Chapter 3 An unwelcome encounter

Chapter 3

Vanessa's POV

Sipping the pineapple-flavoured juice I ordered a few minutes back while watching people burst into the lounge.

Personalities of different kinds paraded the large room, while some were well dressed in fine ironed Italian suits whilst holding suitcases, some were dressed casually but richly for evening dinners and dates with ladies well lavished and sophisticatedly dressed clinging to the arms of the men.

Their faces were radiated and beamed with smiles and joy.

On either side of me, the people were chattering and laughing loudly, plates and metals clinked each other, and waiters and waitresses filed every nook and cranny of the room, attending to people; the room was naturally active and fun.

I sighed unconsciously, remembering I was meeting my fiance that evening, just as Father had said to meet and know each other better before the wedding.

A couple directly opposite me caught my attention; the man was spoon-feeding the lady gently and tenderly, and then he did something that made my heart melt. The food had stained her lips and he leaned and kissed it off her lips.

I smiled at the scene and wished my fiance would be somehow sweet and romantic.

Speaking of sweet, the man left me sitting and waiting for the past thirty minutes. No calls or texts to explain.

I couldn't help but wonder if what I'm bringing myself to do makes sense, since father told me, I've been thinking if this so-called arranged wedding would work out.

"My little angel, I would never have thought giving you out in marriage without your consent, without the love and trust building a healthy relationship, but here, father's doing, if there's a way I can take back the hands of time, I would rectify things. But now fathers' hands are tied and unable to do anything. The only way to fix this mess and save your father the shame is getting married to Sterling's son, just think of it as preserving and protecting your family name." Father's words resurfaced in my mind.

I've never seen my father so bitter and rueful as he was that fateful night; he looked stressed out and tired,d and the way he spoke to me was heartbroken.

I needed no one to tell me whatever might have made him give my hand in marriage, was extraordinary and out of his might.

Of course, my hands were tied and I love my father so much that I can't bear to refuse his proposal. I had to marry this man, whether it worked out or not, to protect my father.

A kind of shuffling noise brought me back to the present and I blinked repeatedly at the sight in front of me.

A tall, handsome man is sitting right in front of me; his head is buried in his mobile, and his hands are working on it.

"Who're you? What are you doing here?" I asked, my heart hammering in my chest loudly.

The man kept silent; he did not attempt to look up. Instead, he busied himself typing.

"Hey, I'm talking to you; why are you sitting at my table? Look I want no trouble please, the space you're filling is reserved for my fiance and he'll be here any moment from now. I don't want to create a bad impression." I said fearfully, my heart now thudding loudly in my ears.

When I was beginning to decide on calling the security for trespassing, he finally raised his head to look at me.

Damn! If handsome is a person, then it's this man, he's strikingly beautiful with small brown and black eyes that sink deep into the socket, and his long wavy jet black hair is packed in a ponytail with a few strands at the side of his temple, his lips are red and full, his jaws are thick and well defined_ he's dashing and manly.

"Probably you've made a nice impression." His deep baritone voice brought me out of my reverie.

I blinked and looked away. I didn't like how his eyes held mine; no, it's a lie; I can't bear to look at him because his gaze alone is causing some heated feelings beneath my stomach. "Brent Sterling?" I asked staring at him.

"Weren't you taught it's a bad habit to keep a lady waiting all alone, what if I was harassed by some unknown guy?" I breathed controlling my anger.

Brent tilted his head to a side watching me with a slight amusement dancing in his eyes and mischief curled in his lips. He kept mute watching me closely like I was some kind of funny stuff.

I narrowed my gaze and looked away angry. Does he think I'm some kind of animation or what? Geez! He's more annoying than I think.

"My father said we are meeting to familiarize ourselves with ourselves and, of course, to choose a suitable wedding dress for the wedding." He said ignoring my earlier question.

"Yeah, father told me so. What would you like to know about me?" I asked sitting up.

He leaned back on his chair. "I don't think that's necessary. This marriage never asked for our opinions. As far as we are concerned, we're both doing it to preserve each other family names.." He frowned at the words he spat out, then he shrugged carelessly.

"So I see no reason for familiarity. We get married, live in the same house, and keep our distance. Nothing more, nothing less."

I blinked unbelievably; his words replayed in my mind, and for the first time in ages, my words shattered, but he gave me no room for thoughts before speaking up.

"Finish up your drink and let's move to the next section. I'm a very busy person and my time is precious and worthwhile." He nodded at my drink, then looked at me.

"Or do you want to have dinner, I can spare you some minutes to grab something." He added after a thought.

I shook my head hurriedly. The last thing I would do is eat while he watches me and then make a bad impression on myself.

"No, no, I'm good," I replied quickly grabbing the juice and gulping the whole content down at a go.

We rose together, and he dropped some dollars on the table; his fingers brushed mine as he held it, leading me outside towards the parking lot, his car beeped at the far end, and we walked down there.

"Fasten your seat belt properly, I don't want to murder another man's child before marrying her." He said, turning on the ignition. The car revved soundly, and he cast me an eye glance. I nodded at him, and he turned his head to the wheel and sped out of the hotel.

*******

The brilliant light coming out from the large bulb at the front of the building welcomed us; its warmth spread around, enticing people, and customers flooded the area like the lounge.

Brent held my hands as we walked towards security; the guard at the entrance bothered to ask for our card; instead, he bowed his head and allowed us entry.

Without wasting much time, Brent led me to the female wedding gowns section. The rooms, twice large, were filled to the brim with different brands, designs, and styles of white gowns, and two attendants were in the room.

"Pick a gown you would love to wear tomorrow," Brent said, eyeing the rolls of endless gowns; he settled into one of the sofas and began operating his mobile.

"Won't you help me?" I looked confused at the clothes. I haven't started going through the gowns and I'm already feeling tired.

"Pick one and we will make a choice." He replied curtly.

I took a step following my mind towards a red rack at the far end of the room and here I saw my dream wedding gown.

It is long and fixed with laces at the entire chest area, silver beads adorned the edges and waistline of the gown, the gown neckline was fixed to a shiny silver necklace, and the hands and remaining fitting of the gown were long.

"I think I like this gown. Bring it down." I said to one of the attendants.

"How's this Brent?" I nudged his foot with mine.

He looked up and stared at it for a while before motioning for me to enter the dressing room and change into it.

I blushed a little and held the dress, walking into the room; the attendants helped me change into the gown.

"Brent see?" I called as soon as I came out.

He scowled, looking up, and then his mouth left hanging open.

"Maybe this marriage is not a bad idea anyway." He grinned at me.