Episode 6
(I don’t hate her now)
Aaron ~
“Good bye Mr. King. Have a very bad night!! Sweet nightmares!!”, She snapped and hung up when I started to talk again. Blo0dy Fvck!!
“What the hell does she think of herself!! How dare she hung up on me!! Urghhh!!!”, I mumbled as irritation boiled my blood.
Passing a furious hand through my hair, I sat back on my chair and resumed to work. At 8:00 PM, I untangled myself from the never ending load of work. Walking out of my office, I strode straight towards elevator and then to my car.
Reaching my penthouse after 15 minutes of drive, I took a warm shower that helped to relax my all tense nerves and then prepared a simple dinner.
While having the dinner, I remember today’s lunch that happened to be somewhat funny and cute. Though we didn’t talk much or should I say we didn’t even talked but still it was good. A chuckle escaped my mouth when I remembered her whining and pouting about not knowing french and told me to order for her. She was not embarrassed to admit that she doesn’t know french and that some how pleased me. My mom used to say, “there is nothing to be embarrassed about your weaknesses, no one forcefully makes something their weakness, the situation brings it on us.” And she looks cute when she pouts. One sec! Did I just said cute?
Ahh uhh! No no! Forget it!
She is no cute, she irks me!! The way she talks, avoids me, rolls her eyes on me!! She is so rude!! And rude girls are not my type!! I like down to earth type girls.
‘Yeah! After blackmailing her and literally forcing this marriage on her you expect her to behave kind towards you! What an audacity you have man! Applause!’ my subconscious snapped back.
I cleared my throat and shoved the comment of my subconscious back to the bottom of my mind. After completing dinner, I went towards my study and called Evan.
Wait!! Evan! Eva!! Are they lost siblings!??, I laughed on my own joke.
“Hey man!! How are you?”, Evan’s voice brought my attention back.
“Hey Evan!! I am fine bro!! What about you??”, I asked.
“Good, any work?”, He asked.
“Uhh yeah!! I need a makeover, I mean a simple change in appearance as I have a press conference to attend tomorrow”, I said.
“Hey bro!! You know na that I only work with females??”, He asked with chuckle.
“Hell!! I am not talking about myself, I am talking about my fiance you idi0t!!”, I said clearing his confusion.
“Ohh oka- WAIT!! YOUR FIANCE????”,he shouted. Why the hell is he shouting???
“Yeah, I will tell you about all this when we will meet, you just come tomorrow to my office”, I said.
“Okay, what time?”
“9:00 PM”
“And when is the press conference?”
“1:00 PM”
“Okay, that’s enough time for me!! Yeah, bye then. See you tomorrow!!”, He said and after bidding him good night I hanged up.
I went back to my bedroom and lied down.’ Good bye Mr. King. Have a very bad night!! Sweet nightmares!!’, I chuckled when remembered her words.
“Wish you the same, Miss. Collins”, I mumbled before dozing off to sleep.
Exactly at 5:00 AM, my alarm went off and I rolled off my bed. After changing into my track suit and a simple grey sleeveless jersey, I wore my sport shoes and went out towards kitchen. After getting the bottle of protein shake, I entered elevator and pressed for ground floor.
After one hour of jog, I came back and immediately entered gym. I prefer park jog than treadmill. The gyming took next one hour and I came back to my penthouse. I took my bath, made breakfast, ate it and got ready for office.
After getting into my black porche, I wore my shades and drove towards office. On the way I stopped at Starbucks and ordered my regular Espresso Frappuccino.
“Hey man!! Miss me!!”, That was Adam’s enthusiastic voice when I entered my office.
“Who forgets their bad days, Adam?”, I asked and sat down on chair.
“At least have an original comeback, huh!!!”, He snapped and I rolled my eyes. My intercom buzzed and I accepted.
“Yes, Stella?”
“Sir, Miss. Eva is here. Should I send her in?”, She asked. My heart picked up it’s race as soon her name ranged in my ears. Sh!t!! What the heck is this??!!
“Yes, send her in”, I said as nervousness built up in me. Why the hell am I nervous???
A knock sound broke the silence and I invited Miss. Collins inside.
