Pearl's POV:

"Pearl dear, are you ready for tonight's party?" My mother asked me entering my room. That night night papa and uncle Rob was going to announce their new project, a shipping business actually, in which they were both equal shareholders. Uncle Rob had called me the day before and said that there would be two surprises for me, which I was really excited for.

I was wearing a silk violet gown with sweetheart neckline which matched my eyes and I tied my hair in an elegant bun. There was a diamond bracelet gracing my wrist and I completed the look with a pair of black 6 inch stilettos. As usual, Ryan is my date tonight and the stilettos would give me the heights that I  desired. Because I loved to be in the same height as him.

My mom was also wearing a gown which was in a very beautiful shade of crème and she was carrying a shawl with it. I often wondered how did she manage to look still so elegant and lovely, especially at the age of late forty.

"Mamma I am ready." I twirled around to show myself properly, a little bit childish thing to do, but I always tried to give my parents a impression that I was still there little girl as parents usually hated to see their children all grown up.

"Oh my... My daughter is looking stunning." My mother's eyes beamed with happiness.

"Are you sure? All the boys will have a mild heart attack?" I questioned her in a serious tone.

"Obviously they won't even move their eyes off from you. Ryan will think himself so lucky."

"Well. He doesn't even look at me. He is always on his phone. If I had been born as an iPhone he would have probably looked at me." I mumbled as my heart became heavy with the thought of his indifference.

"He may be looks at you stealthily, you never know?" Mamma said with hopeful eyes. But it was clear in her voice that she knew how Ryan behaved around me.

"Or may be his eyes hurt while looking at me. Because I am so hot for him to handle." I laughed as my mother smacked on my arm playfully.

"Enough of joking. Let us go downstairs or your father will think that you have gone missing. He is sometime so intemperate." She muttered annoyingly.

"Papa loves me more than all of you. So, don't be jealous of your own daughter." I winked turning to leave the room.

"Incredible father and daughter." She sighed following me.

***

"Ladies and gentleman may I have your attention please?" Uncle Rob spoke through the microphone. All of the guests turned to him. "Thanks, as you all know we are here for a important announcement and I would like to announce that now. The thing here is, my longtime friend Mr. Altos Bennett and I are going to open a shipping business together. It will start from tomorrow."

All clapped on that excitedly as I was holding Ryan by the arm and we both were listening to uncle Rob.

"My son, Ryan Anderson worked really hard on this project and he proved himself that he is worthy to be called an Anderson. I'm proud of you son." Uncle raised his glass of Martini at Ryan's direction and Ryan nodded at him with a small smile. "I have another another important thing to announce. In this function a very close person of mine is present. She is the beautiful Pearl Bennett." He gestured his hand towards me. "Altos and I both decided to name this company on her name as she is not only like a daughter to me but also the future wife of my son." He gave an award winning smile to all.

I felt Ryan's body hardened beside me. What happened to him now?

"Thanks uncle but it was not necessary." I gave him a humble smile.

"It was dear." He smiled at me and turn his attention to the guests again. "You all know Ryan and Pearl's marriage is fixed from a long time. I want you all to know that they will be married on the first Sunday of next month."

The guests started clapping vigorously.

Ryan removed my hand from his arm and went towards his father. Well, I didn't expect that. I know it was announced all of a sudden but he knew that we will be married one day. Right?

From the position I was standing, I saw him telling his father something. But the question is what could be that?

"I have to talk to my son about the planning of the marriage. Excuse me, please." He turned and went inside with Ryan.

What the hell was that?

Ryan's POV:

I just can't believe this my father named the company on Pearl's name for which I worked from dawn to dusk. On top of that he just announced my marriage without even talking to me. I can't handle it anymore. I have to talk to him now, at this moment. So, I walked to him removing Pearl's hand from my arm. She was clutching my arm all the time. It irritated the hell out of me.

"Dad, I have to talk to you now." I said through gritted teeth careful enough so nobody hears.

He nodded at me and excused himself from the guests.

We went to one of the spare bedrooms of Bennett house as the party was held here.

"Why did you act like that in front of so many peoples. There were press people. If they don't take it well then rumors will be spread like wildfire." He snapped at me.

"Why didn't you tell me that you are announcing my marriage and why did you name shipping line on Pearl's name?" I snapped back at him.

"You are going out of control day by day. You have to marry her one day. I just fixed the date and it is on your future wife name. I don't think that is a problem." He said in a cold and firm voice.

"I am not a child dad that you can control. I won't marry her because I love Natalie." I rubbed my forehead.

"I know you like that gold digger. But I won't ever allow her to be my daughter in law." He glared at me, his lips thinned with irritation.

"She isn't a gold digger dad. She is just not like that porcelain doll." I stood straight and faced him.

"Think before what you say and she is the daughter I never had." He stated.

"I won't marry her. You can't make me marry her." I said confidently.

"Are you sure young man? If you embarrass me you won't get even one percent share from my business and I will make sure that you and your Natalie don't get any job anywhere." He smirked at me.

He was not serious, was he?

