The Shock

Andrew's POV

Careful not to make a sound, I gently pushed the covers aside and got up. I wore my clothes, tiptoed to the other side of the bed, and grabbed Olivia's bag. My gaze was fixed on Olivia as she slept peacefully. I quickly brought out my phone and took a few pictures of Olivia's naked body. With these pictures I could proudly say to my friends that I had had sex with Olivia, and lay my claim on the bet we staked on her. I retrieved the money from the bag and tucked it inside my side pocket, and before stepping out, I shot Olivia a final look. My chest tightened as I felt a pang of guilt, but I ignored the feeling knowing that survival is for the fittest. For the past two years I have worked as chauffeur at Chase’s Family, and my meager paycheck could barely afford me any comfort. Bye Olivia, I muttered and stormed out of the hotel room.

It was almost 8:am when I returned home. I was getting ready to go to work when I received a text message from my employer; Nana.

[Hi, Andrew. I hope you are very well? Please, meet me at my private residence by 9:a.m] I felt my heartbeat increase. What could be the reason why Nana wanted to see me at her private residence? Could it be that my friends have exposed the game we played on Olivia? I let out a heavy sigh and headed out.

I arrived at the main estate in my work suite, so after a few minutes I strode down to Nana's private residence. At the doorstep a middle-aged man ushered me inside the living room, bearing a warm facial expression.

“Oh, you are here, Andrew.” Nana's voice was low and smooth. She reached out for the mug of coffee on the table and took a few sips. “Come have a seat,” She added.

I started to feel so nervous that I slid my hand inside my side pocket and clenched it.

“Alright. You may wonder why I summoned you here unexpectedly, Andrew.” The sides of her eyes creased. “Well, it's for an important deal. But, It's vital you get every detail of the deal to know if you will be interested.”

“Okay, ma. I am listening.” I felt a bit relaxed as I watched her reach for a brown envelope by her side.

“Here,” She stretched the envelope across to me. “Every detail about the deal is written on this file, I advise you read it carefully.”

Nana, whom I worked for as a private chauffeur for the past two years, was the matriarch of Chase’s family, a family that owned the biggest Pharmaceutical Company in New York City. So I knew whatever deal that came from a high profile person like her would be favorable.

“May I sit?” I asked before settling down to read through the document.

I wanted to scream out of excitement when I saw what the document contained, but I held back myself and continued reading. A deal to enter a contract marriage with the heiress of Chase’s family? Could I be dreaming? “I am done reading it, ma.” I said in a rushed tone, as I was almost out of breath.

“Does the deal seem like what you can agree to?” She asked, reaching out for the glass of wine on the table.

“Yes. Yes.” I nodded. How could I say no to this lifetime opportunity? Marrying the heiress of Chase’s Pharmaceutical Company would be a turning point in my life.

“My confidence in you was built over the years, throughout your time of being my personal chauffeur, Andrew.” She smiled thinly. “I am sure that you have an honorable character and you won't do any harm to my granddaughter or act contrary to the terms stated in the contract.”

Honorable character? I felt a rush of guilt down my spine. The memory of my encounter with Olivia gripped my chest, but I quickly told myself that it was in the past now. I rather put my focus on my future that's already looking promising.

“The heiress got back to the country last night.” Nana spoke again. “Any moment from now she will be with us.” She scooted back in her seat and adjusted her spectacles.

I was feeling uneasy as many thoughts ran through my mind. Would she find me attractive enough? I wondered and then snapped myself out of my thoughts when I heard the sound of footsteps descending the staircase.

“Nana, I'm sorry I came a bit late,” The elegant-looking lady walked towards Nana and shot a quick glance at me. “I was in a Zoom meeting with some colleagues.

“It's fine, my dear.” Nana responded in a calm tone and stood up to hug her. “See who we have here.” They both turned, facing me. “Meet Andrew, the handsome guy I ran into in the shopping mall 2 years ago, who has since become my chauffeur.” She teased.

“Hello, I am Beatrice.” She introduced and offered me a handshake.

Beatrice had the most beautiful eyes ever, her skin was unbelievably milky and shiny. “I'm Andrew,” I shook her hand with all the care in the world. “It's nice meeting you.”

The three of us engaged in a series of conversations concerning the contract, and even though there were some stringent terms stated in the contract, I didn't hesitate to express my approval for it. The sole offer that I would take part control in everything the Heiress owned in her name, was worthy enough to overlook the unpleasant terms.

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

One week later Beatrice and I were set to make things official in a very private wedding ceremony.

“It's about time the wedding certificate is signed?” The voice of the Marriage Officiant jostled me back to reality as I was lost in thoughts, picturing my future with Beatrice; my wife-to-be.

Smiling, Beatrice reached out for the pen that was being handed to her by the Marriage Officiant and uncapped it. The guests cheered her on and she fixed a questioning gaze on me, as though she wanted me to be sure of something before signing the wedding papers.

“I wanted to say “I Love You " to her, but I held back the urge because it could make me look desperate before everyone. Beatrice and I barely knew ourselves and our marriage was contract based.

“Now, it's your turn.” The Marriage Officiant turned to me as I moved closer to the golden table where the papers lay.

After I signed the papers, the guests started to clap, filling the air with their cheering voices. The wedding ceremony was as private as the Beatrice family wanted it: held in a private hall, no pictures were taken, and only ten family members were in attendance.

Right after the occasion was completed, Beatrice and I were invited for dinner in one of their family's finest mansions in the city.

When we arrived at the mansion, the sight of the well decorated hall adorned with luxuries and the varieties of expensive dishes on each table, mesmerized me that I had to pinch myself to be sure that I wasn't dreaming. Have I truly become part of Chase’s Family by marriage? I'm married to Beatrice, an heiress to Chase’s Family. I assured myself, feeling proud.

“Where is Nana?” My curiosity finally pushed me to ask Beatrice.

“I was about to ask you the same question.” Beatrice smiled, revealing her well arranged white teeth. “Well, I know Nana won't miss….”

Words vanished from Beatrice's mouth all of a sudden as her gaze fell behind me. I followed the direction of her eyes and saw Nana walking in with a lady by her side.

Shockwaves spread across my body with the speed of light and I began to feel internal heat. At first I thought my eyes were malfunctioning, but with one more look at the lady coming beside Nana, I knew nothing was wrong with my eyes. The lady was Olivia.