CHAPTER THREE

KATIE’S POV

Barely ten hours ago, Axel had informed me of the wedding being fixed to take place in five days during breakfast. The words rolled off his tongue so casually that one would assume he wasn’t the one who just offered me money to leave his Father last night. Thoughts of how there could be more to what was going on in this family grasped my mind and filled it with black clouds and loud bangs as it threatened to rain confusion.

In the end, I concluded that I was finding my way out tonight. There was absolutely no way I was going to walk down the aisle with a male that was twice my age.

A low sound echoed from the metal door, and my eyes trailed towards it. It sounded again until it was eventually pushed open, his thick legs making their way gently towards me.

“What do you want?” The words made their way out quickly as my back found comfort in the wall, the yellow duvet serving as armour around my chest.

“Don’t be scared. I won’t hurt you.” Maverick said calmly, but who was I to put my trust in the words of another stranger?

“That doesn’t answer my question.” I snapped at him.

The sharpness of my tongue had always been my protector and guide from harm. Growing up, most called me rude and repulsive, but life had taught me how to hold my ground firmly beneath my tiny feet and make a difference.

A soft rumble escaped from his dried lips before his butt hit the edge of the bed, causing it to make a squeak.

“You remind me of my late wife. So bold and courageous.” He informed, and a thin line caressed his lips again.

My eyes shot out as an unsettled feeling sank into the depths of my stomach, sending warnings to my body. But I gave him no response.

“I know you probably hate me.” He paused, his eyes holding mine. Even though it caused me to stiffen, I don’t look away. “I know you obviously don’t want to get married. Not to an old man, after all.” He inhaled deeply as thoughts of which direction he was headed clouded my mind. “But I need you to help me. I need you to marry me.” He completed, and a low scoff made its way past my parched throat.

“And why would I want to do that?” I threw at him.

It was criminal enough that I was sold and bought against my wish, but there was no way I was doing this. Absolutely no way.

“Because…I’m dying.” He dropped the bombshell, and my vision blurred twice as my lashes made their way down and then up.

The words echoed in my head, yet it sounded baseless to me.

“I refuse to believe that.” I came clear, and his head moved upward and downward.

“I wasn’t expecting you to believe that easily.” He responded, his once Grey eyes now filled with sadness, causing it to darken. “I have cancer. We found out a few months ago, and the doctor…he said I have just six months to go.” He paused to laugh softly while a mild pain spread through my heart. “Don’t blame them. They just want to see their father happy until the day of his death.” He added, his eyes getting darker with each word.

I found myself believing every word he said. Even though I pitied him, I doubted that I was willing to push ahead with this.

“I’m sorry, I can’t…” My words trailed off the second his palm wrapped around mine warmly, sending my body to jerk up.

“Please, before you say no, please hear me out.” He pleaded. “It’s just for six months, and after that, I promise you that you can get your freedom. I also won’t touch you. No physical touch, nothing. Whatever it is, it will be nothing but a facade.” He stopped to force on another smile.

My eyes trailed from his to his palm, and watched him immediately pull it back while muttering an apology.

“I just want to see them happy. If this makes them happy, then I want to go ahead with it. I have…I can’t die knowing that I couldn’t grant them their last wish, which is a happy family. I can’t….” His voice broke gently, and I watched his eyes glitter with eyes.

My heart-wrenching at the sight of how much he loved them.

“But you can literally marry anyone else?” I questioned, and he gave me a nod before raising his head to look my way again.

“I tried. No one wants to marry a dying man.” He joked, but I could tell that his voice was laced with pain.

As I watched him battle with his toughest spirits, I couldn’t bring myself to say no again. After all, it was just for six months, and then I would get my freedom. Plus, refusing would result in being sold again, and I couldn’t bear that.

“Just six months and no physical touch?” I raised a brow to confirm.

“Yes. Who knows, I might die sooner.” He responded, causing me to pin my lips together.

“We have a deal then,” I informed and watched his fading Grey eyes returning with a little ounce of life and a touch of hope.

Even though I knew this was at the expense of my happiness.

****

“We meet again.” I heard a familiar voice say, causing me to turn around to look his way.

My heart skipped a beat at the sight of how gripping he looked.

Pulling my eyes away from him, I stared back into the space. I had gotten down early for dinner, and I couldn’t understand why. It could probably be because I was on the verge of breaking down from the thrill. That had to be the best explanation for why I couldn't sleep a wink all day nor was I able to do anything productive.

It wasn't like I did anything in the house. However, I had so many questions that needed answers reeling in my mind. However, I didn't think this was the right time to ask Maverick.

Knowing that he was going to die any time soon must be so agonizing for him and I wondered how he always managed to put on a smile.

My mouth felt dry all of a sudden, but I didn’t move or blink.

“Hi.” I greeted briefly.

“Ouch!” He exclaimed as he continued to make his way towards me. “Putting up an act again?” He asked, and I rolled my eyes.

“That makes the two of us.” I snapped and watched his brow raise for some seconds before it returned to its position.

“So, did you make up your mind yet?” He asked and immediately leaned in closer. “What’s your prize?” He added, a smirk on his face.

His offer was so good that it seemed like the best option, but I doubted that I wanted to take any favours from someone like him. Also, I made a promise to Maverick.

I squeezed a smile on.

“I would prefer you address me well, Axel. Remember, I’m your stepmother.” I threw at him and watched him scoff.

Bitterness spreading to the back of my throat from having to call myself that. Never did I think I would be in a position yet I refused to be disrespected and reduced to nothing.

“So you are picking him? Guess you are cheap after all.” He mocked, and immediately, I felt a burning rage soar higher inside of me.

My palm was itching in an urge to connect with his face like a puzzle.

“Mind your words!” I warned sternly and watched his smirk grow bigger.

“What do you intend to do if I don’t?” He dared and I could tell that he meant trouble, and trouble he shall get.

I understood that he bought me, but he was overstepping his boundaries, plus I hated two-faced people. Pretending to be nice in front of his dying Father and acting like a monster behind him felt disgusting.

“You are disgusting,” I confessed and watched his lips twitch as he attempted to say something. I was ready to take it heads on with him.

“You came?” I heard a familiar voice say, and I turned towards the door to see a splitting image of the male standing in front of me.

I pinched myself a little on the side to check if I was dreaming or staring to see things.

His eyes searched my face, but he said nothing but leaning away to look towards the door, too.

“I felt like it would be fun to finally have a family meal after a while.” He responded, but I could sense sarcasm.

Only that I had no idea who was who.

“What’s going on?” I asked out of confusion.

“Katie. I see that you met Blaze, my twin.” Axel informed me, and at that moment, my jaw dropped as embarrassment washed all over me.

It wasn’t that he was pretentious. He was a totally different person, and I felt stupid.

“Your what?” I questioned.

“Guess no one told you about me. Brother here must have forgotten I exist.” He said mockingly, followed by a laugh that didn’t sound like it came from his heart.

“I just didn’t think that was an important detail to add, but I’m glad you met our new stepmom. The wedding is in five days, and you are invited.” Axel said and settled on the seat.

Blaze’s fingers made their way to the strawberries, and he picked one up, then threw it into his mouth and munched on it gently.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Blaze responded, then turned to look at me with a grin on his face.

I felt the inside of my mouth get dry as I struggled to swallow the lump of saliva I could gather while bitting my lower lip.