The Stake

Andrew's Point of View

The press clustered around our mansion as I and Beatrice drove out in a Bentley. They were shoving themselves apart just to have access to our car.

“Answering a few questions from them won't hurt,” Beatrice stated, passing me a knowing look. I slowed the car and wound down the glass.

“Congratulations, Mr Andrew. Please tell us how you feel about becoming the husband of heiress of The Chase’s.” A blonde haired lady said into her recorder before bringing it close to my mouth.

“I feel great about it?” I said curtly.

Then there came another lady stretching her hand enough just so her recorder could near my mouth. “We learned it's a contract marriage, please, could you tell us if the terms are any stringent?”

I held my breathe and swallowed a lump. “I would rather not disclose that to the public.”

“How does it feel to become an accidental billionaire?” A voice trailed over, and with that I wound up the glass and drove by.

We remained silent throughout the rest of our drive until we arrived at Beatrice's office. I pulled up in the parking lot and killed the car engine. “We are 10 minutes late for the meeting,” I said, glancing at the magnificent building as I unstrapped my seat belt.

“Late?” Beatrice's eyes fluttered. “Who has the right to query me?” She shot me a knowing look and un-strapped her seat belt. The building was breathtaking and unbelievably big. It was hard to believe that Beatrice really was the one superheading every business that went on in there. I could only imagine how lucky Beatrice was; she's one of those people who had fortunes handed over to them in their early ages.

Shoulder to shoulder, we walked into the building in a kingly gait and headed straight to the elevator. Once inside the meeting hall that was already filled with all the attendees, I and Beatrice took the seats that were reserved for us.

“We don't have the whole day, and there's a lot we need to cover.” Beatrice announced to Kickstart the meeting.

A collection of files were brought to the table before us and I was asked to input my signature where needed, to seal my right of co-ownership of Beatrice's businesses. My cheeks blushed with joy while I inscribed my signature on the documents. Right before I was done a round of applause enlivened the hall, filling me with insane joy and pride. “I Congratulate you, babe.” Beatrice's arms stretched open and I enclosed them with mine in a warming hug.

The attendees kept expressing their well wishes as they took turns to get a hand shake from me. For a moment my life was perfect—I had become a part owner of a big pharmaceutical company, was married to an heiress and have become a billionaire. “Babe,” I whispered and turned around to face Beatrice. I took her hands into mine and squeezed them gently. “I am forever indebted to….” My phone buzzed. “I am forever indebted to you.” I managed to say before I took a sneaky glance at my phone. My knees liquefied at the sight of the message that spread on my phone screen. “IT'S ME OLIVIA. WHEN DO WE MEET, AND WHERE?” I swiped the message away and pocketed the phone in an instant.

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

Later that day when I and Beatrice reached home I sent a response to Olivia, asking her to allow me the time to sort out my schedules for the week before I could arrange a meeting with her. For the next few days I spent my time from one meeting to another, sorting out finances and deals.

“I love my life so much,” I said to myself, as I drove to work on a Monday morning in my newly purchased Mercedes Benz. I thumped on the steering, humming the music blaring from my car. Soon, the butterflies in my stomach went still as I thought about Olivia and the possibility of her ruining everything for me. “I will stop at nothing to secure my marriage contract till the end of my life.” I declared in an elevated tone, slowing down the speed of my car. I parked along the roadside, and without thinking twice, I pulled out my phone and started to type. LET'S MEET TODAY BY 4:PM. I WILL COMMUNICATE THE VENUE TO YOU BEFORE THE TIME.” I hit the send button and let out a labored breath. Before I started my car engine I deleted the message.

At the office, I held three meetings subsequently, allowing myself little time to take some rest. When I finally attended to the last file on my table I quickly made a reservation in one of the most expensive hotels in the city. If I must meet Olivia it would be behind closed doors so as not to attract any form of attention from the public.

“RIVER LAND HOTEL, ROOM 51. BE HERE ON TIME. I HAVE LESS THAN 30 MINUTES TO SPARE FROM MY TIME.”

Olivia arrived at the hotel just on time, looking very peaceful, dressed in a blue fitted gown that was knee-length.

“I hope you didn't leave any clue for my wife before coming here?” I asked.

She remained quiet and kept staring at me blankly. She squinted her eyes in a chilling way.

Silence hung between us until I spoke. “Well, I understand that you angry at me and still hurt over what happened between us….but” I paused and dipped my inside my pocket. “Here is a check of one million dollars for you, accept it and erase the past we shared.”

“Is that all you can offer me?” She finally spoke.

“Name your price then!”

She scooted closer to me on the bed and settled her eyes on my chest. “Mr Andrew, unlike the day you tricked me with fake kindness and I ended up giving you my virginity because I was vulnerable,” She bit lower lip. “Today, I want us to have sex like two hungry adults.”

My chest tightened and I quickly parted my lips to have some air. “ What do you mean, Olivia?”

She grabbed the hem of her gown and started to pull it upward. “Make love to me, Andrew. Make me cry tears of joy.”