Chapter 3

The next voice that jerked Audrey out of her shocked reverie was that of strangers.

Her eyes met Lucas’ gaze- a handsome, well-built young man in a perfectly ironed tailored suit and a neatly groomed beard, which added to his sharp look.

Sophia's gaze lingered on him, ‘oh mine,’ she was lost in admiration until Ryan tapped her, snapping her back to reality.

“Please have your seats,” Mr. Sterling gestured to the available sofa.

Lucas sat down with his parents by his side.

Mrs. Evangeline signaled Audrey with a stern look. With no time to think, Audrey hesitantly put on her heels and walked slowly back to their midst.

“Good afternoon,” Audrey murmured, sliding into a seat beside her mother.

“Lucas, I guess you should have a talk with your wife-to-be, Audrey Sterling.” Mr. Sterling’s lips curled up into a warm smile as he gently pulled Audrey to her feet.

Audrey's stomach tightened as her father's word sank in. She felt Lucas' heavy gaze on her, making her palms sweat.

Sophia's eyes brimmed with tears as she watched, her laps couldn't stop shaking. To avoid drawing attention, she murmured an excuse and slipped out of the room.

The parents and the three brothers exchanged knowing glances, then filed out, leaving Lucas alone with Audrey.

“Why did you accept the marriage?” Audrey asked, her fingers drumming impatiently on the table.

Lucas leaned back, his gaze drifting over Audrey as a lazy chuckle escaped his throat. “It's a contract.”

A bitter smile twisted Audrey's lips. “How many months do I have to pay off the debt?”

Lucas’ eyes snapped up, his brows furrowing into a shock. He hadn't expected her to be this....bold and unapologetic. He thought she would cry and plead for mercy.

“Twenty million dollars,” he muttered. “A debt even your father can't pay?”

Audrey's eyes dropped to the table, her mind raced with thoughts. Her account balance was close to zero. Fifty dollars was all she had. How could she possibly pay 20 million?

But she wasn't ready to get married to him. Lucas Erickson looked like a spoiled brat, lounging in his chair with entitlement.

“I’ll pay the debt!” Audrey rose sharply, her palm slamming onto the table.

Lucas' lips parted in shock. Audrey's confidence annoyed him. No one had ever stood confident before him.

“You're just a joker,” he hissed, snatching his phone off the table and walking out of the room.

Audrey's pulse raced as he watched his back.

The family strode in, their eyes wide with shock. Lucas' parents chased after their son.

Mr. Sterling's face darkened, his eyes blazing with anger as he stared at his daughter in silence.

“You're planning to steal more of my gold to sell, right?” Mrs. Evangeline yelled, her voice dripping with disdain.

Audrey stood firm, arms crossed around her, her expression unwavering. “I’m not a thief, Mom.”

Mrs. Evangeline's face twisted. “But you'll do anything to pay the 20 million debt, won't you?”

“Yes, anything to avoid a contract marriage with a brat.” Audrey spat.

She yanked off her heels, grabbed a pair of flip-flops lying nearby, and then strode out of the mansion.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she walked away. She was just acting confident, with no idea of how to get herself out of the mess.

Could she run away again? No. Her parents would hunt her down. They wanted this marriage for their selfish gain.

Her mind was occupied with thoughts as she walked into the street. A horn blared loudly behind her, making her heart skip.

“Do you plan to implicate me,” A man burst out from the driver's seat. He strode angrily towards Audrey, who had fallen to the floor out of shock.

Audrey whispered with shaking lips. “I’m sorry.” Her trembling hand over her chest.

“Amos!!” a voice barked from inside the car. Amos spun around, fear replacing his anger as he hurried back to the car.

A young man stepped out, shot Amos an angry glare, before striding past him to Audrey's side.

Audrey's gaze remained to the ground, her heart pounding as the heavy steps walked closer.

“You should be more careful next time. You could have died,” the young man's voice sounded familiar, making her head snap up.

Audrey's eyes locked onto him, her breath caught for a moment. The chiseled jaw, perfect white teeth and piercing blue eyes, she always looked forward to seeing on his social media page.

Thomas Whiteson.....Her crush.

“You should be apologizing and not staring lustfully at me.” Thomas' cold voice jerked her back to the moment.

“I'm sorry,” Audrey whispered, dusting her body as she rose to her feet. “But next time, tell your driver to drive carefully. He almost hit me.”

Audrey's voice was stern and full of confidence that left Amos' mouth agape in shock. No one, absolutely no one, had ever talked back at his boss like that.

The faint smile on Thomas' face also heightened Amos’ shock; He wasn't shouting at her like he’d do to any other person.

“Why were you absentminded?” Thomas' voice had turned calm and gentle, surprising both Audrey and Amos.

The Internet had portrayed him as a cold, angry and entitled billionaire heir, but here he was before her, acting all caring.

Audrey didn't think about it twice when she answered him. “My father made me sign a contract to an arranged marriage and bridging it means I’ll pay twenty million dollars.”

Thomas' brows arched. “Did you sign it under duress?”

“No,” Audrey whispered. “I trusted him and didn't read the content of the contract.”

A brief silence fell between them, Thomas stood still, lost in deep thought. Audrey's eyes lingered on him, praying within her for favour from him. Amos kept his distance, wondering what was wrong with his boss.

“I’ll help,” Thomas broke the silence, his voice sharp but gentle. Audrey's eyes widened in shock. She hadn't expected a yes, let alone a quick one.

“I’ll pay your 20 million dollars debt……and you’ll pose as my fiancee for three months.

In or out?”