Arranged marriage : Married to an unknown man

Ariana

You are mine…

If you think that I’m jealous then yes I am.

These two statements, these two confessions that came out of Xavier’s mouth shook me to the core. He’s jealous of Kevin. I thought he would want me to break my friendship with Kevin, but he didn’t. I was glad that he didn’t force me for anything.

My thoughts again went back to Xavier. Did his confession mean that he felt something for me? Did he mean whatever he said? Goodness….. he did!… He did feel something for me otherwise he wouldn’t have said that. He’s a man of his words, he doesn’t fool around.

I felt corners of my mouth twitching up and in no time I was smiling like a fool. I wanted to jump in excitement because he felt something for me. I thought Xavier was still upset with me for marrying him but no, he’s not. My heart was doing a happy dance by beating speedily.

The way he kissed me in his office was different from other kisses. The kiss felt like he poured all his possession and jealously in that kiss. The kiss was fast and filled with need.. need of what, I don’t know. The way he touched me was different and the most bewildering thing was, it didn’t feel odd to me. My body automatically reacted to his every touch like my body was also yearning for some unusual needs.

Although physically I was sitting in my office, mentally I wasn’t there. I tried to concentrate on my work because Xavier asked me to finish my work quickly as he wanted to take me out for a dinner. But after his confession, I lost all my focus. I wasn’t able to even read a sentence written in documents because his words were blocking my thinking and concentrating capability.

Anyhow, I finished the work but I had to review my work two times to check if I made any mistakes. I then made my way to his office, silently wishing not to come face to face with Daniel.

Goodness, I was embarrassed, Daniel saw us standing close…too close to each other. What he must be thinking? And he’d surely tease me if he finds me. Just thinking of being caught by Daniel made me blush.

I knocked on the door of Xavier’s office, but before fully stepping inside, I peeked my head through the door to see if Daniel was there, when I found no sign of him, I entered.

Well, I would have run away if Daniel was here.

“Finished? Already?” Xavier asked surprisingly when I placed the documents on his desk.

“Yes, all done,” I said.

“I think someone is extra excited to have dinner with me.” He chuckled, making me blush.

“No.. it’s not that..”

“Well, if you’re that excited then who am I to make you wait?” He said, standing up from his chair.

“You won’t check the work?” I asked looking at him.

“I trust your work. I know you don’t make mistakes. And if there’s any need for checking, it can be done afterward.” He said, buttoning up his suit jacket. He picked up his phone and rounded the desk to stand in front of me.

“Let’s go.”

I grabbed my laptop bag and other belongings from my office and then we both entered the private elevator. We reached the lobby on the ground floor.

Xavier walked beside me confidently without paying heed to his staff around. But I was aware of the curious stares of employees that were thrown in our direction. I was sure that these people must be talking behind our back but Xavier’s power and fear didn’t let any gossip reach the top floor.

When we reached home and I was about to enter my room when Xavier spoke,

“Ariana wait.” I stopped immediately.

“I have something for you. Wait here, okay?” Saying that he ran into his room and within seconds he came out with a bag in his hand.

“Here, this is for you,” He said extending his hand to give the bag to me.

“What’s this?” I asked.

“A dress for you to wear tonight.” He simply stated.

That shocked me. Did he buy a dress for me? It was just dinner and I could have worn any dress present in my closet.

“But I already have dresses, remember you bought dresses for me on the day of the trip? I can wear any of them.” I said.

He smiled and took a step towards me. I didn’t move. He took my hand in his and placed the bag in my hand.

“Ari.. those are casual dresses. And this dress is special.” He said, making me more confused.

“Special?” I frowned.

“What did you think, I won’t buy you a dress for our first date night?” He chuckled, his eyes shining with amusement.

“Date?” My jaw dropped and I blinked several times. Had I been dreaming? Date? He’s taking me out on a date? I thought it was a casual dinner.

