Betrothed To Him

Chapter Five ♛

Betrothed To Him

Chapter Five: ♛

Ian Walton P.O.V

"The media is everywhere sir, and the paparazzi are waiting for your exit with the bride" My second-hand man Collin informs me through the speaker in my ear.

"Hmm, is the helicopter ready?"

"Yes sir, waiting for your order"

"Good. We shouldn't take long here."

I press the button on my speaker to dismiss the call with Collin and walk to back to the reception.

I welcome the guests, many of which I have business with and own half of their shares, some are too afraid of me and some who have competed with me.

I notice my uncle walking towards me and I nod in acknowledgment of his arrival.

"Uncle Steve" I call out. My great uncle's eyebrows rise in surprise and a small smile creeps across his wrinkled face.

"Ian, well now look at you getting married already," he says as he opens his arms out as he got closer.

He throws his arms around me and hugs me like I am the valorous son returned.

I clear my throat after several seconds of embrace, but Uncle Steve holds tight.

"You made both your parents proud son," he tells me. "Today I saw how much you look like your Father," he says with fondness.

His grip on me relaxes and I straighten up to my full height, a good six inches taller than him.

"I'm glad to see you, Uncle Steve."

"Glad you signed those papers, you mean," He says with a sneer.

He pads my shoulder and holds my gaze."She's the only suitable one for your reputation and lifestyle Ian, I hope you know that"

"I do."

"She's a piece of art, you're lucky either way," He says again this time with a grin.

I hurry to change the subject, to a much serious tone. "Uncle, how are the documents going for the Seatle investment we discussed last week?"

"You seriously want to talk business, on your wedding day son?" My uncle asks, making his way to one of the stand tables, and I follow.

"Uncle you know it's impor-" His attention is suddenly brought to something happening behind me.

"Aha, and there's the beautiful bride." He interrupts and I follow his gaze turning around to see a familiar face. The face of a beautiful disaster.

Uncle Steve was right she never looked nice, she looked like art. Always did.

There she was, with the same effect she once had on me. Except, this time it was much more significant, far more powerful.

I wasn't sure how her hazel eyes were able to reflect the crimson light from her red hair.

I looked down at her, her chest was heaving, probably still mad at me from our recent encounter. As much as I hated to admit it, she was fucking stunning.

So stunning that every time I glanced at her I was breathless for seconds. Her beauty seriously took my breath away.

Even more, now that I know she hasn't changed one bit. Still impulsive.

"Lana Houstan. Welcome to the family, I didn't have the chance to greet you properly, you look glowing" I watch as my uncle takes her hand and places a soft kiss on it.

"Thank you, it's nice to see you, Mr. Walton," Lana says softly as she places her delicate fingers on his forearm.

I find myself picturing my hands roaming over her body, my skin heating with a primal need to own her, claim her. Now.

Why the fuck am I imagining these things now? Fuck.

"Likewise. Although I have to say you have blossomed into a real princess. Or should I say a real Doctor? Ian will have to take extra care of you now" Uncle Steve pats the top of her hand.

"Don't worry he won't need to. I can take care of myself" She says as she forces a smile. Her words were like a shot of cold water in my veins.

I reach for a glass of wine as a distraction from their conversation.

"Is that so?" My uncle asks skeptically. His gaze flashed back to me and the air around us tenses, my jaw clenches. I know the exact reason behind her response, but I wasn't going to give her the reaction she wants.

"I am certain" She responds and shifts her gaze to me. Great now both of them are staring at me.

"Well, we love a confident woman. Let me know if you need anything. I'll leave you two newly couple for now" He tells her giving her a smile.

"Thank you," She says sweetly. He grabs her hand and places another kiss on top then turns towards me shooting me a wink before walking off.

"We need to talk," She says crossing her arms.

"There's nothing to talk about"

"There's everything to talk about. We can start with my study in South Africa" Her lips tightened.

"I mean, who the fuck do you think you are Ian, really?"

"Your husband" I state the obvious.

"My husband my ass. You out of everyone here knows that's all bullshit. Drop the act and tell me what the hell is going on?"

It's hard to not be impressed with her straightforwardness, she has also become incredibly confident in herself and in the way she speaks. I also realised Lana hasn't changed, she'll never stop with this. She's determined and wants answers.

And answers is what she'll get.

"You want to know what's going on?" I ask her.

"Speak" She answered, then opens her mouth again, "I want to know just how much of what comes out of your mouth is the truth"

Of course, you do Lana.

"Come with me," I order curtly.

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