Shadows Of Revenge

Megan's Arrival

Cindy observed the room. It was decorated in a modern-day fashion for a family and could comfortably accommodate six people. She understood that Max lived alone.

Not long after, Max arrived. She stood up to greet him as he walked toward her.

"Hello, Max," she said, looking at him warily as he approached.

"Hi, Cindy," he smiled coldly as he reached her. Cindy looked at him from beneath her lashes; he was tall, but she was not intimidated. "You can take your seat. Coffee?" he asked inquiringly.

"That would be great."

"Cream or black?"

"Cream."

"Be right back," he said, leaving for the kitchen. He returned a few minutes later with two steaming mugs. He placed one on the table and sat down with the other. Cindy picked up the mug and took a sip. Max picked up a document from the side and handed it to her.

"What is this?" she asked, looking at the document with a confused expression.

"It's an agreement you need to sign."

She looked at it and read slowly. Apparently, Max wanted assurance that she wouldn't back out. She would marry him in return for her mother's good health, and if she failed to carry out her duties as Mrs. Anderson, Max would stop financing her mother's healthcare. She had to sign it. After all, she accepted the offer knowing fully well it was on these terms that she would marry him. She picked up the pen at the side, signed it, and then handed it over to Max.

Max smiled. "I'll send a copy of it to you tomorrow," he said.

"When can we start my mother's treatment?" she asked.

"As soon as you want."

"She needs surgery. I'll meet with the finance department of Bryant Hospitals and let you know the cost."

"Alright. Keep me updated."

She paused for a moment before asking, "When is the wedding?"

"Tomorrow."

The room fell silent. For a few moments, Cindy stared at Max as if he were joking, waiting for him to say something else. But after a few seconds, when Max did not say a word, she frowned. "Tomorrow?!" What was she expecting? She knew Max did not joke; she should have known better.

"Yes. Everything's ready; you just need to show up dressed like a bride and make the vows—that's all."

"My mother doesn't know you or about us. How do I explain this to her? And your mom—does she know about this? Doesn't she deserve to know about your marriage beforehand?"

"Do not worry about it; like I said, you just need to show up."

She felt like her head was going to split. "Okay. No issues. I'll do that," she said through clenched teeth.

"Good," he smiled.

"I'll be on my way then," she said, pressing her lips together to hold back what she really wanted to say.

"Alright, I'll be at your place to pick you up tomorrow. We're going to see my mother," he informed her.

"Okay." She picked up her bag and walked out of the house to see the car that had brought her to the Anderson mansion. The driver opened the door for her to get in and closed it after she was seated, then got into the car and drove off.

On their way, Megan called to inform her that she was at the airport. She begged the driver to do a detour so she could pick her up. They arrived in a few minutes, and Cindy spotted Megan with her luggage on the sidewalk, looking around anxiously. The driver stopped not too far from where Megan stood, and Cindy got out to meet her.