ANNIKA'S POV
It all happened so fast. I didn't even have time to grasp everything and yet, reality is sinking. I'm going to marry my boss! The one and only Caspian Timothy Ferrer who is every woman's dream.“Wow, this dress sure looks gorgeous!“ Jade didn't hide her amazement.I held the soft fabric of the white dress in my hand. It was a silk dress in tube style. It was long enough to reach my ankles. There were beads and sequence adorning the dress, and it hugged my curves perfectly. It looked so simple, yet so elegant.Caspian took care of everything. From the dress, to the shoes, the legal documents and the venue of the wedding. It's not grand, it was actually rushed and only those who are close to us were invited. On my part, only Jade will attend since Mom is still in the hospital.True to his word, Caspian transferred Mom to a private hospital, and hired the best doctors and nurses to watch over her. He also started looking for heart donors, and has provided for everything we needed in the hospital. And while it may take so much from me, I couldn't feel even an ounce of regret, knowing that I'm doing this to save my Mom. Her life matters more to me.“I'm nervous, Jade.“ I blurted out.We're currently staying in a hotel booked by Caspian. Tomorrow is the day that will finally change my life. I know it's only temporary, and I made it clear with myself that I should never fall for him because I will only get hurt in the end. He doesn't love, and he is not ready for serious commitment. And that's why he hired me because he will never fall in love with someone like me.“I'm just here for you, Annika. I know you're doing this for your Mom. It'll only be a year, and after that, you'll be free,” she said.I nodded my head. I already knew that. Yet, I couldn't help but to feel nervous. I don't have any experience with men, while Caspian is an expert when it comes to women. I may not admit it, but I'm afraid I might break his rule or that I might not be able to satisfy him because of my lack of experience. After all, he's got good looks that women had been dying for and I'd bet he's also good in bed.“Thank you, Jade. I must admit, there are times when I almost thought of backing out. But whenever Mom's face crosses my mind, I am reminded of the main reason why I had to do it. It's the only chance for me to save her, and I wouldn't want to waste it. If I don't grab this now, I might not have another chance again,” I replied.Jade then walked to me and gave me a tight hug, reassuring me that everything will be okay. And I believed her.I woke up early the next day. Our breakfast was served in our suite. I took a hot shower and put on some robe while waiting for the make-up artists sent by Caspian. I haven't seen him in days, and I couldn't help but to feel excited no matter how I try to stop myself.It was eight in the morning when the make-up artists arrived. We had just finished eating our breakfast and now, I'm sitting in front of a vanity mirror. My hair was braided on the sides with a bun at the center. My make-up was simple. It was light, almost complimenting my soft features. As I looked at myself in the mirror, my mouth gaped open. I almost didn't recognize the woman who was starting back at me in the mirror.“There, you look lovely, madame! Mr. Ferrer was right, you don't need too much make-up on your face. You're already beautiful even when you're bare faced,” Cornelia, the make-up artist, said.I blushed. “Why, thank you.““You're the loveliest bride I've seen today,” she added, making me more conscious of myself.I smiled at her. Now that she mentioned it, my heart started racing fast inside my chest. It's beating so wild, I almost thought it would burst. I looked at Jade, and saw her dressed in her carnation pink dress in halter style. It fit her perfectly. Her hair was done in a waterfall braid. And her silver plumps accentuated her outfit perfectly. She smiled at me.“You look gorgeous, Annika. I'm happy for you,” her voice cracked a little.Even though we both know this marriage is just a show-off, I still think of it as a once in a lifetime experience that I will probably never forget. In a few hours, I'll be Mrs. Ferrer. The thought alone made me tremble, and my heart skipped a beat.As I looked at Jade again, I noticed how tears began to form in the corner of her eyes. My heart clenched and a lump suddenly formed in my throat. The corners of my eyes heated, and it felt like my tears would fall anytime so I looked above to stop it. I held her hand and gave it a soft squeeze.“You look stunning as well,” I said.“I can't believe you're getting married. I'm excited and happy for you, Annika. You deserve it,” her tears fell.I looked away because I may not be able to stop myself from tearing up. We've been together for years. We've talked about our dreams, and our wishes. We've talked about getting married, and having a family. It made me feel sad that this fairytale isn't really true. That just like Cinderella, this life has a timer. And when the time is up, all of this will disappear. The fancy things, the happiness of having a family and a loved one. Everything will be back to the way it used to be before Caspian offered this marriage to me.“Hey, stop crying. You're ruining your make-up,” Jade said, and wiped my tears softly.“Thank you for being here with me, Jade. I just can't help but to wish that Mom was here too. I missed her really bad,” I said.