OUR SECRET CONTRACT

Chapter three:MEETING THE THOMPSONS

*NADIA’s pov*

I barely slept last night knowing this morning I would be introduced to my new family. My future husband’s family I mean.

I knew I had to be on my best behavior, this was the only shot I had to help my family and I was determined to make it.

*knock knock*

Dorota came in with a long tray in hand filled with cherries and strawberries in a bowl, pancakes and syrup on a platter, and iced coffee.

Just when Dorota was about to place the breakfast on my bed I got a call from Selene.

I totally forgot I told her I’d call once I got home. She probably thinks I’m dead, I thought to myself.

I put the phone to my left ear, supporting it with my shoulder while I added more ice to my coffee.

A swipe of my hand and Dorota understood the signal to leave.

“ I can’t believe he stood me up” she complained.

“Why didn’t you call me?” She continued, “Do you know what time it is?”

“I’m so…..”

My eyes shifted to the clock by my bedside. 9:47 am.

I had to be at the Thompson estate by 11.

Being late would not make a good impression on my first appearance, I thought to myself, completely blocking out whatever Selene was ranting about.

“Nadia? Nadia? Nadz!” Selenes’s high-pitched voice dragged me out of my thoughts.

“I’m sorry he stood you up. You deserve better, and I have a lot to fill you in on, but right now I have somewhere to be. I’ll call you, babes. Bye, love you.

Hung up quickly and then got ready to meet my future.

Even the thought of this future made me scared.

I needed to look my best, so I picked a beautiful floral dress and had my hair is the best up-do to highlight my features.

And by the time I was ready, the time was around 11:50

I was already late.

I dashed through the hall and ran down the stairs, I was truly paranoid because the first impression they would have of me mattered to me the most.

And somehow, I was worried that my future family wouldn't be pleased with me.

Downstairs father sat waiting for me, his head buried in the papers as usual.

“Its about time” he said while looking down at his watch.

“Let's go.”

A chiseled black limo was parked directly in front of the villa. The chauffeur opened the door to the car as soon as he noticed us stepping out.

At first glance at the limo, I paused and looked at my father who seemed surprisingly calm.

He gave a slight tuck and whispered

“The Thompsons organized it” he continued “chin up, it starts from here”

Those wordsmade no sense to me but I nodded my head gently to the chauffeur and got into the limo.

In about an hour time we arrived at the Thompson estate. Chills went down my spine and I started to feel nauseous.

From the tinted window, it looked like the family was outside to welcome us. Then I looked closer and it seemed like none of them was pleased, except the man I found out to be Mr. Thompson.

The driver parked.

This was my time, I thought to myself.

I had on the biggest smile I could fake before stepping out of the car.

Mr. Thompson hugged me so tight as though he knew me and I wasn't a stranger. This act caught me off guard I didn't realize when my fake smile had turned real.

We stood there in front of their mansion for a short time exchanging pleasantries. From the corner of my eyes, I saw the chaffour to escorted us talking to someone else who seemed like a staff member only higher than the chaffour.

Their conversation looked rather serious and I caught them throwing a glance towards my father and me.

Now what father said before I got into the car made sense.

Although I wonder what they must be discussing.

Just behind them I notice a car that looked awfully familiar. Gold rims and tinted glass.

I squinted my eyes to try to see the plate number.

jj-223-Ik.

“Oh…my-”

“Nadia, right?” a deep seductive male voice said.

I turn my head towards his direction.

His chiseled jaw line, bright blue eyes and shiny hair memorized me. I felt like I was staring at a Greek god.

“God” I muttered between my breath.

His brows furrowed, creating an expression I didn't know how to read. Somewhere between irritation and realization?

He stretched out his palm “Sorry?”

“Uhm, yes, yes, Nadia.” I placed my hands in his.

He bent a little to kiss my hand. His sharp blue eyes didn't break contact.

“Let me show you around” he said very audibly, leading me inside the mansion.

The rest of the family followed behind.

He led me up the stairs saying he wanted to show me his “art”

The moment we got out of sight from the family, he threw my hands away.

Reached into his pockets and pulled out a sanitizer to disinfect his hands.

I have never in my 21 years of living felt like this.

I fought every bone in my body to remain calm and composed, like the stunt he pulled now didn't matter at all.

Immediately he was done sanitizing he got a phone call.

It was brief and he didn’t utter a word.

“I remember you…from the airport. You put yourself on the road hoping I’d hit you and you’ll make money from me.” He said

“I-”

“It didn’t make sense at first but now I see why you did that.” He continued “trying to help daddy with a lawsuit money?” He said in a mocking tone.

“I’ve done my research on you and I know your type. You have family problems and you’re only solution is to marry a rich man to clear your debts”

He said, letting out a hysterical laugh.

His expression became cold again.

“I’ll make sure you earn every penny you’ll be getting from me once we’re married.”

Then he stormed out.

Feeling so powerless I could feel the tears building up. My feet cold. I placed my hand over mouth not to make a sound.

The man I’m supposed to marry resents me for my fathers mistakes. I can’t back out of the marriage either.

I must pull through. No matter what.

I have to, for mom.