A/N: This is gifted to a very special friend of mine, Fairymama624. We gave each other a prompt and end-game pairing. This is the prompt she gave me and I wrote. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did writing it. Merry belated Christmas.
Lucy bit her lip as she stared at the document before her. To the left sat the man who would tie them into a financial partnership between families—dark raven hair, matching dark eyes, and a sharp chin. He was hot as Lucy couldn't deny that, but something about him just didn't sit right with her. Then across the desk sat the judge signing off on their marriage license. She sighed and touched the ballpoint pen to the paper, signing her signature at the X.
"There," she said, setting the pen down and forcing a smile.
She couldn't deny her slight grudge for her father after this. Signing his daughter away to a random guy because of business was heartless. It showed he could care less about her well-being, but at least her father was smart enough to make sure she had a prenup. And the man was around her age, not some creepy perverted old guy.
"All right, I will get these filed. Congratulations Mr. And Mrs. Fullbuster—"
"Heartfilia-Fullbuster," Lucy interjected.
"Mr. And Mrs. Heartfilia-Fullbuster—"
He raised a finger. "I'm Fullbuster only."
"Congratulations," the judge said, quickly tapping the papers on the desk to staple.
Lucy chuckled nervously as she slid the chair back and stood as he signaled her to walk first. She mumbled thank you as they left the office into the silent hall. The only sound that could be heard was their shoes clapping off the tile—resonating a sound that made Lucy cringe in the silence. It was almost as offensive as being loud in the library.
"I'm Gray," he said, breaking their silence. "To formally introduce myself."
Lucy mustered a smile. "Lucy."
He stopped and held a handout. "Sorry it happened this way."
She paused and stared at his calloused hand. "Likewise. My father is a man of power." She clasped her hand in his as he gave her a gentle squeeze. "He bought us a house as a housewarming gift."
He raised a brow. "My father is no better. Anyways, why don't we get a celebratory lunch—you know make good of the situation." He smiled revealing a straight, white smile.
Lucy couldn't deny she was hungry, and the food sounded good. "Sure. Why not."
They were aggressively kissing as her fingers tangled in his hair. He was already stripped down to his boxers, so the only struggle was to get her skin-tight clothes loose from her skin. Gray all but ripped her shirt getting it off her head, breaking their kiss.
"You're so gorgeous." He licked his lips.
She didn't get to answer as he crashed her back into a wall and devoured her swollen lips once more. Lucy wasn't a virgin, but she also wasn't experienced. She only had sex with two other people, one being a one-time deal and she vaguely remembered it.
There was a loud crash as a picture frame fell off the wall. Lucy cringed slightly, praying it wasn't the one with her late mother in it. Unable to have thoughts for another minute, she came face first with her pink comforter.
Gray lifted her hips up and magically destroyed her thong. She heard a package crinkle, and he tossed it to the floor making her grimace at the trash. Without warning, she felt him enter and a moan escaped her parted lips.
"O-oh…my…gawd," she moaned into the bed.
Having sex with Gray was the definition of hot and sweaty, rough sex as another comparison. He skipped over all the foreplay and went straight for the main dish.
Her stomach clenched as she felt that sensation pulse in her vagina as her breaths came out erratically before her world exploded. She shook and cried out, the orgasm running its course as Gray grunted behind her.
He pulled out after one last thrust and peeled the soiled condom off as Lucy rolled to her back. It wasn't as passionate as she imagined–more like let's screw and leave before the morning, but for the most part she felt satisfied afterward.
"You have a nice body there wifey." Gray winked as he walked away, his butt jiggling up and down.
Lucy bit her lip. Maybe the whole thing wasn't so bad after all.
Lucy fell head over heels for Gray—something she didn't expect to do. Despite some minor habits like stripping—Gray respected her and made her feel love. The first year they were joined at the hip.
Eventually, Lucy introduced her best friend Laxus, and his boyfriend to Gray once she felt comfortable enough–out of the 'we have to do this' phase. That particular day was at the beach and one of the most important days of her life.
Laxus laid face down on a towel beside Lucy, his head turned in her direction as Loke buried his legs under sand and hummed as he turned Laxus into a mermaid. Lucy reached up and held her sun hat on as a breeze picked up.
"I like him, Lu," Laxus said, startling her.
"I second that Princess," Loke said as he dumped another bucket of sand.
Lucy giggled. She had no idea why Loke called her Princess. He asked her and Laxus if they minded– and of course, neither did.
"So, why did your father set up an arranged marriage? I didn't know that existed still," Laxus asked. "It makes sense why you hid him from us for a year."
Lucy tucked a loose blonde strand behind her ear. "Business. I guess it's still common between wealthy businessmen."
Loke grunted as he tried to push an arm full of sand toward Laxus' torso. "Your father is the owner of the railroad association, yes?"
Lucy rolled her eyes. "Something like that."
She glanced away to look for Gray. He was supposed to get them drinks and food but still hadn't returned. She understood the line could sometimes get ridiculously long, but the beach for once wasn't as packed so they had a little space to themselves without sand being kicked at them by nearby groups.
"So, you must be loaded." Loke patted the sand.
Lucy glanced at Laxus as he rolled his eyes and then at Loke. "I'm not loaded."
"Sorry, your father is loaded." Loke air quoted with sand caked to his hands.
"Don't worry, if I were loaded, I would pay for you two to get married," Lucy said.
Loke fell into the mound of sand in shock as Laxus widened his eyes at her.
"Why on earth would you do that?" Laxus asked, incredulously as he sat up on his forearms.
