ENTWINED BETWEEN LUXURY

"Gina!!!" The voice of Vincent, the younger son of the Washington family, filtered into her ears.

She lay on the bed idly enjoying her time alone. A sweet smile of happiness sat broadly on her face.

Vincent barged into the room without bothering to knock. He scowled at her peaceful figure.

" Hey, didn't you hear when I called you?", Vincent accused rudely with a sharp pointed look.

Gina rose from the bed with a pretty smile on her smooth face.

" No, I didn't", she replied calmly.

" Father wants to speak to you". He hissed at her and walked away.

She sighed and slowly rose.

She walked like a lamb to her closet and selected a pair of denim jeans and a crop top.

Being the only daughter of Washington's home was tiring.

Surrounded by six men and being the only female, it pulled a lot on her. She groaned loudly.

Her eyes were droopy and weary. They looked like they needed some minutes of shutdown.

She dragged her feet out of the room.

The house was a two-story building ---- one of the outdated houses in Washington DC.

She climbed down the stairs and walked into her father's study room.

A huge bulky figure stood with his back against the door.

He wore a white shirt and black trousers.

"Father..." She said to announce her presence.

He grunted and slowly turned around.

Gina gasped and bent her head low.

Her father, Mr Washington, was the sole owner of an uprising business organization, WASH.

He had a dwarf fish statue, a rotund stomach, and a youngish appearance. He was in his mid-seventies.

His lips upturned in a smirk and a dark smirk descended on his face.

A swift slap hit Gina's face. She gave a low wince and held her cheek, which was now scorching red from the slap.

"Why are you just coming now?" He asked, indignated.

"I'm sorry, father," She apologized, fighting back the tears welling up in her eyes.

She never dares to cry in the presence of her father.

"Gina..." He called calmly and held both her shoulders.

With the tip of his fingers, he jerked her face up.

"You have to help me," he spoke tenderly, releasing hot breaths.

Gina was astonished to hear her father asking for help from her ---- a mere female, as he always called her.

"Me?? How can I help you, father?" She asked breathlessly.

He smirked and strutted to his table. He leaned on the table and wrapped his lips in a sly smirk.

"My organization needs help", He started in a low voice. It is slowly going down the drain.... It might soon go out of business as the competition is increasing every day".

He said gently, scrutinizing her face closely.

Her lips tightened a little.

" To help my organization, Gina... You have to get married". He dropped.

She gasped with wide eyes.

" But... Father.... ". She tried to argue.

He raised his hands, and she bit her lower lip and bent her head low.

" No but's and Is's Gina.... You are getting married ".

" Why father?" Gina asked in a thin voice coated with tears.

"We need help from other bigger firms... I sought help from a big organization. I can only get this help if you agree to this marriage".

Gina swallowed hard," Who is this man?".

" You shall find out when you see him", Washington said with a smirk at the corners of his lips.

"Father.... I have so many dreams and desires...."

I can't just get married to anyone.... At least, I need to see the man...know more about him", Gina queried with her chest thrust out.

"Do not argue with me, Gina," Mr. Washington raised his voice.

"Father..... I can't agree with this... Does my choice not matter?". Gina questioned with tears at the brim of her eyes.

"It doesn't Gina" Mr. Washington drawled, smiling crookedly.

Gina finally broke down. Her heart shattered at that instant.

Her shoulders sagged. She had given up. She wanted to kick against it, but it was of no use.

"Your marriage is in two weeks' time" Mr Washington echoed in a deep baritone voice.

The words rang continually in her ears. Her eyes stung, but she sniffed in the tears and looked at her father's eyes.

She felt the world swirling around her. She felt betrayed and downcast.

"You can go Gina....".

" I will place a call across to your groom... He will be here to pick you up" Mr. Washington said with ease.

Gina swallowed hard and faced him with a straight look, "I won't get married to him". She said through her teeth and ran all the way out of the study.

Mr. Washington's eyes narrowed as he watched Gina leave his study. He knew she was his key to securing his legacy.

His own father had built WASH from scratch, and he couldn't stand and watch it falter.

His health was declining.

He only hopes and prays that Gina will give in to the deal.

He exhaled and reclined on his chair.

•••••

After the meeting with her father, Gina returned to her room.

She sighed sadly. She fell back on her bed with a tired groan. A look of defeat sat boldly on her face. She folded her fist tightly around the blankets and sucked in her breath.

