TERMS OF DESIRE : THE BILLIONAIRE'S DEAL

Beep! Beep! Beep!

I reach out and turn off the grating alarm that tells me it is time to wake up. Before viewing the alarm clock's red numbers, which indicated five thirty, I massage my eyes. I had an hour to prepare, but an hour passed quickly, so I got out of bed and went to the restroom. My new apartment was decently designed and significantly less expensive than my previous one. I thought it was decent enough. I turned on the water and set my uniform on the hook that was on the door. I get it precisely the way I like it, take off my pajamas, and get into the hot shower. I let my muscles relax as the warm water runs over my stiff body. After washing my body with some soap, I rinse it off and dispose of it in the sink. After that, I take out my Suave shampoo and give my dark brown hair a good scrape before washing the soap off of it.

I turn off the shower when I'm finished, wrap a white cotton towel around my body, and wrap another around my hair before leaving. Before putting on my white lace bra and matching underwear, I quickly dry my body and apply lotion. I then pick up and button my blue and white waitress outfit. I wore white Converse wedges and socks, which gave the impression that I was taller than my typical 5'7". After grabbing the white apron and wrapping it around my waist, I swiftly tie my hair in a ponytail after removing the white towel. To be honest, I had no more time to try something new. I pick up my handbag and head outside my apartment complex to embrace the Miami sun. I just wore a gray sweater since, even though it was January, the temperature rose to sixty degrees. I wait for my six-fifteen bus at the bus stop after walking there.

***

I get to Duncan Diner just on schedule. Two additional workers were serving the customers when I punched in and moved behind the counter. A man enters the diner and comes near me. When the bell rings to announce that someone has come, I turn to face the door. A tall, tanned man with bright green eyes and unclean blond hair entered.

"Good morning what can I get you?" I pull out my pen and notepad and inquire.

"Hey, beautiful can I get a regular latte and chocolate donut." He says, and I record his order.

Before returning to the counter and giving him his donut, I go to the coffee maker and begin preparing his latte. When the latte is done, I transfer it to a coffee cup, cover it, and give it to the man.

"Thanks love." I roll my eyes as he winks in response.

The man gave me a card with his number on it and the cash for the items he had ordered before he left. When he was gone, I tossed the card aside and rolled my eyes at the behavior. A smile appeared on my face as one of my closest friends entered the room. I hugged her back when she came around the counter.

As we release the cozy embrace, I say, "Hey Marshall."

"Hi, Clara Has it been hectic? I shook my head in answer to her question.

"Not I just started a few minutes ago and it's pretty relaxed," I respond.

Marshall was born here, but her family was from Ghana. She has played a significant role in my life over the past two months as we have had time to get to know one another. Marshall had chocolate brown eyes and gorgeous brown hair. Sarah was my second best friend after Marshall. Despite knowing Sarah for a little longer than Marshall, I still adored both of them. Sarah's eyes were hazel green, and her hair was short, light brown, and nearly black.

"Well let's get started on another day at work," Marshall says before the arrival of her first customer.

***

The diner quickly begins to fill up as more patrons begin to arrive. Marshall and I have been serving customers for the past four hours. Sarah had arrived three hours earlier, and it was now 6:30 p.m. I felt someone stab me in the arm while I was preparing a smoothie for one of the patrons. I squint my head to see Marshall standing there, and I glare at her. I switch off the machine and turn around so that I am now facing Marshall.

"What's up, Marshall." She points to one of the tables and gives me a stupid smile in response to my question.

Before I discovered one of our regular customers sitting at one of the front tables, I followed the direction her finger was pointing. Edward Richard is the most well-known player in Miami and one of the city's best bachelors. Who could not fall in love with the man's captivating blue eyes, toned physique, and billions of dollars? Oh, I see. I'm the one who wouldn't fall for him.

Sarah says, "Look your Prince Charming is here."

Sarah would be six feet below by now if appearances could kill.

"He is not my Prince Charming," I reply in annoyance.

These two girls next to me have been saying that Edward, or Mr. Rich as I preferred to call him, was my Prince Charming and that he liked me ever since he entered this diner. Most likely as a result of his constant requests for me to prepare his coffee and typical cream cheese bagel.

