Courage is the most important of all the virtues; because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently."
-Maya Angelou
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"If you keep staring at it any longer, then I have to conclude that you have fallen in love with that ring", Elena scowled pointing at my ring.
I wiped my hands over my face, having forgotten she was even in the room. I exhaled heavily leaning against the couch. My mind has been in a whirlwind from yesterday night to say the least.
"No, why will you even say that?", I asked confusion clear in my tone.
"Because you are staring.....wait no, you were admiring that ring from past one hour", she stated the obvious.
"Stop being delusional. I wasn't admiring it, I was just thinking of a way to get rid of this thing", I said staring at the beautiful vintage ring.
"Oh common girl. Don't give me that shit now. Just look at your face once, while staring at that ring", she rolled her eyes.
"Whatever", I huffed, knowing clearly that she was right. The ring was too bewitching to ignore.
I recalled him saying, it was their family's heirloom & has been passed over from generations.
Why did he even hand me over such a precious thing?
Instead of torturing myself with my spiraling thoughts, I decided to take a break & wandered downstairs into the kitchen to find something to eat.
The next few hours were stressful blur, as I tried to complete some important work, but only one name was plaguing my mind.
Nicholas Remington.
What kind of a man will put a ring on the women he barely knew? I know he is a shrewd businessman, who thinks thousands time before he acts; the one who seeks profits in everything he does.
But how did he agree to hand me over the land that costs more than a million dollars just to marry him?
I'm sure he is always surrounded by several super-models & wealthy- heiress. He can choose any of them, even without spending a dime, just by his gorgeous looks.
Then why is he hell-bent on marrying me?
My train of thoughts came to staggering end, as I heard the most irritating voice in the universe.

"What are my two most beautiful girls doing?", Rishi said in a sing song manner entering through the doors.
Pushing my chair back, I stood up suddenly with a look of surprise seeing him here in California.
"What the heck are you doing here, Rishi?", I questioned moving towards him.
"Hello to you too, my dear sister", he mocked lunging forward to hug me.
How did he find out that we came here? I'm sure I managed to keep this visit a secret as I was meeting with Nicholas.
Warning bells went off in my head. What if Nina found out about my plans?
"Hey, move away. Don't shower me with too much of love now. Did Elena informed you that we came to California?", I asked throwing a scornful look at Elena.
"Hell no!! Not again. Will you both keep me out of your lovely discussions please", she growled in annoyance.
"By the way Lena, that look doesn't suit your pretty face", Rishi said irritating her further.
"Now, will you stop irritating my bestfriend", I rolled my eyes continuing
"Not to mention your flirting skills really sucks".
"Ouch.That hurts me little sister". He said holding his hand to his chest.
"But don't worry Elena is like a god-sister to me", he said winking at her playfully.
I rolled my eyes seeing them bickering to and fro like long lost siblings.
My eyes darted towards the box full of sweets kept on the desk as I unconsciously took hold of them and started to savor their taste, drifting into heavenly bliss.
I jerked out of my daze hearing someone clearing their throat loudly only to see Lina & Rishi staring at me with a perplexed gaze like they have witnessed pigs flying.
"Why are you both staring at me like that?", I asked in confusion.
"When did you start eating sweets, Sam?", Rishi furrowed his brows in surprise as his gaze darted between the empty box & my face.
"That too like a glutton", Lena eyed me weirdly.
Did I just finish a whole box of sweets??
A look of panic crossed over my face. I hated the mere smell of sweets, how did I end up eating a huge box?
"You both stop giving that weird look now, I just felt like having them", I said feigning ignorance.
"Sam, I have observed your weird cravings these days. You wake up at mid- nights to have spicy things. Not to mention that unhealthy obsession for chocolates", Lena added further.
My breath hitched at that. I never noticed all these unusual things I'm doing nowadays. Now I think of it, my obsession for sweets & chocolates seems weird, as I never liked having those before.
"It's enough now. You are just making a mountain out of a mole-hill", I dismissed her concern with a wave of my hand.
"So, it is true", Rishi held my raised hand midway staring at the white-stoned vintage ring.
My heart quickened with panick.
Shit!! How can I forget this.
But my initial shock soon dispersed with confusion by his words.
"What do you mean by, it is true"?, I asked my eyes crinkling.
"I'm here to discuss about it", he sighed taking a deep breath as he walked towards the couch.
"Did you agree to marry Nicholas Remington?", he asked in a serious tone, his playful demeanour vanished.
"Why are you suddenly bringing that topic now?", I inquired genuinely surprised.
"Just answer me Samaira. That ring on your finger belongs to Nicholas. Am I correct?", he stated.
Sometimes he just sounds like my Nina.
"Why....", I halted halfway as my brothers loud voice boomed through the hall.
"Just answer me with a yes or no, damn it".
I was taken aback by his stern tone. What should I tell him ? There is no point in lying now, as he seems to be quiet aware of the situation.
"Y....Ye.....Yeah, I agreed to marry him", I whispered while fidgeting with my ring.
"If I remember it correctly, you were the one who refused their proposal right on their face, right?", he asked scrutinizing my face.
"Yes", I breathed.
"What made you to change your decision in just two nights?", he questioned. "And don't you dare lie to my face", he warned.
I'm sorry bro. But I have to do this.
"He has got the looks, fame, wealth & not to mention about his good family background. I just didn't find any reason to refuse his proposal", I pointed out trying to appear as genuine as possible.
Just believe my words.
He pondered over my words for few minutes, before a mocking smile appeared on his face.
"I have known you from the moment you opened your little eyes dear sister,
So next time try to come up with better reasons", he mocked.
My tongue coiled hearing his words. I averted my gaze not able to meet his penetrating one.
"I think you don't trust me enough with your reasons. I won't force you now", he said with a pained expression.
This is where he acts like my granny.
"Now don't try to blackmail me emotionally, like Nina", I mumbled.
"Whatever", he dodged my accusation.
"I came here to inform that, tonight we are attending the dinner hosted by Remington's", he informed grabbing my attention.
"D...dinner?", I asked him bewildered.
"Yeah", he sighed continuing. "They have invited our whole family for a dinner, tonight".
"Wait, I'm not.....", I opened my mouth to refuse but his phone suddenly went off.
As he fished it out of his pocket he mouthed me an excuse me & went away to pick it.
He returned after few minutes. "Well, it's time for me to leave, I have an urgent meeting to attend......"
"But I don't understand why should I come there?", I voiced out.
"Because you are the one who agreed to marry, remember?", he asked in an incredulous tone.
"But...."
"I am really running out of time , I will take your leave for now. Let's discuss it afterwards ", he said patting my back.
"By the way, don't even think of missing tonight's event. Or else old lady will skin both of us alive", he warned before rushing out.
What the fuck is going on in my life?

