Bound to You

Chapter 20: First Impressions

Sunday, 09:30

"Wow...where—where are you going like that!?" 

Sierra hesitated between a step or two before finally standing beside the table and looking at Ileana who was munching on her cereals, expectantly waiting for an answer. It was clear that she was intrigued and surprised right now.

She composed herself and let out, "I got a date." 

Ileana almost sputtered her cereal. That would be the last thing she expected to hear from Sierra. "Really?!"

She only received a nod as a response. She was amazed, "Must be a special hot date if you wanna impress him like that! You're so gorgeous." 

"I...thanks, I guess?"

Her niece cleared her voice, somehow amused, "Do I know him?" 

It was clear that Sierra felt uncomfortable talking about it. She chuckled, "Geez, you look really nervous. Shake it off. He'll be a fool not to instantly like you!" 

"Hope you're right. I might...return a little bit late." 

"It's fine, Sierra. You're going to rock it!"

"See you later then."

She gave her one last long look which only earned her another inquisitive gaze from her niece. Shaking her head, she made her way to the door.

When she stepped outside, she couldn't feel any guiltier than that. She spotted a black limousine parked right in front of her house and a chic driver waved in her direction.

He bowed slightly to her, opening a door in the rear back for her, "Good morning, Ms Danvers. I'll be your chauffeur. Direct orders from Mr Torres. May I comment that you're looking radiant?" 

That could only be James's doing. She tried not to sound surprise, "Er...thank you. But I'll manage." She glanced at her car. It was all good to go. 

The driver looked at her in a confused and outrageous manner, "Please, do not embarrass Mr Torres by coming in that old car. You are his fiancée after all and first impressions matter." 

2012 wasn't that old and arguing wouldn't explain anything.

"Right..."

She slid inside without any further word and a few minutes later, the car engine started. 

She felt the soft comfortable seat under her hands, saw the champagnes chilling in a bucket of ice and the curved TV accompanied by quality speakers that fit a side of the vehicle. It all reflected luxury and yet, she wasn't impressed.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Torres Manor, 11:00

People milled around him, sipping champagne and munching on appetizers. There was a live band, playing jazz music on a low platform and some couples, dancing to the sweet song. 

James plucked a flute of champagne off of a nearby server's tray and took a sip. Where the hell was that woman? Those aristocrats were beginning to question him now. He could notice the worry on his mother's face as she approached him.

"Forcing you to marry the woman we chose was definitely wrong, darling. I hope that today...you made the right choice..." 

James grimaced as his mother neatened his tie and caressed his face, a smile lacking on her face. He carefully said, "Something tells me you don't actually appreciate my choice. I saw through the forced acting at the restaurant." 

Carmen sighed heavily, "It's not a question of appreciation. It's the status. Look, Dinah came from a prestigious family. She had the qualities of a good wife and daughter-in-law and that was why we chose her for you. But here, Christopher and I know nothing about Sierra's background. And given that she's working...I don't think her family is well-off—" 

James grumbled, rolling his eyes, "I'll stop you right there, mother. I don't give a damn about status." 

Carmen looked him straight in the eyes and warned, "Your father cares a lot about the family's reputation. Sierra should at least demonstrate that she can fit in."

His elder brother, Dom chuckled as he came in view, a cocktail in his hand, "I always knew Dinah would not be able to live with that arrogant bastard, mother. The woman just couldn't wait to get rid of golden boy." 

James tossed him a scowl while his mother disapproved of the comment. She gave him a gentle squeeze and walked away to attend to other guests. He faced Dom, "As a matter of fact, brother...I divorced her and not the other way around." 

"Whatever, that's all in the past, right? I wonder why your girlfriend hasn't even showed up till now. Didn't she desert you behind your back by any chance?" 

 His brother was an annoying copy of his father. They valued the principles his grandfather made clear, long ago. Family above all. But how could he solely divert his attention towards a single matter? 