"I wish mother was still alive", she mumbled silently.

All of a sudden, she was being given away for marriage. Her consent wasn't even sorted. She shut her eyes and forced herself to take a short nap.

The nap gave warmth and serenity to her body. She felt at ease when her eyelids finally shut down in light slumber. She forgot the discussions she had earlier with her father.

But her sleep was suddenly cut short....

She kept hearing her name in her sleep.

She tossed around the bed with a low groan. A hand grabbed her arm roughly, and she whimpered from her sleep.

"This girl, your disobedience will ruin everything"She heard her father's large voice say.

She jumped from the bed at that instant, sleep disappeared completely from her eyes.

"F.... Father?? " She called him confusedly.

" Where are your shoes?? Where are your clothes?? Why do you look tattered?? Why is your hair scattered all over your face??........" Her father asked thousands of questions at once.

She had to plug her ears with two fingers.

Her father began to breathe rapidly, placing his hands on his chest.

He staggered backwards, crashing into her dresser.

"Father??" She ran to him and held his shoulders.

"Why were you shouting?" Gina asked with concern and felt his temperature.

It was slightly hot.

"You are getting hot already" Gina whined and led him to her bed.

She helped him to lay properly on the bed.

"Why are you not dressed, Gina?" He asked, but this time calmly.

" Why?? Do I have someplace to go to?? " Gina asked for clarity.

" What are you saying, Gina?? " Her father flared up.

" Your HUSBAND TO BE is here!!! " He yelled, and his blood pressure shot up.

She nibbled on her lower lip and threw her gaze down.

He began to gasp rapidly for breath.

" Father?? "Gina yelled in fright and grabbed a jug and a glass," You are unwell, father... You shouldn't stress yourself too much," She said concernedly and handed the glass filled with water to him.

" Please get dressed, and don't keep your groom waiting." He groaned and laid back on the bed.

"I don't want to get....... "

"Are we doing this again?" Mr. Washington asked sarcastically with his hands placed on his fast beating chest.

" Gina, please do this for me....for the family... You don't want us to suffer, right? " He cooed gently and calmly.

"Okay Father", She nodded hesitantly.

Slowly, she walked to her closet. She dressed up quickly and began to leave her room.

" Please be polite ", he warned.

She hummed a reply and strolled into the elevator that took her down to the bottom floor where her prospective groom was waiting for her.

"Hi..." She said timidly, holding up the hemline of the long blue dress she wore.

She beamed broadly at the back view of the man standing at the base of the stairs.

Her pulse raced wildly when the man slowly spun around to face her.

Her chest tightened when her eyes met his green hazel eyes.

His rugged good looks made her heart flutter.

She ran her eyes slowly down his body.

His face had a well-sculpted chiseled jawline.

He had a muscular and athletic body structure, a towering height and an overwhelming elegance that swayed her off her feet.

His dark hair cascaded down his face, covering the left part of his face. With just one finger, he flicked the dark wavy hair behind his ear.

His green hazel eyes held a scorching glare that made her breath hitch uncontrollably.

"Are you Regina Washington?" He asked huskily.

Gina's soul stirred at the sound of his voice. A certain kind of aura flowed through him ---- an aura of power and authority.

"Come with me" he said in a bossy tone.

What?? Just like that!!!

Gina yelled at herself, still standing transfixed. Her eyes hung low, her hands dropped by her side.

"Would you stop ogling and come along?" His husky voice came again, making her feet move slowly down the stairs.

She looked up into his face. It was blank. His eyes darted blankly down her body. His stares were icy, harsh, unfriendly and cold. She wanted to lash harshly at him, but she remembered her family's business. She needs to save it.

Reluctantly, she lifted her dress by its hemline and stepped to his side. A rich cinnamon scent filtered into her nostrils, she inhaled deeply and turned to him.

Their eyes met, but he broke the stares and walked around the car. Gina stood in one spot looking so dumbfounded and wide-eyed.

"Get into the car" he breathed harshly, without giving her a glance.

Gina's eyes widened in awe as her gaze fixed on a gigantic and magnificent mansion ahead of them.

"Is that where he lives?" She wondered and turned her gaze in his direction.

His eyes were entirely on the phone in his hands. She felt ignored. Her eyes squinted as she studied his face from the side view.

He looked perfect and handsome.

Jace, on the other hand, was so immersed in his thoughts. He didn't even want to look into her eyes. He avoided her hopeful gaze because he knew he would only end up disappointing her.

