CHAPTER 5
Chris needs to get out. Agnes floored him, and no coherent thoughts came to his mind. Has he gone mad? Only one day, that woman had created havoc and made him feel like he was on a roller coaster. That woman has crafted disorder to his system--- the system that he erects for so many years. He cannot fail again.
Lea was a sweet and exquisite woman. He felt madly and deeply in love with her because she was the ideal woman any man could dream of marrying. But now, why is he so attracted to this woman? Just the thought of that image at the garden sends him spinning. She was getting into his nerves.
He drove his mustang out of the castle grounds. He doesn't want to tell anyone that he left very early. Escape. If he stayed another second. He doesn't know what he's going to do with that temptress. He pushed all his frustration to the car. Pumping it so hard that it roared, breaking the silence of the early morning, scattering the birds from their slumber and flying out from the comfort of the forest. He must distance himself from the castle. He needs to re-think his plan.
At last, he can see the sleepy town. He stops at the nearest bar and jumps out from behind the car. The bar owner, who was about to close the door turned around, irritated at the passenger who alighted like he didn't have a care if he rammed on his store. The bar owner gasped. He knows this tall man, walking purposely towards him.
"Chris, is it you? You still remember me?" He laughed and hugged the man.
"Hi Pete, do you still offer drinks at this hour? I mean, if it's okay," he said, shaking his hand at the same time. How could he forget Pete? He was the one who consoled him during his most trying time when Lea had just walked out from their wedding day. He was drunk for a week, not leaving Pete's Bar. After the bar owner talks some sense into him every day, Chris stands up and goes away. He left town with only the shirt on his back.
"Come in, man." he seated his old friend on the barstool and poured him a beer. "How you've been?" The older guy studied Chris Duvier. He looked more handsome than the last time he saw him. Well, he was drunk then and in deep shit. Now, you can feel the power and confidence in how he moves. But the eyes did not betray the soul. In there, he still saw the glint of dark anger and bitterness in his heart and mind. Well, this one is new. Chris, as he remembered, was never confused, even if facing a significant problem.
"I'm fine. Do you have anything else better than beer? I need it strong today." Pete frowned. Duvier is not himself today. He poured him the special wine he usually keeps for an unpredictable occasion like this one. The man gulped it in one go and poured another.
"Are you sure about this, Chris?" the younger man just smiled and asked for another shot. The bartender sighed; this would be one of those days.
Suddenly Chris's phone rang, breaking the silence between them. He irritably pulled out his phone from his side pocket and read the name that registered on the screen. It was David Bern. His trusted friend and the head of his legal division. They've known each other since Chris started in the big city. He is the one helping him get the deals that propelled him to his new status. He was a working student in one of those snobby prestigious schools when he met David Bern. Unlike Chris, he was already wealthy when they met. But the two become best friends, even with the disparity of their social class.
"Hi David..." his voice slurred a little.
David frowned. He can hear the slurring of his friend's voice from the telephone. The contract must have messed him up a bit. But he has good news that he is sure Chris would appreciate. He said happily, "Hey buddy; I've got splendid news. The contract you sent me yesterday has loopholes. You can get out of it."
"I don't want to get out---I want the marriage."
Silence.
"What?! But yesterday you're so furious...." David stammered.
Chris suddenly laughed. His friend is not himself today. "Are you drunk at seven in the morning?"
"Nope... Just do my instruction." Chris paused and said, "Make sure it's a real marriage. Send me the draft today."
He added, "And give me all the information you can get out of Agnes Walden. I want to know what she eats; she reads. She wore…" Agnes wore nothing.
The image of her naked body flooded his mind. Enjoying the torture he is going through. "Everything about her. What made her itched? what made her good or bad?"
"What good or bad?" David was more confused now.
"And wickedly bad too... find out for me. I want it tomorrow, David. Make sure you send it to me ASAP." He ended the call right away. He knows David would always reason with him like the lawyer he is. His is beyond reason now. Nobody can change it.
The bartender watched the man. He was smiling as he had already won. "Come, Pete, it's time to celebrate. This one for you." Chris poured him a glass. "Congratulate me. I'm getting married soon. Cheers!"
The three of them were facing each other on the oak table. Today, Aunt Liz looks stern with her aristocratic, wearing her favorite brooch with carefully coiffed hair. The dress she chose was a classic Chanel black dress. She breathes and looks regal.
