𝟏𝟕

ELSIE

"Is this good?" I asked after letting out a sigh in frustration. I just couldn't get my hair to stick to one place. I have straightened it today but I couldn't keep it to stay down properly as I wanted it.

"Elsie stop worrying about the hair. It looks perfect." Aspen's voice echoed through the speaker of my phone while she was eating chicken noodles and making me hungry as well. Fenix said that we'll have dinner at the party and I just hope the food will be delicious.

Fenix was out with Ian. They went to buy him a toy he saw on internet. Then before we go to the party, we'll drop him off to Bridget's house.

Them being out, gave me at least time to get ready.

The dress I was going to wear today was from Bridget's collection from two thousand and four. She recommended me to wear it after she saw how it looked on me.

It was red and body con. It had many crystal details making out different flower and leaves shapes.

I didn't even know if it was going to be appropriate for the event but she reassured me that it was.

"How are you going to do your makeup?" She asked and brought the phone closer to her face.

"I don't know. Simple. Don't wanna look too glamorous." I said after shrugging my shoulders. The dress was already sparkling and I didn't want my face to be like that as well.

Aspen nodded and continued to eat while I sat on the vanity chair and dug into of the drawers that had my makeup.

My mind wandered over to Sally yet again. She gave me her phone number and I called her yesterday. It has been couple of days since we saw each other.

I invited her to Ian's party but she said that she didn't want to meet him like that in front of many people after so long, which made sense.

She'll see him at the right time.

Aspen talked about work while I started painting my face. I was fairly good at doing it. Since young I loved doing different makeup looks and spent my free time watching tutorials online.

It was therapeutic and relaxing.

For the eyes, I did a simple eyeliner and a light beige eyeshadow. I applied a bit more blush and coloured my lips in a shade that was close to my natural one.

On Aspen's request, I applied some fake, natural-looking lashes. They did made my eyes look better.

"If Fenix doesn't lose his mind when he sees you, I will because of you two. You still haven't kissed that man. Shame. Such a shame." She tusked and shook her head. I chuckled and finished up with the makeup.

"He really has a lot of self control." She continued to talk about me and Fenix and started yet again making all kinds of plans.

"Wait you're not gonna wear bra with the dress right?" The dress already had built in pads so there was no need for me to wear one, so I shook my head.

She clasped her hands. "Perfect. When you get back and have to take it off, say that you need his help."

"Aspen I can't just do that."

"Why not? He's your husband isn't he?"

"Fake husband. Fake."

"I'm gonna slap that word out of your vocabulary if you say it one more time." She really was something else and I loved annoying her.

"Okay, let me take the dress and I'll put it on." I said and hurried to the closet. The dress was on a hanger on my side and I'm pretty sure Fenix hasn't seen it yet.

I took off the tank top and the shorts I had on. Then the next thing I took off, was the sports bra.

I changed my underwear as well and wore beige ones that had no stitch lines on the side.

After that, I slid into the dress and fixed the straps. I turned to the mirror and admire the beautiful gown Bridget has created. It perfectly fitted my figure.

The shoes I was going to wear were on the floor, next to the mirror. They were red short heels with a tiny heart shaped with diamonds.

When I was happy with how everything looked, I exited the closet and went to the vanity where the phone was. I stepped front of it and did a spin for Aspen to see the whole outfit.

She gasped and then whistled.

"Let me take a screenshot." She said and I posed while laughing as she took couple of pictures of the screen.

Aspen acted like I was some celebrity she had opportunity to have a call with.

The outfit really looked good. When Bridget suggested I wear the red dress, I was little sceptical because of my hair being dark red as well but seeing myself now, I looked good.

I heard the entrance door being open and Fenix's Ian's voice filled the hallways.

"Aspen I have to go. Fenix and Ian are here. Thank you for your help." I blowed a kiss and so did she. We said goodbye and hung up.

I threw the phone on the bed and felt the nervousness start to build up in my chest.

The sounds of their voices started to get closer and I walked towards the door. I got out of the room and saw Fenix and Ian made their way up the stairs.

When Ian noticed I was waiting for them, he ran up to me and lifted his hands that were holding a box with a toy.

"Look. We found it." He said and grinned at me. I ran my hand through his hair. Then he looked at my dress and his eyes widened while his lips parted.

"Eli you look like a princess." I chuckled at his comment and thanked him. He then turned to Fenix and pointed at me while saying I look like a princess yet again.

I just realised that Fenix was standing there as well.

He had his hands tucked into the pockets of his slacks and his eyes were pointed at my outfit. They went from my neckline to the bottom of the dress and then up again.

The make up probably covered a bit of the blush that painted my face. Well, I hope it did.

Fenix cleared his throat and his gaze finally found mine. I felt like a doe caught in its prey sight.

