Chapter 5: Will You Marry Me?

Julian, who was about to take another sip from his drink, froze mid-action. He couldn’t hide the look of surprise on his face as he gazed at the woman who had just asked him to marry her like it was the most casual thing in the world.

Julian let out an amused laugh, dropping his glass back onto the table.

“Do you realize what you’re asking me to do?”

Elara’s heart raced and her fists clenched nervously on her thighs, but the look in her eyes said otherwise.

“Yes. Marry me,” she repeated.

Julian leaned back on the lounge, resting his cheek on his left hand. “And why exactly should I do that?”

Elara let out a confident smile. She picked up his glass and took a sip from it.

“Because I have things Lyra could never give you — things that could protect everything your family is trying to preserve,” she said, playing with the glass. “I can make The Beaumont a bigger name than it already is… far bigger than you can imagine.”

“And besides, you need someone who won’t complicate your life. Someone clean, quiet, and controllable in the public eye. I can be that,” Elara finished, placing the glass back in front of him.

Julian glanced at the glass, then at her. An undecipherable smile crept onto his lips.

“Very well then. I’m really curious to see how you’ll go about it,” Julian said, standing up.

Elara’s heart fluttered. Did that mean he had agreed?

“But—” Julian’s voice cut through her thoughts.

Elara’s senses sharpened as Julian took slow, predatory steps toward her until he stood right in front of her, his towering figure swallowing the courage she’d mustered.

He placed a hand beside her head and leaned down to her level, his strong, masculine cologne invading her senses. Cold shivers ran down her spine when she felt his breath skim her neck.

“If you become my wife… you’ll become so in every sense of the word. I don’t do half-commitments. You’ll share my name, my world… and my bed.”

Elara could feel her heart racing at the thought of becoming his completely. She hadn’t expected such a bargain.

Could she really do it? Was she ready to step into his world? Was she prepared for everything that would follow?

No. It was too late to turn back. The moment she walked into this room, she knew she had stepped in too deep.

Elara met his gaze, bold and certain. “If full commitment is what it requires… you’ll have it.”

Julian held her chin and smiled, his gaze lingering on her lips before he pulled away and walked toward the cellar.

“I have just the perfect wine to celebrate this… wife,” he murmured, giving her an amused smile.

Taking the wine, he returned and poured it into their glasses.

____

Next Morning…

Elara slowly opened her sleepy eyes but squinted them shut again at the brightness of the room. A groan escaped her lips as she held her throbbing head, slowly sitting up on the bed. Her confused gaze wandered around the unfamiliar room.

Her eyes widened as last night’s memories resurfaced. She had drunk so much that she’d dozed off without realizing it.

Her hand flew to her body, and a sigh of relief escaped her when she realized she was still wearing her clothes.

She slumped back onto the bed, still trying to comprehend the situation.

I’m getting married to Julian Beaumont… I’m getting married to Julian Beaumont… The words echoed in her mind.

Her phone buzzed. She reached for it and saw a message from Vance—along with fifteen missed calls and ten unread messages.

A mischievous smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. Oh dear Vance, if only you knew what I was preparing for you.

Deciding to reply later, she dropped her phone. That was when she noticed a handwritten note on the bedside table.

I have an urgent meeting to attend. I’ll meet you in four days. My driver will pick you up. I had them prepare a meal for you. Enjoy ~ Julian

“Old-fashioned,” she chuckled, before her gaze landed on a trolley filled with delicacies.

Her mouth watered as her stomach growled. She’d been so nervous yesterday that she’d forgotten to eat dinner.

Her grin widened as she took a bite. Maybe this marriage wasn’t such a bad idea.

_____

Three Days Later…

Elara sat before her vanity, applying lipstick. Once she finished, she smiled at her reflection, satisfied. Today was the most anticipated moment in her life since she’d been given a second chance.

As if on cue, her phone rang. She answered immediately.

“Vance,” Elara said, wiping off excess makeup.

“Babe, what’s wrong? I’ve been trying to reach you for days. Did I do something?” he asked, his tone soft.

Elara rolled her eyes at the fake concern in his voice.

“Sorry. I’ve been busy,” she replied simply.

“I need to tell you something. Please meet me at the bridge — the one where we first met.”

“Okay. See you in a few minutes,” she said, then hung up.

“Finally,” she breathed, standing up. After one last glance in the mirror, she picked up her purse and headed out, every step exuding confidence.

She took an Uber to the bridge. As she walked across it, her steps slowed. The place was beautifully decorated with red and white roses, hanging lights, and lamps illuminating the night. It was breathtaking.

A dull ache tugged at her heart. So this is what déjà vu feels like…

Then the soft sound of a violin began behind her. She turned to see Vance walking toward her with Lyra beside him and several unfamiliar faces behind them.

Elara forced a surprised smile. “Vance… what’s all this?” she asked lightly.

Vance took her hand and kissed it, holding it tight. Revulsion crawled beneath her skin, but she hid it well.

“I noticed you’ve been acting differently lately. Maybe you’ve been going through a lot, and I wasn’t there. I’m sorry,” he said softly.

“Elara, I want you to know that you are my world. I love you like I’ve never loved anyone. You are my home, my peace… my everything,” he continued, cupping her cheek.

“And in front of everyone here — and God — I kneel before you…” He slowly dropped to one knee. “…as I ask you to be my life companion. Elara, will you marry me?”

Cheers rippled through the crowd as he opened a small velvet box.

“Say yes! Say yes!” they chanted.

Elara looked down at him in silence. The cheering slowly faded as doubt began to creep into Vance’s expression.

Elara finally smiled.

“Vance,” she said softly, “stand up. This is embarrassing and immature.”

Silence fell. Vance froze.

“What do you mean?” he whispered.

“You shouldn’t propose to a woman when you’re already sharing your bed with someone else,” Elara said calmly, her gaze sliding to Lyra who stiffened.

She looked back at Vance, still kneeling — still stupid.

“I don’t marry men who need two women to feel like one.”

She turned and began walking away. Shock followed her like a shadow.

Before she could take another step, Vance grabbed her arm and spun her around. Anger and humiliation blazed in his eyes.

“If you wanted to end things, you should have done it earlier! Not—” He stopped, taking a breath.

“I knew it. Something was wrong. Tell me the truth, Elara. You’re cheating on me, aren’t you?” His voice trembled. “After everything we’ve been through… how could you?” he said, tears glistening in his eyes.

Elara smiled. She’d expected this.

She slipped her hand into her purse, pulled out a stack of photos, and flung them at his face.

They fluttered to the ground — photos of him and Lyra together. Kissing. Hugging. Making out. Lyra’s face was blurred out.

Murmurs spread like wildfire.

Lyra froze.

“Is that enough proof, or should I bring more?” Elara asked calmly.

Vance stared at her, stunned. “Elara…”

She turned and walked away, a triumphant smile curving her lips.

“This is just the beginning, Vance. You’ll taste every bit of the humiliation and pain I went through.”