A BRIDE FOR RYKER

MONTHS LATER

It was barely six months after Vanessa's death that the Clyde's family had gone searching for a new bride.

Samantha stood in front of the tall Mansion's gate, looking at the address book in her slender hands. She had earlier applied to be Ryker Clyde's bride through the application form she had found online.

Just yesterday, she had received an email of invitation to the Clyde's mansion as she had been selected for review. Her excitement knew no bounds as soon as she received the email, and here she was, standing in front of the mansion.

She tucked her brunette short hair behind her ears and adjusted her short flare red dress which suited her petite body perfectly. What would it be like to be Ryker's bride? She thought with a smile as she gained entry into the mansion worth millions of dollars.

“It's heaven on earth,” she gasped for breath, looking around the beautiful surrounding area.

The clattering of glasses and laughter was heard as she gained entry into the building. A small party was taking place at the foyer and she took her seat at an empty table, as she watched men and women of caliber, discussing and laughing while slow music played in the background.

“Miss Samantha Houston?” A smooth male voice called behind her.

She turned and saw the middle-aged grey headed man in black suit and bowtie standing behind her.

“Yes, I'm Samantha,” she replied sharply and stood up immediately.

“The family is waiting to see you. I'm Mr Aiden , the man who approved your application form,” the man informed her.

“Oh, thank you Mr Aiden,” she replied humbly with a broad smile on her red thin lips.

“You can come with me,” he motioned with his left hand.

Walking into the spacious and luxuriously furnished chamber, she held her breath for a moment as her eyes fell on her soon to be groom, Ryker Clyde, who was sitting charmingly beside his mother.

His long smooth black hair was wrapped in a low bun, suiting his very handsome oblong structured face. Donned in a green coloured Chinese collar-suit, he was looking strikenly handsome with his legs crossed together majestically.

Her eyes never left his face and she could see him whispering a few words to his mother who smiled a bit.

“You can leave, Aiden, we'll take it up from here,” Mrs Clyde motioned to Aiden who nodded and gave a slow bow before walking away.

“Have your seat,” Mrs Clyde ordered calmly.

Samantha made a nod before helping herself to the single sofa beside her. She gulped as she caught sight of Ryker Clyde, gawking at her body. His charming grey eyes had never left her from the moment she took her seat. She looked away from him and adjusted herself on the sofa, trying to make herself comfortable.

“You seem to be the lucky girl,” Mrs Clyde said with a smile as she took a sip from her cup of coffee beside her.

“Thank you ma'am,” Samantha responded humbly.

“Do you live in the city?” Mrs Clyde asked thoughtfully.

“I'm from the countryside,” Samantha replied confidently.

She could see both mother and son exchanging glances and she wondered why. Won't they accept a girl from the countryside? She thought as her heart began to pound.

“Your parents?” Mrs Clyde asked.

“They're late,” she replied at once.

“How did you find out about the marriage proposal?” She asked again.

“Through a friend,” Samantha replied sharply.

“Do your parents hold any form of status in the State?” She asked again.

“No, they were mere peasants before their demise,” Samantha replied once more.

“Great,” Mrs Clyde spoke with a satisfying smile.

She looked at her son and made an approving nod.

“Samantha, you're beautiful and I believe you'll make the perfect bride for my son. Meet us at the city's registery tomorrow and we'll get the wedding done!” She said with excitement.

“Thank you ma'am,” Samantha said with a broad smile and she took a quick glance at Ryker whose attention was now on his phone.

“Don't fail us. Everything you need for the wedding will be sent to your address today!” Mrs Clyde said enthusiastically.

Samantha nodded and handed over her address card before walking out of the chambers.

“Flash marriage!” She exclaimed with a gasp as she headed out of the building at once.

She picked up her phone and scrolled through her contact.

“Sasha,” she called with excitement, walking towards the mansion gates.

“I'm getting married tomorrow,” she said with a satisfying smile on her small thin red lips.

