Bound to the Billionaire: His Defiant Queen-Chapter 47: THE QUIET THINGS THAT SAY EVERYTHING

HARLEM

I stare at the different shades of glittering eyeshadow with my hands in my pockets. I’m here physically but certainly not mentally or emotionally. Violet, Mother and I are at Sephora, which I didn’t know existed in Poland, for last minute makeup supplies. The wedding is tomorrow and basically everything is settled; the event manager sure did a good job, I’ll give her that. We briefly stopped by at the venue before heading to get the makeup. It was breathtaking and I could tell a LOT of money was spent. Violet has always been outgoing so it wasn’t much of a surprise, considering she partook HEAVILY in the planning. Also, Violet is an orphan; parents died in an accident, lived with her grandma but she plays bingo at a senior center most days. Hopefully, we get to see her at the wedding.

I thought I wasn’t going to be able to look anyone in the eye today but I seem pretty okay for someone who got disowned a second time. Mom told me earlier that papa was just in the moment and he didn’t mean it, Violet told me she was on my team and my brothers have been blowing up my phone like they don’t have a wedding to prepare for. And Ezra? I can’t think of him without feeling like I’m going into cardiac arrest. Obviously, this wedding prep is taking a toll on me and I’ll need to get myself checked after. He’s with my brothers and the rest of the groomsmen for last minute affairs as well. Lord only knows what groomsmen need to prepare for. Ezra isn’t a groomsman though, he’s just being dragged along by the groom.

My mind drifts back to last night when I felt like I was going to run away and never come back, to how Ezra showed up and held me while I cried and just being... THERE. I smile slightly, thinking about how it felt to feel his soft lips on my forehead.

"Harlem, you seem to really like that eyeshadow. Do you want it?" Violet’s chirpy voice cuts through my thoughts of cardiac arrest. My eyes snap to her and I clear my throat.

"Umm, no? It’s just a pretty color, that’s all." I smile sheepishly at her, feeling myself go red and hot. Christ, I’m fucked.

I glance at Mother but she’s already staring at me. I can’t decipher the look in her eyes so I just look away. I feel her shift closer to me. "When did Ezra say he was meeting up with us?" she whispers to me.

I look at her, slightly startled, wondering why she’s interested, and I realize Violet is occupied; speaking to one of the staff about lipstick shades.

"Uhm, I think he’s supposed to be here anytime soon, yeah." I whisper back and she nods.

"I see." She replies. I nod also and look away but she speaks again so I turn back to her "Harlem, I know I don’t say it all the time but I’m so proud of you. And I’m truly blessed to have you as my daughter. And I know your father can be difficult but I’m glad you stick to what you believe is right. I love you." She says and takes my palm softly, looking into my eyes as though she might cry.

I sigh "Thank you, Mother. I love you too. It means a lot to hear you say that. And let’s just say... I’ve gotten used to papa." I squeeze her hand and smile at her. She sniffles and nods, looking away.

Violet turns to us and calls her. They discuss about makeup options while I just stand and watch them, feeling myself become lighter.

----

A few centuries later, we’re finally done with the make-up hunting and we step outside. Ezra said he’s on his way to pick us up to take us for dinner at a restaurant but he’s running a bit late. I’m about to call him when someone calls my name.

"Harlem Tamrin? Is that you?" I turn to the voice to see a guy in his mid-twenties staring at me, while walking a poodle. I look around me, wondering if he’s actually talking to me. I mentally face-palm.

"Don’t remember me? It’s Asher, from college. We had the same major and I we hung out a few times." He says. Oh, fuck. ASHER.

"Oh my God. Hi, Asher. You look good, I swear I didn’t recognize you at all. It’s been a while." I say and we hug, his poodle running around my legs. I bend slightly to give he/her a little scratch behind the ears.

"Yeah. A lot of people tell me that. Is this your family?" he asks.

I stand straight "Yeah, my mom and sister-in-law. Guys, my... friend from college." Fuck that. I used to crush on him so bad; now I couldn’t even recognize him. Oh, life.

"Nice to meet y’all. Wait, are you Violet Epstein?" he asks. Violet nods.

"You were one of the best students at our college, I think a year above us. Right, Harlem?" he asks me, smiling.

"That would be her, yes." I agree also smiling because what else does a bride need than to be praised? And Violet is sick smart; Zoran has been obsessed with her for as long as I can remember.

"Sick. You guys headed somewhere? I can give y’all a ride?" he asks, back to staring at me.

"Oh no. We have a ride already. Violet is getting married tomorrow actually, so we’re just preparing." I tell him, trying to avoid more curious looks from mom as she eyes us.

"Oh, that’s literally amazing. Congratulations, Violet." He and Vi exchange pleasantries and from my periphery, I see Ezra’s rental pull up. He comes out and heads towards us. I try not to stare. I try.

"And wow. Can I just say Harlem? You look... different. In a good way. Maybe we can catch up one of these days?" he says and I see Ezra pause slightly in his walking, almost like he ALMOST tripped, before he closes the distance fully. I glance down at my tank top and jorts, wondering if the word ’model’ is written on my forehead. Fuck, I’m hot.

Violet smirks and before I can tell him that I don’t think I’d be around to ’catch up’, she speaks "It’d be nice of you to attend the wedding, actually. I’m officially inviting you. You’re basically family at this point" Is he? She pulls out an invitation card and hands it to him.

