CHAPTER 5•A PROPOSAL.
~ Alexander.
If we were going to be a couple in love, we had to sell the act well. And as the initiator, I had to put in my best so she could follow my lead accordingly.
When Chiara called earlier in the day and asked for a wedding ceremony.I wasn't surprised,to say the least.
Like the rest of her gold digging kind ,she just wanted to let it sink in to everyone that she had bagged me, Alex Carrington,the second heir to the world's third richest conglomerate.
Women were so predictable.
I quickly thought that the next best thing was to plan a proposal. Something cliche and romantic that would convince the public eye that I was a man in love.
My personal assistant was efficient. But to be fair, none of this would have been possible on such short notice if I couldn't afford it.
My name alone opened doors and paid bills.
And my dick?
That was a whole different ball game for the ladies
I was clad in one of my many limited edition custom made suits. I had my PA pick out an impressive oval-shaoed diamond set ring which set me back €2 million pounds.
There were flower petals and candles lining the path that led to the huge lit up sign suspended in the air by an air balloonthat said; "Will you marry me?"
The doors opened and my eyes fell on Chiara.
My jaw dropped.
Almost as if she knew this was happening, she was dressed to the nines. Perfect for the occasion.
I had an outfit ready in case she dressed up in one of those horrendous clothes I saw back in her apartment..
I took in the sight of her fire -red hair that cascaded in a smooth fall down her slender back.
I have always been a sucker for redheads.
My eyes lingered on her necklace.The same one she always wore.
The floor length backless, strapless forest green silk dress fired up her green eyes .My fingers tingled with the urge to expose the curves her dress more than accentuated.
Alex, focus. I told myself feeling a certain part of me begin to harden.
This was not the perfect time to recall the crazy night we had when we first met.
"Mr Carrington," she said, cutting through my thoughts. Her voice had a lilting ring to it. She seemed excited and flustered at the same time.
I let my mouth lift up in that charming grin,every woman fell for.
"Ms DeLuca. You look absolutely gorgeous."
I drawled , raising her delicate arm to my wrist.I felt her pulse flutter with satisfaction.
So far so good.
"You don't look so bad yourself."
She sounded breathless.
Our eyes met for a brief second and her soft pink lips parted.
I felt a bolt of electricity course through me. I knew she felt it too.
She quickly snatched her hand away from mine but I took them back.My eyes hardened, warning her not to snatch them back.She got the message.
Standing in front of the sign, cameras in place, I did not have any words rehearsed, so I went straight to the point. I went down on one knee and took out my ring box.
Once again she gasped at the sight of the glimmering diamond. Of course a woman would easily get carried away by such.
"Ms DeLuca, will you do me the honour of being your wife?"
I watched her swallow. I saw the hesitation in her eyes. She turned to look at the cameras.
It almost seemed like she was rethinking everything at that moment.I clenched my jaw .
Not now .
"Yes," she finally said to my utmost relief. I'll marry you, Alexander Carrington."
I grinned slightly, slipping the ring on to her slender finger. It was a perfect fit.
I got on my feet.
The camera flashes were blinding. I threw an arm around her and felt her shaking.
Probably out of fright at the din.
"Do we have to kiss now?" She asked tremulously.
"We should. It'll make it more believable."
"Okay,"
I needed no further permission and brought her hard against the length of my body, crashing my lips against her soft ones . She yielded with a sigh , threading her fingers through my hair and returning it with as much fevered frenzy as I Someone popped a confetti.
The camera shutters went wild.
~~~~~~~~
We settled down for dinner after the picture buzz died down.Sure as day,the photos would be edited and released before dawn.
I was used to being 'Hot topic'
I was ready for the aftermath but I needed to know if she was prepared too. I didn't want no simpering female cracking up on me down the road.
"Are you alright?" I asked Chiara when I noticed she was been very quiet.
She shrugged with a sickly smile "I guess it's just fully dawned on me about what I just got myself into."
Yeah right,I fought a derisive snort. Like she wasn't dizzy with the dollar signs swimming behind her eyes at the thought of marrying me.
I smirked. "Don't tell me you're having cold feet?"
"Not yet."
"Hmm," I took a sip of my drink. "It's just one year. I'll stay out of your way if that's what you're scared of ."
I handed over an envelope. "That's a copy of your contract. Peruse it thoroughly and sign." I told her.
She took the envelope and surveyed it. "It's not as bulky as I anticipated."
"I like to go straight to the point in my dealings."
"Nice."
She looked impressed.
"Wait you have something on your -"She started and leaned over .
My eyes darkened and caught her arm mid -air.I tightened my grip so much she began to moan in pain.
"Another thing..this is stipulated on the contract but I didn't think you'll make a move so soon.God,you women are so desperate.Never you take the initiative to touch me without my permission."
I grinded out harshly "The next time you pull this stunt,you won't like me ,got it ?"
Green doe eyes as wide as saucers in a pale face,she nodded hastily.
"Felix!"I called in a low voice and shoved her arm away
"Yes ,Mr Carrington?"
"Stop the car.!"
The car screeched to a halt .I looked at her pointedly.
"Good night,Ms.DeLuca."
She looked like she was going to say something then thought of it and climbed out of the car wordlessly.
Our eyes met as the car drove away .
That was when I resolved that for the next one year I'd have to keep my distance from her as much as possible.
~
"What is this,Alex?" My identical twin ,Jaxon stormed into my office that morning, wielding his iPad like a weapon as he slid it across my table.
I looked down despite knowing what he was fussing about. It was another savoury headline on my engagement to Chiara DeLuca.
"You can't read?"
He blanched , retreating into himself.
Shoving his hands deep into his pockets,I watched him pray for patience .
It was rare moments like these that I recognised the Jaxon I grew up with before disaster struck.
It was as if he blamed himself for what happened to me 15 years ago .
The only difference between us were our eyes.
Both of us inherited the famous Carrington eyes .Mine exuded life and what I felt .
Jaxon's eyes reflected no emotion.
They looked ....dead.
"I had no idea you were dating anyone,Alex!"
"Well I am and we're engaged.And watch your tone, I'm still the eldest" I said, casually leaning back in my chair.
Without a word,Jaxon crossed over to look out the windows at the bustling metropolis underneath.
He stood like that for a few minutes before he turned and took a long, hard look at me.
"You've lost your mind,Alex." He said.
I glared at him. "I know what I'm doing."
"No you don't!!."
He slammed his fists on the desk.
"If Olivia catches on to this, we'll all go down for it."
"That's why you should keep your mouth shut and be a nice brother-in-law."
"You didn't even tell mom about this."
"It's a surprise." I shrugged.
"Just so you know, you're in trouble."
I scoffed and spun on my chair
"With who ?Mom..."
I pulled stunts like these all the time. She would surely let it slide.
There was a knock.
"No..with her "
Her gestured to the open doorway .I turned my head and swore.
Or maybe not.