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Chapter 11
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2024-08-19 11:09:47
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THE ARRANGED BRIDE Chapter 12
“Think we're going to have time to hit the Eiffel, huh?" I said, closing the case, wishing I was packing more enthusiasm with those words than I was for real feeling. I mean, I am very lost in the city. But then again, this is Paris—love's city.Kellan continued to peck out at the keys, sending the message home. "Ehh, we'll see about that," he said, not too convinced. "I'm not that into tourist stuff."A weak smile crossed my face as I brushed off the sting of disappointment. "I get you. Maybe we should just relax there, make the most out of the suite, and be alone with each other."The silence was nearly an entity of its own: thick, heavy, and very much there as he said nothing. Try as I might, with every click and swallow, Kellan was my husband through and through. Something just kept that damn tiny flicker of hope alive in my chest.As we climbed down the stairs, I met Kellan's parents smiling at us at the bottom of the stairs.Kellan's mom pulled me into a hug. “Make sure you have
Last Updated : 2024-08-19THE ARRANGED BRIDE Chapter 13
OLIVIA'S POV"I really thought we're supposed to be on our honeymoon," I commented puzzled, with the touch of irritation in my voice.Rolling his eyes from the suitcase or rather an open duffel bag, his hands worked in efficient, practiced moves. "I have a meeting this morning, Olivia. I told you about it last night.""But that's not the point!" I insisted, trying to sound light and happy. "The point is we're supposed to be together now. That's what a honeymoon's about."Finally, Kellan looked to me, breathing out roughly. His eyes weren't worried so much as irritated. "I mentioned before, my job doesn't end because we got married. I have responsibilities.""We have responsibilities, too," I tried again, willing him to understand. "Should't this be the time we get to know each other, maybe, I don't know, try to make this work out?"His eyes hardened. "What do you want me to do, Olivia? Just leave everything behind and have fun? Not exactly practical.""But this is no trip, Kellan," I
Last Updated : 2024-08-24THE ARRANGED BRIDE Chapter 14
KELLAN'S POV"Did she buy?" Sharon's voice in the room greeted me the moment I stepped."Of course, she did," I said and closed the door behind me. All the tension that stood up with my little talk to Olivia deflated away when I stood in front of Sharon, who was lying on the bed in this silky robe that fitted her curves to perfection."Quit it, your face spells out stress," she said in her playful, tickled line, the lips flowing like she was gesturing for me to come into her. "Come here. I know just what to do to fix that.".I walked over to her, letting the weight of the morning fall away with each step, and I had even kinda forced the irritation out of my voice. "It's nothing I didn't expect. Olivia is just. Persistent." I mean, she really knew how to ruin things in the worst way possible.Then her hands were sliding up and beginning to fumble with the knot of my tie; her fingers brushed my neck with the lightest touch. "You've done your bit; now you're here with me," she purred, h
Last Updated : 2024-08-24THE ARRANGED BRIDE Chapter 15
OLIVIA'S POVI must have stayed still for a long time next to the door through which he had left, with his words repeating themselves in my mind, running ceaselessly like a stuck record that he had left behind with me. He had behaved in such a cold, dismissive manner—and it hurt.More than that was the realization that no matter what I did, nothing would really change in our relationship; he did not want me, did not care about me, and I could not do anything to make him.Well, that's all fine and good, wallowing in self-pity for but so long before reality kinda seeps in, like some moldy weight onto my chest, except in place of myself it was self-pity. Why would I bother wasting my time being miserable over somebody who, at this point at least, had pretty clearly given the impression that he didn't want to be with me? This had been my honeymoon as well. This was Paris, ville de l'amour, what I'd dreamed of doing my entire life. If Kellan wanted to stay away and pout in his own misery,
Last Updated : 2024-08-24THE ARRANGED BRIDE Chapter 16
