Chapter 2 2.

Three hours later around two in the afternoon Becky burst into my bedroom a bright smile plastered on her gorgeous face.

Awkward. She was holding a big box which she put down and rushed over to embrace me. She hugged me so tight that I almost thought my Becky was back but a thought struck my mind. She was Becky Arnold. A package full of surprises.

"Guess what Emily?" she exclaimed excitedly.

They all used to call me Emily when my dad was alive. This was a first in five years.

"What?" I tried to sound excited.

"Guess who's getting married tonight?" she exclaimed thrilled.

My eyes lit up for the first time in years. I held her back in excitement.

"What?! No way. You are getting married? I didn't know you were in a serious relationship."

Seriously I didn't know. She was my sister. I had to be thrilled for her despite everything. I always wished the best for her.

"Oh please! Do you always have to be so stupid. I'd never get married now," she said rolling her eyes.

"So who's getting married?"

Seriously who would Lisa be so thrilled for? One of her friends? How would that concern me though?

"You silly. Tonight you'll finally be out of our lives. No offense honey."

Me? My smile dropped and I felt my heart sink. But I wasn't seeing anyone. I looked puzzled.

"Don't give me that face. Get ready for the ceremony. It's a small and simple thing but the reception soon will be grand. Everything a bride needs is in that box. At 5 pm sharp Tony will come and get you. If you need my help I'm more than available."

"I don't understand."

"Of course, you wouldn't understand. You are getting married to famous heartthrob and billionaire Malcolm Fred. You'd be living under a rock to not know him. You are so lucky, honey. Finally, you get the spotlight."

"I'm still lost."

For the record, she was patient with me but she was beginning to lose it.

"It's an arranged marriage. A one-year contract between the Arnolds and the Malcolms. You are the bride. You guys ain't engaged of course but to the world, you guys have been engaged for three months and now you'll tie the knot. So basically it was a secret affair. It's a contract for business stuff you wouldn't understand."

Becky explained the situation. Of course, to her, I had no idea how anything worked except being useless. I swallowed hard.

"I won't get married to a stranger. I have the right to choose my partner," I told her trying my best to appear confident and unwavering.

Becky scoffed and scanned my body.

"As if anyone would want to be chosen by you. There is no discussion on this one. Don't waste our time."

"I won't get married," I spoke firmly balling my fists.

I was tired of being controlled.

Out of the blue, I felt a hard sting on my cheek. It stung so much I had to put my hand on it.

Becky had given me a resounding slap. One of her best. She left a red welt behind and her ring had cut me just below my eye. I was bleeding.

"Anything more to say?" she inquired looking sharply at me.

I shook my head no. She'd murder me if I said anything more.

"Perfect. Suit yourself," she replied and left swinging her fancy ponytail.

I felt a warm liquid run down my nose and I wiped using my hand. I was bleeding. I quickly went to the bathroom and cleaned up myself.

Fifteen minutes later I was on my bed scanning my gown. It was gorgeous but I didn't want to be in it. Why me?

Who was this Fred person? So I was like living under a rock because I like knew nothing about him. I pretty much knew no one.

I quickly took out my laptop and looked him up on Google.

There were multiple articles about him and the recent trending one about his secret engagement.

I didn't have time for all that nonsense right now. I had to see his face at least so I rushed to images and there was an entire gallery of him.

Okay, so I was speechless. My heart instantly skipped a beat. An alien color invaded my cheeks and I felt a smile form on my lips.

I never believed in the love at first sight drama but this masterpiece I was looking at had made me feel stuff I had never felt before. How could he be so perfect?

I read about three articles on him and I was convinced he had quite a good reputation with ladies in terms of respect.

So this Fred guy was going to be my better half? The thought itself made me feel unexplainable stuff.

Was it a good thing that I was suddenly thrilled to get married?

My instincts quickly told me to put effort into my looks immediately. I had to impress him. My first impression had to be perfect.

One year my foot. I'd make sure it worked by hook or crook.

Finally light at the end of the tunnel. Finally, my prince charming was here.

Yes, I was excited but that nagging thought bugged me.

Would the hot billionaire accept a socially awkward bag of embarrassment like me?