RONALD POV “How is the wedding preparation?” Colin asked, sipping his wine as we sat in a private bar,one of the subsidiaries of Hoffmans Empire.“It's being taken care of ,” I said, rubbing my temple.“That’s nice. You know you can always call me if you need my help for the preparation,” “ Thanks,Man.” I said“It amazes me that you are the one getting married first,” he said, smiling.“ You should. Stop playing around and get married too,” I said, countering him.“ Look who's talking,” he scoffed. “Last two weeks you were here saying “‘dating is a waste of time,’ he added, mimicking me .We always banter like this when we come together. Colin always wins when we are at it. I love him for being friends with me despite how stoic I am. He is the only one I'm free around.“Go get yourself a girl,Man.”I said, teasing him.“ I'm yet to find the right girl. I want to marry a girl I love,” he said ,his eyes narrowed.“How you still going on blind dates?” I said, sipping my non- alcoholic w
EMILY'S POV “ Honeymoon!” Ronald and I said,jaw dropping.“Ma'am Claire , I don't think there is any need for that,” I chipped in.“ My darling Emily.You can't say,No.I booked tickets for you two already, you will be traveling to Italy after your wedding party,”she said.“ But–” “ No but just get yourself ready for the big day,” she cackled.“ Ron,are you still there?” She asked the quiet Ronald.“ Won't you say something?,” I said, urging him to speak up.“ I have nothing to say, ma'am. You already accomplished your plans,” he shrugged “Take it as my gift for your wedding,” she said.“ Thank you, ma'am Claire,” I said, thanking her ,as she ended the call.“Your mother is a kind woman.Mothers just have a way to do what they want,” I said, sighing and turning to glance at Ronald.“She is not my mother,” Ronald said with gritted teeth and grasping the wheels tight, revealing his toned muscular arm underneath his short sleeve shirt.We picked Mia on the way .Our drive to the wedding d
RONALD'S POVThe D- day. The day I have been waiting for finally came. I exhale slowly knowing fully well that I'm about to get what belongs to me once this wedding is finalized.“Is everything set?” I asked Leila over the phone.“Everything is in check,Boss,” she said,assuring me.‘I have come this far,I can't allow even the smallest flop,’I muttered under my breath.“ Good,” I replied, taking a deep breath.The grand ballroom of the Hoffman's 5- star hotel was filled with elite men and women who were affiliated to the Hoffman's Empire.I and Colin stood outside the ballroom to shake hands with the guests as a sign of welcoming and acknowledging them for coming.The hall soon filled with people who came to witness our union.“Ronald,your attention is needed in the ballroom.You can choose to continue ushering in guests unless you want your wife to be taken by another,” Colin said, grinning mischievously.“That won't happen,man,”I said, smiling.“ It's time, let's go in now,” he s
EMILY'S POVI stood at the altar, exchanging wedding vows with Ronald. It is supposed to be a happy occasion but it wasn't what I always dreamt of. I forced a smile raising my eyes to meet Ronald's,who also smiled. Deep down I know that we are both halfway getting what we want as we walk down the aisle.I looked around the room, searching for familiar faces. My eyes came in contact with my step father and step sister's eyes reminding me of the pain they caused me. Lia’s smile seemed real but I knew better. Ethan's eyes dawdled on me, making my skin crawl.“You can now seal the vows with a kiss,” Colin said, while the audience cheered on us to kiss. The thought of me and Ronald kissing makes my cheeks grow warm with unease.Ronald placed his hand at the small of my back drawing me close to himself,so close that I could perceive his cologne “This is just a contract, don't read too much into it,” he whispered before locking his lips on mine, making me dumbstruck. The kiss was gentle and
RONALD'S POVI stood by the window, glancing at the villa's lush ground,my thoughts drifted back to the event of the day. Emily stood at the edge of the pool, staring at the pool, her purple flowery dress stood out among the vibrant greens of the landscape. A loud sharp crisp sound interrupted my thoughts, attracting Emily's attention too “Are you expecting anyone?” Emily asked, leaving the pool side, going towards the door .‘ Who could be knocking on the door by this hour?,’ I asked myself, joining Emily at the door.Emily opened the door revealing Raya ,who wore a bold red, a - line , off shoulder crop top and a black mini satin skirt, holding a bottle of wine. “Care for a drink?" Raya said, tilting the bottle of wine.‘Having a drink with them won't harm,’I said to myself, knowing that I couldn't work. Ma'am Claire orders. Work is just a way to keep myself busy and I seem to enjoy it.“ We will join you soon," I said, overlooking Emily's intent gaze. “We can as well have di
EMILY'S POVIt's my first time traveling abroad,my heart bubbled with joy at the thought of going on a tour.I have always loved exploring but there wasn't a chance to do so.“Give me a few minutes to shower,eat breakfast and then go to places to visit today,” he said, heading towards the room.When Ronald informed me about the plan to visit a tourist center in Italy,my heart radiated more warmth making me smile.The ride to the tourist center was serene as a sweet Italian melody blast from the car's Bluetooth speaker.Glancing out of the window, my mind couldn't help but wonder “ Italy is heart stoppingly beautiful.” My lips curled in delight.Upon getting to the tourist center, a tourist guide led us around, showing us the colosseum. “Wow” I uttered, Totally blown away by the colosseum's sheer scale. As we toured with our guide, we bumped into the couples from the villa. Their eyes shone with warmth inviting us to dinner while the tour guide excused us.Luke led us to a mini cafe
RONALD'S POV‘What's she doing here?’ I said in my thoughts. “I believe this is the men's room. You may want to check,” I said, drying up my wet hands with a tissue and pointing to the sign on the wall. Raya's eyes locked unto mine,a bold flicker crossing her face, ignoring my words. She sashayed up across the floor, her footsteps eerily silent. She passed through the stalls, her gaze fixed on me.Raya sultry smile spread, her lips curling upward. Her eyes shone with a knowing glint. With each calculated strides, she walked closer to me,my heart raced as she stood a breath away from me. “I know where I am, Ronald” she said,her smile grew, seductively and velvety. I felt a glint within me but my instincts screamed caution. Raya's sudden interest seemed…dangerous, given that she is also married.I couldn't help noticing the way her hair flowed down her back. The dim lighting seemed to illuminate every curve. ‘What is she playing at?’“ What are you doing here?” I said, curtly, a t
EMILY’S POVI stared blankly out of the window. My brows furrowed, casting a shadow over my eyes, still upset about the sudden change in plans.My expression changed when we arrived home.We were welcomed by the familiar faces of loved ones beaming with warmth greated us.Ma'am Claire out did herself in throwing a party for our return. Ronald's home – Our home transformed into a cheerful celebration hub. “You are welcome dear ones,” said Ma'am Claire, looking beautiful in her tailored silhouette. “This isn't required, Ma'am," I said, my lips curling up into a thin smile. Ma'am Claire eyes sparkled, drawing closer to the stoic Ronald "Oh Ronald, always so serious! Don't be so stern.”“You are too kind , Ma'am,”I complimented, beaming.“It's nothing, my dear,” she said, smoothing my hair “Emily!" “Mia! You are here,"I said, my legs striding forward. “ Ma'am Claire called me to join the welcome party," she said, stretching her hands pulling me into a hug. “You owe me lots of gist,"