Chapter Three ~ Gold digger

Liam

I stare at the message that Dad had sent and I shake my head in disbelief. This is his way of punishing me? By finding me a gold-digging whore to marry?

I laugh at how ridiculous this whole thing is. I assaulted an officer for putting his hands on me, I should be defended but because I’m a son who has lost his way, it doesn’t matter what I fucking do. I’m always at fault.

Anger seethes through me as I stare at the picture he had attached to the message. She stares back at me with her big brown eyes and I already hate her. The fact that she looks so innocent makes my blood boil. 

My last scandal caused a worse stir and he said nothing. But I knew Dad would not ignore it this time, but marriage?

Especially when he knows what kind of betrayal and pain “she” left me in. 

This is a stretch and being threatened with being stripped of my position if I don’t cooperate makes me grind my teeth in irritation. 

“Sir, the engagement party will be starting soon and you are expected to be early because the media and other families will be present,” Jake says and I roll my eyes.

“Sometimes I wonder who you work for. Is it me or my father?” I ask without hiding the irritation in my voice but the fucker has been with me for so long that it means nothing to him. 

Sometimes I even doubt if he has any feelings. I wish I was like that too because all I have inside me is anger and pain. 

“The car is ready.”  He responds instead, ignoring my question and I lazily walk downstairs. 

This is going to be hell. 

Only that, I am the one who was going to stir it. I vowed never to be in “that position” again.

And I intend to keep that promise.

Emily 

“So soon?” I stare back at him after having signed the contract. 

He stands up and opens his curtains and turns back to me with a warm smile on his face which makes me trust him despite the rush in my bones, ‘’Yes. The company is in trouble and even though we took down the articles, the board is still planning on dismissing my son and I can’t have that.’’ 

‘’So the engagement party is tomorrow?’’ I ask even though I heard him the first time. It was for me to digest the news I had just received.

‘’Yes. Also, don’t worry about what to wear. I will send you the address and you just need to come as you are.’’ He assures me with his usual warm smile which I return. 

‘’Okay,’’ I respond as I stand to take my contract and head out the door when he stops me in the tracks.

‘’You can’t tell anyone about this Emily. Not even Liam or your family.’’ He warns me and I force another smile when all I want to do is curl up and cry.

Who would even believe me? They would probably think worse of me than they will tomorrow when those pictures go out. 

‘’I know.’’ is all I can say and he nods in acknowledgment.

I return to the hospital and time is a blur only this time, my heart is at peace as I hold Dad’s hands who is still unconscious.

The balance was paid and the operation has been successful. It’s shocking what money can do. 

I signed the contract a few hours ago and he has been operated on already. 

It was all worth it after all. I smile with tears in my eyes. He was generous enough to pay before the engagement so I know, I can’t disappoint him.

A soft knock makes me turn as Aunty Melan walks in and I run to give her a warm hug. I missed her, "Silly girl. Why didn’t you call me?’’ She pinches my cheeks and I smile through the tears.

I hate that she had to leave her own family to take care of us but we had no choice especially with my exams coming up soon.

And your marriage. A little voice adds but I shut it down.

“How were you able to pay the bills? This place is very expensive and you’re not yet working.’’ She adds in question and my heart is pounding as I come up with a lie.

“Mum had left some savings for my school.’’ I lie with a straight face.

Who have I become to easily deceive people?

“ I will try to push for my money so I can help with your school fees next term.’’ She promises as she takes a seat next to Dad.

I’m not sure if she believed me or not but she doesn’t ask or call me out. 

“You can go ahead and study. I’ll watch over your father.’’ She smiles and I hug and kiss her goodbye as I walk back home. 

I didn't think Richingard would make the payment before the engagement, now that he has, it’s only right that I fulfill my end of the deal. 

Maybe his son will be as kind as him and the tabloids have been wrong. People post anything for money these days.

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

The next morning, I find myself sitting in a hotel room as the make-up artist works her magic on me. My mind is all over the place but one thing is for sure, I feel so out of place. It's the first time that someone has ever done my makeup worse off, being in a hotel room. 

‘’We are done.’’ says the lady whose name I have learned is Kylie. 

They have done such a great job that I can barely recognize myself. My brown hair has been done up in curls which fall slightly on my face as the rest of the hair is pinned up. 

I'm given a red dress to wear and it goes all the way to the floor as it hugs me like a second skin. 

My father would faint if he saw me like this. I laugh to myself. 

Jake stands by the door as he waits and guides me silently to the room where the engagement is being held. 

When we reach it, I'm in awe. The man has outdone himself. 

It's certainly not a small gathering. People who look so wealthy stand and continue to chat in low voices until I walk in. All eyes turn to me as my heart starts to beat so fast I feel like I will fall. 

Without realizing it, a big arm pulls me into an embrace and I look up to see the most handsome man I have ever laid eyes on. Yes, I have seen him in pictures but they did not do him any justice. 

Blue eyes, perfect hair, a chiseled face, and a huge body. My breath gets caught as blood rushes to my cheeks. I am still recovering from shock when he whispers in my ear, 

‘’I know your type. Gold-digging slut! I don’t know how you convinced my father, but you better crawl back to whatever shit hole you came from before I ruin you.’’