All through the drive, Julian didn't say a word and Lyra felt tensed. She wanted to ask Julian about the clothes but she didn't have the courage to speak to him. If I can't even speak to him, how am I going to get him to love me? She peaked at him through her long lashes and couldn't help but admire his face.
His eyes were closed and he leaned on the seat. Was he asleep? She wondered but didn't try to find out. She just took in his perfection. From his hair which fell on his face to his closed eyes, she couldn't see it's colour but she knew they were blue. His lashes were long like that of a woman and they rested on his face like feathers. His sharp straight nose fitted him perfectly and his pale pink lips were thin and tempting. She had never seen a man so beautiful. He was an angel but his personality didn't suit the description. He would have been perfect if he was nice. She sighed wondering what made him so cold and unsmiling.
"Are you done staring." He cold voice sounded in the car startling Lyra who quickly sat back properly and adverted her eyes. She couldn't believe he had caught her. "I, I.. wasn't staring." She denied. "So you lie too." He muttered opening his eyes and she widened her eyes. "No. Actually, there was something on your face and I was just..." "I've heard enough." He cut her off. "I'm adding a condition to the contract. No lying. If you're going to speak to me, speak the truth." He added and she quickly nodded. 'Oh my God Lyra. What is wrong with you?' she scolded herself inwardly.
The rest of the drive was quiet and they finally got to the courthouse. There were many people waiting in line. They both got out of the car and strolled inside with Caleb following behind. From the doorway to inside the courthouse, the both of them looked so handsome and beautiful and attracted the attention of all of the people in the hall, both men and women. Lyra knew she was beautiful but at that moment, she was very sure most of their eyes were not looking at her.
Even she couldn't help but look at the man standing beside her. Her small stature looked even smaller with her standing beside him and she was only up to his shoulders. He must be at least six feet tall. He was so handsome that when people gazed at him, they tend to get lost and were unable to move their eyes away from him. She felt him slip his hands around her waist and she froze and her breathe seized. He was so close to her, she could feel his breathe fan her neck. He leaned even closer causing her legs to become weak. "They don't know it's a fake marriage so don't do anything stupid and just follow my lead." He whispered to her. Lyra wasn't listen to him as her mind was focused on the feel of his hands on her waist.
Julian was as surprised as she was. He had never been this close to a woman before. Whenever he was this close to woman, he would feel irritated and uncomfortable but the first day he had met her, in the hall back home, he had caught her with his hands and he held her for more than a minute. Usually, he would let her fall to the ground rather than touch her but then he didn't feel any form of irritation for this woman. Infact, he wanted to hold her longer.
It was no issue for them to get the certificate. All they had to do was fill out a form, pay, and get their picture taken. It was quick but Lyra was a little numb. While she was about to sign, she hesitated. Was she really ready to marry a man she didn't know and for a deal? What would happen if her parents found out?
"Miss Lyra?" Julian had already signed and the clerk called to her but she was in a daze. Lyra began to panic, she held the pen in her hands tightly and all her confused thoughts were visible on her face. Her large eyes were filled with hesitation. She didn't know this man beside her and he didn't know her as well. Julian frowned slightly noticing the look on her face. "Don't tell me you're starting to regret it now." The clerk could feel the tensed air that surrounded them. He took the papers and stared at them with doubt visible in his eyes. " Miss. Lyra, are you getting married from your own will? " The question brought Lyra back from her thoughts. She had to do this. She nodded. " Yes, I am. I will sign it. "
She quickly took the papers to sign but was suddenly pulled by the tall man. She was now in arms, he held her waist and brought his closer to hers and before she realized what was happening, his lips were on hers. Lyra opened her eyes in disbelief as she felt his breathe on her face. What the hell was he doing? it was the first time she had been kissed by a man and although it felt wonderful, she couldn't help but notice the stares his little fake public show of her affection had attracted.
Everyone stopped and had admired the couple and then, someone cheered. It wasn't the first time to see couple's kiss so the staff were already used to it. Lyra suddenly felt shy and angry at the same time. Shy that he had taken her first kiss and he had done it in front of these people and angry that he didn't warn her and dared to kiss her. She pushed him causing him to let go of her. He looked at her glaring eyes with raised eyebrows. "You hesitated so I gave you a reason not to." She exhaled nervously and signed the papers quickly with shaking hands. She picked up the marriage certificate and bowed her head down from embarrassment.
Julian thanked the clerk and walked out of the courthouse holding Lyra's hands. As they left, people couldn't help but stare at the romantic couple. Some women looked at Lyra with envious eyes. "I suddenly wish I was that woman. She's so lucky to have such a handsome and romantic man."
The moment they were outside, she took her hands out of his and stormed into the car. Julian didn't mind it or care. He just entered the car with his face still void of emotions. He didn't think the kiss was anything as it was just to fool the staff and others around. He couldn't understand why she was being so childish. She turned to him with a red face. "How could you do that?" She asked him sounding angry. "Do what?" He asked indifferently thinking she was forgetting her place. "You, you kissed me... In public!" She stammered. His narrowed eyes turned to face her. "You hesitated earlier when the clerk called you. Don't you think you deserve to be punished?" Julian seemed to have seen through her. Lyra had no way to refute and suddenly felt guilty. "I,I didn't..."" What if they found out that it's a fake marriage."
Lyra knew he was right. She had almost got them caught but what she didn't know was that Julian had just diverted her thoughts. Actually, the clerk would not have doubted the authencity of the couple's will to get married, they would rather think she hesitated out of nervousness but Julian didn't tell her all that.
"I'm sorry." She mummered but didn't get a reply as usual. The drive back home was silent once more with Caleb still caught in a web from what he had just witnessed. His boss had touched a woman, not just touched, he kissed her. Was he feeling sick or irritated? He knew the fact about the clerk's thoughts but didn't say anything that would put his boss in a tight spot with this woman. His mind was still ravelled on the fact that his boss had touched a woman, something he had been unable to do for a long time. Whatever was happening, he hoped it was for the best.
They took her back home and left immediately she got out of the car. She was about to walk in when she remembered she had not asked him about the clothes. She decided to ask him when he got back and walked into the house. She greeted the Mr. Brooks and Miss. Goergia and hurried upstairs to her room to hide under her sheets.
Ever since the kiss, her face had been glowing red. She was lucky the elders hadn't noticed it, they would have definitely teased her. She couldn't believe he kissed her. Even though it was just for show, it was still a kiss and her first at that. Lyra didn't think she could ever face him again. But then, she remembered she was supposed to make him love her. She sighed. Where do I start from? How do I get him to fall for me?
An idea popped in to her head. First, she needed to get close to him. Hmm, how do I get close to him. 'How about a job in his company? Like his PA but then Caleb is his PA.' Who said there couldn't be more than one? That's a brilliant idea Lyra. Her eyes suddenly lit up. She was going to become his PA. She knew she wasn't that brave but she was going to gather up all her courage and convince him into letting her work in his office.
"This plan isn't a bad one. There's no need to rush. It's going to be one step at a time. " She told herself...