Next morning,
I wake up, and a smile flashes on my face as I recall the last night. But soon my smile fades away as I realise she has gone.I don’t even know her name, how will I find her?“Don’t be upset, Steve, if that girl is part of your destiny, you will encounter her again.” I murmur to myself, hoping to meet her again.I pick up my phone from the side table and shake my head in disbelief, seeing so many miscalls from Jace and Mike.I do a video call to them after getting dressed up. They greet with grins on their faces.“Jace, our friend, he is no more virgin.” Mike squeals, as if he wins the world.But how did they come to know? I think they must have caught me kissing her at the club.“Is it true, Steve?”Jace asks me to confirm.I nod, blushing and rubbing my nape with my free hand.“I can’t believe it.” Jace shakes his head in disbelief.“Last night, someone was saying he would never sleep with any woman without falling in love.” Mike teases me.“Guys, it wasn’t just one nightstand.”“How can you fall for the first woman you slept with, dude?” Mike enquires in an incredulous tone.I reply with a small smile. “Sometimes, you just know when you’ve found someone special.”Jace raises an eyebrow, clearly sceptical. “So, what’s her name?”I shake my head, feeling a pang of disappointment. “I don’t even know her name, guys. We didn’t exchange any contact information.“Mike chuckles. “Well, Steve, looks like you’re in for a challenge. But hey, if it’s meant to be, you’ll find a way to reconnect.”I nod, trying to remain optimistic. “Yeah, you’re right. Maybe fate will bring us together again.”After our conversation, I decide to distract myself by spending the day with Jace and Mike. We grab breakfast at our favourite diner. Despite their teasing, they’re supportive and understanding.Mike is a talented photographer, capturing moments with his lens, while Jace is a business tycoon like me. We’ve been friends since childhood, and our bond is incredibly strong.While having breakfast with them, I wonder if I’ll ever see her again. The last night with her was unforgettable, and it keeps replaying in my mind. Her husky voice, her smile, her pretty face, her touch, her exquisite body- it all feels like a dream now.I come out of my thoughts as a shout of a mannerless woman reaches my ear. “What the hell? Are you blind? You spoiled my dress. Bloody waiter!”A frown appears on my face, listening to her words. How can someone insult a waiter like this? I just hate people like her.I turn toward the voice, and my eyes widen in shock. The girl who is insulting the waiter is the same one whom I slept with last night.“I’m sorry, mam.” The waiter apologises, looking down in shame.“Your sorry won’t fix my spoiled dress. You must pay for this. Manager…” she calls out to the manager, raising my anger.I feel as if someone has stabbed a knife in my heart because this girl differs completely from my imagination.I was such an idiot that I start developing feelings for her without even knowing about her.“Mam, please. I didn’t do it intentionally.”“You-“ Before she can again raise her voice at the waiter, I march towards them and stand in front of her.“You have no right to treat people with such disrespect. We all make mistakes.” As I explain to her, she sneers at me.“If I slept with you last night, it doesn’t mean you have the right to lecture me.” She rebukes, causing me to frown.“I regret sleeping with a woman like you.” I snap at her.“Whatever!” She rolls her eyes.It becomes clear to me that the person I had imagined her to be last night was merely a projection of my desires and not a reflection of who she truly is.“Such disrespectful behaviour. I won’t tolerate it. You need to apologise to this waiter immediately.” My voice is firm and filled with anger. She looks taken aback, not expecting someone to stand up to her.“Oh, so you’re defending a waiter now? Who do you think you are?” She retorts, her tone dripping with arrogance.“It’s not about defending him, it’s about standing up for what’s right.” I reply, keeping my composure despite the rising anger.She scoffs, crossing her arms defiantly. “Well, it’s none of your business. Just stay out of it.”“I can’t stay out of it when I witness someone being treated unfairly.” I say in a firm tone. “You need to understand that we’re all equal, regardless of our positions or backgrounds.”She rolls her eyes, unimpressed by my words. “Save your lectures for someone who actually cares.”I realise that trying to make her understand is futile. Instead, I turn to the waiter, who is still standing there, looking embarrassed.“I’m sorry for what happened. Please don’t let her words affect you. You didn’t deserve this.”He nods, his eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you, sir. It means a lot.”With that, I turn to leave, not wanting to waste any more of my time or energy on someone like her. As I walk away, I can feel her eyes burning into my back, but I refuse to let it bother me.Sometimes, we meet people who are not what we imagined them to be. It’s a lesson that teaches us to be cautious about forming attachments too quickly.As I return to Jace and Mike, disappointment fills my face, I express my frustration. I have realised that she wasn’t the person I had imagined her to be.