Roman's pov
The papers were signed. The ink was barely dry, but the contract was sealed. It wasn't how I imagined my marriage would begin, but I couldn't deny the sense of relief that washed over me. Avah was officially mine, though I had never truly seen her as a mere possession. She was more than that, more than the woman I had wanted for so long, more than just a pawn in a political game. She was a part of my life now.
But I could see the unease in her eyes, the tension that clung to her even after the papers were signed. I knew this wasn't what she envisioned for herself either. We were both here out of necessity, and yet... there was something else. Something I hadn't anticipated when I first saw her, something I hadn't allowed myself to acknowledge until now.
She wasn't just my wife in name anymore.
I didn't know what it was, but I couldn't ignore the pull between us. I had tried to keep things business-like, keep myself detached, but it was impossible with her so close. She was fierce in her own way, smart, independent, not easily swayed. I admired that in her, and it made the thought of her in my life both exciting and terrifying.
After the signing, I had arranged everything: the house, the dress, the flowers. I wanted to show her that I was capable of more than just being a businessman, more than just a man who could dictate terms. I wanted to see her smile, to see her happy. If there was even a small chance of winning her over, I wanted to take it.
As I stood in our bedroom, waiting for her, I couldn't help but think about what she would do next. Would she embrace this life, or would she continue to resist? I had no illusions about her. She didn't seem like the type to just sit back and accept what was handed to her. But maybe that was what made her special. Maybe that was what drew me to her.
When she finally emerged from the bathroom, I couldn't stop myself from admiring her. The dress fit her perfectly, and for a moment, I forgot everything around us. Like there was a spotlight on her. She looked so refined and elegant.
"Are you ready?" I asked, my voice a little rougher than I intended.
She nodded, and we made our way to the car. I could feel the tension ease between us with every step, but I was still unsure. This was only the beginning.
When we arrived at the hotel, I could see the curiosity in her eyes as we walked through the lobby. But there was something else too, a hint of excitement that I hadn't expected. Maybe I wasn't the only one who was intrigued by what came next. Maybe I wasn't the only one who felt this pull between us.
As we walked to our table, I could feel the stares from the other guests, but I ignored them. They didn't matter. What mattered was the woman beside me, the woman who was now my wife. Avah.
After the flowers arrived, I could see the surprise and emotion in her eyes. I didn't think I'd ever seen her quite like this before. There was something so raw about her reaction, something that made me believe this wasn't just another gesture.
"I wanted to get something special for you," I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the unexpected flutter in my chest. "But I wasn't sure what you liked. So I had Mary help me out. I hope it's okay."
"It's perfect," she whispered, her voice catching in her throat. "Thank you."
I felt a warmth spread through me as I handed her the flowers, watching her carefully examine them, almost as if she was savoring the moment.
Dinner was just as perfect. We ate in a comfortable silence. The only sounds between us was the clinking of silverware and the soft hum of conversations around us.
Then, when dessert arrived, I decided it was time to take the next step. Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out the small velvet box I had been holding onto since the signing of the contract. The wedding ring. The purple diamond that would forever tie her to me.
She looked at me, her eyes wide with uncertainty, and I saw the flicker of realization.
"Roman, what is this?" she asked softly.
I smiled, my fingers brushing over the delicate box before opening it to reveal the gleaming stone. "This is for you," I said, my voice low. "It's our symbol, our commitment. No matter what, you're mine, Avah. And I'm yours."
I slid the ring onto her finger, watching as her expression softened. For a moment, I saw something in her eyes that I hadn't expected—a glimmer of trust, maybe, or something more. I wasn't sure yet, but I knew one thing for sure: I might like ths marriage thing.