Marriage of Convenience

Chapter 4

Rose's POV

My mom looked at me with a horror stricken face. I didn't know how to tell her but I had to.

“Wh–what did he… want?” my mother asked carefully like she was scared to know.

“A bride. He wanted me to marry him.”

“That doesn't make any sense… it's so random, an–and out of the blue. Why would he want that?”

I explained the same reasons Derek had given me to my mother but she was clearly not on board with the idea.

“No, we'll find a way out of this. You can't marry him.”

“It's too late mum. I went to the registry this morning. We're officially married and I just came home to let you know, because I'll be moving in with him tomorrow.”

My mother burst into tears and she began apologizing to me. “I'm so sorry, this is all our fault… if we had worked harder to give you a better life, then none of this would have happened.”

“No, no mum, don't blame yourself. None of this is your fault. This is just my own fate and I'm happy to bear it knowing that you two will be safe from now on. I promise I'll visit as much as I can.”

Mum didn't stop crying so I pulled her into an embrace and she held onto me tight like she wasn't ready to let me go but I didn't want to leave either.

While we were like that, my stepfather walked in and from his expression, he'd heard everything. He came and joined in the hug. It suddenly felt like no amount of time would be enough.

I didn't know what being with Derek would mean. I didn't know anything about him or his family, if he even had one. But he was rich, so I had a good chance of learning more about him on the Internet. So, after what felt like the last supper with my family, I went to my room and pulled out my laptop.

I finally remembered where I'd heard his name before. He was a multi Billionaire and he was always on the news. The city's most eligible bachelor, everything about him seemed perfect.

In less than twenty four hours, I would leave my own home and my family and go to him. But we were the definition of worlds apart. How would I cope or fit in in his world?

I barely got any sleep that night because of how troubled and even a bit scared I was. The sun seemed to rise quicker that morning, and I knew I had to be ready to leave soon.

I got out of bed and moved about like a zombie. My room was small with only enough space to fit in my bed, reading area and to walk around. We'd never been rich so I never had a problem with our living conditions.

Derek's bathroom was probably the size of my entire room, I thought as I brushed my teeth, washed my hair and took my bath. I walked to my closet after not knowing what to pack.

I remembered the credit card Derek had given me, I didn't plan to use it but I knew most of my own clothes would be useless in his society so I only took a few essentials, some books and a couple of outfits that didn't feel too shabby.

Then my mum came upstairs just when I was staring at the mirror feeling insecure and unsure.

“There's a car parked outside.” She said when she came into my room.

“Yes, that's for me…”

“You look beautiful,” My mother said to me. It was almost like she could sense my emotions.

“Thank you.” That reply came out in a whisper. She helped me with my bag as we went downstairs.

“Remember to call me everyday and if anyone treats you badly, you let me know okay? No matter what.”

“Yes mum, I will.”

I said goodbye to them and got into the car. The drive only took about an half hour.

The Riviera mansion was huge and fancy, with well-kept lawns and beautiful gardens. The building had a mix of old and new styles, with stone walls, arched windows, glass, and steel.

It was evidence of just how wealthy Derek was and I felt small and insignificant in the face of his affluence.

“I'll have your luggage sent to Miss.” The driver said as he opened the door for me and I stared at the staircase which led to the large golden doors of the mansion.

Inside the mansion was big and grand, with chandeliers and a spiral stairway sweeping up to the upper levels like a big, fancy wing.

I looked around me as I stood there alone not knowing what to do or say. Then I saw Derek approaching me from the stairs. His usual attire seemed a bit different that day with only a crisp white shirt which hugged his muscles and tailored black pants.

“Welcome home.” He said to me as he offered me his hand. I reached out hesitantly. “ I'll show you to your room later but first, come meet my family.”

He just threw that on me as he led me down a hallway. I didn't know anything about his family or how many people I'd be meeting there. I was almost dizzy with fear.

Then we stopped in front of two big doors and the room became bright as we opened them. What I saw was a dining room, with a large table and an equally large number of people.

I hadn't expected him to have so many family members. I felt my palms get sweaty as they all stared at us with blank expressions on their faces.

“Good morning family.” Derek said as he led me towards the seats.

“Derek, who is that?” An older looking woman spoke.

“Ooh, is she the new personal maid I asked for? I can't believe you got one so fast.” A younger lady spoke.

“No Jennifer, she isn't a maid!” He pressed hard and that made everyone more curious.

“So you brought home a random homeless person?” The woman whose name was Jennifer asked, insulting me once again.

I was almost dumbfounded. How could anyone think I looked like the help? I knew I wasn't dressed as fancy as they were but I knew I looked presentable.

“Mind your words Jennifer. She's my wife!” He passed anger flashing in his eyes.