“It’s a shame, Steve.” Jace shakes his head in disbelief. “But it’s better to find out now rather than later. Not everyone we meet will live up to our expectations.”Feeling frustrated, I utter, “I guess I let my emotions take control. I imagined her to be someone special, but it was just a hopeful illusion.”Jace puts his hand on my shoulder. “Don’t beat yourself up, Steve. We all make mistakes when it comes to matters of the heart. The important thing is to learn from them.”Mike chimes in, trying to lighten the mood. “Well, at least you got a memorable experience out of it, right? And who knows, maybe there’s someone better out there for you.”I nod, feeling better after conversing with them. “Yup, I’ll keep searching for someone special, someone who shares my values and treats others with kindness and respect. Perhaps it’s a reminder to not judge a book by its cover and to look beyond physical attraction.”***As I work in my office, I receive a call from my father.“Do you remember yesterday was your last day to find the girl of your choice? So, did you find someone special?” His questions remind me of that rude woman whom I thought to be someone special.I let out a sigh and respond with a simple "No" before standing up and making my way towards the glass wall.“I knew it. Therefore, at tomorrow’s party, I have arranged a meeting of you with the girl of my choice.”I let out another sigh as his words sink in, and then gaze out through the glass wall. My mind is messed up after what I witnessed today, however, I know my father wants the best for me. So, I agree to attend the party and meet the girl of his choice.Perhaps she could be someone who shares my values and treats others with kindness and respect.Thoughts of what the tomorrow’s evening will bring consume my mind as the day goes on. Will my father’s chosen girl differ from the last night? Will I ever find the girl of my choice?The next evening, I stand in a crowded room filled with laughter and music. I spot my father, who gestures for me to join him.“Hi, Dad.” I greet him after approaching him.“I’m so glad you’re finally ready to meet the girl of my choice.” He expresses his joy, taking me in a warm hug.“Anything for you.” I pass him a small smile.“Come, let me make you meet her. She’s the daughter of my friend.”As he walks towards a direction, I follow him, looking around.“There she is.” He points at a girl standing, showing her back to me and conversing with a man of my father’s age.As we step in front of her, I’m taken aback, witnessing her face. She is that same arrogant girl.Why does fate keep intertwining our paths? Why is God making her meet me again and again when she isn’t my type and differs completely from the girl I desire? What is going on in my life?My father hugs the man she was conversing with while she passes me a wicked smile.This girl is getting on my nerves.“Steve, she is Gra
After two days,I call Grace as my father instructed me to pick her up for the wedding ring purchase.I can’t believe I’m willingly entering this marriage contract. However, to teach the lesson to Grace, I have to do this.“Hello.”As she answers the call, I state, “Grace, it’s Steve. Dad wants me to pick you up to buy our wedding rings. After my meeting, be ready to go.”Grace’s response is unexpectedly defensive, “What do you mean by ‘after your meeting’? Tell me the time, and I’ll check my schedule.”I remember my dad mentioning she’s a fashion influencer, so I think she can easily take time out.“You make blogs, right? You can take out time; it’s just a ring shopping.”Her voice sharpens in response. “My work is more difficult than yours. Don’t you dare comment on it?”I try to explain, “I was not demeaning your work, Grace. I meant you work from home; you can do that any time.”She gets more offended. “You won’t understand the challenges of my work. You don't know about social me
Grace’s P.O.V.I sit in front of the mirror in a white wedding gown, getting ready for my marriage. The hairstylist finishes my hair, and the makeup artist puts the final touches on my face, and through a gesture of my hand, I ask them to leave.As they exit, my childhood best friend, Elsa, steps inside. She lives in London and came to New York this morning after I informed her yesterday about my marriage contract with Steve Grey.“Grace, why are you coming into this marriage contract?” She asks, marching towards me.I explain, “You know, Elsa, I can’t spend my entire life with one man, and I don’t believe in forever and love. So I came with this plan for Dad’s sake.”She shakes her head in disbelief. “You’re unbelievable, Grace.”“And you know why did I choose Steve for this?” As I ask her with a smirk on my face, her eyes glint with curiosity.“Is there any story behind this?”I nod. “Yes, babes. Steve is my enemy. He insulted me in front of many people in the cafe. When I learned D
