Arranged

Contract: Signed

Three sets of widened eyes stared at me.

"You do, really? Oh, this is great! It will be so good for our family's standing and reputation." Mother made her way over to me and gave me a brief hug and a kiss on the head.

Father gave me a tight smile from across the table, as did Brody. Mother had already begun babbling about wedding planning and the ideas she had in mind. Dad lightly reminded her that it would be my choice at the end of the day.

The rest of the day went without issue. We were all excited yet there was an air of nervousness with the Alexander's arrival tomorrow. It was all hands on deck in cleaning the house and preparing food ingredients for tomorrow. I was sent to bed early for a full eight hours for the following morning.

***

Day 7 had finally arrived. My eyes had shot open early, subconsciously knowing the importance of today. I spent a long while trying to decide on the best outfit for today. I was meeting my future husband. I did want to make a good first impression, regardless of what our future relationship would be like.

I eventually settled on a deep, bottle green high-waisted skirt with a printed top tucked into it. The outfit hugged my curves nicely, and the neckline was just low enough to provide a hint of cleavage at the right angle. I applied a light layer of makeup. If I was to live with the guy, then he'd get to see my natural face soon enough anyway.

I heard the doorbell ring. s**t! That was earlier than expected, I'd had no time to chat to my parents about what we were going to say. I could hear chatter downstairs between father and another deep, booming voice.

I hurriedly tied my hair up into a high ponytail, letting the messy curls keep its volume. It was a decent first-impression look, not too much like a job interview but not a completely casual outfit either.

As I began to make my way down the stairs, I heard the conversation quieten down. I must have walked these stairs a million times in my lifetime, but those ten seconds seemed to carry on forever in that moment. I took big, calming breaths and kept my eyes at my feet until I reached the floor. One final deep breath in, and I looked up.

-

Corey had been chatting away with Mr Oliver Richardson, my future father-in-law. Of all of dad's ridiculous ideas, this had to be the most creative one to come to fruition. I had to give him that. I'd tried hard to dissuade him, but once the idea took root in his head he'd decided, this was it. In a not-so-lightly veiled threat, Corey had basically told me that if I didn't follow through, he'd cut me off from my half-sisters. I'd give my life for those little girls so he knew he'd got me. Well played, dad.

My running thoughts were cut short as I noticed the conversation dim and another sound take it's place. It was the sound of footsteps, of heels clacking on the wooden staircase. I sat up a little straighter, my breathing getting a little heavier in anticipation.

The first thing to appear were a dark pair of heeled ankle-boots, which gave way to smooth, brown calves. My eyes travelled upwards, to a tight skirt that provided an excellent silhouette of her curvy hips. My gaze ended on her face as she descended the final step. Parted, glossy lips, wide brown eyes and already a light red natural blush to her cheeks. Cute.

She pushed her shoulders back as if to steady herself and made her way over to the lounge, where our fathers were already standing. I hastily followed suit and stood as she approached.

She walked over to me with determination in her eyes, and I readied myself for our first introduction. As I opened my mouth to greet her, she walked right past me and stuck her hand out to my father.

"Hello, Mr Alexander. I'm Faye. It's a pleasure to meet you."

-

I shook Corey Alexander's hand, keeping my forearm straight and my grip firm. If this was a business proposal, then let them see how professional I could be. I could see that Corey appreciated the gesture and he gave me a smile and a nod before waving his hand to the man standing beside him.

"Faye, I've heard fantastic things about you from Oliver. If your values are anything like his, you'll be perfect. I'd like you to meet my son, Zac Alexander."

I finally allowed myself to look at Zac. It's not every day you meet your childhood hero, that is no longer your hero. He wore tight black jeans with a loose, black, button down shirt with the top two buttons undone. I could see a silver chain sitting against his collarbone. He had silver rings across a couple of his fingers, and his shirt sleeves were rolled up to the elbow, exposing the tattoo sleeve along his left arm. My eyes met his, which were a beautiful light shade of honey-brown, unlike my darker, almost black orbs. He was gazing at me with a slightly quirked eyebrow, which made me realise that he had also stuck his hand out for me to shake.

I quickly took it and gave a firm shake, feeling the blush on my cheeks darken. Great, I was already messing this up.

I took a seat beside my brother who wiggled his eyebrows at me as the others settled into conversation. I rolled my eyebrows but silently thanked him for reminding me to act normal.

I turned my attention back to the adults, just as I heard Mr Alexander state, "It's been particularly difficult for Zac, ever since my ex-wife passed. He hasn't handled it well publicly or privately, as you might have seen or heard." He gave his son a friendly slap on the back as Zac gave a half-hearted smile.

Corey rubbed his hands together. "But, enough of that. I'm glad to hear that you've agreed, Faye. You've created a couple of additions to the contract? I'm glad you're taking this seriously."

I nodded and produced the heavily edited copy from my side. "There are some further stipulations. I want to be able to study or work as I please."

Corey smiled and said, "As long as the institutions can be vetted by my guys first, perhaps get a few NDAs signed, that should be fine."

I continued, "My family may travel to see me. They have to be able to see me whenever I want, and I should be able to take a flight and come visit them whenever I'd like."

Corey nodded in agreement once again, adding yet another comment. "Again, this is fine, as long as it does not clash with any scheduled events or public appearances."

"And finally, Professor Meowkins comes with me."

Both Alexander men raised their eyebrows at this. As if summoned by his name, a righteous meow sounded from behind us, as the cat confidently strutted into the room, tail raised high. It climbed onto the couch and settled between Brody and I, before directing its yellow gaze to Zac. Meowkins gave him a very. mean. look.

Zac gave a slight huff and shook his head. "I don't like cats."

I frowned before copying Professor Meowkins gaze at him. "The cat is coming. Or I'm not."

Mother tutted at my tone and apologised on my behalf, "I'm sure we can work something out, we could bring the cat when we visit."

I was just about to vehemently disagree before Corey spoke again. "No, it's fine." He gaze Zac a stern look rivaling mine and the cat's. "Zachery, you'll be living in a big space. I'm sure you'll be able to avoid the cat just fine."

Corey turned and smiled at me. "I admire your tenacity, Faye. Of course you can bring the cat - er, Mister Meowkins."

"Professor."

"Right. Professor." He gave me a half smile before turning to my father. Let's sign that contract then plan a wedding, eh?"

I did not miss the quick eyeroll Zac gave his father before completely distancing himself from the conversation. He'd closed himself off, and gave one-worded answers for the remainder of the encounter, signing where he had to and not even sparing a glance at me again.

Well that was just fine with me. I'd have my cat with me, and he was always a great judge of character, including peeing on the shoes of my ex boyfriends. Professor Meowkins knew what was best for me and now I knew for certain that this was just going to be a business agreement. For the next 2 years, I'd stay professional and keep my distance from this strange, cold man. I'd do what I had to, and get out of there as soon as I could.