❥SARAH❥

I didn't realize how quickly I moved away from Chris, but the smirk on his face showed it was funny.

He leaned back in his seat, pretending like he hadn't just pulled that stunt seconds ago, and foolishly, I fell for it.

"I'll have some red wine, big sis," he said briefly, recalling Alex's interruption of our moment, if you can even call it that.

I glanced back at Alex, her expression unreadable, unsure if I should be scared or relieved.

Suddenly, she scoffed and crossed her arms. "Go get it yourself," she said, glancing at me briefly before muttering something under her breath as she walked away.

"I seriously hope this wasn't a bad idea," she muttered, leaving me puzzled.

What wasn't a bad idea? I hoped she wasn't talking about hiring me because if she was, my plans would be ruined. James' hospital bills and the debts I hoped to pay off would all be for nothing.

Turning back to Christopher, I noticed how relaxed he looked, his eyes closed, and couldn't help but admire how handsome he looked when he wasn't being annoying.

"You're welcome, by the way," he said, still with his eyes closed.

"For what?" I asked, surprised.

He smirked. "For calming down. You're not as nervous anymore," he said, shifting his posture towards me. "So, you're welcome."

I was taken aback, my mouth open to respond but no words came out. So, I stayed silent and relaxed in my seat, next to the window on the jet. I saw a flock of birds fly past the jet, which oddly brought a smile to my face.

'I wish James could see this,' I thought.

"I suggest you sleep," a voice interrupted my thoughts. I didn't bother turning around since I knew who it was. "It'll be at least three hours before we reach Gelin."

Gelin? What a strange name.

"Okay," I mumbled, trying to get comfortable in my seat, although it was a bit uncomfortable.

"What—" I was startled when I felt the seat slowly reclining until it stopped at a spot that relaxed my body.

"You're welcome again," Christopher said.

Why was that word annoying me?

"Thank you," I blurted out, which earned a deep chuckle from Christopher.

I didn't want to keep talking with him, so I just stayed quiet after thanking him. I closed my eyes and listened to the silence, except for his deep breaths, which meant he was probably asleep.

I started feeling sleepy too, and soon everything went dark as I fell into a deep sleep.

After a while, I felt cold. I hugged myself, hoping it would warm me up, but it was just wishful thinking.

Or so I thought.

Suddenly, I heard a soft 'beep' sound, and I felt warmth spreading through my body. It was strange, but I liked it, so I turned to the other side.

Then, I felt something soft wrapping around me, like a blanket. It must have been Alex. I'll thank her later.

I snuggled into the blanket, pulling it up to my chin. I rubbed my cheek against it and smelled a strong cologne, more like a man's scent than a woman's.

Could it be...?

I wanted to dismiss the thought, but then I heard a voice say, "Cute."

Christopher?

....

"Hey Sarah," someone tapped gently on my shoulder. I groaned and slowly opened my eyes, squinting against the bright light. I sat up, rubbing my eyes with my hands to adjust.

"Alex? What's going on?" I yawned, stretching and noticing a suit on the floor. It looked like the one Christopher wore.

"We're here," she said, her tone not exactly cheerful.

"Oh..." I glanced around, searching for Christopher. "Where's your brother?"

"He's getting ready to enter the palace," she answered, her eyes briefly uncertain before she focused on me again. "I need you to get ready too."

"Ready for what?"

"My parents are... difficult," she sighed. "Let's just say they're not the easiest to deal with."

"That's putting it nicely," I said, surprised.

"Well, they shouldn't treat their children like they're not important," she said firmly.

I didn't know what to say, and it seemed like she noticed the shift in mood. She put her hands on my shoulders and gave me a warm smile. "You'll be fine. It's just three months, not forever."

I nodded, feeling a bit reassured.

"The jet will land at the back of the palace. We avoid the public, but they always find us," she teased. "Get ready to be asked about how you met my brother and fell hopelessly in love with him."

"Hopelessly? Really?" I laughed.

She shrugged. "I thought you'd like the cliché."

"Not really," I shook my head.

"We'll get along just fine then. Let's go before I lose my mind. I'm not a fan of jets; they make my stomach turn," she said.

"I can't relate," I joked.

"Ladies," Christopher interrupted us. He glanced between Alex and me, his gaze lingering on me for a moment. "We're burning fuel."

"And you burned plenty of it partying until Dad nearly disowned you," Alex teased, making me laugh.

"So she laughs," Christopher said, smirking. He crossed his arms, and I couldn't help but notice how his clothes accentuated his muscles.

"Don't listen to him, Sarah. He's annoying, but you'll manage," Alex said playfully.

"Don't worry, Alex. I can handle him," I said confidently.

"Is that so?" Christopher raised an eyebrow.

"Definitely," I replied.

"Good luck with that," Alex said as she left us.

I approached Christopher and held out his suit. "I believe this is yours."

He looked at the suit and then back at me, grinning. "Why don't you wear it for me?"

"Excuse me?"

"Why not? You're my fiancée afterall," he said, stepping closer.

"Fake fiancée," I corrected him.

"Same thing," he rolled his eyes. He paused, standing just inches away from me. His gaze was intense, holding me in place.

"Give me your right hand," he said.

"Why?" I asked.

"Just trust me, Sarah," he requested. His tone was compelling, and before I could object, I found myself raising my hand to him.

He took my hand and ran his finger over it gently. "Soft," he murmured. I was captivated by his touch, firm yet delicate. Before I knew it, he slipped a ring onto my middle finger.

"Now it's official," he said, looking at me.

I looked up at him, stunned by the gesture. He leaned in closer, and I waited nervously.

He whispered in my ear, and those words marked the beginning of a tumultuous journey.

"You belong to me now, Sarah Wayne."