"Oh Laxus, now you really look like a mermaid, erm Merman," Lucy giggled and then shrugged. "And why not? You've been dating almost more fingers than I can count on."
"You don't have to do that," Laxus mumbled.
Lucy smiled and leaned to peck Laxus on the cheek. "Why not? You are my bestie, after all. You would do the same for me–at least I'd hope."
Loke snorted. "We'd give you the world if we could, Princess."
Lucy felt her heart throb with so much love for and from the two men before her. Her eyes wandered once more to look for Gray. The concession stand had no line–no customers. She sighed quietly drawing her knees and wrapping her arms around them as she looked around.
That's when she found him with another woman. She was a curvy woman with dyed azure-blue colored hair in a bikini that barely had any material covering her goods. Her laugh was what made Lucy look in that direction.
"I don't like him so much anymore," Loke mumbled as he looked in the same direction as her.
Little did she know, that wouldn't be his last time doing it.
One day, months later after Gray was caught, Lucy mustered the courage to ask Gray who the blue-headed woman was. The twisted look on his face made Lucy cower and back away. After that, she stopped questioning. After all—the marriage was business.
But her dumbass fell in love with him, and he seemed to have the opposite effect.
She questioned herself if she was doing something wrong. She wasn't prude by any means. They had good sex and if Lucy had to admit–some of the best sex she ever had. She didn't even have to fake having an orgasm and it was great. Maybe that was why she spiraled down into an infatuation with Gray.
"It's not his first rodeo," Laxus said one day. "I did some digging on the guy and he has quite a past with the ladies."
Lucy sighed as a headache came on. "Right…well it is a business agreement after all. No matter."
Laxus tipped her chin up. "It's not no matter. How long do you have to be wedded for?"
Lucy averted her eyes. "I really don't know. There was no length in the contract."
Laxus released her chin. "Then get out. His family isn't rich." He took a sip of his mixed drink.
"I can't. If I bail on this marriage then my father will hand me off to the next wealthy guy," she whispered. "And wait...what do you mean he's not rich?" She straightened with that tidbit of information.
Laxus frowned. "You are a grown-ass woman and as I said, his family name has no wealth behind it. It was a hoax."
Lucy shook her head and leaned back into the chair. She realized she was a grown-ass woman but the ties to the Heartfilia were a complicated situation—but maybe he had a point. She made a mental note to talk to her father about leaving the business so she could live her own life. She snorted knowing that was easier said than done. Her father could be a scary man, but she was tired of being a pawn and the matter of the Fullbuster's not of the wealthy background was worrisome.
The music blared in the eerie silence between them as they sat in chairs around her pool while Loke was at the grill making dinner. Gray didn't come home the night before so Lucy imagined he wouldn't be coming home once again. Even with the new information regarding Gray, Lucy couldn't help how she felt. She was battling her inner demon. After all, that same inner demon, of course, adored Gray.
"Well, it's only business," she reminded herself and him. "Oh yeah, I invited Levy and Gajeel for dinner. Is that okay?" She wanted to change the topic.
Laxus shrugged. "It's your house babe and they don't bother me. Although Gajeel's common sense makes me wonder." Lucy shoved Laxus' arm playfully as a little of his drink spilled over the rim. "Hey now. That's a party foul."
Lucy rolled her eyes at him as Levy and Gajeel arrived coming through the gated backyard. Gajeel carried a case of beer on his shoulder as Levy carried a six-pack of girly fru-fru drinks.
"Sorry we're late," Levy said, setting the drinks on the glass patio table and running to Lucy to hug her.
"It's no problem…really. I'm just glad you're here."
Gajeel took no time and jumped into the pool releasing a loud woo-hoo; splashing water onto the landing. Lucy moved her face in time as water splashed them and Laxus growled as the cold water hit his warm skin.
"Damn it, Gaj. Was that necessary?" Levy asked, wiping her face.
"Lighten up," Gajeel said, floating on his back.
They gathered around the table a while later as the food finished on the grill. Lucy tossed a salad, warmed up some baked beans, and opened a container of macaroni salad as Levy set the table.
"Where's Gray?" Levy asked, noticing his absence.
Lucy choked on her drink as it burned going down. Her eyes teared up as she coughed. Laxus, who sat beside her, dropped his fork and started rubbing her back up and down.
"He's um," Loke started and rubbed the back of his head nervously.
"Not coming," Lucy finished and cleared her throat. She wiped her eyes with a dry napkin and coughed once more. "Wrong pipe."
Levy frowned. "He hasn't been here the last few times we've come over. Is everything okay?"
Lucy looked down at her plate. "Remember, it's an arranged marriage."
"Shrimp, drop it," Gajeel grumbled and took a bite of his burger.
"Speak of the devil," Laxus mumbled and looked away.
Gray came strutting through the gate with his shirt off and his pants hanging low on his hips. His hair stuck up in many directions and Lucy stupidly marveled at the tattoos covering most of his right arm and wrapped up to his collarbone.
"Hey," Gray greeted.
Lucy forced a smile. "Hungry? There's plenty."
Gray paused a moment and grimaced. "Nah, I'll pass." He walked inside and let the door slam behind him.
Lucy tapped her food with her fork unsure how to react. She shouldn't be sulking over a man who doesn't love her and at that point–never loved her and reminded herself to live life as normal.
Except she was doing the opposite.
Lucy let her fork drop to the plate and leaned back into the chair sighing and lost her appetite.
"Don't let him get you down, Princess," Loke said around a mouth full of macaroni salad.
And she tried her damndest not to let it get her down.