“Yes Ari, Date. Did you think it’s a casual dinner? If yes, then no, it’s not.” He laughed, closing my mouth by pushing my chin up with his index finger.

Oh goodness, how many shocks he wanted to give me in one day? First those confessions, now this.

“So, go and pamper yourself. It’s a special night and we still have time till dinner. It’s 4:30 and we’ll leave at 7.” He said, caressing my cheek with his thumb.

Unable to say anything, I just nodded my head and entered my room. Placing the bag on the bed, I immediately rushed into the bathroom and after locking the door, I jumped in excitement. I was laughing like a madwoman.

The day became special for me and I was sure the night would be special too because I was going on a Date with Xavier, my husband. I had never gone on a date before. I didn’t know what the night would be like, I didn’t know how the night would end. But I was so, so, so excited about the night.

I thought of soaking myself in a warm bath. I am not a fan of a long bath but today I felt like having one. I had been working non-stop for the last few days and free my body from any tension and soreness in muscles. So, after turning the faucet of the bathtub on, I removed my clothes and walked towards the laundry basket to place my clothes in it.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

I walked back to the bathtub but abruptly stopped when I passed by the mirror. I felt like I saw something, I reversed my steps and looked into the mirror, and I saw a red mark between the space of my neck and shoulder. Frowning, I moved forward and stood close to the mirror. Looking in the mirror, I rubbed the red mark.

“What’s this?” I asked myself. In the morning it wasn’t there. And I don’t even…

My hands automatically stopped rubbing when I remembered the pain I felt when Xavier did something on that particular spot of the neck in his office. Yes, it’s him… But why he did that? Why did he bite me? Was he that much jealous of Kevin that he punished me by biting me? Could he be that evil? What did he want to show by doing that? Why…

My eyes suddenly went wide and my hand dropped on my side when I remembered…

I marked you as mine Ari…

“Goodness, Xavier marked me by biting me,” I exclaimed to myself.

He stamped me with this red mark. This mark feels like it won’t fade away easily. I groaned loudly, my skin is so sensitive, any mark on my skin takes many days to fade away. I already have those…. Those scars on my body now I have to endure this one too.

“I think I have to ask Xavier why he did that. He can’t just bite me.” I exclaimed loudly.

I stomped my foot on the bathroom floor and walked towards the bathtub. I closed the faucet and checked the temperature of the water by dipping my hand in it. When I was satisfied with the temperature, I sat in the bathtub.

I closed my eyes and moaned as warm water immediately worked on my tensing muscles and started removing tight knots in my muscles.

I remained in the bathtub for almost half an hour and after that, I showered and washed my hair. After wearing a bathrobe and wrapping my hair in a towel, I walked out of the bathroom.

I looked at the time. It was half-past five and I had one and a half hours to get ready. I unwrapped my hair from the towel and sat on the table stool in front of the dresser and started drying my hair with a hairdryer. After drying my hair, I got up to see the dress Xavier bought for me.

Silently praying for the dress not to be revealing, I took out the dress from the bag. I gasped when I saw the dress, it was a beautiful black, round neck full sleeves, ankle-length dress with white diagonal stripes. But it had a small slit at the side which I thought will end up till my knee. I had to check the slit by wearing it. I don’t want to show my scars and I don’t even want to upset Xavier.

Apart from that slit, the dress wasn’t at all revealing for which I was thankful for Xavier. He was aware of my discomfort, he knew I don’t wear revealing dresses that’s why he bought me this dress. He’s so sweet.

And no matter what, I’ll wear this dress just for him. I’ll conceal my scars if I have to but I’ll wear this dress.

I went inside the closet and slip out of the bathrobe and wore the dress. I slightly closed my eyes and stood in front of the mirror. Biting my lower lip, I slowly opened only one eye to take a look at the dress. But my second eye automatically shot open and a loud gasp escaped my throat when I looked at my reflection. The dress looked…. Gorgeous on me. And the slit ended just above my knee. I sighed in relief when I saw that none of the scars on my thigh were visible.

