Julian's rules were clear: stay out of his business, don't ask about his shades, and never enter his room. But Amelia's curiosity and defiance ignited a spark that threatened to destroy them both. ******* Desperate to escape a blind date set up by her grandma, Amelia kisses a stranger in a bold move that backfires. Now, she's forced into a contract marriage with the enigmatic Julian, as he exposes her family's secrets. As they make their way through their arranged union, Amelia begins to unravel the mysteries surrounding Julian, the mystery behind Julian's constant use of sunglasses, his dark past, and she also learns he's not as cold-hearted as he seemed. Her rebellious actions thrust Julian into danger, making her realize her true feelings for him.
Chapter 1 Blind Date
Amelia took a glance at her watch.
"He's late." She murmured, letting out a deep sigh of frustration. This was going to be the last time she would accept being on a blind date.
She looked around the high-class restaurant; every soul in there was coupled up, sharing gazes of affection and smiles, while she was seated dressed up for a man she knew nothing about and worst of all, there was no sight of him around.
She took another glance at her watch and decided to spare five more minutes, in hopes that he wouldn't show up, so she could gladly walk away.
After all, she never wanted to be here in the first place. She was just obliging to her sick grandmother's request. This was the fifteenth blind date her grandma was setting up for her.
"For grandma, for grandma, Amelia." She encouraged herself to be patient.
She remembered Grandma threatening to end her life and donate her whole inheritance to charity if she dared mess this date up.
Her precarious habit of turning down all suitable bachelors by either creating a scene or mocking them till they angrily left was now famously known.
After she had caught her ex cheating, Amelia promised herself she wouldn't bat an eye at any man again and wonders if truly a man is needed to be considered societally fit.
"You must be Amelia Cole." A deep, cold voice called out, drifting her away from her thoughts. She raised her head, hoping this time the sight she would meet would at least hold to her expectations.
Yet again, Grandma had disappointed her. She looked up at the slightly old-looking man standing above her. He was old-fashionedly dressed, the same way her late father would, in a plaid pant with a striped pink shirt and polka-dot tie.
"What the heck?" she blurted out subconsciously.
"Who the fuck is this man? And what in the world was he wearing?" "A man wearing pink to a date and, worst, a polka-dot tie" Her face twitched in disgust as she gave his outfit a solid glance.
"I'm sorry, I was caught up in traffic." The old man apologized, showcasing his awkwardly arranged dentition.
"You should have stayed in it," Amelia murmured while sipping from her wine glass. She couldn't care less about the man in front; what was Grandma thinking about bringing an old-looking man as her blind date?
"I'm Mr. Julian Robert." He said, stretching his hand forward for a shake.
"Such a nice name for an unbefitting man." Amelia thought, as she reluctantly obliged to shake him. She didn't want to seem so rude.
"You look beautiful, more than what I expected." The man uttered, his eyes scanning her body with lust.
Amelia was disgusted by his actions, She adjusted her short, lacy dress, which wasn't enough to cover her thighs. This was the worst choice of dress for this date. She had thought she would do something different by dressing up seductively like a slut just to keep her dates away from courting her, but it seems the man at her front was enjoying the little stunt.
"You look beautiful; your height is perfect; I don't think there's anything left to say; I will finalize the marriage proposal with your grandma." The old man said excitingly.
A cold shiver ran down Amelia's spine. This wasn't what she was expecting. He was meant to be disgusted. He was meant to feel disrespected, get angry and storm off! But not this, Why was he talking about finalizing a marriage?
"Excuse me, sir... J...John, Julan, or whatever your name is. I think you must be mistaken." "This date was a mistake, I cannot marry you." She stated clearly.
"What do you mean you can't marry me?" The old man twitched his brows in confusion.
"I have a boyfriend." Amelia lied.
The old man let out a soft chuckle, making Amelia frown in confusion. "Was she cracking a joke or something, Why was he laughing?" She thought curiously.
"You see! Your grandma already warned me about your mischievous behavior. She told me you would come up with an act like this." The old man smiled, staring brazenly at Amelia.
"Fuck Grandma!" Amelia let out, underneath her breath in anger.
This isn't working, she never wanted to get married, and worse, to such an old man.
She paused, thinking for a while for a clever response. She couldn't blow her cover.
"Don't you get it! Are you dumb or something? I said I have a boyfriend. Just that I haven't introduced him to Grandma yet." Amelia said out loud, putting on a fake angry tone.
"Prove it." The old man resorted.
Silence stretched between them. It was getting uncomfortable, and Amelia needed to think of a good escape plan.
Just then, a young man in shades walked in. To the man's surprise, Amelia rushed over to him, implanting a deep kiss on his lips.
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