It was humiliating that every time she and Gray were invited to a social event they arrived separately, and Gray would be sporting Juvia on his elbow. Lucy didn't miss multiple smirks sent to her from Juvia as she snuggled more against his side. Lucy hated knowing the name of the face that haunted her.
Lucy took a sip of her drink and rolled her eyes but in reality–it fucking hurt her so bad to watch it. She could hear the whispers running around creating a never-ending grapevine.
She sucked in her cheek as she bore the rest of the evening which was more mentally exhausting than it should be. Holding a facade to appease everyone else, to make it look like she wasn't bothered by the whole situation was impressive, or at least she seemed to think so.
Once she got home, she fell onto her bed and closed her eyes.
《〈〈〈〉〉〉》
She leaned over the counter to be closer to the mirror as she swiped a layer of gloss over her pink lips. She rolled them together, making a pop noise, and made a kiss face at herself. Her private hair stylist visited earlier, his name was Cancer, and one of the top stylists in Fiore, to give her a trim and curl her hair.
They were invited to the Gala–one of the biggest events in history and courtesy of her father for their attendance. Gray of course never came home to get ready, so Lucy only assumed he made his choice once more to go with Juvia. She shouldn't be surprised after all.
Lucy was only confused because it was nearing their two-year mark and Gray seemed to be smitten with Juvia. According to Laxus, Gray was infamous for bouncing around so why hadn't he yet with Juvia?
Lucy shook her head to rid the negative thoughts. Tonight, she was no longer hiding in the back. She would hold her head up high and proud. Screw Gray and Juvia–but a sigh ripped from her chest. Words were easy to say but the actions were harder to follow. She knew to keep the peace she'll probably revert to her normal routine.
She grabbed her small pocket purse and turned the lights off in the house before exiting and getting into her car. When her car roared to life, older rock music filled the car as she forgot she rocked out the other night. She turned down the dial and buckled in before reversing and heading toward the Gala.
Just like every other event, Lucy would part about half a mile away and walk to the building since she drove herself and didn't want to wait in the valet line. As nice as it would be not to walk that distance in high heels and a tight dress, she didn't trust anyone with her car either.
She stopped a light as it turned red and tapped her fingers against the steering wheel to the beat of a song. Given how big the Gala was, she wasn't surprised to see how crowded the roads were tonight. The light flashed green, and she started forward. She saw bright lights to her right, side glancing, and released an ear-piercing scream. All she heard was glass shattering before darkness consumed her.
Gray laughed with his cocktail glass pressed against his lips. Juvia hung on his arm and giggled beside him. He turned his attention back to the crowd as he scanned over the people, looking for one particular person. He couldn't find her. Shaking Juvia off his arm for a moment to look at his watch, furrowing his eyebrows. It's not that he wanted her or anything, but curiosity got the best of him.
"Gray dear," Juvia cooed. "What's wrong?" She stroked his chest with a finger and giggled.
He smiled at her, instantly forgetting his thoughts about Lucy. Another thirty minutes passed, and the Gala was in full swing. The mood was classy and low-key–just how he liked it.
A vibration on his thigh distracted him as he pulled the phone out and half expected to see her name across the screen. Except it wasn't hers but an unknown caller. He typically Ignored those numbers, but the area code was local.
"Fullbuster," he answered.
His eyes widened as he listened to the Lady talk on the other end. He thanked her and hung up.
"Juvia, we have to leave," Gray said.
Juvia stuck her bottom lip out in a pout. "Do we have to? I mean I'm happy being wherever you are."
"Yeah, Lucy's in the hospital."
《〈〈〈〉〉〉》
Gray stared down at all the wires and tubes. He felt a sliver of sadness as he stared down at her and knew she didn't deserve what happened, but at the same time, it helped relieve some of the stress he felt from having to sneak around not that he was very secretive about his actions.
His ears picked up the constant beeping sound from the heart monitor and the sound from the machine helping her breathe. He sat as the noise started to get to him and started bouncing a knee anxiously. Juvia sat in another chair with her legs crossed, scrolling through her phone with a bored look.
It's not that he hated or didn't like Lucy because he did like her, but he wanted out of the contract as much as she did. He truly tried to make it work and it almost did…until Juvia popped into his life, and he just couldn't get past how she made him feel. He tried other women–one-night stands here and there, low under the radar. Nothing curved him like Juvia. And at least he didn't have to hold a guilty conscience because when they met, she was married herself.
Lucky for Juvia, her marriage wasn't bound by a contract. Her husband upped and left filing for divorce. Easy peasy–unlike him. He couldn't get out of his marriage as easily which honestly made him resent Lucy for it even though it wasn't her fault plus, his father blackmailed him, so he was stuck married until something was in his name that spelt money.
The door opened as the doctor walked in and went straight to the computer. "Mr. Fullbuster?" he asked.
Gray stood quickly. "That's me, yes."
"I'm Dr. Macao." He hummed as he read over some parts, his lips moving as he mumbled quietly. "I'm looking at her scans and they don't look promising. She's brain dead."
Gray sucked in a breath and sighed. "Well, that's unfortunate." Dr. Macao raised a brow at Gray's response and then eyed the other woman. He put two and two together and pursed his lips. "What does that mean?"
"It means there is no way of knowing if she will ever wake up," Dr. Macao answered truthfully.
"Pull the plug," Gray said quickly.
"But–"
"Do it," Gray said, shoving his hands into his pants pocket.
Dr. Macao sighed incredulously with a shake of his head. "I will need you to sign some papers."
Gray looked at Juvia and smiled at her. He was finally getting his out.
