Accidental marriage

THE Hall was adorned with only what could be described as opulence, the kind that Amelie could only wish for in her dreams. A cascade of crystal chandeliers shone over the exquisitely dressed guests who mingled beneath.

Her heart raced alongside the high-tempo ballroom music that echoed through the walls of the beautiful room. Her fingers toyed nervously with the stem of the champagne flute that she had collected from a waiter earlier on, hoping to blend into the crowd as one of them.

And blend in she did.

Dressed in a body-hugging emerald green silk gown that matched her bright eyes and left nothing to the imagination, her golden blonde hair cascaded down in soft waves, framing a face adorned with delicate features and lips that pouted, begging to be kissed.

Her best friend, Hailey, had wasted no effort to make her look sophisticated and elegant on the outside but on the inside, she was still the same Amelie Campbell, a blubbering shy mess.

She had only come to this gala because her paintings would be sold and she would get a reasonable amount for it. It was the first time a well-connected, wealthy individual had offered to showcase her drawings and she had jumped at the opportunity.

She left the centre of the ballroom to go to where her most favorite drawing sat, waiting for its owner to claim it.

“Beautiful, isn't it?” A deep voice broke through her reverie.

Startled, she turned to face him, her emerald eyes meeting his grey stormy ones.

He had striking features- a strong jawline, piercing grey eyes that promised chaos and dark tousled hair. He was dressed in a tailored tuxedo that hugged his tall, athletic frame, accentuating the broadness of his shoulders. He exuded an allure of confidence and magnetism which only made Amelie blush when she saw him smile.

Nevertheless, she tilted her head and said in a soft voice, “It is.”

Sebastian was captivated by the beautiful woman in front of him. The woman who looked like she belonged amongst the rich and yet seemed to want to flee.

He tilted his head at her, letting a smile grace his lips.

“What’s your name, mia bellezza?”

Amelie could feel herself blush at the term.

My beauty.

“Amelie Campbell,” She replied, wiling herself to stop blushing.

“Sebastian Romano, bella.” He lifted her hand to his lips.

She could feel her heart’s rate increasing, her face getting hot and her body tingling at the sound of his baritone and the feel of his hot lips.

She faced the artwork once more as Sebastian appraised her painting not knowing the true owner of the art. They spoke of art, nature and their music tastes and soon enough Sebastian invited her onto the dance floor as they opened the ball.