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Chapter 18
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2024-08-26 18:09:08
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THE 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 : 2024-08-26THE ARRANGED BRIDE Chapter 20
Kellan's POV"Sharon, you ready?" I called out, tapping my foot impatiently as I waited for her outside her hotel room. We were already ten minutes behind our schedule to leave for dinner, but Sharon always ran late. It was one of the many things about her that used to grate on my nerves, but which I had figured out ways to handle over the years.It didn't matter tonight. For one, I wasn't in a hurry, and if I'm being straight with myself, I wasn't looking forward to getting back to Olivia at our hotel, either. I saw no problem in staying away; that tension didn't mix well with me.The door swung open, and out Sharon came, beaming. She was resplendent in her black dress with golden trimmings, contouring every curve of hers, and her blonde hair running down her shoulder. "Took you long enough," I said, although there was no real annoyance in the tone.She rolled her eyes playfully and linked her arm with mine. "Good things come to those who wait, darling."I smiled and inched closer to
Last Updated : 2024-08-26THE ARRANGED BRIDE Chapter 21
OLIVIA'S POV How I got back to the hotel is something my mind doesn't remember. My mind had gone numbingly blank, my body on autopilot while I plodded around Paris, barely taking in the very beautiful surroundings that delighted me just days before. The only thing in my mind's eye was Kellan and Sharon together, him smiling at her, her blowing me off like I meant nothing. Finally, when I entered the room, there was no to switch the light on. Stumbling towards the bed, I fell on it face down, burying my face in the pillows. The tears, so controlled since the restaurant, came with a force at every sob that racked my body until I felt absolutely spent. On some Neanderthal level, I knew this wasn't a love match. Kellan had been endlessly careful to let me know, from the very beginning and in a thousand small ways, that he had but felt nothing. There'd still been some insignificant, minute part of me that had probably wished, probably even dared to dream, that maybe, one day, he would
Last Updated : 2024-08-26THE ARRANGED BRIDE Chapter 22
KELLAN'S POV There had been so much bloodshed that the sun had finally hit deep in the latter part of its cycle, hitting high against the Parisian sky, turned to a sheen of gold over the city as I walked along at Sharon's side, hands bound tightly, hers in mine. Perfect day. As perfect as they come this late in the year. He twisted his hand in mine again, and this weirdest sense of jubilant impossibility washed over me, the feeling that at one moment in the universe, the world had come to a standstill and I couldn't hold my thoughts in line, not the way I wanted to. Sharon laughed pretty loudly when we stopped to watch a street performer. Her hand, which was holding onto mine rather precariously, sparkled up at me through eyes as she gazed through a dazzling smile, one that, at one time, used to set my heart racing. But today felt hollow and useless, as my mind was somewhere else: back in the suite with Olivia.I just couldn't rid myself of the image that haunted me since last nigh
Last Updated : 2024-08-26THE ARRANGED BRIDE Chapter 23
Brian's POV "Liv, are you sure you're okay?" For the third time I asked as the plane sailed above with Paris lights far below us. I was looking at her face to find a clue of how she really felt. Olivia just managed a nod and a tight-lipped smile."I'll be fine, Brian," she replied a bit softly, with some strain in her voice. "I'm… just… tired.""We are going home directly,” I whispered, striving to level the tone of our conversation. "And when we get there, we're going to work all this out, believe me, Liv. You're not alone in this.".She just gripped hard at my hand and made a motion of agreement, but no word came out. She didn't need to say one. Her eyes said it all. She said only one thing, that she was not falling apart in front of me.It passed in maddening silence, the hum of the plane's engines loud against Olivia eardrums, which wouldn't let her enter the arena of sleep. I just sat, my mind racing, watching the slackness of her features. How did I let things get so mixed up?
Last Updated : 2024-08-26THE ARRANGED BRIDE 24
Kellan's POVI scowled at the phone as the screen flashed on displaying Sharon's name for what felt like the hundredth time. She'd been calling for ten minutes now and I'd been avoiding her just that long.Finally answering the phone "Sharon, I don't feel like it today," I said. "I'm not going out."There was a silent pause on the other end of the line, and I could have sworn I heard her trying to work out what was happening."Kellan, what's wrong? You have been…”"I said I'm not going anywhere, " I cut in, a little more sharply than I really meant. I blew hard and rubbed my hand over the top of my hair. "I'll call you later."I slapped the phone beside me down onto the bed, hanging up before she could utter another word. Of all of the people I didn't want to hear from right now, it was her voice and, frankly, not one single person's voice-not when Olivia's tear-streaked face was so freshly etched into my mind that with every tick of a second since she'd left with Brian was haunting m
Last Updated : 2024-09-24THE ARRANGED BRIDE 25
Olivia's P.O.V.Whiffs of minced garlic and herbs pirouetted in the air, circling the sauce set to simmer on the stovetop. Comfort soothes me, and cooking is a sport unto itself-and today would prove no exception. He leaned his weight against the counter beside me, keeping me company while I fixed dinner, and was telling me about a work trip he would soon be taking. It was a sensation I hadn't had in ages and with him it was almost trivial. Just as though I'd never left Paris in tears"You're going to have to give me that recipe," Brian said, playing, reaching for the pan. "You're getting too good at this, Liv."I smiled soft and slow, his weight balanced enough against the heavy ache in my chest. "Okay, but you'd probably burn the kitchen down."Brian chuckled. "Probably, but I'd still look good doing it."I was about to say something witty, but his phone buzzed obnoxiously on the counter, breaking the moment. Of course, at that particular time that wasn't out of the ordinary too m
Last Updated : 2024-09-24THE ARRANGED BRIDE 26
Kellan's POVI stood out front of Brian's penthouse, the guilt heavy in my chest. I reached out and rang the doorbell, waited as the speech that had replayed a thousand times in my head went into repeat mode. The door opened and Brian was greeting me, his eyes cold, detached. He stood in the doorway, blocking my line of vision from Olivia, but I knew she just stood behind him."Kellan," Brian said coolly; his voice colder than a well below freezing in winter."Brian," I returned, forcing myself to keep my gaze on his-skating to Olivia. She was standing back silent, her eyes to the floor. Of course she wouldn't say anything to me. Yet for some reason that still bothered me more than it should.Brian moved aside, and I went in. It was obvious that the tension was already more thickly laid on than treacle. Abstracted, I turned toward the living room, deliberately taking my time over choosing a way of starting. Then my eyes fell to Olivia, and I was lost for anything else. She didn't eve
Last Updated : 2024-09-28
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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
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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
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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
