Chapter 3 The Journey Starts Here

"I can't meet with her family," Bernard snapped, worry etched on his forehead. "We both know this isn't a real marriage. If I go there, they might think it's more than that. This is just a contract, and she's been paid well."

Charles leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms casually. "She knows the terms, but her family doesn't. Just go, pay your respects to her mother. It's not that hard."

Bernard sighed, frustration evident in his voice. "I don't want to send mixed signals."

Just then, his phone buzzed. It was his sister, Melissa Lawson.

"Bernard." Usually bubbly and full of jokes, her tone was serious.

"What happened, Mel?"

"I came to visit Lily and noticed some bruises on her arm. The nanny you hired has been abusing her."

Bernard felt a surge of anger. "I'm on my way now!"

"You being on your way won't change the fact that you've neglected your daughter. She needs a mother."

"Yes, Bernard, the poor girl needs a mother," he heard his mom's voice in the background.

"Mom is there too?"

"Yes, she is."

"Look, I already have plans in motion. Lily will have a mother by the weekend. I promise."

"Please take care of my daughter while I'm away. I'll be back shortly."

His sister replied, "You have someone in mind? Finally! This is great news! Please introduce her to us; I can't wait to meet her!"

"Don't worry, Lily is safe. Mom and I are still here; she'll be fine," she reassured him, her voice warm.

Bernard nodded, but worry still clouded his thoughts. He turned to Charles, his expression serious. "This is getting serious. I need to fire my nanny. My sister just reported her to me."

"Hmm... Can you give me Hadassah's contact info? I'll text her."

Charles smirked, leaning back. "So my friend is getting married, huh? Here's her contact," he said, handing over Hadassah's information with a teasing grin.

Bernard shot him an annoyed look. "Hey, man! Cut it out!"

Charles laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Just saying! It's a big step."

"Right now, I just need to focus on Lily," Bernard replied, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

"Alright, alright! Just keep me updated," Charles said, still grinning. "I'll help you through this."

Charles stood up, adjusting his jacket. "I have a business meeting with an international company. I have to leave."

Bernard nodded, still lost in thought. "I'll leave soon too-just waiting for a report from my manager. I need to sign it before tomorrow."

"Take care," Charles said, heading for the door.

As Charles exited, Bernard was left alone to reflect on his life. He glanced down and noticed Hadassah's contact info lying there. He stared at it for a moment, feeling a mix of hope and anxiety wash over him. Taking a deep breath, he tucked the paper into his suit pocket and returned to his work, his emotions gradually shifting back to the tasks at hand.

---

"I've never seen an ugly guy with that kind of audacity!" Sharon exclaimed.

"Don't blame him! He's in love with you," Hadassah giggled.

"In love with me? Girl, I'm not ready for that! After my ex, I need a vacation from dating. Plus, he's ugly and not even smart!"

*They both burst into laughter.*

"You're not getting any younger, you know!" Hadassah teased, leaning in with a playful grin. "Eventually, you have to overlook looks and just settle for love. I need to be a bridesmaid!" She wiggled her eyebrows, clearly enjoying the banter.

Rolling her eyes but still smiling, Sharon crossed her arms with a playful huff. "I don't blame you! You've gotten into a fake relationship, and now you think you're better than me? We're both still single!"

"True!" Hadassah chuckled. "At least it won't hurt like your last relationship."

Sharon pretended to be angry, crossing her arms dramatically. "It's okay! You can't keep a secret to save your soul!" She burst into laughter, surrendering to Hadassah's playful wit. Shaking her head, she turned back to her skincare routine, still chuckling as she applied her moisturizer.

Hadassah laughed and sat up, brushing her hair back. "Girl, my phone is dying! I need your charger."

"Check around the bed; it should be somewhere."

Hadassah found the charger and plugged in her phone. Just as she was about to get up, her phone buzzed.

Hadassah's eyes widened with surprise. "Sharon, guess who just texted me?"

"Who?"

"It's Bernard!" she exclaimed.

"Really? What did he say?" Sharon jumped up and sat closer to her on the bed.

Hadassah handed over her phone, and Sharon read the message. "This guy is so cold! 'Hey!'? Seriously? Is that how you text a lady?"

"Who cares? Let's see what else he's got!"

They leaned in closer.

Hadassah replied quickly, "Hey Bernard!" Just as she hit send, a new message popped up. Her eyebrows shot up as she read through a long list of rules and regulations-like she was entering college.

"I will come and see your mother tomorrow. After that, you can move in! But remember, this is a contract relationship. I just want to see her out of respect, nothing else. See you tomorrow!"

Hadassah's excitement faded as she read Bernard's message, replaced by a knot of worry in her stomach. She bit her lip, gripping her phone a little too tightly.

