Chapter 3
VICTORIA
I arrived early so I could observe Mia when she arrived. Her resume, I was absolutely perfect, but I needed to see if she was true to everything written in it.
The lobby was empty so I chose one of the assorted chrome chairs near the window. A shiver tingled through me the minute I lowered myself into the cold metal even through my wool pants. One click and my IPad came to life. My finger flicked the screen to sort through my emails while I waited, but my mind drifted to Parker and what I was about to do. If this girl Mia is as perfect as her profile, then I knew things would work out. My mind drifted to earlier in the day. Parker had shown such love and tenderness with the puppy. I knew he was ready. Hopefully I had done the right thing.
Mia blew through the door, her long hair whipping behind her like a beautiful mare trotting for the judges, a trail of perfume that smelled of coconut, and a small rolling suitcase of hot pink.
I recognized her instantly, yet I chose to watch quietly as this beautiful girl with an outfit that spoke of confidence hesitantly approached the desk. What a contradiction.
Chapter 4
MIA
My bravado minutes before while entering had now turned into a strange shyness which no one who knew me would say I was….. ever. But no one back home would ever believe I would be a mail-order bride, either, including myself. How bizarre was it anyways? It was the craziest thing I’d ever done.
As I made my way to the front desk, I couldn’t help but feel out of place in this sterile environment.
The office was all white and chrome, lacking any warmth or friendliness. Even the girl behind the desk looked like a robot. I could swear this girl didn’t even blink when she asked for my name.
I was getting cold feet. How could I not in this cold laboratory? I knew the girl was talking to me, but the urge to turn and run was increasing greatly.
“Can I help you?” she asked sternly.
“Uhhh, no, I think I’m in the wrong place.” I turned quickly away from the desk to bolt, and with my hand on the knob, I froze, leaned my forehead against the door, and gave myself a talking to.
What’s wrong with you? Sophia and Chloe are counting on you. You’ve got this. It’s an adventure with a win, win. Sophia gets her surgery, Chloe gets her daughter healthy, and you get all your college bills paid in full, including an immediate admission into the college of your choice next fall paid for by your new husband. Now turn around and do what you came here to do.
Chapter 5
VICTORIA
I quietly watched in awe as Mia went through a string of emotions. What a strong young lady. I wondered if I should intervene, but I didn’t want to be pushy and was very curious to see her work through it. So I sat pretending to read, hoping Mia would stay, because I had a good feeling about her.
Mia shut the door and slowly walked back to the desk. “It seems I’m in the right office. Mia Anderson to see Mrs. Lambert, please.”
“Welcome, Mia,” the receptionist said with a big smile this time. “Mrs. Lambert is ready for you. Go ahead in.” She leaned her head slightly to speak to someone behind Mia. “Victoria, she will see you after Miss Anderson.”
Mia looked back to the sitting area she had previously missed during her madness.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention. I said to a very nicely dressed woman “Did I jump in front of you?”
“No, no my dear. I’m just waiting on someone to arrive. I do believe you’re that someone. Go ahead inside. We’ll surely speak after.”
Chapter 6
MIA
Double steel doors to her left clicked open, exposing what at first glance appeared to be a never-ending hallway. Mia stepped through the doors, rolling her hot pink bag by her side. She realized it was mirrored walls creating the effect. The place was as sterile and cold as a hospital.
Good thing I didn’t come through these doors while I was freaking out, because I would have been running as fast I could. Keep walking. It’s going to be fine. You’re marrying a rich doctor, and you can walk away if you are unhappy. Plus, you get the bulk of the money today, and Sophie needs that surgery next week.
The office was as sterile as the rest of the agency. The woman behind the desk dressed all in black. Her glasses sat at the tip of her nose and her short white hair was slicked back. All that being said she had a friendly smile.
“Mia, welcome to La Crème Agency,” Ms. Lambert said, taking Miaby the hands. “You need to relax, because I can promise you that you are in good hands with the Hawthorne family.”
“How did you know I was nervous?” Mia asked. “Are most of your clients nervous?”
“Are you kidding me? Who wouldn’t be nervous?” She handed me a bottle of water before sitting in the chair next to me. “That, and I can see the waiting room on my monitor. You’re not the first to want to leave.”
“Do the Hawthorne’s know why I’m doing this?” Mia asked hesitantly.
“Yes, Victoria knows. It was actually a big part of the reason she picked you,” Ms. Lambert said.
“Oh good. I didn’t want to have to explain myself, but I also didn’t want them to think I’m just someone after money or a shoo in. Did you just say Victoria knows?”
“Yes, I did. This is an unusual contract, which is why I wanted you to come see me so I could explain in person,” Ms. Lambert said. “Victoria purchased your contract for her son Dr. Hawthorne. Part of the agreement is that she wanted you to come early so she could prepare you for life as a wealthy, busy doctors’ wife. There are a lot of social events, and you will be in the spotlight at times.”
“Okay, but the money is transferred today, right?” I asked. Twisting a strand of hair in my fingers “I don’t mind being here early to be prepared, but Sophie needs the money today.”
“The money is already in your account,” Ms. Lambert said. “Take a deep breath. Sophie can get her surgery, and you are a wonderful, selfless person.”
“Thank you,” I said as tear after tear slid down my cheeks. “I’m ready.”
“Great, let’s bring Victoria in and get the introductions going.” Ms. Lambert buzzed Victoria into the office.
I wasn’t sure of a lot of things in life, and I damn well had no idea what my life was going to look like for the next year, but I did know Chloe had the money she desperately needed.
We exited the building with hundreds of people bustling in every direction. The smell of peanuts roasting nearby reminded me I hadn’t had anything to eat since breakfast. The sun had decided to show its face, which was a blessing since I was still in shorts. I had crossed my arms rubbing vigorously to warm up. Then I noticed Victoria looking at me.
“Mia, where is the rest of your luggage, dear?” Victoria asked. “Do you have it stored somewhere that we can pick it up easily?”