Maid For Me

To Have And To Hold

HEATHER

“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife” The officiant’s voice echoed through the room.

My gaze dropped and my heart sank.

This was my life now. A life I was bound to by betrayal. I was nothing but a slave

“You may now kiss your bride” Those words snapped me back to reality

No way in hell I was kissing a man who fooled me into thinking he was someone else!

Behind my veil, I glimpsed at the stranger before me and I caught a faint smile curling his lips

Was he enjoying the moment? Barely minutes ago he couldn't wait to get rid of me

His eyes sparkled with amusement as he leaned in

I squeezed my eyelids shut, anticipation filling my stomach for the forbidden kiss.

“In your wildest dreams” His warm breath whispered against my ear and my eyes flashed open

His words sent a shiver down my spine

What a f*****g jerk!

He pulled back, his smile now a sly grin as the small crowd cheered and applauded.

They all probably thought he had actually given me a kiss

As he stood in front of me in his handsome glory, I couldn't help but feel defeated at his appearance. His designer tux by Bottega Veneta fit him like a glove, showcasing his toned features

I was so wrong about him! He looked nothing close to what I had imagined him to be.

The man was a literal Greek god. As my gaze met his, I concluded that anyone could drown in the depths of his piercing green eyes. The sharp lines of his face was softened was nothing but perfection, accompanied by smooth slicked back brown hair. He had his mothers nose, elegantly pointed.

But it was his lips, full and inviting that kept me in a chokehold

As Christopher and I strolled down the aisle, he extended his arm towards me like a prop and I hesitated.

He turned to me with a smile as his eyes locked into mine

“Try to act along and stop acting dumb” He whispered, his voice dripping with hostility

I nodded sheepishly at his command as I felt a shiver run down my spine. The crowd of unfamiliar faces only smiled and applauded, oblivious to the tension between us.

“You should have left when you had the chance. I hope whatever my mother paid you for this charade is worth it. You're about to experience hell on earth”

His arm suddenly wrapped around mine, pulling me close. I tried to mask my unease, but my fingers trembled slightly as I rested my hand on his.

The evening blurred together in a roller coaster of champagne, toasts and forced laughter. The reception ensued outside amidst a lavish display of lavender and gold decorations. Small crystal chandeliers hung from the small trees, displaying a mix of colors across the lawn.

The dishes served looked sumptuous, prepared by the finest chefs. But I couldn't keep anything down as tension had already filled my stomach.

I spotted familiar faces from TV and magazines, models, actresses and influencers. Each and everyone came bearing expensive gifts

One would think my life had become a fairytale but boy were they wrong!

The music shifted and it was time for the bride and groom to dance.

As Christopher led me to the dance floor, his hands encircling my waist and pulling me close, I felt trapped in them.

My heart pounded violently against my chest, I'm sure Mr Jerk here could feel it.

“Smile” His husky voice came out as gruff

I forced a smile as my eyes searched the crowd like I was searching for an escape route.

As our bodies morphed together in the slow dance, with my boobs against his rock hard chest, and the gentle sway of my hips against his hands, I suddenly felt Christopher’s groin grow hard against my belly.

I muffled a small laugh. The redness on his face and the mortified expression exposing how embarrassed he was.

“Dear husband, eager already? The least you can do is wait until the ceremony is over” I teased with a mischievous grin on my face

“f**k off!” He muttered and walked away from the dance floor in annoyance

My contract wedding ceremony finally came to an end and the maids escorted me back into the house

I was led into a room, where I began to undress, shedding the wedding gown that had been such a bother.

Suddenly, Madam Estelle burst in.

“Get that dress off and change into this” she ordered, tossing a maid's uniform onto the bed

Her tone was laced with authority, her voice firm and unyielding

“You'll be given a room at the servants quarters and that is where you'll stay from now on. Your duties will include preparing Christopher’s meals, ensuring he eats, and attending to his needs during chemotherapy sessions”

Chemotherapy would only mean that Christopher had cancer. I suddenly felt bad

She handed me a small schedule. “You'll be responsible for his meal table. Make sure he's taken care of at all times”

Madam Estelle's gaze narrowed as she spoke, “And remember to remain out of sight. No interacting with guests or the public. Flaunting my orders would mean I would have to get rid of your wretched self”

I felt a sudden surge of anger, but bit back my retort.

