Chapter 6

KELLAN'S POV

Not in the mood for my mother's snoopy attitude. I drove towards my penthouse after I dropped off Olivia.

I parked my car only to notice the lights were on. In total confusion, I moved towards the entrance door, knowing there was no way it would be a bugler. Only two people had access to this penthouse, which was Sharon and me. I had also installed a top-notch security system, so if it was a person without access, I would have been notified.

I opened the door to notice flowers scattered on the floor, following their trail to the dinner.

“Surprise!” I turned around to see Sharon popping a Cheval Blanc white wine.

“Aren't you supposed to be in Europe?” I asked, still in shock.

“I believe this is where you hug and kiss me,” She said with her arms open.

Laughing softly at her I pulled her to me and kissed her.

I looked at the food varieties displayed on the dining table, mostly Vegetables.

“Did you change your diet routine?"

“Of course, yes, I did that for you," she said excitedly.

I have never loved eating greens. I mean, they are leaves, but then Sharon had been so obsessed with getting the perfect body shape that she could barely eat normal food.

It is a simple dish of creamed cucumber slices, Shaved Asparagus and White Bean Salad, Caprese Stuffed avocado, charred Red Cabbage and Carrot Salad. Taking a sip of the wine, I leaned back on the chair, listening to her talk about the new diet routine.

“I tried this when I was in Japan, it can only be grown there. I made sure to bring it home for you to try. It tastes heavenly, so creamy and crunchy. Have a bite, you'll love it..."

“Japan?"I asked, cutting her off. “Weren't you in Europe the whole time?”

“I thought Sam sent you a message or didn't he?" She looked surprised. “I was so busy that I didn't get the time to tell you. I had instructed Sam to inform you. He's still new, though; he hasn't gotten the hang of being a manager." She explained, playing with her fork.

Nodding at her I stood up to go inside the room.

“Don't you like the meal?“Should I order takeout? Are you okay? you look so tired,” She asked, following me to the room.

“No, I had dinner, and I'm fine,” I replied, giving her a reassuring smile.

“You had dinner at the office?" she asked.

“Hmm..."I replied before leaving to take a shower

I noticed a figure standing at the entrance through the bathroom glass... Shaking my head at her before asking, “Did you get a role in a scary movie?"

Still standing in a model pose and a bathrobe on. “How about we save the water and relieve your stress at the same time?" she whispered sultrily.

“Only an insane man would pass off that offer darling," I said before dragging her inside the bathroom.

Her touch ignited a fire within me, and I lost myself in the depths of her amber eyes. The world outside faded away, leaving only the gentle caress of her skin and the softness of her lips. The bathroom dissolved, leaving only the two of us, suspended in our creation, where time stood still and all that could be heard were Sharon's loud moans and my whispers of sweet nothing.

We woke up the next morning with our bodies intertwined with each other. I stared at Sharon and slept innocently as I caressed her blond hair.

I felt so heartbroken thinking about how the news about my wedding would break her. Sue has been through a lot making her way to the top without any parent support.

She had always been there for me when I needed someone to lean on and go out of her comfort zone to make me happy. She's one of the best things that happened to me.

I needed to tell her about the wedding because she was bound to hear it anyway.

‘But how was she going to take the news?’ I thought to myself, as I caressed her cheek.

Sharon's eyes fluttered open, and she smiled up at me. I forced a smile back which she noticed. “What's wrong?” She sat up, holding the sheets to her body.

Instead of lying to her, I decided to come clean. “There's something you need to know.” I put my head down, unable to look her in the eyes.

“What is it? You're scaring me.”

I wanted to tell her that there was nothing to be afraid of, but I didn’t have the courage myself because I had no idea how to get out of the mess my parents put me in.

“I'm getting married,” I said and there was silence in the room.

“You're joking, right?” She raised my head with her hand. “Look at me and tell me this is just a stupid joke.”

“Baby, I'm sorry.”

“So you have been cheating all this while?” She scoffed. “Who the fuck is she? Is she better than me?”

“No, baby. It's nothing like that.” I reached to hold her hand.

“Then what is it?” She raised her voice at me.

“It's just an arranged marriage between my family and Brooke's family.” I squeezed her hand. “You know I will never cheat on you.”

“Why are you lying to me? The Brookes don't have a daughter.” She cried, and I could see the hurt in her eyes.

“Baby, please let me explain. Just listen to me once.”

“I'm all ears.” She wiped her tears.

I explained the deals between the families to her and how Brooke had to adopt Olivia to meet their end of the bargain.

“Is there no way for you to get out of this?” She asked after I finished explaining.

“I can't think of anything right now, but all I know is I love you, and I don't want to lose you.” I held both sides of her face.

“I love you too, Kellan.” She held my hand. “I know we'll find a way to overcome this and I'm ready to stand by you all the journey.”