CHAPTER ONE

TESSA

“ What the hell, that's so outrageous!!! They agreed to help us only if I get married to their eldest son Kace?. “ I was astounded and looked at my mother who was seated with a sad look on her face, as I prayed that this was just some silly joke. But the look she gave me told me it was not.

“ But everyone knows I have feelings for Drake. I can swear with my life that his parents are aware so why would they want me to get married to his elder brother Kace whom we haven’t seen for over a decade now?? “ I asked her angrily as though she had the answers to my questions which deep down I knew she didn’t, I just needed someone to channel my anger on.

My mom who used to be the talk of the town and known for her beauty and elegance was seated in front of me, a shadow of herself, not Mrs. Adelle Montgomery whom everyone knew.

I couldn’t understand why the Crawfords would want me to marry their first son, Kace Crawford, for God’s sake I can’t even remember when last I saw him, he left to study overseas when I was just twelve years old and by that time Kace was 18 years old.

The Crawfords have been our family friends since I was very little, that’s how Drake and I became best friends because we have always been playing together since little. But it was when we got into college that I realized I began to fall for him.

I was never really close to Kace, Drake's elder brother because he had this cold and arrogant attitude that I hated so much and now Drake's parents expect me to marry Kace? Argh! This is so annoying and frustrating.

Although Drake and I aren’t officially dating yet I'm sure he knows I have a crush on him, even though he flirts with a lot of girls in school I don’t mind, he was the reason why I even took art classes just to be with him always. I was hoping he would ask me out soon enough and then this happens.

What’s even more annoying is that this news has ruined my mood this morning. How do I tell Triss, my female best friend, that I'm about to venture into an arranged marriage without feeling embarrassed?

“ Tess baby you know if I had the choice I wouldn't let this happen, I never wished for you my precious daughter to be in a loveless marriage but come to think of it, love would come in as time goes, “ My mom said sadly with a pleading tone.

“ Can you listen to yourself mom, love would come as time goes by? This is my life you are telling me to abandon and get married to someone I don't love. What about my dreams and aspirations don't they mean anything to you? “ I asked her as tears began rolling down my eyes.

“ I don't have a problem marrying into the Crawford family but why does it have to be Kace, that guy hates my guts and always bullied me even before he left to God knows where and you expect me to marry him. Why didn't they say I should get married to Drake for fucking sake even a blind person can tell and see that I love him!! “ I say frustrated as I run my hands through my already combed hair.

“ I know honey, but desperate times call for desperate measures, and besides I don't think Drake loves you if he does then why hasn't he asked you to date him even when you keep giving him signs that you'll accept him if he does, “ My mother said giving me a knowing look.

She was right in this aspect. Why hasn't Drake asked me out yet rather he flirts with another girl in school? But I know my mom is just saying it to try to convince me to marry Kace which I won't.

“ I'll head to school now mom, I'll think all this through but for the time being I need a little time please, where are my car keys? “ I asked her as I didn't see it when I checked where I usually keep it at the center table in the parlor.

“ The bank was here early this morning and confiscated all our cars, they'll be coming for the house and company next, “ She said and sighed. She walked away after saying that and left me standing there alone with my schoolbag.

“ Gosh!! This is bad, no scratch that, this is very bad “ I said while I squinted my eyes and headed out hoping I'll catch the bus that goes to our school.

Luckily I got on our school bus which dropped me off at school. At the time I was alighting from the school bus, that same time I saw Triss come down from her car. She looked at me with her brows furrowed.

Here goes nothing, I said within me and walked to Triss “ Hey bestie seems like we both came on time after all, “ I said and put on my best smile hoping it didn't come out as a grimace.

“ Stop that Tess, “ She said giving me a knowing look,

“ Stop what Triss “ I answered feigning ignorance like I didn't know what she was talking about.

Triss wanted to answer me but the sound of a raving engine coming to a stop where we were standing made her stop and we both turned to look. It was the latest model of a sports car called the Chevrolet Corvette.

This was my dream car. I was hoping my dad would get it for me on my approaching 20th birthday but death took him from me.

We stood there watching when Drake alighted from the passenger side of the car, I found out weird until the driver-side window glass rolled down and I saw Kace pop his head out through the window.

There is no way I would ever forget his handsome face, striking brown eyes, well-defined face with small kissable lips , and his black hair that was always finely styled.It's a shame that all his handsomeness doesn't change the fact that he's just a bully and an asshole to me.

But If I were, to be honest, Drake's handsomeness could never be compared with Kace’s. Notwithstanding I still loved Drake who had blonde hair, full lips, and a pointy nose. Drake’s height was 5 '9 and mine was 5' 6 so he wasn't very taller than me.

Drake walked up to Triss and me beaming with smiles as he hung his school bag on only one side of his shoulder. I guess he doesn't know about my arranged marriage with his elder brother Kace yet or does he know and just doesn't care? Was mother right when she said Drake doesn't love me?

My thoughts were interrupted by someone calling my name “ Tessa “

I turned to see who it was, only to see that it was Kace, I just scoffed at him and rolled my eyes completely ignoring him before turning to Drake who had caught up with us giving him my best smile.

I thought Kace would just drive away but instead, he stepped down from his car and headed to meet us. I wish I could just tell Triss and Drake that we should head into school immediately but that would seem suspicious and I didn't want them to suspect that something was wrong.

So I just stood there with Triss and Drake as we watched him approach us. Drake thought that maybe his brother forgot to tell him something but was surprised when Kace just walked straight to me.

“ Is that the way to treat your future husband? “ Kace whispered in my ears in a way only I could hear. What annoyed me was that there was mockery in his tune when he was whispering it to me.

I saw the surprised and curious looks on the face of Drake and Triss. What annoyed me more is that students who were going into the school gate that passed us and saw Kace whisper in ear my sar just now were all looking and whispering to themselves, I bet they are gossiping.

I felt like shredding him into pieces and feeding his bones to the dogs. But instead I pretended and just smiled.

“ Have a nice day at school y'all “ Kace said to us all and left smirking after whispering to my ears. Drake looked at his elder brother Kace and me warily while Triss did the same.

“ What was that about Tess, “ Drake said looking displeased which gladdened my heart because I thought he was jealous.

“ It was nothing serious, trust me, just information for my mom. Why did he drop you at school anyway? “ I asked curiously and also wanting to change the topic.

“ I was driving to school in my car, but the engine failed on my way here, so I called him to come pick me up and bring me to school. Advantage of having your elder brother back in town “ He said grinning while Triss just rolled her eyes at him and I laughed. It was the first genuine laughter I had today.

The sound of the school bell notifying us that it was time for our first class made us head to the school gate immediately.

During the first class, I was in deep thought thinking and deciding if I should go on with the arranged marriage because to be honest with myself I had no choice but to do so, or else my mom and I won't have roofs over our heads.

I suddenly felt two hands tapping me from my left and right angle which brought me back from my train of thought to the present. I turned to each side and saw Drake and Triss looking at me with concern and worry evident on their faces.

“Professors talking to you “ Triss mouthed before our art professor's voice made me turn my attention back to him.

“ I said the principal wants to see you in her office right away, “ our professor said.