He only agreed to this just to secure the family's legacy. His father's last words echoed in his mind; "'Marriage is a deal. We need this to secure the family's legacy."

He sighed sadly. He peered at her face discreetly. She looked like a child in a candy store, awestruck and fascinated. She looked fragile, vulnerable.

His mind drifted back to Christine, his four-year-old girlfriend. She always understands him and finds a way to please him. She was the one he wanted, but his duty brought Gina to him.

As the car drove into the compound, Gina's eyes had a glint of delight. Her stomach did a happy flip. The car came to a stop, Jace alighted without saying a word to her.

She squinted her eyes in disappointment and walked out of the car.

The grandeur and elegance of the mansion left her in a baffled state. A graceful waterfall stood regally at the center of the mansion.

She twirled excitedly. Her heart sank in fear when she felt his icy and harsh look at her. She lowered her gaze and took in her lower lip.

The door to the massive mansion opened up. A long procession of graceful maids stood at attention with their heads bowed low.

Jace walked in with a cold look on his face.

"You are welcome, Master Jace" An older lady standing at the end of the procession beamed warmly.

He acknowledged her with a small nod. The silence in the mansion enveloped its walls, only the sounds of his footsteps echoed through the walls as he walked up the staircase to his room.

Gina stood in the doorway feeling like a stranger in a foreign land.

The maids dispersed, leaving behind seven maids and the older lady.

The older lady glanced at her with a warm smile that reached her eyes. She mirrored it with a lazy one.

She appeared to be in her late thirties with shades of gray hair and brown-coloured eyes. She wore a red flowing skirt, a black shirt with a white pinafore over it.

"Lady Deborah". She introduced herself with a courteous bow.

"I'm the housekeeper and always at your service", She introduced herself.

" Come with us, My Lady"She beamed lightly.

" My lady?"" Gina mumbled and placed her hands on her chest.

"Gina..." She squeaked. Lady Deborah nodded and led the way,"Okay".

She followed them hesitantly. They led her to a magnimonus room.

She was awestruck by the grandeur of the room. She seemed thrilled by the enormosity of the room. She ran her hands through every item in the room. She loves it. It was painted in her mother's favorite color - pink.

It was huge. Everything in the room screamed opulence. She strode further into the room.

She moved her gaze slowly from the queen-sized bed to the large vanity mirror. The wardrobe stood tall and had a regal design on it. Her eyes gleamed brightly with excitement.

But then, the excitement waned off as her thoughts drifted back to her husband. His cold and unfriendly behavior towards her dampened her mood.

"What's wrong?" Lady Deborah inquired with concern, taking notice of the sudden change in her countenance.

"The room?" She gave a low squeak and sat at the edge of the soft Queen-sized bed.

"Don't you like the room?" Lady Deborah probed.

"Should I change the color or the furniture?" She continued.

Gina rose up and walked to the window. She stretched her gaze far out of the window.

" It is perfect. I love it ", Gina replied gently.

Lady Deborah heaved in relief. She snapped her fingers at the other maids and sauntered out of the room.

"You should have your bath now and change your dress" Lady Deborah chirped and arranged the bedding.

"Dress?" Gina's face fell.

"I have no clothes." Her shoulders slumped.

"That's not a problem dear" Lady Deborah warbled warmly and jolted to the wardrobe. She pulled it open. A large bulk of beautiful designer dresses filled the wardrobe.

It was also filled with classy and expensive shoes of all kinds and all colors. Her heart raced wildly.

"Do they all belong to me?" She questioned with a grin at the tip of her lips.

Lady Deborah nodded.

"Master Jace has been preparing for your arrival" Lady Deborah ran her hands through the racks.

" Preparing for my arrival? ""Gina probed with raised brows and narrowed eyes.

Lady Deborah flashed a sweet grin.

Gina's nose flared," What?".

All this had been going on, and she knew nothing all this time.

" Please help me out,'' Gina pleaded in a hitched breath. "I know nothing about this. I don't know who my supposed husband is?".

"I don't know his name, age, what he likes or even his family," She complained soberly, "I don't know a thing about this man I'm getting married to. And right now, I'm losing it," She concluded, going out of breath finally.

Lady Deborah gazed at her with a pitiable look, "I understand how you are feeling right now, but everything will be clear to you by tomorrow morning".

Gina heaved softly with her eyes clamped together and raked her hair with her hands.

