2~ Mr Arrogant

Naomi's POV

My fingers subconsciously went to my lips so I could bite down on my nails. It was a habit that was cultivated out of nervousness; putting one leg in front of the other, I tried to strike a pose but shuddered at the person staring back at me from the mirror.

My soon-to-be father in law called and set a time and venue for me to meet his son. I didn't have a say in the matter, I was like a puppet that was being controlled only that I was aware of what I got myself into.

My fingers drummed repeatedly against my thighs, my palms were all sweaty as I bunched the hem of the rose gold sequin chain choker mini dress I was wearing.

What if he rejects me?

What if he is rude and aggressive?

What if I choke on the chain of these dress resting comfortably on my neck?

What if he thinks the dress is too short?

Many thoughts run through my mind, making sweat break out on my forehead. I couldn't care less what he thought of me but I hoped to make a good impression so we could at least live a civilised life for the period we would be married plus my father's business was at stake.

I'm doing this for him.

I repeated to myself over and over again, slipping my pedicure feet into a pair of black strap heels that exposed the red colour of my toenails.

Fake it till you make it.

It's the mantra in my head as I strolled out to the car, doing the Naomi Campbell walk in hopes that it would still my nerves that were going berserk. A stiff smile graced my face, the kind that would make people think I was in control.

The driver offered me a nod when I entered the backseat and we wordlessly made the short journey to the restaurant.

The seats reserved for us were unoccupied and I subtly took a glance at my wrist watch. I was five minutes late which had made me jumpy because punctuality was all part of a good impression but he wasn't even here yet.

I plopped myself into the soft looking seats, moaning delightfully as I sunk fully into it. I could take a nap here without having to worry about neck kinks.

"I'll have a glass of water." I muttered to the waiter who constantly kept coming for my order every ten minutes. It wasn't his fault, I had been seated here for half an hour, glancing at my watch without making any orders.

He offered me a tight smile when he dropped the glass of water. I didn't get to return the smile because I caught sight of a tall, handsome man walking in our direction.

My breath caught in my mouth as my eyes trailed all over his body. He wasn't dressed in a formal outfit like I was, his white polo shirt clung to his upper body and the jean trousers left me wondering how firm his buttocks would be. On his feet were a pair of white sneakers, I had to admit that he looked good in his ensemble and we would make a perfect couple, at least picture wise and maybe in the real sense.

Get away from me oh, you evil thoughts.

I didn't want to have my hopes high.

"Are you Naomi Raymond?" Those were the only words that left his mouth but I was already swooning. My name coming out from his lips sounded so right.

The words dried up in my mouth and I licked my lips, putting on a thinking face to avoid looking stupid. His fists banged the table and my eyes jerked to his.

"Y-Yes. Yes, I am. You must be Steven Madagascar?" I mentally applauded myself on how confident I managed to sound even if there was an inner turmoil going on in my insides.

"Yes." He said, distaste dripping in his voice. He didn't wait for me to offer him a seat before dropping to the one opposite me, looking like he belonged with this place.

"I won't waste your time," he began, his face moulding into a blank canvas that had all my hopes of a happy home dashing out the windows. "First, we don't need to know about each other. This marriage is a sham, it's happening because my dad wants it."

That makes two of us.

"I have a girlfriend who I hope to make my fiancée soon. I won't meddle in your affairs and you will return the favour."

I opened my mouth to interrupt him but he sent me a cold gaze that had me sealing my lips shut. It felt like he looked through my soul and saw how lonely I was.

"While our marriage is on you can date who you want, fuck who you want but keep it a secret."

What does he take me for?

"I won't be home regularly but I will deposit huge sum of money at the end of each month for your upkeep."

"Are we clear?" His tone had a hint of finality that brewed no argument.

"Mr. Madagascar." I started, drawing out his name to garner the confidence I would need to give him a piece of my mind. "I'm also not in support of this marriage. We are both doing it for our fathers. You can flirt all you want but I won't stoop to your level. Marriage is sacred and I intend to respect our institution."

His eyes narrowed to slits but my lips kept moving, "I don't care what you decide to do with yourself but you will respect me. I didn't come begging for this marriage, our fat-."

"Isn't that what you did?" He banged the table, again; his eyes darkened with rage and my fingers dig into the palm of my hands to stop me from fleeing.

His voice was low yet masked with hatred that sent chills down my body. "This marriage is to save your dad's ruined company, otherwise I have no business with you and instead of showering me with gratitude, you dare to let your mouth run loose."

"Call the wedding off then." I yelled, his words were getting to me but I refused to show it.

"You act like you own everything and everyone in this world but you don't." If my words affected him he didn't let on, his gaze rested on me like he was watching his favourite comedy show.

"You should be very careful with me." There was a warning laced in his words and I bit down on my lips to avoid saying more. Thankfully he didn't bring up the wedding and I sighed in relief.

"I demand an apology from you." I shook my head at his request, my mind already working a million insults to dish him. "I'll apologise if I were you, your father's company is at stake here, your whole family depends on this."

"I'm sorry for what I said." My face was hard, the apology sounding as insincere as I felt about it, unapologetic.

"Woah! I never knew you could be this calm. The wedding is off." 

The next few moments occurred in slow motion, I watched as he stood up and left, not even sparing a backward glance at me.

What have I done?

***

I was barely in my room when my step sister decided to show her face.

"What do you want?" I sounded tired, she noticed this and only raised an amused eyebrow at me.

"Well, I just wanted to say congrats." She offered me a wicked smile, then, I knew she had more to say. "Congrats on getting married to someone who has a girlfriend. Congrats on a loveless marriage, sister."

"You know? Karma is really a bitch. Your mum stole my dad from us now you will marry a man who doesn't love you. Isn't that great?" She roared with laughter, holding the sides of her belly as she bent to laugh harder.

I entered my room and slammed the door, wishing I could also slam her face.

Why is life so unfair? Why do I have to pay for the sins of the dead?

"Come in." I didn't want to see anybody but the only person who cared to knock before entering the room was my father.

"Treasure, I heard everything from Mr. Madagascar," I cast my head down in disappointment. I failed him even after all he has done for me. "The wedding will still go on."

"Dad." My eyes prickled with tears, a part of me had been glad Steven called off the wedding.

"I know, Treasure and I'm sorry. You can divorce him after one year, you are still young and will definitely find the right man."

I threw myself at him, letting my hands go around him in a hug, I really needed it right now.

"It's going to be fine, Treasure, everything will be fine." He rubbed circles on my back and I only cried harder.