Chapter 6 The Imposing Groom

Bella, with her face covered by a handkerchief, turned to face the man whose she soon recognized as Ronald from the previous night.

"Please move quickly," Ronald said sternly. "We don't want to upset the lord," he added with a serious tone.

Bella regretted passing the hallway that leads to Loren's room but knew she had to meet him now to prevent any further issues.

"I'm coming, young master," she responded, as she walked closer to Loren's door with a heavy heart.

The heavy mahogany door was pushed opened by Ronald to reveal a room that seemed to exist in its own world. Every surface was elegantly decorated, from the antique rug to the luxurious furniture. The thick drapes blocked out the outside world, while the fireplace emitted a warm glow. The room was a mix of grandeur and intimacy, exuding luxury and power while also providing a sense of comfort and escape.

Bella then entered the room, her gaze fixed on the floor as she walked in without lifting her head.

"Watch where you're going," Ronald's voice admonished, attempting to redirect Bella's attention. But it was too late, and she stumbled into Loren's waiting arms. Her hands landed on his chest, still damp from a recent bath, and their eyes met.

Loren cut an imposing figure, tall and muscular with broad shoulders. His flawless skin, dark hair, and piercing blue eyes gave him a commanding presence. His gaze was intense, seeming to see right through those he looked at. He exuded power and authority, demanding respect.

"How dare you!" his voice rang out, cold and unforgiving, causing Bella to quickly release herself from his arms and step back.

"I apologize, my lord. Please forgive me," Bella pleaded, her head bowed in submission.

"It's your wedding day, you wouldn't want a servant to spoil the mood," Ronald interjected. "Besides, everyone is busy preparing for the ceremony, so let's move on."

"Okay, fine, I agree," said Loren, and Bella let out a sigh of relief with her head still bowed, not daring to meet Loren's gaze.

The room fell into an awkward silence, prompting Bella to raise her head, only to meet the cold stares of the two men in front of her.

"Do you need to be reminded every time to move before you act?" asked Ronald, his hands on his waist in frustration.

"I apologize," Bella replied, moving closer to Loren without fully understanding the situation. All she wanted was to leave the room as soon as possible.

"I'll go check on your wedding suits," Ronald said. "They should be ready by now," he added, giving a slight bow to Loren before exiting the room, leaving Bella and Loren alone.

"Are you just going to stand there?" asked Loren, his voice cold and commanding. "Aren't you going to apply the lotions on my body?" he added, making Bella lift her head, meeting his gaze that sent shivers down her spine. She bowed her head again and moved closer to him.

She picked up a bottle of lotion from the array beside the bed where Loren stood, applied a small amount to her palm, rubbed it together, and gently massaged it onto Loren's skin, feeling a sense of irritation but enduring it to maintain her disguise.

"Use this one as well," Loren said, leaning in

to grab another bottle of lotion behind Bella. She felt a rush of discomfort as his hair brushed against her face, making her feel like a mouse in a lion's den.

She had just thought to herself that she would endure and rub the cream and get out as soon as possible. Standing too close to a half-naked man was uncomfortable enough, but he leaned even closer to her, his breath brushing against her neck.

"Here," Loren said, taking the bottle and handing it to Bella.

Bella swallowed hard as she accepted the bottle, poured a bit of lotion onto her palm, and began rubbing it onto Loren's chest.

Loren kept his gaze fixed on Bella, a slight smile playing on his lips. It seemed like he knew exactly how she felt and found it amusing.

His smile widened suddenly as he spoke, his deep, smooth voice sending a shiver down Sunniva's spine.

"You have beautiful eyes," he said, his voice low and inviting. "I wonder why you're hiding your face behind a veil. But It's okay, I can help you take it off while we enjoy some time on my bed."

There was a hint of sarcasm in his words, and Bella couldn't determine if he was serious or not. She felt like she was in a strange dream and was unsure how to respond.

"What? Bed?" Bella stuttered, and only then did her brain signal her to move away from Loren as she sensed danger. "I'm just a maid, I wouldn't dare think of lying in my lord's bed."

"I can make you my mistress, isn't that better than being an ordinary maid?" Loren asked, a sly grin appearing on his face. "Why don't we give it a try." There was a challenge in his tone, and Bella felt like she was being tested. She had to be cautious, or she could end up in more trouble.

She tried to collect her thoughts, but she still felt a bit disoriented. "You asked me to come inside your room to help you get dressed for your wedding, my lord, as you're getting married today," she said, trying to maintain a steady voice.

His expression remained unreadable, and she couldn't anticipate his next move.

"Why does it feel like I know you though?" Loren asked, raising an eyebrow. "Do I know you?" He inquired with a grin.

Is he starting to uncover my identity? Oh no! This is not good, Bella thought. I need to leave this place immediately.

"Why don't I go check with Master Ronald about your wedding suit," Bella suggested. "I'll be right back, my lord," she added and turned to leave but was pulled into Loren's bed by him, with him now lying on top of her.

"What are you doing?" Bella asked, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she struggled to push him off.

"Do you really think I wouldn't recognize you?" Loren's cold voice said, causing Bella's eyes to widen in shock as she stiffened under him. "My darling wife to be," he added with a wide grin on his face.