Hardhearted

Chapter 4

Chapter four

Ding dong.

"I'll get the door maybe it's the pizza boy, I was craving for pizza today so I ordered." Lucy laughed as she went to open the door.

I laughed at her as she ran to the door; I received the call and switched it to speaker mode.

"Hello nani." I was so happy she called.

Then I bent down to look for my shoes, which ones should I wear. Oh right... I had to wear the ones we bought today.

"Hello dear. How are you?"

"good nani. How have you been? And how is jiya" I said excitedly, sitting down besides my bed. Jiya is my little sister two years younger than me.

"Oh the old lady is just fine, don't worry about me."

"But I am not fine. Coz we haven't seen you for like decades." My Lil sister complained.

"We just met like a couple of months ago stop over exaggerating."

"Just say you don't love us anymore. Couple of months has so many days in it. You are so busy that you even forget about us." She just likes complaining even though I call her every week.

"Could you please let nani talk. I've heard enough from you. I know you have nothing but complaints."

I felt someone in my room so I turned around to see. Mr Rodgers was already here, I looked at the watch to see if it was already late but no he was early again.

I rolled my eyes and continued with my multitasking; talking on the phone and at the same time trying to put on the shoes. This stupid shoes were hard to even put on let alone walking around with it on. I breathed out and he came near me. He sat down and helped me put on the shoes. I was shocked... And now he thinks I can't even put on my shoes.

"I can do it" I said nastily but he didn't bulge. I tried to stop him by placing the hand on my feet. He caught my hand with his hand. He held it high so that I would not stop him

" who are you talking to? I told you right nani she's trying to ignore us now... She doesn't want us in her life. She's found someone " she said dramatically on the other end of the phone

"Shut up. There's no one... And stop over reacting."

"Fine talk to nani, she's found you another companion, here talk to her."

"WHAT?"

"Yup. You already know she's set her mind to get you married."

"Now let me talk to her you've talked enough." My nani interfered.

I rolled my eyes. Mr Rodgers was now pressing my hand a bit more than previously.

"Hey dear.."

"What is this nani?!! I thought we've decided about this. I don't want you finding a guy for me."

"You've all grown up... Now is the time for you to get married. Plus the man I have seen for you is such a dear, he is so sweet and gentle. He has a phd-"

"Nani I told you not to look for any guys right?"

"I don't look for them. They just come and ask me... How am I supposed to say no. Please rhea give it a thought. The family is also really good. They have seen your photograph, they like you and the boy too likes you. Just agree to meet him and see for yourself. If you don't like him. it's fine."

Sometimes being at this age can be really hectic. Especially for Hindu ladies. Anyone could just show up asking for the hand in marriage.

" no nani , I am done and tired of discussing this with you. If he is that good get jiya married to him. She's of right age to get married "

"RHEA... I don't think you are taking any of the things I say seriously. I am old now I want someone to look after you when am not there"

" I can look after myself I don't want anyone babysitting me. Bye I have to go now " I said angrily

"Rhe-" I hanged on the call before she elaborated more and dragged on the topic.

I looked at the person sitting in front of me still holding my hand.

I angrily snapped out my hand from his grip. He was taken back but remained silent.

" pray that I don't embarrass you in front of your family, with this shoes you insisted me to wear." Pointing down at the shoes.

He just smiled and nodded.

We were on the road for like fifteen minutes now, he didn't say anything at all.

"Sir are you okay?"

"Why. What makes you think am not fine, when it was you who-"

" coz you've been quiet for long." I said quickly before he could finish his sentence.

"Oh that..."

"Yes that...anyway what will we say when your family asks how we met?"

"Don't worry. They won't ask such questions."

"Okay"

"Rhea... I told you not to call me sir"

"Yes I forgot." I bit my lower lip.

"Practice"

"Right now?"

"Yes right now"

"Sir it's easy I'll remember it I won't need any practice."

"Really but you just called me sir again."

"Neil" sir...

"It's not limited to only Neil, you can call me sweetheart, honey, darling... anything but not sir or Mr." he winked.

What's wrong with him.

"Jerk"

"But Not that."

the rest of the ride, he made me practice...just calling him neil would need some serious practice.

We drove for almost an hour, the car stopped in front of a big gate. Neil rolled down the car window and nodded to the security guard. The gates immediately opened and we drove in. we drove for another five minutes.