It only made sense that such a b***h would give birth to that jerk!

“Questions?” She demanded

I shook my head, still seething.

“Be downstairs in five minutes. Christopher hasn't had any dinner yet” she instructed, turning to leave

Alone in the room, I caught a glimpse of my wedding dress, laying discarded on the bed, replaced by the harsh reality of my new role.

***

“Poor girl thought she hit the jackpot with Mr. Christopher” One maid whispered, kneading dough on the counter

“Yeah, dumb gold digger,” Another chimed in. “If I were her, I'd have had myself knocked up by the young master”

I lingered by the kitchen door, eavesdropping on the maids juicy gossip

Their snickers grated on my nerves and tears pricked at my eyes. I walked in and cleared my throat, announcing my presence.

The maids didn't flinch, too caught up in their tea.

“I'd marry him in a heartbeat” One said. “That kind of money? He's gonna kick the bucket anyway”

I rolled my eyes, irritated and tried to focus on dinner prep. One thing I was best at, is cooking. My aim was to please Christopher.

As I reached for a bowl of water, my fingers slipped and it splashed onto one of the maids' clothes.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to” I apologized, offering a napkin

“f**k off!” She snapped, swatting my hands away

“Excuse me?” I arched a brow

“You think you're better than us cause you snagged Mr. Christopher? News flash you're not. You're a bloody maid, just like the rest of us!” She sneered

I clenched my fist as rage surged through my veins

Already gathering enemies in less than twenty-four hours after my wedding? Way to go Heather

Just as things escalated, a deep smooth voice intervened

“Bullying the CEO's wife? Not wise, ladies”

I turned to find the person- a drop dead gorgeous guy struggling to swallow a mouthful of bread

His chiseled features, full brows, and long luscious lashes made my heart skip a beat

He was dressed simply in a black shirt and trouser, but his muscular body made his fit look extraordinary

I watched in awe as the maids cowered at his presence.

“I'm not one to snitch but I won't let this slide if I find out that you lots do as much as speak to her disrespectfully” He gave them a resounding warning and turned to me

“Young master requests your presence in his room”

I was too stunned to speak as I rushed to his side, trailing closely behind him as he walked away.

His cologne was one that was hard to forget. Manly and smoky

Suddenly I felt his strong hands on me, pulling me into a room.

He locked the door behind him and sauntered to the other side of the room

“This isn't Christopher's room” I pointed out through shaky breath

“No kidding” He replied sarcastically and kept his gaze on me as he took a seat on the accent chair against the wall

“CEO'S wife, huh?” He said, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

His smiled at me and I felt my knees go weak. I wanted to hear him say my name with that Spanish accent of his that dripped honey

“Who are you?” I managed to finally ask

“The one you're gonna wanna get to know”

I rolled my eyes at his cockiness and let out a scoff

“This is what I get for saving you from those hyenas?” He asked

“I was handling it just fine” I replied

His eyes remained fixed on me, as if he was trying to study me

“Thanks for that” I blurted out

“I'll tell you one thing. Don't get wiped off like the rest” He spoke with seriousness

I became curious all of a sudden

What was he talking about

“No matter what, don't get attached to Christopher. Only because when you do, you get discarded. You're not the first, certainly won't be the last”

My head suddenly started to spin. Did that mean that I was not Christopher's first wife?

“I'm David. Your husband's bodyguard, luckily for you, you get to see more of me everyday” He teased lightly

His apple Watch suddenly beeped and he jumped out of the chair

“I gotta go” He said

“Don't I get an explanation at least?” I tried stayed rooted in front of him, trying to stop him from leaving

“Now's not the time mama. Just watch you back” He warned again and reached for the door knob, leaving me completely confused in the now empty room