Chapter 3 We're no longer on the same level

Bradley's POV

I had been calling Sabrina for days, but either she was not picking up or the calls went to voicemail. I texted and chatted, but no response.

What could be wrong?

I was worried sick now.

I stepped out of the boardroom, heading for the elevator when I stopped.

I turned around, taking in the full view of the once bustling finance and marketing floor I was on-now eerily silent. The seats were empty. The sounds of typing on the keyboard were gone. The chatter of the workers had ceased. And my walking steps echoed, with each stride I took.

Even with that, I didn't want to lose hope just yet. No. Not until I speak with Sabrina.

Getting to the parking lot, I got into my car and zoomed off-heading for the Stones' estate.

I soon arrived, and it looked as magnificent as ever–the serene environment-exuding wealth. The sight wasn't new to me as I often came to visit Sabrina.

Brushing that aside, I honked, expecting the gates to be opened, but no response.

I had to step out of my car and walk to the gate to press the button on the intercom.

"Hello". I said.

"Who is it?" Responded a male voice with a deep baritone, sounding almost mechanical. I recognized it as the voice of the family's butler.

"It's me".

"You who?" he asked.

I could feel my face flushed red from embarrassment. "You suddenly can't recognize my voice anymore or what?" I shot back. "It's me, Bradley-Bradley Ford!"

"Ok...what brought you to the Stones' residence?" He asked deadpan.

My forehead creased in confusion. "Is this some sort of prank?" I asked through gritted teeth. "What do you mean what brought me here? Do I need to have any particular reason before I come to see my fiancée?"

"Hmmph", he snorted, "I will let her know you're here".

I was stunned.

Was he going to keep me standing here? Waiting outside?

I contemplated turning back to keep my dignity intact but I restrained myself.

I was desperate.

I stood there for another five minutes before the gates opened. All this time, the downpour had gotten heavier. My suit-completely drenched.

---

Sabrina's POV

The weather was cold and it was raining outside. I was relaxing, sipping hot tea when my phone rang. The caller ID showed Bradley-with lovey-dovey emojis.

Bradley-my fiancé-whose family's empire had gone under.

I ignored it and continued sipping my tea. He called again, and I rolled my eyes in annoyance. His persistent calls and texts were becoming a disturbance, so I put my phone on airplane mode. Barely ten minutes later, the butler knocked on my door, and I ushered him in.

"Miss, Mr. Bradley is here to see you?"

"What? He is here to see me?" I asked.

"Yes, Miss Sabrina", he replied in a neutral tone "If you don't want to see him, I could ask him to leave".

"Let's wait a while and see if he'll leave on his own".

"Ok, Miss", he said and excused himself.

Ugh! I slapped my hand on my forehead.

I thought he was smart! Couldn't he deduce I no longer wanted him around me?

Now he is here-trying to cling to me like a leech!

What a headache!

I strode out of my room, putting on my cute pink comfy slippers as I leisurely dragged my feet to the hallway to get a better view.

And there he was. Still standing there!

So obstinate! I called the attention of the butler and asked him to let him in.

"Oh my God, Bradley you look awful," I said immediately as he stepped in. He made a move to sit on the sofa and I quickly rushed at him, preventing him from doing so.

"What on earth are you thinking of doing? Trying to sit on this expensive sofa that costs a fortune?" I shrieked. "Look at you Bradley...you're drenched. You'll ruin it. And with the look of things", I said sizing him up and down with disdain, "you won't even be able to make a replacement for it!"

"Are you for real?" He asked.

"Uh-uh...yea?" I replied, still sipping from my tea cup, not even bothering to offer him one.

"What's with your attitude of late? You don't respond to my calls or texts anymore. I came here to see you but I was treated with disregard by your staff and here you-"

"Slow down, Bradley", I said, raising a hand to shush him when he interrupted me "The staff is-"

"Oh", he nodded, "so we're going by first names now huh?"

"The staff were just doing their job", I responded, ignoring his last statement, "and part of it is making sure that not just anyone waltz into the estate without proper scrutiny".

"So I fall under the category of just anyone? Is that what you're trying to insinuate?"

I could feel the tone of disbelief in his voice but I couldn't care less. I walked to sit on the sofa and I could feel his eyes fixated on me. I sat down-legs crossed.

Pouring some more tea for myself I said, "It's security protocols, Bradley". I sipped in between and continued, "You're unnecessarily getting worked up over something so trivial".

I saw the unmistakable look of surprise on his face, when I called him by his first name again. Something I had not done since we officially got engaged.

My heart tugged at me a little bit for being harsh but I silenced it. I did love him but I loved financial security too. Besides, what's love without wealth?

"I have been to this same residence countless times. And not once-not once have I been treated like this!"

He paused, then continued slowly, as if something in him had just clicked.

"Oh...I see it now" he nodded slowly, "this show of contempt, this disregard, is it because of what is happening to my family's company? Have I suddenly become nothing to you?"

I muttered under my breath. Good...at least you're not so dense. You're finally getting a clue.

I lifted my gaze and looked at him icily. "Your family's empire has gone under. Fine. Solve it! Don't involve me in this mess"!

"Babe", he called out softly, "don't talk that way. I need your help, now more than ever".

I recoiled at how he addressed me as 'babe'.

"You need my help?" I scoffed. "Do you think I'd stick my neck out in this situation and risk putting my family's name on the line?? Don't even dream of it!"

"You should know that if the tables were turned, I would go up and above for you", he admitted, trying to conceal the pain in his voice.

"I can never be in your shoes. My father will never get involved in financial crimes-"

"Enough! You're crossing the line! You of all people should know my Father is innocent of all he's been accused of. I came here to ask for help", he continued, trying to relax his nerves. "I've run out of options. I need more time. A loan...your connections-anything that would help".

"Don't make me repeat myself unnecessarily Bradley. I've already made myself clear-my family can't risk being tied to yours. It won't be good for business".

"Babe, this isn't just about business. It's about family. We are betrothed and we were to build a future together-a dynasty, remember?"

"Well, that future no longer exists", I said deadpanned.

"What? Babe, w-what do you mean?" He stuttered.

"First of all", I said, pointing a finger at him, "you would stop calling me that. You should address me as Miss Sabrina or Miss Stone henceforth..."

"What...why?"

"Isn't it obvious? We're no longer on the same level. Your empire's gone under, and I don't want to be dragged into the ashes".

"Did you ever even love me?" He asked.

"I did...but not anymore. Look at me Bradley". I said, turning round to give him a 360 view of myself, "I deserve nothing short of a wealthy and influential man-of which, you are no longer that".

"W-what?"

"And if you must know...", I continued, "my Father's already considering another match".

He balled his fists by his side.

"Don't tell me you agreed to that".