Chereads / love without liberation / Chapter 5 - Chapter 5: Bound by Duty

Chapter 5 - Chapter 5: Bound by Duty

Julian's expression darkened as he ended the call.

"Problem?" Emily asked, her curiosity piqued.

Julian's gaze locked onto hers. "Sophia's escalating her attacks. We need to act quickly."

Emily's heart sank. Sophia's vendetta knew no bounds.

...

"Julian, I have a question," Emily said, her voice measured.

"Ask," Julian replied, his eyes narrowing.

"What exactly does this marriage proposal entail?" Emily asked.

Julian's face hardened. "You'll become my wife, Emily. In every sense."

Emily's pulse quickened. The stakes were higher than she'd imagined.

...

Julian stood, his movements fluid. "We'll announce our engagement at the charity gala tomorrow night."

Emily's mind reeled. Tomorrow night?

...

As Julian handed her a small box, Emily's heart skipped a beat.

"A symbol of our agreement," Julian said, his eyes burning with intensity.

Inside the box, a stunning diamond ring glinted.

Emily's fingers trembled as she took the ring. The diamond sparkled, symbolizing a union that would change her life forever.

"Julian, I—" Emily began.

"Not here," Julian interrupted, his eyes scanning the room. "We'll discuss this in private."

...

With the ring weighing heavy on her hand, Emily followed Julian to his penthouse apartment.

Inside, Julian poured two glasses of wine, his movements deliberate.

"Emily, I know this is sudden," Julian said, handing her a glass. "But I assure you, our marriage will benefit both of us."

Emily sipped her wine, her mind racing.

...

"And what about love?" Emily asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Julian's expression softened. "I care for you, Emily. More than I've cared for anyone in a long time."

Emily's heart fluttered. Was this enough?

...

As they stood there, the city skyline glinting outside, Emily realized her decision.

"I'll do it," Emily said, her voice firm.

Julian's eyes locked onto hers, a hint of surprise flickering.

"I'll marry you, Julian Blackwood."

Julian's face softened, a rare smile creeping onto his lips.

"I promise you, Emily, I'll make this marriage worth your while."he said while bringing his face closer such that noses collide.

Emily's heart skipped a beat. What did he mean? She thought but before she could process everything, Julian kissed her causing her mind to spin.

As Julian's lips brushed against hers, Emily felt a spark of electricity and a shiver run down her spine.

Their kiss deepened, the world around them melting away and their breath almost cut off.

Emily put her hand on Julian's shoulders and tries to push him away but he holds her hands back pinning her against the wall and deepening the kids.

"We have work to do," Emily said, hes voice low.

"The charity gala tomorrow night. Our engagement announcement."Julian nodded, and finally let's her off

...

The next evening, Emily stood beside Julian at the charity gala, her diamond ring glinting.

As they announced their engagement, the room erupted in applause.

...

Sophia's face twisted in rage, her eyes locked onto Emily.

"You'll pay for this," Sophia hissed, before storming out.

Two weeks flew by in a whirlwind of wedding preparations.

On a crisp autumn morning, Emily stood before the mirror, her wedding gown shimmering. Her heart raced with excitement.

"Oh, Emily, you look breathtaking," Alexander said, offering a gentle smile.

Emily's eyes sparkled. "Thanks, Alexander. I'm nervous."

Alexander's expression softened. "You're making the right choice, Emily. Julian loves you."

Emily's thoughts swirled. Did Julian truly love her? Or was this just a strategic union?

...

As Emily began her walk down the aisle, her eyes locked onto Julian's. His gaze burned with intensity.causing her to falter

Her heels clicked on the marble floor, echoing through the silent chapel.

Julian's eyes never left hers, his face set in a determined expression.

Emily's heart skipped a beat. This was it.

...

The priest cleared his throat, his voice warm.

"Dearly beloved, we gather here today to witness the union of Emily and Julian. May their love be the foundation on which they build their life together."

Emily's hands trembled as Julian took them.

She looked up at him, his dark eyes sparkled with unknown emmotions but for some reasons, she felt like she saw sincerity in them.the preast words jalted her back to reality

The priest continued, "Julian, repeat after me: 'I, Julian Blackwood, take you, Emily, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part.'"

Julian's voice rang out, firm and resolute.

"I, Julian Blackwood, take you, Emily, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part."

The priest turned to Emily.

"Emily, repeat after me: 'I, Emily, take you, Julian Blackwood, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part.'"

Emily's voice trembled.

"I, Emily, take you, Julian Blackwood, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part."

...

The priest smiled. "Do you, Julian, take Emily as your lawfully wedded wife?"

Julian's eyes locked onto Emily's.

"I do."

The priest turned to Emily.

"Do you, Emily, take Julian as your lawfully wedded husband?"

Emily's heart soared.

"I do."

...

As the priest pronounced them husband and wife, Emily felt a rush of emotions.

''you are now mine''. Julian whispered against her lips before kissing her

The chapel erupted into applauded

....

In their luxurious penthouse suite,

The city skyline twinkled outside, casting a romantic glow over the room.

''i can't wait any longer''. Julian said with laboured breathing. Emily tiptoes and gives Julian a kiss causing his jaws to clench.he supported her head with his hand deepening the kiss and their tongues interwinding.the kiss only stoped when they were out of breath.

"Tonight, we celebrate our love," Julian whispered, his eyes burning with desire as

he carries her in a bridal fashion to the bedroom

With tender hands, Julian undressed Emily, his fingers tracing her skin.

Emily's pulse quickened as Julian's lips grazed her neck, sending shivers down her spine.

He lavished attention on her shoulders, his kisses igniting a fire within.

Julian's fingers danced across her skin, teasing, tantalizing.

Emily's breath hitched as he explored every curveI of her body with desire

felt Julian's heart beat against hers, their love pulsing through every kiss.

I'm one fluid motion,julian drew Emily close,their bodies becoming one

...