In the afternoon, we set out and felt the streets of Paris. We walked beside the River Seine as its light from above shone out right after it was the highest. Pointing at the landmarks, so much full of history, Luc narrated the story of the city. The vibe towards magic with every minute walked within the city shook me, and I fell in love with Paris. We walked into a small bookshop, the walls of which were completely clad with old books and prints from other centuries. Luc took me to meet the friend who owned it. She was a sweet old lady, with the name of Colette. She spoke no other language than French, so Luc had to do an interpreter's job in our conversation. Must be here, there, around the shelves of the lit. section for almost an hour, doing little but changing pleasantries back and forth ad nauseam. A few stacks of French poetry later, Colette raised her eyebrows. "Gotta have something to take back. A souvenir of Paris." Luc was unyielding. I poked him. "It's the rule her
Last Updated : 2024-08-24THE ARRANGED BRIDE Chapter 17
Kellan's POVI pushed the door to our suite open and stepped through into the first light of dawn, filtering through the drawn curtains. The room was quiet except for the low sound of Olivia's breathing. My eyes skittered to her, a small figure, curled up on the couch, in her clothes from the day prior, asleep. She would have tipped sideways a little, her head at an awkward angle, even asleep, the faint furrow that lined her brow as if mind could not find its way free from its troubles would be present. A sharp twisting in my guts, pierced through by that stabbing pang of chagrin that stabbed through the armor of indifference I had worked so hard to build up around myself. I could shrug it off. After all, she brought it on herself, didn't she? Trying so hard to fit a role I never wanted her to play. Trying so hard to be someone I could love when I had clearly made it known that I couldn't.I peered back over to Olivia, still asleep, obviously not even knowing I was here. She looked
Last Updated : 2024-08-24THE ARRANGED BRIDE Chapter 18
OLIVIA'S POV "How are you doing, Liv? How's city life in Paris?" Brain's voice came from the other end of my line, drawing a smile against my cheeks as he just kept on rambling, on and on and all that happiness in his tone made my chest hurt."Paris is magnificent, Brian. Just as I always thought it would be." I was nearly convincing myself of the false enthusiasm that spilled from my mouth, the very hope that sounded through my voice. "Kellan and I have been running around the city, taking in the sights. .. the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, every classic tourist trap.""Sounds good. And Kellan? How's he treating my little sister?" Brian's voice was taut, there was a gentle, soft protectiveness in it and I could almost hear him leaning back in his chair, raising his eyebrows as he waited for me to answer him."He's been great," I said, my voice was too high, too forced. "Really attentive to making sure I get the total Paris experience."There was a moment of silence, then Brian was quiet
Last Updated : 2024-08-26THE ARRANGED BRIDE Chapter 19
OLIVIA'S POV"Isn't Paris just the most beautiful city you have ever laid eyes on?" Monique thrilled as we walked the cobblestone streets of Montmartre. The district literally throbbed with life from artists drawing portraits, street musicians playing rhythmic music, and wafting smells of freshly baked bread and coffee.I tried to force myself to smile, to get really caught up in all the magic of it, but I just kept thinking about Kellan. I'd vowed, from the moment I left for Europe, that I wouldn't let him ruin my day, but not having him beside me felt like a shadow over existence, something throwing into dark relief everything I wanted but could never have.Monique must have noticed my distant expression, for she elbowed my arm. "Come on, Olivia. Where has that smile gone? This is Paris; let nothing take it away from you."I felt my deep breath steal in like an infusion of strength, taking my troubled thoughts of Kellan and slowly shoving them to the farthest corners of my mind. Or
Last Updated : 2024-08-26
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THE ARRANGED BRIDE 95
