Marry First, Think Later

Callie’s voice trembled as she demanded to know if he had been eavesdropping on her phone call with Abby. Elias’s gaze never wavered as he spoke, his voice deep and resonant. ‘There were only the two of us up here on the roof, bunny. I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. It wasn’t intentional eavesdropping.’ His words held a mix of apology and understanding. Humiliation washed over Callie, her vulnerability exposed before this man she barely knew. Her voice broke as she sobbed. ‘Why? Why is she doing this to me? I don’t understand. All I want is to focus on my work as a doctor, to make a difference in people’s lives. Why is Abby persisting in tormenting me?’ Elias’s strong presence remained unwavering as he leaned down, his voice a whisper against her ear. ‘Callie, be my woman. Marry me.’ His words held a promise of protection, a vow to shield her from any harm that might come her way. He spoke with conviction, his voice tinged with the authority of a soldier accustomed to giving orders. Callie looked away, her mind spinning with the weight of the decision before her. The idea of marrying Elias hadn’t crossed her mind until this very moment. But his persistence, his unwavering faith in their connection, began to chip away at her defences. Elias sensed her hesitation and pressed on, his voice soft and persuasive. ‘Let’s take care of the formalities first, Callie. We can register for marriage. And once we’re married, you’ll have all the time you need to think. I’ll give you the space you require. But I won’t let anyone hurt you again.’ Callie’s gaze flickered back to Elias, his voice and his scent filling her senses. The unique combination of cologne and tobacco seemed to envelop her, making her feel intoxicated and alive. His voice, low and captivating, held a mesmerizing quality under the quiet night sky. Caught in the whirlwind of emotions, spurred on by the intensity of the phone call and Elias’s unwavering presence, Callie made a decision in the heat of the moment. ‘Yes, Elias,’ she breathed, her voice a mixture of vulnerability and determination. ‘I will marry you.’ Her words barely left her lips when Elias’s mouth descended upon hers, claiming her in a passionate kiss. At first, his touch was gentle, exploring the depths of her taste. But as the moments stretched on, the kiss grew more demanding, igniting a fire deep within her. Caught off guard by the intensity of Elias’s kiss, Callie’s mind spun in a whirlwind of confusion. The chaos of the day only added to her light-headedness, leaving her vulnerable to his possessive embrace. When Elias finally pulled back, they were both panting. Breathless, Callie glared at him, her voice filled with both annoyance and desire. ‘What the hell was that? Why did you kiss me like that out of nowhere?’ Elias smirked. ‘Well, my dear wife, that was a celebration of our impending marriage. It’s only fitting that I exercise my conjugal rights as your husband.’ Callie, gradually regaining her senses, hesitated, her mind still reeling from the whirlwind of emotions. She gathered her thoughts, her eyes narrowing as she locked gazes with Elias. ‘Maybe we need to talk about this. Can we please postpone the wedding? Maybe even reconsider the whole idea?’ Elias leaned in, his voice firm and commanding. ‘No, Callie. There’s no going back now. You’ve given your word, and I expect you to honour it. This isn’t a game or a trifle. You can’t just toy with me. We’re getting married, and that’s final.’ Confusion clouded Callie’s mind as she struggled to process Elias’s unwavering determination. Her eyes darted around, searching for an escape from this unexpected situation. But Elias’s next words halted her train of thought. ‘The wedding of Abby and Simon is in two days. Are you planning on skipping it?’ Callie retorted, her voice laced with defiance, ‘Of course I’m going. I won’t let Abby have the satisfaction of thinking she’s won. But what does that have to do with you?’ Elias leaned closer, a smug smile tugging at his lips. ‘Well, my dear bunny, wouldn’t it be wise to arrive with a date? I’m fairly certain I’m taller than Simon, and I do clean up quite nicely. Once you introduce me as your husband, no one will dare jeer or make fun of you anymore. Besides, you won’t find a more suitable husband material anywhere else.’ Callie wasn’t sure how to respond to Elias’s audacious proposal. Before she could reply, her phone buzzed once again, displaying Simon’s name on the screen. Callie stared at her phone, her heart racing with a mix of disgust and disappointment. Simon, her former flame, was nothing more than a repugnant scumbag in her eyes now. She had no desire to entertain his presence in her life any longer. Elias observed her carefully, his eyes gleaming with a hidden meaning. He leaned casually against the wall, but his posture conveyed a deeper intensity. ‘Aren’t you going to answer that?’ he asked. ‘Is it because you don’t want to or because you don’t have the guts?’ Callie clenched her jaw, refusing to show any sign of fear. ‘I’m not scared,’ she replied, her voice steady but with a touch of defiance. With a calm facade, she reached for the phone and accepted the call. ‘Hello—’ Callie began, her words interrupted by the sound of Simon’s inebriated voice on the other end. The slurred words carried a mix of frustration and longing. ‘Callie... Why are you treating me like ice? Don’t you realise... everything I did was not just for myself but for our future? I still like you more than Abby...’ As Simon’s words reached her ears, Callie recognised the familiar signs of his intoxication. It seemed he had drowned his sorrows in shots, further diminishing his credibility in her eyes. She refused to let his words hold any weight, refusing to entertain his twisted perspective. ‘Simon, you’ve got it all wrong,’ Callie said through gritted teeth. ‘I am not who you think I am. I am not your Callie anymore.’