Eunoia

𝐱𝐢𝐢𝐢

The three went out for lunch after getting most of the planning and a partial guest list for the people Ophelia wanted to invite.

Being in an arranged marriage made the title scary, but so far it had been fun for her to plan.

Especially at the selection of beautiful venues shown to her, she already had a favorite, and hoped very much so that Dante would approve.

It was a garden venue, set with the prettiest of flowers and smoky trees all around and hiding the venue from sight. Fairy lights were strung in it, and she could just imagine being there towards the evening, a sweet breeze sweeping over everyone as the moon came to watch. The lights lit the path as she walked down the aisle.

She sighed in pleasure at just the thought.

The two discussed amongst themselves as Ophelia ate quietly, thinking of all the ways her wedding with Dante could go. She wondered if they would have a honeymoon, or if that was only for real weddings. She could imagine doing atleast something fun after her wedding, it was a tradition afterall.

When home and bidding their goodbyes, it was around five in the evening, and Ophelia hoped Dante would be back by now to discuss all the features of their big wedding.

She was practically jumping up and down with excitement when she saw his car in the front lot, rushing inside and greeting the guards at the door who stayed stoic all the while.

Not seeing him anywhere else, she tried their bedroom. But as she turned the knob, she was immediately shutting it with a loud gasp.

Her eyes widened, the thoughts staining her mind of what she just saw.

Dante, and a woman. But it didn't look like just any woman, she noticed the uniform of being a maid.

Dante pushed the woman off him, staring at the cracked door from where he stood and seeing the clenched fist around the handle, held so tight her fist was a lighter color.

"Get the hell out," he said darkly, a more dark tone than Ophelia had heard and it scared her to her core. She thought he was talking to her, so quickly gulped and ran down the hall towards the stairs.

Hearing her footsteps rush away, Dante curled his fists and quickly opened the door to see her running down the stairs with a sniffle.

"Merda,"

___________

Ophelia sat on the swing as the birds and crickets chirped all around her, and the moon slowly awoke from the sun's downfall. She stared at her feet as she swung slowly back and forth, her previous chirpy mood contained into a more depressive one.

Her heart felt heavy for some reason, she didn't quite know why. They weren't in a real relationship, it was all for a business deal. He was allowed to kiss who he wanted.

But why did it feel like a million stabbing pains in her chest?

Why was he even kissing her?

Why did he ever kiss Ophelia?

She sighed, looking up at the sky painted in oranges and purples and reds.

The gate to the garden creaked open making her look up at Dante who walked over quietly. She quickly wiped her cheeks, not wanting him to see her tears.

She smiled wobbly up at him, "h-hello,"

"You don't have to pretend, 'Lia," she gulped, craning her neck to look up at him as he walked towards her. He looked around the garden, more specifically to the spot where she had planted the flowers he got her. "I know you saw us,"

She felt her cheeks heat up at the mention of it. "I-I didn't mean to intrude," she stuttered, feeling embarrassed and guilty all at once.

"Ophelia," he said, taking her chin and forcing her to look into his eyes which she had been avoiding.

"She kissed me right as you walked in,"

"It's really okay, you're free to kiss who you want, Dante," she smiled but he could see more tears welling in her eyes by the second. Her cheeks were dusted pink in utter embarrassment, and her fingers were rapidly fiddling.

A tear slipped by and she quickly raised her hand to wipe it but Dante stopped her and wiped it himself.

"But I only want to kiss you," he whispered, leaning down and slowly laying his lips on hers. At first just a peck, but they looked at each other with affection swirling their expressions, and quickly wrapped their arms around each other and kissed again.

Ophelia's arms wrapped around his neck and pressed him to her harder, her skin begging to feel his on hers.

He kissed her lips then her cheeks and her nose, then back to her lips.

He squeezed her tight to him, until they were both kneeling in the grass. Dante's hands cupped her face and kissed her fiercely, running down to her waist so he could bring her close.

As his fingers danced over her skin, Ophelia felt a rush of warmth flood her entire being. She had never felt so alive, so cherished as she did in that moment. Every touch felt like a gentle whisper of love, and she basked in it, allowing herself to be swept away by the intensity of their connection.

His lips traced a path along her jawline, leaving a trail of electric sparks in their wake. She shivered with pleasure, her senses heightened to an almost unbearable level. When he finally pulled back and looked into her eyes, she saw a depth of emotion that took her breath away.

"You're mine," he said, his voice low and possessive. "All of you, Ophelia. Every inch of your body, every beat of your heart belongs to me."

She could feel the strength of his grip on her, his arms wrapped tightly around her waist as he held her close. And in that moment, she knew that she belonged to him alone.

_________________

Dante had canceled his meeting for the night to spend it with Ophelia.

He now waited in bed, watching TV as she showered in the conjoined room. He could hear her melodious hum echoing through the room, and a few quiet words which followed.

He loved her voice; loved the way she carried herself. Loved the numerous talents she had.

He loved her view on the world, so innocent, never seeing the evils of it. It was good and bad. Considering who she was marrying.

As she stepped out of the bathroom, her eyes drifted to the large mirror in front of her. She took a moment to admire her reflection, pleased with how her hair had turned out after the shower. She ran her fingers through her damp locks, taking one last look before turning away.

With a sigh, she dropped her towel into the laundry basket and walked over to her side of the bed. She had always preferred the right side, it just felt more comfortable to her. As she crawled under the covers, she couldn't help but smile as Dante opened his arms to her. She nestled into his embrace, feeling the warmth of his scar-covered skin against her own

She couldn't believe this was happening, couldn't believe they were snuggling together. 

She had never been so happy.

He moved her head up, capturing her lips again while holding her tight.

But they then began to move down her jaw, laying light kisses on her neck while holding her and feeling her shiver. She blushed immensely, not being able to help but run her hands through the soft locks of his hair.

They cuddled in bed, till falling asleep at the depths of night in each other's arms.

Her body felt euphoric, light, as if it had been waiting for this all her life.