Chapter 2: Meeting The Bride

Archer's POV

Coming to Milan to find a wife is already a crazy idea, but meeting a stunning stranger who looks like a fallen angel is entirely unexpected.

When that angelic beauty kisses like a goddess, all my well-laid plans go out the window. The woman in my arms is oblivious to how she looks.

When she walks into the bar this evening, every man in the room turns to watch her, captivated by her long, smooth legs, creamy white skin begging to be touched, a slender figure with enchanting golden-brown eyes. But the most astonishing thing about her is her striking red hair, so vibrant it can only be described as Ruby red.

As she approaches the bar, fidgeting as if she’s a housewife about to meet a secret lover, I can’t resist striking up a conversation with her. To my surprise, she not only responds but checks me out enough for me to know she’s interested.

I deepen the kiss, and when I raise my hand to cup her firm breast, she shudders, making me groan. This is completely unexpected; I have never imagined meeting someone like her.

Suddenly, she breaks the kiss, her lips swollen and flustered. “I’m sorry, I have to go.”

“You...” Whatever I was about to say dies in my throat as she rushes to her car and speeds away like the devil is chasing her.

I stand there, staring at her disappearing car like a bewildered fool, wondering what just happened.

I make my way back to my hotel room, just a couple of buildings down from the bar.

My trip to Milan isn’t a pleasure jaunt or a business visit. I’m in Milan for a specific purpose: to find a wife.

After freshening up, I climb into bed and lie down, hands folded behind my head. My thoughts drift to the stunning woman I met earlier in the evening. I close my eyes and picture how she looked after our kiss, with swollen lips, dreamy eyes, and heaving breasts as she takes deep breaths.

I imagine how good she would have looked in my bed tonight, with her fiery red hair spread across my white sheets. The thought arouses me.

She had been so responsive; I was sure it would have been incredible between us. I would make her forget all about her ex-boyfriend and their breakup. I groaned as I stroked myself, doing something I hadn’t done since I was a horny teenager, all while thinking about the goddess I had met.

Upon arriving at the Ferretti’s mansion, I’m escorted by the butler to Aolo’s study.

As I stride into the room, Aolo stands up and greets me, “Archer, it’s good to see you,” he says with a smile. I place the package I have brought on his desk, and he nods in approval at the flowers. I extend my hand for a handshake, which he eagerly accepts.

“Good to see you too, Aolo,” I reply. Aolo takes a seat and motions for me to do the same, so I comply. Leaning back, I observe my future father-in-law. Aolo Ferretti has been a good friend to my father, though distance has separated them over the years. He attended my father’s funeral, and I even noticed him discreetly shed a tear or two.

“Archer, I must confess. I didn’t tell my daughter about her impending marriage to you until last night,” he admits. I raise an eyebrow at this, considering that Aolo had contacted me almost a month ago. He must have seen the questions in my eyes.

“I didn’t want her to overthink it. Ruby tends to do that, and I wanted to spare her from that,” Aolo explains.

“But will she agree to the marriage?” I inquire, trying not to show my eagerness to escape this commitment.

“No, no,” Aolo shakes his head. “Ruby is a good girl, and she’ll do as I say.”

My budding excitement withers instantly. Aolo stands up, and I follow suit. I hand him the bottle of whisky, and he smiles in thanks.

“Thoughtful of you to bring her flowers. Very thoughtful,” Aolo mumbles as if to himself. I’m spared from having to respond by a knock on the door.

“Yes?” Aolo calls out. The door opens, and a young girl enters.

“Dinner is ready, sir,” she says with a respectful bow.

“Thank you, Irene,” Aolo replies with a smile. The pretty maid reciprocates the smile and leaves.

“Shall we?” Aolo asks me. “My cook, Angelina, has been with my family for over 30 years now; she makes the best Risotto. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.” He chuckles and gives me a friendly slap on the back.

Holding the bouquet and attempting not to look like a love-struck puppy, I brace myself for what lies ahead. I don’t want my face to betray any discomfort I might be feeling.

We reach the dining room, which is softly lit, creating a cozy ambiance. The sound of heels clicking echoes like the rhythm of my heart. Would my father disapprove if I refused to go through with this wedding? These thoughts race through my mind as the clicking grows nearer, and then a vision in white appears.

I have never been a believer in fate or destiny, but at this moment, I can’t help but wonder if this is a sign from my father, directing me toward the path he wants me to take.

Before me stands the mysterious woman, looking like an angel. She seems as surprised to see me as I am to see her. The shock appears to have frozen her in place, so I quickly move forward to break the unnerving silence.

“Miss Ferretti, this is for you,” I say with a wink as I extend the bouquet to her, hoping she will play along. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

She breaks free from the spell that holds her in place and whispers a grateful, “Thank you.”

Aolo fills the awkward silence with hearty laughter and introduce us to each other properly. Then we sit down for dinner.

After the initial awkward meeting, dinner progresses smoothly and becomes more enjoyable. Aolo dominates most of the conversation, while Ruby makes shy contributions. It’s evident that she isn’t entirely comfortable with me just yet, but I figure that will change in due time.

“Ah! Angelina has truly outdone herself again,” Aolo proclaims as he stands up, and I follow suit. “Sit, sit. I’m going to take a walk and leave you guys to talk and get to know each other.”

He leaves without giving us a chance to object. We stare at each other, and I can’t help but smile.

“This was quite the surprise,” I say, breaking the silence. She picks up her wine glass and takes a sip. I continue to watch her, just as I have been doing all night. The soft lighting adds a radiant glow to her skin, making her look ethereal.

“God, I thought I was going to be sick,” she confesses, her honesty surprising me.

I touch my chest. “You didn’t want to see me again?” I ask.

“No, no, I did,” she quickly assures me. “I just never expected to meet you under these circumstances.”

She exhales deeply and then asks, “Why are you here, Mr. Petraki?”

“To marry you,” I state firmly. For the first time since this entire ordeal began, the prospect of marrying a complete stranger doesn’t seem so bad, especially when that stranger is her.

She looks distraught. “Why? You could have any woman you want,” she blurts out.

“That’s true,” I agree. “But I want you. And, like you, I’m simply doing what my father wanted, even though he’s no longer alive.” I take a sip of my wine.

“I’m sorry about your father,” she says with a somber tone.

“Thank you,” I reply.

“Getting married to a stranger was never really part of my plan,” she confesses while fiddling with her napkin. I can’t help but smile; it seems like a nervous reaction. She did the same at the bar.

“I don’t think it’s on anyone’s to-do list,” I say.

“That’s true,” she says, biting her lips in an adorable manner. “I can’t escape this marriage, but can I ask for some time to get to know each other first?” she requests.

I watch her for a moment, then stand up and walk over to her. I reach for her hand, gently drawing her to her feet. I place one hand on her waist and play with her hair with the other. Her heels add a few inches to her height, making it easy to look into her eyes.

“I would like that. To get to know each other before setting a wedding date,” I confide, looking into her captivating cat-like eyes as I cup her cheeks. Ruby takes a deep breath.

“Thank you. At least you’re reasonable. That’s a pro,” she says.

“Yeah, definitely a pro. But you know what else is a pro?” I ask softly, my lips close to her ear. I feel her tremble, and she moves closer involuntarily.

“What?” she asks, her voice soft as she licks her lips.

“This,” I say as I kiss her, something I have been wanting to do all night.