Chapter 4

Butler Celeste turned to look at her and spoke "madam, young master has asked you to get in. I will be taking my leave from here.."

Victoria looked at the luxurious door in front of her. She is really feeling uncomfortable. Swallowing her saliva she holds the amulet necklace on her neck. It was given by their father. Both she and Vincent have it on them. It has their name engraved on it.

This is the only thing both brother and sister have with them after throwing out by their stepmother. Whenever she felt nervous, scared, happy, or anything, her hands just automatically goes to the necklace. She feels content by holding this. It feels like their father is with them through it.

Butler Celeste might notice her anxiety and smile politely "don't worry madame. Young master is a very good man. At least he won't cause you any harm. You can go inside without tension.." He comforted her.

Victoria gave him a slight smile "thank you, Mr. Umm. I mean Uncle Celeste.."

She touched the necklace for the last time and pushed the door open to get inside. "May I come in?" She asked.

"Hmm.." Alexander only hummed. He was looking outside through the big French window, turning his back.

Victoria only could see a few strains of hairs over the chair he was seating on.

"Seat down.." He said.

Victoria obliged. She felt confusingly weird. He said he wants to marry her so why is he hiding his face!? 'Would he not show his face ever!?' She thought to herself.

"What is it, miss Hale?" All of a sudden Alexander asked.

"Well Mr. King, I agree with your offer if..." She paused and then spike again "If it's still open.." She crossed her fingers in nervousness, hoping to let him say yes.

"Yes, it's open.." He replied in his gentle voice. His voice has some magic in it! It has a soothing power!! Only God knows how!!

"Then I agree with your offer. I am ready for this. But, I have few conditions.." Saying this she tried to understand what he is thinking. But, she was not able to see his face or he did not move suspiciously like he didn't like her words or that sort of thing.

"Go ahead.." Alexander replied in just two words.

She took a deep breath and opened her mouth "My first condition is, my brother will live with me. You can not make us separate. Secondly, I... I want money tomorrow at the first thing, for my brother's medication.." When she was asking for money, her heart gave a physical lurch. She felt herself not less than a slut.. But, when it comes to saving her brother she could do anything.

" Third, My brother should not know about this marriage deal.. I will just make him a story of us having a relationship, turning into marriage. And. And the last one is... Umm... It's not a condition but a wish actually. Can I say it?" She asked, hesitant.."

"Hmm.." He permitted her.

"I want to see the man whom I am going to marry before I signed it.." She finally let it come out..

Everything was silent for a minute. Then finally he spoke, "are you sure, you want to see me, miss Hale?" His voice was the same as before.

"Umm. Su... Sure, I will.." She replied, stammering slightly... Feeling very uncomfortable.

"Fine then.." Again he paused and then suddenly turned the chair to face her.

Victoria was definitely not ready for what came into her view. "Aah!" An unwanted little scream came out of her mouth and she pushed back the chair in fear, eyes wide open.

She never expected this. His face was full of wrinkles like it has been burned badly! And not only this, one-third of his face has got a very big scar, starting from the edge of the forehead till an inch lower than his cheekbone.

She was so scared and did not have any idea what to do!! "Y..yo..yo..u.." Victoria completely lost her voice.

Alexander's face went dark. He turned around again and spoke "if you are that scared miss Hale then I think you should leave. You don't have to marry me.." This time his voice was a bit cold but still sounded gentle.

Victoria did not wait for a second. She quickly got up from the chair and went out of the room. Closing the door, She pressed her back on the door. Still could not believe what she just saw.

It was too ugly and scary to look at! Now she knows, why he always hides his face and wants to find a bride this way. Because no normal woman in their good time would ever be ready to marry a man looking like this!! More precisely, he is taking advantage of the needs of poor people like her!!

He got a dangerous scar on his face!! She can not marry a man like this! No! Never!!

She was about walk away from there, suddenly her phone rang. She looked at it. It was from her brother's school. Her heart clenched in fear.. Victoria quickly picked up the call "hello?"

"Miss Hale?" A female voice came from the other side.

"Yes, speaking? Is everything all right?" She asked. Scared of what's coming next.

"I don't think so. Your brother got a terrible headache in the middle of the class and started crying. Our local doctor just gave him a painkiller and he is slightly feeling better now. Still, We don't think he can continue his classes today. So, can you please come and take him home?" She explained.

"Sure sister. I am coming.. I am not at home so I might be late. Please just look at him before I reach there.." Her voice is shaking by now.

"Don't worry Miss Hale. You come quickly.." The sister said and cut the call.

With a shaky hand, she put the phone in the bag again. Her face turned pale in fear. What will she do now!? Here on one side, is her brother's life and on the other hand her fear of that ugly old man!! Which way she would go now!?

She does not have much time now. Either this way or that. And giving it a quick run in her head, Victoria finally decided what to do...

.........

Almost 45 minutes later, Victoria was seating in the same car with the same chauffeur. But, this time she also has Vincent with her. He was observing the car curiously in bewilderment. And finally asked the question he was itching to ask all this time. "Whose car is this, Vicki? Where are we going?" Though he wanted to ask it since she came to pick him up, seeing her tensed face, he didn't dare to utter a single word. Yet, he could not control himself anymore and asked.

"This is going to be our new life, Vincent. We are going to our new house. No more questions now. I will explain everything to you later, okay?" Though she used a question mark, her words were very clear that she does not want any further conversation. Taking his cue to stop, Vincent zipped his mouth for now. After all, he does not want her already upset mind more upset.

Victoria stared outside of the window. She has made the choice and now there is no turning back. She didn't know whether she is doing the right thing or wrong. But, for Vincent, everything seems right for her...