I walked into a big mansion.I held my breath for a second.The ceilings were high end with sparkling chandeliers hanging down.The curtains were beautiful and fluffy and they moved with the slightest wind.
I wrapped my hands around my arms.I couldn't count the numerous air conditioners in the room.It was very large that for a second,I thought I have come to the wrong place.This was the second largest mansion I was seeing,after that of my foster parents."Miss Valdez,this way please" a woman in white apron gestured and I stopped my admiration of the place and followed her.We moved further down and came before a steel door.The apron lady pressed a button and the door pushed open before them.I stepped in along with her and my heart almost jumped out of my chest the moment it started moving.It was moving so fast that I had no other option than to grab the lady beside me,for fear of falling.Not that I had never been in an elevator,but this..the speed of this one could easily tell anyone that the amount was not smiling."Have you not been in an elevator before?!" the lady said in annoyance as she pulled my grip off of her.Losing control,I swerved to the other side and scratched my arm against an iron steel.I wasn't the least annoyed with the lady,trust me I have seen people with worse sense of humor.Seeing that I was already feeling a bit dizzy,I sprawled myself across the floor of the elevator.I could feel the lady's piercing stare at me but I don't care.I still have my life to live and I cannot afford to die.Not yet at least since I haven't met the love of my life.It finally stopped and I stepped into another larger room.Okay..so where are the owners of this large house?The lady disappeared inside another room and came out seconds later.She disappeared again and I busied myself with cleaning off the small blood that had seeped out of her wound caused in the elevator.I heard the creak of a door and when I looked up I couldn't believe what I was seeing.The lady that approached from the door looked exactly like me! I slowly stood up to my feet.I'll have to correct myself though.Not exactly like me because she had this make up stuff done all over her face and on her body was a high tuxedo gown and I need no one to tell me that it would cost millions of dollars.I was now wondering how such a beautiful woman could be on a wheel chair! She smiled at me."I see you've made yourself feel at home already." she said as the wheel chair automatically moved on its own accord.I quickly snapped out of my thoughts of her"I.. I'm sorry.I just-" I began"It's okay.Have a seat" the woman said"I am Stephanie Collins,wife of Edward Collins" she introduced herself.With that introduction did she really expect me to know who she is? Those names didn't ring a bell."Sorry but uhm.." how would I put this? "..those names don't ring a bell."Stephanie frowned.Was this girl really serious right now? How could the name of the most influential CEO not ring a bell? But she couldn't get angry because of the quest at stake."Collins is the name of the most influential groups in Illinois right now,how could you not know that?""Sorry" I smiled "I have other things better than sticking my nose in others business" I answered"Not knowing something that the whole world knows is not sticking your nose in others business,it is stark ignorance." Stephanie replied,half annoyed"Oh Miss.." I struggled to remember the name "...Miss Collins I can assure you that not the whole world knows of your famous group.""What?" she exclaimed"Yes.Like me for example.I am just hearing this for the first time and I am certainly part of the whole world.""You're not even a somebody and I know you." Stephanie said.I was slightly hurt at that word but I didn't let it show.It's better if I just go straight to the point"What exactly did you call me here for,Miss..." I had forgotten again but I didn't mind.Stephanie sighed "I need your help." she said and that surprised me.She just fucking called me a nobody!"You might be wondering why Mr Collins would marry a woman on wheel chair"No..I didn't wondered that.I said in my mind"Well,we met with an accident and it was very ghastly.We didn't die,by my husband's sheer instincts but I was fatally wounded" she continuedI wondered why she was telling me this."The doctor said I was paralyzed from the waist downwards""I'm sorry" was all I could sayThe chair moved a bit."I love my husband very much.I want to give him everything he wants but because of my condition I cannot give him a child.The heir to all his wealth and riches.Just a child"I was feeling really uncomfortable now.What does all this have to do with me?She held my gaze"I need your help" she said more firmly this time "I'll give you ten billion dollars or more.I will change your whole life,Diana"I had a confused look on my face."Mrs Collins I have no idea what you're talking about.I...I thought this was supposed to be an interview.I'm desperately in need of a job.I just..I just didn't expect this!" I expressed my disappointment with