Chapter 34

Chapter Thirty Four

Amber’s POV.

Finally freed from the confines of the bustling wedding hall, Richard and I settled into the comfort of the car.

A wave of relief washed over me as I let out a long, calming sigh. Escaping the prying eyes and endless scrutiny that came with such an elaborate affair was a welcomed retreat, and I just couldn’t help the sense of ease I strangely felt.

As the silence enveloped the car, a profound awkwardness settled between Richard and me. I became uncertain of how to go about everything that had happened that day, and because of this, I found myself at a loss for words.

Feeling Richard’s gaze fixed on me, I couldn’t bring myself to face him. Instead, I averted my eyes, pretending to be engrossed in the passing scenery outside the car window.

The minutes stretched on, the silence becoming an uncomfortable weight in the car. I anticipated Richard’s next move, hoping that he would discern my desire for a moment of peace before engaging in conversation. But true to his nature, he broke the silence with a question that pierced through my carefully constructed facade of peace.

“Amber, are you trying to avoid me?” Richard’s voice cut through the air, an undercurrent of amusement lacing his words. I panicked, my mind racing to find the right response, desperate to avoid any further awkwardness.

Denying my avoidance, I mustered up an indignant tone, countering his question with one of my own. “Avoid you? Why on earth would I be avoiding you?” I said.

Still refusing to meet his gaze, I busied myself with adjusting the hem of my dress, feigning distraction.

A low chuckle escaped Richard’s l*ps, filled with an almost playful amusement. “It’s just amusing to see that one simple k*ss has you avoiding even looking at me,” he said.

My cheeks burned, a flush of embarrassment threatening to give away my true feelings. Richard’s observation hit close to home, reminding me of the spontaneity that had propelled me to k*ss him at

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Chapter Thirty Four

the wedding. The memory played like a broken record in my mind, flooding me with a mix of nervousness, confusion, and a strange feeling of perfection.

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I quickly denied Richard’s accusation, determined to maintain a facade of composure amidst the confusion that swirled in me.

Desperately grasping for a reason to justify my impulsive k*ss, I explained to him that it was merely a means to make our marriage seem more realistic. After all, he had advised me to be less bothered,

and more serious.

Surely, he couldn’t be stuck on a simple k*ss that was nothing more than a spur–of–the–moment act.

As the words came out, a realization washed over me, tainting my cheeks with a deep flush of embarrassment.

The absurdity of my explanation hit me with full force, and I could do nothing but bite my l*p in frustration at the nonsensical nature of my own words. Still stubbornly avoiding Richard’s gaze, I focused my attention on the passing scenery outside the car window, trying to escape the awkwardness that threatened to suffocate me.

Richard chuckled once again, adding another layer to my discomfort. His laughter carried an

unmistakable edge of amusement, taunting my weak attempt to brush off the significance of what had transpired between us.

“Amber, if you’re so sure that it was just a simple k*ss, why don’t you look at me and say that with confidence?” he challenged, his voice filled with playful yet probing curiosity.

My breath caught in my throat as his words echoed in my mind. I dreaded the vulnerability that would come with meeting his gaze, knowing that it would betray the extent of my embarrassment.

However, refusing his challenge would only confirm the discomfort I was trying so desperately to hide. Steeling myself, I slowly turned to face him.

The moment my eyes met his, my resolve crumbled, and I immediately buried my face in my palm, my cheeks aflame with embarrassment. Why had I agreed to look at him when I clearly couldn’t handle the intensity of his gaze?

I berated myself silently, the weight of my humiliation crushing me.

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With my face still concealed, I mustered the courage to admit my true emotions, my voice muffled through my palm. “Okay, fine. You’re not wrong, and I’m really embarrassed right now,” I confessed, my words laced with a mix of frustration and self–consciousness. “I’m not exactly sure how to start a conversation with you after… everything.”

Richard’s response was unexpected, his voice gentle and reassuring as he spoke. “Amber, there’s no need to be embarrassed,” he said, his tone soothing. “In fact, you should be proud of yourself because I’m impressed by you. I didn’t expect you to push your nervousness aside and take such decisive action. You painted a clearer picture to our guests that our marriage is real.”

His words washed over me, offering comfort amidst the mess of emotions I felt inside me.

“Thank you for your kind words,” I said.

Richard nodded, a small smile gracing his l*ps. Suddenly, his expression turned serious. He leaned in closer. “Amber, I have a question, if that’s alright with you,” he began, his eyes searching mine for

permission.

I sighed, my weariness seeping through every word. “Alright, Richard. This will be the only question I‘

Il let you ask.” I replied, offering him a tired smile. “I’m exhausted, and I need some rest before

we arrive at my new home.”

Richard nodded in understanding, his gaze never leaving mine. “Did you have a particular reason for not wanting to k*ss me?” he asked, his voice gentle yet probing. “Before you finally did, I noticed

how you were trembling like a leaf. It seemed like the thought of k*ssing me was repulsive to you.”

I shrugged lightly, contemplating how to phrase my answer without revealing too much. “To be honest,

Richard, the thought of k*ssing you was… not exactly appealing,” I admitted quietly, careful not to

hurt him with my words

I couldn’t afford to let my guard down, even for a moment. “But I’ve come to understand that our

marriage is a business arrangement, and my personal feelings shouldn’t interfere with our plans to

make our marriage as realistic as possible.”

A fleeting flicker of hurt passed through Richard’s eyes, but it vanished almost as quickly as it

appeared, replaced by his signature neutral expression. “I understand, Amber, he responded. “Our

agreement did not include any romantic expectations. Oh well, get some rest,” he urged.

Sensing that our conversation had reached its end. Richard turned away from me and stared out of the

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appeared, replaced by his signature neutral expression. “I understand, Amber” he responded. “Our agreement did not include any romantic expectations. Oh well, get some rest,” he urged.

Sensing that our conversation had reached its end, Richard turned away from me and stared out of the window in silence. His sudden quietness filled the space between us, and I took it as a cue to retreat to our separate thoughts.

It was another reminder that we were now husband and wife, but it was in name only,

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Chapter Thirty Five

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