Chapter 3

"Hello, miss Emma Lucas. What's with the smirk or should I call it a smile? It's been on your face ever since you came in." he smiled, waving his hand in front of her.

"Oh, I am sorry about that. I was a little carried away in my own thoughts."

"Really? Are you already having some dirty thoughts about what you would do to me. As you can see, I won't be able to do much to you." he said, deliberately lowering his voice.

Emma's eyes squeezed into a little frown but she covered it up quickly, "I shouldn't be having such dirty thoughts now. I was just thinking of something else."

"Well it's fine if you say so. I am however worried."

"Worried about what?" she asked, looking at him in the eyes.

"Uhmm that you would find it uncomfortable to get married to me. Besides you aren't Maya and I don't know you too well to discern what you think about me."

"Maya and I are two different people and I am here because you called for me. You wouldn't just call for me as a busy man that you are, you are here to learn a bit about me."

"You get my point, Emma." he smiled in such a contagious way, raising his glass up for a toast.

"Don't think of this as me trying to reject you or say no to my marriage. I was trying to sound you out. Why should I reject it when I have such a beautiful replaced bride before me?"

"Cheers."

Emma raised her glass and clinked glasses with him. The glass cup stopped midway on her lip.

Adriel saw her act from the corner of his eyes and signalled the waiter to get something else for her.

"No alcohol?"

She nodded her head and placed the cup on the table.

"What would you like to have then? Check the menu for something non alcoholic."

He was being considerate and she took this opportunity to take a closer look at him while he ran his fingers through the menu. Her eyes had been on his legs and not his overall outlook since she came in so she shifted her focus.

He was tall and dressed in a tailored suit that screamed wealth.

"I remember the news lines said he is thirty but he looks way younger than that. It seems everything is different from what I had imagined of his physique. I was jumping in my own ignorance. Ignorance is sure bliss but it turns out..." Emma thought in her head as her eyes roamed his body from head to toe.

"How about some Ariel Chardonnay?" his voice broke her chain of thoughts.

"That would do, thank you."

"Get her a bottle of Ariel Chardonnay."

The waiter nodded, taking the order before leaving.

"You look stunning, Emma. I know I have said this but I can't help but say it again." Adriel said, his eyes locked on hers. "I'm glad I did not make a fuse or reject you outrightly."

"Thank you, Adriel. I think we should eat now before the food gets cold." she said, diverting their attention from him continuously flirting with her.

Adriel chuckled, his smile growing wider. "Alright, alright, let's eat and enjoy the meal while we still discuss .So, tell me, Emma, what do you like to do in your free time? I heard you lived in the countryside for a better part of your childhood and teenage life?"

Emma hesitated, her eyes darting around the room before settling back on Adriel. "I like to take long walks and run around. There is much freedom in the countryside compared to the city. But then I run a restaurant in town now so I really have little free time."

Adriel said, his eyes sparkling with interest. "I like that. I'm more of a business and sports kind of man myself but it's nearly impossible to do sports now. I appreciate a good book and a beautiful sunset."

The waiter returned with Emma's drink, and Adriel poured her a glass. "So, Emma, tell me more about yourself. What makes you tick?"

Emma took a sip of her drink, her eyes never leaving Adriel's face. "I'm not very interesting, Adriel. I'm just a simple girl from a small town."

Adriel leaned in, his voice taking on a persuasive tone. "Really? Why do I think there is more to you than meets the eye."

He held still, looking at her closely in the eyes before dropping it, "But simple girls aren't my type. They don't add colour to my life but I don't have a choice but to keep you."

Emma's eyes flashed with a hint of flicker of an unreasonable expression, and she set her glass down, her hands firm but did not say a word. She smiled a warm smile.

Adriel watched as her smile grew wider, her eyes glinting with amusement. What's with the smile? You're sure everything is okay with her?" he thought inwardly, looking around at no one in particular for an answer.

His P.A came closer and leaned in, telling him something in the ear.

His brow furrowed for some seconds but returned back to its shape.

"Oh, I have to go now, my bride, Emma. I have a tight schedule and have to keep up with other things."

He stood up from the chair and she stretched her hand out for a handshake but he held her hands out and blew a kiss on it.

He moved to the other side, placing a tingling kiss on her cheeks. Emma stood startled at this sudden kiss.

His lips moved to her ears and whispered in them, "We should put on a good look in the public. It is good for you and I. You know dealing with the media is a hassle, right?"

Without expecting it from her, Emma did the same, pecking him on the cheeks.

"Of course we should." she smiled, revealing a white dentition.

Adriel was startled too but hid it well.

"See you at the wedding then, my replaced bride."