*Harley's POVThe white wedding gown is beautiful. It has a deep V neck, classy but not slutty, that enhances my figure; it is full-sleeved with lavish detailing and has a lot of volume underneath. It reaches below my feet and drags over the floor when I stand. Overall, it is expensive and stunning.I didn't choose the gown; I didn't choose anything because I couldn't accept that I was indeed getting married in a week. I spent my days in my room, missing college and crying all the time. Mom did all my shopping for me and she is the one who dressed me today along with a few of her makeup artists.My hair is tied up in a beautiful updo and accentuates my heart-shaped face. There is a diamond necklace on my neck which sits between my collarbones, shining bright when the light falls on it.I feel nervous as I sit in front of the mirror. It will be a small ceremony, no media as a request for privacy, but the wedding will be mentioned in tomorrow's papers. Xavier said he had no control over
*Xavier's POVShe is not happy. She is not happy at all, which is shocking because she dug this grave for us herself. That's Harley Everest now — my wife, impulsive like her father."You may now kiss the bride," the priest says.I take a step forward and see her flinch away. It is a noticeable movement but I doubt anyone other than me has noticed it.I have been with many women in my life but never have I felt this nervous to kiss anyone. It is like walking into a death trap. With a happy curve of my lips, I slowly lift the veil off her face, pretending how much I am in love with the love of my life.I am left stars-truck. Harley looks breathtaking. I don't know who dressed her but they just enhanced her beauty even more without altering anything and that fucks me up. How am I supposed to just kiss her when she looks like that?This is torture.Her shiny blue eyes look at me and I see the hesitation in them as I curl my fingers around the nape of her neck while leaning in close. Her s
*Harleys POV"Good evening, welcome to Le Lion. How may I help you today?" The receptionist greets Xavier when we reach the counter of the luxurious hotel."I have a reservation. It's under the name of Everest," Xavier tells him while I place my elbows on the counter, cupping my face.This place feels nice. The entrance is very decorative and the marble flooring looks expensive. I vaguely wonder what our rooms will be like."Yes, Mr. Everest. We have reserved a room for you for two nights with the cost of food and travel included, is that right?" The guy types fast as he speaks to Xavier and the latter nods in turn.David follows behind us with our luggage. Xavier told him to leave us alone and he could manage by himself but David was adamant about ensuring that Xavier doesn't have any trouble settling in. I am starting to like this big guy. He is very serious about his job which I have no idea what it is supposed to be."Mr. and Mrs. Everest." The receptionist reads from his computer
*Xavier's POVLeaning against the wall, I observe Harley as she struggles to pull the zipper of her dress up. Both of her hands are on her back in an awkward manner as she tries to find the zipper she lost midway. She groans when she doesn't find it for the fifth time. For someone who was born flexible, Harley Everest surely needs a pair of eyes behind her head.The midnight blue dress reaches just above her knees and the material sticks to her curves like a second skin. I can't help but trail my eyes up her long legs and wonder for a second what she would look like with nothing on."You sure you don't need any help with that?" I ask."I'm fine. I can manage," she replies, turning to a side as she studies herself in the mirror."You've been saying that for the past fifteen minutes." I glance at my watch. "I'm standing right here. You can ask me.""I'm not taking your help, Everest," she scowls at herself in the mirror. "I'm not stupid. I can do it myself."Sighing, I stride towards he
*Harley's POVThere is nothing but awkwardness between us when we step back inside our room. I have Xavier's suit hung around my shoulders and flashes of the dance keep claiming my vision.What was all that about? Since when did Xavier and I start to behave friendly with each other? We never even said a proper 'Hello' and today we were dancing like two people who were madly in love with each other's company.I recall the way his strong hands slid down my waist, playing with my body as we moved to the sound of the music. It was unstoppable, raw and fun.I am having fun with Xavier Everest. Translation — I have sold my soul to the devil, except my devil wears Gucci."Hmm..." I bite my lip as I look at Xavier, unable to think of any proper words to acknowledge this discomfiture. "That was a good evening.""Hmm," Xavier replies, fixing his eyes on me. They are intense and look drunk even though we didn't drink much. I feel just a little tipsy but thankfully, my sense organs are still inta
*Xavier's POVNothing. Nothing I did could help me control the vexation I felt towards Xavier. After the fight we had, even looking at her face without being upset became hard for me.So, unlike other newly married couples who let go of their grudges to spend quality time together on their 'honeymoon', I chose the option which made me the worst dickhead of the century.I brought us back home.Harley cried the whole way back on the jet. By the time we landed on the roof of the house, her eyes were puffy with all the tears she had spilled. As I rethink the events in my head, I feel like a moron.What was I even thinking? I could have forgiven her easily but why couldn't I?Deep down, I knew the answer — I never expected to hear Harley call me a murderer. People around me have called me that numerous times over the last four years but hearing it from Harley's mouth broke something inside me. All the guilt, fear, and the feeling of aloofness came rushing back. The only thing I could think
*Harley's POV"Okay, how's this? I think it would look fantastic on you." Rose flaunts a red dress in front of me.It is a short dress with laces and a low-cut neckline. Not something I would usually choose to wear."Nope." I shake my head and she pouts, disappointed.Shopping with her is fun. The only other person I enjoy shopping with is Nina since she has a great fashion sense. But Rose has good fashion sense too. A little different from mine but good enough to make her look presentable always. She is wearing a maroon blouse today paired with boyfriend jeans and knee-length boots. She has kept her hair down today and opted for a simple red lipstick, making her look cute.She drops the dress and picks up a blue one. Holding it in front of her body, she studies her appearance in the floor-length mirror.We have been at the mall for two hours now, trying on different items and even checking out some of the new stores that opened up. I bought a jewelry set, a pair of ankle-high boots,
*Xavier's POV The man grunts when I press my knee over his chest as I reach for his mask. Behind us, Harley stands as quiet as stone. The moment Rose told me she couldn't find Harley, I rushed here only to see my sister crying as she held Harley's bag tightly in her shivering hands. I asked her to go to the car while David and I started searching at different ends. Fortunately, I found her just in time. The man tries to reach for his knife but I shove it away from within the reach of his hand. When I face him again, he uses my momentary distraction to pick up a stone from the ground and hurl it towards my face. A shearing pain grapples me and he pushes me off him, toppling me to the ground. I groan in pain and when I open my eyes, he has disappeared. Fucking bastard! I get up, intending to follow his muddy footsteps but then decide against it. I turn around quickly and my eyes fall on Harley. She is looking at me with a terrified look in her eyes. She trembles as the rain drenc