A few weeks ago, William Doughby's office:
"Antonio is in love with Sara?" As the older man repeated the words, his tone took on a sharpness while his eyes narrowed. He had experienced the world and knew very well that coincidences were rarely that. And this one just happened to be too convenient...
"Yes. Sara. Mom's favourite daughter. I had hoped that I would be able to escape... I mean marry and have a happy family..."
William Doughby sighed as he ignored the slip that she had made. He had an idea of how bad things were in that house but had been forced to keep quiet due to the circumstances... However, he could now see a way to help her out... Before he could say anything, Nora wiped her tears and straightened her back," There is no need for Antonio to make a choice. I will break off the engagement."
"Nora." William stopped the girl with a stern voice. When she looked up at him, perplexed William sighed and spoke," Child. I understand your feelings. But before you make any hasty decisions, I want you to consider this carefully. Rushing into something or breaking off an engagement can have long-lasting consequences."
Nora's eyes filled with tears as she said, "But Grandpa, I won't be able to bear marrying him knowing he had once betrayed me with her..."
William gently reached out and took her hand in his, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I know it's hard, my dear, but there are things you are unaware of. Things that you will need to know. Listen to me. Tonight, you come and stay with me and your grandma. Take yourself away from the chaos in your heart and give yourself time to think clearly. I'll be there for you, and we can discuss this further."
"Grandpa, I am fine. I mean I will be fine. But I do not want to stretch this matter... if I break up with him at least I can come out of the relationship with my dignity intact." Nora spoke in a small voice.
William Doughby sighed before speaking," Nora, it is time you start using your head instead of your heart."
Nora looked up shocked at Grandpa's words and tone. He had always been kind to her and never spoken so harshly. As she stared in confusion, he began," You must think we are all blind kid! The world might be but I am not. I have had to keep my eyes closed to the truth because I did not wish to make things difficult for you. But now! Do you think I do not know what your mother has been doing to you all these years?"
William stared at the straight dark line on Nora's hand and questioned," Tell me, child, how did you get this mark?"
Nora looked down at the old scar on her hand and gulped saying nothing," It's so old, I don't even remember grandpa."
"You don't remember? Well, let me remind you, you burnt your hand becasue your mother ordered you to make pancakes for Sara who wanted to eat them. And before you open your mouth and try to defend her actions about how it is alright for an older sibling to take care of the younger one, it is not okay when the older one is only 6 years old! Would you like to talk about the scar on your forehead just under the hairline? Four hours! She took you to the hospital for a head wound four hours after you had hurt your head. She wanted you to bleed out!"
Nora winced as the last words were almost roared out by her grandfather and felt her heart break all over. Yes, her mother had indeed mistreated her all her life. As a young child, she had assumed that all mothers were like that to their older kids. But slowly she had come to realise that only she was the one who got such treatment from her mother.
To win her mother's love, she had done everything, from learning to do household chores to not studying and doing well in exams so that Sara could shine. By ten she had been adept at managing the household and her mother had been able to get rid of the help staff. By fourteen, Nora had been struggling to keep up in class with the other kids and studying only so that she would be sent to the next grade.
At sixteen, she had finally learnt to accept whatever crumbs of affection her mother threw her way and live with that. But the most healing part had been when Antonio had come into her life.
He'd taken her under his wing. He'd showered her with kindness, pushing her to study well and even helping her with concepts she had no grasp of. And finally, when he had confessed his love for her she had been over the moon...
Nora hugged herself as she tried to get rid of those memories as well. She had worked so hard to forget all that. Antonio's love had been like a blanket on all those memories. There were times when she too had wondered if her mother had really wanted her to bleed out or die. But hearing it confirmed from Grandpa William's mouth was even more heart-wrenching.
"Grandpa, I'll leave now. You are right, we must talk tomorrow. There is no need to... no need to go to your home, I'll just go home..."
Before she could say another word, Nora had already lost conscience and fallen onto the carpeted floor.
The receptionist stared in amazement as a beautiful being walked into his office. The people in the office gasped and whispered in awe as he passed, completely entranced by his presence.
William Doughby had long been used to the man's presence creating havoc and he could only grin and shake his head. The boy was growing more and more good-looking by the day. When he himself had been in his thirties, he'd already been considered past his prime. And yet, here this man seemed to be only starting out.
Looking at his face, William knew that the plan he had formed might not work today but he still hoped. "Welcome Demetri. Thank you for dropping by on such short notice."
