Chapter 3 A Marriage on Paper

A V E R Y

It's been a couple of weeks since my dad talked about the proposal. I told him I couldn't do it because that stranger guy who wants to marry me was neither accepting to meet me nor sending me his pics.

Let me be honest here, even though we all talk about liking someone by heart and not by their looks, don't we all still want to know how they look?

Forget about his looks. He doesn't have fucking time to meet me now. Do you think he will give me his time when I'm married to him? Shouldn't our likes and dislikes match with each other? What if he is the kind of person that I hate everything and pick about him?

The day before yesterday, a person named Scott was here. Dad said he is Nicholas's uncle, Mary's husband, whom I met a few weeks back. Scott also said the same thing which Mary told me. But when asked to meet or asked for Nicholas's pics, he never agreed.

For some reason, I am starting to think there's something fishy, or else why wouldn't he send me his pics or meet me in person? I was in my room browsing the internet when I heard a knock on the door.

"Come in." – I yelled. My dad walked in smiling, closing the door behind him. I sat up and put my laptop aside, making a space for him to sit down.

"Hey, dad."

"Honey, can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Dad, I told you..."

"Hear me out this once, please, then it's your decision. I will never force you ever. I promise." – He politely interrupted, begging me to hear him out.

Dammit, I couldn't see my dad begging me like this.

"Just once."

"Yup, just this one time." – He added back. I waited for him to speak, but he kept staring at the window.

"Dad?"

"You remember one day you came home from school losing your favorite toy?" – He chuckled.

I remember that day, one of my classmates stole my doll, and I didn't stop crying until my dad found the doll. He told me he would buy me a new one, but I wanted my doll and didn't stop bothering him until he got it.

"How can I forget Dad? You sent a whole search party to get my doll." – I smiled, remembering those days.

"You made me run a marathon for that broken doll." – He laughed, making me pout.

"Yet the doll was broken; she was my best doll ever." – The only reason that I needed my old doll back was my dad gifted it. I never lost any stuff he bought, and I will never lose anything.

There was a silence for a few minutes before he continued, "Do you trust me?" – He questioned out of the blue.

"Of course, dad." – I said without any hesitation.

"Then why don't you trust me in this matter?" – He looked worried, and I could see the pain in his eyes.

"Nicholas is the one for you, honey. Trust me; he will look after you more than I do. The guys you dated were all horrible, and I know Nicholas from such a young age, and he is million times better than all those pricks. Please, honey, agree to marry him." – He looked at me, waiting for an answer.

"Will you and Mom be happy if I marry him?" – My gaze never met his.

"Yes, we will be delighted, but you know it's your decision." – He was still anxious that I would reject it.

"Okay, I will marry him."

"Are you sure?!"

"Yes." – I smiled, looking at him. He was thrilled to hear my answer. He gave me one of his bear hugs.

"You made the right choice. Your mom will be so happy. I will go and inform her right away." – He ran out as my smile faded slowly.

If this is what makes my parents happy, then I'll do it over and over. I trust them more than anyone in this world. My choice in men previously was all wrong. Maybe Nicholas couldn't be that bad.

My dad wouldn't let anything bad happen to me. Right?

* * *

Mary visited our home a few times, and she told Nicholas was excited that I agreed to marry him but still, I wasn't shown any of his pics or allowed to meet him. I was watching TV when Mary came home.

"What are you watching?" – She asked, sitting next to me.

"Football." – I answered as my parents joined us.

"Hello, Mrs. Nunez didn't know you would be coming today." – My dad added, taking a seat.

"I have something important to tell you all." – She leaned back, fidgeting her fingers nervously. Is she worried about something? She looked mellow, and something seemed to bother her.

"What is it about?" – My mom asked, handing her a cup of coffee, taking place next to me.

"Um, I-I actually... we need to pre-pone the wedding soon." – Everyone was shocked to hear her say that.

"Why? What's wrong?" – My dad asked.

"Nicholas will be leaving for London tomorrow morning, and he will be back after a couple of months. So, we need the wedding to happen before he leaves." – Is she kidding me?

He is leaving tomorrow, and that means we only have today. What the hell is she trying to say?

"The wedding should happen today." – She added, making my parents gasp in shock.

My eyes widened. I looked at my parents, who were stunned to hear the news just like I did.

"What are you saying, Mary? It's such short notice."

"I know Violet, but we can't wait till Nicholas is back. We should make this wedding happen today."

"But... but we have very little time, and how are we going to invite everyone in such a short timeframe."

"I understand, Jack, but it's the only option we have. We can later keep a proper ceremony and invite everyone for the wedding just like we all planned. But for now, this must happen." – This lady wasn't quitting. I was not happy with how the situation was playing.

