Ariella's Pov.
I alighted from the cab and paid the driver thanking him as he drove off and wishing he could take me wherever he was going. Anywhere as long as it was far from where I now stood, on the sidewalk facing the famous multi– billion company, Blackwood International Holdings.
I sighed to myself, praying for the day to be all over. Looking down at my smart outfit well ironed without any crease and my long hair that fell down in waves did nothing to boost my confidence.
I was finally meeting Him. The cold prince as the media nicknamed him and my soon to be fiancé.
I shivered inwardly at calling a man who I had never met talk much of spoken to such an intimate name.
The things you do for family Ari.
Sighing again I adjusted my posture and power walked towards the glass doors. As I walked into the building, I couldn't help but marvel at the modern decor and high tech equipments which screamed costlier than your family 's generational wealth. Yay, He is disgustingly loaded. I cheered myself inwardly, trying and failing to be positive in this situation.
I looked around again and this time, successfully schooled my expression into my signature look.
One of utmost and terrifying boredom.
I walked towards what I hoped was the receptionist desk remembering the cryptic message I had gotten from an unknown number last night.
I have an offer for you. Meet me at my office tomorrow.
Nicholas Blackwood C.
He might as well have sounded like an alien from an undiscovered planet trying to learn our language. Though I had be lying if I had said I wasn't intrigued. So here I was, in this maze of a building before the receptionist convincing myself not to bolt out through the exit. I wish Amara was here.
I was already regretting not taking her up on her offer to escort me. I didn't want her to get too involve into the mess I'm in. The look the young lady at the desk directed at me, made me have a serious rethink on my decision.
Oh No… Pls don't let her be one of his side pieces.
I cringed inwardly as my brain had racked up the possibility. I flicked my grey eyes at her, making sure there wasn't an ounce of emotion as I said politely,
"Excuse me, Where can I find Nicholas Blackwood"?. I looked at her name tag, which read, Ginny. Awesome.
The bitch—Ginny, moped at me for what felt like ages but was most likely ten seconds top before giving me a disdainful albeit careful once over.
Her expression clearly said she was unimpressed with what she saw which unfortunately for her, wasnt my fucking problem.
"Do you have an appointed with Mr Blackwood?"
She asked pointedly then smiled as if it was an afterthought. Status leech. She went on,
"Perhaps you have got the wrong building….
Yeah as if someone could make such a mistake.
Her hand inched under her desk and I had the feeling she was four seconds away from calling security on me. I had to do fast.
"Yes I do actually….. Her hand paused, I hurried on "I have an appointment with Nich—Mr Blackwood. She narrowed her eyes at me suspiciously, staring at me like I was some homeless degenerate who had lost her way.
"If you think I'm lying….. I continued, you could call him and see for yourself". She sneered at that, looking at me from top to bottom as if to check for something. Maybe any scraps of sanity left.
Ginny, what sort of name is that anyway? From Harry Potter? looked away and was about to dial, when she hesitated. What now?!!. I screamed inwardly already frustrated with this little dance we were doing. ..
"Who should I say is here to meet him?". Ah. Let me spice things up a bit then.
"Oh, you are right, I said transforming my face with an apologetic smile, "Tell him, his fiancee is here".
Ginny blinked. Once. Twice. Thrice.
Threw her head back and laughed out loud. Ha ha…. Hilarious I know
I let her.
Once she was done, she looked at me her face twisting into one of disguist, like she had smelled something foul. "Excuse me?". At least I didn't look like I had fucked the Easter bunny.
"You are excused"I said my smile still in place though I could feel it start to crack. "I would have love to continue this chit chat but I wouldn't like to keep my hubby waiting. You see he hates it when I'm away for too long".
No longer amused, she dialed a number and spoke to the other person on the end probably his secretary, relaying my message. Finally.
She put down the receiver and told me to wait for a few seconds smiling at me with contempt in her eyes. I nodded and looked away ignoring her glare and was about to fish out my phone to pass out time, when the phone rang loudly. Ginny looked at me with a satisfied smirk as if I was about to be escorted out and answered the call.
The smirk froze on her face and her face grew pale. She stared at me in shock and regarded me as if in a new light. Her face was so comical, i was tempted to whip out my phone and take a screenshot for the future. Take that Barbie
"So?" I questioned sweetly, already impatient.
