-Lucy’s POV- I blinked my eyes a couple of times trying to figure out if I was dreaming or not. Here in front of me is the man that I have been searching and longing for a year now, but he seems a bit different now. There is this distance between us and the tenderness in his eyes that gave me comfort once is gone. He took my hand and kissed it gently. “Nice to finally meet you, my lady.” I felt the same feeling when we first met. He sent thousands of bolts inside making me blush. However, he is acting as if he doesn’t know me. Could it be that he has forgotten about me? I bowed down and responded “Nice to finally meet you as well, Mr. Lowell.” He smirked upon hearing me call him by his last name. “My future wife calls me by my last name, how rude.” I was flabbergasted. Since when did this man learn how to tease? “I-I am sorry I didn’t mean it that way.” He took a sip from his glass of red wine while eyeing on me. “I’m Conner, my future wife.” My face became redder and hotter

-Lucy’s POV- I looked at the man who confidently wrapped his arm around my shoulder. I felt goose bumps all over my body and literally do not know how to react on how he acted in front of Nick. I thought they were friends, but somehow it doesn’t feel right. What is going on between these two? My mind was so absorbed that I flinched when Nick talked “Welcome back, Conner. Good to see you again old friend.” Conner looked surprised with Nick’s response. “Good to see you too, Nick.” He offered his hand for a shake, but Nick didn’t receive it. “Where were you all this time?” Nick’s eyes squinted like he was peeling every skin Conner has.” Conner placed his hand inside his pocket when Nick didn’t accept it and gave a seemingly awkward smile. “Well, I don’t really need to explain much, but this right here, this place we are in is my mansion. I worked HARD to build this sweet thing so that I can truly say that I DESERVE everything that I have because I didn’t earn it from STEALING.”

-Lucy’s POV- The ride to Miley’s boutique is complete silence. Nobody dared to speak. My heart was beating fast, as fast as the questions running in my mind. I wish to ask him for the longest time why he left without letting me know. I watched outside the window not letting Conner see my face as I try to hold back the tears. I couldn’t understand what I was feeling. I felt resentment, betrayed and pain all at the same time. I remember how I waited, how I searched for the man who is now right beside me. It was the waiting that pained me most because it kept me hopeful for his return which took a whole year. God knows how I missed those tender eyes and his warm embrace which made me feel so secure, but now here he is a total stranger. A call from Conner’s phone broke the silence. He casually pressed the answer button on the screen of his car which was synced to his phone. A sweet voice engulfed the air, “Hey baby! How are you?” I couldn’t help but look at the caller’s name on

-Lucy’s POV- I could feel myself tremble when Conner wrapped his arms around my waist, the more intense it became when he slowly bent his head down. Our faces so near and so as our lips. His minty breath with a touch of tobacco made him super irresistible. I was struck by how he emphasized on us being a couple and that I have to act like we were for real. I could feel my blood rush through my veins right to my face. Is it the weather or is it just me? Geez! It’s so hot in here! Sh*t! Come on Lucy think straight! Stop fantasizing and put yourself together! Remember the man you are with is not the same man whom you met a year ago. Think of this as pure work. Some mission you have to conquer. This is not the movies wherein the man that a woman fancies will fall in love with her, this is reality. You have to deal with it. Just act like a sweet girlfriend, pick a dress and it will soon be done. I took a deep breath, smiled and wrapped my arms around Conner’s neck. I swea

-Conner’s POV- I am completely dumbfounded. I thought I had had enough experience when it comes to women, but that kiss. That f*uckin’ kiss ignited all of my senses. I looked at the woman who just kissed me and I couldn’t do anything, but just shake my head in disbelief. This woman has changed a lot. She has gained so much confidence now than what she had before. When we first met, she was the confused and timid girl. She even asked me to help her from her troubles, but now, she can walk with her head held high and initiated a kiss to a man. I tried to recover from the shock I had and keep my cool, but as I flipped the pages of the magazine I was supposedly reading, the kiss we shared came back to my mind. Her soft lips and the moan that escaped when I thrusted my tongue inside her mouth made my body heat up and sweat a bit even though the boutique is well air conditioned. She is a god damn good kisser. I guess Nick taught her well. The thought gave shivers all over