FIVE DAYS' TIME

There was silence at the other end. Her heart thumped loudly against her chest.

"F.... Father?!" She stuttered.

" I am so happy Gina. I knew that you were an asset to me the day you were born! " Mr. Washington's voice boomed excitedly.

" Thank you so much, Gina." 

  She nodded and hung up. She tossed the phone to the side of the bed and placed both her hands on the bed. Her head tilted left.

  She released a deep exhale with her eyes closed. Tears streaked down her eyes gently. She sniffled and clamped her lips shut.

"My lady" A warm hand curled around her shoulders.

"Dinner is ready" Lady Deborah's mellifluous voice announced.

   Gina slowly opened her eyes. She looked up to Lady Deborah with a tear-stained face.

"You are crying, my Lady?" Lady Deborah questioned with concern.

"I will be fine" Gina flashed a warm smile.

   Lady Deborah bowed and walked out.

   Gina slipped into a black fitted lace dress. She wore her flip-flops, picked up her phone, and walked down the stairs.

   A loud laughter echoed from the dining room, filling her ears. Gina felt a knot in her stomach.

  The deep, hearty guffaw rang again. This time it was close to her ears. Her heartbeat raced as she stepped down the stairs.

  She scuttled to the dining room. The room went quiet when she walked in. Christine passed her a glare full of scorn and hatred. 

Gina ignored her and drew out a chair.

  She dished out some meal for herself. Jace slowly raised his gaze to her face.

  Her face was color-drained and her lips dry.

  He wondered the reason behind her tears when they returned. She looked so pathetic and pitiable. His heart stirred seeing those tears leave her eyes. Her face contorted in pain. He felt his heart wrench in pain as well.

"Thanks" Gina mumbled without taking her gaze away from her meal.

  Christine dropped her spoon, a puzzled look flashed over her face.

"Jace, What did you do?" She questioned with her head cocked forward.

" Nothing serious " Jace murmured and took a sip from his glass.

   Christine glanced at Gina and then at Jace. A puzzled look spread on her face.

 Gina was engrossed in her meal while Jace dabbed his mouth slightly with the napkin.

  When he was done, he rose and left the dining room.

  A few minutes later, Gina rose up as well and left. Christine tapped her feet impatiently on the floor. She gritted her teeth furiously.

•

•

•

~ THE NEXT MORNING ~

  Jace stood before the large vanity mirror adjusting his tie. He passed a quick glance at his wristwatch. The time was ticking quickly.

  He was getting ready to leave for work. He picked up a bottle of his cologne and spritzed some on his body.

  With a satisfying smile on his face, he left the room. He took slow and gentle strides down the stairs.

"Good morning ". He heard Gina's thin voice say. She stood at the base of the stairs with a warm beam on her face.

   Jace gazed at her. His gaze roamed down her smooth face, her seductive plump lips which stood attracting him. Gina noticed his gaze on her lips.

   She gently lowered her gaze, breaking the gaze.

   A phone began to ring solemnly, cracking the silent atmosphere.

"Father," Jace's huge voice rang.

   Gina felt a knot in her stomach at the sound of his voice. She knitted her fingers together.

"Good morning Father," he said and took a quick stride out of the house.

  The sweet fragrance of his cologne wafted into her nose. She inhaled softly and gently raised her gaze.

   He walked into his car, and they drove off.

"Good Morning" Lady Deborah beckoned and walked up to her. She placed her hands on her shoulders. 

"It's time to have your bath, Ma'am," Lady Deborah beamed and gestured towards her room.

   Gina returned the smile, "Do you always do this?".

"What?" Lady Deborah inquired quizzically.

" Do you..... Always tell me when to have my bath... When to eat and also when to sleep..." Gina elaborated, smiling gently.

   "That's my duty".

  Gina chuckled and took the staircase. Lady Deborah flashed a sweet smile full of affection at her. She scuttled behind her.

     

•••

   So many staff dressed in corporate clothes paraded the ' SALVADORS COMPANY'. A blue Nissan rode in.

   Salvador's Company is one of the best-selling companies. It was originally owned by Salvador but then handed over to Jace.

  The company was painted in white and gold. It stood gigantic at the edge of the city. It was a center of attention. It had brands all over the city.

  The car doors flew open, and Jace stepped out. He wore his dark sunglasses. He pranced to the door, which was pushed open by one of the staff.

  They bowed in respect as he walked past them. He entered his office. A plump lady, obviously his secretary, walked in behind him.