Lucy groaned and stretched an arm out to slap at the contraction blaring. Her fingers finally grasped the small rectangular object and swiped the snooze option. She lay there a few moments longer until she registered something that felt off. She opened her eyes wide and sat up too quickly getting dizzy. She held her head and groaned as she unlocked her phone.
"What the…" she mumbled, staring at the date. "This can't be possible."
The date read over a year in the past.
"Is it real?" Lucy asked no one.
She swiped her phone and called Laxus.
"Everything okay?" he asked.
"What year is it?" She brought a nail to her mouth and bit down anxiously.
"What do you mean? It's 2023. You never answered. Are you okay?"
Lucy dropped her finger and sucked in her breath. She held it for ten seconds before slowly exhaling. She had no idea what the hell was happening, but how did she end up a year in the past? She remembered, regretfully, the night of the accident.
The accident.
Her ears rang. She should have died. She was hit by another vehicle that ran a red light. Her memory was fuzzy after that, but she remembered clear as day that she heard Gray tell the doctor to pull the plug.
"Lucy?"
Lucy shook her head. "I'll call you back later Laxus." She hung up before he could answer and tossed the phone beside her.
She went back in time right to the beginning of when Gray started to have an affair and the antique show that he first brought Juvia instead of her. He told Lucy there was no event and something else unrelated, just in a few days. She pulled back the covers and stood, stretching her arms over her head as her back popped. Determined not to make the same mistake twice as she miraculously got a second chance for a redo, she emailed her lawyer and made an appointment in just a couple of hours.
She hopped into the shower, scrubbing her skin raw just to make sure she wasn't dreaming. Once she was done, she got out, dried off, and dressed in a white blouse and a grey pencil skirt. She dried her hair and pinned it half up. After she applied some light makeup, she spritzed herself with some lemon grass perfume and headed out.
She pulled into the parking spot for her lawyer's office and turned the engine off. She took a few deep breaths and pep-talked herself to follow through. She grabbed her carrier bag and got out of the car and walked confidently up to the door and in. The cool AC slapped her in the face giving her a slight shiver from the dramatic temperature change.
"Mrs. Heartfilia-Fullbuster, she's waiting for you," Millianna, the secretary said, pointing to the office with a propped door.
Lucy thanked her and knocked on the door, walking in once she was invited in.
"Lucy, it's good to see you. Not for the circumstances, but you know," she said, holding out a hand and stood.
"Likewise, Cana," Lucy said, shaking her hand. Lucy folded her skirt beneath her before she sat in one of the two chairs before the desk and sat her bag in the other.
"Okay, so from the email, you want a paper drawn up to break the contract and nullify the marriage?" she asked squinting at the screen. "In other terms, a divorce."
Lucy nodded. "Yes. I need a quick and painless divorce."
"Does your father know?" Cana asked. Lucy glanced away and bit her lip. "Right. You're of age so in my legal opinion, he can't do anything to stop it. He may take away your trust fund or inheritance, whatever he has for you, but he cannot stop a divorce. Just so you know, I'm still working on getting the whole arranged marriage thing illegal just because I've watched over the years what you've had to go through."
Lucy nodded. "I know in some cultures they still do it, but I don't think wealthy families should have the right to do that just because they have money."
Cana agreed and started typing away. Lucy leaned back into the seat and started scrolling on her phone. She texted both Laxus and Loke and explained to them the situation; keeping in mind that she in fact went back in time so she had to watch what she said. She already had Laxus suspicious from her call earlier and the confusion from her tone.
About two hours later, the printer worked in overdrive as it printed out a huge stack of papers.
"Leave the signature pages out. It'll be easier to fool him into signing if there isn't two inches thick of papers," Lucy explained as Cana stopped with hands in the air.
Cana smiled. "Good call. I'll staple the main portion for you and then paperclip the papers that need signatures. So, what are you going to tell him?"
Lucy glanced up in thought. She hadn't gotten that far but knew she needed to think fast. If her memory served her well, she'd see Gray tonight at some point because he would try and tell her that the social event being held tomorrow night is something else and that she could just stay home and relax. Lucy snorted at that memory and glanced back at Cana.
"It's still a thought in the process. I will come up with something," Lucy said and shrugged. "He honestly probably won't even read the fine print."
"I know you will come up with something. Professionally I know this is a dirty game, but I am fully aware of who Gray Fullbuster is, and when I say this, I'm being brutally honest. You're doing yourself a favor," Cana grumbled.
Lucy raised a brow and then it registered. "You have a past with him?"
Cana rolled her eyes. "Hardly. A one-night stand but he's a pig and the whole reason why I started debating on giving women a shot. I just don't understand men."
Lucy nodded. She understood where Cana was coming from, but unlike Cana, Lucy was still drawn to men. She couldn't see herself dating a woman, but more power to those who wanted that lifestyle.
"You're seeing Lisanna, right? Elfman's little sister?" Lucy asked, trying to remember.
Cana winked and turned a picture frame around. "Bingo. Two whole years now."
Lucy leaned forward and studied the picture. Lisanna was on Cana's back making a peace sign in front of her eye and Cana wore a huge smile that reached her ears. Seeing their genuine happiness made Lucy smile.
"I'm happy for you," she said.
Cana turned the picture around and held it in her hand for a moment, smiling herself. "That was taken a few months ago. I'm happy. We're happy."
Lucy smiled and stood. She told Cana she would be back first thing tomorrow morning with the signed papers and felt confident about the whole ordeal. Today she would focus on trying to get Gray to sign them. The main challenge would be catching him while he was home or if he even came home, to begin with.
