A Challenge To An Arranged Marriage

Hot In Black

He was her dark fairytale and she was his twisted fantasy. And together they made magic.

-F. Scott Fitzgerald

One thing that Lisa never really understood was, how do people spend hours getting ready? They just have to choose the right clothes and do something with their hair and they are all ready. But today as she stood in front of the mirror trying out her tenth dress, she understood the dilemma they all go through. She never really felt the need to dress up or to impress somebody, but today was different. She felt the urge to get ready for Ian. She didn't want him to be disappointed on the very first sight. 

Finally, on her thirteenth dress, she was satisfied. It was a black off-shoulder dress, with a high and low cut. It was a cute and casual dress and it hugged her curves perfectly. She paired it with a simple set of long hanging earrings and some high heels. This was her very first date; any other time she went out with a man was when her father forced her to. All of them were merely for business. She knew that this situation was no different but she couldn't help but feel excited about it.

"Lisa darling, there is a young man downstairs waiting for you!" Lisa heard Elena shout from the hall. She quickly picked up her clutch and tugged her dress down for the last time, before running downstairs. As soon as she reached the hall, she saw Ian standing near her family photos which were hung on the wall.

"Now I think I know why you are so beautiful Lisa. Your mother was beautiful." she heard him say as he turned towards her. He looked handsome; his deep blue eyes had some kind of sparkle in them. Whenever Lisa looked at them, she couldn't help but feel the intensity they passed. They held some kind of power, as soon as they made contact with her brown ones; she felt a shiver ran down her back. 

"Enjoying yourself there, sweetheart?" Ian said as he chuckled to himself. He was observing a pure goddess in front of him. He moved his eyes from her head to toe, watching her from every angle. The angel looked so pure and ravishing in black. Her plump lips were asking for attention, which Ian was ready to offer but he knew he had to value her angel more than his needs.

"Umh... I was... I was not watching. Sorry." Lisa couldn't possibly believe that she couldn't even complete a full sentence.

"No harm was done, sweetheart. You look gorgeous." Ian whispered as he took a flower out of his pocket and handed it to Lisa.

"Thank you", Lisa, answered trying hard to hide her reddening cheeks.

"Let's get going, I am starving. Come on!" Ian took Lisa's hand and started walking towards the car. Being a gentleman he opened the door for her to get in. She was not used to be treated like this. No man has ever complimented her neither have they brought her flowers. 

The drive to the restaurant was not long. The whole drive was silent. Both of them didn't know where to start the conversation from. They kept stealing glances at each other thinking that neither of them noticed, however, both of them equally knew what they were doing. The restaurant was small and comfy, with a simple décor and a friendly and happy vibe around. Lisa never liked going to fancy places. It was like Ian knew that she would like to be here. She very well knew that he was very capable of taking her to a fancy expensive restaurant, but the fact he preferred to value her choices made a smile to take place on her face.

"I will take that smile as an answer that you liked the place. The food and service her is great, wait till we start with the dinner. The smile will never leave your face." Ian said as he placed a hand on her back and took her towards the corner table, which was most likely to be their table for the dinner. They both placed there order; where Ian ordered Lasagne and Lisa ordered pasta. 

"So, Lisa tell me about yourself," Ian asked as he gracefully took a sip of his drink. Lisa had to gulp nervously before she answered.

"Well, there is nothing much about me. I am an artist. I like to draw and color things. I have my own studio and I usually work there on most of my projects. I like to watch a movie or chill around during weekends or most probably paint. I love Italian and Elena's pancake and basically, that is it. I don't have much to talk about." Lisa wasn't the one to talk much; she was more of a listener. 

"Wow, you have an art studio? That's awesome. I would really like to see some of your work, you know." Ian answered as he was amused by her sweet and innocent voice.

"Of course, I would love to show you. What about you? Tell me about your interests." She asked as she took a bite of her pasta. She almost moaned from the taste of the food. She knew she had to visit this place again.

"As you already know, I work with my father and help him with business. I love to travel and explore places. Well, it's not a choice really because for most of the deals I have to travel so why not make it an interest? I like grey and I love Italian as well and the major part of my interest now includes a gorgeous girl, who is sitting in front of me looking absolutely hot in black." Ian winked at Lisa make her face her lap again. Ian chuckled to himself as he watched her getting red from his comment. They talked the whole night, knowing everything possible to learn about each other.

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"I had a great time, Ian. Thank you" Lisa, said as Ian parked the car in front of her house. 

"It was the likewise for me. I hope to see you soon." Ian smiled genuinely at her, taking both of her hands and placing a kiss on each of them. He left the hands and moved forward to kiss Lisa on her cheeks. He placed a kiss on one cheek and then on other.

"Goodnight love, I will see you tomorrow," he said as he placed the last kiss on her forehead, ready for her to leave. 

Lisa exited the car and quickly waved in his direction. As soon as she reached her room, she touched her cheeks which were already red from blushing. She could still feel the tingles on her cheeks and hands. 

In a very long time, this was the first time she felt a genuine smile taking place on her lips.