Red Tulips

A week prior to the wedding

Loud, booming laughs reverberated throughout the entire hall as it was the commencement ceremony for visual arts students. Anna grinned as she finally got to wear the black gown with the cap. She is proud of herself for finally graduating, even though she didn't have the highest-grade point, but still she doesn't have to attend the early morning lectures and sleepless assignments deadlines. When her name was called, she walked confidently to the stage and grinned at her family, who were watching her from a distance. Her parents were sitting in the front row, watching her with a proud smile. After the ceremony, all students were allowed to leave the hall, and the majority of them went to the campus field to take photos with their families and friends. They should collect as many memories as they can, because, why not? All of them earned this accomplishment through their sweat and tears.

Ethan gave a bouquet of daisies to his sister and planted a kiss on her cheek to congratulate her. “Finally, my rebellious sister has graduated. I'm very proud of you.” Said Ethan.

Anna grinned as she sniffed the daisies. It smells wonderful. "I appreciate it, Ethan."

“Well done, Anna.” said Paul as he hugged his daughter.

“I'm sorry for causing so much trouble all this while.” Anna said with a sad smile after separating from his father.

Rachel smiled as she saw how much her daughter had grown. She's even getting married next week. "You never bother us. You're a blessing and we’re the happiest parents for having a child like you." said Rachel.

Anna immediately hugged her mother, who is now crying. She just wanted to spend a little bit more time with her family before her wedding because she doubts she will feel this warm and wanted, as she did with her family once she marries Ibrahim. 

They took several photographs before she heard a distant voice calling her name. “Anna!!” 

She turned around and grinned wildly as she saw the person who had arrived carrying two bouquets of chrysanthemum. “Jacob!” she yelled, sprinting to give him a bear hug.

Seeing how content she was right now, Jacob grinned. She's wearing the gown and cap looking as beautiful as always. They might not be blood related, but she means a lot more to him, as if she is his biological sister. “Congratulations, I'm so happy for you. Finally, I got rid of your nagging.” Said Jacob.

Anna laughed a little. "You should study hard and graduate as soon as possible," she advised. "How come there are two? Why did you spend so much money on two bouquets?" She almost hit his head, but Jacob ducked just in time. 

Jacob sighed and rolled his eyes. How could this girl be so fiery? “Another one is from Lilly, as she wasn't able to attend the ceremony,” he explained. Lilly Evans is a nice, outgoing girl who works at the club where they frequently hang out. She worked as a server there, and as both Jacob and Anna visited that club often, the three became friends, though Anna is still much closer to Jacob.

“I'll thank her later. Should we go grab a drink together to celebrate?” Anna proposed.

Jacob widened his eyes in bewilderment as he noticed someone approaching them from the other direction. "All right, let's go. I'll be there at 9 and Anna, you owe me an explanation." Jacob quickly left after greeting Anna's family. He doesn't want to mess with the man who is currently approaching them.

Anna slowly trailed her eyes in the direction where Jacob was looking and she saw a muscular guy with sunglasses walking towards her. He was dressed in his usual tight-fitting suit and the thought that came to her mind. Does he ever wear informal clothes? Her eyes widened when she saw a big bouquet of red tulips flowers he was carrying looking so fresh and beautiful. This cannot be happening.

Ibrahim walked past Anna, who seemed to be taken aback by his unexpected visit. He greeted her parents. "Hello, Mr. and Miss Rae," he said politely. When he turned his gaze to his future wife, his friendly expression darkened, as if she displeased him.

"I apologize if this is impolite, but I need to talk to Anna for a moment. Please excuse us." Ibrahim said courteously to her parents.

Her parents would never dare to disagree with him. “Sure, take your time.” Paul replied and Ibrahim immediately thanked him.

Ibrahim has been trying hard not to lose his cool right now. He took her to a side of the campus where no one could see them. He gave her a stern look, as if he were trying to convey his rage to her.

Anna got scared a little, but she didn’t show it on her face. She can’t look so weak in front of him, or else he would take advantage of it. “What is it? I don't remember telling you that today is my graduation day. You're not invited." She dared to strike up a conversation, trying to look brave, but inside she was shivering.

Ibrahim grinned. This girl is pretty brave. He squinted and grabbed her waist, drawing her closer to him, a gasp escaped from her lips. Their bodies are close enough that he can hear her rapid heartbeat. He gently stroked her cheek, and she felt an electric jolt from his touch. When he closed the gap between their faces, her heart raced even faster. What is he trying to do?

She wiggled to free herself, but she couldn’t. How could she when he had such a firm grip on her waist. This man's strength is no joke.

“Let go of me!” said Anna, angrily.

Ibrahim laughed quietly to himself. "Didn't I tell you not to hug a guy? You're doing it again, but this time in front of everyone. I believe I've already stated that I don’t like to repeat myself. You appear to take my words for granted."

Anna couldn't help but roll her eyes, clearly irritated by his dominating nature. “Who are you to command me? I am free to do whatever I want. You’ve no right towards my life and how many times do I have to remind you that the main point of your contract is not to interfere in each other’s personal life.” She couldn't stop herself from raising her voice at him.

Ibrahim's jaw tightened when he heard what Anna had just said. Everything she said just now has triggered his rage to the point where he can't bear the consequences of exploding at her right now. He saw some students coming, he tried his best to control his rage. This is not the right time, he told himself. He let go of her and presented her with the red tulips he had bought to congratulate her.

“Congratulation”

Anna mocked a laugh at him. She wondered how this guy could be so brazen. She didn't want to even look at the bouquet, no matter how lovely the flowers were. Anna is upset with the man in front of her. She felt suffocated around him. His domineering nature despises her. She has no choice but to leave him without accepting the boutiques.

Ibrahim smiled instead of being angry or annoyed. This girl is exceptional, and the game will become even more interesting once it begins.