"Yeah okay keep denying it but know that if you could you would let that man do you all day and night." It was Marshall's turn to get the death gaze this time, he added.

Before approaching Mr. Rich, I simply rolled my eyes at their insignificant remarks. I pull a pen and paper from the pocket of my apron.

"Good afternoon Mr. E ..... Richard, what may I get you today?" I ask, pretending to grin because I had to greet the customers.

"The usual." He answers without actually listening to me.

His palm was on his chin as he gazed thoughtfully out the window. I just give him a nod before noting what he typically orders.

"Clara can I talk to you." I'm shocked when he adds.

Let's start with how he knows my name-wait, it's the name tag. Second, though, why would this attractive man want to speak with me, a regular waitress?

"I am sorry but I am on my shift right now and I can't just sit around talking to the customers," I answer.

He inquires, "What time does your shift end?"

I answer mindlessly, "At ten."

Why did I only tell him after my shift?

"Alright, then I will wait for you." He responds, then returns to his thoughts.

"Mhmm I am sure you will," I said to myself before pirouetting off to give him his order.

"What were you and Mr. Rich talking about back there?" Marshall asks, her expression inquisitive.

"Nothing." As I finish the smoothie and begin the coffee and bagel, I respond.

"You sure?" Sarah says with a suspiciously raised eyebrow.

"Yes I am sure, now let me get back to my work," I answer, setting the bagel on a plate and pouring the coffee into a mug.

After setting the meal on a circular tray, I pick up the silver tray and approach Edward, who is still lost in contemplation and staring out the window.

His dinner is placed in front of him before he says, "Thank you."

Reaching for the mug, he raises it to his lips and takes a sip.

"You're welcome," I respond and turn to go.

After tidying up my belongings, I take a new position in front of the counter.

It's time for this girl to return home, my friends. Baby, hasta la vista. Marshall says this before leaving the diner and getting into her boyfriend's vehicle.

Sarah and I shook our heads and chuckled at her small gesture.

This girl will always be the same.

***

My shift was almost finished, and it was now eight forty. Only three other waitresses and I remained when Sarah departed early to go home after becoming ill. Many had to occasionally stay until ten o'clock at night since, for some reason, this diner was open until then. As I was clearing away several tables, I noticed that Edward was no longer seated at the table. He wouldn't wait for me, I knew. I hear footsteps coming through the entrance, so I keep wiping down the tables. Only two customers remained, while the other waitresses were taking a break in the back room. To take the person's order, I approach the counter. I look up to meet my ex's green eyes as I open my notepad.

"Clarawhat are you doing here?" "What?" he asks. "Do you work here?"

"No, I am just standing behind this counter with this uniform on because I want to play dress up." I provide a caustic response.

"No need for the sarcasm J." He says.

"Don't call me that now what are you going to order?" As I wait for his order, I raise an eyebrow and ask.

"A talk with you." He responds.

"Why would I want to speak with the man who fired me and crushed my heart? I'll have to ask you to leave if you don't order something now." I respond, my rage growing with each second that goes by.

"Okay, I want a medium coffee with three sugars." I write down his order after he responds.

When he resumes his conversation, I move to the coffee maker and begin brewing coffee. "J please can we talk."

"What part of no, can't you understand," I respond.

Before giving it to him, I pour the coffee into a cup and cover it with the lid. Before going to another table, I go to the one I was cleaning and pick up the damp cloth.

"Just listen to me, J. The previous time I spoke, I made a mistake. Could you please allow me to clarify?" I groan in defeat and turn around as he begs.

It's okay if that's the only way he will stop talking.

"Okay, you have one minute." As I proceed to wipe down the tables, I respond.

"I want to start by expressing my regret for what I did. Even if it was wrong of me, I always loved you. "Are you fucking serious right now?" he asks, as I turn to face him.

"What, was that blonde chic not what you wanted anymore so you came back to me?" I fold my arms across my chest and ask.

"No, I understood that she wasn't like you at all and that losing you wouldn't be worth my riches. Clara, I-I love you. He responds.

