Beneath His Armor

Chapter 2: The Meeting (SOFIE)

I woke up the next morning to darkness. The windows were closed and the curtains were also shut. I picked the remote from the bed stand and pressed a button to open the curtains. The bright morning sun shone through my room and straight into my eyes.

For a moment I lay there, basking in the warmth until everything from yesterday came crashing down on me.

I got out of bed and headed for the bathroom.

For today I wanted to have a nice warm bath. I filled the bathtub with warm water and added some fragrance with a little bit of epsom salt.

Today was the day I was supposed to meet Adrian. I was nervous, no lie but at the same time for some unknown reason I felt somewhat excited.

Nevertheless, I got ready. I dressed carefully. I choose a simple yet elegant peach colored dress. She wanted to make a good impression and not look needy or desperate.

She knew this their meeting would be the building block of their relationship and she wanted to make sure nothing went wrong.

She descended into the hallway and down the stairs where she saw her father. Her face showing no emotions. He had his usual perfectly tailored suit and tie on. For a year 49 year old man he did look young and handsome. My mom had got good eyes!

“ Are you ready?” He asked, his tone neutral.

“Ready as ever” I responded. I could never be ready. I thought to myself.

My father nodded in approval “The car is outside.”

He led me to the car and held his hand up for our chauffeur to stay where he is. For a moment I was confused until he opened the door for me and bowed down “ Milady” he said and smiled. I smiled back before entering the car. Yes my father can be unbearable sometimes but he is still my daddy. My personal bank. My permanent boyfriend. The only man who could say he loves me and I would believe him in a heartbeat.

The ride to the Blackwood’s was a silent one, well not so silent as my dad was trying to converse with me but I was too busy with my own thoughts.

My mind was racing with possibilities of our first meeting. Would he be nice to me? Would he be cold and distant like I fear? Would he approve of me? What if he changed his mind after seeing me? What would happen to us then?

“Sofie is everything alright?” Huh? I looked at my father. Was he talking to me? “Yes father, everything is okay”.

We arrived at the Blackwood’s after what felt like ages. We were usher out of the car by the chauffeur and he drove off to park at the parking lot.

“Mr Carter, Miss Carter” the butler said calmly, “Mr. Blackwood awaits you. Kindly follow me”.

The interior of the mansion was as grand as the exterior. A mix of old money and modern architecture was built on the ground. High ceilings with walls having intricate designs dominating them. The walls were lined with fine art, both old and contemporary art. The floors were a polished marbled floor. Very shiny and mirror- like.

The butler led us down a hallway to a pair of white double doors. He opened the doors swiftly and ushered us to enter.

Beyond the doors was a spacious study lined with bookshelves. The air smelled of expensive leather and authentic furniture. There was a large dark desk right beside the window at th— Adrian.

My breath caught in my throat as I laid eyes on him for the first time. He was tall with broad shoulders and even with his back turned to us, his presence commanded respect and authority. As if sensing our arrival he turned to look at us before moving towards us. His hair was neatly styled and his sharp feathers were further highlighted by the light beaming through the window. His eyes are the most beautiful I have ever seen. He had eccentric blue eyes. Piercing ones that seemed to look right at my very soul.

Upon reaching us he extended a hand to my father “Mr. Cater, welcome.”

My father shook his hand firmly “ Mr. Blackwood, it’s good to finally meet you.”

Adrian shifted his gaze to me and suggested I felt jittery. “And you must be Sofie.”

I forced myself to meet his gaze even though my heart was literally pounding “ Yes Mr. Blackwood, pleasure to meet you.”

His eyes lingered on me for a moment as if checking me out before speaking “Pleasure is mine.”

His voice was deep and smooth with an underlying sense of … authority I guess.

He motioned for us to sit down on the huge couch beside us.

The meeting begun.

While I was quiet trying to focus, my dad was talking to him about something I was not sure of, they were at the far end of the long couch and I was on the other end.

Adrian moved to me “Mr. Carter can you please excuse us? I would like a moment with Miss Carter alone.”

“Miss Carter,” Adrian begun after my father reluctantly agreed to leave us. “I understand that this situation is unusual but believe me we both have something to gain from this arrangement. You will have everything you need including security. Since I am the deciding most things I will leave it to you to decide the number of years this marriage should last.”

Aside this he said a few things and asked if I had anything to say. I shook my head and that was it. The meeting had ended.

I was on my way out when his voice stopped me “Miss Cater,” he paused. He stared at me for a long while before continuing “I want you to know that in as much as we may be married, I cannot guarantee loyalty and commitment . Also I cannot promise love, not at first. I believe it grows from respect and shared goals. It is not my plan to make you unhappy Miss Cater. If anything I to give you a life where you can flourish. But remember that it is only a saying. An intention, not a promise” he finished. I was beyond shocked. I didn’t know what to say.

I simply nodded and responded “ I understand” though I did not, my mind was still processing all that he said. With that I left his study and met my father at the end of the hallway. “Is everything alright Sofie?” My father asked with concern written all over his face. When I didn’t answer, he asked again “Why are you crying my dear?” I was crying? I didn’t realize. I’m okay father I’m alright. The butler led us out of the mansion. Before I entered our car I asked “Father, will everything be alright?” He looked at me and smiled “ Yes my dear everything is going to be alright.” With one last look at the mansion we drove off and I was left wondering. What has become of my life?