Chapter 7: Heart wrenching arrangements

Caden

I rolled over and readjusted my duvet, blocking the chilling breeze coming through the open window. Despite my night’s rest, I still felt exhausted. The weight of yesterday’s chaos was crushing.

The doorbell rang throughout the house, but I dismissed the thought as Lillian handles all of our guests. The doorbell rang again and yet nothing came through. It rang once more. “Lillian?” Her name echoed throughout my room as I called for her but when I heard nothing, I called again.

“Where on earth is she?” I whispered to myself before letting out a sigh then tiredly sat up, concerned for both the person at the door and Lillian. Looking around the house, I saw signs on no human activity. Dad went to work, Jo was at school, and I think I remember mum having brunch plans with some friends, but, where is Lillian?

Reluctantly opening the door, Blayze’s secretary met my eyes the second the door was open. Behind her was a professionally dressed woman. The woman rolled her eyes in a not so subtle way, then directing her gaze to the ground. She clearly has some sort of issue with me, but I don’t think I’ve met her before. Blayze’s secretary cleared her throat.

“Mr. Norman has sent me here.”

“Well, what does Mr. High and Mighty demand of me now?”

“This is Jennifer Alistair. She’s here to guide you through the wedding planning for the next few days. Mr. Norman has requested that you spend the day with Ms. Alistair, now we must get started immediately if we want to meet the deadline of the twenty-fourth…”

“The twenty-fourth?! What happened to about a week? That’s three days from now!” I cried as I dug my hands into my hair.

“Well, you better get your acts together, his words, not mine. It’s time I get back to the office; I’ll leave Jennifer with you.” After hearing Blayze remark I let out a snort. Lisa, Blayze’s secretary, left soon after. I put on the best smile I could and held out a hand.

“Hello Ms. Alistair, I’m Caden Carter. I’m sorry you’re stuck with me.” I half joked but seriously deep down, I was sorry. It was so not going to be easy getting me all dressed up.

Returning my smile, she commented quite positively. “Please, just call me Jennifer and I’m sure you’re wonderful.”

I guided her to the living room and let her have a seat. “Do you need anything to drink? We have soft drinks, tea, coffee, and water,” I offered trying my best to be a great host.

“Oh, no thank you.”

“Well if you change your mind it’s in the fridge down the hall or feel free to ask. Anyways, I’m going to take a quick shower and change into something… presentable. I’ll be back shortly.” I told her before portraying a brief smile. She nodded with a smile of her own and then I was on my way back to my room. A part of me still wondering where Lilian could be.

---

Never in my life could I have imagined I would be in such a situation. Truthfully, wedding planning was no easy job. There were a lot of things to take care of and planning a high-class society wedding within nothing less than three days was a lot to do. A lot. I always imagined myself leaving all the work to the wedding planner. I’ll let her know of my preferences, show up for my dress fitting and finally show up on the very wedding day but unfortunately, high and mighty Blayze thought it would be better to get me involved in it all.

He might think he was doing me a favour but clearly, he so wasn’t. Apparently, the printing of the invitation cards was already being dealt with so after booking the hall for the exact wedding date, shopping for a few items, checking out the catering team in charge of the meals, and booking the team in charge of melody for that day, I was almost tired as hell. As I tried out several wedding dresses, I could hear Jennifer and the shop attendant debating on whether I looked good in it or not. Honestly, I didn’t care one bit what I looked like in any of them. I saw no reason in dressing up for something my heart wasn’t in. After spending many hours begging for mercy, Jennifer insisted that we persisted. Personally, I think she’s afraid of Blayze, even if she doesn’t want to admit it to me. I could see how tired she had grown from all the day’s work but she wouldn’t admit it.

“How close are we to being done today? Please let’s go home, rest and we’ll continue tomorrow.” I pleaded as I tried on the next shoe. My feet were killing me and she persisted I wear something elegant. Ignoring my complaints, she listed off the things we still had to do and I honestly thought we were done.

