Who Else Knew?

CHAPTER THREE

Abraham's POV

“Get married or get ready to watch your wealth be taken away from you.”

The words that echoed in my mind as I offered Daniella a contract marriage. I had never thought I would meet her again but I did. And seeing how desperate she was to get money from me changed my view about her.

I had initially found her very attractive, which was really odd as I had never felt attracted to any woman since Carissa died. My wife's death created a scar in my heart, one that bled every night I slept with strippers.

However, something about the night I spent with Daniella was different. I didn't feel the pain, infact it felt strangely right. And despite arranging for a stripper to sleep with, I couldn't resist Daniella's charm.

I thought she was a hookup girl like the other ladies so I left her some money alongside my address. I really wanted to see her again but I also didn't want to be too forward with it.

Daniella only came to find me because she needed money. This made me feel bad but I still wanted to help, hence the need for a contract marriage. After all, I was in search of a wife and she was in search of money.

My brother who was supposed to work with me to increase the family's fortune was turning against me in his quest for power.

And according to the family's customs, married men were more capable of handling the family's wealth as their marriage showed a great deal of responsibility.

Andrew tried so hard to remove me from being the heir of the Duke's fortune, that too, because he was married. Thankfully, Uncle Joe, the family elder stated that the removal wouldn't be possible until after a year due to Carissa's death.

But a year had run down to seventy two hours and if I didn't get married within this time frame, Andrew would take over.

So as much as Daniella needed to save her father, I needed to save my birthright.

Daniella agreed to the contract marriage and she moved into my apartment. My mansion at Green Estate was just a temporary residence– a place where Uncle Joe has instructed me to stay until I found a wife.

And now that I found one, it was finally time to go home. The black SUV pulled over in front of a two storey mansion.

I turned to Daniella with a small smile, “Let's go, wife.”

“Umm..I don't think I want to go in.” Daniella hesitated.

I lifted a brow, “Isn't it too soon to back out?”

Daniella curled her straight black hair behind her ears, “No, I'm not backing out. I just.. I don't think I'd fit in. They won't accept me.”

A small smirk crept upon my lips, “You seem to have forgotten that you're mine now. They wouldn't dare mistreat my wife.”

I meant every word I said. I was deeply attracted to her and I wanted to make her mine forever.

Daniella walked with me into the mansion and the moment the workers spotted me, they informed everyone of my arrival.

My family members trooped in from different corners of the house. My home hadn't changed one bit—it was nothing short of luxurious with intricate designs that made it look like a small palace.

“Abraham, you're–back?” My mother inquired with teary eyes.

A small smile played across my lips as I pulled her in for a tight embrace.

“Oh wow, look who remembered home. Took you long enough!” A high pitched tone cut disrupted my moment with my mother.

My brows furrowed when I spotted the chubby brown haired lady with a sly smile on her face.

“Natasha, stop that! He just arrived.” My mother scolded my annoying little sister as she stroked my arm.

“Oh no. She can say whatever she wants. I also have a few things to say to her.” I retorted.

Natasha crossed her arms, “We almost thought you were dead.”

“Well, as you can see I'm alive and considering how eager you are to pick a fight with me, I must say you missed me the most.”

Natasha rolled her eyes, “That's a lie!”

“I think that's true. I had seen Natasha in your bedroom, she was going through your belongings!” My mother added and Natasha's face split with shock.

“Mother! Don't be a snitch. I wasn't in his bedroom because I missed him, I was checking if he stole my book.”

The room soon broke out in laughter and the only person who wasn't smiling was Daniella. Apparently, she was still feeling nervous about the whole thing.

The clicking of shoes soon echoed in the hall and everyone's attention was diverted to the stairs.

My father was approaching and like always, the room fell silent.

“Abraham. It's so good to see you.” My father greeted me with a curt nod and his hands clasped behind his back.

I nodded in response, “Thank you father.”

My father's expression turned icy, ‘I hope you remember the condition.”

“Yes, I do. I am now a married man, father.” I declared and the room broke out in a soft gasp.

Following my statement, I walked back towards Daniella, wrapping my arms around her waist.

“Here's my wife.”

The next few minutes were filled with introductions between Daniella and my family members.

From the smile on her face and her relaxed brows, I could tell she was starting to feel better and this made me feel good. I loved that my family accepted her.

We were just about heading to our bedroom when I spotted my nephew talking to a worker.

With Daniella's hand in mine, I walked towards him to introduce her.

“Daniella, meet my nephew, Jonathan Brooks.”

Jonathan spun around and the moment Daniella's eyes met his, Daniella's eyes widened in terror. Both of them locked eyes for what seemed like eternity.

This left one question surging through my mind…

Did they know each other?

“Abraham isn't married!” A voice thundered from the stairs before I could finish processing my thoughts.