“You know I always got your back. We're sisters,” she replied with a smile.A few minutes later, we were inside a car on the way to an exclusive resort where the wedding will take place. The ceremony will be a civil one, and it didn't really matter to me, knowing that this whole thing is fake. The presiding judge was a good friend of Caspian.Jade and I walked inside, to the function hall where the ceremony will take place. My jaw dropped, seeing the beautiful decorations adorning the whole place. Rose petals were scattered on the floor, while there were more flowers on the aisle. Caspian stood in front of the judge, and beside him was the best man and his best friend, Hunter.I couldn't take my eyes off Caspian, as he stood there looking so serious and intimidating. He didn't smile, but his stoic face surprisingly made my heart race.He was dressed in a three piece suit, and his hair was a little bit messy. He looked like a real hot, bad boy with a dark look on his face. I gulped, and suddenly felt nervous. Contrary to him, Hunter was all smiles and his eyes were teasing. It's my first time meeting him, and I could tell he's a friendly one.A soft song began playing in the background, and my heart thump inside my chest as I walked towards Caspian. Jade held my hand. I walked slowly, not taking my eyes off Caspian. All the time I was walking, he looked at me and for a moment, I thought I could see admiration in his eyes. I quickly shrugged the thoughts away. It's impossible.He took my hand from Jade and placed a kiss at the back of my palm. I blushed, and started shaking a little bit. He smiled at me.We sat in front of the judge, and soon the ceremony started. I listened intently to the judge. I took every word in my heart, as if all of it were true. For once, I allowed myself to live in this fantasy. To believe that this marriage is real. I didn't have any experience with a man, but I always dreamed of being married. And this may not be how I pictured my wedding, but this is more than I could wish for. And though we've only married for the wrong reasons, I find solace in the thought that both of us will benefit from this marriage.“Caspian, do you take Annika Reign Dela Cruz to be your wife? Do you promise to be faithful to her in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love her and to honor her all the days of your life?“ The judge asked, pulling me out of my trance.Caspian looked at me and said, “I do.“The judge then looked at me and asked,“Annika, do you take Caspian Timothy Ferrer to be your husband? Do you promise to be faithful to him in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love him and to honor him all the days of your life?“I was silent for a moment. I looked into his eyes, and my heart started beating wild again. I smiled at him and whispered, “I do.“The judge then looked at us and smiled.“I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.“Caspian pulled me close to him. His hand held my chin, and tilted my head to meet his eyes. And before I could think of anything, his face lowered down and our lips touched in the softest and most sensual way I could ever imagine.ANNIKA'S POVWe signed the papers, and in an instant, I officially became Mrs. Ferrer. I couldn't begin to explain how I felt at the moment. All I know is that it gives me a warm feeling. I feel excited and downright anticipating.“Congratulations, girl! You're finally married!“ Jade mumbled.“Thank you. It still feels like I'm dreaming though,” I replied.My thoughts raced, and I didn't know what to expect after the wedding. I guess I was too focused on the benefits I would get from this, that I forgot about our conditions. I started sweating as soon as I realized that somehow, we're bound to consumate our marriage. Will that be today? Or do we have to wait until we're comfortable with each other?Then, I remembered how he told me he needed to have an heir within a year. So, I guess we'll have to do 'it' sooner. I immediately blushed at the thought.“Well, you're not. This is real. You're married, and my— you're married to one of the hottest bachelors in town,” she teased.I blushed e
ANNIKA'S POVThe way his lips moved gently against mine, it felt like I had a taste of heaven. I closed my eyes and let myself feel the sweet, and passionate kiss he's giving me. My arms automatically found it's way into his nape, while his hands slowly rested on my thin waist. His soft lips nibbled my lower lip, while his tongue grazed it to provoke an entrance. It made me shiver, and melt. From passionate, his kisses became demanding and urging while his hands moved down and cupped my ass.I gasped, giving him the access he needed to my mouth. His kisses were intoxicating, making my legs feel wobbly. His lips moved down to my jaw, up to my earlobes, gently biting it. His kisses then moved down to my already exposed neck, leaving each part he licked on fire. I craned my neck to give him full access.“Ooohhh,” I moaned when his tongue grazed my neck, and he sucked gently on it.His left hand pulled my nape while his right hand started roaming on my body. My nipples hardened under my dr
