Chapter Five

Rachael's POV

“You are getting married next Saturday.” My father announced with a loud voice, and I dropped my fork absentmindedly.

“Why the rush?” My mother fired at him almost immediately.

From the beginning, she was against it since my father was using me as bait for his selfish desires, but since she had reluctantly agreed with it, she had no idea that he would rush it.

“Rush?” He snorted. “Your daughter isn’t getting younger.” He replied.

“Dad…” He had already ruined my mood, so my voice wasn’t bright. “I know I agreed to get married to this man, but why are you rushing it?” I questioned him anxiously, my eyes begging him desperately.

“That is what he wants.” My father's voice was stern and emotionless.

“One step at a time, Dad. Next Saturday is near; nothing is prepared.” I tried to discourage him, but he shook his head.

“You don’t need to prepare anything. Just wear a white dress and follow him home.” He didn’t sound interested in my marriage.

That was when it became obvious that my father was selling me off, and I started agitating about the kind of deal my father must have struck to hurriedly push me away.

He wouldn’t hurt me, but it’s risky to fully trust a businessman and a well-known, capricious mafia lord.

Throughout the day, I was uneasy and confused. I was scared.

Marriage is a thing of joy, but it becomes a business deal when there is no happiness in the family.

My father wanted something simple and short—no marriage ceremony, no vows, only joining my partner at his house.

Unfortunately, I had no plan on listening to him because I knew more than anyone that marriage is one occasion in a lifetime that can never be repeated.

Whether it was pain or sorrow waiting for me at the end of the tunnel, I was willing to get the best of it.

He didn’t tell me who I was getting married to, nor do I have any idea what he looks like or his taste.

I prepared some wedding cards and shared them with my friends; some of them were surprised because they were expecting it to be Patrick and me, but it was the opposite.

“You are invited to my wedding?” Sandra shoved the wedding invitation card on my desk. “Where is the groom’s name?” She raised a brow while crossing her arms.

“I don’t know his name. Is that necessary now?” I asked.

“Yeah, you can’t get married to someone you don’t even know by name.” She shunned me, and I scoffed in astonishment.

“You convinced me, didn’t you? I explained my distress to you, and you encouraged me to do it!” I was gradually becoming annoyed.

She rolled her eyes. “Well, I hope he has a good face because an ugly man wouldn’t suit at all.” She mumbled under her breath before taking the card.

I rolled my eyes away from her and relaxed in the seat.

Suddenly, there was a hard knock on the door, after which Lily and my staff stepped into my office.

Maam, you need to see this.” She informed me, standing at a distance.

“I see you are busy; talk later.” Sandra grabbed her bag, smacked a kiss in the air, and left my office.

I sighed heavily before beckoning Lily to come closer. She sat across from me on the leather chair.

“What is it?” Curiosity lingered in my eyes as I stared at her.

“I think someone filmed what happened here yesterday.” She began, and my eyes widened in shock. “We are now getting bad reviews; some clients that pre-ordered are asking for a refund.” Lily meticulously explained to me; her voice was anxious and nervous.

I rubbed my forehead. “How did this happen? Did that man and his wife dupe us?” I wondered abruptly, and Lily nodded.

“I feel so,” Lily muttered.

“But on second thought, he looked mad at her. I doubt it was just acting.” The incident from yesterday flashed in my memory.

Someone like him wouldn’t waste time messing around with “a” nobody like me.

“Maybe meeting him and asking him to explain the situation to the public will be better,” Lily suggested.

“Meeting him?” I rubbed my chin cryptically.

The last time I checked, we had no record of his order. There was no way to get in touch with him again.

Immediately, I spotted his business card on my desk. I grabbed it with full force, collected my car key, and rushed out of the office.

To me, this mall was the only thing that could take away my pain and make me forget about reality. Making sure it flourished was the least I could do as the owner.

I parked my car in the available car space and stepped down. I was welcomed by a gigantic skyscraper building before me; it was very large. On it was the big name of the company “Cane Group”, I admired the exterior for a while before remembering what I came for.

I strolled into the building, and the cool air conditioning flushed my face, and I was brought back to life.

I approached the receptionist after glancing at the entire quiet reception hall.

“Hello. Welcome to Cane Group. How can I help you?” The receptionist sounded so nice and welcoming, which helped me calm down.

At first, I was nervous because the building was too big.

“I’m here to meet . . .” I was about to inform the receptionist when I caught a familiar scent.

“Mr. Cane?” I don’t know, but his cologne was so memorable and special that I turned to call his name, and he suddenly faced my direction.

“You again?” He sounded annoyed and didn’t look pleased to see me.

I walked over to him.

“Hi.” I swallowed hard. He was better looking than yesterday, more intimidating, and intoxicating.

“Why are you here? Do you want to ruin my day like yesterday?” He questioned me curtly.

Then I knew he wasn’t behind the bad review. All I had to do was plead with him and convince him to help me. I knew he was a famous and busy person, but explaining the truth to the public wouldn't take much of his time.

“Please, I need your help,” I said nervously.

He laughed in mockery before recoiling; he stared at me intently, and my lips pressed against the other. I have never been so afraid and nervous in my life before.

“And why should I help you?” He curled his lips as his deep, threatening voice filtered into the air.

I batted my lashes as he dropped me dauntlessly, speechless.