A One night stand and arranged marriage novel

CHAPTER ONE

Freedom came in different forms and these forms were different for each individual. For Freya, getting out of her family's clutches even for one night was enough for her. The club lights flashed brightly at intervals lighting up the dance floor and its occupants. Freya felt the after effects of the drinks she had downed begin to take place. Her muscles loosened and her dance moves became more fluid. "Girl, you really know how to get down" the girl beside her shouted over the music. Freya giggled and sent a little butt wiggle in the girl's direction in response. A guy behind her attempted to cop a feel and Freya lightly slapped his hand away. Someone tapped her shoulder and she turned around, "My boss would like to see you" he shouted in her ears.

Freya frowned and shouted back, "Tell your boss to go suck it". The guy frowned and shook his head at someone seated a distance from them. "Hey, the boss doesn't look so bad" the girl said sliding closer to her, "plus he looks loaded" she added giving Freya a gentle push. Freya chuckled to herself, his supposed wealth meant nothing to her. "Lead the way" She instructed nodding at the man who had been sent to fetch her and he obliged.

The doors opened with a bang and two figures moved through before it managed to swing close. Freya dragged her hands through his hair and fisted them. The kiss was rough, primal, there was no romance and foreplay. It was a kiss filled with outrageous need as both mouths warred for dominance. He swore and tore his mouth from hers, locked the door and was devouring her again before her lust-hazed mind could clear up. He drew back an inch, and sharp burning blue eyes stared at her. She recognized the look in his eyes and felt herself getting hot. A second later, her dress was on the floor. Fast and greedy hands were on her now naked body before she had time to feel the chill of the night air. Matching his pace, she quickly unbuttoned his white shirt and ran her hands over his rock hard chest. She felt herself being lifted as his lips took one of her breasts and her head fell back. He dumped her on the bed not pausing his worship of her body and when he eventually drove into her, Freya let out a silent scream. The next morning, She awoke before he did and tiptoed out of the room holding her heels. On the bed, he watched her leave with a small frown on his face.

It was wonderful what a powerful name could do for you, Freya thought with a smirk. "Freya Devereux" She said sliding her card to the receptionist, "I want that room and I could care less about its current occupant" she continued watching with snide satisfaction as the receptionist's eyes widened and she hurriedly nodded. She glanced at her watch "I have an appointment right now so you have roughly two hours to get the room ready. That should suffice" Freya said turning around without waiting for a response.

"You look like you need a drink not a nail appointment". Freya laughed, "Too bad I'm on a temporary cleanse" she answered and sat down. "Which is something we both know won't last long", her partner stated with a chuckle. Freya glared at her sister, "You are lucky I love you" she said sighing in relief as the attendant dipped her feet in water. "You don't really have much of a choice", her sister answered with a smile.

"I'm surprised you actually came" her sister said as she watched the attendant paint her nails a bright pink. "As am I. I love surprising others and sometimes I surprise myself" Freya replied pointing at one of the black nail polishes the attendant held in a tray. As her nails were painted a raven black that matched her hair, Freya chatted with her sister.

"Please excuse us" her sister said signaling the attendants to leave the room. Once they were alone, Freya sat up, "What's going on Lauren?" She asked staring at her sister.

Lauren leaned closer to her, "It's your turn Freya. Father says he's given you enough time to play around" she whispered.

Freya's eyes hardened, "Is that so?" She asked through gritted teeth. Lauren sensed her sister's rage and raised up her hands, "His words not mine" She said.

Freya glanced at the gold wedding band on Lauren's left hand, "And if I refuse?" She asked knowing the answer. Lauren placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, "You know you can't Ria" She replied making Freya sigh. "The family sucks", She grumbled glaring at the wall. "I can't argue with you there" Lauren answered.

Freya reveled in the glares being sent her way as her heels clicked loudly on the pavement. "Must you be so frustratingly stubborn? What is the meaning of this?" Her mother said as she got to them. Freya rolled her eyes, "Be grateful I'm here" she snapped. "You will curb your tongue", her father said in a sharp voice and Freya turned her glare on him but kept her mouth shut. Her Mother and Father got into one of the black cars and shut the door.