ANNIKA'S POVThe warm, golden rays of the sun invited itself into the room, causing me to half-open my eyes. Last night felt like a dream, and I couldn't stop myself from smiling. Caspian was a great lover, and an expert in bed.I yawned, feeling so tired and sleepy from our late night activity. I looked at the balcony, and saw that the glass door was slightly open, allowing the sun rays to pass through. The sun was already high in the sky. There's a cup placed on top of the small table, and beside it was a newspaper.From where I was laying, I can hear the sound of the running water and a soft music playing on the background. I stretched my hands, and held the blanket tightly, covering my naked breast. I attempted to stand, but the pain I felt on the center of my body was enough to make me stop.I felt so sore— my whole body is aching. I was sitting on the bed when the door to the bathroom opened, revealing Caspian who had just finished his bath. He was topless, with only a small tow
ANNIKA'S POVEverything that happened in the last three days was so magical. Caspian had been a real gentleman to me. He showed me the whole place, but most of the time were locked inside our hotel room, exploring each other's body. He was so great in bed, and now I realized why women flocked him. He sure lives up to his name and reputation.My phone rang. Seeing Jade's name on the call register, I immediately answered her call. My heart was beating so fast, afraid that something might have happened to my mother.“Hello, Jade. How's Mom?“ I asked.“Actually, that's the reason why I'm calling you—”“Why? Did something happen to her? Tell me,” I panicked.I heard a faint laugh on the background. “Relax! I just called to tell you that your mother woke up. She's looking for you. I just said you went on a business trip with your boss,” she chuckled.I was relieved. Thank God, she's now awake. “Thank you so much for taking care of my mother, Jade. It means a lot to me,” I said.“So… how was
ANNIKA'S POV“Hey, Mom.” My tears fell when I saw her sitting on her bed, looking healthier than the last time I saw her.I immediately closed our distance, and gave her a tight hug. “I missed you,” I whispered.She gently stroked my back, I can feel her smiling as she hug me back. “I missed you too, honey. I'm sorry if I made you worried.”“No, Mom. I'm sorry for not seeing through your pain. And I'm glad that you're awake now,” I murmured against her ear.We continued hugging each other for a moment until Jade interrupted. And that's when I remembered that Caspian was outside the room.“Thank you for taking care of Mom while I was away. You're such a big help,” I told her.Jade grinned at me. “You know how much I love you. I always got your back, Annika.”Indeed, I was so lucky to have her. I couldn't imagine what might have happened if I was alone as I go through it all. I would have crumbled down, or maybe I'd lose my sanity.“Mom, I want you to meet someone. He's the one helping u
ANNIKA'S POV I usually doze off after making love with Caspian, but tonight, sleep seems to be avoiding me. I was staring blankly at the white ceiling, my mind so lost in my thoughts but aware of Caspian's gentle hands as he stroked my arm. I'm resting my head against his chest, listening to his erratic heartbeat.A sense of familiarity hits my heart as I listen to his chest, rising and falling with every breath that he takes. It's a sound that makes me feel happy, content and at peace. And just thinking that I would wake up to this kind of familiarity in the next few months, makes me want to slow down time. It wasn't hard to admit…I knew then that the possibility of falling in love with him is high.Before, I didn't try to look at him because I was afraid I'd mess up my job. I set a barrier between us…and yet, fate had other plans for me. However, along with realizing and admitting that I was helplessly falling in love with him, I am scared. Scared…because I know it's a losing game.
ANNIKA'S POV“I heard you got married. Who's the unlucky girl?” the woman asked as she stood up and walked towards us.I felt how Caspian stiffened when he saw her. His eyes immediately widened, failing to hide the surprise. “Juliette? What are you doing here?” he asked, letting my hand go.When his hand left mine, it took away the warmth, leaving my palms in cold sweat. I stood there, watching as they gaze at each other. Then, I felt a punch on my chest when the woman he called Juliette stroked his arms. Her other hand traced Caspian's face, and I can see he was distracted with her touch.“Oh, is that how you welcome an old friend?” Juliette asked, emphasizing the last two words. She then turned her gaze on me and I couldn't help but feel so little. ”Won’t you introduce me to your lovely wife?”She looked at me from head to toe…then she looked at my face and faked a smile. Judging from Caspian's reaction, and the familiarity of their touch…I didn't need to ask who Juliette was in his
ANNIKA'S POV”His heart is already tied…”Like a broken record, those words kept on ringingin inside my head. No matter how I try to shake those thoughts away, I couldn't. The image of Caspian while wiping Juliette's tears flashed vividly on my mind. I felt a stab on my chest.I shouldn't feel this way…but maybe it was his genuine concern, kindness and thoughtfulness that made me see him in a different way…in a different light.The night went on. Caspian didn't even realize that I wasn't with him. I sipped on the glass of wine as I gaze at the millions of stars that illuminates the sky. The wind was cold, so hugged myself a little tighter. From where I stood, I can hear their heartful laugh. I should have known…I don't belong in this place.I wanted to get mad…or to feel jealous, but then. I remembered I wasn't supposed to like him. I wasn't supposed to break rule number three, but I did…I did.I looked up, took a deep breath and then, I closed my eyes. I felt the cold wind kissing my