married my fiancé’s best man
1/4
Chapter 5
Benjamin peeled rubber as he raced to the shopping mall and screeched to a halt right outside its entrance.
After unlatching my seat belt, I said with gratitude, “Thank you, Mr. Russell, for, um, rescuing me today. Just leave me here, and I’ll catch a cab back.”
He playfully shoved me back into my seat and leaned to me, saying with a deep, mellow voice, “Trying to slip away, huh? Natalie, didn’t I drill into your head to think things through before you leap? Do you figure a simple ‘thanks‘ will see me off so easily?”
I ducked my head shyly and stammered, “So, how do you want me to thank you?”
He gazed down at me, his eyes softening as he wiped a
nonexistent smudge from my lips. “You know how to show your appreciation properly since you have been raised by me,” he murmured..
A strange vibe of romance began to thicken the air.
I met his gaze, shedding my confusion. Even if it meant repaying him with my body, I was prepared. Boldly, I tilted my head up and planted a kiss on his cheek.
Benjamin was momentarily taken aback, his eyes swirling with a
Chapter 5
tumult of emotions. He asked, a hint of disbelief in his voice, “Why?”
I pressed my lips and thank you.”
ispered, “This is my way of saying
He let out a mirthless laugh and promptly seized my face in one hand, crushing his lips to mine in a suffocating embrace. “Natalie, you brought this on
yourself,” he panted.
A long while later, he tugged me into the mall. Flushing, I realized then that the gratitude he sought was far from what I had envisioned.
He said, “Just take that hideous wedding gown of yours off
now.”
2/4
Benjamin sneered at my attire, making me feel utterly mortified.
“Find her a stylish suit and dress, and have her change into it now. And pick out a few more decent outfits and two formal gowns for her,” Benjamin commanded the sales assistant.
I tugged at Benjamin’s sleeve, puzzled. “Why are you buying me clothes?”
He turned around, a trace of satisfaction still lingering on his face, and teased, “Of course, to accompany me on business trips. That was the gratitude I had in mind all along.”
My cheeks burned with embarrassment, and I realized my mistake. Awkwardly, I lowered my head and murmured, “I have
Chapter 5
my own clothes. You don’t have to buy them for me.”
3/4
Benjamin’s expression hardened instantly, and he stared at me with a frosty glare.
I looked at him nervously, clueless about what had provoked his ire. During our previous work together, he had also flown off the handle for no apparent reason.
“You refuse my clothes because you still can’t forget Lucas, and you are yearning to reignite the old spark at his place?” he accused.
I sighed with relief and explained helplessly, “What I meant was that I need to sort through my stuff. I should dispose of what I don’t need and bring back what I do. Like the trophy you awarded me at the company.”
Benjamin’s face brightened up, and he pinched my cheek affectionately. “That’s the spirit,” he whispered.
I was utterly baffled and exasperated by his unpredictable demeanor.
He glanced at his watch and announced, “We’re running out of time. Our company’s strategic agreement signing with Muse Group is in three hours. I’ve booked a flight for you. After I wrap up my work, I’ll help you pack your things.”
I exclaimed in surprise, “Why did you come to the wedding on such an important day?”
Chapter 5
He cast me a sidelong glance and emitted a cold sniff. “A strategic agreement is merely a trifle compared to reinstating your job and rescuing you,” he dismissed.
Biting my lips, I came to a realization–I had seemingly sold myself short.
4/4
Write your comment
