Chapter Two

Lucas collected the marriage certificate from the judge and we both found our way outside.

It was time to take a photograph and I wasn't in the mood to smile, not after having my heart broken into pieces.

I still managed to smile as we both held the certificate as the photographer snapped us several pictures.

He handed the marriage certificate to me to hold. I saw my full name on it.

Diana Rodrigues and Lucas Bernard as he collected the soft copies from the photographer and made sure the hard copy will be brought when it is ready.

When he finished he reached to where I was still standing and waiting for him.

“Let's go home”,

My heart began to beat rapidly wondering what I must have gotten myself into.

As I followed him. He stopped in front of a Mercedes, one of the newer models.

I did not know much about cars but I could tell that this car was a very expensive one.

It looked exotic and expensive.

“Get in”, he voiced out.

I did as he instructed like a robot. The air conditioning in the car was so cool.

I couldn't help as I enjoyed the ambience but as soon as my mind drifted to David I couldn't help as a frown marred my expression.

“He is such a jerk”, I cursed.

Lucas averted his attention towards me.

“What did you say?”he asked.

“Nothing”, I replied as I didn't want to repeat myself because obviously there was no need.

“You should compose yourself properly as we are meeting my grandfather”, he remarked

“Why”,

I had expected to be taken to his house first not like I didn't want to meet his family but why so soon.

“Well…we just got married and I want to introduce you to my grandfather is there anything wrong about it”,

I could see clearly that he was a man that was used to getting things done his own way.

I was clearly exhausted and I knew that the last thing I wanted to do is to be anywhere other than taking a warm shower and lying down in my bed.

“Some other times”, I responded.

I could see that he wasn't ready to take no for an answer.

“Let's just greet him and that would be all”, he insisted, leaving me with no choice.

“Fine”, I replied reluctantly.

We arrived at a hospital and the driver stopped.

I was stunned.

“I should have told you earlier…my grandfather has a liver cancer so he is bedridden for now ”,

At that point he knew he had to open up to me if this was going to work out well for him.

“My name is Lucas Bernard”, he continued.

“My grandfather had been pleading on me to get married”,

“I had told my grandfather we have been dating for a year now and that's why we got married”,

I was totally dumbfounded. He snapped me back to reality with a question.

“What do you do?”, he asked.

“I woke as a chef in a restaurant”,

“You will tell my grandfather that you are currently schooling”,

I wondered how his grandfather would feel if he found out we were lying the whole time.

But I was already far too deep in this to back down now.

“What do you do?” I asked.

“You don't know me”, he asked totally in disbelief.

“Are you a celebrity”,

“No..I am not”,

I could see his expression hardened as it was the first time he met a girl who did not recognise him.

I could see that a lot of girls knew him and drooled over his pictures.

“I work in Lucas enterprises known widely in business and fashion magazines”, he said proudly.

“Which one of them?”I asked, totally clueless by the reference he just made.

The only reason I knew that such a name existed was because I had gone there to apply for a job as an assistant chef in one of their hotels.

I was never given but I kept on applying year after year while working at my current company.

“All of them”

“What do you mean by all of them?”I asked, my eyes widening beyond its capacity.

“I am the heir of the Lucas empire”,

“What!”,

Did I just get legally married to a billionaire?.

Lucas finished saying those words and began to walk inside the hospital leaving me still in awe.

I couldn't believe it as I held the ring he had given to me earlier at the court.

It was pure gold. I should have used it to guess how rich he was. The best David would have given to me was a stainless band painted gold still my heart yearned for it.

The ring fitted my finger so well like I was measured for it.

Chapter Three

Entering into the private ward his grandfather was admitted.

The old man smiled as he saw his grandson and smiled widely seeing he wasn't alone.

“Who is this?”, he said pointing at me.

“This is Diana and she is my wife”,

The word wife still felt foreign to me hearing him said so. A shiver ran down my spine.

“Good afternoon”, I said, giving him a slight bow.

“Good afternoon”, he was smiling for reasons best known to him. He seemed to have been friendlier than my husband.

“Sit”, he said pointing at the chair close to me.

I watched as his gaze didn't leave me alone.

