Xavier adjusted his worn-out tie, yawning as he made his way to the grand ballroom. His parents had been pestering him for months about this arranged marriage, and he couldn't dodge it any longer.

Xavier's Morneh the popular known billionaire in Russia.

As he entered, his gaze scanned the room until it landed on Imani, his intended bride. His eyes widened in disappointment.

Imani stood poised, her elegant lavender gown accentuating her curves. Her dark hair cascaded down her back, and her bright smile lit up the room. But Xavier's initial reaction was far from enthusiasm.

Imani Nave, the upcoming bride of Xavier.

"What have my parents gotten me into?" he muttered, dismayed.

Xavier's disheveled appearance – faded jeans, scuffed shoes, and a rumpled shirt – was a deliberate protest against this arranged marriage. He hadn't shaved in days, and his hair looked like it hadn't seen a comb in weeks.

As he approached Imani, her eyes sparkled with warmth. "Xavier, it's lovely to finally meet you."

Xavier's response was a curt nod. "Imani."

Imani's smile faltered for a moment but recovered quickly. "You look... unique today."

Xavier snorted inwardly. Unique? He looked like a slob.

His parents beamed with pride, oblivious to his discontent. "Xavier, isn't Imani lovely?"

"Lovely," Xavier echoed, his tone flat.

Imani's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing his disdain. But she maintained her poise, extending her hand. "Shall we begin the ceremony?"

Xavier hesitated before taking her hand, feeling trapped.

As the ceremony progressed, Xavier's discomfort grew. Imani's elegance and poise only highlighted his own disheveled state.

But as he glanced at Imani, he caught glimpses of something beneath her polished exterior – a spark of determination, a hint of mischief.

The ceremony ended, and Xavier's reluctance turned to resignation. He had done his duty; now he had to live with it.

As they exchanged rings, Imani's eyes locked onto his, searching for a glimmer of acceptance. Xavier's gaze faltered, unable to meet her expectations.

The reception was a blur of forced smiles and polite conversations. Xavier's mind wandered, trapped in thoughts of escape.

Imani's voice broke through his reverie. "Shall we dance?"

Xavier hesitated, but his parents' eager faces left him no choice. He took Imani's hand, and they glided across the dance floor.

Their bodies moved in sync, but Xavier's tension was palpable. Imani's gentle touch ignited no sparks within him.

"You're very quiet," Imani said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Xavier shrugged. "Just tired."

Imani's eyes narrowed. "Tired of the ceremony or tired of me?"

Xavier's gaze snapped back to hers, surprised by her directness.

The music slowed, and they paused, surrounded by the celebratory crowd.

"I'm tired of this charade," Xavier admitted, his voice low.

Imani's expression softened. "I understand. But perhaps we can make this work."

Xavier raised an eyebrow. "You're optimistic."

Imani smiled. "I am. Because beneath your rough exterior, I see something worth exploring."

Xavier's defenses wavered. No one had seen past his facade in a long time.

The music resumed, and they continued dancing, their bodies swaying to the rhythm.

As the night wore on, Xavier's resistance began to crumble.

***

Xavier's expression twisted in disgust as he drove Imani to his home. The grandeur of the mansion only highlighted his reluctance.

"This is... quite a place," Imani said, attempting to break the silence.

Xavier grunted, his eyes fixed on the road.

As they pulled up to the entrance, Xavier's annoyance grew. He hadn't wanted this. Any of it.

"Welcome home," he muttered, not bothering to hide his sarcasm.

Imani's eyes narrowed, but she said nothing.

Xavier stepped out of the car, opening Imani's door with a perfunctory gesture.

"Make yourself comfortable," he said curtly, striding toward the front door.

Imani followed, her elegant heels clicking on the pavement.

As soon as they entered, Xavier dropped his keys on the counter and turned to Imani.

"I need some air," he said brusquely, already heading for the door.

Imani's eyes widened. "Xavier, wait—"

But he was gone.

Xavier didn't look back, his long strides devouring the distance to his car.

He peeled out of the driveway, leaving Imani staring after him.

Twenty minutes later, Xavier pulled up to the city's hottest nightclub, "Electric Storm."

He bypassed the line, flashing a VIP pass at the bouncer.

Inside, pulsating lights and thumping music enveloped him. Xavier lost himself in the chaos.

At the bar, he ordered a whiskey and gazed out at the dance floor.

A waitress with bright pink hair caught his eye.

"Hey, handsome," she said, winking. "What brings you here tonight?"

Xavier raised his glass. "Just needing an escape."

The waitress nodded knowingly. "Well, our club got you covered"

She handed him a shot glass with a square-shaped ice cube.

Xavier downed the shot, letting the burn clear his mind.

For tonight, at least, he'd forget his unwanted marriage and the expectant eyes of his parents.

For tonight, at least, he'd forget his unwanted marriage and the expectant eyes of his parents.

As the night wore on, Xavier found himself lost in the pulsating rhythm and vibrant lights of the club. He had shed his inhibitions and was now fully immersed in the energy of the dance floor.

