CHAPTER 5

4 years back

Nancy got the biggest shock of her life after finishing her last year at the University when she came to know about her betrothal. Her deceased mother had promised to marry her daughter to her best friend's son , Andrew Riom. Nancy wasn't emotionally prepared for it neither could she go against her mother's last wish. She was confused as it was one of her life's biggest decision.

She was nervous as the day drew closer when she had to meet her fiancé. The day which she had dreaded finally came but it turned out to be quite an unexpected encounter for her which she hadn't even imagined.

Andrew had just started his career with a startup company. He was the legitimate heir of the RIOM enterprises which was established by his late grandfather but as Andrew had just finished his studies , he wanted to gain some experience in the business field without using his family name. After completing his studies , his only focus was the success of his startup company. The news of his betrothal seemed quite unexpected and unacceptable to him. It also led to a big commotion in the RIOM mansion.

Andrew ( shouted ) : My career has just started. I have a lot to do at the company. I'm a busy man. I have no time for love.

Mrs Riom ( in a loud tone ) : I have given my word to my friend. I can't back off from it now.

Andrew : Is the promise that you made to her more important than my career ?

Mrs Riom : We already have a company. I don't know why you want to start everything from scratch. You're just wasting your time.

Andrew ( angrily ) : I might be struggling at it but I will never quit. You won't understand it , mom. Does my happiness even matter to you ? Do you care about your dead friend more than your son ?

He couldn't continue his words any further as Mrs Riom slapped him hard across his face. Andrew was hurt by his mother's action. The aura between them was full of anger and melancholy. Mr Riom and Allen who had been witnessing the whole scenario without interfering in the mother- son argument also tried to stop Mrs Riom this time as she had gone too far with her actions.

Andrew ( gave up ) : I will meet her and give it a chance.

Saying this , he left the mansion and went back to the company.

1 week later

Mrs Riom had set up a romantic date for Andrew and Nancy as it was the first time they were meeting each other. Andrew who was a punctual man had reached the venue 15 minutes prior to the actual time. He waited for Nancy and seeing no sign of her , he decided to go back to the company when he bumped against a girl. He quickly held her by her waist to prevent her from falling. They had a quick eyelock before he had to let go of her because it was an embarrassing encounter.

Nancy : Are you Andrew ?

Andrew : You must be Nancy.

Nancy slightly nodded.

Andrew : Please be seated.

Nancy sat across Andrew who was still a bit embarrassed from the earlier encounter.

Andrew : I don't want to waste your time by beating around the bush so let me get this straight. I am not at all interested in this marriage. If it was not for my mother , I wouldn't have agreed to meet you.

Nancy : I am glad you feel the same. I don't want this marriage as well.

Andrew was slightly shocked by her statement. Never had he met a girl who would not show interest in him. He had met a lot of girls in his life , especially the ones who were after his money and looks but none of them could ignore his presence. Nancy was the first girl who didn't give him any attention and Andrew was quite surprised about it.

Nancy : What are you going to do about it ?

Andrew : I will try to convince my family , mainly my mom.

Nancy : Good luck then ! I need to go.

Amdrew ( awkwardly ) : Bye !

Andrew ( in mind ) : This was one of the weirdest moment of my life.

Andrew was in an important meeting with the shareholders when he received a call from his mother.

Andrew : Do you need anything , mom ?

Mrs Riom : Yes , I want you to visit Nancy and pass on a pendant to her. This was given to me by your late grandmother before the marriage. As a legacy , I have to pass it down to my daughter in law.

Andrew : Did you disturb my meeting for such a minor thing ? You could've just sent the driver over to their place.

Mrs Riom : I have informed them that you'll be reaching there in half an hour. Be fast if you don't want to be late.

Andrew looked at his watch and decided to adjourn the meeting so that he could be there on time.

Andrew : We'll discuss the upcoming projects next week. The meeting is adjourned.

Andrew drove to Nancy's house with the pendant. He was shocked to see the sight in front of him. He saw Nancy trying to escape from the window by sliding down a rope.

Andrew realised that the rope couldn't hold Nancy for long as it was not strong enough. The rope was about to break so he quickly rushed over to Nancy before she could fall and get hurt. He caught her before her feet touched the ground.

They stared into each other's eyes. Nancy couldn't help but admire his facial features and Andrew looked into her eyes lovingly. He noticed that her brown eyes had double eyelids with long black eyelashes. The beautiful moment had to be interrupted as Nancy was in a rush. She quickly got out of his grip and ran towards Andrew's car.

Nancy ( shocked ) : Wow ! Is this Tesla ?

Andrew ( dramatically ) : It hurts to know that you love the car more than me.

Nancy ( admiringly ) : It's looks so cool.

Andrew : Allen has a 'better car collection' than mine. I'll take you to his personal garage some day.

Nancy gasped in shock hearing it.

Nancy : You have such a moneyed lifestyle.

Andrew laughed at her statement.

Andrew : Well….you can say that. By the way , why were you acting like a monkey earlier ? You could've gotten hurt.

Nancy ( surprised ) : Has the hell frozen over ?

Andrew : What do you mean ?

Nancy ( smirked ) : Are you worried about me , Mister Andrew ?

Andrew : Would you believe me if I said that you are my responsibility ?