Genesis looked into the mirror as she held her hair up in a ponytail. She couldn't decide whether to let it down or pack it into a ponytail. She never liked her hair color and always dyed it, but these days she had been too busy to do so. It was jet black. Making a mental note to dye it as soon as possible.
She let it down, still looking into the mirror; she'd call him after having breakfast. She laughed. This was crazy. She had to do it for her mom, for the happiness she had dreamt of. Her stomach rumbled as she smelled pancakes. Was Chelsea cooking? She hurried out of the room.
The smell of pancakes filled the kitchen. Genesis was greeted with the view of Chelsea singing as she plated Mum's meal. She leaned on the door, watching curiously. Why was she overjoyed? She pushed that thought aside. Chelsea's cooking was disastrous, the kitchen was in chaos. She squinted. Was that three broken eggs on the floor?
"Chelsi," she called, making her jump.
"Don't do that again, you scared the shit out of me!" she exclaimed.
Genesis laughed. "What are we celebrating?" she scanned the mess.
"You're becoming Mrs. Morales."
Genesis rolled her eyes. "Let it rest, girl, I haven't even called him yet." She reminded her
Genesis began cleaning the kitchen while Chelsea set the table. They had finished cleaning the kitchen, she went to her mother's room to give her breakfast. She was still sleeping. Quietly, she placed the tray on the nightstand and gently kissed her mother's forehead before leaving. As she arrived at the landing, there was someone at the door. She hummed to herself as she went to the door.
She stepped back as she saw Vincent standing at the door, his hand held up mid-air. She noticed the small smile that danced at the corner of his. He seemed distracted, she noted.
"What are you doing here?" her voice was flat.
"Good morning to you, too, Queenie." His voice was pleasingly deep.
She said nothing in response, instead she studied him, and for the first time for the few seconds they stood at the door she noticed he was holding a bouquet. Not just any flower, it was cosmos. Her favorite. Her eyes lingered on them long enough to notice.
"Erm, I saw the news and thought I should apologize for the inconvenience it might have caused you."
"And you brought flowers?" she scrunched her face.
"It's better than showing up empty-handed." He waited for her to reply, "and I thought you'd like them."
"Do you just throw money at your problems, Mr. Morales?"
He raked his fingers through his hair, feeling guilty. "Do you interrogate your visitors at the door before letting them in?"
They exchanged glances. She then stepped aside to let him in he handed the flowers to her as he entered the house.
He surveyed the living room as they stepped in. Surprised at first, he loved how simple it looked. There were signs that people lived in it. Unlike his, where there were a lot of staff to pick up after you. There was a book on one of the sofas and a handbag on the other. The room was cozy.
"Genesis, who's that at the door?" Chelsea asked as she entered the room. "Whoa!" she exclaimed as her gaze fell on Vincent. She turned her gaze to Genesis, who was holding the large bouquet. She arched her brows as she noticed the flowers were Genesis's favorite and smiled.
"You're welcome, Mr. Morales." She said, "Why didn't you offer him a seat?" She added before Vincent could reply.
"I was about to." She replied in a small voice.
She walked past Genesis to Vincent, holding his hand, she led him to the kitchen. "You came just in time, we were about to have breakfast."
Vincent turned to look at Genesis as he followed Chelsea sheepishly to the kitchen. Genesis slightly tilted her head to the side and bobbed her shoulder.
He smiled. This must be the best friend. He guessed as they got to the kitchen. The smell of pancakes filled his nostrils as he took a seat. The kitchen was small yet homely. He watched Genesis place the flowers on the counter. She carried herself with so much gracefulness, even with the littlest things she did. He watched her hair sway as she moved, making him imagine unspeakable things he could do with her hair. He wanted to feel it once more. He had tucked her hair behind her ears at the bar last night, assuring himself that it would be the last time, but now he craved to do so again, even if it was just the tips.
His eyes moved from her hair to her face as she turned to the table holding a plate. He assumed that was for him since the table had been set for two. Her face was flawless. That was the word he could think of to describe her face. She reminded him of a fox and wondered if she knew how much power she willed with such beauty.
He swallowed hard as she leaned beside him to place the plate on the table. Her heat attracted him. He wanted to hold her so he could feel her heat much longer and get drowned in her scent. He quickly turned away, reminding himself that it was all wrong. He was a man of control and discipline. He reminded himself, yet, He had the house surrounded with security and was about to have breakfast with a woman he barely know.
"Tea or coffee?" Chelsea asked, forcing him out of his thoughts.
"Coffee"
"I'll take it you're a coffee lover."
His gaze was on Genesis. "Yes." He replied distractedly. Chelsea smiled.
Genesis groaned inwardly, she didn't want him here. At least not now. Chelsea's attitude towards him was what she least needed right now. She sipped on her mug of tea as she sat at the table listening to them make small talk as they ate. She noticed he was secretive. He spoke, without giving much information. She was an open book, at least those close to her knew everything about her. She never hides anything from Chelsea or her mother. Chelsea would know or find out if she didn't say a word.
She didn't eat much, how could she? When she was about to do the craziest thing anyone would do in their lifetime. She watched Chelsea clear the table and hurry to the living room. The silence between them was long and awkward. He cleared his throat, about to say something.
"I'll do it," she blurted
He arched his brows and said nothing.
"But I have my terms." She continued while catching a glimpse of the smile on the corner of his mouth.
"I'll call my lawyer and get the paperwork done today."
"Isn't that kinda quick?"
He crossed his hands against his chest. "The civil wedding date has been set."
"What does that mean?" She was puzzled by this. She had a feeling she was going into an agreement she might not get out of. Though she wasn't okay with the idea, it was obvious he needed her, and she also needed the money. She agreed. After all, it will be over in a year.
"The wedding is on Monday." He replied.
She kept his gaze on him and sighed. "Please get me the vase from the top shelf." She instructed.
He hesitated but did as she requested. "The flowers to please." She said as he placed the vase before her. He obeyed quickly this time.
"You know you will be in the spotlight if you're going to be my wife." He informed her. Hoping to change her mind. He wanted her safe. His world was too dangerous.
She nodded in response and began to arrange the flowers in the vase. "They already have their suspicion, last night went viral," she finally said.
"In a few weeks, everyone will forget about it and focus on whatever will be the trend." He wondered why they suddenly wanted to protect her as he spoke.
"We've started this. There's no turning back," She said, holding his gaze. Her voice was firm. She frightened him, and he didn't like that.
"I'll speak to my mum about this, then we'll have dinner so I can introduce you to her. Then the paperwork will be done tomorrow."
He looked at her, not knowing how to respond. He was the one who always gave orders and made decisions. He didn't know how to reply to her, so he stayed silent.