Hardhearted

Chapter 3

"Are you willing to change your decision now?" He stated as if nothing had happened.

I blinked twice, making sure what I heard was indeed correct. "After all you've done, you still have the courage to ask me that... What kind of a human being are you. Don't you have feelings. Don't you feel pathetic that you just killed someone and still act as if nothing happened. Mr Neil Rodgers do you recognize you just killed my f*****g family. I mean how low can you stoop, just to make someone agree to your terms. You f*****g psycho head... I swear I'll f*****g make your life a freaking hell. You'll curse the day you f*****g laid eyes on me. You are f*****g going behind the bars for the rest of your life and I'll make sure all your wealth doesn't intervene between you and the cells." I said gritting my jaws, making sure he understood all I said as tears welled down.

"How can you be so heartless, you just took away innocent life, whatever grudges you had were against me, you shouldn't have dragged my family in this...I promise you'll pay for it dearly." I sobbed

He stood there before me for a long time, taking in whatever I was throwing at him, but still no emotion of shame in his eyes. Which made my blood boil more.

After sometime when I had stopped cursing, " your family is safe." Is all he said with short wicked laugh. Leaving me in utter confusion

Sensing the confusion he said, " they are safe. I didn't kill them, it was all staged. Just to let you know that my threats are not a mere talk but a real one. If I don't get what I want easily, I know how to snatch it. "

My palm raised and without giving a second thought I charged it to the man before me. Hitting him hard on his face, then came the surging pain in my palms. I ignored the pain, my face straight and angry.



He put his hand on the place I had hit him. "What the fu-"

Without any warning I charged on to his other cheek. He caught my arm when I was ready to go in for the third round.

He's eyes furrowing and narrowed. I tried to get out of his grip but he held tight on to them, Cutting the blood flow to the rest of the hand.

" don't ever do that. " he spat out angrily.

"And what you did was right?... Do you have any idea what I went through? The whole world does not rotate as per your order. Your f*****g ego makes you think you can have it all but the reality is far more different than what you think. What you did was very inhuman. Aren't you ashamed"

He pushed me to the wall angrily, blocking me and leaning closer.

"No am not. You can call me all what you want, think of all what you want. But I would not sit quietly before I get what I want. Think of what happened as a warning if you don't give me what I want, be prepared to see the trailer you just saw turn in to reality."

I opened my mouth but not a sound came out. The fear caught me when he said to be prepared for the trailer to turn into reality. I had lost my parents, the only family now was my grandma and my sister I can't loose them too.

"Please leave my family alone." Pleading, I looked at him locking our eyes.

I thought I saw regret in his eyes for a tad bit, but he quickly switched it to a smirking face.

"Okay. But you know the rules. Sign the document and I promise no harm will be done to them."

"Fine." I sighed still slightly sobbing, as fresh tears started forming.

The one thing I had been running away from slapped me hard on the face. I had f*******n myself to any relationship but destiny plays evil games with my life....When everything is turning out to be just okay, it hits you in the balls saying b***h please.

"Fine?" He enquired again not believing what I said

"That's what you need, and all i need is assurance of safety for my family. But first we should discuss everything."

"Discuss what?" He asked raising his eyebrows.

I pushed him lightly, to create some space between us. He moved away and sat on the couch. I fidgeted my feet and fingers nervously, finally deciding to sit on the couch opposite him. He looked at me as I uneasily sat on the couch.

"Isn't there any other way apart from this." I asked breathing out slowly trying to calm myself, even though I knew the answer to my question. I hoped for it to be otherwise. " I mean, there has to be a way. Or could you simply tell me why you doing such a great favor on me."

"No there is no other way." He said adamantly, "and I don't think it is necessary to give you the reason as to why am doing it."

"For gods sake, could we have an adult conversation here. Stop behaving like a spoilt eight years old. This is not just any random decision about your stupid company. It's a decision for lifetime , even though we'll be legally married for an year it would affect our future. And it's not a decision about your life only. So please behave like an adult and stop throwing tantrums. Hopefully then only can we get to an agreeing conclusion." I said angrily grating my teeth.

"Whatever, I still don't find it necessary to tell you anything."

So am i just going to marry someone without knowing the reason as to why he wants to marry me.

