Reynold silently watched the scenery of the cities turn to a blur of motion as the car sped forward. Everything for a moment seemed still. It had just been a day but he felt like it had been a week. So much had happened.He ran his mind back everything from catching his ex-girlfriend cheating on him with his port-belly boss and him getting beat for it, to meeting a damsel like Kayla then paying for his mother’s hospital bills and his sister too.There were a lot of reasons to be joyful about but only a bitter smile escaped his mouth and he knew the reason why. He wanted something more, and who wouldn’t with a pretty girl like her?He let out a sigh.“You know, I’ve been looking at you since you hoped into this cab.”The driver’s murky voice distracted his thoughts. Reynold shifted his attention to the man in front? Belatedly he noticed he wasn’t befitting the description of a man.He had brown curly hair, his eyes hung lazily over his face, his skin was rough – they hinted of his stru
As the guy’s voice rose higher, the securities at the gathered around hem trying to control the situation but Rey’s so-called colleague only got fiercer and the situation only escalated.“You think because I’m your school mate you can take advantage of me or something cause bro where the fuck is my money?!”This was getting very embarrassing for Rey, he lowered his head in shame. He wasn’t even particular about himself. He didn’t always care about himself, but what about this matter that was so infuriating was that he desperately wished to protect Kayla’s reputation in all of this.Protecting her public image was the least he felt he owe her for how much she had helped him. Even though it was a contract marriage, he still felt much indebted to her.Rey bit his lips, desperately wishing all this ruckus can calm down whatever way.“Hey, did that bastard just hit my man?”Rey recognized that hoarse voice, it sounded tired this time and resonated with a degree of vexation – it was almost p
“Wait! Did I hear you right?"Rey hurried to her front as she started walking."Yes, you did Rey. We are having dinner with my family tonight."She smiled as she walked past him. For some reason she seemed to enjoy the look on his face. He was so scared and worried. It was cute."That is why we will be selecting a new set of dress for you."Kayla sleekly turned to him, a cute smile sitting on her lips."What? Me?" Reynold was still dumbfounded.The attendants approached him with a subtle bow and demanded to escort him to the men clothing department.The store had an elegant and luxurious feel with dark wood furnishings, glass display cases, and warm lighting.Fine suits in a variety of fabrics and colors lined the walls neatly organized by style and size.At the back were fitting rooms with plush benches and large mirrors.The dressing rooms were separated by velvet curtains for privacy. The main floor had polished marble tile while upstairs had carpeting with leather chairs and sofas
"This is the first rule I an going to give you." Kayla started as the car engine reeved into motion. “Do not speak too much. In fact, I don't see any reason why you should talk at all. My father along with my blood brother are very observant. They can pick up a minute detail from even just talking. My father is so observant he can pick where you come from, your social standards just by paying attention to how you speak."Reynold face tensed."But I don't have an accent or anything like that...""You don't need to. That's how he is. And we don't have to worry too much about that part as long as you keep your words brief and limited. My own brother. Hamish. I don't think he is going to show any particular interest in you but of course everyone at that place will be assessing you one way or the other."Reynold gulped."The ones you should be most careful around are my step brothers. Tate and Sean... oh and Lloyd too. Those three are sneaky and cunning. Especially Tate and Sean. They will
The dinner began smoothly enough. Waiters swept in carrying trays laden with extravagant dishes - foie gras, oysters, rack of lamb, truffles and more. Expensive wine flowed freely as the group made small talk between bites.About halfway through the meal, the chairman turned his hawk-like gaze onto Reynold."So, tell me about yourself, young man. Where are you from originally?"Reynold swallowed nervously. "I grew up in a small town a few hours from here, sir. My father owned a modest hardware store before he passed away a few years ago. My mother has been ill but is recovering well now."The chairman nodded, his expression unreadable. "And how did you and my daughter come to meet?""We attended the same prestigious high school, sir," Reynold responded, relieved they had prepared this story."Hm. Oh? You went to the same high school with my daughter? Then you must have known her when she was a fat girl who loved eating." He laughed softly, the air around him took an abrupt change, ca
Reynold followed the chairman down a long hallway lined with imposing oil paintings. He had no idea where they were going or what awaited him once they arrived.The chairman did not speak or look back even once and silence weighed heavily on Reynold, his mind racing. Had he made a terrible mistake by speaking up like that? Destroyed any chance of gaining this imposing man's approval?At last they reached a pair of grand wooden doors. The chairman entered without preamble. Reynold belatedly noticed a man that paused and stood to the side. He could swear he didn't know someone was following him all along. The man had a piercing cold gaze just like the chairman but wore rectangular framed glassed.Reynold hesitated a moment, glanced one look at the man before stepping in after the chairman.Where he entered appeared to be a private study. Bookshelves laden with leatherbound volumes lined the walls. The chairs and desk looked antique and meticulously cared for.The chairman went to a sm
Kayla had grown up ignored and dismissed in this patriarchal home. Her fiery passion and business acumen meant nothing here - without her brother to speak for her, she may as well not exist in her father's eyes.How many times had she turned to Hamish over the years, forced to hide behind his victories and advocacy to have any chance of realizing her ambitions? It grated at her soul.She had hoped marrying Reynold would finally allow her to grasp some independence. With him as a passive husband, a trophy to legitimize her while staying neatly out of her way, she could finally take center stage and prove her abilities, prove to them that she was better.Or so she had thought. But his outburst tonight had ruined everything. Kayla could feel the fragile control she had managed to get after years of hardwork slipping through her fingers again. She didn't want to support of any man. That would just be the same thing repeating itself. She had strictly married Reynold because she thought
The shrill beep of the alarm clock jarred Reynold awake while the sky was still inky black. He silenced it quickly to avoid waking Kayla, even though her room was quite far.He walked out of his room and to the kitchen, opened a few cupboards with calculative eyes. After checking the row of cupboard, he returned to the first and began to bring out some ingredients as softly as he could manage.He put on the gas cooker and began to boil water. The sky subtly transitioned to orange and shades of blue…by then Reynold walked with tray of covered food, steamy out and a savoring aroma to bless the morning air.He dropped them on the table, gently preparing all she will need down to the spoon and fork.“I hope she enjoys it.” He says with a smile and looked towards her room.Immediately he turned and walked to his own room. Dressing in silence, he slipped out into the chill dawning air for his morning run.A few minutes later, Kayla's eyes gently opened. She had a beautiful morning smile.