He had an empire to manage all on his own when this i***t failed to demonstrate interest in even working. He was just a slacker who profited from the huge family inheritance and liked to mingle with the rich.

If only he was not the younger brother. Maybe he could have made his father see reason then. Selling off the corporation to some foreign investors to just become normal shareholders was something he would not accept at any cost. 

He had to save the corporation from falling into scheming strangers' hand. He had it in his blood. He just loved it; to manage and control the activities and watch how each and every of his single decisions made impacts around him. It was important to him but they would probably never understand that. 

He had always been committed to his work. More than anything else, now that he spared a thought about it. 

Dom bragged as he pointed towards his father who was talking with a beautiful woman, "Look at how Felicia get along with our father. He simply loves her like her own daughter." 

James pursed his lips, as he watched his sister-in-law engage in exciting conversations, probably talking about babies.

Ugh. Though she came from a noble family from Marseilles, she was more like a trophy wife. He must admit that the woman had a kind personality though.

It was quite difficult to picture Sierra mingling in there among those aristocrats. She was more... down to Earth than this woman... She knew of hardships and challenges and that was what made her unique. 

Felicia might be more talented with her opera singing skills or landscapes painting but Sierra was just a woman full of surprises. Though they were sometimes unpleasant. Like the seven-figure. She really caught him off guard by coming up with such a deal. 

Dom mocked, "Are you having second thoughts, now brother? Where the hell is she, eh?"

And just as those words left his brother's mouth, he finally saw his limousine in view. It slowed down along the path until it stopped in the centre of the vicinity.

James broke into a grin, "She's here."

Dom grunted as he looked his way, "It was high time."

A valet dutifully hassled to the car and rushed to open the rear door. He extended his hand and Sierra smoothly held it, elegantly stepping out, smiling as she thanked him. 

James felt a quiver within as the loud conversations around him lowered into whispers.

He was stunned. 

Dom coughed, "Holy! Is that her? She's absolutely gorgeous!" 

James was pleasantly surprised if not internally shocked. He had to look twice to confirm that it was really her. He sipped slowly into his champagne, taking in her beautiful sight. She was absolutely stunning. 

In that long peach color lace dress which had a split at the side, how could he not stare at her, how could he not be astounded?

Her brown hair with caramel highlights was secured into a chignon with some strands fashionably left loose and the simple silvery watch she wore shone on her wrist. Her ankle strapped stiletto heels made her even more desirable. He never thought she had such a perfect sense of fashion. 

He smiled privately as she looked lost, her eyes searching the area. For him, most likely. He didn't think she'd see him when people were standing before him, goggling at her.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Sierra was puzzled, feeling awkward when she realised all those strangers had turned to see her. She knew the moment she had agreed to step in the limousine that she wasn't going to get the quiet entrance she had hoped for. 

Amidst the exquisite classical music of a live band, she could already hear the whispers. She gently turned around, figuring out where to head to, trying not to look too lost at the grandeur of this magnificent garden. 

An immense architectural and intricate mansion rested on the green land. So this was the manor of the Torres family?

Impressive. 

She was a little nervous to see so many people. She thought this was a private engagement.

How did they organise so much in so little time? She turned to ask the valet for help but he was already gone. Great. 

She walked along the paved path, her eyes searching for the man who has caused her nothing but troubles.

A good-looking man casually broke from his group to approach her, "I believe you're looking for someone, milady." 

"Yes, could you kindly—" 

"I'll be happy to fill the void in your life at the moment." 

A single quick analysis told her that he was pretentious. His body-language spoke out his confidence.

He gently held her hand, placed a long kiss on her fingers and bowed slightly, "I am Robbie Davenport, at your service..." 

The Davenport family produced some of the best lawyers and doctors she knew. Well, everyone knew about them. He continued, a smile on his face, "...and I'll be direct. You're the most beautiful lady here and I'd appreciate if you stick with me. You must be a noble." 

