Marriage Deal

Chapter 4

Andria Apartment

Andria stared at the card for what felt like the hundredth time. A week had passed since the blind date, yet the small white card still felt heavy in her fingers.

The call from her mother the evening she returned from the blind date had left her with no choice. Her mother sounded worried. She said some men dressed in black suits came to the farm. They inspected the land, took notes, and walked away without saying anything. When her mother asked who they were, they refused to answer.

Andria did not need anyone to explain it to her. They were from the loan company. The due date for the loan was only a week away. Her heart tightened at the thought of losing the farm her parents had worked on for years.

Slowly she picked up her phone and dialed the number on the card. When the call connected, she suddenly felt speechless. For a moment she could not speak. Her pride screamed at her to hang up. She closed her eyes tightly, bit her lip, and forced the words out before she could change her mind. I have made up my mind, I will do it.

Golden Ridge Memorial Park

It was the weekend, and Anthony had decided to visit an old friend. Golden Ridge Memorial Park was quiet and peaceful. Tall trees surrounded the cemetery, and the soft wind moved gently through the leaves.

Anthony stood before the grave. He stared at it silently. His expression was unreadable, but something deep in his eyes revealed the pain he rarely allowed anyone to see.

He said nothing. He simply stood there. Just then his phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced at the screen. Unknown number. He answered anyway. The moment he heard the voice on the other end, he recognized it immediately.

Anthony remained silent for a moment. Meet me at my office by Monday at five in the evening, he said. The call ended. He slipped the phone back into his pocket and looked at the grave once more. I kept my promise, old man, he muttered quietly before turning to leave.

Ilove Tech Company

A knock sounded on the door. Come in. Sir, Miss Andria Anderson is here to see you. Let her in. A moment later, Andria walked into the office.

Have a seat, he said without looking up from his laptop. Andria found the gesture rather rude but ignored it. She sat down and quietly looked around the office. The office was spacious and elegant, with modern furniture and large glass windows that showed the full view of New York city.

Everything was neatly arranged. The scent of his cologne lingered in the air and drifted gently past her nose. For a moment she wondered what brand it was, before quickly pushing the thought away.

Anthony finally looked up and slid a paper across the table. These are my rules, he said. You will need to sign it as part of our agreement. Andria took the paper and carefully read through it;

1. The marriage has to look real, they must act like a normal married couple in public to avoid suspicion from business partners and rival companies.

2. They will have to live together, as separate homes will create suspicion.

3. She mustn't ask questions regarding his personal life.

4. Public appearances are required. She has to attend corporate events, dinners, charity events, and any gatherings that make their marriage look real.

5. The marriage lasts one year. After that, they divorce peacefully. The full payment comes only after the year is complete.

6. They will have separate bedrooms.

7. She must not fall in love with him.

Andria placed the paper on the table and looked at him. Well you are not my type anyway, so there is no way I would be falling in love with you, she thought.

I disagree with the payment condition, she said. I want half of the payment before I sign anything. The remaining half can come after the one year is over.

Anthony raised a brow at her. She paused, gathering her courage. And it is only fair I add my own rules too, she said firmly.

Anthony leaned back in his chair. Go on, he said.

I will go out whenever I want and with whoever I want.

Anthony looked at her with that nonchalant expression, making Andria adjust in her seat. She kept her eyes on him, refusing to look away. Is that all? he asked finally. Yes, she said firmly. Then, it's a deal.

Without another word, Anthony reached for his checkbook and wrote a cheque. He slid it across the table toward her. Fifty thousand dollars. Andria’s eyes widened. She could not believe how easily he had placed such an amount in front of her. It was the kind of money she thought it would take her ten years to earn, yet he handed it over in a matter of seconds. She could not help but feel a pang of envy.

I will ask Grace to update the agreement and include your rule. She will send you the document to review. Once everything is confirmed, we can proceed with the wedding arrangements. She will also handle the preparations. Andria nodded before standing up to leave.

Coles Cafe

Since Mia workplace was only a few blocks away from Mr Anthony's company, Andria decided to stop by. She felt famished and her mind was still spinning from everything that had just happened.

She spotted her friend behind the counter and waved. Mia noticed her immediately. Take a seat, she signaled. I will be right there.

A few minutes later, Mia rushed over. Hey babes, what happened? How did it go?

One question at a time, Andria said, teasing. Mia rolled her eyes.

Mia's eyes grew wide as Andria told her everything. Wow friend, I am so happy for you! You can finally pay off the loan and save your parents farm.

Yeah, Andria replied. And then a wedding to prepare for, Mia added excitedly. This time Andria rolled her eyes.

Cut me some slack silly, you are getting married to the most handsome CEO in the city and the owner of one of the biggest tech companies.

Well yes, but remember this is a loveless marriage. Mia leaned closer. Who knows, maybe you two will fall in love later.

Oh hell no Mia, that is never happening, Andria said immediately. He is rude and always sounds cold. He is not my type.

Mia burst into laughter, which Andria found so annoying, it attracted the attention of a few nearby customers. She quickly lowered her voice. Well my friend, time will tell.

I am hungry. What do you have available? Andria asked, picking up the menu and ignoring what Mia had just said. She is just too impossible, she thought, while Mia continued giggling.