Married To Heartless Billionaire

Chapter 3 – Goosebumps

Anaira~

Sweating.

Profusely.

Literally.

Oh God I was really nervous just thinking about meeting that man. Wearing a dark blue denims with a grey top I was kept scrolling randomly through i********: posts while sitting at the coffee shot waiting for, veer.

The leather jacket which though will look cool was making me sweat like there’s no tomorrow. And this Veer Kohli person did not come yet. It was a different argument that I was half an hour early to the coffee shop as the almost no traffic had betrayed me.

I never had met a guy for marriage before, this was going to be so awkward. Suddenly an idea popped in my mind to Google him and kill some time.

Tapping on the internet browser of my iPhone I typed away his name and was about to click on the magnifying glass when I heard some throat clearing.

I tilted my head up to see and my world stopped. It literally stopped for few seconds.

Shit! It was the guy from club who game the sleepless night. He was looking so formal, this time wearing a black dress pant with a crisp white shirt.

He was standing across my table looking intently at me and then shaking his head at my lack of response, he took a seat in front of.

Panic started to creep in, he must be following me.

And most importantly he can’t sit here, “um, can you sit somewhere else, I am waiting for someone. ” I told him trying keep my voice stern but it came out quite polite. Damn it.

Then he smirked at me.

What the . . .

An astonishment washed over his face. “Really! And who would that be?” He asked in a mocking me.

“That’s none of your business.” I blurted and surprisingly I sounded mean. Good.

“By any chance that someone’s name is Mr. Veer Kohli?” He asked, I blinked.

Shit! How does he know?

“What would you like ma’am, sir?” The Waiter asked.

“A black coffee. ” he told the waiter and turned his face at me, “what about you Ms. Mehra?”

He knows my name,

Spy

Maybe a stalker

Oh God Ana, calm down don’t jump to conclusions.

“Café latte.” I stated and sneakily clicked on search button on my iPhone to check out veer kohli.

As soon as I clicked few pictures appeared and that belonged to the man sitting opposite to me. My head snapped towards him. I was speechless. He glanced at my phone screen. “Yup. That’s me.”

My eyes widen and heart started to beat faster.

Fate!

This is fate.

The guy who saved me from falling on my butt is sitting across me and happens to be my potential future husband.

Oh god oh god oh God. Don’t make me faint.

Just then I realized, I haven’t said Jay tuning for a while rather than gawking at him.

“Hi! I am anaira, Anaira Mehra.” I blurted in a breath.

He left brow rose, and I was even more embarrassed. He already knows that.

“Yes, know that” crap I said that out loud.

Keep your thoughts to yourself ana.

“So, how are you?” he asked folding his arm and resting them on the table. Guarded, ge was being guarded.

I gulped, “I am f-fine.”

Actually freaking nervous.

“I see, you know right why we are sitting here?” He asked, waiting for my answer.

I wanted to roll my eyes, instead I nodded in response.

Looking at him I decided to ask him question, knowing him better. “Where are you from?”

“London.”

My eyes widen after that word. London he is from London.

This is fate.

Freaking fate!

I almost made up my mind to marry this guy. He is not that bad. Just a little less talkative, with a hint big arrogance and dash of show off. But it was all too good to be true.

“Really?” I asked in disbelief then face palmed myself mentally when I realized, that was so stupid.

“You were googling me so you should know I am from London. ”

He said and rolled up his sleeves up till his elbow. I gasp when my eyes darted on his tattoos on his left arm. Those started right from his knuckles training upwards. Those tattoos gave him a dark mysterious feel to his demeanor.

“Are you a mafia man?” I asked pointing at the art.

“No. I am a business man.” He answered curtly.

I nodded and couldn’t help but check him out. He looked quite hot, with that white shirt, black trousers, black silk tie around his neck and that blazer which he took off a while ago.

“Did those hurt?” those words came out of mouth gazing at his tattoos once again.

“I am used to pain.” He answered but I felt that he wasn’t talking just about the tattoos but there was something more to it.

“Why did you say that?” I asked out of curiosity when the waiter placed our coffees on the table.

“Never mind.” I nodded not pushing the topic further.