How can I marry now? What is seriously going on? Can't it wait until he returns? To all my questions, her answer was, the wedding must happen today. I thought for a few moments.

After all, I need to marry him one day. It's not like these people will let go of this so quickly. So, if I marry him today or a month later, it doesn't make any difference. I will still be tied to him with or without my consent. I know I made the decision, but only after my parents made me do it forcefully.

"I decide to wed Nicholas today." – I said.

"This should happen someday, and if that someday is today, let's do it. So, when will Nicholas be here?" – Dad asked as we looked at Mary.

"Actually... Nicholas can't be here. He is in an important meeting now with one of his delegates, and later, he needs to pack everything for his business trip."

"Then, when are they getting married, Mary?" – My mom asked.

"Since it's such short notice, we decided to register it for now. Then as planned, we can hold a grand ceremony, inviting everyone." – She took out a couple of papers from her bag and placed them on the coffee table.

"Nicholas has already signed them. We need your signature." – She looked at me, holding a pen in her hand.

"It would have been great if Nicholas was here." – My dad spoke just barely for all of us to hear him.

I was scared at how fast things were moving. My heart was thumping at a rapid pace. Just one sign and my life would be changed for better or worse.

"I told you, Jack, don't you guys trust me?"

"Where should I sign?" – I interrupted, looking at Mary. I wanted to read them before signing, but it's not going to make any difference.

"Avery, are you sure?" – My mom asked, and I could sense the worry in her voice. At least she cared.

"I'm all fine, mom. Let's get this done now, shall we? I am damn sure Nicholas will be waiting for me." – I smiled, trying to bring down the tension in the air.

Mary passed the pen. I took a deep breath and put my signature next to Nicholas's. Once signed, I stared at the piece of paper which held a great significance about the marriage. I am now Mrs. Nunez. Avery Nicholas Nunez. Wow!!!

"Thank you, Avery, and congratulations!" – She got up from her seat and hugged me.

Once everything was sorted, I asked Mary if I can stay here with my parents for today and then go with her to their home tomorrow, to which she agreed.

We three enjoyed ourselves and had lots of fun as today would be my last day here with them. I am going to miss them. How can I even stay away from them? I gazed at them as I sat in my seat, watching them dance. They both were happy.

* * *

The following day, Mary came to pick me up. Even though I was downhearted to leave, I put on a smile and hugged my parents. Who would have thought in a million years that by now, I would have been married? I wouldn't have guessed it by myself either.

We reached the enormous, gigantic mansion. I thought my dad had a bigger house, but this was ten times bigger than my home. I saw security guards everywhere, and they were all dressed up in grey clothes with black shades and earpieces.

How fucking rich are they?

"This is your home from now on." – Mary informed me once we both got down from the car. We entered inside; the maids took my luggage heading upstairs. The mansion was insanely beautiful from inside.

"Mom," – I saw a woman who looked younger than me calling Mary.

"Dasha, did you make sure Avery's room is ready?"

"Yes, mom." – She answered. Walking towards me, she held her hand in the air.

"Hi, Avery. I'm Dasha. Nicholas's cousin. His sweet baby sister."

"Hi, I'm Avery." – I nervously smiled.

"I know." – She responded, trying to hold her laugh so that I wouldn't feel bad.

Of course, she knows my name; why did I even introduce myself again? She must think I'm so stupid.

"Dasha, why don't you show Avery her room?" – Mary Interrupted.

"Sure, mom. Come, Avery." – She held my hand and took me upstairs to the fourth room from the right.

"If you need anything, I'll be in my room, the room opposite to yours." – She pointed out, and I nodded at her.

Once she left, I unpacked my clothes and wore my casual dress: sweatpants and a camouflage crop top. I called my parents and informed them that I made it in one piece. They were so happy for me. Maybe because I finally married the guy they wanted.

As Dasha informed me earlier, I went to her room. She took me to tour this mansion, and let me tell you, this home is enormous, and I was done at this point.

"Let's continue the rest tomorrow; you look tired." – We stood right outside the second room.

"Yes, please." – I replied her in between my breaths, trying to control my breathing.

This reminded me to start my workout and to stop eating unhealthy foods. I descended to the kitchen with Dasha. I met maid Linda, and she was lovely. So far, I like everyone in this house.

"You don't know how thankful I am that you are here." – Dasha told me while chewing on her burrito, making me look at her.

"Why?"

"There's no one in here for me to talk to as everyone is busy with their work. Now that I have my summer holidays, I'm stuck here till college starts. Luckily you came today, and I can't thank god enough." – She dramatically added, making me chuckle.

Dasha is the talker, and all I did was listen to her for hours. She told me that there is Esme, her sister-in-law, who lives here with them. Along with her, her dad Scott and mom Mary.

