Claiming My Bride of Convenience

That evening, as I sat outside on the terrace, trying to enjoy the rays of the setting sun and not to feel miserable, the distant whirring of a helicopter had me sitting up straight. Hope flared, hard and bright, inside me.

Could it be...?

I scrambled to the terrace wall, craning my head to catch sight of the helicopter, praying it wasn’t a search and rescue one. When it came into view, the A and the E both visible, I let out a whoop of joy—followed by a tremor of pure terror. What if he was coming to tell me he did indeed want a divorce?

At least I’d have a chance to talk to him, I told myself. Fight for him. For us.

It seemed to take an age, but in reality I had only a few minutes to wait for the helicopter to land, for Matteo to emerge. I watched from the window as he strode towards the house, looking far too grimly determined. Then I decided I wasn’t going to wait—I was going to fight.

I threw open the door and ran outside, heedless of my bare feet, my wild look.

‘Matteo—’

He stopped, holding up one hand. ‘Don’t,’ he said, just as he had before.

My heart plummeted like a stone inside me.

‘Don’t say anything.’

‘But—’

‘I need to speak first.’

Dumbly, I nodded, having no idea what to expect, how much to hope.

‘Daisy, I love you.’

My mouth dropped open as incredulous joy unfurled through me in a sweet, warm rush of feeling.

‘I’ve been fighting it for a while now, because you were right—I am afraid of it. I convinced myself it was an illusion because that was far easier and, I thought, far braver than admitting my fear.’

‘What happened?’ I whispered. ‘What made you...change your mind?’

‘I spoke to my grandfather again. He was honest with me—more honest than he’s ever been before. And I was honest with him.’ He let out a ragged, pent-up breath. ‘There were things he didn’t know... and things I didn’t know. I haven’t forgiven him yet...at least not completely. I want to, and I’m trying to, but it’s hard.’

‘I know, Matteo. I should have realised that before. I asked too much of you—’

‘You can ask anything of me, Daisy. I’m so sorry for pushing you away. In my hurt, I hurt you, and I can’t stand that thought—’

‘I forgive you,’ I said. ‘That is easy. But I understand why it isn’t easy for you and your grandfather, Matteo, truly—’

‘Thank you.’

He smiled, looking tired and emotional and oh-so-wonderful.

‘Come here,’ he said, holding out his arms.

And with both joy and relief I walked into them.

‘I’d ask you to marry me but we’re already married. And I’d ask you to make it real, but it already is. It’s the most real thing in my life. So I’ll ask instead if you will spend the rest of your life with me, Daisy. If you’ll let me love you and maybe learn to love me in return—’

‘Matteo, I already love you!’ I exclaimed. ‘I fell in love with you ages ago. Maybe that first day on Amanos...or maybe even at that wretched party.’

‘At that party? But I was such a boor.’

I laughed, wrapping my arms around him. ‘But you were my boor, and I couldn’t resist you.’

‘And I can’t resist you. Don’t ever leave me, Daisy. Don’t ever let me allow you to walk away again.’