“We’re getting there, we still need to head to the cake shop, get a makeup artist and choose your hairstyle.”

My eyes bulged out of their sockets. “You’ve got to be kidding me!” I exclaimed in disbelief then shook my head as I got up to my feet.

“That’s it! I’m sorry but I can’t do this. I tried but this isn’t me. I trust you so I’ll leave the rest to you.” I told her as I grabbed my bag then headed towards the door.

“Caden! Caden please! These are orders from Mr. Norman!” She explained as she rushed to catch up with me.

“After today, there is only two days until the wedding! We don’t have any other choice but to rush everything.” She explained trying to convince me.

“My measurements have been taken, and I’ve already chosen my style. You can do this. You do your job well. I really need to go. Thank you Jennifer.” I told her as I quickly walked away refusing to listen to any other thing she has to say. Poor Jennifer. I wish I could save her but clearly, I couldn’t.

Quickly, I jumped into my car, started it and sped towards my tiny office. Half of the day was gone already making me so late to work and far behind on my schedules.

I walk up to my one story building with pride bubbling in my chest. I bought this place a year ago after saving up some money while working with dad. I restore and build furniture with my friend. Honestly, I consider it as a dream job.

“Hey Caden, you’re late… again.” Sung my co-owner and friend, Mia.

“You don’t know the half of it.” I briefly stated before going into the bathroom to change into my work clothes. Mia and I were similar in height, but we differed in build. She had what anyone could describe as the perfect body whereas I… well I was petite. She had eyebrows carved by angels, her nose was perfectly structured, her small pink lips accented her face well, and her long brunette hair framed her face gracefully. Mia and I had met in college; we were course mates. She instantly caught my attention with her eccentric character and bouncy attitude. We weaved our dreams together and decided to start this business. Dad had plentiful offers but I desired to build something off of my own name, not someone else’s. I believe it’s called legacy.

“I’m sorry, a few rather annoying things came up.” I tried to give a vague answer.

“Annoying as in getting married to the hot and wealthy Blayze Norman!?” She exclaimed almost in a high pitched voice. Urgh! So much excitement for the wrong news.

“Oh my God Caden! When were you planning to tell your best friend that you’ve been dating a super hot businessman?” Mia asked as she grabbed me by the arms and shook a bit violently to my dissatisfaction. Afterwards, she stared at me in expectation of hearing an explanation from me but I just gave her a blank stare.

“Just to be clear, I wasn’t following you. It’s all over the internet! Stunning Blayze Norman is finally getting married! Then I see an image of the both of you. Seriously, why didn’t you tell me anything?” She explained clearly hoping her explanation worked its charm on me. I let out a sigh as I took her hands off my arms.

“First…” I started, ready to tell her the truth that there was never any dating in the first place but then I recalled the part where just my family and Blayze was supposed to know of the truth. I felt stuck but then Mia was like family to me. I’m sure she wouldn’t let anyone know of this secret.

“First what Caden?” She asked demanding an answer from me.

“Uh-um, first… first, you never tell me when you start dating.” I stated covering up my initial comment. I know, I’m doing the wrong thing but the lesser she knows, the better for her plus, she wouldn’t have to carry the burden of hiding such a big secret.

Mia scoffed before displaying a brief smile. “I do Caden. Turning this discussion back to you, don’t you know how lucky you are?” She questioned.

I let out a sigh.

“So I’ve heard but no one knows the truth about him. Sure he can pose on the cover of magazines to promote his business but that doesn’t get him close to being a bearable human being. He’s got no character, he’s plain rude and he talks to people as if he owns them!” I vented. Mia’s mouth dropped and her eyes were the size of the moon.

“Caden… are you sure you should be marrying this guy? Because it sounds like you both have some serious issues you need to work out. Were you publicised into saying yes to his proposal?” She asked and my brows slightly furrowed at her question.

“Publicised?”

