Chapter 2 our first kiss

Chapter 2

He slowly approached me, and I kept backing away... until I felt the wide trunk of a tree behind me, making my heart pound even faster.

I felt his soft palm on my cheek, gently caressing it with just his fingers, sending a strange electricity through me.

"What―what do you think you're doing, Montello?!"

"Would you rather our first kiss happen the moment we're declared husband and wife? The time and place should be decided by us. We have to put on this show for everyone, but our first kiss should be private. Don't you think?" I met his gaze, trying to read his thoughts, but I failed. His face was too blank, or maybe it just didn't matter to him at all.

I quickly looked away and gently pushed him away from me before clearing my throat.

"N―No need. I'm happy to wait until the wedding. It's not like any of this relationship is real. Why bother pretending it is?" I said with a fake smile on my face.

"Fine. If that's what you want." Frustration was evident on his face, but it only lasted a few seconds before he returned to his usual serious and cold expression.

"We should head back inside. This is our engagement party, after all. We're the special guests," he said before walking back to the party.

Ethan and I re-entered the ballroom, and I saw my father clink his champagne glass to signal the start of a toast.

"Attention, please. As the father of the beautiful bride, I have a few words to say at my daughter's engagement party."

The room fell silent. My dad, Carlo Bianchi, could hold a room full of powerful people's attention with just a few words.

"It's no secret that the Montello and Bianchi family histories are bloody. But today, that has all changed. Ethan and Chiara are forging the future together. We'll all follow their example. To new beginnings!" my dad shouted joyfully, raising his glass.

"I agree. To new beginnings!" echoed Ethan's father.

I didn't raise my glass, wanting to show my disapproval. I glanced at Ethan and gave a fake laugh because even he didn't raise his glass.

At least I'm not the only one who can't take this truce seriously.

My father finished his speech. Once again, the room buzzed with conversation.

I looked at Ethan uncertainly. "Well, I suppose this is it for now. The next time I see you, we'll be at the altar." He nodded.

"Right. I'll be the dashing groom. You'll be my blushing bride," he said with no emotion.

"And then we'll be married to each other. For the rest of our lives, until we die," I said, forcing a smile at him. He took a deep breath and looked at me.

"Believe it or not, Chiara, a lot of women actually want to be married to me. They'd take your place in a heartbeat." I scoffed at his words and shot him a deadly glare.

"Oh, really? Well, those women aren't Bianchis." He chuckled sarcastically.

"Exactly. You heard what your father said. This marriage is the keystone of the peace treaty. Whether you like it or not, there's nothing you can do about it. You're stuck with me forever," he taunted.

"If I'm stuck with you, then you're stuck with me. Even if I was forced into this to be a good daughter, I won't let―" I stopped as he laughed again.

"Is that what you're doing, playing the role of the dutiful daughter?" he said, walking closer to me, so close I was almost cross-eyed. His expression suddenly turned serious. "I think you'd better look up the meaning of that word in the dictionary. Actually, don't. I think I'll enjoy teaching you the meaning myself. I have a few ideas in my mind..." His smirk was dark and dirty, full of promise. For some inexplicable reason, I suddenly felt butterflies in my stomach, wondering what kind of ideas he had in mind.

I swallowed hard.

"Goodbye for now, Chiara. See you on our wedding day. And if I have it my way, I'll see even more of you on our wedding night," he said, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek before leaving. I could only stare in shock as Ethan left our house.

As I headed toward the stairs to return to my room, my two older sisters grabbed my arms.

"I still can't believe you're getting married. To Ethan Harris of all people! You're so lucky," said Sister Charlotte, making me grimace.

"He's amazing. We've all heard the stories, but seeing him here in the flesh... He's fucking gorgeous, Chiara. He's going to be your husband," chimed in Sister Chelsea, who's older than both Sister Charlotte and me.

"Thanks for the reminder. As if I could forget?" I said with a grimace.

"Oh, come on, Chiara. Don't tell us you're having second thoughts, huh? Like, that's Ethan Harris, sis," said Sister Charlotte again.

"His looks don't matter to me. He's still a Montello. That means he can't be trusted. I'll never feel safe being with him for the rest of my life." Sister Chelsea stepped closer and grabbed my arm again.

"Relax, girl. Father says they aren't our enemies anymore. The fact that you two are getting married proves it."

"And who knows? Maybe you'll end up finding happiness with Ethan. Never say never."

"Sister Charlotte is right, Chiara. You may learn to love each other one day," agreed Sister Chelsea, making me sigh deeply.

"Do you really think so? It seems impossible."

"Come on, Chiara. With a face like that, I'm sure falling in love with him will be easier than you think. There's a powerful magnetism around him," she added, and I just shook my head. No matter how handsome my future husband might be, I still can't shake the feeling that this marriage is doomed.

How could I ever learn to love a Montello? And how could a Montello ever learn to love me? This marriage is such a huge mistake.

The weeks went by in a blur. Soon enough, it was my wedding day.

Daddy came to the dressing room to escort me to my groom.

"I know this isn't what you wanted. I can see you haven't even put much thought into your wedding dress. But I hope you'll find happiness. That's all I've ever wanted for you and our family," he said, making me give him a bitter smile.

"I know, Dad. I―I'll try my best."

"Hija, Ethan is a lucky man. I'm sure he'll feel the same when he sees you walking down the aisle."

"Thanks, Dad, but I'm sure he won't. He made it quite clear that this marriage wasn't his idea. In fact, he told me he never wanted to get married at all," I said.

"Is that so?" There was a glint in his eyes, as though he knew something I didn't. But before I could question him, his expression grew serious.

"You do understand the importance of what you're doing here, don't you? This marriage is going to complete the peace deal. The success of both your families is being forged here through you and your groom. You can make or break the future," he reminded me, and I nodded.

"Yes, Dad, I'll try to make the most of it. Marrying Ethan might not be such a bad idea after all. Maybe it'll work out in the end." My dad placed his hands on both my shoulders.

"The two of you are better matched than you may think."

"I'm just worried about his intentions toward me. Can I trust him? Will he ever trust me?" These were the questions that had been playing in my mind since I found out I was marrying Ethan.

"You're smart enough to know when people aren't being honest with you. That said, I believe you should give Ethan a chance. He's not just his father's son. He has his own principles, and I'm sure he makes his own decisions," he reminded me again, and I just smiled.

"Except for the decision to marry me. He couldn't stop that," I said, and he sighed deeply.

"Chiara, listen to me. Ethan allowed this marriage to happen. If he had been against it, he would have stopped his father from the start, and there wouldn't have been anything his father could do about it. God knows Ethan has a strong will. No one forces him to do anything. For one reason or another, he wanted to marry you." I was momentarily speechless. My heart suddenly pounded at the thought that Ethan Montello wanted to marry me, but why?

He clearly told me that marriage wasn't his idea. Does he really want to marry me, or is he just doing it for some unknown reason? I'm more confused than ever.

My father took one last adoring look at me. He may have three daughters, but as the youngest, he's always doted on me.

"It's time to go, my princess, Chiara. Your groom is waiting for you. Are you ready?"

"I'm ready, Dad," I replied, and he nodded.

To Be Continued...