Only On Paper [ K.TH FF]

Chapter Two

After tossing and turning in bed, now I'm staring at the ceiling like its the most interesting thing in the world. It's past midnight but sleep is million miles away.

It's so peaceful and quiet. The room is illuminated by the moonlight and the cool night breeze is blowing against my bare skin.

But my mind is full of noises of my thoughts. I still couldn't  figure out why grandma was forcing me to marry a stranger. I haven't even met him. I mean, I googled him when I locked myself in my room after throwing a fit at the two old ladies. But I haven't got the privilege to see him in flesh, yet.

Well, he is handsome and his body proportions are model perfect. He is ethereally gorgeous. The mere sight of him can light up your world, that's how powerful his visuals looked. There is this boyish masculinity in him even though he's twenty-four years old. He is a really capable and ambitious man. But his private life is quite scandalous even though they are just rumours.

And so it is even more discomforting to believe that he would want to marry a simple, countryside girl like me? Why would he when he can get any one better ?

And one more thought which is bugging me constantly is the fact that I could not even catch a glimpse of this man even though he was in MY house?! Gosh, I'm so dumb. He maybe sleeping in the guestroom downstairs. Should I sneak in and take a quick peek? No! I'm not a pervert. Why would I do such a thing? But I want to see him.

I had skipped dinner and now I was starving. Wondering if there's any food left, I tiptoed downstairs to the kitchen as quietly as possible.

A lamp at the living room lit up the surroundings dimly. I rummaged the fridge to only find dumplings. Cold dumplings? Great cause I can't complain when I'm hungry. I gobbled them down in haste fearing that someone would walk in at that moment. At least, I wasn't hungry anymore.

I was retreating to my room when I heard shuffling sounds from the last room in the corridor.

The door was slightly ajar and a faint light could be seen illuminating the room. Even though I tried to be discreet, the wooden floors made audible creaking sounds. Damn, the house needs renovation!

Suddenly, the lights turned on. Before I could turn and run away, the door flew open and there he was in his glory. He was in sweatpants but shirtless. I could see his abs as his chiseled body glistened under the lights.

"Umm.... I'm.... I got lost. Good night.", I stammered and turned around, mentally slapping myself.

"You get lost in your own house? That's fascinating.", a deep, husky voice boomed. This soulful voice was enough to make my legs go mellow. It was so sensual yet powerful.

"Well, if you don't mind, can we talk?", he said, again.

I could've said no but I said yes. He's very intimidating.

I followed him into the room. I could smell his cologne in the air. It was tantalizing. I heard the door shut and saw him walking towards the closet.

Trying to subdue the awkwardness, I sat on the edge of the bed. Moments later, he came back with a shirt on. Why do I feel slightly disappointed? I didn't dwell on that feeling much and quickly shrugged it off.

"Thanks for letting us stay for the night."

"No problem. It is our pleasure since you are grandma's acquaintance .", I answered.

Complete silence.

Why?

I must have been staring at my hands for too long because when I looked up, he was staring at me with those deep gorgeous eyes. I quickly looked away.

" I wanted to talk to you about the marriage proposal." As if asking for a  confirmation if I was willing to broach that topic, he looked at me. His chocolate brown orbs held so much authority.

I nodded, trying to maintain the eye contact even though my eyes kept wandering lower at the sight of his delicious chest and abs through the few undone buttons of his shirt, as he rested his elbows on his thighs to reach my eye level.

" My grandmother is the only family I have. She means a lot to me. And she wants me to get married to someone whom she sees fit." He was talking in a very professional manner but I could sense the sincerity in his words.

"She wants you to marry me.", I continued.

"Right. She likes you a lot. And I don't intend to disappoint her. She only has a year or so left. I want her to be happy.", he handed me a file and when I looked into it, they were the medical reports of his grandma. She was at a stage three hepatic cancer.

"She wants me to get married to you before she leaves for US next week for her therapy. I want to marry you." He finally blurted out after contemplating.

I was speechless. I didn't know how to respond. I'm too young? I don't know you? I believe in marriage with love but this sounds contractual?

" I know it's a lot for you. But this is your grandmother's wish too. Think of it like an arranged marriage. If, after a year, you're still not comfortable, we can divorce and you can start a new life again."

I should've said 'No' then. But I fell in his sly, revengeful game. It was just the beginning of my heartbreak.