Not the Wife He Wants

CHAPTER 1. Rick

Rick's POV

If there's anything in this world that can be called perfect, it's the right word to describe Zia, my girlfriend. A model, still young, reliable, and most importantly, she's beautiful and can fulfill all my desires.

For over two years, we've decided to be a mutually beneficial couple. Meaning, I'll fulfill all her desires for the things she wants, and she'll accompany me to every important meeting with clients or formal events that I have to attend. She dresses appropriately, looks attractive, and is good at starting conversations with anyone. Or you could say she's the perfect woman who meets all my standards.

"Boss, there's a call from the old man." Deena, my secretary, interrupted all my thoughts about Zia.

"Tell him I'm busy." I replied without turning around. It was predictable what the old man would talk about. Just thinking about it made my ears hurt.

"He said it's very important, Boss. If you don't pick up, tomorrow your position will be replaced by Mr. Alvian." Deena said again, making me click my tongue in frustration.

"Alright, I'll call back in five minutes." I finally decided.

The 'old man' Deena was talking about is my grandfather. The type of old man who likes to control. He's tried dozens of times to set me up with daughters of his acquaintances, all of whom are low-class and the most annoyingly bossy people in the universe.

"Hello, what's up, Grandpa? I have a lot of work." I said softly when my call connected.

"When are you going to get married again, Rick? When will I have great-grandchildren?" He said, as I expected.

"Later, Grandpa, you have to be patient. You can't just find a wife carelessly." I answered casually. I haven't had the chance to introduce Zia to Grandpa because I'm at the main office out of town, and my overwhelming business hasn't allowed me to take Zia to Grandpa's house.

"You always give the same answer I'm not satisfied. Next week, bring your prospective wife to meet me, or else you'll end up on the streets, and the company will be handed over to Alvian." He said before abruptly hanging up. I sighed wearily; our disagreements often stem from matchmaking issues, and it's incredibly frustrating.

"Why do you look so upset?" Suddenly, my beautiful girlfriend was in front of me, smiling sweetly. I was so focused on thinking about Grandpa's request that I didn't realize when Zia entered my room.

"It's just Grandpa, wanting to meet my future wife." I replied as I got up to hug her. She was still wearing a beautiful dress that she seemed to have just used for a photoshoot.

"Do you want me to meet your grandpa?" She asked in a playful tone that I liked.

"Yes, can you?" I asked, and she smiled while pretending to think.

"Depends on what I get out of it." She chuckled, making me laugh.

"What do you want? A bag? More shoes? Or clothes?" I offered. Our relationship tends to be give and take. I get something if I give something, and vice versa.

"A car?" She asked with hope. I chuckled, then pinched her nose and nodded in agreement. Zia then hugged me tightly with happiness.

It might seem like an unusual relationship, but I like it this way. It's mutually beneficial and doesn't complicate things for me. Zia is also not the type of woman who demands my time to always be with her like a school romance. She understands my business, never complicates things for me, and is always there whenever I need her. Isn't this kind of relationship more mature?

***

It's been five days since the call with Grandpa, and in two days, I had planned to take Zia to visit him. My girlfriend had even cleared her photoshoot schedule for a few days. But today, my aunt called to inform me that Grandpa was admitted to the hospital because of a heart attack. Without a second thought, I immediately left all my work and headed to the hospital.

You could say that Grandpa is the only parent I have left after my parents passed away. So, no matter how irritating he is, I still don't want to lose him. His health often scares me with the thought of being left alone.

I ran through the hospital corridor until I reached the room where Grandpa was being treated. He looked weak but smiled when he saw me. "What are you thinking this time, Grandpa? I already promised to bring a fiancée next Sunday." I said as I reached his bedside. Alvian, along with my uncle and aunt, were already there.

"One month, Rick. Within one month, I want you to get married, or else the company will be entirely handed over to Alvian," he said weakly while holding my hand. “I'm old, Rick. At least before I go, I want to see you marry a good woman." He added. I felt a bit emotional in this situation.

"What are you talking about, Grandpa? You'll be fine." I said.

"What's your answer, Rick?" He asked again. I sighed.

"Yes, Grandpa, in a month, I will get married." I finally replied. I saw Alvian smirking. Even though he's my slightly mischievous cousin, he always supports me, especially when I'm in trouble, and he loves to tease. To be honest, I'm not too worried even if the company has to be handed over to Alvian because I know he's a responsible man, but my agreement is more due to Grandpa's hopeful request and the thought that Zia would leave me if I ended up without money and position. Isn't it true that nowadays, most women are looking for wealthy and established men? Especially a woman as beautiful as Zia.

***

I'm not worried at all about Grandpa's demand because I'm sure Zia will agree as long as it doesn't harm her. But life is indeed filled with unexpected events.

"My modeling contract still has one more year, Rick, so I can't get married." Zia replied, which slightly disappointed me.

"Can you handle the contract cancellation? You don't need to worry about the penalty that needs to be paid." I offered.

"Zia's career is at its peak, Rick. If the contract is canceled, it will make her lose her golden opportunity." Diana said, and Zia nodded in agreement. At this moment, I realized that my position wasn't as important as I thought in Zia's heart. This disappointed me, but I understood. Entering the modeling world is not easy, especially being in Zia's rising position.

"Can't it be discussed again with your Grandpa, Rick?" Zia's father asked, and this time I shook my head.

"That's Grandpa's final word. If I don't want to, then the company will be handed over to Alvian." I sighed while slightly massaging my forehead.

"Hello," A girl's voice said, and not long after, she entered the house. She was a bit surprised to see me but then politely bowed as she passed us.

"Hello," I replied to her greeting because no one else paid attention to her. Then I saw her glance back at me before going up the stairs. Could she be Angela, the one Zia often mentions? Zia's cousin, who is always considered a troublemaker, rebellious, and not a good woman.

"How about just getting engaged for now, Rick? Maybe your Grandpa will understand Zia's situation." Diana suggested again. I paused for a moment because suddenly a wild idea popped into my head.

"Was that Angela who just passed by?" I asked. Zia furrowed her brows and then nodded.

"Don't mind her, Rick. She's a nuisance." Aunt Diana said with a slightly annoyed tone.

"Yes, I know. Zia often talks about it." I replied, slightly amused by the relieved sighs from Diana and her husband. "What if Angela takes Zia's place temporarily?" I suggested, causing the three people in front of me to stare in shock.

"Are you crazy, Rick?" Zia glared, and I smiled.

"Let me explain. I mean a contract marriage, where she becomes my wife for a year while we wait for Zia's work contract to end. What do you think?" I explained.

"That's not a bad idea. At least this way, that troublemaker might be of some use." Dean, Zia's father, said.

"But if you want to do this, you have to get her father's approval. He's a workaholic; maybe you can persuade him with something related to his business." Diana suggested. I smirked.

"That can be arranged." I replied confidently.

"But don't get too close to her, and be careful if anything happens." Zia warned, and I chuckled.

"Nothing's going to happen with that little girl

Besides, she's not my type." I assured Zia.

"If I'm not your type, then why marry me? After treating me poorly all this time, you now want to sacrifice me for your own interests? Play in your own territory, sir. Don't involve me. I would never agree, not in a million years." The girl said fiercely, then quickly left us and exited the house. She must have overheard us when we didn't realize she was coming down the stairs. I just smiled. No one has ever been able to refuse my wishes before. Everything will go according to my plan. We'll see.

"See, Rick, she has no manners for a woman. I can't believe a girl like her got into medical school." Diana said irritably. Another fact I just learned. Turns out that fierce troublemaker girl is a future doctor? That's interesting.