A Naive Bride For The Sophisticated CEO

Amelia Cooper shuffled out of the Bluehills college's gate and turned to look at its building for the last time under the moonlight.

The outdoor wall lights of the college walls lit up her very fair skin. Her blue eyes sparkled under the bright lights, and her red lipstick glitter.

She was finally done with college, and not just done, but she graduated as one of the best students in the faculty of arts, department of mass communication.

She was going to miss school so much, not because she had friends she made memories with, but because there was no way she was going to escape her cousins' torture now.

*

When she was five, her parents were murdered right in front of her eyes by some evil men. They didn't talk to her nor did they lay a finger on her. Amelia never stopped wondering why.

After her parents died, she became very depressed and isolated herself from everyone. She was quiet and never talked when she wasn't invited to.

Her life turned upside down, and all she could think of was how to stay out of trouble. One thing she believed her parents didn't do.

Her uncle, Mr. Freddie Cooper took her in and treated her like his child. At first, she was happy someone else in the world loved her, but when her cousin started making her life miserable, she wished he had left her on the streets to perish.

*

She heaved a loud sigh and turned to leave. She was dressed in a red BodyCon dress which fit her petite body shape and clear skin perfectly, she also wore 3-inches black sandal heels.

They were gotten for her by her uncle Freddie. Over her dress was a blue graduation gown that extended down to her ankles.

Her full, wavy, golden-brown hair was roughly tucked in her graduation hat so that it could fit.

She hung a black tote bag on her shoulder, and in this bag were books from her locker, some handouts, novels, and even the scroll that was given to her by the vice-chancellor.

The weight of her bag was pretty much for her, but who could she complain to?

Uncle Freddie had already told her that he wasn't going to be attending her graduation party nor pick her up because of some important work at the office, so she had no choice than to trudge the streets of Bluehills home.

After ten minutes of walking alone, she got to Cooper's huge mansion. She knitted her brows as she noticed something strange in the mansion. The lights of every room in the mansion were out and the curtains were down.

"That is weird," She mumbled to herself as she walked in through the gate, into the compound. She dragged her feet on the paved compound floor, carefully observing everything around her.

Everything seemed too peaceful, and this got her scared. 'Did everyone leave the house?'

She expected the exterior and interior lights to illuminate everywhere as it has always been, but this time, she got disappointed.

She got to the large main door and turned to look around again. Her heart was beating very fast.

"Amelia, it's nothing. It's probably just a blackout." She encouraged herself and reached for the doorknob slowly.

She applied pressure on it and pushed the door open unhurriedly. She walked into the dark living room, she could see absolutely nothing.

A drop of sweat rolled down from her neck into the beautiful margin that separates her breasts.

Before her eyes could adjust to the darkness, the light came on all of a sudden, and the people chorused with cheering, "Happy Graduation, Amelia!"

Amelia's bag dropped from her shoulder in fright, and she leaned on the door for support. Her feet grew weak out of shock.

She looked around the living room, and her jaw dropped. There was a large banner that hung down from the tall ceiling which had "HAPPY GRADUATION AMELIA" written boldly on it.

There were colorful balloons tied on both sides of the banner. On the windows, and even at the edges of the stairs.

There was a large cake on the right side of the living room, on top of the cake was an image of a graduation hat and a wrapped scroll.

The sofas and center tables in the living room were replaced with tables that had bouquets and glasses of wine on them. Around the tables stood different people of great caliber, looking classy and expensive.

Amelia was too stunned to speak or move after realizing what happened to her. She couldn't believe that Uncle Freddie would go to the extent of throwing her a surprise graduation party.

Freddie approached her with a glass of wine in his hand, his outfits were shining under the lights.

"Congratulations, Amelia." He divulged a cheerful smile. Amelie's throat tightened as she looked at him.

She grew emotional and tears heated her eyes in a few seconds. "You didn't have to do this, Uncle," She mumbled and embraced him very tightly.

"You know I would do anything to make you happy. I'm sorry I missed your graduation party. This is me making up for it." He kissed her head, and she giggled.

"I'm so happy."

She raised her head from his chest and looked at him. He smiled and lifted his glass, looking at everyone that watched them.

"Let's celebrate! Today is a good day!" He announced, and they all clapped.