I then went back to my vanity and decided to apply a little makeup. I applied a light foundation, eyeliner, nude eyeshadow, and lipstick. When I was done with that, I straightened my hair and wore earrings. Then I again went back to my closet to wear shoes.

I thought of wearing flats but I always wore them and it was a special night. I wanted to look good so I opted to wear heels. They would give me sore feet but I would handle that.

I gave a quick look to myself in the mirror before heading out. I ran towards the bedroom door and opened it swiftly only to come face to face with Xavier whose hand was hanging in the air. When he saw me, his hand went down on his side.

My eyes bulged out when I saw him, I was stunned, he looked handsome, more handsome than he looked regularly. He wore a black casual suit with a white round-neck T-shirt underneath. His hair was neatly combed back, and he wore casual glasses. I had never seen him wearing glasses. He was looking drool-worthy and…hot.

Wait… did I just say hot? Goodness, what’s happening to me? I think my mind is corrupted by some virus. But I can’t even blame that virus… because he indeed was looking hot.

My gaze traveled up to his face only to find him staring at me. I bit the inside of my cheek shifted on my feet which made him look at my face.

Without breaking eye contact, he stepped towards me until he was just inches apart from me. And in no time he snaked his arm around my waist and tugged me closer to him, making my front press to his front.

“Guess, we’re matching again. And you look absolutely stunning.” He said huskily, kissing my cheek.

“You look handsome too.” Those words left my mouth before I could stop them. He immediately stepped back, removing his hand from my waist.

“Is that a first compliment I’m hearing from you?” He asked, surprised. I consider him handsome but I had never complimented him. Not that I didn’t want to but I wasn’t able to voice out my thoughts before, but now it was different.

I lowered my head feeling embarrassed. But then my face was lifted by Xavier’s index finger under my chin.

“I’m glad you consider me handsome. Well, it’s not that I don’t know that but hearing it from you made me more delighted.” He smiled, making my face heat up.

“And you don’t even need artificial blush to apply on your cheeks ’cause your cheeks are always pink.” He chuckled, caressing my cheek with his thumb.

“Why are you wearing heels? They will hurt your feet again.” He asked with concern.

“It matched the dress, so I wore them,” I said.

“But I must say, you look hot in those heels.” He said, kissing the corner of my mouth. My legs became weak at his compliment.

“I think we should leave. We don’t want to get late on the first date, now, do we? Now go and wear your coat then we’ll leave.” He said and ushered me inside the room. I wore my off-white trench coat which was in the bag with the dress Xavier had bought. I walked out of the room to find him leaning against the wall, he stood straight when he saw me.

“Let’s go.”

“Xavier wait,” I said immediately. I wanted to clear something with him.

“Yes?” He asked, looking at me.

“Um…mmm.. you.. mmm…” I scratched the back of my neck. I wasn’t able to form the sentence.

“Me what Ari?” He frowned.

“Umm.. you can’t just do that,” I said, looking everywhere but him.

“I can’t do what? I’m not understanding you, Ari.” He asked.

“Why did you bite me?” I asked quickly.

“Bite you? What…Oh, wait…I almost forgot about that. Ari, it’s not a bite, it’s called hickey.” He laughed heartily making my heart skip a beat. He moved near me and placed his hand on my neck and scrutinized it.

“So sad, it’s not visible in this dress.” He frowned slightly.

“It’s good that the mark is not visible and whatever it is called, you can’t just do that,” I stated a little harshly. I didn’t know where I found the guts to talk to him like that.

He smirked and again snaked his arm around my waist.

“Feisty huh? Do You know you look adorable when you try to act tough? And about the bite, I can and I will do that. No matter how many times, I’ll give you more of these bites so that they won’t fade away. This will remind other men that you’re taken so that they’ll stay away from you.” He whispered haughtily, making me shiver, but I composed myself and narrowed my eyes at him.

“You can’t do that.”

“Try me.”