Suddenly, he felt a gentle tap on his shoulder. He turned to see a stunning woman with piercing green eyes and raven-black hair. She smiled mischievously and shouted over the music, "Want to grab a drink with me?"

Xavier's heart skipped a beat. He nodded enthusiastically, and she led him off the dance floor to the bar. As they sipped their drinks, they introduced themselves – her name was Sophia.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, covering everything from music to movies and life stories. Xavier found himself captivated by Sophia's intelligence, wit, and infectious laughter.

As the night intensified, Sophia suggested they take a break outside. The cool night air and tranquil darkness provided a refreshing contrast to the chaotic club.

Under the stars, their connection deepened. Xavier discovered they shared a passion for art, and Sophia revealed her talent for painting. He found himself smitten, wanting to explore every facet of her creativity and personality.

The night was unfolding like a dream, and Xavier knew this chance encounter might just become something extraordinary.

He had even forgotten he got a wife waiting for their honeymoon at home.

***

_sigh_

Imani couldn't believe he just left her here, alone, in this grandiose mansion. The silence is deafening. She wander through the empty halls, her footsteps echoing off the walls. Every step feels like a reminder that she's truly by myself.

she thought they were supposed to be a team, a family. But she guess she was wrong. He just up and left without even saying goodbye. The hurt and anger swirl inside me like a storm.

She stop in front of a window, staring out at the perfectly manicured lawns and gardens. It's all so...perfect. But it feels hollow. Empty. Like her.

What did she do wrong? Wasn't she good enough? The questions haunt her,choking in her mind like the silence in these halls.

His he disgusted by her chubbiness, or he was disgusted by the force that was used to get married.

He was the only one who was forced into this marriage. Does he think if it wasn't her father's business that's going really low, does he think she will get herself into this loveless marriage?

They were supposed to be together tonight, but he went out immediately he dropped her in this mansion, today was supposed to be their honeymoon.

Her mind chirped in 'Don't think about useless things'

She takes a deep breath, trying to shake off the emotions. She needs to focus.

After thinking about her life for a while, she went straight into the master bedroom before she knows it, nature takes its place.

~Next morning~

Imani slowly opened her eyes, grogginess clinging to her like a heavy blanket. The opulent bedroom, with its lavish furnishings and sparkling chandeliers, slowly came into focus. She stretched, her chubby arms extending above her head, and yawned.

"Xavier?" she called out, her voice husky from sleep.

Silence.

Imani sat up, rubbing her eyes. Where was he? They had parted ways abruptly last night, but she assumed he'd return to their mansion.

Her phone, forgotten on the nightstand, buzzed to life. Imani reached for it, and her heart sank.

On the screen, a notification from "CelebNews" flashed:

"Xavier Morneh Spotted with Damin's Film Beauty!"

Imani's curiosity turned to dread as she opened the article.

A photo of Xavier, beaming with a stunning woman, made her heart stutter. The woman's slender hand rested comfortably in Xavier's, their bodies angled toward each other.

"Who is she?" Imani whispered, her voice trembling.

The caption read: "Xavier Morneh, newlywed and already stealing hearts with Damin's newest starlet, Sophia Grant. Looks like someone's already moving on..."

Imani's vision blurred as tears welled up. She felt like she'd been punched in the gut.

How could he? They were married just yesterday!

She scrolled through the comments, each one piercing her heart like a dagger:

"Guess Xavier's still got game!"

"Newlywed and already cheating?"

"Sophia Grant is goddess-level beautiful!"

Imani's phone slipped from her fingers, landing with a soft thud on the bed.

She crumpled backward, tears streaming down her face, her world shattered into a million pieces.

Was their marriage a sham? Was Xavier using her for some ulterior motive?

Even though she knew their marriage was an arranged marriage, he should at least respect it a little.

Or is it because she's chubby and not good enough for him ?

With this her eyes filled with tear once more.

The questions swirled in her mind like a vortex, pulling her down into darkness.

Just then, Xavier strolled into the mansion, whistling a tune, oblivious to the storm brewing inside Imani.

"Hey, " he called out, dropping his keys on the counter.

Imani lay in bed, her back to him, silent.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Xavier asked, sitting beside her.

Imani remained still, her voice low and even. "Nothing."

Xavier's eyes narrowed. "Don't 'nothing' me. What's going on?"

Imani slowly turned to face him, her eyes red-rimmed.

"You know exactly what's going on," she spat, her voice laced with venom.

Xavier's expression faltered. "What are you talking about?"

Imani's gaze pierced him. "Sophia Grant. The 'Beauty of Damin's Company'."

Xavier's face turned into a smirk.

"Don't bother denying it," Imani continued. "I saw the pictures."

Xavier sighed, rubbing his temples. "It's not what it looks like..... "

"Save it," Imani snapped, turning away.

"It's that was you were expecting me to say or perhap....."

Xavier's eyes pleaded for understanding. "Imani, please—, this is what you expect me to do?"

"What!," she whispered, her voice cracking.

The silence between them grew thicker than the mansion's walls.

Xavier's shoulders slumped. He stood up, hesitated, and walked out of the room.

The door closed behind him with a soft click.

Imani's tears flowed anew.