The Secret

Madison Harper had never been one for fanciful events or glamorous parties, but Nathan Westbrook’s proposal for a contract marriage inspired a whole new change in her life. The wedding that followed was set up like a fairy tale, something she only witnessed in the Disney series. The decoration was something beyond her imagination, not to mention the high-class individuals who attended.

Oh, Madison also didn’t forget Nathan’s grandfather, Mr. Jones Westbrook who flooded her with jewels and fanciful ladies gifts to ornament her beauty. Yes, he was an excellent flatterer, and he said that. His happiness was genuine, only if he knew the whole thing was a setup.

Jones Westbrook wanted Nathan to find a wife before his 30th birthday. He was tired of Nathan’s promiscuous lifestyle. He felt he gave Nathan the leeway. He thought he should have stopped it all before Nathan transcended from a teenager to a man.

Now, Jones, Nathan’s grandfather, wanted him to settle down with a woman before he turned thirty or risk losing his heirship to the Westbrook Corporation. The just-concluded wedding was all evidence that Nathan bowed to his wishes; he had no choice.

Madison Harper leaned her head against the car’s window as the drops of rain pelted it. The dark clouded sky, with a mix of the blissful music emanating from the car’s radio, reflected Madison’s mood. She couldn’t believe the situation she found herself in, in a marriage with the city’s biggest playboy.

A bit of relief greased her face when she remembered that she was doing it all for her son, Mark, who was five at the moment. Nathan was quiet, too; he probably knew Madison needed some time fitting in. Nathan was also not known for always saying wise or meaningful words, so his silence changed nothing.

The car was cruising to the location designated by Nathan’s grandfather for their honeymoon. Madison did not know what to expect. She had only known Nathan for two months, and he wasn’t quite the kind of person she’d describe as good.

“Home sweet home,” Nathan said as they walked into the mansion. Perhaps the first utterance made after the wedding party. He was at least happier than Madison was. Nathan was close to becoming the sole owner of the Westbrook Corporation after his grandfather’s death. Not that Nathan wished his grandfather to die any sooner, but he was on the safe side. Nathan knew there were a lot of people who wanted his place; he was happy to disappoint them.

Madison was awed by the glamor of the place. It was just too unreal, once more, like in the Disney series. It all grew silent as they went into the mansion. Again, Nathan broke the streak of silence:

“Like we agreed, I’ll give you the first part of the loan your late husband incurred. Then, after I’m named as heir to the company, I’ll pay you your money in full, with the bonus of completing the other fraction of the loan.”

“And my son, Mark?” Madison asked.

“Oh, just as we agreed, you can bring him over anytime,” Nathan said with an awkward ‘I don’t really care’ smile. “Just make sure you are discreet,” he added.

Not everyone knew Madison was a single mom. Nathan’s grandfather, Jones, knew, of course. His only concern was Nathan finding true love; he didn’t care about who as long as she was responsible.

“Won’t you take that off?” Nathan asked when he noticed Madison was still putting on the wedding gown even when he was taking off his shirt.

“In your presence?” This question from Madison made Nathan laugh.

“Is that a big deal?” he asked.

“Yes, it is,” Madison’s reply was a bit grumpy.

“Okay, okay. I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were shy,” Nathan teased her.

“I’m not!” Madison was already getting pissed.

“But you look shy.”

“Does looking shy actually make me shy?” Madison asked Nathan.

“Yes,” he responded.

“Really?” she asked in disbelief.

“So you don’t want to see a charming boy like me get undressed in front of you?” Madison knew Nathan was indeed charming, but she wanted to prove to him that it wasn’t always all charms:

“You should continue with your self-appraisal.” It was a healthy banter between Nathan and Madison.

“Whatever. Just make sure you are all dressed when I get back,” Nathan said while taking his clothes with him.

“Else?” Madison asked. Nathan just smiled to the brim and left the room. They both had a very hectic work day. It was merriment in the eyes of the onlookers, but it was just business for them.

Not long after that, Madison could hear Nathan from downstairs ask questions over the phone in desperate curiosity:

“Tell me, tell me,” Madison heard Nathan repeatedly say over the phone. She was already out of her wedding gown, so she decided to dress in something lighter before hurrying downstairs. The state of panic she met Nathan in cannot be overemphasized. Nathan dropped the phone and was sweating profusely.

Madison was concerned, and she asked Nathan: “What’s the problem?”

But Nathan remained silent. He only stared at Madison as if she was a ghost. His face turned gloomy all of a sudden. It was like an abrupt downpour of rain on an intense sunny day. His eyes were almost tearing, and not to mention he was all this stunned, putting on his underwear. Nathan dragged up his trousers quickly. He ran up the stairs as Madison watched in confusion and returned with his car keys.

“What’s going on?” Madison asked with a more serious and anxious tone this time, but Nathan did not have the time to explain. It was like something terrible just happened.

Nathan couldn’t even wait to button his shirt before dashing out of the mansion to his car. Madison, too, wasn’t ready to sit around, waiting for his return before knowing what was going on. Madison locked the doors and ran after Nathan like a dog would do to its owner. She jumped into the car before Nathan could leave the compound.