"What were you thinking? You can't wear black to meet your fiance", Lauren whispered as they got into another black car. "Why not? It's my funeral" Freya scowled folding her arms.

"I think it's dope", their brother said smiling as he joined them. Lauren rolled her eyes , "Of course you would. How am I the responsible one when she's the eldest?" She said pointing at Freya. "It's not responsible to point at people", Freya said with a twinkle in her eyes. Lauren huffed and glared at their brother who was laughing.

"What are you doing here Alain? I thought you were meant to be in the next car?" She asked turning to face him. Alain smirked and signaled the driver to start moving, "the fun is clearly in this car. You are bound to stir drama with that outfit you have on and I want a front row seat". Freya looked down at the gown she was wearing, it was a short black gown made of silk that clung desperately to her curves leaving little to the imagination. It featured a plunging neckline adorned with clear lace that extended low enough to showcase her ample cleavage. The spaghetti straps showcased her shoulders and slender arms. The back of the gown was just as daring as the front with a low-cut design that left most of her back bare with a few delicate straps gracing it. The gown ended just a little below her bum boasting endless legs tanned to perfection clad in high heeled stilletos. "Just giving this fiance a taste of what he's getting himself into", Freya said as she shrugged.

Alain laughed, "Perhaps it's because you've been abroad for quite sometime and know nothing of him but your fiance may very well be your match" he said and Freya glared at him. "You should have taken your car. I'm tempted to toss you out the window", she threatened, "As you should" Lauren inputed still seething from Alain's laughter earlier. Alain raised up both hands and demonstrated sealing his lips with one hand, "Such Vicious Women".

The Ross estate was nestled on a sprawling, meticulously manicured landscape that exuded an air of regal elegance. The property was expansive, with acres of lush gardens, rolling lawns, and ancient, towering trees that had witnessed generations of family history. As the Devereux convoy passed through the wrought-iron gate, adorned with intricate crest motifs, Freya jolted forward as their car stopped suddenly. One of the car doors opened and a young woman with a stern oval face popped her head into the car handing a shopping bag to Freya, "Mrs Devereux asks that you put this on before moving forward".

Freya snatched the bag from her and shut the door. "Well, that takes the fun out of everything", Alain said as Freya took out a long snow white winter coat from the bag. Dropping it on her lap and staring at it like it could bite her at any moment, Freya spoke "Lauren. What do you reckon will happen if I choose to burn this coat instead?"

Lauren frowned thoughtfully, "Best guess. Father would have one of the female guards physically force you into it which would be embarrassing for you" she responded. Freya sucked her tongue in her cheek, "That's what I figured" she said and Lauren and Alain shifted to give her room to put on the coat. The driver started the car as soon as she was finished buttoning up.

The centerpiece of the estate was a majestic mansion, a masterpiece of architectural opulence. Built with the finest materials, the mansion boasted a symmetrical façade, featuring stately columns, grand arched doorways, and intricately detailed cornices. The exterior was adorned with ivy-covered walls, giving it a charming and timeless appeal. Freya cared for none of it as she alighted the car scowling. "Smile Ria. Or Father will have my head", Lauren said smiling at their parents. Freya glanced at her sister, she guessed her parents had insisted on her presence to keep Freya in line. "Fine" she conceded and allowed a small smile grace her face.

A butler led them inside the mansion and they were greeted with high ceilings with ornate moldings, crystal chandeliers, and richly patterned wallpapers that evoked a sense of grandeur. Marble floors and antique Persian rugs led the way through corridors lined with ancestral portraits and historical artifacts, each with a story to tell.

"May I take your coat?" A footman asked Freya appearing beside them before they entered the living room. Mrs Devereux answered for her, "That won't be necessary" and the footman promptly left. "I can speak for myself" Freya stated in annoyance and Lauren pinched her lightly. "Just let it go sweetheart", Alain whispered eyes fixed on his parents retreating backs. Freya growled, "Whatever" she answered and followed them. Lauren and Alain gave each other worried glances before following her.