OLIVIA'S POV"I… I don't understand," she finally stuttered, her voice shaking, her eyes darting from me to Kellan in utter confusion. "This… this is some kind of mistake, right? Olivia can't be here. She's… she's dead."I took another step closer, my voice so cool and level, whereas inside, all hell was breaking loose. "No, Sharon. I'm very much alive.”Her eyes grew wide as she began to freeze with the weight my words burdened her with. Her mouth popped open to say her peace, and I afforded her none."You really did think you got away with it, didn't you?" My voice was high. "Thought you could just push me off that cliff and erase me from Kellan's life forever?”Sharon stepped backward, her hands shaking. "No," she said, the words tumbling hastily from her lips as she shook her head. "That's not what happened. You've got it all wrong. It was an accident—""Don't you dare," I snapped, my voice sharp as a whip. "Don't you dare to stand there and lie. I remember everything now. I remem
THE ARRANGED BRIDE 94
KELLAN’S POVSharon pulled in, a sleek black car shining bright beneath the driveway lights. I watched her get out, dressed to kill, a crimson dress clinging to her form, lips painted that brilliant red, her heels against the pavement, each movement deliberated and confident. She'd come for me; she knew damned well I would crawl back, and it was that which brought my fists into clench.“Showtime," I told myself, fidgeting with my tie and putting a grin on my face.The front door opened before she could knock. I was leaning indolently against the frame, trying to conceal the revulsion bubbling under my skin. "Sharon," I said, my voice deep and low, inviting. "I'm glad you came.”Triumph lit her features, and her red cheeks gleamed with pride. "Of course I came, Kellan. I knew you'd come to your senses eventually. But why did you tell me to come to your parents house?"“Because it's high time i introduce you to them,” I answered and her smile widened.She stepped inside and her perfectl
THE ARRANGED BRIDE 93
OLIVIA'S POVMy chest was constricting as disjointed pieces of memory clawed their way to the surface. They had been locked in so long, barricaded behind the fog of confusion and terror, but the dams were breaking. My hands clamped down on the edge of the couch, eyes darting from my parents to Kellan and back again. Their eyes were all pinned in on me with concern, but it was Brian's question haunting me.How did you disappear? What happened that day two years ago."I remember Sharon," I began, my voice shaking. "Her men kidnapped after that charity event and locked me up. Then she came and talked to me… about Kellan."Kellan stiffened beside me, his fingers clamping down on mine. I dared a glance at him, saw the fire in his eyes, but he said nothing."She told me…., " I stammered, my voice lodging in my throat. "She told me I was ruining his life. That Kellan didn't love me and never would." Finally, the tear in my voice gave out and I felt the stinging of that first swipe of tears t
THE ARRANGED BRIDE 92
KELLAN’S POV:The sun had long since set below the horizon, an amber twilight wrapping itself around Alex's estate. I stood beside the front door with Olivia-the softness of her hand in mine. Tenseness in her fingers spoke louder than words not formed upon her lips-she didn't want to leave. I couldn't blame her. It had been a haven, a place of refuge from all that Carl put her through.Alex filled the doorway, his sharp suit as perfect as always, but with a hint of a smile softening what was a hard steep countenance into something less unbending. "Finally leaving?"“Yes.” I nodded. "Thanks, Alex; I really don't know how to thank you for this."He waved it away. "You don't. You just take care of her. That's all I ask.”She leaned in a bit closer to me and flashed a small, genuine smile across the room at Alex. "Thanks, Alex; I really don't know what we would have done if it wasn't for you out there."Alex gave a slight incline of his head. "You have been through hell, Olivia. Just focu
THE ARRANGED BRIDE 91
KELLAN’S POVThe tension in Olivia's shoulders hadn't dissipated since the moment we stepped into Alex's house. Olivia hovered near the window of the living room, arms tightly wrapped around her middle while looking every other second outside the window at each movement the shadow made out there. I sit by the fireplace, flipping through my phone, and view her from time to time. Every groan of the house sends her jolting with yet another splinter to fragment a small bit of my heart."Olivia," I whisper, setting my phone aside. Her head jerks as I call her name; wide-eyed and afraid, open wide. I moved across the room in a set of languid steps, giving her ample time to document my approach. She didn't stir, but how her fingers curled into the flesh of her arms seemed to scream how wired she was."You're safe," I said, firm, halting in front of her. "Alex has the best security team money can buy. Carl's not coming for you. He can't.”She shook her head, her voice no more than a whisper
