Chapter 4: Law school

Natalie's Pov:

"Your dress suits you perfectly" Those were his words before he left. How casually he said them as if not wanting to impress me. I only smiled at him, didn't know the right words to use.

Maybe he did find me attractive. I wasn't sure. I kept wondering throughout breakfast.

As everyone laughed and talked, I wondered if the chorused laughter was real. You know, judging that my father could give me away for money. I didn't blame him. Mom said Santiago saved the family once. Maybe getting married to Maverick was a good way to pay them back. Just sad it had to be me.

Anita served the chocolate cake mom made for dessert. I watched Santiago dig into the cake with his fork as though his life depended on it. Seemed like he loved the cake. I didn't know a man of that nature would love cake. He ate like a child.

"Sarah?" He called, pausing to swallow the quantity in his mouth "This cake is amazing, tastes like the one my wife used to make" He blinked smiling.

Did he say used to? Why did she stop? That information was none of my business I just questioned myself.

"She got busy, then she stopped" As if being in my head, Santiago blurted and continued ravishing the cake. I saw Vivian smile at her husband's words. So adorable. If only I was marrying someone I loved not someone because of a contract.

I didn't eat much of the cake or you could say, I didn't eat at all. I just made a few fork digs before leaving it begging to be eaten.

A few minutes later, after everyone had enjoyed the cake, Santiago cleared his throat.

"We'll leave soon. Thank you James for having us"

" Yes thank you too," Vivian said.

"And Natalie" Santiago turned to me " Was nice finally meeting you in person" He rubbed my right shoulder and I smiled.

"She'll meet with Maverick tomorrow, they'll get the rings. I need this to be over already. Sarah prepare your daughter" Vivian spoke to my mother like she was her boss giving her orders. My mom nodded her head in accordance with her words.

The couple stood up. Mom and dad followed. Andrew and I sat still.

"James you should come around more" Santiago said to my father walking towards the door.

"No Saint, I'm fine," Dad said.

Somehow I'm made to think there was some sort of relationship between them aside from just contract and taking money. I just knew I'll find out if I put interest in it. I sighed.

They walked out of the door jamming it behind them. I could hear their voices go faint, I guess they stopped talking.

"Your husband is fine Nat, he looks like those sports supermodels, I didn't even know I'd get a chance to meet him like this," Andrew said pushing the dining seat backward "Maverick Santiago, my role model " He whispered. Was Andrew being serious? He spoke like he knew Maverick all his life.

He stood up and walked over to the couch.

"I don't want any of these " I huffed "You just have no Idea Drew" I gawked at Andrew. Well, I don't blame him, he wouldn't know what happens to people when they are taken away from their dreams, and their life. Does he have any idea of dreams I'd want to achieve? How I wished I accepted the admission that came earlier today. Yes, I got admission to Law school but I hadn't told anyone yet. I couldn't. Even if I did, I wouldn't be able to sway their decision to a positive change. My admission wouldn't even do a thing in changing any situation.

Anita had begun clearing the plates from the long wooden table.

"Why, don't you want this?" Andrew asked surprised and waiting for an answer from me. "You should be happy, you're going to be a billionaire's wife"

I thought for a while, I had no choice but to marry Maverick.

"I think you are right Drew. He is like a supermodel and he has money too. I should marry him" I said sadly. Andrew smiled and returned a thumbs up to me.

I stood up to leave. I've had a sad day so far. The least I could do was cheer myself up. I walked slowly counting my steps as I went up the stairs.

I allowed myself to fall flat on my soft bed, letting the feeling of relief overwhelm me. A little relief and peace before the day ended.

I needed music too. I connected my headphones, took out my iPhone, scrolled to music, and began to play "Roses" by SAINt JHN.

I thought of Maverick, he didn't look bad one bit but I'll still hate him. I wonder why he wouldn't call off the wedding, and set me free. Why was he accepting to go on with the wedding knowing I may be much younger than he was? I guess he didn't care about that.

Wait? Is Abby right? Does he have intentions? Is he accepting to marry me because he wants to sleep with me? Does he want to sleep with me? He looked so handsome, he could have any girl he wanted, why me?

I gagged as the thoughts kept swimming inside my head. I never had a boyfriend before. I sang along as the music played in my ears.

"Nat honey?" I thought I heard my mom calling, so I paused the music to be sure she wasn't calling my name.

"Nat?" This time I was sure. Her faint voice traveled through to my ears. I heard her footsteps on the wooden stairs. Then gradually I could hear her steps very close enough to my door.

"Nat?" Then a knock at the door.

" Come in mom" I responded calmly almost not loud enough to be heard. She came in carrying a plate and something that looked like cake.

It was cake obviously I observed as she came closer to sit on my bed. I sat up from the bed.

"More dessert?" She offered to give me the plate of cake. I needed more cake but my heart was heavy.

"Thanks, mom," I said. I took the plate of chocolate cake from her and placed it on my light stand.

"Santiago seems to have found so much delight in you, and I think Maverick likes you too," mom said but how would she know if Maverick liked me? She jokingly pinched my cheeks and smiled softly.

I didn't respond, just stared at her.

"I got admission to law school," I said without thinking. How I'd thought my words would have at least convinced her or discouraged her from marrying me off. But it didn't, I was even stupid to think it would.

"Ooh, you did?" She asked nonchalantly like it was nothing to her. It was really nothing to her.

"Maverick is good honey." She said. She rubbed my shoulder and felt my hair before leaving my room. I exhaled. Once again, I was alone, Peace.