Aveliene's pov:

After that embarrassing encounter with Vaughn, right now we are having dinner, with thankfully Vaughn sitting opposite to me. Note the sarcasm.Which was making me feel more awkward.

I could feel his eyes on me as if my irritated expression was interesting to see. I sometimes look up and our gaze meet but I quickly avert it.

While our parents continued talking about the wedding preparations.

"So what do you think Aveliene dear?" Vaughn's mom asked.

I looked away from Vaughn to his mom.

"Sorry, about what?" I asked.

"We are asking you about the wedding date. You weren't paying attention. Are you alright, dear?" His mom asked with concern,only if she knows what effect her son is having on me.

I took a glance at Vaughn whose eyes were filled with amusement. While he takes a sip from his drink, giving me a smirk.

I quickly looked back to his mom and spoke-" I am fine, anyways what you all have decided?" I said while taking a sip of water.

"We have decided next month will be perfect ." My dad said casually as it was not a big deal for him.

But for me, I nearly choked on the water but thankfully, didn't spit it out.

"But dad isn't it too early?" This time it was Vaughn who asked his dad, sounding like annoyed, but his face didn't show any sign of it.

"Son you know ,I have some important work in London to handle so I and your mom ,had a flight already booked. And I want you to take over the empire just after the wedding." His dad said while making him understand. I looked back at Vaughn who looked hesitant but nodded.

I know there was no way to reason so I just kept quiet.

****

After having the dinner, we all went back to the living room. My dad and Mr. Rodriguez were talking about business deals while my mom and his mom were talking about wedding decorations and preparations.

While Vaughn was scrolling down his phone.

I was feeling bored so I went to the kitchen to drink something.

I took out lemonade and then went to grab a glass. But it was on the top shelf. I tried to get it but my all attempts went in vain.

Suddenly! I felt someone's presence behind me. Familiar scent hit my nostrils which had made me addictive to it. And instantly I realized who it is. But I didn't turn back cause his chest was touching my back. Eventhough, it was not touching my bare skin still I felt goosebumps arising on my skin. I think luck was not on my favour today.

He easily picked up the glass and took a step back. I took this opportunity to turn.

As I turned, I could see how close we were. Our faces almost inches apart. Just a little moment and our lips could meet. Wait what am I thinking?

(A/N: Check the above gif at the starting of this chapter^)

I shook my head and he passed the glass to me. To which I muttered a "thanks" without making eye contact.

I then drank the lemonade in one breath due to nervousness. While his constant gaze was still on me which wasn't helping at all.

"Finally we are alone." He said in a slight annoyed tone ,to which I looked at him with a confused expression.

"Now you can stop this act of being nice, 'cause I know you are not." He said in a rude manner. I just blink my eyes with a blank expression. He thinks I am acting? What nonsense.

Before I could reply he spoke again-" I don't know what spell you cast on my parents ,but it will not work on me because I know you are just like the other girls. Who runs behind money, fame and looks." He scoffed.

And for the first time I saw emotion in those dark blue orbs. But it was pure hatred , even more than what I see in Veronica's. And it kind a hurt.

I tried to reply but he interrupted me by speaking again," I still can't believe my dad had forgiven the past and forced me into this marraige and that also with a girl like you." He said rudely, with venom dripping in every word.

First, he said that I am acting to win his parents and now he is insulting me for the things I am not.

Even though I don't know what past he is talking about but I can't listen any more. Because I can't face his arrogance further. 'Cause I also have a self respect.

"I don't know about what past you are talking about but the accusations you are throwing upon me are not true." I retorted with anger.

"I don't know why are you thinking I am acting nice to win your parents. But for your kind information I am not. And also I am not like other girls you met, who run behind money and looks."

I said through gritted teeth.

I don't know from where this much courage and anger came inside me as I mostly stayed quiet and also I am an optimistic person. Maybe the frustration of Veronica and this marraige is taking over me.

We both just stared at each other with intensity although I was still feeling nervous and kind of scared too.

Suddenly, a voice broke our staring competition. Which I was thankful. We both looked at the source.

"Aww! Look Our lovely children are having a sweet conversation. That also alone." My mom said in a slight teasing manner. To which Mrs. Rodriguez giggle. While my dad and his dad just smiled.

And Vaughn simply rolled his eyes.

"By the way we are leaving now." Mr Rodriguez said calmly. And then we all went to escort them towards their car.

I could cleary feel the tension between me and Vaughn after our heated conversation back then.

"We will finalize the guests list later, Richard" Mr. Rodriguez said calmly to my dad to which he nodded in agreement.

"We will see you soon, dear" Mrs. Rodriguez said to me while I just smiled even though my mood was anything but happy. She then went to my mom.

I turned and now was face to face with Vaughn, alone. Great. Note the sarcasm.

He slowly came towards me and bend a little so that he was now on my ear level. Then he spoke"Dont think that this marriage will be a happy one as it will be no where near to love. See you at the aisle Miss. Lawrence" His voice low, deadpanned. Which cause shivers down my spine. I don't want to be on his bad side yet I am here.

He then slowly back away with a smile. While his eyes hold menacing glint. Which was making me scared.

He then went towards the car while I stood beside my dad.

"Take care of yourself my handsome future son in law" My mom said while winking towards me to which I rolled my eyes.

Vaughn glanced at me for a second still holding menace in his eyes. Then looked back towards my mom and said the next part,"I will" in a low calm voice.

Then he went inside the car. Even though I didn't miss the hint of warning in his last sentence.

What I have gotten myself into?

******

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