THE ARRANGED BRIDE 90
KELLAN’S POVMy heart rattled so strongly inside my chest that for one instant, I almost believed Carl would hear it. He had Amanda pressed against him with a knife glinting in the poor light that was far too close to her throat for comfort. Her eyes darted to mine, wide, terrified, pleading.“Carl," I said, stepping forward slowly, my palms up and my voice steady despite the storm inside me. "Let her go. You don't need to do this.""Stay back!" Carl barked, jerking Amanda closer. She winced as the blade nicked her skin.I froze. Every instinct in me was screaming to charge him, to rip him away from her. But I couldn't risk it-not when he was this unstable.“I'm telling you, Kellan, another step closer and she is history!"“Okay, okay," I said, moving a cautious step backwards. "You're the one in control here, Carl. You've made your point."“You think you are better than me," Carl scoffed. His voice was wavering with anger and desperation; his words were volatile, his articulation wea
THE ARRANGED BRIDE 89
CARL'S POVI walked around the lounge with Amanda slumped on the couch in front of me, lifeless as a doll. My pursuit of reason was after a wriggle away while the noise of the sirens was growing outside-no less shrill to herald an empire crumbling away.It would have had to have been Kellan-that self-righteous jerk-just couldn't leave well enough alone, could he? I built it with my own hands, he had no right to take it away from me.A loud crash, and my thoughts are rent asunder by the flying open front door. First to storm in is a tidesurge of river-backed, armed officer, hard on the heels of Hardhead, the head of Security-firm as unshakeable granite."Carl Martins," he yelled, as if his voice should have carried around the estate. "It's time to know what's left of you. Back away from Amanda now and surrender yourself to authority."I raised my hands, and a smirk curled my lips. "Surrender? To what, precisely? Baseless accusations? You have nothing on me."Out came the head of Securi
THE ARRANGED BRIDE 88
CARL'S POVMy ringing phone dragged me out of my sleep. Already, my chest was getting tighter while I read on-screen the name Marcus, one of my most trusted men. Swiping to answer, already my voice was a low growl. "What is it?‘We have a problem," Marcus said, the tight urgency laced into his voice. "The head of Security has mobilized a team. They're coming for you, Carl. They're going to raid the estate within the hour."I almost lost my grasp on the phone as that icy panic clutched my chest. "How the hell could this have happened?”"It's Kellan Easton," Marcus spat. "That bastard's been gathering evidence, and he gave it to them. They've got enough to tear you apart."I clenched my jaw so tight I thought my teeth were going to crack. Should have killed Kellan Easton when I had him. That smug, self-righteous fool actually thought to take everything from me, power, my empire, Amanda."Listen now," I said, my voice razor-sharp. "Delay them. I don't care how you do it--cause a diversi
THE ARRANGED BRIDE 87
KELLAN’S POV The next morning, I sat on the edge of Alex's couch, my phone clutched in the firm grasp of my hand as if the strength of the hold could balance my thoughts spiraling out of order. The room, apart from the soft light coming from the table lamp, was shrouded in darkness. The creeping shadows at each corner were a reflection of unease crawling in my chest.What was left now was the riskiest of them all, and frankly speaking, I couldn't afford to waste more time. So I dialed the number that Brian had sent me - London head of Security - a man who, per Brian, had ties in with the Brooke family and who would deal in high stake situations.It rang a couple of times until I heard this firm, deep voice respond, "This is Gerald Mitchell.”‘Mr. Mitchell, my name is Kellan Easton," I started off hopefully-my voice wasn't breaking, "I'm calling because I have evidence regarding Carl Martins’ involvement in some illegal activities including but not limited to fraud, bribery, and unlaw