“Good morning, Mr. King”, she said politely.
What’s the reason behind this sudden politeness?? Adam raised his eyebrows at me and I twitched my lips downwards.
“Good morning, Miss. Collins. Come, have a seat”, I said and she took seat opposite to me.
“Uhh, Mr. King…. Hmmm…”
“Miss. Collins, be comfortable to talk to me. Is there any problem? Did someone said anything to you? Just tell me, I will-”
“Ahh, no!! Mr. King, actually you might have seen the news, right?”, She asked. Yess, there were pics of us all over the news channels and news papers. I noticed it today morning but ignored as that was exactly what I wanted.
“Yes, Miss. Collins. What about them?”, I asked as calm as I can. She looks scared.
“Ev-everyone is asking me about them. What should I say? Wha-what-”
“Miss. Collins, calm down. What happened?”, I asked. She looks terrified, did something happened on her way to office??
“I am scared”, she said embarrassingly. What is there to embarrass about it? It is new to her. I understand!!
“Miss. Collins, we have press conference today, so don’t worry, everyone will get their answers. Don’t be scared”, I tried to calm down her. I want to hug and console her!! But why????
All the while Adam was staring at me with a constant emotion. ‘what?”, I mouthed and he shooked his head.
“Here, take this.”, I offered her a glass of water and she took it. When her tender and soft fingers slightly brushed on to my hand it caused goosebumps all over me. I ignored it.
“Mr. King, one more thing!!”, She said and I nodded. “My sister asked me about this pics and I told her that we are marrying out of love. So we need to act like a couple before her too, I hope that is fine with you?”, She asked.
“Don’t worry, I understand”, I said and she passed me a beautiful smile of gratefulness.
Beautiful?? Damn!! I am losing my senses slowly!!
My intercom buzzed and Stella informed that Evan is here. I called him in and introduced Eva with Evan. Adam did the similar joke that I did last night and no one laughed. He is really my friend!!
As soon as Evan took Eva with him, I got back to my work and Adam went to his office promising me that he will be back before press conference and I told him that he can break the promise. I really don’t want that joker near me during this serious situation. But he said that he hates me so he is gonna fulfill his promise. D!ckhead!!
Exactly at 12:00 PM, Adam barged into my office. He asked me about Eva and I replied with a shrug. After fifteen minutes Evan came with Eva and I remained stunned. She-she looks gorgeous!!! Even Adam’s jaw was dropped.
Her brown wavy hair that was all time tied in pony were cascaded softly on her chest and back. Her fair complexion with no spots was shining due to additional make-up. Her blush pink full lips were looking like petals of rose that shimmers with dew drops. Hazel eyes, held spark and a ting of dare, a dare not to mess with her. Her every curve is perfect and this dress just fits her perfectly. She looks enchanting, but not typical fairy or Barbie types. She looks like a warrior. She looks strong and independent. This is the first time I have noticed so much about her. It feels like, I have seen that blush somewhere before, it feels like I have drowned myself in those daring hazels of hers before. But how? When?
(Just the outfit, not model)
“So how is it?”, Evan broke the silence and my as well as Adam’s head whipped towards him.
“She looks gorgeous!!”, Adam complimented and a scarlet color enhanced her rosy cheeks.
“Okay now wear this”, Evan said forwarding very high heels towards her. And she looks horrified. She looks so cute when she is scared!!
Aaron, you are marrying her because you hate her!! Stop complimenting her!!
She shooked her head and he nodded. This continued for more than 10 seconds. She pouted and he glared. They looks so comfortable with eachother!!
Adam cleared his throat and I thanked him internally.
“Eva!!”, Evan said in a warning tone and she puffed. What the fvck!! He is allowed to call her Eva but I not!! For heaven’s sake!! I am her would be husband!! Huh!!
He made her sit on the couch and took out her converse. After making her wear those pointed heels he backed out and told her to stand up. She looks scared.
I stood up and round walked around my desk before leaning against it. We three were watching her curiously and she gulped.
“What? It is not a porn show!! Stop staring like that!!”, She snapped and we three immediately averted our eyes, Adam chuckled.
