love unexpected

Chapter 3: An Unwanted Meeting

Leaning back in his chair, looking out at the city from his office window. The city felt alive and busy, but he felt a storm brewing inside him. His phone vibrated on the polished desk, pulling him from his thoughts. He glanced at the screen and saw the name—Shaun.

“Are you here to gloat about my bad luck?” Karl answered with a dry laugh as he put the phone on speaker.

Shaun’s voice came through, light and teasing."Oh, you know me. Can’t resist reminding you that your days as the city’s most eligible bachelor are numbered. How does it feel, Mr. Malcom?”

Karl smirked but didn’t feel happy. “Feels like being sentenced to a year in prison.”

Shaun laughed, but Karl could sense the seriousness behind the joke. They both knew what was at stake. This marriage wasn’t just about family politics; it was about securing their entire empire’s future. If Karl didn’t go through with it, everything could fall apart. Still, the thought of being tied to Mitchell Valentino made him cringe.

“How bad could it be?” Shaun said. “I mean, sure, the Valentinos are a nightmare, but Mitchell—she’s attractive, right? Spoiled maybe, but you’re not in it for love.”

Karl clenched his jaw at the mention of her name. He had tried to push this reality out of his mind, but it always hit him hard. He remembered Mitchell from years ago—a beautiful brunette with a sharp attitude. She had never paid much attention to him, not that he cared. She was always surrounded by luxury and seemed untouchable.

“Hot or not, she’s a Valentino,” Karl muttered. “That’s all I need to know.”

Shaun sighed on the other end of the line. “Well, at least you’ll see her reaction when you meet tonight. Heard the dinner is set.”

Karl stiffened. He had been trying not to think about the dinner—a meeting between both families to finalize the arrangement before anyone in the press found out. The Valentinos were hosting this dinner, and it would be the first time he’d seen Mitchell in years.

“Right,” Karl said reluctantly. “Tonight.”

Shaun’s tone changed to serious again. “Look, man, just get through this. It’s a year, then you’re free. Act like a perfect couple, secure the contract, and then walk away.”

Karl rubbed his face in frustration. He hated feeling trapped, but Shaun was right; this was temporary—just another deal in a long line of negotiations.

He could survive a year. Later that evening, Karl stood in the grand foyer of the Valentino estate with his father, Charles Malcom. The air smelled of expensive perfumes and polished wood—a sign of the wealth the Valentinos showed off. Soft conversations echoed from the dining room where their parents were already discussing wedding plans and contracts.

Karl felt annoyed. He was a businessman who liked to control deals on his own terms. But this felt different—it felt like he had lost control over an important part of his life.

He straightened his jacket as they entered the dining room and looked around for the woman who would soon be his wife.

Mitchell.

When he finally saw her, he was surprised—not for the reasons he expected. Mitchell Valentino looked even more stunning than he remembered.With dark flowing hair in loose waves over her shoulders, framing a fierce and beautiful face. She wore a sleek black gown that hugged her curves perfectly; she was the kind of woman who drew attention without saying anything.

But what caught him off guard wasn’t just her beauty; it was the cold fire in her eyes when they locked gazes. She looked at him like he was someone she didn’t want to see.

Well, he felt the same way.

Mitchell stood beside her mother with stiff posture and tight lips. Her expression showed she wasn’t happy about this situation either. Knowing that made Karl feel slightly better; if she hated this as much as he did, at least they were on common ground.

He walked over to her slowly, preparing for what he knew would be a tense conversation.

“Mitchell,” he greeted her smoothly with a slight nod. “It’s been a while.”

Mitchell didn’t smile back. “Not long enough.”

Karl raised an eyebrow at her bluntness but couldn’t help a small smirk forming on his lips. So, she had some bite after all; this could be interesting.

“I see you haven’t lost your charm,” he replied sarcastically.

She raised an eyebrow back at him with an icy tone. “Why bother with charm? This isn’t exactly a fairytale.”

