[Chapter 3]

Lumira

"Make yourself at home, I'll just come back in a bit." I tell Ayan who nods.

I was in my room, unzipping my dress and pulling it down to remove it when suddenly the door to my room opens and I startle around in shock.

"Oh shit, I'm so sorry." Ayan rambles but doesn't attempt to leave or avert his gaze away from me.

A soft gasp leaves me as our eyes lock, I get lost in the intensity of the way he stares at me, I can almost see the slight dilation of his pupils as his gaze rakes over me.

Suddenly I'm aware of my half naked state. I follow his eyes down to my body and another loud gasp escapes me as I realize my dress is pulled down to my stomach and my upper part is exposed only in bra.

I hastily put my dress up to cover my chest. It seems to have snapped some senses into him as he whips around in a flash.

"I'm sorry! Shit, I didn't mean to! I was just looking around and-"

"It's okay! Just close the door." My voice stammers a little.

"Yeah, right. Sorry." He closes the door.

I realize how fast my heart's beating and the slight damp feeling in my panties.

Fuck! How did he do that just by staring me down with that lustrous eyes?

And wait, was he staring at my boobs? I swear I saw his eyes darken and his tongue poking out to lick his lips briefly.

No, no way. I'm being delusional now. There's no way he'd have done that. I may have looked into it too much.

I shrug off those thoughts and change into an oversized shirt and some joggers. I remove my make up and undo my hair then head out of my room to find Ayan lounging in the living room couch.

He stands up when he sees me, nervously rubbing the back of his neck.

"I'm sorry for earlier. Really, I shouldn't have."

I wave him off, smiling a little.

"It's fine, really. I don't mind. I'll put on a kettle."

He nods, following me to the kitchen and makes himself comfortable on one of the stools with his elbows resting on the counter.

"I really like the interior. It's comfy and gives off a confident vibe." He comments.

"Thanks. I chose everything myself." I boast cheekily.

"Good for you." He grins.

I pour the tea in two cups and place one in front of him and hop on the stool across from him. He takes a sip from the cup and makes a satisfied noise, which for some reason makes my stomach tighten.

"It's amazing." He compliments.

I clear my throat a bit to get rid off the sudden bloom of unwanted thoughts threatning to cloud my mind.

What the hell's wrong with me?!

"Thanks." I purse my lips.

"Uh- I think I should get going now." Ayan stands up, grabbing his jacket.

"I'll see you tomorrow?" I ask hopefully.

"Sure. When?" He swallows and I can't help but flicker my gaze at the way his Adam's apple bobbed.

"Uhm, at lunch? There's this diner near my office. Can you come over?"

Ayan smiles, "Okay."

I walk him to the door and lean against it as he puts on his shoes.

"Bye." I wave.

"Bye." When he turns to walk away, a slight disappointment settles in me.

He suddenly stops and walks back to me, I straight up a little, nervous and anxious.

"What is it?" I ask.

He also looks nervous and I notice him glancing at my lips for a second.

"C-can I kiss you?"

Damn yes. I have been waiting for this.

"It's okay if it's too early and you're not comfortable. I-uh-" He stammers.

I roll my eyes with no hint of malice but pure fondness.

"Yes, you can." I emphasize.

We flicker our eyes to each other's lips, slowly leaning in. I grip the door handle tight, bracing for the most anticipated moment of my life.

But Ayan surprises me by placing a tender kiss on my cheek instead.

What?! I didn't expect that. Not at all, but I do have to admit it gave me jitters, my heart warmed and I couldn't help but grin a little.

"I'm glad you feel the same way about me. Because I fell for you the moment I saw your picture." He chuckles.

"I may not have seen your picture before, but you did take my breath away the moment you walked in through the doors to that restaurant. I knew at that moment that I am ready to be your wife."

His breath falters, "Really?" Eyes sparkly and full of emotions.

"Hmm." I nod, biting my lip.

"Don't do that." He groans and tugs my lip away from my teeth with his thumb, a shudder runs down my spine from the touch. "It makes me go crazy."

Damn, he's gotten bold.

"Go now. It's getting late." I gently push at his arm, blushing.

He clicks his tongue playfully, then abruptly kisses my cheek one more time, then pulls away and skids down the stairs to his car.

I touch my cheek, the giddy feeling in my heart intensifies. The warm touch of his lips still lingers on my skin.

Closing the door, I lean my back against it. I can't help the smile off my face, I feel like a teenage girl all over again.

I'm just glad this is all happening with my soon to be husband this time.

My future.

And it's okay to be a lovestruck fool with my husband.

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