Chapter 3

My mind was occupied with uncertainty as Ben drove silently to the house. I had questions to ask, I badly wanted to know why someone as handsome and influential as Earl would choose to marry a commoner like me.

I have done some research about him, and everything I read showed he was the heir to the DanSan Construction Company, one of the top companies in the United Kingdom.

Even though he lived most of his life abroad, he was always in the news. More like someone was keeping tabs on his activities.

There were pictures of him with different sophisticated women on the internet, in provocative positions. If he could get those types of women, why couldn't he marry someone in his class?

I rubbed my temple and sighed as I stared out of the window. A message popped on my phone screen, and I smiled, seeing that Earl had indeed sent the first payment he promised. I was in it already and the only way to get answers to my questions was to ask him.

Ben drove into a compound and my mouth fell open at the sight of the edifice that seemed like a structure from the stories I have read.

“You can't have a house this big and be humble”

“You said something ma'am?” Ben asked as he drove into the garage.

“Uh no no, not at all” I stammered. I didn't know I said it out loud.

I hurriedly came down from the car while Ben turned around to help with my bag and led me into the house. It took all the willpower in me not to stay back and feed my eyes with the beauty around.

*******

“Welcome Ma'am”

A middle-aged lady I met standing by the door greeted me as I walked into the house, collecting the bag from Ben.

“Uh, thank you” I smiled back

“My name is Eve, please allow me to show you to your room, Mr Earl is currently busy and he will join you immediately after he is done” she smiled

I nodded with a smile and followed her up the stairs.

The hallway was long with doors on both sides. Why so many rooms in a house with few people? I wondered.

I heard a door open close to me and I turned towards the direction. A lady with heavy makeup and a short skirt stepped out and walked towards me.

“So you are the trash Earl decided to use in getting his position at the company? I'm so disappointed in Earl. How could he stoop so low to this?” She eyed disdainfully.

Eve hurried to my side and held my hand.

“I told you you have no place here, Maria! Leave the poor girl alone!” Eve fired at her.

“Shut your mouth, Eve. This is just a sham and Earl will divorce her when he is done using her. Once I become Mrs White, I will make sure you do not get a job anywhere else!”

“That will never happen. You will never become Mrs White because you are nothing but a cheap slut!” Eve responded while trying to keep her voice low.

“Follow me, ma'am, she is not worth your time” Eve pulled my hand and didn't let go until we got to the room prepared for me.

“Who was that?”

“You mean Maria?”

“Yes, what was she talking about?”

“Do not bother your head ma'am….”

“Please call me Venus” I cut in

“I'm sorry, ma'am, I can't call you that because you are Mr Earl’s wife, and I must accord you the same respect.”

I sighed and shook my head.

“So who was that?”

“Maria is Mr Earl's personal assistant, and because they travel together for business trips, she is always posing as his wife. I do not like her one bit, and I am glad Mr Earl has nothing to do with her,” she smiled victoriously.

“But how sure are you? They are always together, you know?” I asked

“I am very sure of it ma'am, Mr Earl might be anything, but he will never have anything intimate to do with his staff because he wouldn't want them to disrespect him or joke with their job”

“So she feels threatened by my presence?”

“Yes, since yesterday after Mr Earl told us about it, she has been acting up. She intentionally came around today to see you. I wish Mr Earl didn't give her so much freedom around the house.”

I smiled and nodded. There was so much to learn about Earl.

“Thank you very much, Eve, you have been so kind and made me feel comfortable”

“Do not mention Mrs White, I am here to serve you and I will make sure you are comfortable here” she smiled again “I'll come back once your food is ready”

I nodded and watched her leave the room.

*******

I heard footsteps down the stairs, but I didn't bother turning to look. Instead, I focused on the food Eve had served me. There was so much to eat and that alone excited me.

“If you eat this way outside, I will have to deny knowing you” Earl spoke as he walked towards the dining table and sat down.

I ignored like I didn't hear him, I was getting used to his rude remarks.

Eve served his food and left.

“Have you been starving before I came to save you?” He asked again and I could feel his eyes on me.

My mouth was filled and all I could do was eye him and continue eating.

“Hey!”

I flinched at the sound of his voice and I choked. Eve ran to my side and gave me water, patting my back till I was calm.

“Look at yourself! If you had not stuffed your mouth like a homeless girl who had not eaten for months, you would not have choked. And when I talk to you, you respond. You understand that?”

“I need to remind you, Earl, that I am not a slave, neither was I homeless when you came to meet me. I might not be as rich as the ladies you sleep around with, but I am worth more than tens of them. The way I eat is none of your business! And if my presence disgusts you so much, why didn't you just marry your kind? Why didn't you marry your P.A.? Uh?!”

He looked at me, stunned, he probably wasn't expecting me to reply to him that way.

I picked up my cutlery and continued eating, I was never going to lose my appetite because of an ill-mannered human.

The whole place was dead silent, except for the sound of the spoon on the ceramic plate. Until he spoke.

“You will be meeting the board members of my father's company tomorrow. I need you to behave yourself, or this whole marriage will be over, and you will refund me.”