Love and Lust in Contract Marriage

Chapter 5 - Would it be Liam?

"When are you going to introduce someone to me?" Howard asked at lunch with his daughter. This weekend, Howard purposely took Kate out for lunch together. He had not been home for more than a week because he had to take several business trips. And during that time, he did not meet his only daughter. So, having lunch together at their favorite family restaurant was the right choice. And, of course, with another purpose. Discussing their agreement the other day.

"It's been almost a month since you agreed to my terms." He continued, indirectly reminding Kate of the deadline in their unwritten agreement. "If you haven't found a potential husband, I can help," he added, constantly giving advice considering his daughter's antipathy to men.

Hearing her father's words, Kate wanted to protest. Again, about matchmaking. Why did he like to find a candidate for her future husband? Was it her father's new hobby?

However, she could not get out of her protests. Her throat felt tight from the fact that almost a month had passed. And she hadn't found someone to be her husband yet?

Kate was trying. She had selected the men who had been and were around her. In fact, she had also asked her female friends to recommend someone who could be her partner. But, nothing. She could always find their bad attitude. A thing that she could not tolerate.

Howard saw the worry in her hazel eyes—the same color as his wife's. Instantly, a feeling of regret rose in his heart. To be honest, he couldn't bear to force his daughter. His little daughter—he had always thought of her that way—was too precious to follow the coercion of others, including himself.

But, Kate, who decided not to marry, raised his fears. He was afraid that his daughter would be alone when he was no longer by her side. And he knew very well how lonely it was to be alone.

The death of the wife he loved so much had made him feel that feeling. He managed to get up thanks to Kate by his side. He lived for his daughter. For him, her happiness was also his. Nothing was more important than that.

He wanted Kate to have that 'someone' in her life. Someone who would stand by her and make his daughter happy. Someone precious to Kate so that it could motivate her to continue living in happiness.

After all, this was his wife's wish. She was eager to see Kate grow up, get married, and be happy with her family. Unfortunately, that wish never came true because his wife first left this world when Kate was fourteen years old. And he would do it to fulfill her desire.

Therefore, he planned the matchmaking. But, based on Kate's stubborn nature and her tenacity, his daughter turned down all the men he was introduced to. The threat was his last resort as he never saw Kate change. He knew she would be submissive because Kate wouldn't easily give up ownership of their family company to someone else.

"You don't need to rush into marriage. You can take a month or two to get to know each other better. And even if it doesn't go well, I still have many names to replace them."

Kate almost glared at his last sentence as if her father were offering her clothes instead of a husband-to-be. After trying it on and finding it suitable, she could decide to have it or reject it. It was unfortunate for them.

Wait! Wait. Why should she sympathize with them? She should be the one who should be pitied because she had to accept them into her life. She was just tired of imagining how many more men she would have to meet.

"What makes you think they deserve to be my husband?" She sounded a little grouchy as she asked the question.

Howard paused for a moment to think about the answer to that question. "One and many things. But, dear Kate, the final decision rests with you. You alone know best who is worthy of you."

"If the final decision is in my hands, you should accept my decision to be single and not married," Kate insisted.

Howard shook his head dramatically. "Those are two different things, honey. And remember, you already agreed. Don't make me shorten the deadline." The threat was spoken in serenity.

Kate tightened her grip on the spoon and fork in each hand. Presumably, she had no other choice but to follow his wishes. The middle-aged man knew very well how to beat her.

A sigh escaped her lips. "This time, who do you want to introduce to me?" she asked, choosing to surrender.

"Oh, you finally agree with my idea?" Howard's face brightened as he saw her positive reaction.

Kate put her cutlery on the table. Then, she leaned back until her back touched the back of the chair. Her hands crossed, showing the remnants of her defensive stance. "Well, you left no other choice for me." Her tone was skeptical.

His eyes softened as he looked at his daughter. "I just want to see you happy," he replied softly.

Yes, Kate knew that very well. She understood her dad wanted her happiness. Even though her version of joy and his father were very different. "I know." She spoke softly, almost whispered.

"Once again, I say that many other names are ready to replace him if you refuse this one." Howard reminded.

Kate wanted to laugh at his words. Sometimes her father was funny. He did not want to make Kate depressed but still forced her to follow his will. "Yes, Dad. Who is it?" She was getting impatient.

Howard glanced at the watch in his hand, then said, "He'll be here in a minute."

The answer caused a frown on Kate's forehead. Apparently, Howard had it all planned. This lunch was just a cover behind his true intentions. But what if she insisted on rejecting his idea? What would happen at this scheduled meeting?

"Oh, there he is!"

Spontaneously, Kate turned around. Her eyes narrowed when she saw a familiar person standing in Howard's line of sight. And that was when a realization hit her.

She returned her gaze to Howard. Her eyes widened as a ridiculous assumption entered her mind. "You're not serious, are you?" She couldn't hide the shock and disbelief in her voice.

"I'm serious, honey. It was him."

"Dad!" Kate exclaimed, no longer showing her composure. "Why should it be him? Don't you have another name?" she asked, almost frustrated.

"I think he is the right candidate. You already know each other. And I think you two are quite close."

Kate really wanted to curse her father's thoughts. That person and she close? Don't be joking! There wasn't a single sign that led to his conclusion, except…

Yes, except for that kiss.

What an asshole!

"Don't you know his reputation in the office? He is-"

"I know," Howard cut in quickly. "But behind his bad nature, he is a very responsible man. Remember, honey. No human is perfect. And maybe he needs you to change."

Kate snorted softly. Changed? What kind of changes did her father expect?

"You just have to give it a try," Howard coaxed again.

Kate opened her mouth and prepared to reply to his words just as the person in question arrived.

"Good afternoon, Mr. and Miss Whitelaw," he greeted kindly, with a smile tugging at his lips.

It was him.

Liam Ortiz.

Who else?