CHAPTER003
1389 Words
The view of NORA WHITFIELD.
I stood still the moment we looked at each other. I was hardly able to think straight. He was spectacular, utterly unreal.
His grey eyes first met mine, and then the rest of him was looked into. He was six feet four and I was five feet six. His black hair was well in place. His lips were full and soft and only thin enough to appear perfect. His tan skin was shining in the light, and his suit could not conceal his powerful and well-built physique. His bald head enticed me to touch him, despite the fact that I knew I must not.
Well, now that you have finished gawking, are we to get down to business? His voice was flat, bored, almost detached, and giving nothing away.
My cheeks flushed, and I leaped a little.
Y-yes, sorry, I said, and sat before him.
He gave me a glance, and then sat down across.
I am sorry... do you know my father owes someone? I enquired, and attempted to maintain my tone.
There was a slight smirk on his lips.
Would you mind giving us a bit more time to pay? It is a great deal, and we just discovered it a little while ago--
None of my business, Miss Whitfield, said he.
"Your father owes me money. He is expected to make payment by the week. Otherwise he will be taken to jail because he violated our agreement, and he said it casually as though he were talking of the weather.
My chest tightened. I cried because I thought of my father in jail, but I shook my head. It would not be helpful to be weak.
"But—" I began, trying to argue.
Do you not know the other way out? he asked, scanning my face.
I knew what he meant, of course. But to sign my life away to a man I hardly knew? I could not do that.
I know, I know, but marriage, it seems so strange, I said, and I was trembling.
He sat back a little, unmoved, cold. "Alright then. I suppose I will meet you at the end of the week--with the money, or your father behind bars."
I felt my heart beat when his guard came to take me out. Panic surged. He was serious, and his words were cold, but the meaning was clear.
"Wait! May I have time to consider this? I asked, my voice urgent.
He did not respond, just gave me a folder. I picked it up, and could feel the papers heavy in it.
All the details of the contract are there. You are going to be taken to your hotel. I want your answer tomorrow morning, Tom, said he.
Select wisely, Nora, he added before I could get into the elevator.
I continued to stare at him until the doors shut. It was not relief that I exhaled slowly.
The hotel suite was stunning. I forgot my troubles a moment as I drank in the sight. The city was spreading and spreading down below, lights gleaming like stars.
I hardly ate dinner. My appetite was gone. I headed directly into the bedroom. It was as beautiful as the other part of the suite. I had a long shower, got into something comfortable, and melted in the soft mattress. Sleep came immediately.
Many hours later I awoke and was still tired of the journey. I enjoyed travelling, however, I was always exhausted after long journeys. I picked the folder and gradually began reading the contract.
Elliot Ravenscroft. E. R. That had to be him. It was all now clear: the flowers, the call the other night.
I fought the urge to scream. It would not help.
Everything was spelled out by the contract. We were going to get married--officially and in church. I would be his wife, a show-piece, in public, which would raise his reputation, and would give him riches and comforts.
The need to have children was not obligatory. I gave a sigh of relief, a little relief in the midst of it all.
I read the contract carefully, stopping at the place where I should sign. I was not going to sign until I saw him again. I must have seen his word with my own eyes. When I did it, my father would be out of debt. And so far I was able to stare at the pages and my thoughts were swirling.
At around eight the following morning, I brushed my hair before the big mirror. A knock on the door stayed me.
I unwrapped it to see a man in a suit, which was likely one of the guards of Elliot.
"Good morning, ma’am. Your boss asks you to join him at his penthouse over breakfast. I shall bring you along, he said, monotonous and monstrous.
I said yes and picked up my phone and the folder. I inspected my outfit, a pair of blue jeans and a long-sleeved polo, that fit my curves better than I wanted. My hips were broader, my breasts fuller. I did not think that was the best choice to make an important meeting.
The journey to the penthouse was silent. I looked down at the city way down below, without letting myself be overwhelmed.
The scenery was spectacular when we came. The penthouse was made to feel like it was floating above the city, with floor-to-ceiling windows, white-and-gold interior, and a warm light of the sunshine.
I looked and saw Elliot, sitting at the dining table, leafing through a file.
Good morning, I said, and walked towards him.
"Morning. Slept well?" He sipped his black coffee and his eyes remained on the file.
Yes, thank you, I said, tapping my fingers on the chair.
Have a seat, he said at last, eyes dashing over me, and turning aside.
We ate in silence. The maids were quietly going round the table. At the end of breakfast I felt it was time to speak.
I have made my mind up, I said, a little shaky in my voice.
He stopped, without necessarily looking up.
"I’ll do it," I whispered.
"Do what?" His voice was cold, precise. I like plainness, Miss Whitfield.
"I mean… I’ll marry you,"
I said slowly, studying him. He hummed mocking and approving.
Good choice, he said in a careless way, as though he had foreseen it.
But there must be a promise you give me. As soon as I sign, the debt of my father... it will be paid off, right? My eyes were roving his face seeking a trace of doubt.
"Affirmative," he said. I nodded.
My phone buzzed. It was Nolan, with a selfie of us, me kissing his cheek. I smiled and immediately recalled my location.
"I have to take this," I said.
Go, he said, coldly. Strange, but I did not argue.
"Hi Nolan," I said quietly.
"Hey bebita, how are you?" His voice was warm.
I’m... alright...-- I began, but he was staring at my phone.
"Nolan, can I call you later? I am half way through something, I said.
But Ari, you are not supposed to be at work! Sabrina is asking for you. Where are you?" His tone was panicked.
I tried to explain, I said, I am in Los Angeles.
"Los Angeles? Nora, how?!" He yelled. I had to pull the phone away.
Elliot grabbed the phone and turned it off before I could say anything.
"Why would you do that? That is rude!" I shouted.
That call was messing with something of importance. Sign now, he said carelessly, as though nothing was the matter.
I gritted my teeth and acquiesced. I put my signatures on the papers, waited until he put his signature, and left angrily.
"Dinner at seven. Be ready," he called after me.
I swore in Spanish and walked the suite. Who was he, telling me what to do as though he were a god?
I exhaled deeply and made another attempt to contact Nolan. No answer. I replied that I would tell you all later on.
Then it hit me fully. I had signed the contract. I was going to be married soon. Oh Dios mío!
What had I just signed and could I live a life totally dominated by Elliot Ravenscroft?
- Writer