They started chatting, some started drinking, while some started vibing to the solemn music that was played.

"You should go and change. Your dress is in your room. I hope you'll love it," He said to her, and she bounced her head.

"I love it already." She chuckled.

"Great! Hurry and change now. The party isn't complete until the celebrant is ready." He tapped her shoulder softly, and she reached for her bag.

She hurried to the stairs and climbed up. She took a few minutes to explore the decorations again. She felt blessed.

'Truly, he loves me so much.' She thought in excitement.

She got to the top floor and was about to run to her room when her cousins, Ava and Hudson crossed her path.

The excitement in Amelia washed down her body instantly, and her smile faded away quickly. There was no time she was in contact with them, she was always very scared.

Ava moved closer to her and grabbed her arm firmly, while Hudson looked around to see if anyone was coming.

"Ava, you are hurting me." Amelia closed her eyes and muttered in pain.

"That is exactly what I want. Now come with me," Ava uttered with gritted teeth and pulled her to her room.

She flung the door open and pushed Amelia into the room, making her stagger backward.

Amelia was breathing very fast and hard in panic, her hands began to tremble as she gazed at Ava.

"You are happy, aren't you?! My father throws such a big party for you and you dare smile, hun?!" She lifted her hand and smacked Amelia's face very hard.

Amelia's head faced the floor and her graduation hat fell off, making her hair fall loose. "Now, I want you to get this into your thick ugly head..." She poked Amelia's head with her index finger.

"My father isn't your father! We would never see you as our sister, and we will keep torturing you until you leave this house!" Ava yelled and was about to hit her again when Hudson stopped her.

"Father is coming, we need to leave!"

"Go to hell," Ava whispered to Amelia's ear before rushing out of the room.

Amelia clenched her jaw as tears streamed out of her eyes. She rubbed her cheek, trying to subside the throbbing pain she felt.

"Amelia, have you tried the dress?" Freddie asked as he entered her room.

Amelia quickly covered her cheek with her hair and put on a smile. "No, I'll do that now. It's so beautiful." She looked at her bed and saw a blue ball gown laid neatly on it.

Freddie furrowed his brows after noticing the tears on Amelia's face. He moved closer and raised her jaw.

"Why are you crying?" He asked, and she smiled and shook her head.

"It's nothing, Uncle. The surprise made me too emotional." She lied.

Freddie giggled and embraced her tightly. "I'll do anything to make you happy. You are my daughter too."

He kissed her head again, and she bounced her head. She clasped her lips tight so that she wouldn't burst into tears in front of him.

He let go of her and looked into her teary eyes. "After the party, I have a special present for you," He said, and her face brightened.

"Special present?" she asked, and he bounced his head.

"It is one thing your late parents had always wanted you to have. I'll give you this present after the party." He brushed her hair, and she nodded nervously.

'What could this present be?'

Amelia finished applying her light makeup, and she looked at her face in her large mirror. Her blue ball gown covered the baby shoes she wore, and was sweeping the floor.

The gown slightly exposed the upper part of her breasts and her back was bare and exposed. She had straightened her hair, and they weren't as wavy as they were initially.

She faintly applied her black eyeliner which made her almond-shaped eyes look more elegant. Her alluring blue eyes glittered under the bright lights that hung on the top edges of her mirror.

Her Cupid bow lips were masked with a colorless lip gloss that helped showcase how pink her lips were.

She let out a sad sigh and lowered her head. She picked up the portrait of her parents that was on the table in front of her and stared at their faces.

She ran her finger on the picture and said, "I wish you two were here with me today. I made you proud again. I am one of the best graduating students in my faculty and department." She smiled and felt tears gather in her eyes again.

"Uncle Freddie is so proud of me. He threw me a surprise graduation party. I know I should be happy, but..." She stopped talking and covered her mouth with her palm and started weeping again.

She threw her head backwards and exhaled softly through her mouth. "I should go now. Uncle Freddie and the others are waiting for me. We will talk well before I sleep."

She placed the portrait on the table carefully and looked into the mirror again. She picked up her handkerchief from the bed and carefully mopped the tears off her face.

After mopping her face, she forced on a big smile and lifted her dress with her hands. She walked out of her room and headed down the stairs.

