Chapter 2

Evelyn’s pov

I jolted up from my bed as my phone rang out loud, I don’t remember setting an alarm, I also don’t remember having a shift today.

I picked up the phone, the caller was unknown, and with double mind I answered it “Hello?”

“Good morning, is this Evelyn Carter?” The male voice boomed through the speaker.

“Yes….is there a problem?” I asked, trying not to panic.

“Great….you are needed at the Blackwood Industries today by noon for the signing of the contract!” The man gave clear instructions, making my heart skip a beat.

“O…ka…y!” I stammered.

“Good, have a good day miss!” He finally said and ended the call. I flop back to the bed, covering my face with a pillow and screaming into it.

“Ahhhhhh…..”

My door pushed open and my younger sister walked in with a scowl on her face.

“What do you want, Lucinda?” I asked her not to be in the mood for a conversation with a spoiled princess.

“I heard you are getting married today, you slut….you know that’s my dream man and I always wanted him but you stole him from me!” Lucinda blatantly accused me, making me think she hit her head when she was born.

“Are you okay?” I asked, really concerned about her mental state “Do I look like I want this? If you want this so bad, then you can go in my place.”

She glared at me and the next thing she did, had me shook “Mum!!!!” She screamed so loudly. My mum ran so fast up to my room that it could break a record in the Guinness Book of records

“Lucinda? What is it? Are you hurt?” When Lucinda said nothing but glared at me, my mum turned “What did you do, you unfortunate child?”

The insults were not new but they made my heart break every time “Firstly, Ouch. Secondly, I did nothing to her.” I glared back at her.

“That’s a lie. She stole from me!” Lucinda brought up the accusations again, making my mom look like the devil, ready to pounce on me.

“What….wait, I did not steal anything!” I said to my mum.

“Lies…..she stole my man, mum!” She whined

“I don’t even want him, you can have him.” I shot back which made my mum shoot a glare making me shut my mouth.

Mum turned to Lucinda, her face softening as she stroked Lucida’s blond hair “Baby….. You don’t want that person, okay? Mum will make sure will get you a better man.” She tried to calm her down but Lucinda did not have any of it.

“I don’t care! He is the one I want!” She has tears rolling down her eyes at this point making me roll my eyes.

“But!”

“What’s going on here?” We heard Dad’s voice and we all turned to the door where he stood.

“Lucinda wants to replace me and marry Mr Blackwood!” I quickly reported the situation hoping it would get me out of this mess.

My dad's eyes roamed from me to my mum and then to Lucinda who was still crying.

“The arrangement has already been made, now get ready and go sign those contracts!” Dad said as he turned to leave.

The room was quiet after that announcement, I had given up. I guess my faith is written in stone.

“Mum!” Lucinda whimpered like a lost puppy.

“Shush now……let’s go, you will get someone better!” She said to Lucinda, then turned to me “Quickly get dressed, and don’t keep him waiting. Don’t mess this up like you always do” She dragged Lucinda and walked out of my room.

I ran my hands through my hair, the pain in my heart was creeping back in slowly. Over the years I had learned to leave with the abuse and that I wasn’t the favorite or I wasn’t loved. My heart was cold and I had built walls to stop anything from getting to me.

Lucinda and I had always been treated differently and I always hoped that my parents would show me a bit of love but it wasn’t forthcoming and I had to give up.

Seeing them willing to give me out to settle debts just broke my heart further. I sighed, looking at the time it was 10:30 already. I got up from the bed to start getting dressed.

I dragged myself to the bathroom, brushed my teeth, and took a cold shower. When I was done, I dried my body up.

I went to my closet and picked up my outfit, which was a black baggy jean, with a pink baggy shirt. I wore my black sneakers with a cross bag.

I combed through my hair, letting it flow as I had no time to style it. I put on my headphones and walked out of the room.

When I got down, my parents and Lucinda were already seated in the dining room, with food spread over the table. I looked to check if my plate but there wasn’t a spare, I sighed and walked to the kitchen to get an apple.

Lucinda's stare could bore a hole in me “Is that what you are wearing to go meet one of the most powerful men in the city, heck the country?”

I rolled my eyes. “Yes.”

She looked at my dad, who was staring at me “Dad, you want her to represent the family and not me.

“Keep quiet Lucinda!” Mum shut her up and she frowned as she folded her hands. When I thought the drama was over, I turned to leave.

“Don't come back here without a copy of the contract.” my dad blurted out, making me pause.

I blinked fast as I tried to hold back the tears “Sure.” I pushed the door and dashed out before they could see me cry.

I ran to the garage, tears streaming down my face. I couldn't believe my parents were willing to sacrifice me like this. I got into the car and started the engine, peeling out of the driveway before anyone could stop me.

As I drove, I couldn't shake off the feeling of betrayal. My parents had always made it clear that Lucinda was their favorite, but this was taking it too far.

I arrived at the Blackwood Industries building, my heart racing with anxiety. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the car, smoothing out my clothes.

As I walked into the building, I was greeted by a receptionist who looked me up and down before nodding curtly. "You must be Evelyn Carter. Mr. Blackwood is waiting for you."

I followed her to the elevator, my heart sinking with every step. What had I gotten myself into?

The elevator doors opened, and I stepped out into a lavish office. Adrian stood behind the desk, his eyes piercing as he looked me up and down.

"Welcome, Evelyn," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I've been expecting you."

I swallowed hard, trying to speak, but my voice caught in my throat.

And then, just as I was about to try again, he dropped a bombshell:

"I'm afraid there's been a change of plans, Evelyn. You're not here to sign a contract... you're here to become my wife.”