Chapter Six
Aurora's POV
"Wait, you mean a contract marriage?" I asked, staring at him and he nodded.
I knew there was something about him when I first made eye contact with him a few minutes ago, but I couldn't figure it out since I never saw the guy I made out with a face clearly before leaving. It has dawned on me that he's really after my life.
"What do you want from me? Are you trying to blackmail me because we made out last night and you know that my family is rich and capable?" I asked, standing up and shoving off the bottle of whiskey beside me.
"Oh, you think I'm here to blackmail you when I actually want to save your stupid ass from getting insulted by your family," Liam said.
"I don't think that's the truth. You followed me down here right from the Lounge because how on Earth did you know I was going to jump off the bridge?" I asked.
"I was on my way to somewhere important when I saw you about to jump off the river. I had no idea you were the one I made out with until you mentioned it," Liam said, trying to defend himself.
"I still don't believe you. How much do you need because it's obvious the money I dropped on the nightstand isn't enough for you?" I asked, folding my arms across my chest as I walked closer to him.
"Do you really think I need your money?" Liam asked.
"Yes, you obviously do need it. Call your account number so I can transfer any amount you want," I said, reaching for my phone.
"Here's my line: when you have a change of mind, reach out to me and remember you will give a son in return for the marriage," Liam said, handing out a paper to me and walking away without looking back.
I stood at the same position staring at his back till he walked away with his car. I turned to stare at the river having a second thought of whether to jump into the river or not, but this time around, no one will be here to save me.
I heaved out a heavy sigh of relief and stacked Liam's paper into the back of my phone as I walked towards my car. I picked up everything I had dropped at the edge of the river when I was about to jump and got into my car.
I thought of driving to my best friend's place but then I remembered that she hadn't placed a call through me or sent any text message after what happened yesterday.
"Is that how true friends behave?" I thought as I drove slowly back home.
By the time I got back to the Sinclair's mansion, my parents were already stepping out for an important meeting with their new in-laws.
I didn't pay any attention to them as I acted as if they never existed and walked into my room.
I was busy arranging my room since I had scattered it a night before my wedding after catching my sister and Ethan in the act when a knock suddenly came through my door.
"Who is that?" I asked.
"It's Ruth, ma'am; Mrs. Eleanor wishes to have a word with you downstairs," I overheard the maid's voice.
We have been very close ever since she became a maid in this house, but she changed towards me all of a sudden when my mom told her something bad about me, and I don't really blame her for stepping backward because she wouldn't want to lose her only source of income.
"Just tell her, I'm unavailable," I said in a cold voice.
"She wouldn't take that as an answer ma'am. She clearly instructed you to come with me or I stay here till when you are ready," Ruth said.
"Fine, I will join her downstairs in the next fifteen minutes," I said.
"Alright, ma'am," Ruth said, and I guess she left immediately.
I intentionally stayed inside my room for an additional twenty minutes before stepping out to see Ruth still standing in front of my room.
"Really? What did she threaten you with this time around because it's obvious that's what she's good at, threatening people?" I asked.
When Ruth didn't respond, I began walking downstairs and saw my Mom walking outside.
"You shouldn't have sent for me when you knew you were stepping out," I said, angrily and coldly.
"And how many minutes will it take you to get downstairs?" My mom asked, coldly.
"I only come downstairs whenever I feel like it; just go straight to the point because I don't have much time to waste here," I said, folding my arms across my chest as I rested on the wall.
"I need you to get out of this house in the next five days, or I will have to throw you out myself," my mom said.
"You can't be joking about that. This is my father's house, and I get to leave whenever I feel like it," I said angrily. Before I could hiss, a hot slap landed on my cheek which made me stagger for a bit
"You won't speak to me in that manner. I am Mrs. Eleanor, your mother, and I deserve to be respected.
Aren't you ashamed that your little sister got married before you and, worse still, to the man you were supposed to marry because you didn't give him what he wanted?
I am giving you five good days to get married or get ready to be thrown out of this house," my mom said.
"I get to make a decision over my life and not you. In fact, I have to let Dad know about this," I said, rushing upstairs to pick up my phone when I suddenly stopped in my tracks. Immediately my mom's voice came up.
"Your father doesn't give a damn about you. Call him for all I care but he's still gonna repeat everything I just said.
Your sister is living fine with a wealthy man, so you should buckle up," my mom said and walked out of the living room.
It's true about what my mom said, none of them give a damn about me. I sat down at the staircase, thinking about what to do when my mind suddenly flashed back to Liam.
"But how am I supposed to get married to a stranger I met just a few hours ago?" I asked myself as tears rolled down my eyes.
Ruth immediately passed me a handkerchief when she noticed my tears and left my side, not to be seen with me.
If I get married to him, all this threat will stop, but how do I get to live happily with someone I don't even know?
Damn! I murmured, scratching my hair.
I walked back into my room and picked up my phone only to see a message from Isla asking how I was feeling after leaving me alone to fight my battles for the whole twenty-four hours.
I ignored the message and started looking for the paper Liam handed over to me at the bridge. I searched everywhere, including the back of my phone, and I couldn't find it.
All hope was lost as I lay down on my bed, ready to drift to sleep, when I suddenly came across the paper lying lifelessly on my bed.
With mixed feelings, I picked it up, checked the time, and realized it was almost nine pm.
Will he pick it up by this time?
I thought as I dialed his number and he picked up on the first ring.
I placed the phone on my ear for a few seconds, thinking about how to put my words together, when his voice suddenly came up.
"Are we into breathing competitions now?" He asked and my mouth shaped into a smile.
"Liam, Aurora," I said.
"Who is Aurora?" Liam asked.
"The lady you met at the Everest Riverside," I said, slowly.
"How may I help you, Aurora?" Liam asked.
"Fine, I've agreed," I said.
"Agreed to what?" Liam asked.
"Let's get married!"