2– Meeting the husband

The grand ballroom is transformed into a wonderland, bathed in colors and lights, as the birthday ball unfolds with elegance and sophistication. Crystal chandeliers refract rainbow hues, casting a glow on the sea of guests, resplendent in their finest attire.

The air is alive with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the soft strains of a live orchestra, playing a mesmerizing waltz that beckons couples to the dance floor. The sound of laughter and gentle chatter fills the room, punctuated by the clinking of champagne glasses and the rustle of silk gowns.

A magnificent cake stands tall at the center of the room, adorned with intricate designs and sparkling candles.

As the night wears on, the ballroom becomes a whirlwind of movement, with dancers twirling across the floor, their steps choreographed to perfection.

In Lily’s room, she stands nervously in front of a mirror, her hand smoothening her dress over and over again.

This night is about to drastically change her life.

What was I thinking going to my father and spewing that rubbish last night—she thinks to herself. But her thoughts are cut short when her personal maid, a girl just around her age walks into the room beaming with a smile.

“Miss. Lily, the coordinator is about to announce your grand entrance. Are you ready?” The girl—Kate asks, looking more excited than the celebrant.

Lily shakes her head, “not really. But I don’t have a choice, do I?”

Kate chuckles. “You certainly don’t.”

Before they leave the room, Lily decides to take a moment and observe herself one more time through the mirror.

She looks. Her response is a smile. Why wouldn’t she smile? She’s clad in a fitted, strapless ice-blue gown that hugs her curves, showcasing her slender waist and toned shoulders. The full, flowing skirt of the gown falls around her like a misty veil, its delicate layers rustling softly.

At her throat is a silver necklace that glimmers, drawing attention to her heart-shaped face and radiant smile. Her long, curly hair cascades down her back like a golden waterfall, with a few strategically placed strands framing her face.

This Axel man had better fallen in love with me at first glance—she thinks to herself and snickers inwardly.

Lily descends the grand staircase like a vision from a fairy tale, her ethereal beauty captivating the attention of all in the ballroom. Her feet, clad in sparkling silver heels, seem to float across the steps as she makes her way down, her gown shimmering with every movement.

As she reaches the bottom of the stairs, Lily's eyes sparkle like diamonds, shining with excitement and joy. She pauses for a moment, taking in the sea of faces turned towards her, before her gaze meets that of her beloved father, waiting to escort her into the night ahead.

The night continues to unfold beautifully for Lily. And when the coordinator announces the father and daughter dance, her father takes the mic and makes an announcement that sets her on the edge.

“For years now, my daughter and I have always made it a priority to share her first dance on her birthday. But today, as my daughter embraces her new life as a full blown adult, that tradition is about to be changed. It is with the utmost joy that I invite the man whom my daughter will share her first dance with here today, Mr. Axel George, Lilian’s future husband, to join her on the dance floor.”

A breath wracks through Lily as her eyes scan the room in search of her soon to be husband. She expects to see an older, ratchet looking man, but her eyes widen when they land on a man who exudes confidence and sophistication, his presence commanding attention.

He approaches the dance floor with a calm, purposeful stride, his eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that makes her heart skip a beat.

Is this the man I’m marrying? She contemplates, disbelieving the beautiful sight before her eyes.

He's tall, with broad shoulders and a chiseled jawline that speaks to his strength and character. His dark hair is flecked with subtle hints of gray, adding a distinguished air to his already impressive demeanor. His eyes, a deep, piercing blue, seem to see right through to her soul, sparkling with warmth and kindness.

As he draws closer, Lily can't help but notice the way his tailored tuxedo accentuates his lean physique, the subtle sheen of his shirt hinting at a strong, athletic build beneath. His smile, warm and genuine, creases the corners of his eyes, making him look even more handsome.

He’s forty, yet carries himself with a youthful energy, his poise and assurance making him seem ageless.