“Yes, publicised. You know when a lady is proposed marriage to in public so the crowd goes aww and then they chant for her to say yes so she’s forced to comply or else by the next day, the internet portrays her as this evil and bad person who refused a sweet proposal from this sweet and innocent guy.” She explained but all I did was widen my eyes at her.

“Wow! You seriously watch too many bachelor series or something of that sort.” I told her as I walked past her to pick up my workstation goggles and put them on. Mia gasped as she turns to me.

“How did you know that Caden?” She asked, surprise really drawn on her face. I stared at her blankly confused for a moment before eventually shaking my head to forget she ever asked such a question. I began to put on my gloves.

“Sooo… returning to our earlier topic… Yep, I definitely think you guys have some serious issues if that’s the case.”

“Yeah, we do have some serious issues.” Mia and I instantly snapped our heads to the direction of the alluring voice. Blayze stood there in a black suit and tie. One hand in his pocket, his face held no expression just like the other day but yet, somehow, he managed to still look really good. Why do the evil ones always get blessed with great genes? Talk about Lucifer.

Mia took slow but steady steps backwards without taking her eyes off him and only stopped when she was by my side. She leaned a little closer to me so she could whisper.

“Oh-my-God Caden… I think I see Blayze Norman. Do you see him as well?” She asked in a whisper and I really couldn’t help taking a look at her, my brows slightly furrowed at her strange question.

“Yeah.” he repeated making me shift my eyes back to him.

“We have lots and lots of issues.” He continued as he took calm steps forward and only stopped when he was directly in front of me. I narrowed my eyes at him in annoyance refusing to look away. If he thinks showing up out of the blue and be crazy patronising would make me quiver with fear or make him seem cool, then he was dead end wrong? This man right here has no idea who Caden Carter is. Our glaring contest was only broken when Blayze slightly shifted his eyes to something by his side. His brows slightly ceased up. Curious about the change of expression on his face, I followed the direction of his eyes and that’s when I caught sight of Mia’s index finger lightly poking his arm. My eyes widen in embarrassment before I shift my eyes to Mia who seemed engrossed in what she was doing.

“Oh my God Caden! He’s real! He’s not one of my weird imaginations! He’s so real!” Mia exclaimed in excitement as she turns to me, eyes lit up with joy. A huge smile played on her face. I felt so embarrassed especially as I took a look at Blayze and still couldn’t read what his eyes were actually saying. It seemed as if they were mocking. Why is she never less girly whenever I need her to be? Urgh!

Immediately, I snatched her hand away from him and down to her side. So frustrating. Dear lord I need her to behave right now, I need all of the moral support I can get from this girl. I can’t have her acting like a teenager who is meeting her current celebrity obsession.

“Listen Blayze, up until this point in the day I’ve done what you asked but I actually have work to take care of, deadlines to meet. I need you to go so I’m able to upkeep my business.” I told him gaining back some courage but he did nothing of my expectation. I watched him look left and right, clearly scanning the entire place with his eyes before returning them back on me.

“You call this business?”

What?

“Unknowing to my knowledge, I’m actually doing you more of a favour than I thought. Clearly, you need help.”

“Excuse me?” I asked, a little surprised by how rude he was. Who the hell does he think he is? I stare at him and I see no remorse regarding the insults he just rendered on me. I get it, he’s trying to belittle me but I’m not going to let him win without putting up a great fight. My name doesn’t mean little fighter for no reason.

“Now you listen to me, Mr. High and mighty, I have chosen a well-respected career choice and I don’t appreciate you coming into my work place only to insult it. This isn’t your business and so you don’t have a say in anything that goes on here. Therefore, I’ll ask you nicely once more to please leave my building.” I retorted, crossing my arms in an attempt to appear firm but the look on his face wasn’t very encouraging. He neither looked pleased with my firmness or at least half threatened by me. Well, how could he? My height barely reached his chin and my petite frame didn’t help matters either. It was like a bunny threatening a wolf. Yeah, so not cool and story of my life.

