CHAPTER 3
1276 Words
THE FIERY FIRST ENCOUNTER
AUDREY
“Seeing her? For what exactly?” I interrupted sharply. Truthfully, the idea of marrying that girl doesn’t sit well with me, yet my word binds me. One thing about me—I honor my commitments.
“To get to know each other better and…”
“What could she possibly need to know about me? I’m certain she already knows who I am,” I cut in as Dad exhaled heavily.
Why did Beverly consent to marry me, fully aware of the kind of person I am?
I hope she doesn’t irritate me or challenge my rules; otherwise, I wouldn’t care if she were the daughter of a billionaire or not.
I will make them regret ever proposing this confounding contract.
“Can you at least remain quiet and listen?” Mum snapped.
“Fine. I’ve heard you. Anything else? I need a long shower and some sleep,” I said curtly.
Thank goodness I have no siblings—they might despise the brother they were given.
I know my temperament displeases many, but it is precisely what gives me satisfaction. I find a certain dark amusement in unsettling others.
“That’s all, Audrey. Be ready by 2 a.m. tomorrow. We will go together,” Mum said.
I exhaled deeply, rising to my feet before retreating to my room. Mum shouldn’t follow—I don’t want any nonsense right now.
“Until we meet tomorrow, dear Beverly,” I muttered under my breath.
BEVERLY
“What?” I exclaimed.
“Are you serious, Mum?”
“I’m not joking, Beverly. Audrey will be here tomorrow,” she replied.
What is he doing here, exactly? Have I ever told you I detest the sight of him?
“Why? Does he need to be here?” I asked, brow furrowed.
“Yes, you both need to get along before the engagement,” Dad explained.
The word engagement immediately prickled me. How does one prepare to be betrothed to a demon?
I sighed audibly, speechless. I agreed to this, didn’t I? I must accept the consequences.
“We truly regret putting you in this position, Beverly,” Dad said, guilt weighing on him.
They offered me a choice, and I made it—why the remorse now?
“Don’t feel guilty, Dad. You’ve shaped me into who I am. Why shouldn’t I do this small favor for you? Really, don’t feel bad,” I reassured.
“Thank you, darling,” Mum said, embracing me.
“I am proud and blessed to have you as my daughter, Beverly. Thank you for this,” Dad added.
“Anything to make you happy,” I replied.
“I’ll be in my room,” I said, standing up.
…
“Hey, sis,” Jeffrey said, entering my room.
I lifted my head but remained on the bed, too much bottled up inside to speak.
“Yeah?”
“Can I sit?”
“Sure.”
“How are you?” he asked, and I rolled my eyes. Really? Must he ask the obvious?
“I’m fine,” I replied plainly. What did he expect me to say?
“I know I’m here for you, Beverly. I know what you’re going through, and I’m sorry I couldn’t prevent this marriage,” he said, shaking his head.
I sat up and took his hand in mine, smiling genuinely.
“It’s not your fault. I chose this, and I’ll be fine,” I assured him.
“But it pains me to see you like this, worried, without being able to help,” he said, concern etched on his face.
I love my brother so deeply—he always looks out for me and ensures I remain happy.
“Don’t worry about me, bro. I promise I’ll be fine,” I said. I won’t give Audrey the satisfaction of hurting me—it’s only natural to consider the future.
“I pray that i***t doesn’t attempt anything foolish unless he wants to see the monster in me,” he said, his voice thick with anger.
“Trust me, he won’t.”
“He better not.”
“What did I miss?” Emma asked, poking her head in.
“Nothing. We’re discussing adult matters you shouldn’t be involved in,” I replied playfully.
“A twenty-year-old woman is hardly a child, Beverly,” she groaned, entering fully and sitting beside Jeffrey, still muttering. I couldn’t help but laugh.
“And who says you’re no longer a child?” Jeff retorted.
“I know you’re trying to make me angry and leave, but it won’t work. We’re staying,” she said defiantly, and we all chuckled.
⸻
The next day…
“Stand up already, Beverly—they’re here,” Emma said.
“They?” I asked. Mum said it was only Audrey.
“Yes, Audrey and his parents are here,” she replied.
I sat up immediately. His parents too? I’m not afraid, but I am nervous. What if I say something wrong?
“Beverly?” Emma called, pulling me from my thoughts.
“Okay, let’s go,” I said, heading to the door.
No need for a fancy dress—who am I impressing, Audrey? Impossible.
“Here comes my pride,” Dad announced, all eyes turning to me. Gosh, must he say that?
I glanced nervously at his parents seated on the couch.
“Good afternoon,” I greeted politely.
They smiled warmly and embraced me.
“How are you?” Mr. Kingsberg asked as I sat beside Mum and Jeff.
“I’m fine, Sir.”
“You look radiant, darling,” Mrs. Kingsberg added.
I smiled shyly. Audrey, as always, looked impeccably handsome yet entirely absorbed in his phone.
Our eyes met, and he smirked. I grinned in return—a silent victory.
“Well, to business. We are here to finalize the engagement date,” my soon-to-be father-in-law said.
“What’s your suggestion, Beverly’s Dad?” he asked.
“I think the first week of next month works,” Dad replied.
The first week of next month? That’s imminent! I’d be engaged in less than two weeks.
“That’s fine, but does it suit you both?” Dad asked.
“Even now, it works for me,” Audrey shrugged. Really? Can I trust him?
“Excellent. And you, Beverly?”
“Uhhm… It’s fine.”
“Good. Before lunch, we’ll leave you both to converse and get acquainted while we prepare the hall,” he said.
They departed, leaving us alone.
He didn’t even glance at me. Like I wasn’t even there.
“Well, hello,” he blurted, smirking devilishly. Two can play this game.
“You don’t get to throw curses around. This isn’t a gangster lounge,” I snapped.
His expression darkened, replaced immediately with a false smile.
“Feisty, huh? Let me warn you—don’t speak to me like that again,” he cautioned.
“What will you do, kill me? Sorry, wrong person,” I retorted.
His face darkened again.
“Don’t speak again or I’ll slap you. Mad? I have every right to say whatever I please!” he yelled. I stifled a laugh.
If this is our first encounter, how will the rest of our lives unfold?
“Slap me? You must be dreaming—that’ll only happen in your imagination.”
“We were supposed to get acquainted, right? I think we’re done,” he said.
He produced a cigarette and lit it.
The smell made me gag, and I coughed violently as he deliberately exhaled smoke in my direction.
He knows it affects me… but wait, he smokes too?
- Writer
