Chap. 4: EAT OR BE EATEN

**Nicole's POV**

“Nicole, what the hell?” Mum yelled and I burst into tears. “How could you get married to a stranger?” She snapped.

“I don't know, mum. I only went to the bar to get a few drinks and clear my head. I did that when I was drunk, mum.” I explained.

When I got home, mum had given me water to drink and waited until I sobered up. Everything I did came rushing to me like a tidal wave, and I took the certificate and screamed. I was so foolish to have gotten married to someone I didn't know because I wanted to get back at Frederick for breaking my heart.

“Is this your own way of paying Frederick back?” She asked and I became silent. “You know how this place is. You're involved in numerous scandals already. Do you want to add more to your plate?” She scolded, and I lowered my head in embarrassment.

“I'll try to fix this, mum.” I muttered.

“How, Nicole? How are you going to do that? You're already married to someone we know nothing about. Didn't you read the documents attached to the certificate?” She asked and I raised an eyebrow.

“There's a document attached to the certificate?” I asked and she shook her head.

She walked to the center table and picked up a file, then walked back to where I stood and handed it over to me. I collected it with shaky hands and went through it.

My eyes widened. “A contract?” I asked as tears rolled down my cheeks.

“Yes and there it says he will come when you've sobered up so you two can go through the contract together. And there's no way you can afford the compensation fee for rejecting it after getting married to him. He is smart and has you bound, Nicole.” Mum explained, her voice dripping with hurt and sadness.

My legs became wobbly, and I forced myself to sit on the couch. “What am I going to do? I don't want a marriage with a stranger, mum. Please, I've gone through a lot already.” I cried as I thought of all the things that had happened to me.

“I don't know what to do now, Nicole. I guess we'd have to wait until he comes. At least, we'll see what he looks like and know the kind of person he is before knowing the next action to take,” She responded and walked to where I sat, then engulfed me in a hug. “Stop crying, okay? We'll find a way out of this. I trust you.” She patted my back while I cried on her shoulders.

**************

NEXT DAY…

**************

“You did what?” Emily screamed as I told her what happened when she came to visit me the next day.

“I'm still shocked, Emily. All I felt like doing then was proving to Frederick that I can move on without him, but I ended up getting married to a total stranger.” I sighed.

“What about his face? Do you remember what he looked like?” She asked.

“I wish I could, but it's not clear, but I can recall he was in a suit and they were two men, actually.” I relayed to her and she sighed.

“This isn't good. What are we going to do?” She asked.

“For now, I don't know,” I answered, and we were quiet for a while. “Were you able to talk to the person I sent you to?” I asked and she shook her head.

“He said he doesn't have the power to bring the news down. I tried offering him a huge amount of money, but it didn't work. As for the second one, about your wedding with Frederick, he said he would like to see you personally, and he would like to see you tonight, so you could negotiate and according to him, if it goes well, he'll take the news down.” Emily conveyed the message and I nodded.

“Fine. I'll go see him. I just hope it all goes well,” I muttered the last part to myself.

I was only trying my best to be strong, so I won't fall into depression. My ratings dropped like water and my titles were taken away from me. I knew it wouldn't be long before they would ask me to quit modeling, but that wasn't going to happen. It's my passion and I won't let those scumbags get away with ruining my career.

Night came sooner than expected, and I prepared to go and see him. Since it was night, I was able to walk around freely without getting insulted or bashed by the people I once called my fans.

I got to the IT station and walked in. Most of the employees had gone home, and when I went deeper into the room, a hand dragged me to a corner.

I turned to see who had dragged me and sighed in relief when it was the same person I came to meet.

“Follow me,” He whispered and started walking away.

I followed him until we got to his office and my eyes widened. This was my first time actually seeing a computer pro and hacker office. There were different electronic gadgets and plenty of laptops.

He gestured for me to sit and I obliged.

“Miss Nicole,” He called, and I looked up to meet his gaze. “You want me to take the news down, huh?” He asked and I nodded. “You have some guts. Do you think you have the wealth and power to do that?” He asked.

“I know I am not like those rich and influential people that order you around, but I'm here to seek your help with my problem.” I explained with a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes.

“What are you going to offer me?” He asked and I arched my brows.

“Huh?”

He stood from where he sat and walked to me. He bent down and placed his hands on my lap.

“What do you think you're doing?” I yanked his hands away.

“You need my help, don't you?” He drew.

“Yes, but not—”

“Shhh,” He placed his index finger on my lip. “I'll help you, but you'd have to help me too.” He was about wrapping his hands around my waist when I pushed him away.

“I'm not interested.” I stood up and he held me.

“You know how this industry works, Nicole. It's either eat or be eaten. You won't get your career back if this news keeps flying around.” He threatened.

I was hurt by his words, but I sucked in a breath and forced a smile. “I'll get my career back,” With that said, I slipped my hand away from his and walked out.

I got into my car and yelled out my anger. “That asshole!” I breathed heavily and turned the car on. My phone beeped and Emily's text message came up.

'How did it go?' She asked.

'Not good. Goodnight.' I texted back and drove home.

When I got home, I was shocked to see cars lined up in front of our house. I parked my car, got down and checked the cars out.

“What's going on?” I asked no one in particular.

With a sigh, I walked into the house.

“Mum, I'm home!” I announced and she rushed to me.

“He's here.” She whispered into my ears, her voice shaking a bit. Why did she look nervous and scared? I hope I haven't gotten married to a Mafia boss.

“Mum, why are you trembling?” I asked.

“Come see for yourself.” She rushed to the living room and I followed her.

When I got there and finally saw the face of the man I had proposed to, my heart dropped to my stomach and my eyes widened in shock. No wonder mum looked so scared.

What have I done? I am so in for it.

“Easton Ferdinand.” I muttered under my breath, and he looked at me, his lips forming into a smug smile that sent sparks into my heart.

“Nicole Brennan, my wife.” He smirked and I almost fainted due to shock.

What have I done?