Chapter 3: Arranged Rules
989 Words
The next morning, Alejandro found himself standing in front of Sterling Corporation's towering headquarters. The building was a monolith of glass and steel, a symbol of Isabella's power and influence. He felt a familiar knot of nervousness in his stomach, but beneath it was a growing sense of determination. He was here on business, a business that could change his life.
Alejandro's thoughts: This place is a fortress. It's like stepping into another world. I can't believe this is where she works... where I'm going to be working, in a way. I need to keep my head up, show her I can handle this.
He took a deep breath and walked through the revolving doors, into a lobby that was even more opulent than the restaurant. A sleek receptionist, with an air of cool efficiency, directed him to the executive suite on the top floor. As he rode the elevator, he caught a glimpse of the city sprawling beneath him, a stark contrast to the small apartment he shared with his family.
The elevator doors opened, and he stepped out into a vast, open-plan office. The atmosphere was charged with energy, a hum of activity as people moved with purpose. And then he saw her.
Isabella was standing by a floor-to-ceiling window, her back to him. She was talking on her phone, her voice sharp and commanding. Even from a distance, he could feel her presence, the aura of power that surrounded her. She was dressed in a tailored suit, the epitome of a successful CEO.
Isabella's thoughts: He was here. On time, at least. She turned away from the window, ending her call with a curt, "See to it immediately." She needed to maintain control, project strength. This whole arrangement was already precarious enough without showing any weakness, especially not to him. But... there was a flicker of something else, a curiosity she couldn't quite suppress.
Isabella turned to face him, her expression composed, her blue eyes cool and assessing. "Alejandro," she said, her voice formal. "Thank you for coming. Please, come into my office."
Her office was a large, minimalist space, with a stunning view of the city. It was a room that spoke of power and success. Alejandro followed her in, feeling a mix of awe and intimidation.
"Please, sit down," Isabella said, gesturing to a sleek chair opposite her large desk. She walked behind the desk and sat down, her posture ramrod straight. She opened a folder on her desk, revealing a stack of papers. "I've had a contract drawn up, outlining the terms of our agreement."
Alejandro sat down, trying to appear calm and collected, though his heart was pounding. He took the contract from her, his eyes scanning the legal jargon.
"The basic terms are as we discussed," Isabella said, her voice businesslike. "Three years. In exchange for your cooperation, you will receive a monthly stipend, enough to cover your family's expenses and provide you with the capital to start your business. There are, however, certain conditions."
Alejandro looked up from the contract, his brows furrowed. "Conditions?"
Isabella nodded. "Rules," she corrected. "To ensure the success of this arrangement, and to maintain appearances." She leaned forward slightly, her gaze intense. "Firstly, discretion is paramount. No one outside of my immediate family and a few key personnel will know the true nature of our relationship. Secondly, you will attend all family events as my husband. This includes dinners, parties, and other social gatherings. Thirdly, you will maintain a certain level of decorum in public. We need to appear as a... convincing couple."
Isabella's thoughts: She hated this. Laying out these cold, clinical rules for something that was inherently personal, even if it was fake. But she had to protect herself, her reputation, her company. She couldn't afford any complications.
Alejandro listened carefully, his mind racing. He understood the need for secrecy, the importance of appearances. But the thought of pretending to be married to Isabella... it was both daunting and strangely exhilarating.
"I understand," Alejandro said, his voice steady. "But... what about us? When we're not at these events?"
Isabella paused, her expression unreadable. "We will maintain a professional distance," she said finally. "We will have separate living arrangements. Our interactions will be limited to what is necessary for the arrangement."
Isabella's thoughts: Separate lives. That was the plan. Keep things compartmentalized. Business. But even as she said it, a small voice inside her wondered if it was truly possible. There was something about Alejandro... a quiet strength, a genuine warmth... that made her question her own carefully constructed barriers.
Alejandro nodded slowly, trying to process everything. It was a lot to take in. A fake marriage, a new life, a set of rules to follow. It was all so surreal. But he kept coming back to the opportunity it presented. The chance to help his family, to finally pursue his dreams.
"There's also the matter of your... transformation," Isabella continued, her gaze sweeping over him. "You will need to... adapt to my world. I will arrange for a stylist to help you with your wardrobe. You will also attend some etiquette lessons. It's important that you are comfortable in these social settings."
Alejandro's thoughts: A stylist? Etiquette lessons? He was going to be completely out of his element. But he was willing to learn, to do whatever it took. He had a lot to prove, not just to Isabella, but to himself.
Alejandro met her gaze, his eyes filled with determination. "I agree to your terms, Isabella," he said, his voice firm. "I will abide by your rules. I won't let you down."
Isabella studied him for a long moment, her expression softening slightly. There was something in his eyes, a sincerity and a resolve that she couldn't ignore. Perhaps, just perhaps, this arrangement might actually work.
"Good," she said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Then, let's get started."
- Writer