I was quite uncomfortable.

“Relax”, he said as if noticing how I was already trembling in his presence

“I am”, I responded, trying to calm my nervous system.

“I am so happy you agreed to marry this grumpy son of mine…please take care of him”,

“I will”, I replied much to my amazement.

“Papa!”, Lucas yelled.

“you can see for yourself”,

We both ended up laughing.

“I can't believe you are taking her side…you just knew her for only some minutes ago”, he voiced out.

“She is my daughter in law..allow me to welcome her nicely into the family”, his grandfather added.

He said nothing this time.

If only grandpa was aware of the whole arrangement. He wouldn't be here jubilating over this union.

“Let me allow the newly wed to get back to their business”, he added.

“I will come to say hello tomorrow”, I said much to my amazement again.

It was clear that I had enjoyed the old man's presence.

“I would love that”, he replied.

I found myself warming up to his grandpa like they were my parents. Perhaps I have missed them so much that I see a part of them in him.

I used my hands to wipe the tears from my eyes when Lucas met me outside.

I tried to deny it but he wouldn't accept it.

“Did I offend you by what I said earlier”,

I shook my head.

“No…you didn't”,

“Then why are you crying?”he asked.

I couldn't help it as I narrated how I lost my mom and dad in a ghastly motor accident.

Making me an orphan when I was only eight years old.

Living with my aunt has been hell and just when I thought I had found happiness David decided to dump me at the altar.

He listened without interrupting me.

“I am sorry for disturbing you with my personal life”, I said as I wiped the tears from my eyes.

“It's okay…I haven't always had a smooth life as well”, he voiced out.

He began to tell me how he lost his parents in an airplane crash several years ago.

Some people thought they were intentionally killed but the police investigation confirmed it was an accident.

And here he was about to lose his grandfather who was now like the only person he has as family.

I listened carefully, understanding why he did what he did earlier.

“The smile I saw on my grandfather's face today was priceless”, he muttered.

I couldn't help but be glad I was part of the reason he made the old man happy.

“Can you please stick to the plan until my grandfather recover back his health”,

I couldn't help it as I looked into his eyes and saw how much he wanted me to give him the assurance.

“Yes..I will”,

After all I have agreed to get married to him in the first place and if sticking to the plan much longer than I expected might give Lucas grandfather a little more time to spend time with his son then I think it was going to be worth it.

“Thank you so much Diana…I don't think what you did I would ever be able to pay you back”,

I didn't know what to say. What I did to get back at my Ex was becoming something that helped both of them.

“It's nothing”, I whispered.

We left the hospital after many pleasantries and goodbyes.

I saw where he got his good looks from. His grandfather.

We entered the car as the driver drove us away.

I already knew where he was taking us to. His house but I needed to pick up my things since I was going to be living with him for now.

“Please can he drive back to my place…I need to pick up a few stuff”,

“Fine”,

I was glad as he instructed the driver to take me back to my place.

I went in and arranged my stuff carefully in a box before heading down to where he parked his car.

The driver helped me by putting my bags in the back of the car before we proceeded to enter the car.

The drive was so smooth that in no time we found ourselves in Lucas’s abode.

The driver stopped at the gate of a huge mansion and parked the car in the garage.

I came down and couldn't help it as I studied the house and could see how beautiful it looked. It could pass for a castle. It was too majestic and beautiful.

I pinched myself and was shocked I could feel the pain.

I was convinced this was a dream because how did it happen that I was married to a billionaire all of a sudden.

Chapter Four.

“Come with me”, Lucas said walking down to a room. He opened the door.

The staff bowed as they saw him.

I followed him. I noticed that the room was occupied but neat.

“We will use this room together”, he said as I gasped with shock.

“I thought you would give me my own room”, I voiced out.

“My grandfather has eyes watching and in no time he would realise that we aren't together”,

Although I knew he was telling the truth. I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable.

“Don't worry, I won't touch you and I hope you also don't have any of such intention towards me”,

I nodded.

“perfect”,

“I have cleared out some parts of the wardrobe and cabinet so you can keep your things in there”, he announced.

I began to arrange my stuff while he stood there staring at me.

