After the will hearing
The minutes that passed felt like they dragged their feet across the concrete floor, mimicking a mime in a slow dance. Maeve was anxious; her gaze kept glancing to the exit. She was focused on how slowly the lawyer spoke, hoping he could talk faster and get to the point.
The will had stated that her fortune would be shared mostly with some charity organisations, which was no surprise to anyone; however, it brought disdain to a few.
Maeve's feet tapped continuously, while the will hearing continued. A guest had taken the empty seat beside her. She didn't bother to steal a glance at who it was. It didn't matter.
"Hello, Maeve," the person said first, catching her attention. She swerved her face in his direction. The familiar irritating tone matched... Edward. Her skin prickled uncomfortably, and her body tensed alert.
"Hello Edward," she chose calm before the brewing storm in her mind. Any drama with him could put her in the spotlight. A scene that would benefit none other than--she glanced at Cecilia, who smirked in her direction before turning away.
Of course, she wouldn't give up that easily.
Her deceased aunt had left her a bit of her fortune. Not as extravagant as what she offered the charity funds. Meanwhile, it was something. She received it, already making her exit when she was blocked off by Edward, who waited for her at the exit. She paused shocked and then bent her face down to pass by him.
Edward grabbed her by the arm—a tight grasp, she might add. Her refute only made his grip tighten, and she winced in response. "will you let go of me, please?" Their engagement already drew in gazes.
Maeve muttered softly next to him. "Let me go this instance," she threatened.
"Maeve calm down I just wanted to talk. And it's been a while since we saw one another," he urged.
"What do you want to say to me? Say it already so I can leave." Maeve had her face covered.
"Why do you strongly refuse this marriage? I can give you everything you need and want." He spoke loudly as if intentionally.
Maeve's eyes widened in terror as Edward's grip tightened, his fingers digging deep into her wrists. Camera flashes danced around them, the paparazzi sensing a scandal about to unfold.
"Edward, please... not here," Maeve begged, her voice trembling. "The media—"
Edward drew her close to him as his sickening smile grew, feeding off Maeve's distress. "This is exactly where I want us to be," he whispered into her ears, his eyes locked on the surrounding cameras. "Together, in the spotlight. This is where we belong. So why don't you quit that rebellious gig you have up and come and marry me?"
Maeve struggled, but Edward's hold was unyielding. She knew one misstep would fuel the tabloids, destroying her carefully guarded privacy. But what had not been tarnished? She was consumed by the multiple flashes sent their way.
The media closed in, reporters shouted questions, and cameras clicked wildly. Maeve's face burnt with humiliation as the questions sent an uproar around them. Maeve trembled under them, her eyes hidden from the blinding lights.
All she wanted was to turn a new leaf. Even that little was too much to ask. Her thoughts were in a daze.
Edward's voice rose, addressing the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, Maeve has finally agreed to our union. We're thrilled to share our love with the world."
Maeve's eyes blazed with defiance. "You bastard, how dare you. That's a lie!" she shouted, twisting free. "It's going to be over my dead body that we ever get married. Screw you, bastard," and with that, she fled the scene, leaving him swarmed by the increased flashes that hungered for the story behind them. She knew he would lie and come up with a farce to cover himself. She didn't care nonetheless.
Maeve showed herself out of the mansion, not wanting to encounter any more drama before she left. She felt like she had too many from the moment she came back to this family. It didn't take long; she was on her back to her apartment.
Meanwhile, at the will hearing, the commotion had caught the attention of Cecilia and the rest of the family. They came to Edward, asking what had happened. He was at a loss for words. Cecilia was displeased.
"Can't you carry out one simple task?" She mocked him harshly and was later informed about Maeve's departure from the mansion. Cecilia cursed under her breath. Nothing had gone her way, and the sudden developments left her deeply annoyed.
Cecilia dropped a paper onto his hands. Edward stood confused by why he had received a note. He saw it was an address. "To where?" he asked, confused.
"To her apartment, I expect you to make good use of it. I don't care whatever means you have to use to do that. Just get married to her." Cecilia raged and stormed off. At that moment, Edward had wondered between the two who were more fierce sisters. He gave a curt nod, not wanting to get on Cecilia's bad side.
Edward's eyes narrowed as he gazed at the address, his mind racing with strategies. Cecilia's wrath was not to be underestimated.
Christian observed everything on the sidelines, amused by the turns of the ordeal. He let out a puff of smoke into the air. Thinking of how to put this development to good use.
It was still early in the day.
Maeve had visited a shooting arena; she couldn't go home and wanted to shake off some steam. A few shots were meant to roll off her seething rage plus embarrassment.
A few minutes after she had been attended to, another figure waltzed in after her. She was hit with a strong fragrance of masculine perfume. A familiar scent she knew all too well. It was Christian. He spoke to one of the attendants, a lady who was all very excited to receive him. He exuded authority wearing the black suit. He had also come from the funeral as well. His gaze turned, and he met hers. He had a sly grin directed at her, almost toying. She turned away instantly.
What the hell was he doing here? she thought.