Chapter 2

Lucinda's p.o.v;

The next day, 

"When will we get married?" Mr Ackerman asked me as I was served the drinks at the bar.

"What about the contract I asked you? Did you prepare it?"

He put a piece of paper on the tray and said, "Aren't you a little rude? You looked so nice when you served me drinks, but now you look like a completely different person." 

I handed the contract back to him and said, "Then go find someone you like." 

He gave the contract again and said, "To be honest, I like a little rudeness." As I looked at the contract, he continued, "I forgot to ask you. Do you have a boyfriend?" 

"Don't you think it's too late to ask? And would I be willing to marry you if I had a boyfriend?" 

"So no boyfriend. Then are you seeing anyone?" 

"No." 

"What about your ex-boyfriends? How much have you had?" 

"I didn't have time for those things." 

"Are you saying you've never been in love?" 

"Why are you suddenly so interested in my love life?" 

"It's nothing wrong that I know about the person I'm marrying, right? Haven't you fallen in love with anyone yet?" 

"No." 

"What's your type?" 

"Why do you want to know that?" 

"I'm just curious to know your type because you've been single all your life." 

"People like me have no preference if they have nothing, Mr Ackerman." I handed the contract back to him and said, "I'm fine with my terms and conditions." 

"And there is one more thing. How much does your father owe?" 

"Why do you ask me? Didn't you do a background check on me?" 

"I did. But I didn't get every detail of your father's debt, because he contracted with almost every hater in town." 

"Originally it was thirty million dollars, but due to overdue it was raised to fifty million now." 

"Okay. I will prepare a proper contract and we have the signing tomorrow at my place." 

"Can't I sign now?" 

He pointed to the contract and said, "It's just a copy. Tomorrow you will sign the original contract at my place.” 

"I don't know where your house is."

"I'll send a car." He paid for the drinks and said, "See ya tomorrow." And left the club. 

I let out a sigh and continued working. 

The next day, 

Without a second thought, I got in the car Mr Ackerman sent for me and made my way to his house. I still couldn't believe how I made up my mind to marry him. Well, not like I really had a choice anymore did I? Mr Ackerman was right about one thing though. Even if I work several jobs at the time, I cannot pay the debt that my father left me. Fifty million dollars is a really big amount to me. No more being a waitress, no more making it from paycheck to paycheck. My life has never been anything other than hard, but now... I have a chance to change that. So I must marry Mr Ackerman. Not only is he rich, but he seems nice too.

An hour later, the car stopped in front of a white house with blue curtains covering the windows. My nerves got worse by the minute as I walked to the door. My hands felt cramped inside my purse. I looked down at my shoes and wondered if they were even clean enough to walk into Ackerman's home and meet his parents. I'm just a waitress who serves drinks at some nightclub. This was a big deal for me, I shouldn’t be this nervous! My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. 

When the door swung open, I was surprised by what I saw in front of me. Two men stood there looking at me. One was tall, handsome and wearing a tux. His skin colour was tan and his hair was long. He had the typical American good looks. The other man standing next to him was taller, darker and looked more like an Asian version of him. His skin colour was light brown, his hair curly and black and styled in a side part. They both smiled warmly at me which put me at ease. My hands suddenly felt less sweaty as I greeted them. "Good morning."

The man in front gave a kind smile "Good Morning to you, young lady, my name is Daniel and this is Levi. We have been waiting for you. Please come in." 

I took that opportunity to enter their home. It looked very expensive, very modern and modernist at once. In fact, everything looked new. The floors were polished wood, the walls were white, even the carpets seemed brand new and clean. And yet… there were things that seemed off about them. There weren’t any pictures hanging on the wall, or paintings on the wall. Or furniture. No decoration whatsoever anywhere in the entire house. 

As I entered further into the house, my eyes landed on the fireplace. I noticed a small table in front of the fireplace. On top of it was a picture frame containing three people in it. They all looked so young…like kindergarten kids maybe.  

Daniel offered me a seat and said, "We don't often have visitors, so when we saw the notice on the door that you were coming, we were excited." He then sat down next to me and continued, "Tell us your first impression of our home." 

"It's beautiful." I said. It was then my stomach growled loudly. 

Both Levi and Daniel chuckled at that.

Levi then asked, "So are you the one who's going to marry Tyler?"

I nodded in response and answered, "Yes, I am." 

The two of them looked quite satisfied with my answer. 

Levi continued, "You do look beautiful just like he described. I thought he was bragging about you, but we were wrong…" 

Before Levi finishes, "Didn't I ask you to leave already? Why are you still here?" A voice came from behind me. All of us turned around and saw Mr Ackerman in the doorway. 

I stood up as soon as I saw him walking towards me. His appearance shocked me. He looked so much younger with the way he dressed and styled himself. He wore a black blazer, grey shirt tucked inside and a white silk tie. His short blonde hair was styled neatly and his beard trimmed. He was dressed casually but elegantly. But most importantly, he looked cool!

Daniel asked me, "You look young. How old are you?"

"Nineteen."

Mr Ackerman asked them, "Aren't you guys leaving?"

Daniel and Levi let out a sigh which I could clearly hear. 

Mr Ackerman looked at me and said, "Follow me."

Levi, "Where are you taking her already?   Don't you want to introduce us first?"

Mr Ackerman ignored his question and led me to a room. 

As we reached Mr Ackerman's study he motioned for me to sit while he closed the door.   After he sat down opposite of me, he said, "Now, shall we get to the important part?" He took out the contract paper and gave it to me saying, "Sign wherever your name is mentioned." 

I signed the paper as soon as I got it from him without taking a look since I already read it back in the club. He took the document and said, "Now that this is over we should start getting acquainted. Do you have any questions for me?" 

I hesitated before answering. I wasn't sure what to say. Was I supposed to ask him questions about his family members? His business? His past lovers? What's next? The future of our marriage? I decided to avoid all of those questions. After staring at his face for a few seconds, I said, "Well Mr Ackerman, I don't have any questions for you. Inform me once the wedding plans have been finalised. I'll take my absence right now. Have a great day." 

I grabbed my bag and started walking towards the door. Just as I was about to turn the doorknob, Mr Ackerman called my name.  "Lucy…" That's the first time I heard him calling me using my nickname. 

When I looked at him, he looked serious while asking me, "How are you finding the place?" I froze, my hand resting on the knob. Where was he going with this? "If you don't like anything in this house, don't hesitate to tell me. I'll find someone to fix anything you may hate since you're going to live here after marriage. Alright?" 

I stared at him, still confused. Then I finally understood where this conversation was heading. "That won't be necessary. This place is already out of my league, Mr Ackerman." And I walked out of Mr Ackerman's house.