2

Rachel raked her eyes over the full length, sequined gown she wore, it clung to every curve and sported slits on both sides clear up to the hip. Her makeup was flawless to perfection. Nathan had taken her to an expensive studio in the early afternoon to transform her entire outlook, her blond hair was perfectly made into a stunning bun. It took the stylists two hours to get the perfect look and Nathan was willing to wait.

“Is this really necessary?” Rachel asked as she accessed her outfit again. She felt he was taking it overboard.

“You have no idea who my parents are so sit tight and stop talking.” Nathan told her with a tight grip on the steering wheel. He was clad in a grey suit that made him look hot and his tie laid lazily on his neck.

Rachel kept her mouth shut and looked at her reflection through the glass window, she felt powerful. She tried to persuade herself that this was the only way she could be rich, she knew she was gullible but her college certificate couldn’t even get her a white collar job talk less of a million dollars.

She heard the screeching of the car and realized they were at their destination. Her eyes widened in bewilderment when the tall gates revealed a mansion that loomed proudly behind strong iron gates, flanked by rows of lush trees crowned with red flowers, swaying gently to the chilly autumn wind. At its threshold stood the delicate marble fountain, the soft gurgling of the clear water melodic as it resonated in the surrounding silence. Nathan then stopped the car and opened it hurriedly, taking quick strides towards the passenger door and he opened it slowly to receive Rachel who stepped out majestically and intertwined her arms under his.

Rachel sucked in a breath as her chest heaved, her cleavage well exposed to give a ample view of her bosom. Panic surged through her body and her arm began to shake under Nathan’s grip.

“Look at the moon if you are nervous and stop moving. Don’t screw this up.” Nathan whispered into her ear with a irritated expression on his face.

“Alright,” Rachel replied in a hushed tone.

Rachel dragged her feet till they reached the main entrance door that was being guarded by two hefty security men. She gulped while her idle left hand played with her gown.

The door opened to reveal a magnificent view. The entire floor was covered in red carpets and the walls glistened in pure gold. Rachel stared with her mouth gaped open as she was led by Nathan to a large dinning room that was already occupied with three people who looked like a family. She shot Nathan a knowing look and he responded with a nod.

Rachel instantly realized that this was Nathan’s family and she reflexively puffed up her cheeks and raised her head high. She was ready for anything but she hoped in her heart that they were kind and would not see through the bullshit.

Nathan stared at his father and mother for some seconds but pretended not to see Anna, his sister clutching her fork stubbornly. He cleared his throat and spoke.

“Father, I am here with my future wife like you asked!”

He watched as his father’s expression switch to disbelief to awe to suspicion and his mother’s jaws lifted to give a big smile but Anna simply scoffed.

“A wife? How? When did you get a wife?” Antonio replied. His face shifted from confusion to surprise to suspicion.

Nathan was about to reply his father’s question when Rachel interrupted.

“We have actually been in a serious relationship for three years now, Nathan kept it a secret because we weren’t sure we were in love with each other but we know now that we can’t do without each other and we want to spend the rest of our lives together, we love each other so much and we would love to have your blessings” Rachel said lovingly as she pinched Nathan’s nose playfully.

The dinning room was as silent as a graveyard, Antonio was still perplexed while Nathan’s mother, Victoria dropped her fork on the ceramic plate loudly.

Nathan enjoyed the look on both his parent’s face. He loved that Rachel had come through to his parents. Nathan’s hand on her waist slid down and he cupped Rachel’s buttocks and squeezed it lightly.

It was taut and soft just the way he liked it.

“What are you doing?” Rachel whispered, pressing her body closer to his. She felt angry but not at him, she was angry at herself for lusting for more, she wanted him to squeeze harder.

“It’s called acting, I have to look possessive so they can be convinced that you are mine and mine alone.” Nathan whispered back.

“You are welcome here, my darling. Have a seat.” Victoria gestured sweetly towards two empty chairs.

Nathan pulled out a chair for Rachel then released his hold on her before occupying his own seat.

“Where are you from? You look so simple and pretty. You don’t even look like his type. Are you rich?” Anna asked mischievously.

Nathan gave out a bitter chuckle before replying, “Is wealth a criteria in choosing a bride? My fiancée is from a humble background, she’s not so rich and not so poor either.”

“ I wasn’t talking to you Nathan…..”

Rachel could feel the rising tension between the two siblings so she spoke, “My name is Rachel Morgan. My parents died when I was seven. I sponsored my education up till college. I have a degree in culinary arts and I hope to be a Chef and open my own restaurant. I also desire to start a foundation for underprivileged children who have disabilities.”

Nathan reached under the table and patted Rachel’s knees. He was impressed by her lying skills with which the invoked the required emotion.

“Very impressive, you are from a very humble background.” Antonio replied happily, he was happy that his son didn’t pick a rich spoilt brat as a wife.

“Do you love my son?” Victoria asked, wiping her lips with a napkin.

“And are you certain it’s not the money that attracted you to him?” Anna chipped in.

“Keep quiet, Anna and stop being rude to our guest.” Victoria rebuffed her daughter.

“I am not impressed by money or social status. I’m impressed by the way a man treats a woman and Nathan treats me like a Queen. I love him very much. I loved him for three years regardless of the relationship downfalls we had and I will continue to cherish him.” Rachel beamed, each lie that flew out of her lips became more believable and seemed authentic.

“Then why didn’t you tell me you were in a serious relationship?” Antonio suddenly asked his son, placing his weak hands on the table.

“Because I didn’t want you to rush me into marriage.” Nathan replied, unknotting his tie.

“So are you ready for marriage my dear?” Antonio shot Rachel a glance.

“I am. I am ready to marry the love of my life.” Rachel cooed as she held Nathan’s hand.

“Are you ready to marry her and cherish her for the rest of your life?” Antonio questioned his son, propping his right hand under his chin

“Of course, I am ready to marry the woman who stole my heart three years ago.” Nathan replied, throwing off a fake smile. He just wanted the awkward conversation to be over with.

“Then I can’t stop two lovebirds from having a wedding.” Antonio laughed softly.

Nathan laughed as well, still holding Rachel’s hand. He looked towards Anna’s direction and noticed she wasn’t happy. He shrugged it off and continued laughing. He knew his father was happy with his choice and that was all that mattered. He glanced at Rachel who kept a fixed smile on her face and he felt tremendously pleased with his choice.

Nathan heaved a sigh of relief when they both exited the mansion. The dinner was dreadfully long and it was filled with multiple questions. They chattered over the wedding preparations and Anna left for her room with a bored look. His parents were obviously excited seeing their son settling down with a woman.

“So what next?” Rachel asked, buckling her seat belt.

“We get married as planned.” Nathan replied, leaning into his seat.

Nathan remembered something suddenly and reached for something in his suit pockets. He brought out a credit card and handed it over to Rachel.

Holding and accessing it with her right hand, Rachel asked, “What do you want me to do with this? Isn’t this your credit card?”

“Make sure to milk it dry, you can’t look like a cheap bride.”Nathan replied with a straight face.

“Wow, okay I promise to spend all of your money to the last cent!” Rachel replied happily.

Nathan shot her a playful glare when she wasn’t looking and he chuckled bitterly. He reminded himself that she was only interested in his money and fulfilling their agreement.