Betrothed.
Nick crossed his arms and reclined casually in his chair, his eyes involuntarily wandering across Rachel's striking appearance. He couldn't deny it; she was breathtaking. And he had always been drawn to stunning women, and Rachel was no exception. Her long, lustrous blonde hair framed her incredible figure, and her captivating hazel eyes held his attention. Yet, what he found most enticing were her full, rosy lips. They practically beckoned him to kiss them. Nick couldn't help but groan softly as he closed his eyes, momentarily lost in the thought of their lips meeting. "Are you even listening to a word I'm saying?" Rachel's voice dripped with anger as she noticed Nick's inattention. Nick's gaze snapped back to her, his eyes locked onto hers. He admitted, "No, I was lost in a fantasy about kissing those lips of yours." Rachel was initially at a loss for words, unsure if Nick was joking or being serious. Her wide-eyed stare seemed to amuse him, and his lips curled into a sly smile...... At the age of 22, Rachel's world shattered when she discovered she was bound to the notorious Nicholas Hill in an arranged marriage, a cruel twist of fate that neither party desired. Forced into a union neither envisioned, one question lingered: will love manage to bloom?
My Own Terms
The days rushed by in a whirlwind, leaving Rachel feeling utterly overwhelmed. But that wasn't the only source of her distress.
News of her engagement had spread like wildfire, thrusting her into an uncomfortably bright spotlight. Magazine covers, relentless media attention, and even her father's concern for her safety had prompted security measures. "It'll all calm down after the wedding. They're just after the drama," her father assured her.
However, Rachel had a sinking feeling that things wouldn't be so simple. Her impending marriage to Nick was a life-altering event, that much was certain.
*****
"I hate it," Rachel murmured as she gazed at her reflection. She wore a stunning mermaid Ruby dress with a magnificent train, personally chosen by Mrs. Hill. In the room with her were the twins, Derby and Kelly.
Derby exchanged a knowing glance with Kelly before responding gently, "Why? There's absolutely nothing wrong with it. You look stunning."