BOUND BY THE BILLIONAIRE’S HIDDEN LOVE

CHAPTER 4 - I Was Tempted

Crystal’s POV

I was seated next to my brother in front of his car, but my mind continued to remember the past. I can still vividly remember when I was brought to his mansion by his bodyguards.

When I arrived at his mansion, I was shocked to see him. My shock heightened when I heard his story and when he reiterated his proposal to make me his new bride…

(Reminiscence)

I fell silent as I tried to digest in my sleepy head the words that he just stated. I looked at him, checking if he was serious or just playing around. But then I saw the seriousness in his expression. Goodness, who would say no to this kind of proposal? First, he was a gorgeous man and a millionaire or might even be a billionaire, and second, I will have enough funds so that I can pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer. Thirdly, I will only act in a day or two, and then I can perish from his sight. Oh wow, I was tempted to grab it now; but I won't let him think that I was so easy to allure.

“Are you serious, Mr. Dariel? But I am not the woman you are supposed to marry and, of course, how can I sign the marriage contract on her behalf?” I asked, confused. I heard him break into laughter after hearing my tone of confusion.

“Of course, you will sign your name, not her name, because you will be my bride, Crystal,” he told me with laughter still in his eyes.

“What? I am still young Mr. Dariel. I have no intent of getting married yet.” I retorted, somewhat getting more confused.

“Did I say that we would register the marriage contract on the civil registry?” He asked while smiling mysteriously.

I somehow felt ashamed about thinking that the marriage would be real. Hang on, I was dreaming already. The marriage would be a fake one. Of course, it will not be registered in the Civil Registry.

“Oh, alright, I got it now. It would be a sham marriage. Fine. I will not think twice about this. I will be honest, Mr. Dariel, my Supervisor, wanted to fire me at the restaurant and if that happened, I might not be able to pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer. I might have my college diploma now, but you know for a fact that getting a job for a fresh graduate like me is difficult. Maybe your proposal is God’s answer to my prayers.” I said softly. I felt ashamed, but I will not think about shame anymore. I needed to accept this to achieve my dreams.

Hearing my words, I saw his expression soften, and then he said, “Let me take care of your schooling and other matters, just help me during my supposed wedding. Be my bride, Crystal.”

I was speechless for a while. “I … I mean if it is only for one or two days of acting, I would consider it a special job. I will agree then,” I said, after gaining the courage to accept his proposal.

I saw the happiness that overflowed in his eyes, then like a flash, I felt his arms wrapped around me. He was hugging me while laughing, and I felt my world go round. I don’t know, but his warm body just felt so good, and it was as if I belonged to where I was enclosed then.

…

Dariel’s POV

I did not pay attention to the woman beside me. My mind was still with Crystal and our past. I was so happy then, when she accepted my somewhat weird marriage proposal, which made her shocked at first...

(Reminiscence)

I hugged her, yes! I hugged her so tight. I don’t know what came over me, but I just realized that out of my happiness, my arms suddenly wrapped her tight in an embrace.

I was laughing, unaware of the shock that washed over her when I hugged her. My problem had been solved, and it was because she agreed to be my instant bride.

“Err, Mr. Dariel, I cannot breathe,” she complained, which made me return to my right senses.

“Ohh, sorry Crystal. I was just overwhelmed with joy, you know. My problem has been solved and thanks to you my sweet angel.” I said as I hooked my fingers into her chin and intensely looked at her.

She flipped her eyes and confusion suddenly appeared. I could feel her sudden uneasiness and strong throbbing of her heart as her lips quivered.

“You think we need to practice the kissing scene part during our wedding?” I murmured to her, being amused at how her eyes grew wide, and stepped back as if seeing me as a predator who would gobble her any minute.

She crossed her arms around her bosom and looked at me with a serious face. “Mr. Dariel, if you don’t want me to back out, stop touching, hugging, or even attempting to kiss me,” she said with fire in her eyes.

I put my two hands up while grinning. “Alright, alright apology. But of course, you cannot use that rule during the wedding ceremony and during the wedding celebration, as I am sure the guests would definitely request that the newlyweds should kiss,” I said, still grinning, keenly observing her face while it turned to red cherry and her lips pouted. I don’t know what I was thinking, but I found her pouting lips seemed to look so delicious.

“Mr. Dariel, can I go now? It’s getting late already,” she said unsmiling.

“Oh, you will be dropped off at your place by my driver. By the way, tomorrow, I will pick you up. We need to buy your wedding gown and our wedding ring. Please bring a certified true copy of your birth certificate. I will be needing it, and before you go, give me your mobile number.” I told her before letting her go. I was holding my mobile phone, ready to save her phone number.

She nodded, uttered her mobile phone number, and then bade goodbye; but I told her that I would walk her to my parking area, where my driver was waiting for her. She just nodded without uttering a word.

We walked in silence until we reached my parking area. My driver was there already waiting beside my Porsche. I told him to bring Crystal home, using my Porsche car.

When my driver opened the door for Crystal to get inside my Porsche car, I suddenly held her right arm and said, “Take care and see you tomorrow my sweet angel.”

She batted her eyes as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, she just nodded her head and then entered the car.

“Take my future wife home, safe and sound, Willy. Did you hear me right?” I said to my driver, who nodded and smiled widely.

Crystal looked at me with her face turned scarlet. I gave her my enchanting smile and winked at her. In my mind, I was thinking of not letting her go after the wedding…