Chapter Text
Heather was like any other preppy, rich and selfish girl. All she wanted was to live a life of luxury without lifting a finger. That's what Brett Hand was for. Although he did mean a bit more to her like yeah he's kind, cute and so outgoing, making sure she was happy and cared for so that's what also makes him her soon future husband for her. Though she never mentioned anything about those plans to him, mainly because she didn't know if he had any feelings besides "friends" and it could damage everything.
Brett though, was always that caring person. He didn't like treating people like how he's been treated for these past years now that he's almost a legal adult it would get worse plus more expectations to uphold the "family name". Getting married is the last thing he wants to do or worry about right now and then worse part it's not even his say on who, it's up to their parents'. He knows why he's being forced into this but he couldn't care less because he knows he's already gonna be miserable with his future bride. Contract is if the family both willing to agree, then they get to be apart of it all, celebrity events, galas, interviews, magazine offers, everything to make their family look good.
He just wanted to be happy with his life yet he never got a say on anything.
"And I think the banners for the football game coming up is the perfect way to show off the Homecoming Court . Doesn't it?". Heather did in fact, design these banners on purpose for the both of them, too excited to notice Brett wasn't paying attention.
"Oh huh? I mean yeah but I don't think the football team would react great to that. It's technically about them winning for the 7th time in a row."
"Nuh uh! First off, they probably won't win this time and second off, I think we, as a school, should appreciate the court more."
"Heather, their already on the first cover of newspapers plus, they get plastic crowns and 5 dollar flowers from the student council anyway."
"See? Their already suffering enough from cheap items and recycled newspapers that will go in the trash anyways, why not give them something that's worth hanging on these walls and maybe even there own?"
"Whatever." He really didn't want anymore publicity. It was already obvious he was gonna win that stupid vote.
"Oh, when's that bachelor event your family is hosting?"
"Wait for the whole marriage scam? It's tomorrow night but I don't think I'll be interested in any of those girls. Their just there for my family's wealth anyway plus everything that comes with that stupid contract."
"Oh Brett, I know it's frustrating but I will be there in case it gets boring."
"Thanks but I'll be busy with every girl until my parents pick one or even the least be interested in. Besides your not a bachelor and hey....how are you there??"
Oh no. She should've kept it a surprise. Technically she's a secret bachelor or that's what she called herself. She had to contain the truth and her plan.
"Oh well...I volunteered to help out as...community service."
"Oh I didn't think we did that?"
"Better than walking 20 dogs."
"Sure...."
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It was the night of the bachelor event. Everyone was outside the venue, the paparazzi, fans and wealthy familes his parents invited wither they had his future bride or not. Honestly, he just wanted to get this over with. He just wanted marriage to not only be his choice but something to love truly without putting on any act. If he decides to step down on his life then it would likey be divorcing the girl his parents chooses.
Over down at the venue, fancy people from fancy cars stepped out onto the purple carpet for pictures and news people, talking about how nice it was to either meet the family or talk about how "great" they were to raise their social standing. Nothing much as other celebrities and the beautiful ladies that clearly looked to have spent thousands on their bodies. Yep. Everything everyone expected.
From there, the familes were escorted up the stairs to the other familes to their assigned tables and handed over a menu on what they will be served. The ladies are separated from the familes on the first floor, being seated with other ladies in their alphabetical tables. Some would be seated with other ladies and some alone. Heather was thankful to be seated by herself with her last name starting with Z so that it would be a complete surprise. Although it would be more romantic if she was first or so she thought.
Once everyone was seated and the TV stations were all set up, the event had officially begun. He was nervous about meeting these girls, especially since he saw some of them already acting snobby. He at least wanted them to see he wasn't anything like his family and possibly make at least a decent conversation.
Rules were simple. You have until 12 am to impress yourself to the heir until the night ends or he picks a bachelor. Spend at least half an hour on each table then move on to the next unless you find yourself with the future bride. If not, the lucky lady will be choosen as random and an announcement will be made as soon as both familes agree. Seemed pretty easy. For his family.
He had to first head over to table "A" for the start of the night. It was a bit obvious those girls hated each other from their hair to their nails, hell even their lashes. Brett was already stressed from them talking over each other and trying to get his attention, basically like a low-key cat fight. Oh god it was gonna be like this and it wasn't even 9 pm yet.
Table after table after table, Brett wasn't interested in any of them. He wasn't doing it on purpose but it was just that they were talking about themselves and fighting with the other girls at their tables. Not once did he have a peaceful conversation. He just knows his parents are already frustrated with his actions and people getting anxious on if he even picks a girl. Rumors could go around that he's gay. It wouldn't be bad if his family wasn't so goddamm known.
Then he noticed a brunette sitting alone at the table "R", looking just as bored and tired as he is. Brett thought it could be interesting, then again she could be like the rest. Once the time was up, he politely excused himself to the girls and headed over there, slowly walking toward her he noticed see was...naturally beautiful. He didn't know how he was able to point it out but she was. Even her dress matched everything with her, not like the other ladies who had how many goddam holes in theirs. He sat himself down and waited for the yapping. But it was quiet. She seemed shy so he decided to introduce himself.
" Hello. It was very nice of you and your family to come tonight. I know, it's too much for my family to go all this way for you."
"Sounds about right. All of this is wayy too much for a mating season for tv. It's literally like the Kardashians trying to recreate their first dates."
"Heh. I guess it does. You know, this is the first break I've had since this started. The other girls were a bit much for me."
The girl looked confused at him. She thought he would be like any other rich asshole she's met through his father. But he's being...nice? No it was just for the audience.