"Look, Damian, I've been happier without you in my life. Perhaps those words would have convinced me to forgive you two months ago, but now I reject you. I simply don't want you anymore." I answer in a way that rewards what he said. "Now if there isn't else you want to order I need you to leave."

I hear the bells on the front door jingle before it shuts as I make my way back to the desk. I sighed with satisfaction and wiped away a tiny tear that had come loose.

*** My shift ended when I looked at the time and saw that it was now nine. I left the diner after punching out. A limousine is parked outside the diner, but I choose to ignore it. When I discover the black fact-looking limousine has been following me, I keep walking. It parked just behind me as I started to flee, trapping me between the car and a dead-end alley. A figure emerged from the vehicle and began to approach me.

God, please don't let me die; I'm going to be abducted!

As the figure approached, I grabbed my pepper spray from my bag and sprayed it at it.

"What the hell?!" The figure put their palms to their eyes and exclaimed.

Mr. Rich's face appeared when the man drew a bit closer to the light.

"Oh shit I am sorry I thought you were some rapist or something." As I approach him, I say.

Edward massages his eyes till his vision returns to normal.

"I am so sorry," I said it again.

It's all right. Can we speak right now? He asks, and after giving it some thought, I shake my head.

"Sorry but no, my parents told me not to talk to strangers," I respond before turning to leave, but I am lifted up and carried to the limousine bridal style by a set of powerful arms. I eventually gave up after we were inside the limo because every time I tried to get out of his hold, it got tighter. I was put in a seat by Edward, who also fastened my seatbelt.

"I tried to do this the civil way but you wouldn't cooperate so you left me no choice, Clara." As he takes out an envelope, he says.

"What the hell do you want of me?!" I inquire.

"I want you to marry me." He responds.

I pause my kicking and look at him in confusion-what does he want me to do?

"I don't even know you, what the hell? You simply frequent the diner where I work every day." I answer.

"It's not a real marriage it's just an arranged marriage for a year." He responds.

"Why me? Other girls are out there. Any of your sluts can help you with this. For heaven's sake, you're Edward Richard!" I shout.

"Because I need a partner who will convince my parents that I've changed from being a player." In contrast to the girls I usually spend out with, I need someone else. He answers.

"And why do you want your parents to believe you changed?" I inquire.

"You have a lot of questions, don't you? To get Richard Industries, I want them to believe that I have changed. Look, you will end up with ten million dollars if you do this. It is for a single year only. He clarifies.

The amount he is willing to give me makes my mouth drop. Is he even aware of his actions? How can you just hand over ten million dollars to a stranger? My thinking responds, "Well, he does have the money." The papers in the envelope are handed to me by Edward. I carefully scanned the documents. According to the second-to-last page,

One-Year Contract

Clara Benneth is her name.

Date of Birth: May 2, 1995; Address: x; Phone Number: x

Edward Richard is his name.

Birthdate: February 25, 1992

Telephone: x; Address: x

Guidelines:

1.) Will not engage in sexual activity or flirt with another man in public.

2.) The agreement will be null and void if it is disclosed to anyone.

3.) You will not receive any compensation if you choose to go before the end of the year.

4.) Must publicly kiss, embrace, etc. with Edward Richard.

5.) Clara Benneth and Edward Richard are free to see anybody they wish when they are not in public.

6.) Clara will get the money at the end of the year, go, and never get in touch with Edward Richard again.

7.) Neither ClaraBenneth nor Edward Richard will engage in sexual activity with the other without the other's permission.

My whole name appeared on the page when I glanced at it again. How on earth was he aware of my last name?

In response to my apparent perplexity, Edward said, "I asked one of your friends and told her not to tell you."

Marshall must have told him my entire name.

Before I make a choice, I spend a few minutes considering the advantages and disadvantages and rethinking my choice many times. The ten million dollars will be useful at the end of the year. I can launch my own business and turn my life around.

Before responding, I bite my lip and ask, "Okay, I'll marry you. Where do I sign?"

I took the pen and signed the document when Edward grinned and showed me where to sign. Now that I've sold my soul to the devil, there's no going back.

