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Contract vs. Feelings

The day is dawning, and its first rays of light begin to illuminate the once dark room. It is at this moment that I hear my mother's voice calling for me.

"I thought you would be awake. Ever since the night your father died, you haven't slept well!" she says with concern.

She looks at me and continues:

"Son, you are becoming a great man." Her eyes are teary.

"Mom, I'm just fulfilling a contract, honoring my father's memory," I respond sincerely.

Even so, I know that soon you will have children, and I will have my grandchildren to take care of," she says hopefully.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, Mom, but that won't happen anytime soon. It's not in my plans, and there are other reasons too. She already hates me, and right now, a child is not something I want," I reveal sadly.

"What if you two fall in love?" she asks, trying to understand my situation better.

"Hahaha... I don't know what fairy tale you're living in, but for that to happen, I would need to have feelings or a heart!" I reply with a touch of irony, but also with pain.

"Life surprises us, my love... I know your father... he..." she starts to say.

"ENOUGH! DON'T SPEAK OF THAT MAN EVER AGAIN, DO YOU HEAR ME?" I shout, interrupting her words.

"I'm sorry, my son, I didn't mean to upset you," she apologizes, her voice choked with emotion.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my feelings.

"Please, leave. I need to settle some mafia matters and then get ready for this event."

With her eyes down and a sad expression, she leaves the room.

(...)

POV: DAVINA

"Good morning, my flower, how do you feel?" my mother says as she kisses my forehead.

"Well, Mom, I'll be fine." I reply.

"Everyone is waiting for your approval, my Fleur... Hairdresser, makeup artist, and depilator, can I ask them to come in?" she asks.

"I don't have much choice, do I?... Tell them to come in, we'll do what's necessary." I sigh resignedly.

I spend hours being manipulated by those people, tossed from one to another. When I'm finally ready, I stand in front of the mirror and am amazed by what I see... I've never looked so beautiful. I should feel happy about it, but it's all just plans, games, and obligations!

I make my way outside the house and step into a grand limousine. In less than an hour, we arrive at the venue chosen according to English tradition. I must admit, it's all very luxurious and even breathtaking!

My father stands by my side, offering his arm for me to hold as he whispers in my ear:

"You look incredible, it's a big day!"

"Thank you, yes, of course it is!" I reply, trying to maintain enthusiasm.

"Smile, we're doing this for the family." he insists.

"I know." I murmur.

I force a smile on my face as the doors open.

"Showtime!" I say, with a hint of irony.

Indeed... I must admit the place looks fantastic, my mother has done a wonderful job! I see him at the end of that aisle... I confess that when our eyes meet, for a brief moment, I forgot how to breathe. He truly looks handsome.

Isn't it true that the Devil does have his ways?

POV: ADAM

Hours before the wedding,

I look at the clock and damn, I'm already late! Quickly, I put on the suit, tidy up, apply perfume, and head down the stairs.

"Wow, wow, if you'll allow me to say, you look irresistible..." - says Micael, laughing.

"Hahahahah. I know you have a crush on me, but please, control yourself. I'm a committed man about to get married, and honestly, you're not my type!"

Micael puts his hand on his chest, as if my words had wounded him.

"Let's go, I'm late." - I say, getting into my car and driving straight to the Cathedral. I look in the rearview mirror and see the security guards following me.

Upon arriving at the venue, everyone present stands up immediately. I go straight to my place at the altar and wait for Davina's arrival.

As expected, several important bosses from around the world have come to honor us. There were various security guards scattered throughout the hall, some at the doors, others near me, and some even disguised as guests. Every precaution was needed; we couldn't afford to be careless even for a moment.

30 minutes pass, and she still hasn't arrived... Damn, is she really making me wait? Has there been a problem on the way? Or maybe she backed out of the deal?

Lost in thought, I see Filipe open the door and look at me, announcing her arrival.

The music starts playing, and then she enters with delicate steps... Damn! She looks stunning, wearing a beautiful long dress that reveals a hint of her cleavage. Her hair is partly tied up, and she struts in with a beautiful smile on her face... Perhaps from nervousness or cynicism? It's not like she's happy; I knew it was all an act. Nevertheless, the smile was enchanting.

When we reach the end of the altar, her father hands her over to me and kisses her forehead... Which surprises me, as I know the cruelties she has endured! Our gazes meet and lock as if drawn by a magnet, it's a strange sensation...

"You look stunning, Miss Davina."

"And you're not looking bad yourself."

She says with a half-smile on her face.

The priest begins to speak.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here tonight to celebrate the union of Adam Strong Boulevard and Davina Lis Mavromatis. I invite the couple to express their consent. Please repeat, Mr. Adam: 'I promise to be faithful to you, to love and respect you, in joy and sorrow, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.'"

I say the words as instructed, and then I see her laugh.

"What's so funny?"

"I'm sorry, sir... It's a bit ironic, these words 'be faithful' and 'respect,' as well as 'love.' That will never happen, considering that your laws allow for cheating, disrespect, and violence against women."

In the hall, everyone is shocked by such rebellion.

"Hahaha, you're quite amusing, Davina."

I look at her warningly, but she doesn't yield for a second; she remains firm and seems convinced of her words.

"Proceed, Father!"

He nods.

"Miss Davina, do you accept Mr. Adam as your lawful husband, to love, respect, be faithful to, and pledge yourself to body and soul until death do you part?"

"I accept!"

"Adam, do you accept Mrs. Davina as your lawful wife?"

"I accept!"

"If anyone has objections to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace."

My security guards look around, alert to everyone. Obviously, no one would speak up, so the priest continues.

"By the power vested in me, in the name of the Lord, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

I pull her closer, without further delay, and kiss her. Damn, her lips are soft and full... We start slowly, her mouth is delicate, and I never imagined that with so little, I could be so turned on. I nibble on her lower lip, and she ends the kiss, slightly breathless. I find her reaction amusing; I'm a hungry man!

Everyone applauds, and I take her hands. I was tired of all that ceremony. I lead her towards the exit of the cathedral, we get into the car with the security guards, and we head straight home.

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