CHAPTER TWO
637 Words
Isabella Reyes mansion
Isabella drove home that night, her mind replaying the scene outside the bar.
“Here’s my business card. Call me. Let’s meet if you’re interested in the deal.”
She groaned and leaned back in her seat as her car pulled into the driveway. Her heels clicked on the marble floor as she entered her home, but the weight of exhaustion made every step feel heavy. She kicked off her shoes and collapsed onto her bed without changing.
By the time morning light spilled through the curtains, Isabella woke up still wearing last night’s clothes. Her head pounded.
“Ouch… my head,” she muttered, sitting up slowly.
She pulled off her heels and grabbed her handbag. As she did, something slipped out and landed on the floor. A card.
She picked it up.
**Adrian Monteverde
CEO, Monteverde Wines**
Her eyes narrowed. “Should I really agree to this deal?” she whispered to herself. “Call him? Seriously?” she scoffed.
She remembered his face cold, arrogant, annoyingly handsome. She hadn’t expected that man to be the CEO of the popular wine company
“This is crazy”
Her gaze drifted to a shelf across the room. A photo of her and her grandmother sat there. She picked it up gently, brushing a finger over the frame.
"Promise me you’ll get married before I die," her grandmother’s voice echoed in her mind.
Isabella clutched the photo to her chest. “This is insane,” she muttered. “But I have to do this. For her.”
With a deep breath, she picked up her phone and typed in the number from the business card.
“It’s me. Isabella Reyes. The lady from last night. Let’s meet.”
“I’ll send you the location,” Adrian replied almost instantly.
The line went dead.
She stared at the phone for a long moment.
“This is for Grandma,” she whispered to herself.
She stood up and took a long shower, letting the warm water wash over her tired body. By the time she stepped out, her decision felt clearer. Dressed in a simple white blouse and beige trousers, she looked elegant, calm, and confident.
The location Adrian sent was a high end café in central Manila , quiet, exclusive, and obviously expensive. Perfect for a private conversation.
Isabella arrived five minutes early. Adrian was already seated in the corner booth, dressed in a crisp navy suit. His gaze lifted the moment she walked in cool, unreadable.
“You’re early,” she said, sliding into the seat across from him.
He didn’t respond immediately. A brief silence passed before he finally spoke.
“Let’s get to the point. You need a husband. I need a wife. This will be a contract marriage no love, no emotions. We’ll attend business events, family gatherings, and maintain appearances. But it’s all for show. If anyone falls in love, the deal ends. I’m doing this for my father and the company. Marriage was never in my plans.”
His tone was cold, blunt.
Isabella raised a brow. “You talk like you rule the world. Maybe try sounding like a gentleman, not a dictator.”
“I don’t have time for niceties, Reyes. If you’re not interested, walk away. I can find someone else. Don’t expect softness from me I’m not that kind of man.”
Isabella smirked. “Don’t flatter yourself, Mr. Monteverde. I’m not here for love either. I’m doing this for my grandmother. And trust me, you don’t need to worry about anyone catching feelings.”
She leaned back, cool and steady. “If anyone does, it’ll probably be you.”
Adrian scoffed. “So, Mrs. Reyes,deal?”
“Deal,” she said without hesitation. “No strings. No emotions.”
They both signed the contract.
- Writer