Lady Deborah held her shoulders tenderly and spoke sweetly to her, "I don't know much dear.... But all I know is that this is an agreement between your family and the Salvador's''.

Gina's eyes drooped.

"The Salvador's Family?" Gina mumbled and gave her a questioning look.

"The top richest family.....", Lady Deborah answered.

"I get it now", Gina cut her short, she lost her balance and staggered backwards.

"You have to take your bath now", Lady Deborah instructed, and moved back to the wardrobe.

Gina pushed herself lazily into the bathroom. The bathroom was lightened by a soft LED light. The walls were clad with gray marble slabs.

A posh tub sat at one end. She moved slowly into the bathroom. She moved her dress over her hair and jumped into the tub.

The serene water passed its serenity to her troubled soul.

She sank herself deep into the water, "How could Father do this to me?'' she whispered, her voice cracking. "Does he even love me?" The water rippled as she stirred, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty.

"What if I never get to love him? Will I have a happy life with him?"The questions echoed in her mind, refusing to be silenced.

As she washed her hair, Gina's thoughts drifted to her mother. She remembered the laughter, the warm hugs, and the whispered words of encouragement. Her mother's absence felt like a gaping hole.

Gina's eyes stung, and she let the tears fall, mixing with the bathwater. She wept for the loss of her freedom, for the life she never chose

After her bath, Gina stepped out, wrapping herself in a plush towel. Lady Deborah awaited her, a warm smile on her face.

"Time to get ready, my lady," she said, gesturing to the dresser.

Gina's gaze fell upon the elegant dress Lady Deborah had laid out – a sleeveless mini-sequin dress that sparkled in the soft light.

"It's beautiful," Gina breathed.

Lady Deborah helped Gina into the dress, the fabric hugging her curves. Gina's eyes widened as she gazed at her reflection.

The dress transformed her, making her look older, more sophisticated. But her eyes still held a hint of sadness.

Lady Deborah styled Gina's hair, curling it into soft waves. Gina's thoughts drifted to Jace, wondering what he would think of her.

A light touch on her shoulder broke her reverie. "You look stunning, Gina," Lady Deborah admired, her eyes warm.

Gina forced a smile, feeling like a pawn in a game she didn't understand.

"Thanks," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lady Deborah's expression softened. "You're going to be okay, Gina. Just remember, you're not alone.'"

Gina hummed and forced a lazy smile on her face.

"It's time for dinner"' a maid announced, bowing with respect.

Gina rose and began to leave the room.

They walked down the spiral staircase together. Gina perused the wonderful and amazing interior designs and decor. The entire mansion had beautiful carvings and paintings hung on each side.

Also, there were antique statues standing at some strategic places.

A small door was widely opened. Gina peeked in. It was a towering shelf with books lined up. She pushed the door and stepped in. She saw a book open on a side table.

"This is Jace favorite place", Lady Deborah elaborated as she picked a picture lying on the ground.

It was a picture of a beautiful lady and Jace. They looked happy together in the picture. Gina imagined taking the position of the lady.

"Christine," Lady Deborah said, snapping her out of her thoughts. She walked out to the dining room. Lady Deborah gave a short sigh and followed her.

Her expression turned melancholy when she saw that there was no one in the dining room. She stretched her gaze at the long mahogany table.

Varieties of savory dishes are laid on the table.

"He has had his dinner" Lady Deborah spoke up, answering her unasked question.

She drew out a chair for her. Gina tardily reclined on the chair.

Lady Deborah held a meek look on her face as she served her.

"Thanks," Gina said in appreciation once she was done. Lady Deborah gave her a small smile.

"Eat and have your rest, Gina", Lady Deborah gave a small pat on her hair and left to the servants' quarter.

The whole mansion assumed a tranquil state. Gina was left alone with her thoughts. She tried to gulp down her food, but it felt too heavy to pass down her throat.

She was feeling a pang of disappointment and betrayal. She felt dispirited and sober. She pushed the plate when she couldn't get the food down her throat.

Meanwhile, Jace wore black joggers and a white singlet. His muscles bulged out. He stood in the garage staring blankly at the blue Rolls-Royce that was driving in.

He was feeling a pang of guilt deep down. He wondered how Gina would be doing right now. He wondered if she had eaten her dinner yet. He began to have pity for her and wished he had never accepted the deal.

