Zara's gaze fell on the county clerk, speechless. Her eyes rose to Zayden again, her cheeks turning crimson.
She silently hoped he would change his mind or that the county clerk would make a statement saying there was no need though it was a process for every married couples. But as a minute passed, still no words came. She succumbed to her embarrassing fate.
She lifted herself up, held onto Zayden's shoulder, and gave him a quick kiss on his lips. Feeling embarrassed, she ran out of the hall with the marriage certificate in her hand.
He stood there, his lips curling into a smile. He had only meant to tease her but hadn't expected to fall into his own deadly trap.
His gaze shifted to the county clerk, whose smile and expression seemed to say, "What a lovely couple."
Zayden's smile faded, replaced by a cold expression as he turned away, leaving the county clerk to admire the newlyweds.
"Wifey…" he called out, but Zara quickly interrupted him.
"I am not your wife," she said, pressing her lips into a thin line.
He didn't respond, and just when her heart began to calm, he stood in front of her, startling her.
"Are you shy, wifey?" he asked, tilting his head to get a better look at her hot face.
"I... I am not shy," she stuttered, feeling like slapping herself for stammering.
"Don't worry, it's just for a year anyway, and we can end the marriage," he said, his smile disappearing as he walked to the car and opened the door for Zara.
Zara's hands clenched tightly around her white dress, her fingers digging into her palm, feeling the sting from the cut she got at the old cemetery house. Her heart twisted at the thought of it only being for twelve months.
Why was she acting this way? Shouldn't she be happy? It was for the best, after all, and she wouldn't even be with him for the last month.
Clutching the marriage certificate tightly, she walked to the car and got in, her legs weak.
Zayden closed the door and joined her. He noticed how quiet she'd become as they drove back.
In the few hours they'd spent together, he could already tell she wasn't one to stay silent. He knew a million questions ran through her head daily, her curiosity always getting the best of her.
He had been too busy on his phone, responding to his secretary's messages, when he noticed her gloomy expression.
Did she want him to start a conversation with her?
He cleared his throat, about to say something when Zara muttered, "Why does this name look familiar?" Her voice was barely audible, but Zayden could make out the sentence.
She furrowed her brows and rested her chin in her hand. He leaned in to see what she was looking at.
He was too close, and when Zara looked up in shock, she hit him hard using her head.
Wait a moment! Isn't he the wealthiest billionaire—no, trillionaire—in all of City Y and beyond? Damn it, Zara.
Zara's mouth dropped open as she recalled the news she had read about him. He was known to be ruthless to anyone who offended him, and no one dared to cross him; even his employees wouldn't dare do so.
You're doomed, Zara.
She swallowed hard. A rush of adrenaline shot through her, snapping her out of her thoughts when she heard him hiss in pain.
She turned toward Zayden and saw him holding his head.
"Are you okay?" she asked, concern clear on her face, forgetting her thoughts and fears.
She rested her hand on his forehead as she leaned closer. She noticed a red spot where he'd been hit and gently blew on it, rubbing it slowly.
Zayden's gaze settled on her face, which was puffed with concern. He felt a warmth of comfort wash over him. It was the first time someone had worried about him, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility.
As he stared at her, his eyes landed on her pink lips.
His mind replayed the moment their lips had touched—the way his heart had skipped a beat, the rush of desire that had flooded his senses, the spark of electricity that had surged through his veins.
He recalled the sweetness of her breath, the tenderness of her kiss. The memory sent a shiver down his spine, and he couldn't help but wonder when he might taste her again.
As she continued to check his forehead, lost in thought, their eyes met, and he felt a spark of connection like a jolt of electricity.
His cheeks flushed immediately, and he quickly looked away, breaking the spell.
Zara cleared her throat, blinking as she stopped blowing on his forehead and moved away.
"Th... Thank you," he stammered with great difficulty, his voice low and deep.
He saw Ryan and Karl staring at him in shock and furrowed his brows. It was the first time their boss had ever thanked anyone, so their surprise was understandable. Zara chuckled at his expression.
"Is that your first time saying thank you?" she asked, still smiling.
"How do you know?" he inquired, shocked as he turned to face Zara.
"The expressions on those two say it all," she said with a chuckle, and Zayden gritted his teeth.
His phone rang, causing Zara to stop laughing. She noticed his face change instantly as soon as the person on the other end spoke.
"What's wrong?" Zara asked worriedly, her jaw tensing.
"I need to go to the office. Ryan and Karl will take you back home once I get there."
"No, it's okay. I'll just wait for you there," she said, an anxious look on her face.
Zayden stared at her, locking eyes, searching for any sign that she was truly okay. But all he saw was concern etched into her expression—her eyebrows slightly furrowed and her lips pursed in a subtle display of anxiety.
This was the first time someone had ever shown concern for him. He didn't want to miss the chance to store her expression in his memory.
He nodded and told Ryan to drive to his office.
As soon as they reached the company, they made their way to Zayden's office.
Zara's heart raced with anticipation as she saw the people's gazes on her, along with their soft whispers. She couldn't help but wish to reach his office quickly.
Her eyes scanned the bustling workspace, and she couldn't help but admire it. She couldn't deny it—she was already missing working but damn that red face fool. She wasn't going back to work.
The elevator slid open with a ding, and they stepped inside. Zara felt thankful knowing that she had escaped the people curious stares.
Zayden punched the number for the 36th floor. Soon, they reached Zayden's office and they stepped out of the elevator.
"Good morning, sir," the secretary said, his gaze landing on Zara as soon as they reached the floor. He wondered who this maiden was.
"Have you called RJ Enterprises? We need to reach out to them fast," Zayden said, walking alongside Zara.
"Yes, sir. I did that and also called the board of directors for a meeting," the secretary replied, and Zayden dismissed him.
Zara and Zayden entered his office, and without delay, Zayden took the file from the table.
"Will you be fine alone?" he questioned, bending down to her level where she sat.
"Yes. It's urgent. You shouldn't worry about me," Zara said, and Zayden nodded.
He stood, ready to leave, when he suddenly remembered something.
"What is it?"
"I forgot my kiss," Zayden said, giving her a quick peck on the forehead. Zara was left stunned, her heart racing as she watched him leave, his back to her.
With a flushed cheeks, she stood up and looked around the office. The desk was placed at the center, and a large window offered a sweeping view of the city.
She walked over to the window, gazing out at the bustling city below.
As her gaze remained fixed outside, she felt something trickle down her nose. She touched her nose with her hand, bringing it to her view—thick blood stained her fingers.