As he reaches her side, he offers his hand, his eyes never leaving hers. Lily feels a jolt of electricity run through her entire being. She can't help but wonder what the night has in store for her with this captivating stranger by her side.

Lily's hand fits effortlessly into his as they step onto the dance floor, their fingers intertwining naturally.

The music swirls around them, a soft, melodic waltz that seems to match the beating of their hearts.

He draws her close, his arm encircling her waist, his hand resting on the small of her back. “I’m Axel. Axel George”

Lily feels a shiver run down her spine as his body pressed against hers, the warmth of his chest seeping into her skin. “Lily.”

“Hm, Lily,” the man fawns, “you sure smell like one.”

As they share small talk, their bodies continue swaying in perfect harmony, their steps gliding across the floor like a single, fluid motion.

“And how do you know the smell of lilies?” Lily asks, her gown rustling softly, whispering against his tuxedo as they twirl.

Their eyes lock, the world around them melting away, leaving only the two of them. “One little secret, Lilian, I love flowers. More than you could ever imagine.”

Lily feels like she's floating, her feet barely touching the ground. “Impressive. Did you get me any?”

“I got all of the flowers in this ballroom tonight.” Axel answers, his lips wearing a smile.

Lily's heart beats faster, her pulse pounding in her veins, as she feels herself becoming one with this stranger, their bodies moving as a single, unified entity.

She wished he would fall in love with her at first glance, now, she’s the one who seems to be falling in love.

No, no, it can’t be love, it shouldn’t be. Her mind is confused because of her recent break up, she’s trying to forget her pain so much she’s willing to force her mind into believing things that are far from the truth.

“Those are meant for the eyes of others, for the party. Did you get me one that’s specially meant for me?” She asks, wanting to throw Axel off balance.

But she’s once again taken by surprise when the man declares, “I certainly did,” as he slides out a single stem of the lily flower from his inside pocket and fixes it into her hair. “A Lily for Lily,” he jests.

He’s handsome and funny? Lily thinks, wincing internally because she knows she’ll be unable to escape his charm.

As the music builds, Lily looks around the room, “the gossip bloggers are here.” She says firmly.

Axel hums agreeably. “I’ve spotted a few.”

“Well, get on your knees and pop the question already. Give them a show.”

“You’re certainly in a haste.” Axel states, his tone seeming irritated.

“I’m doing this for my father,” Lily interjects, “and for whatever reason there may be to this arrangement, I want it in the works immediately. So, get on your knees and give us a headline.”

With a smile, Axel leans into her and whispers, “as you wish.”

Time stands still as Axel takes a step back and slowly slides down on one knee. His movement is fluid as he pulls a small black box from his pocket and opens it, exposing the exquisite diamond ring to his bride to be.

The music suddenly stops, echoes of gasps filling the room, all attention shifting to them.

Now or never. Lily sucks in a breath and forces out a smile as she looks down at her soon to be husband.

“Will you make me the happiest man alive by becoming my better half for the rest of my life, Lily Daniels?” Axel asks.

Lily almost rolls her eyes at the fact that he couldn’t even cook up a special speech for their engagement. But she conceals her distaste with a smile, her hands covering her mouth, her throat releasing a squeal. “Yes! Yes, I will, Axel!”

In the seconds that follow, Axel slides the ring down Lily’s finger and rises to his full height. They have to endure wearing smiles as the many attending guests express their congratulations.

And when they finally find a place of quiet, Axel’s mask seems to slip.

“Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, I need to set some ground rules to ensure this union runs smoothly.” He says to Lily, his tone firm.

Lily gulps. “What kind of rules?”

“For starters, I am not a man that takes orders from anyone, so that demand I sensed in your tone a while ago, I’d expect that to be the first and last time.”

“Go on.” Lily urges.

“I might’ve given you a quick engagement, Lilian, but I will not be rushed into a quick wedding. I’ll not marry a woman I know nothing about. That said, pack your bags immediately after this party, you’re accompanying me for a business trip.”