Chapter 2

Carla

I was still a little bit pissed from what had happened today. How can someone be so arrogant? I wasn’t the one who didn’t follow the traffic rules, he was. Not only did he hit me, he thought he would be able to shut me up with his money. I wasn’t gonna let him go. I decided to head to the police after my meeting with Nina.

I was already late when I left the office, now I was extremely late. All thanks to the arrogant jerk who hit me with his car.

Getting out of my car, I walked towards the door. Nina had previously insisted that I have spare keys to her house but I denied it. She still tried to persuade me into having one, occasionally, but my answer always remained firm. I would come to her anytime she called for me but having the keys to your client’s house, was a bit too much.

I rang the bell and it wasn’t long before someone, opened the door for me. Jane, one of the housemaids, stepped aside and let me in.

“Where is she?” I asked her while removing my coat.

“Backyard,” she said while taking my coat. I began walking to the backyard. The large mansion was extremely beautiful. The place had been decorated in European style. Whites everywhere. It was extremely quiet. My heels clicking against the marble floors echoed throughout.

Pushing the door open, that connected the backyard and the kitchen, I looked around for Nina. She was sitting a few feet away on the chairs which, she has specifically ordered to sit and watch the sunset. I walked up to her and stood behind her watching the sunset.

“You know, no matter how quiet you can be, I’ll still know when you come.” She said keeping her gaze fixed on the sun.

“Hmm..” I hummed.

“Let’s discuss shall we?” I asked her after a moment of silence.

“Sure,” she said standing up to her feet.

Nina was still a gorgeous woman. She had a keen eye for fashion and would always dress up beautifully. I had never seen her fingernails without nail paint or her hair disheveled.

“It’s starting to get a little chilly, why don’t we head inside?” She offered, turning to me and I just shook my head agreeing to it.

We walked into the house and sat down on the chairs by the stairs. Nina might want to do some changes to her will, again.

“Carla, do you want something to eat or drink?” She asked politely. 

“No, thanks Mrs. Beckett,” I said with a smile.

“Alright then.” She said as she sighed audibly.

“I want to discuss something important with you,” she said as she shifted closer to me.

“Sure. Shall I get your will? We can surely change certain things.” I said as I tried to reach for my bag but she stopped me by placing her arm on my shoulder.

“It’s not that,” she told and I turned to face her.

“It’s about my son,” she said as she looked at me.

Her son. She has never mentioned her kids. They were getting their rites but did her son want more from her?

“He is 28 and he is doing good. You know how moms want the best for their kids right?” She asked and I nodded with a forced smile.

She hesitated a bit before continuing, “I want you to marry my son.” She said as she held my hands.

I froze. My brain ceased to work.

She can’t possibly expect me to marry someone whom I have met. I don’t even remember his name. He is never here for all I know.

“What?” I asked as I pulled my hands away from her.

“Marry my son, dear.” She said softly. I looked at her in disbelief. She can’t be serious.

“Why?” Was the only word that made it out of my mouth. Was I shocked? Beyond measures.

“I want the best for him.” She said. Without wasting a single second, I got up and took my bag. 

“What about me? Did you even think if it is good for me?” I bit out, a little enraged.

“No dear... Just listen to me…” She was about to continue but I cut her off.

“No. I can’t,” I snapped as I walked out of the house. I marched to my car. I opened the door and tossed my bag on the passenger seat.

I got in and rested my head on the steering wheel. I don’t understand how she can expect me to just marry her son. I don’t know anything about him. 

Inhaling deeply, I started the engine and drove back to my place. As soon as I entered my house, I dropped my bag on the floor and slumped on the couch. I rubbed my temple. I was exhausted and hungry. I looked around and my eyes landed on the half-empty bottle of the drink I had last night. I bent towards and picked it up from the coffee table.

I guzzled the vinegary liquid. Was I addicted to alcohol? Most definitely. It all started seven months ago when my long-time boyfriend cheated on me with my best friend. I caught them having sex in my room and on my bed. I didn’t know how long they were seeing each other. I always wondered if I hadn’t found out about it, would they continue to cheat on me?

I rested my head on the armrest as I stared at the ceiling blankly.