Karl’s smirk faded as they stared at each other; both felt the weight of their situation hanging between them. Neither wanted this marriage, but they were both stuck because of their families’ expectations—a silent acknowledgment that neither wanted but had to accept.

Before he could say anything else, their parents called them to sit at the table with excitement as if this union was something to celebrate. Karl and Mitchell took their seats next to each other; being so close only heightened the tension between them.

Dinner was served, but Karl barely noticed any food on his plate. His attention stayed on Mitchell who remained poised yet distant; her face unreadable most of the time. Every now and then, he caught her glancing at him with expressions that shifted from frustration to resignation.

While their parents talked about wedding plans and business strategies, Karl leaned closer to Mitchell and spoke quietly so only she could hear him. “Look, I know this isn’t what either of us wanted, but we’re stuck with it for now—at least for a year—so let’s make this as painless as possible.”

Mitchell didn’t look at him directly but tightened her jaw instead. “Painless? You’re asking for too much.”

“I’m not saying we have to like each other,” he continued despite her tone. “But we can tolerate each other for appearances’ sake.”

Finally turning toward him with eyes like steel, she replied coldly: “Tolerate you? I don’t think that will be easy.”

Karl met her gaze evenly; his patience was wearing thin now too. “It’s just a business deal, Mitchell—that's all it is.”

Her lips curled into a bitter smile as she replied: “That’s all it’ll ever be.”

The rest of dinner passed in awkward silence between them while their parents continued chatting happily about everything except how miserable they both felt inside about this arrangement.

As dessert arrived—a fancy chocolate cake that looked delicious—Karl felt more trapped than ever before by expectations placed upon them both by their families’ decisions made without considering their feelings or desires for happiness in life beyond wealth and status alone!

He glanced sideways again at Mitchell who seemed lost deep within thoughts of her own even though they were supposed to be enjoying this moment together as future spouses!

But how could they enjoy anything when neither wanted any part of what lay ahead? The evening dragged on until finally everyone finished eating and moved into another room for coffee where more discussions awaited them regarding wedding plans!

Karl took another look at Mitchell who sat across from him looking bored while pretending to listen intently as parents discussed seating arrangements!

He sighed quietly wishing things were different between them—wishing they could find some common ground instead of feeling like enemies forced into an unwanted alliance!

But deep down inside himself too—he knew there would always remain tension simmering beneath the surface no matter how hard they tried pretending otherwise!

As guests began leaving one by one after polite goodbyes exchanged among families—Karl caught sight again of Mitchell standing near the exit looking ready to escape!

He hesitated before finally speaking up again hoping maybe just maybe things might improve if they talked honestly together once more!

“Hey,” he said softly, trying not to sound too eager or desperate!

She was slightly surprised by his sudden approach but quickly masked any emotions showing through!

“What do you want?” she asked sharply, still keeping distance between them!

“I just wanted to say…”

But before finishing thought—he noticed how tense the atmosphere felt around them both!

This wasn’t going anywhere good!

So instead decided the best approach would be keeping things light hearted even if only momentarily!

“Let’s make a deal,” he suggested, casually leaning against the wall beside the door frame where she stood waiting!

“What kind of deal?” she asked, raising an eyebrow suspiciously!

“A truce,” he replied grinning slightly hoping humor might break ice between them!

“A truce?” she echoed, sounding skeptical now!

“Yeah! For one year—we pretend we're a happy couple while fulfilling family expectations!”

Mitchell stared blankly back at him unsure whether laughing or getting angry would be an appropriate response right now!

Finally after a few moments passed—she sighed deeply, shaking head slowly!

“Fine!” she said reluctantly, rolling eyes dramatically!

“But don’t expect me to play along easily!”

Karl chuckled, feeling relief wash over him knowing maybe just maybe there might still be hope left after all despite challenges ahead!

“Wouldn’t dream otherwise!”

And with that simple agreement made—they both stepped forward into the unknown future together willing to face whatever came next side by side even if only out of necessity rather than desire!