Once she returned home, she undressed into more comfortable clothes and hid the stack of divorce papers where he couldn't accidentally find them. She went downstairs and looked around hearing clinking in the kitchen.
"Gray?" she called.
She walked around the corner to where it led into the open floor kitchen as Gray shoved some lunch meat into his mouth. Of course, he would be shoving his face full of food.
"Hey Lucy," he greeted unenthusiastically.
She waved nervously and walked over to the table where she had the papers sitting with a pen. "Hey, do you mind signing two of these papers? They're for my father."
She mentally cringed as she used her father as the tactic but for what it's worth, it worked as Gray shrugged mumbling sure through a mouth full of food. He walked over and chicken scratched his signature on both lines without bothering to read what the papers were truly about. She mentally fist-pumped the air triumphantly at her success. She was right and he completely went in blindsided.
"I'm leaving. I'll catch you Saturday," Gray said and waved.
"Wait," Lucy called, reaching out. "Tomorrow is the antique show, isn't it?" She tried to show her confusion without overdoing it.
"No, they canceled that event so I'm going to go hang out with the boys," Gray answered. "Later."
He escaped before she could protest again. She sighed and quietly clapped her hands together once. She did it. She would reclaim her life and dignity back.
"All right, here you go Cana," Lucy said and pulled out the bunch of papers.
Cana whistled and accepted the papers. "How'd you pull it off?" she asked.
Lucy cracked a smile. "I used my father."
Her eyebrows shot up. "Oh, I like that. Give me a few hours and I will have this finalized."
Lucy nodded and stood. "While you work on that, I need to go grab a few boxes and run some errands. I'll be back."
Cana told her to take the time she needed and started away on the computer. Lucy waved at Millianna who was on the phone, and she waved back.
Lucy hit the store and bought a few boxes and some other items she thought she would need and headed back to the house. She ran around in a frenzy as she boxed her personal belongings. Whatever she and Gray bought together, she would cut the loss. Thankfully, he wasn't aware that she kept her studio apartment, nor did he know where it was located as she used it more as a safe house. When the marriage was arranged her father had already purchased them the house to live in.
Once all her tote bags were stuffed full and she ran out of boxes, she nodded quietly to the house as she started loading up her vehicle. Once the car was loaded up, she left her key on the table and left. She headed to her studio apartment and unloaded her car in no time. Her dress hanging on the armoire caught her attention, and she paused admiring it.
"I'll show him," Lucy said.
She locked the door and headed back to Cana's office. As soon as she walked into the office, the last paper shot out of the printer and Cana grabbed them, shuffled them on the desk, and stapled them.
"Hello Ms. Heartfilia," Cana said, winking.
Lucy took the papers and relief rushed through her. "I can't believe it's real."
Cana walked around the desk and wrapped her arms around Lucy's neck. The act of affection startled Lucy at first but then she reciprocated and hugged Cana back.
"Fastest divorce ever. Just under twenty-four hours." Cana squeezed once more and pulled back. "Kick ass tonight. Make Gray regret everything he's ever done to you."
《〈〈〈〉〉〉》
Lucy twirled in her floor mirror and stared at her reflection. She smiled cheekily at herself and shoved the anxious feeling that had been gnawing at her. She did it and repeated that over and over until her brain registered the words. No more contract, no more marriage.
She was free.
Screw her father and screw one Gray Fullbuster and his little mistress.
Her honey-blonde hair was tucked up into a delicate bun with tendrils hanging down in the front. She adorned a black dress with a slit that reached up to her waist on the left side. Loke of course picked out the dress. That man knew fashion like the back of his hand. She slipped on a pair of nude pantyhose and black stilettos. She made a kissy face with her mauve-colored lips and then smiled.
She was definitely going to knock them dead tonight.
Lucy made sure to wear a black pocket purse large enough to hold her divorce papers and hooked the chain-linked strap onto her shoulder. She took one last glance at herself as she left the studio apartment and headed toward the Antique event.
Parking was atrocious which she expected. She at last found a decent spot, parked, and headed toward the building. She started to rethink the whole stiletto idea but too late now, so she had to suck it up and suffer for the night. It had been a while since she wore heels that tall. She knew within thirty minutes her feet were going to be screaming.
Once at the building, she waited in the line along with everyone else as the line moved slowly. She made sure to have her invite ready in hand. She scoffed quietly to herself as she vividly remembered Gray telling her it was canceled. She rolled her eyes as she moved a few steps forward.
"Next," the guy said.
Lucy smiled and held her ticket out. She recognized the ticket checker.
"Hey there Lucy," he said as he handed the ticket back.
"Hey Hibiki," she greeted and waved.
He moved slightly and raised a hand. "Have fun in there."
She nodded and thanked him as she headed through the doors. She exited a hallway into an opulent room and gasping. She was used to gatherings that luxurious, but something about this one in particular made her heart thud and of course, Gray tried to make her miss out on it a second time.
She walked up to the bar and leaned against the counter as she waited for the bartender to take notice of her. She felt daggers on her back as she glanced over her shoulder and noticed many eyes were staring in her general direction–a matter of fact, at her specifically. She felt her cheeks warm with heat as she turned back around. She was used to the stares but for some reason, it embarrassed her tonight. She wanted the attention on her but at the same time, she felt bashful about it.
"Hello there, Mrs. Heartfillia," a voice greeted.
Lucy turned to see a handsome man take a stance beside her and lean against the counter facing her.
"And you are?" Lucy asked.
Beside her stood a man with long, green-hued blond hair that was tied back into a ribbon. His face was nice to look at and he had the most beautiful blue eyes. He wore a maroon dress coat with a white scarf tucked at his neck. Peaking beneath the end of his dress coat were black trousers and white boots. Lucy felt like she recognized him, but she couldn't put her finger on it.
