LOVE AFTER MARRIAGE

Chap.3

After they left for their home, Leia was very excited but also anxious about this mating, and on the way to their home, she was unusually quiet about the meet.
She is the type of person who is maybe shy around new people but when you know her she would speak her heart even if that's harsh.
When her mom noticed her silence she wanted to ask her about it and decided to ask her when they reach home.

Leia's POV:
We just reached home and my mom was glancing at me at times and can tell why cause I've been so quiet about our meeting with the ravens.
As I was expecting just when we entered the living room she asked me, “why have been so quiet? You don't like them?”
And quickly went, “oh no, yes I like them. Mrs.Ravens is so sweet. I would love to meet them again”.
" Then why were you quiet?"
"it's... I'm very anxious about this mating, Mom"
"honey it's okay to feel anxious but you have to meet with Seth separately tomorrow. Talk with him don't be shy or anxious"
"why?" I sighed ... My mom looked at me "it's important." her worried gaze asked me " you don't like him? I thought you did"
I looked at her, "mom, I like him" I blushed "but it's just you know I'm anxious I don't want to mess up everything before it starts"
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Seth's POV:

"What!? Why do I have to meet her in the cafe?"
"because you need to get to know each other." my mom said and I was very annoyed by that.
"but I don't want to know her just discuss the marriage date and get me married so I can live on my own and she'll live on her own" I replied.
"do you know what you are saying? "She huffed
"Whatever you say, you have to meet her tomorrow, that's for sure"
I sighed in disbelief and just said "okay"
"you must behave yourself with her. Know that she's not at fault" she said in a more serious tone.
I agree the girl is not at fault so I was going to say nothing but I just gave a sarcastic smirk and said "of course, I will."

-*Next Day*-

I was getting ready for the meeting but there was my mom nagging me to wear something nice. And for the last 45mins, I am changing clothes for my mom to approve the look.
"Mom, this is the last one I'm trying. I don't care. if you don't approve of it, I will go into this outfit." I walked outside my room.

Her eyes lit and she smiled at me, "This is great."
I sighed in relief and put on my shoes and left my house. Fortunately, I successfully denied picking her up from her house. So I was driving directly to the cafeteria.

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At the cafeteria*

Leia was already there, quite nervous about their meeting in person; just two of them.
She was looking gorgeous in her outfit. But still, she was adjusting and looking at herself in the restroom mirror.

*her outfit*

She went outside after a final look at herself and sat on their reserved seat. Some of the people were looking at her admiring but she was conscious of the gazes she was receiving.
So she kept her head low and tried to calm herself while waiting for Seth.
While she was keeping her head low she heard someone enter the cafeteria,

Leia's POV:

I heard someone enter the door just now and an engaging scent of cedarwood enveloped me. And someone stood next to me and coldly said, "Sorry to be late."
I wanted to say "it's okay" but it was too hushed, so I just stood up and gestured for him to sit.
He looked at me and asked, "everything alright?"
"fine" I smiled awkwardly.
It was complete silence between us after that and it was too awkward for me. He was completely looking outside the window and I was seeking glances at him to start the conversation. mostly tried to avoid his stern cold gaze...
But then I decided to break the silence and said, "shall we order something?" I gave a slight smile.
"yes sure," he replied in his deep voice.
"Whatever you like"
He called the server and gave his order and stopped. I looked at him and searched for something to order but the server left until I gave him my order.
I just looked at him walking by me and kept the menu card on the table ..... More awkward than before. Nevermind!

I started asking about something very casual
"what do you do for a living? I mean your dad is a great businessman so you don't have t-"
"I don't rely on my dad's money. I work as commander-in-chief in the hunting and supervision department." he interrupted me.
I grinned inside of me..indeed he works on his own. Great!... "that's great..." I appreciated.
".....um you can ask me if you want to," I said.
"I do...." he started but we got interrupted by a server that came with the order, his order.
"thank you," he said and looked at me and asked, "you're not getting anything?"
"uh?  I w..will order one cranberry coffee with hazelnut cookie" I rushed looking at the menu and ordered. And then the waiter left.
"you eat too sweet," he said.
I was embarrassed  I don't know why so I shrugged and gave him a small smile "yeah, I like sweet"
*we both enjoyed our orders*
We were talking in between but mostly I spend observing his way of eating and speaking only necessary... I liked it, I was grinning mentally till we finished eating and went to pay the bills.
I was standing ahead of him with my share of a bill but someone behind me paid off the bill and I couldn't say anything to stop. And he turned to the door outside and I followed. I called him and stopped him to offer my share of the bill.
"I pay my bills on my own please accept this."
He refused, "it's fine, no need "
"Sorry I can't accept this way, please take this Mr.Ravens" I insisted.
"I said it's fine, I'm obliged to pay for the first meet. But if you want to pay me off it'll be pending for you" and he sat in his car and drove off...
I kept the money inside with a confused smile and left to go home as my driver was waiting.
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*while driving *
Seth's POV:
Liz, I'm sorry but I had to go and meet that girl. But I only love you, I'm just supposed to get married to her and that's it..... I know she isn't at fault and I've decided I will tell her everything about this after our marriage. She seemed kind enough to understand ...
*sigh* also I wasn't expecting to end it this early but great that it did. Thinking about the meeting- I didn't know many girls who pay their bills on a date. Not bad!
Hmm, today wasn't as bad as I was expecting, good that she wasn't talking much.

I reached home and I heard my mom talking with someone. I can guess who. So I just went into my room to shower and get fresh.
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A few weeks went by just like that, Mrs.Ravens asking to meet a few more times and seth successfully avoiding them but just the one before the engagement....
It went pretty much the same as their first one but this time leia paid their bill which she was happy about......
"few more weeks to get engaged" he sighed.