“You were the one in the pub who saved me from falling right?” He nodded at my question touching the rim of his mug.

“Thank you for that.” I added.

“That’s not a problem.”

“Did you know that it was me as in-“ Did he knew that he was watching his potential future wife when he saved me from falling on my butt? I needed to ask him as the curiosity was kill me.

“Yes I was there with my cousin across your table.”

I wanted to scream, awwww. So sweet.

I smiled inwardly. And couldn’t help but think that I was falling for this man.

There were so many thoughts going through my mind, it was as a whirlwind. Too much thinking, gave me headache.

I picked up my coffee mug and when Freshly brewed coffee filled up my senses as I brought it close my lips. This will definitely take away the uneasiness.

“So, what kind of business you are in?”

“I own V.K. Enterprises in London which is one of the highly appreciated shipping organization in UK. ” He spoke with a proud smirk on his face.

“Good for you. “

“I see you work in a publishing company as a what, author?”

“Editor. I work there as an editor.” I replied immediately.

“My apologies.” My heart too a leap. He apologizes too.

“That’s alright.” I said and smiled at him. But again he just nodded in response.

Why doesn’t he just smile?

Why always serious?

Damn his constant stare was making me uncomfortable, he is so intimidating.

“So what would I call you?” He asked.

What kind of question is that? My name obviously.

"Anaira or ana my friends call me Ana. “

“Anaira it is.” He said nodding. I wished he would call me Ana.

My name sounded really different from his mouth. Kind of nice. It rolled of his tongue smoothly.

“And what should I call you?” I asked back.

“I’d prefer Mr.Kohli” He said curtly while drinking his black coffee.

I raised my eyebrow at him. Really?

“Fine.” I replied curtly.

“Do you know about the arrangement between our family?” I shook my head in negative response as I looked at him confusingly. What arrangement?

Then he sighed.

“I am taking over your father’s company and marrying you.” That statement caught me off guard. But I kind of saw that coming.

I shifted at my seat. “I didn’t know, but it makes sense as I am not interested in dad’s business and my cousins have already built their own so it’s fine with me.”

“Good.” He said then he let out a breath.

“Let’s cut to the chase here, I want you to marry me! And you will do it. “

I swear to God, my body shivered and covered in goosebumps at the intensity in Veer’s deep voice. It seem like he meant those words. He actually wanted to marry me. Those blue eyes bored, threatening me to lower mine. It was scary but at the same time his gaze was coveting.

For God sakes I just met the guy. This was the time I met a guy just because my parents wanted me to get married. This would be an arranged marriage if I say yes. Not to mention I already had a tiny winy crush on him since I saw him upfront.

“Don’t you want to pursue your dreams Ms. Mehra?” My eyes snapped at him rather than continuing to stare at my latte; he broke the train of thoughts running my mind. When the meaning of his words sunk in, they shook me a little.

This wasn’t our first meeting, we sort of bumped into each other last night at the pub downtown. His blue eyes captured mine once again and I was lost. It was a while since I saw someone with such striking orbs. And right now, rather than getting lost in this moment, I was getting intimidated by his dominant aura.

“So you heard.” I mumbled slowly as I took a sip from my large coffee cup; tentatively my tongue touched the roof of my mouth when the beverage was too hot for my liking.

When I glanced at him, I saw him nod under my lashes as he reached for his coffee mug, taking a sip. “Yes I did.”

I’ve always wanted to live in London and pursue my dream as an editor in one of the best fiction publishing houses. Being a hopeless romantic I have always been into reading fiction novellas. I knew he must have heard me when I was dreamily talking about it yesterday in the pub to my friend. I found veer there in front of me when I was on the dance floor; while I was loosing myself into the music. And here, unknowingly he showed concern about my dream, my career and that made me like him. It was a start. Maybe that was the moment where I began swooning for the man in front of me.

“One more thing,” Veer trailed off hanging his words in suspense for a moment pulling me out of my happy thoughts, “after the marriage you can live your life the way you want and I mine.” I blinked his deep voice curt, as if it was something he really wanted and that hurt me a little bit.

So easily he uttered that we can live our lives separately, the way we want.

