STRIKE FOR THE TYCOON

Chapter 2 - Fiancee

The meeting with our mothers was like a scene from a nightmare I never wanted to live through. I sat across from Royce, keeping my posture straight while my mother and his discussed dates, venues, and guest lists as if we were furniture in a catalog.

“Azia, Royce, the wedding should be in three months,” my mother said, tapping her nails on the table. “It will be a spring event. Guests from both families, media coverage limited, but enough to make a statement.”

I blinked. Three months!

I barely had time to process what had happened with Jax before this, and now a wedding was being scheduled.

Royce leaned back in his chair, one eyebrow raised.

“Three months,” he repeated. “That’s fast.”

“You have suggestions?” my mother asked.

“Only that this is insane,” I said. My voice stayed calm, but my hands were clenched under the table. “I can’t believe anyone thinks this is reasonable.”

Royce smirked. “I was thinking the same thing. But somehow, it’s supposed to be my problem too.”

I wanted to glare at him, but I had to admit, his dry sarcasm matched my mood perfectly. I wanted to laugh in frustration. How was I supposed to take this seriously when he looked like he was enjoying the absurdity as much as I was hating it?

“The ceremony should be at the Adler estate,” his mother said. “It’s large, private, and the press will respect our request for discretion.”

I frowned. “Private? For whom? If anyone finds out, it will still be public. This is my life. I can’t—”

My mother cut me off. “Azia, Royce’s mother and I have already discussed it. This is for your own good. Again, you made this mess and this is the only way so you wont be linked to that ex of yours.”

I exhaled slowly. I wanted to argue, to demand another solution. I tried. I suggested alternative ways to handle the scandal without a marriage. Maybe a public statement, charity involvement, media appearances. Anything. But both mothers ignored me or smiled as if my opinions were amusing.

Royce chuckled softly. “Your suggestions are noted, Azia. Completely useless, but noted.”

I shot him a look. “I’m serious!”

“Of course,” he said, voice calm, teasing. “And so am I. That’s why I think three months is perfect. Enough time for you to get used to me.”

I wanted to throw something. How dare he? I clenched my jaw and took a deep breath. Don’t give him the satisfaction, I reminded myself.

The mothers continued their discussion, naming caterers, florists, photographers. I sat there, trying not to hyperventilate. Royce, on the other hand, looked entirely relaxed, as if he was enjoying a casual shopping trip, not a meeting that was deciding our lives.

Finally, our mothers left, satisfied with their plan. The moment the door closed behind them, the air between Royce and me shifted.

“So this is really happening,” I said, standing up. My voice was sharp, full of disbelief and irritation. “We are actually going to get married.”

He smirked at me. “Don’t sound so shocked. I thought you’d be more excited about it.”

“Excited? Are you kidding me? I can’t believe this,” I said. I crossed my arms, glaring at him. “I’ve known you for just…few days, and I already hate this idea more than anything in my life.!”

“I’m delighted to hear that,” he said, voice low and teasing, a hint of amusement in his tone. “And corrected, you knew me already since years ago.

“Ugh! You’re so annoying, you know that!” I narrowed my eyes. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“Maybe a little,” he admitted. “It’s rare to find someone as stubborn as you. Makes things interesting.”

I wanted to roll my eyes. I had expected annoyance from him, but this level of teasing, this calm amusement while I was practically fuming, was maddening.

“So let me get this straight,” I said, pacing the room. “We are supposed to live together, act like a normal married couple, and pretend everything is fine. How exactly is this supposed to work?”

He leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “It won’t. And that’s the fun part.”

I stopped and stared at him. “This is chaos. You’re chaos. I’m chaos. And somehow, we’re supposed to mix that together and call it marriage?”

He shrugged, still smirking. “Sounds like a challenge to me. I think I can handle it.”

I groaned, covering my face with my hands. This is impossible! I cannot be married to this man. Not for a day, not for a month, not for a year!

I paced again, trying to think. Maybe if I begged my mother one more time, she would understand. Maybe if I explained that there were other ways to fix this without a marriage, she would agree.

But when I tried the next day, my mother only gave me that same cold, calm look.

“Azia, you don’t have a choice. Royce’s mother announced it already. A candid photo of you two is circulating online, and she posted it herself. It’s trending actually! You’re going to be engaged whether you like it or not.”

I froze. “What?”

“She made it public,” my mother said. “You don’t have an option anymore. The families are aligned. The media is already talking. You have to go along with it.”

I sank into the nearest chair, mind spinning.

“So I have no say in this. None at all?”

“The media is telling the public that you’re not involved with that newbie actor since you’re engaged with Royce! In that matter, slowly your name will be cleaned!”

“This is so ridiculous!” I yelled, giving up .

“You already did a presscon and what? Did they listen? No. I told you, this is for your own good!”

I shut my eyes in annoyance.

The next day, I went to Royce’s company with the contract in my hand. I wasn’t in the mood to talk. Thanks to his mom, since she posted our cute candid picture, everyone here just knew me as his fiancée!

When I entered his office, he was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, that smug look still on his face. He didn’t even look surprised to see me. I hated how calm he always looked, like nothing could bother him.

“You’re here,” he said, smiling. “Missed me?”

Of course he’d start with that. I rolled my eyes and placed the contract on his table, harder than I intended. “Sign this.”

He pushed off the wall and walked closer. “I need to review it first. I don’t wanna sign it immediately.”

I crossed my arms. “It doesn’t have money involved, so you can breathe now.”

He grinned wider. “You can shop using my card anytime. It won’t drain that fast.”

I wanted to groan. He’s so arrogant. Does he ever stop being full of himself?

“Did you try convincing your mom?” he asked. He didn’t even touch the folder. Just stood there, like this was some kind of game.

“Your mother posted it,” I said sharply. “Do we have a choice?”

He leaned against the wall again, arms folded, that same lazy smirk on his face. “Looks like we’re stuck, then. Congratulations. You’re officially my fiancée.”

I clenched my fists. He really enjoyed this. Every word out of his mouth was meant to test me!

We stared at each other for a few seconds. The silence stretched, thick with irritation, clearly. This is the man I’m supposed to marry. I can already tell we’re going to drive each other insane.

“I’ll read this later. I’m busy,” he said, ignoring my contract.

But fine! Let him think I’ll play along. I can still live my life the way I want. I won’t let this arrangement control me.