I woke up to my phone blasting through the room. I didn’t realize when I fell asleep on the couch. I pulled my phone out of my bag and answered it groggily without looking at the caller id.

“Hello?” I answered lazily, But I jolted up instantly. I hung up on the call before they could even complete it. I ran into my closet and wore a jacket. I was about to pick up my car keys when I realized that I was drunk. Well not drunk completely but I did drink.

I tossed the keys away in frustration and took out my phone to book an uber for myself. I locked my door and waited out for my ride to arrive. Well, I was getting impatient.

I got a call for one of Nina’s maids. She said that she didn’t take my rejection to marry her son well. She tried killing herself but, Jane, the maid found her laying on the bathroom floor and rushed her to the hospital.

I got out and paid the guy the fare. I ran towards the reception and asked for Nina’s room. They informed me that she was in the intensive care. I rushed towards her room and found Jane sitting outside. She stopped me before I could enter.

“They are checking after her,” she said and I nodded in understanding. She asked me to sit down on one of the chairs and she followed the same.

“How?” I asked her.

“She was extremely upset that you denied the proposal. She did mention that it was one of her wishes to see you marry her son. She locked herself in her room after you left. And the next thing I know, she laying on the floor.” She sniffled.

I looked away from her and stared at nowhere in particular. I almost killed someone. I Couldn’t help but feel extremely guilty. I shouldn’t have spoken to her that way. I never speak to anyone like that. I just got so angry that I didn’t realize that my words could have such an effect on her. I could have been polite.

What did I do?

I closed my eyes and bowed my head down. I just felt helpless. I heard footsteps approaching. Jane lightly tapped on my shoulder and I looked up at her before standing up to see the doctor, who approached us.

“Are you her family?” He asked.

“I’m her lawyer,” I said looking at him.

“Where is her family?” He asked as if searching for someone.

“Her family isn’t here,” I said and he shook his head, probably understanding the situation.

“She is stable for now. But I’ll have to run some tests on her to see if she is good to go.” I just nodded.

“She doesn’t have a history of any other diseases right?” He asked.

“She actually has cancer.” “Stage four melanoma. She stopped responding to treatments a long time ago. She is just being treated for her symptoms now.” I said and the doctor shrugged.

“Okay; you can go and meet her,” he said and I mumbled a small thank you.

I walked into the room to see her sleeping peacefully. I sat down next to her and took her hand in mine.

“Were you so upset with my decision, that you tried to kill yourself?” I asked, saddened by that fact.

“I’m sorry,” I said and placed her hand back on the bed. It was unsettling for me to see her like this. Knowing that I was partially the cause of it was just painful.

I walked out of the room and sat down on the chair outside. I couldn’t stay with her. Guilt was gnawing in me. I was so lost in my thoughts that, I hadn’t noticed someone calling for me.

I stood straight and looked up to see a couple of people. Who were they? Two fine gentlemen stood in front of me while a woman was crying on the other woman’s shoulder, stood right behind them and the other woman was trying to console her.

One of the men was extremely tall and handsome. His blue eyes sparkled through his round-framed glasses. He definitely looked like he took good care of his body as could see his muscles bulging out from his T-shirt. He could be any woman’s nightmare, in a good way. His chiseled face and sharp jawline just added to his already amazing features. He looked like he was about 6’5. His dark hair fell on his forehead. Just looking at him, made my knees weak. He looked like he was straight out of a magazine. If I had to choose between him and Adonis, I would choose him.

Who was he?

“Yes?” I asked looking up at them confused.

“…Mrs. Beckett?” The tall and handsome one spoke huskily. His thick English accent sank into my ears sending, shivers up and down my spine.

“Pardon me?” I asked snapping out of my thoughts.

“Where is Mrs. Beckett?” He asked once again.

“oh…oh… this room,” I stuttered and pointed towards the door.

“Thank you,” he said and was about to walk in but I stopped him.

“If you don’t mind me asking, how do you know or how are you related to Mrs. Beckett?” He halted and looked into my eyes. His penetrating gaze was making it difficult for me to stand on my feet. The way his eyes racked my body, made me squeeze my thighs together.

“I am her son, Aeden Beckett.” He spoke up and I slightly parted my mouth in disbelief.