A Night Stand With The CEO

04

Julian's POV

I sat in my wheelchair, my heart racing, but not from the nerves of the ceremony. No, it was something much more visceral: the realisation that the woman I had shared a reckless night with was now standing at the altar, ready to become my wife.

Her wide eyes filled with shock reflected the confusion swirling inside me, and I could hardly process the irony of it all.

Last night at the bar, Serena had been a wild breath of fresh air, intoxicating in her boldness, and now she was here, dressed in a stunning white gown, her beauty more striking than I’d remembered.

The way she’d approached me, her confidence laced with desperation, had captivated me. I had seen a glimmer of something beneath her reckless facade,was it longing?

As we had spoken, her humor mixed with vulnerability had drawn me in, and our kiss had ignited a fire that felt entirely foreign. I remembered the way she’d leaned into me, the warmth of her body against mine, and the taste of freedom we had shared, if only for a moment.

But now, as she stood there, clearly still grappling with the situation, the weight of our choices crashed down on me.

“Mr Julian Rosewood, are you alright?” My officiant concerned voice pulled me back to the present.

“I'm very much okay,” I replied, trying to maintain my composure. But inside, my thoughts raced back to that fleeting moment we had shared, and the looming reality of what was to come.

I had to marry this woman, the woman who had brought both a sense of exhilaration and chaos into my life.

As the officiant began to read my vows again, I felt the eyes of everyone in the room on us, though it was only my father, Mrs Moore and some securities, their expectations heavy in the air.

Each word seemed to stretch out indefinitely, a cruel reminder that I was trapped in this situation.

And now, she was the only person who knew that I was faking this, the act of being paralyzed…apart from the family doctor.

“Mrs Serena Rosewood, you may now kiss your groom.” the officiant proposed.

“No.” Serena refused, her gaze darting around the chapel. Everyone's eyes were on her, including mine.

Did she just refuse to kiss me? I asked myself. Not that I wanted to but she was sharp to say the words.

“Serena!” Her mother called out disappointedly.

“I mean, it's not necessary. Right, Mr Rosewood?” She pointed the question to me. I smiled, I was aware of what she was doing so I had to back her up on it.

“Of course, it's not necessary.” I answered, staring at her. “And it's no longer Mr Rosewood to you, I'm your husband now. You can call me, hubby.”

Serena glared at me with a confused and annoyed look.”

Her glare was sharp, cutting through the awkward tension hanging in the air. I could feel the anger and confusion radiating off her, but it only made me smirk. After all, she’d started this, refusing to go along with the kiss, and now she was stuck dealing with me.

“Hubby?” She scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. We were now in the car, seated together at the back seat as the driver drove us home.

“I’d rather keep it formal, Mr. Rosewood.” Serena said, not flinching at her words, she stood her ground, as stubborn as ever.

There was something amusing about the whole situation, and even though this wedding had been anything but traditional, I found myself enjoying the show.

“Fine, Mrs. Rosewood,” I replied, emphasizing her new name just enough to remind her that, like it or not, we were now tied together.

Serena folded her arms, lifting her chin slightly. “Perfect.”

I bit back a chuckle. She was furious, and I couldn’t blame her. I had no doubt she’d been pressured into this by her mother, her discomfort had been written all over her face since she’d walked into the chapel.

But instead of wallowing in regret, she met the challenge head-on, defiant as ever.

“Yes,” I said, leaning in just slightly to keep our exchange between the two of us. “But try not to look too delighted, wouldn’t want anyone thinking you’re happy about this.”

Her eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I thought she’d actually swing at me. “Trust me,” she whispered through gritted teeth. “The only thing stopping me is my mother.”

“And what kind of game are you playing?” Her voice was low, but her tone was fierce.

“No games, Serena,” I replied calmly, shoving my hands into my pockets. “We both know what this is. Just two people making the best out of a bad situation.”

She took a deep breath, clearly trying to keep her anger in check. “And yet, here you are, acting like this is some sort of victory for you.”

“Maybe it is,” I said, shrugging. “Because at least now we’re even. You know, after last night’s little stunt.”

Her mouth fell open, her cheeks flushing as she recalled our night together. “That wasn’t…” she started, but stopped, clamping her mouth shut.

I let a smirk slip through. “What? Wasn’t supposed to happen?”

She exhaled sharply, her eyes narrowing again. “This isn’t funny, Julian.”

“On the contrary, it’s hilarious,” I countered, unable to keep the amusement out of my voice.

“You tried to run from an arranged marriage by throwing yourself at a stranger, only to end up married to him the next day. You couldn’t make this up if you tried.”

For a moment, I thought she might hit me, but then her gaze softened, and she shook her head in disbelief. “You’re unbelievable.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Rosewood,” I replied smoothly, earning another glare.

“This is just… temporary,” she said, squaring her shoulders as if declaring it to herself. “Just until things settle down.”

“Sure, if that’s what you want to believe,” I replied, letting her have her illusion.

Without another word, she looked away. I looked away too, smirking like I had just won a battle.

Serena Moore, now Serena Rosewood, was fierce, unpredictable, and determined to make this as difficult as possible.

And I was looking forward to every moment in this marriage with her. She was going to be an advantage for my plans.