Chapter 4 Four

Brad Carrington sat in his office preoccupied with the latest corporate deal on his desk when his phone rang.

It displayed the name 'Mom' on the screen. With a sigh, he answered, already knowing where this conversation was headed.

"Bradley," his mother's warm voice could be heard through the phone. "I've set up another blind date for you this weekend. She's a lovely girl-smart, beautiful, and from a good family. You will definitely like her if you give her a chance."

Brad closed his eyes, rubbing them with his fingers. "Arghhh! Mom, I'm not interested," he replied firmly but softly. "We have talked about this. Why don't you listen to me? I'm not ready, Mum. You'll be the first one to know when I am."

"Bradley," his mother's voice softened. "It's been over five years, you have to move on at some point. Alexa isn't coming back."

He hardened at the mention of his late wife, Alexa. The wound was old, but it was far from healed.

He had loved his wife more than life. "I don't want to talk about this," he said, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Well, but you need to listen," she pressed on. "Life goes on, Sweetheart. You have your daughter to think about, too. She needs a mother figure, and you deserve to find happiness again. You..."

Brad clenched his jaw, not ready to be drawn into another lecture.

An idea to make the lectures and this particular problem go away entirely sparked in his mind, something rash, but somehow it made sense.

"I already have someone, Mom," he said suddenly, interrupting her.

"What? When did this happen? How? And why haven't I heard anything about it?" His mother's voice was a mix of surprise and joy.

"I wanted it private," Brad said, his voice growing more confident as the idea was coming together in his mind. "I wanted to be sure before telling anyone. Her name is Ruby... Ruby Rivers. You'll meet her this weekend. I am certain you'll love her."

"Ruby Rivers?" his mother repeated, clearly trying to remember if she'd heard the name before. "When did you meet her? Where? What does she do? And why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Brad ignored all the questions. "I wanted it to be a surprise, but since you were planning that blind date, I had to spoil the surprise. We'll see you this weekend, Mum"

His mother's excitement was obvious through the phone. "Oh, Sweetie, I'm so happy for you! I can't wait to meet her!"

He ended the call with a short, "See you then, Mom. I love you" and hung up before she could ask any more questions.

For a moment, he stared at the phone,surprised at what he had just done. He had no real plan, just an idea that had come out of nowhere.

Without wasting more than a minute, Brad grabbed his jacket and left the office.This was still noon so it was rather early for him to be leaving.

He headed straight for one of the most exclusive jewelry stores in the city - BC Jewelry. This was one of his many enterprises as the name was his initials but this information was unknown to a lot of persons.

A salesperson approached him with a professional smile,"Welcome Sir, what would you like to purchase?"

Brad replied though absent minded "A ring. Give me your most expensive ring"

The Salesperson coughed to call his attention as it was obvious he was absent-minded "Sorry, Sir. Could you confirm your order one last time?"

"You definitely heard me right. Give me your most expensive ring in a size 7" He said firmly looking at the salesperson .

"Your fiancee is such a lucky girl. I will be packing your order in a moment, Sir." The salesperson said smiling while walking out to get the order ready.

Brad's mind was occupied. He was thinking how this would play out and if it did play out well, how it would solve most of his current concerns and nuisance - Rose and his mom.

Brad headed home, his thoughts filled with the different possible scenarios that would come of this proposed plan.

When he arrived at the Carrington mansion, the house was quiet. Rose was sleeping as it was her siesta time.

But Ruby was in the living room, sorting through some schoolwork when he walked in.

"Shit! He had forgotten she was a student and she hadn't bothered to remind him" he thought to himself.

She looked up, startled to see him home bythat time. "Mr. Carrington, I didn't expect you-"

"I need to talk to you," he interrupted, his tone serious as he headed for the chair next to hers.

He wasted no time, pulling the ring box from his jacket pocket and setting it on the table in front of them.

Ruby's eyes widened in shock. "What... I don't understand. What is this?"

"I want to propose a contract to you. I want you to be my wife. I have already drawn up a contract agreement which I believe you will sign" Brad said bluntly while bringing out some documents from his briefcase.

"But this marriage will only be valid for a year. We will get a divorce when this time is up" he added, now looking at her and expecting a reaction or an answer.

Her mouth opened, but no words came out at first. Finally, she said, "Are you serious? Is this some kind of prank?"

"Do I look like a clown? This is no joke" he replied sternly.

"If you agree with the terms stated in the agreement in front of you, I'll cover your mother's medical bills fully. I might even be generous enough to pay your tuition fees completely" He added while his eyes focused on the books she was reading before he had arrived.

He continued without even giving her the opportunity to speak "You'll be my wife in name only. When my mother or colleagues are around, you'll act the part. At home, you'll still be Rose's nanny."

Ruby stared at him blankly, her mind still trying to grasp the whole information that was being thrown at her. "And if I refuse?"

Brad's mouth curved into a deadly smile. "Oh dear, You can't. This is more of a notification than a request.I practically own you right now. What made you thinking it was up to you?"

Ruby swallowed hard. She knew she had no real choice.

"I'll agree," she said quietly, "but I have a request or rather demand to make."

Brad's eyebrows raised in interest. "And what would that be?"

"I want to bury my brother properly," she said, her voice turning sad. "And I need to see my mother, even if it's just once."

He thought about her request for a moment before nodding. "Done."

"Go through the contract, I want it signed by tomorrow. And take the ring, you would be wearing it anytime we need to keep up appearances." He added while standing to head upstairs.

"Okay, Sir." Ruby replied preoccupied by her thought.

She was going to be married-at least in name-to the man who had made her life a mess. This irony was bizarre.

From a nanny to a wife in one conversation-what else could possibly happen?

As Brad walked out of the room, she sat there, looking at the ring box. Her life had taken another shocking turn, and she had no idea where it would lead next.