CHAPTER THREE

Carl Bradford stood in front of his dressing mirror with his personal wardrobe assistant, Nate by his side.

Nate was dressed in a white shirt, a collar tie placed around her neck region, and a skimpy pencil skirt. Her outfit was well tailored and ironed. On her wrist, was a golden wristwatch, gifted to her by her boss, Mr. Carl. She had on a Brazilian hair, well brushed. Her nails were polished white, and her black leather shoe, glittered.

"How do I look Nate?" Carl asked his P.W.A

"You look perfectly gorgeous. This outfit matches the occasion. My lady will definitely trip over you once she sights you."

Carl, being in his mid 20's and his p. w. a, in her early 30's. Ever since she started working with him, he never saw her once as a worker but as a friend. She knew pretty well things happening in his life.

Carl was dressed in a well tailored white suit, with a crisp white shirt, well stuck in. He touched his white silk tie, trying to adjust it properly. He wore an oxford leather shoe, and a Rolex on his wrist.

Nate brought his Clive Christian and Creed Aventus Cologne.

"I think the Creed Aventus is best for today." she said, spraying it on him.

it filled the room with apple, pineapple, and a note of black current fragrance.

Carl inhaled sharply. Everything about him smelt like wealth.

He had this masculine and dominating aura. Carl's presence was feared by most people, including Nate, who was still not comfortable around him, no matter how friendly he tried to be.

He stared at his reflection on the mirror, proud of what he saw, he put on a bright smile, and asked "Do you think I won't end up scaring her away? She may not even like me."

Nate smiled at her boss. She was enjoying the moment.

"Just be friendly, and besides, why won't she like you?"

"I don't care if she likes me. I just want my father to be proud of me." he sighed. "Not that I care much' he muttered under his breath.

Carl was born into the family of Bradford. They have been known for years for their enormous wealth.

The Bradfords' holds 5% share of the country's wealth and no family has been able to beat that.

Mr. Williams Bradford, the only surviving descendent of the first Bradford, has four sons and a daughter. Carl happened to be the last child and son. It is expected that the last child should be the most loved but in Carl's case, it was the opposite.

Mr. Williams has said it over and over to him, that he was a mistake, that should never have happened.

Carl grew up with this, and tried every single day to be worthy of his father's love but nothing seems to satisfy Mr. Williams.

He never got to see his mum as she died while birthing him.

"We should have just stopped at your sister. you shouldn't have survived. " His dad said to him.

Ever since his wife's death, Williams became a shadow of himself, and never remarried.

Maybe, I am bad luck, after all. I killed mum. Carl always reminded himself almost everyday.

Williams never let any of his children, including Carl, lack anything. Carl grew up in wealth, but not with love.

Today was a day, he was going to prove to his dad that his worthy of his love.

Mr. Williams decided to wed his son, and his business partner's daughter in order to seal a deal.

Williams wanted to continue expanding his wealth, obviously not contented with what he already has.

Mr. Wellington, his business partner has a company, which was running bankrupt. So, he decided to sell some of his shares to Williams. The marriage between his daughter and Carl, was aimed at strengthening the deal.

Carl didn't like the idea but he had no choice.

"Son, you will be a great husband" that was the first time his father said something positive to him.

"Do you want this?" Nate whisper brought Carl back to reality.

"I don't, but I have to do this" he said brushing his curly hair.

He had an habit of brushing his hair, anytime he gets nervous.

"Nervous again? huh? Calms. You will do just great." Nate gave him a reassuring smile.

Just then, her phone rang.

"Mr. Carl, your ride is here." she said after hanging up.

***

Nate and Carl walked to his ride. The chauffeur opened the limousine for him.

Mr. Williams sat there with a smile as they rode in silence. An hour later, the chauffeur cleared his throat, and announced their arrival at the Wellington's mansion.

The smile on his father's face became brighter. Carl couldn't remember when last he saw his father this happy.

Mr. Williams and his son walked in together, leaving Nate and the Chauffeur behind.

***

Carl got introduced to Bella Wellington.

Her beauty was alluring and irresistible. She wore a classical but revealing gown. it showed every part of her curves.

"Creed Aventus, huh?" she asked

"Yes" he smiled. "You like it?"

"Yeah"

"You got high taste, I see" Carl reached for her hands, and placed his lips on it.

"So, we're getting married in five months" She smiled, revealing her perfect dentition.

His gaze was fixed on her face, and at that moment, he felt there was nothing more beautiful than Bella's face, yet he wasn't interested in her

"You are really beautiful" he complimented her, ignoring her statement, and dropped her hand which he didn't notice he was still holding on to.

"I know. I get that a lot." Bella replied and he could sense pride in her tone.

'Oops, one red flag' he muttered to himself. He was equally filled with pride, but hated it when a lady acted that way.

"Huh? talking to me?" she asked

"Nope. I didn't say anything."

"Do you really want to do this?" Bella asked, staring deep at him.

The second time he got asked that question, but yet his dad never cared to ask.

"I know I am beautiful but I hope you can put up with my attitude. I must say, expect a spoilt brat." she laughed.

Carl forced himself to smile even though that wasn't funny to him. He has his father to deal with, and apparently, don't want to add to it.

"What's your name? I didn't quite grab it during the introduction."

"Carl. Carl Bradford" he replied

"Guess your pretty proud of your surname. Who won't?" she laughed.

Carl found that offensive, and just wished this day will end quickly. He found her really attractive, and beautiful but hated the fact he couldn't escape from her conversation. He detested ladies that speak without thinking.

"When next are we meeting?" Bella asked

"I will inform you when I am free" he politely replied, and she instantly flamed up, out of the blues "What the fuck do you mean by that?! Do you think I am jobless?!! like I got nothing to do with my life?"

'Oh, wow' Carl screamed in his mind.

"I am sorry, if you took it the wrong way." he said as politely as he could.

"Let's see some other time. Whenever you are free." he quickly added.