BLIND:The Arranged Marriage

Noah watched with an expressionless face as Valeria signed the documents with shaking hands while the minister stands beside her to guide her hand to the right place.

If Noah is a man who appreciates beautiful women, he would describe her as wonderfully made, with a full head of thick red hair, rosy lips and perfectly proportioned nose and with the way her body fills out the white gown on her body, she is definitely endowed.

But of course he is not a man who enjoy women's company, he hates people in general, he hardly even likes himself but he despises women even more, for their deceitful ways, and it does not exclude the blind one that just signed a lifetime of being hellbound with him.

"We now pronounce you husband and wife, you may now kiss your bride" the Minister's voice boomed into his thoughts and the hard gaze he laids on him make the minister flinch back as if he'd been slapped.

Noah gives the impaired woman who just become his wife one last look and slithes out of the church without making a sound.

Everyone except his family was surprised by the way he reacted.They know how ruthless he can be and some hadn't even expected him to actually show up for the wedding.

Valeria heard his retreating footsteps and wondered why he had left so suddenly, though she wasn't really ready to fulfill her marital obligation, but this kiss is supposed to seal their wedding vows and she had never heard of a wedding without a kiss which makes hers the first, she was still contemplating this while standing like a fool at the alter with her cheek blushed crisom when she heard the footsteps of another person coming towards her and from the solid sound of it, it's probably male.

"May I?" The person said and placed Valeria right hand on his forearm, so she could hold onto him.

Valeria laids her gloved hand on Lucas forearm as he led her out of the church, she wants to cry and laugh both at the same time,she can't believe this is actually her wedding day, because it feels like she had just escaped one prison only to be led to another.

But she would walk down the aisle and out of this church with her chin held high, she will not give her deceitful stepmother the satisfaction of seeing her cry, because seeing her tears will certainly gladden her heart, but she won't give her that satisfaction as there will be plenty of time for tears later.

"Valeria sweetheart,I hope you will be twice as happy as your were with me" Valeria heard her father's voice and she felt him draw closer to her to give her a light hug.

"Thank you father"She said while faking a smile towards him.

'You wedded me to someone I'm not in love with but then you expect me to have twice the happiness I never got while being with you'.She thought to herself but kept her face cool like she wasn't hurt by his ignorance all the time.

"Oh Valeria dear,I'm so upset I wouldn't be seeing you as much anymore" Valeria heard Alice,her stepmother who pretends she loves her only in front of her father said while hugging her tightly, she feels like smashing her damned face but she won't let herself lose control.

"Have a horrible lifetime of marriage with that monster you just got married to" Alice whispered to Valeria's ear with a bright smile on her face.

Valeria held no expression still.She had learnt to keep a smile on her face even if she's in an unpleasant situation, she has been doing it for a long time, she won't lose it now.

The only person who stood rigid with her arms crossed was Julia, her stepsister who hesitated in hugging her. Julia came close enough to give her a light hug.

"I will be okay Julia" Valeria whispered to Julia who looks questioningly at Valeria but knew she couldn't see her expression, so she held both Valeria's hand and squeezed reassuringly.

"Who said I was worried"Julia scoffed and that made Valeria smile, the first genuine smile she has had since she woke up today, because Julia had always try to not show any sign of pity for her but deep down,Valeria knew she was the only one in her family who truly cared.

"Are you gonna start crying on me?" the man leading her out of the church said with a gentle voice "If it's about Mr Owen leaving you behind, you need not feel bad about it, he is like that to everyone"

"Who are you?, And why are you talking informally to me?" Valeria inquired with a shaky voice as the man in question guided her towards the car which Noah was in.

"Sorry for not formally introducing myself,my name is Lucas Anderson and I happen to be your husband's personal assistant, and as of right now,I also become your personal assistant"Lucas said with a warm smile, even though he knew she couldn't see it but at least he hoped she will feel that he's not her enemy.

He guided her into the backseat of the car and Valeria's body tensed up instantly, her husband is probably the one sitting next to where she sat.Her body becomes stiff and her breaths starts coming fast,not because of the person's presence but because she is sitting inside a car, she can feel the space closing in on her and her palm started sweating.

But since she did not want her brand new husband to think her weak and stupid, she reigned in her discomfort and managed a calm and serene look, even though she was dying to get out of the car.

She heard the car starts and her subconscious made her hold on to her wedding gown tightly like her life depended on it and despite the calm look on her face, her whole body trembles in fear.

Noah kept his gaze outside the windshield as the breeze blew his hair lightly.The only thing he was feeling at the moment was immense anger.If he hadn't stomped out of that church,he could have done something he will later regret.So infuriating as it is,he has to remain as calm as he could possibly be, and endure this only because of his father's ultimatum.

He heard Lucas open the door and guided his newly wedded wife in.He watched her carefully sits and her expression changed.He thought she must have felt his presence for her to look so terrified.

'Yes,she should be' Noah thought to himself as he turned his gaze back to the windshield.