I was beginning to feel uncomfortable.

“Are these all your stuff?” he asked.

“Yes”,

I knew he was used to quality items but this stuff here were things I don't use to play.

“Don't you think you need a change of clothes”,

My eyes widened in amazement. Is he trying to insult me?

“This is my card, use it to get yourself some new clothes”, he said, pulling out his wallet and removing an unlimited card.

“There won't be any need for that Mr. Lucas”, I responded.

“Take it and use it you can consider it an appreciation from me for helping me today at the court”,

“We still have to discuss the terms of the marriage but I will let you settle in first”,

I collected the card and looked at it. He moved to the door.

“You can ask the driver to take you wherever you want to go…I am off to work”, he said without giving me a chance to speak.

I sighed and relaxed my body on the bed. Looking at the card. I guess it wouldn't be a bad idea to get a few things for myself.

I realised a few bucks to my credit card debt wouldn't be a bad idea.

Finding my way downstairs. I met one of the maids.

“Ma, dinner is set”, she informed me.

“I am Diana..please call me Diana” I said feeling weird being addressed as ma.

“I am sorry, I can't do that young master would be mad at me”,

I proceeded to leave her alone to do as she pleases.

I found my way to the dining table as I salivated seeing the huge bouquet which I had prepared already.

Lucas has gone to work and I wondered when he was going to be back.

Was he always this busy? If he always is. Then I am sure I wasn't going to be seeing him frequently.

I didn't know if I should be happy or sad.

His unlimited credit card is still staring at me in my face.

The meal I ate was the best I have eaten in a long while.

I stood up from the dining area and watched as they cleared the place clean of every single dish that has been lying down here previously.

“I would love to get a few things for myself”, I voiced out.

“Lucas said one of the drivers can take me”, I informed her. She simply nodded.

“Let me tell him to prepare the car”, The maid said bowing before leaving my presence.

The drive to the shopping mall was smooth. I arrived and walked in with full confidence like someone who owns the place.

A place I have always admired from afar stepping inside and knowing that I could practically afford anything I wanted.

Thanks to my husband. Lucas.

I began to make purchases on everything I saw and I love.

For the first time not checking the price tag of anything feels so wonderful.

My phone which was in my bag rang. I picked it up and put it in my ears.

“Hello, Diana”, I quickly recognised the voice. It was David. It still sent shivers down my spine and I couldn't deny it.

“Hello David”, I responded, seeing the tears falling down my eyes again.

All the memories of what happened that day flashing through my head again.

“Why does it say you got married to Lucas Bernard”,

I was disappointed thinking he had called to beg me to accept him back but it dawned on me that the reason he called was because he heard that I got married.

“How do you know?”, I asked, fuming with rage.

“Your pictures and names are scattered all over the news and Internet”, he added.

“How did you meet him”,

I decided to give him a piece of my mind now.

“How is that any of your business”, I answered, allowing my emotion to flow.

“I just want to know”, his voice low.

“It’s no business since you moved on with my friend Ophelia…I decided to move on and got married to him…are you jealous”, I muttered.

“You cheated on me and dumped me so don't you ever call me again”, I yelled.

I had seen the reg flag when I introduced Ophelia to Lucas.

We had been together but my need for companionship made me ignore the signs for goodness sake.

My fist tightened into a fury as I ensured that I passed the message successfully before ending the call and blocking his number this time.

Wondering what I was doing, wasting my time answering his questions.

I hate myself knowing I still have leftover feelings for that bastard who cheated on me

I hated myself for settling for less

I was married to a stranger and I had just the bare minimum interaction with him but he has treated me better than the years I wasted being with David.

I wasn't in the mood for shopping anymore as I found my way out.

The drive to the mansion ended and one of the boys who ran errands helped me with my bags.

I entered my room and found my way to the bathroom to wash myself properly.

Chapter Five

I was in the parlour relaxing when he walked in and seeing him made me realise I had just handed my life to a total stranger.

He walked past me looking totally exhausted from the day's activities.

“Welcome back”, I greeted him warmly.

“Thank you,” he responded.

I handed his black card to him since I wouldn't be needing it anymore.

