Marriage Deal

Chapter 2

Mia and Andria Apartment

I can't do that Mia. I am not ready for any relationship right now, Andria said without looking up from her laptop. The soft light from the screen reflected on her face as she continued editing her video project for a client.

Mia, who was lying across the bed, groaned dramatically. You are not getting any younger, you know. You will be twenty five soon. I will but not yet, Andria replied calmly.

I am not asking you to marry him tomorrow, Mia continued as she sat up. Just meet him, talk to him, then decide. That is all I am saying. And this is not just any guy. He is the CEO of Ilove Tech Company, Andria. One of the biggest companies in this city.

Andria paused slightly at that. Of course she had heard of him. Mr Anthony Peterson. Young and successful, always appearing in business articles and interviews. People described him as charming but cold. Still, her life was complicated right now. Romance was the last thing she needed. I will think about it, she replied and resumed typing.

Mia stared at her for a moment, shook her head, then stood up from the bed. You better be fast before another girl gets to him, she teased and playfully slapped Andria on the backside.

Ouch, Andria exclaimed as she grabbed a pillow and threw it at her. Mia laughed, tossed it back, and ran into the living room. Just then Mia phone rang. She glanced at the screen and smiled instantly.

Hey babe, she answered sweetly. I am fine. Just Andria stressing me. You are the one stressing me, Andria shouted from the room. Mia laughed. Yes, she is fine, she told the caller. There was a short pause. You are taking me out tonight. That is so sweet. Okay, text me when you are outside.

After ending the call, she rushed back into the room. Guess what. Dave is taking me out tonight.

Aww, I am jealous, Andria said with a playful smile.

That is why you should go on that date. Get yourself a man, Mia replied, laughing as she walked into the kitchen to prepare lunch.

~~~

By seven thirty in the evening, Mia stepped into the living room fully dressed. How do I look.

Andria, who was curled up on the couch eating popcorn and watching a newly released movie on Netflix, turned slowly. Oh my God Mia, you look stunning. Mia grinned.

Her long curly dark brown hair flowed over her body hug off the shoulder gown, revealing her curvy body, and her emerald eyes were bright with excitement. A knock sounded at the door. That must be him. Andria, can you get it while I grab my purse. Yes ma'am, always at your service, Andria teased as Mia hurried back to the bedroom.

She opened the door. Hello Andria, Dave greeted with a smile. Oh hi Dave. Come in. She is almost ready. He stepped inside and sat on the couch. Watching a movie. Yes, it is newly released. looks interesting. Yes, it is, Andria replied. Do you want some, she asked, stretching out the bowl of popcorn.

No, I am fine. So tell me Andria, how have you been lately. I have been well, she replied with a small smile. What about you? Same here, I have just been busy with a new app my team and I are working on. We are hoping this one works out.

Before he could continue, Mia reappeared. Hey babe. Dave stood and kissed her cheek. You look beautiful tonight. Thank you, she said shyly. Shall we, He opened the door for her like a gentleman. Bye Andria, Mia called out. Enjoy, Andria replied as the door closed behind them.

Silence filled the apartment again. Andria leaned back into the couch, but her mind was no longer on the movie. The blind date crossed her thoughts once more. Maybe meeting him would not hurt. It did not mean she was committing to anything. She tried to focus on the movie, but her mind kept drifting.

Anthony's Penthouse

Across the city, Anthony sat in his study on Sunday evening after returning from church. His laptop was open in front of him, and documents were spread across his desk. The city lights shimmered behind the tall glass windows.

Marriage was not something he believed in. Not after what he experienced in the past. To him, it complicated things. Emotions made people unpredictable, and to him it was bad for business.

His phone buzzed with a message from Grace. I found a suitable candidate for the blind date. She fits the image. Sending details. A photo followed.

He opened it and studied her face carefully. She looked young but composed. There was a calmness in her expression that caught his attention, though he could not explain why.

He reminded himself that this was strictly for business. His potential partners believed married CEOs were more stable, and if securing this partnership required a wife for one year, then that was what he would do.

He typed a short reply. Okay. He placed the phone down but found himself gl

ancing at the photo once more before closing it.