章 19: First Smile

Scarlett caught stealing glances at Xander's handsome face, immediately turned her head, and looked out the window. She was so embarrassed and didn't know what to say. She wished Xander didn't talk to her anymore, ignoring her as he usually did.

However, God was not on her side. Because a few seconds later, she heard the Ice Prince call her name.

"Miss. Scarlett…" His voice sounded playful as if he was trying to tease a little kid.

Scarlett secretly gritted her teeth.

After keeping her expression relaxed, she turned her head to look at him nonchalantly.

"Yes?"

Xander smiled inwardly, seeing the girl's calm expression, but it was clear from the look in her eyes that she was annoyed. An idea suddenly appeared in his mind.

"Miss. Scarlett, you should know that our marriage is based on a contract. But, you also must remember that we will get married in the registry office, this country's official institution…."

"Yeah, so?"

Xander didn't answer immediately but crossed his legs casually while stroking his lips with his thumb. He looked at her with calm eyes. For a moment, he just stared at her. His eyes never left her, and that made Scarlett feel uncomfortable.

'Could you spit it out? Why are you making me as nervous as I am now?'

She wanted to scold him, but she restrained herself. Even though she was upset inside, on the surface, she was smiling like a flower that blooms in spring.

"So when we get married in front of the Marriage Registrar's officers, you will appear with your real appearance…." He calmly said.

Scarlett frowned. What does it mean? Why did she have to take off her wig?

"So you're saying I should go there in my original appearance? Without my wig?"

"That's what I said!"

"Is it necessary?" She couldn't believe this man would ask her to appear without her wig. She might have refused to marry him if she had known about this condition.

'Damn you, Xander Riley!'

Scarlett didn't want to appear in her original appearance. It's too risky to be seen by many people. Especially if someone took a picture of her with Xander Riley. Obviously, that would get her into new trouble. She didn't want to attract attention while in this country.

"Yes!" His firm tone left Scarlett speechless.

Seeing how determined his eyes were, Scarlett realized that she couldn't change his mind. But, even though it was pointless for her to express disapproval, she would try it. After all, they married just for convenience.

"Mr. Xander, I don't mind if you see my true appearance. However, I don't want anyone to see it. So, can I use this..." she deliberately made her voice sound miserable. That way, she was hoping this man would understand her.

"Do not worry, Miss. Scarlett. I will arrange everything, so no one will see you, let alone take your picture, except for the officer we will meet later."

Of course, this ice prince would not give in to her pleas.

She has no other choice but to agree to his arrangement. She will trust him.

"Okay, then I agree." Scarlett faintly let out a long sigh, then turned her gaze outside and tried to enjoy the clear sky. However, the clear sky outside was a far cry from her gloomy mood—irritated with Xander Riley.

Why is he suddenly making such a request!?

If this man didn't know her actual appearance, he wouldn't be able to make this request, right?

It feels weird.

It was as if this man was purposely trying to make fun of her. Is he?

While Scarlett looked up at the sky in annoyance at the same time, Xander quietly smiled.

Somehow he felt happy that he could make this girl appear with her actual appearance. He'd rather see her like that than in her ugly wig.

He feels amused with the new feeling he has now. At first, he didn't really care about this girl's appearance. Completely disinterested. But after seeing her beautiful hair and attractive eyes, he became curious.

He didn't know why he was like this, but it was clear that he was happy to see her.

Shortly after...

The pilot announced they would be arriving in 10 minutes.

She looked at Xander. She saw him rest his eyes. Instantly she felt like a failure trying to beg him for one last chance.

How could she wake him up? This man might give her his irritated-looking face again.

'Did he really sleep or pretend to sleep?'

One last time she cursed him in her heart before she stood up from her seat and entered the toilet. She didn't have time to plead with him anymore. She had no choice but to take off her wig and contact lenses.

When the toilet door closed, Xander opened his eyes. A playful smile appeared in his eyes as he rubbed his brows in satisfaction.

Before long…

Scarlett returned to her seat. She was surprised to see him awake. She saw him reading something on his iPad.

'Gosh!! This man is faking his sleep!' She chuckled silently and ignored him.

"You look, just fine with that appearance, Miss Scarlett. But why are you hiding it?" Xander was amazed to see her beautiful hair, which suited her small face so well. And her turquoise eyes could stir something inside him when he saw them.

Scarlett glanced at him, "Just fine? You mean beautiful?"

This man is really stingy. Stingy smile. Stingy talking. And now, he was also stingy in praise.

What's so hard to say, beautiful?

"Well, you could say so..."

"Oh, that's a compliment for me if Mr. Xander thinks I'm beautiful." Scarlett paused to smile at him before continuing. "Well, I don't like people seeing my beauty. That's why I hide it. It's too troublesome to handle the hungry wolves out here seeing my true appearance."

Scarlett couldn't stand talking to this ice prince anymore.

"I see." The corners of his lips curved into a faint smile. At the same time, Scarlett saw his smile. She was stunned. It was the first time she saw him smile, and he looked even more handsome.

Scarlett feels she could be in big trouble if falling in love with this man. So, hastily, she averted from looking at him while trying to divert her thoughts.