As she climbed down the stairs, the people began to clap for her. She felt so shy, so she lowered her head as her cheeks reddened.

Freddie quickly approached her before she got off the stairs and gave her his hand.

She looked at his face and with a bright smile, she gave her his hand too. He held her as she climbed down the stairs, and he began to introduce her to the visitors.

"I still don't understand why your father likes her so much. I mean, anytime I see her, she irritates me." Marie, Ava's friend muttered as they watched her walk with Freddie.

"She irritates me too, and you know the most annoying thing? My father told us to be here to celebrate with her! Gosh! I'm so pissed!" Ava groaned in disgust.

"Don't worry, Ava. I am here to help you ruin her fun," Marie uttered, and they both chuckled wickedly.

"Hi, Mr. Matt, this is my daughter, Amelia, I was talking about. Always making me proud! She is one of the best graduating students in her set. The news is everywhere. Isn't that great?!" Freddie boasted to an average-age looking man.

"Very pleased to meet you, Miss Amelia. My friend won't stop singing your praises." Matt stretched his hand to Amelia, and she shook his hand.

"Pleased to meet you too, Mr. Matt," She responded shyly, and they all chuckled.

One of their servers was passing by, and Freddie stopped him and picked up a fork from the tray. He lifted his glass cup and hit the fork on it, making a clink sound.

"I hope everyone is enjoying the party! I would love Amelia, my daughter, to say something to all of us!" He announced, and Amelia's eyes widened in surprise. She wasn't expecting it.

"Come on girl. Say something to the people," He whispered in her ear, and she bounced her head slowly. She let out an exhale and made a quick turn to look at everyone.

She saw her cousins at the corner with some other guest, their eyes that peered at her said many awful things.

"I bet she feels so proud of herself. Why would your uncle throw her a party, but he didn't when you graduated?" Marie asked.

"Shut up, Marie, and let us listen to the rubbish she has to say," Hudson broke in, while Ava couldn't stop glaring at Amelia.

'Who the f**k does she think she is? I promise you, b**ch, I'll ruin this stupid party of yours!' Ava's thoughts made her smirk evilly.

"Good evening everyone. I don't have much to say because I wasn't expecting uncle to bring me out this way," she said, and they all giggled.

"I just want to say thank you to everyone that is here, especially my Uncle. He has been the best person in my life. He has been a father and friend. I love you so much, Uncle."

She looked at Freddie, and he placed his hand on his chest and pouted playfully.

"I love you too, daughter." He responded and embraced her. "Continue feasting, please! The night is still early." Freddie lifted his cup and sipped from his wine.

"Hey... won't you have some wine too? Trust me, it tastes very nice," Freddie said to her, and she shook her head.

"I prefer juice, Uncle."

"Juice? C'mon, Amelia, you are twenty not twelve. Try new things, okay?" He said, and she giggled, bouncing her head.

"Freddie Cooper!" They heard the vibrant voice of a man that looked the same age as Freddie.

"Charles Parker!" Freddie responded in excitement.

He opened his arms, and they hugged each other. "I thought you wouldn't make it." Freddie said, and Charles shook his head.

"You know I would! Great job you have done here." He looked around the living room and Freddie gave a slight bow.

"I'm happy you like it. We have things to discuss. But before we get to it, Charles. Amelia, my daughter. Amelia. Charles, my very good friend." He introduced them and stepped aside so they could greet themselves.

"How are you doing, Amelia?" "I'm good, Mr. Charles. Welcome." She lowered her head, and Charles chuckled, looking at Freddie.

"She is one with a pleasant manner of approach," He complimented, and Freddie twitched his eyebrows at Amelia.

"Thank you, Charles. Shall we?" Freddie asked, and Charles nodded. They both walked away from Amelia and headed to a private room to talk business.

The smile on Amelia's face slowly faded away when Freddie left. She heaved a sigh and looked around her, everyone was busy with one thing or the other.

She looked at her cousins and saw they were busy having a chat with some friends at the other end of the living room.

They all turned to look at her at the same time, and she felt shivers run down her spine.

'They are definitely planning something evil.' She thought and hurriedly turned to walk away.

As she walked, her stomach began to grumble. She remembered she was yet to have lunch. She looked at her right-hand side and saw where the dishes were displayed.

