All Chapters of The Bargain : Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Racheal waited nervously the whole night and most part of the next morning for her father's return. As the president's daughter she understood politics, and could not share in the joy of her countrymen. This proposed marriage was no beautiful union or an example to emulate as the local and international media was making it out to be. She was sitting out on the balcony when she heard heavy boots approaching from within her room. She stood up in panic when she saw the white uniforms and black hats. Two men reached out and grabbed her arm, while the third man said,"We are here to escort you Miss. Your father ordered you'd be brought up immediately." Racheal recognised him as the chief guard in charge of her father's personal security. "But I am not even properly dressed." She argued weakly as they half dragged her out from the balcony into her room. She had only grey shorts and a black tank top on. The men completely ignored her protests and practically marched her up to her fathe

The following days passed by in a blur for Racheal. The presidential palace was busy with activities. The wedding was to be held here, in attendance of all political dignitaries from both countries. On the morning of her wedding, her face looked flawless as she sat waiting in a thick white lace wedding dress. She noticed her maid scurrying away, and looked up at the door. Her father stood, beaming with pride at her. This was the first time he had ever stepped foot in her room or even suite in the eighteen years they had lived in the presidential palace, first as a vice president and then a president. She wanted to hate him, she resented him a little even, but she could not hate him. As much as she wanted to, as much as she thought she should, she just couldn't. He was father, he was also the only living reminder of the pleasant parts of her childhood. "You look radiant." He said moving close to her. "Stand up so I can see you."Racheal obeyed quietly. "The only thing missing

"No! I don't know where that came from." Racheal said immediately in horror. The guests began to whisper, and soon it became a full hall of murmuring and irritated hiss.Everyone was giving her dirty looks. "What is the meaning of this?" Steffan said, walking towards her. Racheal turned to look up at him. His eyes held a look of confusion. "I don't know where that cufflink came from, I did not take it.""Then how did it get in your purse?" Racheal heard a beautiful feminine voice say from the other side of the table. She turned to look. It was Thalia, she was looking at Racheal with sympathy."I am not a thief." Racheal said, defending herself. Thalia looked horrified. "I would never label you. I just asked a question." She said sweetly, looking like she may soon burst into tears. Steffan's mother Danna Sherrod shifted towards Thalia and rubbed her shoulders, consoling her.The woman had gone over several times during the dinner to check on Thalia and have small chats with her.

"It's fine, Aunty. We did not take any offence at all." Thalia said, smiling kindly and patting Racheal on the shoulders. "No. She embarrassed us." Danna Sherrod said angrily. "Soon the whole country will learn that the country's First Son is married a common thief.""I did not steal ma'am." Racheal said politely. "Then how did it get in your purse of all places?" Danna Sherrod barked."I don't know." Racheal said honestly. She was beginning to feel trapped. Last night she wondered if someone could steal without their own knowledge. Like Skylar had observed yesterday. She had not even gone near the vice president the whole time. So how could she have stolen his cufflink?And what would she need a cufflink for, especially one that had the family initials on it. She could not sell it to anyone. It had to be someone trying to frame her. She suspected Thalia. As far as she knew, only she had enough motive to frame her, except she had other enemies. She broke into a sweat. Did she ha

Racheal drank from a cup of tea. Thankfully it was sweet, the way she liked her tea. She might as well enjoy it, lunch was still far away. But as she finally finished her tea, she looked up to see the assistant return with a tray.He set it before them and Racheal gasped in shock. The tray contained toast and jam, a cup of cappuccino, yoghurt, nicely chopped fruits, scrambled eggs, two cupcakes and water."Here? The press conference will start in a few minutes." She could not help blurting out. "I will not watch you starve." He said. "I had them postpone the event for another hour. Eat!" He peeled open a finger of banana for her. "No unauthorized person will come here. This is a private waiting area."Racheal wanted to die of embarrassment. He must think her a glutton. And he said something about starving. If only he knew she had mastered the art. Her stepmother had starved her non-stop after all."Why are you smiling?" He asked Racheal shook her head. "Thank you." She replied i