Chapter 7

Lucinda's POV;

I knocked on the door and waited for Mr Ackerman's permission to enter. When I heard  a "Come in" from inside I pushed it open, stepped into the large room, and closed the door behind me. He hadn't looked up from his laptop when I had entered, so I took that as my cue to start talking. "Mr Ackerman," I said. When he didn't reply, I continued, "You called for me?" 

When he finally did look up at me, his eyebrows were raised in surprise. "Yes, come sit down,'' He set aside his laptop and said, "My grandfather is very hard to convince." As I took the seat across from him he added, "So we should tell him a story which will convince him.Listen to me, stop me if something seems off."  I raised my eyebrows in question. After an uncomfortable silence, he elaborated, "We met because your brother is one of my clients and while having a company dinner with him, I met you accidentally."

"Mr Ackerman, I don't have a brother. And, I don't understand what you're talking about."

"We can't tell grandfather that I got married to get the shares and we'll only be together for three years on a contract basis. If he knows that, he won't give me access to the family property so we're going to tell him a story to make him believe in our marriage. You and I didn't meet in the club. As I said earlier, You and I met because of your brother. Since we got clicked, we went on many dates and started dating for six months. Since your brother didn't accept our relationship and forced you to send overseas, we got married quickly. Is this story believable enough?" He finished talking and stared expectantly.  

I stared back for a few seconds before saying, "Well, yes, yes it is. But-" 

"Then let's get to it," he interrupted. "Tell me about yourself so that I'll be prepared when he asks me."

"What do you want to know about me? Didn't I say that about me that day?"

"Like your favourite song?"

"I don't have any." 

"Your dream? Your hobby?"

I considered that.  "I like gardening but I couldn't since I lived in a small house and it was too hot most of the time, and I don't like playing games. I like reading though.'' 

"Ok. Likes gardening and reading. Hates playing games.", Mr Ackerman scribbled something onto his paper.  "Do you drink coffee or tea?"

"Not really, just water."

he scribbled some more and then asked, "What's your talent?"

"Mrs Smith tells me I cook well."

A small smile appeared on Mr Ackerman's face. "I know. Anything else?"

"I'm good at drawing. Mrs Smith saw my drawing and asked me to design the backdrop for the play she organised in the club."

"What's your astrological sign?"

"Leo."

he smiled and asked, "What is your love language?"

"Huh?"

"We have been lovers before we got married so we should know about each other well."

"I haven't been in love so I don't know what my love language is."

"Where did we go on our first date?"

"how would I know that if we didn't go?"

He thought for a while and said, "A beach date. it'll be perfect."

"Didn't you say you hate crowding? do you think he'll believe it if you say we went to the beach on our first date?"

"Agreeable. We'll have to plan it carefully."

"How about a lunch date at a private restaurant?"

"Sounds good. Then, who proposed who?" 

"Me. I was the one who asked you to marry me since I liked your personality and how passionate you were about business and stuff. I wasn't sure if you loved me but you always talked about us being 'in love'. so i decided to take the leap and ask."

he nodded. "And I agreed to it. Well done, lucy. This story will be great! he'll definitely believe this. I hope he does!"

I stood up from the chair and said, "I'll go get ready then."  

I left the room and closed the door behind me. His question doesn't seem like it will be asked from an old person. Was he asking it for himself? Or did he have an ulterior motive? No, he loves his company so he's doing it for his company. It makes sense. We have to make his grandfather convinced because if only he believes us, he'll give the family property to Mr Ackerman and I'll get my money. As a first step, let's dress up in something good to wear.

- -- - -- -

After taking a quick shower, I put on some makeup and headed downstairs. Mr Ackerman was waiting for me by the front door. "Was I late?" I asked as I approached him. 

"No, no. I just came. Ready to leave?" 

"Yeah." I looked around the house and asked, "Where's Lance?"

"I asked him to leave." and he exited the house. 

I followed after him and got into the car with him. I didn't notice at first but as we drove I realised that there weren't any cars coming or going on the road, and nobody was walking anywhere either. In fact, no traffic ever existed. That isn't unusual, since most people live in the suburbs. We passed houses which appeared abandoned due to neglect, and lots and lots of trees that grew out of control, blocking the view of the sky above them. 

Mr Ackerman, "And Don't call me Mr Ackerman in front of my grandfather. Just call me Tyler. I feel like we are on a first name basis anyway as I call you Lucy. Moreover, calling me Mr Ackerman doesn't relate to the story we made up."

"Sure."

The rest of the drive, neither of us spoke. Mr Ackerman pulled into the driveway of one of those huge estates that had the gates wide open and we walked side by side towards the gate. A tall man standing next to the gate, dressed smartly, bowed slightly.  "Welcome home, sir."

Mr Ackerman greeted him back and gestured me forwards. "This is my wife, Lucy,"  He added. The guy held out his hand and I shook it. The guy turned around and faced Mr Ackerman again, saying, "She looks lovely, sir."

"We're here to meet grandfather." 

