Jenny POV:
"Where is Alex?" I asked Annie, my voice tinged with a hint of longing.
"He's on an errand," she replied, her eyes sparkling with a knowing glint. "My dad asked him to pick up a few things."
I nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment. But I knew he would be back soon, and I could hardly wait to see him, to spend time with him.
We entered the restaurant, the aroma of sizzling fajitas and fresh tortillas enveloping us like a warm hug. Annie chatted with the waiter in rapid-fire Spanish, ordering a feast of Mexico's finest dishes: tender carnitas, spicy chiles rellenos, and creamy guacamole.
After lunch, we headed to the beach, the warm sand squishing between our toes as we walked along the shore. We played in the waves, laughing and splashing like children, and built sandcastles that the tide would soon wash away.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the ocean, we reluctantly left the beach and headed home.
Annie blindfolded me, leading me through the house with a mischievous grin. "Where are we going?" I asked, but she just chuckled and told me to wait.
Finally, we arrived at my bedroom, where Annie revealed my stunning outfit for the night: the Nightingale of Kuala Lumpur gown, paired with Stuart Weitzman Ruby Slippers. I gasped in amazement, feeling like a princess as Annie helped me into the gown and did my makeup and hair.
Tasha complimented me, her eyes shining with admiration, and Annie handed me a pair of sparkling jewelries to complete the look.
As I gazed in the mirror, I hardly recognized myself. I looked stunning, a true gem.
But then, Annie blindfolded me again, leading me out of the house and into a waiting car. "Where are we going?" I asked, feeling a thrill of excitement.
"You'll see," she replied, her voice dripping with mystery.
We arrived at our destination, and I was led into a room, Tasha monitoring me as Annie had instructed. And then, I heard his voice, calm and heartless as ever.
Alex POV:
I adjusted my tailored blue tuxedo suit, the fabric smooth against my skin, and surveyed the room with a calculating gaze. The soft hum of conversation, the gentle clinking of glasses, and the sweet scent of exotic flowers filled the air, but I remained focused.
"Thank you, dear friends and family, for joining me on this momentous occasion," I said, my voice low and even, devoid of emotion. "My lovely queen has arrived, and I'm eager to reveal the surprise I have in store for her. Please, bring her out."
The room fell silent as Jenny was led in, her slender figure draped in a stunning gown, her eyes hidden behind a blindfold. I couldn't help but admire her poise, her beauty, as she stood before me.
I knelt, my movements deliberate and precise, and retrieved the small box from my pocket. "Remove the blindfold, my dear," I said, my voice firm but detached.
As she did, her eyes widened in surprise, her gaze locking onto mine with a mix of shock and wonder. I presented the ring, its diamond glinting in the light, and waited for her response, my expression impassive.
As she gazed around the room, her eyes finally settled on me, her hands flying to cover her mouth in surprise. I stood before her, my blue tuxedo suit immaculate, my voice low and even.
"My queen, I desire for you to complete the other half of me, that we may become one," I said, my words measured and detached. "From the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were meant for me. I'm pleased to have claimed you. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?"
Tears welled up in her eyes as she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, yes, I will."
I slid the ring onto her finger, its diamond glinting in the light, and rose to my feet. We embraced, our lips meeting in a tender kiss on the forehead, then on each cheek. Her tears flowed freely now, and I smiled, my heart unmoved.
"Stop crying, Jen. Don't tempt me to join you," I said, my voice firm but calm.
"I never thought you'd propose," she sobbed. "I thought we were just getting married."
I chuckled, my eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm full of surprises, Jen. Get used to it."
As our families and friends gathered to congratulate us, I smirked, my gaze locked on Jenny. "We'll catch up later, Mr. Martin's," I said, shaking his hand. "For now, let's celebrate."
I gazed across the room, my eyes locking onto the scene before me. My cousin Jone, notorious for his womanizing ways, was leaning in close to Jenny, a flirtatious smile spreading across his face. I could see the charm oozing from his pores, and my instincts flared with warning. What was he saying to my woman?
As I imagined the possibilities, my anger simmered just below the surface. I could feel my jaw clenched, my heart rate quickening. Without hesitation, I made my way over to them, my long strides eating up the distance.
As I approached, I could hear the low hum of their conversation, the sound of Jone's smooth laughter. My possessiveness surged to the forefront, and I wrapped my arm around Jenny's waist, pulling her close. The warmth of her body against mine was a comforting sensation, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me.
"Thank you for coming," I said, my voice low and even, but with a hint of warning. "See you at the wedding."
Jone's eyes met mine, a flicker of understanding passing between us. He knew better than to cross me when it came to Jenny.
I turned to Jenny. "Shall we leave?" I asked, my voice low and commanding.
She nodded, and we made our way to a private restaurant, the soft glow of candles and the sweet scent of fine wine enveloping us like a warm embrace. The sound of gentle jazz music filled the air, and the soft hum of conversation from the other patrons created a sense of intimacy.
As we sat down at our table, I couldn't help but notice the way the dim lighting highlighted Jenny's features, her eyes sparkling like diamonds in the soft glow.
"I'm pleased you said yes," I said, my voice calm and detached. "I must admit, I'm surprised. I didn't think you'd be so easily swayed."
Jenny laughed, her eyes shining with tears. "I couldn't resist you, Alex. You're the only one for me."
I smiled, my heart unmoved. "I'm glad to hear that. Now, let's enjoy our dinner. We have a lot to celebrate."
As we dined on exquisite cuisine and sipped fine wine, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. I had claimed Jenny as my own, and she would soon be mine forever.
Tasha POV:
As I slipped away from the celebration, the music and laughter fading into the distance, I found myself seeking refuge in a quiet corner outside. The cool night air enveloped me, carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant hum of crickets. I settled onto a bench, my thoughts consumed by the events of the evening.
My friend, Jenny, had received a proposal and a ring, and that stunning gown she wore - the Nightingale of Kuala Lumpur - was rumored to be the most expensive in the world. I doubted she knew that. A pang of jealousy stabbed at my heart, but I pushed it aside, reminding myself to be happy for her. She had found love, just as she had always hoped.
Now, it was my turn to wait for love to find me. I closed my eyes, letting the peacefulness of the night wash over me.
...
The wedding...