All Chapters of THE ARRANGED BRIDE : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

“Think we're going to have time to hit the Eiffel, huh?" I said, closing the case, wishing I was packing more enthusiasm with those words than I was for real feeling. I mean, I am very lost in the city. But then again, this is Paris—love's city.Kellan continued to peck out at the keys, sending the message home. "Ehh, we'll see about that," he said, not too convinced. "I'm not that into tourist stuff."A weak smile crossed my face as I brushed off the sting of disappointment. "I get you. Maybe we should just relax there, make the most out of the suite, and be alone with each other."The silence was nearly an entity of its own: thick, heavy, and very much there as he said nothing. Try as I might, with every click and swallow, Kellan was my husband through and through. Something just kept that damn tiny flicker of hope alive in my chest.As we climbed down the stairs, I met Kellan's parents smiling at us at the bottom of the stairs.Kellan's mom pulled me into a hug. “Make sure you have

KELLAN'S POV"Did she buy?" Sharon's voice in the room greeted me the moment I stepped."Of course, she did," I said and closed the door behind me. All the tension that stood up with my little talk to Olivia deflated away when I stood in front of Sharon, who was lying on the bed in this silky robe that fitted her curves to perfection."Quit it, your face spells out stress," she said in her playful, tickled line, the lips flowing like she was gesturing for me to come into her. "Come here. I know just what to do to fix that.".I walked over to her, letting the weight of the morning fall away with each step, and I had even kinda forced the irritation out of my voice. "It's nothing I didn't expect. Olivia is just. Persistent." I mean, she really knew how to ruin things in the worst way possible.Then her hands were sliding up and beginning to fumble with the knot of my tie; her fingers brushed my neck with the lightest touch. "You've done your bit; now you're here with me," she purred, h

In the afternoon, we set out and felt the streets of Paris. We walked beside the River Seine as its light from above shone out right after it was the highest. Pointing at the landmarks, so much full of history, Luc narrated the story of the city. The vibe towards magic with every minute walked within the city shook me, and I fell in love with Paris. We walked into a small bookshop, the walls of which were completely clad with old books and prints from other centuries. Luc took me to meet the friend who owned it. She was a sweet old lady, with the name of Colette. She spoke no other language than French, so Luc had to do an interpreter's job in our conversation. Must be here, there, around the shelves of the lit. section for almost an hour, doing little but changing pleasantries back and forth ad nauseam. A few stacks of French poetry later, Colette raised her eyebrows. "Gotta have something to take back. A souvenir of Paris." Luc was unyielding. I poked him. "It's the rule her

OLIVIA'S POV "How are you doing, Liv? How's city life in Paris?" Brain's voice came from the other end of my line, drawing a smile against my cheeks as he just kept on rambling, on and on and all that happiness in his tone made my chest hurt."Paris is magnificent, Brian. Just as I always thought it would be." I was nearly convincing myself of the false enthusiasm that spilled from my mouth, the very hope that sounded through my voice. "Kellan and I have been running around the city, taking in the sights. .. the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, every classic tourist trap.""Sounds good. And Kellan? How's he treating my little sister?" Brian's voice was taut, there was a gentle, soft protectiveness in it and I could almost hear him leaning back in his chair, raising his eyebrows as he waited for me to answer him."He's been great," I said, my voice was too high, too forced. "Really attentive to making sure I get the total Paris experience."There was a moment of silence, then Brian was quiet

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