Inside the living room, a man stood up as they came in. "Devereux", he said walking forward to shake his hand. Mr Devereux smiled as they shook hands, "Congratulations on acquiring the Briggs hotel. I wanted to tell you this in person" he commended. Ross smiled, "My boy worked the acquisition. I merely took the credit, he's running just a few minutes late." He said leading them to sit down and nodding at the butler who nodded and left the room.

"Quite understandable and we have time" Mr Devereux answered. Ross turned to Freya and smiled, "And you must be Freya. My word, you are even more beautiful than your pictures. I guess I have your mother to thank for that". Mrs Devereux chuckled, "Ever the charmer Ross. Thank you". Freya resisted the urge to roll her eyes, "Thank you for your kind words Mr Devereux. It's a pleasure to meet you". Just then, the butler walked in with a maid who wheeled in a cart containing tea trays and snacks. Freya was grateful for the distraction as she could stuff her face with food as an excuse for not engaging in the pleasantries.

"Ah, there's Percy now" Ross said staring at the doorway. Freya turned curious to meet the man whom she was being forced to marry. The cookie in her hand fell to the soft Persian rug when she saw his face and a soft gasp escaped from her lips, "Oh no" she said in dismay. Percy frowned at her then raised a brow as recognition dawned in his sharp blue eyes.

CHAPTER TWO

Nobody ever hoped to see their one night stand again no matter how electrifying the experience had been. Freya stared in horror at the complete stranger who had rocked her world just a week ago and even though she had fantasied about him every day since then, she hadn't planned to ever see him again. The man striding towards them now was the man her father had chosen to be her husband, the mortification washing over her kept her from standing up to greet him as she had been instructed by Lauren to do. Lauren sighed softly and gently nudged Freya who snapped back to reality and stood up.

When his father had informed him that he was meeting his fiance that day, Percy had conceded without much concern. He trusted his father's judgement and didn't really feel like fighting him on it, family values dictated that the patriarch chose the bride and groom for every Ross family member. It was the way it was and the way it had always been and he didn't mind. However as he watched his supposed fiance stand up to greet him, he was beginning to regret his decision. A week ago, he had watched her dance without a care in the world on the dance floor in another city, had strongly desired her and had sated his desire. Now, she stood before him in a long white winter coat and the same stilletos she had worn that night staring at him with wide brown eyes that clearly recognised him too. Percy pushed down the anger he felt and took her hand to plant a light kiss on it, his eyes still on her face.

Freya felt her hand tremble slightly and she subtly pulled it out of Percy's grasp but the smirk on his lips told her that he had noticed. "Hello Percy", She said in a strong voice looking at him directly in the eyes.

"Pleasure to meet you Miss Freya" he responded moving to stand beside her before proceeding to greet her family. "May I and Miss Freya be excused?" He asked in a polite voice after the pleasantries. Mr Devereux looked at Ross and they both nodded. "They seem to be hitting it off already. This union is pretty much done", Mrs Devereux commented watching them leave.

The walk with Percy was long and the tight grasp he had on her arm told Freya it wasn't going to be a pleasant conversation. "You don't have to hold me so tight Percy. I'm perfectly capable of walking on my own" she said trying to get her arm out of his grip. Percy scoffed and kept walking. They arrived at a room with huge mahogany double doors and he finally let go of her arm to push the doors open. They opened with a loud creak and he pulled her inside with him. The rich scent of aged leather, polished wood and books greeted them but he gave her no time to enjoy it. Dark, mahogany bookshelves lined the walls from floor to ceiling, holding an extensive collection of leather-bound tomes, rare manuscripts, and antique volumes. A massive, ornate fireplace served as the room's focal point, providing both warmth and a touch of grandeur.

Percy stalked to the plush, burgundy leather armchairs and chaise lounges strategically placed around the room, and dumped Freya on one of them. She bounced on it and balanced herself before glaring at him, "What the devil is your problem?" She asked seething with anger.

Percy scowled, "I would ask you the same thing. You went around whoring yourself last week when you knew you were to be engaged to me the next" he asserted.

Freya returned his scowl then started laughing "Wow" she said standing up and dusting her coat. Percy raised a brow, "That's rich coming from you considering you were whoring yourself out too as you so eloquently put it" she said when she stopped laughing.