She stood up, and Evan told her to walk towards me. I stood straight, ready to catch my damsel in distress!! My?? Forget if said that!!
She took one step towards me and lost her balance. I immediately held her waist and she clutched my shirt tightly in her fist. My hearbeats are erratic!! Her small frame is so soft and petite as like just made to keep in your arms forever. I have never touched such soft skin before.
You have never touched any woman before!! Duh!!
“You okay?”, I asked though I am the one that needs to be asked this. Cause I never know when my heart will blast due to this close proximity.
“Uhh, yeah!!”, She flustered.
I made her regain her balance and told her to sit. She obliged and sat down. I kneeled down before her and took out her heels. She resisted but I did it anyway.
“She is amazing just the way she is!!”, I said and made her wear converse back.
“Fine!!”, Evan chuckled. He had some important work so he left immediately.
“What about our story?”, Eva asked.
“What story?”, Adam and I asked in unison.
“Our love story”, she stated the obvious.
“Ohh Yess!! We need a background story for you both!!”, Adam said and she nodded.
“Let’s say, that she was walking down the alley and some goons attacked her and then out of nowhere Aaron came and saved you. And then you both fell in love!!”, He chirped grinning all the time while we both gave him ‘are-you-serious?’ look.
“That’s too typical and cheesy!!”, She commented and I nodded in agreement.
“We will keep it simple and the way it started. I came into your office, spilled coffee over you, but the only change will be that-”
“I find you intriguing and different, so I asked you out for a date!!”, I completed.
“That seems unreal!! She spilled hot coffee over you and instead of paying attention to your burns, you found her interesting. Absurd!!”, Adam said. Yeah!! That’s true too!!
“Then let’s skip the coffee part”, Eva suggested and I agreed. After lot of debate over that his story is best, Adam agreed too.
“Sir, everything is ready”, Stella informed and I nodded.
“Let’s go!!”, I said and she nodded. I pulled out Tiffany’s ring box from my drawer and told her to wear the ring. I wore mine while she wore hers and then we walked out for press conference.
“Mr. King, who is this lady?”
“Is she your girlfriend?”
“Mr. King, aren’t you gay?”
“Is, Mr. Davis okay with this relationship?”
“Mr. King, are you bisexual?”
These are the questions that were showered over me as soon as I entered conference hall. Eva kept chuckling softly whenever they asked anything about my preference in sex. Her contagious chuckle brought smile to my face too.
I pulled out chair for her and she thanked me before sitting. We sat down comfortably and I asked them to question one by one.
“Mr. King, aren’t you gay?” One of the reporter, named Edward asked.
“Do you really think I am gay after seeing this beauty sitting beside me?”, I asked and everyone chuckled.
“Weren’t you and Mr. Davis in relationship *?”, Another question came from a lady journalist and I saw Adam face palming himself from the corner of my eyes as he was standing at the entrance.*
“We are just friends. ‘JUST FRIENDS’.”, I air quoted last two words.
“Who is this lady?”, I smiled, don’t know why? But I just did.
“She is my fiance and soon to be wife”, I said and soft murmers started.
“How did you two met?”
“She works in sales department of my company, once she came to deliver a file and you can say that I was hypnotized by her beauty”, I replied confidently and Eva’s head snapped towards me. I can lie pretty confidently!!
“Is that the real reason? Because we have heard from some of our sources that you need to get married before 27 else this company will be sent to trust. And your birthday is in this month too!!” A lady in her mid thirties asked. I saw Eva getting panic.
“That’s not true!! My company is rightfully mine!! My sudden wedding has nothing to with that. I have business trip next month for almost four weeks, so I suggested to get married and then take her with me. It will be like our honeymoon too”, I said and the journalist seems to accept my lie. Eva too sighed in relief.
After few more questions, I told them to have refreshments. We immediately walked out and went towards my another penthouse that was on the top floor of this building.
“Why did we came here?”, Eva asked.
“Miss. Collins, this is Mr. Rhode. My lawyer”, I introduced Mr. Rhode to her. She was polite but he seems to be judging her. Eva squirmed on her place and I felt anger rising within me.
“Let’s talk business”, I said harshly and Mr. Rhode nodded.
