Between Duty or Desire

TIME: 11 AM

CITY: CHICAGO

Kimberly Carter

“Open the door, sweetheart. It’s time to wake up. It’s going to be noon soon. You’ve missed breakfast. Trust me, you don’t want to miss your lunch.”

“Go away, Mum.” I tossed on the bed, covering my ears with a pillow.

“Are you sure I should go away? I have good news, though.”

“It can wait. Nothing should disturb my beauty sleep.”

“Hm, hm.” I could hear her clearing her throat. “What if I tell you that Adrian Blackwell is….”

I didn’t allow her to finish before I threw away the pillows, dashed towards the door, and yanked it open instantly.

“Adrian Blackwell is what…?” My brows raised curiously as I faced my mum, who was still recovering from the scare.

“You, daughter of mine…” She sighed, breathing out in relief.

“Come on, Mum, finish what you started.” I closed the little distance between us and held her hand.

“He’s coming over today.”

“Wait, you mean Adrian?” My lashes blinked rapidly, my heart palpitating, excitement erupting through me.

“Of course, dear. He came back from New York yesterday. Heard he got transferred to work in another city, so he’ll be coming over.”

“Mum…” I pouted, tears blurring my vision.

“Come on, dear. His family accepted our proposal, remember? His mother is my best friend, but they say it’s all up to Adrian to make the final decision. You have to impress him today. I’ve done my best as your mother; the rest is all up to you.”

Jumping into my mother’s arms, I hugged her like my life depended on it.

“Come on, he might already be on his way. You need to go in and get ready, okay?”

“Hmmm.” I nodded quickly and disappeared into my room. I flung open the door of my closet as I began scanning through my designer dresses. I cannot wait to take his breath away at first sight and leave him with no option but to agree to our marriage.

Adrian Blackwell. That’s his name, the man who stole my heart at first glance when I accidentally saw his picture two days ago on my mum’s phone. It was a family picture with his parents, and at that moment, I knew instantly he’s the one for me. He’s the only son of the famous billionaire Blackwell and the heir to their empire.

Charming, isn’t it? I know I already did my stalking on him. He’s 28 years old, he’s not active on the media, but he has accounts which he never posts on, no relationship scandals or rumours, and I heard he was recently promoted from Supervisory Special Agent to Assistant Special Agent in Charge in the FBI.

My dream is to work together with him someday, but for now, I have to make sure I secure my position in his heart.

After spending almost two hours getting ready and making sure everything was perfect, from my hair to my makeup and then to my heels, I stared at myself in the mirror, and I was sure I’m going to catch him off guard with my beauty. If there’s one thing I have, it’s a pretty face and a perfect curvy body.

My red gown hugged tight to my body like a second skin, displaying all my beautiful features. My hair was cleanly and carefully tied into a messy bun.

“Sweetheart,” my mum called, walking in with an anxious look.

“Has he…?”

“He’s here,” she completed, and I could literally feel my heart thudding like a tornado.

“Remember,” my mum muttered, walking closer, “you have to make a good impression. This is what you’ve always wanted. Now go out there and steal his heart for yourself.”

Smiling at my mum, I nodded happily. “I won’t fail you, Mum.”

“I trust you.” She patted my back, and I left the room, walking down the stairs.

I saw a tall figure backing me, and with one glance, my heart skipped. It’s him. He’s here, right in front of me. The guy I’ve always wanted, the man I kept seeing in my dreams these past few days. He’s finally standing right in front of me. He’s putting on a well-tailored Italian tuxedo. From his back view, I was already drooling.

As I climbed down the last stair, my heels making clicking sounds on the floor, I spoke.

“You’re here.”

My voice sounded like the calmest I’ve ever been in my entire life. Swiftly and slowly, he turned, both hands tucked into his pockets. As I looked up, our gazes mirrored and locked. My cheeks burned, butterflies dancing in my tummy. He’s heavenly gorgeous in person. Those gray eyes, everything in this man is fucking perfect.

