~Unwilling groom ~

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.

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