My Contract Engagement
845 Words
The whole house was buzzing with nervous energy. Servants were running around, polishing every surface, making sure everything looked perfect. I, Maria Juanita Romero, was dressed in my finest traditional dress—expensive, elegant, and incredibly uncomfortable.
I stood by the large window, looking out. "Ugh, this fabric is so heavy. It’s like wearing a curtain. Where is the zipper? Why is everything tied with strings?" I muttered, adjusting the sleeves for the tenth time.
"Maria Juanita! Stand straight! Stop fidgeting!" my father hissed at me, his face pale with anxiety. "Today is the most important day of our lives. General Kenzuki Nanaka is coming to finalize the agreement. You are to be presented to him as his future wife. Behave like a proper lady! Soft voice, downcast eyes, no nonsense!"
I rolled my eyes. "Yes, yes, Papa. I know. I’m a product, you’re the seller, and he’s the buyer. Got it."
He glared at me, but there was no time to scold me further because the heavy doors opened.
"GENERAL KENZUKI NANAKA HAS ARRIVED."
The atmosphere in the room instantly dropped below freezing. The air felt thick and heavy. Everyone froze. Even my father, who usually acted like he owned the world, straightened up and put on a forced, respectful smile.
And then, he walked in.
I craned my neck to look. Honestly, based on the stories and the fear everyone had, I was expecting someone terrifying. I pictured an old, bald, short man with a grumpy face and a big belly.
Wait.
My eyes widened.
He was tall. Extremely tall. He had broad shoulders, and his uniform was crisp and intimidating. But his face… he was young. And handsome. Like, really handsome. Sharp jawline, piercing eyes, and hair neatly combed. He looked like a movie villain who was way too attractive for his own good.
Kenzuki’s POV:
He looked at the girl standing there. She was pretty, graceful figure, delicate features. Not bad at all. She looks like a proper noble lady should. "Not bad," he thought silently, his expression remaining cold and unreadable.
My POV:
Oh my gosh. I thought he was going to be a bald, old, short man! This is a huge plot twist! He looks like a main character!
"Don Romero," Kenzuki spoke, his voice deep and commanding. He didn't shout, but everyone listened.
"General! Welcome, welcome!" My father bowed slightly, sweat practically forming on his forehead. "This is my daughter, Maria Juanita."
I was supposed to curtsy. I was supposed to say 'Good day, Sir' softly.
But I was Sienna. And I was still in shock.
Instead of bowing, I took a step forward, looked him up and down openly, and said in a normal, loud voice, "Wow. You’re actually tall! And you have hair! I honestly thought you’d be like… fifty years old and balding. Pleasant surprise, General!"
The room went dead silent.
My father’s eyes almost popped out of his skull. "MARIA JUANITA! WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?! APOLOGIZE NOW!" He looked like he was going to have a heart attack. The servants looked terrified.
I didn't stop there. I walked around him, checking him out like he was a car on display. "And your uniform is nice! Very shiny. Does it get hot? It looks stuffy. You should wear cotton, you know. More breathable."
Kenzuki’s POV:
What is wrong with this woman? He blinked, completely caught off guard. Is she crazy? Or just stupid? No one has ever dared to look at me like that, let alone comment on my clothes. She is acting like an annoying freak. It’s irritating… yet…
He watched me as I made a face, scratching my cheek because the makeup was itchy.
"Also, your shoes are squeaky," I pointed out. "Squeak squeak. Very distracting."
That was it. The tension broke.
Kenzuki stared at me for a long second, his face serious. Then, his lips twitched. And then, a low chuckle escaped his throat. It started soft, then became a real laugh. He covered his mouth with his hand, his shoulders shaking.
He was laughing! At my antics!
"Pft… hahaha."
My father was horrified. "General! I am so sorry! She is… she is not well! She hit her head! She doesn't know what she is saying!"
Kenzuki waved his hand, still smiling—a smile that changed his whole face from terrifying to charming.
"No, Don Romero," he said, looking at me with amusement dancing in his eyes. "She is… very unique. Very… energetic."
He walked closer to me, leaning down slightly so he could look me in the eye.
"You are very annoying, Maria Juanita," he said, but his voice wasn't angry. "But I am not bored. Fine. The engagement is approved. Sign the papers."
I crossed my arms over my chest and looked up at him. "Tss. You’re welcome. I’m basically doing you a favor, you know."
"Maria Juanita!!!" my father screamed, ready to faint.
And that was how I, Maria Juanita Romero, got engaged to the most dangerous man in the country by acting like a total weirdo.
- Writer
