Married To My Rival

Chapter Three: The Deal

Alvara's pov

I woke up feeling tired. I was contemplating if I should just stay at home or go to work.

Then my phone rings.

I looked at the screen, and it was Dorian. Why is he calling me? I clearly ignored his text message last night.

I picked up my phone and answered the call. “What do you want?”

“Good morning to you too”.

I rolled my eyes. “It's too early for your sarcasm”.

He laughed. “You ignored my message last night”.

“Why would a normal human being text someone so late”.

“Ooh I'm sorry about that”.

I didn't even reply.

“I want us to meet and talk”.

“Yeah I want to have a conversation with you too”.

“So… breakfast or lunch?”

“Breakfast, I have an important meeting later today”.

“Okay I'll send you the address now”.

The call ended.

I stared at my phone for a moment before placing it on the bed. I stepped straight to the bathroom. After a quick shower, I stepped into my closet. I wasn't sure what to wear. My closet looks like a designer boutique.

I finally settled on a cream colored silk blouse and a pair of brown pants paired with pointed brown heels and a small handbag. I applied light makeup and finished up the look with several pieces of gold jewellery.

After dressing up, I looked at myself in the mirror before stepping out.

The drive to Bellissimo Restaurant was quiet.

When I arrived at the restaurant, a waiter came to me immediately.

“Good morning ma'am”.

I gave him my name, and he immediately nodded.

“Mr Dorian is expecting you, this way ma'am”.

He led me to the private dining room.The room was elegant and quiet, completely separated from the main dining area. A neatly arranged breakfast table occupied the centre of the room.

Dorian was already seated.

“You came”. He stood up and pulled out the chair for me.

“I almost didn't come”.

He smiled. “You haven't changed”.

I sat down elegantly. “I could say the same for you”.

We looked at each other for a while.

“I heard your father threatened to replace you”.

“You heard right”.

I took a sip of wine and placed it on the table. “So tell me, what was your condition”.

“His health”.

I raised an eyebrow. “Ugh? I don't get”.

He smiled faintly. “My dad is ill, He has a heart problem”.

“So?”

“He threatened to stop his treatment if I refused”.

“What?” A laugh escaped me. “Please don't flatter me”.

He placed his fork down. “I'm serious”.

I folded my hands on the table. “Really? But for some reason, I feel like that's not the whole story”.

He smiled faintly.

“The Dorian I know isn't the type that would take his father’s threat seriously”. “I stood up, walked over, and rested my hand on the table in front of him. “What is your real motive?”.

He gave a soft laugh and looked directly into my eyes.

“There's none, “I'm just like anyone else who's concerned about his father's health”.

I chuckled. “You? Just like anyone else?” I stood up and clapped my hands softly. “Nice game”.

I glanced at him. “Anyways, let's cooperate until we no longer need each other”.

He stood up and leaned closer to my face. He reached toward my earrings, and his fingers brushed my hair as he carefully pulled a loose strand of hair from my earrings.

He moved back a bit. “Fine, let's do that”. He extended his hands towards me. A faint smile appeared on his lips.

I stared at him for a while before finally placing my hand on his. His grip closed around mine, firm and warm.

And just like that, the deal was sealed.

Come to think of it, Dorian and I don't like each other. He wouldn't bother getting close, and I would live my life in peace while I keep my inheritance, perfect arrangement. A win-win.

…………..

A few hours later, I arrived at the office. I immediately started smiling when Sophie walked in.

“What is it? Why are you smiling?” She asked, looking confused.

“You don't even like me smiling?"

“you shouldn't be smiling right now”.

A laugh escaped me.

She sat down. “So what happened? Update me already”.

The smile on my face immediately disappeared. “I've decided to marry Dorian”.

“What?” She couldn't stop smiling.

“Don't get too excited. We only decided to cooperate until we no longer need each other”.

“Meaning”.

“I'll divorce him after I get my inheritance”.

“What? why?”

“Dorian and I can't work”.

“What if you're mistaken?”

“Look, two captains can't run a ship”.

She burst into laughter.

“Dorian is rude. He thinks he's always right”.

“People do change, I bet you were as annoying as him back then. But look at you now”.

“That's enough chitchat for today, call the PR team”.

“The PR team? Why?”

“Why else? It's time to take back the number one spot in sales.”

“How can you think about that now?”

“Sophie it's marriage, not retirement”.

My phone rings. I glance at the screen and see my father’s name. Without hesitation, I answered the call

“Hello?”

“Your wedding is in three weeks”.

“What? Three weeks?” I signalled Sophie to leave.

“Yes”.

“Why are you in such a hurry? Is there a particular reason you want me to marry Dorian?"

He went silent. “Dad?”

“Nothing you should concern yourself with”.

“I need to know what I'm getting myself into”.

“Alvara, your marriage with Dorian will protect everything you've worked for”. He said, his voice low.

“I don't get it, look dad. I've decided to marry him, but I feel I need to know the reason you're in such a hurry”.

“You just need to trust your old man”.

I was silent for a moment before answering. “Okay dad”.

The call ended.

I stared at my phone for a while before ending the call. Why does it feel like there's more to this marriage? What is my dad hiding from me?