Chapter Nine

~Lucy’s Pov~

~Next morning~

The sounds of the alarm woke me from my deep sleep. I was reluctant to get out of bed to stop the alarm. My eyelids knew I didn't want to get up just yet. My body felt so heavy to lift off the bed but I managed to stop the alarm on my phone.

Looking through my room I realized the mess I made yesterday night. I couldn't even remember what I was searching for.

My eyes flashed to the envelope my best friend, Maya mailed. It contained 6 notes of 50-dollar bills. I was beyond grateful to her. This would cover for the week and even more.

But then I remembered the confession I made to her. She was the only one I could trust with that information. But what now? I signed the papers already, I couldn't let my mom die because of my ego or desire for love before marriage. It was just for a year, I can do it.

I picked up the contract file and glanced through it again,

“Lucy, I hope you're making the right decision, Just a year…., but what if I lose myself in it?… What if a year changes everything?“ I muttered to myself.

I searched for the card his lawyer gave me from my black handbag, so I could ask for directions to meet.

I quickly dialed the number and someone picked up. I panicked not knowing what to say. Fortunately, a voice came through.

“Hello?” a male voice responded.

“Ermm hello… is this. Drey Jackson?” I asked, my voice shaking.

“No this is Lawyer Williams” he corrected.

“This is Lucy. I have signed the contract and I wanted to….” I felt very nervous, my palms started to sweat.

Silence stretched between us and for a moment I thought he hung up. Then….

“Oh… just send your address to the number and a ride is going to come pick you up,” he stated firmly, his voice sharp and elegant.

I was cut off from the call, my heart racing but I quickly got a grip of myself.

“Omg Lucy this is real, you're getting married to Drey Jackson, a man you know nothing about other than his rudeness but he can completely change your life.” I swallowed hard, my throat becoming dry.

************

A chic black Bentley was parked outside in less than two hours. It attracted a lot of attention with its shiny surface gleaming under the sun making me shield my eyes.

The engine sound was low, sending a split shiver down my spine. I have never seen such a luxurious car up close before, let alone inside one.

I did my best to look elegant, after all, if I was going to be married to a billionaire I could at least look the part.

I was dressed in a sexy red slit dress which snatched my figure perfectly, with a black handbag where I put the contract file and black heels that gave me just the right amount of height.

I had put on a little makeup to brighten up my face. I styled my hair in a messy bun which was my go-to hairstyle and I always looked good in it.

The driver stepped out and unlocked the door for me, my lips curled up into a smirk. “ Oh, princess treatment already? I hit the jackpot.” I chuckled, slipping inside with excitement.

**************

In no time, we got the company. The car was parked at the garage, it was a private garage filled with different luxury cars. I opened my mouth in awe as I stepped out of the Bentley.

The driver shot me a judgemental gaze, his expressions unreadable which made me uncomfortable.

I adjusted my posture and cleared my throat.

“Please…., this way.” The driver instructed me, pointing his hand to show me the direction.

“Thank you” I gave a little courtesy and instantly regretted it. I walked behind him with pride, trying to shake off some little tension.

We moved into the elevator and were heading to the 7th floor. I took slow breaths as I noticed my tension rising gradually. The elevator chimed and slowly opened.

I tried hard to keep up with him because his steps were bigger. The office space extended endlessly, its sleek glass walls putting forth a cinematic view of the city skyline, making me feel both amazed and trivial."

We got to the entrance of an office which I presumed was the CEOs’

The driver and I walked into the office. My blood pressure rose and my palms started to sweat as I clenched my fingers into a fist.

I wished the ground would swallow me up.

“You can do this Lucy, you can't afford to mess this up,” I whispered to myself.

I had rehearsed my speech a thousand times but getting here, my mind went blank at the threshold of my fate.

And there he was, sitting on his chair discussing with two other men. I caught his gaze and my heart dropped.

“What are you wearing?” he asked, chuckling a bit.

Heat crept up my neck hearing those words, the two other men turned to me also with judgy eyes.

Drey approached me, spreading his arms to embrace me. Laughter danced in Drey’s eyes, but there was nothing funny about this moment—not to me.

“Where are your bridesmaids?…. Oh, and you forgot the ring bearer” he mocked. I turned away from the hug, trying to adjust the strap of my red dress.

The other two men looked at me with pity. “Oh c'mon guys don't look at me that way. She's ready to get married and I was only asking important questions.”

“Am I here just to be humiliated or are we doing this or not?” I muttered sharply, staring straight into his eyes.

“There! That's why I chose her, she's outspoken and confident, the perfect woman for the show!” Drey muttered while facing the two men seated.

“Hello, Miss Lucy please come have your seat we've been waiting for you,” one of the men politely offered.

I went to have my seat gracefully. “Thank you sir” I thanked him.

“My name is James Michaelson and I believe you must have met Lawyer Williams,” he said and I nodded in agreement.

“Enough of the pleasantries, hand over the papers,” Drey instructed me as he took his seat opposite us. His voice is smooth yet intimidating.

Drey leaned back in his chair, his fingers running through his slick hair. His suit was tailored to perfection, giving him a silhouette look, his superior aura hovered in the room. Even his smirk felt like a calculated move.

I

My fingers shivered slightly as I reached into my bag, brushing through the smooth leather as I searched for the contract.

My breath hitched when I felt… nothing.

Panic swelled in me. I searched deeper, checking every enclosure, my heart pounding louder with each passing second.

No. No. No.

This is not happening.

Drey raised a brow, amusement flickering in his sharp gaze. “Something wrong, Lucy?”

I gulped hard, my throat completely dry.

I forced a fearful smile, my voice barely above a whisper.

“I… I think I left the contract at home.” Silence filled the room.

Then Drey let out a slow, humorless chuckle, leaning back in his chair.

“Well,” he spoke, his tone eerily calm. “That’s… unfortunate.”

I didn’t miss the flicker of something dark in his eyes—something dangerous.

And just like that, I knew… I had made a terrible mistake.