Crossing The Devils Path

chap 17-Nightmare turned reality

Richard's pov:
I and Richa enjoyed breakfast together after quite a while. I missed her laugh, her playfulness, her sarcasm everything. I genuinely loved her company. But i noticed that when I mentioned about her past she turned pale today. There was a look of thoughtfulness in her eyes. Usually I saw sorrow there but today i saw fright in their depths... Something was troubling her but she didn't want to share. I would have pushed her to tell me but i didn't want things to be awkward again. Yesterday i had behaved like a jerk and i knew it. I don't know what i was thinking. I was talking to Richa like she was my girlfriend or something. I was so mean but i couldn't help it. Seeing her like that with Dante, I felt like punching Dante in the face! How dare he hold her in his arms? She was mine from the day i laid eyes on her...yes mine. After so much thinking i finally realised i like her. I had feelings for her. Those feelings which i buried deep inside my heart, surfaced after seeing and knowing more about her. We both had a hurtful past. So i thought maybe we could help to fix each other. I knew it wouldn't be easy because as of now i don't think Richa felt the same way about me. For now she just wanted to get over with the deal so she can go back home. But what she doesn't know is... I won't let her go back. Not so fast atleast..i thought.

The other part of the day was qyite uneventful except me and Richa had lunch together. We discussed everything about how to behave in front of London's most elite crowd and I also told her the names and showed her the photos of few important people. After lunch, we both resumed to our respective rooms while Richa was busy getting ready for tonight. U was busy going through my files. It was already 5 p.m by the time i was done with work. The balk was to begin by around 6 pm. So i wrapped up my stuff and went to check the arrangements. The arrangements were pretty impressive and I was happy with my choice of decorator. The ball's theme was classic. We decided to keep the colour theme for the people as black and white only. I was going to wear a black tuxedo myself. Once i was done supervising everything i went upstairs to get ready. I bathed, wore my tuxedo and styled my hair. Looking at the mirror at smirked at myself. I looked devilishly handsome no doubt. Richa would be staring and blushing all night i thought. At the thought of Richa i smiled.
God this woman would be reason I end up with a psychiatrist.
Takimg a deep sigh i applied my favourite scent and walked out of the room closing the door behind me. I went down and after looking around,I glanced at the watch and saw it was already 6. Why isn't she ready by now?
I was growing anxious maybe because i wanted to see how she looked. I have never waited for a woman like this. It's always the woman doing the waiting...except for Samaira, I did all the waiting for her I thought. I frowned trying to clear my mind of all thoughts and mostly about samaira. Her name was enough to amke my blood boil. I was lost in thought when i heard a voice
"Behold the beautiful, stunning and gorgeous Miss Richa is descending down the stairs."
I looked up to see Richa coming down. she looked beautiful in her white lace gown. It had long lace sleeves covering her hands completely. She looked stunning... More like an angel descending from heaven. Angel.. Heaven? What are prince charming from a fairy tale! I thought and scoffed at the idea. But then something caught my eye.. Dante and Richa were walking down the stairs arm in arm. I glared at Dante to back off but being himself she just shrugged it off. Nevertheless I was definitely wrong about one thing. I would be the one doing all the staring not Richa. I would make sure she doesn't leave my side until necessary.
When Richa and Dante came down I separated both of them immediately earning a chuckle from Dante.
"look whose all smitten and jealous" he laughed
"I am not jealous but yes she looks... Gorgeous and hello Mr. She is my fiance so keep your hands off her." i demanded.
"umm Richard.. Actually temporary more like fake fiance"
"fake or not still my fiance for the others coming here so we both should be in character" i told her a bit sternly.
I saw hee flinch at my tone so i took her hand, kissed the back of it and said
"May i have the honour of keeping you by my side all night?"
She blushed and nodded in reply. Dante had gone to meet the guests while Richa and I proceeded to do the same.

An hour later the ball was in full swing. I was dragging Richa everywhere to make her meet people. I could feel her gett8n tired of it but she didn't complain. She just smiled and accompanied me everywhere. She was being such a sweetheart so i decided to ask her for the next dance. She agreed and we went to the middle of the floor to dance. I lead the dance for a while and then i lrt Richa do the dancing. After the dance was over we walked away from the dance floor, hand in hand.
Her soft hands seem so small and perfect with mine. Its like they are made for me I thought smiling.

I still had to make the wedding announcement but I was waiting for the one man for whom i had everything planned. So i decided to chat with Richa for a while.
"Richa"
"mm?"she said while sipping her juice.
"Do you like Dante?" i asked, rubbing the back of my neck nervously.
She coughed on her drink and I instantly rubbed my palm on her back,trying to soothe her.
She laughed hysterically once she was fine.
"Richard no, I don't like Dante but in the past few days I have started to enjoy his company. I am faraway from all my frends and family and.Dante....he is like a true friend to me." she said smiling.
I sighed in relief and kissed the back of her hand. She looked down and blushed as red as a tomato.
Suddenly I saw the paparazzi moving towards to the entrance and clicking pictures. I smirked because I knew it was time to put my plan in action. Taking Richa's hand I whispered
"Come on, Its time we announce our engagement."
She nodded and we moved towards the small stage prepared for us.
"Ladies and gentlemen I really thank you all for coming here and gracing this special ball wuth your presence. Tonight is a very special night for me."I said looking at Richa.
"Tonight I want to ask this Beautiful women a question I had wanted to ask the moment i laid my eyes on her."
I got down on my knees and took out a small box from my pocket.
"Miss Rachael D'souza I have loved you since the time I saw you. And now I cannot imagine to live my life without you. So will you do this love sick man a favour and marry me?" i asked.
She looked at me in awe. Honestly, i was suprised at my own speech but somehow the words flew out of mouth and felt right. She smiled at me and gave me her left hand. I kissed the back of it and placed the, Platinum ring studded with a big heart shaped diamond, in her finger.
I got up and heard people clapping and cheering us. But my eyes were fixated on the one man I loathed my entire life...Sam Adams.
Get ready to face the beginning of your end.

I took Richa's hand and got down from the stage. I took Richa to a side and whispered to her
"Richa listen that man in the white suit there is Sam Adams. He is the man you have to seduce enough to make him want you. But be natural you are also playing the role of my future wife got it?"
" Be very careful he's very smart. So think what you do" I said slightly pushing Richa to go there.
She looked devastated and nervous all of a sudden. I wanted to comfort her but all my life i waited to destroy this man...so i chose my revenge this time.

Richa's pov:
When Richard was giving his speech to announce our engagement i felt so special. i couldn't take my eyes off him. All I did was blush and look at him while everyone in the room was waiting for my reaction. I felt like melting in his arms that moment. He was being so sweet so nice. But the numerous pairs of eyes staring at me made me feel like becoming invisible.
But when Richard told me about Sam the whole deal flashed in front of my eyes. My role....his wife....seduce Sam...make him want you.
The moment he said those words my whole world fell apart. Reality hit me hard in the face. All was pretence...the mere thought made me feel like a puppet again. I heard him silently but i had no choice i couldn't backout...not now. So i put my game face on and walked towards the Sam guy confidently. I cleared my throat so that he would turn around. He did turn around but when i saw him i got the greatest shock of my life.
I knew it... That my dream wasn't just a dream. Why me God why??