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?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ryan's POV:

It is time to say our vows. But her Highness is still not here. Did she ran away? If she did that I aren't going to leave her. How dare she?

Why I am getting hyper? Isn't it good for me if she doesn't come? I can easily get rid off her then.

But I am feeling angry.

No don't get the wrong impression. I am angry because if she ran away then it will hurt my ego and you know the reason. I am the most eligible bachelor of the state, Ryan Anderson. It will be a matter of shame if she did something like that. What will be the reaction of the public? It will be allover the media.

"Someone is becoming restless to marry." I heard Damon McLaren, my best man cum best friend snickering behind me.

"Just shut that mouth of yours. I have no wish to marry that barbie doll." I hissed.

"Really? Then move and let me marry her. Marrying Pearl. It will be an honor." He chuckled as I glared at him. If there were any system to burn someone by glaring then by now he would have became ash.

"Go and marry her then." I said through gritted teeth.

"Cool down man. By the way where is princess? Isn't she late." He cocked his brow up.

"How would I know where she is? She is embarrassing me. I swear-" I stopped in the middle of my sentence as I saw her walking down the aisle followed by her bridesmaids.

She is looking beautiful though I can't see her face because of the veil. Her father is holding her right hand and two really cute little girls holding flowers were walking in front of her. They were the flower girls I suppose.

I looked around the church and noticed every young man gasping. I know they are envying me for marrying the most beautiful heiress. I felt proud for a moment but it quickly changed into frown. Why is she looking like that she is shaking. What took her so much time?

***

Pearl's POV:

I am walking down the aisle holding my papa's hand. I looked up to see Ryan and he is practically frowning. I felt so guilty like I cheated on him. But there was nothing like that. He kissed me forcefully and I didn't kissed him back. I am a girl who wanted to give her first kiss to her husband. But he stole it. I never even imagined that he will do something like that.

"Relax my princess, don't be nervous." Papa patted on my back to stop me from shaking. He thought I am nervous. If only he knew.....

Flashback:

"What are you doing here?" I asked trying to catch my breath.

"Please Pearl, don't marry him. I can't leave without you 'cause I.... I love you." He said trying to touch my face but I moved away before he could do that.

"You love me? I'm going to be married in less than half an hour and here you're asking me to not marry him because you love me! Are you insane?" I whisper yelled at him. I ushered him towards the balcony door saying, "Go."

"I won't. Why are you doing this? Cause I know this can't be for love. Then why? When I know you love me then why are you going to marry him?" Desperation was clear in his eyes as he uttered the words.

I looked away from his eyes as it was too much for me. "I don't love you and you have no right to ask me those questions."

"You loved me." He pressed.

"I don't. Now go."

"I'm not going anywhere without you. You're going to come with me and we will get married today, here, in this very Church." He said as he grabbed my hand and started pulling me.

"I won't marry you. The only man I'm going to marry today is Ryan." I said and started hitting him on the hand which was holding mine. But that didn't affect him even a little bit.

"But why? I will keep you happy more than he ever can." He said in a tone which we use to talk to a five years old.

"How can I? Or more precisely why will I? My whole family is waiting there for me to come. Today is my wedding day and I'm Ryan's bride for God's sake." I was controlling the sob which was threatening to come out at any moment.

"Why will you? Right! My whole life Pearl, my whole life I dreamed to make you mine, my wife. I was planning to how to ask for your hands for years. But I never got the chance. I bought the ring to propose you last week and what I got to hear the moment I kept my feet on NY this morning? That you are to be married? I can't take this Pearl. Please, please Pearl marry me." He said kneeling down on the floor and it broke my heart to see him like this, so vulnerable.

"You know I can't. Just go away. Anyone can come here at any moment." I said and sat down in front him, trying my best to make him understand.

"Do you love him?" He asked, looking into my eyes. His eyes were red and tears were rolling down from them.

"I do." I lied but I had no other way to make him go.

"There is no chance for us?"

"There is no us." I said looking down.

"I'm sorry then." He lowered his head in shame.

"Why?" I asked, my voice sounded out of breathe even in my ears.

"For.... For kissing you like that." He stuttered and my heart clenched for him.

"It was my first kiss you know? I was waiting for Ryan to take that." I was ashamed for making him more guilty. But I had to tell that to someone. I knew it was selfish of me to do that to him but I couldn't control myself.

"I... I am really sorry. I wasn't in my right mind. I don't know what came into me. I will go faraway from here and you won't have to see my face again. I will...." He started crying hard before he could complete.

"Hey, it's OK. I understand and it was selfish of me to tell you that. You don't have to go anywhere. Please stay." I tried coaxing him with my words though I know it would have gone in vain.

"I can't Pearl. I have to do this for me. If I stay here, everyday I have to see you with him. That would be so hard for me." Saying that he stood up.

"I know. But still..."

"Don't ask me to do something that will hurt me in return. I have to go, even if it is for a while." He wiped his tears away and gave me a small smile. I never wanted to see him like that. So, I gave up and accepted what he wanted to do.

"Okay. If that's what you want, I won't stop you. But please promise me that you will come back. This is your city Nathan. You can't leave it forever. One thing more, though I don't love you, I care for you deeply. So please come back whenever you are ready." I requested as I stood up also.

"I know Pearl that you care for me and I thought that was your love for me. Well, that was in the past. Now, there is no misunderstanding. And I will come back. So don't worry." He looked at me and his face had softened. "If Ryan gives you a hard time then don't forget to tell me and I'll come to take you with me. It doesn't matter you want that or not."

I smiled on that. "I won't forget to tell you."

"Till then bye, Pearl. Take care of yourself." He said with a smile and went to the balcony's door.

"I will and you take care of yourself also. And remember, I care for you may be more than Ryan. If you had proposed me before I would have accepted that. But today is my wedding day and my family will be hurt if I do something like that. Though, I told you before that I love...." Nathan stopped me, nodding his head.

"I know you don't love him." I looked at him with surprise evident on my face. "No need to be surprised. I am psychiatrist after all and I can see that you don't have the spark in your eyes that a bride should have. But I also know that you can't marry me even if you want and it's not your fault. It is my fault that I'm too late." His eyes were watery but he still smiled at me. The sight made me hug him.

"Thanks Nathan, for understanding. I hope I will see you soon." I said pulling away.

"I hope so too my princess. Always remember that you are my princess. It doesn't matter that I wanted to make you my queen. What matter is, you will be my princess and if you need anything then I'll be there for you, forever." He kissed me on my forehead and with that he left the room.

"Bye Nathan, bye my Prince." I whispered to myself.