Chapter 5

The cold breeze enveloped my skin as I went outside of our house. It was just 4 in the morning, it's still dark. Yesterday was the start of our semester break. Noreene, my only trusted friend, asked me where I would spend it and I honestly told her I'd marry Kadmiel.

She couldn't believe it at first, because it wasn't that long since we announced the engagement, but I told her it's not a church wedding yet and we would want it to happen privately.

"You must love each other that much, huh? You're that itchy to get tied with each other," Noreene was smiling on the monitor.

I heaved a sigh. I still contemplated whether I would tell her the truth or not, but then I can trust her fully. There were numerous secrets I told her that she really kept to herself.

"Actually… Kadmiel and I…" I paused. "We're not a real couple. This is all just for a show. To clear my name. And erase my past scandalous issues from people's minds."

Noreene's eyes grew wider. "So you mean… It's fake. But you're gonna marry him for real?"

"Yes. But we will divorce."

"You look in love with each other."

I looked away. Maybe we're just good actors?

I asked Noreene if she would want to come with us from the wedding. The only people who will attend are my parents, Kadmiel, Noreene, and I. Noreene gladly said yes because she said she wants to witness me getting married even if it's not the kind of marriage that is genuine and real.

I smiled when I spotted Noreene's car. She parked it inside our garage. She's also wearing a jacket, and she has her own luggage bag. She will ride with us in the van so she left her car in our house.

"Katriel! I missed you." She went to me and hugged me immediately.

"I missed you too!" I giggled.

She also greeted my parents as we all entered the van. Noreene and I were sitting beside each other. I rested my head, I want to sleep. We're 20 minutes away from the airport.

I was about to close my eyes when I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I immediately put it out to check who texted me.

Kadmiel:

I'm on the way to the airport. See you.

I bit my lips as I typed in my reply.

Katriel:

We're also on the way there. See you!

Kadmiel:

Did you eat breakfast?

Katriel:

Nope. I'll buy something to eat there in the airport while we're waiting for our board. I don't feel like eating earlier.

Kadmiel:

You should've at least drank coffee.

Katriel:

I only drink that specific coffee and you know what it is. I don't just drink normal coffee made by anyone, not even one made by myself.

My heart almost fell when I saw his latest reply. I can feel the heat on my cheeks. I even almost groaned when I accidentally bit my lower lip so hard.

Kadmiel:

I'll buy that specific coffee for you, miss ma'am.

MISS MA'AM. Oh God, that appeared differently. I can imagine his voice whispering those two words in my ears.

"Someone's blushing. I really doubt it's not for real."

My head quickly turned to Noreene beside me. She arched her brow when her eyes quickly glanced at my phone. I immediately had the urge to close my phone and hide it from her.

"You're so noisy, Noreene." I rolled my eyes and pouted.

"I didn't see anything."

"I'm not blushing." I defended myself, ignoring her last reply to me.

"Okay." She shrugged, and didn't look convinced. I just grunted and let go of the topic.

Truth to be told, Kadmiel was holding a cup of coffee from that specific brand I like. He had a subtle smile on his lips when I came to him. I stopped walking a few meters from him and just completely stood there.

He raised a brow.

"No hug, Katriel?"

I rolled my eyes. "No hug. I just need my coffee."

"Then no coffee. You can only get it if you give me a hug." He even hid the coffee behind him.

"The hell?" I whined but he only laughed as he remained firm on his decision. "Fine!"

I walked to him and encircled my arms around him. I really don't want to hug him like this because Noreene is just around and I know she would tease me!

Kadmiel chuckled as he nuzzled my hair. His hand held my lower back and pulled away a bit from the hug to give me the coffee. I grinned and was about to cut the hug when he hid the coffee again, not letting me hold it.

"What? I already gave you a hug, give it to me!"

"I want a longer hug," he pushed his hand on my lower back to pull even more. I just sighed and rested my face on his chest. He smells like vanilla!

"I want to kiss you…"

"You only said hug, man." I chuckled. I don't know if he heard it clearly since my head is sunk on his chest but he groaned lowly so I assumed he did.

Noreene always gives me a doubtful look whenever we make eye contact. I also introduced her to Kadmiel while we're all waiting for our flight to board. Noreene is the silent type of person. A woman of few words. But her tongue is sharp and not concealed. I hate it when speaks her thoughts. She's blunt!

As we arrived at the destination, I was in awe to know that the resort where the wedding will be held is owned by Kadmiel. He's damn rich! I will never get over the idea of him being a billionaire at such a young age.

I was laughing inwardly when my parents told me to stay in one room with Noreene. Kadmiel looks grumpy. I know he wants us to be in the same room.

Horny.

The wedding is already later in the afternoon. I was shocked to see the white sundress that I'll be wearing later. It's simple yet elegant and classy.

Noreene helped me with the preparation. She put my long hair in loose curls. She also applied only light makeup on my face.

"You look so perfect in white," she gasped with a smile.

"I look pretty in all colors." I shrugged.

"I need Kadmiel to humble you down." She rolled her eyes which I only laughed at.

The wedding ceremony started. It feels boring. It's only us 5 in the venue, plus the priest in front of us. Kadmiel is wearing button down white long sleeves. I gulped when I saw him looking at me intently. I don't like that he looks at me. It's deep and… breathtaking.

The ceremony started. It was short. We didn't even share long-ass vows to each other. We just uttered the typical promise of loving each other through thick and thick, until death do us part.

"You may now kiss the bride."

My heart pounded. I've kissed Kadmiel several times already. But hearing it from a priest, while staring at Kadmiel's cherry lips, I can't help but feel indifferent.

Kadmiel's hand slipped on my waist as he gently pulled me to him. He arched his head, trying to find the angle to perfectly kiss me. My eyes automatically closed when his lips touched mine. It was soft and tender, like only a feather touched my lips. I clenched my jaw when he bit my lower lip gently before ending the kiss.

I want more.

I sighed. We signed the papers in front of my parents. I can't believe I'll be a Candelon now. Oh God, that sounds… I don't know. I'm not used to it. And I will never get used to it.

"Smile!"

I was a bit starstruck when I saw Noreene holding her phone and pointing it to us. I felt Kadmiel's hand on my waist and pulled me closer to him. I looked at him and saw that he smiled at the camera. I just sighed and did the same too.

"Cute couple."

I blushed and immediately narrowed my eyes at Noreene. My freaking friend only laughed evilly!

The food in the simple reception was all good. I was sitting in between Kadmiel and Noreene. I bit my cheeks inwardly when Kadmiel's hand slowly reached my thigh and let it rest there.

I looked at him but he was busy chatting with my father in front of us. They always talk about business.

Noreene coughed beside me. I looked at her with a confused expression and saw that she was glancing at Kadmiel's hand on my thigh. I gasped and forcibly removed it. Kadmiel turned to me, looking confused. I ignored his look and focused on my friend.

"It's normal. No meaning," I mumbled.

Noreene chuckled and shrugged. "Okay."

"Noreene…" I groaned.

"I'm not saying anything, Katriel."

"But your chuckles," I rolled my eyes.

"I believe you, my dear friend. Nothing's going on between you two. Purely for show." She nodded repeatedly. "But if ever time comes that this becomes real, I wouldn't be surprised."

"Noreene!" I exclaimed and she only laughed even more.