"You don't have any other child. Who will be the owner than?" I groaned with disappointment.

"I will transfer all my property on Pearl's name." He said calmly.

"You will transfer it on Pearl's name." I whispered in disbelief. What exactly she did to get my father on her side like that?

"Yes, I sure will. Note my words and think about what you will do. You will marry her. Am I correct?"

I just nodded my head, feeling helpless.

"Good. I knew you're smart." He said giving me a evil smile before he walked out.

What would I say to Natalie? Where I got myself stuck in?

Pearl's POV:

Uncle Rob came out from inside with a full moon smile on his face followed by Ryan who was in a stony mood.

'Why is there a big difference between their mood?' I asked myself.

Don't think of these things Pearl. That is not your place. They can do whatever they want.

The inner bitch of me snapped at me.

"Ms. Bennett congratulations. You will be married soon. How are you feeling?" A middle length man asked bringing me out from my thought land, he was holding a notepad in his hand which assured that he was some sort of reporter.

"I am really happy. What can a girl want anything more when she is going to be an Anderson?" I replied giving him the best ravishing smile I could muster.

"I bet you are. So why your fiancée went rapidly to his father as soon as the date was announced. Does he not want to marry you?" He questioned in whole seriousness that caught me off guard.

"He.."

"Because I wanted to marry her before that day as I can't wait to marry her any longer. I want to make her mine as soon as possible. So I went my father to talk about it. But he said it takes time to arrange a marriage. Bad luck." Ryan interrupted me, wrapping his hand around my waist.

Oh his words flattered me. Not.

"Yeah.. We wanted to marry next week but uncle Rob's wish is our wish." Well two can play this game, right?

"Well, thanks and enjoy your night." The reporter smiled at us and went to another person.

"Um.. Thanks for answering on my behalf but where did you go like that with uncle?" I asked shifting my eyes on him.

"That is none of your business." He muttered.

"That is. People will be asking me why did you do that. What will I answer them?"

"The same thing that I said to the reporter."

"Are you for real? I, myself isn't convinced with your answer then why will be other people?"

"Why are you not convinced?"

"You are asking me? Did you ever looked at me properly?" I narrowed my eyes.

"Then why don't you-"

One of my close friends, Ashley cut him off. "Pearl, Mrs. Franz wants to talk to you about your boutique."

She pulled me to meet her, not giving me a chance to say something.

That made me slightly irritated because I really wanted to know what he was going to say.

Ryan's POV:

I wanted to tell her to cancel the marriage. I couldn't do that but she could. But her stupid friend had to come at that time.

One minute, she said something about a boutique. Pearl owns a boutique? I didn't know that. So what? She must be just wasting her father's money. No design can come out from that stupid brain and I am sure about that.

I had to leave the party and talk to Natalie. She might've saw the news about my marriage on TV. What will she think about me? I have to make her understand that I love her only.

My phone vibrated. It's a message from Natalie.

You're marrying her? Were you playing with me all these time?

My baby is hurt. This is Pearl's fault. I hate her.

Baby, you know I love you. Please try to understand I had no other way. I will talk to her about cancelling this marriage. I am coming in your place. I will tell you everything.

She replied in a minute.

You better do that Mr. Anderson. I am waiting.

Mr. Anderson? My baby is really angry at me. I had to go to her as soon as possible. I had to get out of there.

***

I got myself out of that place with great efforts. Let's skip how I did that. I am now in front of Natalie's apartment and I knocked the door.

"Come." Nate opened the door after three knocks.

"Baby I am so sorry for that. I didn't know dad planned anything like this." I said hugging her.

"Why didn't you tell your father that you won't marry her?" She snapped. BTW she looks hot when she is angry.

"I told him. He threatened me to deprive from all his property if I don't marry her. But if you don't want me to marry her I won't." I told her firmly.

"I don't wanna be the reason of that. But I can't see you with anyone else. So, I will leave the city tomorrow." She choked as I hold her tightly in my arm.

"No, baby. I won't be with her. If I have to marry her then I will give her divorce as soon as my father makes me the CEO." I assured her.

"So, it will be a contact marriage?" She pushed me a little to look at me.

"I can't do that. She is Pearl Bennett. She has no reason to do that. But I won't love her ever because you are the only one for me." I trailed off.

"It's not enough for me. What if you became attracted to her?" She muttered sadly.

"I don't like her and won't even touch her. Believe me baby." I said tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"You aren't lying. Are you?"

"No, I aren't." I told her pressing my lips on her forehead.

"OK then. I trust you. You can marry her as long as you are still mine." She smiled.

"Oh, Nate you are so understanding." I heaved a sigh.

"I ought to be." She said hugging me.

God what have I done to get this woman's love? I am so perfectly happy to be with her. But I have to be with Pearl again. So disgusting.

Now when I think about that I can't tell her to not marry me. She is a daddy's daughter. She will definitely say him that I told her to cancel the marriage and that will cause ruckus. Even if she doesn't tell him my dad will get suspicious and the reaction won't be good for me. Moreover, if she wants to marry me badly then she will, no matter what I think of her. So, I have to go along with it. I have to marry her Highness.