I look thoughtfully up at my ceiling. How on earth did I get myself into this situation? From now on, my life will drastically change. Was it the appropriate decision for me to accept his proposal? I just gave the devil himself my life. I exhaled deeply before getting out of bed. I don't want to think any longer, so enough already. Without fastening it, I take my grey sleeping robe and put it on. I make my breakfast after walking to the tiny kitchen. To avoid getting hair in my food, I wear my hair in an untidy bun. I pour some cracked eggs into the pan.

I take hold of the spatula and manipulate it. I take the bacon out of the refrigerator and put the scrambled eggs on a platter when they're ready. Before I fried my bacon, I cleaned the pan. When my scrambled eggs are done and to my liking, I put the three bacon slices next to them, turn off the heat, and then put the pan in the sink. I grumble as the doorbell rings just as I'm ready to sit down and begin eating my breakfast. "Edward?" I ask as I get up and open the door to my flat. I'm perplexed as to why he came here and how he was aware of my residence. Much stalker.

"What the hell are you doing here?!" I inquire.

"I am here to pick you up, you are going to move in with me today." He responds.

"What if I don't want to?" His blue eyes glare at me as I disobey.

"You are mine now Claraand you will do as I tell you." He snarls.

"I am not one of your workers who you can boss around at your liking!" I respond as my temper begins to flare.

Why did I consent to this man's marriage?

"You are my fiancé's soon-to-be wife now do as I tell you and go pack your stuff." He reacts by lowering his gaze to my body.

I've finally realized that I was simply wearing a white singlet and grey lady boxers. In an attempt to hide as much skin as possible, I hastily knot my robe.

"Fine mister bossy pants," I respond. "And by the way my eyes are up here."

"I'll have someone come get your belongings and bring them to the mansion. They'll be arriving soon, so bring something new. In an hour and a half, I shall return for you." Before leaving, he answers, "And don't you ever yell at me again." He then turns around and growls.

I got goosebumps on my arms and back from the tone of his voice. I sighed deeply and hurriedly closed the door.

"Next time give me a heads up," I say to myself.

I sulk as I make my way to the table and begin eating my cooked breakfast. Oh no, I must reheat it now. Edward Richard, you have my wrath.

***

After finishing my meal, I go to my room and choose an outfit. I wore black lace TOMS, a black and red striped flannel with lace trim, and navy blue trousers. Before I begin packing my belongings, I pull my hair back into a tidy side ponytail. I don't have to worry about that because the furniture was included in the apartment. All I have to bring are my shoes, clothes, and kitchenware. Ultimately, I only used three boxes for the other items and two medium suitcases for my clothing. I decided to at least put on a little makeup because packing barely took an hour. There were still twenty minutes until Edward would come get me. A knock on the door interrupts me while I'm packing some cash into my suitcase. I approach the door and open it.

"Are you ClaraBenneth?" asked one of the two burly men standing on the opposite side.

"Yes, what can I do for you?" I inquire.

"Mr. Richard sent us to come pick up your stuff." The other man responds.

"Oh yeah right, come in the boxes are in the living room," I say this as I completely open the door to let them in.

They bring the two suit bags and three boxes to the door.

"Is this it?" I nod in response to the first man's question.

"Thank you," I answer, then shut the door.

I wait for Edward by going into the living room and sitting down. After 10 more minutes, I started to grow disinterested. I was going to get my phone when someone knocked on the door. Edward is standing on the other side of the door when I open it.

"Are you ready to go?" "What?" he asks.

After making sure I haven't forgotten anything, I look around my apartment and respond, "Yeah let me just grab my bag."

I enter the living room, pick up my black leather purse, and make sure to lock the door before leaving the flat. My neighbor Garret came out of his apartment and smirked at the sight of me as we were making our way to the elevator doors. As his gaze swept over my body, he ran his fingers through his beach-blond hair.

"Hey, Clara where are you going?" I roll my eyes in frustration as he asks.

"None of your business, now can you excuse me?" I try to pass him, but he blocks my path, so I ask.