As I stand at the altar, waiting for Grace to enter, my mind is filled with thoughts about the drastic change in my life. I never thought I would find myself in a situation like this, but now that I’m here, I’m ready to face it head-on.Finally, the doors swing open, and she walks down the aisle with her father and a smug smile on her face. She thinks she’s won already, but little does she know, this is just the beginning.Anyone can be captivated by her stunning face, the enchanting sparkle in her eyes, and her captivating smile, oblivious to the darkness that hides within her. I also made the mistake of being enticed by her outward beauty.“Well, Steve, I must say she is quite hot.” As Mike whispers in my ear, I glare at him.I pass a fake smile to Grace when she stands in front of me. Her presence already suffocates me.The ceremony proceeds, and we exchange our vows. I speak the words, but deep down, I know they hold no real meaning.As we exchange rings, I make a silent promise t
The next morning, I wake up and see the rays of sunlight breaking through the curtains.As the thoughts of last night’s fight flood into my mind, I wonder how Grace has spent the entire night on the other side of the glass door.I open the curtains, unlock the door, and enter the balcony to find her sitting on the couch, her angry expression now replaced with exhaustion.It seems she doesn’t sleep the entire night.“Consider this a lesson. This marriage is going to be a lot tougher than you might have expected.” I state coolly before returning to the room.She steps in front of me, her defiance still present in her eyes. “I’m not one to back down from a challenge, Steve. And I’ll make sure you pay for the last night.”“Oh! I’m so afraid of you, Mrs Grey.” I scoff before walking to the bathroom to get fresh.However, she blocks my path to the bathroom with a determined look in her eyes.I meet her gaze with a raised eyebrow. “What do you want, Grace?”She maintains her defiant look. “Y
After a minute, Dad storms into my room, and then Grace enters, following him with a hint of evilness in her eyes.“What the hell, Steve? Grace is your wife now. Why are you giving her such harsh treatment?” As he rebukes me, I glare at Grace, who stands with a sly grin on her face.As he drifts his eyes toward her, she makes an innocent face in an instant.It’s clear that she’s manipulating my father with her emotional drama, and I despise how skilled she is at this game.I clench my fists, trying to contain my anger as my father continues to reprimand me. “Stop glaring at her, Steve, and answer me.”I take a deep breath, struggling to keep myself composed. “Dad, you don’t understand. Grace is not what she appears to be.”She chimes in with her sweetest tone, her eyes welling with fake tears. “I don’t know what Steve is talking about, Dad. I just want a chance to make this marriage work.”My father’s concern deepens as he turns to her. “Grace, my son can be difficult sometimes, but h
Steve’s P.O.V.Next morning,I wake up early, disturbed by the sound of Grace setting up a live video on Instagram.Annoyance flares up in me as I hear her greeting her fans. “Hey, everyone! It’s Grace, and welcome to my first Instagram Live after my wedding. I know you’ve been waiting for this, so before we dive into your questions, here’s a quick fashion tip for you. Always add a touch of confidence to your outfit. It’s the best accessory you can wear. Now, let’s get to your questions and comments.”Great, just what I need—my sleep getting disturbed because of her.The realization hits me—I’ll have to endure her Instagram sessions, and my peaceful mornings are officially a thing of the past.I walk out of bed, ready to express my irritation, but stop as I see her.She sits on the couch, putting a tripod on the table, the soft glow of morning light highlighting her natural beauty. I’m captivated.For a few seconds, I forget my annoyance as I watch her, absorbed in her live video. Her
As the evening approaches, we’re on the private jet, seated side by side but worlds apart. Paris is a city of romance, and I think of how ironic it is to go there with Grace.As the air hostess brings the wrong drink for her, Grace rebukes her, raising my anger. “What the hell? Didn’t I make myself clear to you to bring red wine for me? You all are so useless-“I can’t bear her behaviour any longer and interject.“Shut up, Grace.” I snap, my tone harsh and final.“Please, I don’t want your lecture again, Mr Grey.” She retorts in annoyance before turning her attention back to the air hostess.“Now, why are you still standing here? Go bring my drink,” she orders with no regard for basic courtesy, and the air hostess leaves after bowing to her.“You can’t behave like this with her, Grace.” I chide her.She rolls her eyes. “Why? Is she your girlfriend?”“Shut up.” I mutter, increasingly frustrated by her antics.“I’ll shut up if you stop lecturing me all the time.” She folds her arms acro