Chapter 4: One Week
1205 Words
Andrew stood at a corner, looking all handsome in his expensive midnight tailored suit, hands in his pockets. His gaze outside, looking down through the transparent glass.
The meeting ended rather quickly with Mr. Anderson yelling and threatening to leave the company for the humiliation he faced, then walked out angrily.
Ava followed suite but Andrew blocked her, his height towering over hers as he looked down at her.
He remembered the look on her face, her eyes, which were once filled with affection and love for him, now burns with hatred.
“Move” she ordered, her voice low and deadly cold, almost sending chills through him. He smiled, maintaining a calm demeanor as he stepped to the side, letting her pass.
Mr. Smith followed her behind, Mrs. Smith left too. One by one they left until it was just him and Maurice.
Maurice gulped, her heartbeat quickening just from looking at him, he’s even more attractive now.
“What are you doing here?” She asked, finally finding her voice, trying to sound unaffected by his presence.
Andrew’s half opened eyes turned to her, making her breath hitch.
The side of his lips curled up to a knowing smirk, “I’m not really sure why I need to give you an explanation for being here” he answered.
Maurice balled her fists that were under the table, trying to calm herself. He changed a lot physically but his character is still the same, that belittlement in his voice whenever he speaks, his unfazed expression.
She hated him, at least she tries to. Her gaze drops to his lips, she shook her head, looking away quickly. God, she hated how he still affects her despite him being such a jerk.
“I hope it’s not what I’m thinking—”
“It’s exactly what you think” Andrew interrupted, his voice low and calm.
The air in the room suddenly got tighter as Maurice held her breath.
“She’ll never agree to it. Not after what you…” she paused, a small smile forming, “Not after what 'we' did”
Andrew’s expression didn’t falter, he stayed silent before letting out a chuckle, throwing her off guard.
“Again, I don’t see how it concerns you. You should be thrilled I’m here Maurice, I’m obviously a better choice to that old man whom you and your mother planned to marry your sister off to.” He smiled, leaning forward.
“And I'm well aware of her memory loss.” He whispered.
Maurice eyes widen slightly in surprise, she clenched her jaw, her resolve breaking.
“So yeah, I’m not worried at all.” He added with a triumph smirk.
“You won’t gain anything by marrying her so why…” She growls, her voice rising higher.
Andrew shrugged, “Well I’m a business man, and I’m about to marry a woman who brought back the great Belmont from the ashes. The same Belmont that everyone thought will never rise again after what happened years ago. What do you think a man like me would gain from marrying her?” He threw the question back, tapping his fingers on the table.
Maurice nose flared, her nails dug painfully into her skin, the answer is very clear but the insult she felt from it was like on other, it’s like taking an invisible slap to the face.
Her rage fueled the jealousy she felt.
Standing up, he strides towards her, his hand tilting her chin upwards, “You haven’t changed much though” He murmured, a cruel smile curving his lips.
Maurice angrily slapped his hand away, raising her hand again, she aimed for his cheek but he caught it easily before it touched him.
“Let me go!” She shouted, using her free hand to hit him, but he caught it too, “I said let me g—”
Andrew leaned in, shutting her up with a kiss. Her eyes widen at first but she melted instantly with the anger she felt seconds ago, kissing him back eagerly.
She arched her back, pressing her chest to him, a moan leaving her lips. He let go of her wrists, his hand circling her waist, pulling her closer to deepen the kiss.
Another moan erupted from her as she grabbed the collar of his suit.
He broke the kiss and pulled away, leaving her gasping for breath.
“I thought you wanted me to let go of you, still as easy to break as ever” He chuckled, taking a few steps back to arrange his suit.
Her jaw dropped, she couldn’t believe he just fooled her, and she gave in so easily.
“Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some things to discuss with my future wife”
He didn’t even wait for her response before exiting the room.
Maurice froze, her heart thundering, her mind screaming.
“AHHHHHH!” She screamed, kicking one of the nearest chair so hard that it toppled over.
Meanwhile at Ava’s father’s office, Ava glared at a distance, her blood boiling.
Mr. Smith sighed, speaking up again, “Ava, for the hundredth time—”
“I’m not marrying him, it’s not going to happen” Ava interrupted.
He breathed, steadying himself, he has been trying to convince her since they entered his office but it was all in vain.
“He’s the best option we have now”
“Still no”
Mr. Smith took off his glasses, his frustration growing but stayed calm considering her past relationship with Andrew.
“I understand how you feel, but your personal feelings aren’t exactly relevant at this point. Sometimes you need to make sacrifices for the sake of others. It’s how business works! It’s more frustrating that I’m explaining this to you of all people.”
He exhaled, putting his glasses back on.
“When the whole thing blows over, you can get a divorce.”
A moment of silence passed before Ava spoke up, “I just need to marry someone worthy enough, right?”
Her father raised a brow, not understanding her question.
“If I get someone else, someone more successful than that bastard, I won’t have to marry him, right?” She asked again.
Mr. Smith looked at her for a while, not knowing if she was serious or not, “Yes but, that’s impossible. Your suicidal video is everywhere, and I don’t think any business and influential man would agree to get himself involved.”
“They will.” She answered, looking confident before standing up to leave.
“Ava!” Her father calls out, his control finally breaking at her stubborn behavior.
“We simply have no time for you going around and looking for a husband! Have you seen the charts? At this rate we’ll go bankrupt in less than a month! If you don’t marry Andrew this week then the company goes to your sister!”
Her father’s word made her pause in her steps.
“One week” She said as she turned around, her eyes filled with an undying determination.
“Give me a week. If I don’t find someone to your liking, then I’ll marry Andrew”
- Writer