Garret has been making advances on me ever since I moved in. But he refuses to leave, no matter how many times I tell him to. Why is he unable to accept no as an answer?

His words, "Calm down babe no need to get feisty," are followed by a bending position and a murmur in my ear. "Although I do like them to act like that in the bed."

As he licks his lips, I give him a disgusted expression.

"Now I wanted to see if you were free tonight, maybe you and I could grab a couple of drinks and-"

"She isn't going anywhere with you." Edward pulls me to him while growling.

"Oh really and why is that?" Garret folds his arms across his chest and asks.

"Because she is my fiancé," Edward responds.

"Really because I don't see any ring," Garret responds.

"Well, you're not worried about that, are you? Would you kindly pardon me now? Edward is directly behind me as I say this before pushing the final Garret.

"I always knew you were a gold digger, Clara," Garret answers.

Before turning around and giving Garret a right hook, Edward's hands make a fist. Garret clutches his cheek and falls to the ground.

"Don't ever call my girlfriend a gold digger, understood?" Garret looks up at Edward with a scared expression on his face and nods when Edward asks.

Maybe this year won't be as horrible as I thought since Edward just punched someone for me.

Edward is close behind me as I enter the elevator and dial the first-floor number.

"Can you stop being a big flirt, I don't want to go punching every guy that crosses paths with you." My jaw drops in shock at what Edward says.

"A major flirt? When that guy obstructed my path, I told him to move, but he refused. Did you want me to give him the right hook to get him to move? I respond angrily.

"What did I tell you about yelling at me Clara?" "What?" he asks.

Before I respond, I ask, "What did I tell you about bossing me around?" His icy blue eyes gaze into mine.

Edward's jaw tightens as he runs a hand through his light brown hair. Before the elevator doors open, there is a ping, so I hastily leave since I don't want to be around that man for another moment. I approach the desk of Hector, the landlord, and give him the keys to my apartment.

Greetings, Hector. I apologize, but I must relocate because of a family emergency. The unit key and this month's rent are attached. I said, passing him the envelope containing the cash.

"Oh, I see. I appreciate you informing me. Goodbye, my love. As he accepts the keys and cash, he answers.

"Bye," I respond before sprinting after Edward, who had already started to leave.

As soon as I am ready to leave, he releases the door. I felt he should be a gentleman, yet he was very rude.

"Sorry to disappoint you sweetie but gentleman isn't in my vocabulary." He says.

Did I just say that aloud?

"Well, I thought that your parents at least taught some manners but apparently they didn't," I answer.

"You better stop it with that smart mouth." Edward makes threats.

"Or else what?" I raise an eyebrow in question.

"Don't test me Clara, now get in." As we come to a halt in front of a red Audi sports car, Edward says.

Edward says, "Close your mouth wouldn't want any flies to get in now would we?" as my mouth drops.

I get inside the car and open the passenger seat door. Before Edward starts the car and it roars to life, I fasten my seatbelt. Not even the radio was turned on by him! I thought I was boring, and this individual is so dull. As we pass the crowded streets of Miami, I gaze out the window. I thought there would be a large home in front of us when the car stopped, but instead, I saw a Cartier jewelry store.

"Um, what are we doing here?" Confused, I ask.

"Well, I realized you didn't have an engagement ring and we can't pull off our lie if you don't have one so I brought you here so you can pick the one you like." As we get out of the car, he responds.

Before getting out of the car and making my way to the store's front doors, I unbuckle myself. The gleam of the large-looking diamond rings greets us as soon as we enter. The store was filled with exquisite jewels that appeared to have cost millions of billions of dollars. The woman behind the counter is about Edward's age, if not slightly older, and she smiles at him.

"Good morning Edward, how may I help you?" She twirls a strand of her hair and asks.

"It's Mr. Richard for you, and would you show me your top engagement rings?" Edward answers.

After scowling, the woman removes two display trays that are adorned with different engagement rings.

"Which one do you like?" "What?" asks Edward.

When I looked at the several diamond rings, they all exuded wealth and might. Except for one, none of them drew my interest. A large diamond was set in the center, and smaller diamonds formed a leaf pattern. It was lovely. My eyes almost jump out when I glance at the price; they are no longer lovely.

