Grace Shields.
For that was her name. The name forbidden in Noah's world.
"How did it get here? This is supposed to be a new book. Or did a servant pick it up and place it here?" he asked himself.
He opened his drawers and put the picture inside. He locked it securedly. He took his jacket and off he went. His father had sent for him and he was going to answer the old man. He walked down the stairs in deep thought. He was going to see his father. They were not close and at the same time they were not having issues. They fell apart when Noah's mother died. Noah shook his head as if to shake off the thought. He stopped in his tracks when he sighted Emily on the dinning. She had a smile of satisfaction on her face as she ate dinner.
"She has finally achieved her aim through her deceptive ways," he said within.
Emily was happy for the bit of freedom and extremely rich food she had that night. There was no Rose, Olivia or Williams to order her around despite having servants. She felt she was being watched. She stopped eating and looked up. Noah was still watching her from the stairs. She shivered and shrank back in fear. Noah continued down the stairs calmly. He walked towards the table, his eyes never leaving her. Emily stood up in fear as he approached. Noah finally took his eyes off her. He picked an apple from the fruit basket and walked calmly out of the house.
"Phew." Emily finally released her breath which she had held in fright. "What a creepy guy."
Noah sat quietly in the car bitting into the apple he took from the dining.
"What does this man want from me right now?" he muttered. He took out a bottle of water and gulped down the entire content. He turned on the ignition and headed to his father's house.
The house was a very big and well designed one. A glance at it will tell that the owner was a multi billionaire. This was the house of Joshua Harper, Noah's father. Guards were stationed at strategic points to secure the house. Noah drove in and parked his car in front of the building. A guard ran up to him as he stepped out of the car.
"Good evening, young master Noah," he greeted but was ignored by Noah. He was already used to it so he continued.
"Young master, give me the keys so that I can take the car to the garage for you."
"No need. I will be leaving soon," he replied and walked to the door. He held the door handle and hesitated .
"Mum, I'm home once again. I will try to be obedient." He took a deep breath and opened the door.
"Good evening young master," the servants greeted in unison.
He scrutinized them all and ignored the greeting.
"Where is father?" he asked .
"He is in his study, young master," one maids answered. Noah turned and made for the study.
"Young master Noah is back so soon," a servant whispered opening the ground for gossip.
"Yes. It's quite surprising. I wonder what it's all about," another joined.
"Let's hope things don't go wrong like the last time, else we will be in for trouble," came another.
"They used to be good. I miss the little jolly Noah," the old Butler said. He was their oldest servant and had watched Noah grow up.
A hush fell over them when they sighted Noah behind them. They didn't notice his return. They prayed fervently that he forgave them.
"Hey, get me a glass of water," he said pointing to the servant nearest to him.
"Yes sir," he said and gave it to him immediately. Noah took it and walked away to their greatest glee and relief.
Joshua Harper was seated in his study, a cup of coffee was on the table. He sipped it occasionally as he read his book. There was a knock on the door.
"Good evening father," Noah greeted as he entered.
"Evening son," Joshua answered and motioned him to sit.
"Noah, what did I hear? What's on the news? Who is your fiancée?" Joshua asked. He knew very well how the lady came about. He was the one who had instructed the servants to drug him. But the servants failed to cover loop holes and unfortunately, the paparazzi took advantage of it and captured the news. The servants had been punished for that already. But the question is, why did he declare her his fiancée?
"Nothing father," Noah answered. His reticent nature coming to play.
"Noah!" his father called.
It was only his name that was called but the message was clear.
"I did it to save my image. What else could I have done?" Noah asked.
"Really, you settled for someone without class and declared her your fiancée?" Joshua yelled slamming his fists on the table.
"What could I have done? Tell me. What was I supposed to do? Tell the world that the son of the great Joshua Harper sleeps around? Huh? Answer me father!" Noah retorted, his temper rising.
His father paused briefly and thought about it. Noah wasn't far from the truth. Declaring her his fiancée was the only option they had to save face and maintain dignity.
"I have married her," Noah announced.
"What? Are you out of your mind?" screamed Joshua.
"No," he replied infuriating his father the more.
Joshua took a breath and asked calmly,
"Why son? Well, I understand that you did this to save face. You must divorce her now and I will arrange you a different girl. One beffiting your status and from the high class like ours," he offered
"No. Don't meddle in my affairs. I don't need it," Noah said flatly.
"Noah! Behave yourself."
"I am behaving father. Don't meddle in my private affairs. I have saved us from scandal. I will do what I like," Noah retorted.
"Your mother will not be happy to hear you speak to me in that manner."
"Did you just say mum?" Noah asked silently.