"Uhgghhh. You are f*****g asshole."

He looked up at me and smirked.

"At least we could keep this marriage thing a secret. I don't want everyone to know about this. I don't want to be the burning headlines. Not even to my family. It would be hard for them to accept it."

"I'll think about it."

Wow... All I get is I'll think about it.

"Are you serious? I am trying to make things work but all you say is you'll think about it? There is no thinking mister. I can't have everything your way."

"Have you forgotten that the lives of your family is in my hands? "

"Okay... Have it your way... But once this gets to the public eyes it would not only create problems for me but you too. Who made you a businessman when you can't even think of the consequences?"

That made him angry, but he still decided to stay quiet.

"Well then if you got nothing to say, bring the contract. Let me just sign my own death certificate and get over it. But let me warn you, you will curse the moment you ever thought of marrying. I would make your life miserable; I'll make your life a living hell."

"I will not let that happen, you have already tried to ruin my -..." he stopped as if he realized he should have not said that sentence.

"What!!! I ruined a life. Are you kidding me? Is this some sort of revenge?"

"Yes now sign stop blabbering I have more important issues to attend."

"More important than your marriage. And that too at night"

"Yes" he rolled his eyes.

"Okay...But what about the conditions?"

"1. The contract is for two years, we can't get divorced before the two years. 2. You shouldn't have relation with any other men, no cheating on me.3 no one will know about the contract, we'll be pretending to be dating each other."

I folded my hands to my chest, "yup... now that you said that I would definitely have a secret affair. Anyways I need to put forward my conditions as well."

"It depends on what the conditions are."

I sighed, "we are pretending to be dating, therefore don't you dare get close to me. No s*x coz we are pretending. I will continue my job as a normal employee. Once I sign those documents, you won't even think about harming my nani(grandma), my sis or Lucy. You won't blackmail me into doing things I don't want to do."

"I thought you'd ask for money."

I glared at him; I could seriously kill him with that deathly glare. "I don't want your money; I thought I had made it clear sir."

I signed the contract. "Sir... have you ever thought that we are from different religious background... it would be difficult to pull this of.... Just asking"

"Yes"

"And you still want to marry me?"

"It's just for two years then. You will be free. Stop asking useless questions."

"It's not just two years sir, its f*****g two whole years."

"Stop being dramatic. And I want you to be ready tomorrow, we'll go for shopping. I don't want you to wear such clothes at family dinner."

"What!!! No I am not going for shopping. Plus no family dinners. You can't force me into doing things I don't want to...These are decent clothes, it does not show any of my body parts see" I raised my hands parallel to the ground. I hate shopping; going with him would make it worse. But I won't let him know that, he'll probably doubt my gender if I tell him I don't like shopping.

"Be ready by nine. I'll be waiting down" he just blurted, not even giving a thought to what I said.

God I hate him so much

"What about my job. I have to go to work; my boss doesn't entertain his employees missing a day just for shopping."

"He just gave you a day off. Enjoy." he turned to leave, "remember be ready by nine. I don't-"

"Entertain late employees... got it sir." I cut him off before he could finish.

Just as he left Lucy arrived. "I just saw very hot dazzling man at the corridor. He had such an amazing physique. His muscles, his eyes, his brown hair, his jaws, the way he walked, oh my god. He is a Greek god. But I think I've seen him before, I just don't remember where." closing her eyes she took a deep breath.

"He wasn't that handsome, you are exaggerating." I fell on the couch. I tilted my head high to rest it on the couch back closing my eyes.

"What!!! No you should have seen him." She shrieked.

"I have seen him; I just wish we don't see each other again."

"What are you trying to say? Does that mean he was here in this building to meet you?" she jumped excitedly.

"Yes he was. He is my boss." I blurted

She came near shaking my shoulders rapidly. "You mean Rodgers...THE one and only Neil Rodgers. No wonder his face looked familiar"

"Yeah you got it right babe."

"Why did he come to meet you is everything okay. Did he fire you...or did he promote you...spill the beans b***h hurry."

"Jesus Christ cool down... it's a long story. Go shower, I'll tell you everything you need to know after dinner."

"Aye aye, captain."