The man took her hand and placed a kiss on top of it. "I am Freed Justine."
Lucy froze. She knew the Justine name very very well although she never met any of them personally, she knew of them through her father. They were a class higher than the Heartfilia's but not by much status. That explained why she felt like she recognized him.
A figure caught her eye, and she turned slightly catching sight of Gray and Juvia off to the side. He had yet to notice her, and she rolled her lips. She knew he eventually would catch wind of her appearance considering she was still getting quite the stares and now that Freed approached her, it made many do double takes.
"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Justine. How can I help you?" she asked. The bartender, a woman with long, luscious silver hair, and bright, blue doe eyes appeared asking for her order. "A cosmopolitan please."
"I'll take a martini," Freed said lifting a hand. "Thanks, Mirajane."
Lucy's eyes widened at the name Mirajane. She knew that name rather well, just like she had Freed's, but for other reasons. She was the older sister to Lisanna and Elfman. There was no doubt considering Lucy could see the resemblance.
"No problem." Mirajane smiled, nodding at them, and got to work.
Lucy eyed Gray once more and Freed followed her line of view.
"Ah, I've been wondering about that," he said. "I heard Judd Heartfilia married off his one and only daughter. It was a shame he did it to someone of such lower class."
Lucy stared at him. "How…?" she couldn't quite form the words. "How did you know?"
Freed smiled sadly at her. "When's the last time you've talked to your father? He has definitely told some tales, and I did my research."
Their drinks appeared before them, and they both reached for their respective drinks. Lucy took a sip, not taking her eyes off Freed.
"Let's say, it's one of many asinine screw-ups on my father's end." She took a sip of her drink.
"He's made quite a reputation," Freed commented and took a sip.
Lucy paused and pressed her glass to her cheek. "Reputation?"
Freed nodded his head toward Gray. "Many wonder where Mrs. Fullbuster was when everyone and their mother knew he married a Heartfilia, but then he's been showing up with nobody hoping to turn her into somebody."
Lucy snorted at that antic. "He's foolish."
"Foolish indeed." He winked at her before taking a drink.
She giggled louder than she meant to but to hell with it. She felt great and for once, she didn't feel like a burden.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?"
Lucy recognized that voice and flinched. She wasn't going to let him win, so she plastered a fake smile on her face and turned to face him.
"Hello, Gray."
He grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her away from the bar.
"What the hell are you doing here?" he seethed.
She watched as he looked around frantically.
"I'm here because I can and want to be?" She raised a freshly, manicured brow.
"Go home. Now! " he all but shouted.
Lucy grinned as she felt the twinkling in her eyes. She felt her heart fluttering with anxiousness, but she had the strength to do it.
"No," she answered. "Now, if you excuse me." She tried to walk around him, but he sidestepped, blocking her. "Gray, please move."
"I said go home. You aren't needed here," he said through clenched teeth.
She shifted her bag. "I don't have to listen to you."
"I am your husband so you will obey me," he warned.
Lucy couldn't help but react to that not in the way she wanted. It wasn't the words that made her grimace, but the person who said it. Gray said something that definitely reminded her of her father and not in a good way. Lucy shook her head.
"See Gray dear, this is where you're wrong." Her voice raised. "We are no longer married. I am legally single as of today." She reached into her bag for the papers and held them up for him to see.
He ripped them from her hands. "What the fuck?" He shook his head incredulously. "No."
Lucy's eyes widened when she realized what he was about to do. "Wait, no Gray, don't!"
The papers were snatched from Gray's hands. "Even if you were to destroy these documents, it wouldn't make a difference since they are documented in the system." Freed turned toward her. "I believe these belong to you."
Lucy took the papers and tucked them safely back into her bag. "Thank you, Mr. Justine."
A chuckle came up beside her as Juvia shoved between Lucy and Freed, latching herself to Gray's arm.
"Foolish woman. All you did was screw yourself seeing as how my Gray is rich." Juvia rubbed her cheek against his bicep. "We've been waiting for this forever."
Lucy giggled behind her hand, especially after seeing the petrified look on Gray's face. "So, you mean to tell me she didn't know you weren't wealthy? I hate to break it to you, but he's not rich. He's quite the opposite." That's right. He was unaware she knew about his social status, and he didn't belong at the social event they were currently at.
Murmurs were racing around them as the event went quiet after what Lucy pegged to be her announcement–after all, wealthy people love a good drama. She mentally cringed how she brought it onto herself, but it was worth it.
Juvia's mouth hung open in disbelief. "Gray dear, please tell them she's joking… right?"
Gray looked away, but not before flashing Lucy a look that could kill.
"Maybe if you didn't have an affair with your ex-husband, you would still have money," Freed said, directed at Juvia.
"Sounds like a trend. A match made in heaven if you ask me," Lucy mumbled.
Juvia rolled her eyes. "Juvia would do it again in a heartbeat if it meant I could be with my darling Gray."
"You will pay for this," Gray said, angrily. "I'll ruin you like you ruined me." Gray shoved Juvia off his arm and cocked his hand back.
Lucy's eyes widened like a deer facing headlights in disbelief that Gray was about to stoop to a level to hit her. Not even hit, but to punch her in front of everyone at an event such as this one. Freed stepped in front of her and caught Gray's fist in his hand, fingers curling.
"You are not a man if you hit a woman. Get the hell out of this event before I call the cops," Freed threatened. "And if I ever see you around Ms. Heartfilia again, you'll be sorry."