"He's waiting for your arrival too, Sir. Follow me please." he led us through the massive garden, to where the stairs lead up. Mr Ackerman held out his hand like asking something from me.

"What is it?" I asked him. 

"Hold my hand." 

"Why should I?" 

He rolled his eyes at me and sighed. "Because we're married and we should act like one." 

I grabbed his hand and let him guide me up the stairs. When we reached the top he knocked on the door a few times until someone answered.

The older man opened the door and gave us a once over before asking "I couldn't believe I got to know your marriage through the news instead of you. I was mad when I heard about it but I couldn't anymore after seeing you in front of me." the old guy gave Mr Ackerman a hug and asked while pointing towards me, "Is this your wife?" 

"Yes, grandfather." Tyler replied.  

"It's a pleasure to meet you." the old man said and then looked past Mr Ackerman and straight at me. He said, "Lucy, welcome." He motioned Mr Ackerman in and closed the door behind us. 

"This must be confusing for you, but I am happy you're marrying my grandson." 

I didn' bother replying as i kept my mouth shut. Mr Ackerman seemed to have read my mind because he gave me a reassuring smile. 

The old man gestured me inside. "Come inside, dear." 

Once I entered the living room I saw several large paintings hung on the wall and a big sofa with a table and two chairs. There was also a piano in the corner and a few pieces of music were on it. It all made me feel quite at ease.

"Please have a seat."

"Thanks."

"Tea?" The old man offered and asked us, "Do you need anything? Coffee? Tea? Lemon drops?"

Before I answered, Mr Ackerman said, "She only prefers water."  

The old man gave him a look and sat down next to me. "I've told the servants to prepare your dinner so eat before you leave."

"Yes, grandfather." Mr Ackerman said. 

"So who proposed who?" The old man asked.

Mr Ackerman told him the story he made up. After listening to it, the old guy looked like he was convinced somehow. But his answer took me a bit by surprise. He said, "That's pretty convincing, but it still needs work. Let's wait for a year and see how your marriage works out." 

His words made me smile because he just sounded like Mr Ackerman. Not wonder they're related. The old guy found it as soon as he heard it. 

The old guy asked me, "I wonder how you end up marrying him. He only cares about his company and profits. How did he find time to date you?"

I smiled and said, "Well, I liked his profile when I saw him. Later I liked his passion for his company and how much he loves it so I wanted to spend more time with him because his dedication to it makes him seem interesting.  And besides, he's handsome."

Mr Ackerman stared at me without blinking his eyes while I was talking about him to the old guy. 

The old guy chuckled and told me, "Alright, lucy. You win. I'm not going to argue against your proposal." He turned to Mr Ackerman and said, "I have some things to look after so I'll finish it up first and then I'll give you your shares."

Mr Ackerman didn't reply to him and was still looking at me. 

the old guy said to me, "Tell him what I said." He stood up and said, "Eat before you leave." and left. 

I shook Mr Ackerman saying, "Mr Ackerman!"

When he returned back to reality, he asked, "Where's grandfather? Where did he go?"

"He left."

"What did he say about the shares?"

"He said he'll think about it after a year. looks like our story didn't convince him well."

"Alright, a year is not a big deal for me since I waited more than that. Don't worry about the debt, I'll take care of it."

After we ate dinner at the old guy's house, we headed to Mr Ackerman's house. While driving he asked me, "You talked better than we discussed. I was impressed. When did you prepare it?"

"I just talked about what came to my mind. And, it's not entirely made up. Some of them are true."

"Which part? is it the part where you mentioned me as handsome?"

I chuckled and said, "Maybe."

"Hey! That means you don't agree with it, right??" He teased and laughed too.

"Well... I don't know if i can agree with it. You seem like someone I shouldn't waste my time on and not give a damn about. Why would I care about your opinion?" 

His face darkened as he heard what I said. Did I say anything wrong? I leaned my head on the window and started watching the scenery outside passing by slowly.

After a couple minutes, he cleared his throat, trying to break the silence.  "... So, you like my company..? That's good." 

We came to the house, when i was about to get out of the car, he stopped me and said, "Since grandfather didn't believe us entirely then let's make him."

"How?"

"You and I are going to stick together from now on. We're going to attend every family gathering, events together. Above all, you're coming to the company with me tomorrow."

"I didn't even finish my school. How do you think I'll work with you?"

"Just be my secretary. you don't have to do anything at the office. Just stay beside me and follow my instructions. got it?"

"Okay. if that's what makes him believe. I'll do it."

"And it's only when people are around, you can be yourself when we're alone. Just don't show your true emotions in front of others. If you do that you're bound to lose their trust in you. So try to be the perfect wife."

"Okay. Sounds easy enough to me."

'Only until I get what I want, then everything will turn out how it should be.'

Inside the house, when I tried to go to my room, Mr Ackerman called out my name, "Lucy!"

"Yeah?"

"I forgot to tell you earlier that you look good in that gown. Good night." With that, he rushed to his room.