"Do I have your decision or not?" Similarly, he said with his cocky tone.
"There's no particular thing about you that is so unique," he proceeded, spilling out more annoying words. "Moreover, we are not to interfere in each other's life." My heartbeat raced rapidly. My mother’s anxious expression, sickly and with complete loss of color, flashed before my eyes. It was a choice between life and death, and this agreement was the only window of hope. "I will accept it," I said carefully, the words' bitter flavor radiating on my tongue. He replied without even a slight change of his voice. "OK, get this shit done now, my secretary is waiting." I reached my hand forward for a handshake. "Oh, no, my dear... we just aren't equal here," finished Kylo, his whispering voice as hot on my ear as it was. His words were like a sharp stab in the heart which hit me so hard, that I realized it was the price I had to pay for what I wanted. ***** As I stood there, exchanging vows with Kylo in the quiet courtroom, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease gnawing at the edges of my mind. This wasn't how I had envisioned my wedding day, surrounded by the echoes of my dreams with Theo. Now, with only Jasmin by my side and Kylo's grandfather as his sole family representative, I felt a pang of loneliness. As the last of the papers were signed, sealing my fate for the next year and a half, I couldn't help but wonder about the life I was committing to—a marriage devoid of love, forged out of necessity for my mother's sake. Yet, as I glanced at Jasmin and saw the silent reassurance in her eyes, I found hope in the knowledge that this sacrifice was for a greater cause. Yes, it was all for my mother—the chance to see her rise from her illness and regain her strength. With her treatment underway and surgery scheduled to be done soon. I clung to the hope that this sacrifice would be worth it. But deep down, uncertainty lingered, casting a shadow over the future that lay ahead. "Varya I will be taking my old man to the house, you go to the company with your friend, we have a meeting in an hour," Kylo said and turned to leave immediately. "You son of... How can you send your newly wedded wife to work? Jeez, who did he get this workaholic attitude from?" the old man grumbled as he settled into the car, his voice echoing with disapproval. I exchanged a knowing glance with Jasmin, both of us stifling a laugh at his blunt honesty. "If you want to spend your entire youth working like nothing else matters, don’t get my daughter-in-law into it," he continued, his tone now serious, the weight of his words sinking in. But just as quickly as his scolding began, his expression softened, and he turned to me with a warm smile. "My dear, we’ll meet at home, okay? Don’t let this jerk make you work like him, make sure to rest when you need to," he advised, his fatherly concern evident in his eyes despite his earlier sternness. Kylo delivered his directive and briskly headed for his car, he gave me a look that seemed to say “Don’t say I didn’t tell you”. I felt a surge of frustration welling up inside me. "Am I really going to spend a whole freaking year and a half with such a jerk?" I blurted out, unable to contain my annoyance. Jasmin, always quick to offer her two cents, chimed in with her own take on the situation. "Seriously, who goes to work immediately after their wedding?" she exclaimed, her incredulity evident in her tone. With a wry smile and a shake of her head, Jasmin turned to me as she opened the car door. "Well, girl, it looks like you're in for a ride. Good luck dealing with that scary boss and husband of yours," she quipped, before ushering me into the car as we set off for the office. As we entered the office there was a buzz of activity with everyone moving. The tension, in the air, hinted that something was wrong. "The both of you, join the team. That director has turned the entire company upside down, asking for sales performance reports..." our department head exclaimed, her voice tinged with frustration. "We were supposed to celebrate his arrival, but the man is insane," she continued, her brow furrowed as she rubbed it with her thumbs feeling frustrated. "We have an hour before the meeting so let's get started on the sales report " she added wearily conveying the workload ahead. With a sense of urgency, we hurried into the conference room feeling a sense of unease as if awaiting a scolding, like children. The atmosphere in the meeting room felt suffocating as if the weight of the entire department's problems rested on our shoulders. The department heads seemed to age right before our eyes as they struggled with the director's stern words. Listening to him speak felt like hearing a demon lord, his voice cold and commanding, sending shivers down my spine. Yet, when he remained silent, he exuded an undeniable charm, though it was overshadowed by his intimidating presence. "Miss Varya, why do you think 30 graphs are enough to change the outcome of this year's performance?" His statement cut through the air, breaking my trance. I began to figure out a way out of the situation as I turned my brain looking for a good enough answer. "OMG, What the hell am I doing? In such a tense meeting, I'm analyzing him?" I scolded myself internally, feeling a wave of panic wash over me. "What's the time now? Is it time to close? I'm so tired," I groaned as soon as we finally returned to our department grounds. "Hmm, the meeting only took 30 minutes. What do you mean, time to close?" Jasmin replied, looking perplexed. "What the hell? Thirty minutes? Haa, it felt like 500 years to me," I exclaimed, exhaustion still evident on our faces from the intense meeting. "Damn, he's a total jerk! He's got nothing but his charming face. How