Marriage Deal

Chapters 4

Oz

It was the weekend, and Andria decided to visit home in Oz. During the drive her mind kept returning to the same question. Should she tell her parents about the deal or keep it to herself. She thought about it for a long time before finally deciding not to say anything.

After all, the marriage would only last for one year. They were going to divorce anyway. There was no point worrying her parents for nothing. She could already imagine the long lectures from her father and the tears from her mother. Her mother was far too emotional, and the thought of her daughter marrying for money might break her heart.

Well, it was not exactly for money, she reminded herself. She needed the money and he needed the marriage. It was simply an agreement between two people. A fair deal.

Andria had already paid back the loan with the money she received from the contract. The moment the payment went through she felt a deep wave of relief wash over her. The farm was safe. Her parents cherished that land, and losing it would have crushed them.

Chris loved video games more than anything, so she bought him a PS5. Just imagining the look on his face made her smile. The thought of surprising them filled her with excitement. No matter how long she stayed in the city, there was truly no place like home.

When she arrived in Oz the peaceful atmosphere greeted her immediately. The gentle breeze and quiet roads felt like a completely different world from the noisy city. The city was always buzzing with cars, people, and endless movement. Here everything felt calm.

She looked around and smiled. Oh how I have missed home, she said softly. When she reached the house it was empty. Guess Mum must be at the farm, she thought.

She dropped her bag inside the house and walked toward the farm. The moment her mother saw her she froze for a second before rushing to hug her. Oh my baby, it has been so long. I have missed you so much.

Her mother pulled her into a tight embrace. Andria hugged her back. I have missed you too Mum. They stayed like that for a moment, simply holding each other.

Later that evening her father and brother returned home. The moment Chris saw her he ran toward her with excitement. Sis you are finally here. He wrapped his arms around her tightly. When she handed him the PS5 his eyes widened in shock.

Thank you so much sis. You are the best. He hugged her again, this time even tighter.

Hey you are choking me Chris, Andria laughed.

He quickly released her and everyone burst into laughter. Promise this will not distract you from your studies or I will take it back. I promise sis he said immediately while holding it tightly against his chest, as if it were the most valuable treasure in the world. Andria spent the rest of the weekend enjoying time with her family.

Grace had sent her an email about the wedding preparations, so she prepared to return to the city. Before leaving, she made sure her parents had enough to get by and transferred some pocket money to Chris. They smiled in gratitude. As Andria drove away from Oz she felt a sense of relief she had not felt in a long time.

Mia and Andria Apartment

After the long drive Andria felt completely drained, so she spent the rest of the day resting in her apartment. Later that evening she opened her laptop to check the email Grace had sent. The wedding dress fitting was scheduled for Wednesday. Andria bit her lip. She wished she did not have to do this.

The next morning Andria and Mia were having breakfast, laughing over their usual banter, when Andria phone buzzed on the table. She picked it up and saw a new email notification from Grace. She opened it and found an attached document.

What is that, Mia asked as she leaned closer. The agreement, Andria replied.

Mia quickly dragged her chair closer and sat beside her, eager to see it. At the bottom of the email Grace had added a short note explaining that printed copies would be prepared for signing at Anthony office.

Wow, he really is one of a kind, Andria murmured.

A few minutes later Mia glanced at the time and realized she would be late for work. She quickly finished her breakfast, carried the plates to the kitchen, and grabbed her bag. Take care babes, she said as she kissed Andria cheek before rushing out the door.

Andria remained at the table staring at the document. She read through it again slowly, letting every rule sink in. When she finished she closed the file and placed her phone on the table, her mind heavy with thoughts about what she was about to walk into.

Ilove Tech Company

Andria arrived at Ilove Tech Company the next day. Grace looked up from her desk and smiled when she saw her. Good morning Andria. Please have a seat while you wait. Mr Anthony is currently in a meeting with a client. Oh, alright, Andria replied.

Do you need anything while you wait, Grace asked. No, I am fine. Thank you, Grace, Andria said. Grace nodded politely before returning to her desk and continuing her work while Andria sat quietly in the reception area.

A few minutes later the conference room door opened and Anthony stepped out with a tall man dressed in an expensive suit. They were discussing something quietly as they walked toward the reception area. Anthony noticed Andria immediately. Hello Andria, he said. Hello, Andria replied as she stood up.

Anthony turned to the man beside him and said, Andria meet Mr Cullen. He is the managing director of Intel Company. Mr Cullen, this is Andria, my soon to be wife. The words came out so naturally that they caught Andria off guard and for a moment her heart skipped.

Nice to meet you Andria, Mr Cullen said as he extended his hand. Nice to meet you too, she replied as they shook hands. Well, I should take my leave now Mr Anthony, Mr Cullen said after a shortwhile. Thank you for coming, Anthony replied as they shook hands once more. Grace stepped forward and escorted the guest out.

Anthony turned his attention back to Andria and looked at her for a moment before speaking. Shall

we. Andria nodded and followed him toward his office.