Gray glared at Lucy, giving a look that could kill before he scoffed and left. Juvia turned and high-tailed him like a lost puppy. Lucy sighed holding the bridge of her nose in embarrassment. She could hear people talking about how daring Gray was and that he got what he deserved, and other nonsense Lucy didn't want to repeat.
"I need a drink after that," Lucy mumbled, heading back to the bar with Freed following.
"Are you worried about him pulling something outside of here?" Freed asked, worried.
Lucy smiled at him as she picked up her glass. His concern sent a pang of warmth through her body, one of genuine care. Although she wouldn't let her guard down because she felt the same with Gray–thinking he genuinely cared but then again, she also felt something off about him and only shook it off.
"I moved back into my old apartment that he knows nothing about and don't worry, I didn't park nearby. He won't find my vehicle. I have bigger problems than Gray, sadly." She took a sip of her drink.
"Your father?" Freed asked.
She nodded. "Yeah, I never got the divorce approved through him, but I can't see him arguing too much to know that the Fullbusters were well… full of it." She snorted. "But you…Juvia?"
He pursed his lips. "Don't remind me of that mistake, but yes. Once upon a time, I thought she was my other half. It seems I was wrong."
Lucy nodded. She always wanted to meet her other half, but no one worthy enough ever crossed paths with her. Flings were what she kept getting stuck with or men just after the money. The very money she never touches because of her father. She'd rather make her own money than have to rely on him or show him she needed him.
She stared at Freed, her eyes tracing the shape of his face, his eyes, to his lips. Lucy had to admit, he was pretty damn handsome. She couldn't see much under the dressy clothes, but she wouldn't mind seeing them on her floor either.
What the heck am I thinking?
She felt her cheeks warm and blamed it on the alcohol, the very little she drank. It wasn't a good excuse but at least it was one. Freed tilted his head at her and caught her staring.
"Ms. Heartfilia?" he asked. "Everything okay?"
Lucy smiled and placed her glass down. "How about we leave this place?"
Lucy gasped as she was slammed against the wall. Freed's mouth was on the crook of her neck as he peppered kisses down to her collarbone. She managed to kick off the nightmare of heels and moaned when he kissed a sensitive spot. Under all those dressy clothes was a man hunk with a deliciously, lean body.
"I've been waiting for this moment," Freed said, pulling back to look at her.
She was breathing heavily. "W-what?"
He nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I was worried when you stopped showing up to events and he would be sporting her on his arm. I kept imagining the worst-case scenarios."
Lucy smiled at him. "I was okay. He kept telling me they weren't happening and I stupidly believed him, or he would bring me out of spite and take off. We were after all only bound by a contract, the marriage. I thought there was something there, but I was flat-out wrong."
She watched as his eyes softened and then his mouth crashed into hers. Her lips parted when his tongue requested entrance. The kiss was deliciously hot. She could feel his hand slide down her waist to her hip and then he cupped her ass cheek into his hand and squeezed. Her eyes widened for a split second but then fed into it.
Somehow Lucy managed to get them to her bed. She sat on the edge while he stood before her. He wrestled unbuttoning his shirt while she worked unbuckling his belt and pants. Once his shirt was off, he signaled her to stop and reached out for her hand. He lifted her to stand and twirled her so her back faced him.
"I have to undress you like a proper lady." His hand swept away the hair littering her shoulder and placed a soft, warm kiss on her bare skin.
She shivered as she felt his hand lightly graze her skin as he unzipped her dress, slowly and torturing. She shimmied out of it, the black material pooling on the floor at her feet. She turned to face him and instantly, he gently pushed her to lie down on the bed. She blinked confused but then realized he was still undressing her. She watched as he rolled the pantyhose down each leg.
She tried to remember how long it had been since a man properly took care of her. She only slept with Gray a handful of times and it wasn't even making love or having sex. Gray was a fuck and that was all he wanted. He never even wanted her looking at him when they did it–even in the beginning.
She had a fling with Natsu, a kid she met a long time ago. They still remained friends, but he moved to another city and started dating Yukino. Sometimes they texted, but Lucy couldn't blame him. She was only a fling, friends with benefits as people would call it but even so, if it was only friends with benefits, Natsu took care of her properly. Not that she was trying to compare Freed to Natsu.
And then she had a one-time fling that she could hardly remember shit about.
Lucy realized she spaced out as Freed tossed her pantyhose behind him which only left her in panties and a bra.
"You're beautiful," he whispered. "But these need to go." He extended his hand for her to grab and stood her once more before maneuvering him to sit on the bed and her straddling his lap.
"I can't believe this is happening," Lucy said and pressed her forehead to his. "Is this a dream?" She swallowed, hoping he didn't ask for an elaboration of what she meant.
"Why does it seem like a dream?" he asked, curious. His hands reached up her back and within one quick swoop, her bra slacked against her skin.
"I guess because of everything that happened tonight and here I am, undressing with the infamous Freed Justine of the Justine family corp." She shook her head. "A lot to process."
"Let me make you forget." He slid her bra down as she helped wrangle it from her arms and he tossed it with the rest of their discarded clothes. "And let's forget titles...social statuses. I'm Freed and you're Lucy. That's all we are."
"I'd like that." She moaned as his mouth encased her hardened nipple. She rolled her hips as his hands tightened around her back, pushing her into him. She didn't miss the lump in his boxers, his member threatening to escape out the slit in the front.
He pulled a hand free and rolled her other nipple at the same time he sucked the other one with his mouth. Her core pulsed and she could feel how wet she was getting down there and wouldn't be surprised if she went through her underwear.
