HEIRS OF DISDAIN(They never wanted this.)

Chapter 3

Alex

The fact that I had to get married in three months when I didn't even have a serious relationship still amazes me. I wasn't really feeling like working today, so I took a week off. I just need to wrap my head around that fact.

Then suddenly my phone buzzed and the screen flashed with a number I never thought would call me, even at gunpoint—Alison Jameson.

It was quite a rare surprise, given that our relationship wasn't really on the friendly side. I played with the idea of letting it ring for a while just to taunt her.

Then decided against it.

And then I heard that voice I hadn't heard in a long time.

“Hello.”

"You were the last person I thought would call me." I heard her snort through the phone.

"I also wouldn't have believed if someone said I would call you after I finally got rid of you."

Her snide comment spread an unfamiliar expression across my face as I chuckled heartily.

"Um, Alex, can we meet? I'd really like us to discuss something."

"Meet? Like a date?" I said teasingly.

"Yes, a date with death. So, do you have time or not?" She half screamed through the phone.

"Well, I'm not sure if I can make out time right now. I'm just really busy." I lied through my teeth.

"Oh, stop lying. I checked in with your PA and she said you took a few days off." She bit back.

"Do you always have to be this thorough?"

"I have to be when dealing with a person like you."

I feigned hurt, asking even though I knew what she meant.

"A person like me? Are you calling me a liar?"

"Your words, not mine."

Her taunting reply brought a smile to my face. It reminded me of old times when I'd just annoy her for the sake of a reaction.

"I'll think about it."

"Anyway, Gold Rosé Cafe, 9am."

The sound of the dial tone made me realize that she'd already hung up after saying that.

Seems like life's going to get a lot more interesting. I chuckled as I took lazy strides over to my home bar to pour myself a drink.

---

Alison

To be fair, making Alex my fake husband wasn't my idea, so I don't understand why I'm the one that had to figure out ways to persuade him, even though the outcome would obviously be denial. Coming back here is driving me crazy. First of all, the numerous blind dates. Now I'm planning on persuading someone I've hated for God knows how long to get into a fake marriage with me. My mental health is at stake at this point, I thought as I scanned through the room for Alex.

Alex wasn't the type to be late for anything, so if he isn't here, he's not coming. Just then I got a message from Alex.

"Last table by the window."

I spotted a table by the window, and there he was. Wearing a white t-shirt with jeans, his dirty blonde hair slightly disheveled, one hand gripping his coffee, the other on his phone. He looked up at me with his piercing green eyes, and damn, he's handsome and I hated it. It’s hard to beef someone when he looks like that.

His eyes seemed to be assessing what I was wearing.

I didn't put much thought into what I was wearing.

I was wearing white striped shorts with a button-up blouse.

I thought I saw something flash in his eyes before it went away as fast as it came. My mind didn't dwell on that as he flashed a smile at me. I made my way to the chair and sat down.

"Didn't expect to see you again," he started immediately after I sat down.

"Neither did I. You aren't really my favorite person. If I had my way, I wouldn't be here talking to you after I finally managed to shake you off." I replied smoothly.

"You know, for someone who wants something from me, you are very hostile."

I scoffed. "What makes you think I want something from you?"

Damn this Alex. He was right. I did want something from him.

He then gave me an obvious look and said, as if explaining basic math to a 25-year-old,

"You suddenly called me after ten years of no contact whatsoever. I don't suppose you called me here to chat over coffee."

I paused for a second. He was making a point. I guess it's obvious that I want something from him.

After a very long awkward silence of wondering the best way to put it, I decided to just go for it.

"I want us to get married."

His brows furrowed in confusion, then a mix of teasing and mischief played in his eyes. A smirk rested on his lips.

"That's not how it works, Alison. You know, I never knew you thought of me that way, but sadly you're just not my type. You're—"

"Shut up." Why wouldn't this guy just stop talking? God.

"I didn't mean actually getting married, dumbass. And I'm not your type? Guys would literally die for a chance with me."

"Oh really? Not what I'm hearing." He teased further.

"Can you just shut up and let me explain?" I cut him off immediately.

He then made a show of surrendering by raising his arms in the air and making a zipping motion over his lips.

"My parents are pressuring me to get married, going as far as threatening me with my inheritance, and they keep sending blind dates no matter how many I scare off."

"And this is my problem how?" How I wanted to see his mouth shut.

I rolled my eyes, visibly annoyed.

"If you'd kindly shut it, I would get there. So, to get out of this predicament, I've decided to get into a fake marriage. But I've already chased off half the potential suitors. And through my very reliable source, I found out you also find yourself in a similar situation. So instead of being forced into a marriage with someone who'd get in the way of our lives, why don't we just get a fake marriage, get all the benefits of a real marriage and maybe even more, then we can make a show of getting a divorce?"

The whole time he was quiet, as if processing my words.

"Well, what's in it for me?" I almost had a mental breakdown right then and there.

"Weren't you listening? The whole marriage benefits part."

He nodded. "I did, but just one thing. Why you, though? You're the one with the bad reputation, not me. I could just find someone else who I actually like and is actually my type and doesn't try to kill me every ten seconds."

"It's not my fault you're very good at pissing me off." I shot back.

"I appreciate the compliment," he said as he flashed a cocky grin.

I gave up at this point. Guess I have to listen to his demands.

"Fine. What do you want?"

His grin widened at my surrender, then suddenly he cleared his throat and put on a serious face.

"I would like to add a few conditions. Three, actually." He paused for a while and looked at me, asking for approval, and I just gave a slight nod. He continued. "Purely business. No attachment or catching feelings."

I rolled my eyes at his ridiculous demands. As if I'd want affection from you.

"Secondly, when we divorce, you have to say it's because you're a chronic cheat."

I almost choked on my coffee but didn't react. I knew he was just trying to get on my nerves.

"And for the final one, I want thirty percent of your shares."

"What!!!" In shock I exclaimed, forgetting this was a cafe and drawing attention to myself.

"No. I agree to the rest, but not this one. Who knows what you are scheming?"

This maniac seemed to be enjoying my outburst as he was just casually sipping his coffee.

"Do you want this or not?" It didn't seem like he'd budge if I didn't agree.

"Ugh, fine. I'll give you the shares, but if you try anything, I will make sure you don't see the light of day."

He smiled at my threats.

"I'll send you the contract by tomorrow. Feel free to change anything."

He just nodded with that triumphant smirk.