Chapter 29
Liya mustered a fake, bright smile while fitting on the white, fairy-tale wedding dress Blake had selected. She was too scared to believe her wedding day had finally arrived. What if Blake changed his mind and called off the wedding right now? It was still a fear that she couldn’t quite get over especially since he’d only proposed to her out of convenience. He hadn’t done much to convince her that he cared for her. He’d done a lot to show her he wanted to go ahead with the wedding but he hadn’t shown her how much he wanted to spend his life with her.
“Do you like the gown?” Cindy asked her. Blake had also insisted Cindy Sergio style his bride on their big day. He’d also asked Cindy to be her maid of honor.
Thousands of shimmering hand stitched crystals adorned the dress and three-meter train. The dress had been handmade in France by the billionaire tycoon’s favorite designer. Although it wasn’t a custom design, the fact that Blake had chosen the dress himself filled Liya with some joy. At least he’d picked out a stunning gown that was exactly her style.
“Wow, Liya,” Cindy exclaimed, “you look like a princess from a fairytale.”
“Thank you.” Some of her doubts about Blake faded away. Maybe he did care about her. A bride was always at peace when her gown met her expectations.
Cindy adjusted the veil over Liya’s head and shoulders. “You’re going to be the most talked about bride for the next year. Blake is a lucky man.”
“Indeed I am.”
“Blake.” Cindy swung around. “You’re not supposed to see the bride in her gown before her wedding.”
Blake laughed. “I already know what the gown looks like. I chose it, remember. Actually, I have a little something to enhance my bride’s gown.” He held up a briefcase-sized jewelry box.
Cindy took the box. “Thank you. You may leave now. You can feast your eyes on Liya later. You have an entire honeymoon to do that.”
Liya laughed out loud at her fiancé’s audacity.
“He really is something, isn’t he?” Cindy said, “Yeah, he is.”
Cindy held out the box to Liya. “I think it’s appropriate you open this.”
She held her breath before flipping open the lid, revealing a note.
Thought I’d get you something blue to celebrate our latest acquisition.
A photo of the orphanage was attached to the note. “Oh my God,” Liya squealed. That was not all. Beneath the note was an exquisite sapphire necklace with matching earrings and bracelet.
Liya blinked back tears. Blake’s gesture was so achingly romantic. Surely he thought of her as more than his bride of convenience? Only a man who truly loved a woman would do anything to make her happy. She tried on the jewelry and replaced it in the box before Cindy helped her dress. A knock on the door cut into Liya’s thoughts.
“I bet it’s your handsome fiancé trying his luck again,” Cindy said.
Liya nodded. “I bet it is.” She pulled down her dress hurriedly before Cindy opened the door.
“Liya, dah-ling.”
Liya froze. “Mom?”
“Yes, dear. It’s me.” Jasmine air-kissed her. “I must say I’m really disappointed I had to find out about your wedding in a gossip column.
“Liya, do you like the gift I got you?”
Relief flooded through her entire being at the sound of Blake’ voice. It was soon replaced by a protective warmth when Blake’s hand snaked around her waist.
“You must be my daughter’s lovely fiancé,” Jasmine said, flashing him a wide, fake smile.
Liya was grateful when Blake pulled her closer to his body. Somehow his solid, muscled physique made her feel safe and protected in Jasmine’s presence.
“Indeed I am.”
“I’m Jasmine Ahuja-Singh.”
Liya cringed inwardly when Jasmine held out her hand.
“Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Ahuja. I must apologize for giving our families such short notice for our wedding. Liya and I are quite eager to tie the knot as soon as possible.”
Liya shuddered when Jasmine raised her eyebrows.
“I’m no fool, Blake. A sudden engagement followed by an overnight wedding? Everyone knows your ex-girlfriend is suing you for custody of your daughter. This looks like a publicity stunt to me.”
Liya tensed when she sensed Blake’s mood shift. Jasmine was up to no good. She rarely ever showed up anywhere without the intention of causing trouble.
“The media has a tendency to be cruel. Any man in my position attracts a lot of attention, especially when it comes to marriage,” Blake said, his tone growing icier with each word. “I am quite used to it. However, I would like to caution you against making such rash, unfounded statements in future. Should you wish to accuse me of something like that, please provide me with proof or else you will be hearing from my attorney.”
Jasmine gasped. “I was merely filling you on the general opinion.”
“General opinion never mattered to me, Mrs. Singh. Anyway, I will be on my way now. I couldn’t miss out on wishing my daughter well before her wedding. Liya, I’m sure you will love my present to you,” Jasmine said.
Liya refused to show just how shaken she was by the woman’s last comment. It was more of a threat than a good wish. Liya sighed, relieved, once Jasmine was out of sight.
“She can’t hurt you. I’ll make sure of that.” Blake still hadn’t let go of her.
“Thank you.” She tried to pull out of his half-embrace and gave up when Blake refused to let go. Cindy had somehow slipped out the room without Liya noticing. Her body warmed as Blake pulled her even closer. He lowered his mouth to her ears.
“Nobody can harm you while I’m around,” he said, when he pulled his lips away from hers.
“I believe you,” she whispered.
Blake let go off her. “See you at the altar,” he said.
Liya couldn’t keep her eyes off Blake as he walked away. She still couldn’t believe this was her wedding day. By the end of today she’d be Mrs. Blake Stone.