Chapter 3

Everyone turned to look where the voice came from.

A man descended the stairs at a very relaxed pace, like he had nowhere important to be. He was even dressed casually in dress pants and a vintage shirt.

Well, someone was full of himself.

He had the build of a Greek God, that was certain. My eyes finally lifted to his face. He had the most peculiar-looking mask that covered half of his face. It covered exactly half, just stopping above his lips.

He looked around the table as my parents straightened up.

"Cassian, you finally decided to join us. I am Mr Hart, and it is a pleasure to meet you." Father stood humbly and walked to him, stretching out a hand.

Ass kisser.

"I said I preferred to be addressed as Mr Rooke. We're not familiar." He gave him a look.

Well, damn.

I watched as a tinge of embarrassment stained Father's cheeks, and he gave a very awkward chuckle as he slithered back to his seat. I had to stop myself from laughing. It was good to see someone able to make him wriggle.

"Cassian, don't be rude to the visitors. We've been waiting quite a while for you." His Mother spoke.

"I already expressed my distaste for this gathering, didn't I? Or is my attire not disapproving enough?" He stood at the head of the dining table as he cocked his head.

His Mother huffed. "Well, we needed to meet the family of your bride to make the appropriate introductions. Meet Elara. She is the woman you will be marrying." She said gesturing towards me.

I was pretty sure I turned pink from all the attention that suddenly turned to me. I was fiddling with my hands in my lap as my eyes reluctantly moved to him. The sweating was back, and I was sure everyone could see the sweat patches on my clothes. His eyes were already zeroed in on me, and I almost gasped at the intensity of his stare. I shifted my eyes quickly and reached for a glass of water to calm my nerves.

He didn't say anything as he walked off in a direction.

"Elara, honey, why don't you step out with Cassian? I'm sure he would like to speak with you." His Mother said, giving me an encouraging smile.

I reluctantly nodded as I stood up and followed him in the direction he had left. What was I even going to say?

I met him on the balcony. He was staring out into the dark, his hands in his pockets. I practically stuck myself to the wall as I slithered in. If he heard me, he didn't show any signs of it.

We stood in silence.

"Um-" I started.

"I am in no mood for conversation." He spoke.

I shut my mouth. Well, that was rude.

"I.. I need to ask something... Why am I being told to produce a child within a year of this marriage? I.. I wasn't told of that beforehand."

"I'm sure you can understand a simple sentence when it's told to you."

"B.. but how exactly am I supposed to get pregnant?" That sounded dumb.

He finally turned to look at me. "Really?"

"I.. I mean, I know how. I just- We don't know each other enough to think about... that."

"All in due time." He was a man of few words.

We stood in silence again.

"I hope you're not expecting a grand wedding. We are only signing the papers two days from now, and then we're done."

"What do you mean by two days? We're getting married in two days?!"

"I believe I spoke clearly enough."

"I.. I'm not ready." What was the deal with everyone deciding things for me?

"You were sold off as a peace offering. What exactly is there to prepare for?"

I winced at his words. Sold. He was right, though. I was sold to him like it was a live auction.

"I.. I need to pack and prepare-"

"Everything you need will be provided at my manor. You will see your wing of the house when you get there. On no account should you come to the east wing. Those are my private quarters, and I prefer to be alone. Is that clear?"

"Y.. Yes." I stammered out.

We spent a few more minutes standing in silence before he went in, and I followed behind him.

"So, how was it? Did you get to know yourselves?" Mother asked as soon as I stepped into the dining room.

"H.. He was nice." I said plainly as I sat down, and they all looked at me curiously.

I honestly did not see this marriage heading anywhere. I was giving it a year at most.

"Since the introductions have been made, I guess that is enough for now. They can see each other again when it is time to sign the marriage certificate." Mrs Rooke spoke as she stood up.

"It was a pleasure to be here. Thank you so much Mrs Rooke." Father said as we all walked out.

"Please call me Vivienne, we are going to be family after all."

I found my eyes trailing to Cassian, who was on a call and not interested in whatever we were saying. He seemed to really be the lone type.

After the unfortunate dinner, I went back to my place. I couldn't bear staying in the same house as the people who were supposed to be my family, and now I had to finish a lot of work. I needed to pack my stuff.

I sat in my office as I stared at the wall. Pictures of the children and me decorated the space. This had been my life ever since I graduated, and it had been my only source of joy.

To think my Father was willing to destroy all this to make sure I get married in place of Melissa. Now I knew why they wanted me instead. To get pregnant with his child. Apparently, Melissa was too perfect to give birth to his child.

I got snapped out of my thoughts as a knock sounded on my door.

"Bethany, come in. Is there a problem?"

"Um... your Mother dropped by, although I told her you were in a meeting. She said you and your mother-in-law will be having lunch at 2 pm. I didn't know you were married."

"It's a long story, Beth. Did she say where?"

"Yeah, I'll text it to you. Congratulations?"

"Please. It's not a happy affair." I rolled my eyes.

"Mrs Rooke. Good afternoon." I stood up to greet her as she walked into the restaurant.

She merely nodded and sat down.

"I am going to be very straightforward. You seem..." Her eyes skimmed over me. "Bright enough."

"Ma'am?"

"I don't like you, and I am not going to pretend I do." She folded her arms. "However, there might be a way to change that."

I gulped, knowing I would not like the words I heard next.

"I want you to spy on Cassian for me. Feed me intel about him and ultimately get rid of him if I wish so."