“This is the contact, it consists that this marriage will be legal and applicable only for one year. And then you both are free to your way”, he explained. “Some important clauses are,
1- You will be not allowed to date anyone else while you are married.
2- No s*xual interc0urse is allowed, neither with each other not with anyone else.
3- Disrespecting each other will not be allowed.
4- Half Million Dollars will be transferred into Miss. Collins account once you sign this contract. And other half once you get married.
5- You both will be obliged to live under one roof, sharing one room but like roommates not as couples.
6- Miss. Collins as well as her family’s all expenses will be taken care by Mr. King.
Any doubt?”, He asked and I shooked while Eva nodded.
“I don’t accept last clause”, she said.
“Why?”, I frowned.
“As I will be working after marriage too, I will take care of my as well as Liza’s expenses”, she said and I rolled my eyes.
“Miss. Collins, I am the one who forced you into this, take it as my apology”, I said keeping my ego aside and Adam’s as well as Mr. Rhode’s eyebrows shot raised.
“Then leave me alone. I don’t want to marry you”, she said blankly. That slightly hurt!!
“Sign it!! I don’t have time to waste on these pathetic little fights!!”, I said sternly.
“I said, I am-”
“Miss. Collins, stop arguing and sign it!!”, I stated.
“I will not”, she dared.
“Miss. Collins-”
“Fine then”, she said and I sighed. “I will only accept half million. I don’t need remaining half. “, she added.
“Okay then, I will deposit remaining half million in Miss. Chloe Jones’s account. Is that okay with you?”, I asked and she thought for a while before nodding.
“And don’t deposit any money in my account. The first five hundred thousand, deposit it in my sister, Liza’s account. I will send you both’s account number”, she said with a satisfied smile. She is so selfless.
“Okay”, I said and she nodded. We signed the contract after reading it thoroughly and then Mr. Rhode left.
“What about PDA?”, Adam asked. He is still here? I thought he left!!
“What does that mean?”, Eva asked. She is so naive.
‘Talks the one who never even had s*x in his life. At least she had an ex unlike you who plans to die v!rgin.’ Who insult himself like this!?
“Public Display Of Affection”, Adam cleared and she nodded after muttering, ‘oh’.
“We will just k!ss on cheeks and hands. And hug each other. Normal stuff like couples do”, I answered and she nodded.
“So you mean, no mouth to mouth kissing?”, He asked. Fck!!Just the thought of k!ssing those soft petals evokes many nameless emotions within me.
Sh!t!! What the fvck are you talking about Aaron. Remember you hate her!! You hate her!! Stop imagining such err0t!c visuals.
“Of course not!!”, She said and I nodded in agreement.
“My innocent boy is getting married, I can’t believe it!!”, Adam screeched in pathetic sugar coated female voice. I rolled my eyes while Eva chuckled. I made coffee for all three of us.
“We will plan wedding arrangements tomorrow. I will take a day off”, I said and Adam’s jaw dropped. “People need to believe that we are really happy with this wedding”, I added and his jaw closed. Eva chuckled.
“Sure, I will take your leave now. See you tomorrow”, she said with a small smile and I replicated same. I escorted her till door and she waved at me before getting into elevator.
“Don’t you find her behaviour little weird?”, Adam asked when I came back in living room.
“What do you mean?”, I frowned.
“I mean, she seems unbelievably calm. As like she is happy with this wedding. She doesn’t deny you much now”, he said and I too noticed a change in her behaviour. Yesterday she was all blank and expressionless while today she laughed, smiled, chuckled, argued. She seemed normal today.
“I feel like there is something evil behind her this calm posture. Like a silence before storm”, he said in such a low voice that for a little while I felt like I am marrying any dev!lish w!tch. I shuddered.
“Shut up!!”, I scowled and he rolled his eyes.
“By the way, you didn’t tell me about your business trip! When is it?”, He asked.
“I made up a lie”, I said and he hummed in response.
“Let’s have lunch and then get back to work?”, He suggested and I nodded.
****____****
Next Day, 8:30 AM
I was quite excited today, don’t know why? May be because after this wedding finishes, I will be the only owner of my company. Ya! That might be it!!