But not me, I’ve never encouraged such thought. For me Marriage was a pure thing, you commit and live together, love each other. It is supposed to be a forever thing. I’ve always dreamt for myself the same.

Was he the one? The guy who was asking me in marriage was he one with whom I shall live my entire life? Will that be worth my heart? Will he love me? Or he will also break me the way —

“Do you get space out often Ms. Mehra?” His words brought me out of my reverie. My thoughts went to that restricted zone. I had blocked those thoughts long ago, leaving them behind. Moving on, never allowing my mind to enter that dark painful memories again. But now, they suddenly came back bring that crawling on my skin.

I quickly shook my head and adjusted myself on the seat in nervousness. “Um . . . no . . . sorry about that. “ I apologized and bit my lower lip in embarrassment.

Just then, I heard him chuckle.

My heart jumped in my ribcage as I took in his face. The corner of his eyes twitched and shone in small happiness. Last night he was so close to me when I danced on that illuminated floor. His warm body was close to mine, he himself seem closed off; he didn't utter a single word. But right now, it gave me weird happiness listening to his small laugh.

Oh my god, I am ready to zone out all the time if he will laugh like that.

A small smile started to creep on my lips until he spoke those heart stopping words. “So, you ready for this marriage?” Veer asked afterwards in a careful tone.

And just like that, there was a big swirl in my tummy and I resisted my urge not to grin at him.

You are actually proposing to me Veer, I wanted to scream.

I took a deep breath ready to answer his not so romantic but still a proposal, I parted my lips taking in a sharp breath. Suddenly feeling out of air. For a second there I wasn’t even sure about what to answer. My legs trembled as he kept staring at me. But when I saw a small glimpse of concern and hint of disappointment in his eyes I blurted, “yes.”

I was surprised at myself. When he sighed loudly, at the sound involuntarily my thighs pressed together, there was a weird ache there. I inwardly frown at it. When I lifted my face Veer’s face showed relief and I calmed looking at his state.

Did I just say yes, because I couldn’t see the sadness in his eyes?

The thought scared me a little knowing I was falling for this man.

For all it takes, it will be worth. I was sure.

I got ready for this marriage, not knowing what was coming my way. But I was hopeful. Hope for what I wanted the most. I wished he will give it to me,

My love story.

Although I never knew, this love isn’t as easy as it seem. It never was. And it’ll never be.

"One more thing I want this to be done as soon as possible as my work is pilling up in London.”

He wants to marry me as soon as possible. Now this was becoming scary.

“So what do you suggest?”

“I suggest-“ and just then his iPhone buzzed. “Just a sec.”

“Go ahead.” I encouraged him.

“Father.” spoke once he picked the call.

Who calls their father, a father? Then he spoke to his so called father for few minutes then hung up the call.

“Shall we leave?” He asked after the call.

“Sure.” I said and took out my wallet to pay the bill but, he placed his hand on mine which brought sparks inside me.

“Girl doesn't pay when she is with a guy.” He mumubled and paid the bill. I picked up my sling bag and followed him.

The moment after we left the café I felt a hand on my back of my waist. I almost jumped out of my skin. He got close to my ear,

“It’s just me.” He whispered from my back making me shiver at the close proximity.

“Hmmm.” That's all I could speak and he took a step back giving me my personal space. But I missed the warmth it have me for few moments. I blinked at the thought.

“Shall I drop you home?” He asked sticking his hands in his pocket and the dial of his leather watch was poppd out on his wrist.

“That won’t be necessary as I brought my car.” I told him politely looking at his this time.

“Okay, until next time.” He said hurriedly as his phone buzzed again.

“Yes, bye.” He turned and went towards his car. “It was nice meeting you Mr.Kohli.” I murmured which was only audible to me.

I clicked open the door of my Renault and led my way towards home.

Veer~

Jet lag.

It’s the worst thing. I couldn’t sleep the whole night and when sun was rising I fell asleep and woke a little late. It was already 11.01 in the morning when I woke up.

