FLASH MARRIAGE; CHARMED BY THE RUTHLESS BILLIONAIRE CEO

It was a beautiful and calm Saturday morning.

The air felt like a gift—crisp, clear, and kissed by a gentle breeze that rustled the leaves of the nearby Olive tree.

The sky stretched endlessly above, a flawless canvas of blue, unmarred by a single cloud.

The sun, golden and warm, bathed the world in a soft glow, casting long, gentle shadows.

Sarah had barely finished tying her shoelaces when the distant hum of a car engine pulled her to the window.

Her chest fluttered, a silent call only her heart could hear as she peeked through the curtain. Her eyes glimmered with the excitement of a child about to be gifted her favourite ice cream as she watched a red Ferrari pull to a stop.

She held her breath, her heart fluttering like wings caught in a summer breeze as Henry stepped out of the car.

He didn't just walk but he owned the ground beneath him with every slow and deliberate step, like the world moved at his pace.

He was effortlessly clad in fitted blue jeans that hugged his frame just right, and a crisp designer shirt casually unbuttoned at the collar. His designer sneakers were spotless, yet worn like a second skin, and his neatly styled, sleek hair gave him the look of a celebrity Playboy.

But what took Sarah's breath away was his smile–cool, magnetic, and dangerous in the most delicious way.

A squeal of joy escaped Sarah's lips as she spun around, hurrying back to finish dressing.

It had been more than a week since she had seen him due to his sudden trip out of the country for urgent business.

Although they had been speaking regularly over the phone, Sarah had missed him so much that she couldn't bear to admit it. And his promise of adrenaline and adventure last night, when they spoke at length, had kept her heart bursting with joy.

Her hands flew into motion, fixing the lace of her shoe and brushing her hair.

Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, and a dreamy smile kept tugging at the corner of her lips, no matter how hard she tried to play it cool.

She retouched her mild makeup, wore her perfume and hurriedly grabbed her jacket and phone. She reached for the doorknob and twisted it open only to find her brother standing by the doorway with his right hand raised mid-air.

"I know. Henry is here. I already saw him through the window." Sarah chimed, her excitement bubbling like champagne.

"Hmm..." Michael slowly brought down his hand, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Who knew my sister could blush like this? I thought it was a myth."

"I don't have time for you Mikky. Think whatever you want. I don't care." Sarah hurriedly locked her door and hurried past him.

"Do you want me to tag along?" Michael called after her as she raced down the stairs in euphoria.

"Only in your dreams," Sarah shouted back almost bumping into her mother, who was at the base of the stairs.

"Slow down, cupcake, before you stumble." Judith cautioned softly, holding Sarah in place.

"Sorry, Mom. But I've got to run. I love you." Sarah said, kissing her mom on the right cheek, before hurrying away.

"What about breakfast?" Judith called after her daughter while wondering who was chasing her.

"I'm not hungry. See you later." Sarah's voice trailed as she disappeared behind the entrance door.

"Huh!" Judith raised a brow in confusion.

"Good morning, Mom." Michael sluggishly climbed down the stairs, beaming.

"Good morning dearie. What is wrong with your sister and why is she in such a hurry? Today is Saturday and she's not supposed to have lectures."

"Her boyfriend is around," Michael said casually, while giving his mother a warm hug.

"Henry!" Judith's eyes lit with excitement. "He's back!"

"Yep. He came into town yesterday evening."

"Oh...So that was the reason why Sarah went to bed early." Judith chuckled, shaking her head.

"Mm-hmm... Your daughter is hopelessly in love and I am famished." Michael said pulling his mother towards the dining area, their laughter trailing behind them.

Standing beside his car, with a bouquet of delicate purple roses cradled gently in his hands—each petal catching the light like soft velvet under the sun–Henry could barely contain his happiness at the sight of Sarah.

His sky-blue eyes, bright and piercing, lit up the moment she stepped through the entrance door, his heart fluttering freely on the wings of the wind to embrace her.

Her flawless beauty and her bubbly presence seemed to pull every one of his emotions to the surface, softening his features and curling his lips into a slow, breathless smile.

The world around them suddenly seemed to freeze as she jumped into his open arms, holding him so close with the sweet tenderness of a blooming flower desperate for the sun's warmth.

"I've missed you so much, Henry," Sarah whispered, throwing all caution to the wind as she professed her deep feelings to him.

"Not as much as I missed you." Harry pulled back to look into her eyes, enthralled by their irresistible dazzle and warmth. He was tempted to kiss her, but he knew it would scare her, and he didn't want to rush it.

"You look even more beautiful than the last time I saw you." The full series lives on My Virtual Library Empire (M|V|L0EMPYR).

Sarah's heart fluttered, and her face turned the softest shade of crimson, not from embarrassment, but from an aching desire to kiss him. She looked away from his lips, biting down on her inner lips as she asked.

"Are the flowers for me?"

"Yes."

Sarah raised an eyebrow dramatically and Henry almost started panicking, thinking she was angry.

"I know what you said about me getting you flowers but I just wanted to express..."

"It's beautiful and I love it." Sarah cut him off, her gaze lowered as she collected the flowers from him and raised them up to her nostrils, her heart bursting with love.

Henry's jaw dropped.

'Did she just use the word love in expressing her feelings?' He pondered. 'This is new and exciting. I wonder what she would say when she sees the other things I have in store for her?'

"Thanks for accepting it." Henry cleared his throat, his heart soaring like an eagle gliding in the wind.

"You're welcome." Sarah briefly looked backwards to ensure no member of her family was spying on her, even though she knew they were in their hidden location.

"So are you ready for an adventure with me?" Henry asked, pulling her attention away from the house.

"I guess so," Sarah replied with uncertainty lacing her tone.

For someone with a great phobia of height, she was scared out of her wits and at the same time excited to jump out of a plane with Henry holding and guiding her.

"Let's make wonderful memories together," Henry said opening the door of the front passenger seat like a gentleman.

"Okay." Sarah's smile deepened.