Chapter 2: Anastasia Calder

Andrew's Point of View:

"No. I am." A female voice resounded in the room and I turned around.

A really pretty woman stood in front of me. She had a knowing smile on her face. Her hair was a slight mixture of brown and black, her eyes light brown and her makeup light. She had beautiful face structure and plump lips, her pale white skin contrasting strong against her red lipstick.

My eyes travelled over her body. She was wearing a red coloured dress that complemented her curves and had a striking resemblance to some models. From what I observed, she must come from a rich background and with the still expression on her face, she exuded confidence.

"Who are you?" I asked, my voice defiant.

She walked up to me, her walk made for the ones on red-carpet. "Hello, Andrew. I'm Anastasia Calder."

"Anastasia, huh?" I said, and looked at my parents.

"To protect you from your own habits, we have found the perfect woman for you."

I chuckled and looked at her again. "Just because she's pretty doesn't make her the perfect woman."

I saw her slightly blush but then looked down. I looked back at mom. "I told you. I am not interested. In a girlfriend, wife or whatever."

"I'm sure you will be, once you get to know her." Mom commented and came up to me.

"And what is she getting in return for pretending to be someone to me?" I pressed on the word 'pretending' so as to humiliate Anastasia into leaving, but she didn't care.

"Nothing, essentially," Mom replied again. "If someone would do it for money, they aren't exactly perfect for you, are they?"

"So what you getting, Anastasia?" I turned to her and asked, a small smirk on my face.

I seemed to have a kind of effect on her that she looked down, not able to meet my eyes. "I just need a boyfriend."

"Huh?" I chuckled once again. "What does that even mean?"

"My parents will force me into an arranged marriage if I don't get a boyfriend soon," She looked at me. "You're my only chance."

"Really? Out of, what, 4 billion men on Earth?"

"She's the daughter of Sebastian Calder, Andrew. She doesn't really have many choices; there are only a few with your status and your age." Dad replied in place of Anastasia.

"So it is about the status." I commented.

"Yes," She replied and then had a small smirk on her face. "But for my parents, not for me. I don't really care what you are. But if you are my boyfriend, my parents wouldn't look for another."

"This is ridiculous," I muttered and backed away. "So what, am I supposed to pretend to be in love?"

"Oh no. You will fall in love with me. No pretending," Anastasia commented.

I gave her a challenging chuckle. "Yeah. Sure."

I turned to my parents. "Well, if that's all, I'll be in my room. Try not to bring another woman."

After taking another glance off her, I left them alone.

______________

Anastasia's Point of View:

After Andrew left us all alone, I turned to Scarlet. She and I had known each other since, well, I was 12—making us more like friends, despite the age difference.

"I don't think he's an easy nut to crack," I said to her and laughed softly.

"I don't think you wanted him to be." She commented back and kept a hand on my shoulder. "But if you choose to go forward with this, Ava, you have to know you can't back off later."

"Ava. I haven't heard that name since I was 8," I said, memories hitting me. "Yes, I won't let you down. He might not be ready for it, but he's gonna have a big wave of love hitting him like thunder."

She chuckled. "I'm glad you're so eager to win him over. You're our last hope to bring him back to the right track, Anastasia."

"I'll be glad to bring the old Drew back." I smiled. "It starts now," I added with a smirk as I made eye contact with her before going towards Andrew's room.

I knocked on the door and Andrew opened it. "What?" He asked, irritated.

I put up a smile. "Already frustrated with me? God, life will be hell for you," I said, seeing myself in.

He closed the door and looked at me. "You don't think you're staying here, are you?"

"Oh, I just wanna talk," I said. "You know, since we'll be dating very soon."

He scoffed. "Look. Here's the thing. I don't wanna date you. You need money then take it and let my parents know that everything's settled."

"You think I need your money?" I laughed and walked closer to him. "My parents let me manage my own expenses from when I was 13. I have enough money to lead a lifetime of the luxury you pride yourself on."

He chuckled. "Really?"

"Wanna compare bank accounts?" I raised my eyebrows and he scoffed.

"Then what do you need?" He said, stepping away from me.

"Wait, are you gay?"

My question caught him off guard as he looked at me. "Excuse me?"

"What? I just asked a simple question."

"No, I'm not gay, Anastasia," He said, looking at me with interest. "What do you want?"

"I want you to fall in love with me, Andrew Valencian," I said with a smirk on my face.

He almost chuckled at my reply and a smirk appeared on his lips. "Dream big, they said," He said as he walked to me. "They must've forgotten about the delusionals."

"Oh you think I'm delusional?" I chuckled. "How about I prove you wrong?"

His smirk was evident. "Don't blame me if you get obsessed."

"Let's see who does."

He went back to sit down on his bed. "Okay then. Leave."

"Sure. I will also be leaving with you tomorrow for London," I said with a smile. "Here's to our new life, Andrew."