EPISODE 2
1148 Words
Despite the grand feast before us, the dining room was heavy with tension. Glimmering silver candlesticks reflected warmly in the light of the chandelier, while the soft clinking of cutlery against plates sounded louder than it should have. I sat with my hands fidgeting in my lap, glancing at Aria for some kind of cue.
My sister, as always, looked composed. Aria's brown hair cascaded in perfect waves over her shoulders, her calm expression betraying none of the unease I was sure she felt. It wasn't the first time I envied my sister's self-assurance. If Aria was feeling awkward, she didn't show it, unlike me, whose nerves and every thought and emotions were painted across my face.
The main courses consisted of pumpkin soup in its velvety feel, a crunchy salad, and finally roasted lamb. He swallowed hard, several times in an effort to be jovial and create light conversation.
"So, Jace," he began awkwardly. "How's life over at Sharpe Techs? I read about the expansion into Europe. Really great job done there."
Jace hardly lifted his head when slicing the lamb. "I know," was all that he replied nonchalantly.
Undeterred, Dad tried again. "I imagine running such a large company must be so stressful. How do you have time to have fun?"
Jace paused, raising his eyes briefly to meet Dad's. "I don't."
The short reply left the room in an awkward silence. I glanced over at Aria, who raised her eyebrow at me, like, Yeah, this is going great.
"Right," Dad muttered, his face flushing slightly. "Well, hard work is the cornerstone of success." Jace didn't even bother responding.
I had this overwhelming urge for the ground to open up and swallow me so I could disappear. I sat uneasily, shifting in my chair and wished I was back in my studio, working on my latest sculpture. It would have been an evening better spent, 'cause now my appetite had totally evaporated.
Eventually, Dad just gave up on small talk, facing his plate as he sawed his lamb a little too aggressively. When dessert arrived—delicate slices of chocolate tart—he let his fork fall abruptly and cleared his throat.
"Mr. Sharpe, why don't we retire to my office to discuss the arrangements further?" he suggested, the tone formal as he pushed his chair back and stood.
Jace did not get up. Instead, he leaned back slightly in his chair, adjusting his cuffs while his piercing blue eyes seemed uncompromising. "We can talk about it here."
Aria and I exchanged puzzled glances before I pursed my lips.
Dad did not say a word for a moment, apparently taken aback by the reply. "Pardon?"
Jace responded- his voice cool yet intransigent. "I believe your daughters should be present. After all, they have a great role in it anyway."
Dad cleared his throat, grasping his chair. "Are you sure?"
"If I wasn't, I wouldn't mention it." Jace replied.
Clearly uncomfortable and pissed at being defied, Dad's eyes hesitated. There was little doubt as to who between them was the stronger of the two. He nodded finally in a stiff manner, sat back, and sour. "Very well."
For one whole minute, the only sound that could be heard in that room was the soft clink of Jace drinking from his glass of wine before setting it down. Relaxed, but in commanding posture, he rested his hands on the table and locked eyes with Aria and Caila.
"A few months ago," Jace started off, "your father contacted me. He proposed a marriage arrangement between myself and Aria to save Soleil Vineyards."
"What?" Aria's voice cut like a whip, the edge sharp with incredulity. "Seriously, Dad? What the f**k? We spoke about this already? And without telling me? First Victor Hayes and now him?"
I caught Jace stiffen for a nanosecond at the mention of Victor Hayes. It was subtle and no one else noticed but I did. Dad didn't meet Aria's gaze, his chin in the air as he instead folded his napkin.
Jace continued, undeterred by the outburst. "I refused."
Aria let out a harsh laugh, her eyes narrowing at her father. "Good. Because I would have said no."
Jace raised a hand, his calm demeanor unshaken as he went on as if Aria hadn't spoken. "Your father approached me again recently, under much more desperate circumstances. This time, I’ve decided to accept his proposal.”
“No.” Aria’s voice was firm and final. “Absolutely not.”
"I'm not finished," Jace growled out and Aria promptly fell shut, her cheeks and eyes ablaze with fury. Jace's sharp gaze flicked between us. "I have accepted the arrangement. But there's one condition. If I'm going to save Soleil Vineyards, I won't marry just Aria. I'll marry the both of you."
The air seemed to be sucked out of the room.
I glared at him, my eyes wide with incredulity. "W-What?" I whispered, my voice inaudible.
"Excuse me?" Aria called out, her voice raised now. "Are you f*****g insane right now?"
Dad finally spoke-a long, tired sigh escaped. "It's not as dramatic as it sounds—"
"Not dramatic?" Aria erupted, whirling on him. Her chair screeched as she rose. "You seriously expect Caila and me both to marry this man? This isn't some exchange for goods in the Middle Ages, Dad!"
My heart was pounding. I looked from Dad to Jace, my mind struggling to process what I'd just heard. "This can't be real," I murmured.
"It is," their father said flatly, finally meeting their eyes. "We're out of options. Soleil Vineyards is on the brink of collapse. If this is what it takes to save our family's legacy, then so be it."
I shook my head, my voice shaking. "But h-how...How would that even work?"
Jace's blue eyes landed on me and I shrieked backwards. Being the sole focus on his icy gaze was unnerving and I felt my cheeks heat.
"We would all sign the marriage contract in secret, as well as an NDA. We would be married for one year. One of you would pose as my conventional wife." He paused, his head cooking. "Which will be you. You seem more....agreeable."
I flushed. Agreeable meant weak, timid, pliable.
"This isn't just about us. Hundreds of employees depend on Soleil Vineyards. Their livelihoods are at stake." Dad cut in frustrated.
"Don't f*****g put that on us," Aria snapped.
"Without my support, Soleil Vineyards will crumble in months. You'll lose everything." Jace said, his voice even. "The choice is yours."
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes.
"You can't ask us to do this," I whispered to Dad, my voice shaking.
"I'm not asking," Dad said, the edge of his voice sharp as he ground his jaw. "I'm telling you what is going to be. Both of you will marry Jace Sharpe. And that's final."
- Writer