Just then,the car started.He heard a quiet yelp escapes his wife's mouth and he turned back his gaze to her.He watches her intently as she held on to the thick layered white gown she had worn.

Throughout the drive to the reception,his eyes were on her.He wondered if it were his presence that discomforted her so much.He furrowed his brows as he gets down from the car.

A red carpet had been laid down outside the venue for the new couple to step on and there were crowds chanting,standing on the sides of the carpet.

He waited for Lucas to guide his wife out again before he held out his forearm so she could hold on to.Valeria held him,he felt his body stiffen with her touch.The touch was innocent enough but it did something to him which he couldn't put a name on. He wondered why he would have this kind of reaction to her touch, normally human contact repulses him and he made it known to all the women he had been with.

He ignored the feeling as they walked through the crowd of people,stopping them to congratulate them.The event went on smoothly and neither of them said nothing to each other.

"Mr Owen,Mrs Owen,congratulations"Mr Chadwick,Noah's business partner said and he held his hand out to shake Noah.Noah took his hand in his hold and shook it lightly.He didn't fake the expression on his face and that had people glancing and whispering to themselves on how the wedding was arranged.

"Could we talk about the project for a while" Noah said to Mr Chadwick who raised his brow up in surprise.

"B..but it's your wedding and you need to assist Mrs Owen,that would upset Mrs Owen,wouldn't it" Mr Chadwick said.The last part was for Valeria to answer.

"No it's okay...I'm good" Valeria said disappointed she would all be alone now.Noah didn't care of her answer, he would have gone with or without her permission anyways because he needs to distance himself from her.

"I will just walk her over to a seat" Noah said to Mr Chadwick who nods in response.Noah said nothing and only walks her to an empty seat.He looked at her before leaving.He doesn't know why he hesitated but he guessed it was out of pity, afterall he still has a little bit of humanity in him.

He walks over to where Mr Chadwick stood with a champagne flute held in his left hand,mingling with two girls who laughed when he made a joke.

"Oh Mr Owen,but really I don't mind if you prospone the conversation we are about to have cause we are here to celebrate and party" Mr Chadwick said.He didn't want to leave the company of the two pretty ladies whose attention had been hard to secure.

"It's better if we talk now, my schedules for the next three weeks will be tight and I will likely not have time to talk about this" Noah said.Chadwick sighs and then excuse himself from the ladies.

"Okay Mr Owens, let's talk" Mr Chadwick maintained a cool look even though he was terribly annoyed at being disturbed.

Valeria moves uncomfortably on the chair.She heard her stomach chimes.She had not eaten since the morning of the wedding.The sales attendant at where her stepmother brought the gown from had told her not to eat so she could fit well into it.

As she sat,she heard people talk about her from a little distance.She heard some women talking about why Noah would get married to someone who is physically challenged and why it was their loss.Just then,she felt someone's presence in front of her.

"Hi,Mrs Owen,congratulations" she heard an unfamiliar voice said and she tried to look at the direction the voice came from.

"I'm right here" the woman said and waves her hand close to Valeria's face.

"Oh right,you can't see,my bad...anyways why isn't your husband here with you,I thought he will replace your old assistant" Valeria heard the voice said with mockery evident in her voice.

"Who are you"Valeria asked.

"Oh me,I'm April,I'm a friend's of your husband"Valeria heard her say.

"I..."April was about to say something but was interrupted by Noah's voice.

"Hey" Valeria recognized the voice which sounded furious.It was none other than her husband.

"Oh hi Noaaah" Valeria heard April reply in a sensual voice, which makes her sound breathless.

"What the actual fuck are you doing here?" Noah asked April with a controlled voice while April mouth tilts into a wicked smile.

"Came here to congratulate you of course" April replied and Valeria sat helplessly on the chair twisting her hands together while she listens to their conversation and from the undertone of the conversation, it seems the relationship between them is quite personal.

"And why are you here talking to her instead of coming to me" Noah inquired with his hands fisted.

"Come on Noah,it wouldn't be fair to congratulate you alone, you ain't marrying yourself are you?" April drawled and the guests standing around them had started listening in on the conversation and they all stopped what they are doing, paying attention to the scandalous scene unfolding before them. The silence catches Lucas attention and he looks for what grabbed the guests attention.

The scene he saw had him leaving where he was standing and had him hurrying towards the skirmish that had taken place.

"I will take care of this Noah" Lucas whispered to Noah's ear so he could calm down and not cause a scene he will probably regret.

"Hey April,how about you just come with me and we could have a little chat" Lucas said trying to convince April who stood rigid.

"If you think you are gonna get me thrown out of here Lucas,you are gonna regret it" April said with her arms crossed over her chest, bitterness ringing in her voice. Lucas was about to intervene again but it seems Noah lost the little patient he has.

"Fuck April...drop this crazy act of yours and get out of here this instant, before I do something we will both regret " Noah shouted and attracted everyone's attention in the reception.Some people started pulling out their phones from their purses to video the scene.

