I WAS TAKEN ABACK!

Christiana's point of view

I was in a deep slumber in my bed when the phone rang. I took it from the table beside my bed. It was my brother’s lawyer. I would have ignored the call if it was anyone else. I picked up the call and put my phone on my ear.

“Christiana, be ready with my fee. The next hearing is near.” The lawyer informed me.

“Yes, sir! Will be ready with the amount. Can my brother get bail this time?” I asked him anxiously.

“Christiana, it is a murder charge. Things are not as easy as you think. Be patient enough.” He said to me, making me impatient all the more.

“Patience! Are you serious?” I screamed.

“Yes, do you even have anything in hand? Be calm and patient, Christiana.” He said to me calmly.

 “I have been patient enough for years. But got nothing. When will my patience be checked? My brother is innocent. He has done nothing. He has not killed anyone.” I said to the lawyer with tears in my eyes.

“Christiana, I understand your frustration. But you need to understand that there is a process for everything. Your brother is charged with murder. So, as per the judiciary, it will take time. All you need is to be patient and pray to God. I am doing my part and hope we will get him free soon, until then be calm.” He said to me very patiently and then hung up.

Even after listening to the lawyer, I was not okay. How could I be? I felt so helpless. I so wish my parents had been there. I wanted to wrap my arms around them.

“Why are you crying now? What had happened now? I am just done with your crying episodes. It is nothing less than a daily soap.” I turned around and found my stepmother behind me.

“Mom… My brother… The lawyer has called.” I stammered.

“Oh, please! Not again. I am just done with this shit. I do not understand why you are still wasting money on him. Your brother is a bloody murderer.” She said to me very rudely.

“Mom, no! No means no. He had done nothing. He is innocent.” I said to her very loudly in anger.

“Oh? How will you prove that? Do you even have any evidence? You have been trying to free him but what happened? Nothing, all in vain. Enough of it, stop wasting money on him anymore.” She said to me, making me feel agitated all the more.

“Money, money, and money. Mom, I respect you. But just stop here right now. I just cannot take it anymore. How can you be so selfish? For you, money is everything. For once, you can also empathize. I know we are not your children, but at least I can expect humanity from your side.” I vented my anger at her, as I had lost all my cool after listening to her.

“How dare you talk to me like that? Do not cross your limits. I think you have forgotten who I am. I will also see how you get your brother out?” She snapped back at me by pushing me against the wall.

I was badly injured by her push. My legs trembled as I managed to reach the couch. I felt like a mess. I cursed myself and my fate. Albeit, within the next few minutes, I somehow managed to get up. 

I got a cold shower and went out of the washroom as soon as possible.

I was worried about my brother. Before that, nothing stood. Not even my pain. All I wanted was something positive to happen in his case. So, I decided to meet a lawyer.  

I got dressed and went to take the cab hurriedly without telling anything to my stepmother. Several people were waiting already and came over immediately. 

Amidst this chaos, my eyes got stuck on a tall, handsome man standing near the stand with his maid making him wear his coat. He was well dressed. 

He was probably the best-looking handsome man I had ever seen.

What got my eyes stuck on him was the fact that he was a wealthy man. Despite being a wealthy man, what was he doing at the cab stand? This made me think a bit. 

“Good afternoon, master.” The maid greeted him.

“Good afternoon.” He exchanged the greetings in a very low pleasant voice. His voice was like a baritone oboe. Even a bit inspired with awe.

There was something unusual and weird that I felt at that time.

My heart skipped a bit, my stomach twisted, and I stood firm to place for a moment.

Nevertheless, I left the place boarding the cab as I was already late to meet the lawyer.

Ring! Ring! Ring!

I was back from the lawyer’s place to my home. I rang the doorbell of my house.

As soon as my stepmother opened the door I was taken aback. Time seemed to slow down. I was not able to comprehend what I witnessed. 

To my surprise, the same tall, handsome, and wealthy man whom I saw across the street was there in my house sitting on the sofa.

When I entered the room, my eyes got stuck on the man, he was staring at me with wide-open eyes.

I was paralyzed by his gaze. Suddenly my heartbeat got increased and I was unable to move.

I felt something completely new, pleasant, strange, and powerful.

I had never experienced such feelings before.

“Christiana… Christiana, where are you lost? Get inside and get some refreshments for our guests.” My stepmother said softly. Albeit, I could not process her.

The man had left a strong mark on my psyche. I could barely sense what was going on around me.

“Christiana, my girl, wake up!” My stepmother said to me clenching her teeth and waving her hands before my eyes.

"Ah! Mom... I was just..."

She scared me! Her voice freaked me out.

My hair stood on end and I was shaking in my shoes. Soon my mother held my hands and brought me inside.

"What is wrong with you, Christiana? How can you behave like this with my guest?"

"Mom, I..."

"What mom? Stop stammering! Do you even know who he is? He is the 'Tiger Kelvin'."

"Tiger Kelvin!" I exclaimed.

"Yes, Tiger Kelvin. The renowned and richest billionaire of the country." She said to me proudly.

"Now get some refreshments for him. Be quick!" She added further.

"But, mom. Why is he here?" I asked her.