could he gather us like that and blame us for last year's mistakes?" the department head exclaimed, her frustration palpable in her voice. "Seriously, he's a psycho," I interjected, my irritation seeping through my words. "Miss Varya, the director asked for you," the secretary announced, breaking the tension in the room. "Hold on, he didn't hear all that, right?" I muttered to Jasmin, who stood beside me. She casually shrugged and I softly murmured "Oh gosh I feel like I'm completely done for " as a wave of nervousness gripped my chest.VARYA’S POV Can this guy tell me why I am pinned to his office wall like he caught a squirrel? I thought my heart racing as I tried to make out Kylo's intentions Does he have no idea how domineering his aura is? Being this close to him makes it difficult to think straight. We are so close that with one more inch, our lips will touch. The sensation of being physically close to him, the almighty Kylo Cassian. I mean he looks really handsome this close, no wonder ladies hang on him like pests. Tch! I scoffed inwardly at that remark. As his hand came to my face, my mind began a vicious flight in million-thought-boxes. Would he kiss me? Slap me? My heart beat stronger, I waited for anything to happen. When I opened my eyes instead of slapping or kissing me, he put his hand in his pocket and stepped back. That expression on his face, it looked as if his glance alone was piercing me, and not a matter of time until I felt goosebumps all over. "Goodness I wanna sink into the ground now"
Immediately, I turned to look at him, and I was met with his lips which sent jolts of electricity throughout my body. The unexpected kiss sent shivers down my spine and goosebumps appeared on my body. I pushed him away instantly, my heart beating like a drum in my chest "What the hell is wrong with you?" He said in a whisper, enough for only me to hear. Which made me blink in confusion."I told you to behave when Grandpa is around. Is this how you put on a show?" He looked at me with a serious face that only I could see."It was instinctive," I said in a low voice, I could feel the sweat dripping from my face. Kissing me in the presence of his Grandpa was part of the show?"Haa! Young people," his old man interjected with a knowing chuckle. He had obviously witnessed the entire scene just now.My cheeks burned with embarrassment, I probably looked like a tomato at that moment.I wanted to crawl under the table, to disappear into the ground, and never come out. This was beyond awkwar
The next day at the office was anything but ordinary. The usual hustle and bustle of the Cassian building was overshadowed by whispers and murmurs that seemed to echo through the corridors."Hey Jas, good morning, what's with the drama everywhere?" I asked my friend as I took my seat beside her."Oh, you didn't hear? your father-in-law is in the office, I mean your husband's Grandpa and there's a serious meeting going on, looks like it's a big deal" She replied, her tone filled with excitement.I rolled my eyes at her teasing about my newfound marital status and focused on the matter at hand. "A meeting? But they were discussing that last night at dinner. What could be so urgent?" I wondered aloud. Before Jas could respond, Kylo's secretary appeared behind me. "Miss Varya, the Chairman asked for you," she said with a sense of urgency.I entered the Chairman's office, "You sent for me Grandpa?" I said, addressing him the way he asked me to, expecting to see his usual warm smile, but i
It felt like pure thunder shook against my ribs like a warning, my heart was screaming inside my body. "Doctor, please what is it?" The question spilled out of my mouth, my voice cracked, yet I could barely say the words past the lump hanging in my throat.The doctor with his face deep-set with worry and this only emphasized my growing anxiety. In a hesitant voice, he continued "To be specific she is not progressing as quickly as we assumed she would". Everything has been completed, but she has closed her eyes for some time, could this be what he's trying to say? I wondered.His eyes were like two chisels. With each word, they carved away my hope, which was already too weak to stand on its own. I was at a loss for words and my thoughts would not process that this could happen, that something was happening to my mom. A fight between life and death. "It looks like your mother is not ready to come with us on this side," the doctor continued, his voice devoid of any signs of comfort
I stood there, I was frozen on the spot for a lingering moment until Kylo's voice broke in."Nobody taught you to use the doorbell or knock before going into someone else's space?" His tone was cool and indifferent, not even bothered about the situation."Are you kidding right now?" I couldn't help but wonder aloud. "You're in the middle of a damn scandal that's dragged my private life into the spotlight, and you're repeating the same shit?" The anger in me erupted, is he even aware of the situation? I wondered.I can't believe he was on the headline for leaving a hotel with an actress and here he is in his office with another one? Seriously?"Do you wanna join the fun, if not then please get out, I am in the middle of an important business" he said returning his attention to the lady sitting on his lap and kissing her neck again.My eyes widened, what the hell? Is my opinion about my life now insignificant, who does he think he is to disrupt my peaceful life? I wasn't ready to argue