Valeria bite down hard on her lips to keep from crying and wondered how much of a mess she had gotten herself into.

The party had ended in the most unpleasant situation.And now,Noah and Valeria were being driven home by Lucas.The silence in the car had been suffocating, and Valeria had to clench her teeth together to stop herself from yelling.

Noah stares intently at his phone. The video of his argument with April has found its way on to the internet and he is the most hottest searched words right now. This is one scandal he can do without right now.

Anger was evident in his eyes as he cursed beneath his breath. He slammed the phone hard on his lap.Lucas watched from the rear view mirror and sighs. Sometimes it's still hard for him to fathom how one person will hold so much anger.

The car came to a halt in front of Noah's home and he exited the car without waiting for Valeria.He walks through the series of stairs that led upstairs to his room.

He opens his bedroom door,got in and slam it hard behind him forgetting it's now his matrimonial room.He threw his phone over the wall as he heaves in irritation.The one thing that angered him the most is the look of contempt on his father's face.He knows he would get a good hearing from him.

The door opens slowly and it reveals Lucas guiding Valeria into the room.Noah glared as he remembered it was no longer his private room.He watches her.He could not deny how attractive she actually looks.

"I will clear the articles tomorrow sir,have a good night rest" Lucas said and left.If normally there wasn't something that went wrong,he would have teased Noah about having a good time on his wedding night but he couldn't risk his head tonight. He left the two newly weds alone, each aware that they are now alone with each other.

Valeria was seated at the edge of the bed which had been decorated with red flower petals.If only she could see it, then she could admire it but she could only smell the floral frangrance that envelopes the room.The silence was killing her and she felt the need to talk.

"Are you feeling uncomfortable with me here?" Valeria said with her soft voice.

"Yes" Noah said without preambles, he sees no need to pretend otherwise because he was definitely not comfortable.

"Oh" Valeria didn't think he will bluntly answer her.That made her feel somewhat at ease because now she knows her husband isn't one of those people who will pretend or act out of pity for her.

There was silence again.Noah looked over at Valeria and contemplated on talking.

"Aren't you going to shower?" he said with little compassion in him.

"Oh...Emma helps me out on that but she's not here and I can't trouble you to call someone to help out so I will probably sleep in this" Valeria said.Noah was surprised to hear her answer him with glee when he thought she would be terrified.

"I guess Emma was your maid?" Noah said while he unbuttons his shirt from the top.

"My assistant"Valeria corrected with a smile on her face.Noah furrowed his brows,he hates when people try to correct or tell him he is not right about something and Valeria just did that without knowing.

He said nothing till he finished undressing.He cared less of his nudity, even if Valeria wasn't blind, he would have undressed in front of her, he knew he has a great body. He walks inside the bathroom and turn on the shower.

Valeria turned her head to the direction of where she heard the shower.Her face flushed at the thought of what she had heard about wedding nights.She knew hers will be different of course because no man have ever wanted her because of her impairment and Noah isn't any different.

Suddenly,Valeria felt like exploring the room with her hands.They had always been her weapons to master her surroundings.She had easily walked around the house in her father's home,and more with the help of her pet,Daisy. More like a guard dog though,her father had bought it to protect her ever since her accident.

Valeria's thoughts drifts to the dog. Daisy had been her one and only best friend since they had been united.She couldn't wait to meet up with her again the next day.

Valeria started to run her hands through the laid bed first.Her hands measures how large the bed is as she climb unto it to feel it more.The beddings were properly made and she had touched the flowers petals which she doesn't know because she has never touched one.

As she begins to shift more on the bed,unknowingly to her,she was already at the left edge of the bed, and dangerously close to falling off.

"Thump" The loud and ominous sound of Valeria falling off the bed, made Noah rush out of the bath area and into the room with a towel wrapped around his body.He saw Valeria lying helplessly with her back on the floor.

"Oh God..." he muttered as he run towards where Valeria lay with the wedding gown all fluffed up around her, she looks like a fallen angel.Without thinking of his half naked body,he bends over to tend to her.

"What were you thinking to be so reckless?" he said in a loud but caring voice which left even himself puzzled on how sweet and stupid he had sounded.

"I was just trying to get used to here,I need to at least feel the little I can, I will be familiar afterwards" a smile hung on the corners of her mouth.Noah wondered why she was still this sweet and unspoiled despite the fact that fate has not treated her nicely despite how young she is.

He helped her up with his hand at her waist. Valeria's hand tries to find support and lands on Noah's bare chest.She recoiled from the contact and she quickly get her hand off him while her face flush crisom and her heart starts pounding wildly in her chest.

"I'm sorry"She said quietly while Noah watched her face and ask himself the wisdom in what he's about to do, and he knows he's probably going to regret it.

"I can help in assisting you with a bath"he said knowing that as her husband he doesn't need to ask for her permission.