“No and for your information, I came here for a reason. It didn’t please me one bit walking in here.”

“Really? Then I don’t see why you’re actually still standing here.” I replied quite quickly. The immediate glare he threw at me told me that I definitely hit a nerve.

“Caden.” Mia called in a whisper as she leaned closer once more.

“He’s your fiance, right? Why are you speaking to him in such a rude manner?” She asked and I had to shift my eyes to her. The look of confusion on her face quickly reminded me of the fact that she doesn’t know what’s actually going. It made me feel weak.

“She’s right.” We immediately turn back to him.

“Why are you speaking to me in such a rude manner?” He repeated, something about his tone very daring. If he thinks I won’t speak back, then he’s wrong.

“Well, if you really want a reply to that question then so be it. You are…” I started as I watched him take a look at the time on his wristwatch.

“I’m wasting my time here. Let’s go Caden.” He rudely interrupted and before I could get a chance to react or even think of something else to say, he grabbed me by the arm and pulled me along with him towards the exit of the office.

“Let go of my arm this instant! You’re hurting me.” I ordered then complained as he dragged me along but all that fell on deaf ears.

When we reached his car, he opened the front door and roughly pushed me in. I could see Mia coming out of the office, a confusing look playing on her face. I could read her lips as she shouted my name but unable to hear as the car started.

“You’re insane! So insane! I have never met a man like you in my entire life!” I admitted whilst shaking my head in disbelief as he drove off.

After a minute or two of driving he suddenly pulled over. He undid his seat-belt and leaned in closer towards me, causing me to press up against the glass of the car window, trying to get as far away as possible. My heart was pounding in my chest; it was the only thing I could hear.

His eyes made contact with mine, only pure anger filled them.

“Listen to me very carefully Caden, when I tell you to do something, you don’t purposefully neglect them and simply walk out leaving Jennifer to do the work all alone that I assigned the both of you.”

“Personally, I don’t enjoy you planning things for me without consulting me first. Not only do I have work that is pressing but I also didn’t want to waste my time on something that was just for show, especially since you have shown no interest in planning this either.” I responded with a wobbly voice. The coarse tone was unusual for me. Stop getting emotional over this.

“Well Caden, whether this is purely for show or not is currently up to you. Eventually you’ll happily be my wife and then, you’ll agree with me. Never forget any uncalled for actions will be reprimanded, so keep your father in mind when deciding what kind of stunts, you’re willing to try.” He snarled. Swallowing, I felt my cheeks become as hot, and breathing became more difficult. I felt stuck after mentioning my dad. Blayze’s steaming demeanour let me know exactly how truthful he really was. He strapped himself once more with his seat-belt.

“I have to start somewhere with your punishment, don’t I?” He asked a strange question causing my brows to slightly cease up as I looked up to him. A part of me patiently waiting to hear the nonsense that would slip out of his mouth.

“You’re not to return to that office you call workplace.”

“What?”

“Failure to adhere to my instructions once more would warrant a greater punishment.” He added before I could say anything more and after a second or two of staring at him, I let out a light chuckle.

“This must be a dream. This right here really has to be a dream because I don’t see what I, Caden Carter would be doing sitting and about to get married to a male chauvinist such as yourself. This is definitely a bad dream I truly have to wake up from.”

“Choose whatever psychotic approach you prefer to this reality but it’s not going to change my decision so you best not get on my bad side.”

“Screw you Blayze!” I exclaimed quite furious at the manner in which he kept talking. I’m done with this madness and with this thought, I quickly pushed the door to open and stepped down from the car, slamming the door shut afterwards. I began walking in the opposite direction his car was headed.

“Who does he think he is? Punishment!? Me!?” I exclaimed in full distaste. I’m definitely returning to the office and Mr. high and mighty can jump off a building if he doesn’t like the idea.