Percy waved his hand dismissing her statement, "That's different" he answered and Freya frowned, "why? Because you're a man?"

He set his jaw and said nothing. Freya scowled again, "So not only are you an ass, you are also misogynistic" she exclaimed throwing her hands up in the air. Her coat rode up with the gesture and Percy's eyes darkened, he moved closer to her and Freya stepped back. She suddenly felt nauseous, "What are you wearing under that coat?" Percy asked stepping closer to her. "Can you stay back? Your cologne is making me nauseous" she said circling around him and putting more distance between them.

"Then there's something terribly wrong with your nose" he asserted folding his arm. "I don't care what you are wearing under that coat but I'm sure it's something not appropriate for meeting your fiance. However, that is your concern seeing as I have no interest in tying myself to you for life" He said.

Freya felt her stomach drop and it made her angry that this man's rejection could affect her in any way. "You took the words right out of my mouth Mister" she replied and turned around. Percy watched her leave swaying her hips, images of her body from that night flashed through his mind and he pushed them out of his mind. Now he just had to figure out how to tell his father that he wouldn't respect his choice for a bride.

"Your selfishness will not stand in the way of this alliance Freya. This is an age long promise made before your birth" Devereux said staring at his daughter who stood scowling at him with her hands on her hips. "Why must I suffer because of your choices Papa? I can not stand being in the same room with the man, how can you possibly expect me to live with him?" She asked half angry, half begging. Her father's face hardened, "You will do as you are told. Your sister married without any of this drama and she's younger than you. You are my eldest child, it's time you started acting like it" he responded. Freya glared at her father pushing back the tears in her throat, "When have you ever treated me as your first child?" She asked and left without waiting for his answer.

Water always calmed her down and her siblings always knew where to find her. Alain walked past the picturesque garden, complete with a gazebo and a charming stone pathway leading to a serene pond stocked with koi fish and found her with her feet in the pool. "Ria, you okay?" He asked and she ignored him. Sighing, he took off his shoes and sat beside her dipping his feet in the water, "you'll catch a cold" she said quietly and he smiled and kept swinging his feet in the pool. "It's the twenty first century for crying out loud" she suddenly shouted then gave Alain who was watching her calmly, a side glance before her voice dropped, "Arranged marriages should be a thing of the past. I know what you are going to say, I should just listen to Papa like Lauren did and get it over with" Alain frowned but said nothing, he knew Freya just needed to rant to someone and he was happy to be her listening ears.

"I see no reason why I should be shopping for a date that I'm being forced to attend", Freya grumbled. Lauren giggled, "I wanted to come shopping and telling Mom we needed to get you a dress for your date tonight was the perfect excuse to get you to come along with me" she said winking at her sister who groaned. "Don't you have any friends to torture with this?" Freya asked allowing herself to be dragged into a jewelry store, three attendants immediately came to them. "Good morning Miss Freya, Miss Lauren. Always an honor having you in our store, what may we help you with today?" One of them asked smiling sweetly at them. Freya resisted an eye roll, "She's the one who's here to buy" she said pointing at Lauren who was already looking at some of the items on display with two attendants by her side holding the ones she had already picked out. The attendant nodded respectfully and left her.

As she perused the jewelries on display, one particular one caught her eyes and she stopped to give it a closer look. It was a beaded necklace with a pendant which was an oval-cut black diamond, flawlessly set in a platinum bezel, surrounded by a halo of smaller white diamonds. The contrast between the black and white stones created a stunning visual impact. Freya fell in love with it almost instantly and signaled an attendant to place it in a box for her. While she waited for them to package it along with Lauren's multiple purchases, she surveyed the store, eyes sweeping over the beautiful jewelries on display. Her gaze swept over a man standing at the door and she took a double take before groaning under her breath, "why now?"

"What are you doing here?" She asked as Percy strolled towards her. He waved at the attendants who were rushing towards him with a smile before answering her, "Just checking on my subsidiaries today. What are you doing here? Shopping to look good for me tonight?" He taunted enjoying the anger that fired up her eyes. She stepped closer to him and immediately regretted it, "For Heaven's sake, stop using that ridiculous cologne. I can't stand it" she snapped drawing her sister's attention. "Everything alright Freya?" Lauren asked with a tight smile walking towards them. "Everything is dandy" Freya responded pulling Lauren's arm and dragging her out of the shop.

