Vivian's pov."What's the meaning of the rubbish you just said" Helen said, eyeing me with mean eyes.I gazed at her and sighed. I knew she wouldn't believe me, she would never come to understand this, I thought.Moving closer, I took her hands in mine and looked into her eyes."I know you wouldn't believe this, but it's the truth, Helen. I'm getting married" I said, with seriousness.She withdrew her hands and shook her head. "Now this isn't funny anymore Vivian. If there are better things to discuss, could we talk about them? I'm not ready for your jokes today, okay? She said and sipped hard from her drink.That was frustrating. Why wouldn't they just understand me? I thought. Sweat began to gather on my face and I suddenly felt hot."I'm getting married to..." "To whom?" She shouted, interrupting me."This isn't fun anymore, Vivian. Who the hell are you getting married to? I don't know about any freaking man who is coming from nowhere to marry you. Could you please shed more light
Collins pov.The moment Helen left my office, I loosened my tie for comfort. I was furious and if not that I hated changing employees, I would have dismissed her the moment I caught her sneaking up on me. "What audacity!" I blurted. "She should be grateful I suspended instead of fired her.""Who should be grateful?" I heard and turned around quickly. My gaze met Mark as he looked at me inquiringly. Mark is my personal assistant and childhood friend. "You're sneaking up on me too?" I said, eyeing him closely."Hey, cut the crap man. You were engrossed in your thoughts that you didn't realize I had stepped in," he said, grabbing a chair. He continued "By the way, who should be grateful for getting a suspension?""Helen " I blurted.He banged the table and said "I told you, Collins. That girl is up to no good. I never liked her"I hesitated and replied quietly. "She seemed innocent to me. I didn't think she'd stoop so low as to eavesdrop on me." "She did that?" Mark asked, widening
Vivian's pov.It's the third day and I have to inform Mr Johnson of my decision. I took the document out and rubbed my hands over it. This is a life changer for me, I thought, and remembered how Cynthia had reacted when reading the terms."What in God's name is this, Vivian?" She asked, obviously irritated."The bride is not to get pregnant and if, by chance, she gets pregnant, she loses everything and will abort the pregnancy with immediate effect. If she chooses to do otherwise, she'll suffer the consequences", she read aloud and snorted."Who wants to have a baby with that arrogant cock anyway" I said, making a nonchalant face?"Yeah!" Cynthia cuts in, her voice a bit loud. "Never will my niece come from him.""You know Vivian, you should never allow him to touch you" she said, tightening her fist."Never," I agreed and nodded."I knew that those ingrates were good-for-nothing. You're only trying to save their faces, and they're making rules about it? Talk about who should be rolli
Vivian's pov.Being seated in this mansion and staring at the document right in front of me is really overwhelming. I fidgeted, as I tried to shut out the trembling voice of my inner self giving me a sort of "think this through" thought. "Hmmm" I sighed and eased onto the couch. I tried to relax my nerves and glanced around graciously. "You're here ma'am"I turned sideways and saw the maid who had attended to me the previous time. She flashed a smile and I immediately stood up and walked to her. "Yes I am" I said, smiling and holding her hands."Thanks for the tips. It really worked when I was referring to her. I tried really hard to stress her name, and it seemed like she was content with it" I said as I remembered the look on Mrs Catherine's eyes when I called her that. Was it tender? Or was it welcoming? I shook my head and clicked my tongue.She leaned over and said gently "You know you don't have to try hard to please her. She's hard to please.""Hmmm" I said, glancing at the
Collins pov"I'm sorry, I can't accept the marriage contract" she said, and my heart suddenly stopped beating.I couldn't explain how I felt when she said those words. I frowned at myself and felt like throwing punches at myself. What the heck is wrong with me? Why am I feeling this way? I'm not bothered at all, I told myself. She's decided not to take up the contract, and I'm perfectly fine with it, I said, a part of me badly wanting her to reverse her statement.I cleared my throat and walked towards dad. "You see that dad? She can't accept the terms, and I'm so glad she's declining," I said, and laughed longer than necessary. If it was a laughter of pity or of anger, I can't tell apart. How dare she? Who the hell does she think she is to show off like that? I fumed and was about to leave when she said "I'm sorry I can't accept the marriage contract...""Who the hell asked you to accept in the first place?" I yelled at her and she gazed at me.What's with her pitiful gaze? I wonder
Vivian's povWhat was Collins' reaction about? I wondered as Fred drove out. I sat in the back seat and enjoyed the beautiful sight of flowers on the roadside, as he drove carefully. Now that the deal is done, it's time to make preparations for my wedding, I thought.My wedding? I scoffed. That sounded awful. I didn't see myself getting married in three years time, and now I'm about to get married in less than a month? "Oh" I said unconsciously.Fred glanced back at me and asked "Do you need something, ma'am?"I smiled and quickly shook my head. "Of course not. I'm sorry my thoughts were loud"He smiled and said "it's not a problem, ma'am. I'm glad you made this decision."I nodded. "Yeah, it's for the best. Thank you, Fred". He nodded slightly and focused on the road. I let my right hand wander to the place that I had pinned. I fondled the pin and admired the brightness. How sweet of him to have handed me that, I thought and smiled. It had seemed as if he wanted to grab my waist, l
