Percival stared at me. His lips were almost parted. I was desperate for him to say something, but at the same time, afraid. "I-I know I shouldn't," I started, stammering because I didn't know what to say exactly. "When I proposed this set-up, I thought we'd eventually love each other after we're done with what we've agreed to do. But I thought it would be slow and convenient. . . over the years, a-and only because we got used to each other or we complement each other or because we wouldn't have a choice since we're married. I didn't think I'd love you just because. I didn't think I'd love you even when I don't want to."Of course, with marriage, it's natural for it to feel real over time. . . even the one made of convenience only. I was okay with living with Percival for the rest of my life and working together. What I didn't expect was to fall for him even before we got married. I thought we could share a love that was convenient. One that wouldn't hurt and I could live without. But

I would've still been sleeping. If not for the light that had hit my eyes. I wasn't the type to stay in for five more minutes before getting up in the morning, but my head was still a little fuzzy, and the bed was more comfortable than usual. It didn't help that I was exhausted from yesterday. . . and last night. The curtains were covering the window. They were thick, but light still seeped through the gaps. I looked at the clock and realized that I had slept in. Then, I turned to the other side of the bed, half-expecting that I wouldn't see Percy there, and I was right. If he was still lying next to me, his arm would've been on me, and the bed wouldn't feel so big. I gazed down at my body to find out I was wearing one of my button-down nightshirts. I was so sure I slept without anything because I couldn't break away from Percy-not even a second. He must've dressed me up himself. I wanted to see Marcus, and it was already time for lunch, so he must be eating. I slipped on a plain

THE WEDDING was thirty minutes away. I looked at myself in the mirror. A dozen people scurried around me. My bridesmaids, hairdressers, designers, and everyone who had helped me prepare today. My brother and father came in earlier to congratulate me, but they're probably already at the hall by now."Oh my gosh, you look so fab!" Esther squealed from behind me. "A red gown! This will hit the headlines so hard."I smiled as I eyed my gown once again. A mermaid-styled gown that embraced my curves but flowed enormously from a little above my knee down to the floor. It took up the whole space in front of the mirror, and everyone was careful not to step on it. I wore a necklace that Percival gave me, the one that stands out without trying, over the sweetheart neckline of my gown. My chest, waist, and back were adorned with small diamonds. The back of the dress showed half of my skin with its v-line cut. My red veil doesn't cover my face because it was attached to my braided bun. It was perf

I didn't bother telling Percy about Helena and decided to talk to her myself. My secretary guided me to where our little uninvited guest was. Showing up here already had too much audacity, but she went even further by wearing a red coat. I sneered, tilting the side of my lips. This girl seemed sophisticated. She was fairly beautiful and successful, but she's showing no class. I've let her antics slide because Percival didn't tolerate or entertain them. I thought it would end there, but I guess Percival wasn't someone you could give up easily. I thought she'd have more decency, but hearts can be quite stubborn. I wasn't sure why she decided to show up. It was already too late to stop the wedding, but I did hope this was her way of closure. "What's the problem here?" I asked the guards as I approached them. "I asked for Percival because I didn't want to bother the bride." Helena carried herself boldly as she spoke to me. She tugged her straight black hair behind her ear and gave m

"Did they say why she's here?" I asked, feeling reluctant to let him go. Percival walked me to the kitchen before he answered my question."They said she needed to talk to me. She claims it's important," Percy sighed. "I've been avoiding her. She tried to talk to me and schedule appointments, but I blocked it all out. Should I have spoken to her then?""Is there a history I should be aware of?" I asked. "You told me not to worry, and I'm not. But I want to know why she's doing all this? Especially on our wedding day."Something about Helena made me feel uncomfortable, and it wasn't just her blatant ways of letting me know she wanted my man. I guess it was how she made her motives visible to me but not to other people. She knew what she was doing, and it was hard to know what she was thinking. "Back then, she was in the middle of an arranged marriage. But unlike you, her parents didn't give her a choice. We bumped into each other, and she was drunk on a high-rise building's rooftop.