"Wait Miss" an attendant shouted running after them. Percy stopped the attendant, "what seems to be the matter?" He asked. "She hasn't paid for her necklace yet sir. I just finished packaging it" the attendant answered looking scared. "Hand it over", he said snatching it from her.

The night air bit into Freya's skin and she almost regretted not carrying the jacket her mother had insisted on. Almost, her freedom meant more to her than anything and if that meant ignoring the goosebumps on her arm, then so be it. She sashayed into the restaurant and was instantly grateful for its warmth. A waiter guided her to where Percy sat flipping through his phone. His eyes flicked up as he sensed her presence and he sucked in a breath. She looked even more equisite than the night he had first seen her dancing without a care in the world in the club.

Cascading raven-black locks fell in gentle waves down her back, accentuating her natural beauty. A meticulously crafted side-swept chignon adorned her head, held in place by a shimmering onyx hairpin that sparkled in the ambient light. A few strategically placed wisps of hair framed her face, highlighting her delicate features. Her dress, a rich and vibrant shade of crimson, clung to her every curve, emphasizing her slender silhouette. The fabric draped gracefully, with a daring thigh-high slit that hinted at something more. The gown's neckline was both elegant and daring, with a subtle plunge that drew attention to her collarbone and neckline. Her raven-black hair served as a striking contrast against the fiery red fabric, making her stand out even more.

Scolding himself internally for imagining her without the gown on, he stood up to welcome her. "Let's get this over with" she snapped, the abrasive tone snapping him back to reality. "With pleasure" he answered annoyed.

They ate in silence for a while before Percy calmly slid a black box across the table to Freya. She raised a brow as she picked it up and opened it, a soft gasp escaped her lips as she stared at the necklace she had picked earlier that day.

"You seemed in a so much of a hurry to get away from me, you left the poor attendant helpless wondering what to do with it" he said.

Freya raised her head up, "Put it on me" she said softly and Percy raised a brow, "What did you just say?" He asked.

Freya sighed, "I can't put it on myself, my nails will get in the way" she said then huffed when Percy simply kept staring at her without making a move. "Please", she finally conceded and Percy smirked as he stood. "That wasn't so hard now, was it?" He asked as he opened the white gold clasp and put the necklace on her.

CHAPTER THREE

The scream coming from Freya's room had Alain who had just stepped into the house from his morning jog sprinting to her room. He barely dodged her tablet as soon as he opened the door and watched it fly past him to crash on the floor. "What's the matter Ria?" He asked looking around the room and studying her face to guage the situation. She had clearly just woken up.

"Je déteste les médias. Un tas de crétins stupides," Freya said speaking rapidly in French. "Okay... I know you hate the media but what makes them a bunch of dunderheads this time?" He asked stepping closer to her with caution. Freya opened her phone and shoved it in his face. Alain looked at the screen, mentally preparing himself for anything. A picture of Percy standing behind Freya placing a necklace on her neck while she smiled greeted him with the headline: "R.S Companies heir on a romantic date with his girlfriend Freya Devereux" .

A smile tugged at his lips and Alain tried desperately to curtail it but a second later, he burst out laughing. Freya stopped glaring at the wall and turned narrowed eyes on him, "Je suis désolé, quelque chose est drôle ?" She asked and Alain wisely stepped away from her, his sister only spoke French when she was seriously pissed off. "Nothing ma'am" he said biting back the laughter but unable to wipe the smile off his face. "You look so happy to have his hands on you when just a week ago, you hated his guts and pleaded not to force you to marry him. It is quite funny if you think about it and I'm sure Lauren would agree", he said edging closer to the door as Freya's narrowed eyes followed him.

Freya's left eye twitched and she gripped the duvet cover on her bed as she took a deep breath, "He did not have his hands on me and I was smiling because I loved the bloody necklace" she asserted through gritted teeth. Alain tossed her phone to her and chuckled, "Sure it wasn't because he was putting on for you" he teased eyes resting on the necklace that still rested on her neck. Freya looked down and groaned, "Oh Mon Dieu. You are still a baby, you shouldn't have a mouth like that" she said in exasperation.