I was awed by the surroundings. The garden only was very huge, he must be stinkingly rich. We slowly approached the house...it was so giant... does all his relatives stay here, even if they did I'm sure they wouldn't even occupy half of the house.

"Do you stay here" my eyes fixed at him to see his expressions.

"I come here for holidays. I live in a penthouse back there."

"This is so big... all your relatives stay here?" I said pointing to the direction where the house was.

"No... just my parents and my sisters."

I tried controlling my laughter after a random thought passed trough my mind.

"What?" his facial expression changed to a confused one.

"Just wondering, your mother tiredly running around this huge thing, to find you all, when you were kids." I laughed

"Yeah, my small sister did that a lot... she used to hide when she was angry, It took hours to find her." He said smiling.

"Ohh... I already like her. and I guess you must be the same arrogant you, back then. Always quiet, bossy and egoistic."

"let's go in...and don't forget what I told you."

"Yes I remember. I have a good memory." I got out of the car and waited for him as he gave the keys to one of his...I guess housemaids.

He came closer, placed his left hand on my bare back and slowly went down to my waist... I shuddered... suddenly feeling cold. What is he doing...?

He took my hand with his right hand and placed a ring on my ring finger. I narrowed my eyes at him... but he kept looking into my eyes and then finally broke his eye contact. He placed a kiss on the ring, "we are engaged remember? I forgot to give it to you before."

I looked at the ring, a silver ring with a diamond.

"This must be really expensive, I-I can't-"

"Shhh..." he leaned down, pulling me closer... he placed a warm kiss on my cheeks. Warm blood rushed to my cheeks. I quickly went back but his strong arm pulled me closer.

What does he think he's doing... I was just about to blast him when suddenly someone shouted.

"Hey man... do you need a room?"

This is embarrassing.

He loosened his hold, his hand still on the waist; he turned to look at the person. "Hey bro... no room, am fine...this is Rhea... and he is my best friend Chris Clayton." He introduced us.

"Hey." He waved his hand

"Hey..." I smiled

We entered the house. I followed Neil to the living room; everyone paused and turned to face us.

"May I present to you the couple of the day." Chris said dramatically.

Ohh my god they were all looking at us... thank you Chris for such an introduction

Neil held my hand and led me to his dad. I was happy to see him again... After so long.

"Hello Rhea... It's good seeing you." he looked at me, smiling.

"Hello sir. Its nice to meet you too." I smiled back.

He hugged his son. "Son this is going to be amazing. I am happy that you finally got a girl. And that too Rhea." he patted his back.

"Thanks dad"

"Hey son" an old lady came to great him.

"Hey grandma...how is you?"

"Fine...I see you've brought home a lady."

"Granny she is Rhea, Rhea this is my grandma."

"Good evening Mrs. Rodgers."

"No formalities...call me granny just like Neil does." She smiled and I returned the smiled.

This family was so massive and lively, I wondered why Mr. Rodgers was the opposite. They all were happy and sweet but on the other hand, Neil, who was so hardhearted.

"Son i want you to get married soon...I need to see your kids before I die."

My eyes went wide when I processed what she said. I looked at Neil who was enjoying seeing me in such situation.

"I wouldn't let you leave so soon, you are still fit and fine, and about kids-" he smirked looking at me, " which one would you want first, mini me or... mini her." He said pointing at me.

"Oh son I would like to have mini Neil first, then Mini Rhea." She said laughing, "have fun you both, I need to meet your sisters and ask them too."

I was so angry that i could have just blasted in front of everyone...i breathed in deeply, i turned smiling, saying each word clearly and in a low tone so that only he could hear, "f**k you for saying that."

"Oh babe we need to get a room for that, we can't do it here." He said coming closer.

"Shut up and stay away. Asshole..." i looked away.

He put his hands up in defense, "sorry...I promise to behave. Let's go."

He introduced me to all the other family members.

"Hello Neil" a young woman stood in front of him. She was very beautiful. Her hair and makeup perfectly done. She had a small waist and big breasts. She looked so perfect. I was taken away by her beauty.

Neil clenched his teeth, "why are you here. This is a family dinner."

"Don't get angry Neil. I was invited by your sister."

Neil left immediately after the short conversation.

"Hey am rose, Neil's ex... you must be Rhea, Neil's current girlfriend?"

okay that is weird... you can't say a girlfriend that you were the ex. but i was busy assessing her look. I just nodded, "hy... you are so perfect." I couldn't stop my tongue from saying that aloud.

