CHAPTER 1
1143 Words
Present day.
"You worry yourself too much, Mr. Austin; marry Rose off to me, and all your problems will be over. I will fly Ashly to India for her treatment, and I'll make sure she completes her education in Europe when she recovers.
You wouldn't even need to work for me as my gardener anymore; you would be too busy living your best life.
"Sir, I don't think I can do that; you are my boss, and I cannot just marry my daughter to you like that; she has a life of her own, and she has a relationship too. Why are you so interested in Rose?
"Let’s just say I'm trying to help you, Mr. Austin, so you won't lose your sick daughter. Rose is dating a popper, by the way; he cannot even take care of her toiletries, not to mention paying for Ashly’s medical bills. Do you want a popper as a son-in-law? I won't force you, Mr. Austin; just let me know when you are ready.
Mr. Hudson walked away from my father as he puffed his cigarette. I didn't know what they were discussing; they stood in the corner of the room.
"You have to marry Hudson Rose; it is the only way he would agree to pay for Ashly’s surgery. Mr. Hudson won't lend me the money or help me pay for her treatment, but he still insists on marrying you.
"Hudson is a very ruthless and heartless person; why would he ask for my hand in marriage as a condition for paying Ashly’s medical bills? Why won't he lend you the money instead? I cannot marry that heartless man; I detest him. As if I knew what you both were discussing, I saw the way he was looking at me. Why won't he just give up on this marriage thing?
It was an emotional moment as tears rolled down my father’s face. He was hopeless; he was too broke to do anything to save my sister, Ashley. I am a fresh graduate without a job; I cannot help with the bills. It pains me to see my father like this. I cannot bear to see him like this. This decision to marry Hudson will not be a difficult one because I have already made up my mind to do all it takes to see my sister get better.
"I will do it, Dad; I will marry Hudson. I will head over to his place now to tell him so he can come to pay for the treatment as soon as possible.
I made my way to Hudson’s mansion. It brought back the memories of the last time I was here; nothing changed, I must say. I got to the entrance and stood for a while before knocking on the door. I had just a few seconds to rethink my decision. I cannot change my mind now that my sister’s life is at stake.
I finally decided to knock, and suddenly Hudson came to open the door; it was as if he had been expecting me all along.
"Rose, we finally meet again; come in. What should I offer you? Whisky or brandy?
"Water is fine. I'm just here to inform you that we can proceed with the wedding plans, but before we proceed, I need to know the terms of the marriage.
"You sound as if it is such a big deal, Rose; all you have to do is agree to marry me and work for me.
"Work for you? as your assistant?
"Not at all, Rose; something else.
And what would that be?
"To be my wife, you'll be my wife; that is the only job you have to do.
"Will I be paid for that?
"Of course, my Rose, or should I say "my soon-to-be wife,"
I’ll pay you 500,000 dollars monthly, excluding your shopping spree, your sister’s medical bills, and her school fees.
"That is huge; when would you want to pay me that much money?
"Well, let's just say that being a billionaire’s wife comes with lots of benefits. You are a very smart girl, Rose, and I like you.
"Can I leave the marriage anytime I want?
"I don't think I'll do anything to make you want to leave, Rose.
Hudson came close to me and kissed me on the neck. He was slow but steady, and his lips were soft and cold. I did not understand why my body responded to his kisses. Hudson paused and whispered into my ear. It was a good feeling; he smelled nice, and his perfume sent me to heaven and back. I was already melting in his arms when his voice brought me back to my senses.
"You won't regret this, Rose; this would be the best decision you will ever make. I will take care of your family and make sure they are comfortable.
"When will you send my sister to India for the surgery? The doctor said it needed to be done urgently.
"That is up to you, Rose; I will start the process immediately after we get married.
"I'm scared; I just don't feel right about this.
"It doesn't have to make sense to you, Rose; your sister is in Moribund; you shouldn't think twice before marrying me. Besides, I am harmless; I touched you softly; I even made you wet down there, I'm sure of that. So you shouldn't be scared.
Think about it, Rose. You won't have to work a day in your life again.
"What kind of wedding do you want so I can start the preparations?
"Something low-key. I do not want to involve the media, just close family and friends.
"OK, I will contact Mrs. Anabel to make arrangements.
"Perfect! That is why I like you, Rose; you make smart choices. By the way, I bought you a diamond ring; I'll have my maid hand it over to you before you leave. You are now my fiancee; isn't that exciting?
"You bought me a ring already? I find it strange, sir, and even more scary that you look so excited; it seems as if you've been looking forward to this day.
"Can you stop with the formality already? Call me babe or something romantic; you'll be my wife in a few days.
"In a few days? Isn't that soon?
"Your sister needs treatment; remember that every moment wasted is dangerous. So I say we marry the day after tomorrow; no need to procrastinate.
The offer is too good to be true. I am about to marry someone I am not attracted to. Hudson is a handsome young man, but there is something strange about him that I cannot place. What is wrong? How do I tell my boyfriend about this? Would he ever forgive me for abandoning him?
I am doomed, I muttered under my breath.
- Writer