"You look beautiful." I let out a sigh as soon as he said the words. Like the stupid person I was, I just started at him, lips parted and eyes slightly wide.

Say something Elsie!

"Um... thank you." I blurted out and fisted my hands.

Fenix looked down at Ian and smiled at him. "She does look like a princess."

Maybe I didn't like compliments as much as I thought because I was the worst at reacting to them.

Especially when they were from a person I like. And yes I liked Fenix. A lot.

Who wouldn't?

He was smart, hardworking, patient, respectful, he was really good with kids and he was really, really beautiful. In a way that it was hard for me to keep my eyes to myself.

How could I not like him? He has been nothing but nice to me this whole time. Yes our "relationship" didn't start in a traditional way but Fenix redeemed himself the moment I set my foot into this house.

"I'll take a quick shower and then get ready." Fenix said and after I nodded, he walked past me and grazed his fingers over mine in the process.

My breath hitched but I was soon brought back to reality when Ian took my hand and lead me to his room.

We packed his things in a bag if he needed to change his clothes. He will probably run and play around their house so I wanted him to have extra clothes just in case.

He was really excited to visit them because Cillian had a whole car collection in his garage. He loves watching them and observing everything about them.

After we took everything, we exited his room and went downstairs where we waited for Fenix.

⋆˚✿˖°

To say that the party was glamorous was understatement.

This felt like a whole met gala.

I was definitely not overdressed and I was thankful for that. People were walking in and out of the event and as soon as we stepped in, my jaw dropped.

This was beautiful.

Big crystal chandeliers were hanging from the tall ceiling. Soft music filled the room but it was overshadowed by the chattings of the guests.

Fenix's palm connected with mine and I followed his lead.

Many people came by and said hello to Fenix. I politely smiled at them and introduced myself. I tried my best to calm my anxiety. Holding Fenix's hand helped a lot.

He wasn't letting go of me and I was thankful fir that.

He occasionally looked down at me to make sure I was fine. His hand let go of me and went over my waist. With that, I was tightly holding the bottom of his suit jacket.

Fenix was dressed in a black suit with a white shirt underneath. He had no tie but the colour of the little detail in his pocket, matched my dress.

His hair was like always lazily pushed back, making him look dreamily beautiful.

"Fenix! We finally meet man. It has been years." A man spoke while I was looking around and I turned to the voice.

They shook hands and my eyes went to the man's wife. She was heavily pregnant and the dress she had on made her belly look adorable. She fanned her face while smiling.

"It's really hot in here." She explained her hand . "I'm Evangelina. Nice to meet you." I extended my hand as well and our palms connected.

She had a beautiful dark hard hair that fell down her back and her nose and cheeks were covered in freckles. The dress she had on was in a royal blue colour and clung to her figure.

Her husband greeted me as well. His name was Asahi.

They both looked beautiful together and it was evident that her husband was head over heels for her. He carefully held her by the waist while he talked with Fenix.

"Do you know the gender?" I asked her, trying to make a conversation. Her eyes sparkled with joy at my question.

"It's a girl. I can't wait to have her in my arms." Her palm caressed her belly. My heart warmed. She looked so happy.

I always imagined when I would have kids on my own. I had Ian but I wanted to have more babies.

Butterflies stirred in my stomach at the thought of being pregnant. It was my dream to have my own family together with Ian.

I tilted my head and looked at Fenix for a second. He would make a great father one day. I wonder if he'll find someone he'll truly fall in love with.

I just hope my crush won't ruin me after we part ways. It will be hard to bear it but there was no other way.

Fenix and I were going to divorce in couple of months and everything will be over.

Me and Evangelina shared couple of more words while Fenix and Asahi did the same. We soon parted ways because they had to leave due to Evangelina being tired.

"Let's see the newly engaged before the dinner is served." Fenix said and protectively continued to hold me close to his body.

We pushed through see of bodies until we reached a table where the couple was.

They were really young, probably in their late teens. The girl had a dark auburn hair, curled in a beautiful style and had a dark green dress on. The boy had a normal black suit and despite the few small tattoos on his hands and neck, it was still visible that he was young.

We greeted them but there was clearly nervousness written on their faces.

The girl tried to smile but she looked lost and on a verge of a panic attack.

My heart broke for them. They were sure pushed into this engagement against their will.

"I feel bad for them." I said to Fenix as we sat by our table after we greeted the couple.

The food was served and I dug into the delicious dinner. I texted Bridget to see if Ian ate as well. She sent me a photo of them eating in a fast food restaurant. Ian was smiling on the picture and had his thumbs up while Cillian and Bridget were grinning at the camera as well.

They were all spoiling him way too much but I was happy that he was finally enjoying himself even without me there.

