HIS HIRED BRIDE

CHAPTER - 22

"That's what life's all about: little by little, day by day, with excruciating stubbornness, each of us learning how to be less screwed up."

AVA WILSON P.O.V

Marcello's own heated reaction started to sabotage his restraint with the way his hand started going upwards to my thigh and his fingers were digging into me. A moan blew out of me as his own growls came out as we parted our lips for a second to change the angle, I let myself go and kissed him for all I was worth.

As if something awakened between us making us quickly grab each other and within a second we pushed each other away.

Whoa....Whoa.

I opened my eyes and stared at his desired one. I could see the dark, sensual haze in them as he battled for breath and control.

So I wasn't the only one who got burned.

"Wh...What....was..that?" I asked between my breaths. "You.....you...kissed me?"

"I did." He said with a nod, the emotion in his eyes finally disappearing behind his usual cold one. He straightened up and squared his shoulders. "There was a paparazzi snapping a photo of us arguing because of you, so I have to do something to cover up your blunder. If we're selling this marriage to everyone how deeply we are in love with each other and getting married, then this will be the exact proof which will make everyone confirm how crazy we are for each other, because Marcello Trocelli never did such reckless things." He put on his ray bans, wiping his lips and throwing the napkin out of the window.

I felt someone pour a bucket of ice cold water on me.

"How the hell would they know we are here?" I demanded, trying to control my anger which was more of embarrassment.

We had a business deal and occasionally displays of affection were there on the first page. I didn't take it seriously because it was just a harmless kiss. I was cool about that but now standing in this situation I had no right to get upset just because the kiss affected me so much.

"Because it was your first kiss." My subconscious screamed at me.

"I called ahead to the store to tell them that my fiance and I were picking out our wedding rings." He answered flatly, showing no sign of his earlier distress. "It looks like Ashton and his staff know how to get publicity for their store. But it's a good thing, in no time this news will crack like fire around the country."

So he is saying....it was a cheap publicity stunt.

So what do you think, Marcello Troceeli fell in love with you and passionately kissed you expressing his dying love? Yeah right.

"You might want to warn me next time, so I don't kick your sunshine." I muttered through clenched teeth.

A smug smile appeared on the corner of his mouth "It didn't seem like you were going to..... just a minute ago."

My fist balled on my side. "You're such a bastard." I spat.

I strapped my seat belt fuming inside my head and turned my face to the window. Marcello drove me to the hospital with a tense silence filled around the car.

As soon as we reached I yanked the door open and slammed it with all my power, before walking away from there.

I was pissed.

Pissed will also cannot describe how I'm feeling. I was furious. I want to stab him with forks. I want to murder that son of bit**.

And now that I got it, how will I spend my one year?

I entered the hospital as the receptionist smiled at me waving his hand.

Yeah, it's also thanks to that scum bastard.

I became famous in this damn hospital.

I faked her smile going directly toward the Dr. Parker cabin. He stood up hurriedly as I opened his cabin door.

"Ava, how nice to see you. Are you feeling okay?" Dr. Parker asked, giving me a soft smile.

I nodded and without getting anywhere I asked him "How's Lily? Is she awake? Can I meet her?" I fired back to back questions without taking a breath.

"Take a breath, Ava. You and Mr. TrocelliI are exactly the same." He shook his head, "That's why you two are perfect for each other."

I narrowed my eyes at his reply "What do you mean?" I curiously asked.

"He called this morning asking about Lily's health, is she alright or not? When will she wake up." he informed, picking up the files and giving them to me.

A sudden warmness spread through my heart for that Italian man. Somewhere deep down he cares, that made me feel butterflies on my damn stomach.

"These are the reports of Lily. She is okay now. She woke up two hour ago. She was looking fine. We will check her recovery for one week more than we will start her chemo."Dr. Parked gave me an assuring smile and I nodded with a grateful smile.

"Thank you so much." I muttered, blowing out a breath.

"I will get going then and if she wakes up after I leave, please inform me." I told him to get out of his cabin.

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I took a cab and decided to go to Bella. My mind was still stuck on that kiss which was making me nauseous. My heart was rejecting the conclusion which Marcello provided and my mind was fighting against it. I was standing between my heart and mind.

The cab stopped and I looked up as I reached the bakery. I got down and entered inside watching Samantha sitting on the corner booth with her files and laptop scattered all around the tables.

I smiled and shook her head. She was always the professional and serious one between the three of us, that is why she is now the best lawyer in this town.

It was Mark who noticed me and screamed my name like a banshee making all the people stop their work and stare at me. I awkwardly stood there glaring at him "Ava, I missed you so much." He complained about taking me into a bear hug.

Suddenly, he pushed me and held my shoulder coming closer to me and started sniffing. He pulled my hair from my neck and rubbed his nose making me push him away "What the hell are you doing?"

He ignored my words "Why are you smelling so manly?" He raised his brows and again tried to lean.

My face turned red as our kiss flashed in my eyes. I held my cheeks to hide my blushes but it was late as Bella and Samantha both came forward and also leaned while sniffing me.

The three looked at each other with narrow eyes and asked me questions at the same time, making me sweat as I was already red like a tomato.

"Did you use his perfume?" It was Bella, who spoke, making me cringe at her question.

"Did you sleep with someone?" Mark raises his brows, crossing his arms with each other.

"Did you two kiss?" It was Samantha, who raised her brows, giving me her lawyer look as if she knew the truth and daring me to lie.

I gulp down my breath and silently curse myself for coming here.

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