I came back home, then, just to get my documents and then a design book. I wanted to be as prepared as possible for this, so I started looking through my belongings searching for anything that would be needed during my stay at Kylo's house. Though not familiar with the circumstances but I am slowly putting my legs into it. The point my life has turned to at last is one that still baffles me. Being treated by his workers at home as the boss' wife still feels strange, but it feels good. Although Kylo is cold-hearted, I have noticed one thing, despite his heartless side, he loves food very much and unconsciously reveals it."Ma'am the boss does not eat here except his grandfather is coming so you don't have to do so many preparations for him, he won't touch it therefore, don't even prepare for him, just carry on with the eating," I remember the cook saying, a lady around mid-50. I still prepared and left the food on the table, I was fast asleep but the clicking of the door woke me up
As I lay on my brand new four-poster bed, adorned with beautiful hand-embroidered sheets. I couldn't help but notice the luxurious interior of my room. Grandpa allowed me to change it from pink to simply a luxury dark room, the same as Kylos. I am not the type that likes bright colors. Jasmin loves pink unlike me.The serene environment is so beautiful when looking through the glass wall.Unfortunately, the world outside was abuzz with rumors related to my marriage with Kylo.The gigantic television screen before me seemed to transport me to a private cinema, yet even the beauty of my room couldn't distract me from the incessant buzzing of my phone. With each scroll through the endless comments and speculations, a knot tightened in my stomach."Which celebrity is Varya Luther?""Is she using another name on stage? Please someone tell us.""It is either the most handsome billionaire CEO chose an ordinary girl or the celebrity is hiding behind another name."The relentless comments fro
I knew it was just a facade, a show to entertain the public. However, even for a brief moment, I let it sink in; I allowed myself to dream, to be delusional that Kylo and I were not just in a profit-oriented relationship.While softly opening the car door for me, Kylo kept his hand on mine, it felt like electricity. We walked to the entrance of the Cassian Group building and a multitude of curious stares followed us.It was as if everyone around me held their breath waiting to catch the slightest hint of information."She's a part of the marketing department, she works in Cassian group, did they meet here?""A person like that must have seduced him, she is just ordinary.""I expected a celebrity""They look good together."Whether it was the flash of the cameras and the loud hectoring of the crowd, these all left me dizzy, I felt nauseous. He took the lead and guided me to the entrance of our department.Deep down I didn't want to let go of his hand, this current environment is unfa
On getting there people moved faster than usual; nurses ushered me into one room after another helping me put on a hospital gown a long way.Kylo stood still near where people were turned upside down due to the speed of what was happening around them offering some comfort unlike any other distraction I might find outside pain was too much but still stuck onto this thought that everything would soon pay off.Soon, we would meet our baby.Hours passed in a haze of contractions and medical jargon, the world narrowing down to just me, Kylo, and the baby.The pain was intense, like nothing I had ever experienced before, but I refused to give in to fear. This was what I had been preparing for, what we had been waiting for.The baby was coming, and I was going to bring them into the world.Kylo never left my side, his voice a constant source of encouragement, his hand a lifeline as I struggled through each contraction.He wiped my forehead with a cool cloth and whispered words of love and re
This confidence he had in us, in our capacity to manage a new phase boosted my morale erasing my fear places.I remember it very vividly, we were watching a movie one afternoon while lying on the couch in the living room and suddenly I felt a vigorous kick. I choked on my words, putting the palm of my hand on my swollen belly.“What happened?” Kylo asked, sitting up at once.“Everything is okay,” I replied cheerfully. "The baby just kicked really hard. Here, feel."I guided his hand to the spot, and we both waited. A moment later, another kick came, this time even stronger.Kylo's eyes widened in amazement. "Wow... they're strong.""I know," I laughed. "I think we're going to have a little soccer player on our hands."He grinned, leaning down to press a kiss to my belly. "I can't wait to meet you, little one. But take it easy on your mom, okay?"I watched him, my heart swelling with love. Seeing Kylo so involved, and so excited about becoming a father, made everything feel even more s
It was rather reassuring to be back home after the whirlwind which is our honeymoon, yet at the same time it was also rather daunting.The Island was once a beautiful place where all I cared for was our presence, Kylo and I had no other distractions.But it was time for us to step back and face our day-to-day lives, my pregnancy, and everything that came with it.By then I was several months pregnant and some of the symptoms were clearly visible to the naked eye. My tummy protruded out significantly and with that some effect of carrying a child.While the honeymoon had provided respite from pregnancy, the moment we were home, pregnancy was as real as reality could get.When about the house I felt both at ease with being home though nervous about the changes happening to me and around me.It pleased me that Kylo stayed close at my side; his fingers lightly brushing over my lower back.He got more caring and thoughtful than ever; I could easily see how much he cared for me and how much