While eating food she kept on insisting to tell her what had happened. I just kept quiet; she was now mad and stopped talking. After finishing the food we washed the dishes but she was still quiet.

"How was your day?" I started,

great no answer.

"Where is Rick... This time it's been 2weeks since I last saw him."

Still no answer.

Rick was Lucy's brother he stayed with us. Our third roommate. He was always out for his modeling assignments. Yes he is a model. Amazingly handsome just like her sister. I envy their looks.

After the dishes she was on the couch, facing the television. Her legs wide spread, watching her favorite TV series. I should tell her before she gets really mad. But I have to make something up; I shifted her legs to create some space for me to sit. She raised her face to see what I was doing.

"Umm he was here because he wanted to Ummm..." I stopped and thought how I should say it.

"He wanted to?" she said slowly, well now she was talking. She really knows what to do when she wants me to spill the beans.

I thought about it for sometime... Maybe I should just lie that we are dating that's what we are going to say to the world nonetheless.

"I...Ummm..." still thinking what to say. I should just say it. "He wants to... Uhmmm we are dating."

"WHAT? And you tell me this today. How long is this going on. I thought we were friends. But you hide this from me." Her eyes were wide open. She started pacing around and then jumping with joy "oh my god he is soooo hot. I want to know everything how you met everything"

Crap I didn't think of that.

"Oh no. he's not." I slapped her arm playfully. "Goodnight. The rest is for some other day ."

"Noooo... Tell me right now." She insisted.

I gave her a no look and crossed my arms folding it.

"Okay fine. But this issue is not yet over. We need to talk...Goodnight. And i forgot to tell you I'll be going early tomorrow. Just so that you don't worry."

"Okay" I smiled and walked to my room. I couldn't believe she easily agreed to it.

I couldn't sleep I was still thinking how things were all going wrong in my life. How it was all messed up. What would I say to nani? She will be really angry. After the death of my parents she's the only person I have. I can't hurt her, but she would be hurt with the decision that I have made.

I had so many thoughts going around my mind; I didn't even realize when I had fallen asleep.

"Hey Rhea ... are you still sleeping?" Lucy enquired, peeping through the door. She entered in and sat on the bed edge.

She's never going to leave me before I tell her what she needs to hear. I pretended to be asleep.

"Am happy for you" she murmured and left closing the door slowly.

I wailed holding the pillow tightly. Only if she knew the truth.

I had to go for shopping today and that too with the 'heartless beast'. Why does he have to be so egoistic? And what is this vibrating, Arghhh...it's really annoying. I tried to listen to the vibrating sound, where is it coming from, is it under my bed...oh it's just my phone.

Two missed calls. Who can it be? "Hello."

"I've been waiting for you for like three minutes, why didn't you pick my calls." The person blasted.

"Whoa. Chill dude. Who is this anyway?"

He groaned "it's me"

"Who me?"

"Neil Rodgers"

How couldn't i notice, these could only be him. "Oh hey sir"

"You are late,"

"But sir it's still like seven thirty, and I haven't showered yet."

"I'm coming up."

"No sir. Please don't. I'll be down in ten-"

Ding dong.

"That was too fast."

"Open the door"

I opened the door. The devil looked annoyed, but does it matter...no. Why is he always everywhere before time?

"You are late" he went to sit on the couch, switching on the television.

"You are early" I argued

I went to shower. It was cold outside therefore I decided to wear a black jeans and a grey Donald duck hoodie. I wasn't getting out of this place before nine, whether he likes it or not, I'll do everything in a slow pace. I ate my breakfast slowly than I normally did. I asked him if he wanted to join me for breakfast, but he denied saying he already had it. Maybe he thought I would poison him.

"Why is it that you take more time to shower then you do when dressing up?"

"What kind of question is that, and why do you even want to know where I spend more time."

"Just asking" he shrugged "eat quickly, we have to get going. You are too slow"

"You said to be ready by nine, it's yet six minutes to nine. Why do you always appear before time?"

"Just eat quickly will you."

"Sir the shopping centre is not going for a marathon. Even if we go there tomorrow, it will still be there."

"You talk too much."

"Oh ha-ha... it's inherited, can't help it... Am done, we should go."

