Chapter 2: The Busy Groom

Mabel’s POV

When I entered I didn't realize there was someone else in the room.

I turned slowly and I saw him. But I couldn't make out his features from where he sat cross-legged. If I had scanned the room when I entered, I would've spotted him at the far left corner of the living room.

“Mr Ferguson?” I called to be sure it was him before giving a piece of my mind.

He didn't say a word. He uncrossed his legs and stood up, taking slow but steady strides towards me. He walked like someone accustomed to obedience from others.

He stopped about four feet from where I stood. There was an unusual coldness in the room due to his presence. His presence was dominating and intimidating.

I took my time to scrutinize his facial features: well-pointed nose, sharp jawline, beautiful brown eyes, and tempting pink lips. His lower lip was slightly fuller, giving him the perfect look for modeling.

I must say, his face was perfectly sculpted.

His beard was neatly trimmed and brown hair professionally styled.

Any woman would kill to have him. If I didn't have such a bad impression about him already, I probably would've fallen for him at first sight. Too bad he had a rotten personality, not a good mix.

I didn't need anyone to tell me, this was definitely him. The jerk who sent a substitute in his stead. Busy doing nothing. My jaw tightened with suppressed rage.

“You must be the busy groom.” I took a step forward. I was not intimidated at all; due to the nature of my job as a reporter, I've come across all kinds of people, including celebrities.

“I'm not sure what's more impressive, the fact that you're busy doing nothing or the fact that you're managing to convince yourself that it's a legitimate activity.” His expression darkened at my sarcastic remark.

I smirked in satisfaction at his reaction as I reached for my shoes to remove them. The heels were killing me.

“I can see that you didn't get the memo.” He stepped closer with his hands in his pocket, reducing the gap between us. My knees quivered a bit but I didn't give in to his intimidation.

I did get the memo. Sending a substitute in his stead was more like a welcome address to hell. I knew it very well.

“I think it's high time I gave you my memo.” I stuck out my middle finger. Staring deeply into his cold eyes.

“I don't give a flying fuck about you and I won't let you walk all over me.”

His eyes burned with contempt and I flinched a bit.

“You seem to run your mouth a lot. I'll make you wish you never said that.” He said in a dangerously low voice that somehow managed to send shivers down my spine.

He turned to leave but he stopped again.

“I believe AJ made things clear enough, do not cross my lane.” He warned coldly and walked away.

AJ must be the substitute. I had no plans to get in his way anyway. I'd be more than glad if he stayed in his lane.

I felt someone tug on my shoes that I held in my left hand. I almost got into my defensive mode, then the person spoke,

“Let me help you with these.” I turned swiftly.

I was met with a pair of smiley eyes, I raised a questioning brow.

“I apologize for my manner of approach. My name is Nora and I'm your maid.” She grinned widely, displaying her perfect set of white teeth. I kept a straight face, I don't need a maid.

She looked pretty young, just pale-skinned.

She handed me what looked like a card. I hesitated a moment before accepting it.

It read: “I've sent a wedding gift to celebrate your union. I expect you to accept it with the same warmth and generosity that our family is known for.

Sincerely, Old Mr Ferguson.”

This letter sounded more like a warning. It held no warmth whatsoever.

I wondered what hidden meaning it had. I looked around but found nothing. Did I miss something?

I read it again.

“I'm here!” Nora explained with her arms wide open.

“Huh?”

“I'm your wedding present.” What the?

“You don't like what you see?” She asked, her eyes pleading.

I shook my head, “I don't need a maid.”

“Even if my life depended on this?” What now? What did that mean?

“How old are you?” I asked.

“I'm 25 years old.” She's two years older than me, but her pale skin made it look like I was older.

“Please…” she took me by surprise as she went on her knees and held the hem of my dress.

“Get up, stop it already.” It's embarrassing. When she didn't bulge, I continued,

“You can stay and do your job.”

She thanked me repeatedly and collected my heels and purse from me. This time I didn't resist.

“I'll show you to your room.” I nodded and followed behind.

Just then, my phone rang, and she handed me the purse. I smiled at the caller ID. It was my dad, he must've arrived home.

I gestured to Nora to continue walking and I followed suit.

“Took you a while to call me.” I pretended to sound offended.

“Sorry, cupcake. I arrived about 10 minutes ago, just got into some trouble.”

“Did something happen, Dad?”

He sighed, “It's your aunt, Ro..”

A distant voice from the background interrupted him before he could finish.

“You can't take my child away without informing me! I won't accept such disrespect!” It was Aunt Rose's voice.

“You know how she is, she's nuts. She went to your room and found it empty and she's making a scene.” My dad explained. I felt guilty for leaving without telling her.

My mom died while birthing me and Aunt Rose, my father's only sibling, moved into our home to care for me. Plus, she didn't have a child of her own; I was everything she had.

My dad never wanted her to know about the marriage, he said he'd tell her later. I don't know why he kept it away from her.

“Can I speak to her?” I asked. Nora stopped in front of a door and smiled widely at me. I nodded to assure her I was still with her.

“No.” He replied bluntly. Nora opened the door to reveal a beautifully decorated room.

She made way for me to go in.

“Okay. Extend my greetings to her when you can” There's no point pressuring him. I'll see my aunt soon when I have the time. I miss her already.

I walked to the window, the view was beautiful.

“Take care of yourself, Honey.” I sensed a hint of sadness in his voice.

“I'm not a little girl. You should be concerned about yourself, be nice to Aunt Rose so she can allow you to live in peace.” I tried to lighten the mood. I heard him laugh before hanging up.

I dropped my phone on the nightstand and sat on the queen-sized bed. It was so soft.

I saw a door that caught my attention. I went to open it and behold a walk-in closet.

“Here's your dress for tonight's dinner,” Nora said. Out of curiosity, I turned to her.

“What dinner?”

“Old Mr Ferguson is having a welcome dinner for you and the Young Master at the family estate.”

“Do I have to go?” I was already tired from all the drama today. I didn't have the strength for more.

“Yes, it's a family tradition to officially welcome you to the Ferguson family.”

I sighed in defeat, “Okay, I need to get some rest now. Wake me up when it's almost time.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“Mabel.” I corrected her.

“Sorry?”

“The name is Mabel.”

“I… I can't call you that.” She murmured. I waved my hand dismissively. I needed to take off this dress and rest.

“Help me,” I called out to Nora to help me remove the wedding dress. It wasn't too big, but the jewelry made it too heavy.

“You dropped this.” She handed me a familiar piece of paper.