The Marriage Clause

Chapter 4

Julia

Andrew rode us to a playground, where we took a seat side by side on the bench.

Now, is the time to apologize for my Dad's action, but how do I start? Let's just say it anyhow.

“I heard about what my Dad did at the Headquarters today. I am really sorry." I apologized.

He looked at me, with those piercing eyes of his, like he was looking into my soul. I held my breath, impulsively.

“Don't be. It's not your fault. I am certain all of this came as a surprise to you, just as much as it was to me." He replied.

I sighed in relief. Now I can breathe.

“You feel betrayed, don't you?"

“At first, yes. But then, I realized feeling betrayed or dejected would get me nowhere. I have decided to look for the way forward." He said, then sighed deeply. “I just wish, none of this was happening."

I understand what he meant. Andrew is an analytical person, who lives by reasons and logic. To him, the situation with his father's Will wouldn't make any sense.

I could feel his eyes on me again.

“And you? How do you feel?"

“For me.... I just want to forget today's incidents, like they never happened." I answered.

It breaks my heart to see him in pain and knowing that my Dad contributed to that pain.

He suddenly stood up.

“Alright. As of this moment, I would help you forget everything that happened today." He announced.

My pulse jumped. Wait?! When did my pulse start jumping and my breath start seizing because of Andrew?

“What?!" I asked him.

He placed out his hand to me. I looked up at him, then at the outstretched hand.

“ Let's go to a place where we can forget everything for tonight."

I grinned and took his hand.

We arrived at a tennis court. Andrew brought out the balls and bats.

When he say he would help me forget, who would have thought that this was what he had in mind. I should have known. After all, Andrew James is someone who use physical activity to solve problems.

I grimaced.

“Why do you always do this?! Is exercise and game everything to you?! " I questioned.

“Yes. And you are always lazy whenever games and sports is mentioned. Take this." He handed me a bat.

I took it from him, frowning. I don't usually have a choice, when it comes to him.

“I am not good at tennis."

“I know,which is precisely why I chose it."

“That's unfair. You are good at it."

“Yes, and I would teach you. Learning would enhance your concentration, making you forget all your worries. So, focus."

“Wait! Just that? That is not enough reward." I refused, pouting.

That made him laugh.

“Fine. If you win, I would give you anything you ask for, as long as it is something I can do. Deal?!"

“Deal. I like the sound of that. Don't you dare go back on your words when I beat your sorry ass."

“Win before being pompous." He replied with a laugh.

With that, he ran to the other side of the court.

“Hands up! Shoot!" He yelled as he passed the ball to me.

“Yah! Take that!" I returned as I pass the ball back to him.

He served back, but I couldn't return.

“One, Zero!" He yelled.

“Not fair. I wasn't focused yet!"

“Your bad,not mine." He replied teasingly.

“I won't go soft on you." I warned.

“See who is talking."

Amidst playing, banter and laughing. I completely lost track of time,as well forgot that I have a father who just got my best friend's inheritance. For those moments, my world centered on one man and how to win him in the game of tennis.

Andrew and I played for hours, until we both couldn't feel several joints on our bodies. Panting,but feeling good about ourselves, at least that I how I feel and from the bright grin on Andrew's face, I could tell he feels the same, we slumped on the floor.

I turned to him. He was already looking at me. This made us laugh out loud.

“ Can't believe you really won." He commented.

“You told me to."

“Your obedience and determination is scary." He teased.

“ That's why you shouldn't mess with me." I replied in likewise teasing tone.

“I will keep that in mind for future purpose. So, what do you want? I am at your service, ma'am."

He turned to face me. Rest his head on one arm, still lying down. I mirrored his posture.

“Please forgive my Dad." I answered.

That was the only thing that came to mind at the moment, probably because that the only thing I want from him at the moment.

The rest of my desires and the fact that my heart beats faster whenever he is around me, isn't something I should pick up with him right now.

I sensed his gaze on me. I held my breath again. This is happening too often.

“You have it." He finally said ,after long minute of silence and staring.

“What?"

“You have my forgiveness, if that what you want. To be honest, I am not mad at your Dad. I am angry at my Dad and probably at myself."

I held his free hand.

“Don't do that to yourself. I don't want you to leave a life of resentment. Please."

“Alright. I won't." He laughed.

I grinned brightly. Another discovery; when Andrew is happy, I am happy. Okay. I am doomed.

He sat up and turned his face away from me. Thank God for that, I can't let him see how much I am blushing right now.

I placed my hand on my heart. It's beating faster than normal. I have always known I have feelings for Andrew, but when did it increase this much? And why now, when it looks like family crisis would soon tear us apart?

Andrew stood up.

“It's late. Shall we?"

I nodded a yes, too overwhelmed to speak.

***

The next morning, I walked into the James' residential mansion to prepare breakfast, in place of my Mom, who isn't feeling too well.

I guessed she had an argument with Dad again after I left the house last night. When I returned home, after Andrew dropped me off, the whole house was dead quiet, just like a grave yard, which was really unusual. Dad and Mom have an habit of watching movies till late at night, they call it their ’quality time together '.

Feeling guilty, I had quietly slipped into my room, took a shower and went to bed immediately.

I walked into the sitting room to find Madam Virginia and Esther. This can't be good. Esther's presence in this house, at this moment, with Andrew's mother means one thing; an arranged marriage for Andrew.

Madam Virginia had tried many times before to make Andrew and Esther get married, despite his fervent refusal.

Would Andrew be able to refuse this time? I doubt it. After all, Esther is from a wealthy family, she is gorgeous, well- behaved, kind, smart, not to mention a member of the board. She is everything Andrew needs in a woman.

Why he refused her in the past still beats me.

“ Hi Esther. Good morning, Ma'am." I addressed them.

“Hi Julia. Good to see you." Esther replied. Like I said, kind and well-behaved.

Despite my closeness with Andrew and her obvious crush on him, we have managed to maintain a cordial relationship, though I try to avoid her as much as possible. I can't stay with her without feeling like I am the only thing coming between she and Andrew, though that thought is unnecessary. Andrew doesn't like me as more than a friend.

But, why is she here?

“ Julia. Good morning, dear. What of your Mom?" Madam Virginia asked.

“ She is not feeling too well, so I would take her place in the kitchen for today." I answered.

“Sure." She agreed.

I went to the kitchen. An instinct made me leave the kitchen door open, so I can hear what they have to say.

I went to the sink and began to wash the veggies.

“ Don't worry, love. Andrew would soon be downstairs. He came back really late last night, he is probably sleeping in." Madam Virginia assured Esther.

“ I am okay, Mom. I can wait for him. I also enjoy discussing with you."

“ I can't wait for you to marry Andrew, then we can discuss all day long. Don't worry, the marriage is definitely going to happen this time. Andrew needs you."

I heard Madam Virginia said to her.

The lettuce in my hands fell off into the sink.