Marriage Deal

Chapter 3

Devan Bar

The week had passed quickly, and it was finally Friday. Andria sat at one of the tables for two in Devan Bar. She looked around, taking in the quiet atmosphere and the few dates scattered across the room. The place smelled expensive, like it was made for the rich.

Andria bit her lip, It was almost five pm, yet her blind date had not arrived. Mia would not have let her leave the apartment without a hundred reminders to get ready on time. First impressions matter, she had said. Andria had arrived at four thirty five on purpose. She did not want to get there before him. Now she was waiting, she sighed. She had never been interested in this blind date anyway.

Just as she was about to stand and leave, a familiar face walked through the door, making her freeze. How could a human be this stunning? He looked like a demigod, She swallowed hard, her hands unconsciously touching her chest.

Earlier, at Ilove Tech Company

Anthony had just finished a meeting with a business client in the meeting room and was now in his office, documents spread across his desk as he typed on his laptop. A knock sounded at the door. Come in, he said.

Grace stepped inside, holding her tablet. Sir, I sent you an email regarding the meeting with the client, she said. He nodded, still focused on his work.

She hesitated for a moment, then added, Sir, your blind date was scheduled for four thirty. I think it’s past the time.

Anthony paused mid typing and glanced at the clock. It was almost five. He cursed under his breath, annoyed at how tight the timing was. Grace, you know what to do. I will leave you to handle the client and update me on every detail regarding it, he said. Alright, sir, she replied, and left.

Anthony grabbed his briefcase, quickly organized his documents inside, and headed out the door.

When he arrived, his eyes instantly found her. She looked even more beautiful in person. Her calm expression made her seem graceful. He walked toward her, catching her just as she was about to leave.

Back at Devan Bar

Hi, he said without smiling as he sat down.

Hi, Andria replied, hesitating as she wondered why he couldn’t wait for her to sit. Reluctantly, she sat down.

Forgive me for keeping you waiting, he said, trying to sound sincere. On a normal day, he wouldn’t care, but this was business. Andria exhaled, gripping the edge of her seat to stop herself from lashing out. Apologies accepted, she said.

A waiter approached, and after their orders were served, Anthony decided to get straight to the point. I need a wife for one year, he said, dropping the bomb without giving her time to react.

Andria froze. I do not understand. What do you mean? she asked. He explained the deal in detail. When he finished, he continued without waiting for her response. This deal is crucial for my company. I cannot afford to lose it.

The chair screeched as she pulled it back, drawing the attention of a few other patrons. Andria grabbed her purse, ready to leave.

Wait, Anthony said immediately, his voice cold as he slid a document across the table toward her. This will explain everything.

He stood, placed his card on the table, and dropped a cheque for the bill. Contact me once you’ve made a decision, he added coldly. With that, he walked out.

Andria slowly picked up the papers. Her eyes widened as she read the contents; a one-year contract marriage with a reward of one hundred thousand dollars.

Mia and Andria's Apartment

Mia, who had just finished going through the document, gasped. Wow, that is a lot, she said, scanning the paper to be sure she read it correctly.

I know, Andria sighed. So what is your plan? Are you going to do it? Mia leaned closer. You know, you could clear your loan with this money and still have enough left.

How did you know about it? Andria asked, stunned. One time, while we were having a girls night in the living room watching a movie, you went to the bathroom and left your phone on the couch. A moment later, it beeped. I got curious and checked it, and that was when I saw the loan reminder of ten thousand dollars from the loan company.

I’m sorry, Andria. I was just curious, Mia admitted. Sometimes you zone out while staring at your phone, and I wondered what was going on. Andria sighed.

But what did you use such a big loan for? Mia asked gently. Andria swallowed hard. She remembered her father lying unconscious in the hospital bed. The smell of hospitals made her stomach turn.

It was for my dad, she admitted. He had appendicitis. The surgery was urgent, but the hospital bill felt impossible. My dad drove a school bus, and my mom worked on our small farm selling fruits. They worked so hard, but it was never enough. My younger brother Chris was still in middle school.

I borrowed the money and signed the loan agreement, using my parents farm as collateral since I had nothing in my name. I didn’t want them to worry, so I told them a friend had helped.

Mia felt sorry. She looked at her friend with sympathy. So what about the deal? Are you going to go through with it? You know it’s the only option left now.

Andria pressed her lips together, deep in thought. I still need to think it through, even if it’s only a contract marriage, we will still be exchanging vows… and you know what that means.

Mia squeezed her hand gently. I understand.

Just then, Andria’s phone rang.