CHAPTER 3.
1241 Words
AVA'S POV.
Dad was ecstatic about my decision and, although he felt guilty about forcing me into marriage with Noah Edward, we both knew that there was no other option.
The Edwards were invited to our place and Mr Edwards came to see us along with his wife.
I frowned in confusion as they came in. Their son, Noah, is supposed to be with them. This is the perfect opportunity we needed to meet and get to know each other.
"Hello Mr Edwards." Dad was the first to greet the guest.
The tall man and woman who came in had unique looks. They were probably in their early fifties, but they looked no older than thirty.
Mr Edwards was a very handsome blond in a dark suit and sparkling shoes. One could easily tell that he was a heartbreaker in his younger days.
Mrs Edwards was also a very beautiful woman. She was in a simple green dress and a demin jacket over it. Her short black hair was straight and silky and there was a warm smile on her face.
"Good to see you again Mr Anderson." Mr Edwards greeted him back as he shook hands firmly with my Dad.
"Same here. I am glad to see that you came too, Mrs Edwards", Dad greeted the woman and her warm smile widened in reply. Dad pulled me forward to stand beside him, and I knew I shouldn't be, but I was nervous before them. "This is my daughter Ava." He introduced proudly.
Mr Edwards' sky blue eyes brightened as he stared at me, "I am fully aware of who this is." He stepped closer to me and took my hand from my side, kissing it gently. I tried not to blush at the unexpected gesture. Although old enough to be my father, Mr Edwards was still handsome enough to melt at his heart-stopping display. "A pleasure to meet you in person, Miss Ava Anderson."
I frowned at his words, "I'm sorry sir, but have we known each other before?"
He smiled warmly, gently placing my hand back on my side, "not really, but I did see you at a charity event at Kingstone orphanage some months ago, at a charity event. I was touched at the way you interacted with the children and made them smile. I knew instantly that you are the perfect person to make my son happy."
"We are willing to give you anything you ask for, Miss Ava." Mrs Edwards' gentle voice put in, "we just want him to experience the happiness we as his worthless parent could not give him all his life." Her expression turned sorrowful, and my heart swell with pity for her. "It's the least we can do for him before he leaves the world."
Mr Edwards quickly rushed to his wife to hold her in a comforting embrace. She looked like the sorrow was getting to her.
Dad cleared his throat, "I think this is something we all have to sit down and discuss. Please come with us." Dad pulled me along, and we led them to the living room. Dad and I settled on the couch while they both took two available armchairs.
"I have discussed your request with my daughter" Dad began, staring straight at their hopeful faces, "and she has made her decision, but I think it's best we hear it from her."
They all stared at me as silence took over the place. I was still nervous and unsure about all of these, but let's see how it goes. "Well, this came to me as a shock. I honestly did not expect that people like you guys would plead for me to marry your son. There are like a million ladies out there that you could have chosen and who would no doubt be willing, so why me?"
"Because we have seen the type of person you are" Mr Edwards said confidently, "the way you talked to those kids at the orphanage showed how much you cared even though they were complete strangers to you. My son needs someone like you, someone he can lean on."
"But it doesn't make sense sir. I don't know your son and he doesn't know me either. How sure are you that I am the kind of person he needs in his life?"
Mrs Edwards smiled and answered, "we are his parents, Miss Ava. I think that is enough answer to that question."
I heaved a shaky sigh, realizing that this was slowly turning real, and I couldn't get out of it, but I do have one last question before making a decision, "Does he agree with what you two are about to do? I mean does he want a wife?"
Silence followed the question and the couples stared at each other with wary expressions. I knew for sure that their son was also against it.
Mr Edwards sighed before speaking, "Noah doesn't agree with us, but it is what is best for him and he has no other choice. With time, we are hoping that you'll help him see that we are only doing this because we care."
For a short moment, all I did was stare at them. Their sick son is against marrying me, but they still went ahead to make a deal like this. were they that desperate?
I rubbed my hands together to heat them up as they were turning cold with nerves. "In truth, I am also against this sudden talk of marriage with someone I do not know, but you have made my dad an offer we both can't refuse. My family company is in need of saving, and since you have agreed to help us, there is no reason for me to refuse marrying your son."
The happy smiles on their faces made me less depressed about my decision, but I still felt unsure and unhappy.
"Thank you, Miss Ava. In all truth, it is not our intention to force this on you, but we know that our son will need a girl like you in his life. We beg you to please do what you can to make him happy."
I only nodded at their pleas, forcing a weak smile on my face. I was against this too, but what choice do I have? The farmers are already protesting, Dad and James are both in agreement and also encouraging me. I felt like it's a burden I just have to bear whether I like it or not.
Like James said, it's a sacrifice I just have to make.
Together, we all discussed arrangements for the ceremony. It wasn't going to be anything grand, as it turns out that Noah Edwards hates the spotlight. It was going to be a simple court wedding with a few witnesses and a contract to back up the reason for the marriage, which would be signed by both parents.
Some days ago, James spoke to me about a disturbing idea that he had come up with. He wants me to make Noah Edwards fall in love with me before his six months run out. That way, Noah would leave all he owns to my name, and that means that our family company would never experience such failures again.
Reluctantly, I agreed to this.
Although unsure, I still found myself growing curious about this Noah Edwards.
I guess I am going to find out all about him soon.
- Writer