Jake, his stepbrother, was there, but he felt it was his duty as the legal child of the family to secure the family's legacy. He didn't even love her and would never see himself loving a fragile and tender girl like her. He thought to himself.

A pretty and curvaceous lady wearing ripped shorts and a crop top walked out of the car. She had an oval-shaped face with sharp cheek bones. Her lips were coated in thick red lipstick. Her lips spread wide as she trudged to him.

He opened his arms wide and enveloped her in a warm embrace.

"When did you return, Jace?" She probed flirtatiously, keeping her arms hanging around his neck.

"Some hours ago" he replied somberly.

"What's wrong?" She warbled, and searched his eyes for answers.

Jace smacked his lips, "I missed you a lot, Christine". He lowered his lips to her forehead.

She giggled and held his hands, "Let us go inside".

She drew him into the mansion.

The mansion's silence enveloped Gina's whole being.

She heard excited giggles coming from afar. She heaved in relief. She turned around with wide eyes.

"Oh My, Jace" The giggles came again.

It sounded feminine. Gina arched her ears to hear more.

Was it his sister?

She wondered and stretched her neck to catch a glimpse. A rich feminine cologne wafted into her nostrils.

Jace walked in with Christine. His hands were draped around her thin waist. Gina's countenance fell.

Gina looked closely at her face. It was the same lady she saw in the picture earlier.

Gina stood frozen, her eyes locked on Jace and Christine. The warmth of the dinner room seemed to suffocate her. Christine's possessive grip on Jace's arm, the way he didn't pull away, it all screamed one thing: Jace was already taken.

Gina's heart sank, her mind reeling with despair. She felt like a pawn in a cruel game, forced to marry a man who didn't want her. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.

"Who are you?" Christine's voice dripped with venom, her eyes flashing with hostility.

Gina's voice trembled, "I... I'm Gina." She hesitated, unsure what else to say.

Christine's gaze raked over Gina, dismissing her. "Jace, who is this?"

Jace's expression remained impassive, but his eyes flickered with guilt. "Gina is... my fiancée."

The words cut Gina like a knife. Fiancée. A title that should bring joy, now felt like a prison sentence.

Christine's laughter was like ice. " Fiancée? You never mentioned anyone."

Jace's jaw clenched, "It's... complicated."

Gina's emotions boiled over. She couldn't bear the charade anymore. "Complicated?" she echoed, her voice rising. " You're already taken. Why pretend?"

The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Christine's eyes narrowed, Jace's face darkened.

Christine recalled the conversations she had earlier with him where he talked about her.

Lady Deborah walked in. Her steps degraded, and her shoulders sagged when she saw the intense drama.

"Gina, please-" Lady Deborah intervened, her voice soft.

But Gina couldn't stop. "No, I won't please. I deserve to know the truth." Her voice cracked, tears streaming down her face.

Jace's expression softened, but he didn't move towards her. "Gina, I-"

"Don't," Christine snapped, her hand on Jace's arm tightening. "Don't comfort her. She's just a business arrangement."

Gina's world shattered. Business arrangement. Those words echoed in her mind, reinforcing her worst fears.

She turned and fled the room, leaving behind the suffocating silence.

Jace scoffed gently. Christine stood before him with a large smile. She took his hands into hers and drew him towards his room.

•

•

The next morning started with a golden glow rising high in the sky. The birds chirped sonorously.

Gina stirred in her sleep. She gave her eyes a gentle rub and yawned lightly.

The curtains were closed, blocking the entrance of the scorching rays of the morning sun. Her eyes were burning hard and reddish. She cried all the way deep into the night.

Her stomach grumbled nosily, then she remembered that she hadn't eaten since the previous day. She placed her feet gently on the cold marbled floor. Her feet sucked in the cold.

As she took the first step, her eyes swirled around their sockets. She fell back on the bed with a low grunt. Her heart palpitated.

She took a deep breath and dragged herself up once more. This time she walked into the bathroom.

The sharp LED lights struck her eyes, forcing her to close them shut. It left them stinging badly. She leaned on the wall for a while. She began to open her eyes gently. Her vision became normal.

She pulled off her clothes and stepped into the bathtub. The water was warm and refreshing. She sat still, unmoving in the warm water.

Her heart wrenched as she recalled last night's event. Tears gathered in her eyes. Her face was contorted in a mixture of pain, anger and worry.

Was she making the right choice?

Should she accept this or pull out? But her father's business was on the line. She couldn't afford to make her suffer because of her choices.

