Chapter 74: Chapter 74

''I love the way I fit so perfectly wrapped into your arms. I love the way my hands fit so perfectly in yours. I love the way so perfectly we look together. I love you in every way.'' - quotesgram.com

Azura's POV

The next day was very hectic. It was the wedding day. I was not a bridesmaid, but mom gave me a beautiful ivory white gown with a sweetheart neckline and a full-length skirt that cascaded down in folds. It was designed by Amelia who had designed the entire wedding collection for the whole family. I added my own lucky bracelets to go with it. I secured my long hair with a jeweled clip at the top, and admired my look in the mirror. I hardly got any opportunity to go to weddings as my life had been a struggle since we were abandoned. Anyway, this was the first time, I got the chance to wear such expensive clothing and accessories and dress up so much. I just couldn't recognize myself in the mirror.

I didn't get to interact with Adrian much as he was busy being one of the groomsmen. I sat with gran and baby Alexander who was Claire's son, Martha who was mom's housekeeper, Beth who was Stefan's daughter's nanny, Kayla who was Anna's best friend, and Ellie Stewart, gran's nurse. Some family members also sat behind us, mom's sisters and their families and dad's relatives were also present but I didn't interact much with them, as I didn't know them. Mom introduced Amelia, Cassandra, and myself to them, but thankfully they all were interested to know when Amelia and Tristan were getting married.

The whole resort was beautifully decorated for the wedding. The wedding ceremony would be held at the beautiful sprawling garden area at the backside of the resort overlooking the golf course, with a gazebo built in the center of the garden. White tulle drapes and flowers in different shades of pink decorated the archway giving the whole area a romantic, classic vibe. Rose petals were strewn all over the never-ending aisle where the gazebo was built.

Throughout the ceremony, I could feel Adrian's gaze upon me. I couldn't concentrate on the wedding due to his intense stare. What was going on in his mind? I tried hard to follow the wedding. I couldn't imagine what my own wedding would be like. Could I ever have such a blissful wedding with Adrian? Maybe in my dreams. Who was I kidding? Who was I to Adrian? His cook? Or his cook whom he temporarily desired until he found the one he would want to spend his life with? It was a complex equation between us and I didn't want to think about it at all. I was afraid that it would all end when Adrian moved on from me. How would I heal my heart then?

The ceremony came to an end and I just followed them all to the photography session for the wedded couple. It was followed by the reception party which was the most enjoyable one for me.

Adrian pulled me to the dance floor and wrapped me in his arms for a close dance. I glanced around and saw Julian and Cassandra, Tristan and Amelia, and all the couples dancing similarly. It gave me hope that maybe Adrian and I could be like them one day.

"What's going on in that gorgeous head of yours?" he whispered in my ear, his lips grazing my neck. A tremor went down my body but I smiled at him.

"Nothing much! I just didn't want to leave this place and go back," I admitted. It wasn't exactly what I was thinking though. I just wished that this would be our wedding instead of Stefan and Anna's.

"We can stay for a few more days if you want," he suggested but I shook my head. I had to rejoin work or my pay would be deducted. I needed to send the money to Nana.

"No, I'll go back tomorrow," I told him noting the disappointed look on his face.

"I think something is bothering you. I can sense it, Azura," he coaxed but I shook my head as he guided me expertly, dancing slowly to the romantic music. With my body flush against his, with his warmth seeping through our clothes into my body, and his unique masculine scent tingling my senses, I knew that I could stay in his arms forever. Was I crushing on him? Was I hoping for the impossible?

"No, I'm fine," I whispered.

"You don't trust me even after everything we shared," he concluded, his tone laced with disappointment.

"Please Adrian. Can we not discuss this here? Everyone is staring at us," I pointed out.

"Let them. They know we are together," he shrugged.

"But we're not. I don't like bluffing your family. They're so nice." Adrian stilled and frowned at me.

"We will soon be, Azura," he said softly. I shook my head and released him.

"Let's see. I don't know what I am to you. A cook with benefits?" I blurted out. His mouth hung open and he gaped at him while I walked away feeling upset.

The party ended quite late, and by the time we got back to our room, we were too tired and soon fell asleep. Adrian had his back to me and I had the feeling that he was avoiding me.

The next morning, I woke up earlier than Adrian and freshened up, and went down for a stroll with Claire. After breakfast, it was time to bid farewell to the beautiful place and return home.

Adrian seemed to be preoccupied with something important that had cropped up at work and I felt a little snubbed at his indifference. After freshening up, Adrian went to his office to complete his pending work while I stayed home to catch up on my missed classes and homework. I had already taken leave from the cafe, so today was my off day. I called nana and spoke to the twins too but in the back of my mind, I felt guilty for not being there for them.

Cleaning up the house, unpacking, washing the dirty laundry, and cooking dinner took up the rest of my time. I took a quick shower and wearing a pale blue dress, I sat down on the sofa with a book when Adrian came home.

"I'll shower and come down in 10 minutes," he said as he rushed upstairs.

Smiling stiltedly, I went to the kitchen. I took the casserole full of slow cooker beef vegetable stew to the table, then carried the roasted garlic potatoes and lastly the buttered warm dinner rolls. I laid out the table and Adrian came in freshly showered, wearing a pair of sweatpants and a white tee-shirt.

"Smells good," he said as he sat down at the table, "I could kiss the cook forever for this lavish dinner," he said grinning and I gaped at him, surprised by his change of mood.

"Eat," I said rolling my eyes at him.

We ate as we discussed Stefan's and Anna's wedding. "Theo called up today. He wants to marry Emerald. He's planning to propose to her next week," he said as I stared at him in disbelief.

"But he had just asked her to be his girlfriend," I said confusedly. Why was he hurrying everything? Was everything alright? Was she pregnant?

"That was last week. She agreed and they went for a date or two after that," he said as we ate together.

"Oh, I didn't know," I said as Adrian looked at me.

"Aren't you happy for them?" He asked confusedly.

"I am happy but aren't they hurrying?" I asked him. "I hope she isn't pregnant."

"Yeah, I also thought along the same lines," he said frowning. "Nevertheless, if they're happy, we should support them."

"Yeah, you're right," I said as we finished dinner and I started clearing the table. I wanted to talk to him about Nana and my siblings as with Emerald gone, they would need me more. However, every time, I opened my mouth, I stopped myself. I didn't want to take any favors from him and the traveling daily would kill me. So, what options did I have now?

After completing all the work, I felt all the more worried and turned toward him. "I'm tired. I'll sleep early tonight if you don't mind." I said as I started to leave for my room. He ignored my announcement and instantly came to me and picked me up bridal style, and started climbing the stairs.

"I am tired but I can go upstairs on my own," I said as I held onto his shoulder for fear of falling.

He chuckled and took me straight to his room. Wait a minute, why am I in his bedroom again? "Adrian, what am I doing here this time?" I asked as he deposited me on his bed.

"Sleeping with me," he said as he started opening his tee shirt first.

"No please," I told him, getting up and bolting towards the door before he could grab me. I wasn't his cook with benefits. Adrian stood like a statue and watched me leave with hooded eyes, confused by my attitude.