I was wearing a black shirt with same color blazer and dark grey trousers today. Getting my mobile phone, wallet and shades I strode out of my penthouse.
I reached at her apartment building after 20 minutes. She was not here yet so I decided to call her.
“Hello?”, Her soft voice said through speaker.
“Miss. Collins, I am waiting for you outside your apartment. Hurry up!!”, I said.
“Ohh okay, I will be there within five minutes”, I agreed and hanged up. We both decided to spent a day for the wedding arrangements. I messaged her yesterday and was expecting a negative reply but she accepted immediately that too with a smiley emoji. I wonder what’s wrong with this girl?
“Bye”, a female voice broke the chain of my thoughts and I turned to find Miss. Collins waving at two girls. She looks so different in casual wears. A haltor top and denim shorts, with white converse. Her hair were side braided and her eyes were covered with blue round sunglasses.
“Good morning, Mr. King!!”, She said cheerfully after sitting inside the car on passenger seat.
“Uhh, yeah!! Good morning”, I replied.
“Shall we??”, She asked with a smile.
“We shall”, I replied with a chuckle and started the car.
“Where are we going first?”, She asked.
“Wedding rings”, she hummed in response.
“Then what about this?”, She asked pointing towards the ring that she was wearing which I gave her yesterday.
“Wear it in right hand”, I said and she immediately did.
We got off at Tiffany’s and entered inside. “Mr. King, it’s pleasure to have you!! Please come!!”, The Manager, Mr. Rustling invited us inn.
They started showing us various couple rings but none of it interested Eva. Everytime she kept shooking her head in negative. Why the hell is she so interested in these arrangements?
“Mr. King!! Mr. King!!”, She tugged at my sleeves enthusiastically and I raised my eyebrows at her.
“What happened?”,
“This one”, she replied smiling. I looked at her choice and she was pointing towards crown couple ring.
“King”, she poked my chest, “Queen”, she pointed at herself all the while giggling. She is so freaking cute!! Even the staff had smile on their faces seeing her giggling face. I know she is putting up an act of a happy couple and I can’t help but admire how stunning her smiling face looks.
“You like it?”, I asked.
“I love it!!”, She said with wide eyes.
I wonder if she is really acting or not. If yes, she is really a great actress and if no, I am kind of happy.
“Let’s get it then!!”, I said and she nodded.
“What’s the price?”, She asked warily.
“Don’t worry, you go wait for me in the car. I will be there after getting this”, I said.
“But what if it is costl-“, she started to resist but I pushed her towards exit and she left with a sigh. While paying for it one of the sales girl said that my fiance is very sweet and I kind of felt proud.
“Next stop?”
“Cake shop!!”, I answered.
———
“What flavour would you prefer?”, The owner of the cake shop asked us.
“Apple”
“Strawberry”
I said former while she later. She gave me a stink eye and then repeated her preference.
“Apple”, I persisted.
“Strawberry”
“Apple”
“Strawberry”
“Apple”
“Strawberry”
“Strawberry”
“Apple!! Ohh no!!”
“Ohh Yess!!!”
“You cheated!!”, She accused.
“I did not!”, I denied. We kept bickering until the shop owner cleared his throat. God!! I am a businessman!! What the fuck am I doing!!??
“Any mutual preference?”, He asked.
“Pineapple”, we both said in unison and stared at each other before averting our gazes.
“Pineapple it is!”, The Bakery owner repeated and I nodded. “When to deliver it?”, he asked.
“24th of August”, I said. “I will send you the address”, I added and he agreed.
As soon as we sat in car, we both burst out laughing. “We-we were behaving li-like kids!!”, She said through her laughter and I nodded.
Her laugh is so beautiful!!
“And Apple!! Seriously??”, She commented.
“What?? Apple is far more better that your strawberry okay!!”, I felt offended.
“Ohh please, strawberry is much better!!”, She said.
“No no!! Miss. Collins, apple is more good!!”, I said.
“We are on the same track again!!”, And again we both burst out laughing.
“What next?”, She asked when sobered up from laughter.
“Wedding planner”, I replied and she nodded.
