The Accidental Husband

Chapter 1

Astrid’s slender fingers drummed on the café’s table as she listened to her grandfather’s rants over the phone, massaging her forehead with her other free hand.

“Astrid, you are almost 25 and you are already eligible to get married. What’s stopping you from doing the expected? You are from a very prominent family in this country and only married individuals are eligible to inherit the family’s business and if you don’t do the needful soon, I will be forced to give your position to your cousin.”

Astrid held her phone tightly as his words echoed in her mind. She looked out of the café’s window, feeling trapped and suffocated by her family’s expectations.

Life was being so hard and unfair towards her right now.

“I understand, grandfather,” Astrid replied. “But, can’t I have more time to myself? A matter as delicate as marriage should not be rushed; I haven’t seen someone that I could fall in love with at the moment.”

Her grandfather sighed deeply before saying, “Astrid, you are talking about love at this point? Love can be cultivated at any point in the marriage. What matters right now is upholding the family’s reputation and interests and the company’s stability. If you don’t find someone to get married to soon, I will have no choice but to get you married to Liam Ryder. After all he is from a very good and powerful family, and an alliance such as a marriage, can help bring our families together making us even stronger.”

“But, grandfather, are you just going to sell me off for our family’s benefits?” Astrid’s chest heaved up and down as she clenched her small fists.

“You must get married soon, if you don’t bring someone, I will force you to get married. End of discussion!” Her grandfather’s authoritative voice sounded in her ear, making her swallow whatever she had to say next.

Just then, the café’s door swung open and Julian walked in, scanning the room for his date. He spotted Astrid not far off from him, dressed in an elegant white dress.

His friends had informed him that his date said she was going to wear a white dress so that must be her. He didn’t know what she looked like as it was his friends who arranged the meeting.

As he approached her table, he felt charmed and captivated by her appearance. He was not really expecting anything out of the ordinary, but this lady had beaten his imagination with her delicate features. Maybe, coming on this date was not a bad idea after all.

Without hesitation, he sat across from her and began introducing himself. After all, they had been speaking together for a few days so there was no need to beat around the bush.

“Hello, sorry I’m quite late. My name is Julian Styles, I’m 28 years old, an ex-soldier and also a gynaecology nurse,” He spoke without mincing words making Astrid raise a brow at him with irritation. “If you must know I have had my own share of failed relationships due to the nature of my work as most women found my profession to be uncomfortable to deal with so just to give you a heads up in case you would like to back out.”

Getting interrupted, Astrid was filled with annoyance and shock as her eyes narrowed. What’s wrong with men nowadays? Just walk up to any lady they see sitting alone and then go ahead to introduce themselves.

Despite this awkward situation, Astrid could see the sincerity in his eyes and was intrigued by this stranger as well as his gentlemanly demeanour.

Perhaps, he had mistaken her for someone else.

Dropping her phone down on the table, forgetting to end the call with her grandfather, she said, “You seem to be very straight forward, Mr. Styles. I’m Astrid Everett, the heiress to the Everett’s family, one of the most wealthy, and influential families in the city.”

Julian’s eyes widened and he coughed slightly embarrassed. He didn’t expect that his date would turn out to be the daughter of the influential Everett’s family. A mix of discomfort crossed his face. “Everett?”

“Yes,” Astrid nodded.

As the truth sank in, Julian realised that their worlds were too different and their social circles were too far apart. He won’t be able to handle the struggles that come with being the son in-law of such a famous family.

Besides, how were his friends able to contact such a personality for him to meet up with?

So he said, “I didn’t realise…”

Astrid furrowed her brows and questioned impatiently. “Realise what, Mr. Styles?”

“I apologise, miss Everett, but we are not compatible. I’m just a simple nurse while you, Miss Everett, are from a very prominent family. We are both from two different worlds.”

“Actually, I suspect you must have mistaken my identity for someone else, that’s all.” Astrid said bluntly, with a small smile making Julian’s face go red with embarrassment.

The woman before him was not his date at all!

“I’m really sorry. I didn’t know,” He said, hurriedly standing up. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Everett.”

Astrid watched as Julian hastily departed and she couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

“Astrid?”

She heard her grandfather’s voice from the phone and was surprised. She didn’t end the call at all.

“I have done some digging on the young man,” He said. Astrid imagined him smiling in his study. “Julian Styles, his record is quite impressive I must say.”

“Grandfather, you are meddling again. He was just a stranger; you shouldn’t have done any investigations on him. I have never met him before.”

“Astrid, he’s a suitable match for you.”

“Grandfather,” Astrid was becoming annoyed. “I don’t even know him. Are you trying to force me into marrying a stranger?”

“You were impatient with him. You didn’t even listen to him before driving him away. Astrid, if it’s love you are looking for, try it out with that man. He could be the one for you.”