Chapter 2
1341 Words
The Proposal
As Nora was combing her grandmother's study, a young handsome man in a well-tailored shirt entered the study.
I'm Jude Black. He stretched his palm for a handshake.
Why are you in my grandma's study? Nora was rude.
Your grandma asked me to find you here and take you downstairs for lunch. He answered politely.
Why would my grandma ask a stranger to get me out of her study whilst she can call on the phone? She said inwardly. She was a bit surprised as to why her grandma would do that. Grandma Lizzy doesn't even allow her cleaners to clean there. Nora paid great dues before she could assess her library and a strange guy walked in just like that.
Nora inched to the gentleman," I'm behind you, as gentle Jude signaled her to go first.
“Ewwww”, Nora frowned. Let me lighten up my face till I find out who he is. She led and both descended to the dining area.
At the large dining table sat a middle-aged man and Nora's grandma.
Mr Black, that's Nora, my only granddaughter. She's very intelligent. She tops her law class all the time.
She's very beautiful as well, Mr Black added as Nora pulled the seat closer to her grandma.
Jude also sat by his grandpa. His seat brought him face to face with Nora. She's rude. Jude thought as Nora eyed him disdainfully.
Chef Pete serves them creamy mushroom soup served with warm crusty bread rolls as a starter. For the main course, the four seated people were served with Classic roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, roasted potatoes, and seasonal vegetables, gravy and horseradish sauce on the side.
Grandma raised her champagne glass to toast, “A great future awaits our businesses”, Mr Black clinked to Grandma's glass and so did the grandchildren.
As the place became pin drop silence, Grandpa Black mentioned Nora's name and added, You're a very intelligent lady, accept my grandson’s proposal.
Nora nearly choked on the wine she was sipping.
Grandma quickly jumped in with an answer, “Of course, Jude is equally intelligent and very handsome. The incoming CEO, I'm so happy at this engagement.”
Nora forced a smile but was enraged within. What's happening? Why are these two old folks doing this? She just couldn't stand up against her grandma and most especially not in Mr Black's presence.
The Black was a household name known for the highest hospital and pharmaceuticals in New York. They were powerful too and had other profitable businesses as well.
Let's excuse the incoming couples, Mr Black announced as the two old folks left Nora and Jude in the dining room.
Jude smiled and said, Relax! I don't love you either.
Nora narrowed her cat eyes with her cheeks sunken. Then why is such a proposal coming from your grandpa?
Hush! You're loud, we will be heard. Jude motioned her to speak in an undertone.
Actually, I'm astonished as you are now, as let's play along. My grandpa has a few days to live . I need to please him to confidently hand over his shares to me. That would make me the CEO of the Blacks. My parents toiled and died for the company, but my uncles won't let me inherit their shares easily.
Nora's cat eyes darted about. Why do I care? She shuddered.
Well, I'll tell my grandpa you don't love me, because I'm willing to make you my wife.
As if by design, both laughed meticulously.
Wait! Nora's eyes widened as she lifted her palm to stop Jude from talking. “Business”! She remembered her grandma’s champagne toast. Their announced engagement is to enhance the family businesses.
She stammers, I have a boyfriend.
Jude’s face beamed, exposing his dimples and said,
“I have a lover too. I love her so much, she reminds me of my mum every day and her beauty is unparalleled."
Enough! Nora got to her feet. You think you might make me jealous.
Both broke into uncontrollable laughter.
Mr Black had just got to the dining room for his grandson. Meeting their laughter,
I hope I'm not interrupting anything.
No grandpa!;Jude replied and his eyes and Nora's eyes switched to grandpa.
I guess it's time for us to go," Jude asked his grandpa.
Yes, but have fun with your fiancée. I'll leave with the driver. He'll come for you later. Mr Black whispered to Jude.
Oh no! We'll catch up another time. I can't leave you alone. Jude got up and dialed his digits on Nora's phone.
Nora watched him in bewilderment, he had got the audacity to take my phone. She thought. We can be friends though. He has brains. She added to her thought.
Anything to be in grandma's good books, I'm ready. Her dad always advised her.
Nora nearly missed her grandma's blessings when she bumped into her room and she had Henry, her bodyguard, that close.
Her visit was unexpected, and she was heavily drunk from Aisha’s birthday party. Mr Smith wasn't going to permit her, so she took advantage of her father's absence and left. She sneaked out but was caught by Henry, who wouldn't permit her to go alone.
Take a break, Henry. Nora acted smart when Henry found her starting her new Benz.
I obey Mr Smith. Henry opened the car's door.
Nora pouted and said calmly. Please, I need to be at this party. She pleaded incessantly.
Henry agreed and said. I've got to at least come with you.
Nora accepted, but on one condition, he was going to act as her boyfriend. She was fed up with people always seeing her as the rich kid with the bodyguard.
Without responding to Nora’s condition, Henry gently took the car keys from her and opened the passenger's seat for her and resumed the driving seat.
Location mam, Henry asked.
I've already adjusted the GPS tracker, Nora answered.
Nora sighed a big relief. Henry was not easy to persuade, but I succeeded today. She rejoiced silently.
Within a few minutes, Henry stopped the car in front of Aisha's house. He walked Nora to the door that had some random guys sniffing who knew what and drinking.
He opened the door to meet loud music and the ladies and gentlemen twisting their bodies to the tune of the music.
Welcome, Nora, Aisha rushed to take her jacket and hugged her graciously. I thought you wouldn't make it.
Smiling Nora whispered, I sneaked out and my date, as she pointed to Henry agreed to my coming when he caught me.
Both laughed loudly!
Nora grabbed some drinks and snuggled into the crowd with Aisha.
Henry stood at the entrance and remained inert as his gaze followed only Nora.
Nora approached him and uttered, Relax, no bodyguard is allowed here. Let's have fun and she dragged him to the dance floor.
Henry loosened up a bit, he liked Nora so much, but she was way out of his league.
He accidentally touched Nora's hips, and he felt her body as her red bodycon dress hugged her tightly, revealing her curvaceous shape.
He withdrew swiftly and Nora's mocking laughter gingered him to push her closer and gave her the dance of her life.
Nora sprinted to the bar after sometime. Henry followed her, but he was careful not to drink. He was still on duty.
Nora took many shots and became highly drunk. She staggered as she approached other guys for kisses.
Henry was scared to death. What if someone records her? He would have to pay with his life, so he gently held Nora's wrist to take her home. They'd overstayed and she was acting childishly too.
We've got to go, Henry told Aisha as he found her.
Oh, so soon. Aisha asked.
Yeah, she's not well. Henry acted smartly.
Alright, take care, she said as she pushed closer to give Nora a peg.
Girl!!! She screamed as she smelled the high alcohol stench from her breath.
- Writer
