Chapter 3: Surprise Engagement

VAUGHN'S POV

The ride back to the manor was too short. I was lost in thought as the driver drove down the driveway and Elaine alighted. "Vaughn, come on, we are home," she stated.

I dragged my feet and headed straight to the manor's east wing extension. Mother had allocated the whole area to me since she knew I valued my privacy. I rushed to the bedside table and took out my laptop. Accessing the hidden file, I stared at Wade's face.

I had snapped the picture after the first time we met at the gallery. He stood staring at a painting on the vast gallery walls. The picture was taken from a side angle but did not hide how muscular and tall he was. His broad shoulders, long legs, and physicality stood out. One would mistake him for a rugby player. I wanted him that instant.

When our eyes clashed, my body vibrate with need. He was truly the object of my desires. Fear gnawed my stomach when he took a step toward me this evening. Yet I remained standing in his presence basking in the lust. He was like the forbidden fruit that I wanted to taste. I knew that one mistake could lead to results that would disappoint a lot of people.

And when he touched his lips, I knew then the only thing left for me was to run. As far away from the sparks and chemistry. My sexual preference was unknown to anyone. Especially my family. The elite society of Malta was cruel, and I was sure Mother would be the most disappointed.

I closed the folder and lay on the bed in deep thought. I needed a way to meet him without anyone knowing or suspecting my intentions. Just meeting him would be enough, right?

Early the next day, during breakfast, Ma announced, "I am hosting dinner tonight. Sam Bexley and some of the members of the society will be coming."

Sam Bexley was the wealthiest businessman in Malta. He hailed from Comino Islands and his family had settled in Valletta where they accumulated wealth over time running the hotels and manufacturing industries.

"What do you need from us, Ma?" Elaine asked.

"Nothing. Just make sure you attend the event and be on your best behavior. Vaughn that goes for you, too." The stern warning from my mother was enough to irritate me.

"Noted, Ma. May I be excused? I am not hungry anymore." I stood up and left.

I could hear my mother sigh and Elain stated, "I will ensure he behaves Ma."

And with that, I walked to the west wing and disappeared out of sight.

I spent the entire day hiding in the Everette hotel. Pa passed away years back and I was left to manage the hotel business. Dinner with the elite was not my cup of tea. Ma being the mayor, hosted a lot of elite families and businessmen. It was her usual day in and day out when she was not out working.

As the day ended, Elaine's messages and calls nagged me to a point of leaving the hotel and heading home. The phone rang again, and it was Elaine. "What?" I answered.

"Vaughn, Ma is complaining. Where are you?" she scolded me.

"I'm on my way home. I should be there in ten minutes," I informed her.

"Wear the suit that has been delivered to you," she stated and then disconnected the call.

There wasn't a day that went by when I did not regret being born into the elite society. The expectations were too much for my soul to bear. I had to pretend day in and day out. And I was growing more tired day by day.

Getting home and dressing was a drag for me. Ma had good taste and I could tell the suit had been imported from Italy. Once dressed, I walked into the dining hall to greet the guest and be a good son to Ma. Nodding in greeting, Elaine walked over and smiled. "Vaughn, you are here."

"I would rather be elsewhere," I whispered and she laughed.

"You can't run away from who you are. Let's make this dinner a success for Ma."

Ma spotted me and she beamed. Beckoning us to join her, we walked to the center of the room. She grabbed me in a hug and then turned around and announced, "Esteemed guests, thank you so much for attending this event. My son Vaughn and daughter Elaine and I welcome you to the Everette Manor."

There was a round of applause and then Ma proceeded, "I am humbled by the presence of Sam Bexley who has been supporting businesses and the people of Valletta."

Sam Bexley walked over to stand beside us. He was accompanied by his daughter Vera Bexley. She smiled at me and I ignored her as I turned to look at Elaine. Elaine's face was full of anger as she stared at Ma.

What the hell was going on?

Ma ignored her look and then she stated, "Sam and I have some important news to share with all of you."

Sam Bexley smiled widely and said, "I am proud to announce the union of the Bexley and the Everette families. The engagement of my daughter Vera to Vaughn Everett."

While the guests cheered my eyes blazed in anger as I stared at Ma. How could she plan such an outrageous event? "Engaged?" My sister's face mirrored mine but when I looked at Vera, she winked at me.

I was utterly disgusted. Ma passed around glasses of champagne as Vera moved to stand next to me. "Vaughn, darling," she murmured. Her voice made me want to vomit. Elaine's grip on my hand made me immobile. I knew that she had the same kind of feeling.

Everyone toasted the good news while I stood numb from the shock.

Elaine moved to stand in between me and Vera as she pretended to converse, allowing me to slowly slip from the crowd and I walked over to my wing. Ma must have followed me because the words she uttered stopped me in my tracks. "You can't blame me for doing this."

I heaved a sigh of frustration.

"I am only doing what is best for the family, Vaughn," she pressed.

I turned around. "Ma, marriage can't be forced. You know that very well. Do you want me to be unhappy?"

She took a step back. I had attacked her directly. Knowing well that her arranged marriage to Papa caused his death.

"Vaughn, you have no right to talk to me this way," she said in anger.

"And you have no right to arrange my marriage, Ma!" I yelled.

Elaine walked in at that moment, and she whispered, "Lower your voice, please. The guests are still here."

"We shall talk about this later, Vaughn. I want the best for my son and the family business. If only you would think about it. I am not asking you to marry Vera now," Ma said and walked back to the dining hall.

"Brother, calm down first. I will manage Ma," she said in a sympathetic tone.

I nodded and walked away. This kind of messed up elite society arranged marriage was not for me. Besides, Vera looked like a spoilt brat who would bring me lots of trouble. And Pa never liked Sam Bexley. He had always complained about him and his source of wealth. The further away I stayed from the dinner the better for my peace of mind. All I wanted was to get to my room and stare at the pictures of Wade.

The security at the entrance of the east side of the manor looked surprised when I walked back. "Don't allow anyone to enter. I don't want to be disturbed," I instructed in a huff.

"Are you also going to lock your fiancée out of your house?"

Vera Bexley stood at the entrance of my manor extension. She must have followed me and witnessed my outburst to Ma. "I don't like this as much as you do. This engagement benefits both our families. Why don't we try and work it out?"

I laughed sarcastically and responded coldly, "I am not interested in you or this engagement."

Her eyes burned in anger but the plastic smile on her face said it all. She was the kind that could not handle rejection well. The kind that was willing to drag this on and pretend she was happily engaged.

"I don't think you have a choice, Vaughn Everette." She smirked.

"My father taught me that we always have choices. Something your father is oblivious of," I responded, my voice laced with ice.

"You can't escape this time, Vaughn. We all know your ma has the final word. And I want this marriage. Why don't you date me and see?" Her smile was getting on my nerves.

"Date you? You are dreaming. I don't plan on marrying you ever, Vera." I turned to the security guards and affirmed, "Don't allow her in ever. She is banned from ever entering my wing."

"Vaughn Everette, you f*cking b*stard!" Vera screamed.

I laughed and smirked. "Finally, you are showing your true self, Vera Bexley."