But what happens when I tell that I can't love her after the wedding? I have to make sure that it remains a secret until I divorce her.

Pearl's POV:

Only five days left before my wedding. If you ask me that I am excited or not then my answer will be yes and no.

Thinking what kind of answer is that?

Yes, because I am excited to wear my wedding dress and all the attention I will be getting that day and no because one can't be excited to get herself stuck in a marriage without love.

But no one knows what will happen in future. May be... Just may be I can get the love of my life from this marriage. It will take time but I will.

I know Ryan doesn't look at me properly but come on I am the gorgeous Pearl Bennett. Every boy dies to just see me. Even Ryan probably. I think he pretends to ignore me because he wants to keep his respect by not drooling over me.

There can't be any other reason, am I right?

My days are going by searching church for our marriage, going to jewelry shops and doing lots of shopping for my wedding.

My wedding dress will be designed by Khalil, assistant designer of my boutique. He requested me to give him the honor to do this in which I happily agreed. Cause I know he is naturally talented, I met him in India. He was studying fashion designing there and I got the chance to meet him by incidence. When I offered him the job to assist me he almost cried due to happiness.

It has been almost six months of my boutique and it is now a famous name among the women. We are expecting to do a fashion show next month.

I am more excited about that than my wedding.

Wedding!!!!!

***

"Wake up, sleepy head!" Someone yelled near my ear and I woke up almost jumping.

"What?" I groaned rubbing my eyes and looked at the idiot who woke me up from my sweet sleep.

It was Sofia. My beautiful 19 years old cousin. Who will be my maid of honor and extremely serious about everything.

"It is already 9." She informed with a serious face.

"So?" I said as I really don't know why she is telling me the time.

"So! You are telling me so!" Her eyes are looking like they will come out anytime.

What is wrong with her?

"For God's sake it is your wedding today." She shouted. She really doesn't have any respect for elders.

"Oh." I sat up with annoyed face.

Wait.

What???

My wedding!!!!?

I will be married today????

"Don't tell me you forgot that." She almost shouted. Disbelief was prominent in her eyes.

"Huh! Yeah... I mean... I know.. But.. But it slipped from my mind." I stammered.

"You are so stupid."

I felt myself bewildered.

"Hey, I am not."

"You are. Who forgets about her wedding?"

"It was a mistake and I didn't forget. It just slipped out."

"Has the bride woken up from beauty sleep?" I heard a voice and looked at the door to find Kara my personal beautician.

"Kara thank god you are here." I ran to hug her.

"Give me a hug also." I looked up and saw Louisa, my best friend. She is the only girl who is my friend because she likes me for who I am not for my family status.

"Obviously" With that I hugged her.

"Ok, let's start my magic on her." Kara rubbed the palm of her hand with each other as I laughed.

"Where is Khalil? I didn't saw my dress till now." I whined.

"Be patient bride. Here is your dress." I turned to see Khalil's standing beside Louisa.

He was holding a big bag which I grabbed from her hand.

I took it out and was stunned by it's beauty.

It passed my ankle and the skirt of the dress was fluffy. There were silver color embroidery on the upper portion of the white dress. It was backless with no sleeve. But the most important thing is, it's pearled near the waist. I know he used pearl because of my name.

"I love it." I smiled at Khalil. I would've gave him a hug but he feels awkward about it.

"I am happy that you liked it." Khalil pretended to bow and I smacked on his shoulder laughing.

"We are getting late. Eat something dear, then we have to make you ready for our eligible bachelor who is going to become eligible husband." Kara stated giving me a mischievous smile.

I skipped a heartbeat hearing that.

Is he?

***

"If a competition happens between the brides you will get the first prize." Louisa grinned.

I looked at myself in the mirror. Kara really did magic. I was always beautiful. But today... Today I am looking different. She didn't made a bun with my hair like others. She kept it open slightly curling it and used pearl to make it look more attractive. She gave me natural makeup with light pink lipstick. I am wearing five inch silver color stilettos and simple diamond necklace. In my ears there are diamond stud earrings and a platinum bracelet in my left hand.

"Don't say things like that. The bride will catch evil eye." Khalil protested and everyone laughed.

"We won't." Kara assured him smiling and turned to me. "Stay here, we are going to get ready."

I nodded and they left the room.

What I am going to do? I am feeling so restless.

I closed the door and went near the window beside my bed and closed my eyes feeling the breeze.

Half an hour left. I am going to be his. Ryan's.

A smile made it way to my lips.

Suddenly someone started to kiss me on my neck and collarbone from behind. I was shocked.

What is happening?

I tried to move away but the person hold me tight by sliding his one hand on my stomach and his other hand clamp around my mouth to not let me shout.

Tears came out from my eyes as I couldn't do anything save myself from him.

Anyone never touched me like that.

He turned me around and attacked my lips with his. My vision was too blur to see his face as he was kissing me furiously. I pushed him with my all force and finally I was able to see his face.

He?

What is he doing here?

Why did he kiss me?

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