slumped shoulders.Just early that morning a receptionist called me and said I was expected for an interview that morning.I wanted to know how she got my number but just like this Stephanie the receptionist ignored my question and said a limousine would pick me up.I had explained to my housemate,Lillian who had forced me to get ready immediately thinking life had smiled at meOur rent has gone due and there was no foodstuffs left in the house and Lillian's pole dancing job wasn't bringing in enough."I am offering you more than a job.This is a lifetime fortune, Diana""How do you know my name?" I snapped backShe sighed.Stephanie didn't expect it to be this hard to convince her."You're the perfect person for this job.I want my baby to look handsome and beautiful.You are beautiful although you need few touches here and there.""You are asking me to ..to... sleep with your..your husband?" I didn't even try to hide the disgust in my tone."Don't be disgusted.A lot of women would throw themselves at this golden opportunity." she replied"Then get those women and don't bother me." I was quick to reply "How could you want another woman to..to.. that's bullshit!""Like I said, you're the perfect match.A little touch and nobody will be able to differentiate between you and I.We look alike,which is quite helpful."I shaked my head"That way no one would question the baby's resemblance." she saidI tore my gaze away from hers.How can I look like this woman?!"You have a week to make your decision.Once you get pregnant I'll send the money into your account.During the period of your pregnancy you have the right to ask anything you want."Stephanie moved her wheel chair towards me"I will keep the media out of this" she said in a low tone "No one,not even your family or your friends are supposed to know.The day you agree you'll sign a legal document to avoid any scandal"Stephanie's soft countenance changed all of a sudden.I couldn't see the helpless woman I saw before-the woman I'd felt pity forThis one looked like a chameleon,changing all of a sudden."You're allowed to do anything but you cannot fall in love with my husband" she narrowed her eyes "It's against the deal."I went into the kitchen with a grumbling stomach but my hopes were dashed the moment I opened an empty fridge."No!" I sighed in deep frustration.I can't keep living like this! Especially being a burden on Lillian.It tugs at my heart that one day she might just get tired and throw me out.I had met her at a high pub where she once worked.Then I had no home.I never had a home anyway! I lived in a foster home and I cannot remember how I came there.Although,I remember begging the owner of the pub to let me spend the night.Not that my foster parents weren't rich but they had so much on their plates now that they didn't have time to think of me.I felt old enough to earn money so I left the house and started work in the pub.One thing I hate in life is being a burden.Maybe I should go see them tomorrow.It's been a while I've set eyes on them.I sensed that my time with Lillian was gradually coming to an end.I was supposed to stay for a month but a month had exceeded to three months plus a
This was the third day after I met that nasty Stephanie Collins.Due to the slight argument I had with Lilian I decided to go back to my foster parents.I packed my bags down when it occured to me that they may not be staying there anymore.There was still a higher chance that they still live there.I dropped my bags and decided to check first and then come for my bags later.Lilian wasn't home yet but I hoped to leave before she comes.I pulled my hoody up and began the journey.I watched the cars zoom past me,the birds flying across the sky until I arrived at the street.I turned left.Even if it was almost summer,the cold still lingered.The street was the same,scattered debris here and there by each sides of the road."Good morning,Miss Lowell" I greeted a lady across the road.She was mowing the grasses in her little cottage.I still remember her.A very good friend of my foster parents."What are you doing back here,Diana? I thought you would have been married already."I smiled.Miss Lo
I flopped on the bed,tired and hurt.I felt like a thing,a thing they'd used to pass time away till they got their biological child.Thank goodness I hadn't carried all my luggage along.It would have been more disgraceful carrying them back.I sniffed as I wiped my tears.That reminded me,I need to speak to Lilian,see if she could give me just another month.I prayed I'll be able to knock off something bigger.I walked up to her room,she was in the shower.The bag and gown she'd worn last night lay on the bed.I sat on the bed,waiting for her to leave the shower but she was still there fifteen minutes later.Then I felt something vibrate beside me,I thought it was my phone but I had left it in my room.I raised the dress up and there I saw Lilian's phone but my mouth dropped wide open the moment I saw who it was that was calling.I held the phone up.Stephanie Collins was displayed on the screen.I tried to calm myself that it could be another Stephanie Collins but there was only one way t