I look at Edward, and he asks, "Do you like that one."

I nod and bite my lip.

"Krystal give me this one please." Edward gives the order.

"No, Edward I can't let you waste five hundred thousand dollars on me?!" I said.

"Don't worry I have the money to buy it plus I am already going to waste ten million dollars on you at the end of the year." He responds.

"Would you like to try it on Mr. Richard?" She queries.

"Yes please." He responds.

He inserts the ring into my finger once the woman hands it to him, and to my surprise, it fits flawlessly. Before he pays for the ring, Edward pulls out his wallet. Edward wouldn't even let me take off the ring, so I left the store wearing it. I grin as he opens the door for me.

"I thought the gentleman wasn't in your vocabulary?" Edward simply rolls his eyes when I inquire.

"Just get in." After answering, he moves to the driver's seat.

"Uh, thanks for the ring," I said.

"You're welcome, it's part of the deal." He responds.

I fiddle with the ring while staring out the window. As we drove through the streets of Miami, the clouds appeared to accompany us.

***

At last, we reached the large black iron gates that fronted the large mansion.

"James let us in." Before the gates are opened, Edward says.

"Good day, Mr. Richard." As we enter the gates, the security guy says.

"Good day, James." Before we park outside the large yellow mansion, he answers.

A three-story structure with palm trees surrounding it and a lovely light yellow paint job stood in front of us. There was a fishing pier, a jacuzzi, two pools that connected, and a short road that led to a private beach. It was stunning. How does it appear on the inside if this is how it appears on the outside?

"Welcome to your new home." Before taking my hand and guiding us to the main entrance, Edward says.

There is a line of maids and other staff members who I presumed worked here, and the doors are opened for us. A massive staircase is there in front of us.

"I'd like to introduce everyone to Clara, my fiancé and soon-to-be wife. You must always be there for her and treat her with the same decency that you show me. Before we begin our journey down the line, Edward says. "Clara introduce to you the maids Julia, Miranda, Cassy, Julia, Ashley, and Nicole, followed by Fernando, the cook, Erick, the gardener, and Rosalinda, the housekeeper."

They all say, "Welcome Ms. Benneth." simultaneously.

"Hello," I answer.

"Now let's start your tour." Before guiding us to the kitchen, Edward says this.

Everything looked elegant and lovely, and it was clean and orderly. It was attractive, and I would want one of these kitchens if I liked cooking. After that, we reached the library.

"I don't like to read but if you do, you can come here and read," Edward says.

The library appeared exquisite despite being neither too large nor too little. The fragrance of paper and a large number of books permeated the room.

"I prefer painting better." When I answer, Edward looks taken aback. "What?"

"Nothing." After responding, he ushered us into the garden.

It looked lovely and contained a variety of vibrant blooms.

"It's very pretty," I said.

"Yeah, Erick takes good care of it," Edward answers. "Anyway let me show you to the last room."

I went back inside and up the stairs with Edward. We halted at the third door after moving down the right hall.

"This is going to be your room, that is unless you'd prefer to share a room with me?" His eyes darken slightly as he asks.

"Nope, I don't want to share a bedroom with grumpy pants like you," I answer.

"Well this concluded the tour, I have a meeting to attend right now but Mrs. Fernandez will be at your service." Looking at his clock, Edward says.

I answer, "Alright bye."

I surveyed my room, which was huge. It's about twice as big as my last bedroom. There was a balcony and beige-planted walls. One of the doors opened into a sophisticated bathroom, and the other led to a walk-in closet. Everything appeared so ornate and costly that I was afraid it might shatter if I touched it. I returned to the bedroom and reclined on the couch. I could see the clear blue sky outside the window.

Well, it would not be so horrible after all to stare here for a year.

I pulled the blankets over my head as the sun's rays that were peeking through the window struck my face. These sheets are softer than I thought they were, huh? Additionally, the bed was more cozy. Before recognizing that this wasn't my room, I sat up and rubbed my eyes.

I question myself, "Where the hell am I?" and then I recall.

