Chapter 28
Stella POV
The car journey was too brief, and we looked like idiots stepping out of the car. "Next time we walk," I said quietly to Mateo.
"I don't enjoy walking."
"Get accustomed to it."
There was no parking space, so vehicles had to park close outside the gate. "Or remain at home. Nats and I can walk. Right, Nats?"
Mateo and I both looked at Nat, who was loitering in the rear as we walked over to the compound.
"Ye—"
Mateo's snarl stopped the girl from replying. I ram my body onto Mateo, but she grabs me from the side. I squealed as she took me off the ground and flipped me upside down.
"Put me down." I shouted at the hot concrete that was suddenly tearing through my flying hair. "This is quite humiliating!"
"I want you to get used to the notion that I'll follow you wherever you go as long as I'm not working."
"Fine!" I snapped, holding my breath and staring through her white dress pants.
My environment seems to be returning to normal. When she set me down, my eyes clouded, attempting to regain focus.
She unlocked the glass door, which leads to an empty, long, and wide corridor. The tiles on the floor and papers strewn across the walls remind me of high school. We went in, my gaze sweeping about.
The floor has multiple branching, but Nats directs you directly to another glass entrance. I could see the tree line from afar.
When we reached the end of the long corridor, I noticed everyone. Quiet whispers could be heard. With big windows all around and a stunning view of the sun shining on the verdant grass and trees, everyone was sat in what appeared to be a living room. I didn't appreciate nature, but this was stunning. As I continued to gaze, I noticed the tennis court. Two players were already hitting the ball back and forth. They let out grunts as they sprint to capture the ball.
"You may either play sports outside or stay indoors. The elderly and housewives typically stay put." Nats stated as she brought me into the circle of engagement. Mateo was close behind.
I looked for Taylor's recognizable face but could not see her. There were a few seniors and what I assume were spouses. I wonder where their kids are. Probably in a separate part of the structure.
"Everyone!" Nathalie shouts out to those who have not spotted Mateo and me. However, it didn't take long for them to notice us. Mateo and I hugged each other, our arms at one other's sides, creating a conjoined appearance for the audience.
"These are The Allards. here is Stella Allard, and here is Mateo Allard. "They moved into the house where the Stevens used to live."
"Nice to meet you, and welcome?" They welcomed.
"Thanks," I said, smiling. Mateo, on the other hand, gave a harsh glare. I wanted to tread on her shoes, but they were too white, and something told me I'd be the one who had to clean them.
I couldn't help but notice a few women's gaze, focusing mostly on Mateo. I attempted to free myself from her grip, but she would not allow me.
"Let go," I snarled.
"No, these people seem strange," she hissed back.
"How,"
"You know, it's low class. It appears that their discourse has no significance."
I managed to completely turn my body to gaze at her insolent face...I was quite arrogant, but she was clearly swimming in it.
"What do you mean?"
"They all seemed like they would work for me. I don't engage in conversation with my employees. "Your father should count himself lucky." She remarked, and as soon as she gave a fake grin to a passerby, her smug expression returned. "Can we go home now?"
"We just arrived here. I have not played tennis yet." I was really looking forward to it.
"Then go play it for five minutes."
"You look familiar?" Gazing at us, a woman spoke. We turned to look over at her.
She seated near the window on the outdoorsy sofa. She clutched a platter packed with small cupcakes and biscuits. I could see by the crumbs on her cheeks that she had eaten a couple.
"Me?" I inquired.
"Your, wife."
I looked up Mateo. She had one of those difficult-to-forget faces. She looked at the woman blankly. "Okay," she deadpanned. Whoever it was, her eyes twinkled with interest as she questioned. "Where,"
"On television,"
Most people agreed by mumbling and nodding their heads.
"Ok,"
"You appeared on that show. I just adore it. What was it named again?" Her naturally blonde head cocked, maybe trying to recall that, she had given herself a few of slaps to bring it back.
However, someone had beaten her to it.
"Bachelorette," another woman stated.
"Yes!" Blondie cheered. "Most women find love, but you were never interested in any of them."
"I want to go home," Mateo said firmly, her palm pushing into my side.
"It's only a show. I saw it. It was bizarre." I just did not follow up on it, and if Blondie hadn't mentioned it, I would have forgotten that young, hot, and rich Mateo Allard appeared on national television looking for love. I kept watching the program, but she turned down every female and left the show unmarried. They wanted to do another run. But I guess she backed out.
"I don't recall you appearing on the show?" I believed the half-question was addressed to me. I shake my head. They wanted me on it for one term, and I declined. My mother was furious because the TV show offered to pay roughly $2 million every episode. I should have taken it; perhaps it could have benefited my father.
"I suppose she genuinely loves you. Because no woman could satisfy her. The show was intense." She commented, with a blush raised on her cheeks.
"Can't they stop talking about the darn show?" She snapped under her breath. I felt her hand pulling my waist tighter.
"Would you like to go outside?" Nathalie asked. If she hadn't spoken, I would have forgotten she was here. oops.
"I'll go outside." She murmured this to herself, kissed my cheeks, and left me by my side. I understand it was simply an act for everyone to observe, yet the simple gesture warmed my heart.
YOU ARE READING
Arranged: Bound By Contract (girlxintersex)
Romance"So if I say, you should bark like a dog, what are you gonna do, Stella." "Spit on your face." I lashed out. "You barked. Loud. Let's see how loudly that voice barks." She shifted the tiny screen of my hair to look into my eyes. The sly expression...