Chapter 217
Chapter 217:
“Thank you,” I said with a smile as I shook his hand as well. My face had gone stiff from smiling since we’d stepped out of the car.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses to the newlyweds. May they enjoy good health and lasting happiness, and may the good Lord guide them through every situation they face. Cheers!” everyone responded.
I lifted my glass and drank the white wine my husband had handed me earlier. When I swallowed the last drop, the sound of glasses clinking reached us, followed by the guests’ cheers—including his parents p>
“Kiss! Kiss!” they chanted.
I struggled to catch my breath when I saw my husband smiling at me.
“I think we have to grant their request, sweetheart,” he said, then pulled me closer and kissed me. It wasn’t a quick peck—it was deeper and more commanding, leaving me frozen for several seconds.
I closed my eyes as the force of his kiss swept through me, and I felt completely trapped in the moment.
I was still dizzy when he finally pulled away. He rested his forehead against mine and brushed my lips with his thumb. We heard a soft sound, and we both turned to see Rian standing there with Alex, both wearing wide smiles.
𝘛he 𝗺𝘰ѕ𝘵 𝗉𝗈р𝗎𝘭а𝘳 𝗻𝗈𝘃𝗲𝗹ѕ 𝗼𝗻 ѕ.𝗰𝗼𝗺
Daniel stepped away from me immediately.
“Congratulations, brother.” Alex gave Daniel a firm pat on the shoulder while Rian took my hand and gently led me aside.
“Congratulations.” She was grinning ear to ear, her joy for me shining in her face. “You know what? You two actually fit together really well p>
I rolled my eyes. “Rian, remember this is just a sham p>
“I know, but can you blame me for hoping it might become real someday p>
“That’s not going to happen,” I replied.
“Okay,” she said with a shrug. “But I’ll keep praying it does. I’ll be the first to celebrate if it happens,” she added with a playful wink.
What a fool, I thought.
“Sophia p>
I had just reached my bedroom door when Daniel called my name. We’d only recently returned from the reception, and every part of my body felt heavy with exhaustion.
“What do you want?” I asked, my eyes drifting down the hallway as sleep crept in.
“I hope you understand your role in this arrangement,” he said.
I exhaled slowly and met his eyes.
“I understand. You don’t need to repeat it p>
“Good. There’s something else. I know my mother already spoke with you, but I want to add something p>
I straightened slightly because I knew something unpleasant was coming. “What is it?” I asked.
“We’re married on paper only. Nothing more, nothing less. We’re not friends, and we’re nothing beyond that. The only thing binding us is the document we signed. You won’t ask about my personal life, and I won’t ask about yours. You’re free to do whatever you want—I don’t care p>
He stepped closer until I had no choice but to look him in the eyes. “If you plan to date or flirt with anyone, then you’ll keep it private. I don’t want to be involved in any scandal p>