I ensured it was exact nine when we left the house. I wouldn't let him control me as per his wish. I will show him that not everyone obeys his stupid decisions. When we finally went to his car I was dumbstruck by the beauty that lay in front of my eyes, the car, it was just so amazing. He had to snap his fingers twice so that I could come back to earth.

"Is that your car?"

"No I stole it from the showroom." He laughed sincerely.

So... he could joke, he is not just a freak. That's a sign of sanity, I was afraid that maybe I had to marry this insane person.

We were soon on the highway, I gazed through the window. We came to a standby when the traffic light turned red. I turned to face him and caught him staring at me intently. "Don't worry sir, I won't spoil your car am not a small kid." I joked.

"I didn't say anything"

"You were staring at me, maybe coz you thought I would do something stupid."

"Nah it wasn't that." He grinned

"Oh then probably plotting a plan on how to kill me without being caught."

"You can say that."

"Shit... I should think of a plan. Shouting for help would be great, people will gather around and I would be saved."

"people would hear you scream but they would hear your screams of pleasure."

My eyes went wide, "you planning to r**e me." I blurted.

"Oh no honey that wouldn't be r**e, we are now legally married."

"Don't honey me." I glared, "I'm going to stab you if you dare touch me."

He parked the car, "do you want to spend your life being my widow."

We walked to the store, "I would love being your widow. That would be much better than having s*x with you." I said giving him a fake smile.

"Believe me babe, having s*x with me would be the most pleasurable thing. I don't think any of your boyfriends would have ever pleasured you as I would."

I hit him hard on his chest, he didn't even move an inch... he was very strong.

He still didn't shut his mouth... okay then asshole I would play along if that's what you want.

As we entered in, a lady with blonde hair greeted us, she was pretty. She stood beside the asshole, flipping her hair around trying to grab his attention. All yours honey, I have no problem.

"Hello sir. I'm Scarlett. What would you like to have sir?"

"Dresses for her" he stated, she smiled and turned to face me, rolling her eyes and looking at me weirdly. Now you've lost your entire prettiness b***h.

"Certainly" She went to get the dresses and came back after a minute.

I went to where the asshole was standing, "I think she likes you, she's pretty too."

"Jealous are we." He looks at me smirking.

"No sir not at all. Why would I be? I'm just saying she likes you."

"Here sir, have a look." Walking past me, Scarlett held the dresses and placed one by one on the long table. Honey he ain't the one wearing the dress.

I then looked at Mr. Rodgers giving him the I-told-you expression. Shaking his head, He held out a blue dress "do you like this one?"

"Sir that is a good one, I must say you have great fashion sense." Scarlett uttered before I could say anything.

He looked at me again

"It's good but too revealing." I went to Scarlett "can you please get me one which is less revealing?" I asked her

She swung on her high heels to look for the dress. Damn... don't they get tired wearing that the whole day?

"She likes the blue dress; I think you should buy her one." I teased him

"Why do you think I would waste my money on her?"

"Just suggesting, maybe for the day you would f**k her. You know like f**k me gift" he was now angry, I shot right in the bull's eye. But I wasn't done just yet, he still had to suffer for what he said earlier.

Scarlett came back, with a black, cream and a red dress. I looked at them, they were all so good. I was really confused. I looked at Mr. Rodgers hoping that he would help me select one.

"What?"

"I would really appreciate if you would help me select a dress. After all its your family dinner we are attending."

He came close and leaned down to my ear, "I would select a dress which would show your body assets such as that sexy a*s and your amazing cleavages."

Pushing him away, "I would rather select it on my own. I don't need your help."

"But I already selected one." Smirking, he raised the black dress.

I threw him a disgusted look. I snatched the dress and went to try it on. Scarlet was walking towards him; I decided to put my leg on her way intentionally. She tripped and bumped her head on Mr. Rodgers chest. He looked at me angrily. Finally, payback time. "Karma. Enjoy." I mouthed the word, showing him two thumbs. Scarlet didn't notice me as she was still recovering from the situation.

I quickly went to the changing room. These clothes were really uncomfortable. I had never worn such dresses before; it always looked ugly on me. Even when Lucy forced me to wear one I always denied.

