1 Chapter 1

X village was a small village with a blessed scenery. The river flowed by the side of the village and gave it a picturesque view. Every year there was an abundant harvest so the villagers were happy living there. You could feel the cold breeze at night and warm but pleasant breeze during the day. Summers were warm and winters brought coldness and blankets woven with love. 

On such a pleasant day, a girl could be seen sitting lazily on a tree by the riverside. She had long hair that reached her waist and flowed lightly with the breeze. Slender legs were dangling from the branch that she was perched on as she sat there with her back leaning on the trunk. Although her face was half-hidden with the hat she wore, you could see the clear skin, an elegantly straight nose and plump red lips half curved in a smile. A sound of footsteps was heard and broke her trance. She turned her face towards the newcomer. 

"Hey girl, why are you still here, huh? Don't you know there are visitors in your house? Don't think you can have time to daydream here." The newcomer panted as she spoke. This was her best friend, Molly. Molly was a plump girl who loved to gossip as much as she loved to eat. She always wore her hair in braids and had a bright personality. She was the daughter of the doctor in the village so she had learnt some tricks from him that helped her friends many times. As Molly was speaking the girl had climbed down from the tree revealing her face. And Molly took a deep breath.

"I don't believe this. I live with you every day and still can't get used to your face. Is it fair to give you such a beautiful face?" 

The girl smiled and her eyes twinkled with her smile. 

"What brings you here, Molly?" 

"See, I totally forgot. I was told to bring you back. There are some people who came to visit your father and as the daughter of the village-head, you are supposed to be there. Well, they came for you also can be the reason, by the way." She started speaking as they walked the road back to the village. 

When they reached her house, there was a big crowd in front of the house. Being a village head's house, it was nothing new for them to see so many people at the same time in their house, but this time it felt somewhat different. The visitors appeared to be from the city. There was an expensive-looking car parked outside the house. The person sitting with her father wore a suit and sat there looking elegant like a model. As soon as her father saw her, he signalled her to come towards them. 

"This is my daughter. She is the one I was talking about. Come on, introduce yourself", the village- head spoke to her. She turned towards the guest. This was the first time she saw him and oh my, wasn't he gorgeous? 

Normally, you wouldn't describe a man with such words, but for him, those words suited him perfectly. 

Thump… Thump 

She could hear her heartbeats as she stared at the man. 

"Hello, I am Serena Brown. Nice to meet you." She politely introduced herself in a soft voice. 

The man smiled. 

"Hi, I'm Steven Kramer. Nice to see you". 

Mr Brown smiled. So, both of them won't have a problem with each other. He cleared his throat and began talking again. 

"Serena, Mr Kramer here is a successful businessman from the city T. Their business is spread all over the nation. He has achieved a great accomplishment in a short period of time."  

Serena smiled at him. 

"Oh, please Mr Brown. I was able to achieve all these because of my family. All the credit belongs to them". Steven politely declined his praise. 

Soon, Serena was sent inside the house to cook something. As she entered the kitchen, she found out that Molly was already waiting for her. 

"So, what do you think?", Molly started as soon as she entered. 

"About?" 

"What do you mean about, huh? About that handsome sitting in your house." 

"What about him? Papa said he is a successful businessman, he looks like a good person."

"Aaannnddd?" 

"And what? That's it." 

"Oh Serena, don't tell me you still don't get what's going on here. He is here to ask your hand for marriage." Molly huffed, irritated by the lack of interest shown by her friend. 

"What?" 

"Ah, now you are listening." 

"Molly, don't. First, tell me what did you mean by that? What marriage?" 

"The visitors are here to meet you and ask your hand in marriage for that guy- Steven. And boy, he seems to be smitten with you." 

Serena looked at her friend, shocked. She couldn't believe that someone like him wanted to marry her. But soon Molly's words came true. 

As she took the food outside, she was told to show him the surroundings. Both of them being strangers with each other, well, the strangers who were smitten with each other, strolled around the village while sneaking glances at each other. 

When they returned, Serena was finally told about the proposal of marriage. And all she could do was shy away and slightly nod her head. 

Too soon for her, the preparations were made. Serena wore the white dress and was carried towards the groom by her father. They took vows, promising each other a faithful and lovable companionship. And within the three days of Steven Kramer's arrival, Serena Brown was now Mrs Serena Kramer. 

At night, Steven was escorted by her siblings to her room. She sat there waiting as nervousness snuck onto her. She heard her husband ('her husband') getting teased by her siblings, heard him patiently answering each and every one of them and saying goodbye to them and the door creaked. 

Thump… 

She felt the familiar lurch in her heart as he closed the doors and came towards her. The bed beside her sunk a little, making her aware that he was now sitting beside her. He held her hands and made her look at him. 

"Serena, I know we have entered this relationship too hastily. And I want to give us a chance- to get to know each other, be friends with each other and maybe be each other's love. And for that, I want to wait. Is it ok for you?" 

Serena was stunned. She never expected him to be so understanding. Nodding her head in approval, she gave him a bright smile which was returned by him. The night which was supposed to be filled with excitement and passion became calm at once. But Serena was calm. She'd been introduced to another positive aspect of her husband. She was content at that time. 

Who would have thought?...