“No, I don’t want to,” I replied hastily because I knew challenging him was a waste of my time and strength. He would do it anyway.

“Aww.. my Ari is scared? You know I can do it whether you agree or not. But I’ll not, not now or we’ll get late. You must have learned that these things take time.” He smirked, pressing my body more against him. Then after a few seconds, he let go of me and intertwined his fingers with mine.

“Let’s go before I give you another bite.” He said and dragged me out of the penthouse.

We sat in his shiny red Maserati and he drove off into the street. I sat there, looking out of the window, watching the view outside. I knew he was watching me because I could feel his burning gaze on me. I turned my head to remind him to pay attention to the road and not on me but as I turned my head, I found him looking at the road. I frowned, I knew he was watching me, I felt that.

I shrugged my shoulders; maybe I was hallucinating, after all, my mind had been occupied by only him. I shook my head at my dumbness. Then I saw him clutching the steering wheel tightly. The grip was so tight that his knuckles were turning white.

“Hey, you okay?” I asked, touching his arm with my hand. He flinched slightly at my move, making me worried. What happened to him?

“Yeah, I’m okay.” He flashed a smile. I was not convinced with his answer as his smile was forced, I knew what his natural smile is like. But I decided to push my worrying thoughts away. He must be thinking about business.

“Okay,” I whispered.

I leaned back in my seat and again looked outside the window, my eyes fell on the rearview mirror to see a car following us. There was a lot of space for that car to pass but that car was just behind us.

Were they paparazzi? My heart immediately started beating fast. If they were paparazzi they’d again cause some trouble.

I immediately sat straight and looked at Xavier.

“Xavier, a car is following us,” I said with panic in my voice. He first looked at me and then in the rearview mirror and then shook his head.

“Ari, no need to worry. It’s just Finn with other bodyguards following us in a car.” He said softly and intertwined his fingers with mine, his one hand was on the steering wheel.

“Finn?” I asked. Why is he following us?

“Yes, Finn. I can’t take a risk with your safety so, I ordered Finn to follow us with other guards. In case paparazzi catch us, they will not let them come near us.” He said, tightening his hold on my hand and again backed his attention on the road.

I closed my eyes and sighed in relief. His concern towards me made my body mushy from inside. I slowly opened my eyes and looked at him adoringly and smiled. He glanced at me and let out a small laugh.

“What happened? Why are you looking at me like that?” He asked.

“Nothing… it’s just you’re so generous and caring.” I whispered, admiring his face. He chuckled and raised our interlaced hand. He kissed my hand but didn’t say anything.

After driving for almost half an hour, Xavier stopped in front of a three-floor exquisite restaurant whose exterior was decorated with bamboos and lamps. The name of the restaurant wasn’t visible to me, maybe because I was sitting in the car.

Xavier got out of the car and ran towards my side to open the door for me. He extended his hand for me to hold and I happily obliged and stepped out. Immediately, a chilly breeze hit my face making me shiver. I clutched the coat around me tightly. He passed the car keys to the valet and gave a nod to Finn who stopped his car behind us. I waved at Finn who smiled in response. Xavier then rested his hand on the small of my back which made pleasuring heat fire up in my body. I tried to search for the name of the restaurant by looking around.

“What are you searching for?” Xavier’s voice stopped my search operation. I looked at him and frowned.

“I’m looking for the name of the restaurant. Where’s it written? Where are we?” I asked which made him chuckle.

“Come.” He led me on the small pathway covered with bamboo trees, lamps, small umbrellas, and dim lights. The place was so peaceful. He stopped a few meters away from the huge entry door which was made up of glass.

“Read that..” He pointed above the glass door. I looked up to read what was written there.

Welcome to the world of……………

I gasped and my head instantly shot in his way. He was grinning ear to ear as if he knew I’d like this place. I smiled widely and hugged him excitedly.

“Would you like to dine here?” He asked.

“I would love to,” I exclaimed excitedly.