She was so engrossed with her phone conversation that she failed to hear the bellowing of the white Ferrari driving with incredible velocity towards her. She turned and with the speed of lighting, she jumped to the green grass beside the pavement.

“What the fuck?!” She hollered, her whole body trembling with fear.

The Ferrari stopped a few meters away from her and a man so hotly dressed in Royal blue colored suit and black shoes, stepped out of the car elegantly.

With his sunglasses on, he walked majestically towards her, taking every breath of her away.

“How can a man be so handsome?” She thought, almost drooling at his impeccable appearance.

Stretching his huge arms towards her, he said with an amazing yet rude voice, “ you should watch it next time,”

She jolted out of her fantasy at that moment and stood up from the grass.

“You almost hit me with your damn car!” She fired back, her almond shaped hazel eyes, now burning with rage.

“And what do you want? A compensation? Money?” He asked without empathy.

“You're so clumsy, phew!” She slammed and walked away from him.

She walked hastily towards the mansion gates and could see his car trailing behind her.

“Why is he stalking me?” She asked herself while increasing her pace.

The car zoomed towards her and obstructed her space. He stepped out again, and she sighed in frustration with her hands on her waists.

He took off his sunglasses and she was able to get a perfect view of his oval structured face, coupled with a perfect set of blue charming eyeballs which sent sparks all over her body.

“What..what are you doing?” She stammered, moving backwards.

“This conversation isn't over yet,” he said firmly as he stopped in front of her, his 6ft stature, intimidating her.

“What do you want from me?” She blurted out.

“Get in the car, I wanna have a ride with you,” he ordered, putting on his sunglasses while walking to the car like a runway model.

Her heart skipped, and she looked around the mansion briefly, hoping no one would see her talking to this strange man.

“And why would I want a ride with you?” She scoffed.

“Because no lady would resist it,” he said proudly, his thin cupid bow red lips, wearing a smirk.

“Don't keep me waiting, let me compensate you,” he smiled charmily and leaned beside his car.

His bodacious smile ignited her whole body in flames, and she tried all she could to resist the offer from this handsome devil standing in front of her.

“I don't need your ride, back off!” She managed to speak and began walking away.

He made for her immediately and his strong arms pulled her back swiftly. Before she could realize, she was already on his thick, well built chest.

She began to gasp for breath with her eyes darting all over his chest. All she could imagine was taking off his dress immediately, so she could have a perfect view of this godlike body before her.

“Shall we?” He whispered slowly above her face.

She feared dragging this conversation further so as to avoid being caught by members of the Clyde's family . He seemed somewhat adamant and the only solution was to accept his request, she thought and answered sharply, “Yes we can,”.

**

Back in the chamber, Ryker and Mrs Clyde were seen, discussing in low tone.

“What do you think about her, mother?” He asked calmly.

“We don't have time to think, son. She is the only girl on the list and our goal is to have your legitimate heir as fast as possible. We're running out of time, your brother is back at the mansion and I hope he leaves soon. I'm scared he might begin to poke his nose around and find out the truth about your father's will,” Mrs Clyde said fearfully.

“You don't have to worry about Ryan, I'll make him leave as soon as possible. My main concern is, what if my new bride fails in giving me an heir?” He asked worriedly.

“She won't fail. Vanessa was the problem, you don't have to worry,” she assured him with a pat on his shoulder.

“And what if she actually fails?” He asked again.

Mrs Clyde swallowed hard and let out an exhale.

“She'll get the Vanessa treatment,” she said as she rubbed her palm over her nape tiredly.

“You know we can't get rid of her, mother! It's still too early to do so as it might arouse suspicions from the public. But the longer we wait, the lower my chances of inheriting my father's will,” Ryker said with fear.

“Be positive, son. Nothing will stop you from inheriting Clyde's wealth,” she assured and patted his shoulders again before stepping out of the chambers.