"Mr Blackwood will see you now….. ma'am". She stammered, pointing towards a private elevator I hadnt noticed before which I guessed led to his office. Ma'am?.Well that was fast. I gave her a bored once over and walked towards the elevator.
As the elevator door closed, our eyes locked. Hers were filled with fear and shock and mine... Well you know were filled with amusement . I wondered what was said on the phone as the elevator jerked upwards towards my dear hubby's office.
Ping. The elevator stopped, notifying me that I had reach my destination. Way too soon… I thought as I stepped out of the metallic box and found myself in a vast space. Everywhere was made of glass even the walls, which I thought was scary. Why make everything see through? Wasn't that an invasion of privacy?.
Well that wasn't my concern. I looked at around and found the secretary's desk. Not that it was hard to miss as there wasn't really anything much to see on this floor, set from the amazing view.
I had bet Alex's favorite watch that the cold prince normally stood here and watch us pathetic humans and everything else below like the manipulative scumbag he is bound to be.
Walking towards his PA, who I hoped wasn't like thex woman downstairs, I greeted her and stated my appointment.
The PA, Martha as written on her name tag simply nodded politely and pointed at a great oak door made of some very expensive wood. Thanking her with a smiled which she didn't return, I walked towards the door. Feeling her eyes drilling holes in my back, I didn't bother knocking and just walked in and closed the mighty doors shut.
Give me strength Lord.
Taking a breath, I faced the man that I will be walking down the aisle with in a month and red hot annoyance flared through me. The jerk hadn't even bothered to face me.
Before I could retort, he spoke "Manners aren't very common where you come from I see" his voice velvety with a deep baritone, floated towards me.
I ignored him, looking around his office which was expensive, cold and insultingly spotless like the man in it.
Getting no response from my person, He drawled out "I assume you didn't come here to mope around" he swirled what seemed to be whiskey but I secretly hoped it was poison. "If you are done staring, you can use the door. I have a meeting in fifteen minutes".. The arrogant wait, —what did he mean?
Staring at what I could see of the back of his head, I replied coldly, "I received your message. State your offer"
That made him turn.
And I immediately wished he hadn't.
Nicholas Blackwood was the most drop dead gorgeous man I had ever seen before Alex.And that was saying something trust me.. His jawline was sculpted like that of a Greek God. His bush eyebrows were perfectly shaped giving him a rogued look. And his eyes were the most beautiful sea green.
And his hair. His hair was so black and silky–looking making you want to run your hands through it.
Woaaaaahhh. Tone it down Ariella. He was still an arrogant douche bag with the ego of a thousand roman soldiers.
The universe is so cruel.
His face now as he looked at me was, slightly puzzled as he asked—no demanded,"Show it to me".
Feeling confused I brought out my phone and showed him the text. Leaning forward he narrowed his eyes.
"Oh for fuck's sake… That little—.". He cursed under his breath, muttering inaudibly. He leaned back and said deadpaned, "That wasn't me".
What??! Did I hear him right?
More formal now he continued "That was a fucking prank from my baby brother who possess the IQ of a cum stuffed turkey".
I blinked at him, waiting for the punchline, but none was forthcoming. Realising he was joiking, i felt stupid.
I have being made fool of. Again.
I laughed in his face frustrated with his cold as a fish attitude and formal tone, berating myself for hoping it was going to be easy.
"The damage is done but now that you here, I have a proposal for you".Nicholas 's voice brought me to the present as he brought out some files and placed it on his desk.
"Since we are moving forward, I might as well make myself comfortable " I said flopping down on the couch and groaning in pleasure. I was in need of a nap.
His lips twitched, just slightly. "You are not what I expected".
"And I was worried you'd be charming" I replied adjusting the miniature cushions and yawning.
"You got some food maybe?"....
He frowned eyeing me up "So this is the woman my father insist I marry", he said watching me intensely like I was an exotic undiscovered specie not a person.
"And this is the man my father forgot to tell me had ice for blood".
"Perfect, here is my proposal "... he leaned back casually, his green eyes calculating…
"Let's get divorced in a year".... He finished, expression cold.
Huh???.