The billionaire's mute bride

Family Dinner

Anna

I wasn't supposed to be here.

Scratch that, I didn't want to be here.

We were all sitting in the huge dining area in the Cooper mansion. By we, I mean my father, his wife, Victoria and their daughter Emory and well, me.

The only reason I'm even allowed here is because father said the entire family had to be here. And while I'm normally not considered part of the family I also had to be here.

Victoria is obviously not pleased by the news judging by the occasional glares sent my way. Emory on the other hand has chosen to to ignore my existence. Which if I'm being honest, counts as a win.

The only thing I know about tonight's dinner, is that there's to be an important guest, who I'm guessing is late judging by the way father has been checking his watch. Whoever it is must be very important because there are not many people, who can afford to be late to a dinner hosted by Richard Cooper.

I adjust the neckline of my simple blue dress. It's one of my few dresses suitable for an important dinner, I paired it with a white pearl choker and matching earrings, the only keepsake I have from my birth mother. My hair is styled in a simpler braid and I finished the dressing off with white flats. My dressing is shabby compared to what the others are wearing.

Emory is wearing a white sequin dress with a sweetheart neckline, white heel gold jewelry. Her hair is down in beach waves. Her face is full of makeup.

Victoria is wearing a black designer dress, her black hair in a tight bun and her lips painted red.

At about 8:20 PM the doors opened.

"Mr. Davenport," the butler announced.

Richard, my father stood up and the rest of us followed suit.

"Mr. Davenport. Thank you for coming," he greeted.

I looked up.

Davenport. Alexander Davenport.

CEO of Davenport corp.

The man from the rain.

He was wearing a navy suit tonight. In the light I recognize his eyes as blue. Cold and unfeeling like the ocean.

His eyes swept the table, they landed on me for a second then moved on like we never met.

Maybe he doesn't recognize me. I thought. Really can't blame him I'm extremely forgettable, I tend to fade into the background.

"Richard," he shook hands with my father.

"Victoria," he nodded to her.

"Emory.."

Seems everyone is on first name basis.

Then to me, "Miss Cooper." I managed a small smile. I don't bother giving my first name.

We all sat down. He sat across from me, Emory to his right, Victoria to his left, Richard at the head and me alone at the other end.

Dinner was a show, though I was only half listening.

Richard droned on about some sort of merger for more than twenty minutes. Victoria was nodding. Emory would occasionally touch Alex's arm and give a breathy laugh.

Alex ate silently. He didn't look at me again. No one at the table paid any attention to me, I felt like a piece of furniture.

I stared at my plate picking at my food until desert came.

Richard cleared his throat. "Alex shall we discuss the next steps privately?"

Alex set his glass down. "I'd prefer we discuss it now, with everyone."

Victoria frowned. Richard obviously looked uncomfortable with the idea but he agreed.

"Of course," he said.

Alex pulled a folder from his briefcase and set it on the table. "We've been in talks for months, regarding the merger between Davenport corp and Cooper holdings."

There was a pause.

"The board's condition for moving forward is a marriage alliance to show commitment between our families."

He opened the file. "The contract says I have to marry the eldest daughter of the Cooper family."

Emory sat up straight. Victoria smiled.

"Emory. My heir would be honored to marry you," Richard said.

I honestly have no idea why I even have to be here. I have to stop my self from sighing out loud.

Alex looked around the table his gaze settling on me. "If I'm not mistaken, Miss Emory isn't the eldest daughter . . ."

Emory's smile faded and my stomach dropped. I knew where this was going and I didn't like it. There was nothing I could do to stop it so I just sat still keeping my eyes on my plates.

"Miss Annalise is," he finished his gaze still on me.

The room went still.

Emory's fork hit her plate.

Richard laughed a bit too loud.

"Alex. I think there's been a misunderstanding." He looked at me, then at Alex.

"Anna is a wonderful girl . . . But she's not suitable for this role."

My chest tightened.

"She's. . . disabled," Richard said his voice dripping with concern I can't tell he feels.

"She doesn't speak. It would be bad for public events. For the board. For the company image. For you."

I keep staring at my plate and count the lines in the wood. Don't react. I tell myself.

Alex stand, his face blank. "I haven't agreed to it yet. I'll give my answer to the board at the office tomorrow. I'll be expecting you there," he turned and walked out, the door closing behind him.

Victoria is the first to react. She turns to me full of rage. "You w***e!" She shrieked.

"You put him up to this didn't you?"

I don't answer. I can't even if I wanted to. I dig my nails intoy palm.

Emory comes around the table and stops behind me. She leans her head closer placing her hands on my shoulder. Nails digging into my shoulder blades.

"Don't even think because he said your name he wants you," she lets out a vicious life that's so much like her mother's.

"It's the money mute. You're just a means to an end, he doesn't care about you. No one does."

My eyes sting with tears. I knew that. I'd always known that.

Emory and Victoria both walked out, leaving Richard and I.

Ho stands up and takes the seat next to mine. He covers my palm with his.

"Anna, " he calls softly.

"I don't want this for you. I didn't know there was clause like that in the contract. I wanted you to be free, to play your music and live the life you want."

A tear ran down my cheek.

"But darling of he agrees you have to do this. For the company. For the family," he paused. "For me."

I gave a small nod.

He stood up. " I'm sorry I couldn't protect you my little angel." He gives me a kiss on the forehead and walked out.

I say there for a long time tears pouring from my eyes.