Agnes, for her part, wore a very conservative black garb that did not show her figure. She wore her hair in a tight bun and her face bare from any cosmetics. She also wore her reading glasses. Today, she wants to look smart. She needs to make sure that she will say about this agreement that her aunt and Chris Duvier agreed.
"What are you doing?" Ann clucked like a mother. She tried to take off her clothes. "You cannot see that man looking like you're about to be sentenced."
"Well, that's how I feel, Ann!" she said irritably. "Marriage to a stranger without a say, if the man loves you or not. It is a prison."
"But you love him..." Ann looked at her in confusion.
"That was before — I talked to him. I did not realize that his arrogant, opinionated, and infuriating all these years. Mind you; this is not the man I imagine. I hate him!"
Ann smiled, "So you talked? When did it happen?"
She blushed. "You wouldn't want to know." She looked at Ann guiltily. The maid just watched her with those knowing eyes and whistled a cheerful tone.
Three days after her parade, she remembered shamefully; they met again. He was bringing his lawyer, David Bern. She was standing near the library door when Chris Duvier arrived. He did not even open the door for her. He was all business and never once looked at her. She stole a glance at him—sharks must have looked like him when there are about to eat their prey. Agnes felt like a wallflower. The way he treated her as if she didn't exist anymore. She must have found her lacking. The confidence she was building for three days dwindled just like that. She tried to console herself. Men like Chris Duvier have a parade of naked women. He must have forgotten her because she was not significant enough to capture his attention. "Oh God, please stop this torture now..." she prayed silently.
Aunt Liz was also bringing her counsel, her dear old Mattie, as she fondly calls him. Matt Twinkle, an old friend who had been handling Walden's affair for so many years. His father, too, has been Walden's keeper of essential papers. It seems he also inherited his purpose in life to serve them. Agnes was always the companion of Aunt Liz when she visited the Twinkles office. Old Mattie always has something for her every time she goes with her aunt. He teaches her about Walden's essential documents that she has to read one by one and commit by heart.
She brought Ann to be with her. Agnes wants the assurance of the maid's presence. Her aunt raised her brows when Agnes brought the maid with her. Agnes averted her eyes, trying to ignore her Aunt Liz's silent reprimand. Somebody must witness her side. Nobody knows that she's been researching books for any legal remedy to her predicament. She was frustrated that she could not find a solution to her problem. The only solution was to deny the marriage arrangement. When she remembers the conversation that she heard in the library, her conscience cannot allow it. Lea and Chris must have their second chance of love. She has to sacrifice her feelings for the man. Just for a year, she will suffer it gladly. This arranged marriage is her gift to Lea.
Chapter SixSelf- preservation The counsel of Lady Elizabeth cleared his throat, "If everybody now is ready..." he looked at the Baroness. She nods. He cleared his throat and read in a monotonous voice. He rumbled on and on about Walden’s Edict that has not changed for decades then he paused, looked at her, and continue his reading" The stipulation of the contract is the following, that the ownership of the castle will be transferred to the firstborn, Agnes Daniel Walden only when she marries Chris Bennett Duvier." "That the Lady of Winshord Castle, Lady Elizabeth Charles Walden, will automatically give up her rights as the owner, of the castle and the land it was built and her title as the Lady will be pass on to the firstborn Agnes Daniel Walden if the marriage ceremony is performed by the priest. The priest is handpicked by the current owner of the castle. All parties should sign the marriage document to
CHAPTER SEVENJUST BETWEEN US David watched his friend silently. Something has changed in him. He has seen this before. A light glittered from the depth of his eyes. He shivered at the sheer determination of it. It is the look when he is about to take over a business. The anticipation of a conquest shone in his eyes. Chris Duvier became a billionaire for nothing. He was ruthless at times. His ways are unorthodox that sometimes it takes those companies by surprise. He was a merciless shark when he sheaths those fangs. "So that’s Agnes Walden." He queried curiously. Wanting to know more about the woman who stood defiantly at his friend. Right then, he admired her. David thought she was an avenger then. She was also beautiful. Whoever made a report about her being plain was a lazy inspector. He made a note to himself to fire that unfortunate man. Chris looked at him silently, smiling. " Ahh, I see