Vivian's pov.I enjoyed the cool breeze as I walked home in the sun. I checked the time. It was 10:55am. The day is still young, I told myself and walked home smiling. My stomach grumbled and I squeezed it softly. Evelyn ma'am had offered me some snacks earlier, but I had declined the offer. I didn't want to seem like a nuisance to her. What was I thinking? I thought and deeply regretted not accepting the snacks. She must have understood that I meant the opposite of what I said because she displayed the snacks right under my nose as she chewed them all."She's being mean", I scoffed and pouted. I'll make something for breakfast when I get home, I resolved and bounced down the street. Just as I was about to turn to the next street, I heard a familiar voice call my name.Is that not Helen? I thought and glanced back to see her running towards me. I increased my pace and pretended as if I hadn't seen her. "Hey Vivian, you jerk. Why pretend you didn't see me? I've been screaming my lung
Friday. Hours earlier.Collins pov"Are you sure about this?" I asked, spinning my chair round. Mark sat directly in front of me and nodded rapidly. "Sure. Listen, this is just the best thing to do."I hesitated, then sat upright. "Maybe I should do just that" I replied, taking out my phone.As soon as we got to my office, I deliberated the dinner with our client. It's really awkward for me to reach out to Helen, knowing she's interested in me, coupled with the fact that she's on suspension. Mark had suggested taking Vivian along and introducing her as my fiancée."This really sucks" I complained, as I typed the message. "Both women are so annoying that I don't even want to do this with either of them" I said, dropping my phone. Mark stood up and made to leave. "Where are you going Mark?" "To my office boss" he said, business-like. "I'm heading to my office, there are important business to attend to and this will surely boost the image of our company."I hissed and stood up. "What
Helen's pov.Seeing him hold her like that makes my blood boil and I grit hard on my teeth. Why is he suddenly protective of her, I thought, and tilted my head to see the man who had made Collins react that way. I inhaled sharply and blew out air with my mouth. He is so cool, something in me beamed excitedly but j waved it away. He's no match for my Collins, I responded inwardly and pouted. Who is he anyway, and where did Vivian know him from? I wondered and saw Collins leaping to his feet, clutching Vivian's hand closely. "Thanks for the dinner" he said and bowed slightly. What's he trying to do? He was trying to walk away in front of the clients? I thought in disbelief and gazed at him. "I appreciate the kind gesture and the present too. I look forward to repaying your kindness. Something urgent came up so we'll take our leave now. Thank you". He said, not looking at me.I scoffed, crazy jerk! I swore at him silently and tightened my fist. I really can't believe he's getting work
Vivian's pov"That was a great meal. Thank you so much for the invitation, we're really grateful, and we promise to continue to offer the best service," Collins said, and smiled. I couldn't take my gaze off him no matter how hard I tried. How on earth can a man be so handsome and, on top of that, the handsome man is the most annoying man I've ever met. I took a slow breath and pretended to laugh along with the rest.The woman brought out a wrapped object and handed it over to Collins. She smiled at him and said "This is a present from us, please accept it. It's our way of congratulating you on winning the contract"I smiled as Collins' face lit, and his face turned into another smile, his dimples forming perfectly. "Thank you so much, we really appreciate this" he said and jerked at Helen. She smiled too and added "Yeah, we're really honored. Thank you. We anticipate another time with you""Yeah sure, more wins" the man said and raised his glass for a toast. Our glasses clicked, and
Chapter Twenty threeVivian's pov.Collins bowed slightly as we got to the table and said "I'm sorry I got late, it was due to circumstances. I truly hope you understand", I scoffed and wanted to punch him in his face. Was I the circumstance? Rude jerk, I said inwardly, and frowned a little. I was still in this state when he added "Allow me to introduce my fiancée to you. Her name is Vivian" and pulled me close.I coughed and suddenly felt a dryness in my throat. "Sorry miss" the man at the table said and added "would you like some water," I nodded and muttered thank you as I gulped the water down my throat. "Such a beautiful woman you've got" the woman complimented, and I almost choked on my water. Collins cast me a glance that seemed to say "comport yourself, you fool."I looked away and muttered "thank you sir""You're welcome" he replied and flashed a smile. "So we were about to place our orders before you came in, now that you're here, shall we do it together?" He said in a wa
Collins pov.I tightened my fists on the wheel as I drove out angrily. I had expected to see Vivian in a sexy dress, just like Anne would have done, but she had stood there looking like an old maid. What the hell was that? I thought as I drove with no place in mind. All I care about right now is to get her an outfit that will match the occasion. She could go to hell after that, I thought, and glanced at her from the rear mirror. Our gazes met and I quickly averted mine. I sighted a boutique in front and pulled up, stepping out immediately. I checked my time, it was 6:40 already, and I have to meet the client by 7. How on earth am I supposed to get to the hotel before 7pm? I fumed as I roughly pulled Vivian out of the car. I grabbed her roughly and dragged her behind me, ignoring the stares as we entered the boutique."Good evening, how may I help you" a young lady asked, smiling at me. I hated the smile and frowned. "I need to get a dress for her" I said and heard Vivian scoff at me.