"Thank you. I’d be sure to make it. So, I guess I’d see you later, Harlem. Bye." And with that, he leaves. I stand and wave, now I have someone to avoid at the wedding. Great.

"Sorry for the wait. I had to gas up. Y’all finished?" Ezra says, I see a subtle tick in his jaw and I avoid eye contact. I wonder why.

"Yes we are, dear. Harlem sweetheart, you didn’t tell me about that nice young man in college. Did you date him?" Oh, heavens. Violet snickers.

"No, I didn’t. We were just friends, mom." Yeah, friends with benefits. But she doesn’t need to know that.

"Oh, I see." She says sadly and I just want to become one with the earth. I sigh and walk to the car, getting into shotgun while Ezra puts the stuff in the trunk.

He enters, glances at me, then starts the car. I look away because I have nothing to say.

We arrive at the restaurant, finally. My ears almost bled out listening to Mom and Vi sing along to K-pop songs. No idea when THAT started.

We’re supposed to be having family dinner outside of the house now because of what... transpired the last time. I’m not complaining though.

As we walk in behind Mom and Vi, Ezra takes my arm and tugs me backward gently. I startle and stare at him with wide eyes.

"Everything okay?" he asks me, searching my eyes as if looking for something.

"I think I should be asking you." I gesture to his tense expression.

"I’m fine. Just a bit foggy but I’m good. I’m just asking because you seem quiet and I’m worried. Anything occur?" He asks.

I relax a bit "Oh. I’m fine. It’s just... being around my family brings out my quiet side, I guess. Bet you wish you saw it more often, am I right?" I say chuckling nervously.

He raises a brow and brushes the hair from my eyes "Not funny. One last thing though, Is he important?" he asks

My brows furrow because I’m lost but eventually, it hits. My eyes widen slightly and goosebumps cascade over my skin from the look in his eyes. Why did that question make my pulse jump? Why did his voice sound like a warning?

I swallow "Not in the least." I fold my arms and pretend HE doesn’t affect me. He nods, a hungry look cascading his eyes.

I raise my brow, shrug and walk in, trying to calm my beating heart. He follows closely behind me.

---

"I’m grateful for my fiancé, for his wonderful family, the event manager and especially for Harlem; I’m so happy she’s here with us again and doing so well at that." Violet says.

We’re all seated in the restaurant, food demolished and plates empty. The air is cool and calm and I feel very relaxed. Ezra seats beside me, taking care of the bill and Mom on the other side, with the others spread around the table. I was slightly worried dad would show up but I guess he got the gist I would be here as well. I wonder if he’s thinking about me too? My mood sours instantly and I take another sip of my martini, trying to shake depressing thoughts.

Ezra’s palm finds my thigh and he squeezes before taking a sip of his water. I smile slightly but ignore it. Or I’ll be thinking about the steady beat between my thighs for ages.

"I’m also very grateful for my daughter here, who is a Runway model and a Broadway star by the way. Mom is very proud of her and loves her very much. And I’m also grateful for my sons and especially for Zoran as tomorrow marks a very important day of his life. And Ezra? I’m very grateful for you as well. Please do ensure you never let Harlem out of your sight; you’re welcome to the family." Mom says. Okayyy, someone has had enough to drink. I slide her drink away when she’s not looking and try not to die of embarrassment.

"Mom, I’m pretty sure Harlem can take of herself. You don’t need to overreact. Besides, we just met the guy. Maybe not a good idea to leave her in the hands of a stranger." My brows go up. Zeke is not drunk but he sure as hell sounds like. "Anyways, I’m grateful for my wonderful family and yet to be. Also, for my job and for all the good times spent. And of course, for our Baby Birdie, Harlem." He adds. I smile at him, blushing a little and I try to ignore the way he glares at Ezra when they make eye contact. Ezra just pretends he doesn’t notice. Surely, we’ll be getting back to that.

"Aww, you all are so cute. I love this. I’m basically just grateful for Violet, family and everything. It’s refreshing being a groom. I should do this more often." Zoran says, slurring slightly. Okay, everyone is basically gone at this point. I laugh at that and every head turns to me.

"What?" I ask. Should these people be drinking this much the night before a wedding?

"You haven’t laughed in a long time. It was a rare sound." Zoran says with a sweet smile. I scoff at that. "Oh, she’s back." Zeke adds in and everyone laughs.

I roll my eyes "Well, as for me, I’m grateful to see everyone again, for the lovebirds, my parents, the OTHER twin, for my job, for Poland and for Germany. I’m also very grateful for Ezra; who is here with us as my plus one. It’s truly been an honor to get away for some time." I say and everyone stares at me, AGAIN.

Violet smiles at me "We love you too, Harlem. And can I just say, I’m loving the tension between you and Ezra. I’m definitely seated for this one." My eyes widen slightly and everyone chuckles.

"Well, I’m grateful for her as well, and the opportunity to be here." Ezra’s no-nonsense deep, baritone voice cuts through and everyone just nods and smiles at him. Scratch that, everyone except Zeke. Yeah, we’re definitely going to have a discussion.

Ezra squeezes my thigh again under the table and the others swoon and coon like I’m a baby learning to walk. I feel myself go red and sparks erupt where a certain palm lies.

Popular by The Weekend begins to play and mom drags us all to dance and I do. Sincerely. Today was a good day; I’ll give it that.