Enigmatic Presence

Two years ago, the sudden appearance of a mysterious man who took over the business world of the entire country had created an uproar in the whole country and beyond.

Many were perplexed and left in wonder at his mysterious appearance. A Myriad of rumours circulated about him in these two years, but none had been confirmed till date, and that had left everyone on their toes.

Several published articles investigated the validity of the many scary things whispered about him in the dark. Tales of how he ruled with an iron fist, spilt blood to arrive where he was today mysteriously circulated, but they had found no source to attest to these.

Many suspected the source of his wealth to be linked to the underworld, but none of these rumours could be proven. No matter how people investigated him, there was simply nothing about him. He was the true definition of the word mysterious!

Many of the vague articles about him had been written by Elle, and that's why she suspected his purpose for seeking her sister's hand in marriage. Could it be for revenge?

Having noticed the fascinating look on her face, Dale couldn't help the gentle smile that curved his lips. This was the first positive reaction he had gotten from her since the day began.

"I see you like it." He said amusedly, making Neveah look at him. Her face instantly regained its composure when she observed the way he was staring at her. She bit the inside of her lips as she realised she had just exposed herself in front of him.

"It was specifically designed for you." He added when he noticed her now embarrassed reaction. She was cute.

'For her?'

Dale's smile broadened when he saw the inquisitive look in her eyes; he knew what she was silently asking.

"Yes, for you, wife." He replied.

Neveah felt a hard thump in her heart when he smiled like that. She could swear she had never seen anything more glorious in her life. The smile on his face made him look more gorgeous, and it reduced the intensity of that dangerous aura that always engulfed him, almost making her feel relaxed.

"Welcome home, wife." He whispered into her ears, and once again, Neveah was struck with something unknown. What was it with this stranger that made her breath cease and her heart pound?

But despite all these weird feelings and spells been cast on her, Neveah knew all these weren't for her. They were all for Elle. She was only a substitute!

"Good evening and welcome, madam," The Middle-aged man stepped forward and greeted, his voice pulling Neveah out of the hypnosis Dale's smile had placed on her before gazing at the man who was now bowing to her.

"Good evening, and thank you." Neveah politely replied.

Turning to the butler, Dale said, "This is butler Simon. He's in charge of the housekeeping."

"It's nice meeting you, Mr Simon." She said with a gentle smile making the man smile back at her. He had to say she showed traits of proper mannerism.

"Same here, madam." He returned her warm smile.

"Get dinner ready in ten minutes," Dale said before walking away but not before glaring at the butler, who instantly cowered. His tone sounded cold and stern, and Neveah didn't miss it. She took a peek from the corner of her eyes and noticed how tightly he narrowed his brows. Was he angry?

"I'll take you to the room." He said, and Neveah replied with a nod. She was about to take a step towards the majestic stairs when she felt her body being swooped off the floor, making her gasp loudly; her eyes fully widened as she raised her shocked face to the man who had suddenly carried her again!

"W-w-what are you doing?" She stuttered. "Please put me down." She said as she tried to hop away from his arms, but his grip around her tightened even more, firmly holding her in place.

What was he doing? She screamed in her mind as her heart continued to race.

"I'll take you up the stairs."

"But I can walk," She hurriedly stated. "Please put me down," She begged. She had let him carry her into the house, so he could let her walk now, right? She wanted to not be in his arms; as a matter of fact, she wanted to be away from him, having minimum physical contact with him! Why was he doing this?

His countenance darkened as she pleaded so desperately to be released from his arm. His brows furrowed tighter as he looked down at her. "You hate being in my arms?" He asked; his voice hinted with displeasure, and that made Neveah swallow hard. Has she provoked him with her words? Oh God, She didn't mean to. Once again, she remembered how dangerous they said he was when she felt his aura return, which made her really frightened.

"I...I. I didn't mean to anger you. I'm just..."

"Scared?" He said when fear glimmered in her eyes, like a little bunny.

"And uncomfortable." She honestly added.

Dale stared at her in utter silence and sighed. The stern look on his face slowly dissipated; he could understand how she felt. She had just been married to a stranger she had only once met in her life, and it would be unreasonable of him to expect her to be comfortable with him....a total stranger.

For once, he understood how strange and scared she must feel. He had hastily made all the arrangements so swift she must have had a hard time getting herself ready for this huge phase of her life.

His lips twitched when he finally realised something. She had not said no to his question. That would mean... A pleasant smile split across his face at his thought.

Wait, she had also not said yes either. The smile on his face dwindled for a second before sparking up again. He was going to hold on to the fact that she never said no. She didn't hate him; that was all that mattered.

Further relaxing his once tensed face, he looked at her feet before staring back at her face, "You've been in those shoes all day, let me take you up the stairs, then I'll let go." He said in a much calmer tone. Neveah was stunned to know that he had noted her discomfort from the heels she had been wearing all day.

Was this the man people called a devil incarnate? Why then does he seem so.... human?

Not wanting to anger him, and also she had to admit Elle's shoes were slightly too tight, Neveah slowly nodded her head, even though she didn't want to be in his hands for another second. It was merely a few flights of stairs. A few more seconds wouldn't kill her. And his almost hypnotic voice made it impossible for her to protest. How could he have such a voice?

After what seemed like an eternity, they finally arrived at the top of the stairs, and he slowly let her down. And for the first time since they started the dreaded journey of climbing the stairs, she took a deep relieving breath.

She slowly followed as he led down the hallway, and once again, Neveah was awestruck by the splendour of the decor.

She had to admit this man was an esthete.

Standing before the door which he had opened, Neveah stiffened when she realised a problem she hasn't thought of before.