Vivian's pov."Ta da!" Cynthia exclaimed excitedly, walking me to the mirror. I stood in front of it and admired myself. The flared purple gown fitted me perfectly, and I nodded my head in approval. Cynthia had done justice to my face, and now I looked like a new bride with my stunning makeup. "Trust me Vivian, your man won't be able to take his eyes off you" she replied, sitting on the bed. I smiled and replied "My man? That sounds awkward, Cynthia. I'd rather you call him by his name", I said, winking at her.She rolled her eyes and chipped "Oh, whatever. I'm only jealous right now that you have to be with him while I stay here all by myself"I smiled and replied "It's not a problem dear. I definitely will abandon him and run back home if his nasty attitude pops up at dinner tonight". She gave me a knowing look and smiled. "How about you go to Lucy's place till I return" I suggested, reaching for the black bag Cynthia had selected for me. She laughed and I wondered what was funny
Vivian's povI came into the sitting-rooom, carrying plates and cups. "This is what you've refused to do, I'm done in a blink of an eye" I said, setting the table. I wiped my hands over the apron as I reached out for the plates. Helen hurriedly came to my side and had a sip from her teacup before rushing out. "Where are you off to? You haven't had your meal" I called after her.She hurriedly picked her bag and phone from the table and made for the door. "Sorry Vivian, I have to leave"I was startled. "What? Why? You just said you'd be having breakfast here". She paused at the door and said without turning "Something came up Vivian, can you be a little bit understanding? I'll see you later alright?" She added and stepped out hurriedly.Really? Is she joking? What could be so important that it can't wait till after breakfast? I wondered and poured myself some tea. I reached for the spoon and stirred gently. That was suddenly, I thought and blurted "she could have at least given me a re
Friday. Hours earlier.Collins pov"Are you sure about this?" I asked, spinning my chair round. Mark sat directly in front of me and nodded rapidly. "Sure. Listen, this is just the best thing to do."I hesitated, then sat upright. "Maybe I should do just that" I replied, taking out my phone.As soon as we got to my office, I deliberated the dinner with our client. It's really awkward for me to reach out to Helen, knowing she's interested in me, coupled with the fact that she's on suspension. Mark had suggested taking Vivian along and introducing her as my fiancée."This really sucks" I complained, as I typed the message. "Both women are so annoying that I don't even want to do this with either of them" I said, dropping my phone. Mark stood up and made to leave. "Where are you going Mark?" "To my office boss" he said, business-like. "I'm heading to my office, there are important business to attend to and this will surely boost the image of our company."I hissed and stood up. "What
Vivian's pov.I enjoyed the cool breeze as I walked home in the sun. I checked the time. It was 10:55am. The day is still young, I told myself and walked home smiling. My stomach grumbled and I squeezed it softly. Evelyn ma'am had offered me some snacks earlier, but I had declined the offer. I didn't want to seem like a nuisance to her. What was I thinking? I thought and deeply regretted not accepting the snacks. She must have understood that I meant the opposite of what I said because she displayed the snacks right under my nose as she chewed them all."She's being mean", I scoffed and pouted. I'll make something for breakfast when I get home, I resolved and bounced down the street. Just as I was about to turn to the next street, I heard a familiar voice call my name.Is that not Helen? I thought and glanced back to see her running towards me. I increased my pace and pretended as if I hadn't seen her. "Hey Vivian, you jerk. Why pretend you didn't see me? I've been screaming my lung
Vivian's povWhat was Collins' reaction about? I wondered as Fred drove out. I sat in the back seat and enjoyed the beautiful sight of flowers on the roadside, as he drove carefully. Now that the deal is done, it's time to make preparations for my wedding, I thought.My wedding? I scoffed. That sounded awful. I didn't see myself getting married in three years time, and now I'm about to get married in less than a month? "Oh" I said unconsciously.Fred glanced back at me and asked "Do you need something, ma'am?"I smiled and quickly shook my head. "Of course not. I'm sorry my thoughts were loud"He smiled and said "it's not a problem, ma'am. I'm glad you made this decision."I nodded. "Yeah, it's for the best. Thank you, Fred". He nodded slightly and focused on the road. I let my right hand wander to the place that I had pinned. I fondled the pin and admired the brightness. How sweet of him to have handed me that, I thought and smiled. It had seemed as if he wanted to grab my waist, l