LISA'S POV As I stepped into the house, the soft creak of the door seemed to echo through my weary soul. I felt like I was carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, each step a laborious effort to escape the drama that had been unfolding outside. The warm glow of the hallway lights enveloped me, a gentle embrace that seemed to whisper, "You're safe now."I trudged through the foyer, my eyes fixed on the plush carpet beneath my feet, as if willing myself to leave the turmoil behind. The soft rustle of my clothes seemed amplified in the silence, a reminder that I was still tethered to reality.My gaze drifted up to the mirror hanging on the wall, and for a moment, I was taken aback by my own reflection. Dark circles under my eyes seemed to bore into my skin like bruises, a testament to the sleepless nights and worry-filled days. My skin looked pale, almost translucent, as if the very life was being drained from me.With a deep sigh, I began to climb the stairs, each step a slow
LISA'S POV I settled onto my bed, surrounded by the familiar comforts of my room. My bag was packed, and I was ready for the trip to Leo's grandmother's place. But my mind was still reeling from the conversation with my parents. Their indifference stung, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of being alone in this charade.Just as I was starting to drift into a restless sleep, my phone rang, shrill in the silence. I hesitated, my hand hovering over the receiver. The number was unfamiliar, and I wondered if it was work-related. With a sigh, I picked up, expecting a dull conversation about sales reports or marketing strategies.But instead, Marcus's voice dripped with sarcasm, his words laced with a mocking tone. "Well, well, well. Look who finally decided to answer. I was starting to think you'd forgotten about the trip tomorrow."I rolled my eyes, a familiar irritation creeping up my spine. Marcus loved getting under my skin, and I knew better than to engage. "What do you want, Marcus
LISA'S POV We entered the mansion, Leo gestured for me to follow Marcus, his assistant. "Please, Lisa, make yourself at home. Marcus will show you to your room. You can freshen up and change before we head out to my grandma's place."I raised an eyebrow, my tone skeptical. "Your grandma's place? How far is that?"Leo checked his watch, his expression impatient. "It's a few hours away. We need to leave soon if we want to make it on time."I crossed my arms, my voice firm. "Please, you're not going to rush me. I'll get ready when I'm ready."Leo's eyes widened in surprise, a hint of amusement dancing in their depths. "Wow, such a drama queen. I didn't know you could talk to me like that."I shot him a withering look, my patience wearing thin. "Just let me get ready in peace, okay?"Marcus intervened, his voice smooth. "Of course, Miss Lisa. Right this way, please."As we walked, Marcus couldn't help but comment, "Wow, energy, girl! You're so good. I didn't know you could hold my boss d
LISA'S POV After a warm conversation, Grandma smiled and said, "Okay, you guys need to take a bath and freshen up. I've prepared a special bath for you, Lisa."Leo chimed in, "Grandma, Lisa just had a bath at home, it's not that long ago."But Grandma was insistent, "I know, dear, but I've prepared a special bath for her, and it's essential she takes it."I was expecting Grandma to show me to my room, but instead, she dropped a bombshell. "The two of you will be staying in one room, since you're getting married soon."Leo and I exchanged a shocked glance, our eyes wide with surprise. It was as if we were both thinking, "What the hell?"Leo tried to reason with Grandma, "But Grandma, we don't have to..."Grandma cut him off, her voice firm but warm. "Yes, I want you both to bond and get to know each other. No more talking, just go and take your bath, and then rest."The bath she had prepared was a romantic setup, with candles and rose petals floating on the water. It was clear she wan
LISA'S POVHere is the corrected text in first person POV:I narrowed my eyes, my gaze fixed on Leo's fingers as they stumbled over the keyboard. "What's wrong, Leo? You're not usually this clumsy."Leo's cheeks flushed, his eyes darting towards me before quickly looking away. "Just tired, I guess."But I knew better. I'd seen the way he looked at me, his eyes lingering on my skin like a gentle caress. I'd felt the spark between us, the air thickening with tension."Try again," I said, my voice low and husky.Leo's fingers hesitated, then began to type once more. But his eyes kept drifting back to me, his gaze burning with intensity.My skin prickled, my heart racing with anticipation. I knew I should look away, but I couldn't tear my gaze from his.Finally, Leo slammed his laptop shut, his eyes locking onto mine. "I think I need some fresh air," he muttered, his voice rough.I nodded, my throat dry. "Yeah, me too."We walked side by side, the silence between us thick and heavy. But I
LISA'S POV We sat down to eat, Leo's grandmother began to explain her plan. "Today, I want you both to go on a little outing. Just the two of you."I raised an eyebrow, feeling a sense of unease. "What kind of outing?"Leo's grandmother smiled sweetly. "Oh, just a little trip to the beach. I think it would be lovely for you both to spend some time together, just the two of you."I glanced over at Leo, who was looking just as skeptical as I was. "I don't know, Grandma," he said. "I'm not really sure that's a good idea."But Leo's grandmother was insistent. "Nonsense, Leo. It will be good for you both. You need to get to know each other better."I sighed inwardly. This was not what I had signed up for. I was here to fulfill a contract, not to go on romantic outings with Leo.But Leo's grandmother was not to be denied. She packed us a picnic lunch and sent us off, insisting that we spend the day together.As we drove to the beach, the tension between us was palpable. We barely spoke, an
LISA'S POV The days went by so fast, the rituals for the wedding started to unfold. Leo's grandmother was keen on us doing all of the traditional rites to make our marriage strong. I had to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first, but she assured me that it was all part of the process.On the second day, we woke up early to begin the preparations. Leo's grandmother had arranged for a priest to come and perform a blessing ceremony. I was a bit nervous, not knowing what to expect, but Leo reassured me that it would be fine.The priest arrived, and we sat down in front of him. He began to chant and perform rituals, waving his hands over us. I felt a bit awkward, but Leo seemed to be taking it all in stride.After the ceremony, we were given a task to complete. We had to make a traditional sweet dish together, using ingredients that had been passed down through generations. I was a bit hesitant, not being much of a cook, but Leo took charge and guided me through it.As we worked together,
LISA'S POV I stood there, my anger and frustration boiling over as I watched Leo fail to stand up to Marcus. Why was he allowing his assistant to speak to me like that? Why wasn't he defending me?I felt a surge of indignation and hurt as I realized that Leo was just standing there, doing nothing. He wasn't even acknowledging Marcus's behavior, let alone telling him to back off."Leo, say something," I demanded, my voice shaking with anger. "Tell him to stop speaking to me like that."But Leo just stood there, his expression unreadable. He didn't even flinch, didn't even acknowledge my request.Marcus, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying the situation. He was smirking at me, his eyes gleaming with triumph."You see, Lisa, no one here respects you," he sneered. "You're just a pawn in their game. A means to an end."I felt a stinging sensation in my eyes as I realized the truth in his words. Leo wasn't defending me because he didn't care. He didn't see me as his partner or his equ