" Good Morning Sir". She greeted her with a charming smile on her broad lips.

    Jace hummed and adjusted the folds of his suit. He slowly undid his buttons.

" You have an appointment with Mr. Washington,"  She informed him whilst staring at the tablet in her hands.

   Jace raised his left brow high.

 Mr. Washington?!

  That was his father-in-law ...... Father-in-law to be. He rubbed his temples.

"Sir, The meeting will be held by Noon today," she said and finally raised her gaze to his face.

   Jace inhaled and exhaled softly, " Okay, Harriet.... Thank you". he spoke softly.

   Harriet bowed and ambled out of the office. Jace opened up his laptop. A beautiful picture of a woman appeared on the screen.

  An angelic smile brightened up her wrinkled face. She looked so much like him. He heaved softly and went on to begin his work.

   He stretched his body after spending minutes on the laptop. He rose up and walked to the water dispenser, he got some water and strolled to the window.

   He took a sip. The cool liquid ran down his body, rejuvenating his system. A worried look etched on his face as he stared out at the city.

  He felt his conscience pricking him hard. He was going to pull someone to their ruin. He didn't want to get married, but he had to.

    All he wanted was to enjoy his life to the fullest. He took another sip and dug one of his hands into his pocket.

  Gina wasn't going to find happiness in this marriage __ He knew it. He can't promise to fulfill all her expectations. His lips curled in a small conceited smile.

   The door squeaked open. An old man with wrinkles on his face sauntered in. His face lit up with an ardent smile.

   Jace spun around slowly. With his gaze fixed on the old man, he strode back to his seat.

  He sat down and placed the cup on the table.

"Good Morning Father", Jace stated verbally, fixing his attention on his laptop.

"My boy", Salvador Winslow, his father, gave a wide-gap-toothed smile.

" How's your bride?", he inquired.

   Jace scoffed and peered at him. " We are not married yet. " 

 Salvador sucked his cheek and flicked his hands," That is the reason why I am here... Your marriage date has been shifted ". He dropped.

   Jace's heart pulsated. His fingers turned numb. He rose up quickly.

" What?! " He squabbled, "What are you saying, father?".

"Yes, Jace... The marriage will take place in a week... Get ready," Salvador replied, smiling animatedly.

"Why the rush?" Jace queried and walked around the table.

  Salvador's brows arched closely.

"Rush?" He questioned.

" There is no rush, Jace... Our families need this."

"I can't get..." Jace argued defiantly.

" Are you trying to defy my order?", Salvador rumbled authoritatively. His eyes shone harshly. His harsh gaze pierced into Jace. He lowered his gaze and muttered an almost inaudible "No".

"Good... Get your bride ready... Your marriage is in five days' time", Salvador said sternly and turned around.

" I spoke to the sales manager.... The sales are decreasing". He looked over his shoulder.

"It can't continue, else we lose our position in the business world".

  "Remember Jace" Salvador's voice boomed loudly, "You have to protect this family's legacy".

" We can't lose it," Salvador concluded and left.

   Jace drew a long sharp breath. He fell back on the table. He has to protect the family's legacy even if it means putting his choices on the line.

He has to marry Gina. There is no turning back now.

  " Sir, Mr. Washington is here," Harriet announced.

  Jace nodded. She bowed and left immediately. He placed both his hands on the table.

  His head was heavy with thoughts. He shut his eyes and exhaled sharply.

  He gulped down the remaining water in his cup. He picked up his suit and walked out of the office.

•••••

  Gina watched the maids as they went about their work. She had been sitting around since morning. She tried to help them, but they didn't let her.

  She had a glass of cold orange juice in her hands. Her hair was styled neatly in a ponytail. 

  Christine walked down the stairs with a deep scowl on her face. She scoffed when she saw the animated looks on Gina's face as she watched the maids.

"I think you should be one of them" Christine sneered behind her.

   Gina jerked and turned around. The happy look on her face disappeared.

"What's wrong?" Christine jeered, feigning a concerned look.

"You know Gina..." Christine thrilled and

took the glass from her hands.

"Why don't you refuse this marriage?" Christine quizzed with furrowed brows and hands crossed on her chest. 

  Gina chuckled, "Do you have a problem with my marriage to Jace?" She demanded nostalgically.

   Christine was thrown off guard by the question. She threw her head backward and gave an awkward laugh, "A problem?".

" Never", She retorted," I think you will be the one with the