She hurried to the table and picked an apple from the basket of fruits. She hungrily took a bite and began to munch. In a few minutes, she was done eating the apple. She picked up a slice of bread and also munched on it.

A server was passing by, and she raised her hand to stop him. "I'll have one," She said to him, and he moved the tray to her.

She picked up a glass of red wine, and raised her index finger, telling him not to leave yet.

She took a sip of the wine and when she saw it was tasty, she gulped all of it at once. She placed the glass on the tray carefully and picked up another one.

"This should do. Thank you." She nodded and smiled and the server walked away.

She closed her eyes and gulped all the wine at once again. She dropped the glass on the table and a satisfied grin crawled up her face.

She looked up and saw Ava and Hudson approaching her very fast.

'Oh no. Not again.'

She hastily lifted her dress and turned to leave. She headed for the corridor that led to the rooms on the ground floor. She looked back to make sure she wasn't being followed by her cousins.

Still walking very fast, before she could look at where she was going, she collided with someone.

Her eyes widened and moved back hastily, as she moved back, she stepped on the hem of her dress and tripped. She quickly grabbed the suit of the gorgeous young man in front of her for support.

Instead of receiving support from this man, he fell after her. She fell to the ground and hit her head on the Italian floor. Before the young man could regain his stability, he fell on her and their faces collided.

His lips pressed against hers very firmly, and their eyes popped open.

Amelia gazed endlessly into the onyx black deep eyes of the gorgeous man that pressed his lips against hers.

His sandalwood cologne invaded her nostrils, and she didn't want to loosen her grip on his expensive-looking suit.

She pictured the beginning of a love story like she had always seen in movies, where the lady collides with a man and they fall in love afterwards.

She was too shocked and captivated by his great charms to know what to do.

"What the f**k!" James Parker, the man who Amelia had mistakenly kissed, hurriedly pulled himself away from her and fell to the floor on his butts.

Amelia instantly snapped out of her fantasies and went on her knees. She felt a throbbing pain behind her head, and she gradually touched the back of her head.

"I'm so sorry, Mister. I..." She stopped talking when somebody pushed her from behind, making her lose her stability again.

She quickly gained her stability and looked up. She saw Ava shoot her a deadly look, and she knelt in front of James.

"James, are you okay?" She ran her hands over his face, and he moved his face away from her hand angrily.

'So his name is James,' Amelia thought with fear registered on her face.

She always had an impression that all James are cruel because of the bullies in her high school and college. They were both called James.

James sprang to his feet and grabbed his butt-cheeks in pain. "Why didn't you watch where you were going, hun?!" His face reddened in rage. Amelia gulped hard and quickly stood up.

"I'm very sorry, my dress..."

The murmurs from the people watching filled her ears, and she stopped talking. She looked back and saw that everyone at the party stood at the entrance of the corridor staring at them.

'This is not good. What have you done, Amelia?'

Ava approached her and hit her on her shoulder, pushing her backward.

"How could you be so careless?! Why didn't you watch where you were going?!" Ava barked.

Amelia felt sweats ooze out of her tiny pores, and her throat fastened uncomfortably. She always tried to avoid creating a scene with her cousins, but now, her worst nightmare was happening, in her own party!

Amelia's lips parted in an attempt to speak, and Ava didn't hesitate to shut her up with a resounding slap.

"Ahh." Everyone that watched gasped, and Amelia glued her shivering hand to her face.

Her soft skin was heating up under her palm, and she felt stinging pains. It was the same cheek Ava had slapped earlier.

Amelia lowered her head in disgrace and hurt. Her body shivered, and her lips quivered as tears uncontrollably rolled down her eyes.

The news of the disaster Amelia had caused in the corridor got to Freddie and Charles at a fast rate, and they hurried to where everyone was.

"Make way please," Freddie said as he and Charles struggled to walk amidst the people to get to where Amelia stood. He saw Ava and James boiling in anger, and Amelia helplessly stood in front of them like a stray puppy.

"What is going on here?" Freddie asked, while Charles looked at his son.

"What's wrong, James?" His voice was audible and firm.

"Why can't you answer? You know very well what you did. Explain to them?!" James growled at Amelia, and she jumped in fright.

She raised her head and looked at Freddie. She wanted to explain, but she couldn't find her voice. She was too traumatized to speak.