"Some things are solved like this in our world. They'll eventually start to like each other."

"You can't be sure of that. They deserve better than this." I placed the fork next to the plate and wiped my face with the napkin. "And they are young. Really young."

"Don't worry. They'll be fine." I really do hope so.

We finished with eating and I got Aspen's message.

Aspen: Did he faint?

Me: Who?

She send me a photo of her face up close. Her face was covered in a pink face mask and her hair was wrapped up in a towel.

Aspen: Your husband Elsie. Who else?

I chuckled and placed my hand over my mouth.

Me: No he didn't. I would have immediately informed you. Don't worry about that.

Aspen: You better. And don't forget what I told you about the dress and having no bra ;)

I took a photo of myself quickly and send it back to her.

I placed the phone on the table and turned to Fenix who had his eyes on me. He had a slight frown on his face which made him look adorable.

"What?" I asked and grinned at him.

"Nothing." He murmured.

"It was my friend." I explained with a smile when I saw the lines on his forehead not disappearing.

He let out a sigh and nodded. He had his arm on the back of my chair like always and ran his fingers on my shoulder.

I made him take a picture with me as well and send it to Bridget because she said that Ian wanted to see us.

Fenix was looking at the camera with his significant look of boredom while I was smiling from ear to ear.

The waiter walked by and I asked him for a drink he was carrying in his tray. It looked beautiful in a sparkling pink colour with a raspberry on a toothpick.

Fenix took another that was dark and had ice cubes inside and a leaf of spearmint on the side. It was similar to mine yet had different colours.

"Can I try it?" I pointed to his drink shyly.

"Mhmm." He handed it to me and I took a sip. It was sweet yet bitter. It was good though.

Fenix took it back and proceeded to take a sip from the exact same place I did. The lipstick print was still on the glass. I felt my cheeks burn with blush and I gulped my drink down.

After we stood up from the chairs and walked around, the band started to play a slow song.

The middle of the place cleared up and everyone chatted with dinks in their hands.

"Do you wanna dance?" Fenix spoke close to my ear. I felt shivers run down my spine from his hot breath on my sensitive skin.

"What? No! There's no one dancing yet." I whispered and felt my heartbeat quicken.

"And? We'll be the first one." He intertwined our fingers. There was no one even trying to go in the middle where the clear space was and dance. The song was almost halfway through.

Fenix slightly tugged on my hand and I followed after him with blush clearly coating my face.

What was he doing? This was embarrassing.

When we stood in the middle, he circled his arms around my waist and I rested my hands on his shoulders.

Couple of people clapped while I had my eyes on Fenix. I didn't dare looking anywhere else.

We slowly swayed to the song. I looked up at him and his lazy smile made my heart do backflips in my chest.

"I don't like when people stare my way." I confessed and let out a shaky breath. His hands squeezed my hips lightly and he leaned his lips close to my own.

"Shh, pretend that no one's here." His face was so close that if I moved an inch, our lips would collide together.

"Okay." I nodded. Before pulling away, he kissed the corner of my mouth. What was happening?

My legs almost collapsed and I was thankful he was holding me close to him.

People started to join us and danced with their partners. They all laughed and enjoyed themselves. I had my eyes trained on Fenix's chest and didn't dare look up at him.

He gently caressed my waist and soothed my shuddering body.

What are you doing to me Fenix?

⋆˚✿˖°

I smoothed my hair down and exited the bathroom. We were back from the party. Ian was sleeping in his room.

I changed my dress in and put on my usual pyjamas that consisted of a loose crop top and shorts.

Fenix was still in his shirt and pants and was taking off his wrist watch when I entered our room.

I rubbed my eyes and let out a sigh. My legs hurt from the heels and I looked at myself on the mirror on top of the vanity.

Fenix closed the distance between us.

"This was a first event we attended together after our wedding." I said out of nowhere. Why did that even matter?

He nodded and I turned around to face him.

"It must have been exhausting for you to pretend the whole time. It's good we don't have to..."

"We don't have to what?"

I stayed quiet for a while but decided to answer regardless of the stupidity that was going to leave my mouth.

"Kiss. It's just it would be embarrassing if we had to do it in front of everyone. It would be awkward I guess."

Way to go Elsie. Why don't you say something even more stupid?

I really didn't know just when to stop talking. My hands trembled and I fisted my palms.

"And how would you have kissed me if we had to?" His question rang in my ears and for the slightest second, I was sure that I was going to lose my balance and my legs were going to give up.

How would I have kissed him?

"Show me." Huh? He wanted me... to show him? I have kissed only two people in my life and those kisses were... well not really good.

I gulped down my nervousness and straightened my back. What can I lose? It will be just a peck anyway.

I tilted my head further back and brought my hands to his head. I cupped his face and stood on my tip toes.

