Betrothed To Him

Chapter Six: ❧

Betrothed To Him

Chapter Six: ❧

Lana Houstan P.O.V

After the ceremony ends, I talk to most of the guests at the reception. Our small talk consisted of them complimenting me - me thanking them. Who I am wearing. Why my father isn't here. Why I've been laying low for the past six years, and most importantly how Ian and I met.

I was having the time of my life!

It hadn't hit me until now. I just realized I married Him. A part of me already regrets not wanting to know the identity of the man I was going to get married to in the past four months.

At the time, I hadn't realized how much of a difference it would have made. I believed whoever it was, he was going to be the same as the rest. But as much as I'd like to convince myself Ian is the same as all of the men I had in mind I'd only end up fooling myself.

He's born to win, he never takes no for an answer and I know this from first-hand experience.

And now I am married to him.

"Lana!" Annie's voice pulls me out of my train of thoughts.

"Hey," I say with a half smile.

"Oh don't try to hide your disappointment with a fake smile, this is why I wanted to tell you from the start..." She paused, glancing both sides cautiously, then added. "That it was Ian this whole time"

"It's fine Annie." I averted my gaze and felt uncomfortable having this conversation at this time.

Sometimes fate tiptoes its way no matter how hard we try to avoid it.

"Are you going to speak to him?" she asked carefully.

"I don't know," I said in all honesty.

"Whatever happens, I know you'll manage it" she gives me a reassuring smile and my muscles instantly relax.

"Thank you"

***

Surviving the wedding itself was one thing, talking to people you don't give two fucks during the wedding about was another thing. 

 I either had to be nice or shy. Both illogical and impossible. 

I finally find the opportunity to speak to the mighty Ian after meeting with his Uncle.

"We need to talk," I confess crossing my arms together, once we're left alone.

"There's nothing to talk about" He grinned, looking so roguish and unrepented I couldn't leave myself to hold his gaze, afraid he'll see what I may lack to conceal. I gather myself quickly, reminding myself of what he had done, anger building through my veins.

"There's everything to talk about. We can start with my study in South Africa" I pause then add, "I mean, who the fuck do you think you are Ian, really?"

He didn't miss a beat. "Your husband"

I could've saved this talk for later, sure. I could've carried on with what I was told to do and do my job. But, sometimes your emotions get the best of you and today my emotions were dead.

"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."

He hesitates before answering.

"You want to know what's going on?"

"Speak" I blurt out. "I want to know just how much of what comes out of your mouth is the truth" I admit, and I watch his features congeal. His glare hardens and all of a sudden he becomes tense.