Married At First Glance: I Am Not Ugly

“Yeah… it is,” he said.

She yawned and he smiled.

“I think it’s time we head back to the hotel…. you’re tired.” he said.

She nodded.

“I guess I am.”

They gathered their things and headed out of the coffee shop, the cool evening air hitting their faces as they walked down the street.

“This city is really beautiful at night,” Marissa said. “The lights are so magical.”

“They really are,” he agreed. “It’s like something out of a movie.”

“It’s hard to believe that this is real life,” she said. “It all feels so dreamlike.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean,” he said. “But I guess that’s the beauty of travel.

It has the ability to transport us to a whole new world, even if it’s just for a little while. Sometimes that little while is enough to give us a new perspective on life.”

“You’re right,” she said. “I feel like I’ve learned so much on this trip already, and we’re not even done yet.”

“That’s the power of experiences,” he said. “They have the ability to shape us in ways we never could have imagined. And sometimes it’s the unexpected experiences that have the most impact.”

“That’s very true,” she said.

“Like the other day, when we were lost in that maze of a marketplace and then found that amazing little cafe that served the best gelato either of us had ever tasted,” he said.

“Or when we got on the wrong bus and ended up in that tiny little village, where we saw that incredible sunset.” she said.

“Thank you, Alexander. Because of you, I get to have such an amazing adventure even if it was for three months.”

He smiled.

“I’m glad… and thank you for agreeing to do this with me even though I know it wasn’t easy for you to put up with such an annoying jerk like me and pretend to be my wife for three months.”

“Hahaha…. well I’m glad that you appreciate me. I appreciate you as well.” she said. “You’re definitely not a jerk, and it’s been an absolute pleasure spending time with you,” she added.

“I’m so glad that we decided to do this together. It’s been so much fun, and I feel like I’ve gotten to know you so much better.” he said© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

“I feel the same way.” she said. “I feel like I’ve gotten to know a whole new side of you. You’re a lot more than just a businessman. You’re a kind, thoughtful, and caring person, and I’m so glad I got to see that side of you.”

“Wow…. is that a compliment there?” he asked.

“Hahaha… you’re funny.” she said.

“You know, I think you’re pretty funny too,” he said with a grin. “You’ve made me laugh more times than I can count, and I think your sense of humor is one of the things I like best about you.”

“Oh, stop,” she said, blushing. “You’re going to make my head too big.”

“I don’t think that’s possible,” he said. “You’re pretty much perfect just the way you are.”

“You’re the sweetest,” she said, feeling her face grow warm. “I really appreciate you saying that.”

“C’mon let’s get a cab to the hotel or should we walk back as we did before?” he asked.

“Let’s walk,” she said. “The weather is so nice, and I feel like we’re both a bit full of gelato and crepes and could use the exercise.”

“You’re probably right,” he said, standing up from the table. “Let’s take the long way back, and I’ll show you some of my favorite spots in the city.”

“That sounds perfect,” she said, joining him on the sidewalk.

As they strolled through the city, he pointed out a few of his favorite shops and restaurants.

As they walked, they chatted about everything and nothing at the same time. They talked about the places they’d traveled and the people they’d met. They discussed music and books and movies. They told stories about growing up and about their families and friends. It was like they’d known each other for years, and the conversation flowed easily between them.

At one point, they paused to admire the view of the river, and she felt a pang of sadness as she realized that their time together was almost at an end.

After three months, she would be back to her former life and everything that felt so like a dream would become nothing more than a dream.

She was growing feelings for Alexander and she knew she shouldn’t but she was seeing a whole new side of him that she had never seen before, but she knew it was a business deal for both of them to get what they want.

She needed his money to pay for her brother’s surgery and he needed her to be his fake wife to secure a big contract so them being together was purely business and not anything else.

She became quiet and he noticed it.

“Is everything alright with you Marissa?” he asked.

She looked up at him and nodded her head.

“Yeah… everything is fine…. I guess I’m getting more tired and should head back to the hotel.”

He studied her face, sensing that there was more to it than just fatigue. “Are you sure everything is okay? You know you can talk to me, right?”

She sighed and looked down at her hands. “I know, but it’s nothing important,” she said. “It’s just a lot of pressure to be here and to be who you need me to be.”

He reached out and gently took her hand in his. “You don’t have to be anything but yourself,” he said. “I don’t expect anything from you that you’re not comfortable with.

“I’m grateful for your help, and I want you to know that I value our friendship. Whether this deal goes through or not, I hope we can stay in touch and be friends. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you,” he said.

She looked up at him, her eyes shining with emotion. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know you too, Alexander,” she said.