I suppose it wasn't a dream because I did consent to marry Edward Richard, the well-known billionaire. How come that couldn't have been a nightmare? With a sigh, I put my arm across my brow and lay back down on the bed. Yes, I did sign that deal with Mr. Rich out of sheer desperation. What did I do? I decided to go find something to eat because my stomach's rumbling diverted my attention. I get out of bed and go to the corridor. Hold on, how do I get to the kitchen? The path I followed takes me to a door. Well, I made a mistake! Why did you have to be so incredibly large, stupid mansion? I'm shocked to see the room vacant as I open the door. I guess they're remodeling it or something.

Edward snarls, "Clara, what are you doing here?"

He's standing in front of me, shirtless, when I turn around.

I force myself to look at Edward's face rather than his toned chest and respond, "I-I... er I kinda got lost."

His eyes glared at me. "Yeah well let's try not to get lost anymore," he shot back.

Now, what did I do? He was upset with me because I just got lost and ended myself in an empty room. There's a problem with him!

"It's not like I know this place like the back of my hand so it should be understandable if I get lost," I respond.

Edward sarcastically asks, "Would you like me to draw a map out for you Your Majesty."

I rolled my eyes and tried to go; I wanted to get as far away from this man as possible, but I had no idea where I was going. I refused to dispute with him while I was hungry.

He replies, "Where is it you are trying to get to?" and I can tell a sneer is plastered all over his well-defined face.

I respond, "To the kitchen."

As I begin to move to the left, Edward says, "Kitchen's the other way."

I murmur, "Of course it is." and move to the right.

I make my way straight to the main stairs. I let my nose lead the way as I down the stairs. I could smell bacon, eggs, and most importantly, freshly baked pancakes. The cook and a female are there when I walk into the kitchen. With her back to me, her medium-length, wavy, light brown blond hair that seemed to sparkle in the light was all I could see. She was dressed in a dress with a red flannel shirt pattern and black boots. My initial assumption was that she was most likely one of Edward's numerous sluts. Who knew I was so mistaken?

Fernando, the cook, asks, "Good morning, Ms. Benneth, how did you sleep?" I try to silence him, but it's too late.

I could see the girl's face well now that she had turned around. She seemed to be eyeing me out as her beautiful blue eyes gazed at me.

She raises an eyebrow and asks, "Who are you."

Just as I opened my mouth to respond, my gaze strayed from her face to her unkempt hair. Trying my utmost not to giggle uncontrollably, I bite my lip.

I give her a perplexed look as she continues, "Wait, let me guess another one of Edward's sluts?"

I assumed she was just another hookup with Edward.

I jump when Edward puts a hand on my lower back and says, "Gabby, this is Clara, my fiancé the one I talked to you about."

Can't he at least warn folks or give them a heads-up?

The girl, Gabby, leaps off the stool, rushes to me, and gives me a cozy embrace.

We pull away from the hug, and Gabby says, "Oh my god I am so sorry, I didn't know. I am so glad to finally meet you."

Uncertain of what to say, I smile and reply, "Same here."

Gabby tucks a strand of her goofy hair behind her ear and asks, "So have you told Mom and Dad about the great news?"

Edward begins, "No not yet," glancing first at me and then back at Gabby before continuing. "But since Mom and Dad want us over for dinner tonight, they will find out then."

Gabby squeals, "Oh my god, I am so excited!" and I chuckle a little. "So are you going to tell me how you guys met?"

My heart stopped when I realized what had happened. When his family asked this inquiry, Edward never informed me of the story-or rather, the lie-that we were planning to tell them.

"Well, you see," I begin, unsure of what to say next.

I turned to Edward for assistance, but it appeared that we were in the same boat. Before I could even comprehend what I was saying, I blurted out the following few sentences.

"One day Edward came into the Duncan diner and it was rush hour. I was taking the coffee to one of my customers when I bumped into him and spilled the coffee on him. After that, he became a daily customer at the diner which was where I worked, and slowly each passing day we fell in love with each other, and we went on dates. And well one day he just asked me to marry him and now we are engaged. "I state before I can even process what I am saying. Well, I didn't completely lie; aside from the bit about falling in love and going on dates, half of the narrative was true. That is a complete untruth.

