Chapter Three

Chapter three

Alaric's POV:

My mother and I stare at miss Carter right in front of my room.

She blinks. "I think I got lost."

Got lost or snooping around?

My mother smiles and takes Carter's hands in hers.

"Finding your way around here can be trouble for our guest. Come."

I watch them move back to the dinning room and yesterday replays in my head.

Was she shameless or just didn't care? It was difficult to tell that from Miss Carter. Boring ol her who always had her nose in her job.

She did not decline. Despite all she knew about me. Despite all people said about me. All she asks is if she'd be paid overtime?! Fucking payment!

My skin crawls at the thought of living in the same house with this woman. She always gets on my nerves. It was soul biting to think about having to deal with it at a closer range.

I stare as her and my mother disappear into sight and I rub my temples. I always judge people by what I see but I did not see this coming.

Did not think it.

Outside, my mother hugs Miss Carter who freaking hugs her back with a smile. She was getting too engrossed in this role and it made my skin crawl even more.

"Here." My mother hands her a fruit basket. "I know my Ric may not be everything but he's a good man."

"I know mother."

Mother?! When did that start?

My father groans for the millionth time and walks inside. Such a bummer it must be for him to see me marry before his lovely son.

"It's late mother, we have to move."

"Sure. Sure." She stares at Miss Carter. "Take care dear. I hope to see you again."

Miss Carter smiles when I open the door for her, and waves at my mother.

"You did not have to do all that." I say when we are on the road.

"The contract says I'm your wife in public. We were in front of your parents. In public."

She takes off the earrings and the shoes and exhales.

"Do I get to keep this?" The black waves beside me.

"It's yours for as long as we're married. I made that point clear yesterday" I reply.

She grins. I clench my teeth and grip the steering wheel hard.

"Are you that much of a gold digger?" I can't help but ask.

"Who isn't?" She replies and puts the card in her purse. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I'm going to enjoy every bit of it while it lasts."

I blink at this woman sitting beside me. What in the fucking hell was I hearing?

In a normal setting, what will bring both of us into this ridiculous arrangement?

"It's just a contract." She adds. "I play my part, you okay yours. That's a win-win."

"You're in it for the money."

"What else would I be in it for?... You don't think I have feelings for you sir. I wouldn't even do that to save my life."

I take in a deep breath and exhale. Maybe I should drop here here. In the middle of nowhere.

If not that she knew my love for sweets and my schedule by heart... If not that she was the best option...

If freaking not...

I stop in front of her apartment and she's about to get down.

"One more thing." She halts.

Clarifying this early will help her understand how business-like this journey is.

"Just so you know, this marriage is for my father's inheritance. "

"I know. I heard you and your mother talking about it."

That's it?!

No reaction?

No 'You're marrying me for inheritance' fuss?!

"If I didn't know better, I'd say you're shocked Mr Sylvester."

I clear my throat. "See you tomorrow."

She smiles, opens the car door and steps out. She doesn't turn back, she doesn't wave, she doesn't say goodbye.

A sudden coldness hit my core. Like I had been hit by excessive winter.

I don't wait to see her walk in like cliche couple nonsense. I drive home, shower and pull out the contract form.

She was abiding to all the rules in the form. That was all that matters.

I phone buzzes and I stare at the name. Perhaps the news had spread faster than I thought.

"You're getting married." His voice comes on. "Why do I feel like this is to challenge me?"

Always thinking he was the centre of attraction. Maybe he was. Golden boy, loved by all. Warm and fuzzy. Apple of my father's eye.

"Mother must have told you."

"Of course. Too bad I'll have to miss your wedding. I have an important show coming up."

"If that was why you called, I'm hanging up."

"Cold as ever brother. Does your bride to be love you as you are or... " He pauses and gives his lunatic giggle. "Is there more to it."

"Why don't you attend my wedding Chrollo. Ease your curiosity first hand. "

He giggles again and it makes my ear itch.

"I wish you a blissful life brother. That's if it lasts five years. Bye." He sings on the final word and hangs up.

We are different, but both smart. He picks hints up faster than a dog can sniff out one's scent.

Everything about him made my skin crawl. His sandy brown hair, his stupid giggle, his fake smiles.

His freaking golden retriever mask.

My phone rings again. I hiss and stare at it. Estella

"How did it go?" She asks once it connects.

I exhale and rub my forehead.

"Let me guess. Father dislikes her, mother loves her."

"I'm tired."

"Come on Ric. Fill me in on the details."

"Good night."

"Hey. Ric..." I hang up and lay on the bed and exhaled.

In two days, I'll be married to the most unattractive person in the universe.

I blink and Wednesday is here. I'm ina white suit and staring at Miss Carter in the bridal waiting room. She had gone for a sleeveless mermaid cut gown.

My eyes moved to her neck and her shoulders. Fair and delicate. Her make-up was light and screaming Estella.

I nodded. Not bad.

"You must be astonished at the bride's beauty..."

"Mind your own business." I cut off the cameraman. I hated nosy people that couldn't keep their nose and eyes away.

"I apologize sir."

Estella walks in and I dismiss the cameraman. "Thank you so much for this." She says.

Miss Carter smiles. "How could I turn down a generous offer?"

"There's no time for this. Let's get it over with."

We hear the shutter of a camera. I turn to find a man in a black face cap and nose mask. He gasps when he sees us and takes off.

"Shit!" No one could catch on that this was fake. It'd ruin the whole plan.

Estella sprouts to her feet and runs after him. "I'll get him, focus on your wedding."

Miss Carter looks rather calm.

"Was that you?" It was ridiculous to ask but a shameless woman after money like her could do anything.

"Excuse me?"

"You said you were after the money."

"You think I'll pay someone to take pictures of our chat to exploit you?" She chuckles.

"You didn't?"

"I didn't."

"How do you expect me to trust you?"

She gets up from the chair and throws the bouquet on the couch.

"Do you want this wedding to hold or not?" She asks. " You seem to have a lot more to gain than I do. "