"Are you serious? Do you not know? Why do men come here? For you... Do I need to specify this? Nevertheless, do not waste time, get ready and come out along with the refreshments." She said to me leaving me startled.

My mother’s words broke me up. As soon as I heard her, there was nothing left to hear.

That word 'billionaire' should have been enough for bringing me back to reality. But I was such a fool.

Cold tears rolled down my eyes. My happiness was no more left. Everything was gone. It was my anger that took its place. I did not feel any more about him. My eyes kept streaming like that for minutes. I breathed for seconds

I was shaken by knowing his reality. I did not have any energy left in me. I was shaking like anything and could hardly keep myself still.

"How can I be so insane? He seemed like a wealthy man from the first only, why didn't it click to me that he is a rich jerk?" I muttered to myself while arranging the snacks for him on the plate.

All men are the same. All they want is sex. They think from their dick. Men will be men. I was so foolish to think of him differently. I wonder why I even get inclined toward him. What was it that made me do so?

"Christiana..."

Before I could question myself further my stepmother summoned me. I never wanted to meet that rich jerk. Nevertheless, I did not have any option than go out.

"Mom.." I said entering the hall.

"She is Christiana, Mr. Tiger. My lovely daughter was here a few minutes back. Please forgive her for the chaos she created." My mother introduced me to him by sugarcoating the words.

"No, no it is all right."

"It is so nice of you, Mr. Tiger." My stepmother just faked her demeanor. "Well, Christiana, please have a seat Mr. Tiger wants to have a convoy with you."

"Oh, yes! hahaha...as usual, nothing new." I said to my mother with my eyebrows arched followed by a sharp look.

"Christiana, behave..." She said to me disguising her bitterness.

"Mr. Tiger please do not take her seriously, she has a habit of joking. I like your deal, and I am pretty sure Christiana will agree too." She said to the rich jerk whilst going out of the room.

My stepmother was no more there in the room. She had gone inside leaving the two of us there all alone.

If he was like the man l thought him to be at first, I would have acknowledged the situation.

Albeit, I did not understand what was the need of doing so.

Nevertheless, I shuffled my gaze toward the rich jerk.

"Why are you here?" I said to him rudely looking warily at him.

"No, wait. I very well know why are you here. Yes of course, shall we get into the business?" I added further.

"What?" He questioned me.

"What, what? Please do not waste time

Let us just get to the point. Do you want me to satiate your hunger today or tomorrow?" I let a sigh saying this to him straightaway on his face.

“Are you crazy? Have you got nuts? What are you speaking about?” He said to me shockingly.

I was mesmerized by his voice. But, l did not let it overpower me.

"I am crazy? Hahaha...Please stop your presentation. As if you do not know what I am speaking about and you are not here for that? I delivered my thing to him giving a strong look into his eyes and avoiding him at the same time.

"Hello, Christiana," He said immediately giving me a cold look.

His voice sounded very bold and deep. I did not want to get attracted toward him but there was a string which did force me to bend towards him.

For the second time, I felt the same.

He came closer to me looking into my eyes to make things clear. As soon as he came closer to me, I could see his brown eyes. It was enough to melt me down.

Fuck what was happening. I never wanted that to happen to me.

“Should I undress?” I said to him immediately to get rid of my inner feelings.

Mr. Tiger walked towards me with a deep stare. His gaze was so intense. With every step he headed toward me I got closer to him. I wanted to step back but could not do so.

Somehow I managed to step back. But there was no space behind me. I was between the wall and Mr. Tiger.

I could smell his manly elegant perfume. It was enough to make me still. I did not want to step back anymore. His body was completely close to me.

I was scared of what to do now. I was blank. I did not want to follow his instruction but his voice and scent could make me do whatever he wanted.

I closed my eyes, just took a deep breath, and controlled everything which was going on within me. I did not want to go insane anymore.

“What are you up to? I am here to talk with You about the deal. But all you are doing is stupid and wasting my time.” He shouted.

“Hmm…” I said to him softly without even realizing what he said. In my nervousness, I could not figure out what he said.

"What, hmm? Are you even in your senses? Do not waste my time. Please, wake up! I need to talk to you about the contract marriage deal." He uttered leaving me completely startled.

I was staggered by his words. An appalling silence prevailed for minutes.

"Sorry, I guess I heard you wrong. Can you please P-Pardon?

I could not believe my ears and said him to repeat whatever he said. It was quite an uncontemplated and aleatory situation for me.

" Urgh! Okay, I said I want to talk to you about our contract marriage deal with you." He said to me with his eyebrows up and glaring into my eyes.

I was taken aback by his words yet again. I looked at him sharply and pushed him back saying, "Marriage...shhh! Are you serious? This ain't a joke. Just stop with your crap. I am not your friend that you are joking with me."

"Crap? I am pretty serious. Well, I have had a convoy regarding the same with your mother. Above all, she has no issues with the clause stated in the contract."

My eyes widened listening to his words,

tears began to well in my eyes, I struggled to exude, and my words collapsed before him as I was thrown away.

I felt like I was stabbed a hundred times.

My heart melted in pain and caused me to cry more. I tried not to cry and control myself but could not do so.

I internally sigh again.