As we make our way to the door, Gabby says, "Oh shoot, I better get going. I have some errands to finish up at my job. I will see you guys tonight, bye Clarait. It was nice meeting you."

I smile and say, "You too, bye." before shutting the door. "Your sister seems nice."

As we return to the kitchen for breakfast, Edward responds, "She is, the one you will have trouble with Angelica."

Before putting some bacon in my mouth, I ask, "How many siblings do you have?"

"Three, Gabby and Angelica who is the youngest they're twins but they don't really look that much alike nor act that much alike. And we also have Daniel the oldest out of the four." Edward clarifies.

I reply, taking a sip of my juice, "Oh cool." "Must be nice to have such a big family," I murmur.

Edward, "What did you say?"

I smile slightly and respond, "U-uh nothing, just singing yup just singing."

Despite Edward's dubious glance, I keep eating my breakfast.

I start to pick up my plates, but the maid does it for me. "Wait, what was that family dinner you were talking about?" I ask.

I suppose I'll have to get used to having other people do things for me.

I could hear Edward murmuring, "God, why'd I have to choose the one that asks a bunch of questions?"

I mumble, and it seems like Edward heard me, "Well, who told you to go around asking a random stranger to marry you?" Oh well, I don't care.

"My mom wants me over for diner, so I am going take you with me so we can tell them we are engaged. Then hopefully Dad will agree to hand me down the company." Edward clarifies.

"Oh okay, if your majesty doesn't mind me asking what time will the dinner be?" I reply.

"It's going to be at eight but we are leaving at seven twenty-five so we can get there on time. My mom hates it when people are late." Edward responds. "So I expect you to be ready by that time."

As I get up and begin walking to my room, I respond, "Yes sir."

I sigh deeply and massage my temples, wondering how exhausting it must be to be engaged to a stoned-faced jerk. When I realized that I neglected to inform Angie, the owner of the cafe where I worked, that I was leaving, I started to feel guilty. I sighed once again and concluded that tomorrow I would just have to go to the diner. "What do I need to do? I mentally recite this while I try to come up with something to do to pass the time. I'm distracted from my thoughts by a knock at the door.

Before the door opens to reveal Edward, I say, "Come in."

"I just wanted to let you know that I am heading to the office my dad needs me to do something for him. I will see you later, by the time I come back I want you to be ready." Edward says.

"Okay," I answer. "See you la-"

Before I can finish speaking, the door closes. What a ridiculous rule! I decided to start organizing my belongings and tidying up a little after taking a glance around the room. I removed the tape from one of the boxes that were set up next to the door. All of my clothing was neatly folded and put inside the package. However, there's another tap on the door before I can begin unloading.

"What the hell do you need now?!" I say as I approach the door and open it.

To my amazement, one of the housekeepers-I think her name was Rosalinda-was standing on the opposite side.

I hurriedly say, "Oh my god, I didn't know it was you, I am so sorry." The woman smiles at me.

"It's okay dear, you probably assumed I was Mr. Richard. He can be annoying at times but you'll get used to it. I am glad he finally found a good girl like you." The woman responds.

I can't finish saying "Thank you, Mrs.-" because I realize Edward never gave me her last name.

The woman says, "Call me Rosa," and I grin back at her.

"What may I help you with Rosa?" I inquire.

"Oh, I came here to unpack your belongings and put them away," Rosa responds.

"Well I was just about to do that, it's fine you can take some rest I will do it myself," I respond.

"I won't steal anything if that's what you're worried about, Mr. Richard ordered me t-"

I interrupt her and reply, "Mr. Richard said to do as I say and I am telling you that it's okay I can do it. And of course, I know you won't steal my stuff it's just I have nothing to do and well that's the only thing that can keep me distracted."

Before heading down the corridor, Rosa responds, "As you say, Ms. Benneth, if there is anything you need don't hesitate to call me."

I connected my iPhone 4 to Side by Side by Ariana Grande ft. and the inexpensive speakers I was able to get a few weeks ago. Nicki Minaj begins to perform.