"Probably yeah. They have on a lot of things I don't own. Plus they were already giving each other the stink eye when they arrived. You could imagine what look they gave me when I showed up."
Wait...was she being bullied by those other girls? Of course, they already look down on everyone.
"Oh well, I'm so sorry for that. They just think they're better than everyone, probably even god. I don't understand why they did though. To be honest, you are naturally pretty."
"Oh hush, I know and everyone in this room knows that I'm not. This dress was a hand down from my mother and I'm not even wearing heels or formal shoes. I don't even know i did my own makeup!"
"Well I'm being honest with you. You are and I don't care if you don't have any money or what everyone in this room has to say about you. I just wanna get to know you, that's all if your willing to give me a chance."
She wanted to forget what he said but his words just struck her. Her instincts wanted to trust every word but she needed to resist. It couldn't be love right away but a decent conversation with this dude could save a lecture from her parents.
"Alright, I guess I could."
Relief. Finally. With a girl so beautiful too. He forgot he was even here for marriage.
"Great! I guess we also prefer comfort over the dress codes. I'd rather have my vans on right now and they don't even fit."
"Mine neither. It's more room for my feet to relax while walking around, especially while I'm working."
"You got a job? That's actually interesting. What are you working at?"
"Eeh it's just an average teenage life. I work with my dad in his business as an intern for college. I plan to apply for MIT since it's my only interest, plus it gives me away time from my parents."
"Wow! Now to have that opportunity is luxury. I didnt know you were so smart."
"Thanks but it's just common for young adults but even still half of them drop out within the first year."
"Not for me though. I have everything handed and planned for me. Besides, getting into that college is still pretty hard i bet for even the average adult."
" I mean it's a start."
"What?! Come on! You gotta admit your smart. Hell probably even smarter than me."
"Yeah probably."
After a bit, they were finally served their dinner. They didn't care what was on it they just wanted to eat since it was already past 11 pm. While they were eating they switched onto another subject until dessert was served.
"I've always preferred cats over dogs. For me, they're less loud and don't eat everything you have on your plate. I like how they purr and snuggle with you in bed since it does help me sleep, especially after a long day."
"That's good but my opinion would be dogs. They're more likely to spend time with you, follow rules and are also comfortable for sleeping with. But if you grew up with a cat I understand since I grew up with my grandparents dog. Although they died back when I was graduating junior high."
"Technically I didn't but I always volunteered at the local cat shelter when I was a girl scout. It was really nice but at first I had to overcome the allergies."
"Oh your allergic to cats?"
"It's also gerbils too but I had to get used to it eventually."
"At least it's not all animal furr."
They both chuckled a bit then dessert finally was served.
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The event went on like it was supposed to and it's safe to say mostly everyone was pleased. Except the ladies that were just jaw dropping at what girl he chose. Alright, it wasn't official nor did he remember what he was supposed to be doing but it was just so hard when he met a girl that wasn't like any other he met. She was so interesting and beautiful, sparkling with natural beauty and outshining everything else. They got so close it was sad that the event had ended. Like the gentleman he was raised as by himself, he decided to walk her to her lift and maybe even make some small talk.
"It was very nice to met you here. If i had bailed then I wouldn't be as happier than I'm now."
They both blush but not enough for the other to notice.
"Yeah it really was. This was the nicest opportunity I've ever tooken. I really got to hand it to you, Mr.Hand."
"Ha ha, I know I'm the lady killer but it was good enough luck to attract a beautiful lady like you. You are and I mean it more than I have meant anything."
"That's very sweet of you to say. You know, I'm not really good at this sort of thing but I can learn."
"You don't have to, your already doing a great job."
They both were giggling like school girls when they got to her car. It was bittersweet that this night was ending but before she went, they exchanged their numbers and E-mails, hugged goodbye and then she was off. And of course, he had to wave her off before her car wasn't to be seen. It was the best night he ever asked for and couldn't wait to spend more time with her.
Heather however, saw everything. From the moment they met to Brett waving her goodbye, she was filled with anger and jealousy for that brunette. She probably won't even win him over now that girl was almost guaranteed to be the bride. She had to approach him and well, he couldn't be committed to that brunette anyway it was for 2 hours. She was HIS best friend.
"Hey, how was that night? Pretty bad, right? I saw those girls, they didn't look too friendly, eh?"
"I mean I guess but...I met the most wonderful girl tonight. She was like a perfect match, just for me like we got along, we understand each other and she's....."
"She's what?"
"Just so beautiful and not like those plastic bodies in their like, natural beauty. I can't wait to talk to her again."
"Yes I'm sure..."
Heather didn't like what he said about her. In fact, it was hurtful to listen to since she was always here since 6th grade. Ugh.
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"Well at least you got us a guarantee into that family. Now we can expand Cognatio more with my advancements. By the way, did you even mention your job?"
"No. I just said I worked at your office and he didn't ask anything else about it. It's not a big deal, dad."
"Uh huh. Hey, they even got the expensive shit! We might as well take all this home."
"You could've thanked me instead."
"Ehh."
No appreciation. Not unusual for her dad to think this all was his idea. Reagan couldn't believe what happened to tonight. It went from a boring dinner to meeting Mr. Right. Although, she doesn't know if he felt the same way. Call her stupid or whatever but she knows she fell in love with Brett right when he showed how much he cared and thought about her, it felt scary.
All she wanted was to feel that love and Brett was her key to it. Just if she keeps up trying to not screw it up. It was already bad enough she got looks from everyone that her dress wasn't expensive or designer, nor were her purse and shoes but something told her that she was safe as long as he's around. After all, everyone knows to not even dare judge whatever his family wasn't doing, yet.
Something else didn't feel right.