"Tomorrow," she murmured to herself, her brow furrowing. She could almost feel the chill from Bernard's unapproachable demeanor. Her shoulders slumped slightly, and she glanced away, trying to shake off the unease creeping in.

Sharon smiled gently, her tone warm and encouraging. "Listen, Hadassah, I wouldn't suggest this if it weren't important. You really need this money right now. Just focus on the benefits-ignore his attitude. Come on, let's grab some skincare and lip moisturizer so you can feel great for tomorrow!"

Hadassah sighed, her gaze flickering to the door as if considering an escape. "You know how much I avoid trouble; I don't want to regret this." She leaned back, running her fingers through her hair, but her hand trembled slightly. A knot tightened in her stomach, and she bit her lip, trying to mask the uncertainty in her voice.

Sharon shot back with encouragement, "You won't! Come on, girl, apply some skincare and let's pick a nice dress for you to wear tomorrow!"

Hadassah couldn't help but smile at Sharon's enthusiasm. "Alright, you're right. I'll make sure I look good," she replied, feeling a spark of excitement amidst her worries.

---

The next morning, Hadassah rushed home and walked straight to her mother's room.

When she entered, she found her mother folding clothes. "Mom, we need to talk," Hadassah said, her voice a mix of urgency and excitement.

Her mother quickly sat beside her. "Welcome, my sweetheart! What is it? I'm all ears," she replied, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"I have someone I'm seeing. I didn't tell you before because I wanted to make sure he's serious and really wants to marry me. And now he's ready and will be coming here to meet you today!"

Her mother's face lit up with excitement as she hugged Hadassah tightly. "Oh my beloved, you've made me proud! Your father will be happy in heaven."

A wave of sadness washed over Hadassah as guilt nagged at her for lying to her mother.

"Should we make something for him?" her mother asked eagerly.

"No, no," Hadassah replied quickly. "Let's just clean the house and make everything tidy."

Her mother, still buzzing with excitement, began to jolly around the room.

Hadassah smiled faintly and headed off to clean the house.

---

As evening approached, Hadassah settled onto the couch for a much-needed nap after cleaning the entire house.

A notification from Bernard suddenly woke her.

"Hey, I'll soon be on my way. Text me your address."

Her heart raced with anticipation as she quickly grabbed her phone, eager to reply and prepare for his arrival.

---

Thirty minutes later, a sleek, new-model Mercedes-Benz with dark-tinted windows glided into their compound. The car was imposing, its polished exterior gleaming under the evening light, exuding luxury and elegance.

Inside, Hadassah's mother sat on the couch, her heart fluttering with excitement. Hadassah stood outside, ready to greet Bernard as he stepped out of the car. When he saw her, he paused, captivated by her beauty. Her long, blonde hair flowed elegantly, with perfectly laid edges framing her face. The body-hugging dress accentuated her curves, making her look like a queen.

For a moment, they locked eyes, each lost in admiration. Bernard took in her radiant beauty, while Hadassah felt a flutter in her chest at the sight of his strong build and confident stance, his tailored suit fitting him perfectly.

The spell was broken when Hadassah said, "Welcome," her voice steady despite her racing heart.

"Thank you," he replied, his expression serious yet intrigued.

As they walked in, Bernard greeted Hadassah's mother politely, his demeanor respectful. "Good evening, ma'am," he said, his tone warm but measured.

Her mother beamed, "You're Hadassah's fiancé! I'm really happy to meet you. You don't have to say much; she's shared so much about you already, and I can see you're a good man. My daughter is safe with you."

Bernard responded with a pretense of sincerity. "Oh yes, ma'am, I'm here to make her my wife."

Hadassah's heart whispered, "Liar."

He continued, "I really like her, and I need to let my feelings be known."

Her mother radiated joy. "Oh, my sweetheart, you've brought a good man home! I'm proud of you!"

The atmosphere was lively, with Hadassah's mother glowing with happiness, while Bernard maintained a charming yet calculated smile.

"My son-in-law! Let me make you something to eat," her mother offered eagerly.

"No, ma'am, don't bother. I'll be leaving soon; I have something to attend to. I'll come back and see you properly," he said, adjusting his suit as he stood.

Hadassah and her mother escorted him to his car, her mother gasping at the luxurious vehicle. "Oh, my darling, you've made me proud!" she exclaimed, excitement bubbling in her voice.

As Bernard drove away, Hadassah felt a mix of confusion and anticipation, her heart still racing from their encounter, the memory of their shared gaze lingering in her mind.

Just then, her phone rang, startling her. The caller ID showed an unknown number. Hesitantly, she answered.

"Hello?" she said, her heart pounding.

"You need to be careful," a voice warned, low and urgent. "Bernard isn't who you think he is."