Demetri spoke in a voice that resonated with power as he spoke shortly," Just take me to the girl first."
William Doughby sighed and gestured for Demon to follow him into the conference room. Demetri looked around the empty room and then at the older man cautiously.
"Don't tell me the paragon wife you've found for me is late."
"No, she is in my office next door. I just wanted you to look at her first and then meet her."
Demetri raised a brow at that. His attorney was known for his direct approach but there was hesitance in his words today...
Curiously, he turned towards the large one-way mirror on the other side of the room and saw the silhouette of a woman sitting there. Even from the back, she looked like a delicate beauty and the way her hair was tied up in a messy bun, made her feel natural. However, as the woman turned her head, Demetri's expression changed radically.
With accusing eyes, he glared at the old man and spoke through clenched teeth," Never. This cannot be."
William had expected the denial. In fact, he would have been worried if Demetri had not denied it initially. But he had not expected this kind of vehemence.
"I asked for counsel, Mr Doughby! I did not expect you to make such a cruel joke. The girl on the other side of the glass... she is..."
"She is Nora Williams, Demetri. She is like my own granddaughter."
"She must be barely eighteen or nineteen!" Demetri bit out.
William sighed. Demetri remembered her age...
"I'll see myself out. I do not want to look at that face again, Mr Doughby."
"Wait, Demetri." As Demetri made to leave the room, William continued," Don't you think she is the best candidate? In the last few years the women you have dated have looked much like her, haven't they? You need to convince your grandfather that you are married to a woman of your choice. Do you think he would not have doubts about the identity of the woman you choose? Or maybe you are interested in marrying the heiress of the Winthrope Group? I think your grandfather is already in talks with..."
"You know too much, Mr Doughby. Why does the girl want to get married so young? She is interested in the money offered?" Demetri asked as he turned his back to the girl and looked intently at the man whose expression gave nothing away.
"No. In fact, she has no idea about the money that you were offering. As far as she is concerned you are looking for a wife and she is looking for a husband. I will be only responsible for up to the contract. The rest, I trust you, Demetri."
Demetri moved abruptly, and walked towards the door as he announced, "Let's get this over with." His voice carried an air of exasperation as if he was already burdened by the weight of the upcoming meeting.
Even though Demetri walked to the door decisively, his hand paused just before opening it. As if he needed to take a moment to brace himself.
Nora looked up as the door was pushed open and saw the man who entered. As her eyes met his, time seemed to have slowed down and she could only stare at the man as he walked in slowly.
Nora stood up and would have moved forward to greet him but his aura seemed to forbid it. A sense of foreboding went through her. This man was dangerous. Too dangerous. The urge to escape his gaze that seemed to be staring into her soul, Nora had to remind herself that this man was recommended by Grandpa William.
Her voice came out in a whisper as she spoke resolutely," Hello. I have been waiting for you."
Demetri scoffed in his heart at her timid greeting. How could she possibly be convincing as his love interest when she appeared so meek and nervous? She could not even stand in his imposing presence and she would be able to stand by his side? William Doughby was going senile with his age.
With deliberate steps, Demetri closed the distance between them, expecting her to cower or take a step back. He wanted to see her falter, to prove to the old man orchestrating this charade that she was utterly unsuitable. But to his surprise, she held her ground, meeting his advance with a determined look in her eyes.
As they stood toe to toe, Demetri had to accept that he was surprised. He did not expect his girl to be so bold. Only his brothers had been able to withstand his intimidation and that too because they knew he would never really harm them.
"You were waiting for me? Do you even know why we are meeting?"
The girl nodded and once again spoke slowly," You need a pretend wife. And I need someone to pretend to be my husband."
His mouth kicked up at the simple straight answer. But he was not yet ready to accept the situation.
With a commanding touch, Demetri lifted her chin, guiding her gaze to meet his own. His fingers cradled her jaw and he did not miss the way she almost flinched. " Not just husband and wife. Do you think you can handle pretending to be my lover? And be in love with me?"
Bạn cũng có thể thích
bình luận đoạn văn
Tính năng bình luận đoạn văn hiện đã có trên Web! Di chuyển chuột qua bất kỳ đoạn nào và nhấp vào biểu tượng để thêm nhận xét của bạn.
Ngoài ra, bạn luôn có thể tắt / bật nó trong Cài đặt.
ĐÃ NHẬN ĐƯỢC