She needed an escape. "I'm flattered but—"

She gently pulled her hand away from his and he laughed at her cautiousness, "I thought I knew every women here but you, are definitely not familiar to me. Shall we rectify that over a drink if I may offer?" 

She smiled apologetically, "I unfortunately must decline. I'm awaited, Mr Davenport." 

"Taken, eh? Show me your boyfriend or husband, pretty woman and I think we can make some delicious arrangements. I'm a damn good negotiator." 

An intimidating voice sounded beside them, "I'm listening, Davenport." 

Sierra shivered as she then felt a strong and comforting arm around her waist. She didn't need to look at the intruding figure to know that it was James. He pulled her closer, his head lowered to press a gentle kiss on her forehead above her eyebrow. 

She held her breath, ignoring the warmth of his mouth.

All an act, she calmly reminded herself. Robbie stared at James in horror, "Torres! She is?! Oh God, I didn't know she's—" 

"Yes, she's my fiancée. I reckon, you wanted to negotiate?" 

He reddened in embarrassment, "No, no. It's a misunderstanding. Well, congratulation to both of you. I'll leave you two alone now." He scurried away, clumsily knocking in another gentleman on his way. 

Sierra bit back her laugh, "Thanks for that."

He chuckled, "For saving you?" 

She looked up at him and teased, "Oh, don't be so proud of your accomplishment, Mr Torres... It was nothing."

She observed how handsome he looked in that impeccable charcoal black suit, a golden handkerchief popping out of his pocket neatly. His cologne smelt divine.

Always a classy man.

One of the photographers suddenly jumped on their way, knelt on the grass and raised his camera at them, "Give me your best smiles!"

They felt oblige to pose and he snapped a few shots and smiled, "Wow, you're naturals. Thanks. I'll come around later." 

James nodded and once he was gone, he raised his arm slightly and Sierra hooked hers. "You never told me it was going to be this big." 

He guessed three hundred guests really was a lot for an engagement. "Trust me. I didn't plan all this." 

Sierra looked around. People were still watching them, talking about them and she felt somehow uneasy, "Look, I'm not okay with that small crowd. We are faking everything and I don't want the news to travel the world." 

He scoffed, "You don't have to worry. I haven't call the media so it is very unlikely that everyone would be aware that we are engaged." 

She was not too certain about that, "If you say."

She put up her best smile as he made her greet some of the fellow guests, introducing her to them. It went out for long minutes. People were curious about who she was and she subtly avoided the too personal questions, revealing basically nothing of her background. 

She could see inquisitive dubious looks among certain faces and she chose her words carefully. They mustn't know anything about her nor should James know for all it mattered.

Some frowned upon her as they got to know that she was just a substitute teacher but she simply ignored them, brushing them off with a charming smile. 

Deep down, however, she was nervous. God, she could identify some famous businessmen, celebrities among other personalities.

What were they doing here? Clearly, James belonged to a highly influential family. She couldn't wait to get done with this tiring protocol.

James thought it was quite astonishing she maintained this regal composure the whole time. She was poised, elegant and seemingly comfortable. He never expected she'd take such a different environment so well. It almost felt as if... she was familiar with this type of socialising.

Sierra's attention was caught when she noticed a well-known couple. As James and her approached, she gently released his hand, held the sides of her dress, placed her one foot behind the other and dropped down into a deep curtsy. 

The royals were pleasantly surprised at the proper greeting. She gracefully stood again and the woman appreciatively said, "Well dear, this has to be the most elegant curtsy I have ever seen." 

James only stared at Sierra, taken aback. Her heart suddenly pounded in her chest.

Did she just...make a mistake?

More suspicion aroused around her. Christopher and Carmen shared a surprised momentary glance before looking back at the royals who were their good friends. 

The countess suddenly asked, her eyes questioning, "Forgive me but have we met before? You seem...familiar." 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~