Alain rolled his eyes, "I'm almost twenty-one Ria. I'm not a baby". "Yeah yeah yeah, go away now" Freya said standing up from her bed and shooing him out. "You need a new tablet" he informed her and she glanced at the one she had destroyed that morning. "That I do" she replied then shut her door.

"You owe me a new tablet", Freya announced as soon as Percy picked her call. He massaged his head with two fingers and sighed, "I had nothing to do with that article Freya. I'm trying to get out of my engagement to you not encourage the media with their antics" he responded. Freya glared at the screen, "you are powerful enough to curb their so-called antics. I don't have to deal with this first thing in the morning" she snapped. Percy scowled, "It's 11am and some of us have work to do" he said pointedly. Freya looked down at her pyjamas and scoffed. "Fix it" she said and ended the call.

Percy glared at the blank screen, did she just order him to do something? Her disrespect knew no bounds. His father was still being stubborn and insisted on his union to her. It was like someone had cursed him.

Freya walked with padded feet clad in soft fur socks to the kitchen. She groaned when she saw her mother at the kitchen counter sipping a cup of coffee as she scrolled through her tablet catching up on the morning news. "I would point out that it is rude to groan on sighting one's elder but it would be a waste of breath" her mother said not looking up from her tablet.

"And yet you said it anyway", Freya responded pouring herself a cup of coffee. Her mother sighed and dropped her tablet, "I saw your article today. It seems the wedding will take place faster than we planned" she said.

Freya rolled her eyes and took a sip of coffee relishing the feeling of it down her throat, "First, it's not my article. Second, there will be no wedding", she said calmly.

Mrs Devereux sighed again, "Why must you be this way Freya? I trained you better than this" she said in a sad voice. Freya burst out laughing, "Trained me? That's a good joke if I ever heard one."

Mrs Devereux shook her head, "you will soon be the Ross's problem" she said with distaste. Freya ignored the pang in her heart and gave her mother a bitter smile before walking to her room with the cup of coffee in her hands.

An hour later, she walked out of the house dressed in casual clothes and hopped into her car. The baseball cap was making her scalp sweat but Freya didn't want to risk anyone recognizing her. "One Mocha Latte and two powdered sugar doughnuts", Freya said placing her order. She was gonna have to work off the doughnuts later but she needed something sweet in that moment. "Have a seat, it'll be right with you ma'am" the cashier said and Freya took a seat in one of the isolated booths at the cafe.

She sat at the booth with a sigh and took off her sunglasses. She spent a few minutes on her phone before someone placed a tray in front of her and she looked up to see a dark skinned girl with brunette curls smiling at her. "Here you go girl, enjoy your sugar bomb" she said with a mischievous smile. Freya looked down at her tray and chuckled, "I just really need the blast right now" she said pulling the tray closer to her. The waitress nodded in understanding then bent down to take a closer look at her face, Freya immediately scooted away from her hoping she didn't recognize her from the article.

"Dance girl" the waitress exclaimed clapping her hands startling Freya who gawked at her. "Don't you remember? We met at the club two weeks ago" she said placing a hand on her chest excitedly. Freya squinted at her and vague memories of a girl complementing her dance moves and pushing her towards Percy filled her mind.

She gave the girl a small smile, "Now I remember" she said then frowned, "I wish you hadn't nudged me towards that incorrigible man though" she sighed and the girl squealed, "I feel it in my bones that there's something juicy coming" she said then quickly looked around before taking a seat beside Freya.

Freya stared at her, "Do you know who I am?" She asked and the girl shrugged, "Don't know. Should I?" She asked studying Freya who shook her head with a smile, "have a doughnut" she offered sliding the tray closer to her. She smiled, "Aren't you sweet? I'm Nemy by the way" she said picking up a doughnut. "That's an unusual name" Freya commented and Nemy nodded while munching the doughnut.

"So how was hot stuff?" She asked leaning closer to Freya. "Who?" Freya asked looking away from her phone. Nemy wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, "You know, the guy from the club" she said with a giggle.