I came out of the room. "How does it look" I asked them a bit nervous, they probably might be laughing internally at me. Mr. Rodgers looked at me for a bit longer. See he also thinks i look ugly, dresses made me look uglier. I turned on my feet nervously. I feel s**t; I'm going to change now. I turned around to go back to the changing room. They didn't say a thing, they only stood there like mannequins... how rude, they could have at least said it looked ugly, that would even make me less nervous.

"You look good" he said, when I turned around to go back.

Fuck him for not being honest. He is just lying, he is enjoying this moment right now. Why am even thinking so much, I don't care how I look, I have never cared then why so now. But dresses are really uncomfortable; I didn't want to wear one.

I changed in to my original clothes. I saw Mr. Rodgers carrying a big bag in his left hand, what has he bought. Maybe he bought clothes too why do you care, stop being nosey Rhea.

I walked towards him; he looked at me and smiled. He is not angry, that's weird he should be angry for what I did before. Maybe he likes the girl.

He paid for the dress with his credit card.

"Sir would you like me to help you with the bags," a young man asked.

Mr. Rodgers nodded and handed him the bag. We walked to the car. I thanked the man as I opened the door to sit. He smiled brightly.

"Thank you ma'am for shopping here. Please do come back."

I smiled back, "welcome."

Just then Mr. Rodgers said harshly, "are we done sweet talking, we still need to go to other places."

I looked at him, "What's wrong with you? I was just being kind; he carried those bags for us."

"Whatever."

The rest of day, we spent buying shoes and sandals, he selected some high heeled sandals, and insisted that I should wear those and not flat sandals. I was so annoyed that he was deciding what I should be wearing. I felt as though my life wasn't mine anymore, I felt as though I had no right to decide what I want. But I wouldn't let this continue for long. He would regret taking me to his family dinner. Especially in this high heels that he insisted on, I don't even know how to walk in heels. Maybe he'll then let me go on my own way. I'm ready to get embarrassed if that's the price i have to pay to get my freedom back.

Thank god we did not go for lunch in a fancy five star hotel, I argued that I would only eat if he took me to a small restaurant, at least he agreed and didn't argue more.

The day was so long and tiring. He drove me back home.

"I'll pick you up at 7:30pm. Don't be late."

I laughed, "I know you will be here before then, but I promise, I will only leave my home once it's 7:30, not before then, I don't care if you'll be here by 6. But you're welcome to my home if you get bored sitting in the car alone."

"That's time management. I always manage my time-"

"Time management is being on time not before time... Bye sir."

"Wait one more thing."

"Yes?"

"Call me Neil, my family would doubt our relation if you call me that when they are around. And if they ask you anything about our relation, tell them we are engaged and going to marry soon."

"Okay sir. Anything else?"

"And by that I mean start practicing from this minute."

"Okay, umm can I just not wear a dress today? I would wear it next time please sir."

"No excuses. I want you to wear it today."

"But sir-"

"Neil"

"Yah Neil sir"

"Neil only."

"Okay... I get it." I rolled my eyes at him.

I was happy to be back. I missed home; I was tired of trying on clothes and shoes.

Lucy was on the couch, with a bowl of popcorns, watching some romantic movie. She liked romantic movies, and then dreamt about having such love stories.

"Hey you finally back. How was your day with your lover?"

"Okay." I said sitting on the couch. "I am tired and I need a shower."

"You are going for the dinner?"

"Yap..."

"Yeah... I'm doing your makeup." She shouted. "You know I love doing your makeup. Go shower hurry."

"Don't you want to see what I bought?"

"Oh yah, I forgot that."

I showed her everything I bought.

"Oh my gowdd... Ree... this is amazing. He really likes you."

"As you say Lucy." I didn't want to argue with her. She would doubt if i had disagreed.

After shower Lucy did my makeup. She did light makeup, with winged eyeliner. And loose curls each stripe fell so perfectly. She knew I didn't like make up and so kept it to minimum.

I still complained that I didn't like the dress but she scolded me saying it was fine and nothing was wrong. It was still fifteen minutes to 7:30 when I was all ready; he still hadn't shown up, maybe he'll just be on time today and not before.

Just then my phone rang, it was grandma.

Ding dong