

Thea was breatheless, what just happened?

The duo faced the crowd, a polite smile on their faces. “I now pronounce husband and wife. Mr and Mrs Blackwood.”

Thea searched for Daisy who was sitting on the left, representing Thea's family. Her face was beaming with smiles , clapping like her life depended on it.

“You should get ready.” Seth whispered as they walked down the aisle, hand in hand.

“For what?”

“An after party. You'll be meeting my Grandmother. And she can't know about this…arrangement. You know what happens when you breach the agreement right? ”

Thea’s heart sank, his grandmother? She thought this was just some small arrangement now she really has to play wife?

Before she could complain, he was gone , greeting all of his business partners as Daisy hurried towards her.

“I saw that kiss. There's no way he's not into you!” Daisy said, beaming with excitement.

“Daisy, he said I'll be meeting with his grandmother at the after-party.”

Daisy gasped, her eyes twinkled in happiness. “Oh my goodness! That's great news!”

“No! What if she asks how we met or things like that? She doesn't know that this is…you know what.”

Daisy's eyes open wide in realisation.

“Oh boy.”