Bride of Convenience

Chapter 15

He rang the doorbell at precisely seven. He was dressed in his favourite tuxedo it always brought him great luck and women went weak at the knees when he wore it. She opened the door, and he said.

“Your chariot awaits my dear lady.” He was a little breathless. She had looked amazing every time they went out, and he couldn’t understand how each time she looked even more stunning. He hair was swept up as always, every time it was swept up it seemed different. Why did she still wear it up? At work, it was in a tight bun. When would he see it down framing her face? He knew exactly when that would be.

“So where are we off to?” She asked.

“Just a function we were invited to.” He answered. She was smiling at him, but he knew she must have been hurting still. Who wouldn’t, the press had basically called her second best, and that’s how he had treated her last night. Then he had the nerve to hurt her even more by bringing up Adrian, yet he couldn’t believe he had sunk that low. He made her cry, and that’s something he never wanted to do again.

They arrived at another social event. Photographers were out taking their shots. She felt a slightly sickly feeling in her belly. Which one had called her meek, the woman that couldn’t hold Harrison?

“I was meant to come without a partner to this tonight. However, I pulled a few strings and got you an invite. I hope you enjoy it.” He whispered in her ear, his warm breath was making her putty in his hands. They stopped and smiled for a few photos. As they entered Julia still was unsure what they were attending. Then she saw the pictures, hundreds of images of children who were injured or sick. It was a charity auction to raise funds for the new children’s hospital. There were some very distinguished people there. They enjoyed the evening. Harrison brought a couple of pictures that were hand painted by the children and framed he paid a small fortune for them. They were seated places for everyone to sit and dinner was to be served shortly. Harrison led her to her seat but instead of sitting down walked off in the other direction. She wasn’t sure what was going on.

“This event couldn’t be possible tonight without the organisation of Harrison Bendleman.” A lady was on stage talking and everyone hushed. “Harrison came to us and told us he wanted to put on a fundraiser to give us the much-needed funds for the hospital. He came up with the wonderful idea of the auction and handled all the details himself. So I wish for you to put your hands together and thank Mr Harrison Bendleman.” Harrison walked on stage looking stunningly while everyone stood and clapped.

“Thank you. Please take your seats. As you are aware, the children’s hospital has been a great project of mine. My Aunty Sally, bless her sole, purchased this hospital when it was run down and had nothing. She spent an amazing amount of her time here, and I know she would be so proud to see how far it has come today and the donations of the generous people here. My Aunty Sally was an exceptional person, and she touched many people’s hearts. If you knew her, you knew she had a very warped sense of humour.” Julia was stunned she had assumed by there first meeting that he had not liked his Aunty especially since she forced him into a marriage he didn’t want. It seems she was sadly mistaken, he seemed to have loved her dearly. Behind him, a photo of Aunt Sally was projected onto the wall. “When she passed recently, everyone assumed that the hospital would be forgotten about, but I here to assure you I am definitely making this one of the most important projects on my list. So this hospital will not be forgotten about, and you can expect to see more fundraising events like this one on a regular basis. So if you would be so kind as to raise your glasses and toast to a lovely lady, Aunty Sally.” He turned and faced the photo on the wall, and everyone stood and repeated ‘Aunty Sally’. She was shocked nobody at work knew about this event. She wondered why he kept it from them. “Speaking of wonderful ladies. I hope you won't mind if I head off track a little. If Julia could please join me on stage.” Everyone turned and looked at her. She nervously got to her feet and headed for the stage. He waited till she was by his side. “Doesn’t she look amazing in that dress?” Everyone clapped in agreeance. Julia blushed. “Julia never had the pleasure of knowing my Aunty Sally. However, she kinda brought us together, and that has impacted me beyond words.” She took a deep breath. He turned to the photo and continued “Aunty Sally I’m sure you would have loved Julia had you met her and I brought her here today because to me she is everything and I wanted to thank you for bringing her to me.” The whole crowd was silent, you could’ve heard a pin drop. He turned and faced her. He got down on one knee and produced a box, he opened the box to reveal a marvellous diamond she had ever seen. “Julia, since I met you my world has been turned upside down. I can’t imagine my life without you in it for even one day. I would be the proudest man here tonight and the happiest if you would do me the greatest honour by becoming my wife. I love you, Julia.” She was speechless, everyone was staring at her waiting for an answer, but all she could do was stare with her mouth slightly open. How Sophisticated! People were starting to fidget in their seats anxious for her reply. She knew this was make-believe, she knew those perfect words he had just said were not right. She knew in her heart he didn’t love her, but she couldn’t help herself a single tear streaked down her cheeks. She still hadn’t said anything. Harrison was looking a little uncomfortable.

“Julia, I actually require an answer.” He said which brought her back to what was going on. She laughed which seemed to make him more comfortable.

“Of course, I will. Yes” The whole place erupted with cheers. Harrison stood and slipped the ring on her finger. A perfect fit, how did he know? He placed his hand at the nape of her neck and gently pulled her to him and kissed her. Her heart was pumping that hard she thought it might burst through her chest and splat on stage. Camera flashes were going off in all directions. People were clapping and talking. But she felt like she and Harrison were the only people in that room looking deeply into each other’s eyes. Her world had just changed, and while she knew this was going to happen, she had not expected it to affect her this way. Harrison took her hand and led her to the crowd of people waiting to congratulate them. The rest of the evening was a blur. She can’t remember how many people she spoke with or how many said she was the luckiest girl alive. The limo drive back to the apartment was when she started to feel a little more alert.

“I didn’t know you’re Aunt Sally meant that much to you?”

“She was a great woman, just because she left a final joke in her will that annoyed the crap out of me, doesn’t mean I love her any less. She always wanted me to settle down with someone have babies. She had a lot of money and never settled down. She regretted it. She would actually agree with your statement that power and money aren’t everything. I ran into trouble about five years into my business someone sued me. Although the allegations were not founded, I lost a lot of money and business over it. Aunty Sally brought the shares in my company off me so I could keep going. Well, the rest you know.”

“Do you hide that side of your life the hospital and your aunt?”

“I’ve never gone to those functions before. Aunt Sally did them all. I gave donations all the time, but they were always anonymous. I wasn’t going to go tonight and do a speech I was just going to sit there and do a bit of bidding. However, after last nights error on my part, I needed to make the world still believe I was smitten with you and that there was nothing between Katrina and me. So I sprung it on them last minute. Were you surprised?”

“I had actually thought you would tell me when you were planning on doing it. I was caught off guard.”

“Perfect. If I had told you you’re reaction wouldn’t have been the same. Tomorrow we plan. We need a wedding, and we need one fast, so tonight go home make a list of your guest I will do the same and tomorrow night you come to my house for your first cooking lesson. We can compare notes and pick a date.” He lent over and kissed her cheek. “You did good tonight. Thank you.” He got out of the car and walked her to the door of the apartments. As usual, they had their pretend kiss goodnight, in case any photographers were hiding in the bushes, and he watched until she was in the building. Always a gentleman!

Sleep was difficult that night. Tomorrow she was not looking forward too.