FATE SEALED IN INK

Episode 4

Adeline’s POV

“You did what?!!!” Fiona screams at me, a pillow hitting my face as I narrated my ordeal with Rick... while of course leaving out certain parts.

“I told him I couldn’t do it,” I say with a shrug.

“I get that you’re being morally apt and all, but we are broke Addy. Opportunities like this don’t come to us every day, especially by someone like Roderick Faye This is a million dollars we are talking about…shit,” she exclaims, throwing yet another pillow at my face.

“Fiona,” I wail.

“Where is the card, Adeline? You are going to call him and tell him that you’ve changed your mind, and you are going to pose as his wife for the next few months and liberate us from the shackles.”

“There isn’t a card, Fiona. I told him to go to hell” I reply. Next thing I know, I’m on the ground, a woman on top of me and pillows hitting me at every corner.

“What is wrong with you?” she asks in between hits. “Your big mouth is going to be the death of you Addy,” she says before getting off me.

“You needed to hear the things he says to me. There’s no way I would agree to spend months of my life with such an arrogant prick,” I reply, earning a look from Fiona.

The next few days were filled with us trying to get his number. It obviously wasn’t easy getting a direct contact of someone like Rick. The emails we had sent remained unanswered, numbers we had called kept putting us on hold. We had one last option… and it wasn’t one I was happy with.

*******

The rush of air that hit me as I walked through the large double doors of the Faye Empire made me realize just how crazy this is. I am a bartender… what on earth am I doing in a place like this. Taking deep breaths, I walked towards the receptionist with a smile that was returned with a scowl.

“How can I help you,” she asks with a bored tone, her eyes fixated on the computer.

“I’m here to see Mr. Faye,” I reply, and her hands stopped typing on the keyboard.

“Do you have an appointment?” she asks after some awkward moments of silence, and I shake my head. “You’re going to have to book one. You can do that on the website. Thanks, and enjoy your day,” she says and goes back to her typing.

“Can you just tell him Adeline is here to see him? it’s important,” I say, and she sighs. It was taking a lot for me to stop myself from giving this lady a piece of my mind.

Rolling her eyes, she points towards the elevator. “Go to the twenty-first floor. You can be Ashley’s problem.” I smile before walking away.

I have no idea what I am doing. What am I going to say when I see him? Apologize for what I said? Beg him to give me the offer? What if he already found someone else… what was I going to do then?

My thoughts were cut as the elevator opened and I stepped into the floor. It was more isolated compared to the first floor and there were less doors. Making my way down the hall, I approached the brown-haired woman seated behind a desk.

“Hello, how can I help you today,” she asks with a smile.

“I’m here to see Mr. Faye.”

“Do you have an appointment,” she asks, and her face falls when I shake my head. “You’re going to need an appointment I’m sorry.”

“Can you tell him that Adeline’s here to see him?”

“If you’re not on the emergency list you can’t see him without an appointment… Mr. Faye,” she starts and stands up when she sees the person I already felt.

“Adeline, to what do I owe this unexpected visit?” he asks with a glint in his eyes. I’ll take it from here Ashley,” he says, and I follow him into his office silently. My mind reeling and my body tingling.

“You knew I was coming,” I accuse as he sits on his chair with a grin.

“Sit down darling,” he commands softly, causing me to fold my arms. “There is no way you came to my building just to put up an attitude with me,” he says with a laugh, and I roll my eyes.

“Trust me… I would rather be anywhere but here,” I say, and he raises a brow.

“Are you on your period or something? Do you need a heat press? I can arrange for some painkillers,” he says, and I give him an incredulous look. I don’t even know if he’s being genuine or sarcastic.

Putting my ego aside, I sit down and look around the office. It was designed in a way that mirrors his personality. The walls were painted black, and a golden chandelier drops from the ceiling. The curtains, chairs, and center stools were a dark grey; his desk and bookshelf matching the walls.

“Like what you see?” he asks, leaning back into his chair. I revert my focus to him, mentally preparing myself for every possible outcome.

“I’m here regarding your offer Rick,” I start. “I’ll marry you.”

“I knew you’d come to your senses. I’ll get a contract sent to you before the end of the day. This arrangement can only work if we both adhere to the conditions listed out. You’ll get your first installment after we’ve met my parents and they are convinced. My driver will come to pick you up tomorrow morning from wherever you’re based and move you into my penthouse. That’s where you’ll live for the entire time this contract is on. Any questions?” he finishes in a professional manner, and I stare in astonishment.

“No… I have no questions at all,” I say, and he nods.

“I’ll see you in the morning Adeline,” he stands up and stretches his hand for a shake. I take it and my body reacts in the way it always does – legs wobbly, electricity travelling through my spine, and a forced smile to cover up the longing.

********

There wasn’t much to pack, so that was pretty easy. The hardest part was me saying goodbye to Fiona. The thought of me having to deal with Rick’s arrogant ass alone was kind of sad. The ride to his penthouse was silent, different things going through my mind at the same time. The biggest thing that stuck out was the fact that my life was about to change. The week would end with me being five hundred grand richer. I couldn’t be happier.

Having his parents more mentally tasking than it was physically. The home staff took care of setting the table and cooking lunch. All I had to do was get past the nerves growing in me and get confident enough to face them.

“Mum, Father… I want you to meet Adeline. My girlfriend,” Rick announces when they arrive, and his mother pulled me into a deep hug.

“Ohh she’s so pretty,” she exclaims, and I melt into the hug. I can already see the both of us getting along. I glance at his father who just gives me a nod before he walks towards Rick, and they start to talk.

“So, what do you do Adeline?” Trevon asks halfway into the meal, causing me to tense up. Rick drops his hand on my lap and rubs circles on it to ease the tension. I shoot him a small smile before answering.

“I work as a designer for a fashion start up.”

“A start up? Doesn’t seem like Rick’s destination,” he replies, and his mother glares at him.

“You will stop that nonsense right now Trevon. Roderick has introduced us to this young lady, and we must treat her as family,” she warns and Trevon chuckles.

“How long have you two known each other?” Trevon asks again.

“A year and half,” I reply.

“And how come we are only meeting you just now… a few days after dad told Rick about the contract terms?” he asks mischievously, causing Rick to slam his fists on the table.

“What is wrong with you Trevon?” he yells at his brother who shrugs in response.

“I’m just being curious. A mystery girlfriend pops up out of nowhere a few days after you learn that your position is in danger. Anyone would be stupid not to suspect anything. Where did you pick her? A foster home?” he asks. Next thing I know, a glass is flying to his direction, and he dodges.

“Oh my God!” I exclaim amongst the chaos between the brothers and all the attention goes to Mr. Faye who has his hands to his chest and his face pale.

Rick quickly calls the police and starts giving his father chest compressions. I move to calm a trembling Mrs. Faye, my heart breaking

at the sight before me.

Roderick Faye was crying.