"I came to you for some help" she said looking down . Luke give her a crazy look
"What?!!!
"please sir my mama is in the hospital due to shock"
"And whose business is that?
"please sir I don't have money with me then I decide to come to you for help" she said. slowly.
"How did you locate my office"
"Well papa usually tell me the address of your company he said anytime I need something I should come here '"
"uhmmm ..... who's your papa dear? Sophie Luke's grandma asked
"Roger Greenwood"
"wow Roger never told us he had a beautiful daughter" James Luke grandpa said making Annie blush , Luke who couldn't stop himself from rolling his eyes glare at her
"miss Greenwood I don't offer help am not some charity or something besides it will be my pleasure to see your parents die in pain"
Annie and his grandparents look at him with horror. Annie began to cry suddenly shocking Luke and surprising his grandparents.
"My.... parent....are....the.... only..... people...left.. please help me.
Sophie look at her grandson pleadingly as she comfort Annie
"I have nothing to offer you than go and never show your face"
"please sir I will do anything even if it means to die in her place afterall I have watch many people die" Sophie and James exchange glances
" sounds like a good offer be my slave" Luke said ignoring his grandparents glare
"you know sir it's not bad to be a slave if it can change your mind and leave my parents I don't care sir" Annie said looking downcast
"We're leaving. bye sweetie" Sophie said before giving Annie a kiss which earn a giggle from her. Luke scoff he had never seen this side of his grandparents not even as the favourite of his grandparents.
"please sir help me"her tiny gentle voice brought him back.he stare at her for some time
" I can't help you miss Greenwood" He said coldly
"sir I know you can help me". she said looking at him pleadingly. Luke look at her then smirk he can help her only for his selfish reasons.
"marry me" he said
"what?
"I thought you want help miss Greenwood"
"yeah...yeah but I never thought you want to marry me thanks alot Luke for taking me as a wife not slave"
"don't be so sure and don't call me Luke, sir will do"
"I know you won't do that and since we are going to get married why the formality "she pause and eye the ice cream with out asking she reach for it then leave
Annie was in the hospital with her mom who had just recovered , they went there to visit her father his condition have only grew worse
they cried seeing him in so much pains. Julia have always love him even if he beat and humiliate her. she understands him and she can't bear him in pains . Annie felt someone beside her , she turn only to see Luke beside her , she was amazed she didn't expect him to come although she had tell about the marriage proposal which she at first disagree but later have to agree because there is nothing she can do most especially when it comes to financial aspects. Annie smile at him which he ignore as he enter the room of his traitor.
Annie was nervous she kept glancing at the room where her parents and Luke are having a heated discussion . she pray Luke should not change his mind about marrying her because is the only place to save her parents.
She shuddered as the she remembers seeing the blood of her real parents on the floor gushing like water from an uncontrolled tap.
After sometime Luke came out looking tense but her mama was giving her a sad smile with tears on her eyes
"We are getting married tomorrow"
"Tomorrow?... it too early"
" Get ready* Luke said and leave without glancing at them .
Nate sit in his study drawing his wife Martha . He keep looking at her image then put his hands frustratedly in his hair he look at the time it was 1:56am . Luke since the death of his love ones had suffer insomnia even the sleeping pills no longer help so he spent his time either drawing or working. Luke continue to gaze at the portrait of his wife, she was his childhood best friend she was the one with the crush ,he had never love her but he had great respect for her . though she had always wanted them to date but he refuse afraid it will spoil their friendship but fortunately their parents arrange their marriage. she was happy and they live like a couple for about three years before Martha finally got pregnant and now so sad she couldn't live to have the baby she has always dream of. His mind drift to the wedding that will take place tomorrow . He wanted it tomorrow as a contract worth billions of dollars will be awarded to him in the next business meeting but if only he bring his wife.
Annie stood in the front of the mirror , she was nervous through out last night her mother has been lecturing about the do's and don'ts of marriage since she is too naive to understand anything. the person standing in front of the mirror is entirely some else .so beautiful that she could barely recognize herself . The door open and her mother enter
" you look gorgeous sweety" she said tearfully
Annie wipe her tears trying hard to control hers .
' mom don't cry , I am doing this because of you but if you don't want me to get married I won't"
"No Anne i can't " Julia said quietly touching her cheeks . they hug each other sobbing in each others arms . They release each other then Julia took her to the altar to meet her husband to be since Roger is completely paralyzed to come.
Annie and Luke took their vows then the priest pronounce them man and wife
"You may kiss your bride"
Annie swallow nervously as Luke hold her waist and lean but stop mid way to look at her fearful and nervous eyes before pecking her on the lips after the brief contact he step away as if she was a ghost or something. Annie felt hurt but try to smile as everyone begin to clap just then her grandmother in law come to hug her showering her with compliment on her looks and proudly showcasing her to her friends. after introduction and compliment from friends . Luke and Annie decide to go home.
Luke seems tense but Annie was oblivious to that as mind was clouded on how perform her conjugal right to a man barely know.