Her phone ringtone echoed from the room, breaking her short reverie.

She took the bath quickly and dashed out with a yellow posh towel. The phone rang again for the third time.

She glanced at the phone's screen. It was 'Lincoln', her older brother. She saved his name with her sweet brother.

She swiped green and placed the call on a loudspeaker.

"Gina" His voice echoed through the speaker. A rib cracking cough followed.

Gina's brows rose in concern. She sat on the bed and tilted her head forward.

"How are you doing, Lin?" She quizzed with concern and also worry.

"Fine Gina.... How are you doing?" He returned wheezily.

She nodded her head slowly, clamping her lips tightly.

"How is Father?" She stood up and picked her body lotion from the dresser.

She squirted some into her palms. She rubbed her palms together and then rubbed the lotion onto her skin. Her skin shimmered.

"Father..... Father is fine. He is off to work", Lincoln's wheezy voice replied.

"Gina... I hope you are fine" Lincoln echoed with care in his tone.

Gina felt a prick in her heart.

' Should I just open up to him?', She questioned herself as she stared at the phone.

No, why should she?

He was there when their father made plans to get her married off to a man whom she knew nothing about.

".... I am always looking out for you, Gina", Lincoln's last words breezed into her ears.

"I am fine Lin." She gave a sad smile and sat on the bed, "Don't hesitate to call me when things...." A cough held him and he paused.

Gina stared intensely at the phone. Her heart rose high in panic. Lincoln wasn't okay. His countless erupting coughs confirmed it.

"Gina, Are you still there?" His wheezy voice echoed.

"Have you eaten?" She probed worriedly.

"Yeah, Vincent made erm.... erm... Some Avacado toast and sweetened coconut tea", he stuttered.

He was lying. Gina felt it in her subconsciousness. But she had to agree.

"And Father..... Fredrick and Cornel?" She asked and opened up her wardrobe.

"Yeah" Lincoln said.

"Take Care Lin".

"And you too, baby Sis". He chuckled and hung up.

Gina sighed and pulled out a peach floral gown that stopped above her thighs. She pulled it over her head and moved to the vanity mirror.

Her nose wriggled in displeasure. She looked younger than her age. She looked like a high school student.

"That's... Pretty" A sweet angelic voice complimented from the door. She spun around and saw Lady Deborah standing at the doorstep with a broad, gorgeous smile.

"How was your night, Gina?" She questioned and walked in.

Gina returned her smile, pulled her to a warm embrace and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.

Lady Deborah's heart raced wild. Her eyes sparkled with love when she released her. Her heart was drawn towards her.

"Great", Gina said, and went back to the wardrobe.

Lady Deborah stared at her lovingly. Tears were already leaving her eyes.

Gina ran her hands through the rack and selected a green turtle-necked pleated dress. It wasn't long nor short ---- it stopped on her knee.

"You did have a nice sleep" Lady Deborah professed sweetly and touched her arm.

Gina nodded. Lady Deborah sniffed and picked up a cologne standing on the dresser. She spritzed some on her body. The cologne had a deep jasmine scent. Gina inhaled sharply with relish on her face.

"Breakfast is ready".

Lady Deborah held her hands and led her out of the room.

The workers jolted in and out of the mansion. They bowed each time she walked by.

"You are so daft" Christine's voice raved loudly from one of the rooms.

Gina stopped in her tracks. She turned her gaze to the door.

A sharp sound echoed in the room, filling her ears.

"I have warned you countless times... You should always change the flowers before I wake up" Christine's harsh voice resonated in the air.

"I am sorry, Ma'am" a soft voice apologized shakily. She hissed.

"Get out!" She ordered.

The door gave a low squeak and a maid came out with wet eyes. Gina's heart stirred in pity for the girl.

She bowed and went her way.

Gina shook her head and strutted to the staircase.

••

Jace stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie for what felt like the hundredth time. His reflection stared back, a mask of calmness hiding the turmoil within. He thought of Gina, the innocent girl waiting for him in the dining room. A pang of guilt struck his chest.

"Damn it," he muttered, running a hand through his hair.

Christine's laughter echoed from downstairs, a stark contrast to his dark mood. He descended the stairs, his eyes locking onto hers. She sparkled, radiant in her red dress, her smile carefree.

As he approached, Christine's eyes narrowed. "What's wrong, baby?" she asked, concern etching her face.

Jace forced a smile. "Just work stuff."

