Chapter 2: The Proposition

Evelyn's POV

Shit! Yupp... that's my first word! That's my first word after I saw Nick's text for the umpteenth time on my cell. First, he gave me a missed call and I foolishly let him know that it's me. I never told him my name. How the hell did he even find out. And then call after call. And here I'm trying to solve Carr's problem. God! She met with this asshole's friend and he got her to sign some stupid papers. Such a cheat! No.. poor guy. Why should I blame him? This woman didn't even take a look at it.

'Meet me at the Barista near your house sweetie. Otherwise..... I already know where you live ;-) '

WTF! That's just pure invasion of my privacy. This man is going to get it from me. When he was supposed to marry me, he just pushed me away with his hurtful words and now he wants me back! I can't even remind him of the past.

I was busy typing a reply when I heard Carr scream "KATHERINE!" Obviously annoyed by my lack of interest.

"Chill babe! There's nothing to worry. Say that your moving into your boss's building since it will be easy for you to work. And you can be called into work anytime. Like even in the midnight. So just say that your boss insisted. She'll understand" I said. Though I don't know what topic we are talking about, I know Carr is probably bragging about how will she lie to her mom and how could he cheat. Well ask me. I'm the queen of lies. You ask me and I'll already be ready with a lie. Since I've been running away from everyone all my life. Five years actually. But I did try to stay away from everyone since ever. So, I have a whole lot of practice.

"But remember to say 'building', don't mention his room or his house." Said Sam, short for Samuel, Daniel.... I mean that guy's bodyguard obviously, who has already become like a best friend to me and Carr. I think he might be in his late twenties.

Carr was busy waiting for the Daniel guy and I busy thinking how I'll reply. I don't want him know who I am. Cause..... I don't know. It's just too embarrassing.

I can't handle all the drama at the same time. 

'Fine meet me at the Barista. In half an hour. That's your only chance. You will not contact me through any other way after that!' 

I sent and looked up. Looks like Carr is in trouble. I hate people who can't lie. But she's my best friend, of course I went to her rescue.

And aunt Sophie turned towards me to greet me forgetting Carr "Awww how's my child Katherine? It's been a long time since I've last seen you child" she came and gave me a tight hug. To her I might have been Carr's friend but for me... I respect her more than my own mother. Well you can say the difference!

"I'm fine, my dearest Aunty Sophie" I said while hugging her back. "But we're going to miss Carol now" I said making Carr narrow her eyes at me while I made a fake sad face to convince Aunty.

"Why? Are you leaving somewhere Carol?" Aunty asked her noticing all the bags.

"Actually yes" we all whipped our heads to a high-pitched head. There stood a..... oh he is Daniel. I thought and smirked at Carr who looked spell bound.

"He's the man right?" I screamed and Daniel chuckled at it. And everyone started laughing. What's so funny!?

"Oh dear! You should've told me you wanted to move in with your boyfriend" aunty said with fake hurt and smiling all the way. I was trying to hide my laugh.

"Oh no! He's the boss" I said in a singsong voice. Trying to tease her.

"Yeah! She's right" Carr said. Yeah right!

"So you're saying he's not your boyfriend?" Aunty asked.

"Of course not. We thought, now that we'll be working together. Staying together will make it much easier." Said the guy and so started the introduction. But I gave Carr a hug and moved out of the place. I still need to meet that ass and finish it forever!

By the time I reached there he was already waiting!

Nicholas's POV 

I regret coming back here. OK after so many days I decided to follow my dear Mother's orders and meet them. Here I'm waiting for them to say something. And my younger sister, Isabella laughing at me.

"Nick" finally.

"Father." I replied.

"We have decided that you will get married"

"No, I won't" I said automatically.

"Wait" my mother held my father's hand and looked at me. "You will have one chance to choose your bride. The girl I met that day. Someone like her.... you have one-month time" she said with a smug look.

Katherine.. Katherine Evelyn.. that is what her name is right? Mark said so. Whatever. Now how do I get her to agree to this marriage proposal? Because I sure as hell am not going to marry any girl they suggest.

"Ok. Agreed!" I said getting up to just get out of this house. My sister looked shocked, but I could feel that she followed me out.

Annoying siblings! At least she's better than my parents. There is this one problem I have that I can't express my love and care in a certain way people expect. So, we are just not too close. I love her. I care for her. I love to protect her, but I don't know if she knows that. 

"Brother!" She said halting me in my steps. "Stop! You know I'm following you! And and... what is wrong with you? How could you agree? Brother...." she trailed off and hugged me suddenly surprising me. Nope shocking me! She never does that. OK she kicks me but a hug?

I wrapped my one arm around her and the other on her head. "Why? Why shouldn't I get married?" I asked her instead.

"Bro.. if I had any boyfriend or anyone. I'd first come to you. Cause you can understand my feelings and still take the right decision for me. Why are you even considering what those two want? They will just spoil your life" she said looking at me in the eye. Never knew my baby girl thought so good about me.

"I'm not agreeing to what they said baby girl. I still have the right to choose my bride" I tried to justify.

"That's impossible. In a month? And remember brother. No such contract marriage. I don't know about you but I, I don’t believe in divorce. So, think about it" she said. Contract marriage? Where did she even get that idea from?

"I'm not going to take any divorce. Even I don't believe in divorce. Cause even I have a sister. I don't even want to think about all this happening to you. And me doing this to another girl is the same." I said 

"No brother... you're not understanding. I want you to marry someone you love. And that can't happen in a month!"

"I might not love someone. But I'll choose someone who I can learn to love-" but I was interjected by her again.

"And who will also be liked by our parents. Remember? Even they should like that any girl you choose." Good that she reminded me. Cause I have one chance. One girl. And if they don't agree. It's my life that's on stake.

"Don't worry baby girl. I know one girl who mother likes and someone I like as well" I said smirking to myself.

"I hope she's not one of your whores!" She said rolling her eyes.

"No, she's not. But now I've to go. I've got only one month remember" I said kissing her forehead and left.

***

113 missed calls 57 messages. That's how many times I've called and texted her. I don't know why? Why she hates me. But then I didn't know she'd agree to meet me at Barista. But now she wants me to be there in half an hour. I have to cancel my meeting.

Evelyn's POV

I found him sitting near the window, fidgeting to himself. Fidgeting? And him? Strange. But he still managed to look like a Greek God!

"What do you want?" I asked as soon as I sat in the chair opposite him.

"Oh hi. Coffee?" He said now looking up at me.

"I've not come here for coffee!" I said through gritted teeth. "Come straight to the point. If someone doesn't pick your call, if someone doesn't reply to your messages, then it means that, that person is not interested in talking to you!" I said my voice raising as I finished.

"Why do you hate me?" He asked with an amused smile plastered on his face!

"What's so amusing?" I banged the table with my fist. This man is getting on my nerves.

"What? I just asked you a simple question and I asked first so you answer first!" He said.

"I don't have time for this nonsense. I have better work than chit chatting with you!" I said getting up to leave.

"Didn't know that my Bride's such a wild cat" he said making me gasp and turn around to look at the fake frown on his face and finger on his chin.

Did he get to know that I was the one he was supposed to marry. "What?" I asked. Hoping I misheard.

"Oh yes! I forgot. Will you marry me?" He asked.

What the......?