“You can keep it Diana”, he voiced out.

I shook my head. “No..I can't please”,

“I don't want you to lack anything as long as you are staying here with me…use it to get anything you need”, he said as he gave it back to me.

He didn't utter another word as he found his way to the room to take a warm shower and stepped down to eat his dinner in silence after leaving me star-struck.

I recalled vividly a few days ago I was barely working two jobs to save my broken ass and right now I am holding a card which could literally get me anything I wanted.

It felt like a dream I would wake up from.

The next day. I woke up early and began to arrange my stuff properly, throwing away anything I knew I wouldn't be needing anymore.

I had taken a break from work when I was planning my wedding with David so I didn't have to go to work.

Although there was no honeymoon planned out as I had expected every newly married couple go through, I still decided to make the most of the time I was going to spend.

I sorted my things and threw out those things I wouldn't be needing anymore, especially stuff David my ex got me. I wanted to remove every memory of him from my mind so badly.

When I was done sorting out those things I found my way downstairs to see if there were any workers around so I could get a trash bag to trash out all the things from my ex-boyfriend.

I met one of them in the kitchen.

“Can I get a trash bag?”I said, dropping the stuff on the ground.

She picked it up and left with it.

I turned my back and was startled to see Lucas standing me.

“I didn’t hear you come in,” I said, placing a hand on my chest still trying to catch my breath.

“You were busy,” he replied, his eyes briefly moving to the pile of things the maid had taken away.

“It’s nothing important,” I added quickly.

He didn’t respond immediately. His gaze lingered for a second before he spoke. “Good.”

I frowned slightly. “Good?”

“If it’s something you don’t need anymore, then it’s better gone,” he said plainly.

I nodded, not sure why his words felt heavier than they should.

He walked past me to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water.

I watched him for a moment. “You’re not going to work today?”

“I will,” he answered shortly. “Later.”

I hesitated before speaking again. “About… the terms you mentioned yesterday.”

That got his attention.

He placed the bottle on the counter and turned to face me fully.

“We’ll discuss it tonight.”

“Tonight?” I repeated.

“Yes”,

My stomach tightened a little. “Alright.”

There was a brief silence between us.

“I meant what I said,” he added. “About the card.”

“I know,” I replied quietly. “But I’m not used to… all of this”,

“You’ll get used to it”, he responded with a calm voice.

I wasn’t sure if that was comforting or not.

He picked up his keys and left.

I stood there for a while, staring at nothing in particular.

Everything still felt unreal.

He came back in the evening.

The night came faster than I expected.

By the time I stepped into the room, Lucas was already there, seated on the couch with a file in his hand.

He looked up as I entered.

“Sit,” he commanded.

I walked over and sat across from him, my fingers nervously playing with each other.

He closed the file and placed it on the table.

“Let’s make something clear, Diana,” he began. “This marriage is an agreement.”

I swallowed but nodded. Ofcourse, I didn't need a soothsayer to tell me that.

How on earth was I expected to have a chance with someone like him.

“You will stay here as my wife. In public, you act the part. No mistakes.”

“Okay”, my head already calculating how best to tackle this situation.

“In private, there would be no need for any interference in each of our lives”

That one stung a little, but I still nodded.

“You will attend events with me when needed. Dress appropriately and speak when needed.”

“I understand.”

He watched me for a second, like he was trying to read something on my face.

“In return,” he continued, “everything you need will be provided. You won’t lack anything.”

“I don't want any past issues coming back to ruin anything,” he added.

David’s face flashed in my mind, but I pushed it away quickly.

“That won’t happen,” I said firmly.

Whatever happened between David and I has been taken properly care of.

“Good”, he nodded once, like the conversation was going like he expected.

“Get some rest,” he said, standing up. “We start tomorrow.”

“Start what?” I asked.

He glanced back at me.

“Being a proper Mrs. Bernard.”

I wondered what being a proper Mrs. Bernard entails.

All my life, I had never been exposed to such a life.

I had spent years worrying about bills, working endlessly just to survive.

Now, I was expected to step into a world where class matters more than anything.

Would I be able to survive what comes next?