"I know. Thank you."

"Rhea... I hope you don't feel uncomfortable." Mr. Rodgers enquired, standing beside.

"No not at all. don't worry."

He nodded and excused himself

After some time Neil's grandma led me to dining hall.

Dinner went well... after dinner everyone was chatting in the living room, I sat at the bar counter, at the corner of the room. Neil's grandma came and sat beside me, "dear, I hope you liked the dinner, I tried to cook Indian dish for the first time, thought maybe you were a vegetarian..."

I smiled, "thank you so much, that was so sweet of you, the food was amazing...?"

"Thank you darling, i just like cooking." She laughed.

"I think I should learn from you... The dishes you made were so good" I said smiling at her

"Thank you, I'm happy you liked it." I nodded. "I'll just go check up on some stuff."

"Okay." I said smiling. She went and stopped to talk to the maids.

Just then Chris stopped by, "how come Neil left you alone, that boy... no manners at all... I know how your relation is, but a man shouldn't leave a lady alone."

"Don't worry I wasn't alone, Neil's grandma just left... how do you know about our relationship."

He sat next to me, "we are best buddies, and we share everything."

"Did he even say why he did that?"

"Hahaha... am not telling you that...he gave me strict instructions... not to say a word, he would kill me if I did."

Here is another asshole

"Where is he anyway?"

I shrugged, "no idea. You are his buddy you should know better."

He looked around, "there he is." He pointed. "Standing with the bitch."

I looked to the direction he was pointing. He was standing with rose.

"She's nice, why are you even calling her a b***h, just because she is the ex girlfriend?"

"Nah... she is a bitch."

"Why did they breakup...she is so pretty, they could have made a great couple. Is she a model?"

"Yes"

"They should have married, they would have had a model kid or even a small arrogant Neil."

Chris laughed, "They were going to get married, and they dated for almost two years."

"What happened then? Why did they break up? Maybe she could not keep up with the arrogant man."

"No... she actually cheated on him... four months before their wedding day"

"Really!!!" I was surprised. she is a real b***h then.

"Yes and that too with my dear step brother."

"That's gross... I feel for you Chris."

"Gossiping are we."

I rolled my eyes, "talk of the devil, and the devil appears."

He placed his hands on my waist again. I caught his hand and tried to discard them.

"Chris knows everything, I don't think it's necessary to act being in love when he is around." I snapped.

"Do you Chris?" he smiled at him winking.

Chris laughed in return. "No man, what are you guys talking about."

"Anyway Chris we gotta go."

"Where do you think you're going Neil?" Another lady appeared... I think I have seen her somewhere. "That too without meeting me." She complained.

"Hey jess... I thought you wouldn't make it." Neil replied hugging her.

"I wouldn't miss it for anything plus you were going to bring your girlfriend, I had to meet her."

"Well jess she's rhea and rhea this is my sister Jessica." Neil introduced us

"Oh my god are you Rhea like Rhea really? Do you remember me?" She asked excitedly. "Kenya? Every Holidays? Oh my god I can't believe it."

"Yes I remember jess... At first I thought I had seen you somewhere... This is so amazing... Its been a long time since I met you.... You've changed. I Couldn't recognize you. This is crazy." I hugged her tightly. I was so happy to meet her.

Few years back, I was in Kenya... My sister and I were brought up in Kenya. Jessica's father, Mr Rodgers and my father were really good friends. The whole Rodgers family would visit us every once a year. Both our families would spend holidays together. I had last seen them seven years back. Hence couldn't recognize her... She's has lots of changes in her appearance.

We both used to be more like tomboys... and now she's turn to be a beautiful young lady.

"Rhea, let me introduce you to my soon to be husband... Come with me." I followed her, the guys followed her too. " rhea I'd like us to meet up someday... Am super excited to meet you... We'll have fun. " she laughed excitedly

" I think too... We've met after like years... We should definitely plan something. " I told her honestly.

Jess placed her hand on what seemed to me like her fiance. He had his back turned to us and was talking to Mr Rodgers, Neil's father.

He turned to our direction and kissed jess. As i saw him, i stood there like a mannequin trying to process in what I just saw. He had not seen me yet... If he had, his reaction might have been worse than mine.

I had my mouth wide open, still hard to accept the bitter truth.

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This chapter has lots of errors... but am trying to improve.

What do you guys think who is it?

Please comment... You can point out the mistakes, that way i get to learn too. ☺