Marriage Deal

Chapter 6

Grand Arbour Hotel

The stylist finished the last touches on Andria hair and makeup. Andria stood up and looked at herself in the mirror. When everything was ready, the stylist stepped back and smiled. You are ready, she said.

A moment later the door opened and Mia and Grace walked in. For a second both women stopped in their tracks. Wow, Mia breathed, her eyes widening as she looked at Andria from head to toe. Friend, you look stunning.

Grace smiled as she walked closer. The gown was simple yet elegant, fitting Andria perfectly. The soft fabric flowed around her and the delicate details gave her a gentle glow. You look beautiful, Andria, Grace said sincerely.

Andria looked at herself in the mirror again. This was the first time she had worn a wedding gown. For a moment she imagined what it would feel like if this were a real wedding, if the man waiting for her was someone she truly loved. She sighed pushing the thought away.

Grace cleared her throat softly, bringing Andria back to the moment. Everything is ready, she said. The ceremony will be private as Mr Anthony requested. Only a few people will be present. The officiant, the witnesses, and the legal representatives. Once the documents are signed, the marriage will be officially registered.

Andria nodded as she listened. The date had been arranged and everything had moved quickly since the agreement was signed. Today it would all become official. Mia noticed the uneasiness in her friend and gently squeezed her hand. You will be fine.

A few minutes later Grace signaled that it was time. The door opened and Andria stepped out of the room. She felt nervous as she walked down the quiet hallway toward the small hall where the ceremony would take place. Anthony was already waiting.

He stood near the front in a perfectly tailored suit. The moment the door opened he turned slightly and his eyes landed on Andria. She walked slowly toward him as everyone stood. The simple white gown moved gracefully with each step. Anthony watched her approach.

She looks different, he thought. Beautiful. When she reached him, he held her gaze for a moment before nodding slightly. The room went quiet as Andria came to stand beside Anthony. A small table had been arranged at the front with documents neatly placed on it. The officiant stood nearby while the witnesses took their seats.

The officiant began speaking, his voice formal as he explained the purpose of the gathering. When he finished, he gestured toward the table. You may proceed with the signing. Anthony picked up the pen first. Without hesitation he signed his name and moved aside.

Andria stared at the paper for a moment, questioning if she was doing the right thing. But she had come this far. She tightened her fingers slightly around the pen and signed. The officiant collected the document and checked it carefully before nodding. Congratulations. The marriage has been legally registered.

Andria stood there quietly as everyone clapped. Just like that, she had become Anthony wife.

Congratulations, Mr and Mrs Anthony, the officiant said, extending his hand to each of them. Wishing you both well. For the next year, this man was now her husband.

The guests moved forward to congratulate them.

Congratulations, Mrs Anthony, Grace said with a polite smile. The title felt strange in Andria ears but she tried to get used to it. Andria let out a small breath she did not realize she had been holding. Thank you, Grace, she replied politely.

Mia rushed forward and hugged her tightly.

I still cannot believe you are married, she whispered dramatically, making Andria laugh. Dave gave her a friendly hug. Congrats, Andria, he said with a smile. Congratulations, babes, Mia added. I will miss you though, Mia said wistfully.

Come on, Mia. It is not like I am leaving forever. I will still come for visits, Andria replied. Come here silly, Mia said playfully as she pulled her into another hug, this time a little longer.

Anthony exchanged a few words with the witnesses and returned to stand beside her. A man approached from the side of the room. He looked to be around thirty, tall and well dressed, with a confident air and a charming smile. Mr Stewart, Anthony said.

Congratulations, Mr Anthony, he said before turning to Andria. Anthony gestured toward him. Andria, this is Liam Stewart, one of Ilove Tech Company top investors. Liam extended his hand with a friendly smile. So you are the woman who managed to get the famous Anthony to settle down. Andria shook his hand politely.

Nice to meet you, Mr Stewart. Please, call me Liam, he said smoothly. Mr Stewart makes me sound older than I am.

His eyes lingered on her for a moment before he smiled again. I must say, Anthony has good taste. Anthony remained calm. Thank you for coming, Liam, he said evenly. Of course. An important occasion like this deserves proper congratulations. Liam glanced at Andria once more. Congratulations, Mrs Anthony. I hope married life treats you well. Andria returned a small smile. Thank you. Liam nodded giving her his best smile.

Andria glanced at him as he left, he is quite charming, she said. Anthony followed him with his eyes. Yes, he likes to make an impression.

Is he always like that, she asked. Most of the time, Anthony replied with a slight shrug. We should leave soon, he said to her. Andria nodded.

A few minutes later they walked out of the hall. Outside, a sleek black car waited and the driver opened the door. Andria paused for a second before stepping inside.

Anthony Penthouse

After a few minutes of quiet driving, the car slowed and stopped in front of a wide iron gate. The gate opened automatically and the vehicle drove inside. Andria looked around as they entered. The penthouse stood tall and elegant, with large windows and a wide front entrance.

The car stopped and the driver stepped out to open the door. Anthony got out first. The driver moved to open the door for her. Andria paused for a moment, taking in the scene, her eyes lingering on the manicured garden and the tall facade of the house, the whole place carried a sense of order.

Anthony was already walking ahead when he stopped and turned toward her. Come in, he said.

She followed him toward the entrance. The door opened and a middle aged woman came out to greet them. Welcome, Mr Anthony. He nodded slightly. This is Ms Dalton, he explained. She manages the house. Ms Dalton smiled warmly at Andria. Welcome, madam. Andria returned the smile politely. Thank you.

Inside, the house was just as impressive as the outside. The living room was spacious with elegant decor and nice lighting. Ms Dalton has already arranged everything, Anthony said. Your room is ready.

She led Andria upstairs and stopped in front of a large door. This will be your room, madam. When Andria walked inside, she paused again. The room was beautiful, the large windows allowed sunlight to pour in and the bed stood neatly arranged at the center. Her luggage had already been placed beside the wardrobe. Grace must have sent it earlier, she thought.

If you need anything, please let me know. Thank you, Ms Dalton, Andria replied. It is my pleasure, the woman said with a smile before closing the door behind her.

Andria slowly walked toward the window and looked out at the garden below. She let out a slow breath. One year. Just one year, she reminded herself. Then everything would return to normal.