My phone went off as soon as Rishi exited. I furrowed my brows contemplating to pick it or not seeing the unknown number, but decided to answer it finally.
"Hello, Dr.Samaira speaking", I replied clear irritation flaring through my tone.
"Don't you think it's too formal to greet your fiancee like this. sweetheart", came a rasping voice.
Speak of the devil & he shall appears.
"Nicholas?", I asked confusion lacing my tone.
I should have blocked his number the moment he called me the first time.
"Who else can even dare to call you, by the name Sweetheart", I can imagine the smug look on his face.
This man have some nerve.
I decided to irk him a little. As I sat back on the empty chair.
"Why do you think that there is no one to call me sweet names?", I asked innocently.
"Is there any?", he asked with an edge
in his manly tone.
"Well, I'm beautiful, smart & rich; So, you can take a guess Mr. Remington", I said with a slight smirk.
There was a complete silence on the other side. I looked down at my phone to double check if the call was still connected.
Hello..... I breathed.
"Hello....... are you still there?", I questioned in confusion.
He didn't answer right away, as I wondered if he'd a stroke listening to me.
"Ask them to stay a mile away from you , if they truly value their life", he finally rasped out, his voice heavy with anger.
My smirk widened hearing his fuming voice.
"Possessive much?", I further tried to rile him up.
But his reply took my breath away.
"Of course. I'm possessive about my to- be wife", he said sharply.
My pulse picked up a notch at his words as I nearly dropped my phone onto the floor.
Wife.. I never thought to associate myself with that word.
"I'm not your wife", I retorted as my heart slammed against my chest.
"Yet...... You are not my wife, yet", he repeated with an ultimatum.
I was rendered speechless by the passion that his voice held ; until a ring of the door bell echoed.
I opened the door to find a heavy parcel with my name etched on it. My brows contorted with clear confusion as I didn't remember ordering anything.
"Guess, you got my present", came his throaty voice.
"Your what?"
"That's your dress for tonight. I expect you to wear it", he said.
"I'm not taking this from you", I retorted still holding the packet.
"It's the first time you are visiting your in‐laws, Sam. I don't want you to show up dressed like yesterday", he said.
My cheeks flamed up at that.
"I will be expecting to see you in that dress, darling", he said before the line went dead.
Cocky-bastard. Just wait & watch.

Next update—29:10:2023

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