Felt like someone was constantly hammering my head. I growled in pain and got out of the bed, went straight to washroom. I did my business and came out, as I was putting on my cloths I remembered to meet anaira as mother told me. After meeting her, I had a meeting with father and Mr. Mehra at his office.

Keeping that in mind I dressed formal. Black pant dress, paired with a white shirt and black tie. I picked my blazer and went downstairs to meet mother and other family members.

After having breakfast and tea which I don’t prefer, I drove myself towards the coffee shop where I had to meet Ms. Mehra. The ride was quite smooth as the car was new and GPS helped a lot to find the place in no time.

∆∆∆

I heard the bell ring above my head as I opened the door of the coffee shop.

Nice choice. Was my first reaction when I took a glance around the coffee shop, then my eyes darted on Ms. Mehra. My breath took a hitch again when I saw her, just like yesterday.

This time she was wearing a simple grey tank top and dark denims. She was typing something furiously on her iPhone, didn’t even realize I was standing besides her. I cleared my throat and her eyes darted mine and they went wider afterwards. I smirked at her and sat in front of her. Then I realized she was googling me and I told her I am veer kohli. Her reaction was worth taking a picture.

I ordered a my favorite black coffee and she ordered a café latte, as order came in she she picked up the cup and inhaled the coffee before drinking it.

I don’t know why but she is very interesting to watch. Every move, every word she said I reacted to that. This kind of stuff never happens to me. She bombarded some questions to me and I replied to them. I asked her about our business arrangement, she didn’t know at first but then accepted to it, which was big relief to me.

She asked me want she should call me, I firmly told that she should call me Mr. Kohli as I don’t want her to call me by my first name or any other endearment, as I am not ready for those. She muttered a lifeless ‘fine’ in response.

I noticed one thing she smiles a lot, I don’t know why. She was quite loud yesterday but today no so much. She was clearly intimidated by me. She looked like a scared kitten.

Good. She should!

Finally, I asked is she ready for the marriage and her eyes snapped at me and looked at me intently as if she was thinking something. I wondered ifshe would just reject to be with the guy she was with last night. After few seconds she murmured a yes to me. I let out a breath at her response. f**k I didn't want her to say no to me. No one can reject veer.

I also told her that I need this wedding to take place as soon as possible she agreed to that as well which was also quite surprising for me.

Maybe she is after my money, like everyone is.

Gold-digger!

I tried to brush off those thoughts and was about tell her that I am thinking of a registered marriage rather than a big full fledged Punjabi wedding.

I don’t have any time for those kind of celebrations but my phone buzzed I checked the caller id, father. I excused myself and spoke to him, he was asking me to meet him at Mr. Mehra’s office I had to sign few documents and attend a few meetings before I take over.

“Shall we leave?” I asked once I hung up the call and already I was getting late for the meeting. She nodded and started to dig inside her bag and took out her wallet, in a reflex I stopped her by putting my palm on hers. I felt a jolt of electricity the moment our hands made contact.

“Girl doesn't pay when she is with a guy.” I told her and quickly withdrew my hand as if her touch burnt me.

Without waiting for her reaction I paid the bill and ushered her out of the coffee house. When we were out of the café I put my and of small of the back and she almost jumped, as I was standing at her back I went close to her ear,

“It’s just me.” I whispered to her and she hummed in response.

But the point was why she behaving like this? All shy. She must be used to it. I took a step back not invading her personal space and offered her a lift to her house as a formality. But she refused.

After her denial my phone buzzed again, “okay, until next time.” I bid my farewell and turned towards my car to reach at Mr. Mehra’s office.

In half an hour I reached the office and attended the meeting which went smoothly and I had to sign some documents and some bond papers as well. After that I came home and had lunch with my family. Mother asked me about Ms. Mehra’s consent on the marriage and I told her the truth a that she said yes. Mother squealed with joy and engulfed me in a bone crushing hug. After all the love from my mother I went to my room to take some rest.

I needed Ms. Mehra I mean anaira’s consent on this marriage so I can use that against her after it happens. I couldn't take any risk. She was affecting me. And it wasn't good. I won't let her. I won't let that innocent face ruin me later. I'm enough ruined as it is.

Anaira agreed to marry me, now she will know what she had got into.