Young Vera Brown is engaged to Melvin Wise, the youngest millionaire in New York, after being recently deceived by her lover and closest friend Jessica. Because she is not interested in a marriage of convenience, Vera is offended by the news. Melvin, on the other hand, is primarily concerned about retaining a wife to appease his parents. As they are compelled to spend more time together, they start to fall in love. Their disparate origins and objectives hamper their connection, however.
Chapter 1 Vera's POV
"I frequently experience stomach aches."
"There are a lot of things that make me nervous. That doesn't have to come from love or sex."
It is clubbing. Having my best friend around helps. Happiness does.
But the news I'm about to hear is undoubtedly one of those things that doesn't make me anxious about trying something new or anticipating something exciting that is about to happen to me.
I never anticipated this. My jaws are still open in shock because I never imagined my life would take this turn, and I still struggle to believe it.
Mother starts by placing her hands on my thighs, jolting me back to the present while saying, "Vera, we know this will come as a shock to you but it's for the best." Father is seated across from me and has a serious frown on his face. He appears more flimsy than ever.
"We must revive your father's failing company. We had a lengthy discussion about it and decided that you should be aware of it. I believe that meeting now will help you two get to know one another better.
Now I'm at my breaking point. not because I'm dating someone. But also because I don't want anyone meddling in my affairs or dictating how I should live.
I abruptly respond, "No, mother," startling her. I pivot to face her directly. "I am not meeting anyone, and that is final."
Father calls out in a stern voice, "Vera." They aren't the focus of this; I am.
I mean, for crying out loud, I'm 23 years old. How is it possible for me to be engaged to a man my entire life and not even be aware of it? I am dating someone. My life is one that I adore. a way of living that makes me feel the right butterflies.
No, I'm not doing it.
Dad, I sincerely say, "I'm not doing this." "This is my life, and I get to decide whether or not I meet my alleged fiancée. For crying out loud, I have a boyfriend.
"I didn't mean to yell at my father, but here I am doing it anyway."
Mother scolds me angrily, her hands leaving my thighs, "I won't let you speak of my husband that way, you silly girl."
Did she just speak in favor of her husband? They were at each other's throats last night, and I didn't even bother to inquire as to what the issue was.
That is not my business; it is theirs, and I have no right to meddle in their matters.
Father and Mother haven't been getting along since his business failed. Mother is having a very difficult time adjusting to the new lifestyle he is providing for us.
I initially found it difficult, but I quickly adapted to new situations or surroundings. One of the simplest things for me to do is get used to being middle class.
"Really?" I sneer as I look down at her.
"Really. Do you want to lead this kind of life for yourself? When did we last go shopping, you know? When did we last throw a sizable celebration like we used to? I'm aware that it's not what you wanted.
"No," I chuckle. Not what I want, this. My mother wants to continue living this way, and she wants to do it by using me.
Butterflies are what I'm after. being in the moment.
Nick needs to stop lying to me, that's all I want. One of the last things I want is to get married at this age to some random people.
She starts to talk to me in that tone, saying, "You need to help your father, princess." She always asks me to comply in that hushed, seductive voice. Your father requires assistance. If we don't carry out our promise to get you married to their son, the Wise family won't support us. Just give it a shot; you'll like him.
"Mom, I have a BOYFRIEND!" I shout as I get up from the couch, my chest thumping furiously. For goodness' sake, "I have a boyfriend."
"The same one who consistently betrays you with other women?" She sharply responds and stands up to my height.
What? How did she discover Nick's infidelity?
He made a commitment to change, and I gave him another chance, but two nights ago, when I caught him again, he was with someone I knew. She is one of those people who makes me happy and gives me butterflies.
Having sex with my boyfriend, she was. At a party I was invited to by the same girl I caught them with my boyfriend at, I was able to catch them in the act.
When I told them I would be late, they took that as a cue to start the act before I arrived. They must have been engaged in this activity for quite some time.
That broke me.
I sobbed.
However, I'm a tough girl. I was keeping an eye out for Nick's calls all night because he always calls back to apologize. It didn't arrive until his text arrived early yesterday morning.
He expressed regret for his error.
He was probably seduced by Jessica because she has always been a seductress. Although I never want to speak to Jessica again, I'll make sure she regrets having a sexual relationship with my boyfriend.
I'm still dating Nick. That remains true despite what occurred two nights ago. I won't let him go just because he was with my best friend. She cannot have him, I promise. Nick and I are still together, and I'm eagerly awaiting his pluck to approach me and ask for something.
Here.
"That idiot who keeps hurting you?" My mother is speaking louder. Do you understand what you're doing? He consistently cheats on you, yet you continue to forgive him.
Who was it that told her this? With tears threatening to stream down my face, I ask myself.
Jessica, was she? My best friend Jessica is also close with my mother, and the two of them talk about everything and anything.
Did she inform my mother of Nick 's infidelity? She had always detested him and wished for me to leave him, but now I understand why she is so eager for me to do so with Nick .
She wants him exclusively for herself, which won't happen.
She continues, "This is a good life we are offering you." "This man is wealthy and attractive. He is New York's youngest billionaire. What else do you require?
The question "What do I want?" I reply with a question and point my index finger at her. "I want you two to stop interfering with my life," she said.
She finds it strange that I am speaking to her in this manner. Father is observing us in silence. I pass Mother to leave without giving him a second glance when her voice stops me.
Whether you like it or not, Vera, you will marry Melvin. You two have been engaged since you were young, and I won't let you choose incorrectly when he is superior to your cheating boyfriend.
I want to go back and talk to her about how Nick makes me feel. There's more to this than just butterflies. There are more details.
I want everyone to know how much I adore Nick and what a real gentleman he is. Even though he may not have the same wealth as this alleged billionaire, he is a real man.
I leave the living room and head to the front door with one purpose in mind, rather than doing what I had in mind.
He is coming back, I promise.
Jessica refuses.
****