After I brought his head closer to mine, I closed my eyes and pressed my lips to his for not more than two seconds.

Even in that slight moment, I was able to feel his soft lips on my own. His breath on my skin.

When I pulled away, my heart was pounding even louder. I don't know if I was able to process it, but I literally just kissed Fenix.

"That's not a kiss, Elsie." He whispered as he pressed his body closer to mine. I had little clothes on me but I was feeling hot.

He was still fully clothed and this, our little moment right now, felt too intimate.

Now it was not two people who were in a fake marriage and tied by a constant.

It was just Elsie and Fenix.

My gaze went from his eyes to his lips. I found the courage and kissed his lips yet again. This time I let my lips linger for a bit longer but still, it was just a peck.

How else was I supposed to kiss him?

I slowly parted our mouths and licked my lips in nervousness. I sank my teeth into my bottom lip and waited for his reaction. His hands were still in the pocket of his slacks. His jaw was clenched and his eyes darker than usual.

The stunning green was now a shade darker.

He cocked his head to the side and raised his eyebrows in a challenge.

"It was not good again?" I asked slightly irritated and he shook his head slowly while poking the inside of his cheek with his tongue.

He was teasing me and he was enjoying it.

"Well of course it's not a kiss when only one person is trying."

"Kiss me again and I'll respond."

I let out a quiet sigh.

Okay... If he says so.

Maybe it was the drinks from earlier, because I drank couple of them, or I was just being bold, but I lifted myself on my tip toes again and this time slowly pressed my lips to his soft ones. My hands fisted the soft material of his shirt.

Still nothing.

Was he joking with me?

Before I was able to pull away, I felt his palm on the beck of my neck. He pushed his face closer to mine and sealed our lips together.

A whimper left my lips from the force and I heard a rough sound escape his throat as well. His fingers tangled in my hair and the other hand went to my neck.

The cold metal of the ring on his pinky finger, pressed to my burning skin and I circled my arms around his neck.

Fenix was no gentleman when it came to kissing it seemed. His lips were brutal and bruised mine with a sweet torture.

He tugged on my hair which made me part my lips and moan at the same time, as he pushed his tongue in my mouth.

Oh my...

I have never experienced such emotions in my life. All I wanted was for Fenix to hold me like this and never stop kissing me.

Who would have thought that kissing was actually enjoyable?

My lower back pressed to the cabinet behind me and Fenix's hand tightened around my neck.

The same fraction made me tilt my head back and give him a better access to my mouth.

My head was becoming dizzy while Fenix took his time in devouring every little sound that escaped my throat.

My eyebrows creased upwards when he parted from me but as soon as I felt his lips down my jaw and neck, I glued my body further into him. My back arched and I dug my nails into his biceps.

He must have liked that because he sank his teeth on my skin and soon soothed the same place with his tongue. Gently concealing the slight pain.

His strong hands went to my waist and he held me in place. I tried to move my hips, but Fenix's hold was too strong. Even if he would pin me with one hand, there was no escaping.

One of his hand inched upward and my breath hitched when his warm fingers traveled up my bare skin.

Just before he was able to reach my thin sports bra, a knock on the door startled both of us.

We quickly parted and I smoothed down my clothes.

I watched Fenix run a hand over his face.

The knob of the door started to move and I ran to the door and opened it.

It was Ian.

He was holding his squishy toy in his hands and sleepily looked up at me.

"I had a bad dream, Eli." He confessed and his lips turned in a pout.

"Ohh baby. Get in here." I took him in our room and he grabbed my hand.

"A big monster was chasing me and then ate all of my toys." He said.

"No one's allowed to touch your toys when I'm here." I crouched down and he immediately jumped in my embrace.

"Can I sleep here?"

"Of course, baby." I turned to Fenix and he nodded his head and quickly walked towards the closet. He then got out with clothes in his hands.

"I'll take a shower." He went to the bathroom and closed the door behind him.

My mind was still hazy from the kiss I just shared with Fenix. Okay not just a kiss but a whole make out session. My lips tingled but I tried to take my mind off of it and laid Ian in the middle of the bed.

He clung the toy close to his chest and hid himself under the covers, clearly still scared from the dream.

I laid next to him and pulled him to my body. He buried his face in my neck.

I closed my eyes and tortured myself with pushing away the event from minutes ago.

With that, sleep started to consume my body. The bed dipped on the other side but I was too tired to open my eyes.

Strong arms pulled both me and Ian in a warm embrace when the sleep finally took over my mind.

A longer chapter because I haven't updated in a while😅

They finally kissed after so long... 😆

Also Evangelina and Asahi are from my book IN HIS HANDS. Check it our if you haven't already :D

🤍🤍🤍