————-
“Any theme preference?”, The wedding planner, Mrs. Lopez asked us.
“We just want a simple wedding!!”, Eva said and I nodded.
“Cake?”
“We already booked it!!”, I answered.
“Ohh okay!!”, Mrs. Lopez said.
“Color preference?”
“White”, I said.
“Blue”, Eva said.
“Blue and white goes well together. Should we find the Venue or you already did?”, She asked. I looked at Eva for her opinion.
“Let them find”, she answered and I preferred to go with her.
“Thank you Mrs. Lopez.”, I said and she nodded with a grin.
After paying the advance we came out and headed to have lunch. This time too we had a little fight, I wanted to go to a restuarant to have a peaceful lunch but she insisted on McDonald’s, so now we are in McDonald’s.
She eats so freely, without any barrier. There is no grace but the way she handles herself, it’s like she has her own defination of grace and elegance. She is pure, no filtering required. I kept on staring at her as the burger she ordered for me seems too big to fit in my mouth. But the way she is eating, I felt like I kept her starving for months.
We went to restuarant as I didn’t got to eat in her McDonald’s. While having lunch, it was not quite this time. She is now comfortable around me and I felt like I achieved something big. But the main thing is, I am comfortable around her. Women usually makes me uncomfortable but this woman seems to be an exception. We discussed about our wedding outfits and I assured her that Evan will handle it.
I wanted to take her for shopping but she said that she has plenty of clothes and she doesn’t need it. I didn’t forced as I know she doesn’t like me to spend on her. Even the McDonald’s bill was also paid by her. She is too stubborn!!
I shopped for myself and she helped me with it. “Is this watch good?”, I asked showing her the oxy black Rolex Cosmograph Daytona on my wrist .
“It is”, she replied while sipping on her coke.
“Okay then, let’s buy it!!”, I said and she nodded.
We were paying for the things we shopped when I saw her clenching her jaw and her hands in tight fists. I glanced at her focus of vision and saw a sales man eyeing her up and down disgustingly.
“She is a woman!! Not a fvcking piece of meat!!! Stop staring at her you rascal!!!”, I shouted and was about to march towards him when Eva’s hand stopped me.
“It’s okay Mr. King”, she said calmly.
“What happened sir? Is everything alright?”, The manager asked.
“This disgusted b@stard was eyeing my fiance as like she is some kind of thing to eat!!”, I snarled pointing towards that sales man and the manager started to apologise.
“I am sorry sir. I will take care of it!!”, He tried to convince me. “You piece of shit!! Come with me”, he dragged that b@stard outside. I wrapped my arm around her waist possessively, pulled her closer and walked out letting the bodyguards to carry the bags.
She untangled herself from my grasp as soon as we reached parking lot. “Thank you”, she said. There was a genuineness on her face which I didn’t see throughout the day except when we were laughing after the cake fight. The smile she was giving me now seemed more honest and real.
We had dinner silently with little bit of talk in between and then I dropped her back home.
“Hey, where were you?”, Adam asked as soon as I entered my penthouse.
“I told you, I would be out with Eva”, I said and plopped down on sofa.
“Yeah, but whole day?”, He asked and I chuckled.
“I really had fun today!! Shopping with her is really enjoyable. She doesn’t have many tantrums, she doesn’t go for price tags. We were childishly quarreling over the flavour of cake, can you believe it!!”, I said laughing a little.
“You really enjoyed huh?”, He asked.
“Really!!”, I replied.
“I will leave now!!”, He said and stood up.
“Hey!! You were here for something right?”, I asked but he was silent. His eyes held guilt.
Guilt?
“Yeah, but you seemed to be tired. We will talk tomorrow”, he said and I nodded. I was really tired.
“Yeah, but is everything fine??”, I asked.
“I just hope there won’t be any heartbreak in this story”, he mumbled lowly but I heard it.
“What-“, before I could complete my question, he was out of door. I sighed. What’s wrong with him? Weird!!
After changing into comfortable clothes, I lied down on my bed. Just one thought knocked repeatedly on my mind before I drifted off to deep slumber. After spending this fun day with her, one thing is sure,
I don’t hate her now!!!
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