CHAPTER 5- Done Deal

"You can do this," I whispered to myself, gazing at my reflection in the mirror. "Everything will be fine." I attempted to convince myself that this was not such a terrible idea after all. I took a deep breath and studied my appearance. My wedding dress was beautiful, a flowing white gown with intricate beading along the bodice. My hair was pulled up into an elegant updo, with loose curls framing my face. Makeup artfully enhanced my features. Yet despite my lovely appearance, anxiety swirled in my stomach.

I knew my father would arrive any moment to escort me down the aisle. I had been standing in front of the bathroom mirror for a good fifteen minutes, contemplating the fact that the day had finally arrived. It had been four weeks since I reluctantly agreed to this preposterous arrangement with Noah Wolfe. During that time, I had dedicated myself to planning the extravagant wedding with Noah's assistant, barely seeing Noah himself. In truth, I spent more time with her than with my new fiancé. He often claimed to be "attending to business," leaving little opportunity for meaningful interaction between us to get to know one another before our wedding day.

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. "Izzy?" my father called out in a gentle voice. "Are you ready, sweetheart? It's almost time."

"I'll be right out, Dad," I replied, taking a final deep breath to steady my nerves.

"We're about to begin, sweetheart," he informed me through the door. "Your future awaits."

Taking a deep breath, I cast one final gaze at my reflection before stepping out of the bathroom to join my father. Here begins my new life as Mrs. Noah Wolfe, though I had no idea what that life would entail.

The Reception

"You see, that wasn't so bad, was it?" Noah asked, a smirk playing on his lips. "You are now officially Mrs. Wolfe."

I let out a sigh, mustering a small smile for the sake of appearances. "Lucky me," I muttered, still feeling uneasy about this new chapter.

Noah chuckled as we swayed to the melody of the music, our first dance as a married couple, though in truth, it was our first dance ever. Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud" filled the lavish ballroom that Noah had rented for the reception. I studied his face, taking in his strong jawline and piercing blue eyes, wondering what secrets lay beneath the surface.

"Could you please lighten up a bit?" Noah hissed, pulling me from my thoughts. "People might mistake your demeanor for attending a funeral rather than your own wedding."

"Oh, I apologize," I retorted, a hint of resentment in my voice. "I suppose I should be overjoyed that my dreams of marrying the man I love and spending a lifetime together have been shattered." My words came out more bitterly than intended.

"Oh, what a shame," he replied nonchalantly. "You were well aware of the circumstances when you signed those damn papers."

"There's no need for you to be a dick about it," I muttered, dropping my gaze to avoid his eyes.

"And there’s no need for you to be such a whiny bitch," he snapped back, pulling me closer to him and lowering his voice. "Let's just enjoy the party, shall we?"

I rolled my eyes, although his words unexpectedly stung. I shouldn't care how he behaves or what he says. This is all just an act, at least for now.

"Now your father thinks we're having an argument," he remarked, glancing over at my dad who watched us with concern.

"Whatever," I replied dismissively.

"Well, we certainly can't have him thinking that, can we?" he continued in a smooth tone. "We must convince everyone this is a love match."

Before I could comprehend what was happening, Noah's lips met mine. I froze for a moment but gradually began to respond, moving my lips in sync with his. Although we had shared a brief kiss during the ceremony, it paled in comparison to this kiss. This kiss ignited a fire within me, making my entire body tingle with surprise. Surprisingly, his lips were soft and gentle, belying his usually stern demeanor.

He pulled back slightly, his eyes darker than before, and chuckled before placing a quick peck on my lips once more. My heart raced with confusion.

"Happy now?" I said, my face likely as red as a tomato, avoiding his penetrating gaze. What had gotten into me? This marriage was purely business, after all.

"Oh, don't pretend you didn't enjoy every moment," he smirked. "I sensed your eagerness to explore my mouth with your tongue," he whispered in my ear, sending an unexpected shiver down my spine.

Fortunately, the song concluded, and the lavish reception erupted in applause, sparing me the need to respond to his unsettling words. I took a steadying breath.

"There are a few people I want you to meet," he whispered in my ear again, his voice barely audible over the noise. "These individuals are crucial to my business, so do me a favor and act as my beautiful, adoring wife."

I rolled my eyes at his request, though kept my expression neutral as he led me away.

"And please refrain from rolling your eyes," he added as we approached the group of well-dressed men. Leaning down, he planted a kiss on my forehead. It never failed to catch me off guard, as I was unaccustomed to such gestures from this man who was now my husband.

"They are the Hamiltons," he explained in a hushed tone. "They are seeking an investor for their company, which, although small, is performing quite good. However, their earnings are not as substantial as they desire, hence their need for my investment." I nodded in understanding as he spoke.

"Will you assist them?" I asked him.

"Not certain yet," he replied vaguely. "Their eldest son, Richard, is attending Brown University on a full scholarship. He is expected to take over the company upon his graduation."

I followed Noah's gaze to where he indicated the businessman were but then something else caught my eye that froze me in place.

I can’t believe it……standing behind the Hamiltons is someone I never thought I would see again.