I trusted him with everything that I had: heart, future, and life. Two days later we were in a private jet, by the influence I guess Kylo had, I had no idea where we were going. Kylo was not on specifics up to that time, but I did not give it much thought. There is nothing like suspense or perhaps relying on the unknown on the person. With that, I reclined in the chair and then looked at the shrinking landscape outside the plane’s small window. Kylo leaned forward, picked up my hand in his, and I looked at him and smiled. “You’re really not going to give me any hints?” I said as calmly as I could, though my voice was visibly laden with curiosity. Kylo chuckled, shaking his head. “Nope. You’ll find out soon enough.” I pouted playfully, but I knew better than to press him. Kylo loved his surprises and I must say, I enjoyed them as well. There’s something good about not knowing what’s next, about just going with the flow and chilling. The flight went by in no time, with Ky
Those days after the wedding were as if I was on honeymoon, loved being in that state, and did not want to wake up. I might as well describe it like this; the tranquility that came over me was one I never felt before. It was as though a weight I had no idea was lifted off my back, allowing me to breathe freely once more. There was a warmth that filled my whole body in place of the constricted knots in my stomach. It is worth noting that in the beginning of the story our marriage can be described as a purely business-like arrangement, a very practical marriage of convenience. But instead with time, it had become something concrete, something lovely. The relationship that Kylo and I had was a product of the most unlikely circumstances and the complacency that I felt as I stared at the house we had constructed together could only be described as profound. It was morning, the sun was shining and the rays of sunlight started entering the room through the windows. I was now pl
Kylo went first, his voice steady as he began to speak.“So Varya,” he began glancing at my eyes all the time,“when we got married for the first time, it was a business deal between us; something that was advantageous to both of us but lacked emotional warmth typical of true marriage. I was unapproachable and even icy; I never gave you the love or respect that you deserved. But as time passed everything changed. I changed.”His grip on my hand tightened more and I could see how sincere he was from his facial expression which told me that he meant every word in every line on his face.“I fell in love with you Varya; it started off slowly before all these sudden feelings hit me. You taught me what it means to be there for someone else genuinely because one wants to change oneself for them.”“And I have caused you pain earlier but today I am making a promise as follows: To be the man whom you deserve; to love you wholly and to build a happy joyful life together based on faithfulness and
The morning of the wedding was as well fine with no clouds in the sky to disturb the blue of the day. Now I found myself back in front of the mirror in my childhood room strapped and ready for this like a kid on Christmas Eve.The dress I bought for my wedding was an off-white, beautiful lace and silk gown that fitted me to perfection. It was plain and elegant and made me feel like flowers were blooming on my dress and the garden we would be getting married in was nearby.My mother was frequently touching my face, fixing my veil in position enrollment arrangement She caught my eye in the mirror and smiled, her expression soft with love and pride.“You look stunning, Varya,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “Kylo is a lucky man.”“Thank you, Mom,” I replied, my voice trembling slightly. “I just… I want today to be perfect.”“It will be,” she assured me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Today is about you and Kylo, about the love you share. That’s all that matters.
VARYA’S POVThe day after Kylo's proposal felt like waking up in a dream. When dawn parted the curtains and let in the golden rays, it was hard to imagine that only a few hours ago Kylo had proposed to me for real.My hand went to the ring I now wore on my finger and the diamond again shone brightly against the sun, creating rainbows around the room.The moments were somewhat dreamlike and yet whenever I touched the ring on my finger I did not need anyone to tell me that this was all real. Kylo loved me.I stood up from the bed and walked towards the window and I looked outside at the city that was an unspoken character in our story, the one filled with both sorrow and happiness. This led my mind to the wedding which was now even in front of us.They were not an extension of a prior commitment, or repetition of a promise; it was the start of something fresh, of reality. And so the preparations could only be special as well.I could feel the buzz once I made my way downstairs in the ho
He had planned this event to be an entertainment for families, as well as business counterparts. The atmosphere in the room was filled with laughter, echoes of glasses touching, and music.This was ideally the environment that I wanted when I had planned the entire thing, but the feeling that swelled in my chest was almost tangible.I thought I was standing by one of the tall windows of the building looking down on the city below. The twinkling bulbs were of a high intensity and I observed it was dark like the sky at night and this made me take my eyes off it for a while.Yet, there I was thinking about Varya most of the time. It was her that made me develop nerves today and became the reason for this nervous energy in the night.She stood across the room dressed in burgundy dress which enhanced the curves of her body.She was gorgeous and although I was quite far I could notice the look of despair she was masking so well.It was a sadness that I realized that I had provoked and this