“Hey, I’m Kimberly Carter. You can call me Kim for short.” I introduced myself, stretching out my hand for a handshake while smiles radiated all over my face.

His gaze trailed down to my hand, and quietly, he took a step backwards.

“Okay, I guess you’re still shy because this is our first time meeting.” I quietly retracted my hand. I don’t want to make him uncomfortable.

“Let me walk you to the dining room. My mum prepared a lot of dishes for you, and I cannot wait for you to taste them.” I muttered, already walking, until I realized I was walking alone and turned to see him still rooted in that same position.

“Is everything okay?” I asked, walking back to him. “You haven’t said anything.”

“I’m sorry, but I came here today to let you know that this marriage will not happen.”

“Wait, wh…what? Why? Did something happen?” I stuttered all at once, my heart almost at the verge of shattering.

“No, nothing happened.” He muttered with a straight face and an unwavering look.

“Then why did you say…?”

“’Cause you’re not my type. If there’s something I hate the most, it’s a spoiled brat like you who thinks the world revolves around them. The fact that you can barely survive without your parents is already a huge turn-off, and you dared want to become the wife of Adrian Blackwell. So audacious.” He shook his head, clenching his jaws.

But for the record, I was taken aback, my mouth hanging open in shock, my lashes blinking nonstop from total dismay. Did I just get rejected in the most stupid way by who…? A man?

Taking a deep breath, maybe I need to chill a little. I don’t think it’s time to get crazy yet. Mum said not to display it today, so I promise I’ll be calm.

“Excuse me, but have we met before? You speak like you have a personal beef with me.”

“Mmm.” He scoffed, an annoying smirk playing on his lips. He took a few steps forward, closing the space between us. He crouched down to my level, his breath mixing with mine, our faces inches apart.

“If you like, dress in the most expensive outfit. I’ll never choose a brat like you for a wife.”

Okay, I’ve had enough. The next moment, my hand landed on his face, the sound of the slap thundering all over the living room. His eyes widened, eyebrows knitted and narrowed, jaws clenching and unclenching as he straightened up.

“A spoiled brat, huh? Do you know what you are? Good, I’ll tell you. You’re a mentally deranged fool, a mannerless psychopath, and a dysfunctional offspring.” I felt so proud after the insult, but I wasn’t done.

“I know nothing good would come out of you the moment I saw your ugly face.”

“Ugly?” His expression soured, his eyes staring at me in disbelief as he loosened his tie, more like it was the first time someone had ever called him that.

“You call me ugly but dressed up so much to impress me.”

“Oh, trust me, I wouldn’t have broken a sweat if I knew it was going to be what I ordered versus what I got.”

“What?” His face contorted.

“What else? Now I’m wondering if perhaps your parents used AI to modify the pictures they sent to my mum, ’cause trust me, I’d rather settle for the AI version of you than this low-budget you standing in front of me right now. I’m sorry, but you’re not all that shit. On a scale of 1–10, you’re -0.”

“You know you can actually swallow your pride and beg me to take you.”

“Ohhh…” I mouthed, not believing my ears.

“So now what are you, the lady, and I’m now the man? You should have told me you wanted a gender switch so bad. I know hospitals where you can get it done.”

“You’re so disrespectful.”

“If you want princess treatment, come a little closer and admit you’re gay. You think this is a movie or novel where those pitiful female leads swear and beg the guys to take them back and promise to do everything to get them to fall in love with them? Cut the crap. This is real life, and for the record, Kimberly Carter has never and will never beg a man. You’re not even my type.” I hissed.

“I’m not your type, then why beg for this marriage to happen?”

“Oh, I forgot to tell you. I broke up with my ex two days ago, and I was looking for something fun to use and pass time. I’ve had a crush on many men, and you’re the quickest to uncrush on ’cause right now…” I pointed at the space between us. “I can’t even remember having a crush on you.”

“I shouldn’t have wasted my time coming here.”

“Oh, you sure did the right thing. How would I have known you’re nothing but a princess in a man’s shoes?”

“You see, this marriage will never happen. I will never consent to it.”

“Hallelujah, best news of the year.”