CHAPTER 2: WRONGLY IMAGINED

BRIELLE

My hands twitched in anticipation as I await my fiance's presence. I still can't believe I'd be meeting my fiance today. I took a quick glance at my mother was was busy arranging varieties of food on the table. I knew I should be helping but right now,my mind is preoccupied with lot of thoughts

I don't want this,I don't want the marriage,I don't want any of this. As much as I want to scream "NO I CAN'T DO IT", I still can't. I can't betray my family,I can't disappoint them. They've always wanted the best for me and turning them down right now would be selfish and ungrateful.

If getting married to Kyle Clark will be my little way of thanking them for everything,then I'm surely willing to take the risk.

The name "Kyle Clark" echoed in my mind once more.

Kyle Clark of the Clark's family. The word "Clark" is the most recognized name in the city. It's a name that commands attention and admiration. The Clark's corporation,founded by Kyle's grandfather is the most powerful and successful company in the city, with a vast empire that spans industries and continents

He wasn't just a man, he is every lady's dream. Every lady would be lucky to be his wife but then,I just didn't feel the thrills.

I tapped my feet repeatedly,a subtle way of calming my nerves when I'm anxious.

"Brielle"

My mom called and I lifted my chin to meet her gaze.

"I'm so sorry,we don't mean to force you into this. We just want you happy"

Concern etched her face as she spoke. I managed to muster a smile as I took her hands gently into mine.

"I understand you've always wanted my happiness and trust me when I say I'm happy about it. I mean,who wouldn't want to marry the Almighty Kyle?"

I cooed and a small smile finally found its way into her lips.

"Don't worry,you can always come how if he maltreats you,I'll be sure to kick his ass"

She clenched her fists tightly and I bursted into laughter.

"Ah there you are"

My father's voice broke us up,his eyes gleamed as he spoke. "Thanks for coming"

"You honored me with your invitation. There's no way I'd miss it"

My body stiffened at the deep, unexpected voice I just heard behind me. It was so rich and sensual with a hint of Italian accent.

"And where's your lovely daughter?"

He asked and the sarcasm on the "lovely" was so obvious that it washed off every bit of attraction I had for his voice.

"Brielle,meet you guest"

My mother said, her face beaming with smiles. I stood up and turned…

Tall, Emerald green eyes, Black hair.

His presence screams power and luxury.There are a lot of handsome men and there is him.

With a sweet smile curving on my lips,I stretched out my hands

"Brielle.. Nice meeting you"

It took few seconds before he took it

"I already lost count of the time you father said your name to me, I'd be dumb if I haven't gather your name yet" His expression was stone hard and there was a bit of coldness in his voice

"Kyle Clark, it's my pleasure"

He replied and I could swear I felt a hint of sarcasm in his voice..again

A question struck me then. Why on heck did Kyle Clark agree to this marriage? He is infamous for his constant clubbing and doesn't seem like someone ready to settle.

Why then?

What kind of deal did he make with my parents?

Mental note to self- Ask mom about it

He took a seat opposite me,his gaze was fixed on me- piercing and unyielding.

I quivered a bit under the scrutiny of his stare and just then,he smiled. His smile was void of any warmth.

"How was your journey Mr Kyle?"

My dad finally asked, breaking the silence in the room.

"Fine"

He snapped instantly. His voice was sharp and rude

The sudden quiet that followed was smothering, the weight of Kyle's curt reply hanging heavy in the air.

He sighed, offering a half-hearted apology "I'm sorry"

He mumbled, though his tone revealed little seriousness. "Work has been quite a lot these day"

"We understand"

Mom cooed gently.

He nodded and averted his gaze on his phone. He kept typing nonstop.

This was supposed to be a dinner,a chance for us to get to know each other better,but he was too busy with his phone to pretend to be interested. A sense of unease wash over me as I realized I was already dreading this marriage

"Your food is getting cold"

I finally said, trying to maintain a perfect composure.

"I'm not hungry, wifey. Already took something before coming"

He flashed a ghost of smile at me and he went back to his phone

"So.. the wedding, it'll hold in six months time"

My dad announced and I widened my eyes in shock.

"Six months?? That's a small duration"

I protested but Kyle just shrugged

"It's fine with me. Six months it is"

Kyle replied,his gaze meeting mine before he finally looked away

I bit my lower lips, feeling a sense of desperation wash over me.. Six months was a short time to get to know someone, especially someone as aloof and disinterested as Kyle.

Why had he agreed to this marriage? What kind of deal had he made with my parents? I took a deep breath and cut into my steak, trying to calm my racing thoughts

I looked at my parents and noticed a small change in their mood. They shared a look, their faces showing a hint of worry. It was clear that they had picked up on Kyle's aloofness, but they decided to stay quiet, not wanting to ruin the evening

"We'll leave you both to catch up"

My dad said as he shared a look with my mom. She stood up from her seat and they strode out of the room.

Again, I twitched my hands nervously. I was sure of a thing at that moment, Kyle Clark is not who I

imagined him to be and he was definitely not the kind of man I want to marry.