IT’s Him

I woke up with a pounding headache, staring up at the glittering chandeliers.

This is not my room.

Then I felt it—a strong arm wrapped around me, mixed with the scent of manly cologne.

I looked at him. He was sleeping, so handsome… but wait.

Shit. I cursed as memories of last night came rushing back—the moans, his hands on my body, the way he whispered those dirty words in my ear…

“Oh my God.”

I slowly got up from the king-size bed, gathering my clothes gently, careful not to make a sound or wake him. Whatever happened between us was just a fling, no strings attached. I wasn’t ready to open up to anyone after my last heartbreak.

“Where were you all night?” Mum asked as I settled into my bed after a warm shower, trying to push him out of my mind.

“Don’t tell me you chose to spend your birthday with Jason instead of family…”

“More like I spent it at a club, trying to get over heartbreak,” I said.

“Did he…” she started, her face showing she guessed what might have happened.

“Mum, I don’t want to talk about it. I’m sorry I missed last night’s dinner. It’s just a birthday, nothing more,” I said.

She said nothing but looked at me with those pity-filled eyes—the eyes I never wanted to see.

“I’m sorry, honey. Get dressed. Your father said we have an important guest today. Your sister and brother are also here… for lunch.”

She walked out, leaving me rolling my eyes. Who was this guest, and why was lunch suddenly so important? My family was never this formal—especially my brother, who was always busy, and my sister Ella, a full-time New York chef.

“Dress well, Zara,” Mum’s voice echoed down the hallway.

I slipped into a black, long bodycon dress that hugged my curves, showing every inch of the beauty that stupid Jason would now miss. I’m not going to deny it—I’m beautiful. With my red hair, blue eyes, and killer body, men always turned their heads. Maybe that’s why I never found real love.

I walked down the hallway to the dining room.

“Hey, Dad. Theo. Ella,” I said, acknowledging their presence.

“Girl, what’s up? You ditched your birthday,” Ella said as the maids brought out food.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” I said, pulling out my seat and locking eyes with my dad.

Dad was always strict, but he loved me as the youngest, always giving me what I wanted. Theo, on the other hand, used me when we were little to get what he wanted from Dad. Now he sat across from me, staring with an expression full of pity. I returned the gaze suspiciously.

“We have a very important guest today,” Dad said just as footsteps echoed through the room.

I turned to see him—Damien. Dressed all in black, looking like a king. His outfit and presence commanded power.

“What the fuck…” I cursed under my breath, wondering why he was dining at my house.

“Damien Kings, welcome,” Dad said, standing to shake his hand. Theo followed suit.

Then it clicked—he was Damien Kings, the powerful number one eligible bachelor of New York. His name could make or break anyone. I never imagined my one-night stand was with him. His face was always on billboards and magazine covers, either praising him or gossiping about his scandals with models. A playboy, I assumed. His family, the Kings, were a big name—not just in the country but worldwide. I hadn’t recognized him last night because I was too drunk.

“Welcome, son,” Mom said, giving him a motherly hug and pulling me out of my thoughts.

“This is my daughter, Zara—your future bride,” Dad said, pointing at me.

“Future what?” I exclaimed, looking at him. He didn’t seem surprised, and a smirk played on his lips.

This had to be a setup. I couldn’t believe it. He shows up here, and now Dad introduces him to me as my future husband?

“You look beautiful, Zara,” Damien said.

“Of course,” I replied, rolling my eyes. “Excuse me, but I don’t think I have an appetite anymore,” I added, about to stand.

“Sit,” Dad’s deep, commanding voice rang through the room, and I obeyed as Damien took the seat next to me.

“You are no longer a child, Zara. You turned 23 yesterday. You will be getting married to Damien Kings, and you are not going to question me. Do you understand?” Dad asked sternly.

“Yes, sir,” I said. As much as Dad loved me, I couldn’t talk back.

I glanced at Damien as he ate quietly, listening to what my brother was saying.

His fingers slid down my thighs.

“Get your fingers off my thighs if you don’t want to be stabbed like mashed potatoes,” I whispered through gritted teeth, only he could hear.

He smirked, ignoring me, and deepened his touch between my thighs through the slit of my dress.

I felt tingles spark between my legs as he ran his fingers teasingly.

“What’s your favorite color?” Damien asked suddenly.

“Red. I love red because it looks like blood—”

“Zara…” Mum interrupted, as if she knew exactly what I meant.

“I love red too ..”his saying smirking at me

“My parents would have loved to come to this wonderful family gathering, but they had to travel for their marriage anniversary vacation,” Damien said smoothly.

“Oh, that’s wonderful,” Mum replied.

“But they’ll be back by the weekend. That’s when our engagement party will be held,” he added.

“Isn’t that too quick?” I asked nervously, chuckling. “I mean, I need time to prepare… mentally,” I said.

“No need for that. You’ll be fine,” Dad said. “It’s an honor for you to come here, and my daughter Zara will be prepared for the engagement.”

He glanced at Damien, who nodded and extended his hand.

“It’s a pleasure, Mr. Quinn,” Damien said. “Zara, be ready by seven. My driver will come pick you up for our first date. I’d love to get to know you better.” He smirked at me.

“Of course,” I said, rolling my eyes as I watched his powerful back walk away.

“Dad, I can’t marry him,” I blurted out. Ella shot me a look telling me to shut up, but I ignored it.

“You can, and you will. The Kings family is a big name, Zara. You will hold so much power standing next to Damien as his bride.”

“He’s right, honey,” Mum said as she stepped out of the dining room.

I didn’t need this. I didn’t want to get married. But after what Jason did—the only man I ever loved, cheating on me with my best friend—I was expected to marry immediately after heartbreak.

My love life was a mess.