When we arrived,the lights inside the house was on."Don't be nervous" he said to meI breathed in as he pushed open the door.Jamie immediately left the table where the family was and flung her arms around Jake's neck.He hugged her back.Mr and Mrs Bryan, Jake's foster parents stood up as well."You're late,Jake.Hurry,come have dinner" Mrs Bryan said and I smiled behind .He's lucky to have a caring family.Jamie was the first to notice me."Diana?" she called,almost like what?!I stepped in"Good evening, everyone" I greeted warmly"Who is she?" Mrs Bryan asked"She's my..." Jake stopped and continued "My childhood friend.She has no where to spend the night."Mrs Bryan suddenly grabbed him and took into a passage.I was left with the prying and jealous eyes of Jamie.I told Jake this was a bad idea!"Come join us" Mr Bryan broke the awkward silence and I was glad."Do you eat beef?" he asked as he drew out a chair for me.I nodded and smiled at the kind gesture with tears threatening
I woke up the next morning with high hopes of having a nice day with Mr Bryan.He is such a loving person to be around.I'd finished dressing when I heard cries and wails from outside.I didn't pay attention to it until it became more louder.This was when I realized it might actually be coming from this house.I hurried downstairs and outside the house.The whole family were outside.Jake had his hands on his waist and Mrs Bryan was trying to console Jamie who had a bad way of crying.Mr Bryan had a letter in his hands.I wonder what was wrong.Jamie saw me first.She immediately pointed fingers at me."Why did you have to come and ruin everything! Everything was good until you brought your badluck here!"I had no idea what she was talking about.Mr Bryan handed me the letter and something in his eyes said the words I never thought he'd ever say.He stared at me like he regretted receiving me in his home yesterday.It broke my confidence and strength because I'd looked forward to spending th
We arrived at the largest boutique I've ever seen.It was beautiful...huge and magnificent.Stephanie brought out her phone and a made a call.A man of average height came out from the building "This is Benjamin, Stephanie." she said "He's gonna perform some beautiful work on you before you meet your in laws.""Hello ma'am" the man greeted "This way please" I stepped out of the car as the chauffer pulled open the door.I followed Benjamin into the building and I marvelled at the antique design.It was just too beautiful and the dresses? God,I can't describe that."What's your favorite color,ma'am" he asked politely.I smiled.It felt like all my sadness has left me and I have now walked into the light of happiness."Red." "Red will most definitely suit you,ma'am" he complimented Few ladies came out from one of the corners.They took me for a warm spa and I can tell you it's the most relaxed thing I've ever experienced.It calmed my muscles and soothed my skin but failed to heal my brok
"Oh my son!" Hailey Collins cried out as she flung her arms around his neck.Mr Collins didn't do much as just patting his shoulders.And all these while,Edward was staring at me.So deep was the stare that I lost control of everything,even my hormones.I felt heat down there.His eyeballs were grey.His muscles and tall frame was claded in a red and black tuxedo suit.Few buttons were left undone and I caught a glimpse of his hairy chest.Damn...my colleagues at the restaurant would not ever believe me if I said I met Edward Collins..the man I had really wished to be mine.Shock fixed me rooted to the spot.I couldn't move and I knew that I might ditch the whole deal if I'm not able to act well as his wife.Fortunately,he saved me.He took huge strides towards me and my heart beat increased each step he took.He grabbed my waist and my body was pressed against his.I manage to place my hands in the right place-inside his open chest.He lowered his head and...He kissed me.This is my first
I didn't get a good sleep yesterday.I was constantly thinking of how I could back out from this.I didn't also sleep with Edward Collins in the bedroom.I had ordered the maid to show me to some other room where I only had little sleep.After I washed myself and put on a little make up,I stepped out of the room and I prayed I shouldn't bump into his cold,menacing face.They were downstairs having breakfast when I came down.Mother walked up to me."What's wrong dear? You have a sad look on your face." she said "Did Edward do something?"My eyes wandered to the man who was seated as calm as the weather before the storm.He acted like he hadn't heard what his mother said.I shook my head. "No""Well? Are you okay? Do you want me to call the doctor?" she probed furtherI smiled as I hugged her.I really needed it."I am just fine,mom" I mumbled behind her.She finally let me be as we headed to the table.Just then,"Won't you come kiss your husband good morning?" Edward stopped me in my tra