Christine's gaze lingered, sensing the lie. "You're not still thinking about that arrangement, are you?" Her voice dripped with disdain.

Jace's jaw clenched. "It's just business, Christine. It means nothing."

Christine's eyes flashed. "Nothing? You're marrying someone else, Jace. How can that mean nothing?"

Jace sighed, taking her hands. "You know I don't have a choice. Father's legacy-"

"I know, I know," Christine interrupted, her voice softening. "But that doesn't make it hurt any less."

Jace's grip on her hands tightened. "I love you, Christine. You're the only one I want."

Christine's eyes searched his. "Then why are you doing this?"

Jace's gaze dropped, shame washing over him." I have to secure the family's future. It's my duty."

The silence between them was heavy, filled with unspoken words.

" I'll do it right, Christine. I promise," Jace whispered.

Christine's smile was tinged with sadness. "I'll hold you to that."

Christine pulled him into a hug. She released him and left for her room. He turned around.

Gina felt a sharp stab in her heart. She locked eyes with him.

He averted his gaze and stepped into the dining room. He took the seat opposite her.

"Good morning" Gina said serenely.

Jace acknowledged with a small nod. Gina stood up. Jace stretched and tried to reach for the plate of chicken soup, but she beat him to it and grabbed it first.

Their hands met. He slowly withdrew his. She beamed awkwardly and began to serve him.

"You know you don't have to do this" Jace remarked, keeping his gaze low.

Gina's brows furrowed. Her hands hung mid-way.

" I can serve myself", he added, and grabbed the plate from her.

Gina exhaled slowly and retreated to her seat. She watched him as he began to eat. Her heart throbbed roughly against her chest.

She picked a French toast from her plate and gave it a small bite.

"Get dressed", Jace's voice croaked. He placed his spoon on the place.

"Do... I have a place to go?" Gina questioned sharply.

Jace raised his gaze to her face. His eyes shone viciously," Yes ".

She melted under his gaze. She locked eyes with him. She saw a sharp glint in his eyes. It looked like care or.... Pity.

He broke his gaze and rose up.

"Don't keep me waiting" he opined in a hard, stern voice.

He vanished out of the room. She released her breath and began to eat.

Within some seconds, she was done. She adjusted her dress and gulped down a whole glass of water.

"I am ready", she announced, and walked up to him. She strapped a cream satchel over her left shoulder.

He didn't give her a glance as he glided down to the garage. Gina scoffed and followed.

A beep sound rang in the garage. Gina's eyes were awed when she stepped in.

A fleet of cars stood gallantly in the garage. It looked like a car show. But does all this belong to him?

She looked at him. He pushed open the door of a black Nissan car.

A man dressed in blue striped trousers and a well-ironed sparkling white approached them.

"Sir", he bowed respectfully.

"I will drive". He grabbed the keys from his hands. It was a rough grab that left a scratch on the man's hand.

Gina gasped low when she saw a thin red crimson liquid in his hands. He hid it away behind his back. He raised his head, he smiled warmly at Gina and gave a small bow before leaving.

"Get in!" Jace ordered and started the ignition.

Gina held onto the straps of her bag and walked around the car. She opened the door and walked in.

Gina had no idea where they were going. She racked her head hard trying to figure out where they were going.

He placed his hands on the steering wheel and steered the car out of the garage.

Silence fell in the car. The car strode gently on the asphalt road.

Jace at one time was tempted to take a peek at her face. He heaved and raked his hair with one of his hands.

A pang of guilt hit him. He was jeopardizing her life by bringing into this loveless marriage. He knew he was never going to love her.

His phone rang. It was his father. He tapped on the bud in his ear.

"How is your bride?" His father's old croaky voice chimed.

Jace mentally rolled his eyes.

"I am not married to her yet" he said contemptuously. At once, he began to regret saying that loudly.

Gina turned her gaze sharply at him.

" Whatever son... Remember you can't pull out of this. We need this union. Our family does".

"I heard you father".

"Where are you?" His father questioned.

" I am driving father.... I will talk to you later". He hung up.

Gina's eyes welled up with tears. She tightened her fist and sucked her lips.

She felt a metallic taste on her tongue. Then, it hit on her that she was biting hard on her lips. The car stopped abruptly.

The loud slam of the door made her blink repeatedly. Jace had already gone a far distance from the car.

She sniffed and walked out too.

' CHARLOTTE'S BRIDAL WEARS '.