CHAPTER EIGHT Prick the Wound The contract signing between her, Lady Elizabeth, and Chris Duvier were gloomy. The rain outside poured heavily like the environment, inside the castle library. Agnes wore again her black frock and her pair of glasses. She felt relaxed now that she manages to have an agreement with Chris. They signed the contract without hesitation. She smiled. She felt vindicated of the mistake she made eight years ago. She can smile again for her sister and Chris. She just hopes that they will love the castle as well as the people inside it. A sigh of relief escaped from Lady Elizabeth. “This call for celebration.” Smith suddenly appears pushing a trolley with the champagne, wine glass, and a dainty cake. “Duvier, my niece especially made this cake for you. She said special people need a special cake.” The lady smiled at he
CHAPTER NINEWedding JittersLea stared at herself in the mirror. Her blue eyes are more violet now after the tears grace her wide expressive eyes. The news of the Walden-Duvier wedding trumpeted in all media outlets. Everybody who knows Chris Duvier talked and wants to be invited. The news dabbed the union as the wedding of the year. She, however, felt the hurt of the news. Even now, Chris was very much a part of her. Nothing could erase the pain she suffers for the man she truly loves. The most painful part of it was that the woman he will marry is her sister. Her sister causes the problem in the first place. If only Agnes had kept her mouth shut while she plans to marry Chris eight years ago. She knows that her eldest sister had always wanted Chris for herself. She turns traitor to her sibling. At first, she did not notice Chris Duvier. Lea cannot imagine her
CHAPTER 10 Dilemma " Do you want me, Agnes? Even if I will have nothing, would you still want me?" She stared at his eyes. If only you know Chris Duvier, that my heart already belongs to you. Long before you set eyes on my sister. Much longer before that. The first day when I saw you standing in front of the horse while you talked to them. My heart was also communicating with you. Long before you glance at me dismissively you already took my heart away. I love you. Even now, my heart is aching, I will stilllove you because part of me is already yours a long time ago. Suddenly unbearable pain twisted her heart. She said, "What change you, Chris Duvier? I remember, a boy who was good and kind. What happen to you?" She asked him sadly. Her hand unconsciously touched his beautiful
CHAPTER 11 Far, far away in a distant land, a bride stood in front of the entrance of the church fidgeting and very worried about her future. Agnes felt her secure world tumbling down on her as she gazed at the heavy door of the church. She must have lost her mind to agree to this solemn and religious event turning into a farce of make-believe love story that the world thought was perfect as the media continually hype for the sake of one Chris Duvier. "Lord, please do not strike me with lighting." Agnes silently prayed. Her cold clammy hands gripped the floral bouquet that cascaded down to the floor. It was like carrying sacksful of guilt and remorse on this momentous occasion. She dreaded this day but there was no turning back now. It is a do-or-die moment for her now. Agnes holds back her tears as she suddenly heard the orchestra start the wedding march. The steps she took, timid and uneasy and each step se
CHAPTER 12Sunshine poured inside her bedroom making her wince when she opens her eyes. She looked around and saw her wedding gown fold neatly in a box. She remembered, her Aunt Liz and the servants waiting for the newlywed at the castle entrance. Her new husband, step down from the car while she followed clumsily behind with the bellows of white lace and tulle. Ann ran towards her and help her with the gown she was wearing. The maid stopped in her tracks when she saw Agnes’ face, mascara and makeup dried up on her cheeks after she stops crying. Ann hurriedly pulls out from her pocket a white handkerchief and wipes her face tenderly. “Beas, the man is a beast. I can’t believe he made you cry.” Chris strode at the steps of the castle and smiled triumphantly. His eyes roamed at the old building with possession in his eyes. He smi
CHAPTER 13 The early morning fog covered her figure as she tries to sneak in back to Winshord. Agnes climbed stealthily to the back gate and sprinted towards the veranda where her bedroom was located. She ran to the stone steps, open the sliding door with her spare key, and safely entered her room with no hitched. She sighed in relief. At last, she was safe in her bedroom. Undressing quickly, she dived in the covers of her bed. A blissful sigh escapes from her lips. At last, she sleeps peacefully. Fuzzily, she felt a presence beside her on the bed. Sleepily, she pushes the covers beside her and saw an arm. A male arm lazily stroked her leg. She screams but before she can do so, a hand covered her mouth. She struggled and push and kicked him on the stomach. “Ouch!” Chris Duvier rol