Freed pulled back and found her mouth with his as he cupped her under the ass. He stood with a small grunt vibrating into her mouth as he turned and laid her on the bed without breaking their kiss. She pulled a knee up as he caressed the inside of her thigh, stopping at the material of her panties.
He pulled the thin material aside and rubbed over her clit causing her to lift her hips and moan. His finger slowly dragged down as he teased her opening and when she least expected it, he shoved two fingers into her.
"O-oh god." She arched slightly and lifted her hips.
Freed pulled his fingers out and shoved them back in, gaining a gasp and moan from her. He stayed silent as kissed her chin, below her ear lobe, her neck where he lingered a moment–his breath hot on her skin. He thrust once more with his hand and with his thumb, he stretched it to flick her clit making her clench his fingers. And if that wasn't enough, his mouth found her nipple.
"F-Freed. Gosh, this feels so good."
She never remembered foreplay all that well. Again, it was left up to Natsu, but she learned right along with him. Freed's movements moved faster, and Lucy didn't miss the slight curl of his fingers every time he thrust inside her. She bucked her hips as she moaned. The feeling overwhelmed her until it broke her over the edge. Her body shook and she collapsed into Freed as she rode out the orgasm. Her chest heaved up and down quickly as she tried to catch her breath, and he pulled his fingers out. He flicked her nipple once more with his tongue making her groan with pleasure. He pulled back to look at her, his eyes hungry for me.
Freed raked her body with his eyes and then with one, swoop effort, ripped the material of her panties to get them off. She went to protest but stopped short as he rubbed his thumb over her swollen clit. He discarded his boxers like a ninja as Lucy eyed his member. He was thick on top of long, making her gulp. She had seen some endowed men, but Freed trumped all in size. It made her clench and the need to rub her knees together thinking about him inside her.
Freed crawled between her legs as she lifted one leg up and hooked it around his waist as he lined himself up.
"Let me show you how a man takes care of a woman…properly."
Lucy barely nodded as Freed entered with one swift thrust and the loudest moan left her mouth.
1 Year Later -
Lucy pursed her lips as she glanced around her packed studio apartment. That night after the antique show—the very one she and Freed bailed on—she and Freed had been inseparable. It was funny how that worked out. She even introduced him to Laxus and Loke. Laxus already knew him from college so that was kudos. Now that she and Freed have been dating for a year, they bought a quaint little home together. She didn't want to live in something luxurious. She wanted something that felt like home.
"I'm going to miss this place," she said as Laxus and Loke appeared beside her.
"It's crazy to think you're selling and moving for good this time," Loke commented.
Lucy stepped back and faced them. "It's a good move, right?" She didn't want to panic or alarm them that she was having second thoughts because she wasn't, but it didn't stop her from worrying about what-ifs.
Laxus raised a brow. "You introduced us within a month. And slept with him on the first night of meeting him. Pretty sure this is a good move."
"When you say it like that," she grumbled, eye rolling.
There was a light knock on the door frame as Freed entered with his friend Mest.
"Hey, you." He squeezed between Laxus and Loke to kiss her on the cheek. "Are you ready? We still have to my old house as well."
Lucy bit her lip taking one more glance around. She really was leaving her place for good, in her regard. No one ordered her and she felt a sense of pride.
"Let's do this."
2 years after the Antique Show
Lucy waved herself with a hand as the heat was scorching on that beautiful, September day. Her father passed away earlier in the year and left whatever inheritance he hadn't spent to her–which was still a hefty sum in her eyes.
"Are we almost ready?" Wendy asked, holding a small book.
Lucy followed through with her promise that she would pay for Laxus and Loke's wedding. They fought her tooth and nail at first, but she won in the end. She stood off to the side as maid of honor while Freed stood on the other side as best man. Freed and Laxus formed a friendship in the same sense that she and Loke had.
She found Wendy through Natsu after he came back into town to visit and to introduce his wife, Yukino–who Lucy ended up adoring to no end. Feelings aside from the past, they caught up and Lucy introduced him to Freed.
Lucy had mentioned what she wanted to do for Laxus and Loke to Natsu nonchalantly and to her surprise, Natsu knew someone. Wendy was ordained and agreed to marry Loke and Laxus. Wendy and Lucy became fast friends and Lucy thanked Natsu profusely for helping her and giving her a new friend although Wendy was a few years younger, it didn't bother Lucy in the least.
The wedding was small and personal, with only a handful attending as guests. Lucy cried when they said I do. To keep the tradition, Loke had a bouquet made. Lucy rolled her eyes at his antics as she stood beside four other women. Not even paying attention the bouquet landed in her hands. A roar of cheers and laughter startled her as she realized what happened.
Freed walked up as the other women walked away and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "Guess we should make that happen." He kissed her hairline.
Lucy smiled as she stared at the purple and white flowers. She rolled a pedal between her fingers. How exciting it sounded to get married without a contract. To get married because she was in love and wanted to spend the rest of her life with someone. She always dreaded the idea of marriage due to her background. She didn't have to worry about that anymore. Her father was gone. He lost the business and estate. She was free.
I'm free.
The words tasted sweet on her tongue.
She ducked out of Freed's arm and stood before him.
"I'm free."
His eyes widened. "You're free." He agreed but a hint of confusion in his tone.
Lucy smiled. "I'm free." She leaned up on her tippy toes and kissed him. "My father is gone. No more obligation. No more contracts."
He nodded. "I know."
She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tight. She finally found her soul mate and she wasn't letting go.
"I love you."
He squeezed and kissed her on the head. "I love you too, Lucy."
"Yes. My answer is yes."