Marriage? Wait, what?

Marriage? Wait, what?

Bianca's POV

My heart was racing after Mrs. Caldwell's words. She wanted me to have a baby just to prove our relationship was real? It sounded crazy, but I knew I couldn't say that. I had to stay calm and keep up the act.

I was thinking quickly, trying to understand why she wanted this. Was it a test or just a way to secure the family's future? Whatever the reason, I knew I had to be careful not to ruin everything.

I glanced at Hayes whose expression remained unreadable. Was all this not fazing him at all? If he had expected all this then we should have talked about it before our arrival.

My palm grew clammy, and I clasped them tightly in my lap. How did I go from losing my job to being in this ridiculous and impossible situation? Engaged to a stranger, and now expected to produce an heir in order to do what? Keep thier reputation intact?

“Excuse me?” I finally managed to say, my voice low but firm. “What if we aren’t ready yet?” I asked.

Mrs Caldwell's smile didn't falter. “Oh, you heard me and we don’t have to do this all over again. If you and Hayes are truly serious about this relationship, there's no reason to delay starting a family, right?”

A flicker of irritation flared in me. Did this people think one can just start a family just because they want me to prove I'm not a fake? Is that what a child is termed as to them? Proof of authenticity? It was simply ridiculous. As I was about to speak of what I thought of their proposition, Hayes spoke up.

“That's enough,” he said sharply, his voice cutting through the tension in the air. He shot his parents warning glances before continuing. “Bianca and I will make our own decisions. This isn't up for discussion.”

“But that's the condition.” His mother said, leaning her head on her husband's shoulders with a sweet smile directed towards me. “You don't have any problem with having a child do you? When you have the child we can finally be convinced…”

“Okay, this is ridiculous.” I snapped, standing from my seated position. “You can't just say you're testing me by forcing me to get pregnant when I don't want to have a child now. Is that what a child means to you? Just a mere piece to validate me?”

I could see the displeasure on their faces but I didn't care one bit. I was going to say my mind because I couldn't swallow it anymore. “Please, I need some air.” I gasped, walking out of the living room back outside.

My breath came out in short bursts as I hurried outside to inhale fresh air. My chest tightened in anger and irritation as I leaned against the amcar, trying to calm myself down.

I heard the door creak open and Hayes stepped out, his expression filled with concern. “Bianca, wait–”

“No,” I snapped, turning to fully face him. “I am not in agreement with whatever trash it is they're trying to play with me. Do they think having kids is something you can do just because you want to prove something?”

I was born the same way and I ended up on the streets with my mother after my father's death. She died from all the worry and I had to take care of myself up to this point. How was I to have a child for a man who I just wanted as a fling? We would leave after six months and everything was settled, now I had to consider having an heir for this reputation I'm trying to hold.

“Calm down, Bianca. I didn't expect them to go that far and bring it up.” He tried to comfort me but I wasn't having any of it. I didn't know why it just made me mad.

“That's not good enough,” I retorted. “I'm not some accessory you can use to clean up your image. You knew your parents so you should have warned me before I got into this. I could easily leave the country if I don't get a job here or my reputation gets soiled. It'll pass in a few months anyway and I'll be free.”

“I understand you, Bianca, but don't listen to them.” He said, pulling me into a hug. I strangely felt warm and comforted as he pulled me into his embrace but I didn't want to get used to it. I hope it wasn't a scheme to make me agreed to whatever it was coming next.

He suddenly pulled away as his phone buzzed and he took it out immediately. His face looked pale for a few second before biting his lips in anger as he showed me the phone.

Mysterious Fiancée or Gold digger? Margaret Caldwell says to expect an announcement from the couple soon.

What was going on? How did they do this in just a few minutes. I wasn't even out of there for up to ten minutes and all this was already out in the news again.

Grabbing my hand, he pulled me with him, heading into the mansion, obviously livid. His parents were still in the living room as if waiting for us to reappear. “What is the meaning of this mother?” He snapped. This was the first time I was seeing him mad.

“You have to tell everyone–”

“And why the fuck do you have to announce a public appearance? I don't want to appear publicly, not with my woman. Do you expect anyone to know about this if it wasn't leaked?” He snapped, and Mrs Caldwell's expression showed she wasn't enjoying this at all.

“Watch your words with your mother, Hayes Caldwell.” Mr Caldwell said. I slowly moved behind Hayes, feeling like the odd one here.

“The freaking deal with this. You both know one thing I hate most is public appearances or speeches and now what? After provoking Bianca, you want to do the same to me?” He said through gritted teeth. “Fuck it all, if you want her to prove her loyalty to me, we'll get married. Just stay out of my life, all of you.”

Marriage? Wait what?