"I'm out of here, Father. I told you I didn't want to attend this party in the very first place," James spat in disgust and stormed to the entrance of the corridor.

Those that stood in his way quickly moved away so that he could pass through. "James, wait!" Ava ran after him.

Freddie heaved a sigh after watching them leave. Everyone kept staring and this made him uncomfortable.

"Let the party continue. I'm sorry about this accident," He announced, and they started mumbling again.

They started leaving the corridor one after the other, and in no time, they were all gone.

Some stood back, and some left the party completely. They were disgusted with what they had seen.

Freddie looked at Charles and saw he had a frown on. Freddie wanted to speak, and Charles shook his head.

"I'd love to call it a day here. My son was disgraced by your daughter. That is enough for the night." Charles turned his back to leave.

Freddie followed after him and overtook him. He stood in front of him and said, "I'm very sorry, Charles. I promise that she will come and apologize to you and your son. She would also be punished for this," Freddie said remorsefully.

Charles uttered no words, but nodded. He walked past Freddie and proceeded out of the mansion.

Freddie looked at Amelia and saw that she was still glued to where she was. Her palm was still on her chin, and she was crying profusely.

Freddie stormed back to where she was and stood in front of her. "I need you to tell me what happened. Now!" He struggled to stay calm but he couldn't.

He had wronged his most significant business partner, there was no reason for him to stay calm.

Amelia flinched again and raised her head to look at Freddie. She looked more terrified. It was her first time seeing Freddie yell at her.

Her face was stained with tears and her makeup was ruined, but this didn't seem to move Freddie. He needed an explanation.

"I... I was running away from..."

She suddenly felt someone watching them, and she looked at the entrance of the corridor. She saw Hudson leaning against the wall, his arms folded around his torso and his eyes fixed on her.

"Running away from who?" Freddie impatiently asked, and she turned her head to look at him.

She wanted to tell him the truth, but she couldn't. Not under Hudson's watch.

"I wanted to use the restroom badly. I didn't want to go up the stairs because of my gown, so I rushed into the corridor. I collided with Mr. James, and tripped. I hung onto him for support and ended up pulling him with me. We both fell to the floor, and his lips mistakenly pressed against mine."

Freddie fastened his eyes and brushed his neatly arranged black hair backward.

"What have you done, Amelia? You have messed with someone you shouldn't." Freddie clenched his jaws as he spoke.

"I am sorry, Uncle. I swear I didn't mean to. It was an accident," She cried. She moved closer to him, and he moved back. He swallowed hard and looked at her.

"You have to apologize to him and his father," He said, and she bounced her head.

"I'll do anything, Uncle. I'm sorry," She mumbled.

"You know I don't get angry with you at all. But this is pretty extreme, Amelia. You don't know who you just messed with. He is a powerful man, and so is his father. I won't be happy until you have apologized, and they have forgiven you sincerely," He said and turned to leave.

Amelia watched him leave, and her eyes fell on Hudson again. He had an evil smirk and also turned to leave.

She fell to the ground weakly and lowered her head. She broke into more profuse tears.

***

Amelia got to her room after so many minutes of weeping in the corridor. She sat on her bed and looked at the floor with a blank expression.

Her door flung open all of a sudden, and Ava walked in. Amelia looked up and saw her surprise cake in Ava's hand.

"Have you forgotten your cake?" Ava let out a menacing laugh. Amelia heaved a sigh and looked away.

"Go away, Ava. I need to rest," She mumbled, and Ava's eyes broadened in awe.

"Oh wow! Such audacity! You dare talk back to me, hun?" She lifted the cake and threw it on Amelia's head.

Amelia gasped as the chocolate cake and the icing sugar washed down her head. It messed up her hair and blue dress.

Ava grabbed her messy hair and pulled her up from the bed. "The next time you lay your filthy hand on my James again, that day will be the end of your miserable life!"

She pushed her to the bed and kicked her left leg with her strong black heels, about five inches below her knee. Amelia grabbed her leg and screamed in agony.

Blood gushed out of the deep cut on her leg and stained her bedspread. "This would teach you a lesson." Ava strutted out of her room and slammed the door shut.

"I just want to die! Kill me already!" Amelia yelled in tears.