We talked about almost everything, but whenever I asked her about Nicholas, she immediately diverted the topic. Also, I didn't see any of his pictures hung in this mansion which is bizarre, by the way.

As time passed, my curiosity kept building inside me. Since Nicholas isn't home for a month or two, maybe I can dig something. We were all at the dining table. I saw the maid taking dinner to someone upstairs.

Aren't we all eating dinner here? Maybe someone's busy and cannot join us? But Dasha told me who all lived here, and they all seemed to be present at the dining table. Then why is the maid taking food upstairs? Who is living upstairs?

Also, Dasha took me to every room in this mansion except one room next to mine. When asked, she said there is nothing to see in that room.

"So, since everyone is here. I have an announcement to make." – Scott rested his elbows on the edge of the table, addressing everyone. All our attention immediately turned to him.

"I'm happy to welcome Avery to be part of our family." – Dasha, who sat next to me, hugged me while the lady with blonde hair didn't even bother as she kept swiping something on her phone.

"Avery, if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask any of us. It's now your home too; feel free to ask anything." – Scott gave me a genuine smile which made me feel better.

"Thanks, Scott." – I replied.

"Esme, can you please stop using your phone at the dining table." – Mary looked frustrated at this blonde woman as she was busy with her phone.

"I'm sorry, got an important text." – She replied without taking her eyes off the phone, which made Mary roll her eyes in anger. She then put her phone down and looked at me.

"Welcome to our home, Avery." – She smiled at me.

"Um, thanks..." – I didn't know how to address her.

"Call me Esme; I'm not too old."

"Sure." – I smiled back.

"I'm Esme, Ben's wife." – I nodded in response. Wait, who is Ben now? The guy next to her then spoke.

"I'm Kevin; I take care of the financial department."

"Hi, Kevin." – Then the dinner was over. Everyone was good to me and made sure I was part of their conversation. It made me feel good.

But then, what bothered me the most was no one talked about Nicholas. Should I ask them? But then I just kept quiet, thinking I would ask Dasha later.

* * *

I was in my room getting ready to sleep when Dasha walked in.

"Hey, can't sleep?" – She said no.

"Wanna watch a movie?"

"Oh my god, I thought you wouldn't ask. Let me grab my laptop, and we can watch together." – She rushed back to her room, making me chuckle at her childish behavior.

We both laid in my bed stretched out on the belly as we watched the movie. I thought this was the perfect time to ask her.

"Dasha?"

"Hmm?" – Her eyes were glued to the screen.

"Um, you know when would Nicholas be back from his business trip?"

"After two months." – She answered. I thought of asking her to show me his picture.

I wanted to see him. God, my curiosity was too high, and I wanted to see how he looks. I think I would be the first person on this earth who hasn't seen her husband even after marriage.

"Do you have Nic..." – We heard noises coming from outside, interrupting as Dasha and I both looked at each other.

"Who's that?" – I sat and looked towards the bedroom door.

"Um, I-I don't know..." – She avoided my gaze. Why do I think she knows what that noise was?

"Shouldn't we see who's that?" – I asked her hoping it wasn't some burglar. We heard noises of someone shouting again.

"Don't worry. There are guards to look after." – She went back to watching the movie. But the sounds were still loud.

"Dasha, I think we should..." – She immediately cut me off.

"I'm sleepy; let's continue this some other day. Also, I'll see who that is. It could be Kevin, and he tends to talk louder; he can be easily frustrated over things." – She took her laptop and left.

Even though she told me it was Kevin, it wasn't convincing to me. Anyhow, I was sleepy by now and decided to sleep.

* * *

I woke up to the sounds coming outside the room. It sounded like someone dropped something; I sat up instantly and heard someone hiss in pain.

"Who could be at this time? Maybe someone fell and need help?" – I got up and looked outside the room to see no one.

I was about to close the door when I heard the same noise. It was coming from the next room, the room which Dasha avoided to tour me previously. I made my way to the next room and knocked on the door. I have no idea who is staying in this bedroom.

I slowly opened the door to find it was pitch black and cold, sending shivers down my spine.

"Hello? I-Is anyone here?" – I heard shuffling noise from a distance, and I was terrified at this point. I opened my mouth to speak when someone cut me off.

"Leave." – A loud, cold husky tone replied, making my body tremble in fear. I wanted to run away from here, but my legs weren't moving; I felt stuck. Even though I was nervous, I wanted to know who this person was.

"Um, I-Is every... everything alright?" – I still had no idea whom I was speaking to.

"LEAVE!!!" – The same voice replied sternly, and without thinking a second, I just ran to my room and shut the door.

I was breathing hard and trembling in fear. Who was that? Who is staying in that room? I quickly double-checked my lock and drifted to sleep.