Chapter seven

“Whoosh! Babe, I can’t believe you’re getting married already” Josie exclaimed

“It’s engagement Josie” I corrected her for the up tent time since we started dressing for this crazy party.

“Aye aye, captain. But an engagement is an announcement of marriage” she said

“ Josie, why do I feel like you’re excited about this?” I asked raising my eyebrows at her

“Of course I am, you are getting married, I’ve always dreamt of being your bridesmaid and walking with you in your wedding dress” she cheered with a wide smile leaving my jaws dropped

“Josie, did you forget that all of this is just an arrangement for me to pay for my father’s reckless ways?” I asked the happy cheery in front of me

“Of course not, Anna, but look at this the brighter way, your husband-to-be might turn out to be a really handsome dude,” she said dreamily making me laugh

“Which handsome dude will want a bought wife? He’s probably some huggo at 40” I said dismissively

“ oh no! I don’t wanna imagine that for you” We both laughed hard.

I knew the marriage won’t be beautiful or anything dreamy and has accepted that fact, I’m just doing this to save my mom’s legacy, growing up I watched her work herself up for the company. She would stay up late at night, and miss meals just to get one thing or the other done.

I watched my mother work herself to a sick bed so I definitely can’t let it all go down the drain when there’s a way to save it.

My dad never told me who I was going to marry, not even a name so that kept me wondering who the hell agreed to chain a young fresh graduate down with an arranged or should I say contract marriage. I scoffed frustrated at the thought of the whole arrangement.

Josie and I are currently on our way to the venue of the engagement party, my dad had arranged a ride before leaving the house. Of course not without a threat to make sure I show up.

The driver halted in front of a magnificent five-star hotel and for a while I forgot the reason I was there. The tall building with a glassy display of the hotel name and beautiful surroundings. You could see flashy and sophisticated cars packed all over the place. Paparazzi flooded the whole arena flashing cameras on Josie and I the moment we stepped out of the car.

A few of them tried asking a few questions at the red carpet spot but I choose to ignore them since I’m still confused about this whole arrangement. I don’t even who tó introduce myself as.

Josie’s face held a frown as I dragged her into the hotel without waiting to answer the paparazzi.

A young woman in a red dress walked towards us almost immediately.

“Hi, Miss Hayes?” She asked politely

“Yes. That’s me” I answered with a curious look

“I’m Jenna, Mr. Howard’s secretary,” she said stretching her arm forward for a handshake.

Oh, that’s his name. I took the handshake

“Oh okay… nice to meet you” I responded

“Come with me, this way,” she said motioning in the direction of a door.

Josie and I followed her to a big hall where the supposed engagement will be announced.

We walked through the crowd of people in the hall with beautiful attires and Jewelries, I spotted an older woman talking to my dad by a table in the far end of the hall and just right Jenna walked towards her with us following behind.

Only a glance at this woman would define her, her ethical smile, classy appearance, and her whole demeanor screams bossy and demands respect.

“Good evening ma’am” I greeted with the smoothest smile I could muster.

“Good evening dear” she replied warmly

“You must be Annabella. I am Juliana Howard. Your soon to be mother in law” mother in law? She doesn’t look so old, hopefully, the husband-to-be won’t be as old as I thought

“Oh nice to meet you, ma’am”

“Just behave and follow my signals tonight, I will give you the full details of the arrangement later tonight,” she said

“Okay ma’am”

“Uhhm… Jenna where is Davis?” She asked the secretary

“He’s already here ma’am, he’s in the elevator right now” she replied with a nervous tone.

Wow, he bought a wife and could not even make it to the engagement on time? Uhmp so irresponsible. I scoffed mentally.

“Jenna, he’s supposed to be here by now!” How can someone be so angry and yet this calm?

“Yes… ma’am… he … he.. um ohh there he is” Jenna stuttered before pointing to the entrance of the hall. I followed the direction of her pointed finger to a familiar figure that looks like he was in his early twenties with a suit tuxedo.

“Ohhhh!” I heard Josie gasp beside me

Ohhh is actually right, the guy I’m staring at right now is so fucking hot! Taking long strides and nodding to People’s greetings as he made his way towards us.

“Where the hell were you Davis?” His mother yelled silently at him

“I’m here now mom, isn’t that what’s important?” He asked her

The way he sounds makes it obvious that he doesn’t want to be here. But why then did he strike a deal to marry me in exchange for the company’s debt? I really can’t place my head on where I knew him from.

“So meet Anna…” his mother starts to introduce me but he cut her short with a surprised expression

“You?” He said pointing at my face,

Everybody at the table turned towards me in surprise.

Who the hell is this man and why can’t I remember his face?

Just like on cue, he took off the dark shade he had on and that’s when the memories came rushing through.

My voice hung in my throat the only thing I could muster out was his exact same question

“You?”