Freya groaned, "A fatal mistake" she answered and Nemy pouted, "Too bad, he looked like he would know his way around the bedroom". Freya waved her hands, "I don't mean he was bad, I just wish I hadn't done it with him" she said quietly. "No shame in getting a little pleasure now and then. You looked like you needed it" Nemy teased nudging her playfully.

Freya chuckled and she picked up the second doughnut and bit into it, "I wouldn't have regretted it if I hadn't met him again" and if he hadn't left a baby inside her as she suspected, she thought to herself. Nemy's eyes widened, "Y'all met again? In another city? Damn it's like you are fated or something" she said and Freya scowled, "I would curse fate a thousand times if we were" she said vehemently. Nemy chuckled, "He really did a number on you if you hate him this much" she commented. Freya smiled and kept eating her doughnut.

"Nemy" her manager whisper yelled when he saw her laughing with Freya. Nemy sat up like a dear caught in headlights and stood up hurriedly. "Nice speaking with you. I hope to see you again" she said as she went back to her duty post. Freya smiled as she watched her go.

"I'm off" Nemy announced taking off her work cap. Her co-worker nodded and handed her a card,"What's this?" She asked taking the black card with gold engravings on it. "Don't know. Some lady came here and said to give it to you when you closed", the co-worker replied nonchalantly. Nemy turned the card over and saw: Freya Devereux" with a phone number attached to it. The card looked expensive and Nemy wondered who it was from.

On her way back from the cafe, Freya stopped by the pharmacy and bought a pregnancy kit. Her period was a day late but Freya had a bad feeling in her gut that she couldn't ignore and she had learnt to always trust her gut. She got home and was grateful to meet only the butler and cook in the house, she was in no mood to deal with her parents or Alain's antics. She entered her room and shut the door securely behind her, it was time to know for sure if she was pregnant.

The stick blinked with double pink lines and Freya dropped it in the sink with a sigh. The first time she ever got pregnant and it was from a one night stand. Why had she let herself get caught up in the moment and forget to insist on a condom, she thought, facepalming herself. And of all people to get pregnant for, she chose Percy with his arrogance, misogyny and self-righteous attitude. Freya picked up her phone and made a call, she was twenty six and motherhood was not part of her plans. After the call, she gazed at her reflection in the mirror, she was having an abortion in a week.

Heels sinking into the soft rugs gracing the hallway, Freya walked behind the man Percy had sent to pick her up from the lobby mentally bracing herself for the conversation. Percy had made it clear that he had no intentions of going along with their parents plan to wed her. It seemed like the only thing they agreed on. The man silently opened the door and waited until she stepped inside before closing the door behind her and taking his leave. Freya rolled her eyes when she saw Percy seated like a king on his throne with his feet crossed at the ankles.

"Even without talking you are obnoxious", she snorted folding her arms. Percy smirked and stood up, "You seem crankier than usual" he said moving to the bar and pouring himself a glass of scotch. "Do you care for?" He asked raising his glass. Freya shook her head and sat down, "Tell me why you called me here" she said crossing her legs.

Percy's eyes followed the fall of her skirt that now exposed her thigh, "So impatient" he scolded with a chuckle. Freya scoffed, "I'm not in the mood for your games Percy. I have an appointment after this and I don't have much patience to sit here and watch you get on my last nerve. Now tell me why you wanted to see me" she said.

Percy downed his glass and raised a hand, "So fiesty. You weren't so fiesty the other night. In fact, I remember you quivering under my touch and submitting yourself to me" he teased with a dangerous glint in his eyes. Freya gripped her seat and grit her teeth, "what.did.you.just.say?" She asked counting her words angrily. Percy smirked, "And the next morning, I watched you tiptoe out like the..." Freya shot up from her chair, "Finish it. I dare you" she threatened stalking closer to him.

"Do your parents know their first daughter goes around sleeping with strangers?" He taunted bending down to stare into her eyes. Freya took in a deep breath and instantly regretted it. Placing her hand over her mouth, she gestured for him to move away. Frowning, Percy moved closer to her as he started to get worried. Freya looked up at him and he only had a moment to prepare himself before she started falling.