Chapter 2

I froze, the phone almost slipping from my hand. The voice on the other end was deep, confident, and sent an unexpected chill through my veins. Nathaniel Hargrave. The billionaire heir. Soon to be husband and someone I didn't want to talk about for now.

“Hello, Ava Collins,” his voice came again, deep and calm, like he was reading a script.

"Uh... Hello...Nathaniel," I managed to say, trying to not sound nervous, but my heart was beating so fast. 

“Ava Collins,” he repeated my name, as if testing it on his tongue. “I believe we’re about to meet soon...Two days time...Am I right?”

I hesitated before agreeing “Yes, two days time, that's what I suddenly received as news about an hour ago”

“I understand this must be difficult for you,” he said, his voice surprisingly soft, though I could detect the weight of something unspoken underneath.

I swallowed. “It’s... fine, I guess. I mean, what’s there to say? I’m being forced into this marriage."

He sighed, and I could almost picture him rubbing his temples, as if the conversation was already tiring him out. “I didn’t agree to this willingly either. Believe me, I’m under just as much pressure.”

I raised an eyebrow, though he couldn’t see me. “So, what, you’re just doing this because your parents told you to?”

There was a pause on the other end, like he was debating whether or not to be honest with me. Finally, he spoke, with a reluctant tone. “Yes. My mother...she’s been insistent. It’s not just about the marriage; it’s about the company. The image. My father wants me to be in control and responsible and this... this arrangement is a part of that.”

I let his words sink in. So, this wasn’t some grand love story, was it? It was all about business. We both needed each other. 

I let out my breath briefly, looking down at the floor. “Well, I guess we’re in he same boat, then.”

There was a strange quietness for a moment, like Nathaniel was gathering his thoughts. When he finally spoke again, his voice had a hint of regret. “I didn’t want any of this, Ava. I didn’t want you to feel like this was your only option.”

I let out a bitter laugh. “You don’t even know me. How could you possibly know what I want?”

“I know it’s not easy. I don’t expect you to just accept it,” he said, his tone almost apologetic. “But we have to make it work, even if we don’t like it.”

A part of me wanted to hang up, to avoid this conversation entirely, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. He sounded like a good guy. I had to meet him first and perhaps see if he was worth it.

"So, what now?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. "Do we just show up and get married, or do you have some other grand plan for us?"

There was another pause, this time longer, like he was trying to figure out how to respond. “First, we meet... like we planned. No expectations. No pressure. Just... two people trying to figure this out. We can set rules or boundaries.”

I didn’t know if his words were meant to reassure me or just to make the situation feel less unbearable. Either way, I felt no better about it. “Fine. Whatever,” I muttered. "Where are we meeting?"

"My mother was thinking of our place...I.."

"What?! Your place? it's a blind date for heaven's sake!...I don't agree to that. We don't need your parents up in our business during the blind date." I said without much thought, trying not to sound more frustrated than I already was.

There was a pause on the other end of the line, like he wasn’t sure what to say.

“I understand your concern, but…” His voice trailed off before he tried again. “It’s a formal arrangement. We should just get this over with.”

I quickly cut him off. “No, I’m not meeting you at your house. I think we should meet somewhere neutral, somewhere public. How about that?” I paused, taking a breath.

“There’s a restaurant called Savoir downtown. It’s quiet and private. I'll feel more comfortable there.”

I could hear him take a deep breath, almost like he was getting annoyed. “Alright, fine. I’ll be there in two days - That is on Friday. I’ll expect you at 7 PM.”

“Good,” I said, my voice low. “I’ll see you then.”

“I’ll see you then, Ava,” Nathaniel said quietly, and before I could respond, the line went dead.

I stood there for a moment, staring at the phone in my hand, trying to process everything. 

Was this really happening?

Priscilla's voice came through the door and brought me back to reality. "Everything okay?"

I walked over and opened the door, forcing a smile onto my face. "Yeah. Just... just spoke to him."

Priscillia looked at me, eyes wide. “Him? Nathaniel Hargrave?”

“Yep,” I said unconcerned, stepping aside so she could enter. “We agreed on where to meet....and no, I’m not looking forward to it.”

She sat down on the bed next to me, her eyes full of concern. “You’re still going through with it, though...the marriage?”

I sighed heavily, running a hand through my hair. "What choice do I have?"

Priscillia nodded slowly. “I’m really sorry, Ava. I wish things were different.”

“Me too,” I whispered, putting my hands on my waist. “But this is my reality now. It’s what I have to do. For everyone.”

She didn’t say anything else, but I could feel her sympathy. It wasn’t just my choice—it was the family’s, too. And that thought made everything hurt a little more.

I needed to get through this. For my family. For Priscillia. But I didn’t have to like it.

I quickly took my bath and dressed up in my comfy wear - a hoody and jeans with sneakers. It allowed for easy movement. 

"Here! don't forget the snacks I made for you." Priscilla stretched out a neatly packaged bag to me as I headed out the door.

"Thanks, my love" I blew her a kiss and went straight to my car. I needed to get to the interview location early. 

As planned, I got there early. The interview was as exhausting as I expected it to be. I tried to focus on the article, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Nathaniel and the inevitable meeting that awaited me. My phone notifications came up several times, and each time I glanced at it, I felt like another surprise bomb would be delivered to me again. It was almost like my whole life was spiraling out of control.

As soon as the interview ended, I rushed back to my car. The cool breeze hit my face as I stepped outside, and I sighed, wishing I could escape everything, even if just for a moment. I started the car, and drove off, making my way through the busy streets.

But still, my mind wasn’t on the road. It was on the marriage, the blind date, on Nathaniel, on the pressure my family had put on me. I was so lost in my thoughts of how my mom managed to get this deal, I barely noticed the car ahead of me slowing down.

Suddenly, there was a loud screeching noise, followed by the sound of tires skidding. I slammed on my brakes, but it was too late. My car collided with the back of an extremely expensive black sports car, sending me jerking forward in my seat.

“Dammit!” I muttered, rasing my head up, hands gripping the steering wheel as I tried to steady myself.

I got out of my car, angry and pumped up. “Are you out of your mind? Can’t you see the road?” I snapped, storming over to the driver’s side, my frustration being obvious. 

The door of the sports car opened, and out stepped a man in a black suit, a major part of his face was hidden behind a pair of dark sunglasses. I couldn’t see his whole face clearly, but the way he looked calm, made me angrier.