Why is he behaving so cold?

'For god sake, we're getting married, Ian.'

"Likewise, Mr. Longwood." I too greet him formally, because I didn't have an option.

It seems like he wants to convey something but was unfortunately disturbed by my mom who was more interested in the damn dinner.

His sister was very friendly, his stepmother was bearable, his dad spoke only about business and he was like a mute doll. He never spoke unnecessarily, but when he did, it made a lot of sense. I felt too small in front of him. Like I don't deserve him.

I ate quietly, as the conversation flowed freely between my parents and his. Even he spoke a few times relating to business. Overall, I felt quite left out and out of the place.

They would probably think that I'm an introvert, which is nowhere near the truth.

He never looked at me, not even once. But, I would steal glances of him here and there.

Then out of blue he directly spoke to me, "I would like to have a private conversation with you, Miss Ripperton."

I nod my head with rays of hope blooming inside me, as I requested him to wait for me in my room, after composing myself I made mine towards my room.

I knocked on my own door before entering to find him eyeing something very intently with his hands tucked inside his pockets. Out of curiosity, I followed his gaze to see what's that I possess that perked his interest.

It was a giant floating picture of mine and Ashley that covers the entire wall, placed just above my bedpost.

'Is he admiring me?'

I struggle to stop the small smile of satisfaction, so I clear my throat to gain his attention, he glanced at the picture for one last time before giving me his attention.

Deciding to break the silence, I ask "What is that you want to talk about, Ian?"

"Firstly, It's Mr. Longwood to you."

'Rude bastard.'

"Yes, Mr. Long-." I was unable to complete as he cut me off.

"Why do you want to marry me?" He asks.

"Because we are going to be business partners, this marriage will be beneficial for both of us." I lie efficiently.

"If you want to marry me because of this deal, then I suggest you shouldn't. The deal is already finalized. I'll talk to your father if you want."

'What the hell. No!'

His words came as a bombshell and I blurt out. "No, that's not the only reason, what I meant is that... I like you." I timidly confess my feelings.

"Hmm." was his reply.

'Hmm. That's all, man I accepted my feelings and all you do is hmm in response.'

"Let me make one thing clear to you. If we marry, you will be nothing but a stranger to me, don't expect me to act like a lovesick puppy. We will be husband and wife only in terms of paper. We will have separate rooms, I won't care about what you do and I expect the same from you. Nothing else."

His words hit me like a strong bolt of electricity and brought me out my dream world in which I've been living with him all this while.

"Ian, please give me a chance. Give 'us' a chance, I've been waiting for you for almost a year now. I'm sure you will change, take you-" He interrupted again.

"I will not change myself for anyone, especially for a desperate, immature, and thick-headed woman like you." His voice was ice cold.

My sadness was replaced with anger as he insulted me. How fucking dare he says those filthy words about me. I'm not a desperate woman, I love him. But, I won't tolerate him insulting me. He doesn't have any right to talk to me this way.

But I will not behave like a wild animal in anger. I'll show him how mature I am, I can handle things wisely.

"Mr. Longwood, I don't really appreciate the way you're talking to me. I will not disrespect you, and I expect the same in return."

He cocks his eyebrows upwards. He would have probably expected me to burst out with anger.

"And as of you calling me with all those judgemental and beautiful names, I suggest you take back those words. As I said, I will not allow anyone to disrespect me. I confessed my feelings and you just made fun of them."

He was listening quietly.

"And one more thing, I don't wanna marry an arrogant, judgemental, rude bastard like you."

'My self-respect is more important than him.'

I expected him to get annoyed and storm out my room. But he just gave me a victorious smirk.

"Are you sure, Miss Ripperton." He asked in a mocking tone.

It took me a few seconds to figure out what's happening.

' Trap.'

"You planned this, didn't you?"
For the first time, he smiled at me, and I got my answer.

He made me reject him, my dad cannot back off now, because it was me who rejected him. It's all my fault now. If he would have rejected me, there was a possibility that my dad would have backed off from this business agreement for breaking my heart.

He won in both the ways. He sealed the deal, as well as he's free from this marriage. He was one step ahead of us.

Cunning bastard, he used my emotion and anger against me. And here, I was thinking that I am behaving like a mature one. I let my anger guide me to make my decision. He was right about me being immature.

"You are a very smart woman, I must say. You figured it out way too earlier than I expected you to."

'Bitch.'

"The deal is beneficial to both of us. So think twice before complaining to your father. Since the deal is already signed, your company's reputation will be tarnished if your dad backs off now, plus, he will have to deal with me. I will personally ensure to deprive you of your upcoming projects. So, think practically." He gave me an open threat and walked away.

All of my anger vanished and now was replaced with pain, fear, and helplessness. My legs gave away and I fell.

Why Ian? Why did you give me hope?
All these months, the only thing I was able to think about was you.

'Ian...Ian...Ian...Ian'

How many times, I imagined myself as 'Mrs. Ian Longwood'. And now, he'll never be mine.

That night, I mourned for my love, my Ian. I wish he could have given me a chance.

But, what confused me was, if he didn't want me, then why was he staring at my picture.

'Could it be that he was looking at Ashley?'